Susan Love
Part Two:
At a national tournament in Houston, Kathy O’Connell played against a man who was impressed by her skill and determination. “He said he liked the cut of my jib,” Kathy laughs. He approached her with an offer to play as a professional—a role where players are hired by clients to partner them in tournaments—for an agreed-upon fee, plus all expenses. Kathy accepted, marking the start of her pro career.
“I gained a couple more clients, and then a couple more,” she says. Kathy enjoyed the competitive side of playing pro. Her bold style and quick thinking led to several strong finishes. But what she loved even more than the games themselves was the analysis that followed. “The best part was between and after sessions when we’d go over the hands,” she says. “Breaking down what worked, what didn’t, and why—that’s where the real magic happened.”
Teaching How to “Think” Bridge
Her true passion emerged in teaching. She had a unique approach: Rather than focusing on rote mechanics, she wanted her students to understand the why behind the game. “I wanted to teach people how to ‘think’ bridge, not just play it,” she explains. “I was drawn to students who craved a deeper understanding—the inner workings of the game.”
This philosophy led Kathy to focus on intermediate and advanced lessons where she could dive into the nuances of strategy, bidding systems, and card play. Her classes became a haven for players who wanted to go beyond the basics.
Kathy’s teaching style was analytical yet encouraging. She often started with a hand from a recent session, walking her students through the thought process behind each decision. “Bridge is about patterns and logic,” she says. “Once you learn to see the game that way, it opens up a whole new world.” Her students appreciated her patience and her ability to make complex ideas accessible, often leaving her classes with a renewed love for the game.
A 15-Year Legacy and a New Passion
While Kathy still loves bridge, she has recently found a renewed passion for Texas Hold ‘em Poker. “I never played poker growing up, but now I’m hooked,” she says. “There’s something about the bluffing, the psychology, the risk. It’s a whole new challenge, and I’m loving every minute of it.” This shift reflects Kathy’s lifelong love for cards and her eagerness to explore new games, even after taking on one as complex as bridge.
For anyone who has sat at Kathy’s table, whether as a partner, opponent, or student, one thing is clear: She didn’t just play the game—she taught others to understand its heart, one hand at a time. And now, as she shuffles a new deck for Texas Hold ‘em, Kathy continues to prove that her passion for cards is as strong as ever.