Bridge to Brain Health

Learning Bridge: The Game of a Lifetime

Bridge is a highly social game that provides excellent brain exercises whether you’re taking classes or playing in games. If you’re looking for a challenge and want to make more friends, this is the game for you.

In a five-session series, you’ll learn the basics of bridge from the very beginning. The free virtual lessons include clear explanations on taking tricks and how you can have the time of your life with this amazing game. It also will include important information on brain health and how social activities and games that exercise your mind are important pillars of a healthy brain.

By the end of the sessions, you’ll feel comfortable going to your local bridge center or club game and continuing your newly found fascination with a great card game!

(Can't make all the sessions? Don't worry, lesson information and free 120-day American Conract Bridge League membership information are below).

Join AARP and 25-Time National Champion and American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) Hall of Famer Larry Cohen who will be teaching the fascinating and challenging game of bridge. Larry not only plays bridge successfully at the highest level, he also has the very rare ability to explain difficult bridge concepts to first-time players. He has extensive experience lecturing live at large sold-out venues and online via Zoom.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the world’s greatest bridge teachers. Each session is one-hour, from 11:00 am until noon. Register for any or all of the free sessions with the links below:


January 17: Getting Started -- Let's Talk About Bridge

What some call "the world's greatest card game," you'll learn how the game combines strategic thinking and language skills. As a partnership game, it also can create meaningful friendships.


January 24:  What’s Trump?
Sometimes we play with a wild suit, called a "Trump" suit, sometimes we don’t. Let’s have some fun and learn how to capture all of our opponent’s cards.

January 31: Cards, Cards, Cards
There are 52 cards in a deck, no jokers in bridge – except for your partner! You will learn how you get to play 13 of them.

February 7: A Foreign Language -the Auction
One pair gets to declare the trump or notrump contract. To do that there has to be an auction. How high should you go? Things will get more complicated but Larry will expertly walk you through the options.

February 14: Bringing it all Home
Now that you know how to take tricks and the beginnings of a new foreign language, let’s put it all together and practice 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.