Brent Manley - The Little Book of Bridge: Learn How to Play, Score, and Win

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Copyright 2018 by Simon & Schuster, Inc.

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First Adams Media hardcover edition June 2018

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Interior design by Colleen Cunningham

Cover design by Katrina Machado

Cover images Getty Images/soulcld

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Manley, Brent, author.

The little book of bridge / Brent Manley.

Avon, Massachusetts: Adams Media, 2018.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Series: The little book of.

LCCN 2017058994 (print) | LCCN 2018000877 (ebook) | ISBN 9781507207994 (hc) | ISBN 9781507208007 (ebook)

LCSH: Contract bridge. | BISAC: GAMES / Card Games / Bridge. | GAMES / Reference. | GAMES / Card Games / General.

LCC GV1282.3 (ebook) | LCC GV1282.3 .M3416 2018 (print) | DDC 795.41/5--dc23

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2017058994

ISBN 978-1-5072-0799-4

ISBN 978-1-5072-0800-7 (ebook)

Many of the designations used by manufacturers and sellers to distinguish their products are claimed as trademarks. Where those designations appear in this book and Simon & Schuster, Inc., was aware of a trademark claim, the designations have been printed with initial capital letters.

Contains material adapted from the following title published by Adams Media, an Imprint of Simon & Schuster, Inc.: The Everything Bridge Book, 2nd Edition by Brent Manley, copyright 2009, ISBN 978-1-60550-123-9.

Are you looking for something that will stimulate your mind, provide hours of entertainment, open you to connections with new friends, and give you a hobby you can pursue for a lifetime? Congratulations! You are about to become a bridge player.

Youll join millions of people around the world who enjoy this exciting hobby. This book will get you to the first level of bridgehow it works (its not difficult), its language (the bidding), and how to play your cards for the best results. You will take advantage of the at-a-glance cheat sheet to help you with your decisions as you play.

One of the first things youll learn is that bridge is funcomplex without being scary. In nearly fifty years of playing bridge and three decades writing about it, I often tell those considering bridge that people of all skill levels can enjoy the game.

No matter what level youre playing at, bridge challenges your mind. As you gain experience, you will see that successful play involves puzzle solving: who has what cards, based on clues you get from whats happening at the table.

In addition to the intellectual stimulation it brings, bridge is a great way to meet new people. Even if you have just a basic understanding of bridge, there are opportunities for you to play in tournaments and clubsthe most fun way to play bridgeall over North America and even the world. Youll have all the conversation and advice you want. Or you can play at home with your friends or family. Bridge really brings people together.

Im still learning, and thats one of the reasons I keep playing. You wont be sorry if you follow suit in your effortguided by this bookto learn this wonderful game. Welcome aboard!

Playing bridge provides a wonderful opportunity to meet people in a recreational environment where you can socialize and stimulate your intellect. Among all card games, bridge is unique. Your imagination and deductive reasoning will take you far if you let them.

Bridge has enjoyed a renaissance in the past decade as an increasing number of young professionals, empty nesters, baby boomers, and seniors have discovered the challenges and pleasures of the game. Bridge is attractive to so many players nowadays in part because its not necessary to be an expert to enjoy the game. New players quickly learn the social aspects of organized games.

There are more than 3,200 bridge clubs in North America, and with a bit of advance notice, most are very welcoming to visitors and often provide partners. For a list of clubs, visit www.acbl.org. From your own home, to the Internet, to the bridge club, to cruise ships, to organized tournaments on the local, regional, and national level, you will find bridge to be the vehicle for meeting new friends who share your growing interest in this fascinating game.

As you learn from this book and develop your skills at bridge, you will find your communication and social skills advancing. The game of bridge may seem daunting at first, but you will soon become quite at ease with the buzzwords of bridge. You will find yourself fascinated with the endless possibilities, the excitement of your triumphs, and, believe it or not, even some of your failures. Just about every aspect of bridge has something interesting about it.

As you learn to play, bridge will provide many opportunities for making new friends. You will find that those who share a passion for the game have a special bond that is easily recognized. Bridge is played all over the world, and you can make new friends at clubs, tournaments, and cruises.

On the Internet, you can meet and play with people from distant lands who share your interest in the game. With dozens of free and pay sites, you can choose when to play at a moments notice. If you want to play for only a few rounds, go ahead. But more likely you will find yourself engrossed in the game for hours at a time.

Many aspects of bridge are not intuitive, so dont give up if one or more parts of the game come to you slower than you would like. Always keep a positive attitude and accept that lack of success is not failure. It is just a critical part of learning.