Researchers say playing bridge may actually strengthen your immune system
By Melissa Borgerding
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE
Card games have experienced a renaissance in recent years, particularly among teenagers. The advent of online poker and televised celebrity tournaments sparked a worldwide craze. Now, however, poker’s popularity is waning as young people begin to embrace the latest game trend—bridge.
A growing trend
Carolyn Merrifield sets out pencils and papers on the oak tables in the lounge of her Erickson community. Today, with temperatures well below freezing outside and a fine layer of ice coating the streets, she anticipates a large turnout for Monday afternoon bridge.
Carolyn, who organizes one of three bridge groups, has been playing since she was a teenager. She’s happy to know that today’s teenagers are re-discovering the game, which traces it’s roots back to a British card game popular in the 16th century. “I’m excited to see more people interested in bridge. Both of my children learned to play as teenagers. It’s inexpensive, challenging entertainment. It’s not a difficult game, but it does require skill.”
It also gets kids to unplug from solitary pursuits like computer and video games and engage in social interaction.
Bridge in public schools
Bridge is unique in that it’s one of the few card games requiring teamwork, according to the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL). Two pairs of partners take turns bidding on “tricks” or rounds of cards. Partners must communicate which cards they hold and which suit of cards they want to “trump” or win over all other suits. That’s no small challenge when your opponents are sitting right across the table.
“Concentration is the primary skill you need,” Carolyn says. “Also communication. You and your partner are always trying to reach something that’s mutually agreeable.”