Number One Hundred and Fifty-Seven January 2016 Bernard Magee’s Bidding Quiz This month, all the hands revolve around pre-emptive openings. Take careful note of the vulnerability and position of the pre-emptor, and use it to assess how strong you should be or how strong your partner might be. BRIDGEYou are West in the auctions below, playing ‘Standard Acol’ with a weak no- (12-14 points) and 4-card majors.

1. Dealer West. Game All. 4. Dealer North. Game All. 7. Dealer South. Love All. 10. Dealer North. Love All. ♠ 9 ♠ 7 6 ♠ K Q 2 ♠ A Q 7 6

♥ Q 4 3 N ♥ A K 4 N ♥ A K 7 6 5 4 N ♥ Q 8 5 3 N ♦ K J W E ♦ A K 4 W E ♦ K Q 2 W E ♦ 8 3 2 W E S S S ♣ J 8 7 6 5 4 3 S ♣ 8 7 6 5 4 ♣ 7 ♣ A 6

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South ? Pass 3♠ Pass 3♣ 3♦ Dbl Pass ? ? ?

2. Dealer West. N/S Game. 5. Dealer East. Love All. 8. Dealer South. Love All. 11. Dealer North. Love All. ♠ A Q 8 7 6 4 3 2 ♠ K J 7 6 5 ♠ A 4 2 ♠ J 7 5 4 3 N N N ♥ 7 6 ♥ K Q 3 2 ♥ 9 8 ♥ J 6 5 4 N W E W E W E ♦ 5 4 ♦ A K 3 ♦ A K Q 7 6 5 ♦ 7 3 W E S S S ♣ 2 ♣ 3 ♣ A 6 ♣ Q 7 S

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South ? 3♣ Pass 3♠ 3♦ 3NT Pass ? ? ?

3. Dealer West. Love All. 6. Dealer East. E/W Game. 9. Dealer South. Love All. 12. Dealer North. Love All. ♠ 2 ♠ J 2 ♠ 4 ♠ A 9 2 ♥ J 8 N ♥ A K 6 5 4 3 N ♥ K Q J 3 2 N ♥ 8 7 N ♦ 7 6 4 W E ♦ A 4 3 2 W E ♦ K Q J 4 3 W E ♦ A 7 6 5 2 W E S S S S ♣ A K Q J 10 6 5 ♣ 7 ♣ A 2 ♣ 7 4 2

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South ? 4♠ Pass 4♠ 3♥ Dbl 4♥ ? ? ?

Answers on page 6 Answers on page 8 Answers on page 10 Answers on page 12 Old England to New England Statue of Liberty, New York 16th April 2016 • 34 nights Sails from Southampton • Balmoral • CRUISE ID: L1608

Southampton Boston Ringaskiddy (overnight) Gloucester St. John's Portland New York (overnight) Halifax Baltimore Cape Cod Canal (overnight) Newport Ponta Delgada Norfolk Hamilton St. George

Date Arrive Depart Destination n this unique itinerary – where each destination is the namesake APRIL 2016 Sat 16 PM Southampton of a place back in the UK – you’ll visit six American states, enjoy Sun 17-Tue 19 Cruising three overnight stays and discover three Fred. Olsen maiden calls. Wed 20 early am late pm Ponta Delgada, Azores O Thu 21-Mon 25 Cruising Explore the vibrant cities of Boston and the ‘Big Apple’; take a tour to Tue 26 early am late night Hamilton, Bermuda Washington DC from Baltimore; cruise the Cape Cod Canal; and spend Wed 27 early am early pm St. George, Bermuda Thu 28 Cruising two days on the island of Bermuda. All this and much more. Fri 29 early am late pm Norfolk, VA, USA Sat 30 early am Baltimore, MD, USA MAY 2016 Baltimore, MD, USA Cruising Cape Cod Canal Sun 01 late pm Baltimore, MD, USA In ‘Charm City’ the energetic Inner From Newport, Balmoral diverts through LanzaroteMon 02 Cruising Harbour is where you’ll find most of the the artificial waterway of the Cape Cod Canal, Tue 03 early am New York, USA big attractions, including the National to show guests a more scenic route than late pm Wed 04 New York, USA Aquarium, the Maryland Science Centre and going back out to sea and giving a little Thu 05 early am late night Newport, RI, USA the American Visionary Museum. Visit the more time in the new port of call, Boston. Fri 06 Cruising Cape Cod Canal lively waterfront area of Fell’s point or Federal Fri 06 early pm Boston, MA, USA Hill, which affords fantastic views of the city Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Sat 07 late night Boston, MA, USA skyline. Baltimore is also the gateway for Nova Scotia’s walkable capital is home Sun 08 early am late pm Gloucester, MA, USA tours to Washington DC: the backdrop to to many historic and charming sights. Mon 09 early am late night Portland, ME, USA thousands of films and TV shows over the The beautiful Public Gardens are well Tue 10 Cruising years, the capital of the US is prettier and worth a visit, as is a photo stop on Citadel Wed 11 early am late pm Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada more welcoming than first time visitors Hill. Discover the history of the Titanic in Thu 12 Cruising might expect. the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic (many Fri 13 early am early pm St. John's, of those who perished in the disaster were Newfoundland, buried here); stroll along the picturesque Canada New York, USA Sat 14-Tue 17 Cruising New York is arguably the most exciting waterfront; or take a tour to the rustic Wed 18 early pm late night Ringaskiddy, Ireland city in the world. Its legendary sights define fishing village of Peggy’s cover – its Thu 19 Cruising a larger-than-life metropolis; the sheer style lighthouse has long been an inspiration Fri 20 AM Southampton and energy surpass every expectation. The for artists and photographers. skyscrapers, yellow cabs, world-renowned stores, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty REDUCED SOLE OCCUPANCY and the Empire State Building…nowhere For adult travellers only SUPPLEMENTS ON SELECTED else matches the Big Apple – and you The extended length and nature of this TWIN GRADES have two days to enjoy it all. sailing are suited to the adult traveller, therefore only those over 18 are able to join. Prices per person Cabin type Prices from Inside £3,499 Outside £3,999 Superior Balcony £6,499 Your Price Includes: Suites £7,349 Daily evening bridge on and bridge fees included in the fare • Morning seminars and Single £6,429 afternoon bridge on days at sea • Mr Bridge welcome and farewell drinks parties • A bridge partner will always be found for solo travellers • Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, a five-course Prices are correct at time of going to print, but a la carte dinner, late night buffet and self-service tea & coffee • Varied daytime activies, may change at any time. Call for latest prices. lectures and talks • Choice of live evening entertainment

Contact Mr Bridge to book now on 01483 489 961 or visit www.mrbridge.co.uk

FOC307429_Mr_Bridge_FP_4x_210X295_Ads_W.C.18.05.15_OctVersion_V1.indd 1 26/10/2015 13:33 Features this month include: ADVERTISERS’ 1 Bidding Quiz by Bernard Magee INDEX BRIDGE 5 Mr Bridge 2 Old to New England with Fred.Olsen Ryden Grange, Knaphill, 6 Bidding Quiz Answers (1-3) by Bernard Magee 3 Clive Goff’s Stamps Surrey GU21 2TH 7 More Tips by Bernard Magee 4 Bernard Magee DVDs ( 01483 489961 5 France Mini-Cruises 8 Bidding Quiz Answers (4-6) by Bernard Magee with Fred.Olsen [email protected] 10 Bidding Quiz Answers (7-9) by Bernard Magee 5 Rivers, Canals & www.mrbridge.co.uk City Overnights 11 Sally’s Slam of the Month with Fred.Olsen shop: www.mrbridge.co.uk/ mrbridge-shop 12 Bidding Quiz Answers (10-12) by Bernard Magee 6 Ancient Jordan to Classical Greece with 13 How do I Respond to a Weak Two? by Voyages to Antiquity Publisher and Managing Editor 14 David Stevenson Answers Your Questions 7 Tips for Better Bridge Mr Bridge 8 India & the Red Sea with 17 Declarer Play Quiz by David Huggett Voyages to Antiquity Associate Editor and 18 Declarer Play Answers by David Huggett 9 Bernard Magee’s Bridge Consultant Tutorial Software Bernard Magee 19 Sorry Partner! by Liz Dale 10 Travel Insurance bernardmagee 19 Defence Quiz by Julian Pottage 10 Mr Bridge 2016 Diaries @mrbridge.co.uk 10 ProBridge 20 Defence Quiz Answers by Julian Pottage 11 QPlus 11 Cartoons & Illustrations ♦ Marguerite Lihou 21 Defending Against the Multi 2 Opening 12 Club Insurance by Jeremy Dhondy www.margueritelihou.co.uk 12 Bridge Traffic 24 Gisburne’s Foolish Lead by Signs Tea Towel Technical Consultant 12 Stoke Mandeville Tony Gordon 26 Deauville 1968 by Shireen Mohandes Spinal Research 28 Teachers’ Corner by Ian Dalziel 18 Mr Bridge Playing Cards Typesetting & Design Ruth Edmondson 30 Unassuming Cue Bids by Heather Dhondy 22 Mr Bridge Tie [email protected] 22 Life’s a Game Tea Towel 32 Nice Dummy by Andy Bowles 22 Proof Readers 34 Working Things Out by Andrew Kambites Rules Simplified Hugh Williams 23 S R Designs Mike Orriel 36 Julian Pottage Answers Your Questions Bridge Table Covers Catrina Shackleton 39 BriAn: A New Development in Scoring 28 Mr Bridge Just Richard Wheen Reviewed Ned Paul Duplicate Bridge Events 29 Canaries & Madeira Customer Services 41 Indecision, Indecisions! by John Barr Winter Warmth with Catrina Shackleton with Fred.Olsen [email protected] 42 Readers’ Letters 33 S R Designs 43 Catching Up with Bridge Tables Events & Cruises ( 01483 489961 44 Seven Days with Sally Brock 35 Easter Ireland with Fred.Olsen Jessica Galt 46 by Bernard Magee [email protected] 38 Snow Shoes and Ski Megan Riccio 47 Wendy Wensum’s Diaries Doos with Fred.Olsen [email protected] 40 Croatia with Mr Bridge Sophie Pierrepont 42 Bridge Events with Bernard Magee [email protected] REDUCE THE COST OF YOUR POSTAGE 42 Better Hand Evaluation Clubs & Charities Postage stamps for sale at 90% of face-value, 43 Mr Bridge Maggie Axtell all mint with full gum. Quotations for Tutorial Weekends [email protected] commercial quantities available on request. 45 Baltic Capitals & Values supplied in 100s, higher values Archipelago Address Changes available as well as 1st and 2nd class with Fred.Olsen ( 01483 485342 (eg 2nd class: 100x38p+100x16p). 48 Central America & the Elizabeth Bryan Mardi Gras [email protected] (/Fax 020 8422 4906 e-mail: [email protected] with Fred.Olsen

BRIDGE January 2016 Page 3 BERNARD MAGEE TUTORIAL DVDs

1 Ruffing for Extra Tricks 11 Signals & Discards 21 Weak Twos This seminar deals with declarer’s use of This seminar deals with Count, Attitude It is important to bid more in the modern ruffing to make extra tricks and then looks and Suit-preference signals: aiming to get game and weak twos are an important at how the defenders might counteract you working as a partnership in defence. choice for the competitive player. (104 mins.) this. (74 mins.) (92 mins.) 22 Trump Control 2 Competitive Auctions 12 Handling the play of the hand when This seminar focuses on competitive Bernard takes you through the basics of trumps break badly is an important attrib- auctions from the perspective of the endplays before showing some hands ute: playing calmly and using a variety of overcalling side and then from the opening where you can take extra tricks, then looks tactics to pave the way to success. (76 mins.) side in the second part. (86 mins.) at how to avoid being endplayed. (80 mins.) 23 Sacrificing 3 Making the Most of High Cards 13 Hand Evaluation An exciting aspect of the auction is outbid- This seminar helps declarer to use his high Going beyond just the point-count is ding your opponents and going down, but cards more carefully and then looks at important. Reaching & making 3NT on 24 gaining by doing so. Learn to bid more how defenders should care for their high HCP; and avoiding 3NT on 26 HCP when aggressively. (105 mins.) cards. (83 mins.) there are only 7 or 8 tricks. (110 mins.) 24 Improving Bridge Memory 4 Identifying & Bidding Slams 14 Pre-Emptive Bidding Remembering every card is a dream for The first half of this seminar identifies The art of pre-empting is so important most of us. However, learn ways in which to when a slam might be on. The second in the modern game. Understanding the remember the important things. (90 mins.) half covers some slam-bidding techniques. right hands to bid up on and realising the (96 mins.) importance of position and vulnerability. 25 Defence as Partner (96 mins.) of the Leader 5 Play & Defence of 1NT Contracts Defence is the hardest aspect of the game, This seminar looks at the most common 15 Splinter & Cue Bids it is where most players can make great and yet most feared of contracts: 1NT. Splinter bids are a vital tool to add to your progress. (104 mins.) The first half looks at declaring 1NT and slam bidding armoury & try your hand at the second part at defending. (88 mins.) Italian style cue bidding. (116 mins.) 26 Aggressive Bidding at Duplicate Pairs 6 Doubling & Defence against 16 Years ago, you needed 13 HCP to open Doubled Contracts As declarer, an important tactic is to be the bidding and rarely competed for a The first half of this seminar explores in control of the defenders: avoiding a partscore. Now the norm is to open lighter penalty doubles and the second half particular defender getting the lead. As and compete for every hand. (114 mins.) discusses the defence against doubled a defender, you can try to make sure the contracts. (88 mins.) right player gets the lead. (88 mins.) 27 Strong Opening Bids Managing your strong bids carefully can 7 Leads 17 Play & Defence at Pairs give you great joy, particularly when you Bernard takes you through the basic leads Duplicate Pairs is the game most of us have a neat bidding sequence to a lovely and the importance of your lead choice. play and getting used to the tactics will slam. (122 mins.) If you start to think about your partner’s make a lot of difference to your perfor- hand, you will get better results. (95 mins.) mance. (90 mins.) 28 Take-Out Doubles Bernard deals with basic take-out doubles 8 Losing Trick Count 18 Thinking Defence and their responses, then progresses to talk A way of hand evaluation for when you By far the hardest aspect of bridge, but if about competing for every partscore. (99 mins.) find a fit. Bernard deals with the basics of you can improve your defence your results the LTC then looks at advanced methods to will quickly improve. Learn how to think 29 Suit Establishment hone your bidding. (92 mins.) through the defence. (87 mins.) in Suit Contracts 5-card suits (and longer) are powerful things: 9 Making a Plan as Declarer 19 Defensive Plan Bernard tries to get across his passion for Bernard explains how to make a plan Looking at your own hand, then at dummy them by showing you how to develop your then expands on how to make the most and envisaging how partner’s hand will extra tricks through establishment. (81 mins.) of your long suits, both in no-trumps and allow you to make a plan for the defence. suit contracts. (87 mins.) (112 mins.) 30 / Defending Against a 1NT Opening 10 Responding to 1NT 20 Further Into the Auction Competing against a 1NT opening allows This seminar deals with Transfers and The first two bids of an auction are usually you to challenge for the partscore and Stayman in detail. The 1NT opening comes easy, but beyond that the complications disrupts your opponents’ conventions. up frequently, so having a good, accurate increase. Learn how to ‘talk’ to your part- Bernard talks about competing over 1NT in system of responses is paramount. (93 mins.) ner during the bidding. (95 mins.) general and then about Landy. (85 mins.)

£25 EACH. PICK AND MIX. A BOX OF ANY 6. £105

Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961 On-line shop: www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop HAPPY NEW YEAR YOUR COUNTRY When responding to this magazine by email, whether it be to me, David

Stevenson, Julian Pottage or Bernard Magee, please give your full postal address France Rivers, Canals & along with your question. Mini-Cruises Your co-operation with this City Overnight s will eliminate much unnecessary confusion. GREAT LITTLE GIFTS ANOTHER PLUG As I wrote in last month’s The heats of the 2016 issue, my tea towel Charity Challenge Cup will Departs Southampton collection grew out of a take place on Thursday 10 25th March 2016 • 2 nights need to create small but March, at a bridge club near Balmoral • L1605 presentable prizes for you. The proceeds are to go bridge weekends and to Stoke Mandeville Spinal Departs Southampton • Southampton 18th March 2016 • 7 nights • Boulogne-sur-Mer, France fundraising events. Research. A worthy cause. For further details please Balmoral • L1604 • Southampton They have been great fun, contact Anna Gudge. Great value Mr Bridge fares: but now they have to go. • Southampton • Cruising [email protected] Western Scheldt river Inside twin cabins from £189pp Stocks are now quite low • Antwerp, Belgium Outside twin cabins from £219pp and I will need to randomly MINI CRUISES • Hamburg, Germany Superior Balcony cabins from £339pp substitute as per the advert (overnight) • Cruising Elbe on the carrier sheet. If you River • Cruising North Solos offer – Sea Canal • Amsterdam, Outside twin cabin for need to be sure of your Netherlands (overnight) sole occupancy from £229pp order, you may still ring and • Cruising North Sea Canal order from stock, subject to • Southampton Departs Southampton availability. What can be 21st October 2016 • 2 nights fairer than that? Daily bridge on board, bridge fees included. Mr Bridge welcome Balmoral • L1625 The price of five tea-towels, I have asked Fred.Olsen to drinks party. Partners for single players. Special solos offers. • Southampton Bernard each carefully folded and allow us to have a bridge • Honfleur, France Magee packed individually in clear group on two of their on board Great value Mr Bridge fares: • Southampton L1625 plastic resealable bags, is Balmoral mini cruises, to Inside twin cabins from £589pp Great value Mr Bridge fares: £12.95 inclusive of postage allow those of you who (UK only please). They will have not tried an on board Outside twin cabins from £719pp Inside twin cabins from £189pp make truly great little gifts bridge experience to give it Superior Balcony cabins from £1,079pp Outside twin cabins from £219pp and prizes, believe me. a go. The two selected are Solos offer – Superior Balcony cabins from £339pp advertised on this page. I Outside twin cabin for Solos offer – sole occupancy from £839pp am sure that once you have Outside twin cabin for LATEST CHIP sole occupancy from pp £229 tried it you will be well and Balmoral truly sold on the whole idea. Daily bridge on board, bridge fees included. Mr Bridge welcome BRIDGE DIARIES drinks party. Partners for single players. Special solos offers. If Father Christmas or a friend hasn’t given you your usual Bridge Players’ Diary, with all the handy Last week, a new grandson, information that Bernard For reservations call Mr Bridge Noah James, pictured Magee provides in the way For reservations call Mr Bridge on 01483 489961 above, arrived safely. of a summary of Acol, there on 01483 489961 are still some in stock. www.mrbridge.co.uk Mrs Bridge went down the www.mrbridge.co.uk following day to say hello Wishing you a happy New Terms and conditions apply – to our 17th grandchild Terms and conditions apply – see Fred.Olsen 2016 brochure or Year and lots of good bridge. see Fred.Olsen 2016 brochure or www.fredolsencruises.com for details. and to congratulate the www.fredolsencruises.com for details. delighted parents. Mr Bridge

BRIDGE January 2016 Page 5 FOC308983_MR_BRIDGE_Mag_June_strip_ads_W.C.15.06.15_FV2.indd25/06/2015 16:23 1 FOC308983_MR_BRIDGE_Mag_June_strip_ads_W.C.15.06.15_FV3.indd29/06/2015 14:47 3 2011 Mr Bridge third page ad Amman-Athens_Layou Answers to Bernard Magee’s Bidding Quizzes 1-3 on the Cover Ancient Jordan to potential for the two contracts should 1. Dealer West. Game All. suggest the bold opening bid. Classical ♠ 9 ♠ A K J 6 5 If you choose to open 3♠, you will ♥ Q 4 3 N ♥ J 7 6 not be able to resist bidding 4♠ over W E ♦ K J S ♦ Q 6 4 their contract and if that is the case, you Greece ♣ J 8 7 6 5 4 3 ♣ 9 2 should certainly open 4♠ straightaway to hosted by put more pressure on your opponents. BERNARD MAGEE Your partner has a poor hand, but West North East South you may well make 4♠ if you manage to ? make all your spades. At the same time North-South may well be able to make Pass. their own game in 4♥. You have the main attributes for a pre- With a decent eight-card suit and fa- emptive opening: 5-9 points and a sev- vourable vulnerability, you should open a en-card suit. However, the quality of your level higher than your normal pre-empts. suit is far too poor to consider opening when you are vulnerable. Furthermore, your three side-suit honours are not de- sirable: they may well make defensive 3. Dealer West. Love All. tricks. Generally, when pre-empting you ♠ 2 ♠ A 6 want cards that make tricks in your own ♥ J 8 N ♥ A 10 9 3 W E contract, but that are not particularly ♦ 7 6 4 S ♦ J 9 8 5 3 useful against your opponents. ♣ A K Q J 10 6 5 ♣ 4 2 If you open 3♣ here, you may find Enjoy daily duplicates and 8 yourself going down two for -200 and a included sightseeing tours on this bottom score, when your opponents can- West North East South fascinating bridge cruise through not manage to make a game contract. ? the Suez Canal to the Aegean 3NT. March 21, 2016 - 14 days from Amman to Athens This is just a question of knowing your Fly to Amman and transfer to hotel* 2. Dealer West. N/S Game. own system. Although you do have 11 • Drive to Petra (overnight hotel stay and ♠ A Q 8 7 6 4 3 2 ♠ 9 5 points, your hand is of the pre-emptive sightseeing) •Drive to Aqaba to join Aegean ♥ 7 6 ♥ 8 2 type because you expect 7 tricks in clubs, Odyssey in Aqaba • Cruise the Red Sea N and Suez Canal • Limassol (Kourion) ♦ 5 4 W E ♦ A K 9 8 2 but only one against 4♥ or 4♠. With such Antalya (Aspendos) • Rhodes • Kusadasi ♣ 2 S ♣ J 8 7 6 a solid suit, you should be aiming to (Ephesus & Aphrodisias) • Delos & ♣ Mykonos • Santorini (Akrotiri) make the equivalent of a 4 opening to Athens • Fly home try to keep your opponents quiet. How- Great value Mr Bridge fares West North East South ever, your system includes a clever bid: Standard Inside from £1,850pp ? the gambling 3NT opening, which shows Standard Outside from £2,350pp exactly the type of hand you have. Premium Outside from £2,695pp 4♠. It is basically a 4-level pre-empt in a Single supplement just 10% Once again, it is important to note the minor, but gives the option of playing in For reservations call vulnerability: this time you are non-vul- 3NT. The bid shows a solid 7-card minor nerable against vulnerable opponents, with no more than a queen outside. Part- so you can afford to be a little more ag- ner passes with stops in the other suits on 01483 489961 gressive. The second thing to note is that and the potential for a trick or two, as is you have an eight-card suit rather than a the case here. If he does not have a suit- seven-card suit. able hand he bids 4♣. The vulnerability and the extra length 3NT will make on these two hands, but should persuade you to open 4♠. You so might 4♠ by the opposition: the gam- www.mrbridge.co.uk have the perfect pre-empting hand: just bling 3NT can be both offensive and de- Terms and conditions apply – see brochure or website for details one trick against 4♥, but perhaps 7 tricks fensive. Blocking out the opponents and * no bridge on overnight hotel stay in spades. Such a huge difference in your also finding the right contract. ■

