Master Play: The Expert Game 

by Terence Reese

A Book Review

North East  South West
 1D   Dbl.  1H    Pass
 2D   Pass  2NT   Pass
 3NT  Pass  Pass  Pass

Terence Reese was one of the great Bridge players of all time. His many tournament victories included the Bermuda Bowl World Championship in 1955. It was said of Reese that he had the brain of a computer and the nerve of a riverboat gambler.

But Reese will also be remembered for his Bridge writing. I belong to the generation of Bridge players that grew up with the Reese books many of which have become classics. For this essay I have chosen to review Master Play. It is not a book for beginners. It is a book for intermediate to advanced players who want to bring their dummy play and defense up to the expert level.

The book contains much valuable information about avoidance, tempo and deception that can be found in other works, but there is also a lot of original material not to be found elsewhere. The first mention of the Principle of Restricted Choice is found in this book. For more on this topic see Brewer Bridge, Volume 24 Number 3. Reese saves the best for his last chapter: The Vise, the Winkle and the Steppingstone, three new squeeze plays.

An example of Reese's wit is to be found in the book's introduction, which reads: "To my Mother, who taught me Bridge and other things that I learned less well." The edition I have features on the cover a tabled dummy and an ashtray with a lit cigarette in it. We are not likely to see that on future editions.

For a sample hand from the book I have selected one from the chapter titled Liason and Transport. Most players in 3NT would be tempted to take the Diamond finesse or go after Hearts leading low to the King. Neither of these lines will meet with success, however. The defense will get their Spades going before we have nine tricks.

The winning line, Reese points out, is to gross to dummy and lead a low Heart towards the Jack. If East goes up with his Ace, you have nine tricks. If he ducks it, you play on Diamonds insuring your contract.