Teacher: Rebecca Shafer Allen
As the daughter of Leslie and Charlie, I hope to continue their legacy of spreading the joy of bridge wherever 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 passed away March 10th, 2024. Many bridge teachers stepped forward and have committed to helping me continue to reach my goal of bringing the gift of bridge to you. 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?
In honor of Leslie and Charlie, AKA ‘Studmuffin’
Leslie Shafer and her husband Ralph “Charlie” Williams (aka Studmuffin) were Master Teachers. They taught bridge for over 15 years. Charlie and Leslie jointly wrote a bridge student newsletter for over 10 years.
Leslie was a past President of the American Bridge Teachers’ Association, and had 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 was a certified director and also has an ABTA Master Teacher status.
My Philosophy on Bridge
I 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.
I Believe
However, I believe that bridge learning is easier when delivered with comedy, drama and theatrics. I do my utmost to entertain you and make your bridge learning process as fun as possible.
My Bridge Teaching Methods
I believe that the more hands you play, the faster you’ll learn. I am not lecturer! Rather, I 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 my 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.
My 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 payments should be made payable and sent to:
Rebecca Shafer
9200 Edwards Way, Apt. 1115
Hyattsville, MD 20783
Please Email Me! if interested in bridge classes. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can.