stamina problem

[Fluffy]

I've lost 3 Kg so far, but my play is pathetic, yesterday I managed to go down in 4 contracts that were cold at some point in the last part of a 5 hour session online. Most important, I was not aware of what was really going on at the table. Lack of caffeine and probably sugar as well have a role. I can solve the sugar easilly, but the caffeine at some point becomes useles on long tournaments, I hope I can improve somehow.

[Zelandakh]

You realise that caffeine inhibits your ability to take in information, no? During the revision period for my Final exams I banned myself from taking any caffeine at all - no coffee, no cola. When playing bridge my drink of choice is fruit juice, which I like to think provides sugar in a better form than sucrose or glucose. In truth though, I just choose it because I happen to like it and if there is (free) coffee available then I cannot resist a cup or 2. If I were a professional looking to reach a competitive standard in events like the BB though I think I might take these things a little more seriously and come up with a consistent ritual for every session.

 

I suspect that the best advice would be to make sure that you always feel comfortable at the table and, as standard, have everything with you that you might need; and simply to practise playing multiple sessions of hard bridge day after day. It is amazing how this helps to improve your concentration span as well as how quickly this starts to drop off when you stop. For example, I noticed a big improvement in my exam performance in the last half hour when I started playing chess regularly; similarly a major reduction in concentration time when I stopped. The same is also true, although to a lesser extent, when I play more (or less) bridge for a while.

[lalldonn]

You shouldn't get healthy because it will help your bridge. You should get healthy because sitting around playing bridge all the time is so bad for your health.