JUNE_09_EB_p01 Front Cover:EB_Layout 3 12/05/2009 16:32 Page 1

June 2009 English Bridge Issue No. 223

The EBU members’ magazine

Sussex bridge player Vida Bingham wins the Grand

National with Mon Mome – page 17

Inside: News, Views, Instruction, Reports & Fun! June09_adverts:EB_Layout 3 15/05/2009 17:35 Page 2 Bridge Overseas WE GUARANTEE ALL OUR PRICES AGAINST CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS

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16 – 18 Mary Street, Porthcawl CF36 3YA T7028 Bridge Overseas Ltd MASTERPOINTS GIVEN Prices quoted on overseas holidays are for half board, flights & transfers unless otherwise stated. The only addition is the bridge fee. Bridge is FREEPHONE: 0800 0346 246 licensed by the EBU - masterpoints, trophies, vouchers and/or prizes. Retail agents for Balkan atol 252, or tel: 01656 773178 www.bridgeoverseas.co.uk Thomas Cook Holidays atol 1368 & Thomsons atol 2524. p03 Editorial CHANGED.qxd:EB_Layout 3 18/05/2009 09:56 Page 3

English Bridge Your clubs, your © All rights reserved ENGLISH BRIDGE players, your EBU is published every two months by the ENGLISH BRIDGE UNION Sally Bugden, EBU Chairman Broadfields, Bicester Road, Aylesbury HP19 8AZ ( 01296 317200 Fax: 01296 317220 [email protected] BY the time you read this, every affiliated • FOLLOW . . . Web site: www.ebu.co.uk club in England will have received the EBU’s Your current playing ability through your ______infor mation pack on club affiliation from grade in the new National Grading Scheme Editor: Elena Jeronimidis April 2010 onwards. Each pack contains the which is based on your last fifty playing 23 Erleigh Road, Reading RG1 5LR fol low ing documents: sessions. ( 0118 926 2602 • Benefits for Individual Members • ENJOY . . . [email protected] • Benefits for Affiliated Clubs Our members’ magazine English Bridge, Editorial Board • Club Affiliation Agreement with six copies every year covering news and Sally Bugden (Chairman), Pay to Play Guidance Notes views on bridge across the world, bridge Jeremy Dhondy and Elena Jeronimidis • • Pay to Play Questions and Answers celebrities, tour naments and results, educa - ______• A description of the activities the EBU tion, tips on impro ving play, director training, Advertising Manager undertakes to provide the infrastruc ture internet bridge and all the news and Master Harpreet Gill at Loud Group and to develop the game in England. Point promotions. Unit 90, Milton Park, Abingdon OX14 4RY The pack contains a great deal of information Specialist master classes with outstanding ( 01235 834277 fax: 01235 820338 which is also available on our web site. Contact bridge teachers and celebrities. [email protected] details for advice and guidance, as well as RECEIVE . . . ______• back ground documenta tion, can be found in Your free 18-month pocket diary with clear Printing: St Ives (Andover) plc the introduction of the Pay to Play Guidance listings of our tournaments and competitions, Notes – just click on the Pay to Play section plus information on all aspects of the game. in the right-hand menu of our home page. Advice, when you need or want it, on any INSIDE GUIDE On this page and on page 31 of this issue as pect of the game ranging from how to start of English Bridge we outline the benefits that a new club to questions on scoring, behaviour being part of the EBU brings to individual or ethics. Duplicate pairs tips 5 n members and clubs. Discounts on bridge books and equipment Bridge fiction 7 n I hope that you now have enough infor - at competitive prices from the EBU shop. 2009 Camrose Part 2 9 n mation to be able to make an informed deci - • PROTECT . . . Fine-tuning 11 n sion on the future that your club wants to The future of the game. Your contribution Around and about 13 n make for itself and its members. And that ensures that there is a robust infrastructure Bidding quiz 14-15 n future involves being part of the EBU and its and that the game is developed for all to vibrant and developing com munity of clubs enjoy . Cover Story 17 n and players . 2009 Lady Milne 17 n Personal Benefits Benefits for individual EBU members Heather’s hints 19 n • INSURANCE Bridge on TV 21 n From April 2010 all members of an EBU Health-related member benefit schemes The Quiz page NEW 23 n affiliated club will become members of the offered by HMCA (The Hospital & Medical Really Easy Bridge 25 n EBU. Membership will be funded through Care Association) available at an exclusive rate the Pay to Play system. to members of the EBU and their families. Letters to the editor 27-28 n Discounted household insurance policy, Bridge Benefits Bidding quiz test hands 29 n exclusi vely for members of the EBU, tailored EBU news and diary 31-35 n • PLAY . . . to indivi dual requirements. News & Reports 37 n In our wide range of tournaments and • CAR HIRE Competitive Bidding 38-39 n com pe titions at club, county, national and Benefit from exclusive car and van hire On-line bridge 39 n inter national level, including local leagues rental rates from National Car Rental. and simultaneous events. BARCELO HOTEL DISCOUNT Caption Competition 39 n • WIN . . . All EBU members are eligible to a 10% The debate 40-41 • n Master Points to measure your progress and dis count off the Best Available Rate available EBU problems 42-43 n personal life-time achievement and that of at the time of booking a break at a Barceló UK Club bidding quiz (answers) 44 n your friends from Local Master all the way up hotel. Charity bridge event 44 n to Premier Grand Master. Benefits for clubs: page 31 Standard English 45 n County news 46-53 n ARTICLES IN ENGLISH BRIDGE ARE COLOUR CODED Defensive bidding Part 2 54 n Instruction EBU News Features On-line Bridge Reports Front cover photo: Rupert Thornely-Taylor n n n n n

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4 English Bridge June 2009 www.ebu.co.uk

JUNE_09_EB_p05 Robson + Lawley:EB_Layout 3 12/05/2009 16:39 Page 5

The Two-minute Interview Let the S C

Sue Lawley opponents I T

play in a C A T

vulnerable S R s t r I A

y k S

: A o t

o part-score h P P

ALTHOUGH (as we saw in the last issue) Andrew Robson Sue Lawley is one of Britain’s best known vulnerability is irrelevant at match-point radio and television broadcasters, duplicate in an uncontested auction, it is hosting Desert Island Discs for eighteen hugely relevant in the competitive arena. dummy, and played well. Winning South’s years. She has now become famous as the first winner of Sky Arts TV’s Bridge: And it is not only your vulnerability that small club lead with dummy’s king, he ran Celebrity Grand Slam (see page 17). matters – it is also the opponents’. the ten of hearts at trick two. South won the Take this hand: ace and, with no good play, led a second How did you start playing bridge? after the bidding has club. Winning the ace and discard ing a I took up bridge in my late twenties. My ♠ A J 7 5 2 gone 1NT – Pass – diamond, declarer led a second heart. North husband and our next door neighbours ♥ Q 3 2 Pass to you. Should won the king and persevered with a third taught me and we became hugely keen, ♦ Q 8 5 2 you protect with a club. Declarer ruffed and led a low trump to playing into the wee small hours. We ♣ 7 bid of 2 ♠? Say you the queen (South ducking), a trump back to were producing children in those days are non-vulnerable. the ace, and a third trump, pleased to see the and I have to confess to having fed a It is certainly very 3-3 split (throwing the last club from dum - baby at the bridge table. tempting – after all you don’t really fancy my). He ruffed the club return (a diamond And after that? defending 1NT on a likely opening club going from dummy), cashed the queen of I divorced and re-married a non-bridge lead from partner. So do you or don’t you? hearts, then led towards the king of dia - player so I hardly played for twenty years. Me – I don’t have enough information. I monds, with the winning thirteenth heart Then we bought a house in a small know that my side is non-vulnerable but I waiting to be enjoyed. All South could win coastal town in East Devon. The local haven’t been told whether or not my oppo - was the ace of diamonds. 2 ♠ +1 and +140. ‘Bridge & Croquet Club’ turned out to be nents are non-vulnerable – almost as East awaited the traveller/Bridgemate thriving and suddenly I discovered the important. This deal shows what I mean: with interest – surely his bold bidding and bug had bitten me again! I was very rusty accurate play had earned a near-top . . . but the members were patient with me – Nope – a near bottom! formal, precise, sticklers for the rules and N/S Game. Dealer South. Can you see why? At other tables the less etiquette, and mustard at the game! ♠ 9 6 3 venturesome Easts had let South play 1NT, And now? ♥ K J 6 which fares miserably. Without torturing Over the last fourteen years I’ve learned ♦ J 9 4 you with the details, all declarer is likely to much more than I ever knew about ♣ Q 6 4 2 win is one spade, two hearts, one diamond bridge, and I play regularly during holi - ♠ Q 8 ♠ A J 7 5 2 and one club. The dreaded -200. A row of N days. I know that If I’m not getting the ♥ 10 9 8 5 W E ♥ Q 3 2 +200s to East-West meant that our East’s cards, I need to sit on my hanky instead ♦ K 10 3 S ♦ Q 8 5 2 +140 scored just 32% of the matchpoints. of walking around my chair. ♣ A K 10 8 ♣ 7 It was the opponents’ vulnerability that What does bridge mean to you? ♠ K 10 4 had been all-important here. Had they Just as when I was 30 years old, the ♥ A 7 4 been non-vulnerable, then +140 would sound of the cards being shuffled sets ♦ A 7 6 have been a near-top (compared with lots my heart a-flutter and banishes any ♣ J 9 5 3 of +100 defending 1NT down two). Not sense of tiredness. Bridge for me is true so with North-South vulnerable. escapism – there’s no room in your head for any of life’s serious concerns West North East South when you’re short of entries to the table, 1NT Andrew’s Tip: Be happy to defend a the opposition’s strength is all on the Pass Pass ?1 part-score deal when the oppo - wrong side and you’ve said you can 1 Should East pass or bid 2 ♠? nents are vulnerable – and you make three no-trumps. might get the magic +200. r At the table East bid 2 ♠. He bought a useful

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6 English Bridge June 2009 www.ebu.co.uk June_09_EB_p07 Matron_EB_Layout 3 06/05/2013 16:20 Page 7

Bridge at Cholmeley School N O I T C I F

Reverend Benson’s E G D I R lapse David Bird B

THE Headmaster looked wearily at the shape in hearts and a minor. Neil Phillips’ defenders following. Yes! He was going to two dishevelled fourth-formers who had bid in the Headmaster’s known suit, hearts, make the slam now. arrived at his table. ‘Remind me, Hutson,’ then showed a sound raise of partner’s A trump to the queen allowed declarer he said. ‘How old are you?’ spades. to ruff a second club, setting up a winner ‘Fourteen, Sir,’ replied John Hutson. The Headmaster shrugged his shoulders in the suit. He returned to dummy with ‘Fifteen next December.’ when Hutson leapt to the six level at his the ace of trumps and triumphantly dis - ‘How old do you have to be nowadays next turn. There was no point in doubling carded his heart loser on the established before you can fasten the top button of the slam, obviously. If the foolish boys had club. ‘These cards are all good,’ he said, your shirt?’ persisted the Headmaster. ‘Did overstretched, they would score a bottom facing his remaining cards for inspection. you think your tie was covering it up?’ anyway. He led the king of diamonds and The Reverend Benson winced as he ‘I did the button up this morning, Sir,’ down went the dummy. realised what the lay-out had been. Hutson replied. ‘It must have just some - John Hutson examined the cards that ‘Disastrous opening lead, Headmaster!’ he how come undone.’ were on view. That was unlucky, dummy declared. ‘A heart or a club would have ‘Spare me the feeble excuses,’ declared having five points in diamonds opposite given him no chance at all. I had the two the Headmaster. ‘Your parents do not send his void. Swap the diamond honours for queens over here.’ you to this establishment, at considerable the king-queen of clubs and the slam ‘You had the queen of hearts?’ exclaimed expense, so you can walk around looking would have been an easy make. What the Headmaster. ‘Why in heaven’s name like someone from a refugee camp.’ could be done? If he discarded the heart didn’t you double the boy’s three-heart Hutson fastened the errant top button, loser on the ace of diamonds, he would bid? Double to show a heart honour and I with some difficulty, and extracted his surely lose two club tricks later. can lead a heart from the king-jack. Only a cards for the first board of the round. This ‘Don’t keep us waiting all day,’ admon - madman would lead a heart otherwise.’ was the deal before them: ished the Headmaster. ‘For a moment I ‘With the ace or king of hearts I would thought I was in a check-out queue at have doubled,’ the elderly cleric replied. ‘It’s Sainsbury’s.’ a bit risky with the queen. Last time I did N/S Game. Dealer South. The two fourth-formers smiled dutifully that, you led the ace and set up Bertie Bellis’s ♠ A Q 9 at this attempted witticism. ‘Ace, please,’ king, don’t you remember? You said it was ♥ 7 2 said John Hutson. On this trick he dis- the most foolish double you’d ever seen.’ ♦ A J 10 4 carded a club rather than a heart. ‘And the The Headmaster shook his head dis mis - ♣ 8 6 5 3 jack of diamonds, please.’ sively. ‘In the absence of any judgement on ♠ Void ♠ 8 7 3 The young declarer discarded a second such matters, you should at least try to be ♥ K J 10 8 4 N ♥ Q 6 5 3 club and the Headmaster won with the consistent,’ he continued. ‘Double on both W E ♦ K Q 9 8 5 S ♦ 7 6 3 2 diamond queen. No benefit could come hands and we would score one bottom and ♣ K J 9 ♣ Q 2 from switching to a heart or a club, even if one top. This way, we get two bottoms.’ ♠ K J 10 6 5 4 2 East did hold the queen of the suit, so the John Hutson sat back in his chair, trying ♥ A 9 Headmaster exited passively with a third hard not to look pleased with himself. A ♦ Void round of diamonds, won by the dummy’s slam made against the Headmaster on just ♣ A 10 7 4 ten. Hutson discarded yet another club 23 points – what a story he would have to from his hand and then crossed to the bare tell the other boys. It would cost him a poor ace of clubs. A trump to the nine was mark on his next Divinity essay, it went West North East South followed by a club ruff in his hand, both without saying. Still, it was worth it! r Head- Neil Rev. John master Phillips Benson Hutson 1♠ BRIDGE AND GOLF GIFTS DIRECT LIMITED 2♠ 3♥ Pass 6♠ Large selection of bridge and golf gifts and accessories All Pass For the catalogue and price list contact Cynthia at Bridge and Golf Gifts Direct Limited The Headmaster entered the auction with ( 020 8954 8006 Fax: 020 8420 7006 E-mail: [email protected] a Michaels Cue-bid, promising at least 5-5

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8 English Bridge June 2009 www.ebu.co.uk JUNE_09_EB_p09 Camrose:EB_Layout 3 12/05/2009 16:45 Page 9

‘EBU’ win S T the Camrose R O P

THE second, and final, weekend of the West North East South E

2009 Camrose Trophy was hosted by the Denning Cooke Shields Garvey R English Bridge Union at the Barcelo Hotel, 2♣ Oxford, on March 6-8. As hosts of the Pass 2♦ Pass 3♥ second weekend, England were repre sent ed Pass 4♦ Pass 4NT Tony Gordon by two teams this year with their second End team designated ‘EBU’. The EBU team (Alexander Allfrey – The opening 2 ♣ bid showed both majors West North East South Andrew Robson, Andy Bowles – John with 8-13 points and Garvey’s 3 ♥ response Rees Brunner Kurbalija Holland Howard, Jon Cooke – Martin Garvey, with to the 2 ♦ relay showed a maximum with a Pass 1♦ Chris Dixon as non-playing captain) began 5-4-3 -1shape. Cooke’s 4 ♦ was RKCB for Pass 1♥ Pass 2♣ the second weekend with a lead of 3 VPs spades and 4NT showed two key cards Pass 2♠ Pass 3♠1 over Wales with England (David Gold – without the spade queen. With two key Pass 4♦ Pass 4♥ Tom Town send, Espen Erichsen – Norman cards missing 4NT also represented an ideal Pass 4NT Pass 5♦2 Selway, Michelle Brunner – John Holland, final contract, so Cooke duly passed. Garvey Pass 6NT End with David Price as non-playing captain) just lost the two red aces, so the EBU scored a further 4 VPs behind in third place, but +460 for a gain of 11 IMPs which helped 1 See below England’s 20-10 VPs victory over the EBU them to draw with Wales. That result was 2 Zero or three key cards for diamonds in the first round made them the new good enough to keep them at the head of leaders. However, England then lost to the rankings as Scotland surprisingly de - The key to the auction was Holland’s Ireland by the same score to leave Ireland feated Ireland 25-4 VPs. However, Scotland response to the fourth-suit 2 ♠. He had and the EBU sharing the lead. came back down to earth in the next round already denied holding four spades, so his Jon Cooke and Martin Garvey play a as they were beaten 25-3 VPs by England, raise to 3 ♠ showed he had extra values complex system and it showed to good which meant that England led the EBU by 3 but no extra feature to reveal. This infor - effect on the deal below from the EBU’s VPs going into the final round. mation allowed Brunner to take charge third-round match against Wales: England had a and she chose the no-trump slam to pro- poor first half against tect her king of spades. After a club lead Wales in the last won by her eight, she needed one of the E/W Game. Dealer South. round but recovered red suits to provide five tricks. Diamonds ♠ Q 6 2 some ground in the did not oblige but hearts did, so England i h c

♥ K second half with the c scored +990. a T

n

♦ K Q 10 3 help of a fine effort o At the other table South played in 5 ♦, R

: o ♣ A K Q J 10 by Michelle Brunner t but the queen of spades lead meant there o h ♠ 9 8 ♠ 10 7 4 and John Holland on P were two spades and a trump to lose for A 10 9 2 N J 8 7 the deal below: Michelle Brunner one down, so England gained 14 IMPs. ♥ W E ♥ ♦ 8 S ♦ A 9 7 6 2 However, it was too little too late as the ♣ 9 8 7 5 3 2 ♣ 6 4 EBU had been piling on the IMPs against ♠ A K J 5 3 E/W Game. Dealer East. Scotland and their 25-1 VPs win coupled ♥ Q 6 5 4 3 ♠ K 10 with England’s 17-13 VPs defeat meant ♦ J 5 4 ♥ K Q 9 8 3 that the EBU topped the table 9 VPs ahead ♣ Void ♦ Q 4 3 of England. ♣ A Q 8 So it’s congratulations to the two English ♠ Q J 9 7 5 4 ♠ A 8 3 teams, but especially to the EBU team who Elsewhere South usually ended up J 10 2 N 7 6 4 brought the Camrose Trophy back to ♥ W E ♥ declaring 5 ♠ after his response to his ♦ 10 S ♦ J 9 8 2 England for the first time in five years. partner’s 4NT enquiry indicated two key ♣ J 4 2 ♣ 9 7 5 cards were missing, but a diamond to the ♠ 6 2 Final scores: ace, a diamond ruff and the ace of hearts ♥ A 5 1. EBU 176 VPs; 2. England 167 VPs; led to a quick one down. However, Cooke ♦ A K 7 6 5 3. Wales 150 VPs; 4. Ireland 146 VPs; and Garvey were able to stop at a safer ♣ K 10 6 3 5. Northern Ireland 128 VPs; 6. Scotland contract: 119 VPs. r

www.ebu.co.uk June 2009 English Bridge 9 16:44 Page 1

June09_adverts:EB_Layout 3 12/05/2009 17:36 Page 10

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Hilton Avisford, Arundel 27 – 29 November 09 £216

Quote P37EBB (2 night event) or P26BHP (3 night event) at time of booking

♥ Event includes a Bank holiday ♣ 3 night event o Half board event * Sun – Tues event m Optional golf subject to availability Book online at hilton.co.uk/bridge For further information call David Jones on 02476 461511 For bookings only please call 08705 201201 Please quote code at time of booking

Deposit required for all events - refundable up to 4 weeks prior. Payment required 21 days prior to arrival. All events are full board unless stated otherwise Terms and conditions apply. For the new full terms and conditions visit hilton.co.uk/discoveryweekends. JUNE_09_EB_p11 North:EB_Layout 3 14/05/2009 12:47 Page 11

Jeremy Flint’s G N I N U

leading tip T - E N I

IN many walks of life ‘doing what comes F naturally’ is a thoroughly laudable pursuit ♠ K 10 9 7 Freddie North and it certainly has its place in bridge. ♥ 10 Indeed, a player who is consistently ex - ♦ K 6 5 ploring new avenues in the land of exotica ♣ K J 10 8 3 any old diamond; it must be precisely the may occasionally be hailed as a genius but ♠ 5 2 ♠ 6 3 jack! When the dust has settled, declarer that is unlikely to be what his harassed ♥ Q 9 6 4 N ♥ A K J 7 5 can do no more than offer his congra - W E partner calls him! However, while the norm ♦ J 8 3 2 S ♦ A Q 10 tulations to the defenders, chalk up minus is fre quently the best ♣ Q 7 5 ♣ 9 6 2 100 and hope that his next opponents will course of action, there ♠ A Q J 8 4 be more charitable. are times when a spot of ♠ 5 2 ♥ 8 3 2 Another deal, also from a recent pairs fine-tuning may suggest ♥ Q 9 6 4 ♦ 9 7 4 competition, posed a number of questions itself. Without further ♦ J 8 3 2 ♣ A 4 for both sides: ado, what would you ♣ Q 7 5 lead on this hand? We can now see that a small heart would Love All. Dealer East. Game All. Dealer East. not have endangered the contract as East ♠ K 9 7 6 4 West North East South is powerless to take more than two tricks – ♥ 10 9 1♥ 1♠ dummy’s clubs providing adequate dis - ♦ 8 5 2♥ 4♠ All Pass cards. Following Jeremy’s advice, however, ♣ Q J 4 3 and kicking off with the queen of hearts, ♠ Q ♠ 8 The normal lead is, no doubt, the four of leads to a completely different scenario. ♥ A K J 8 4 3 N ♥ Q 5 2 W E hearts but I recall a tip given by my old East, ever the dutiful and helpful partner, ♦ J 9 6 4 S ♦ A K Q 10 7 2 friend, the late Jeremy Flint, who advised will no doubt invoke a McKenny signal ♣ 10 8 ♣ K 6 5 that in circumstances where it might be with the jack of hearts (‘Please switch to ♠ A J 10 5 3 2 advant a geous to hold the lead, see the diamonds’) but even without this tiny ♥ 7 6 dummy and observe partner’s card, you piece of sophisticated nursing West will be ♦ 3 should play your top honour; in this case under no illusions as to his best conti- ♣ A 9 7 2 the queen. Let’s look at the full deal: nuation: a diamond. But, of course, not

After preliminary exchanges this hand became a battle of the majors, neither side Maurice Weissberger being allowed to play at the four level. If North-South take out insurance by con ti- Maurice Weissberger died on 3rd March, just short of his 90th birthday. nuing to 5 ♠, they are likely to lose three He had been one of great britain’s finest players both in domestic and inter - tricks, two hearts and one diamond – the national competition. internationally, his best result was finishing second ten of clubs conveniently falling doubleton. with the late Joan Durran in the World Mixed Pairs in 1966. This, along with The really interesting scenario is when numerous other good performances, helped him become one of very few North-South defend 5 ♥, with North to british players ever to achieve the World bridge Federation’s rank of World lead. The ‘natural’ lead of the six of spades Master. The pinnacle of his domestic record was achieving back to back wins will not defeat the contract. Indeed, if in the Lederer Trophy in 1966 and 1967. South does not cash his ace of clubs at as a bridge theorist, Maurice invented the convention known as ‘extended trick two, West will score an overtrick. stayman’, where, if the auction begins 1NT – 2 ♣ – 2 ♦, then a bid of 3 ♦ asks However, with a little fine-tuning (and a the 1NT opener to show if he has one or both three-card majors. quick thank-you to J.F.) North will com - until last February, Maurice was still playing rubber bridge at the avenue mence proceedings with the king of spades. bridge club, where he enjoyed enormous respect and affection. When that trick is safely in the bag, it (From www.sccba.co.uk ) won’t require Einstein to find the queen of clubs switch. r

www.ebu.co.uk June 2009 English Bridge 11 June09_adverts:EB_Layout 3 12/05/2009 17:37 Page 12

Mike Swanson Presents Coombe Cross Hotel Coombe Lane, Bovey Tracey, DIAMOND BRIDGE Devon TQ13 9EY (01626 832476) www.coombecross.co.uk

Our prices are inclusive of bridge costs. ♦ Comfortable Country Hotel with spectacular views Waterways of the Tsars of Dartmoor 17th July 09 - 12 nights - from £2508 ♦ Really delicious food, carefully prepared and courteously A Russian river cruise aboard Viking Surkov from St Petersburg to served. All food is home made. Moscow, with 3 days in each city. 10 guided excursions are included ♦ Duplicate Bridge sessions directed by the very popular in the price. Flights from Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham & Peter Bowles Edinburgh. * ♦ Luxury indoor pool, spa, sauna, solarium and fitness suite Round Britain Cruise ♦ Friendly staff and informal atmosphere 5th September 09 - 9 nights from £1086 ♦ Master Points and Prizes given each evening Join us on Fred Olsen’s Balmoral from Dover to Invergordon, Kirkwall (Orkneys), Tobermory (Mull), Dublin, Falmouth & St Peter Port (Guernsey). ** Dates for 2009 Skiathos 18th September 09 - 14 nights Oct 16th – Oct 19th £185.00 pp from £995 half-board Our 2008 holiday to this tiny island with 60 palm-fringed sandy Oct 30th – Nov 2nd £170.00 pp beaches was so successful that we just had to return. Flights from Gatwick & Manchester. * Nov 13th – Nov 16th £170.00 pp Corfu 2nd October 09 - 14 nights June 21st – June 26th £315.00 pp from £1045 half-board The Corfu Chandris, always popular with our clients, now has a Dec 27th – Jan 1st 2010 £415.00 pp large new outdoor pool set in the grounds. It is right by the sea amidst extensive gardens and is just a short ride from Corfu Town. Flights from Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham & Bristol. * AA ★★ Bridge licensed by the EBU ETC ★★ Ancient Wonders 23rd October 09 - 13 nights from £1555 A fly-cruise aboard Thomson Celebration from Corfu to Piraeus (for Athens), Kusadasi (for Ephesus), Rhodes, Antalya, Limassol, Ashdod (for Jerusalem), Suez Canal, Port Sokhna (for Cairo), Eilat, Aqaba (for Petra) & Sharm El Sheikh. Flights from Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham & Bristol. * Benidorm 7th January 2010 - 14 nights full-board from £690 Once again we shall be returning to the Hotel Poseidon Place, set in the most popular resort on the Costa Blanca. No single supplement. Flights from Birmingham, Bristol, Doncaster, East Bridge Holidays for 2009 Midlands, Gatwick, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Stansted. * • 3 Nights Accommodation with full English Paphos, Cyprus breakfast. Buffet lunch and dinner in 27th January 2010 - 14 nights half-board Vettriano’s Restaurant. from £830 • Duplicate and teams of 4 sessions. Our fourth visit to the 4-star Louis Imperial Beach Hotel in Paphos, set in extensive landscaped gardens next to a sandy cove, with • Seminars/tutorials on request. views across the bay to the harbour and fort. Flights from Gatwick • Single players welcome. & Manchester. * • EBU-Qualified Tournament Director. Indian Ocean Delights • Bridge licensed by the EBU. 8th November 2010 - 25 nights A cruise aboard the 6-star all-suite, all-balcony, all-inclusive Regent Standard room 3 nights £220 per person Seven Seas Mariner from Dubai to Fujairah (United Arab Emirates), Upgrade to a boutique room for £20 the Indian ports of Mumbai, Goa, Mangalore & Cochin, Port Victoria & Praslin (Seychelles), Mauritius, Reunion, and then the (per room per night) . South African ports of Richards Bay, Durban and Cape Town. ** * operated by Northenden Travel ATOL3042 Available Dates ** payments to Northenden Travel ABTA56434, agents for Regent Seven Seas and Fred Olsen 26 – 29 June 4 – 7 September Bridge licensed by the EBU 16 – 19 October

Diamond Bridge Please call reservations on 01253 726726 or book online The Cheshire Travel Centre, www.innontheprom.co.uk quoting Bridge Break package to 268 Finney Lane, Heald Green, Cheshire SK8 3QD take advantage of these great value offers. email: [email protected] www.diamondbridge.co.uk 11/17 South Promenade • St Annes-on-Sea Tel: 01928 790080 Fax: 0161 437 0212 Lancashire •FY8 1LU

12 English Bridge June 2009 www.ebu.co.uk JUNE_09_EB_p13 Around-about:EB_Layout 3 12/05/2009 16:47 Page 13

Around and About

MURDER MYSTERY & BRIDGE MEDALLISTS RECEPTION

AFTER months of planning, preparation, blood, sweat and tears the Murder Mystery Fundraising Evening had finally arrived. The previous autumn, Wiltshire’s trowBRIDGEclub committee had decided to try and raise the requisite funds to purchase an electronic scoring system. After much thought it was agreed to hold a Murder Mystery Evening, followed by an auction of ‘promises’ and donated items, at the beginning of February. A local troupe specialising in such evenings was engaged and a 1920s themed Mystery was settled on, a local hall was booked, and the

planning began to get the evening organised. n o t g n i k l i P

e k i M

: o t o h P

MEDAL winners from the 2008 Mind Sports Games went to Manchester Town Hall on Thursday 16 April for a special reception hosted by the Lord Mayor. Justin and Jason Hackett, Open Teams silver medallists (in the pic- ture, flanking the Lord Mayor) and Michael Byrne (at the back in the photo), captain of the silver medal winning Under 21s Team, were joined by Kevin e l l i v

r Comrie, Chairman of Manchester CBA, and other distinguished players. e k s

a The Lord Mayor, Councillor Mavis Smitheman, said: ‘I am so pleased to B

m

a be welcoming the Manchester Bridge Association to the Town Hall and to h a r congratulate the players on their remarkable achievements on the world’s G

: o t stage. We have a won der ful wealth of talent in the city across many different o h P activities and this is something we are very keen to celebrate and applaud.’

The day duly arrived, the food was ready, the hall had been scrubbed and spruced up, the bar was sorted, the com mittee had dressed up and the SUCCESS STORY players were getting themselves ready. As with all parties, waiting for the first guests to arrive is always nerve-wracking but bang on time arrive they HAMPTON Duplicate Bridge Club are pleased to announce the opening of did. Looking around the room, once everyone was there, it was fantastic to their additional new club (picture below) on Wednesday evenings at see that many people had really entered into the spirit of the evening and Swalecliffe Community Centre, Swalecliffe, Whitstable, Kent . dressed up. I don’t think I have ever seen such a gorgeous collection of The first evening was free to all guests from local teachers’ improvers feather boas in one room before. classes, as well as many supporters at various stages of climbing the EBU The evening was a roaring success. We had managed to raise all the rankings. The club will be running a series of events, many of which are money we needed and there had been no catastrophes, apart from the Simultaneous Pairs, including competitions for Glamourous Grannies, the curious case of Diana King’s missing glasses. By some miracle the com - Swinging Seventies and the prestigious Battle of the Sexes. Further infor - mittee, though happily tired, were still standing! (Emma Jackson) mation on www.bridgewebs.com/hampton . (Audrey Baldwin) r e v o r g s u M

a s s e T

: o t o h P

www.ebu.co.uk June 2009 English Bridge 13 JUNE_09_EB_p14-15 Bird Quiz:EB_Layout 3 12/05/2009 16:48 Page 14 Z I

U Beat today’s Q

G N I

D experts D I

B David Bird Bidding problems are on page 29

1. E/W Game. Dealer South. than previously. The aim is to make the could either pass or bid 3 ♠. The best articles more instructive. No obscure method is for the sign-off (3 ♠ here) to ♠ J 10 5 3 2 ♠ A Q 8 7 methods will be described and the show a minimum overcall. You pass when ♥ K 6 N ♥ 8 3 sequences chosen by the featured experts you have something to spare but not Q 9 4 W E A K 7 3 ♦ S ♦ may well be close to those that you and enough to bid 4 ♠. A Q 2 J 10 3 ♣ ♣ your partner choose. When West followed the weakest On this deal from the 2009 National sequence, which was debatable on his 12- West North East South Open Teams in Canberra, Matt Porter count with the ♥K likely to be well-placed, Porter Howard Barnes Gardiner 1♥ overcalled 1 ♠ and Ed Barnes then bid 3 ♥ East decided to pass. 1♠ 2♥ 3♥ Dble over North’s 2 ♥ to show ‘a sound raise to As tends to happen in such cases, the 3♠ 3♠, at least’. cards lay well and West scored +230 for his When South doubled the heart cue-bid twelve tricks. East very reasonably insisted In the next few ‘Beat Today’s Experts’ arti - (to show good hearts), West had three on game in spades at the other table and a cles, in response to a suggestion from read - main options. He could accept the game big swing resulted. ers, I will be featuring less complex auctions try by bidding 4 ♠. On a lesser hand he n Awards: 4 ♠ (10), part scores (4).

