Bridge Classes and Games

The DCA is delighted to offer a wide variety of levels of play for the bridge enthusiast who enjoys both the challenge and social aspect of play.

Classes we offer (in order of difficulty): Bridge 1 (Beginner Bridge), Bridge 2, Bridge 3, Bridge 4, Bridge 5, Bridge 6, Bridge 7, Bridge 8, and Bridge 9. We also occasionally offer classes on specific bridge topics. On Monday afternoons, we sponsor a duplicate bridge game. Dates, descriptions and times of confirmed classes and games are listed below.

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Bridge Classes, Games and Events:
As classes, games and events are confirmed, full details will appear below.

Reintroduction to Bridge Session 2: Stayman and Jacoby Conventions

Five Mondays – April 5* (note one Wednesday), April 10, April 17, April 24, May 1

9:30am – 11:30am

Description of the class: This class is for the current student at the advanced beginner level who has a knowledge of basic bidding in Majors, Minors, and NT. This class will focus on The Stayman Convention and Jacoby Transfers, 2 commonly used conventions following a NT opening bid. Book purchase will be at the start of class for $10. Instructor: Meredith Dunne

$150 DCA members
$175 public
Minimum/maximum enrollment applies
Prepayment is required by Thursday, March 30.


On-going Bridge Classes

Beginning Bridge Mondays

Seven Mondays – March 13, March 20, March 27, April 3, April 10, April 17, April 24
9:00am – 11:00am

Description of the class: This class will concentrate on opening the minor suits and will include an introduction to Stayman and Jacoby transfers.  A knowledge of basic one no trump openings and one of a major openings is needed. Instructor: Joan Bergen


Beginning Play of the Hand – Tuesdays

Seven Tuesdays – March 14, March 21, March 28, April 4, April 11, April 18, April 25
9:00am – 11:00am

Description of the class: This is the place for beginning students to practice what they know and gain confidence when playing the hand. Prior knowledge of basic bridge concepts is needed – opening 1 of a major, minor, and no trump; Stayman and Jacoby transfers; and we will begin focusing on overcalls, weak bids, and takeout doubles. Instructor: Joan Bergen


Continuing Beginner’s Bridge Year 2

Seven Thursdays – March 16, March 23, March 30, April 6, April 13, April 20, April 27
9:00am – 11:00am

Description of the class: A great class for those interested in learning some new basic bids to help them become a better and more competitive player. We will concentrate on competitive bidding, such as takeout doubles, weak bids, and overcall, slam bidding, and some basic defense. Instructor: Joan Bergen


Supervised Play Wednesdays

Seven Wednesday – March 15, March 22, March 29, April 5, April 12, April 19, April 26
9:00am – 11:00am

Description of the class: Supervised Play is a great way to gain confidence in playing, learn better playing and defense skills, and gain some knowledge on new conventions.  This session will focus on 2/1 and will include Bergen Raises, Splinter Bids, and Forcing No Trump. Instructor: Joan Bergen


Newplicate Bridge!
The Monday newplicate bridge game is at 10:00am. Come with a partner or call us and we’ll help you find one.

Contact:
(Come Play Bridge Students) Robin Sanders: (203) 832-8707

Bring your beginning bridge skills to the table for our “New”plicate bridge game exclusively designed for beginning bridge students. We’ll be by your side, guiding you as you bid and play. This will be a no-stress, fun-filled way to up your game. Isn’t this what you’ve been waiting for – a safe launch into the wonderful world of duplicate with your teacher as your co-pilot? Post-game we’ll provide detailed write-ups for each hand played. Looking forward to seeing you at the tables.

You do not need to be a member of Darien Community Association to participate. In keeping with current protocols in the bridge community, the director will require proof of COVID vaccination from all participants.


Meet our bridge instructors and director:
Joan Bergen
Joan Bergen is a longtime local resident and Bridge Life Master who, after studying bridge intently for eight years, is driven to teach others. Students will benefit from her enthusiasm and love for the game that she describes as both a great way to meet people, and a wonderful activity to keep the mind sharp.


Meredith Dunne is a longtime local resident and Bridge Life Master, who says it’s fun watching her students get hooked on the game of bridge. Meredith’s students enjoy continuing their instruction with her, appreciating her patient and personable teaching style.

Joan Bergen
A former Wall Streeter, Tom Hunter learned bridge at a young age from his grandmother, and his love for the game has continued ever since. He is an American Contract Bridge League certified teacher and director, and a local boy — confessing that he graduated from Staples High School more years ago than he’d care to admit!

If you wish to be notified when new bridge classes will be available, and about other announcements, please subscribe to our DCA emails through this link and select “Bridge” as one of your areas of interest. Alternatively, contact the DCA directly at info@dariendca.org or 203-655-9050, extension 10.