SUSAN DOTY

I am a full-time bridge professional specializing in online instruction for beginner and intermediate level players. I am an ACBL accredited instructor and certified Club Director, as well as a regular lecturer in BBO's Beginner/Intermediate Lounge. A Dartmouth College alumna, my bridge accomplishments include a Silver Medal from the 2002 World Bridge Championships in Montreal (Junior Pairs).

In my teaching I'm very mindful of the realities of online bridge, where it's common to sit down and play with a complete stranger. The three areas that contribute the most to overall results in any partnership are:

• sound bidding fundamentals,

• good judgment, and

• being able to take your tricks!

Like many bridge players, I got my start in college. An unimaginative search for 'bridge' in the Dartmouth directory led me to the student bridge club, and that, as they say, was that. I was fortunate enough to be taken under the wings of two upperclassmen, and under their tutelage quickly made an entry into tournament bridge. After two years I assumed management of the club, expanding membership through on-campus lessons, special games, and supervised play sessions.

While I still enjoy traveling to tournaments around the United States, for the past three years I have focused on developing teaching materials and techniques specifically designed for the online medium.