Many players you face are competent enough, but fairly easy to play against. Just a few will be in a altogether different category. Not only do they bid and play accurately, they constantly find a way to make your life difficult. They take away your bidding space by pre-empting on hands where other players tend to pass. Their switches in defense often create a problem for you. They are... difficult opponents.

In this book, we will look at bidding, declarer play and defense, showing how you can join this elite group. We will recommend pre-emptive opening bids, sometimes only on five-card suits. Also, you must sometimes take risks with a fit for partner, raising to a higher level than you may do at present. As declarer, you will hide your intentions, disguise your hand, and choose lines of play that make the defenders sit back in their chair. When defending, you must envision declarer's plan and find a way to engineer a problem or a tricky guess.

Why should you want to do this? The main reason, of course, is to improve your results and win more events. Just as important is the enjoyment and excitement that playing in this way will bring. "How on earth did you beat the spade game on Board 11?" you will be asked!