Page 6 BRIDGE January 2016 More Tips from Bernard Magee Bernard Magee’s Tips Be wary of for Better Bridge leading frozen suits 65 invaluable tips in 160 pages

The term ‘frozen’ is used to values (12+) so they will both Bidding Tips 33 A low lead usually promises describe a suit that neither have high cards and lead- 1 Always consider bidding length and an honour spades if you can 34 When declaring 1NT, side want to lead because ing away from your honours 2 Bid more aggressively try to be patient by leading the suit they will might give up a trick. With a when non-vulnerable 35 an early round when give away a trick. Whoever five-card suit the risk can be 3 Always double when the you are short of entries opponents steal your deal 36 Lead up to your chooses to lead the suit, worthwhile, but less so with 4 A take-out double shows two-honour holding melts it and lets the other a four-card suit. You avoid shortage in the suit doubled 37 Do not always assume side take the extra trick. a club and a heart lead and 5 ‘Borrow’ a king a suit will break well to keep the auction open 38 Drop a high card Frozen suits generally occur instead lead from the solid 6 After a penalty double, to put off the defence when the high cards are diamond holding: ♦10. don’t let the opponents escape 39 Play your highest card to tempt divided between all the 7 Halve the value of a singleton a defender to cover honour when opening 40 Draw trumps first unless you players, particularly when 8 Only add length-points for a have a good reason not to each player has one honour. ♠ 7 6 3 suit that might be useful 41 Do not waste your trumps ♥ A 8 6 9 Isolated honours are bad 42 Consider leaving a lone defen- except in partner’s suit sive trump winner out ♦ A K J 10 Use the jump shift sparingly ♠ A 10 2 ♣ K 9 8 5 11 Consider passing and letting Defence Tips partner decide 43 Keep four-card suits intact ♠ A 5 ♠ 10 9 8 2 N 12 You need two top honours whenever possible ♠ J 5 4 3 W E ♠ Q 8 7 ♥ K 7 3 2 N ♥ J 10 9 for a second-seat pre-empt 44 Give count on declarer’s leads S W E 45 Keep the right cards ♦ 10 9 8 S ♦ Q 6 4 2 13 Put the brakes on if you have a misfit rather than ♠ K 9 6 ♣ Q 4 3 2 ♣ J 7 14 Strong and long minors work 46 Take your time ♠ K Q J 4 well in no-trumps when dummy is put down ♥ Q 5 4 15 One stop in the opponents’ suit 47 High cards are for killing can be enough for no-trumps other high cards ♦ 7 5 3 South is the declarer, 16 Keep your two-level 48 Do not waste with this suit in play. ♣ A 10 6 responses up to strength intermediate cards Declarer can only make 17 Use your normal methods in 49 Pick two key suits to response to a 1NT concentrate on during the play two tricks if he leads the 18 Don’t overcall just because 50 If in doubt, cover an honour suit from either hand, but Declarer wins the ♦A and you have opening points with an honour 51 If a lead is from two honours, it if the defenders choose to plays spades to your ace. 19 can be quite weak, so be prudent when responding is best not to cover lead the suit, the declarer A look at dummy should 20 Weak overcalls must be based 52 Keep your honour to kill can then make three tricks. warn you to keep clear of on strong suits dummy’s honour 53 Try to show partner your For example, if West leads hearts and clubs: you have 21 6NT requires 33 points not 4 aces and 4 kings solid honour sequences the ♠3, declarer plays low one high card and so does 22 Raise immediately, if weak 54 Lead the normal card when and East has to use his ♠Q: dummy: so you continue with four-card support leading partner’s suit 55 Never underlead an ace at trick South wins the king and can with a diamond to the jack 23 In a competitive auction, show support immediately one in a suit contract now for West’s jack, and your partner’s queen. 24 Bid to the level of your fit 56 Be wary of leading from making three tricks in the suit. Now you see the importance quickly with weak hands four cards to only one honour 57 Lead a higher card from As a defender, whenever of solid holdings: you led a 25 With strength and support, use the opponents’ bid suit a suit without an honour you have one high card diamond from 10-9-8 and 58 Lead through ‘beatable’ and dummy has one high now East switches to the ♥J strength and up to weakness Declarer Play Tips 59 Cash your winners before try- card, you should be wary from J-10-9. Solid hold- 26 When your contract depends ing for a of leading the suit. ings are much safer to lead on a finesse, think ‘endplay’ 60 Be patient when defending 27 Consider what a defender This advice is why leading from than solitary honours. 1NT might be thinking about 61 Trump leads can be safe away from one honour on Eventually, declarer goes 28 Always take your time throughout the play is dangerous down, by one or two tricks at trick one 29 Establish extra tricks before General Tips too, because if dummy depending on his card read- cashing your winners 62 Do not put important cards comes down with one high ing. What difference would 30 Use your opponents’ at either end of your hand card you might find that you there be on a club or heart bidding to your advantage 63 Avoid being declarer when 31 Avoid the ‘baddie’ you are dummy have given away a trick. lead? A club lead allows gaining the lead 64 Before you lead, ask for a After the auction 1NT- declarer to take four tricks in 32 Use the Rule of Seven when review of the auction 3NT, West is on lead on the the suit and a heart allows holding up in no-trumps 65 Enjoy the Game! deal in the next column. declarer two heart tricks, after £14 including postage and packing from Mr Bridge, You expect North and South which declarer should make a Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH. ( 01483 489961 to have at least opening comfortable nine tricks. ■

BRIDGE January 2016 Page 7 2011 Mr Bridge third page ad Mumbai-Amman_Layou Answers to Bernard Magee’s Bidding Quizzes 4-6 on the Cover

A voyage to India to your partner’s hand may well be a ter- 4. Dealer North. Game All. rible problem. With these two hands 3NT and the wonders of ♠ 7 6 ♠ K Q J 10 5 4 3 might well go three or four off. The other ♥ A K 4 N ♥ 9 2 option is 5♣, but even if you were lucky ♦ A K 4 W E ♦ 8 6 enough to make four tricks from your S The Red Sea ♣ 8 7 6 5 4 ♣ 3 2 hand, your partner will not have seven to JOIN MR & MRS BRIDGE go with it. You are not strong enough to change West North East South suit: your partner is unlikely to have sup- Pass 3♠ Pass port, so you will be forced a level higher. ? Passing is the solution and, on a good day, North might try coming in to the 4♠. When you are learning bridge, you auction and you might be in a position are taught simple rules, such as you need to double. More likely, you finish in 3♣ 16 points to bid opposite a pre-empt. As scraping together nine tricks. you become more experienced, you will realise that it is the type of high cards you have, rather than simple weight of points. 6. Dealer East. E/W Game. Top tricks are more important than mere ♠ J 2 ♠ A K Q 10 8 6 5 4

points: with four tricks in your hand, you ♥ A K 6 5 4 3 N ♥ 7 are looking for six from your partner to ♦ A 4 3 2 W E ♦ 8 6 make game. ♣ 7 S ♣ 9 2 This is where the vulnerability and po- sition can play an important part. Your partner was second to bid and vulner- West North East South able: he should be on his best behaviour; 4♠ Pass Enjoy daily duplicates and 7 his suit should be strong. Therefore, it is ? included sightseeing tours on this not unreasonable to hope your partner magnificent bridge cruise from has six tricks from his suit, which means 4NT. Once again, the vulnerability is im- colourful India to ancient Petra you should raise to game. Just 20 HCP portant: when pre-empting always take but game is comfortable. note of the vulnerability because it can March 6, 2016 - 19 days from Mumbai to Amman explain a lot. Your side are vulnerable Fly to Mumbai to join Aegean Odyssey against non-vulnerable opponents: unfa- Then cruise to Porbandar • Muscat 5. Dealer East. Love All. vourable. It is rare to pre-empt aggres- Salalah • Safaga • Luxor (overnight hotel ♠ K J 7 6 5 ♠ 9 8 sively at this vulnerability, so what would and sightseeing of Luxor Temple and Valley ♥ K Q 3 2 N ♥ 6 5 you expect your partner to hold? of the Kings) • Aqaba • Petra (overnight ♦ A K 3 W E ♦ 7 2 He should have a pre-emptive style hotel*) • Amman • Fly home S Great value Mr Bridge fares ♣ 3 ♣ K Q J 9 6 5 4 hand with 8-9 tricks in his own hand. ♠ Standard Inside from £2,495pp On Q2, the opening 4 was based on a Standard Outside from £2,850pp ropey 8-card suit, but at this vulnerability Premium Outside from £3,295pp West North East South it should be much stronger or have a little Single supplement just 10% 3♣ Pass strength on the side. Add a 4-night land tour of India’s Golden Triangle – Delhi /Agra/ Jaipur/Fatehpur Sikra – from £945pp ? You have a little support for your part- ner (two cards is quite good support), with For reservations call Pass. Once again, your partner has three top tricks and a singleton in the oth- pre-empted when you have a strong er suit. You certainly have the potential for on 01483 489961 hand, but in contrast to Q4, this time four tricks, which added to your partner’s your partner was in first position and eight would suggest a slam. Use Black- non-vulnerable. You cannot rely on your wood to check you have the necessary partner being strong or solid, but you do key cards. Your partner shows the ♠A-K have 16 HCP, so your decision is difficult. which is enough to propel you to 6♠. www.mrbridge.co.uk The key to the decision is that game is a A trump lead makes things slightly awk- Terms and conditions apply – see brochure or website for details long way away in a minor. 3NT should ward in 6♠, but you have a good chance * no bridge on overnight hotel stay not be in your mind at all, since getting of setting up dummy’s hearts. ■

Page 8 BRIDGE January 2016 BERNARD MAGEE’S INTERACTIVE TUTORIALS

BEGIN BRIDGE ACOL BIDDING ADVANCED DECLARER ACOL VERSION ACOL BIDDING PLAY l Card Play Technique MAC l Basics l Suit Establishment l Planning Card Play Compatible in No-trumps l Advanced l Bidding Balanced Basics l Suit Establishment Hands in Suits l Weak Twos l Bidding Suits l Opening Bids and Responses l Hold-ups l Responding to a Suit l Strong Hands l Slams and Strong l Ruffing for l Supporting Partner l Defence Openings Extra Tricks l Responding to 1NT l Support for Partner to Weak Twos l Entries in l Stayman l Pre-empting l Defence to 1NT No-trumps £76 l Strong Two Opening l Overcalls £66 l Doubles and Response l No-trump l Delaying l Overcalls Openings l Two-suited £96 Drawing Trumps and Responses Overcalls l Doubles £66 l Using the Lead l Opener’s and l Pre-empting l Defences to Responder’s Rebids l Trump Control Other Systems l Defence against No l Minors and Misfits l Endplays & Trump Contracts l Doubles l Misfits and Avoidance l Defence against Suit l Competitive Distributional Contracts Auctions Hands l Using the Bidding

ADVANCED DEFENCE FIVE-CARD BETTER DECLARER PLAY MAJORS & BRIDGE l Lead vs Strong No-Trump l Making Overtricks No-trump Contracts l Ruffing for in No-trumps l Opening Bids Extra Tricks l Lead vs & Responses l Making Overtricks Suit Contracts in Suit Contracts l No-Trump l Doubling and l Partner of Leader Openings Defence l Endplays vs No-trump Against Contracts l Support £89 £69 l Avoidance Doubled for Partner l Partner of Leader Contracts l Wrong £81 vs Suit Contracts l Slams Contract & Strong Openings l Play and Defence l Count l Simple of 1NT Contracts Signals l Rebids Squeezes l Attitude l Minors l Counting £76 l Finding and Signals & Misfits the Hand Bidding Slams l Discarding l Pre-empting l Trump Reductions l Making the & Coups l Defensive Plan l Doubles Most of High Cards l Playing Doubled l Stopping Declarer l Overcalls Contracts l Counting l Competitive l Competitive l Safety Plays the Hand Auctions Auctions

Make your cheque payable to Mr Bridge and send to: Mr Bridge , Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH ( 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop

BRIDGE January 2016 System Requirements: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 or 10, 8mb RAM, CD-ROM Page 9 TR AVEL Answers to Bernard Magee’s INSURANCE Bidding Quizzes 7-9 on the Cover diamonds you may well have eight tricks For your own quote from 7. Dealer South. Love All. in your hand and can hope that partner ♠ K Q 2 ♠ J 8 7 4 will have at least one more for you. Nine ♥ A K 7 6 5 4 N ♥ 9 2 tricks are enough for a game contract, ♦ K Q 2 W E ♦ A 8 5 3 but it must be in no-trumps – 5♦ will need S ♣ 7 ♣ 9 8 2 a lot more help. Of course, your hearts are very weak and on another day you might lose the West North East South first six heart tricks. But you have to make 3♣ your assessment as to the likely best ( ? game contract and surely most of the time 01268 524344 it will be 3NT. Moreover, most of the time www.covercloud.co.uk 4♥. Pre-empts make your life difficult your opponents will lead a spade. When and sometimes you have to do a little you have a strong and long minor you educated guessing. When overcalling a will often need only one stopper in the Mr Bridge pre-empt with a strong hand, you are al- opponent’s suit, especially if it is the ace lowed to sprinkle 6-7 points in your part- and you can hold it up. 2016 Bridge Players’ Diary ner’s hand: if you think you can make game with a few random high cards, then you should bid it yourself. Of course, this 9. Dealer South. Love All. can result in some horrible scores when ♠ 4 ♠ 7 6 your partner turns up with nothing, but ♥ K Q J 3 2 N ♥ 8 4 you cannot afford to miss games when ♦ K Q J 4 3 W E ♦ A 9 8 7 6 S your partner passes a basic overcall and ♣ A 2 ♣ K 6 5 4 you make ten tricks. Give your partner an ace, a jack and a couple of hearts and you can make West North East South Standard covers in navy blue, red, game, so it is not unreasonable to bid 4♠ maroon or green. £6.95 each. 4♥. There is no way your partner is rais- ? ♥ ♥ Luxury covers in navy blue or ing 3 to 4 with his hand. In fact with ruby red. £14.95 each. two aces he might well pass 3♥. 4NT. A three-level pre-empt is difficult, Double would suggest you have more but a four-level pre-empt really gives you From Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk than one suit, and partner might be led a headache. What are your options? At astray. Furthermore, the next player the level of 4♠ and above, the double is might bid 5♣ so if you have not men- not quite as specific as at lower levels: tioned hearts you will have to guess what it generally shows a strong hand that to do without any help from your partner. wants something to happen. That is not quite ideal with your hand: you are pretty sure you do not want to 8. Dealer South. Love All. play in 4♠. With such a distributional ♠ A 4 2 ♠ 6 hand you would prefer to play in one of ♥ 9 8 N ♥ K 10 7 3 your two suits and the way to engineer ♦ A K Q 7 6 5 W E ♦ 9 3 that is to overcall 4NT. S ♣ A 6 ♣ K 8 5 4 3 2 This is not Blackwood, instead it shows a two-suited hand and that you are pretty sure that playing the contract is the right West North East South thing. Your partner bids the lowest suit he 3♠ fits with: 5♣ and then you bid on if this ? does not fit; 5♦ (implying your two suits are diamonds and hearts). 3NT. As mentioned above, when con- 5♦ is a great contract, whilst 4♠ might templating an overcall, you can give your actually make, although one off is more partner 6-7 points and see where that likely. If you double 4♠, your partner is takes you. With a reasonable break in likely to pass. ■

Page 10 BRIDGE January 2016 Sally’s Slam of the Month QPLUS 11

Really user-friendly Slams in a Major bridge-playing software

or No-Trumps? FEATURES INCLUDE

l Help button – explains the features for bidding and card play advice his month I have a North transfers into spades couple of slam hands and bids his clubs. South ♠ A ♠ K J 6 5 2 l Displays on HD and large sent in by readers. co-operates with a diamond ♥ A K J 6 5 2 N ♥ Q 7 screens W E TThe way bridge is scored , and then North ♦ A K J 10 4 S ♦ Q 3 l Comprehensive manual tends to persuade us into tries Roman Key Card ♣ 5 ♣ A J 6 3 no-trumps only when the Blackwood after his partner l Feed in your own deals alternative is a minor; both signs off in 4♠ (why play in today’s hands are at least a minor at matchpoints?). It is not often you have full l option as good in no-trumps as Hearing of two aces and opening values when part- they are in a major – and at the queen of spades oppo- ner opens two clubs, but l 5,000 preplayed hands matchpoints, that extra 10 site, North bids the slam in that is what happened here: for teams points can make all the dif- spades, though no-trumps l 4,000 preplayed hands West North East South ference. is just as good if not better. for matchpoint pairs My first offering is from It looks as if 6♠ should go 2♣ Pass 2♠ Pass ♥ ♣ Stan Christie: down as declarer has a cer- 3 Pass 4 Dbl l Save match function tain trump loser to go with 4♦ Pass 4♥ Pass the ace of hearts. However, 4NT Pass 5♦ Pass l Closed room – button ♠ A K 10 7 3 at Stan’s table he, North, 5NT Pass 7NT All Pass to view other table ♥ K J 10 became declarer, and East ♦ 6 chose the rather strange There were two interesting ♣ J 10 6 2 opening lead of the two of points to this auction: ♠ ♠ J 8 6 4 2 spades. (There is a theory 1. After two positive bids ♥ A 9 7 3 2 N ♥ 8 5 4 that if you have five or more from East, he considered W E £92 ♦ 9 8 7 5 3 S ♦ J 4 2 trumps you should lead one, that his preference to 4♥ including post and packing ♣ 8 5 3 ♣ Q 9 but I’m not sure that applies was forcing. Indeed, many ♠ Q 9 5 against a slam). Now declar- people have the agreement ♥ Q 6 er should have succeeded that after a positive response ♦ A K Q 10 by winning with the seven, to a 2♣ opening, the part- QPLUS ♣ A K 7 4 finessing the nine, cash- nership should be forced to TRADE-IN ing the queen and forcing 4NT unless they have both an to his hand with had a chance to limit their OFFER He didn’t give me his auc- a heart. Now, he can draw hands (eg 2♣ – 2♠ – 3♠ – 4♠ tion, but a reasonable one trumps and he has enough would clearly not be forc- Return any QPLUS after a 2NT opening from plain-suit winners for his ing). It is very hard to bid CD and booklet with a cheque for £50 and South would be: contract. I’m sorry to say, these hands if East does not receive wonderful though, that he lost his way have a forcing way to agree QPLUS 11. West North East South and went one down. 6NT is his partner’s suit. 2NT much easier. 2. West’s 5NT bid guaran- Pass 3♥ Pass 3♠ teed possession of all the key Pass 4♣ Pass 4♦ ♣♦♥♠ cards. Surely East’s queens See adjacent Pass 4♥ Pass 4♠ (neither of which he has sug- Mail Order Form. Pass 4NT Pass 5♠ The second hand was sent in gested) must make the hand Pass 6♠ All Pass by Jim Dapre: worth going all the way. ■ System: 8mb RAM, CD-ROM, Windows XP, Vista, 7 or 8 Send your slam hands to [email protected]

