Hanbury Manor, Ware, Hertfordshire

Friday 8 November - Sunday 10 November 2024

Andrew has constructed six sessions, each covering a different topic that will instruct and delight. The 1hr 20-minute lessons include Strong Notrump and Responding, Opening One Club/One Diamond, Responding to One Club/Diamond, Two-over-One, the Wide-ranging 1NT Response and Defending against Strong & Fives. Our maximum group size is 100 people, ie 25 bridge tables, so we recommend that you book early to avoid disappointment. 

Note, Andrew’s main teaching method remains Weak Notrump Acol. However, more and more people are playing Strong and Fives, as indeed Andrew does in tournaments, and he would like you to learn it the best way. The weekend is aimed both at those familiar with and new to Strong and Fives, but it is not suitable for those new to bridge. You can purchase Andrew’s book on Strong Notrumps & Five-Card Majors here – but it is not necessary to have read the book before you attend the sessions.

 
 
 


Cost per person

Based on double occupancy £655pp

Based on single occupancy £765pp

Based on non-residency £365pp

Booking:

Pay a £135 deposit per person and fill out the booking form to secure your place: 

Quantity:
Book now

Reservations are made on a first-come-first-served basis. Please note that we will refund deposits wherever we are able to find a replacement for you.

For any queries, call 07787 505072. 

Cost includes

  • Two nights’ accommodation at the four-star Hanbury Manor Hotel, inc breakfast*

  • Six bridge sessions with Andrew

  • Three optional supervised play sessions

  • Three-course sit-down dinner on Friday** 

  • Three-course sit-down dinner on Saturday**

  • Full use of Hanbury Manor’s leisure facilities, including swimming pool, gym and access to the golf course (green fee payable)

* Breakfast included for residents only

** Drinks are not included

Weekend itinerary

Friday 8 November

·   4.10pm Tea and coffee on arrival. Optional teas and coffees in the Assembly Hall, a chance to mingle before the first of your learning sessions begins.

·   4.40pm-6pm Strong Notrump and Responding

In this first session, we explore the 15-17 Notrump range – the same basic structure as over a weak Notrump but partner needs less for game and slam (spoiler alert, there will be at least one of those!)

·   6.30pm Three-course set-menu dinner.

·   8.15pm-9.45pm Bridge with Supervision (optional): Andrew and his team supervise play in the Thundridge Room.

Saturday 9 November

·   7am-9.30am Breakfast (for residents)

·   09.40am-11.00am Session Two – Opening One Club/One Diamond

Andrew favours the modern approach whereby a One Diamond opener guarantees at least four cards, so the One Club opener may have only two. We’ll talk about 4441s too.

·    11.20am-12.40pm Session Three – Responding to One Club/Diamond

In this action-packed session, Andrew will guide you through four important treatments/conventions, key to good Strong and Fives bidding: Walsh, Checkback Stayman, Support Doubles and Inverted Minor-suit raises.

·    3pm-4.30pm Bridge with Supervision (optional): Andrew and his team supervise play in the Thundridge Room.

·    5pm-6.20pm Session Four – Two-over-One

This is the best part of the whole system. Playing a Two-level response in a new suit as game-forcing is clearly a great arrangement, eliminating such perennial issues as reversing and how far bids are forcing. It certainly facilitates slam bidding …

·    6.30pm Three-course sit-down dinner.

·    8.15pm-9.45pm Bridge with Supervision (optional): Andrew and his team supervise play in the Thundridge Room.


Sunday 10 November

·   7am-9.30am Breakfast (for residents)

·   09.40am-11.00am Session Five – The Wide-ranging 1NT response

This is best played as non-forcing, even though it can be up to 12 points – a corollary of Two-over-One. We explore the method and realise it’s very playable!

·   11.20am-12.40pm Session Six – Defending against Strong & Fives

Whether you decide to play the system, you definitely want to learn how best to play against it. In this last session we do precisely that.

·   Depart at your leisure

 

HANBURY MANOR:

Set in 200 acres of Hertfordshire parkland, the historic Hanbury Manor, Marriott Hotel & Country Club is a four-star hotel within an hour’s drive from London. Dating from the 16th century, this English country estate is the perfect place to relax.

DELUXE HOTEL:

Stay at the four-star Hanbury Manor Hotel, with breakfast and dinner included in your stay. The hotel is furnished to a high standard: all rooms are en suite, with television, mini-bar, tea and coffee-making facilities. You'll have complimentary use of Hanbury Manor’s leisure facilities, including its gym, swimming pool, steam room and sauna. The hotel also has an 18-hole championship golf course.