Professional and amateur sports players all come to know the impact and value that emotions have on the game they play.

The “pre-game motivational speech” exists for good reason, and it’s to get players into the best possible mindset. When players feel better, they play better. There are even theories on what hormonal release might do for a player’s game performance.

Thinking of this brought me to the question of emotion in bridge.

Can you channel emotion for better bridge?

People might be experiencing many different emotions when they sit down to play a game. Fatigue, stress, irritation, and anxiety might all be things you are thinking about while your game moves on.

What do you do with it?

All emotions are useful, and coping techniques exist.

Fatigue

Fatigue is not a useful emotion when you need to focus. But during your lifetime, you might play a great deal of bridge games when you are tired.

Everyone has different ways to wake up. Different things that make them feel more alert. Find and use your individual wake-up method before the game (whether it’s coffee, or doing yoga).

Of course, good luck.

Stress

Stress is a distracting emotion at best.

Bridge players can stress about many things. Did you leave the oven on? What’s your tax return going to look like? Why didn’t you pack the warm jacket?

Take a moment and breathe. Breathing exercises can do a surprising amount of things for relaxation – that’s why they’re often recommended.

Right now, you’re focusing on the great game of bridge. Don’t let stress take away from it.

Anger

I’ve heard a lot of chefs say that it’s impossible to be angry at anything while you’re working in the kitchen.

I’ve found it to be true, but I’ve also noticed that the same thing cannot be true for bridge. Just look at the average comments section (or have a particularly inflammatory game) to know this.

What do you do with anger during bridge?

Put it away, or play on the attack and use the emotion well.

Irritation

Irritation exists often, but it has no place at the bridge table. When you are irritated (even at something else), then you are likely to express it – at some point – during that particular day.

You might snap at your partner, or you might throw over a bridge table if your irritation peaks.

Leave irritation as far away from the table if you can. It’s not useful, it cannot be channelled, it might just make you mess up.

Anxiety

Dealing with anxiety means you have to figure out what you are currently anxious about. What’s pushing your buttons?

If you’re anxious about the game, trust in your partner, your abilities, or the cards and hope for the best.

If you’re anxious about anything else, ask if it’s something you can worry about (or deal with) after the game is over. Anxiety at the table is as distracting as irritation – and it takes your thoughts away from the cards.

As with some other emotions, breathing exercises help.