Bridge Lessons

Our Bridge courses are designed to be an enjoyable and social experience to give players of all levels an insight and understanding of this increasingly popular game. You will be taught the Acol system and the course will guide you through a progression of principles and conventions at the relevant level with plenty of practical play. 

The Hub offers a range of courses, explained below, and our tutor is John Bevan.

John Bevan is a regular club bridge player who has taught beginners and improvers for several years, with his student age groups ranging from his 4 year old grandson to U3A members. A retired NHS consultant, John finds the game of bridge endlessly fascinating and enjoys sharing his passion for it with all his students.

If you would like to know more about these courses or Blitz Bridge please use the form at the bottom of the page

Common Problems faced in Social Bridge

Social Bridge Course - teaching and friendly play in small classes

The focus of this new course is on exploring and explaining common problems faced by social / kitchen bridge players and will provide plenty of time to practise new knowledge and skills through random and pre-set hands. It is designed to provide practical help and will be paced to meet the needs of the class. 

The course will explore and address common problems in bidding such as:

  • What is my partner telling me; 

  • Finding a fit; 

  • Showing the shape of hands; 

  • Variations of responses to 1 No Trump; 

  • Opening with strong hands - and lead into techniques for competitive bidding as appropriate such as:

  • Doubling;

  • Weak and jump overcalls;

  • Showing shape through Cue Bids and Unusual 2 No Trumps.

Card Play will also be a major feature of this new course using random and pre-set hands and will cover

  • Signals and discards;

  • Active & passive defence;

  • Counting winners and losers;

  • Unblocking 

Day & Time: Tuesdays 4.15pm - 5.45pm

(see below for alternative timings)

Tuesday, 22nd September - Tuesday, 15th December 2026.   
 with Half Term Holiday: 27th October

Cost £144

Book Online

Venue: Fernhurst Hub

Common Problems faced in Social Bridge

Social Bridge Course - teaching and friendly play in small classes

The focus of this new course is on exploring and explaining common problems faced by social / kitchen bridge players and will provide plenty of time to practise new knowledge and skills through random and pre-set hands. It is designed to be of practical help and will be paced to meet the needs of the class. 

The course will explore and address common problems in bidding such as:

  • Principles of communication - reading the bids;

  • Opening 1 of a Suit or No Trumps;

  • Partner responses using the Losing Trick Count, Stayman or Transfers,

  • Openers rebid - observing the barrier and showing strength;

  • Overcalling - using Doubles for take out and 1 No Trump overcalls;

  • Weak Two openings, pre-emptive bids and defence. 

Card Play will also be a major feature of this new course using random and pre-set hands and will cover

  • Opening leads

  • Signals and discards;

  • Use of Trumps - when to take out, how to use on the short hand;

  • Discarding losers;

  • Finessing - how and when;

  • Setting up long suits in No Trumps.

Day & Time: Wednesdays 4.15pm - 5.45pm

Wednesday, 23rd September - Wednesday, 16th December 2026.   
 with Half Term Holiday: 28th October

Cost £144

Book Online

Venue: Fernhurst Hub

Beginners Blitz Bridge weekend

We are repeating our successful Beginners Blitz weekend with a new course in September 2026. This is an intensive course of 12 hours teaching spread over 2 days suitable for complete beginners. No prior knowledge of the game or preparation for the course is required.

The intention is to enable individuals to play ‘social bridge’ as quickly as possible. The numbers are limited to 6 players to ensure individuals will be able to ask questions in a friendly informal atmosphere. 

Participants will be offered the chance to sign up to a bridge site which offers online tuition and practice free of charge for 3 months. 

Day & Time: Saturday 26th September 2026 9:30 am - 4:00 pm

& Sunday 27th September 2026 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Cost £145

Book Online

Venue: Fernhurst Hub

Weekend Bridge Course

Follow-up to Blitz Bridge weekend

This new course has been designed as a follow up to the popular Blitz Weekend courses. The programme will refresh knowledge gained on the Blitz and supplement it with new information, skills and techniques on exploring and explaining common problems faced by social / kitchen bridge players.  

The course will follow the themes in the Wednesday Hub Bridge classes during the Autumn term which may be an alternative avenue for those unable to commit to a full weekend of tuition. The topics will explore and address common problems in bidding such as:

  • Principles of communication - reading the bids;

  • Opening 1 of a Suit or No Trumps;

  • Partner responses using the Losing Trick Count, Stayman or Transfers,

  • Openers rebid - observing the barrier and showing strength;

  • Overcalling - using Doubles for take out and 1 No Trump overcalls;

  • Weak Two openings, pre-emptive bids and defence. 

Card Play will also be a major feature of this new course using random and pre-set hands and will cover

  • Opening leads

  • Signals and discards;

  • Use of Trumps - when to take out, how to use on the short hand;

  • Discarding losers;

  • Finessing - how and when;

  • Setting up long suits in No Trumps.

 In addition, you may use the form below to discuss your level and suitability for any class. 

Day & Time: Saturday 31st October 2026 9:30 am - 4:00 pm

& Sunday 1st November 2026 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Cost £145

Book Online

Venue: Fernhurst Hub

“The 2 days were paced just right and the Tutor’s patience and humour kept us all relaxed and enjoying ourselves”.

Angie

To Enquire about these courses please fill in the form below

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