2 comments about Partnership Understandings.

1. What a great little book this is! Mike Lawrence believes that communication between partners is the key to playing good bridge. Regardless of one's level of play; beginner, intermediate, or advanced, without an understanding of what partner is "saying" the game will be lost. Mike Lawrence presents bridge players with a series of questions and answers covering all the common bidding approaches from the simple natural bids to the complex conventions. All partners and prospective partners should read Lawrence's book together and discuss those areas that pertain.



2. When playing with a new partner, you will get MUCH better results if you are in agreement on fundamentals. If your preempting style is wild and pard's is tame and you don't expect that, you will have disasters.
   
   Rather than force the partners to change their styles, it helps them reckognize their differences. Each pard can retain their style, as long as their pard knows what to expect. For other conventions, bids, the book helps expose undisclosed assumptions.
   
   1NT - 2 spades means what? Minor Suit Stayman? Transfer to Clubs? Well, then what does 1NT - 3 Clubs mean?
   
   
   This book will help you avoid fights that end budding partnerships, by exposing differences in assumptions.
   
   While not "fun" its a terrific investment in time, and will save you much aggravation

4 comments about Dynamic Defense.

1. You sit, mentally, at the author's elbow while he shares pearls of wisdom on knotty defensive problems that come up frequently at the bridge table. The great merit of this book is that it doesn't just tell you what to do in a mechanical sense, it guides you in how to think and base your defense on inferences and deductions. I have read it 5 times and gained incremental benefit each time. The exposition is lucid and cogent. Get two copies and give one to your favorite partner.



2. How experts think when defending. Recommended for all levels.



3. I tried reading this book when I first started playing Bridge, but it was over my head. I couldn't figure out the inferences and I put it down. Now, 2 years later, I think its a great book, just at my level. Most of the hands are straight forward, nothing crazy or advanced required. Just plain old:
   
   - Listening to the bidding
   - counting cards and HCP
   - thinking about what the lead means
   - thinking about what pards cards mean (signaling)
   - asking yourself why declarer is playing in a certain way
   - asking whats needed to set the contract
   
   Great intermediate level book. I wouldn't necessariloy get these at the table, but they are mostly doable with a little thought.
   
   If you find this too hard, try easier books like Bill Roots excellent "How to Defend a Bridge Hand".
   If you liked this book also try Kantars "Modern Bridge Defense" and "Advanced Bridge Defense". They are dry but excellent.



4. As usual with Lawrence's copious writings, this one is well written, well laid out, and well presented. If you learn its contents, you'll be ready when the situation calls for Dynamic Defense. BUT remember that often simply making declarer find the necessary tricks (and taking what you have coming) will yield very good defense, indeed. So, read about active (dynamic) defense, but consider carefully the moment when you step up and defend aggressively. When active defense works, it works really well (Remember the last time you got mauled by a defensive cross ruff?). When it doesn't work, it hands declarer contracts (or equally important for duplicate pairs players, overtricks) that could not be made by other means (Did you ever lead a short suit hoping for a ruff and help declarer set up the suit before you could cash your winners?). So, learn active defense (and this book is a good starting place), but play a lot of passive defense so that you deploy active defense at the right times (and sit back leaving declarer's work to declarer at the other times).

1 comments about Workbook on the Two Over One System.

1. Mike Lawrence's version of 2/1 is a bit different from Max Hardys. The book explains the differences and why the choices were made. Whats especially nice is the author discusses both views on a topic, rather than just presenting his choice.
   
   
   Just a few of the major differences -
   a) This version uses Strong Jump Shifts, but not the kind you think, there are 3 types and they dont all promise 19 points like the old ones.
   b) 1 Diamond - 2 Clubs is forcing to 2NT or 3 of a minor rather than game a la Hardy
   c) 2/1 is 95% game forcing, but may end up in 4 of a minor if 3NT is unsuitable
   d) 1 Heart - 2 Clubs - 2 Hearts doesn't show 6 Hearts. It shows 5 with no other rebid
   
   The justification for these choices is explained.
   
