Keisha Hill, Staff Reporter

Normally, we play card games for recreational purposes, but for the members of the Jamaica Bridge Association, playing cards is a sport that is considered as a powerful entity that can be linked to real- life situations.

According to Rex James, president of the Jamaica Bridge Association (JBA), the trick-taking card game of skill and chance is an important mind game that requires persons to play as partners in a team.

"Bridge is important for the development of the mind. It provides all-round development and mental exercise that stimulates the entire brain. We want to see the sport return to its former glory days and, similar to other sports, recognised as an Olympic sport," James said.

With this in mind, the JBA has identified three teams to represent Jamaica at the World Bridge Federation's (WBF) annual World Bridge Olympiad to be held in Beijing, China from October 3-18.

Event of games

These Games will be held under the auspices of the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA) will consist of bridge, chess, and draughts and Chinese chess.

James indicated that the WBF will give total sponsorship for the junior bridge team, but the JBA will need an additional US$63,333.00 (J$4,496,643.00) to cover the expenses of the other teams and ensure Jamaica's full participation at the competition.

Each member country of the WBF, including Jamaica, is entitled to send one national, a junior and a women's team to the Games. Each team consists of six players and there is a total of 19 participants including one non-playing captain.

Jamaica is already a significant power in regional bridge and has won the Central American and Caribbean Bridge Federation (CACBF) Championships on several occasions and the nation was chosen to host the Bermuda Bowl, one of the most prestigious tournament.

Bridge is played on Monday and Wednesday evenings at the Police Officers Club.