The bridge champion Ben Norton

Ben Norton will invite you to pit yourself against him in a special Funbridge Points tournament. And since good news never comes alone, if you score higher than the champion, you’ll get 25 Diamonds!

Ben Norton’s interview

🚩How did you get into bridge?

I used to play whist with my grandparents around the age of 11. I found that I really enjoyed playing with cards, especially tricky-taking games, and soon learnt to play bridge while at secondary school, mainly by playing a lot at school and at the local club, and by reading plenty of bridge books.

🔝What’s your national ranking?

In England, we have a National Grading System (NGS) designed to rate the current form of any player in the country. I have the highest rank in that regard (an ace of spades). We also have master points. I’m ranked as a Life Master in that regard (not the highest rank, but I’m only 24 and master points come with time).

🏆What’s your playing record?

I tend to win a lot of events each year at a national level. Internationally, I have represented England many times at junior level (over 20, by my count). I now play for the England open team and, having qualified from the European online qualifier in August, we will be representing England in the Bermuda Bowl this March/April.

✨What’s your best bridge memory?

Probably being selected for the England open team for the European Championships of 2020 (which had to be delayed several times due to the pandemic) in partnership with Mike Bell.

💪Which achievement are you most proud of?

It has to be qualifying for the Bermuda Bowl. It’s the most prestigious event in bridge. Ask me in a few months and I’ll say “playing in the Bermuda Bowl”.