Inspired and led by Sandra Landy - a previous British Ladies World Champion - a teaching scheme has been formulated by the English Bridge Union in order to standardise the content of teaching sessions for the benefit of all students.
Bridge For All is a series of lessons which presents the basics of our game through the medium of a simplified Acol system known as 'Standard English'. A comprehensive course book is available for participants. Sessions normally start with some instruction which is given by an EBU approved teacher. A break for tea, coffee and biscuits is followed by the opportunity to play a set of illustrative hands which reinforce the topic presented earlier. If students move house having started the course it is easy to find another teacher in a different part of the country who will be using the same materials and methods, thus assuring continuity. Students receive their own magazine and are offered the opportunity to play in competitions against others from different areas who are at the same stage of development.
Some establishments which are known as Learn and Play clubs provide the next step in the form of an Improvers section. Having completed a course of a year's sessions newcomers to the game can continue to receive help and instruction and to practise and consolidate what they have learnt. In a relaxed and genial atmosphere they will be assisted to make the transition to competing against more seasoned and experienced players. 'Improvers' are introduced to pairs and teams sessions. They may play within this section for as long as they wish until the confidence to mix with more experienced players is achieved. EBU Master Points are distributed to the winners. Acquisition of these entitles players to rise through the EBU's ranking structure and in this way progress can be recognised.
Each year the EBU review the teaching materials in the light of reports sent back from the teachers themselves. This project represents a great advance in bridge teaching in this country and is one with which the KCBA is proud to be associated.
If you are a registered Bridge For All teacher please send your details to John Cullingworth jc@count213.com for inclusion in these pages.
'Bridge For All' Teaching available in Kent (for contact details see Teacher List on next page):
Broadstairs area: St. Peter's Learn and Play Club will start on 3rd September 2007 on Wednesday evenings. Lessons and supervised play offering support and advice will be available. Tutor: John Cox
Gravesend, Hartley, Meopham area: North Kent Bridge will offer beginners lessons on Mondays at 10 a.m. and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. beginning in October 2007 and opportunitues to practise. More details can be found at www.northkentbridge.org. Tutor: Chris Burton
Kingshill and Maidstone area: Count to 13 Club operates on Monday evenings. An 'Improvers' group meets each week on a flexible 'drop in' basis. A short talk is given at the beginning on a particular topic (eg. Stayman) and a Duplicate follows in which the hands illustrate the points raised. Events for experienced players are run on two Mondays in each month, offering students the opportunity to play in good standard competition when they feel they are ready. Lessons for beginners are offered, the next course being scheduled to begin in September 2007. More details are available at www.count213.com. Tutor: John Cullingworth
Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks area: Bridge For Fun offers lessons for students of a variety of standards. Currently running on Mondays are Beginners' courses at Hildenborough (1 pm) and Tunbridge Wells (7.45 pm). Sessions for Intermediate standard are in progress on Wednesdays at Tunbridge Wells (7.45 pm) and on Thursdays at Tunbridge Wells (10.00 am). On the second Thursday of each month there is a Novice Duplicate at Penshurst (7.30 pm) which welcomes all students. Hands of interest are discussed at the end. For more details see www.bridgeforfun.org.uk Tutors: Jean Paxton and Stephen Pierce
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