Number: 175 UK £3.95 Europe €5.00 July 2017 Bernard Magee’s Bidding Quiz This month we are dealing with hands that contain voids. You are West in the auctions below, BRIDGEplaying ‘Standard Acol’ with a weak no- (12-14 points) and four-card majors.

1. Dealer West. Game All. 4. Dealer East. Love All. 7. Dealer East. Love All. 10. Dealer North. Love All. ♠ A K 6 5 ♠ ♠ K Q 8 7 6 ♠ Q J 7 6

♥ Void ♥ J 6 5 4 3 ♥ Void ♥ Void N ♦ J 8 7 6 2 N ♦ Q 9 7 3 2 N ♦ K Q 4 3 2 N ♦ Q J 4 3 W E ♣ A K 7 4 W E ♣ A 6 5 W E ♣ 7 6 5 W E ♣ Q 8 7 6 5 S S S S

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South ? 1♠ Pass 1♥ Pass 1♦ 1♥ Pass 1NT Pass 2♠ Pass 1♠ Pass 2♣ Pass ? ? ?

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South 1♠ Pass 1♠ Pass 1♥ Pass 1♣ 1♠ 2♣ ? 1NT Pass 2♣ Pass 1♠ Pass 2♣ Pass ? ? ?

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass 1♥ Pass 1♠ 2♥ Pass ? 1NT Pass 2♦ Pass 1♠ Pass 2♥ Pass ? ? ? Answers on page 41 Answers on page 43 Answers on page 45 Answers on page 49 Madeira, Lisbon & the Canary Islands

6th January 2018 • 14 nights • Sails from Southampton • Balmoral • L1801

14 nights from only £1,239 per person

Tenerife

Start 2018 in style on this wonderful sailing to five diverse islands, complemented by Portugal’s vibrant capital, Lisbon. From the volcanic Timanfaya National Park to the golden sand dunes of Maspalomas Beach, and from the laurel forests of Los Tilos to soaring Mount Teide, astounding attractions will greet you at every turn. What’s more, the warm Canarian climate is sure to be a welcome relief from the cold weather back home.

Your first port of call is Funchal, capital of Madeira, the ‘garden island’. An overnight stay will provide ample time to enjoy the highlights, from enchanting gardens to afternoon tea at the world-famous Reid’s Hotel.

The entire island of La Palma is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, with scenery that ranges from untouched forests and tumbling waterfalls to the soaring San Antonio Volcano. In Santa Cruz you can take a stroll around the Old Quarter. The cobbled streets are lined with colourful mansions.

Balmoral will then head to Tenerife’s capital, Santa Cruz, which boasts an array of tapas bars and enlightening museums. It’s also home to Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide, and its surrounding National Park. The island-hopping continues as you reach Gran Canaria, where you can absorb the mix of architecture in the Vagueta district of Las Palmas.

Next you can explore the volcanic landscapes of Lanzarote, such as the Timanfaya National Park, which is pockmarked with crater cones and contorted formations moulded from solidified lava. Before arriving back in the UK you’ll make a stop in Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, where architectural wonders await you.

Prices per person Interior Room £1,239 Ocean View Room £1,429 Superior Ocean View Room £1,709 Superior Balcony £2,329 Suite £2,469 Single Room £1,379

Prices are correct at time of going to print, but may change at any time, call for latest prices.

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

FOC382046_Mr_Bridge_Cruise_pages_Mag_ads_W/C.22.05.17_FV.indd 1 26/05/2017 16:16 Features this month include: ADVERTISERS’ BRIDGE 1 Bidding Quiz by Bernard Magee INDEX 5 Mr Bridge 2 Madeira, Lisbon Ryden Grange, Knaphill, 7 Bidding Quiz by Bernard Magee & the Canary Islands Surrey GU21 2TH with Fred.Olsen ( 01483 489961 9 Code Breakers in WWII - Part Two by Shireen Mohandes 3 Clive Goff’s Stamps [email protected] 14 The King is Dead – Long Live the Contract! 4 Rio Carnival & River www.mrbridge.co.uk Plate with Fred.Olsen by Michael Byrne shop: www.mrbridge.co.uk/ 15 Declarer Play Quiz by David Huggett 6 Scandinavian Capitals mrbridge-shop & St Petersburg Publisher and 16 Sally’s Slam Clinic with Fred.Olsen Managing Editor 17 Declarer Play Answers by David Huggett 8 Mr Bridge UK Events Mr Bridge 18 About Trump Management by Andrew Kambites 16 Club Insurance Bridge Consultant 20 About Trump Management Quiz 16 Travel Insurance Bernard Magee by Andrew Kambites bernardmagee 17 QPlus 12 @mrbridge.co.uk 21 Defence Quiz by 21 Bernard Magee’s Cartoons & Illustrations 22 David Stevenson Answers Your Questions Tutorial Software Marguerite Lihou 25 Defence Quiz Answers by Julian Pottage 24 Designs for Bridge www.margueritelihou.co.uk 27 What to do about Slow Play by Jeremy Dhondy Tables Technical Consultant 29 About Trump Management Answers 26 The Wonders of Iceland Tony Gordon by Andrew Kambites with Fred.Olsen Typesetting & Design 30 Fourth Highest-itis by Ian Dalziel 31 Bernard Magee DVDs Ruth Edmondson Set 7 32 Jacoby 2NT Leads to Optimum Contract [email protected] 34 Bernard Magee DVDs by Heather Dhondy Proof Readers Sets 1-3 33 Catching Up with Julian Pottage 35 Bernard Magee DVDs Mike Orriel 34 A History of Playing Cards by Paul Bostock Sets 4-6 Catrina Shackleton 36 Gisborne’s Intervention by 42 Designs for Bridge Richard Wheen Table Covers 38 Julian Pottage Answers Your Questions Customer Services 43 Acol Bidding 41 More Tips by Bernard Magee Catrina Shackleton with Bernard Magee [email protected] 41 Bidding Quiz Answers (1-3) by Bernard Magee 44 Declarer Play Events & Cruises 42 Readers’ Letters with Bernard Magee ( 01483 489961 43 Bidding Quiz Answers (4-6) by Bernard Magee 45 Defence Jessica Galt with Bernard Magee [email protected] 44 Wendy Wensum’s Diaries 46 Denham Filming 2018 Megan Riccio 45 Bidding Quiz Answers (7-9) by Bernard Magee [email protected] 46 Bridge With Angela reviewed by David Huggett 51 Swedish Waterways & Sophie Pierrepont Cities with Fred.Olsen [email protected] 47 Seven Days by Sally Brock 52 Canaries Christmas Clubs & Charities 49 Bidding Quiz Answers (10-12) by Bernard Magee & Funchal Fireworks Maggie Axtell 50 Counting Defence by Bernard Magee with Fred.Olsen [email protected] Address Changes ( 01483 485342 REDUCE THE COST OF YOUR POSTAGE Elizabeth Bryan [email protected] Postage stamps for sale at 90% of face-value, all mint with full gum. Quotations for commercial quantities available on request.

Printed in the UK by Values supplied in 100s, higher values available as well as The Magazine 1st and 2nd class (eg 2nd class: 100x38p+100x18p). Printing Company www.magprint.co.uk ( 020 8422 4906 e-mail: [email protected]

BRIDGE July 2017 Page 3 Rio Carnival & River Plate

23rd January 2018 • 46 nights • Sails from Southampton • Balmoral • L1803 • Adult travellers only (18+)

46 nights from only £4,179 per person

Rio De Janeiro

With a cocktail of sun, sea, sand and samba awaiting you, this is an unmissable chance to see South America at its intoxicating best. Let Balmoral be your guide during 46 nights of once-in-a- lifetime exploration and experiences.

Balmoral will take in the floral blooms, volcanic scenery and year-round warmth of Madeira, Tenerife and Cape Verde, before nearly three weeks of South American exploration, starting in Brazil. Calls into Fortaleza and Maceió present ample opportunity to relax and absorb the local culture amid white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Get set for a dazzling concoction of swirling sequins, colourful feathers and richly-adorned floats, accompanied by entrancing, authentic Samba beats and a euphoric atmosphere all round. With three nights in port there’ll be plenty of time to tick Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana Beach and more off your list too.

Montevideo is the perfect hors d’oeuvre for an overnight stay in seductive Buenos Aires, home of the Argentine Tango. With a plethora of historic and artistic attractions within reach – as well as the thundering Iguazu Falls.

Experience a sun-drenched life of luxury in the glamorous, yacht-filled resort of Punta del Este, followed by Santos, gateway to cosmopolitan São Paulo. Next in line is Salvador, proudly home to nearly 300 churches.

Mindelo, Lanzarote and Lisbon all feature on the route back to Southampton, rounding off your expedition.

Prices per person Interior Room £4,179 Ocean View Room £4,939 Superior Ocean View Room £5,939 Superior Balcony £8,359 Suite £8,549 Single Room £5,799

Prices are correct at time of going to print, but may change at any time, call for latest prices.

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

FOC382046_Mr_Bridge_Cruise_pages_Mag_ads_W/C.22.05.17_FV.indd 2 26/05/2017 16:16 FRED’S CRUISES years, I have been lobbying Join my team on . PAT ON THE BACK for sailings to reduce travel Relax and enjoy the full times for those living in Mr Bridge programme. For

Scotland and the north-east those that want it, there

of England. At last this is will be bridge every possible. I have a Baltic evening, bridge on sailing from Rosyth afternoons at sea and added to my portfolio. seminars on mornings at St Petersburg is a once in sea. There will also be a lifetime must see. welcome and farewell drinks parties. Remember, bridge is not compulsory; Dennis Gumbrecht of just play as little or as much Fordingbridge, Hants as you wish. writes, ‘… thank you for In addition, on board your excellent after sales I know I have mentioned it Balmoral, we offer bridge service. I had a problem before, but I really do like for absolute beginners. If with QPlus 11 software. to have plans in place far you have a friend who is Jessica Galt (pictured further ahead than I ever interested in learning above), your sales In 2018 Bernard Magee is used to. This must be due bridge, encourage them representative, had to joining two sailings on to my love of the simple to come along and be contact me two or Balmoral, pictured above, pleasure of looking assured that they will be three times and spent from Newcastle. Why not forward. It is very likely well looked after by my approximately 40 minutes join him as he sails to the same for you. With on board team. setting up the software. this in mind, I am pleased Iceland? See advert on page She was absolutely brilliant. If you are interested in to promote my 2018 26, or enjoy the sheer Freds’ cruises, please call Do pass on my thanks .’ bridge programme with beauty of the spellbinding my office on 01483 489961. Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines. fjords of Sweden, see advert T&C DELAY on page 51. As always, my helpful staff The 2018 itineraries It is proving more difficult will be pleased to assist bring, yet again, more Bernard has previously to provide the promised you… and by the way, all opportunities for new sailed out of the port of comprehensive terms and Oceans Club membership experiences. Newcastle and has conditions, so I am putting discounts and points commented on how this off for another month. My personal loss last year user-friendly it is. It has can be combined with has really brought home the direct road and train routes Mr Bridge offers. DESIGNER TILE fact that sometimes you and plenty of good local just need to seize the accommodation. NAMED moment. This is especially the case with cruising, as I have also tried my best ships often have different to ensure reduced single itineraries each year. So if supplements where you procrastinate, the possible, as I know how opportunity may not important it is to a good present itself again for number of you. An added some time. The cruise to benefit for singles is that Rio is one such example. I if you book early enough, This tile has been with me already have a viable bridge you can often secure a for more than 10 years. party booked on that room with a bath. As It originally arrived sailing, looking forward to always, singles can rest anonymously. Please let me Carnival, assured that they will be know if you are its creator. see the adjacent advert. found a bridge partner. If you can afford it, you Be assured that the 2018 DIARIES Mr Bridge team will should seriously consider These diaries are now in joining this cruise. help create an on board ambience that will enhance stock and have a start date One of the benefits of your holiday. The option of Grandchild number 19 from 21 August this year. Fred.Olsen cruises is that all dining together is just has now been named by All good wishes, they specialise in ‘no fly’. one way of ensuring you his parents: a big welcome Indeed, for a number of feel part of the group. to Leo Sam Hoyt Magee. Mr Bridge

BRIDGE July 2017 Page 5 Scandinavian Capitals & St Petersburg 9th June 2018 • 14 nights • Sails from Rosyth (Edinburgh) • Balmoral • L1815 Your Russian Visas are included in the cost of Fred. Olsen guided shore tours in Russia

14 nights from only £1,709 per person

Tallinn

Once-in-a-lifetime experiences appear at every turn as six big-hitting destinations come together to create an unforgettable itinerary. Among the long list of highlights to tick off are Copenhagen’s iconic Little Mermaid Statue, Tallinn’s medieval Old Town, majestic Russian palaces and museums in St Petersburg, ABBA The Museum in Stockholm, and the chance to capture The Scream in Oslo. All this, and more, is blended with hours of scenic cruising.

Copenhagen is the first destination on this enticing itinerary. Using Balmoral’s convenient docking location, you won’t be far from many of the star attractions, including the Little Mermaid Statue and the iconic Nyhavn waterfront district. The fairytale continues in Tallinn, world-renowned for its UNESCO-listed Old Town and home to the Alexander Nevskij Cathedral and Kadriorg Palace, among other architectural delights.

The excitement on board will then truly intensify as you arrive in St Petersburg. It is proud home to a collection of treasures, including Peterhof Palace, the Hermitage Museum, the Fabergé Museum, Nevsky Prospekt and the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood, to name just a few.

After a restful Sunday at sea, a leisurely evening cruise through the unique Stockholm Archipelago brings you to Sweden’s attractive capital, Stockholm. Here you’ll have the chance to find out more about the Swedish pop group at ABBA The Museum; sample local culture in the trendy cafés and engaging museums throughout the city.

Balmoral will then call into Fred. Olsen’s homeland for your final destination, Oslo. Fascinating attractions appear at every turn, including the Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Polar Ship Museum and the Akershus Fortress.

Prices per person Interior Room £1,709 Ocean View Room £1,999 Superior Ocean View Room £2,429 Superior Balcony £3,519 Suite £3,609 Single Room £2,909

Prices are correct at time of going to print, but may change at any time, call for latest prices.

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

FOC382046_Mr_Bridge_Cruise_pages_Mag_ads_W/C.22.05.17_FV.indd 3 31/05/2017 16:19 Bernard Magee’s Acol Bidding Quiz

This month we are dealing with hands that contain voids. You are West in the auctions below, playing ‘Standard Acol’ with a weak no-trump (12-14 points) and four-card majors.

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South ? 1♠ Pass 1♥ Pass 1♦ 1♥ Pass 1NT Pass 2♠ Pass 1♠ Pass 2♣ Pass ? ? ?

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South 1♠ Pass 1♠ Pass 1♥ Pass 1♣ 1♠ 2♣ ? 1NT Pass 2♣ Pass 1♠ Pass 2♣ Pass ? ? ?

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass 1♥ Pass 1♠ 2♥ Pass ? 1NT Pass 2♦ Pass 1♠ Pass 2♥ Pass ? ? ?

My Answers: My Answers: My Answers: My Answers:

1...... 4...... 7...... 10......

2...... 5...... 8...... 11......

3...... 6...... 9...... 12......

Answers on page 41 Answers on page 43 Answers on page 45 Answers on page 47

BRIDGE July 2017 Page 7 Mr Bridge UK Events

Tutorial Events Denham Grove PROGRAMME 21-23 July £252 DAY 1 with 4-4-4-1 Hands NEW 1500 Mr Bridge Elstead Hotel TOPIC Bournemouth BH1 3QP Bernard Magee Welcome Desk open Chatsworth Tea or coffee on arrival Hotel 1745 to 1830 Ramada Resort 22-24 September £252 Welcome drinks Grantham Better Finessing 1830 to 2000 Dinner Tue-Thu 11-13 July £252 Inn on 2015 BRIDGE 1 DUPLICATE PAIRS Bidding Distributional Hands the Prom Wed-Fri Mon-Wed DAY 2 8-10 November £252 11-13 December £252 0800 to 0930 Denham Grove Ruffing for Extra Tricks Finding Slams Breakfast Near Uxbridge, UB9 5DG NEW 1000 to 1230 TOPIC SEMINAR & PLAY of SET HANDS or (Just Duplicate Events) Just Duplicate Tutorial 1230 to 1330 Cold Buffet Lunch Events Events 1400 to 1645 BRIDGE 2 Inn on the Prom TEAMS of FOUR Inn on the Prom (Bernard Magee Events) Ramada Resort, Grantham 7-9 July £189 28-30 July £199 DUPLICATE PAIRS Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT Hosted by Patrick Dunham Game Tries (otherwise) Hosted by Gwen Beattie 1815 to 2000 Denham Grove Dinner 2015 BRIDGE 3 7-9 July £212 Blunsdon House DUPLICATE PAIRS Hosted by Chris Williams 15-17 September £222 4-6 August £212 Play and Defence of 1NT DAY 3 0800 to 0930 8-10 September £212 13-15 October £222 Breakfast Doubles 24-26 November £212 1000 to 1230 SEMINAR & PLAY Chatsworth Hotel 10-12 November £222 of SET HANDS or Worthing BN11 3DU Chatsworth Hotel Splinters and Cue Bids DUPLICATE PAIRS 28-30 July £212 (Just Duplicate Events) 6-8 October £212 Ramada Resort 1230 to 1400 3-5 November £212 Grantham Sunday Lunch (weekend events only) 29 Sep – 1 Oct £212 1400 to 1645 Blunsdon House Further into the 4 29 Sep - 1 Oct £212 DUPLICATE PAIRS Elstead Hotel Elstead Hotel Inn on the Prom 3-5 November £222 Full Board St Annes On Sea FY8 1LU Mon-Wed Better Leads and Switches 9-11 October £212 Hosted by Will Parsons No Single 24-26 November £212 Denham Grove Supplement* Ramada Resort 17-19 November £222 Grantham Better ( 01483 24-26 November £199 Hosted by Will Parsons Chatsworth Hotel 489961 Please note there are no seminars, 24-26 November £222 www.mrbridge.co.uk Blunsdon House Hotel set hands or prizes at these events. Game Tries Swindon SN26 7AS *subject to availability A Blast From the Past by Shireen Mohandes Code Breakers in WW2 Part Two

e continue the story of Bletchley Park’s bridge 24 hours notice in order to do this. (When we played, every players with the last surviving member of system bid in the book seemed to come up, and I got them Alan Turing’s team until his death earlier this all right, much more by luck than judgment, which Stuart Wyear, a well-known EBU official, and three of the many accepted without comment.)’ women whose contribution at Bletchley Park went largely John added, ‘Stuart had set himself the task of writing a unrecognised for many years. book on the history of punctuation in the English language – perhaps not destined for best-seller status – and this kept Rolf Noskwith (1919-2017) him occupied for a good time.’ Perhaps it should be of no surprise that it is hard to find In Rolf Noskwith’s obituary in The Guardian, Michael out what Staveley did at Bletchley Park. , in Smith wrote, ‘Noskwith, who has died aged 97, was studying the Daily Telegraph, wrote that Stuart was sent on a course mathematics at Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1941 when he to learn Japanese as part of his work at Bletchley Park. A was spotted as a potential codebreaker. But he was initially search on the Bletchley Park ‘Roll of Honour’ site tells us banned from going to Bletchley because he had been born in that E Stuart Staveley, RNVR was a midshipman working in Germany and was therefore seen as a security risk.’ Naval Section, NSIII. The GCHQ website adds, ‘He was sent to Hut 8 to work, Documents recently made available describe the NS under Alexander, on German Naval Enigma. He discovered IIIJ (Naval Section 3 Japanese) responsibilities in detail. a knack for cribbing and remained a Hut 8 cribster for the Stuart was one of four duty officers on watch in the section rest of the war. He had a varied social life at Bletchley Park, reporting on intelligence relating to the Far East. enjoying bridge and chess and attending concerts.’ He had a very successful post-war career in the family business, Charnos, a textile and lingerie company.

Stuart Staveley (1926-2009)

Dr Stuart Staveley was an academic and author; he studied ancient history at Oxford, and was recruited into a naval intelligence role by the famous author and naval intelligence officer Ian Fleming. After the war, he resumed his studies, completed his doctorate, and lectured at St Andrews and Bedford College London. He and his wife Ann were heavily involved in the bridge administration of the EBU, pretty much running it from their own home in Thame, before moving the outfit to an office opposite their house. John Williams, who took over as Executive Secretary of the EBU from Stuart in 1978, remembers his friend and colleague very fondly. He told me that Stuart and Ann were exceptionally friendly and welcoming to him, as a colleague and guest. John said of Staveley, in his obituary for the EBU, ‘Stuart was a founder of Aylesbury Bridge Club, where he took me to play with him soon after I arrived. Naturally, I had to learn the book from cover to cover – the most rigorous and structured of bidding systems – at

BRIDGE July 2017 Page 9 The Women Helen Mckee Helen worked in the Military As mentioned in Part 1, Asa Briggs, along with many others, Section, SIXTA, and logged sig- pointed out that the women who worked at Bletchley Park nals between German stations in were for many years somewhat under-acknowledged. Norway. Towards the end of the war, three quarters of the workforce Originally from Londonderry, were women. In 2009 this was at least partially rectified with her father was in the civil ser- the issue of a service medal to the few surviving staff, both vice and they moved around the female and male. country. She now lives in Tyne- While researching this article I interviewed several of mouth. these women. It turned out that only one of them was a Back in 1943, Helen had just bridge player, but I felt I had to include contributions from completed her university studies in Economics, at Durham two others as they vividly capture life at Bletchley Park. University, and volunteered as soon as she graduated. As a 20 year old, a graduate, she was considered ‘too old’ by the ATS recruiting officer. She sat a test which demonstrated her talents were suitable for intelligence work. A few weeks training in Guildford, and a good deal of marching, were followed by some training in Hampstead comprising a briefing about what was to happen in Bletchley. Whilst at Bletchley Park she lived at Shenley Road Military Camp, just the opposite side of the road, away from the village. ‘…We were working to break the German code. There were various stations around the country listening to all these messages being passed from A to B on the Continent by the German army and Luftwaffe. But the work was very compartmental. You did your own particular bit and Hut 6, Bletchley Park. ©Crown copyright, you didn’t know what anybody else was doing. They told reproduced by kind permission, Director, GCHQ us we had broken the code, but I was so cynical I thought well maybe they’ve told us that just to keep our morale up. Tessa Dunlop, in her book The Bletchley Girls, tells us, What I was doing was: every night these signals used to ‘Bletchley was an extraordinary experience, beset by highs come in from the listening stations and they were on paper, and lows. The girls worked on shifts, through the night in printed on strips and I was logging how many messages smoky, claustrophobic quarters, and they amused themselves from a certain station had come into the station and gone with card games and gossip’. out from the station. Also there were certain particular calls

The Staveley Wriggle Newspaper author, This is an escape convention, for use when 1NT is doubled for penalties. Michael Smith, explains, The system allows you to escape to a five-card or longer suit, and also allows the partnership ‘…In early 1942, a to show two four-card suits: diamonds and hearts, diamonds and spades, or hearts and six-month crash course spades. The disadvantage of this convention is that it cannot show a pair of four-card suits in Japanese, for 20 including clubs. But against that, it allows you to play a natural redouble. undergraduates from Oxford and Cambridge, For more details, see: http://www.bridgebum.com/staveley_wriggle.php was started by the The version of the wriggle, as detailed in Acol in Competition, by Eric Crowhurst, is: Inter-Services Special After 1NT has been doubled Intelligence School in Bedford, in a building l Bid 2♣, when that is doubled, redouble to show diamonds and hearts. across from the main l Bid 2♣, when that is doubled, bid 2♦ to show diamonds and spades. Post Office. This course l Bid 2♣, when that is doubled, bid 2♥ to show five hearts and four spades. was repeated every six l Bid 2♦, when that is doubled, redouble to show equal length in hearts and spades. months until war’s end. As Crowhurst points out, the underlying assumption is that the opponents will always double Most of those completing 2♣ or 2♦. They may, of course, pass and ‘take the money’, hoping that the undoubled these courses worked on penalty will be rewarding enough. decoding Japanese This is the simplest version of the gadget. How fitting that a man who was so experienced in naval messages in Hut 7, cryptanalysis devised such a cunning method. under John Tiltman.’

