How to Fire a Partner

Husband/partner and I, along with friend/partners Jay and Paula, took a road trip to the Rockport Sectional last weekend.  It was held in Port Aransas due to the fact that the genius's in Rockport had double booked the facility used regularly, twice a year, for the sectional.  Husband/partner programmed the GPS and named the new destination Port A bridge.  As we arrived at the site, the GPS announced "Arriving at porta bridge on right".  We played somewhat better than porta potty bridge which immediately became our name for the tournament.

One of the opponents was discussing how many partnership problems seemed to be occuring in the room.  She was thinking about writing a book on how to fire one's partner.  Here are some hints.

10.     Change your phone number and email address and don't tell anyone.

9.      Tell partner that he/she is so much better than you are that they should find a better partner who is more at their level.

8.      Say that you are quitting bridge.  When you show up again, say that you changed your mind.

7.       Use the difference in your "styles" to discuss incompatibility.  The fact that you can't stand their personal habits at the table or other personal idiosyncracies need not be brought up since these are covered under "style" differences.

6.       Totally book yourself with other partners.

5.       Take on a mentee or three who will take up all of your available time.

4.        Say that you are "cutting back" on bridge time and, sadly, games with you are the ones to go.

3.        Tell partner that you have decided to play only with A players to improve your game.  Then beg any and every A player for a play date.  Good luck with that one.

2.         There is always the truth - be up front with partner and have the guts to be honest.   This is almost a last resort.

1.          Move.  This is last resort.