Playing bridge at school? Mentors say it’s great for kids

Bennett Hasty, an 11-year-old J.T. Moore Middle School student, has played bridge with his grandparents for years — and now he’s able to play the cerebral card game at school.

“Sometimes you get the feeling where you’re like, ‘I’m going to win this and there’s nothing you can do about it!’” Hasty said as he explained why he keeps coming back for more bridge lessons.

Several Nashville schools have recently established youth bridge clubs where students learn and practice the challenging card game. It’s part of an initiative spearheaded by Vanderbilt Bridge Club member Fran Skinner, who believes bridge can spur young people to think critically.

“It encourages logical thinking and communication,” Skinner said. “You have to work with your partner and communicate information. It’s very intellectual.”

Vanderbilt Bridge Club members volunteer to teach young students, from elementary to high school age, the card game before or after classes. The students seem to enjoy the game immensely, according to Alison Gembar, mentor of the Meigs Magnet club.

Skinner hopes other schools will catch on to youth bridge programs so more students can enjoy the benefits of the game.