With teacher resources and certification opportunities, the Teachers’ Lounge is your one-stop shop for bridge education support.
Teacher Profile
If you have not created your Teacher Profile (or updated recently) make sure you do that so prospective students can find you.
Note: If you don’t yet have a recognized teaching certification, please complete the Teaching Experience Verification form so we can activate your Teacher Profile once submitted.
Education Programs
NEW COURSE MATERIALS! The ACBL Intro to Bridge Series
ACBL Intro to Bridge Series 1 and 2. If you opt to use this curriculum you can request the student materials below. If it is your first time using it, please also click here to request access to the teaching materials.
The ACBL School Bridge Program
The ACBL School Bridge Program is designed to help you bring the joy of bridge to youth. More than 4000 youngsters participate each year in schools throughout North America. The program is sponsored by the ACBL and includes teacher stipends and free textbooks.
Teacher Guidelines Available Materials 
Order School Bridge Supplies Teacher Stipend Request Form
ACBL Lifelong Learning Program
The ACBL’s Lifelong Learning Program is designed to introduce the game of bridge to adults age 50 or older through continuing education programs offered through colleges or universities. Sponsored by the ACBL, this program includes teacher stipends, textbooks and other materials for your classes.
Teacher Guidelines Available Materials Order Lifelong Learning Supplies Teacher Stipend Request Form
Collegiate Initiative
Want to coach a college team? We’ll fund you!
The ACBL Educational Foundation and the American Contract Bridge League are partnering to grow bridge on college campuses. We want to bring the joy and benefits of bridge to more schools and students. We’ll help with bridge supplies, coaching stipends and free ACBL first year Junior Memberships.
Work with a team of faculty, students and administrators interested in hosting a college bridge club or team. The coach may also be a local volunteer.
Questions or suggestions? Contact us at college@acbl.org.
Coaching Program
ACBL can provide a bridge kit with cards, bidding boxes, boards, instructor materials, etc., as the program starts.
Receive a stipend of $350 at the end of each semester (annual total = $700), after a brief progress report is approved.
Aim at recruiting 10 students in the first three months. All participants should be ACBL members (we’ll refund the membership fee for new members age 25 and under).
Identify student leaders to assist with club formation, recruitment and scheduling.
Sponsors
ACBL district and unit members, alumni, teachers and all other bridge enthusiasts can help by recruiting a coach or faculty advisor, or supporting the college team/club with:
- Mentoring
- Bridge workshops
- Hosting games (bring pizza!)
- Fundraising
Available Materials
Order College Bridge Supplies
ACBL Teaching Materials
NEW The ACBL Intro to Bridge Series
Using a discovery-based learning approach in line with best practices for in-person classes, the ACBL Intro to Bridge Series consists of two 10-class series designed to equip students with a simple, starting framework for bidding and play.
Series 1
Bridge Basics – Play and Bidding
Classes are 2 hours with 35-40 minutes of teacher-led instruction and 80-85 minutes of student-centered activities including 30 minutes of play.
Series 1 Class List
Series 1 Class List
This course starts at the very beginning with there are 52 cards in a deck, introduces trick taking and trump. It begins with learning the goal of the game and how to play including simple play strategies and the basics of bidding based on American Standard 5-Card.
Class 1: Understanding the Basics
Class 2: Improving Play
Class 3: Counting Winners / Planning Line of Play
Class 4: Taking Tricks with Trump
Class 5: Opening the Bidding
Class 6: Evaluating a Hand / Responding to 1-Level Minor Openings
Class 7: Responding to 1-Level Major Openings / Responding to NT
Class 8: Rebidding by Opener
Class 9: Rebidding by Responder
Class 10: Overcalling & Advancing
Series 2
Opening Leads, Beginning Conventions & Play
Classes are 2 hours with 35-40 minutes of teacher-led instruction and 80-85 minutes of student-centered activities culminating in a Pupil Game.
Series 2 Class List
Series 2 Class List
The second course starts with opening leads and covers some of the most common conventions all players should know including Stayman, Jacoby Transfers, Preempts, Doubles, and the Strong 2♣ Opening. The course wraps up with helping students build their convention card with everything they have learned, scoring, understanding what to expect at the table culminating in a duplicate teaching game.