BRIDGE January 2016 Page 11 CLUB Answers to Bernard Magee’s INSURANCE Bidding Quizzes 10-12 on the Cover

around a longish holding in a . Every club should be 10. Dealer North. Love All. Your hand looks awful and it looks rea- covered and my inclusive ♠ A Q 7 6 ♠ 9 3 2 sonable to suggest a contract in one of package, to suit clubs of up ♥ Q 8 5 3 N ♥ A K J 4 the majors, but your ♣Q could be the key ♦ 8 3 2 W E ♦ 9 card. If your partner does have length in to 100 members for less than S ♣ A 6 ♣ K Q J 5 3 clubs then that will solidify his suit. Fur- £75 per year, is the right thermore, you cannot guarantee a fit in package at the right price. the majors. Had you had one long suit of West North East South a reasonable quality, then you might try Ring FIDENTIA for a quote 3♦ Dbl Pass for a suit contract, but with two poor suits ? and help in the unbid minor, you do best ( 020 3150 0080 to leave your partner in what he bid. 4♦. Your partner’s double is for take- If the clubs break, you make nine tricks out: he should be short in diamonds in no-trumps. and have support for the other suits. You would expect him to have the strength for inc£5 p&p a reasonable opening bid or better. You have the strength of an opening 12. Dealer North. Love All. hand yourself and support for both ma- ♠ A 9 2 ♠ K Q 4 3 jors, so you should be thinking of a game ♥ 8 7 N ♥ 9 contract in one of the majors, but which ♦ A 7 6 5 2 W E ♦ J 8 4 3 S one? ♣ 7 4 2 ♣ A K 6 3 With four cards in both majors, you would like your partner to choose his longer major in order to find the best fit. West North East South The way to make your partner bid is to 3♥ Dbl 4♥ bid the opponents’ suit: 4♦. ? Your partner bids 4♥ and that is where you finish. Double. Your partner makes a take-out When you know a game is on, but you double and you are ready to reply 4♦: are not sure which game, then a bid of your best suit. However, South interrupts the opponents’ suit is often the best call. you by bidding 4♥. Made in the UK It shows strength and demands another You have three choices: pass, 5♦ or from 100% pure cotton © Mr Bridge bid from your partner. double. Your partner should have the equiva- lent of 13 or 14 points which, added to your two aces, gives your side the major- 11. Dealer North. Love All. ity. This should make you feel that you ♠ J 7 5 4 3 ♠ A must do something and therefore ‘pass’ ♥ J 6 5 4 N ♥ A 9 is not the right choice. ♦ 7 3 W E ♦ A 9 4 2 With a relatively flat hand, 5♦ seems a S ♣ Q 7 ♣ A K 10 5 4 3 long way away: making 11 tricks takes a little more strength. Your only shortage is in hearts, but your partner might actually West North East South be shorter than you. 3♦ 3NT Pass You should double and ‘take the mon- ? ey’: you do not expect to make enough tricks to recoup the value of a game, but Pass. Your partner has made a 3NT you hope to get a reasonable result. overcall which is natural. What kind of On a bad day 4♥ will make, but much hand do you expect him to have? more likely is a couple off for +300, He should have a diamond stop and which, on this occasion, is much more the ability to take about seven tricks in than you could make by playing the con- no-trumps, which will often be based tract yourselves. ■

Page 12 BRIDGE January 2016 Julian Pottage answers your Frequently Asked Questions How Do I Respond to a Weak Two?

weak two opening indicates a know which hand type you hold, instead, partner opened 2♥, you would six-card suit and 5-9 or 6-10 because the golden rule after opener raise all the way to 4♥. With four-card points (the precise range being pre-empts is that responder is captain support and a singleton on the side, Aa matter for partnership agreement, and makes the subsequent decisions. you might well make 4♥. By getting to perhaps depending upon the vulner- With the strong hand, responder will your final contract quickly, you make ability). Although occasionally a weak double (or take some other suitable it as hard as possible for the opponents two will have a seven-card suit (espe- action) if the opponents compete. to get together in spades. You are cially in a 7222 shape when vulner- How strong do you need to be to bidding to the level of your fit again. able) or a five-card suit (at favourable make the 2NT enquiry? You should With Hand 3, you should pass either vulnerability, third in hand, for exam- have at least the values to invite game. a weak 2♥ or a weak 2♠. If you change ple), responder will assume precisely With a doubleton in support, you the suit, you will be raising the level six cards. are looking at a minimum of around and you have no reason to suppose On many hands with a doubleton or 15/16 points. With three-card support, that your diamond suit is any better fewer cards in partner’s suit, responder especially if you have a ruffing value, than partner’s major. Remember, you should pass. With up to and including you will need a fraction less; with only are expecting partner to hold a six- 14 points, the high card values for a singleton, you need a bit more. With card suit. game will not be present. With only 17/18 points or so, you intend to reach I have left the 2NT response until a moderate or no fit, you will neither game even facing a minimum and will last because opinions vary about wish to increase the pre-empt nor be only use the 2NT enquiry if you are the best way for opener to reply. It is able to count shape points to boost you unsure what the final contract will be. important that the reply discloses towards the values for game. You might be interested in a slam or whether opener is minimum or The usual responses are as follows: playing in 3NT, for example. maximum. One popular method, ‘Ogust’, involves showing the strength Simple raise = non-forcing and of the long suit (rather than high cards non-invitational with Hand 1 Hand 2 Hand 3 or short suits on the side): three-card support. ♠ 9 4 ♠ 5 ♠ 4 Double raise = to play, ♥ Q 7 3 ♥ A Q 7 2 ♥ 10 7 3♣ = minimum with poor suit could be pre-emptive. ♦ K 10 3 2 ♦ J 8 4 3 ♦ K Q 9 5 3 2 3♦ = minimum with good suit 2NT = strong enquiry. ♣ A K 4 2 ♣ A K 8 2 ♣ A J 8 7 3♥ = maximum with poor suit New suit = forcing for one round. 3♠ = maximum with good suit 3NT = maximum with A-K-Q in suit Some play that a new suit is non- With Hand 1, you pass a weak 2♠ from forcing, though this puts extra partner. Although you would have had pressure on the 2NT enquiry. enough to open the bidding had you Hand 4 On hands wishing to invite game been dealer, you cannot envisage game ♠ K 4 in partner’s suit, you make the 2NT facing a weak two opener. You would, ♥ K 9 enquiry. This leaves the simple raise as however, raise a weak 2♥ to 3♥. With ♦ A Q J 7 3 a pre-emptive move. your nine-card fit, you might well ♣ K 10 3 2 A double raise to game covers one of make 3♥. Even if not, you make it hard two hand types. The first is a moderate for the opponents to enter the auction. or even weak hand (depending upon You are bidding to the level of your fit. With Hand 4, you bid 2NT over 2♥ shape and vulnerability) with four- With Hand 2, again you pass a weak or 2♠. You intend to bid game in card or longer support. The second is 2♠ opening. With no fit and 14 points partner’s major facing a maximum a strong hand with at least a doubleton facing a hand too weak for a one-level and to sign off in three of the suit support. Opener does not need to opening, you are not making game. If, facing a minimum. ■

BRIDGE January 2016 Page 13 David Stevenson answers your questions on Laws and Ethics

Can You Change Your Bid?

Playing at our the card on the table event the minimum a stronger hand. The director Friday Bridge slowly and deliberately. becomes ten points, but would have cancelled the QClub last week, What recourse does it would be abnormal to board, given you average we had an incident that declarer have? play any unusual 1NT minus, and given your the Yellow Book did not 2. Is there any limit ranges in such sessions. opponents average plus. cover to our satisfaction. on the range of a North opened 1♠, East (weak) 1NT opening ♣♦♥♠ ♣♦♥♠ doubled but before South when played at a had bid, North asked normal club session? I was recently Last night, at whether he could alter Stephen Hanslip, dealt a hand our small local his opening bid. What Wakefield BC. Qwhich looked Qclub, West would your ruling be? great and full of opened 1NT and East Eugene Elijah, Burcot BC. 1. Clearly the first potential. Without too announced, ‘15-17 thing declarer much thought, I opened points,’ and bid 2♥, If the player had A should do, as with a Benji 2♣. A small slam West rebid 2♠ which was intended to call any other irregularity, is to was bid and made. No passed by everyone. A something else, but call the director and tell him other pair bid the slam. Dummy had three clubs. had taken the wrong card out what has happened. The Later, looking at the I held ♣A-10-9-7-6. On of the and asked director should point out to printout of the hands, I the second trick, East led to change it immediately he the player the inadvisability realised it did not have a club from dummy and realised, then he is allowed of such an action and the 16+ points or conform I ducked, intending to to do so since his partner has fact that it is illegal and to the extended rule take the second round not yet called. If he changes should warn his partner of 25. Our opposition of clubs (East must have it, East can change his dou- that this action comprises did not notice this and at least two clubs) and ble to something else if he unauthorised information accepted the result. try a third round hoping wishes. If North has changed so he should make every What is the situation partner might trump. his mind and decided he has effort to take no advantage. if, after play, the East showed out on the opened the wrong thing, then At the end of the hand you opposition query second round of clubs he is not allowed to change it then recall the director if you the opening bid? and trumped my ace. and his request is unauthor- think his partner took any Name and address supplied. When I questioned him ised information for his part- advantage (without saying afterwards, he said ner, who must make every whether it was deliberate It appears you and their no-trump bids are effort not to take advantage. or not) and the director your partner are just point counts and he may adjust the score. A playing an illegal sometimes opens 1NT ♣♦♥♠ 2. The minimum permitted system, albeit unintentionally. with a void. It wasn’t agreement for 1NT is nine A Benjamin 2♣ opening has worth making a fuss 1. On a heart points, but any width of to show a strong hand to about – we don’t have trick won by range is permitted. Some be legal, and that does not a director – but should Qhis partner, a people think otherwise, but mean just strong in playing East have alerted defender discards a low they are remembering a strength. Otherwise, you or announced, ‘may spade, signalling for a rule of 25 from years ago. gain an unfair advantage not be balanced.’? club lead – but he places In a novice or holiday over opponents who expect Terry Gregory by email.

Page 14 BRIDGE January 2016 Ask David continued her mind and called for did pass. We were not partner has done over another card. My friend vulnerable, so obviously any logical alternative. said that the first named he might have been The only logical reason card must be played. The thinking of sacrificing. for partner thinking on this The question really declarer said that the South had not left the bidding sequence is that is, ‘What are people law had been changed. stop card down for very he has a long suit and that A allowed to play in Lloyd Lewis, Swansea. long and the bidding suggests leading a short suit your club?’ If, for example, had gone round to my may be more successful. So they are playing to EBU rules, The declarer was partner fairly quickly, if a club or diamond lead as nearly every club does in wrong. Players are but he did think for what is a logical alternative, then England or Wales, whether A allowed to change seemed like ‘minutes’ I would disallow the heart affiliated or not to one of some things so they are to South – longer than lead as being suggested by the unions, then their 1NT beginning to believe they can normal for this sort partner’s hesitation. Suppose bid is just illegal and they change a lot more things. of auction anyway. I polled a number of players should be dissuaded from Once a card has been called I could not (and still and asked them what they playing it. They probably for from dummy it cannot be can’t) see a better lead would lead. I believe that are very inexperienced to changed, unless it was not the than the ♥K. Given that at least half would lead a play it anyway, so gentle card the declarer intended. I probably had most of club or a diamond, so those persuasion is best. If they So an unintended card might the points for our side, I are logical alternatives. are allowed to play it, then be changed subject to certain did not see much point in Accordingly, I would disallow it is an artificial bid, and rules, but a declarer cannot hoping to develop three your lead and adjust the requires an alert. Note that change her mind and play tricks in clubs, because score to 3NT+1. As to your it is legal to play it as pretty another card. No change of a losing finesse to my actions, when partner tells balanced, but possibly with a mind has been permitted in king would only give us a you something about his singleton, for example on a the last fifty years or more. fourth trick. We won the hand illegally, you must make 5431 hand: if so they should first seven heart tricks. every effort to avoid taking announce, ‘15-17, may have ♣♦♥♠ South complained that advantage. I might have led a singleton.’ But no voids. my lead was ‘unnatural’ the ♥K without the hesitation: Sitting West and was influenced by with it I would lead the ♣4 ♣♦♥♠ in a friendly my partner taking a long because I would be making Qmatch against time to bid. We waited sure I took no advantage. If an insufficient another club, South until the end of the match bid has been dealt and opened 2NT for a ruling. Several ♣♦♥♠ Qmade, is it the (20-22pts). I passed and qualified directors were responsibility of LHO North raised to 3NT. playing and at the end of After declarer to recognise this or can the match they could not won a trick, any player announce agree, dividing on parti- Qdeclarer and this transgression? ♠ 10 8 2 san lines, unfortunately. his RHO led to the next Ron Booth by email. ♥ 9 3 How would you rule? trick simultaneously. ♦ A 7 6 5 If my partner’s delay Law 58.B says that the Any player may draw ♣ K 6 3 2 does suggest a heart illegal lead is deemed attention to any ♠ J 5 3 ♠ 9 6 lead, should I have to be subsequent to the

transgression in the ♥ K 5 N ♥ A J 10 8 led something else? legal lead. Does Law A W E bidding. The same applies S 7 6 2 Derek Creasy by email. 57.A, which refers to, ‘a for any of the other three ♦ J 9 4 2 ♦ 10 3 defender ...... plays out of players in the play, apart ♣ Q J 5 4 ♣ 10 7 When your partner turn before his partner from dummy, though dummy ♠ A K Q 7 4 does something, has played,’ then apply? does have certain rights. ♥ Q 4 A apart from the calls Graham Lavender by email. ♦ K Q 8 he makes, that tells you ♣♦♥♠ ♣ A 9 8 something about his hand, Yes, that is correct. you must make every effort Since the card was A friend was to take no advantage and A deemed to be played playing match I was considering leading if a director feels you have after declarer’s but before Qpoint pairs at the ♥K, hoping to find my misjudged the situation, he his partner’s, that law applies a local club. One of his partner with five hearts will adjust. He will disallow and declarer gets the option opponents was declarer. to the queen or ace, actions by you where there of asking for the highest or At dummy’s turn, the before realising that my is a logical alternative action lowest card of a suit led, declarer called for a partner was still thinking. and, where the action chosen or forbidding one suit from card: later, she changed Eventually, my partner is suggested by whatever being discarded.

BRIDGE January 2016 Page 15 Ask David continued 2♠, you cannot get more and, while I was still partner says she has no than 60 below the line and thinking, my partner questions. If the two of you any bonuses go above the led the ♣6 and then, had done this then there line. Thus, if someone plays realising her mistake, would be no lead out of turn I was directing in 2♠, makes seven tricks, immediately picked at all and no penalties. and was called but gets two tricks for a it up again. I was Qto a table where, , that means they concentrating so much ♣♦♥♠ after the play of a trick have made nine tricks, 60 on my own hand that I had been completed, below and 30 above. This didn’t see this happen I wonder if you the declarer had a card is completely different from and led the ♦Q. At this would be kind left over. Nobody at a doubled contract, where point, declarer called the Qenough to offer the table could recall the actual contract is 2♠ director and explained an opinion on the fol- anything untoward doubled (for example) not what had happened. The lowing. Last Monday we happening during the 2♠, so if they make it, that director (not Bernard had six and a half tables play of the trick. What is 120 below the line, plus Magee) ruled that my and played a hesita- should I have ruled? anything else above the line. lead of the ♦Q should tion Mitchell. Chairs David Bowers by email. stand and the ♣6 should were placed strategi- ♣♦♥♠ be a penalty card. Was cally around the room If you mean the play this the correct ruling? for the relay boards. of a single trick, it Could you Geoff Woodcock, Buckland. Three boards were A seems simple enough please advise played at four tables be- to look at that trick and find Qon the play of I am glad you say fore the fifth table real- out what happened. If, as a suit with nine cards it was not Bernard ised the boards had not seems more likely, you mean between declarer and A because, if you been shuffled from last the hand was completed and dummy when the queen have described it fully, the week. No further play of a card was left over, the law is missing? Declarer ruling was wrong. Once those boards was al- tells you to go through the leads low to the king your partner has faced lowed. We have the new- tricks, find which trick was and then leads the jack a lead before you have, er version of Bridgemate short of a card, and apply from the dummy. He then then that is a lead out of scoring machines so at Law 67B which tells him waits for a hesitation or turn and will be dealt with the end of the evening to put the extra card there other reaction from RHO as such. You have then we can all see our per- and a one trick penalty is before deciding whether played a card when it was centages and positions. applied. However, so long to finesse or play to not your turn so it becomes The director announced as the hand has finished, it drop the queen. Do you a major penalty card. that he would amend hardly matters which trick consider this cheating, Without going into detail, the scores at home was deficient since the one unethical or fair play? declarer gets five options for before posting the trick penalty applies anyway. John Wilson by email. the lead out of turn. In two results to the web page. cases the lead is accepted He apportioned an ♣♦♥♠ Sounds like fair play and your card is a major average for every pair to me. Opponents’ penalty card to be played who played the boards. When someone A mannerisms are at the first opportunity. In This meant that the pairs and, say, authorised information. I one case, the lead reverts who played the boards Qtwo tricks have certainly accept that some to you but you have to lead and were on the losing to be given away, do the people do not like and would a club so your card stays side had their scores tricks go above or below never do it themselves, but as a major penalty card. increased and the pairs the line? We had an I believe that comes under In the remaining two cases on the winning side instance when a player the heading of personal your card becomes the had theirs decreased. thought that gave them ethics, which are their own lead. If declarer forbids a I cannot see the fair- game, but I thought they view of ethics but not what club lead partner’s card is ness in this action as went above the line. I the laws demand. Players picked up and if he says you friends of ours who understood that only who follow such approaches can play anything (clearly played the boards found when doubled the tricks themselves must accept that a better option) then your one pair jumped up sev- could make game. other people may not. partner’s card remains as eral places and the other Pat Walker by email. a major penalty card. pair fell several places. ♣♦♥♠ Perhaps this is the time I contend the boards The only scores to remind everyone that ought not be included below the line are At a recent Mr players are required, by law, and the overall A for tricks bid and Bridge weekend, to lead face down and not percentages calculated made. So if the contract is QI was on lead turn the lead face up until only on the boards

Page 16 BRIDGE January 2016 Ask David continued attempting to use 1NT showing 20 plus points as part of their system DECLARER which I do not allow, as played. This would I regard it as at least PLAY reflect on everybody’s red if not HUM and play for the evening and certainly not within be a fairer outcome. the parameters of QUIZ Incidentally, we did not green and blue system play the boards, so I feel guidelines, which I have by David Huggett giving an average was supplied to them. (Answers on page 18) unfair to us, as how often Can you advise me as would you come across to the correct parts of the ou are South as declarer playing teams or . three boards where laws/system rules which YIn each case, what is your play strategy? honours were even? I can refer to as I am David Davies by email. being continually asked to justify my stance. The decision sounds John Kelly by email. 1. ♠ 3 2 3. ♠ J 9 fair enough. The ♥ K 6 ♥ A 9 8 2 results that you saw A 1NT opening ♦ Q J 9 7 3 ♦ Q 10 7 3 A ♣ ♣ were incorrect because they showing 20+ points A K 10 9 A 5 3 included scores that would A is certainly not HUM not count. You say that and in fact the 20+ rule is N N W E W E players who did badly on the irrelevant. According to the S S unshuffled boards had their SBU systems policy on the score increased: that is true, SBU website, in a green or ♠ A K J 10 5 4 ♠ Q 5 but it is only being increased blue system, a 1NT opening ♥ Q J 7 ♥ J 10 3 from an unreal score shown must be natural and at least ♦ A K ♦ A 6 4 for interest. The real scores 10 points: if it is either fewer ♣ 6 5 ♣ K Q J 6 2 were those where the than 10 points or artificial unplayed boards were not then the system is red. ♠ included at all, or everyone So this pair, playing a You are declarer in 6 and You are declarer in 3NT ♥ ♦ given average which comes variant of Precision, are West leads the A and fol- and West leads the 5. to much the same thing. playing a blue system if their lows with a low heart. How How do you plan the play? 1NT opening is 20+ and do you plan the play? ♣♦♥♠ natural, and a red system if it is 20+ and artificial. I read some time ago in ♣♦♥♠ 2. ♠ K 5 2 4. ♠ 6 5 4 2 your column ♥ K 8 2 ♥ K Q 10 Q ♦ ♦ that a 1NT opening in Is a trial bid A 8 5 A Q J 2 Scotland showing 20 or announceable ♣ 9 7 5 3 ♣ 9 5 more points was illegal Qor alertable? under SBU rules. We We use a trial bid in N N W E W E are a small club using a weak 3+ card suit to S S green and blue systems ask whether partner with members of various can stop two or three ♠ A J 10 ♠ A Q standards from beginner quick losers in the suit. ♥ Q J 10 9 7 6 ♥ J 9 5 2 to strong club players. Is this alertable? ♦ 7 4 ♦ 10 9 8 We do not have red or Terry Gregory, Retford. ♣ K Q ♣ A K 6 2 HUM systems in use as that would disadvantage No, trial bids are ♥ the majority of members. neither alertable nor You are declarer in 4 You are declarer in 3NT ♠ One pair who claim A announceable if they after West had opened and West leads the 7. to play ‘precision’ keep show 3+ cards in the suit. ■ 1NT (12-14). West leads How do you plan the play? the ♦K. How do you plan the play? E-mail your questions on bridge laws to: [email protected]

