Frequently asked Questions about u3a MiniBridge Sessions
MiniBridge Sessions F.A.Q.s
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1. What is online MiniBridge?
MiniBridge is a “stripped down” version of Bridge and fun to play. It is simpler, without the preliminary bidding called an 'auction'. It shares some of the features of whist. For teaching bridge, Minibridge can be used to learn playing strategy and basic techniques to win tricks and defensive techniques to stop your opponents winning tricks. Online minibridge is taught on the Nofearbridgebridge platform and you will need to undergo their 2 courses and gain their 2 MiniBridge completion certificates before you will be allowed to join the main teaching sessions - full details here.
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2. How long will it take to complete the two MiniBridge Certificate?
Depending upon your learning style, it will take between 3-7 hours to complete the 2 Certificates.
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3. What day of the week do you hold MiniBridge Sessions?
We will be holding fortnightly MS Teams sessions starting at 10:00 every Tuesday for our new students starting in 4Q 2025. However these will be followed by weekly Tuesday afternoon sessions from 1Q 2026. We would advice you not to join us unless you are available for both of the above.
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4. I notice that the MiniBridge Competitions run fortnightly over a 12-week period. Do I have to attend all these playing sessions?
Not necessarily, although the more you play the better you will enjoy it. However, we do ask that you attend a reasonable number before progressing to the ACOL bidding lessons.
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5. Do you have any further information on MiniBridge?
There is an excellent short guide to MiniBridge available on the Nofearbridge website or downloadable here
(Note: you are advised to print it first, then fold it into an A5 booklet).
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6. I've looked at MiniBridge on the Nofearbridge website and it suggests that I "sign-up" to a 14-day free trial, should I do this?
No, we will be using lesson plans from Nofearbridge in a controlled sequence, having gained your 2 MiniBridge Certificates we can get you 10 weeks free membership of Nofearbridge but only if you are not a previous member.
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7. I've done the MiniBridge course and got my 2 certificates; I've read the MiniBridge guide and am 'chomping at the bit' to get started - what next?
In order to move you on, we need all students to reach the same 'starting point' which may take some time. If you are really keen to practice the skills that you have learnt, then you could try playing against some MiniBridge 'robots' at this link.
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8. I have just registered for the Nofearbridge MiniBridge course and notice that my free password only lasts for 6 weeks, what will happen after 6 weeks?
It's important that we get you playing Bridge as soon as possible i.e. 'cards in hands'; after you have achieved your 2 certificates you will then be playing online with your fellow students and will have no immediate need of the Nofearbridge MiniBridge course (other than the booklet as mentioned above).
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9. I have undergone the online MiniBridge lessons but nobody has asked me for any 'table money' - is this correct?
Yes. We will only ask you for 'table money' after you have played for a few weeks and are convinced that Bridge is for you .... after that, any table money is non-refundable.
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10. The above FAQs have not answered my questions, what can I do next?
We usually have a regular informal 'Drop-in' session every Wednesday on MS Teams when we will answer all your questions and queries, further details on our Calendar.
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