Master teacher Peter Steinberg uses decades of experience in leading his bridge classes at JCC Manhattan.
Nathan Gindi had been wanting to play bridge since his childhood—almost as many years as Peter Steinberg, master teacher at JCC Manhattan, has been teaching it. Since 1974, Peter has been meticulously typing his tailored notes, honing each lesson so his students at all levels get the most out of each class. He teaches with little to no memorization—“the fun is in logic and deductive reasoning,” he says. “The most successful players understand the game, rather than memorize it.”
Nathan is one of his most successful players. He chose JCC Manhattan because it’s a more welcoming environment than bridge clubs. Under Peter’s “light and approachable” teaching style, Nathan has not only mastered the game but now assists during supervised play sessions, and continues to use Peter’s notes. “You meet other people on the same track that you are,” Nathan explains. “Players learn, grow, and progress together.”
Just as important as the camaraderie at the JCC’s bridge tables is the brainpower it builds. A recent AARP article shared the results of a large-scale clinical trial in Finland by the Alzheimer’s Association that “demonstrated the benefits of combining cognitive training and social activity—two of bridge’s chief benefits—with other lifestyle elements: that multiple changes in lifestyle can improve memory and thinking in those at risk for cognitive decline.”
In Peter’s classroom, participants focus on both cognitive training and social activity. Peter’s availability and openness keeps his players coming back each season, progressing from beginner to intermediate to advanced. He routinely stays late to speak one-on-one with players and he is available over email to pull from decades of knowledge: He’s written two popular books about bridge.
Peter’s community of bridge students extends beyond the classroom. They often run into each other around the neighborhood, and are eager to return to the JCC the following week. “We’re all here to have a good time—that’s the most important thing,” Nathan remarks.
Expand your mind and your circle of friends in Peter’s beginner bridge classes. Attend one free trial class before signing up for an eight-week session.
Free trial classes:
Tue, May 12, 1-3 pm or Wed, May 13, 7-9 pm
JCC Manhattan
334 Amsterdam Avenue at 76th Street
Click here or call 646.505.5708 for more information or to register.
