Hi, I’m Thomas. I’m a new member of the U21 squad having recently ‘graduated’ from the U16s. Since lockdown I have been playing lots of congresses and other events online which has helped me improve my game and given me a chance to play in events I wouldn’t have had time to travel to. It also provided a useful respite from the monotony of the strict lockdowns a year or two ago. Aside from its obvious intellectual interest, one thing I particularly enjoy about bridge is the social element to the game. After all it is by nature a partnership game. Each term, Michael Byrne (the U21 squad leader) runs around 2 or 3 training weekends in which it has been great to socialise and chat with the other squad members along with improving my bridge.
I have also had a quick foray into the difficult, but enjoyable nonetheless, art of writing about bridge. I have had the opportunity to assist in writing a few bridge articles and on one occasion I took to RealBridge for an hour to provide some live commentary which was a new experience for me. Commentary provides an opportunity to consider the relative merits of different bids and plays which provides useful insights when similar situations come up in hands I play.
When I play an important game, aside from the customary glass of water (a habit which my partner caught onto pretty quickly), a brief reread of the system notes and giving my desk a well-needed sort, I don’t really change anything but to resist the temptation to stay up late watching Netflix and will try to be well-rested instead.
Why not play in the Junior Squad Sim Pairs in February. All proceeds will be put towards promoting the junior bridge in England and the junior events.