Bridge
27 February, 2026
The Southern Wire Bridge page launches.
The Southern Wire is pleased to announce the launch of a Bridge page. We will regularly post new bridge columns.
The Southern Wire is pleased to announce the launch of a Bridge page. We will regularly post new bridge columns starting in the next 48 hours.
Bridge is brought to you by Rakesh Kumar who has some comments below:
Some thoughts on the social and cognitive benefits of bridge:
Bridge is more than just a card game. Hall of Fame tennis star Martina Navratilova described it as a cerebral sport. In her words: "Bridge teaches you logic, reasoning, quick thinking, patience, concentration and partnership skills."
The partnership element creates unique demands: working effectively with a partner requires communication skills and empathy. The competitive element places emphasis on strategy and memory skills. In the course of a game of bridge, you have to repeatedly switch between competing and co-operating. Several published research studies demonstrate that playing bridge has cognitive benefits and there is evidence that it can have a significant role in prevention of dementia.
Moreover, because bridge is a social game, bridge players are less likely to be depressed, hence they sleep better and there is a proven overall positive effect on wellbeing.
But most importantly, bridge is FUN!! And it's never too late to learn ...
Info about me and my latest book:
Rakesh Kumar lives in Mittagong and is a member of the Southern Highlands Bridge Club. He has been a keen tournament bridge player since the 1980s and a regular writer of bridge columns, first in Sydney and then in the Highlands, since 2010.
Rakesh has also written 4 bridge books that have been published by Master Point Press (Toronto, Canada) of which the most recent is "100 Bridge Tips for Club Players". His books are available locally through Paul Lavings Bridge Books & Supplies in Wollongong (02 4295 0870 or plavings@gmail.com).
Read More: Southern Tablelands, Southern Highlands, Wollondilly