Ask anyone about bridge at the Delaware shore and Dini's name will soon be mentioned. She has been directing games there for ten years and teaching bridge for nearly 25 years, wherever and whenever anyone wanted to learn.  She says of her passion, "If I had my way, everyone would play bridge and reap the winning benefits. Those that don't are missing out on a lifetime of fun and excitement."   

Soon after returning from overseas, Dini achieved Life Master status in the American Contract Bridge League.  She then opened Shuffles Bridge Club and dedicated her energy into running an all-around club for players at all skill levels. Shuffles is an ACBL sanctioned duplicate game in District 4 and the Delaware State Bridge Association, Unit 190.

Shuffles soon earned the reputation of being a great, competitive game.  The philosophy behind its success is quite simple.  Dini says, "The club offers many pleasures and challenges.  Players come to the weekly games for different reasons:  to see smiling faces, to be hugged, to play good competitive bridge, to learn, to be part of the fun, to attend special parties and celebrations, to be recognized, to win contests and awards; and, quite frankly, some just come to eat.  That's okay, too!  We have something for everyone and love them all."     

Dini and Carolyn Birks, a friend and director, stumbled, fumbled and finally taught each other the Acblscore software program for scoring games on a computer.  Soon thereafter Dini began teaching the program to other directors and managers in other Delaware and nearby Maryland clubs. She encouraged many players to become directors and participated in their training. 

With the building boom at the Delaware shore, the demand for beginner and intermediate lessons continues.  Harold Jordan, former Unit 190 President, told Dini she would soon have all 900 year-round Bethany residents playing bridge.  Dini's focus for students is more than on learning and improving bridge skills. It includes:  how bridge ethics affect the game, how to treat a partner, how to be a good opponent, how to prepare for tournaments, how to utilize their ACBL memberships, how to set goals for reaching higher rankings and to understand how the Laws of Contract Bridge affect them at the table.

Dini now manages three duplicate clubs in southern Delaware with the knowledgeable assistance of local directors. The clubs are:  Shuffles Bridge Club, Dewey Beach;

All Slams, Rehoboth; and Beach Bridge, Ocean View.

So why the name Who-Dini? The magic is BRIDGE, helped along by Dini's constant smile, humor, laughter and a genuine love of people and the game we play.

To contact Dini:  romitodini@aol.com, 302-537-5262.