The just-completed Endless Summer Regional tried 18 boards per session for their events, which allowed bridge fanatics to play 4 sessions a day. Other than the 20% reduction in points for non face-to-face play, they still awarded a “full session” worth of points.
Everyone seems to agree 24 online boards in one session feels like a lot. Why does it feel more tiring than at the club? Shouldn’t it be more relaxing, with no moving around, no physical bidding boxes, or card play (and generally faster rounds)? Also, you are playing from home, with nolong walk, subway ride, Citibike loan, or traffic-filled drive to blame.
Perhaps it’s exactly the lack of movement that makes online boards feel more grueling? Also, with 7.5 minutes per board in the club, most rounds it’s possible to finish early. Maybe the mini-breaks from walking around between rounds helps?
Replicate the Sugar Recharge At The Club?
Back at Honors, if I finished a round early, I would run to the “coffee cove”. You know what I’m talking about. It’s that mini L-shaped through-way where you are guaranteed to bump elbows with everyone else refilling fountain sodas, scooping from the ice bucket, opening Lipton bags and crafting trail mix consisting of M&Ms, peanuts, and brownie bits. Ah, don’t we all miss the physical club?
Maybe it’s best I replicate the coffee cove at home. I’ll try it next time – my favorite indulgence lately has been the 365 EveryDay Value Organic Mint Chip Ice Cream (from Whole Foods and Amazon Prime Now). However, don’t ever get the non-organic one – it’s nasty.
Back To Bridge
Anyway, for the longest time 24 boards has been the standard for a bridge session, and we expect it to take 3 hours plus the commute. In the new BBO world, are we going to make 18 the new normal? If so, will it be possible to squeeze a session into 2 hours?