Everyone forgets things once in a while, but when does it go beyond just forgetting where you put the keys to something more serious?

Here are a few things that can jog your memory about bridge – and how to spot the signs that your brain might be in need of a refresher.

See the Signs

Once forgetfulness becomes a little more frequent or your mind starts to slip with small, basic things that you know you’d normally know the answer to, it’s time take note.

There are many things that can prompt temporary memory loss, sometimes related to your diet and sometimes related to things like external stress – but all of them mean you should visit your doctor for a qualified medical opinion.

Brain fog and memory loss can be caused by any number of things. Plenty of them could be serious ones, and it’s a good idea to encourage anyone to see their doctor at the very first signs of something that feels “off” or different to their version of normal.

Pay closer attention if you have family members who might have a history of disease, or if your genetic history is unknown or undocumented (as is the case with many individuals who were adopted).

1. Play More Bridge

Bridge is one of the best things you can do for the brain in terms of keeping it sharp, active and healthy throughout life. But I’ve also seen a few players that stagnate in their play, experiences and bridge clubs for years – their conventions, plays and reactions stay the exact same.

Experience more players, more clubs, more environments – and in general, more experiences for the brain to draw from. Call in a bridge teacher if you’d like to sharpen up some specific bridge skills.

Even in bridge, stay away from stagnation and always keep things fresh.

2. Experience Other Games Too

The brain isn’t able to learn if you keep running through the same experiences over and over again. Sometimes picking up an occasional game of Reversi, chess, poker or blackjack can be a way to boost your brain’s ability to recall the rules and plays for something you don’t play very often – and the strategies you pick up here make you see bridge in an entirely new light, too.

3. Get Your Game Online!

Can playing bridge online give your overall memory a boost? I vote yes – and it’s because of the fact that online bridge play comes with a level of convenience that means you can do it anywhere and at any point.

Online play also means that there’s rarely a restriction of what time you can arrive to catch a live bridge game: You’ll find online players no matter what time your clock says right now.

4. Teach Another Player Bridge

If you want to give your memory skills a real boost, choose someone you know and teach them the basics of the game from the ground up. Not everyone is good at passing on skills, but if you’re patient enough to do it, it can run your memory through what you know about bridge whlie simultaneously inspiring you to look up new bridge topics on behalf of whoever it is you’re teaching.