BRIDGE January 2016 Page 17 Answers to David Huggett’s Play Quiz on page 17

opened 1NT (12-14). West leads the ♦K. more importantly nine tricks in all. If East 1. ♠ 3 2 How do you plan the play? plays low at trick one, then you win with ♥ K 6 You have to lose a trump, a diamond the six, cash the ace felling the king and ♦ Q J 9 7 3 and a club so the problem revolves make an overtrick. ♣ A K 10 9 around not losing a spade trick and, in ♠ 7 ♠ Q 9 8 6 order to work out who has the queen in ♥ A 9 8 2 N ♥ 10 5 4 3 that suit, you must fish around. You know W E ♦ ♦ ♠ 10 8 4 2 S 6 5 that West has 12-14 points so your first 4. 6 5 4 2 ♣ Q 8 3 2 ♣ J 7 4 move must be to win the opening lead ♥ K Q 10 ♠ A K J 10 5 4 and play on trumps. When you do, you ♦ A Q J 2 ♥ Q J 7 find that it is West who has the ace. Doubt- ♣ 9 5 ♦ A K less, he will try and cash some diamonds ♠ K J 8 7 3 ♠ 10 9 ♣ 6 5 but you the third round, draw trumps ♥ A 6 N ♥ 8 7 4 3 W E and play on clubs – just to see who has ♦ 7 4 3 S ♦ K 6 5 the ace. If it is West, he cannot have the ♣ Q 10 7 ♣ J 8 4 3 You are declarer in 6♠ and West leads queen of spades as well and if it is East he ♠ A Q the ♥A and follows with a low heart. How cannot have it. Furthermore, if it was East ♥ J 9 5 2 do you plan the play? who had the ace of trumps then you know ♦ 10 9 8 The slam is reasonable enough, but that West has the queen of spades. ♣ A K 6 2 there is a common misconception about how to play the trump suit. It is easy to think that a ‘’ of playing a You are declarer in 3NT and West leads top trump from hand first is in order to 3. ♠ J 9 the ♠7. How do you plan the play? guard against a singleton queen in the ♥ A 9 8 2 It looks as though you have to attack West hand, but this is sloppy reasoning. ♦ Q 10 7 3 both red suits to gather enough tricks Certainly you cannot afford to lose a ♣ A 5 3 for the contract to succeed and that is trump trick, but if West does have a ♠ A 10 2 ♠ K 8 7 6 4 3 quite right – but you have to attack them singleton it is four times more likely to be ♥ K 7 4 N ♥ Q 6 5 in the right order. Suppose you take the W E ♦ ♦ a low card than the queen. Accordingly J 9 8 5 S K 2 diamond finesse first and it loses. East you simply have to take two ♣ 10 7 4 ♣ 9 8 will doubtless return a spade and now against the queen to guard against that ♠ Q 5 if West started with five spades and the 4-1 break. ♥ J 10 3 ace of hearts, you will be defeated. If ♦ A 6 4 you knock out the ace of hearts first and ♣ K Q J 6 2 whoever wins returns a spade, you will now be taking the diamond finesse into 2. ♠ K 5 2 the hand with no more spades – or if he ♥ K 8 2 You are declarer in 3NT and West leads has one, the suit will have broken 4-3. ♦ A 8 5 the ♦5. How do you plan the play? Either way you are safe. ■ ♣ 9 7 5 3 Well this contract suffers from an ♠ Q 8 4 ♠ 9 7 6 3 obvious weakness, but at least you ♥ A 5 N ♥ 4 3 have escaped the killing spade lead. Mr Bridge Premium Quality Cards W E ♦ K Q J 9 2 ♦ 10 6 3 So does this contract have any hope at S Standard Faces, ♣ 8 6 4 ♣ A J 10 2 all? Certainly, because the opening lead with or without ♠ A J 10 indicates from the Rule of Eleven that bar codes. ♥ Q J 10 9 7 6 East only has one card higher than the Unboxed. ♦ 7 4 five and, should that card be the king, 6 red/6 blue £19.95 30 red/30 blue ♣ K Q then you are sitting pretty after all. So only £60 play low from dummy and if East plays the king, then you have three diamond Available from The London Bridge Centre. ( 020 7288 1305 www.bridgeshop.com You are declarer in 4♥ after West had tricks via a finesse against the jack, but

Page 18 BRIDGE January 2016 Beginners’ Bridge Corner DEFENCE Sorry Partner! QUIZ Play the High Cards by Julian Pottage in the Short (Answers on page 20) ou are East in the defensive positions below playing teams Yor rubber bridge. It is love all and your turn to play. Both Hand First sides are using Acol with a 12-14 1NT and 2♣ Stayman. by Liz Dale 1. ♠ J 10 6 4 3. ♠ A K Q 4 ♥ A K ♥ Q J 6 2 ♦ ♦ ove’s Labours Lost’ Total = 5 tricks. That’s K 7 9 8 ♣ ♣ had been shown four short, but not to worry K J 8 5 3 10 7 5 ♠ K Q 2 ♠ 10 2 locally by satellite because once the ♣A is N ‘L ♥ 9 5 4 N ♥ 9 5 3 from Shakespeare’s Globe knocked out there are five W E W E ♦ J 9 8 2 ♦ Q J 4 2 Theatre, Stratford Upon winners in clubs. That’s more S S ♣ 9 4 2 ♣ J 8 4 2 Avon. This was the third than enough for the contract. satellite theatre showing Great! Declarer won the ♥K that Mary had been to. on table and immediately West North East South West North East South ♣ She loved them. It was not played the K, which was 1♣ Pass 1♠ 1♦ Dbl 2♦ 4♠ something she would have won by South’s ace. South Pass 4♠ All Pass All Pass considered before joining the led a small heart and the beginners’ group. They just ace won on table. West Partner leads the ♥2, won Partner leads the ♦A. What made everything so easy to now led the ♣2 from in dummy. At trick two is your plan? do and such fun. There was dummy to her winning comes the ♠J. What do always something going on. queen. Good, now all she you do? She thought how wonderful had to do was play out the it was being able to see winning clubs from table. everything being performed Oh dear. Can you see exactly as it is and yet you the problem? East’s hand 2. ♠ K 4 4. ♠ 10 9 6 4 didn’t have the inconvenience with all those winning clubs ♥ Q ♥ K 7 6 2 of travelling or having to stay has no entries. One last ♦ A K Q 8 2 ♦ A 7 overnight. Extraordinary. chance. West played a small ♣ K Q 10 9 5 ♣ K 6 5 spade to the ♠Q and was ♠ Q 10 8 5 2 ♠ Void ♥ 10 2 ♥ J 8 5 4 dismayed to find it snaffled N N ♦ 5 4 ♦ Q J 8 4 2 ♠ A 10 8 2 ♠ Q 6 up by South’s king. Drat! All W E W E ♣ A 8 4 2 S ♣ Q 9 4 2 ♥ 7 5 3 N ♥ A K those winning clubs wasted. S W E ♦ A K 6 2 S ♦ 8 7 4 The contract went down. ♣ Q 10 ♣ K J 9 8 3 2 West North East South West North East South The Moral of the Story 4♥ 4NT1 Pass 5♦ 1♠ Declarer should have played All Pass 1Minors Pass 3♠ Pass 6♠ West North East South the ♣2 from dummy at trick All Pass ♥ 1NT 2 3NT All Pass 2. Whether South takes Partner leads the ♥K (king ♣ the A on this trick or not, from ace-king at 5-level or Partner leads the ♣J. North led the ♥Q, top of declarer must play the ♣K higher). What is your plan? Declarer wins in dummy a sequence, against the from dummy on the next and runs the ♠10 to West’s 3NT contract by West. round of clubs, unblocking ♠K. Back comes a trump. West counted her top tricks: the suit. Now the clubs are set If declarer now runs them spades: A = 1, up and the contract makes all (six rounds in total), hearts: A-K = 2, with one overtrick. Five clubs, what is your strategy? diamonds: A-K = 2, two diamonds, two hearts clubs = 0. and one spade. ■

BRIDGE January 2016 Page 19 Answers to Julian Pottage’s Defence Quiz on page 19

West North East South you want to gain the lead. The way to 1. ♠ J 10 6 4 4♥ 4NT1 Pass 5♦ achieve this is to drop the ♦Q under the ♥ A K All Pass 1Minors ♦A. Dropping the ♦Q must signal pos- ♦ K 7 session of the ♦J (or a singleton – but that ♣ K J 8 5 3 Partner leads the ♥K (king from ace-king is impossible on the bidding). After part- ♠ A ♠ K Q 2 at 5-level or higher). What is your plan? ner leads a low diamond at trick two, you ♥ Q 10 8 2 N ♥ 9 5 4 With the singleton heart and plenty of know what to do. Win with the ♦J and W E ♦ ♦ 6 5 4 3 S J 9 8 2 trumps in dummy, your play to the first switch to a club. As the cards lie, this ena- ♣ A 10 7 6 ♣ 9 4 2 trick should be suit preference. Holding bles your side to take the first four tricks. ♠ 9 8 7 5 3 an ace in the lowly club suit, you play the If partner held the ♣K and one of the top ♥ J 7 6 3 ♥2. two hearts, the same plays to the first ♦ A Q 10 What do you do after partner switches three tricks would also beat the contract. ♣ Q to the ♣7? You can make your ♣A and will need one more trick to defeat the contract. For two reasons you should West North East South aim for a club ruff rather than a spade 4. ♠ 10 9 6 4 1♣ Pass 1♠ trick (with the ♠A). First, the 4♥ opening ♥ K 7 6 2 Pass 4♠ All Pass would be heavy with an ace as well as an ♦ A 7 ace-king. More importantly, your partner ♣ K 6 5 Partner leads the ♥2, won in dummy. could have cashed the ♠A before trying ♠ K 7 2 ♠ Void At trick two comes the ♠J. What do you the club. Showing faith in what is going ♥ Q 3 N ♥ J 8 5 4 do? on across the table, you should take the ♦ 9 6 5 3 W E ♦ Q J 8 4 2 S All the clues point in one direction. ♣A and return a club. As it happens, ♣ J 10 8 7 ♣ Q 9 4 2 If declarer holds the ♠A, it is hard to partner would switch to a club even with- ♠ A Q J 8 5 3 see how you can beat the contract if out reading the ♥2 as a signal. This is be- ♥ A 10 9 you cover. At most your side will take a cause switching to a club just needs you ♦ K 10 trump and whatever aces your partner to hold the ♣A whereas a spade switch ♣ A 3 holds. Ducking in the hope that for some needs to find you with the ♠A-Q. reason declarer overtakes offers your only chance. If partner holds the ♠A, West North East South you do not want to crash honours. This 1♠ is likely to happen because it is usual to 3. ♠ A K Q 4 Pass 3♠ Pass 6♠ respond 1♥ with 4-4 in the majors, so ♥ Q J 6 2 All Pass the ♥2 lead marks South with four hearts ♦ 9 8 and thus five spades. ♣ 10 7 5 Partner leads the ♣J. Declarer wins in ♠ 6 ♠ 10 2 dummy and runs the ♠10 to the ♠K. Back ♥ 10 7 4 N ♥ 9 5 3 comes a trump. If declarer now runs ♦ A K 10 6 3 W E ♦ Q J 4 2 them all (six rounds in total), what is your S 2. ♠ K 4 ♣ A Q 6 3 ♣ J 8 4 2 strategy? ♥ Q ♠ J 9 8 7 5 3 If declarer runs the trumps, this tells ♦ A K Q 8 2 ♥ A K 8 you the diamond distribution. Partner ♣ K Q 10 9 5 ♦ 7 5 must have four or dummy would be ruff- ♠ 7 6 ♠ Q 10 8 5 2 ♣ K 9 ing one. You can thus part with your dia- ♥ A K J 9 8 7 5 4 N ♥ 10 2 monds. For as long as you can, you keep W E ♦ 6 3 ♦ 5 4 as many clubs as dummy – it is just pos- S ♣ 7 ♣ A 8 4 2 West North East South sible that partner began with J-10 alone. ♠ A J 9 3 1♦ Dbl 2♦ 4♠ Much more likely is that partner can keep ♥ 6 3 All Pass the clubs covered. In this case your job ♦ J 10 9 7 is to guard the hearts. You can part with ♣ J 6 3 Partner leads the ♦A. What is your plan? one after dummy does, but you save your Looking at dummy’s club weakness, other three hearts until the bitter end. ■

Page 20 BRIDGE January 2016 Conventions Part 13 with Jeremy Dhondy Defending Against the Multi 2♦

he last article looked at the Mul- overcall. Of course the Multi opener ti. It worries those who need to could have spades, but the odds are ♠ K J 5 ♥ A Q 7 3 N defend against it. In America, it significantly against it and you don’t W E ♦ Tworries them to the point that it isn’t want to die waiting for the perfect 7 3 S allowed in some events and players hand to bid on. ♣ K Q 5 4 may bring their written defence to it If you overcall 2NT, then this is to the table even at the highest level. strong and natural with a range of We are made of sterner stuff in the about 16-19. Whatever you normally You double 2♦. This shows at least an UK, but to defend against it some ba- play over a 2NT opening, you still play opening hand with no clear cut bid. sic principles are needed. This is made here. I’ve seen players think 2NT ought This hand is not strong enough to bid more complex, because the Multi may to be the unusual no-trump. I think 2NT. The double shows either about be weak or strong and we can’t be this is wrong as the Multi is likely to 13-15 balanced or a very strong hand. quite certain as to the suit held. be weak and you need to have a way of You might hold: Every so often, probably twice per expressing a strong hand over it. One decade, you may do the wrong thing advantage of bidding 2NT and being and bid their suit. Even when you raised to 3NT is that the hand opposite ♠ A K 7 ♥ K Q 5 N do, some of the time you will be able the Multi may not know which major W E to escape, so the first thing to do is to lead. ♦ A J 4 S not to worry about bidding their suit If you have the minors and a limited ♣ K J 7 5 or bidding when they are strong, hand, you may still get a chance later because it is an imaginary or at least You hold: very infrequent problem. Even when Now you are too strong to overcall you do stick your head into the lion’s 2NT, so your plan is to double and mouth, your opponents may be unsure ♠ 9 7 bid no-trumps on the next round. ♥ A K J 10 6 4 N as to whether you have done so or not. W E This will be at least 20 points. Again, Let’s suppose your right hand ♦ K 3 S you will proceed over the 2NT as you opponent opens a Multi 2♦, what ♣ A Q 8 would over a 2NT opening. should you do? If you overcall 3NT, then that is natural and to play. It is usually based Overcalls Make a jump overcall. If you bid only on a source of tricks with some major 2♥, then you could miss game. If suit stops. A typical hand might be: Bids are natural and show at least five partner tells you that 3♥ is weak, then card suits, usually six cards at the tell him a cardinal principle is that you three level. If your opponent opens 2♦ never pre-empt over a pre-empt and ♠ A Q ♦ ♥ K 7 N and you hold: that is what 2 is most likely to be. W E You can now express hands with a ♦ A K J 10 9 6 5 S suit and strong balanced hands. What ♣ Q 10 ♠ K J 10 9 5 you are left with is opening bids that ♥ 7 3 N W E are fairly balanced and opening bids ♦ A Q 4 3 S which are short in a . Responding to the Double ♣ K 6 Doubling It is vital to agree what the next hand does if you start with a double. You have a perfectly normal 2♠ If you have something like: Suppose your auction starts:

BRIDGE January 2016 Page 21 Defending Against the Multi 2♦ Passing on the First Round Mr Bridge If you hold a hand with one major and Celebration not the other then you might wait. West North East South Here is a typical hand: Party Tie 2♦ Dbl 2♥ ? ♠ 5 ♥ K J 9 4 N Bids are natural and show some W E values, because otherwise you would ♦ A J 9 6 S £15 have passed. ♣ K Q 6 5 including postage Sometimes, you don’t have a clear & packing action so you can double to show this, ie double is not for penalties. The Multi opener has probably got A typical hand for a double in the spades, but if not you may want to try ( 01483 489961 above auction might be: for a penalty. If the auction proceeds:

www.mrbridge.co.uk West North East South ♠ K J 9 4 2♦ N ♥ 7 4 Pass 2♥ Pass 2♠ W E S ♦ Q 9 5 3 ? ♣ A 10 6 Life’s a GAME You have a perfect take-out double of 2♠. If the Multi opener passes 2♥ then If opener has hearts, then you have given partner is also a passed hand but a good chance of a fit. If opener has you may just want to defend as you spades then you may want to try for a likely haven’t got a great fit. penalty. In all auctions like this which Another hand you would pass on at BRIDGE start with partner doubling 2♦, the your first opportunity is the following: third double by either player is for penalties. is One problem you may have with a ♠ 9 5 ♥ 7 N Multi is that the third player will not W E bid 2♥, but perhaps 3♥ which means ♦ K Q J 7 6 S SERIOUS he is happy to play 3♥ or 3♠ according ♣ A J 9 8 4 to which suit his partner has. Double would mean the same thing, ie some Made in the UK from 100% pure cotton © Mr Bridge values and no clear action. If your West North East South opponents are not vulnerable they 2♦ may be quite aggressive. Pass 2♥ Pass Pass or 2♠ You also need to know what to do if 2NT DUPLICATE it starts: This could not be a strong no-trump BRIDGE West North East South type as you would have either bid 2NT 2♦ or doubled on the first round so here RULES Dbl Pass ? 2NT is both minors. SIMPLIFIED If they pass a Multi, it could be that Bidding in the Fourth Seat (otherwise known as the Yellow Book) they have no preference and are asking partner to bid his suit or it could be Because the Multi leads to more com- that they have diamonds or most likely plicated auctions than traditional weak by John Rumbelow only they have no idea. two openers (which is, of course, why and revised by £595 Generally, it shows no preference so players are keen on it) you also need to David Stevenson bidding naturally is best, but if you are know what you are doing in fourth po- going to pass too, you might be best sition. If the auction starts as follows: Available from Mr Bridge just to check if they do know what the ( 01483 489961 pass means. If you ask and don’t get a West North East South www.mrbridge.co.uk sensible answer you can always pass 2♦ and see who blinks first! Pass 2♥ ?

Page 22 BRIDGE January 2016 Defending Against the Multi 2♦ bid is natural. It is very similar to the auction:

West North East South The risk of entering the auction has 1NT increased because you know partner Pass 2♥ ? is unlikely to have a decent hand. As before, suit bids are natural, 2NT is 2♥ is a transfer to spades, so here, a strong and double is for take out, but bid of 3♥ would be natural and pretty supposing you have: much all players would identify it as such. The bid over the response to the Multi is much the same. ♠ 7 5 Exactly the same applies if you have N ♥ A Q J 10 7 5 W E spades: S ♦ K J 5 ♣ A 4 ♠ A Q J 10 7 5 N ♥ 7 5 W E Then if you were a betting man, you S ♦ K J 5 would think the opener had a weak ♣ A 4 two in spades and you would like to get across your hand, so you bid 3♥ but, oh dear, partner alerts and now West North East South a misunderstanding occurs and a 2♦ bad board follows. Partner is wrong. Pass 2♠ ? The opponents have not yet bid a suit naturally so a bid of 3♥ is natural. A bid of 3♠ and, for that matter, 3♥ Agreeing this will remove a common is natural because they have not yet source of disaster when defending shown a suit. the Multi. The hand that responded There are other ways to defend 2♥ to the Multi is simply asking his against a Multi, but the advantage partner to show his hand type. He has of the method proposed above is not shown hearts (indeed if he had that it relies on mainly natural bids good hearts he would probably do and is therefore relatively simple in something else) so a bid over his relay comparison to some others. ■

Summary l Assume, until shown otherwise, that the Multi opener is weak. This will be true when you want to enter the auction a very high proportion of the time.

l Suit overcalls are natural.

l You double with a of at least opening strength that isn’t the right range for a 2NT overcall.

l If you are short in a major, you wait and hope to double for take out on the next round.

l If your side doubles a multi then the next double shows values rather than being for penalties. The third double is a penalty double whichever side it comes from.

l If you bid a major before they have confirmed their multi suit then it is natural.

l For every disaster you avoid by passing for fear of bidding the opponents’ Multi suit, you will get nine more where you lose by being too timid.

