concentrate better

[kgr]

Probably the best I can do to improve my bridge is concentrating better (especially during defence). e.g sometimes I don't know what card my partner played or what card opps have played. Or when declaring and running a long suit a miss some of the discards - especially the first ones - and don't know what is high at the end.

Concentrating better should after some time also help to better visualise the other hands and distributions.

Any tips would be welcome!

(My technical knowledge about safety plays, .... is certainly not good but I think that improving the concentrating part is much more important).

[helene_t]

Ron Klinger wrote a book about this issue but I don't remember what it's called.

 

I have found I played the best bridge during a walking-and-bridge vacation. Being in good conditions may be important. Those late club nights after a long day of work, when I just want to play the boards as fast as possible so I can get to bed, are probably not stimulating for my play.

 

And avoid alcohol.

 

Also I have the feeling that well-oiled partnership agreements make it easier to concentrate on stuff like hand evaluation and counting because I won't have to spend mental energy on worrying about whether partner understands my bidding and carding.

[han]

First of all make sure that you make it very clear to yourself that winning is the number one priority. How can you expect to focus completely on your bridge game if there are other things out there that are more important? I don't know if it is possible to train yourself a winners-mentality. Some people have it very strongly, some just don't. It is not necessarily a good mentality, but it is that mentality that makes all the difference..

 

Don't be content with playing less than your best bridge. Try hard to get the best out of every single game you play. Of course nobody plays at the same level every time, but you should go for it every time.

 

Don't let yourself be distracted by anything else during the game. You can spend time with the people you haven't seen for a long time after the game is over, right now you are here to perform. Concentration is all about attitude.

 

Don't spend another thought on the previous hands as soon as you play a new hand. If something really has to be discussed with your partner, do it immediately before you pick up the cards. Usually discussion can wait until later.

 

Try to find the right level between relaxed and stressed that is necessary to perform optimally. If you are uncomfortable you will be distracted. On the other hand, if you are too relaxed you won't be sharp enough either.

 

Helene is of course right that physical well-being is important as well. I didn't want to get distracted by that issue.

[matmat]

Han and Helene have mentioned some key things.

I think Han alluded to it, but not sure he actually spelled it out in bold capital large letters.

 

PRACTICE

 

Another thing not mentioned is overcoming fatigue during either a long session or multi-session events on the same day. Again -- practice...

[gnasher]

One addition to other people's suggestions: don't agree to play more system than you can cope with.

 

Looking through this thread, I think I understand why I'm no good at this game: it's because I'm a fat, lazy, poorly motivated, semi-inebriated systems junkie.

[kgr]

Thanks for the answers.

I remember: Try always the max.

..and stop alcohol B)