Giving a man his physical, the doctor noticed several dark, ugly bruises on his shins, so he asked, “Do you play hockey, soccer, or some physical sport?” “No,” he answered. “I play bridge with my wife.” There is just something about bridge that seems to be addictive. If you are one of these addicts there’s no need to go ‘cold turkey’ in either Hua Hin or Cha-Am. You can get your fix at three sociable and welcoming Bridge Clubs in the Region. As a strategic ‘trick-taking’ card game, bridge is one of the world’s most popular card games. Bridge has a loyal following of players who compete in competition at all levels, from just socially minded friends though to clubs and even world championships.
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, Bridge is the English pronunciation of a game called Biritch, which was also known as Russian Whist. The oldest known Biritch rule book is dated 1886. Bridge is a card game for tables of four persons. Each players gets a name depending on their location at the table, so that NORTH is partner with SOUTH, EAST is partner with WEST. These partnerships are playing against the opposite side (eg. North/South against East/West). It’s played with a regular deck of cards, so all 52 cards are divided amongst the players with each getting 13 cards. The game itself is about getting as many points with your partner.
“Having sex is like playing bridge. If you don’t have a good partner, you’d better have a good hand.” – Woody Allen
This is not the place for a full explanation of the Rules of Bridge. They can be found online at many different websites and these days there are also online bridge competitions if you want to practice or learn the strategies of the game. If you are an eager Bridge player without a game and this is a ‘gap’ in your life, here is how you can play.
Bridge In Hua Hin?
There are two Bridge Clubs in Hua Hin, both playing on Thursday and Sunday afternoons. The Hua Hin International Bridge Club plays at 2.30PM at the Cool Relax Restaurant. The Hua Hin Bridge Club plays at 3.00 PM at the Jasmine Room of the Thipuria Hotel. There’s no joining or Membership fees just a game day cost of 100 THB per player. Here are the details of these Clubs.
Hua Hin International Bridge Club
Location: Cool Relax Restaurant
Where: 1/14 Sasong Road
When: Tuesday & Thursday at 2.30M
Cost: 100 THB per player
Contact: Ben 0893780834, Contact: Richard 0877524366,
Magnus 0890003224
Internet: http://huahinbridgeclub.com
Hua Hin Bridge Club
Location: Thipuria Hotel, Jasmine Room
Where: 8/5-7 Soi Kanjanomai Poolsuk Rd
When: Tuesday & Thursday at 2.30M
Cost: 100 THB per player
Contact: Richard 0877524366,
Betty 0868122668
Internet: http://www.bridgewebs.com/huahin/
Bridge In Cha-Am?
The Cha-Am Bridge Club was founded in January 2011 by some Scandinavian bridge players. Every Tuesday at 2.00 PM the club plays at Max Restaurant on the second level. Scandinavian players tend to dominate but everyone interested in the game is welcome. It’s about a friendly, though competitive afternoon of Bridge; a great way to meet others with a passion for the game.
Where: Max Restaurant, Beach Road North, Cha-Am (top level, talk to Gunnar) When: Every Tuesday until March; 2.00 PM Cost: 100 THB per player Contact: Ottar – 0948083154, Nils – 0843941971, Stein – 0833132285, Thomas – 0895483404. Internet: www.cha-am-bridge-club.com Just in case you were wondering, Bridge is not about gambling, there’s nothing illegal about the game. Bragging rights rather than money is what the players aim to win!
Footnote: An unnamed Cha-Am Bridge Club Member asked me not to mention that when Members of his Club play against Hua Hin Club Members, Cha-Am players dominate. That’s something that we can’t repeat!
