By KRISTA DETWILER
Local bridge instructor Chuck Abramo will teach lessons through the Blaine County Recreation Department beginning Sept. 19.
Bridge lessons for students ages 8 to 11 will start Sept. 19 as part of the Blaine County Recreation Department Hub After School Program. The free lessons will continue for eight weeks each Monday from 3:30-5:30 p.m. and will give students the opportunity to hone their logic, thinking, competitive and social skills.
Teacher will be Chuck Abramo, certified by the American Contract Bridge League as both a teacher and club director. He currently teaches adult bridge classes in cooperation with the Wood River Bridge Club, and is excited to bring the opportunity to learn a new skill to a young audience. “So many people think of bridge as an ‘old person’s’game,” said Abramo, “Wouldn’t it be great to get youngsters started in a game that really teaches them to think?”
Abramo said research has shown that children who play bridge have improved math and reading skills, and are more focused and attentive. “Bridge encourages decision-making skills, and is very goal-oriented. It is distinct from other card games because it relies on logic rather than luck. It is distinct from other logic games such as chess because it allows you to be social and work with a partner,” Abramo said.
Because of these benefits, avid billionaire bridge players Bill Gates and Warren Buffett donated $1 million dollars towards bridge programs in junior high schools in 2005.
A blog post on Bridgetlovesbridge.com cites the benefits of bridge found in a 2006 study performed by Dr. Christopher Shaw, a researcher from Carlinville, Ill. The study found that “children who play bridge perform significantly better on standardized tests than their non-bridge playing counterparts — increasing scores across all five core subject areas with an astounding 39.11 percent increase in science.”
Abramo will teach duplicate bridge, the variation of contract bridge used in tournament settings. Duplicate bridge reduces the element of luck because pairs compete against other pairs holding exactly the same cards. Each game is played in pairs as players work towards master points.
While proficient and passionate bridge players work towards bridge achievements such as the title “life master” by accumulating 500 points, Abramo would like the kids to walk away with a genuine understanding of the game so they could play with anyone. “I’d love for parents and families to get involved as well. It’s a great diversion and family activity,” said Abramo.
Abramo also hopes that the Blaine County Recreation Department Hub After School Program will inspire programs and clubs within Blaine County schools. “Clubs are a great thing for kids to experience because there are no restrictions on involvement, and bridge specifically teaches great life skills,” said Abramo.
The American Contract Bridge League will provide books, t-shirts and tournament trophies to all participants in the Hub After School Program bridge classes.
To register for the classes, call the Blaine County Recreation Department at 208-578-2273, or stop by the FitWorks office at the community campus in Hailey and register for the Hub After School Program
To learn more about bridge classes in the Wood River Valley with instructors Abramo and Jo Murray, visit http://www.sunvalleybridge.com.. Information about duplicate bridge is available at http://www.woodriverbridge.com.
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Krista Detwiler is an account representative with Jo Murray Public Relations, consultant to Sun Valley Bridge.
