Ep. 86 Drew Cavalier: From Nervous to National Bridge Champ

The Setting Trick: Conversations with World Class Bridge Players

Today’s guest is Drew Cavalier, a bridge player who lives in Huntsville, Alabama. In 2022, Drew won the Wernher Open Paris with Christian Jolly, who Drew describes as one of the smartest people he’s ever met. We discuss his bridge mentors and partners, the highs and lows of competitive bridge, and some of Drew’s most memorable hands.

Drew played in an online speedball with Owen Lien, another podcast guest, and had an extremely impressive score. You can listen to that episode here: https://www.thesettingtrick.com/https/thesettingtricklibsyncom/episode-81-owen-lien-does-it-all-in-bridge

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Episode Highlights:

4:00 – How Drew ended up playing with Disa Eythorsdottir at sectionals

9:09 – Drew has been lucky with mentors

19:02 – Drew’s disaster Imp Pairs hand. Learn more about the Imp Pairs format: https://www.bridgewebs.com/wncunit171/ImpPairs.pdf

23:10 – “This is the most important moment of my bridge career.”

30:10 – Dan Lev and Drew Cavalier played in Vegas recently. They led on Blue Ribbons on their first day, but they did not make it to day three. Drew speaks highly of Dan as a partner.

36:32 – Drew’s long term goal is winning a long-form knockout.

38:40 – The first time Drew and Christian Jolly played together, and “the only thing” Drew ever taught Jolly.

42:33 – One of Drew’s favorite bridge hands

45:44 – “When we won the Wernher, we discussed the system for fifteen minutes beforehand.”

46:55 – Drew’s experience at The Gold Coast Congress, and why he loves Australia.

50:55 – Bridge overseas and language barriers

56:49 – Why it’s important to have a growth mindset in bridge