Class 11: Understanding & Making Opening Leads
Class 12: Responding to NT / Stayman
Class 13: Responding to NT / Jacoby Transfers
Class 14: Bidding & Responding to Weak Twos
Class 15: Bidding & Responding to Negative Doubles
Class 16: Bidding & Responding to Takeout Doubles
Class 17: Bidding & Responding to Preempts / Vulnerability & Penalty Doubles
Class 18: Bidding Strong 2♣/2♦ Waiting & Positive Responses
Class 19: Putting it All Together
Class 20: Playing Duplicate
Read More
Each series has a student manual including all concepts, charts, examples and activities. It can be downloaded and printed one class at a time or purchased as a complete Series 1 or Series 2 manual on Amazon. It is also a curriculum option for our learning programs (School Bridge, Lifelong Learning, Collegiate Initiative).
Each class has downloadable, digital files including a Teacher Outline, Student Manual, and Slides. Most of the classes also include topical hands which are included in the appendix of each Teacher Outline and provided as PBN files and table mats. In addition, there are shareable links to class videos for teacher prep, classroom use, and/or student review and makeup.
ACBL Best Practices Teachers and ABTA Master Teachers have earned the right to use the program automatically with their certification. Teachers who hold one of our other recognized accreditations (ACBL TAP, ACBL Online Teacher, Better Bridge, EasyBridge, LBIAD) may also request access.
Request Access
If you are a School Bridge, Lifelong Learning or Collegiate Initiative teacher please request access and/or order your materials here.
Experienced bridge teachers who do not yet have one of these accreditations may also request access by completing these steps:
- Complete the Teacher Experience Survey and Get Verified.
- Create a Teacher Profile in our Directory (learn how here).
- Click here to request access.
The ACBL Bridge Series
Using a “hands-on” approach, the ACBL Bridge Series consists of a progression of five courses, each focusing on a different aspect of the game and bringing the students from absolute beginners through to the point where they can confidently play in any bridge game.
Read More
Each course is designed for eight two-hour lessons. Depending on circumstances, the teacher can choose to shorten or lengthen both the number of lessons and the time per session (although it is never recommended to go beyond two hours in a single session). Each lesson is designed to be approximately 50% discussion and 50% play. In the later series, the emphasis swings even more toward play.
For each series, there is a student text that covers all of the concepts discussed in the lesson and provides additional examples. It also covers all of the activities (exercises and sample hands) discussed during the class so that the students can review them later.
For the teacher, there is a Teacher’s Manual for each series showing in detail how to present all of the material and what points should be emphasised during each activity. There is also a set of E-Z Deal cards for each series, which make it easy for the teacher, or the students, to deal out each of the lesson hands.
Click the course links below to download corresponding PDF textbooks for free. You can also purchase any of these materials at Baron Barclay Bridge Supply.
The Play Courses
The Play Courses
Since the basic approach to the learning process is to provide students with an opportunity to play and practice whenever possible, a series of supervised play sessions were created. The Play Courses will also provide a break between lesson series. Teachers may consider scheduling three or four lesson series per year, starting at the classic times: in the fall, after the kids go back to school; in January, after the holiday season; in the spring, just in time for summer; during the summer holidays. In the interim, supervised play sessions keep the level of interest up.
Play Course Lessons
The Play Courses
Supervised play sessions have been designed to run following each of the lesson series:
Each “Play” course has been fashioned as a four-week series with eight hands per session. There is nothing to prevent the teacher from running a longer or shorter series or even a continuous series in parallel with the lesson’s series. Each “Play” course comes with a deck of E-Z Deal cards and a booklet that analyses the hands and provides an opportunity for the students to score their results duplicate-style.
Play Course booklets and EZ Deal cards can be purchased through Baron Barclay.
Teacher Certifications
Upon completion of any of the programs below, teachers will be recognized as certified by the ACBL* and receive these benefits:
*We also recognize ABTA Members including Master Teachers, and teachers accredited through the former ACBL TAP program.
Resources
Convention Cards
Articles, Lessons & Posters
Templates
Table Cards Table Cards with Hands 
Business Card Templates
Boost Face-to-Face Bridge Initiative
Offering an in-person, beginning bridge course? We help expand your advertising. You contact the leads.
Boost is a joint initiative of ACBL and the ACBL Educational Foundation designed to support a return to face-to-face bridge by running social media ad campaigns for eligible teachers to generate leads and ‘boost’ their enrollment. There is no cost to participate but Boost participants must commit to contact all leads provided, complete tracking reports on outcomes, sign up students as ACBL Guest Members and coordinate with a local in-person club to offer level-appropriate play opportunities. Note: Teachers cannot take advantage of both Boost and CAP for the same course.
