27 MAY 1905, Page 22

A Book of Bridge. By Pontifex. (Blackie and Son. 5s.

net.)— A handsome book this and beautifully printed, worthy of the social favourite with which it is concerned. It is impossible to deal with the many questions which it minas. And it must be remembered, when one would estimate the general value of theoretical counsels about bridge, that there is no game in which it is so necessary to play to the score. The chances in favour of the dealer are so great that if the two scores are near the game it is the best policy to be adventurous. You are pretty certain to lose if the adversary gets a , deal. We see that " Pontifee' approves the policy of a declaration of spades when the dealer has a hand which does not contain the chance of a trick.