Where cards are played, caffeine can be found.

Caffeine is well-known as an aid amongst bridge (and card) players.

When it’s used right, we can count on caffeine to increase blood flow to the brain and heart.

Caffeine can lead to clearer, faster thoughts. At the very least, caffeine can make you feel rejuvenated and awake first thing in the morning when the rest of your body is still catching up with the day.

A lot of people can’t start (or end) their day without caffeine in their chosen form. Coffee, energy drinks, caffeine pills. When available, I’ll even go for caffeine-infused chocolate.

What could be bad about it?

Apparently, new studies.

While caffeine is useful, adverse reactions are very possible. Adverse reactions combined with certain physical conditions could outright mean death.

Here’s why bridge players should take care with caffeine.

New Studies on Caffeine

We know that caffeine can be great, and we know that caffeine can be bad.

New clinical studies on the potential dangers of caffeine show adverse reactions could be more commonplace than we thought.

There are physical conditions (including Ehlers-Danlos) which can dramatically increase the potential danger that caffeine could pose to your health.

The best rule of thumb for caffeine use? Don’t push it. Don’t increase your dosage. Don’t screw around with it.

Just because it doesn’t go up your nose with a straw, doesn’t make it less of a risk to your overall health.

Caffeine should be used as responsibly as everything else.

If you aren’t sure you should be taking it, see your doctor. If you’re having adverse effects, see your doctor. It’s a good idea to see your doctor anyway, but especially when it comes to responsible caffeine use.

Healthy Paranoia (For Health)

Could you have a heart attack after one cup of coffee to many at a bridge game?

With an existing heart condition, it’s not impossible.

Bridge games are exciting. There’s movement. There’s heat. There’s standing up and sitting down. Add a few environmental changes, a health condition that you didn’t know about, and then mix in caffeine.

It’s a possibility, and it’s why bridge players should be taking more care.

What Players (and Clubs) can do

See your doctor, and stay as close to healthy as you can. It’s a good start.

Bridge clubs should ensure enough ventilation, and keep temperatures moderate where possible. Heat is hazardous.

Blood pressure and heart rate is easy enough to check for players going in, and those going out. Check their pulse with a smartphone app if there’s no access to medical equipment.

Emergency numbers should be in obvious places. Have emergency contacts on file for club players. Remember to ask members for potential medicinal or food allergies, just in case.

Be health aware. Do you know if anyone has a heart condition? Then ask.

Always have a first-aid kit stocked.

Lastly, encourage good health amongst bridge players. Make sure bridge-playing snacks are healthy ones, and check the amount of caffeine going through your club.

Enjoy caffeine, but responsibly.