10 Reasons to Play Bridge

1. Keep Your Mind Active

Bridge gives your brain plenty to think about. You have to remember information, recognise patterns, consider possibilities and make decisions throughout the game.

2. Exercise Your Memory

Remembering cards that have been played, following the bidding and keeping track of what might still be in the other players' hands are all part of the game.

The more you play, the more naturally these skills develop.

3. Improve Your Concentration

Bridge rewards paying attention. You need to follow the play, understand what your partner and opponents are telling you and think about what might happen next.

4. Keep Learning

There is always something new to discover in bridge. You can learn new bidding ideas, improve your card play, explore different strategies or simply become more confident at the table.

It is a game where you can continue learning whatever your age or experience.

5. Make Decisions and Solve Problems

Every hand presents a new puzzle. What do you think your partner has? What cards are the opponents holding? Which card should you play next?

Bridge encourages you to weigh up information and make decisions with incomplete knowledge.

6. Meet People

Bridge is a wonderfully social game. You sit around a table with other people, talk, share experiences and enjoy a common interest.

For many players, the people they meet are just as important as the cards.

7. Enjoy Regular Social Contact

Having a regular activity gives you something to look forward to. A bridge session can provide an enjoyable reason to get out, meet people and spend time together.

You don't have to be naturally outgoing either. The game itself provides an easy way to meet and interact with people.

8. Challenge Yourself — Without Being Athletic

Bridge offers plenty of challenge without requiring you to be physically fit. It is a game of thinking, judgement, communication and partnership.

You can enjoy the challenge whether you're playing casually or taking part in competitive events.

9. Have Fun

Sometimes the best reason to play bridge is simply that it is fun.

There is the satisfaction of finding the right play, the excitement of making a contract and the occasional surprise when a hand turns out very differently from what you expected.

10. It's Never Too Late to Start

Bridge is a game for people of all ages and abilities. You don't need to have played cards seriously before and you certainly don't need to be an expert mathematician.

You can start with the basics, learn at your own pace and gradually build your confidence.