Learn to PLAY BRIDGE

The Bridge card game is a fascinating game, unrivaled from other card games by its depth.  Tens of thousands of books have been written about the card game of Bridge.  That seems like a lot to say about 52 pieces of paper!  Whether its Duplicate Bridge or Contract Rubber Bridge, players find the following factors captivating:
- The Bridge card game is a partnership game.  No matter how good you and/or your partner might be, unless the two of you play in harmony it will be difficult to obtain a good result.

- The Bridge game requires you to think on several dimensions!  Effective Bridge players analyze and deduce, recall, notice behavior subtleties, keep calm and focused, etc.

- The Bridge card game can be a lifetime of learning -- you can always learn more about the game, people, and maybe even yourself!  In fact, unlike many sports, you can continue playing well into your "Senior Years."
- The Bridge game can be fun!  As you and your partner perform well and achieve goals, you have a right to be both elated and proud.

- The game is a real challenge!  The variables include your holding, other's assets, the relationship between everyone's cards, the skills and disposition of the players at that moment, and even outside factors. Whew!

- Its is a great way to meet people.  You can play the Bridge card game in a party atmosphere or a competitive environment against numerous others.  Either way, its an exciting pastime that provides an opportunity to build relationships.

- In fact, the the Bridge card game offers a microcosm of interrelationships between people.  Watching what happens at the table provides an opportunity of what happens between people in real life.  Knowledge, skill, learning, communication, trust, compatibility, risk assessment and mitigation, as well as many other behavioral traits can be observed at the table.

- The origin of playing cards was in China, where paper was invented, dates back to around the year 1120.   Originally, cards were used for fortune telling and gambling.  Cards were introduced into Italy and Spain around 1370, probably coming from Egypt.  Tarot cards, used for fortune telling, were introduced in Italy in 1440

- The Bridge card game was derived from Russian Whist, called Biritch, meaning an announcer (players "announce or herald" their auction).  Books on Whist date back to the mid-1700's.

- By 1893, Bridge was introduced in New York, using formal rules that were recently printed by Henry Barbey.
Source: bridgehands.com