This book comprises 50 problems in declarer play and defence for the beginning player, presented in approximate order of difficulty. The emphasis is on planning the play at the first trick. The idea is to present bridge hands as the reader would encounter them playing at the table. Unlike in a textbook, where topics are introduced systematically, there is no clue as to what type of play is required. Experienced players recognize certain standard situations without having to work them out. This does not apply to novices who spend a lot of mental effort on them. The aim of the book is to get novices to develop their recognition of these situations.