Playing their cards right

Nearly two dozen teams participated in the National Bridge Tournament at the Otago Bridge Club yesterday and Saturday.

Otago Bridge Club captain Phil Noye said it was the first time in many years that Dunedin had hosted a national tournament.

Players from as far as Auckland competed, while the youngest teams featured secondary school students.

"At the other end of the scale, we had players who have been with the club for more than 50 years", Mr Noye said.

"It’s a great game because it requires intense concentration, a good memory and the ability to work in pairs. You have to maintain focus over several hands."

The winning team featured Auckland’s Malcolm Mayer, Zachary Yan and Lysandra Zheng and Otago’s Nick Bailey.