Spread the word! Free lessons for bridge beginners - February 2025

Forget about mindless, isolating screen games ‒ try bridge instead! 

A free Bridge Beginner's Course will kick off at our clubhouse on Thursday 13 February at 9.30am. It will run for 10 weeks and as a follow-up, supervised play sessions will continue on Thursday mornings. 

Why not check it out and make some new friends?

Bookings are essential, phone 0494 398 162 or register interest via the 'Register to Play' tab above.

So what is bridge?

Modern-day or contract bridge attracts over 32 000 players in Australia. It's a complex and intriguing card game that relies on skill and collaboration – luck plays no part. A fun workout for the brain, it offers both intellectual and social stimulation. And sometimes a very welcome escape from life’s tedium or troubles. 

A US study found that the part of the brain used when playing bridge stimulates the immune system. And recently, the US Alzheimer's Association shared a wide clinical trial from Finland that found the combination of intellectual training with social activity ‒ two of bridge's topmost benefits ‒ greatly improves memory and thinking in those at risk of cognitive decline. 

Notably, bridge requires players to coordinate as a pair or team, a very human aspect that’s missing in other ‘mind sports’ (yes that's a thing, the term is recognised by the International Olympic Committee). 

Although 'plafond' and 'rubber bridge' are centuries old (evoking images of prim old ladies in lace or bored housewives sipping G&Ts), contract bridge defies all stereotypes. A keen bridge player, tennis star Martina Navratilova says it’s “a cerebral sport [that] teaches logic, reasoning, quick thinking, patience, concentration and partnership skills." And Microsoft founder Bill Gates, a passionate bridge devotee, still plays regularly. Starting very young, he credits bridge with helping build his intellect. 

Although more is involved in bridge than other card games, anyone can learn and play it. It appeals to a range of ages, stages and physical abilities. (Dozens of under-25s contested the 2024 National Bridge Championships, the pinnacle of competition in Australia). 

Also, it’s equally (if not more!) as competitive as other games and sports but far less demanding on the pocket. 

However, be warned, bridge is very addictive. Another great American mind, Warren Buffett once said that he wouldn't mind going to jail if he had bridge players as cell mates!