A publication of District 4 of the American League

SEPTEMBER 2014

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE BOB PRIEST

Inside this issue:

District Director’s Report 3 Zero Tolerance From the Four Corners 4 We advertise Zero Tolerance for all our tournaments, yet it never seems to get enforced. In the last year I Master Solvers Club 10 have witnessed a player spend two minutes arguing with a director at the table regarding a ruling, and For Novices Only 14 another player invite the director outside, each ABC of Bridge 16 without a ZT being issued. A Spot 4 the Advancing 18 I am also culpable. As a Tournament Chair I have not instructed my directing staff to be vigilant and swift in this regard. As Tournament Lancaster Regional 20.21 Chairs - as a district - we need to instruct our directing staff to Partnership Desk 22 enforce ZT strictly. District 4 Stars 23, 24 Discourtesy at the table may be the single biggest issue driving players away from the game. Saying we practice Zero Tolerance NAP Finals 25,26 and not enforcing it leaves the impression that we really don't care how players are treated. Tournament Index 27

Over time I believe that we will notice that the more we enforce ZT, the more it will become obvious that only a few players truly cannot control their actions. Those few we can do without. PRESIDENT BOB PRIEST [email protected]

1ST VICE PRESIDENT DAN BOYE

2ND VICE PRESIDENT ED BISSELL

SECRETARY BILL BAUER EDITOR Elaine Landow TREASURER 2556 Morris Road Lansdale, PA 19446 RICK ROWLAND 215-699-6134 e-mail: DISTRICT DIRECTOR [email protected] CRAIG ROBINSON

215-699-6134 [email protected]

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without per- mission of the editor.

DISTRICT 4 WEBSITE - DISTRICT4.INFO Deadline for December Unit Websites Issue:  112 - acblunit112.org November 14  120 - nepab.com 121 - unit121bridge.com . 133 - lvbabridge.org  141 - philadelphiabridge.info  168 - web2.acbl.org/hosted/units/unit168/index.htm  190 - unit190.org . 217 - unit217.nepab.com

DISTRICT 4SPOT - SEPTEMBER 2014 - Page 2 DISTRICT DIRECTOR’S REPORT CRAIG ROBINSON [email protected]

The of Directors Masterpoint Committee has looked into several inequities in masterpoint awards and has come up with the following solutions:

Problem #1 – A 20 table pair game awards the same for winning as a 20 table team game. To win the pair game one must beat 39 other pairs but in the team game one only has to beat 19 teams.

The solution was to increase overall awards in pair games at sectional and regional levels by 25%. To somewhat curb this highly inflationary change it was decided to reduce overall awards from 35% to 25% of the field. Another change was to decrease all games with an upper masterpoint limit by ~20%. The impact of these changes will keep limited pair games (i.e. Gold Rush, for example) right where they are and lower limited team games by 20%.

Problem #2 – Increase sectional awards and decrease STaC awards realizing that a sectional game run by an ACBL director is a ‘better run’ game than a club game run by a club director.

The solution was to increase overall awards in sectional games by 10% and decrease STaC games by 10%. When one accounts for the 25% increase for pair games, STaC awards will actually increase by 12.5% whereas sectional/regional pairs will increase by 25% (almost all STaCs are run as pair games).

Problem #3 – A 10 table A/X game on top of a 40 table Gold Rush game receives 50% more masterpoints than the same 10 table A/X field running on top of a 20 table B/C/(D) game. This is a real problem because the Gold Rush fields are typically much larger than B/C fields.

The first decision here was to no longer count subordinate tables when computing the awards for the A/X field. The second part of the solution was to create a formula to base the A/X awards on solely the size of the A/X field. The formula will be close to masterpoint neutral (no inflation) unless the popularity of A/X events increase; then the awards will increase.

DISTRICT 4SPOT - SEPTEMBER 2014 - Page 3 From The Four Corners

217 141

120

168 190 133 112 121

CENTRAL NEW YORK 112 Mike Mihevc 315-823-4242 [email protected]

The District 4 Liverpool (Syracuse) Regional was once again a huge success, breaking the 1000 table mark for the first time in recent history. Congratulations to Mark McDermott and staff for staging such a pleasant and well organized event. Special thanks to Phil Clark (Co- chair), Mary Miller (I/N and Education Coordinator), Sandy Stockman and Kathy Landon, (Hospitality), Dan Boye (Partnerships) and Joan Phillips (Caddies). Thanks to Mary Miller, there was a full slate of lectures, prizes, and hospitality for newcomers and advancing players. The highlight was a workshop conducted by Patti Lee that drew over 40 participants. In lieu of a lecturer’s fee, Patti collected over $1000 dollars for The Banyan Learning Tree Schools. Congratulations to Phil Clark and Doug Ross for finishing 1 and 2 in the overall points race. Nice to see Unit 112 players at the top. Fall will be a busy time for Unit 112 sectionals, starting off with Cicero Sept. 6-7, Rochester Oct 11-12, Binghamton Oct 17-19, and finally Canandaigua November 8-9. Please put these on your calendar and make every attempt to participate in one or all of them. Flyers listing times and events can be found by going to our unit or district websites or at the end of this issue. .  NORTHEASTERN PA 120 Walter Mitchell 570-709-0850 [email protected]

Lots of news from Northeastern Pennsylvania, where we are celebrating several milestones among our members. Dave Meyer recently reached the 5,000 masterpoint plateau, and a party is planned in his honor September 30th at the Diamond Life Master's home club at the Scranton JCC on Jefferson Avenue. Dave and his "long- suffering" wife Marlene have been playing for 50 years! He calls their biggest thrill finishing 10th in the mini Blue Ribbon pairs. Dave added: "One of the neatest events I ever played in was the 1991 cash prize tournament in Atlantic City. It was an individual event and I played with Benito Garazzo, Zia Mahmood, Norman Kay and Omar Shariff as well as many other world class players. On the first day I won a section top and $2,500.00 . That was the end of my "Pro" career". Our heartfelt congratulations go out to David on this monumental achievement..

