This Ancient Game Loved by Grandparents Boosts School Performance!

The recent change to the mathematics exam regulations is a game-changer: candidates will no longer be allowed to use calculators. This has raised concerns since from middle school onwards, the calculator has become a crucial tool for verifying answers. Without it, students need to rely on their instincts and logic. For teachers, the challenge is significant: how can they restore confidence in students and help them improve in new ways?

For over a decade, an innovative experiment has been taking place in classrooms. It involves a game that combines discipline with enjoyment. As they play, students enhance their memory, sharpen their analytical skills, learn to think several steps ahead, and collaborate with their peers. These are valuable skills that they can apply to various mathematical concepts, including probability, statistics, and algorithms. The method is particularly effective as children feel they are playing rather than doing repetitive schoolwork.

In 2012, the National Education Department partnered with the French Federation to promote its introduction in schools. Over 10,000 teachers have been trained to use it as an educational tool. The basic rules can be understood in less than ten minutes, allowing the game to start quickly. From elementary to high school, thousands of students are now being introduced to it. “This game fits perfectly within the educational system, fostering multidisciplinary skills. It promotes equal opportunities and enhances skills in mental arithmetic and memorization. It’s also a tool for solving problems in a fun way, which helps students think, analyze, and adapt. It often reignites a passion for learning and is an inclusive activity, especially suitable for students who struggle academically or have disabilities,” says Géraldine Gadé, a mathematics teacher. Recognized by the International Olympic Committee, she advocates for the game as a mental sport and educational tool. Its name? Bridge.

Meanwhile, the French Federation, ranked first in Europe and second globally, unites nearly 1,000 clubs across the country. Tournaments are held daily, and the first five introductory sessions are free. With the banning of calculators, this card game, long associated with older generations, emerges as an unexpected solution. It stimulates reasoning, builds confidence, encourages cooperation, and effectively prepares students for their exams. So why not enjoy a round or two with grandma and grandpa?