Conventions are a regular focal point for bridge players who want to improve their playing. But I would like to remind everyone reading this that conventions are not the only aspect to learn.

What about opening leads?

Opening leads are the first cards played. They’re just as important as the initial moves one could make as a chess player – or for tennis, how well you serve.

If you play superior opening leads to the opposing team, it could mean winning the match. Weak, badly thought-out opening leads have the opposite effect: Against stronger plays, you can probably expect to lose.

The short version: Work on your opening leads as a bridge player often. Practice! Incorporate the following reading list, and practice some more.

I remember my first fascination with opening leads and moves. Can you base the success of an entire game on the moves every player makes first? Sometimes, almost, I would say yes. If you mess up your opening leads, you are much more likely to lose an entire game.

Here are 4 great books for reading about opening leads.

1. Larry Teaches opening leads

by Larry Cohen

Larry Cohen is an experienced bridge teacher known for his friendly teaching style – and excellent books about the game.

As with most of Cohen’s content, these lessons are given at a comfortable pace. I’ve seen (and read) plenty of “introductory” bridge books that are so heavy with theory that you could beat an elephant to death. I’m glad that this isn’t one!

Free content to accompany the things you learn in the book can be found on Larry Cohen’s official website.

2. Bridge lessons: opening lead

by Andrew Robson

Bridge Lessons is a series from bridge writer Andrew Robson, one of the most widely acclaimed teachers of our time. Published in 2013, this instalment of Bridge Lessons covers only the art of the opening lead – and what players should do with their cards.

It’s recommended more for newer players than advanced ones, though still makes an excellent read for any skill level.

When you’re done with Opening Lead, be sure to look into the other books Robson has written so far.

3. Master Bridge: opening leads for ACOL players

by Mike Lawrence & Ron Klinger

Opening Leads for ACOL Players is great for the bridgeur who would like to expand their knowledge to international playing. ACOL isn’t familiar to many, and it depends where (and when) you learned your first bridge skills.

Opening Leads is part of the Master Bridge Series, first published in 2007 and an excellent read when you’re working on opening skills.

The rest of the Master Bridge series also comes highly recommended for any skills beyond opening leads.

4. The Impact of opening leads against notrump contracts

by Audrey Grant

I’ve enjoyed the writings of Audrey Grant since the very first free bridge lesson that I encountered on her site.

That’s because her lessons are paced well, informative, and sure to teach you everything you’d like to know (without scaring you to death in a few pages).

Notrump contracts require a specific touch. It’s one that Grant is great at teaching.

Have you worked on your opening leads lately?