How did you get started in Bridge? At what age? Who do you learn from?
Started late, I learned at about 30 in Darwin. I went to a short course of lessons with a born teacher, thank you Stephen Hughes.
What do (did) you do professionally?
Worked at an insurance company in the statistics area but now having much more fun working part time as a bridge director/tutor.
Who is your partner and for how long? Longest Partnership?
I am playing with Sue Lusk, we have been playing for a few years. My longest partnership was probably about 5 years with Ken Brown in Darwin, still very fondly remembered.
If you had a choice who would you like to play with? Australia and Internationally – living or dead.
I think Eddie Kantar would have been a lot of fun.
In your playing career, what is the bridge success that has the most meaning for you?
Winning the ANC women’s in 2023. It was a difficult year for the team with the sudden passing of well loved David Lusk. Felicity Smyth joined the team a few days before the event started, to play in Sue’s place. Felicity was a wonderful captain and partner taking the team to our first win in about 40 years.
And your worst moment in bridge?
Oh so many – passing a partners third round control ask at the 6 level was one of them. Fortunately partner was understanding!
What do you do between sessions to put you in the best frame of mind for the following sessions?
Short walk if possible
Do you have a favourite and least favourite convention?
I like 2 way checkback, not really a least favourite.
Would your prefer to have more system or less?
I love system but am inclined to want to take on too much to remember.
What do you to do to improve your game?
Try and read and do the problems on BBO bridgemaster. Bidding practice with partners of course.
Favourite bridge book?
Opening Leads or just about anything by Mike Lawrence
What interests or hobbies do you have besides bridge?
Reading, movies, yoga and walking/hiking.
What is the number one thing that bridge has done for you as a person and for your life?
I have met so many great people I would not otherwise have met. Most places there is a bridge club you can go to.
Bridge results and awards
Gold Coast pairs with Stephen Fischer in 2019
State Representation
ANC women’s first in 2023, second in 2021, 2022, 2024.
