We hold lessons at South Croydon Sports Club.  It has excellent facilities including parking, a bar serving food and a dedicated bridge room.

We want our students to enjoy their bridge whatever their standard.  We like to create a fun, friendly atmosphere and encourage discussion and debate so we can get the most out of our game.

We have courses for complete beginners with no knowledge of cards starting in September and ending in April.  They are held on Wednesdays at 7:30pm and Thursdays at 1pm.  The 24 lessons guide you through all the important aspects of the game and prepare you for club tournements so you can join in the fun.  Enrolled students can attend either or both lessons.  It is possible to join courses that have already started so please get in touch if you're interested.  Those who have played before may be able to join in later in the course if they wish.  We also offer supervised play sessions on Wednesday evenings 7:30 starting in May for those who have completed the beginner's course.

There is also a course for intermediate players on Thursday mornings at 9:30am following the same year.

You don't need a partner for any of our courses.

The school principal is Nigel Jones MA cantab, an EBU Accredited Teacher.  Nigel was taught bridge at King's College Cambridge back in 1988 where he became coach of the college bridge team and played regularly for Cambridge University.  After leaving with a first in Chemistry he played at Cambridge "Town" club and Wolverhampton Bridge Club before moving to London.  Since then he's taught friends, family and work colleagues before moving into professional bridge teaching after a career in finance.

• Bridge is a uniquely social game. When you play bridge you typically meet at least 16 opponents in one session. I can't think of any other game where this is normal and it a great way to make friends.

• Bridge is a partnership game and it's quite normal to play with lots of different partners. It's a great way to get to know people better.

• Bridge is exciting and fun.  In my typical night's play there is usually friendly conversation, laughter, elation, and a little bit of fear to keeping me on my toes.

• Bridge is a challenge!  It has an amazing ability to surprise you and there is always something more you can learn.

• There is no luck in duplicate bridge because you're compared to other pairs who have played the same cards.

• Bridge can save your life! It's been shown that bridge players live longer than average and remain more active and mentally alert.

• Anyone can play against world champion players. For instance Zia Mahmood the 2009 World Champion played in the year end congress in London last year in events that anyone could enter.

• Age is no barrier to success at Bridge. Bob Hamman of the US won the world title in 2009 at the age of 71 and he continues to play in world class events. There are many other examples of older players at the very top level.

• Bridge is a game of skill where practice matters. The more you put in the more you'll get out.

• Bridge is fun to play even if you don't take it very seriously. There are many, many happy bridge players who play for a few hours a week.

• Every hand is a new opportunity. Even when you're having a bad session you can still play well on the next hand.

• Every fourth hand you are dummy giving you a natural break from the action.

• Bridge can be very cheap. You can play on line for free with anyone around the world. In your local club it costs about £3 on a regular club night. Often this includes tea and biscuits!

• Bridge is a great excuse to see Britain. There are bridge congresses scheduled most weekends throughout the year, all over the United Kingdom and they don't cost the earth.

• Bridge is international; you can see the world and play bridge. There are bridge cruses and holidays in nearly every country.

Free Taster Lessons For Complete Beginners

Thursday 11^th September 2014 at 9:30am

Wednesday 17^th September 2014 at 7:30pm

You don't need a partner and no knowledge of cards is required.

Please book early as there are limited places on each course.

Course fees are payable before the second lesson so if you decide bridge isn't for you there's no fee.

Email, call or text me in advance to book, giving you name, contact details and the session you would like to attend.

Nigel Jones on 07861 663 253 or email nigeljjones@gmail.com