Any potential student may question whether he should read a book, take classes, or both. 

If you have played bridge in the past, you may be able to read a book and absorb the changes that have occurred since you were last at the table. The better alternative may be, though you understand the game, to enroll in classes. You will probably find that classes sharpen your current skills and teach you new ones.

If you have never played bridge before, you will likely need both a book and classes. You may be one of the rare individuals who can read a book and understand the game. If so, good for you. Most people find that they need the guidance of a teacher, and they appreciate the instant feedback they receive as they learn the game.

If you, prior player or not, enroll in classes and think you need to retake any (or all) of them, do not feel inadequate. Retaking classes is common, and my students who return invariably tell me that they missed some important information the first go around. Spending the time to really learn the game will benefit you in the long run.

In this technological age, you may be encouraged to take online classes. A lucky student might be able to find just the right fit. However, should a student be fortunate enough to have nearby classes, he should take advantage of the live interaction and personal tips.

So, where should one start?

In my opinion, everyone should start with both a book and classes.

Here's my bridge story, should you wish to read it ____________________________________________

I started playing bridge at age 18. At that time, class meant a quick five minutes learning a bridge adage, then playing the game. I didn't take formal bridge classes until age 45.

Now I shudder to think how terribly I must have played during those 27 years of "bridge!"

While I had fun with my friends, I had the nagging feeling that I was missing something. I purchased a bridge book (rather a tome, as it was three inches thick), but it was written for the player who possessed a greater knowledge of terminology than I had. Though I'd played for quite some time, I quickly became dazed and confused. The other books I investigated were not for beginners, and the internet did not yet exist.

When I started taking lessons, it was as if a beacon had been turned on inside a dark cave.

Combining my previous bridge experiences, new classes, and independent study, I finally understood the "true" game (remember, I'm 45 at this point, so time is sort of running out). While this was uplifting, I will always feel a bit down when I think about the 27 years of lost time. I wish someone had encouraged me to take classes.

Through study, I realized that bridge has a logical framework. Once you understand the framework, you operate within it to achieve your goal - winning, of course!

So what made me write a book for beginners? You can figure out one reason - my distress over difficult-to-understand bridge books.

Here's another reason. When I started bridge classes, I made new friends who were as interested in bridge as I was, so we met to practice. Sometimes things went smoothly, but other times we'd hit a snag and not know how to proceed. In the middle of playing cards, we would consult the book we used in class, frantically flipping through the pages for the solution to our dilemma. Unfortunately, we found out that our book was razor thin on information other than the absolute basics, so it was of little help when it counted.

There had to be a better way.

Years later, when I was approached to teach beginning bridge classes at my local club, I recalled the difficulties I'd encountered. I didn't want my students to experience the frustration with bridge that I had, so I ultimately ended up writing a book for the beginner to intermediate player. It was written under the assumption that the reader knows nothing about bridge, or even card games in general, so it opens with a thorough explanation of terminology. Next comes the basics, slowly and clearly teaching the framework of the game. Nearing the end of the book, when the student 1) has learned how to play, 2) has played in class for a while, and 3) is ready for more, there is a section that goes the next step, answering the questions that players may have when no teacher is around. The book contains several charts, diagrams, and summarizations, encouraging vitally important self-study. My students, who knew I was writing a book, graciously gave me their input. This assured me that it could be easily understood by total beginners. Best of all, everything is found in ONE BOOK, a book that is not three inches thick.

In other words, I wrote the book that I wish I'd had when I originally started out.

Don't be discouraged.

Everyone comes to this realization fairly quickly. Many beginning bridge players were searching for an easy, fun, new hobby when they decided upon bridge. Then they find out that bridge is unlike other card games - it cannot be learned it in one afternoon or evening.

Fortunately, you don't have to be a perfect player to enjoy the game. The enjoyment comes from having group of friends with a common goal. The goal may be to chat and have fun in a relaxed atmosphere, or the goal may be to play in a more competitive environment.

What is the shortest route to learning the game? Attend class and study your book.

What is the longest route to learning the game? Don't attend class and never study at all.

You are, but that is the nature of the game.

Don't let it concern you too much in the early days. 

There is a learning curve, so allow yourself time to understand all the moving parts of the game. If you attend class, listen to the discussion, and note what happens during the ensuing cardplay, you will figure it out. Rest assured, an epiphany is coming. It may not happen today or tomorrow, but it will happen.