What’s Most Important for Winning?
In our research, we found that about 30% of the decisions that won and lost lots of matchpoints had to do with declarer play.
Another roughly 30% had to do with defense (including opening leads).
The remaining roughly 40% had to do with bidding. We found that competitive bidding decisions (that is, decisions auctions in which the opponents do not pass) were more likely to win and lose lots of matchpoints than constructive bidding decisions (when the opponents pass throughout).
What’s Most Difficult?
We think that defense is the most difficult of the skill areas, in part because so much of your information comes from other players’ actions. Defense is also the area in which most players have the most opportunity to improve.
What’s Your Favorite?
Val likes opening leads best. Charlie likes slam bidding best.