Number: 165 UK £3.95 Europe €5.00 September 2016 Bernard Magee’s Acol Bidding Quiz This month we are dealing with all sorts of conventions. You are West in the auctions below, BRIDGEplaying ‘Standard Acol’ with a weak no-trump (12-14 points) and four-card majors.

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South 2♠1 1NT 2♣1 1♥ 2♥1 1♣1 Dbl 1♠ ? 1Weak two ? ? ? 1May have just one club 1Hearts and another suit (5-4+) 1Michaels cue bid: 5-5 in ♠ & ♣ or ♦ (five-card majors and a strong 1NT)

2. Dealer North. E/W Game. 5. Dealer West. Love All. 8. Dealer West. Love All. 11. Dealer North. Love All. ♠ 7 ♠ A Q 7 6 ♠ A K 7 5 ♠ A 7 6 3 N ♥ Q 8 7 6 N ♥ 3 2 N ♥ K Q 7 6 5 ♥ 6 5 4 N W E ♦ W E ♦ W E ♦ ♦ W E A 9 8 5 3 J 4 3 J 8 7 S 9 8 ♣ K 9 6 S ♣ A Q 10 3 S ♣ 2 ♣ K Q J 10 S

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South 2♠1 Pass Pass 1NT Pass Pass 2♣1 1♥ 2NT1 Dbl Pass 1♣1 Dbl 1♠ ? 1Weak two ? ? Pass 1NT Pass Pass 1Hearts and another suit (5-4+) 1Unusual no-trump: 5-5 in ♣ & ♦ ? 1May have just one club (five-card majors and a strong 1NT)

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South 2♠1 Dbl Pass 1NT 2♦1 2♥ Pass 1♥ 2♥1 1♣1 Pass 1♦2 ? 1Weak two ? Dbl 2♠ 3♣ Pass Pass 1♠ Dbl Pass 1Spades and a minor suit (5-4+) ? ? 1Michaels cue bid: 5-5 in ♠ & ♣ or ♦ 1Strong club 2Negative

Answers on page 7 Answers on page 9 Answers on page 11 Answers on page 13 Features this month include: ADVERTISERS’ 1 Bidding Quiz by Bernard Magee INDEX

BRIDGE Mr Bridge 2 Clive Goff’s Stamps 3 Ryden Grange, Knaphill, 6 Aegean Classics Surrey GU21 2TH 4 In My Opinion onboard Minerva 7 Designs for Bridge ( 01483 489961 7 Bidding Quiz Answers (1-3) by Bernard Magee Table Covers [email protected] 9 Bidding Quiz Answers (4-6) by Bernard Magee 7 Travel Insurance www.mrbridge.co.uk 7 Designs for Bridge Tables shop: www.mrbridge.co.uk/ 11 Bidding Quiz Answers (7-9) by Bernard Magee 8 Old Empires mrbridge-shop 13 Bidding Quiz Answers (10-12) by Bernard Magee onboard Minerva Publisher and 9 Acol Bidding Managing Editor 14 David Stevenson Answers Your Questions with Bernard Magee Mr Bridge 10 Adriatic to Venice 18 Teachers’ Corner by Ian Dalziel onboard Minerva Associate Editor and 21 Trump Control by Bernard Magee 11 Defence Bridge Consultant with Bernard Magee Bernard Magee 22 Julian Pottage Answers Your Questions 12 Italian Overture bernardmagee onboard Minerva @mrbridge.co.uk 23 Declarer Play Quiz by David Huggett 13 Club Insurance Cartoons & Illustrations 13 Duplicate Bridge Marguerite Lihou 25 Declarer Play Answers by David Huggett Rules Simplified 13 Pot Boiler Tea Towel www.margueritelihou.co.uk 26 Globe Trotter Part Three by Shireen Mohandes 14 Fiestas de Navidad Technical Consultant 28 Balancing by Jeremy Dhondy onboard Minerva Tony Gordon 19 The Present Tea Towel Typesetting & Design 33 More Tips by Bernard Magee 19 QPlus 11 Ruth Edmondson 19 Life’s a Game Tea Towel [email protected] 33 Defence Quiz by Julian Pottage 20 Atlantic Isles onboard Minerva Proof Readers 35 Defence Quiz Answers by Julian Pottage Julian Pottage 24 Archipelagos onboard Minerva Mike Orriel 37 Sally’s Slam of the Month 30 Volcanic Islands Catrina Shackleton onboard Minerva Richard Wheen 38 Readers’ Letters 31 French Riviera & Customer Services 40 Catching Up with Sally Brock Moorish Spain with Catrina Shackleton Voyages to Antiquity [email protected] 41 Wendy Wensum’s Diaries 32 Maritime Iberia onboard Minerva Events & Cruises 42 Friar Tuck’s Deception by David Bird 34 UK Scenes from Silver ( 01483 489961 44 Alerts and Announcements by David Stevenson Screen with Fred.Olsen Jessica Galt 36 Irish Christmas Markets [email protected] 46 Trump Management by Andrew Kambites with Fred.Olsen Megan Riccio 37 Mr Bridge [email protected] 47 Seven Days with Sally Brock Festive Season 2016 Sophie Pierrepont 41 Mr Bridge Just [email protected] 50 The Abbot, The Parrot and The Bermuda Bowl Duplicate Bridge Events Clubs & Charities reviewed by David Huggett 45 Bernard Magee’s Maggie Axtell Tutorial Software [email protected] 47 Madeira, Morocco REDUCE THE COST OF YOUR POSTAGE & Seville with Address Changes Voyages to Antiquity ( 01483 485342 Postage stamps for sale at 85% of face-value, 49 Declarer Play Elizabeth Bryan all mint with full gum. Quotations for with Bernard Magee [email protected] commercial quantities available on request. 50 Renaissance Values supplied in 100s, higher values & Rivieras with Printed in the UK by available as well as 1st and 2nd class Voyages to Antiquity The Magazine (eg 2nd class: 100x38p+100x16p). 51 Bernard Magee DVDs Printing Company 52 Fred.’s Favourite Fjords www.magprint.co.uk ( 020 8422 4906 e-mail: [email protected] with Fred.Olsen

Page 2 BRIDGE September 2016 SHOP WINDOW also sent a set as a withhold their name. and duplicate bridge. Extra consolation prize for her copies for friends and Whilst this can be entry, Mr Hat. family are available at £8 acceptable for contributors including p&p. to David Stevenson’s or 2016 DVDs Julian Pottage’s columns, a LIGHTNING The 2016 filming has now debate can only really be been through all its started if readers can In early July, Ryden Grange post-filming processes and respond to a name. Future was struck by lightning, the finished DVDs are now contributors to ‘In My which knocked out the in stock. It can be included Opinion’ should put on telephone line, internal as part of the ‘any two for their armour and pick up exchange and broadband. My promotional booklet, the price of one’ offer which their sword, before sitting This resulted in our IT Shop Window, is enclosed is set to expire at the end in front of their PC to type being down for almost a with this issue. Do use its of August. See page 51 for in their letter. full week. mail order form on its full details. After several weeks of poor page 47 if you want to 2017 FILMING service, our server and take up the DVD offer VESTED INTERESTS other parts gave up and we before it expires. In an editorial earlier this were down for another four It is intended to divert year, I made a plea for new days while everything was adverts and free-up developments and downloaded and space in BRIDGE for directions for the game. transferred… it’s a case of more bridge. These are to be included this stuff is great when it in the new ‘In My Opinion’ works but a real pain when it doesn’t. C’est la vie. GOODBYE column. The 2017 filming event is I also warned that vested scheduled for 13-16 Readers will sense that I PATRICK JORDAIN have a love hate relationship interests will fight and January. Over three days with my tea towels. Indeed, resist any sort of change. Bernard Magee, pictured It is sad to report the they were the salvation of above, will give six self- passing of Patrick Jordain, My own vested interests contained tutorials on my bridge dreams and are obvious. Change is bridge correspondent of schemes years ago, so I have various aspects of the game. The Daily Telegraph. A full vital to arrest the These will be filmed and a soft spot for the entire continuing decline in obituary will be published collection. recorded and later edited in the October issue. R.I.P. the numbers playing. into six self-contained But they must go if I am to DVDs. Each lecture is MINERVA focus on the future, so I CO-INCIDENDENCE followed by a session of play really am clearing them OR … supervised by a team of out. 5 for £12.95, randomly really experienced bridge Just over 10 years ago, selected, including postage hosts allowing Bernard I had two gas fired boilers and packing. I am sure the Magee to have a rest. For installed here at Ryden helpful girls in my office details see the carrier sheet. will do their level best to Grange. Both had ten year warranties. see you get what you want. 2017 DIARIES Please make sure you One went wrong after ten include your full name All subscribers have been years and three months and Mrs Bridge is quite keen to and address. now the second has major sent a luxury version of my Bridge Players’ diary. These sail on this lovely ship. We problems after ten years had a good look round last NAME and six months. Is it really have soft kidrell covers in a choice of ruby red, navy week while the ship was in COMPETITION co-incidence or could it be Portsmouth for the day. built-in obsolescence? blue or bottle green with a Rose calls her grandpa Hat, pouch on the front edge to Aegean Classics so I have awarded a set of DON’T BE SHY hold its own ball point pen. 2-15 November 2016 the latest DVDs to Frances Published for many years Atlantic Archipelagos Donnelly of Preston and This months ‘In My now at £14.95 each, it 17- 30 January 2017 Philip Aelberry of Opinion’ column is contains Bernard Magee’s Downham Market, published anonymously summary of the Acol Further details in the Norfolk, the only at the reader’s request, Bidding System, Mike enclosed Shop Window. completely correct entries. but in my view some of Swanson’s summary of the All good wishes, Hazael Brown of the impact is lost by the Laws and Ethics and Kilmarnock, Scotland is writer’s decision to scoring for rubber, Chicago Mr Bridge

BRIDGE September 2016 Page 3 In My Opinion A Little Bit of Vision: One Reply

A reader (name and address supplied) expresses his view on why the number of bridge players is dwindling and how the EBU might halt this decline.

hank you for writing your Bit of their leisure time, and they want to solicitors become involved; the Vision leader in the June 2016 spend that time with people of their committee tries to conceal what has edition of BRIDGE. Although I own age. You don’t have to scan happened; and members feel shut out Tam not sure that a rigidly enforced sys- through many pages of an English because the committee stops telling tems card can be part of the solution bridge magazine to realise that the them what is going on. to bridge’s survival problem, there is vast majority of featured players are The pressures on those involved with so much in what you have written that old and/or nerdy-looking and — let’s the administration of any bridge club I agree with. be frank — white. English bridge clubs are piling up from several different Wherever my partner and I holiday of 50 years ago may have been more directions: in England, we try to phone the stuffy in dress, but I suspect they were local bridge club and arrange to far more youthful and vibrant than l The rules seem to be getting more play an evening as visitors. Without today. It is almost as if the people who numerous and more complicated. exception, these clubs welcome us. But are playing today are the people who Whether this is true or not, the for many of them, there appear to be were playing 50 years ago. perception is certainly that the dark clouds already overhead, not the When this bridge cohort dies out, rules are being tweaked each year. least of which are the basic economics will there be anyone to replace them? Every club director, if not every of survival. At first glance, those clubs Will the game of bridge make it to its player, is obliged to keep abreast which own their premises would seem 2025 centenary? The problem is that of these changes, for seemingly no to have a sounder financial foundation, bridge is no longer the essential social gain. One would have thought that but in our experience those that hire skill for the middle classes that it the game had been around long municipal facilities make a smaller once was. Unlike the daily routine my enough for the rules to be finalised. charge for table money, perhaps father faced 50 years ago, job pressures because private premises often need a today mean that, after a day in the l The EBU is complicating the job of caretaker to be costed into the club’s office or on the road, professionals can club administrators by introducing budget. no longer guarantee to get home in programmes such as NGS and the time for supper and a 7.30pm bridge 70% Rule which seem to have no The Problem session. discernible positive effect on the What we have also found is that typical member’s satisfaction with Bridge clubs are going to the wall, the committees of bridge clubs are the game. primarily because the number of getting older. (At one club we visited, players attending is dwindling. a chairman in her seventh decade l The array of technology available For example, we turned up to one was succeeded by one in his eighth, to clubs is growing. From scoring Friday evening session at a seaside who was then succeeded by one in his programs to online websites to destination where just two members ninth.) People who have not been in computerised card shuffling (and and five visitors were in attendance. employment for perhaps 30 years are ‘answer sheets’) to live scoring Price never seems to be the issue. finding themselves in positions where systems. Each club needs IT- The problem is that many young they have to grapple with decisions literate members who can cope people have no desire to go to a of rapidly increasing complexity. with each stage that the club duplicate bridge club, no matter what Some club committees are finding decides to progress to. The rest the price. There are just too many themselves overwhelmed by crises. of the committee needs to have other ways today for them to spend A key incident gets mishandled; confidence in both these IT people

Page 4 BRIDGE September 2016 and the backup processes it would to have served only to put money in and many directors want a simple use if the technology or the IT- lawyers’ pockets. Clubs should be set of rules which are guaranteed literate members were not available automatically protected from any not to change. on a club evening. threat of a lawsuit that may arise out of an accusation of cheating. It l Fourthly, the EBU needs to l The laws governing the conduct is ridiculous that English Bridge can restrain its desire to invent new of all clubs, particularly clubs use the c-word when talking about programmes for clubs and club with more than 25 members, international players, but clubs in members. The 70% Rule (or 75% are multiplying. A lot of anti- England have to pussyfoot around Rule as it was originally called) is discrimination, anti-harassment, the issue because they lack the hard a classic example of an EBU idea anti-stalking and data protection video evidence of misdemeanours. which has caused no end of worry legislation has been put on the No club player should be permitted for clubs, but with no discernible statute books since 1997, yet to claim that their reputation gain in sight for them. many clubs are currently led outside bridge has been damaged by chairmen who retired from by whatever someone in the club l Finally, to attract youngsters employment before that date. We says about their play. with agile, innovative minds to have found that, when confronted In return for gentle protection the game, the EBU and bridge by the threats of unhappy members, of bridge clubs from rafts of new clubs need to abandon their would-be members, visitors or legislation for the state, the EBU fusty image and encourage suppliers, there can be a tendency should not commit to pursuing players to try out new ideas at for chairmen to come up with ideas legal technicalities against quangos, the table. There are hundreds of to cope with these threats which such as the argument that bridge is laws, rules and protocols in the are unrealistic today, if not actually somehow a ‘sport’. game of duplicate bridge, and downright unlawful. most beginners break most of l Secondly, the EBU should provide them during their apprenticeship. How can a committee which meets regular articles and updates, via Directors need to know not just all just three or four times a year cope English Bridge, on how to run a the standard remedies, but also how with this degree of change? The short bridge club, so that all members to communicate them to beginners answer is ... barely. Or not at all if a — not just the chairman — can see in a friendly way, which won’t deter crisis occurs. what best management practice is. them from ever entering a duplicate In the wake of a misfortune in the If the best legal advice suggests that pairs club again. Somehow the club, in whatever shape it may have clubs should form themselves into image of the game needs to move arisen, some clubs are reacting by limited companies to reduce their away from rectification and towards retreating to what they know worked members’ liabilities, then the EBU freedom. before — a chairman who resigns in should tell us so. Some committees the wake of a crisis, for instance, may act as if the chairman has absolute In Conclusion be replaced by an older person thought power, including the power to to have been a safe pair of hands in select the next chairman. Other Bridge is one of those many occupations the past. But such people can often committees are held to ransom by in which, one imagines, the cleverest overreach themselves — neither their divisive individuals who will only people get to the top. This may well hearing nor their memory turn out to offer their talents to the committee be true, but it can be difficult for very be what they were, they fail to make if specific other members are not clever people who are highly immersed notes of crucial conversations, and invited to join. If the EBU’s best in their sphere of interest to appreciate suddenly they are being threatened organisational advice is that clubs the complexity of this sphere. My fear by an offended and much younger run on a voluntary basis should is that these very immersed people at member with a keen grasp of email, operate on a rotating committee the EBU are adding to the complexity mobile phone technology and Twitter. system, such as that employed through their ideas and programmes, by the Deva in Chester, the EBU and they are also imposing them on How can the should tell us this. the less immersed people out there EBU help? in the country and abroad on bridge l Thirdly,the EBU should devise an holidays. l First, it should argue the case unchanging ‘Duplicate Lite’ set of If the EBU leadership cannot think with the government for minimal rules which will be just fine for 90% down either to the level of its many legislation for bridge clubs. Bridge of bridge holidays, club events, and once-a-week member-players or to the clubs are no happier or healthier bridge in people’s homes. The EBU enormous untapped market of people today than they were 50 years ago. needs to recognise that the vast who know nothing of the game, then In other words, the new statutes put majority of players do not want to it needs to delegate the fundamental on the books since then have done play by the same rules as are needed issue of the survival of the game to no good for bridge clubs, and seem for international matches. Players another organisation. ■

BRIDGE September 2016 Page 5 AEGEAN CLASSICS

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SH_16_2097_Mr Bridge_Aegean Classics_A4.indd 1 24/05/2016 17:29 Answers to Bernard Magee’s Bidding Quizzes 1-3 on the Cover

call, usually a take-out double. 1. Dealer South. Love All. Add three points to your hand (borrow ♠ K Q 3 ♠ 8 7 2 a king) and see if you would make a bid ♥ K 4 3 2 N ♥ A 5 with the extra strength: if the answer is ♦ K 7 6 W E ♦ Q 8 4 2 yes, then go ahead and bid. S ♣ Q J 2 ♣ 9 6 5 4 You have 9 HCP and a singleton, a little weak for a normal take-out double, but borrowing the three points in the West North East South last seat, you can go for it. All you are 2♠1 doing is trying to compete for the deal: ? 1Weak two quite often going off will be a good score because your opponents can make 2♠. Pass. When bidding over a weak This is so important: knowing that going two, you want to bid aggressively with off can score well should encourage you distributional hands, but should be more to bid more. Your partner has a flat 15 TR AVEL circumspect with balanced hands. Your points and couldn’t make a bid over 2♠, system should include a natural 2NT but you have rescued him by borrowing a INSURANCE overcall and a take-out double. king and doubling. With the vulnerability The take-out double is used when you offering more for going for game, he will For your own quote from are short in the suit opened and have probably try for 3NT. opening values or better. ‘Shortage’ means two or fewer cards. The 2NT overcall is used to show strong and 3. Dealer North. Love All. balanced hands in a relatively wide ♠ 7 6 4 3 ♠ 5 range: 16-19 points. ♥ A 4 3 2 N ♥ K Q J 8 Your hand fits in to neither of these ♦ K Q 7 2 W E ♦ A 9 8 3 S descriptions and is therefore a pass. ♣ 7 ♣ Q 8 3 2 ( 01268 524344 2. Dealer North. E/W Game. West North East South www.covercloud.co.uk ♠ 7 ♠ K Q 3 2 2♠1 Dbl Pass ♥ Q 8 7 6 N ♥ K 4 3 ? 1Weak two ♦ A 9 8 5 3 W E ♦ K Q 6 S ♣ K 9 6 ♣ Q 10 2 4♥. Your partner has made a take-out double and you have to respond. It is important to fully evaluate: your partner West North East South has suggested he has support for all 2♠1 Pass Pass the unbid suits, but particularly for the ? 1Weak two unbid major. You have 9 HCP and a singleton. Your hand looks to fit well with Double. The answer to this question your partner’s: weak spades opposite his depends on your bidding style. However, shortage and two good suits that partner I would like you to bid a bit more and, can support. therefore, change your style. You should expect an opening hand Remember that the 2♠ opening shows from your partner and you have seven a weak hand, so you need to think, losers, so that would suggest a game ‘Where are all the points?’ When you contract, which is what you should bid: are the last player to bid (a pass from 4♥. Remember that a 3♥ response you would end the auction) and you have promises nothing, so partner would pass shortage in your opponent’s suit, you that: after all he has a minimum hand for should try very hard to come up with a his double. ■

