How to Learn the Game of Bridge

Bridge is a card game that involves both trick taking and bidding. Bidding is done using a large variety of conventions. Many of these conventions can be overwhelming to learn. Learning the basics of bridge and mastering the basics is what new players should concentrate on first. Advanced conventions can be helpful but are not necessary to succeed.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Learn the basics of trick-taking games by playing a game such as spades. Spades will introduce you to the mechanics of trick taking in bridge. It introduces you to the basics of playing with a trump suit and simple bidding in which you bid the number of tricks you think you can win. Partnership Spades can help you learn how to play with a partner, which is used in bridge.

2. Visit the American Contract Bridge League's website. This website has a lot of information you need to start learning how to play bridge. There is free software that will introduce you to the basics of bridge and software that will explain basic bidding conventions to you.

3. Contact your local bridge club. A list of bridge clubs can be found on the American Contract Bridge League's website. Ask your local club if it has beginners classes. Some bridge clubs will offer lessons during the week and then a game immediately after the lessons. That game is designed specifically for beginners and will include others who are learning bridge as well.

4. Kibitz others playing bridge. Kibitzing means watching others playing a game of bridge. This can be done at local clubs or at bridge tournaments. Ask the organizers of the local club or the tournament if they allow kibitzers to watch to learn about bridge. When approaching a table to kibitz, ask all four players at the table if they mind if you kibitz.

5. Read about the game. There are many different beginners books for the card game of bridge. A very useful one is called "Modern Bridge Conventions," and it introduces you to some of the more common bridge bidding conventions in the game.

6. Practice with a coach. Find someone y who is experienced in playing bridge and play with her as a partner. She can mentor you and teach you the game as you play once you have a basic understanding of the game from attending classes, kibitzing and reading. Your local bridge club can set you up with a player who is willing to mentor new players.

7. Attend bridge lectures at local tournaments. Larger tournaments such as regional and national tournaments have panels of experts that offer lectures. These lectures are not just designed for experts though. These tournaments will have a novice section chairperson who arranges for lectures for novice and intermediate players who feel overwhelmed by the lectures given for advanced players.

8. Play the game. It can take years to be a successful bridge player. Do not get discouraged if you are finishing in last place week after week when you first start. The best bridge players in the world struggled as new players as well; you are not alone.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not rush to learn a lot of fancy conventions. Check on the ACBL website and with your local bridge club about the best conventions for novice players to use. When playing against more advanced players, be open to accepting their suggestions at the end of a hand; this will help you learn.
• When kibitzing, it is poor etiquette to ask questions during the hand or even immediately after. If you have questions, ask one of the players if he would be willing to talk with you after the game and help a new bridge player out. Some players enjoy coaching, while others will politely refuse. Do not be offended by their refusal or get defensive.

References

• Free Software From ACBL
• Learn With Simplified Bidding
• American Contract Bridge League