|
The bridge section at the club operates in a number of forms, providing social and competitive play for many levels of ability, by both duplicate and rubber bridge. There are competitions within the club and we enter teams in league and knockout events.
Social bridge
There are number of groups who play duplicate sessions at the club. New players are welcome to add their names to the list for any of the groups.
1st Friday of the month
this group of 8, split into 2 teams of 4, has met for many years. Those that do play must turn up each month or find a substitute. The make up of the group has changed extensively over the years, although Lisbeth, Ann and Clare are still there as founder members.
3rd Thursday of the month
for 8 players, split into 2 teams of 4, run by Andrew Goodwin. To take part, call him on 020-8541 1629.
2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month
this group is more ad hoc and may even meet on a Thursday, despite being called the "Tuesday group". It comprises up to 16 players and is open to inexperienced or improving players. There is a £1 entry fee, the winners receive a small prize and have to organise the next event. To get your name on the list of players, contact Diane Curran on 020-8399 0636.
5th Wednesday
this is about the only group that does not yet exist!
The Bill Jones Trophy
The Bill Jones Trophy is an annual duplicate event in which each pair plays 5 matches between October and March, followed by a final for the top 4 pairs.
Bridge suppers
This subtle combination of bridge, food and drink is held twice a year, comprising 5 tables of duplicate over 3 hours followed by supper. Prizes for the top pairs.
The ladies also hold 2 popular tennis-lunch-bridge events each year in the summer.
Surrey LTA bridge league
This league is for tennis clubs who have a bridge section. Surbiton runs 2 teams who have often won prizes. The league includes teams such as the All England Club, who apparently play somewhere in SW19.There is also a knock-out competition and a few years back, the final was contested by both Surbiton teams.
In the season just ended, the Surbiton Diamonds team won both the league division 1 and the knock out event.
Bridge/tennis matches
Once a year, a team of 8 Surbiton ladies plays both bridge and tennis over one exhausting day against a team from the St Georges Hill club. St Georges Hill have the balance of wins because Surbiton often struggles to find 8 bridge / tennis players on any day.
Bingo Bridge
This less serious form of bridge is reserved for the festive season, replacing the death-or-glory pairs contest. Individuals are given a Bingo card containing contracts to be made in a 4 x 4 matrix. They tick off their contracts as they are made, so as to complete a line and win prizes. This introduces the novel idea of bidding against your own partner, so as to get into a contract that is on your own Bingo card but not necessarily on theirs. We find that a few partnerships have their friendships stretched a little but no blows are struck, at least not during the evening.
Books
Did you know that we have an extensive range of books on all aspects of the game and for all standards? They are in the committee room, on the far side in a cupboard. You are welcome to borrow them.
Duplicate for just 4 payers!?
Yes, this is possible. You play e.g. 8 boards, then rotate the boards so that NS become EW and vice versa and play them again in random order. It is surprising how little you remember about the first 8 hands when you play them again, especially if you have a few drinks at half time. Do not conduct post mortems in the first half. A special score card must be used so that previous scores are not visible. Contact Clive Messenger for details. |
