♠ ♥ Welcome to my website! ♦ ♣ 

Here you can find my class schedule, helpful links to improve your bridge, past recordings and many other useful tips.

Please write me if you have any question at the email

mjhammill@rogers.com

Looking forward to hearing from you !

2024 Winter – In Person Courses

Location: Armour Heights Presbyterian Church, 105 Wilson Avenue

Basics Beginners Bridge Series

Enroll in this 8-Week Beginners Course taught in person this Winter at Armour Heights Presbyterian Church, 105 Wilson Avenue

Notice how everyone seems to be learning to play bridge? Well, don’t be left behind!  Sign up for a gentle introduction to the best card game in the world. Get ready to play bridge during your very first lesson!

Picture this: you, sitting with friendly faces, cards in hand, and the excitement of learning something new. That's what this 8-week course is all about. Let me take you by the hand, and lead you through the fascinating journey of bridge.

Over the course of the 8 weeks, you will learn all the basic elements of the game of bridge: how to take tricks, how to work with a partner, how to open the bidding in a suit and in No Trump, how to respond, how to compete, and much, much more. During each lesson you can put theory into practice by playing bridge hands, right from the very first lesson! 

Ready to join the fun? Enroll now to secure your spot, and let the bridge adventure begin. Here are more in-depth details:

• DATES:  Starts Wednesday, January 3rd (for 8 weeks), 1 to 3 pm.
• LOCATION: Armour Heights Presbyterian Church, 105 Wilson Avenue
• PRICE: $240. Includes taxes, Barbara Seagram Basic Bridge textbook, PDF of PowerPoint presentations and online recordings.

Introduction To Defence
A 4-Week Course to Sharpen your Defensive Skills!

Did you know that when you play bridge, you're defending half the time? That's true! But here's the thing: being a good defender can be the most exciting part of the game, even if you don't have the best cards.

This is the moment when you get to use clever strategies to change the course of the game, earn respect from your fellow players, and have a great time at the bridge table. Even without any good cards in your hand! 

In this course, you'll discover that being a smart defender is your ticket to more fun at the bridge table! It's not just about the cards you're dealt; it's about the moves you make.

What you will learn in this 4-week course:

• Opening Leads: Discover how to pick the right card to lead, whether you're playing against No Trump or Suit contracts.
• 2^nd Hand Play: Understand how to play when you're the second person to play to a trick and how your choices can make a big difference.
• 3^rd Hand Play: Get the hang of playing in third seat, and how to make things tricky for declarer.
• Signaling: Find out how to send legal signals to your partner to let them know what cards you are holding – and it’s not cheating!
• And Much More!

DATES: Wednesdays – Jan 31^st till Feb 21^st – from 10-12 pm
PRICE:  $155 (includes Eddie Kantar’s Book Introduction to Defence – new edition revised by Barbara Seagram).

PRE-REGISTRATION FOR ALL CLASSES IS REQUIRED

To register or join the waiting list, please contact Josée at mjhammill@rogers.com.
For any questions, feel free to reach out via email or call 416-300-9140.

Payment: Send by etransfer to mjhammill@rogers.com or by cheque mailed to 1717 Avenue Road, Suite 418, Toronto, Ontario, M5M0A2.

Website: www.bridgewebs.com/josees

DEADLINES for DISCOUNTED hotel room reservations are fast approaching: 

VENUE for both January and Easter tournaments - Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel - 123 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON

TORONTO JANUARY NON-LIFE MASTER REGIONAL AND SECTIONAL

DATES - January 5 - 7, 2024 

Deadline DECEMBER 7, 2023 for the January tournaments hotel rooms @ $165 CDN

Click here to Book your group rate for ACBL Convention Jan 2024

Alternately you can call 1-888-627-7175 and ask for the ACBL Convention Jan 2024 to secure the group rate.

Click here to download the flyer in PDF (Rev. Nov '23)

My brand new recorded lesson on Bidding and Playing Shapely Hands is finally ready! Its often tricky to describe a hand with a 6-5, 5-5 6-4 distribution. Then there are also those famous reverses. Bidding them is one thing but then managing to make your contract when having to deal with such distribution is something else.