Page 10 BRIDGE July 2017 when they had to repeat something and you could pick up a Doris Moss (née Moller) certain set of letters, and you had to underline whenever this Doris Moss is an Anglo-Belgian, now occurred because it was easier to break into a code if they had living in Northampton. Both Doris and a repeat of something….’ her sister Georgette McGarrah worked at The listening post received Morse from various German Bletchley Park. Her in the Bletchley stations in Norway, and analysed the frequency and pattern Park roll of honour tells us that she was of messages to identify traffic dealing with matters of in Bletchley Park from March 1942 to interest. Helen was responsible for looking at the output of August 1945, in Hut 4, later Block A. a specific German information post and tracking differences Initially, she was in the Naval Section, in patterns. Certain phrases, like ‘please repeat that’, were working on Hagelin ciphers, breaking cribs using ‘Rodding’. a sign of perhaps something important. ‘We never heard In September 1943, she moved to the Japanese sub-section. whether the information came to anything or not.’ In The Bletchley Girls, Dunlop characterises Doris as, ‘… Asked about activities at the Park, Helen replied, ‘At an unlikely Bletchley Girl and therein lies her appeal. She Bletchley Park we were really very well off. We visited the began the war in Belgium with a poor grasp of the English house for recreation. There were a lot of clubs; there was a language. Today, nurturing a demanding bridge habit local acting group that used to put on shows. We saw some and working tirelessly for a local charity …. [she] cuts an marvellous foreign films in the film club there, French, energetic figure in her home town of Northampton.’ German, a lot of very good films. Time passed OK, there was no worry, and in all honesty, you had very few minutes to fill in really. We had bikes, we used to visit Whipsnade Zoo, Dunlop’s book is a good read. I noticed Ian Fleming’s name, in connection with a WAAF, Kathleen Godfrey. Her father is and apart from any damn boring work, it was like being at said to be the real life ‘M’. Ian Fleming worked for him. university.’ After the war she was offered the opportunity to continue at Bletchley Park and learn Japanese. She turned this down Doris’s father John Moller married Belgian Marie-Elisabeth, because she thought she had no ear for languages, and only and pre-WW2, the Moller family lived in France, Belgium found out later that the teaching was based on patterns, and England at various times. The children spoke English which she says she has an eye for, specifically visual and and French. They fled Belgium in May 1940, having been pattern recognition skills. warned that staying would lead to internment. ‘Marie- ‘Once the war ended, until I was demobbed, I was a driver, Elisabeth abandoned Belgium in the First World War; stationed in Uxbridge. The chap I was driving was in charge history was repeating itself and this time she had been forced of the South-East command, and I would drive him, for to leave her own mother behind. They would never see each example, to a boxing match on the south coast, or to visit other again.’ Doris recounted to Dunlop. Their journey sites in Bristol or Portsmouth. Mostly these were day trips. took them via France, Portugal and Gibraltar, arriving in If we stopped for a meal, the officer would take me in, and Greenock, Scotland, and finally Kent in 1942, two years after I would join him. The only thing I had difficulty with was leaving Belgium. using the bathroom, a sentry had to stand guard, or I had to Doris and her sister immediately wanted to join the Wrens, find a hedge or something.’ together, but their ages disqualified them, because by then After being demobbed she got herself a job in consumer one of the sisters was over nineteen, rendering her outside research for Proctor and Gamble and stayed with them prevailing age limit. Via a well-connected relative, they were through her working life, retiring after 36 years. People who able to get a placement in Bletchley Park’s Naval Section. At worked at P&G before the war got pension entitlement for the interview stage they were assessed for skills; they knew their time in the services, but not Helen. Her only gripe. their work would be important, simply because it was all so On reflection, she now rather regrets the missed secret, but like so many of their intake, they were unaware of opportunity to study Japanese, which she turned down. what they were going to do. Early on, they were

Rodding is a method for deciphering the rotor order and starting position. Buttoning up is the method of decrypting the rotor’s internal wiring. It is believed that Dilly Knox developed the technique of rodding in 1936. In the following year he was first able to apply this method to live messages, after he had determined the rod squares for the Enigma rotors, then in use by the Italian Navy. This early work paid dividends later on, when in 1940/41 by means of rodding, some important Italian Naval signals yielded the intelligence that resulted in the dramatic British success at Matapan. In 1941, Knox achieved perhaps his greatest success by breaking the Abwehr Enigma, in which the buttoning up procedure had again been usefully applied. Source: Franc Carter, cryptocellar.org Alfred Dillwyn ‘Dilly’ Knox, CMG (1884-1943) was a British classics scholar and papyrologist at King’s College, Cambridge and a codebreaker.

BRIDGE July 2017 Page 11 mechanically processing cyphertext, a laborious repetitive Tom McCulloch (at Wilmslow August /September 1957) task assigned to newcomers, who worked in long shifts, in www.wilmslow.org.uk explains, ‘During the Second World cramped conditions. Doris’s next assignment involved more War, and for a time afterwards, Wilmslow was home to a technical work, the so-called rodding, and finally she went large RAF camp – RAF Wilmslow. It no longer exists and on to work in Block F, relating to the Japanese War. since the 1980s the site has been gradually redeveloped The sisters and two other men were billeted in Bletchley, as housing – now known as the Summerfields area of with Captain Grange and his wife. ‘As refugees, we kept to Wilmslow, more or less a part of Dean Row. ourselves, socialising little; our English was not yet fluent.’ By the time the war ended, the sisters were re-employed as Work on the camp commenced at the outbreak of war and proof readers of official navy history. They lived in Bedford, its role was the reception, kitting-out, basic training and where she met her husband, David, a civil engineer. They accommodation of 4,000 recruits. A typical recruit arrived married in 1950, and later moved to Northampton, a career at the camp one week into his induction and spent eight move for David. weeks at RAF Wilmslow before being posted elsewhere. It Doris succumbed to the pleasures of bridge after the was known as No. 4 School of Recruit Training. war. ‘We played rubber, friendly bridge at home, then It was not an airfield although there was a Spitfire on show progressed to club bridge, sometimes playing ten hours a as a gate guardian. The camp had a range, a day.’ Doris and David are keen and active bridge players at cinema – The Astra – and a large SSQ – Squadron Sick Northampton and Kingsley. She’s kept busy by volunteering Quarters – aka a military hospital. for The Northampton Hope Centre and Age UK (formerly Age Concern), which recognised her contribution with an Many of the recruits based at RAF Wilmslow were female; i.e. WAAFs (Women’s Auxiliary Air Force – renamed award in 2012. WRAFs in 1949). My last question to Doris was about Stuart Staveley. She doesn’t recall meeting him, but she added, ‘I used to see Alan The camp closed in 1962.’ Turing cycle past me with his gas helmet on – to ward off The Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF), whose hay fever, from which he really suffered.’ members were referred to as WAAFs, was the female auxiliary of the Royal Air Force during World War II, Pat Clack (née Gibbons) established in 1939. At its peak strength, in 1943, WAAF numbers exceeded 180,000, with over 2,000 women It was BRIDGE reader and London player, Lyn Fry, Pat’s enlisting per week. Source: Wikipedia daughter-in-law, who saw the request for information in the magazine and wrote in to Mr Bridge. Pat lives in the village of Send, near Woking in Surrey. Musicians Eric Clapton and Having been assessed for skills and intelligence, she did her Paul Weller also once lived there. But I digress. Lyn and her square-bashing at Wilmslow, and later went to Blackpool for husband Mike have played bridge for years, and suggested the first part of the wireless operator course. She completed Pat might be able to help with information. Pat started out the training at Compton Bassett, where she obtained her at RAF Wilmslow in Cheshire, in the later stages of the war, ‘sparks’ – which she proudly wore on her arm. Postings to and made her way to Bletchley just after the war ended. Portreath (near Redruth in Cornwall, in the winter of 1944) She initially volunteered for the WAAFs at age 17½ in and later Biggin Hill, led to a final posting to Bletchley Park 1942, but did not get in. When she enquired, she found out in January 1947. Her father took her to Euston station, where that her father had got her an exemption. Two years later, she met with some other girls, and not long after, they found after working as a shorthand typist, she reapplied and this themselves in hut B.YA – (some buildings were referenced time she was allowed to join. with just letters).

What do you think of the TV programmes and movies about Bletchley Park and the war? Helen: I don’t like the fictionalised movies with love interest storylines. I do like the TV programmes that are factual, because they helped me to understand what it was that was going on. I love watching Dad’s Army. I enjoy watching Foyle’s War, the woman who did the driving was correctly dressed.

Pat: I do watch all the programmes and like to see the reconstructions. One thing that is not accurate at all is the hairdos in the films. We were simply not allowed to have hair touching the collar. Sometimes you see long flowing locks, well, that’s just not realistic at all.

Doris: I saw the Imitation Game. I enjoyed it. I thought the driver’s speech in Foyle’s War was hard to understand. Note: Helen and Doris are referring to the actress, Honeysuckle Weeks, who plays the part of Honeysuckle Weeks, Samantha Stewart in Foyle’s War, ITV. Foyle’s War. ITV.

Page 12 BRIDGE July 2017 Stanney for good work (he was the duty Sergeant!) had beer in NAAFI with Ron [my boyfriend at the time] and Audrey. Top of water-tank in NAAFI fell through the roof while we were in there. Tree on Bletchley NAAFI, roofs off some of WAAF huts, one girl burned by fire – live wire by cookhouse – terrific gales and floods – no light in our hut.’ Pat added that she enjoyed having a half a shandy in The Shoulder of Mutton [where Hugh Alexander lodged for some of the war; it closed in 1962] and The Eight Belles [still open today, and decorated in a 1940s theme]. She remembers playing table tennis, and watching the films of Ralph Lynn, Tom Walls, and comedian Robertson Hare.

Diary entries:

11th August 1947, a partial demob pay accounts for reference (V.G. and Superior) – £10/2/8 in credit F.F.I. (free from infection) and interview with C.O. Gemma Briggs and Erica Munro from Bletchley Park have provided a photograph of a pamphlet. They say, ‘The 13th August 1947, at Kirkham for final demob pamphlet states that at the time it was printed, bridge took Received insurance and health cards, £10 credits, money place in the Club Room. Although undated, this pamphlet orders for £13/16/- (clothing), 2 for £5, and one for £3, 56 has been filed at the National Archives with other coupons; weeks NAAFI rations. documents from 1944 and 1945, so we would assume that the Club Room at the time was in the Recreational Centre Pat added in 2017: ‘…and I can tell you exactly what I spent which was constructed late in the war outside the gates on my clothing coupons on – I went on holiday to Cornwall Wilton Avenue. It was knocked down fairly soon after the with my aunt (who was also in the WAAF), went into St Ives war – we have a 1954 aerial photo and it had already and I bought a pair of red corduroy trousers and a lime gone by then.’ green two-piece linen suit – and used them all up!’

Pat was a fast-working operator, at 22 words a minute of Pat met her husband Eric Clack when they were both on Morse. There were ten to a hut and they worked in 12-hour demob leave; he was in the Royal Armoured Corps. They shifts, which were extended a bit so as to overlap with the married in 1951 and had two children. Sadly, he died in next shift, thus allowing a hand-over. Bathing was done in 1971 when their children were in their teens, from an illness tin baths, filled up with kettles of hot water. Food was basic, indirectly related to his work during the war. but varied from camp to camp. In conclusion

It was an honour to meet Pat, and to speak with Helen and Doris. I must say that I struggled initially to understand the age eligibility requirements, but it later became clear that the criteria had changed as the war progressed. There must have been dozens of bridge players at Bletchley, and we know that they enjoyed playing in the big house, and that there was a bridge club in the Recreational Centre.

With kind thanks to Tessa Dunlop, author of The Bletchley Girls. ISBN 978-1444795721 ■

The Mansion, Bletchley Park, Sherwood Drive, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK3 6EB Ron Law, from Cheriton, and Pat Gibbons. April 1947 at Bletchley Park. The summer opening times are: 09:30 to 17:00. Admission for adults is £17.75. Admission price includes annual Pat and her colleagues were moved around a bit, from hut season ticket giving you unlimited free returns for a year. to hut, largely because she thought that they were not in a More details about visiting, and more prices from: very good state of repair. A memory which is backed up by a https://www.bletchleypark.org.uk/visit-us diary entry, March 16th, 1947, which says, ‘Praised by Paddy

BRIDGE July 2017 Page 13 Michael Byrne on Playing with the Odds

The King is Dead Long Live the Contract!

ast month we were looking where your right hand opponent has at cases where we needed to ♥ J 9 7 6 5 followed small, it is just fractionally for the king, and various more likely that his partner has the N Lsituations where we had to lead an W E missing card than he does, because of honour on the first round to pick up S empty spaces. Of the 100 times that the suit for no losers like this: ♥ A Q 10 8 4 right hand opponent follows small, taking the finesse will gain 48% of the time, playing for the drop 52%. ♠ Q 5 3 2 Our decision will only be critical when So with 11 cards between the two West has fewer than two cards in this hands, play for the drop. N W E suit, since if his partner has a singleton (As an extra chance, always lead the S it will show up on the first round and high card before rising majestically ♠ A J 9 7 6 4 our decision will be for nought. (It will with the ace, a nervous defender may either be the singleton king in which cover with the king, not knowing your case we can’t go wrong, or singleton holding). Or start with a low card in case the small in which case we can’t go right). The second question is what is the king was singleton like this: If West does have a singleton, then best play when you are missing the finessing will gain when it is the king and the ten? singleton 2 or singleton 3 and lose if ♠ Q 5 3 2 it is the singleton king. You don’t need me to tell you that West having one ♦ A Q 8 4 N W E of two singletons is twice as likely as S N having one specific singleton, so we W E ♠ A J 10 4 should finesse. (The finesse will also S gain when West is void and K-3-2 lies ♦ J 9 7 3 2 onside). This month we are going to carry on So with ten cards we take the finesse. looking at cases where you are missing With 11 however… With this combination you are going the king, and try to look at the special to take the finesse, but does that mean cases we need to watch out for. run the jack or lead low to the queen? The first question is this: is there ♥ J 9 7 6 5 3 Leading low to the queen will work any number of cards between the two if West has a singleton king, K-10, K-6, N hands that mean we should try and W E K-5 or K-6-5 (since the ten will drop drop the king, rather than finesse it? S and we can return to hand and run the The answer is, of course, yes. Just as ♥ A Q 10 8 4 jack). when we were missing the queen, we Leading the jack on the first round should finesse with eight (or fewer) and and then finessing on the next round play for the drop with nine or more, so You lead the jack from the table and will work when West has K-10-6, the same technique works for the king East follows with the missing 2. Should K-10-5, K-10-6-5, K-10 or K-6-5. – but the numbers are different. you finesse or play for the drop? This seems close and indeed the Let’s see if we can work out why Here taking the finesse gains when difference is only 2.5%, but the shorter we should take the finesse to help us the suit is 2-0 onside and playing for holdings are more likely and leading remember the threshold. the drop gains when the suit is 1-1. low to the queen is the best shot. You have this combination – should Which is more likely? It is a very Now here is a hand with two possible you play for the drop or cash the ace? close decision, but at the point scenarios that you need to consider:

Page 14 BRIDGE July 2017 will go down when he has a ♠ A Q 8 singleton 4, 5 or 6, which is ♥ A K J 4 three times as likely. DECLARER ♦ 5 4 3 2 Unlikely though it seems, ♣ A 2 the is to PLAY N start with a low card to the W E queen. From there the paths S diverge. If the finesse wins, QUIZ ♠ J 9 7 3 2 we must be careful not to ♥ Q 10 just cash the ace as that by David Huggett ♦ A would be a disaster in this (Answers on page 17) ♣ K Q J 10 4 scenario: ou are South as declarer playing teams or . YIn each case, what is your play strategy? In both cases you are play- ♠ A Q 8 ing a crucial teams match N against your biggest rivals ♠ K 10 6 5 W E ♠ 4 S ♠ ♠ (or, if you prefer a high 1. 7 5 3 3. K 7 ♥ ♥ stakes rubber bridge game ♠ J 9 7 3 2 6 4 2 K J 5 3 ♦ ♦ against your nemesis) and A 7 J 7 5 ♣ ♣ you can’t afford to lose. Q 10 9 8 3 A 5 4 3

In the first scenario, your When the finesse wins we N N ‘I can’t use Roman Key Card should come back to our W E W E Blackwood, partner,’ is at hand (safest is to use the S S work again and you reach a ♥10) and lead a low trump ♠ ♠ dubious 7♠, on the ♦K lead. and cover West’s card to A 6 A 6 4 ♥ ♥ You need to pick up trumps ensure we do not lose more A 9 8 5 3 A Q 7 ♦ ♦ for no loser. In the second than one trick in the suit. K Q J 2 2 ♣ ♣ scenario, you bid sensibly And if the finesse loses? A 2 Q 10 9 8 7 6 to 6♠ and get the ♦K lead Now we continue by cash- – how should you play it ing the ace, and can pick up ♣ knowing that you can afford a 4-1 break the other way You are declarer in 3NT You are declarer in 5 and ♠ ♦ to lose one trump? round, like this: and West leads the 2. West leads the K followed ♦ As usual, the harder con- How do you plan the play? by the Q. How do you tract is easier to play – the plan the play? correct play in the trump ♠ A Q 8 suit is low to the queen and N cash the ace. You need to ♠ 4 W E ♠ K 10 6 5 S find West with the single- ♠ ♠ ton or doubleton king. That ♠ J 9 7 3 2 2. K Q 10 4. J 3 ♥ ♥ is not great odds (16.4%), A 8 6 4 2 A 9 8 5 ♦ ♦ but is the best you can do. 7 6 3 K 6 4 3 ♣ ♣ At least if you go down you So, in each case, a low card 8 5 K Q 7 will have a) the satisfaction to the queen is correct. If it N N of taking the percentage wins and we need no loser W E W E line and b) a chance of con- then cash the ace. If it wins S S verting partner to a sensible and we can afford one loser, ♠ ♠ method, as a consequence. then return to hand, lead A J 9 8 6 4 2 K Q 6 ♥ ♥ However, this is a really in- low towards dummy, cover 7 Q J 10 7 3 ♦ ♦ teresting trump suit playing West’s card and if that loses, A K 2 A 8 2 ♣ ♣ in 6♠. Knowing that you can cash the ace. If the finesse A K J 9 afford a trump loser, there loses, cash the ace. is some temptation to play If the spades are 5-0, you ♠ ♥ a trump to the ace, which cannot avoid two losers, but You are declarer in 7 and You are declarer in 4 and ♥ ♦ guards against a singleton the given line guarantees West leads the K. How West leads the J. How do king, but this is not the right you will not lose more than do you plan the play? you plan the play? play if we think about it. For one trick on the other lay- every time we gain when outs, except when the sin- East has a singleton king, we gleton king is offside. ■

BRIDGE July 2017 Page 15 CLUB Sally Brock Looks at Your Slam Bidding INSURANCE

Every club should be covered and my inclusive package, to suit clubs of up to Sally’s 300 members for less than £75 per year, is the right package at the right price. Slam Clinic Contact FIDENTIA for a quote ( 020 3150 0080 Where did we she needed to know, so she those up the line too (you go wrong? opened 6♠. already know about his aces [email protected] and kings). So the first hand This month two readers sent would have been bid: in remarkably similar hands ♠ 6 5 so instead of the ‘Slam of the ♥ J 6 5 2 North South Month’, I am going to pre- ♦ 9 8 4 3 2♣ sent you with two ‘Where ♣ K 5 2 2♦ 3♠ did we go wrongs?’. 4♣ 4♦ The first was sent in by N 4♥ 6♠ W E For those with Pre-existing John Dunbar: S health conditions Here, North has shown the (No Age Limit) ♠ A K Q J 10 8 7 3 ♣A and ♥K, so South can l Travel Insurance with ♠ 2 ♥ 9 bid the slam confidently. online Medical Screening ♥ K 3 ♦ A J And the second one: ♦ J 10 7 6 3 2 ♣ A 8 l Cover for medical conditions, up to a high ♣ A J 4 3 North South level of severity, even a 2♣ terminal prognosis N ♣ 2♦ 3♠ W E Although her partner’s K l No age limits S was useful, there was also 3NT 4♣ 4♠ 4NT l Instant online cover an inevitable diamond loser, ♠ A K Q 10 8 6 5 3 so she was one down. 5♠ We fully understand that ♥ A Q 2 There is a classical way you may wish to speak to ♦ Void us direct about cover and to bid these hands playing North denies an ace, but ♣ your medical conditions Q 10 Acol. You start with an Acol shows the ♣K. South might and assure you of the best 2♣ (or 2♦ if you play Benji). sign off now, but, as the five attention by senior staff When partner gives you a level must be safe, can af- on a direct phone line that He says that he opened with negative/waiting response, ford to bid 4NT to see if does not require you to an Acol 2♠ and his partner you jump to 3♠. This sets partner has the ♣Q, which hold or press buttons for departments. bid a 2NT waiting bid, after the trump suit. Partner is would make slam cold (un- which he was frightened to required to cue-bid an ace less the king and queen are ( 01268 524344 bid less than 4♠ because his if he has one, to bid 3NT doubleton). partner could pass. How- if he has a king, otherwise In all my years playing We look forward to ♠ ♠ speaking with you soon ever, when he jumped to 4 , to sign off in 4 . If he bids bridge, I have never seen his partner passed and the 3NT, showing a king, then this come up, so it is some- Email: sales@ slam was missed. 4♣ asks which it is. If it is thing of a coincidence that genesischoice.co.uk The second was sent in in a red suit he bids it, but I received these two letters Website: www. by June Packman (see next if it is in clubs he bids 4♠. this month. Indeed, it is genesischoice.co.uk column). She decided from If you need to know about such a rarity that I now play Genesis Choice Ltd are an ♥ ♠ appointed representative of NDI the outset that she would queens, you can continue the jump to 3 or 3 to have Insurance and Reinsurance not be able to find out what with 4NT to ask him to bid a different meaning. ■ Brokers Ltd who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority No.446914 Send your slam hands to [email protected]

