Sally Brock Looks at Your Slam Bidding Sally’S Slam Clinic

Home , Auction bridge, Backwash squeeze, Blue Club, Bridge Magazine, Contract bridge, Cue bid

Number: 216 December 2020 BRIDGEJulian Pottage’s Double Dummy Problem

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

Contract 3♠ by South Lead: ♦10

This Double Dummy problem can be found on page 5 of this issue, along with the solution, but do have a go yourself first. A Sally Brock Looks At Your Slam Bidding Sally’s Slam Clinic

Where did we go wrong? first. Then the raise of 3♠ to 4♠ shows I am averse to the idea of standard a minimum. Three cue-bids follow but game tries after 1M – 2M. I do not like Chris Pickup of Bolton Bridge Club North has said it all – however, South giving information about the closed sent in this slam deal from a team-of- was never going to give up on the hand hand when I am about to bid a thin eight match: and presses on to slam. game. Chris asked if the odds favoured Instead, I play that the next step (2♠ bidding the grand slam. The odds after ♥1 – 2♥, and 2NT after ♠1 – 2♠) ♠ 6 5 2 of bringing in the spade suit are not is a game try. If responder can’t decide ♥ 8 3 sufficient for a grand slam. That said, on whether or not he wants to play in ♦ A K Q J 5 4 a heart lead, the small and grand slam game, then he can show his values. ♣ J 4 are more or less the same odds, making A new suit directly after the raise is a bidding the grand more attractive slam try. N (if there is a trump loser then the So, this is how we bid: W E S small slam will fail most of the time). West North East South ♠ A K J 8 7 3 Slam of the month 1♥ ♥ A 7 2 Pass 2♥ Pass 3♦ ♦ 8 2 There has suddenly been a drought Pass 4♥ Pass 4♠ ♣ A K when it comes to slam hands sent in by Pass 5♦ Pass 6♥ readers. Even for the ‘Where did we go All Pass wrong?’ hand below I had to go back to He says that three of the four pairs find something in my store cupboard! So, 3♦ was a natural slam try. North’s languished in game. His sequence So, for the second month running 4♥ showed a minimum load of started: 1♦ – 2♠ (strong) and wondered I will present you with a slam bid by rubbish, but promised a third-round how it should have gone from there. Barry and me online: diamond control (either a doubleton How about this? or the queen). That was enough for South to make another try, this time West North East South ♠ Q 3 4♠ (again, for us, always length rather 1♦ Pass 2♠ ♥ J 7 2 than shortness). North’s hand was Pass 3♦ Pass 3♠ ♦ Q 5 excellent now: not only did he have Pass 4♠ Pass 5♣ ♣ J 9 8 5 4 3 Q-x in spades, but he also had both Pass 5♦ Pass 5♥ the ♦Q and a doubleton. He bid an Pass 5♠ Pass 6♠ N encouraging 5♦ and South was happy W E All Pass S now to bid the slam. A pleasing sequence – getting to the Generally, it is a good idea to support ♠ A K 10 right place for the right reasons! n partner’s strong suit immediately, but ♥ A 10 9 8 6 5 here North has such a good source ♦ A K 10 4 of tricks available in diamonds that ♣ Void I would advocate rebidding that suit

