One of the first things I wanted to be as an emerging bridge player was better.

It’s a continuing urge from the first day – and I want every game to go better than the last one, even if it doesn’t always result in winning.

My approach to bridge is often the same as my approach to chords-and-scales from my days as a guitarist: Daily practice, even in the absence of a guitar or card deck nearby. 

Want to be a better bridge player, faster? 

Here are some tips for better bridge.

#1: Avoid Fatigue 

Surgeons operating under fatigue have been shown to have the same reactivity as surgeons who might have been inebriated at the time; if you’re so tired that you wouldn’t get behind the wheel of a car, it’s not the best time to play a bridge tournament or high-stakes game.

Tournament times might be set, but so are surgeries: Power naps can help to get focus back a few minutes before a big game.

  #2: Read the Right Books (for You) 

There’s no “right” or “wrong” bridge book – but some books pair up better with some people. If you’ve hit a slump in a bridge book, look the same terms up somewhere else and an alternate explanation of the same thing might make a lot more sense.

#3: Play the Bots

Other than a few odd bids now and then, bots are patient. It makes them perfect for practice, no matter how well (or badly) you’re playing. I’m not a fan of the 10, 000 hour theory, but 10, 000 hands might get you somewhere – and playing quick games with bots, you’ll get there faster.

#4: Play the Humans, Too

Vary bot-driven games with some human opponents and partners every once in a while. Bots are close, but humans still have many nuances of playing (and bridge is still very much a social game).

#5: Bridge Resources

If you want to become a better bridge player, there are many practical resources out there that can help. It’s not just about playingbridge, it’s also about discussing the game – and learning how to take in every resource that you get access to. Read forums, subscribe to newsletters, connect with clubs.

#6: Re-Reading

Every bridge player eventually has a selection of “favorite” books. Whenever you feel the need to improve your play (even as a more advanced player), go back to basics and re-read some of these books or resources. Refreshing basic concepts is, well, pretty refreshing at times and can be a great help.

   #7: The Bidding Puzzle

Another way to better your bridge play without physically playing a game is through bridge puzzles. There are thousands available on the internet (and some here on BBO). Like chess puzzles, they’re a great way of learning to visualize outcomes – and they’ll surely improve your play.

#8: Head to YouTube

YouTube is a hugely rich resource, and it’s increasingly great for people who love bridge. From advanced bidding to basic plays, there’s guaranteed to be a few videos matching up with anything you want to learn (or improve). Otherwise, just look up cute animal videos, that’s always great, too.