Page 16 BRIDGE July 2017 Answers to David Huggett’s Play Quiz on page 15

You are declarer in 7♠ and West leads the remaining trump and, of course, if West 1. ♠ 7 5 3 ♥K. How do you plan the play? shows out on the original club lead, then ♥ 6 4 2 You have to be extra careful when you just rise with the ace and lead back ♦ A 7 declaring a slam contract because there towards the queen. ♣ Q 10 9 8 3 is so much to lose if things go wrong. ♠ K J 9 2 ♠ Q 10 8 4 Here is a case in point. It would be so ♥ Q 7 N ♥ K J 10 easy to draw trumps before working out ♦ 9 8 5 W E ♦ 10 6 4 3 where that elusive thirteenth trick is to 4. ♠ J 3 S ♣ K 7 5 4 ♣ J 6 come from and by then it would be too ♥ A 9 8 5 ♠ A 6 late. Here, the only chance for that extra ♦ K 6 4 3 ♥ A 9 8 5 3 trick is through the heart suit and you ♣ K Q 7 ♦ K Q J 2 have to hope the adverse cards break ♠ A 9 2 ♠ 10 8 7 5 4 ♣ A 2 4-3. a heart at trick two before ♥ 6 2 N ♥ K 4 entering dummy with a trump to repeat ♦ J 10 9 W E ♦ Q 7 5 S the process. Repeat this whole operation ♣ 10 8 6 3 2 ♣ A 5 4 You are declarer in 3NT and West leads and dummy’s last trump will be an ♠ K Q 6 the ♠2. How do you plan the play? entry for the thirteenth heart. Just one ♥ Q J 10 7 3 This contract is hardly laydown but premature round of trumps would have ♦ A 8 2 the lead of the ♠2 would indicate that led to defeat, as would an initial trump ♣ J 9 the suit is breaking 4-4. Clearly you lead. have to tackle the club suit and aim not to lose two tricks there, so how do you You are declarer in 4♥ and West leads play the suit in the most efficient way? If the ♦J. How do you plan the play? both opponents have three cards in the 3. ♠ K 7 This is one of those hands where you suit and the honours are split, then it is ♥ K J 5 3 have ten winners but four potential a guess whether to play the queen or the ♦ J 7 5 losers. If you win the in ten after the ace, but consider also the ♣ A 5 4 3 hand and take a losing trump finesse, cases where the suit breaks 4-2. If West ♠ Q 9 3 ♠ J 10 8 5 2 then a diamond back will cause you to plays a low card on the second round ♥ 10 8 2 N ♥ 9 6 4 lose a trick in each suit. Instead, set up a then East could have the now singleton ♦ K Q 10 3 W E ♦ A 9 8 6 4 discard for the losing diamond in hand S jack, so the odds favour playing the ♣ K J 2 ♣ Void by playing on clubs until the ace is taken, queen from dummy. In short, this line ♠ A 6 4 then later you can take the trump finesse works when East has jack to three, jack ♥ A Q 7 for the overtrick. If the thought of leaving doubleton or three small. ♦ 2 too many trumps out from the beginning ♣ Q 10 9 8 7 6 is a worry, then play the ace first, but then you must play on clubs. ■

2. ♠ K Q 10 You are declarer in 5♣ and West leads ♥ A 8 6 4 2 the ♦K followed by the ♦Q. How do you ♦ 7 6 3 plan the play? PLUS 12 ♣ Q 8 5 You have done well to alight in the best ♠ 3 ♠ 7 5 game contract and there are no worries l Help and Hint buttons l Comprehensive manual ♥ K Q J 3 N ♥ 10 9 5 unless you somehow find a way to lose W E l Feed in your own deals £99 ♦ J 9 8 4 ♦ Q 10 5 two trump tricks. But, of course, if you including S l option ♣ Q 10 7 3 ♣ J 9 6 4 2 are careful you won’t, because you have p&p l 5,000 preplayed hands for ♠ A J 9 8 6 4 2 a cast-iron . After ruffing the teams and 4,000 preplayed ♥ 7 second diamond, tease West by playing hands for matchpoint pairs ♦ A K 2 the seven of trumps and running it if West ( 01483 489961 ♣ A K plays low. If it loses to the East hand, Mr Bridge www.mrbridge.co.uk then the ace will later take care of the

BRIDGE July 2017 Page 17 All You Need to Know by Andrew Kambites About Trump Management Part One

p to now in this series, most defender might trump the third round In Hands C and D, your preferred of the hands have been played of diamonds and defeat you. contract would be 7♠ which is in no-trumps. In this article Hand B is the exact opposite. There unbeatable if trumps break 3-2. Uand the next, I want to examine how a was nothing wrong with the bidding. However, in each case you win the trump suit affects the play. With a hand too strong for 1NT, opening lead and cash the ♠A-K-Q, but Ideally, your trump suit should have South opened 1♠ and North could not West fails to follow suit on the second at least eight cards. You hope this will summon up a response. The defenders round, meaning you have a trump give you control of the play: you can saw no reason to bail you out and you loser. How should you continue? draw their trumps so they cannot are left in a precarious contract. It is In Hand C, you certainly cannot trump your winners, but hopefully impossible to plan the play sensibly. afford to play a fourth round of you will be left with spare trumps so All you can do is try and make as many trumps because a defender would also you can interrupt the flow of their tricks as possible: I call it scrambling, cash a couple of heart tricks. Leave the winners. Let us see this in practice. taking a finesse here and there and fourth trump and start on clubs: ♣A, seeing how many tricks you end up ♣K ,♣Q and ♣J discarding two losing with at the end. Generally speaking, if hearts. You will fulfil your slam unless Hand A Hand B your bidding is sound, your high level a defender can trump the third round ♠ J 10 9 4 2 ♠ J 2 contracts will repay planning, but even of clubs (or earlier) and cash a heart. ♥ A 6 4 ♥ Q 9 5 2 world champions are not necessarily Hand D differs from Hand C in ♦ K 10 8 ♦ J 6 4 3 able to arrive at the best contract when two ways. First, the opening lead has ♣ K 9 ♣ 7 5 2 the bidding consists of just one bid. not exposed an immediate loser in To summarise: The norm in a suit your hand. Second, you have no entry N N W E W E contract is to draw trumps as soon to dummy except in the club suit. S S as possible. If you don’t draw their Suppose you ignore the losing trump ♠ K Q 7 6 5 ♠ K 7 4 3 trumps you need a good reason. and start playing clubs. If the defender ♥ 8 5 ♥ A 10 6 Sometimes the reason is that your with the ♠J also has a doubleton club, ♦ Q J 7 3 ♦ K 10 5 combined trump holding is just too he will trump the third club. You can ♣ A 6 ♣ A J 9 fragile. In the rest of this article and the discard one heart loser but you are next one, I will look at other reasons. still left with a heart loser. You have Contract 4♠. Contract 1♠. club winners in dummy but no way Lead: ♥K. Lead: ♣4. of using them. You can safely prevent Hand C Hand D this by playing a fourth round of ♠ 9 3 ♠ 9 3 trumps before playing clubs, giving Hand A features the classical suit con- ♥ 9 4 3 2 ♥ 8 4 3 the defenders their trump trick at a tract. You win the heart lead and im- ♦ A K 8 ♦ 8 4 2 time convenient to you. mediately play trumps. A defender will ♣ K Q J 7 ♣ K Q J 10 7 Of course, if the ♥K had been led take the ♠A and will maybe continue against 6♠ in Hand D, you would have N N hearts. They can win one heart trick W E W E had to hope that you could discard S S but you can win the third heart by your heart losers on dummy’s clubs trumping. You will then draw the de- ♠ A K Q 8 6 2 ♠ A K Q 8 6 2 before a defender could ruff. fenders’ remaining trumps and drive ♥ A 7 6 ♥ A 7 6 out the ♦A. If this was a no-trump ♦ 7 5 ♦ A K t is usually correct to draw the contract, you would be powerless to ♣ A 2 ♣ A 2 defenders’ losing trumps, but not prevent the defenders from cashing Itheir winning trumps. small hearts, but your excellent trump Contract 6♠. Contract 6♠. suit has given you control. Note that if Lead: ♥K. Lead: ♦Q. Hands E and F, below, demonstrate you failed to draw trumps before play- Trumps break 4-1. Trumps break 4-1. the first of many reasons why you ing diamonds, it is quite likely that a might want to delay drawing trumps,

Page 18 BRIDGE July 2017 even if you have a robust trump suit you seem to have two diamond losers and are in a sensible contract. Hand G Hand H with no obvious way of disposing of ♠ K 7 ♠ K J them. The secret here is to appreciate ♥ K 3 ♥ A 7 the potential in dummy’s club suit. Hand E Hand F ♦ A 6 5 2 ♦ 9 5 4 2 In previous articles, you have seen ♠ 9 7 5 4 ♠ 9 7 5 4 ♣ 10 7 5 4 3 ♣ A 8 7 5 4 how small cards can be winners if ♥ A 7 ♥ A 9 3 2 N N nobody else has a card left in that suit. ♦ A Q 8 4 ♦ Q J 2 W E W E S S Sometimes, in no-trump contracts ♣ K J 8 ♣ A K you have to tricks in the suit to ♠ A Q J 10 9 2 ♠ A Q 10 9 4 2 release that potential. If you have a N N W E W E ♥ A 8 6 ♥ 8 6 4 good trump suit, you have an even S S ♦ K 7 ♦ A 7 more powerful tool. You might be able ♠ K Q J 8 6 2 ♠ K Q J 10 8 6 ♣ A 8 ♣ 6 2 to trump losers in that suit until the ♥ 8 5 ♥ 8 5 4 remaining cards become winners. ♦ K 6 ♦ K 8 Contract 6♠. Contract 4♠. With Hand J, win the ♦A, draw ♣ A Q 7 ♣ 7 3 Lead: ♣K. Lead: ♣K. trumps, cash the ♣A, cross to dummy with the ♣K and ruff a club. Contract 6♠. Contract 4♠. If clubs have broken 3-3 both of your Lead: ♥K. Lead: ♣Q. Hand H is similar, but now you remaining small clubs in dummy have a little work to do before you can are winners, so you can discard both ruff a losing heart. Win the ♣A, take your losing diamonds (making an In Hand E, the heart lead has exposed dummy’s ♥A and concede a heart. overtrick). However a 4-2 break is a heart loser. If you immediately lose A defender will probably switch to a more likely, so if a defender still has a a trick to the ♠A, the defenders will trump but it is too late to trouble you. master club, you should enter dummy defeat you by cashing a heart. You Win the ♠K, cross to your hand with with the ♥A and ruff another club. must get rid of your heart loser before the ♦A and ruff your heart loser. Now, unless you have run into a 5-1 drawing trumps. Win the ♥A, cash club break, dummy’s last club is a your ♦K, cross to dummy with the ♦A uffing in dummy (the hand winner, allowing you to discard a and continue with the ♦Q, discarding with shorter trumps) can diamond. Twelve tricks made. a heart. You are hoping that the R frequently provide an extra Hand K provides a salutary warning. missing diamonds break 4-3. trick. When this hand was played, declarer In Hand F, you are lucky to avoid a won the ♣A and ruffed a club because heart lead. You must quickly set up a How about ruffing in the hand with it seemed like a clever thing to do. diamond trick to discard a heart. Win longer trumps? I will now show you However, it was fatal. He tried to draw the ♣A and lead a diamond to the two hands which demonstrate the two trumps and found the missing trumps ♦K. If that holds the trick, continue sides of this. broke 4-1. He had to use all his trumps diamonds until the defenders take to draw the defenders’ trumps, but their ♦A. A defender might take the now when he tried to drive out the ♦A ♦A and switch to a heart, but you are Hand J Hand K the defenders could cash club tricks all right as you have a spare diamond ♠ 4 3 2 ♠ Q J 6 and declarer was powerless. What had winner in dummy to discard a heart. ♥ A K ♥ 9 5 3 he achieved by trumping a club at trick You fulfil your game contract, losing ♦ A 4 2 ♦ J 10 4 2? He had not gained an extra trick for just the ♠A, ♦A and one heart trick. ♣ K 7 4 3 2 ♣ A 7 4 3 his side: all five of his trumps were

In Hand G, looking at South’s cards, N N winners anyway. All he had succeeded you appear to have two losers. The W E W E in doing was weakening his trump S S trumps are solid and the ♦A-K cover control. Let us rerun the declarer play. your doubleton diamond. The ♣8 is ♠ A K Q J 10 9 ♠ A K 10 9 8 Declarer wins trick 1 with the ♣A an unavoidable loser. How about your ♥ 6 2 ♥ A 6 2 and draws trumps in four rounds. third round of hearts, the ♥8? The key ♦ 9 7 3 ♦ K Q 7 5 Now he drives out the ♦A but the here is that you have only two hearts ♣ A 6 ♣ 6 crucial difference is that he still has a in dummy so you can trump the third trump left. Defenders win the♦ A and round of hearts in dummy. Win the Contract 6♠. Contract 4♠. persevere with clubs, but declarer ruffs ♣A, cross to dummy with the ♥K, Lead: ♦K. Lead: ♣K. and enjoys his winners. return to your hand with your ♥A and continue with the ♥8. You can afford ou should not ruff losers in to trump it with the ♠K (you don’t In Hand J, you win your ♦A and assess the hand with long trumps want East overruffing dummy’s ♠7 your prospects. Your trumps are Ywithout a specific reason with his ♠8). Now draw trumps and solid. You have no heart loser. The ♣K because it usually weakens your cash your winners. covers the ♣6 in your hand. However, trump control.

BRIDGE July 2017 Page 19 In Hand J, declarer had a trumps break 1-1 you will reason, namely establish- make eleven tricks, but if About Trump Management ing club winners in dummy. either defender has both of Part One Quiz In Hand K, declarer had no the remaining trumps, your good reason. Ruffing a club contract is doomed. He by Andrew Kambites at trick 2 was just a knee- wins the third trump trick, (Answers on page 29) jerk reaction, because in- cashes his fourth trump, experienced players enjoy removing your last trump, In Hands 1-8 plan the declarer play. ruffing things. and runs riot in diamonds. The next two hands show Hand 1 Hand 2 Hand 3 techniques that can help e aware of the num- ♠ 7 2 ♠ 8 7 6 ♠ 8 ber of tricks you you when your trump suit is ♥ 8 3 ♥ 7 2 ♥ J 10 9 3 2 not so robust: need for your con- B ♦ K Q J 5 2 ♦ A 6 2 ♦ 9 6 tract and don’t jeopard- ♣ A Q 6 5 ♣ A 9 8 5 4 ♣ A Q J 5 2 ise your contract in the Hand L Hand M search for overtricks. N N N W E W E W E ♠ 9 4 ♠ 7 5 S S S ♥ 10 6 ♥ A 9 8 2 Can you see a way to eight ♠ A K 4 3 ♠ A ♠ Q 7 ♦ 8 7 5 4 3 ♦ A 8 5 2 tricks in Hand M? I will give ♥ A 9 ♥ A K Q 5 4 ♥ A K Q 7 6 ♣ 8 7 4 3 ♣ A 6 5 you a clue. You have three ♦ 10 9 7 6 4 ♦ 8 5 4 3 ♦ A 7 5 ♣ K 8 ♣ 6 3 2 ♣ 8 7 3 N N aces outside the trump suit W E W E Contract 6♦. Contract 2♥. Contract 6♥. S S with little prospect of more side suit tricks, so somehow (i) Lead ♥K. Lead ♠K. Lead ♦K. ♣ ♠ A K 8 6 2 ♠ A K 4 3 2 you need five trump tricks. (ii) Lead J. East has four trumps. ♥ A K Q J 9 ♥ 5 Impossible? Look at Layout ♦ Void ♦ 7 4 3 N: the contract is 2♠ with ♣ A K 2 ♣ 8 4 3 2 ♥ the K led. Hand 4 Hand 5 Hand 6 ♠ J 10 9 5 3 ♠ 8 5 ♠ J 3 2 ♠ ♠ Contract 4 . Contract 2 . ♥ 9 3 2 ♥ A 7 6 ♥ 8 6 5 Lead: ♦A. Lead: ♥K. Layout N ♦ 10 6 5 ♦ 5 4 3 ♦ 5 4 3 ♠ 7 5 ♣ 6 2 ♣ Q J 10 4 3 ♣ J 7 3 2 ♥ A 9 8 2 N N N In Hand L, you have only ♦ A 8 5 2 W E W E W E seven trumps, often a sign ♣ A 6 5 S S S that you might have diffi- ♠ Q 10 6 ♠ J 9 8 ♠ K Q 7 6 2 ♠ A 4 ♠ 8 6 4 ♥ K Q J 10 N ♥ 7 6 4 3 ♥ A K 4 ♥ 9 5 3 2 ♥ A K Q 2 culty keeping trump con- W E trol. Moreover, the ♦A lead ♦ Q 6 S ♦ K J 10 9 ♦ Q J ♦ A K Q 7 6 ♦ A K 9 7 6 immediately threatens your ♣ J 10 9 7 ♣ K Q ♣ A K J ♣ A K ♣ 4 ♠ ♦ ♦ control. You have to trump ♠ A K 4 3 2 Contract 4 Contract 5 . Contract 2 . Lead ♠A Lead ♠K. Lead ♣A. it: throwing a club merely ♥ 5 followed Trumps followed ♦ 7 4 3 postpones the inevitable be- by ♠4. break 4-1. by ♣K. cause you can be sure that ♣ 8 4 3 2 the defenders will continue attacking diamonds. You Layout 7 Layout 8 continue by cashing the Here, you are going to make ♠ 8 5 4 3 2 ♠ 10 3 2 ♠A-K and, to your relief, no attempt to maintain ♥ Q J 10 9 8 ♥ 6 5 3 both defenders follow suit. trump control. The secret ♦ K 3 2 ♦ 9 7 You must not be greedy now. is to count winners, not los- ♣ Void ♣ 8 7 6 5 3 You contract is 100% ers. Win dummy’s ♥A and N N safe. Abandon trumps and trump a heart. Cash your W E W E cash your winning hearts. ♠A-K, cross to dummy with S S A defender will eventually the ♦A and ruff another ♠ 9 ♠ A K Q J 9 trump and force you to ruff heart. ♥ A K 6 5 4 3 2 ♥ A 7 4 2 ♦ ♦ a diamond, but just carry Finally, re-enter dummy A J 6 A K ♣ 9 7 ♣ 9 2 on with hearts. The defence with the ♣A and trump your Contract 6♥. Contract 3♠. is helpless. Now see what last heart. You have made Lead ♣Q. Lead ♥K. happens if you try a third the first eight tricks. The round of trumps after the defenders are left trumping ♠A-K. If the remaining two each other’s winners. ■

Page 20 BRIDGE July 2017 DEFENCE BERNARD MAGEE’S QUIZ INTERACTIVE TUTORIAL CDS by Julian Pottage (Answers on page 25) ADVANCED FIVE-CARD DECLARER PLAY MAJORS & ou are West in the defensive positions below playing Strong No-Trump Ymatchpoint pairs with both sides vulnerable. Both sides l Making Overtricks are using Acol with a 12-14 1NT and 2♣ Stayman. in No-trumps l Opening Bids l Making Overtricks & Responses in Suit Contracts l No-Trump 1. ♠ A 9 8 7 3. ♠ K 9 8 4 2 l Endplays Openings ♥ ♥ Q 9 5 A K Q 10 9 l Avoidance l Support £89 ♦ A K 7 4 ♦ 10 5 for Partner l Wrong ♣ 6 5 ♣ 7 Contract £81 l Slams ♠ Q 6 5 ♠ A Q 7 & Strong Openings£66 l Simple ♥ K 8 6 N ♥ 8 N l Rebids ♦ J 8 W E ♦ A K 8 7 6 W E Squeezes S ♣ J 9 7 3 2 ♣ Q 5 4 3 S l Counting l Minors the Hand & Misfits l Trump Reductions l Pre-empting West North East South West North East South & Coups l Doubles 1NT 1♦ 2♦1 Pass 3♠ l Playing Doubled l Pass 2♣ Pass 2♥ Pass 4♠ All Pass Contracts Pass 3NT All Pass 1Both majors, 5-5 or longer l Competitive l Safety Plays Auctions You lead the ♣3: ♣5, ♣10 You lead the ♦A: ♦5, ♦2 and ♣K. At trick two, and ♦3. What is your plan declarer leads the ♥2. from here? What do you do? ADVANCED ACOL BIDDING ALSO l Basics 2. ♠ 9 8 2 4. ♠ A Q 8 7 5 ♥ ♥ l Advanced J 7 5 A K l Acol ♦ A 10 7 5 4 ♦ A Q 7 4 Basics ♣ Q 10 ♣ K Q l Weak Twos Bidding ♠ Q 10 5 4 ♠ 6 l Strong Hands N (see p43) ♥ Q 8 6 3 N ♥ 8 7 6 4 W E l Defence ♦ W E ♦ K 8 J 8 6 S S to Weak Twos ♣ K 5 3 ♣ J 10 9 3 2 l Declarer l Defence to 1NT Play l Doubles West North East South West North East South l Two-suited (see p44) 1♣ 2♠1 Overcalls £96 ♦ ♥2 Pass 1 Pass 2NT Pass 4NT Pass 5 l Defences to l Defence Pass 3NT All Pass Pass 6♠ All Pass Other Systems 1Weak 2Two key cards (see p45) l Misfits and You lead the ♠4, won by Distributional partner’s ♠J. Back comes You lead the ♣J. After the Hands the ♠7, won by the ♠A. ♣K wins, declarer cashes What is your plan for the the ♠A and the ♥A-K. next trick? Then comes the ♣K, over- ( 01483 489961 taken with the ♣A and a low diamond: the ♦3. What www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop do you do? System: MAC OSX (Intel chip), Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 or 10, CD ROM

