Recommended Web Sites for Beginners


Teach yourself to play:

Learn to Play Bridge I & II -- Start learning and playing by downloading these free software packages from the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL). You can take the lessons offline, at your own pace. You need no prior card-playing experience.

Quick-start course -- Teach yourself to bid and play with this 12-step guide.

Introduction to bridge -- ACBL's concise overview of the purpose of the game and the basics of bidding and play.

Richard Pavlicek's Beginner Lesson -- An excellent overview for the complete beginner, with a link to the full text (12 chapters plus quizzes) of Pavlicek's Bridge Basics textbook.

Bridge World Magazine Introduction to Bridge -- Detailed articles on the basics (even on how to deal the cards!), written by well-known bridge writers.

Improve your skills:

Fifth Chair Bridge Lessons -- Guidelines, tutorials and quizzes on beginner topics, hosted by a foundation devoted to attracting new players.

ACBL Video Library -- Free videos on a wide range of topics, from bidding basics to tutorials for game directors.

Bridgehands.com training -- Online instruction, tutorials, quizzes and drills for beginners and intermediates.

Learn about scoring and proprieties:

Bridge Scoring -- Explanations and charts for scoring several forms of duplicate and rubber bridge games.

How to Keep Score -- Examples and instructions for Chicago four-deal bridge from Richard Pavlicek.  

Take lessons:

Bridge Teachers  -- Find a bridge teacher or class in your hometown in this listing from the American Contract Bridge League.

American Bridge Teachers Association -- A state-by-state listing of ABTA member teachers.

Bridge Today University -- Weekly email lessons from leading bridge writers and teachers.