Bridge is great for the brain.

Regular bridge playing helps the mind to stay active. Playing bridge is recommended advice for people of any age, and requires careful thinking about bids and cards. It’s one of the world’s best card games, and one of its most engaging puzzles.

But what about the things about bridge that aren’t great for the health of those playing it?

I’ve watched people playing bridge for years. I’ve played a lot of bridge myself.

During this time, I’ve noticed that injuries in bridge are just as common as within any other sport. Bridge doesn’t require running, but there are many other, effortless ways to strain or injure the body. Repetitive strain and fatigue are just some things that can affect (especially online) bridge players.

Here’s a look at 5 online bridge habits that are terrible for your health.

1. Playing bridge in bad light.

A lot can be said for adequate lighting. Where light is enough, the eyes don’t struggle to adapt as much – especially when adding a glowing smartphone screen. Always make sure that your preferred bridge-playing area is well-lit.

Bridge in bad lighting only causes eye-strain. This can become a long-term problem, or worsen any eye conditions that you already have.

If you find the room’s lighting too harsh, consider changing the lightbulbs out: It can do a lot to reduce glare.

2. Playing bridge without stretching.

Always – and always – stretch before sitting down to play bridge. It counts just as much for online bridge as games played at physical bridge tables. It would also be just as true if I were talking about any other sport.

Stretching is done for good reason. The reason is circulation, and avoiding muscle strain.

If you skip stretching, good luck with the pain you’ll be in later on. Lactic acid builds up in muscle, and stretching helps to release it.

If online bridge games are making you feel tense or triggering headaches, try stretching as a possible solution.

3. Playing bridge at a terrible angle.

Bridge played at terrible angles can trigger vast amounts of muscle or joint strain. Sometimes, it can also mean that your smartphone gets dropped on a body part (such as a knee, a foot, or a face).

Always consider your bridge-playing angle before getting down to business. Make sure that you are comfortable before the first card even gets played.

If you don’t, you risk a whole list of strains and injuries too long to list in one place. Arthritis is just one potential condition you might experience or worsen as a result.

4. Playing bridge when you squint to see the cards.

If you have to squint in order to see the cards properly, it could be the first sign of serious eye strain. Increased need to zoom in to see bids or cards can also indicate that it might be the right time to schedule an eye exam.

If you can’t see your bridge game, take a break to find out why.  Continual strain is dangerous if you already experience symptoms of sight problems.

A standard eye exam is a quick process, and you’ll know more about your health for it. After an appointment, you might be able to see your bridge games better.

5. Playing bridge with an unsanitized device.

Smartphones don’t just carry viruses in digital form, but can help to spread other forms of viruses or bacteria too. The longer a phone goes without being cleaned properly, the worse its bacterial content might be.

Do you play online bridge with an unsanitized device?

It’s a serious health risk. Don’t!

What bridge-related habits have you had to break for better health?