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4 Really dangerous bridge donts

I’d like to start this post by expressing my gratitude for the fact that bridge is one of the safer sports out there.

Bridge doesn’t require the act of mounting a horse and grabbing a stick. There’s no need for running or kicking in bridge, and it won’t throw out my back (although most other sports including bowling might).

But even though bridge can be called a more relaxed sport, players can still do things that count as potentially dangerous.

Are you about to play online bridge and convinced that injury or harm is impossible?

Well, not quite.


Here are 4 really dangerous bridge donts (that everyone should avoid).

1. Leaving candles unattended (while playing bridge).


Candles are great for atmosphere or romance, but also excellent for setting unintentional fires. There are a hundred (and one) possible ways for candles to become a disaster, and a lot of stories about fires start with leaving candles unattended.

Make sure candles are secured, far from anything flammable, and surrounded by a substance (e.g. sand) at the base that makes fire less likely if it should be knocked over.


I’ve made some past mistakes, and it’s best to warn others early.

2. Letting your devices charge (while playing bridge).


Charging devices aren’t meant to be used while their charge is still running towards full. Using devices like tablets and smartphones while they’re plugged in can be particularly dangerous.

If you look at the user manual for your device, the warnings are usually mentioned in there almost every time.

What can it do?

Repetitive use can cause battery malfunctions. The danger lies in overheating the battery, which can melt or explode during use.

Yes, it’s entirely possible for a device to do this.

If your smart devices give off unnecessary amounts of heat, consider having the battery looked at by an expert.

3. Cooking without a timer (while playing bridge).

Setting timers and alarms are a big help in the kitchen, especially if you like to cook while doing other things. Bridge players who mix their attention between these two actions should learn from this suggestion… Set the timer!

I’ve learned that it’s possible to overcook things like rice.

I’ve also learned that it’s possible to set the same substances on fire, or melt them into the base of the pot.

It could be that “just five more minutes” in front of the screen that makes you forget what you were doing. With unattended and untimed cooking, this could be dangerous.

4. Plugging in without a surge protector (while playing bridge).


Surge protectors are important for the eventuality of two possibilities: (I) Power outages and the subsequent surge of returning electricity when it comes back, and (ii) Unexpected electrical currents, such as lightning strikes.

If either of the abovementioned things ever happen while you’re playing online bridge, you’ll be very glad that you have it.

Without one, expect a potentially blown device. The value of surge protectors are always less than the devices you could expect to replace if you didn’t hae them! Back in the days of large computer monitors, I saw lightning strike it through a window. Impressive, but also incredibly dangerous.

What are some potentially dangerous things that you would tell other players to avoid at all costs while they’re playing bridge?