It doesn't take long before beginning bridge players want to know more about bidding systems, and especially about conventions. The authors have selected 25 basic conventions and treatments that novice players can easily assimilate into their own methods. They explain clearly and concisely how to use each one, and how it fits into a standard bidding system. Each section ends with a summary chart as well as a self-quiz to ensure that the reader has understood the concepts.

But don't let that dissuade you from this book! One of the best features is the organization which focuses on basic, intermediate, and sophisticated conventions. This gives confidence to the reader that they can tackle applying these to their game.

49 of 50 found the following review helpful:


Popular & useful book for novice / intermediate players !  Sep 25, 2004 By Gerald M. Bull "Jerry Bull"
We believe Barbara Seagram's (with Marc Smith) "25 Bridge Conventions" is the original, and to us the best, of the growing series of "25 ..." bridge texts. The teaching technique is such that even the early "easy" conventions, such as Stayman or Weak 2's, are covered in enough detail to instruct a player previously unfamiliar with the topic. Yet even those with years of playing experience can refer back to various subjects as their skills improve, sifting out or reinforcing various subtleties of the material. The book is divided into three sections: "Learn These First" (such as Jacoby Transfers and Blackwood); "More Complicated" (such as splinters, cuebid raises and Jacoby 2NT); and "Sophisticated Stuff" (such as Reverse Drury and New Minor Forcing). Each topic is covered in a standalone chapter.

There are excellent illustrations of every technique being discussed, followed by half a dozen or so problems designed to test your understanding. A clear explanation of the "right" answers follow, which again helps the student firm up his grasp of the topic. The writing style seems to set just the right level of conversational versus pedantic, and the book is generally a pleasure to use and re-use as time proceeds. We direct a novice / intermediate duplicate bridge game in our spare time and this is the one book we recommend all our players acquire and study. While it is not meant to be read cover to cover, and for sure, some of the topics are better suited to those with a year or two of playing under their belts, it is a fine "first bridge book" for many a player. Highly recommended!

20 of 22 found the following review helpful:


Bridge Intermediates' Bible  Nov 24, 2002 By Smitty in SoCal
This is an excellent book for all bridge players, except perhaps for the complete novice. I own about 25 bridge books, and this is the one that I find myself going back to over and over. It's clear, up-to-date, easy to follow, and has just the right level of detail. The examples are very helpful. It covers Jacoby, weak 2 bids, takeout and negative doubles, as well as more sophisticated stuff.

22 of 26 found the following review helpful:


Good at the basics, but fails to inform you of pitfalls.  Aug 10, 2003 By V. Natarajan
This book does a good job of going through the basics of each of the conventions presented. The material is presented in a very digestible form. However, the book sometimes fails to inform you of hands where you will simply be stuck for a proper bid and that is also essential when learning a convention. Good for relative beginners, but I do not recommend this for advanced players.

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