Card sharks playing Bridge at the Port Union Community Centre
By Denise Bacon
Bridge, which evolved from Whist, another card game, from the 1890’s, is a trick-taking card game for four players in two teams. The goal is to win tricks and score points. Sounds simple? Yes and no!
Bridge is more than just a card game. Yes, it may be reasonably straightforward to learn and play. Serious players apply probability theory, psychology, and planning. Add good memory to this list and bridge players can earn their stripes to become Bridge Masters through competitions.
At Port Union Community Centre, Bridge is simply fun! “We call it Kitchen Bridge,” said Burk Criggo. Every Wednesday afternoon an eager group of people meet at the Centre to deal the cards in a very relaxed and friendly game. Marlene Wolfer said that she learned to play Bridge at the Momiji Centre about 20 years ago and now Marlene is a “Wednesday regular.”
“I was a stand-in when I first started playing here,” said Burk, “and I’d be called to fill in.” There used to be a sign-up process but now the format has changed to being a drop-in where anyone can play. “The benefit of a drop-in is that the group is inclusive and welcoming. The flipside is that sometimes there may be either too many or not enough players any day.”
Paul Brennan has been enjoying Bridge for over 50 years and has played with various groups. Now, Port Union Community Centre is his Bridge home. Rick Asano proudly said “I’m one of the original Bridge players here!”
People come from all around Scarborough and as far as Richmond Hill to get in on a Bridge game. Some are still learning the game and the experienced players gently guide them along the way. The game of Bridge has certainly created a bridge to many friendships across the Bridge tables at Port Union Community Centre.