-=> Quoting Danny Ceppa to Nancy Backus on 06-02-06  17:52 <=-   
      
    DC>> I find bridge the best.  So much is said with so few words.     
    NB> Which means one has to learn the language before one can really play   
    NB> the game...  :)   That could explain why I haven't made the effort yet,   
    NB> besides the lack of overt opportunity...     
      
    DC> Well, the language doesn't take long to learn!    
    DC> You can say only:     
    DC> The numbers 1 through 7    
    DC> Clubs, diamonds, hearts, spades    
    DC> No Trump (Consider that one word!)     
    DC> double   
    DC> redouble    
    DC> pass   
      
   Seems to me that you are confusing "vocabulary" with "language".  :)    
   Language is the use of vocabulary in a meaningful way, that is, a way   
   that conveys meaning to those who know the language...   
      
   To learn the language would require not only learning the vocabulary   
   (with which I am* familiar, from reading about the game for years), but   
   also would require knowing enough of the game to know how to use said   
   vocabulary.   
      
    DC> Though not allowed in the game . . .    
    DC> Explicatives directed at opponents often occurs.     
    DC> The same directed at partner generally means you'll    
    DC> need to find a new partner!     
      
   Ah, yes... and besides knowing the language, being able to then play the   
   cards dealt one in such a way as to incur the ire of one's opponents   
   only, and not that of one's partner...     
      
   ttyl           neb   
      
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