Tell Me About Bridge
How bridge is played
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 of the basics - and even if you haven't you can still learn.
Bridge is a game of skill
Although the shuffling and dealing of the cards introduces an element of chance, bridge is not a game of luck, any more than golf or tennis. You can get a bad bounce or find your ball in the rough, but over any period of more than a few deals, the better partnerships will outplay the less strong partnerships.
That same element of mixing the 52 cards gives bridge its variety – there are over 635 billion possible hands which you can be dealt.
In duplicate bridge the element of skill is further enhanced by comparing the results of partnerships, all competing with identically dealt hands (hence the name duplicate).
Bridge is a social game
Although increasingly you can play bridge over the internet and through a computer program, the game is at its most lively when people play at a friendly club or at someone’s home. Whether playing against long-time adversaries, familiar faces or complete strangers, the personalities you will meet at the table share a special bond of friendship through their passion for one of the greatest games ever. Whether celebrating in the bar afterwards after a great victory, or just discussing your next overseas holiday between rounds, the pleasure of the bridge environment is uniquely social. With over 300,000 bridge players in England alone, we’d love you to join us.
And by the way, bridge is a game where the human still beats the computer!
http://xkcd.com/1263
Bridge is challenging
Bridge is about competitive challenge – you and your partner are pitting your wits and mental agility against those of your adversaries. You may or may not think of yourself as naturally competitive, but at the bridge table even the most docile of kittens have been known to turn into ruthless killers. Whatever your level, every game presents the personal challenge of playing better than before and moving towards your personal goal.
All the factors that contribute to make great champions in other sports are important in winning at bridge: concentration, accuracy, technique, stamina, resilience, the ability to cope with time pressure, staying alert, remaining calm, willingness to learn and improve - but also a sense of fun, an ability to relax and an ability to laugh when things go wrong.
Bridge is a partnership game; you and your partner are as one in competition, working together. In some competitions, you may be grouped with other partnerships to form a team. Supportiveness, teamwork and willingness to do your homework together are all key elements in driving success.
Although bridge has been popular for decades, the game continues to develop – with numerous websites, apps and a vast literature, staying abreast of the latest theory and ideas provides a test for those who seek the pinnacle of the game.
Bridge opens doors
Bridge is a game played world-wide, and thanks to the mechanics of bidding boxes and the fact that the international language of bridge is English, you can walk into a club and play the same game in Istanbul as you play in Ipswich. With tournaments and competitions at club, local, national and international level there is every opportunity to indulge in your favourite game around the world. And with many operators offering bridge related holidays, cruises and tours, an increasing number of people are choosing holidays which combine bridge with travel to exotic locations.
Anyone can play
You don’t have to be a genius to play bridge. Logical thought, basic numeracy and good memory skills are certainly helpful, but through regular play, you will be amazed at what you can achieve and how bridge can enhance your brainpower.
Women compete with men at the highest levels of the game. It is very much a game for both genders.
The current holders of the Bermuda Bowl (World Championship) includes players aged between 27 and 67.
Bridge knows no boundaries: age, social, geographical or physical. Players around the world from primary schools to retirement homes can play. The best and most passionate players in the world can be found among all age groups and demographics.
