Author: Mike Lawrence
Since it was first published, this has been the definitive book on the tough topic of balancing your bridge hand. It examines auctions where the opponents bid something and you are given the opportunity to either let them have it or to balance. This revised and expanded edition is updated to reflect modern bidding practices and covers almost any possible auction. The cost of not balancing can be huge, but you must weigh the cost of passing against the cost of bidding and getting a bad result. Lawrence's discussion of hand evaluation and planning a balancing auction goes beyond generic rules. Hundreds of examples will help you develop judgment. This is important reading for intermediate bridge players who wish to advance. No other bridge book provides as thorough a discussion of the topic.
Mike consistently gives a thorough and accurate analysis of the toughest areas of bridge. Another must read from one of the true masters of the art. You will gain much from reading it.-Bob Hamman.
I have a little secret for you: If Mike Lawrence writes a book READ IT! This one is an absolute winner covering a topic that we all can learn from.-Eddie Kantar.

Contents:

• 1 Balancing When One of a Suit is Passed Out
• 2 Balancing When 1NT is Passed Out
• 3 The Safety Factor in Reopening
• 4 Reopening When the Opponents Find a Fit
• 5 Reopening When the Opponents Have Not Found a Fit
• 6 Responding to the Reopening Bid
• 7 Continuing the Auction
• 8 The Opening Bid is One of a Suit. You Reopen by Bidding a Suit. What, if Given the Chance, Do You Do Next?
• 9 Continuing the Auction When Their Side Bids and Responds and Your Side Balances
• 10 Bidding Naturally in a Suit the Opponents Have Bid
• 11 Reopening After a Preempt
• 12 When Partner Reopens After a Preempt
• 13 Bidding Again When Your Have Reopened After a Preempt
• 14 Two Sets of Example Hands

Intermediate/Advanced
Paperback: 451 pages: Copyright 1983, Revised edition 2012