1 comments about Judgment at Bridge.

1. How to avoid common mistakes. Easy to understand. Covers many areas of bidding and defense that are seldom discussed.

5 comments about The Modern Losing Trick Count: Bidding to Win at Bridge (Master Bridge Series).

1. This is an excellent book that covers a lot of ground in improving a player's bidding. Though the concept is normally used by expert players, Klinger's book is good at helping an intermediate player (like myself) understand these ideas



2. This is a fantastic book - although quite slim, there is lots of useful content. Using the principles it contains, I was one of the few that found the 24 point slam in the British Bridge League simultaneous pairs in January 1998.



3. Bidding is over 75% of Bridge and the Losing Trick Count is a quantum leap for bidding. The LTC vastly improves bidding in suit contracts. This book both deepened my understanding of the game and improved my playing. This and OPENING LEADS by Ewen are the two indispensable books about Bridge.



4. In the late 1950's, the Italians began a long streak of World Bridge Championships. And various people pointed out flaws in Standard American bidding. The range of our opening 1-bids was too great. And so on. But when I read the excellent book by Belladonna and Avarelli (two members of the winning Italian team) about the Roman Club system of bidding (this came out in 1959 in the U. S.) I was immediately struck by the emphasis on the number of losers in suit contracts:
   
   The number of losers is easy to estimate. xxxx or xxx = 3 losers. Axxx or Axx or KJx or QJx = 2 losers. And so on. An Ace or a King covered a loser in opener's hand. To open the bidding, you needed at least 12 high card points and no more than 7 losers. Suit bidding put a big emphasis on finding out which losers were covered by one's partner.
   
   In the present book, Ron Klinger explains a slightly more precise version of calculating losers to arrive at good suit contracts. He starts with a formula: Add your losers to your partner's losers and deduct the sum from 24 to estimate how many tricks you will take.
   
   We learn details about how to count losers and how to adjust the losing trick count for trump suit quality, and controls. And there are examples about how to reach (or avoid) games and slams. It's certainly worth reading.
   
   By the way, I think that when it comes to competitive bidding, most of these ideas often go out the window if your side and the other side both have long trump suits. The number of trumps you and your partner have in your suit plus the number the opponents have in their suit is roughly equal to the number of tricks you can take in your suit plus the number they can take in theirs! This is sometimes called "the law of total tricks." So you get in the habit of simply bidding the number of trumps you and your partner have between you, not caring if you make or go down.
   
   But when you are involved in purely constructive bidding, I think you simply have to count your losers in suit contracts. And if you aren't already doing that, get this book.



5. Amazon never sent me the book ordered. Twice they sent me the bulletin or a summary.. Still waiting to receive the book...

5 comments about The Backwash Squeeze and Other Improbable Feats: A Newcomer's Journey into the World of Bridge.

1. After freelancing for such publications as New York Times Magazine and the New York Observer, McPherson cheekily declared his intent to "really sell out" by writing a book about bridge ("a topic so commercial, so calculatingly crass, it would guarantee me oodles of cash"). Not to mention, it was a topic about which he knew absolutely nothing. The most improbable feat, however, is that McPherson turned this relatively obscure subject into the most readable and entertaining overlooked non-fiction of the year.



2. I don't play duplicate bridge - and I have no plans to take it up any time soon. Nonetheless, I enjoyed this book very much. The author candidly states up front that he chose his subject because millions of bridge players provided a ready-made market for his work. The viewpoint, therefore, is not that of a bridge fanatic, but rather that of an intelligent and interested observer plunging into a strange milieu. An earlier reviewer mentioned Tom Wolfe - I think that comparison may be putting Edward McPherson in slightly more exalted company than his book deserves, but I do see the resemblance.
   
   Mr. McPherson's writing is lively and crisp. He puts the game of bridge into historical perspective, then takes us to several bridge clubs and a number of tournaments. He gives vivid descriptions of players, both famous and not-at-all famous, and drops a few celebrity names along the way. One theme that runs throughout the book is whether the bridge sub-culture can survive, given the aging of the bridge-playing population and the unaccountable preference of younger card players for Texas Hold'em.
   
