The Bridge Shop, Bridge Books, eBooks, Software

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Bridge is Arguably the Greatest Card Game Ever – But it is Tricky

Further on from the guru Eddie Kantor’s 4 Basic Phases of Bridge, I came across his crib notes that my partner and I used to get us up and running in this most difficult, yet addictive card game.

Bridge – the Card Game: Some Winning Tips

As any bridge player will know, bidding is considered the most important aspect to master in the game. A good bridge playing bidder is a winning bridge player.

·         Count – before opening take stock. Add your high card points (HCP): Ace = 4, King = 3, Queen = 2, Jack = 1. Holding 12 or more HCP, you should open the bidding.

·         To open 1♥ or 1♠, you must have at least five cards in the suit.

·         If you have two five-card suits, open in the higher-ranking suit first, i.e. spades before hearts. The suits rank from spades to hearts to diamonds and then clubs.

·         If you have two four-card suits, one a major (spades or hearts), one a minor (diamonds or clubs), you should open in the minor. If you have two four-card minors, open 1♦.

·         With a balanced hand, i.e. no voids, singletons, or two doubletons, open 1NT with 15 - 17 HCP.

·         If your partner opens, holding less than 6 HCP pass. With 6 or more HCP, bid your longest suit at the one level, if possible. Responding at the two-level in a new suit requires 10-11 or more HCP. Replying 1NT indicates 6 to 10 HCP. This tells your partner you don’t have a four-card major when she opens 1♣ or 1♦.

·         To support your partner’s first bid major suit you need three or more cards in that suit; to support any second bid suit, you need four or more cards in that suit.

·         In bidding, the primary objective is to find an eight-card or longer major suit fit in the partnership.

Playing duplicate bridge at home – Bridge stationery and equipment that you will need.

This is a fun way of playing the game of bridge. To do so you need basically:

·         You need at least 8 players (2 tables). If you want more players it is preferable to do so in multiples of 4.

·         Card/bridge tables - you can use any table which accommodates 4 people, but it is nicest to use a standard card table.

·         Bridge cloths - preferably plain coloured.

·         Duplicate boards – at least one for each table.

·         One pack of playing cards for each duplicate board

·         Score sheets or travellers – one for each board.

·         Movement cards - to direct players to their next table position after each round.

A "movement" in the game of duplicate bridge is a direction of circulating the pairs and boards around so that for every round each pair meets up with an opposing pair to play the next set of boards that neither has played. There are various types of movements, but these two – The Howell Movement and Individual are common and will show you how to set up the movement.  It is essential to have these movement cards so that players know where to go and what boards to next play. You can get them at a bridge supply shop.   https://www.bridgeshop.com.au/club-supplies/movements.html

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Bridge the Game is The Game to Play

We do not stop playing bridge because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing bridge 

If you have been playing cards since time immemorial then this is not the time to stop. Playing cards as in the game of bridge will keep you on your toes for a very long time, even at this difficult time for all game playing people who are having to keep a safe distance and be vigilant about socialising in a safe environment.

There are some character traits of people who are adept (let's leave out the professional bridge playing gurus, although it still applies to these top echelons of a select few) at the game of bridge.

Think of Attila the Hun or Dolores the Dummy at the Bridge Table   

Appearances can be deceiving in all sectors of game playing people, but one needs to be able to identify certain characteristics to select a partner or tactically play at the bridge table. These characteristics can be cultivated and implemented to ensure you and your partnership can improve.  Traits can be learned – follow the leaders.

 ·        Resourcefulness

Don't think outside the box. Think like there is no box, or even what you can do with the box. You have to be able to think and plan your way out of a tricky situation. Think creatively and generally it works – within limits of course. You can’t call 6NT on a whim – but perhaps you can defeat creatively if your opponents happen to call it.

·        Be Fair and Reasonable

There is nothing worse than a Cruella Deville at the bridge table who all her life has played her cards badly. Admit wrongs and know the rules and don’t throw your toys around, particularly out of the bridge-playing cot!

·        Show initiative – be inventive if you have to

Embrace creativity and versatility in your bridge skills.  How often have you been defeated by a person who plays her cards differently and thinks differently in everyday life?  Don’t be afraid of taking that initiative that very often lies dormant in a lot of us – particularly when we freeze at the bridge table when a difficult hand arises.

·        Display a good level of confidence and self-assurance

Cultivate poise and then show it. Don’t become Colin Cock of the Hoop, but command a respectable level of assurance – it will help you and keep the opponents around the bridge table on their toes. Timidity and hesitation at the bridge table is a sure spoiler.

·        Be kind and considerate – the game of bridge is about partnerships

No need to be an angel with a pack of cards in her hand, but most good bridge players are respective to their partners and their opponents. Learn tact – because if you can't be tactful you won't find a decent partner and your bridge playing career will be cut short. Word gets around fast so no matter how well you play the game; you won't last long at the club or social circle. 

Remember that nobody gets very far in life, let alone playing cards if they burn their bridges.

