Bridge is a great first date.

I know many players who met their life partners at the bridge table. There’s just something about playing cards together which inspires people to connect.

See someone you fancy? Play bridge. Invite them to a game. See how it goes.

There’s no reason why Netflix and chill should be the only option for a first date. Cards connect people, and it could connect you.

Here are 7 tips for bridge & first dates.

1: Suggest It First (Even If They Don’t Play)

Bridge is a great first date.

Suggest it, even if the other person isn’t a bridge player.

It’s a way to break the ice.

When you go to dinner and you’re confronted with an empty table, it can make conversation awkward or weird. Bridge gives a table something to do.

2: Easy Does It

Take it easy.

It’s about conversation and connection, not about beating them at the game.

Use the chance to get to know someone. Let them use the chance to get to know you. A game of bridge is an excellent way to do exactly that.

Don’t worry about rules. Don’t worry about scoring. Don’t worry if they’re terrible. Just see how things go.

3: No Means That

There are occasions where first dates go badly, or where two people just don’t connect.

You can’t (and shouldn’t) force it.

A one-way connection is painful, and can be creepy for its recipient. Don’t, don’t, and don’t do it.

Once someone gives a clear negative sign or says no, that’s that. Respect it.

4: Try Online

Games don’t have to take place in a high-pressure club environment. (For some people, it might be less intimidating if they don’t.)

Online, webcam-driven wine tastings are both popular and possible in today’s world. Online bridge is too.

Meet your chosen person for an online bridge game.

It’s a date within a few clicks.

5: BBO Sees All (But Would Prefer Not To)

Bridge Base Online offers a place where bridge players meet,

But Bridge Base Online isn’t a dating site.

When discussions get heated, there are other platforms to take them. Remember: BBO administrators can access all bridge hands – and all BBO discussions, even private ones.

BBO sees all (but would prefer not to).

6: Try Bidding, Not Bedding

A first date should be allowed to progress naturally. It goes where it goes, and when it goes well, there’s a second.

Forced and hurried first dates often don’t get a second call.

Remember to focus on bidding over bedding for the very first date.

7: Double Dates

Double dates can take the pressure off two people trying to connect for the first time. (I’ve always found them more awkward, but I’ll accept  that it’s not true for everyone else.)

Bridge is a partnership game. That makes it perfect for a double date, too.

If not, there are other forms, including bridge with GIB to fill in empty seats.

Did I mention best of luck?

Remember to thank BBO when it goes well.