DISTRICT 4SPOT - SEPTEMBER 2014 - Page 4 Reaching Silver Life Master status in the same month were George Mansour and Walter Mitchell. Both are a regular partnership, and represented District 4 in the Flight "B" championship in Dallas. George directs several games in our unit, and serves as a teacher and mentor to newcomers and advancing players. Mitchell is President of Unit 120 and chairs the District's GNT event. Longtime unit member Annette Johns, who lost her husband recently, has decided to move permanently to Florida. A going-away party was held in her honor at the Wilkes-Barre JCC in late August. Faye Pacchioli, who single-handedly runs a very successful club game in Honesdale, is trying to get a busload of players from NEPA to descend upon Gatlinburg next April. Please email her at [email protected] if you're interested in more details. Annual elections were held this summer at the Patriotic Party in Stroudsburg. Walter Mitchell was reelected to his fourth term as president; Bill Orth is Vice-President and Bill Haynes will serve again as Treasurer. Three-term secretary Jean Olcese stepped down, replaced by Doreese Torrey. We are extremely grateful for Jean's dedicated service to Unit 120, and look forward to a new chapter of record keeping by Doreese. The final sectional tournament for 2014 is set for October 10th-12th at the Independence Firehouse in Kingston. As usual, hospitality chair Ellen Preece and her team plan to serve a variety of sumptuous goodies. Come grab some treats and some silver points! Don't forget to mark your calendar for the Wilkes-Barre Regional the first week in March of 2015 at the Woodlands Inn & Resort. Remember, treat your partner as you would wish to be treated. The Golden Rule goes both ways, and rewards followers with steady, dedicated and loyal partners. .

BERKS MONTGOMERY 121 Sue Wessner 610-972-5327 [email protected]

The Spring Sectional was held on May 16, 17 and 18 at The Highlands of Wyomissing. Albert Bingaman was the masterpoint winner for the event. July 13th we held our Annual Doris Sheeder Commemorative Picnic and bridge game. It was a great day of fellowship. Unit #121 will hold its Annual Fall Sectional at The Highlands at Wyomissing, PA on September 26th - 28th. Friday and Saturday games will be 10am and 2:30pm, with afternoon limited pair games both days. On Sunday there will be two Swiss Team separate session events. Both the A/X and the B/C will run as two separate sessions, beginning at 10am and 2pm. Friday, October 24th at 7pm the Unit will hold its annual Hawley Quier Memorial Halloween Mixed Pairs game. Doors open at 6:15. Refreshments will be served and prizes awarded for the best costume. This game is open to any male/female pair who have no set partnership. Contact Carl Ziegler with any questions. 610-914-9479 December 7th will be our Annual Myrtle B. Quier Christmas party, which will be held at the YR Club in Wyomissing. A meal will be served at 12:30 followed by a stratified pair game. We congratulate the following members for masterpoint achievements: Jr. Master; Joanne Eaton and Mary Bradley; Sectional Master; Carl Ziegler; NABC Janice Repko; Emerald Life Master, Deepak Khanna. .

DISTRICT 4SPOT - SEPTEMBER 2014 - Page 5 LEHIGH VALLEY 133 Dave Kresge 215-536-8839 [email protected]

The unit will hold its Fall sectional on 17 October thru 19 October at the Senior Center in Allentown. Please see the flyer on page 37. The unit will hold its annual meeting and holiday luncheon on Sunday 16 November at the Brookside Country Club starting at noon. Tickets are available from John Schwartz or Frank Kuebler. This is a very popular event so get your tickets early before they are sold out. Upcoming unit games are Sunday 7 September at 2:00 PM at the Senior Center (team game) and the annual memorial charity pairs game on Sunday 7 December at 2:00 PM at the Senior Center. The advanced beginner bridge classes are scheduled to start on Thursday 16 October at 10 to Noon also at the Senior Center and continuing thru 18 December. Please contact Diane Nolan at 610-437-3700 to enroll. These classes will end in time for the Thursday 199er game. There will also be a new beginner bridge class for those just starting out. That will also be held at the Center on Thursday starting at 12:15 to 2:15, please contact Diane Nolan to enroll. If you know of anyone who might be interested in either of these classes, please inform them. The cost is discounted for senior members. The unit was saddened by the passing of Helen Happell and Susan Kuss .

PCBA 141 John Marks 215-891-0602 [email protected]

The most important event that occurred in Unit 141 was the 2014 Valley Forge Regional Tournament that was held in King of Prussia from June 16 to 22, 2014. The table count of 1427.5 tables was up from last year’s total of 1340; 87.5 tables more than last year’s count and 366.5 tables more than two years ago. The increase in the attendance was primarily because of the location and the dates (Monday after Father’s Day). Joan Brandeis did her usual excellent job in arranging and handling the food and beverages with the hotel during the tournament. There was the early morning hospitality that consisted of breakfasts from Tuesday to Sunday. Free lunches were provided for the players on Wednesday and Thursday between the morning and afternoon sessions. Joann and Bob Glasson hosted the District’s Open Hospitality Room which was opened every evening for the pleasure and relaxation of the players. Joann and Bob made sure the room was provided with food and beverages each night. Ala Hamilton-Day and Patty Baseman handled the Intermediate-Newcomer players. Ala arranged to have expert lecturers and teachers every day before the morning and afternoon sessions. Ala, Patty and their assistants arranged partnerships for the IN players. Tom Purl set up partnerships prior to the tournament and worked continuously at the partnership desk arranging new partnerships during the Regional Tournament with Meyer Kotkin. Both kept their cool in spite of the morning frenzy at the Partnership desk. Elaine Landow did a great job in handling the Daily Bulletin each day. Elaine gathered the results and information and placed the Daily Bulletin on the District Web Site. Tom Sakaguchi could not pre-duplicate the boards this year because of health problems.

