Unsolicited Advice

Our bridge club enjoys a great many friendly players eager to speed the advancement of newer players to the game of Bridge. However, no player should offer tips, suggestions, criticism or lessons unless specifically asked to do so.

Although the intent is to be supportive and helpful - unsolicited advice has the effect of making others feel small. Asking if someone else is a novice or a beginner (or referring to someone as a novice or a beginner) also has this effect and is not to be done at our club. We let players play and improve at their own pace.

Played Card

1.   Defender holds a card so that it is possible that their partner could see it.
2.   Declarer holds a card so that it is face up or that it touches the table.

A card in Dummy is played when Declarer calls for it by name, touches it deliberately, or otherwise indicates it as the card they wish to play.    For example; "Run the suit" indicates playing the highest card in the suit followed by the next highest in the sequence.  "Play"  indicates playing the lowest card in the suit.

North-South Duties

Keep score. Manage your table.  Watch the clock.

Before you begin play, make sure you are playing the correct pair, with the correct boards arranged in the proper direction.  Please only have one active board on the table at a time.  Count your cards before and after each hand.

Time Limits

Bridge is a timed event.  In order for score comparisons to be fair and meaningful, all players must play their round with the same amount of time.

8 minutes is allotted for each board to be bid, played and scored.  Failing to do so delays the entire game and creates an uneven playing field.  It is the responsibility of both partnerships to keep pace with the round. Should one difficult board require more time, the remaining boards should be played with that much more haste.

Q. Do I need to bring a partner?

A. No. We are happy to guarantee a friendly partner for all new players while they get acquainted with our club and community. We ask that all partner requests be made the same day as the game you wish to attend and we do require 2 hours notice before gametime. Just dial 215.732.1148 and leave a message saying that you need a partner for that afternoon or evening and come on in!  We’ll have someone for you by game time.  So all you need to do is request a partner by phone, email or make an online reservation and head to Bridge Club of Center City.

Q. Can I get a “good” partner if I come in alone?

A. Yes. Some of our strongest players help fill in when needed. However, if you demand a certain calibre of player – then we suggest that you arrange for your own partner. Walk-ins can expect a very pleasant bridge session with a friendly non-critical bridge partner – and vice versa. Other players and potential partners are evaluating you based on how you conduct yourself at the table and with your partner – not by how you perform in the rankings. Cream rises to the top.

Q. If I’m matched up with a more experienced partner, will I be expected to play the conventions they normally play?

A. No. Walk-ins should cater their systems and conventions to the simplest common denominator. Agree to have fun with the basics and you can discuss adding gadgets for future sessions.

Q. Do you offer lessons?

A. Yes. Every Wednesday night at 7:00 pm we offer lessons and supervised play. All levels are welcome – from absolute beginners to advanced players looking to improve their game. It’s an amazing environment for learning, a great way to hone your knowledge and develop your bridge acumen. Wednesday  nights are great ways to find and develop new partnerships, and an excellent way to get to know our club. We can also arrange private lessons if you prefer.

Q. Am I good enough to play in a regular game?

A. The only threshold that needs to be met to play in a regular game is the capability to play at the pace of the game. We play 24 boards over the course of a session which translates to 7.5 minutes per board. Keeping pace and maintaining the flow of the movement delineates when people are ready - novices to experts all play in regular games - we stratify results. No one will comment or criticize or teach. We pride our club on being supportive, friendly and fun. Again, our lesson games Wednesday nights are great ways to test the waters.

Q. Where can I park?

A. Evening players can park with the valet in the building and get a parking voucher for $5 at the bridge club.

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