The Most Beautiful Game in the World
By Patricia Herrera
D16 Education Coordinator
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In my last column I shared with you that the most beautiful game in the world, is not a game but an Olympic sport! And like all Olympic sports, it requires that we never stop learning. This is why it is the game you never truly master, and that’s what makes it so beautiful.No matter how many years you’ve played or how many masterpoints you earned, there’s always something new to discover, to update, some small tweak that can make your partnership smoother and your play more precise.
The key to bridge greatness isn’t perfection – it’s continuous learning. So today I want to share some of my best tips that will help you to keep learning:
Embrace Curiosity
The best players are the most curious and open to new ideas and perspectives. After every session, ask yourself: What worked well today and what needs to be revisited? Chat with your partner or clubmates.
Always welcome healthy dialogue and constructive feedback Keep a Bridge Journal Write down interesting or challenging hands or plays. Later, review them with friends, mentors, or online forums. Sometimes, it’s that one small insight – a better lead, an alternative bid – that leads to big improvements! Remember there is no stupid questionever!
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Leverage Resources
District 16 offers a wealth of learning opportunities: Both English and Spanish lectures, club lessons, sectional seminars, Scorecard articles. Local teachers can tailor lessons to your needs, whether you’re just learning Stayman or figuring out advanced squeezes.
Make sure you reach out to them!
Modern Tech
There are so many online resources for bridge, from video tutorials to interactive hand simulators to fantastic websites, live streaming and YouTube channels. Online platforms allow you to practice with robots or players from around the world, analyzing your play afterward. Social media groups and discussion boards are full of lively debates and expert advice.
Partnership – Your Secret Weapon
Many of us focus on bidding systems and declarer play, but true advancement comes with partnership understanding. Take time to review conventions, agreements, and carding methods with your partner.
Discuss what worked and where communication faltered. Sometimes, the smallest tweak – an agreedupon opening lead, or a clarified signal – can turn a good partnership into a great one.
Keep Joy in Learning
This is probably the most important piece of advice. Improvement is most sustainable when learning is fun. Challenge yourself by playing in a new event or setting personal goals. Celebrate your victories, large and small, and remember to laugh off the inevitable blunders. Bridge is, after all, a beautiful game because of its ups and downs.
As you continue your journey, remember: the secret to better bridge is just one new idea or one honest postmortem away. Stay curious, use your resources – and above all, keep playing with joy.
The more, the merrier! We are always better together.
Patricia Herrera is a Mexican bridge teacher, player and coach. She is part of the Women's bridge team that represents Mexico in World Championships. She is also president of the Mexican Bridge Federation. When she is not playing bridge Patricia runs a nonprofit consulting firm based in Mexico City called Pontis She is also a tourist guide. You can reach Patricia at: herrerapatricia@gmail.com
