>I gave up playing bridge about fifteen years ago. My dad was five or ten points short of master when he passed -- I was forcibly taught when my folks needed a fourth and I was the only one around (shaking head).
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>Haven't played tournaments since I left Long Island in 1992, but used to play at the Vanderbilt Bridge Club and some of the local and regional tourneys in the area. Talk about playing for blood...those folks win the kewpie doll (shudder). But, my playing partner and I did win a couple of the smaller local tourneys -- our style was really weird, and occasionally did well.
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Small world. I also grew up playing at the Vanderbilt - back in the mid 60's. Depending on when you started, we probably know many of the same players.

The typical field was half Life Masters back when the title actually meant something. Since I was a college student at the time, the play for blood atmosphere didn't bother me a bit - it helped make for a great learning experience and I was well prepared for the tournament world once I advanced past novice.