Professional bridge players are in a class of their own.

When a professional sits down to play their game, there’s a different air about how they handle their cards – or even how they might click their online tricks.

Even if you have no aspirations to be a professional card player, there are many things to learn from how the professionals approach bridge.

Want to play like some of the best players in the world?

Follow their secrets.

Here are 7 things professional bridge players do (& other players should).

1. Read about Bridge

Professional bridge players devour bridge content, and stay in the loop of their chosen profession at all times.

Do you receive news about bridge in your inbox? Are you checking newsletters, magazines and books about bridge?

If not, you should.

2. Fill In Their Online Bridge Profiles

Professional bridge players often set up their profile or bio on several relevant bridge sites. Most of the time, you’ll notice that their profiles are filled in with more information about them.

Where have you played? What are your accomplishments in bridge, and other interests?

When people click on your profile, these are things they might want to know.

Additionally, a fuller online profile is just a little friendlier.

3. Track Their Playing Particulars

Professional bridge players keep an eye on their playing particulars. This includes their won games, their lost games, and their major (and sometimes minor) accomplishments in the game.

Why?

It matters to playing a better game in future.

Any bridge players can learn from it.

4. Document Their Bridge Finances

Professional bridge players (and amateur ones) have bridge expenses. Club fees, newsletter subscriptions, and entry fees are all things which might count under this label.

What professional bridge players have learned to do differently is to document their bridge finances – and to budget.

Do you have a specific savings account set out for bridge? Do you budget for bridge?

If you want to up your game, it might be a great idea.

5. Expand Their Bridge Knowledge

A good bridge player knows bridge, but an excellent player accepts their learning as a constant process that might never end.

Expand your bridge knowledge.

There are always moves you haven’t seen, conventions you haven’t learned, or bridge facts you’ve never heard about.

You’ll be a better bridge player as a result.

6. Learn To Beat Bridge Bots, Too

Professional bridge players don’t just play against people. They also add to their practical bridge experience by learning how to beat bridge bots, too.

Bots play well, and they’re always playing at their best.

If you want to know how to play a better game, learn how to beat bots.

7. Watch Others Play

Professional bridge players don’t just play the game.

Most of them also watch the game, and there’s a lot to be learned from this for players who don’t do it yet.

Kibitz, and kibitz often. View live games, view recorded games, and view classic bridge games. Games can also be read through in your nearest bridge column or bridge book – and it’s recommended that you do.

Watch others play bridge!

You’ll always be a better bridge player for it. The Surprise In Shameless