This is a book for improving players who have graduated from the novice class and are embarking on the long journey to that coveted Life Master title — which now in North America requires winning 500 masterpoints.

Written in a light, readable style, with liberal use of cartoons and aide-memoires, the book first addresses the mental approach necessary for bridge success — topics including how to learn, being mentally tough, trusting partner, and how to have constructive discussions after a disaster. It goes on to cover the numbers game — basic probability, how the scoring method affects decisions, and how to become a lucky player. The remainder of the book is technical, covering decisionmaking, opening leads, defensive signaling, hand evaluation, and some recommended bidding ideas and approaches.