Rating: 
Summary: A decent Introduction
Review: This book offers a decent Introduction for the beginner. Unfortunately, if the beginner ever hopes to become an expert, this book does not give a good foundation.That being said, for those who simply want to become 'solid' players, this book is a good read. If you don't take Spades that seriously and are looking to get an edge on 90% of all Spades players, this book will do it. If you are hoping to one day be one of the elite, I recommend getting a more accurate and sophisticated foundation from one of the other books available on the market such as Fleishman's Spades for Winners and Master Spades.
Rating: 
Summary: Fast and effective info for Spades players
Review: I just started playing serious internet spades in January of 2003. I soon discovered that I was a mediocre to poor player and realized that I needed quick and precise help with my Spades game. Mr. Strichman's book gave me a new insight into techniques and strategies. After reading his very easy to understand book, which I refer to often, I have become a more competitive player. Recently I became Captain of a spades team in a rated league. Read and employ the principles contained in this book and you will see a measurable difference in you game. I recommend this book highly.
Rating:
Summary: Improved my game from day one
Review: I remember playing Spades as a kid and when I found it on the internet I became hooked. However, once I joined a club I found myself in a position of losing more games then I thought I should. After checking out all the book reviews I could find I decided to purchase "How Not to Lose at Spades". It was a great investment, especially considering how many hours one can spend at the Spades table. I liked the book on two levels. First you can use the various pieces of advice to improve specific points of your game. The first day I read it I applied the principle of the "Longshot" (pg 163) to setting a nil. It worked then and has been a useful tool for me ever since. The second reason I like this book is that allowed me to see the game as a whole. The integration of the principles of bidding and play were invaluable to my development as a Spades player. In the last couple of months I have purchased 3 other books on Spades. Each one has been useful as you can never have enough tricks up your sleeve. However "How Not to Lose at Spades" has my recommendation as the first Spades book you should purchase, especially if you are looking for immediate improvement of your game.
Rating:
Summary: Wow - what a guy! Wow- -what a book!
Review: "How Not To Lose At Spades" is the cream of the crop - it just does not get any better. This book is so damn good, that it has only one fault - and that it is - we have just not found it how great it really is. I was a dreadful Spades player until I find Yahoo, and the Spades Books out there. Joe Andrews' Book is good, Steve Fleishman's book is better, and Strichman's book is the best. Strichman is a terrific player, and an important member of a large Spades Club in the Zone. Anyone who has played with Strichman knows just how great a player this man is.
"How Not To Lose At Spades" is clear, precise, and to the point. You will gain at least 200 points on your rating after reading this book. Can Fleishman make the same claim? Hell no!
Can Andrews guarantee a better rating - once again- uh uh!
Grab Strichman's book ASAP, and be ready to take on the giants of the game.
HINT HINT - This book makes a great Christmas gift. Order a few copies and watch those smily faces on Christmas morning!
Rating:
Summary: An awesome book
Review: How Not To Lose At Spades is a super book! If you are young, and just getting started, you must get this book. Don't waste your allowance or parent's money on any other Spades books. This book has everything you need to get you started and on your way to being a top-rated players. If you buy that new two-book set which has almost a thousand pages and some hard to understand junk, you will soon give up on Spades.
Let - How Not To Lose At Spades - make you a super player, and your friends will soon be asking you for advice on how to cover those tricky Nils, or when to make the bid add up to 14! Buy it soon!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Beginner book, maybe even for Intermediate players
Review: The emphasis is on strategy rather than tactics.
The author explains that the situation and not just your cards (relative scores and bags) is a major determinant in how you should bid and play. He gives some good tactical hints and does a very good job explaining when to double nil - that is an opponent bids nil and you bid nil too, because the covering opponent will have to help cover you too. The book is not too complex and wont bore the reader with lost of detailed examples. Its a great book for beginners. Intermediate players may pick up a couple of valuable hints too. There are 2 points on which I disagree with the author. 1) If you hold A, K, Q and you lead the A (as the author suggests) you aren't letting your partner know you have complete control of that suit. Lead the K. Your partner will know you have the A and not trump that suit, saving a trump. 2) Bag Avoidance - If you start dumping from the first card play on a 10 bid you risk getting set (it happens when players dump winners). Instead if you take your high card winners ASAP the opponents will start to worry they will be set and they will have to save some high cards and may take many bags at the end. If they continue to dump, they may be set. Maybe on a 7 - 3 bid I wouldnt try taking all my tricks at once (as the 7 player) because the benefit of a set (-30 vs +30) may not be worth 4 bags and a possible -100. Master Spades is a great book on tactics but is much more detailed and you must be very good and experienced to appreciate it, and to want to invest the time.
Rating:
Summary: A True Classic-
Review: Galt's Book will be the "Bible of Spades" someday. John has created a work of art, as he discusses everything you want to know about Spades - but were afraid to ask. No stone is left unturned. This book is easy to read, has lots of tips and strategies, and will make you a better player. Don't be fooled by that "other" book which has 350 pages and goes on and on. Get Galt's book, and be a great player in 30 days or less.
Rating:
Summary: How not to lose at Spades
Review: This book is the very best book i have every read on teaching spade strategy. I play team spades in the zone. We have made it required reading for our team. It has helped us learn to think.. and brought up my own personal win ratio to 50% of my games.
I would like to take this time to thank the author for coming to the zone and giving my team some of his valuable knowledge and time. Thank you John Gault you are the bestest
Seyann_Aces
Ann
Rating:
Summary: A fine tuned "Must" Tool for Spades Players!
Review: JohnGalt Strictman's book is a "must" tool for every Spades Player who enjoys competitive Spades. It is an easy read and his command of humor and the English language makes a technical tool an enjoyable read. My game has improved consistently through trying various strategies offered in the book. JohnGalt makes you think and makes you desire to try his tips. His use of common logic and practical approaches to your hand will have you winning more than losing and making your playing experience most enjoyable. "How Not to Lose at Spades" is definitely a "must" tool for all Spades playing addicts!
Rating:
Summary: Win at Spades
Review: Excellent book for beginners and experts. Covers all aspects of playing winning spades. Wish I'd read this book years ago. JohnGalt does a great job of explaining how not to lose. Sure opened my eyes to why I've been losing those really close heartbreaking games. If you want to WIN then read this book.
| 
