SCOTTISH BRIDGE UNION
I have taught bridge for many years, helping students navigate the world of bidding and card play. Mike Crook & I are currently teaching a remarkable group who are currently grasping the concept of weak and strong bids along with the minefield of other conventions.
As we know, bridge can be an extremely difficult game to learn, with many aspects to remember from counting points to distribution. The class had been working really hard and I felt that they needed a break from the intensity of it all - so that is when I came up with the idea of organising a fun night. A night where serious play was suspended, and some unusual conditions were applied during the evening. Small prizes were awarded for those who managed to e.g. win a trick with a 2 or ruff an Ace. I could never have imagined its success!
One class member, Jackie, called it ‘Bonkers Bridge’ and here is what she wrote about it:
‘Forget about contract bridge or precision bidding, the next big game ready to take the world by storm is Bonkers Bridge… the game that ends in a fit of giggles rather than total mental exhaustion!
On Burns Night, the Haugh of Urr bridge class had haggis, neeps and tatties at the Laurie Arms, followed by a bridge night with a difference organised by Ros, one of our wonderful teachers. Bonkers Bridge has unusual rules and conventions…bid your hand then pass it clockwise to the opposition to play is probably the leading and most complicated one. One sneaky player quickly realised that by bonkers bidding, his opponents (Meg and I) would go down by over 1000 points!
Winning a trick with a 2 results in a small prize. Jokers were distributed meaning that the bearer of one could add or subtract two tricks to their or their opponents’ contract! Players can only use this card once, using it wisely could create the highest or lowest score of the night - there were prizes for both. It was all mad and fun, and surprisingly thought-provoking.
Ros is planning to go into business and take Bonkers Bridge to the unsuspecting and unprepared world!!
Thanks Ros, Meg, Ena and all the class for a great night.’
Others in the class posted messages on our WhatsApp page:
‘Thank you again, Ros. It was a real fun evening’
Thanks, Ros. You set up an amazing evening’
‘Great fun. Thank you’
‘Bonkers Bridge was a hit’
‘Very much appreciated. Good fun’
‘Bonkers Bridge’ had the desired effect. The class are now more relaxed and accept that making mistakes is just part of the learning experience. They are back to normal lessons now - but won’t forget that although bridge can be challenging and difficult, it can also be fun and enjoyable.
Rhoswen Thomson 6th February 2024