Advanced Bridge Defence - Eddie Kantar

Are you an above average, or maybe even very good Club player? That’s nice. Do you by any chance harbour a wish, secret or otherwise, to progress to the expert class? Perhaps not, but should that be the case, then here is an opportunity to set out on the path to realising your ambition.// Why? Because there is one key difference between you and your professional counterparts. Namely that your group do not make a point of counting the hand; or rarely; or despite frequent New Year resolutions, immediately give up, since the game just doesn’t seem to be worth the candle. For the other lot, however, it is second nature.

The majority of Kantar’s ABD is devoted to just this subject. No doubt it would be absurd to claim that a close study will propel you to expert status overnight. But there’s no escaping the fact, that without learning to apply the principles set out here, in counting distribution, counting tricks and counting HCP, you will, more than likely, remain forever in your station. What’s more, Kantar tells you so in his introduction, in no uncertain terms.

There have, over the years, been many texts addressing this subject. But none, repeat none, with the clarity and rigour of ABD. You want to learn to count? Then Kantar’s your man.

From the above, who will best profit from the book? Perhaps, roughly, the top third of the membership of large Clubs of good reputation. Or the top half of really strong Clubs. Below this level players need to master the companion volume MBD, before moving on. The publishers write “even more advanced players will benefit”. This is an odd claim. Amend ‘even’ to ‘only’ and you have it. Just read the title.

It’s not all hard graft, you will be pleased to discover. For example Kantar provides a chapter entitled ‘Tricks with Trumps’ and another ‘Card Tricks’, both giving a measure of (relatively) light relief. Although this does not imply that the questions asked are particularly easy. But a nice counterweight to the other somewhat dryer material, nevertheless.

All in all another fine book, once again, as a bonus, with the full complement of the author’s renowned witticisms and gentle irony.