<p>In this episode, I sit down with <strong>Ethan Derman</strong>, a remarkable young talent who just got accepted <strong>early decision to the University of Virginia</strong>. Ethan shares his journey from playing <strong>baseball and water polo</strong> to becoming a <strong>junior</strong> <strong>world championship medalist</strong> in bridge. We dive into our dramatic <strong>Vanderbilt comeback</strong> against the heavily favored Rubenstein team featuring Zach Grossack, Michael Rosenberg, Joe Grue and Brad Moss. Where we were <strong>down 62 IMPs</strong> at the half. Then pulled of one of the most satisfying wins I've ever experienced. Ethan goes into his difficult decision to <strong>quit competitive baseball</strong> to focus on bridge, and how that choice has shaped his path forward.</p> <p>We explore how <strong>water polo taught him teamwork</strong> and mental toughness that translates directly to the bridge table. Ethan discusses his partnership with <strong>Avery Silverstein</strong>, training with legendary player <strong>Chip Martel</strong>, and invaluable coaching from <strong>Aaron Silverstein</strong>, Avery's dad. From winning <strong>silver and bronze medals</strong> at junior world championships to balancing <strong>college applications</strong> with tournament play, Ethan has a big future ahead in the game. His summer plans include playing multiple European tournaments as well as the nationals and world championships.</p> <h3>Key Highlights:</h3> <p> <span>•<span>      </span></span> <span>🎓 <strong>UVA Early Decision:</strong> Ethan shares the emotional moment of getting accepted to UVA early decision, his top choice</span>. Though he's not sure how much he'll be involved with <strong>Hoos Playing Bridge,</strong> the UVA club.</p> <p> <span>•<span>      </span></span> <span>🏆 <strong>The Epic Vanderbilt Comeback:</strong> How our team, Silver</span>setin <span>and the Destroyers, rallied from down 62 IMPs at halftime to defeat the 8th overall-seed.</span></p> <p> <span>•<span>      </span></span> <span>🥈 <strong>World Championship Medals:</strong> Ethan recounts winning silver in the Under-16 and bronze in the Under-21 world championships, including dramatic qualification battles and playing against the best junior teams in the world.</span></p> <p> <span>•<span>      </span></span> <span>⚾ <strong>Choosing Bridge Over Baseball:</strong> The difficult decision to quit competitive baseball despite being on track for college recruitment, and how falling in love with bridge made that choice clear.</span></p> <p> <span>•<span>      </span></span> <span>🤽 <strong>Water Polo's Impact on Bridge:</strong> How being a varsity water polo player taught Ethan about teamwork, handling pressure, and the goldfish mentality of forgetting the last board, essential skills for competitive bridge.</span></p> <p> <span>•<span>      </span></span> <span>👨‍🏫 <strong>Training with the Best:</strong> Ethan's structured training regimen</span> have at times <span>include</span>d <span>weekly sessions with Chip Martel, one of the winningest players in ACBL history, and constant mentorship from Aaron Silverstein.</span></p> <h3>Resources &amp; Next Steps:</h3> <p> <span>•<span>      </span></span> <span>🎧 <strong>More Stories Like This</strong> - Subscribe to</span> <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/al/podcast/the-setting-trick-conversations-with-world-class/id1345780835" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"> <span>The Setting Trick</span></a> <span>wherever you listen to podcasts for more deep dives into the world of bridge.</span></p> <p> <span>•<span>      </span></span> <span>📱 <strong>Follow @thesettingtrick</strong> - Stay connected on</span> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thesettingtrick/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><span>Instagram</span></a> <span>for episode drops, tournament pics, and more.</span></p> <h3>Chapter Timestamps:</h3> <p>0:00 Introduction and Welcome</p> <p>1:45 Getting Into UVA Early Decision</p> <p>5:41 Future Bridge Goals and Summer Training Plans</p> <p>8:36 Training with Chip Martell</p> <p>12:06 The Importance of Mentorship in Bridge</p> <p>15:17 First Meeting and Playing Together</p> <p>22:39 Starting Bridge and Playing with Paul Holmes</p> <p>26:46 Traveling Solo to Tournaments</p> <p>30:13 Family Background and Bridge Heritage</p> <p>32:58 College and Career Goals in Finance</p> <p>35:31 Balancing Bridge with Future Career</p> <p>37:17 Water Polo and Its Impact on Bridge</p> <p>42:38 Aaron Silverstein as Coach and Mentor</p> <p>43:17 The Epic Vanderbilt Comeback Against Grue-Moss</p> <p>50:10 Quitting Baseball to Focus on Bridge</p> <p>54:31 Under-16 World Championship Silver Medal</p> <p>01:01:04 Under-21 World Championship Bronze Medal</p> <p>01:07:45 The Importance of Aaron's Coaching</p> <p>01:12:32 Beating Team Rubenstein - Biggest Achievement</p> <p>01:14:04 Playing on Vugraph Against World-Class Players</p> <p>01:19:54 Summer Bridge Tour Plans in Europe</p> <p>01:22:27 Friends' Reactions to Bridge Career</p> <p>01:26:11 Wrap Up and Looking Ahead</p>