The Setting Trick: Conversations with World Class Bridge Players

The Setting Trick features conversations with world class bridge players, and lovers of the card game bridge from all over the world.

Ep. 99: The Setting Trick podcast with Sartaj Hans 06/19/2025

Ep. 98: From Control Room to Card Table: Tracy Brines' Unique Journey in Bridge and Nuclear Power 06/12/2025

Ep. 98: From Control Room to Card Table: Tracy Brines' Unique Journey in Bridge and Nuclear Power In this captivating episode, John McAllister welcomes Tracy Brines, whose extraordinary background spans naval service, nuclear power plant operations, and competitive bridge. Tracy reveals engaging stories from his Navy days, shares intense experiences from his time managing nuclear power plant control rooms, and discusses how these high-stakes roles shaped his bridge-playing strategies. Tune in to explore Tracy's journey—from his introduction to bridge in college, navigating intense military deployments, to competing in national bridge tournaments alongside his wife. Key Highlights: ⚓ From Navy to Nuclear: Tracy explains how rigorous Navy training prepared him for high-pressure roles in nuclear plant operations, where critical thinking and error prevention are paramount. 🔥 Critical Moments: Discover Tracy’s most intense experiences in nuclear operations, including emergency reactor shutdowns and managing complex safety protocols. 🃏 Bridge & Life Lessons: Tracy draws insightful parallels between nuclear safety protocols and bridge strategies, highlighting error prevention, risk assessment, and maintaining composure. 🏆 Competitive Drive: Listen to Tracy's experiences at national bridge events, including memorable matches against elite players, and his continuous pursuit of improvement. ❤️ Family and Bridge: Tracy shares humorous anecdotes about teaching bridge to his wife Maureen, their competitive dynamics, and their successes at tournaments. Resources & Next Steps: Follow Tracy's bridge journey at upcoming national events, including the prestigious Spingold. Explore Tracy's recommended readings, such as Mike Lawrence’s bridge strategy books. 🎧 More Stories Like This – wherever you listen to podcasts for more deep dives into the world of bridge. 📱 Follow @thesettingtrick – Stay connected on Instagram and for episode drops, tournament pics, and more. /episode/index/show/thesettingtrick/id/36978235

Ep. 97: From Hearts to Champion: John McAllister’s Personal Bridge Odyssey 06/05/2025

Ep. 97: From Hearts to Champion: John McAllister’s Personal Bridge Odyssey In a special solo episode, John McAllister shares his own personal journey into the world of bridge. John takes listeners from his first bridge game with Aunt Kathleen to major tournament wins, highlighting the mentors, friends, and unexpected encounters that shaped his bridge career. Listen in for heartfelt anecdotes, insights into learning bridge, and John’s reflections on pivotal moments and memorable players he met along the way. Key Highlights: 🎲 First Steps in Bridge: Discover how a casual game with family sparked John's lifelong passion for bridge. 🌉 Learning the Ropes: John recalls early mentorship from Chouky Neal and playing with promising talents like Jason Holderness. 🏆 Breakthrough Moments: Relive John's first significant tournament victory at the NABC and his ambitious venture into international competition. 🤝 Influential Connections: Hear stories about bridge legends and mentors like Gavin Wolpert, Jeff Hand, George Mittelman, and the late Eric Kokish. 💰 Rubber Bridge Adventures: John humorously shares his first encounter playing rubber bridge in London, meeting Zia Mahmood, and the memorable experience of cash winnings. 🌟 Major Wins: John reflects on his notable victories, including the Mitchell Board-a-Match, the Mixed Swiss, and the WBT Reykjavik Masters. 🃏 Friendship and Growth: Learn how playing with friends like Lilly Justman helped sharpen John’s competitive edge and joy for bridge. Resources & Next Steps: Follow John’s upcoming journey at the European Championships. Explore John’s documentary for deeper insights into bridge. 🎧 More Stories Like This – wherever you listen to podcasts for more deep dives into the world of bridge. 📱 Follow @thesettingtrick – Stay connected on Instagram and for episode drops, tournament pics, and more. /episode/index/show/thesettingtrick/id/36874765

Ep. 96: From Underdogs to USA-1: Inside Adam Grossack’s Epic Bridge Victory 05/29/2025

Ep. 95: Cheating, Convictions, and Compassion: Inside the American Contract Bridge League’s Recorder's Office with Jeff Edelstein 05/22/2025

