60 The-Setting-Trick---Tom-Hanlon---Irish-Swordsman---MIXED

The Setting Trick: Conversations with World Class Bridge Players

#Lifestyle #Games and Gambling #Bridge #Contractbridge #Fun #Professional #John McAllister #Hobbies #Competitive #Cardgames #WorldClass

30:14

"It is a scientific fact that these macaques, like all other primates, including humans, are communicating. They communicate in much the same way we do - facial expressions, vocalizations, body postures, those kinds of things." - Jeff Kerr Jeff Kerr is PETA foundations Chief Legal Officer. I asked him to come on the show to talk about one of PETA’s current lawsuits against the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Nathional Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). PETA is arguing that the monkeys being tested on in a government run facility are capable of communication (or “are communicating”). And that we have a constitutional right under the First Amendment to receive their communications. This could be a game changer in allowing us to see what’s really going on in labs that are funded by taxpayer money, and which have so far been censored from public view. PETA’s lawsuit follows years of NIH’s attempts to deny Freedom of Information requests banning PETA executives from its campus and illegally censoring animal advocates’ speech on NIH’s public social media pages. Through the lawsuit, PETA is seeking a live audio-visual feed to see and hear real-time communications from the macaques who have been kept isolated, used in fear experiments, and had posts cemented into their heads. Anthropologists and other scientists have studied macaque and other primate communications for decades and know that the monkeys communicate effectively and intentionally through lip smacking, fear grimaces, body language, and various cries and sounds—all of which constitute speech under the law. Primatologists can analyze that speech on a deeper level to share their stories with the world.…

2 years ago 1:02:27

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This week's episode of the Setting Trick podcast features Tom Hanlon, an accomplished bridge player with a remarkable track record in the game. One of his favorite bridge memories is winning the European Silver Medal in 2006, a significant achievement that highlights his skill and dedication. Tom has formed a strong partnership with Hugh McGann, a regular bridge partner who shares his passion for the game. Together, they have built a successful collaboration, leveraging their skills and strategic thinking to achieve notable results. Overall, Tom Hanlon's bridge journey is marked by his passion for the game and consistent pursuit of excellence continues to make him a respected figure in the bridge world.

During today's discussion, Tom talks about the global bridge discussions, where he exchanges ideas, shares insights, and collaborates with players worldwide. Also, Tom navigates the trials of decision-making and shares valuable insights into compelling gameplay. Tom shares his experiences to gain a deeper understanding of the strategic elements that drive success in the game.

Moreover, Tom reflects on his favorite tournament experiences, reliving triumphs, challenges, and personal growth moments. Lastly, discover the power of friendship and partnership as Tom celebrates many years of collaboration with his trusted bridge companion.

98 episodes

60 The-Setting-Trick---Tom-Hanlon---Irish-Swordsman---MIXED

The Setting Trick: Conversations with World Class Bridge Players

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published 2 years ago

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98 episodes

#Lifestyle #Games and Gambling #Bridge #Contractbridge #Fun #Professional #John McAllister #Hobbies #Competitive #Cardgames #WorldClass

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The Setting Trick: Conversations with World Class Bridge Players

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Ep. 97: From Hearts to Champion: John McAllister’s Personal Bridge Odyssey 18:35

