Henderson bridge club draws members from across the valley

Members of the Henderson Bridge Club mingle before an afternoon game by telling jokes and sharing stories.

As game time nears, they begin shuffling card decks, and the chatter is slowly replaced with silence.

“We’re all really good friends, just not at the bridge table,” said club director Dixie Allsbrook.

The club, 1716 Horizon Ridge Parkway, Suite 140, hosts games Saturday through Thursday and lessons on Monday and Friday.

“It’s a wonderful game to keep the mind active,” Allsbrook said. “It’s a game of numbers, nuance and real competition. It’s a lively rivalry.”

Contract bridge is considered a trick-taking card game in which the object is to win as many tricks, or plays, as possible. Four players are partnered into two teams — north-south and east-west — and dealt 13 cards each. The players place a bid if they think their cards are good enough to make a contract, which is a number of tricks of a certain suit they commit to make in a hand.

A trick is won by the player with the highest card, and partners receive points if they fulfill their contract by the end of the hand.

Individuals play to accumulate points to earn a Life Master title honored by the American Contract Bridge League, which is first attained at 300 points. Players can become Grand Life Masters at 10,000 points.

“Bridge is a pastime that became popular in the ’30s and was played mostly by college students,” Allsbrook said. “Almost all the people in our club played in college, but then life took over until they retired. This club allows them to jump right back in and make new friends and play cards.”

The club used to meet at recreation and senior centers throughout Henderson until they found a permanent home off Boulder Highway about six years ago.

“When I bought the rights to the chapter, I decided to move it from Boulder Highway to a more convenient location on Horizon Ridge,” Allsbrook said. “Here, we get members from all the different surrounding communities.”

Club member Mike McClain joined the club about eight years ago and has participated in many city and club tournaments. He learned how to play bridge from his parents when he was in high school.

“I come here about two to three times a week,” he said. “It’s a real friendly club, and it’s really fun to play here. I like to play defense and set up my opponents.”

An annual membership to the club costs $10, games cost $8 and lessons cost $6 to $10 depending on experience. Club championships are hosted twice a month. Roughly 150 people attend each meeting.

“It’s a wonderful way to get together,” Allsbrook said. “There’s no cheaper or more interactive way to spend three hours for $8.”

For more information, visit lasvegasbridgeclubs.com/Henderson.htm or call Carol Warren at 702-336-9137.

Contact Henderson View reporter Caitlyn Belcher at cbelcher@viewnews.com or 702-383-0403.