Adam Parrish and the Leveling Up Project: A New Approach to Bridge Training

I have a small dog who needs to be walked multiple times daily and what better opportunity is there to listen to podcasts! This morning I was treated to one of Adam Parrish’s Leveling Up podcasts in which he chatted with world champion and founder of Bridg Base, Fred Gitelman. It was inspiring and informative, to say the least. But the most notable feature is Parrish’s serious curiosity – he asks questions like, “How do you prepare for a tournament,” and “Does fitness play a part in your prep,” Because Parrish really wants to know all that goes in to becoming a better play, and even a great player.

And Parrish doesn’t stop at podcasts. Read on to learn about his Leveling Up Project – are you ready to level up your own bridge game?

Who is Adam Parrish?

Adam Parrish is a well-known bridge player, teacher, and author. He has written several instructional books on bridge and is recognized for his ability to break down complex concepts into digestible lessons. With multiple top-ten finishes in major North American Bridge Championships (NABC+) and a national title, Parrish is an established expert in the game. Despite his accomplishments, he believes there is always room to improve. This belief led to the creation of his Leveling Up project.

Parrish also writes a monthly column for the ACBL Bridge Bulletin and has written and edited several books for Bridge Winners Press. He is Bridge Winner’s Director of Education and the publisher of Bridge Winners Press. 

What is the Leveling Up Project?

The Leveling Up project is Parrish’s structured approach to improving his own bridge skills while sharing the journey with the broader bridge community. He has set out to explore what it truly takes to become a better bridge player by incorporating a variety of training methods. Through a dedicated Substack newsletter, videos, social media posts, and podcasts, he documents his progress and insights, aiming to create an interactive learning experience for players at all levels.

The project is based on deliberate practice—a concept from learning theory that emphasizes structured, feedback-driven, and repetitive skill-building. Parrish is experimenting with different training methods to determine what is most effective for serious bridge improvement.

Adam Parrish invites readers to ‘level up’ along with him, using various media and platforms to get the job done.

You can follow Parrish’s weekly Leveling Up on his Substack, starting with WEEK 1.

Different Aspects of His Program

1. Playing and Reviewing Hands
   • Parrish plays a mix of live and online games against strong competition.
   • He reviews hands thoroughly, analyzing mistakes and discussing them with experts and peers.
   • He tracks his progress using a spreadsheet, looking for trends in his play.
2. Studying VuGraph Matches
   • He watches recorded sessions from major bridge events, particularly focusing on top players like Steve Weinstein.
   • Understanding defensive agreements and expert strategies is a key component.
3. Reading Bridge Books
   • Parrish has incorporated reading into his routine, starting with Play Bridge with Mike Lawrence.
   • He plans to work through a curated reading list and share insights with his audience. You can follow these insights on his Substack, Parrish the Thought
4. Robot Games and Online Play
   • He plays IntoBridge’s 5-board daily challenge which sits players at a table with expert-level robots and compares results with participating bridge experts.
   • He participates in BBO’s ‘Stars and Platinum’ tournaments, which feature high-level competition.
   • He records himself playing and explaining his thought process aloud, helping reinforce key concepts.
5. Partnership Development
   • Recognizing that bridge is a partnership game, Parrish and his partner Greg Humphreys are working on strengthening their partnership.
   • To help others find equally motivated partners, Parrish has launched a Leveling Up Partnership Desk, connecting players with similar training goals. If you’re interested in working on your game this year and want to find a partner similarly committed, fill out the form, and if Parrish will find someone who looks compatible he will let you both know.
6. Physical and Mental Conditioning
   • Parrish acknowledges the importance of staying physically fit and well-rested for optimal cognitive performance.
   • He is incorporating exercise into his routine, understanding that stamina and concentration play crucial roles in competitive bridge.
7. Podcast and Expert Interviews
   
   Adam has launched a Leveling Up podcast, featuring interviews with world-class players and experts in skill development.
8. Monthly Newsletter
   
   Adam shares his thoughts on bridge monthly in his newsletter, find it here.

Innovation and Current Events

Parrish’s Leveling Up project represents a shift in how bridge players approach improvement. Instead of relying solely on traditional methods like club play and private lessons, he is integrating modern technology, data tracking, and community engagement into his training. His interactive approach allows players of all levels to learn from his experience and adapt his methods to their own improvement plans.

Additionally, his efforts align with ongoing discussions in the bridge community about self-improvement, partnerships, and the role of AI in training. As bridge increasingly moves into the digital age, Parrish’s methods provide a roadmap for players looking to stay competitive.

Conclusion

Adam Parrish’s Leveling Up project is more than just a personal training regimen; it’s a community-driven initiative designed to redefine how bridge players improve their skills. By incorporating deliberate practice, expert insights, and innovative training methods, he is creating a structured approach that others can follow. As the project evolves, it will be interesting to see how his strategies influence bridge training at all levels.

You can learn more about Adam Parrish on his website, Learn Bridge with Adam Parrish.