• Big Hand Bidding and Play
  (2 hour Recorded Video Lesson + Notes)
  
  
• Judgement at Bridge
  (2 hour Recorded Video Lesson + Notes)

Click here to purchase!
ONLY $55.00 CDN (approx. $44.00 USD)
The site will automatically convert to USD on your credit card if you are in USA.

FULL access to the lesson recording
for an unlimited time

If you do not know how to evaluate and revalue your hand, you will miss a whole lot of games and you will also miss lots of slams. You simply have to get a few realities cemented right now, if not sooner.

Avoid errors in judgement and improve your bidding, declarer play and defense.

NOW AVAILABLE - LESSON WITH BARBARA OPENING LEADS

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ONLY $25.00 CAD (approx. $20.00 USD)
The site will automatically convert to USD on your credit card if you are in USA.

FULL access to the lesson recording
for an unlimited time

The opening lead is so very important. It communicates so much to partner and often sets the tone for the entire contract.
This one card can explain the triumphs or the disasters for the defenders on any given hand.

2 hour bridge training + Barb's Notes!

Purchase and watch anytime afterwards.

TWO HOUR LIVE LESSONS
Defensive Thinking & Strategy

Click here to purchase!
ONLY $50.00 CAD (approx. $40.00 USD) total
for both recordings. (i.e. $25.00 CAD each)

FULL access to the recordings for an unlimited time

Receive a full set of notes too!

Purchase and watch anytime afterwards.

Each lesson has some guiding principles, followed by play of hand with commentary all the way.

2 (1 hour) Mini Bridge Video Lesson Bundle Available
For Unlimited Viewing
To Improve Your Bridge Play!

1. Balancing

2. Michaels Cuebid & Unusual NoTrump

ONLY $25.00 CAD (approx. $19.00 USD) total for both recordings. (i.e. $12.50 CAD each)

Get Unlimited Access

CLICK HERE TO BUY THESE RECORDINGS

NEW!! Declarer Play Techniques:
Collection of 5 lessons WITH handout (PDF), 10+hours of Video Training

• Play of the hand in NT contracts, safety plays, danger hands & hold up plays.
• Play of the hand in suit contracts, when to delay drawing trump, how to choose which technique is best for playing a hand.
• Ruffing, cross-ruffing, discarding, developing long suits, finessing and ruffing finesses.

LESSON TOPICS:

• Lesson 1: Play of the hand in a No Trump Contract
• Lesson 2: The Dangerous Opponent
• Lesson 3: Play of the Hand in a Suit Contract
• Lesson 4: Loser on a Loser
• Lesson 5: Long Suit Establishment

Get Unlimited Access

A little bit of everything for players of all levels. Something for everyone.

ONLY $119 CAD

The Summer Bridge Bundle:
Collection of 20 Lessons WITH handout (PDF), 40+hours of Video Training

Get Unlimited Access
Total Value $800
NOW ONLY $216 CAD

What You're Going To Get In The Summer Bridge Bundle:

PURCHASE May / June
Collection of 9 recordings WITH handout (PDF), 18+hours of Video Training
ONLY $89 CAD

PURCHASE July
Collection of 5 recordings WITH handout (PDF), 10+hours of Video Training
ONLY $49 CAD

ZOOM Lesson Student Reviews

Barbara,
Excellent, excellent, excellent! Possibly the best bridge class I have ever had. Not only did you cover NMF, but all sorts of other situations that come up all the time and that I have been bidding incorrectly forever. And loved all the bidding detail, 12/13 bid next level, jump with 14, etc. Takes away so much guess-work. I took pages and pages of notes! This has definitely been the year of bridge for me! Lots and lots of practice and all your courses, has made a big difference. And good for my confidence. Of course, you know how bridge is, we are always questioning what should we do in this situation and what to do in that situation and if we take on this new convention then it messes up that convention. I guess you never stop learning. Anyway, thanks so much for everything. I couldn’t have a better teacher and mentor. I took some of your courses on Bayview years ago when I started playing bridge. To this day, I believe the foundation for good bridge practices was set thanks to your classes. I really appreciate all you have done for bridge in Canada.
L.M.

Barbara…
Ty for your time and a very careful explanation. So special!
Videos and books::Yes: as of tonight, I have 21 of your books(plus a few copies for my partner). The videos are perfect!
Your product is putting everything I had been learning from scattered resources into a confident focus. Happy to have now found your website!
A.R.

