WHY PLAY BRIDGE?

The main reason to play bridge is that it’s just the most enjoyable, tactical and challenging of all card games, which will provide you with a lifelong source of entertainment that never becomes repetitive or dull. But there are other benefits to learning and playing the game too, both cognitive and social, that will touch on many areas of life in general. Take a look at the list below and at the evidence that all that fun is doing you good at the same time.

Skills developed by playing bridge

Mathematical

Language and communication

Thinking and reasoning

Social

Academic Research

Link between bridge and improved test scores in children: A study by Dr Christopher Shaw

Do children who play bridge perform better on standardised tests than their non-playing counterparts? Dr. Christopher Shaw, a researcher in the US carried out a study in 2005 that shows the answer to that question is a definite “yes”.

Benefits of Minibridge for Primary School Children: A study by Leah Burman

During the academic year 2001-2002, Chartered Educational Psychologist, Leah Burman carried out a research into the benefits of teaching Minibridge at St. Paul’s Primary School, Manchester which demonstrated significant performance improvements following a 32 week course of minibridge. Read more detail here

Feedback about New Tricks from Teachers ……….

Rochelle Hope, Year 3 Teacher, Rickmansworth Park JMI

As the end of the term approaches I just wanted to say a huge thank you to you and all the volunteers for the fantastic support that you have given to Year 3. The children have loved learning Bridge and every single one of my 30 children wanted to take up the offer of the Bridge Club in their lunch time. This is a record for lunchtime/after school clubs!

I can only say that the volunteers have been professional, enthusiastic and encouraging. The children are benefitting from so many skills such as strengthening communication and cooperation, reasoning, logic, planning and problem solving but more importantly, they are loving it!

We really appreciate the time that you have all given to Year 3 and the effort that goes into the sessions particularly the prepared hands!

We look forward to continuing in Year 4.

Laurel Robin, Head Teacher, Brookfield Primary School, Camden

I am writing to you about the card game bridge, which we successfully introduced to our year 5 classes last term with the help of the bridge education charity, New Tricks, and we are now looking for some friendly, local competition! The children – both Year 5 classes– have been very engaged with learning the game, which develops problem solving, mathematical and reasoning skills, as well as social cooperation. The charity delivers all of the teaching, either in class time or after school, at no cost whatever to the school. Sue is really great to work with, flexible and used to volunteering in schools.

Mitchell Browning, Head of PE and After School Clubs, Coldfall Primary School, Haringey

After a year of Bridge at Coldfall, I can say that the children that have taken part have really taken the game to heart. While most were a bit unsure at the start they have grown to love the game. It has enhanced their confidence and now take part in competitions outside of school. This has definitely been helped by the wonderful staff that really help and mentor the children with a passion for the game.

…………. from Parents,

“My son loved bridge club from day one. It has captured his imagination and preference for detail, structure and competition! Sue, his teacher, is passionate, patient and committed to the children’s development through the game. I particularly love how she communicates with the children ‘adult to adult’. We’re delighted that the Club brings him so much joy!”

“Thanks for the amazing bridge lessons. Louis really enjoys them! I hope he’ll teach us this summer so we can all play.”

“Thank you from us too! You are so committed and it’s really shown in the effect it has on the kids”

“You are a gifted teacher. Our children are so lucky to have found you”

“My child went from knowing nothing about bridge to loving it, thanks to the dedication and enthusiasm of the teachers”

“Bridge is a complicated game, made fun and accessible through the teacher’s amazing and inclusive approach”