2. Love All. Dealer East. the National Women’s teams in Canberra. when trumps broke 3-2. Marcia Scudder opened 2 ♣ and Inez Playing Acol, the bidding would start 2 – 2 – 3 . This rebid sets spades as ♠ 2 ♠ A K Q 10 9 7 5 Glanger responded 2 ♠. This partnership ♣ ♦ ♠ ♥ 8 6 3 2 N ♥ A K show controls immediately, in response trumps and asks partner to cue-bid any W E ♦ 10 8 7 S ♦ A Q to 2 ♣, and 2 ♠ showed three controls — controls. West would bid 4 ♣ to show a ♣ A K 9 5 ♣ Q 6 either three kings or an ace and a king. club control and East would continue It was not the moment for East to with 4 ♦. West would then cue-bid 5 ♣, to West East show another club control. As in the orig - Glanger Scudder worry that West might be void in spades, 2♣ nor that she might hold ♣A-K doubleton inal auction, this would be enough for 2♠ 7♠ (when declarer might need a diamond East to venture a grand slam in spades. finesse to score 13 tricks). Quite rightly, n Awards: 7NT/7 ♠ (10), 6NT/6 ♠ (6), Our next deal is from the semi-finals of she leapt to 7 ♠, which was made easily games (3).

3. E/W Game. Dealer West. of Norway’s top tournaments. Some play - Exclusion Blackwood, asking partner to ers would open 1 ♣ on the West cards but ignore the ♥A if he held it. Fyrun res pond - ♠ A K ♠ Q 8 7 6 2 I much prefer Tor Magnus Lien’s choice ed with the second step (5NT) to show one ♥ Void N ♥ K J 6 3 W E of 2 ♣. key card, which had to be the ♣A. Lien ♦ A K 7 4 S ♦ 10 North overcalled 2 and Kjell Gaute then jumped to 7 ♣, hoping to discard his ♣ K Q J 10 6 5 4 ♣ A 9 2 ♥ Fyrun made the natural response of 2 ♠. diamond losers on dummy’s spades if dia - West North East South Clubs were agreed as trumps and 4NT by mond ruffs were not available. Lien Stornes Fyrun Baumann W est would then have been Roman Key- In the interests of journalistic accuracy, 2♣ 2♥ 2♠ Pass card Blackwood. It is not much good bid - I must end by saying that South sacrificed 3♣ Pass 4♣ Pass ding Blackwood with a void, though. The in 7 ♥ for -1700. Since only half the field 5♥ Pass 5NT Pass 7♣ ♥A would be near to useless opposite the reached 7 ♣ on the East-West cards, this void; the ♣A would be a black pearl with - proved to be an average board! out price. n Awards: 7♣ (10), 6NT (7), 6 ♣ (6), Next we visit the Bergen Grand Pairs, one Instead of 4NT, Lien bid 5 ♥. This was games (3).

14 English Bridge June 2009 www.ebu.co.uk JUNE_09_EB_p14-15 Bird Quiz:EB_Layout 3 12/05/2009 16:48 Page 15

4. Love All. Dealer East. Sireen Barakat was partnering Tunisia’s leaves me with just an 11-count, so I am Anne Lelabousse, both of them experien - going to sign off.’ As you see, a slam is still ♠ 10 6 4 ♠ A K Q 9 8 5 3 ced internationals. there even if you swap East’s red honours ♥ 5 N ♥ K J W E West’s 3 ♣ was presumably forcing to for spot cards. ♦ A J 5 S ♦ K ♣ A K 9 7 5 3 ♣ Q 10 2 game (a sensible arrangement), since oth - Instead East should say: ‘Partner is mak - erwise East would have had to rebid 4 ♠ ing a slam try despite the fact that her West North East South rather than 3 ♠. West’s next bid was an trumps are at best jack-high. She surely Barakat Marmion Lelabousse Payen excellent one. She bid 4 ♥ to show a heart has a good club suit, probably the ♦A too. 1♠ 2♥ control and to tell her partner that she Anyway, I can hardly sign off with these 3♣ Pass 3♠ Pass was too strong to raise to 4 ♠. What excellent trumps.’ 4♥ Pass 4♠ should East do next, do you think? East should have bid 4NT to ask for aces What East should not say to herself is: and then bid 6 ♠. Off to an exotic location now, the ‘My ♥K-J are wasted opposite a likely n Awards: 6NT(E)/6 ♠ (10), 6 ♣ (8), Marmara Festival in Marrakech. Jordan’s singleton and the ♦K is wastepaper. That games (5).

5. N/S Game. Dealer East. round Norwegian Cup match. Ole West correctly cue-bid his club control Kopstad opened a 15-17 point 1NT and and East continued with 5 ♦, showing the ♠ K Q 10 6 5 4 ♠ A 9 2 Kjell Otto Kopstad, responded with a ace or king of diamonds. West’s 5 ♠ ♥ 5 3 N ♥ Q J 7 transfer bid. His subsequent 3 ♦ was denied the ability to cue-bid in hearts and ♦ A J 9 5 3 W E ♦ K 7 S game-invitational and, with a good spade East therefore knew that there were two ♣ Void ♣ A Q 7 5 2 fit, East jumped to 4 ♠. top heart losers. You can see how useful it West East (Most players in England prefer 3 ♦ to is to cue-bid aces and kings alike. K.Kopstad O.Kopstad be game-forcing, a better method. In that If East’s ace had been in the heart suit, 1NT case a subsequent 3 ♠ by the opener the slam would have been excellent. Only 2♥ 2♠ would be stronger than 4 .) cue-bidding can allow you to bid this sort 3♦ 4♠ ♠ 5♣ 5♦ What should West do next? There was a of hand accurately. 5♠ fair chance of a slam, but Blackwood n Awards: 4♠/3NT (10), 5 ♠ (9), 6 ♠ (4). would be useless, with two top heart losers Next we will look at a deal from a third- and a void in clubs.

6. N/S Game. Dealer West. was likely to be a good chance of twelve Tips to remember tricks. Even if you take away both of ♠ A Q 8 7 5 4 ♠ K J 6 2 West’s queens, it is a good slam. East’s • Normal Roman Key-card Black - ♥ 6 4 N ♥ 3 spirits should have been raised by the wood is not much use when you 10 9 W E A K J 8 3 2 ♦ S ♦ ♣ Q 9 7 ♣ A J excellent news that partner’s Multi was have a void. When you might have based on spades rather than hearts. He bid 4NT but jump to a new suit at should have asked for aces and then bid West East the five-level, this is Exclusion Lin RQ Jiang Tong 6♠. Blackwood. It asks partner for key 2♦ 2NT n Awards: 6♠ (10), 6 ♦ (5), games (4). cards, not counting the ace of the 3♦ 4♠ excluded suit. ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ By cue-bidding aces and kings We end at the 2009 Xinyuan Cup in • alike, you can detect when you Beijing. West opens with a Multi 2 and ♦ Our experts produce a mixed bag of have two top losers in a suit. East responds with a 2NT relay. West sequences and score 42 out of 60. The would rebid 3 ♠ with a minimum hand hands were not particularly difficult and I • When partner overcalls and you based on a spade suit. His actual 3 ♦ expect a good number of you managed to make a bid in the opponent’s suit, shows an upper-range hand with spades. ‘Beat the Experts’ on this occasion. Let’s this shows a strong raise. Should As I see it, it was unimaginative to sign look for some bidding tips. the next player double, partner’s off at the game level on those East cards. weakest move is to sign off. A pass Whatever West held in diamonds, there would be invitational. r

When you have finished reading this magazine, We regret that Mike Swanson is away this month; if you don’t want to keep it, please recycle it. he will be back with his usual column in the next issue.

www.ebu.co.uk June 2009 English Bridge 15 June09_adverts:EB_Layout 3 12/05/2009 17:39 Page 16

♣ ♠ ♥ ♦ FOR THE BEST ♣ ♠ ♥ ♦ SOMERSET CBA JOHN BEARD BRIDGE HOLIDAYS WEST OF ENGLAND CONGRESS MAY 29TH TO 31ST (Bridge Licensed by the EBU ) BANK HOUSE HOTEL, WORCESTER NO FEAR WEEKEND – SIMPLE SYSTEM ONLY AT THE WINTER GARDENS WESTON-SUPER-MARE £169.00 Full board No single room supplement. 2nd – 4th OCTOBER 2009 JULY 19TH TO 24TH 5 NIGHTS Friday 2/10/09 BANK HOUSE HOTEL, WORCESTER 5 Days only £299.00 Demi-pension No single room supplement 1.45 pm – Ladies’ Pairs/Men’s Pairs/ Mixed Pairs (if sufficient numbers) OCTOBER 9TH TO 12TH WEST GRANGE HOTEL MIDGHAM, NR NEWBURY 7.15 pm – Championship Pairs £179.00 Full board No single room supplement Saturday 3/10/09 OCTOBER 16TH TO 18TH Green Pointed Swiss Pairs RAMADA JARVIS HOTEL REDBOURN NEAR HEMEL HEMPSTEAD (£20.50 per player) £179.00 Full board No single room supplement 7 x 7 Board Matches Green points to EBU scale and cash prizes OCTOBER 29TH TO 1ST NOVEMBER THE QUEENSGATE HOTEL, PETERBOROUGH 1st Session – 1.00 pm £179.00 Full board No single room supplement 2nd Session – 7.00 pm NOVEMBER 13TH TO 15TH Sunday 4/10/09 THE LEICESTER NORTH HOTEL Green Pointed Swiss Teams £179.00 Full board £15 single room supplement (£19.50 per player) CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR 7 x 7 Board Matches THE CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA Green points to EBU scale and cash prizes THURSDAY 24TH to MONDAY 28 th December 2009 Commencing 11.30 am 4 NIGHTS FULL BOARD FOR £350.00 (Half-hour break after three matches) HONILEY COURT HOTEL WARWICK. NEW YEAR SPECTACULAR with GALA DINNER Tues 29th Dec to Thurs 1st January 2010 Full Congress – £48 3 NIGHTS FULL BOARD £298.00 No single room supplement All enquiries and entry forms from: Stoke Vaults, 33 Waterloo Street, PLYMOUTH, PL1 5RP Ann Bawdon, 4 The Perrings, Nailsea, TEL & FAX: (01752) 565593 Mobile 07815 634090 North Somerset, BS48 4YD Email: [email protected] Website:www.jbbridgeholidays.co.uk Tel: 0127 58 5 3509 MASTERPOINTSBRIDGELICENSEDBYTHEEBU

your next Bridge Break THE 43rd ISLE OF MAN BRIDGE CONGRESS Friday 11th – Sunday 13th September 2009 Includes 3 nights B&B in the 4 Sefton only £269 pp Hotel, and all bridge fees (based on sharing a twin/double room) The well established Isle of Man Bridge Congress has always attracted some players from the rest of the UK. Now Next Bridge Holidays can offer the opportunity to enjoy this Congress played in the Congress Programme beautifully restored 1920s Villa Marina. Fri 7.15 p.m. Swiss Pairs Session 1 Flights can be arranged from all UK airports with a flight to the Isle of Sat 1.30 p.m. Swiss Teams Session 1 Man including London City, London Gatwick, London Luton, Birmingham 7.15 p.m. Swiss Pairs Session 2 and Manchester. Accommodation is in the 4 Sefton Hotel; a traditional Sun 1.30 p.m. Swiss Teams Session 2 hotel on the Promenade a short walk from the Villa Marina. 7.15 p.m. Swiss Teams Session 3 11.00 p.m. Trophy Presentations There is plenty to do for the non bridge player and for the bridge players when they are not playing. A genuine 19th century narrow gauge steam railway, the lovingly restored Gaiety Theatre, the electric trams or just EXTEND YOUR STAY stroll along the Promenade of this gentile seaside resort. If you want to arrive before Friday 11th, or There is a fine selection of restaurants and for those who like real ale, stay on after Monday 14th, tell us, and we there are local brews and 15 Cask Marque pubs. can arrange another night or two for you to discover the island and its fascinating history.

FOR BOOKINGS & FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01784 424552 email: [email protected] Next Bridge Holidays is operated by nextescape, www.nextbridgeholidays.co.uk a fully bonded member of ABTA (K8124).

16 English Bridge June 2009 www.ebu.co.uk JUNE_09_EB_p17 Jagger + Vida:EB_Layout 3 12/05/2009 16:49 Page 17

Cover Story 2009

VIDA BINGHAM S

Lady T R O Milne P E R WE arrived in sunny Limerick in mid- April, only losing one suitcase en route. Three members of the English team were Catherine Jagger receiving their first ladies’ caps: Fiona Brown (with Susan Stockdale), Kath Nelson (with Tracy Capal), and Catherine Seale took the diamond finesse. The spade return (partnering me). Three of us were called lost to the queen, and spades were cleared. Photo: Rupert Thornely-Taylor ‘Cath’, so non-playing captain Martin Jones When the jack of diamonds did not fall had a sporting chance of getting his team’s under the ace and the ace of hearts was FRIENDS of Vida Bingham who forgot names right! It also raised much discus - offside, we were left counting the under - to place a bet on her horse, Mon sion over the possibility of England fielding tricks. Mome, are now kicking themselves! a team full of ‘Catherines’. At the other table, however, the English Mon Mome, a rank outsider at 100-1, In the first match the Scots secured a East opened 1 ♠, which gave Scottish de - won the Grand National in April: handy swing in this 3NT contract: clarer Veronica Guy a much clearer picture ‘It is impossible to describe how I felt of the layout. She won the spade lead at winning the Grand National,’ says (discovering West held the queen for her Vida. ‘Many adjectives have been Game All. Dealer East. low-card lead) and deduced East must bandied about – awesome, unbelie - ♠ 10 4 hold the king of diamonds. She cashed the vable, fantastic – but nothing imparts ♥ K 10 8 6 3 ace of diamonds, crossed to a club, and the sense of shock I felt when it ♦ A Q 5 played a second diamond, ducking to the happened, for of course one never ♣ A 9 5 king. A good example of the difference dares to believe that one’s wildest ♠ Q 5 3 ♠ J 8 7 6 2 that the auction can make to placing the dreams can come true.’ ♥ 9 5 4 N ♥ A Q J 2 defenders’ cards – and 14 IMPs out for W E Her horse’s triumph has catapulted ♦ J 9 8 S ♦ K 4 England, though we did manage to hold Vida into a whirlwind of glamourous ♣ J 7 4 3 ♣ 6 2 on and win the match 16–14 VPs. engagements, from parading Mon ♠ A K 9 The final set kept spectators on the edge Mome at various racecourses and ♥ 7 of their seats, as Scotland (Anne Martin – festivals to par taking of dinner in the ♦ 10 7 6 3 2 Sheila Adamson, Sheila Macdonald – Maida Royal Box at Chelten ham. Mon Mome, ♣ K Q 10 8 Grant and Sam Punch – Veronica Guy) says Vida, is not impressed: ‘He hates closed the gap on the Northern Irish, being groomed,’ she explains, ‘and claiming the trophy by just 1 VP. once on the course thinks he should In our room East had passed initially, and be racing!’ then overcalled 1 ♠. Her partner led the Final table: 1. Scotland 92 VPs; 2. Northern Vida’s interest in race horses is the three of spades (playing third and fifth). Ireland 91 VPs; 3. England 83 VPs; 4. CBAI second of her passions in life, the first With few clues about which of the missing 70 VPs; 5. Republic of Ireland 69 VPs; 6. one being bridge. She plays once a honours East would have for her actions, I Wales 41 VPs. r week at the Tunbridge Wells Bridge Club, on the club’s strongest night, and once a month at The Avenue Bridge Club in Hove. In addition, she STOP PRESS – STOP PRESS – STOP PRESS takes part in most of the Sussex CBA CONGRATULATIONS to Alexander Allfrey, David Bakhshi, Tony Forrester and Andrew competitions, though now that she is Robson who won the final of the Schapiro Spring Foursomes by beating John Carroll, in her 70s she is no longer as active as Adam Mesbur, David Mossop, David Price, Colin Simpson and Gojko Zivkovic by 1 IMP. before on the national bridge scene. In the Punchbowl Knock-out final, heavy-weights Ralph Katz, Zia Mahmood, Vida Bingham’s bridge achievements Andrew McIntosh, Reese Milner, Jack Mizel and Brian Senior beat Juniors Alice Kaye, include representing England in the Ben Paske, James Paul and Graeme Robertson by 11 IMPs. Lady Milne (playing with Dimmie Fiona Brown, Simon Cope, Alex Morris and Susan Stockdale won the Swiss Teams. Fleming) in 1980 and 1981. Colin Simpson will report on the event in the next issue.

www.ebu.co.uk June 2009 English Bridge 17 June09_adverts:EB_Layout 3 12/05/2009 17:40 Page 18

Join the Hilton Bridge team at a selection January 23 to 29, 2010 of our 4-star hotels around the UK for the very best in social bridge in 2009. A first-class bridge vacation All events include: Expert hosts, professional organisation and a friendly atmosphere Generous prize structure No single supplements DAILY BRIDGE RATE from Bridge licensed by the EBU Choice of full and half board events $ 50* Best of Bridge 131 * Per person, per night based on double occupancy Hilton Warwick 31 July-2 August 09 £182 All taxes, levies & gratuities included Hilton Cobham 28-31 August 09 £251 ♥♣ For complete details, visit Hilton Basingstoke 11-13 September 09 £172 www.bermudaregional.com Hilton Brighton Metropole 13-15 November 09 £221 Hilton London Canary Wharf 20-22 November 09 £199 DAILY BRIDGE RATE INCLUDES: Quote P37BBT (2 night event) or P37EBU (3 night event) at time of booking s Welcome Cocktail Reception Saturday evening s Friday evening Prizegiving and Farewell Banquet & Dance Houseparties s Closing Cocktail Party o Hilton Coventry 17-19 July 09 £159 s Spacious air-conditioned rooms with full balcony *m Hilton York 2-4 August 09 £192 s In-room complimentary coffee and tea s Traditional afternoon tea and evening coffee m Hilton Puckrup Hall, Tewkesbury 9-11 August 09 £229 * s Heated outdoor pool ♥♣ Hilton Northampton 28-31 August 09 £266 s Special drink prices in the Lobby Lounge o Hilton Coventry 25-27 September 09 £159 s Special Golf Green Fees of $50 per person including shared cart o Hilton Milton Keynes 30 Oct-1 Nov 09 £156 s Formal nights: Saturday and Friday Hilton Avisford, Arundel 27-29 November 09 £216 Flexible meal plans available for purchase in advance Quote P37EBB (2 night event) or P26BHP (3 night event) or on arrival at time of booking RESERVATIONS: ♥ Event includes a Bank holiday ♣ 3 night event o Half board event * Sun – Tues event Ask for the Regional Bridge Rate m Optional golf subject to availability TEL 001 888 839 1211 FAX 001 441 239 6916 [email protected] www.fairmont.com Book online at hilton.co.uk/bridge Tournament Chairman: Jane Clipper For further information call [email protected] TEL 001 441 293 2972 David Jones on 024 7646 1511 For bookings only please call 08705 201201 Lines open Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm. UK call rates apply. ACBL BERMUDA Sanctioned Please quote code at time of booking

Deposit required for all events - refundable up to 4 weeks prior. Payment required 21 days prior to arrival. All events are full board unless stated otherwise Terms and conditions apply. For the new full terms and conditions visit hilton.co.uk/discoveryweekends. “Bermuda is simply the best!” Zia Mahmood

18 English Bridge June 2009 www.ebu.co.uk JUNE_09_EB_p19 Heather:EB_Layout 3 12/05/2009 16:55 Page 19 s

Leave two-way t n i H

guesses to the last s ’ r e

possible moment h t a e defenders follow, then ace of clubs and H Love All. Dealer North. ruff a club. Three rounds of diamonds Heather Dhondy ♠ A J 7 6 5 produce the jack from West on the third ♥ 7 6 4 round, but the queen is still out. This ♦ A 9 8 6 means that you will need to find the queen spade. You can therefore guarantee your ♣ K of spades. contract now by playing a spade to the ace This is the position you have reached: and finessing the ten. N W E This was the full deal: S ♠ A J 7 6 ♠ K 10 8 ♥ — ♠ A J 7 6 5 ♥ A K 9 8 5 ♦ 9 ♥ 7 6 4 ♦ K 10 ♣ — ♦ A 9 8 6 ♣ A J 7 ♣ K N W E ♠ 4 ♠ Q 9 3 2 S N ♥ Q J 3 W E ♥ 10 2 Playing teams, North opens 1 ♠. What call ♦ J 4 2 S ♦ Q 7 5 3 do you make with the South cards? ♠ K 10 8 ♣ Q 10 9 8 6 2 ♣ 5 4 3 You are strong enough to force; however, ♥ 9 8 ♠ K 10 8 with only a moderate suit, and no primary ♦ — ♥ A K 9 8 5 fit for partner, it is better to start with 2 ♥. ♣ — ♦ K 10 North raises to 3 ♥, and you try Roman ♣ A J 7 Key-Card Blackwood. North responds 5 ♥, showing two key cards but denying the Good technique in these situations is to queen of trumps, and you bid 6 ♥ which leave your decision until the last possible Note that by leading your trump you en - becomes the final contract. moment because you may get a better count abled yourself to receive a very important The lead is the ten of clubs. How do you of the hand. Therefore you should exit with piece of information. Until that point you plan the play? a trump now. West wins and plays back did not know about the club distribu tion, You will need the trumps to break, and another club, on which East discards a but West was forced to reveal that to you, in addition will need to ruff down the spade. It’s time to count West’s hand. or open up the spades, which would have queen and jack of diamonds in three You now know that West started with six been even worse for him. This was the key rounds, or guess the spades. Begin by clubs, three trumps, and three or four to removing the guess in spades. cash ing two top trumps, on which both diamonds. Therefore he has at most one

Heather’s Hints BRIDGE4US : Friendly Bridge Holidays with John Taylor & Roger Chappel (4 The Green Brafferton Darlington DL1 3LB) • Where you have two chances – 2009 PROGRAMME (3 nights) ruffing a suit good or taking a June 2nd – 5th The Raven Hall, Ravenscar £249 finesse – try ruffing your suit good July 17th – 20th The Esplanade, Scarborough £219 first. If that doesn’t work, you can Sept 18th – 21st The Scarisbrick, Southport £249 go back to the finesse; if the finesse Nov 6th – 9th The New Bath, Matlock £219 fails, you will be down before you Why not join us for a luxury CHRISTMAS break (3 nights) at the RAVEN HALL HOTEL, Ravenscar have tried the other option. December 27th – 30th (£289)* You can also e-mail us at: [email protected] • If you have a two-way guess to pick Or visit our website: www.bridge4us.co.uk. up a suit, leave it until the last Tel : 01325 315741 or 0161 7245670 possible moment. You may get a * Claim 1 0% DISCOUNT if booked before June 30th better count of the hand. r All holidays Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

www.ebu.co.uk June 2009 English Bridge 19 June09_adverts:EB_Layout 3 12/05/2009 17:41 Page 20

Friendly Five Star Bridge Tours The Amathus Experience Amathus Beach Hotel, Limassol, Cyprus 5 star de luxe, member of the “Leading Hotels of the World” Average daily temperature in Nov November 4-18th 14 Nights 1/2 board basic cost £1560 71º Xmas and New Year December 23-January 6th 1/2 board basic cost £1895 (basic price of the Xmas/New Year holiday includes 3 cocktail parties, Xmas and New Year’s Eve gala dinners, and all the bridge)

The Amathus Beach has recently re-opened, following a major refurbishment programme which took place over the winter period.This truly beautiful hotel is now further embellished with 21st century state-of-the art designer furnishing and fitting. However, the very heart of the Amathus lies rooted in the past, retaining its olde worlde charm created by the warm, wonderful staff we have learned to love over the past 27 years.

Elegantly designed bedrooms and suites Excellent international cuisine themed nights Three superb swimming pools (one heated indoor) with jacuzzis Fully equipped gymnasium and thalassotherapy health centre Basic cost is based on scheduled BA/Cyprus Airways flights from London Heathrow and Manchester. Charter flights may be available from several regional airports. The Gambia Experience January 19-February 2nd 2010 Hotel Kairaba (5 star) basic cost £1595 Inspection trip complete, and I loved this venue!The people are a delight, the food was wonderful – fabulous fresh fish and king prawns to order.The hotel is set in acres of tropical gardens ideal Average daily for birdwatching – wonderful temperatures of around 28 in temperature January leading to a long stretch of sandy beach.There is a great in Feb 86º bridge room!

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A basic cost £1115 P TOL R O D T E C T E And later in the year Each of the above holiday costs repre- Tour organiser for each of the holidays above: sents excellent value – check brochure Five Star Bridge Tours Lake Garda May 6-20th prices! Except where shown, prices Full colour brochures for all of the above holidays Hotel Grand Gardone based upon 14 nights shared occupancy available on request from: Tel: 01824 780 530 ofatwin/doubleroom,onahalf-board Fax: 01824 780 830 email: [email protected] Abano Terme June 14-25th basis. Included in the costs are flights www.fivestarbridge.co.uk Hotel Bristol Buja and transfers as advertised, hotel ac- commodation, and ALL BRIDGE FEES. Bridge licensed by the EBU

20 English Bridge June 2009 www.ebu.co.uk JUNE_09_EB_p21 Cocheme:EB_Layout 3 14/05/2009 12:46 Page 21

The Grand V T

N

Finale O

E

We look back on Bridge: Celebrity Grand Slam , G D

Sky Arts TV’s recent bridge programme I R B BRIDGE: Celebrity Grand Slam will have point of view, the more Mike Gatting and Simon Cochemé been a disappointment only to those who Susan Hampshire bid spades, the more expected a traditional reality show. Where likely it was that his partner held at most a were the tears, the tantrums, the bullying? singleton in the suit. When Gatting bid how many of the predictions in my Why were there no fisticuffs between Mike 6♠, Mates hoped that his pass would be preview article were correct. I am Gatting and James Mates? Neither Andrew interpreted as encouragement for Val ashamed to say I scored zero out of four McIntosh nor Glyn Liggins seemed to want McDermid to bid on with a spade void. and will now be seeking employment as to adopt the Simon Cowell or Gordon She took the courageous option and a financial advisor. Ramsey roles, so the contestants had to ended up playing in one of the easiest make do with positive bridge advice , contracts of her life. Well done! The final positions were: couched in moderate language. 1. Sue Lawley But that is not to say we had no drama – 2. Val McDermid we had that in spades (sorry). The penul - 3. James Mates timate board had a big effect on the final 4. Mike Gatting placings: 5. David Rowntree 6. Kay Burley 7. Pattie Boyd N/S Game. Dealer South. 8. Susan Hampshire ♠ 9 6 ♥ 10 9 8 5 3 Sue Lawley (see interview on page 5) gave ♦ A K J 7 5 her £10,000 share of the £20,000 charity ♣ A pot to the Budleigh Salterton Literary ♠ A J 8 7 5 4 ♠ K Q 10 3 2 Festival in Devon. In a nice piece of live N ♥ Void W E ♥ 7 television, award-winning crime writer Val ♦ 3 S ♦ 9 4 2 McDermid made an impromptu offer ♣ Q 10 7 6 4 2 ♣ K 9 5 3 to attend the Festival, and had her offer ♠ Void accepted. ♥ A K Q J 6 4 2 I asked Hugh Dehn, producer of the pro - ♦ Q 10 8 6 Photo: Sky Arts grammes, about the likelihood of a second ♣ J 8 Celebrity Grand Slam’s compère, series. ‘Nothing has been decided yet,’ he Clive Anderson said, ‘but we are all delighted with how well the programmes have been received At one table Sue Lawley and Kay Burley The other dramatic element to the pro- by bridge players and non-bridge players bid to 4 ♥ with the North-South cards, grammes was the readers of English alike. I have already had celebrities asking making seven. At the other table the Bridge tuning in in their thousands to see if they can be in the second series.’ r bidding justified the programme’s title: West North East South BRIDGE FOR CHARITY Gatting Mates Hampshire McDermid 1♥ MARIE Curie Cancer Care encourages bridge enthusiasts to sign 1♠ 2♦ 3♠ 4♥ up for the Marie Curie Cancer Care Bridge Tournament 2009 – 2010, supported by actress Susan Hampshire and bridge star Andrew Robson. Money raised from the tournament will 4♠ 4NT Pass 5♦ help fund the vital work of Marie Curie Nurses and provide essential home nursing care for 5 6 Pass Pass ♠ ♥ terminally ill patients. 6♠ Pass Pass 7♥ The tournament takes place between October 2009 and March 2010 and welcomes All Pass entrants from across the UK. Focusing on Chicago and Rubber Bridge, the tournament is open to players of any standard and games are played for fun. For more information, please I like James Mates’ 2 ♦ bid, spurning an visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/Bridge or call Philippa Cannon ( 01371 876730. immediate raise to 4 ♥. Then, from Mates’

www.ebu.co.uk June 2009 English Bridge 21 June09_adverts:EB_Layout 3 12/05/2009 17:41 Page 22

Your future will only ever be as bright as you make it!

BridgeBridge BreaksBreaks andand HolidaysHolidays inin thethe UKUK andand EuropeEurope At First for Bridge our objective is to provide unique and enjoyable holidays for players of all abilities including those who wish to improve. Bridge is licensed by the EBU and is professionally run by qualified directors. Duplimated boards are used for evening sessions, with hand records being available. Bridge fees included in the prices shown. Master points awarded. DURRANT HOUSE HOTEL, BIDEFORD 19th-24th July 2009 Superbly situated for exploring the region’s magnificent coastline, beaches and fishing villages. Five-nights, half board, at North Devon’s largest hotel from £293.00. Director Andrew Kambites. We can offer you a ray of HOTEL S’ALGAR, MENORCA light in these uncertain times. 2nd-16th October 2009* Work with our bright people The perfect autumn break. Enjoy a seafront location and extensive sports and www.bakertilly.co.ukwww. bakertilly. co. uk to plan for tomorrow leisure facilities including bowls, archery, tennis, rifle shooting and table tennis. Scuba diving, water skiing and snorkelling also available. Choice of a hotel bedroom The evidence speaks for itself or an apartment. Two weeks, full board from £929.00.Director Graham Hedley.

