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.