There are many good books on bridge. This is the book you need to start with. In the first 15 pages you will learn what little you need to actually play bridge and none of the stuff that makes it so complicated.
If you decide you like the game and want to get more competitive then read and study the next 75 pages. Bridge is a complicated game and I can’t soft soap that, however with this book you are in good hands (slight pun). I have played competitive bridge and earned my Silver Life Master status (top 20% in the American Contract Bridge League). I have been teaching bridge for 10+ years and have hundreds of students who will tell you that I have been able to present the material in a logical and understandable way using a building block approach so that each new concept is not a huge leap from what you learned before. I emphasize logic rather that memorization.You will find clear concise descriptions, examples, practice hands and something new to the world bridge education - Flowcharts.
If you aren’t sure you want to learn bridge, here is what AARP says about the greatest mind sport ever.
Learning bridge can have many benefits, including:
- Mental stimulation: Bridge is a cerebral sport that can challenge the mind and stimulate both sides of the brain. It can help develop skills like logical thinking, problem solving, sequencing, visualization, and observation.
- Social engagement: Bridge can provide opportunities to meet, talk, and play in a safe environment with others. It can help teach communication skills, teamwork, cooperation, and tolerance.
- Academic enrichment: Bridge instruction can help students meet state standards for subjects like math and language arts.
- Communication Skills: Get in the habit of listening to what your partner is saying and making clear messages to her about your hand.
There is some anecdotal evidence that people who have played bridge before their cognitive decline will be able to continue playing well into their journey through these awful diseases.
For some people Bridge has a bad reputation. Duplicate bridge, which is a formalized, competitive form of bridge has been a lair for mean people just waiting to trap you into a mistake and then yell at you so the whole room can hear. In recent years, the governing bodies of bridge instituted a zero tolerance policy. Any, and I repeat any, rude behavior will be sanctioned.
The Educational Advantages of Bridge:
The study commissioned by the EBU at St. Paul 's School in Manchester clearly shows a positive development of the young people involved.
Sorting into Groups: For young children the idea of grouping items is central to early learning in mathematics.
Probability: There is opportunity to use probability at all levels of the game.
Deduction: Paying attention to what is happening at the table will allow you to deduce helpful information. The whole is greater than the sum of all the parts.
Rule Following: Not just the rules the game but also the words and syntax you and your partner have adopted.
Developing Strategy: Planning the play of the hand before playing a card to the first trick by visualizing the likely outcome of each of the 13 tricks and being able to formulate Plan B if necessary to meet your goal.
Team Building: Unlike chess, which is a single player game, bridge is a partnership game.
Mental capacity: Bridge requires concentration. You have to think about what you, your partner and the opponents are doing.
And most of all, playing bridge is FUN. If your focus is social bridge, you'll enjoy the camaraderie of like minded people. If your focus is competitive bridge, you'lll enjoy the thrill of victory (and the agony of defeat). Playing in a bridge tournament will give you a sense of accomplishment while at the same time teach you humility.
Congratulations!
