Jeff Meckstroth, one of the most celebrated figures in the world of competitive bridge, has had a storied career that many aspire to but few achieve. In a candid interview, Jeff reflects on his journey, the challenges he's faced, and the strategies that have set him apart in this complex and competitive game.

The Slow Start to a Brilliant Career

For a player who has accumulated over 100,000 master points, Jeff's journey didn't begin with instant success. In fact, he describes himself as a "slow starter." It took four years before he won his first regional event, a feat that was much more difficult at the time due to the structure of the competition. Unlike today's divided games, there was only one open game where everyone competed together, making victories harder to come by.

Jeff's first significant win came in 1975 when he and his partner, Milton Neher, won the district Grand National Teams. This win marked the beginning of a winning streak that saw Jeff transition from a good player to a great one. The accumulation of master points, he notes, is a reflection of playing frequently and having the best team at these regional events.

Overcoming Challenges and Learning from the Best

Throughout his career, Jeff has faced numerous challenges, both at the bridge table and in his journey to mastering the game. One particularly memorable moment was playing with Barry Crane, a legendary figure in the bridge world. Barry had unique rules and strategies that were difficult to adapt to, and it was the only time Jeff recalls being brought to tears at the bridge table. However, these experiences only strengthened his resolve and understanding of the game.

Jeff also credits his early playing experiences with his father and other notable players like Russell Shoop and Dennis Day for shaping his approach to the game. His father, who played a significant role in Jeff's early bridge education, constantly lectured him on controlling his temper—a crucial lesson that Jeff carried forward when he started playing with others.

The Art of Partnership

Bridge is a partnership game, and Jeff emphasizes that having a strong, compatible partner is essential to success. In a previous interview with Audrey, he discussed the importance of rooting for your partner, even when mistakes are made. This mindset, along with his ability to be a good partner, has undoubtedly contributed to his long-lasting success in the game.

Jeff's partnership with Eric Rodwell, with whom he developed many strategies and conventions, is a testament to this. While Eric was the main "scientist," Jeff would often help hone and refine the strategies they used, leading to innovations that have impacted modern bridge.

Balancing Life and Bridge

Despite his immense success, Jeff is a private person outside of the bridge world. He keeps his personal life and bridge life separate, enjoying both but not allowing one to overshadow the other. This balance has allowed him to maintain his love for the game while also enjoying a fulfilling personal life.

Advice for Aspiring Players

For those just picking up the game, Jeff advises to simply enjoy it at any level. He cautions against trying to make a career out of bridge without first securing a solid education and career, as bridge will always be there. For those aiming to reach the highest levels, his advice is clear: find a good partner. Bridge is a partnership game, and the strength of that partnership often determines success.

The Future of Bridge

Looking ahead, Jeff sees live bridge continuing in some form, despite the increasing popularity of online play. For him, there is no substitute for the thrill of playing cards in person. The game has evolved significantly during his career, with opening bids becoming lighter and strategies shifting accordingly. Yet, Jeff's adaptability and deep understanding of the game have allowed him to stay at the top, and he remains optimistic about the future of bridge.

Jeff Meckstroth's journey from a slow-starting player to one of the most successful bridge players in history is a testament to his dedication, adaptability, and love for the game. His reflections offer valuable insights for players at all levels, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, partnership, and passion in achieving greatness in bridge.