Baker Tilly UK Audit LLP, Baker Tilly Tax and Advisory Services LLP, Baker Tilly LA QUINTA HOTEL, MENORCA Corporate Finance LLP, Baker Tilly Restructuring and Recovery LLP and Baker Tilly 16th-23rd October 2009* Tax and Accounting Limited are not authorised under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 but we are able in certain circumstances to offer a limited range of Our second October visit to the 5-star La Quinta – voted one of the world’s top investment services because we are members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. We can provide these investment services if they hotels by TUI. One week, half board from £597.00.Director Graham Hedley. are an incidental part of the professional services we have been engaged to provide.

*Why not book a 3-week autumn package at both these hotels for only Baker Tilly & Co Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services £1304.00 (plus single supplements) – a huge saving on brochure prices. Authority to conduct a range of investment business activities. PESTANA BAY HOTEL, MADEIRA Two breaks: 16th-23rd November & 23rd-30th November 2009 Free leisure facilities, gym and outdoor heated pool at this 4-star hotel. Seven nights, half board from £619.00 or 14 nights, half board from £949.00. Director Andrew Kambites. CROWNE PLAZA, READING Crantock Bay Hotel 2009 30th December 2009-6th January 2010 See the New Year in at this superb hotel on the banks of the Thames. Indoor health club with gym, pool and sauna. Choice of three breaks, half board from £269.00.Director Graham Hedley. PORT ADRIANO HOTEL, MAJORCA 24th January-7th February 2010 Our first visit to this stunning hotel. Enjoy 5-star luxury at 4-star prices. All bedrooms enjoy incredible views from private balconies. Facilities include spa, gym and indoor pool. Numerous local golf courses at discounted rates for guests. Two weeks, half board from £1099.00.Director Graham Hedley. WINCHESTER HOTEL, WINCHESTER 31st Aug - 5th Sept - IMPROVERS Bridge Break 4th-8th March 2010 Located close to the heart of this historic city, this 4-star hotel offers 71 5th - 10th Sept - Normal Friendly House Party bedrooms, a health club and an award-winning brasserie and bar. Four nights, 2010: half board from £297.00.Director Graham Hedley. 12th -17th March - Beginners Bridge METEOR HOTEL, CROATIA 17th-22nd March - Friendly House Party Two breaks: 20th March-3rd April & 3rd-10th April 2010 Our second visit to this beautiful location. Enjoy magnificent views of the 8th -13th September - Improvers Bridge mountains and the Dalmatian coast. Hotel is within easy reach of Makarska with 13th -18th September - Friendly House Party its lively marina, bars and shops. Free local drinks (11am-11.30pm). A number of All hosted by Chris Burkitt. rooms are available for single occupancy, supplement-free, subject to availability. Two weeks, full board from £989.00, or one week, full board from £653.00. Please call us for a three-week package price, and make a great saving. • Prizes in the absence of Master Points! Director Graham Hedley. • Champagne Reception on arrival • Exclusive use of non-smoking Bridge Room For brochures and booking forms for all our holidays, contact: overlooking the sea FIRST FOR BRIDGE LTD. • No single room supplement 4 The Lyes, Congresbury, Bristol BS49 5HF • Non-bridge playing partners welcome Telephone: 01934 876500 N Mobile: 07771 901579 • New beauty treatment room E-mail: [email protected] Keep up to date with all the latest First for Bridge news and our £100 prize competition by logging on to our web site. a very special place all year round... Menorca and Majorca holidays operated by Celtic Line Travel Ltd, ATOL No: 1772; Madeira holidays Crantock Bay Hotel, West Pentire, Crantock, Cornwall TR8 5SE operated by Atlantic Holidays, ATOL No: 2704; Croatia holidays operated by Saga Holidays Ltd, which is a trading name of Acromas Holidays Ltd, ATOL No: 0308. Bridge licensed by the EBU. Tel: (01637) 830229 Fax: (01637 831111) e-mail: [email protected] www.crantockbayhotel.co.uk www.bridge-holidays.com Bridge licensed by the EBU Hotel

22 English Bridge June 2009 www.ebu.co.uk JUNE_09_EB_p23 Quizzes:EB_Layout 3 14/05/2009 12:45 Page 23

CLUB PLAYER’S makers of playing cards since 1824 PRIZE LEADS www.piatnik.co.uk QQQUUIIZZZ BIDDING QUIZ ( 020 8661 8866 OPENING leads are often subjective and ON each of the following problems, vir tually any opening lead can be successful you are West. What should you bid some of the time. However, bridge is in with each hand, North-South passing many ways a game of percentages and there - throughout? fore certain leads will gain more often than Julian Pottage gives the correct others. In each issue you will be given three answers on page 44. hands and the bidding on each, and you are asked to choose your opening leads. Sugges- tions and markings will be in the next issue. This elegant twin-pack of playing cards In each example you are on lead as West. Hand 1 West East (‘Time Pieces’) is the prize on offer in our ♠ 9 6 4 ? new series of quizzes set by Paul Hackett. ♠ J 10 9 WN E S ♥ A Q 1NT Our prize quiz changes from play to ♥ K J 7 6 4 ♦ K J 6 4 3 opening leads, so it’s a big thank you to Pass 3NT End ♦ K 5 3 ♣ K 9 4 exiting Quizmaster Julian Pottage, and a ♣ 8 7 warm welcome to Paul Hackett. There are three categories in our competition: up to and including Master; ♠ 8 5 WN E S 1♥ Hand 2 West East up to and including Regional Master; and ♥ 6 5 3 Pass 2♥ Pass 3♣ those with higher ranking. Please indicate ♦ A 6 5 4 ♠ K Q 9 6 4 ? Pass 4♥ End on the top left-hand corner of the ♣ K J 8 6 ♥ A K 3 envelope, or in the e-mail subject line, the ♦ 8 4 category for which you are entering. The ♣ J 9 4 first correct entry in each category out of a ♠ 6 5 WN E S 1♠ Pass 2♥ hat will win the prize. The Editor’s ♥ 7 4 2 Pass 3♣ Pass 4♥ decision is final. Entries to the Editor, ♦ A 9 7 5 4 Pass 5♥ End 23 Erleigh Road, Reading RG1 5LR , or ♣ J 7 6 e-mail [email protected] by June 20th. Hand 3 West East ♠ K J 7 3 1NT ♥ 6 3 ? ♦ Q 9 7 PRIZE PLAY ANSWER ♣ A J 6 2 QUIZ master Julian Pottage gives his view of A possible, but unlikely, path to an eleventh the best line of play in our April com petition trick is to find East with a doubleton ♥Q. You and awards prizes in three categories. would cash one top trump and play a second Hand 4 West East round of hearts before crossing to dummy ♠ J 8 7 3 1NT with the second round of trumps. There is a ♥ K J 6 ? ♠ K Q J 5 4 far better line than this, which just relies on a ♦ Q 9 7 ♥ J 10 3 decent trump split and finding West with the ♣ A Q 6 ♦ Q 2 ♠A (known on the bidding) and the ♥Q. 6 5 4 ♣ Cash the ♦A, cross to the ♦Q and lead the ♠ A 10 8 7 3 ♠ 9 6 2 ♠K, discarding your second top heart! West ♥ Q 8 7 5 4 2 N ♥ 9 6 8 5 W E 9 wins and does best to lead the ♥Q, on which ♦ S ♦ Hand 5 West East Void A K Q J 10 8 2 you discard a club. West must then lead a ♣ ♣ 1NT ♠ Void spade or a heart, giving you access to dummy. ♠ A J 8 3 ? ♥ A K You lose a spade and a heart but not a single ♥ K J 6 ♦ A K J 10 7 6 4 3 club! ♦ Q 9 7 ♣ 9 7 3 ♣ A Q J Congratulations to the winners: You play in 5 ♦ after East has shown a solid club suit with little or nothing outside. West Master: Paul Roberts, leads the ♥5. Farndon, Chester Hand 6 West East You have ten sure tricks in the red suits. Regional: Robin George, ♠ Q 8 7 3 2 1NT 2♣ Dummy has a good spade suit but only one Tunbridge Wells, ♥ K Q 3 ? entry, which makes it hard to set up and enjoy Kent ♦ Q 9 Open: Fraser McLeod, the spade suit. Fortunately, the opponents also ♣ A 8 6 have entry problems, with West clearly void in Lordswood, Hants clubs.

www.ebu.co.uk June 2009 English Bridge 23 June09_adverts:EB_Layout 3 12/05/2009 17:42 Page 24

Bridge in Sunny South-West Club Bridge In association with Brook Hotels Group NEW BATH HOTEL, MATLOCK BATH Po rtugal 4th Sept 2009 3 nights HB £200 Limited number of singles without supplement Duna Parque is located in a unique resort in • Vila Nova de Milfontes (Natural Park of S/W 30TH DECEMBER Alentejo) and attracts bridge players from NEW YEAR HOUSE PARTY all over the world WHITEHALL HOTEL (NR STANSTED) We have exclusive use of this 26 bedroom We organise a weekly tournament, Elizabethan Manor House • at no extra costs for our guests This will be our second event here 3 nights Full Board only £295 SPECIAL OFFER From now until 4th July 2009 Thomsons Holiday and from 7th September CYPRUS, PAPHOS. 13th JAN 2010 until 15 December 2009 Phaethon Beach Hotel ALL INCLUSIVE From £ 33 p.p. per day 14 nights Gatwick £695, Birmingham £725 (halfboard) STILL NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT Our guests are free to make use of our swimming pools, sauna, whirlpool, tennis STOP PRESS court, minigolf and other October 2011! We are considering a available facilities. Greek Islands / Black Sea Cruise Bridge at Duna Parque complies with the rules of the Portuguese “Interests” presently being registered. Bridge Federation. Let us know if you want details/to be included. For more information, please visit our website: Bridge Licensed by the EBU www.dunaparque.com or e-mail us at: Call 01553 768236 [email protected] www.clubbridge.co.uk

24 English Bridge June 2009 www.ebu.co.uk JUNE_09_EB_p25 Booty:EB_Layout 3 12/05/2009 16:58 Page 25

Partner opens one of a E G D I

suit and you don’t have a R B

Y S

four-card fit for his suit A E

Y

LAST time we looked at raising partner Again partner has opened with 1 ♥. On L

after he had opened one of a major and Hand 4 you would like to res pond 2 ♣ but L you had a fit for that suit. We shall now have insufficient points for this and so A look at what to do when you do not have should respond 1NT. This res ponse is one E a fit for partner’s suit. One of your options of the few times when a no-trump bid does June Booty R is to respond in a new suit. This response not have to be balanced (although this hand will sometimes occur at the one level and is balanced). It shows 6-9 points and denies sometimes will need to be made at the two the ability to support partner’s open ing suit Did I catch you out? With Hand 7, if partner level. Let us look at some examples when if it was a major and the ability to bid a new opens with 1 ♥ you should not respond 1 ♠ partner has opened with 1 ♥: suit at the one level. but you should support partner and bid With Hand 5 you would also have to res - 2♥, showing 6-9 points. Remember, once pond 1NT even though you are unbalan - you have found an eight-card major fit with Hand 1 Hand 2 ced, as you have sufficient points to respond partner, you should let him know imme dia - ♠ K 8 4 2 ♠ 8 4 3 but not enough to bid at the two level. tely and decide between you how high you ♥ J 7 3 ♥ 8 7 2 A response of 1NT is called a ‘limit bid’ wish to bid in that denomination. ♦ 9 8 2 ♦ K Q 3 because the point range is very limited. However, if your partner opens with 1 ♦ ♣ K 6 4 ♣ A J 8 7 When your partner responds with 1NT the and you hold Hand 8, it is better to respond opener may bid again or pass accord ing to 1♠ than to raise to 2 ♦. This is because a Hand 3 his hand. However, a response in a suit has major suit is usually a better place to play ♠ 8 5 2 an unlimited point range and, because of than a minor suit. The majors score more ♥ 9 7 this, the opener must bid again. We will points and if you have sufficient points for ♦ K 10 7 look at these rebids in future articles. game you require fewer tricks to make the ♣ A Q 10 9 8 With Hand 6, in response contract. You can always return to the Hand 6 to partner’s opening bid diamond suit later if partner does not ♠ A Q 9 5 of 1 ♥, you should simply support spades and it seems appropriate. With Hand 1, bid 1 ♠ . This shows you have ♥ K 9 5 respond 1 ♠ as this shows With Hand 9, if partner opens with 1 ♠ , at least four spades. Also, you should have at ♦ A K 4 at least four spades and your response should be 2 ♥. Although this least 6 points to offer a new suit at the one ♣ Q 7 5 at least 6 points. Because follows the guidelines given above, it is level, as partner’s opening bid shows up to this response has an un - important to realise that this is the only 19 points and 6 makes game a possibility. limited point range, sequence of its type where a change of suit Holding 0-5 points you should pass. o pen er is not allowed to pass and you will without jumping pro mises a five-card or With Hand 2, respond 2 ♣ . This shows at have an opportunity at your next turn to longer holding. least four clubs and, because you are unable explore this hand to its fullest advantage to bid your suit at the one level, usually when you have a better description of shows at least 10 points. Do not respond at partner’s holding. In this situation, you Summary the two level with fewer than 10 points should not jump in a new suit without five unless you have a hand similar to Hand 3. or more cards in that suit. • To offer a new suit at the one Because you hold a hand with 9 points and level you need at least four cards a good five-card suit, the hand is strong in the suit and 6 or more points. enough to respond at the two level. If you Hand 7 Hand 8 • To offer a new suit at the two have a hand which resembles Hands 2 (no ♠ K J 4 2 ♠ Q J 9 3 level without jumping you need good five-card suit) but has only 7-9 points, ♥ K 8 7 3 ♥ Q 9 7 at least four cards in the suit and then you should respond with 1NT. ♦ 9 8 2 ♦ Q J 9 3 10 or more points (or 9 with a ♣ 6 4 ♣ 5 2 good five-card or longer suit) except when responding 2 ♥ over Hand 4 Hand 5 Hand 9 1♠ when five cards are required. ♠ 8 4 2 ♠ J 4 3 ♠ 9 5 3 • Respond with 1NT when you ♥ J 7 ♥ 8 ♥ A Q 10 8 6 have enough points to respond ♦ 9 8 2 ♦ Q 9 7 3 ♦ K J 2 but not enough to bid the suit ♣ A Q 9 7 5 ♣ A J 8 7 2 ♣ Q 4 you would like to show. r

www.ebu.co.uk June 2009 English Bridge 25 June09_adverts:EB_Layout 3 12/05/2009 17:47 Page 26

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26 English Bridge June 2009 www.ebu.co.uk JUNE_09_EB_p27-28 Letters:EB_Layout 3 12/05/2009 17:00 Page 27

Weak Twos Club laxity Overseas LETTERS TO THE I FOUND Sandra Landy’s I HAVE been coming to the bridge EDITOR April article rather condescend - sad but inevitable conclusion ing to exponents of Acol that bridge players are both THE item by Ross Harper on Strong Twos in that it implied un willing and incapable of page 5 of the April issue and that they are no longer used. abiding by the rules of the the controversy about overseas As someone who spends a lot game. Much lip service is paid congresses on the Letter pages Send your letters to the Editor, of time teaching older people to fairness but I really do not prompt me to comment. Elena Jeronimidis, 23 Erleigh Road, Reading RG1 5LR, or e-mail to play bridge, the concept of think many players under - The EBU has been asking [email protected] Weak Twos is just much too stand the significance of what for views, via their website, on (please include your postal address) con fusing and unhelpful. fairness is. Many ignore an - aspects of their services. One The editor reserves the right to When learning the game surely nouncements, alerting etc, of my points to them was that condense letters.Publication does not an absolute minimum of others avoid making them - (like Ross Harper seems also mean the EBU agrees with the views artificial bids is preferable? selves aware of the new laws to suggest) I would like to see expressed or that The sight of learners trying to and regulations as to agree - them running events where the comments are factually correct. handle tournament-style bid - ments. Clubs are complicit in the bridge starts about 3pm ding when they don’t even this laxity and despite reading and finishes before dinner at, know how to support partner’s somewhere recently that clubs say, 8pm so that people can suit let alone play any of their are to be encouraged to be - look around earlier in the day Overseas thirteen cards correctly is just come more pro-active in this and socialise over dinner and pitiful. area, I have my doubts that wine at night in a civilised bridge I consider that many bridge anything will change much. man ner. This format seems to teachers are doing a disservice We place great emphasis on me to be particularly appro - continued to bridge by loading all this un - ‘BB@B’ but surely this should priate to the overseas events, as necessary complexity with the include the need to acquaint these are, of their very nature, HAVING attended the Tenerife bidding onto their novices. The oneself with the current legisla - holidays. Indeed I have never congress. I am writing to com - card play remains neglected. tion and at least try to abide by been to an EBU overseas event mend these events to others. Such students subsequently those rules. Clubs are very lax in because of the after din ner While the competition is in - never advance past a very mo - this respect. They do little other pro gramme they organise . tense, a holiday spirit is engen - dest level of ability in either than only res pond to calls to the How ever, my wife and I have dered by the excellent EBU bid ding or card-play technique. director. Almost nothing hap- played in international festi - team (Peter Jordan, David and Paul Royle, Nottingham pens in the way of educating vals of high standard (and low Marilyn Jones, Neil and Win the masses, so to speak. cost) in Madeira (many times) Morley). The hotels chosen for Sandra Landy replies: I am sorry if Much of the bridge world and Croatia. The dinner and these holidays are top class the tone of my article was thought still bridle when directors are after-dinner conversation (with and the buffet style breakfast to be condescending. My articles called. Many still try to resolve play ers from other coun tries) and dinners are magnificent, are now aimed at more advanced things ‘at the table’. As for dis - particularly in Madeira really far surpassing any I have come learn ers, because the magazine has closure of methods, abso lu tely made the holiday. Come on across in England. June Booty writing the Really Easy appalling ignorance abounds. EBU, it would be nice to have a This means the holidays are Bridge articles. Many Bridge For Is there ever going to be civilised holiday and have a expensive, particularly if you All teachers are introducing Weak the will to drive clubs into chance of getting some green are paying the large single sup - Twos to their more advanced learn - adopting a positive attitude to points too. plement. However, you can be ers and to those who return to ‘fair play for all’ in the way that However, I do support the sure of a good week’s bridge classes for a Brush Up Your Bidding BB@B has developed, or are EBU in offering events over - and sightseeing. course . we to be forever resigned to seas, unlike some of your cor - I have attended nine of the The methods I describe are not mediocrity at all levels? respondents. Pace Mr Linton – EBU overseas congress, so my those used by advanced players, Mick Aldridge, my wife and I do play in locally opinion may be of value. but simple versions that are easy Irthlingborough organised events overseas as I Providing you don’t mind to remember. They have already have said. As this involves the being beaten by the Yorkshire been published in Really Easy Other letters about the Laws have same travel arrangements as gang, you should have a great Modern Acol . been received from Michael Beach any overseas event, I fail to see time! Many who learned some years (Stone), David Beever (Bourne the force of his argument as to George Pilcher, Deal ago with Bridge for All now play End), Kevin Carter (Reading), Chris its effect on ‘carbon foot prints’. in duplicates or Chicago with Bonser and Bob Rowlands (both I think he rather over states his The correspondence on bridge over - their friends. They hear about from London). As they all warranted case for global catastrophe. seas and its possible effects on climate new ideas, such as Weak Twos and a reply, they have been forwarded As a scientist, I am rather change started in the February issue Transfers. It’s better they learn to Jeremy Dhondy and the main sceptical of arguments based and has attracted a lively interest. under accurate instruction than points arising from the corres pon - on extrapo lation from disputed However, as each side has had a with the misinformation their dence will be featured in Jeremy’s evidence, however fashionable. chance to air their views, it is now friends so often provide! regular columns. Ric Dearing, Liverpool time to bring it to a close .

www.ebu.co.uk June 2009 English Bridge 27 JUNE_09_EB_p27-28 Letters:EB_Layout 3 12/05/2009 17:01 Page 28

LETTERS CONTINUED from page 27 Not a good Fallacies convention UNDER the heading ‘Develop - ment of Acol’ in the February A Good Debate I READ English Bridge with Letters pages, Francis Otway IT must have been a welcome examples of where Smith interest and wish I had more stated that responder at one sight to most bridge players to Peters are of no value, every - time to study other books. time in the Acol system could see Smith Peters debated so one knows that there is no I’ve played bridge for about make a two-over-one response eloquently by such eminent perfect system of signalling. fifteen years now (about twice a on a four-card suit and 8 points players in your April issue. We merely strive to find a week) and to my shame I’d (and that it now appears that My comments relate to both method that gets us the best never even heard of the Smith responder needs at least 10). parties. I think that Paul Hack - results most often. He also Peters method of signalling, but For some reason this oft- ett is wrong to state that: ‘A play suggests that those who play then I’ve never felt the need for repeated fallacy seems to be of a low card suggests that you this convention are open to it, as I’m far too busy analysing com mon in some quarters, would prefer some thing else.’ being unethical when they are partner’s lead using the Rule of when in fact for over fifty years The opening lead to any unable to either follow suit, or Eleven etc., examining dummy books on Acol have stated that 9 contract is often described as discard, in tempo to the next carefully, counting like ly points points are required with a four- the most difficult area of de - trick. Assuming that declarer and suit lengths in all four card suit, but this may be fence. The beauty of this con - has the decency to allow his hands from what I know of the relaxed to 8 points providing the vention lies solely in being able opponents the requisite time bidding and watch ing what de - suit is five-cards long, so Mr to con gratulate your or part - to reflect on how they might clarer dis cards. By then my Otway begins with a false pre - ner’s choice of opening lead defend, there should never be brain is teetering on the edge, so mise. There are sound reasons without saying a word! Whe - any problems. Many players, I share the opinion of Richard why the 9 points minimum ther or not you are in a position including top players, defend at Fleet not only for the reasons he coin cides with the traditional to request a switch is a com - their own pace and are espe cial - gives, but because in my opi - top limit of 9 of the 6-9 points pletely different issue. Imagine ly slow in difficult situa tions, nion bridge is already quite range of the 1NT response. you hold a worthless selection but it would be quite im proper com plicated enough without Even the so called ‘modern’ of cards – do you really want to to accuse these players of being adding the pressure of yet an - re quirement is older than Mr tell partner to change tack? unethical unless a card is played other quirky discard to remem - Otway thinks, since it was al - Often, one or neither of you in a deliberate manner so as to ber. ready advocated by Ron Klinger actually know just how good attract at ten tion to its meaning. However competent one is in Acol Bridge , published in the lead is and while on some Most signal ling methods are (and we’re talking inter natio - 1988 and again by Jeremy Flint occasions you desperately want open to attack when a card is nals here: I’ve just been exam - and John Gullick in The First partner to switch, this conven - played out of tempo. ining the Camrose cata stro - Bridge Book, in 1989. tion is just not capable of con- Assuming one appreciates phes) it’s reassuring to see that L. Jackson, Hull veying so many messages at the point I made earlier about we all make loads of mis takes the same time. In other words, only using the Smith Peter to (and the Grand Ma sters in my Just grumpy while a peter (high-low) in show that you are ecstatic club grumble and sigh most declarer’s next played suit is about the opening lead, your often when their advanced sy - MAY I first acknowledge that I highly en couraging the oppo - next card should be easy to stems break down the com mu - am a grumpy old man – 80 site should merely say: ‘I don’t select and, therefore, able to be nication between them). years young, actually! have any good news for you in played in tempo. Personally I would be in such I recently submitted to the the suit you led.’ Michelle Brunner, a state trying to analyse which EBU 2151 Master Points, of While Richard Fleet gives Davenport card to play (not to mention which 416 were ‘time barred’, that occasionally the hands are accompanied by a cringe-indu - distributed in such a way that cing letter begging for compas - Not a Good Debate one really hasn’t a high or low sion. Not only was my heart- THE April debate on Smith use ‘4C1 of the Orange Book’ card to spare), the danger rending plea ignored, but the Peters really typified bridge, just shows how out-of-touch would be in misleading partner offending certificates were re - and English Bridge, at its most both are, but it gets worse: ‘To even more – plus the milli - tur n ed to me with ‘out of date’ sterile. To devote two pages to a hesitate even a millisecond will second pause that I must not scrawled across in red ink – system most of us have never pass infor mation to partner.’ (?) make whilst I do it . . . not a thereby rendering them use less heard of (The Bridge Player’s I can only think that this is chance! as part of any future be quest Dictionary , by the way, gives a bridge as played on a planet I Lindsay Stewart, by e-mail to my heirs as evidence of my somewhat different defini tion) do not recognise! many achievements. and then for Richard Fleet to Paul Quinn, Toprow Legal friends have suggested I give as an argument against its (also Gordon Lawrence) If you keep your letters might consider taking action short (180 words max.) vis-à-vis defacement of my we can include more Thank you for your votes and comments; 66% of voters property, but I am just grum py thought that Smith Peters are not a good method. in these pages! — Ed. – not vindictive! Philip Ivory, Disley r

28 English Bridge June 2009 www.ebu.co.uk JUNE_09_EB_p29-30 Bird questions:EB_Layout 3 12/05/2009 17:02 Page 29

– CUT OUT – CUT OUT – CUT OUT –

Beat today’s experts Beat today’s experts –

– C

These hands are all from modern events These hands are all from modern events T and David Bird points to some useful and David Bird points to some useful U U lessons to be learned from them. See lessons to be learned from them. See T

O how your efforts compare with the how your efforts compare with the O experts’ bidding. experts’ bidding. T U U June 2009 June 2009 T

C –

– WEST HANDS EAST HANDS

C

T (IMP scoring on every deal) (IMP scoring on every deal) U U T

O 1. E/W Game ♠ J 10 5 3 2 1. E/W Game ♠ A Q 8 7

Dealer South K 6 Dealer South 8 3 ♥ ♥ O

T ♦ Q 9 4 ♦ A K 7 3 (Porter) ♣ A Q 2 (Barnes) ♣ J 10 3 U U

*South opens 1 ♥, North bids 2 ♥ *South opens 1 ♥, North bids 2 ♥ T C

– –

2. Love All ♠ 2 2. Love All ♠ A K Q 10 9 7 5 C

T Dealer East ♥ 8 6 3 2 Dealer East ♥ A K 10 8 7 2 A Q U U ♦ ♦

(Glanger) ♣ A K 9 5 (Scudder) ♣ Q 6 T O

O T

3. E/W Game ♠ A K 3. E/W Game ♠ Q 8 7 6 2 U U Dealer West ♥ Void Dealer West ♥ K J 6 3 T

C ♦ A K 7 4 ♦ 10

(Lien) K Q J 10 6 5 4 (Fyrun) A 9 2 ♣ ♣ – –

*North overcalls 2 ♥ *North overcalls 2 ♥ C T U

U 4. Love All ♠ 10 6 4 4. Love All ♠ A K Q 9 8 5 3 T

O Dealer East ♥ 5 Dealer East ♥ K J

♦ A J 5 ♦ K O

T (Barakat) ♣ A K 9 7 5 3 (Lelabousse) ♣ Q 10 2 U

U *South overcalls 2 ♥ *South overcalls 2 ♥ T C

– 5. N/S Game ♠ K Q 10 6 5 4 5. N/S Game ♠ A 9 2

– Dealer East 5 3 Dealer East Q J 7 C ♥ ♥ ♦ A J 9 5 3 ♦ K 7 T (K. Kopstad) ♣ Void (O. Kopstad) ♣ A Q 7 5 2 U U T

O O 6. N/S Game ♠ A Q 8 7 5 4 6. N/S Game ♠ K J 6 2 T Dealer West ♥ 6 4 Dealer West ♥ 3 U 10 9 A K J 8 3 2

U ♦ ♦ T (Lin RQ) ♣ Q 9 7 (Jiang Tong) ♣ A J

C

– – Did you beat the experts? – Pages 14-15 Did you beat the experts? – Pages14-15 $ – CUT OUT – CUT OUT – CUT OUT – JUNE_09_EB_p29-30 Birdquestions:EB_Layout313/05/200909:57Page30 E N ( - m S E p B a m s t r S a 0 W

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS EBU News n JUNE 2009 6-7 Corwen Trophy Hinckley 8 Seniors Knock-out Teams YOUR CLUB, YOUR PLAYERS, YOUR EBU Closing Date Matches played privately 12 -27 European Open Championships continued from page 3 San Remo, Italy 13-14 Pachabo Cup Hinckley On page 3 Sally Bugden, EBU Chairman, outlines the benefits that being part of the EBU 20 Garden Cities National Final Solihull brings to individual members. Here she lists the advantages that affiliation brings to clubs . 20 One-day Green Point event Northants 20-21 One-day Green Point Events Hereford / Gloucestershire Benefits for clubs • The National Club Com - • Scoring program from 21 One-day Green Point event mittee Regional Repre- ScoreBridge – one free Bedfordshire, Berks & Bucks, Dorset, Kent Free Teacher Training sentatives also ensure that licence per club. 26-28 English Riviera Congress • Each club will be offered clubs are consulted about • Computer deals and Torquay one free teacher training 27-28 Oxfordshire Congress EBU activities and plans hand records – free of Steventon session in any 24 month that may affect them and charge. n JULY 2009 period to assist with the their members. • Web site hosting from 5 Inter-County League: development of the club BridgeWebs – free for National Final and to attract new New Club Competitions one year. Solihull members. The courses are 8-18 European Youth • The Club Committee is • Access to on-line club Championships subject to availability and consulting in the coming committee forum – Poiana, Romania conditions apply*. Full months on a new series of free of charge. 10-12 Summer Seniors Congress Eastbourne details available on competitions for our clubs • Club directors’ hand - 18 One-day Green Point event application. – these include local based book – free of charge. Sussex 18 -19 One Day Green Point events simultaneous pairs, strati - • Club managers’ hand- Essex / Herts, Notts Free Tournament Director fied and handicap ped book – free of charge. 19 One-day Green Point event Devon, Manchester Training events, and much more. • If you are interested in 23-26 Northern Summer Congress • Buy one, get one free on any of the above Scarborough all Tournament Director 23-2 Aug (American Summer National Grading Scheme services or require Nationals) training places. Subject to • Clubs will be able to use advice or assistance on Washington DC availability – conditions the National Grading any matters pertaining 27-28 BGB Summer Sim Pairs Clubs apply*. Full details Scheme to enhance their to your club, please n AUGUST 2009 available on application. competitions and events. contact the EBU Club 3 Crockfords Cup Closing Date Liaison Officer on Matches played privately Extensive savings Club Assistance and Services ( 01296 317200 or 14-23 Brighton Summer Congress Reduced cost Public Six issues a year of Club Brighton • • via his email: 17-19 Really Easy Congress Liability Insurance – Focus, the EBU electronic [email protected] Brighton extensive cover for a very newsletter carrying a wide 17-20 Seniors Congress Brighton low price. range of interesting, Downloads from our website 28-30 Junior Teach-in Special club discounts on entertaining and infor - Model Club Constitution. Loughborough • • 29-12 Sep World Bridge Team all types of bridge mative items including • Convention Cards which Championships equipment only available articles with helpful sug - you can fill in yourself, as Sao Paulo, Brazil via our new club gestions for Clubs rangin g well as ready-prepared n SEPTEMBER 2009 authorisation process. from ways to boost Convention Cards for 5-6 National Women’s Teams membership to how to Standard Benjy, Acol, etc. Hinckley 10-13 Isle of Man Congress National Club Committee apply for a Lottery grant. • Orange Book (Handbook Douglas This committee The services of the EBU of EBU Directives) and, 12-13 Bedford Congress • • Milton Keynes represents the interests of Club Liaison Officer, who when available, the 14-15 EBU Autumn Sim Pairs our clubs at a national can be contacted at any Tangerine Book (a simpli- Clubs 18-27 Guernsey Congress and level. time for help and advice: fied and shortened version Seniors Congress [email protected] of the Orange Book Guernsey The services of the EBU specifically directed at 19-20 Premier League (reserve • dates) *All clubs who take advantage of Communications Officer, clubs and club players ). TBA our free teacher training and tour- who can help with publi - White Book (EBU Tour na - 21 NICKO Closing Date na ment director training will agree • Matches played privately to remain affiliated to the EBU for a city for your club and ment Directors' Guide). 21 BGB Gold Cup Closing Date further three full years after the year events: [email protected] Matches played privately in which the training course has The following additional Please visit our website and 26-27 One-day Green Point events taken place. e.g. if the training takes • Derbyshire , Surrey services can be provided, read the EBU pages in English 27 One-day GP event place in 2010-2011 the club must Cornwall remain affiliated until the affiliation to those affiliated clubs Bridge for updates on new club year beginning April 2014. who wish to receive them: benefits and offers. r

www.ebu.co.uk June 2009 English Bridge 31 JUNE_09_EB_p31-35 EBU:EB_Layout 3 12/05/2009 17:07 Page 32

CLUB DIRECTOR & COUNTY DIRECTOR TRAINING COURSES – 2009 EBU News ESSENTIALS £34 Brighton Monday 17th August EBU HQ Aylesbury Wednesday 14 October Altrincham Sunday 25 October CLUB COMMITTEE NEWS New courses are being planned for Halifax, Yorkshire and Cambridge. Watch for details next time or look on the EBU website. YOUR Club Committee has been Agreement Packs were sent out BOOK RULINGS £39 busy surveying and advising on to all clubs for consideration at West Sussex BC, Saturday 13 June the future of English Bridge. and the end of April, and most Cuckfield Elena Jeronimidis, your editor, is queries are well-covered in the Cheltenham Saturday 27 June now equally busy planning and / associated Guidance Notes and Brighton Tuesday 18 August or implementing changes. We Question and Answer pages, but E Midlands BA, Saturday 5 September Derby hope you will enjoy the your volunteer Regional Altrincham Sunday 22 November magazine even more as it Representatives are geared up to EBU HQ Aylesbury Wednesday 18 November develops to meet the needs of answer any additional questions today’s and tomorrow’s EBU you may have and help with JUDGMENT RULINGS £39 Falmouth* Sunday 14 June members. clarification. The contact details Stamford, Lincs Sunday 21 June Much of the Committee’s of your Regional Representatives West Sussex BC, Saturday 19 July third meeting on April 28th was can be found at Cuckfield taken up with updates on the www.ebu.co.uk/club/regions.htm Cheltenham Saturday 25 July progress towards the or you can e-mail them at Brighton Wednesday 19th August 09 introduction of Universal [email protected] or write a letter to E Midlands BA, Derby Saturday 17 October EBU HQ Aylesbury Wednesday 9 December Membership through Pay-to- Club Committee at the usual Altrincham t.b.a. Play. The Club Affiliation EBU address. (Krys Kazmierczak) * For Falmouth only contact Jim Barker [email protected] ASSESSMENT £44 YOUTH AWARDS Falmouth* Sunday 21 June Salisbury Saturday 27 June West Midlands BC Saturday 11 July Stamford, Lincs Sunday 12 July Brighton Thursday 20th August Cheltenham Saturday 22 August West Sussex BC, Cuckfield Saturday 29 August EBU HQ Aylesbury Wednesday 13 January 10 Altrincham t.b.a.

