June Highlights

It was an active and enjoyable month at the Cayman Islands Bridge Club. The club hosted 11 sessions throughout June, including:

· 2 Beginner sessions
· 9 Regular Duplicate sessions

Roman Keycard Blackwood Class

A big thank you to Renee Edwards for leading an excellent Roman Keycard Blackwood class on June 1 and June 8, followed by a practice session featuring prepared deals on June 15.

The series was very well attended, with more than ten members participating across the three sessions. Learning conventions such as Roman Keycard Blackwood helps players bid slams with greater confidence and accuracy, making it a valuable addition to any bridge player's toolkit.

We sincerely appreciate Renee for generously sharing her time, knowledge, and enthusiasm with our members.

Don't be surprised if you notice a few more slam bids around the club in the coming months—they may just be the result of our members putting their new skills into practice!

Across the Table: A Night of Friendly Pairings

Jennifer Woodford hosted a special Bridge Buddy Night, Across the Table: A Night of Friendly Pairings, on Tuesday, June 23, during our regular Tuesday Duplicate Bridge session.

Five full tables participated, with experienced players paired alongside newer duplicate players to encourage learning, confidence, and fun. It was a wonderful opportunity to share knowledge, build confidence, and enjoy an evening of friendly competition.

Jennifer treated everyone to a beautiful charcuterie board along with soft drinks and wine. Renee generously contributed additional wine, as well as her delicious honey and fresh eggs, which were awarded as prizes to the winners.

Congratulations to Leeann Janissen and Malcolm Todd, who finished in first place. The evening was filled with laughter, learning, friendship, and great bridge—a perfect reminder of what makes our club such a special community.

Duplicate Winners

Tuesday Sessions

• June 2:  1st – Ernest Jehangir & Renee Edwards | 2^nd – Isabel Mendes & Enfys Nair | 3^rd – Helen Haines & Stella Wong
• June 9: 1st  - Arthur Del Rosario & Peter Cunningham | 2^nd -  Malcolm Todd & Angela Garfinkel  | 3^rd  – Helen Haines & Liam Walsh   
• June 16:  1^st – Helen Haines & Liam Walsh | 2^nd -  Angela Garfinkel & Alison Bennie    | 3^rd – Ernest Jehangir & Renee Edwards      
• June 23:  1^st – Leeann Janissen & Malcolm Todd  | 2nd – Helen Haines & June Williams   | 3^rd  – Ernest Jehangir & Imee Callueng
• June 30:  1^st – Stella Wong & Ernest Jehangir  | 2nd – Malcolm Todd & Jennifer Woodford | 3^rd  – Paul Canhan & Elaine Brown 

Friday Sessions

• June 5: 1^st (tie) – Jennifer Woodford & Sidney Coleman, Mary Boxall & Madge Ashenheim |  3^rd (tie) – Renee Edwards & Sharon Philbrick, June Williams & Berna Cummins  
• June 12  1st – Angela Garfinkel & Renee Edwards | 2^nd – Helen Haines & Lyn Bodden | 3^rd – Derek Haines & Carol Gillott (Visitor)   
• June 19:  1st – Jennifer Woodford & Renee Edwards  | 2^nd  – Mary Boxall & Madge Ashenheim  |  3^rd – Paul Canham & Elaine Brown     
• June 26:  1st – Helen Haines & Lyn Bodden | 2^nd  – Barbara Frischman & June Williams | 3^rd – Mary Boxall & Madge Ashenheim  

Congratulations to all our winners!

July  Schedule

Due to low attendance and the number of members currently off-island, Monday and Thursday beginner bridge sessions are taking a short summer break and are expected to resume in October.

Weekly sessions:

• Tuesday: 6:15 PM – Duplicate Bridge
• Friday: 9:15 AM – Duplicate Bridge

As usual, please sign up for all sessions on RSVP Bridge.

If you have difficulty signing up or need help with your username or password, please email caymanbridgeclub@gmail.com.

Scheduled Training

Know someone who has always wanted to learn bridge?

We'd love your help spreading the word. Please share this information with friends, neighbours, family members, or anyone interested in learning. Previous students who would like a refresher are also very welcome.

Audrey Grant Bridge Classes – October 2026

Whether you're new to bridge or ready to build on your skills, our Audrey Grant Bridge Classes are a fun and structured way to learn. Each course includes classroom instruction, guided practice sessions, and your course book.

Book 1 – Learn to Play Bridge

Cost: CI$200 (includes Book 1)

Classroom Instruction (Instructor: Claude Yonnet)

• Saturday, October 3: 9:30–11:30 a.m. & 2:00–4:00 p.m.
• Sunday, October 4: 9:30–11:30 a.m. & 2:00–4:00 p.m.

