Card Play Technique: The Art of Being Lucky

Card Play Technique: The Art of Being Lucky is a foundational text on bridge card play originally published in 1955. The book, co-written by bridge experts Victor Mollo and Nico Gardener, focuses on both basic and advanced techniques for declarer play and defense. The content progresses from fundamental concepts to complex strategies through a series of example hands and detailed explanations. Each chapter addresses specific aspects of card play including safety plays, elimination, squeezes, and endplays. Mollo and Gardener support their instruction with clear diagrams and step-by-step analysis of real game situations. The authors examine both successful and unsuccessful plays to demonstrate key principles. The book's enduring influence stems from its practical approach to improving bridge skills through understanding rather than memorization. Its central premise - that luck in bridge comes from technical knowledge and careful planning - continues to resonate with players at all levels.

Readers describe this as a technical but accessible bridge book that teaches card play through example hands and clear explanations. Many note it helps intermediate players make the transition to more advanced techniques. Readers appreciated: - Progressive difficulty level - Focus on both declarer play and defense - Mix of basic principles and complex situations - Clear explanations of why certain plays work - Humor and engaging writing style Common criticisms: - Some examples feel dated - A few readers found the layout confusing - Advanced concepts introduced too quickly for beginners Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (42 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (31 ratings) BridgeBum.com: 4/5 "This book taught me more about card play than any other bridge text" - Amazon reviewer "The examples stick with you because they're explained so logically" - Goodreads review "Not for complete beginners but perfect for improving club players" - Bridge forum comment

Bridge Squeezes Complete by Clyde E. Love The mathematical foundations and systematic classification of squeeze plays in bridge provides technical depth for players seeking to master advanced card combinations.

Adventures in Card Play by Geza Ottlik, Hugh Kelsey This work presents complex card combinations and techniques through carefully constructed hands that build systematic understanding of advanced bridge concepts.

Killing Defense at Bridge by Hugh Kelsey The book analyzes defensive card play through pattern recognition and tactical thinking that creates a framework for handling difficult defensive positions.

Play Bridge with Reese by Terence Reese Each chapter tackles specific card combinations and techniques through example hands that demonstrate expert-level thinking processes at the bridge table.

Bridge Logic by Iain Macleod The text connects mathematical principles to practical card play through analysis of probabilities and inferential reasoning in bridge situations.

🃏 Victor Mollo was known for creating memorable bridge-playing characters in his writing, including the Hideous Hog and the Rueful Rabbit, who became beloved figures in bridge literature. ♠️ First published in 1955, Card Play Technique remains one of the most respected books on bridge play and has been continuously in print for over 65 years. ♥️ The book's co-author, Nico Gardener, was a professional bridge teacher who ran the famous London School of Bridge and coached several world champions. ♣️ The principles taught in this book have influenced generations of bridge players, including many professional players who cite it as instrumental in their development. 🎮 Unlike many bridge books that focus on bidding, this volume concentrates on the play of the hand—both as declarer and defender—making it unique for its time and still relevant today.