Boost Program Details
Boost Program Details
This program generates prospective student leads for already scheduled courses. Boost will not fill a class. It is designed to augment your current marketing approaches and “boost” your enrollment. The leads are generated through Facebook and Instagram ads based on location. There are two types of campaigns: Individual Teacher and Multi-Teacher/Location. Teachers are required to follow up with all leads and report the outcomes, as well as sign up students as ACBL Guest Members; and coordinate with their local, in-person club to offer newcomer play opportunities to connect students to their local bridge community.
Boost will not fill a class. It is designed to augment your current marketing approaches and “boost” your enrollment.
Considerations for Participation
- Location – market viability, no more than 1 campaign per market in the same time frame, and fair representation of all districts.
- Club Connection – partnered with a local club to offer MP-earning opportunities at the right level for beginning students.
- Outcome Reporting – timely completion of tracking and outcome reports (previous Boost participants).
- Individual Campaign – proven track record of recruiting members and guest members.
- Mutli-Teacher Campaign – number of teachers participating and their teaching experience.
Criteria for Eligible Courses
- Level is newcomer or beginner
- 6+ classes with 9+ hours instruction; 2 courses can be linked to meet requirement (e.g., LBIAD + follow-on course) – cannot be supervised play
- Course is not FREE (students must pay for the course)
- Course is already on the calendar with a confirmed location, dates, and times; and being marketed outside of Boost.
Ad campaigns run for about 3 weeks, typically ending about 1 week before the course start date. So in order to process and setup campaigns, applications must be submitted a minimum of 6 weeks before the course start date to be considered.
Boost Teacher Application
Cooperative Advertising Program
Recruiter Incentives
Recruitment FAQ
1. What are the new ACBL Recruitment Incentives?
ACBL’s new recruitment incentives aim to reward recruiters more quickly and fairly and to pay additional bonuses for member retention. Recruiters receive an initial incentive when the member joins and successive payments (“bonus tail”) if the member renews for a second or third year. New memberships will be tallied, and a check will be sent to recruiters each quarter. Junior and temporary memberships are not eligible for these new recruitment incentives.
2. How much will I receive for sign-ups and renewals?
Bonuses vary with one-year and three-year memberships with a maximum payout of US$30 per member recruited. Recruiters receive US$10 when the new member joins for a year and will receive a “bonus tail” of US$10/year if the member renews for a second and third year. If the new member joins with a three-year membership, the recruiter will receive US$30 upfront (as a reference, the bonus for a three-year new member is about 25% of the dues received)
3. What is a bonus tail and how does it work?
The “bonus tail” aims to reward recruiters who are not just bringing in players, but also retaining them. After an initial US$10 award when the member first signs up, an additional US$10 will be paid to the recruiter when the member renews for a second year. If the member then renews for the third year, the recruiter will receive another US$10.
Because the maximum payout per each new member is US$30, three-year memberships have a different payment schedule. If the member initially joins with a three-year membership, US$30 is given, and there is no tail. If a member first joins with a one-year membership and then renews with a three-year membership, the recruiter receives US$10 for the first year and the remaining US$20 at renewal.
4. What is happening to the previous recruitment incentives?
The previous incentives will be gradually phased out as described below:
US$100 gift certificate to
Baron Barclay Bridge Supply for every 25 new members recruited in a calendar year.
This incentive will be available to all recruiters until they earn the next gift certificate or December 31, 2019, whichever is sooner.
US$500 bonus check for every 100 new members recruited.
This incentive will be available to all recruiters until they earn the next bonus check or December 31, 2021, whichever comes first.
Upgraded club championship for every 10 new members.
At present, there are no planned changes for this club recruitment incentive.
5. Who can be a recruiter?
Teachers, club managers, and active club directors are automatically registered as recruiters. Other members who are actively involved in recruiting may be approved, on a case-by-case basis, to become an ACBL recruiter (apply at
recruiter@acbl.org).
Only active ACBL members (up-to-date with their membership dues/fees) are eligible to be ACBL recruiters.
Full-time ACBL employees are not eligible for recruitment incentives.
Currently, monetary recruitment incentives can only be paid to individuals. We are exploring the possibility of extending incentives to clubs in the future.
6. How do I become a recruiter?
The easiest way is to become a certified teacher, club manager or active club director.
Other members who are actively involved in recruiting may be approved, on a case-by-case basis, to be an ACBL recruiter (apply at
recruiter@acbl.org).