Ep. 95: Cheating, Convictions, and Compassion: Inside the American Contract Bridge League’s Recorder's Office with Jeff Edelstein Ever feel like you have been cheated playing bridge online? Have you taken the time to report the pair by filing a player memo? Join John McAllister as he sits down with Jeff Edelstein, the ACBL recorder and a Grand Life Master, for a revealing conversation about the nuances of cheating detection, ethical prosecution, and the human stories behind bridge's biggest integrity challenges. From Edgar, the cutting-edge cheating detection software, to personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes insights, this episode unpacks the complexities of keeping bridge fair, and human. Key Takeaways from This Episode: 🎖️ Grand Life Master: Jeff Edelstein shares his journey, including winning the North American Pairs with Matthew Weingarten. 🧑‍⚖️ What Does a Recorder Do? – Edelstein explains his role in investigating player memos, and what happens once a complaint is filed. 📊 Edgar's Precision – Learn about Edgar, a powerful detection software designed by Franco Baseggio and Brian Platnick, which analyzes bridge hands for cheating patterns. 🕵️ Manual Investigation vs. Edgar – Edelstein describes the painstaking manual review process compared to Edgar’s lightning-fast analysis. ⚠️ Real-life Consequences – Jeff shares the story of John’s misconduct, highlighting how disciplinary processes affect players. ❤️ Compassion in Discipline – Edelstein discusses shifting from a strict disciplinary perspective to embracing compassion and rehabilitation. 🗣️ Proper Conduct – What constitutes ethical breaches and how to appropriately address suspected cheating or misconduct at the table. 🚨 Changes in ACBL Discipline – How Edgar has transformed disciplinary processes from handling a few cases monthly to managing hundreds. Resources & Next Steps: 🎧 More Stories Like This – wherever you listen to podcasts for more deep dives into the world of bridge. 📱 Follow @thesettingtrick – Stay connected on Instagram and for episode drops, tournament pics, and more. /episode/index/show/thesettingtrick/id/36678300

Ep. 94: From Iceland to Delray: Svenni Eiriksson on Friendship, Risk, and Reinvention 05/15/2025

Ep. 94: From Iceland to Delray: Svenni Eiriksson on Friendship, Risk, and Reinvention What happens when a car rental mishap, a spur-of-the-moment bridge partnership, and a life-changing move from Iceland to Florida collide? You get Svenni Eiriksson, a bridge player whose story is equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and deeply human. John McAllister sits down with his former partner and friend to relive the many twists, laughs, and breakthroughs of Svenni’s journey from Icelandic tournaments to an NABC win in the U.S. More than just a fun loving, lover of laughing, Svenni impressed John, as his partner by pulling off a trump coup without breaking a sweat. Svenni shares how bridge shaped his life, his move, and his community. Key Takeaways from This Episode: 🎉 A Bridge Friendship for the Ages – John and Svenni met at the Icelandic Bridge Festival and went on to win their first NABC title as partners. 🚗 The Infamous Car Rental Saga – A botched pickup turned Icelandic comedy of errors that somehow involved loaning one’s wife’s car to a virtual stranger. 🏆 From 9 VPs to Victory – After a disastrous start in the Soloway, their comeback led to a dramatic NABC win at the Mitchell BAM. 🇮🇸 Leaving Iceland for Bridge – Svenni moved to Florida for a directing job and ended up becoming a full-time pro player, thanks in part to the Cappelletti' hospitality. 🤝 More Than Just Cards – From laughter to late-night dinners, Svenni reminds us that the best parts of bridge are often the people. 🧠 Visualization and Technique – Why Trump Coups come easy to Svenni, and how different minds see bridge differently. 🥶 Hot Springs and Spiked Tires – John and Svenni share Iceland travel stories, winter driving, and sausage shelf life. 🏀 From OKC Fan to Life Philosopher – What NBA playoffs, bingo taunts, and emotional regulation all say about life at the table and beyond. Resources & Next Steps: 📘 Book Mentioned: 30 Minutes to Precision by C.C. Wei 🎧 More Stories Like This – wherever you listen to podcasts for more deep dives into the world of bridge. 📱 Follow @thesettingtrick – Stay connected on Instagram and for episode drops, tournament pics, and more. /episode/index/show/thesettingtrick/id/36582470

