Customer Reviews

The ABCs of Bridge

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've always thought William Root's books were very good, so I was glad to see his new offering. I'll be using in a small class for beginning players. It is so important to get new players off on the right foot, and it is far too easy to scare them away with too many gadgets or an unreadable book. The system the book teaches is a fairly standard modern system, although my opinion is that limit raises in majors should now be viewed as standard (the book mentions limit raises, but advises people to begin with forcing raises). That's a pretty small and debatable issue in an otherwise excellent book.

This is a good introduction to bridge, which covers enough bidding and card play (i.e. declarer and defensive play) that you can at least get to the table and understand the basics of all facets of bridge. Needless to say, as an introduction to a complex game, it won't make you an expert, but that's not its goal. My only objection to this book is that a feature of its bidding system is outdated (it treats raises to the three level as game-forcing instead of limit-raises).

For an introduction without outdatedness, there is Eddie Kantar's "Bridge for Dummies". The disadvantages to Kantar's book are that it's a bit longwinded, and that it does not contain quizzes to help reinforce understanding.

very useful for beginners and all players could benefit from reading it again

I read a bridge book a few years ago, whose title I really wish I could remember, that did a wonderful job of explaining the logic behind the bidding system, so that even if you forgot a detail of some convention, you could figure out something reasonable. It made bridge "make sense."

This is not that book.

This book is very heavy on the facts, without much context, presented for you to memorize, memorize, memorize. Do this, do that. If this, then that. I enjoy learning, but after dozing off on three separate reads, I realize I need to look elsewhere.

The best parts of this book are the quizzes he presents to test what you just memorized. Maybe it would be okay as a reference. But for instruction, there are more readable texts out there that offer better use of your time.

I've played a little bridge since childhood (balmy summers in Florida, circa 1963), became interested again during college, and episodically pick up games during holidays and beach vacations. I've never had coherent instruction -- with every iteration I always seem to need to start from scratch. If you can relate to my experience I guarantee Root's ABC's of Bridge will not only enhance your understanding of this game, but infuse new confidence and enjoyment. A great book.

This book combines both the basics of bridge, and advanced topics which are necessary for duplicate and tournament bridge. Excellent presentations.

The Service from Amazon AND the terrific service from {pos7855) made my day, packaging (even waterproofing) kept the book in perfect condition. Book arrived 2 days after my order - I was primed to accept up to 20 days - fantastic and the price was RIGHT. Root the author also gets a 5 star rating. VERIFIED AMAZON PURCHASE.

This book will be terribly confusing to someone who has never played bridge. Even though I've played bridge off and on for years, I found the book very difficult to follow. Be prepared to study the chapters and read them over and over. If you already know bridge basics and really want to learn, the book is helpful.

Good book that covers the basics but I would encourage rank beginner bridge players like me to take a lesson with a good teacher who will make the game ccome alive. The book made much more sense to me after I had one lesson from a dynamic teacher (Gail Greenberg) who explained the game's goals in terms that I could understand--bridge is like a war where you and your partner are allies and where communications are limited.

I purchased this bood used and it was described as something like "fair" condition, so I knew it would be somewhat worn. In fact it was in slightly better condition than I expected and so I would give this purchase an excellent rating. It arrived in a timely fashion and I am thoroughly enjoying the book.