THE trick-taking card game “Bridge” arrived in Australia from the Ottoman Empire in the early 1900s, becoming a popular pastime.
The first recorded competition was held in Canberra in 1926, and the first interstate event was held between NSW and Victoria in 1933.
According to the Australian Bridge Federation there are 35,000 registered players across approximately 330 clubs, one of which is Camden Haven Bridge Club at Laurieton.
Long time player and club secretary Frances Forman told News Of The Area, “I love playing Bridge because it is an intellectual game, needing a large amount of focus which is good for your brain.”
“There’s lots to learn so I’m challenged every time I play, and it is great fun socially.”
Participants sit in pairs at tables of four in the positions of North-South and East-West, with the only requisite equipment a 52-card deck.
Throughout the year members participate in local competitions, as well as ones further afield.
Scoring is done electronically enabling players to watch in real time via the Bridgemate App.
Next month the club is running free lessons, these will commence on Tuesday 3 February, 10am-12pm and run for eight weeks under experienced tutor Nancy de Ville.
The fee is $20 for the first lesson, to cover the cost of the book “Introduction to Bridge” by Paul Marston.
The 40-year-old club is sponsored by Laurieton United Services Club (LUSC) where they meet and enjoy afternoon tea after their sessions every Monday and Thursday from 12.30pm.
For more information, to join the Bridge Club, or to sign up for the free lessons, call LUSC on 6559 9110 or email camdenhavenbridgeclub@gmail.com.
By Rachael THORPE
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
