The best bridge players in Queensland are Logan locals and their chemistry is unmatched.
Kevin Hamilton-Reen and Mary Simon are partners in what they describe as a “card game where you auction your hand” for a better one.
The goal is to trick the competing partnership and collect a greater hand.
Mr Hamilton-Reen and Ms Simon said success in bridge required a strong partnership.
“You’ve got to be mathematically minded,” Mr Hamilton-Reen said.
“It teaches you to use to use your brain and it teaches you social skills”.
“It’s also good for warding off dementia,” Ms Simon added.
The Bridge enthusiasts recently competed in the Gold Coast Bridge Congress and were awarded the title of best Queensland team.
This particular competition spanned eight days, and according to Mr Hamilton-Reen, the duo played for five hours a day.
“But we do get a lunch break,” Ms Simon said.
Mr Hamilton-Reen and Ms Simon travel almost three hours a week to play.
“Once you start playing Bridge you can’t stop,” she said.
“It’s very addictive.”
But they admitted the game was a mental minefield and could often make them feel “annoyed” with each other.
“You need to have a pokerface, which I don’t have,” Mr Hamilton-Reen said.
Mr Hamilton-Reen has played bridge for over 10 years and was president of the Beenleigh Bridge Club before its closure.
“When Covid reared its ugly head… we had to fold,” he said.
After he closed the Beenleigh Bridge Club, Mr Hamilton-Reen joined the club in Mount Tamborine.
The pair travel up the mountain twice a week to pursue the hobby.
“We want to encourage more people to come to Tamborine to play,” Ms Simon said.
Members of the Tamborine Mountain Bridge Club participate in more than just bridge – they organise trivia nights, Christmas in July and other social events.
