17:51 12 May 2014 In the air between Omaha and San Diego by GS Jade Barrett, CsbNews correspondent Stosur wins Southern California Open
“Tennis is all about mental toughness, and you have to keep your head in the game. I make time to relax away from competition pressures, travel and intense training schedules to make sure I’m looking after myself. Taking time out with family and friends helps to maintain the work-life balance everyone needs” – Samantha Stosur
Even the most well conditioned bridge athletes need to sleep sometime. A few years ago, I spent an enjoyable lunch with Egyptian great, Walid El Ahmadi, during which we discussed the challenges faced by the true Bridge Road Warriors – proper diet, rest and exercise and how amazing the results of some players are, year over year, despite the lack of respect paid to those three important considerations. Walid El Ahmadi
There are many players who are simply too excited from the day to rest, and Heaven forbid that the hotel bar be closed before the last hand is dealt, or the athletes will be forced to roam the streets. These long days turn into longer nights into early mornings, depending on the stamina of the adventurers. Yet they are present at their assigned posts for the next day’s event, regardless of their lengthy revels.
After a few months of these intense tournaments, I reach the limit of my energy and must have a few days of mindless activity – which occasionally translates literally into stopping and smelling the roses. The intentional drawing of my attention away from the game allows for the resetting of my mind, both calming and cooling the overactive brain that these events create. It has taken years of training to be able to forget hands, or to be able to store them away for future contemplation – otherwise I would never find the respite I so often need.
Each new day of competition brings new challenges that require my complete focus, for missing the slightest detail may derail my team. Therefore my partners and teammates deserve the best effort I am capable of that day, for my strength varies from one session to the next. The key is not to waste too much of it on frivolity.
I am not alone in seeking the calm moments between the storms of frantic mental gymnastics, for every individual in every type of competitive endeavor requires these periods of inactivity. The brain, like the body, needs the opportunity to recuperate.
A common situation occurs in notrumps. It is often vital to winkle out declarer's stopper on the first round, so that the suit can be cashed when defenders regain the lead:
So you can see as sometimes it is important to value one's cards independently of the points. Quality is better than quantity. Photo: Monaco FMB (Monaco) - 5th Place
Some of the best players in the world are Brazilians, and some of the most enthusiastic players too! Our Brazilian Online Festival has appeal to players of all levels. Your team will play in a friendly but competitive atmosphere, with very well-organized scoring and experienced Directors to ensure a pleasant experience for all.
Come and join the competition through our Providers, BBO, Funbridge and Ourgame, all offering you this great opportunity – we look forward to some challenging tournaments!”
An endplay (also throw-in), in bridge, is a tactical play where a defender is put on lead at a strategic moment, and then has to make a play that loses one or more tricks.
The Championship is open to all players born on or after 1st January 1992 (Juniors & Girls) or born on or after 1st January 1997 (Youngsters) or born on or after 1st January 2002 (Kids) in good standing with their own NBOs.