Hey Barb—your ears must’ve been ringing today! I played bridge with three friends who I haven’t seen in awhile. One of the friends is 93 and lives in Sarasota, having moved there from Baltimore a few years ago. I mentioned to them that a friend and I are planning to attend your bridge seminar at the GCC in September. Mary Lou, the 93 year old who lives in FL, remarked that she attended one of your seminars there. She raved about it, and then everyone, including myself, piped in to say how much we have learned from you! So I just want you to know that we think you are the very best bridge teacher in the whole world! Joan and I can’t wait to meet you in Greensboro and I know we will learn a lot and also have a great time.
Love from your friend in Baltimore, T.D.

I would like to say a BIG “Thank you”. I’m truly enjoying your on line courses and excellent books. You seem to answer my questions before I even realize I have a question(s). Some experts can’t come down to the level of a beginner/learner. We are so fortunate that you can. You are excellent at explaining, even the most complex subject, so we can understand and not get totally frustrated.
Irene

Hi Barbara,
I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your class! It provided immediate results: my friend Debbie and I got 3.5 MPs yesterday on a BBO 499er game (1st of 86 pairs!). Thanks again,
Sue Nieland


Hi Barbara,
I find your bridge lessons to be so helpful. Thank you so much for your wonderful teaching. I wish I had started learning to play bridge when I was much younger. However, that being said, it is your enthusiasm, helpful instruction and guidance that keep me motivated. I am also so happy to support the wonderful work that you, Patti Lee et al are doing in Laos. Take care and stay well.
R.P.

I just wanted to drop you an email and thank you for your wonderful bridge lesson videos. The lessons are excellent and I enjoy them very much. I even watch them while on the treadmill!! I find these videos to be extremely helpful to my knowledge of conventions and defense and play of the hand. I’m also enjoying the new book, Barbara’s Bridge Tips. Bridge is just so interesting. The more you learn, the more you want to learn. What a great game! Your lessons were one of the best things that came out of the pandemic. Thanks for all you have done to increase my knowledge and appetite for learning more bridge.
Norma M.

Your bridge teaching has helped me immensely over the years! I have been a voracious reader of the "25 series" ever since the first one that you published in 1999. In addition, I have benefitted immensely from the electronic resources that you have provided online, such as the Zoom lesson for St Petersburg Bridge Club last August. Today, I have been enjoying your lesson on Defensive Moves at ACBL's Endless Summer.
Stephen L.

WINTER CLASSES

Lessons are taught IN PERSON at Armour Heights Presbyterian Church, 105 Wilson Avenue, Toronto
If coming by TTC, take the Yonge St Subway to York Mills Station. Then a short bus trip along Wilson. Bus # 97, disembark at OId Yonge Blvd or Belgrave Ave..
Map and Directions:(MAP)

HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO Josée Hammill, who has won the ACBL Unit 166 - 2024 Kate Buckman Award.
This award is presented annually to the person who has contributed the most to others' enjoyment of the game. The award will be presented to Josée at the Easter Regional. Do congratulate Josée at mjhammill@rogers.com

Basics Beginners Bridge Series with Josée Hammill

Discover Why Millions Around the World Are Captivated by This Game!
Ever wondered what all the excitement is about? Bridge is more than just a card game - it's a mental workout, a social adventure, and a lifelong passion all rolled into one! Whether you're looking to keep your mind sharp, make new friends, or simply try something intellectually stimulating, bridge offers it all.
Each lesson is hands-on, and fun! Emphasis will be on understanding the logic behind the decisions made at the table, not about memorizing all the rules. You'll be playing hands from your first real lesson. By the end of eight weeks, you won't just understand bridge - you'll be excited to play it with your new friends!
Enroll now to secure your spot, and let your bridge adventure begin!

• DATES: Wednesday, January 7th to February 25th (8 weeks)
• TIME: 10 am to 12 pm
• PRICE: $289. Includes taxes, Barbara Seagram Basic Bridge textbook, PDF of PowerPoint presentations and online recordings.

Intermediate I: (Advanced Beginners) Bridge Series with Barb Black

Ready to Take Your Game from "I Know the Basics" to "I'm a Confident Player"?
You've learned the fundamentals, you understand the basic concepts, but somehow when you sit down at the table, things don't always click the way you hoped. Sound familiar? Maybe you learned bridge years ago, and the game has changed since then. Or perhaps you completed a beginners course, but still feel hesitant when it's your turn to bid or play.
Here's the thing: there's a world of difference between knowing the rules and truly understanding the game. That gap, that's where frustration lives. It's where you second-guess your bids, wonder if you're doing it "right," and sometimes feel like everyone else at the table knows something you don't.
This course is specially designed to close that gap!
If you're returning to bridge after a long hiatus, or you've recently completed a basic course and want to strengthen your foundation, this is where everything starts to make sense. Barb Black will help you move beyond just following rules to understanding WHY you make the bids you make, and ensure partner always understand clearly what you are describing.
Think of this as your bridge confidence-builder. By the end of seven weeks, you won't just be playing bridge - you'll be playing with authority, conviction, and real enjoyment. That's the change we're after!

