Face to Face Bridge Classes
Various clubs and teachers around the district run programmes of bridge classes and learners’ tournaments.
In Edinburgh, both the Carlton Bridge Centre and the New Melville Bridge Academy (in the New Melville Bridge Club) offer a structured range of classes, from absolute beginners through to intermediate players.
Derek Sanders runs classes and has his own web site with full details.
Please contact us to be added to this list if you're offering SBU classes in your area.
Online Courses with the SBU
The SBU promotes the teaching of bridge and supports all bridge tutors whoever they are, and wherever they are based, across Scotland and beyond. To support this aim, the SBU is launching two new SBU branded courses for beginners and offering free access to all resources for each course to all teachers. One, a shorter 20 lessons course, the other a longer 60 lessons course. Please go to SBU/Education for more information.
Enjoy Online Bridge Tuition from the comfort of your home.
Resources for both courses are electronically based comprising Powerpoint Slides, Notes for students and teachers, Quizzes, and Deal files of 8-12 set hands for each lesson.
The SBU is also encouraging beginners to learn to play bridge online at their local club, but if that’s not available, see the list at https://www.sbu.org.uk/education/online-lessons
Mini Bridge
Minibridge is a simplified form of Bridge designed to expose newcomers to playing techniques without the burden of learning a detailed bidding system. It is an ideal way to get a flavour of the game and teaches you the basics of play.
Like other forms of bridge, Minibridge is played by four players in fixed partnerships, sitting crosswise. A full pack of 52 cards is dealt to the players, each receiving 13 cards. As in contract bridge, it is then decided which player becomes declarer , but a key innovation of Minibridge is that this decision is taken out of the players' hands which makes it easier.
Declarer's partner then lays open their hand, and declarer announces a contract. This is a trump suit or no trumps, together with an undertaking to win more than half the tricks (partscore) or a higher target (game) to gain bonus points. The remainder of the game is very similar to contract bridge. In particular, declarer's partner becomes dummy (i.e., declarer plays both hands while dummy watches on).
We have Minibridge packs available for anyone who might want to consider starting up a group at a local Primary School.
If you're interested please contact Liz McGowan (0131) 6672432