The University of Alberta (U of A) has numerous banners celebrating championships in sports like rugby, tennis, hockey, and soccer. But if the university's bridge team wins the North American title this July in Minneapolis, a new banner might feature a bear or an ace of hearts.
Qualifying for the Collegiate Bridge Bowl
The team will head to Minnesota in July for the Collegiate Bridge Bowl. They qualified by finishing fourth in a sectional tournament of over 30 American and Canadian collegiate teams, including Georgetown, Georgia Tech, and Purdue, held online in February.
Challenging Stereotypes
Bridge is often seen as a game for retirees, not university students. However, the American Contract Bridge League study found the average age of a bridge player in 2024 was 74.4. Yet, a younger community is emerging.
Isaac Stone, a key figure on the team who moved to Edmonton from Texas, said, "There was actually a fairly strong community before COVID. During COVID, it shrunk. After COVID, it's back to a point where the collegiate field is beyond what it was. I see more younger players in high school and middle school."
Gameplay and Discipline
Bridge involves bidding and passing after cards are dealt, with partnerships and trump suits. It requires concentration, and matches can last long hours. Last year, the team reached the finals in Philadelphia, where they played from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. with only odd hour breaks.
Team member Dan Bell recalled, "By the end of that day, we finished that last hand, and then everyone just collapsed."
Team Strategy
The team has six members, allowing substitutions. While four play, two can rest, managing time effectively. Teams with only four players might face 14-hour days of continuous play.
The University of Alberta Bridge Club met at University Commons on Friday, April 17, 2026, before heading to the championships. Photo by Shaughn Butts.
