“Result players” are a bane of bridge. This phrase may not be familiar to everyone, but to those who play the game of bridge, it is a common term used to describe players who are solely focused on the outcome of a play rather than the process. These players are more impressed by a poor play that works than by a good play that doesn’t. But is it really possible to judge by results?

Recently, a club player asked me this very question. “Is it possible to judge by results?” he asked. I could see the frustration and confusion in his eyes. As a seasoned bridge player, I understood where he was coming from. We have all been in situations where a seemingly poor play turns out to be the winning move. But does that mean it was the right play? Can we really judge a player’s skill solely based on the outcome of a single hand?

My answer to the club player was simple – “Certainly in the long run.” In bridge, as in life, the long run is what truly matters. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and focus on the immediate result, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s the overall performance that truly counts. And this is true not just for bridge, but for any game or sport.

Let’s take a closer look at the concept of “result players.” These are players who are so fixated on the outcome of a hand that they fail to see the bigger picture. They may make a seemingly poor play, but if it works out in their favor, they are quick to take credit for it. On the other hand, if they make a good play that doesn’t work, they are quick to blame it on bad luck or their partner’s mistake. This mindset not only hinders their own growth as a player but also affects the overall atmosphere of the game.

In my club’s penny game, I have seen many result players in action. They are so focused on winning that they often forget the true essence of bridge – the partnership, the strategy, and the mental challenge. They are more interested in the number of points they score rather than the quality of their play. And this is where the problem lies. Bridge is not just about winning or losing, it’s about the journey and the lessons we learn along the way.

As a bridge player, I have come to realize that the true measure of a player’s skill is not in the results of a single hand, but in their consistency and ability to adapt. The game of bridge is ever-evolving, and a good player is one who can think on their feet and adjust their strategy accordingly. This requires not just technical knowledge but also a strong mental game. And this is something that result players often lack.

So, is it possible to judge by results? Yes, in the long run. But even then, it’s not a foolproof method. A player’s true skill and potential can only be judged by their overall performance and their ability to handle different situations. A good player is one who can make the right decision based on logic and reasoning, rather than relying on luck or a gut feeling.

In my experience, the best bridge players are not resulters, but learners. They are constantly seeking to improve their game and are not afraid to make mistakes. They understand that every hand is a learning opportunity, regardless of the outcome. They are willing to take risks and try new strategies, knowing that it may not always work out in their favor. But when it does, they are quick to analyze and understand why, rather than simply taking credit for a lucky break.

As a club player, it’s important to remember that the penny game is not about winning or losing, but about learning and improving. It’s about building partnerships, developing strategies, and sharpening our mental skills. So, the next time you sit down to play bridge, don’t be a result player. Instead, be a learner, and watch as your game improves in the long run.

In conclusion, “result players” may be a bane of bridge, but they don’t have to be. We can all strive to be better players by focusing on the journey rather than the outcome. Let’s not be impressed by a poor play that works, but by the process and the effort put into making the right play. After all, in the game of bridge, as in life, it’s not just about the destination, but the