I'm learning more each time about how to play bridge. I know it will take years for me—I'm just the right age to learn. It's not like golf—more relaxing than golf. It will a long time before I can compete. I have to think and figure out what to play and how to win. I learned how to finess—to get someone to play a card. Like a mental exercise—we learn how to bid how to bid correctly to make a hand. Bridge requires more strategy and skill than Mah Jong. It's a hard game and for me--to remember all the cards that have been played is a real mental exercise. I was never a card player before. —Anita Rossman

Contract Bridge was taught at the Center for several years. Students who were beginners joined with more advanced players in a non-competitive atmosphere. It was lead by 2 Stroke Center volunteers who were avid Bridge players. It was offered for a 2 period session,

The game of Bridge has many therapeutic values that help persons recovering from Stroke, Parkinson's or Head Injury improve memory, finger dexterity, speech and perception. Learning the values of the suits and the art of bidding helps the memory. Being able to articulate the bids helps speech. Dealing the cards and handling the hand of cards helps finger dexterity. Assembling the hand and laying out the cards for dummy helps perception.

Each game has a certain rhythm, so Bridge encourages players to enter into and maintain the rhythm of the group. Often a player wants to play too fast or too slowly for the comfort of the group. Getting into the rhythm makes interaction with others in any social situation more enjoyable. The joy of playing out a hand helps increase attention span. Since Bridge is often played by family members and in the broader community, this class helped students achieve or regain the confidence and skill necessary to participate outside of the setting at the Center.

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