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At the Bridge Table – Come up Trumps with these Bridge Products

Lay your cards on the table – admit that you need new bridge products 

When searching for a new bridge table, I recently came across a new section on my favourite bridge website The Bridge Shop Australia which gives a fabulous array of digital bridge offerings all for free.  So not only did the great new card table arrive efficiently and intact, (of course – what else would you expect from a renowned bridge supply shop?), I am now able to make use of all things digital regarding bridge at a click of a button.

Digital Bridge Care Pack –

This super pack is a partnership with The Bridge Shop and a few of their favourite suppliers that offers you various free downloads of bridge products to help you fill in the hours and days during this uncertain and unsettling time.

In conjunction with Master Point Press, three free digital bridge books:

·         Bridge in the Menagerie by Victor Mollo

·         A Great Deal of Bridge Problems by Julian Pottage

·         Northern Lights by Ray Lee and Linda Lee

With thanks to Marty Bergen, a transcript of his lesson:

·         To Finesse or Not to Finesse

This is a great article and a bridge product to keep up your sleeve. In his introduction, he states: “We all know how important finesses are. What is a finesse? It's a manoeuvre to win a trick with a card that is not an obvious winner. Many players love to finesse. It's usually simple and supplies immediate gratification – when it works. However, experts don't like to finesse.       Why? Finesses lose half the time, and no one gets rich betting on 50-50 propositions. Of course, that doesn't mean you should never finesse. Finessing will always be an important function in the game of bridge.”  Read on to get some interesting tips and hints – a great bridge product to keep you in good stead at the bridge table.

In conjunction with Brad Coles of Australian Bridge magazine, a free copy of:

In conjunction with Didier Levy of Vu-Bridge, a free copy of:

  Bridge Crossword puzzle

  Eddie Kantar's Tip of the Day

  Vu-Bridge Hands of the Week

Bridge Base Online

 ·         Fun and friendly free on-line bridge club

·         How to use Bridge Base Online

Bridge Baron 29

·         Download a free trial version of Bridge Baron 29

 Jack 6

 ·         Download a free trial version of Jack 6

  In conjunction with Grand Slam Books

·         Paul Marston’s weekly bridge column with a link to Bridge Solver, so you can play the hands yourself.

In conjunction with Joan Butts School of Bridge

 ·         ABF Education offers you one free month's access to Joan Butts’ Online School of Bridge. Joan is the ABF National Teaching Coordinator, and her Online School of Bridge offers hundreds of contract bridge lessons, videos and programmed hands so you can brush up your game and practise new techniques.

 And lots more bridge products to keep your hand in at the bridge table.

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At the Bridge Table: The Bridge Shop Travel Guide

Not able to get out and about? Well, join the online travel club from around the world. We are all locked in and finding new travel destinations either virtually or from our TV screens.  Well, I have found a great place to visit and it is The Bridge Shop Australia.  

If you are into the game of bridge, bettering yourself and turning an old dalliance into a serious challenge then this is the site to do some exploring.

 Anyone in the know in the worldwide bridge community will have heard of The Bridge Shop Australia.  It is a household name in Australia and has a world-wide and well-deserved reputation for first-class products and customer service. Visit, explore, purchase and become a subscriber and you will, no doubt about it, rate the trip and experience 5/5.

And it is worth a repeat visit.  

  Looking for

a new card table and card table cloths

?

Go to the card table section and click: https://www.bridgeshop.com.au/club-supplies/tables.html

Yes, indeed a new cloth on your new card table – how about this green felt bridge cloth made of dark green felt with suit symbols printed in each corner?  

   Searching for a

great gift for your fellow isolated bridge buddies

who just so happen to be into golf as well?

 Ladies Golf Playing Cards

 A double-deck of playing cards. These beautifully designed cards make a perfect gift and are suitable for Bridge, Whist and many other traditional card games. - Double pack of 52 cards and two Jokers - Gift style packaging - Bridge size 58mm x 89mm

 To tempt your further to explore The Bridge Shop route – check out the

Coming Soon

at The Bridge Shop section

 Like to know when these items are in store? Click on the picture and The Bridge Shop will send you an email as soon as they are in stock.

If you are a bridge playing beginner – then the section

Beginners' Resources

is right up your street

 ·         Beginners’ bridge books

·         Interactive bridge playing CDs

·         Bridge Baron

·         Cheat Sheets

·         V-Blue Course for Newcomers

And lots more valuable products to help you on your bridge learning journey.

  If you take playing bridge seriously and are on a journey of getting you back up to speed at the game of bridge then check out the

Classic Rewind

section

  Various award-winning books are featured; as an example Eddie Kantar's Introduction to Declarer Play and Introduction to Defense. These have both been recently updated and revised by Barbara Seagram. Both are essential reading for the improving player and are still regarded as the classic way to play even after fifty years.

You are often able to download a sample of the featured books to see if they suit your level and style.

So all very user-friendly advice and tour guidance on The Bridge Shop’s website.  Do yourself a favour and go on a great bridge experience at https://www.bridgeshop.com.au

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The Bridge Shop is an All Things Bridge Shop and More

So you are isolating, keeping safe and sound, missing your bridge club and your bridge buddies but going a little stir-crazy?  Well then go shopping.  Get your shopping togs on and click on https://www.bridgeshop.com.au/

All things Bridge just a click away

We should be kind to ourselves more. We find ourselves in an "unpleasant state" after a period of social isolation, since as we tend to forget sometimes that being human means we thrive, and survive, on interaction.

