DESCRIPTIONS OF BRIDGE BOOKS
The Trick Ratio Principle (Willie Jago, 2002)
Australia's Willie Jago has done additional research on the Law of Total Tricks and
published his results here. That does not mean that this is a dry scientific
presentation - in fact it is clearly presented in a very readable style. The
TRP helps players deal with constructive auctions. It shows how to decide that
your side owns the deal. It points to the right conditions for bidding games and
slams with less than the accepted number of high card points. Finally it explains how
to modify your methods to use the LOTT and the TRP to maximum advantage.
WJ05: Modern Polish Club (K. Jassem, 2005, 136pp)
Polish Club features the 3 - way 1C opening - 12 - 14 notrump, natural unbalanced (15 - 17), or strong (18+). This is a complete system reference including bids, responses and rebids, offensive and defensive bidding, and carding agreements. It would suit the serious player, although having said that the system has many natural features.
Moments of Truth at the Bridge Table (R. Jayaram, 2003, 159pp)
This book analyses deals from recent major tournaments, and unravels the thought processes of the key players involved. It is written in a conversational and entertaining style, and focuses on the dual roles of logic and intuition in bridge.
Card Placing for You (Andrew Kambites, 1995)
The ability to locate missing honor cards and thereby play the hand correctly is
the hallmark of the expert. If you want to emulate those club members who always
seem to drop your singleton king, or correctly finesse your queen, then this book
explains how it's done. The first half of the book deals with the theory, the
second half is a set of problems to test your skill.
Introduction to Defenders' Play (Eddie Kantar)
Great first text on defensive play. Covers basic concepts in an
easy-to-follow way. Kantar is one of the world's most respected teachers,
and he is the guru on defense.
Eddie Kantar Teaches Modern Bridge Defence
This book for beginners and improvers covers leads, signalling, second
and third hand play, and discarding. There are clearly laid out concepts,
margin notes, practice hands, quizzes, key point summaries and an index.
Eddie Kantar Teaches Advanced Bridge Defence
In this follow-on to "Modern Bridge Defence", the author covers defensive strategy,
inferences, counting the hand, and other advanced techniques.
Eddie Kantar Teaches Topics in Declarer Play
An improver to intermediate declarer play text that covers basic play topics such
as communication, when to finesse and when not to, setting up side suits, and counting.
There are clear - cut examples, and each chapter has a quiz and a key point summary.
Roman Keycard Blackwood (Eddie Kantar, 2004, 266pp)
This is the only comprehensive book on this important convention. Apart from the basics, find out why you should play 1430 AND 3014; Queen ask, Specific King ask and Specific Suit Ask; asking and responding with a void; and more. Aspiring experts will find much to learn.
Kantar on Kontract (Eddie Kantar, 2004, 154pp)
The Complete Book of Duplicate Bridge (Revised 1993)
The most comprehensive and authoritative book ever written on duplicate.
Deals with the special strategy and tactics applicable to duplicate, with
a complete guide to bidding which will benefit even non-duplicate players.
Every bridge library should have this as a reference.
Bridge Odds for Practical Players (Kelsey + Glauert, reprinted 2001 , 125pp )
Few players have any idea of how to harness the odds to solve recurring bridge problems.
Here is an authoritative guide to whether to finesse or play for the drop; whether the suit
is likely to break; and the exact odds for all kinds of chances and combinations. A must
read for the budding expert declarer.
Slam Bidding (Kelsey)
All the latest slam bidding devices. The better improver and up can
benefit from this. Sooner or later in their bridge career, everyone gets
hungry for the thrill of the slam.
Kelsey on Squeeze Play (Kelsey, reprinted 2002)
Four classic books in one volume - Simple Squeezes, Double Squeezes, Triple Squeezes, Strip Squeezes.
Captaincy for Advancing Players (Klein, 2006, 357pp)
Captaincy concepts are defined, then follow lengthy sections on captaincy related to bidding and to defence. Learn your responsibilities as part of a partnership team.
