Secrets of Winning Bridge

Humor & Entertainment

Jeff Rubens

Puzzles & Games

Robert Hale, Ltd.

This book takes a lighthearted approach to tackling challenging problems, and demystifies bridge mathematics for the practical player. After mastering the basic techniques for declarer, bridge players improve by applying those procedures more effectively. The most common question among those who study declarer's craft is: "How do I calculate the odds?" Even highly experienced players sometimes struggle with reevaluating chances, restricted choice, and drawing inferences from cards played by the opponents. This book demystifies bridge mathematics and puts it in its proper place. Basic ideas point to preferred lines of play, but complicated and exact calculations are downplayed. Practical players will learn how to win through the use of "shortcuts," while those intrigued by the theory will find useful tools. The book's lighthearted approach emphasizes that the effort to find the best move should never be allowed to interfere with having fun. "Jeff Rubens has produced a magnum opus... Anyone wanting to improve should read it..." --The New York Times

Expert Bridge Simplified: Arithmetic Shortcuts for Declarer

Bridge World Books

Expert-level bridge is a serious game but that doesn't mean it can't be wild, wacky and downright fun! In this humorous book, Bob Ewen and Jeff Rubens bring us some of the funniest bridge stories ever collected. The bridge is top-notch, and the zany cast of characters and their escapades are unforgettable. Come join them and take a look into the fun side of winning bridge!

It's All in the Game

Bob Ewen

The classic, easy-to-understand shortcut to winning bridge. Jeff Rubens' classic book is as relevant today as when it was first published to critical acclaim. The secrets herein are not system-dependent; they pertain to general bridge skills and to bridge thinking. The book consistently makes successful bridge players' top-10 list of most influential books. Now back in print in a modernized Second Edition, this is a must-read (or reread) for bridge players of all skill levels wishing to improve. "The secrets that Jeff shares are timeless . . . wisdom and practical advice that will have a positive impact on your score." -- Fred Gitelman

The Secrets of Winning Bridge

This book serves two purposes: One is to enable the reader to improve card-play technique. The text illustrates how best to handle some specific holdings, and, more importantly, assists in the development of patterns of bridge problem-solving that apply not only to single-suit situations but to declarer-play and defensive problems in general. The other purpose is to share some of the beauties and fascinating variations of the game that can be enjoyed in a restricted setting, freed from external distractions. In particular, suit combinations often demonstrate how small changes can have large impacts. The book consists of a tutorial (adapted from parts of the highly acclaimed Expert Bridge Simplified: Arithmetic Shortcuts for Declarer, a text that provides ways to avoid complex calculations) and a catalog of examples based on a long-running column on suit combinations in The Bridge World magazine.

Playing Suit Combinations

Fred Gitelman