Beginning Bridge
Wednesday mornings: 10.30 a.m. to 1p.m.
Ten weeks starting on the the 5th October 2011
Learn & Play
The teaching method is suitable for complete beginners. It combines tutorials with practice; so you will be learning by playing from day one. This is important since going up the learning curve requires lots of practice. The course we offer teaches Standard English Acol.
Acol is the preferred bidding system in England. It was devised by the English Bridge Union (EBU) and is taught to all beginners. The course will prepare you to play with almost any experienced bridge player. Everything that you learn will provide a sound foundation if you later want to progress to a more advanced system.
Each week there will be handouts that summarise what has been taught. Hand records with commentaries are also available as downloads.
How Long Will it Take to Learn Bridge?
There is no easy answer to this question. Much depends on how quickly you learn, and almost equally on how much time and effort you put into learning and practicing outside outside the classroom. Bridge is very much a game of mistakes. So the more you play, the quicker you learn!
Most people require a full year to gain confidence in playing bridge outside a teaching environment. The keenest, will be ready to play competitively in a bridge club after two years of practice and lessons, but most bridge players play more sociably, often in each other houses. The aim of this course is that everyone should be able to play with other learners or helpful friends after a single term. After a second term gentle duplicate on Monday afternoons is ideal for moving on, and meeting more experienced players.
Bridge is underpinned by a large amount of bridge literature, and learning software. And there is no doubt that your learning curve will be much shorter if you take advantage of these offerings. But experience has underlined that different people learn in different ways. The book that best suits one person, may not suit another. A range of learning books and software will be available for inspection. The EBU books will be available for purchase.
Small Group Teaching
Almost anyone who has learnt bridge will tell you how helpful it was to get personal attention in the early days. Additionally people tend to learn in different ways, some start the course with more knowledge than others, and some find difficulties where others don’t. With small group teaching we are able to teach at a pace and in a style best suited to those taking the course.
Is The Course Suitable?
The first few weeks use a very simplified bidding system so that you can start playing bridge straight away. Card playing experience is not necessary.
Anyone already an experienced card player can choose to omit the first 3 weeks, and pay a reduced course fee. But please discuss if you want to take this option by talking to Phil Cooke on 01225 310232, or send an email
Venue
The course will be held at the Museum of Bath at Work in Julian Road. There is limited parking by prior arrangement
The cost of the 10 week course is £100
To reserve a place requires a refundable deposit of £20.
If after the first week you feel the course is not for you, your deposit will be refunded in full
Printable information and booking slip
If you have a query send an email or call Phil Cooke on 01225 310 232
July 31, 2011