The Notrump Zone (Kleinman, 2004, 217pp)
Mainly for intermediate to expert players, this book is a thorough exposition of all
aspects of notrump bidding. Well - known and less well - known conventions are examined, and
improved upon. The author contributes his own original material. Although noone will use
everything in this book there will be something for anyone who takes the trouble. It's
nicely presented and very readable even if some of the concepts are difficult.
365 Winning Bridge Tips (Kleinman, 2006, ?pp large size)
These professional tips cover all aspects of bridge and will help any keen player.
The Principle of Restricted Talent (Kleinman + Straguzzi, 2004, 199pp)
Chthonic is the Deep Blue of computer bridge, with attitude! Very amusing stories, stylishly written, and accompanied by brilliantly constructed deals.
100 Winning Bridge Tips (Ron Klinger, Revised 2003)
Each tip occupies one or two pages and is based on an example. The tips are
divided into the following categories - The Rule of 1 to the Rule of 40, Constructive
Bidding, Competitive Bidding, Opening Leads, Declarer Stratgey and Defensive Strategy. All
are designed to help the average player.
100 Winning Duplicate Tips (Ron Klinger, Revised 2003)
Some competent pairs are frustrated by their inability to do well at duplicate pairs.
The truth is that playing good bridge is not enough to win at pairs. Regular winners
have learned to adapt their strategy to the special features of matchpoint scoring.
Each tip in this book occupies one or two pages, and they are grouped under the headings
of Constructive Bidding, Competitive Bidding, Opening Leads, Declarer Play and Defence.
50 More Winning Bridge Tips (Ron Klinger, 1996)
The tips are divided into constructive bidding, competitive bidding, opening leads,
declarer play and defensive play. Each tip occupies 1 - 2 pages and is discussed in
detail. Intermediate.
Better Bridge with a Better Memory (Ron Klinger)
In this sequel to his popular book "Improve Your Bridge Memory", Ron Klinger
explains more methods for remembering important bridge information easily. A very
popular and useful book that will appeal to the improving and intermediate player.
Bid Better Much Better (Ron Klinger)
This 2000 publication is Klinger's latest and has taken the duplicate world by storm. If
you are sick of good old Stayman and want something more modern, which also addresses inherent
problems with the old methods, then this is for you. The system is based on the 2C response
to one notrump being a transfer to 2D, resulting in a complete overturn of your usual methods.
The system works well but is demanding on the memory, as you will have to forget many ingrained
methods and learn new ones.
Bridge Basics, 5th Edition (Ron Klinger, revised 2000)
This is Ron Klinger's popular book for beginners. It is used by many of
Australia's bridge teachers. Standard American.
Bridge Conventions, Defences and Countermeasures (Klinger, reprinted 2001, 159pp
Contains detailed treatments of modern conventions, plus excellent analysis of
defensive measures. It also shows the good and bad points of each one. Conventions in
leads and signals are also included. Every library should have this.
Bridge for Children
Focuses on the special needs when teaching children. Teach your kids at home. Includes
some non - bridge card games for starters, and then goes on with no - frills systems of
bidding, play and defense.
Card Play Made Easy 3: Trump Management
Designed for the improving player, this book deals with the management of trumps in
suit contracts. Sometimes it is right to draw trumps, and other times it is wrong
to do so - learn the right way.
Cue Bidding to Slams
This is a wonderful little book for the improving player to improve your
slam bidding methods. Sometimes Blackwood is not the best way to find out if
you have a slam on - you need information about a specific Ace. That's where
cue bidding comes in.
Five Card Major Stayman (Klinger, 2005, 96pp
The new Australian edition was printed in 2006. The book explains why it is often good to open 1NT with a five card major. Responder can ask for a five card major; check for 4-4 major fit if opener has no five card major; transfer to a major even after the 5 card enquiry; stop at the two level when opener is minimum; play in a safer notrump contract when opener has 4-3-3-3 even with 4-4 major fit; explore minor suit slam possibilities even after five card major enquiry. Ideal for the intermediate player.
Guide to Better Bridge
Good followup text on standard american. Full of tips, practice deals and
quizzes, for improving players right through to intermediate plus.