Ep. 93: John’s Jumbled Auction |It’s Your Call!| 05/08/2025

Ep. 92: Lynn Castoldi – Winning with Joy, Scarves & Spades 05/01/2025

Ep. 91: Dennis Bilde – The Danish Ace 04/24/2025

Ep. 90: Adrienne Carter: Shifting Your Mindset 04/21/2025

Ep. 90: Adrienne Carter: Shifting Your Mindset My guest today is Adrienne Carter. She claims to be an aspiring bridge player. I know her from working with her as a performance coach and mindset specialist. She has worked across industries with everyone from CEOs to poker players, and has seen a recent uptick in interested golf players following her appearance on the Chasing Scratch podcast. I reached out to Adrienne’s company, Primed Mind, in September of 2022 at the recommendation of my friend and former Setting Trick guest Nabil Edgtton, who used Primed Mind’s hypnosis services to improve his performance. You can listen to my conversation with Nabil here: You can learn more about Adrienne’s work here: Here’s an affiliate link to Primed Mind for Setting Trick listeners: Subscribers to The Setting Trick email list check your email or to subscribe click here: Episode Highlights: 4:44 – Adrienne likes working with professionals across industries and getting a taste of her clients’ work. 7:47 – “The methodology matters, but less than you think.” 14:21 – Adrienne says that every board should be treated as practice for the next one, and to avoid ruminating on mistakes. 20:16 – Evolving alongside the game 21:09 – The path to the Bermuda Bowl 30:31 – How hypnosis helps you tune into the reactions in your body 36:23 – Setting your expectations and process 44:30 – Adrienne started her career as an occupational therapist, but fell in love with poker. 53:33 – Hypnosis deals with the part of your brain that processes feelings before you consciously notice them, making hypnosis a deeply emotional process. 57:04 – The difference between occupational therapy and hypnosis 1:05:59 – Adrienne’s mother is a bridge player. 1:10:21 – “I’m so grateful to have found poker when I did.” 1:13:29 – Adrienne says that regret happens when you make a decision out of obligation, and that decisiveness helps to prevent regret. 1:20:53 – The bar for success moves throughout a tournament as you advance and increase your expectations. 1:28:31 – Adrienne’s kids are also learning through sports and games. She sees both as an opportunity to teach them about decision making. /episode/index/show/thesettingtrick/id/36251510

Ep. 89 Stefan Scorchev: Getting IntoBridge 04/21/2025

Ep. 89 Stefan Scorchev: Getting IntoBridge My guest today is Stefan Scorchev, a bridge player, friend, and the creator of IntoBridge. For those who are unaware, IntoBridge is a free platform for online bridge games. In his childhood, Stefan learned the value of online bridge as he spent hours playing bridge every day, and found that playing bridge online encouraged him compete at in-person tournaments. Stefan is the first Bulgarian guest I’ve had on the show, and I fist met him in 2012 when he played on the Bulgarian team in the Junior Nationals. We talk about in-person and virtual bridge, the unique features of IntoBridge that borrow from modern gaming, and what it’s like to run a bridge startup. You can learn more about IntoBridge on its website: Subscribers to The Setting Trick email list check your email or to subscribe click here: Episode Highlights: 4:58 – Stefan played bridge online constantly in his childhood, and moved into in-person tournaments at seventeen. He says he played bridge as much as fifteen hours a day. 12:05 – Stefan says he is the strangest looking person at tournaments because he always wears his IntoBridge merchandise. 16:05 – “We focused on inventing something that has the potential that you close it immediately and continue whenever you can.” 17:35 0:54 – Ranked matchups on IntoBridge 24:17 – The Daily exists to give people a reason to return to IntoBridge every day. 28:47 – Stefan has a lot of ideas for new bridge formats unique to IntoBridge 32:45 – Some unfortunate mis-clicks 40:12 – Bridge marketing is difficult, so word of mouth has been the best marketing channel for IntoBridge 48:22 – Running a startup is difficult as investors and employees rely on the performance of the business 56:46 – Having access to a free bridge platform as a kid was game-changing for Stefan. 57:59 – One great aspect of online bridge is that it naturally leads people into in-person bridge, encouraging them to meet more people. 1:02:41 – Stefan’s Fiance, Desi, is coming to the US Nationals for the first time. /episode/index/show/thesettingtrick/id/36251465