2 days ago18:35

18:35

In a special solo episode, John McAllister opens up about his own personal journey into the world of bridge. John takes listeners from his first bridge game with Aunt Kathleen to major tournament wins, highlighting the mentors, friends, and unexpected encounters that shaped his bridge career. Listen in for heartfelt anecdotes, insights into learning bridge, and John’s reflections on pivotal moments and memorable players he met along the way. Key Highlights: 🎲 First Steps in Bridge: Discover how a casual game with family sparked John's lifelong passion for bridge. 🌉 Learning the Ropes: John recalls early mentorship from Shooky Neal and playing with promising talents like Jason Holderness. 🏆 Breakthrough Moments: Relive John's first significant tournament victory at the NABC and his ambitious venture into international competition. 🤝 Influential Connections: Hear stories about bridge legends and mentors like Gavin Wolpert, Jeff Hand, George Mittelman, and the late Eric Kokish. 💰 Rubber Bridge Adventures: John humorously shares his first encounter playing rubber bridge in London, meeting Zia Mahmood, and the memorable experience of cash winnings. 🌟 Major Wins: John reflects on his notable victories, including the Mitchell Board-a-Match, the Mixed Pairs, and the RecuVec Masters. 🃏 Friendship and Growth: Learn how playing with friends like Lily Justman helped sharpen John’s competitive edge and joy for bridge. Resources & Next Steps: Follow John’s upcoming journey at the European Championships. Explore John’s documentary Double Dummy for deeper insights into bridge. 🎧 More Stories Like This – Subscribe to The Setting Trick wherever you listen to podcasts for more deep dives into the world of bridge. 📱 Follow @thesettingtrick – Stay connected on Instagram and for episode drops, tournament pics, and more.…

The Setting Trick: Conversations with World Class Bridge Players

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Ep. 96: From Underdogs to USA-1: Inside Adam Grossack’s Epic Bridge Victory 59:31

10 days ago59:31

59:31

In this unforgettable episode, John McAllister sits down with Adam Grossack, fresh off his team's stunning victory in the US Open Trials. Adam shares candid stories from the tournament, detailing how his four-handed team navigated intense matches, strategic pairings, and unexpected twists to claim the prestigious USA-1 spot in the Bermuda Bowl. Dive into behind-the-scenes insights on the team dynamics, preparation tactics, and pivotal hands that shaped their incredible run. Key Takeaways from This Episode: 🎯 Strategic Team Building: Adam reveals why pairing with veteran Eddie Wold and allowing younger teammates Adam Kaplan and Finn to sort out their partnership proved crucial. 🔥 Tension and Triumph: Relive intense matches against top teams like Nickel and Wolfson, and discover how Adam and his teammates maintained focus even during massive leads. 👏 Celebrating Comebacks: Learn how Adam Kaplan's return to competitive bridge after a five-year hiatus helped propel the team to victory. 😂 Behind the Scenes Humor: Adam shares hilarious anecdotes involving bridge legends, including humorous interactions with Jeff Meckstroth and Zia Mahmood. 💍 Personal Milestones: Beyond bridge, Adam discusses wedding preparations, playing bridge with his fiancée, and the balancing act between professional and personal life. Resources & Next Steps: Follow the team's journey at the upcoming Bermuda Bowl in Denmark. USBF Credentials Committee 🎧 More Stories Like This – Subscribe to The Setting Trick wherever you listen to podcasts for more deep dives into the world of bridge. 📱 Follow @thesettingtrick – Stay connected on Instagram and for episode drops, tournament pics, and more.…

The Setting Trick: Conversations with World Class Bridge Players

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Ep. 95: Cheating, Convictions, and Compassion: Inside the American Contract Bridge League’s Recorder's Office with Jeff Edelstein 1:12:43

17 days ago1:12:43

1:12:43

Ever feel like you have been cheated playing bridge online? Have you taken the time to report the pair by filing a player memo? Join John McAllister as he sits down with Jeff Edelstein, the ACBL recorder and a Grand Life Master, for a revealing conversation about the nuances of cheating detection, ethical prosecution, and the human stories behind bridge's biggest integrity challenges. From Edgar, the cutting-edge cheating detection software, to personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes insights, this episode unpacks the complexities of keeping bridge fair, and human. Key Takeaways from This Episode: 🎖️ Grand Life Master: Jeff Edelstein shares his journey, including winning the North American Pairs with Matthew Weingarten. 🧑‍⚖️ What Does a Recorder Do? – Edelstein explains his role in investigating player memos, and what happens once a complaint is filed. 📊 Edgar's Precision – Learn about Edgar, a powerful detection software designed by Franco Baseggio and Brian Platnick, which analyzes bridge hands for cheating patterns. 🕵️ Manual Investigation vs. Edgar – Edelstein describes the painstaking manual review process compared to Edgar’s lightning-fast analysis. ⚠️ Real-life Consequences – Jeff shares the story of John’s misconduct, highlighting how disciplinary processes affect players. ❤️ Compassion in Discipline – Edelstein discusses shifting from a strict disciplinary perspective to embracing compassion and rehabilitation. 🗣️ Proper Conduct – What constitutes ethical breaches and how to appropriately address suspected cheating or misconduct at the table. 🚨 Changes in ACBL Discipline – How Edgar has transformed disciplinary processes from handling a few cases monthly to managing hundreds. Resources & Next Steps: 🎧 More Stories Like This – Subscribe to The Setting Trick wherever you listen to podcasts for more deep dives into the world of bridge. 📱 Follow @thesettingtrick – Stay connected on Instagram and for episode drops, tournament pics, and more.…

