Several middle schools in Wuhan of central China's Hubei Province have brought bridge into classrooms to train potential players.

Local newspaper Chutian Metropolis Daily reported on Thursday that five middle schools were chosen by the provincial bridge association to start bridge classes this year.

According to a principal of the bridge association, different from ordinary poker games, bridge is a healthy sport that is good for the development of children's patience, concentration, teamwork and communication skills.

The first bridge class took place on Wednesday in a middle school for free. Students of Grades seven and eight of the school will have two bridge classes every week. More than 80 students have applied for the class.

Members of the provincial bridge team and the school teachers host the classes together, and the training materials are provided by the bridge association.

As an intellectual poker game, bridge is popular around the world. Some sports meetings have included bridge as a formal competition item and international bridge competitions are held every year.

(CRI January 25, 2008)