Gain an edge against your opponents and improve your score

Many people play bridge all their lives believing that it is a game where you have to remember what to do. Bridge should be about understanding the key principles of how the game works and then using your skills to make the best decisions. Learn nothing by rote, but instead improve your knowledge in each area of the game: bidding, declarer play and defence.

Whether you play social rubber bridge or Chicago, club teams events or duplicate pairs, these tips and techniques will transform both your results and your enjoyment of the game. If you play an Acol-based system or any of the many natural bidding systems available, knowing the Golden Rules will improve your score and frustrate your opponents, leaving you in the best spots and them with the tough decisions.

· Understand the logical reasoning behind the most common bids, leads and plays
· Develop winning understandings with your regular partner or group of players
· Avoid making the mistakes which ruin your score

Paul Mendelson is the London Financial Times bridge correspondent and author of six books on bridge, as well as being a renowned bridge coach.