What to Expect:

• Let's bid and play 12 hands borrowed from Ron Klinger that deal with unique shapes and distribution. These will challenge and elevate your bridge skills. Think 6-5 hands, 6-4 hands and such!
• Uncover strategic insights on bidding and playing these shapely hands to enhance your overall game.
• Discover why the lead of dummy’s first bid suit can be a huge red signal.
• See how to use the convention Fourth Suit Forcing before committing to a game contract.
• And if you are the opponent, learn to listen to the auction and picture the hand, giving you an advantage on how to choose the lead and how to defend.

Let’s Recap EVERYTHING You’ll Get!

1. You will receive a handout of all 12 hands with extensive commentary on bidding and playing. Also the choice of opening lead.
2. Plus, my 2-hour video, that you can watch on your own time, and follow every deal along with the handouts.
3. Finally, I'll be available by email to answer anything that may come up during the lesson. Reach out to me with all your questions- even the wildest ones!

And the best part is: you’ll be able to apply everything you learn right away.

So, let’s not wait another minute to get started. How can you get this lesson?

First you MUST email me. Then you can think about paying. :)

The cost is only $20, payable by etransfer to my email address, or a cheque mailed to 1717 Avenue Road, Suite 418, Toronto, ON, M5M0A2. Or, by PayPal here: https://bit.ly/JoseePaypal. If paying using PayPal, please include your email address in the notes .

But first you MUST email me that you want the lesson. Ask first , pay next :) Oh I said that already :)

Purchase by emailing me now at mjhammill@rogers.com.

Are you looking for an exciting event to attend in the summer of 2024? Look no further than the Toronto NABC Summer 2024!

This event, organized by the American Contract Bridge League, will take place from July 18-28, 2024 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) in Toronto, Canada.

I'm thrilled to announce that I'll be chairing one of the committees for this event (the Intermediate/Newcomer Program Chair) and we are in need of volunteers.

If you're interested in volunteering, please contact Glenna Richardson at glennarichardson@bell.net and if you would like your volunteer efforts to be within the Intermediate/Novice tournament, just let Glenna know.

You can also visit our website at torontonabc.org for more details.

This is an incredible opportunity to be a part of a world-renowned bridge event and to work alongside passionate individuals in the bridge community. I hope to see you there! It will be a great event and super fun!

ROB DRUMMOND HAS TWO FACE-TO FACE GAMES PER WEEK:

Leaside Memorial Arena in Toronto

rob@torontobridge.ca or call (647) 629-3408

Thursday at 9.00 am: 0-500 master points

Thursday at 12 noon: OPEN GAME

___________________________

HART HOUSE: FACE-TO-FACE GAMES

Tuesdays at 6.30 pm me@emma-knight.ca

___________________________

Toronto Lawn Bridge Club

Ron Bishop: 416-922-1105

44 Price Street

OPEN: Tue 6:30 PM   No Game in August

EASY GOING: Tue 6:30 PM   No Game in August

___________________________

TORONTO EAST BRIDGE CLUB (FACE-TO-FACE)

Mondays @ 7 pm and Wednesdays 12.30 pm

https://www.bridgewebs.com/torontoeast/home.html

___________________________

CALEDON BRIDGE CLUB

Steven Norris stspnorris@outlook.com

_______________________

RICHARD ROSS HAS A FACE-TO-FACE GAME

On Monday afternoon at 1.00 pm: stratified game LIVE

at St. John’s York Mills Church. In Toronto.

Yonge and York Mills

Richard at 416-816-7115

RICHMOND HILL BRIDGE CLUB

Richmond Hill has Face-to-Face games on Thursdays and Saturdays. Contact Susan Beals at 416-433-2292 Elgin Barrow Area 43 Church St S, Richmond Hill sbealsca@yahoo.co.uk

WEST END OF CITY

Etobicoke Olympium & MO Bridge Club also have face to face games.

