Education
January 2027 Mentor/Mentee Program
Open / all levels class
Class details
1. Mission & Background
The St. Louis Bridge Center’s mission is to “grow the game of bridge in St. Louis by offering classes and playing opportunities for students and players of all levels.”
To support this mission, the Education Committee has collaborated with local and national educators over the past year to expand and diversify our educational offerings. In September 2026, the committee met to plan a structured Mentor/Mentee Program as a core enhancement to our member education initiative.
2. Program Overview
2.1. Purpose
To retain new bridge members, accelerate their learning, and foster confidence as enthusiastic bridge players.
2.2. Description
The program pairs bridge players of differing skill levels in structured mentor/mentee relationships. Integrated community-building events and designated special games will facilitate connection, ongoing learning, and camaraderie.
3. Implementation Plan & Process
Recruitment: The Education Committee will invite prospective mentors and mentees in person, targeting an initial cohort of 15–20 mentees.
Questionnaire: Interested participants will complete a concise online or paper questionnaire detailing their goals and availability: Mentor Questionnaire | Mentee Questionnaire
Matching: The committee will match each mentee with a compatible mentor based on survey responses.
Initial Contact: Mentors will reach out to schedule their first shared playing session.
Communication Standards: Mentors will establish preferred communication channels so mentees feel supported asking questions after games and between sessions.
4. Definitions
Mentee: A newer player with 200 or fewer Masterpoints (MPs).
Mentor: An experienced bridge player willing to support learning and development.
5. Program Guidelines & Expectations
Frequency: Mentors and mentees should coordinate to play together at least once per month.
Convention Cards: Mentors will adopt the mentee’s standard convention card, introducing new conventions only at the mentee’s request.
Feedback & Table Etiquette: Pairs should agree on preferred feedback formats. Table discussion should remain minimal out of courtesy to opponents; if brief discussions occur at the table, ensure opponents consent and that play remains on schedule.
Post-Game Reviews: Pairs are encouraged to review hand records together after games at a mutually convenient time.
Mentor Ratios: A mentor may work with multiple mentees, but each mentee will be assigned a single mentor.
Mentor Attributes: Mentors should be welcoming, patient, supportive, and skilled at offering constructive feedback tailored to the mentee’s level.
Fees: Mentors and mentees are responsible for paying standard game fees.
Reassignment Policy: After 60 days, either party may request a pair reassignment without explanation ("no-fault"). Requests should be directed to any Education Committee member.
Engagement: Mentors and mentees will be invited to special program events.
Timeline & Kickoff: The first cohort of mentors and mentees will be selected by 12/31/2026. The committee will assign pairs and notify participants by 1/14/2027. Our kickoff event will feature a catered brunch before the first Mentor/Mentee game, scheduled for Sunday, 1/24/2027.
6. Special & Designated Games
To support the program, specific club games will be designated for mentor/mentee participation (though pairs may play in any regular game):
Tuesday 200 Game (10:00 AM): Designated weekly playing opportunity for pairs.
2nd & 4th Sunday Games (1:00 PM): Expand existing Life Master/Non-Life Master and Experienced/Rookie formats to integrate mentor/mentee pairs.
1st & 3rd Sunday Games (Proposed): Consider restructuring low-attendance Swiss teams games (3–5 tables) into mentor/mentee options, pending committee and board approval.
Saturday Afternoon Mentor/Mentee (Proposed): With enough interest this new game could be added on a regular basis.
7. Education Committee Members
- Julie Ertmann – jertmann@gmail.com
- Ann Hass
- Glenn Rehagen
- Donna Schaeffer
- Daniel Shavers
- John Wright