This book is a comprehensive work covering every angle in defending bridge hands. As a bonus, there is a section on many of the lead and signal conventions practiced in expert circles.

Neither for beginners nor for experts but for the 90 percent of players in between, How to Play a Bridge Hand includes more than 300 of bridge master William Root's favorite hands. Hailed by the American Bridge Teachers' Association as the "Book of the Year." Line drawings.

Covers leads, signaling, second- and third-hand play, and discarding, and includes practice hands and quizzes.

Defense is the hardest part of playing bridge, but that doesn't mean that it's impossible to learn. The authors explain how to make a plan as a defender: how to work out from the auction and play what declarer probably has, and which of the strategies available to defenders is likely to be successful.

"This book tells you everything you need to know about the most widely accepted bidding methods. Read about the secrets of hand evaluation that can dramatically improve your game. Learn how to describe your hand to partner so that the partnership can find its way to the best contract. Discover new concepts that keep the bidding conversation straightforward. You'll be confident when you go to your next bridge game because you'll have the solid foundation needed to handle any bidding sequence."--Back cover

There are three unique things about this book: (1) It is the first book in about 40 years to deal with the entire game of bridge, (2) It represents the best thinking of modern day experts and (3) It is expecially well organized and easy to read. The book received the 1997 Book of the Year award and continues to be a bestseller at national tournaments

The most complete guide to the modern methods of standard bidding for bridge, from one of America's leading players, teachers, and authorities. With a logical, easy-to-follow style, William Root covers all the bidding essentials.