Recreation   

Bridge is a rich card game that is challenging and fun. This course is for people who have never played bridge, people who are returning to the game after a long absence and beginners looking to improve their game. Using many prepared examples, students will learn how to bid and how to play, along with many tips for advancing beyond the basics of the game. Most class days will include playing some full hands of bridge with guidance from the instructor. 

You can truly learn something new about the game of bridge forever. This course is geared for people who know a little about the game — they have played before and are familiar with the basics of bidding — and now want to improve their game. The focus will be on the fundamentals of the Standard American Five Card bidding system, followed by some good strategies for both playing (i.e., how to “make” your contracts) and for defending (i.e., how to defeat the opponents’ contracts). 

This course will cover a number of tips for players already familiar with the basics of the game of bridge. The ideal student is familiar with the content of my first two courses: Learn How to Play Bridge and Beginning Bridge 2. That is, some knowledge of the basics of the Standard American Five Card Major bidding system are assumed — though they will be reviewed during the course. Examples of topics include special uses of doubling, slam conventions, competitive bidding situations, opening leads guidelines, and general declarer and defensive strategies. Each class session will include a minimum of 45 minutes of students playing bridge hands.

Students will be introduced to the art of juggling two, three or more balls. Everyone is welcome; whether you have never touched a juggling ball or you can juggle already, you will make progress on your juggling journey. We will start each class with warm-up activities to prepare our bodies and minds for learning, progress to instructor’s demonstrations of new skills and spend lots of time on coached practice. Skills will be scaffolded as appropriate, with various activities to help your learning. If you wish to make quicker progress, suggestions for outside practice will be given. Students will actively participate during class, which includes bending over to retrieve dropped balls. Tables will be available to juggle over to reduce the effort of picking up.

NOTE: Equipment will be provided for use during class. Students are encouraged to bring their own juggling balls, if they have them. If you would like to take home one of the sets we use in class, they will be $15-$20. Recommended: 120- to 135-gram, 65-70 mm thuds or beanbags, from a quality company like Renegade or Firetoys. Signed liability waiver required to participate.

This fun and active course is for pickleball players who understand the game and want to meet players through a rotation/competitive type of play. All levels of players are welcome. There will be three classes during the term, each with 3½ hours of play. Players will learn format, partnering, stacking, hand signals, types of scoring, byes, types of pickleballs and when to utilize them. Timing and numbering of rotations will be taught with an emphasis on safety. Six games will be played in each class, with frequent rest breaks. You will be an active participant and connect with your partner in strategizing your game plan. This course is taught by experienced local players from the Ashland Oregon Pickleball Club. 

NOTE: This course will be at Lithia Park pickleball courts; court numbers 1-4 have been reserved from 8 a.m. to noon. Bring your favorite paddle and a hydrating drink and wear court shoes and a hat or visor. Eye protection is recommended. In the event of inclement weather, we will cancel. There is a $3 fee for pickleballs, payable to the instructor. Signed liability waiver required to participate. Class dates are 10/15, 10/29 and 11/19.