supes

I sometimes see here on BBO that a hand with opening count - or better (and w 8 cards in a suit) will open bidding with 4 of that suit. Isn't a 4 opener supposed to be preemptive? I've seen it played both ways. Which is correct? Thanks once again.

I'm the original poster and I'd just like to say how much I appreciate everyone's responses. I've found them all quite helpful. It sounds to me as though my progress is not abnormally slow. Secondly, it can be a long road to getting moderately good at the game. Do I want do devote the time and effort to perfecting the skills necessary to achieve success? Only I can answer that and I'll be giving it a lot of thought. Thanks again to all.

I just pick up games on the Relaxed play boards here on BBO. I play duplicate once a week in person with a group of people who have been playing for 30+ years. They're quite easy going about it though and are helpful to me. I guess if I compare what I know about bridge today to what I knew 4 months ago I would say I've learned alot - Still end up thinking though that my progress has somehow stalled lately. Take lessons? Play more often? Give it more time? Do you recall how long you played before you started to feel as though you were really "in the game" and a somewhat credible competitor/partner? Thank you very much for your responses.

Some improvement in bidding and little or no improvement in play.

Any opinions on how much time a person should give oneself to learn Bridge and be able to play it at a somewhat competitive level (intermediate?) I have devoted about 4 months to studying books and playing on BBO. I've also been playing duplicate once per week for about 2 months. I truly wish to learn to play a fair game of bridge, but so far see little advancement past a more or less novice level. What is a normal learning curve for this complicated game? I consider myself fairly intelligent, but am beginning to wonder if perhaps this is not the game I am best suited for. I'll have an opportunity to take lessons this fall if I choose to stick with it that long. Any opinions welcome. Thank you.

Thank you all for your thoughtful replies. I had a feeling that social bridge was not the most efficient way to hone one's skills. A bridge instructor will be available in the fall and I will be signing on for that. At the local bridge club there was some talk about a mentoring program - I may look into that too. Meanwhile, I think will just dive into what are supposedly beginner's duplicate matches. Thanks again.

I've learned the basics but am keen to advance and improve. In your opinion is it better to start out playing social bridge for a while and then move on to duplicate or should I try to find a beginner duplicate group and jump in there? My thought is that perhaps the beginner duplicate groups tend to be very experienced social bridge players who are moving to duplicate. I would not be playing at their level. I want to determine the best way to learn without being a burden to the other players. Thank you for any thoughts on this.