The ultimate social game

BRIDGE - what is it about the game that proves so eternally fascinating? Dedicated players readily admit their compulsion. Second only to angling as Britain's most popular sport, once hooked, you don't stop till you drop. From schoolkids to octogenarians, bridge offers the perfect activity to anyone with a fancy to exercise their intellect.

Bridge is the ultimate social occupation. A group of friendly opponents, a few drinks, a meal, and you are set to play into the small hours.

In fact, there is more to bridge than that. If you want to be really ambitious, set your sights on Britain's first Olympic gold medal for the game. Duplicate Bridge, the form of bridge that depends entirely on skill, has just been officially recognised as a sport by the International Olympic Committee. First, you need to learn the game, and that has never been easier.

The English Bridge Union, the organising body for Duplicate Bridge, has just launched Bridge for All, a complete teaching programme for new players. The teachers are all fully trained and qualified, and the programme is nationally accredited by the Open College Network.

Every sport needs an organisation to support it, and Duplicate Bridge is no exception. The English Bridge Union is funded by its 30,000 members. It is owned by 39 county-based associations. In addition to its teaching activities, the English Bridge Union arranges championships and exhibition matches, trains tournament directors, publishes magazines, encourages educational initiatives in schools and universities, and runs a mail order department for bridge supplies.

The English Bridge Union is one of the 44 member nations of the European Bridge League. In turn, Europe is one of the seven zones which make up the World Bridge Federation. The others are North America, South America, Asia and the Middle East, Central America and the Caribbean, the Far East and the South Pacific.

For further information, ring the Aylesbury headquarters of the English Bridge Union - 01296 317200 or 394414. To inquire specifically about Bridge for All, ring 01296 317217.