practicing online
My friend Stan’s asking some questions about playing online, thought it might be fun to see what you think.
As to on-line play “what works?”
I know it is a bonus having records easily discussable and reviewable. How well it works probably depends on the people involved (since there are likely more distractions at home) … Do you think it is better to “play” on-line or to work in the”partnership bidding” area? (I assume if you go there, you can order specific types of hands?) It is a shame they don’t have a “defensive practice area” which would also be helpful.
For me, the partnership bidding tables tend to be of pretty limited use when there is no east-west action. Bob Katz occasionally hosts a partnership table for us and bids the opponent’s cards, and I am increasingly convinced that having a coach/opponent/moderator is great for practicing conventions, honing hand evaluation skills, etc.
I find it much more difficult to concentrate on card play online. The distractions at home are significant, even when George and the children are away. I try and use our online play sessions to work on counting the hands, which is the thing I still struggle to do. Most of my partners send me quick (sometimes not so quick) reviews of the sets, which can be very helpful. The best, I think, is a quick phone call to focus on whatever the “lesson” of the set was; then discuss each hand in one or two sentences in a follow-up email.
For serious practice, I need to hold the cards in my hands. How about you?
August 27th, 2007 at 10:42 am
Red, for me, strange conditions about when it is easier to concentrate - and when not.
At first, I had more trouble online. Still do - if I am checking my emails, watching Lifetime TV concurrently, or IMing with people. Other times, though, I find that the lack of time pressure and solitude of my home (different from yours, my friend! :)) can aid concentration.
At the “real” bridge table, I’ve always found concentration at matchpoints far more difficult than at team play. In team play, the easier hands generally go faster than at matchpoints; one doesn’t dwell forever on an elusive overtrick. In teams, people are less likely to care if you go “into the tank” on a toughie.
At matchpoints? Meet up with a slow pair, and you are forever in fear of the clock. I dunno about others, but - that does take its toll on my concentration!
Also a bit tougher to deal with a new system, agreements every two hands.