In Person Only

Instructor: John Chaplick

When?  Friday afternoons–Starting January 9, 2026

• Beginning Bridge:  4-week class (12 – 1 pm) (with option to stay for Open Play)  PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED at least 2 days before the class.
• Open Play: 1 – 3 pm (with instructor support)  WALK-INS WELCOME!

Cost: Members $8 / Nonmembers $10

Email info@LECtampa.org for more information.

Bridge is the ultimate card game, with four players working in teams of two. It features strategy, teamwork, and fun. Whether you play casually with friends or seriously in a tournament, bridge is a great source of social enjoyment.  Additionally, people who play bridge are less depressed, sleep better, and have a lower risk for Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Have you always wanted to play bridge but don’t know where to start? Has it been years since you played? This beginner-friendly social bridge class is perfect for you!

It is a great way to refresh your bridge skills, sharpen your game, or learn to play for the very first time.  

Bridge is a trick-taking card game that uses a standard 52-card deck. It is played by four players in two competing partnership with partners sitting opposite of one another. It has thirteen tricks per deal, and the player who plays the highest-ranking card wins the trick. The goal of bridge is not to make the most tricks in a deal, but for partners to successfully estimate how many tricks their team can take.  Players use “bids” to communicate the contents of their hand to their partner.  The thirteen rounds of play in one bridge game help with short-term memory.  It also requires patience, communication skills, reasoning, and quick thinking.  Using these skills helps keep brains active and young.

This class will lay the foundation of the game and teach students the basics they need to get started. Each class will feature hands-on learning with plenty of playing time to practice your skills. Students will learn the different types of opening bids, how to bid, how to respond to bids, defense strategy and more. This class is designed to familiarize students with the basics of bridge, to strengthen their confidence when playing the game, and to meet new people who play bridge!

To register online, click HERE.