by Robert Darvas & Norman de V. Hart

Unlike the book I reviewed in the last issue, Master Play, this delightful book can be enjoyed by expert and novice alike. The cards come to life in one magic night at the Bridge club and each one tells the hero, Master Robert, a different story. You will find the gamut of Bridge play in this book from spectacular coups to humorous tales to the toughest of double dummy problems.

Have you ever felt down when you are doubled and get set 1100 or 1400? Well, do not feel so bad. Others have gone for much larger numbers. The Milwaukee record is minus 6400. It happened some 30 years ago during my student days at Marquette University.

Two fellows from the student union were playing on a Thursday night at the YMCA and got a wire on a board. They heard 6¨ was cold on board five. So, when they got to board five the bidding went: 6¨ , double, redouble, all pass. Sure, it was cold. The other way! Down 11, doubled and redoubled. Crime does not pay.

Others have done even worse. In the Tale of the ª 7, 13 of a Suit, from Right Through the Pack the declarer went minus 7750. It was a rubber Bridge deal and the defenders could claim 150 honors.

South was a notorious psycher. When he picked up his hand with all those Hearts, he decided to be cute and opened a strong 2ª . West knew what he was up to and made the brilliant bid of 7© . Who can blame North for bidding 7ª and then redoubling.

Make sure you pick uo a copy of this charming book for yourself and/or give one to your favorite partner for Christmas.