Duplicate bridge in the Sandhills is alive and well, as attested to by the approximately 30 players who have been meeting once a week at Sandhills Bridge Studio to learn about the new systems of bidding and playing.

These intermediate classes, led by Anne Brechtelsbauer, are made up of people from as far away as Clinton, though most are local. Many have played for years with friends, but realized the game has become much more interesting as they began to bid and play with different conventions and methods.

Brechtelsbauer, a Silver Life Master and American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) certified teacher, has been instructing for more than 30 years. She enjoys watching the “lights come on” as she demonstrates a new convention and shows how it can improve bidding.

Jim and Pat Blank and Steve and Debby Kline are typical couples wanting to expand their knowledge.

“I want to be able to compete on a higher level,” Steve says. “I was surprised how easy it is to make new friends with a common interest, and for Debby and I to have fun learning together.”

Michael Busch says he wants to have his game sharpened so he can keep his brain working when he’s not on the golf course. He started seriously thinking about bridge a few years ago when he traveled to Las Vegas to participate in a tournament.

“I was happy to find out you don’t have to be a Life Master to find a section to compete,” he says. “The novices were having just as much fun as the experts.”

Singles, too, are coming back to the bridge table to learn and enjoy the social time as well as increase their acumen. Classes are frequently in session at the Studio, especially in the fall, winter and spring.

“Taking classes is the only way I could have learned this complicated, wonderful game, and I am having a ball,” says Carole Bell.

Time in the class is a combination of lectures with a good sense of humor, bidding, playing and discussing hands. Games at the Studio are stratified, with points awarded to players in A, B, and C categories. They take place almost every day and evening, including weekends, and all are welcome.

Brechtelsbauer will be starting another class in August, and other instructors as well will be conducting instructive sessions on various levels.