YC School of Bridge
London MindSports Centre, 21 Dalling Road, W6 0JD
Course, Seminar & Play Details
BASIC 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 starts on Tuesday 21 January 2025
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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 starts on Wednesday 22 January 2025
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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.Lesson
Next course will be scheduled in response to 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 run in the evenings, between 7.30pm and 9.30pm.
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
The next series of seminars will be scheduled in Spring 2025. The sessions are normally scheduled for three hours on weekday afternoons.
Seminars are scheduled for Wednesday or Thursday afternoons in 2024, 2.00pm–5.00pm approx.
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Thursday 10 October Counting—a crucial technique for successful card play
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Thursday 14 November How good is my hand?—re‑evaluating your hand in the light of the auction and how to effectively communicate this to your partner
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Thursday 12 December Pre‑emptive bidding—when to pre‑empt and how to cope when the opponents take up your bidding space
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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.
Every Thursday evening 7.00pm–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 Supervised duplicate, with a break for lunch in our café
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 cost £160 per person per course, inclusive of expert tuition, course notes, club and EBU membership, access to tutors for help and assistance.
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 sure that you will enjoy it and want to sign up after attending!
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Each seminar costs £20 for YCBC members or £25 for guests, inclusive of tea/coffee and cake.
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Play sessions cost £8 for daytime sessions, or £10 for evening sessions for club members (£12/£14 for visitors).
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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 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 10 December 2024
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