[jillybean]

Hi J.A.D, there are a couple of comments I wanted to make in response to your post in the thread, 'How and where are you learning" Rather than hijack that thread where I think you want to keep things as a discussion for N/B without the rest of the mob giving unecessary advice, I've started a new thread.

JustaDummy, on 2012-March-20, 19:12, said:

Now, I have Bridge Baron 22, which is horrible in its own various ways. I also of course have Bridge Base Online, and I watch a lot, although a few worthies in these Bridge Base Forums have indicated that that is not a good idea.

Don't watch too much, jump in and play many, many, many hands. Pick a few bad hands to review using my hands. Compare your auction and play to a pair who scored well. If you can get the help of an expert to answer the occasional question or review a hand do so, most bridge players are happy to give their opinion Expert/Advanced Yellows who aren't playing or kibitzing a match are very helpful and don't mind answering a question or 2. And of course, post hands here. No question is too silly to post, there are many lurkers just waiting for someone to ask that "stupid" question.

JustaDummy, on 2012-March-20, 19:12, said:

What software do you use, if you use any?

Bridge Mater Audrey Grant edition – when I started with it I couldn't see the benefit but I carried on going through the hands and now I realize what a powerful tool it is.

After you have tired of BM Audrey Grant you must add BM2000.

[MrAce]

I maybe wrong of course but, i think you intended to reply in the topic he started but accidently created a totally new topic ?

[JustaDummy]

jillybean, on 2012-March-27, 18:42, said:

Hi J.A.D, there are a couple of comments I wanted to make in response to your post in the thread, 'How and where are you learning" Rather than hijack that thread where I think you want to keep things as a discussion for N/B without the rest of the mob giving unecessary advice, I've started a new thread.

Thank you! I really don't know, but I think your advice would be welcomed by the other starters too. I'm sure (and hope) they'll find this thread.

Quote

Don't watch too much, jump in and play many, many, many hands. Pick a few bad hands to review using my hands.

This is what I mean by that - I absolutely did not know about that tool. But now that I do, I'm going to be all over it like a bad rash.

Quote

Bridge Mater Audrey Grant edition – when I started with it I couldn't see the benefit but I carried on going through the hands and now I realize what a powerful tool it is.

After you have tired of BM Audrey Grant you must add BM2000.

I have BM2000. Within the first ten hands I have learned more than I learned in all the years I played "social" bridge, 40 years ago. It's VERY intense, more so than his "Learn to Play Bridge", but it's all there.

[Cthulhu D]

JustaDummy, on 2012-March-27, 21:03, said:

I have BM2000. Within the first ten hands I have learned more than I learned in all the years I played "social" bridge, 40 years ago. It's VERY intense, more so than his "Learn to Play Bridge", but it's all there.

What's your experience like in identifying relevant positions at the table? Sometimes I struggle with the BM2000 hands because through to the start of level 4 (as far as I can get on my own), the positions are very 'pure' but when actually playing it's generally a mess. There is 'obviously' a skill to identifying your options effectively at the table, was wondering what people's success is with that

Also, if you ever catch me online, I'm always looking for people who will put up with my strange bidding

[aguahombre]

jillybean, on 2012-March-27, 18:42, said:

Rather than hijack that thread where I think you want to keep things as a discussion for N/B without the rest of the mob giving unecessary advice, I've started a new thread.

Rather than being one of the mob giving unneccesary advice, and noticing that the monitor who determines unneccesary advice has already checked in, I will simply give a big + to what Jilly said in the OP.

[sharon j]

"jump in and play many, many, many hands. Pick a few bad hands to review using my hands. Compare your auction and play to a pair who scored well."

I do this and in some cases it helps me see my mistakes as declarer. It is harder for me to see the correct line when the defense at my table is different than the other table's defense. I'm never sure to chalk it up to my bad play or my opponents's superior defense.

[diana_eva]

sharon j, on 2012-March-28, 10:31, said:

"jump in and play many, many, many hands. Pick a few bad hands to review using my hands. Compare your auction and play to a pair who scored well."

I do this and in some cases it helps me see my mistakes as declarer. It is harder for me to see the correct line when the defense at my table is different than the other table's defense. I'm never sure to chalk it up to my bad play or my opponents's superior defense.

You can replay Vugraph matches. Then you compare with what top players did, plus most deals have the written commentary saved too.

On the web version teaching tables now have the option to hide hands for the host, so you get to play just like in normal conditions, without seeing opps hands.