BRIDGE September 2016 Page 7 TAPESTRY of BYZANTINE & OTTOMAN EMPIRES

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SH_16_2097_Mr Bridge_Tapestry of Byzantine_A4.indd 1 24/05/2016 17:32 Answers to Bernard Magee’s BERNARD Bidding Quizzes 4-6 MAGEE’S on the Cover INTERACTIVE TUTORIAL CD

On the previous question we saw a 4. Dealer East. N/S Game. double used to show strength, but the ACOL BIDDING ♠ A 6 ♠ K Q 3 2 situation is very different here, because ♥ J 9 7 6 N ♥ A 4 3 everybody knows your strength already ♦ A 9 8 3 2 W E ♦ 7 6 (12-14 points) and therefore a double S ♣ 6 5 ♣ K Q 10 4 is used in its natural sense – showing clubs. Usually the auction will carry on as the opponents find their fit, but having West North East South shown clubs you will allow your partner MAC or 1NT 2♣1 the chance to compete if he also has Windows ? clubs. 1Hearts and another suit (5-4+) Here, North-South have a heart fit and will make 2♥ easily, but East is able Double. When your opponents make to bid 3♣, on the back of your double, an artificial two-suited overcall over your which will either win the auction or push weak no-trump opening, it is sensible the opponents up a level and give you to use a double of the artificial bid to the chance to take them down. show that your side have the majority of the points and should be looking to do something. Further doubles can be Throughout 200 deals split into used as penalty doubles, just in case the 6. Dealer West. Love All. ten chapters, Bernard evaluates opponents cannot find a fit, or end up ♠ K 3 2 ♠ A 9 7 your bids, praising the correct too high. This is exactly the case here – ♥ K 6 4 3 N ♥ Q J 8 7 2 ones and discussing the wrong your opponents have no real fit and will ♦ A 7 3 W E ♦ 6 5 S ones. struggle in whatever contract they reach. ♣ A 8 4 ♣ 9 5 3 As long as one of your side has length l Opening Bids in their trump suit and your side has the and Responses majority of points, then a penalty double West North East South l Slams and will gain great dividends – you can hope 1NT 2♦1 2♥ Pass Strong Openings to get at least 500 points from this deal. ? 1Spades and a minor suit (5-4+) l Support for Partner l Pre-empting Pass. What kind of strength is East l Overcalls 5. Dealer West. Love All. showing? £66 ♠ A Q 7 6 ♠ J 8 3 First thing to remember is that when l No-trump ♥ 3 2 N ♥ 8 7 6 they come in with an overcall (natural or Openings ♦ J 4 3 W E ♦ A 2 not), then your normal conventions are and Responses S ♣ A Q 10 3 ♣ K J 8 6 2 off (no more transfers or Stayman). So l Opener’s and your partner is showing hearts. Responder’s Rebids The other thing to bear in mind is that West North East South when responding ‘naturally’ to 1NT, the l Minors and Misfits 1NT Pass Pass 2♣1 two-level is used for weak bids and the l Doubles ? three-level for strong bids. Therefore, l Competitive Auctions 1Hearts and another suit (5-4+) your partner is showing a weak hand with at least five hearts – he has no Double. A similar auction to the aspirations for game, but simply wants to previous hand, but this time you opened compete for the part-score. Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, the bidding 1NT and two passes followed You should pass and hope that 2♥ Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH before South bid 2♣. This 2♣ bid shows wins the auction. The opponents do have ( 01483 489961 two suits, one of which is hearts (the a fit in diamonds, but they may not find it www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop hand will have at least a 5-4 shape). and 2♥ will make +110. ■

BRIDGE September 2016 Page 9 ADRIATIC COASTS to VENICE with Bernard Magee

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SH_16_2097_Mr Bridge_Adriatic Coasts_A4.indd 1 25/05/2016 12:33 Answers to Bernard Magee’s BERNARD Bidding Quizzes 7-9 MAGEE’S INTERACTIVE on the Cover TUTORIAL CD DEFENCE

to. What we have seen throughout the 7. Dealer East. Love All. examples on two-suited conventions is ♠ A Q 4 3 ♠ 10 9 7 the double is used to show the opening ♥ 7 6 N ♥ A J 4 3 2 side’s strength, so that they would expect ♦ Q J 10 8 W E ♦ 7 to get a positive score. Therefore, there is MAC or S ♣ J 8 2 ♣ A K 6 5 no onus on you to make a bid – clearly Windows if they choose to play in 2NT, your side is likely to make the most tricks because West North East South you have a comfortable majority of the 1♥ 2♥1 points. You pass and leave the oppo- ? nents to struggle. 1Michaels cue bid: 5-5 in spades and a Once again your opponents do not minor have a fit and you should be able to collect a penalty from whichever contract Double. they finish in. Two-suited overcalls are quite common nowadays and it is important to Bernard develops your understand how to cope. Your first defence in the course of ten choice is rather like the option after the 9. Dealer East. Love All. introductory exercises and artificial bids over 1NT: use the double ♠ J 3 2 ♠ K 8 120 complete deals. of their artificial bid to show strength. ♥ A 4 N ♥ K Q 8 3 2 It shows that your side has the majority ♦ Q J 9 3 W E ♦ 4 l Lead vs S of the points, and opens up the choice ♣ K 8 6 3 ♣ A Q J 4 2 No-trump Contracts of collecting a penalty. You do not use l Lead vs the double to show heart support – with Suit Contracts support for hearts you should pass or bid West North East South l Partner of Leader ♥ ♥ ♥1 3 or more. 1 2 vs No-trump ♠ ♣ Here, your opponents will try to settle Dbl 2 3 Pass Contracts in 3♦ but you will double them and collect ? a nice penalty. 1Michaels cue bid: 5-5 in spades l Partner of Leader and a minor vs Suit Contracts l Count 3♠. Signals 8. Dealer West. Love All. You start by using a double to show l Attitude £76 ♠ A K 7 5 ♠ 9 6 3 your strength, but your partner bids Signals ♥ K Q 7 6 5 N ♥ 8 2 3♣ over their 2♠. Your partner will not ♦ J 8 7 W E ♦ A 4 2 often rebid in a suit unless he has a l Discarding S ♣ 2 ♣ A Q 6 5 3 distributional hand himself. You have a l Defensive Plan good club fit, but with such a flat hand l Stopping Declarer yourself you should consider a no-trump West North East South contract. However, without a spade stop, l Counting the Hand 1♥ 2NT1 Dbl Pass you cannot risk bidding 3NT yourself. ? Instead, you bid 3♠, the opponents’ suit, 1Unusual no-trump: 5-5 in the minors to invite your partner to bid 3NT if he Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, has a spade stopper. If he doesn’t have Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH Pass. a stopper you will finish up in clubs, but ( 01483 489961 Dealing with your opponents’ conven- here, he bids 3NT and you reach the best www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop tions is not easy and takes getting used contract. ■

BRIDGE September 2016 Page 11 ITALIAN OVERTURE

ITALY • MONTENEGRO 9 – 21 December 2016 13-day cruise from £1,499pp

Venice DOGE'S PALACE

Ravenna PISA Livorno ITALY Kotor MONTENEGRO Civitavecchia Naples POMPEII Brindisi LECCE Pompeii, Italy

Highlight port (2 full days) CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

Join Minerva in the amazing fl oating city of Venice and • Embark Minerva in Venice before spending the day then head to Ravenna, home to the important Basilica of exploring this remarkable city San Vitale. Sail to Montenegro and the charming walled • Discover Ravenna, a glittering showcase of Byzantine city of Kotor before returning to Italian shores, stopping art and culture at Brindisi. From here discover the iconic Trulli houses • Wander the ancient cobbled streets of Kotor, of Alberobello and then continue to Naples, a stone’s dramatically situated at the head of Southern Europe’s throw from Pompeii. Experience Tuscany’s treasures from deepest fjord Livorno, enjoy an extended stay in Florence and arrive in • Uncover the fascinating treasures of Pompeii and Civitavecchia to uncover Rome’s ancient treasures. Herculaneum from Naples • Enjoy an overnight stay in Livorno, gateway to FARES PER PERSON MIN161209 Florence and Pisa Cabin Type Fares from • Extend your cruise with an optional 3-night pre-cruise Balcony Savers from £2,999 city stay in Venice and Verona or 3-night post-cruise Outside Cabins from £1,799 stay in Rome Inside Cabins from £1,499 • Full Mr Bridge programme

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SH_16_2097_Mr Bridge_Italian Overture_A4.indd 1 24/05/2016 17:31 Answers to Bernard Magee’s CLUB Bidding Quizzes 10-12 INSURANCE Every club should be on the Cover covered and my inclusive package, to suit clubs of up to 300 members for less than to understand the meaning of North’s £75 per year, is the right 10. Dealer North. Love All. rebid. When your opponents are playing package at the right price. ♠ 6 2 ♠ A 9 8 a strong no-trump, their 1NT rebid is ♥ Q 2 N ♥ K 8 6 3 the equivalent of a weak no-trump. Contact FIDENTIA for a quote ♦ A 8 7 3 W E ♦ K Q 6 2 Therefore North will have 12-14 points S ♣ A 9 8 5 4 ♣ 3 2 and a balanced hand. ( 020 3150 0080 Your partner has shown an opening [email protected] hand and you have a good ten points (the West North East South K-Q-J-10 is worth 3 tricks) and therefore 1♣1 Dbl 1♠ should expect to be able to defeat 1NT. ? Double for penalties. 1May have just one club (five-card majors DUPLICATE and a strong 1NT) BRIDGE 2♦. 12. Dealer North. Love All. What does your partner’s double mean? ♠ 8 6 5 4 ♠ 7 2 RULES Generally, you should defend against ♥ K 2 N ♥ Q J 6 3 the ‘phoney’ club as if it was a natural ♦ J 8 6 5 W E ♦ K Q 9 2 S SIMPLIFIED ♣ A 4 2 ♣ K Q 6 club opening bid, with one exception: (otherwise known as the Yellow Book) a 2♣ overcall is played as natural. This means that the double is take-out of by John Rumbelow clubs, which means you should choose West North East South only and revised by to respond in any of the other three suits. 1♣1 Pass 1♦2 95 David Stevenson £5 With 10 HCP you need to make a bid, Pass 1♠ Dbl Pass because you expect to be the stronger ? partnership and 2♦ is your best bid. This 1Strong club 2Negative Available from Mr Bridge allows you to compete for the hand. ( 01483 489961 2♦. www.mrbridge.co.uk Strong club systems use the 1♣ opening bid to show almost all of their strong 11. Dealer North. Love All. hands: showing 16 or more points with ♠ A 7 6 3 ♠ K 8 4 any shape. The 1♦ response is used as a ♥ 6 5 4 N ♥ Q J 9 2 negative bid showing 6 or fewer points. It W E BOI ♦ 9 8 ♦ A K 6 3 shows nothing about the hand’s shape. OT LER S P ♣ K Q J 10 ♣ 4 3 The first natural bid is 1♠ and this is the ♠ A Q 7 key aspect of the hand – there has only ♥ A K Q J ♦ Q J 10 9 8 7 been one natural bid – therefore, your ♣ Void ♠ K J 10 8 6 ♠ 9 5 4 3 2 West North East South partner’s double is for take-out of spades. ♥ 5 4 3 2 N ♥ VOID 1♣1 Dbl 1♠ He should have shortage in spades and ♦ W E ♦ VOID S 6 5 4 3 2 Pass 1NT Pass Pass support for the other three suits. ♣ K Q J 10 ♣ 4 3 2 ♠ Void ? You respond in your best suit, as you ♥ 10 9 8 7 6 1May have just one club (five-card majors would have done if the opening bid had ♦ A K ♣ A 9 8 7 6 5 and a strong 1NT) been 1♠ (as it would have been in other systems): 2♦. Contract 7♥ by South. Double. Dealing with other systems is not easy: West leads the ♣K. Your partner doubles 1♣ but you have generally you do not need to do much nothing to say over South’s 1♠. North different. The important aspect is to Mr Bridge rebids 1NT and the auction comes identify which bids are natural and which Made in the UK from 100% pure cotton © back to you. The key to this auction is are not. ■

BRIDGE September 2016 Page 13 FIESTAS de NAVIDAD CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR

ITALY • SARDINIA • MALLORCA • SPAIN • FRANCE 21 December 2016 – 3 January 2017 14-day cruise from £1,699pp

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SH_16_2097_Mr Bridge_Fiestas de Navidad_A4.indd 1 27/05/2016 09:52 David Stevenson answers your questions on Laws and Ethics

East Did Not Notice a Double

On the hand North’s double dropped the bidding but for partner’s explanation. below, North’s and correcting his at 3♦. Had the director In this case, South’s Qdouble was not understanding of been called, how double and West’s 2♦ bid alerted. East did not West’s bidding? would he rule? are normal enough. Some notice it and intended If North had now Name and address supplied. directors in Prague thought 2♣ to be puppet passed, should East it would be enough that Stayman; but over a continue to believe This is a very difficult East would look at the 2♠ penalty double it is a E/W are using case. A similar bid and realise there was a transfer to diamonds puppet Stayman? A case was discussed red card (double) next to it, (exit transfers). West In practice, North now at the European bridge not a green card (pass). alerted and, upon bid 2♠. Is this sufficient directors’ training week in Having explained the request, explained to bring North’s Prague recently, and even difficulties, looking at the it as a transfer to earlier double to East’s among the top directors actual hand, I can only say diamonds (unauthorised attention and allow there was no consensus. that even at the top level, information for East) him to realise West is The law is simple: you different directors might rule and duly bid 2♦. using exit transfers? may not choose amongst differently. The actual choice If East is not yet logical alternatives, one of 3♦ seems acceptable, but allowed to realise West suggested over another by certain choices by East might ♠ A K 10 9 5 is using exit transfers, he unauthorised information lead to an adjustment. ♥ Q 3 2 should take West’s 2♦ bid from partner, and his ♦ K 9 8 as saying, ‘no five-card explanation is unauthorised. ♣♦♥♠ ♣ A 8 major, but a four-card What are logical ♠ Q J 7 4 ♠ 8 major,’ and continue alternatives? Can it be I belong to two

♥ J 10 N ♥ A K 9 7 with puppet Stayman assumed East will never notice bridge clubs. One W E ♦ A 6 5 2 ♦ Q J 10 4 3 (assuming North had what the auction actually is? of them plays S Q ♣ K Q 9 ♣ 7 6 3 passed), bidding 2♠ After all, the auction is in front fairly strictly to time with ♠ 6 3 2 (showing four hearts). of him and it is authorised. the director stating at ♥ 8 6 5 4 At what point is The conclusions reached the start of the evening ♦ 7 West entitled to be at the European course that there will be seven ♣ J 10 5 4 2 sure he and East are were that the director has minutes per board, at cross purposes? a difficult judgement. If the issuing reminders when Still using exit auction takes a surprising the time is nearly up. West North East South transfers, West might turn then the player is likely The other club takes Pass Pass take East as having a to have a close look at the a less formal approach 1NT Dbl 2♣ Dbl game-invitational hand auction, see his mistake, and and although the move 2♦ 2♠ 3♦ All Pass (but short of an opening now is allowed to act on it, is sometimes called bid) with five diamonds but if it does not (say the next before everyone has At what point is East and four spades. hand bids 4♠, pass, pass), he finished, if any table is justified in ‘noticing’ In practice, E/W might easily not look again lagging behind they

BRIDGE September 2016 Page 15 are asked to try to finish not been started. Whilst a because of the pass out, but does so through ignorance. quickly rather than lot of directors say that the if on another occasion you Since such players do not there being warnings table should just take an misplay a hand, are lucky realise their bidding is or penalties. Over the average, this is illegal: if a and get a top, you could anything but normal, they course of an evening, director is going to cancel say you have penalised all will not alert nor understand quicker and slower play a board, he has to find out the other people sitting your why they should do so. tends to balance out and who was at fault and give way: it is the same thing. It is very rare that such members seem happy average pluses and average players cause much trouble with this approach and, minuses as a result. ♣♦♥♠ to their opponents. I am not in practice, the sessions So legally, he can cancel sure how they kept you out are of similar length the board, though not just Recently, my right of the bidding, but you must in both clubs. We tend give averages. However, in hand opponent have had a chance to show to play 24 boards and clubs especially, custom and Qmade a reverse your hand on the first round finish around 10.15pm. practice rule, and if this is not bid. Assuming she had before the reverse occurred. I was, therefore, very the normal method in this 16+ points, I withdrew I suppose it is possible that taken aback the other club then someone should from the bidding. When you could show how a very night when the director have a word with him. her hand went down she weak reverse damaged you (not one of the usual had only nine points; and get an adjustment, but directors though a ♣♦♥♠ it was clear we should it is hardly worth the upset regular club attender) have played the contract. against opponents who will came over to our table At a duplicate How do you find out if not understand the problem. and said he was not bridge session, people a) use reverse allowing us to play the Qone hand was bidding correctly and b) ♣♦♥♠ last two boards and was passed by all players if they are aware of it? going to give both pairs even though one player Rosalind Garvie by email. In one of an average. It was a held an opening hand. the local three-table, 27 board It was a mistake as the I am assuming Qtournaments, movement so there were holder of that hand that your RHO had the following bidding only three rounds. On miscounted her cards or A opened the bidding, took place (East-West this final round play at points. It so happened then reversed. To make it silent throughout): our table was slower that the opponents were clear, a reverse is where the than at the other two; the club scorer and suits are bid in such an order South North the director’s table had his wife who declared that if partner prefers the first 1♣1 1♥ finished and the other that they would score suit, he must say so at the 1NT2 2♥3 was on the last board. 22 points – a top score three level. Thus 1♦-1♠-2♥ 3♥2 3♠4 However, there had been for doing nothing. I am and 1♠-2♥-3♣ are reverses 1Precision. no explicit time keeping intrigued as to how a (the latter is also known as 2Asking. and no warning given. pair can get a top score a high reverse) but 1♥-1♠- 3Game force, 4 controls. Although it was 10.20pm, for doing nothing. Is it a 2♦ and 1♣-1♥-1♠ are not. 45+hearts with no honours. since we were playing penalty of some kind? If Because of reaching the a 27 board tournament it was, it penalised all the three level, it was decided At this point before we were within the other pairs sitting N/S. many years ago that extra East could pass, North normal timescale for Brenda Champion, values were required, shouted, ‘Director, a club tournament. Basingstoke. typically 16 points. This is not please.’ He said to the I questioned the ruling, really a convention, merely director, ‘I have made but was told that I had When you score zero common sense. However, a wrong response.’ nothing to complain on a hand because not everyone realises this His partner could hear about because both A it was passed out, and some players make the remark. Can the pairs were getting then you beat all the minus reverses on any values director allow him to an average. scores, and lose to all the without realising that it may change his bid? Was the director plus scores. Bridge is a game lead to disastrous contracts Dr N M Gadgil by email. within his rights to of judgement and mistakes with insufficient values. make this decision? and you may get a good In theory, a pair that play It depends what A Lee by email. score for either reason. reverses without normal his mistake was. Mistakes at one table always values should put it on their A If he intended to The director has an affect all the other tables system card and alert when bid 3NT (for example) and absolute right to but that is normal bridge partner reverses. The snag accidentally bid 3♠ then he A cancel a board for and not unusual at all. You is that nearly everyone who is allowed to change it. If on slow play so long as it has just noticed on this hand reverses without extra values the other hand, he thought

