Duplicate Bridge has been a social pastime in the Cayman Islands for over 55 years, started by Michael Cantin in the old Cayman Arms pub. Sir Vassal Johnson who lived in George Town was Cayman’s first Financial Secretary, also the first Caymanian to be knighted by the Queen was a quiet, dignified, gentleman who loved to play Bridge. He was Cayman’s Bridge club champion for years.

At the Cayman Islands Bridge Club, we play with the emphasis not so much on winning the game as on enjoying it.  

We are primarily a Members Club, but visitors with at least some experience of playing Duplicate Bridge are welcome to come along and play.

Our Duplicate Bridge sessions are on Tuesday evenings and Friday mornings.  We offer Beginner Play/Duplicate sessions on Monday afternoon and Thursday evening for those who would like to practice their game and gain experience in a relaxed environment. Please check the information tab for times and our address.  

We have ongoing training sessions for Beginners and Intermediate players from time to time, always posted on our website. Please follow us on social media for upcoming training events.

There is car parking available on site and game results are available at the end of play and on this website.

Please join us at the Bridge table!

"Connecting our bridge community through learning, friendship and great games."

Dear Members and Friends,

August has arrived, and although many members are still travelling during the summer months, there's plenty happening at the club. Thank you to everyone who continues to support our games, social events, and training programs.

Whether you've been playing bridge for decades or have recently discovered the game, we hope you'll find something to enjoy in this month's newsletter.

· July Highlights & Duplicate Winners
· August Schedule
· Save the Dates!  Upcoming Social Events
· Beginner Bridge Training is in October

· Tables Played

· Member Spotlight

· Bridge Bites

July Highlights

It was an active and enjoyable month at the Cayman Islands Bridge Club. The club hosted nine sessions throughout July, including Tuesday evening and Friday morning duplicate games.

Duplicate Winners

Tuesday Evening Duplicate

• July 7:  1st – Stella Wong & Ernest Jehangir | 2^nd – Irene Camillo & Derek Haines | 3^rd – Imee Callueng & Arthur Del Rosario  
• July 14: 1st  - Shevaun Davies & Maria Butler | 2^nd -  Helen Haines & LeeAnn Janissen  | 3^rd – Ernest Jehangir & Liam Walsh   
• July 21:  1^st – Stella Wong & Ernest Jehangir | 2nd – Isabel Mendes & Enfys Nair  | 3^rd  – Steve Pettitt & June Williams  
• July 28:  1^st – Ernest Jehangir & Barry Yetton | 2nd – Malcolm Todd & Liam Walsh  | 3^rd (Tie)   Angela Garfinkel & LeeAnn Janissen, Alex Wood & Judy Cowper (visitor)   

Friday Morning Duplicate

• July 3: 1^st (tie) – Paul Canham & Elaine Brown, Shevaun Davies & Derek Haines  |   3^rd  – Bug Cruickshank & Irene Camillo   
• July 10  1st – Helen Haines & Lyn Bodden  | 2^nd – Bug Cruickshank & Irene Camillo  | 3^rd – Paul Canham & Jenny Vanbergen    
• July 17:  1st – Bug Cruickshank & Irene Camillo   | 2^nd  – Elaine Brown & Sharon Philbrick  |  3^rd – Paul Canham & Jenny Vanbergen      
• July 24:  1st – Paul Canham & Jenny Vanbergen    | 2^nd  – Shevaun Davies & Derek Haines | 3^rd – Barbara & Peter Frischman
• July 31:  Results not posted online

Congratulations to everyone who participated throughout July. Every table contributes to making our club active and welcoming, and we look forward to seeing many more great games in August.

August  Schedule

Monday and Thursday beginner sessions remain on summer break and will resume in October.

Weekly sessions:

• Tuesday: 6:15 PM – Duplicate Bridge
• Friday: 9:15 AM – Duplicate Bridge

As usual, please sign up for all sessions on RSVP Bridge.

If you have difficulty signing up or need help with your username or password, please email caymanbridgeclub@gmail.com.

Scheduled Training

Bridge grows one new player at a time. If you know someone who has always wanted to learn, we'd appreciate your help spreading the word. Friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family members are all welcome.   Previous students who would like a refresher are also very welcome.

Audrey Grant Bridge Classes – October 2026

Whether you're new to bridge or ready to build on your skills, our Audrey Grant Bridge Classes are a fun and structured way to learn. Each course includes classroom instruction, guided practice sessions, and your course book.

Book 1 – Learn to Play Bridge

Cost: CI$200 (includes Book 1)

Classroom Instruction (Instructor: Claude Yonnet)

• Saturday, October 3: 9:30–11:30 a.m. & 2:00–4:00 p.m.
• Sunday, October 4: 9:30–11:30 a.m. & 2:00–4:00 p.m.

Practice Sessions (Highly Recommended – Instructor: Claude Yonnet)

• Monday, October 5: 7:00–9:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 7: 7:00–9:00 p.m.
• Thursday, October 8: 7:00–9:00 p.m.

Book 2 – Continue Your Bridge Journey

Prerequisite: Completion of Book 1

Cost: CI$120 (includes Book 2)

Classroom Instruction (Instructor: Claude Yonnet)

• Saturday, October 10: 9:30–11:30 a.m. & 2:00–4:00 p.m.
• Sunday, October 11: 9:30–11:30 a.m. & 2:00–4:00 p.m.

