Cards, competition, and champions: A thrilling day at Lahore Gymkhana Club

Cards, competition, and champions: A thrilling day at Lahore Gymkhana Club

Asher Butt

There's something magical about the focused silence of a bridge tournament – the gentle shuffling of cards, the occasional murmur of strategic discussion, and the palpable tension as players calculate their next move. Yesterday's Open Pairs tournament at the historic Lahore Gymkhana Club delivered all of this and more.

When strategy meets skill

The August 14th Open Pairs event brought together some of Lahore's finest bridge minds for what turned out to be an absolutely riveting competition. With two distinct sections running simultaneously – East/West and North/South – the tournament floor buzzed with the kind of intellectual energy that only serious card players can generate.

The numbers tell the story

North/South Section Drama:

The North/South pairs delivered some truly spectacular play, with Waqaruddin Vicky and Air Commodore Sadfar, whose military precision translated beautifully to the bridge table was absolutely dominating, the field. Their 263/55-point performance wasn't just impressive – it was masterful. Starting strong with 146.50 points in the first session, they absolutely crushed the second session with 118.20  points, leaving their competitors in awe.

Hot on their heels were the experienced duo of Zia Hyder and Ahsan Qureshi with 257.95 points. The battle for third place was equally intense, Sajid Nabi Malik and Rashid Nabi Malik with 120.45 and 119/50 sessions secured the bronze position at 239.95 points.

East/West section excitement:

The East/West section proved equally competitive, though with a different flavor of drama. Hamza and Shani emerged victorious with 264.70 points, showcasing the kind of consistent play that wins tournaments. Their steady performance across both sessions (118.20 in the first, 146.50 in the second) demonstrated that sometimes, consistency trumps brilliance.

Arslan M. and Khalid M. fought valiantly for second place with 249.70 points, while Farrukh Liaqat and Junaid Said rounded out the podium positions with a solid 240.90-point performance.

More than just cards

What struck me most about yesterday's tournament wasn't just the quality of play – though that was undeniably high – but the camaraderie among competitors. Bridge has this unique ability to bring together people from all walks of life, united by their love for strategic thinking and mental challenge.

The Lahore Gymkhana Club, with its rich history and elegant ambiance, provided the perfect backdrop for this intellectual sporting event. The club's commitment to maintaining high standards in recreational activities was evident in every detail, from the perfectly organized scoring system to the quality of the playing environment.

Recognition where it's due

True to the club's tradition of excellence, cash prizes and trophies were awarded to the top four pairs in each section. It's this kind of recognition that keeps the competitive spirit alive and encourages players to continuously improve their game.

Watching the prize ceremony, you could see the genuine joy on the winners' faces – not just for the monetary rewards, but for the acknowledgment of their skill and dedication to the game.

Looking ahead

Events like these remind us why bridge continues to thrive in an age of digital entertainment. There's something irreplaceable about the human element – reading your opponents, communicating with your partner through subtle cues, and the satisfaction of executing a perfectly planned strategy.

For those who missed this tournament, keep an eye out for the next one. Whether you're a seasoned player or someone curious about the game, the Lahore Gymkhana Club's bridge events offer a perfect blend of serious competition and social engagement.

Until the next deal is shuffled, the cards have spoken – and they've declared yesterday's tournament an unqualified success.

Interested in joining future bridge tournaments at Lahore Gymkhana Club? Contact the club for upcoming event schedules and membership information.

Tournament Results

East/West Section Winners:

1st Place: Hamza/Shani - 264.70 points

2nd Place: Arslan M./Khalid M. - 249/70 points

3rd Place: Farrukh Liaqat/Junaid Said - 240/95 points

4th Place: Farooq Alvi/Sarfraz - 229.86 points

North/South Section Winners:

1st: Waqaruddin VICKY/Air Cdr Sadfar - 263.55 points

2nd: Zia Hyder/Ahsan Qureshi - 257.95 points

3rd: Sajid Nabi Malik/Rashid Nabi Malik - 239.95 points

4th: Rubina Agha/Ghias Malik 238.75 points