This week I’m tackling one of the great unmentionable subjects of bridge: the fact that players so seldom go to the loo when they need to. We sit for long hours ignoring our bladders rather than risk missing a moment of the action. I’ve always assumed this was bad not just for the kidneys but also the concentration. However, relief — or perhaps I should say reassurance — is at hand. According to Professor Noreena Hertz’s new book, Eyes Wide Open: How To Make Smart Decisions in a Confusing World, the need to pee actually enhances your judgement. She cites an experiment where participants were asked whether they wanted $16 tomorrow or $30 in a month — those who needed to pee were far more likely to take the shrewder, long-term option. When I mentioned this to a friend, he pointed out that Enoch Powell always needed the loo when he made a speech: he knew it kept his brain sharper.
Watching the World Bridge Championships online this week, I saw a defence that combined forethought and patience — exactly the qualities a full bladder can bring about (see image).
Get Britain's best politics newsletters
Register to get The Spectator's insight and opinion straight to your inbox. You can then read two free articles each week.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in