Distinctly Montana Magazine

W W W. D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A . C O M 55 BRIDGE ere is a common misconception about bridge being a game only for seniors. While it certainly is found in senior centers, it is for anyone of any age looking for a challenge, a way to meet new people, and work your brain. It is a social game that keeps your mind sharp while helping to develop good life skills. You work as a team, learn how to read people, and build friendships. All the major cities in Montana have bridge clubs; the American Con- tract Bridge League is the national outfit that runs tournaments, authorizes these clubs, and gives out master points. KALISPELL Arguably the nicest bridge club in Montana is right in the Flathead Valley. is club has such dedicated members they were able to raise enough money to purchase land and build their own new facility, which opened in February of 2015. ey feature regular weekly games as well as relaxed bridge sessions once a week, which is the perfect time to stop in and find out what it's all about. Visitors and new players are always welcome and it is worth stopping by the Flathead Valley Bridge Center to see the facility the members are rightfully proud of. Visit www.bridgewebs.com/flatheadval- leydbc/ for more information. MISSOULA At the Missoula Bridge Club, like other Montana clubs they play duplicate bridge. ey rent their facility (while raising funds for their own) with most games played in the afternoon and evening. ese are typically open but there are a few non-life master/novice games. You don't have to have a partner to show up and there are classes for new and intermediate players. For more information visit www.missoulabridge.org HELENA ere are three bridge clubs in Helena. e Big Sky Bridge Club typically meets once a week and you need to call to reserve your seat in the game. e Bridge For Tyros is a relaxed, fun bridge game that meets once a week and is a great place for beginners. e Last Chance Bridge Club meets weekly for all duplicate bridge players. To find out where and when the games are played you can visit one Web site for all three clubs. www.queencitybridge.camp7.org BOZEMAN e Bozeman Bridge Club does play at the lo- cal senior center, but this doesn't mean it's just for seniors! ere is a Monday class that was created for newcomers with a large variation in skill level. ey keep this class casual and comfortable. On Tuesdays they have stronger games for those at a more advanced level. ey encourage players who are learning to come observe these games to see how they can improve. ese games get a bit more com- petitive! If you don't have a partner, give them a call, they usually have someone looking to play. Visit www.bozemanbridge.net for more information. If going to a bridge club feels intimidating to you, many play online at www.bridgebase.com. is a good place to begin learning the game and is becoming increasingly popular with the younger generation of bridge players. The only club in Montana with its own building is Kalispell's Valley Bridge Center. A fiercely competitive game at Kalispell's Valley Bridge Center CONTINUED

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