Humans, (included in this are Bridge Players!), don't just like to be social, we need to be. Being lonely seems to be as deadly as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and that is why depriving yourself of social connections, temporarily as it may be, doesn't feel good. Your body is trying to tell you to mingle, and if you are like me, your brain is telling you to shop and play bridge!  Well, you can come out of hibernation and buy bridge products online, and mingle, read, play and do all things bridge.

So Shop till You Stop Being Lonely at The Bridge Shop

Get some good interaction going to stimulate those slowly declining bridge and social skills by starting with Tip of the Day:

FORGING EXTRA TRICKS IN THE TRUMP SUIT

           Going for Your Own Ruff

           “If you hold the AKx(x)(x) in the suit partner has led plus a side-suit singleton, win the      opening lead with the ace and then shift to your singleton. Partner, thinking declarer     has the king, will be more apt to give you a ruff. If you win the opening lead with the            king and then switch to shortness, partner should assume a doubleton — with a            singleton you would have won the first trick with the ace.

           Does anybody remember when bridge used to be fun?”

Then take a look at their Digital Bridge Care Pack

“We've partnered with a few of our favourite suppliers to offer you the following free downloads to help you fill in the hours and days during this uncertain and unsettling time. Please feel free to share these with your friends, family and favourite bridge partners.”

What about buying bridge-related presents online for you isolating bridge chums?

 Or perhaps you want to at long last treat yourself to some special bridge products then browse around.

Playing Cards:

Number one best present for bridge players are playing cards, decent ones. At The Bridge Shop, you will find a present for someone amongst their playing card selection.

Card Tables:

Yes, now is the time to update your old pass-me-down card table.  Go to the card table section and click: https://www.bridgeshop.com.au/club-supplies/tables.html

  And then to keep in contact and up to date on all things bridge you can subscribe and The Bridge Shop will send you email updates and other news and offers.  

Remember fellow isolators – Shopping is cheaper than a psychiatrist!  And playing bridge or buying bridge products online is safer and you won't be sorry!

[bridgeshopaustralia]

On the Hunt for Bridge Supplies?

Have you been rummaging through the internet looking for a decent place to buy your bridge supplies?  Look no further than the Bridge Shop in Australia – the one stop shop for all things bridge.

It is not like searching in the woods for truffles with your friendly pig.  This is easy and far less time-consuming. The rewards are equally delectable though.

SHOP. LEARN. PLAY.  ADD TO CART. 

SHOP to your Queen of Heart’s content and whilst you are on the the hunt for bridge supplies, have a little PLAY, and of course Jack – you can LEARN something too all at this fab shop called The Bridge Shop.

At the Bridge Shop, they have what you thought you did not need, until you saw what is on offer.  A change of mind?  Most definitely.

For Club and Home Supplies of Bridge Paraphernalia: Test your bridge supplies against this list – how many do you have?

 ·         Bidding boxes and refills

·         Boards

·         Bridge Cloths

·         Card Holders

·         Home Bridge Kits

·         Instant Duplicate Computers

·         Movement Cards

·         Party Tallies

·         Pens and Pencils

·         Playing Cards

·         Table numbers

·         Rubber bridge scorers

·         Silent bidding pads and holders

·         System cards

·         Wallets

·         Bridge tables

·         Team score sheets

·         Travelling score sheets

·         And more…

 Talking about playing bridge and all that.  

The no. 1 essential thing, other than 3 other bridge players, is to have a decent set or sets of playing cards. Nothing beats playing with new super-duper playing cards. Your game instantly improves.

This is a fact.  It is like playing with old balls at Wimbledon – it is simply not strawberries and cream is it?

The other fact is a good card table.  Imagine the Wimbledon champions playing on a rocky bed of weeds.  The same applies to playing cards on a proper card table.  

There is a wide range of playing cards from some of the world’s best card manufacturers available at the Bridge Shop. You should have in your arsenal some ordinary, but good playing cards and for impressing your fellow players, some really special ones.

Because you deserve it I would suggest: 

v  The Monet Gallery decorative playing card series. These come in a set of double decks and are beautifully designed around the artwork of Monet.  They come in bridge playing size of 58mmx89mm. If you think your friends deserve them too, they make a super gift.

v  Because you really deserve it – how about some monogrammed playing cards?  They are so James Bond.  They will make a super gift to a fellow card playing friend – just select on-line which initials you want and order at a push of a button. 

v  This is one of the best bridge tables on the market. It is called The Edwardian.  It has a velour top, a mahogany trim and the essential foldaway cast steel legs.  It is the standard card table measuring 90cm x 90cm x 72 cm high.  

You simply have to have one.  I do!

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Did You Know That the Game of Bridge Can Be Lethal?

Even if you have all the bridge products in the world, the honed skill of a top bridge athlete, the best-dressed table, magic playing cards and Eddie Kantor as your partner, you could still be in jeopardy.

In 1929 Myrtle Bennet shot and killed her husband for not making a contract of four spades.

