Defensive Signaling at Bridge - Softcover

Bird, David

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1897106637 ISBN 13: 9781897106631

Publisher: Master Point Press, 2011

Synopsis

The author begins this thorough discussion of a neglected but vital topic by examining the real purpose of defensive signalling, and the basic kinds of signals that are available. He goes on to recommend a comprehensive set of signalling agreements, and analyzes more complex situations in the light of these agreements. Most of the chapters are followed by a quiz, and the answer to each signalling problem includes a full 52-card diagram to demonstrate the effectiveness of the recommended signal. The book finishes with a chapter that looks at the signalling methods of eight world-class pairs, with examples of their methods in action. A book any player who is looking to improve will want to read.

About this title

From the Author:

An important idea, explained in the book, is that of 'signal priority'. For each
situation in defense (for example, signaling when your partner has led to a trick)
there is an associated signal priority. When partner has led, 'attitude' is the
1st priority - you play high to encourage and low to discourage. 'Count' is the
2nd priority - high to show an even number of cards in the suit, low for an
odd number. 'Suit preference' is the 3rd priority. So, you will normally give an
attitude signal. When your attitude is obvious - for example, because you cannot beat
the 10 that has been played from dummy - you will signal count instead. If partner
leads an ace in a side suit and dummy goes down with a singleton, both attitude
and count would be valueless, so you will signal suit preference.
    All the quizzes include a full 52-page diagram in the solution, so you can see
that the recommended signal will indeed lead to the defeat of the contract.  
    Writing this book was useful to me too! By forcing myself to take a logical and
clear approach to each defensive situation, I was able to clear up various awkward
signalling dilemmas in my own bridge partnership.

About the Author:

David Bird is the bridge correspondent for the Mail on Sunday and London Evening Standard and is author of more than one hundred bridge books, having recently overtaken Terence Reese as the world's most prolific bridge author. Married to Thelma, with two children and a recent grandson, he lives near Southampton.

About this edition

• Publisher: Master Point Press
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 1897106637
• ISBN 13: 9781897106631
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 239