Learn to play Bridge from scratch

Your Seat at the Table.
Learn Bridge, one hand at a time.

A step-by-step guide to the fundamentals of Bridge. From card values and bidding basics to strategy at the table, you'll build the foundation and confidence to start playing right away.

From John D. Mayfield, creator of the 5-Minutes Series. Made in honor of his mom, Pat, who loved this game.

Instant access · Learn on any device · Go at your own pace

Your Seat at the Table: Learn to Play Bridge

Sound familiar?

You've always wanted to learn Bridge. It just looks so complicated.

Maybe your parents played. Maybe friends have a regular game and keep inviting you. You'd love to say yes, but between the bidding, the trumps and the tricks, it feels like everyone else knows a secret language.

"I don't understand what the bids even mean."
"How do you know how many points your hand is worth?"
"I'd hate to let my partner down."

Good news: nobody is born knowing Bridge. Everyone learns it one piece at a time. This course puts those pieces in the right order, so the game finally makes sense.

Why I made this course

My mom loved Bridge.
This one's for her.

It started with Pat

My mom, Pat Mayfield, was my mentor and my friend. She loved Bridge, and I never learned to play. This course is my way of honoring her, and of finally learning the game she loved.

A game for a lifetime

After she retired, Mom played Bridge online almost every night, with friends all over the world. She kept playing even after she moved to assisted living. That's what this game can give you.

Built for true beginners

I started from zero, so this course does too: plain words, small steps and a clear path from your first hand to your first game.

The transformation

Where you are now, and where this takes you

Thirteen cards and no idea what to doKnowing what your hand is worth
Bidding that sounds like a secret codeMaking and understanding the basic bids
"What's a trump? What's a trick?"Following the play, trick by trick
Worried about letting your partner downWorking together as a real partnership
Watching from the sidelinesTaking your seat at the table, ready to play

What you'll learn

From your first hand to your first game

Short, friendly lessons that build on each other, one step at a time.

STEP 1

The Cards & the Table

Partners, the deal, card values and how to count the points in your hand.

STEP 2

Bidding Basics

How the auction works, what opening bids mean and how partners talk through their bids.

STEP 3

Playing the Hand

Tricks, trumps and the contract: how a hand is played from the opening lead to the last card.

STEP 4

Strategy at the Table

Simple strategies that help you and your partner make your contract, and enjoy the game.

John D. Mayfield

Your guide

Hi, I'm John Mayfield.

I've spent nearly five decades teaching, mostly real estate, and I created the 5-Minutes Series to make learning anything feel simple: short lessons, clear steps, and lots of practice.

Bridge is personal for me. My mom, Pat, played it with friends around the world almost every night. I built Your Seat at the Table in her honor, for anyone who has ever wanted to learn the game and didn't know where to start, including me.

Join today

Pull up a chair

Your Seat at the Table: Learn to Play Bridge course cover
$48
  • A step-by-step path for complete beginners
  • Card values and how to count your hand
  • Bidding basics, explained in plain words
  • How a hand is played, trick by trick
  • Simple strategy for you and your partner
  • Learn on any device, at your own pace
30-day money-back guarantee. Take the course for a full month. If it isn't right for you, just ask for a refund.

What students say

Learning from John

★★★★★

"John Mayfield has been the most friendly and helpful instructor of my career! His courses are exceptional, from the study guides to the practice tests, I was able to pass my exam with flying colors. Thank you John!"

Lara P.Google review
★★★★★

"John has a great course! His voice is so pleasant on the recordings. Learning made simple! … He always answered promptly when I had a question. Hope to meet you someday John!"

Betty M.Google review
★★★★★

"A special thank you to John Mayfield for his excellent instruction. John does a fantastic job of presenting the material in a clear, concise, and practical way. … Five stars all the way!"

Paul R.Google review

From Google reviews of John's real estate courses at Global Real Estate School.

Questions

Frequently asked

I've never played a card game like this. Is this for me?

Yes. The course starts from scratch and assumes you know nothing about Bridge.

Which kind of Bridge is this?

Contract Bridge, the game played at kitchen tables, clubs and online all over the world.

Do I need a partner to take the course?

No. You can learn on your own. When you're ready to play, you'll find partners with friends, at a local club or online.

How long does it take?

The lessons are short, so you can learn in small bites at your own pace and replay anything as often as you like.

How long do I have access?

Unlimited. Once you enroll, the course is yours to come back to anytime: replay lessons, review the materials and practice as often as you like.

What if it isn't right for me?

You're covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If the course isn't a fit, ask for a refund within 30 days.

A few minutes at a time

The cards are dealt.
Your seat is waiting.

Start Your Seat at the Table today, and be ready for your first real game sooner than you think.

Start Learning Bridge for $4830-day money-back guarantee
Available now on Amazon

The companion book

Take the lessons off the screen. Your Seat at the Table is available now in print on Amazon, a handy companion to keep at the table.

See it on Amazon ↗

Weekly encouragement

Five minutes of encouragement, every week

Each week John sends a short motivational tip, a recorded affirmation or a quick video. You'll also be the first to hear when new courses launch, plus subscriber-only offers.

  • Weekly tip or video
  • New course alerts
  • Subscriber offers