She was acquitted.

It transpired that her husband was an abusive man and she got away with Bridge Murder. Lucky her – how often have you wanted to do away with your partner and get away with it because he made a very stupid mistake? (Yes, Cedrick the Sharp, this applies to you.)

The point is that Myrtle did not allow her bridge to go to the dogs or grow rusty even though she occasionally found it very difficult to get herself a new bridge partner at the bridge table.  

She did find one partner and when he made an impulsive bid, he apparently put down his hand with some diffidence and stated:  Partner, I am afraid you will want to shoot me for this.

7 tips on how you can avoid being taken out when playing the game of bridge or similarly, you committing an offensive bridge crime:

Tip # 1.  

Find yourself the right partner.  Bond with that person.  As in James.

Tip# 2.

Keep yourself abreast of the latest bridge products to ensure you are not regarded as Shirley the Sheep at the table i.e. a person commonly known as an old-fashioned bridge player with no sense of what needs to be done to keep up to date with the game.  This can be very offensive and very boring to the partner.

Tip# 3.

Know that post-mortems must only be done after the game – preferably at dawn the day after.  

Tip# 4.

Keep ahead of the pack (including the cards) by posing as an expert witness.  To do this you need to keep a stash of products that will inspire all your bridge chummies and make you look professional.  

Tip# 5.

If you have offended your bridge chummies or more seriously your bridge partner, then revert to giving that person a super bridge gift.  A new set of monogrammed personalised playing cards with a note saying: “I promise never to not lead your call again”.  Or something along those lines. Have a stash of bridge greeting cards for this exact purpose, i.e. Wrong Bid Greeting Card, or A Wandering Dummy Greeting Card.  

 Tip# 6.

Do not compound a crime in the game of bridge. If you or your partner (this is surely more likely), make an error, do not lose you cool and commit a crime. Simply understand that most contracts can still be beaten after one defensive error, but seldom after two.  

Tip# 7.

When your partner makes a nice play a kind word at the end of the round will go a long way to warding off evil thoughts. If this consistently happens – go all out and buy a Superb Jumbo Index set of playing cards for her and say – “Thanks Dolly the Dummy, you make a BIG difference in my game!”

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In your Bridge Game are you thinking two moves ahead?  Of haven’t you got that far yet?

Remember bridge players that some of the most poisonous people come disguised as your bridge playing chummies.  So, unless you keep ahead and have eyes at the back of your skull, you are not going to make it at the bridge game.  

This is some really good advice from Robert Todd, an American professional bridge player:

“It is important to understand why we learn conventions in the game of bridge. They are tools to help us better communicate with partner. We have to be craftsmen and use our tools effectively. Until we do, we will not be able to get the most out of them.

The process of learning to use a new bridge convention can be a difficult one. We will often take one step back (make mistakes or have bidding mix-ups) in an effort to move forward. It is important for us to recognise this and realise that adopting a new convention and learning to use it effectively is a long term investment in improving our bridge game.” 

Harry the Hog – you should have this imprinted on your bridge brain.  It pertains to you. Also, could you please keep your bridge cards from being exposed to the opponents.  Brace your cards please. Your opponents are poisonous! 

Here are 10 tips, with thanks to Robert Todd, in the game of bridge that we should all have on our playing cards written in invisible ink: 

1.     All jumps in competition are weak! (Except when they are known not to be.)

2.     The auction tells you what to lead, your hand has to persuade you otherwise.

3.     When working hard in your game of bridge and focusing on details it can be easy to miss the forest for the trees. Always try to keep one eye on the big picture.

4.     The opening lead is our primary advantage as defenders, do not waste it.

5.     Bridge is a game of skill, but also a game of psychology. Unfortunately, some players will try to get under your skin. Don’t let them do it! You need a thick skin at the bridge table and you can get them back by playing your best bridge - rise to the occasion, don’t sink to their level. Cruella de Ville take note!

6.     When winning a trick, it is best to select your lead to the next trick before you play your winning card. (Thinking two steps ahead here folks). Select your lead to the next trick before turning over your playing card from the previous trick - leave it up on the table, this allows you to look back at everyone’s cards.

7.     The Law of Total Tricks is your friend. In competitive bridge auctions it serves as your “fall guy” - if you follow it and you are wrong you can blame The Law. So vary from The Law sparingly - do so only when you feel strongly and otherwise let it guide you.  

8.     Don’t get too fancy, just try to bid your longest suit...

9.     If you get rattled at the bridge table, stop doing all the other things that you do when you are playing and just focus on the bridge game.

No doubleton leads and definitely no doubleton leads without trump control.

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Bridge The Game of Extracting Your Opponent’s Teeth

I do not jest.  This is what it is all about.  And generally your opponent’s teeth are like crocodile teeth.  

Successfully done, you are on the way to becoming a good bridge player.  The Game of Bridge as I have so often stated, is not for sissies, my dears.  It is a croc eat croc world out there, and you need to develop a thick skin to be able to master the game.

The Game of Bridge – 15 Warm-up tricks of the trade 

As in any competitive sport my dears, you need to do some stretching exercises, as well as limbering up to be fit enough to go out and extract some teeth. 

