Trickstarter
Curious About Bridge? Find Out If It's for You. Free.
Trickstarter is a free, one-hour Zoom class for people who are curious about bridge but not ready to commit to a full lesson series. You will get an honest overview of the game, how it works, and what learning it actually involves, so you can decide if it is worth pursuing.
You will leave knowing what bridge is, what makes it compelling, and whether it is something you want to explore further. No experience needed. No obligation to continue.
Offered by the American Contract Bridge League, the governing body for bridge in North America. Best experienced on a computer or tablet.
Classes are Free! Register Now! All times are Eastern.
You will receive a Zoom link by email after registering. A reminder with the link will also be sent a few hours before class.
Ready to go further? After Trickstarter, explore a beginner lesson series or find a class near you.
What does bridge have to do with pairing up?
The game is for two teams of two, so right away you’re paired up with another person. The two of you sit across from each other at the table – almost like date night, right? – and then work together to beat the other partnership. (Nothing strengthens a bond like having a common enemy!)
Want to practice on your own? Try our solitaire minigames, Minibridge and Just Declare! They’re available 24/7 and let you get a feel for how to play.
Wait! I don't know how to play bridge yet. What do I do?
Join One of Our Upcoming Classes
The ACBL Online Intro to Bridge courses are offered throughout the year. Even though the classes are virtual, it’s still a very hands-on experience. Series 1 starts at the very beginning and carefully takes you through the basics.
Search Our Directory of Teachers
Our directory lets you search for a teacher based on zip code, your skill level, if you want group or individual learning and in-person or online classes. Simply click on a teacher’s name to view their profile, course descriptions and more.
Learn at Your Speed with an App
Tricky Bridge is a one-stop-shop for your smartphone. With this app, you can make your way through short, self-guided lessons and then practice for free with an endless supply of hands. You’ll play with three bots, so no partner needed.
Where could I play – and meet someone?
Play in Your Neighborhood
There are thousands of bridge clubs across North America! Finding one near you is simple with our directory. Just search by city, state or zip code and then click on the name of a club. You’ll be taken to that club’s listing, which always has the basic details of where and when you can find a game, plus the manager’s contact info. If you reach out ahead of time, the club manager can set you up with a partner.
Play Online Monday Nights or Thursday Afternoons
Each Monday night and Thursday afternoon, our partner, RealBridge, hosts something we like to call Social Bridge Night. Basically, you play a casual game of bridge or a twist on it that we like to call Bridge War (it’s a tad simpler). RealBridge is free and can you pair you up with another player, so no stress there. Plus, with live audio and video – letting you chat while you play – it’s just like game night!
What’s the ACBL? Can I join for free?
The ACBL stands for the American Contract Bridge League (that’s us!). We’re a membership organization with more than 130,000 bridge players all over North America. We not only put out a monthly magazine about all things bridge, but we also exclusively award masterpoints.
What’s a masterpoint? Basically, when you do well in a game (you don’t have to win), you’ll win masterpoints. Depending on the type of game – at a neighborhood club, in an online tournament, etc. – you’ll score masterpoints of different colors. Collect enough and you’ll climb the ranks from Rookie to Life Master!
We offer a guest membership that is FREE where you can:
- • Play in games just for newer players
- • Get weekly bridge tips emailed to you
- • Receive a monthly newsletter with advice from longtime players and, of course,
- • Earn masterpoints (up to 20)
What makes this deal even sweeter is that guest members can join the ACBL as full members for just $29 for their first year – that’s a savings of $30!
I’ve got more questions. Where should I go?
We’re here and ready to help you on your bridge journey!
You can visit our virtual help desk Monday through Friday, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern,
Or shoot us an email at membership@acbl.org,
Or call us at 662-253-3191,
Or peruse our website, acbl.org.