Ep 88: Ami Zamir – From Fishbein Glory to Fatherhood 04/20/2025

Ep 88: Ami Zamir – From Fishbein Glory to Fatherhood In this episode of The Setting Trick, John welcomes his friend and bridge phenom Ami Zamir—one half of the ACBL’s top-ranked pair of 2023. From winning major events to missing the final session of a national championship for the birth of his daughter, Ami shares the highs, the heart, and the hustle of life as a rising star in the world of competitive bridge. Ami opens up about his journey from high school sweethearts to fatherhood, his chess obsession, and what it’s like to chase glory across Europe and the U.S. with partner Oren Telodano. The two discuss how talking through hands (even off the clock) sharpens their game, the emotional rollercoaster of playing for national teams, and how coffee routines and NBA fandoms keep life on the road a little saner. Plus, you’ll hear what it was like to almost win ACBL Player of the Year—and why Ami is still laughing about it. Key Takeaways from This Episode: 👶 Bridge Meets Baby – Ami skipped the Reisinger finals when his daughter was born early. The team understood, proving real partnership goes beyond the table. 🏆 From Platinum Pairs to the Fishbein Trophy – Ami and Oren's standout 2023 included back-to-back top finishes and winning the most masterpoints at the Summer NABC. 🔥 Fights Happen, Wins Follow – After their biggest argument as partners, a long dinner conversation led to a tournament victory. Communication is key. 🎯 Pressure Is a Privilege – Whether tied in a Bermuda Bowl quarter final or in contention for Player of the Year, Ami thrives under pressure—and prefers it that way. 🧠 Daily Debriefs - Practice – Ami and Oren’s bridge “training” often centers around conversations—not drills. Talking through scenarios helps them stay aligned. 👟 Hoops, Habits, and Vegan Hacks – Ami shares his basketball battles with Adi, his vegan-at-home/freestyle-abroad food rule, and his partnership’s coffee ritual. Resources & Next Steps: 📅 Follow the European Open in Poznań – Ami and Oren will be competing with an English team in this major event. 🎧 More Stories Like This – wherever you listen to podcasts for more deep dives into the world of bridge. 📱 Follow @thesettingtrick – Stay connected on Instagram and for episode drops, tournament pics, and more. /episode/index/show/thesettingtrick/id/36235470

Ep. 87 Tuva Nilsmark: BridgeQueen 03/06/2025

Ep. 87 Tuva Nilsmark: BridgeQueen Ep. 87 Tuva Nilsmark: BridgeQueen Today’s guest is Tuva Nilsmark, who goes by BridgeQueen on YouTube. As a bridge lover and social media user, Tuva saw a gap in the YouTube landscape for bridge videos that are light, short, easy to understand, and fun to watch. She fills that gap with her tutorials and weekly Funbridge Friday videos, hoping to inspire new players to hone their skills. Bridge isn’t just community for Tuva – it’s a part of her family. Tuva’s boyfriend is Simon Ekenberg, whom she met through bridge. She also picked up bridge as a teenager to play with her grandparents, whom she promptly abandoned for stronger players. Boye Brogeland suggested I interview Tuva for this episode. You can listen to my conversation with Boye here: Subscribers to The Setting Trick email list check your email or to subscribe click here: You can follow Tuva on Instagram here: Tuva’s YouTube channel: Episode Highlights: 2:00 – Tuva is in a fantasy football league with her boyfriend Simon Ekenberg other bridge players: “Really good bridge players; they suck at fantasy football though.” 4:58 –Tuva started her YouTube channel recently, to a largely positive reception. You can watch her videos here: 8:14 – How Tuva got started in bridge 11:19 – Tuva’s father is the captain of the Swedish Open 12:48 – The first time Tuva saw Simon 15:14 – As if her bridge-playing family wasn’t enough, you might also know of Tuva’s mother, Catrin Nilsmark, who is a golfer and two-time captain of the European Solheim Cup Team. 22:15 – With her Funbridge Fridays series, Tuva hopes to show a different side of bridge. She wants to counter the overly serious image that bridge can have. 29:17 – Tuva and Simon played a bridge and golf event and beat Ola Rimstedt. 36:30 – Tuva’s first partner was her father 42:32 – The BridgeQueen YouTube channel has a video called “Learn Bridge in only Three Minutes:” 49:01 – The most pressure Tuva has felt playing bridge so far 55:04 – Tuva’s ultimate goal is to win the Venice cup 58:55 – Another long term goal of Tuva’s is beating Simon /episode/index/show/thesettingtrick/id/35553765