Whether you’re just starting to play, or you’d like some refresher practice, Novice Bridge could be the gateway both to improving your game and enjoying it more!

Novice Bridge, hosted by the Charlottetown Duplicate Bridge Club, is offered most Tuesdays, 7-9pm, January through June, and September through December.  (The fall session usually starts after Labour Day and ends before Christmas.)  We play at the Benevolent Irish Society (website, Facebook) on the upstairs level unless it is booked for another function, in which case we meet on the bottom level.  The cost is a modest $4/person.

CDBC Novice Nights are a great way to practice, and to gain a better understanding of the game.  Partnerships are guaranteed, so come as a couple, or come single.  If there is a sit-out, that pair will receive a dedicated coaching session on whatever topic they choose while play continues at the other tables.  Table talk is allowed – even encouraged – as the primary goal is to improve our game.  Coaching is available to assist with bidding, play, and to explain rules.  It is a learning environment – not a competitive setting.  Above all, we want players to be comfortable and to enjoy themselves.  Scores are reviewed for the purpose of understanding the scoring system but, at the end of the evening, there are neither winners nor losers – just better players!

Whether you attend novice sessions or not, we recommend these free, online practice sites to improve your declarer skills.  Your opponents are robots, so no pressure to play quickly.

• The first site is https://www.acbl.org/just-declare/.  You do not need to be an ACBL member.  Just ‘x’ the sign-in menu and enjoy! 
• The second website, however, is a major step up in sophistication.  It has multiple levels of difficulty, it allows hands to be replayed, and it explains the solution if you’re unable to achieve it without guidance.  Once you see the solution, it’s best to try it yourself.  Be aware, however, that the opponents’ cards are fluid, i.e. distribution and key cards may change with each attempt.  The goal is to ensure success regardless of the opponents’ holdings.  https://www.bridgebase.com/v3/?bridgemaster

For those on our novice email list, occasional updates are sent out as reminders and to notify of any changes in dates.  You may unsubscribe at any time.  Come give it a try.