CYPRUS BRIDGE
Playing Bridge In Cyprus
THE CYPRUS BRIDGE FEDERATION
Bridge playing in Cyprus was firmly acknowledged when the Cyprus Bridge Federation formed in 1960 with two member clubs. As the popularity of the game, quickly spread all over the island, more clubs formed and today there are eight affiliates. In 1980 the Cyprus Bridge Federation became a member of both the European Bridge League and the World Bridge Federation. In 1990, the first Cypriot Bridge National Team formed and Cyprus for the first time, was represented in the World Bridge Olympiad. 1992 marked the Cyprus Bridge Federation becoming a full member of the Cyprus Sports Organisation and the Cyprus Olympic Committee after both Bridge and Chess were admitted into the category of mind sports. The same year saw three more clubs from Nicosia, Limassol and Paphos became members of the federation. In 2008, two Bridge players representing Cyprus participated for the first time in the World Mind Games in Beijing. The Ministry of Education, Sport & Youth of Cyprus in 2010 introduced Bridge for the first time, in its program of evening classes.
A POPULAR CARD GAME
Today, the popular card game is played all over Cyprus by people of all ages. The Cyprus Bridge Federation has embraced this and has striven over the years to make the game more accessible to everyone on the island. As a result, many people play the game at the numerous clubs, which can be found all over the island. Most players advocate that playing Bridge brings people together and provides mental stimulation. The friendly inclusive nature of this challenging game has made it a popular choice for those looking for an engaging activity or pastime. Every year since its formation, the Cyprus Bridge Federation has held an International Bridge Festival in Cyprus. This event normally attracts participants from all over the world. The Cyprus Bridge Federation has taken steps to improve the level of its home-grown players at international level by offering advanced lessons. These lessons usually take place over the internet and they are given by a number of advanced international coaches.
A RECENT STUDY
Many Universities around the world include bridge within their students’ extra curricular activities. A number of European countries also encourage Bridge to be taught to primary school children. Proven to be beneficial for the stimulation and development of brain function, the game is found to develop tactical and strategic thinking, as well as improved memory and concentration. Recent studies have brought to light the fact that players who play Bridge regularly have an improved mental agility and enhanced problem-solving skills. One of these studies also revealed that players also showed heightened overall cognitive responses and brain function.
A CHALLENGING GAME
Even though the rules are quite basic, the game itself can become complicated. The recognised mind sport is basically a partnered trick-taking card game of skill. A minimum of four people form two partnerships that sit opposite each other at the table. Each game consists of thirteen tricks, which are won after each round. The team with the most tricks then wins. As well as being challenging, Bridge is also described by many as a social game that brings people together and a nice friendly competitive atmosphere is often created when playing the thinking persons game. The game itself attracts both casual players and serious competitors and is now played by millions of people all over the world.
CYPRUS BRIDGE CLUBS
Bridge playing in Cyprus is constantly expanding and most clubs eagerly welcome new players and offer lessons for novices looking to improve their game. There are a number of bridge clubs all over the island offering an active environment where players can enjoy playing the game with like-minded people. The clubs also act as social hubs for players and local people alike. The Bridge clubs also hold regular games for players of all skill levels, so playing Bridge in Cyprus has never been easier.
Cyprus Bridge Federation
Tel : 70 002 345
Nicosia Bridge Club
tel: 99 630 822
St. Andrews Bridge Club Nicosia
Tel: 99 668 912
Limassol Bridge
Tel: 25 373 320
Tel: 99 451 005
Lefkara Bridge Club
Tel: 99 674 852
Zenon Bridge Club Larnaca
Tel: 99 163 798
Tel: 97 671 192
The P3A Bridge Club Paphos
Tel: 99 023 418
Tel: 99 069 789
Tel: 96 520 630
I would like to play bridge, is there anywhere near Frenaros that has a bridge club?
Nearest is probably Larnaca! I suggest you contact some of the Bridge clubs in the article to find out more