It's unfortunate that I rarely get to play this game, but it's truly perfect. Developing a bidding strategy with a long-term bridge partner is one of the finer enjoyments in life.

I learned how to play from watching Signor Emanuel Ravelli and The Professor, which is probably why I'm not very good.

I grew up playing bridge with my family, and to date it is my favorite card game. Great blend of strategy and chance. Other "strategy" card games usually feel watered down. Even the "dummy" aspect, which some people complain about because they have to sit out a hand, I find brilliant. Unfortunately, few play it any more in this electronic age because it takes a decent commitment to learn the bidding system(s).

Given that my father's uncle was Charles Goren, I have a personal connection to the game. It certainly requires the effort to learn the systems of hand evaluation, partner communication and card play. This acquisition of knowledge and skills must be done collaboratively, which is what makes it so eminently sociable, but this is perhaps what also led to its decline in popularity once the television became the hearth of the lounge room. For this reason it's hard to see it making a comeback, sadly.