FIVE WEEKS TO WINNING BRIDGE

Rating:
Summary: IT'S GREAT EXCEPT FOR ONE THING
Review: "Five Weeks to Winning Bridge" is an admirable book that does everything the title implies. If followed faithfully, it will take an absolutely ignorant beginner and turn him/her into a good, logical one with a thorough grounding and no "holes" in the educational process. I have played at the tournament level against people who could stand to read this book as a refresher!

HOWEVER, THERE IS ONE DRAWBACK AND IT IS A BIG ONE! This book was written back in the days when the two major suits--hearts and spades--could be "opened" (bid upon) with four cards. Almost no one does that today; the convention now is that if a person says "one heart" or "one spade" he is promising partner a hand with five hearts in it or five spades. That means that partner can support with only three hearts or three spades, giving the partnership a clear majority of the trump suit (8 out of 13). In some beginner's classes and in much of Canada four-card major openers are still the rule but practically everyone does five-card openers now, even college-dorm and little-old-lady bridge. The Sheinwold book is still worth buying, though, because at the mass-market price it gives valuable tips on play and defense; you just may have to ignore a lot of the elementary bidding instructions.

Rating:
Summary: Best Comprehensive Primer Around - although "out of print"
Review: Have read other reviews on this site and agree the only outdated info is the emphasis on bidding 4 card majors....however, this is minor given the overall knowledge that is imparted to the reader. For a book written 40 years ago, its relevance today is a testament to Mr. Sheinwold's teaching ability.

I have been playing duplicate for over 20 years and found the book so helpful in my early years that I am always searching for copies to give to new bridge players!!

Rating:
Summary: Good if you play four-card majors.
Review: I quite literally learned to play bridge with this book. I bought it my sophomore year in high school and read in a period about 1/17 that reccomended by the cover. Fortunately, this was made up by the fact that I've read it 17 times. This book covers everything from part-scores to slams, from finesses to squeezes to bits of bridge ettiquette. I would recommend it to anyone trying to learn bridge,

Rating:
Summary: Well worth the reading
Review: I quite literally learned to play bridge with this book. I bought it my sophomore year in high school and read in a period about 1/17 that reccomended by the cover. Fortunately, this was made up by the fact that I've read it 17 times. This book covers everything from part-scores to slams, from finesses to squeezes to bits of bridge ettiquette. I would recommend it to anyone trying to learn bridge,

Rating:
Summary: An excellent first bridge book
Review: In order for you to understand why I recommend this book, I must share a personal anecdote. In the fall of 1971 I had just started law school at UC Davis. Believe it or not, at the beginning of the year there was not that much going on, and a few bridge games were starting in the lounge. I had only played twice in my life..barely knew the rules..but since a fourth was always desperately needed I was drafted to participate. What a cut-throat crowd! My partners were merciless and would criticize any mistakes I made, and those were plentiful.

Five Weeks To Winning Bridge provided my redemption. The woman who owned the house where I boarded had a copy, and as I read it I began to learn what the game was really all about. I would study the lessons, all set out very logically, on bidding, play and defense..the point count required for various actions, how to handle no trump and trump contracts. These lessons, coupled with WAY too much play for a law student, had me playing at a quite respectable level by the year's end. In time, I would play in duplicate tournaments and achieve several wins in regional events. This book provided the foundation. The major drawback to Five Weeks is that it was written long ago, and thus various modern conventions and treatments are not included. But as a beginner's introduction to bridge, I would strongly recommend it. Sheinwold has a knack for setting out just what you need to know in an orderly fashion. If the student provides the discipline, I am sure he or she can be playing decent bridge in a few months.

Rating:
Summary: The Bible of Beginner Bridge Books
Review: No other book can match Sheinwold's "Five Weeks to Winning Bridge" for introductory level Bridge. Simply put, this book details the fundamentals of the game without condescending to its readers -- ever. Sheinwold is smart, concise, logical, droll - everything one wants in an instructor. While the book lacks discussion of important modern conventions (having been written decades ago), the lion's share is still extremely relevant and will prepare any card-playing novice for parlor play. I have gone back to Sheinwold again and again for solace, refreshers, and just plain pleasure. I wholeheartedly, unreservedly, and without hesitation recommend this magical book for anyone interested in learning to play Bridge.

Rating:
Summary: Great Transaction
Review: Received the book that I ordered in short order and was in new condition as stated in the ad. Highly reccomend this seller.

Rating:
Summary: Best Introduction to the Game, Ever.
Review: Still the best introduction to the game of Bridge, ever, hands down. Laced with humor and common sense. Sheinwold is far superior to Goren as a writer and teacher. Teaches literally EVERYTHING a beginner needs to know. Read it and buy a copy for your favorite partner.

Rating:
Summary: Comprehensive Beginning Primer
Review: This book is excellent for someone who wants to get a full basic education in bridge bidding and play.

In addition to giving you the rules of bidding, it explains the logic behind the bidding, so the player can use the techniques to communicate fully within their partnernership.

It is laid out in a simple to use format and was terrific for bringing me up to speed as a Bridge bidder.

In addition, Alfred Sheinwold was the author of the daily bridge column in most newspapers, which has been taken over by Frank Stewart, so that the reader/player can practice on a daily basis, the concepts introduced with the same bidding system. After going through this book, I found I could usually get the newspaper quiz right, due to the knowledge gained from this book, which is not true for most of the people I play with, although they have years more experience.

Worth the time and effort for beginning players, and intermediate players who think they need to fill in gaps in their game.

Rating:
Summary: Good if you play four-card majors.
Review: This is a wonderful book for the few people who still play four-card majors. If you can change some of the opening bids and responses to match a five-card major system, you'll love it. Otherwise, choose another book.