| 'Beginning Bridge' Foundation Course |
Beginning Bridge
This is a foundation course, with 31 sessions split into four modules. Classes last 2.5 hours with a break for tea/coffee & biscuits. The first session is free and no obligation though you need to book a place (waiting lists are operated!). Each module is then payable in advance, ie module/term fees @ £14 per session. The course covers all the essential bidding and play techniques so that you will be able to play a decent game with friends or in a club. The course runs broadly in line with school term times (dates can be emailed to you). After each lesson you will have access to the session summary with explanation of the main learning points as well as to lesson resource materials, such as powerpoint slides, cribsheets and examples of hands played with bidding and play summary.
Module 1 Starters
Session 1 Getting started with Minibridge (free taster session)
2 Playing No Trumps
3 Playing with Trumps
4 Planning the play
5 Playing defence and PLAY PRACTICE
6 Bidding 1 NT
7 Responses to 1NT
8 PLAY PRACTICE
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| 'Beginning Bridge' Foundation Course |
Module 2 Main courses (Bidding)
Session 9 Suit bidding
10 Suit responses (part I)
11 Suit responses (part II)
12 Breaking the barrier - Strong rebids
13 Bidding strong balanced hands
14 Play Practice
Main courses (Play of the cards)
15 Creating more tricks - Declarer play
16 Tricks in No Trumps - Finessing
17 Tricks in NT - Entries
18 Tricks in Trumps - To draw or not to draw
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| 'Beginning Bridge' Foundation Course |
Module 3 Side dishes
Session 19 Opening leads
20 Killer Defence
21 Overcalling
22 Takeout Doubles and PLAY PRACTICE
23 Recap and the 1NT Overcall
24 'Stayman' convention
25 Recap and 4441 hands
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| 'Beginning Bridge' Foundation Course |
Module 4 Sweets and Savouries
Session 26 Opening 2NT
27 The 2C Game-forcing bid
28 Slam bidding
29 Pre-emptive bids
30 Countering pre-empts
31 'Weak Twos'
32 Final play session and certificates!
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| Refresh and Progress - Topics |
Refresh and Progress
This is a 10-week revision course for those who have attended classes previously and want to improve their bidding. Course fee: £100.
Formal teaching is kept to a minimum. The sessions start with a short orientation quiz, and then concentrate on bidding and discussion of set hands.
This course is not suitable as an introduction to bridge or for those who have been away from the game for a long time,
instead consider joining the Quickstart course or the Beginning Bridge course
Topics
1. Opening bids and supporting partner (+ Losing Trick Count)
2. Suit responses and opener's second bid (+ Fourth Suit Forcing)
3. Opener's strong rebids (+ Limit and Forcing bids)
4. Opening and responding to 1NT (+ Stayman & Transfers)
5. Bidding strong balanced hands (more Transfers)
6. Overcalling (+ Unassuming Cue Bid)
7. Takeout doubles (+ Negative Doubles)
8. Pre-emptive bids
9. Protective Bidding (balancing)
10. Opening 2C*, strong & forcing (Slam bidding)
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| 'Quickstart' course |
'Quickstart' - an introduction to Bridge
This is a 6-week accelerated course which assumes no prior knowledge of Bridge.
Course contents
1. Bridge as a trick-taking game, counting your points, Minibridge
2. Scoring. Playing with Trumps
3. Bidding - how it works. Opening 1NT and responding
4. NT and suit bidding
5. Suit bidding and responses
6. Weak vs strong hands
Date of next course: to be arranged. Venue: to be confirmed Course fee: £60 payable at first session
This is an 'entry-level' introduction and it is recommended that you carry on playing to consolidate what you have learnt and consider how to progress and learn more after that. If you are interested in more classes, the foundation level course 'Beginning Bridge' covers all you need to know to play with friends or in clubs.
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