Isothermal Community College Offers 'Introduction to Bridge' Course

Eight-week class in Polk County teaches card game basics and more

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Isothermal Community College is offering an eight-week 'Introduction to Bridge' course at its Polk County campus starting on March 7. The class, taught by Bill McCartha of the Foothills Duplicate Bridge Club, will cover the fundamentals of the card game and culminate in a sanctioned duplicate bridge tournament. The course is open to both beginners and those looking to build on existing experience.

Why it matters

Bridge is a popular card game that provides social engagement, community, and mental exercise. The course offers an opportunity for area residents to learn the game in a structured setting from an experienced instructor, potentially sparking new interest and participation in the local bridge community.

The details

The 'Introduction to Bridge' course will meet on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the ICC Polk Campus in Columbus. Each weekly session will include instruction, discussion, supervised play, and analysis. The final class will feature a sanctioned duplicate bridge tournament where students can earn masterpoints. Tuition for the eight-class series is $65, and participants will receive workbooks and a complimentary introductory membership in the American Contract Bridge League. Students who complete the course will also receive five free-game coupons to use at area bridge clubs.

  • The eight-week 'Introduction to Bridge' course runs from March 7 to May 2, 2026, with a one-week break on April 4.
  • The final class on May 2 will include a sanctioned duplicate bridge tournament.

The players

Bill McCartha

Director of the Foothills Duplicate Bridge Club in Tryon, North Carolina, and the lead instructor for the 'Introduction to Bridge' course.

Isothermal Community College

The community college hosting the 'Introduction to Bridge' course at its Polk County campus in Columbus, North Carolina.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Bridge is simple enough to start playing after one lesson, and complex enough to challenge you for a lifetime.”

— Bill McCartha, Instructor (tryondailybulletin.com)

“Bridge clubs provide social engagement and a real sense of community. The game itself exercises the brain. It requires sustained focus, memory and strategic reasoning — all while maintaining a diplomatic relationship with a partner.”

— Bill McCartha, Instructor (tryondailybulletin.com)

What’s next

The final class on May 2 will include a sanctioned duplicate bridge tournament where students can earn masterpoints.

The takeaway

The 'Introduction to Bridge' course at Isothermal Community College's Polk County campus provides an opportunity for area residents to learn the fundamentals of the card game in a structured setting. Beyond just the mechanics, the course highlights the broader benefits of bridge, including social engagement, community, and mental exercise.