Auction of To-day

Name: Auction of To-day
Author: Milton C. Work

by Milton C. Work

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Language: en6,150 downloads on Project Gutenberg

Subjects

Auction bridge

In: Bestsellers, American, 1895-1923·How To ...·Sports/Hobbies

Public-domain ebook sourced from Project Gutenberg #23086.

About this book

The book is a practical handbook for the modern version of Auction Bridge, written by Milton C. Cooper shortly after the 1911 rule changes that reshaped the game’s bidding structure. It opens with an exhaustive list of topics, ranging from “The Bid of One No‑trump” to “The Laws” and a detailed appendix of queries, followed by an introductory essay that explains why the old Bridge count has been supplanted by a new hierarchy of points (10 for No‑trump, 9 for Royal Spades, down to 2 for Spades). Cooper frames the work as a guide for the “moderate player,” emphasizing that the text assumes familiarity with card values, the flow of play, and the need for complete concentration from the first bid to the final trick.

Written in the straightforward, instructional style of early‑20th‑century card manuals, the prose is dense with terminology but free of ornamental flourish. Its tone is earnest and occasionally wry, targeting players who have moved beyond casual curiosity yet are not yet masters of the game. Readers who enjoy systematic explanations, tables of hands, and historical context for the evolution of Auction Bridge will find this volume a valuable reference for sharpening their bidding and play techniques.

The opening · free to read

Iv. Third Hand Declarations 82

When the Dealer has called One Spade, and the Second Hand passed. When the Dealer has shown Strength, and the Second Hand passed. When "Two Spades" has been declared. When "Three Spades" has been declared. When "One Club" or "One Diamond" has been declared. When "Two Diamonds" or "Two Clubs" has been declared. When "One Heart" or "One Royal" has been declared. When "Two Hearts" or "Two Royals" has been declared. When to overbid a Partner's No-trump. When to overbid with Strong Clubs. A New Plan for Overbidding. When to overbid One No-trump with Two No-trumps. What Third Hand should bid when Second Hand has declared.

V. Fourth Hand Declarations 114

When the Dealer's Defensive Declaration has been the Only Bid. When the Only Offensive Declaration has been made by the Dealer. When the Only Offensive Declaration has been made by the Second Hand. When the Only Offensive Declaration has been made by the Third Hand. When the Dealer has Made a Defensive, and both the Second and Third Hands Offensive, Declarations. When the Dealer and Second Hand have made Offensive Declarations, and the Third Hand passed. When the Dealer and Third Hand have made Offensive Declarations, and the Second Hand passed. When all Three Players have made Offensive Declarations.

Viii. Leading 158

How to lead against a No-trump. Number-showing Leads. The Lead against a Suit Declaration. How to lead to a Double. Table of Opening Leads against a Trump Declaration.

Ix. the Play 183

Difference between Play in Auction and Bridge. Playing for Game. Play for an Even Break. General Play of the Declarer. Declarer's Play of No-trump. Declarer's Play of a Suit Declaration. Play by Declarer's Adversaries. The Signal. The Discard. Blocking the Dummy. Avoid opening New Suits. How to return Partner's Bid. The Finesse. Table showing when Third Hand should finesse.

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