Bridge partners are often the first people to spot signs of physical or mental stress in their fellow players. 

Sometimes these indicators are related to game stress, though they could also point to physical or mental concerns that it might be time to mention.

Here are 5 important things to look for – and a few things to remember.

Things to Remember

• Some signs of anxiousness or frustration aren’t necessarily related to the game itself, but might be linked to any number of concerns ranging from “Did I leave the oven on?” through to “I’m struggling with major depression.” 
  
• Frustration can be disguised stage fright, too: It happens to performers, and it can happen to bridge players. A little reassurance from a partner might go a long way should this be trigger for it.
  
• Online playing doesn’t make emotions and signs invisible, just different.
  
• Asking helps. Partnerships work in teams – and you might find that you’re able to help your partner get through what’s bugging them by just asking.

1. “Fine.” 

When people say they’re fine, they rarely are. 

Entire studies have been conducted on the topic – and the consensus seems to be that people say they’re fine a lot more than they really feel it.

If your partner’s responses change, something might be going on: A bad day, a terrible week, an awful year. It’s one of those things you might have to ask to understand. 

2. Fidgeting

Fidgeting can point to a need to distract oneself from something, and it can mean nervousness; either about the game or unrelated matters. 

Sometimes the cause can also be physical. People fidget to distract or shield from something, and your bridge partner might just have back or stomach pain.

Before jumping to conclusions, consider the context for the gesture and ask.

3. Slips

Slips in focus can happen to anyone; often times, they do. 

But frequent slips in focus could mean that there’s more to consider. 

If you notice that your partner forgets familiar information like names or conventions they know by heart, it could be a sign of stress, but it could also be a sign of neurological issues – including dementia. These conditions can affect people at any age, and it’s often those closest to them who are able to see signs first.

When someone acts differently to what everyone else around them is used to, it might be time to check.

4. Bad Plays

Everyone plays badly or out-of-focus. 

When it happens often to a bridge partner when their playing used to be fine, it might be time to talk. 

Has their focus stopped being about the game – or is there something more serious? 

I’ve heard of people who started playing badly just to get other partnerships to quick first. No kidding. But at the same time, I’ve also heard of partners who recognized signs of dementia when their partner’s play started to feel alien to them. 

5. Spacing Out

Does your bridge partner stare into space for seconds or minutes at a time, then return to the discussion as though nothing had changed? It might be brief, but it can happen – and while most people wouldn’t spot it, bridge partners are likely to notice it first.

Instances of “spacing out” can sometimes be an indicator for neurological conditions, including seizures.

This warrants a doctor’s appointment, and small lapses in concentration that appear almost hypnotic can be an early sign.

Of course, this isn’t the only possible culprit: Other things might also cause it, including exposure to trauma or stress.