Always Play Friendly

The memorial of Turkish and foreign soldiers during dense war in Gallipoli..
(Mehmet at the left, Johny at the right)


After the terrible punishment inflicted upon the brave but futile assaults all bitterness faded … The Turks displayed an admirable manliness … From that morning onwards the attitude of the Anzac troops towards the individual Turks was rather that of opponents in a friendly game.

[Charles Bean, The Story of Anzac, Vol II, Sydney, 1924, p.162]

     The third lesson in bridge is rather easy: Playing friendly.This is the easiest lesson for newcomers. In this lesson, you will apply the below test and check if you can be a qualified bridge player in the future or not:
     Look at the memorial at the left, and read the words below by M. KEMAL ATATURK (The founder of the Turkish Republic also a commander in the World War One) for the foreign soldiers who came from far away countries, bravely fought and restling in peace in Gallipoli (most important battles of the World War One. During the War, when the English and French fleets attempted to pass through the Dardanel straits on 18th March 1915)
     "Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives...you are now lying of the soil of a friendly country, therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side here in this country of ours...You, the mothers, who sent their sons from far away countries wipe away your tears. Your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well.".

     Those bridge candidates who felt tears in their eyes, can be qualified bridge players in the future. Because, they know how to be proud of showing kindness to the opponents.
     If you felt nothing; go to the top of this page and apply the test again, until, your heart starts pumping tears in your eyes..

     Dear bridge candidates in all over the World,

     In the future (when you become qualified players) tell the captain to direct your bridge cruise toward our country TURKEY... Your captain can easily find it between Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea. Tell him also that you will get in just after you pass Dardanel.

18th March 2002


Back to Bridge7