1.     First things first.  Do not play with dog-eared sticky cards.  You would not play golf with your tennis racquet, do not play bridge with anything other than good bridge cards.

2.     Have a couple of sets of bridge cards available in your bridge drawer – yes that means buying a few good sets.  (You can, I will allow this, play with Cruella Deville using your oldish playing cards. And, yes, you can gloat when she takes two out of her hand because they have stuck together.  But no-one else!)

3.     Treat your partner well.  Listen and obey.  You have gone to the bridge game altar with her.

4.     This partner must be on the same wave length in terms of leads and conventions.  You don’t necessarily have to love her, just obey.  That is life – no so?

5.     Know the level of skill of your precious partner. If she is weak, the crocs will attack sooner.  Protect her.

6.     The divorce can come after the game, not during.

7.     Practice your post-mortem skills.  Don’t get your teeth extracted again – so use these skills to improve your game.

8.     No raised eyebrows, drumming of fingers on the table, or heavy sighs.

9.     You simply have to remember the bidding – you may have forgotten how you got to the bridge table, but remember the bidding.

10.  Spot the player who hesitates during the bidding. A sure give away that he has a problem hand.  He is the croc who is still basking in the sun and seeing fish where there aren’t any.

11.  Spot the player who starts counting on her fingers (or claws in some instances) – sure give away that she has a few points. No-one is going to take a long time counting points, if they only have 6 high card points

12.  You must know what your croc opponents are plotting.  So know the specific bridge game they are playing.

13.  Defending is equally as important as attack.  Don’t let them take your teeth.  So watch the cards as if you are watching a card trickster – the small ones are equally as important as the big ones.

14.  You are allowed to huff and puff if someone takes too long sorting their bridge cards out. This is a no-no.  

15.  You must count the cards.  The bridge cards, not the birthday cards on the mantelpiece. 

You are nearly there.  Remember extraction needs focus and strength.  Just go out and do it.

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Bridge Games in Blah Blah Land

So you play contract bridge in the real world?   

You sit at a real table and have real partners and play real contract bridge with bidding boxes and card holders and there is a constant banter of blah blah going on about Cruella Deville who sits in every now again for Harry the Hog?

Well, that is so 2016 my bridge aficionados.  Trust me, if you don’t have some form of computer bridge game on your tablet or laptop you are living in the dark ages.  

Bridge games can be real or they can be virtual.  Try both. 

I am convinced that my bridge game has come a long way since I started playing and experimenting with the numerous forms of bridge games you can download.  My bridge teacher – bless her – told me to find the best bridge game on-line and play as often as possible.

You can play against the computer or you can play against world champion bridge players – you take your pick. Most of all, though, treat these bridge games as being your daily supplement of bridge vitamins.  

You will learn so much.

Available to you – and I got mine from the Bridge Shop on-line, are:

·         Bridge Playing Software

·         Instant download software

·         Instructional bridge games

·         Bridge software for iPads

·         Bridge Baron – which is the world’s number one bridge game for computers

My best is Hand of the Week.  This gives you a fantastic insight into a selection of interesting bridge hands. As you play you get commentary and guidance by bridge playing gurus.

What I love is the snide remarks made like – “well done but remember that gloating is unattractive.”

Tell that to Harry the Hog and Cruella Deville.

And: “Our strategy is to pull his teeth (er, trumps) every chance we get. At trick 2, we begin our strategy. At trick 3, declarer leads a Diamond, and that tells us we are hot on his trail. At trick 4, we lead another trump and glance at him out of the corner of our eye. He's grinding HIS teeth!”

In the last two weeks I have played through the Bridge Shop on-line:

·         A Valiant Effort – by Marti Ronemus

·         A New Look – by Eddie Kantar

·         Forward Planning – by Paul Bower

You can’t really get better know-how and guidance, with a lovely dash of bridge playing humour thrown in, than this. 

Getting back to Reality Bridge Games. (Wouldn’t that be a great idea for a TV show?) 

I have spoken often about have the proper equipment for playing bridge.  One of the best things you can do is introduce your bridge playing dummies, chummies, to bridge card holders. They are a great way of getting the game going, believe me.  So much time wasted in those incompetent hands, fumbling and blah blahing about whomever.  This way you can get everyone up and running quickly.

Card holders are not going to break your bridge piggy bank – they range from $2.95 to $16.95. But they will break the endless fumbling of sorting out your bridge hands. 

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Bridge Products – Up your Game, Learn Concrete Facts and Develop Steely Nerves

A reminder folks of the fact that if you are not prepared to lose your friends over a board game like Chess, a card game like Poker or your opponents in the game of Duplicate Bridge – then you are not putting enough effort into it.

Up your game with some of these interesting tit-bits you can use in your play-time. I discovered them whilst searching for bridge products online.

Poker Card Shark or Poker Card Sharp? Some Card Sharp Facts for You to Impress Your Fellow Poker Players:

1.      Which are the most popular playing cards in the world?  Bicycle and for under $10 you can buy a pack.

2.      Which King is the only one in a deck of cards that does not have a moustache?  King of Hearts

3.      When does a deck of cards become statistically random?  After five interlocking shuffles.

4.      Where does the term “One-eyed Jack” come from? The Jack of Spades and Hearts are depicted in profile, meaning you only see one side of their faces.