BRIDGE July 2017 Page 21 David Stevenson Answers Your Questions on Laws and Ethics The Alerting of Doubles

In the March issue sequence, general bridge was called. The fourth card from dummy. When this of BRIDGE you logic and Bernard’s teaching had not yet been played action was questioned, Qstated the ‘very whether it is for penalties, to the trick. She explained declarer said that she simple rule’ that if a player take-out or something else. she had inadvertently believed ‘declarer can do doubles a natural suit bid However, your opponents played the wrong card. no wrong‘ was appropriate at the one, two or three may not know this, so you I ruled under Clause 45 in the circumstances. level it is for take-out, or have to tell them. Thus, a C 2, which I think defines I would be grateful it requires an alert. Does simple rule was introduced the card has been played, for your comments. the use of an alert card (since everyone got the and, therefore, did not allow Gay Young, Beaumaris. presuppose the existence of previous rule wrong) that her to change the card. a partnership agreement? if your partner doubles I just have this niggling The obvious solution I ask this because in the a natural suit bid below thought, I have read is to call the director. same issue Bernard Magee the four-level, either you something from you that a A Either opponent says, ‘It is surprising how understand it to be for ‘mechanical error‘ can be may accept the lead out of many healthy penalties take-out or you alert it. rectified in both the bidding turn. They may not consult, you can get at the two If you follow Bernard’s and the play, but I was and she who speaks first level. As long as you have teaching, you are going to unable to find anything speaks for the partnership. the majority of the points make some penalty doubles in the rule book about If they do not accept it, and good trumps you can of natural suit bids at the this. Did I rule correctly? then the card goes back double for penalties.‘ The two-level. It does not matter John Williams, into declarer’s hand and ‘very simple rule‘ seems what the auction is, now Montrose Bridge Club. she leads any suit from the to present an obstacle. you alert them. To quote dummy with no penalty. If a partner decides that a the meerkats: Simples! Yes. You can change However, this is the law on particular low-level double an inadvertent leads out of turn. Declarer was probably meant for ♣♦♥♠ A designation can do no wrong is not part penalties, can he legalise it during the play, which, of the laws and other laws by showing an alert card? I was called with incredibly rare give more serious penalties to Does it make any difference to a table in a exceptions, means a card declarer for other infractions, if the intervening opponent QScottish Easter called from dummy, but for example . Even has already passed or bid? Pairs competition last not a played card. in this case, there is a Geoffrey Fairhall, week and made a ruling. small penalty, insofar as Lyminge, Folkestone. The following situation ♣♦♥♠ the opponents can choose was explained. Our oldest which hand she leads from. I am teaching you player who is aged 90, was Declarer was how and when declarer and followed suit playing in 4♥ and, ♣♦♥♠ A to alert, Bernard on the eighth trick with the Qafter several tricks, is teaching you the best four, insofar as the card was led a trump from hand Dealer (South) way to play bridge. When exposed and on the table. instead of from dummy. passed. Whilst West your partner doubles, it is She immediately realised Left hand opponent pointed Qwas considering assumed you will know, she had pulled out the out the error and declarer his call, North passed out based on your partnership wrong card and asked to replaced the trump in her of rotation. East (who was experience, any discussed replace it with the winning hand and called for a also asleep) passed. agreements, the bidding jack, and at this moment I card from a different suit Law 30: Pass out of

Page 22 BRIDGE July 2017 rotation does not clearly of the formerly East-West traveller or BridgeMate. cover this situation. My ♠ K Q J 7 5 4 3 hands takes the North cards? Some players who sat North concern would be whether ♥ A Chris Bryant, until the arrow-switch believe West’s action has been ♦ A 9 Churchill, Winscombe. they should continue to score, deemed to be a pass, in ♣ A 10 7 but this is not acceptable which case would the ♠ Void ♠ 9 6 There is nothing laid and leads to mistakes. ♥ N ♥ auction would be passed 9 8 7 6 4 W E 10 5 3 down in the laws or out at this point? ♦ K J 8 5 4 3 S ♦ Q 6 2 A regulations. If the ♣♦♥♠ Name and address supplied. ♣ K 2 ♣ Q 9 8 5 3 director or the club says it ♠ A 10 8 2 should be one way, then that Is the following Law 29A: East’s pass ♥ K Q J 2 is the way it should be. Most bidding sequence condones the pass ♦ 10 7 directors do not bother. Jim Qlegal? A out of turn. West has ♣ J 6 4 Proctor, the EBU director not passed. Now it is South’s who retired recently and West North East South turn. If he bids the auction was famous for his care over 1NT Pass 2♦1 continues. If he passes West North East South details, had a rule. If there Pass 2♥ Pass 3♦ then Law 17E2 applies: Pass Pass was only one arrow-switch All Pass the auction has not ended, 1♦ 2♠ Pass 4♠ round he did not tell the 1Announced as hearts the three final passes are players which way was North, cancelled and bidding reverts North made 13 tricks. Most but if there were two rounds N/S play transfers and South to West. No player can be N/Ss were in 6♠. In this case, then he did, the reason being wanted to make a weak deprived of any further right N/S missed a slam because that otherwise some moving take-out in diamonds. to call by a pass out of turn. of West’s bid. Regardless pairs would find themselves However, in a duplicate of the result, was West sitting one way on one round session, the bidding ♣♦♥♠ correct to bid as he did? and the other the next, and actually went: Name and address supplied. would find that upsetting. Can you help? Many clubs and events West North East South South doubled Psyches are legal so nowadays use BridgeWebs 1NT Pass 2♦1 Qher partner. There West’s bid is legal or Pianola, and there is 2♠ All Pass was no intervention by A so long as E/W more and more information 1Announced as hearts East. Is there a penalty? Or have no agreement to bid becoming available to unauthorised information? this way on this hand. But if players through these, for West played the hand David Bowers by email. West would always open in example, telling players assuming South had third position when holding their percentage when they five hearts and was It is not entirely clear this type of hand, then they were declarer and when surprised when South what ‘there was have an agreement to open they were dummy. For this had a singleton heart and A no intervention by on this hand and that is not to be accurate, they have ruffed the second round. East’ means. If you mean legal, since the lowest legal to know which way players How should the East passed then it is an agreement third in hand is sit. Both BridgeWebs and director rule? inadmissible double, it is to open on eight points. Pianola assume that the East Alan Davis, Sevenoaks. cancelled, South replaces It is not easy for the player plays the North cards it with any legal call and director to determine during arrow-switch rounds. It is perfectly legal to North has to pass for the whether this is a psyche or While it is not yet a play a 2♦ response rest of the hand (and there an agreement, but he regulation, I suggest that it A to 1NT as either are lead penalties if North/ should try, asking questions, would be best if all clubs, hearts or a weak take-out South finish up defending). looking at the system card events and so on followed the in diamonds. The rule says If you mean that South and so on. If he decides it rule that during an arrow- that any responses are doubled her partner when is an agreement then it is switch, East plays the cards allowed to a 1NT opening it is not her turn to call, the illegal, the board is cancelled that were formerly played by and it means that literally. rules are fairly similar. East and N/S get average plus, North, in effect turning the However, it is important gets a chance to call and E/W average minus. If board 90 degrees clockwise. to keep your opponents then South calls anything, but he decides it is a psyche One problem is that some informed as to what you North is silenced as before. then the result stands. moving East players get are playing, and if 2♦ upset because they never might be a weak take-out ♣♦♥♠ ♣♦♥♠ score and they believe North into diamonds, then you is required to score. This is must not announce it as East was dealer When an arrow not the case: it is perfectly hearts, because that is not on this hand: switch is in acceptable for South to what you are playing. Q Qoperation, which do the scoring, whether by You alert it and, if asked,

BRIDGE July 2017 Page 23 describe it as either showing fault. Since players on both card played subsequently. hearts or a weak take-out sides had failed to count their So, in the case you into diamonds. You must also cards before looking at them, mention, it was discovered not refer to it as a transfer average is inappropriate. in time. The king is played because a transfer of 2♦ We have a number of from dummy and LHO may does mean it has hearts. queries here where people replace the queen with In the case you quote, the suggest theirs is a friendly another legal card. If, and opponents were misinformed club and then make certain only if, your LHO changes his because the 2♦ bid had conclusions. The friendliest card then your partner may Hand-crafted Card Tables These English made tables been announced as hearts clubs are not ones where change his club discard. offerThese superb English quality made and have when it was not, so the there are no director calls If this was duplicate, the the genuinetables offer Pelissier superb hinges. quality and have the director will adjust the score and no penalties: the director is summoned and ChooseThese Englishfrom the made great tables value genuine Pelissier hinges. if they are damaged. friendliest clubs are where this is how he would rule. offerTheseClub, superb Englishthe Premierquality made and ortables the have theChoose genuineelegant from Pelissier Royal the great. hinges. the director sorts out any offerThese superb English quality made and tables have ChoosevalueSpecial Club, from Prices thethe forPremiergreat Bridge value or ♣♦♥♠ irregularities, gives any ♣♦♥♠ offerthe genuine superb qualityPelissier and hinges. have ClubClub,the orders theelegant Premier of 5Royal. or or more. the theChoose genuine from Pelissier the great hinges. value appropriate penalties and elegant Royal. SpecialChooseClub, fromthe Prices Premier the greatfor orBridge valuethe Our club played a no-one minds or objects. West opened Special Prices for Bridge ClubClub, orderselegant the Premier of Royal 5 or or. more. the pairs competition 1♠. I (North) had ClubSpecial orderselegant Prices of Royal for5 or Bridge. more. Qand on the last ♣♦♥♠ Qa weak hand ClubSpecial orders Prices of 5for or Bridge more. hand I (West) picked up only but a good seven-card Club orders of 5 or more. 11 cards. South counted 15 I was dummy with heart suit, so bid 3♥. cards, so clearly the previous ♦K-9. Declarer East asked my partner players had made errors Qcalled for the ♦K, what the bid meant and by failing to count prior I misheard and played the was told he thought it was a Club Table with traditional green to returning cards to the ♦9, (nobody seemed to pre-empt. East said it could felt playing surface £159.00 board. I had looked at my notice), LHO played the not be a pre-empt as it was Club Table with traditional green cards and believed South ♦Q, partner discarded a not a triple jump. No further Club Table with traditional Clubfelt playing Table surface with traditional £159.00 green had done likewise, which club and the opposition bidding took place and the green felt playing surface felt playing surface £159.00 was bad practice. I was claimed the trick. My contract made plus one. Club£159 Table with traditional green felt playing surface £159.00 the playing TD and ruled partner then suddenly After the hand, both East that the board had to be realised what had happened and West were quite aborted. Was that correct and the opposition agreed unpleasant about procedure, with both pairs they had heard the king the bidding. receiving an average score? called for. Dummy should Should my partner alert Premier Table, bevelled edges Ours is a very friendly club only do as told – in this that 3♥ bid or is it illegal? and baize playing surface £199.00 and I made no attempt case dummy didn’t obey Rodney Knight, to impose any penalty instructions. Is there Faversham, Kent. Premier Table, bevelled edges and baize playing surface £199.00 on the previous pair. any redress for us? PremierPremier Table, Table, bevelled bevelled edges and baize playing surface £199.00 John Hamilton by email. Shirley Rose by email. To play 3♥ as a Premieredges andTable, baize bevelled playing edges pre-empt is not andsurface baize playing £199 surface £199.00 The WBF has made There is a law (45D) A only legal, but is it quite clear that describing what becoming the normal way the onus is on the happens if dummy to play it. It does not require A A Royal Table, elegant surround and pairs receiving the hands plays the wrong card. So an alert. If you use system baize playing surface £249.00 to make quite sure they long as it was realised before cards in your club then Order online or by phone have 13 cards, so I would both sides have played to you should write ‘Weak’ Royalwww.designsforbridge.co.uk Table, elegant surround and not penalise the previous the next trick (in which case under Jump Overcalls. Royalbaize playing Table, surface elegant £249.00 surround and baize playing surface £249.00 table, though I would have the incorrect card stands), Your opponents’ behaviour Royal01483Order Table, online elegant 270 or bysurround phone100 and RoyalSR DesignsTable, forelegant Bridge a strong word with them. then it is corrected and the is inexcusable. They have baizewww.designsforbridge.co.ukOrder playing online surface or £249.00 by phone surroundUnit A1, Send and Businessbaize Park, However, giving average defenders may change any no right to tell you what www.designsforbridge.co.uk playing01483Send,Order Woking, online surface 270Surrey or £249 by GU23 phone100 7EF www.designsforbridge.co.uk at your table is illegal and card played afterwards. you should play. Your 01483SR Designs 270 for Bridge 100 unfair on the rest of the If the next defender does partner described your bid Unit A1, Send Business Park, OrderSR Designs online foror by Bridge phone 01483Send, Woking, 270 Surrey GU23 100 7EF room. When a board is not change his card, then accurately. They should learn www.designsforbridge.co.ukUnitSR A1, Designs Send Businessfor Bridge Park, played because of people declarer may change a some manners. ■ Send,Unit A1, Woking, Send Surrey Business GU23 Park, 7EF not following some very Send,01483 Woking, 270Surrey GU23 100 7EF simple rule such as counting SR Designs for Bridge their cards, you do not give E-mail your questions (including your postal address) Unit A1, Send Business Park, penalties, but you must give on bridge laws to: [email protected] Send, Woking, Surrey GU23 7EF average minus to any pair at

Page 24 BRIDGE July 2017 Answers to Julian Pottage’s Defence Quiz on page 21

West North East South to leave the lead stuck in dummy. The 1. ♠ A 9 8 7 1♣ other chance is to find partner with a ♥ Q 9 5 Pass 1♦ Pass 2NT spade honour. When declarer actually ♦ A K 7 4 Pass 3NT All Pass starts with a low spade from hand, you ♣ 6 5 play low too. ♠ Q 6 5 ♠ J 10 4 2 You lead the ♠4, won by partner’s ♠J. Note that you should not switch to your N ♥ K 8 6 ♥ A 10 2 Back comes the ♠7, won by the ♠A. What singleton heart at trick two, because if W E ♦ J 8 S ♦ Q 10 6 2 is your plan for the next trick? you think about it, partner is unlikely to ♣ J 9 7 3 2 ♣ 10 4 You cannot be sure at this point which have enough high cards for this to work. ♠ K 3 minor declarer intends to attack. If it is ♥ J 7 4 3 diamonds, you will cover the ♦J or ♦Q ♦ 9 5 3 with the ♦K, otherwise playing low. This ♣ A K Q 8 maximises the number of tricks your side takes in the suit. In fact, with five clubs 4. ♠ A Q 8 7 5 and two diamonds, your opponent will ♥ A K West North East South attack clubs. In this case, it is important ♦ A Q 7 4 1NT to play low on the first club, leaving ♣ K Q Pass 2♣ Pass 2♥ declarer a guess of whether to finesse the ♠ 6 ♠ 4

Pass 3NT All Pass ♣10. Moreover, you may need to do so ♥ 8 7 6 4 N ♥ Q 10 5 3 2 smoothly, hence the need to plan ahead. ♦ J 8 6 W E ♦ K 10 2 S You lead the ♣3: ♣5, ♣10 and ♣K. At ♣ J 10 9 3 2 ♣ 7 6 5 4 trick two, declarer leads the ♥2. What do ♠ K J 10 9 3 2 you do? ♥ J 9 The general rule is to play second ♦ 9 5 3 hand low. By doing so, you conserve your 3. ♠ K 9 8 4 2 ♣ A 8 honours to capture opposing high cards. ♥ A K Q 10 9 In a no-trump contract and in a suit with ♦ 10 5 length marked in declarer’s hand, you ♣ 7 West North East South need have no fear of losing your ♥K. You ♠ A Q 7 ♠ J 2♠1 thus play low. ♥ 8 N ♥ 7 6 5 3 2 Pass 4NT Pass 5♥2 Without your help, declarer loses three ♦ A K 8 7 6 W E ♦ J 4 2 Pass 6♠ All Pass S heart tricks before making one and ♣ Q 5 4 3 ♣ 10 9 8 6 1Weak 2Two key cards finishes a trick short. ♠ 10 6 5 3 ♥ J 4 You lead the ♣J. After the ♣K wins, ♦ Q 9 3 declarer cashes the ♠A and the ♥A-K. ♣ A K J 2 Then comes the ♣K overtaken with the ♣A and a low diamond: the ♦3. What do 2. ♠ 9 8 2 you do? ♥ J 7 5 West North East South Have you worked out why declarer has ♦ A 10 7 5 4 1♦ 2♦1 Pass 3♠ cashed all his top cards in the rounded ♣ Q 10 Pass 4♠ All Pass suits? This is to prevent your partner from ♠ Q 10 5 4 ♠ J 7 6 1Both majors, 5-5 or longer leading those suits safely (a third round ♥ Q 8 6 3 N ♥ 10 9 2 would give a ruff and discard). You should W E ♦ ♦ K 8 S Q 9 6 2 You lead the ♦A: ♦5, ♦2 and ♦3. What is not think your opponent intends to finesse ♣ K 5 3 ♣ J 8 6 your plan from here? the ♦Q if you play low. Declarer would ♠ A K 3 You have two chances to beat this cover the ♦6 with the ♦7 to your ♥ A K 4 contract. The first is to find partner with partner. You can thwart this by inserting ♦ J 3 the ♥J. You should cash the ♦K and exit the ♦8, which works if partner has K-10-x ♣ A 9 7 4 2 with a club. Then, if declarer leads the or K-9-x, though not if partner has K-10-9 ♠J, you take the ♠A and exit with a heart (when playing the jack works better). ■

BRIDGE July 2017 Page 25 The Wonders of Iceland 12th August 2018 • 11 nights • Sails from Newcastle • Balmoral • L1824 Hosted by Bernard Magee

11 nights from only £1,499 per person

Gullfoss

This enticing itinerary is packed with awe-inspiring locations and spellbinding scenic cruising throughout. You’ll circumnavigate Iceland, uncovering beautiful scenery and natural wonders every step of the way. There’s the chance to go whale watching; discover the iconic Golden Circle; relax in the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon; visit the remote Hornstrandir Nature Reserve; marvel at Godafoss – ‘Waterfall of the Gods’; and more.

Balmoral will start you off with a diversion away from the usual route to pass an abundance of natural wonders in Iceland. Look out for the Eyjafjallajökull Volcano (also known as the ‘Big E’), which famously hit the headlines in 2010. Stopping overnight in Iceland’s stunning capital affords time to see the geological wonders on the famous ‘Golden Circle’ route and to bathe in mineral-rich waters at the Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa.

During a visit to picturesque Ísafjörður you can tour to the unspoilt Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. One of the most inaccessible areas in Iceland, it’s home to stunning landscapes and many different bird species.

On the following morning you’ll arrive in Akureyri for an overnight stay, ideal for discovering the nearby wonders of Godafoss Waterfall and Lake Mývatn. Then, after taking a diversion to cross the Arctic Circle, you’ll come across Grímsey, the northernmost inhabited Icelandic territory, and Skjálfandi Bay, a whale hotspot.

Next you’ll sail the twisting Seyðisfjörður to the town of the same name. Savour the magnificent scenery surrounding the town as you wander between the colourful wooden houses, though a tour to the Skálanes Nature and Heritage Centre is highly recommended.

Prices per person Interior Room £1,499 Ocean View Room £1,749 Superior Ocean View Room £2,099 Superior Balcony £3,099 Suite £3,199 Single Room £2,399

Prices are correct at time of going to print, but may change at any time, call for latest prices.