   All in all, a good read.



3. I have been playing bridge for just over a year.
   This book confirmed my suspicion that I'd never completely understand the game in my lifetime!
   Still, Mr. McPherson's writing style is very engaging, and I found the book fascinating and well worth reading.
   He provides an insider look at the world of tournament bridge and the superstars who inhabit that world.
   He covers the subject of bridge clubs (there are many, much to my surprise) and the small town social life that revolves around bridge.
   This book is not a how-to, though his introduction contains one of the best descriptions of the game that I've ever read.
   
   It's a look at a game and an era that, sadly, may be waning.



4. I loved this book! Although I am not a bridge player, I found McPherson's writing to be funny, entertaining and informative. I've been recommending The Backwash Squeeze to all my friends and hope we can stop playing Texas Hold'em and start playing bridge!!!



5. I've been playing duplicate for 15 years. I've experienced all manner of competition and played in many of the events McPherson describes in his book. He gave me access through his interviews to all the buzz-worthy pros I see at tournaments but never have the nerve to approach. He also let me see into the world of the famous clubs in New York and reminded me how and why I learned to love bridge - as a social outlet with my mother and her neighbors. It is a great read for both newcomers to the game as well as for those of us who have been around for awhile. His description of the Gatlinburg tournament is incredibly accurate, but again, as many times as I've played there, I never knew what the caddies lives were like. I receommend this book without reservation.

2 comments about Bridge: 25 Ways to Take More Tricks As Declarer (Bridge (Master Point Press)).

1. Here we have a recent (2003) entry in the growing and popular "25" series of fine bridge books. This time co-author David Bird joins the accomplished teacher Barbara Seagram to concentrate on declarer play. The 25 chapters are organized mostly by increasing difficulty, starting off with something as basic as Simple Finesses and progressing to more intermediate topics such as holdup plays and planning NT offenses, to subjects as sophisticated as dummy reversals and counting the opponent's shape/points.
   
   The format of "25 Ways" follows the successful earlier entries in the series. Each topic is introduced, illustrative examples highlight the discussion, and each chapter features about three hands that test the student on his digestion of the preceding material. As usual, an explanatory answers page helps check one's rationale against the "proper" solution. The writing tone is conversational which helps make what is basically a textbook a little more fun to read. With material aimed at beginners through somewhat advanced intermediate players, there's probably something for most everyone in "25 Ways"; and it is a book we highly recommend during our "299-er" sessions at the bridge club!



2. This book is excellent for players wanting to improve declarer play. Format is easy to follow, and summaries and quizzes at end of each chapter are helpful.

5 comments about How To Play Card Combinations (Devyn Press Bridge Library).

1. On first reading Mike Lawrence's book on card combinations, I was disappointed. In fact, the book only deals with how to play seven particular suit combinations (one chapter on each). The obvious disappointment is that, even after having fully mastered the book, one will ostensibly only have mastered seven suit combinations!

   Yet, on further consideration, any disappointment was mitigated by two realisations:
   1) At least one will have mastered seven suit combinations; that is, be able to play them perfectly in any of a number of situations - no trumps contracts, suit contracts, contracts where entries to dummy are at issue etc.
   2) One expects that the logical discussion employed to analyse these particular hands can be gradually applied to other suit combinations.

   The title "humbling concept" applies here, as Mr. Lawrence's book makes it clear how difficult a task it is to become a master of bridge. Let us say there are 200 suit combinations which actually are of interest. Then one would need to read almost 30 books of this size (227 pages) to master the topic thoroughly.

   In conclusion, I suspect that if it were possible to discuss all (or even most) suit combinations thoroughly in one book, Mr. Lawrence might have written such a book. Instead, one should respect his decision to concentrate on seven suit combinations, and we can perhaps hope for other books to follow.




2. The title of this book misleads. One gets the idea that this book will attempt to show players the best a priori plays of the dozens (hundreds?) of key card combinations in bridge. Instead, we receive an in-depth analysis of 7 specific situations. Admittedly, most of these combinations will arise frequently, and Lawrence analyzes them effectively and thoroughly in various contexts. However, I was hoping to see a method to analyze generic combinations at the table quickly, one that would have use in more than only a few specific situations.
   
