Preparation is key for any bridge player.

It doesn’t just apply to tricks, technique, bidding and partnership co-operation, but also applies to everything and anything that you might want to get ready before logging into BBO for the next game or tournament.

Bridge Base Online has been a proud host for many big tournaments and private games during its time.

Here’s how to prepare better.

In the Zone?

One of the great things about playing online is the fact that you can play with or against players from all over the world. When playing with someone in another part of the world, it’s important to remember that the two of you might be from different zones – timezones, that is.

Setting up specific bridge games and bringing players together can mean that you have to check the ‘zone to ensure it’s not an impossible time for the game

The Universal Translator

Games online often means games played internationally – and games that are played in several languages. This can lead to confusion in the chat window (unless you’re a polymath( who speaks several languages).

To avoid your bridge chat feeling like the tower of Babel, keep a good translator bookmarked for quick copying-and-pasting of sentences for a basic translation.

The Practice Run

Don’t just blindingly leap into a big bridge tournament, online or off, without playing some prep hands first.

Even though people might not realize this, there are several different mindsets in the same day period for most humans. That’s why we put on a specific face for work, and a different face when we show up to meet friends – and transition from one mindset to another sometimes needs a little help.

For example, the process of getting up and getting dressed signals: We’re getting ready for work is what you tell your brain and body by doing this. It changes the mindset – and it’s different to getting up and getting dressed to go out for a party, isn’t it?

The same way, games like Just Declare can get you in the mindset of being more ready for bridge. Transitioning from one mindset to the next.

The Quick Kibitz

When we’re talking about particularly large tournaments or games, preparation might start a few weeks or days before the tournament – sometimes months. It’s not just about playing: Kibitzing as many bridge games as you can gives you a great level of perspective that can aid you when you’re back in an actively-playing bridge seat.

The Talk

Talking is important, especially talking to your partner before a big game. It’s a good idea to know how the both of you are feeling this day – and to go through your essential bridge repertoire with your partner just as though you were about to take the stage for a duet.

Having a quick talk before the game, even if you just met your bridge partner online right now, is a good way to make sure you’re on the same page – and guarantee that you can co-ordinate your playing and bidding efforts better.