Guide to Better Duplicate Bridge
For the intermediate player. Heaps of practice deals and quizzes. Every
point is thoroughly illustrated by examples. Some knowledge of duplicate
technique is essential for successful club play.
Guide to Better Card Play
Comprehensively covers declarer play and defense, signals, discarding,
card combinations and card reading. Suitable for standard american players.
Guide to Better ACOL Bridge (Klinger + Kambites, reprinted 2001, 184pp)
This reprint of the 1996 edition follows the usual style of Klinger's famous guide books.
There are many example hands which show the correct bidding, lead, and play.
Constructive, destructive and defensive bidding are covered, including various
conventional methods such as Stayman over 1NT and 2NT, Long Suit Trials, and Negative Doubles.
How Good is Your Bridge Hand? (Ron Klinger and Andrew Kambites, 2000)
This book covers various hand evaluation methods briefly as an introduction to the topics.
The Losing Trick Count, Law of Total Tricks, Quick Tricks and Offence to Defence Ratio
are considered. Some useful conventions are given that help in bidding - splinters
and the Unassuming Cue Bid are two of these.
Improve Your Bidding and Play (Klinger + Rimington, reprinted 2001, 159pp
Sixty bidding and play problems, using Modern 4 card ACOL. The reader is posed a number
of questions in the bidding and is then asked to play the hand. There is thorough analysis
and discussion of the bidding and play by the expert authors. It is almost like a text book
although set in problem format.
Improve Your Bridge Memory (Klinger , 1984, 93pp
There are mnemonics and other memory techniques for beginners, intermediates and advanced players.
Modern Losing Trick Count (Klinger)
A tried and trusted method of hand evaluation. All players should look at
this after they get past the basic point count stage and are reasonably
comfortable with bidding basics.
Play With the Champions (Klinger , 2003, 176pp
36 hands from top level competition are analysed in detail. The reader is posed questions
on the auction, play and defence. This is aimed at players up to intermediate level. The
author asks the reader to think about what certain actions mean, and hopefully, the reader
can take this kind of thinking back to the bridge club.
Ron Klinger's Master Class (Ron Klinger,2004, 128pp)
A pot pourri of topics from a number of Klinger's books. Topics include hand evaluation,
constructive, competitive and high level bidding, shape, when to open, card play, and
leads and signals. Anyone who is looking to improve their game generally will find this
useful and it is also a good introduction to some of Klinger's other excellent books.
The Power of Shape (Ron Klinger, 2002)
A detailed look at the implications of shape on bidding and play. Ideas that the
reader can easily incorporate into their systems are discussed with examples. The
second part of the book shows how you can play the hand better with knowledge gained
from the bidding. An excellent book for any average player who would like to improve.
Understanding the Contested Auction (Ron Klinger, )
More details soon. ACOL based book.
Understanding Duplicate Pairs (Ron Klinger and Andrew Kambites,2002)
Designed for rubber bridge players converting to duplicate, this book is pitched at the
perfect level for inexperienced duplicate players. The special requirements of bidding,
play and defence for matchpoint pairs are covered without going into endless detail.
Understanding Slam Bidding (Klinger + Kambites, 2003, 128pp
It does not matter what your basic system is, the ideas in this book are still applicable.
The authors start of with some common sense principles of slam bidding and requirements for
a slam, and then go on to discuss methods such as cue bidding, Ace - asking Bids including
Roman Keycard Blackwood, dealing with preemption, and high level competitive decisions.
There is no greater satisfaction than in bidding and making a slam, and this book will help
the reader achieve this more often.
Understanding the Uncontested Auction (Ron Klinger + Andrew Kambites, 2002, 128pp )
Based on ACOL, 4 card majors and weak notrump. Helps the reader to understand the basic
principles of bidding rather than just memorising bids. It can be used as a complete modern
bidding system.
When to Bid When to Pass (Ron Klinger, 2002)
The "rule of twenty" for opening is examined and Ron introduces his own more refined rule.
