Bridge is more than just a card game; it’s a social activity and a fantastic workout for your brain. Whether you are looking to sharpen your mind, expand your social circle, or simply learn a new and engaging pastime, bridge offers it all. If you’re intrigued by challenges and eager to connect with new people, learning bridge could be the perfect pursuit for you.
Diverse group of people playing bridge and enjoying themselves
AARP is offering a comprehensive five-session virtual series designed to introduce beginners to the captivating world of bridge. These free online lessons break down the fundamentals of bridge from the very beginning. You’ll receive clear, easy-to-understand instruction on how to take tricks and discover how enjoyable and stimulating this game can be. Beyond the game itself, the series highlights the crucial connection between brain health and engaging social and mental activities.
By the end of these sessions, you’ll feel confident enough to venture into local bridge centers or join club games, ready to further explore your newfound passion for this incredible card game. And even if you can’t attend every session, don’t worry! Lesson materials and information on a complimentary 120-day American Contract Bridge League membership are readily available.
Larry Cohen, a renowned bridge teacher and champion, smiling confidently
This unique opportunity to learn bridge is presented by AARP in collaboration with Larry Cohen, a 25-Time National Champion and Hall of Famer at the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL). Larry is not only a highly successful bridge player at the national level but also possesses a rare gift for explaining complex bridge concepts in a way that’s accessible to beginners. His extensive experience includes captivating live lectures at large venues and engaging online sessions via Zoom.
Don’t miss out on this exceptional chance to learn from one of the world’s foremost bridge educators. Each session is a concise and focused hour, running from 11:00 am to noon. Register for any or all of these complimentary sessions using the links provided below:
January 17: Getting Started — Let’s Talk About Bridge
Bridge to Brain Health Zoom Recording 1.17.23.mp4
Discover why bridge is often hailed as “the world’s greatest card game.” You’ll learn how it masterfully blends strategic thinking with language skills. As a partnership game, bridge naturally fosters meaningful friendships and social connections.
January 24: What’s Trump?
Explore the exciting element of “trump” suits in bridge. Sometimes a suit becomes wild, known as “Trump,” and sometimes play proceeds without one. Learn how to strategically capture your opponents’ cards in this engaging lesson.
January 31: Cards, Cards, Cards
January 31: Cards, Cards, Cards
Delve into the deck itself. A standard bridge deck contains 52 cards, with no jokers – except perhaps your partner, in jest! Learn how you strategically play 13 of these cards in each round.
February 7: A Foreign Language -the Auction
February 7: A Foreign Language -the Auction
Understand the crucial “auction” phase in bridge. Learn how pairs bid to declare the trump or no-trump contract. Discover the intricacies of how high to bid as Larry expertly guides you through your options.
February 14: Bringing it all Home
February 14: Bringing it all Home
Put your growing bridge knowledge into practice. Now that you’ve learned about taking tricks and the basics of the bidding language, it’s time to combine these skills and play this amazing game.
NEED TO REVIEW A COURSE? LESSON NOTES AVAILABLE BELOW:
AARP Bridge Lesson One Notes
AARP Bridge Lesson Two Notes
AARP Bridge Lesson Three Notes
AARP Bridge Lesson Four Notes
AARP Bridge Lesson Five Notes
Click here to play or practice.
Learn more about brain health from the Global Council on Brain Health.
Embark on your bridge journey today with AARP and discover a game that enriches your mind and social life.
