On the Schedule
Bridge Basics 2: Competitive Bidding
with Tom May
Have you ever passed after the opponents opened the bidding—and then watched them settle comfortably into their best contract? Competitive bidding gives you the tools to get into the auction and make life harder for the other side.
Bridge Basics 2: Competitive Bidding begins Wednesday, February 25, in an 8-week series taught by Tom May, known for his clear explanations and patient teaching style.
What You’ll Learn
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Preemptive opening bids
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Overcalls (suit and notrump)
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Takeout doubles and how to respond
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How competitive auctions change responder’s bids, including cuebidding and the Law of Total Tricks
Course Format
Four topics taught over two weeks each: one instructional session followed by a practice session for reinforcement.
Details
Dates & Time: Wednesdays, Feb 25–Apr 15, 9:30 a.m.–12:00 noon
Location: Fellowship Presbyterian Church, 2005 New Garden Rd, Greensboro
Instructor: Tom May, dtommay92@gmail.com, 336-210-2892
Cost
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Complete course (8 sessions): $200
Includes companion book or two free plays at a Triad Bridge Club game -
Any 2-session topic: $50
Registration
Judy Hellen
📧 Judy@learnbridgegso.com
📱 336-558-3613 (call or text)
Introduction to Declarer Play
with Cecelia Ray
Once the bidding is over and the opening lead hits the table, the real game of bridge begins. Declarer play is where hands are won—or lost—and where players can make the biggest leap in skill in the shortest amount of time.
Introduction to Declarer Play starts on Friday, February 27 for seven sessions led by the popular and supportive Cecelia Ray. It is designed for players who know the basics of bridge but want to feel more confident and in control when they become declarer.
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You’ll learn how to:
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Make a simple plan before playing to the first trick
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Count winners and losers
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Use common techniques such as promotion, establishing long suits and finesses.
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Eliminate losers by ruffing or discarding them.
Most importantly, you’ll learn how to think about the hand, not just follow rules. Declarer play isn’t about memorizing formulas—it’s about seeing possibilities and making smart, logical decisions.
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Dates & Time: Fridays, Feb 27–Apr 10, 9:30 a.m.–12:00 noon
Location: Fellowship Presbyterian Church, 2005 New Garden Rd, Greensboro
Instructor: Cecelia Ray, ACBL Life Master
Cost: $150 for complete course
Registration:
Cecelia Ray
📧 CeceliaRay@gmail.com
📱 336-601-5058 (call or text)
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No matter what level or style of bridge you enjoy, declarer play is the great equalizer. Strong declarer play wins tricks even when the bidding isn’t perfect—and makes the game more satisfying and fun.
Bridge Basics 1: An Introduction
with Barbara Pomer
Tuesday mornings January 6 through January 27
plus two practice sessions
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Bridge Basics 1: An Introduction is designed for those who are new to bridge and those who want to re-enter the game (remember college). This course provides an overview of modern bidding, play of the hand and defense techniques. The popular Barbara Pomer will be the instructor.
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Four sessions are scheduled for Tuesday mornings starting January 6.
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Jan. 6: The Basics of Bridge, a trick-taking game
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Jan. 13: Notrump Openings and Responses
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Jan. 20: Major Suit Openings and Responses
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Jan. 27: Minor Suit Openings and Responses
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Location: Fellowship Presbyterian Church, 2005 New Garden Rd., Greensboro
Time: 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Cost: $100 for all four sessions or $30 for individual sessions. An accompanying book is highly recommended and may be purchases at a discount at the first session.
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To register or for more information, contact Barbara Pomer at bdpomer@gmail.com or 336-202-1299.
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Article submitted by Judy Hellen
Thursday mornings, January 15 through February 12
Bridge Basics 3 covers the common conventions that today's players are expected to know. The Stayman convention and Jacoby transfer bids make the auction following notrump predictable and easy about 90% of the time. Strong hands are addressed with the 2 Clubs opening bid and the Blackwood convention often used before making a slam bid. The enthusiastic Rich Peffer is the instructor.
There are four sessions in this course.
Session 1: Stayman Convention
Session 2: Jacoby Transfers
Session 3: Strong 2C Open
Session 4: Blackwood
Dates and Time: Thursdays, Jan. 15 & 22 and Feb. 5 & 12, 9:30 am - 12 noon (No class on Jan. 29)
Location: Fellowship Presbyterian Church, 2005 New Garden Rd, Greensboro
Cost: $100 for four sessions or $30 for any single session.
Additional: An accompanying book is recommended and can be purchased at a discount at the first session.
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To register, or for more information, contact: Rich Peffer at rpeffer325@att.net or text/call 336-402-5367.
Article submitted by Judy Hellen
Supervised Play and Learn with Martha Albertson
Here's what to expect. You will bid and play prepared hands. After each hand we will discuss the likely bidding, the lead, the play and the defense.
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Dates: Mondays, on-going
Time: 1:00-3:00 PM
Location: Georgia Taylor Recreation Center
1471 W. Clemmonsville,Rd, Winston-Salem
Cost: $10 each session
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Reservations are requested to Cindy Wright at crwbridge@yahoo.com so she can prepare enough boards for all tables in attendance.