220 million people play bridge, all over the world. Fans of bridge are e.g. James Bond, Radiohead, Martina Navratilova, Bill Gates and Omar Sharif. What makes bridge such a popular game?
Bridge is social You get to meet new people and make new friends at bridge. Golden Bay has 50 members, young and old, all ages. You play bridge with a partner and get to play with different partners throughout the year depending on the competition being played. Communicating with your partner is really important and another skill you get to learn.
Bridge is fun and exciting Bridge is challenging for the brain like chess, it has the suspense of poker and the competitiveness of a sports game. Bridge has it all.
With contract bridge you play against the other tables of players who play the same cards. This is completed by the end of the session and depends on the movement being played. This makes it a very exciting game. Its all about finding the best bid with your partner and playing the cards as best as you can.
After 10 lessons you get a good understanding of bridge, and will be able to play. The learning however keeps on going. People who have played for 30 years say that they still learn new things and that the game is never boring.
Bridge is an addictive game. You often end up looking forward to the next time you get to play bridge. Hoping that you can do better this time....
Fitness for the brain Bridge is a very good mental workout. You have to use your memory, logical thinking and calculation, concentration, communication and problem solving skills. Bridge stimulates both sides of your brain. That makes it unique.
Health benefits Bridge not only keeps your brain active, but it is also a boost for your immune system. By playing bridge you produce a higher number of white blood cells. People who play bridge regularly also have 2.5 times less chance of developing Alzheimer's disease.
Good value for money Play three hours of bridge for only 5 dollars. That's less than the cost of a cup of coffee!