To Bid or Not to Bid

To Bid or Not to Bid is Larry Cohen's guide to making competitive bidding decisions in bridge. The book focuses on the Law of Total Tricks, a mathematical concept that helps players determine when to compete and when to defend. Cohen presents his material through example hands and clear explanations of the underlying principles. The book includes practice problems and quizzes to reinforce key concepts, along with detailed analyses of common competitive bidding situations. The author demonstrates how to apply the Law of Total Tricks at different vulnerability conditions and varying levels of competition. Real tournament hands illustrate both successful applications and potential pitfalls of using this bidding tool. The book represents a systematic approach to an aspect of bridge that many players handle through instinct alone. It offers a framework for making more objective decisions in competitive auctions while acknowledging the limitations and exceptions to any bidding guideline.

Bridge players consistently describe this book as a clear, practical guide that improved their competitive bidding decisions. The examples and practice hands help internalize key concepts about when to compete and when to let opponents play. Liked: - Step-by-step reasoning process for bidding decisions - Charts and tables for quick reference - Focus on real-world situations - Clear explanations of LAW of Total Tricks - Addresses both matchpoint and IMPs strategy Disliked: - Some found the technical details overwhelming as beginners - A few noted the mathematical concepts could be explained more simply - Price considered high by some readers Ratings: Amazon: 4.6/5 (89 reviews) Goodreads: 4.3/5 (47 reviews) "Finally helped me understand when to bid on and when to shut up" - Amazon reviewer "The competitive bidding concepts have saved me countless points" - Bridge forum comment "Wish the LAW section was less academic and more practical" - Goodreads review

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📚 Larry Cohen wrote this influential bridge book in 1992 while he was still an active professional player, before becoming one of bridge's most popular teachers. 🎯 The book focuses specifically on the Law of Total Tricks, a mathematical concept that helps players make better competitive bidding decisions at bridge. 🌟 The principle presented in the book was so revolutionary that it changed how competitive bidding was approached worldwide, earning it the nickname "The LAW" among bridge players. 🏆 Cohen's work made a complex mathematical concept accessible to average players, introducing the simplified guideline that "the total number of tricks available equals the total number of trumps." 🔄 The book has gone through multiple editions and remains one of the most frequently referenced texts for bridge players looking to improve their competitive bidding decisions, even 30+ years after its initial publication.