[mr1303]

When I used to play lots of bridge, I used to struggle with the feeling of being "couped up", i.e. the lack of fresh air and exercise used to really get to me.

This was why I had a 2+ year break from playing. Now I've started to play a bit more again, but I've noticed the same problem coming back.

Do other people have the same problem? If so, how do you deal with it, particularly at a big event?

[kenrexford]

Pick up smoking.

You get to see the outside more often. Plus, you get lots of exercise. Every 12-13 minutes, you jump up from your seat and run a quarter-sprint, rest for a few minutes, and then run a quarter-sprint back to your seat. I'd say that you probably end up with 20-30 minutes of interval-type training per session.

Smoking at bridge tournaments is really good for your health.

[andy_h]

I'd usually go for a light walk in the mornings to get me more alive. Or if I'm sitting out for the morning set I'd do something to keep me stress-free like shopping or talk to people, just doing things to get my mind off so my mind won't trigger the bridge-atmosphere type feeling. When I do get that couped up feeling, somehow my body sometimes accumulates that until the end of the last session for the day so it would hit me in one strike and I won't feel it during mid-sessions. Usually then I'd just do something fun and relaxing at the end of the day to calm my night down.

[Free]

mr1303, on Nov 14 2009, 07:02 PM, said:

~snip~
Do other people have the same problem?
~snip~

No I don't

[FrancesHinden]

Yes, I get the same thing. I try to ensure I get a good brisk walk at some point during the day.

My partner and I slightly surprised our teammates during the premier league in Manchester by volunteering for a 40 minute walk back to the hotel after dinner (we had 6 people and 1 small car).

In San Remo we stayed in a hotel about 20 minutes walk each way from the venue. In Brighton we have a 30 minute walk to and from where we park the car, in London we walk from the Royal National to Waterloo....

[Phil]

I know a few pros that work out every morning at tournaments. Personally, I think that saps your energy.

Long walks at the dinner break are particularly useful, as long as its not too cold outside.

San Diego will have some great areas to walk around the venue.

[jdonn]

Phil, on Nov 15 2009, 02:21 PM, said:

I know a few pros that work out every morning at tournaments. Personally, I think that saps your energy.

Long walks at the dinner break are particularly useful, as long as its not too cold outside.

San Diego will have some great areas to walk around the venue.

It's probably a very good idea for a serious bridge player to work out regularly, and then perhaps take a break from that during tournaments.

[Quantumcat]

It helps if you are very social and move between all the different groups at break time, spending five to ten minutes talking with each group. And at dinner, you should always propose that you know the area well and there is a charming little restaurant only a 10 minute walk away (it's hard to get a walk if you are with a group for dinner and they want to eat at the venue).

Also volunteering to help the directors is good, putting out boards, collecting scoreslips, and collecting boards etc. This will also get you into their good books if you ever get a director call against you later :-).

If you are a youth player, and want to hang around the playing area in your matches off (so you can be present at score-ups) being a caddy for a session is good exercise, plus you get a bit of money.

[Mbodell]

Everyone has their own thing. For me reading fiction during a nationals and catching naps between the afternoon and evening sessions helps for me.

[Codo]

Everybody suffers from this problem. Some after two hours, some after two weeks.

I prefer sleeping or walking.

If this is not possible, because there are no sufficent breaks before you reach your personal break down:

Try Kens approach but without smoking: Rush outside, get some fresh air and return to the table.

[helene_t]

During a bridge&walking holiday I think I played better than ever.

Usually I will play in the evening, coming directly from work, having been working (well working, mostly reading and writing BBF posts like I do now) all day. I don't think those are optimal conditions.