Alert. Stop. Pass. Eat. Spit Out. Duplicate Bridge Speak - Talking of Sharks.

My first game of duplicate bridge my partner used the “Alert” card.  What on earth? I looked bright and shiny and intimated I was very much alert! What was he inferring? The opponents yawned and raised those shark-like eyebrows. Oh, to be so green.

Do yourself a favour and do some reading into how to behave at the duplicate bridge shark school, otherwise, you will be eaten alive and spat out before you can say pass. There are numerous books and how-to guides on playing duplicate bridge and bridge products that will help you to learn – get some in your tank.

I Discovered My Great Wicked White Shark of an Aunt Has a Dal Rossi Chess Set!

Wow – hopefully she will leave it to me in her will?  I now look at it in a new light.  These highly sought after pieces are the epitome of fine design and are regarded as being the top of the range chess sets in the world.  I now covet it and that then puts me in the league of chess connoisseurs, which of course is where I should be anyway.  

Dal Rossi chess sets are made in Italy and like so many other things coming out of Italy they are beautifully designed and the workmanship is superb.

Do some research and you will see that you can purchase a variety of Dal Rossi chess sets here in Australia.  

Tips before you purchase a Dal Rossi set on-line:

1.      Spend willingly as this will last a life-time and can be passed down (I hope you get the message aunt)

2.      Select the chess pieces according to:

a.      the person you are buying for i.e. a history boffin, or a high design guru and

b.      to the size of the board.  The board must be half the size (in cm) of the height of the (King in mm).

3.      Choose the right box to store your pieces in.  

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The Game of Bridge – as Seen Through a Sceptics Eye

The game of bridge is played by four people sitting at a card table.

It is a partnership game. You sit opposite your partner and your partner is the person who is generally the one doing all the talking and not paying much attention to the game.  You have to be careful here, as you don’t ever want to upset your bridge partner.  That is like playing Russian roulette.  He will tell you over and over how many hands of rubber bridge he has played, and never got to play a grand slam! (Don’t at this stage mumble to yourself: “That’s because you never had the guts to call it.”)

You deal out 13 cards to each person.

Mostly, each person gets 13 cards, depending on how you deal.  Some can end up on the floor. Try not to do this as a card could end face-up. Your opponents generally have beady eyes. James Bond once pulled this trick and won the game.  Of course, he won the game.  

You then cumbersomely gather your cards in your one hand and combine them into the 4 suits.  

This can be tricky and takes a bit of time. Don’t drum your fingers on the bridge table. The cards must be displayed in a perfect fan.  Most people, including my partner don’t fan their cards properly. They give the game away by demarcating the suits into little clumps. You can immediately tell that he has a 3, 4, 2, 4 split, because there are tiny, inconspicuous (not to me though and Cruella de Ville on my right) gaps between his cards. Remind yourself of the rule: never overtly criticise one’s partner; rather crack your knuckles.

Then someone says: “Who dealt these?”

You answer: “I did!” Eyebrows raise.  Your opponent on your left says: “I must be lucky in love!” (There is a saying, if you are unlucky in cards, then at least you are lucky in love!) You sigh; you have heard this 100 times around the bridge table; it is not applicable to the game of bridge, because bridge is not based on luck, but rather on skill for heaven’s sake! It is not good bridge etiquette to show irritation towards your opponent. Rather take yourself off to the bathroom and wash your face with cold water.

So, getting back to the game itself; because you dealt, you open the bidding.

The objective is to win the bidding, hence the contract, and then play the game according to what you bid.  If you bid 4S as an example, you then have to make “book”, which is 6 tricks, and then you have to make 4 additional tricks. In total 10 tricks. Numeracy 101 is what you need to begin playing bridge.  

A common occurrence around a bridge table is that people continually count their tricks.

“1, 2, 3, how many more do I have to make?” Don’t reply to this, even though you want to say: “8, you silly old goat!”

So folks, that in a nutshell, is the bridge game.  You will love it. Especially when your partner is the Dummy.  

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The Queen of Hearts Baked some Tarts – Recipe for success in Buying Bridge Products

Let’s go back to basics before buying bridge products

There are numerous products available to you whether you are a beginner or a club champion for playing the game of Rubber, Contract or Duplicate bridge. All games will require the same set of products. Some are not necessary, but can are really nice to have. The clever designs of card holders for those who battle to keep all cards perfectly fanned for example, or a new deck of playing cards to improve handling, will add to the enjoyment of the game. The thing to do is not get complacent about your equipment – just as you wouldn’t in your kitchen and in your culinary expertise. Those tarts you serve up in your bridge break need to be cleverly creative just as your game and the presentation of your bridge table!

Game of Moans – Don’t Let Your Bridge Group Down with Shoddy Bridge Products

Rather take some time and effort into buying bridge products – there is nothing worse than trying to shuffle or deal with an old deck of playing cards that stick together and are worn at the edges. Card holders will alleviate wasted time and effort some players put into sorting out and fanning their cards and hence alleviate any tension amongst the players. Simplify matters by offering this ingenious gadget.