   
   2/1 is more complex than Standard American. There are many bids with fairly precise meanings and you nee to know them if you are to use the system to its full effectiveness. The book discusses the rules and then elaborates on them with lots of bidding problems (given the hands and the auction). Compared to the Hardy book this gives a fuller more integrated system.
   
   Example:
   What is the difference bewteen 1 Spade - 2 Spades and 1 Spade - 1NT - 2 Clubs - 2 Spades?
   The former is showing a better hand. The later can have 3 Spades but will then have a bad 6-7 points.
   
   
   
   I strongly recommend buying the 2/1 CD as well as it covers the material as well as adding a lot of newer competitive and constructive bidding conventions and has 125 quizzes.
   
   
   The only negative is I think it would be helpful to have a list of bidding rules. I went through Mike Lawrences 2/1 CD and thsi book and took 9 pages of system notes. These helped me to learn and remember the 2/1 system. If you are unfamiliar with 2/1 it may be hard to learn the system from this book because the "rules" are never formally stated, they are hinted at. The way I learned 2/1 was to do Mike Lawrences 2/1 CD, then read this book, then read UncOntested Auctions. (And I still dont feel entirely comfortable with the sysytem). 2/1 is complex. If you and your partner don't know the system well you will noty get that much extra out of it, and you will suffer some costly mistakes.
   
   Stay away from 2/1 unless you and partner are willing to invest a lot of time. I like 2/1 and feel it was worth the effort.

5 comments about Understanding 1NT Forcing.

1. Be sure you and your partner agree on how to play this convention. This book offers lots of helpful examples. Many critical situations are discussed. A thorough partnership understanding will help you to attain better scores.



2. Lots of examples.
   Well suited for someone learning 2/1
   
   (Note: there is NO raeson to use a forcing NT in SAYC. You give up playing in 1NT with the benefit of the 2/1 being a game force)



3. this publication covers most 1nt situations. highly useful to agree with partner and avoiding arguments!



4. It is very easy to understand with good examples. If you want to larn the 2/1 bidding convention this is a great help.



5. This is great book on 1nt forcing. Each chapter deals with different types of bid and how to rebid them. I got 2 of these books and share it with friends who are trying to learn 1nt forcing.Must have!! Of course I am a huge fan of Bergen and got all his books!

5 comments about Gin Rummy: How to Play and Win.

1. More of a booklet than a book - only 59 pages - but it's the most cogent of the lot. I can't speak about the Killebrew book, which has had many positive reviews - but I've read the rest, and this is the best.



2. This book is great for the beginner or the intermediate player of any experience level. The rules are clearly explained; even if you have not played before you can learn easily. It offers great strategy that's easy to understand. Although not a lengthy book, it sure is a helpful one. It has helped me improve my game, and it can do the same for you.



3. Good intro to gin, but not enough in-depth material. Good for anyone new to the game.



4. This is a good book for gin beginners. Probably, the first book you should read on gin.



5. This is a clear and concise (59 pages) overview of Gin Rummy with excellent advice on general play and strategy. Compared to Fraed's book on Gin Rummy, this was an absolute pleasure to read and although it is short, it packs in far more useful information than many larger books do. I'm no Gin master (yet), but i am a professional writer and I can tell you that this book is worth buying.

5 comments about Medicine Woman.

1. I first encountered this deck at a local book shop in a sample display. I immedietaly fell in love with it. I went to the counter to buy it and they were out of stock. I then went on a search for this deck, going to all the book sellers and magical shops aroound, they were all out of stock, I was told numerous times that it was not a popular deck so they didnt carry it all the time. I then started calling stores 60 miles away looking for it, finally I found it and couldnt be happier.
   This deck is simple, nourishing, wise, gentle, beautiful, peaceful, authentic, and filled with grace. Anyone on the wise woman path or path of gentle wisdom will find this deck valueable.



