Adventures In Card Play (MASTER BRIDGE)

I bought this again as my original copy has been lent and not returned. The seafaring narrative doesn't work at all, and compromises the layout which leaves quite a lot to be desired - but the themes involved and the techniques discussed in managing the hands are not to be found in other books. Some of the example hands are far from everyday and many of the key plays are unlikely to be found at the table but they are fascinating even so.

A classic. This book explores areas of card play that are touched on in other card play classics, and does so in real depth. Hugh Kelsey is easily my favourite bridge author - the quality of his books is unsurpassed. This is the most challenging of his books, but it is worth the time even though it's not a book that will necessarily make you a better player. The one issue I have with the book is the attempt to weave the hands into a plot, which is a completely unnecessary sideline. Nonetheless, worth at least five stars as the most original bridge book I have yet to read.

Husband seems to be enjoying it!

This book was recommended to me and it is a must for those who aspire to improve their understanding if the nuances of the game.

I couldn';t resist buying a second copy of this book for the office!I have loved this book for a long time. No other reaches the levels that this one does in terms of cardplay at Bridge. When you think you've read everything about end plays and squeezes, mastered the simple, double, triple, criss cross, repeating, compound, clash and without the count squeezes you then find this gem that takes you onto entryshifting, backwash squeezes and more.It is NOT an easy read and any reader should feel bright, awake and full of energy to take their steps on this great journey. Even then you may feel intimidated by the techniques you learn but you really can get excited by what you find out in this book and it shows how much the game holds for those still wishing to learn and improve.Don't buy this for a beginner, but any experienced player of good standard will get a lot from this book. Even if it's only a sense of wonder!

I believe this is one of the few truly great bridge books. It takes the form of a dialogue between two rather good rubber bridge players who are cruising the Med on a yacht. They reminisce about hands that occur to them by association with their journey. Although it is some way beyond advanced (truly this book takes you places you will never visit any other way) it doesn't matter, because it is not teaching anything. What it does, even if you don't understand it all (and not many of us will) is to inspire a completely different way of looking at bridge hands. It's almost as if anything is possible. You will start wondering whether that hand you played yesterday was really as straightforward as it seemed. Magic stuff.

'Adventures In Cardplay' is not an easy book to review. It covers advanced (and I mean ADVANCED) declarer play techniques, including advice on elopement plays, entry shifting squeezes, 'non-material' squeezes, finesses, and dummy reversals, and contains a famous chapter on the backwash squeeze.This book is, in no way, intended for the average bridge player to read and learn from; this book is for experts only.That said, it is for the particular kind of expert that finds certain bridge situations aesthetically pleasing. To the right kind of reader, the hands discussed in this book are simply beautiful. No other word for it. 'Adventures In Cardplay' is for those who are beyond just pushing cards around better than others push cards around. It is for those who genuinely love the game.Easily the strangest book on the subject of bridge that you will ever read. 0 stars for this book if what you want is practical advice on how to improve your game. 5 stars, though, if you can appreciate the beauty and elegance of bridge as well as the mechanics of it. Unique.

If you are an advanced/expert player, you will really enjoy reading this book. There are many challenging hands that will take your time regardless of your level. Take your time and try to solve each question without looking at the answer. At the end, you will notice how much your vision has changed. For beginners and intermediates, this book will be difficult for you.