Teacher:  Rebecca Shafer Allen

 As the daughter of Leslie and Charlie, I hope to continue their legacy of spreading the joy of bridge where ever I can.

I grew up playing bridge. I learned when I was about 13 or so.  I did take a long hiatus after getting married and having kids, but when Charlie got sick, I joined the teaching team and started learning all I could about teaching and learning bridge again.  I was blessed to have 2-3 years with Leslie and Charlie before I decided to go back home to West Virginia where my husband and two daughters live.

After Charlie died, I moved back to MD part time to get Leslie to finish my training and set me up to continue their legacy, as was intended when Dad got sick the first time.  I was lucky enough to have Leslie in the classroom for about a year before she fell ill.

Leslie is currently recuperating in a Rehabilitation Clinic, and we look forward to her coming home soon.  However, Leslie has retired from teaching classes.  She still continues to teach me as much as she is able to.   Nothing would please Charlie and Leslie more, than to know that their legacy of teaching bridge continues.

I know that I am new to the local bridge scene and have very large shoes to fill, …  it is also true that I have a rich legacy to share with you. I grew up hearing all of her wonderful jingles and I know them by heart.  I am happy to share them with you in her wonderful tradition of humorous information. Leslie believed in making learning bridge fun. And I do too.

If you are unsure which class is right for you, I’m happy to have you as my guest before you decide.  Please reach out to me by email, and I will have a name tag waiting for you, when you arrive.

As I learn and grow in my role as a Bridge teacher, I will be making new updates and adjustments to this website.  However, I’m not ready to remove the material down below as my parents lasting legacy.

 

We are passionate about the game of bridge. Love to play it and love to teach it!! Leslie and Charlie will make sure you have a great time in their classes. If you have fun on your learning journey it will sink in better and you’ll have a great time. Sounds great, doesn’t it?

Your Teachers! Leslie and Charlie ‘Studmuffin’

Leslie Shafer and her husband Ralph “Charlie” Williams (aka Studmuffin) are Master Teachers. They have been teaching bridge for over 15 years. Charlie and Leslie jointly have been writing a bridge student newsletter for over 10 years. You can find out more about our newsletter on this same website.

Leslie is a past President of the American Bridge Teachers’ Association, and has Master Teacher status with the American Bridge Teacher’s Association. She also won the coveted American Bridge Teachers Association 2016 Bridge Teacher of the Year Award!

Charlie is a certified director and also has an ABTA Master Teacher status.

Our Philosophy on Bridge

We believe that if you are not having fun at bridge then you’re not going to perform well (bidding, play or defense). Bridge should be fun. Don’t take it too seriously, it is, after all, just a game.

We Believe

However, we both believe that bridge learning is easier when delivered with comedy, drama and theatrics. We do our utmost to entertain you and make your bridge learning process as fun as possible.

Our Bridge Teaching Methods

We believe that the more hands you play, the faster you’ll learn. We are not lecturers! Rather, we give you a short lesson (usually no more than 10-15 minutes) and then get you playing hands as soon as possible that will emphasize that particular concept. You will play more hands in our classes than most all other teachers combined. Playing as many hands as possible in class (and on your own) will give you the confidence and skills you need to succeed. And besides, playing bridge is a lot more fun that hearing a long, dull lecture.

Our best known teaching method is humor, sometimes very risque. Come to class prepared to laugh, smile and simply have a marvelous time.

Contacting Us

Tuition or newsletter subscription payments should be made payable and sent to:

• Rebecca Shafer
• 9200 Edwards Way, Apt. 1115
• Hyattsville, MD 20783

Please Email Us! if interested in bridge classes. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can.