Every day thousands of people around Australia sit down to play bridge.
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According to veteran player Corinne Monteath, 87, there is no better way to keep the brain active and make new friends.
A long-time member of the West Australian Bridge Club (WABC), one of around 330 clubs around Australia, Corinne has been playing since she was a five-year-old.
"My father was a very good bridge player, he used to play in Cairo where he was stationed during World War 1," she said.
"He taught us how to play. As the youngest, I used to sit on his knee and watch.
"I can still hear my dear old Dad say, 'Give them a trick to make a trick,' and it is something that comes back to me when I play."
Corinne took a break from cards when she was working as a charge nurse and raising a family.
But once she wound down and her three children grew up, her thoughts again turned to the game she learned at her father's lap.
"It's a bit like golf or learning to ride a bike, once you've learned when you're young you never forget and you can take it up again anytime," she said.
"When I was young there were no TVs or computers, everyone played board games or card games.
"My dream was to play with the actor Omar Sharif. I thought he was marvellous in Dr Zhivago and he was a top bridge player."
Corinne is just a few points off being a grand master.
"Bridge makes you think. It's a great way to keep the cogs turning over and it's never too late to learn.
"I have made some great friendships playing bridge, it is very social."
Corrine's top tip for being a good bridge player is to "look after your partner."
"Your partner is the most important person in the whole room, don't put your partner under stress.
"You can't do it alone.
"Concentrate and count your cards, I count every suit. It's most important to know how many trumps are out."
The WABC, based in Swanbourne, has more than 900 members from a variety of backgrounds.
It recently held a well-attended open gala day to attract new members and players.
There is a program of lessons four times per year for beginners and mentor and buddy services.
To find a Bridge Club near you, visit the Australian Bridge Federation website: www.abfevents.com.au/clubs/map.asp
