Palo Alto Bridge

Playing for Keeps
2025-03-10 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-03-24 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-04-07 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-04-21 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-05-05 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-05-19 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Bridge Center, 432A Stierlin Rd, Mountain View, CA, 94043, United States
Kathy Harper
(650) 207-1816
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Master the art of playing a bridge hand. (Or at least give it a try!)
This Basic-Intermediate Bridge Class builds upon our Beginning Bridge Classes and prepares our students for our Intermediate Classes.
Notes will be emailed for all classes. No make-up classes are offered for missed classes.
Our course instructor is ABTA Master Teacher Kathy Harper. Kathy and our wonderful volunteers give students individual attention which helps our students learn in a fun environment.
Please contact Kathy Harper at (650) 207-1816 email for additional information.

Playing for Keeps
Dates

Discarding Losers
February 10

Trumping Losers
February 24

Fancy Finesses
March 10

Dangerous Opponent
March 24

Trump Management
April 7

Choices
April 21

The Cross Ruff
May 5

The Master Hand – Trumping in the Short Hand
May 19

Declare and Defend
2025-03-13 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-03-20 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-03-27 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-04-03 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-04-10 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-04-17 19:30 - 21:30
Frank Smoot
(408) 306-3901‬
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Learn to devise a good plan as the declarer (four sessions) and become a formidable defender (two sessions). You will handle various card combinations properly and select the best plan from the possible alternatives. Playing notrump usually involves a race to build tricks. As the declarer, ward off danger as you execute your plan. Playing in a suit adds the possibility of trumping in dummy or in your hand. Master the best trumping techniques. As a defender, get off to a good start by making an effective opening lead. How does suit defense differ from notrump defense?
This play-intensive course is for players who have a minimum of two years experience playing duplicate bridge. The emphasis is on powerful and practical bidding, play (who has what) and defense concepts. We do exercises in class (homework outside of class) and finish the evening by playing deals related to the topic. Snacks are provided.
You will be amazed at what you will learn, even if you’ve played for years and years! The in-class deals are available in downloadable format, so you can play the hands at home and receive commentary on the bidding and play (requires Bridge Baron Software).

Our course lecturer is the very popular Frank Smoot who has taught bridge to players of all levels in Palo Alto for 30+ years. Frank and our wonderful volunteers give students individual attention which helps our students learn in a fun environment.
For more information contact Frank Smoot (408) 306-3901 email.

The 6-Week Course Covers
Bridge Baron Downloads

Declarer Play

Card Combinations
Play the Odds
Play at Notrump
Play at Suits

Card Combinations
Play the Odds
Play at Notrump
Play at Suits (new on 4/1/25)

Defense

Defense at Notrumps
Defense at Suits

Defense at Notrump
Defense at Suits

Bridge Baron Support
Purchase Bridge Baron (not Bridge Baron Gold): BaronBarclay
Instructions for downloading and playing files with Bridge Baron
Students: Contact Alan Templeton or Frank Smoot for additional support.

Payment
After registering, below, you may pay by Zelle or check to hold your spot:
Zelle: Transfer $200 to either franklinsalias-bridge@yahoo.com or (408) 306-3901.
Check: Mail a check made out to Frank Smoot in the amount of $200:

Frank Smoot
15 Tagus Ct.
Portola Valley, CA 94028

Free Lecture
2025-03-17, 2025-05-05, 2025-05-22
Our Unit provides free lectures as part of our education program. Lectures cover areas of interest for new as well as intermediate players. Lectures are held at our Bridge Center. Sign-ups are not required.
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Supervised Play Tuesday Mornings
2025-03-18 08:45 - 10:30, 2025-04-01 08:45 - 10:30, 2025-04-15 08:45 - 10:30, 2025-04-29 08:45 - 10:30, 2025-05-13 08:45 - 10:30
Kathy Harper
(650) 207-1816
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Beginning Bridge
2025-03-18 09:00 - 10:30, 2025-04-01 09:00 - 10:30, 2025-04-15 09:00 - 10:30, 2025-04-29 09:00 - 10:30, 2025-05-13 09:00 - 10:30
Kathy Harper
(650) 207-1816
Send Email

Learn Bridge the modern way in this course designed by Pat Harrington! Each class includes both instruction and practice play. Start playing the very first day! Children & teens welcome.
For people who have never played bridge and those people who have played for years but want a refresher course or just to learn the basics.
Notes will be emailed for all classes. No make-up classes are offered for missed classes.
Our course instructor is ABTA Master Teacher Kathy Harper. Kathy and our wonderful volunteers give students individual attention which helps our students learn in a fun environment.
Please contact Kathy Harper for more information.

Supervised Play Monday Evenings
2025-03-24 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-04-07 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-04-21 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-05-05 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-05-19 18:45 - 20:30