For further information, or to register for a course ( 01296 317203 or email [email protected] Graeme Robertson James Paul Dan McIntosh 2009 County and County Refresher Course; THE YOUNG PAIR OF THE THE YOUNG PLAYER OF THE September 12th and 13th YEAR AWARD is awarded YEAR AWARD is also awarded These will be held at the Coventry Hilton Hotel, Paradise Way, annually to pairs that achieved a annually to an individual who Walsgrave Triangle, Coventry CV2 2ST. variety of good results at the has proved his/her worth both in The County Course is open to qualified club directors with at least bridge table, while also conduct- ability and, more importantly, in one year’s experience of directing and some experience of ing themselves in a pleasant and attitude and manners, both at organising events at county level. It is preferred that you have the friendly manner. and away from the bridge table. approval of your county association. Successful candidates will gain their County Directors Qualification with outstanding candidates The title of Young Pair of the The Young Player of the Year gaining a Pass with Distinction. Year 2008 has been awarded to 2008 is Daniel McIntosh. The County Refresher Course is open to those who have Graeme Robertson and James Dan has been a member of the previously been successful on the County Course. Attendees will Paul. Junior squad for many years. be unofficially marked to see how they have progressed since doing the County Course. In just one year this friendly Forming his Beijing partnership and enthusiastic pair established only five months before the event, All inclusive price of £160 covers all course fees and materials, one night DBB, Sunday finger buffet and three servings of tea/coffee. themselves as a pivotal part of he put in the work and dedication the Under 20 squad, and were necessary to be an integral part of Focus on Value Teacher Training Courses – England’s best-placed pair in the the silver medal winning team. Courses for new teachers 2008 European Youth Pairs. After Beijing, with his partner West Midlands BC July 3rd to 5th (note changed date) Graeme Robertson, 19, is from too old for Under 20 bridge, he and Aylesbury EBU HQ October 23rd to 25th Bedford, and is in his second year has gone on to form a new part - Courses £195 for the Full Course – includes how to teach bridge, studying Maths at Cambridge ner ship and made a great debut at what to teach, short teaching practice, how to recruit, how to retain University. the Channel Trophy last year. and how to turn your students into a partner club. James Paul, 18, is from Dan McIntosh, 19, is from Bir- For further details ( 01296 317217 Reading in Berkshire, and is in ming ham, and is study ing for his or email [email protected] his first year reading Maths at A Levels at 6th Form College in Balliol College, Oxford. Gloucestershire. (Michael Byrne)

32 English Bridge June 2009 www.ebu.co.uk JUNE_09_EB_p31-35 EBU:EB_Layout 3 12/05/2009 17:08 Page 33

EBU News THE EBU & BRIDGE OVERSEAS ON-LINE SURVEY Report by Andrew Petrie, Tournament Committee Chairman ANDALUSIA TO help with the development of about the staff at Aylesbury our competitions programme, and EBU Tournament the Tournament Committee Directors. CONGRESS undertook an on-line survey • Cash prizes were very earlier this year. The results will much preferred to other be published on the EBU forms of prizes. 8 – 13 October 2009 website from early July and I do • There was a very strong Iberostar Islantilla, Huelva, Andalusia encourage you to have a look at majority against the them. Each of you will probably holding of drinks take away different themes from receptions funded from the this analysis but the issues entry fees or prize fund. I particularly noted were: Regarding the open question • Strong events are p opular. ‘Are there any other comments • Overall we have about the or proposals you would like to right number of events – add’, these run to some fifteen we don’t need a lot more pages. I think respondents would or a lot less. have expected these to remain • Travelling distance is the private to the Tournament Com - main reason why people mittee and Board, and they there - don’t enter more EBU fore will not be published. I can, events. however, assure you that I have • Travelling distances and read them all several times and the difficulty in arranging will ensure that the issues raised matches are significant will receive due consideration. barriers to people entering All these results will provide H Pre-congress Pairs K/O competitions. an invaluable aid to the H • People would be more Tournament Committee in its Open Pairs likely to enter events such decision-making and I hope you H Pivot Teams as the NICKO, if we could will see this reflected in some of H Men’s, Ladies’ and Mixed Pairs arrange the first two the future changes to our H Swiss Pairs and Swiss Teams rounds on a single day at programme. I do encourage (both Green-pointed) regional centres. you to look at the results on the • In general people are EBU website. A big thank you to satisfied with our venues everyone who took part. and locations. We are fully aware that the Bridge Fees: £110 • Seaside towns are the most current EBU Competitions Entries to EBU Competitions Dept popular locations. Programme does not cater well Broadfields, Bicester Road, Aylesbury, • About 42% of people for the typical club player and Bucks HP19 8AZ thought behaviour had we are addressing this problem. ( 01296 317203/219 E-mail: [email protected] improved over recent A consultation paper on this years. About 14% thought issue is currently with the Club it had got worse. Committee and they will be • There were very positive consulting with clubs during For travel and accommodation please contact responses to questions May and June. BRIDGE OVERSEAS WATCH THIS SPACE IN this issue of English Bridge Sally Bugden, EBU Chairman, has concentrated on the Universal Member- ship Pack (see pages 3 and 31). In the next issue she will be reporting on the business plan and what has been achieved since last August. FREEPHONE 0800 034 6246

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Brighton 14 – 23 August 2009 Really Seniors Brighton Easy Congress Congress Summer Hilton Metropole Hilton Metropole Hotel, Brighton Hotel, Brighton 17 – 20 August 2009 Meeting 17 – 19 August 2009

Ideal for bridge students! Senior event players Hilton Metropole Hotel Congress participants will must have been born in be expected to play or before 1951. Standard English Acol. Players with a few years’ This is a Level 4 experience are also tournament welcome.

Sessions of between 18 and 21 boards will usually be played. EBU Master Points awarded.

The event incorporates the Really Easy Congress (17-19 August) and the Seniors Congress (17-20 August)

• First weekend: Green-pointed Swiss Pairs The Senior Pairs will start in championship for the Harold Poster Cup the evening on Monday 17th • Wind down on Sunday evening in an and Session II will be on Open Pairs or Open Teams (free entry to Tuesday 18th afternoon, with Swiss Pairs players) the Final and Consolation Mon 2pm to 4pm pre-congress instruction work - Final on Tuesday evening. • Mid-week events include a ‘Play with the Experts’ Pairs, a Mixed Pivot Teams, shop Mon 8pm pairs Session I of the Senior Swiss and a Mixed Pairs (now all Green-point - Tue 10.30am Teams will be on Wednesday ed events) ‘Improving your bridge’ 19th afternoon, Open Pairs available every afternoon instruction with Session II on Thursday • Tue 2pm pairs 20th afternoon. (subject to demand) Tue 8pm pairs Both sessions will start at • Second Weekend: Green-pointed Four Wed 11am swiss pairs 1pm. Stars Swiss Teams championship Wed 4pm end of event Entries and • The last Friday afternoon Open Pairs is Entries and enquiries to also available free of charge to all Swiss enquiries to Competitions Teams players (1.00 pm start) Competitions Dept, EBU Entries ( 01296 317203/219 Dept, EBU ( 01296 317203/219 or on-line from www.ebu.co.uk ( 01296 317203/219

34 English Bridge June 2009 www.ebu.co.uk JUNE_09_EB_p31-35 EBU:EB_Layout 3 12/05/2009 17:09 Page 35

EBU News

MEMBER PROMOTION JUNIOR TEACH IN SUSPENDED CONGRATULATIONS to DO you have children or opportunity to let off steam on Robin Barker who has been grandchildren interested in Saturday afternoon with either AN EBU Disciplinary Hearing promoted to National bridge? If so, then why not swimming or rounders. Plus followed by an Appeal Hearing Tournament Director – too late bring them along to the Junior there are two normal duplicate met recently to consider the for his elevation to be recorded Teach In over the August Bank sessions on Friday and behaviour of EBU Member in the Diary. holiday weekend? Saturday evening together with Waseem Naqvi at the Spring Bank Holiday Congress in May 2008. The defendant admitted YOUTH the charge and the Appeal Committee suspended Mr COMMITTEE Naqvi from EBU Membership for a period of one year from SUSAN Stockdale has been April 27th 2009 until April 26th appointed as U25 Women’s 2010. Squad Manager. An Oxford Physics graduate who now U B

runs the family business, Susan E

: o t

has played for fourteen years o h

PREMIER P with inter national experience LEAGUE at Junior level for a number of Youngsters are divided into a late-night Speedball pairs for years, and has just won her six groups depending on their the extra-keen. ENTRIES have closed for this third Senior cap representing bridge experience: Accompanying adults can year’s Premier League with England in this year’s Lady Raw rookies – never played join in with any group and similar numbers to last year; Milne. Her experience, cou - before. They are guided also play in the bridge sessions it is therefore anticipated that pled with her enthusiasm and through the rudiments of with youngsters or other there will be two divisions dynamism, should prove a MiniBridge. adults. again. The winners earn the powerful combination. Fearless fledglings – have Venue: Loughborough right to represent England in already played MiniBridge University from 6pm Friday next year’s Camrose Trophy and now ready for the real 28th August finishing about and Commonwealth Nations thing. 3.30pm on Sunday 30th Cup. All three weekends will be Eager beavers – know the August. n w

broadcast on BBO. o r basics of bridge and need to Accommodation: single B

Further details are available a n consolidate and move on. study bedrooms, many with o i F

on the EBU website. :

o Flying foxes – sound knowl - en-suite facilities t o h

P edge of the game and ready Meals: Two days dinner, bed, to learn more. breakfast and lunch, plus Susan’s first test will be get - MINIBRIDGE Ace experts – competent regular servings of tea/coffee ting the team of Amy Stout, players ready to sharpen up and squash THE EBU MiniBridge initiative Emily Middleton, Jennie their skills. Cost: £115 per youngster and is gaining national recognition Marvin, Elizabeth Roberts, Top guns – good players £130 for accompanying adults. as its benefits to bridge and Alice Kaye and Sarah O’Connor with aspirations to join the Further details from the EBU children are becoming ready for battle at the Junior junior international squads. website, or [email protected] or increasing clear. European Championships in There are six teaching sessions [email protected] or ring Get ready for the autumn Romania in July. I hope you across the weekend plus the ( 01296 317218. r and find out what could be will join with me, and wish her done at a school near you by and her squad every success. e-mailing [email protected] . Malcolm Oliver, YC Chairman SENIORS KNOCK-OUT PARLIAMENTARY GROUP for the Gerald Faulkner Salver 2009 – 2010 CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES: 8TH JUNE 2009 AT the first meeting of the Parliamentary Group, Baroness Ruth Henig was acclaimed as Chairman, Lady Howe agreed to act as Secretary and The event is open to teams consisting of four to six players, Michael Mates was proposed as Vice-Chairman. The group agreed on all of whom are EBU members born in 1951 or earlier. its objectives: to develop awareness of the benefits that bridge brings Green Points awarded. Entry fee: £54 per team. especially for younger people and for older people. Strategies by which ( these objectives can be achieved were discussed and plans set in motion, EBU Competitions Dept 01296 317203/219 including holding high-profile bridge events at the House of Lords.

www.ebu.co.uk June 2009 English Bridge 35 June09_adverts:EB_Layout 3 12/05/2009 17:48 Page 36

Nottinghamshire CBA & the EBU GREEN POINTED WEEKEND 18th-19th July 2009 SWISS PAIRS - 1pm Saturday SWISS TEAMS - 1pm Sunday 7x7 Board Matches Licence Level 3 7x7 Board Matches Licence Level 3 1.00pm Session 1 4x7 Boards 1.00pm Session 1 4x7 Boards 5.00pm (approx) Tea – see below 5.00pm (approx) Tea – see below 5.45pm Session 2 3x7 Boards 5.45pm Session 2 3x7 Boards 9.00pm (approx) Results and Presentation of Prizes 9.00pm (approx) Results and Presentation of Prizes

BOTH DAYS: GREEN POINT AWARDS AND PRIZES TO EBU SCALES (1/4 point per match won or drawn plus ranking awards) at East Midlands Bridge Centre, The Old School, Chapel Street, Spondon, Derby Tel: (01332) 544933 • Free on site car parking • 5 miles from J.25 M1 • Facilities for disabled • Light refreshments available from 12 noon • Low cost meals available during the tea interval – order on the day • Maps will be sent, on request

Entry fees: £42 per pair, £84 per team – Juniors (U25) half price All entries and enquiries: Keith Rodgers, 44 Lower Beauvale, Newthorpe, Notts NG16 3PU Tel: 01159447010 (work) 01773 530764 (evening) e-mail: [email protected]

The Isle of Man CouVnVtyV GV reen Point Congress

Friday 11th to Sunday 13th September 2009 3 session Swiss Pairs (evenings) • 2 session Swiss Teams (afternoons)

The format of the congress (Swiss Pairs for the Keys Cup on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening and Teams for the Tynwald Trophy on Saturday and Sunday afternoon) is ideal for those who just want to play in one of the events and use the rest of their stay for sightseeing and relaxation. The Villa Marina is a high-quality modern venue for conferences and concerts.

The Isle of Man is accessible from airports throughout the British Isles and by ferry from Liverpool and Heysham. Flights include Belfast, Birmingham, Blackpool, Dublin, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Gloucester, Guernsey, Jersey, Leeds-Bradford, Liverpool, London (City, Luton and Gatwick), Manchester, Newcastle and Southampton.

For brochure, further details Travel and accommodation and cheque entries: and credit card entries: Paul de Weerd Travel Services (Isle of Man) Telephone: 01624 660393 Telephone: 01624 661177 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.isleofmantravel.com

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NEWS & REPORTS

BILL COMES TO TOWN PORTLAND BOWL

CONGRATULATIONS to the Oxford A team (Ed Jones, James Paul, Alice Kaye, Ian Angus, Greg Moss, Joe Claley) on winning the Portland Bowl. This, the national Universities Championship for teams of four, is run on a knock-out basis and the finals are hosted by the Portland Club in London. In the semi-final, Oxford A overwhelmed Oxford B by over 200 IMPs. In the other semi-final, Edinburgh A beat Cambridge B by 9 IMPs, with the lead changing hands constantly. The final was one sided, with Edinburgh A (Anna Logan, Danny Hamilton, Cyprian Laskowski, Adrianna Terriakidis) losing by 134 IMPs. This is the third time that Oxford have reached the final: in 2007 they beat Durham, whilst in 2008 they finished second to Durham . Of the winning team, Ed Jones was a losing finalist last year and Joe Clacey a losing semi-finalist in 2007 and 2008, while James Paul i h

c is in his first year of university, so played for the first time. The other c a T three players were in the team that won in 2007. (Michael Byrne) n o R

: o t o h P

WHILE in London, Bill Gates found time to play in a duplicate session at Young Chelsea Bridge Club. This was apparently the first time that the Microsoft founder had played in a real (as opposed to EASTER BRIDGE FESTIVALS on-line) bridge club. His partner on the night, Ian Payn, said: ‘Two things leapt out at THE 44th EBU London Easter Festival welcomed a new sponsor, me. Firstly, he always planned the play at trick one. I know we’re all Baker Tilly (see advertisement on page 22), and an influx of foreign supposed to do this, but he actually did. Secondly, he concentrated stars including Zia Mahmood and Erik Saelensminde. not on enacting spectacular brilliancies, but on avoiding mistakes. Playing with the late great Rixi Marcus, Zia won the Cham - That’s a pretty good long-term strategy. I reckon he could go far . . .’ pionship Pairs in 1983 but this time he and partner David Bakhshi had to settle for third place. Kumiko Ishii and Brian Senior kept up their remarkable record in this event by finishing second, with CORN CAIRDIS Ewa Kater and Alex Hydes in first place. On the opening afternoon, Kath and Alan Nelson won the CONGRATULATIONS to the England team who won the 2009 Mixed Pairs while Peter Hasenson and Alex Lucaciu won the Corn Cairdis (Cup of Friendship) against Ireland by 190 VPs to Open Pairs. U19 glory went to Simon Spencer and Ankush 165. Representing England were: Paulie Lang – Steve Mattinson, Khandelwal, while Tom Rainforth and Shivam Shah claimed the Graham and Berry Hedley (County); Martin Cantor – Baz Caygill, top spot in the U25s. Dan Israeli, Joe Mela, Myles Ellison and Gayle and Colin Webb (Club); Peter Stocken – David Harris, Max Gyles Ellison won the Championship Teams, while the Swiss Pairs Bavin – Malcolm Oliver (Officials). were won by Catherine Seale and Ian Pagan, the B flight by Simon and Malcolm Pollack, and the C Flight by Michael Gentry and Catherine Stafford. WIN WINE AND A new venue, the Barceló Buxton Palace Hotel, welcomed an encouraging increase in entries at the Nor thern Easter Festival, also CHAMPAGNE sponsored by Baker Tilly. Sherry reception(17.45), bridge room soft In the Cham pion ship Pairs, Bill Hood drinks, farewell buffet, free secure and Ron Davis led throughout to record parking, singles welcome. an impressive win, while Gillian McMullan and John Fitzgerald took the Swiss Pairs 28 – 31 AUGUST title. Alex Hogg, David Adelman, Grahame Weir and Mike Theelke had a comfortable Db&b £180 no s.supp. win in the Swiss Teams. Bridge licensed by the EBU The players at both venues were treated to the newly-designed Baker Tilly playing COVENTRY HILTON cards (illustrated on the right). 0247-684-1018 (Weekdays 09.00 - 17.00) (Peter Hasenson ) r

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N Total trumps I D D I

B equal

E V I T

I total tricks T E P

M and North-South are two off in 4 ♠, feel that if I have succeeded in pushing the

O provided the opposition doubles opponents one level higher than they want

C Andrew Kambites bidding 4 ♠ turns –420 into –300. Of to be, I have done enough. course we all know they don’t always double, indeed sometimes they bid Enter the Unassuming Cue-bid IN my last article I demonstrated how the on to 5 ♥ which gives a major gain. law of Total Tricks (LTT) can aid compe - • If North-South can make 4 ♠ (10 In the previous example your opponents titive bidding. The LTT states that TOTAL tricks) while East-West were two off had found their fit and you had to decide TRICKS available to the two sides will in 4 ♥ (8 tricks), then bidding 4 ♠ whether to compete. How should East bid tend to equal TOTAL TRUMPS held by turns +100 (surely South was not Hands B and C if the auction begins as in both sides. Hence, if North/South hold going to double 4 ♥) into +420. Auction 2? Vulnerability shouldn’t matter nine spades and East/West hold ten hearts • If both 4 ♥ and 4 ♠ were due to fail by greatly. (19 total trumps), this suggests either 4 ♠ one trick, then bidding 4 ♠ turns +50 will make and 4 ♥ is one off (19 total into –50. tricks) or 4 ♥ will make with 4 ♠ one off • This analysis suggests it is clearly Hand B Hand C (also 19 total tricks). I start this article by right for South to compete to 4 ♠. Of ♠ K J 6 5 4 ♠ K J 6 5 looking at a typical high level decision. course sometimes there will be 19 ♥ 8 ♥ 8 total tricks, when either 4 ♥ or 4 ♠ ♦ J 10 9 8 ♦ J 10 9 8 A typical high-level decision will make and the other one will be ♣ 8 6 5 ♣ 8 6 5 2 just one off, making bidding 4 ♠ even How should South bid Hand A at Love All more clear-cut. after the bidding in Auction 1? • If this thought process seems compli - Auction 2 cat ed, the good news is that the LTT West North East South lends itself to easy shortcuts: 1♥ Hand A 1♠ Pass ? ♠ K J 8 7 ♥ 9 4 2 Firstly, assume the opponents have a In the previous article I ended with the ♦ 6 3 fit similar to you. If you have a nine- advice: with 20/20 hands, try to bid to the ♣ A J 9 8 card fit, assume they also have a level equal to the number of trumps held nine-card fit. Secondly, at game level, by your side. This advice doesn’t only if the total trumps suggest that the apply to lower level contracts, and gener - Auction 1 worst that can happen is that their ally it pays to push the bidding up before West North East South game and your game both go one off, your opponents find their fit. These look 1♥ 1♠ 4♥ ? then generally you should bid your like 20/20 hands in that it is likely that game over their game. each side holds roughly half of the points. Let us consider total trumps. North-South With Hand B you hold at least ten spades have at least nine spades, possibly ten. How so a pre-empt to 4 ♠ is correct. With Hand about East-West? They have bid to 4 ♥ with However, be wary of the five level. To bid C you have at least nine spades, so a pre- only about half the high cards in the pack. 5♠ over their 5 ♥ you need at least 20 total empt to 3 ♠ is correct. Partner is expected to West probably has a near min imum open - trumps. The saying that ‘The five level pass whatever he has. If he has a min imum ing with five hearts: East cer tainly has four belongs to the opposition’ is well founded. 1♠ overcall 3 ♠ will fail, but North-South hearts, possibly five. Let us take a conser - Suppose your opponents bid to 4 ♥ and can clearly make 4 ♥. If he has a maximum vative view that each side has nine cards in your partner bids a risky 4 ♠. His 1♠ overcall, 3 ♠ will probably make. its fit, making 18 total trumps. This suggests enterprise is well rewarded when they However, clearly you cannot use 3 ♠ as a 18 total tricks. How does this break down? compete to 5 ♥. He has pushed them from pre-empt and a game try, so we now see a an easy 4 ♥ into a dubious 5 ♥. Don’t undo typical conventional idea that frees up the • If East-West can make 4 ♥ (10 tricks) all his good work by sacrificing in 5 ♠. I 3♠ bid for ‘total’ tricks’ purposes.

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Guidance for 20/20 hands ♠ K J 10 9 7 ♠ A Q 5 CAPTION ♥ 7 5 4 N ♥ 6 2 Returning to part-score hands, I will try to W E COMPETITION ♦ A Q 10 S ♦ K J 9 4 give you some easy-to use guidance for ♣ 8 6 ♣ A 10 3 2 20/20 hands, although this will need to be in ter preted in the light of the next article which will cover offensive and defensive Auction 3 values. West North East South 1♥ • It is almost always correct to bid on if 1♠ Pass 2♥ Pass the LTT suggests both contracts 2♠ Pass 3♠ Pass might make. 4♠ All Pass • It is often correct to bid on if the LTT suggests that one contract might In this layout, East has a genuine game try make and the other be one off. in spades. He starts by bidding 2 ♥, the • It is usually wrong to bid on if the opponents’ suit, called an ‘Unassuming LTT suggests that both contracts But I had to double, Cue-bid’. West initially declines the game might be one off. Your Honour, I had try but when East makes another attempt • With 16 trumps it is always correct to an opening hand! by raising to 3 ♠, West reasons that he could bid 2 ♠ over 2 ♥. be weaker and raises to 4 ♠. • With 17 trumps it is always correct to THE winner of our April competition, with bid 3 ♥ over 2 ♠. the caption in the cartoon box above, is In case you were wondering . . . • With 16 trumps it is usually unsound Micky Morris of Chelmer Village, Essex, to bid 3 over 3 . Note that this last who will receive a charming Victoriana ♠ ♥ bridge mug from our sponsors, Bridge and Earlier in this article I suggested that you point differs from your strategy at Golf Gifts Direct (see page 7). Other good should assume the opponents have a fit game level. captions came from Joy Stuart (a first-year sim ilar to you. This is not hard to justify. • With 16 trumps bid 3 ♥ over 2 ♠ bridge student) from Gerrards Cross (I’m Suppose your side has eight hearts. Your unless you are vulnerable and have sorry, m’lud, I’m new to the game. I forgot opponents have five hearts and therefore, 21 good reason to fear a double. about the weakness takeout!) , David Bowers other cards. Unless they have exactly three (So you're the man who opened 1NT with only 11 points!), and Allan Greenstein, seven-card fits, they must have an eight- To summarise: Westcliffe-on-Sea, Essex (For the last time, card fit. Suppose your side have nine hearts. 1. Try to bid to the level equal to the did you or did you not fail to alert a penalty Your opponents have four hearts and there - number of trumps held by your side. double?). fore, 22 other cards. They are mathema - 2. Try not to let your opponents play at The cartoon for our new competition is tically certain to hold an eight-card fit. In a level equal to their number of below. Please send your bridgey captions practice they usually hold a nine-card fit. trumps. r (multiple entries are accep ted) to the Editor, English Bridge, 23 Erleigh Road, Reading RG1 5LR or by e-mail to [email protected] not later than 20th June 2009. Don’t forget to include your full postal address!

