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Play of the Hand for Everybody

Bridge is a trick-taking game. No matter where you enjoy the game, play of the hand is the same. We are planning numerous opportunities in 2026 on this part of the game. First on the schedule is a 7-week class, Introduction to Declarer Play, starting Friday, February 27.

 

February, 2026 Classes

Bridge Basics 2: Competitive Bidding: Learn to bid with confidence after the opponents open. Wednesday mornings starting February 25. See below

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Introduction to Declarer Play:  Learn the essential thinking skills that strong declarers use on every hand. Friday mornings starting February 27.  See below

Current Class Offerings

Upcoming Classes​​

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Bridge Basics 2: Competitive Bidding

with Tom May

starting Wednesday, February 25, 2026

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Introduction to Declarer Play

with Cecelia Ray

starting Friday, February 27, 2026

Current Classes​​

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Bridge Basics 1: Introduction to Bridge

with Barbara Pomer

starting Tuesday, January 6, 2026

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Bridge Basics 3: Popular Conventions

with Rich Peffer

starting Thursday, January 15, 2026

For more information or to reserve a space, contact Judy Hellen at Judy@LearnBridgeGSO.com or text/call 336.558.3613.

Bridge Basics 2: Competitive Bidding

with Tom May

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Learn Bridge Logo.jpg

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

  • Preemptive opening bids

  • Overcalls (suit and notrump)

  • Takeout doubles and how to respond

  • 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
 

Cost

  • 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

Learn Bridge Logo.jpg

Flyer

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

  • Count winners and losers

  • Use common techniques such as promotion, establishing long suits and finesses.

  • 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

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 is the instructor.  

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Four sessions are scheduled for Tuesday mornings starting January 6.

  • Jan. 6: The Basics of Bridge, a trick-taking game

  • Jan. 13: Notrump Openings and Responses

  • Jan. 20: Major Suit Openings and Responses
    Rescheduled because of ice and snow

  • Feb. 3: 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.

Bridge Basics 3: Popular Conventions

with Rich Peffer

Learn Bridge Logo.jpg

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.

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