Scattered playing cards. Photo: Anna Shvets, pexels.com
She’s a straight-talking Cambridge farmer and agribusiness consultant with a sharp wit and a love of a good post-game wine. He’s a seasoned grand master from Te Aroha who’s been playing bridge since 1970.
Anna Kalman and Richard Solomon
Today, Anna Kalman, 55, and Richard Solomon, 73, are one of New Zealand’s most entertaining partnerships – a duo built on respect, rivalry, and resilience … with just the right amount of chaos.
When Anna first agreed to play in a bridge tournament with Richard back in 2019, she was nervous.
“He’s a much more experienced player than me,” she said.
But by lunchtime at the Huntly Christmas tournament, the nerves had mostly vanished – helped by Richard accidentally forgetting a new convention they’d only just agreed on.
“It balanced the power a bit,” said Anna. “He made a mistake, I felt better.”
Since then, their dynamic has only grown – from playing club nights in the Waikato to national tournaments and multiple Gold Coast Congresses. Despite the difference in experience, it’s a true partnership of equals.
“Richard’s a good player, sure – and he’s loyal,” said Anna. “He respects me and doesn’t put me down at the table. That’s important.”
Richard agrees: “We just seemed to hit it off – not just at the table but away from it too.”
Over the years, they’ve built more than just game strategy. They’ve built rituals – Anna always sits south to work the tech, Richard is the designated score-checker – swapped family stories, and clocked
And while their success includes big wins; like the 10A Spa Town teams win, a recent 10A in Christchurch or their first A Point Teams title in Blenheim, it’s the shared moments and occasional meltdowns that have strengthened their bond.
“We argue but we apologise. That’s key,” said Richard.
“It’s like family. Sometimes you need to walk away, then come back to it later,” said Anna.
Their relationship has grown away from the table too with Richard tagging along to Anna’s farming field days and Anna making Richard laugh… even when she loses him $100.
“She once made a scoring error that lost us $100 and several A Points. I may never forgive her… but have already done so,” said Richard.
Their playing styles differ; Richard plays aggressively, Anna more conservatively.
But their rhythm works. Richard’s proud of Anna’s progress.
“She’s becoming a good player and is now also a grand master. More competitive, more confident. I’m getting the rewards now too.”
For Anna, the magic is simple.
“You invest in each other. You get to know each other’s families. You laugh, you argue, you win, you lose – and then go out for a wine,” she said.
“There’s a difference between strong friendships and strong partnerships. Anna and I have, I believe, both,” he said.
And perhaps that’s what makes this unlikely duo so compelling – two very different lives, joined at the table – and always laughing.
Card game. Photo: Diana, pexels.com
