YC School of Bridge
London MindSports Centre, 21 Dalling Road, W6 0JD
Course, Seminar & Play Details
BRIDGE COURSES
We offer three courses in our Basic Bridge series, taking new players all the way from being completely new to the game through to being competent club players. Courses are currently being planned as follows:
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BEGINNERS—for those who have no previous knowledge of bridge. Bidding and card play are the two main elements of bridge and we cover both, providing a firm foundation on which to build bridge expertise. The course teaches a system of bidding based on “Strong No Trump and 5‑card Majors”—a modern system which is used very widely across the world—so if you learn with us you will be equipped to play bridge wherever you go!
Next course: Thursday 1 October 7.30–9.30pm
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NEXT STEP—suitable for anyone who has completed the first course, or for anyone who has a basic knowledge of bridge but is in need of an update or a refresh of their knowledge. This course builds up the student’s knowledge of both bidding and play techniques.
Next course: Monday 28 September 7.30–9.30pm
Next course will be scheduled in response to demand.
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IMPROVERS—providing the developing bridge player with all the tools they need to participate in a regular club duplicate game. Aspects of card play, as both declarer and in defence, are covered more deeply, and less‑frequent auctions are explored more fully, providing students with guidance on how to deal with unexpected situations at the bridge table. Those completing this course will receive a certificate of achievement as a club player.
Next course will start in Wednesday 21 January 2026.
Next course: will be scheduled on demand
Each standard course consists of eight 2‑hour lessons, taking place once a week, plus two practice play sessions to be attended after completion of the lessons. Lessons normally take place on weekday evenings, between 7.30pm and 9.30pm, but may be run at other times in line with demand., but the Friday beginners course only will run in the late afternoon, between 5.00pm and 7.00pm
For more details on each of the three Basic courses, please see the Course Objectives page.
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To book course places or for more information, please contact Chris by email at manager@ycbc.co.uk or call 07713 322420.
The next series of courses will be scheduled for Autumn 2024.
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INTERMEDIATE BRIDGE COURSES
We also offer further courses to allow players to develop their bridge skills and extend their knowledge of bridge agreements and conventions, so as to enable them to become better players.No Intermediate courses are currently scheduled.
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“IMPROVE YOUR PLAY” SEMINARS
We regularly schedule seminars aimed for those who have completed courses but feel they would like to revise some aspects of what they have learned, and for those who learned their bridge some time ago but would like to brush up bridge skills that may be a little rusty or in need of development.
The seminars concentrate on helping to improve aspects of bidding and play that crop up all the time at the table, rather than introducing new system gadgets and conventions. They are highly interactive, with plenty of play hands to help consolidate the points covered. Participants also receive comprehensive handouts to take away
Further seminars will be scheduled for Autumn 2026.
Seminars are scheduled as follows:
The sessions are scheduled for three hours on Friday afternoons in 2026, 2.00pm–5.00pm approx.
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Friday 9 October at 2.00pm Common Mistakes You Need to Avoid—presented by Chris Duckworth
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Everyone makes mistakes at the bridge table, but some are more avoidable than others! This seminar will highlight the common mistakes that are seen time and time again. If you are aware of these, and work on not making these errors, your bridge results will hugely improve.
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Friday 13 November at 2.00pm Duplicate Bridge Ethics and Etiquette—presented by Chris Duckworth
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When you learn bridge, the teaching concentrates on the bridge, rather than the niceties of how to behave at the bridge table. But once you play in a serious duplicate game, there are many pitfalls waiting for the unwary newcomer. This seminar will aim to identify and explain what is expected of players in such games.
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Friday 4 December at 2.00pm Basic Counting Techniques—presented by Chris Duckworth
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Counting is so important at bridge. This seminar will tackle the basics of how to go about counting—your points, your winners and losers, trumps and the cards in each suit as they are played—building a foundation on which to be able to start counting your opponents’ hands.
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Friday 12 December Trump Management—we all know it is often a good idea to draw trumps, but when should you delay doing so, and how do you ensure you retain trump control?
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Thursday 1 May Competitive Bidding 2—how to take advantage of the fact that opponents have intervened in the auction to describe your hand more accurately
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Thursday 29 May Basic Counting techniques—how to think and make plans as a defender, including some techniques to help you defeat more contracts
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Wednesday 6 May at 7.30pm Placing the Defenders’ Cards—presented by Heather Dhondy
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ADVANCED SEMINARS
We occasionally run advanced seminars aimed at regular club players who want to hone their bridge skills.
The next advanced seminar is scheduled as follows:
The sessions are scheduled for three hours on Thursday afternoons in 2025, 2.00pm–5.00pm approx.
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PLAY SESSIONS
The only way to become proficient at anything is practice! We strongly recommend that all students completing courses attend practice play sessions to consolidate their learning. We provide al range of playing opportunities, available every week, including:
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SUPERVISED PLAY SESSIONS suitable for all levels of player, from those completing the first course upwards, with a tutor on hand to help and advice as needed. Tutors Sara and Shelley, who run these sessions, always ensure everyone has a really enjoyable time, as well as finding them very helpful for improving their bridge skills.
Every Tuesday evening 7.30–10.00pm
Every Thursday evening 7.00–9.30pm
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FRIENDLY DUPLICATE SESSIONS where you can develop your play in a gently competitive environment—our Goldhawks Bridge sessions
Every Tuesday daytime 11.00am–3.00pm with a break for lunch in our café—a supervised duplicate, which means you can ask for advice on what to bid if needed
Every Friday morning 10.00am–12.30pm Relaxed 18‑board duplicate
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LIGHTHEARTED WEDNESDAY CLUB GAMES—for all players from intermediate level upwards. A matchpointed pairs duplicate (without NGS) preceded by complimentary nibbles, for the regular evening session price.
Wednesday evenings (from 3 July through 21 August) 7.00pm–10.30pm
There is no need to pre‑book for any play session—you can just come along, with or without a partner.
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FURTHER INFORMATION AND FEES
Each standard course consists of eight 2‑hour lessons, taking place once a week, plus two practice play sessions to be attended after completion of the lessons.
COURSES. The standard course fee is £180 per person per course, inclusive of expert tuition, course notes, club and EBU membership, access to tutors for help and assistance.
Special offer. Those who are new to bridge, and unsure as to whether it is for them, are welcome to attend the first lesson of the Beginners course free and without commitment. We are confident that you will enjoy it and want to sign up after attending!
SEMINARS. Each half‑day seminar costs £20 per head for YCBC members or £25 for guests, with a break for tea or coffee and cake, also included. Online registration is the club’s preferred way for you to sign up.
PLAY SESSIONS. All regular duplicates and practice play sessions cost £10 a session for club members or £15 for visitors.
TO BOOK COURSE PLACES or for more information, please contact Chris Duckworth, YCBC Teaching Co‑ordinator. Send an email to manager@ycbc.co.uk or call 07713 322420 and ask for Chris.
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ABOUT THE YOUNG CHELSEA BRIDGE CLUB
Founded in 1968, The Young Chelsea Bridge Club is one of the oldest and probably the best bridge club in the UK. We are a registered charity and a member‑owned club, whose board of directors is committed to enhancing the learning and playing experience of all its members.
Don’t be misled by the name. Although we particularly welcome young players, we have many older members, some of whom have belonged since the start of the club! Our original home was in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea; now we are at home in Hammersmith.
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Item last updated 14 September 2026
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