How to Play Bridge
Ask any card player which is the best card game ever invented, and most people will say “Bridge!”
It is a game which, when you first play, opens up a new and undiscovered world. It’s the adult version of the wardrobe in Narnia or the changing room in Mr Benn!
Bridge is a great game that can be played at any age. Not only is it sociable, providing you with a lovely way to spend time with friends and having fun, . . . and on a low budget . . . but it also helps to keep you mentally active, especially as you get older.
Bridge is an easy game to learn, but at the same time difficult to master! Played with a standard deck of 52 cards by 4 players in 2 partnerships, it is primarily a game of skill but periodically luck is involved. Essentially Bridge is a form of whist, in that it involves each player trying to win tricks for the partnership.
Now part of the Mind Games Olympics, Bridge can be played seriously or socially amongst friends. In this respect Bridge can be part of a social evening, providing a good way to catch up and relax at the same time.
A – Z of Bridge Terms
There is a great deal of terminology in playing Bridge. So to help you understand what all the various terms mean, we’ve put together an A-Z Guide to Bridge Terms.
What Bridge system should I learn?
There are a number of Bridge systems and different versions of Acol bidding system, so it can be confusing as a beginner to know which is the best system for you.
As a beginner it is best to learn a straightforward system which is highly effective and, equally importantly, is played by a wide range of other players. This means that whoever you play bridge with you will effectively be speaking the same language.
Therefore at Learn to Play Bridge, I teach the Standard English, the version of Acol ideal for beginners as recommended by the English Bridge Union.