Bridge Chess Bingo!

[Gate Keeper]

As per title, which do you prefer?

Is there an easy way to learn Bridge? I read how it can reduce cognitive decline in later years.

[coolguy]

Played chess as a child but was taught to play Bridge before going to university - considered an essential back then! Loved it so much in our shared house (5 could play and only 4 needed), that we played literally every day/night and had charity marathons as well. Bridge is not difficult, but there are a few components needed. A regular partner helps, so you get used to each other's style of play and bidding, an agreed bidding system (which needn't be too complicated) a good memory when the cards are being played, and an active mind to work out how you can make the best use of the cards. It's why I love the game - it does not really need the luck of the cards - you can still win with what most would regard a bad hand.

As for improved cognitive function, I would suggest Bridge is better - my memory is elephantine!!!

Good luck - you will never stop learning if you choose it.

[coolcat]

I must be very strange as I've never liked board games or cards and always wriggled out of taking part at social gatherings.

Can't help you on that one Phil

[Gate Keeper]

Originally Posted by coolguy

Played chess as a child but was taught to play Bridge before going to university - considered an essential back then! Loved it so much in our shared house (5 could play and only 4 needed), that we played literally every day/night and had charity marathons as well. Bridge is not difficult, but there are a few components needed. A regular partner helps, so you get used to each other's style of play and bidding, an agreed bidding system (which needn't be too complicated) a good memory when the cards are being played, and an active mind to work out how you can make the best use of the cards. It's why I love the game - it does not really need the luck of the cards - you can still win with what most would regard a bad hand.

As for improved cognitive function, I would suggest Bridge is better - my memory is elephantine!!!

Good luck - you will never stop learning if you choose it.

Thank you for reaching out and for taking the time to give a full reply. Within our small holding lives a brother in law who learned Bridge from an early age whilst he was at school at Eton, something he carried on at university. He runs a Bridge group here, the players hail from all walks of life and they take it in turn to host Bridge in each other’s houses.

I was recently listening to the BBC Word Service discussion about cognitive function, dementia and these games. Bingo was cited as being enjoyed by people with borderline dementia. A Bridge player was interviewed and she revealed how she used to work at Streatham Bingo Hall, but it’s something she could never go back to as she loved Bridge. The leader of the Bridge group was a retired Doctor aged 80. He said his wife had been on a couple of courses on bidding. It was a fascinating radio programme.

If I join my BIL’a group, I would feel more confident if I had a base knowledge of the game before joining his group. I am not sure how to go about this.

[Gate Keeper]

Originally Posted by coolcat

I must be very strange as I've never liked board games or cards and always wriggled out of taking part at social gatherings.

Can't help you on that one Phil

Thank you for stepping up, no problem Jeff, last time we chatted, your cognitive function and memory appeared to be intact. Your life leans towards a busy lifestyle. You will be fine

[COLVERT]

Chess--------------

[stevestrat]

Used to play chess when I was young, was in a chess club in Berwick. Always remember there was an old guy who had a facial twitch. Couldn't concentrate on the game as his twitch kept catching your eye.

[MSS]

Originally Posted by coolcat

I must be very strange as I've never liked board games or cards and always wriggled out of taking part at social gatherings.

..

Likewise, Jeff. I feel that listening to Tina Turner and thinking of Angelina Jolie will keep my cognitive functions functioning as long as is necessary.

Originally Posted by stevestrat

Used to play chess when I was young, was in a chess club in Berwick. Always remember there was an old guy who had a facial twitch. Couldn't concentrate on the game as his twitch kept catching your eye.

I suspect the twitch was part of the winning strategy!