When to Bid, When to Pass is not about the law of total tricks. It could be said to be a counter argument to the current fashion of bidding again when in doubt or just because it feels 'right'. The book is divided into three sections: the uncontested auction, when the opponents open, and competitive bidding. It begins with some wonderful advice, incorporated into some new rules, about opening the bidding. Klinger adds some caveats to the 'rule of 20' based on quick tricks, something long overdue, to arrive at the cleverly named Highly Cutie count. This requires you to have a total of 21 to open when quick tricks are added to the 'rule of 20' sum. Splendid advice is also given in separate chapters about when to respond, opener's rebid, and responder's second bid. A chapter that looks beyond the second round of bidding finishes the first section of the book.

The second section has only three chapters: concentrating on overalls, takeout doubles and balancing. All give sound advice. In the last section, on competitive bidding, the book shines, giving valuable counsel on bidding with a fit, high level actions when you have shortage in partner's suit along with material that complements that in The Power of Shape. These works are Klinger at his best. Book jacket.