In South Africa, we’re subjected to something that’s called load shedding. (Source: IOL)

Where anywhere else in the world the phenomenon is called a rolling blackout, for some reason we had to choose a different term – which means that this explanation right here normally precedes any discussions about it online.

It’s inconvenient, irritating and it’s forced people to adapt their lives to blackout schedules. It’s led to having to choose a set time for making coffee. It’s probably sold a lot of power banks. It might even lead to an increased birth rate in about nine months: We’ll see.

In the meantime, it’s almost certainly meant adaptation for anyone who wants to get through a bridge game.

Here’s how to prepare for bridge games and rolling blackouts.

Let There Be Light

Light is one of the first things in the Bible, and probably one of the first things you’ll need at most bridge games. (Coincidentally, the same goes for a lot of other Biblical elements, like not killing people and large golden calves.)

Candles are great, but can also cause a considerable amount of eye strain when you’re trying to see the cards. Invest in chargeable light that’s available whenever the power cuts out.

Let’s Get Together

Keep things like decks and convention cards in one place. It doesn’t cost much to buy a chest or crate for assorted bridge or board game items and this can make sure that none of it ever gets lost or goes missing. Plus, it’s never fun to fumble around for stuff in the dark.

As an extra, mount LED lighting on the inside of the chest or crate so that you can always see what you’re doing.

Candles, Anyone?

Just in case someone forgot to charge the chargeable light, make sure you still have candles, safe candle holders and matches or lighters on hand. (And make sure you know exactly where they’re kept when the power cuts out unexpectedly!)

Remember basic safety rules when dealing with candles. It seems obvious, but clearly isn’t to everyone considering the rate of fire-related accidents every year.

Placing a candle holder on a plate filled with water can help to extinguish the candle in case anyone knocks it over or forgets that it was there.

Invest in Power Banks

Power banks are one of the most useful items you can have in the event of a power outage or if you’re a regular traveler.

Some power banks can run a laptop for a few hours, while others are designed to charge a phone in the event of an emergency. They’re always useful and they can get you out of some very tight situations.

If you play together as a club, you might want to invest in communal power banks (or a small generator) for the bridge club.

Power banks can be your saving grace in the event of an emergency: What if you needed to call an ambulance and nobody had a charged phone?

They can also be hugely useful when you play online, too. Don’t let rolling blackouts keep you away from BBO!

Get Some Surge Protectors

Surge protectors are something you’ll find in the plug, extension and electronics aisle, where you go when you need a lightbulb replaced. They don’t seem useful until you realize you should have had one.

Most electronics don’t like being subjected to the power going off, and the power suddenly coming back can be enough of a shock to blow the circuitry.

Get some surge protectors in preparation for power outages and storms. You might never need them, but they can also save you a few hundred dollars worth in damages when you do.