Trading Pawns for Trumps
Story by Mostafa (BBO: darsh99) I am 31 years old, a professional chess player a...
Story by Jan Szynczewski (BBO: AKUNApl)
Bridge was present in my home long before I even understood what “trump” meant. It was the 1950s, the radio buzzed in the background, and my parents—full of passion, dedication, and unflagging enthusiasm—played evening games with their friends. For me, a child, it was a kind of secret magic: four people at a table, nods of the head, smiles, sighs, bursts of laughter, and sometimes a quiet tension when everything hinged on a single card. I didn’t understand the rules, but I could feel the emotions.
With time, something changed. They needed a fourth. They sat me down.
At first hesitantly, then with growing excitement, I waited for my turn. The first time I held cards in my hands, I felt like an adult. Like a teammate. Like a member of an older community, where words don’t always mean what they say, and gestures are a code. Of course, at the beginning “everything was wrong,” but that only fueled my ambition.
In high school, we played with my parents “as an appetizer”—before dinner, before classes, before life. Then came university. Bridge became a ritual—daily, in the evenings, like dinner and conversation. The dorm echoed with laughter, debate, and games that lasted into the night. (And since I studied for 13 years… I collected quite a few deals.)
After university, life—well, life happened. Work, responsibilities, family. Bridge took a back seat. But it never left. It waited patiently for its turn to return to the stage.
Today, I’m retired—and I have time. I completed a tournament director and instructor course, and I organize regular online tournaments on BBO under the BKZ Lokator banner, every day at 8:30 AM. It's become a little tradition. I founded a Bridge Association, which we’re now transforming into an Online Association. Our website is available at: www.bkzlokator.pl/bridge.
Sadly, in-person bridge is slowly fading—halls are emptying, tables are falling silent. But online, life still pulses. We have so many participants that we often run out of space—the limit is 80 players. Sometimes, some have to be turned away. But we manage. And we will keep managing.
Thanks to bridge, I’m still active. Thanks to bridge, I haven’t disappeared from life. I meet new people, I laugh, I learn, and I pass on what I once observed at the kitchen table. And in my heart, I carry many stories—funny, touching, full of passion and drama. Stories that are now a part of me.
Because bridge isn’t just a game.
It’s life.
Deal after deal.
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Wonderful and inspiring story, Jan
Thank
My parents also played bridge ever since I can remember. I wasn't interested then, but in college during "rush" one of the sororities used bridge lessons to intrigue prospectives, so I did learn. We then played in the Student Union between classes, handing over our cards to someone else when we had to leave for class, so keeping score was pretty casual! Later played with my husband; I remember one of the pairs always kept score for "US" and "THEM" (As an English major it made me nuts, but I kept my mouth shut.) Eventually I found the local ACBL club!
Great story Jan, it is so wonderful to be able to start playing so early, continue and love it for the rest of your life. I started a bit later, but have always been very addicted, in spite of two husbands that did not play bridge, but golf or poker, so were quite happy that I was busy too! At least I do hope that it was golf or poker...........
Thanks for the story Jan. Like you I was exposed to bridge early in my life. I was 7 years old and sat at my mother's knee watching her brilliant plays and learnt the bidding and card play. Like you I filled in as a 4th and the start of my love for the game. Played it since then at home, in university, tournaments and even for money. I enjoy the game even today. My singular achievement was teaching and making my life one of Canada's youngest Life Masters at 14 years.
So many bridge clubs in South Africa have closed after Covid .
People just continued playing online.
I am 90 years old and bridge is keeping me young!
So am I, and the beauty of bridge is that provided you play a decent game, you will always be welcome when a 4th is needed and also the reality that age has no boundaries, I play with 20 year olds as much as 100 years olds, and always love it. It is a game that does certainly keep you alive, active, and mentally alert. 1000s Hurrahs for bridge!
Nice to hear that you are 90 years Young and growing Young …….
Keep Going…..
Your story really resonated with me, especially your beginning as a 4th with your parents!! I, too, started with my parents. It is only now, decades later and enrolled in structured classes, that I realize how much I was only playing AT bridge in those years!!
Thanks for sharing Jan. Maybe now that more and more people are working from home, there won't be such a big age gap at the bridge clubs. Most of us had to quit for 30 years while raising a family and working full time.
My 1st wife never was exposed. My fault i suppose. I'm back playing after losing 43 years. After 14 years, I am silver LM.
Coincido plenamente con tus palabras
El bridge es la vida misma.
Aprendí cuando me jubile. Lo disfruto mucho
I'm also at the beginner level, but I'm already obsessed with it, even though my English is very poor.
The other greatness of bridge is that it's language is almost universal
I think this is how much of us oldies learned this wonderful game.
Thanks for your lovely story about your beginning with bridge,told so vividly that we could well see you sitting at the table learning and enjoying this alluring game we love so much. BRIDGE fills my now widow-evenings with excitement.
Thats a delightful tale Jan. Thank you for sharing. I'm glad to say that face to face bridge at Wimbledon Bridge club is thriving.
Please look at our website to learn more about us, or email:manager@wimbledonbridgeclub.couk and let's keep the game we love alive.
What a beautiful tribute to the enduring magic of bridge—woven through memory, connection, and a lifelong sense of belonging. I’m in my 60s and just starting to learn; I hope I can figure this out!
Hi
I'm also at the beginner level, but I'm already obsessed with it, even though my English is very poor.
i have been in a learning bridge group over a year and its going slow but is interesting and challenging. i am in my 70's so have faith Andi!