OUR bridge club is open seven days a week, blood sports arena. Just occasionally, some - fifty-two weeks a year. Apart from the one goes a bit too far and ‘the pack’ bays for hun dreds of thousands of boards played, we justice! have on-going debates on our largely self- Do our members enjoy the cut and thrust regulated CB (Comment Board). The topics of the CB? cover anything from bridge and our club, to Absolutely! matters of world politics, TV soaps, humour Some open and read it several times a day and occasionally important issues such as – simply to follow the latest thread. Some the rising cost of Catsan or the validity of deliberately propound an opposing point of Twitter (yes, these are serious matters). view for the sake of debate. Often the threads focus on a new or on-going Some, simply spectate. feature within the bridge software or com - There’s no doubt that for many members, petitions activity of the club and the the CB is ‘up there’ as a seriously valuable members’ contributions provide important facet of the club. Our recent (on-going) development feedback. membership survey shows that, when asked, From time to time, a debate ‘overheats’ 52% of responders with an opinion felt that and ‘personalities’ nip at each other’s heels – the CB increased their enjoyment of Bridge usually to the amusement of on-lookers but Club Live. sometimes to a level where the unsuspecting There’s much more than bridge going on Sponsored by Bridge could be forgiven for assuming our CB is a at www.bridgeclublive.com! & Golf Gifts Direct

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E The Multi 2 ♦ T A

B is a good convention E D

E Two top players debate a hot bridge topic. Tell us whose argument has won you over by e-mailing the Editor at [email protected] H

T Tom Townsend declares in that trump suit. It’s going Now you’re opening your weak-two to be the weak hand; the strong bids Multi, you have 2 ♥ and 2 ♠ THE Multicoloured 2 ♦ opener was pro - hand must go down in dummy ex- available for other purposes, and creative moted by Jeremy Flint and Terence Reese posed after the opening lead, and players have plenty of options. over thirty years ago. There’s one reason to the defenders are unlikely to go Traditionally minded Acol players will play it already – it’s British! It soon wrong after trick one. Not so with play them as natural Acol Twos. This set- became very popular at all levels of dupli - the Multi: after a 2NT or 4 ♣ res- up is much better than putting these big cate bridge worldwide. Just in case you ponse the strong hand can become hands through Benjamin or Reverse have never come across it, here is the declarer, and the lead and defence Benjamin 2 ♣ or 2 ♦ openings, which are ‘Multi’ in a nutshell. can be much more challenging. an invitation for aggressive opponents to An opening bid of 2 ♦ can be a Weak (ii) You can play in 2 ♦ doubled or even pre-empt. It’s a real pleasure to open an Two in hearts, or a Weak Two in spades; or undoubled after a Multi. You cer - Acol Two at rubber bridge but at duplicate perhaps some strong hand by agreement. tainly can’t do this when you have I prefer something more frequent and Partner responds 2 ♥ if he feels that is open ed a weak 2 ♥ or 2 ♠. combative. Into this category come Polish high enough facing a weak 2 ♥. Opener (iii) Not knowing opener’s suit deprives Twos or whatever you like to call them, converts to 2 ♠ with a weak 2 ♠, or bids opponents of a cue-bid to develop Muiderberg, Lucas, Woo . . . These show something higher with a strong option. the auction when they intervene. two-suited major-minor hands, less than Partner responds 2 ♠ if he feels that is For example, you overcall their an opening bid. When responder has a fit high enough facing a weak 2 ♠ but he wants Multi with 2 ♠ and partner ad van ces he can raise to game, whether he expects to go higher facing hearts. Opener converts with 3 ♥ or 4 ♥. Are these heart to make the contract or not. Meanwhile to 3 ♥ with a minimum weak 2 ♥ or 4 ♥ bids cue-bids, looking for 3NT or your counterparts playing straight Weak with a maximum weak 2 ♥, or bids some- for slam in spades, or are they Twos have to pass as dealer, allowing thing else with a strong option. natural telling you that you’ve opponents a free run. Getting your blow We call 2 ♥ and 2 ♠ ‘pass or correct’, or overcalled in the Multi suit? in first on these spicy deals often brings in ‘Multi’, or ‘paradox’ responses – the Tricky. the points. paradox being that you tend to respond in (iv) The Multi causes disorganised Another method doesn’t have any the suit you don’t like. With interest in oppo nents more confusion than name at all but has been adopted by game facing either major, you can respond Weak Twos. For this reason the many of England’s top players and 2NT to ask about opener’s suit and range, Multi is only allowed at Level 3 and perhaps repre sents the state of the art. or perhaps bid 4 ♣ to ask opener to above in EBU events. Fair enough I Use the Multi for your in-your-face transfer at the four-level – that’s if you think. destructive Weak Twos, K-J-x-x-x-x and don’t mind giving up Gerber. out, or whatever your minimum is at the Perhaps Heather will persuade you that Convinced? Perhaps not yet. But the real position and vulnera bility – sixth trump Weak Twos are tactically superior to the value in playing Multi is that you get two optional. Open 2 ♥ or 2 ♠ with the more Multi, and by and large she’s right! Sure, or more bids for the price of one. Some constructive style of Weak Two the Blue you’re better off announcing your suit Multi users prefer to play a weak-only Team would have approved of, e.g. A-K- straight away than starting with a multi- Multi so they can pass 2 ♦. This puts pres - J-10-9-x perhaps with something on the way bid. I’ve known a player in the sure on opponents to compete direct ly side, range approx imately 8-11 points, Bermuda Bowl, the world open teams rather than wait a round. Personally I like always a decent six-card suit. So if you championship, defend 3 ♦ when he was to include a strong balanced hand, just play this ‘two-tiered’ Weak Two structure cold for 7 ♠, because he assumed his below game-forcing strength. Now my you can vote for me and for Heather. partner’s Multi suit was hearts. But the opening 2 ♣ becomes 100% game-forcing, Why did I mention it? But if one vote is Multi does have a few points in its favour: a significant improvement. That’s enough enough and you’re still undecided I give for me but some like to add minor-suit you a final reason to play the Multi: it’s (i) After a weak 2 ♥ or 2 ♠ the partner- Acol Two hands, or giant 4-4-4-1 types, great fun bidding suits you don’t have. ship has no choice which hand otherwise awkward to bid in Acol. Enjoy your two bids! r

40 English Bridge June 2009 www.ebu.co.uk JUNE_09_EB_p40-41 Debate:EB_Layout 3 12/05/2009 17:16 Page 41

The Multi 2 ♦ E T A

is not a good convention B E D

Or vote by post (Editor, English Bridge, 23 Erleigh Road, Reading RG1 5LR). E Comments for publication (not more than 200 words, please) are welcome. H

Heather Dhondy T THE Multi 2 ♦ allows you to fit many is for penalties and thus will be able to hand types into one bid, freeing up room wield the axe. This is ideal to make a pre-emptive raise to in your system for 2 ♥ and 2 ♠ to mean . . . Turning to constructive bidding, this 4♠. Your poor opponent in the fourth seat well, what exactly? In its early days, the will nearly always begin at a higher level is likely to have a tough problem to re - Multi allowed you to play both strong and since the first question that needs to be solve, and usually ends up doubling, which Weak Twos in the majors with the weak answered is ‘what is your hand-type?’ can be on a wide variety of distributions variety going through the Multi. These Suppose you hold: and values, which in turn often gives his days Acol Twos are an endangered species, and partner opens a partner a guess as to what to do. This is lovingly preserved by those who want to ♠ 2 Multi. You bid 2NT why we love to pre-empt. Now consider look after their good hands making some ♥ A Q 4 to find out what the ineffectiveness of the Multi. You begin slams easier to locate, but few and far ♦ A 8 5 partner holds (or 3 ♣ with 2 ♦, and to start with this allows the between. Instead, the additional room ♣ A K 7 6 4 3 forcing if you prefer) next opponent in with 2 ♥, where they tends to be used for further penalty-tries and partner responds may not have had enough to overcall 3 ♥ such as ultra-Weak Twos or Weak Two- 3♠. Which is the over a Weak Two in spades. However, sup - suited hands. Especially when these two- better game, 3NT or 4 ♠? You have to pose they pass; you will have to respond a suited hands can be on a five-four shape, guess. Conversely, playing a Weak Two in limp 2 ♥ since partner may have a Weak they are at best unsound. spades, you can enquire with 2NT, partner Two in hearts. All your pre-emptive Turning our attention to the downsides can show a diamond feature and you can weaponry has been removed, and the of the Multi, the essential problem with happily play in 3NT facing: opponents have a comfortable entry into squashing as many meanings into one bid or try 4 ♠ if partner the auction. is that partner often won’t know what you ♠ K 10 9 6 5 4 responds 3 ♥ with Finally let’s consider the defensive prob - have. This can affect your constructive ♥ J 5 his red suits reversed . lems that you may face playing the Multi. bidding, your pre-emptive bidding, and ♦ K 7 2 On the given hand You hold: your defence. ♣ J 9 3NT is the better and partner opens a Before we examine each of these, there is contract, but with ♠ K 5 4 Multi 2 ♦. Your right- one further downside which shouldn’t be the red suits reversed ♥ K 5 4 hand opponent bids overlooked, and that is: where there is a 4♠ is superior. Playing a Multi you would ♦ 8 6 4 2 a natural 2NT which penalty to be had, the opponents have have a guess to make, but with the addi - ♣ 7 4 3 is raised to 3NT. much more chance of catching you than if tional information partner is able to give What do you lead? you had opened a conventional Weak Two. playing Weak Twos you are able to make a This is a nightmare. If Suppose you hold: more informed choice. you guess right, you may well cash the first and your right-hand To take a different example, suppose six tricks, and if you guess wrong, the con - ♠ A K 10 9 opponent opens a that, as the Multi opener, you have one of tract is almost certain to make. r ♥ K Q 10 2 Weak Two (in either your strong options. Partner, holding both ♦ K 4 major) at Game All. majors in a weak hand, will make some ♣ Q 10 8 You would be worried pre-emptive bid, say 3 ♥ or 4 ♥, and you YOUNG CHELSEA to pass since it would will probably have to begin describing seem likely that the your hand at an uncomfortably high level, ONE OF THE WORLD’S auction would be passed out and you may often ending up having to guess where the GREAT BRIDGE CLUBS well have a game on, so instead you would contract belongs. Duplicate every weekday give up on the penalty and make a natural Moving on to pre- evening overcall of 2NT. However, if the opponent emptive bidding, ♠ K J 5 3 opens a Multi, you will have two goes to part ner opens a Weak ♥ 4 ( 020 7373 1665 describe your hand. You will develop a Two in spades, the ♦ 9 8 7 5 4 3 defence where either a pass followed by a next hand passes, and ♣ A 3 www.ycbc.co.uk double, or a double followed by a double, you hold:

www.ebu.co.uk June 2009 English Bridge 41 JUNE_09_EB_p42-43 Jeremy:EB_Layout 3 12/05/2009 17:17 Page 42

S When is bridge M E

L not bridge? B O E-mail your questions to Jeremy Dhondy at [email protected] R

P or write to the editor, Elena Jeronimidis, at 23 Erleigh Road, Reading RG1 5LR.

Please include your name and address. U B

E Jeremy Dhondy the time you want. will be more likely to expect this than your e. Ask the club committee to make a opponents, so it becomes a part of your request of players that they improve agreement. their manners at the table. If the opponents wish, they can call the A. E. STENNER from Cambs writes: I don’t think dummy should get involved. Director at the point when they first There is a practice spreading at our The law has something to say on the notice that the hand doesn’t conform with club of not releasing a card and matter. Law 66A says: ‘Current Trick: So the rules. If the hand that doesn’t conform placing it flat on the table, but keeping long as his side has not led or played to the is declarer or defending then, of course, it at an angle, which makes it difficult next trick, declarer or either defender may, you won’t know until the end of play and to see for some people with spectacles. until he has turned his own card face down possibly not even then unless you are look - Asked to put the card on the table, on the table, require that all cards just ing. Law 9B has some helpful advice on these players say it is perfectly legal played to the trick be faced.’ when to call the Director, and one point merely to touch the table with one that perhaps triggered this question is that corner of the card without releasing it. opponents waited until the end of play We would like to know how the EBU DICK Wheeler writes: In your and getting a poor board before doing so. rule on this matter. February column you addressed some They are, however, permitted to do this. The other evening the person most of the concerns I had raised regarding As far as the third question is con cerned, persistent in this habit held his card the application of EBU rules in relation the answer is yes. The Director should only on one occasion towards declarer, so to a Benji 2 ♣ opening bid. However, rule that an opening is illegal if he judges neither defender’s partner nor dummy you focused on the rule itself, not the that it is an agreement, and in order to do could see the card. Dummy was told particular set of circumstances outlined that he would need to ask both mem bers of not to be ridiculous when she asked to in my letter. Could you please com - the partnership some questions. It can be see the card. Was dummy out of order ment on: (i) whether the Director quite hard for the Director to establish this. in speaking? should have taken into account the fact The artificial two-level open ing must by that the opening bid was made in good agreement comply with the Ex tend ed Rule faith (as an eight-playing-trick hand) of 25 (10B4 of the Orange Book) which It is certainly a most discourteous and and taken at face value by the respon - means any one of the following: aggravating practice. I am not a slow der; (ii) at which point (before, during 1. Subject to proper disclosure a hand player, but do like to take a bit of time at or after play) should the Director be that contains, as a minimum, the nor - trick one to make sure I have the spot called to deal with a perceived irregu - mal high-card strength associated with cards firmly fixed in my head. It is not larity, and (iii) whether the Director a one-level opening and at least eight infrequent when trying to do this for the should establish if there is an agree - clear-cut tricks (while there is no spe - card to be turned over and if you ask to see ment between the ‘offending’ partners cific point-count associated with this, it again it is held at an angle, tapped a - instead of merely ruling on whether the most Directors would be looking for round, and it is then quite hard to con- opening hand conforms to the rules. 10 or more points to meet this con - centrate. Of course some players do not dition), or: want to count a hand and see no point in 2. Any hand meeting the Rule of 25 (i.e. even looking. My approach to this I’m afraid it doesn’t matter whether the the sum of the number of cards in problem would be: opening was made in ‘good faith’ or not. the two longest suits and the number a. To ask politely. Players have a responsibility to know the of high-card points is at least 25), or: b. To ask firmly. regulations. All of the regulations concern - 3. Any hand with 16+ HCP. c. To comment that if this is an attempt ing two-level openings are to do with I know there are players who disagree with to save time it isn’t working. agreements, so that to deviate from an this rule but in the end it is a balance d. Call the Director, have the card placed agree ment is permitted but there is a between allowing players to open what where you want it and look at it for caveat. If you deviate often, then partner they want and protecting opponents from

42 English Bridge June 2009 www.ebu.co.uk JUNE_09_EB_p42-43 Jeremy:EB_Layout 3 12/05/2009 17:17 Page 43

inaccurate description. Artificial bids are accepted code and play to it. Of course quite frequently they vary a little to take harder to defend against than na tural bids, common sense should be allowed to have a into account, for example, age or inex - and opponents are put off when a hand is place and to most the club evening is not perience. 13-year-old cricketers have a described as strong when it patently is not. the final of a world championship, but if 21-yard pitch, 8-year-old rugby players you don’t have some form of accepted rules play ‘mini-rugby’ which has rules in any game it ceases to be that game and designed to minimise serious injury. CHRIS Bonser of London is not happy turns into something else. Bridge, of course, has its own ‘mini’ with my answer about redealing hands version – although not to minimise which are passed out on the first round. injury! It’s an excellent vehicle to intro- He says: ‘Your reply to Geoff Plum - MICHAEL Beach of Stone makes some duce players to the game of bridge , mer’s question about re dealing passed- of the same points as Mr Bonser but (whatever their ages), which is why it out hands (Letters, February 2009} also adds: ‘There are many versions of features in this magazine. per fectly illustrates the chasm which bridge. The WBF defines the laws for Playing in a relaxed environment can exists between the higher eche lons of National and Inter national tourna - certainly be spoilt if the barrack room the EBU and ordinary ‘social’ bridge ments. Does this affect clubs? There lawyer is around but when an infraction clubs. I organise four friendly bridge are ‘Serious Bridge’ clubs. Such clubs occurs, it is best if it is dealt with quickly weekends a year for social club players will adopt the WBF version of the and smoothly by a competent Director. who want to enjoy their cards. These laws. There are ‘Intermediate’ clubs. Someone revokes? No reason for the are not EBU licensed events. I always The stronger players will be familiar players to be expert on how many tricks allow the players to re-deal passed- with WBF bridge, but have chosen to are transferred. A player leads out o f out hands although I am aware this is play most of their bridge in a more re - turn? The Director will know the options contrary to Law 22 A1 and I am also laxed environment. There are ‘Friendly and be able to explain them quickly and fully aware of the arguments as to why Bridge’ clubs. There is no reason why easily. I agree that the ruling should be this law might be applied in se ri ous such clubs should adopt the WBF firm and delivered in friendly fashion, EBU com pe titions. I found your com- version of the laws. These latter two but what advantage is there to it being ment that if we ignore this law we may categories of club should: wrong? be ‘playing a game but it is not bridge’ i) Feel free to re-deal boards which An essential course for a Director both arrogant and insulting. If in a have been passed out in the first (probably all a club Director needs) is char ity football challenge match we round, and: available in lots of venues around the choose to ignore the offside law, does ii) Not have to pay to send their mem - country for £37 (you can ring ( 01296 this mean we are not playing football? bers on directing courses. What is 317203 or contact [email protected] if you need ed is a friendly, firm, and quite want to book), and can be free (see page pos sibly incorrect, ruling at the time 31). If I were running a club evening, I’d If you play bridge in the comfort of your of the incident. Many such clubs will feel a lot happier as a Director if I had own home then you can really do what choose not to re-affiliate to the EBU confidence that I knew where to find the you like, but I don’t believe that whether under the new regulations. appropriate rule and how to apply it. I’d you are in a club or a higher level event Such bridge clubs are as important to aim to be as little noticed as possible, and you can pick and choose which laws you the future of bridge as are the serious be delighted if the evening passed with- want to enforce. I guess there are many clubs, arguably more so. If they are not out me having to be involved. who would not wish to enforce a rule playing ‘bridge’ then so be it – but if Your club doesn’t have to send anyone about a penalty card when the card has that matters, why does MiniBridge on a course. I suggested that it might be been dropped by a player who perhaps has feature in the magazine? helpful because in most spheres of life a difficulty in holding them and there is a little training can improve both your number of penalties that one can ask a confidence and also the experience of Director not to enforce (see Law 81C5). For all games there are sets of rules but others. r There are practical problems with deci - ding not to enforce laws. Which laws are they? For the stranger to the club, how is 90 NOT OUT he or she supposed to know? Are the hands computer dealt, in which case a redeal LILY Boddington of the Newent Bridge Club in Glou ces ter - would not be very practical? On the first shire is still enjoying her bridge at the young age of 90. Lily was our club Secretary for many years, is a club Tournament round you fail to open a hand which most Director and still helps with scoring Swiss teams. She plays would open. No penalty here as you redeal, during the day on Mondays at one club and at another on but a problem later on when you get an Monday evenings, and at Newent on Wednesday evenings, awful board and you can’t. This is hardly a as well as in special events several times a year. level playing field. At the same event where Lily was presented with a beauti - y e ful flower arrangement and traditional birthday cake (see r If you play the charity football match to o D

photo), we also had a round of applause for another of our n a which Mr Bonser refers, then it’s quite likely i r B

players, who had won the previous week’s Mixed Pairs : o

players will be in a relaxed mood and want t

Competition. She reminded us that she is also 90! So con - o h to get on with the game, but do you actually gratulations to Lily Boddington and Beryl Stanley, and we P sit around to decide which of the laws you hope you’ll continue to enjoy your bridge for many years to come. (Brian Dorey) will ignore? Better in my view to have an

www.ebu.co.uk June 2009 English Bridge 43 JUNE_09_EB_p44 Quiz + Peruvian:EB_Layout 3 14/05/2009 12:49 Page 44

Club Player’s CHARITY BRIDGE G

N AT HOUSE OF LORDS I

D Bidding D I B

B Quiz U L

C Julian Pottage Answers to problems on page 23 THE Anglo-Peruvian Society, a regis- tered charity founded in 1961 to West East West East advance the education of people of Great Britain about Peru, organised a Hand 1 ? Hand 4 1NT most successful bridge event at the ♠ 9 6 4 ♠ J 8 7 3 ? House of Lords on April 24. The event, ♥ A Q 1NT. Having a five-card ♥ K J 6 sponsored by Baroness Ruth Henig and ♦ K J 6 4 3 minor is fine for opening ♦ Q 9 7 3NT. With a 4-3-3-3 Lord Lamont, was in aid of one of the ♣ K 9 4 1NT; 5-3-3-2 is a bal - ♣ A Q 6 shape and a bad four- many research and charitable pro jects anced hand. With a single card suit, it is most un - that the Society supports in Peru, bid, you describe both the likely that you can make which include orphanages, hospi tals strength (12-14 points) and shape of the 4♠ but not 3 NT. Forget about Stayman and special medical programmes (for hand. This leaves partner well placed to and raise to 3NT. With 13 points facing a infor mation, see the Society’s web site know whether you belong in game or a 12-14 1NT opening, you can be sure of at www.angloperuviansociety.org ). part-score or in no-trumps or a suit It is least 25 points between the two hands. Proceedings started with a guided unlikely that the best contract is 5 ♦. tour of the House. This was followed by a bridge MasterClass with Andrew West East Robson and a half-hour reception 1NT West East Hand 5 where Pisco Sour, Peru’s national drink, ? Hand 2 ? ♠ A J 8 3 and typical Peru vian food were served ♠ K Q 9 6 4 ♥ K J 6 – a welcome introduction to Peru’s ♥ A K 3 1♠. With a good five- ♦ Q 9 7 3NT. Yes, this hand has 5 traditions. ♦ 8 4 card major (two of the ♣ A Q J points more than Hand Energy levels having been restored, ♣ J 9 4 top three honours), it is 4. The correct bid is the the bridge (duplicate as well as rubber) better to show that same. With two balanced started under the expert and friendly major rather than open - hands, you need 33-34 points to make direction of Andrew Robson. Thirty-six ing 1NT. A 1NT opening would leave your 6NT. Even if partner has a maximum (14), pairs took part; the players included side poorly placed to compete as partner the combined total will be short of this. If EBU Chair man Sally Bugden and World Cham pion Sally Brock, as well as Pattie would not know about your five spades. In for example partner has the hand you held Boyd – fresh from her Sky Arts TV addition, 4 ♠ is quite likely to be the best on Problem 1, 6NT will not be on because endeavours in Bridge: Celebrity Grand contract if partner has a good hand and there is a spade (possibly two spades if Slam . Play was interrupted by a break some spades. No response will cause a they lead the suit) and a diamond to lose. for an excellent dinner, announ ced in a problem: you plan to rebid 2 ♠ over 2 ♣ or stentorian voice by a House of Lords 2♦ and to raise 2 ♥ to 3 ♥. West East Master of Ceremonies. Eventually the Hand 6 1NT 2♣ bridge resumed, the duplicate event to West East ♠ Q 8 7 3 2 ? be won in style by Baroness Ruth Henig Hand 3 1NT ♥ K Q 3 and her partner (and husband), Jack ♠ K J 7 3 ? ♦ Q 9 2♠. When you opened Johnstone, with 66.67%. It is envisaged that more bridge ♥ 6 3 ♣ A 8 6 1NT, you were treating events will take place at the House of ♦ Q 9 7 2 . You can use Stayman the poor five-card suit ♣ Lords in order to raise the profile of the ♣ A J 6 2 when holding four cards as a four-card suit. You game. For the time being, congra tu- in just one major so long should continue to do so with your rebid. lations to the Anglo-Peruvian Society as you have a ruffing Do not jump to 3 ♠ in an attempt to show for making the most of a wonderful value (doubleton or shorter) and at least the fifth spade. Partner may have a weak venue to stage a very successful event the values to invite game. You can rebid hand and want to stop at the two level or in aid of Operación Sonrisa, which 2NT if partner bids 2 ♦ (no major) or 2 ♥ some sort of strong hand (without spades). helps Peruvian children with facial (four hearts) and raise to 3 ♠ if partner In either case, a jump to 3 ♠ would cut deformities. rebids 2 ♠. across partner’s intentions. r

44 English Bridge June 2009 www.ebu.co.uk JUNE_09_EB_p45 Landy:EB_Layout 3 12/05/2009 17:19 Page 45 H

Responding to S I L G N

a Weak Two opening E

D R

LAST time I described Weak Two opening diamond and three black cards, but it A D bids. Here is the summary: often will. And if it doesn’t make, it is N likely that your opponents can make a A

contract, quite possibly a game, so 4 ♥ is a T

Playing Weak Twos an opening bid of two-way bid: it may make life difficult for Sandra Landy S 2♦, 2 ♥ or 2 ♠ shows: your opponents or it may get your side to • A suit of six cards headed by at least a good game. one top honour card. • A hand without four cards in any When your hand is Game All. Dealer West. unbid major. ♠ Q J 5 weak, you would ♠ 6 5 ♠ K 10 4 A hand of 6-10 points, not worth a 7 like to make life 8 2 N A K • ♥ ♥ W E ♥ one-level opening. ♦ K 10 8 3 2 more difficult for ♦ A K J 10 5 2 S ♦ Q 8 4 3 ♣ A 8 4 3 opponents, but vul- ♣ 9 6 3 ♣ Q 10 5 2 In fourth seat, 2 ♦, 2 ♥, 2 ♠ are Strong ne rable you may be not Weak Twos. nervous of jump - ing to game. If partner opens 2 ♠, and the West opens a Weak 2 ♦. If East-West have An opening bid of 2 ♣ is always game next player passes, a bid of 3 ♠ is an attempt six diamond tricks, East’s hand is likely to forcing (except the sequence 2 ♣ – 2 ♦ to disrupt the auction. Fourth hand now produce three more, so East should bid – 2NT). has to decide if his side should be playing 3NT. Nine tricks make easily on a spade at the four level. lead for +600; 2 ♦/3 ♦ scores only +110. Responding The 2NT reply and subsequent to a Weak Two opening development Love All. Dealer East. Often when part- What should you do with a serious game ♠ A K 9 8 4 2 ♠ 5 3 10 8 6 4 ner opens a Weak or slam try? The response of 2NT is used J 10 5 N A Q 8 6 4 2 ♠ ♥ W E ♥ ♥ 5 Two you will pass. as an asking bid. Some players like to use ♦ A K Q S ♦ 9 5 ♦ A Q J 10 9 7 You don’t have to conventional responses to 2NT, but in ♣ 9 ♣ A 6 5 ♣ K 5 bid just because you Standard English we use fairly simple don’t like partner’s replies, which are helpful and easier to suit. If partner remember. East has a maximum 2 ♥ opening, so when opens 2 ♥, on this hand you should pass. Say you open 2 ♠, partner bids 2NT. West enquires with 2NT, East rebids 3 ♣. Your diamonds may be better than Your replies: West uses Blackwood to check on aces and partner’s hearts, but to bid 3 ♦ would be when East shows two, he bids 6 ♥ which forcing and you don’t want to go to game. 3♠ Rebid your suit to decline the game makes twelve tricks if the heart finesse loses. But what if partner opens 2 ♠? Now you try. do want to bid because you have a good fit 3♣ / Show a useful holding with partner. You might just bid 3 ♠ but I 3♦ / in the suit and Summary of Responses: would go to 4 ♠. Perhaps it will keep the 3♥ a maximum hand. op ponents out of a making game or 3NT Shows a solid or nearly solid suit, Pass May be quite strong in maybe 4 ♠ will make. Either way it’s a say ♠A-K-Q-x-x-x, ♠A-K-J-x-x-x terms of points but no winning bid. or ♠A-Q-J-10-x-x. Partner’s values fit. will be outside spades, but 3NT Raise to 3 Not forcing, pre-emptive. Your partner opens may be the best contract, with the Raise to game Strong or shut-out. ♠ 9 5 4 a weak 2 ♥, the next lead coming up to partner’s hand. New suit Encouraging at the two- ♥ K 10 8 3 hand passes; what 4♠ Shows a maximum, good spades level, game forcing if at a ♦ 3 do you res pond? and a shapely hand. higher level. ♣ A K 9 3 2 Don’t count your 2NT Forcing enquiry, asking points; look in - Examples about strength stead at your play - 3NT To play; opener must pass. ing strength. Just bid 4 ♥. Game won’t Decide how the bidding should go before 4NT As you normally play. r always make if your side has to lose a you look at my comments.

www.ebu.co.uk June 2009 English Bridge 45 JUNE_09_EB_p46-53 County News:D 36-48 12/05/2009 17:22 Page 46 COUNTY NEWS won the BGB Portland Pairs on March29 2 has been won by Cambridge 4 by 1VP Congratulations to the Avon with a score of 63.4%; 405 pairs com - over Crafts Hill. Peterborough 3 are newly promoted www.avoncba.org.uk peted. On April 11, Ron (in the picture currently leading Div. 3, though Hunt- Premier Grand Masters: THE final of the County Knock-Out will below) also won both the Qualifying ingdon 3 are only 3 VPs behind with a be between Eric Page, Colin Oakley, event and the Easter Festival of Bridge match in hand. Div. 4 has been won by Mrs C. Jagger, Mary McKenzie, Gerry Gowling and Championship Pairs at Buxton partnering University 3. Cambridge A scored a Bill Hood. Quite an achievement! massive 59 out of 60 VPs in the county’s Cambs & Hunts David Birt, Geoff Evans, Phil Felman, Simon Richards, Trevor Towers; the Garden Cities Qualifier. Mr D.J. Jones, Warwicks winners are eligible to represent the At the Ranked Pairs, Roger Courtney county in the Pachabo Cup . This is the – Robin Cambery won the National Mr E.J. Lucioni, Sussex first time the final has been between two Masters , and Mike Seaver came third in League 2 teams. the Life Masters. Chris Jagger, Jonathan Congratulations to the The leading pairs in the Avon County Mestel and Cath Jagger, playing with

Pairs final, who qualify to represent the U Alan Mould, won the Harrogate Spring newly promoted B E

: Congress Swiss Teams . Ely A are the

county in the Corwen Trophy, were: o Grand Master: t o county’s last surviving team in the 1. Mike Elliott – Tim Brierley, 2. Robert h Ron Davis Mr W.J. Blackman, Herts Covill – David Jones, 3. Mike Letts – P 2008/9 NICKO, having reached Round 5. Andrew Urbanski. County Simultaneous Dairy Dates: June 11, Champions Pairs: 1. Marc and Katy Lee, 2. Nelson Trophy, Wilstead (see BBA website for Channel Islands Stephens – Mike Short. County Mixed qualifiers). June 21, EBU/Bedfordshire www.cwgsy.net/community/cicba/ One-Day Swiss Teams, Vauxhall Recrea - Pairs: 1. Suzy Lawson – Aidan Schofield; IN our last report we tion Club, Luton. Master Point 2. Sarah Hurst – Bill Maddox, 3. Oli Noel covered the progress of the promotions – Marguerite Lihou. Robert Plumley team as In the EBU Ranked Master Pairs David Berks and Bucks Guernsey finalists in the Jones finished 4th in the Premier Grand County Teams competition. Avon 2 Star Regional Masters ; Andrew and Ralph Smith came www.berks-and-bucks-cba.co.uk Master Meanwhile in Jersey four teams came Premier National 6th in the Grand Masters. CONGRATULATIONS to through the round robin stage to meet Master Mrs BJ Regan John Howard who was a 1 Star Regional In the National Pairs South West Regio - head-to-head in the quarter finals: Mike Mr M Davies member of the winning Mrs R Kittel Master nal Final, Cathy and Andy Smith (4th) Newman, Celia Skinner, Peter and Gill National Master Mr A Wallen and Mike Elliott – Tim Brierley (7th) EBU team in the Camrose. Pitcher beat Jane Knight, Catherine Mr MD Huggins 8 Star Premier were the only Avon pairs to qualify for and to James Paul and Master Rynd, Eric Todd and Chris Hill by 28 1 Star Premier the National Final, which Mike and Tim David Faria in the U20s England team IMP s; Norman Le Cocq, Rosemary Regional Master Mrs W Sherwin that won the Peggy Bayer by an enor - 5 Star Premier won. Pallot, Robert Brouard and Brian Youd Mrs CE Walker mous margin: also to Simon Cope, who 6 Star Premier Master In the Welsh National Pairs Final , beat Harold Walden, Kay Johns, David Master Mr M Burch David Jones playing with Tony Ratcliff captained the U25s to victory in the Friswell and Roz Bavin by 10 IMPs. In 4 Star Premier Mr CN Harvey finished third. Junior Camrose. This is the first oppor - the semi-final, Le Cocq beat Newman by 4 Star Premier Master tunity to congratulate Tim Rees on lead - Avon-Wiltshire Swiss Week end: Swiss 46 IMP s. So the scene was set for the Master Mr L Duff ing the Gold Points ranking and being 2 Star Premier Pairs : 1. Cathy and Andy Smith, 3. Steve Final in Guernsey where the Plumley Mr JA Taylor leading MPs scorer in 2009, with Ed Premier Master Master Turner – Steve Tomlinson. In the Swiss team (Susie Farnon, Colin Tostevin Scerri close behind in second place. Miss S Bird Mr M Bennett Teams , the leading Avon teams were and Lynda Mildon) beat the Le Cocq 1 Star Premier The Improver Pairs was again run as 1 Star Master Jeremy Rick ard, Brian Goalby, Tony team by 49 IMP s. Ms M Lihou Master two separate events – the A flight, for Gammon, Huw Oli ver (second) and Mike Guernsey staged a Green Point Event County Master Mrs J Bennett players with fewer than 5000 MPs, was 2 Star Tournament Short, Steve Tur ner, Nelson Ste phens, this year and the first three placings were Mr M Brady won Kate Somerville – Jane Leonard, and Master Steve Tomlinson (third). Robert Plumley – Jennifer Monachan, Mrs A Gunning the B flight, for those new to duplicate, Ms L Priess Mrs L Collins Western League: in the matches against Cliff Clarke – Geoff Drillot and Colin 5 Star Master by George Wawman – David Archer. Mr P Schmidt Cornwall, there were wins for the A and Tostevin – Lynda Mildon. Area Master Mr KD Casey Burnham were successful in both the B teams, while the C team recorded a At District Level in Jersey the Ladies’ Mr C Oakley Mrs NE Whittard Club Teams and Pairs finals : David Per- 4 Star Master narrow loss. Against Devon, the A team Pairs Championship was won by Marion Club Master kins, Chris Mooney, Phil Thornton, Kevin Miss M Julius recorded a 10-10 draw, the B team won Miles – Roz Bavin with Jane Watts Ms CM Green Elstow won the teams; Colin Harrison – Local Master Mr RWS Lark narrowly and the C team had a con- Wakeham – Kay Johns runners-up. The Robin Gardiner won the pairs, just ahead Mrs J Claypoole 2 Star Master vincing win. Men’s Pairs went to Howard Basden Mrs J Ridgers of Alan F. Brown – Barry Read of Ascot. Mr O Espitalier-Noel Smith – Norman Le Cocq with Robert Mr K Griffin Mr JV Roy Congratulations to Sandra Belcher – Brouard – Ken Wise in second place. Ms S Lawson 1 Star Master Bedfordshire Steve Gore, clear winners of the Mixed Mr M McConalogue Mr JW Calder Also in Jersey, the Winter Cup is run over Pairs and to Carole Mueller – Richard Mrs C Pretty Mr K Hawkins www.bedsbridge.co.uk a period of seven months and the ave - Palmer who won the Seniors Pairs, with Mr R Quant Mrs PT Langford WINNERS of the Count y rage of the best five scores, each with a Bedfordshire Mr RJ Lott Ed Brennan – John Spiers taking the Mr CSL Williams Mixed Pairs held at Wil - different partner, determines the winner. 1 Star Premier Veterans prize. Advanced Master stead on March 12 were The final positions were: 1. Sue Rankin, Regional Master We are looking forward to our re-entry Mr KG Carver Brian and Susan Ford 2. Brian Youd, 3. Carl Harrison. Mrs G Dunn into the Green Point arena and hope to Advanced Master Mrs A Francis scoring 61.7%. The One- At the time of writing we are all Dr PE Francis see as many as possible of our members Mrs WE Beddoes Mr RN Holt day Swiss Teams event eagerly awaiting the start of the Jersey Mr R Lawton at our Swiss Teams in Bracknell on Sunday Mrs L Reddy held at Woburn Safari Lodge was well Congress this coming week-end. Master June 21; in particular, we are aiming to Mr JD Taylor attended with 45 teams taking part. An Mrs PA Hind Finally we have to report the sad Master get lots of entries to the B flight. Area Master enjoyable day was had by those attend - death of Douglas Romain who played a Mrs M Andersen Diary Dates: June 7, Friendly and Dr K Rickson ing in the prestigious Safari Park sur - prominent part in Jersey and Channel Mrs ML Collins Student Pairs, Windsor. June 21, Green Club Master round ings. However, Bedfordshire players Islands Bridge over the years. Mrs G Gittins Point Swiss Teams, Bracknell. Mr P Taylor Mr J Pellow were noticeably absent from the top of Berks & Bucks Mrs J Taylor the leader board. Cornwall 6 Star Premier County Master Twenty-five pairs competed for the Cambs and Hunts Regional Master Mr A Aston Seniors’ Pairs at Wilstead on March 26. www.cornwallbridge.co.uk Mr DJ Green Mr P Checkley www.cambsbridge.org.uk Premier Regional Mr R Sutton Clear winners with 63.6% were Bertie CHRIS and Sandra Bicker - Master Mr J Wieland Shiebert (winning for the third year out THE Novice Pairs was won by Barbara dike, Sue Howley and Mr M Wenble Mr RB Williams of the last four), this year partnering Bill Tayabali – Sheila Miers, 2. Anne Vidler – Stephen Crouch won the 6 Star Regional District Master Stanley from Wardown Bridge Club. Sherry O’Donovan, 3. Rosalind Barden County Knock-ou t from Master Mrs J Allan – Kay Hunt, 4. Pat Pett – Laszlo David. Janet Heath, Margaret Mrs L Gower Graeme Robertson did well coming Mrs MB MacKenzie The County Knock-out was won by 5 Star Regional Ross third out of 156 pairs in the London Warner, Mick and Mary Master Mrs M McIntosh Festival of Bridge Swiss Pairs A Flight Jonathan Mestel, Julian Wightwick, Cath Robson. Jan and Ken Keast Mr E Vickers Mr TG Pointer partnering Tom Paske. Graeme was also and Chris Jagger, defeating Catherine won the Johnny Perks by 1 3 Star Regional Mr P Riley 8th in the Mixed Pairs of the Baker Tilly Curtis, Paul Fegarty, David Kendrick match-point from Wendy Brown – Master Mr PV Scrivener and Jon Cooke in the final. Dr M Patefield Dr E Stielow London Festiva l partnering Sinead Bird. Linda Ashworth, a scratch pair. Ron Davis, partnering Pamela Pearce, In the Cambs and Hunts League, Div. A second successful Falmouth Congress

