Welcome to my website and thank you for visiting!
If you are wondering about the website’s title, let me explain that I've always considered myself to be a teacher first. Long before I became a bridge player, I was a teacher. Then I became a teacher of bridge, but I’ve always been a teacher first. I would never consider myself to be an “expert” on bridge; there are many bridge teachers and authors who have much more experience and expertise than I do.
The purpose of my website is to help people learn how to play simply and easily without being discouraged and then giving up.
I have tried to simplify the first steps for learning bridge, making it as easy to follow as possible. Even now, after many years of playing and teaching bridge, I like to keep it simple. Although the 2/1 system has some advantages over Standard American bridge rules, you do not need to learn it unless your partner insists. Standard American Bridge rules, which is what I teach on this website, are great for social bridge players. The rules are also much easier to learn than 2/1. You should play bridge to have fun, learn something, and challenge yourself!
It's enjoyable to help beginners learn the basics of playing bridge in a simple, straightforward way. I know that beginners learn better and faster, gain confidence and are less confused when the lessons are kept as clear and simple as possible. I'm glad I can share my knowledge of bridge so others can enjoy the pleasures and fun of the game.
Bridge is very intellectually stimulating and socially engaging. That’s what I like about the game of bridge — it is never boring!
I like to win, but I love to learn!
As a hobby, about a decade ago, I decided to create this website to help others learn how to play bridge. I had no idea that my website would reach so far and be valued by so many people from around the world. Every week, I am sent some appreciative messages − from beginners trying to learn on their own, from players who are “getting back into the game,” from parents who use my lessons to teach their children, from players who use it to teach their friends and social groups, and from bridge teachers, club owners and directors who use it to teach in their clubs. Many who write to me learned to play bridge after they retired because they had more time then. As an adult, it can be more difficult to pick up a new pastime such as bridge. It takes time and patience to learn how to play. If you can make it through the first few lessons on bidding and start playing the game, it will become clearer and make sense. The more you play, the more you will understand, so never give up!
Here is a map that shows the locations of my website visitors who are learning to play bridge from places around the world. (Click on it to enlarge.)
With just five simplified lessons as a starting point, beginners should start to play and enjoy the game. I’ve made the rules simple and easy to grasp. While watching beginners try to learn, I’ve been able to identify some areas where beginners often become discouraged and start to find it difficult. If beginners can get over any first hurdles, they have a much better chance of continuing with the game. It takes much time to learn this game well. I have tried to be meticulous about the lessons and hope that they are clear and precise. I believe that repetition helps with learning, so I have included many examples in my quizzes to reinforce the lessons. I also believe that it is important to visualize the cards as you would see them in your own hand (not just symbols on a page), and so I have incorporated graphics of realistic-looking cards into most of my lessons. It takes me much more time and effort to do that, but I think it is worth it.
Although my website’s main focus is on bridge, I’ve also included lessons on playing Mah Jongg and solving Sudoku puzzles and cryptic crosswords. I have noticed that those who enjoy bridge, often enjoy these other puzzles as well. Playing bridge and Mah Jongg are wonderful ways to meet new friends and socialize, plus they stimulate and challenge one’s cognitive abilities. Attempting to solve Sudoku puzzles and cryptic crosswords, though more solitary than the other two, can provide many hours of personal amusement and satisfaction and help to stimulate the brain, as well.
Wishing you good hands and best of luck in learning and playing bridge!
Warmest regards,
ATeacherFirst