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The form of bridge played today is called 'contract bridge' and was invented
in 1925. It is the most popular card game in the world with over 100 countries
as members of the World Bridge Federation. The estimated number of bridge
players exceeds 60 million. Bridge is played by four players and is a
partnership game with one partnership opposing the other.
The advantages of bridge include: You can play in any weather.
There is no age barrier. Players as young as five have been known to play and
players in their eighties have competed effectively in and won world
championships.
Bridge will keep you mentally alert in your latter years and quite probably will
therefore help you live longer. There is a negative correlation between bridge
players and those suffering from Alzheimer's.
It is possible to play bridge despite severe physical handicaps. Deaf people can
play, as can blind people. There have been blind competitors in the world
championships.
It is relatively inexpensive to play.
You can play socially or competitively. Either way the game offers a significant
challenge.
You can meet lots of new people at bridge clubs.
It is possible to play bridge on the Internet (available 24 hours a day, 365
days a year).
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