Lesson 5 - The bridge starter system - 5 mins
Everything you need to remember about the bridge starter system is on the Helpcard.
Background
I developed the bridge starter system from a system called Acol, the most played British bridge system.
My hope was to try and encourage more people to take up bridge. It is a new and simple system designed specifically to help starters play bridge reasonably quickly in an age where time is money..
Users of the bridge starter system agree to make certain bids with certain hands and are expected to lead and play in a certain way. Partners expect each other to follow the system. If they do, then there is a very good chance, they will understand each other.
I have good news for you. If you have got this far, you can play bridge. You can start right now and play your first game of bridge if you wish.
You won't however be very good at bridge unless you learn a bridge system. A system is a number of ground rules that you and your partner agree to before playing bridge.
Note for existing bridge players:
If you are already a bridge player but you struggle to remember all the codes and conventions, then try going back to basics and agree with your partner to adopt the bridge starter system. Even if only for a few rubbers. You will pick it up in a flash and it could inspire you. Please bear in mind that I devised the bridge starter system for rubber bridge.
The bidding
Bridge is a game which requires partners to develop a good understanding. You and your partner are trying to tell each other what cards you have been dealt in order to bid well and beat your opponents. You need to be confident that when your partner bids, you understand what they mean.
The bridge starter system is a natural system where what you bid is what you think you can make. There are simple bidding rules which remain consistent throughout. I have removed all the conventions, except one, and I have tried to make sure that if you apply this system, you will find that you and your partner's bridge will be of a good club standard.
The play
Bridge is a great game to play. Whatever adrenalin you've just used in the bidding is as nothing compared to the play.
Some players enjoy the playing of the hand more than the bidding. How you play the hand comes up as often in post bridge discussions as bidding.
Playing is an art not a science but there are ways of playing, which you will learn about later, that will help you win more than you lose.
The System
Applying the bridge starter system will make you a very good bidder. Applying the bridge starter system will make you a competent player.
If you are keen to learn and to grow as a player, play bridge in a club, at home or on the computer, nothing beats practice..
Lesson 6 - Counting hand points - 30 mins
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