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Keep Your Head in the Game

As a famous early twentieth-century chess player once said: "It's not enough to be a good player;  you must also play well."

Let's just talk about an easy way to improve your game:

Concentrate!

That means:

  • Don't let a perceived bad result hurt you.  Everyone makes mistakes, but winners learn to forget them quickly.

  • Don't teach your partner (and don't be taught).  Leave it outside and talk after the session is over.

  • Every hand is a separate problem.  Develop a routine you go through to clear your mind as you pick up each new deal.

  • Think about the bidding.  What does it tell you about each hand's strength and distribution?

  • Count HCP and distribution to form pictures, or at least candidate pictures of each hand.  Hint: there are 40 HCP in the deck and 13 cards in each suit.

  • Even bad hands are important.  Help partner out with signalling.

  • Do not get too happy about results.  The next hand is coming up.

  • Chatting to the opponents, partner, director, cell phone, are all distractions.  Let it wait until afterwards!

  • As dummy, do not follow the play too closely.  Use it as a welcome break to regain some energy.