Published by Collins

      An imprint of HarperCollins Publishers

      Westerhill Road

      Bishopbriggs

      Glasgow G64 2QT

      First Edition 2015

      Second Edition 2019

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

      Source ISBN: 9780008343767

      eBook Edition © October 2019 ISBN 9780008348984

      Version: 2019-08-07

      © Andrew Robson 2007, 2015, 2019

       www.harpercollins.co.uk

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      Front cover image © Shutterstock Allies Interactive

       Inside card illustrations © Pascal Thivillon

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       To my mother and father, who got me started.

       Andrew Robson, 2015

Dedication

      To my mother and father, who got me started.

      Andrew Robson, 2015

      Contents

       Cover

       Title Page

       Copyright

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

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.

      First steps

      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.

      must know

      The best way to learn to play bridge is to set realistic goals, reinforce your knowledge and slowly build your skills. Most important of all is to enjoy playing.