Parent - Child Duplicate
On Friday June 14, 2013 the first ever Parent-Child duplicate game was held at the Bridge Center in Mountain View. Eight pairs of young bridge players ages 10 to 18 partnered with either a parent or grandparent in this event, with high scorers earning American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) masterpoints.
Silicon Valley Youth Bridge (SiVY Bridge) and Club Director Will Watson held the game to offer younger players an opportunity to get to know each other while sharing an evening of bridge with a parent or grandparent.
To some, this may seem like just another bridge event. But there were several unique aspects:
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Ages 10 – 70. In bridge, age is just a number. Other than at a Youth event, when are there ever 8 players under the age of 18 in a single bridge game?
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Family Fun. Kids, Parents, Grandparents can happily play together. This was our first game where every pair was related!
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Beginners and Experts. Players ranged from first timers to a grand life master, all sitting side-by-side - an opportunity we have in bridge that no other sport offers.
No matter the age or experience level, all had a great time, enjoying each other’s company, pizza and snacks, and a great game of bridge.
Claire Duffey (13) and grandfather Fred Schwerer face off against Felix (12) and Curtis Chen.
Claire and her twin brother Cornelius were taught by their grandparents; Mom and Dad also play bridge. Claire likes the game, and says it is different from other card games because no matter how much you learn there is always more to improve on. She says that it’s cool playing with her grandparents, and she likes playing with Cornelius since they are at roughly the same level. Cornelius says the game makes him think, and he, too likes playing with his grandparents and sister.
Felix Chen participated in the recent bridge class at Stanford Splash and has just been playing a few months and says he enjoys the social aspect of the game. Felix’s father Curtis was a member of the ACBL in the 90’s, but had lost touch with the game. This opportunity to partner with his son inspired Curtis to renew his own ACBL membership.
Kevin (16) and Michael Rosenberg faced Carol Schwerer and grandson Cornelius Duffie (13).
Michael Rosenberg is a Grand Life Master and multiple world champion bridge player. His son Kevin became a life master last fall and plans to enter the World Youth Teams in Atlanta in July. Michael and Kevin placed 2nd in Flight A. Cornelius Duffie played with his grandmother, Carol Schwerer; the pair finished 2nd in Flight B.
Michael Hu (10)-Qing Lu defend a hand while Isha Thapa (18) plays. Isha’s father Mukund is not pictured as he was the photographer.
Michael was not only the youngest person there, but also came home the winner of Flight B!
Isha and Mukund are regular partners and were the overall winners of the event. Isha has been playing bridge since middle school and plays both online and in tournaments when she’s not busy with school. Dad Mukund says that being able to spend time with his teenage daughter enjoying this game is the highlight for him, as he is certain it would be for most fathers, mothers, or grandparents.
Bo and Brent (12) Xiao play against Bill and Bolton (17) Bailey.
Bo Xiao taught his son Brent at home, along with his mother and sister. Brent says the game is fun and passes time. Bill and his son Bolton just returned from competing in the US Nationals Chess Tourney, but they also like bridge because it’s a way for them to enjoy playing a game as partners.
Game Results
Our bridge games are American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) sanctioned awarding masterpoints (MP) to high scorers. ACBL membership is not required for our games but is strongly suggested. You can join online or at the Bridge Center on the night of an event. Adult membership is $28 for the first year and junior membership only $15 per year. Both include a monthly print magazine and registration of masterpoints (start earning towards becoming a Life Master!).