'A bit like chess with cards' - classes for those interested in bridge starting this week

Mullingar Bridge and Amenity Centre welcome fresh players by hosting beginners classes starting on Thursday October 8, running for two hours from 8pm for 10 sessions (cost €70).

Current players says bridge is a terrific way to socialise and make friends while keeping the mind active.

Sean Galligan said: “It’s a game that you can play right through your life. You can learn as a teenager, and you can continue to play, and many people do up until their 90s.

“In Mullingar, there’s a community of 180-190 people who play. So, you’re part of a society or group.

“Another aspect of bridge is that it is a game of mental simulation – it’s a game of counting, alertness, and detective work. It’s a bit like chess with cards.”

For those unfamiliar with it, bridge is a card game played with a standard 52-card deck, and usually four players. Unlike most card games, bridge is played as a partnership. It includes intricate rules and requires particular skills to win, which is why Mullingar Bridge and Amenity Centre members offer assistance to new players learning the game.

Bridge is played by thousands of players in hundreds of clubs across Ireland. Most of them are affiliated to the national organisation, the CBAI, whose HQ is at Templeogue, Dublin.

The country is divided into 13 regions, and qualifying events are held to decide who will represent regions in the national finals. The Mullingar clubs are part of the North Midland region, which stretches from Longford to Birr.

Four clubs are located in Mullingar, three based at the Bridge Centre in Bellview, and the other at the golf club. There are games every night, Monday to Friday at the centre.

There are regular competitions held and lots of opportunities to enjoy nights out.

For further enquiries contact Seán 087 4160 724 or Joan 087 1428 183.