Turkey Trot

Today was a good day--I partnered with an A player.  I like playing with A players for a number of reasons, and contrary to what you cynics may think, the main reason is not because I do better when I play with them (although I do like that).  No, it's because I get to see how A players think when they bid, play, and defend.  It's just amazing.  And although I'm getting better at figuring things out, it is still nice to know for sure if we are in the right contract (usually) or if I could have made an extra trick (no, I was doomed to go down one).  I also like the feeling of security--I know my partner will tell me exactly what's in his hand during the auction, just like I know he'll lead the exact card I need on defense.

Today was the Turkey Trot, when C players (like me) draw the name of an A player (in this case, Bruce).  So I was not alone in this type of mixed partnership.  In fact, it was interesting to look around the room and not see any regular partners playing together. I have to say, the atmosphere seemed more congenial and calm than usual.  Hmm, what was that about?  

Of course the main objective when playing with a better player is to learn from the experience.  Here's one of the things I learned today:  South opened a diamond; I overcalled a spade.  My partner bid 2 diamonds, telling me he had spade support and at least 10 points.  South bid 3 diamonds.  I figured that since my partner only knew my range of points (8-15), that I should let him know that I had opening count.  I bid 3 spades.  Mistake.  I didn't know it at the time, but by bidding when I didn't have to, I was telling him that I had a bigger hand than I did.  He went to game and I went down one. Unlike A players, C players don't always tell their partners exactly what's in their hands, although we try.

I think we'll be having another Turkey Trot kind of day, maybe a Bunny Hop (or Bunny Bop if your partner isn't cooperating).  But what about the A players, you may be wondering.  What do they get out of this? Even though I hesitate to speak for them, I will anyway. 

A players have the chance to give back to the game by mentoring a less experienced player.  I could go on about this, but there are other benefits as well.  For example, while we all enjoy competition, the pressure is off during this particular game.  After all, no one expects even the best players to get a 70% game with a C player, so they can relax and enjoy.  They get to "show off" their expertise without anyone arguing with them (A players sometimes argue among themselves).  And, best of all (I think) would be that when something goes wrong, as it usually does, it's most likely not their fault!

So A players, what do you think?  Did you enjoy the Turkey Trot?