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California

Bridge at Hidden Valley

Program No. 23081RJ
Learn to evaluate your hand properly, master bidding conventions and acquire new techniques from experts as you immerse yourself in bridge at Hidden Valley Institute.
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Bridge & Other GamesSmall GroupRetreats
Length
6 days
Rating (4.25)
Activity Level
Starts at
1,299

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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.

DATES & PRICES

On Campus Private BathOn Campus Upgraded
Clean, comfortable, dormitory lodgings with access to a private bathroom.
Upgraded on-campus faculty housing. Accommodations are newly constructed and feature a large room, queen beds and a private bath.
Sep 29 - Oct 4, 2024
On Campus Private Bath 1,299
On Campus Upgraded 1,649
Itinerary Note

This date is the Intermediate course; bridge topics include opener’s rebid, overcall, takeout doubles, negative doubles, finesse, and play no trump. Day 3 Monterey Peninsula Field Trip. Maximum of 16 participants.

Oct 13 - Oct 18, 2024
On Campus Private Bath 1,299
On Campus Upgraded 1,649
Itinerary Note

This date is the Advancing A course; bridge topics include overcoming the competition, combining your chances, end plays, entry management, and slam bidding. Day 3 Elkhorn Slough by Boat Field Trip. Maximum of 16 participants.

Filling Fast!
Nov 17 - Nov 22, 2024
Select Date
On Campus Private Bath 1,299
On Campus Upgraded 1,649
Itinerary Note

This date is the Advancing B course; bridge topics include responses to 1NT and rebids, suit play techniques, defenses in no trump and suit leads, and suit establishment. Day 3 Point Lobos Field Trip. Maximum of 16 participants.

Apr 27 - May 2, 2025
On Campus Private Bath 1,399
On Campus Upgraded 1,699
Itinerary Note

This date is the Intermediate course; bridge topics include opener’s rebid, overcall, takeout doubles, negative doubles, finesse, and play no trump. Day 3 Monterey Peninsula Field Trip. Maximum of 16 participants.

May 11 - May 16, 2025
Select Date
On Campus Private Bath 1,399
On Campus Upgraded 1,699
Itinerary Note

This date is the Advancing A course; bridge topics include overcoming the competition, combining your chances, end plays, entry management, and slam bidding. Day 3 Elkhorn Slough by Boat Field Trip. Maximum of 16 participants.

Full Inventory
Sep 28 - Oct 3, 2025
Select Date
On Campus Private Bath 1,399
On Campus Upgraded 1,699
Itinerary Note

This date is the Beginners Course and is appropriate for true beginners as well as players that played long ago but want to pick up the game again. Your bridge teacher, Jenny Peterson, is a certified ACBL instructor and will be using the ACBL Intro to Bridge Curriculum, which includes lessons on play of the hand as well as bidding, responding to the Opener and rebidding. Focus is NOT on conventions as these topics are covered in the Intermediate class. Maximum of 16 participants.

Full Inventory
Oct 12 - Oct 17, 2025
Select Date
On Campus Private Bath 1,399
On Campus Upgraded 1,699
Itinerary Note

This date is the Intermediate course; bridge topics include opener’s rebid, overcall, takeout doubles, negative doubles, finesse, and play no trump. Day 3 Monterey Peninsula Field Trip. Maximum of 16 participants.

Nov 16 - Nov 21, 2025
Select Date
On Campus Private Bath 1,399
On Campus Upgraded 1,699
Itinerary Note

This date is the Advancing B course; bridge topics include responses to 1NT and rebids, suit play techniques, defenses in no trump and suit leads, and suit establishment. Day 3 Point Lobos Field Trip. Maximum of 16 participants.

DATES & PRICES

On Campus Private BathOn Campus Upgraded
Clean, comfortable, dormitory lodgings with access to a private bathroom.
Upgraded on-campus faculty housing. Accommodations are newly constructed and feature a large room, queen beds and a private bath.
Sep 29 - Oct 4, 2024
On Campus Private Bath 1,609
On Campus Upgraded 1,969
Itinerary Note

This date is the Intermediate course; bridge topics include opener’s rebid, overcall, takeout doubles, negative doubles, finesse, and play no trump. Day 3 Monterey Peninsula Field Trip. Maximum of 16 participants.

