How did you get started in Bridge? At what age? Who do you learn from?
My grandfather taught me the Vienna system as a teenager.
What do (did) you do professionally?
A few years after a Biochemistry PhD a joined I Cambridge start-up responsible for developing some new technology for in-vitro diagnostics. Then general management, a move to Australia in 2004 which involved sales and quality management for a small Australian company that developed the first COVID test. Retired 2022.
Who is your partner and for how long? Longest Partnership?
Kate McCallum, wife and bridge mentor since our first fateful hand together in 2018.
If you had a choice who would you like to play with? Australia and Internationally – living or dead.
Kate!
In your playing career, what is the bridge success that has the most meaning for you?
Probably winning the English National Inter Club Knock-out back in 1991. We were a team of nobodies beating a team including three members of the Hackett family. More recently making the South Australian open team 2025.
And your worst moment in bridge?
I have to mention my first ever board I played with Kate: (1C)-X-(Pass)-Pass-(Pass). I quickly Passed and conceded 2230 for taking only one trick in defence. A year later in the final of the ANOT I was still struggling to remember to remember all our agreements and I passed a game forcing relay of 2 diamonds when a slam was laydown!
What do you do between sessions to put you in the best frame of mind for the following sessions?
I try to go for a walk if possible to help clear my mind.
Do you have a favourite and least favourite convention?
I love our complex strong club system despite the many easy to forget relay sequences! Specifically though, I really like the 2NT response to one of a Major showing a mixed raise or better with artificial loser count based rebids by opener. I hate both Bergen responses and the 2D opening showing Majors. These bids give the opponents too many opportunities to do the right thing.
Would your prefer to have more system or less?
Depends, I already have more agreements than I can manage without too many errors. In theory, I favour having as many specific agreements as you can handle AND general principles to fall back on when specific undiscussed auctions turn up. However, at my age, trying to play extensive complex system can be counter productive to our results. I still love to try!
What do you to do to improve your game?
Better control emotions and focus. Know my system which can only be achieved through continued extensive practice and detailed postmortem discussions with partner
Favourite bridge book
Zia’s Bridge a Love Story and Helgemo’s world of Bridge
What interests or hobbies do you have besides bridge?
I love fixing things so, most DIY. I also try to keep an eye on current affairs in this mad world of ours
What is the number one thing that bridge has done for you as a person and for your life?
Bridge has made me many good friends, allowed me to visit may wonderful places and stimulated endless fascinating discussions
Bridge results and awards
1st: Val & John Brockwell Mixed Teams 2019, ANC Seniors Butlers 2024, 2nd: Numerous
State Representation
SA seniors 2024, qualified for SA open 2025