Openings, responses and rebids are examined with a view to deciding whether you should be
bidding for the contract or defending hoping to beat them. This is a very helpful book for
the average to intermediate player - highly recommended.
The Fun Way to Serious Bridge (Harry Lampert, 1978, 160pp)
A well - illustrated cartoon approach to beginning bridge - but all the information is there, clearly expressed. It is still a valid beginner text due to the student - friendly presentation.
The Fun Way to Advanced Bridge (Harry Lampert, 1990, 158pp)
A well - illustrated cartoon approach to intermediate bridge. There's more on bidding (e.g. the reverse plus some conventions), and declarer and defender play is introduced. Once again the presentation is outstanding to help students remember the material.
The Fun Way to Better Bridge Play (Harry Lampert, 2002)
The very clear text, summary points, and cartoons to emphasise points make this a most
enjoyable book for the beginning bridge player. It covers basic declarer technique, plus a
few mildly advanced techniques. There are also specific chapters on play in notrump vs suit
contracts. Opening leads against suit and notrump contracts are briefly covered, and there
is a chapter on defensive play including basic signalling. This book is excellent for its
presentation, which can be understood by any level of player.
Every Hand an Adventure (Landau & Baron)
A standardish system based on undisciplined weak two bids.
Card Combinations (Mike Lawrence)
A good introductory text on a very large subject. The proper way to play
some of the more common card combinations is taught by the use of examples.
An understanding of these principles will lift your declarer play onto a
higher plane.
Complete Book of Takeout Doubles
Mike Lawrence always goes into a lot of detail in his books. There are
plenty of examples, and you are sure to be full bottle on TDs after reading
this book. For high level improver to intermediate plus.
Complete Book on Balancing
It's almost never good to let the opponents play in a neat two level fit.
This book explains how to compete with the goal of forcing them to the
three level, or playing the hand yourself. Designed for the serious
tournament player.
Complete Book on Overcalls
The overcall is one of the most frequently used weapons in the
competitive auction. This book gives a detailed discussion of responses
and rebids to enable you to get the most out of the auction. For the better
improver and intermediate player.
The Complete Guide to Passed Hand Bidding
A world champion explains all the options and weapons available when
partner originally passes. How light should a third seat opener be? This
situation comes up very frequently - well worth some study. Intermediate plus.
D.O.N.T. (Mike Lawrence)
A complete analysis of this modern convention of two-suited
overcalls over their strong 1NT opening. With the proliferation of
conventions in modern bridge, even the better improver should consider this.
Double: New Meanings for an Old Bid (Mike Lawrence, 2002)
This is more or less a survey of modern doubling methods. These methods have been
invented by other players and ML examines them thoroughly and points out pros and cons.
He isn't afraid to come out and say that he doesn't agree with a method, or that he
hasn't fully evaluated it. That's why you can count on all his books for a balanced
approach that allows you to make up your own mind.
Dynamic Defence at Bridge (Mike Lawrence, 1985)
Mike presents the hands in problem form, revealing only the dummy and your own
hand as defender. In a chatty fashion he analyses the information available and
then takes the reader further through the correct defence. The reader is always
encouraged to think before reading on. This very thorough book should make your
thoughts about defence more systematic. Improver to intermediate.
Falsecards
Covers falsecarding by opening leader, declarer and defenders. Topics
include Playing the card you are known to hold, Mandatory falsecard etc. A
good text on this advanced topic.
How to Read Your Opponents' Cards
One of the best books ever written on this topic. Learn how to pick up clues from
the bidding, the lead, and the players at the table. The negative inference is not
ignored, i.e. a bid that was not made can also be a clue.
I Fought the Law of Total Tricks (Mike Lawrence + Anders Wirgren, 2004)
The authors dare to question the validity of the LOTT and in particular criticise
some statements made in the book "To Bid or Not to Bid by Larry Cohen. The theme is -
"Why formulate play decisions on tools which may only be right less than 50% of the
time?" Your eyes may be opened by this thoughtful presentation, and if so, then the
alternative approaches mentioned might come in handy.