The Setting Trick: Conversations with World Class Bridge Players

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Ep. 94: From Iceland to Delray: Svenni Eiriksson on Friendship, Risk, and Reinvention 1:29:14

23 days ago1:29:14

1:29:14

What happens when a car rental mishap, a spur-of-the-moment bridge partnership, and a life-changing move from Iceland to Florida collide? You get Svenni Eiriksson, a bridge player whose story is equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and deeply human. John McAllister sits down with his former partner and friend to relive the many twists, laughs, and breakthroughs of Svenni’s journey from Icelandic tournaments to an NABC win in the U.S. More than just a fun loving, lover of laughing, Svenni impressed John, as his partner by pulling off a trump coup without breaking a sweat. Svenni shares how bridge shaped his life, his move, and his community. Key Takeaways from This Episode: 🎉 A Bridge Friendship for the Ages – John and Svenni met at the Icelandic Bridge Festival and went on to win their first NABC title as partners. 🚗 The Infamous Car Rental Saga – A botched pickup turned Icelandic comedy of errors that somehow involved loaning one’s wife’s car to a virtual stranger. 🏆 From 9 VPs to Victory – After a disastrous start in the Soloway, their comeback led to a dramatic NABC win at the Mitchell BAM. 🇮🇸 Leaving Iceland for Bridge – Svenni moved to Florida for a directing job and ended up becoming a full-time pro player, thanks in part to the Cappelletti' hospitality. 🤝 More Than Just Cards – From laughter to late-night dinners, Svenni reminds us that the best parts of bridge are often the people. 🧠 Visualization and Technique – Why Trump Coups come easy to Svenni, and how different minds see bridge differently. 🥶 Hot Springs and Spiked Tires – John and Svenni share Iceland travel stories, winter driving, and sausage shelf life. 🏀 From OKC Fan to Life Philosopher – What NBA playoffs, bingo taunts, and emotional regulation all say about life at the table and beyond. Resources & Next Steps: 📘 Book Mentioned: 30 Minutes to Precision by C.C. Wei 🎧 More Stories Like This – Subscribe to The Setting Trick wherever you listen to podcasts for more deep dives into the world of bridge. 📱 Follow @thesettingtrick – Stay connected on Instagram and for episode drops, tournament pics, and more.…

The Setting Trick: Conversations with World Class Bridge Players

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Ep. 93: John’s Jumbled Auction |It’s Your Call!| 46:42

4 weeks ago46:42

46:42

The Setting Trick: Conversations with World Class Bridge Players

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Ep. 92: Lynn Castoldi – Winning with Joy, Scarves & Spades 32:20

