Card Play Technique or The Art of Being Lucky: 2nd edition

I read this book early in my bridge career and found it extremely valuable. Each chapter covers a particular area of play or defense, in each case followed by several problems that test whether you've nailed down the chapter's material. Since play and defense don't change over the years (except for conventional plays on defense), the book is just as valuable now as it was when it was first published in 1955.The book has gone in and out of print ever since its first publication, and every time it's out of print I find myself waiting for a new printing because my existing copy has been lent out and not returned. I seem to promote this book to everyone, grabbing my copy and forcing it into someone's hands.There are some minor changes in this edition. Low cards in hand diagrams are no longer shown simply by x's. (I think that may be a trend in bridge publishing.) Changes in defensive methods used to convey information to partner have been noted. (When the book was first published, the conventional opening lead from three small against a trump contract was the highest; today almost everyone leads the lowest.) And every instance of "knave" has been replaced by "jack," the editors abandoning what was once one the markers of "U" English identified by Nancy Mitford.Upon rereading the book, I see now that in all my years of recommending it to others I had forgotten how advanced it was. It's not terribly advanced, but it's beyond the ability of the beginners to which I have recommended it over the years. To those beginners I say, "Sorry -- and, by the way, please return the book!" Master Point Press classifies the book as for "Intermediates" and I think that's right.

If you are a dedicated bridge player, this is the single most important book you can purchase to improve your game. It is extremely well written, and will take you from the simpler parts of declarer play to the more complex in a manner which helps you understand what to do and why.Those who have read Victor Mollo's "Bridge in the Menagerie" series should need no encouragement to buy this book if they do not already have it. Learn to play like the Hideous Hog! :-)

This is a bridge card play book that is just as good or perhaps better than Watson's classic Play of the Hand.

As a bridge teacher, and as a player this is the finest, clearest most well-presented book on play and defense that has ever been written. This is the new edition, updated by the daughter of on of the original authors (whom I have been in love with for 40 years from afar) and while I have not compared the old and the new editions page by page, Lady Nicola Gardner-Smith could only have "gilded the lily" on her Father's and my friend Victor Mollo's original book. If you even pretend to play bridge, you need to buy and read this. A few hundred times

This is a good book for intermediate players. It starts with easy topics, like counting distribution and points during play, and ultimately ends with end and squeeze plays. Well written and easy to follow by two of duplicate bridge greats.

A fun book, well written, that brings home the real point to all duplicate players (or even serious casual players) and that is; even if you bid them brilliantly, if you can't play 'em, you might as well embrace a losing outcome. This book helps those who don't have that innate 'card sense' everyone talks about. I think you can actually grow a 'card sense' by reading this book and employing its principles.

I could not find my old copy, so when I found this was once again in print I purchased it.Anything by Victor Mollo is great. For those wanting to become true experts, this is the book for you. It covers the entire range of card play technique and makes even the most arcane subjects understandable.If you are looking for the very best book on card play technique, look no further. This is it. I found myself winning a number of tournaments after studying this, and the lessons stay with me.

Clear explanations, good examples, good exercises. This book explains a topic from declarer's perspective, then in the next chapter explains the same topic from the defensive perspective. Really provides clear understanding of each topic.

A fabulously entertaining and informative read.A book I will return to again.

I thought I knew how to play quite well, and yet in most chapters I obtained new insights. It also provides insights on how great players plan to play a hand. And the authors do so in a rather humorous way. Great read.

very worthwhile and informative excellent for all grades of player

Lots of examples and quizzes to check your understanding.

Looks good only print is so pale and difficult to read, hence haven’t started reading it. Should have returned it straight away and asked for another copy. No other reviewer has mentioned it