Learn & Grow
Whatever stage you’re at — we’ll help you go further
Bridge is a game you never stop learning. That’s part of what makes it so endlessly fascinating. Whether you’ve never picked up a card in your life, or you’ve been playing for years and know there’s another level waiting — Waiheke Bridge Club has a pathway for you.
Lots of fun! Meet new Friends! Wonderful opportunities to play bridge.
Never played before? Perfect — everyone starts somewhere.
We run beginner lessons twice a year, in March online and in August at the clubrooms, so there’s always an opportunity just around the corner.
Term One — March
Our March lessons are held fully online on RealBridge — the same exciting video platform you’ll use for club play. You’ll see your teacher, hear your classmates, and learn in a warm, interactive environment from the comfort of your own home.
At the end of your 6 lessons, you’ll step seamlessly into our Monday Play & Discuss sessions with an experienced player, playing alongside other club members straight away. No awkward transition — just bridge, with friendly faces who were once exactly where you are.
Term Three — August
Our next lessons begin 4 August. See below.
Complete beginners
Bridge Beginner Lessons
Starting Tuesday 4 August 7-9pm at Catherine Mitchell Arts Centre
There are 10 face-to-face lessons, one a week.
We’d love to help you learn! Our next lessons begin on 4 August - the perfect way to discover one of the world’s greatest card games in a warm and supportive environment.
All learning materials will be provided. Lessons supported with online practice and play.
Cost; $75 fee which includes membership to the Waiheke Bridge Club until 31 December 2026.
Contact: Chris Sloan – 0273351989 – email: david.christinesloan@gmail.com
10 Lessons:
Lesson 1: Mini-bridge - Let’s play!
Lesson 2: Start the bidding off; 1 Suit
Lesson 3: No Fit? No Trumps!
Lesson 4: No Fit? Another option
Lesson 5: Balanced Hands: No Trumps.
Lesson 6: Let’s Compete: Overcalling.
Lesson 7: X Marks the Spot – Another Overcall Option.
Lesson 8: Low Points, Long Suit…what shall I open?
Lesson 9: So many points! How do I open?
Lesson 10: Completing the Story Responders 2nd bid and more….
As you complete your 10 lessons, a whole world of bridge opens up — day and evening sessions, face-to-face and online, all waiting for you. And at every single one of them, a warm Waiheke Bridge Club welcome awaits.
Rusty? We got you.
Did you learn bridge once, love it — and then life got in the way?
You’re not alone. And here’s the good news — bridge has a wonderful habit of coming back faster than you think. Those patterns, those instincts, that thrill when a hand comes together perfectly — they’re all still in there somewhere.
We offer special fast-track lessons and supervised play sessions designed to ease you gently back into the game and remind you why you fell in love with it in the first place.
Contact Jenny on 021 653 037— she’d love to hear from you.
You’re playing regularly, you’re getting more confident, and you’re starting to wonder... am I doing this right? Our Junior Improver lessons are designed exactly for this moment. We’ll help you move beyond the basics, sharpen your bidding, and start to understand the thinking behind the game.
Details on our next Junior Improver sessions coming soon — watch this space, or contact us to register your interest.
Junior Improvers
You know the basics — now let’s build on them.
Intermediate Seminar Sessions
Good bridge is one thing. Great bridge is another.
For those who’ve been playing a while and want to take their game to the next level — our Intermediate lessons dig deeper into strategy, convention, and the finer points of play and defence. Expect lively discussion, challenging hands, and plenty of those wonderful “aha!”moments.
Details on our next Intermediate seminar sessions coming soon — register your interest and we’ll be in touch.
Special Workshops &
One-Off Sessions
Because there’s always something new to discover.
Throughout the year we offer special topic workshops and one-off sessions on everything from slam bidding to squeeze plays, opening leads to declarer technique. Keep an eye on our Events page and the WBC WhatsApp group for announcements.
Not sure which level is right for you? Just get in touch — we’ll have a friendly chat and point you in the right direction.