• DATES: Wednesday, January 7th to February 18th (7 weeks)
• TIME: 1 to 3 pm
• PRICE: $259. Includes taxes, Barbara Seagram Intermediate I textbook, PDF of PowerPoint presentations and online recordings.

Introduction to Declarer Play with Barb Black

This Is Your Moment to Become the Hero at the Bridge Table!
Imagine you and your partner have just bid your way to game. The auction was lively, the points lined up just right, and everyone at the table is paying attention. The opening lead hits the table, dummy comes down, and every eye shifts to YOU. This is your moment - your chance to prove you're not just a good bidder, but a skilled player!
Bidding gets you to the contract, but declarer play is what brings it home. You can hold great cards and bid like a pro, yet without solid declarer technique those makeable contracts can slip away. Few things sting more than going down when you had the tools to succeed.
This is the difference between casual players and strong competitors. This is what earns respect at the table. This is what makes bridge so compelling.
Join Barb Black for this dynamic 4-week course based on Eddie Kantar's Introduction to Declarer Play. This course is particularly great if you're a newcomer eager to master the fundamentals but will also help any advancing playing solidify playing techniques. You'll learn counting your losers or your winners depending on the final contract, reading the meaning behind the opening lead, planning your strategy before playing to trick one, when to pull trump or postpone this, the art of finessing, establishing long suits, and so much more!
Don't let another contract slip away because you didn't have the tools to make it. Sign up now and become the declarer everyone wants to watch in action!

• DATE: Thursday, January 29th to February 19th (4 weeks)
• TIME: 10 am to 12 pm
• PRICE: $189. Includes taxes, Eddie Kantar's Book Introduction to Declarer Play -- New edition revised by Barbara Seagram, PDF of PowerPoint presentations and additional supporting documents.

ONLINE ZOOM LESSONS
Intermediate II Bridge Series with With Josée

Ready to Play Your Most Strategic Game?
You've got the basics down. Your bidding foundation is solid. You can bid and play a decent hand. But you know there's more to bridge - you see it when you watch experienced players at the table. They seem to know easily how to look for slam, what convention to use, how to interfere in the bidding by showing some very distributional hand (5-5 or 6-5), when and how high to preempt, or counteract a preempt when made against them. That’s only in the bidding. Then you see them as declarer, and again watch a level of sophistication that you haven’t been exposed to. You know how to count your losers and winners. You know when to ruff in the dummy, or how to find extra winners in the dummy. Need to establish a suit, you have done that and yes you also understand when and how to take a finesse. But you’ve heard about a cross ruff. Do you really know what ingredients we need to do one? What about the `sexy` Strip and Throw in Play or the Loser on Loser play.
That could be you!
This 8-week course introduces some more strategic bidding tools, as well as exposes you to more sophisticated declarer play techniques. You'll learn competitive bidding weapons like Unusual Notrump and Michaels Cuebids that give you power in the auction. You will refine your slam bidding techniques with the use of Roman Key Card Blackwood and Control cuebids. You'll discover declarer play techniques like cross-ruffs, loser-on-loser plays that allow you to make your contract when all hope seemed lost. And much more!
Perfect for: Players who feel they have the basic bidding and playing foundation, and are ready to take their game to the next level.

• Dates: Wednesday, January 7th to February 25th (8 weeks) – 4:00 to 5:30 pm – Live on Zoom with full recordings available.
• Price: $289. Includes taxes, Barbara Seagram Intermediate II textbook, PDF of PowerPoint presentations and online recordings.

How do I get my book?

Available at 1717 Avenue Road, Suite 418, Toronto (two weeks before class starts).

By mail: Add the postage costs to the course fee ($7.00). Please allow for 3 weeks delivery.

PRE-REGISTRATION FOR ALL CLASSES IS REQUIRED

To register, please contact Josée by email at mjhammill@rogers.com, indicating your choice of course or by phone at 416-300-9140.

Include First and Last Name, email address, mailing address if you require mailing of the textbook.

