How did you get started in bridge? At what age? Who from?
My dad was a keen club player who introduced me to the game. For a while it was just counting points and mostly passing because I had no idea what was going on. In 2012 I was approached by the Victorian Youth squad who encouraged me to come along to youth nights and from there it was an obsession!
What do (did) you do professionally?
I teach high school Japanese, Spanish and music. That said, I’m currently teaching casually to allow for a hectic bridge calendar year.
Who is your partner and for how long? Longest partnership?
I am playing with Jenny Thompson in the Women’s. We only started this partnership just prior to the trials event in Canberra but had a great first hit out with our awesome teammates – Renee and Jane. I play with new people all the time but am loving playing with Andrew Spooner (with whom I’ve played several events). My longest partnership would have been with Renee Cooper during our youth years, we played on and off for about three years.
If you had a choice who would you like to play with? Australia and Internationally- living or dead?
I would have loved a game with the late Justin Lall. He was one of the best people I knew and a world class player.
In your playing career, what is the bridge success that has the most meaning for you?
Winning the Gold Coast pairs in 2024 was something I never considered possible and really made me think I might be okay at this game after all.
And your worst moment in bridge?
How long have you got?
What do you do between sessions to put you in the best frame of mind for the following session?
I like to spend some time outside and refocus. If there were egregious errors in my past set I’ll take some time thinking through them and ask an expert for advice so as to put them behind me. Going back in confident has always proven the best recipe for success.
Do you have a favourite and least favourite convention? I like simple Stayman with Smolen. I refuse to play minorwood. Would you prefer to have more system or less?
Less is usually my preference as I play in a lot of scratch partnerships. However, I’d like to hone more (particularly competitive) agreements if I were to play with a long term partner.
What do you do to improve your game?
Play, play, play
Favourite bridge book?
Killing Defence at Bridge – Hugh Kelsey
What interests or hobbies do you have besides bridge?
I love music most of all. You’ll very often find me singing or whistling (getting me to quieten down is the struggle). I also play cello and piano.
What is the number one thing that bridge has done for you as a person and for your life?
Bridge has shaped my life entirely. It introduced me to my amazing husband – Nick Jacob – with whom I now have two gorgeous kids. Bridge has given me an opportunity to see the world and meet fantastic people. Almost everyone I love dearly is a bridge player.
Bridge Results and Awards
Gold Coast Pairs – 2024
Gold Coast Teams semi finals – 2024
Spring National Open Teams – 2018
TBIB Mixed Butler Swiss pairs – 2024
Women’s ANC – 2024
Women’s National Teams – 2024
Silver medal at World Youth Teams Championships – 2016
State Representation
Women’s ANC – 2024 (NSW)
Youth ANC – 2012, 2013 (first), 2014 (first) (VIC)
International Representation
U26 Open – 2013 (Asia Cup),
2015 U26 Women’s – 2012, 2016
NZ Mixed Team – 2016
Women’s Team – 2022, 2024