7. How do I get credit as a recruiter when a member joins?
For proper credit, please ensure that the new member enters your information in the “Recruiter Section” in the New Member Application form (either
online or
printed). We are continuously improving our forms, in an effort to make it easier to locate a recruiter by name or related club.
8. What if someone I recruited doesn’t mention me on a New Member Application form?
Recruitment incentives will only be recognized through the New Member Application form (either
online or
printed). We are working on developing tools that will make it easier for recruiters to receive credit in the future.
9. How will I be paid and when?
Recruiters will be paid at least twice a year, via a mailed check. We are investigating other options, like electronic checks (direct deposit to your bank account), that may be implemented in the future.
Please note that ACBL is required to have a
completed W-9 form on file (
completed W-8BEN form for non-US residents), before we can pay the incentives. (these forms contain tax ID information, so we can report these payments to the Income Revenue Service). At present, recruitment incentives can only be paid to individuals. We are evaluating the possibility of paying out incentives directly to clubs.
10. Who will receive the recruitment incentive?
The recruiter attributed to in the New Member Application form will be paid. At this moment, clubs, units or districts can’t receive monetary recruitment incentives, only registered individuals.
11. Can a bonus be split by two recruiters?
No. There can only be one recruiter per joining member.
12. How can I see my recruitment activity?
You will receive a monthly statement by email showing your recruits and your payments. In the future, recruiters will be able to check transactions and balances in MyACBL (like in a bank account or credit card website).
13. How can I get further questions answered?
We want your feedback! Please send any questions or suggestions to
recruiter@acbl.org. We’ll get back to you ASAP, likely the next working day.
Bidding in the 21st Century (Club Series)
This course focuses on introducing the student to the basic concepts of the game. There is an emphasis on modern bidding (opening bids, responses, rebids, overcalls, takeout doubles and stayman) but sufficient elements of play and defense are introduced to allow the students to start playing hands right away.
Bidding in the 21st Century Teacher Manual
The ACBL Bridge Series texts and teacher manuals have been updated to complement the Learn to Play Bridge I and II software programs. The texts and support materials, as well as the teacher manuals, are being sold by Baron Barclay Bridge Supply. However, ACBL has been given permission to post the teacher manuals at our website for free download. The lessons can be downloaded individually. Use the links below to access the new, updated teacher manual.
Bidding in the 21st Century – Errata
Updates to the Bidding in the 21st Century text. View
Updates for previous versions of Bidding in the 21st Century Teacher Manual. View
Play of the Hand in the 21st Century (The Diamond Series)
This series concentrates on the play of the hand (making a plan, promoting winners, finessing, trumping losers, etc.). The initial bidding concepts are reviewed and a few new concepts are introduced (Jacoby transfers and slam bidding).
Play of the Hand in the 21st Century Teacher Manual
The ACBL Bridge Series texts and teacher manuals have been updated to reflect modern bidding theory and to complement the Learn to Play Bridge I and II software programs. The texts and support materials, as well as the teacher manuals, are being sold by Baron Barclay Bridge Supply. However, the ACBL has been given permission to post the teacher manuals at our website for free download. The lessons can be downloaded individually. Use the links below to access the new, updated Play of the Hand in the 21st Century teacher manual:
Defense (The Heart Series)
Now the attention turns to the defenders. This series contains more detailed discussions of opening leads against suit and notrump contracts, second and third hand play, and defensive signals. The bidding and play concepts from the earlier series are reviewed and a few new ideas are added.
Defense in the 21st Century Teacher Manual
The ACBL Bridge Series texts and teacher manuals have been updated to reflect modern bidding theory and to complement the Learn to Play Bridge I and II software programs. The texts and support materials, as well as the teacher manuals, are being sold by Baron Barclay Bridge Supply. However, ACBL has been given permission to post the teacher manuals at our web site for free download. The lessons can be downloaded individually. Use the links below to access the new, updated teacher manual.
Commonly Used Conventions (The Spade Series)
Here the focus is on beginning (basic) conventions. The student learns about the Conventions most likely to be encountered in a duplicate game for newcomers. The student is introduced to duplicate strategy and the relationship of bids and plays. The course covers Stayman, Jacoby transfers, Jacoby 2NT, weak two-bids, and strong two ♣ openings.
Commonly Used Conventions in the 21st Century Teacher Manual
The ACBL Bridge Series texts and teacher manuals have been updated to reflect modern bidding theory and to complement the Learn to Play Bridge I and II software programs. The texts and support materials, as well as the teacher manuals, are being sold by Baron Barclay Bridge Supply. However, ACBL has been given permission to post the teacher manuals at our web site for free download. The lessons can be downloaded individually. Use the links below to access the new, updated teacher manual.
