Lessons for 2026- 2027

To register for classes:  email Denise Donovan, Education Co-ordinator,  dcdonovan49@gmail.com

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.

• 6-week course – Cost:  $125
• Next class is scheduled for early November

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

• 6-week course–Cost:  $125
• Monday evenings at 6:45 beginning September 21st

Level 3:  Popular Conventions in Review

• Six-week series
• Cost:  $125
• t.b.a.

Introduction to 2/1

• six-week course
• scheduled for early 2027

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. 

• The Overcall, Takeout Doubles (including the “Super Take-out double),
• Pre-emptive overcalls vs. regular overcalls, learning to “Pass” when competing is not appropriate according to your hand.
• Advancer’s bids after partner has made an overcall or take-out double.
• 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!

• 6 lessons-- Cost is $125/person.
• Tuesdays 9:30- 11:30—October 20^th – November 24^th

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)

• Support doubles, Responsive doubles.
• Michael’s Cuebid and the Unusual Jump to 2NT
• Advancer’s bids following a Michael’s Cuebid or Unusual 2NT by partner (how to show weakness/strength when responding to these cuebids)
• Drury convention (after partner OPENS in third or fourth seat)

• 6-week course beginning in the Spring 2027
• Day and time t.b.a.

Mondays with Ken

Join Ken Collins online Monday afternoons from 2:00 – 4:00pm.

Beginning November 2^nd, Ken’s focus will be on 2/1 for those players already familiar with the bidding system and looking to deepen their understanding of the benefits of the system.   

Using Google Teams and Bridge Base Online, participants must send their email and BBO username at the time of registration.

• First class is free—give it a try.
• Five weeks @ $100 or $25 for an individual session.

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.

• Reverse hands and how to show them.
• Jump shift and is it always forcing to game?
• Strong 2C opening hands.

Mentorship:

Experienced players partner with newer players for a minimum of one month…one game a week, with follow-up guidance to discuss and review hands played.

Please contact Denise if you would like a mentor or if you would be willing to mentor a newer player.