Victoria, B.C. — Five talented local bridge players are set to represent Canada at the prestigious World Bridge Championships this Fall. Michael Roche, Daniel Lyder, Gordon McOrmond, Michael Hargreaves, and James McAvoy have honed their skills over years of competitive play and are excited for the opportunity to compete on the international stage.
The group secured their spot at the World Championships by winning a competition sponsored by the Canadian Bridge Federation in May 2024.
Michael Roche (Grand Life Master, Canadian Hall of Famer) and his young partner, Daniel Lyder, qualified for the Open Pairs event, while Gord McOrmond and Mike Hargreaves qualified as part of a Senior Team.
They will be accompanied by non-playing Captain, James McAvoy (Grand Life Master), who will be sharing his extensive experience representing Canada at 6 World Championships. He will set lineups and coach the team in strategies for specific opponents.
*Photograph Confetti Cards by Phil McOrmond
“We feel fabulous about qualifying, having been underdogs in winning the Canadian trials” says Daniel Lyder about his first World Championships. “I was extra happy for our team, because relative to other competitors, we had significantly less experience.” adds his expert partner, Michael Roche.
Each member brings unique strengths to the table but one thing they all have in common is the ability to perform well under pressure, keep their emotions in check, be flexible and stay positive. “Have fun and play well, is my mantra” says Michael Roche.
The World Bridge Championships, held every two years, gather the best players from 116 countries around the globe, making it a highly competitive event. This year’s championship will take place in Argentina, providing not just a chance to compete but also to experience a rich culture.
The World Bridge Federation, which hosts the World Bridge Championships, is recognized by the International Olympic Committee.
Duplicate Bridge is a Sport!
The team has been preparing intensely, refining their custom systems, practicing their bidding and playing for several hours every week. They hope to, not only perform well, but also foster connections with players from different countries.
Photograph by Phil McOrmond
As they prepare for their journey, the group emphasizes the camaraderie and friendships built through bridge. “The mental challenges of bridge are a big attraction for me” shared Mike Hargreaves, “but probably the most important would be the social aspect. I have played bridge in 8 different countries and been greeted with open arms even where little English is spoken.”
For those unfamiliar with duplicate bridge, it’s a card game that combines elements of strategy, psychology, and teamwork. Unlike rubber (kitchen) bridge, luck plays a minimal role in duplicate bridge, as all pairs play the same hands. This format ensures that success is determined by skill rather than the luck of the deal.
Mike Hargreaves further explains: “It also offers near infinite variability. For example, in chess, every game starts with exactly the same board layout but in bridge there are hundreds of billions of combinations. One literally never plays the same hand twice.” Because of this “No matter what your level of experience, you can play a hand against the best players and have a chance to beat them”, Michael Roche explains. There is always an exciting new challenge ahead that keeps players coming back for more.
Daniel Lyder adds: “Bridge is basically the only game left where the best humans can beat the best computers. The contextual understandings in partnerships allows them to communicate with their cards at a level unmatched by computers. Bridge is the total package in terms of strategy and teamwork. Bridge is also unique in that it’s a game of fierce ethics. Under the rules of the game, you must alert your opponents to every understanding that you and your partner possess and that creates levels of sportsmanship unheard of at high levels of almost any other competitive endeavour”.
The local community has rallied behind the team, organizing fundraising. “The local bridge community has been exceptionally supportive. I know the 5 of us from Victoria really appreciate the kind words and the efforts to help with the travel costs.” says Mike Hargreaves.
With their sights set on the championships, Roche, Lyder, McOrmond, Hargreaves and McAvoy are ready to take on the world, hoping to bring home not just memories but also some accolades for their community.
Follow the World Bridge Games here:
http://championships.worldbridge.org/16th-world-bridge-games-2024
Victoria (ACBL Unit 431) is a fertile training ground for high-achieving bridge players. We have more Grand Life Masters per capita (7) than any other Canadian city as well as a thriving bridge community with games at 2 clubs and online that cater to all levels of experience.
Entry level competitive bridge offerings include Mentor and Duplicate Light (play and learn) games that make growing one’s skills a fun experience with opportunities to ease upwards when ready. In addition, ACBL Unit 431 can help find a partner, if needed.
If you would like a new challenge and a taste of duplicate bridge, see our local ACBL Unit 431 website for more information: https://bridgevictoria.ca/
Specific Victoria Bridge Centre information can be found here: http://www.victoriabridgecentre.ca/
By Catherine Mustafa (250.744.7780, cmustafa@shaw.ca
On behalf of ACBL Unit 431
Victoria, B.C. Canada
September 2024
*The image of the group, Confetti Cards, captures the essence of duplicate bridge — a game steeped in strategy and skill, yet brimming with unexpected twists and shared experiences. However, the cards fall, every hand played, whether triumphant or troublesome, is part of a larger narrative woven through countless tournaments and social gatherings. Yet, those fleeting moments of flying cards remind everyone that behind the competitive edge lies a community united by their love for bridge, its complexities, and the occasional serendipity that comes with it. In the end, it’s not just about winning or losing but about the connections formed and the joy of playing together.