More Commonly Used Conventions (The Notrump Series)
This series continues to introduce students to some of the conventions they will encounter As they start to play in clubs and tournaments. The course covers negative doubles, the Unusual notrump, Michaels cue bids, slam bidding, leads and signals, and 2/1.
More Commonly Used Conventions in the 21st Century Teacher Manual
The ACBL Bridge Series texts and teacher manuals have been updated to reflect modern bidding theory and to complement the Learn to Play Bridge I and II software programs. The texts and support materials, as well as the teacher manuals, are being sold by Baron Barclay Bridge Supply. However, ACBL has been given permission to post the teacher manuals at our web site for free download. The lessons can be downloaded individually. Use the links below to access the new, updated teacher manual for this course.
Online Teacher Certification
Making online bridge lessons more engaging and effective is the purpose of a new “how to teach” workshop jointly sponsored by ACBL and the Education Foundation, and in consultation with the ABTA. It introduces teachers to apps/websites that offer unique teaching capabilities and uses each to demonstrate creative lesson dynamics. Teachers can pick and choose what works best for them. The workshop is content neutral so teachers can use the apps and lesson structures they learn with any materials.
The workshop also assists teachers in creating or repurposing online lessons.
The Online Teacher Certification Workshop was designed by the creator of ACBL’s Best Practices Workshop, it consists of four sessions spread over two days. Note that you must attend all four sessions. Participants have the opportunity to become Certified ACBL Online Teachers at optional sessions later the same week.
Qualifications: You must be able to navigate multiple windows, share screens, set up Zoom breakouts and polls, use SharkBridge’s Teaching Console and learn new apps. Note that proficiency must be demonstrated before participation in workshop. You can find helpful tips and tutorials in our Setting Up 4 Success page.
ACBL Online Certification Workshops Calendar
Teaching Engaging Online Lessons Workshop
|
| Dates |
Time |
Optional Certification |
Fee |
| January 4 |
Multiple time slots between 4-6 eastern. Email will be sent with sign up information for the 10 minute slots. |
Preassessment |
|
| January 5 |
4-6 eastern. If you take this class, you do not need to do the preassessment. |
Online tools prep class |
optional, $25 |
| January 11 & 12 |
4-6 eastern. |
Modules 1 and 2. Must attend all four modules to be eligible for certification. |
|
| January 18 & 19 |
4-6 eastern. |
Modules 3 and 4. Must attend all four modules to be eligible for certification. |
|
| January 25, 26 & 27 |
4 to 5:30 p.m. Eastern |
Certification sessions |
|
Note- if you try to register and the workshop is full, please let us know and you will be added to the waiting list. To sign up for email updates about upcoming workshops, contact
education@acbl.org.
Thanks to a program from the Educational Foundation, TAP and Best Practices certified teachers can get a special deal on workshop fees. The foundation will pay a partial rebate for costs over $50. The rebate will be automatically refunded to your record of payment after the workshop. The amount charged over the first $50 will be reimbursed (maximum $75 repayment).
ACBL Best Practices Certification Program
The Best Practices Teacher workshop trains teachers on how, rather than what, to teach. It is built around simulations to engage participants in analyzing and practicing as well as giving and receiving feedback on working with students while delivering bridge lessons. Participants have the opportunity to earn ACBL’s Best Teaching Practices Certification by completing a proficiency assessment demonstration after the workshop.
Teachers earning Best Practices Certification receive a special pin and certificate, and are entitled to place the BP Teacher logo on marketing literature as well as have access to special templates for ads, business cards, etc. In addition, they will be distinguished in ACBL’s teacher directory as a Best Practices Teacher.
ACBL Teacher Certification Program Overview
- Begin with taking the Basic Bridge Knowledge Test before participating in a Best Practices Teacher Workshop (minimum of 70% score required)
- Learn teaching techniques in a Best Practices Teacher Workshop
- Earn the Best Practices certification through passing a Proficiency Demonstration (participation in Workshop required)
Best Practices (BP) Teacher Workshop
This contemporary workshop is the centerpiece of ACBL’s new Teacher Certificate Program. It instructs participants on the Best Teaching Practices recommended and validated by over 400 bridge teachers in a recent survey. Training focuses on how, rather than what, to teach.