BRIDGE January 2016 Page 23 Robin Hood’s Bridge Adventures by David Bird Gisburne’s Foolish Lead

he Sheriff of Nottingham rubbers?’ he asked. ‘Sir Guy can make kept on good terms with the up the four. Not much of a player, of Dealer West. Love All. county’s landed gentry. Even course, but he’ll suffice.’ ♠ Q 5 Twhen the castle coffers were near to ‘My Lord, you speak in jest, surely?’ ♥ Q J 4 full, there was no harm in seeking retorted Gisburne. ‘Only two days ago ♦ Q 7 2 further donations. we finished first by three tops in the ♣ K Q 7 6 5 When discussing such matters with castle duplicate.’ ♠ A K J 8 4 3 ♠ 10 2 his financial advisers, he referred to it The Sheriff winced. Was Gisburne ♥ 5 N ♥ K 10 9 W E ♦ 8 5 ♦ J 10 9 6 4 3 as ‘mending the roof while the sun was determined to dissuade their guests S shining’. from the proposed high-stake bridge ♣ J 9 4 3 ♣ 10 8 On the present occasion, he was game? At a crown-a-100, the evening ♠ 9 7 6 hosting Lord and Lady Hoylle whose was a highly profitable prospect. ‘In ♥ A 8 7 6 3 2 100-acre estate contained one of the such a weak standard, a pair of Lord ♦ A K largest herds of red deer in the country. and Lady Hoylle’s quality would ♣ A 2 The Sheriff downed the last drops have won by double that amount,’ he of a fine bottle of Spanish wine that replied. he had sacrificed for their visit. ‘Shall The game started and this was an West North East South we repair to the cardroom for a few early deal: Lady The Lord Guy of Hoylle Sheriff Hoylle Gisburne 2♠ Pass Pass 3♥ Pass 4♥ All Pass

Lady Hoylle opened with a Feeble Two, a method popular among the aristoc- racy, and Gisburne arrived in Four Hearts. Lady Hoylle led out her two top spades, her husband playing high- and-low to signal two cards in the suit. Lady Hoylle could not hope for more than one good card in her partner’s hand. The best chance seemed to be to persevere with a third round of spades. When the ♠J appeared on the table, Gisburne ruffed with the dummy’s queen. Lord Hoylle was in no hurry to overruff with the king. If he did so, declarer would be able to draw his remaining two trumps with the ace and jack. After only a couple of seconds’ thought, he discarded a diamond. Somewhat stung by the Sheriff’s earlier quips on his play, Gisburne was determined to give a good account of himself. East surely held the ♥K since otherwise West would be too strong

Page 24 BRIDGE January 2016 Robin Hood continued On the next hand, Gisburne led the ♥6 Aware that the Sheriff was glaring to the Sheriff’s king, which was allowed at him, Gisburne considered his to win. Lord Hoylle won the ♥J return opening lead carefully. There was for a Feeble Two. and could count only eight top tricks clearly no future in a club lead, when Hoping to a singleton ♥10 or because the spade suit was blocked. He holding five cards in the suit that ♥9 with West, Gisburne led dummy’s marked time by cashing four diamond partner had bid. Surely the singleton ♥J to the next trick. This was covered tricks, Gisburne discarding the ♠4. diamond represented the best chance by the king and ace but only a Lord Hoylle’s intention was to of beating the game. Every player in disappointing ♥5 showed from West. perform a throw-in play on West. He the shire would lead a diamond from Lord Hoylle subsequently claimed two cashed the ace and queen of spades and his hand. If the Sheriff faulted the lead trump tricks for one down. exited with his last heart. Gisburne afterwards, he could find a different The Sheriff was not one to miss scored three heart tricks but at Trick partner on future occasions. a chance of flattering his wealthy 12 had to lead from his ♣K-8. Declarer Lord Hoylle won the diamond lead visitors. ‘You defended strongly, my claimed the last two tricks with his with his king. What now? If he played Lord,’ he said. ‘If you overruff with the club tenace and the game was made. a trump, there was every prospect king, he makes the contract.’ ‘By the Saints!’ exclaimed the Sheriff. that the Sheriff would win and give ‘The fellow should make it anyway,’ ‘A six-year-old child would have seen Gisburne a diamond ruff. Two club Lord Hoylle declared. ‘Ruff with that end-play coming. For Heaven’s tricks would then defeat the contract. dummy’s ♥4. If I overruff, you can sake, man, bare the ♣K.’ Fortunately, a potential remedy was at pick up my remaining ♥K-10 with a Lord Hoylle was aware that this hand. finesse. If I decline to overruff, you defence would be fruitless. When Lord Hoylle crossed to the spade run the trump queen and again lose Gisburne was thrown in with a heart, ace and continued with the king and just one trump trick.’ he would have to concede either two queen of the suit, discarding one of The Sheriff’s eyes blazed. ‘It’s just club tricks or the ♠K and one club. Not dummy’s club losers. Only then did he what I told you at dinner, my Lord,’ he that he would point this out. He had play a trump to the king. The Sheriff said. ‘The man doesn’t have the first no liking for the bumbling captain won with the ace and gave Gisburne a idea about the game.’ of the guard and would enjoy his diamond ruff. After a club to the ace Play continued and after four discomfiture. and a third round of diamonds, Lord rubbers the scores were level. ‘Just one ‘Bare the ♣K, my Lord?’ stammered Hoylle ruffed high and drew the last more rubber,’ declared Lord Hoylle, Gisburne. ‘But then it would fall under trump. The final rubber had been won. ‘then Emily and I will retire to the the ace.’ ‘You dunderhead!’ cried the Sheriff. bedchamber.’ ‘You think declarer can see through ‘Did you not hear my opening bid of The Sheriff looked urgently at the backs of the cards?’ demanded the One Club? Lead a club and I take the Gisburne. To gather any profit from Sheriff. ‘Heaven spare me from such two winners, switching to a diamond. the tiresome evening, it was essential partners!’ I give you a ruff when I take the trump to win the final rubber. Soon afterwards Lord Hoylle had a ace and he’s one down.’ chance to win the rubber. ‘I had five clubs with you, my Lord,’ Gisburne protested. ‘There seemed to Dealer South. Love All. be no future in the suit.’ ♠ K 6 2 Dealer East. N/S Game. ‘If you dare to play so feebly again, ♥ 7 5 4 ♠ A 8 there’ll be no future for you as captain ♦ 8 6 5 3 ♥ K 4 3 of the guard,’ reprimanded the Sheriff. ♣ 10 6 4 ♦ A 10 8 6 4 2 ‘I suppose next time I’ll have to open ♠ J 7 4 ♠ 10 9 8 5 3 ♣ J 6 one diamond to make sure that you ♥ Q 10 8 6 2 N ♥ K J ♠ J 7 6 3 2 ♠ 10 9 4 lead a club!’ W E ♦ 10 9 4 ♦ 7 2 ♥ 8 2 N ♥ A 9 S Lord Hoylle totted up the rubber, W E ♣ K 8 ♣ J 9 5 3 ♦ 3 ♦ Q J 9 7 S looking pleased with the result. ♠ A Q ♣ 9 8 7 3 2 ♣ A K 5 4 Gisburne and the Sheriff paid their ♥ A 9 3 ♠ K Q 5 dues and rose to their feet. What a ♦ A K Q J ♥ Q J 10 7 6 5 tedious evening it had been. ♣ A Q 7 2 ♦ K 5 ‘My throat is dry,’ declared Lord ♣ Q 10 Hoylle. ‘Perhaps you could open another bottle of that excellent Spanish West North East South wine? It’ll help us sleep well tonight.’ Guy of Lady The Lord West North East South Resignedly, the Sheriff beckoned for Gisburne Hoylle Sheriff Hoylle Guy of Lady The Lord a servant to attend them. If Gisburne 2♣ Gisburne Hoylle Sheriff Hoylle thought one drop of the expensive liq- Pass 2♦ Pass 3NT 1♣ 1♥ uid would touch his lips after such an All Pass Pass 4♥ All Pass inept display, he could think again. ■

BRIDGE January 2016 Page 25 A Blast From the Past 19 by Shireen Mohandes Deauville 1968

he third Bridge Olympiad took spades, for if he had 5 and a singleton ♦Q, which Belladonna won with his place in Deauville, France, club, he would have supported spades. ♦K, and noted that declarer played the in 1968. The mighty Italian So building up a picture of the cards, ♦10 on this first round of diamonds. TBlue Team (, Giorgio the defensive prospects are: ♥A, a Spend a moment thinking about the Belladonna, Massimo D’Alelio, Pietro ♣ ruff, a top ♠, maybe the ♦K. But consequences of the ♦10 from declarer, Forquet, , Camillo thinking that over, declarer might the possible location of the ♦J and the Pabis Ticci) took the gold, defeating the have time to draw trumps and discard layout of that suit. USA (Robert F. Jordan, , a loser on dummy’s clubs. Decide which defence might work Norman Kay, Arthur Robinson, Bill if declarer has these original heart Root, Al Roth). holdings (the red cards having been Roman Walter Avarelli played at trick 2 and the blue card used (1912-1987) was a judge by for the defensive club ruff): profession. His long-time partner v Switzerland Teams. North/South Vulnerable Partner Declarer ♠ 9 3 (1923-1995) was a potential (a) 8 x K Q J 10 x x x x ♥ Void soccer star as a teenager, but, (b) 8 7 x K Q J 10 x x x ♦ A Q 9 6 as Alan Truscott described in (c) J 8 x K Q 10 x x x x ♣ A Q J 10 8 6 2 Giorgio’s obituary in the New (d) 10 8 x K Q J x x x x ♠ K Q 8 6 4 York Times ‘…WW2 interrupted N ♥ A 9 5 that career path…’ His eventual W E ♦ K 8 profession was the civil service. S Deauville Town anecdotes ♣ 7 5 4 Jaime Ortiz-Patino (1930-2013) was French Born, of l Ian Fleming had played at the Bolivian parents, but lived in and Deauville Casino, probably The 1968 auction in the Open Room played for Switzerland. He owned the inspiration for Casino (rotated for this article): the Valderrama Golf Club in Spain, Royale (the film was released which was the venue for the 32nd in 1967, and featured David West North East South Ryder Cup in 1997. It is said that Niven as Sir James Bond). Walter Jaime Giorgio Pietro he was one of the five wealthiest l Remembrance of Things Past. Avarelli Ortiz-Patino Belladonna Bernasconi men in the world during WW2. (Read it? No, your author hasn’t 1♥ Pietro Bernasconi either, but apparently Deauville Pass 2♣ 2♠ 4♥ (1932-2001), from Geneva, inspires some settings). All Pass was famed for setting fiendish l Coco Chanel lived and worked par contests (see BRIDGE there, and it was the launchpad Opening lead: ♣3 165). Both men devoted much of her career in fashion. time to the organisation and Declarer won the lead in hand with administration of world bridge. l The first act of the 1930 comedy of manners ‘Private Lives’ the ♣K and played the ♥K. (Noel Coward) is set there. What do we know so far? Partner has led a singleton club. The club suit Back to what actually happened: Bel- is therefore: 7-3-2-1. Declarer rates ladonna (East) won his ♥A, and played to have at least a six-card heart suit. a low club requesting a diamond Hint 1: if declarer has hand (a), then He is almost certain to have the ♠A switch, attacking dummy’s entry, and the game will not be defeated (declarer (otherwise he is far too short of high trying to set up a defensive trick. Ava- has one spade trick, seven heart tricks, card points to leap to game). Avarelli, relli (West) duly ruffed with his ♥8 and one diamond trick and one club trick, sitting West, probably has 4 or 3 returned the ♦4. Declarer finessed the making ten tricks).

Page 26 BRIDGE January 2016 Deauville 1968 continued East returned the ♦8. Declarer was ♠ 9 3 in dummy and although he had minor ♥ — suit winners galore, he could not cash ♦ A 9 6 any of them because the opponents ♣ A Q J 10 would ruff with small trumps, leaving ♠ 10 7 5 2 ♠ K Q 8 6 4 declarer with a spade loser. ♥ X N ♥ 9 5 It is the mark of a good player W E ♦ J 7 5 2 ♦ 8 S to consider all options and come to ♣ — ♣ 7 the realisation that it is not necessary ♠ A J to rely on the ‘trump promotion ♥ Q J X 6 4 3 defence’. ♦ 3 ♣ — ♠ 9 3 ♥ Void East is on lead: what to play? ♦ A Q 9 6 Hint 3: Partner ruffed the second ♣ A Q J 10 8 6 2 round of clubs with the ♥8, suggesting ♠ 10 7 5 2 ♠ K Q 8 6 4 a higher card. But also this might be a ♥ 10 8 2 N ♥ A 9 5 W E ♦ J 7 5 4 2 ♦ K 8 ploy to deceive declarer. Even if West S had ruffed it with a smaller heart, ♣ 3 ♣ 7 5 4 such as the ♥6, there is a defence that ♠ A J doesn’t rely on West having a trump ♥ K Q J 7 6 4 3 promotion. ♦ 10 3 ♣ K 9

Giorgio Belladonna Photo: Looking at the 1968 bidding, how Peter Hasenson archives different would it be in this era? The 2♣ bid is spot on. North has no reason Hint 2: if declarer has hand (b), then to jump to 3♣, it simply consumes the game will not be defeated if you space unnecessarily. East’s 2♠ overcall return another club for partner to ruff. is marginal, but if he does do it, West The honour sequence in declarer’s will probably be more aggressive and hand means that the third club can compete to 4♠. be ruffed high. Trumps are drawn, In the other room the Italian North/ declarer reaches dummy via a diamond South climbed too high. They reached to the ace and away goes the spade 6♣ and the ♠K was led. I would have loser. Is there a trump promotion in loved to have been a fly on the wall (c) and (d)? Who has the ♥10? Jaime Ortiz-Patino when they were scoring up. Wouldn’t Photo: Peter Hasenson archives Any other options? you? ■

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BRIDGE January 2016 Page 27 JUST Teacher’s Corner – Teaching Tips from Ian Dalziel DUPLICATE BRIDGE 2016 A New Way of Wyndham Garden Grantham Teaching Finessing Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT 29-31 January £189 26-28 February £189 hey say pawns are the soul of Others think that: 13-15 May £189 chess; I believe the finesse is at the soul of bridge. Those who 16-18 September £189 N Tquickly grasp finessing will readily ♠ K x W E ♠ x x 14-16 October £189 S 4-6 November £189 absorb the other aspects the game. Anyone who struggles with the finesse Ardington Hotel will have to work much harder to isn’t a finesse as it only involves two Worthing BN11 3DZ become a reasonable player. cards – the king and the ace. Yet these 5-7 February £199 After giving a lesson on finessing, I same people are capable of incredibly watched as one of my students faced complex calculations and procedures Holiday Inn this combination at the table. in other fields. Ashford North TN26 1AR How can it be that so many otherwise 19-21 February £189 clever people find bridge so difficult? ♥ K J 6 I believe there is such a thing as ‘card 28-30 October £189 sense’, and it isn’t that common. Those 11-13 November £189 N ♥ Q 7 5 W E ♥ 9 8 3 2 who possess it don’t need bridge S teachers like me; just give them a good Holiday Inn ♥ A 10 4 book, send them to the nearest bridge Newport NP18 2YG club and they will do just fine. 4-6 March £189 The majority have to be taught every- 11-13 November £189 She played low from hand and, when thing; very little comes naturally. Just West also played low, she played as well or I would be out of a job! Some Denham Grove the jack after some hesitation. She absorb information like a sponge. Near Uxbridge, UB9 5DU beamed when it held the trick. I, too, Others progress incredibly slowly, but 18-20 March £199 was thrilled – however, my joy was still enjoy the game immensely and we 10-12 June £199 short-lived. She promptly led low from don’t want to lose them – for anyone 21-23 October £199 dummy and ‘finessed’ the ten. When can play an acceptable game eventual- 18-20 November £199 this lost to the queen she turned to me ly if they get the right kind of teaching. and said ruefully, ‘You were right, the Bridge teaching can be very Chatsworth Hotel finesse only works 50% of the time!’ frustrating. You give a spoken lesson Worthing BN11 3DU So, it’s quite a challenge for the on finessing, using the most modern 8-10 April £199 bridge teacher to make finessing techniques of PowerPoint or plasma 6-8 May £199 understandable. The thought of , and explain it brilliantly. You 3-5 June £199 playing a card which might lose instead then give them prepared hands and 15-17 July £199 of a card which will surely win seems, it becomes clear that some haven’t 7-9 October £199 to many, a needless risk. Most of the understood a word you said. The truth standard finesses only involve three is that most people learn best with the 11-13 November £199 to five key cards, yet some misplay the cards in their hands. However, even following combinations for a lifetime. if they manage to play eight boards Full Board in the session, each person will only No Single Supplement* be declarer twice which isn’t much ♦ Q x x ♦ K Q x experience. They should, of course, ( 01483 489961 learn by watching others, but rarely do. www.mrbridge.co.uk N N W E W E It’s not a very efficient way of learning, Please note there are no seminars, set S S for they need a lot more practice. hands or prizes at these events. ♦ A x x ♦ x x x My solution is to have them working *subject to availability in pairs with flash cards.

Page 28 BRIDGE January 2016 A New Way of Teaching Finessing enough – after that they have a tea break which is followed by random hands (see my previous column). My definition of a finesse is ‘an This needs twice the number of attempt to win a trick with a card tables, but means they can practice a lower than one held by opponents’. lot of finessing. South is shown two A finesse exists when the number Canaries & Madeira printed hands (example shown) and of tricks depends on ‘what lies where’ North has a booklet with questions and ‘who plays what’ – when the Winter Warmth and answers. Each suit is taken in maximum and minimum tricks dif- turn; North reads out the questions, fer. When dummy goes down and you South answers and North checks. If an can ‘spot the finesses’, that’s half the bat- answer is wrong, they discuss till they tle. Beside these suits, put an imaginary fully understand it. Then they swap flag which reads Handle With Care. roles for the next hand. Before I produced the flash cards, I The teacher is on hand to help but is did the same thing with cards in wal- rarely needed – they teach themselves. lets, but can you imagine how many A suited pack of cards is on each table wallets needed to be made up for 12 so any combination can be played out pairs? Sails from Southampton if required, but they rarely need to. The Anyone wishing a PDF copy of my 7th January 2017 • 13 nights discussion is incredibly helpful; the flashcards and Q&A booklets at no Balmoral • L1701 students love it as no-one is inactive charge should email ildalziel@talktalk. or bored. In fact 30-45 minutes is long net ■ • Southampton • Funchal, Madeira • Santa Cruz, La Palma • Santa Cruz, Tenerife • Las Palmas, Gran Canaria • Arrecife, Lanzarote • Lisbon, Portugal • Southampton

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BRIDGE January 2016 FOC311297_Mr_Bridge_Adverts_261.5x57mm_W/C_27.07.15_FV.inddPage29/07/2015 29 3 14:42 Heather’s Private Bridge Lessons

Unassuming Cue Bids

n Unassuming Cue Bid (UCB) Bid 2♦, an unassuming cue bid, with a trial bid of 3♦, you are happy to is a cue bid of the opponent’s guaranteeing a fit for partner’s suit, accept with your extra two points and suit facing an overcall. It is a and a good raise to at least 2♥. great help for diamonds. Away of distinguishing between a pre- As South, knowing you are facing What do you play at trick 1 on the emptive raise of partner’s suit and a a decent raise, you will want to have lead of the ♠9? hand with some genuine values. a go at game. As you can see, 4♥ is Do not be tempted to put up the king For example: an excellent contract even given the since you know that East holds the ace. wasted ♦K. Instead you should begin by covering West North East South On the sequence: with the ten. This means that East 1♥ 1♠ will be on lead at the end of the trick, 2♣ ? West North East South the effect of which is that he cannot 1♣ 1♥ continue the suit without establishing Unless you have some agreed method 2♦ ? your king. It’s true that West will ruff to differentiate, a bid of ♠2 could show the third round, but crucially you values or be purely pre-emptive. a UCB of 3♣ would now show a would be able to discard your losing sound raise to at least 3♥ since this club in the meantime. A cue bid shows support is level to which the auction is forced. If you play low on the first spade, This would normally be at least 12 West will remain on lead and be able A genuine raise can be made by cue points facing a one-level overcall (ten to play a second spade. Now you will bidding the opponent’s suit. It shows points is sufficient facing a two-level be forced to ruff the third round, and 10+ high card points and sound overcall since partner’s minimum are in danger of suffering a trump support for partner, suggesting the requirements are higher). promotion. hand might belong to your side and What call do you make with the What call do you make with the that opposite a decent overcall game North cards on the following hand? North cards on the following hand? might be a prospect. What call do you make with the North cards on the following hand? ♠ K 10 4 ♠ K 6 2 ♥ 9 5 3 ♥ 9 8 4 3 ♦ A K ♦ A K J ♠ A 8 6 2 ♣ Q 7 6 5 2 ♣ 6 5 4 ♥ A 7 4 N N ♦ K 8 5 W E W E ♣ 6 5 4 S S

N W E ♠ 5 3 ♠ Q J 7 S ♥ A Q J 7 6 4 ♥ A 2 ♦ J 6 2 ♦ 7 5 ♠ K Q 7 ♣ A 4 ♣ A K Q 8 7 3 ♥ K Q 10 9 3 ♦ 7 ♣ A 8 3 2 West North East South West North East South 1♠ 2♥ 1♥ 2♣ Pass ? Pass ? West North East South 1♦ 1♥ Bid 2♠, a UCB guaranteeing ten points Bid 2♥, an unassuming cue bid, Pass ? and a ♥ fit. If partner now invites game guaranteeing a fit for partner’s suit

Page 30 BRIDGE January 2016 Unassuming Cue Bids continued Put the maximum pressure on the your shape makes it worth much more. opponents with a jump to 4♠. As Should you make an UCB? Despite you can see 4♠ is an easy make, and your values, I would still raise directly in all likelihood you will make an to 4♠, since the opponents have not yet and a good high card raise to at least overtrick. Meanwhile, the opponents, found their very likely heart fit. 3♣. As South, you know that partner who have easily the majority of the Unassuming Cue Bids can also be has a few cards in the other three suits points, are quite likely to misjudge used opposite partner’s opening bid. and given your (hopefully) running and either double you or go overboard suit, you decide to have a go at 3NT. themselves. West North East South West leads the ♥10 and East follows The following examples all start: 1♥ with the ♥7. How do you plan the play? 1♠ ? If your clubs are running, you have West North East South enough top tricks, but suppose they 1♥ 1♠ An Unassuming Cue Bid of 2♠ will are 4-0? There is a small extra chance 2♣ ? show four card support and values that you should play for, and that is for at least 3♥. 3♥ now becomes a pre- that West holds four clubs and the emptive bid. singleton ♥10. You know that East ♠ Q 4 2 What call do you make with the will hold the ♠A for his opening bid, ♥ A J 3 North cards on the following hand? and if you duck this trick, East’s hearts ♦ J 5 2 are not established, and you can safely ♣ K 7 5 3 set up your clubs. It would not have ♠ Q 10 8 2 N ♥ A 9 helped East to overtake the ten, since W E then you would have won the ace on S ♦ Q 7 6 2 the first round, guaranteeing yourself ♣ Q J 2 a second stopper in the suit. N W E All direct raises Bid 2♥ UCB, sound raise to at least 2♠. S are pre-emptive ♠ A K 7 6 3 Playing UCBs, direct raises of partner’s ♠ Q 6 4 2 ♥ K Q 8 5 suit can all now be used as pre-emptive ♥ 3 ♦ 3 bids. For example: ♦ J 5 3 2 ♣ A 10 4 ♣ 8 7 5 3 West North East South 1♥ 1♠ N West North East South W E 2♣ ? S 1♠ 2♦ ? 2♠, 3♠, and 4♠ are all now pre-emptive. What call do you make with the Bid 3♦, a UCB showing four card North cards on the following hand? The singleton in this example gives support and at least a sound raise to shape, ruffing potential and concern 3♠. South now makes a cue bid of 4♣, that the opposition may well have a and North continues with 4♥. South ♠ A 9 8 3 2 heart fit or even game. As your partner tries Roman Key Card Blackwood, ♥ 10 9 7 6 will always have made their overcall and decides to have a go at 6♠ facing ♦ K 4 3 2 with a five card suit, you will have a one key card and the queen of trumps. ♣ Void nine card fit. Bid 3♠. Was South being too optimistic? I think he was, although the heart cue N W E bid was certainly good news. He al- S ♠ A Q 5 3 ready knows that the defence have one ♥ Void diamond to cash, and the club losers ♠ K J 10 7 6 ♦ 6 5 3 2 are a potential problem. The contract ♥ 5 ♣ A 10 7 5 4 is probably going down given the ♣K ♦ A 10 9 is a favourite to be with the overcall- ♣ 10 9 5 2 N W E er. There is, however, one small extra S chance if the trumps are 2-2, and that is that the ♥J and ♥10 are in the same West North East South hand and fall under the ♥A-K-Q. You 1♣ 1♠ might as well cash them and see before Pass ? Not only do you have 10 points, but committing to the club finesse. ■

