A key element of my journey this year is playing a lot of bridge, but just as important—more important, probably—is the analysis after the tournament. Unfortunately, most team games in the ACBL are shuffle and play, so there are no hand records to consult. This is a major shortcoming, and I am going to do everything I can do urge the ACBL and its member units and districts to use pre-duplicated boards in team games. It’s more work for sure, but it’s so worth it. I encourage you to talk to your local tournament organizers and try to convince them it’s worth the effort.
So my review focused on the pair game. It was a 4-session pair game, the Goldman Pairs. It’s really cool to have a 4-session event at a regional, so I was excited to play in this. We made the finals, but didn’t have a great day on the second day. Still, lots to review.
Greg and I got back to work this week. We spent a few hours addressing some open questions in the notes and did some work on Cuebids.
I always have a lot of work to catch up on the week after a tournament, and I find myself not playing and reading as much as I would like. I didn’t get back into the habit of reading first thing with a cup of tea, which I was really enjoying. Sustaining habits after a break is hard. I really need to work to solidify that. I’d also like to add to it: immediately do the daily Zenith after my reading and tea. Make those two a priority.
I found it impossible to do my afternoon meditation while at the tournament. The break was pretty short, and I was out with friends having lunch and talking about the hands.
My meditation practice has felt strained and forced for a little while. I have been doing Transcendental Meditation, which requires 20 minutes twice per day. I’m considering trying other forms of meditation. I’m very interested in suggestions.
I encourage you to share your progress in the comments. We’re all in this together!!
Have a great week.
Yes hand records. Ironically without them the better players improve faster than the weaker players. By the way I'd be fine with playing team games on ipads.
I assume another drawback of shuffle and play is that people don’t do the recommended seven riffle shuffles to get properly randomised deals?