INTERVIEW WITH
NED DOWNEY
Ned Downey is a Silver LM, ACBL Tournament Director, author of the book Just Plain Bridge, Club Manager/Director, Cruise Ship Director/Teacher and ACBL accredited (and Star) teacher.
How did you first get into playing bridge?
My parents taught me other card games, including Canasta, but we never got to bridge, which I learned while attending college. None of us had a clue what we were doing.
Do you have any memorable learning experiences?
After college, two of us ended up in New York City and we joined the Regency Whist Club. As mentioned above, we had no formal bridge learning and we'd somehow devised our own Strong Club. We went to our first duplicate at the Regency armed with our system notes (in case they wanted to refer to them). We lasted two boards before the director disallowed our system. After the game, we were approached by one of the members, the author Laura Z Hobson, who graciously offered to re-educate us, every Wednesday night, at her Park Ave Apartment, "until I tell you that you are ready for the real world."
How do you feel online bridge differs from bridge played around a physical table?
For most, online bridge doesn't require as much of a commitment. You can pretty much come and go as you please and there is certainly no dress code. Physical bridge is much more social. You can get a feel for the other players that just isn't possible online.
What do you think makes SAYC a good system, apart from it being one that strangers can know and agree upon?
It is simple enough that most can learn it fairly quickly. It is also complex enough to cover the hands we see most often.
What are some of your favorite bridge books? (besides your own, of course!)
Why You Lose at Bridge by S.J.Simon
How do you balance your work life/bridge life with the rest of your life, and what are some of your other hobbies?
Since I run the local bridge club, my bridge life is my work life. Away from the bridge club I play something that sort of looks like golf.What is the most rewarding thing about playing bridge?
The people.
What is your teaching philosophy and/or your favorite teaching methods?
I try to keep my student's hands on the cards as much as I can.
What are some differences between teaching online and in person?
There is a world of difference. I think teaching online is much more difficult. Concepts are harder to explain and you can't "see" your students’ reactions.
[ Back to Top ]
