Story by Romit Rajpara (BBO: rajpararb)

My name is Romit Rajpara. I am 31 years old and from Gujarat, India, where I work at the State Electricity Board (PGVCL, Morbi).

PGVCL organizes a bridge game every year. I did not know about the game because it is not popular in Gujarat. Most people play games like cricket, chess, badminton, and skating. I had never played this game and did not even know it was a card game.

When the PGVCL sports calendar is announced each year, I noticed bridge listed among the games. I knew all the other games, but not bridge. I searched for it on Google and realized it is a card game. Since I enjoy card games, I decided to participate in the PGVCL tournament in 2023. I filled out the form and started learning about the game on the internet.

In my village, my friends and I play a card game called satiyo. Then I realized this is somehow related to bridge. During selection in 2023, I was chosen as a standby player. Our result was 3rd position in the tournament. There, I just learned how to play bridge.

After that tournament, I received guidance from friends and seniors from my office and other offices about bridge. On 07.07.2023, I created an account on BBO and learned by myself. BBO is a good platform for players to play, watch, and improve their game independently. I know I am a quick learner and I can easily pick up tricks and ideas.

In 2024, I was selected again for the PGVCL tournament, and we became champions and won a trophy. The same continued in 2025. But I thought this was not a big achievement because we only won in one department section. So I decided to continue my journey further.

During this time, I met a national bridge player. He was playing superbly, and we were nothing compared to him. We played with him sometimes and learned some tricks. He also registered us as BFI members, which he said is necessary to play national games.

After that, we saw a notification about the 20th Yashwantrao Holkar Bridge Tournament 2025 in Indore. We, myself, the national player Vidja, and Virsodiya, decided to participate in this tournament. I had no partner to play with, and even today I still do not have a regular partner. Vidja told me not to worry, that we would find a player, or otherwise just watch and learn.

I had never played a national game before. Finally, Vidja contacted his friend and asked to inform us if any player was available. Fortunately, we found a partner, an elderly lady named Madhu Agarwal from Delhi. She is an experienced player.

We met each other for the first time there. She asked me about bidding and discarding. I only played standard bidding, 2 over 1. She was more familiar with precision. But she adjusted herself and played with me. I am lucky to have played with such an experienced player. She was honest and simply enjoyed the game.

At that time, I did not know much about alerts, discarding signals, and other techniques. From there, I realized how much I still needed to learn. We played continuously for 2 to 3 days, and I started to get a better grip and understand alerts and natural calls.

After the tournament, I asked Mrs. Madhu Agarwal if she enjoyed the game. She said yes, and honestly told me that when we first met, she thought the partnership might not work because I did not know much about scoring and other aspects. But after playing with me, she found that I play well and just need more practice in bidding and scoring. She said I can definitely become a good player.

During the tournament, we also received a penalty from the director. I learned some good defensive techniques and really enjoyed the game. This was my first national-level experience, and I am thankful to Mrs. Madhu Agarwal.

I am still learning, and it is in my nature to keep learning new tricks and ideas. I still do not have a partner who is enthusiastic about playing bridge and participating in national events. I believe we can improve more by playing with national and international players, and I am very interested in improving my game further.