Rating: 
Summary: THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU!!!
Review: One of the reasons I read How Not to Lose at Spades was Mr.Galt/Strichman's experience in teaching technical subjects to non-technical audiences. Applying work logic to cards? That sounded good to me. And the name Galt itself-one who values excellence and achievement. Yes, cards is 'just for fun' but the fun is more enjoyable when excellence and achievement are part of it. There are many good players around but it is amazing how many still make basic errors they would not make had they read How Not to Lose at Spades. Oh yes, I still make errors too. But when a slump occurs, there is nothing a quick reread of parts of the book cannot fix. And if you are a beginner, you won't be for long after applying the principles in this book. The best part? If I had to pick one it would be this: Why play so smart for an entire game and then let the game slip away with last hand bidding that leaves something to be desired? Studying the book will ensure you bid the last hand as well as you played the entire game.
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: Spades players - you Must read this book!
Review: How Not to Lose at Spades is simply the best book ever written concerning the playing of a particular card game. I speak from experience, having read numerous "how to" books on games such as poker, blackjack, hearts, and even other books on spades. How Not to Lose at Spades stands out in my mind as the finest work in the field. It is clear from reading How Not to Lose at Spades that JohnGalt Strichman is an accomplished spades master. His love of the game also resonates throughout the book, and his use of humor is a welcome change from the dry prose of so many instructional texts. Players of all levels will benefit from How Not to Lose at Spades. The author provides insightful discussion of every aspect of the game through dozens of informative examples. Readers will learn, not just the "what" of winning spades, but, more importantly, the "how" and "why." If you want to become a better spades player, you MUST read this book. How Not to Lose at Spades has definitely improved my game. As it has for me, I predict that How Not to Lose at Spades will become your "spades bible," to be read and re-read, each time revealing new wisdom.
Rating: 
Summary: Unsure
Review: A tip of the hat to Jack! He has done it again. The second volume of his Classic -best seller (vol. 1) of How Not To Lose At Spades is now available. BUY THIS BOOK IF YOU DARE TO BE GREAT!!!! Jack has completely revised and updated his Original work. There is lots of new material here. Your game will get better. Dont waste your time reading those two gigantic Spades Books with more than 700 pages of junk! Get the Real Deal! Get Galt's New Book! - AND GET BETTER AT SPADES...
Rating:
Summary: A decent Introduction
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.
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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: 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.
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