Make the Winning Bid: Bidding Guidelines for the Advancing Player [Paperback]

Howard Ringel (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1602642796 | ISBN-13: 978-1602642799 | Publication Date: December 8, 2008

It is one thing to know the various point ranges and conventions of a bidding system, and yet quite another to be able to apply them correctly at each stage of an auction. This book takes the reader, step by step, through various bridge auctions. The reader is sometimes the opening bidder and sometimes the responder. The goal of a contract in the right strain, and at the right level, is pursued. Judgment and hand valuation are applied at every turn in the bidding, using new information from actions by partner or the opponents as it becomes available. Invitational and forcing bids are discussed as the partners decide whether to stop at a level or move forward. The reader chooses from several options supplied for each opportunity to call. Sometimes there are two bids that are equally correct, but usually only one. These options are weighed and compared. Interference by the opponents is also discussed. The reader should come away from the reading of this book better able to understand and conduct a successful bridge auction. Howard Ringel, the author, is certified as an accredited bridge teacher by the ACBL, but has chosen to teach through the books he writes rather than in a classroom setting. His first book, "Plan Before You Play," has been well received by bridge players nationally, and is also used by various bridge teachers as a text. While that book is on the play of the hand, this new book examines bidding at the different steps in an auction.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Virtualbookworm.com Publishing (December 8, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1602642796
• ISBN-13: 978-1602642799
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,560,191 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Howard Ringel lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with his wife Phyllis. They have three children and seven grandchildren. He spent over fifty years operating a retail furniture business and is now retired. Years ago, in his first week at the University of Michigan, he learned how to play bridge. Little did he know then that this fascinating game would be his main hobby for the next fifty plus years. He is accredited as a bridge teacher by the ACBL but has chosen to teach through the books he writes. His first two books, "Plan Before You Play" and "Make The Winning Bid" have been well received by bridge players and are used by various bridge teachers as a text. He has taught bridge to high school students and is active at his bridge center where he plays regularly. He enjoys helping less experienced bridge players improve the level of their game and tries to interest those who have never played to give it a try.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful and Fun Bridge book, February 16, 2009

By 

Stewart B. Dunsker (Cincinnati, OH) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Make the Winning Bid: Bidding Guidelines for the Advancing Player (Paperback)

This book is for the advanced beginner, who understands such terms as negative doubles and 2 over 1, but it is not necessary to use the conventions to benefit from the lessons. The author presents bridge hands and bidding problems the arise frequently.

Several characteristics of the book make it particularly helpful:
Discussions encompass all the thoughts going through the player's mind, followed by the correct bid;

The author readily admits when there are several choices without 100% agreement by experts;

Even where his conclusion differs from that of some teachers, it is easy to understand the logic and the reasons for the differences of opinions.

A strong point of the book is the quiz at the end. It emphasizes some of the important lessons given previously and then gives the reference where the item is discussed in the book.

In summary this is a user-friendly, helpful bridge book that is fun to read.

S. Dunsker

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended Book on Bidding, February 23, 2009

By 

J. Hart "Queen of Harts" (Michigan) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Make the Winning Bid: Bidding Guidelines for the Advancing Player (Paperback)

This book leads you through the bidding process and clears up many bidding problems that are common in the game. It is written clearly and is very readable. Each lesson is introduced by a quotation, which adds fun to the reading, and even helped me remember some of the lessons. The author seems to understand the issues that often come up in bidding and explains the thought process necessary to make a good decision.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Make the Winning Bid, February 22, 2009

By 

J. Wolf - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Make the Winning Bid: Bidding Guidelines for the Advancing Player (Paperback)

This is one of the best bridge books I have read. It is clear, precise and easy to understand. I recommend it to anyone who loves to play bridge and improve their game.