Partners in Life and in Bridge – Interview with Shane and Jessica
Shane Harrison and Jessica Brake are two of Australia’s leading bridge players, as well as partners at the table and in life. We spoke to them about how they started, what drives them, and how they make their partnership work.
Shane, who introduced you to bridge, and was it in Adelaide where you grew up?
My mum taught me to play in Adelaide when I was 13. She had played in her university days, and when I showed an interest in the game we started playing at our local bridge club.
Jessica, your father introduced you to bridge at 14. Did it click straight away?
I was hooked instantly. My mother was glad I was spending some quality time with my father, but both my parents thought it was important that I focused on school, so I was only allowed to play in the school holidays.
What do you both love about the game?
Shane: I love the challenge. The game is so varied and always presents unique problems. Even in the most boring hands there is always something a better player can tell you you are missing. I also love the social side. I have met so many good friends, and my life partner, over the bridge table.
Jessica: It is the people as much as the game. Bridge has introduced me to so many great friends, and of course Shane.
How did your competitive journeys begin?
Shane: I started playing in youth competitions in Adelaide when I was 15. I convinced my best friend from school to learn and we were lucky enough to represent the South Australian Youth Team the following year. My first interstate tournament was Youth Week in Canberra. I was hooked right away and tried to play as many open events as I could, although school and then university did get in the way.
Jessica: I started playing competitions a few years after learning, when the Queensland Youth Team was desperate for players for the Interstate Championships. I was paired with Andy Hung, who was already an expert. That event was in Darwin, and that is where I met Shane.
Jessica, what was your first representative team?
In 2016 I was part of the Australian Girls Team. We played in the World Youth Championships in Italy and won the silver medal.
Looking back, which achievements stand out the most?
Shane: The most surprising was winning my first Open National Tournament in 2017. It was a real moment of realisation that I could do this. The most satisfying was representing Australia with Jess at the World Championships last year. Our partnership is still relatively new, so I am proud of what we have achieved together.
Jessica: Winning the Open Butler with Shane in 2024 was very satisfying. It is a tough six day pairs event and it had been 17 years since a woman last won it.
You have both had success with different partners. What works for you as a partnership?
Shane: I like to keep things simple in our system and defence. I prefer clear, blanket agreements rather than trying to cover every detail. I do most of my practice online, which helps as you see more hands in less time. Most importantly, always be kind to your partner. If they are trying their best, that is all you can ask.
Jessica: Shane is very easy going, so even if we disagree about a bid, we never argue. We do not discuss hands at the table. It is much better to wait until the end of the day and go through things properly, usually with a glass of wine.
You have had a big 12 months together. What is behind that success?
Shane: A lot of it comes back to trust and consistency. We keep things simple and focus on doing the basics well.
Jessica: We support each other and do not dwell on mistakes. That makes a big difference over a long event.
Was there a point where bridge became a career?
Shane: I moved to Sydney about ten years ago. A friend offered me a directing job at the club he was managing. I had no idea what I was doing at the time and did not expect to still be working in bridge almost a decade later. More opportunities came up and I feel very lucky to have built a career in the game.
Jessica: When I first moved to Sydney I was working as a casual teacher, while also doing some directing and teaching bridge. I realised I enjoyed teaching bridge more and decided to make the switch.
What personal attributes help you at the table?
Shane: I would say consistency and discipline. I enjoy not making mistakes almost as much as making good plays.
Jessica: I am kind to myself and my partner. I know I will make mistakes, so I do not dwell on them. I focus on the next hand. I am also happy to take my time when facing a tough problem.
Jessica, what advice would you give intermediate players?
Working on defence, especially attitude signals, can make a big difference. Also, knowing whether a bid is forcing or not is crucial. Too many players jump when they do not need to, or pass when they must bid.
