How To Play Card Combinations

by Mike Lawrence

52 hands presented as problems. Discusses the proper way to play each combination. Each hand concludes with further analysis.

227 pages, Paperback

First published March 28, 1988

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Reviews

[Dave]

This book didn't create as much an impression on me as most of Mike Lawrence's books (which I love). Perhaps it is due to loose organization. There are seven chapters, consisting of 52 hands in total. Each chapter focuses on a different card combination, and each hand within that chapter features that combination in a particular context. Th0se contexts vary greatly, and Lawrence skillfully describes how to analyze the hand and develop a strategy for play. The writing conquers the complexities, and the reading experience is pleasant.

In my first reading of this book, however, I was unable to grasp the significance of the seven combinations which were chosen, whether it was the frequency with which they occur, or to illustrate some more universal principle. And without that overarching framework, I was not able to plant these combinations within my memory in a useful manner. Perhaps this is something that will become more apparent if I would read this book a second (or third) time. And I would not hesitate to do so, as the material is entertaining at the very least.

[Reese]

Mike is fantastic. Dogged this one.

So many ways to play simple card combos. Easy to follow and consume. Sometimes the bidding is a bit old-school and funky. So many layers. Almost feels like a mystery novel like Encyclopedia Brown or Sherlock Holmes at times..!

Goes in-depth on a few particular ones including:
JTx
Axx

Ax
QT

Q98
A72
** this one is particularly fun

A7xx
KJxx

xxx
AKQT

KTx
xxx

J9x
Axx

[Monte Lamb]

This is a good book with clear ideas presented with good examples. It will take some study to truly understand the ideas presented as they are not for the casual player. What it will do is help create a systemic way to approach a play of the hand in addition to showing how to play card combinations.

[Piet]

Very good book.
Makes you think together with the master.
Some hands are easy some are difficult.
I read it for the third time!