I feel that we in the bridge community (is there one? Am I in it?) haven’t made enough of a song-and-dance about Andrew Robson being awarded an OBE in the Queen’s new year’s honours list. It’s been nearly 20 years since a bridge player was honoured in this way (the last was Nicola Smith in 1995), and it’s richly deserved: Andrew has done more than anyone in this country to promote the game.
In fact, his club in Parson’s Green is the only place I feel completely confident in sending people who want to learn. Bridge players can be a pretty rude and intimidating lot, but Andrew has instilled a zero tolerance policy: no bad behaviour at all. He himself sets a fantastic example, strolling around, patiently answering questions and being friendly to one and all.
But don’t be fooled by that benevolent smile — at the table, he’s as merciless as the next pro.
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