Learn to play bridge

Bridge is fantastic for all ages and backgrounds - learn how to play, now!

To find out the contact details of your nearest bridge teacher or bridge club which are offering lessons this autumn:

Bridge is one of the most popular activities in the world, played by people aged from age 6 to 106.

If you are not familiar with how bridge is played then watch this video for an overview. If you have played other 'trick-taking' games such as whist or hearts then you already know more than enough - and even if you haven't you can still learn.

Bridge is great fun, at whatever level you choose to play. You may wish to only play 'socially', or you may wish to play competitively at a local, national or, ultimately, an international level. Whatever your standard you can have great fun, and make great friends, playing bridge.

Bridge is a partnership game, and played against other partnerships - which sometimes combine in to teams. There is therefore a much greater social element than in similar mind sports such as chess.

"No matter where I go, I can always make new friends at the bridge table"
Martina Navratilova, tennis legend

Unlike more physical activities there are no barriers to who can participate. It can therefore be enjoyed by everyone, young and old and all ages in between.

Bridge is a relatively simple game to learn, but is also a game you will never completely master. The mental challenge therefore appeals to many people, and the mental exercise it provides is proven to keep your brain sharp - helping you at school, at work, or in retirement. Of course you can also choose to just play 'for fun' at whatever level you feel comfortable - but once you start you will likely want to keep improving.

"Bridge is utterly compulsive once it has got hold of you. It isn’t too hard to learn and the joy is that you can play it and actually start enjoying it before you get very good. You can take it on at any level that you want.
The big problem is that very soon after you start you want to be brilliant."
Alex James, bassist in Blur

Whilst a head for figures and logical thought may help you to learn quicker, there is nobody who cannot be taught how to play. The skills needed to play bridge are things that anyone can pick up. Do not be put off trying because you think you won't be able to do it - give it a try and a bridge teacher will likely prove you can.

To find out the contact details of your nearest bridge teacher or bridge club which are offering lessons this autumn: