The Coach House

As the evenings shorten, playing Bridge becomes a possibility for those who are thinking of learning the game, and a certainty for those who already play. Joe Searby is a master Bridge player with eternal patience who holds our hands as we get to grips with Acol - the weak no trump.

BEGINNERS WEEKEND OCTOBER 16th/17th

By the end of this weekend you will be able to reply a confident 'Yes' when asked if you would like to play Bridge. The teaching will be intensive, but will short cut weeks of stop-start learning (and forgetting!) the basics.

Saturday 10.00am (prompt) – 5.15pm 

Sunday 10.00am – 1.30pm

£105.00 to include lunch on Saturday and refreshments throughout

AUTUMN TERM - WEEKLY LESSONS  September 14th/15th - December 7th/8th (half term week Oct 25th)

Tuesdays Improvers Card Play

These classes focus on a combination of bidding and card play techniques to take your Bridge to the next level. Perfect for the improving player or for those returning to Bridge ater a break.

5.00pm – 7.00pm plus one table of lessons for those converting from Strong to Weak No Trump

Wednesdays Intermediate Mystery Hands

Every table plays the same hands, but you won't be given any information before you bid and play them. Four tables often means four different contracts - real Bridge! Each hand will be analysed after you have played them to see what might have been the optimum biddidng and play. This is a fun way to put all your skills into practice.

3.00pm – 5.00pm plus one table of lessons of complete Beginners

Wednesdays Advanced Mystery Hands

The same format as above but with much trickier hands. Drawing on all the previous lessons - conventions and card-play techniques may appear at any time! This idea proved hugely entertaining when we trialled it in June and this expanded version is by popular request.

5.30pm – 7.30 pm

All the above weekly lessons Six lessons - £96.00 or £20.00 per drop-in session

Joe Searby runs The Cotswold Bridge Club which was established in 2003 with the express purpose of bringing top quality Bridge tuition to the Cotswolds. See www.cotswoldbridgeclub.com for more information.

Letter to The Times

Sir, The letters about loneliness in old age reminded me of my oft repeated belief that only the very brave enter their later years without being able to play Bridge. Frances Balmer, Richmond

More about Joe Searby

Joe Searby learned Bridge at The Andrew Robson Bridge Club in London and was absolutely hooked from the word go. Joe is patience personified as he leads beginners and intermediates through the maze of modern bidding methods based upon the weak No-Trump.

Whether you are a complete beginner or an advanced player you will find his approach to the game fresh and stimulating. With Joe's cunningly prepared set hands any theme can be taught at the table - from simple bidding to advanced conventions.