Bridge

Bridge – a mind sport

Bridge is the only card game that has the status of a mind sport. Rightly so, because even though it is not difficult to learn, it does require concentration, good memory, logical thinking, creativity and good cooperation with your partner.

Bridge – a social sport

Bridge distinguishes itself from other mind sports because you don't play it by yourself, but together with a partner. That gives it an extra challenge, and also provides extra fun. It makes bridge a very social game. The quality of the partnership is crucial for a good result. It is not so much about the technical qualities of the two players, but above all about how you deal with each other and with the disappointments in the mistakes you and your partner will inevitably make.

Bridge – an opportunity for your emotional development

Growing emotionally is at least as important as developing technical skills, especially for those who want to reach the top. It is essentially the same as in a professional career: you have to be good at something, but without the growth of social intelligence you will soon reach your limits. As a student, Bridge offers you the perfect opportunity to build up a head start for your future career.

Bridge – how does it work?

Four players – The players are named after the wind directions: North and South form one pair, East and West the other. After a little practice, each single game takes about 7 minutes to finish.

Two phases, first bidding - The game has two phases: first the bidding and then the playing. The bidding takes place in a kind of auction, with higher bids being made each time until no one wants to go higher anymore. The highest bid is called the 'contract': the trump suit (no trump suit is also an option) and the minimum number of tricks that the 'declarer' must make.

Then play it out - After the opponent to the left of 'the leader' has played the first card, the cards of the partner of the 'leader' are placed face up on the table and the 'leader' then determines which of these cards is to be played. The opponents try to prevent the 'leader' from getting his contract by making as many tricks as possible.

Points - A made contract earns points for the declarer and his partner; If the contract goes down - declarer does not reach the number of tricks in his contract - then the opponents score. In general, the higher you bid, the more points you win if you achieve the number of tricks offered.

Bidding system - Couples have a bidding system for bidding: a collection of agreements about what bids mean. Such a bidding system can be limited and therefore simple, but also complex and extensive.