Page 16 BRIDGE September 2016 3♠ was the correct bid, but It annoys me when I they remember and played and moved us down a realised after he bid it that it hear duplicate players badly so scored badly. place. Do you think her was wrong, then he may not consistently blaming Howells, Mitchells and attitude was in order? change it, and his partner their poor card holding Scrambled Mitchells (ie She made our first visit must bid as though he did for bad results. Maybe Mitchells with an arrow- very unpleasant. not make his comment. this could be understood switch), also special other Susan Rosenberg, What he said to the when playing rubber movements often based Essendon, Herts. director sounds like a but even then, the game on Mitchells such as Web mistaken response, not that is to defend well as Mitchells, Hesitation Her attitude is he accidentally pulled out well as play. Surely, in Mitchells, Three-Quarter completely out the wrong bid, so I would duplicate, the challenge Howells and so forth, are A of line, and I not let him change it. as a defender is not to all relatively fair. Perfect strongly suggest you find a allow the declarer to fairness is very difficult to different club. She has no ♣♦♥♠ make extra tricks and get since it needs particular right to be rude because it is this that separates numbers of tables, and only you play penalty doubles. We play Precision good from bad players, really needs to be achieved Furthermore, her bid of 2♠ club, artificial albeit only defending? in finals. For a single is completely pointless once Qshort diamond Because we only had session final, the seven table you have doubled 1♠ for and a variable no-trump, three tables, we were Howell is the fairest of all. penalties and she has no depending on the forced to play a Howell. The best players will basis for any adjustment. vulnerability. I recall The result was that some always win consistently Andrew Robson of the players who are whichever one of these is ♣♦♥♠ reviewing the benefits usually top tumbled to played. No-one can win of playing five-card almost bottom. There all the time. It is a fact Is it permissible Stayman and transfers was a complaint by that whatever movement for a non-EBU over 1NT. It was such players that this is played, small numbers Qclub to change suggested this could be three-table movement of tables produce luckier the Yellow Book law extended to be played is not fair since the top results, but that is nothing which states a hand must over 1♣ and 1♦. This players could do nothing to do with the movement. not be re-dealt if all seems acceptable over about it, as they say they pass on the first round? 1♣ and 1NT, but is it had no cards. I do not ♣♦♥♠ Norman Scott, acceptable over 1♦? follow this argument Crook, Co Durham. Does this apply to level for surely they had the My partner, 5, rather than level 4? same cards as others. North, opened Legally, no. The Alex Mathers, Northallerton. I would have thought Q1♥, East Laws of Duplicate that in fact a Howell is a overcalled 1♠. I held a A Bridge apply to any At level 4, as can be fairer movement than a 5-1-4-3 shape with 11 game of duplicate bridge, played in nearly all Mitchell, albeit the latter points and doubled. whether sanctioned by a A clubs and all events is more favoured even by West, the director and national authority or not, except novice/holiday ones, me. Are they justified in owner of the club, asked and if you do not play to any response is permitted, so putting forward, ‘having my partner what my the laws, it is not bridge. you can play any response no cards,’ as an excuse bid meant. She replied, There is no doubt that to a short 1♦ including and that the system ‘East bid my suit and I some clubs flout this law. Stayman and transfers. played was unfair? have some points.’ She This may not matter if Jean O’Connell, Sidmouth. asked, ‘Is it negative or no-one in your club at all ♣♦♥♠ penalty?’ and partner plays an aggressive game Good players like said, ‘Penalty.’ She so a passed-out hand will Which is the bad hands, since became very aggressive be passed out throughout fairer, playing a A more extra tricks and said we don’t play the evening, but it is QHowell Movement are won in defence than like that in this club and discriminating against any or a Mitchell? It seems in declarer play. Medium I should have passed. aggressive pair who will that a Mitchell is always players who think they are West then bid 2♠ and open a number of hands that the more favourable. good moan about holding all passed. East went others will not: it is not fair Is this because N/S bad hands, but that is merely down four. She then said that such hands are taken players always seem because they are not as good she had to penalise us away from them. ■ to be the stronger and as they think. In practice, thus are able to procure players who moan about E-mail your questions (including your postal address) better results against bad hands usually get better on bridge laws to: [email protected] the weaker players? hands on average than

BRIDGE September 2016 Page 17 Teachers’ Corner – Teaching Tips from Ian Dalziel

Why Aggregate Scoring is Respectable

s far as I know, almost all bridge Until the advent of Bridgemates and are running your way, you can some- clubs in England and Wales use bridge web sites, you had to wait till times score 6,000+ points. It’s great match-point scoring at pairs; the following week for matchpoint fun. Some say a few big hands have too Ain fact the word ‘pairs’ is used as short- results. In many clubs this is still the much influence. There is some truth hand for ‘match-point scoring’. This case – can you think of any other in this, but they rarely dictate the final isn’t correct as there are other forms of game where this happens? result – in 24 boards you can usually pairs scoring – Butler, cross-imps and In aggregate, the big hands have recoup a large negative. If the cards aggregate (total point scoring). the excitement they were intended to are running against you, you are to In Scotland, where I live, most SBU have. 6NT really means 1,440, not just some extent at the mercy of your op- affiliated clubs use aggregate and a joint top. Losing 1,400 on a double is ponents, but luck evens out over the matchpoint alternately. The season and those who win the many non-affiliated bridge club aggregate championship clubs use only aggregate are always the best players. scoring. In county and na- Aggregate bridge is like stroke tional competitions, however, play in golf where a lost ball matchpoint scoring is used might lose you the game, but I exclusively at pairs. On the don’t see golfers converting to other hand, rubber bridge is match play in droves. still popular in England, but It is said that the part score rarely played in Scotland. hands have little relevance It has always puzzled me at aggregate, but most part why Scotland and England scores are competitive and should differ in this way. In have a potential swing of Scotland, we can see the ben- about 250 points which soon efits of both forms of scoring, mounts up. It’s the solid games however in England aggregate made at all tables which have scoring is seen as antiquated – no effect, but this is true at though most of its critics have teams as well. In matchpoint, never played it. Despite ex- a contract of 1♣ making seven tensive research, I have been or eight tricks has equal im- unable to discover why the portance to a grand slam. Can nations took a different path that be right? and if anyone can enlighten At aggregate, everyone me, please get in touch. keeps a scorecard. Because I will now explain why ag- those available commercially gregate bridge is an excellent are not very good, I designed game and every bit as good as and print my own using a laser matchpoint. printer and 160 gsm coloured Aggregate gives instant card. I also produce my own results; all the players need to travellers with vulnerability do is add up their scores and results not just a bottom, it might mean the and board number. Both are double can be announced at the end of play. end of a partnership! When the cards sided and the insides are shown. If you

Page 18 BRIDGE September 2016 don’t have a laser printer then get your ity. This was to prevent a large doubled local print shop to print them. If you score having too big an influence on would like the master copies, email the final result. I don’t bother with this; THE PRESENT [email protected] it’s more trouble than it’s worth and af- Everyone readily understands ter detailed analysis of results I found v v v aggregate scoring, but I often wonder that one large doubled score rarely af- how many club players actually fects the top placings. If you want to understand matchpoint. If they don’t, read my study, then please email me. Yesterday is History is there any point in using it? I suspect Some of the top bridge clubs now Tomorrow is a Mystery that many players find the conversion use cross IMP scoring as an alternative of their score to a percentage to be one to matchpoint. Your score on any par- Today is a Gift of life’s mysteries. For those trying ticular board is compared with those duplicate for the first time, matchpoint of every other pair sitting in the oppo- That is why we call it is an unnecessary complication when site direction and converted to IMPs . . . The Present they will have barely grasped the then averaged to give your score on basics of scoring. Those who only play the board. This means you should use matchpoint at club level will be ill- team, rather than matchpoint tactics, Made in the UK equipped for teams which, after all, is for example, securing your contract from 100% pure cotton © Mr Bridge the ultimate form of the game. rather than worrying about overtricks. If playing aggregate, it is necessary This sounds like a good idea; it seems to complete the movement as everyone to offer the best of matchpoint and ag- has to play all the boards. In Scotland, gregate – the trouble is no-one can re- we have to use some quite ingenious ally understand it. The travellers show PLUS 11 movements to achieve this. If there the IMPs in decimal places and I defy Q is a half table, the sit out pairs get an anyone to be able to check it manually. l Help and Hint buttons average for the boards not played; this Then I had a bright idea – I convert- l Displays on HD and large screens ed 70 aggregate results from my club is easily worked out from the travellers. l Comprehensive manual Traditionally, in aggregate, large to cross IMPs, it only takes two clicks l Feed in your doubled scores were limited (exclud- of the mouse on Scorebridge. Would own deals ing slams). The losers lost the lot but you believe the results were almost £99 l Minibridge the winners were limited to 800 to exactly the same? 90% of the placings Receive QPlus 11 option now and QPlus 12 1,000 points depending on vulnerabil- were the same or changed by only one l 5,000 preplayed when ready at the place and, importantly, end of October hands for teams first place N/S and E/W and 4,000 preplayed hands for was unaltered 98% of matchpoint pairs the time. Therefore, aggregate scoring may Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961 well produce similar www.mrbridge.co.uk results to cross IMPs scoring, but aggre- gate is so much easier to understand. Hence the prestigious Young Life’s a GAME Chelsea are playing aggregate bridge on a Friday night in all but but name. You don’t need to believe my results, do the experiment BRIDGE yourself. I hope I’ve proved that aggregate bridge is is a very respectable form of the game. It’s not better or worse than SERIOUS matchpoint bridge, it’s just different. Made in the UK Variety is the spice of from 100% pure cotton © Mr Bridge life. ■

BRIDGE September 2016 Page 19 GATEWAY to ATLANTIC ISLES

FRANCE • SPAIN • GIBRALTAR • PORTUGAL • MADEIRA • CANARY ISLANDS 3 – 17 January 2017 15-day cruise from £1,499pp

FRANCE MONTPELLIER Sete Marseille

PORTUGAL SPAIN ALHAMBRA FERRAGUDO PALACE

Portimao Cadiz Cartagena

Gibraltar Motril

Funchal Carcassonne, France CANARY ISLANDS Tenerife Highlight port (full day) MOUNT TEIDE CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

Minerva begins her journey in Marseille and then • Discover the pristine harbour of the cosmopolitan continues to Sète, known as the ‘Venice of Languedoc’. In town of Sète on the French Riviera Spain, step ashore in Cartagena followed by Motril, from • Spend a day marvelling at the Moorish Alhambra where you can visit the magnifi cent Alhambra Palace. The Palace in Granada Rock of Gibraltar, whose imposing silhouette can be seen for miles, is next to be discovered, then on to historic • Explore Cádiz, which was founded by the Phoenicians Cádiz. Explore cosmopolitan Portimao in the Algarve in around 1100 BC and boasts a rich maritime history and enjoy an overnight stay in picturesque Funchal before • Visit Portimao, a small, colourful city with a thriving your cruise concludes in Tenerife. fi shing port and an old centre dotted with manicured parks and plazas FARES PER PERSON MIN170103 • Overnight stay in Funchal, with plenty of time to Cabin Type Fares from appreciate its gardens and vistas Balcony Savers from £2,999 • Extend your cruise with an optional 3-night pre-cruise Outside Cabins from £1,799 city stay in Aix-en-Provence Inside Cabins from £1,499 • Full Mr Bridge programme

NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT ON ALL SAVER CABINS LIMITED AVAILABILITY SO BOOK NOW

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SH_16_2097_Mr Bridge_Gateway to Atlantic Isles_A4.indd 1 24/05/2016 17:30 Bernard Magee DVDs – Number Twenty-Two Trump Control

his DVD is all about declarer diamonds and you will not be able to It might look as though you have play in trump contracts: reach your last diamond winner. had a bidding misunderstanding, but starting off with the usual playing duplicate pairs, if you can Tmessage that we like to draw trumps as make 4♥ you will score more points soon as possible, but then refuting this ♠ 6 5 4 than making 5♦. However, making throughout the rest of the seminar. ♥ 7 6 5 5♦ is a lot more straightforward than When there is just one trump left ♦ K Q 9 7 making 4♥. out and it is the master, should you ♣ 9 3 2 With only seven trumps, you need draw it or not? ♠ 3 ♠ Q J 2 to be careful to keep trump control: Generally you would leave it out, ♥ A K Q 8 N ♥ 10 9 3 2 six cards are more likely to divide 4-2 ♦ 10 5 4 3 W E ♦ 8 2 rather than possibly using two of your S than 3-3, so you should try to cope trumps to draw it, but there are times ♣ Q 10 7 6 ♣ K J 8 5 with a 4-2 break. when it is right to knock it out: ♠ A K 10 9 8 7 With the same length as one of ♥ J 4 your opponents, you still have trump ♦ A J 6 control because you have the top ♠ 6 5 4 ♣ A 4 trumps, but if you play off the top ♥ 7 6 5 trumps you will lose control. The way ♦ K Q 9 7 to keep control is to duck a trump ♣ 9 3 2 The DVD then deals with all sorts early. Win the ♣A and play a small of reasons not to draw trumps and trump from both hands. The defence N whether you should ruff high or low. can take two spade tricks, but that is W E S The second half of the DVD deals it. When you regain the lead you can with bad breaks (and also small draw the rest of the trumps and take ♠ A K 10 9 8 7 trump fits). Most of the time you will your diamonds. 4♥ making scores ♥ J 4 not know you are going to get a bad 420 points for a great score when most ♦ A J 6 break, although your opponents’ body were making just 400 for 5♦. ♣ A 4 language can give it away. However, if Had trumps broken 3-3 you could you get doubled or the auction places have made at least 12 tricks but you one player with trump length, you are happy enough with ten because of 4♠ by South. Lead: ♥A. should plan accordingly. the excellence of the contract. An early duck is a clever tactic to keep control West leads the ♥A-K-Q. You ruff the of trumps. third round and cash the ♠A-K, West ♠ 4 2 The seminar finishes with the discarding on the second round. East ♥ 6 3 2 slightly more advanced techniques has the ♠Q left in his hand, should you ♦ A K Q 9 4 2 required for a trump coup. ignore it or draw it? ♣ 4 2 Managing the trump suit is such This hand exhibits the most an important aspect of declarer play common time when you should draw N – if you handle your trumps well, you W E the outstanding trump: when you S wield a mighty power and of course have a solid side suit. score more points. ■ It looks odd to waste a trump from ♠ 9 6 5 both hands, but you are making sure ♥ A K Q 7 Bernard Magee Tutorial DVDs of four diamond tricks by doing so ♦ J 5 and can then safely discard your ♣ A K 6 3 £25 each. £105 set of 6. losing club. Buy one set. Get another set free. If you leave the ♠Q outstanding, www.mrbridge.co.uk ( 01483 489961 then East could ruff the third round of 4♥ by South. Lead: ♣Q.

BRIDGE September 2016 Page 21 Julian Pottage Answers Your Bridge Questions

How Could We Have Reached Slam After RHO Opened with 1♦?

This deal came for opening 2♦ for a variety 4Hands with a 7-6 shape are first suit can be with a jump. up at our club of reasons. A hand with difficult to describe. Since ♠A-x-x Alternatively, playing fourth Qrecently with only an ace, two kings and a and a bust in the East hand suit forcing, responder can three out of the 14 E/W void is too good for a start. gives a slam good play, West rebid 2♠ after eg 1♣-1♥-2♦ pairs finding 6♠, the rest Furthermore, the hand would must do more than just bid 4♠. to create a game force. settling for 4♠ or 5♠. Can make a great dummy in a 5Non-vulnerable at matchpoints There is no need to jump in you shed some light as heart contract. If, however, and with a two-suit fit, North the fourth suit to agree one to how it should be bid? you are playing an unusual competes to 3♥. of opener’s suits. Indeed, As E/W, we play weak method that means minimum 6West might simply bid 6♠ now since there are a wide variety jump overcalls and UCB. unbalanced opening hands that East has shown some of ways of playing the jump, At love all, South open at the two level, extras by bidding 4♠. Since one should not do this opened 1♦, although then, of course, 2♦ would there is still a chance of a grand without prior discussion. if either of us had be fine. Let us assume slam, West cue bids 5♦. been South, we would standard methods and that 7East makes a return cue bid ♣♦♥♠ have opened 2♦. the bidding starts 1♦: showing the ace of hearts. 8News of the ♥A in the East Standard Acol West North East South hand reduces the chance of a says that you ♠ 8 6 1♦ perfect fit in the black suits, so Qsupport a one ♥ J 10 9 4 2 1♠1 Dbl2 2♦3 2♥ West abandons thoughts of a of a suit opening with ♦ Q 9 6 4 3♣4 3♥5 4♠ Pass grand slam. 4+ cards in the suit and ♣ K 2 5♦6 Pass 5♥7 Pass 6+ points. Specifically, ♠ K 10 9 7 5 4 3 ♠ A Q J 2 6♠8 All Pass ♣♦♥♠ 6-9 reply two, 10-

♥ Void N ♥ A Q 6 5 12 reply three etc. W E 1 ♦ Void S ♦ J 7 5 Most people do not have a After an opener’s If you only have ♣ A J 10 9 8 6 ♣ Q 7 two-suited overcall that shows reverse, how three cards in the suit, ♠ Void the black suits. The hand is too Qdoes responder introductory wisdom ♥ K 8 7 3 good and too two suited for any show support for says show a different ♦ A K 10 8 3 2 sort of pre-emptive overcall. opener without having 4+ length suit with 6+ ♣ 5 4 3 2With only 6 HCP, North might his bid passed? What points at the one level simply raise to 2♦. The fifth heart does a jump in the (9+ points at the two tips the balance in favour of fourth suit show? level) or bid 1NT as a Sarah Baines, Marlow. doubling. Name and address supplied. ‘dustbin’ bid with 6-9. 3If your methods do not allow Slightly more advanced If you are playing you to distinguish between It is standard to bidding says that you weak two openings three-card and four-card play that a raise of can (should?) support A in three suits, the raises, East simply makes an A opener’s second suit partner’s opening South hand is unsuitable Unassuming Cue Bid. is forcing. Agreeing opener’s major at the two level

Page 22 BRIDGE September 2016 if you do not have a the opening bid was 1♣, proper two level bid in to which I responded 1♥. another suit and have Partner rebid 1♠ and I DECLARER three of the opening rebid 1NT – down two. suit with 6-9 points. In the second case, PLAY My question is about playing Standard the quality requirements English Modern Acol, the of the three card major. opening bid was 1♦ and QUIZ All the articles I have the rest of the auction seen about this show followed the same by David Huggett support with cards such pattern as in the first, (Answers on page 25) as Q-J-5 or K-8-3. with a similar result. If you have six points, What interests me ou are South as declarer playing teams or rubber bridge. but your major support about this, and I think YIn each case, what is your play strategy? is, for example, 7-4-2, that there is probably then what do you do? no better solution, is the Two of the opening thought that partner major, 1NT or Pass? might have recognised 1. ♠ A 7 5 3. ♠ 5 4 Steve Bailey, Shalford, Surrey. that we were on a loser ♥ 7 6 ♥ K Q J and that, with his weak ♦ K 9 6 ♦ A 9 7 6 Opinions vary about hand, he should have ♣ K J 10 7 5 ♣ 8 6 5 2 when to support shown his club suit. with three cards Brendan Conlon by email. N N A W E W E facing a four-card major S S suit opening. Supporting If partner opens 1♣ partner can be useful if the or 1♦ and rebids ♠ K 6 2 ♠ K Q 3 opponents then compete, 1♠ over your 1♥ ♥ A K 9 8 ♥ A 9 6 A ♦ ♦ but partner is more likely response, you will not know A J 10 K 2 to get excited if you raise. I to expect a 4-1-4-4 shape. ♣ 9 8 2 ♣ A K 10 9 3 would tend to respond 1NT Most of the time the opener on any hand with no ruffing will have five or more value. Hands with soft values cards in the suit opened. You are declarer in 3NT You are declarer in 3NT ♠ ♠ (queens and jacks) and with With a weak responding and West leads the Q. and West leads the 6. ♠ honours in all the other suits hand you do not have How do you plan the play? East plays the J. How do suggest a 1NT response. to rebid 1NT. You can you plan the play? A hand with a weak give preference either by doubleton somewhere would passing 1♠ (you would want definitely be a raise rather three spades to do that) than a 1NT response. or by going back to two of partner’s first suit. The 2. ♠ 7 4. ♠ A 9 7 5 2 ♣♦♥♠ 1NT rebid should show at ♥ A K 6 5 ♥ K 8 3 least seven points, some ♦ Q 10 9 6 5 ♦ A K 3 I got mugged say a good seven points. ♣ 7 5 3 ♣ Q 6 twice recently If you play that you open when my partner 1♦ with a 4-1-4-4 shape, N N Q W E W E opened the bidding it is an interesting point S S when holding 4-1-4-4 whether opener can distributions and I held continue with 2♣ after ♠ Q 8 ♠ K Q J 8 3 balanced hands with 6-9 1♦-1♥-1♠-1NT. Given the ♥ Q 2 ♥ A J 10 2 points. Partner’s hands principle of staying low ♦ A K J 8 2 ♦ 7 were weak in both cases. on a misfit, I think the 2♣ ♣ A K 8 4 ♣ K 9 2 In the first case, continuation should show playing five-card majors either a 4-0-5-4 shape or ♦ ♠ and a weak no-trump, extra values, maybe both. ■ You are declarer in 6 You are declarer in 6 and after West opens a weak West leads the ♠4. How do 2♠. West leads the ♠K and you plan the play? switches to the ♦7. How do E-mail your questions (including your postal address) you plan the play? for Julian to: [email protected]

