Falsecards
by Mike Lawrence

SQueeZe Books (www.vivisphere.com/squeeze/squeezebooks.asp), US$17, ISBN 1 58776 127 0

The title suggests a small pamphlet on a somewhat limited subject. However, Mike Lawrence not only writes a book with 215 pages, but every page is interesting. I prefer the format of Lawrence playing in a tournament and explaining his actions on each deal, so I foolishly had not read this book until now.

The introduction contains the following advice relating to false-cards: 'Don't bother with them!' Peculiar advice to find in a book on false-cards but, as the author explains, you must be careful not to confuse your partner, particularly with irregular opening leads.

Lawrence then proceeds to show how to make life difficult for the opponents, without bewildering or embarrassing partner. He covers a variety of false-cards, all neatly catalogued under ten headings. He also explains that there are times when third-hand should false-card in order to help the opening leader. Defending against a no-trump contract, West leads the 3:

8 6 4    A 9 7 3

The first trick comprises the 3, 4, 10, K. From West's point of view, partner started with either J-10-x or Q-J-10, so if West regains the lead he may be unsure whether to continue hearts or not. However, if East with Q-J-10 plays the J instead of the 10 at trick one, he makes it easy for West to continue with the 7 which, as West can work out from his own heart holding, will not cost whether declarer started with K-Q-10 or K-10-x.

This situation actually came up recently; luckily for me, my right-hand opponent played the 10 from Q-J-10. My left-hand opponent won trick two with the A and, placing me with K-Q-x, made an unfortunate switch that allowed me to make a contract which should have been defeated.

For the benefit of those who have not read any of Mike Lawrence's books, I will relate the following true story. About eighteen years ago, I had an argument with a friend, Mike Vail, as to who was the best of all the bridge writers. I was adamant that Terence Reese was streets ahead of everybody else, but my friend insisted that Mike Lawrence was better. The argument became quite heated and we struck a bet, but neither of us would admit we were wrong. Mike Vail solved the dilemma by lending me a copy of Play a Swiss Teams by Mike Lawrence (I had never read a Lawrence book), cockily adding that I could admit I was wrong and pay my losses when I saw him next! Needless to say, he was right, it was a pleasure to be proved wrong, and I promptly purchased several other Law-rence books. In my opinion, he is not only the best of all the bridge authors, but if I had to choose my top ten bridge books, five of them would be written by Mike Lawrence.

My advice to readers is to buy a copy of Falsecards: whatever your standard, you will learn from it. And while you are at it, get several other Mike Lawrence books - you won't regret it.

Bob Rowlands

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