Bridge Out of School
by Bill Townsend

Vivisphere, ISBN 978-1-58776-155-3

When I had read a few chapters of this book, I wondered whether my concluding comment would be ‘not bad for a first attempt’. However, after a slow if inoffensive start, the narrative picks up. The strength of the story-lines and touch of humour in several of the chapters more than off-sets any weaknesses in the characterisation.

The central plot concerns a plan by COBRA (Contract Bridge Association) and DREAMS (Department of Real Education and Mind Sports) to introduce bridge as a subject into the curriculum. Along the way, the project team indulge in a spot of romance, travel to exotic islands in the South Pacific and examine reports of allegedly underhand practices. It is hard to tell which of Mollo, Bird and the Kings has been the greatest influence on the author. He has clearly read them all.

Throughout the book, the bridge itself is of a uniform high quality in terms of accuracy, originality and variety. Although the publisher is from across the pond, UK readers may well appreciate the four-card majors, weak no-trump and British spelling.

The Rueful Rabbit would have been pleased by the exploits of Trixie, who is the sister of Susan, one of the main characters:

Dealer: North. Love All     A Q 3 2   K 3 2   A 10 9 3   A Q     10 9 8   Q 10 9 4   J 7 6   9 5 2   J 7 6 5   A 8 7 6 5   K Q   7 6     K 4   J   8 5 4 2   K J 10 8 4 3

West	North	East	South
Trixie	Susan	Sir Anthony	Clark
	1	Pass	1NT
Pass	3NT	End

Trixie had found the one lead to beat the contract – the Q. When Clark ducked, contributing the jack, he was aware of some surprise on Trixie’s part, and she hesitated a little before continuing with the 10. As Sir Anthony had encouraged on the first round with the 8, Clark ducked again, hoping for a blockage. Trixie carefully played the h9 to the king and ace, and the defence were able to take the first five tricks.

When Clark congratulated Trixie on her fabulous lead, Trixie admitted to having had some luck. She had had the J in with her hearts, and had led from what she thought was a suit headed by the Q-J-10-9. She only spotted her mistake when Clark followed with the J.

Julian Pottage