A maxim can be defined as a short sentence that illustrates a specific principle or rule.

While playing by maxims isn’t practical in every situation, I would recommend that every bridge player learn at least a handful of them.

“Have you tried turning it off and on again?”

That’s one example of a maxim that you’ll often hear from tech support. Does it work every time? Well, no. But does it work pretty often? Yes.

If you learn a few bridge maxims, you will be a little more experienced than another player who doesn’t know them.

Ready to get your maxims on? Here’s a list containing some of the best resources for bridge maxims and how to use them.

1. Bridge Abridged

by Annie Blanche Shelby

The full title of this book, surprisingly, is this: A Comprehensive and Concise Statement of the Maxims, Rules and Principles Governing the Game of Bridge.

The content isn’t dated at all, and the maxims are all ones you could use.

It gets a mention in another book called, “A History of Playing Cards and a Bibliography of Cards and Gaming”. Regular bridge book buyer? Add this to your list as well.

2. 101 Bridge Maxims

by Hugh Kelsey

101 Bridge Maxims is a reference tome by bridge writer Hugh Kelsey.

The title tells you exactly what to expect. If there’s a bridge maxim that you should know, then you can bet that it’s listed here.

Short maxims like these are especially great to learn when you don’t want to drown your day in theory. The book gets extra points for its practical explanations of what to do with each maxim.

3. Bridge Maxims: Secrets of Better Play

by Audrey Grant & Eric Rodwell

Audrey Grant and Eric Rodwell are two very big names in bridge teaching and writing. Imagine if James Patterson and Stephen King got together and wrote a book – see? Big names.

Grant has been a writer, teacher, and player for years. Rodwell is a serious tournament player: If you have never heard of the Meckwell team, now is a good time to check into them.

The maxims in Secrets of Better Play are updated, relevant, and good for any bridge player to memorize.

You’ll be glad that you read it.

4. Albany & Corvallis Bridge Clubs

While this isn’t a full book, this short booklet deserves to be on the list. It contains some of the most repeated and most popular maxims you’ll see, explained well in just a couple of pages.

Thanks to Albany & Corvallis Bridge Clubs for uploading it!

5. Bridge Principles & Maxims

From BridgeWebs, here’s another entry that’s more booklet than book – and completely worth reading for anyone who is interested in maxims. Also a few pages long, powerful and popular maxims are explored (and explained).

What’s your favourite bridge maxim?