5 weeks ago32:20

32:20

In this episode, John interviews Lynn Castoldi, fresh off two huge wins at the Spring NABC — the 10K Knockout Teams and the Women's Swiss Teams, the latter by a razor-thin margin of just 0.13 VPs. With her signature laugh, Lynn shares the stories behind her victories, her partnership with Ann Karin Fuglestad, and how she went from getting kicked out of bridge lessons at a senior center to becoming a national champion. Along the way, we hear about bridge cruises, recruiting Egyptian pros on BBO, and the stylish team scarves that helped tie it all together. Whether she's playing with a world-class junior or her long-time partner the “Minister of Defense,” Lynn brings enthusiasm, optimism, and a love of the game that’s totally contagious. Key Takeaways from This Episode: 🥇 Lynn won two events at the Spring NABC — including her first 10K title after finishing second the year before 🧣 Her Women's Swiss team wore matching scarves — her signature touch as team captain 🎲 She met her mixed partner Aly by chance on Bridge Base during COVID 💥 One highlight of the Women’s Swiss: a gutsy 4♠ bid leading to a +1100 against a pro 🌎 Lynn played international events like Four Jacks in Dubai, repping the US 🧠 She's constantly learning — like practicing hand patterns and soaking up insights from partners like Greg Hinze and Christian Lahrmann 😂 Her signature laugh is well-known, and she isn’t afraid to bring humor and lightness to even the most competitive tables Resources & Next Steps: 🎧 More Stories Like This – Subscribe to The Setting Trick wherever you listen to podcasts for more deep dives into the world of bridge. 📱 Follow @thesettingtrick – Stay connected on Instagram and for episode drops, tournament pics, and more.…

The Setting Trick: Conversations with World Class Bridge Players

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Ep. 91: Dennis Bilde – The Danish Ace 1:23:16

6 weeks ago1:23:16

1:23:16

In this episode, John sits down with Dennis Bilde, one of Denmark’s top bridge talents and a player with a reputation for being both formidable at the table and fun to be around. Dennis shares stories of missing flights, winning world championships, and his early card-playing days before discovering bridge. The conversation dives into partnership dynamics, life with two young kids, and how Danish coffee might be the bridge world's best-kept secret. From his time on the Lavazza team to his upcoming appearance at the Bermuda Bowl on home soil, Dennis reflects on what it means to grow, both as a player and a person. Key Takeaways from This Episode: 🏆 Dennis won the 2008 Junior World Championship—after failing to qualify for the under-21 trials 🍷 Known for being a slow drinker, he’s still a favorite drinking buddy of Zia’s 🎲 He and Zia played 5NT in each of their first two tournaments together 🇩🇰 He’ll represent Denmark at the 2025 Bermuda Bowl, alongside his longtime partner Martin Schaltz 🧸 Father of two, Dennis talks candidly about balancing bridge with family life 🧠 On his first try at Rubber Bridge in New York, he walked away with $3,500 after reluctantly agreeing to play $1 per point ☕️ What’s a Danish coffee? Let’s just say you might need a solo cup… 🎄 His time with the Lavazza team included Christmas dinners at Maria Teresa Lavazza’s home Resources & Next Steps: 🎧 More Stories Like This – Subscribe to The Setting Trick wherever you listen to podcasts for more deep dives into the world of bridge. 📱 Follow @thesettingtrick – Stay connected on Instagram and for episode drops, tournament pics, and more. Andrew Robson describes Dennis as the best player in Denmark…

The Setting Trick: Conversations with World Class Bridge Players

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Ep. 90: Adrienne Carter: Shifting Your Mindset 1:33:07

