We previously discussed the possibility of reaching Life Master by playing online bridge in virtual clubs and tournament events. That was before Covid-19 and the Support Your Club events on BBO, which now provide multiple daily opportunities for Black Points. I have decided to embark on making that a reality, and will earn my final required Black Points entirely through the SYC events!
Not A Life Master?!?
I hope you haven’t been reading my GNYBA posts thinking this entire time that I was a Life Master! I am not. For now I am a Flight C player in the NABC / NAP / GNT world, and soon I will likely fall into the no-man’s land: a player above 500, but not yet a Life Master. I am a victim of the classic NYC Silver Point shortage.
There is one last very strange status that could be achieved: a 0-500 player who IS a Life Master. Players who joined ACBL prior to year 2010 are grandfathered into the old rules. They only need 300 points, with at least 50 Black, 50 Silver, 25 Gold, and 50 Gold/Red/Platinum. I nearly ended up here, except for some weird technicalities.
How Much Farther To Go?
We are getting very close! I was very lucky two years ago to find partners and bridge mentors who were eager to play in regional and national tournaments. Three years ago I never would have expected to ever attend an NABC, and now it feels skipping one is missing the party!
With 171.75 Gold and 124.56 Red, I am poor when it comes to Black and Silver. That’s further proof that Honors provides a tough field – Gold Rush’ing and Bracketed Teams at the Big Apple Regional is a much faster way to earn points.
Does Life Master Matter?
I am told you still receive a nice metallic card shortly after reaching life master. Also, it sounds very impressive to your non-bridge friends – they might think it is the same difficulty as hitting Grand Master in chess.
Previously being a NLM would exclude you from competing in several events: The Sally Young LM Pairs and the Smith Life Master Womens’ Pairs. Two years ago, they relaxed the Sally Young requirement, allowing all 0-2500 players to play in the Young Pairs.
The other side, being a LM under 500, graduates you early out of any NLM event like the Sagamore Bridge Club LM/NLM charity teams, any of the many 0-500 NLM sectionals, and any national Flight C events such as online individual NABC, NAP, and GNT.
Supporting My Virtual Private Club!
With 64.6 Black Points to my name, I only need 10.4 more to cross the 75 Black threshold. I have also participated in all but one SYC Daylong Event. Since I’m home all day every day, it has become my greatest daily discretionary expense – and usually the only one, at $6 a day plus tax. Of that fee, $5 goes directly to supporting my hometown club.
How did it go? The first one ever was my best one, but I suspect the majority of the field at the time hadn’t yet learned how robot partners and bidding worked. However, the daily haul has been reasonably predictable. We shall dive in more next time!