Beginning Bridge
Thursday Mornings: 10.30 to 1.00
Six weeks starting on the the 21st October
Note: If you are new to playing cards you are strongly recommended to start by taking the 4 week Novices Course which starts on September 23rd. If this is not practical a special session may be practical. Please contact Phil Cooke on 01225 310 232
Learn & Play
The teaching method 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 plus hand records with commentaries.
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!
Someone already an experienced whist player may be ready to launch out on their own after a single term. 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. And continuation courses and playing opportunities are offered.
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?
This course is aimed at anyone with card playing experience:
- Whist players wanting to convert to bridge
- Anyone returning to bridge after a long gap is encouraged to talk with Phil Cooke to establish if this is the best starting point. Call me on 01225 310 232 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 6 week course is £60
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