2. tarot decks are incredibly personal, but this speaks to my soul. it actually called to me while i was looking for runes in a metaphysical shop years ago. life fell apart, i fell apart, and now i've reconnected to it. i'd recommend this deck to anyone seriously into the tarot. prolly not for beginners tough. but if it speaks to you at all, than this is a must have.



3. The Medicine Woman cards are great. I recieved them in perfect condition. Thankyou!!



4. I have both the Medicine Woman cards as well as the book, and I am very happy with them. I have used them to gain insights and it is very useful. I highly recommend the cards and book to anyone.



5. much loved deck of Tarot is this one that started with me in my first days as a Tarot reader and helped me spread love joy and medicine to so many. I had already 3 decks like that who ragged out and then I tried another deck but I missed the beautiful pictures and the warm feeling they bring - such nice kind loving approach is the only one that a good reader can take to their journey and reflect so wonderful from this unique deck. Oh if you feel like trying me with this one you can always contact me at: www.bitwine.com/advisors/theinfinitemind.

4 comments about Bridge Squeezes for Everyone.

1. David Bird does a great job of introducing squeezes in a non-threatening, easy-to-follow manner. He explains the mechanics of the various types in a straightforward way and doesn't get hung up on the nitty-gritty technical details. Instead, he focuses on providing example hands that are followed by a thorough explanation and which clearly illustrate the principles being discussed. I especially enjoyed the "The Stars Come Out to Play" section of each chapter, which showcases hands played successfully by expert players using the various types of squeezes. The quiz hands at the end of each chapter are also well done and do a good job of reinforcing the lessons presented.



2. The techniques are clearly presented, with lots of good examples. At the end of each section is a set of problems for the reader to solve. The book is entertaining to read, which is difficult for a book on Squeeze play!
   
   The only drawback was since each chapter was specialized (i.e. Criss Cross Squeeze) the reader knows the exact technique required. It might have been betetr to have had a mixed problem set after every 3 chapters, so the reader wouldn't be sure if they had to perform a double squeeze or a simple squeeze.
   
   Terence Reeses Squeeze Play Made Easy is also excellent.
   
   Clyde Loves Bridge Squeezes Complete may have been a classic 40 years ago, but there are better books available today (like this one).



3. I didn't use to know how to do or look for squeezes. Now I do. It may have come from playing more. It may have come from trying harder. I think it came from this book.
   
   Of course, Watson covers squeezes, briefly. This book is all about squeezes, in a very engaging way. And while I may not be able to tell you the difference between a stepping-stone and a suicide squeeze, I now know what to look for in a squeeze, the distribution the opponents need, and how to actually perform at least simple squeezes whenever they present themselves.



4. - very clear explanations of each family of squeezes
   
   - discussion of how they are different from other families (Simple, vs Double, Squeeze without the Count vs ...)
   
   - LOTS of examples
   
   - LOTS of problems
   
   - LOTS of variations (different types of squeezes in each family). For example different types (names/variations) of Double Squeezes
   
   
   A fabulous book. There is so much there that you wont be able to remember many of them. Thats ok, start with just Simple squeezes. Then add Double or Strip Squeeze or anotehr family from the first few chapters.
   
   Because of the nature of squeezes I would love a companion workbook with 500 problems. OR better yet a souped up set of deals for Bridge master.
   
   A classic, 5 stars

5 comments about Two-Over-One Game Force.

1. I believe I am a fair bridge player. Wished to learn a more advanced system than 5 card majors, which I currently play. English is not my mother language but am used to it as I work in an international environment. Found the book content well structured and written but concise. It takes too much effort and concentration to go thru the descriptions of the biddings. It lacks templates and tables that would facilitate the visual memorization of the steps. E.G: most of the hand points required by a bidding are represented in letters rather than in numbers. So are the suits declared during the auction rather than using symbols. Would recommend a new edition with more tables and less words which shall not necessarily imply... less pages and therefore lower price!



