AN Improver’s Course in Bridge

Have you been playing Bridge regularly but would like to use the Acol system more accurately and improve your play?

Are you a relative beginner that would like to raise your game so that you can play at club level?

Do you play a different bidding system and would like to learn Acol?

Have you played Bridge some time ago, would like to take it up again but feel rather rusty?

If your answer to any of these is ‘yes’ then this course is for you.

The sessions will contain plenty of opportunity to practice the skills being learnt through bidding and playing hands. Throughout, the emphasis will be learning in an enjoyable, supportive and friendly atmosphere.

Topics to be covered

The point count system of evaluating hands and its relation to the Acol system of bidding.

Opening suit bids and responses and subsequent re-bids. NT bidding and responses (Stayman/Transfers etc)

The strong bids and slam bidding.

Taking the initiative after the opposition have opened.

Pre-emptive bidding – weak 3’s and 2’s.

The losing trick count

Defensive bidding and dealing with intervention

Planning the play of a hand as declarer, defensive play and leads.

Duplicate Bridge and strategy.

Learning outcomes

As a result of this course, students should:

be able to express the shape and strength of a hand using Acol bidding in order to find the best contract

be able to bid and play defensively

be able to play Duplicate Bridge at club level.

Teaching / learning methods to be used

Most of the time will be spent actively playing Bridge and putting into practice what has been learnt. There will be inputs of principles, demonstrations of how to bid and play, use of prepared hands, detailed notes to take away and working in pairs to solve problems. The emphasis is on creating a supportive and enjoyable climate for learning.

Course requirements

A basic knowledge and experience of bidding and playing.

Some acquaintance with a bidding system but not necessarily Acol.

You do not need a partner for this course.

Venue and dates

There will be 10- 12 sessions that will be held Thursday evenings from 7 – 9.30pm from Sept. to Dec. in the Bingham WI Hut.

It is hoped that a Bridge club in Bingham will be re-established as a consequence of this course.