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An Obvious boost to mental arithmetic skills

In order to start a game in Mini Bridge, bridge, or to gain entry to the Bridge Coach program, students have to 'count their points'. This is done as a way of assessing the strength of a hand. Four points are given for each Ace held, three for each King, two for each Queen and one for each Jack.

After a few sessions in Mini Bridge, or immediately in bridge, students learn to add one point for the fifth card in a suit, one for the sixth card and two for any extra card. Ninety percent of the time the fifth card is the winner if it can be collected by gaining access to it.

When they describe heir hands in the later stages of Mini Bridge, students are introduced to enhanced point count which under certain conditions adds points for length and shortage. Discussions with maths teachers was instrumental in introducing this fairly complex calculation into Bridge Coach. Average or brighter nine year olds have been observed to be capable of performing the calculation. It takes on a new gloss when they can accurately bid contracts using the acquired information. Since it is part of a game, it seems to appear easier in their eyes than if it were attempted in a formal classroom situation.