Episode 15: Steve Weinstein
Steve Weinstein speaks highly of his partners, demands a lot out of his students and plays to win. As a 17 year old, Steve became the youngest ever winner of a North American Bridge Championship, winning the Life Master Pairs with his stepfather Fred Stewart. While Steve is one of the best professional bridge players in the world, he considers himself “lucky that I have gotten to do things that I’ve loved and enjoyed and (I’ve) never had a job.”
Today, his regular partner is Bobby Levin whom Steve describes as “without a doubt, unquestionably one of the best players in the world.” When asked what makes them such a formidable pair Steve said their biggest strength is they “we consistently hit the ball hard to the opponent’s backhand.”
A constant theme in our conversation is the importance of focus. From watching the spots at the table to not mixing bridge and poker, which Steve also plays at a very high level. Steve sets an excellent example for anyone wanting to be the best they can be. Make sure your goals and actions are in alignment and enjoy the wins.
Highlights from the Episode:
2:35- Steve’s negative experience with interviews
6:00- Steve comments on the success of the Bay Area Youth bridge
7:40- Steve’s philosophy in deciding whether to mentor somebody in bridge
10:30- Steve’s experience with poker and his poker coach
14:25- Steve’s prep work with Bobby Levin
19:50- Steve’s opinion on raising with only 3 card major
23:35- Steve’s answer on what makes his partnership with Bobby Levin so dominant
26:50- Why Steve likes to sit out second quarter in a KO match
28:35- How Steve prepares himself before a match
33:00- Is Steve a better player than Jacek Kalita?
36:20- Steve’s competitive nature
39:00- Why Steve loves bridge
45:25- Steve’s comment about the tendency to rush and finish too quickly in bridge
49:35- How Steve met his wife
53:45- Steve’s thoughts on his bridge hero, Paul Soloway
58:10- Steve’s career before professional bridge
1:04:50- The impact of 9-11 on Steve
1:10:00- How Steve and Bobby Levin started playing together
1:21:00- Why Steve prefers Serious 3NT
1:23:00- Steve’s ending thoughts on the state of youth bridge in America
Enjoy this conversation at:
https://soundcloud.com/john-mcallister-221670174/meet-steve-weinstein-1