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For more than 30 years, Toronto's Eric Murray and Sami Kehela could claim to be one of the best bridge pairs in the world. Indeed, at times they were probably the best pair in the world. In this book, for the first time, the full story of their bridge partnership is told - the story of a Canadian pair who overcame the odds to dominate North American bridge, but always to have the ultimate prize, a world championship, denied them by the invincible Italian Blue Team. This is a journey back to a different era in bridge, to the International Pairs trials of the 1960s, the legendary battles against the Italians, and the thrill of bringing Canada some of its most impressive results in world competition. Few bridge partnerships in history have lasted as long as this one, and even fewer can point to such a consistent record of success on the world stage.

"You never beat Murray and Kehela: you were just temporarily ahead of them," Bob Hamman, many-times world champion.

Roy Hughes lives in Toronto, Canada. His first book, Building a Bidding System, was runner-up for the International Bridge Book of the Year in 2005, and his second book, Card By Card, was nomiated for the 2006 award.

"This is a must-read book for any bridge enthusiast."
- Gim Ong, MSOS Magazine

"The year's second most talked about bridge book - affectionate and penetrating."
- The New York Times

"A great look at a great career. Highly recommended."
- BRIDGE Magazine

"The world of bridge benefits from Roy Hughes' celebration of one of the world's dominant partnerships in its heyday. The players' public and private lives are tastefully presented. The exhaustively researched boook is crammed with interesting pivotal deals from major international tournaments and peppered copiously with partnership badinage (which, alone, would make this book a standout). The with is Shavian. This book likely started as a labour of love, the finished product is easy to love."
- The Bridge World

"A very readable, humorous and loving tribute to two of the game's greatest players. My only criticism of the book is that is about 20 years late. Still, that doesn't stop from recommending it to all bridge players. Rating: A"
- ACBL Bridge Bulletin

"Superb declarer play at the world class level and entertaining anecdotes - a delightful read."
- ABTA Quarterly

"Roy Hughes's third book, Canada's Bridge Warriors: Eric Murray and Sami Kehela, is a masterpiece. Hughes skillfully integrates bridge material, biographical information, and anecdotes and reflections on the game.

Hughes's analysis of the deals, gathered from a variety of sources, is first class. Some deals may appear simple and straightforward, but Hughes's insight uncovers some hidden gems of card play. This type of analysis reinforces for the reader the skills that Murray and Kehela brought to the table.

For me, the most enjoyable aspect of this satisfying book is the interaction between Hughes and his subjects as he is gathering material from them to use in the book. Murray and Kehela's respect for each other comes through clearly and Hughes's narrative allows the reader to reflect on what a magnificent legacy these bridge warriors have left.

Roy Hughes's two previous books have been short listed for the International Bridge Press Association's Book of the Year Award. I expect this book to capture the prize this year. This book reminds me why I love this game - the personalities, the competition, and the inherent aesthetic pleasure from seeing all the pieces fit together.

   Well done, Roy.
- The Belleville Intelligencer

"The author's meticulous research has resulted in a rreal treat focusing on the 60s and the 70s. The book will surely become one of your all tiime favourites too!"
- Jon Sveindal, Norway

"Plenty of fascinating hands from the highest levels of bridge competition."
- The Denver Post

"Most highly recommended. Note to the author: Roy, you have done it again - congratulations!"
- Bridge Today

"Roy Hughes' thoroughly engrossing chronicle of the lives and exploits of the pair justly regarded as Canada's all-time best is the book to put at the top of your summer (or sooner!) reading list.  Hughes not only provides dozens of fabulous deals, but also gives us glimpses into his protagonists' personalities, so you'll get a real sense of the men behind the tremendous bridge accomplishments."
- Paul Thurston, National Post

"A bridge biography of the long term successfull Canadian partnership does not sting on personal anecdotes. There are plenty of stories to go along with a thorough recap of all the championship (Canadian, US, International) bidding and play.

The book begins with a detailed story of the 1965 U.S. Team Trials (held in San Francisco). This caught my fancy because I was there, working for Richard Frey and helping to prepare the official report of the tournament (along with Jim Linhart, Maury Genud, and Steve Becker). Many of the deals brought back memories, especially the hand "that decided everything.

CONCLUSION: My favorite book of the year, so far, and better than the Sabine Auken book which was selected as the 2006 "Book Of the Year" by the IBPA.

We can't overlook the $24 price which breaks new ground in this inflationary universe. But, frankly, for size and content, the book is worth it. An A+."
- Ron Garber, S. California Bridge Digest

"This is an important work on two of the all-time greats who have not necessarily received the recognition they deserve due to being at their prime at the same time as Italy's Blue Team. If you've read Bob Hamman's book, you know that he does not give praise indiscriminately, so his foreword to this book is remarkable in its praise for Murray and Kehela.  Hughes' first two books were short-listed for the IBPA Book of the Year award, and this one will undoubtedly follow. It is a book all tournament players should acquire."
- The Kibitzer

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