The Workshop is built around simulations used to engage participants in analyzing and practicing techniques as well as giving and receiving feedback while delivering bridge lessons. Participants may opt to demonstrate their Best Practices proficiency and earn certification as an ACBL Best Practices Teacher through successfully completing demonstrations conducted at the conclusion of the Workshop (additional $25 fee required).
Teachers earning Best Practices Certification receive a special pin and certificate, and are entitled to place the BP Teacher logo on marketing literature as well as have access to special templates for ads, business cards, etc. In addition, they will be distinguished in ACBL’s teacher directory as a Best Practices Teacher.
The Workshop may be held over two full days or three half days.
Participants must be at least 15 years old to take the workshop.
Thanks to a program from the Educational Foundation, TAP and Best Practices certified teachers can get a special deal on workshop fees. The foundation will pay a partial rebate for costs over $50. The rebate will be automatically refunded to your record of payment after the workshop. The amount charged over the first $50 will be reimbursed (maximum $75 repayment).
|
2021 Calendar
|
| Location |
Type |
Dates |
Times |
Contact |
| Austin TX NABC |
BP Teacher Workshop |
November 26-29 |
Friday 1-5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m.- noon; Proficiency demonstration slots will be scheduled Sunday afternoon and Monday.
Registration opening Summer 2021.
Workshop Fee: $125. Register here |
education@acbl.org |
Please contact education@acbl.org for more information.
Better Bridge Accreditation Program
The Better Bridge Accreditation Program is managed by Audrey Grant’s Better Bridge organization. Grant has developed teaching methods and the new Bridge Basics series of books to assist teachers in introducing players to duplicate.
The Better Bridge accreditation can be taken both live and online. Visit Better Bridge for more information.
Learn Bridge in A Day?® Instructor Accreditation
This program instructs teachers in methods of administering and presenting LBIAD.
Teachers wishing to be accredited must complete the following two requirements:
- Serve as a Table Mentor at an LBIAD seminar led by Patty Tucker, and
- Attend a two-hour LBIAD Teacher Training event presented by Whirlwind Bridge.
Teacher Training will include information on organizing and marketing LBIAD as well as maximizing retention rates, writing effective grant requests and the presentation of the seminar. LBIAD Instructor Accreditation is offered at NABCs and other Whirlwind Bridge events.
Please contact Patty Tucker for more information, Patty@whirlwindbridge.com. Or visit the Whirlwind Bridge website
Easybridge! Accredited Presenters Program +
Easybridge! is a full marketing program designed to start a new club game by recruiting primarily brand new players and social bridge players to duplicate. The participants learn as they play. The lessons are designed to create a new club game and the program is best suited to bridge teachers who are club managers. The Easybridge! teacher-training program is administered by popular teacher and club owner, Marti Ronemus.
Easybridge! Presenters are trained through a mail-order course and a telephone follow-up test. Presenter manuals and mini-lessons are available for three levels of study.
Contact Marti Ronemus for more information, mronemus@comcast.net
ACBL School Bridge Program
Guidelines for teachers
Your School Bridge Lesson Program, from start to finish. Continue Reading or view as PDF.
Promoting Your Event
Speaking with Schools
When speaking with schools, focus on the organization of the program first, before the benefits of learning bridge. Students will receive a free bound textbook, with a fun quiz at the end of each chapter. The teacher will receive a Teacher’s Manual that coincides directly with the textbook. EZ Deal Cards are organized deals to help reinforce the lessons in the textbook. All of these supplies and more are provided free of charge by the ACBL. By showing a well-organized and planned activity, schools will feel better about supporting the program.
ACBL has put together an infographic handout highlighting the lasting benefits of school bridge programs based on the Shaw Study. Use it to describe the program’s features and impact on students.
Recruiting Players
Once a school has agreed to let you offer bridge lessons, you need to recruit students. Ask the sponsoring teacher to appoint a student to work with you. If the student is enthusiastic about the bridge lessons, word of mouth will be the best advertisement for the bridge class.
Advertising
Pass out fliers and put ads in the school newspaper to help increase awareness. Ready-made posters and fliers and other resources can be found in the Resources section below.
Check out the Cooperative Advertising Program for details on how the ACBL can help cover your costs.
One Month Before Your FIRST Class
Register Your Class and Order Supplies
Once you have a good idea about the number of students, you can request supplies by using the button under teaching programs. Choose between the ACBL Intro to Bridge Series 1 and 2, the ACBL Bridge Series or Patty Tucker’s Bridge is for Kids or Jump Start Youth Bridge.
