Contract bridge has been around for a very long time, and precursor games such as whist for even longer. Bridge is still an evolving game, and there are new things happening almost every day.

Its existence spans long enough that people have been playing the various forms of bridge for decades.

What does this mean for the average bridge player?

Well, it could mean that you have some recommended reading to do!

Here’s a closer look at 3 decades worth of classic bridge books, and a classic pick from each time period since the 30s.

1. The contract bridge blue book (by Ely Culbertson) – 1930s

The Contract Bridge Blue Book was first published in 1933, and almost immediately became a bestseller for anyone who was interested in bridge at the time.

Actually, the book is still very much recommended and in use today.

If you’d like a background in one of the most commonly used bridge conventions, it’s time to read the Blue Book.

2. Why you lose at bridge (by S.J. Simon) – 1940

Why You Lose at Bridge was first published in the 1940s, although has been consistently reprinted since. Hint: that’s because it’s a bloody great book.

Instruction books of the time were often known for telling the reader how to apply something, or learn a new skill.

But here was a book that told you exactly how NOT to do something.

Classic, and worthwhile for reading at least once every year.

3. Card play technique, or the art of being lucky (by Victor Mollo) – 1955

Card Play Technique was published in 1955, when powered technology just started creeping into daily life.

If you were to read the same book today, the information age hasn’t done anything to decrease the book’s usefulness. Victor Mollo had good advice, and it’s just as good for players now as it was then.

Does luck exist in the game of bridge?

Mollo says yes, and then shows you how luck just means using what you’ve learned during play.

4. Winning contract bridge (by Edgar Kaplan) – 1964

Winning Contract Bridge is one of the best books Kaplan ever wrote, and possibly one of the best overall instruction books for beginners in bridge.

I wasn’t present in the 60s yet, but I know the time gave us two very important things: Woodstock, and this very book right here.

Do you want to improve your playing techniques, bidding, and convention understanding – but all with the same book?

You won’t regret reading Winning Contract Bridge.

What are your favourite bridge books through history?