The course is based on the ‘Bridge for All’ staged learning programme as recommended by the English Bridge Union (EBU). It is based on the Standard English Acol system, which is maintained by the EBU; it is the system used by most bridge players in the UK.
Go to the EBU's website if you want a bit more background. You can watch a couple of short YouTube videos for an overview of the basics of the game.
The Beginners course comprises 30 lessons, after which you will know enough to be able to play and enjoy bridge with any other bridge player in the UK.
You will learn how and when to open the bidding and how to respond if your partner opens the bidding, and when and how to compete should the opposition open the bidding. You will also learn how to plan the play of a hand, as Declarer, with some tips on how to maximise your chances of success. You will also learn how best to defend, in other words how to try and prevent Declarer from making his/her contract.
Don’t worry if you’re a complete beginner and haven’t a clue what I’m talking about. The course starts with the assumption that you know nothing about bridge.
Generally, each lesson will cover discussion of one or two aspects of bidding and/or play, followed by class exercises and the playing of a series of sample, illustrative hands. Refreshments are provided at half-time. Each lesson lasts 2½ hours.
The cost is £6 per lesson. There is a set of Student Notes, published by the EBU, which complement the lessons. An up-front payment of £20 is required to cover the cost of these notes, should you wish to purchase them. A discounted price of £170 is available should you wish to pay for the whole course of 30 lessons, this would include a free copy of the EBU notes.
All lessons are presented at the Civic Centre in Wotton-under-Edge, in the Rushmire Room (top floor). Access to the Civic Centre is from the car park, which has an entrance off Gloucester Street (the B4060, direction North Nibley and Stinchcombe). It is behind the Shell petrol station. Note that there is limited parking in the Civic Centre car park - please allow plenty of time to find somewhere to park.
Ian Cooke (fully qualified member of the EBU Teachers Association)
Tel: 01666 890261 07704 946846
Email: tresham.bridge@gmail.com
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