   Great analysis by Lawrence, a la "Play Bridge with Mike Lawrence", but not what I was looking for in a book with this title.



3. This is *NOT* a book on how to play a single suit in isolation.
   Its a book on how to play a bunch of common combinations, based on what you know about the entire hand.
   Its filled with gathering clues and applying Logic to figure out whether to lead to the K or J in KJx in dummy.
   
   For a book ONLY about suit combinations, try Klingers Card Play Made Easy.
   
   
   I think the reviewer who only rated the book a 3 is way off the mark. Its a great book, and he is basing his lower rating on the fact that the book was on a somewhat different topic than he expected.
   Thats like me saying Kit Woolseys "MatchPoints" isn't so good becaus eit covers things other than MP, like hand evaluation, etc.
   
   This is a great book. Sout of like the sequel to "How to Read Your Opponents Cards"



4. Start with Mike Lawrences "How to Read Your Opponents Cards". Get comfortable with the concepts he presents. Then try this. The book presents a set of chapters each featuring a common combination, such as KJx.
   
   The reader will need to place cards based on the defenders bidding (or lack of it), and whats been played (and wahts not been played).
   
   The book really is about deduction and counting, not how to play a suit to maximize the number of tricks. Don't let that stop you from buying and reading it, its well worth the time and money.



5. All about placing unseen cards, and what Terence Reese called 2nd degree assumptions. If you liked How to Read your opponenets cards, you will like this. More of the same, just a step more advanced.

4 comments about The Complete Book on Balancing in Contract Bridge.

1. Superb! This book has helped my game (particularly match-point pairs, but also IMP Swiss teams) immensely. Read it 5 times and insist your partners read it. Don't let your opponents read it.



2. Lawrence is probably the best writer on the game of bridge today. All his books are world class, but this is one of his best. Balancing is rarely discussed in bridge books, but presents difficult problems. Using the same style he used in "The Complete Book of Hand Evaluation," Lawrence examines all the common balancing situations. He discusses hand evaluation, planning a balancing auction, and common understandings (and misunderstandings). Lawrence's tone is never dogmatic: the emphasis is on specific examples and how to analyze situations rather than on mechanical rules. Where there is a choice of methods, he says so, discusses examples, the consensus approach, and his personal reference. Where a problem has no good solution, he does something unusual for a writer about games, he says so! Anything by Mike Lawrence is worth the money!



3. I just complete reading this book today. Even though now it's 21st century, this book stands well. You can find every situation you 'll encounter at the bridge table everyday. The dangerous and safe suits theory is one of the only two ways you should follow in auctions. It will enable you not losing your IMPs, MPs or even money. Trsut me, not those specular or fantasic declare's plays make you win, but those competitive biddings and solid defenses make you win. If you want to be a winner at table, buy this one and Mike's another book 'Complete book on Overcall'. Of course, 'To bid or not to bid','Kantar teaches Modern Denfese' and 'Kantar teaches Advanced Defense' also will make you a winner. And those classic 'Abbott' series just can amuse you and won't make you a winner.



4. The definitive book on when to keep the bidding open.

3 comments about Bridge for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide to One of the Most Challenging Card Games.

1. The best introductory book on ACOL bridge I have yet encountered. Clear and concise explanations of bidding and play strategies and the reasoning behind them, logical sequencing and helpful "Briefing" summaries at the end of key chapters. Thoroughly recommended.



2. I found this book extremely well written fo beginners. Language and examples were easy to understand.



3. 
   I just want beginning bridge players to understand that the ACOL system of bidding that this book teaches so well is NOT the same as the system or systems normally used in the USA.
   
   When scoping out bridge texts, you will want to be sure that the bidding style is called "Standard American" or, more specifically, "five-card majors." The highly regarded "Two over one game force," (abbreviated "2/1") will probably not appear in a text aimed at beginners; but there's a good chance you'll wind up there eventually if you stick with the game.
   
