Bridge more than just a card game

Bridge is a sport not really a game, despite being played with cards, according to a man who has spent much of his life teaching it.

Leigh Gamby the director of the game, or referee as he refers to himself, has been teaching people to play bridge for 26 years.

“A lot of card games it’s a bit of chance as to what card you get but in bridge every pair plays the same cards during the day. They’re all on a board and get passed from table to table.”

Leigh says a computer then decides who played best with the hands they were given.

“It hasn’t got the same degree of chance so it’s a sport. It’s actually been considered by the Olympic committee as an Olympic sport, but it’s never been accepted.”

Leigh has been a member of the Richmond Bridge Club for the past six years and is looking forward to welcoming new players through their learn to play lessons.

Richmond Bridge Club, one of 10 active clubs in the region, has over 200 members who collectively play three times a week.

While Leigh says a lot of people are in the “older category”, it’s a game for anyone looking for social interaction and a good degree of competition.

Club treasurer Jenny Pomeroy says it’s an addictive game that she likens to a more complex form of the popular game ‘500’. Jenny agrees with Leigh about the social side of things.

“We are a really active club, we have Christmas parties, interclub tournaments and once a year we hold a Sunday afternoon tournament where all funds raised go to St John Youth.”

Leigh understands the thought of learning a new game from scratch can be daunting but encourages people to give it a go.

“People can go right through the lessons for 10 or 12 weeks and then they go to come to the club and it can be one of the scariest times of their lives. Coming and sitting with a lot of what they see as professionals, but most are very forgiving of new players.”

He says there is a healthy degree of competitiveness, as he points at the leaderboard for the final round of competition.

“I don’t know who’s on top, but it isn’t me,” he laughs.

Richmond Bridge Club are running beginners lessons starting on March 13.