In the study of any game, the foundation of success must be a thorough
acquaintance with the principles of play. This once attained, future
progress becomes easy and rapid.
Many writers on Bridge have left much of the play to the individual
judgment and knowledge of the player, and in most works on this
subject, illustrations of the fundamental principles are largely
wanting.
The present work is an attempt to supply these deficiencies; this
volume is intended to aid the Bridge student in acquiring a practical
acquaintance with the various forms of attack and defence as outlined
by the best players. Particular attention is given to the dealer’s play
of the dummy hand, the management of trumps is outlined in detail, and
the underlying principles are fully illustrated by the complete play of
selected hands.
The writer has endeavoured to make this work simple in its arrangement
and style so as to be adapted to the capacity of all lovers of Bridge,
comprehensive and complete so as to be a sufficient and certain guide
in the most difficult as well as in the easy situations.
The laws of Bridge published in this edition have been prepared by
the author, who has used as a foundation the codes accepted by the
principal clubs of the world. The author does not favour the exaction
of a penalty for the dealer’s lead out of turn. The American opinion on
this point is divided, but the English practice is to exact no penalty.
Otherwise the various club codes show but minor differences.