Your mental toolbox to a better game
My favourite type of competition is teams. In this format the randomness often associated with the ‘run of the cards’ which we experience in pairs competition is removed. Your team is pitted against the opponents in an equal battle where skill, rather than luck, is the decisive factor. Playing teams can also bring its own […]
One of my partners maintains an impassive expression no matter how awful the final contract. We are not all blessed with such equanimity in the face of an unexpected action by partner. Some players will often sense that their partner is unhappy with a bid which has been made or a signal which has been […]
Many people like to make New Year’s resolutions. If you are one of those that do and want to make a resolution about bridge – here are some key steps that might help you reach your bridge goals. Don’t assume you’re too old to make your dream of becoming an elite player come true. The […]
One of the best-known examples of an event horizon (sometimes called the point of no return) derives from general relativity’s description of a black hole, a celestial object so massive that no nearby matter or radiation can escape its gravitational field. Often, this is described as the boundary within which the black hole’s escape velocity […]
In previous articles I have written about comfort zones and maintaining a positive outlook at the table. Sometimes circumstances combine at the bridge table to create a challenging and unfamiliar environment for players which stretches our comfort zone and tests our ability to stay positive. Recently my comfort zone was stretched when I lined up […]
Pressure comes in a variety of ways in all types of activities. Bridge players are not immune to this and may also feel pressure when playing an event. Whether it is the pressure of leading the event, the pressure of expectations, time pressure to finish because you are a slow player or have slow opponents, […]
We often hear sports commentators talking about players being ‘in the zone’. This phrase is commonly used when a player is performing well and operating within what is known as their comfort zone. The player in the zone is focussed and their mind is on their performance. Their shots and plays are coming naturally to […]
Occasionally in bridge you play against one of those pairs whose bidding style might be described as optimistic. They push for every marginal game and slam. You just hope that today isn’t going to be one of those day’s when all the marginal games and slams come home. Recently I sat down in a team’s […]
In my last article I wrote about how good preparation before the start of play can help with overcoming opening round nerves. However, nerves are not the only aspect which might affect a bridge player’s ability to focus effectively. Keeping a positive mindset when faced with a difficult contract is an important mental skill to […]
Bridge is a game with many facets. To be successful, a player needs to achieve a high degree of skill in each of these facets which include: technical ability; partnership understanding or agreements; concentration logic and clear thinking; match fitness and stamina in a long tournament, and all the other factors which go into being […]