BRIDGE September 2016 Page 23 ATLANTIC ARCHIPELAGOS

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SH_16_2097_Mr Bridge_Atlantic Archipelagos_A4.indd 1 24/05/2016 17:30 Answers to David Huggett’s Play Quiz on page 23

weak 2♠. West leads the ♠K and switches three to the queen and jack. So simply 1. ♠ A 7 5 to the ♦7. How do you plan the play? play a heart to dummy and lead a club ♥ 7 6 It looks as though you have overreached from the table, covering whatever card ♦ K 9 6 yourself here – and perhaps you have – East happens to play and if East plays an ♣ K J 10 7 5 but there is still a chance. With the spade honour, just return to dummy and repeat ♠ Q J 10 8 3 ♠ 9 4 ruff in dummy, the total number of tricks the process. You may sacrifice a trick ♥ 10 4 N ♥ Q J 5 3 2 available is eleven and the twelfth can or two, but you have guaranteed your ♦ Q 8 3 W E ♦ 7 5 4 2 only possibly come from either hearts or contract. S ♣ A 6 3 ♣ Q 4 clubs. Now just imagine that the hand ♠ K 6 2 with long hearts – presumably East on ♥ A K 9 8 the bidding – also has at least four clubs. ♦ A J 10 After declarer ruffs a spade and runs 4. ♠ A 9 7 5 2 ♣ 9 8 2 all his trumps (discarding a club from ♥ K 8 3 dummy), East will find it impossible to ♦ A K 3 guard both suits. In short, he is squeezed ♣ Q 6 You are declarer in 3NT and West leads but it comes about automatically and all ♠ 6 4 ♠ 10 the ♠Q. How do you plan the play? you have to do is to keep a watchful eye ♥ Q 9 5 4 N ♥ 10 6 You need to make club tricks to ensure on what is being discarded. ♦ J 9 2 W E ♦ Q 10 8 6 5 4 S your contract, while at the same time ♣ A J 10 3 ♣ 8 7 5 4 blocking out the potentially dangerous ♠ K Q J 8 3 spade suit, but if you win the first trick ♥ A J 7 2 and take a losing club finesse, you will 3. ♠ 5 4 ♦ 7 fail if West has five spades and the ace of ♥ K Q J ♣ K 9 2 clubs. Although it is perhaps not so easy ♦ A 9 7 6 to see, you must duck the opening lead ♣ 8 6 5 2 so that if the club finesse fails East has ♠ A 10 8 6 2 ♠ J 9 7 You are declarer in 6♠ and West leads no more spades. And if he started with ♥ 10 8 3 2 N ♥ 7 5 4 the ♠4. How do you plan the play? three spades, then you will lose at most ♦ 10 8 5 3 W E ♦ Q J 4 You have an inescapable club loser S two tricks in both black suits. ♣ Void ♣ Q J 7 4 and a possible loser in hearts as well, ♠ K Q 3 so is there a better plan than just taking ♥ A 9 6 an inspired view in hearts? Well yes, for ♦ K 2 if West has the ace of clubs the contract 2. ♠ 7 ♣ A K 10 9 3 is a certainty. So draw trumps ending in ♥ A K 6 5 hand and lead a low club. If West has ♦ Q 10 9 6 5 the ace and plays it, then you have two ♣ 7 5 3 You are declarer in 3NT and West leads club tricks and twelve tricks in all, so West ♠ A K 9 6 5 4 ♠ J 10 3 2 the ♠6. East plays the ♠J. How do you does best to play low. Now you win in ♥ J 7 3 N ♥ 10 9 8 4 plan the play? dummy and play the two top diamonds ♦ 7 3 W E ♦ 4 You know from the Rule of Eleven pitching a club from hand and ruff the S ♣ 9 6 ♣ Q J 10 2 that East has at least three spades so third diamond. Finally, you play the now ♠ Q 8 it is pointless holding off the first trick. singleton king of clubs which West must ♥ Q 2 Equally you do not want East to ever gain win – only to find himself hopelessly ♦ A K J 8 2 the lead because a spade lead through endplayed. A heart return picks up the ♣ A K 8 4 your now exposed remaining honour suit for you while a club or a diamond could prove embarrassing. So while it gives you a ruff and discard. Of course, might look obvious to play off a top club, if East has the ace of clubs then it’s back You are declarer in 6♦ after West opens a that would be fatal if East had at least to the heart finesse. ■

BRIDGE September 2016 Page 25 Globe Trotter Part Three

If you like international bridge news and discussion, then www.bridgewinners.com has an online forum which may appeal to you.

his fast-growing website was Sticks & wellies: minus 1100. Suits, holdings or started by a group of North distributions or cards American friends, including an Ducks & eggs: 2200. TOscar winner (yes, strange but true, it Sticks: aces. is possible to win an Oscar for technical Heading for the car park: when excellence in I.T.). By May 2016, it had dropping down the field in a Swiss Kingleton: a singleton king. already attracted 4,000 members from event. over 150 countries. About 44% of the A Bethlehem (or a Ku Klux Klan): traffic to the site is from the USA, the Levered: doubled for penalties a hand with only 3 kings for honors. A UK visitors account for 9%. (it follows that re-levered means hand of Biblical proportions, or Last summer, at the height of bridge redoubled). Nativity Scene, describe the same cheating scandals, BridgeWinners holding. members provided minute-by-minute Beaver: redouble (inherited from coverage (and also, being the Internet, backgammon). A bust: really bad hand. minute-by-minute argument). The drama was unfolding at an unbeliev- Three of the house: the contract Puppy paws: clubs. able pace (See BRIDGE July 2016, is- of 3NT. sue 163). But as each new revelation or Pointed suits: diamonds and discovery broke you could read about When a contract is cold, ‘You could spades. it on the website, along with its foren- throw it against the wall.’ sic analysis of what it meant. At times Rounded suits: hearts and clubs. the debate got over-heated and some If you fail to make a cold contract, members were suspended. There fol- ‘You put that one on the floor.’ Aces and spaces: a relatively lowed polls and protests, citing First balanced hand that has only aces and Amendment rights to free speech. The A phantom: a failing sacrifice small cards. management retorted by saying that it against a (usually game or higher) was a privately owned site, and their contract, but when the sacrifice goes Swan: a 7411 shape. high standards of good behaviour for more than the opposing contract trumped any civil liberties arguments. (eg -800 vs -620), it’s an air ball. Dolphin: a 4522 shape. On a less serious note, it offers the opportunity to take part in, and read about stories and anecdotes from all over the world. Here are two edited collections, firstly about bridge slang and language, and secondly about anecdotes, loosely on a theme of wit, wisdom and woe. Bridge Slang

Scores, bids and contracts

Toll free number: minus 800 (as in telephone numbers that start with Photo: Haig Tchamitch 0800).

Page 26 BRIDGE September 2016 Hawaii: a hand where your trumps Air: no high cards. ‘I want to warn bridge you should play the day after split 5-0 (Five – Oh). you – this guy preempts on air.’ tomorrow.’

A quackery: a hand with all queens Names for people Max Odlund and jacks. England had lost heavily to Ireland. Lefty: Left Hand Opponent, or LHO. Bystander: Who were your team mates? Righty: Right Hand Opponent, or Schapiro: O’Dodds and O’Konstam. RHO. (Dodds and Konstam were team mates of Boris Schapiro). CHO : Center Hand Opponent ie partner. William Sumner I’m sure the opponents will join me in Tales of wit, wisdom saying, ‘Thank you, partner.’ and woe, as reported Yehudit Hasin by BridgeWinners No double, no trouble. If in doubt, bid one more. members David Wetzel Jim Perkins Sorry partner, I never expected you to Only overbid your hand once during have your bid. Photo: Haig Tchamitch any given auction. (A friend of mine even calls this the Perkins Principle). Christopher Monsour Lead your A game was partner’s suit. played using a Two ducks and two eggs: the You will never deck of cards bridge score 2200. The duck part may lose the post with famous come from Bingo where, for example, mortem. figures for the ‘duck and dive’ is twenty-five. Look for a face cards. partner that is D e c l a r e r : A marriage: Photo: Craig TchamitchK-Q in a suit (Germa- as alert to their It’s so Brit- ny). Q-J is a small marriage. The own mistakes ish of them to ‘marriage’ originates from Pinochle as they are to have Admiral (a trick-playing game played with 48- yours. Nelson in this card deck), where K-Q of a suit which deck. is not trumps is officially called a mar- Richard RHO (too riage and scores extra points. Fleet quickly, while Quotes from his partner A bad assassin: a balanced or Bridge Maga- looks flus- semi-balanced hand with two aces zine February tered): I guess and no other honour is – two bullets, 1935 edition: I know which no stiff. Four old gen- king you have. tlemen were D e c l a r e r : playing bridge No, but I know The original text of the together the which king you 1791 First Amendment other day. They don’t have. Photo: Haig Tchamitch had been doing Congress shall make no law little else but Shireen respecting an establishment of playing bridge Mohandes religion, or prohibiting the free with each other for some years. Seen on convention card: Overcalls: exercise thereof; or abridging On this particular day, South 4+ cards if male. the freedom of speech, or of trumped his partner’s ace. John Gillespie the press; or the right of the North thought for fifteen seconds. Then he spoke, ‘I have known for some A female player, from Toronto, heard people peaceably to assemble, years that each day you played bridge her partner explode with, ‘Why didn’t and to petition the Government worse than you did the day before. you lead my suit?’ for a redress of grievances. I do not resent that. But I resent the She replied, ‘The same reason I don’t fact that you are playing today the scratch my balls’. ■

BRIDGE September 2016 Page 27 Conventions Part 21 with Jeremy Dhondy

Balancing

his article is all about what you want the lead and also know that part- respond 1NT on about 9-12 and 2NT do when the opponents have ner should not take you too seriously. on 13-14. You wouldn’t insist on game come to rest. Some people call A protective overcall, therefore, can be unless you either had more than this or Tit balancing and others protection. weaker than a direct overcall. found a fit. In other words, you should There are rules and methods that can allow partner some latitude when help. If you are playing pairs, you will he balances in an auction. Similarly, do better if you play the contract at low Protective doubles if you are going to respond in a suit levels or force the opponents up a level. you should have about a king more to There are, of course, hands where this If you have a hand short in diamonds jump, than if you jumped after a direct isn’t true such as misfit hands, but it you might make a take-out double. double of an opening bid. is worth taking a few risks by coming Here you can use what is called the in just when the opponents think they principle of the transferred king. The have won the auction. idea is that you ‘borrow’ an imaginary Protecting Let’s start with the simplest auction: king from partner: ie you will call on about three points fewer than you with no-trumps West North East South might do in the direct seat. Suppose 1♦ Pass Pass in the fourth seat with the same 1♦ The same applies if you decided to ? opening bid, you hold: balance with 1NT. In the direct seat, it shows, typically, about 15-18 but in You know that South is pretty weak fourth seat 11-14 is fine. Please note so with many hands, especially those ♠ K J 4 3 that if the auction had included a bid short in the suit opened, you will want ♥ A 7 6 5 N from responder so it came to you as: W E ♦ 6 to come in. Do you need the same S strength as when you make an ordinary ♣ Q 10 4 2 West North East South overcall? Conventional wisdom is that 1♦ Pass 1♥ you don’t and, in addition, some bids ? change their meaning. Although you have good shape, this You might want to make a protective is too thin to double in the direct seat This is not the same and you would overcall. For example with: over a 1♦ opening, but in fourth seat need a sound hand to overcall 1NT. you need to get into the auction and This is because partner has passed and this is a perfectly acceptable hand. the opponents have both bid. A range ♠ 7 5 2 Partner, if considering passing or of 17-19 would not be unusual here in ♥ K Q 9 7 5 N jumping to show a decent hand, should such an exposed position. W E ♦ 4 3 S remember you might have about three Back to the balancing hand. The ♣ Q 4 3 points fewer than usually expected. opponents have had the same auction: If partner does make a protective double then ranges for no-trump bids West North East South You might think you were too weak to opposite the double are stronger than 1♦ Pass Pass overcall in second seat, but here you they might otherwise be. You might ?

Page 28 BRIDGE September 2016 come in. Personally, I would rather bid ♠ Q 9 5 ♠ K Q 4 2♥ than pass if I held this hand and ♥ K 7 N ♥ 10 5 3 N was playing a natural method. If your W E W E ♦ K J 8 5 ♦ K 7 S S partner protects, you should take this ♣ K 6 4 2 ♣ K 10 8 6 4 into account before bidding. Suppose the auction has gone:

You should balance with 1NT. It does not give you a warm feeling. If West North East South If you do balance, there is a small you pass, you may miss a game or lose 1NT1 risk that: the part score battle. If you double, Pass Pass 2♣2 Pass you misdescribe your hand and if you ? 112-14 2Majors a. you are putting your head into the bid 3♣ you may well get too high. lion’s mouth, However, in the protective seat, there b. the opponents will wake up and bid is more of a need to describe your hand ♠ Q 6 a game they had just missed or than to keep opponents out, so a 2♥ ♥ A 6 4 2 N W E ♦ K 7 6 c. they will find a better strain. jump overcall would show something S in the region of a minimum opening ♣ Q 6 5 3 You should accept these risks as they bid with a six-card suit, such as: are small and the chances of a gain are decent. At pairs in particular, frequency If partner bid 2♣ in the direct seat, of gain is important, whereas in teams ♠ 7 4 you might just consider inviting game, the possible large number in the out ♥ K Q 10 9 8 5 N but if partner bids 2♣ in the fourth, W E ♦ A 7 4 column is more damaging. S protective, seat you should settle for If you have a good hand, usually ♣ K 3 the part score. with a source of tricks, you might be If you are considering passing prepared to bid 2NT. The usual range 1NT out in fourth seat, then if the is about 18-20. It is better played as opponents are vulnerable you have a natural than as the unusual no-trump. Protecting after chance of 200. If, on the other hand, A typical hand might be: you are vulnerable then you might go a 1NT opening for 200 or worse if you protect. Some non-vulnerable opponents might go ♠ A 7 5 Suppose your opponents open 1NT one or two off in 1NT when you can ♥ Q 4 N (12-14) and this is passed round make a two level contract. W E ♦ K 7 S to you. Should you protect? No ♣ A K Q 10 8 5 straightforward answer here, but I would recommend you look at Protecting at a your defence to 1NT and also the vulnerability. You might double with higher level Jump overcalls a little less than the standard 15 points in the fourth seat. If it goes 1NT-Pass- Not all balancing is done when your Let’s suppose you play weak jump Pass-Pass and you have 14 points and opponents have ground to a halt at the overcalls and the auction again starts partner has 13, you can imagine it’s one level. Suppose, for example, the the same way: not likely to be a good board. If you auction goes: have a bit of shape, you might decide West North East South based on what your conventional West North East South 1♦ Pass Pass defence is. I think you should protect 1♠ ? at most vulnerabilities if you hold: Pass 2♠ Pass Pass ? A bid of 2♥ should not be weak here. You make weak jump overcalls to ♠ K J 7 5 l the opponents have found a fit. make the life of the opponents difficult ♥ Q J 10 5 3 N l it is quite likely the opener has five W E ♦ 4 and pre-empt them out of the auction S spades and responder three or four if you can. The auction goes: ♣ K 7 4 so the chances of your side having a fit are quite high. West North East South l Sometimes you will protect and go 1♦ 2♥ and you have a bid to show the majors. If for 500 but not all that often: some- ? your choice is to play a natural defence times the opponents will bid again to 1NT, then it severely restricts the and make +140. Very occasionally Put yourself in the West seat holding: number of hands on which you can they wake up and bid game but

BRIDGE September 2016 Page 29 VOLCANIC ISLANDS and VISTAS with Bernard Magee

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SH_16_2097_Mr Bridge_Volcanic Islands_A4.indd 1 25/05/2016 12:34 2161 Mr Bridge third page ad 170606BR_Layout 1 2

quite a few times either you will or a weak two and it is passed round make a three level contract or the to you in fourth seat, you should think opponents will press on and go about protecting if you are short in down. your opponents’ suit, because first, partner may be waiting to penalise, You hold: and second, you may be being talked out of a game. French The auction starts: ♠ 7 5 ♥ K J 6 5 N West North East South W E Riviera ♦ Q 9 8 6 3♠ Pass Pass S ♣ A 9 6 ? & Moorish

You should double 2♠ in the pass out ♠ 6 seat. If you have a fit in either red suit ♥ K J 9 4 N W E Spain ♦ A Q 7 5 or partner has five clubs, you are likely S to be better off. Even if you are not, ♣ K 8 5 3 hosted by they will sometimes go on to 3♠. If you WILL & SYLVIA PARSONS changed your hand a bit to: You have a minimum opening and are potentially committing your side to ♠ 7 5 the four level, but amongst the good ♥ K 6 N signs are: W E ♦ Q J 9 8 6 S ♣ A 9 6 5 l your shape, l your right hand opponent has not raised so partner may have some Now you can bid 2NT to show both length in spades. minors. As you are a passed hand no l If partner has length in the partner will think it natural nor in opponents’ suit and an opening bid A gem of a cruise to southern this case does it have to be 5-5 in the then he would likely pass originally, Europe that travels from the minors. Similarly if it goes: so you need to be active. ■ glamour of the Cote d’Azur to the treasures of Moorish Andalusia. West North East South 1♣ June 6, 2017 - 12 days Pass 2♣ Pass Pass Summary from Nice to Seville ? Fly to Nice to join Aegean Odyssey for 2 nights on board (Monte Carlo). l Consider balancing on about Cruise to Marseilles • Avignon You should be prepared to protect on a king less than you might • Carcassonne • Barcelona • Valencia most hands with the right shape. For • Malaga (Granada) • Tangier • Cadiz bid in the direct seat. (Jerez) • Seville (overnight on board) example: • Fly home

l If your partner balances, Great value Mr Bridge fares allow for the fact that he ♠ K J 5 4 Standard Inside from £2,195pp ♥ Q 10 6 3 N might not have a full Standard Outside from £2,695pp W E Premium Outside from £2,850pp ♦ K 9 6 strength hand. S ♣ 7 2 Single supplement only 10% l If the opponents subside in a For reservations call low level contract, try to This is a clear protective double in this push them a level higher (or position. perhaps buy the contract). on 01483 489961

l Be a little more cautious at Protecting after teams than pairs as a a pre-empt sizeable penalty is more www.mrbridge.co.uk damaging. Terms and conditions apply – see brochure or website for details If the opponents open a three level bid

BRIDGE September 2016 Page 31 A MARITIME HISTORY of IBERIA

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SH_16_2097_Mr Bridge_Maritime History_A4.indd 1 24/05/2016 17:31 More Tips from Bernard Magee DEFENCE Consider playing QUIZ an extra trump by Julian Pottage or two when (Answers on page 35) ou are West in the defensive positions below playing Ymatchpoint pairs with neither side vulnerable. Both sides desperate are using Acol with a 12-14 1NT and 2♣ Stayman.

