Bridge books reviewed - 27

"Bridge Player's Dictionary" : Explanatory Definitions with Examples, Systems Stratagems, Conventions, Complete Alphabeticle Reference Book by Terence Reese

"Bridge Player's Dictionary" by Randall Baron is a valuable reference book containing over 1600 entries from "Above The Line" to "Zero". Virtually all terms associated with the game of bridge are included and it is enhanced by over 100 descriptive photos and cartoons.

With "Invitation to Annihilation" by Mike Lipkin you learn to help your opponents make the wrong opening leads, attack the wrong suits, trump your losers, make damaging discards and take the wrong line when declaring.

"Bridge Play: How to win the most tricks whether trying to make a contract or set one" by Alfred Sheinwold. In simple language, this book shows you how to win the greatest number of tricks, offensively and defensively.

"Clever Bridge Tricks" by Brian Senior describes a number of tactics, false cards etc. that you can use to confuse your opponents. What sets the expert apart from the average player? This book argues that it isn't the use of complex conventions but the tactical approach to the play of a hand. This guide includes detailed examples of the required tactics, ranging from devious openings to card switches.

With "My Bridge and Yours" by Frank Stewart you look over the expert's shoulder as he plays seventy deals in competition.

"Play of the Hand as Declarer and Defender" by Shirley Silverman covers the basics of both declaring and defending. It was revised and updated in 1996 by Pat Harrington and Harry Silverman.

"A Shortcut to Winning Bridge" by Alfred Sheinwold enables you to learn from Sheinwold's 100 most interesting bridge hands. A great book to expand your knowledge of bridge and enjoy the process.

"Introduction to Defensive Bidding" by Ronald P. Von Der Porten presents, in a simple but authorative way: take-out and business doubles, overcalls, cue-bids and other defensive bridge weapons.

"Foxy: Grandmaster of Bridge" is the autobiograpy of G.C.H. Fox, one of Britain's most well known bridge players.

"Card play at Contract Bridge" is a 1965 classic by Edgar Kaplan with a preface by Ewart Kempson. Kaplan won 28 national titles over five decades, including the Vanderbilt Knockout Teams six times, the Spingold Knockout twice and the Board-a-Match Teams, eight times. In 1957 he was awarded the McKenney Trophy for the most master points won in a year.

"Winners and Losers at the Bridge Table" by Bobby Goldman contains fifty bridge aphorisms, each accompanied by an appropriate Mary Grace cartoon. Learn the best way to act like a champion.

"Easybridge! : The Comic Book" by Edith McMullin comprises fifteen lessons in modern duplicate bridge, ranging from beginner to intermediate. Includes many anecdotes and cartoons.

"Easybridge! #2: presents ten lessons in play and defense for the novice-intermediate. Plus review of Easybridge 1

"Easybridge! #3: Duplicate Bridge" is a modern introductory book for players, kibitzers and the innocent! Some of the categories covered are: 3rd & 4th seat openings, Negative Doubles, End playing your opponent, Michaels cue bids, Signaling, New Minor Forcing, Learning to count Usual Notrump, Swiss teams, Cappelletti and some laws.

"The New Standard American Bridge Updated" by Norma Sands is a five-card major book for elementary and intermediate bridge students.

"Playing the Cards: Developing Competence at the Bridge Table'' by Norma Sands spotlights techniques needed for winning plays at bridge.

"Raising Your Bridge: Valuable Tips for Improving Players" by the popular popular columnist Jim Kaplan gives sensible, practical and fun-to-read ideas for the improving bridge player.

Unavailable at Amazon.co.uk

Paul Mendelson is the UK's best-selling bridge author. In "Bridge: Winning Ways to Play Your Cards" he discusses the essential strategies for both declarer and defender.