Daisy Scott has been playing bridge for more than six decades.

Sue Hinricks says that she would actually cut class in college in order to play the game with her friends.

And by keeping everyone in stitches, Morrie Donahue injects a little bit of fresh air into a game that can be both competitive and strategic.

They’re just part of the group of routine bridge players that assembles three days a week at the Manteca Senior Center for a game that has been running as long as the building itself has been open, and they’re looking for more people to join the fun.

“We used to have seven or eight tables running at a time, but now we’re averaging about two or three,” said Scott. “It’s a game that not a lot of younger people are learning today, but we’d love to have people come down and be a part of this – bring it back its former glory.”

On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 12:30 the group of players gathers in a room in the back of the Senior Center behind the billiards room and breaks up according to the number of people that show up.

You don’t need to have a partner, there’s no requirement for entry, there’s no dress code, and everybody is welcome to be a part of the game.

“It’s one of those games that’s always different – brings a challenging element to playing cards,” Hinricks said of about why she has kept playing as long as she has. “I started playing in college, and I liked the game because each game gives you something different and the outcome is never the same.”

The games typically run until 3:30 – sometimes breaking up earlier, and sometimes running a little bit late.

And while the sport itself isn’t thriving the way that it once did, the group of regulars – which on Thursday also included Lorie Hudson, Barney O’Neill, Grace Pasion, and Robin Taylor – hopes that the laid back and friendly atmosphere that they promote will that will change.

“We aren’t a group of professionals that get together down here, so just about anyone can come and fit right in,” Donahue said. “There’s not a lot of pressure and it’s something we all enjoy.”

The Manteca Senior Center is located at 295 Cherry Lane. For more information call 825-2301.