20 years before I learned to play bridge, two of the famous players of the '50's, Ely Culbertson and Charles Goren, were providing instruction with a wide range of tools. Above, Culbertson encourages new players to "teach yourself"! "Learn expert methods easily and quickly!"
Inside the cover of his book, scoring, laws and "point count" system are explained.
Gadgets like Goren's "3-in-1" Bridge Guide delivered various sections on bidding - then added in tips on opening leads and a bit of defense, too. Very convenient for "newbies" to be exposed to the different parts of our game.
I'm not exactly certain how Goren's "Bidding Wheel" functioned. I will say, though, that it reminds me of junior high dance nights in the early 60's! Yet again, though, I imagine that "The Wheel" delivered tips on bidding while adding in a dash of fun and whimsy.
Finally, a good old fashioned Culbertson book on how to bid by point count. Many of us (irrespective of decade) learned to bid this way. Yet we realize, the longer that we play bridge, that sometimes it's "points, schmoints"! In other words other factors (shape, location of values, fits, etc.) that matter for success in auctions.
Bridge has come "a long way, baby" since the 50's and 60's. Yet, that is part of the fascination of our game. Players are always tinkering and testing new ideas, conventions and more that lead to changes in how many learn - and play - our game.
By the way - big thanks to one of the "treat employees" at Costco who saved these books and guides and shared them with me! Yes, everywhere your MN Bridge editor goes, she proselytizes about our game.
Even the folks at Costco know I love bridge - and that I want EVERYONE EVERYWHERE to give it a whirl!
2019 style, of course!
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