Book

Bridge Squeeze Complete

📖 Overview

Bridge Squeeze Complete by Hugh Kelsey is a technical guide to squeeze plays in contract bridge. The book systematically breaks down and categorizes the various types of bridge squeezes, providing clear examples and explanations. The text progresses from basic squeeze concepts to complex variations, with practice hands and detailed analysis throughout. Kelsey presents a framework for recognizing and executing squeeze opportunities at the bridge table. Each chapter focuses on specific squeeze variations, including simple squeezes, double squeezes, and triple squeezes, with detailed attention to timing and technique. The book includes over 100 example hands that demonstrate the practical application of squeeze principles. This work stands as a comprehensive resource that transforms what many consider bridge's most complex play into an organized, learnable system. The structured approach makes advanced squeeze techniques accessible to players seeking to improve their game.

👀 Reviews

Bridge players and teachers rate this as an advanced technical book that requires multiple readings to grasp. Readers note it contains comprehensive coverage of squeeze plays with clear examples and analysis. Likes: - Systematic approach to categorizing squeeze types - Practice hands that build in complexity - Precise technical explanations - Strong focus on card combinations and timing Dislikes: - Too complex for intermediate players - Dense writing style can be hard to follow - Some examples feel contrived - Limited explanation of basic concepts One reader on Amazon wrote: "You need to work through each hand carefully with cards on the table. Not a quick read." Goodreads: 4.4/5 (21 ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (12 ratings) BridgeBum.com user rating: 4.7/5 (8 ratings) Most reviewers recommend it only for advanced players who already understand squeeze fundamentals and are willing to study the material intensively.

📚 Similar books

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Card Play Technique by Victor Mollo This text breaks down advanced declarer play concepts through a systematic analysis of card combinations and safety plays.

Adventures in Card Play by Geza Ottlik, Hugh Kelsey The work examines intricate squeeze plays and advanced card techniques through mathematical precision and detailed hand analysis.

Play Bridge with Reese by Terence Reese The book presents bridge hands with detailed explanations of the thinking process behind each decision in the play.

When to Draw Trumps by Adam Meredith and Ron Klinger This text focuses on the specific timing of trump plays through analysis of practical game situations and common card patterns.

🤔 Interesting facts

🎲 Hugh Kelsey was one of the most prolific bridge writers of all time, authoring over 50 books on the game between 1968 and 1995. ♠️ Bridge Squeeze Complete was first published in 1975 and is considered the definitive work on squeeze plays in contract bridge, a complex technique where defenders are forced to discard winning cards. ♣️ The book revolutionized how bridge players think about squeezes by introducing a systematic approach to identifying and executing squeeze opportunities, rather than treating them as rare, lucky occurrences. ♦️ Before becoming a bridge writer, Kelsey worked as a lawyer in Edinburgh, Scotland, and represented Scotland in international bridge competitions. ♥️ This book is frequently included in lists of the top 10 most important bridge books ever written and remains a valuable resource nearly 50 years after its initial publication.