THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023 - NATIONAL CARD PLAYING DAY

 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023 - NATIONAL CARD PLAYING DAY

NATIONAL CARD PLAYING DAY - December 28

Yes, today is National Card Playing Day.

My family “always” played cards (or, as long as I remember).

We played Rook, Old Maid, Go Fish, and similar games as kids.  My grandmother played Canasta, and my parents played Euchre and Bridge.  In college, I learned pinnacle and cribbage (And I learned them all).

Like my parents, I still play bridge.  The bridge group is “The Georgetown Bridge Brats,” I write a weekly blog (The Bridge Brat Bulletin) for that group. Initially, I started the blog when COVID hit - and we no longer met in person.  I thought I could write a blog like a bridge column - but after a month, I decided to make it a fun weekly e-newsletter.  The name is to be an alliteration.

I also call that group “My social bridge group.”  I’ve played several times with serious bridge players and got criticized for some of my biddings or play.  With this group, we laugh, make mistakes, and rarely criticize each other.  If we wanted to be serious, we could join one of the other groups.  (I have gotten criticized and tried to ignore it).

We “normally” have twelve people or three tables of four players.  Those sitting opposite are partners for four hands - the winners of that table stay at that time (but are no longer partners), and the losers move to another table.  We have little jokes about losing - like Ricky Nelson’s “I’m a Travelin Man,” “On the Road Again,” or “I just packed my suitcase” (because I’m moving!!!),  So, on a typical day, you will play five rounds with five partners.  (And most likely, they will play opposite maybe six or seven other players, so we get to see and visit with most of the players.  

Some days, we might have thirteen or fourteen people, in which case one or two people sit out - and eventually rotate back in.  And, we’ve played with eleven players - in which case, we recruit a player from another table to help us with the bidding part of the game. 

(Yes, I try to get some laughter going.  If I can get VK to laugh, the whole group will eventually laugh).

One of our players generally makes something for a dessert - banana bread, cookies, and pies. Others bring things as well.

(True confession)

Early on, I prayed for good cards and wisdom on how to bid and play.  But, for the last few years, I find I really don’t think about winning or losing but having a good time.  The group eats together once a month.  It definitely is social.  (The old sports adage, “It’s not whether you win or lose but how you played the game seems appropriate).

***

Growing up, my parents played Euchre with our neighbors - the Lacys.  An interesting aspect of our two houses.  We each had a driveway with a fence between the driveways.  And there was a light pole by the gate in the fence that had a two-way switch.  The light could be turned on at our house or Lacy’s house (and off, too).  If my family finished dinner and the dishes, we’d turn on the light to indicate we were ready.   

***

If my mother had free time, she’d sit on the floor and reach under the sofa for a deck of cards she stashed there.  She’d play solitaire on the floor (and if she needed some “help,” - she allowed herself to move cards around so she could win.  Most people might call that “cheating,” - but for her, it was just being creative!!!)

So, usually, on this “National Card Playing Day’, we’d have our Bridge Brat group - but we play at a senior center, and it is closed for the week between Christmas and New Year.

But with new technologies, I can play many card games online.  I can play bridge or solitaire on my phone.  

Studies suggest that games (and card games - especially with friends) can keep our brains strong and active - and help avoid Alzheimer's and dementia.  

On this “National Card Playing” day, I hope you can play a fun game of some nature - (and win)!!!

LOVE WINS

LOVE TRANSFORMS US

LOVE MAKES THE WORLD GO AROUND

KAREN ANNE WHITE, ©, DECEMBER 28, 2023