Bryce has his cards in hand

By Mara Pattison-Sowden
CARD games have come a long way from sitting around the kitchen table with the family, but that’s how Bryce Francis learnt to play 500.
The Yarra Junction resident has delved into the online world of gaming in the past few years, spending several hours a day playing ATF 500 against international opponents.
“We fight like hell when we’ve got a good hand,” he said.
“You’ve got to stay in the game while the blood’s pumping.”
At the sprightly age of 84, Mr Francis has been ranked number one in the world several times over the past 12 months.
His daughter thought it was fitting he received recognition, and had a personalised trophy engraved to show off to friends and family.
“There is a lot of challenge in playing a game like 500,” he said.
“I’ve been playing 500 for 70 years, and you don’t get to be number one unless you know something.”
He said it was a game that required intelligent thinking, that can “teach you how to take your knocks.”
“There are human challenges in playing cards properly that today’s kids miss out on,” he said.
“I bleed for all the young people locked into computers… sitting there killing people all day.”
Mr Francis said there was only one website for the card game which has 700 members worldwide.
The game is normally played between four people who partner up, striving to get to 500 first.
Mr Francis has even written four books on the method of playing, and teaches people over the internet.
He said 500 was invented in America to rival bridge, but people had been brought up to slightly different rules, which made it complicated. Mr Francis wants to issue a challenge to any young people out there who want to learn.
“Young people with active minds could certainly cope with 500,” he said.
“I enjoy teaching people more than playing these days, but I do enjoy the cut and thrust of playing with good people.”
Those interested in playing 500 can have a go on www.juliannegiffin.com or visit Mr Francis’s website www.play500.com where he can personally teach potential players.