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COUNTY NEWS

was held on April 3-5. Friday Afternoon Cup. July 23, First round of the Three Allendale Trophy 2.00, Allendale BC. Master Point Pairs was won by Sue Gregory – Ian Counties. June 21, Dorset One-day Green-pointed promotions Hopkins, from Jenny Cant – Jo Brown; Swiss Teams, 1.00, Hamworthy Club. David Stone – Val Pitman beat Dave Devon July 5, Pairs for the Simeon Cup, 2.00, Area Master 3 Star Regional Mattos – Stuart Burnett in the evening. Allendale Community Centre. July 26, Mr C Ainley Master John Finch – Roger Graham led www.devonbridge.co.uk Swiss Teams for the Boston Cup, 2.00, Mr FC Macksey Mr S Crouch qualification for the Pairs from Val ANOTHER successfu l Shaftesbury BC. Mrs J Macksey 7 Star Premier Manicom – Pat Meade, and in the Final North Devon Congress Mr G Masom Master Val and Pat narrowly beat Ros Wolfarth was held in Barnstaple, Club Master Mrs ME Robson on March 13-15. Many Essex Mr J Harrison 1 Star Master – Howard Melbourne. Chris and Sandra Mrs PC Pennell Mrs V Mably Bickerdike (72.22%) won the Secondary thanks to Amos Bridg - www.essexbridge.co.uk Cambs & Hunts Master Cup from Titch Glenday – Dick Andrews, man, Brenda Martin, Carol Ritzen and THE ECBA was sad to say Premier Grand Mr A J Biggs and the Third Flight was won by Viv Richard Carter for making it an enjoyable goodbye to Yvonne Dag - Master Mrs R Bradshaw Mably – Celia Bishop from Carol Bray – weekend. Congratulation to Carol Ritzen well (in the picture below), Mrs JR Daniel Mrs C Jagger Sue Chippindale. In the Swiss Teams, and Richard Carter for winning the Swiss founder of several clubs Life Master District Master Pairs and to the Swiss Teams winners Mrs S Cresswell Geoff and Ros Wolfarth, Gary Hyett and in the county, who had Mr ER Campbell Howard Melbourne won convincingly, Alison Pollock, Ann Slee, Brigid McElroy Premier National Mr IC Edwards been very involved in the Master Cumbria with a three-way tie for second, inclu - and Ruth Edmondson. teaching of bridge. We wish her well in Mrs J Jacobsberg Life Master ding the top Cornish team, Janet and Fifty pairs and forty-two teams played her move to Win chester. National Master Mr T Matthews Roger Putnam, Mike Booth, Colin Pote. at the Devon Congress , held in Torquay Mr RW Cambery 11 Star Premier We must thank John King, who has run on April 17-19. Congratulations to the 4 Star Regional Master the Congress for ten very successful following winners: Bobbie and Paul Master Mrs R Jackson Ainsworth (Pairs B final), Marion and Mr R Chaplin 5 Star Master years, and is now retiring. Regional Master Mr G J Maskall There were two top-ten finishes in the Mike Kelsey (Pairs C final), Sara Lyons – Mrs A Newman Mr ID Smith Spring Simultaneous Pairs, with Joan and Dave Atkins (Newcomers Pairs), Rhona 2 Star Premier Terry Scullion 4th on the Tuesday, and and Bernard Goldenfield (Con gress Pairs)

Derbyshire n n

Master Premier National Dave Boxall – Val Clifford 10th on and Bill Oke, Cathy Lee, Julian Foster u B

Mr DR Sayers y Master l Wednesday. The Wadebridge heat was and Alan Foan (Swiss Teams) . Thanks to l E

Mrs M Sayers Dr B Ross : Terence Treeby and the Devon Com mit - o 1 Star Premier won by Tony Mundy and 16-year-old t 6 Star Premier o tee who worked very hard to make this h Yvonne Dagwell Master Master Josh Saitch, who has been playing for a P Ms SP Mealing Mrs MV Vinecombe year and had his first club win the an enjoyable event. Mrs T Watts 1 Star Premier previous week. Diary Dates: Sunday July 19, One- The Bedfordshire One-day Swiss Teams 4 Star Master Master day Green Point Swiss Teams, 11am, Isca Mr A Edwards was won by the team of Chris Megahey, Ms W Watson Centre, Exeter; contact Terry Cannon Alaric Cundy, Rob Elliott, Sandy Riach. Mrs A Gerloch 5 Star Master Derbyshire ( 1 Star Master Mr A Parkin 01395 266448. The Switch Cup was won this year by Mrs SE Ferguson 2 Star Master www.dcba.org.uk Margaret Curtis, Tony Philpott, Nigel Advanced Master Mr M Douglas FOR the third year in Dorset Bardsley, Dick Green, who beat Martin Mr SB Goodwin Master succession East Midlands and Sandy Smith, Val and Paul Mollison Master Mr JA Wragg White won Division 1 of www.dorsetbridge.org.uk in the final. Mr B Stevenson County Master County Master the Winter League, Derby WEYMOUTH College Results of other recent Essex comp - Mr P Thompson A narrowly beating Mr T Crawley Area Master Trophy: 1. Richard Vessey, eti tions: Essex Spring Seniors Pairs: 1. Mrs C Gunthorpe Mr A Suttie Bri tish Rail A for second Claire Hillyard, Ron and Alan Cohen – Bob Hair, 2. Margaret Curtis Dr MJ Johnson Mrs V Suttie place. Matlock A were run away winners Lynne Heath. Garden – David Sherman, 3. David Cooper – Mr A Kueh of Div. 2 with Derby C second. East Cities Qualifier: 1. Allendale Bridge Club John Williams. Gwen Herga Trophies: Mr R Millington Devon District Master Life Master Midlands Red finished way ahead of (Janet Smith, Harold Wayne, Claire Ladies: 1. Val Mollison – Judith Moor- Miss JE Curry Mr S Lindfors East Midlands Green at the top of Div. 3. Hillyard, Richard Vessey, Ron and Lynne man, 2. Catriona Lovett – Maureen Area Master National Master Allestree Red won Div. 4 comfortably, Heath, Margot Wilson, John Gardner). Vede, 3. Margaret Curtis – Jill Tatters - Miss S O’Connor Mr RPS Andrews fol lowed by Belper Yellow. In a much Gee Trophy: 1. Richard Vessey, Claire field; Men: 1. John Birch – Rod Hudson, 3 Star Regional Mr C Sills closer contest, Ripley C topped Div. 5 Hillyard, Margot Wilson, John Gardner. 2. Chris Taylor – Steve Cade-Bowyer, Club Master Master Mr ID Moore with Derby E in second place. County Knock-out: Quarter-finals: John 3. Richard Register – Graham Foster. Dr C Edlich Mr N Mock 2 Star Regional Derbyshire teams did well in the inter- Gardner’s team beat Roy Riley’s team; Helliar Trophy: 1. Mountnessing B Mrs V Smith Master county competitions. The first team came Phil Norman’s team beat Richard Vessey’s (Alaric Cundy, Chris Megahey, Roger Dr C Winfrey Mrs J Algar second in the Dawes but congratu lations team; Keith Bartlett’s team beat Hannah and Jill Tattersfield); 2. Chelmsford A Mr S Dooley Local Master go to the second team who won the Porter Regional Master Kearns’ team; Martin Brook’s team beat (Val and Paul Mollison, Ted Cockle, Mr. JHJ Ang for the second time in three years. The Chris Stevens’ team. Semi-finals: John John Williams); 3. Thorpe Bay A (Allan Mr G Konopko Mrs AP Hamilton third team came fourth in the Markham . Gardner’s team beat Phil Norman’s Greenstein, Jill Hair, Bob Hair, Marc Channel Islands 7 Star Premier Master Alex Hogg’s team of Peter Kelly, Don team; Keith Bartlett’s team beat Martin Chawner); Mountnessing BC qualified Regional Master Mrs K Kelland Smedley, John Griffin, Richard Edwards Mr JC Drillot Brook’s team. Final: John Gardner’s to represent Essex in the Garden Cities 6 Star Premier and Howard Melbourne won the Eric Premier Master Master team beat Keith Bartlett’s team. Trophy. Essex Spring Novice Pairs: A Mr PJ Williams Mr PJ Lucas White Cup. They will represent Derby - National Results: East Wales Congress flight: 1. Jeanette Oates – Marie Tisi, Master 5 Star Premier shire in the Pachabo Cup. Brian Elliott’s Swiss Teams: 12. Brian Browse, Paddy 2. Rita and Peter Barnard, 3. Gail Tandy Mrs CA Melville Master team of John Sowter, Roger Mallinson, Bowen, Stewart Upton, Glenda Shave. – Eileen Bart; B flight: 1. Pat Johnson County Master Mr NJ Richardson David Briggs, Jim Tomlinson, Ian Hall Ranked Masters: Life Masters: 5. John – Jayne Paul, 2. Jackie and Michael Glass - Mrs VL Rose 1 Star Tournament and Jim Parker took second place. Gardner – Margot Wilson. Wiltshire man, 3. Peter Mocket – Robert Brooks. Area Master Master Mr DH Child Mr A Beard Roger and Jennifer Floutier, and Green Pointed Weekend Swiss Pairs: =5 Essex Pairs: 1. Dave Duffy – Bernie Mr R Ingram 5 Star Master Arnold and Sandra Chandler won the Chris Stevens – Hilary Brain, Margot Harrison, 2. John Birch – Rod Hudson, Mrs K Rawlins- Mrs CR Elberg Winter Plate. Wilson Howden, Jeff Calla - Wilson – John Gardner, 12. Miles 3. Angela Fenton – David Patten. Duquemin Mrs VE Pagram dine, Richard Horsley, David Ford and Cowling – Chris Kinloch, 29. Stewart Consolation Final: 1. Bill and Angela Club Master 2 Star Master John Shaw were second. Upton –Peter Gurman; Swiss Teams: 1. West, 2. Roger and Jill Tattersfield, Mrs CB Le Poidevin Mr IH Hamilton Richard Edwards, Bob Ross, Peter Miles Cowling, Chris Kinloch, Mike 3. Michael Watson – Jacek Lapszys. Cornwall Mrs EA Sargent Kelly, Alex Hogg, Don Smedley and John Pownall, Adrian Thomas, 15. Chris Ste - Diary Dates: July 18-19, Essex/Herts Premier Life Advanced Master Master Mr JW Hendy Griffin won the 2008 BGB Silver Plate. vens, Hilary Brain, Eric Page and Coline One-day Swiss Pairs and Swiss Teams. Mr CJ Pote Master Howard Melbourne and his partner Oakley. National Pairs Regional Final Premier National Mr L Taylor won the Open Pairs Championship at the Bristol: 1. Ann Sharples – Bob Mott, 11. Master District Master Gold Coast Congress in Queensland, Mark Hooper – Jon Holland, 15. Hilary Gloucestershire Mr CJ Bickerdike Mrs M Nicolle Australia. Brain – Chris Stevens. Portland Pairs: 2. www.gcba.org.uk National Master Area Master Diary Dates: June 10, First round of Janet Smith – Harold Wayne. London ADDING to her triumph in the National Mrs SH Bickerdike Mr M Stern 5 Star Premier Club Master the Smedley Salver. June 24, Individual Easter Festival of Bridge Mixed Pair s (50 Ladies' Pairs earlier this year, Pam Pearce Regional Master Dr R Evens Championship for the Gerry Fletcher pairs): 4 Chris Stevens – Hilary Brain. won the Portland Pairs in March together Mr RC Bell Mr AJ Wilkinson Cup. July 22, Men’s Pairs for the Dodson Diary Dates: June 5, AGM, 11.00, with Ron Davis. Congratu lations to both. Shield and Ladies’ Pairs for the Corry Prize-giving 1.40, Swiss Teams for the For the second year running, Glouces -

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tershire has won the Inter-County Dawes respective partners, were third (Tom) Master Point promotions League . Our team of eight lost only one and sixth (Ben) in the Swiss Pairs (out of match. Well done all! 156) together with good results in other Dorset Mrs M Oughton 3 Star Premier Mrs J Evans In the Spring Pairs, there was a tie for competitions. 6 Star Premier Mr R Perera Master Mr NA Frais first place in Sect. A between Pam Pearce County competition results: Teams of Regional Master District Master Mr M Moxley Mrs S Frais – Steve Evans and Chris R. Smith – John Eight: 1. Hereford A 65 VPs; 2. Hereford B 2 Star Premier Ms R Giovannini Mr RD Andrews Mr J Alexander Councer. Jim Simons – Peter Waggett 58 VPs. County Championship Pairs: 6 Star Premier Mr M Parry Master Mr F Seward Master Area Master Mr J Crowe Area Master won Sec. B. The Rank Xerox Trophy for 1. J. Thacker – M. Ralph, 64.0%, 2. B. Ms L Angus Mr AD Friedlander 4 Star Master Mr BGH Balbinski teams of eight was won by Newent 1 (K.A. Britton – D. Brown, 56.8%, 3. N. Shorrick 12 Star Premier Mrs DG Friedlander Mr GJ Ling Mrs D Connor Rahim, F. Nightingale, M. Siiejka, H. – J. Williams, 53.8%. Ace of Spades: 1. R. Mr AJ Pinder Master Mr DS Gilbert Advanced Master Kingham, R. Carter, A. Lander, P. Ford, G. Manuel – R. Harvey, 68.0%, 2. K. Ray – J. Mrs FC Nightingale Club Master Mr JS Marshall Mr M Hardisty Vander Gucht); in second place was Whinney, 61.2%, 3. D. and S. Martin, 11 Star Premier Mr V Murrell County Master Mrs P Arnold Master Mr G Olliffe Mr N Edmondson Mrs JE Childs Winchcombe (G. Paterson, R. Green, F. 60.6%. Multiple Teams of Four: 1. P. Jen - Mr AJE Shields Mr MJ Millican Club Master Mr C Funke Cawley, D. Cook, R. Brookes, J. Thomp - kins, I. Murray-Watson, P. Watts, D. Wel ler; Local Master 2 Star Premier Mrs C Bishop Mr AWR Lowe son, S. Arm strong, L. Rafferty). For the 2. J. and T. Shadforth, C. Malim, B. Dorey. Mrs BJ Teesdale Master Mrs JE Paul District Master Cotswold Cup in April, players turn up as Diary Dates : June 20, HBA and GCBA Mrs S Cairns Mrs A Taylor Kent Mrs M Robertson a pair and are teamed up with another Green Point Swiss Pairs, 1pm; June 21, 5 Star Master Area Master Premier Life Master Local Master pair: 1. Wendy Angseesing, Patrick Shields, HBA and GCBA Green Point Swiss Mrs JH Leese Mr G Chasmer Mrs J Kelly Mr JM Lewis 3 Star Master Mr J Siddle Mrs JM Pugh 3 Star Regional Daniel Hill, Ian Kane; 2. Anne Swannell, Teams, 11am – both at the Larru perz Mrs MH Russell Mr P Gibbins Gloucestershire Master Richard Harris, Rob Small, David Cook. Centre, Ross-on-Wye. Mr WI Howe Mrs M M Simpson Mr DE Reading The final of the Winter Teams was held in Premier Life Master Mrs M Weston Advanced Master 16 Star Premier April: 1. P. Waggett, T. Ackers, A. Wear - Mr RA Collard Mrs CJ Winney Master Mr A Cowley mouth, T. Hill, G. Sadie, J. Angseesing; Hertfordshire Master 3 Star Regional Club Master Mr AJ Waddington Master www.hertsbridge.co.uk Mr RH Cooper Mr S Martin 14 Star Premier Swiss: 1. T. Letts, B. Goalby, J. and A. Sanis, Mr GT Van der Gucht Ms S Fazakerley Local Master Master L. Geddes, K. Sharp. CONGRATULATIONS to Mr SMH Rose 1 Star Tournament Mr PL Flagg Mr CC Parker In the Clubs' League, the winners of Master Maria Budd and Malcolm Area Master Hertfordshire 11 Star Premier Mrs R Froggatt Master Div. 1 were Stroud 'M', and in Div. 4 Harris on winning the Pairs Mr AF Avery Grand Master Optimists. Not all matches have been Mr J Holland Tournament Master Mr WJ Blackman Mrs CJ Whyman at the Shropshire Congress. Mr CJ Horwood Mrs CM Barton Life Master 8 Star Premier completed in the other two divisions but Also to Margaret and Ber - Essex Mr P Kendall Mrs P Barnett Master Thribb 'A' and Brit. Energy 'A' are well nard Eddleston on reaching the Pairs Final 5 Star Master Mr M Schofield Premier Life Master 7 Star Premier ahead of the field in Div. 2 and Div. 3 at the Buxton Easter Festival. Mr BW Forster 6 Star Premier Mr PD Mollison Regional Master respectively. Humble Cup: in the final Celia and 2 Star Master Mr JW Kitson Master Premier National Mrs J Green Swiss Pairs: 1. K. Stanley – G. Sadie, Derek Oram, Sally Bennett and John Master Mrs J Bowler 3 Star Premier Advanced Master Regional Master 4 Star Premier 2. Mrs. L. Harrison – R. Schofield. Cuthbert) beat Richard Kitajewski, Brian Mr R Clarke Master Mr M Lay Mrs AJ Barnes Watson, Hazel Miles, Roy Young, Mike Mrs J L’Estrange Mrs J Johnson Master Premier Regional Mr J L’Estrange 3 Star Tournament Hants and IoW Aslett and Helen Robinson. They will Premier Regional Mr DE Greenwood Master Mr G Cowan Master represent Hertfordshire in the Pachabo. Master Ms JB O'Riordan Mr BE Saker www.bridge.hampshire.org.uk Championship Pairs : 1. Mike Rawlins – Mr AL Serenyi Mr R Tait Miss L Perryman 2 Star Tournament 8 Star Premier County Master 8 Star Regional CONGRATULATIONS to Tara Harding, 2. Celia and Derek Oram, Master Master Master Mr A Kwatra Chris Kinloch, Miles Cow - 3. Barbara Kime – Gerald Freedman, 4. Mr WE Kenney Mrs AE Kelly Mrs A Morgan District Master Tournament Master ling and partners who won Karima Basse – Roy Button; these four Mrs A M Rastin 3 Star Regional Mr S Chapman Master Mrs I Thomas the Teams at the Wiltshire Pairs qualify to represent Hertfordshire 6 Star Premier Mrs MJ Sherratt 4 Star Master Green Point event. Also to in the Corwen Trophy . Desmond Flockhart Master Mr RJ Hirons Area Master Mrs G Harland-Fisher Mr L Raven 6 Star Premier the following winners of county events: Trophy: the winners were Hemel Hemp - Mr D Ballinger Master Mr RE Hover Candover Mini-Swiss: 1. Christine and stead (Roger Edmonds, David Stimson, 4 Star Premier Mr T Roberts 3 Star Master Master Mr PA Allan Richard Ray, Dave Hale, Mac Lowcock; 2. Mr D Sinclair Mr KA Larney Mr BT Cousins June Ball, Helen Robinson, Lesley and Mrs S Millins Club Master 4 Star Premier 2 Star Master Clare and Ian Fearon, Barry Tobutt, Dick Derek Peers, Anne and Cliff Short) who 3 Star Premier Mr R Gough Master Heasman. Bayer No-Fear Pairs: 1. will represent Hertfordshire in the Garden Master Dr GJ Burrell Mr MJ Whittles Mrs BC Holloway Mr TJ Connett Hants and Christine Brayford – John Shepherd, 2. Cities Trophy. 2 Star Premier Mrs A Metcalfe Premier Master I.O.W. Clare Palmer – Shirley Corner. Philip Intermediate Pairs Championship: 1. Master 1 Star Master Mrs S Edwards 4 Star Premier Graham Swiss Teams: 1. Helen Kinloch, Florence Stoker – Peter Pearce, 2. Sharon Regional Master Mr B Carroll Dr CJ Brian 1 Star Tournament Mr C Mark Mr GC Edden Tony Page, Tracey Adams, Steve Tearle; 2. Richmond – Roger Perrott, 3. Dave and Master Mr K Williams 1 Star Premier Advanced Master Clare and Ian Fearon, Rosemary and Jenny Evans. New comers Championship: Mr JF Rowden 4 Star Regional Master Mrs JM Barnard David Spencer. 5 Star Master Master 1. Ken Farraway – Berwyn Aston, 2. John Mr K Silver Master Mr SL Ensor Mr AF Olech Diary Dates: June14, AGM at noon Leake – Sara Barnett, 3. Jill Mumford and 4 Star Tournament Mrs J Benson Mr DA Smith 2 Star Regional Master and Finale Ranked pairs (2pm). July 7, Iain Kemp. Senior Pairs: 1. Bill Thurl – Master Mr DG Hurter 4 Star Master Mr DG Goodwin Mr C Ide Joyce Pick Open Swiss Teams. July 9, Derrick Kime, 2. Dave Stimson – Roger Ms J Rutherford Mrs D Hames 1 Star Tournament Mr DC Smith Kidney Research Swiss Pairs at clubs. All Edmonds, 3. Pat Henry – Susie Bond. Mr RF Lockhart 5 Star Master Master Mr R Thearle the above will be held at Romsey and Marjorie Lukyn Cup: 1. Mike Dill – Jackie 3 Star Master Mr GA McDermott Mrs JC Scaysbrook Mrs JP Webb start at 2pm unless otherwise listed. Watt, 2. Bill Thurl – Anne Flockhart, 3. Mr C Comer Mrs CM Muir 2 Star Master County Master Entries: Lillian Craigen ( 02380 254276 Mr BG Jeffrey 4 Star Master Mr RP White Mr JV Martin Francis Eddleston – Derrick Kime. Cadet 2 Star Master Mr DC Bourdon 1 Star Master Dr JD McGuinness or [email protected] . Teams: 1. Kings (Peter Pearce, John Eggle s - Mrs BP Block Mrs PM Box Mrs P Brimmer Mr A Montgomery field, Vincent Shaw and David Hubbard), Mr SJ Curran 2 Star Master Mr PJ Rimmer Mrs PRT Wallis 2. New Hertford (Glenys Parry, Pam Mr PW Hunt Mrs UM Bourdon Advanced Master District Master Herefordshire Miss CP Wood McAlister, Jenny and Dave Evans), Mr K Sinden Mrs E Martin Mr I Avery www.herefordshirebridge.co.uk 1 Star Master 1 Star Master Mr AJ Webb Mrs F Cunningham 3. Royston (Peter Grice, Ruth Katz, Paul Mr J Davison Mr G Batchelor Mrs MA Wright Mr AW Everitt THE Inter-Club Teams League was and Sandra Merryweather). Mr P Kingston Mrs ER Carmichael Master Mrs JE Hall contested over four rounds by 17 teams. Diary Dates: June 14, June Welwyn Mrs JE Miles Mrs V Chambers Mrs V Cooper Mr GJ Head Although their performances in the last Garden City Swiss Teams, WGC, 1.00pm. Advanced Master Mrs L Mellor Mr D Halford Mr RS Lambert Mrs JC Renvoize Mr KC Monk Mr I Thomas round were shaky (30 and 32 VPs), the June 30, June Seniors Teams, Bridge Advanced Master two teams leading after three rounds – Centre, WGC. 11.00am. Master Mrs SJ Oliver Mrs B Rolfe Area Master Mr JL Dickson Club Master Mr B Smith Mrs S Barker Hereford C and Wyeside B – just held Mrs B M Goddard Miss CEP Vickers Mrs PA Lacki Mr T Elliott their positions at the end; this was Mrs J Hayes Mr EW Worster Mr C McNeil Kent Miss P Lane despite strong performances in the last Mrs J Kennedy County Master Mrs H McNeil Mr L Morris Herefordshire Mr M Ayres Mr DB Riley round (76 and 60 VPs) by Ledbury B and www.kcba.org.uk Miss KM Wass 5 Star Regional Mr P Cooper Club Master Wyeside C. The final scores for these four CONGRATULATIONS to Mr MS Watson Master Mrs J Crowson Mr RF Markwick teams in the close finish were 228, 220, Jeremy Willans and Ian County Master Mr O Newcombe Mr CS Fleckney Mr L Mollison 218 and 217 VPs respectively. Draper, winners of the Mrs F Stoker Mr R England 9 Star Premier Local Master Tom and Ben Paske continue their Premier Grand Masters Ms P Hardcastle Master District Master Mr G Bignell Mr C Hext Mrs L Boddington Mr D Evans Mrs A Brewer winning ways in top level competitions. Ranked Master Pairs. At the Easter Festival , they, with their Congratulations also to