DISTRICT 4SPOT - SEPTEMBER 2014 - Page 6 Tom’s replacement, Norm Wilson, worked hard at pre-duplicating the boards for the pair games. Joann Glasson setup and presided over the Teacher’s Accreditation Program (TAP) for this year’s regional which was well attended and very successful. Joann’s performance in handling the TAP was excellent. Joann also was instrumental in having the “Fast Results” program provided at this regional for the first time. The program was well received by the players who signed up to receive their results shortly after the event had concluded. Favorable comments were made concerning the Compact Bracketed Knockout Teams event that was held on Tuesday and Saturday Morning and Afternoon sessions, and Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday Evening sessions. It is obvious that the team events are more popular that the pair events. In the regional events category, the teams outdrew the pairs, 839 tables to 588.5 tables. Running an event of this type is a massive undertaking and requires labor, cooperation, unselfishness and willingness of a great number of people. Our Chair-people and volunteers are to be commended for their participation, organization, attitude, leadership and contribution towards this Regional and for the efficient and proficient manner that they used in handling their position and responsibilities. It is only fitting that recognition be given to the workers who contributed a great deal of their time and effort towards making this Regional successful. Top District 4 overall players at the 2014 Valley Forge Regional Tournament were: Ken Cohen, 92.89, Philadelphia, PA; Rick Rowland, 90.68, Wilmington, DE; Marty Rabinowitz, 90.68, Narberth, PA; Meyer Kotkin, 89.88, Cherry Hill, NJ; and Marty Seligman, 71.74, Philadelphia, PA. The top 0 to 300 Master Point Players from District 4 were: Mary Ann, Lemoyne, PA, with 21.51; Joshua Whittaker, York, PA, 17.59; Helen Walker, Lafayette Hill, PA, 14.87. The Unit held an Intermediate Newcomer Sectional on July 13 (in Cherry Hill, NJ) and July 14 (in Doylestown, PA). The turnout for this event was very good at both locations. The top overall players at the IN Sectional were Charlotte Cogan, Warminster PA with 5.84; Claire Schrager, Levittown PA, 5.31; Sandy Tilney, Philadelphia PA, 5.09; Peggy Greenawalt, Wyndmoor PA, 5.09 ; Rachel Wubker, Cinnaminson NJ, 4.80; and Catharine Karsten, Moorestown NJ, 4.80. The following are important future dates to remember: 2015 Valley Forge Regional at the DoubleTree by Hilton, June 22 to 28. 2016 Valley Forge Regional at the DoubleTree by Hilton, June 20 to 26. 2017 Valley Forge Regional at the DoubleTree by Hilton, June 19 to 25. The following Unit 141 sectional tournaments that will be held at Bala Golf Club are scheduled for the next two months: September 12 to 14 October 10 to 12. Unit 141 STAC: November 10 to 16, 2014 .

DISTRICT 4SPOT - SEPTEMBER 2014 - Page 7 CENTRAL PENN 168 Kelly Zeller 717-246-8034 [email protected]

It’s Harvest time for Unit 168. Fill in the last few months of your 2014 calendar with these dates: Sept 12-14 - Hagerstown Sectional – Hagerstown American Legion Oct 18th – NAP Flight C - At Clubs Oct 18-19 – NAP Flight A – Harrisburg Bridge Club Oct 25th – NAP Flight B – Split Sites Oct 27 – Nov 2nd – Lancaster Regional – Lancaster Host Resort – All Unit 168 Members should experience this Regional at some point in their Bridge career – Debbie and John Klinger host one of the best and most hospitable Regional tournaments and you can top it off with GOLD. There are several KO’s on the schedule. Pick the one that suits you, grab your partner and JUST DO IT. Nov 10-16 – Unit STAC At Clubs Nov 16th – This is the tentative date set for the Annual Unit Meeting/Dinner/Swiss at Bridge Boardroom - Stay tuned for more information or possible date/location change. Please remember to Check Bridge Bits for the details of the events listed above. If you would like to receive a hard copy of Bridge Bits, send your name and address to Kelly Zeller, 3825 Mt Pisgah Road, York, PA 17406 or if you prefer e-mail as above. See you at the Tables. .

DELAWARE 190 Marie Filandro 302-234-0623 [email protected]

Unit 190's annual Diamond State Sectional will be at the Bridge Studio in Wilmington from Friday, September 19 – through Sunday, September 21. Hope to see you there. Friday will feature single-session Open Pairs and 199er Pairs at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. At 6:30 p.m. – between sessions – the DSBA will have its annual Membership Meeting and election and all unit members are encouraged to attend and vote. Saturday's events are scheduled at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. And, on Sunday, A/X and B/C/D Swiss Teams will play starting at 10 a.m. Pizza will be available for sale between sessions. A complete schedule of events is available at our new Unit 190 website unit190.org. I mentioned last issue that we were working on a new website. It's up and running now….check it out….and anyone interested in Unit 190 events can sign up to receive periodic informational emails from our unit. Both the Flight B and Flight C teams that represented District 4 in the GNT in Las Vegas in July were from Unit 190. Thanks to Sam Amer, Monty and Anne Taylor and Doug White – the Flight B team and also to Flight C – Jane Beck, Nancy Haile, Jill Itzkovitz and Teresa Young. As always, our players are advancing through the ranks. New Life Masters are Sam Amer, Leah Holmes, Caroline Hughes, Louise Koup, Catherine McHugh and Chet Thayer. Barbara Thayer is a new Bronze Life Master, and Jane Drevo, Judy Jackson and Chien-Ping C Kao are now Silver Life Masters. Kudos to all!

DISTRICT 4SPOT - SEPTEMBER 2014 - Page 8 Contributing information about Unit 190 for the 4Spot has been one of my duties as a DSBA board member for the past eight years. Eight is the maximum number of consecutive years allowed on the board – so I will be leaving the DSBA Board this month. Look for a new Unit 190 contributor next issue! .

