Improve Your Game: Bridge Lessons in the Green Mountains

Program Registration: 2:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. We’ll gather at 5:30 p.m. in the main lounge to start getting acquainted.

In the main dining room.

You will receive your notebooks and some elective homework to stimulate ideas. Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. An instructor will be with us daily to lead hands-on instruction and give all lectures related to bridge at the inn. Travel into Wilmington during lunch breaks will be by free public bus unless noted otherwise. Meals will be provided at the inn. It’s time to start discovering why bridge is the most famous game in the world. Once you learn this game, you can go anywhere on earth and immediately find fellow players – language is no barrier! We’ll give you a little overview of what you can expect over the next few days, and how your life will change forever. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

In the main dining room.

With our instructor, we will tackle our learning in tiny bite-sized pieces, each one providing a foundation for what’s coming. We will learn by playing bridge, not listening to lectures. Each puzzle piece will be followed by sample hands.

A light lunch will be provided in the restaurant dining room. There will be a 2.5-hour break including lunch.

During our lunch break, we will host a walk or a leisurely trip into the town of Wilmington. We will reconvene at the inn and continue to fine tune what we learned in the morning. We’ll focus on practice rather than absorbing new material. You’ll learn how the best part of bridge is your partner, and how many different ways there are to look at the same hand.

In the main dining room.

At leisure. The card room will be available for you to play and enjoy the company of fellow students.

In the main dining room.

We’ll learn that there are no rules in bridge, only different approaches. Each hand is a mystery to be unraveled and explored. We will look at bidding, declarer play, and defense. You will be amazed and entranced by the treats each hand holds. There will be a brief coffee break during this presentation from the instructor.

Light lunch in the restaurant dining room. There will be a 2.5-hour break including lunch.

You’ll learn how the best part of bridge is your partner, and how many different ways there are to look at the same hand. We will learn to be flexible and enjoy “going with the flow” of the cards. You will come to understand that bridge is an art form, not a science!!

In the main dining room.

The card room will be available for you to play and enjoy the company of fellow students. After dinner, a discussion on the local flora and fauna will be led by a trained Vermont biologist. Samples of both animals and artifacts will be brought and discussed. This is an opportunity to draw out both myths and legends of Vermont history of wild animals and domestic life as it has evolved through the ages.

In the main dining room.

You’ll learn that there are no rules in bridge, only different approaches. Each hand is a mystery to be unraveled and explored. We will look at bidding, declarer play, and defense. You will be amazed and entranced by the treats each hand holds.

Light lunch in the restaurant dining room. There will be a 2.5-hour break including lunch.

During our lunch break, we will host a leisurely trip via local bus into the town of Wilmington, Vermont. Wilmington is a quaint little town rich in history and New England architectural features. Back at the Inn, emphasizing the topic of the morning, we’ll focus on practice rather than absorbing new material. We’ll learn how the best part of bridge is our partner, and how many different ways there are to look at the same hand. We will learn to be flexible and enjoy “going with the flow” of the cards.

In the main dining room.

After dinner, we will feature a musical performance by local performers. This in-house show will include melodies we can all sing along to, perhaps request a favorite and participate. The card room will be available for you to play and enjoy the company of fellow students.

In the main dining room.

This morning, we will learn by playing bridge, and give listening to lectures a break. You’ll learn that there are no rules in bridge, only different approaches. Each hand is a mystery to be unraveled and explored. We will look at bidding, declarer play, and defense. You will be amazed and entranced by the treats each hand holds.

Light lunch in the restaurant dining room. There will be a 2.5-hour break including lunch. During this time, we will host a walk or a leisurely trip into town. Dover Valley Trail provides a nice groomed trail for a stroll among the trees; the Group Leader will take those who wish on a 40-minute walk.

Now you’re ready for prime time! Let’s play in a real game, with Masterpoints for the winners. What are Masterpoints? You’ll find out! This is a great opportunity to see how games are played in clubs around the world. Get ready to take your show on the road in this mini-tournament.

In the main dining room. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

At leisure. The card room will be available for you to play and enjoy the company of fellow students. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

In the main dining room.

We’ll meet for a brief after-breakfast announcement of yesterday’s winners, discussion of bridge resources, and closing remarks and we will be on our way with many new ideas and friends. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!