I’ve seen an increasing number of posts on message boards that say something like the following:

“My [friend/family member] used to play bridge and they’re interested in getting started again – what are the best [sites, clubs, places] to start them off with?”

I’m glad every time a post like this pops up. It means that not only are newer players discovering the game of bridge for the first time, but a lot of older players are re-discovering a love they once had for it but might have lost, usually due to time constraints, work, moving or just moving on.

Want to get a player back into bridge – or are you that player?

Here’s an FAQ for re-entering the game covering some of the most common questions I’ve seen asked.

What if I don’t know anyone else who plays bridge?

If you don’t know anyone else who plays and you’re afraid that it might lead to loneliness in a game that’s played in partnerships, just head to the BBO Forums to get in touch with players, get in touch with your nearest bridge club to ask about membership and events – or just log in online and play a game.

If you don’t have a partner for an ACBL-sanctioned event, you can resort to the Partnership Desk for an answer.

What are the best online platforms to start with?

Maybe this is a little biased of an answer, but Bridge Base Online is — hands-down — the best bridge club you can visit.

Whether you’re after a quick social game, free play with robots or a more serious ACBL sanctioned game, you’ll find what you need here.

Where can I find more like-minded bridge players?

On the internet, of course! Most modern bridge players have embraced the internet, and all it takes to get in touch with any number of them is a simple e-mail or IM. Take a closer look at the BBO Forums to find more like-minded individuals who happen to be bridge players.

Where can I refresh myself on the basics?

If you haven’t played in a while, you’ll fall right in with Just Declare, a version of solitare bridge with a pre-chosen contract that’s designed to help you focus more on play over bidding.

The ACBL also has a handy Learn to Play Bridge app on their website that’s powered by BBO.

Do I need to find a bridge teacher?

Some people naturally learn better from lectures, others from YouTube videos and many have to physically sit down in front of a teacher and ask questions for any of the information to really stick.

Not everyone needs a bridge teacher to learn the game, but everyone – even players who consider themselves familiar with the rules and advanced in their play – can benefit from a few lessons with a teacher.

Are the conventions I remember still relevant?

I’ve met many people who swear by certain bidding conventions for reasons related to location, original learning methods or sometimes simply sentiment.

If you haven’t played in a while and you’re worried that the conventions you know have become out of date, worry not: It’s not as different as yoiu might imagine.