Bridge | 17 February 2024

I always put on weight when I play in bridge tournaments: the build-up of stress and concentration makes me ravenous.

Sally Brock often reminds me of the time, many years ago, that we played in the women’s trials at the YC, which was then based in Earl’s Court. When it was over, she asked if I’d like to join her and a few others for dinner at a local Italian. I told her that, unfortunately, I had other plans. In truth, I was craving junk food. Fifteen minutes later, Sally and co were sitting at a window table, when they saw me walk past stuffing a Big Mac into my mouth. Ten minutes later, Sally saw me walk past again, this time scoffing KFC drumsticks from a bucket.

Last weekend was Stage 1 of the Women’s European Trials – 144 boards over three days – and let’s just say I won’t go anywhere near the scales for a while.