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Colin Wilson – Diana Avis, winners of ham Trophy) 2nd place, and Leicester - Master Point promotions the Larsky Cup , the Premier Kent Pairs shire is fourth in the overall merit table. Championship Congratulations to Janet Harris – Jean Mrs J Jackson 6 Star Premier Manchester Regional Master The KCBA has received a license to Jessop, who won the Leicester Mercury Mr S King Master Premier National Ms SA Laikin stage an extra one-day green-pointed Trophy for first and second year Bridge Mrs L Mockett Mrs PA Herring Master 8 Star Premier event this year in recognition of the 50th students. The Gimson Trophy (Leics pairs Mr PB Westwood 3 Star Premier Master Mrs PM Burrows Kent Congress. The Congress is to be a championship) was won by Jim Mason – Mr JR Williams Master 3 Star Premier Ms M Page Lancashire Mr PD Ison Regional Master 6 Star Premier two-day event over the weekend of Nick Stevens, with a score of 65%; Mick Premier National 1 Star Premier Mr DN Daji Master October 31st and November 1st. The Mahoney – David Fletcher (61%) were Master Master 2 Star Premier Ms C Stafford Swiss Teams on the Sunday will be green- second. Mrs L Johnson Mr R Shelley Regional Master Mr SM Walter pointed. The chief tournament director After six rounds Bill Hood – Nick Premier Regional Tournament Master Mrs G McMullan 4 Star Premier Master Mrs SJ Archer Regional Master Master will be Rachael King. Stevens have maintained their substantial Mrs RP Halliwell 4 Star Master Mr J Fitzgerald Mr M Gentry The East Kent League has completed its lead in the Stanley Trophy (Butler Pairs Mr AC Lum Mr L Saunders Miss E Roberts Premier Master matches and the Dover Cup has been won Championship). 5 Star Regional 3 Star Master 5 Star Premier Mr SA Goldstein jointly by team McVey (Dave McVey, The Annual Charity Swiss Teams orga - Master Mr J Stamatov Mrs JS Paley Master David Ellerby, Nicky Adamson, Stan nised by Barkby Bridge Club on March Mrs DE Slater Mr MJ Bryant 2 Star Tournament 1 Star Master Adamson, Chris Lohan, Mark Benson) 29 was won by Mick Mahoney, Ian Bruce, 1 Star Regional Mrs H Wilson Premier Master Master Master Mrs B O’Connor Master Mr J Parsons and team Crack (Brian Crack, Shirley Win Stocker, and Katie Bruce. Mrs C Croasdale Mr D Coates Miss S Richmond Tournament Master Goldwin, Clemency Schofield, Malcolm Diary Dates: June 3, LCBA AGM & Regional Master Mr LH Dreebin County Master 3 Star Master Lewis). Presentations, Rothley Centre. June 28, Mrs J Newall 3 Star Master Mrs DM Thomas Mr PA Maclese At the Cumbria Congress , which took Midland League 2 v Worcestershire, LGS. Mr AV Russell Mrs J Harris District Master 1 Star Master Tournament Master Advanced Master place in Bowness on Windermere, con - July 18, Green Point Pairs, Spondon. July Mr PG Cowen Mr GF Campbell Mr RK Atkinson Mrs L Hobbs Mr N Freedman gratulations to Keith Ashcroft – Michael 19, Green Point Teams, Spondon. July 23, Area Master 4 Star Master Mr RW Wildey Mrs PM Read Prior, winners of the Championship Three counties, round 1, Spondon. July Mrs KF Prissick Mrs GD Hill Advanced Master Master Club Master Pairs for the Penrith Trophy. 27, BGB Simultaneous Pairs, County BC. 3 Star Master Mrs EG Ferguson Mrs SR Feldman Mr B Dutton Diary Dates: May 17, Green Point Col. M Royle Master County Master Miss WH Kotowska One-day Event, 1pm, Canterbury. June 2 Star Master Mr M A Jabbar Mr A Bhandari Lincolnshire Mr E Robertson Local Master Mrs V McKeon Mrs R Freeman 14, Phillimore Cup & AGM, 11am, Mr R Waddington Mrs E Ashby Mrs M Ward Mrs D Golend Tunbridge Wells. June 21, Green Point www.lincsbridge.org.uk 1 Star Master London Mr P Martin County Master Butler Swiss Pairs, 1pm, Tunbridge Wells. MARCH 8: Garden Cites Mr D Harris Premier Life Master Mrs A Bailey Miss A Sellar July 4, Brook Shield (Area Leagues Teams Master Ms J de Botton Ms L Constantin Mrs R Shah heat : four teams took Mrs B Mawdsley Life Master Mrs M Jabbar District Master Playoff), 11am, Tunbridge Wells. part, Scunthorpe quali - County Master Mr DN Schiff Mrs DM Wroe Dr M Harvey fied. March 29: Vincents: Mr SJ Brown Premier National Area Master Mr DM Nadel Men’s 1. Roy Hughes – Mr DR Higginbottom Mrs A Swietochowski Lancashire District Master Master Keith Stewart, 2. Andy King – Andrew Mrs JL Burns Mr A Hydes Mrs J Lewis Area Master www.lancsbridge.co.uk Mr D Spencer Mr J Wickens Club Master Mrs JJ Lenz Green, 3. Maurice Lynn – Paul Davison; Club Master 4 Star Premier Mrs E Ormerod Mr DL Perridge CONGRATULATIONS go Ladies’ 1. Mary Milnes – Carole Rush - Mr N Calloway Regional Master Mrs A Parkinson Club Master to Southport A team on forth, 2. Mo Parsons – Drene Brown. Mr B Patterson Mr CD Elliott Mrs J Ramsbottom Mr R Wilson winning the First Division of April 19: Veterans’ Cup: 1. Maurice Local Master 1 Star Premier Miss HS Skinner Local Master the Fylde and District Bridge Local Master Ms ML Buckley Ladlow – Mo Parsons, 2. Adrian Under - Mrs EM Blackledge Regional Master League . The second, third Leicester Mr PG Chapman Mr G Kaye Mrs J Perry wood – Anne Thompson. Ms S Stabler and fourth divisions were won by Preston Premier Life Master Premier Regional Merseyside/ Sadly, Margaret Balch (94) passed away Mr B Green Master Cheshire Norfolk A, Poulton B and Lancaster D respectively. in March. She had been an honorary National Master Miss CM Girardin 5 Star Premier 6 Star Premier Lancashire’s representative team in the Mr P Huggins Lincs life member for many years and Mrs CJ Brewster Master Regional Master Pachabo will be John Brearley, Dagmar Mr M Teltscher was a lovely lady, always kind to others 7 Star Regional Mr R Wallwork Mrs K McDonald Fazackerley, Don Hilton, Ross Shine. The Master Regional Master 3 Star Premier 4 Star Regional and encouraging to beginners, and had Mrs CS Gregson Master Master pairs representing Lancashire in the numerous successes in county events. Mrs J Grant Corwen will be Mike Nicholson – Steve 6 Star Regional Premier Master Mr MC Buckley Mrs JM Duncanson Although unable to participate for some Master Mr PB Cogliatti 5 Star Master 5 Star Master Haley, Catherine Draper – Andrew time, she always kept a keen interest in Mr AA Ring Mrs S Bramham Mrs J Major Mr J Steele Woodcock, Andrew Lum – Nick Sutcliffe things and donated the Veterans’ Cup for 2 Star Regional 2 Star Master 3 Star Master 4 Star Master and Brian Ripley – Ken Renno. Mr D Howe the over 60s which is now a popular event Master Mrs N Kisch Mrs JM Allison Bury Swiss Pairs: 1. Alan Whittam – Mrs J Gibson Mr A Webster 1 Star Master Mr G Hardman on the county calendar. Heartfelt condo - 9 Star Premier 1 Star Master Mrs MP Harrison Mrs S Thrower Paul Evans. Sowerby Cup: 1. Alex and lences to the family. Tony Wilkinson. LCBA Ladies’ Pairs : Master Mrs V Klein Advanced Master 2 Star Master Dairy Dates: June 14, Charles Heward Mr P Statham Advanced Master Mr P Swarbrick Mrs P Howard 1. Sue Whittam – Wyn Sutherland. LCBA trophy – open to non-members but res - 8 Star Premier Mr T Booth District Master Mrs P Whittle Men’s Pairs: 1. Alan Whittam – Paul Master tricted: one member, usually the Captain, Mr AL Digby-Bell Mrs CM Johnson 1 Star Master Evans. Mrs EP Smith Mr J Drummond Mr AG Stanley Mrs SC Beecham can be any rank but the other three below Diary Dates: June 7, Fylde and District 1 Star Tournament Master Area Master Advanced Master Master ( N.B. rank is taken as points Master Bridge League Preece Trophy (Multiple Mrs Y Nakamasu Mr S O’Brien Mr M Bell earned, not registered). June 21, AGM Mr PS Nuttall Mrs S Shea Mrs JH Bolton Teams), Blackburn Bridge Club. June 13, County Master with presentation of trophies followed by 2 Star Master Mr C Freedman Club Master Master Northern Bridge League, Round 1. June Mrs MR Glover free bridge. Mr S J Hooker Mrs McKeown Mrs VA Canham 28, Lancashire v Cumbria, Lancaster Advanced Master Dr BE Robinson Mrs AG Middleton Mrs S Komine Bridge Club. July 10-12, EBU Summe r Mr E Farrell Mr D Swallow Dr GM Thelwall Jones Mrs V Rush London District Master District Master Local Master Mr V Shaw Seniors Congress, Eastbourne. July 11, Mr S Clark Mr C Bonser Mr GR Wilkes Mrs M Tansey Northern Bridge League, Round 2. July www.metrobridge.co.uk Mrs L Simmons Mr Z Mahmood Middlesex District Master 23-26, EBU Northern Summer Congress, APOLOGIES to Nick Boss, Area Master Mrs AV Hammond Mrs Y Mizuguchi Life Master Scarborough. whose name was left off Mrs V Rees Area Master Area Master Mr T Morris the list of winners of the Mrs G Skinner Ms P Maunsell Premier National Mr M Ramsay Club Master Club Master Master Mr D Small Leicestershire Year End Congress Swiss Mr D Pyle Mr F Burgout Mrs F Liew Mrs E Townsend Teams. Many congratula - Mr ND Tracey Local Master Mr S Di Bello 6 Star Premier www.leicsbridge.org.uk tions to win ning Camrose team mem bers Mrs M Holland Mr M Hutton Regional Master Northants RECENT County Teams Andrew Robson, Andy Bowles and Peter Mrs A J Nichols Mrs Y Komachi Dr AS Marwaha Premier National Mr M Sakowicz Mrs M Sikora 5 Star Premier Master results: the final round Czer niew ski. At the Ranked Masters, David Lincolnshire Mr A Simpson Regional Master Mrs J Brewer of matches, vs. Lincs on Bakhshi was second in the Premier Grand 7 Star Regional Local Master Mrs L Tiwarie Mrs C White April 5, resulted in a 10- Masters, Dom Goodwin – Gordon Master Mrs C Carrick 2 Star Premier National Master 10 draw for the first Rainsford won the Premier Life Masters Mr H Coates Mrs B Carse Regional Master Mrs M Jones team, victories for the second and third for the third year running, Paul Huggins Mr D Stoddart L Eardley Mrs D Berwitz Mr M Keogh 7 Star Premier Mr M Evans 1 Star Premier 6 Star Premier team by 17-3 and 15-5 respectively. The won the Regional Masters, Paul Chapman Master Miss S Sheringham Regional Master Regional Master final league positions are therefore: 1st and Adrian Ring won the Masters, and Mr MMR Hirst Mr P White Mr S Levi Mr B Davies team (Dawes League) 5th place; 2nd team Tim Chanter – Helen Wild smith were (Porter Cup) 4th place; 3rd team (Mark- second in the Masters. Paul Lamford – Ian

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Payn were second in the National Pairs monds, Paul Beckwith), well known on Jeremy Dhondy won the Championship Master Point Regional Finals. At the Easter Congress, the Manchester circuit. triumphed in the Pairs. Marilyn Malinowska and Artur promotions Andrew Clery – Robert Balchin were teams at the Strathpeffer Congress in Malinowski won the Mixed Pairs final. second in the Open Pairs, Alex Hydes and bonny Scotland at the end of February. At the Harrogate Spring Congress, David Bakhshi were first and third Diary Dates: Sunday July 19, Green Shivam Shah finished second in the Mr TE Knights Mr S Woodward respectively in the Cham pion ship Pairs, Point Swiss Teams, 11am, Altrincham BC. Swiss Teams. 3 Star Premier District Master Simon Gillis was third in the Swiss Teams, The Annual General Meeting will take Regional Master Mr P Baker Paul Lamford – Bob Brinig were second Mr E Jones Mr RM Cottrell Merseyside/Cheshire place at 7.00pm on June 16 at the Ace of 3 Star Premier Mr A Humble in the Swiss Pairs A Flight and Simon Clubs followed by the Committee Cup Master Mrs V Porter Pollack won the Swiss Pairs B Flight. Well www.mcba.org.uk at 8.00pm. An extensive competitions ca- Mr E Don Miss BA Stott done to Alice Kaye, a mem ber of the WE are sad to report len dar may be found on the website. 4 Star Master Area Master Oxford team that won the Portland Bowl. the death of Peter Do report points of interest to Mrs AE Murray Mr BD Churchill Results: Green-pointed Swiss Pairs: 3 Star Master Club Master Garner- Gray, a wel l- [email protected] Mr GW Lott Mr RG Beevers 1. Carrie and Mike Eden, =2. Paul known char acter within 1 Star Master Mr I Gill Lamford – Paul Martin, Liz and Matthew the county. Bridge Mr R Griffiths Mrs P McNally Hoskins, 4. David Schiff – Anne played a large part in his life, not only as Norfolk Master Mrs L Shaheen Catchpole. Green Pointed Swiss Teams: Mr N Whitfield a player but also as a selector for the www.norfolkbridge.co.uk Mrs JDM Chun 1. Simon Cochemé, Tim Gauld, Espen county and the WBU. Peter had a great Mrs SA McIntosh Local Master THE Norfolk County team Mr W Simpson Mr D Fowler Erichsen, Helen Erichsen; 2. Justin appreciation of fine food and wine, and continued their winning County Master Notts Wickens, Ryan Stephenson, Liz Clery, loved entertaining. Full obituaries have ways with a convincing win Mr A Firkins 3 Star Premier Andy Clery. =3. David Burn, Nick been posted on both the County and over Cambs & Hunts but Mrs M Jones Regional Master Sandqvist, Anna Roos Karlsson, P-A WBU websites. the A team lost 7-13 to Local Master Mrs MM McCorkell Karlsson, David Hull, Peter Cogliatti, On March 28, the Grange School Cambridge University. The Mr GL Edmonds 3 Star Regional Chris Brewin, Brian Kelly. Ian Gardiner Hartford team of Alex Roberts, Gareth North East Master B team beat the University B team by the Trophy: 1. Liz Clery, Ken Bar nett, Ryan Wilkes, Will Yeong and Fraser Cooke Life Master Dr G Brindley same margin. Mr A Price Mrs A Cunningham Stephenson, Paul Huggins; 2. David (who is only 13) competed in the English The North Walsham Teams trophy Mr LA Monkhouse 4 Star Premier Schiff, Anne Catchpole, Paul Lamford, Schools Championships at Loughbo rough . Master was won by John Harrison, John Massey, National Master Stefanie Rohan. They qualified for the last four by Mr R Kowalski Neville Hill and Alan Hourd. Mervyn Mr WH Brumby 2 Star Master Diary Dates: June 21, London Trophy coming second of eleven teams in the Scutter's team beat Mike Whiting's team 7 Star Premier Pairs Championship for participants in qualifying pool, beat Bedford Modern by Regional Master Mr ES Poyser in the Eastern Counties Cup final. Mrs JM Graham 1 Star Master the London Trophy; Royal Automobile 16 IMP s in the semi-final, and then Mervyn, Nigel Block, Paul Derby, Steve 6 Star Premier Mrs CD Timmons Club at 2.00pm. Contact Cecil Leighton defeated Reading A by 10 IMP s in the Dannell, Mike Bolster and Mark Hill Advanced Master Regional Master ( 020 8500 0700. July 2. Annual final to become Na tional Champions. will represent Norfolk in the Pachabo . Mr BR Smith Mr N Clarke General Meeting at Young Chelsea BC at Young Fraser joined the EBU only two Mr LJ Harris The Norfolk Congress at King's Lynn 7 Star Regional 7.00pm. weeks before the event, and has achieved Master Mr F Turton was again well supported with Norfolk Mrs TL Lee Master the first two master-point rankings in his players being well represented among 6 Star Regional Mr P Fox-Andrews first ever tourna ment. Congratulations to Mr AC Mellor-Smith Manchester the trophy winners. Fiona Bradford – Master them as well as their teacher Simon Jane Bolton were runners up in the Mr PJ Avery Mr T Miles Whitehouse. Mrs E Rothwell www.lighton.btinternet.co.uk/ Ladies’ Pairs, Mike Walsh – Mike 2 Star Regional The highly popular Eric Howarth Master Mr BF Scanlon THE Higson Cup final Fletcher won the Men's Pairs; the Friday Dr B Hnyda County Master was won by St Titus Trophy event was held at Deva BC. The Open Pairs was won by Robbie Roberson Mr LB Flintham 11 Star Premier (Michael Byrne, Michael winners were Bernard and Rhona – Jane Duncanson; the Mixed Pairs Master Mr DA Garside Newman, Mike Bell and Golden field, Michelle Brunner and John Mrs T Battensby Prof WL Irving trophy went to John Harrison – Nawal Mrs AM Shah Rodney Lighton), with Holland from Manchester. Fenwick; the Bob Lawton Teams trophy 9 Star Premier The County Pivot Teams was won by Master Mr EE Taylor Inverted Minors second (Irving and Joy was won by Mike Walsh, Mike Fletcher, Area Master John Griffith, Olwen Brown, Ian Stanley Mrs PM Hands Blakey, Jeff Smith, David Barton). Steve Dannell and Andrew Thompson; Mr PD Hunt and Lollo Murthwaite. 4 Star Premier Higson Plate final: 1. Double Dia mond s the Champion ship Pairs went to Dave Master Mr SW Wharton Well done to Ted Reveley – Bill Niccol (Peter and Brenda Greaves, Richard Dickson (Herts) – Dave Newstead, with Mr E Bell Oxford who were in the team that finished second Acaster, Diane Lyons); 2. Manchester A Martin and Jan Pooley a very creditable Mrs P Procter Life Master in the Cwmbran Congress Swiss Teams. Mrs JA Taylor Mr DW Bygott (Ray Ashleigh, Anne Super, Denis and second. The Congress closed with a Diary Dates: June 4, Liverpool BC 1 Star Tournament Mr K Kazmierczak Val Robson). St Titus (including Gary Swiss Teams event, won by Mike Walsh, Master Open Pairs. June 6-7, match v Dublin. Premier National Hyett) completed the double by success - Mike Fletcher, Steve Dannell and Mrs J Charlton Master June 11, Jim Davies Swiss Teams, Hes - fully defending their League crown, Andrew Thompson. 5 Star Master Mr AB Brereton having won all their matches. Manchester wall BC. June 13, NCL match 1. June 25, Mrs J Liddell National Master A full Summer Programme of Open Bridge Club (Michelle Brun ner, John Liverpool BC Open Teams. June 30, Bill 4 Star Master Dr RH Lawton-Smith Pairs and Trophy events is now in full Holland, Michael Byrne, Michael New - Hughes Simultaneous Pairs, clubs. July Dr PA Dodds 2 Star Premier swing; see the Norfolk website, www. Regional Master man, Rhona and Bernard Golden field, 11, NCL round 2. July 25-26, President’s 3 Star Master norfolkbridge.co.uk for details. Mrs A Linton Mrs AM Powell Bill Hirst, John Hassett) won the Gazette Cup. July 27, BGB Sim Pairs, MBC. Mrs A Morse 1 Star Premier Trophy, defeating four teams to qualify for Regional Master 2 Star Master the Garden Cities Regional Final . North East Mrs M Brown Mr T Dickinson Middlesex Premier Regional Kath Nelson – Tracy Capal repre - Ms A Lightley www.neba.co.uk Mr PN Thompson Master sented England in the Lady Milne www.middlesexbridge.co.uk Mr A Tinkler Mr N Piper Trophy, which was won by Scotland. CONGRATULATIONS to THE year started with 1 Star Master 2 Star Regional Alex Morris and Mike Bell will be Jeremy Dhondy for win - the St George’s Congress Master Mr TH Burn playing for England in the Under 25s at ning the Camrose Trophy (teams), won by Ken Mr B Graham Mrs M Henry Dr A Mahmood Regional Master the Junior European Championships in together with his EBU Pattison, Eddie Nord, Advanced Master Mr I Angus Ro ma nia in July, and Elizabeth Roberts, team-mates. Catherine Brian Smith, and John Mr D Young Mrs L Swadling Jenny Marvin and Amy Stout will repre - Seale was part of the Greaves. Frank and Master 4 Star Premier sent England in the Under 25 Women’s England team which Janet Springett won the Deane Salver, Master Mrs J Clement Series at the same Championships. finished third in the and Janet was in form again later in the Mrs M Dexter Mrs C Moore Mrs B Knudsen Mr R Moore Congratulations to John Fitzgerald – Lady Milne. month when, with Brenda Osborne, she Mr J Lambert 3 Star Premier Gillian Mcmullen on winning the Buxton At the London Easter Congress, Brian won the King Cup . The Chronicle Cup Mr E Lodge Master Easter Festival Swiss Pairs and to Sue Senior was second in the Championship was won by Damien Hassan – Bill March Dr J Sellers Mrs K Chamberlain and the St George’s Shield (consolation Mr D Watkins Richmond – Craig Fisher on finishing Pairs . Congratulations to Catherine Seale Mr A Watson third. Well done also to Alan and Kath and Ian Pagan for winning the Swiss Pairs final) went to Stan Payne – Bev Godfrey. County Master 2 Star Premier Mr FJ Aitken Master Nelson on winning the London Easter Fes - and to Peter Hasenson for winning the Sam Khadaroo – Peter Rodgerson won Mr JK Cocker Mrs M Newbould tival Mixed Pairs and to David Adelman Open Pairs. Well done to Shivam Shah for the Autumn Sim Pairs for the Collins Mr K Leybourne Premier Master on being part of the winning team in the winning the Under 25 Pairs and to Cup. In March, Jim Hodgson and Aileen Mrs DJ Ogg Mr P Sherry Buxton Easter Festival Swiss Teams. Edward Hughes-D'aeth – Basil Letts for Cunningham won the Newcastle Congress Mrs F Simpkin 4 Star Master Mrs F Wood Mr R East Finally, a team of four from Trafford( finishing second in the Under 19 Pairs. Pairs and the team of Malcolm Oliver, Ed Glinert, Paul Worswick, Dave Ham - In County Events, Anne Rosen and Martin Kane, John Atthey and Chris

50 English Bridge June 2009 www.ebu.co.uk JUNE_09_EB_p46-53 County News:D 36-48 12/05/2009 17:25 Page 51

COUNTY NEWS

Owen won the Kempson Vase knock-out won 12-8 and 16-4, while the 2nd team Master Point event. Hur worth (Hayden Dando, Martin lost 6-14. Somerset promotions Kane, John Atthey and Dave Turner) In the Spring Series, Keith Rodgers www.somersetbridge .org.uk won the Club Champion Teams, ahead of and Lloyd Eagling are first. The NCBA CONGRATULATIONS to the St George’s quartet. Individual Championship was won by 2 Star Master Mr NJR White all of the following: The Inter-club League was won by Forbes Abercrombie. Journal Cup: 1. Mr M Allen Area Master Michael Coda Cup: 1. Hurworth, with Darlington runners-up. Keith Rodgers – Lloyd Eagling, 2. David Mr G Hartley Mr NB Drummond Marianne Lewin – Norman 1 Star Master Mrs J Kershaw Further afield, Tom Pallister – Ben Burgess – Gordon Fullerton, 3. Sylvia Bishop, 2. Gina Howard – Mr JP Briggs Mr MA McCartney Woolf were in the North East team that Goodlud – Bernard Rasmussen. Inter- Bill Rowe, 3. Elaine Payne – Advanced Master Club Master won the Arnott Davidson Trophy. At the Club Pairs final: 1. Margaret McCorkell – Mr R Czapski Miss L Curtis Peter Marshall. Buchanan Congress (Peebles), Clive Owen Stephanie Tolcher (representing Bing - Mr M Neal Local Master 3 Tier Pairs: 1. Colin Floyd – Steve – Charles Outred won both the Friday ham), 2. Mary Mahood – Ron Haynes Master Mrs R Bhageerutty Tomlinson, 2. Shirley Durrant – Rachael Mrs M Baker Suffolk Pairs and the Swiss Pairs, and, with Violet (Woodborough), =3. Terry Miles – John Mr JAL Faint Brown, 3. Marion Blackhall – Tom 2 Star Tournament Outred and Mike Alexander com pleted a Bayliss (Mansfield) and Sally Axford – Mrs KJ Taylor Gibbard. Restricted Section: 1. Daphne Master clean sweep by winning the Swiss Teams. Doreen Ratcliffe (Keyworth). County Master Mrs AMF Grant Greatorex – Brian Fryer, 2. Christine Mrs C Jakubovics The North East pair of Mike and Dorothy The Juniors – Ted Pynegar, Simon 5 Star Master Craig won the ‘No Fear’ section at the Spencer, Ankush Khandelwal and Daniel Hannam – Rita Martin, 3. Joan Murray – Mrs ME Jones Sue May. Mr J Van Maanen Mrs M Berry same event. Chung from Nottingham High School District Master 3 Star Master Mixed Pairs: 1. Jenny Farrington – Capt. RI Waters The Gazette Cup was won by Frank –– won the Harry Scully Cup for Under Mrs EM Coxhill and Janet Springett, and not as pre - 19s at Loughborough. Simon Spencer – Michael Thomas, 2. Ann Allsopp – Colin Mrs J Dobson 2 Star Master viously reported – sorry folks! Ankush Khandelwal also won the Juneman, 3. Robin and Judy Belcher. Dr G Wilson Mrs HC Mason Championship Pairs: 1. Graham Heal Mr AJD McLarty Diary Dates: June 7, Hurworth Con - Under-19 Pairs Championship at the Area Master – Colin Juneman, 2. Bob and Jacky Baker, Dr J Anderson Mrs AB Parker gress. June 21, Northern Swiss Pairs. Easter Festival of Bridge in London. Miss SJ Cochrane Advanced Master June 27, Summer Pairs final. June 28, Diary Dates: On Wednesdays the 3. Alan and Jette Bailey, 4. Colin Simcox Mr H Golding Mr C Dawe Deane Trophy. July 12, Summer Swiss Black and Farr Cups continue in – Rachael Brown. Mr F Rao Mrs MJA Heath The Langport team of Gina and David Dr RCG Rowe Teams. Full details on the website. alternate weeks. The Notts/EBU green- Lady Jan Thomson Howard, Caroline MacPherson and Bill Dr M Wilkinson County Master point Swiss Pairs & Swiss Teams are on Rowe have reached the 5th round of the Club Master Mr GW Dines Northamptonshire July 18-19 July. Enquiries and entries to Mrs UJ Bowler Mrs K Linley Keith Rodgers, 44 Lower Beauvale, NICKO . Colin Juneman – Roger Sweet Mrs G Evans Mrs RC Skinner www.northantsbridge.info/ Newthorpe, Notts, NG16 3PU. will play the 11th seeds in the 4th round Mr ZB Lim Mr DS Stott of the Gold Cup with team mates from Mr DP Morris WE are sad to report the death of Area Master Avon. The Taunton team of David Porter, Mr N Robinson Ms J Menzies Marjorie Whiteside at the age of 88. She Oxfordshire Mr RE Triggs Club Master was a member of North ampton Bridge Tom Gibbard, Chris Jones and Colin Local Master Ms J Carter Club and a regular county player. In www.oxfordshirebridge.co.uk Flood have reached the 4th round of the Mr SG Dijkstra Local Master NICKO Plate. Graham Heal – Roger Mr J Ho recent years she had failing vision. She was THERE is still time to Mrs S Cook enter the Oxfordshire Sweet have qualified for the final of the Mr R Ridley Mr M Gosling a familiar figure at Northampton – always Somerset sitting South and the previous South had County Con gress at Ste - National Pairs. Sheila Coda – Heinz Mr C Ward Brunsch finished overall in 8th place in National Master Surrey to sort the cards for her. She died twelve ven ton Villag e Hall (see the BGB Spring Sim Pairs. Miss ME Blackhall Premier Life hours after playing at the club. She was advert on page 20 in the Mrs GA Shave Master very grateful to all those who helped her April English Bridge), In the Western League, Somerset won Premier Regional Mrs OJ Dawson all three matches against Cornwall, the A Master to cope with her deterio rating eyesight. Green Pointed Swiss Pairs on Sat. 27 June Life Master Division by 12-8, B Division by 19-1 and Mrs L McEwen The AGM of the county took place on at 1.00pm and Green Pointed Swiss Mr G Hudson Mr P McEwen Teams on Sun. 28 June at 11am. Entries the C Division by 13-7. Premier National April 15. The committee has not changed. 12 Star Regional The Broke Cup final will be between to Alan Grunwald, 1 Elm Tree Cot tage, Diary Dates: May 17, County Percent - Master Master Mr G Clarke the Mark Tilley and Chris Heames Grove Road, Wantage, Oxon OX12 7BS age Final at West Camel. May 31, County Mrs V Dunn Swiss Teams, Draycott. July 5, AGM and 5 Star Master National Master teams. The winners will represent the ([email protected] ) Mrs JRE Pantling Mr N Barnes County in the Pachabo. The Betts Bowl Congratulations to Krys Kazmierczak Swiss Teams, Oake. 1 Star Master Mr RA Collins – Sandra Nicholson, winners of the Life Mr TJG Warren was won by Bill Chadwick, Mike Gore Mrs A Smith Browne, Mike Auger, Chandra Rama - Masters’ section of the Ranked Masters Staffs and Shrops Advanced Master 13 Star Premier Regional Master mo orthy. Eden Cup: 1. Richard Gibson Pairs , and to Geoff Nicholas – Debbie Mr SM Fletcher www.staffsandshrops.org.uk Ms SJ Partington Roberts, runners-up in the Premier Master – Eifion Jones, 2. Robin Griffiths – 8 Star Premier PLEASE notice our new website. Mr BW Longstaff Brendan Alston, 3. Marcus Witt – Chris Grandmasters’ category. Other notable Regional Master Mrs M A Longstaff achievements at this event include Colin The Shrewsbury Congress, excellently Miss JM Morgan Wiggins; as Richard and Eifion are not District Master organized by Judy Mitchell, was a virtual 6 Star Premier able to play in the Corwen, the County Jones and partner in third place (Life Ms YN Reynolds sell-out. Pairs : 1. Maria Budd – Malcolm Regional Master will be represented by the other two Masters), Tim Pike and partner fourth Mrs G Toogood Mrs RL Thompson pairs. Murchie Lerner : 1. Robert Miller (Grand Masters), and Maxine and Stuart Harris (in the picture below); 2. Dan Staffs & 5 Star Premier Crofts – Gary Hyett; 3. Eric Hartland – Shropshire – Daniel Baines, 2. Margaret Bryant – Henry also fourth (Regional Masters). Regional Master Trevor Wray. Luke Porter – Michael Clark qualified Roger Keane. Teams: 1. Dan Crofts, Gary National Master Mrs MR Mansell Hyett, Barbara Hackett and Paul Hackett; Mrs R Williams The Winter League was won by Maggie for the final of the National Pairs. 8 Star Regional 2. Harvey and Caroline Brown, James 2 Star Premier Master Jones, Brian Davies, James and Shirley Ed Jones played in the winning Junior Regional Master Mrs MK Blundell Dutton. Stamford A won Div. 1 of the Camrose team, and together with Joe and Shirley Dutton; =3: Jane and Dick Mrs CF Day Ms M Shoosmith Inter-club League ; Towcester A won Div. Clacey represented England in the Junior Ritter, Jimmy Ledger, Maureen Hannah, 3 Star Regional 5 Star Regional 2; Wellingborough A won Div. 3 . Whitehouse Tournament. and Lin and Ron Birch, Margaret and Master Master Alan Bond. Mr ID Webb Mrs CM Gill Northamptonshire will be holding a The monthly Seniors Pairs featured 5 Star Master 4 Star Regional Green-pointed Swiss Pairs One Day event Dale Thomas – Keith Goswell winning Mr R Bleasdale Master at Bugbrooke Village Hall on Saturday the March event and Krishan Jalie – 3 Star Master Mrs M Thomson June 20. An entry form is available on Geoff Nicholas winning in April. Mrs S Mayland 2 Star Regional Oxfordshire performed well in the 2 Star Master Master the website www.northantsbridge.info or

contact Peter Fountain ( 01733 320845 Midlands League as winners of the l Miss MJ Rowlands Mrs PM Hills l e h

1 Star Master 23 Star Premier or email [email protected] . Markham division, runners-up in the c t Mr B Colclough i Master Porter and third in the Dawes. M

In the Eastern Counties League the A m

Advanced Master Mr AR Grove l

team was fourth, the B team won the B All players are invited to enjoy free o c Mr NJ Cheadle 14 Star Premier l Division and the C team came second. refreshments and bridge after the AGM a

Mrs DM Kelsall Master M

:

Diary Dates: Sat June 20, North - at 7.30pm on June 15 at Oxford BC. o Mrs R Smith Mrs SE Harvey t o

Master ampton shire Green Pointed Swiss Pairs. Diary Dates: June 11, Tuesday Cham - h Malcolm Harris & Maria Budd

