62 Patty Tucker: Youthful Enthusiast

The Setting Trick: Conversations with World Class Bridge Players

The Setting Trick

Episode 62: Patty Tucker, Youthful Enthusiast.

Patty Tucker might be responsible for creating more new bridge players than anyone on the planet. From developing teaching materials and running a non-profit to her new endeavor - getting bridge to be part of the curriculum in schools - Patty channels her love of the game into energy to keep it alive.

How bridge changed Patty’s life at age 11, finding her niche.

The origin of Atlanta Junior Bridge, how the camps became the Youth NABC.

The challenges of school systems and connecting with teachers.

A teacher in Lebanon KY inspired Patty’s new endeavor, Jump Start Bridge, resulting in 40 kids learning bridge via an afterschool program.

Patty’s amazement at the lack of knowledge of what bridge is; finding a way to spread the word via conferences, including the International Society for Technology and Education, which included tech giants like Microsoft and Google, reaching over 12,000 attendees and raising visibility.

Patty keeps learning: What to do differently for future conferences.

On feeling overwhelmed or “out of her element” with the enormity of the tasks of marketing her plan.

Don’t tell Patty, “It can’t be done.”

How bridge can connect people, creating lifelong friendships, even if you only see one another three times a year at NABCs. Kids deserve that too.

Patty’s three wishes (OK, only two).

How Patty learned to play bridge, and a story of a defining moment in her bridge life.

Why John will never be Goodwill Member of the Year.

Patty’s legacy.

How not everyone is cut out to be a bridge teacher.

Patty’s third wish.

Patty’s pre-game ritual and advice.

Links:

Atlanta Junior Bridge

https://atlantajuniorbridge.org/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFmp595UdNs

Jump Start Bridge

https://atlantajuniorbridge.org/jumpstart/

The Power of Bridge in Schools

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1J8A-za2Wpc