7 weeks ago1:33:07

1:33:07

My guest today is Adrienne Carter. She claims to be an aspiring bridge player. I know her from working with her as a performance coach and mindset specialist. She has worked across industries with everyone from CEOs to poker players, and has seen a recent uptick in interested golf players following her appearance on the Chasing Scratch podcast. I reached out to Adrienne’s company, Primed Mind, in September of 2022 at the recommendation of my friend and former Setting Trick guest Nabil Edgtton, who used Primed Mind’s hypnosis services to improve his performance. You can listen to my conversation with Nabil here: https://www.thesettingtrick.com/episode-26-nabil-edgtton You can learn more about Adrienne’s work here: https://primedmind.com/adriennecarter/ Here’s an affiliate link to Primed Mind for Setting Trick listeners: https://primedmind.com/thesettingtrick/ Subscribers to The Setting Trick email list check your email or to subscribe click here: https://www.thesettingtrick.com/ Episode Highlights: 4:44 – Adrienne likes working with professionals across industries and getting a taste of her clients’ work. 7:47 – “The methodology matters, but less than you think.” 14:21 – Adrienne says that every board should be treated as practice for the next one, and to avoid ruminating on mistakes. 20:16 – Evolving alongside the game 21:09 – The path to the Bermuda Bowl 30:31 – How hypnosis helps you tune into the reactions in your body 36:23 – Setting your expectations and process 44:30 – Adrienne started her career as an occupational therapist, but fell in love with poker. 53:33 – Hypnosis deals with the part of your brain that processes feelings before you consciously notice them, making hypnosis a deeply emotional process. 57:04 – The difference between occupational therapy and hypnosis 1:05:59 – Adrienne’s mother is a bridge player. 1:10:21 – “I’m so grateful to have found poker when I did.” 1:13:29 – Adrienne says that regret happens when you make a decision out of obligation, and that decisiveness helps to prevent regret. 1:20:53 – The bar for success moves throughout a tournament as you advance and increase your expectations. 1:28:31 – Adrienne’s kids are also learning through sports and games. She sees both as an opportunity to teach them about decision making.…

The Setting Trick: Conversations with World Class Bridge Players

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Ep. 89 Stefan Scorchev: Getting IntoBridge 1:13:28

7 weeks ago1:13:28

1:13:28

My guest today is Stefan Scorchev, a bridge player, friend, and the creator of IntoBridge. For those who are unaware, IntoBridge is a free platform for online bridge games. In his childhood, Stefan learned the value of online bridge as he spent hours playing bridge every day, and found that playing bridge online encouraged him compete at in-person tournaments. Stefan is the first Bulgarian guest I’ve had on the show, and I fist met him in 2012 when he played on the Bulgarian team in the Junior Nationals. We talk about in-person and virtual bridge, the unique features of IntoBridge that borrow from modern gaming, and what it’s like to run a bridge startup. You can learn more about IntoBridge on its website: https://intobridge.com/ Subscribers to The Setting Trick email list check your email or to subscribe click here: https://www.thesettingtrick.com/ Episode Highlights: 4:58 – Stefan played bridge online constantly in his childhood, and moved into in-person tournaments at seventeen. He says he played bridge as much as fifteen hours a day. 12:05 – Stefan says he is the strangest looking person at tournaments because he always wears his IntoBridge merchandise. 16:05 – “We focused on inventing something that has the potential that you close it immediately and continue whenever you can.” 17:35 0:54 – Ranked matchups on IntoBridge 24:17 – The Daily exists to give people a reason to return to IntoBridge every day. 28:47 – Stefan has a lot of ideas for new bridge formats unique to IntoBridge 32:45 – Some unfortunate mis-clicks 40:12 – Bridge marketing is difficult, so word of mouth has been the best marketing channel for IntoBridge 48:22 – Running a startup is difficult as investors and employees rely on the performance of the business 56:46 – Having access to a free bridge platform as a kid was game-changing for Stefan. 57:59 – One great aspect of online bridge is that it naturally leads people into in-person bridge, encouraging them to meet more people. 1:02:41 – Stefan’s Fiance, Desi, is coming to the US Nationals for the first time.…

The Setting Trick: Conversations with World Class Bridge Players

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Ep 88: Ami Zamir – From Fishbein Glory to Fatherhood 1:29:17

