Certification
Accredited Bridge Teacher
American Contract Bridge League, 2010
Self-reported
All professionals
Board and card games in Verona
Ivy Clarke
Board and card games: Beginner bridge and friendly duplicate
Bridge teacher who makes bidding finally make sense, even if you have never played a single hand
- 4.8 from 6 reviews
- Lives in Verona
- All five checks passed
Ask a question before you book. Contact details stay private.
MahjongBridge
- Mahjong: Needs 4 players. You set up the table, the pro brings the game.
- Bridge: Learn the bidding or sharpen your play with a patient partner.
Mahjong and Canasta are booked as at least 4 visits.
Credentials
Award
Silver Life Master
American Contract Bridge League, 2018
Self-reported
About me
My parents played bridge every Friday night with the same three couples for forty years, and I learned by watching over my father's shoulder. I did not get serious about it until my thirties, when I joined a club that met in the basement of a church in Verona. I have been teaching it since 2010.
Bridge has a reputation for being hard, and the bidding is the part that puts people off. So I start with play first, no bidding at all, using hands I have dealt in advance. Once you feel comfortable taking tricks, we add simple bidding one step at a time. I use large print cards and a bidding chart you can keep on the table. If you have a regular group, I am happy to teach the whole table at once.
When I am not dealing cards, I am usually walking around the lake at Verona Park or arguing about crossword answers with my husband.
What a first visit looks like
- 1
Minute 0 to 10
We talk about which card games you know, since rummy and hearts both help with bridge.
- 2
Minute 10 to 25
I explain tricks, trumps and following suit using four hands I have dealt in advance.
- 3
Minute 25 to 55
We play those hands out together, with all cards face up at first so you can see the logic.
- 4
Minute 55 to 60
I show you the first page of my bidding chart and leave it with you to look over.
What to have ready
Nothing to buy before the first visit
- A card table or dining table
- Four chairs if friends join
- Good bright light
- Reading glasses if needed
Where Ivy goes
- VeronaLives here
- Caldwell
- Montclair
- North Caldwell
- West Orange
Where in the home
Dining tableCommunity room
Usual week
Mon
9am
to 1pmTue
Off
Wed
9am
to 1pmThu
Off
Fri
9am
to 1pmSat
Off
Sun
Off
What families say
“Second month now. Still the highlight of Dad's week.”
Andre P.
“Patient with my dad, who can be a lot. Worth every penny.”
Luis J.
“My mother says it is the best part of her Tuesday.”
Mark N.
“Patient with the slow players, which is all of us.”
Steve D.
“Booked it as a gift for my grandmother. She keeps asking for more.”
Joanne G.
“Good energy without being too much. Mom liked that.”
Karen M.
Checked and vetted
- Online search
- A real conversation with our team
- Signed provider agreement
- Criminal background check
- National sex offender registry check
$85 per hour
Plus a $2.50 booking fee and 10% service fee.
Free cancellation up to 3 days before.