Prerequisites: Comfortable with opening bids, responses, and the four core conventions (Stayman, Transfers, Blackwood, Takeout Doubles). Not there yet? Start Beginner →
Intermediate Bridge
Learning Path
You know the basics — now get competitive. This path covers the tools that separate the occasional player from someone who actually wins at the table.
Module 1
Competitive Bidding
The opponents won't just let you bid undisturbed. Learn how to compete, push them around, and stay out of trouble.
Key Concepts
- Overcalls: when and what to bid over their opening
- Jump overcalls and preemptive overcalls
- The Michaels cuebid (two-suited overcalls)
- Unusual 2NT (minors overcall)
- When to let them play vs. sacrificing
Practice with Brian
Ask Brian to deal hands with opponent interference. Practice deciding when to overcall vs. pass.
Open Brian →Readiness Check — before moving on
Can you do each of these without looking it up?
- I can decide when an overcall is safe vs. risky
- I know what Michaels shows and how to respond to it
- I understand the Unusual 2NT convention
- I can evaluate when to sacrifice vs. let them play
Module 2
Negative Doubles & Responding to Doubles
The negative double is one of the most-used conventions in modern bridge — and most beginners misuse it.
Key Concepts
- Negative doubles: what they show and what they don't
- When to use a negative double vs. a natural bid
- Responding to opponent's takeout double
- Redoubles and what they mean
- Support doubles
Articles to Read
Practice with Brian
Practice competitive auctions with Brian — he'll create hands where a negative double is the right call.
Open Brian →Readiness Check — before moving on
Can you do each of these without looking it up?
- I can correctly identify when a double is negative vs. takeout vs. penalty
- I know what a negative double promises in terms of suit length and HCP
- I can respond correctly when partner doubles
- I understand support doubles and when to use them
Module 3
2/1 Game-Forcing System
The standard system among intermediate-to-advanced players. A 2/1 response forces the partnership to game — simplifying many auctions.
Key Concepts
- What makes a bid "game-forcing"
- 2/1 responses: 2♣, 2♦, 2♥ after 1M openings
- When 2/1 applies vs. when you need 1NT forcing
- Forcing 1NT: the catch-all response for weaker hands
- Continuing after 2/1: showing shape and slam interest
Articles to Read
Practice with Brian
Tell Brian you want to practice 2/1 auctions. Go through 10 hands focusing on the initial response and the rebid.
Open Brian →Readiness Check — before moving on
Can you do each of these without looking it up?
- I know which hands are strong enough for a 2/1 response
- I understand when forcing 1NT is the right call instead
- I can continue the auction correctly after a 2/1 response
- I know how fourth suit forcing works
Module 4
Game Tries & Slam Invitations
How to probe for game or slam after finding a fit — without over- or under-committing.
Key Concepts
- Limit raises: showing 10–12 points with trump support
- Bergen raises: 3-card vs. 4-card support structure
- Game tries: long suit, short suit, and help suit
- Jacoby 2NT: showing a strong raise with slam interest
- Splinter bids: shortness with trump fit
Articles to Read
Practice with Brian
Ask Brian to quiz you on when to invite game vs. bid it directly. How do you show a limit raise?
Open Brian →Readiness Check — before moving on
Can you do each of these without looking it up?
- I can distinguish limit raises, Bergen raises, and Jacoby 2NT
- I understand the three types of game tries
- I know what a splinter bid promises
- I can decide whether to bid game directly or invite
Module 5
Declarer Play & Defense Fundamentals
Bidding gets you to the right contract — play gets you the tricks. These fundamentals apply every single hand.
Key Concepts
- Planning the play before playing card 1
- When to draw trumps vs. ruff first
- Finesses: how, when, and how often they work
- Hold-up plays in notrump
- Opening leads: fourth best, top of sequence, short suits
Articles to Read
Practice with Brian
Ask Brian to play hands with you as declarer. Have him point out where you should have planned earlier.
Open Brian →Readiness Check — before moving on
Can you do each of these without looking it up?
- I always count my losers before playing to trick 1
- I understand when to draw trumps immediately vs. when to wait
- I know how to execute a simple finesse
- I can identify when a hold-up play is correct in NT
Ready for the Advanced Path?
When competitive bidding feels natural and you can handle most auctions without hesitation — it's time to go expert.
Intermediate Path — Completion Criteria
- I can overcall, make Michaels, and use Unusual 2NT confidently
- I use negative doubles correctly in competitive auctions
- I understand and can play a 2/1 game-forcing system
- I know when to use splinter bids, Jacoby 2NT, and game tries
- I plan my play before touching dummy and understand basic finesses
Advanced Path
Slam bidding, control bids, squeeze plays, and expert-level conventions.
Start Advanced →Essential Conventions
Review the core conventions every player needs — great refresher as you advance.
View Conventions →Take Your Bidding to the Next Level
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