Spades, synapses, society: the link between Neuroscience and Bridge

I was introduced to Bridge through a friend last year. I decided to explore the intersectionality between Bridge, Neuroscience, and its culturally relevant standing among young adults in Pakistan.

Bridge has a reputation for being a game that demands strategic thinking, memory, and social skills. Beyond being a leisure activity, it is a complex endeavour that engages multiple cognitive processes. Its strategic nature can stimulate neural pathways related to problem-solving and planning. At the same time, the partnership aspect of the game encourages social interaction and emotional regulation.

A globally recognised card game, played by people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds, Bridge has hotspots in North America, Europe, and Asia. It is a game accessible to everyone with various motivations: seniors who enjoy Bridge as a social activity and a way to maintain cognitive functions; middle-aged adults who play it as a hobby or in tournaments, and younger people who learn the game through family traditions or educational programs.

There are social Bridge players who play for fun and competitive players who aim to participate in tournaments or achieve elite levels. This skill gap makes younger and less experienced players hesitant to join Bridge clubs, reinforcing the belief that the game is only for older individuals who already know how to play.

Understanding cognitive processes

Neuroscience has shown that playing Bridge challenges various forms of intelligence, including strategic thinking, problem-solving, planning, and cognitive flexibility. Additionally, it can improve cognitive function, including heightened attention, memory function, and emotional regulation. It involves identifying specific neural circuits and neurotransmitters that stimulate neural plasticity, slowing cognitive ageing.

Skilled players can anticipate their opponent's actions, analyse their behaviour and moves, and understand nonverbal signals such as timing or pauses.

Bridge fosters positive human connections and can be played across generations. It is not uncommon to find grandparents teaching their grandchildren how to play. Many people enjoy playing Bridge online or within their social circles. Whether for social engagement, intellectual challenge, or competitive thrill, Bridge attracts diverse players for different reasons. However, the lack of popularity of Bridge among young people in Pakistan can be attributed to several cultural factors.

Popularity among young people

Bridge has existed since 1529, gaining popularity during the 1930s to the 1950s as an after-dinner game, often associated with murder in crime novels. However, in the 21st century the game struggled to compete with digital and fast-paced games. As a result, Bridge has faced many image problems. This misconception has caused younger people to overlook it.

Like their peers globally, younger generations in Pakistan tend to prefer digital entertainment, such as video games and social media, over traditional card games like Bridge. Unfortunately, Bridge is often perceived as an “old person’s game” and may not be seen as trendy or exciting. Additionally, younger people may not learn the game if it is not integrated into educational settings or promoted as a youth activity. The game’s rules can be daunting for newcomers, which may deter younger players who could opt for games that are easier to pick up and play. Furthermore, other sports and activities like cricket, soccer, or local games might be more appealing and more actively promoted in schools and communities. These traditional and more physically active games might overshadow Bridge. To increase its popularity among younger generations, there need to be more clubs, organisations, or educational programs actively promoting Bridge as a beneficial game for cognitive and social development. Unfortunately, the lack of public and private investment in making it accessible to young people means fewer opportunities for them to engage with it. Lastly, strategies like using games for cognitive improvement might not be widely accepted or understood.

Bridge the gap

It is crucial to address the myths surrounding the game to encourage young people in Pakistan to adopt Bridge. Here are some ways to do so:

• Promote Bridge as a game for all ages and communities by highlighting the fun and excitement young players bring to the table. Update the game's image with modern marketing that appeals to a wider audience, using youthful language to make it more accessible and inclusive.
• To ensure that Bridge is recognizsed as a game of skill and not gambling, it is essential to create easily understandable materials that clarify its legal status. It is recommended to enlist the help of legal experts or community leaders to explain the distinctiveness between Bridge and gambling, possibly through interviews or public service announcements. By doing so, we can promote a better understanding of Bridge and its unique characteristics.
• Share neuroscience-backed studies that support the cognitive and social benefits of playing Bridge. Use testimonials from young players who have found that Bridge has helped them in other areas, such as academics or social interactions.
• Emphasise how the strategies and skills used in Bridge align with cultural values such as wisdom, foresight, and community. Obtain endorsements from religious authorities stating that the game does not conflict with religious norms to counter negative perceptions.
• Showcase men and women and people from various backgrounds who enjoy Bridge to counter gender-based stigmas. Compare Bridge to other sports that are universally accepted, highlighting its competitive and strategic aspects.
• Promote the cost-effectiveness of Bridge, showing that it does not require expensive equipment or facilities. Emphasise that it is a game of skill that does not give advantages to individuals based on economic status.

To be more widely accepted, it is essential to focus on the cognitive and strategic aspects of the game rather than any betting elements. Bridge is a game of skill and strategy, not chance.

Aisha Sanober Chachar is a psychiatrist and co-founder of Synapse, Pakistan Neuroscience Institute. All facts and information are the sole responsibility of the writer