One question that I see asked a lot is the ever-classic, “How can I get better at bridge?”

The only way to practically improve your game is to play – and play a lot. The technique can be supplemented with other ways, including the addition of a teacher, reading more bridge resources, and watching everything you can relating to bridge.

But what if someone wanted to get better at bridge, but faster than in the traditional months it might take?

There are good reasons to need a crash course that will improve your playing abilities at a faster speed.

For example, what if you are a new player invited to a tournament? What if you were trying to date or impress a bridge player, and luck has it you are going to the same bridge night? What if you just wanted to be better, sooner?

Here are 4 ways to get better at bridge, but faster.

1. Play more bridge games against bots.

Playing against (or sometimes, with) a bridge bot is an entirely different set of skills if you’re used to beating human players.

Bot games have the advantage of being fast-paced, and if you’re trying to pick up bridge techniques at a quicker speed, this is the useful part.

2. Play two bridge games at once.

Just Declare omits bidding, and provides a really quick game.

Using Just Declare is an obvious way to get a lot of games fit into a short time period. But that’s not the way I’m recommending its use here, at least not exactly…

What about using a combination of browsers or devices to play two bridge games at once? Since you don’t have to log in to play Just Declare, you don’t have to worry about violating rules.

Two bridge games at once is an excellent way to increase the speed at which your brain is willing to think.

It’s hard, right?

That’s the idea if you want to get better fast.

3. Solve a marathon of bridge puzzles in one go.

Bridge puzzles are fun, and they do a lot for getting the brain going. But if you want to improve your game at a faster rate, you’re going to have to pick up the pace just a little.

How about choosing a set amount of bridge puzzles, and then solving them in a single marathon session? Choose a realistic amount, and remember that you have to cater to basics (like eating, hydrating, and breathing) too.

Good luck!

4. Read at least three bridge handbooks in one day.

Please notice how I said handbooks, and not books. The definition of a handbook (at least for this paragraph) is a reference text shorter than a book – the kind that ends up under 30 pages, and that most people could read through in an afternoon.

Choose three handbooks about bridge, and see if you can read all three in the same day. Take notes, and skim over sections that you feel you already know well enough.

Why?

You’ll learn things, and faster.