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When I joined BBO, I remember member counts of 500-600 daily; bidding rooms that I couldn't figure out; and not knowing a soul. I am truly blessed to have made a great many friends during the time that both Key Lime Precision AND BBO matured into what they are: a tour de force for bidding and online bridge respectively. Right now, nearly 800 people on and near 80 tables of action - simply a sign of healthy growth. We ALL must show thanks to those that have contributed to the success of our extended family.
BBO will always be the best place to play simply because of the stability, the friendly nature of the players and admins, to the diligence of Uday's codewriting, and to Fred's and Sheri's skilled leadership in bringing the best to BBO.
To my B/I mentees: I a short time ago was like you, a beginner. I was trying to do the right things and did a lot of wrong in order to learn those right things! I was lucky to have Jeanne Twait, Mark Smith, and Richard (Dick) Dillard take me under their wings and nutured me into a decent player. It is simply the right thing, the only thing to do - giving back to the game that has given me not only friendships, devotions, admirations, and hard earned lessons. My one lesson that I could ever give you: DO NOT EVER GIVE UP ON YOURSELF; YOU CAN BE BETTER THAN EVEN MECKWELL, IF YOU WORK HARD ENOUGH AT IT AND ENJOY DOING IT. It IS a game - keep that in mind and the joys will be more abundant and the sorrows less stinging.
To the Total Points crowd: Your hospitality and gentleness has not been forgotten. To have won the Bridge Olympics was a honor for me, and to have been so heartily thanked repeatedly for that win is the reason that I come into TP at times just to say hi. I met my teammates there; truly exemplifiing the universal appeal of this game - and to have won with them and for them still brings me great joy. Many players of my skill level and up scoff at the idea that total points isn't "real" bridge - I strongly beg to differ. Bridge in whatever form requires you to do the best you can with the cards you are given. This is shown to me each and every time that you get together and play, for the social element and progression of the game.
To my many many many friends who if I attempted to list them, I'd probably forget HALF of them: I can only say to you "thank you", for all that you have offered, done, and said to me. You have as one person did a little, but as a group moved mountains, and never really realized it. My times playing with and against you are almost all filled with smiles, laughs, and occasional menu offering from Dawn.
You illustrate the truth as it is written in Proverbs 17:17 - "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.".To my HOBI students, for whom I have much hope for: STAY THE COURSE. Use the resources you have to make yourselves better players and ambassadors of the game. The fact that you have stepped forward and taken the challenge has shown tremendous promise. Don't let others tell you that what you're doing is wrong or not "cool" or modern - trust me, stay the course, and it'll be you whom they come to asking for advice.
To Fred, Uday, and the admins: Your efforts have not been unnoticed. You all have collectively combined to bring the international community to a uniform standard, yet respecting the differences between nationalities. My simple hope for you is that you keep this good thing going, and make it BETTER. I pray blessings upon all of you - your Herculean efforts amaze many, I included.
To those that kib me and think it's good bridge: Folks, I'm flattered that you think I'm entertaining, but honestly I make way too mistakes at the game to be "expert". However, seeing the spectators celebrate with us our successes makes it that much sweeter. When I notice you, trust me - we rally and overcome to make it a game. I can say that some of our wins have been directly due to the kib'ers.
It's always nice to be respected.Lastly, to the community as a whole: I pray that you don't let BBO degrade into what the other services have had problems with. Police yourselves, don't be exclusive, and most of all be honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Play the game not to win, play the game to further it to the masses because you don't know who might be watching you play. I don't want this game dying out; I want it to boom again like it did 50 years ago. Collectively, we ALL have a part to play in this.
This is my wish for my 28th birthday - thanks to all that will read this.
Dwayne Michael Hoffman
Isaiah 54:17