It’s in the cards
Boost your brain health with bridge
Who would think a game of cards could improve memory, concentration and analytical skills?
It might sound silly but then it’s not just any game – it’s bridge.
Bridge is a trick-taking game played with a standard deck of cards where two partnerships challenge each other. It’s an entertaining pastime, but bridge may also serve as a tool to counter the effects of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, the Alzheimer’s Association has pointed to the healthy aging benefits of games like bridge on its website.
The aspects of playing bridge, like building strategies and applying math skills, have been shown to strengthen the brain. In fact, some of the keenest minds play bridge. Bill Gates and Warren Buffett have both played for years – sometimes even together.
Duplicate bridge is a version of the game that removes the element of luck. With duplicate style, the focus is on players’ strategy because each partnership in the field plays the same cards.
The latest research also shows that staying socially active can be just as important to brain health as mental workouts. Bridge helps there, too, as four people are needed to play the game, and bridge clubs have multiple tables playing at the same time.
In Cape Breton, the Cape Breton Duplicate Bridge Club serves as a resource for bridge players. Not only does it help you locate nearby teachers and clubs, but it also hosts duplicate bridge games three times a week, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at 1 p.m., at their club at 12 Cecilia LeVatte Crescent (the Chapel Building at the old Radar Base).
We guarantee a partner for all our regular games and encourage friendly competition. Entry fee for games are $6 which include an afternoon of bridge with tea or coffee and cookies. Check out our website at: www.bridgewebs.com/capebreton for game schedules and special events.
Beginner lessons are about to begin at the McConnell Library starting Thursday May 24 from 2 to 4 pm and continuing for 4 weeks. For those interested please contact the library at (902) 562-3279 to register. There is no charge for these lessons.
The Cape Breton Duplicate Bridge Club, in affiliation with the American Contract Bridge League, will also be hosting a Sectional Bridge Tournament, on August 24, 25 and 26 of this year at Victoria Park Armories, 4 Garrison Road, Sydney. This three-day event will attract many bridge players from all parts of Canada and the U.S. but particularly from all parts of the Maritimes. It will definitely give an economic boost to our hotels, restaurants and local businesses.
We encourage all local bridge enthusiasts to support this event by attending, helping to display some friendly competition and good old-fashioned Cape Breton hospitality.
Looking forward to seeing you at the bridge table.