Opinion | Bring Bridge Back to the Table (Published 2005) (2024)

FAQs

Is bridge a good game? ›

Why Bridge Is A Great Game. Bridge is the perfect balance of fun and logic. You get easily drawn in by the many rounds and thoroughly invested with your teammate. Since bridge is a partner game, it's perfect for a small group of friends.

The gradual relaxation of church opposition to card playing, but not to gambling, stimulated acceptance of auction bridge, a game most often played without stakes and never for high stakes in the sense that gambling games are.

Bridge and chess are the only "mind sports" recognized by the International Olympic Committee, although they were not found eligible for the main Olympic program.

Each player in rotation must follow suit to the card led (play a card of the same suit). A player unable to follow suit may play any card, including a trump, if desired. A trick is won by the highest card of the suit led or by the highest trump, if it contains any.

Its fans include real-life notables, past and present, as well as literary figures such as Charlie Brown's dog and super-spy 007. And, yes, it's absolutely still a thing. The American Contract Bridge League, which bills itself as the largest bridge organization in the world, currently boasts more than 165,000 members.

Researchers have discovered that mentally challenging games such as bridge are well suited for older people because the games offer intellectual . Contract bridge, or simply bridge, is a trick-taking card game using a standard 52-card deck. In its basic format, it is played by four players in two .

It takes only rudimentary knowledge to begin playing and enjoying bridge, but be forewarned: this is not an easy game to learn, and it's even more difficult (most say impossible) to master. But that's precisely why bridge is so popular, and why it's called "the game for a lifetime".

Bridge is a sport based on skill, not luck

Unlike other activities involving cards, it is only good play, and not good cards, which means you will win.

Bridge teaches you logic, reasoning, quick thinking, patience, concentration and partnership skills."

The game of Bridge has its origins in Whist (a call for silence) and dates back to the 1500s. The word bridge is thought to be an English translation of the Russian word Biritch (Russian Whist). In the 1900s bridge became England's most popular card game, replacing whist.

What is a trick in bridge? ›

A trick consists of four cards, one from each player in turn, clockwise around the table. Hence, there are 13 tricks to be won on each deal. The first card played to each trick is called the lead. • If it is your turn to lead, you may play any card in your hand.

"Double Dummy Contract Bridge is the most realistic 'Bridge for Two' game that I know of, especially for experienced players. I also recommend it for couples who wish to improve their Contract Bridge game."

Bridge is good value for money. It requires very little in the way of equipment and is thus a relatively inexpensive pastime. Unlike poker, it is not usually played for money.

Rule of seven

The rule assumes play in a 3NT contract and is as follows: Subtract from seven the total number of cards that declarer and dummy hold in the defenders' suit and duck their lead of the suit that many times.

The elite game of bridge requires an ability to read people and cards strategically, careful management of impressions and gameworthiness through preparation and planning, managing mistakes and supportive silence.

The game is played by four people with a pack of playing cards. You play as part of a pair, one pair against another. Every deal is different and although the game is not hard to learn, one of its attractions is the challenge of playing really well.

Bridge can be a lifelong pursuit.

It takes only rudimentary knowledge to begin playing and enjoying bridge, but as any player will tell you, this is not a game for those who demand instant gratification. Learning to play well takes time and effort, and the game is impossible to master.

Widely considered to be one of the hardest card games to play. Ever. Bridge is a four-player, trick-taking game, where you'll be divided into two partnerships and work with a 52-card deck.