It surprises many that Bridge is a sport and is officially classified as such by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). After football it is the most widely played game in the world with nearly 200 million players worldwide. So, why is it so popular?

Bridge is a card game and nowadays it is most commonly played in a competitive format of either Teams or Pairs, although it is often played socially at home.

It is hugely stimulating and a challenging mental exercise which appeals to all ages, both the young and elderly alike. In the past decade it is taught as part of the school curriculum in many countries.

These include UK, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Poland and Scandinavian countries. It has been found that bridge is particularly helpful for improving the academic performance of dyslexic children who are often really good at it.

This is because it stimulates the right hand side of the brain, the investigative side, as opposed to the memory on the left side.

Although 90% of schoolwork relies on memory, like any machine, it works more efficiently if all compartments are working in sync. Learning bridge does much to stimulate this. Also, as a partnership game, it teaches an important social skill; how to get the best from partner.

The Malta Bridge Association (MBA) was formed in 1997 and has approximately 100 members, although there an estimated 500 players in Malta of whom 200 play regular competitive bridge.

In 1999 Malta hosted the European Championships when 38 European countries took part. The MBA hopes that mini-bridge will soon be introduced to children aged 9+ and also at the University.

It is also a game that is becoming increasingly popular played live online on computers around the world. At least this affords the young something to play other than just fighting/war games.

Of course it also a wonderful game for retired people as it is proven to greatly assist in keeping the brain active. There are several people who teach bridge in Malta and the MBA will be happy to suggest recognised teachers. Duplicate (competitive) bridge is played six days a week in either the Malta Bridge Club or The Malta Union Club, and also at the Windsor Hotel.

For further information about learning and/or playing bridge, contact the MBA vice President, Mario Dix 9949 3167 or MBA Secretary, Nathalie Marlin 7933 1067 (mobile) and 2135 1067 (landline).