This might seem a strange then declarer makes tip, but there will be times, as four tricks in the suit. 1. ♠ Q 7 2 3. ♠ A Q 3 2 declarer, when there is little ♥ Q J 7 ♥ Q 5 3 2 hope of making extra tricks ♦ K J 10 8 2 ♦ 8 6 from the normal play of your ♠ 8 3 2 ♣ A 4 ♣ Q 10 9 cards (no extra ruffing and ♥ K Q J ♠ K 10 5 ♠ K 10 7 4 ♦ no finesses). When this is the K 10 8 ♥ 9 2 N ♥ 10 8 N case, then playing off your ♣ 10 9 8 2 ♦ A 7 6 3 W E ♦ J W E S trumps gives the defenders ♠ A K J 10 9 6 ♠ Q ♣ J 8 6 5 ♣ A K 8 6 5 4 S a chance to go wrong. It ♥ 8 3 N ♥ 7 6 4 2 W E might be obvious to you ♦ 7 S ♦ J 6 5 4 3 2 what your opponents should ♣ A K 5 3 ♣ Q 6 West North East South West North East South keep, but not necessarily so ♠ 7 5 4 1♠ 3♦ obvious to the defenders. ♥ A 10 9 5 Pass 2♦ Pass 2♠ All Pass Here is a simple example: ♦ A Q 9 Pass 4♠ All Pass ♣ J 7 4 You lead the ♣A, which You lead the ♥9: ♥Q, ♥8 declarer ruffs. Then comes ♠ A K J 10 9 6 ♠ Q and ♥5. Then the ♠2 goes the ♦A followed by a low to the ♠9, ♠J and ♠K. How diamond. What do you ♥ 8 3 N ♥ 7 6 4 2 North has made a mistake W E do you continue? discard? ♦ 7 S ♦ J 6 5 4 3 2 if he throws a club, but it is ♣ A K 5 3 ♣ Q 6 not easy to avoid. There is no squeeze operating here, 4♠ by West. because the two defenders can share the load: South 2. ♠ Q J 7 4. ♠ Q J covers the diamonds and ♥ 10 ♥ K 5 ♥ North leads the K, followed hearts whilst North covers ♦ A 10 8 6 3 2 ♦ Q J 10 9 5 4 2 ♥ by the Q and then plays the clubs, but it is not easy to ♣ Q J 4 ♣ K 9 the ♠2. You overtake the identify it. More importantly, ♠ A 8 4 2 ♠ A 10 7 4 ♠Q and draw the rest of by playing the extra trumps N ♥ 9 8 7 5 4 3 2 N ♥ J 10 9 3 W E the trumps in three rounds. off, you gave the defenders ♦ 7 W E ♦ K 6 S You have no real chance of the chance to go wrong. ♣ 8 S ♣ J 8 4 making the contract because If you can see no genu- you know one opponent has ine extra chance of making four clubs. However, look more tricks, then playing off West North East South West North East South at the effect on North if you your trumps can allow the 1♥ 2♣ 1♦ Pass 1♠ play out all your trumps defenders to make a wrong 4♥ 4NT1 Pass 5♦ Pass 2♦ Pass 3NT (hand in next column). discard. Note, that this is only 5♥ Pass Pass 6♦ All Pass You discard four diamonds, a last resort: if you have suits Dbl All Pass and a heart on all your to establish or finesses to 1Two places to play You lead the ♥J: ♥K, ♥2 trumps, but what does take, then you need to keep and ♥4. Next comes the North do? He has to keep your trumps for control. You lead the ♠A: ♠7, ♠9 ♦Q: ♦3, ♦7 and ♦K. What ♠ five cards: and a lot of The playing off of your and 3. How do you is your plan? defenders would choose to trumps will generate an continue? keep at least two diamonds. extra trick or two a surprising If he discards one club, number of times. ■

BRIDGE September 2016 Page 33 UK Scenes from the Silver Screen 6th August 2017 • 8 nights • Sails from Newcastle • Balmoral • CRUISE ID: L1717 From only £1,049 per person

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Date Arrive Depart Destination Oban, Scotland filming locations for the epic fantasy TV AUGUST 2017 Oban’s stunning surroundings – shaped by series Game of Thrones. Sun 06 PM Newcastle mountains, lochs and islands – have inspired Mon 07 Cruising artists, authors and poets for centuries. Small Dublin, Ireland Tue 08 early am late pm Oban, Scotland D yet fascinating, it’s a humble Scottish No visit to the ‘Fair City’ would be complete Tue 08 late pm late pm Cruising by Duart Castle treasure overlooked by the prominent without visiting the vibrant Temple Bar Tue 08 late pm late pm Cruising Firth of Lorn McCaig’s Tower. A full day in port is ideal for district or sampling the ‘black stuff’ at the Wed 09 early am late night Belfast, Northern Ireland exploring nearby Glen Nevis, Glencoe or the Guinness Storehouse. Fortunately many of Thu 10 early am early pm Dublin, Ireland Glenfinnan Viaduct, all of which have played Dublin’s highlights are close to one another. Fri 11 late am late night Falmouth, England their part on the silver screen: top titles Guests can also unearth two famous Sat 12 early am late pm Portland, England filmed at these locations include Braveheart, locations from films of yesteryear: Trinity Sun 13 Cruising Highlander II, Skyfall and Harry Potter. College – home to the iconic Book of Kells Mon 14 AM Newcastle – featured in Educating Rita; while D Anchor Port Cruising by Duart Castle Kilmainham Gaol, a former prison, played Sail by the pretty 13th century Duart Castle, an its part in The Italian Job (1969). Single friendly: We will always offer an arresting sight from any angle, especially Ocean View Twin Room at a reduced price from the comfort of your ship. The exterior of Falmouth, England for sole occupancy. Please call for details. the castle was used in the 1999 film Falmouth is home to a network of creeks Entrapment, which starred Catherine Zeta- and rivers, along with a sandy beachfront; Jones and, fittingly, Sean Connery, whose the spectacular landscapes of the area were All of the following included from ancestry includes the Macleans – the clan used as the setting for the iconic series only £132 per person, per night: that have owned the castle for over 100 years. Poldark. The town is also the gateway to some of England’s most resplendent Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, 5-course à la attractions: the Eden Project, the Lost carte dinner, late night buffet & self-service Cruising Firth of Lorn tea & coffee • Varied daytime activities The 16 mile-long Firth of Lorn is a nature- Gardens of Heligan, St. Michael’s Mount Lectures & talks • Swimming pools, lover’s paradise, with whales, dolphins, and Lizard Peninsula. Jacuzzis & gym • Choice of live evening porpoises and seals inhabiting the calm entertainment • 2 formal nights • Bridge waters, and an abundance of seabirds circling Portland, England every evening & seminars on days at sea - hosted by your Mr Bridge team above too. The Firth has its rightful place in The Isle of Portland is a thoroughly film folklore; it featured in the second James compelling destination. Clinging to the south Bond film, From Russia with Love, as the coast of the UK via the shingle-covered Chesil Mr Bridge fares per person location for the iconic boat chase. Beach (part of the UNESCO-listed Jurassic Cabin type From Coast), you’re just a tour away from West Bay, the dramatic beach location for ITV’s Interior £1,049 Belfast, Northern Ireland In Northern Ireland’s vibrant capital, star Broadchurch. Portland’s harbour – the second Ocean View £1,239 attractions appear wherever you look, largest man-made harbour in the world – Balcony £1,999 including Titanic Belfast, while tours to the connects to the Fleet Lagoon. Here you’ll spot £2,189 Suite exceptional natural phenomenon that is the the Abbotsbury Swannery, the world’s only Ocean View for Sole Occupancy £1,749 Giant’s Causeway are not to be missed. The managed colony of nesting Mute Swans. city is also the starting point for uncovering Portland is the gateway to a plethora of Prices are correct at time of going to print, but th may change at any time. Call for latest prices. Audley’s Castle and the 18 century Castle historic attractions too, including Salisbury Ward Estate, both of which were used as Cathedral and Stonehenge.

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FOC331740_Mr_Bridge_A4_Magazine_Ads_x13_V5.indd 9 02/06/2016 10:44 Answers to Julian Pottage’s Defence Quiz on page 33

West North East South your high spot cards might encourage a 1. ♠ Q 7 2 1♥ 2♣ heart switch. You will discard a club – but ♥ Q J 7 4♥ 4NT1 Pass 5♦ which? Usually (unless you have agreed ♦ K J 10 8 2 5♥ Pass Pass 6♦ otherwise) high would encourage and ♣ A 4 Dbl All Pass low would discourage. ♠ K 10 5 ♠ 9 1Two places to play Here, partner already knows your club N ♥ 9 2 ♥ A 8 6 4 3 holding. This means that the size of the W E ♦ A 7 6 3 S ♦ 9 4 You lead the ♠A: ♠7, ♠9 and ♠3. How do club you play should not say anything ♣ J 8 6 5 ♣ Q 10 9 7 2 you continue? about clubs but rather which of the other ♠ A J 8 6 4 3 The bidding makes it likely that partner suits you prefer. Knowing that dummy’s ♥ K 10 5 holds the ♥A, but also that declarer ♠Q can score on a finesse and that ♦ Q 5 is void – in a hand with fewer than 15 any other lead by partner might set up ♣ K 3 points, a 1♥ opening usually contains a another queen, you discard the high ♣8. five-card suit. Here you have something better to do. West North East South Against a high-level contract, the ace 1♠ lead ought to deny the king rather than 4. ♠ Q J Pass 2♦ Pass 2♠ a doubleton. Partner’s ♠9, surely a high, ♥ K 5 Pass 4♠ All Pass and thus encouraging, card, shows the ♦ Q J 10 9 5 4 2 ♠K. If you fail to continue spades, you ♣ K 9 You lead the ♥9: ♥Q, ♥8 and ♥5. Then will find that dummy’s remaining spades ♠ A 10 7 4 ♠ K 8 2 the ♠2 goes to the ♠9, ♠J and ♠K. How disappear on the clubs and you get a ♥ J 10 9 3 N ♥ 8 7 6 2 do you continue? terrible score. ♦ K 6 W E ♦ 3 S If partner holds the ♣K and the ♦Q, ♣ J 8 4 ♣ Q 7 5 3 2 a club switch now and a later misguess ♠ 9 6 5 3 by declarer could lead to the contract’s ♥ A Q 4 defeat. However, remember the ♥8 at 3. ♠ A Q 3 2 ♦ A 8 7 trick one, encouraging hearts. It seems ♥ Q 5 3 2 ♣ A 10 6 that partner holds the ♥A and has ducked ♦ 8 6 to maintain communication. You lead ♣ Q 10 9 the ♥2 and, having scored a third-round ♠ K 10 7 4 ♠ 9 8 West North East South ruff and seen which heart partner plays, ♥ 10 8 N ♥ A J 9 6 1♦ Pass 1♠ decide whether you are going to cash the ♦ J W E ♦ K Q 4 Pass 2♦ Pass 3NT S ♦A. As the cards lie, it matters not whether ♣ A K 8 6 5 4 ♣ J 7 3 2 All Pass you grab the ♦A. ♠ J 6 5 ♥ K 7 4 You lead the ♥J: ♥K, ♥2 and ♥4. Next ♦ A 10 9 7 5 3 2 comes the ♦Q: ♦3, ♦7 and ♦K. What is ♣ Void your plan? 2. ♠ Q J 7 You read partner’s low ♥2 at trick one ♥ 10 as discouraging hearts, hence denying ♦ A 10 8 6 3 2 West North East South the ♥Q. You read partner’s low ♦3 at ♣ Q J 4 3♦ trick two as showing an odd number of ♠ A 8 4 2 ♠ K 9 6 All Pass diamonds, most likely one. This being ♥ 9 8 7 5 4 3 2 N ♥ A K Q J 6 the case, declarer has plenty of tricks W E ♦ ♦ 7 S J 4 You lead the ♣A, which declarer ruffs. ready to cash. How can you tell whether ♣ 8 ♣ 9 7 2 Then comes the ♦A followed by a low partner holds the ♣A (preferably the ♠ 10 5 3 diamond. What do you discard? ♣Q as well) or the ♠K? You switch to the ♥ Void With four spades in dummy, you do not ♠A and watch to see whether partner ♦ K Q 9 5 want to discard a spade. Nor do you want encourages. When you see the high ♠8, ♣ A K 10 6 5 3 to part with a heart, partly because your you continue with the ♠4. This way you ten might be useful and partly because make four spade tricks. ■

BRIDGE September 2016 Page 35 Irish Christmas Markets 14th December 2016 • 5 nights • Sails from Southampton • Balmoral • CRUISE ID: L1629

From only £479 per person As the song says, “it’s the most wonderful time of year”, so make the most of it with this seasonal getaway. Charming Falmouth is followed by two cities that embrace the festive spirit in style, Dublin and Cork. At the Christmas Markets shop for unusual gifts amongst the twinkling lights and pretty decorations, while soaking up the famous Irish charm with a cup of steaming mulled wine in hand.

Dublin

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Date Arrive Depart Destination DECEMBER 2016 Wed 14 PM Southampton Thu 15 early am late pm Falmouth, England Fri 16 early am late night Cork (from Cobh), Ireland Sat 17 late am late night Dublin, Ireland Sun 18 Cruising Mon 19 AM Southampton

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All of the following included from only £96 per person, per night: Falmouth, England Dublin, Ireland Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, 5-course Falmouth’s beautiful network of creeks and Dublin wears its past with pride and is a à la carte dinner, late night buffet & self-service tea & coffee • Varied daytime rivers, along with a sandy beachfront, make it magnet for visitors seeking unabashed joie activities • Lectures & talks • Swimming a superb port of call. From here you can travel de vivre. In the ‘Fair City’, visit the vibrant pools, Jacuzzis & gym • Choice of live to the spectacular Eden Project and the Lost Temple Bar district, explore the gardens and evening entertainment • 2 formal nights Gardens of Heligan, or take a tour to iconic elegant squares of Trinity College or try Bridge every evening & seminars on days at sea - hosted by your Mr Bridge team Tintagel Castle, believed to be the birthplace some of the famous ‘black stuff’ on a tour of King Arthur. to the Guinness Storehouse.

Mr Bridge fares per person Cork (from Cobh), Ireland «RECOMMENDED EXPERIENCE Cabin type From The charming, cultural city of Cork always Absorb the magical atmosphere of Dublin’s Interior £479 welcomes visitors with open arms. Head to Christmas Markets. Over 60 stalls will offer Ocean View £529 the Republic of Ireland’s second city on tours a unique range of Irish handcrafted items, Balcony £779 from Cobh and wander the thoroughfares while carol singers, Victorian fairground Suite £859 lined with traditional cafés and shops, marvel rides and festive food and drink are sure to Ocean View for sole occupancy £599 at the Church of St. Anne and renowned Bells provide a merry day out. of Shandon, and, of course, don’t miss the Prices are correct at time of going to print, but chance to kiss the coveted Blarney Stone and may change at any time. Call for latest prices. learn of its reputed magical powers.

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

Fares are per person, based on twin occupancy of the lead in twin/single room, subject to availability. Offers may be amended or withdrawn at any time without prior notice, are subject to availability & cannot be applied retrospectively. All bookings are subject to Fred. Olsen’s (FOCL’s) standard terms & conditions, available at www.fredolsencruises.com & on request. Some ports may be at anchor, intermediate days are at sea. FOCL reserves the right to amend itineraries for operational reasons. Tours, tips, premium drinks, medical facilities & other spend whilst on board & during travel to the ship are not included, any additional expenditure will need to be paid separately. E&OE

FOC331740_Mr_Bridge_A4_Magazine_Ads_FV.indd 1 26/07/2016 13:30 Sally’s Slam of the Month 2016 FESTIVE SEASON Denham Grove Freak Hands Near Uxbridge, UB9 5DG

t is possible that Jim was an ace missing, and also double. Although this would Dapre is the only reader allowed the next hand to not have been the winning of this column. Or may- double, suggesting a sacri- action, even for non-vul- Christmas Ibe, he is the only one who fice. Jim settled for 6♦, but nerable against vulnerable ever bids a slam. One thing when the next hand bid 6♠, opponents, it is a little un- 23-27 Dec £495 is certain is that he is (more he took the push to 7♦, on lucky. North preferred to Duplicates and Seminars Hosted by Will Parsons or less) the only reader who the grounds that the missing reopen with 3♥ rather than tells me when he has bid a ace was quite likely to be in a double, then South did Twixmas slam. Come on the rest of spades, and even if it wasn’t, not think 4♦ would be forc- 27-29 Dec £245 you – you must have had the grand slam might make ing and so jumped to what Duplicates and Seminars some interesting slams to anyway. As it was his inge- she thought she could make. Hosted by Bernard Magee bid. You can either use this nuity paid off as he scored However, in many situations New Year space to show off your ex- up 2,140. N/S play that an unneces- cellent bidding, or else ask sary jump shows a void and 29 Dec-2 Jan £445 Duplicates and Seminars me where you went wrong. ♣♦♥♠ asks for aces (excluding the Hosted by Bernard Magee One thing I would say void suit). North, looking at about Jim is that he certain- One of our biggest misun- her excellent diamond sup- ly gets some freaky hands. derstandings in the recent port, thought it more likely Ramada Resort This was his latest: European Championships that this was the explana- Grantham revolved around a freakish tion for South’s leap to 5♦ Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT hand with diamonds. than that it was natural … ♠ Void The only good news was ♥ Void that it would have been very ♦ A K Q J 7 6 5 4 3 Dealer North. E/W Game. difficult for N/S to bid the ♣ K 9 6 5 ♠ 7 slam found at the other ta- ♥ Q J 10 6 5 3 ble, so it did not really mat- ♦ A Q 10 4 ter that they played in 5♥ His partner dealt and ♣ K 5 down three, rather than 5♦ Christmas ♠ 4 ♠ Q J 9 8 3 2 opened a Multi-coloured N making with an overtrick. 23-27 Dec £495 2♦. I would probably have ♥ A 9 4 W E ♥ K 8 7 In the other room, East did Just Duplicate S bid 5♦ at this stage, but Jim ♦ 9 3 ♦ Void not think the hand strong Hosted by Shelia Rogers did much better when he ♣ A Q 10 9 8 7 4 ♣ J 6 3 2 enough for a jump overcall Twixmas responded 2NT, asking for ♠ A K 10 6 5 at unfavourable vulnerabil- ♥ 2 27-29 Dec £215 more information. Much to ity (and I would agree with Duplicates and Seminars ♦ his surprise, rather than de- K J 8 7 6 5 2 her), and so simply over- Hosted by John & scribing some sort of weak ♣ Void called 1♠. South then bid 2♦ Rebecca Ronan two in a major, his partner and the rest was easy. showed 17–22 points with New Year 4441 or 5440, with shortage West North East South ♣♦♥♠ 29 Dec-1 Jan £345 in diamonds (that bit was 1♥ 2♠ Pass Duplicates and Seminars not a surprise). Pass 3♥ Pass 5♦ No more freaks. We all like Hosted by John & Rebecca Ronan Again, I might have punted Pass 5♥ All Pass them and they make great some number of diamonds, stories, but in truth there Back to Back bookings but Jim bid 4♦, asking for Naming no names … South is little to be learned from save £50 (per additional event) controls. His partner’s 4♠ passed 2♠, hoping that part- them as anything might response showed that there ner would reopen with a work and often does. ■ ( 01483 489961 For details and itineraries Send your slam hands to [email protected] mrbridge.co.uk/ukbreaks