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

FOC382046_Mr_Bridge_Cruise_pages_Mag_ads_W/C.22.05.17_FV.indd 4 26/05/2017 16:16 About the EBU by Jeremy Dhondy What to do about Slow Play

My name is Jeremy Dhondy and I am the Chairman of the . This column is to answer questions or comments about the EBU that you might have. If you have a comment or a question I would be happy to hear from you. [email protected]

My club has a few players international or the final, boards finish at around 11pm. I think who are very slow and there is a set number of minutes for this reduces enjoyment for many and Qthey are spoiling the game each stanza of boards and going over some show that by not returning. for others. What does the EBU that will lead to a fine and eventually, The club can assist by having a recommend in this sort of situation? although very rarely, the breakup of a director who calls the move promptly, partnership for the rest of the match. perhaps having a clock or computer I think slow play is something It’s not really appropriate to have displaying a count down. If you put that is experienced in many such rigid rules in clubs, so there ‘bridge timer’ into Google, you can A clubs and it does cause is a problem as after all people are find free software timers, at least a problem. The EBU gets more coming out for the evening for some for the first few months, whilst you complaints on this issue than anything enjoyment and a list of offences decide whether they suit your club or else at its events (even the temperature). for which you can be fined doesn’t not. Try http://rothwells.weebly.com/ Answers, I think, are both short and improve the atmosphere. In a typical timer.html. Even if you buy one, it is longer term. In a major tournament two-board round, there may be a not expensive. That’s the mechanical there are quite strict regulations about difficult defensive hand or a declarer bit and will solve the problem of the the speed of play and possible match play problem that can slow it down. occasional drop in speed. Strangely, point or IMP fines if you exceed the Perhaps you only start to get concerned many players react better to the time allowed. Two specific cases come when it is the same pair time after machine telling them it is time to to mind. Several years ago in Estoril, time. move than they do to a human being in a major European teams quarter with the same message. final, all eight declarers played in Keeping up to speed 3NT. Seven went down and the eighth There’s slow play made it. 12 IMPs to his team then, There are things the club can do, and slow fussing but he took a very long time over the things members can do and even allotted amount and was not only things the slow player can do (see Before we come to the more serious fined 24 IMPs, but also had to read an below). The first set of things clubs can malefactors, it is worth remembering editorial about the evils of slow play, do are, I think, to do with how your that some slowness is nothing to do with himself as an example, in the club determines the general speed of with playing the cards but rather to do tournament bulletin the next day. The play. At the club where I play most with all the fussing that goes on before second saga was a Gold Cup semi final of my local bridge, the game starts at and after the board. I used to play many years ago where the speed of 7pm and everyone has finished their against a pair who would start every play had been glacial. They would have allotted 24 boards by, at the latest, round by a. studying your system finished at gone 2.30am, were it not 10.01. I’ve never seen a problem with card and b. enquiring specifically for the fact that they played the final slowness and on teams nights you about your defence to 1NT. Nothing eight boards the same way at both have to play 28 boards in the same particularly unreasonable in that, but tables forcing the set to be replayed. time. However, one club, where I play there was no evidence that they ever Now it was 3.55am. That incident led occasionally, starts promptly at 7.38 did anything with the information. to some much stricter rules about for a 7.30pm start, players are slow and It seemed equivalent to clearing their the speed of play, so hopefully this then disappear to the bar at the end of throats. They certainly proceeded over could not happen again. In a Camrose a round. Small wonder, then, that 24 1NT in the same way, however

BRIDGE July 2017 Page 27 you chose to intervene. When the the club is going to have to decide round, but that reduces enjoyment hand was finished there would be an what to do with players who believe for at least one wholly innocent pair. animated discussion/post-mortem. that other competitors may take If you do remove a board as director Eventually, the score would get put three hours for 24 boards but they are then you award Av+ or Av- according into a Bridgemate and then all the entitled to 3 hours 20 minutes. When to whom you hold at fault. scores would be compared along the director has exhausted his options It may be time for the club chairman with a running commentary on how (if he is playing as well as directing he to have a word with the recalcitrant they might have done better together may not have that many), it may be partnership. For those who are with some acidic comments along the time for the club committee to decide thinking about the poor slow pair lines of, ‘how did anyone let 11 tricks what to do. After all the director is who are being persecuted, it is good through on that board? Was there a likely a club volunteer and his task to remember that there are upwards ?’ Looking at the scores is part is to keep the movement going. of 20 other pairs who are having their of the fun but you have to recognise Persistent slow play may require a bit enjoyment of their game spoilt by that if your play is in the slow lane you more action especially if, for example, finishing late each week or hanging have an obligation to get on with the there is a rota of directors so it takes around between rounds. I guess if it other elements of the game. Not letting some time for the pattern to become comes to it, and this should be rare, it anyone see dummy until you have noticed. The director, when called, could be necessary for the club and the entered the contract and opening lead may also have to make a determination pair to part company but this is very on to your scorecard is an unpardonable of who was responsible and deciding it much the last resort. I think you have sin in my book. Incidentally, if your on the odds, ‘You have been slow four to get the pair concerned to accept that opponents are slow, avoid entering times this month therefore it must be they are slow, damaging the enjoyment into a conversation (eg about details of you this time also,’ is unlikely to go of others and get them to make a the defence etc) at the end of the first down particularly well. Matchpoint commitment to improving matters. of three boards. As a slow player, even fines are not going to work more than It is to be expected that novice players doing something minor like entering on the rare occasion. They alienate but will be significantly slower and those the board number and contract into don’t usually make anyone play faster. clubs who have duplicates especially the Bridgemate when dummy can save Whilst you can take a board away, it for them often play fewer boards to time. is contrary to the Law to stop a board allow for it, but the most intractable which has started (unless players have offenders have been playing a long The slow and started it after being told not to by the time, are experienced and believe that the persistent director). You might allow the board to we all have to accept their pace. be played at the end if both pairs want The ten commandments for slow Having accepted and dealt with the but this won’t be a solution if you have players should help them stay at the players who are occasionally slow and to vacate the premises by 10.15pm. You club and not aggravate the rest of the respond to the gentlest of chivvying, might remove a board from the next membership. ■

Ten Commandments for Slow Players

l Lead first and write it down later.

l Move promptly: if move is called get to the next table swiftly.

l Score swiftly: enter details before the end of the hand if you can and then put in the rest of the detail and offer the Bridgemate to your opponent. eg ‘We got 45%,’ is usually enough rather than going through how many bid which particular game.

l Catch up: if you are late arriving then you have an obligation to try to catch up.

l Time yourself: in Chess they have clocks but even in bridge you should be aware if you have taken 11 of the available 15 minutes to deal with the first board of two.

l Limit your post-mortem until you have finished all the boards for the round.

l Alert: don’t ask every time there is an alert.

l Claim: consider claiming if you have a reasonably easy end position.

l Use your opponent’s thinking time: you may be able to plan your own play better.

l If your opponent is going to cash a long suit in dummy, decide on your discards. I bet you’ve watched someone agonise over their first discard and then when another winner is played do exactly the same again. It can hardly be a surprise.

Page 28 BRIDGE July 2017 Answers to About Trump Management Part One Quiz on page 20

Hand 1 Hand 2 Hand 3 Hand 4 Hand 5 Hand 6 Hand 7 Hand 8 ♠ 7 2 ♠ 8 7 6 ♠ 8 ♠ J 10 9 5 3 ♠ 8 5 ♠ J 3 2 ♠ 8 5 4 3 2 ♠ 10 3 2 ♥ 8 3 ♥ 7 2 ♥ J 10 9 3 2 ♥ 9 3 2 ♥ A 7 6 ♥ 8 6 5 ♥ Q J 10 9 8 ♥ 6 5 3 ♦ K Q J 5 2 ♦ A 6 2 ♦ 9 6 ♦ 10 6 5 ♦ 5 4 3 ♦ 5 4 3 ♦ K 3 2 ♦ 9 7 ♣ A Q 6 5 ♣ A 9 8 5 4 ♣ A Q J 5 2 ♣ 6 2 ♣ Q J 10 4 3 ♣ J 7 3 2 ♣ Void ♣ 8 7 6 5 3

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

Contract 6♦. Contract 2♥. Contract 6♥. Contract 4♠. Contract 5♦. Contract 2♦. Contract 6♥. Contract 3♠. (i) Lead ♥K. Lead ♠K. Lead ♦K. Lead ♠A Lead ♠K. Lead ♣A. Lead ♣Q. Lead ♥K. (ii) Lead ♣J. East has followed Trumps followed four trumps. by ♠4. break 4-1. by ♣K.

1 (i) You need to dispose of your heart loser before losing a 5 You are lucky to have avoided a heart lead which would have trick to the ♦A. Win the ♥A and try to cash three rounds of removed dummy’s entry to the winning clubs. Win your ♠A, clubs, discarding your losing ♥9 on dummy’s ♣Q. cash the ♦A-K-Q and unblock the ♣A-K. Now play another (ii) This time you don’t have an immediate heart loser. Win diamond to force out the ♦J. The defenders can cash one the ♣K and immediately play trumps. You will discard your spade trick but you can ruff a third spade, enter dummy with ♥9 on dummy’s ♣Q just as in part (i), but this time you can the ♥A and discard all your losing hearts on dummy’s three draw trumps first. club winners.

2 Win the ♠A and cash the ♥A-K-Q. East still has the ♥J but 6 You have four obvious black suit losers. You need diamonds you can make both of your small trumps by ruffing spades. to break 3-2 to hold your trump losers to one. You also have Cross to dummy’s ♦A and ruff the ♠7. Now re-enter dummy your fourth heart to worry about. Ruff the ♣K, cash the ♦A-K with the ♣A and ruff your ♠8. Eight tricks. and leave the one remaining trump loser at large. Switch to the ♥A-K-Q intending to ruff your ♥2. 3 You need the club finesse to win and clubs to break 3-2. Win your ♦A, cash the ♥A-K and take the club finesse. If the ♣Q 7 You have an obvious spade loser so you must avoid losing a wins, return to your hand with the ♥Q and finesse the ♣J. By trick to the ♦Q. Remarkably, dummy’s miserable spades could this time the defenders have no trumps left. Hopefully, you can well come to your rescue if the missing spades break 4-3. Ruff discard two losing diamonds from your hand on dummy’s ♣5 the ♣Q and concede a spade. Later, cross to dummy’s ♥Q, and ♣2. drawing the only missing trump, and trump a spade. A club ruff is followed by a second spade ruff. Cross again to dummy 4 A successful club finesse will allow you to discard one of with the ♥J and ruff a third spade. Now if the ♠8 is a win- dummy’s hearts, but if the club finesse loses you have four ner you can discard your diamond loser, otherwise you might obvious losers. You have a far better plan. Win the second need to take the diamond finesse. trump and attack diamonds. You can set up your ♦10 for a heart discard before the 8 You have eight obvious tricks and the ninth should come from defenders can expose your heart loser. If West had led a heart ruff in dummy. Take the ♥A and concede a heart. a heart, the defenders would be one step ahead of you Continue with hearts when you regain the lead. When you and the club finesse would have been your only realistic ruff the fourth heart in dummy, it might be necessary to ruff it option. with dummy’s ♠10 to avoid the possibility of an overruff. ■

BRIDGE July 2017 Page 29 Teacher’s Corner – Teaching Tips from Ian Dalziel Fourth Highest-itis

was recently stopped in the street remember. I think it’s because it’s the Yes, I know it takes a few seconds by a former student who was only card played without the sight of longer and slow play is a constant definitely not one of my success dummy, so it needs more imagination. problem, but why should aspiring Istories. How many times have we all players be deprived because of a few ‘I bet you think I learned nothing witnessed the fourth highest being slow players? The opening lead can from all your years of tuition,’ she led from the following combination, also show a misboard. said. ‘Well, I’d like you to know that giving declarer an undeserved trick Used properly, fourth highest leads your efforts were not in vain, for you and, maybe, the contract? can be very informative to partner. did succeed in one respect.’ The Rule of Eleven has been well ‘What was that?’ I said, brightening documented, but much more useful is up. ♣ 8 6 the Rule of the Lesser Cards. L+4 =

‘You taught me to lead fourth highest N Length of the suit led. Where L = the ♣ K Q J 7 4 W E ♣ 9 5 2 number of cards in the leader’s hand of my longest suit and I always do,’ she S announced proudly. which are lower than the card led. ‘But not in suit contracts?’ I asked ♣ A 10 3 Here are some examples of leads hopefully. ‘Oh yes, against suit after 1NT-3NT: contracts and no-trumps – always means always,’ she replied. For that reason, I put an early emphasis ‘But don’t you lead your partner’s on leading top of honour sequences ♦ J 3 suit?’ I persisted. ‘Of course not. My and leave fourth highest till later. N ♦ K 10 6 2 W E ♦ A 5 partner can rely on me to lead my I would say the greatest error in S fourth highest. After all, you told us to leading is failure to take the bidding be a trustworthy partner.’ into consideration. There should be ♦ Q 9 8 7 4 ‘And opponents’ bidding?’ ‘It makes no excuses, as the laws require the no difference to my lead. You did teach bidding cards to be left on the table us not to let opponents talk us off our until the lead is made. If this doesn’t The ♦2 is led and East wins with the game.’ happen, then politely request that it ♦A. This must be a four-card suit (no ‘What about honour sequences?’ ‘I does. Failing that, have a word with card is lower than the two) giving don’t use them. You warned us to give the TD at the end of play. If I had to declarer five cards, so East switches to these fancy conventions a wide berth, give one piece of advice for beginners another suit. didn’t you?’ on leading to a no-trump contract, At club level, declarer will usually I stood open-mouthed. it would be, ‘Lead partner’s suit or play his lowest spot card if not winning ‘I knew you’d be pleased,’ she said, your longest unbid suit.’ Leading to a the trick, which can help defenders patting me on the shoulder. ‘Every suit contract, ‘Shortages, sequences, place the cards: teacher needs some encouragement partner’s suit then unbid suit,’ goes a from time to time!’ long way. ‘Mind you, to be honest,’ she The lead can make such a difference ♥ 9 2 continued, ‘I’ve never been quite sure to whether a contract is makeable. N whether to take the fourth highest ♥ A 10 7 6 5 4 W E ♥ K 3 You can learn a lot by studying the S from the top or bottom of the suit.’ hands and the travellers on your Well, bridge teaching has its joys club’s website. I’m amazed that some ♥ Q J 8 and trials. I do several lessons on clubs don’t enter the lead on their opening leads but most students find bridgemates for, without the lead, the even the basics of leading very hard to travellers aren’t really worth reading. The ♥6 is led, East wins with the ♥K

Page 30 BRIDGE July 2017 and South plays the ♥8. East notes The ♣7 could be a singleton, giving that the ♥5 and ♥4 are missing and South ♣Q-J-8. The ♣7 can’t be top of assumes them to be with West. Thus a doubleton as all lower cards are in BERNARD L=2, giving West a six-card suit, so view and with ♣Q-7, ♣J-7 or ♣Q-J-7 East returns the lead. the top card is led. The lead must be a singleton. MAGEE

♠ 10 7 6 TUTORIAL ♦ K J 10 2 N ♠ Q J 5 4 3 W E ♠ K 8 2 S N ♦ 4 W E ♦ A 9 8 7 3 DVDS S ♠ A 9 ♦ 5 £25 per DVD SET 7 ♠ ♠ The 4 is led, the K wins and South 37 MORE SIGNALLING drops the ♠9. East notes the ♠3 is Dummy plays the ♦2. If the lead is a I look at different times when you singleton, South holds ♦Q-6-5. It can’t missing and it surely lies with West. and the messages you might Thus L=1, giving West a five-card suit. be top of a doubleton as all lower cards want to give. East returns the ♠8 (top of remaining are in view. If South had a singleton, doubleton) and West plays the ♠3 he would have played an honour from 38 4-4-4-1 HANDS confirming the five-card suit which is dummy to prevent a cheap trick. The Everybody’s least favourite type ready to run. West notes that the ♠2 lead must be a singleton. of opening hand. I will be going is missing and, as South didn’t play it, If you use eight prepared hands in through the methods for choosing surely East has it and can return the class to teach opening leads, then each the right suit to open as well as coping with responses. suit later if he gets in. player will make only two opening At suit contracts, the leader’s partner leads in the session. A quiz, on the 39 DRAWING TRUMPS can apply the Test for a Singleton. other hand, allows each player to This seminar sounds straightfor- This is obvious to natural players but make 24 opening leads in 30 minutes ward, but we will not be simply needs to be taught to most learners. or less. In the past, I used quizzes drawing trumps, we will be con- You assume the lead is a singleton, thus in nearly all my classes, mainly for sidering the reasons for delaying. all the cards you can’t see are in the bidding. They worked quite well, as Keeping control of trumps is an hidden hand (declarer’s hand) and ask it meant everyone was engaged, but I important part of declarer play. if this is consistent with the bidding. found it wasn’t very social and people 40 FIVE-CARD MAJORS Here are some examples, where learn best by interaction. I now use Popular around the world, this spades are trumps and an unbid suit prepared hands and random hands to method is becoming more popular is led. Only the cards East can see at teach leads in class, but give a quiz as here. trick one are shown homework. 41 FUNDAMENTALS However, lessons alone are not OF DEFENCE enough to ensure students have a ♥ K J 8 grasp of opening leads, as they so Defence is by far the hardest aspect of bridge: this seminar seeks easily forget what they have learned. N to show the building blocks that ♥ 6 W E ♥ A 4 3 S You will know by now that the second can start you off on a wonderful half of all my classes is random journey. If you can get the basics ♥ 2 hands followed by post mortems as right then the more complicated described in BRIDGE 154. This means aspects of defence can follow. I can comment on every lead made, at 42 SUPPORTING £105 ♥ every table, at every class. In addition, If the 6 is a singleton, that gives MINORS set of 6 South ♥Q-10-9-7-5-2. If the lead is a we discuss partner’s reading of the ♥ Minors are not as important as doubleton, South must have Q-10-9- lead and watching all the spot cards. majors, but we have to bid them 7-2. As hearts weren’t bid, it can’t be Lessons are fine to give the theory but and it is important to know either. the real learning comes from playing your system. Bidding more 3NT random hands at the table and the contracts will get you better scores, discussion afterwards. Yes, fourth- but being able to spot a ♣ K 10 9 highest-itis can be cured! slam will put you a cut above.

N If you would like a free PDF and/ ♣ 7 W E ♣ A 6 5 4 3 2 S or Publisher copy of 68 prepared hands, seven quizzes and associated Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961 ♣ 8 lessons on leads, then please email www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop [email protected] ■

BRIDGE July 2017 Page 31 Bridge Movies by Heather Dhondy Jacoby 2NT Leads to Optimum Contract

t is teams; dealer South. East- Answer: Since your 2NT was a try to ensure that your club losers are West vulnerable. You are North, game , the principal of fast restricted to one. I expect you are glad holding: arrival applies. This means that South, that you stopped at the four level. I holding a minimum, should jump Most of the time taking two club straight to game. will give you the contract. ♠ A J 8 5 3 All other calls show better than ♥ A 5 3 minimum and are descriptive. A call of Is there a danger? ♦ 5 2 3♠ in this situation would be stronger ♣ A J 10 than 4♠, thus allowing for cue bidding ♣♦♥♠ to start at a lower level. Other suits at the three level are natural, showing Answer: Yes. The danger is that West North East South a five-four shape, and jumps to the East holds both the king and queen 1♠ four level are splinters. Finally 3NT of clubs and your two finesses will Pass ? shows a of 15+ points fail. You might consider yourself a (assuming you are playing a weak no- little unlucky if this was the layout, as What should North do? trump). indeed you would be; however… When you partner jumps to 4♠ ♣♦♥♠ on this hand, you must respect his Can you see a way to improve on this? decision and pass. Answer: Bid 2NT, Jacoby, showing West leads the ♦10 and East puts up ♣♦♥♠ a game-forcing raise with at least the queen. These are the combined four spades. I strongly recommend hands: Answer: You should be thinking this convention if you are not already in terms of eliminating the other playing it. Without it, these hands suits. At the same time you do not become difficult to bid. Your options ♠ A J 8 5 3 want to let West in too often since, would be to jump straight to 4♠ or to ♥ A 5 3 if East has this danger holding, this temporise with 2♣ and support spades ♦ 5 2 will give the defence a chance to later. Both are problematic. ♣ A J 10 lead clubs through dummy before A jump to 4♠ could be made on a the other suits are eliminated. In the pre-emptive hand, and hence partner N process of eliminating, you need to W E will have no idea whether to proceed S give up a diamond and a heart, but or not, being uncertain about which it is important not to lose the lead to type of hand you hold. ♠ K Q 9 4 2 West twice since, if he is awake, he will If, instead, you invent a suit and ♥ K 9 2 attack clubs at both opportunities. support partner later, partner will ♦ A J You should begin by ducking the have a hard job evaluating the slam ♣ 8 6 3 opening trick, leaving East on lead. possibilities, having little idea about East obviously can’t play clubs, so does your actual shape. best to exit with a diamond. You can Now switch to the South seat to declare win this return and draw the trumps. West North East South the contract. The position you have reached is at the 1♠ top of the next column. Pass 2NT pass 4♠ What is your plan? Now you can complete the Pass ? elimination by cashing the ace and ♣♦♥♠ king of hearts, and finally you can exit What has your partner shown? with a heart to the defence. What should North call? Answer: You have mirror shapes The best the defence can do is and are certain to lose one diamond for West to win the heart and play ♣♦♥♠ and one heart, therefore you must through a club.

Page 32 BRIDGE July 2017 What do you do now?

♠ J 8 5 ♥ A 5 3 ♦ — Catching Up ♣ A J 10

N W E with Sally Brock S

♠ Q 9 4 ♥ K 9 2 ♦ — ore and more viewings. I I can’t really claim this as a triumph, ♣ 8 6 3 must have seen every flat but it was worth 11 IMPs. and house for rent with I am not proud of our bidding, but Mthree or four bedrooms in West sometimes when you make an early ♣♦♥♠ London. Hopefully, by the end of my judgement decision it is not easy to seven days article, at least I will be able escape your fate. Answer: You can play low to this to tell you I have found somewhere. Of trick, and East will be end-played. You course, the best ones are at the top of West North East South have no red cards left in either hand, (or beyond) my budget. So far, I have 2NT so East is forced to return a club round made two offers, both of which were Pass 3♥ Pass 4♣ into your ace jack, or concede a ruff- rejected, and I daren’t go beyond my Pass 4♦ Pass 4♠ and-discard. This was the full deal: maximum. The search continues. Pass 4NT Pass 5♦ Easter saw me having a couple Pass 5♥ Pass 6♠ of family days on the Friday and Pass 7♠ All Pass ♠ A J 8 5 3 Saturday, then playing in the London ♥ A 5 3 Easter Festival Swiss teams with Barry It seemed to me that a 19-count with ♦ 5 2 and friends Martin and Margaret. a good five-card suit must be worth ♣ A J 10 We started terribly and recovered to upgrading, and I could see that if I ♠ 10 7 ♠ 6 finish about average. On the Monday, opened 1♠ I might have problems later ♥ Q 10 4 N ♥ J 8 7 6 I played in the Swiss Pairs with Allie – on. When partner showed a five-card W E ♦ K 10 9 8 3 ♦ Q 7 6 4 S we were doing well for a while but lost spade suit my 19-count drifted down ♣ 9 5 2 ♣ K Q 7 4 our last match heavily. Still, it’s all very to 17. We play that we always break ♠ K Q 9 4 2 sociable and we had a couple of good the transfer with four-card or longer ♥ K 9 2 meals out with friends. support, but that a jump to 4♠ promises ♦ A J We are still going strong in the Gold that all the suits are controlled (so ♣ 8 6 3 Cup and Crockfords. We had a Gold that partner can perhaps ask for aces Cup match, away in Cheltenham, without further ado); 3NT would be which we won quite easily against a the same but with a real maximum, Let’s think about what would have decent team – sometimes ‘the force is while to actually cue-bid says that happened if you had won the opening with you’. there is a suit uncontrolled. Hence, 4♣. lead. You would have drawn trumps, When partner found all the ‘aces’ were but now the defence, crucially, would there and the queen of trumps too, have the communication they need to Dealer South. Love All. but no ♦K, he bid 7♠ as he could not defeat you. ♠ J 10 9 3 2 envisage my holding a hand without If you play a diamond, West can win ♥ A K 2 the ♣Q (which would give 13 easy and lead a club through. Now East gets ♦ 5 tricks). If the worst came to the worst off lead with a heart, and West can ♣ K J 7 6 and it depended on a club finesse, so win the third round of hearts to play ♠ 7 4 ♠ 5 be it. As it was, it was worse than that. another club through. ♥ 8 7 5 N ♥ Q 10 6 3 I won the diamond lead, drew W E ♦ ♦ Similarly, if you play three rounds Q 9 8 4 3 S K 10 7 6 2 trumps and finessed the club. Then I of hearts, West can win and lead a ♣ Q 10 2 ♣ 8 5 3 ruffed the diamond and played off all club through. East can then return a ♠ A K Q 8 6 my trumps. Even if clubs were 4-2, diamond to West’s king and he can ♥ J 9 4 there was a chance that West would be lead through a second club. So ducking ♦ A J squeezed in hearts and clubs. However, the opening lead was essential to the ♣ A 9 4 this time the 3-3 break solved all my success of the contract. ■ problems. ■

