Beloved card game helps bridge social gaps

Patty Mayer is the mind behind the "Bridge in Paradise" gathering, and putting together the matches is no small feat.

She prepares extensively for the meetings that take place every Thursday from 1 to 4 p.m., laying out the same set of cards for each table. She thoughtfully matches the tablemates, basing part of her decisions on their accumulated "masterpoints."

For serious bridge players, this figure represents their lifelong commitment to mastering the game. A player may earn a handful of points per session, which Mayer carefully tracks then reports to the American Contract Bridge League.

More than one player in the group has exceeded 1,000 masterpoints, moving their way through the official ranks.

Despite the expert skill of many players, many of the regular attendees say they enjoy this particular bridge club most for its social aspects.

Temple St. Clair declared The Paradise Center’s bridge gathering to be “the best game in town.”

Photo by Dana Kampa

“Patty runs it so beautifully,” she said. “It’s a real treat.”

To keep everyone on track, Patty tracks the matches through her laptop, running a tight ship when it comes to the seven-minute rounds.

Attendees praised her tight organization skills and welcoming personality.

While members said they like participating in The Paradise Center’s variety of community games, including mahjong and canasta, there is just something special about bridge.

Mayer, who has been directing the game for three years, said the event is nearly at capacity with eleven of its dozen tables filled. But the center is happy to accommodate as many players as safely as possible.

Photo by Dana Kampa

“I've been playing bridge for my entire life, since I was a teenager," she said.

Mayer is an officially trained director, and she noted that bridge is an intricate game. She recommends players have at least a baseline understanding of the game before joinging an official club. But she said the center is considering offering some beginner-friendly events.

Over Thanksgiving, she attended a national seminar in Las Vegas to become a bridge teacher, and she looks forward to sharing her skills.

She spoke of the importance of having such social events available to the public, especially with the ebb and flow of the population throughout the seasons.

Photo by Dana Kampa

Mayer predicts the club will stay busy through May, and she looks forward to coordinating the matches this winter.

When asked what makes bridge quite so popular, she responded, "You're always learning. Lifelong learning keeps people mentally sharp and social. It's a very, very good game, and it's very intellectual."

Though space is limited, those interested in registering can email [email protected] or call 262-215-2566.