Life Masters, the "royalty" of the bridge community, are not common players, but once upon a time they were. In 1999, Jim Kaplan was as common as they come—a Jack of many trades, he set out to become a Master of one.

Not unlike climbing a mountain, full of daunting cliffs and treacherous obstacles, Jim's ascent spans five continents and features an eclectic series of hands in exotic locales with a string of colorful partners against a cast of world-class characters in deals of daring bids and glaring gaffes, grand slams and even grander debacles.

THE JACK WHO WOULD BE KING will improve your bridge as it proves that there's so much more to the game than just playing cards.