A story by Siraj Jiwani (BBO: Bridgeany1)

In 1980, I was living in Dubai, newly married and eager to explore life with my wife. We decided to take a short trip to Abu Dhabi, about 100 miles away, for a change of pace. My wife, originally from Bangladesh, had a remarkable way of connecting with people. While we were wandering through a bustling bazaar, we happened to meet a Bangladeshi couple who immediately struck up a conversation with us. They were warm and hospitable, inviting us to their home for dinner that same evening.

Over a lovely meal, we shared stories about our lives and interests. They were enthusiastic bridge players, though they rarely had enough time to play a proper game with a full foursome. They offered to teach us the game and welcomed us to drop by whenever we liked. It felt almost too good to be true. That simple dinner invitation sparked what would become my love affair with bridge.

At first, we played casually, learning the ropes as we went along. Our hosts enjoyed “social bridge,” which was more lighthearted and full of small, playful attempts to peek at each other’s cards. My wife and I were novices, but we embraced the fun and quickly became fascinated by the game. Bridge had a complexity and depth that gripped me from the start. I began reading books on bridge strategies, learning about conventions and scoring systems. With my background in finance and my natural love for logic, I was completely hooked.

Later that year, Dubai hosted an international bridge tournament featuring some of the biggest stars in the game. Legends like Benito Garozzo, Giorgio Belladonna, and lots of North American and European superstars (sorry, I don’t remember the names) and, of course, Zia Mahmood—the charismatic Pakistani player known for his bold and creative style—were in attendance. Watching these giants of the game in action was mesmerizing. Zia had a flair that set him apart. He was not only a brilliant player but also a showman, bringing energy and drama to the game that made it thrilling to watch. The idea of traveling for bridge tournaments and competing at that level started to seem like an exciting possibility.

From here on, I was following Zia’s career closely and watched with anticipation as his team reached the final of the world championship in the United States. It was a high-stakes match against the U.S. team, and there was a moment that left me heartbroken—a beatable three no-trump double-redouble contract was allowed to make. I remember feeling crushed. That moment made me even more committed to mastering the game.

After I moved to the U.S., I continued my bridge journey, playing regularly at local clubs and participating in tournaments. Then came a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. A friend of mine purchased a ticket at auction for me to play with none other than Zia Mahmood himself. The game was a Bridge Extravaganza event to help fund the U.S. team’s travel to Bermuda. Playing alongside Zia was an unforgettable experience. It was like sitting next to a Rock star. I remember one hand vividly. After two passes, I hesitated to open with my weak hand, but knowing Zia’s bold style, I decided to open with one club. Zia bid three no-trump with his long, solid Spade suit. (His hand was too strong to preempt but not strong enough to open 1 or 4 Spades – a lesson learned). Yet, he figured that, given the scoring was match points, three no-trump would be the better bid. Though he made the contract, we didn’t get the top score because the scoring was IMPs, but the experience of playing with him was priceless.

Since then, bridge has become more than just a hobby—it’s been a source of joy, challenge, and connection. I’ve traveled to tournaments, met people from all walks of life, and made lasting friendships through the game. There’s something uniquely satisfying about bridge—the way it engages both the mind and the heart. Every hand is a puzzle, every partner a new dynamic to figure out. The games complexity continues to intrigue me, and no matter how much I learn, there’s always something new to discover.

Bridge has given me more than I could have ever imagined—a community, a sense of purpose, and a lifetime of memories. Whether I’m playing at a club or competing in a tournament, the thrill of the game never fades. My love affair with bridge is still getting stronger, as each hand I play feels like a new challenge, and every game teaches me something new about strategy, teamwork, and even myself. The game has introduced me to incredible people, helped me forge lasting friendships, and provided endless moments of joy and reflection. Bridge has not just been a pastime, but a lifelong pursuit that continues to inspire me every day, reminding me that there's always more to learn, more to discover, and always another game to play.

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