Fall Lesson Schedule for 2026
Register early so you do not miss out!
email dcdonovan49@gmail.com
An Introduction to Bridge
Join us on Wednesday, September 30th at 6:30 pm for a free 90-minute introduction to the game. You will be hooked!
The Game Series: Tier One with Denise Donovan
Level 1: An Introduction to the Basics
Understanding ‘hand evaluation’, bidding basics, basic defense and play of the hand.
Level 2: The Competitive Auction
Understanding how to compete in the auction, and the tools needed. (Pre-Emptive Bidding & The Overcall, The Law of Total Trump, Cue Bids, Takeout Doubles, Redouble, Penalty Doubles
Level 3: Popular Conventions in Review
A review of popular conventions: Stayman, Jacoby Transfers, Overcalls, Doubles (Takeout, Negative, Penalty). Time to consolidate your understanding.
The Challenger Series: Tier Two with Julie Berdock
Level I (for students who have completed Basic I and Basic II of the Game Series)
A more in-depth understanding of how to compete, and the tools needed to do so effectively.
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The Overcall, Takeout Doubles (including the “Super Take-out double),
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Pre-emptive overcalls vs. regular overcalls, learning to “Pass” when competing is not appropriate according to your hand.
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Advancer’s bids after partner has made an overcall or take-out double.
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How to use the opponent’s suit (in competition) to raise your partner once partner has opened the bidding and the opponent has competed with a suit!
Written Lesson material (as well as visual examples) will be provided for all students enrolled. This lesson is designed as a starting point for “competitive” discussions and the correct use of tools to describe our hands.
Level II: (including Second Tier conventions)
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Support doubles, Responsive doubles.
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Michael’s Cuebid and the Unusual Jump to 2NT
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Advancer’s bids following a Michael’s Cuebid or Unusual 2NT by partner (how to show weakness/strength when responding to these cuebids)
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Drury convention (after partner OPENS in third or fourth seat)
Level III
Covers bids associated with NT Structure and should be planned for later in
their learning experience. (2027)
Mondays with Ken
Every Monday at 2:00 pm, join Ken online for some challenging bidding and play of the hand. These lessons will be student driven. Send a hand, bring a question and Ken will guide you to more advanced thinking and play of the hand.
Using Google Teams and BridgeBaseOnline, participants must send their email and BBO username at the time of registration.
The Advanced Series: Tier 3
Suitable for anyone who has completed the Game Series or anyone with experience looking to expand and improve their thinking, their judgement, and their play of the hand.
Experienced teachers will provide information and explanations for players to learn how and when to compete.
There will be lessons devoted to describing the various levels of “stronger” hands which players encounter, with an emphasis on when to bid them and the follow-up bids for successful landings.
Mentorship:
Call for mentors willing to partner with graduates at limited games for a minimum of one month…one game a week, with follow-up guidance to discuss and review hands played.
For more information, please contact : Denise Donovan, dcdonovan49@gmail.com, 416-575-6754
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