Receive Supplies
Upon receipt of your order, you will be sent the following items:
- Teacher Manual: One for the teacher
- Textbook: One for each student
- Playing Cards: One for every table, or 4 students
- Drawstring backpack: One per student and per teacher as requested (K-12 only)
- Letters to Parents: One for copies (K-12 only)
- Student Applications: One per student
- Student Certificates: One per student
- End-of-Class Tournament Packet: One (K-12 only)
- Trophies: Four; two trophies for the N/S pair winner and two for the E/W pair winner (K-12 only)
Complete Consent and Release Forms
In order for the ACBL to accept pictures and/or stories from the class, a Consent and Release form must be completed for each student. Pictures and stories may appear on the ACBL website. These can be scanned or mailed with the final packet at the end of the class.
Consent & Release Form
During Class
Use of Teacher Manual/Books
There is no requirement on the number of lessons that need to be completed in your class. Some classes move faster than others. These books are meant to act as a guide and to give a structure to one method of teaching bridge. Feel free to try different things if you think it would suit your class. We would be particularly interested in hearing about new approaches that are successful.
After Completing the Classes
End-of-Class Tournament
The End-of-Class tournament is required to receive a stipend and results must be submitted with other stipend request documents. Stipends will not be considered without tournament results.
Teacher Stipend*
You can qualify for a stipend if you are not getting paid more than $150 by the school or other agency for your time. For every class of at least eight students who receive 16 or more hours of bridge instruction and play, you qualify for a $350 stipend. If multiple classes are held, each class will need a separate form listing dates, times and students of that particular class. You may receive a maximum of five (5) stipends per semester. A semester consists of the spring/summer and fall/winter.
To qualify for the stipend, the following must be complete:
All stipend documentation can be scanned and emailed to education@acbl.org. Alternatively, the documentation can be faxed to, 662-253-3187 or mailed to:
Education Department
6575 Windchase Blvd
Horn Lake MS 38637
Stipend requests should be signed by the authorized school or facility administrator* and sent within 30 days of the completion of the class. Requests will not be processed prior to the end-of-class date. Upon receipt of all appropriate and complete documentation, a check will be sent to the home address of the teacher. Teachers must be ACBL members to receive the stipend.
*Teachers cannot sign stipend requests for other teachers in the program.
ACBL Lifelong Learning Program
Guidelines for Teachers
The ACBL’s Lifelong Learning Program is designed to introduce the game of bridge to adults age 50 or older through continuing education programs offered through
colleges or universities. Sponsored by the ACBL, this program includes teacher stipends, textbooks and other materials for your classes.
One Month Before Your FIRST Class
Register Your Class and Order Supplies
Once you have a good idea about the number of students, you can request supplies by using the button under teaching programs.
Receive Supplies
Upon receipt of your email, you will be sent the following items:
- Teacher Manual: One) for the teacher
- TextBook: One for each student
- EZ Deal Cards: One for every table or every four students
During Class
Use of Teacher Manual/Books
There is no requirement on the number of lessons that need to be completed in your class. Some classes move faster than others. These books are meant to act as a guide and to give a structure to one method of teaching bridge. Feel free to try different timelines if you think it would suit your class. We would be particularly interested in hearing about new approaches that are successful.
After Completing Your Final Class
Stipend*
You can qualify for a stipend if you are not getting paid more than $150 by the school or other agency for your time. For every class of at least eight students who receive 16 or more hours of bridge instruction and play, you qualify for a $350 stipend. If multiple classes are held, each class will need a separate form listing dates, times and students of that particular class. ACBL will pay up to five (5) stipends per college or university per semester with a maximum of 10 stipends per college or university program per calendar year.
To qualify for the stipend, the following must be complete:
- ACBL membership dues must be current.
- Completed W-9 form on file with the ACBL, if teaching in the U.S
- Completed W-8 BEN form if teaching in Canada
- Completed ACBL Teacher Stipend Request Form, signed by school administrator
- Paperwork must be submitted within 30 days of class completion
All stipend documentation can be scanned and emailed to education@acbl.org. Alternatively, the documentation can be faxed to, 662-253-3187 or mailed to:
Education Department
6575 Windchase Blvd
Horn Lake MS 38637
Stipend requests should be signed by the authorized school administrator and sent within 30 days of the completion of the class. Requests will not be processed prior to the end of class date. Upon receipt of all appropriate and complete documentation, a check will be sent to the home address of the teacher within a few weeks.
*Teachers must be ACBL members to receive the stipend.
