Online Bridge Lessons
Live private bridge lessons tailored to your skill level. Based in Istanbul and teaching since 2009, Erdem Öztürk offers interactive, real-time instruction through Zoom audio-video and Bridge Base Online (BBO) for bridge enthusiasts anywhere in the world.
Available Lesson Topics
Whether you are stepping into the world of contract bridge for the first time or seeking to refine advanced bidding and defensive card play, lessons are structured around clear principles, pre-prepared practice deals, and interactive table analysis.
Beginner Bridge Lessons
Learn bridge fundamentals from the ground up: card play mechanics, trick taking, hand evaluation with High Card Points, standard suit opening bids, and basic defense.
Intermediate Bridge Lessons
Take your game past the basics: declarer play planning in suit and NT contracts, danger hand management, avoidance play, takeout Dbl, and competitive auctions.
2/1 Game Forcing Lessons
Master modern tournament bidding: the game-forcing principle, 1NT forcing and semi-forcing responses, opener rebids, fast arrival, Bergen raises, and slam tries.
Standard American (SAYC)
Speak the international language of online bridge: 5-card majors, strong 1NT with Stayman and Jacoby transfers, weak two bids, negative Dbl, and Blackwood 4NT.
Bridge Defense Lessons
Sharpen the most demanding 50% of the game: opening leads against suit and no-trump, defensive attitude and count signals, suit preference, second hand low, and counting declarer's tricks.
How Online Lessons Work
Taking private bridge lessons online offers an exceptionally effective training environment. You participate from the comfort of your home, observing real cards on the digital table and discussing strategy in real time.
Zoom + BBO Teaching Table
We connect via Zoom for crystal-clear audio and screen sharing while operating a dedicated teaching table on Bridge Base Online (BBO). You play the cards and bid as you would at a tournament table.
Custom-Prepared Hands
Every lesson features carefully constructed bridge hands that isolate specific tactical themes—such as endplays, finesses, or defensive signals—allowing targeted practice rather than waiting for random deals.
Interactive Discussion
Every bid and card played is discussed in real time. You can ask questions freely, explore alternative lines of play, and immediately see the mathematical consequences of different choices.
Practice Hands for Review
Key deals and summary notes are provided so you can replay the lesson boards and reinforce bidding rules and card play techniques between your scheduled sessions.
Lesson Hours & International Time Zones
Because lessons take place online, appointments can be scheduled across convenient slots for players in the United Kingdom, North America, Europe, and beyond. Below is an overview of regular training availability:
| Region / City | Time Zone | Typical Available Windows |
|---|---|---|
| London & UK | GMT / BST | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| New York & US Eastern | EST / EDT | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| US Central & Pacific | CST / PST | Morning slots by arrangement |
| Central Europe (Paris, Berlin) | CET / CEST | 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Istanbul (Local) | TRT (UTC+3) | 13:00 – 22:00 |
Times can be adjusted to accommodate individual scheduling preferences. When inquiring, simply mention your local city and preferred days.
About Your Instructor
Erdem Öztürk began playing bridge in 2002 at Middle East Technical University (METU) and has been teaching professionally since 2009. He is a Turkish Bridge Federation (TBF) Certified Senior Instructor and an Official Tournament Director.
His international bridge instructional material includes the comprehensive English-language video course "Learn to Play Bridge" on Udemy, as well as regular strategic game analysis published on YouTube.
Ready to Improve Your Bridge?
Get in touch with your current bridge background, the topics you would like to study, and your preferred weekly time window. We will coordinate a tailored lesson plan for you.