Judgement at Bridge
Avoid the common errors. Covers the short club, takeout double, sign-offs,
overbidding, suit preference, etc. Suitable for the improving player who
wants to break out of the pack.
Opening Leads (Mike Lawrence, 1996)
This large sized book covers just about everything you need to know about opening
leads. You learn which card to pick, and which suit to start in both suit and notrump
contracts. Mike Lawrence's down - to - earth style is comforting to students. Importantly,
he tells you that no matter how much you study, you won't be right all the time. However,
if you play the percentages, you will be right more often than not.
Play Bridge with Mike Lawrence
A useful book which guides you through the play in a duplicate match. The author explains
his thought processes, which incorporate basic bidding and play, but taking in ALL the various
clues available as well. This will help you if you are thinking about playing your first
match sometime soon.
Play a Swiss Team of Four with Mike Lawrence (Mike Lawrence, 1998, 99pp
Mike shows readers the essence of Swiss Teams play in this over - the shoulder book.
Follow his thinking through 24 hands exhaustively analysed.
Partnership Understandings (Lawrence)
This book enables a partnership to record their agreements systematically using a tick box
approach. The structured approach forces the partners to consider what they will do in
particular situations which may otherwise be ignored.
Winning Bridge Intangibles
Here is one of the most important little books that any bridge student can buy. There are
twenty-five tips that anyone can understand and benefit from. Tips like holding your hand up -
yes, I'm afraid some people do peek! Don't be discouraged after a bad result, or be inclined
to do something silly to "catch up". Everyone has bad boards so just accept it and get on
with the job.
Bridge Triumphs and Disasters (Le Dentu + Reese, 1990, 143pp
The book has five segments - bidding, leads and defence, declarer play, great catastrophes, and problem deals. The key point of each deal is highlighted, in a chatty way which makes light reading.
American Forcing Minor Bidding System (Lutz & Fink)
A big club system with defensive carding also detailed.
Count Coded Leads (Lutz & Fink)
Opening lead system to tell partner the count.
Tips for Better Bridge (Bernard Magee, 2005, 159pp)
The book includes bidding, declarer play, defence and general tips - some are quite basic, others a little more advanced. Although based on the ACOL system, this would rarely present a problem for players of Standard American.
More Deadly Than the Male
The hands which helped Rixi become one of the world's top women players.
Would have special appeal for feminist reactionaries. :)
The Director is Called
Revised in March 1998 for the latest laws, this useful booklet is ideal for the not so
experienced director, providing a useful reference on practical matters that often arise
at the table.
Win the Bermuda Bowl With Me
This over - the - shoulder book analyses key deals in the Beijing Bermuda Bowl from the
perspective of one of the world's greatest modern players. He challenges the reader from time
to time with questions on bidding or play. Also contains thoughts on being a good team player.
Stronger Competitive Bidding (Marshall Miles)
In the competitive bridge auction, the successful expert player wins by
choosing superior bidding weapons. Coping with preempts, enemy bidding over
your NT opening, bidding over their NT opening, especially the super-weak
variety, dealing with their artificial openings, psychic bids - these and
much more are covered.
Bridge in the Menagerie (Victor Mollo)
The first book in Mollo's famous series about the Griffins Club. Meet the
Hideous Hog, the Rueful Rabbit and a host of other immortal characters.
You Need Never Lose at Bridge (Victor Mollo)
Against a rich background of subtle bids and brilliant plays, each member of the
Griffins does his own thing with gusto, which is why they are all winners. Papa dazzles,
often blinding himself in the process. Karapet savours every particle of misfortune. The
Walrus counts his points, wondering why they are not as good as others. General readership.
Bridge in the Fourth Dimension (Victor Mollo)
Another book in the "menagerie" series.
Destiny at Bay (Victor Mollo)
Another book in the "menagerie" series.
Bridge in the Fifth Dimension (Victor Mollo with P & R King, 2002)
Previously unpublished in book form, here is another brilliant collection of stories
about the immortal characters at the Griffins Club. The hands that Mollo contrived are
brilliant, as is the way he weaves them into his tongue in cheek stories. A must read
for Mollo fans.