BRIDGE September 2016 Page 37 MATTER OF OPINION dead cannot take that action. David Owen’s re-printed On the general subject of READERS’ article in the July issue cheating, any decent pair of BRIDGE about Fisher would find it easy to develop and Schwartz cheating a system that would be made good reading. It difficult to detect and almost was, however, a pity that it impossible to unscramble. LETTERS allowed Dorothy Hayden’s Good bridge players have accusation of cheating by excellent memories and the Terence Reese and Boris duplicate cycle of 16 boards CONVENTIONS AND be supportive and treat the Shapiro to go unchallenged. before vulnerability and TOURNAMENT BRIDGE experience of playing against The American bridge playing dealer repeat themselves Heather Dhondy (BRIDGE it as one of education. If, community has always offers an opportunity to 164) makes a heartfelt on the other hand, you are been a little paranoid on adopt a signalling system plea for unusual and disdainful of your opponents, the question of top players that means different things experimental bidding act smugly and are playing cheating (accusations within on each of the 16 boards systems to be allowed at EBU the system solely to get an their national tournament in the cycle. Clearly, I am tournaments. In principle, I advantage through your system are rife); they find not recommending the agree, but there are issues. opponents’ unfamiliarity with it very difficult to accept idea, but if I were to adopt First of all, the use of it, or if, worst of all suffer, that sometimes others are it with any decent partner, such systems should start as not a few higher level simply better than them. The my results would be very in the clubs. Nobody cares players do, from some social reality of the Reese/Shapiro much better than they are. (or should care) who wins disorder that renders you situation is quite simple. Justin Cooper by email. the Thursday Pairs at Little unable to behave gracefully Both were undoubtedly Dinting Bridge Club, so towards your fellow players, great players and Reese DOUBLE DUMMY nobody should mind a pair then the use of strange is generally regarded as I am writing to correct a or two of the club’s better systems is not welcome. the best British player of statement in the article by Ian players running out a few I liken this issue to your all time and among the Dalziel entitled ‘Double Dum- extra conventions. However, next door neighbour’s new greatest ever to play the my Analysers’, see July issue the prospect of winning motor mower. If he runs it game anywhere. Bridge is of BRIDGE, number 163. a few green points in the over your foot and dumps a game of great skill, but On page 30 it says, ‘The Barsetshire Swiss Weekend the clippings on your side of the vagaries of the game first [DD] analyser was is rather more important for the fence, you are going to mean that, in open and fair called Deep Finesse and the mass of middle ranking be rightly indignant. But if he play, the advantage better was written by Bill Bailey tournament level players, invites you round, explains its players have over poorer of California in 1999.’ and these events would be features and advantages and players is fairly small: it is the This is not so. significantly less attractive maybe even lets you have a greatest beauty of the game. During the 1980s, I wrote (and less remunerative to go, you may be taken with it Cheating would give a top various bridge programs organise) if confined to a and decide to get one too. pair a huge advantage and under the generic name system-mongering elite. There is also the would raise any reasonable ‘Bridge Player’, selling in Secondly, my support for consideration that if there are pair by at least one, if not all about 30,000 copies experimental systems rather only one or two pairs playing two, levels: that is top club to for home computers such depends on who is using unfamiliar stuff, I, as an almost international or top as the Sinclair Spectrum them. I have a rule in my unprepared club level player, regional to world beating. (48K), Commodore, Amstrad clubs that basically you can can probably cope. But if An already world class pair 464, Atari ST and Amstrad play any system you like, every pair is doing something would be unbeatable if they PCW. By 1989, I had written provided the opponents different as in Heather’s cheated. An analysis of the and incorporated a DD know your names. This is Icelandic tournament, my hands Reese and Shapiro analyser in ‘Bridge Player a somewhat facetious way brain is going to explode. were accused of cheating 2150 Galactica’ which was of saying that, if you are So, yes to doing this kind on shows they did badly published that year for the pleasant to your opponents, of thing at club level and on many of them, not as PCW and various other introduce yourselves properly a limited yes to doing it at you would expect, better computers and sold well, in at the start of each round and a select range of the very than their opponents. It is shops and by mail order. explain what you are doing, important national events sad to see the names of My DD analyser works perhaps if you also explain such as Trials, the Spring great players lambasted in brilliantly and is 100% what you hope to achieve by Foursomes, etc. where one this way. Were either alive accurate, although when doing it, your opponents will knows beforehand to steel now, they would probably I wrote it computers were become intellectually curious oneself for the onslaught. have sued for libel and won (relative to today) so slow about your system, tend to Ned Paul, Twickenham. substantial damages, but the (even when programs were

Page 38 BRIDGE September 2016 written in machine code, as cannot do without you. team ie men, finished tenth for CoverCloud. mine was), that it was sadly Jess Nagel, and the ladies’ team came It has been an absolute not practicable to use the DD Portland, Dorset. first. Leaving aside bias if pleasure dealing with your analyser unless there were Many thanks for your email you can, if there were to clients over the past 12 seven or fewer cards left in and the kind sentiments. be a match between the months. The loyalty your each hand. So, yes, Bill Bailey I can do very little without current men’s team and the members show to you got there first if you are only the help, interest and ladies’ team, who would and the Mr Bridge brand talking about DD analysers support of my readers. your money be on? is very pleasing to see. for hands as a whole. I don’t expect you can This is especially so in this However, my DD analyser EASY ACOL publish an answer because throw-away age, where it was written and published I was amazed that Mr you are bound to upset would seem that everything ten years before Deep George Collins considers someone. Depending on from mobile telephones to Finesse came on the scene the Acol Bidding system your answer, one might ask party leaders can be more and I (and no doubt others) to be one of the reasons why there are no women or less discarded at will. still use it for solving or why the number of people in the ‘Open’ team. Tom Evans by email. validating DD problems. taking up bridge is in Ray Burnett by email. Acumen Insurance, also With its help, I have decline. (See Readers’ I will ask Sally Brock to known as CoverCloud. contributed many articles Letters in the July issue of tell us what she thinks to magazines (including BRIDGE, number 163). in next month’s issue. FAT FINGER this one) over the years. He claims that 60 years I pressed the delete button It is not always the ago, millions took up the THOUGHTS ON by mistake and do not case that the Americans game without the need for MISSING THE 2016 wish to be unsubscribed to get there first. lessons. Perhaps he forgets REFERENDUM the Mr Bridge newsletter. Richard Wheen, that there would have been We left behind the Please re-instate me. Buckland, Surrey. lots of books and magazines wind and rain Gill Terrill by email. available at the time dealing To find – we hoped JUST A THOUGHT with bidding and card play. – a sunny Spain. 10-CARD SUIT I appreciate your concerns People with an interest in But there the skies On looking at a back in past issues regarding the bridge could certainly start to were dull as well number of BRIDGE, a declining number of players. play at a basic level without With choppy seas hand I had several years May I suggest that lessons, but improvement in and mighty swell. ago sprang to mind. experienced players with both bidding and card play But thanks to Bernard RHO bid an honest 2♣, similar concerns should learn would have been slow. and his team, I had 11 hearts missing the subtleties of Minibridge It beggars belief that Things weren’t so bad the ace and a rag and the and how to pass it on to he considers Acol to be a as they might seem. ace and king of diamonds. others, not just to school complex system. How would We’ll ne’er forget After a pause, with my heart children, but to all ages. a simpler system differ in any this happy cruise feeling it would beat right out There is no reason why all significant way from Acol? Despite today’s of my chest wall, I bid 6♥. A competent bridge players I have played bridge as controversial news. pause from RHO who was cannot teach Minibridge a visitor in many different And hope that bridge considering doubling, then to friends and family. clubs and within a couple clubs always thrive, deciding as I was usually a Mike Gurney, of minutes, at the start of they keep both young cautious bidder, passed. I Holt Bridge Club, an evening, agreed on the and old alive. felt I was safe unless RHO Holt, Norfolk. basics of an Acol system Anne Briscoe, was void in diamonds, had without any difficulty. Windsor, Berks. a heart and they were led. KEEP IT UP I agree there is a problem That didn’t happen Many thanks for your lovely in interesting younger COVERCLOUD and I made my 6♥. gift of next year’s diary, people and school children I would like to thank you Judy James, greatly appreciated. I am to take up the game, but for the business generated Wimborne, Dorset. ■ sure it will be much used. this has nothing to do with Having come in as an the teaching methods which original recipient of your are largely based on Acol. Write to Mr Bridge at: Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH excellent magazine all those John Martin, Evanton, or e-mail [email protected] years ago, I just write to say Inverness, Scotland. keep them coming. I have E-mail correspondents are asked to include their name, full postal also noted that the older you MEN OR WOMEN address, telephone number and get, the more of a workload I note from the results of the to send no attachments. you seem to be taking on. European Championships, Letters may be edited for length and clarity. Look after yourself as we that the England ‘Open’

BRIDGE September 2016 Page 39 Catching Up with Sally Brock

y birthday, June 12th, came chose a spade and that was declarer’s around again. It’s funny ninth trick, while a heart lead would Dealer West. E/W Game. how the time between have beaten the game. Then I went ♠ A K 5 3 2 Mbirthdays gets shorter as you get older. three down in a pretty terrible game, ♥ Void I had a dinner party here the evening but we did have 15 points facing 10, ♦ 10 9 5 before which went quite well and then so it seemed fairly normal – though ♣ K J 8 4 2 spent a quiet day at home with Briony I did make as few tricks as possible. ♠ Void ♠ J 10 9 and Barry. We were 24 IMPs down at the halfway ♥ A J 10 5 2 N ♥ Q 8 7 4 point (though obviously didn’t know ♦ A K J 7 6 4 2 W E ♦ Q 8 Almost everything else in this S period happened in Hungary. I flew the exact score at the time) and badly ♣ A ♣ Q 10 9 3 to Budapest and first up was the needed some good results. ♠ Q 8 7 6 4 Women’s Pairs with Susanna. We This was Board 10 : ♥ K 9 6 3 had good moments and bad moments ♦ 3 but were reasonably happy to finish ♣ 7 6 5 ninth. Although we had plenty of Dealer East. Game All. opportunity to do a lot better, it is hard ♠ A 8 4 3 2 work playing 50 boards of matchpoint ♥ A West North East South pairs a day. ♦ Q 9 8 2 Nicola Sally The hotel was adequate, but ♣ J 10 4 1♦ 1♠ Dbl 4♠ excellently situated. The weather was ♠ K 10 9 ♠ Q 7 6 4NT 5♠ Pass Pass almost too hot. The event was held in ♥ 5 3 2 N ♥ J 8 6 6♥ All Pass ♦ A K W E ♦ J 7 6 5 4 3 the football stadium and the playing S conditions were excellent, but it was ♣ Q 7 5 3 2 ♣ 8 The tempo of the auction worked well four stops on the underground to get ♠ J 5 for us. I thought Nicola bid the hand there. When we got back to the hotel ♥ K Q 10 9 7 4 really well – she realised that the prime each evening there was a large choice ♦ 10 objective was for the opponents not to of open-air restaurants close to the ♣ A K 9 6 sacrifice – which she knew would be hotel and we never had a bad meal. cheap. It didn’t really matter whether Really nice to eat outside every night. or not the grand slam was on or not, On the Saturday, the women’s teams West North East South because making the small slam would started and, as you probably know by Nicola Sally hugely outscore the 300 we would get now, we won the gold medal. We were Pass 1♥ (as it happens) defending 6♠. As it towards the top of the table for most of Pass 1♠ Pass 2♣ went, it sounded to the opponents as the event, but the draw was such that, Pass 2♦ Pass 2♥ if Nicola had been pushed into an iffy in general, the top teams played each Pass 2NT Pass 3♥ slam so they did not save, and that was other at the end, so it was pretty much Pass 4♥ All Pass +1430. bound to come down to the wire. We In the other room the bidding was: were in the lead going into the last Nicola led a top diamond and match, but not by much. Nicola and I continued with a trump. Declarer won West North East South went in to play our third match of the perforce in the dummy and ran the 1♣ 1♠ Dbl 4♠ day against Poland. The situation was ♣J. Nicola won her queen and it was 5♠ 6♣ Dbl 6♠ such that any win would do to finish not so tough to give me a club ruff. I 7♥ All Pass ahead of Poland, but it was possible had to make a spade in the end so that that France could leapfrog both of was one down. In the other room, When there was an unavoidable heart us – though they were playing the Heather made no such mistake. After loser, the grand slam went one down Netherlands, another strong side. the same defence to the first two tricks, and we had gained 17 IMPs and won The match started OK, but then we she ruffed a diamond bringing down the match by 5 IMPs. Just enough to had a succession of bad boards. The the other top diamond, drew trumps keep ahead of the French who won the Poles bid a miraculous game on a 4-3 fit and only now crossed to dummy with silver medal. that we could not defeat, and that was the ♠A, pitched her spade loser on the Just as the event ended, Barry 10 out. Then Nicola had to decide what ♦Q and took the club finesse, making arrived. We had four nights together to lead from ♠K-10-7-5 and ♥K-10-7-6 eleven tricks when it lost. in Budapest, before hiring a car and after the Poles bid: Pass – Pass – Pass After that, exchanges were fairly exploring the countryside to the east – 1♣ – Pass – 2NT – Pass – 3NT. She even until the very last board: of Budapest for a few days. ■

Page 40 BRIDGE September 2016 The Diaries of Wendy Wensum 2016 JUST Episode 53: DUPLICATE BRIDGE The IT Challenge

’ll never get to under- lead.’ The electronic travel- stand these things,’ Dealer East; Love All. ler record so far showed that said Millie as she ♠ J 3 at every table bar one, the ‘Icalled the director for the ♥ J 10 contract was two no-trumps umpteenth time. ‘What’s ♦ 9 8 6 4 making nine tricks played Ramada Resort wrong now?’ the TD asked, ♣ 10 9 8 7 5 by South. In each case, East Grantham ♠ K Q 5 2 ♠ 10 9 8 4 rather impatiently, as she had led a low heart. The ex- Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT took the handset from Mil- ♥ A 9 8 4 3 ♥ Q 7 5 2 ception was a contract of N 16-18 September £189 lie. ‘Oh, I see. Look, it’s ♦ 10 7 W E ♦ K J 3 2 five clubs by South. S easy to correct a score, just ♣ J 4 ♣ 6 Later, back in our local 14-16 October £189 press the cancel button and ♠ A 7 6 pub, Kate recalled that she 4-6 November £189 ♥ K 6 then enter the right result. and Jo had taken no part 18-20 November £189 Now pass the unit to ei- ♦ A Q 5 in the auction and were de- ther opponent to confirm ♣ A K Q 3 2 fending against five clubs. your entry,’ she instructed South opened with a strong rather abruptly, her atti- artificial two clubs and her tude stemming from Mil- West North East South partner responded with lie’s rejection of all previous Wendy Millie a two diamond negative. suggestions to allow me or Pass 2NT South then showed her five- an opponent to control the Pass 3NT All Pass card club suit, North agreed device. ‘I’m North and I’ll the trump suit and South Chatsworth Hotel get the hang of this tech- The opposition hadn’t sug- bid the minor suit game. Worthing BN11 3DU nology if it kills me,’ Millie gested an interest in the 7-9 October £199 announced defiantly, un- majors so I led the fourth West North East South 11-13 November £199 necessarily loudly and cer- highest of my longest suit, Kate Jo tainly over-optimistically. the four of hearts. Pass 2♣ 25-27 November £199 As the director returned to As dummy hit the deck, Pass 2♦ Pass 3♣ her table, I heard her mum- declarer looked a bit puz- Pass 4♣ Pass 5♣ ble under her breath, ‘That zled as he noted, ‘Only two All Pass could happen any moment. jacks, partner.’ North de- If her opponents don’t do it, fended his action with a Kate had led the king of I swear I will.’ Millie and I, shrug and reasoned, ‘Two spades and the defence took together with Jo and Kate jacks, two tens and a five- a spade, a heart and a dia- were guests at a neighbour- card suit.’ South won the mond giving Kate and Jo a Denham Grove ing club where all boards first trick with the king on top. This gave Millie the op- Near Uxbridge, UB9 5DG were pre-dealt by computer Millie’s queen. He played portunity to have another 21-23 October £199 and instant scoring was in out his five club tricks, fin- little moan about our North 4-6 November £199 operation via wi-fi handsets ishing in dummy, before opponent’s optimistic view linked to a central laptop. successfully finessing the of the value of his hand Fortunately the next round queen of diamonds. At this which resulted in a bottom Full Board was an arrow switch and point, he claimed two aces for us on the board. She No Single the magic box was in the and conceded the rest of the then gave her opinion on competent hands of our op- tricks, making his contract computer-generated boards Supplement* ponents. for 400. ‘Well judged, part- in particular and IT in ( 01483 489961 Millie was dealer and ner,’ he remarked simply. general. Jo bought another www.mrbridge.co.uk passed; South bid two no- Millie suggested that three round of drinks and fortu- trumps. I passed and North no-trumps would go off on nately Millie changed the Please note there are no seminars, set hands or had a long think before bid- a high spade lead. ‘I think conversation to the medi- prizes at these events. ding the final contract of not,’ said South, ‘I’m pretty cal benefits of imbibing *subject to availability three no-trumps. sure I can make it on any brandy. ■

BRIDGE September 2016 Page 41 Robin Hood’s Bridge Adventures by David Bird

Friar Tuck’s Deception

riar Tuck was enjoying his to establish the diamond suit to make ‘Oh yes,’ Tuck replied. ‘I was worried visit to St Winifred’s Convent. some more. That shouldn’t be too that you would think partner’s ♦9 was The nuns’ frugal diet did not difficult. a singleton. In that case, you might Fentrance him but the pleasure of a The young nun played the ♦K and guarantee the contract by ducking the bridge game in good company was led a second round of diamonds. second round of diamonds.’ adequate compensation. When Friar Tuck followed with the Such an idea had never occurred Halfway through the session, Friar queen, her eyes lit up. ‘That’s lucky, to Sister Batilda. ‘Duck the second Tuck faced two younger members of partner,’ she said. ‘Ace, please.’ round?’ she said. ‘Oh, I see! If you the order. What a breath of fresh air, he thought. Sister Batilda smiled brightly at him. ‘Am I allowed to say it’s nice to see a male face?’ she asked. ‘Yes, indeed,’ Tuck replied. ‘I don’t believe I’ve met you before.’ ‘Our duties are heavy,’ said Sister Myla, with a sigh. ‘We play once a month at most.’ ‘May the Good Lord send you some good cards in that case,’ remarked Tuck.

Dealer South. N/S Vul. ♠ 4 ♥ 7 6 5 4 ♦ A J 7 5 3 ♣ 9 3 2 ♠ Q J 10 8 ♠ 9 6 3 2 ♥ J 9 N ♥ Q 10 8 2 W E ♦ Q 10 8 6 ♦ 9 S ♣ Q 7 4 ♣ K J 8 5 ♠ A K 7 5 ♥ A K 3 ♦ K 4 2 ♣ A 10 6

When East discarded a spade, follow with the ♦8 instead and I duck West North East South visions of an overtrick disintegrated. in the dummy, East shows out and I Friar Sister Sister Sister The contract could no longer be made, can finesse the jack on the third round.’ Tuck Myla Eustacia Batilda in fact. Declarer needed four diamond ‘What a clever idea!’ exclaimed 2NT tricks for the contract and would now Sister Myla. ‘Of course, when the Pass 3NT All Pass make only three. queen appears, you’re bound to think Sister Batilda turned towards Friar that diamonds are 3-2.’ Sister Batilda won the spade lead and Tuck, looking somewhat puzzled. The opposition was stronger on the considered her prospects. She had ‘Did you mean to play the queen of next round – the Mother of Discipline seven tricks on top and would have diamonds?’ she queried. and the bushy-eyebrowed Sister Ellyn.

