[CamHenry]

I'm an Englishman who's going to be in Amsterdam for some time, working. Is there anyone here who'd either like a game one evening, or could recommend which of the (apparently many) local clubs I should contact? Regrettably I speak no Dutch.

I'm expecting to be here until mid-June at least, likely until December; I'm around Monday through Thursday evenings (though Wednesdays are less convenient).

[arvie]

Depends on what you're are looking for but I would recommend the clubs based in 'The White House' (Het Witte Huis, IJsbaanpad 45, Amsterdam). Every evening from Monday to Thursday you can play bridge at (a different) club. Most of the clubs are used to foreigners and have no problems with visitors. Common systems are 2/1GF or plain 5card major.
The location is good reachable by car (own parking space) or by public transportation.

Monday
Het Hok, 19:45-23:45, imps, 28 boards, no fee
By far the strongest club in Amsterdam. Most of the time they play 2x14 boards imps (in a team setting). But till the end of May they have the annual championships (Pairs and Patton). So the chances that you can play if you just drop in are small. Even on normal evenings you need to arrange self for a partner.
http://www.het-hok.nl/, http://www.nbbclubsites.nl/club/1005

Tuesday
US Uil, 20:00-23:30, imps, 24 boards, EUR 2,50 fee
Original the club for students but you will see a mix of ages from 20-60. Everybody is welcome as long as you feel young. No problem (most of the time) in finding a partner even on the evening self.
http://www.usuil.nl/, http://www.nbbclubsites.nl/club/1011

Thursday
Ruit, 20:00-23:30, pairs/imps, 24 boards, EUR 2,50 fee
Older, but also a very informal club with very wide-range playing strength. No problem (most of the time) in finding a partner even on the evening self. Pairs in the coming months.
http://www.nbbclubsites.nl/club/1064

Feel free to ask further or drop a PM.

[CamHenry]

That's an excellent and helpful reply! I think I'll go along to Us Uil next week (is that "The Owl" in English?).

Henry

[hrothgar]

Expecting to be in Amsterdam 1/12 --> 1/16

Might be up for a game of bridge if anyone is about