Young Bridge Champions: Our Journey, Community, and the Game That Changed Our Lives
When people hear the word "bridge," many picture a group of retirees quietly shuffling cards in a community center. But for us—Ethan Derman and Katie Sullivan—bridge is anything but an "old lady game." It's a vibrant, competitive, and deeply social pursuit that has shaped our lives in ways we never expected. In this post, we want to share our journey into the world of bridge, the community that welcomed us, the mentors who guided us, and the unforgettable experiences we've had on and off the tournament floor.
How We Got Started: Family, Curiosity, and a Pandemic
Our stories both begin at home. For me (Katie), bridge was a family affair. My mom has played for as long as I can remember, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, she finally convinced me to learn the rules. Soon, most of my family was playing—except for one brother, who we're still working on! When I went to Amherst College, Michael Xu started a bridge club, and that’s where my passion for the game really took off. Katie later continued that passion at UVA.
Ethan’s journey was similar. His grandmother tried to teach him bridge when he was younger, but it wasn’t until the pandemic that he truly got hooked. Wanting to get closer to her, he started playing regularly, and from there, the wheels just kept turning. What started as a way to connect with family quickly became a lifelong passion.
The Bridge Community: More Than Just a Game
One of the most surprising things about bridge is the community. It’s not just about the cards—it's about the people. Bridge is a multi-generational activity, and we both have friends ranging from our own age to people in their 80s. The bridge world is welcoming, supportive, and always ready to help newcomers. Whether it’s a world champion volunteering to coach juniors or a peer offering advice after a tough match, the sense of camaraderie is unmatched.
We’ve both experienced this firsthand. The bridge community is filled with people eager to give back, and we’ve benefited from the generosity of mentors, coaches, and fellow players who genuinely want to see us succeed.
Explaining Bridge to Friends: Chess, Poker, and Breaking Stereotypes
When we try to explain bridge to our friends, we often compare it to a mix between chess and poker. Like chess, bridge is a game of deep strategy and problem-solving. Like poker, it involves reading people and making calculated risks. But bridge is unique in that it’s a partnership game—you can’t succeed alone.
Despite its reputation as an "old lady game," bridge is fiercely competitive and attracts players of all ages. We love sharing stories of international tournaments, where kids and adults from around the world come together to compete, learn, and have fun.
Tournament Life: International Competition and Lifelong Friendships
Some of our most memorable experiences have come from playing in major tournaments, including the Youth World Bridge Championships in Italy. Competing on the world stage is exhilarating—there’s nothing quite like facing off against teams from 20 different countries, each bringing their own style and energy to the table.
But it’s not just about the competition. The friendships we’ve formed with peers from Israel, Sweden, Denmark, and beyond are just as important as the trophies. Late-night adventures, side bets, and shared victories (and defeats) have created bonds that will last a lifetime.
The Role of the United States Bridge Federation (USBF)
The USBF has been instrumental in our development as players. Unlike the more open American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) events, the USBF requires tryouts for world championship teams, making the process both challenging and rewarding. They organize training groups, provide mentors, and support junior players with resources and funding.
Our first experiences with the USBF were intimidating—imagine being a teenager, barely able to write a proper email, reaching out to legends of the game! But the program quickly became the best thing for our bridge careers, pushing us to improve and connecting us with coaches who truly care.
Coaching and Mentorship: The People Who Made Us Better
We owe so much to our coaches and mentors. People like Aaron Silverstein, Mitch Dunitz, and Barry Goren have not only taught us the technical aspects of bridge but also helped us develop the mental toughness needed for high-level competition. They know when to push us, when to let us rest, and how to build a team that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
Their dedication goes beyond the game—they answer every question, explain every nuance, and celebrate every milestone with us. We’re also grateful to the many others who have supported junior bridge, from intensive training groups to one-on-one partnerships.
Skills for Life: Problem-Solving, Communication, and Confidence
Bridge isn’t just a game—it’s a training ground for life. It builds problem-solving skills, sharpens our minds, and teaches us how to communicate and collaborate. Unlike chess or poker, bridge requires true partnership. Success comes from working together, trusting your partner, and learning from every hand.
These skills have helped us academically and professionally. Many USBF juniors go on to attend top colleges, and the discipline, focus, and teamwork we’ve learned at the bridge table translate directly to the classroom and beyond.
Fun, Camaraderie, and Gratitude
Of course, it’s not all serious. Some of our favorite memories involve side bets, late-night antics, and the kind of inside jokes that only bridge players understand. If there’s ever a movie about our bridge adventures, we’d want Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston to play us—because why not?
Above all, we’re grateful. To our parents, who encouraged us; to our mentors, who guided us; and to the bridge community, which welcomed us with open arms. Bridge has brought so much joy, opportunity, and friendship into our lives, and we can’t wait to see where the journey takes us next.
Conclusion: Why Bridge Matters
Bridge is more than a card game. It’s a community, a challenge, and a source of lifelong learning and friendship. For us, it’s been a transformative experience—one that we hope more young people will discover. If you’re curious about bridge, don’t let the stereotypes fool you. Give it a try. You might just find yourself hooked, too.
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Check out your local bridge club, reach out to the ACBL (acbl.org), or download an online bridge app. The world of bridge is waiting—and it’s more exciting, welcoming, and rewarding than you might think.
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