This week I am posting a 10 minute video that shows how to learn the basics of card play for ‘Contract Bridge’ – It assumes no prior card knowledge.
Bridge basics is very straightforward. After following this first video you will certainly be able sit at a table, play for ‘tricks’ ‘ (What are tricks?) and have a good time doing so. Kids will find the video particularly easy to follow.
If your browser does not display the video image above, you can access it by clicking here.
If you follow the link, you will be taken to the video. Once there, you can sign up to my YouTube video channel if you wish to view the next videos in the series. You can also join this website blog by clicking the yellow ‘Join up’ button above to ensure you do not miss out on future postings. (You may also want to view the ‘BridgeKidsCanada‘ video channel that Daniel Lavee has put together. He has video interviewed loads of celebrity Bridge players and their views are very interesting).
Next Steps
Once you have viewed my video, I would suggest that it is best to just play at this level for a while, get a feel for the card play, and have fun. Don’t worry about whether you are following the rules to the letter, because as you progress it will all become clearer. If anything needs clarifying, just send me a message or post a comment about it, and I or another reader, will answer your query.
At some point you will want to move on and take the next steps toward playing ‘Contract Bridge’ proper. I will either be sourcing or recording videos that take you through each sequential stage. At each stage of learning, the game becomes more and more enjoyable, challenging and fun.
Methodology
In preparing this video I have borrowed the techniques of David Adelman. When you see David stand in front of 100 primary school kids in a hall and capture their attention over a 1 to 2 hour session (depending on age) and teach them mini-Bridge from the standpoint of them starting with little or no card knowledge at all, you become a convert to his wonderful methods. With his massive conversion rates of children loving these sessions, it seems an ideal opportunity to encourage the uptake of a structured syllabus of skill sets that children can then aspire to master.
Your Views
Would you like me to prepare some downloadable pdf tutorials to support the videos? I will, but only if there is demand, so please leave a comment/ requests in the box below…
As founder of Bridge Forum which is the largest online bridge school and has been online for near 13 years, I am interested in your program for my website. I would LOVE downloadable pdf tutorials as well.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Ellen Caitlin Pomer
I would love to learn the bridge game but i have no one to play so ideally i can learn by myself and join the club once i know the basic to play the bridge.
Learning to play Bridge on your own is do-able but not nearly as enjoyable as playing with others.
I have two suggestions:
1. Find your nearest club. Ring up the director or whoever is listed to be in charge for that club, and ask them if they know anyone in the club or nearby that teaches novice players. That is your best bet… Bridge is a really enjoyable SOCIAL game. I have met many friends through playing the game and this is the best way to start.
2. Catherine Draper – who you can see being interviewed on my website, teaches people online. I am not sure if she takes absolute beginners. If you want me to find out for you, drop me a line and I will have a word with her.
I Read It, But I Don’t Get it… what’s the Point?! : )
What’s the point?… I kind of give a clue at the start of the blog post Poker zasady, when I write “Bridge basics is very straightforward. After following this first video you will certainly be able sit at a table, play for ‘tricks’ and have a good time doing so.”
A very nice idea and, using video, a highly novel and useful approach.
Anyway if it gets Caitlin’s support who’s arguing? Your Video-2 is eagerly awaited.
You may like to speak to Leigh Harding at No Fear Bridge. She has some excellent online material – interactive too.
John Cumming
I am 10 yrs old.
Where can i get your first video and other
videos – if any
thanks
Kalyani
Hi Kalyani,
In the right hand column of this website there is a heading that reads:
“Download the free guide on how to play Bridge”
Fill in you name and email and you will receive regular emails with video. Just follow the instructions that you receive in your email in tray. There is only so much you can learn from my videos though.
In the UK there is a fantastic new program of Bridge teaching taking place in Junior schools for people just like you. If you live in the UK, send me the name and address of your school and I will write to your head teacher about your desire to play Bridge. My email address is markpharoah @ ibridgeplayer . com (without the spaces).
If you don’t live in the UK it may be a little harder learning Bridge because you really do need other people to play and learn with.
I wanted to know how to play “contract bridge”. My hubby knows this game and I hope he will teach me too