Bridge Instructors & Classes

Instructors

Nancy Wainer, an accredited ACBL Instructor, known for her “desire to inspire,” has been teaching bridge for over 20 years in Santa Cruz County. Nancy’s popular classes fill quickly so please contact her for more information or to reserve a class spot: nlmbridge@yahoo.com.

Beginning Bridge I: Learn to play the world’s greatest game! Beginner Bridge lessons are on Mondays 12:30P to 2:30P at the Santa Cruz Bridge Center, starting January 12. Lessons are $10 - pay as you go. First class is FREE. Contact Nancy for more information.

Ken Llacera

Ken is a Diamond Life Master and an ACBL Best Practices Teacher who teaches advancing beginners and intermediate players. He is a student of the game and wants to share his enthusiasm for improving bridge skills with a wider audience. He has enjoyed success at each level of competition, including a national title (won with Mick Friedberg, on right in photo) and multiple regional wins.

Adoring Aces Currently Suspended; may return sometime in 2026. The four Aces are the most powerful cards in their suits, but many players, even those with 1000s of MPs, make mistakes leading or playing their aces. This class is a comprehensive survey of using your aces more effectively in the play of the hand, especially on defense. Defensive strategies and declarer play are shown through actual examples from Open games.

Classes are free, following the 3^rd Thursday 499er game at approximately 2P. We encourage players with less than 500MPs to play in the game and stay for the class. Others are welcome to attend the class, including those with more than 500 MPs.

Please check the online calendar for any schedule changes or contact Ken at pasa49@pacbell.net.

Bette Harken

Bette is an accredited ACBL Best Practices Teacher.

Beginning Bridge I: Same class as above except classes are Wednesdays, weekly at 9:30AM at the Santa Cruz Bridge Center, starting January 16. If you miss the Monday lesson, you can pick up the lesson on Wednesday and visa-versa. Lessons are $10 - pay as you go. Contact Bette for more information at bdharken@comcast.net.

Updated: December 2025