7 weeks ago1:29:17

1:29:17

In this episode of The Setting Trick, John welcomes his friend and bridge phenom Ami Zamir—one half of the ACBL’s top-ranked pair of 2023. From winning major events to missing the final session of a national championship for the birth of his daughter, Ami shares the highs, the heart, and the hustle of life as a rising star in the world of competitive bridge. Ami opens up about his journey from high school sweethearts to fatherhood, his chess obsession, and what it’s like to chase glory across Europe and the U.S. with partner Oren Telodano. The two discuss how talking through hands (even off the clock) sharpens their game, the emotional rollercoaster of playing for national teams, and how coffee routines and NBA fandoms keep life on the road a little saner. Plus, you’ll hear what it was like to almost win ACBL Player of the Year—and why Ami is still laughing about it. Key Takeaways from This Episode: 👶 Bridge Meets Baby – Ami skipped the Reisinger finals when his daughter was born early. The team understood, proving real partnership goes beyond the table. 🏆 From Platinum Pairs to the Fishbein Trophy – Ami and Oren's standout 2023 included back-to-back top finishes and winning the most masterpoints at the Summer NABC. 🔥 Fights Happen, Wins Follow – After their biggest argument as partners, a long dinner conversation led to a tournament victory. Communication is key. 🎯 Pressure Is a Privilege – Whether tied in a Bermuda Bowl quarter final or in contention for Player of the Year, Ami thrives under pressure—and prefers it that way. 🧠 Daily Debriefs - Practice – Ami and Oren’s bridge “training” often centers around conversations—not drills. Talking through scenarios helps them stay aligned. 👟 Hoops, Habits, and Vegan Hacks – Ami shares his basketball battles with Adi, his vegan-at-home/freestyle-abroad food rule, and his partnership’s coffee ritual. Resources & Next Steps: 📅 Follow the European Open in Poznań – Ami and Oren will be competing with an English team in this major event. 🎧 More Stories Like This – Subscribe to The Setting Trick wherever you listen to podcasts for more deep dives into the world of bridge. 📱 Follow @thesettingtrick – Stay connected on Instagram and for episode drops, tournament pics, and more.…

The Setting Trick: Conversations with World Class Bridge Players

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Ep. 87 Tuva Nilsmark: BridgeQueen 1:08:23

13 weeks ago1:08:23

1:08:23

Ep. 87 Tuva Nilsmark: BridgeQueen Today’s guest is Tuva Nilsmark, who goes by BridgeQueen on YouTube. As a bridge lover and social media user, Tuva saw a gap in the YouTube landscape for bridge videos that are light, short, easy to understand, and fun to watch. She fills that gap with her tutorials and weekly Funbridge Friday videos, hoping to inspire new players to hone their skills. Bridge isn’t just community for Tuva – it’s a part of her family. Tuva’s boyfriend is Simon Ekenberg, whom she met through bridge. She also picked up bridge as a teenager to play with her grandparents, whom she promptly abandoned for stronger players. Boye Brogeland suggested I interview Tuva for this episode. You can listen to my conversation with Boye here: https://www.thesettingtrick.com/https/thesettingtricklibsyncom/ep-84-boye-brogeland-bridge-at-the-edge-and-in-person Subscribers to The Setting Trick email list check your email or to subscribe click here: https://www.thesettingtrick.com/ You can follow Tuva on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/bridge.queen/?hl=en Tuva’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@bridgequeen Episode Highlights: 2:00 – Tuva is in a fantasy football league with her boyfriend Simon Ekenberg other bridge players: “Really good bridge players; they suck at fantasy football though.” 4:58 –Tuva started her YouTube channel recently, to a largely positive reception. You can watch her videos here: https://www.youtube.com/@bridgequeen 8:14 – How Tuva got started in bridge 11:19 – Tuva’s father is the captain of the Swedish Open 12:48 – The first time Tuva saw Simon 15:14 – As if her bridge-playing family wasn’t enough, you might also know of Tuva’s mother, Catrin Nilsmark, who is a golfer and two-time captain of the European Solheim Cup Team. 22:15 – With her Funbridge Fridays series, Tuva hopes to show a different side of bridge. She wants to counter the overly serious image that bridge can have. 29:17 – Tuva and Simon played a bridge and golf event and beat Ola Rimstedt. 36:30 – Tuva’s first partner was her father 42:32 – The BridgeQueen YouTube channel has a video called “Learn Bridge in only Three Minutes:” https://youtu.be/MxWO8EFujbw?feature=shared 49:01 – The most pressure Tuva has felt playing bridge so far 55:04 – Tuva’s ultimate goal is to win the Venice cup 58:55 – Another long term goal of Tuva’s is beating Simon…

The Setting Trick: Conversations with World Class Bridge Players

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Ep. 86 Drew Cavalier: From Nervous to National Bridge Champ 1:04:19

