[anynick]

I am looking for a partner to practice basic Standard American as in the Learn to play Bridge guide on this site.

I we get bored bidding, then we could go and play on the relaxed tables, if you wanted.

If we get to the point of being comfortable with basic, then we can start adding conventions, if you want.

I am returning to bridge after many years - used to be intermediate club standard, but played Acol, much of which I have forgotten, but certainly Standard American is different enough to make me want to practice.

Edit: I am in the UK - anywhere from 10.00 - 20.00 GMT (= 5.00 - 15.00 EST) is fine, preferable weekdays.

[paulg]

Are you familiar with the Beginner/Intermediate Lounge and the Acol at BBO clubs?

Both provide open sessions that might be interesting for you and club areas to find like-minded souls.

p

[anynick]

Thanks. OK, I'll try there, though it looks like it takes time for them to let people in. Meanwhile, the offer stands.

[jandrew]

You do need to join the BIL, but it doesn't take long and is not difficult.

The Acol Club is a public club - just turn up and play (you will certainly re-learn what you once knew, and pick up new methods). Check the club's site at www.acolatbbo.org.uk for lesson times and details of teams matches and the monthly pairs league.

[inquiry]

anynick, on Mar 21 2007, 01:02 PM, said:

Thanks. OK, I'll try there, though it looks like it takes time for them to let people in. Meanwhile, the offer stands.

Be sure to have your self-selected skill level choosen as novice, beginner, or intermediate when you apply for membership. The BIL does not accept members with "advanced" or higher ratings (some would say, well DUH, isn't that obvious). But also, just as importantly, they don't accept people with "private" listed as a skill level.

[anynick]

jandrew, on Mar 21 2007, 01:35 PM, said:

The Acol Club is a public club - just turn up and play (you will certainly re-learn what you once knew, and pick up new methods). Check the club's site at www.acolatbbo.org.uk for lesson times and details of teams matches and the monthly pairs league.

Thanks - it seems on first sight that if I want to play casual bridge at BBO, then it might be easier playing some form of Standard American system.

I never played 5 card majors with my Acol (not sure if any Acol does) and played weak NT (which was most popular when I was playing). These make it a pretty different game, and my impression is that not many on BBO will play this way. and I wouldn't mind giving both of these a try.

And since I'm going to have to relearn anyway, then it might be interesting to try another natural system that is about as different as possible to what I played and still be called natural.

If I hate it or I'm getting nowhere then I might try the Acol club.