Bridge clubs everywhere are exploring new ways to grow the game – from online courses and school partnerships to pop-up events that bring bridge right into the heart of the community. One such example recently took place in the small Bavarian town of Burghausen, where a lively street festival turned into the perfect setting for a bridge outreach day.

As part of the town’s annual Labor Day festival, the local club BC Burghausen set up a few tables in the main square, offering passersby the chance to learn a little bridge, pick up a flyer, and chat with friendly volunteers about the game. The goal? Show that bridge is fun, social, and absolutely not just for the older generation.

Among the visitors was Lorand Dali (lorserker on BBO), a longtime bridge player and the developer behind BBO’s robot “Ben.” Lorand took his kids along too, and together with the others from the bridge club spent a sunny afternoon enjoying cards and conversation alongside other families, and festivalgoers.

A group of local children aged 10 to 13 were especially enthusiastic – after getting a quick introduction to the basics, they were spotted later in the day practicing what they’d learned. Four young firefighters from the Burghausen volunteer fire department also stopped by. Having just finished raising the town Maypole, they mentioned they often have downtime during on-call shifts and thought bridge could be a great way to unwind. Plans are now in motion to organize a beginner course just for them.

The event was driven by Rosi Kuntz, who runs the South Bavarian Bridge Association, and supported by volunteers wearing colorful bridge-themed costumes (thanks to the German Bridge Association). It was a low-cost, high-impact way to put bridge in front of people who might never have thought to try it – and it worked.

Following the success of the pop-up, the club is planning more initiatives, including a summer bridge event and an improv theatre night with a bridge theme this fall. A new in-person course for adults is already in the works, as well as an online option for kids.

These kinds of creative efforts are happening everywhere – and they show just how much energy and imagination is flowing into growing the game. From online platforms like BBO to real-world town squares, bridge is finding new life.

How Are You Growing the Game?
We’d love to hear what your club or community is doing to grow bridge. Have you tried something new? A pop-up? A social event? A school outreach program? Let’s inspire each other – and help bring bridge to the next generation.