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.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Carmel Valley, CA
Program Concludes
Carmel Valley, CA
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
14 (
5B, 1BR, 3L, 5D
)
Activity Level
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.
Best of all, you'll...
- 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 intermediate program is designed for 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, locally sourced meals, a live performance or event, and a value-priced single room.
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 the program
Rick Yramategui
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.
Gael Gallagher
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.
Matthew Shea
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.
Peter Meckel
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.
Jenny Peterson
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.
Maxine Topper
Maxine Topper grew up in a Michigan beach town, then lived in Chicago where she raised her family. Her career spans from conference planning to mental health counseling and management. She completed her master's thesis and presents on the power of humor to increase life satisfaction and manage transitions. She and her husband now live in the San Francisco area. She enjoys sharing the wonders of Northern California, and loves reading, pickleball, and bridge.
Emily Gray
Emily Gray’s love for dance and movement began as a young child in classes at Hidden Valley Music Seminars. In Houston, Emily continued training in classical ballet and modern dance. She served as Discovery Dance Group’s assistant to the director and director of the Junior Company while performing professionally. Since returning to Carmel Valley in 1995, Emily has enjoyed a career as a dance instructor, teaching children and adults of all ages and skill levels. She currently holds adult ballet classes at Hidden Valley.
Activity Level
Easy Going
Minimal walking along flat terrain.
Small Group
(13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(1 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
Enroll with Confidence
Peace of Mind
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
Assurance Plan
Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.
Want to Protect Your Investment?
Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
Sustainable Travel
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.
- Peace of Mind
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
- Assurance Plan
Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.
- Want to Protect Your Investment?
Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
- Sustainable Travel
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.