The Sandhills Bridge Studio is approaching its 10th anniversary.

Originally opened by Ray and Nancy Fiorillo in November 2002 and now, for the last five years, operated by David Rogers, it has served as a mainstay of the bridge community here in the Sandhills.

All games are sanctioned by the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL), which awards nationally recognized Master Points to winners. It is much more than just a place to play duplicate bridge.

For almost 10 years now, it has served the community as a social gathering place for the more than 200 members of the Sandhills Duplicate Bridge Players Association (SDBPA).

The studio provides a warm, friendly and inviting atmosphere for its many members, as well as occasional visitors to our area.

In a large sense, the studio is a very real community. Its members all show sincere concern for the well-being of their fellow partners and opponents.

In addition they, along with the SDBPA and the ACBL, have provided charitable contributions to many worthy causes within our community and nationally.

Duplicate bridge provides an opportunity to engage in mentally challenging competition. It stimulates the brain cells and has been medically proven to help stave off Alzheimer's disease.

"Most of our players would much rather spend 3? hours sitting at the bridge table and sorting out the many challenges each deal presents, than to sit in a movie theater or before the TV and have passive entertainment with no effort on their part," says a spokesman. "Where else can you find an afternoon's entertainment as well as a challenge which helps exercise the gray matter in your brain for only $8?"

In addition, there are duplicate bridge tournaments held all over the world. The SDBPA sponsors two sectional tournaments here in the Sandhills area, one in September and the other in January. These provide an opportunity for our players to test their skills against players from a much wider area.

"Our tournaments are often visited by players from as far as South Carolina, Virginia and Delaware," says the spokesman.

The studio also runs two annual tournaments, which are open only to the newer players who have not yet attained Life Master status. This allows them to gain tournament play experience while competing only with their peers.

The Sandhills Bridge Studio offers lessons for new players as well as those who wish to advance to higher levels.

For information, call (910) 692-4188 or email d.r.bridge@hotmail.com.