Last November, I had the incredible opportunity to compete in a national bridge tournament hosted by the ACBL in San Francisco—an experience that marked a true highlight in my lifelong journey with bridge games.

I've played Duplicate Bridge for over 10 years,  and after six months of dedicated study and practice with my team, I specifically prepared for the Winter Nationals in San Francisco. 

I arrived with a suitcase filled with books and notes, ready to play from 8 AM to 8 PM for four exhilarating days. Our efforts paid off as we achieved first place three times and second place once, making the event both thrilling and deeply rewarding. Walking into the convention center, filled with rows upon rows of card tables, was awe-inspiring and symbolized the vibrant community that bridge creates.

This achievement was especially meaningful as it brought back memories of playing in a tournament with my father, a Life Master, in the Midwest, in 1976. While that earlier experience was far from successful, this moment felt like a tribute to his legacy; as I looked across the sea of tables, I felt his spirit and shared love of the game. At Spades & Company in Plymouth, Minnesota, we strive to create these same meaningful connections—helping players learn to play bridge, advance their skills through bridge lessons, and build lasting friendships. Bridge is more than a game; it’s a journey of connection, growth, and lifelong engagement, and I’m honored to share that passion with our community.