Page 42 BRIDGE September 2016 Friar Tuck reached game on this deal: West North East South ♠ — Sister Sister Mother of Friar ♥ — Ellyn Eustacia Discipline Tuck Dealer West. Love All. ♦ 7 4 2 1♠ ♠ 8 5 4 ♣ 8 2♥ 2♠ 3♥ 4♠ ♥ A 4 3 ♠ — ♠ — All Pass ♦ 7 4 2 ♥ — N ♥ 10 W E ♣ ♦ ♦ ♥ 8 6 4 2 K J 6 S 10 9 8 Sister Ellyn led the Q against the ♠ 7 6 2 ♠ J 3 ♣ J ♣ — spade game. Surely even her present ♥ J 9 5 N ♥ 10 7 6 2 ♠ 10 partner would not find fault in a top- W E ♦ K J 6 ♦ 10 9 8 5 ♥ — S of-a-sequence lead! ♣ A K J 7 ♣ Q 10 5 ♦ A Q 3 Friar Tuck played low from dummy ♠ A K Q 10 9 ♣ — and covered with the ♥K on the second ♥ K Q 8 round, ruffing East’s ace. West was ♦ A Q 3 likely to hold the ♣A for her overcall. ♣ 9 3 The Mother of Discipline swept up her What could be done? cards and thrust them back into the The ace and queen of trumps wooden board. ‘May the Lord protect revealed the 3-1 break and Friar Tuck West North East South me from such thoughtless defences!’ continued with a low club from his Sister Sister Mother of Friar she declared. hand, West winning with the ♣J. He Ellyn Eustacia Discipline Tuck ‘There was nothing I could do,’ Sister ruffed a third round of hearts and led 1♣ Pass Pass Dbl Ellyn replied. ‘I only had diamonds the ♣7 from his hand. Pass 1♦ Pass 4♠ left.’ Sister Ellyn won with the bare ♣A. All Pass ‘If you don’t lead a third round of Since another heart would give a ruff- clubs, he can’t set up the throw-in play,’ and-discard, she switched to the ♦10, Friar Tuck doubled 1♣ in the pass-out persisted the Mother of Discipline. won with declarer’s ace. A trump to seat, causing some discomfort to his ‘There was only one entry to dummy.’ the king allowed Friar Tuck to finesse partner, Sister Eustacia. With no four- ‘But you played high-low in clubs, the ♣10 and he discarded a diamond card suit to bid, she wondered what to Reverend Mother,’ protested Sister on the ♣K. He ruffed his diamond do. Should she pass? The last time she Ellyn. ‘I put you with a doubleton.’ loser in dummy and the game was had tried that without holding long It seemed to Friar Tuck that there made. and strong clubs, it had turned out was some merit in this argument. ‘Not again, Sister!’ exclaimed the very badly. Eventually she responded Since there were four clubs in dummy, Mother of Discipline. ‘You knew 1♦. the Mother of Discipline might another heart would be ruffed. Switch Friar Tuck decided to take no fur- perhaps have played the ♣5 followed to a diamond at trick 2 and he must ther risk, leaping to 4♠. Partnering by the ♣10. This would have painted lose four tricks.’ Robin Hood, he would have continued a clear picture of three clubs, which ‘I don’t see how I can tell that,’ Sister with 2♠, showing a very strong hand. must include the queen. Ellyn replied. ‘A diamond switch could Sister Eustacia was likely to pass such ‘Switch to either major at trick three be very costly.’ a rebid, even when she held a couple and the Friar has no chance,’ muttered ‘If you’re going to defend so feebly, of useful cards and game could be the Mother of Discipline. ‘No-one else you should bid 5♥,’ continued the made. will defend so badly.’ Mother of Discipline. ‘That’s only one Sister Ellyn started the defence with This was the next board: down.’ the ace and king of clubs, her partner ‘It’s not usually right, going to the following with the 10 and 5. She five-level,’ Sister Ellyn retorted. ‘I only continued with the ♣7 and Friar Tuck Dealer South. N/S Vul. had 10 points.’ ruffed East’s queen. After drawing ♠ K 5 3 2 The Mother of Discipline grimaced. trumps in three rounds, he cashed his ♥ K 8 4 If any junior nun had answered her heart winners, ending in the dummy. ♦ 7 5 4 back so disrespectfully, she would These cards remained in play (see next ♣ 6 5 3 have reached instantly for her black column). ♠ 4 ♠ 10 8 6 punishment book. The♦ K was marked offside by West’s ♥ Q J 10 9 5 3 N ♥ A 6 2 Friar Tuck sat back happily in his W E ♦ Q 10 9 2 ♦ J 6 3 opening bid. ‘Play the club, will you?’ S chair. Tomorrow evening, back in the he said. ♣ A J ♣ Q 9 8 4 forest, the outlaws would be gathered East discarded on this trick and ♠ A Q J 9 7 around the usual campfire. ‘Come Friar Tuck threw the ♦3 from his ♥ 7 on, Tuck,’ they would say. ‘Tell us hand. Sister Ellyn won and then had ♦ A K 8 how you got on against the Mother to lead a diamond into his ace-queen ♣ K 10 7 2 of Discipline. Don’t leave out any tenace. The game was made. details.’ ■

BRIDGE September 2016 Page 43 David Stevenson answers your Frequently Asked Questions Alerts and Announcements

n the British Isles, there are three whether it shows a four-card major with a totally unexpected meaning. So distinct sets of rules for alerting he should ask. Other artificial club if a 3♣ overcall is Ghestem, showing and announcing. There are rules responses, such as Puppet Stayman two suits, it is alerted, whether one Ifor England and Wales, there are rules or 5-card Stayman, are just alerted. of the suits is clubs or not, but if it is for Ireland, both Northern Ireland and You also announce 2♦, 3♦, 2♥ and 3♥ natural, whether weak, intermediate the Republic, and there are rules for responses if these are normal transfers, or strong, it does not get alerted since Scotland, which has no announcing. showing hearts or spades respectively. none of these are totally unexpected. This article starts with the rules in Again, if these bids are played with any An example of a totally unexpected England and Wales. other artificial meaning you should meaning is when you open and partner The general idea of alerting is to alert alert. For example, a 2♦ response that jumps in a new suit: opponents would something when the meaning will either shows hearts or a balanced hand expect that to be strong and forcing so surprise your opponents. However, it requires an alert. Other responses if it is weak and non forcing you alert. was found that just leaving it like that to 1NT and 2NT which are artificial How about doubles? Players always led to total confusion since different should be alerted, even if they are used to get the rules wrong, so they were people have different ideas as to what transfers. So only the 2♣, 2♦ or 2♥ changed to the simplest rule possible – is normal. Leaving doubles alone for responses to 1NT that are neither and people still get it wrong. If partner a moment, it was decided that the alerted nor announced are natural doubles a natural suit bid at the one- normal approach was to alert artificial signoffs. two- or three-level, then it is for take- bids and passes, also any that were When your partner opens with two out unless partner alerts: if partner natural, but not what the opponents of a suit, if it is artificial you alert: doubles anything else below 4♣ then would expect. this includes bids that show the suit it is for penalties unless partner alerts Eventually, I convinced the English bid, but also another one, like Lucas, it. What could be simpler? But people authorities to try announcements where 2♥ shows hearts and a minor, say things like, ‘But it was on the which I had found were a great success weak, so is alerted. If it is natural second round …’ or, ‘My partner has in North America and South Africa you immediately announce whether already shown hearts.’ or something, as and, after some initial grumbling, it is ‘Weak,’ which is typically less though the rule changes. It doesn’t: it is players seem to have taken to the than an opening bid, ‘Intermediate,’ a simple rule, easy to follow. idea. This means that a certain which is showing a minimum sort of Players often find that alerts at high limited number of bids with common opening hand, ‘Strong, not forcing,’ levels help the pair alerting more than meanings would have a small piece of generally showing eight playing their opponents. This should not be information announced by partner tricks and a fair hand or ‘Strong, the case, since an alert or failure to immediately they were made: this forcing’ showing a traditional Acol alert is unauthorised information to did not stop opponents from seeking two opening. You might play a wider partner, but to make life easier it has further information if they saw fit. range, so an announcement of ‘Weak been decided that after the first round, Currently, you announce the range to Intermediate’ or similar is possible. there is no alerting except in certain of a natural 1NT or 2NT opening, These are the only announcements: very rare situations above 3NT. The also saying whether a singleton is natural openings of 1NT, two of a only real exceptions are doubles permitted for a 1NT opening. Thus suit and 2NT, Stayman and major asking for a lead of some other suit you might say, ‘twelve to fourteen, may suit transfer responses to an opening and artificial passes. have a singleton.’ If these bids are not 1NT or 2NT. Note, that if someone While the rules on alerting and natural then you alert them as usual. opens 1NT, two of a suit or 2NT, their announcing in Ireland are not Some responses to 1NT and 2NT are partner should always announce or identical, they are very nearly the announced, so if you play 2♣ or 3♣ as alert it, so if they forget, an opponent same, and if you follow the rules above standard Stayman, asking for 4-card may ask them without compromising you would find that people in Ireland majors then just say ‘Stayman.’ Note his ethics. are happy enough. After announcing that it is irrelevant whether the bid Assuming a bid is not announced, was brought into England and Wales, is promissory or not. In the unlikely as above, in general you alert partner’s Ireland watched for a couple of years, event an opponent wants to know call if it is artificial, or natural but then introduced announcements, first

Page 44 BRIDGE September 2016 into the Republic, later into Northern Ireland. BERNARD MAGEE’S How about Scotland? There is no announcing, and the alerting is designed INTERACTIVE TUTORIALS for international events without screens. Of course, ACOL ADVANCED DECLARER this might seem strange for BIDDING ACOL BIDDING PLAY use in clubs, but that is their decision. l Opening Bids and l Basics l Suit Establishment Generally, you alert ar- Responses l Advanced in No-trumps tificial bids and natural l Slams and Strong Basics l Suit Establishment bids that are weaker than Openings in Suits expected. The biggest dif- l Weak Twos ference is that doubles and l Support for Partner l Strong Hands l Hold-ups redoubles never get alerted. l Pre-empting l Defence l Ruffing for Extra Tricks In theory, you should al- l Overcalls to Weak Twos ways ask but that gets very l Entries in l No-trump l Defence to 1NT boring, so in practice any- Openings £66 No-trumps one who plays strange arti- l Doubles £76 and Responses l Delaying ficial doubles has an advan- l Two-suited Drawing Trumps tage. If you do not always l Opener’s and Overcalls Responder’s Rebids £96 l Using the Lead ask, do not blame me when l Defences to ♥ you open 2 (weak), LHO l Minors and Misfits Other Systems l Trump Control doubles, and it turns out it l Doubles l Endplays & shows clubs. l Misfits and Distributional Avoidance One of the problems that l Competitive Hands we used to have is people Auctions l Using the Bidding who asked the range of All MAC 1NT and then passed: they Compatible nearly always had about ADVANCED DEFENCE FIVE-CARD ten to thirteen points and DECLARER PLAY MAJORS & it was very difficult for ethi- l Lead vs Strong No-Trump l Making Overtricks cal partners to take no ad- No-trump Contracts in No-trumps l Opening Bids vantage and very easy for l Lead vs & Responses unethical ones to take ad- l Making Overtricks Suit Contracts in Suit Contracts l No-Trump vantage. Announcing just l Partner of Leader Openings about killed this problem, l Endplays vs No-trump but unfortunately it still ap- l Support l Avoidance Contracts £89 plies in Scotland. for Partner l Partner of Leader In theory, it is not as l Wrong Contract vs Suit Contracts l Slams bad as the picture I have & Strong Openings painted because players l Simple l Count £81 Signals l Rebids are meant to tell their op- Squeezes £76 l Minors ponents their basic system l Counting l Attitude and any strange calls at the Hand Signals & Misfits the start of the round. How- l Pre-empting l Trump Reductions l Discarding ever, not everyone does and & Coups l Defensive Plan l Doubles why should you have to remember the opponents’ l Playing Doubled l Stopping Declarer l Overcalls Contracts system as well as your own? l Counting l Competitive It is much easier when you l Safety Plays the Hand Auctions can rely on alerts and an- nouncements. Perhaps we should have Make your cheque payable to Mr Bridge and send to: Mr Bridge, a petition to persuade Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH Scotland to introduce an- ( 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop nouncements and alerting System: MAC OSX (Intel chip), Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 or 10, 8mb RAM, CD-ROM for strange doubles. ■

BRIDGE September 2016 Page 45 Improve Your Defence with Andrew Kambites Trump Management

n Example A, West found the Of course, after West’s spade lead the Can you see how the game should excellent lead of the ♠2. Declarer slam should have failed, the defenders have been beaten? East’s winning ♠K won with dummy’s ♠A and tried taking a trick in each major suit. ‘How had a more noble purpose than just Ithe ♥J. East realised that with South could I have known?’ bewailed East. to ruff a winner. The♠ K should have showing seven hearts there was East didn’t need to work out the precise been used to draw two of declarer’s nothing in West’s hand to promote details. Declarer had played a winner trumps, stopping the diamond ruff so he smoothly followed with the ♥6. from dummy. East had no particular and holding declarer to nine tricks. Declarer now rose with the ♥A and reason not to ruff. I will repeat again Suppose the ♥K is allowed to win. If turned his attention to diamonds. the advice given in my previous declarer wrongly switches to the ♦A On the ♦A-K, West signalled an even article: If you are in a position to win followed by the ♦8, East can win and number by playing the ♦9 followed a trick when your partner cannot cash his winning trump. More likely, by the ♦7. Declarer continued with win it, take the trick unless you have declarer will ruff a heart and lead a the ♦Q and East fell from grace by a positive reason otherwise. club to his ♣K, hoping in vain that discarding a club. Declarer threw the In Example B, West led a trump West has the ♣A. The point here is ♠4, ruffed the ♦3, re-entered dummy against South’s spade game. Declarer that, unlike in Example A, East has a with his ♣A and called for his winning won the ♠A and continued with the reason for not ruffing the ♥K. ♦6. Whatever East did, South could ♥A-K. East ruffed (declarer discarding Another time when the defenders dispose of his remaining spade loser, his ♦3) and East switched to the ♦K. must exercise a little patience is shown making his slam for the loss of just one There was no defence now. Declarer in Layout C. trump trick. allowed the ♦K to win and was able to ruff a diamond loser in dummy for ten tricks. Layout C Example A ♠ J 5 4 ♠ A 5 ♥ A 5 4 2 ♥ J 8 7 2 Example B ♦ 8 6 2 ♦ A K Q 6 3 ♠ 6 3 ♣ A 6 3 ♣ A Q ♥ A K 4 3 2 ♠ 3 ♠ Q 10 9 N ♠ K J 3 2 ♠ Q 9 8 6 ♦ A 8 ♥ Q 10 9 8 7 ♥ 6 W E N ♥ Void ♥ K 6 ♣ K 5 4 2 ♦ J 7 3 S ♦ Q 10 9 5 4 W E ♦ J 9 8 7 S ♦ 10 4 ♠ 4 2 ♠ K Q ♣ Q J 10 9 ♣ 8 5 4 2 N ♣ K 9 5 3 2 ♣ 10 8 7 6 4 ♥ 10 9 8 7 6 5 ♥ Q ♠ A K 8 7 6 2 W E ♠ 10 7 4 ♦ 7 2 S ♦ K Q J 9 6 ♥ K J 3 ♥ A Q 10 9 5 4 3 ♣ Q 9 6 ♣ A J 8 7 3 ♦ A K ♦ 5 2 ♠ A J 10 9 8 7 5 ♣ K 7 ♣ J ♥ J ♦ 10 5 4 3 ♣ 10 After South opened a strong ♠2 , the South North final contract was 6♠. Declarer won 3♥ 4NT1 the club lead with his ♣K and cashed 5♦2 6♥ South North the ♠A-K, revealing he had a trump 1Key card Blackwood 21 key card 3♠ 4♠ loser.

Page 46 BRIDGE September 2016 2161 Mr Bridge third page ad 170503BR_Layout 1 2

He could see no better option than to to work out. Why had declarer stopped rely on the heart finesse so he entered drawing trumps after the ♥A-K? The dummy with the ♥A and led the only logical explanation is that West’s ♥2, intending to finesse his ♥J. East remaining heart was a winner. The decided to waste his winning ♠Q by obvious switch to the ♠J would have ruffing and a grateful declarer followed easily defeated the contract. with the ♥J. East had effectively used Don’t force partner to use a Madeira, his master ♠Q to trump his partner’s winning trump to trump declarer’s heart winner. East tried to justify his loser. error by saying that he couldn’t know There are a lot of clever plays in whether all declarer’s hearts were the trump suit, most of which are Morocco winners. True, but because he didn’t too rare and complicated to justify know he couldn’t be sure he wasn’t including here. However, I will end by ruffing declarer’s loser. showing you a pretty little play called & Seville Don’t use a winning trump to ruff an Uppercut. Look at all four hands in hosted by a loser. Layout E. Do you think declarer can SANDY BELL Another type of very poor defence make 4♠? which is seen all too often at club level is shown in Example D. Layout E ♠ 9 8 7 Example D ♥ A K ♠ 5 4 3 ♦ 10 8 6 2 ♥ J 9 3 ♣ A K J 10 ♦ A J 10 9 7 ♠ J 5 4 ♠ 10 3 N ♣ A K ♥ 8 6 4 ♥ 9 7 5 3 2 W E ♠ A Q 6 2 ♠ J 10 9 7 ♦ A K Q J S ♦ 9 5 N ♥ Q 10 2 ♥ 8 ♣ 8 7 4 ♣ 9 6 5 3 W E ♦ 8 4 S ♦ K Q 3 2 ♠ A K Q 6 2 ♣ J 10 9 3 ♣ 8 7 6 5 ♥ Q J 10 ♠ K 8 ♦ 7 4 3 Enjoy the spring sunshine of ♥ A K 7 6 5 4 ♣ Q 2 Madeira, the dramatic landscapes of ♦ 6 5 the Canary Islands and the Moorish ♣ Q 4 2 splendours of Morocco and Seville. South North 1♠ 2♣ May 3, 2017 - 11 days South North 2♠ 4♠ from Funchal to Seville 1♥ 2♦ Fly to Funchal to join Aegean Odyssey 2♥ 4♥ West leads out the ♦A-K-Q-J. Can you for 2 nights on board. Cruise to La Palma see what happens? If East discards on • Lanzarote • Agadir (Taroudant) ♦ • Marrakesh (overnight hotel) West made a very poor 8 lead. the fourth diamond, declarer ruffs • Casablanca (Rabat) • Seville (overnight Leading a doubleton in dummy’s suit with the ♠2, draws trumps and claims on board) • Fly home is rarely successful, because it is much ten tricks. If East ruffs the ♦J with the more likely to destroy partner’s holding ♠3, declarer overruffs with the ♠6 and Great value Mr Bridge fares in the suit than lead to a contract claims the same ten tricks. However, if Standard Inside from £1,995pp defeating ruff. Here, the lead was East thoughtfully ruffs with his ♠10, Standard Outside from £2,550pp ♠ Premium Outside from £2,695pp even worse than usual, because with a declarer has to overruff with the Q Single supplement only 10% trump holding of ♥Q-10-2, West didn’t and West’s ♠J has been promoted into particularly want a diamond ruff. a winner. For reservations call However, in this case the lead didn’t do I don’t think East needs to work out any harm. Declarer took dummy’s ♦A the precise layout. What other use can and cashed the ♥A-K. He now played the ♠10 have except helping promote a on 01483 489961 his second diamond. East won the ♦Q trump trick for West? and made the horrible play of leading If your defence improves to the the ♦3 ‘for partner to ruff’. Declarer point when you can deliberately ruff gratefully discarded his ♠8 and West partner’s winner, knowing that it is www.mrbridge.co.uk had to use his winning ♥Q to prevent the only defence to give you a chance ♦ dummy’s J from winning the trick. of defeating declarer, you will truly Terms and conditions apply – see brochure or website for details Really, this wasn’t too hard for East have arrived. ■

