Seasoned bridge players already know how rewarding the experience is of playing on board. Plus, they get to earn masterpoints from American Contract Bridge League (ACBL)-sanctioned duplicate games. The competition is really exciting, but as a teacher who is passionate about sharing my love for the game, I also really enjoy introducing bridge to new players. If you’ve never ventured into the Card Room for a lesson, I encourage you to try it on one of our featured Bridge at Sea voyages.
Whether you’re a solo traveler or a couple looking to make friends, this is the perfect activity to get to know your fellow travelers. And if you enjoy puzzles, trivia or other card games, you’ll find bridge just as exciting — and most of all, fun. All of my classes are “learn as you play” without having to memorize or do homework. Then, when you’re ready to play a game, you can choose between a social game (perfect for those still getting the hang of it) and a duplicate game (for those more seasoned or serious about the competition).
Another great perk of playing bridge on board is that we’ve simplified the scoring process with software developed by Brenda Egeland, RSVP Bridge. Regent offers Unlimited WiFi, so we can access all of the latest tools and technology to facilitate the game.
On sea days, you’ll find me in the Card Room, offering bridge classes in the morning and hosting games in the afternoons. May our paths cross at the bridge table!
In the late 19th century, a lively card game called "Whist" swept through the elegant parlors of England. This trick-taking game with a trump suit and a dash of bidding enthralled players. As the game's popularity grew, it gave rise to numerous variations and regional adaptations, which introduced the concept of bidding on the number of tricks to be won.
Across the Atlantic, the love for Whist peaked in the United States. In the early 20th century, a new version called "Auction Bridge" emerged. Players gathered around tables, their hearts racing as they engaged in heated auctions to determine the trump suit and the number of tricks they dared to take. Auction Bridge quickly captured the hearts of Americans, becoming a national craze.
As the years passed, the bridge found its perfect home on the decks of grand cruise ships and luxurious ocean liners. Passengers bound for exotic destinations discovered the joys of bridge during leisurely voyages. The rhythm of the waves and the camaraderie of fellow travelers created the ideal setting for bridge to flourish. The game's allure transcended borders, cultures, and languages as players from distant corners of the globe united over the shared language of the cards.
A deck of 52 cards is used, and players are dealt 13 cards each. The game involves a bidding phase, during which players communicate information about their hands to their partners and try to determine the best contract (the trump suit and the number of tricks they believe they can win). The highest-bidding partnership becomes the declarer, and their opponents become the defenders.
The game is divided into two main parts: the bidding and the play. During the play, the declarer tries to fulfill their contract by taking the required number of tricks, while the defenders try to prevent them from doing so.
Bridge requires a combination of strategy, tactics and communication between partners. It has a rich set of conventions and systems that players can use to communicate information about their hands during the bidding phase.
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