A chance to learn bridge this autumn

A new round of bridge classes is starting at the Mullingar Bridge and Amenity Centre next Thursday, September 26, at 8pm.

The 10-week course is geared for beginners and, according to tutor Sean Galligan, chairman of the Mullingar Bridge and Amenity Centre, participants should be able to play a “respectable” game of bridge by the end of the last class.

“When it comes to bridge, you are always learning. I have been playing for 50 years and I’m still learning,” he said.

Located in Bellview, the Mullingar Bridge and Amenity Centre is a hive of activity, with bridge competitions every evening, Monday to Friday. On Friday and Saturday, the facility is used by the members of Mullingar Indoor Bowls Club.

The centre is home to three bridge clubs: the Ennell Club meet on Mondays, the Belvedere Club meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and the Lake Club meet on Wednesdays and Fridays. All three clubs are under the auspices of the Mullingar Bridge and Amenity Centre.

While it is open all year round, the bridge centre comes into its own during the winter and provides a valuable social outlet for its 150 members.

One of the most popular card games in the world, bridge is played by four players in two partnerships. Partnerships can meet up to 12 different opponents in competition. Participants put in €6 each at the start of the night and the pot is divided out among the top three teams at the end.

New faces are always welcome at the centre, Sean says, and people are always happy to give novices a few pointers.

“There are gross and nett scores, while handicaps are used for people who might need a bit of help,” Sean said.

• For more information on the classes, contact Sean on 0874160724.