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You may recall the previous offering from CDS Software, Colossus Chess 4 - a classy package full of extra niceties and added functions that were easy to use. This package has all the hallmarks of being as prolific as its predecessor.

Not being a great bridge player myself, I enrolled the efforts of the Radley College Bridge Society (a powerful lobby here) to help provide a view of the package from two different angles: beginner and experience. From the beginner's viewpoint (i.e. myself) it is a wonderfully easy way of learning, coming complete with a book entitled Begin Bridge and a computerised tutor built into the package. The book is simple, easy to read, and explains everything in a very clear and concise way.

The actual game itself is extremely complex and allows you many useful functions. These include allowing the computer to play your hand for a turn, recommend a card for you to play, and rebid or replay. Only one person is allowed to play it at a time (you are always playing South) and the computer controsl the other three hands at great speed. The time delay between each play is controllable, and this is an added bonus for beginners like me because the computer plays much too quickly to keep track of it. I have been persuaded that the computer can accept the Blackwood, Stayman and Baron conventions, and I am quite happy to accept this fact, although I haven't got even the faintest idea of what they mean.

The graphics are large, making it easy on the eyes during a long session of learning, and shows everything very clearly. The packaging leaves a lot to be desired, but this small niggle should not put you off what is essentially an extremely good piece of software which should be of value to any bridge player, beginner or expert.

James Niesewand