GET BACK TO THE REAL BRIDGE TABLES, PLEASE!!!

OR at least play in games on BBO which are part of YOUR club.

ACBL BBO games only help BBO, NOT the clubs

GENTLE BRIDGE & HAPPY BRIDGE

with Cyndy Winkler

Mondays at 12.30 (0-20 master points) and Tuesdays @ 12 noon (0-199 master points)

DO COME 15 mins EARLY SO THAT GAME CAN HAVE A PROMPT START

Duplicate bridge is like going on an airplane: you cannot arrive late and you cannot leave early.

BUT, trust me, you won't want to! Cuz everyone is having so much fun in Cyndy's games on Monday and Tuesday!

Pre-register with Cyndy at cyndywinkler@gmail.com



If you need a partner, let her know. ALWAYS show up if you say you are coming. You cannot imagine the complexity of running a duplicate bridge game.

0-199'ers: Face-to face game with Cyndy takes place

on Tuesdays @ 12 noon.

0-20 NEW players: Do come on Mondays @ noon

Need a partner? Contact Cyndy!

647-723-3006 CYNDY

FIRST TIMER ATTENDEES: GET A SPECIAL DISCOUNT.

Mention Josée's discount

Armour Heights Presbyterian Church

105 Wilson Ave.

Parking on side streets and on both sides of Wilson

https://www.bridgewebs.com/steppingstones

I want to share with you this exciting information I just received from Jon McAllister, the Producer of the film Double Dummy.  Please take advantage of it and show it to your students.

"We want to empower you. Our film, Double Dummy, is freely streamable here (or below) and on the PBS App. The cast includes 2022 ACBL Player of the Year Zach Grossack and past Kings of Bridge Adam Grossack, Adam Kaplan and Richard Jeng.

People watch the film and they want to play!

We also have a 15 minute version and links to deals featured in the film at doubledummymovie.com/teaching-resources/. Let your students play the same deals we share in the film's climax. It's all free.

JOSÉE’S PRE-RECORDED LESSONS

Available for Purchase - Learn on your own time!

All courses are complete, with all recordings, slides, and handouts, so you can watch them in your free time, at your convenience.

Contact me at mjhammill@rogers.com for pricing and additional details. 

NEW LESSON - COMPETITIVE BIDDING (2023)

My brand-new recorded lesson on Competitive Bidding is ready! You'll learn how to use takeout doubles, overcalls, jump overcalls, and improve your competitive bidding arsenal.

Now let's see what's inside: In this new recorded lesson, we will play together 12 specially selected hands, some from prolific writer and accomplished bridge player Eddie Kantar and others I have dug out from my bottomless pit of practice hands.

Here's just a small sample of the 12 deals that we'll cover:

• Why you should avoid takeout doubles when holding a six card major. 
• What's the best strategy to play when looking around for a missing queen.
• When giving partner a ruff, which card you should return?
• When doing a jump overcall, what's the key factor you need to consider?
• If you pass a one level takeout double, what are you telling partner about the opponent's trump suit?
• Lots of Bidding, Play and Defensive commentaries, so you can study the hands from every angle!

NEW LESSON - AVOIDANCE PLAYS (Dec 2022)

Avoidance means just preventing (or avoiding) a particular defender from gaining the lead. And identifying who is the danger and safe opponent.

That means, after you learn this simple technique, you can open the door to think like an expert, in just mere hours! It’s an incredible valuable skill that anyone can learn and use during all future games.

So let's see what's inside: In this new recorded lesson, we will play together 12 specially selected hands from prolific writer and accomplished bridge player Eddie Kantar.

Here's just a small sample of the 12 deals that we'll cover:

• When your contract depends on one of two finesses, how you can decide which one you should take?
• How to identify the danger and non-danger hand (and why you should do it right before playing to the first trick!)
• When planning the play, see the reason for looking at the whole hand as a unit, rather than concentrating on only one suit. 
• Why it's sometimes a bad idea to play bridge by nursery rhymes (“Eight ever, nine never”, etc.).
• When dummy holds a king vulnerable to attack, how to identify who you should keep off lead as long as you can?

