Hello, everybody! Do you know what “contract bridge” is? “Bridge? Is it a defensive arched position in wrestling?” Most people answer like this, looking puzzled. “Contract bridge” is actually a type of card game. It is not well-known in Japan, though in Europe and America, there are millions who play bridge regularly. It is played during tea parties and in spare time in the evenings, and at clubs everywhere. In the days when travel was less developed than today, if someone put a pack of cards in the center of a table during a long trip which crossed over borders, people gathered round from nowhere and began to play bridge even though they did not know each other’s language. Such anecdotes are said not to be unusual during such days, so contract bridge might be likened to mahjong in Japan.

Furthermore, as the World Bridge Federation (WBF) is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as a Recognized Sport Organization, it is possible that bridge will be officially admitted to the Olympic Games. There are two types of sizes of playing cards: “bridge size” and “poker size.” This shows that the cards are sized for their particular use. When you buy a new pack of playing cards, you often find a mysterious calculating table. That is, in fact, the table for how to calculate scores.

Bridge is a card game that is truly loved by its enthusiastic players. It is also seen as an elegant activity for one’s free time. It is interesting to note that there is a story that, to say nothing of diplomats, even their wives felt ashamed if they did not know how to enjoy bridge as a sophisticated pleasure. There have been many devotees of bridge in Japan, including celebrities, politicians, and military officers such as Fleet Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto.

Waseda University Bridge Club has been taking an active role in this field for half a century as a pioneer group that dates back to the dawn of bridge history in Japan. It has one member who has been selected as a national team member and has acquired fame across the nation as a regular leading team of “contract bridge.” “･･･so, what game is it actually? How do you play it?”

For those who have questions after having read this far, please call at the club room, E602 in the Student Union Building, and ask anything you want. We’ll be waiting for you!