Standard American Bridge

Learn the Standard American bidding system on the Online School of Bridge (OSOB) with Joan Butts

Bridge is a card game enjoyed by millions worldwide. At its heart lies the bidding system, a crucial ‘language’ that partners use to communicate the strength and shape of their hands. Just as different countries have unique ways of saying ‘hello’ — like ‘bonjour’ in French or ‘hola’ in Spanish — bridge has distinct bidding languages. Two prominent examples are Acol and Standard American, each offering a different approach to communicating within the game.

To help players learn the Standard American system in a clear, structured way, the Online School of Bridge (OSOB) offers a supportive and accessible path for learners at every level. Lessons are taught by Joan Butts, a renowned Australian bridge teacher and former Head of Education for the Australian Bridge Federation (ABF). Each course combines interactive content, video instruction, and purposely curated hands-on lessons on the topic, so you can immediately apply what you’ve learned in a practical, engaging way.

Whether you're a complete beginner or returning player, the OSOB makes it easy to progress at your own pace.

The Standard System — Your Foundation for US Bridge

Learning the Standard system gives you the tools to participate in most American bridge games, whether social or competitive. The two most common systems in the US are Standard American (also known as ‘Standard’, and with a simplified version known as ‘Yellow Card’, or SAYC) and 2/1 Game Force (pronounced two over one). Standard is ideal for social or club play, offering a simplified yet effective way to bid. The 2/1 bidding system builds on the Standard system and is often preferred by more experienced players who want more structure, precision, and flexibility in their bidding. Both systems are included in the courses at OSOB, so learners can build a strong foundation and gradually adopt more advanced strategies to improve their game.
A propped tablet on a desk displays the modern bridge playing screen, including bidding and four hands

Why Learn the Standard System on the Online School of Bridge (OSOB)

  • Bridge Bidding Systems Explained with Clarity
    The Online School’s courses are designed to help you learn the Standard system first, before building your knowledge in 2/1 game force. Joan breaks down complex systems into manageable lessons using practical examples and step-by-step guidance. Her approach is especially helpful for people who want to learn to play bridge online, regardless of whether they are new to the game or returning after me away.
    Each lesson is crafted to help learners feel at ease while building their skills. Players will gain the confidence and adaptability to enjoy casual games and progress into more competitive settings at their own pace..

  • Compatibility with ACBL Guidelines
    All of the OSOB courses for US students are built around the principles recommended by the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL). This means you’ll learn the conventions, alert procedures, and scoring methods that match what’s used in clubs and tournaments across the country. Because the course reflects ACBL guidelines, the transition to playing feels natural, helping you feel more confident and prepared at the table.

  • A Comprehensive Library of Lessons
    The Online School of Bridge includes one of the most comprehensive and interactive online bridge lesson libraries available today. With more than 20 expertly designed courses, 120 in-depth lessons, and hundreds of guided activities, learning bridge online becomes more practical, engaging, and achievable for every player. Best of all, the entire library is accessible from any device, so you can learn and practice bridge whenever and wherever it suits you.

Courses for Every Level of Learner

The OSOB offers progressive learning paths using a spiral methodology that helps adults learn quickly and stay engaged. Each course level reflects the bidding methods and expectations used in real-world bridge play. We've made it easy to get started by dividing the courses into three levels:

Beginners

Start your journey with our beginner courses written using the Standard bidding system. These lessons cover the basics of bidding and card play, using clear examples and hands-on practice. If you're ready to play bridge in a way that reflects how Americans play, this is the place to begin

Intermediate

The intermediate courses build on your foundational skills by introducing widely used conventions such as Stayman, Jacoby Transfers, and Negative Doubles. You'll also develop better communication with your partner and improve your strategic thinking.

Experienced

For more experienced players, lessons go deeper into topics like variation of raises, defense, and 2/1 Game Forcing structures. These topics help sharpen your decision-making and prepare you for experienced club and tournament-level play. It’s a practical way to learn bridge online at a higher level.

From the introductory course to advanced lessons, Joan offers something for every learner.

Instruction designed with the learner in mind

Everyone learns bridge online differently. That’s why the Online School of Bridge is built for flexibility. We’ve made sure you can study bridge in a way that suits your lifestyle. Here’s how it works:

  • Structured Guidance
    Our curriculum is designed to guide you through lessons that match your experience. No more guessing where to start or what to learn next. You can even choose only the courses that interest you most and learn in the order that works best for you.

  • Self-Paced Learning
    You can learn bridge online when it suits you. With no deadlines or pressure, the OSOB lets you study from home at your own pace, with the freedom to review lessons as often as you like

  • Measurable Milestones
    With over 20 courses across all three skill levels, you’ll always know where you stand. You’ll be able to follow your progress as you move through lessons, helping you stay motivated, recognize milestones, and see how far you’ve come in your bridge learning journey.

Structured, Multi-Format Learning Approach

Each lesson on the OSOB is designed to build your skills using a mix of formats that suit different learning styles.

Video Explanations

Learn to play bridge online with lessons that begin with overview videos from Joan that clearly introduce the topic and walk you through every key idea.

Written Notes

Accompanying notes reinforce the lesson content and give you a reference to review later.Specially Curated Hands

Specially Curated Hands

Apply what you've learned by playing sample hands that relate directly to the topic. Then, review the best way to bid and play each hand.

Quizzes

Short quizzes let you check your understanding before moving on, helping you feel confident as you progress.

Learn from a world-class bridge educator

Joan Butts brings decades of experience, international playing credentials, and a trusted teaching style to every lesson. She has represented Australia at world championship level and has taught thousands of students across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and the United States. Her teaching materials are trusted by clubs and learners alike for their clarity and practical approach.

Join the community and start learning Standard with Joan Butts

Become part of our global bridge family and connect with learners who share your passion. If you're just starting out, try our free lessons. It's the perfect way to learn bridge online with no pressure. And when you're ready to go further, enroll in the OSOB today and join thousands of learners who’ve discovered the joy of playing bridge. And if you have any questions or need help getting started, reach out to us. We’re right here to guide you.

Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, our beginner lessons using the Standard system are made for new learners and are a great place to start if you're looking to learn to play bridge online. These lessons are available as part of our beginner series of courses, which is designed to help you build confidence playing bridge from day one.
Everyone learns at a different pace, and the Online School of Bridge (OSOB) is built to support that. The program is self-paced and self-directed, so you can move through the lessons in a way that suits your goals, experience, and availability. Some learners progress quickly, while others take their time to revisit concepts and build confidence gradually. You can even track your progress and move between lessons whenever you like!
Yes, all courses are available online wherever you are. You don’t need to download any software, just have internet access. Everything runs through your browser for easy access.
Many students find online learning more flexible and just as effective as in-person classes, especially when it’s supported by clear explanations, interactive bridge hand examples, and opportunities to practice at your own pace. Joan’s courses are designed to give learners structure without pressure, making online study both practical and rewarding.