SUSQUEHANNA 217 Jacqueline Humilovich 814-237-5534 [email protected]

Thank you very much to all of the players who attended the State College Sectional Tournament in June. The new site, the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, proved to be an exceptional venue providing a spacious playing area and a bright comfortable atmosphere. The unsurpassed generosity of many players from State College and Williamsport allowed us to provide a wonderful array of snacks and treats throughout the 3 day tournament. Thanks to Susan Nichols who once again coordinated the hospitality. Congratulations to Sarah Soster and Michael Anesko who earned the highest masterpoint total. We now look forward to our unit’s fall tournament, the Susquehanna Sectional Tournament at the Williamsport Bridge Club from September 12-14, 2014. A Special PRO -AM Game will be held at 11:00 Friday morning in which 0-100 point players play free and partners are guaranteed. Contact Eddie Bissell at [email protected] for more information. Open pairs will play at 11:00AM and 4:00PM on Friday and Saturday. Swiss Teams will begin at 11:00AM Sunday. We have three Unit 217 members who have attained new masterpoint levels. Judy Stein has become a Gold Life Master, David Chen is now a Silver Life Master, and Susan Nichols has reached the Bronze Life Master level. Congratulations!!! We at the State College Bridge Club were saddened to hear of the passing of a lovely lady and longtime bridge player, Ella Ebeling. She brought grace and a respect for others to the bridge table. .

DISTRICT 4 MEMBERS WITH OVER 10,000 MASTERPOINTS (as of 8/6/2014)

1. Ken Cohen, Philadelphia 23,543 2. Arnie Fisher, Clementon NJ 18,983 3. Eric Greco, Wynnewood PA 16,134 4. Selena Swanson, Mechanicsburg PA 14,126 5. Dan Boye, Farmington NY 14,102 6. John Swanson, Mechanicsburg PA 13,349 7. Joann Glasson, Pennington NJ 12,554 8. Ed Bissell, State College PA 11,938 9. Rick Rowland, Wilmington DE 11,656 10. Tom Weik, Reading PA 11,619 11. Henry Bethe, Ithaca NY 10,946 12. Ray Raskin, King of Prussia PA 10,916 13. Craig Robinson, Lansdale PA 10,770 14. Ken Chatzinoff, Cinnaminson NJ 10,135

DISTRICT 4SPOT - SEPTEMBER 2014 - Page 9 DISTRICT 4 MASTER SOLVERS CLUB HENRY BETHE, DIRECTOR [email protected]

The people quoted below are all very good to truly expert players, although most are not members of District 4. The reason for that is that I no longer get many responses from our members. In any case, this will be my last column, at least for a while. Nick Straguzzi, an excellent writer and analyst will be taking over. Thank you all for reading, and I hope that some of what I have written has been useful.

Problem 1 Imps, Dealer North, Neither Vul South holds S-53 H-873 D-K73 C-KJ853 West North East South -- 1N 2C ? 2C SHOWS BOTH MAJORS

Pass 25 (156); Dbl 17 (74); 2NT 13 (55); 3C 6 (21)

My basic question is really how should one "defend" against this intervention. The standard of X = Stayman and transfers seems somewhat silly when East has shown length in both majors. Assume East is trustworthy in this respect. Michael Shuster: Pass. I sometimes use: X = values, sets up a force2D = to play. 2H = minors. 2S = clubs, forcing. 2N = minors with longer diamonds. 3C = clubs, nf. 3D = diamonds forcing. John Adams: 3C. I play 2H = clubs forcing; 2S = Diamonds forcing; 2N = both ninors; 3C = Clubs, nf. Bob Heitzman: Pass. System on, e.g. Dbl = Stayman, four suit transfers. People bid Landy with four card majors far too often to let them stop you from playing in a major. Eric Leong: Pass. If our side belongs in game the most likely game is 3NT. So I think it is better to bid two of a major says I have at least invitational values and a stopper in one major and not the other. So our side avoids a hopeless 3NT when a major is unstopped. Hendrik Sharples: I've always played 2 major=stopper invitational, 3 major=stopper forcing, Leb shows or denies stoppers in both majors, X looking for blood. Doesn't help with an invitational hand with neither stopped - I guess you either pass or bid 3NT. Now it seems to me that the posted hand fits none of the proposed criteria for immediate action. It is not game forcing. It isn't even invitational strength. And the club suit is inadequate for a Lebensohl transfer. Joanna Stansby: I like to play pass then double is takeout, pass then 2NT is natural, competitive. On this hand I passed, and I plan to bid a natural 2NT over 2H and make a of 2S. The auction continued 4S - P - P and I passed. Partner led a . Dummy hit with: S AQxx H KQJx D x C10xxx. Advancer had five spades to the KJ, three hearts, four diamonds to the J and a stiff club. We had no defense to 4S. They had no defense to five of either minor. For those of you who are “ faithful,” the longest combined trump fits are nine and eight cards but there are 21 tricks. Which brings me back to the question of how our side is supposed to get involved in the auction.

DISTRICT 4SPOT - SEPTEMBER 2014 - Page 10 Problem 2 Matchpoints, Dealer West, N-S Vul South holds S-KQ H-2 D-A10874 C-AQ985 West North East South P 1S 4H ? NEGATIVE DOUBLES THROUGH 3S

Double 25 (147); 4S 20 (83); 4NT 20 (80); 5NT 9 (20)

Joanna Stansby: Wish I had a negative double available!! almost made one even though conditions said “not”. Jason Feldman: I would double too. But given our agreement, I think 4S is the winner at match points. You have enough extras that you can survive opposite many 5 card spade suits (even surviving some 5-1 breaks if partners spades are good enough. If you are not getting to slam, then this seems like the highest scoring spot most of the time. Even if you make only 4 vs. 6 of a minor you will break even. The rest of the comments were either directed at the inadvisability of playing negative doubles only through 3S. I noted that this is a fairly common agreement. But I think higher doubles should either be “general values” showing or negative, not strictly penalty. Others spent time discussing the possible meanings of 4N. Many suggested that 4N should be minors. Bob Heitzman, properly in my opinion, said that 4N is a Humpty-Dumpty bid. It means what I want it to mean on this hand. On another hand it may mean something else. We have had that discussion here before. Our conclusion was that it is keycard in opener’s suit. Indeed, 4S was the winner at the table. Partner had a chunky five card spade suit, the HK and some quacks. The 4H bid was on QJ10 eighth of hearts and out.

