Hi ,

In this week's lesson, Curt will be teaching us about cutting down ruffing power, then for the rest of April, the class will focus on defensive visualization, learning to spot patterns (and missing high cards) in the closed hands with several real-life 'at the table' tests. Join his class with a free trial. Curt's enthusiasm for defense is contagious! But, first:

Watch on Youtube

Defense, just like bidding, is all about partner communication and we need to figure out the most important message to say.

Our hand: ♠T942 ♥XXX ♦X ♣Q9432

Using a discard, should we encourage partner to play towards our better suit or discourage partner from playing a different suit?

Sometimes there isn't an obvious choice, but with this hand we do have a chance to bring down a tricky 1NT.

Leave a comment explaining your thought process then try playing through the bridge hand: https://youtu.be/b8ZWj_So2I4

♠♥♦♣

Keep learning with Curt Soloff

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About Curt Soloff

Curt brings more than 27 years of competitive duplicate bridge experience to the table. A Sapphire Life Master who provides professional bridge teaching services in Colorado and online to students around the globe, Curt previously served as the manager of the Castle Rock Bridge Club from 2009 until 2020. He was a columnist for the District 17 Scorecard and his playing career includes numerous regional and sectional tournament event victories.

He was the first recipient of the Denver Unit’s Jan Janitschke Award in 2020 for outstanding teaching and mentoring.

Student Recommendations:

 “Curt is an amazing Bridge teacher! His passion for Bridge is unparalleled. He is able to impart his expertise and wealth of knowledge to students, no matter what their level, in such a manner that not only serves to improve their game, but fosters love of the game and makes learning it fun!”

– Leslie J.

“I was a beginner bridge player when I started taking bridge lessons from Curt 3 years ago. My understanding of the bidding, play of the hand and defense has greatly improved. I was hearing about so many different “Best Practices” from so many different people at the ‘Club’ that it was overwhelming and confusing. Curt’s teaching method, patient approach and communication skills has allowed me to make significant advancements in my understanding and implementation of my Bridge game. Curt has helped me gain confidence, comfort, and more success at the bridge table.”

– Bob B.

“Curt Soloff is a gifted teacher whose clear explanations and sample hands make key bridge concepts very accessible. He is generous and patient when students have questions or want to understand the thought process behind his line of play at the table. His classes have really helped me improve my game!”

– Margot L.

“Curt is one of the most thorough, thoughtful, well prepared teachers. He is very knowledgeable and passionate about bridge and always goes deeper into the subject matter more than expected. And he has a good sense of humour! He answers questions well and patiently no matter how complex or not. Very happy pupil,”

– Karen B.

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Thank you for joining us!

Bajir from Learn Bridge Online

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