From the introduction: "I was inspired to write this book by the excellent books of a similar nature written by Allan Falk and Hugh Kelsey. In all of their challenge matches, however, the scoring was in imps, which put a premium on finding the only chance (however remote) to make or assure your contract or the only chance to set the opponents. There is nothing wrong with that. For the most part, I prefer imp scoring myself. Nevertheless, I think the Reisinger, with board-a-match scoring, is the most challenging national event and the best single test of skill."

Marshall Miles, still in his eighties regarded as a leading theorist on bidding, is the author of many books on bridge, including the all-time classic How to Win at Duplicate Bridge. He is one of the oldest players to win the World Senior championship and has won several North American Championships. He lives in California.