Problem 3 Imps, Dealer South, E-W Vul South holds S-KJ5 H-64 D-9873 C-AQ76 West North East South ------P 1D X P 1N 2D 2H P ?

3C 25 (115); 3D 23 (96); 2S 16 (43); 3H 15 (39); 4H 15;(38); Pass 11 (58)

This problem comes from the European Championships last June. In the discussion I invited comments on the 1N bid on the previous round. Jack Spear: 1NT first round might have worked well, since 2C and 3C had flaws. But 1NT had different flaws compared to 2C, and has created a problem here. I agree. As another phrased it, 1NT is right on values, wrong on stoppers. 2C is wrong on values. 3C is right on values but unattractive with this suit. When I began learning bridge the hierarchy of strength of intervention was (weakest), jump overcall, double then bid a suit, then bid a suit. The first of these to change was the jump overcall. Along with the replacement of strong two-bids by weak came the replacement of strong jump by weak. Not without resistance, of course. One of the earliest Bridge Worlds I read contained a witty diatribe against the WJO, and “Sonny” Moyse, the editor was campaigning to adopt twos rather than weak.

DISTRICT 4SPOT - SEPTEMBER 2014 - Page 11 The next to go was the strong cue, as Michaels and other two-suited actions became prevalent. One of those two-suited cue bids was the “Astro cue bid”. Over a major this showed four cards in the other major, five or more clubs and opening values. As an adjunct to this, it was proposed that double of a opening followed by the conversion of clubs to diamonds should not show a strong hand but four cards in the other major and five or more diamonds. This became known as “Equal Level Conversion” or “ELC”. ELC was widely, though not universally, adopted in the expert community, but for most only from clubs to diamonds. Two issues not widely discussed are whether ELC applies when, as here, responder shows values. Also, and perhaps more important, whether intervenor can handle minimum takeout doubles with 4-5 (or even 5-4) in the majors by doubling and correcting a minor suit response to the five card major. The discussion was divided by age and country of origin. Younger Americans thought this auction by North could easily be a 4=5 twelve count. Older Americans and Europeans (by and large) thought that a weak 4=5 should start by overcalling 1H, and that this auction showed hearts too strong for an overcall. I think you have to discuss this with your regular partner.

Problem 4 Imps, Dealer East, N-S Vul South holds S-A5 H-none D-AKQ954 C-AK842

West North East South -- -- P 2C P 2D P 3D P 3H P 4C P 5C P ? 2D WAS WAITING.

6C 25 (205); 5S 21 (111); 5N 19 (37); 7C 13 (28); 5D 12 (25); Pass 5 (34)

This problem also comes from the European Championships. As I recall it was the next to last board of the final match. The player who held this hand at the table I was watching was on a team that needed a good match result to qualify for the , and they had one poor result and the rest fairly normal looking to this point. I posed the problem without the preamble. Some of the discussion was whether this hand should be opened 2C or 1D. Kate McCallum: No, I don't agree with 2C with a 2-suiter. Would rather risk 1D being passed out (it never is), than deal with the likely awkward auction after 2C. That said, this one went rather well after 2C! Of those who commented on the choice of openings this was probably the most civilized response. But the desire to open 1D rather than 2C was widespread. I tend to agree most of the time, particularly when the long suit is diamonds. 2C-2D-3D is such a space consuming start. But as Kate remarked, 2C seems to have worked out reasonably this time. On to the discussion of what to do now. A majority just shut their eyes and bid 6C with almost no supporting comments. About a third tried for the grand with some five-level bid. Small contingents either passed or bid seven directly. My analysis is this: on a spade lead this is likely to be a five-or-seven hand, depending on the clubs coming in. On a heart lead it is probably a six or seven hand. If you need a swing, bidding seven makes a lot of sense. It does not make sense to try as partner really can’t possibly divine what you need. On the actual hand partner had 3=4=2=4 shape with both minor suit jacks and the queen of hearts. Clubs were 2-2, so 7C was an easy make. Three of the eighteen tables scored 170 in 1D. One scored 190

DISTRICT 4SPOT - SEPTEMBER 2014 - Page 12 when responder apparently took a “Woolseyish” view and passed partner’s jump shift. There were a few 640s, a lot of 1390s and, I think, two 2140s. “That’s all, Folks.”

Ed note: We want to thank Henry for his many years of contributions as well as welcome Nick Straguzzi as a regular columnist. As per Henry's tenure, methods are 2/1 with Walsh plus "common" conventions. Please send email responses and problem suggestions to Nick at: [email protected].

DECEMBER PROBLEMS

(1) Imps, West deals, E-W vulnerable. You, South, hold:

S-7 H-A5 D-Q98742 C-KJ82

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST -- 2H* X 3H ? What is your call?

(2) Matchpoints, North deals, E-W vulnerable. You, South, hold:

S-1032 H-Q865 D-A10 C-AKJ4

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST -- -- P 1H P 2H* P P ? * - CONSTRUCTIVE 3-CARD RAISE (a) Do you approve of South's pass? If not, what do you prefer? (b) What is your call?

(3) Imps, West deals, both vulnerable. You, South, hold:

S-AJ1086 H-5 D-Q1095 C-AK3 SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST -- P P P 1S P 2D* P ? * 2D NATURAL What is your call?

