An Onchan woman has published a book which aims to help people get into playing the card game bridge.

Bridge is a trick-taking card game using a standard 52-card deck. In its basic format, it is played by four players in two competing teams, with partners sitting opposite each other around a table.

Liz Kelly first started playing bridge 40 years ago and has been playing competitively for the past 10 years.

She said the game is one ’where you keep on learning and is good for keeping a healthy brain’.

She added: ’I decided to write a book as I’ve been teaching bridge at University College Isle of Man and was writing and handing out notes to help the students with the lessons.

’The notes turned into a booklet and the booklet into the book. It seemed to be a natural progression.

’It’s taken about three years to complete and I’ve had a great amount of input from various people.’

The book is a basic step by step, lesson by lesson, guide for anyone either thinking of learning or for someone who is a relative beginner or who has only been playing for a few years. Liz has added a quiz at the end of each lesson and lots of examples of hands to learn from.

Playing bridge has taken Liz further than the island and later this year she is going on a trip to Malta as part of a 22-person group which she described as a ’refresher holiday’.

She added: ’You can play a basic game of bridge relatively quickly but it takes time to become a competent player. It is a fascinating game and wonderful game.

’Playing bridge you will come across many new people from all walks of life that you wouldn’t ordinarily meet.

’It’s great for singles or couples and there are many bridge holidays you can go on.’

The self-published book, Beginning Bridge, Learn with Liz, is £12.99 and available directly from Liz by contacting [email protected] or from the Bridge Bookshops in Port Erin and Ramsey.

There are bridge clubs all over the island, including in Douglas, Onchan, Braddan, Marown, Peel, Ramsey, Castletown and Port Erin.

Liz said anyone wanting to join can contact her via the email above.