How did you get started in Bridge? At what age? Who do you learn from?
Both of my parents play – they met through bridge. I started playing when I was 9, being taught through a Youth program run by Johnathan Free.
What do (did) you do professionally?
I play professionally and am an electrical engineer on a minesite.
Who is your partner and for how long? Longest Partnership?
My partner is Ella Jacobs- we played a while ago and got a silver in the U25 Women’s team playing together. We recently restarted this year. My longest partnership is with Ben Thompson, we started playing together about 7 years ago.
If you had a choice who would you like to play with? Australia and Internationally – living or dead.
Tim Seres, hands down.
In your playing career, what is the bridge success that has the most meaning for you?
Making my first WA Youth team at 11.
And your worst moment in bridge?
I try not to remember them, but losing by 3 IMPs when we were +78 at halftime in the Mixed Trials last year stung – that’s got to be up there.
What do you do between sessions to put you in the best frame of mind for the following sessions?
Listen to music, go for a walk and ensure I have food, caffeine and water for the next set.
Do you have a favourite and least favourite convention?
Least favourite – Gerber
Favourite – Gazilli
Would you prefer to have more system or less?
Less definitely – particularly in newer partnerships. System is only so good as those who remember it and have discussed the nuances on where it’s being played. The worst feeling is to think you have your head around it, and another version of a similar situation pops up to make it obscure!
What do you to do to improve your game?
Playing and watching mainly – practise! But if I identify a weak area I want to improve, a targeted book is handy.
Favourite bridge book?
Adventures in Card Play – way too much fun.
What interests or hobbies do you have besides bridge?
I love to read, travel and learn new languages. I love hiking and am a raging foodie.
What is the number one thing that bridge has done for you as a person and for your life?
It’s given me the opportunities to meet some of my best friends, both in Australia and around the world. It’s one of my absolute passions – but the people are a big part of that too.
Bridge results and awards?
I’ve represented Aus in the Women’s, Mixed, Junior, U26 Women’s and Youngster divisions, starting from when I was 16. I came 4th in the 2015 World Junior Teams and 2019 in the World Under 26 teams, 2nd in the U25 Women’s World Championships and have won the Fairest and Best award twice at the World Youth Championships.
