New Blog Coming to Benicia Patch

The answer is often the same.  “I’ve never played but my parents played all the time.” 

The question: “Do you play bridge?”

Each Wednesday night and a group of card players gathers at the Benicia Senior Center for a game of duplicate bridge.   Benicia has two weekly duplicate games -- Tuesday mornings, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and  Wednesday evenings, 7-10 p.m..  Both games meet at the Senior Center. 

The Wednesday group, Let's Play! Bridge Club, is a Parks activity and is hosted by Benicia resident Gretchen Filer who began teaching bridge classes in 2004, and found many students worked during the day and wanted lessons at night.  

Filer will begin writing a blog on Patch about bridge and bridge players in Benicia.

"A local week night duplicate game was a natural continuation," said Filer.  "We typically have 5 tables."   

Benicia bridge enthusiasts drive as far as Walnut Creek, Oakland, Napa or Sonoma to find a game sanctioned by the American Contract Bridge League (ABCL).  Those games may be 20 tables or more.  Neither game in Benicia is ACBL sanctioned. 

"An ACBL Club can be intimidating to a new player," said Filer.  

Filer wanted to offer a competitive game, using ACBL guidelines, with an atmosphere where new players would feel comfortable learning the logistics, rules and etiquette required for duplicate.  

"It's worked out well - we have a great group!  It's a little more relaxed than a sanctioned game but we still play good Bridge,” said Filer.  “People make friends and encourage each other to improve.   We like our 'small game' atmosphere and friendly competition -- refreshments, light music in the background, an occasional party.  Some players are very successful in the ACBL but still like to play our local game. "

The Tuesday game is a Senior Center activity, managed by Carolyn Fallon, Al Switzer and other senior volunteers.  That game has been going strong for over 20 years.  "There's a lot of overlap now between the groups,” said Filer.  “That's helped both games grow." 

"There are enough skilled players here to support an ACBL game, " said Filer, but for now she's content with her small business and proud of how she has helped grow bridge in Benicia. 

For more information, email  letsplaybridgeclub@gmail.

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If there’s something in this article you think should be corrected, or if something else is amiss, call editor JB Davis at 707-628-0051 or email him at benicia@patch.com.