BRIDGE September 2016 Page 47 Seven Days by Sally Brock

Saturday day playing with Bryony Youngs, to organise a private bridge evening. against Jasmine and Liz, two of the She ‘bought’ me at Briony’s charity We wake up in our lakeside room on youngsters in our Under-25 women’s evening and so has asked me to go Lake Tisza, east of Budapest. After world championship team. They are to her house and manage the bridge. breakfast, it is time for a boat trip on very talented and also very keen – it About two hours before I am due to the lake. It is just a small boat with an is a pleasure to play against them. leave home (she is sending a driver for outboard motor, and no shade. After Afterwards, we go through the hands me), I get a phone call saying that two ten minutes or so, we come across a with the whole squad. people have dropped out (death in the capsized kayak. Its three passengers Briony picks me up from Barry’s family I believe). Can we do it for ten are in the water and struggling with with my two suitcases, and off we go people instead of twelve? The short all their belongings – rucksacks, shoes home. There is plenty to talk about answer is ‘no’. I couldn’t work out the etc – floating in the water with the and we stop off for a coffee on the way, movement for myself anyway and had kayak upside down. Our boatman is dying to hear each other’s news. When got my friend Chris Dixon to sort it for obviously experienced in such matters we finally get home, I make a start on me. It is all I can do to run the bridge and is able to help them sort themselves the laundry, and then we settle down and score it as it is – amending the out. It is delightful to potter in and out to catch up on some TV. movement is way beyond me. So I ring of little creeks and passages, enjoying around and eventually get Richard the birds and other wildlife. (of Richard and Gerry fame) to come, After lunch in the hotel, we set off for Monday along with Briony. She has a dinner the airport, delivering the car back on As usual on a Monday, I start with an date and wants to leave straight after the way. All passes peacefully except online session with Allison. Usually, the bridge, so we agree that she will for an hour and a half delay for our we just practice bidding, but today, we drive us there and Tove’s driver will flight. Never mind, I manage to get play against Anita and Peter – and are bring me back. some work done and Barry can amuse thoroughly trounced. One or other of This is an early deal: himself on his netbook indefinitely. us does something wrong whenever We arrive back at his flat just before the opportunity presents itself – and midnight. After two and a half weeks we are unlucky too. The sooner I can Dealer North. E/W Game. of very hot weather – generally in the forget about that session the better. ♠ 5 mid-30s – it is great to be cool. It was made worse by knowing that ♥ A 10 9 5 Allison had played with Nicola on ♦ 10 7 3 Saturday and won a Swiss Pairs at the ♣ A Q 9 5 3 Sunday Young Chelsea. ♠ A K 8 6 4 ♠ Q J 10 7 3 This had long been arranged as our Then, after a much-needed session ♥ 8 3 2 N ♥ J 4 ♦ J 6 4 2 W E ♦ K 9 second Young Women’s Training on my exercise bike, I settle down to S Weekend. It was all set up to run catching up on a seemingly endless ♣ K ♣ J 8 6 2 without me on the Saturday. However, stream of emails, followed by a whole ♠ 9 2 possibly because of exams, holidays lot of other work. Briony and I are ♥ K Q 7 6 etc, there seems to have been a drop going to France for a week on Monday ♦ A Q 8 5 in numbers. This time it coincides and I have a lot to do before then. ♣ 10 7 4 with an Under-20s training weekend at the Young Chelsea, so the three young girls who did attend (only Tuesday West North East South two today) could join with the rest After a second consecutive morning 1♣ Pass 1♥ of the Under-20 squad. In practice, on my bike, I get down to work. This 1♠ 4♥ 4♠ 5♥ that means that I spend most of the evening I am going to Tove’s house All Pass

Page 48 BRIDGE September 2016 Kitty, North and the eventu- of us. We play well and beat a diamond, but now I can al runner-up, is not the only them this time – which is cross-ruff and West can BERNARD one to open this hand, but not always the case. make his ace of clubs when- MAGEE’S after her partner responds I enjoy this deal: ever he wants – in practice, INTERACTIVE in her four-card suit, she he chooses trick thirteen. raises to game. Ever aware It all looks rather pretty, TUTORIAL CD of the advantage of put- Dealer East. E/W Game. but actually if he had over- ting the opponents under ♠ A J 8 5 3 2 ruffed one of my early spade DECLARER pressure, she certainly does ♥ A 9 ruffs and played the ace of so here. I am East and feel ♦ 3 diamonds, the defence must PLAY that with five-card support ♣ Q 9 5 2 come to a third defensive and some bits and pieces I ♠ Q ♠ K 10 9 7 6 trick at the end. MAC or should support my partner ♥ Q 8 7 4 2 N ♥ 6 3 W E Windows and so, there we are in 4♠. ♦ A 9 8 7 2 S ♦ K 10 6 5 I would have thought that ♣ A 10 ♣ 7 6 Thursday with only four hearts and ♠ 4 This is serious work day. none of his values in clubs, ♥ K J 10 5 Again, I start with my South should have doubled ♦ Q J 4 work-out (it’s been a long at the vulnerability (and we ♣ K J 8 4 3 time since I’ve done it three would have gone for 500), times in a week), then set- but instead he presses on to tle down. At the moment, 5♥. West North East South I’m working on redesigning How would you play the Barry Sally some of the EBU’s teaching hand after the defenders Pass 1♣ material. start with two rounds of 1♥ 1♠ Pass 2♣ At 6.30pm I take a break Bernard develops spades? Declarer ruffed, Pass 2♥ Pass 2NT for an online session with your declarer play drew trumps and made the Pass 3♣ Pass 3NT one of my Irish pairs. After technique in the mistake of playing the ten Pass 4♦ Pass 4NT that it’s manicure time, Bri- course of ten introductory of clubs from his hand. Now Pass 5♣ All Pass ony and I watch Holby City exercises and 120 he could not set up the clubs while painting our finger- complete deals. and he had to go one down. nails and each other’s toe- The house is splendid – Thankfully, Barry even- nails. l Suit Establishment vast, with a large garden tually gives up. We play a in No-trumps beside a golf course. The weak no-trump so, much l Suit Establishment standard of bridge is mixed as I would have liked to re- Friday in Suits with some good players and bid 1NT the first time, that I’m getting a bit panicky some not so good, but eve- would have shown 15–17 about what’s still to be done l Hold-ups £76 ryone is good company. The (and is probably a good before I go off on Monday. l Ruffing for general level of entertain- reason for not opening my I can work while I’m away Extra Tricks ment is excellent with fan- hand). but had hoped to clear the l Entries in tastic canapés to start with, Anyway, the play’s the decks as much as possible. No-trumps then the bridge and then thing. West leads a heart At three-ish I stop, have a dinner. We all have a jolly which I win in hand with shower, get dressed, get my l Delaying good time. Nicola wins, of the ten. I want to win in stuff together and drive to Drawing Trumps course. hand because I want to slip Gilly’s new flat in Ealing. l Using the Lead a trump past West, who is We’re playing at the Young l Trump Control the more likely to hold the Chelsea this evening and Wednesday ace. At trick two, I lead a low I’ve been invited for supper l Endplays & I go into London to play club to dummy’s queen that first. Her flat is splendid and Avoidance with Allie at the Acol Club. holds. I now play the ace I am given a guided tour. l Using the Bidding I try a slightly different of spades and ruff a spade. At the YC we get off to a train journey which is not West chooses not to over- bad start, but improve and a good idea and I am a bit ruff, so I play a heart to the finish third. Towards the Mr Bridge, Ryden late. The bridge goes OK, ace and ruff another spade. end Barry arrives, having Grange, Knaphill, and I rush back afterwards Again, West does not over- been at a party at his cham- Surrey GU21 2TH for an online session with ruff, so I discard dummy’s bers. We have a glass of wine ( 01483 489961 Richard and Gerry. Barry diamond on my king of and look at the hands, then www.mrbridge.co.uk/ plays too, as he sometimes hearts and let East make its back to the flat and time mrbridge-shop does, which is nice for all his six of clubs. He returns for bed. ■

BRIDGE September 2016 Page 49 2161 Mr Bridge third page ad 170527BR_Layout 1 2 The Abbot, The Parrot and The Bermuda Bowl by David Bird Renaissance Reviewed by David Huggett and Published by Weidenfeld and Nicolson in association with Peter Crawley. ISBN 978 1 474 60078 1. UK £12.99

can hardly believe that David Bird has awesome at the game, but totally lacking Rivieras been writing about his bridge-crazy in tolerance when playing with either of hosted by Imonks for over 35 years now, but this the monks.) BERNARD MAGEE is his twelfth book in the series and, as For reasons I won’t go into, this team a number one fan, I can report that the has qualified for the Bermuda Bowl, the writing is as incisive and as funny as ever. World Championship of bridge, but due For those of you new to this most prolific to lack of funds cannot participate – until of writers, let me tell you that the star of course the Abbot steps in with some character in the Abbot series is, in fact, money meant for higher things. On the alter-ego of the author himself and condition that he is an active player, of a lot of the characters that inhabit these course. stories are based – some less loosely than The following hand caught my eye others – on bridge players local to where because the solution is so neat: the author lives in Hampshire. Those characters are, without exception, quite marvellous and deliciously drawn. In fact ♠ A K 6 LIMITED it is the characterisation that makes this ♥ K 6 4 SINGLE book so seductive and the frailties of ♦ A K 10 9 4 2 AVAILABILITY the protagonists so recognisable and so ♣ 2 very, very funny. ♠ 9 5 4 2 ♠ 3 Culture and glamour combine The first half of the book is set in St ♥ Q 9 7 5 N ♥ A J 10 2 on a cruise that will take you Titus where matters of religion come a ♦ 6 W E ♦ Q 8 7 S from Imperial Rome to the distant second to consuming bridge ♣ Q 10 5 4 ♣ K J 9 8 6 Italian Riviera and the Cote d’Azur. ambition, whether from the Abbot ♠ Q J 10 8 7 himself or lesser mortals in the novitiate. ♥ 8 3 May 27, 2017 - 11 days So every day there is a bridge challenge ♦ J 5 3 from Rome to Nice of one form or another, with the Abbot ♣ A 7 3 Fly to Rome and transfer to Aegean Odyssey in Civitavecchia. trying to get one over on the super-team Cruise to Olbia (overnight on board) of Lucius and Paulo and, it has to be said, • Bonifacio • Elba • Florence • Pisa with little luck. All the good players are How do you play 4♠ on a low club lead • Marseilles (Avignon) • Cannes (overnight very good indeed while the lesser ones to the king? If you win and ruff a club on board) • Monte Carlo • Nice • Fly home stumble along with their entrenched high in dummy and then draw trumps, Great value Mr Bridge fares views – ‘always lead trumps partner’ – you might be in difficulty if neither of the Standard Inside £2,195pp from and who often through sheer random red suits behave, with East being able to Standard Outside from £2,650pp circumstances do much better than reach his partner’s hand with a low club. Premium Outside from £2,795pp expected. Instead, just duck the ace of clubs. What Single cabins are limited - call for details If the first part of the book is delightful, can East do? Suppose he returns a club. For reservations call the second half is even more so. Set If so, ruff high in dummy, draw trumps in darkest Africa, where a couple of and run the jack of diamonds. Due to missionaries have been striving for your foresight, East is unable to reach on 01483 489961 years to teach Acol to the inhabitants his partner’s hand for the killing heart of Upper Bhumpopo, the local team switch. consists of such delightful characters It is unlikely that reading this book will as the Witchdoctor – forever uttering improve your bridge by teaching you new incantations – the svelte Miss Nabooba techniques but there are a zillion other www.mrbridge.co.uk and best of all the Parrot who learned books that do that. What it will do is

Terms and conditions apply – see brochure or website for details the game a few books back when a make you laugh out loud and in these fourth was hard to find. (Of course, he is uncertain times that is no bad thing. ■

Page 50 BRIDGE September 2016 BERNARD MAGEE TUTORIAL DVDS

SET 1 SET 2 SET 3 1 Ruffing for Extra Tricks 7 Leads 13 Hand Evaluation This seminar deals with declarer’s use of Bernard takes you through the basic leads Going beyond just the point-count is ruffing to make extra tricks and then looks and the importance of your lead choice. If important. Reaching & making 3NT on 24 at how the defenders might counteract this. you start to think about your partner’s hand, HCP; and avoiding 3NT on 26 HCP when there (74 mins.) you will get better results. (95 mins.) are only 7 or 8 tricks. (110 mins.) 2 Competitive Auctions 8 Losing Trick Count 14 Pre-Emptive Bidding This seminar focuses on competitive auctions A way of hand evaluation for when you find The art of pre-empting is so important in the from the perspective of the overcalling side a fit. Bernard deals with the basics of the LTC modern game. Understanding the right hands and then from the opening side in the second then looks at advanced methods to hone your to bid up on and realising the importance of part. (86 mins.) bidding. (92 mins.) position and vulnerability. (96 mins.) 3 Making the Most of High Cards 9 Making a Plan as Declarer 15 Splinter & Cue Bids This seminar helps declarer to use his high Bernard explains how to make a plan then Splinter bids are a vital tool to add to your cards more carefully and then looks at how expands on how to make the most of your slam bidding armoury & try your hand at defenders should care for their high cards. long suits, both in no-trumps and suit Italian style cue bidding. (116 mins.) (83 mins.) contracts. (87 mins.) 16 Avoidance Play 4 Identifying & Bidding Slams 10 Responding to 1NT As declarer, an important tactic is to be in The first half of this seminar identifies when This seminar deals with Transfers and control of the defenders: avoiding a particular a slam might be on. The second Stayman in detail. The 1NT opening comes defender getting the lead. As a defender, you half covers some slam-bidding techniques. up frequently, so having a good, accurate can try to make sure the right player gets the (96 mins.) system of responses is paramount. (93 mins.) lead. (88 mins.) 5 Play & Defence of 1NT Contracts 11 Signals & Discards 17 Play & Defence at Pairs This seminar looks at the most common This seminar deals with Count, Attitude Duplicate Pairs is the game most of us play and yet most feared of contracts: 1NT. and Suit-preference signals: aiming to get and getting used to the tactics will make The first half looks at declaring 1NT and you working as a partnership in defence. a lot of difference to your performance. the second part at defending. (88 mins.) (92 mins.) (90 mins.) 6 Doubling & Defence against 12 Endplay 18 Thinking Defence Doubled Contracts Bernard takes you through the basics of By far the hardest aspect of bridge, but if you The first half of this seminar explores penalty endplays before showing some hands where can improve your defence your results will doubles and the second half discusses the you can take extra tricks, then looks at how to quickly improve. Learn how to think through defence against doubled contracts. (88 mins.) avoid being endplayed. (80 mins.) the defence. (87 mins.)

SET 4 SET 5 SET 6 19 Defensive Plan 25 Defence as Partner 31 Counting Defence Looking at your own hand, then at dummy of the Leader Defence is the hardest aspect of bridge, but if and envisaging how partner’s hand will Defence is the hardest aspect of the game, you can learn to defend in conjunction with allow you to make a plan for the defence. it is where most players can make great your partner, it becomes the most rewarding (112 mins.) progress. (104 mins.) element at the same time. (98 mins.) 20 Further Into 26 Aggressive Bidding 32 Extra Tricks in No-Trumps the Auction at Duplicate Pairs Long suits are an integral part of the bidding The first two bids of an auction are usually Years ago, you needed 13 HCP to open the and the play – developing extra tricks from easy, but beyond that the complications bidding and rarely competed for a partscore. them can be the difference between making increase. Learn how to ‘talk’ to your partner Now its usual to open lighter and compete for or going down in your contract. (100 mins.) during the bidding. (95 mins.) every hand. (114 mins.) 33 Supporting Partner 21 Weak Twos 27 Strong Opening Bids When you have support for your partner, the It is important to bid more in the modern Managing your strong bids carefully can give partnership can bid higher than the high game and weak twos are an important choice you joy, particularly when you have a neat card points might suggest. We will look at for the competitive player. (104 mins.) bidding sequence to a lovely slam. (122 mins.) conventions that can help you bid to good 22 Trump Control 28 Take-Out Doubles games and great slams. (131 mins.) Handling the play of the hand when trumps Bernard deals with basic take-out doubles and 34 Finessing break badly is an important attribute: playing their responses, then progresses to talk about Finesses come up on almost every hand you calmly and using a variety of tactics to pave competing for every partscore. (99 mins.) play. Getting the most out of your honour the way to success. (76 mins.) 29 Suit Establishment combinations is a crucial part of declarer 23 Sacrificing in Suit Contracts play. (81 mins.) An exciting aspect of the auction is Long suits are powerful things: Bernard tries to 35 Bidding Distributional Hands outbidding your opponents and going down, get across his passion for them by showing you Distributional hands can be great fun to bid but gaining by doing so. Learn to bid more how to develop your extra tricks. (81 mins.) and to play, particularly when you find a fit. aggressively. (105 mins.) 30 Landy / Defending And you find a fit by bidding more! (114 mins.) 24 Improving Bridge Memory Against a 1NT Opening 36 Coping with Pre-Empts Remembering every card is a dream for most Competing against a 1NT opening allows you How do you defend against pre-empts? When of us. However, learn ways in which to challenge for the partscore. Bernard talks your bidding space is taken away you have to remember the important things. about competing over 1NT in general and then to use a few extra techniques, but most of all (90 mins.) about Landy. (85 mins.) you have to use your judgement. (98 mins.)

£25 Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961 £105 per DVD Online shop: www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop set of 6 Fred.’s Favourite Fjords Hosted by Bernard Magee 30th July 2017 • 7 nights • Sails from Newcastle • Balmoral • CRUISE ID: L1716

From only £999 per person This special sailing combines many of the fjords and ports of call most highly rated by both Norwegians and Fred. Olsen guests, such as tranquil Nordfjord; Sognefjord, the longest fjord in Norway; and mesmerising Hardangerfjord with its majestic waterfalls and glacier-topped mountains. You’ll also see staggering geological features amid stops in picturesque places set deep within the landscapes.

Bergen, Norway Lake and Olden Church, built in 1759. All this Bridge Seminars The beautiful UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf, means you’ll never be far from a fantastic with its colourful timbered houses and photo opportunity. every on sea cobbled walkways, is the historic and cultural evening days centrepiece of Hanseatic Bergen, though the Flåm, Aurlandsfjord, Norway famous fish market, Troldhaugen Museum Flåm is a delightful, unspoilt treasure, with and fascinating art galleries are worth quaint orchards, cottages and farmland exploring too. Head to the top of Mount surrounding the spellbinding waterfront. The

Hornelen Fløyen via the funicular railway for an views are nothing short of magical, whether Nordfjord Olden unrivalled perspective of the city. you’re standing at the Stegastein Lookout or Sognefjord admiring the mighty waterfalls, Tvinde and Flåm Bergen Nærøyfjord «RECOMMENDED EXPERIENCE Kjosfossen. And don’t miss the magnificent Eidfjord Take a sightseeing tour of Bergen, followed Flåm Railway, a 20km-long spiralling Hardangerfjord Fureberg Waterfall, by a ride on the funicular railway to the sensation with an abundance of photo Maurangerfjord top of Mount Fløyen for wonderful opportunities along the way. Lysefjord (Pulpit Rock & Kjerag Boulder) panoramic views. «RECOMMENDED EXPERIENCE To/from Newcastle Olden, Nordfjord, Norway Have your camera at the ready as you journey Both charming and incredibly beautiful, the up high into the mountains on the world- village of Olden is a springboard for discovery. famous Flåm Railway, on our popular Room type Prices from It’s the gateway to the astonishing ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ tour. Jostedalen Glacier and its famous branch, Interior Room £999pp Briksdal, as well as the stunning Lovatnet Eidfjord, Hardangerfjord, Norway £1,149pp Ocean View Room Sited on moraines left behind by the Ice Age, Balcony Room £1,999pp Eidfjord is reached by sailing along the glassy Suite £2,149pp All of the following included from waters of the picturesque Hardangerfjord. Tour to the Hardanger Juice and Cider Factory £1,699 only £143 per person, per night: Single Room or Hardangervidda Nature Centre for an Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, 5-course à la Prices are correct at time of going to print, but authentic Norwegian cultural experience; may change at any time. Call for latest prices. carte dinner, late night buffet & self-service tea & coffee • Varied daytime activities • embark on a kayaking adventure against a Lectures & talks • Swimming pools, Jacuzzis dramatic backdrop of towering cliffs; or Single friendly: We will always offer an & gym • Choice of live evening entertainment discover the breathtaking beauty of the Ocean View Twin Room at a reduced price 2 formal nights Vøringfoss Waterfall. for sole occupancy. Please call for details. •

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

Fares are per person, based on twin occupancy of the lead in twin/single room, subject to availability. Offers may be amended or withdrawn at any time without prior notice, are subject to availability & cannot be applied retrospectively. All bookings are subject to Fred. Olsen’s (FOCL’s) standard terms & conditions, available at www.fredolsencruises. com & on request. Some ports may be at anchor, intermediate days are at sea. FOCL reserves the right to amend itineraries for operational reasons. Tours, tips, premium drinks, medical facilities & other spend whilst on board & during travel to the ship are not included, any additional expenditure will need to be paid separately. E&OE

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