The instructive material in this book is presented in a novel way, as if the author is delivering a series of bridge lessons to a small group of enthusiasts. Occasionally, members of the audience ask questions or make comments.

Twelve important topics on declarer play have been chosen, describing techniques that you might apply several times during every session you play. Each lesson contains at least eight illustrative deals, fully explained in David Bird's clear and lucid style. There is then a set of Recap Questions to test you on the chosen topic, along with the answers. Finally, there are four play problems for you to solve, using the techniques just described.

Early lessons cover when to draw trumps, making tricks with trumps, and when to hold up. You may be surprised at how much there is to learn about these apparently straightforward parts of the game. Next, enjoy lessons on avoiding the danger hand, establishing a suit, surviving a blockage, and managing your entries. The final lessons cover counting tricks and points, deceiving the defenders, elimination play, combining two chances, and counting shape. You can revisit these lessons time and again.