This course assumes knowledge of the principles covered in the first three courses. In this course students will learn how to bid very strong hands and hands with unusual distributions (pre-emptive bids). We will also look at transfer bidding and the Stayman and Blackwood bidding conventions. There will be plenty of opportunity to practice declarer and defensive play techniques.

Often in a competitive auction the bidding reaches an uncomfortably high level and you have to decide whether to pass or to make a further bid or to double the opponents. This is probably the most difficult area of bridge even for top players. Even so, you can improve your decision making in these competitive situations by following a few basic steps. Attend this course and learn how to handle this difficult area more effectively. A course for bridge players of intermediate standard and above.

This fun weekend will introduce you to some useful new words and teach you some of the tricks of the trade, helping you to make the most of a good rack, and get out of trouble with a bad one. Tutored by a leading UK Scrabble player and author of two books about the game, the course will also tell you where to find your local club and, for those who want to take things a little further, give you a gentle introduction to the world of Scrabble tournaments. And of course, you'll play a game or two over the weekend.

This will be a fun and festive weekend based on competitive Duplicate Bridge. However, previous experience is not essential and your rubber bridge knowledge will certainly get you by with a little help from your hosts. Come as a single (we will find you a partner, have no fear) or a partnership. Competitions will include duplicate pairs and teams-of-four but all bridge sessions will be optional and play will finish by 11.00 p.m. each evening. On Sunday you can choose to compete until lunchtime or continue until teatime.