PLAYING BRIDGE IN CYPRUS

A POPULAR CARD GAME

Bridge is a popular card game that is played throughout Cyprus by people of all ages. The friendly inclusive nature of this challenging game has also made it a popular choice for those looking for an engaging activity or pastime. Most advocate that as well as providing mental stimulation, playing the game also offers a good all-round social element that brings people together in a nice friendly competitive atmosphere.

PLAYED THROUGHOUT THE ISLAND

The game of bridge was firmly acknowledged in Cyprus when the CYPRUS BRIDGE FEDERATION was formed in 1960. Since then it has striven to make the game accessible to everyone on the island. Today, the game attracts both casual players and serious competitors. Several clubs all over the island hold regular events and games for people who wish to play the game.

THE CYPRUS BRIDGE FEDERATION

The CYPRUS BRIDGE FEDERATION originally consisted of two member clubs. As the popularity of the game began to spread,however, more clubs were later formed. In 1980 the federation became a member of both the EUROPEAN BRIDGE LEAGUE and the WORLD BRIDGE FEDERATION. 1990 saw the formation of the first Cypriot Bridge National Team who then went on to represent Cyprus in the World Bridge Olympiad later in the same year. The CYPRUS BRIDGE FEDERATION then became a full member of the CYPRUS SPORTS ORGANISATION and the CYPRUS OLYMPIC COMMITTEE in 1992, after both bridge and chess were admitted into the category of mind sports. In 2008 two Bridge players, representing Cyprus, participated for the first time in the World Mind Games in Beijing. The MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND CULTURE in 2010 introduced the game to its program of evening classes.

A HEIGHTENED COGNATIVE RESPONSE

Recent studies of players, who regularly partake in bridge, have brought to light the fact that players often develop improved mental agility and enhanced problem-solving skills over time. They also showed to have heightened overall cognitive responses and brain function, leading to competent tactical and strategic thinking. The game overall is also proven to aid better memory and concentration. Several countries around the world have acknowledged this by introducing the game to children at the primary school level. Several universities also include the game within their student’s extracurricular activities.

A TRICK-TAKING CARD GAME

The game itself is a partnered trick-taking card game of skill. Although the rules are quite basic, the game itself can become quite complicated. A minimum of four people form two partnerships that sit opposite each other at the table. Each game then consists of thirteen tricks that create thirteen short rounds. The team with the most tricks at the end wins.

ONLINE LESSONS

The CYPRUS BRIDGE FEDERATION has taken steps to improve the level of its homegrown players at international level. They have done this by offering advanced lessons for players that usually take place online. International bridge coaches offer lessons with the view of improving the level of the game throughout the island and they are generally available to all Cypriot residents.

CYPRUS BRIDGE CLUBS

The game of bridge is constantly expanding on the island and several bridge clubs offer an active environment where players can enjoy playing the game with like-minded people. Most clubs eagerly welcome new players and offer coaching for novices, looking to improve their game. The Bridge clubs also hold regular games for players of all skill levels and act as social hubs for local people.

THE INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE FESTIVAL 2025

Every year the CYPRUS BRIDGE FEDERATION holds an International Bridge Festival in Cyprus, which normally attracts participants from all over the world.