Wednesday afternoons at the Sydenham Neighbourhood House are full of fun and trickery, as groups gather to play the popular card game 500.
From 12.30pm to 2.30pm, the doors of the neighbourhood house are open free of charge for people of all ages to come in and play. Typically about 15 to 20 people attend each session.
Peter Costa, a local who has been attending the sessions for four years, said it is a great way to get involved in the community.
“There’s great company there, and the ability to learn new skills from experienced players and people,” he said.
‘“The staff there too, they enlighten us about all the other facilities and events that the council offers.”
Mr Costa said players of all ages could come and enjoy themselves.
“Anybody who is interested in playing cards, has some experience or is willing to learn from experienced players,” he said.
The game is a popular trick-taking card game, especially in Australia, typically played by four players in two partnerships.
Using a 43-card deck, the aim is to score 500 points by winning bids and collecting tricks.
Each round starts with an auction where players bid on the number of tricks they expect to win and declare a trump suit.
The highest bidder’s team must meet their contract, while opponents try to block them. The joker is the highest trump, followed by the suits’ cards in rank.
Bookings to play are free, but essential: trybooking.com/events/landing/1286488
Gerald Lynch