BRIDGE January 2016 Page 31 Andy Bowles on the Play of the Cards

Nice Dummy

Partner puts down a nice dummy: have plenty of trumps, so it looks right IMPs. to draw the remaining trump, both to Dealer North. E/W Vul. avoid running into a ruff and to find ♠ 8 6 5 2 out how the trump-suit breaks. Later N ♥ A J 5 in the play, you might want to lead W E ♦ 3 S a spade from dummy towards your ♣ Q 9 7 6 4 honours and there’s no comparable ♠ K 10 4 reason for wanting to be in hand late N ♥ K 10 8 4 W E in the play. It probably won’t matter, ♦ J S but to keep entries to dummy you win ♣ A K J 10 2 the first two trumps with the ace and ♠ K 10 4 king. East discards a diamond on the ♥ K 10 8 4 second trump. West North East South ♦ J So, how do you make four heart Pass Pass 1♣ ♣ A K J 10 2 tricks? If the suit is 3-3, you just have 2♦ 3♣ 4♦ ? to finesse the right way. That would be a guess – West doesn’t need the queen 2♦ is described as ‘intermediate’. On West North East South for his 2♦ bid, and East doesn’t need it further enquiry, you learn that this Pass Pass 1♣ for his preemptive raise. means about 10-14 points with at least 2♦ 3♣ 4♦ 5♣ What if the hearts are 4-2? You know a six-card suit. 4♦ is preemptive, be- All Pass that West has six or seven diamonds cause East could have bid 4♣ to show a and two clubs, which leaves him with good diamond raise, but he’s vulnera- Opening lead: ♣ 3 four or five cards in the majors. You ble against not so it can’t be that weak. know he doesn’t have a singleton Should you bid 5♣? Partner doesn’t The lead is interesting for another rea- spade, because he didn’t lead it, so he promise much for his 3♣ bid: he son. Notwithstanding partner’s nice should have at least two spades. That should compete to 3♣ on any hand hand, if West had led a diamond and doesn’t leave room for many hearts. with normal responding values and exited with a trump, you would have East, on the other hand, has four or four clubs. You can expect to lose a di- had at least a diamond and two spades five diamonds and one club, so seven amond, and partner is unlikely to have to lose. Without the diamond lead, or eight cards in the majors, and plenty enough to limit your major-suit losers maybe there is a chance to make it? of room for hearts. East is rather more to one. However, 5♣ has several ways The major-suit holdings look like likely to have four hearts than three. to gain: it might make; it might talk the ones in every book about elimina- If East has four small hearts and the opponents into bidding 5♦, which tion-play. You could draw trumps and West has Q-x, the winning play is to you can hope to beat; or going down exit with a diamond, forcing them to lead to the jack. The queen would fall in 5♣ for -50 or -100 might be a small open up a major. However, that doesn’t under the ace, and the K and 10 would gain against 130 for making 4♦. seem to help. Even if they play spades, be winners. You bid 5♣ and everyone passes. you will still have two losers in the But Q-x on the left is no more likely West leads a trump, which is interest- suit. than 9-x. You could cater for 9-x on ing. On a competitive auction where If you’re going to lose two spades, the left by playing the ace and then both sides have a fit, people usually you can’t afford to lose any red-suit running the jack, pinning the nine. lead their own side’s suit, or some ob- tricks. That means making four heart In fact, ace and then jack would also vious side-suit holding like a single- tricks, so that you can throw dummy’s let you pick up Q-9-x-x on the right, by ton. He probably has diamonds head- diamond on the last one. Once that’s taking two finesses against East. East ed by the ace without the king, and he done, then you can play your elimina- would cover the jack with the queen, probably doesn’t have a singleton in a tion. leaving you with 10-8 over his 9-x, so major. RHO follows to the first trump. You you would cross back to dummy to

Page 32 BRIDGE January 2016 Nice Dummy continued SAVE £40 0N ♠ 8 6 5 ♥ — french pelissier ♦ — Tables. finesse again. This would lose if the ♣ 9 suit was divided 9-x-x opposite Q-x-x, N but you’ve already decided that a 2-4 W E break is more likely than 3-3. S Given what you know about the dis- tribution, the latter plan must be best. ♠ K 4 You cross to the ace of hearts and lead ♥ — the jack. East covers with the queen – ♦ — that’s a relief – and West follows with ♣ 10 2 a small card. This is the position: West has the choice of playing a spade, allowing you to score the king; or a di- ♠ 8 6 5 2 amond which gives a ruff and discard. We have just received the ♥ 5 Either way, you just lose two spades in final shipment from the French ♦ 3 total. The full hand: manufacturers of the famous ♣ Q 9 7 Pelissier folding tables.

N In July, the French factory closed ♠ 8 6 5 2 W E and we will now be producing S ♥ A J 5 these beautiful tables in a new ♦ 3 English factory in Devon. ♠ K 10 4 ♣ Q 9 7 6 4 To make way for the new ♥ 10 8 ♠ A J 9 ♠ Q 7 3 English production we are ♦ J ♥ 3 2 N ♥ Q 9 7 6 W E offering the remaining ♣ J 10 2 ♦ A Q 9 8 7 5 S ♦ K 10 6 4 2 French-produced models at ♣ 8 3 ♣ 5 this very low price. ♠ K 10 4 It’s a chance for you to own a Continuing with your plan, you play ♥ K 10 8 4 genuine Pelissier table at a very a trump to dummy and then a heart ♦ J special price. to the eight. West discards – another ♣ A K J 10 2 If you run a bridge club, relief – and you throw dummy’s dia- phone us for a quote on larger mond on the winning heart, to reach: quantities of tables. Delivery is The opponents could have made 4♦ £10 per table for most areas. by taking finesses in the spade suit, so ♠ 8 6 5 2 bidding 5♣ would have gained a few HURRY! ♥ — IMPs even if it had gone down. In a ♦ — competitive auction where you have WE HAVE 0NLY A FEW ♣ 9 7 a nine- or ten-card fit and shortage in OF THESE TABLES the opponents’ suit it is often right to N LEFT W E bid game and see what happens. S West’s trump lead was rather ill-con- sidered. The only suit declarer might Chartres - mahogany finish, baize. ♠ K 10 4 be ruffing in dummy is diamonds. If £199 £159 ♥ — East has four diamonds for his raise, ♦ J that leaves N/S with only three. Declar- ♣ 10 2 er will probably need at most one ruff Call 01483 750611 to in dummy, so a trump lead is unlikely order at these special prices. to help. Even if declarer has ♦K-x and You haven’t lost any tricks so far, but dummy a singleton, the discard from Quote ‘Mr Bridge’s magazine’. you still might have three spade losers. dummy may not help declarer. In the However, now you can show off your play, declarer’s thoughts about keeping SR Designs for Bridge elimination technique. You ruff your trump entries to dummy turned out to www.bridge-tables.co.uk diamond in dummy and lead a spade be irrelevant. However, it’s a good habit to the ten. West wins the jack, and he’s to think about where you might need on lead in this position: to be later in the play. ■

BRIDGE January 2016 Page 33 Improve Your Defence with Andrew Kambites Working Things Out

n my next few articles, I will be South North This is what East can see: looking at some of the ‘guidelines’ 1♠ 3♠ in defence: ‘Third hand high, 4♠ All Pass ISecond hand low, Cover an honour Example B. with an honour etc’. They are not East automatically played the ♥K Dealer South. N/S Game. ‘rules’, merely valuable guidelines, (third hand high). Declarer gratefully ♠ K J 7 4 however, they should not be adhered took the ♥A, drew trumps in two ♥ 6 to slavishly. rounds, discarded three of dummy’s ♦ 6 4 3 2 It is often said that the biggest differ- diamonds on the established ♥Q-J-10 ♣ K Q 7 2 ence between the expert and the aver- and lost just the two minor suit aces, ♠ 9 8 age club player is in defence. The ex- making 11 tricks. ♥ 5 led N ♥ K 7 4 3 W E ♦ J 10 9 pert analyses what has happened, and Suppose instead, East withholds his S calculates. This process is often called ♥K at trick 1. Declarer can win cheaply, ♣ A 8 6 3 ‘counting’ and I deal with it in more but it doesn’t help him. He can only depth later in the series. In this article discard one of dummy’s diamonds on you get just a taste of how calculating the ♥A and when East gains the lead South North can lead you to depart from the guide- with the ♣A, he switches to the ♦J, 1♠ 3♠ line: Third hand plays high. defeating the contract. 4♠ All Pass In Example A, West led a sensible, Could East have known this? He passive ♥8 (second highest from a bad should try analysing the ♥8. Could The nature of the lead is not so clear- suit). it be a fourth highest lead? Start by cut this time. You can rule out quite a assuming that West hasn’t underled few heart holdings in the West hand the ♥A at trick 1. but the ♥5 could be from a holding Example A l With ♥Q-J-10-8 or ♥Q-J-9-8, West like ♥Q-10-8-5 as well as ♥8-5-2. If Dealer South. N/S Game. would have led the ♥Q. partner has led from ♥Q-10-8-5, then ♠ K J 7 4 l With ♥Q-10-9-8, West would have unless you rise with the ♥K, you allow ♥ 6 led the ♥10. declarer a cheap trick with the ♥J. ♦ 6 4 3 2 l With ♥J-10-9-8, West would have However it doesn’t matter. You have ♣ K Q 7 2 led the ♥J. given declarer a cheap discard from ♠ 10 5 ♠ 9 8 So the ♥8 cannot be a fourth highest dummy, but what use is that to him? ♥ 9 8 5 2 N ♥ K 7 4 3 W E lead, and looks very much like a lead He can certainly discard one diamond ♦ A Q 7 S ♦ J 10 9 from a poor suit. In that case declarer from dummy, but he still has three ♣ J 9 5 4 ♣ A 8 6 3 has hearts headed by at least ♥A-Q-J. diamond losers. East should withhold ♠ A Q 6 3 2 How can it possibly gain for East to his ♥K. ♥ A Q J 10 play the ♥K? By the way, just look how valuable it ♦ K 8 5 You might argue, in this case East is to be able to rule out the possibility ♣ 10 can tell, but what if he cannot tell? In of partner underleading a side suit ace Example B, West leads the ♥5. at trick 1 against a suit contract.

Page 34 BRIDGE January 2016 Working Things Out continued giving him a second stopper. The correct play for East is to play the ♥9 at trick 1. If it wins the trick, continue with the ♥A and ♥6. If partner could have the ♥A, East Whatever declarer does he has only would find it much harder. one heart stopper and the defenders I have just given you examples where will beat the contract with four heart Easter it is either clearly right (Example A) or tricks and the ♦K. probably right (Example B) for East to In Example D, West leads the ♠7 Ireland withhold the ♥K at trick 1. Of course, against 3NT. Declarer calls for the ♠J it is not always clear-cut, for example, from dummy. if dummy had one fewer diamond and one more club, thus allowing declarer to win the ♥J, this would enable him Example D to discard dummy’s third diamond, Dealer North. E/W Game. reducing his diamond losers to two. ♠ J 10 8 Just because you cannot always pin ♥ A K down partner’s lead is no excuse for ♦ Q J 10 7 6 not trying if you are serious about ♣ A 4 2 Sails from Southampton improving your defence! ♠ 7 led ♠ K 9 6 5 3 2 th In Example C, West leads the ♥2 N ♥ J 10 27 March 2016 • 7 nights W E ♦ A K Balmoral • L1606 against 3NT. Dummy follows with the S ♥4. How should East defend? ♣ 10 9 3 • Southampton • Belfast, Northern Ireland • Dublin, Ireland (Overnight) West North East South • Cork (from Cobh), Ireland Example C 1♦ 1♠ 2NT • Southampton Dealer North. E/W Game. Pass 3NT All Pass ♠ A K Daily bridge on board, bridge fees ♥ 10 7 5 4 The ♠7 lead could be a singleton included. Mr Bridge welcome & ♦ A Q J 10 5 (because you overcalled 1♠) or a farewell drinks parties. Partners for ♣ A J doubleton ♠7-4. You cannot be sure. single players. No single supplements ♠ 10 6 However, the correct defence is on selected twin grades of cabin. ♥ 2 led N ♥ A Q J 9 6 indisputable. East must keep his ♠K. W E ♦ K 7 2 ♠ Great value Mr Bridge fares: S If West has led a singleton 7, ♣ Q 10 3 declarer has ♠A-Q-4, giving him three Inside twin cabins from £629pp spade stoppers whatever East does. Outside twin cabins from £719pp However, suppose West has led the Balcony cabins from £1,039pp West North East South ♠ ♠ 7 from doubleton 7-4. South has: Suites from £1,129pp 1♦ 1♥ 1NT Twin outside cabin for £769pp Pass 3NT All Pass sole occupancy ♠ A Q It is not difficult to work out that West ♥ 8 4 3 Balmoral has chosen to lead the singleton ♥2 be- ♦ 9 8 3 2 cause East overcalled 1♥. Suppose East ♣ K Q J 6 takes the ♥A. What next? South has:

Playing dummy’s ♠J was an attempt to ♠ Q 7 3 lure East into wasting his ♠K. If East ♥ K 8 3 plays the ♠K, declarer will have three ♦ 9 8 6 spade tricks and will easily fulfil his ♣ K 9 4 2 contract. However, if East follows with a low spade declarer will be forced to For reservations call Mr Bridge overtake with his ♠Q. Declarer has If East returns the ♥Q declarer takes only 8 tricks: 2 spades, 2 hearts and on 01483 489961 the ♥K and dummy’s ♥10 provides a 4 clubs. He has to attack diamonds, www.mrbridge.co.uk second heart stopper. but East takes the ♦K and forces out Terms and conditions apply – see Fred. Olsen If East returns a low heart declarer the ♠A, leaving declarer without 2016/17 worldwide brochure will run it to dummy’s ♥10, again resource. ■

BRIDGE January 2016 Page 35 FOC311297_Mr_Bridge_Adverts_261.5x57mm_W/C_27.07.15_FV.indd29/07/2015 2 14:42 Julian Pottage Answers your Bridge Questions

2NT Openings

Do you agree Playing Acol, I held a balanced with the Acol when partner hand with 12 points ♠ A 10 Qrange 20-22 for Qopens 1♦, 1♥ or and overcalled 1NT. ♥ A Q 8 4 2NT (the Americans use 1♠, 1NT may be your only Others suggested ♦ A Q 10 9 20-21) and can partner response – but when a double would be ♣ 9 6 3 pass with 3 points? partner opens 1♣ there better. Was I wrong? Michael Gurney, is always an alternative. Name and address supplied. Holt, Norfolk. Assuming 1NT denies a What do you overcall? 4-card major, you must Whatever strength Simon Gottschalk by email. With no room to have the alternative of you play a 1NT invite game, the 20- either 1♦ or 2♣. Is there A opener, you should This is a tricky one. A 22 range is indeed a a useful convention play a 1NT overcall as The doubleton spade bit wide. Some people play to take advantage strong. The chance of game A makes doubling both 2♣ and 2♦ as artificial of this ‘spare’ bid? reduces once the opponents unattractive, while the lack of strong openings (Benjamin), Keith Bilton, London. open and the chance they a club stopper after a natural which makes it possible to can double you increases. club opening makes a 1NT play 2-point ranges. If you If you have a 3334 If you have the shape for overcall unattractive – if your are not doing that, there is shape, 1NT might a 1NT overcall but are side belongs in a no-trump no ideal alternative to the A be more descriptive too weak, you should contract, it is likely to play Acol 20-22 – if you go for than raising clubs. This is normally pass. better from partner’s side a 21-22 range, you need to why the usual Acol range for If the opponents open 1♣, of the table. If you pass and open at the one level with the 1NT response to 1♣ is you might double with a flat an opponent bids spades, 20 and have an awkward 8-10. On most hands, you hand and at least 4-3 in you can double on the next rebid; if you go for 20-21, are right that you can find the majors because you are round and partner should this makes 2♣-2♦-2NT the an alternative to responding not forcing partner to bid work out that your lack of way to show 22-23 and you 1NT, in which case you could above the one level. When support for spades stopped have to rebid 3NT with 24. play 1NT as something they open 1♥, the only suit you from doubling initially. In responding to a 20-22 different altogether. partner can show at the one The trouble is that there point 2NT, it is useful to In one partnership, I level is spades, so you would might not be a next round... know that hands with 20 play that 1NT shows club tend to pass with 12 points On the basis that the best points are more common support and is forcing. This unless you have a doubleton chances of game are in 4♥ than those with 21, which in keeps the bidding lower heart and four spades. If you or 3NT, I think I would turn are more common than than a limit raise to 3♣ do have four spades and a overcall 1♥. The hand’s extra those with 22. With 3 points, does and plugs a gap in doubleton heart, you should strength should make up responder should indeed stop standard methods where prefer a double to 1NT for the lack of a fifth heart. short of game. Indeed, it is responder sometimes has even if the hand was strong You might make a similar usual to stay out of game with no suitable bid on a hand enough for a 1NT overcall. argument in favour of a 4 points. When the strength in too good for a limit raise. 1♦ overcall. Although a 1♦ the two hands is so unequal, ♣♦♥♠ overcall makes it harder communications tend to ♣♦♥♠ to find a heart fit (unless be a problem. While 12 The hand on partner has five), a heart points facing 12 or 13 often My right hand your right contract might play better produces game, 4 points opponent Qopens a natural from partner’s side of the facing 20 or 21 rarely does. Qopened 1♥. 1♣. You hold: table.

Page 36 BRIDGE January 2016 Ask Julian continued and a doubleton support 1♣ (natural). I hold: need at least seven tricks to would seem a suitable defeat it. This can be difficult strength to look for game. because the take-out doubler ♠ A 8 4 will usually be short in the Can you ♣♦♥♠ ♥ 9 2 suit doubled; moreover, advise on the ♦ Q J 8 3 the opening bidder will be Qmeaning of My wife and I ♣ A Q 7 2 sitting over whatever trumps the 2♦ response on the cannot decide the doubler’s partner has. following sequence? Qwhether doubles If the player who left in of a weak two or a weak Do I double, to show the double did not have West North East South three should be for pen- I have an opening good trumps but achieved 1♥ 1♠ alties or asking for a suit. hand, or do I pass? a good score, that is more 2♦ Peter Calviou by email. luck than judgement.

