Bridge players develop a natural, keen sense for other bridge players over time.

When standing in line or showing up at an event, it doesn’t take long to figure out who the other bridge players are. It’s almost like a radar, and within a few minutes of meeting one another, they’ll be talking about cards.

How do you spot other bridge players in a crowd?

Well, I’d say there are many ways…

Here are 5 signs you’re a bridge player.

1. You’re okay with buying just one more card deck.

Whenever I see someone buying card decks at a store, I stop and ask them what game it’s going to be for. The question surprises some, but it always sparks a conversation – and often, I’ll learn something.

Card players just can’t help themselves. There’s always space for just one more card deck!

2. You’re okay with buying just one more card deck after this.

Guitar players call it GAS, or Gear-Acquisition-Syndrome. I’ve spent enough time in bridge to notice that card players aren’t immune to the very same phenomenon – except instead, we’re chasing anything that might have cards in the name.

Should you buy one more card deck for your collection or club?

Of course you should. You’re a bridge player.

3. You’ve become a library of playing card trivia and random card information.

Playing bridge for long enough, random facts and trivia will absorb into your brain like a sponge (even when you don’t imagine it does).

Whenever someone mentions bridge, cards, Agatha Christie, or anything that rhymes with Stayman, you’ll have a fact ready for it.

4. You’ve gotten over your fear of the number 13.

Fear of the number 13 is a common phobia. Horror stories and news headlines are littered with tales about why people should be scared of the number in the first place.

Rumours about the number 13 are enough to make most people feel uncomfortable at the sight of it.

Unless, of course, you’re a bridge player.

The number 13 just happens to be the amount of cards in your hand.

5. You’ve caught yourself speaking or writing in card terms.

Playing open cards with someone, laying all your cards on the table, one thing being able to trump another… How many sayings can you mention that involve references to cards?

Bridge players often incorporate cards into how they speak. Linguistically, one can’t help it!

If you catch yourself speaking or writing in card terms, it’s just one more sign that you’re a natural bridge player now.

How many bridge players do you encounter every day without even knowing it? How do you reveal your own bridge-playing habits?