This quote comes directly from Dee Berry, author of Cuebids in a Nutshell. While we establish fundamental bidding competency through common conventions like Stayman and Jacoby Transfers, the biggest leap you will take as a growing player is through the cuebid.

Due to their artificial nature, cuebids may seem daunting, but are surprisingly easy to comprehend and use. Perhaps you have never made a cuebid before, or perhaps you have tried a few of them but felt uncertain about whether you were using them properly. Either way, this class series is for you!

Join Curt for a set of lessons designed to make you comfortable with the most common cuebids and grow your bidding capability exponentially in the process.

Lesson 1: Cuebids by the responder after an opening bid and an overcall by the opponents. We will talk about the forcing nature of the cuebid being invitational at the lower end but unlimited on the upper end and promising support for the opener’s suit.

Lesson 2: Cuebids by the advancer to an overcall. We’ll look at similar types of auctions from the side that overcalled after the opponents open the bidding; we will also address the meaning of the jump cuebid by advancer.

Lesson 3: Cuebids in response to a takeout double and as a replacement for Stayman when there is interference over our 1NT opening.

Lesson 4: Cuebids as probes for 3NT and by the opener to show certain types of strong hands, often hands with a long minor suit that are too good for a jump rebid of the minor.

Lessons will remain available to view for at least one year.

About Curt Soloff

Curt brings more than 27 years of competitive duplicate bridge experience to the table.  A Sapphire Life Master who provides professional bridge teaching services in Colorado and online to students around the globe, Curt previously served as the manager of the Castle Rock Bridge Club from 2009 until 2020.  He was a columnist for the District 17 Scorecard and his playing career includes numerous regional and sectional tournament event victories.

He was the first recipient of the Denver Unit’s Jan Janitschke Award in 2020 for outstanding teaching and mentoring.

Recommendations from Curt’s students:

  “Curt is an amazing Bridge teacher! His passion for Bridge is unparalleled. He is able to impart his expertise and wealth of knowledge to students, no matter what their level, in such a manner that not only serves to improve their game, but fosters love of the game and makes learning it fun!”

– Leslie J.

“I was a beginner bridge player when I started taking bridge lessons from Curt 3 years ago. My understanding of the bidding, play of the hand and defense has greatly improved. I was hearing about so many different “Best Practices” from so many different people at the ‘Club’ that it was overwhelming and confusing. Curt’s teaching method, patient approach and communication skills has allowed me to make significant advancements in my understanding and implementation of my Bridge game. Curt has helped me gain confidence, comfort, and more success at the bridge table.”

– Bob B.

“I’m grateful to have Curt teaching me the game of Bridge. He’s extremely articulate and is able to explain the intricacies of bidding and play of the hands in a way that makes things clear and understandable. I’ve been taking lessons from him for three years, and throughout that time he has been patient, even when I repeat the same mistakes. He’ll remind me, and/or explain it again with patience and clarity. He also puts together teaching series focused on various subjects such as bidding conventions. These have been extremely helpful in advancing my understanding of the game. Overall, because of his teaching, my bridge skills have improved dramatically.”

– Jan Y.

“Curt is an amazing teacher. He stays on task, and does not go off on tangents. He is very knowledgeable about bridge, and presents the material in a clear and concise manner. He presents the material so it makes sense, and he has a kind way of explaining why you cannot make crazy bids! He is very generous with his time and I feel I can ask him any question, no matter how basic, or silly. He is an amazing man.”

– Sandra M.

“Curt Soloff is a gifted teacher whose clear explanations and sample hands make key bridge concepts very accessible. He is generous and patient when students have questions or want to understand the thought process behind his line of play at the table. His classes have really helped me improve my game!”

– Margot L.

“Curt is one of the most thorough, thoughtful, well prepared teachers. He is very knowledgeable and passionate about bridge and always goes deeper into the subject matter more than expected. And he has a good sense of humour! He answers questions well and patiently no matter how complex or not. Very happy pupil,”

– Karen B.