"I don't know anyone who cheats here," he says. "This is a gentleman's game. People don't think of cheating because they want to do well using their natural abilities."

Interestingly, the bridge team is composed primarily of men: in fact, men outnumber women, 18 to two. But Jane E.Willis '91, a student at the Law School, says she does not feel uncomfortable in the group.

"In fact," says Willis, "in general, more women play bridge."

A Thrill A Minute

Baseggio says the club has been in existence at Harvard intermittantly since the 1940s. And Kutin says he envisions a bright future for the bridge club.

"The quality of play is improving, and more and more people play every year," says Kutin. "The club is sure to thrive because it is a place where beginners can get better and others can learn from each other."

This quality of play reached a climax tow years ago when the Bridge Club came in first in the national tournament held in Fort Worth, Tex. Baseggio, who was on that team, recalls the victory quite vivdly.

"The tournament is a small part of the summer nationals, which is always held in a big hotel," says Baseggio. "It consists of 10 days of pure bridge. Thousands of people come and play."

And Baseggio says he never doubted the team's eventual victory.

"We were heavy favorites. There was no pressure as soon as we started to beat up on the people who were worse than us. It was thrill to be on the team," he says.

Indeed, the bridge team has great faith in the power of their game. Just ask Joshua N. Newman '94.

"Will it lead to world peace?" says Newman. "Sure! You can do anything with bridge."