Hi ,

Okay, this was a bit of an experiment - one we were really excited to try. Jack Stocken made a challenge hand that we hope might be understood even by folks who have never played bridge before. Our challenge here seems as simple as possible: we have to win more tricks than them, but that doesn't mean it's going to be easy!

Play video

See if your non-bridge-playing friends can figure this one out with only these three prompts:

1. We'll play the hands for both North and South and we're trying to win more tricks than the other players.
2. To win a trick, we must play the highest card of the suit that was lead.
3. Our challenge: We have some cards we know will can win tricks. Do we want to play them earlier or later?

I was impressed that Jack didn't just make this hand really easy! Feels a bit like teaching kids to swim by throwing them in the pool? I do know Jack is a lot more gentle in his actual introductory lessons. :)

Bridge players, do you think this is sufficient for someone who doesn't know how to play bridge to still enjoy this 1NT hand? In an upcoming video, Jack will present a challenge hand that will introduce the trump suit in bridge.

You can play the bridge hand using this BBO Handviewer link. Leave a comment or a question on the Youtube video here: https://youtu.be/irRRT1VVOBI

Thank you for telling friends of the two free introductory lessons!

If you forward this email, friends can register for two free introductory lessons to learn how to play bridge:

Introduction to Bridge with Jack Stocken

Monday, 10 October & Monday, 17 October

Register for Free

These online lessons will be presented live & via recorded replay to all who register. We will also share recommendations about where new players can begin practicing online for free.

Click the button above or register here: https://learnbridgeonline.com/jack-stocken-beginners/

Some of you asked some good questions:

• These lessons will be suitable for new players anywhere. The different bidding systems will not be introduced in these first two lessons.
• No worries if you are unable to attend live at 11am, UK time. A recorded video will be shared with all who have registered.
• Some partnering bridge clubs in the UK have a special offer for new players. If your club hasn't yet registered, they are welcome to do so here.

Thank you again to everyone for your support. As someone who learned how to play bridge online myself, I have always hoped to be able to provide more resources to help those starting from square 1. Your help in helping introduce bridge to new players is very much appreciated!

Your partner in learning,

Bajir Cannon

Learn Bridge Online