Learning bridge can feel overwhelming to many novice players, but there are plenty of techniques that can help to make the learning process easier. Here are 8 practical learning tips for bridge neophytes. 

1. Keep a Bridge Notebook

Witches, wizards and warlocks might keep a book of spells or grimoire, but as a student of card play, you should keep a bridge notebook. In it, record concepts and terms as you learn them in your own words. The notebook is your own personal knowledge and it can stick with you for years. It’s a great way to jog your memory, and it might even be something to pass on to another neophyte in time to come.

2. Engage in Regular Play

One wouldn’t expect someone who never plays golf to be great at it. The same way, no student will improve their game if they are never able to practice. Engage in regular play – either online or offline – to relate what you’ve learned to how it works against opponents during a real game. 

3. Switch Up Partners and Opponents

In some video games, you learn to beat the Boss by learning its weak spot – and then exploiting the same vulnerability every time you play the same level.

Especially while learning the game, I’d recommend that newer players seek out various partners and opponents to play with. This allows you to get used to a variety of different playing styles (and means that you won’t get stuck in the Boss-Level Loop of learning someone’s game too well). 

4. Take Up Just Declare

Just Declare is just one of the forms of bridge available on BBO. What’s great about it for students is that contracts are pre-selected and you’re always set as the declarer. It’s one of the most useful bridge tools for being able to focus on only the cards – and it’s one way to help you become a better player. 

5. Call a Bridge Teacher

Self-taught guitar players often pick up self-taught mistakes – and in the absence of a teacher or fellow player ever pointing out what they’re doing differently, these mistakes persist. 

The same can happen in bridge. 

If you feel stuck, you’re not sure or you can’t find the answer to a specific question, maybe it’s time to call a bridge teacher. Some teach in person, others teach online and your bridge club might be able to refer you in the direction of one closest to you where needed.

6. Flash Cards, Acronyms and Mnemonics 

Never underestimate the power that flash cards, acronyms and mnemonics can have for memorizing things. Create, purchase or download flash cards that run you through the concepts you’re having trouble with and stick these in obvious places. As for mnemonics and acronyms, keep these for your bridge notebook.

7. Watch Bridge Broadcasts

In addition to playing, watching bridge can be just as important. Take a few moments every week to see what other players are doing: Look up the video or vugraph of a famous game, or watch some bridge broadcasts through a platform like Twitch. It’s useful for learning new tricks, and it supports the broadcasters who go to the effort of recording their games. 

8. Read More Bridge Fiction 

Students of anything learn their skill faster and easier when they’re able to incorporate it into other areas of their life. 

If you were learning another language, I’d recommend that you find graphic novels, short stories, music or books in your chosen language to broaden your scope. Even if you have to read slowly and look up every term, it helps. 

If you’re learning bridge instead, I’d recommend bridge magazines, newsletters – and bridge-related fiction.