Friday, May 30, 2003 1:39 AM

Giving Opponents an Edge

 

PITBULLS:

 

            When playing a good team the last thing you want to do is give them a further edge . They are not going to make many mistakes so you have to return the favour. The following is a list of things to avoid or to take into consideration playing against a good team:

 

  1. Intimidation  - Bridge insecurities are a no – no . In your mind you are as good or better then they are. If you feel otherwise you are beat before you start . In the world of sport , arrogance on the playing field is a good thing . Pump yourself up and let your ego allow you to perform better !

 

  1. Poker – When the board comes down say the same thing everytime . If you are going to make the hand or go 5 down doubled say the same thing “ Thank you partner” . The opponents do not need any verbal or facial clues. Keep a poker face and do not give verbal clues.

 

  1. Deportment – Relax and enjoy yourself . Be kind to partner and no negative comments at the table. Honour thy partner .

 

  1. System – Know thy system . A systemic blunder is giving them IMPS they do not deserve .

 

  1. Emotions – Keep emotions at an even keel . Do not get too high when things are going well or too low when things are going badly . It is a long match . Emotions interfere with your stamina and thinking ability .

 

  1. Dummy -  Do not play hands as dummy ! Time to snooze and rest your brain cells.

 

  1. Gamble -  There is an element of gambling in bridge . The meek do not inherit the earth in IMPs. Gamble wisely and not like Ray or Last Word or Willard etc …

 

  1. Stress -  Reduce stress by breathing properly , getting up for some exercise to keep the oxygen flowing . Avoid worry and bad stress. Avoid depression and the whipped puppy syndrome.

 

  1. Luck -  Realize that you are going to get bad luck . Do not make matters worse by letting it get to you . Garbage IMPS add up in long matches . Do not throw away 1 or 2 IMPS needlessly.

 

  1. Psychology – Subject the opponents to mind games once in a while. Put pressure on them and see how they react.

 

  1. Pace Of Play – Bridge is not a race to see who can complete the boards the fastest. Slow down at trick one as declarer or defender and think !

 

  1. Rationalizing – No excuses or apologies needed  at the table . They just give a lift to the opponents.

 

  1. Positive Re-enforcement – Keep partner pumped up with complements when appropriate.

 

  1. Enjoy Yourself – You will play better .

 

  1. Count – Tricks , HCP’s and patterns

 

  1. Discipline – Make sure partner believes you rather then the opponents. Disciplined pre-empts in 1st and 2nd

 

  1. Leads -  Help partner with leads any way you can including lead directing doubles.

 

  1. Cheap Insurance -  Do not worship the almighty plus – take out insurance .

 

  1. Partnership – Forcing passes and D.S.I.P. doubles . Bridge is a partnership game.

 

  1. IMPS – Play IMPS not match points or rubber bridge.