GUELPH – The Guelph Bridge Club offers intellectual exercise and entertaining competition in a supportive social setting, and they’d like to teach you how to play the game.
Bridge involves thirteen cards, with bidding to determine which suit becomes trump and how many tricks the team who won the bid must take.
On September 17 the Guelph Bridge Club (GBC) will offer “Introduction to Bridge.” This event includes instruction from 10am to 4pm, with lunch provided at its Grange/Victoria location.
Anyone can learn the game, and it is particularly easy for people who already play similar games, such as Euchre.
Bridge has been played since the 16th century, which is a testament to the powerful combination of challenge and enjoyment that the game offers.
The GBC was established in 2009 and has grown to over 500 participants. During the pandemic, members moved to a live online format for games. Now they have carefully returned to face-to-face play for the full enjoyment of interaction with opponents.
The famous actor Omar Sharif, who was a master bridge player, once said, “many games provide fun, but Bridge grips you. It exercises your mind. Your mind can rust, you know, but Bridge prevents the rust from forming.”
It is not necessary to have previous experience, and single players are welcome. The GBC offers a series of follow-up lessons for players with a wide range of ability. There are also coaching sessions where novice players can benefit from advice during social game play. For experienced players the GBC has Open level matches, Swiss Team events and a variety of tournaments.
Whether you’re newly retired or just moved to Guelph, the GBC is an organization that can offer stimulating company and enjoyable challenges.
Learning to play bridge is a skill that will offer social opportunities worldwide. Tennis star Martina Navratilova said, “no matter where I go, I can always make new friends at the bridge table.”
For more information about the Guelph Bridge Club, or to register for the September 17th introductory event go to www.guelphbridgeclub.org .