Practice Sessions (Highly Recommended – Instructor: To Be Determined)

• Monday, October 12: 7:00–9:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 14: 7:00–9:00 p.m.
• Thursday, October 15: 7:00–9:00 p.m.

We encourage all students to attend the practice sessions—they're one of the best ways to build confidence, reinforce what you've learned, and prepare for playing duplicate bridge.

To register or request additional information, email caymanbridgeclub@gmail.com or WhatsApp (345) 936-4811.

Social Events

Here is a preview of some exciting events planned over the coming months. Mark your calendars—we hope you'll join us!

October 2026
Wine, Cheese & Bridge at the Club
Tuesday, 6 October 2026

November 2026
BRINGO: Bridge + Bingo!
Date: To Be Announced

December 2026
Christmas Luncheon
Friday, 4 December 2026
Immediately following Friday morning duplicate.  Location: Hosted at the home of Angela Garfinkel, Crystal Harbour

January 2027
Bridge & Blooms
Bridge Club with a Garden Party Vibe
Date: To Be Announced

February 2027
Annual Bridge Tournament
Wednesday, 10 February 2027 (Ash Wednesday)

March 2027
Bridge Club Goes to Pom Pom
Social evening at Pom Pom (rooftop bar, Indigo Hotel, Seven Mile Beach)
Date: To Be Announced

2026 Tables Played

The good news is that July attendance increased by 7% compared with July 2025 —a very encouraging sign as we head into the second half of the year.  This follows June’s impressive 18% increase over the previous year. 

For the year to date, our table count is down 10%.   

Please continue to sign up to play as often as you can.  Every table matters.  Thank you for helping our club remain active, welcoming, and enjoyable for players of all experience levels.

Member Spotlight – Ernest Jehangir

This month we're pleased to shine the spotlight on Ernest Jehangir, a familiar face at the bridge table whose enthusiasm for the game, thoughtful approach, and competitive spirit make him a valued member of our club.

Ernest's bridge journey began remarkably early. At just nine years old, his parents volunteered him as the fourth player to complete a table. A colleague of his father's taught him the game, and he honed his skills playing three-handed bridge, also known as cutthroat bridge. That unconventional start had an unexpected benefit. "Playing three-handed taught me the art of overbidding," Ernest laughs, "so I had to learn declarer play very early to make the contract after overbidding!"

For Ernest, bridge is all about the challenge of solving the puzzle. He loves searching for the right line of play, but admits that defence is where the game becomes especially rewarding. Nothing compares to working seamlessly with a trusted partner to defeat a strong pair. Ernest especially enjoys bidding slams, but says his greatest satisfaction comes from defending accurately with a trusted partner—particularly Renee.  "A good partnership is based on trust and respect," he says.

Originally from England, Ernest has called the Cayman Islands home for the past nine years. Like many who relocate here, the sunshine was a major attraction. "The sun was the biggest attraction to escape the English cold and rain," he says. Away from the bridge table, Ernest is a doctor who also enjoys music. He plays the piano and sings with the CNCO choir. At home, he shares life with his wife, Shyla, and Whisky, his "crazy Cayman mutt."

When asked what advice he would give to newer bridge players, Ernest offered some words of wisdom that every player can appreciate: "Follow the Golden Rules. Playing safe will never improve your game. Live a little and take a risk. You're expected to make mistakes—just don't make the same mistake over and over. And it’s not a good idea to partner with your spouse."

That willingness to keep learning, trust your partner, and embrace the occasional risk is part of what makes bridge such a fascinating game—and why players like Ernest continue to inspire those around them.

Thank you, Ernest, for sharing your story with us. We look forward to seeing many more well-bid slams—and perhaps a few brilliant defensive plays—at the club!

Bridge Bites

Bridge Tip #1 –  High Cards Aren’t Everything!

It's exciting to pick up lots of aces and kings—but long suits can be just as valuable.

A hand with five or six cards in one suit can often win extra tricks after your opponents run out of that suit.

When evaluating your hand, don't just count high-card points. Also notice:

• Long suits
• Short suits (singletons or voids)
• Good suit quality

Bridge is about taking tricks—not just counting points.

Bridge Tip #2 – Every Card Has a Purpose
Expert defenders know that every spot card they play sends information to partner.

A seemingly insignificant 2, 6, or 9 can indicate:

• attitude (encouraging or discouraging),
• count (odd or even),
• or suit preference.

Accurate signaling helps your partner visualize your hand and often leads to defeating contracts that otherwise make.

Remember: Great defense isn't just about taking tricks—it's about communicating with partner using the cards you're allowed to play.

Bridge Tip #3 – Your Opponents Are Your Guests for the Next 8 Minutes
One of the best traditions in duplicate bridge is treating your opponents with the same courtesy you would offer guests in your home.

That means:

• Greet them with a smile.
• Avoid criticizing partner or opponents.
• Congratulate a well-played hand.
• Thank everyone before moving to the next table.

A little kindness makes every game more enjoyable.

Thank you for being part of the Cayman Islands Bridge Club. Whether you play every week or join us whenever you can, your participation helps make our club welcoming, vibrant, and fun. We look forward to seeing you at the bridge table soon!

Warm regards,

Cayman Islands Bridge Club
Management Committee