As an extra bonus, you'll also receive a PDF file with eleven additional hands commented by Easley Blackwood, featuring:

• How you could manipulate things so that the safe hand gets the lead while you're still establishing your long suit.
• Why avoidance will sometimes be the very good reason you finesse for a queen when you are missing only four cards in the suit. 
• When you have to take two finesses, it might make a big difference which one you take first. See one example where, even if both finesses fail, the contract still succeeds.
• Another hand showing that if you can't keep a dangerous opponent off lead forever, you’ll see how to keep him out of the lead until he can’t do you any damage. 

And sooooo MUCH more... This is the mini-video that was in my last newsletter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brubNfb0RB4 . Watch it to give you a bit of a sense of what the lesson will look like, and always let me know if you have any questions.

NEW! No Trump Defence (Sep 2022)

During this lesson, we will play together 12 specially selected hands from prolific writer and accomplished bridge player Eddie Kantar.

Here's just a small sample of the 12 deals that we'll cover in this live lesson:

• Which thinking habits you, as third hand, must have after the opening lead is made?
• What is a negative discard, and why they are so important at No Trump?
• Before returning partner’s suit, why and how to count declarer’s tricks?
• Holding 4 small cards, when you should lead the top one, and when lead the second highest?
• When declarer leads a suit, why we give count to partner.

The 90-minute lesson includes a handout of all the hands (with commentary from Eddie Kantar). This is an awesome opportunity to get moving towards better defence!

This is the mini-video that was on my last newsletter, https://youtu.be/zejs-4gtW_c.  Watch it to give you a bit of a sense of what that lesson will look like, and always let me know if you have any questions.

NEW! Ducking by Declarer in Suit Contracts (Jun 2022)

You know that, most of the time, the fate of the hand is determined by how you play to the first trick. That's why many contracts can be won or lost because of that first trick.

Some of the things that you will learn in this lesson:

• There's one outstanding difference with ducking plays in suit contracts, you need to know exactly when trumps must be drawn (and what happens if you don't do it!).
• What are the 3 main reasons for making a ducking play in a suit contract.
• Why some hands can be made if you duck the first trick and win the second, while strangely enough the contract cannot be made if you win the first trick.

And much, much more! We'll play each hand twice. One without ducking, and again, the same hand ducking. Then you can easily see what happens in each case.

The 90-minute lesson includes a handout of all the hands (with commentary from Eddie Kantar).

This is an awesome opportunity to get moving towards better declarer play!

NEW! Introduction To Defence

Have you noticed that you are defending at bridge 50% of the time? That is right! Did you know that being on Defence is the most fun you can ever have at the bridge table even when you do not have any points in your hand? Let me teach you how to have more fun and to gain respect from all players when you show them you know how to defend! 

• Opening Leads against No Trump and Suit contracts
• 2^nd hand play
• 3^rd hand play
• Signaling against No Trump and Suit contracts
• And much, much more!!

Includes Eddie Kantar’s book - 2nd edition, revised and updated by Barbara Seagram.

NEW! Introduction To Declarer Play

Bidding is great and winning the contract even better. But if you do not know how to make a plan to make your contract then what good is that! In this 4 week course you will learn :

• Counting Losers
• Counting Winners
• Ruffing losers in the Dummy
• Extra Winners in the Dummy or in Declarer’s Hand
• Long Suit Establishment (aka Taking Tricks with Tiny Cards)
• When and How to take a Finesse and much more! 

Includes Eddie Kantar’s book - 2nd edition, revised and updated by Barbara Seagram.

NEW! Thinking Bridge – Plan Your Moves!

Whatever seat you are in, you have to be planning your moves. Let’s spend these sessions where we explore what it feels like to sit in any and all 4 seats, and think like an expert. Only time you will be allowed to relax will be when in the dummy’s seat. Complete set of different hands for each of the dates. You will love them!