2. No question, Max sure knows his 2/1gf system...wish I could say the same for me after wading through it...I'm sure if you wanted to spend many hours sifting his text, you'd be a super 2/1 player, but in my estimation, the book needs two things: a better format, and example bids with each paragraph...I know that would lengthen book, but you have to IMAGINE the bidding from each little paragraph to get the sense of what he's saying. From his book, I conclude that 2/1 is too complex for me...too much memory work involved. Too bad, many people in Zone Bridge Club on the internet think highly of the system. Of course, I'm no expert...which is why I selected Max's book...to become one.



3. Being unsatisfied with my level of understanding of the two over one bidding system (after a friend taught the basics to me), I read this book, which everyone told me was the authority on the subject. I found in this book a fairly complete description of a system a level or two more sophisticated than what I had previously played. Max Hardy tries to convey a great deal of information to the reader, so the text is somewhat dense and must be read slowly and carefully. Furtheremore, despite its length, the book doesn't always cover certain situations in as much depth as I would like. On a possibly related note, Max Hardy assumes that the reader has a good knowledge of standard bidding. Hence, my earlier disappointment at the lack of depth in some cases may reflect more my own lack of knowledge than any deficiency on Max Hardy's part (this is the first book I have read describing an entire bidding system).

   In short, if you're interested in learning two over one, you really should read this book. Eventually. If you're a fairly inexperienced player, first finish learning standard bidding and then be prepared for a slow but informative read.




4. Today's most popular bidding style thoroughly explained.



5. Max Hardy's book is considered, by most bridge teachers and experts, to be the bible for the 2/1 game force bidding method. It comprehensively covers every aspect of an entire bidding system encompassing 2/1 GF, 1NT forcing and all of the supporting conventions necessary to make up a bidding system to address all hand possibilities. Quite frankly, it isn't easy to read, because each paragraph contains a nugget of knowledge which must be carefully digested by the reader. But, it's a must read for anyone who wants to keep up to date on the most exciting innovations in bridge bidding over the last decade. After having read through the entire book twice, I keep my copy at my bedside, and fall asleep reading a randomly selected section. Each time, I discover another nuance which enhances my bridge bidding repertoire.

1 comments about Human Bridge Errors: Volume 1 of Infinity.

1. Not as good as its predecessor, but funny and informative. I just love reading Chtonic's view of the human race.

2 comments about Advanced Bridge Bidding for the 21st Century.

1. I read and studied Standard Bidding for the 21st Century and liked it so much I bought Advance Bridge Bidding for the 21st Century. It was an interesting read, but I found it of little value. This book is based on the first book (Standard Bidding). For each topic in the first book Hardy moves it up a level or two. The techniques described here are so abstract and theoretical I would need a partner who studied it with me and practiced with me for a long time. There is no one on the internet sites who use these techniques. The conventions and gadgets are for the most part, not intuitive. They require a LOT of memory work. I have enough problems playing what everyone else plays. I can see Experts experimenting with this scientific stuff, but definitely, not the average "advanced" player. My advice to the average: stick with the first book.



2. Having been away from duplicate since the late 1980's, this book was just what I needed. It really is a comparison of the Standard American bidding system used from 1970 until, at least, the mid or late 1990's.
   It outlines, in detail, the many conventional changes and their advantages. Many example hands make it very easy to understand how the various conventions work. The main danger is that you may think the book too
   detailed and time consuming to read. This is not a book you read and forget. It becomes a reference text. Incidentally, If your serious about getting in shape, you should also buy Hardy's earlier book on Standard American bidding. The first volume is referred to frequently while reading this book. I'm not a gadget fan and that's not what these books are about. I recommend both the books without reservation. It's funny but I only bought the first book because Mike Lawrence wrote the Forward.