Natural step-by-step method allows you to see the inner logic of game from start. Simple common-sensical chapters on bidding, play and defense, scoring, elementary bridge strategies and how they work. 130 bidding hands and 18 full sample games help you at each step.
1. ABOUT CARDS AND TRICKS How the cards and suits rank You play a complete hand 2. WAYS OF WINNING TRICKS Forcing out high cards Winning with low cards The meaning of trump suit 3. PRELIMINARIES AND THE BIDDING The cut and deal The meaning of a contract The bidding Double and redouble The opening lead Declarer and dummy Game and rubber Small and grand slams A throw-in 4. WHEN TO OPEN THE BIDDING Point count Opening One of a suit Opening 1NT 5. RESPONSES TO AN OPENING BID OF ONE When to respond 1NT Responding to a partner's suit A double raise in partner's suit Response of 2NT A new suit at the level of One Responding at the level of Two Responses at game level Jump bids in a new suit Responses to 1NT Stayman convention Responding after a pass Summary of Responses 6. THE PLAY AT NO TRUMP Hold-up play The finesse Unblocking Ducking 7. THE PLAY IN A SUIT CONTRACT Drawing trumps Establishing a side suit Trumping in dummy A cross-ruff 8. THE OPENER'S FIRST REBID Rebids after a strong response After a limited response After a response at the level of One After a response at the level of Two 9. STRONG OPENING BIDS OF MORE THAN ONE Opening 2NT Opening 3Nt The forcing Two Responses to Two bids 10. PRE-EMPTIVE OPENINGS OF THREE AND FOUR Responding to bids of Three and Four 11. HOW TO SCORE Scores below the line when the contract is made Scores above the line A specimen rubber 12. DEFENSIVE OVERCALLS Simple overcalls Jump overcalls Overcall of 1NT Forcing overcalls 13. TAKEOUT DOUBLES Responding to a double Action by an opener's partner Doubling when two suits have been bid Two doubles on the same hand Doubling after a pass Double by the player who has opened Overcalls in fourth position Defense against an opening 1NT Defense to Three bids 14. PENALTY DOUBLES Doubling a low contract Doubling a high contract Penalty vs. game 15. BIDDING FROM A PART SCORE Opening with a part score Responses with a part score When opponents have a part score 16. THE WAY TO SLAM When to try for a slam Blackwood convention 17. DEFENDING AGAINST NO TRUMP CONTRACTS Opening leads Leading from a short suit The lead when partner has bid Ducking in defense Hold-up in defense "The "echo" at No Trump" Unblocking in defense 18. DEFENDING AGAINST SUIT CONTRACTS Leading for safety Short suit leads Attacking leads Playing a forcing game When to lead trumps 19. TRICKS IN A SINGLE SUIT "Where a "finesse" is wrong play" Leading low for a finesse Finessing against two cards Finesse or drop? Safety plays "How many tricks do I need?" Finessing for safety 20. FINISHING THE RUBBER Trump control Stayman convention for a part score A sacrifice to save game A neat conclusion SUMMARY OF BIDDING INDEX SCORING TABLE
