Ep. 101: Christina Lund Madsen – Bridge’s Master Mixer

The Setting Trick: Conversations with World Class Bridge Players

In this episode, John McAllister sits down with Christina Lund Madsen, a writer, journalist, tournament organizer, and world-class competitor, coming off of winning her third European Mixed Team Championship.

Known for her sharp wit and fearless bidding, Christina shares how she uses storytelling to connect people, celebrate the game, and show bridge as more than just cards on a table.

From her unlikely appearance at a European junior camp to her eventually becoming a world champion, Christina opens up about balancing motherhood, career, and competition, and why laughter and vulnerability matter as much as trophies.

Key Highlights:

• ✍️ Stories That Stick: In her writing, Christina aims to uncover the humor, heartbreak, and humanity of bridge. Here she captures the essence of bridge icon Zia Mahmood.

• 🌍 On the World Stage: Memorable moments from competing internationally and what those experiences taught her.

• 🎭 Behind the Curtain: The pressures and rewards of finding students/sponsors to play in top-level tournaments around the globe.

• 👩‍👧 Life Off the Table: How motherhood and divorce reshaped her identity and her approach to competition.

• ❤️ The Real Wins: Why Christina believes friendships, stories, and joy outlast medals and rankings.

Resources & Next Steps:

• 🌟 Support women in bridge.

• 🎧 More Stories Like This – Subscribe to The Setting Trick wherever you listen to podcasts for more deep dives into the world of bridge.

• 📱 Follow @thesettingtrick – Stay connected on Instagram and for episode drops, tournament pics, and more.