Halfway thru Method Bridge, I have the pdf printed it out and have markup notes throughout for later review. Perfect book for me atm. Also read their 2024 "How to Count a Bridge Hand: a granovetter book" which is mostly hands pulled from Kantar books. I read that you are the keeper of the Weinstein/Levin system notes, wondering if they would mind if you share them? not sure they want them in the public domain.
I was surprised to see that negative reply. I recall being able to download a pair's detailed system notes (40+pages, can't recall who) during a World Championship a while back. Perhaps they were voluntarily publishing them, but I assumed all pairs were required to exchange their detailed system notes to their opponents (perhaps days) prior to play, since "secret agreements" are not allowed. My understanding is the ACBL (I don't know about the EBu, WBF, others but I assume they similarly) also requires that possible defenses against unusual bidding systems be provided.
I see myself as an intermediate player who has learned bridge in a helter-skelter fashion rather than systematically. In January, I am re-reading two beginner/intermediate books The Principles of Card Play by Paul Marston and Declarer Play by Danny Roth. Both are very clearly written, summarize their major points and give helpful examples. Marston also has practice exercises at the end of each chapter.
Knowing where you are and what you need to work on is the first step! If declarer play is your main focus for growth, those sound like great books to start with.
Almost anything by Reese or Kelsey. I was struck by how many players cited them in the book "World Class" by Marc Smith. "Who Has the Queen"" is a good read on card reading, and "Sublime Declare Play" is good for building visualization skills, which I'm working on. Like everyone, I've got a theory on what distinguishes the better players, and I think it's the ability to visualize how the cards must lay in order for the hand to make. And of course, that requires good inference and counting skills. I'm trying to get into the habit of counting cards and points until it becomes automatic. Does it?
I like the Shape Recognition Game, especially playing with sound on, but I found what worked best was to stare at my keyboard and listen rather than staring at the numbers being displayed on my screen.
IMO the addition game isn't very useful for the bridge-related quick math skills you want to drill.
I'm not sure how beneficial the addition drill is, but it can't hurt. I often count on my fingers, so automating that process would definitely speed things up and focus my brain power elsewhere.
I like the spreadsheet template idea ... I think, if used diligently and with correct analysis, after some number of sessions (10-12, 200 hands?) it will identify repeated weaknesses that can then be focused upon.
I would add a column showing Vulnerability and Seat (to help find too aggressive or too conservative preempts) - but this may be because I just read your book on Preempts and Overcalls!
Halfway thru Method Bridge, I have the pdf printed it out and have markup notes throughout for later review. Perfect book for me atm. Also read their 2024 "How to Count a Bridge Hand: a granovetter book" which is mostly hands pulled from Kantar books. I read that you are the keeper of the Weinstein/Levin system notes, wondering if they would mind if you share them? not sure they want them in the public domain.
I can't share them. Sorry.
I was surprised to see that negative reply. I recall being able to download a pair's detailed system notes (40+pages, can't recall who) during a World Championship a while back. Perhaps they were voluntarily publishing them, but I assumed all pairs were required to exchange their detailed system notes to their opponents (perhaps days) prior to play, since "secret agreements" are not allowed. My understanding is the ACBL (I don't know about the EBu, WBF, others but I assume they similarly) also requires that possible defenses against unusual bidding systems be provided.
On IntoBridge, you can challenge the leaders even if you have a low ranking
I didn't realize that. Do they have to accept the challenge? Or you just play a board they have already played?
You just play a board they have already played, just like all challenges.
I see myself as an intermediate player who has learned bridge in a helter-skelter fashion rather than systematically. In January, I am re-reading two beginner/intermediate books The Principles of Card Play by Paul Marston and Declarer Play by Danny Roth. Both are very clearly written, summarize their major points and give helpful examples. Marston also has practice exercises at the end of each chapter.
Knowing where you are and what you need to work on is the first step! If declarer play is your main focus for growth, those sound like great books to start with.
Almost anything by Reese or Kelsey. I was struck by how many players cited them in the book "World Class" by Marc Smith. "Who Has the Queen"" is a good read on card reading, and "Sublime Declare Play" is good for building visualization skills, which I'm working on. Like everyone, I've got a theory on what distinguishes the better players, and I think it's the ability to visualize how the cards must lay in order for the hand to make. And of course, that requires good inference and counting skills. I'm trying to get into the habit of counting cards and points until it becomes automatic. Does it?
Yes, it's a skill that can be improved with practice. That's what I'm counting on, at least!!
I like the Shape Recognition Game, especially playing with sound on, but I found what worked best was to stare at my keyboard and listen rather than staring at the numbers being displayed on my screen.
IMO the addition game isn't very useful for the bridge-related quick math skills you want to drill.
I'm not sure how beneficial the addition drill is, but it can't hurt. I often count on my fingers, so automating that process would definitely speed things up and focus my brain power elsewhere.
I like the spreadsheet template idea ... I think, if used diligently and with correct analysis, after some number of sessions (10-12, 200 hands?) it will identify repeated weaknesses that can then be focused upon.
I would add a column showing Vulnerability and Seat (to help find too aggressive or too conservative preempts) - but this may be because I just read your book on Preempts and Overcalls!