Practice Sessions (Highly Recommended – Instructor: Claude Yonnet)

• Monday, October 5: 7:00–9:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 7: 7:00–9:00 p.m.
• Thursday, October 8: 7:00–9:00 p.m.

Book 2 – Continue Your Bridge Journey

Prerequisite: Completion of Book 1

Cost: CI$120 (includes Book 2)

Classroom Instruction (Instructor: Claude Yonnet)

• Saturday, October 10: 9:30–11:30 a.m. & 2:00–4:00 p.m.
• Sunday, October 11: 9:30–11:30 a.m. & 2:00–4:00 p.m.

Practice Sessions (Highly Recommended – Instructor: To Be Determined)

• Monday, October 12: 7:00–9:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 14: 7:00–9:00 p.m.
• Thursday, October 15: 7:00–9:00 p.m.

We encourage all students to attend the practice sessions—they're one of the best ways to build confidence, reinforce what you've learned, and prepare for playing duplicate bridge.

To register or request additional information, email caymanbridgeclub@gmail.com or WhatsApp (345) 936-4811.

Social Events

Mark your calendars! These events are designed to bring members together both at and away from the bridge table.

We’re excited to share six upcoming social and special events planned for the club:

October 2026
Wine, Cheese & Bridge at the Club
Tuesday, 6 October 2026

November 2026
BRINGO: Bridge + Bingo!
Date: To Be Announced

December 2026
Christmas Luncheon
Friday, 4 December 2026
Immediately following Friday morning duplicate.  Location: Hosted at the home of Angela Garfinkel, Crystal Harbour

January 2027
Bridge & Blooms
Bridge Club with a Garden Party Vibe
Date: To Be Announced

February 2027
Annual Bridge Tournament
Wednesday, 10 February 2027 (Ash Wednesday)

March 2027
Bridge Club Goes to Pom Pom
Social evening at Pom Pom (rooftop bar, Indigo Hotel, Seven Mile Beach)
Date: To Be Announced

2026 Tables Played

The good news is that June attendance increased by 18% compared with June last year—a very encouraging sign as we head into the second half of the year.

For the year to date, our tables played is down 12%.

Please continue to sign up to play as often as you can.  Every table makes a difference, and we truly appreciate everyone who joins us throughout the year. Your participation helps keep our club vibrant and welcoming.

Did You Know?

Bridge Tip #1 – The Rule of 9

Wondering whether to double the opponents' contract? A helpful guideline is the Rule of 9.

When the opponents stop in a suit contract, add together:

• The contract they are in (for example, 4 Hearts)
• Count the number of trumps you hold.
• Count the Ace, King, Queen and Jack you hold in their trump suit.

If the total is 9 or more, a penalty double is often worth considering. If it's less than 9, passing is usually the safer choice.

Example:

• Opponents are playing 4♥.
• You hold ♥A 10 8 3 (4 hearts plus 1 face card in hearts ).
• Rule of 9 = 4 + 4 + 1 = 9, suggesting a penalty double is worth considering.

Like all bridge rules, the Rule of 9 is a guideline—not a guarantee. Always consider the vulnerability, the bidding, and whether you have enough defensive tricks to defeat the contract.

Bridge Tip #2 – Be a Great Partner
One of the easiest ways to improve your results is to be a supportive partner. Celebrate the good boards, shrug off the bad ones, and save any discussion until after the game. Positive partnerships almost always play better bridge—and they're a lot more fun, too!

Did You Know? – Duplicate Bridge Is a Game of Comparison
Unlike social bridge, your score isn't determined solely by how many points you make. Instead, your result is compared with every other pair holding the same cards. Sometimes making nine tricks instead of ten is an excellent result if everyone else went down!

Duplicate Bridge has been a social pastime in the Cayman Islands for over 55 years, started by Michael Cantin in the old Cayman Arms pub. Sir Vassal Johnson who lived in George Town was Cayman’s first Financial Secretary, also the first Caymanian to be knighted by the Queen was a quiet, dignified, gentleman who loved to play Bridge. He was Cayman’s Bridge club champion for years.

At the Cayman Islands Bridge Club, we play with the emphasis not so much on winning the game as on enjoying it.  

We are primarily a Members Club, but visitors with at least some experience of playing Duplicate Bridge are welcome to come along and play.

Our Duplicate Bridge sessions are on Tuesday evenings and Friday mornings.  We offer Beginner Play/Duplicate sessions on Monday afternoon and Thursday evening for those who would like to practice their game and gain experience in a relaxed environment. Please check the information tab for times and our address.  

We have ongoing training sessions for Beginners and Intermediate players from time to time, always posted on our website. Please follow us on social media for upcoming training events.

There is car parking available on site and game results are available at the end of play and on this website.

Please join us at the Bridge table!