I’ve heard from many bridge players who have discovered their newfound enthusiasm for the game, but say that their love for the game isn’t shared by their partners – at least, not at first.

While I try to respond to each message individually, I also thought that this might be a suitable time to write a post on the question.

Introducing a life partner to the game isn’t quite the same as showing a colleague or friend.

Bridge can be a great opportunity to spend valuable time together, but can also quickly turn into a way for couples to get in each other’s hair.

Don’t let learning bridge lead to a rocky road!

Here are some thoughts on how to approach teaching if your partner doesn’t play bridge.

The best beginner bridge books

The best, very first introduction to bridge is often in the form of a first bridge book.

If the first bridge text someone reads is wordy, complicated, and theory-laden, the new player can easily be put off learning the game. Obviously, this is something nobody wants to put on their life partner!

Suggestions, at least mine, include:

• Bridge For Dummies
• 5 Weeks To Winning Bridge
• Goren’s Contract Bridge Complete
• The Complete Idiot’s Guide To Bridge

There are more, but these are some of the evergreen bridge teaching titles that serve as a quick introduction.

Bridge magazine subscriptions & archives

Not everyone can say they’re a fan of books, and that’s okay. There are many other ways to be introduced to bridge culture and the rest of the game – and one of the best is through magazine subscriptions and back-issue archives.

Bridge magazines are an excellent way to dip your hands into theory, but also great for getting to know how bridge players think. Magazines also often include columns, puzzles, and more.

Once your partner has shown a basic interest in bridge, hook them up with some of the best reading material you can find.

Alternate forms of bridge (for two)

Traditional forms of contract requires four people, but there are other versions of the game adapted for one (or for two) players. Explore these versions if you would like to play a more toned-down, intimate version of bridge with your partner away from the crowd.

Honeymoon bridge is one such variety, played with alterations to scoring and rules by a pair.

Of course, it’s also great for teaching, and allows for a more comfortable environment to learn (and sometimes, make mistakes).

What to watch

If you would like to introduce your partner with a focus on the game and its culture, try some bridge documentaries before challenging them to their first game.

Watching documentaries allows for a sight of the game at a glance, before letting them know about the more complicated aspects of the game, like tricks, trumps, or Stayman.

Simply, it can take the pressure off – and sometimes, an introduction to bridge should be nothing more than fun (and not too much theory) to start.