(4) Imps, South deals, N-S vulnerable. You, South, hold:

S-J H-53 D-KQJ1074 C-AKQ6

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 1D 2S* 3H 3S ? * - PREEMPTIVE What is your call?

DISTRICT 4SPOT - SEPTEMBER 2014 - Page 13 by

MARTI RONEMUS

[email protected]

BRIDGE AND MEMORY

Surely by now, you’ve heard all the evidence about bridge improving memory. It’s been in magazines, news articles, everywhere. Well, I’m here to tell you it’s true. I have exact, personal evidence. My husband Gary has a normal memory. He will remember anything he puts on a list. He remembers birthdays and anniversaries (I suspect my list of gift suggestions in various price ranges posted on the refrigerator door helps a little in that department!). He can be relied on to pick up some milk on the way home. But when it comes to bridge…that’s a different story! He’s like the Amazing Kreskin! A couple nights ago, I misplayed a cold slam. “Marti, that’s the same thing you did on that hand back in 1987.” “Huh?” “Sure, don’t you remember? It was at the Hunt Valley Regional.” “Gary, I can’t even remember who was president in 1987.” “We were playing in the ballroom. We were pair 6 E/W. I was sitting West.” “How do you know you were West?” “The sun was in my eyes as we got to table 9, by the window, and it was 4:15 p.m. I was West. We were playing against Big John and his wife. Don’t you remember?” This asked with confusion. “Honey, I can’t remember the hand I played a round ago. What makes you think I would remember something that happened last century?” “Because you made the same mistake on that hand that you made tonight. You blew your lead to the board on the first trick. Back in 1987, it was the first time you had ever bid a grand slam. The dummy came down; you looked at it and smiled. Then you blew your to all the dummy’s good cards on the first trick.” “The first time I ever bid a grand slam? Are you sure?” “Yes. You always said you were too afraid and wanted to leave ‘wiggle room’. Even when you knew we had 38 points, you wanted to leave yourself room for mistakes.” Hmm. Seems I was right, wasn’t I? Since that day in 1987, I’ve learned to take my time before I play to trick one. I’ve learned to analyze the . What does it show the leader has? How does it help me

DISTRICT 4SPOT - SEPTEMBER 2014 - Page 14 place the five honors in the led suit? Then I look at the dummy and start counting tricks. In a suited contract, count losers. In a notrump contract, count winners. How am I going to get more winners? How am I going to get rid of losers (and throwing them on the floor doesn’t count!). And then I’ve learned to plan my transportation. How many times do I need to get to dummy? How am I going to do it? Will I need wings or are there enough entries. I really do know how to do this. And I do it routinely. But sometimes I forget. Gary never forgets, and that’s why he’s a much better player than I. But watch this: “Gary, what did I wear to our wedding?” “Uh, uh…was it something blue?” That’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it.

Upcoming District 4 Regional Tournaments

October 27 - November 2, 2014 Lancaster Regional

March 2 - 8, 2015 Wilkes-Barre Regional

May 11 - 17, 2015 Harrisburg and Rochester Regionals

June 22 - 28, 2015 Valley Forge Regional

DISTRICT 4SPOT - SEPTEMBER 2014 - Page 15 David writes: “I've enclosed a follow-up article to my original article. [March 2014 issue] Aside from the encouraging words of several District 4 players, my weekly social game at my condo with men in their 70's and 80's made me realize that there is a tendency for very smart people to avoid thinking when playing bridge. My sense is that many bridge players are afraid to engage themselves in analyzing what takes place for fear of "failure." So to me, the attached article is intended to challenge those players to fully apply the ABC of bridge.” To reach Dave: [email protected].

The ABC of Bridge (Continued) by Dave Wachsman

My recent article on Always Be Counting generated positive feedback, often with a request to expand how best to implement the ABC of bridge. Well, I am up to the challenge, but first let me briefly recap what I originally presented. ABC entails using all available information from the bidding, defensive carding, and declarer play in order to mentally reconstruct the other three hands. The goal is to visualize the entire hand as if you were seeing the hand in the bridge column of your newspaper. It begins with taking your HCP count and subtracting from 40 to calculate the HCP contained in the other three hands. Then process the information that the bidding provides to refine your picture of the other three hands. Rather than offering you additional examples of ABC reasoning, I think it is more important for me to share with you the most important ingredient to the successful use of ABC. This is best done by having you take a short True/False quiz. The ingredient to success will be revealed if you accurately follow the directions below. Take out a blank piece of paper and on the left side write 1,2,3,4 skipping a line after each number. After the # 4, place the word “Time” under the #4. Then follow the instructions for the Quiz.

Instructions For Quiz · Note the start time. · Read the statement and place a T for True abcor F for False next to the statement. · Answer all four questions. · Note the end time. · Write down how long it took you to complete the quiz. · DO NOT Check your Answers YET!

ABC T/F Quiz 1) Blackwood should be used to stay out of slam. 2) Stayman tells the opener that you have the majors with at least 8 HCP. 3) Playing negative doubles means our partnership gives up the ability to make a penalty double of the overcalled suit. 4) Against a NT contract I should lead fourth from my longest and strongest.

DISTRICT 4SPOT - SEPTEMBER 2014 - Page 16 Without checking your answers, retake the test but this time you must take at least 90 seconds for each question and must thoroughly analyze each statement. Now grade each quiz. Did you do better on the second quiz? The answer to this question is the ingredient to successful ABC in bridge. On the second quiz you forced yourself to think deeply. You were not afraid to engage your grey cells. You did not rush into a judgment. Thus it is my contention that success at the ABC of bridge entails having confidence in your ability to think, recognizing that at times you will be wrong and it is okay to “fail”. Too often there is a tendency not to think and to rely on “axioms” we were taught when we began learning how to play bridge.

ANSWER KEY

1. True. Use Blackwood to make sure you are not off two cashable aces. 2. False. Stayman is an ASKING bid and can be made with zero HCP - e.g. 4-4-4-1 with a singleton club. 3. False. The partnership makes a penalty double by passing a re-opening double. 4. False. You should lead the suit that the auction indicates is most likely to produce the most defensive tricks. This may or may not be “4th from your longest and strongest.”

