Steve, the Bridge Streamer

ID

Funbridge username: Rabidbean

Nationality: British

Playing style: I prefer card play and defense over bidding. Online, I’ve sharpened my game and I enjoy squeezes, endplays, backward finesses, and other personal techniques. I like being deceptive as declarer, but often only when there’s no legitimate line. My style is solid, but I enjoy taking liberties, especially with 4-card overcalls…

At what age did you start playing bridge?

I learned the basics of bridge at the age of 8 with my grandmother; it was one of the many card games I played as a child. I picked up bidding around the age of 11, when my father used me as a substitute player in his evening bridge classes. Later, he took me to the club when I was about 13 or 14, and I haven’t stopped ever since.

If you had to encourage someone to play bridge, what would you say?

It’s the best game in the world, a lifelong hobby that you keep mastering. It’s also a wonderful social environment: you travel, you play a magnificent game, and you meet extraordinary people.

What is your best bridge memory?

I have two memorable memories. The first was during the final qualifying round in Brighton: we had to make 4♣ doubled to reach the A final. 3NT was cold, and going down in my contract meant elimination. I realized that my only chance was if clubs were 6-0… and they were!

The second is more symbolic: in 2021, at the European Championship, the teams collectively boycotted an opponent who fielded a player banned for cheating. After the scandals of 2015/16 and the self-kibitzing during Covid, it was a powerful statement by the community against those who damage the game.

What inspired you to become a bridge influencer?

It all started with my streams on Twitch. I was broadcasting board games, math, cryptic crosswords, and eventually, bridge.

That allowed me to connect with players from all over the world. Inspired by Daniel Negreanu’s daily vlogs at the World Series of Poker, I tried the same thing at the 2023 Chicago Nationals: filming each day and publishing a video that same evening. The experience lasted ten days and made me want to keep going. Today, I still film my tournaments, but I take more time with the editing and spread out the releases.

What are your dreams and goals as a bridge player?

I don’t have a very specific goal. I like winning, but I know I’ll never be a world champion. Playing again for England one day would be nice, even though I’m not aiming for international competition right now. What attracts me the most is traveling and discovering tournaments I’ve never played in. I would have loved to go to the Gold Coast, but it seems that’s over. On the other hand, the Chairman’s Cup in Sweden interests me a lot, as does the Pula tournament, which I’ve heard great things about.

What do you like most about Funbridge?

I haven’t played much on Funbridge yet, but I’ve done a few challenges; so I’d say what I enjoy most is beating my friend Magnus in the 1-on-1 challenges he keeps sending me.