One of the reasons we had so (relatively) few youngsters taking up bridge in the 70's, 80's and 90's was that their parents didn't learn and play bridge. Why not? Why did the most popular game in in the 50's and 60's start to lose it's popularity?
I think it was when every family had TV and then later video games, cable TV and computers. In the 30's and 40's very few families had TV's and even then there were at most 2 stations and in black and white. Reception was bad, limited programming etc. So TV didn't change people's options for entertainment all that much in the beginning. Families still relied on dinner parties, charades, family games for entertainment and socializing. Bridge (being such a fantastic game and perfect for inviting over another couple) was a big part of that social life.
Then came along color TV, more programming options and more TV stations. All of a sudden people could spend the evening watching TV in the comfort of their own home. Not only was it new, after the purchase of the TV, it was inexpensive and they didn't have to dress up and go out! This resulted in less instances of adults coming over to visit, having dinner and then playing cards....with the kids in the house looking over their shoulders to see what was going on and occassionally even play dummy.
By the 70's when video games and cable TV came along with even more entertainment options and then add computer games to the mix in the 90's...we were faced with a huge struggle to interest people in a card game!
The trend is changing though. Cable TV, video games and computers aren't 'new' anymore; they've lost part of their appeal. Youngsters (and adults) are looking for other ways to spend their leisure time. Families are looking for opportunities to spend time together. Fresh opportunities to challenge their mind and to display their intelligence and skill.
I know of only one game you never master. One game that presents new challenges, situations and puzzles every time you sit down to play.
You guessed it - Bridge!
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