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Starting off as a pro


puidedac

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I assumed that the question referred to making money out of bridge, not representing your country in international bridge. Surely you can play for your country without going pro, even though it happens less and less.

 

I would think that the USA offers the best chances for making bridge money. Isn't that why the top Italians and Poles play in the big North-American tournaments?

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I would start off in the Nation of Florida. 2nd choice is the principality of Palm Springs.

 

:P

This is sound advice.

 

I suspect that there are more opportunties for bridge pros in America right now than there are in all other countries combined. Selecting a part of America where there are a lot of wealthy retired people (ie a lot of potential paying students) makes good sense. Dozens of successful professional players have moved to Florida during the past 15 years or so.

 

It is true that you will get more competition from other pros in these areas, but at this point in time the bridge pro business is a "sellers' market".

 

Don't worry too much about having to compete for business against the Meckstroths of the world. As long as you are a reasonable player who has good manners and teaches well, you will be able to find work in clubs and minor tournaments. Getting hired to play as a professional in major tournaments is more difficult. That's where the "real money" is, but it is certainly posssible to make a reasonable living as a pro in parts of America these days without ever going to a major tournament.

 

One of the advantages of working in a market where there are a lot of great players is that this will make it easier for you to get to know these players. If you have talent and an appropriate personality you will thereby have the opportunity to impress the people who have the ability to help get you on pro teams in the big events.

 

Your first year or so rates to be difficult. Be prepared for that.

 

Good luck to you in your new career!

 

Fred Gitelman

Bridge Base Inc.

www.bridgebase.com

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