[dlks]

One way you might be able to find bridge teachers on BBO is to look for tables where there are a lot of Kibitzers. Click on "Help me find a game", then "List interesting tables". While this is frequently used to seek a seat at a higher-level game where the you need the permission of the host to be seated, the table list also indicates how many Kibs are watching each "interesting" game. Lots of Kibs means something very interesting is going on! Join a high-Kib-count table, making yourself another Kib, and click on each Player's name to see the player's profile. Most teachers will so indicate in their profiles. If you find a teacher you're interested in, rest assured that most of them are very approachable. You can even ask fellow Kibs if they know anything about the teacher, most students will be happy to provide a reference (one way or the other!). As a matter of manners, I strongly suggest that you DO NOT privately chat to the teacher (or to any player you do not know) during the lesson -- use the "My BBO" Mailbox feature to compose and send a message to the teacher after the lesson.

And here are two more things it's good to know if you use this method to find a teacher:
- Good teachers will adapt their teaching styles (number and type of table comments) to accommodate the needs of their immediate student, and
- Beware those teachers who kibitz at other teachers' tables and make snide comments -- They are "trolling" for students!

Good hunting!

[Antrax]

A word of caution: there's a class of self-professed experts that always draws a crowd of kibitzers, usually to mock them or enjoy their wild bidding and play. So, while certainly a good method, keep in mind having a high kib count doesn't always mean the table is interesting for the right reasons.
You can usually identify the "wrong" kind of table by either the description (it will have something like "exp++++++ fast play") or the usernames of the players (usually start with a 0 to be on top of the user list). It's not 100%, unfortunately, as sometimes good players get trapped in tables with the warning signs.

[diana_eva]

Anyone can write +++ and online lessons on their BBO profile, that doesn't mean all are good. And tables with many kibitzers aren't a guarantee of good bridge going on.

[diana_eva]

Antrax, on 2013-February-12, 09:20, said:

A word of caution: there's a class of self-professed experts that always draws a crowd of kibitzers, usually to mock them or enjoy their wild bidding and play. So, while certainly a good method, keep in mind having a high kib count doesn't always mean the table is interesting for the right reasons.
You can usually identify the "wrong" kind of table by either the description (it will have something like "exp++++++ fast play") or the usernames of the players (usually start with a 0 to be on top of the user list). It's not 100%, unfortunately, as sometimes good players get trapped in tables with the warning signs.

Yeah, what he says. Some tables attract crowds of kibbers who just want to make fun of fake experts.

[Fluffy]

you can also just mail me through BBO forums, I am cheaper than many I think

[dustinst22]

Unfortunately its very hard to find a quality teacher/mentor. Usually as in all things in life, you get what you pay for. Free almost always means low quality. Unless of course you're lucky enough to have friends who are great players and willing to help you.

My goal has always been to get myself to a level where better players would find it worthwhile to help/mentor me to the next level, as they see my potential.

[Vampyr]

dustinst22, on 2013-February-12, 13:31, said:

Unfortunately its very hard to find a quality teacher/mentor. Usually as in all things in life, you get what you pay for. Free almost always means low quality. Unless of course you're lucky enough to have friends who are great players and willing to help you.

My goal has always been to get myself to a level where better players would find it worthwhile to help/mentor me to the next level, as they see my potential.

Go to the pub after a game and treat them to drinks!

[dlks]

diana_eva, on 2013-February-12, 09:28, said:

Anyone can write +++ and online lessons on their BBO profile, that doesn't mean all are good. And tables with many kibitzers aren't a guarantee of good bridge going on.

You are absolutely right on both counts! As with everything on the internet, do your research before making any commitment. Teachers' profiles should show their entire real names. Use your browser to search on any prospective teacher's name and get his/her history, bridge accomplishments, awards, published works, etc. I also recommend that you talk (via skype, for example) to the prospective teacher before signing up -- an actual conversation can give you a good idea whether you can establish a rapport or if that teacher is not for you.

[dustinst22]

diana_eva, on 2013-February-12, 09:28, said:

Anyone can write +++ and online lessons on their BBO profile, that doesn't mean all are good. And tables with many kibitzers aren't a guarantee of good bridge going on.

By the way, what is +++ anyway

[Antrax]

It allows Vugraph commentors to receive kibitzer chat, I believe.

[diana_eva]

Antrax, on 2013-February-16, 11:19, said:

It allows Vugraph commentors to receive kibitzer chat, I believe.

Yes. By default, vugraph commentators cannot receive private chat while commenting. +++ is a hack that allows them to receive chat. Since vugraph commentators are usually world class and expert players, other people started adding that in their profile to imply they are also vugraph commentators and good players.

[dustinst22]

diana_eva, on 2013-February-16, 12:35, said:

Yes. By default, vugraph commentators cannot receive private chat while commenting. +++ is a hack that allows them to receive chat. Since vugraph commentators are usually world class and expert players, other people started adding that in their profile to imply they are also vugraph commentators and good players.

Haha, that's actually pretty embarrassing and funny.