INTERVIEW: MAUREEN HALL
We feature interviews with bridge teachers here on Mastering Bridge every month, but there are people who contribute to the world of bridge in other ways who deserve attention and respect. Maureen Hall is the founder of the Beginner Intermediate Lounge, or BIL, an online community which helps new bridge players learn the game on BBO. SAYC month is drawing to a close, but the system is popular among BIL members, many of whom will go on to become advanced and expert players.
How do BIL members looking for partners agree on bidding systems?
All BILlies are required to fill in their BBO profiles, in particular the skill level field and the ‘other’ section where they state their system, basic conventions and the carding they are using/learning. When joining a table and during play they review partner’s and opponents’ profiles. They exchange ‘ok to x’ and ‘don’t know y’. In BIL tournaments, they are required to state their system and carding at each round change. They can use the Members search in the BIL Library to find players in their area who are playing the System they play.
Most Popular Bidding System used by BILlies
SAYC is without a doubt the most popular system played – largely because the greatest number of players are based in America and it is easier to find partners if one learns SAYC . In the early days, Standard American was the most common, but in the past three years that has given way to SAYC. Even players from Europe will now opt to learn SAYC.
My opinion of SAYC
As an Acol player who gave up learning bridge to give full time attention to providing the services the BIL offers newcomers, I cannot offer an opinion having never attempted to play it. I believe SAYC will become the universal online System of choice. The BIL is, I guess, playing a role in this, as that the majority of the lessons given in the BIL are SAYC-based.
What are the challenges of running the BIL as it increases in membership and popularity?
The greatest challenge to running the BIL efficiently is finding funding to cover online web-based administration tools and development of back-end databases that can be managed in a global environment. These are essential when using volunteer helpers based in many countries/time zones. We also need to make the BIL Library, the resource centre that all members can refer to, accessible to everyone, e.g. configured for all internet browsers / all PC and Mac users.
Segregating ability levels and age groups
In order for players to be nurtured through to Advanced, they need to be given the space/place to learn progressively. In the BIL (for mentoring purposes) the player is taken through 6 levels from Starter > Beginner > Improving Beginner>Intermediate>Improving Intermediate>Upper Intermediate (almost ready to ‘jump’). The only age criteria I define is Youth, which is 6 -15 years. A different approach is needed for such youngsters.
Difference between an Intermediate and an Advanced Player
There is a huge difference between an Intermediate and an Advanced player – almost a chasm! The ability to shift from ‘rules’ to using judgment, being able to learn the fundamentals of other Systems and able to understand the implications when competing against players using other systems & carding methods. I have a lengthy list I give to potential graduates to consider when requesting a BIL graduate membership. We are currently working on a paper on this subject as a reference point for Mentors when they decide to recommend a student for BIL graduate membership in an endeavour to have a basis of uniformity.
What are your favorite bridge books?
I use all Audrey Grant’s books. I find her books easy to teach from especially because there are hands on the lesson which allow each student a chance to play. I also use Eddie Kantar's books.
Mentors – bidding systems and teaching strategies – learners sticking to a particular method
BIL players are exposed to different teaching styles from the day they join as they can attend any of the open daily teaching sessions. I urge them to settle on one method/style and attend only those sessions rather than attending any/all. The mentors/teachers all have their own approach and style. It would be, I think, asking the impossible to have a single method/strategy – one thing I have learned is that experts all agree to disagree. :-)
Online differing from offline bridge.
I am not sure that it does or indeed should. Software limitations make for some differences but the core values – the ethics of the game - remain the same.
Advice for Novice players
The absolute key fundamental I urge all BIL players to embrace-
Cherish your Partner and Respect the Opposition
I truly believe that if they take that to heart and apply it 24/7, the mind will open up to all the learning possibilities every session/lesson provides. Instead of making mistakes, they will start making opportunities to learn . The difference is attitudinal but vitally important – it is what separates the average player from the exceptional player.
Memorable Bridge Learning Experience
After taking some advice from a BBO Forum post about counting and putting it into practice for the first time at the bridge club, I enjoyed the look of sheer astonishment on the faces of the top pair as their slouched posture shot up to alert attention. What was going to be an easy top board turned into a bottom for them. Then there was the time I ended up with no less than three directors at my table, and the game became a debate between them, which ended with one finally walking me into a corner for a one on one conversation. What did I learn? Directors, too, agree to disagree -- no penalty was awarded. :-)
Favourite Bridge Book
Without a doubt, my favourite bridge book is Louis Watson’s 1934 classic, Play of the Hand, which is as relevant today as the day he wrote it. One of my members (BBO name ‘nome’) is currently doing a brilliant job of converting it into a series of bridge movies making it come alive for 21st century online bridge players. (copyright cleared)
My Spare Time
LOL what is that? I do make time every week to go walking with my local Wanderers Walk Group, 6-12 kilometers out in our magnificent countryside. When time permits, I enjoy an hour or two on the deck in the sun with a book. I like going to concerts and plays, outings with my Garden Club, visits from family, friends and traveling BILlies – all BIL players are welcome to stop over when on a visit to New Zealand .
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