Top Honours to You If You Know the Following Basics in Your Playing Card Deck:

·         Playing cards are known as either bridge or poker sized. Bridge sized is narrower due to comfort required in holding all 13 cards in one hand. This is where of course card holders come in useful for those who battle.

·         There are four suits with each consisting of 3 face cards and 10 "pip" or numbered cards.

·         The 4 suits are ranked in this order:  Spades, Hearts, Diamonds and then lowest in the pack, Clubs. 13 cards in each.

·         A pack of new playing cards will always have a few Jokers in them – you need to discard them before dealing obviously.  

·         Spades.  The “spade” is not derived from the spade that you use in the garden but rather a word from the Greek spartha meaning a spear.

·         Hearts. The name originated in 16th century France from the shape of pips or symbols used in designating rank.

·         Diamonds. The actual symbolism is not clear but it originated in 16th century France and comes from the diamond shaped lozenge used for the pips

·         Clubs. Looking like a cloverleaf with the word coming from the French trefle.

So share this information with your bridge buddies about playing cards and you will come out trumps.

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The Bridge Shop – A bridge over Doubled Waters

The variety of bridge paraphernalia available at The Bridge Shop is truly fascinating. Real kudos to the clever designers of these items both in their artistry and style. But then of course, if you look at a deck of playing cards and the history and intrigue around these, you realise that it is not such a difficult thing to bring art into bridge or good design into all aspects of the bridge game, whether it be in bridge table napkins, bridge playing cards, golf accessories etc.  The jargon of bridge is in itself a creative lexicon.

In the shop’s book section, not only is there a fabulous supply of how-to bridge books, but you will also find some drama in the novels on offer.  Some of these titles and covers are art works in themselves. Take for instance, Murder at the Bridge Table or I Shot My Bridge Partner. Yes, indeed we have all wanted to do away with our bridge partner at one stage or the other. The best title I think is:  Death in Duplicate!  What a good present to give that old Cruella de Ville at the bridge tournament. Creative gifting at its best!

Art in Hearts

When I played socially years ago in Germany, I made special bidding box cards for my partner’s birthday: Get me My Gun, Let’s Leave Now and Stop! This is not fun Anymore! Help! Was the one she used most, much to my delight and amusement, but sadly not to our Germanic opponents whom we used to play with. They thought the game of bridge rather more serious than that. But hey, a little creativity in your bridge game can be good fun.

My dear partner loved them so much she commissioned me to paint some greeting cards that were copies of playing cards.  My hand painted cards, or bridge art as she described them, were sourced from the beautiful designs of playing cards throughout the centuries. I have to tell you here, that I only got as far as painting the King, Queen and Jack of Hearts.

Playing Cards are a Perfect Example of Good Design Principles of Symmetry

After all, your bridge cards should be attractive surely? We like symmetry both in art and in our surroundings. Think how clever playing cards are, in that there is no such thing as upside down. As you pick them up after the deal, you simply place them in your hand. Over the ages symmetry and functionality in playing cards have evolved, but they are still things of beauty and one should study them carefully to understand the subtle differences between the different suits and royal cards.

Your Collection of Bridge Art – Display it on your Bridge Table for all to Envy

There are some beautifully designed playing cards available from The Bridge Shop that you will be proud to display at your bridge game.  Copy of art works are available in the Picasso, Renoir, Bruegel’s Tower of Babel, Monet’s Lilies playing cards.  Do yourself a favour and start collecting them. Not many of us can afford the real art, only the bridge art.

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Enrich your love of Bridge with this great range of Bridge Supplies, Giftware and Bridge Paraphernalia

Bridge is the world’s most popular card game and there are many bridge software options for students wanting to improve their game. Among the most popular are Vu-Bridge and Jack Bridge. 

Vu-Bridge is a suite of online products that use an interactive teaching format to explain key points for bridge students. Its flagship product is a twice monthly newsletter called V-Green. Each newsletter contains five sets of six hands from some of the world’s leading writers, teacher and players such as Eddie Kantar, Barry Rigal, Marti Ronemus, David Bird and Paul Bowyer. 

The user is shown their hand and asked to bid the hand out as the computer bids the other three hands. There is only one proscribed auction, meaning the system will not accept any attempt by the player to make what the author considers to be a wrong or inferior bid. That forcibly teaches the player or student what the right bid is at the right time, before they go down the wrong path. At critical points in the auction, the system will pop up teaching notes that describe what is right and what is wrong and what the student should be looking out for and considering. 

A similar product, but for newcomers to bridge is called V-Blue. These hands are easier and each newsletter tends to focus on just one topic, such as finessing or Stayman or Blackwood. Finally Vu-Bridge also offers specialised Playbooks which are adaptations of books but in Vu-Bridge format. The content and hands from the original books are the same but this time the reader or user gets to go through the hand interactively. 