BRIDGE July 2017 Page 33 A History of Playing Cards: Part Seven by Paul Bostock BERNARD MAGEE TUTORIAL DVDS Transformation Cards SET 1 1 Ruffing for Extra Tricks 2 Competitive ransformation cards are a special type of playing card on which an artist has Auctions transformed the pip cards into a set of pictures. Given an example, the idea is self- 3 Making £25 explanatory, so you may want to look ahead at the illustrations. per DVD the Most TThe practice of transforming cards began in Germany in 1801. The first set of cards was a of High Cards group of sixteen designs – not yet a whole pack – with illustrations for Hudibras, a popular 4 Identifying satirical poem by Samuel Butler. Once the idea had been noticed, it spread quickly in Europe & Bidding Slams and by the 1820s, thirty or forty sets had been designed. The early designs encompass various ideas from a ‘Cotta’ set depicting figures from classical antiquity (Cotta being the publisher, 5 Play & Defence again in Germany), via literature to outright comedy. Perhaps the most famous comical set of 1NT Contracts is called ‘Cartes à rire’, produced in Paris around 1819. The four of hearts is a delightfully 6 Doubling & mischievous picture of four cherubic boys on potties… Defence against One of the first artists to produce a full set of Doubled Contracts cards was John Nixon. Card makers S & J Fuller of Rathbone Place, London, produced a set designed SET 2 by Nixon, on sale from 1811. The pack was called 7 Leads ‘Metastasis, Transformation of Cards’ and is extremely well made. The pip cards typically 8 Losing Trick Count feature people in cartoons while the court cards 9 Making a Plan are figures from European Royalty and society, as Declarer equally portrayed in cartoons. The example shown 10 Responding to 1NT is typical: a waiter looks forlorn as he contemplates 11 Signals & Discards that there will be nothing left for him to eat. The faces and the plate are also the three suit signs in 12 Endplay their correct positions on the cards. Once this form of design had become known, SET 3 a more unusual variant became possible. Instead of producing a set of designs for production of a 13 Hand Evaluation run of packs, an artist could buy a pack of cards 14 Pre-Emptive and illustrate them by hand. Watercolour has been Bidding £105 used quite often for pictures, with any additional 15 Splinter set of 6 captions written in. An example is illustrated & Cue Bids below. These cards have been hand-illustrated 16 The three of diamonds from ‘Metastasis’ with designs painted directly onto an English card, 1811. Made by S&J Fuller pack made by Goodall around 1880. This one is 17 Play & Defence at with illustrations by Nixon now in the Fournier Museum, Vitoria, Spain. Pairs The Museum has issued a facsimile edition – an 18 Thinking Defence excellent example printed on the correct slightly rough card. The illustrations (see top of next column) come from the facsimile. Transformation cards continue to inspire both artists and card makers. In the late twentieth Mr Bridge century two particularly memorable sets were made – both coming out in 1992 in fact. ‘The ( 01483 489961 Key to The Kingdom’ was a very high quality set, beautifully designed by Tony Meeuwissen and issued by Pavilion books. The set came as a book of verse illustrated with pictures from www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop the set of cards accompanied by the transformation pack itself. The text indicated that there was a mystery contained within, and a challenge was issued for the first solver to claim a prize

Page 34 BRIDGE July 2017 A History of Playing Cards: Part Seven by Paul Bostock BERNARD MAGEE TUTORIAL Transformation Cards DVDS SET 4 19 Defensive Plan 20 Further Into the Auction 21 Weak Twos 22 Trump £25 Control per DVD 23 Sacrificing 24 Improving Bridge Memory SET 5

Hand-painted transformation cards, from around 1880, Fournier Museum facsimile 25 Defence as Partner of the Leader 26 Aggressive Bidding of a golden key (one of the designs in the set) and $10,000. at Duplicate Pairs The second set was issued by Friends of the Earth. Fifty-four artists were commissioned to design cards including two jokers, with the theme of the charity’s ecological work. The cards 27 Strong Openings were produced by Andrew Jones Art and printed on recycled card. This was a popular set, 28 Take-Out Doubles and the charity also held a successful auction of the original art. 29 Suit Establishment Transformation cards are very much sought after by specialist collectors, and it is easy to in Suit Contracts see the attraction of these colourful and often entertaining playing cards. ■ 30 / Defending Against a 1NT Opening SET 6 31 Counting Defence 32 Extra Tricks in No-Trumps 33 Supporting Partner £105 34 Finessing set of 6 35 Bidding Distributional Hands 36 Coping with Cards from ‘Art for the Earth’ made in 1992 by Andrew Jones Art for Friends of the Earth Pre-Empts ♦10 by Gregory Alexander, ♦5 by John Gillo and ♠10 by Jonathan Langley

Mr Bridge The author is a Court Assistant in the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards – see ( 01483 489961 www.makersofplayingcards.co.uk. Many more sets of cards are illustrated on the author’s www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop website www.plainbacks.com

BRIDGE July 2017 Page 35 Robin Hood’s Bridge Adventures by David Bird Gisborne’s Intervention

obin Hood and Nazir were West North East South Nazir arrived in another game enjoying their bridge session Bardolf Robin Cecily Nazir contract: in the Burton Jorz village hall, Grit Hood Grit Rsome five miles from Nottingham. 1♦ Pass 2♣ Robin surveyed his scorecard during Pass 2♦ Pass 3NT Dealer East. N/S Game. the half-time interval, as some small All Pass ♠ 10 5 4 mugs of ale were being served. ‘Not ♥ A 6 5 particularly wonderful but we’ve done ‘He bid no-trump first,’ Bardolf Grit ♦ J 10 9 7 6 worse,’ he declared. ‘It’s good to have explained to his wife, ‘so I’ve got to ♣ A 5 some practice, anyway.’ find a lead.’ ♠ 9 3 ♠ A K Q J 6 2 ♥ N ♥ ‘I haven’t played many hands,’ Nazir ‘Make it a good one, my love,’ came J 9 4 W E 2 replied. ‘On the boards where we’re the reply. ♦ K 5 3 S ♦ 8 4 2 North-South, would you mind if I sit West slapped the ♠10 on the table ♣ 9 7 6 4 3 ♣ J 10 8 South for the second half? The high and down went the dummy. ‘A ♠ 8 7 cards seem to be lying that way.’ handsome collection,’ observed Nazir, ♥ K Q 10 8 7 3 Hood laughed. ‘The cards may as he paused to make a plan. Suppose ♦ A Q switch direction,’ he replied. he played low from dummy and East ♣ K Q 2 The second half started and the won with the ♠K. A heart switch outlaw pair faced a young couple, might then set up three heart tricks for recently married in the village. the defenders. He would then go down West North East South ’I don’t believe we’ve played you if diamonds weren’t 3-2. Meg Robin Avil Nazir before,’ said Robin Hood. ‘Ace, please,’ said Nazir. ‘And the Dooney Hood Sette ‘You wouldn’t have,’ Bardolf Grit three of diamonds.’ 1♠ 2♥ replied. ‘Cecily only learnt the game Cecily Grit won with the ♦10 and Pass 3♥ Pass 4♥ the day after we got married. Mind switched to the other red ten. Her All Pass you, she’s learnin’ quickly. Be better husband won tricks with the queen than me soon!’ and ace of hearts and returned to It was Meg Dooney to lead, but she Cecily Grit smiled happily at her tall spades, East winning with the king. was in no hurry. It wasn’t often that young husband. ‘That’ll be the day,’ Nazir was then able to claim the she had the chance to chat with two fit she said. remaining tricks. ‘Were diamonds 3-2 young men. ‘How do you play this 3♥ This was the deal before them: all along?’ he asked. bid?’ she enquired. ‘Is it a game-try of ‘They certainly weren’t,’ Cecily some sort?’ replied. ‘I ‘ad four of them.’ ‘It is,’ Nazir replied. Dealer North. Love All. ‘Nothin’ we could do,’ said Bardolf ‘What if your partner wanted to bid ♠ A 7 4 Grit. ‘Everyone will make it.’ a slam?’ persisted Meg Dooney. ‘Do ♥ J 8 A strange thought occurred to you play the Richmond 4NT bid?’ ♦ A K Q 8 6 3 Robin Hood. Amazingly, it seemed Nazir smiled patiently. ‘We do,’ he ♣ 5 4 that a club lead from West would have replied. ♠ 10 9 8 2 ♠ K 5 3 beaten the contract. Declarer could set With a look of disappointment, ♥ A Q 6 5 N ♥ 10 9 3 2 up the diamonds but he would have no Meg Dooney reached for the ♠9. W E ♦ 2 S ♦ J 10 7 4 way to create a ninth trick before the Good-looking these two might be, ♣ Q 10 9 3 ♣ J 8 defenders had five. Not that anyone but they were quite hopeless at the ♠ Q J 6 would lead a club on that bidding. art of conversation. Her late husband, ♥ K 7 4 A couple of rounds later, Robin and Arnwald, had not been exactly ♦ 9 5 Nazir faced two widows. With several talkative, unless he was half drunk. ♣ A K 7 6 2 months of mourning still before them, Still, his sentences did usually contain they were dressed in black sackcloth. more than two words.

Page 36 BRIDGE July 2017 Avil Sette won the first trick with the moment a party of soldiers on horse- jack of spades and continued with the Dealer South. Game All. back were moving silently through the ace and king of the suit. Nazir thumbed ♠ Q 6 3 2 trees towards the village hall. At their through his cards. If he ruffed with the ♥ A 2 head was none other than Sir Guy of king or queen, he could still avoid the ♦ Q J 9 5 4 Gisborne. loss of a trump trick if the jack then ♣ J 4 Nazir continued with the ace, king fell in two rounds. What if he ruffed ♠ J 10 8 5 ♠ 4 and queen of diamonds, East showing ♥ 8 4 N ♥ K Q J 10 9 7 6 with the ten instead? That would work W E out on the second round. He discarded well if East held the trump jack. If he ♦ 10 8 7 3 S ♦ 2 his heart loser on the fourth diamond did happen to lose a trump trick, he ♣ K 9 6 ♣ 7 5 3 2 and ruffed a heart in his hand. A spade would still be OK if East held the ♦K. ♠ A K 9 7 to the queen was followed by a fifth He could then finesse successfully in ♥ 5 3 round of diamonds for a club discard. that suit. Nazir soon spotted the best ♦ A K 6 The door to the village hall sprung play. Instead of ruffing the third spade, ♣ A Q 10 8 open. ‘Soldiers coming!’ cried Alan he discarded the queen of diamonds. A’Dale, one of the outlaws on watch A fourth round of spades would then duty. do no damage. He could ruff with the West North East South Only two minutes later Gisborne ♥10. If this was overruffed with the ♥J Jacob Robin Alewyn Nazir and three heavily armed soldiers en- and ♥A, the contract would be safe. Barne Hood Stott tered the hall. ‘There is no escape,’ he Even if West’s ♥J had been a singleton, 2NT announced loudly. ‘The hall is sur- it would be possible to pick up East’s Pass 3♣ 3♥ 3♠ rounded.’ He strode from table to ta- ♥9-x-x. Pass 4♥ Dbl 6♠ ble, inspecting each player carefully. Avil Sette exchanged a glance with All Pass When he reached the last table, num- her partner. What ber 7 in the far a hopeless player corner, only two this dark-skinned players were pre- man was! Didn’t sent. ‘Where is the he realise that he missing pair?’ he could have ruffed demanded. ‘Speak the third round of up or I’ll have your spades? tongues cut out!’ When East ‘It’s a nine-and- switched to a dia- a-half table move- mond, Nazir won ment tonight, my with the ace. He Lord,’ Jacob Barne then drew trumps replied. ‘This is a in three rounds sit-out table.’ and claimed the G i s b o u r n e ’ s contract. eyes blazed. Had Meg Dooney he been misin- leaned towards formed? Surely the Nazir, almost miserable wolf’s- brushing his head, Robin Hood, cheek. ‘Did you hadn’t evaded him mean to play that yet again? queen of dia- The outlaws were monds?’ some way into the ‘I did,’ Nazir re- forest by now and plied. had slowed to a Meg resumed walk. ‘I was going an upright po- to make that slam,’ sition and re- said Nazir. ‘When turned her cards West took his to the board. Pity trump trick, he’d the poor woman who married this The ♥8 was led and Nazir won with have to lead into my clubs.’ tongue-tied man. He was no fun at all. dummy’s ace. When he played the ace ‘Yes, you played it well,’ Hood re- Soon afterwards, the outlaws were and king of trumps, East discarded a plied, ‘It’s annoying. We’ll prob- facing two middle-aged men when the heart. ably just get average minus on the first slam deal of the evening arrived. Unknown to Nazir, at this very board!’ ■

BRIDGE July 2017 Page 37 Julian Pottage Answers your Bridge Questions

Should I Double or Rebid in a Suit?

I, as opener, faced she has spades because partner’s preference bid of How do you handle the following she could double 1♥ or bid 2♥ instead of 3♣. Apart a very strong Qproblem: 1♠ with five or six points from that, once I make Qbalanced hand upwards. With this in mind, an invitational raise over when the opponents open? if the values were more in their preference, does ♠ K Q 2 the minors, I would bid 3♣. this not show a six-card

♥ Void N With your actual hand, I think suit and extra values? ♠ A K Q W E ♦ A Q 10 6 5 S I would double as you did. Even though partner has ♥ A K Q 4 ♣ K 8 6 4 3 only seven HCP, well short of ♦ K J 7 ♣♦♥♠ a maximum no-trump bid, ♣ Q 8 6 I’d have thought the pluses West North East South Please could you outweigh the minuses. The 1♦ 1♥ Pass 2♥ elaborate on the ♥K and ♦A are massive You LHO Partner RHO ? Qrequirements cards and the double fit with 1♦ for pushing on to game clubs must also be helpful. Dbl Pass 2♣ Pass I doubled. My partner, after an initial limit Geoff Simpson, ? who bid 2♠ with four small response by partner? Torphins, Aberdeenshire spades and went down, I was playing Acol What do you bid now? said I should have bid (four-card majors) and After your 2♣ rebid, Simon Gottschalk, 3♣. What do you think? held the North hand: partner’s realistic Pendoylan, Glamorgan. Ann Yeldon, A options are 2♥ and Seaford, East Sussex. pass. Raising to 3♣ does As double followed ♠ 8 7 not seem right with four by 2NT shows You have a close ♥ A Q J 10 9 5 low clubs. Given possible A 19-20, 18-20 decision whether to ♦ 6 interest in game plus the fact or 19-21 depending on A double or bid 3♣ – ♣ A K 7 4 that a heart contract scores the strength of your 1NT partner should not complain more if it makes (a factor , it seems you have N about either action. Double W E at matchpoints), preference to do more with this hand. works better if partner has S to 2♥ is reasonable. Either you bash 3NT or you five spades or your side ♠ 9 5 4 Yes your 3♥ over 2♥ try a 2♦ and hope does not have a fit or your ♥ K 8 invites game and shows that gets you somewhere. partner has a good defensive ♦ A 7 4 3 six hearts. It is then hand with five strong hearts. ♣ 10 8 6 2 somewhat illogical for ♣♦♥♠ Bidding 3♣ is more likely to partner, having kept the get you into a 5-3 fit (rather bidding open with the 2♥ A friend recently than 4-3) and avoids the risk North South preference because of the circulated a of doubling opponents into 1♥ 1NT game possibilities, to pass Qhand around the game (if partner leaves in the 2♣ 2♥ 3♥. The fast winner with members which caused double with a weakish hand 3♥ Pass the ♦A, which is working much discussion on and five moderate hearts). even in opener’s short how to open. Please You do know that partner I made ten tricks. suit, plus the two-suit fit could you provide some has a very weak hand if I cannot understand justifies bidding game. pointers/guidance?

Page 38 BRIDGE July 2017 In the early days of 3♣ because the East hand is Do you agree with ♠ Q 9 6 4 3 the Acol system, it nowhere near worth forcing declarer’s play in ♥ A Q J 9 5 4 2 A was normal to play to an eleven-trick game. Qthe heart suit below ♦ 3 a variable 1NT opening: West will insist on a slam – or was he just lucky? ♣ Void 12-14 non-vulnerable and if East opens 2♣ and should 15-17 vulnerable. Nowadays at least invite it facing a 2NT that is unusual, although opening. Having initially ♠ 8 5 4 One party selected a some pairs vary their range taken a dim view of the king- ♥ 9 6 5 3 1♥ opener, picking the slightly depending upon queen doubleton, East should ♦ K Q 9 4 longest and strongest vulnerability and position. reevaluate once West shows ♣ J 8 suit, expecting to rebid I know one pair that plays hearts and tries for a slam. ♠ A Q 9 6 2 ♠ K J 3 ♥ 11.5-13.5 in some situations. The East hand is easier to ♥ A 10 7 ♥ Q J 8 2 2 , potentially losing the N spade suit altogether. bid using Benjamin because ♦ J 10 W E ♦ A 5 2 S My preference was to ♣♦♥♠ 2♣ (not the system strong ♣ 7 6 4 ♣ A 9 5 open 1♠ with this anaemic bid, just a near game force), ♠ 10 7 suit, intending to rebid On the following then a 3♣ rebid and then ♥ K 4 hearts twice if allowed, hand, I was West 3NT on the third round ♦ 8 7 6 3 the disadvantage being Qand played in describes the shape and ♣ K Q 10 3 2 I’m only showing 5-5 and 4♥, making twelve tricks. strength of the hand nicely. can never realistically (Disappointing not to show the heart length; have bid the slam). ♣♦♥♠ West North East South but I am showing 1♦1 2♣ partner both majors. What number 3♠ Pass 3NT All Pass Name and address supplied. ♠ A J 10 9 ♠ K 2 of losers do 1Precision ♥ A 10 8 7 5 4 ♥ K Q Qyou attribute to With the two-card ♦ 9 N ♦ K 7 5 one-level and two-level South led the ♣K, ducked for W E disparity in the suit ♣ 8 2 S ♣ A K Q J 6 3 overcalls, vulnerable two rounds. Declarer then A lengths, opening the and non vulnerable? led the the ♥2 to the ♥10. shorter suit is most unwise. Ray Enever, When this held, knowing a Far too often you will end When I asked a more Kirby Cross, Essex. 4-2 break is more likely than up in the wrong suit because experienced player how it 3-3, declarer cashed the ♥A. partner expects your first should have been bid, they The losing trick This resulted in 11 tricks. suit to be as long as, if not said that East should have count works better Alex Mathers, Northallerton. longer than, the second. started with 2♣ (which they A when your side Given the two-card length said indicated either 23 has a fit, so my answer is Before we get into difference, the strength HCP or a strong unbalanced necessarily approximate. the play, I do not of the suit is immaterial, hand). I should then follow Non-vulnerable some A understand West’s though here the hearts with 2♥ (eight plus points nine-loser hands would jump to 3♠. Even if you are stronger too. and five plus hearts). After be good enough for a one play 2♠ as non-forcing, If you miss a 5-3 spade fit this, Blackwood should level overcall, if the suit is West does not mind that, by opening 1♥, that is just lead to a small slam. I good (A-K-J-x-x and a bust especially if you are using unlucky – often a 7-2 or even would be interested to for example). Some seven- a . 7-1 heart fit will play better hear what you think. loser hands would not be In 3NT, we need to than a 5-3 spade fit anyway. Carolyn Thompson, good enough for a two-level consider the play in clubs You will not miss a 5-4 Lytham St Annes. overcall, particularly when before we get to the hearts. spade fit because partner vulnerable or the suit is a Ducking the second round of can introduce the suit. The East hand is moderate five-card minor. clubs seems an unnecessary borderline. You could In general, however, eight risk. It is most unlikely that ♣♦♥♠ A open 2♣ and rebid losers for the one level and South will have overcalled 2NT (treating the hand as seven losers for the two level on a four-card suit – and Our opponents 23-24 balanced). You could gives you a rough idea. declarer knows a diamond were playing open 2NT. You could open For a vulnerable two switch (admittedly not so Qa variable 1NT 1♣ and rebid 3NT (showing level overcall, your hand likely after the 1♦ opening) opening (ie weak non- a hand with good clubs, should be the sort of hand would be awkward. vulnerable and strong stoppers in the other suits on which you would feel Although finessing the vulnerable). Too confusing and too much strength for a comfortable about opening ♥10 first time and cashing for me, is it common? non-forcing 3♣ rebid). The and rebidding if you were the the ♥A on the second round Alun Williams, only option I would rule out dealer (A-Q-J-x-x-x and an happened to work, it does Llanfairpwll, Anglesey. is opening 2♣ and rebidding ace on the side for example). not seem to be the correct

BRIDGE July 2017 Page 39 percentage play. Given seat, not just because of the The jump to 4♥ should be Playing standard that the club suit is ready risk of a double but also ‘fast arrival’ and denying count, you play the to run, declarer will make for fear of losing 200 for slam interest. Being minimum A six from the first hold- only two heart tricks if the two off undoubled, the kiss for the high , West ing and the three from the ♥K does not fall. If South of death at matchpoints. will simply bid 4♥ over 3♥ second. A long weak holding started with four hearts, this – but then East can check is an easy holding from costs you one trick. If South ♣♦♥♠ on aces/key cards and will which to give a clear signal. started with three hearts, be pleased to find three. this costs you two tricks. The following ♣♦♥♠ deal came up at ♣♦♥♠ ♣♦♥♠ Qthe club with me ow would you (West) to open the bidding. The bidding starts bid this deal with Playing a weak 1NT as follows: Hboth pairs playing (12-14) in what, if Q ? Qany, circumstances ♠ K Q 8 6 is it appropriate to open 1NT ♥ Void Me Partner with 11 points in third or ♦ K J 9 1♦ 1♠ Dealer East. Game All. fourth seat, when previous ♣ K 9 8 7 6 3 2♥ ? ♠ 10 8 7 2 players have passed? ♠ A 5 4 ♠ 10 ♥ 10 9 6 2 Elizabeth Morrison by email. ♥ A 9 6 3 2 ♥ K Q J 8 7 5 Partner has: ♦ 8 7 3 ♦ N ♦ ♣ A W E Q 10 7 5 3 K 3 The Milton Work ♣ Q J 4 2 S ♣ A ♠ 9 6 N ♠ K Q J 5 4 3 W E 4-3-2-1 point count ♠ J 9 7 3 2 ♠ K 9 6 4 3 ♥ 8 5 S ♥ J 7 4 A is not an absolute ♥ 10 4 ♥ 9 4 3 ♦ Q 10 9 6 4 2 ♦ A K J valuation method. You can ♦ 8 6 4 2 ♦ 8 4 2 ♣ 8 7 4 ♣ 10 make adjustments for hands ♣ 10 5 ♣ K 7 ♠ A with more (or fewer) tens ♥ A K Q 3 and nines than average ♦ 5 or for hands with a decent West North East South Should partner rebid the ♣ A Q J 9 6 5 2 five-card suit. This applies 1♥ Dbl 2♦ Pass spades, or give preference in any position at the table. 3♣ Pass 4♥ All pass to the diamonds, bidding 3♦? 2NT seems an overbid. Reg North, Derry. How should we have bid? Peter Calviou by email. Hand A Hand B David Cree, Strathaven, A possible auction ♠ J 10 3 ♠ Q 3 2 South Lanarkshire. In Standard (British) is as follows: ♥ K 10 9 8 ♥ K 7 6 3 methods, both A ♦ A 9 8 2 ♦ A 4 3 West’s bidding A 3♦ and 2NT are ♣ K 7 ♣ K 7 3 was straight out minimum responder’s rebids West North East South A of the textbook. after 1♦-1♠-2♥. With three- 1♠ Dbl1 East underbid hugely. card diamond support Pass 2♥ 2♠ 4NT2 If you do not adjust for Whether you count points and only a doubleton club, Pass 5♣ Pass 6♥3 intermediate cards and (12 in high cards plus three preference to 3♦ seems more All Pass shape, Hand B appears for each singleton to give descriptive than 2NT. You 1With a strong hand, South starts better than Hand A. If, a total of 18) or use the would assume that partner with a double. however, I was opening one Losing Trick Count (five has five (or more) diamonds. 2It is reasonable to head for a hand but not the other, I or maybe four-and-a-half grand slam if partner holds the would open Hand A rather losers), East should recognise ♣♦♥♠ ♦A because any club finesse is than Hand B. 4432 hands that the partnership is surely working. offer better potential than in the slam zone. Partner leads a K (or 3Although there is a danger of 4333 hands. When you add Reaching a grand slam A) asking for count. being unable to reach the North that to the much better spot is tricky because it is hard QWhat do you play hand to take a club finesse, this cards, Hand A is clearly to identify the singleton ace from 8-6-5-4-3-2 seems a reasonable gamble. better than Hand B. holdings. Reaching a small and 8-6-5-4-3? Often partner will hold the ♥J as In third seat, you are slam should be easy enough, Simon Gottschalk, an entry or sometimes the ♣K more likely to run into a if, for example, East starts Pendoyla, Mid Glamorgan. or a singleton club. ■ double, so opening 1NT with a 3♠ splinter rather than light is not a good idea. If 2♦. Even after the 1♥-2♦-3♣ E-mail your questions (including your postal address) you are vulnerable, even start, you should get there. for Julian to: [email protected] 12 points is risky in third East should bid 3♥ (forcing).