Oct 13 - Oct 18, 2024
On Campus Private Bath 1,609
On Campus Upgraded 1,969
Itinerary Note

This date is the Advancing A course; bridge topics include overcoming the competition, combining your chances, end plays, entry management, and slam bidding. Day 3 Elkhorn Slough by Boat Field Trip. Maximum of 16 participants.

Filling Fast!
Nov 17 - Nov 22, 2024
Select Date
On Campus Private Bath 1,609
On Campus Upgraded 1,969
Itinerary Note

This date is the Advancing B course; bridge topics include responses to 1NT and rebids, suit play techniques, defenses in no trump and suit leads, and suit establishment. Day 3 Point Lobos Field Trip. Maximum of 16 participants.

Apr 27 - May 2, 2025
On Campus Private Bath 1,719
On Campus Upgraded 2,019
Itinerary Note

This date is the Intermediate course; bridge topics include opener’s rebid, overcall, takeout doubles, negative doubles, finesse, and play no trump. Day 3 Monterey Peninsula Field Trip. Maximum of 16 participants.

May 11 - May 16, 2025
Select Date
On Campus Private Bath 1,719
On Campus Upgraded 2,019
Itinerary Note

This date is the Advancing A course; bridge topics include overcoming the competition, combining your chances, end plays, entry management, and slam bidding. Day 3 Elkhorn Slough by Boat Field Trip. Maximum of 16 participants.

Full Inventory
Sep 28 - Oct 3, 2025
Select Date
On Campus Private Bath 1,719
On Campus Upgraded 2,019
Itinerary Note

This date is the Beginners Course and is appropriate for true beginners as well as players that played long ago but want to pick up the game again. Your bridge teacher, Jenny Peterson, is a certified ACBL instructor and will be using the ACBL Intro to Bridge Curriculum, which includes lessons on play of the hand as well as bidding, responding to the Opener and rebidding. Focus is NOT on conventions as these topics are covered in the Intermediate class. Maximum of 16 participants.

Full Inventory
Oct 12 - Oct 17, 2025
Select Date
On Campus Private Bath 1,719
On Campus Upgraded 2,019
Itinerary Note

This date is the Intermediate course; bridge topics include opener’s rebid, overcall, takeout doubles, negative doubles, finesse, and play no trump. Day 3 Monterey Peninsula Field Trip. Maximum of 16 participants.

Nov 16 - Nov 21, 2025
Select Date
On Campus Private Bath 1,719
On Campus Upgraded 2,019
Itinerary Note

This date is the Advancing B course; bridge topics include responses to 1NT and rebids, suit play techniques, defenses in no trump and suit leads, and suit establishment. Day 3 Point Lobos Field Trip. Maximum of 16 participants.

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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
6 days
5 nights
14 meals
5B 1BR 3L 5D
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Carmel Valley, CA
2
Responses to 1NT and Redbid, Ragtime Music
Carmel Valley, CA
3
Coastal Field Trip, Suit Play Techniques
Carmel Valley, CA
4
Defenses in No Trump and Suit Leads, Local Wines
Carmel Valley, CA
5
Suit Establishment, Free Time
Carmel Valley, CA
6
Final Session of Play, Program Concludes
Carmel Valley, CA
View Full Itinerary

At a Glance

Elevate your bridge game with expert instruction at the serene Hidden Valley Institute on the central California coast. Immerse yourself in the world of bridge each day, learning techniques and strategies in sessions with a master instructor followed by supervised play reflecting the skills learned in class, complete with scoring and discussion and relaxed play in the evening. The combination of bridge lessons and practice gives you the discipline to play your hands properly and communicate with your partner at a higher level. Between bridge sessions, discover the fascinating Monterey region with a free afternoon and presentations from local experts. By week’s end, be amazed at how much fun you had while your skills improved.
Activity Level
Easy Going
Minimal walking along flat terrain.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Become a better bridge player by immersing yourself completely in the game, surrounded by fellow enthusiasts.
  • Enjoy the nature and beauty of sunny, oak-studded Carmel Valley with classes and lodgings at Hidden Valley Institute.
  • Master bidding and perfect play-of-the-hand techniques in interactive classes with expert teachers. Bridge topics and levels vary by date.