Another very popular bridge software is Jack Bridge from The Netherlands. Jack Bridge is considered the strongest bridge game on the market and has won the World Computer Bridge Championships an astonishing twelve times. At the these events, the makers and developers of all the best bridge software play each against each other over matches of 32 boards and the top qualifiers then move into semifinals and finals. The standard of the computer bridge is quite high and the best are usually the standard of a good national player. 

Jack Bridge has lots of great features for the bridge player. You can just play random hands or play a set match against the computer. Of particular note is that if the user enables Professor Jack, the computer will provide the user with an analysis of how the user played the hand with advice on how this could have been improved. This is great for the up and coming player. As well, the user or player can ask for advice during the bidding and play by selecting the Help function and Jack Bridge will calculate the best bid or the best play at that point in time. 

Also included with Jack Bridge is membership to the online Jack where users can play against others from all corners of the world. This is a fun way to meet other bridge players and make friends.

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Bridge Equipment: The Best Way You Are Equipped Is To Have Improved Focus on Bridge Table

No matter whether you are a beginner or an experienced bridge player, barriers to concentration are distractions, tiredness or lethargy and nervousness. The focus and concentration of bridge players is legendary. But, you should remember that distractions can be your own worst enemy. They will not come with alarms or warning, but take away even your winning hand. Distractions can be anything from outside or your own thoughts and worries that take up the space of your brain which would otherwise be dedicated to the auction or the next move and play in your hand.

Tips to improve your focus on bridge table

Discuss the hands later

You might think that discussing the hand immediately would not take up much time, but the conversation might distract you and divert your focus. Avoid this when you are playing cards.

Avoid talking between hands

If you have noticed expert bridge players while they play, you might have noticed they do not chit-chat in between. Social distractions can divert your mind very quickly than you can even imagine of.

Learn to move on

Do not leave your mind stuck in your last board. No matter whether you win or lose, let it go. If you do not do this, it will cloud your focus for the upcoming hand.

Avoid spending too much time on easy hands

This will help you stay away from fatigue. Allow your brain to coast and this will help prevent fatigue.

Relax when you get a chance

Usually players watch players’ every card even when they are dummy. Avoid doing this because you are using your brain energy for nothing. Take advantage of this and have a mini break to rejuvenate yourself.

Look for green and distant objects

When you are playing Computer Bridge, you should look out of the window at nature, whenever possible. Experts are of the opinion that simply looking at green grass for one minute, you can improve your concentration and have reduced errors.

Move about or stand

It is important you move a little bit or simply stand up at regular intervals while playing the game. Standing or walking casually will recharge your systems and help you focus better.

Pay attention to nutrition

Avoid junk food especially when you are heading towards tournament. This results in complete brain fog and affect your concentration level to a great extent.

Relax before the match

It is important to stay away from anxiety especially before the match is going to begin. Jack Bridge is going to help you improve your confidence and boost your concentration as well. Stretching or relaxing your brain and body before the match help you get ready for the competition or even for the simple game.

Act and look confident at the table

It is very important to feel confident when you approach the table. Do not panic even if you make mistake. This will lead to more and may spoil all your game and hope. You will have many opportunities to recover as the game will proceed. 

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Choose from the widest range of bridge products and get cost effective deals with prudence

Bridge is a challenging game. The intellectual challenge and problem solving satisfaction attracts people of all age and background. Any activity that brings pleasure for you can save you from clinical depression. This is the reason why bridge is recommended and is well suited for seniors because social interaction and mental stimulation help them stay active. Besides, this game works as a promoter for growing kids in their academic performance especially developing math skills and strategic thinking skills. Bridge products are available online to help enthusiasts enjoy the game and bring a feel of the game in their homes as well.

Nowadays bridge learners and players prefer playing online. The reason is not just convenience and accessibility, but also availability of varieties of software programs. In addition to these, computer bridge helps players enjoy the game against the computer anytime they want to play. However, with time, bridge game against computer has also undergone changes and made major advances. It is playing bridge making use of the software downloaded. Most people start learning and improving their game skills with playing bridge online.

Many sites also give you opportunity to play online with people from different parts of the world. Depending on your requirement and level you can select the best suited bridge software for you. One of the most popular ones is available in different versions and is designed for players of almost all levels. On the other hand if you select playing bridge online, you should select the site that gives access to your locality and has a large number of members. It must have prompt support, full, smart and player-friendly features and top quality bridge products. It should promote fair play and provide club like environment for users as well.

No matter what way you choose to learn and improve your game, you should buy bridge products, books or software from a well-known online store. Choosing the store that offers wide range of products will help you have number of options. Take some time and go through the details and do not miss the reviews or feedbacks of the users before finalizing any product. Usually a good store will provide you bridge books, software or other product after analysing your needs and expectations.

Playing bridge and becoming socially active, either online or with your friends, will help you forget about worries, sleep better and have a better life in general. When you buy bridge books or other supplies online, you can have the latest version and cost effective deal as well. You get an opportunity to compare and evaluate the products before buying which definitely makes you buy the best one fitted for your needs and desires.

Since bridge is a game played by all age group of people, it can easily become a family pastime. Kids will not only prefer spending weekends at home, but also learn lessons in teamwork and cooperation while playing and having fun with family members. It will also reintroduce many social skills that have been lost with time in this digital world.