Bridge Lessons in Mt Albert

"Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young." - Henry Ford.

Bored with TV? Tired of staring and stabbing at your iPhone? Bemused by Facebook?

We know the problem! Come and play Bridge instead.

It used to be thought that humans could not grow new brain-cells (neurons). Recent research has shown that not to be true.

The science:

“Cognitive stimulation increases hippocampal neurogenesis. What does this mean? It means that you need to keep your brain engaged: learn new skills, interact with other people, travel, try new things, and keep stepping outside of your comfort zone.”

In simpler terms: play Bridge because it helps to keep you young by stimulating your brain! There are 635,013,559,600 different, possible bridge-hands - one of the factors that make it far and away from the most fascinating card-game.

Once you have been introduced to Bridge, 500 will seem like Snap or Happy Families. All the same, we have ways of making you proficient within your first year!

An added bonus is that our bridge-club provides a ready-made extension to your social-life and the potential for a wide range of new friendships. (More science! Recent research suggests that socialising helps you to: 1) live longer; 2) enjoy better physical health; 3) enjoy better mental health; 4) lower the risk of dementia. You know it makes sense - especially after COVID!)

Mt. Albert Bridge Club offers lessons for both absolute beginners, and for those who know the fundamentals of the game but want to develop their existing skills.

We offer two blocks of lessons a year. The first block for 2021 begins on Wednesday, March 3rd (except where noted below).

The following choices are available:

- Morning Beginners: 9.30-11.30 (16 weeks, finishing on 16th June)
- Morning Improvers: 9.30-11.30 (16 weeks, finishing on 16th June)
- Evening Beginners: 7.30-9.30 (16 weeks, finishing on 16th June)
- Evening Improvers: 7.30-9.30 (16 weeks, finishing on 16th June).

- For the first time, we are also offering a course for "Advanced Improvers". This is aimed at players who are fairly confident that they have mastered the basics, and wish to explore more complex aspects of bidding and play.

This course will run on Monday mornings, from 9.30-11.30. It begins on Monday, March 1st and will run until 14th June.

The cost of the courses is $100 for non-members and $45 for existing members of the club.

There is no need to register in advance for these lessons. Simply turn up 15 minutes before the start of the first session you are interested in.

However, if you want to know more, have a look at our website: http://www.bridgemtalbert.co.nz/
Our email address: mtalbertbridgeclub@gmail.com

Alternatively, ring Gerald Norman: (09) 8203304.

One health warning: Bridge is addictive. Once hooked, you will never escape!

The Bridge Club is situated in the Mt. Albert War Memorial Reserve - part of Rocket Park.

From New North Road, heading west, turn right into Wairere Avenue, and first right into Councillors Drive. The club-house is the first building on the left. Extensive free parking is available.