Does the 2♦ bid ♠ K J 10 2 You have the wrong ♣♦♥♠ promise five diamonds ♥ A Q 5 shape (too many over interference? ♦ A K 7 A clubs and inability When I attended Margaret Bleakley by email. ♣ K Q 2 to stand a heart bid from lessons about partner) for a take-out Q20 years ago, Assuming that West double. You also have too the teacher said that a had the option to West North East South few points (13 when you balanced hand could A make a negative Pass 3♠ need 15) for a 1NT. You have a five-card minor double, the 2♦ response ? should pass. It is worth suit, but no five-card would seem to indicate five remembering this type of major. If there was a five diamonds. Perhaps with four Should West double hand so that next time you card major, one would strong diamonds and the (for penalties or take- are in a similar situation have to open the bidding wrong spade holding for a out?) or bid 3NT or you can pass smoothly. with it, regardless of no-trump bid, West might something else? whether the rebid would bid it on a 4-card suit – but Christopher Dicker by email. ♣♦♥♠ be difficult. Ron Klinger, East can reasonably bid on in one of his books, the basis that it shows five. Once upon a time, East played in 1♥ says that a 5332 hand people played a doubled after the is balanced, even if the ♣♦♥♠ A double of a pre-empt Qfollowing auction: five card suit is a major, as for penalties. These days, and you can open 1NT. If partner opens the widely accepted view is West North East South What are your views a weak two, that playing a double for 1♥ Dbl on this point? Qdoes responder take-out is better. Take- All Pass Julia Franklin, need at least 16 out hands are so much Hemel Hempstead. points to make a 2NT more frequent. You can The result of the board forcing enquiry? still pick up the occasional was a zero for E/W as the The generally S S Wales, by email. penalty if doubler’s partner contract went one down accepted definition has length and strength doubled, vulnerable. At A of a balanced A 2NT enquiry in the pre-emptor’s suit. other tables N/S were hand is a hand that shows strength and Given that a double in various contracts, contains no singleton or A suggests that game of 3♠ would be for take- mainly 1♠ or 2♠. Was void and no more than one values may be present. How out, West cannot sensibly this luck or judgement? doubleton. 4333, 4432 much you need for using the do that. A 3NT overcall Barbara Shewan, and 5332 therefore meet bid depends on the range of describes the hand better. Birmingham. the definition regardless the weak two and the shape Admittedly, the hand could of which suits are which. of your hand. If you have be quite a bit weaker than If partner makes a A separate question is three- or four-card support this. At least the fact that take-out double, whether all balanced hands for partner, you need fewer East could not open reduces A it is usual to bid in the 1NT range should be points than you do with a the risk of missing a slam. something unless you have opened 1NT. Opinions doubleton. If you have only length and strength in the vary about that. Some people a singleton, you need a ♣♦♥♠ suit doubled. If you leave say you should, while others couple more points. If we in a take-out double at the will look at the honour assume a range of 6-10 With neither one level, you are effectively location. Playing a weak points for partner’s weak two, side vulnerable, trying to play in the contract no-trump, if you have a a hand with 15-16 points QRHO opens they have bid because you losing doubleton and a

BRIDGE January 2016 Page 37 Ask Julian continued high cards and distribution show both shape and around the table. It would strength – so I am familiar be imprudent to ignore with the concept even though that. An opposing bid I have never played Ritter. decent 5-card major, the gives you options that you One upside is that if majority will open the major. would not have as dealer opener shows a minimum Snow Shoes Playing a strong no-trump, (a double or a cue bid), with a four-card major and & Ski Doos you are going to have a rebid which is another reason why responder has an invitational problem if you open one of a you cannot just ignore it. hand, you can stop in 2♥/2♠ suit on a hand that is strong The reasons why responses rather than play at the enough for a strong 1NT (you should differ are even three level. Another upside cannot rebid two of your suit stronger. You are working is that if opener shows a – you might have to invent a with your partner rather minimum, responder has three-card suit to rebid), so than trying to start again. a forcing raise available – most strong no-trump players A 7-point hand might be when opener has already open 1NT on just about enough for game facing an shown a minimum, it would any 5332 hand in range. opening bid, for example. be illogical for a single raise of 2♥/2♠ to invite game. Sails from Southampton ♣♦♥♠ ♣♦♥♠ You could use this either 5th March 2016 • 13 nights as a slam try or to check Balmoral • L1603 What do you My partner and whether opener is 4333. think of playing I use Ritter 2♣, One downside – and it • Southampton • Molde, a rather than seems quite a big downside Norway • Cruising by Rorvik Q Q • Cruising by Torghatten in which openings, Stayman in response playing a weak no-trump • Cruising by Seven Sisters overcalls and responses to 1NT. In case you are – is that responder cannot mountain range • Crossing all require 8+ points? unfamiliar with Ritter, sensibly use the 2♣ enquiry the Arctic Circle • Tromso, Norway • Alta, Finnmark, Name and address supplied. the replies (after a 12-14 with a weak hand. Another Norway (overnight) 1NT opening and a 2♣ downside is that responder • Intercoastal scenic cruising Having a minimum response) are as follows: might have a five-card minor • Bergen, Norway • Stavanger, Norway • Southampton strength for a one as well as a four-card major A level opening makes 2♦ 12-13, four hearts and will have to introduce Daily bridge on board, bridge fees sense because a principle and four spades the minor at the four level included. Mr Bridge welcome & of bidding is that you are 2♥ 12-13, four hearts if opener makes one of farewell drinks parties. Partners for single players. No single engaging in a dialogue with but not four spades the jump replies. A lesser supplements on selected twin your partner. If you have 2♠ 12-13, four spades downside is that the reply grades of cabin. an 8-point hand, you have but not four hearts might disclose more infor- Great value Mr Bridge fares: less than your fair share of 2NT 12-13, no four- mation about the opening your points, making it odds card major hand than responder needs Inside twin cabins from £1,169pp against that your side owns 3♣ 14, no four- to know. This will help the Outside twin cabins from £1,349pp the deal and heavy odds card major defenders during the play. Balcony cabins from £1,979pp against game being possible. 3♦ 14, four hearts Since you are using so Suites from £2,159pp The accepted principle is and four spades many bids in reply to 2♣, it Twin outside cabin for £1,439pp sole occupancy that only a hand that has 3♥ 14, four hearts would make sense for some reason to believe its side has but not four spades of them to show five cards Balmoral the balance of power and a 3♠ 14, four spades but in the major rather than realistic prospect of game not four hearts four. Indeed, if you are not facing a similar strength incorporating some replies hand opens the bidding. Have you any views that show five-card majors Why should overcalls differ on using Ritter rather and perhaps six-card or from opening bids? If you than Stayman? good five-card minors, open the bidding, you might Ray Webbing, by email. I cannot see the benefit have an uncontested auction. compared with ordinary For reservations call Mr Bridge If, however, an opponent With one partner, I Stayman. The fact that so has already opened and you do play that replies few people play Ritter on 01483 489961 bid, you will automatically to the 2♣ enquiry speaks for itself. ■ www.mrbridge.co.uk A have a contested auction. When an opponent opens, Terms and conditions apply – E-mail your questions for Julian to: see Fred. Olsen 2016/17 this will give you clues worldwide brochure. [email protected] about the distribution of the

FOC311297_Mr_Bridge_Adverts_261x41mm_W/C_27.07.15_FV.inddPage 38 29/07/2015 14:45 1 BRIDGE January 2016 Review from Ned Paul

BriAn: A New Development in Scoring

bout three years ago, Victor no WiFi, Victor has a workaround change your pair number to the Lesk, bridge player and com- alternative, although the learning correct number using the in-game puter developer from Lon- curve is a little steeper. Expense will menu). Press ‘Enter Duplicate’. If you Adon, started wondering whether the be minimal. have got this far you will now see the power and ubiquity of modern mobile The BriAn app is free to players to final Game Over screen in my latest phones could be harnessed to score download and I recommend if you duplicate. Press ‘View Rankings’ and physical games of duplicate bridge. have an iPhone or iPad or any Android you should see the results list. It will The result was BriAn – a robust and based smartphone, you do that now. probably be the most recent game at highly recommended app that runs on Go to the App Store or the Google Play Kingston Bridge Club. There is more your smartphone or tablet computer. Store and search for BriAn Bridge. The to look at, but wait for a moment while ‘BriAn’, which stands for ‘Bridge on app is easily identified by its icon, a I describe more of BriAn’s features. iPhone and Android’, provides an easy large white ‘B’ on a blue background. During the game, the players and attractive way to score club dupli- Download it and install it. I will give themselves input their scores from a cates. It comes without the large initial you some more things to do with it in scoring screen. The director will have capital costs of traditional electronic a moment. set up the movement and if you are scoring terminals. logged in with your correct Since its inception, BriAn pair number, the system will has been in regular use on automatically bring up the a trial basis in a number of next board for you to enter. clubs, mainly in London, but Using the coloured buttons, elsewhere in the UK and also enter the contract, the around the world. Victor has declarer and the result. There developed the BriAn app is only one feature that takes continually and it is now ready a bit of getting used to: for for wider roll out. At Kingston overtricks and undertricks, Bridge Club, for which I am repeatedly touch the plus and responsible, we use BriAn as minus buttons; eg one down our standard scoring system is just ‘minus’, not ‘minus 1’ on a weekly basis and both and for two down just press I and our regular members ‘minus’ again. If you go too have become fans. We think it far, just press ‘plus’ to bring it is better than other electronic back up again. Show the result scoring systems and are to the opponents so they prepared to say so. BriAn is can confirm what you have suitable for any sized club, but for The player experience using BriAn is entered. When they have confirmed, the next stage in the roll out, Victor good and the app is easy to use. Each the app shows the interim percentage is looking for it to be used in small to club has a coded ‘slot’ on the central or IMPs and a list of other results on intermediate sized duplicates of up to BriAn server, by which its games are the board. Now here’s the best bit. If about nine tables, where the club has identified. My games use the slot name your club uses pre-dealt hands and the not yet introduced electronic scoring. ‘ned’. Launch BriAn, select ‘Duplicate director has been able to upload the If the venue has WiFi available, you Client’, type ‘ned’ in the Game Code hands (more of this anon), the results will be able to get going with a very box and for convenience call yourself screen will also show the full hand easy learning curve. Even if there is pair 1 (in a real game you can always diagram together with a line across

BRIDGE January 2016 Page 39 BriAn continued director will be able to ‘finalise’ the game. A quick series of clicks will then CROATIA send the results to your club website, Bridgewebs, Pianola or Ecats and, 3-17 May 2016 the middle indicating how many for affiliated clubs, a P2P file can be tricks it was possible to make in each generated as well. Bernard Magee contract by best possible play. This is As mentioned above, BriAn gives the really helpful for post mortems – but best player experience when the club it does time out after 30 seconds to uses pre-dealt hands. There are several HOTEL From prevent delaying the game. dealing programs available online EDEN £1,399 At the director’s discretion, players such as Bridge Dealer, Dealmaster Pro sharing can check their current rankings and Bridge Composer. These generate ROVINJ on their phone; they can browse the a file of the deals that can be loaded movement, their own scorecard, and into BriAn. You need to physically any hands which they have played in deal the boards to match: ask if your the current event. local ‘big’ club can deal you the hands As with other table-top scorers, using its dealing machine; or a non- entering a board’s score on one phone playing partner may be prepared to do or tablet per table is sufficient. Other it; or the players can make next week’s players at the table with devices hands up at the end of each week’s can simply ‘Refresh’ the game. game. Occasionally, no-one at the table will BriAn is surprisingly cheap to run. have a phone or tablet: so it can pay the The first few games when you first club to have a couple of spare devices register a slot are free. Thereafter, to assign to a table where this happens. you pay according to the size and Rovinj is situated on the western coast of Istria in Croatia, the largest peninsula Suitable tablets can be acquired very frequency of your events. A weekly on the Adriatic coastline, a one hour cheaply these days. 6-table duplicate will cost you no drive from Trieste, 2.5 hours from Zagreb. If you are still in the ‘ned’ game, more than about £2 a week. There is Boasting a rich, natural and cultural heritage, with beautiful landmarks such as find the menu button. On the latest no capital cost: players bring and use the old town, the Golden Cape Park Forest, devices, this is a floating button. their own phones and tablets – and protected islands and coastal area. On earlier Androids, the menu is quickly get used to doing this and they The climate is warm and semi-dry, with triggered by one of the touch buttons enjoy it – although the club may find more than four months a year without wind. at the bottom, outside the main screen. it helpful to have a few £50 tablets on Hotel Eden is wedged right between a When you have found it, it will bring hand as described above. peninsula covered by a one hundred year up a menu with a number of choices. If your fancy has been tickled by old park forest and a quiet cove. The old city centre of Rovinj is just a 20 minute Click ‘results’ to see a typical results this, get in touch with Victor and walk away. screen. You can swipe this up and he will help you to get established. Rooms: All rooms are equipped with a down with your finger to see the list of BriAn is in regular use at several clubs direct phone line, LCD SAT TV, mini-bar, results. Go to another board by using including Kingston; neighbouring safe, bathtub or shower, toilet, hair dryer, the black ‘levers’ at the top either side Ruff Diamonds; the EBU-affiliated balcony, air conditioning/heating. Suites of the Board Number. Monday Club games in Balham; are available, details on application. To run a game at your own club Crouch End in north London; and Singles: There is a sole occupancy using BriAn, the club will need to Oxford University to name a few. supplement of £10 per room per night. If you are a single bridge player, please do not register for a ‘slot’ at the BriAn website BriAn has also been very successfully worry about being on your own. We will (www.brianbridge.net). This site used at ‘Café Bridge’ Drives in London, always be able to find you a partner and you also contains a helpful list of FAQs Guildford and Nottingham. The app can always have a game. and other documentation. Choose is ideal for this format where boards Beaches & Pools: The playful curves of a password which will protect the are placed in a number of different the pool offer refreshment in the summer with a salty breeze coming from the natural director-only features of the app. To venues (pubs, cafes, restaurants) and stone and pebble beach only a few steps start the game, the director will go the players tour the venues to play the away. The vast outdoor pool will cool you to the director-only area and create bridge. Log into BriAn with Game down after a day of lounging in the freely available deck chairs. the game using the correct movement code ‘cafe’ to see some sample results. for the number of tables present. I would just like to add that I have Terms and conditions apply. These holidays have been organised for A full database of movements is written this article not because I have Mr Bridge by Great Little Escapes LLP, ATOL 5933 available. The director area also allows any interest in BriAn – I don’t – but movement adjustments such as arrow because I am an extremely satisfied Details of the bridge programme switches, cancelling rounds, score user of BriAn and would like to share ( 01483 489961 adjustments, corrected scores and so the app’s benefits with other potential on. When the duplicate is finished the users. ■

Page 40 BRIDGE January 2016 Letters from Overseas Indecision, Indecisions! by John Barr

etween October and Christmas carefully, but at the end of the day I retracted before reaching the bidding the weather in Austria often would have had to guess which major box and he went through the ritual can’t decide whether winter suit queen to discard, and which again – look at the bidding, check that Bhas really arrived or not. We’ll have finesse to take. his hand still had the same thirteen a few cold days including snowfall on cards, then reach for the bidding box. the higher peaks, but then a couple Finally, with a sigh and a dither he of warmer days will melt the snow. ♠ J 6 passed, before slapping the ace of clubs This cycle is repeated several times ♥ 3 on the table. and after a few weeks or months of ♦ A K Q J 10 9 dithering, the full force of winter ♣ K J 10 2 eventually arrives – but we have no ♠ J 6 N way of knowing if this will be in late W E ♥ 3 October or early January. All we can S ♦ A K Q J 10 9 do is wait, and (at least for the skiers) ♣ K J 10 2 hope. This photo was taken on my way ♠ A Q 9 8 3 2 ♠ K 4 ♠ 10 7 5 to the bridge club on a Sunday during ♥ A Q 8 ♥ K 6 5 N ♥ J 10 9 7 4 2 W E ♦ 6 2 ♦ 8 7 5 ♦ 4 3 October, but the snow had gone within S a few days. ♣ Q 4 ♣ A 9 8 6 5 ♣ 7 3 Indecision played a part on this ♠ A Q 9 8 3 2 ♥ A Q 8 ♦ 6 2 ♣ Q 4

His performance led me to believe that he certainly had the king of spades, and probably the king of hearts as well, so rather than taking either finesse, I cashed the spade ace before crossing to dummy and cashing my minor suit winners. West did well by discarding his two small hearts early, with no apparent pain, but the damage had been done during the auction so, when the spade king had not been discarded, I placed West with two bare kings and played a heart to the ace. The queen of hand. Partner, as always, rather However, on this occasion my left hand hearts was my twelfth trick. overbid his hand and I found myself, opponent gave me a helping hand that The moral of the tale? Decide what South, playing in 6NT on the lead of enabled me to avoid either finesse, and you are going to bid before you reach ace and another club. Six diamonds, still make the contract. for the bidding box. If you make it clear three clubs and two aces add up to 11 After the 6NT bid, instead of that you have a choice of bids, you may tricks, so I needed a successful major passing in , he looked at the give unauthorised information to your suit finesse to make the contract. In bidding, then back at his hand before partner and put him in a difficult spot, all probability, I would have cashed reaching towards the bidding box. As or – as in this case – you may help my winners and watched the discards if attached to a rubber band, his arm declarer land his contract. ■

BRIDGE January 2016 Page 41 BRIDGE Better Hand EVENTS READERS’ Evaluation Bernard Magee Bernard Magee Introduction Ardington Hotel LETTERS Better Hand Evaluation is Worthing BN11 3DZ aimed at helping readers to 22-24 January £245 DEFINITION I thought I would clarify the add greater accuracy to their bidding. It deals with auc- Can Bernard please advise Nationwide Flex Plus bank Pre-Emptive Bidding tions in which you and your what ‘heft’ means? It’s not account in case anyone is partner, against silent op- Blunsdon apparent from his article interested. If either husband ponents, can describe your in BRIDGE 154, page 46. or wife (or one of a partner- hands fully to each other House Hotel and, by evaluating them ac- John Shingler by email. ship) is prepared to take out Swindon SN26 7AS curately, find the best final Bernard Magee tells me a flex plus bank account 29-31 January £245 contract. The emphasis of all that the word is related with Nationwide, both are good, accurate bidding is on Endplay & Avoidance to hefty – strength. covered for world wide travel hand evaluation. 26-28 February £245 insurance (and any child There are two general types of Game Tries RUBBER SCORING living under the same roof). auction: a) a fit is found and b) When scoring rubber bridge, This costs £10 a month no fit is found. I would always round 50 plus an extra £50 a year When you do not have a fit, points up to the next 100 as if over 75 and covers any you are aiming to describe the strength of your hand as soon rounding off can sometimes age, with all the little extras as possible, most often using lead to petty arguments. such as mobile insurance no-trump bids. This book be- Fifty points. The first ten and card cover. Obviously, gins by discussing balanced- numbers of our decimal sys- health problems have to hand bidding in Acol, as it is very important that both tem are, in fact, 0-9 and the be declared but that is members of a partnership Trouville Hotel second ten, 10-19 and so on. the basic deal. I hope that have an accurate knowledge of how to show hands of different Sandown, Isle of Wight Thus the first (or bottom) half readers who have a problem of a decade is 0-4 and the finding insurance will find strengths. 11-15 February £399 second (or top) half is 5-9. the information helpful. When a fit is found, there is (includes ferry crossing) For example, a score of 1,150 Mary Stebbing by email. much re-evaluation of the Planning Your Defence hand to be done; point count, points should be rounded up though still important, needs to 1,200 giving a win of 12. UPDATE to be evaluated together with Inn on the Prom Peter Wiseman, Norfolk. To keep you up to speed, distribution. The best way of St Annes On Sea, FY8 1LU the letter I sent to my MP has reaching an accurate assess­ ment is to use the Losing Trick now been forwarded, 19-21 February £245 EURO-DIRECTIVE Count; this is an important Suit Establishment I notice that by using the see Readers Letters method of hand evaluation and incorrect ‘less’ rather than the in BRIDGE 156, page takes up a number of chapters. Chatsworth Hotel correct ‘fewer’, you have used 25, to the secretary of Finally, we move on to different Worthing BN11 3DU one letter fewer yet you have state for education. forms of evaluation including claimed no credit for this. In my quest to get schools game tries and splinter bids. 4-6 March £245 You can never know enough Is the use of ‘less’ to on board, I wrote to the Thinking Defence methods of hand evaluation; become another part Scottish, Welsh and both the more you learn, the better 22-24 April of the directive? Irish bridge unions. you get at judging your hand. Suit Establishment Gerard Chapman Dave Parkin by email. Although the Losing Trick by email. Count is used more easily in Denham Grove BETTER AND BETTER tandem with your partner, a Near Uxbridge, UB9 5DG INSURANCE HELP I would like to confirm what large proportion of the ideas 15-17 April £245 in this book can be used by an It was most enjoyable talking I suspect you know already. individual. For example, eval- Splinters & Cue-Bids to you yesterday and catching Your monthly magazine, uating your hand to be worth up on news. Congratulations BRIDGE is excellent with an extra point is going to help Full Board on your 17th grandchild articles for all standards anyone you partner – as long as you get it right. No Single – I am full of admiration and on quality paper. ■ Supplement* and not a little envy. Ian Blackburn, by email. £14 including UK postage www.mrbridge.co.uk Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961 *subject to availability Write to Mr Bridge at: Ryden Grange, Knaphill, www.mrbridge.co.uk Surrey GU21 2TH or e-mail: [email protected]

Page 42 BRIDGE January 2016 Catching Up by Sally Brock Mr Bridge 2016 ell, you probably Then it was back to Kochin all know by now for another night before fly- Dealer South. N/S Game. Tutorial that we won the ing back to Mumbai and ♠ Q J 10 6 3 2 Wbronze medal in the World then on to Heathrow. A re- ♥ K Q J 5 Weekends Championships. We won the ally good week. ♦ Q 4 quarter-final against USA1 The Sunday after I got ♣ 5 fairly easily, to reach the home, I hosted a fam- ♠ K 8 5 4 ♠ 7 N semi-final against France. ily lunch at my place. There ♥ 8 7 W E ♥ 10 9 4 2 We dribbled points out for were 16 of us in total and ♦ 6 5 3 2 S ♦ 9 8 the first four sets, before it all went well. Star of the ♣ Q 6 2 ♣ K J 10 8 7 3 staging our recovery, but it show was Arlo, just seven ♠ A 9 was too little, too late and weeks old, new son of my ♥ A 6 3 Denham Grove we lost by 13 IMPs. Then we niece Anna and her hus- ♦ A K J 10 7 Near Uxbridge, UB9 5DG went into the play-off for the band Thom. It’s quite sad to ♣ A 9 4 1-3 July £215 think that this is probably bronze medal against the 4-6 November £215 Netherlands, which we won the last time my house will fairly easily. Although it was see everyone. Although, as Without firm agreement disappointing to lose in the I write we still haven’t ex- as to how to proceed with semi-final, it was definitely changed contracts, it all the North hand after better to get a bronze medal seems to be proceeding OK. the 2NT opening, North than none at all. The agents we are renting decided to start by asking The day after the bridge from have taken up our ref- about majors. When East finished, Barry and I flew to erences (though I am hav- joined in, South thought it Kochin where we were met ing a hard job persuading could hardly be wrong to Chatsworth Hotel by Anoop and our driver them that I am a decent risk mention her good diamond Worthing BN11 3DU Dilip. We were driven to because I have cash rather suit. This rather thwarted 5-7 August £215 the old part of Kochin and than income). I’ve had peo- North, who continued as settled into our hotel, the ple quote for the removal, he had meant to by bidding 28-30 October £215 Eighth Bastion. After a cou- organised people to pick 5♠, intending to show long 25-27 November £215 ple of nights there we were up unwanted furniture and spades with four hearts and driven inland to Periyar booked an odd-job man to slam interest. South had no where we stayed for another help with clearing the loft. idea what was going on, but couple of eventful days: we Then it was the Premier thought that if North was visited a spice plantation, League. At the end of the making some sort of grand rode on an elephant (for- first weekend we were lan- slam try she was happy to got the camera!), went to a guishing just below the mid- accept, and there they were. couple of performances of dle of the field, and hoped Actually it is a pretty decent dance and martial arts, and to do better. We started well contract, needing either Wyndham Garden had a very exciting massage. enough, with a 20-0 win, a non-trump lead or the Grantham Then it was back to the coast partly due to this board spade finesse. Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT and Aleppey where we went where team-mates had a Although the rest of the 12-14 August £199 on a houseboat for a night. lucky misunderstanding first day did not go so well, This was fantastic, travel- (hand in the next column). we did OK. 21-23 October £199 ling on the river with a gen- Our opponents lan- The second day was not so 18-20 November £199 tle breeze to dissipate the guished in 4♥ after the se- good. We lost two matches, heat; when it got dark there quence: 2NT–3♥–3♠–4♥. before managing a win by Full Board were glass panels to keep all Our team-mates were more 2 IMPs against the All- No Single the bugs out, and the food enterprising: frey team. So we are still we were given more or less languishing just below the Supplement* non-stop was fantastic, es- West North East South middle of the field, but in a pecially the huge freshwater Pass Pass Pass 2NT slightly better way than be- ( 01483 489961 prawns we picked up on the Pass 3♣ 4♣ 4♦ fore. www.mrbridge.co.uk ♠ ♦ way. Our regret was that we Pass 5 Pass 7 It’s just a week until the *subject to availability had only booked one night. All Pass final weekend. ■

