The Sandhills Duplicate Bridge Players Association will offer free games of duplicate bridge at the Sandhills Bridge Studio on the first Thursdays of the next three months.

This program is limited to players with less than 50 master points or to those who are not members of the ACBL. Games will start at 10 a.m. and be finished by about 1 p.m.

This offer is being made to try to introduce the game to new players and to those bridge players who have a fear of the word "duplicate."

"If you love the game of bridge, you owe it to yourself to try duplicate, the most exciting form of the game," says a spokesman. "It really is not much different from the game you know, but it introduces a greater element of competition. Everyone will be playing the same hands, so how you play it determines who wins."

Those interested may bring their own partners or call the Studio at 692-4188, and they will arrange for a partner.

The Studio is located on the corner of Bennett and Vermont streets in Southern Pines.