Morgan Johnstone: passion for bridge in video
ID
Funbridge username: BridgeBabe530
Nationality: American
Date of birth: 22 April 1998
Playing style: Creative, thoughtful and calculated
Today we are delighted to introduce you to Morgan Johnstone, an American bridge player and influencer on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Morgan is currently in the American U31 team. She previously won two international gold medals.
Hello and happy bridging! My name is Morgan, but you may know me by my social media handle, BridgeBabe530. I’ve been sharing daily videos on bridge for over a year now, aiming to bring awareness to the game, encourage beginners, educate intermediate and new players, and spark discussion amongst the community!
Interview with Morgan Johnstone
What inspired you to become a bridge influencer?
I’m a teacher at heart. I love being able to share what I’ve learned and help other people fall in love with things the same way I do. This small part that I’m doing is in a way a love letter to the game that made me who I am today.
If you had to encourage someone to play bridge, what would you say?
Bridge bridge has excitement in it for anyone who’s willing to try it: competitive spirit, an excuse to get out of the house (and perhaps travel), a common language to communicate with people of all walks of life, social circle, risk-analysis skills…
At what age did you start playing bridge?
I started playing bridge when I was 18, at the University of Minnesota. My family loved playing cards, and my grandpa would go to Cribbage tournaments. I always thought it was CRAZY! Who plays cards competitively?? Flash forward 8 years and I’ve represented the US internationally multiple times and won two gold medals… so I guess to answer my own question… I do! 😉
What are your dreams and goals as a bridge player?
One of my biggest goals is to reinvigorate the world’s fascination with bridge: we can have fun AND play bridge!
But from the playing side of things, I want to win a national championship! And after that, I’d love to play in a Bermuda Bowl…
What is your best bridge memory?
So many of them… One was in an A/X Swiss at the Ottawa Regional where I was declaring 3NT against a strong team. The hand was full of entry issues, but I played the hand in such a way that at some point it didn’t matter who won one of the last tricks, whoever won was going to be endplayed into giving me my 9th trick. After I made the contract, the table was silent, we put our cards back into the board, and then, just under his breath, my partner (and now fiance) muttered “that was dope.” That set got our momentum rolling and we wound up winning the A/X Swiss!
What do you like most about Funbridge?
I love how vibrant and in depth the platform is. It’s exciting to play on a platform that feels lively. And it’s also really helpful to get so many comparisons for the hands, and such articulate rationale behind why I could have done better!
A lot of people think that bridge is a game about rules, but really it’s a game about creativity and innovation. It’s dynamic and ever-evolving! Don’t be afraid to get out there and make the game your own. And until next time, happy bridging!
What did you think of this article?
If you like the concept or if you have any ideas for Morgan’s videos, feel free to leave her a comment!
