IN lieu of examining some esoteric hand, this column will examine how and why people are drawn to the fascinating game of bridge.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Player profile: Denise Hourigan-Thomas
Denise was born in Rhodesia and spent 12 years there attending boarding school.
After studying nursing there and in Cape Town, she left and went to work in London at St George's Hyde Park.
It was there she met her Aussie husband Francis Hourigan and they married and settled in Bathurst and had three children. Somehow, Denise found the time to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree through CSU.
Unfortunately, Francis passed away in 1991.
In the mid-1990s, Denise was encouraged to take up bridge by friends Trish Thomas, Joan Russell and Maureen Pike. Pat Masters was the club teacher and the bridge was played at Kelso in the Masonic Hall.
Although Denise had never been a card player, she (like so many of us) got hooked!
She currently plays two to three times per week, loves her bridge and feels that she is learning all the time. Initially, of course, the main attraction was just in trying to make the contract, but now she recognises the importance of defending.
Denise acknowledges the positive part bridge plays in her life as it is a stimulating game and it has led to her making many friendships.
Bridge tip
DO not repeat your primary suit unless you have six or more cards in that suit.
For example, if you open one spade, you have already told partner you have five (or more) spades in your hand.
News
SOME three dozen players from our club will be participating in the Australia Wide Open Pairs today. We play randomly dealt hands with the same hands also played throughout Australia in other participating clubs.
The event is organised by former Bathurst player Brad Coles, who supplies each contestant with a personal results booklet so they can compare their efforts with those of other players who held the same cards.