How did you get started in Bridge? At what age? Who did you learn from?
21. Learned with some good mates on a Ski-Trip while we were snowed in. I never skiied again!
What do (did) you do professionally?
Maths (consulting) although I played poker for a few years in the mid 2000s.
Who is your partner and for how long? Longest Partnership?
William Jenner-O’Shea is my favourite partner. I have also had the privilege to play with David Parrott in Adelaide who was my “Maths In Bridge” honours supervisor as a beginner and we still play regularly in Adelaide.
If you had a choice who would you like to play with? Australia and Internationally – living or dead.
I’m still waiting for a game with Paul Lavings…
In your playing career, what is the bridge success that has the most meaning for you?
It’s great to see SA win on the national stage – I’ve been involved with quite a few of those. And I’m always very proud to see the Juniors that I’ve been involved with as a coach/captain succeed.
And your worst moment in bridge?
I’ve made some awful plays and gone for bigger numbers than most. Having a background in poker you learn to move on quickly – NEXT BOARD!
What do you do between sessions to put you in the best frame of mind for the following sessions?
I enjoy the bridge up to about 50 boards a day… and then a couple of beers in the evening to debrief and move on
Do you have a favourite and least favourite convention?
My favourite would be the MINI 1NT (8-11). In general any convention that lets you put pressure on the opponents or conceal your hand (while still getting to a good spot) is great. I hate any convention that involves describing your hand unnecessarily.
Would your prefer to have more system or less?
More but in a framework that is consistent and symmetrical. 90% of your system should be focused on competitive situations.
What do you to do to improve your game?
Ask a top player for a game and have an open mind to their new ideas.
Favourite bridge book
Bridge World Magazine – especially the Bidding Poll section where you get to see the styles of all the top players.
What interests or hobbies do you have besides bridge?
Hiking, Travel & Photography.
What is the number one thing that bridge has done for you as a person and for your life?
I’ve made a lot of amazing friends all over the world.
Bridge results and awards
I once won a case of beer for winning the first trick with the D7 (beer card) as declarer.
National Titles
A few.
State Representation
SA!
National / International Representation
Mostly as NPC