Page 40 BRIDGE July 2017 More Tips from Bernard Magee Answers to Favour a Lead in an Bernard Magee’s Unbid Major Against 3NT Bidding Quizzes 1-3

hen you are the than from a single honour. strong side and you Lead the ♥8 – leading on the Cover and page 7 Ware bidding, do you high to deny an honour. show your major suits or not? The answer is yes, always, It is harder to make the bid because you want to find ♠ J 9 1. Dealer West. Game All. when looking at a void in your a fit if you can. ♥ A K 3 ♠ A K 6 5 ♠ J 8 4 hand. All you are trying to do, However, the same is not ♦ Q 8 6 ♥ Void N ♥ A J 6 2 is to slow the auction down. W E always true with a minor suit. ♣ K 10 5 4 3 ♦ J 8 7 6 2 S ♦ 10 5 3 On this hand, your partner re- On lead against 3NT, if ♠ A 8 ♠ K 10 6 3 2 ♣ A K 7 4 ♣ Q 5 2 bids 2♦ and you can pass. No ♥ N ♥ you are dealt two similar 9 8 7 2 W E 10 6 5 need to get too excited about unbid suits to lead from ♦ 9 7 3 S ♦ K J 10 4 diamonds, you are surely not and one is a minor and one ♣ Q 8 6 2 ♣ 9 West North East South strong enough to make a is a major, then generally ♠ Q 7 5 4 ? game contract, just be happy favour the major. ♥ Q J 4 to be in the right denomina- You are West on lead ♦ A 5 2 1♦. A simple question to start tion. against 3NT after the simple ♣ A J 7 with: open with length rather auction shown below. than strength. Of course, you should start with 1♦ and plan As you can see, dummy to rebid 1♠ or 2♣. This gives 3. Dealer East. Game All. Dealer South. E/W Game. has a powerful club suit you the best chance to find ♠ A 9 7 6 ♠ K 3 ♠ A 8 and a club lead would have your biggest trump fit. The ♥ Void N ♥ A 9 8 7 6 5 W E ♥ 9 8 7 2 N been a disaster – note that full auction might be: 1♦-1♥- ♦ K 8 4 S ♦ Q 2 W E ♦ 9 7 3 S dummy could not have held 1♠-1NT-2♣-2♦. East might re- ♣ A Q 10 5 4 2 ♣ K J 8 ♣ Q 8 6 2 a similar strength heart bid 1NT over 1♠, but over 2♣ suit because the auction (natural after 1NT), he can would have been different. revert to 2♦. West North East South West North East South On a club lead, declarer 1♥ Pass 1NT makes five club tricks to go ? Pass 3NT All Pass with four other top tricks. A heart lead is not exactly 2. Dealer East. Game All. 2♣. With a strong hand, al- With no suits bid, your dynamic, but it gives nothing ♠ Void ♠ A K 4 3 2 ways try to bid your hand choice of lead is much away. Declarer plays on ♥ K Q 4 2 N ♥ 6 5 naturally: bidding your long- W E more difficult, but bear in clubs but has to give up one ♦ J 6 5 3 S ♦ A Q 4 2 est suit first. Bidding 2♣ does mind that most dummies trick in the suit – your queen ♣ J 6 5 4 2 ♣ 9 7 not deny four spades; it sim- with a four-card major will kills the jack guaranteeing a ply shows long clubs. Because have used Stayman and club trick. When in with the you are strong you are able with a five-card major fourth club, you can switch West North East South to plan for more than one bid would have transferred. A to the ♦9 and eventually 1♠ Pass and, of course, your second spade lead would be purely the defence will prevail. ? bid will be in spades, which speculative and a diamond On this auction, no suits will show your strength. It is lead guesswork. Choosing had been bid, but the rule 1NT. This hand should be only with weak hands that you between your two four-card comes in handy when two relatively straightforward too: might show your four spades suits seems reasonable, but suits have been bid before you need at least nine HCP before a longer minor. On this using the tip, you should the opponents reach 3NT. and 10 points including length hand, your partnership needs choose the heart suit. In fact, You should be thinking about to bid to the two-level. You do to find its club fit in order to leading away from four-card leading an unbid suit and not have this strength, but with have a chance of reaching suits headed by one honour should focus particularly on more than six HCP you should 6♣. By bidding clubs, you give is not usually a good tactic any unbid major – rarely will make a response, therefore yourself the chance; if you bid anyway. A lead from four they have disguised length you make the only bid avail- spades first you will probably bad cards tends to be safer there. ■ able: 1NT. end up in 3NT. ■

BRIDGE July 2017 Page 41 luxury Trick Count system as recommended by Bernard bridge mat Magee. However, my partner Just £24.99 READERS’ plus £4.99 p & p doesn’t like the system and sticks with points and adjusts for shape etc. He luxury LETTERS doesn’t want to change. What do you recommend? bridge mat ALL YOU NEED easily. It works as follows: Should I change my Just £24.99 TO KNOW At the start of the system to suit his or stick plus £4.99 p & p Well done Andrew Kambites. event, teams draw for to what I know and like? Your articles are excellent, starting positions. Roger Harris, providing clear explanations Let us assume there are Warwickshire. of the topics being discussed. 18 teams and initially they Come on readers – tell Jane Windle, are sorted into three groups us what you think Roger Truro, Cornwall. of 6. Boards are prepared Harris should do. before start of play. SPOOKY OR WHAT? In Round 1, each group ALL’S WELL North, playing in our routine plays against the other 5 I am fed up being pushed weekly bridge four on teams in their group. At the from pillar to post. On Monday 27 February, held all end of the round, boards 14 March 2017, I paid a Thick woven surface makes in three consecutive are IMP-scored as usual. deposit of £714 on my Tesco an idealThick playing woven surface and hands. The cards had been The scores are agreed with MasterCard for your Danube protectssurface your makes table. shuffled and cut in the each team in the group cruise with Bernard Magee. Very popular with Bridge usual way. As we have been and handed to the TD. Your advertisement stated Clubs.an 78cmsideal wideplaying so it fits a standardsurface 80cms and card table playing regularly for about For Round 2, the 6 teams that this was protected by protects your table. 12 years, we wondered if this with the highest score are ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s amazing sequence has ever placed in Grade A. The next Licence). On 16 March, PaddedThickVery woven popular table surface with makesbag. been previously reported? 6 teams are placed in Grade Diamond Shortbreak an ideal£39.00Bridge playing +Clubs. £4.99 surface p&p and 78protects cms wideyour table. so it Mr Roger L Wright, B and the remaining 6 make Holidays (and its subsidiary Very popular with Bridge Melton Mowbray, Leics. up Grade C. Once played, River Cruise Lines) went into fits a standard Clubs. 78cms wide so it fits the scoring and procedure of administration. I filled in the a standard80cms 80cmscard cardtable. table JUST A THOUGHT agreeing scores and notifying forms for ATOL as instructed, As I keep getting so many the TD are as round 1. and had to make several Padded table bag. of my answers to Bernard The third and last round calls and send emails to £39.00 + £4.99 p&p Magee’s Bidding Quiz is to be played exactly as confirm matters. This was wrong, I wonder if he has a the previous rounds and a rejected and they told me Large enough to take a standard different ? final score is available giving to claim from MasterCard. 80cms bridge table. Made from tough nylon with carrying straps Dave Parkin by email. winners for each group. Having already done this and Velcro fixing. Ideal for The event is simple to once and failed, I tried storing or carrying your table. STAMP COLLECTION run and has a number of again and they again told Enclosed are the used advantages over traditional me to go back to ATOL as Order online or by phone www.designsforbridge.co.uk postage stamps as Swiss Teams. There are the trip included a flight. Large enough to take a standard discovered when clearing obvious variants, for example, After two months of being 0148380cms bridge table.270 Made 100 from out my late husband’s to allow for 17 teams with fobbed off, MasterCard have Large enough to take a tough nylon with carrying straps effects as explained over two groups of 6 and one now credited my account. standardandSR VelcroDesigns 80cmsfixing. for Bridge Idealbridge for Unitstoringtable. A1, or MadeSend carrying Business from your tough table. Park, the telephone. I do hope group of 5. With 20 teams, Your office have offered Send,nylon Woking, with carrying Surrey GU23 straps 7EF they will be of benefit to the two groups of 7 and one of 6. the same cruise with the new Orderand Velcro online fixing. or by phoneIdeal Little Voice Foundation. Claude Stokes, owners of River Cruise Line. www.designsforbridge.co.uk for storing or carrying Mrs R North, Hartford, Poole, Dorset. Am I safe to re-book? 01483your 270 table. 100 Huntingdon, Cambs. Would I get a better service by booking Order online or by phone OH DEAR! SR Designs for Bridge ALPINE TEAMS My bridge partner and I are through a travel agent? www.designsforbridge.co.ukUnit A1, Send Business Park, I believe teams of lower fairly successful and play in Fred Lawson, Edinburgh. Send, Woking, Surrey GU23 7EF 01483 270 100 bridge ranking would enjoy many congresses, but we These bridge cruises are ex- playing in a teams event have currently reached a clusive to my company. Book SR Designs for Bridge where they can be graded ‘plateau’. I play the Losing with confidence. ■ Unit A1, Send Business Park, Send, Woking, Surrey GU23 7EF Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH. [email protected]

Page 42 BRIDGE July 2017 Answers to BERNARD MAGEE’S Bernard Magee’s INTERACTIVE Bidding Quizzes 4-6 TUTORIAL CD on the Cover and page 7 ACOL BIDDING

scenario: you have the same hand, of 4. Dealer East. Love All. course, but this time your partner bids his ♠ Void ♠ K Q J 6 4 2 second suit. MAC or ♥ J 6 5 4 3 N ♥ A 2 Your partner will have at most four Windows ♦ Q 9 7 3 2 W E ♦ 10 4 cards between your two long suits, but S ♣ A 6 5 ♣ K 7 3 once again if you bid one, he will pass and he might have a singleton, so it would be guesswork to bid. West North East South Best is to stay where you are and hope 1♠ Pass that 2♣ has some play – you might make 1NT Pass 2♠ Pass a ruff or two in your hand to help the ? trick total.

Pass. You begrudgingly responded 1NT with your distributional hand, only to Throughout 200 deals split into hear your partner rebid his suit. Do you 6. Dealer East. Love All. ten chapters, Bernard evaluates have any choice other than to pass? ♠ Void ♠ A J 6 4 2 your bids, praising the correct If you had one very long suit (perhaps ♥ J 6 5 4 3 N ♥ K 2 ones and discussing the wrong seven cards) then you could bid it ♦ Q 9 7 3 2 W E ♦ K J 8 5 4 S ones. now and hope to find your best spot. ♣ A 6 5 ♣ 7 However, with two pretty weak five-card l Opening Bids suits, you have no reason to suppose and Responses that whichever you choose will result in West North East South l Slams and a better contract than 2♠. Bear in mind 1♠ Pass Strong Openings that you will be taking the partnership to 1NT Pass 2♦ Pass the three-level on very limited resources. ? l Support for Partner Best is to leave your partner in 2♠ – he l Pre-empting should have a decent six-card suit for his 3♦. Finally, some good news, this time l Overcalls bid – and he bid it, so you can blame him your partner rebids in one of your long £66 anyway. suits. How excited should you be? l No-trump You have a good fit, but you are short Openings on high-card points and your void is in and Responses your partner’s suit. What this will often l Opener’s and 5. Dealer East. Love All. mean is that although you want to add Responder’s Rebids ♠ Void ♠ A J 8 6 4 four or five points on for your void, you ♥ J 6 5 4 3 N ♥ A 2 will also be swallowing some of partner’s l Minors and Misfits ♦ Q 9 7 3 2 W E ♦ 10 4 high cards at the same time. S l Doubles ♣ A 6 5 ♣ K Q 7 3 To make a game in a minor you need l Competitive Auctions about 28 total points – that is a lot to hope for, but it is possible. Make a simple raise West North East South to 3♦ and leave it up to your partner. 1♠ Pass Your raise says you have very good Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, 1NT Pass 2♣ Pass support for diamonds and potential Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH ? for higher contracts (remember that ( 01483 489961 you could have passed 2♦). Here your www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop Pass. Not much better than the previous partner will settle for 3♦. ■

BRIDGE July 2017 Page 43 BERNARD The Diaries of Wendy Wensum MAGEE’S INTERACTIVE Episode 63: TUTORIAL CD A Comedy of Errors DECLARER PLAY was already at the River- Tim in the North seat potential heart ruff. side when the news came opened one no-trump. As through. Local radio an- East, Millie bid two clubs West North East South Inounced that sheep had es- showing at least five-four Jacquie Spouse caped from a broken-down in the majors. South, after 1NT 2♦1 Dbl MAC or lorry and were blocking the much thought, found two 3♠ All Pass Windows Norwich bypass. Diversions spades, which was passed 1 Spades and another suit were in place and as a result out. there was traffic mayhem in Can we at least find a mak- the city. Mobiles were beep- West North East South ing contract from the regu- ing in the bar and playing Wendy Tim Millie Janet lar partnership of Jo and area as members kept part- 1NT 2♣1 2♠2 Kate? ners informed about cancel- All Pass With no opposition bid- lations and late arrivals. The 1 Major two-suiter ding, Jo (North) opened a TD delayed the start of the 2Not alerted weak no-trump to which Bernard develops session as players arranged Kate responded with a forc- your declarer play temporary partnerships. He With five trumps in my ing three diamonds. First technique in the also changed the movement hand, I was surprised by round controls in clubs and course of ten and organised a simple the abrupt end to the auc- hearts were shown next and introductory Mitchell so that latecomers tion, but as I placed my Jo bid the minor suit game. exercises and 120 could be accommodated as lead of the four of hearts complete deals. necessary during the first face down on the table, Ja- West North East South l Suit Establishment round. As Millie and I sat net announced that her bid Jo Kate in No-trumps at their table, Tim and Janet was artificial and intended 1NT Pass 3♦ were completing an emer- as forcing. I considered Pass 4♣1 Pass 4♥1 l Suit Establishment gency system card as they changing my lead but in the Pass 5♦ All Pass in Suits had never played together end stayed with my initial 1Cue bid l Hold-ups £76 before. ‘Don’t forget,’ Tim choice. In spite of Millie’s l Ruffing for was saying, ‘after a one no- intervention, Tim believed West led the six of spades Extra Tricks trump opener, two spades the two-spade bid was natu- and Kate lost a club, a heart shows eleven to twelve high ral and non-forcing. Need- and the queen of trumps l Entries in card points.’ This board less to say, the contract was for one off. ‘Bah, humbug,’ No-trumps halted further discussion as unsuccessful and failed by was her comment later in l Delaying play commenced. two tricks. Doubling was the pub when she realised Drawing Trumps not an option as North- that five clubs on the same l Using the Lead South could then escape to lead was a possible make, as Dealer North. N/S Vul. a club or diamond contract. the losing heart in dummy l Trump Control ♠ A 3 2 In a hastily arranged part- could be thrown on the long l Endplays & ♥ 8 6 nership, Spouse and Jacquie diamond. Avoidance ♦ J 9 5 4 also found the going tough I could already picture ♣ A K J 5 l Using the Bidding on the same hand. After the headlines in the local ♠ Q 10 7 6 4 ♠ K J 9 8 5 the one no-trump opener paper the next morning: ♥ Q 9 4 N ♥ K 10 7 5 by North, Spouse used two ‘Stray Sheep close Norwich W E Mr Bridge, Ryden ♦ Q 8 2 S ♦ 7 diamonds to show spades Bypass. Traffic Chaos.’ Even Grange, Knaphill, ♣ 10 9 ♣ Q 6 2 and a lower suit. South dou- so, I knew there would be Surrey GU21 2TH ♠ Void bled and Jacquie, with five no mention of how the ( 01483 489961 ♥ A J 3 2 spades in support, gallantly chaos caused by our woolly www.mrbridge.co.uk/ ♦ A K 10 6 3 jumped to three spades, an- friends had affected results mrbridge-shop ♣ 8 7 4 3 other failing contract with in a local bridge club. Baa, five tricks off the top, plus a humbug. ■

Page 44 BRIDGE July 2017 Answers to Bernard Magee’s BERNARD MAGEE’S Bidding Quizzes 7-9 INTERACTIVE TUTORIAL CD on the Cover and page 7 DEFENCE

the diamonds break 5-3, so 7. Dealer East. Love All. 8. Dealer East. Love All. playing in clubs is certainly ♠ K Q 8 7 6 ♠ 4 2 ♠ K Q 8 7 6 ♠ 4 2 best. Note, that if East had N N ♥ Void W E ♥ A J 6 4 3 ♥ Void ♥ A K 6 4 3 held something like A-Q-J in W E S ♦ K Q 4 3 2 ♦ J 8 ♦ 7 6 5 S ♦ A 8 diamonds, then no-trumps ♣ 7 6 5 ♣ A K 8 4 ♣ K Q 4 3 2 ♣ A J 8 7 would probably be best. MAC or Windows

West North East South West North East South 1♥ Pass 1♥ Pass 9. Dealer East. Love All. 1♠ Pass 2♣ Pass 1♠ Pass 2♣ Pass ♠ K Q 8 7 6 ♠ 4 ? ? ♥ Void N ♥ A K 8 7 4 3 W E ♦ Q 6 5 S ♦ 9 8 2 Pass. Hands with voids can 2♦. A very similar hand to ♣ K Q 4 3 2 ♣ A J 8 Bernard develops be very exciting, but when the last, but a very different your defence in the your hand misfits with your fit. With a big club fit, you can course of ten partner’s, they can be awk- feel a little more excited about West North East South introductory ward to bid and to play. You your hand. However, it is still 1♥ Pass exercises and 120 have 10 HCP and lovely dis- difficult to know what the final 1♠ Pass 2♥ Pass complete deals. tribution, but your partner’s contract might be. You would ? l Lead vs bidding points to a misfit. Fur- like to show a hand with No-trump thermore, you cannot bid your strong club support, but at the 2NT. You are a little bit Contracts second suit naturally. same time keep the partner- stronger this time: 12 HCP, Some of you might play ship’s options open. After all, but now you have a real mis- l Lead vs 2♦ as a natural bid, but it is your partner has five hearts, fit, with your partner rebid- Suit Contracts more usefully employed as a so if he has a strong diamond ding his hearts. Passing is an l Partner of Leader forcing bid: fourth suit forc- holding, 3NT is still in the option, but with 12 points, that vs No-trump ing. This convention has a frame. Use your forcing bid: would be very meek, it is sure- Contracts lot of advantages, but it does the , to keep ly worth making one more bid l Partner of Leader have one disadvantage. That, the auction open and find out with your hand. However, you vs Suit Contracts of course, has appeared on more from your partner. You should have the brakes on – this hand – you cannot bid 2♦ are planning to rebid in clubs do not be jumping to game l Count naturally. over his possible no-trump re- with your 12 points and two Signals Bearing in mind that you sponse. This shows him that five-card suits – on misfits you l Attitude £76 can’t bid diamonds, your best you are strong and serious need to be careful. Signals bet is to settle for clubs and about clubs. A rebid in a new suit at the l Discarding with the message of ‘stay low Here, your partner would three-level is game-forcing on a misfit’ ringing in your jump to 3NT – strong and and might well push the part- l Defensive Plan ears, you should choose to having a diamond stop. Now nership too high if your part- l Stopping Declarer pass. 5♣ is a long way away you bid your clubs as planned: ner is minimum. l Counting and would need something 4♣. If East had a double dia- The most practical bid is the Hand very spectacular in your part- mond stop he could follow 2NT: slowing things down, ner’s hand. with a natural 4NT. Howev- suggesting about 11 points Passing 2♣ is the best way er, here, he would bid 4♦ as and denying any kind of heart Mr Bridge, Ryden to get a plus score on this a cue bid. At this point, the support. Grange, Knaphill, misfitting hand. When you partnership would decide be- East will probably pass this Surrey GU21 2TH change the suit at the one- tween 5♣ and 6♣, which will and you might scrape home ( 01483 489961 level, your partner’s change depend on how bold they are in the contract. Any higher www.mrbridge.co.uk/ of suit (below his first suit) is feeling. contracts look likely to go mrbridge-shop non-forcing. 3NT is likely to go down if down. ■

BRIDGE July 2017 Page 45 Bridge With Angela BERNARD MAGEE at Denham Grove by Angela Tompson Reviewed by David Huggett near Uxbridge, Bucks UB9 5DG.

