Please contact - if you would like to participate in the buddy program....
The focus groups will be players in three categories:
- Players wanting to go from Practice Play to the green row.
- Players wanting to go from the green row to the red row.
- Players wanting to go from the red row to the blue row.
The Aims:
- To help players who are keen to improve their game and their confidence by playing with a more experienced player for 4 sessions.
The Benefits:
- Increased success
- Increased satisfaction
- Better bridge!
The Rules:
- The partnership should be for a limited time ie a maximum of 4 weeks aiming for once a week or twice a month.
- The buddy partnership should play together in the allotted Row on a day of their choosing.
- Discussion of the boards played can either be discussed at the end of a session, by email or over the phone, but not during the game. Looking at the results on Pianola can be a good way of opening the discussion. Training on the use of Pianola may be required.
- The games played together should be bid according to the basic bidding system. System cards will be provided.
- As a way of thanking their Buddy, the Partner should pay the Buddy’s playing fee for the session played.
- At the end of the buddy period, both participants will be asked to complete the questionnaire so that the Bridge Education committee can assess the programme.
The Laws:
For The Buddy:
- This is not a teaching platform, but rather encouraging The Partner to use skills they have already learnt in order to gain confidence in their game.
- Establish an environment for open interaction and encourage a two-way exchange of information.
- Share successes as well as failures
- Praise in order to build confidence
- Lead by example
For The Partner:
- Establish specific goals with your Buddy in order to focus direction
- Seek and accept advice/constructive criticism
- Provide honest feedback to your buddy
- Keep your buddy informed of progress made
Before starting:
- Discuss the reason for participating in the program
- Set 2 or 3 goals or objectives for the buddy relationship. Make notes if you feel if helps.
- Work out the details - when to play and the followup.
Ingredients for success:
- Before the next game meet up earlier than usual to review experiences since the last game together
- Open communication about feelings and experiences
- Enthusiasm and willingness from both sides with mutual interest
- Holding candid discussions on whether the program is working
- Being aware of differences in personality and style
