Learning opportunities at Bath BC

We're delighted to have moved into our new premises in Combe Down. Not only is the Oldfield Old Boys Rugby Club a splendid, well-equipped building in beautiful surroundings, but we also have it for most of the working week. This means we are now in a position to offer an educational programme in addition to our normal sessions of duplicate bridge. 

We are already running Assisted Play and Gentle Duplicate and are starting our first Beginners' Class in October. See below for details.

We also hope to start a series of workshops for improvers and intermediate players during the winter months.

So whatever your level, we hope you'll find something to suit your needs and look forward to welcoming you to our Club.

Welcome to Bridge – a course for beginners

A course of nine weekly lessons given by Christine MacFarlane, founder of the Bridge School of Bath. Christine is a keen club player, an EBU director and an EBUTA teacher. All teaching is to EBU recommended materials.

The course will be held at the Club at 7.00 on Monday evenings starting on Monday 3 October 2016. There will be a maximum of 24 learners in the class.

The fee for the course is £90, which represents a 25% discount on Bridge School of Bath fees. Full-time students receive a further £30 discount.

Registration is now open – email christine.macf@btinternet.com or call Christine on 07989 440 238. A deposit of £25 is required to reserve a place.

Play & Learn – assisted play for improvers

These sessions are designed for players who know the basics but aren't quite ready to 'go it alone' in bidding and play. We play 14 boards in duplicate format at a leisurely pace – and help is at hand whenever you need it. The boards used have previously been played elsewhere, so participants can compare their own results not just with each other's but also with those of more experienced players. It's great fun and an effective way of improving your bridge.

Come with or without a partner – we can find you a partner if you don't have one, and you might even get lumbered with one of the teachers!

Chris Jones has been running Play & Learn sessions in his Bridge @ Box club for the past six years, together with Trevor Purches and Susie Gall. All three are experienced EBUTA teachers.

The session will run on Thursday afternoons,1.30–4.00, starting on Thursday 5th May. Pre-registration is not required.

Table money: £5 per session, including refreshments. Full time students £2. Regular players will automatically become members of the English Bridge Union (EBU) at no extra cost.

If you'd like to know more, email chris@boxbridge.co.uk or phone Chris on 07740 150 721.

Gentle Duplicate – the next step

Once you feel that you and your partner can manage without the help provided by Assisted Play, you'll want to progress to 'real' duplicate bridge, but the cut and thrust of normal club duplicate can be a bit daunting for the inexperienced player.

This Gentle Duplicate session is designed to bridge that gap. It provides 21-22 boards of unassisted duplicate bridge in an unhurried, sheltered and friendly environment. Nonetheless, this is the 'real thing' – you'll come up against more experienced players and EBU master points will be awarded.

These sessions are hosted, so it isn't necessary to turn up with a partner.

Your directors are Rita James and John Whittleton, both qualified EBU directors and long-standing members of Bath BC.

The session will run on Thursday mornings,10.00–1.00, starting on Thursday 19th May. Pre-registration is not required.

Table money: £3 for members, £4 non-members, including refreshments. Full time students £1. 

If you'd like to know more, email chris@boxbridge.co.uk or phone Chris on 07740 150 721.