1) Motivate yourself. Discover the many
benefits of learning and playing bridge.
1) Motivate yourself. Discover the many
benefits of learning and playing bridge.
2) Start with this overview. It explains the object of the game, the "language" of bidding and how a bridge hand is played.
3) Download interactive lesson software. Install and begin practicing with these free programs. Work through the lessons at your own pace and replay the example hands as many times as you like.
Learn to Play Bridge (LTPB) I & II
4) Develop your trick-taking skills. Here are the main ways you can set up and win tricks. Use the lessons and example hands in the LTPB I software to practice.
Establishing and cashing tricks
Forming a plan when you're declarer
5) Learn the two most common types of bids. The auction is a conversation where you and partner exchange information about your trick-taking strength and suit lengths. This often begins with these two bids.
Responses to partner's opening bid
6) Learn how to continue the auction. The basic principles here will apply to many other bidding situations.
7) Play! There's more to discover, but if you've come this far, you're ready to have fun playing. Try these online solitaire games -- all free -- to practice what you've learned.
Solitaire Minibridge -- The web page deals and shows your hand and partner's. You choose the trump suit and expected number of tricks, then play out the hand.
Just Play Bridge -- An endless stream of hands where you bid and play against computer robots. The auction display will show the meaning of all the bids, including yours.
Just Declare -- No bidding. The contract on each deal is pre-determined and you play the hand against robots.
Bridge Master -- Similar to Just Declare, but each deal includes the solution and instructional tips. Start with the Beginner hands and move up.
8) Develop your defensive skills. Learn how to build tricks and communicate with partner when you're defending the opponents' contracts. Practice with the lessons in the LTPB II software.
9) Learn the system for responding to 1NT. You'll follow a different set of responding guidelines when partner opens 1NT (instead of 1 of a suit).
Responding to a 1NT opening bid
10) Compete after the opponents open the bidding. On many bridge deals, all four players will be bidding. Here are the two main ways you can enter the auction after your opponent makes the first bid.
11) Add more opening bids to your system. You can show special types of hands by opening a suit at the 2-level or higher. These bids describe hands with lots of tricks, but fewer high-card points than a 1-level opener.
12) Learn more ways to evaluate your hand. Improve your bidding accuracy by estimating your hand's "playing strength" along with its high-card points.
Distribution points & hand evaluation
Tips
for learners:Take it slow. Few people "get it" the first time a bridge concept is explained. Plan to review the lessons as many times as needed.
Print this "cheat sheet". It summarizes basic bidding guidelines and can be a handy reference while you're learning.
Try to avoid memorizing. Focus on the logic behind the rules and how that reasoning can be used to make other decisions in the bidding and play. Your goal is to throw away the "cheat sheet" and rely on your judgment.
Keep playing. Experience is the best teacher, especially for improving card play. Practice with the solitaire games and LTPB hands as often as possible.
Keep learning. These 12 steps cover just the basics, but that's all you need to start enjoying bridge and acquiring more skills. As you become comfortable with what you've learned here, you may want to add to your bidding system and explore other aspects of the game. These sites are excellent resources:
♣ Bridge Basics from Richard Pavlicek -- A concise introduction for the complete beginner.
♣ Karen's Bridge Library -- Bidding summaries, quizzes, reference material and "how-to" tips for beginners and beyond.
♣ Fifth Chair Bridge School -- Sixteen introductory-level lessons on basic bidding.
♣ Bridgeclues -- Instructional and entertaining quizzes from world champion Mike Lawrence. New quiz hands on bidding and play are posted every day, grouped into three skill categories.
Take the next step. If you can play beginner-level bridge, you can play duplicate bridge. Consider playing at an online club or entering a novice game at your local club. Here are some helpful sites:
♣ Discover the Fun & Challenge of Duplicate Bridge -- An online booklet that explains how a duplicate game works and offers tips for pair and team play.
♣ Find a Club -- Search for a club near you in this directory from the American Contract Bridge League. Many clubs offer games just for beginners.
♣ Bridgebase Online -- The biggest online playing site, with free games in a variety of formats. The "Relaxed Club" has tables for newcomers.
© Karen Walker