eoht

The problem with teaching bridge in schools is not that it is difficult and in fact I find that students grasp the play almost straight away and the bidding is not too difficult if they understand basic rules. However, there seems to be a lot of prejudice against bridge as many young people seem to believe that the game is only played by old pensioners with nothing better to do. As a child myself and a bridge player, it is obvious that this is completely wrong as I enjoy playing the game competitively and know many other children who love bridge. To make progress in teaching bridge I have found the best way to encourage people to learn is show how the game is not just about playing but about socialising. Combining cards with talking and a place to hang out means that people may come along just to talk to their playing friends but end up joining in and soon are hooked. This process has worked excellently at the school bridge club and we regularly get 5 or more tables playing bridge, minibridge or similar card games. To increase the number of people playing therefore, I believe we first need to eradicate the myth that bridge is only for the elderly and publicise youth bridge more than is currently being done.