14 weeks ago1:04:19

1:04:19

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 Subscribers to The Setting Trick email list check your email or to subscribe click here: https://www.thesettingtrick.com/ 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…

The Setting Trick: Conversations with World Class Bridge Players

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Ep. 85 Jason Hackett AKA Prime Mutton 1:09:43

16 weeks ago1:09:43

1:09:43

Today’s guest is bridge player turned burgeoning social media star Jason Hackett, also known as Prime Mutton. A frequent traveler, guinness reviewer, and 2019 Eurotransnational winner, Hackett and I had much to discuss. We talk about the strangest food he’s tried during his travels, how he broke out on YouTube and Instagram, and his favorite bridge formats. Jason’s mother Olivia introduced him and his twin brother to bridge at eleven years old. Though Jason does not discuss bridge much on his social media channels, he is a formidable opponent. He beat Boye Brogeland and Geir Helgemo in the Euro Juniors in 1994 and has represented England in the European Championships many times. Of bridge, he said “I just enjoy playing, it does not matter with whom.” You can read more about Jason in his recent Esquire feature. Subscribers to The Setting Trick email list check your email or to subscribe click here . Episode Highlights: 4:59 – Eating brains, grasshoppers, and more 6:25 – Jason’s travel stats, and the types of places he likes to visit 8:51 – Where did the name come from? You can read more about the origins of Prime Mutton in this article 9:50 – Is Guinness better if it's flowing more? 12:10 – Hackett’s longest tenured partnerships in bridge even though they support opposite Manchester football clubs 16:41 – You need to watch some of Jason’s cameos . The products on his website are also fantastic, especially this pillow on his website - “you never get wet in the pub!” 21:15 – Jason explains how his YouTube channel took off 30:30 – Why Jason’s preferred bridge format is pairs 40:46 – The types of places where Prime Mutton gets recognized 48:41 – How Jason edits his videos 55:27 – Jason’s love for bridge started in his teens 57:40 – Rubber bridge 1:03:30 – You can keep up with Prime Mutton on his website 1:06:22 – How Jason learned to tell a good pint from a bad one…

The Setting Trick: Conversations with World Class Bridge Players

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Ep. 84 Boye Brogeland: Bridge at the Edge and In Person 50:46

17 weeks ago50:46

50:46

Boye Brogeland is a force to be reckoned with. He holds the World Grand Master title, with three European Open Championship wins under his belt, as well as several North American championships. He also played a prominent role in uncovering the Fisher and Schwartz cheating scandal when he noticed that his opponents were taking risks that would not make sense unless they knew the cards his team held. We discuss how he got into bridge, some of his most memorable competitions, and his role in the scandal. In preparation for this conversation, Boye asked me to get on the World Bridge Tour App. I was reluctant at first, but when you get to interview someone like Boye, you follow orders. I played a couple virtual tournaments on the app before the events started in Iceland, and I highly recommend it. You get to play against Simon Holt, Sartaj Hans, and many more players, and compare your results. Check out the app here: https://www.wbtbridge.com/ Subscribers to The Setting Trick email list check your email or to subscribe click here. Episode Highlights: 2:12 – Boye’s first event on the Open team 8:46 – Boye’s grandparents taught him bridge 11:04 – Writing bridge books, which Boye says is the most work he’s ever done for the least pay 12:07 – The most memorable hand of Boye’s career 17:54 – The unique method that Boye used to memorize the best plays 21:32 – How Boye won Vanderbilt in 2022 32:55 – Boye doesn’t like the sheriff label he was given during the Fisher and Schwartz cheating scandal; he thinks of himself as more of a concerned citizen. You can read more about the scandal here: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/may/05/lotan-fisher-bridge-cheating-scandal-2015-documentary 42:53 – The backlash Boye faced during the scandal, and how he got away from it 46:15 – “They stole our name!”…

The Setting Trick: Conversations with World Class Bridge Players

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Ep. 83 Brian Reynolds - Fancies himself as a Bridge Outlier 1:40:43

19 weeks ago1:40:43