How To Learn to Play Bridge

Bridge is a popular team card game that challenges the mind by requiring critical thinking and strategy at every turn. Learning how to play bridge can be easy and fun. As with learning any game, there's no substitute for playing. However, there are practical ways to build your bridge understanding before sitting at a table.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Playing cards
• Instructional book for novice bridge players
• Internet access (if possible)

1. Read an instructional book for beginning bridge players. Instead of having someone explain the nuances of auction and play, which can be both confusing and frustrating, read one of many books catered to bridge novices. Scour one of many such instructional web pages if you do not wish to purchase or borrow a book.

2. Watch as many in-progress bridge games as possible. Follow the play of experienced bridge players to rapidly increase your understanding of the auction and teamwork.

3. Play bridge online. Start out playing with computer players at beginner tables and increase your level of competition gradually. Playing online allows you the benefit of getting comfortable with your auctioning, declaring and defending with limited human error. Move on to human opponents when you feel more comfortable with your game.

4. Play bridge in person. Unlike playing online, playing in person allows you to focus more on team synergy. Recognize your partner's tendencies, strengths and weaknesses so you may better understand when to pass, double or redouble to execute and defend contracts.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep track of plays in previous tricks as well as possible. Increase frequency of play and skill level of opponents gradually.

References

• Karen's Bridge Library - Beginner Bridge Resource