Book

Introduction to Declarer's Play

📖 Overview

Introduction to Declarer's Play is a bridge instruction book written by bridge champion and expert teacher Eddie Kantar. The book breaks down the fundamentals of playing the declaring hand in contract bridge. The text progresses through key concepts like timing, entry management, and finessing through practice examples and illustrated hands. Each chapter contains exercises for readers to test their understanding and develop their skills. Kantar explains complex bridge concepts using clear language and step-by-step analysis. The book covers both basic principles and advanced techniques that can improve a player's declaring abilities. This comprehensive guide serves as both an introductory text for newer players and a valuable reference for more experienced bridge enthusiasts looking to strengthen their declarer play. The emphasis on building systematic thinking and planning makes it a foundational work in bridge education.

👀 Reviews

Bridge players at intermediate level find this book provides clear instruction on declarer play techniques. Reading through forums and review sites, players highlight Kantar's straightforward explanations of complex concepts and his effective use of example hands. Likes: - Step-by-step breakdown of planning the play - Practice hands reinforce concepts - Clear writing style with touches of humor - Good progression from basic to advanced topics Dislikes: - Some readers note the exercises lack detailed explanations - A few mention the book moves too quickly through advanced concepts - Print quality issues reported in newer editions Ratings: Amazon: 4.5/5 (47 reviews) Goodreads: 4.2/5 (12 reviews) Bridge Winners Forum: Multiple positive mentions "The exercises helped cement the concepts better than other bridge books I've read" - Amazon reviewer "Would have liked more thorough explanations of the practice hand solutions" - Goodreads reviewer

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Play These Hands With Me by Terence Reese Each chapter walks through the thought process of a single bridge hand from beginning to end, focusing on declarer play.

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🤔 Interesting facts

🎲 Eddie Kantar is one of only two people to have represented the United States in both the World Bridge Olympiad and the World Table Tennis Championship 🃏 The book has been a staple in bridge education since its first publication in 1976 and has been translated into multiple languages including French, German, and Japanese ♠️ Author Eddie Kantar has written more than 35 books about bridge and is considered one of the game's greatest teachers and writers ♦️ The techniques taught in this book are still considered fundamental to modern bridge play, despite the book being written over 45 years ago ♥️ The book's success led to a companion volume, "Introduction to Defender's Play," completing Kantar's comprehensive introduction to bridge tactics for both sides of the table