U141: You are the new Unit 141 Intermediate/Newcomer Coordinator. What are the main responsibilities of that position?

BL: To encourage a wider group to learn and play bridge and to be a voice for the needs of the I/N players.

U141: What exactly are I/N players and why are they so important to growing the game?

BL: We can arbitrarily say that its players with under 499 master points, but the primary need is for those with 0-99 points, social or rubber bridge players just coming to duplicate, and those who have yet to know about bridge. They are important for the obvious reasons...they are our game's future. We don't have a growing game without them.

U141: How do you plan to continue to serve the current I/N players in the unit and also bring in new players?

BL: I am supportive of Learn Bridge in a Day seminars (LBIAD) as well as the efforts of clubs, teachers, and other players to create more opportunities for I/N to learn and play in a safe environment. I also encourage all life masters and other experienced players to reach out to new players in the clubs and offer to play with them from time to time. Tom Barbor did this for me and it made quite an impression. Most importantly, I am available to listen to all players and be a voice for them.

U141: How do you think the needs of I/N players are different from players who have more experience with the game?

BL: I think they have the need to feel safe, valued, and welcome. Being friendly and encouraging toward new players will go a very long way to having them return.

This photo, from an I/N event last year, shows Maryann Whitman and Hedy Shavel enjoying early bridge success.

U141: What are your immediate goals for the I/N program?

BL: To promote I/N team bridge, to establish relationships with club owners, and to listen. I will encourage all clubs to add a green game/0-500 game to their roster.

U141: What specific events do you have planned for the next six months?

BL: A Learn Bridge in a Day Seminar takes place on September 21 at Bala Golf Club. The upcoming sectional at Bala will have I/N tables. A date will soon be set for a one day I/N sectional for teams, most likely in October.

BL: I/N Teams and I/N events at sectionals will continue. I hope to work with clubs to add offerings there. Just as Wilmington in Unit 190 holds I/N sectionals, we hope to add some here at clubs also. 

U141: In what ways can the ACBL help at improving the overall I/N efforts?

BL: It's really the individual players being encouraging and the club owners being welcoming that counts most, but the ACBL provides some tools. We can direct I/N players to their site to see upcoming local competitions, find a teacher, and to use some of the online learning tools the ACBL provides. I would like to see one-day sectionals re-approved.

U141: What role do the clubs in the unit play in cooperating with the I/N program and how does the I/N program assist the local clubs?

BL: Clubs can and do set aside times for supervised play, learning, and green games. The key I think, however, is to WELCOME all players and ENCOURAGE them to keep playing. I/N can provide to clubs educational materials as well as information about some limited matching funding for lessons and teaching from the ACBL.

Lang thinks that encouragement from more experienced players can keep newer players coming back to bridge.

U141: Let's shift gears a bit. Tell us how you started playing bridge and about your bridge background.

BL: In November 2011, my Aunt Judy asked me to sit in as a fourth for a game. After a quick lesson on 8 card fits, transfers, and Stayman, we played. It was frustrating and fun. I then downloaded Bridge Baron on my iPad and played approximately 10 hands a day until Christmas. I then played a duplicate game at a club with my dad. After that, I called clubs to set up partners and went and played. (It was painful for these patient people.) I then attended group lessons and some individual lessons. The key is that I played regularly, 2-3 times per week. I also bought the BIBLE - Watson's Play of the Hand - so the learning could take hold. By summer 2012, it was Nationals in Philly. I played in 299er events and open events. I was so impressed with the communication in the open events that I took private lessons for carding, signals, etc. That transformed my game.

U141: How did your experiences as a new player influence what you plan to do as the I/N Coordinator?

BL: My playing experience was varied and I played with many people. My encouragement to all I/N players is to PLAY. If your partner is sick or traveling, play anyway with someone else.

U141: You are a very enthusiastic player. What do you like so much about the game?