English Bridge Union's blog

I’ve spent a lot of time at the bridge table over the years, and one thing has become crystal clear to me: the game isn't just played with cards. It’s played in the mind. You can study all the bidding systems, memorise every convention, and practise your card play until your fingers ache, but if your mental game isn't sharp, you're leaving a significant edge on the table.

After a leisurely breakfast and a relaxing morning in the Madeiran sunshine, play in the Multiple Teams began at 12:30. Funchal is a perfect location for a Congress – lots of places to walk to or within a short (and cheap) bus ride; the historic centre itself, Monte, the botanical gardens or simply the harbour front and local market, with lots of venues for food and drink.

Chris Taylor describes a hand from Friday’s open pairs.

“The auction was     

Today dawned cloudy and rain threatened on the coast throughout late morning and afternoon. Several of the guests ventured on the Paradise Valley levada walk and they were rewarded with better weather – at least it stayed dry for them. After a walk lasting about two hours, they ended at a local tea house for a light lunch of sandwiches, scones and cake. One of the participants, Claire, writes “We really enjoyed our trip yesterday, walking along a levada. The levadas are a special water irrigation and aqueduct system.

Bridge may not have the same mainstream appeal as chess or poker, but it offers unique advantages that make it an exciting and engaging game—especially for younger players looking for mental challenge, teamwork, and social interaction.
________________________________________

1. Bridge is a Team Game (Unlike Chess or Poker)

The hotel Melia Madeira Mare is an excellent venue for a bridge congress, with step-free access throughout. The rooms are spacious and comfortable (though some folk find the beds a little hard) and well-serviced; the food is excellent, with a wide range of choices on the buffet. Tonight’s paella was particularly popular.

The Congress started today, with a pairs event – the pre-Congress Pairs – for which our guests were joined by four players from the Madeiran federation, both of whom finished in the upper half of the field.