BRIDGE January 2016 Page 43 Seven Days by Sally Brock

Monday the Houses of Parliament. Briony is changed from Saturday/Sunday to going to come too because she has Friday/Saturday. Even that was not My week starts with a one-hour online forged an excellent link between her enough for us to catch our flight, so session with Alison, starting 8.45am. Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research we arranged that my team would play Then, at 10am, a furniture restorer (SMSR) charity and the House of Nevena’s team on the Thursday night comes to give his opinion on the best Lords. Sometimes a plan falls apart so that we can leave early on Saturday. way to repair the varnish on my dining … we get a last-minute appointment We have a pretty dreadful match at table caused by my carelessness with for her to see the doctor to try to sort both tables and lose by 39 IMPs. nail varnish remover. At 10.30am, out her tummy. Hopefully, the new This is an interesting four spade Jonathan, a financial guy, arrives to prescription will make her feel better, contract where one of our players had discuss what I should do with the but for now she feels awful and couldn’t a blind spot: monies received from the sale of my possibly leave the house for any length house. Then at noon, a man comes of time. Because I am going away soon to quote on moving us. By then I I decide to stay behind too and look Dealer North. N/S Game. feel rather exhausted and collapse after her. Not that I am idle. I spend ♠ A Q J 9 to answer a few emails before Barry the afternoon in my office, sorting out ♥ Q 9 8 7 2 arrives. Then off we go to Swindon six boxes of books and a couple of bags ♦ 8 for a match. We are of things for the charity shop. The bad ♣ A J 7 drawn against Phil Green’s team from news is that when I’ve worked for two ♠ 10 7 2 ♠ 6 Trowbridge (where I was born) and or three hours and filled the car, the ♥ J 5 N ♥ K 10 6 4 W E ♦ K 10 7 6 4 ♦ J 9 3 2 we were struggling to find a midway office doesn’t look much different than S venue, which in the end was very it did before! ♣ K 3 2 ♣ Q 10 9 4 kindly provided by Glenis Curtis in In the evening, I have an online ♠ K 8 5 4 3 Swindon. The first set is very flat and session with one of my Irish pairs. It’s ♥ A 3 we are a few down, but after that things been a while since our last session and ♦ A Q 5 go our way and we win comfortably. it is as enjoyable as ever. Afterwards, I ♣ 8 6 5 open a bottle of wine, and Briony and I play Scrabble while watching a terrible Tuesday horror movie (I win 273-271). West North East South Today is fairly clear, so I take 1♥ Pass 1♠ advantage of the exercise bike (while Pass 3♠ Pass 4♠ enjoying the chance to read my book). Thursday All Pass In the afternoon, I have a two-hour Briony is feeling a bit better this session with Richard and Gerry. Barry morning and we drive to Westfield Start by covering up the East-West is free too, which always makes it more to return some online shopping that cards and plan the play on a club lead. fun. Briony comes home early – she’s didn’t quite work, and then browse a Suppose you duck the first club. been having a lot of tummy problems few other shops. She drops me and my East plays the nine and continues the recently which are making life suitcase off at Barry’s and I go to a local suit, dummy’s ace winning the trick. miserable for her – and we spend the Lebanese restaurant to meet Susanna What our declarer tried to do was evening sorting through my clothes for lunch. We exchange lots of gossip ruff two diamonds in the dummy, while she lies in my bed talking to and then go through the system we are but eventually he ran into a trump me. I manage to throw away two big going to play together: our main target promotion and went one down, losing bin bags of clothes and other jetsam, is the Lady Milne trials at the end of one heart, two clubs and a trump. as well as four big bags for the charity January, but we will play in the teams But this is a hand where you should shop. It’s quite cathartic. at the Year End in December as well. be trying to make dummy good rather In the evening we are playing a than your hand. Win the second club Premier League match. The English and play ace and another heart. The Wednesday women’s team are flying to Beijing this defenders can win and cash a club, but The plan today is to go to Westminster weekend and in order to accommodate then what? Say they play a diamond. for the annual bridge match between us, the final Premier League has been You win the ace, draw two rounds

Page 44 BRIDGE January 2016 Seven Days continued West North East South charging in his kitchen. He- 1♣ Pass 2NT 3♥ roically, he sets off home to 4♣ Pass Pass 4♦ get it for me, while Heather Pass 4♥ All Pass goes on to Heathrow and I of trumps in dummy, ruff stay on a bench on the plat- a heart high, play a trump I am perhaps a bit too frisky form to wait for him. He to dummy and ruff another at adverse vulnerability, arrives back in record time Baltic Capitals heart. Now dummy is high. but you have to speculate and we have left plenty of & Stockholm We’ll never know whether to accumulate! West leads time, so there is no panic. It Archipelago our opponent in the other the ace of clubs so I ruff, does seem inordinately dif- room would have the same cross to the ace of spades ficult to get seats together, blind spot as I made it easy and cash the king of clubs though, but we manage it in by leading a diamond at pitching a spade. Now a dia- the end. trick one. mond to the queen, the ace Finally, we go through se- After the bridge is over we of diamonds and a diamond curity and agree to meet in all go out for a good dinner ruff, then a club ruffed and a bar in 10 minutes, but as at Heather’s local pub. overruffed, and another soon as I am in a shop I hear diamond ruff. I can ruff a my name called out over the spade and exit with the jack loudspeaker, I had managed Friday of diamonds. My last three to leave my passport and Departs Newcastle This is the long day of the cards are K-8-7 of hearts boarding pass in one of the 30th July 2016 • 13 nights Premier League weekend: and with the queen and boxes at security. It seems Balmoral • L1617 four 16-board matches. ten both marked with East that my mind is not where • Newcastle • Cruising They rig the draw for the there is nothing the defence it should be at the moment. Stockholm Archipelago last weekend so that the can do. It does not bode well for the • Stockholm, Sweden bottom four teams play In the evening we are all bridge. (overnight) • Cruising Stockholm Archipelago the top four teams first, so pretty exhausted – it is a The flight passes off • Tallinn, Estonia that the top four teams all lot of bridge, particularly peacefully enough, and we • St. Petersburg, Russian play each other at the end against high-standard play- both manage to get some Federation (overnight) when it is important to all ers. Dinner, at our local In- sleep. • Riga, Latvia • Copenhagen, Denmark • Newcastle of them. Otherwise, teams dian, is a welcome respite. We are met at the airport out of contention might be and driven the hour and Daily bridge on board, bridge dispirited and not play their a half to the hotel (more fees included. Mr Bridge welcome best against the teams at the Saturday/ sleep). We arrive at the hotel drinks party. Partners for single players. Special solos offers. top. So our four matches to- at five o’clock and just have day are against the top four time to shower and change Sunday Great value Mr Bridge fares: teams. We don’t do too bad- before the opening ceremo- Inside twin cabins from £1,259pp ly, beating Hinden by 9 and We have two matches today, ny at six. All these opening Outside twin cabins from £1,489pp Mossop (the eventual win- against two of the weaker ceremonies are more or less Superior Balcony cabins from £2,429pp ners) by 21 and losing fairly teams. We draw the first the same – not very inter- heavily to Allfrey and De and win the second nar- esting, especially when you Solos offer – Outside twin cabin for Botton. I enjoy this board rowly. have to listen to everything sole occupancy from £2,209pp against the Allfrey team: As the bottom two teams in Chinese and then the

are now playing each other, English translation. We all Balmoral it isn’t mathematically pos- behave well and appreciate Dealer West. N/S Game. sible for us to finish in the the support of all the spon- ♠ A J 9 8 2 bottom two. So we have sors. ♥ 6 3 avoided relegation, which When it is over we all get ♦ 7 has been our main aim after together for a communal ♣ K 10 9 5 2 the second weekend. photograph, before going ♠ 7 4 3 ♠ K Q 10 More or less as soon as we next door to the lavish Chi- N ♥ A 5 W E ♥ Q 10 9 finish, Heather and I need nese banquet. ♦ 5 4 S ♦ K 10 9 8 2 to set out for Heathrow. There are six of us at a ta- For reservations call Mr Bridge ♣ A Q 7 6 4 3 ♣ J 8 We agreed to meet at Acton ble for ten, and food for a on 01483 489961 ♠ 6 5 Town tube, on the platform, couple of dozen. www.mrbridge.co.uk ♥ K J 8 7 4 2 as we wanted to check in You will have to wait until

♦ A Q J 6 3 together. Barry comes with next month to hear how the Terms and conditions apply – ♣ Void see Fred.Olsen 2016 brochure or me and, just as we get there, bridge goes – it starts at 9.30 www.fredolsencruises.com for details. I realise I left my phone tomorrow morning. ■

BRIDGE January 2016 FOC308983_MR_BRIDGE_Mag_June_strip_ads_W.C.15.06.15_FV2.inddPage25/06/2015 45 16:23 4 Bernard Magee DVDs – Number Thirteen Hand Evaluation

his is one of my favourite topics East 2 is at the other end of the West North East South because it deals with the value spectrum: my final evaluation would 1♦ 1♥ 2♣ Pass of the cards in your hand, so it be a ‘good 13’. 2♦ Pass ? Tmakes a difference on every deal. The That means there is more than two Milton Work Count (4321) has been points difference between the two Before the bidding starts, East 4 is about a long time: it is the best system hands. You can use this evaluation probably your preferred hand, but as we have for evaluating the strength of throughout the bidding: opening, the auction progresses that should our hand, but it is certainly not per- responding, quantitative bidding, etc. change. fect. I start this seminar by showing Here is a hand that might open 1NT. The doubleton ♦Q in East 3 starts how you can enhance your evaluation off as a liability, but finishes up as gold of your hand in a number of ways, fo- dust. Both hands have a heart stopper cussing on: ♠ 9 4 3 2 so no-trumps is the obvious choice. ♥ K 5 N East 3 has the ♥K-Q sitting over the W E l ♦ K Q J 4 ♥ Tens and nines S 1 overcall, so is quite likely worth l Shape ♣ K 7 2 two stoppers and alongside this is l High cards together the gorgeous ♦Q, which will bolster partner’s suit perfectly: you should I explain my preferences with regard Combined with East 1, you have six certainly jump to 3NT. However East to shape and particularly my dislike tricks from the red suits, but your 4 has only one heart stop and a misfit for 4-3-3-3 hands, which I like to isolated black suit honours will leave with his partner’s diamond suit, so he downgrade by a full point. High cards nine tricks a distant prospect: even should settle for just 2NT. work better together so look out for 2NT might struggle. However with Your partner’s hand is: this: together is ‘good’, isolated is ‘bad’. East 2, with which you should raise to Tens with other higher cards are worth 3NT, the extra intermediate strength half a point and nines in combination makes 9 tricks a reasonable prospect. ♠ A 7 can also be valuable. In the second part of the CD, the ♥ 4 3 N W E ♦ A K 8 6 5 2 Look at these two hands with the topics are on the changes that take S ideas of full evaluation in mind: place as the auction progresses, cards ♣ 7 6 4 fitting and hands misfitting, and then finally about long minors. East 1 Here are two more East hands with On the likely heart lead, 3NT will be ♠ K 8 6 12 points: comfortable with East 3 because the N ♥ A 3 2 W E diamonds are likely to be worth six S ♦ A 7 6 tricks, but with East 4, you have to ♣ J 6 5 3 East 3 develop the diamond suit and by that ♠ 8 6 5 time the hearts are established for the N ♥ K Q 8 opponents. W E ♦ East 2 S Q 4 This CD aims to have you making N ♠ A J 10 ♣ K Q 9 8 3 the most of your evaluation: upgrading W E ♥ A Q 8 7 on some hands and downgrading on S ♦ 7 3 others. You have all been in 3NT going ♣ J 10 9 8 East 4 down with 26 HCP and in 1NT+2 with ♠ Q J 5 23 HCP. Hopefully, after this seminar, N ♥ A 8 7 W E you will be getting to more of the right East 1 is almost as bad as a 12 HCP S ♦ 7 4 contracts by judging how well hands hand can be: my final evaluation ♣ K Q 9 8 3 fit together and how their cards are would be a ‘bad 11’. working. ■

Page 46 BRIDGE January 2016 The Diaries of Wendy Wensum Episode 45: A Director Calls

ollowing his success as unofficial so, George doubled and two passes fol- spade suit. Spouse studiously made TD during our trip to Tuscany, lowed. At this point, Millie was seen copious notes, muttered about possible Spouse had enrolled on the first to twitch and rearrange her cards. She unauthorised information and asked Fof a series of EBU courses for club thought for some time before bidding us to play the hand and recall him if tournament directors. He was taking four no-trumps and I realised I need- necessary. The auction suggested that his role as acting TD for the evening’s ed to disregard her physical actions. Sarah held few if any values. George duplicate pairs at the Riverside very se- After the double, her bid was certainly led his ace of hearts followed by the riously and decided not to compete in not ace-asking as passing would surely queen. Millie took the first ten tricks the event. He had some difficulty per- be the better option. Anyway, if Mil- making her contract with one heart, suading members to leave the bar and lie intended to employ Blackwood, she five diamonds and four clubs and ad- seat themselves in the bridge room. would have used it directly over my mitted that initially she had the jack When he found a table was a person three spade bid. I concluded that the of clubs in with her spades which had short, he pounced on the miscreant’s four no-trump bid was an alternative caused the unusual bidding sequence. partner with undue alacrity. ‘Where is contract and I passed as my five card George and Sarah had no complaints your partner?’ he asked me brusquely. spade holding was rather insubstan- and decided to let the matter rest. ‘I haven’t seen her yet,’ I responded to tial. Later, in our usual hostelry, Jo and my own spouse. Venomously, I vowed Kate recalled the auction at their table. to myself that he would suffer later for his action. At that moment, Millie hur- Dealer South. Love All. West North East South tled through the door. She apologised ♠ K 10 6 3 2 Kate Jo to everyone in the vicinity and ex- ♥ 5 1♦ plained that she had come by bus. This ♦ J 10 5 3♦1 Pass 3♥ All Pass information was received with audible ♣ A Q 4 3 1Both majors gasps of incredulity. As she calmed ♠ A Q J 5 4 ♠ 7 N ♥ A Q J 9 6 2 ♥ 10 8 7 down, I couldn’t help remark in an W E After the initial diamond opener by unintentional tone of amazement, ‘By ♦ 3 S ♦ 9 7 4 2 South, Kate’s three diamonds showed bus?’ ‘I was the other side of the city ♣ 7 ♣ 10 8 6 5 2 a major two-suiter. Jo gave preference and the journey was quite slow,’ she ♠ 9 8 to hearts which ended the auction. explained, ‘The bus kept stopping for ♥ K 4 3 They were unsure of the exact play, people to get on and off.’ ‘Yes, they do ♦ A K Q 8 6 but the contract of three hearts made that,’ I confirmed. I changed the sub- ♣ K J 9 nine tricks. ‘Anyway, never mind ject by observing there were more ta- the tittle-tattle,’ protested Millie, ‘Is bles in play than usual and suggested tonight’s TD joining us?’ Looking that might be causing Spouse to be West North East South directly at me she continued, ‘Surely so uptight. ‘Why, is it another tro- George Wendy Sarah Millie you aren’t letting him get away with phy night?’ mused Millie, ‘Oh no, Jon 1NT1 his behaviour towards us this evening? and Jane aren’t here so it can’t be.’ TD 2♥ 3♠ Pass 4♠ Who did he think he was, treating us Spouse soon had bridge underway. Dbl Pass Pass 4NT like that?’ ‘Probably the tournament Halfway through the evening this All Pass director,’ hinted Kate. I was in a more board (see next column) caused some 116-18 sympathetic mood now and explained problems. that, in an earnest attempt to improve Millie opened one no-trump and af- George was a little agitated and rightly his TD skills, his bedtime reading for ter much thought George over-called called the director. Spouse duly ar- several weeks had been the EBU White two hearts. I decided, probably un- rived and George accurately reported Book. ‘Good gracious, that’s well wisely, that I was strong enough to Millie’s hand rearrangement, hesita- above the call of duty,’ said Jo. ‘Surely make a natural game-forcing three tion and my pass over what George that’s punishment enough, isn’t it?’ I spades. After Sarah’s pass, Millie thought was RKCB. I explained that suggested. Three other heads nodded converted to four spades which I as- as Millie was limited to 18 HCP, I saw in unanimous agreement. Millie even sumed would finish the auction. Not no reason to bid on with my weakish smiled. ■

BRIDGE January 2016 Page 47 Miami, USA Central America & the Mardi Gras th 4 February 2017 • 46 nights Southampton Sails from Southampton • Balmoral • CRUISE ID: L1703

Charleston Ponta Delgada Key West Jacksonville Tampa Hamilton Madeira New Orleans (2 nights) Port Canaveral Miami Cozumel Key West Tortola Belize City Antigua Falmouth St. Lucia Banana Coast Barbados (Trujillo)

Date Arrive Depart Destination host of incredible experiences are packed into one truly FEBRUARY 2017 Sat 04 PM Southampton stunning holiday. The Caribbean, North America and Central Sun 05-Tue 07 Cruising America: this fantastic trip takes you to some of the world’s most Wed 08 early am late pm Funchal, Madeira A Thu 09-Tue 14 Cruising beautiful, exciting and interesting destinations in a once-in-a-lifetime Wed 15 early pm late night Bridgetown, Barbados Thu 16 early am late pm Castries, St. Lucia adventure you will never forget. Fri 17 early am late pm St. John's, Antigua Sat 18 early am late pm Road Town, Tortola Visit Road Town, Tortola, rich in pirate history. mile upon mile of untouched golden beaches Sun 19-Mon 20 Cruising Here you can ride into the rugged inland and two awe-inspiring, world famous rocket Tue 21 early am late pm Falmouth, Jamaica landscapes on our Jeep Safari tour, or head launch sites – the Kennedy Space Centre Wed 22 Cruising out into the warm, crystal clear waters and and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Thu 23 early am late pm Banana Coast (Trujillo), Honduras swim with dolphins. Tortola was voted the Contrast the fiercely modern architecture Fri 24 early am late pm Belize City, Belize best port of call in the Caribbean by Fred. of Jacksonville with the gentler Georgian Sat 25 early am late pm Cozumel, Mexico Olsen guests, though Barbados, Antigua buildings of Charleston. Southern charm Sun 26 Cruising and St. Lucia aren’t bad either. marks departure from the shores of the Mon 27 late pm New Orleans, LA, USA US as the British charm of Bermuda beckons. Tue 28 New Orleans, LA, USA Honduras, Belize and Mexico all follow in MARCH 2017 quick succession: bathe in tropical sunshine, Wed 01 early pm New Orleans, LA, USA Latin culture and fascinating indigenous Thu 02 Cruising history. Little can match two nights in New early am late night Fri 03 Tampa, FL, USA Orleans though, especially as this is perfectly Sat 04 Cruising timed so you can join the colourful fun at the Sun 05 early am late pm Key West, FL, USA annual Mardi Gras. Collect symbolic colourful Mon 06 early am late pm Miami, FL, USA Tue 07 early am late pm Port Canaveral, FL, USA beads as the revellers (known as ‘krewes’) Wed 08 early am late pm Jacksonville, FL, USA parade their hand-crafted floats and Thu 09 early am late night Charleston, SC, USA costumes through the city. Fri 10-Sat 11 Cruising Sun 12 early am late pm Hamilton, Bermuda In Florida, enjoy Fred.’s maiden call into Mon 13-Fri 17 Cruising Tampa, followed by the party atmosphere, Sat 18 early am early pm Ponta Delgada, Azores relaxed mind-set and beautiful beaches of Sun 19-Tue 21 Cruising Key West, Miami and Port Canaveral. This Wed 22 AM Southampton is the chance to explore floral national parks, New Orleans Up to £250 per person On Board Spend For adult travellers only The extended length and nature of this Prices per person sailing are suited to the adult traveller, REDUCED SOLE OCCUPANCY therefore only those over 18 are able SUPPLEMENTS ON SELECTED Cabin type Prices from to join. TWIN GRADES Inside £3,999 Outside £4,699 Superior Balcony £7,599 Your Price Includes: Suites £8,499 Daily evening bridge on board and bridge fees included in the fare • Morning seminars and Single £6,749 afternoon bridge on days at sea • A bridge partner will always be found for solo travellers • Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, a five-course a la carte dinner, late night buffet and self-service Prices are correct at time of going to print, but tea & coffee • Mr Bridge Welcome and Farewell Drinks parties• Varied daytime activies, lectures may change at any time. Call for latest prices. and talks • Choice of live evening entertainment

Contact Mr Bridge to book now on 01483 489 961 or visit www.mrbridge.co.uk

FOC307429_Mr_Bridge_FP_4x_210X295_Ads_W.C.18.05.15_FV4.indd 2 10/06/2015 12:10