How did you get started in Bridge? At what age? Who did you learn from?
Bridge has been a major part of my life since learning to play at the University of Tasmania about 1979. I sometimes wonder what the club players at the Tasmanian Bridge Association thought when a group of youngsters first appeared at the door wanting to play. We were lucky to have Bob Sebesfi residing in Tasmania back in the eighties. Some of us switched to playing Symmetric Relay and a home grown forcing pass system briefly made an appearance.
What do (did) you do professionally?
I have worked in Mining & Smelting, Fertilisers, and Paper Making. I started in Research & Development, but moved to Production and then Quality Systems and Business Analysis. I currently work part-time at the West Australian Bridge Club in Perth.
Who is your partner and for how long? Longest Partnership?
These days I enjoy playing with Pauline Collett. My longest partnership was probably with Henry Sawicki from Melbourne.
If you had a choice who would you like to play with? Australia and Internationally – living or dead.
Anyone with a sense of humour, but if forced to pick someone it would be Tim Seres, who I was lucky enough to play against a number of times.
In your playing career, what is the bridge success that has the most meaning for you?
Winning the Youth Teams in Canberra many years ago by 3 IMPs after we had a dreadful start in the first set. I’m pretty sure only one of our foursome was on our side in that first set and it wasn’t me either.
And your worst moment in bridge?
Going off in another cold contract.
What do you do between sessions to put you in the best frame of mind for the following sessions?
Drink coffee, walk around. Chat to friends.
Do you have a favourite and least favourite convention?
The West Australians have taught me that leading an Ace for Attitude and a King for count is a clear winner for the worst convention. Sure there are times for this, but every hand, every time? I don’t think so.
Would your prefer to have more system or less?
In general less, but I don’t mind more in a serious partnership.
What do you to do to improve your game?
Read, I love the puzzle books with one page declarer play problems followed by the answer.
Favourite bridge book?
I have a large collection of books and lots of favourites: Card Play Technique (Mollo), Things Your Bridge Teacher Won’t Tell You (Romm), Off Road Declarer Play (Bird), but if it was just one book, then Better Bridge for the Advancing Player (Stewart).
What interests or hobbies do you have besides bridge?
I am a keen photographer and used to do a lot of bushwalking. More recently, I have been discovering the beautiful wildflowers and orchids of Western Australia. From my younger days, I have a black belt in karate, and have shown German Shepherd Dogs in Specialty Shows.
What is the number one thing that bridge has done for you as a person and for your life?
Meeting people and travelling.
National Titles
Golden West Pairs (2023 & 2024)
State Representation
As a player (may be incomplete): Tasmania (1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1993 & 2010); Victoria (1999); Queensland (2019); Western Australia (2021 Seniors).
National / International Representation
Mixed Pairs Albuquerque 1994; Rosenblum Cup 1994.
Any other details/information you wish to provide
Rule 1: Treat your opponents and partner with respect.
Rule 2: Please read Rule 1.