District MP Race Leaders through August 6, 2014

Mini McKenney Ace of Clubs

0-5 Joe Distini Joe Distini 5-50 Joe Hundertmark William Mazzafro 20-50 Andrew Rosenberg Andrew Rosenberg 50-100 Bill Kutrzyba Bill Kutrzyba 100-200 Mordecai Schwartz Bill Hettrick 200-300 Karen Pollak Karen Pollak 300-500 Samuel Amer Jeremy Lynch 500-1000 Bruce Lang Ralph Collins 1000-2500 Robert Maier Lynn Harris 2500-5000 Andrew Stayton Elaine Clair 5000-7500 Corey Krantz Philip Monyer 7500-10,000 Meyer Kotkin Melvin Lubart over 10,000 Rick Rowland John & Selena Swanson

DISTRICT 4SPOT - SEPTEMBER 2014 - Page 17 A Spot 4 the Advancing Player

by Jay Apfelbaum

[email protected]

This is a continuing series of articles written for the advancing player. I welcome any questions or suggestions about future articles. Please send them to the publisher. Who knows? You may be mentioned in a future article! Since beginning this series, I have been asked about several conventions. Keep asking! Your questions give me direction about what the next article should be about.

This article will explore the Raptor overcall with an emphasis on how the auction may develop. To begin, an overcall of 1NT over a major suit opening (Raptor) shows exactly four cards in the other major and a longer minor suit. Here is a typical average hand for a vulnerable overcall: ♠ - x x; ♥ - K Q x x; ♦ - Q x; ♣ - A Q 10 x x. By definition, the auction is considered competitive. We are the overcalling side, and this must be kept in mind. Most partnerships have different understandings for competitive auctions and for auctions where the oppositions passes. This article covers some basic auctions, but each partnership should remember their basic agreements for competitive auctions to cover the less usual situations. The Raptor overcall shows hands that are rather off-shape for a takeout double. In general, it does not include hands so strong that the bidder can double and then bid his own suit. That means a practical maximum of about 16-17 hcp. In describing the responses, we will assume that the opening bid is 1♠. The Raptor overcaller promises hearts and a minor suit. For situations when the opening bid is 1♥, the major suit bids by the partner should be reversed. There are no other changes. Here are the responses provided the next player passes: 2♣ A sign off in the Raptor’s minor suit. Raptor will pass or bid 2♦ on most hands. To sign off in Clubs, follow up the 2♦ response with 3♣. 2♦ A sign off in diamonds, regardless of which minor suit the Raptor bidder holds. 2♥ A sign off 2♠ A general force, much along the lines of “New Minor Forcing” or “Fourth Suit Forcing” 2NT Invitational values for the Raptor’s minor suit. 3♣ Invitational values with a club suit 3♦ Invitational values with a diamond suit 3♥ Invitational values in the Raptor’s major suit 3♠ Looking for slam, asking for Raptor’s length in Spades 3NT To play

Over 2♣, the Raptor bidder will usually pass or bid 2♦, but may make another bid if that is appropriate. For example, bidding three of either minor suit suggests extra strength and extra length. Other choices are possible, but would be a rarity. Over 2♠, the Raptor bidder further describes his hand as follows: 2NT A half stopper or better in spades, up to invitational values. Partner bids 3♠ to ask if the Raptor bidder has a half or full spade stopper

DISTRICT 4SPOT - SEPTEMBER 2014 - Page 18 3♣ Club suit, minimum hand 3♦ Diamond suit, minimum hand 3♥ Club suit, extra values 3♠ Diamond suit, extra values 3NT Sure stopper in spades and game values It often happens that the next player raises the opening bid after the 1NT overcall. In such cases, the partner doubles to describe a hand worth competing. He will usually hold either 5-2 or 2-5 in the minor suits. In most cases, the Raptor bidder will pass (minimum) or bid his minor suit. However, if the Raptor bidder has either 5-3 or 3-5 in the minor suits, he will bid 2NT. The partner may bid his five card suit with the certainty that this is their best fit. The Raptor bidder will have a singleton in the spade suit and any ruffs will be in hand with short trumps. There is a real chance of an extra trick plus a smaller risk of losing trump control due to a bad break. Most of other bids are no different. A 2NT bid promises support for both minor suit. A bid of either minor suit shows at least a six card suit, with no support for the other minor suit. It is more competitive than invitational after the overcall. Another frequent opposition choice is to double the 1NT overcall. Now, pass asks the Raptor bidder to show his minor suit. Bidding either minor suggests at least six cards in that suit, but does not deny support for the other minor. Bidding 2♠ shows game invitational values in hearts based on high card strength. Jumping to 3♥ shows the same strength, but this is based more on distribution than high cards. The reason for this distinction is to prevent the opposition from stealing a hand by preempting in their major suit. Bidding 2NT shows positive support for both minor suits and is constructive, meaning a hand that is worth roughly 7-9 support points for either minor suit. If the next player bids 2♥, double shows a heart honor. A bid of 2♠ shows a heart fit and invites game. A bid of 3♥ is more competitive than invitational. A bid of 2NT asks the Raptor bidder to show his minor suit. Finally, bidding a minor suit shows that minor suit and does not ask the Raptor bidder for his suit. If the next player bids a minor suit at the two-level, double shows enough high card points to compete with no fit for hearts. This promises at least three cards in the other minor suit. The Raptor bidder will bid three of his minor suit if possible, or something else if his hand warrants a different bid. Bids of 2♥ or 3♥ retain their original meaning, but the 3♥ bid is based more on distribution than a bid of 2♠. Both promise a heart fit. A bid of 2NT asks the Raptor bidder about the possibility of playing in 3NT. To accept, the Raptor bidder needs a partial stopper in spades and more than a minimum hand. To decline, the Raptor bidder may pass (rare) or bid his minor suit (often) at the three level.

