Before the game, I went to the ACBL website and reviewed the meanings of the bids on the convention card--how embarrassing would that be, to answer "I don't know" if my new partner had a question about something on my card! I also went over my notes and played some hands on my computer software program. My main goal was to have my head in the game and not do anything too stupid. Did I succeed in this goal? I think so, but I'm not totally sure.
The evening started out quite well. At least I think it did, because my partner did not have much to say about my bidding or my play. I listened as she occasionally commented on our opponents' play, though, which was gratifying because I knew what she was talking about.
I was not surprised when this silence ended. My bidding and defensive play were okay and at times even good, but my play as declarer was often flawed. My partner pointed out the analysis I should have done as I planned the play of the hand. I am trying to get better at this, but it is really difficult to think about all of the elements involved and put them together in a way that works. I need to: Think. Think. Think. Practice. Practice. Practice.
I thought I would be anxious playing with The Director, but I was not. It helped that the cards were not too weird and so the bidding was relatively simple. Also, she made some nice comments about my play and her advice was always matter-of-fact, never critical. We ended up 2nd in A for the session, 1st in B.
A couple of people did compliment me on my calm demeanor. Maybe someday I will be such a good player that people will want to be my partner and be nervous about it at the same time!