Teacher Stipend Request Form
School Bridge Program Articles
School Bridge Brochures
Bridge Related Card Games
Easybridge! Soundbites
We are pleased bring you these mini-lessons from Easybridge! Program Director Marti Ronemus. The first page of each lesson is designed to be presented to the students as a hand-out. The top masthead can be replaced with your club’s if you so desire. The second page is for the teacher.
It has an outline of what is to be covered in the lesson, plus a joke with a bridge tie-in and a snack recipe tested tried and true for the bridge club. A full set of these lessons is available from Marti Ronemus at
mronemus@comcast.net.
More Websites with Lessons
Additional K-12 Grade School Materials
Business Card Templates
Customize the business cards for a bridge-themed introduction to players. For digital marketing materials (web) download the png version. For print marketing materials (fliers, handouts and newspaper ads) download the jpeg version.
For the business card template, you only need to fill in the first card. The others will automatically be populated with your information. We recommend you use cardstock (65 lbs.) for printing the cards. If you print at home, be sure the print settings are set to actual size. You can also take the file to your local print shop.
Simple Black Business Card Template
Simple Red Business Card Template
Simple Green Business Card Template
Simple Blue Business Card Template
Diamond Red & Black Business Card Template
Diamond Blue Business Card Template
Layered Black & Red Business Card Template
Layered Black & White Business Card Template
Overlaid Black & Red Business Card Template
Overlaid Blue & Orange Business Card Template
Overlaid Green & Yellow Business Card Template
Random Green Business Card Template
Random Yellow Business Card Template
Scatter Cards Business Card Template
School Bridge Lesson Materials
The ACBL Intro to Bridge Series I and II
Using a discovery-based learning approach in line with best practices for in-person classes, the ACBL Intro to Bridge Series consists of 2 class series designed to equip students with a simple, starting framework for bidding and play .
- Student Workbook
- Instructor Guide
- PowerPoint SLides
- Lesson Videos
- PBN Hand Files
Series Details Request Access
Bridge is for Kids
A fifth-grade reading level beginning bridge text. Appropriate for new players who have never played before to walk them through the terminology, mechanics and basic bidding of bridge. Includes Stayman and Jacoby Transfers for those who are working with higher level classes. Teacher Manual available.
Jump Start Youth Bridge Package
The Jump Start Youth Bridge package is a workbook based tutorial designed for grades K thru 8. It includes
- Student Workbook
- Instructor Guide and
- A guided slide (PPT) presentation
- PBNs of all hands.
Designed to guide players who have never played cards through the mechanics, terminology, scoring, strategy, basic bidding and an introduction to the basic play techniques. Designed for 8 weeks of classes of 1-1/2 hours, it can easily be broken into shorter classes for a longer stretch of time.
The ACBL Bridge Series
Using a “hands-on” approach, the ACBL Bridge Series consists of a progression of five courses, each focusing on a different aspect of the game and bringing the students from absolute beginners through to the point where they can confidently play in any bridge game. Available Materials include
- Student textbook
- Teacher Manual
- EZ Deal cards
Lifelong Learning Materials
The ACBL Intro to Bridge Series I and II
Using a discovery-based learning approach in line with best practices for in-person classes, the ACBL Intro to Bridge Series consists of 2 class series designed to equip students with a simple, starting framework for bidding and play .
- Student Workbook
- Instructor Guide
- PowerPoint SLides
- Lesson Videos
- PBN Hand Files
Series Details Request Access
The ACBL Bridge Series
Using a “hands-on” approach, the ACBL Bridge Series consists of a progression of five courses, each focusing on a different aspect of the game and bringing the students from absolute beginners through to the point where they can confidently play in any bridge game. Available Materials include
- Student textbook
- Teacher Manual
- EZ Deal cards
College Materials
The ACBL Intro to Bridge Series I and II
Using a discovery-based learning approach in line with best practices for in-person classes, the ACBL Intro to Bridge Series consists of 2 class series designed to equip students with a simple, starting framework for bidding and play .
- Student Workbook
- Instructor Guide
- PowerPoint SLides
- Lesson Videos
- PBN Hand Files
Series Details Request Access
The ACBL Bridge Series
Using a “hands-on” approach, the ACBL Bridge Series consists of a progression of five courses, each focusing on a different aspect of the game and bringing the students from absolute beginners through to the point where they can confidently play in any bridge game. Available Materials include
- Student textbook
- Teacher Manual
- EZ Deal cards
ACBL Best Practices
ACBL Online Teacher Certification
Better Bridge
Learn Bridge in a Day!
EasyBridge!
Youth Posters
