[Madelaine Amee]

I fully understand that all clubs should be "open" to newcomers, technically they are, but in reality they are not! There is a distinct difference to being "open" and "welcoming". I found that out the hard way when a girlfriend and I just "dropped" in to a game of Scrabble, the resident players looked at us like we had three heads (not just two), they did break up a table to play with us, but they were not playing the game of scrabble we had always played!!! Uncomfortable, you bet! It's a fact of life, if you insist on breaking up a group that plays every week you are going to be very, very uncomfortable.

To avoid any problems in the future, I suggest you contact the leader of the group, explain that two of you would like to play and ask for her advice - she may have other singles looking to play.

I may be the odd man out here, but I never go to a new club without first calling the leader, whose name is always available, and asking if they have room etc. etc. I do not push myself in where I am not wanted and, therefore, will not enjoy myself. Also, if you call ahead they will be expecting you and most likely introduce you to the group!

As for six of us playing weekly - we actually do not play at one of the clubs, I used that example just to explain how we would feel if someone insisted on breaking in to our "cliquey" little group.