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Book review by Paul Linxwiler, ACBL Bridge Bulletin May 2021 edition  

A Picture Book For Beginners

This is not a book that I’d show to someone who’s never tried duplicate before; they might well find it overwhelming. But this is the perfect book for those who have tasted the fun of duplicate bridge and are clearly hungry for more. You can always tell the newbie addicts: They have a million questions. Gray’s book does a great job at answering almost all of them.

Experienced players can easily forget the steep learning curve our game has. Boards, guide cards, bidding boxes, scoring machines or travelers (not to mention how to keep score), and convention cards: The decor of the bridge table is ornate.

The Laws and the role of the director can be intimidating to new players, too. It’s bad enough remembering how Stayman and transfers work. Keeping up with the arcane rules of our game is an additional layer of potential frustration, but Gray expertly handles all of these topics with friendly explanations and lots of pictures.

Published by Friesen Press Available at amazon.com and other online book suppliers.

 Book review by Sharon Carter, ABTA The Quarterly Magazine Summer edition 2021 

As bridge teachers, we work very hard to get people to duplicate play. Once they have come and played, and gotten hooked, there is still a lot they need to know about the mechanics of the game.

 

Most of us teach with bid boxes and boards and give them an explanation of how a normal Howell Movement works, but with everything that needs to be covered, we cannot get much further than that. Brian Gray has produced a book that will solve the problem.

 

He covers the waterfront from etiquette to how to use the BridgeMate. For explaining the equipment used in a duplicate game, Mr. Gray has labeled Chapter 2 “Meet Your New Friends” and then used human names for each item. For example, Tommy (Table) and has photos of a table set with bid boxes and a guide card. Here he explains how the table is managed by North.

 

He has cute sayings for his anthropomorphic items such as Tommy saying, “Please don’t tap your fingers on me, a table is ticklish and some players find it annoying”.

 

Next are May & Mattie Mitchell (guide cards). The photos are clear and all the information on the guide card is explained.

 

This type of photo and explanation combination is continued for boards, how-to procedures, convention cards and so forth.

 

In Chapter 3, “Is There a Director in the House?”, Mr. Gray explains how the Director starts the game, moves the game along and handles director calls.

 

Chapter 4 is Player Awards and Rank Requirements. Chapter 5 includes supplementary articles including Marty Bergen’s 21 rules of being a good partner.

 

I would highly recommend this well thought-out and laid- out book for any player who is new to duplicate. It is an easy read and provides answers to questions almost all “newbies” would have.

What are Beginners and Intermediate players saying? They all are in agreement. The verdict is unanimous. They just love  ‘A Newcomer’s Guide’.

Your Guide is informative, humourous, fantastic and totally awesome. You have the uncanny knack of helping all players of all levels to lighten up about Bridge and not be nervous when learning the game; all in a concise book. – Crystal I.

The visual support is engaging, humourous and exactly what I appreciate to help make the rules and regulations of such an intrinsic game ‘stick’. A GRAND SLAM 7NT!! – Kathy L.

Congratulations, the terminology and description of the tools (equipment) is very interesting and informative, an insightful Guide for Players considering the more structured environment of Duplicate Bridge. – Debbie D.

Any serious Beginner or Intermediate Player would find your book a handy Guide to better understand Duplicate Bridge. Your comments add a little humour and make reading at times a compilation of your Bridge experiences. – Wayne G.

The introduction lays out what the book covers and delivers on the promised fun activity. – Dave D.

Your introduction is so friendly, it really sets the mood for your Newcomer friendly book. – Nancy O.

Congrats, Brian on sticking with a difficult subject and turning it into a learning and growth opportunity for those who love the game – Mike W.

I can’t tell you how much I appreciated the opportunity to read your book. It was for me, very informative and written in a style that makes the reading journey a pleasure- Cathy M.

CLUB MANAGERS, TEACHERS and ADVANCED players Heartedly  AGREE!

NEW REVIEW APRIL 25, 2020  

Many aspiring new bridge players eventually, with trepidation, venture out to their local bridge club to give it a try. For new players the world of duplicate can be a daunting and humbling experience.

For such players, Brian Gray’s  ” A Newcomer’s Guide Stress-Free Introduction To Duplicate Bridge” is a wonderful reference to help them better prepare for the experience of club play.

With detail and humour, Brian gently guides the reader through every aspect of what to expect as you get ready for your debut at the duplicate table.

In addition to the fine explanations and advice, this book ‘s presentation, the quality of the type-style, pages, graphics and illustrations is terrific. Colour abounds throughout,  bringing the pages alive.

Brian’s book should be a “must read” for every newer player and for more experienced players as well.

Brian, you have done bridge players a great service with your guide.

Congratulations-well done indeed!- John Rayner Renowned Teacher, Canadian Pairs Champion and member  the Canadian Bridge Hall of Fame.

Brian has written a great book, much needed for the Newcomers to the world of Duplicate. It will serve as a great resource for novices everywhere. Duplicate is The way to improve one’s game. This book will make all the hurdles dissipate.