Average bridge players tend to focus on point count for their bidding decisions, but the expert recognizes that the shape of the hand also plays a vital role. Knowing the implications of shape will help you find the best contract more often. This insightful reference not only reveals how to use hand patterns to winning effect, but also shows how to incorporate the ideas of shape in your bidding system. The extent to which a successful play or defense is linked to a knowledge of the pattern of the opponents' hands is also addressed. Simple instructions and useful examples demonstrate the essentials of learning how to read your hand.