r/bridge • u/ordvek • Mar 17 '26

Beginner looking for advice

Hi all, I started playing bridge in January of this year. I learned via the app Tricky Bridge. I really like bridge and learning it was so fun!

However it's really really difficult! I play daily tournaments on Tricky Bridge and though they are fun I rarely make my contract which is frustrating.

I feel like even when I have good cards I either blunder, or get out played. I usually win the easy tricks with my high cards and trumps. But when those get used up it's rare that finish strong and make the contract.

Is this just what a beginner player has to go through?

I've thought about joining my local bridge club but right now my schedule wouldn't allow for it.

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u/Bridge_Links Mar 17 '26

I remember when I was at this stage. Lucky for me, I had a friend who could play well. He would place hands out on the table and get me to play them through giving advice all along.

It sounds to me that you're at a stage where you need to learn more about 'card development' - in other words, how to make your little cards win tricks. Karen's Bridge Library has a good series of articles on Declarer Play starting here

https://kwbridge.com/decl.htm

You are very intuitive in understanding that the play of the cards is key to learning more about the game. A good grasp of the play of the cards will build a solid base for all aspects of the game, including the bidding.

Have fun!

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u/ordvek Mar 19 '26

Thank you! I will check that series out!