THE RIGHT WAY TO PLAY BRIDGE.................................( By Johnny Supremo ) The right way to play bridge is always to be in the right frame of mind, when bidding and playing the cards. Feeling nervous, agitated, flustered, upset or distressed will never allow you to achieve such a goal. Self-confidence is a crucial factor in trying to stay cool, calm and collected. So this leads me onto my next lesson.

• Lesson 5. Finding the right partners. Yes,it is always a good idea to find partners who can bring your game on. However, this will never happen if you allow them to destroy your self-confidence. Playing the game in a troubled state of mind can only lead to poor results and further condemnation from your over-bearing partner. Try to pair up with players renown for their patience and understanding. Sadly, these two virtues are often in short supply when it comes to bridge players. Playing with someone who is too good, but also too intolerant and demanding, is a guaranteed recipe for disaster. The value, therefore, of getting a good partner cannot be understated, for he/she might well bring out the best in you......or at least allow you progress and improve without any confidence-shattering setbacks. Ideally, look out for partners who are known to give praise and encouragement, which more than balance out any gentle criticisms they may feel compelled to make. And if you do have a bad experience with a new partner, try to regard as a good learning experience. At least you'll know what type of players to avoid in the future.