• Newcomer to the game, intrigued by what you have heard or seen?
• Returning to the game, after a long time away?
• Able to play, but no partner - not sure how to find one?

We may have the answer - just call the Acting Secretary Stephen Hanslip on 0781 555 3130, or email him at secretary@wakefieldbridgeclub.org.uk.

All you have to do is make that first step - we'll take it from there.  

Most of us, when we look into joining a Bridge Club, are not likely to join at the same time as anyone we know. This is not unusual. Please look upon this as a chance to become friends with the Club members that we have yet to meet. Most Bridge players are friendly people, who could also be in some similar circumstances to you. This card game is played all around the world with no bars on colour, creed or any other factors. It is primarily played for "FUN & ENJOYMENT". Having said that, we cannot deny that this is not an easy game to learn. 

Having said that, help is at hand. There are people within the club, who would like to help you learn this great game. At the top end of Bridge are all the Professionals, who whom Bridge is their livelihood. At the other end of the spectrum, there is the Bridge Club members, for whom the social side is part of the game.

In the middle are the Teachers, helpers and others, who will try & help you to learn the game.

Do not worry if you know next to nothing about the game of Bridge. With the help of the Teachers, you can gain the knowledge to help you navigate your way to learn the game of Bridge. We would suggest that people who are new to the game of Bridge, or may have played the game in the past & have forgotten how to play or what to do, start with attending Teaching sessions, before attempting to play in any of our playing sessions.

When you first attend a playing session ( when coming from Teaching sessions ), it is normal to feel very nervous. Do NOT worry. We have all been there, but with practice & continuing to go to the playing sessions on a REGULAR basis, it becomes easier. Remember, you are important to the Bridge Club. You are the future of the Bridge Club, whether that be as a partner, an opponent or a team member. The world is your oyster as far as your progression can be in the big, big world of Bridge. Representatives of County, Regional, National & International teams all come initially from Bridge Clubs. How far do you want to aspire..............  

Wakefield Bridge Club

The club was founded in Autumn 1953 and currently has more than 150 members.  In July 2021 we re-opened in our new home at Thornes Park, where we have taken part of the ground floor of the former grammar school/college, now part of the Penny Appeal Campus. We have two Bridge rooms, with a small kitchen, and ladies and gents separate toilets.  The aerial view here shows the college/Penny Appeal buildings at the top left, and the main car park; the thin grey line running through the trees from the bottom right of the photo marks the line of the road up from the park entrance on Horbury Road.  For detailed guidance on finding us please click one of these links.

Directions to Wakefield Bridge Club - Maps and Photos.pdf

Directions to Wakefield Bridge Club - Written.pdf

The post code of the club is WF2 8QZ; the what3words /// address is flank.inspector.waving.  (Find the what3words app on your smartphone.)

The Acting Secretary is Stephen Hanslip.  Please contact him on 0781 555 3130 - or at secretary@wakefieldbridgeclub.org.uk.

The club subscribes on members' behalf to Pianola, an online tool which helps you review your performance, analyse where you went wrong - and see how you can do things better in future.  If you have accepted the invitation from the club to join, just click the button below to log in to Pianola.  If you would like another invitation simply email or phone the Secretary.

The Calendar (shown in the index) shows upcoming sessions & events, but please also see below for details of our regular playing sessions.

Forthcoming Events are now listed on the Calendar. 

Please plan to be at any of our sessions 10 minutes before the start.

Monday Mornings - 'Stepping Stones' -  for beginners and early improvers. The emphasis is on a gentle pace where nobody feels rushed, and up to ten minutes is allowed for each board.  If you are stuck with either the bidding or the play, you can ask for help from a teacher / helper. If you would like to be involved simply turn up on the day, or contact Danny Parsonson on 07581 476235. 

Monday Afternoons - This relaxed session aims to be more social in character, and players of all grades are welcome. You are welcome to stay over in the club after the Monday morning session - bring your own lunch!  Host normally available.

Monday and Thursday evenings - These have a more competitive atmosphere. Pairs of visitors are always welcome, but if you need a partner, please place an advert in Pianola, on Partner Finder. Occasional Monday evenings are marked as Teams Events, and then advance registration is required - see the calendar for details. 

Tuesday mornings - A teaching session for improvers, new and existing members with some experience of the game. We play (random, not prepared) hands from a previous session, and discuss teaching points as they come up. Open to all, an excellent opportunity to think a little more deeply about your bridge.

Tuesday evenings - The atmosphere is a little more relaxed, and the number of boards played is limited. A host is normally available.

Friday mornings - This relaxed session aims to be more social in character, and players of all grades are welcome. A host is normally available.

Need to know :-

• Monday morning - Level ♣ - start 10.00, finish about 12.30 - play about 15 boards.
• Monday afternoon - Level ♦  - start 13.00, finish about 15.30 - play about 20 boards. 
• Monday evening - Level ♠  - start 19.00, finish about 22.30 - play 24 - 27 boards.
• Tuesday morning - Level ♣  - start 10.00, finish about 12.30 - a teaching session involving up to 8 boards of guided play.
• Tuesday evening - Level ♥  - start 18.45, finish about 21.30 - play about 20 boards. 
• Thursday evening - Level ♠  - start 19.00, finish about 22.30 - play 24 - 27 boards.
• Friday morning - Level ♦  - start 10.00, finish about 12.30 - play about 20 boards.

• Levels equate approximately to difficulty of each session

• Sessions are charged at £3.00 table money per head.  Please don't bring cash, we will send you a bill at the end of the month and you can pay by bank transfer.
• Membership 2023 - 2024: The membership fee is £35 per annum.  However, new members can join during the year at a rate of £3 per month remaining until the following 31 March (payable as a lump sum).
• Drinks - Tea and coffee are available for a small charge ( we suggest 50p ) in our own kitchen. We have a large fridge and members are invited to bring their own drinks. If you use cups or glasses from the kitchen, can you please remember to return them afterwards - THANK YOU.   

We hope to be able to suggest places for you look at to learn more about Bridge.

1 - The Library - Books held by the club. Currently these are being looked through to ascertain their usefulness. Bear with us please.    

2 - The DVD's - Training DVD's held by the club. Currently compiling the list, and a format, that does not make them disappear. Bear with us please. 

3 - Sites on the internet - Sites of  learning interest. We will be compiling a list for  A) Strong No Trump players & B) Weak No Trump players. Bear with us please.

This is a work in progress, more details to follow....