11 Star Premier P Mr PJ Amison Master pionship Playoff, Oxford BC. June 14, County Master Mrs KJ McKimmie Nottinghamshire Mixed Pairs Championship, Oxford BC. The Bearn: 1. David Moir – Paul Mr RL Millman 8 Star Premier June 15, OBA AGM (incl. free refresh - Cutler; 2. Roy Martin – Peter Cartwright; District Master Master www.nottsbridge.org.uk Mrs EM Billingham Mr T Quilley ments and bridge). June 27-28, County 3. Ivor Clarke – Mike Sherriff. Repre - Dr IW Lawrence Mr S Whiteside IN the final county match of the season, Congress, Steventon Village Hall. July 5, sent ing us in the Corwen will be David vs Warwickshire, the 1st and 3rd teams Sandra Landy Trophy, Roke Village Hall. and Paul, Mike Cornes – Annette Lucas

www.ebu.co.uk June 2009 English Bridge 51 JUNE_09_EB_p46-53 County News:D 36-48 12/05/2009 17:24 Page 52

and David Clarke – Norman Jones. Rick Waters ( 01379 87029 or by email Master Point promotions Shrewsbury Open Swiss Pairs: 1.Celia [email protected] . Day – Jenny Matthews; 2. Dave Clarke – 7 Star Premier Mrs A Hereward Dr AC Nandi Mr PK Onions Shirley Williams. Both pairs are from Surrey Master Mr C Jonas Mrs P Tarbuck Mr J Voogd Wolverhampton BC. Mrs LE Scrivener Mr P Smith Club Master Mrs A Williams Chasetown : Bearn: 1. Craig Wood - www.surreycountybridge.org.uk 5 Star Premier Mrs J Sperryn-Jones Mr MG Clarke Mrs S Williams Master Area Master Mr JG Fitton Westmorland bridge – Tony Brian; 2. Brian Van Zyl – SURREY became the first county to Ms LC Major Mr AG Bacchus Dr AK Halder Premier Master Tony Hubble; 3. Mel Cooper – Andrew announce a zero rate County P2P in Ms MH Tamblyn Mrs D Boatman Local Master Dr ML Howse Crawford. Winter Handicap: 1. Sue Craw - March. Chairman Chris Stableford said: Mrs SJ Muggridge 4 Star Premier Mr A Bray County Master ford; =2. Rachael Ashmore, Mel Cooper, ‘Setting the County P2P Levy at 0p for Master Mr P Ross Mr N Goslett Mrs W Ellwood Mr GC Coomber Mrs PJ Sylvester Andrew Crawford. Andrew won the the 2010-11 season will minimise the Mr R Tribe Mrs SJ Howse Mr R Lovelace Ms L Talamoni Mrs E Wilding Winter Ladder with Tony Brian and financial impact on all Surrey Clubs, and Area Master 3 Star Premier Club Master Warwickshire Craig Woodbridge equal second. we hope it will enable as many as Master Mr R Brazier Mr D Charleston Premier Grand Pairs Championship: 1. Pam and Rod possible to affiliate to the EBU once P2P Mr EJ Jones Mrs J Coppin Club Master Master Mr I Hatton Ewan; 2. Craig Woodbridge – John Collin; comes into force.’ Further details on the Mr BJ Taylor Mrs D Tamlyn Mr DJ Jones Mr PI Thomas Wiltshire 3. David and Janet Drinkwater. Teams: 1. way the deci sion was made and the 2 Star Premier Premier Regional Master Ms A Traynor Master Life Master Pam and Rod Ewan, Craig Woodbridge, implications for County services can be Mr KRR Williams Local Master Mrs D Kenny Dr SA Sloan Tony Bria; 2. Alan and Rachael Ashmore, found on the website. 1 Star Premier Mr R Emerson 7 Star Regional 2 Star Premier Pam Allen, Pauline Tabbernot; 3. Stan At the recent Shareholders meeting Master Mrs M Hussein Master Regional Master Mr P Lowe Jarvis, Dennis Jack son, Carole and Peter Alan Nelson commended the way Surrey Mr M Morris Mr D Walker Mr MJ Renshaw Mrs SM Storr Mrs PR Morrice Collins. Handicap teams: 1. Alan West- had contacted all their members with an 2 Star Regional 4 Star Regional Premier Master Sussex Master Master wood, John Kirby, Roddy Matheson, Kay explanation of the way P2P would work. Mr B Hampson Premier Grand Mrs PA Cooley Mr MW Buck Brian; 2. John Pugh, Audrey Clarke, It was therefore very disappointing that 2 Star Tournament Master 1 Star Regional 3 Star Regional Gloria Day, Bill Chester; 3. Rod and Pam only 9% of members had responded to Master Mr EJ Lucioni Master Master Ewan, Pauline Campbell, Freda Cornes. the questionnaire. Dr KS Bahrani Mrs TKH Attwater Life Master Mr JH Hind There was a four-way tie for the Summer April was a very good month for one 1 Star Tournament Mr JE Bugden Regional Master 2 Star Regional Master Handicap between Tony Brian, Audrey National Master Mr G Cope Master of Surrey’s leading players. Firstly Liz Mrs M Main Mrs J Mayall 9 Star Premier Dr C Wilcox Clarke, John Pugh and Craig Wood house; Phillips (photo below) won the Surrey Mr JS Nevin 6 Star Premier Master 1 Star Regional Tony and Craig finished joint first, with Mixed Pairs final with Peter Lee; this is Mrs MV Proctor Regional Master Mr A Imam Master Alan Ashmore and Pauline Tabbernor Mrs S White Mrs S Stevens the only Surrey championship she had Mr RJ Pyart 7 Star Premier joint third. never won before. Liz then went on to be Tournament Master 1 Star Premier Master 1 Star Premier Mr AE Brooks Regional Master Mrs JM Coggle Master On the national front, Justin and Jason runner-up in the London Easter Swiss Mrs R Stirling Mrs AM Thorpe 3 Star Premier Mr RD Moore Hackett won the Mid Wales Congress Teams playing with Bob McRobert and 5 Star Master Regional Master Master Premier Master Teams; Paul Hackett finished second in an out-of-county pair. Mrs M Armstrong Mr D Municchi Mrs D Manders Mrs MM Morgan-Jones Mr JA Clare the Pairs in Yokohama, and Justin has 15 Star Premier 2 Star Premier 5 Star Master reached the final of the Hubert Phillips. Mr JJ Spring Master Master Mr CC Goldsmith Mr R Stirling Mrs EV Connell Dr AB Mostafa 4 Star Master Mrs L Thorne Mrs ME North 3 Star Tournament Major P Cambridge 4 Star Master 3 Star Premier Master Mrs D Entwistle Suffolk Mrs WA Callegari Master Mr PS Heelis 3 Star Master Mrs YD Sheffield www.suffolkbridge.co.uk

Mr A Gardiner 2 Star Tournament Mrs VE Atkins y

PETER Gemmell has retired e Ms EJ Stevens l 2 Star Premier Master Advanced Master r Mrs NPE Thompson as County Captain after o Master Mr GL Fox M Dr W Simpson l 3 Star Master i Mr MJ Davies Tournament Master County Master nearly four years’ successful e N

Mr MA Keith Mrs ML Drake : Mr GJ Blakeway Mrs J Portnall captaincy for which the com - o Mr R Lane t Premier Master o 4 Star Master Mr J Reid mittee expressed their thanks. David h Liz Phillips

Mr J Lockyer P Mr M Causley Mrs SF Thompson The Hon Mrs SM Rhys 2 Star Master Price will captain the County next season. Tournament Master 2 Star Master Area Master Mr P Bohan Congratulations go to Joan Mayhew – Congratulations are also due to Solly Mr JA Loydell Mrs E Whiteford Mrs H Holden Mr R Melbourne Judy Birley who came first in the Ladies’ Laredo, John Hodges, and David and Jill Mr RH Savage 4 Star Master 1 Star Master Mrs M Loudoun Mrs DE Hunt Pairs, and Ralph Parish – Mike Kempster 1 Star Master Mrs EB Glover Club Master Page, who won the 30K Teams and to Mrs P Benmore 3 Star Master Mr S Glover Mr B Fordred who won the Kings Lynn Shield at the Margaret Kirton, Shirley Roberts, Penny Mrs G Brock Mrs R Goodman Mr ST Lambert Mrs S Goodson annual Norfolk Congress. Macleod, Jane Morton who won the Dr LR Hiorns 2 Star Master Advanced Master Miss J Goodwin County results: Championship Teams: Ladies’ Teams. Mrs C Xuereb Mr CS Gray Mrs J G Allen Mrs J Ladle Mr R Smith Mr F Vernon Local Master Chris Chambers, Jim Gobert, Debby At the 11th Surrey Schools Mini Bridge Advanced Master Sutcliffe, Maria Allnutt, Peter Gemmell, Mr R Burgess 1 Star Master Ms S Wallbank Mrs R Caddick Pairs competition a special presentation Mr WF Harmer Mr BAJ Barnard Master Mr R McCartney Peter Sutcliffe beat Julian Lang, David was made to retiring Cranmore School Mrs HRG Leigh Mr RS Mockett Mr A Gleaden Mrs A Over Morran, Claude Stokes, Din Gudka in teacher Jane Finlay who has helped Mrs C Lievens Mr A Piper Mr BE Milner Mr M Trevanion the final. Championship Pairs: 1. David Mr R Shuker Ms PA Wernick Mrs G Vickers-Horton organise this event for the past ten out of Mrs GD Norman and Jenny Price, 2. David Morran – Julian Mrs CM Rowley Mr P Stent Mr G Wright Worcester eleven years. Mrs A Stark Advanced Master County Master Premier Life Master Lang, 3. Graham Beeton – Sue Flin. They Diary Dates: June 17, Surrey Bowl, Mr P Symm Mr T Cole Mrs A Carmichael Mr AM Reid all qualify to represent Suffolk in the Wimbledon (starting time 7.30pm). Master Miss M Guy-Jones Mrs M Pinner National Master Corwen Trophy. The Sudbury/Colchester July 5, Swiss Pairs, Cobham. Note: the Mrs BWF Allen Mr J McFarlane Mr TW Poole Mrs CJ Timmis Swiss Teams was won by Peter Gemmell, Master Mrs J Williams Surrey Bowl is in a new format this year Mr WRV Archer 2 Star Regional Peter Sutcliffe, Chris Chambers, Jim Mrs EML Beedle Mrs D B Dalzell District Master as a one-off event; please support it! Master Gobert. Colin Bamberger, Robert Green, Mr P Cretch Ms B Dixon Mr J Adams Ms J Clayphan Mrs JE Lines Mr PI Hardstaff Mr JC Dockerill 17 Star Premier Graham Beeton, Jeff Orton (representing Sussex Mr PAA Duncan Mr DM Reed Mrs J Lawson Master Ipswich & Kesgrave) took the Club Teams Mr M Warren Mrs R Inchbald County Master Mrs PR Moore of Four trophy. www.sccba.co.uk Mr WA Johnstone Mr VJ Cole Area Master 8 Star Premier Premier League: Allnutt (Maria Allnutt, CLUB Teams of Eight: 1. Mrs G Parker Mr R Cutler Mrs C Everson Master Mrs JB Tripp Debby and Peter Sutcliffe, Peter Gem - The Avenue, 2. West Sussex. Mr MR Elgin Mrs J Wood-Hill Mr B Stewart Mrs M Wilson-Smith Mrs PA Gover Club Master 6 Star Premier mell, Chris Chambers, Jim Gobert), Well done to Jeremy Mr F Howard County Master Mrs J Billinge Master having led throughout the season, were Willans who won the Na - Mr JH Topham Mr PR Archer Mr P Budd Mr BJ Nightingale tional Ranked Masters event Mr BV Bannister District Master Mrs J Cundy pipped at the post by Moore (Jane and 2 Star Master Mrs EH Bolton Mr M Beglin Ms S Fursier Andrew Moore, Jenny and David Price ) in the Premier Grand Masters Mrs HE Farmer Mrs C Clarke Mr JBK Carrie-Wilson Mrs P Gadd who defeated them in their last match to Section with Ian Draper. Mrs J S Giles Ms SK Dennison Mr A P Goss 1 Star Master Mr K Southwell win the league. Senior Simultaneous Pairs : 1. Gerry Mr R Middleton Mrs P Feltham Ms M Whitehead Diary Dates: June 3, Mixed Pairs for Stanford – Dave Franklin; Freddie and Mrs L Parker Mr DH Gilbert Local Master Advanced Master Mr M Paterson Miss K Jackson Mrs P Barnes Mrs JA Clowes the Ringer Cup, 7.15pm. July 7, Married Margaret North won the Married Pairs District Master Area Master Mr R Ferrier-Barr Mrs L Wright Pairs for the Lang Cup, 7.15pm. These prize , Pat Carter – Patricia Sclanders the Mr RJ Bass Mr N Dent Mr B Gibson Master events will be held at Stoke-by-Nayland Over 70s. and Iris Lee – Ralph Browning Mr RAR Booty Mr MJ Hollingdale Mr M Johnstone Mr T Acton Golf Club. July 22, Senior Pairs, 7.15pm, the Over 60s ; well done to all of them. Mrs GB Cann Mrs A Katz Mr PD Johnstone County Master Mr IM Clements Mr V Mitchell Mr D Jones Mrs PJ Houghton Clare. More information on Suffolk com - Congratulations to Matthew and Liz petitions from Competitions Secretary Hoskins, joint second at the London Green

52 English Bridge June 2009 www.ebu.co.uk JUNE_09_EB_p46-53 County News:D 36-48 12/05/2009 17:26 Page 53

COUNTY NEWS

Point Event in March. Warwicks Air Ambulance Services will carried out. Please visit the website for Master Point Basic Bridge Pairs : 1. Inez Richards – be at 1.00 pm Sat July 18 at WMBC. the latest details. promotions Mike Ford, 2. Ken and Tricia Bolton. The Sussex Pairs final was a closely Wiltshire Yorkshire Mrs M Packwood Advanced Master contested one: 1. Dave Clifton – Chris Mr M S Rees Mr K Bamforth Jepson. 2. Peter Clinch – Julian Mitchell. www.wcba.co.uk www.ycba.freeserve.co.uk/ District Master Mr T Crabtree Congratulations to Vida Bingham BOB Bannister hit real Mr BG Wilkes YORKSHIRE players have Mrs M Denison who as a Grand Master now has another form as the Wiltshire achieved notable successes Area Master Miss BM Macrae Mr CD Chadwick claim to fame, as her horse Mon Mome season's final events came in two national events. Sandy Mrs J Oram Mr HR Parsons won the Grand National this year (see round. His team won the Premier League Davies – Tom Gisborne were Master Mrs L Parsons page 17). title (Bob Bannister, Andrew Law, Kathy the winners of the Grand Master Pairs, Mrs EM Beard Local Master Spring Congress: Basic Bridge After - Hodgson, Roy France, Sam Sloan, while Tom Rainforth – Shivam Shah Mrs S Stainton Mrs M Brayshaw noon: 1. John and Linda Taylor 2. Andrew Richard Chamberlain); in partnership Mr J Gembicki (picture below) matched their achieve - Yorkshire Cairns – Tricia Orange; Evening: =1. Mo with An drew Law he won the Wilts Pairs Mr A Harte ment in the under 25 pairs at the London Premier Life Etherington – Beryl Pitman, Roland Master Mrs AR Roberts Cham pion ship ; playing with Kathy Hod - Easter Festival. Dr C Barnett Mrs SC Smailes Heathfield – Sue Baker. Ladies’ Pairs: g son he finished in the runners-up spot Mr M Edge County Master 1. Andrea Galpin – Joan Hootman, in his division of the EBU Ranked Mr D Robinson Mrs B Baxter 2. Valerie Benson – Muriel Bailey. Mixed Masters; and, to boot, with Andrew Life Master Mr K Baxter Pairs: 1. Mike Keeping – Janet Catter - again he finished third in the Wilts / Mr HB Hoyle Mr CW Burton mole, 2. Pyers Pennant – Diana Stevens. Avon Green Pointed Swiss Pairs. Well Premier National Master Mrs K Charlesworth Multiple Teams: 1. Tim Greenhill, Alex done Bob. Mrs Gill Copeland Mr A Kirk Harding, Eddie Lucioni, Rick Stevens. To complete the season's results: Mrs P Gowland Mrs S Kirk Swiss Pairs: 1. Dave Franklin – Gerry Premier League: 2. James Dunlop, 3. Pat Mr J Lewis National Master Stan ford, 2. Mike Dancy – Amanda Davies. Wilts Pairs Championship: 2. U B E

Mr AR Brosgill Mr R Master Bolton. Welcome Pairs: 1. Jose phine For - Kathy Hodgson – Keith Williamson, 3. : o Mr M Craven Mr RTE Partridge t o

Mr RJB Hilton rester – Gloria Flint, 2. Geoff and Pat Susie Gall – Trevor Purches. Green Point h Shivam Shah & Tom Rainforth Mrs J Stocks Webb. Congress Teams: 1. Dave Frank lin, Swiss Pairs: 1. Cathy and Andy Smith, 2. P 3 Star Regional Mrs B Tree Master Gerry Stanford, Richard Fedrick, Mick Chrys Poole – Steve Lee. Green Point Mr IK Whitehead Tony McNiff – Phil Godfrey won the Mr I Johnson Swiss Teams: 1. Miles Cowling with District Master Carring ton; 2. Chris Jepson, John Frosz - EBU’s Northern Pair s final; they, and Ms S Logan tega, Liz and Ian Lancaster. Champion- Chris Kinloch, Mike Pownall, Adrian 2 Star Regional Mrs ER Alexander eight other Yorkshire pairs, qualified for Master Mr LM Aviss ship Teams: 1. Malcolm and Karen Thomas; 2. Huw Oliver, Tony Gammon, the National Pairs final. Mrs G Mapstone Mrs G Bowyer Pryor, Duncan Curtis, Andy Morris. Jeremy Rickard, Brian Goalby. In the EBU’s Spring Congress played 1 Star Regional Mr R Cornfield Diary Dates: June 28, Ardingly Swiss Congratulations to all the above. in Harrogate, there were runners-up Master Mrs JM Firth Pairs. July 18, Swiss Teams, Clair Hall, Mr B Davison spots for Jack Stocken – Dinah Stocken Mrs A Haigh Haywards Heath. Regional Master in the Swiss Pairs, and for Tom Cope - Miss LA Holroyde Worcestershire Mr JH Gibson land, Richard Winter, Shivam Shah and Mrs A Knox-Milne Mrs C Heron www.worcestershirebridge.co.uk Tom Rainforth in the Swiss Teams. Near Mrs PL Macfie Warwickshire Mr JE Swiers MONDAY night county misses also in the Buxton Easter Festival: Mrs S Swiers Mrs B Schofield www.warwickshirebridge.co.uk Mrs M Thornley bridge has moved from second places for Heather Hobson – Roy 20 Star Premier IN the Midlands Inter- Master Mr R Wagner Holt Fleet and is now Garthwaite in the Swiss Pairs , and Mary County League, the Dawes Mrs SE Roberts Area Master played at Droitwich Work - Whyms, Martin White, Rod Hose and 15 Star Premier Mrs D Cole team suffered a disap - ing Men’s Club, starting at Rob Turner in the Swiss Teams . Master Mrs S Dickinson point ing 8-12 de feat in 7.15pm, every Monday other than Bank Dave Waxman – Mike Ingham were Mrs JM Whiteley the last match against Holidays. A map and directions are on the winners of the Peter Littlewood Seniors 11 Star Premier Dr AJI Faraj Master Mr DW Guild Notts; the Porter team won the website. All are welcome. Pairs. In the Bradford club’s West York - Mrs P Cox Mr AJ Kauf 14-6 and the Markham team succumbed The county Championship Teams was shire Swiss Teams event, an excep tionally 8 Star Premier Dr T Nagley 2-18. The net result was that Warwick - won by Richard Jephcott, John Sansom, close finish involving five teams saw a Master Mr PCB Skuse shire, with a total of 92 VPs, finished Brian Stanley, Ross Garratt, Grahame narrow victory for Glyn Foley, Gary Mrs MM Cook Mrs M Snowden fourth in the final Dawe s table, third Mrs JR Wiener Weir, who defeated Mike Theelke, Joyce Heame, William and Steve Mulligan. Mrs HM Terry with 92 VPs in the Porter , and third with Skelton, Stewart Fishburne, Arthur In the Scarborough Congress, Richard 6 Star Premier Mrs MP Whitehouse Master 91 VPs in the Markham . The 2009-10 Williams, David Thomas, John Yuill in Hilton – Pauline Cooper won the Cham- Mrs KA Crebbin Club Master season started with a May match v Lincs; the final. Meanwhile, the Worcestershire pion ship Pairs . Graham Jepson, David Mr IE Draper Mrs J Appleyard the next county match is on September 11 Championship Pairs was won by Sue Fletcher, Alex Foley and Glyn Foley were Mr A Barnett 4 Star Premier v Worcs. victorious in the Swiss Teams. Master Mrs CM Brett Lane – Paul Hammond from Sue Evans Congratulations to Paul Hackett, Bar - Dr A Cooke Mr DJ Ford – Dennis Loynes. Good luck to those Diary Dates: June 7, Yorkshire Indi - Mr A Fell Mrs JD Ford bara Hackett, Gary Hyatt and Dan Croft who go on to represent Worcestershire vi dual Final, York. June 14, Castle Swiss 2 Star Premier Mr DF Fricker on winning the Shropshire Congress against other counties as a result. Pairs, Huddersfield. June 15, League Master Mr JR Hirst Teams, and to runners-up Harvey and The Worcestershire Teams of Eight Clubs Teams of 4, Tickton. June 17, Mr BR Snodgrass Miss DA Caroline Brown, Shirley and James competition for the Ron Allen Cup saw Non-League Clubs Teams of 4, Tickton. 2 Star Tournament Master Hollingworth Dutton. the two Worcester teams battling for the June 18, John Gerrard Simultaneous Mrs AMS Bottka Mr EM Lee The county’s annual KO teams com - trophy. The eventual winners were Sue Pairs. June 19, County Annual General 5 Star Master Mrs JA McCartney petition for the Goodman Cup was won Lane, Ray Foulds, Sue Evans, Marian Meeting, Bradford. June 21, Malton Mr A Rosen Mrs S Sellars by Steve Green, Graham Link, Roger Wilcox, David King, Rosie Cannon, Swiss Teams, New Earswick. June 28, 4 Star Master Mrs M Stainer Bryant, Rob Helle. The winners of the Dick and Jane Rutter by a single point. Yorkshire Flitch, Wetherby. June 28, Mr D Booth Ms LM Tempest Frank Cup teams were Simon Creasey, Congratulations to other recent win - York shire Schools Cup (Harrogate). July Mr D Butler Mr C Volker Mrs L Davies Darren Evetts, David Kenward, Gareth ners of County events: Rob Blakeway – 5, Waddington Cup Final, Leeds. July 12, Mrs G Vriesendorp Newcomers Pivot Teams, Doncaster. r 3 Star Master Mr M White Roberts; only eight teams participated. Tony Tidmarsh (Veteran Pairs); John Mrs A Dukes Mrs PJ Young Club secretaries are asked to submit Turner – Sue Page (Phillips final); Mike Mr E Jennings Local Master club news for inclusion in these reports. Vetch (Non-expert Competition); Marian 2 Star Master Diary Dates: Reserve Wed June 3 at Wilcox – Sue Evans, repre senting Wor - Mrs SA Barker Mrs M Bell Mr PN Gilbert Ms L Blanchard WMBC for the Warwicks Men’s and cester (Worcestershire Club Champion - JUNE 23 is the closing Mr JFN Howard Mr D Fox Ladies’ Pairs. The West Midlands Con - ship Pairs); Stourbridge (Worcestershire date for the submission 1 Star Master Mrs S Hayward gress will start with the Ladies’ and Inter Club Knock-out). of county reports Mrs J Cockcroft Mr L Rothnie Men’s Open Pairs at 7pm on Friday June The County sponsors various train - Mr T Homburg Mrs E Scott 12, then Championship Pairs at 13.45 ing sessions around the county. The for the next issue of Mrs PA Isles Ms L Taylor Mrs J Pearson pm on Saturday June 13, and Swiss Teams seminars consist of a discussion on a English Bridge. Miss K Thorpe Mr K Pearson at 13.00 pm on Sunday June 14. Note particular topic followed by the bidding Please e-mail: Mr PR Pick Mr B Ward that the Cock o’ the County Pairs and and playing of set hands which give the Mrs VAH Smith Mr J Ward AGM have been rescheduled for 1.45 players the opportunity to practice what [email protected] Mr N Solden Mrs M Yarwood pm SundayJune 28 at WMBC. they have learnt. Following lunch, a The Charity Swiss Teams in aid of session of supervised play is usually www.ebu.co.uk June 2009 English Bridge 53 JUNE_09_EB_p54 Hinden:EB_Layout 3 14/05/2009 13:08 Page 54 G N

I Defending against D D I B

E artificial systems V I S N

E Part II F E

D Frances Hinden Finally, one optional extra. After a ‘pass or correct’ bid by responder, in fourth seat you ♠ A 7 ♠ K Q 10 8 5 2 IN April I looked at how to bid when your might have a strong hand with length in the 8 6 2 N K Q 5 ♥ W E ♥ right-hand opponent (RHO) opens with suit just bid on your right. Rather than pass ♦ K Q 8 2 S ♦ J 6 an artificial pre-empt. I recommended and hope to double later for take-out, you ♣ K J 10 7 ♣ Q 5 playing much the same defence whatever can play double as ‘multi-way’, i.e. take-out the opening: of any one of their possible suits. Opener • Even if the opening bid has both will have to reveal his suit over the double, West North East South strong and weak options, always and now you both bid on assuming that the 2♦ 2♠ Pass assume a weak hand until proven double was take-out of opener’s suit. 3♥1 Pass 3NT Pass otherwise. Pass 2 Pass HHHHH • Suit and no-trump overcalls are 1 A cue-bid, or general force usually natural and constructive. This may sound a little complex, so here are 2 Delighted (4 ♠ may go off) • If opener’s potential long suit is some examples where North opens with an known, bid as if he has pre-empted in artificial jump, either the Multi 2 ♦ (weak that suit. Double is take-out of the in one of the majors, or various strong ♠ K 2 ♠ A Q 7 3 implied suit, while pass followed by a hands), or some other pre-empt. ♥ Q 5 2 N ♥ A 7 3 W E double shows a relatively balanced ♦ A 7 5 4 S ♦ K J 3 hand. ♣ K J 7 2 ♣ 9 8 5 • If you don’t know opener’s long suit, ♠ A K 7 5 ♠ Q J 10 2 double shows a balanced hand, while 7 6 5 2 N J 4 ♥ W E ♥ pass then double is take-out. ♦ 2 S ♦ A Q 8 3 West North East South In this article I give some suggestions on ♣ A Q 7 6 ♣ K 8 3 3♦1 Pass 3♥ how to continue the auction. In general, try Pass Pass Dble 2 Pass to use the same methods as after a natural Pass 3 Pass pre-empt. For example, if you play Leben - West North East South 1 Weak with long hearts, or strong with sohl after a take-out double of a weak two, it 2♦ Dble 1 Pass spades and clubs is still useful after a double of an artificial 3♦2 Pass 3♠ Pass 2 Balanced values two. 4♠ All Pass 3 Very happy if North-South are vulnerable Unfortunately there is an additional com - 1 Balanced (opener’s suit is unknown) plication against an artificial opening. After 2 A cue-bid, as West would pass with a natural pre-empt and overcall, you can diamonds ♠ J 6 3 ♠ 8 always bid opener’s suit to show a good Q 10 8 7 4 N A K 5 2 ♥ W E ♥ hand, but how can you cue-bid when you ♦ J 5 S ♦ K Q 10 4 2 don’t know what their suit is? We deal with ♠ K Q 8 7 ♠ A 5 ♣ A 8 2 ♣ K 9 3 this using two more general rules: ♥ A Q 9 6 2 N ♥ K 3 W E • If partner doubles an artificial opening ♦ 5 S ♦ K 7 and next hand passes, bidding that suit ♣ Q 8 3 ♣ A K J 10 9 6 5 West North East South is strong and artificial (you could pass 2♦ Pass 2♥1 the double with length). Pass 2♠ Dble 2 Pass • If the opening bid has two possible West North East South 3♥3 Pass 4♥ All Pass weak suits (e.g. the ‘Multi’), and 2NT 1 3NT 2 Pass 1 To play opposite hearts (‘pass or correct’) partner overcalls naturally in one of 4NT 3 Pass 6♣4 All pass 2 Take-out of spades them, then a non-jump bid of the 1 Bad pre-empt in either minor 3 Playing Lebensohl, about 8+ points other one is a cue-bid. A jump is 2 Likely to make nine tricks natural and strong, in case partner 3 Do you have anything extra? Next time I shall look at what to do after an has picked off opener’s suit. 4 Yes (might try 6NT at match-points) artificial one-level opening or response. r

54 English Bridge June 2009 www.ebu.co.uk June09_adverts:EB_Layout 3 12/05/2009 17:52 Page 55

British Isles Bridge Breaks

JULY 2009 Sun 20th - Fri 25th Mon 6th - Fri 10th 5 Nights. Westhill Country Hotel, 4 Nights. Cumbria Grand, Lake Jersey. £269 XMAS & District. £269 Excellent cuisine and friendly service. Sun 12th - Thurs 16th Mon 28th - Fri 2nd Oct NEW YEAR 4 Nights. Bosworth Hall, Market 4 Nights. Cumbria Grand, Lake Bosworth. Set in 11 acres of District. £269 24th Dec 4 or 9 nights landscaped gardens and parkland. Holiday Inn, Ironbridge/ Telford £229 OCTOBER 2009 Full board over Xmas. £349 or £699 Sun 4th - Fri 9th Bosworth Hall 5 Nights. Esplanade, 24th Dec 4 or 9 nights Llandudno. £229 Three Counties, Hereford. £399 or £749 Sun 4th - Fri 9th 5 Nights. The Whitehall 24th Dec 3 nights Bournemouth. A delightful new The Whitehall, Broxted, Essex. venue, well positioned. £249 £299. Beautifully restored Manor House. Full board. The Whitehall, The Whitehall Bournemouth Sun 19th - Thurs 23rd 4 Nights. Princ e of Wales, Southpor t. An historic hotel ideally located in the centre of Southport. £199 AUGUST 2009 Sun 16th - Thurs 20th 4 Nights. Daunceys, Weston-Super- 29th Dec 4 nights Mare. Superb seafront location. £249 Holiday Inn, Ironbridge/Telford. £349 Sun 11th - Thurs 15th Sun 23rd - Thurs 27th 4 Nights. Royal Terrace, 30th Dec 3 nights 4 Nights. Park Inn, Bedford. Edinburgh. Hereford. £299 A town centre location on the 4 star boutique hotel in riverside. £189 central Edinburgh £299 Sat 29th - Tues 1st Sept Mon 12th - Fri 16th IRISH BREAKS 3 Nights. Holiday Inn, Ironbridge / 4 Nights. Daunceys, Telford. Excellent cuisine and leisure Weston-Super-Mare . £239 centre. Singles can stay in Fri 7th - Mon 10th August International for no supplement. £199 Sun 18th - Thurs 22nd 3 Nights. Dooleys Hotel, 4 Nights. Bosworth Hall, Market Waterford. £249 Ironbridge, Telford Bosworth. £229 Fri 30th Oct - Mon 2nd Nov SINGLES WEEKEND 3 Nights. Eviston House, Fri 23rd - Mon 26th 3 Nights. Killarney. £249 International / Holiday Inn Ironbridge / Telford. £199 Fri 19th -Mon 22nd March 2010 NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT 3 Nights. Eccles Hotel, Glengarriff, West Cork £249 NOVEMBER 2009 Eccles Hotel Sun 1st - Thurs 5th 4 Nights. Prince of Wales, Southport. £199

Mon 9th - Fri 13th Sat 29th - Tues 1Sept 4 Nights. The Whitehall 3 Nights. Three Counties, Hereford. Bournemouth. £199 Just a stroll along the river from this historic cathedral city. £229 Fri 13th - Sun 15th 2 Nights. The Park Inn, Sun 11th - Thurs 15th April 2010 SEPTEMBER 2009 Bedford. £129 4 Nights. The Harrington Hall, Sat 5th - Fri 11th Dublin . £329 6 Nights. Croyde Bay, North Sun 29th - Fri 4th Devon. Beautiful coastal walks. 5 Nights. Esplanade, Travel to Ireland not included. No single supplement. £299 Llandudno £199

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