[y66]

For those of you involved in promoting bridge (and would be future promoters), how do you suggest getting the word out to prospective future bridge players, that you are planning a one day class for newcomers 2 months from now?

This is strictly a promotional venture which you have taken on, perhaps in a moment of weakness, thinking it might be a fun way to give something back to the game.

The promotion budget is whatever you raise from nominal fees minus classroom rental, teaching materials and lunch!

You have access to email lists, web sites and printed media from the local unit. You plan to make full use of these channels, but they don’t seem to reach very far into the market you’re trying to tap into, which is located in a large metropolitan area.

I’m asking for a friend.

[y66]

Found some good ideas from Beverly Gardner, Gail Hanson and others at http://acbl.org/asse...e_workshops.pdf including:

Publicity was mostly by word of mouth

A large part of the success in getting the word out was due to announcements made at local games asking players to please take flyers for their “kitchen bridge” friends.

Volunteers went to all local games, classes, civic centers and senior centers to talk to the bridge groups there, and they distributed flyers.

One of the “fifth member” volunteers went to some social clubs in the area and talked to their players. A sixth non-committee member was very helpful, since she was dedicated to getting the word out to every one she knew in any place she went. She even put posters up in beauty salons.

First-time players were told that they did NOT have to join ACBL, that there would be a lot of novices who knew no more than they did and that teachers would be at the workshop to help them.

[kenrexford]

I have no idea whether this would work or not, but I thought about the idea of posting this at a coffee shop, maybe one that have the right feel to it. I notice occasional posting at the coffee shop for chess and chess games. I would imagine that a coffee shop would love to have people hang out during the slow hours to learn/play bridge, while of course buying and drinking coffee and snacks and the like. I'd also imagine that people who like hanging out at coffee shops might like bridge, because people who play bridge tend to like coffee.

There may be other variations of this. The basic idea is to find a business that might have something to gain by promoting bridge and then use their own marketing.

For that matter, I wish that I was in a town that had more players (other than me and my wife) young enough to pull off playing bridge at a coffee shop. How better to market the game to younger adults? I mean, a lot of folks play bridge at home or at the club, even after hours. Some of the best fun is into the wee hours.

Well, take the game to the local all-nighter coffee shop. The coffee shop gains by having your business for coffee, and just looking busy. People milling around, even if trashed, are probably the types who would play bridge. A lively game of bridge might draw some attention and garner interest. Then, you advise folks of lessons.

[TimG]

kenrexford, on Feb 9 2008, 03:11 PM, said:

A lively game of bridge

In my experience, that is something of an oxymoron.

[y66]

Will definitely give the coffee shop bulletin boards a try. Good idea. Thanks.

[Tola18]

kenrexford, on Feb 9 2008, 03:11 PM, said:

had more players (other than me and my wife) young enough to pull off playing bridge .... How better to market the game to younger adults?

I mean, a lot of folks play bridge at home or at the club, even after hours. Some of the best fun is into the wee hours.

Yeah. Bridge has a certain air of a game for senior citizens (ie 60+).

How to get younger people, yes even youngsters, of both sexes?


If you use some form of material where photos are possible, do have photos of younger people playing (or possibly wellknown players)...

Courses designate at juniors: a lot of junior photos.
Courses /events designate at grown up, but still young people: photos of these ages.


If you cant have photos, try to mention it in words.

[y66]

Will get some photos into the promotional handouts, including tournament players and younger players.

Posted on craigslist yesterday.

Hitting coffee shops this week.

Thanks for suggestions.

[Elianna]

Make sure that you have permission to use these photos. Both from the people who took them, and the people that are in them.

[jtfanclub]

TimG, on Feb 9 2008, 03:15 PM, said:

kenrexford, on Feb 9 2008, 03:11 PM, said:

A lively game of bridge

In my experience, that is something of an oxymoron.

What is he supposed to promote, a deadly game of bridge?

Bookstores are often great places to advertise these kinds of things.

[mycroft]

I'd look in the Legion (or your country's equivalent - Veteran's association clubs) or anywhere else they have euchre, gin rummy, or hearts evenings.

No, it won't bring in young players, but they already like cards and understand trumps, and probably have at least heard of Bridge.

[A2003]

Play or defend type hands should be selected and pre-dealt.
Final contract is established with various bidding shown.
Everyone plays or defend same contract.
This will allow to improve the playing and defense skill.
Recommend at least once a week, in club games or on-line tournament games.
This will lure lot of players who does not like the bidding portion of the bridge.
Bidding is complex to start with.
Once the players get used to playing freely for various contracts, then bidding portion is introduced.
This is how I learned to play Bridge.
I think, playing comfortably to play the hand is more important before learning the bidding process.

[TimG]

jtfanclub, on Feb 12 2008, 11:34 AM, said:

TimG, on Feb 9 2008, 03:15 PM, said:

kenrexford, on Feb 9 2008, 03:11 PM, said:

A lively game of bridge

In my experience, that is something of an oxymoron.

What is he supposed to promote, a deadly game of bridge?

Bookstores are often great places to advertise these kinds of things.

My point was that you shouldn't market bridge as something it is not. If you do, don't be surprised when those who you attract to your lessons are disappointed and choose not to pursue the game.

[CSGibson]

If you're looking to attract young bridge players, then:

1) the lessons should be free for anyone under 27 (random age, pick your own).

2) You should put fliers up at niche shops that sell educational games, chess clubs, and in the math/science departments of local colleges.

Bridge players in general can be Craig's list, book stores, coffee shops, senior centers, whatever.

[y66]

Thanks for additional suggestions. All very helpful and appreciated. Will try hitting all of those spots.

Pricing is already set, with a substantial student discount. Will ask volunteer coordinator to consider additional student discount, for example, if student brings a tear-off coupon.

[finally17]

Quote

1) the lessons should be free for anyone under 27 (random age, pick your own).

Yes.

Quote

2) You should put fliers up at niche shops that sell educational games, chess clubs, and in the math/science departments of local colleges.

High school math teams as well.

[y66]

General promotion. Not targeted at any specific demographic. Would prefer to attract a somewhat younger, more diverse group of players than an older, less diverse group if possible.

[Rossoneri]

finally17, on Feb 18 2008, 12:56 AM, said:

Quote

1) the lessons should be free for anyone under 27 (random age, pick your own).

Yes.

Quote

2) You should put fliers up at niche shops that sell educational games, chess clubs, and in the math/science departments of local colleges.

High school math teams as well.

I second that...most of my other friends are considered the maths-y kind as well...

What about promoting bridge for couples? I know some might find it crazy, but it might just well work.

[finally17]

Rossoneri, on Feb 18 2008, 06:03 AM, said:

What about promoting bridge for couples? I know some might find it crazy, but it might just well work.

Given some of the couples I've known who play bridge together, I find it scary.

[CSGibson]

Rossoneri, on Feb 18 2008, 03:03 AM, said:

finally17, on Feb 18 2008, 12:56 AM, said:

Quote

1) the lessons should be free for anyone under 27 (random age, pick your own).

Yes.

Quote

2) You should put fliers up at niche shops that sell educational games, chess clubs, and in the math/science departments of local colleges.

High school math teams as well.

I second that...most of my other friends are considered the maths-y kind as well...

What about promoting bridge for couples? I know some might find it crazy, but it might just well work.

I helped break up a marriage by teaching a young couple I know to play bridge; I wouldn't want that on my conscience...

[blackshoe]

Sounds like you've already got in on your conscience.