   Bridge is a wonderful game; I just don't want us Yanks boning up on a system that is of little or no use on this side of the pond!

5 comments about The Club Series: Introduction to Bridge - Bidding.

1. Audrey Grant's books - like Introduction to Bridge are exceptional. They are best used in a bridge class/training session where an instructor can lead and help the student through the the basics of bridge learning. The value of Audrey Grant's books are that they present a system of bridge which has revolutionized modern bridge.



2. I've been considering returning to contract bridge after a 10 year hiatus and wanted to brush up on my bidding. I was looking for an intermediate/advanced overview of American Standard. This is a basic textbook obviously designed to be used in a classroom with a teacher. You will get basic bidding techniques and some recommendations on play. You won't get any conventions past Blackwood, Gerber or Stayman. Transfers, Unusual Notrump and the like aren't covered. If you're a beginner, this is a good starting point, though it would be best to use it with an instructor. If you're an intermediate or advanced player. Look elsewhere.



3. This is a great book for those interested in learning about Bridge. We are using it along with an instructor and it is great. Highly recommend it.



4. It makes sense. No cryptic assumptions by the author. Discussion of every possibility, how to react, AND WHY. One of the best "tutorials" i have read in my life.
   I started to learn bridge with one friend teaching a group of three. Made no sense. I bought this book, got pulled into the chapters, and at our next practice, i was leading half the session and teaching everyone.



5. If you are new to bridge I highly recommend purchasing all four of Audrey Grant books in the ACBL Series... CLUB, DIAMOND, HEART AND SPADE. She is unquestionably the best bridge teacher for a novice. In layman's terms she is able to explain and unravel the mysteries of bridge. If you begin with the club book and progress through the series as they increase in difficulty... club, diamond, heart and spade you will be able to teach yourself how to become proficient in bridge painlessly. Her books are written in lesson formats... and they are used by many people who instruct bridge classes i.e. adult ed. Buy one... I'm sure you'll add the other three to your library. I also highly recommend her "Bridge at A Glance" pocket guide which is a quick synopsis of bidding and the appropriate respones thereof. I bought many bridge books before I stumbled upon Audrey Grant and wish I had found her books first! Good luck!

No comments about A Great Deal Of Bridge Problems.

5 comments about Points Schmoints!: Bergen's Winning Bridge Secrets.

1. This is the perfect book for players who more-or-less have the basics in place. This will correct your misconceptions and raise your game a couple of levels. The first half of the book is all about bidding, and rather than just talking about basic bidding, tells you what to do in those tough borderline situations. A great example is his "Rule of 20", used to decide whether to open the bidding or not: If the sum of your HCP and the number of cards in your two longest suits is 20 or more, open with your normal 1-level bid; else pass. Very effective, and better than counting short-points or long-points, since this takes into account the ENTIRE distribution.

   The second half of the book is about declarer play and defence, and is equally good. What distinguishes this book from the rest is that the author doesn't waste space on the basics, and instead concentrates on the intermediate-to-advanced stuff.




2. This book is filled with entertaining stories along with easy-to-understand tips and techniques that will improve every facet of your game. 1996 Bridge Book of the Year.



3. Marty Bergen's "Points Schmoints" is a fun-to-read book that offers a dozen tips on how people who've already mastered the basics of bidding and play can improve their game. The Law of Total Tricks, in particular, is extremely useful for duplicate games.

   While Bergen writes with wit and flair that keep this book engaging, I wish he'd done a bit less story-telling and provided a bit more depth of content instead. For the price I feel his book is a bit thin, and that's the one thing that keeps me from rating it 5 stars.




4. From the Rule of 20 to the right and wrong way to use the Big Double, Marty Bergen has set the standard for modern bridge tip books. His engaging storytelling style and insightful teaching provide clarification to readers of all levels, although the book is clearly aimed at the novice to intermediate crowd.
   
   A great re-entry to the book arena by Marty. I just miss the mad scientist who wrote the "Better Bidding with Bergen" books!



5. This is the most interesting & best bridge book I have read. It is even entertaining, which is unusual in a bridge book.