Basics Beginners Bridge Series

Learn the basic elements of the game of bridge: how to take tricks, how to work with a partner, how to open the bidding in a suit and in No Trump, how to respond, how to compete and more.

An 8 week course includes all recordings, PDF of presentations and practice hands for each week.

Intermediate I Bridge Series

For those who feel rusty and need a refresher and for those moving up from Basic lessons. Opportunities to play and practice online will be provided. Lessons are recorded and can be watched on your own time.

A 7 week course includes all recordings, PDF of presentations and practice hands for each week.

Includes Barbara Seagram Intermediate I book.

Intermediate 2

Weak Two Bids, Strong 2 Club Bids, Slam Bidding, Cue-Bidding First Round Controls, Preempts, Unusual NT, Michaels Cuebids, Opening Light in 3rd seat, Balancing, End Plays, Cross-Ruff, Loser-on-loser play, Introduction to defence, ...and MUCH more!!

An 8 week course includes all recordings, PDF of presentations and practice hands for each week.

Includes Barbara Seagram Intermediate 2 book.

Intermediate 3

Intermediate III is a full course on Defence and Conventions!

• DEFENCE: Third Hand Play, Second Hand Play, Suit Preference Signalling, Strategy on Defence, Lead Directing Doubles, Discarding. 
• CONVENTIONS: Negative Doubles, Jacoby 2 NT as a forcing raise, Jacoby Transfers, Texas Transfers, Splinters, Roman Key Card Blackwood, Cue Bids, Slam Bidding and lots more! 

Includes Barbara Seagram Intermediate 3 book.

Learn To Play Two Over One

Learn the system that most of North America now plays. It makes it much easier to get to a better contract, easier to find slams on fewer values and easier to know when to stop in a part score.   Learn the forcing No Trump bid.  

A two day course + one additional hour of practice hands.

Includes Barbara Seagram 2/1 Game Force book.

Bid And Play – The Convention Series

• Lesson 1 - DONT over 1NT Opening Bid
• Lesson 2 - Reverse Drury
• Lesson 3 - Jacoby 2NT and Splinters
• Lesson 4 - Reverse Bergen/Bergen Raises
• Lesson 5 - New Minor Forcing/Checkback Stayman
• Lesson 6 - Fourth Suit Forcing
• Lesson 7 - Four Way Transfers

All lessons come with recordings and PDF of practice hands. Purchase each lesson individually or all 7 for  the price of 6.

Email me at mjhammill@rogers.com for additional details and pricing.

If you enjoy a game of bridge, then the American Contract Bridge League is the place to be! Being an ACBL member gives you exclusive access to one-of-a-kind benefits that all bridge fans – from newcomers to advanced players – will love.

When you join this bridge-loving community, you’ll be able to experience all that membership offers, like playing with fellow devotees in clubs and tournaments across North America, winning masterpoints® to show off your success and reading a world-class monthly magazine.

You will start collecting masterpoints, that’s ACBL’s exclusive measurement of success. Call them Bragging rights! 

• You get to climb the achievement ladder, from Rookie to Life Master and much higher!
• You will receive in your mailbox the excellent monthly Bridge Bulletin, full of news, tips and games.
• Game results are sent directly to your inbox and cell phone with ACBL Live and Live for Clubs.

And so much more!!! 

The ACBL makes it easy for you as a new player to explore all the benefits of being an ACBL member. You can join for free for 120 days as a guest, at www.acbl.org/guest-join

Guest Member Benefits

• You will receive a weekly email with bridge tips from Patty
• You can earn up to 20 masterpoints – we give our Masterpoints at our Gentle Bridge game but they are only good when you are a member.
• You will have digital access to the Bridge Bulletin
• If after 120 days you are convinced this is a good deal, you can join as a full member with the special pricing of $29 US for the first year of regular membership if you are a guest member first.   Receiving a hard copy of the glossy monthly magazine at your home is worth the price of admission!  It is easy to join as a guest, try it now!