After a long week on the bridge tournament circuit, I'm home. I feel a little guilty about deserting my partner (sorry, Therese) who stayed for today and tomorrow. It had just gotten a bit overwhelming to me, not to mention frustrating. I drove home with bridge-player Susan Flick, who turns out to have political feelings similar to my own, and made it home in time for our neighborhood wine tasting.

When I mention bridge tournaments, people look at me like I'm crazy. I suspect I am a little crazy, but tournaments aren't like rodeo tournaments where you have to be a big champion to play. They segment the field so, if you're a beginner, you don't have to play with the big boys. Most of the events are open, though, so if you feel you're ready to move up to the big times, you can. It's one of the few 'sports' where beginners can hang out with and play against the best in the game.

I chatted for a few minutes with Chris Compton, one of the country's top bridge pros. He told me he's been on the road for 27 of the last 30 days. He was busy walking the halls of the hotel (it was storming outside and he was trying to get his exercise), but when people complain about how much the top pros charge, I'm not that sympathetic. He can't be making nearly as much as he made as a lawyer, his hours suck, and I'm sure playing with a bunch of not-so-excellent players taxes his game for when he plays with the world champions. I suspect he earns whatever he charges.

It was not a great tournament for me. Maybe about 5 master points, with only 1.67 of those gold. Still, I bid and made a grand slam, made a slam against some of the top players of the country, and beat some pretty good players (and got beat by even more good players). Everyone in Oklahoma was wonderful and I'll happily recommend this tournament to any bridge player.

I'm happy to be home. Tomorrow I'll restart the book of the day.

rob