Beaten By The Masters : Book Review

"Beaten By The Masters" by David Bird is a captivating book that immerses readers in the intriguing world of bridge strategy. Bird, a renowned bridge expert and author, presents a collection of entertaining and educational bridge hands that were played by top-level players against skilled opponents.

The book is divided into several chapters, each focusing on different aspects of the game. Bird meticulously selects hands that highlight the brilliant tactics and strategies employed by the masters, providing readers with valuable insights into their thinking and decision-making processes.

A standout feature of the book is Bird's ability to explain the hands in a clear and concise manner. He breaks down complex actions and analyses, making them easily understandable even for novice players. This seamless blend of entertainment and education allows readers to enjoy the stories behind the hands while also enhancing their own bridge skills.

Bird's writing style is engaging and lighthearted, making the book a delightful read from start to finish. The anecdotes and commentary shared throughout add an extra layer of entertainment, immersing readers in the excitement and passion of the game.

Overall, "Beaten By The Masters" is a must-read for bridge enthusiasts of all levels. David Bird's masterful storytelling and expert analysis make this book a valuable resource for players looking to improve their game or simply seeking an enjoyable read about the intricacies of bridge strategy.

What are readers saying?

David Bird's book "Beaten By The Masters" has generated a variety of reviews, showcasing differing opinions on its content and style. The book centers around chess games played by the author against some of the world's greatest chess players. Here is a summary of the reviews:

1. Positive: Several readers commended the book for its engaging and insightful narrative. They appreciated Bird's writing style, finding it accessible and enjoyable, which made the chess games easy to follow even for those with limited knowledge of the game. The detailed analysis of each game was highly regarded, offering valuable insights into the strategies employed by the masters.

2. Mixed: Some readers found the book to be an interesting read, but felt that it lacked depth in certain areas. They valued the illustrations and annotations that accompanied the games, yet they desired more explanations and background information to enhance their understanding. Nevertheless, they still considered the book worthwhile and a valuable addition to their chess literature collection.

3. Negative: A few readers expressed disappointment in the book, believing it did not meet their expectations. They found the analysis to be shallow and lacking detail, which made it challenging for them to truly appreciate the games. Additionally, some readers felt that the book heavily relied on chess terminology, hindering their understanding and enjoyment of the content.

4. Critical: A small number of readers had strong criticisms of the book, labeling it repetitive and lacking originality. They believed that the author simply rehashed games that had already been extensively analyzed and discussed in other chess literature. Some also questioned the book's relevance in the current chess landscape, as it primarily focused on older games rather than more recent ones.

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