Masters and Monsters (Victor Mollo)
Subtitled "The Human Side of Bridge", this is a reprint of Mollo's
brilliant sequel to "Menagerie" and "Fourth Dimension". Now a new generation
of readers will be further delighted by the characters in the Griffins club.
There's the Hideous Hog, insufferable and insuperable as he browbeats
partners and opponents alike, and the Rueful Rabbit as he brings off one
coup after another through sheer muddle-headedness.
Step by Step: Slam Bidding (Alan Mould)
An English international discusses slam bidding techniques, including the
topics of trumps, tricks and controls, blackwood, cue bidding, coping with interference
and more. Good improver to intermediate.
Step by Step: Preempts (Alan Mould)
Discusses the requirements for both two - level and three - level preempts, and
the responses to each bid. The author acknowledges and deals with the fact that some
players favour a wild preemptive style and others a disciplined style. Good Improver
to intermediate.
The Roman Two Diamond Opening (Munger)
This book covers many variations on this specialised opening bid, used originally
by the Blue Team.
Basic Defence (North)
This book covers all the most basic needs for the new player to bring their defensive
game up to scratch. A few slightly more advanced concepts are also covered to extend the
range of appeal of the book.
Bridge Play Unravelled (Freddie North, 2003, 160pp)
The book starts with a short lesson on various categories of declarer problem - avoidance, blocking plays, counting, cross - ruff, etc. There follow 58 problems under the various headings. The answers come at the end of the book. The explanations are thorough and this style of book is ideal for learning - short on theory, long on practical.
Bridge: Defending Together (Freddie North, 2004, 256pp)
Covers all topics on defence with emphasis on partnership cooperation, but with only a brief theoretical introduction. The concepts are illustrated with examples. Then follow 70 problems on random topics. The answers come at the end of the book.
Easier Done Than Said (Paranjape)
Subtitled "Brilliancy at the Bridge Table", the book is presented in problem format.
The reader can try the problems, related to declarer play, before checking the answers.
Partnership Bidding (Mary Paul)
The idea is for you and your partner to each get one of these and fill
in all of the understandings that you have of various common system problems.
This book comes with neat check boxes and ready made gaps to fill in YOUR
system. When partner forgets, you have the goods on them.
Bridge Problems for a New Millennium (Julian Pottage, 2001)
100 tricky problems on play and defence. In some of the problems you even have to
guess the contract. The book is nicely presented, with all problems in the first half,
and answers in the second half.
Clues From the Bidding at Bridge (Julian Pottage, 2005, 152pp, 2nd Ed. revised and expanded)
68 assorted play problems. This author always provides good explanations for the problems. It is a very good way to learn as it requires the active participation of the reader.
Easy Guide to Defensive Signals (Julian Pottage, 2005, 160pp)
A complete text on standard signalling methods, i.e. high encourage, high - low count. All topics are well illustrated with examples, and there are tests throughout the book.
The Golden Rules of Defence (Julian Pottage, 2000)
Discusses some of the famous defensive rules of thumb, such as "second hand low",
and also gives examples of when these rules must be broken if the defence is to succeed.
Masterpieces of Defence (Julian Pottage, 2003)
This book unravels some of the many mysteries surrounding defensive play. Players at
all levels can exploit their talents by following a few simple pieces of advice. It is
divided into defense at notrump, defense at suit, defence as the partner of the opening
leader, and defence against squeezes and endplays.
Play or Defend? (Julian Pottage, 2002)
Here are 68 hands to test your bridge skill, divided into Fairly Easy, More Testing,
and Tougher Still. Problems are double dummy, with solutions on the reverse side. A
few bonus questions are thrown in for good measure.
The Extra Edge in Play (Julian Pottage + Terence Reese, 2005, 152pp, 2nd Ed. revised and expanded)
68 assorted play problems at intermediate to advanced level. This author always provides good explanations for the problems. It is a very good way to learn as it requires the active participation of the reader.