Testimonials
It is with great joy that I write this testimonial on behalf of Eli Jolley. Eli is a phenomenal teacher.
Eli and I have worked together for two years and my growth during that period has been profound. His knowledge of the game is world class, but there are a lot of teachers who know a lot about bridge. What sets Eli apart is his commitment to his students, his investment in them. He has always been available to me whether it was for a question or if I wanted to practice or if I wanted to dive deeper into a hand - Eli was always there for me. Eli has also been a source of invaluable literature and information which has gone a long way towards bettering my game (e.g. Muppet Stayman, Over the Shoulder, Master of Psychology).
I really can’t thank Eli enough for all that he has done for me. He has helped me become a very good bridge player: I now count everything, bid in a more contemporary fashion and declare in a more logical manner. I still have so much to learn but am confident that Eli is the right person to mentor me. Eli is the best bridge teacher I have worked with and someone I am also proud to call my friend."
Richard Luftig
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Owner, Pied a Terre Wines
As a beginner player, Eli's lessons have helped demystify the game of Bridge considerably. Trying to learn Bridge on my own was an overwhelming experience, but Eli has helped scaffold the game’s intricacies and deliver lessons in an approachable and friendly style.
By framing each hand as a story, Eli has improved my recall and reinforced the logic that underlies the most effective bidding conventions and card play techniques.
As a teacher, Eli is an exceptional listener who is deeply in tune with my learning style and willing to diverge from his original plan to reframe my misconceptions, keep me motivated, and share his love of the game."
Sam Phillips
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Collaborator, Brightworks
I met Eli over a year ago and as a player wanting to advance, I started taking online lessons and playing live with him.
Over time he has taught me a tremendous amount of essential bridge logic and conventions. He is focused and calm. Eventually I introduced him to a group of friends who were beginners and they too advanced under his leadership.
Eli is a born teacher, an expert player, and a sincerely nice person. I would recommend him for any beginner to advancing player for constructive instruction and reliability."
Lee Federico Nykaza
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Real Estate Agent, Berkshire Hathaway
Eli Jolley is a strong performer in A-Level Bridge.
His easy-going, affable demeanor and soft-spoken persona lend to constructive post-mortem discussions vital to partnership development.
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I highly recommend working with him in any capacity."
David Joyce
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Senior Account Executive, The PRICE Futures Group
After I met Eli at a Regional Tournament, I knew he would be the perfect match to be my bridge coach.
He has an innovative approach and teaches unique 'thinking' exercises.
This month, I plan to graduate out of the 99’ers game and credit his mentoring for my advancement."
Merilee Elliott
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Owner, Merilee Elliott Interiors
In my 20’s and 30’s, I was lucky enough to have great teammates who went on the play in world championships.
I gave up bridge until last year when I asked Eli to help me get back in. He is a very good teacher and has extremely good card sense."
Wally Hendricks
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Professor Emeritus, University of Illinois
It is very easy to play with Eli. His skill level is very high AND continues to improve. Playing with him is truly a pleasure, as he always has a great attitude at and away from the table."
- Dan Zagorin, Bermuda Bowl Runner Up
"Over the past year, I have really enjoyed having Eli as a bridge instructor. He has adapted very well to e-learning. He not only teaches you to play bridge, you learn how to visualize the game as well. This was a huge eye opener and it has helped me improve my game significantly."
- Mary Alice Lyon, Intermediate Player
"Eli is a very strong young bridge player and one of my favourite partners- he is highly ethical and always very kind to everyone at the table. I’ve played with him for over a year with some excellent results. Thoroughly recommended for lessons, club games, or tournaments."
- Aleksandar Lishkov, Grand Master
"Eli’s lessons are great & very helpful. He’s knowledgeable, patient, & easy to understand. I like his style of teaching & he will go over things until you get it. Will teach whatever you need help on to improve your bridge playing."
- June Chin, Beginning Player