New Delhi, Aug. 23 -- As a child, Anshul Bhatt was fascinated by how his grandparents fanned out the orderly suits of red and black cards. He was six years old, sitting cross-legged on the family dining table, observing a round of satyo. There was little that he followed at the time, yet he was back the following day to closely observe them play. The interest was enough for his grandfather to locate a teacher who could guide him through the fundamentals of bridge. A year later, Bhatt played his first tournament at the Indian Gymkhana in Mumbai.

"There was excitement to see a seven-year-old at the table. My opponent jokingly said he was intimidated to play me, because he was scared of losing. I've been lucky to have this encouragement eve...