Peter Smith first started playing bridge in 1972 and quickly established a reputation by representing WA as a Youth player and winning his first State title, the Men’s Teams, within a year. By 1981 he had became a bridge professional in Perth and began teaching at the West Australian Bridge Club in 1983. Peter has also run bridge courses at the UWA Summer School every year since 1985. In his career he has taught thousands of players at all levels, from beginners to State and National representatives. He is regarded as one of Australia’s foremost bridge teachers, with the ability to explain concepts clearly and logically, along with a reputation for being very calm and patient. Peter writes the highly regarded Bidding Forum column in Australian Bridge magazine and has contributed to many of Paul Marston’s successful bridge books. As a player he has won numerous State and National titles and has represented the ACT, WA and Australia.

NEXT BRIDGE TERM COMMENCES 3 FEBRUARY 2009

A selection of courses is run every school term at the times below. The courses range from beginners to more advanced classes and may include any of the courses listed below. The 2^nd term classes will start early May 2009 with details available approximately six weeks beforehand. For further information, or to be included on the mailing list, please contact Peter Smith on 9381 5270 or email lessons@wabridgeclub.com.au

CARD PLAY COURSE:

Wednesdays 5.15 – 7.15pm commencing 4 February. Book 2 commences 4 March.

BEGINNERS DAYTIME COURSE :

Tuesdays 10.00am – 12.00 noon commencing 3 February. Book 2 commences 3 March.

BEGINNERS EVENING COURSE:

Tuesdays 7.30pm – 9.30pm commencing 3 February. Book 2 commences 3 March.

INTERMEDIATE BIDDING COURSE:

Thursdays 10.00am – 12.00 noon commencing 5 February. Book 2 commences 5 March.

AFTER BEGINNERS LESSONS SUPERVISED PLAY

These playing sessions for Novices are held weekly: Mondays 12.30pm - 3.15pm (except public holidays). Supervised by Peter Smith. Wednesdays 7.30pm - 10.30pm supervised by Jean Field. Fridays 10.00am – 12.40pm supervised by Peter Holloway. Supervised play is a good introduction to club bridge for newer players who are keen to practise and improve their skills. Help is available from the Supervisor during the game and you may also consult your notes etc. if you wish. Although you will encounter some players who have greater experience, the focus and pace of the sessions provide a good blend of quality and quantity for beginners. You and your partner stay together during the session and play a couple of hands at a table then go on to do the same at successive tables. Note that you needn't come along with a partner - we can provide one for you. Plan on being able to stay for the duration of the session, although if you must leave a little early it is usually OK, but check first with the Supervisor.

A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE COURSES AND SUGGESTED ORDER OF COMPLETION

Unless otherwise stated, all courses start with a four lesson series (Book One) then follow on immediately with a four lesson continuation (Book Two). Students may therefore complete eight consecutive lessons in a term. All lessons contain set hands covering the main themes of that lesson and each course includes a booklet of notes.

BEGINNERS:

Suitable for players who don't know one card from another, as well as those who have played before but are inexperienced and/or rusty.

CARD PLAY:

For post-beginners who wish to master the basics of good card play technique. The right way to tackle both no trump and suit contracts plus vital ways of winning extra tricks. Learn to play the hand with confidence and purpose.

INTERMEDIATE BIDDING:

Recaps the bidding basics then adds more detail and structure, increasing accuracy and understanding of the bidding. The set hands also feature a card play theme each lesson.

DEADLY DEFENCE:

A more detailed look at what to lead as well as how to signal your partner what to lead (legally!) plus much more. Do you know when to cover an honour with an honour? Find out!

HOW TO WIN AT DUPLICATE:

4 Week Course. Starts with a clear explanation of how duplicate is scored which lays the foundation for understanding the best tactics in the bidding, play and defence at duplicate. Learn to be adventurous and how to turn those bottoms into tops!

FOUR CLASSIC CONVENTIONS (4 week course):

Weak Twos, Jacoby 2NT response, Transfers over 1NT and Fourth Suit Forcing are all essential conventions in the modern game. Find out why and improve your game!

COMPETITIVE BIDDING:

Modern contested auctions are a minefield. Learn when it is right to compete vigorously and how to lay traps for the opponents, whilst avoiding those they set for you.

MODERN SLAM BIDDING:

4 Week Course. Learn how to recognise slam potential and practise with the modern slam tools you need: Key Card Blackwood and Cue Bidding. If you are missing too many slams come and find out why.

EXPERT CARD PLAY (4 week course):

Techniques that will help you see through the backs of the cards. "Guesses" can become certainties when you analyse all the clues. For experienced players only.