Published by A.L.Fleming. ISBN 0 9518970 3 9. UK £7.95 12-15 January 2018 must confess to never situation. Again the notion £399pp Friday – Monday having heard of either of a reverse bid is almost Ithe author or this book impossible to teach as any Full Board – No Single Supplement1 previously, but it is now in bridge teacher will tell you, its fifth publication and it but here it is explained well. Limited places for Thursday night available. is not hard to see why. I Everything you would want £67pp single, £45pp double/twin. taught for many years at to know is contained in this Adult Education classes 84-page volume. Opening and although I was very bids, responses and overcalls Topics much against the use of are all dealt with, together bridge flippers at the table with some more sophisticated TEAMS OF FOUR – because they became a ideas like cue bids and This form of the game is the most common at international level substitute for thinking – I was splinter bids that have and is great fun to play at club level and even in the home. I will always aware of how useful become voguish as the game discuss the basic format and then look at the tactics you might use in the bidding and play. a concise, well-documented has developed. Elementary treatise would be for the declarer plays are made GAME TRIES student to read after the to look – well – elementary When your partner raises your suit to the two-level, you have a lesson, for reinforcement of and there are some useful variety of options available to you, in order to find out whether game is a sensible option. I will talk about major suit game what had been taught. To guidelines on defensive tries to find better games and minor suit game tries, when you my mind this is just such a techniques that should consider the option of a no-trump contract. publication. In short, this is be a part of everyone’s DISRUPTING DECLARER a complete guide to Acol arsenal. Most of the popular A defender needs to try and predict what declarer might want to as it was originally devised, conventions are dealt with, do. Your job is then to disrupt declarer’s plan. Stop him ruffing, with four-card majors and but I was amazed to come stop him establishing suits and generally try to put him off, by a weak no-trump and, across one I had never heard using only your cards, of course. as a nod to modernity, of, called McKendrick. (I won’t DEFENDING SLAMS includes some currently tell you what it is and, to be Making the right plays against slams can make a huge difference. popular conventions. honest, you won’t really need Knowing when to attack and when to lie low: should you lead Although a lot of the to know. Apart from this, an ace or not? We will not just consider slam contracts, but also content demands little more the conventions discussed other high level contracts in competitive auctions. than a good memory from are pretty sensible ones.) OVERCALLING the reader, I was particularly I really did like this book, Duplicate bridge is so much more competitive now and it impressed by the way some but it has to be stressed that is important you are part of this. Knowing the reasons for difficult topics were sensibly if you are learning the game overcalling and understanding them will allow you to compete more and at the right time. dealt with. For example, the with a view to becoming a responsibilities of the partner world champion or even a PRESSING THE DEFENCE of a take-out doubler are top tournament player, then As declarer there are ways you can make life more awkward for two-fold; they must not only the discussed the defenders, particular by disguising holdings in your hand for a little longer. I will be exploring a number of tactics that will indicate which suit they want is a bit of a dinosaur and help you to exploit the defenders, including the dreaded squeeze. to play in but they must also you may find it hard to get a indicate the strength of their like-minded partner. These hand if they have been forced days it’s all two-over-one 6 seminar sessions with Bernard2 to bid and this is something and transfer responses to 3 that is so hard to teach. The a club. Finally, I really liked 6 sessions of supervised play responder underbids and the the entreaty near the end of Contact Mr Bridge to book your place doubler overbids in general, the book where it implored or for further details ( 01483 489961 and things fall into place you to ‘always have your bid’ and that is so infuriating. and to ‘never open light’. Try 1Subject to availability 2Filmed 3Not with Bernard Magee Here the author explains how telling that to some of our top things should work in this players. ■

Page 46 BRIDGE July 2017 Seven Days by Sally Brock

Tuesday place, which is in Holland Park, much Friday more than the mansion block, but it is I’ve resolved to have a session on my much more expensive. Is it worth it? In More bits and pieces of work, and then exercise bike every morning I’m at the evening, Briony comes round and I pick up Barry from Hemel station home, when I’m not off somewhere we look carefully at both, listing the and we drive to Stratford-on-Avon for in a rush. So this is the second pros and cons. In the end we decide to the Spring Fours. day running. I spend the rest of go for the more expensive. After all, I The journey is a bit of a nightmare the morning communicating with can’t take my money with me, and if and it is good we allowed plenty of estate agents, trying to fix up a list of I find that I can’t really afford it I can time. We meet up with the rest of our properties to view this afternoon. The always move again. team at Carluccio’s for supper before plan is for Briony to pick me up and the event. This evening and the first for us to drive to London; however, at half of tomorrow, we are playing a the last minute she is overrunning in a threesome against Plackett (a Welsh/ meeting and can’t get to me in time, so Thursday Irish combo) and Gipson (a pretty I drive in on my own and see them with First thing, I email the agent and we decent team we seem to play – and Barry instead. Today most of them agree a final price (a truly hideous generally beat – every year). are really nice – we see two houses amount) and the morning is spent This is the most exciting deal: and two mansion block apartments sorting that out, telling other agents to I like. We manage to settle on which take me off their lists, speaking to my house and which mansion block we present agents about moving out, etc. Dealer North. East-West Game. prefer, but which way to go? There In the afternoon, I have an online ♠ K 8 seem to be advantages either way, but session with Debbie, practising for ♥ A J 10 9 7 6 4 3 2 eventually I am persuaded that houses the European Open Championships ♦ 6 are great when you have children but in Montecatini in June. We start by ♣ 9 everything on the same level is better going through our system and then ♠ A Q J 10 6 3 2 ♠ 9 7 5 4 when you get older. I have just about play for an hour. I am still in pyjamas ♥ Void N ♥ Q 5 W E ♦ ♦ decided when I get an email from the and stay that way all day. Then there A J 8 S 10 9 7 5 agent for the last place I made an offer is a bit of a crisis – it is the Spring ♣ 8 7 6 ♣ A K J on, suggesting the landlord will come Foursomes this weekend and each of ♠ Void down. Will I meet them in the middle? the junior squads is fielding a team ♥ K 8 So now that is another possibility … (an anonymous benefactor pays for ♦ K Q 4 3 2 In the end Barry cooks me dinner and the accommodation of one team from ♣ Q 10 5 4 3 2 we resolve to sleep on it. each squad). Our team was already a bit reduced, with only three members of our Euro team able to play, but then This was the bidding at our table: I get an email from Hanna saying she Wednesday has chicken pox. So, the rest of the West North East South For a change, I drive to the Acol for my afternoon is spent trying to sort out 4♥ Pass 5♦ lunchtime game with Allie. She told a substitute. In the evening I practise 5♠ 6♥ 6♠ 7♥ me where to park – just a five-minute online with my U26 girls. We play a Dbl All Pass walk away. I can’t say I’m at my best. 12-board match and then Skype to All this house stuff is a bit stressful. go through the boards – I am really South’s 5♦ bid is a curious choice, We finish and go through the hands pleased at how well Yvonne and Alex especially as in our opponents’ style and then I drive home. Throughout the play against me. I think we have a it asks for a diamond control – hence day, I am in communication with the great team and I’m very optimistic North’s 6♥. After ♦5 it all happens agent making suggestions. I like this about the European Championships. quite quickly. Since I don’t really

BRIDGE July 2017 Page 47 think I am going to make 5♠ (though West North East South it is cold), let alone 6♠, I double 7♥ to ♠ A K 6 5 4 2 1♠ Pass 1NT stop Barry bidding any more. Partner ♥ 10 6 5 2 Pass Pass Dbl Rdbl leads the ♣K and has to decide what ♦ J ? to switch to. In practice, he chooses to ♣ K 4 continue with a second top club and The double is a penalty double now declarer can easily get out for one showing spades. After a long think, I down, but actually finds a way to go At Love All, I heard (or rather ‘saw’ decide to pass and the contract makes two down. as we were using bidding boxes) my an overtrick (could have been two). So Best defence is to switch to a spade at LHO open 4♠ and my partner double. we lose 760 points. From there it goes trick two, and then West plays another No bidding problem for me. Dummy from bad to worse, and eventually we spade when in with the ♦A. That was strong with a void spade, and lose by 49 IMPs. promotes a trick for East’s ♥Q and the we eventually took 4♠ doubled four After another quick dash to the tapas contract is three down. off. I can’t ever remember having bar for an energy-reviving lunch, we In the other room, the bidding is: such a strong trump holding after an start our once-defeated match against opponent has opened at the four level. Hinden. This is quite close. We lose West North East South After a quick dash over the road 16 on the first set, but gain 8 IMPs on 4♥ Pass Pass for tapas, we start our match against each of the next two to leave us level 4♠ Dbl1 Pass 5♥ Happer. We sit out the first set and at with a set to go. It is not a swingy set All Pass the end of it we are 23 down. Happily, – just dribs and drabs – but we lose by 1Showing a desire to bid 5♥ things improve thereafter and we win 6 IMPs when the final board is by 20. counted. This style of preempting and then Out to dinner and then back to We have an excellent dinner and doubling to show a hand that wants to the hotel bar for a drink or two. make a plan for tomorrow. Martin bid on, is quite common in top-level One of the really nice things about would like to go home to spend time bridge – at least it stops the preemptor the Spring Fours is that because so with his daughter and Barry would bidding again when partner is packed many people stay in the venue hotel prefer to go home and prepare for his with defence. (not us), everyone hangs out in the trial on Tuesday. So Neil and I agree Here, East-West go quietly while bar afterwards and it’s a bit like a big to play together in the Hamilton Cup I would have thought the East hand party. Tonight there is a function on (Swiss teams) with Norman Selway surely worth 5♠ facing a vulnerable 4♠ so the bar is half full of bridge players and Kay Preddy. bid. At this table East leads a club and and half full of extremely well dressed switches to a trump. Declarer wins in people who have been to a posh dinner. hand and plays a diamond to the king and ace. West has no trump to return, Monday so declarer now has eleven tricks. 13 Barry has his eye on a particular IMPs to us. Sunday train, but unfortunately when we Generally, no-one plays particularly Our first match is against Zia (with check out of the hotel and ask them well and at the end of the day we are Dror Padon, and Giorgio to ring for a taxi, all the taxis are 20 up against Gipson and 11 down to Duboin). We sit out the first set (seem otherwise occupied. So I drive him Plackett. to be making a habit of this) and we to the station. Ordinarily, this would are nine up. Then we come in and I not be a problem but Stratford is an have a terrible set – it feels like cotton exciting place to be on Bank Holiday wool between my ears – and we lose Monday. There is a craft market and Saturday 14. I promptly bench myself and leave an exhibition of vintage cars, among Up and out to Carluccio’s for breakfast. the others to do their best (which other attractions; the place is heaving We sit out the first set and the matches seems to be a lot better than my best). and many roads are closed. Despite stay more or less the same. It looks They lose a couple of IMPs so we are this, we make it to the station in time as if we are going to beat Gipson only seven IMPs down with a set to go. and I arrive back to meet Neil with and lose to Plackett while Gipson is It does not go well. On the first board, enough time to sort out our system beating Plackett, so it will all come at unfavourable vulnerability, I hold, and get some breakfast. down to who can get the most IMPs. as West: We opt for Young Chelsea Standard It is all in the balance until the final – pretty much Standard English – extraordinary set where our side gains with a few small modifications. In my six double-figure swings, to gain 70 ♠ J 10 8 view, if you were born and raised on ♥ IMPs over eight boards. We win our K 10 8 7 5 N Acol, it is far easier to play that with a ♦ 9 2 W E group and continue undefeated. S like-minded soul than to play a two- On one of these I thought it must be ♣ 6 5 3 over-one type system. my birthday. I held: I think we do pretty well. We have

Page 48 BRIDGE July 2017 three excellent matches, one poor one and two flattish ones. Answers to Bernard Magee’s With one match to go we are more or less out of it, lying ninth, but a 20-0 win has us leaping up to second Bidding Quizzes 10-12 place. This is an exciting board from our on the Cover and page 7 first match. I’m playing North:

Dealer East. Game All. 4♣. What a difference. This time, your ♠ 10 5 10. Dealer North. Love All. partner has overcalled in the right suit ♥ 10 ♠ Q J 7 6 ♠ 9 2 and you hold a void in the opponents’ ♦ A 10 8 ♥ Void N ♥ A K J 6 3 suit. Voids are powerful holdings when ♣ A 9 8 7 6 4 2 ♦ Q J 4 3 W E ♦ A 7 5 2 they are in the ‘right’ suit. Most of the S ♠ 8 7 6 3 2 ♠ K J ♣ Q 8 7 6 5 ♣ 4 2 hands you have seen in this quiz have ♥ 6 5 3 N ♥ Q J 9 8 7 2 demonstrated misfitting hands, but W E ♦ ♦ Q 4 2 S K J 5 when the hands fit and they both have ♣ K J ♣ 10 5 West North East South good distribution, then a lot of tricks can ♠ A Q 9 4 1♦ 1♥ Pass be made. You need to get across your ♥ A K 4 ? excellent fit to your partner and, to do ♦ 9 7 6 3 this, you are going to bid the opponents’ ♣ Q 3 1NT. You pick up a lovely looking suit. However, rather than just simply hand, if a little short on high card points bidding 3♣, which would show a strong and, as usual, your partner spoils it by hand with support, you are going to be West North East South overcalling in your void suit. Overcalls more specific. A jump in the opponents’ 1♥ 1NT can be quite weak, so you certainly do suit shows a splinter type of hand: Pass 3NT Pass Pass not have lofty ambitions for the hand, but shortage in the opponents’ suit and good Dbl ? it is reasonable to hope that something is support for partner’s suit. Hopefully, the better than a heart contract. partnership will then push on to the slam. I am rather surprised by the double. Generally, you should only contemplate Should I leave it? Should I redouble? If changing the suit opposite an overcall I do redouble will partner think I want with at least a five-card difference in the him to pass or remove? Do I want him lengths you hold and, of course, a good 12. Dealer North. Love All. to pass or remove? Do I want East to suit. You do have five more clubs than ♠ Q J 7 6 ♠ 9 2 leave it or remove? hearts, but the quality of the suit is poor. ♥ Void N ♥ A K J 6 4 3 I don’t have the foggiest idea, but Your best bet is 1NT: this generally ♦ Q J 3 W E ♦ A 7 2 S I do think West’s double has to be shows 9-12 HCP and a stopper in the ♣ Q 8 7 6 5 3 ♣ 4 2 speculative as there is not room for opponents’ suit. You are not far short of him to have a solid suit to cash, so I this and at least it takes you out of hearts. just pass (slowly) and put my dummy It is a funny hand on which your side West North East South down. 3NT could have been rather have an eight-card fit in the opponents’ 1♠ 2♥ Pass tricky on a diamond lead, but West opened suit and they have an eight-card ? leads a heart which partner wins and, fit in your partner’s suit. Your partner will judging that East is more likely to have leave you in 1NT and you might muster Pass. Back to the misfitting type of hand, a singleton ♣10 or ♣J than a singleton six tricks – not perfect, but better than 1♥. but this time your partner has overcalled ♣K, leads the ♣Q. When the suit at the two-level. You have very few options breaks 2-2 there is no further problem available to you: 2NT would show quite a in making at least nine tricks, but in strong hand, certainly at least 10 HCP. A the end he makes twelve tricks for a 11. Dealer North. Love All. new suit at the three-level over a two-level score of +1350. ♠ Q J 7 6 ♠ A K 9 5 2 overcall would be constructive, suggesting I have a good drive home, stopping ♥ K Q 3 2 N ♥ A J 6 4 better things. One thing to bear in mind off at the Indian takeaway on the way. ♦ A 8 7 6 5 W E ♦ 2 about your partner’s two-level overcall is S Just time to enjoy the final episode of ♣ Void ♣ 9 8 2 that it should generally be based on a six- Line of Duty, followed by the latest card suit, so at least the 2♥ contract might Casualty. not be so forlorn. When I next write, I will be living in West North East South Passing has to be best – 2♥ might not London, something I have wanted to 1♣ 1♠ 2♣ be the best contract, but it is the best you do for 45 years. I am so excited! ■ ? can do. ■

BRIDGE July 2017 Page 49 Bernard Magee DVDs – Number Thirty-One

Counting Defence

his DVD deals with a difficult diamonds, you want to play your ace to tell you he has an even number of topic, but one that is very on the second round, if he began with cards (remember it is whether the card worthwhile trying to master three diamonds, you want to wait is high or low). There are seven cards Tbecause if you can break the back of until the third round. between you and dummy, so if East it and grasp the main concepts, your Your partner is helping you: he is has a doubleton declarer will have four defence will reach another level. giving a count signal: his ♦2 is the diamonds and he will make the suit The meat of the DVD is based on the lowest card he could have played, so he whatever you do. However, what about count signal and the idea of counting should have an odd number of cards. when East has four diamonds? a suit, so that you know when to play Three in your hand, four in dummy Now declarer will have just two your high cards and, beyond that, and three in your partner’s hand, and you should take your ace on the mapping the shapes of player’s hands. leaves three in declarer’s hand. You second round. The full layouts are The count signal makes use of the wait until the third round to take your almost identical, South’s ♦7 was given spot cards when declarer is leading a ace and declarer finishes a trick short: to East and he received the ♠4 in its suit (from his hand or dummy). Since stead. This time you cut declarer off there is no need for attitude in this from two diamond tricks and declarer situation, you can give a count signal ♠ 9 8 5 finishes with only seven tricks. Every – playing your lowest card to show ♥ 8 7 3 trick counts and making accurate an odd number of cards and playing ♦ K Q 9 5 signals allows you to make accurate a higher spot card to suggest an even ♣ 7 6 5 decisions. number of cards. ♠ J 7 6 2 ♠ Q 10 4 Mastering the count signal takes The first hand is an example of how ♥ Q 6 N ♥ J 10 9 5 time and determination, but you see ♦ A 8 6 W E ♦ 4 3 2 the signal is so important: S numerous different situations where ♣ Q J 10 9 ♣ 4 3 2 it pays dividends. At the end of the ♠ A K 3 extensive section on count, you also ♠ 9 8 5 ♥ A K 4 2 see how the experts pinpoint every ♥ 8 7 3 ♦ J 10 7 card so early on. If they listen to the ♦ K Q 9 5 ♣ A K 8 bidding and know declarer’s shape ♣ 7 6 5 in two suits and their partner gives ♠ J 7 6 2 them a count signal in another suit, ♥ Q 6 N Declarer makes six top tricks from his then they can have a complete picture ♦ A 8 6 W E S hand and just two diamonds, because of declarer’s hand. This obviously ♣ Q J 10 9 you cut him off from dummy’s last allows you to defend much more diamond. Take the trick any earlier accurately, but it can also give you a and declarer can still lead a diamond headache. After the auction 2NT-3NT, you lead to dummy. In the second part of the DVD the ♣Q. Declarer wins the ♣A and Suppose that on the very next hand we contrast the count signal with the leads the ♦J, which you duck as does you hold the same 13 cards, as does attitude signal – using exactly the dummy and your partner follows with dummy and after the same auction same cards to give different signals. the ♦2. Clearly, the idea of the deal is and the same lead, declarer once again What this means is that it is very im- that you can see that dummy has no leads the ♦J, but this time your partner portant to know which signals to give outside entry and that your aim with follows with the ♦7. when. Count is given on declarer’s your ♦A is to cut declarer off from The♦ 7 is unlikely to be your partner’s leads and attitude is given on partner’s dummy. If declarer started with two lowest card, so it means he is trying leads. ■

Page 50 BRIDGE July 2017 Swedish Waterways & Cities 25th September 2018 • 11 nights • Sails from Newcastle • Balmoral • L1831 Hosted by Bernard Magee

11 nights from only £1,399 per person

Stockholm

A perfect mix of fascinating destinations with plenty of scenic fjord and archipelago cruising – this is a fine example of what a cruise holiday is all about. Alongside calls into Sweden’s attraction-packed capital, Stockholm, and ‘second city’, Gothenburg, you’ll enjoy a slice of traditional Swedish life in Malmö; and endless island charm among the medieval, UNESCO-listed streets of Visby.

You’ll first navigate a network of Swedish Fjords, passing charming villages and rolling hills en route to the city of Malmö. Infused with a classically Swedish vibe, it’s renowned for its cultural attractions and excellent cuisine.

Continuing on, the island of Gotland awaits your discovery, where in Visby the highlight is surely the well- preserved medieval ruins and old merchants’ houses, hidden within 13th century town walls. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you wander the enchanting, UNESCO-listed streets.

Your memorable experience continues as Balmoral arrives in the vibrant capital Stockholm for an overnight stay, perfectly complemented by the scenic arrival and departure through the Stockholm Archipelago. Have your camera to hand as you pass through this unique network of nearly 30,000 islands and islets.

A relaxing day at sea follows, with space to unwind and an array of facilities to hand, before you arrive into Gothenburg. On the back of some more archipelago cruising, Sweden’s ‘second city’ offers a laid-back atmosphere and a range of attractions to round off your journey in style.

Prices per person Interior Room £1,399 Ocean View Room £1,599 Superior Ocean View Room £1,949 Superior Balcony £2,849 Suite £2,949 Single Room £1,824

Prices are correct at time of going to print, but may change at any time, call for latest prices.

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

FOC382046_Mr_Bridge_Cruise_pages_Mag_ads_W/C.22.05.17_FV.indd 5 26/05/2017 16:17 Canaries Christmas & Funchal Fireworks

21st December 2018 • 15 nights • Sails from Southampton • Balmoral • L1839

15 nights from only £1,999 per person

Funchal fireworks

Pack all your festive celebrations into one spectacular sailing on board Balmoral. The long list of highlights includes stunning beaches, attractive cities, quaint towns, pretty gardens and lush valleys. What’s more, you’ll be treated to a memorable Christmas Day on board, with Fred. Olsen taking care of everything for you, before signing off the year perfectly with Funchal’s spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display.

Enjoy two relaxing days at sea before arriving into Portugal’s vibrant capital, Lisbon, on Christmas Eve. After taking in the attractive city sights, step back on board, where Balmoral’s friendly crew will ensure you’ll have a memorable Christmas.

The town of Gran Tarajal on Fuerteventura offers an authentic taste of Canarian culture, coupled with a relaxed feel. You’ll then reach Gran Canaria where you can absorb a mix of architecture in the Vagueta district of Las Palmas, or visit picturesque Puerto de Mogán or the charming towns of Teror and Arucas.

The following day will be spent in Tenerife, the largest island in the archipelago, followed by a call into historic San Sebastian for a day of exploration.

On an extended stay in Funchal, Madeira, you can admire the stunning landscapes via the levada walking trails and explore the enchanting gardens, all before watching one of the world’s largest New Year’s fireworks displays from the decks of Balmoral.

Prices per person Interior Room £1,999 Ocean View Room £2,399 Superior Ocean View Room £2,899 Superior Balcony £4,249 Suite £4,499 Single Room £3,299

Prices are correct at time of going to print, but may change at any time, call for latest prices.

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

FOC382046_Mr_Bridge_Cruise_pages_Mag_ads_W/C.22.05.17_FV.indd 6 26/05/2017 16:17