One of the greatest elements of card games is the ability to challenge another player (or team) to a game.

Matches like these happen outside the context of tournaments or organized games. They’re often a lot more spontaneous, and they happen on the spot when there’s an available playing platform (and a clash of abilities).

We all love challenges.

The art of the challenge is what makes shows like Yu-Gi-Oh!, Pokemon, Beyblade, or Dragon Ball Z exciting. It’s why we watch every sports movie that’s ever been made. It’s why we cheer for the hero (or the villain).

It’s also a big part of why we all play bridge.

Here’s how to challenge someone to a game.

1: Challenge Those Who Don’t Play (Yet)

I encourage people to challenge others who don’t play bridge yet.

Why? Because it gets the game to spread from one person to the next.

It can be a fair game, but only if (1) they are given time to familiarize themselves with the basic rules, (2) the inviting player remembers they have the house edge as a bridge player with experience.

I’ve played against people who have never played a game of bridge in their lives (and happened to lose). The results can be surprising.

2: Decide On Spontaneous (Or Set)

Bridge challenges can be spontaneous,or they can happen at a set and arranged time.

This depends on how many people you’ve got in the room, and what their schedules are.

There’s no right or wrong answer here. Just people playing bridge.

3: Third-Party Scoring

When there’s a challenge involved, roping in a third-party referee is the recommended option. Preferably, choose someone who has zero personal interest in the results of the game (or in the players) to ensure there’s no bias involved in the game.

Casual challenges don’t need a tournament director, but they can benefit from someone who keeps an eye on things.

Online games (and additionally, bridge scoring apps) have come to make this step easier.

4: Discuss Terms Beforehand

For challenges of any kind, it’s important to make sure that everyone at the table is on the same page. (No? That’s how people get shot at poker games.)

Discuss the terms of the challenge before the game starts to guarantee that there are no misunderstandings (or angry losers) later.

Yelling “best of three!” after you’ve lost the first one doesn’t count.

5: Record The Game

Games (especially challenges) should be recorded or screen-captured.

It’s important to document a game, especially if there’s any need to go back later. If there were any disagreements (or just notable moves) during the game, you’ll be glad you did.

Recorded games can also find their way to the internet. It’s always fun to see players uploading their bridge challenge videos!

Ready yet?