Canadians:
Payment by etransfer to email address mjhammill@rogers.com

Otherwise, a cheque to:
Josee Hammill, 1717 Avenue Road, Suite 418, Toronto, Ontario M5M 0A2 Canada

Website: https://www.bridgewebs.com/josees

ABOUT BARB BLACK

Following a career in management at TD Bank and volunteering in the community, Barb began her bridge journey in 2012 when a friend invited her to take an 8-week Beginner Bridge Basics course taught by Josee. She was immediately hooked and went on to pursue intermediate courses and ongoing lessons while playing regularly. Encouraged by a friend who played bridge at an advanced level, she soon became an avid Duplicate Bridge player.
Barb particularly enjoys inspiring her friends to take up this wonderful game and has coached many on their bridge journeys. Through this coaching and mentoring, she has developed a passion for teaching bridge and is excited to take the next step into more formal instruction. Barb has been collaborating with Josee in her Bridge Basics and Intermediate courses.
Believing that playing with a variety of partners is key to enjoyment and improvement, Barb plays regularly at Monday Club and Toronto Bridge, and she enjoys attending the many tournaments in and around Toronto. She and her husband reside in North Toronto, while their three grown sons live in Toronto and New York.

GENTLE BRIDGE & STEP 2 BRIDGE

Welcome new, newer and novice players!

• Gentle Bridge (0-20): Mondays @ Noon - 3:00pm. Note: NEW players: Do come on Mondays @ noon
• Step 2 Limited Game: For players with 0-399 points - Tuesdays @ Noon - 3:15pm

$15 per game. Pre-register with Cyndy at cyndywinkler@gmail.com or call 647-723-3006

• Your name.
• ACBL number if you have one.
• Name of your partner (if you have one) – Partner not required to participate. We will pair you with one!

Website: https://www.bridgewebs.com/steppingstones

FIRST TIMER ATTENDEES: GET A SPECIAL DISCOUNT. Mention Josee's discount

• Address: Armour Heights Presbyterian Church, 105 Wilson Avenue, Toronto
  If coming by TTC, take the Yonge St Subway to York Mills Station. Then a short bus trip along Wilson. Bus # 97, disembark at Old Yonge Blvd or Belgrave Ave.
• Map and Directions: (MAP)

GENTLE BRIDGE

Doug Jordan (with Josee Hammill) will launch two Gentle Bridge Evenings:

• Wednesdays: Novice starting Oct 8: 0–99 masterpoints, 6:30–9:00 pm
  Play 18 Boards! ACBL rules will be observed and table etiquette will be introduced.
• Thursdays: Beginner starting Oct 9: 0–20 points, 6:30–9:00pm
  Play 12 Boards! Ask questions on bidding. Consult Cheat Sheets. Learn the Basics of playing duplicate bridge.

Price: $15 per person/session (Coffee, tea and cookies are provided)

Location: Armour Heights Presbyterian Church, 105 Wilson Ave., Toronto (MAP)

Pre-register: douglasgjordan@yahoo.ca

0-20 Master Point Novices

Lee and Josée have 0-20 games on Wednesday evenings at 7 pm SUCH good practice and SO much fun!

Contact Lee at calendar@interlog.com

Lee also has games for players of all levels. Tuesdays, Wednesdays (Noon/Evenings) and Thursdays and Saturdays on BBO - NOW ONLY $3.50 USD.

• Open games
  Tue, Wed @ 12.10 pm & Sat @ 12.30 pm
  Wed evenings at 7.00 pm
• 0-1200 master points
  Tue & Wed @ 12 noon
• 0-1500 master points
  Thu @ 12 noon
• 0-50 master points
  Wed eve @ 6.45 pm

New Weekly Supervised Game For 0-20 Masterpoint Players

WHEN: Every Thursday evenings beginning October 17th until April 10th, 2025 with an end of year Party!

TIME: 6:30 pm sharp start. Please arrive by 6:10 pm.

WHERE: Armour Heights Presbyterian Church, 105 Wilson Avenue

WHAT: A gentle, supportive bridge game designed for players with 0-20 Masterpoints. Our friendly volunteers will be available to answer your bidding questions. Each week, we’ll feature a "Hand of the Week" analysis, offering valuable tips on bidding and play. Don’t worry if you don’t have a partner—we’ll match you with one!

HOW MUCH: $12 – Includes 12 boards of play, "Hand of the Week" analysis, volunteer support, coffee, tea, and cookies.

No pre-registration or commitment required—just show up ready to play! We only ask that you are on site by no later than 6:10 pm.

If you’ve taken some lessons but feel hesitant about playing in a club, this is the perfect opportunity to build your confidence. You'll be hooked after just one week!

