Susanna Gross

Thirty minutes from the south and west coasts of the Algarve is Monchique, an area of rolling hills, mountains, and rocky outcrops with a beautiful landscape and breathtaking sea views. The landscape of Monchique is reminiscent of Tuscany, with its picturesque villages and steep, narrow roads winding up into the mountains. It presents greenery, forests, fields, and fertile soil. Orange and lemon orchards abound, and fresh, drinkable water springs from the earth.

In almost any other sport, it would be unheard of for a parent and child to reach the highest level together, let alone be partners. Apart from anything else, most young people don’t particular want to eat, sleep, compete and socialise with a parent. But bridge appears to be the exception. There are several famous parent-child partnerships. Age is no barrier; there’s no fear of being called a ‘nepo baby’ (if you can’t play, you’re out), and it seems to suit everyone.

Recently, at the end of a gruelling bridge tournament, I must have been deliriously tired, because as I was thinking about how hard it is to focus on every aspect of the game, a nursery song popped into my head: ‘Heads, shoulders, knees and toes, Heads, shoulders, knees and toes…’ Actually, I don’t think it was as mad as all that.