Hanbury Manor, Ware, Hertfordshire
Friday 7th March - Sunday 9th March 2025
Inspired by his book and DVD-download, The Next Level, Andrew has constructed 10 sessions, each covering a different topic that will instruct and delight. The 1hr 20-minute lessons include Modern Notrump Rebids, Sensational Stayman, Signal and Discard, The Early Play in Notrumps, Avoiding the Danger Hand, Part-score Competition and The Law, Penalising the Opponents, Thinking Leads, Trial Bidding and Control Bidding. Our maximum group size is 100 people, ie 25 bridge tables, so we recommend that you book early to avoid disappointment.
Some will have read up on the lessons beforehand. You can purchase Andrew’s book of The Next Level here, or download it in film format here. Others prefer to learn afresh – it is not necessary to have seen or read The Next Level before you attend these sessions.
BOOK NOW
Cost per person
Based on double occupancy £685pp
Based on single occupancy £785pp
Based on non-residency £385pp
Booking:
Pay a £135 deposit per person and fill out the booking form to secure your place:
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*
Ten bridge sessions with Andrew
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)
* drinks are not included
** set menu meal; drinks are not included
Weekend itinerary
Friday 7th March 2025
· 3.30pm Optional teas and coffees in the Assembly Hall, a chance to mingle before the first of your learning sessions begins.
· 3.50pm-5.10pm: Modern Notrump Bidding
Based on Chapter 1 in my orange Next Level book, we explore the tweaked ranges enabling better conversation, and what to do if an opponent interferes.
· 5.20pm-6.40pm: Sensational Stayman
Based on Chapter 2 in my orange Next Level book, we will explore just how powerful Stayman is. I think you’ll be surprised!
· 6.50pm Three-course set menu dinner
· 8.30pm-9.50pm: Signal and Discard
(Chapter 17). Some fun and instructive deals focussing on co-operative defence.
Saturday 8th March 2025
· 7am-9.30am Breakfast (for residents)
· 09.40am-11am: The early play in Notrumps
(Chapter 25). Duck or win? And where to win? A good lesson to get the brain into gear.
· 11.10am-12.30pm: Avoiding the Danger Hand
(Chapter 26). Your opponents each have 13 cards. Sometimes, one can do you damage while the other is safe. We focus on how you identify the Danger hand, then what to do about it.
· 3pm-4.20pm: Part-score competition and The Law
(Chapter 32). The Law of Total Tricks is a fascinating and very helpful tool in the competitive auction. It’s not how many high-card points you have, it’s how many trumps you have that counts.
· 4.30pm-5.50pm: Penalising the opponents
(Chapter 8). Recognising when to penalise the opponents – none of us double enough. And there’s a Lightner double thrown in.
· 6pm-7.20pm: Thinking Leads
(Chapters 13, 33, 34). Active or passive? Trying to gain, or trying not to lose? I hope an eye-opening session on defence.
· 7.30pm-9pm: Three-course set menu dinner
Sunday 9th March 2025
· 7am-9am Breakfast (for residents)
· 09.40am-11.00am: Trial Bidding
(Chapter 22). You’ve found your trump suit. Trial bidding is the best way to find the level. In this lesson, we demystify this area of cooperate constructive bidding.
· 11.10am-12.30pm: Control Bidding
(Chapter 23). Co-operative slam bidding – so often RKCB will not tell you what you need to know. Only control-bidding will do it. We’ll declare some fascinating high-level contacts to round off the weekend.
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 Marriott 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.