Gay Games VIII adds new sport: Bridge!

The latest addition to Gay Games VIII in Cologne 2010 is Bridge

Bridge is a card game for 4 participants. This is probably the shortest explanation of the game. But Bridge is far from being as simple as that. It has something for everybody. The scope ranges from an intellectually demanding leisure activity to real sport – with its vastly mathematical approach. But one has to highlight that it also includes social aspects since the game is highly communicative.

The most fascinating game in the world offers fun and development options for any age group and for every level of ambition.

Competitive Bridge is played with a fixed partner against another couple. The game consists of the auction or bidding and play, after which the hand is scored. You sit facing your partner and do the bidding. The bidding ends with a contract, which is a declaration by one partnership that their side will take at least a stated number of tricks with the trump chosen. In this second phase of the game you try to get the contracted number of tricks, possibly more. Bridge is played with a deck of 52 cards: clubs, diamonds, spades and hearts. The value of the card decreases from ace over face cards down to 2.

In contrast to the widespread opinion, you do not need long tuition to be able to play Bridge. It is just enough to enjoy playing cards with a certain amount of interest in tactics and strategy. The didactical models that are used in Germany offer a gentle and easy start and even allow complete beginners to join and enjoy the game quickly. However, a certain amount of theory is inevitable.

The Bridge tournament of Gay Games VIII in Cologne 2010 takes place under the patronage of the German Federation for Bridge – it organises the competition and financially supports this event generously.