General Notes

Bridge levels and topics vary by date. The standard program is designed for intermediate players who have mastered basic bridge concepts and scoring and are excited to move to the next level. Appropriate for social, party and tournament players. Two program dates per year are for advancing players and one program date in 2025 is for beginner bridge players. The Retreat Difference: This unique, often basic and no-frills experience at a Road Scholar Retreat includes opportunities for early morning exercise, interaction with the local community for insight into local life, an authentic farm-to-table or locally sourced meal, a live performance or event, and a value-priced single room.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Frank Smoot
Frank Smoot is a popular teacher from the San Francisco Bay Area, with over 30 years experience teaching bridge to all levels. His wonderful sense of humor and common-sense style keeps his students coming back again and again. Frank was raised in New England and has degrees from Carnegie-Mellon University and Santa Clara University. Frank worked in Silicon Valley for many decades, starting when it produced silicon chips next to fruit orchards. When he is not enjoying bridge, he likes to be outdoors.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Rick Yramategui
Rick Yramategui View biography
Rick Yramategui first performed a Joplin rag at Shakey's Pizza Parlor in Los Alamitos, California while in high school in the 70s. He received a bachelor’s degree in music education from Whitworth College. He serves as pastor of Carmel Valley Community Chapel, performs with the Carmel Piano Trio, and was the pianist for a revival of George Gershwin's musical, “Oh, Kay!” He is passionate about the connection between music and spirituality.
Profile Image of Gael Gallagher
Gael Gallagher View biography
Gael Gallagher has a passion for the Monterey Bay area and pursues ongoing coursework in local history, ecology, architecture, and the natural sciences. Gael serves as a docent a the Point Lobos State Reserve and is a guide/trainer at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. She is also docent at the National Steinbeck Center and is an instructor for the National Wildlife Federation's Conservation Summit.
Profile Image of Frank Smoot
Frank Smoot View biography
Frank Smoot is a popular teacher from the San Francisco Bay Area, with over 30 years experience teaching bridge to all levels. His wonderful sense of humor and common-sense style keeps his students coming back again and again. Frank was raised in New England and has degrees from Carnegie-Mellon University and Santa Clara University. Frank worked in Silicon Valley for many decades, starting when it produced silicon chips next to fruit orchards. When he is not enjoying bridge, he likes to be outdoors.
Profile Image of Deanna Ross
Deanna Ross View biography
Deanna Ross is a dancer, choreographer, and teacher. Born in California, she began her studies at age seven at the Redwood Empire Ballet in Santa Rosa, then spent 12 years at the San Francisco, Pennsylvania, and Milwaukee Ballet Schools, the HARID Conservatory, and the North Carolina School of the Arts. Deanna lives in Monterey, Ca., where she has choreographed numerous works, and has served as Bay Area guest artist. She also teaches ballet, modern dance, dance improvisation, E-STRETCH, slow breathing and stretching.
Profile Image of Matthew Shea
Matthew Shea View biography
Matthew Shea’s roots in the Carmel Valley go back two generations. The son of a master gardener, Matthew grew up with an inherent understanding of the valley, its horticulture, and ecology. After graduating from Oregon State University and successfully managing 1000’s of acres of vineyards in Oregon, he returned to focus on the Estate Vineyards of Bernardus Winery in Carmel Valley. Using his background in organic, sustainable agriculture, Matt has brought a balance to the vineyard through increasing diversity, composting, and water and soil management.
Profile Image of Peter Meckel
Peter Meckel View biography
Peter Meckel is the founder and General Director of Hidden Valley Music Seminars. Born and raised in the Midwest, he attended university at Rockford University in Illinois, and Occidental College in California. His leadership of Hidden Valley has resulted in one of the most respected opera training centers in America and a major contributor of arts education programs for vocalists, instrumentalists, and dancers. Students from throughout the world come to study with master teachers from many of America’s most prestigious orchestras and opera companies.
Profile Image of Jenny Peterson
Jenny Peterson View biography
Jenny Peterson is a life-long Minnesotan, with a long career in local government first in health care, then in labor relations. Jenny has graduate degrees in Public Health and Law. She has been married to her husband for over 30 years. Their greatest joy and challenge was adopting and raising their four children, all from the Philippines. Jenny has led Road Scholar programs for more than 10 years in Minnesota, California, Switzerland, and the Great Lakes. Her hobbies include bridge, walking, biking, and travel.
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