Meet Your Team:
Douglas Jordan, our game director, along with our wonderful volunteers, and I can’t wait to welcome you this fall.

Stay Connected:
If you would like to be added to our Evening Gentle Bridge Game newsletter, please email Josée at mjhammill@rogers.com. You will receive periodic updates.
See you on October 17th!

GAMES FOR NEW PLAYERS WITH 0-20 MASTER POINTS: $5.00 BBO

LOTS of fun and a great opportunity to play in a TOTALLY non threatening environment.

If you are new to these games, first contact Josee at mjhammill@rogers.com for all details. We need to do this so Lee can get your name into the system so you can sign in easily.

This is an amazing opportunity. Do try this!

OUR GENTLE SUPERVISED BRIDGE GAME AT ARMOUR HEIGHTS NEEDS YOU

After pausing our Gentle Bridge Game for the summer, I am returning to Face to Face lessons for beginners and advanced beginners, and these new players will also be looking for a safe place to hone their skills. This is not just a supervised bridge game; it is the first and only in person game in the area for novice players. At last check, bridge is meant to be played in person – not in front of a screen while doing dishes or laundry.

Judging by last year’s popularity, it is easy to see what a benefit this game is to all novice players. But that didn’t happen on its own. We had a strong group of volunteers guiding these players.

What do you need to volunteer at the Gentle Bridge game at Armour Heights? View PDF

If after reading our PDF has convinced you,
and if you would like to help the growth of bridge and these new players,
please contact me, Josée, at mjhammill@rogers.com.

LOCATION (MAP)

Armour Heights Presbyterian Church
105 Wilson Avenue
North York, ON M5M 2Z9

Just south of the 401, between Yonge and Avenue Road.
JUST west of Yonge Blvd & east of Cricket Club.

To register for all bridge seminars or special bridge events,
please call us at 416-487-8321 or email .

• OPEN GAMES: Tue & Wed @ 12.10 pm & Sat @ 10.00 am AND Wed evenings at 7.00 pm
• 0-1200 MASTER POINTS: Tue & Wed @ 12 noon
• 0-1500 MASTER POINTS: Thu @ 12 noon
• 0-50 MASTER POINTS: Wed eve @ 6.45 pm

When you play in Lee's open games online (ONLY $3.50 USD on BBO): if there are 10 tables in the Open and 15 in the 0-1100 section, you receive master points for playing in a 25 table game which is LOTS!

• Lee’s 0-1200 Tuesday Pairs 12:00 PM
• Lee’s Tuesday OPEN Pairs 12:10 PM
• Lee’s 0-1200 Wednesday Pairs 12:00 PM
• Lee’s Wednesday OPEN Pairs 12:10 PM
• Josee and Lee’s 0-50 Wednesday Pairs 6:45 PM
• Lee’s Wednesday Evening OPEN Pairs 7:00 PM
• Lee’s 0-1500 Thursday Pairs 12:00 PM
• Lee’s Saturday OPEN Pairs 10:00 AM
  [NOTE: the Saturday game starts earlier than other days]

If neither you nor your partner have EVER played in one of Lee's games, do email him so he can register you for these games. calendar@interlog.com

If you require any assistance, please contact me at , or e3knight@uwaterloo.ca or phone me 416-274-1752 (after 11:00 a.m.). If you email me, be sure to INCLUDE your phone number so that I can reach you.

Special requests or information:
Call us LEE DAUGHARTY at 416-274-1752
Email:
Website: www.bridgewebs.com/lees/

Rob Drummond's Toronto Bridge has THREE Face-to-Face games per week!
Return on Wednesday, November 5 & 6 and from then on.

Make a plan to be there!!!! Call up your favourite partner NOW!!

• Wednesday at 12 noon til 3:00pm: OPEN GAME
• Thursday at 9.00 am until 11:30 am: 0-500 Master Points
• Thursday at 12 noon til 3:00 pm: OPEN GAME

LOCATION:
Leaside Memorial Arena, 1073 Millwood Rd, Toronto (Map)

HEAPS OF FREE PARKING. GROUND FLOOR: HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE. NO STAIRS!

ENTRY FEE: $12.00 includes coffee, tea and cookies

Do come early (half hour or so if you can).

Do your best to get your own partner but if you really need a partner, contact Rob Drummond at rob@torontobridge.ca or 647-629-3408 (Text or call) and he will do his best to help.

Let's all pitch in and make this a huge, whopping success. Thank you, Rob, for doing this for Toronto!