Written by Gavin Wolpert
On BBO when you go to select your skill level they give you the following options:
Novice, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert, World Class
Here is how I tend to define these categories. Read More
First of all, to me Beginner should be the lowest rank, seems strange that its the 2nd on the list.
Someone who has just undertaken the overwhelming task of learning the game. Perhaps had 1 series of lessons or have read a book and have very little playing experience.
Has learned a few basic conventions, Stayman, Blackwood, Jacoby transfers. Still not comfortable taking tricks and has trouble knowing what a lot of basic bids mean.
Aware of a few more conventions, such as Jacoby 2NT, 4th suit forcing, new minor forcing. Can handle SAYC. Uses attitude signals on defense but only in basic situations. Has a grasp of when bids are forcing and when are not. Has a grasp on most common auctions but hasn't developed strategy beyond following the rules they know.
Rarely makes errors with their conventions on the card. Completely understands most common conventions and why they are used. Able to develop a solid partnership which includes competent partnership defense. Plays 2/1 or at least understands it and its benefits. Starting to understand squeezes. At this level players should be starting to get some game theory, typically having a reason for most of their actions.
Becoming an expert in my opinion involves a certain level of consistency. At this stage players should understand most conventions and how to defend against them. They should have good judgment in low level competitive auctions and a good understanding of hand evaluation (above and beyond just counting points) Won't miss a normal squeeze or end-play. To call yourself an expert you should be competitive in almost every flight A regional you play in.
To me this means you are among the best of the best. You are consistently competitive in national events. The level of consistency required to be world class is comparable to that of any sport. I'd say top 200 bridge players in the world deserve this title.
Each of these levels is exponentially better than the one below it. When you have moved up from one level to the next, you will be able to look back and remember the days when you were at that lower level and smile.
On BBO its been my experience that most people rank themselves at a higher level than they actually play. In some cases it is ego that causes this, in others it is just people wanting to play with better players. Battling your ego in bridge is another story all together. I always say bridge is a game of keeping your ego in check and your confidence up.