The best way to learn bridge is to find a bridge teacher and join a class.  You can find a comprehensive directory of bridge teachers on the English Bridge Union website,  EBU teachers.

BUT don't expect to become a bridge player just by turning up to your class once a week.  This won't work!  You need to put in some time between the classes to consolidate what you have learned in the lesson and to get some practice.  See the following section for some ideas on what else you can do in between classes.

If you are unable to make a regular commitment to a class or perhaps you want to start learning right now (a lot of beginners classes only start in September), it is possible to learn on your own especially with the help of computer and internet resources. 

Below I have listed some steps you can take to start learning bridge.

1.  Start with Mini Bridge

Print the Beginner's Bridge booklet to get you started. 
Read pages 1-3 about minibridge.

Download Blue Chip Bridge free minibridge program and start to get some practice.  Blue Chip Bridge minibridge.

Minibridge is easy and quick to learn.  Get together with some friends and try it (it’s possible to play with just three people) or try it with your family or grandchildren.  It’s an excellent game for children as it uses arithmetic, memory and reasoning.

2  Learn about how to play the cards.

Print the Beginner's Bridge booklet.  This contains the basic principles for playing the cards and how to make a plan before you start.

Download the ACBL free 'Learn to Play Bridge' program. This has come excellent material on playing the cards starting with the very basics. Note: Don't use the sections on bidding because American bidding is different to what we learn in UK! ACBL Learn to Play bridge

3  Learn basic Acol Bidding

The No Fear Bridge Notes book contains everything you need to know about basic Acol bidding.

Sign up for No Fear Bridge Online (only about £4 per month) where you can do online lessons on Acol bidding starting with the very basics.

4  Practice your bidding

Once you have learned the basics (whether you are learning in a class or on your own) the next step is practice, practice, practice!   Here are some suggestions for practicing

·          Get together with a foursome and play some randomly dealt hands.

·          Use the Basic Bidding Flash Cards .  These are useful for checking you really know the basic facts and point counts.  If you spend just a few minutes every day on these you will soon have a sound knowledge of basic Acol bidding and be a popular partner!

·          Play the set hands with hints and tips at No Fear Bridge Online or play live games with other people. 

·          Use Blue Chip Bridge – as well as being able to play random hands against the computer, you can use ‘bidding practice’ mode.   Select which bids you want to practice e.g. responding bids, openers rebids, overcalls etc.   You are given a hand and have to choose the correct bid.  The computer will tell you whether your bid is correct or incorrect.  If wrong you can try again or view the explanation for the correct bid.

·          Test yourself with the No Fear Bridge Quizzes.  The ‘Millionaire’ games are particularly useful as you have to get all the answers correct or otherwise start again from the very beginning!  The process of repetition will help fix those facts and point counts in your memory!

·          Find a ‘No Fear’ club or other novice bridge club.  These clubs are especially for learners.  You will be reassured to find other learners in the same situation as yourself.  Novice Clubs.