Andrew Robson - The Times Beginner’s Guide to Bridge

Published by Collins

An imprint of HarperCollins Publishers

Westerhill Road

Bishopbriggs

Glasgow G64 2QT

First Edition 2015

Previously published as Collins Need to Know? Bridge . Now with additional practice deals.

eBook Edition © June 2015 ISBN 978-0-00-813095-4

Version: 2015-04-22

© Andrew Robson 2007, 2015

www.harpercollins.co.uk

The Times is a registered trademark of Times Newspapers Ltd

Card illustrations © Pascal Thivillon

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To my mother and father, who got me started.

Andrew Robson, 2015

Cover

Title Page

Copyright Published by Collins An imprint of HarperCollins Publishers Westerhill Road Bishopbriggs Glasgow G64 2QT First Edition 2015 Previously published as Collins Need to Know? Bridge . Now with additional practice deals. eBook Edition © June 2015 ISBN 978-0-00-813095-4 Version: 2015-04-22 © Andrew Robson 2007, 2015 www.harpercollins.co.uk The Times is a registered trademark of Times Newspapers Ltd Card illustrations © Pascal Thivillon All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this ebook on screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereafter invented, without the express written permission of HarperCollins. Entered words that we have reason to believe constitute trademarks have been designated as such. However, neither the presence nor absence of such designation should be regarded as affecting the legal status of any trademark. The contents of this ebook are believed correct at the time of publication. Nevertheless the Publisher can accept no responsibility for errors or omissions, changes in the detail given or for any expense or loss thereby caused. The page numbers throughout this ebook relate to the printed version of this book; they do not match the pages of your ebook. You can use your ebook reader’s search tool to find a specific word or passage. HarperCollins does not warrant that any website mentioned in this title will be provided uninterrupted, that any website will be error free, that defects will be corrected, or that the website or the server that makes it available are free of viruses or bugs. For full terms and conditions please refer to the site terms provided on the website. If you would like to comment on any aspect of this book, please contact us at the given address or e-mail puzzles@harpercollins.co.uk .

Dedication Dedication Dedication Introduction 1 Appetiser 2 Basics 3 Core 4 Development 5 Scoring and systems Further bridge resources Glossary Index About the Author About the Publisher To my mother and father, who got me started. Andrew Robson, 2015

Introduction Introduction Welcome to bridge Bridge is possibly the best game devised by mankind – and certainly one of the most popular. But a word of warning: you’ll soon be hooked. Fortunately, this need not be expensive and will be good both for your brain and your social life.

1 Appetiser

2 Basics

3 Core

4 Development

5 Scoring and systems

Further bridge resources

Glossary

Index

About the Author

About the Publisher

Bridge is possibly the best game devised by mankind – and certainly one of the most popular. But a word of warning: you’ll soon be hooked. Fortunately, this need not be expensive and will be good both for your brain and your social life.

This book will please complete beginners, as no assumption of prior knowledge has been made. It’s also suitable for those who play social ‘kitchen’ bridge and want to develop their game.

The first chapter (‘ Appetiser ’) starts from scratch. By the end of it you’ll understand the essence of the game and be able to play, though at a rudimentary level. Those who have played before may prefer to skim this part of the book. The second chapter (‘ Basics ’) gives guidelines for bidding and card play. Work through this and you’ll have done the equivalent of completing the eight-week beginner course at my bridge club. In the third chapter (‘ Core ’), each area of the game is considered in more detail, taking you to intermediate-level bridge. Chapter 4 (‘ Development ’) takes things further, revealing the ingenuity – and sheer beauty – of the game. Finally, you’ll find information on scoring in chapter 5 , and details of different types of bridge and bidding styles.

My suggestion is to read chapters 1 and 2, then try to get some practice – even if it’s just dealing out cards by yourself (a very stimulating and productive thing to do). At this stage, although probably not the strongest player at the table, you’ll be able to play a perfectly adequate game of social bridge; best of all, you’ll be having fun. When you’re ready, move on to chapters 3 and 4 , using chapter 5 as a reference when you want to know more about scoring.