Lily Chan - Story from a Diamond Life Master

What a joyous moment to finally make the rank of Diamond Life Master!

I started learning bridge about 50 years ago when my husband was a graduate student in Los Angeles. Even though I had no experience at the game, I was asked to play whenever they needed someone to fill in. Eventually, I realized that it was a good idea to develop a common interest with my husband, so I started learning the game in earnest.

Our first attempt at duplicate bridge happened in 1978, at the Bridge Center in Arcadia, Ca. We won the six-table novice game, which earned us 12 rating points. Since computer records were less widespread in those days, rating points were handed out in slips, with 100 rating points equaling 1 master point. We felt at the time that it would be a very long road to making life master.

I earned my first gold points in 1980, at the Fall Nationals in Lancaster, Pa. In a 384 table Flight B (0-1500) game, we came in tied for 12^th overall, for 4.00 points, out of which 3.29 was Gold. Looking back, we are amazed at how directors in those days could get us the results of such a large game in less than an hour. Don’t forget that computer scoring was still many years away.

We made life masters in 1986. It was not easy, considering that our two daughters were born in 1979 and 1982. Relatives and friends helped by babysitting for us when we had to go to out-of-town tournaments. Years later, one of our daughters reminded us that we always smelled of cigarettes when we arrived home after bridge. Remember that smoking was allowed back in those days!

We made Bronze LM (750) in 1992, Silver (1000) in 1996, then Ruby (1500) in 2008, Gold (2500) in 2014, Sapphire (3500) in 2018, then finally the present rank of Diamond (5000) this year. It was a long road. For the newer players who love this game and have the desire to excel, our advice is, persist, and don’t be afraid to play against the expert players in your area, and learn from your mistakes. See you all at the table!