Jonathan Cansino was one of the greatest players of his generation. From 1964, his partnership with John Collings became a byword for success, both on the domestic scene, where they won every major tournament, and internationally. He had an equally successful partnership with Jeremy Flint, with whom he devised the Cansino defence to an opening One No Trump and the notorious Multi Two Diamonds opening, both conventions revolutionary at the time and both still played by many tournament players.
Such was his reputation that when the British Team went up to receive the Silver in the European Teams Championship in 1971, the chant went up from the audience: “Can-sin-o, Can-sin-o, Can-sin-o”, slightly to the chagrin of the other five members of the British Team, who felt that they too had played a part.
Sadly, at the age of 34 he underwent an operation for a brain tumour, which effectively put an end to what would undoubtedly have been an outstanding bridge career.
Major International Appearances
European Championships: 1965 1970 1971 and 1974
World Olympiad: 1972
European Junior Championships: 1968
Camrose Trophy Selections: 1964 1965 1966 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 and 1975
Gold Cup Winner: 1965
Crockfords Winner: 1964 1966 1968 and 1972
Spring Foursomes Winner: 1964 1966 1971 1972 and 1973
Easter Congress Guardian Trophy winner : 1967
National Pairs winner: 1964