The Setting Trick: Conversations with World Class Bridge Players

Ep: 107: Adam Parrish on Leveling Up, Writing Bridge Books and What It Takes to Win at the Nationals

In this episode, I sit down with Adam Parrish, a two-time winner of the American Bridge Teachers Book of the Year Award, host of the Leveling Up podcast, and author of six bridge books. Adam spent…

Ep. 106: Avery Silverstein on Junior World Championships, Family Bridge Mentorship, and Chasing Gold

In this episode, I sit down with Avery Silverstein, a 17-year-old bridge prodigy who has fallen hard for the game. Despite her young age, Avery has already earned two medals at the Junior World…

Ep. 105: Teaching Bridge to a New Generation with Maya Jonas-Silver

I was inspired to interview Maya Jonas-Silver, because of this post she made on Bridge Winners bemoaning the lack of playing opportunities for her recent bridge initiates. After winning the 2023…

Ep. 104: From Water Polo to World Championships with Ethan Derman

In this episode, I sit down with Ethan Derman, a remarkable young talent who just got accepted early decision to the University of Virginia. Ethan shares his journey from playing baseball and water…

Ep. 103: Antonio Palma Finally Breaks Through After Seven Straight Finals Losses

I'm thrilled to welcome Antonio Palma from Portugal to the show today. Antonio has had an incredible run of second-place finishes in recent years, including the Rosenblum, European Mixed…

Ep. 102: Ella & Julie – Denmark's Rising Stars in Women's Bridge

In this episode, John McAllister sits down with Julie Marina Sigsgaard and Ella Rosthøj, two young Danish players whose friendship, partnership, and love of bridge have taken them from neighborhood…

Ep. 101: Emanuel Unge – All in for Bridge, Building the Premier Bridge Practice Tool

In this episode, John McAllister sits down with Emanuel Unge, the creator of Cue Bids, the hottest app in bridge today. Emanuel shares how he discovered bridge at age 25. After years of poker and…

Ep. 100: Christina Lund Madsen – Bridge's Master Mixer

In this episode, John McAllister sits down with Christina Lund Madsen, a writer, journalist, tournament organizer, and world-class competitor, coming off of winning her third European Mixed Team…

Ep. 99: Eat Like Gold: David Gold on Bridge, Food, and Playing with Legends

This is a long anticipated conversation for our host John McAllister as he finally sits down with English star David Gold. David considers himself lucky to play with legends Zia Mahmood for the North…

Ep. 99: The Setting Trick podcast with Sartaj Hans

Ep. 98: From Control Room to Card Table: Tracy Brines' Unique Journey in Bridge and Nuclear Power

In this captivating episode, John McAllister welcomes Tracy Brines, whose extraordinary background spans naval service, nuclear power plant operations, and competitive bridge. Tracy reveals engaging…

Ep. 97: From Hearts to Champion: John McAllister's Personal Bridge Odyssey

In a special solo episode, John McAllister shares his own personal journey into the world of bridge. John takes listeners from his first bridge game with Aunt Kathleen to major tournament wins,…

Ep. 96: From Underdogs to USA-1: Inside Adam Grossack's Epic Bridge Victory

In this unforgettable episode, John McAllister sits down with Adam Grossack, fresh off his team's stunning victory in the US Open Trials. Adam shares candid stories from the tournament, detailing how…

Ep. 95: Cheating, Convictions, and Compassion: Inside the American Contract Bridge League's Recorder's Office with Jeff Edelstein

Ever feel like you have been cheated playing bridge online? Have you taken the time to report the pair by filing a player memo? Join John McAllister as he sits down with Jeff Edelstein, the ACBL…

Ep. 94: From Iceland to Delray: Svenni Eiriksson on Friendship, Risk, and Reinvention

What happens when a car rental mishap, a spur-of-the-moment bridge partnership, and a life-changing move from Iceland to Florida collide? You get Svenni Eiriksson, a bridge player whose story is…

Ep. 93: John's Jumbled Auction |It's Your Call!|

Ep. 92: Lynn Castoldi – Winning with Joy, Scarves & Spades

In this episode, John interviews Lynn Castoldi, fresh off two huge wins at the Spring NABC — the 10K Knockout Teams and the Women's Swiss Teams, the latter by a razor-thin margin of just 0.13 VPs.…

Ep. 91: Dennis Bilde – The Danish Ace

In this episode, John sits down with Dennis Bilde, one of Denmark's top bridge talents and a player with a reputation for being both formidable at the table and fun to be around. Dennis shares…

Ep. 90: Adrienne Carter: Shifting Your Mindset

My guest today is Adrienne Carter. She claims to be an aspiring bridge player. I know her from working with her as a performance coach and mindset specialist. She has worked across industries with…

Ep. 89 Stefan Scorchev: Getting IntoBridge

My guest today is Stefan Scorchev, a bridge player, friend, and the creator of IntoBridge. For those who are unaware, IntoBridge is a free platform for online bridge games. In his childhood, Stefan…