Did you make any new year’s resolutions? High on most people’s lists – along with shedding a few pounds – is to exercise more. But what about mental fitness? It’s a lot more fun than getting sweaty in the gym – and all it requires is taking up bridge. Bridge really is the best mental workout you can do; endless scientific studies have proved that it staves off dementia. But forget the studies – just ask anyone who plays, at any level. To quote the Irish novelist Colm Toibin: ‘Bridge saved me from becoming a lazy bastard.’
My own resolution isn’t to play more but to play better: to push myself harder, minimise the lapses of concentration, banish the brain fog. In other words, to try and be more like – well, any of the world-class players I so admire. I’ll pick the Norwegian star Boye Brogeland, given that he has just won the International Bridge Press Association’s award for Best Defended Hand of 2022.
Get Britain's best politics newsletters
Register to get The Spectator's insight and opinion straight to your inbox. You can then read two free articles each week.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate for just £1 a month
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for £3.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just £1 a monthAlready a subscriber? Log in