The 12th annual charity bridge tournament & lunch will be held at Green Valley C.C. on Monday, September 29. Social bridge players, mahjong players, scrabble players are also welcomed. Further information & registration at 215-517-5070.

DISTRICT 4SPOT - SEPTEMBER 2014 - Page 19 DISTRICT 4SPOT - SEPTEMBER 2014 - Page 20 DISTRICT 4SPOT - SEPTEMBER 2014 - Page 21 PARTNERSHIP DESK FOR ALL DISTRICT 4 SECTIONAL & REGIONAL TOURNAMENTS IS NOW AVAILABLE ON THE DISTRICT WEBSITE: WWW.DISTRICT4.INFO or at WWW.BRIDGEFINESSE.COM/D4PDESK/INDEX.

HOW TO USE THE PARTNERSHIP DESK SYSTEM

If you need a partner for any of these games, go to the District 4 website and click on the partnership desk. You will see various regionals and sectionals listed and in addition you will see a section for activate a club, click on that and all the clubs in the district will appear. Click on the club that you want a partner and all of the games that that club will be listed. Log into the system by entering your player number (this is the same number you use for entering your number in the bridge scorers), you also have to list your masterpoint range. If you are not sure enter what you think it is, the data base will correct you if it is wrong. Also enter your email address, you can also enter your phone number(optional) and the system you prefer to play (also optional). Then click on the game or games that you would like a partner for. That is all there is to it. When you list the games you need a partner for you will see all of the people currently looking for a partner, if you see anyone that you think would be a good fit you can contact them via email. Otherwise players needing partners will be contacting you. A verbal tutorial on the partnership web site also provides a very fine overview.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN SOMEONE CONTACTS YOU When someone contacts you about playing in a game that you indicated that you need a partner for, if you think it is a good fit all you have to do is to contact that person by email and confirm your date. Both you and your new partner should then remove themselves from that particular game. The way to do that it to go to that club game and change the number from one to zero. That will show you no longer need a partner for that particular game. You should also do that if your plans change and you no longer can play or need a partner for that particular game. All the other games that you signed up for needing a partner will remain on the system. When someone contacts you and you don’t think it is a good fit, all you after to do is email the person back indicating you don’t think it would be a good fit. That is all you have to do, you do not have to go into reasons why you don’t think it is a good fit, there could be many reasons why it is not a good fit. If you have already made other plans to play in that game requested or if you can no longer play in that game, just email the person back indicating that.

DISTRICT 4SPOT - SEPTEMBER 2014 - Page 22 1. Eric Greco, Wynnewood PA 72.50

2. Peter Kyper, West Chester PA 47.76 3. Arnold Kritz, Bethleham PA 45.45 Gary Hillenbrand, Lehighton PA 45.45 5. Susan Kestenbaum, Jenkintown PA 40.42 6. Samuel Amer, Newark DE 39.38 7. George Krizel, Feasterville PA 37.29 8. Bob Glasson, Pennington NJ 36.14 9. Louis Glasthal, Berwyn PA 35.91 10. Ken Chatzinoff, Cinnaminson NJ 35.56

August 4 - August 10

1. Phil Clark, Pittsford NY 105.55 2. Douglas Ross, Rochester NY 97.42 3. Sam Maitra, Rochester NY 83.59 4. Dan Boye, Farmington NY 83.03 5. Craig Robinson, Lansdale PA 71.83 6. Larry Sunser, Syracuse NY 69.48 7. Rick Rowland, Wilmington DE 68.53 8. Tom Weik, Reading PA 60.52 9. Donald Dalpe, Baldwinsville NY 56.47 10. Joann Glasson, Pennington NJ 51.06

DISTRICT 4SPOT - SEPTEMBER 2014 - Page 23 1. Ken Cohen, Philadelphia 92.89 2. Marty Rabinowitz, Narberth PA 90.68 Rick Rowland, Wilmington DE 90.68 4. Meyer Kotkin, Cherry Hill NJ 89.88 5. Marty Seligman, Philadelphia 71.74 6. Corey Krantz, Philadelphia 58.76 7. Neal Satten, Wynnewood PA 53.88 8. Tom Weik, Reading PA 50.87 9. Ken Chatzinoff, Cinnaminson NJ 47.46 10. Carl Berenbaum, Elkins Park PA 45.57

VALLEY FORGE NOTES

1427.5 tables in play 1234 players attended 1089 won masterpoints 8585 points were awarded 518 won gold points 5950 gold points were awarded

Players from 21 of the ACBL's 25 districts attended

Sectional Tournament at Clubs

DISTRICT 4SPOT - SEPTEMBER 2014 - Page 24 DISTRICT 4SPOT - SEPTEMBER 2014 - Page 25

DISTRICT 4SPOT - SEPTEMBER 2014 - Page 26 Tournament Schedule

September 6 - 7 Cicero (Syracuse) NY 28

September 12 - 14 Hagerstown MD 29

September 12 - 14 Williamsport PA 30

September 12 - 14 Philadelphia 31

September 19 - 21 Wilmington DE 32

September 26 - 28 Wyomissing (Reading) PA 33

October 10 - 12 Kingston PA 34

October 10 - 12 Philadelphia 35

October 11 - 12 Webster (Rochester) NY 36

October 17 - 19 Allentown PA 37

October 18 NAP Flight C 25

October 18-19 Binghamton NY

October 18-19 NAP Flight A 25, 26

October 25 NAP Flight B 25 OCTOBER 27 - LANCASTER REGIONAL 20, 21 NOVEMBER 2

November 8 - 9 Finger Lakes (Waterloo) NY 38

November 10 - 17 STaC 24

November 17 Philadelphia I/N 39

November 21 - 23 Camp Hill PA 40

December 12 Reading PA I/N

December 27 - 31 Wilmington DE 41

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