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I learn this sailing strategy when I watched the American Cup on TV. The commentator said that when a boat is in front by a comfortable margin, there is almost no chance for the boat behind to catch up. The reason is the standard sailing strategy "do the same thing as the other boat if you are in front with a comfortable margin". In the game of bridge "the same thing" means the same contract or line of play even if "the same thing" may be a little bit worst from a percentage point of view. On the other hand if you are behind or is not as good as your opponent you should try to do the opposite.

There are many application of this strategy in the game of bridge.

1.    If you have a significant better team or pair then your opponent, try to do the same thing as your opponent.

2.    If you have a comfortable lead, try to do the same.

3.    Seat your best player at the same seat as the opponent if you have the better team.

4.    In pair games North is usually the better player then south. When a pro plays with a client usually the pro sits north.