This is a comprehensive treatment of the most important single aspect of contract bridge - the opening lead. The advice is presented by the use of illustrated games, backed with the reasoning behind each move.

Winning Notrump Leads was a ground-breaking and very well-received book that used the power of computers to determine which opening leads work best against a variety of auctions at notrump. Using enhanced software, the authors now turn their attention to suit contracts. They generate millions of random deals, retaining those that match the chosen auction, for example 1S-2S-4S. By playing these deals automatically against each of the 13 possible opening leads from a given hand, they are able to discover which lead is most likely to beat the contract (also the best lead at matchpoint pairs). The authors provide insightful commentary to each result, answering timeless questions such as: When should I lead a trump? When is a doubleton a good opening lead? Should I lead differently against a partscore? Should I make an aggressive or a passive lead? Should I lead an ace against a small slam? Which leads work best against a grand slam? By using the number-crunching computer power available nowadays, there is no longer any need to rely on general opening-lead guidelines passed down by our ancestors. We think you will be surprised by many of the discoveries made during this investigation! DAVID BIRD (top) and TAF ANTHIAS were contemporaries at Cambridge University, both reading mathematics. They carried out research and development on software systems for over 30 years at IBM's UK Laboratories. In the 1970s they formed a successful bridge partnership, winning a number of national events. David is now one of the world's top bridge writers with 116 books to his name. Taf moved on to the USA, where he became a vice president of Cisco Systems. They have joined forces on this ground-breaking book.

The most comprehensive book ever written on opening leads. Almost every situation imaginable is presented with a wealth of examples from world championship play.

"It's generally accepted that defense is the most difficult part of the game. Audrey's latest book takes a look at defending against notrump contracts with a focus on the opening lead and how it impacts the subsequent defense. The book covers: the oldest maxim, fourth highest from longest and strongest...and why it has stood the test of time; when to lead partner's suit...and which card to lead; why you should avoid leading the opponents' suit...and what to do if you can't; what to lead from a sequence...and why it matters; when to lead the 'top of nothing'; when it's time to 'take the tricks and run'; there are 16 practice deals. The book is for the advancing player."--Publisher's description.

Based on Mike Lawrence and Ron Klinger's acclaimed book OPENING LEADS FOR ACOL PLAYERS, this Fast Fact Finder provides the general questions you must ask yourself before leading and gives a vast number of expert tips for specific lead situations. The flipper aims to answer queries such as, 'When is it better not to lead partner's suit?' 'When is it best to attack', 'When is a passive lead preferable?' 'When is it reasonable to lead an ace-high suit?' and many others. The opening lead can be the make-or-break point of the contract. If players would spend more time on the opening lead and less in the post mortem, declarers would face a tougher contest. If you are like most players, chances are that no part of your game deserves more work and study than the opening lead. You cannot expect to make the best lead every time but you can certainly boost your average.

Bridge.

An Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature Honor Book Meet Danbi, the new girl at school! Danbi is thrilled to start her new school in America. But a bit nervous too, for when she walks into the classroom, everything goes quiet. Everyone stares. Danbi wants to join in the dances and the games, but she doesn't know the rules and just can't get anything right. Luckily, she isn't one to give up. With a spark of imagination, she makes up a new game and leads her classmates on a parade to remember! Danbi Leads the School Parade introduces readers to an irresistible new character. In this first story, she learns to navigate her two cultures and realizes that when you open your world to others, their world opens up to you.

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.

Bridge at a Glance - Expanded Version - now with a glossary and pages dedicated to Duplicate and Chicago scoring. This is a quick reference guide of the material in Audrey Grant's award-winning Bridge Basics series. These summaries work in conjunction with her books which provide the reasoning behind these guidelines. This 37-page booklet fits right inside your convention card holder for easy reference. -- Publisher website.