Page 2 BRIDGE December 2020 Features this month include: ADVERTISERS’ BRIDGE 1 December Double Dummy Bridge Problem INDEX TheMr Bridge Monthly Magazine by Julian Pottage 3 Clive Goff’s Stamps 2 Sally's Slam Clinic Ryden Grange, Knaphill, 6 Duplicate Bridge Rules Simplified Surrey GU21 2TH 4 November Double Dummy Bridge Problem Answer by Julian Pottage 6 Acol Bidding with ( 01483 489961 Bernard Magee 4 Mr Bridge 14 Torch Pens [email protected] 5 December Double Dummy Bridge Problem Answer 15 Fred. Olsen Bridge by Julian Pottage Booking Reasurance www.mrbridge.co.uk Guarentee shop: mrbridge.co.uk/shop 6 Catching Up with Sally Brock 17 2021 Luxury Diaries 7 Bidding Quiz by Bernard Magee Publisher/Managing Editor 24 Mr Bridge Playing Cards Mr Bridge 8 Gisborne's Last Chance by David Bird 29 Little Voice 10 Common Mistakes By Club Players. Part 2 36 Q Plus 15 by Andrew Kambites 36 Christmas Mugs Associate Editor 11 Defence Quiz by Julian Pottage 50 Declarer Play with Julian Pottage 11 Declarer Play Quiz by David Huggett Bernard Magee 54 SR Designs [email protected] 16 Simple Doubles. Part 6 by Sally Brock 64 Bernard Magee Bridge 17 Simple Doubles. Part 6 Quiz by Sally Brock Accounts 18 Readers' Letters Joanne Jackson 20 Julian Pottage Answers Your Bridge Questions [email protected] 21 Simple Doubles. Part 6 Quiz Answers REDUCE THE by Sally Brock COST OF YOUR Cartoons & Illustrations 24 David Stevenson Answers Your Bridge Questions POSTAGE Marguerite Lihou 25 Bridge Glossary – S continued by Julian Pottage www.margueritelihou.co.uk 26 Bridge Glossary – T by Julian Pottage 32 Bridge Glossary – U by Julian Pottage Technical Consultant 33 Bridge Glossary – V by Julian Pottage Tony Gordon 34 Bridge Glossary – W by Julian Pottage 36 Bridge Glossary – X, Y and Z by Julian Pottage 37 Biographies of BRIDGE Writers by Ian Dalziel Typesetting Jessica Galt 38 John Barr 44 David Bird [email protected] 39 Bernard Magee 45 Nigel Block British postage stamps 40 Sally Brock 46 Ned Paul for sale at 90% of face- Proof Reading Team 41 David Huggett 48 Julian Pottage value, all mint and with Julian Pottage 42 Andrew Kambities 49 David Stevenson full gum. Mark Rixon 43 Marguerite Lihou Quotations for Mike Orriel commercial quantities Richard Wheen 51 Seven Days by Sally Brock are available on 53 Declarer Play Quiz Answers by David Huggett request. 55 Defence Quiz Answers by Julian Pottage Values supplied in Office 56 The Diaries Of Wendy Wensum 100s, higher values ( 01483 489961 57 Bidding Quiz Answers (1-3) by Bernard Magee available, as well as 1st Jessica Galt and 2nd class. [email protected] 58 Dealing With Hesitations by David Stevenson 59 Bidding Quiz Answers (4-6) by Bernard Magee ( 020 8422 4906 Printed in the UK by 60 The Black King by John Barr or 07719753767 The Magazine 61 Bidding Quiz Answers (7-9) by Bernard Magee 8 clive.goff@london Printing Company 62 How Do I Improve? by Julian Pottage www.magprint.co.uk rugby.com 63 Bidding Quiz Answers (10-12) by Bernard Magee

BRIDGE December 2020 Page 3 THANK YOU USED STAMPS If you or your friends have saved them, send them to Malcolm Finebaum: INTERTAIN 8 Mountford House HE ER 8 Crescent Road T Enfield ♠ 5 4 3 2 EN2 7BL ♥ A 6 ♦ J 5 3 2 He intends to continue his ♣ Q 9 2 support for Little Voice for ♠ Q J 10 9 8 ♠ 7 6 the forseeable future, which N ♥ K J 9 7 W E ♥ Q 10 8 I am so pleased about. S ♦ K 10 ♦ Q 8 7 Making the decision to ♣ J 6 ♣ K 10 7 5 4 close BRIDGE has not been SUPPORT ♠ A K an easy one, and over the ♥ 5 4 3 2 last few months I have been In recent months a large ♦ A 9 6 4 overwhelmed by your love number of you have ♣ A 8 3 and support. In some ways purchased software. Do not that makes it all the harder. worry, you will not be left Contract 2NT by South However, although it is in the lurch regarding hard now, I know that in technical support. West leads the ♠Q years to come I will be able Bernard Magee Bridge is to look back with fond taking this on. memories. I have already ( 01344 205120. said all my thank yous and space does not allow for me BACK ISSUES to do it again. Believe me, I am very grateful to all of I have been asked what will THE INTERTAINER you who have been with me happen to the back issues of on all or any part of my BRIDGE and whether they The Solution to November’s journey as Mr Bridge. will still be accessible. For now I plan to keep my Double Dummy Bridge Problem TIDYING UP website up and running, with the library still I am again overwhelmed by available for all to use. your generosity. Together, 1. Having won the spade perforce, lead the ♦6. you have raised a AT A DISCOUNT tremendous amount for 2. West does best to go up with the ♦K, in which case both charities. Thank you. you play low from dummy. £14,258.69 3. Assuming West knocks out your second spade This sum has been sent to stopper, lead the ♣3 next, inserting dummy’s ♣9 for an Cancer Research UK. intra-finesse (hence the choice of the title Intertainer). £9,270.44 4. Win East’s heart switch with the ♥A and lead the ♦J. This sum has been sent to The Little Voice Foundation. A great big thank you to 5. Assuming East covers, win with the ♦A, cash the Clive Goff for his ♦9 and cross to dummy by playing the ♦4 to the ♦5. We have thank you letters advertising support for from both charities. more than 26 years (see his 6. Finally lead the ♣Q off dummy to ensure two club advert on page 3). tricks. CLEARANCE SALE I still have 1st class stamps See the carrier sheet sent for sale at £67 per 100 If the defenders knock out the ♥A rather than continuing with this magazine. Also single 1st class stamps. spades, you lead the ♦J off dummy at that point and lead see my online shop: A real bargain. the ♣3 to the ♣9 while dummy still has the ♦5 entry. n www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop

Page 4 BRIDGE December 2020 CLUB INSURANCE created a bridge booking reassurance guarantee Club Committee members which means if bridge is are reminded their club not able to be played, you insurance policies are due can transfer your booking for renewal around now. to a future cruise. I have E CON TROLLE There are good reasons for managed to fit the bridge TH R prompt renewal even with booking reasurance ♠ A 2 no F2F bridge being played. guarantee on page 15, but ♥ J 7 4 3 Action this day. you will need to see my ♦ 4 3 2 website for the itinerary. ♣ A Q J 2 ( Fidentia 020 3150 0080 ♠ 7 6 ♠ K 5 4 3

♥ ♥ SADLY MISSED K 10 6 N Q 8 5 Every bridge club should be ♦ W E ♦ 10 9 8 7 5 S A K Q 6 covered, therby ensuring ♣ K 10 9 ♣ 8 7 that each and every ♠ Q J 10 9 8 committee member is ♥ A 9 2 covered. My inclusive ♦ J package is designed to suit ♣ 6 5 4 3 clubs of up to 300 members for less than £75 per year. Contract 3♠ by South With bridge clubs not Lead: ♦10 meeting due to the current Since Elena Jeronimidis pandemic, it is still passed away, I have been important that bridge clubs trying to put together consider key risk exposures suitable words that when purchasing or summarise the enormous renewing insurance. contribution that Elena made to British bridge. Property damage. Instead, I encourage you to THE CONTROLER The policy provides cover read Julian Pottage's words for bridge clubs' unspecified for The Daily Telegraph. The Solution to December's regalia and club property for damage and theft, even On a personal level, I feel Double Dummy Bridge Problem when it is stored in honoured to have worked members’ homes. so closely with Elena. My thoughts are with her family. Reputational risks. 1. Assuming the defenders play a second and then a Libel and slander as well as CHRISTMAS CARDS third round of diamonds, discard two low hearts. PR Crisis Communication. 2. East does best to switch to a heart at trick four, which you win perforce. Trustees’ liability. 3. You take a club finesse, cash the♠ A and lead another Trustees’ liability trump. (operational risks of 4. If East ducks the second spade, play a third round to running/managing a club). knock out the ♠K, discarding a heart from dummy. 5. You ruff the return, again playing a heart from dummy. Money. 6. Finishing drawing trumps, still keeping all the clubs Bridge club cash. you can in dummy. 7. You then repeat the club finesse, cash the ♣A and REASSURANCE make the last trick with a low club.

I have tried to squeeze as If East switches to heart at trick two or trick three, you much into this issue as must win with the ♥A at once and take the club finesse; possible but not everything All that remains for me to again you must cash the ♠A, knock out the ♠K, draw can fit. The Fred.Olsen May do now is send you my... trumps and repeat the club finesse. 2021 Baltic cruise hosted by If East plays another diamond at trick four, easiest is Bernard Magee is a prime Love, Peace and Blessings to ruff with dummy’s ♠A; ruffing in hand and taking a example. Fred.Olsen have Mr Bridge club finesse also works. n

BRIDGE December 2020 Page 5 BERNARD MAGEE’S Catching Up INTERACTIVE TUTORIAL CD with Sally Brock ACOL BIDDING

he big news in this period was Unfortunately, because of Covid our holiday in Italy. We went to this was cancelled, but we discovered Stresa on Lake Maggiore and it that you could book each element Twas bliss. As luck (and Briony’s skill in separately, which we did. I texted MAC helping me find it) would have it, our Briony to tell her of our plans and or Windows air bnb was fabulous – spacious, and she pointed out that Switzerland had right in the thick of things – we had been taken off the quarantine-exempt a sunny balcony and a shady balcony list a week or so previously and if we and were just a two-minute walk went into Switzerland we would have from the ferry terminal and masses to quarantine when we got back to of shops and restaurants. There were England (though in this part of the plenty of fairly relaxed things to do. world plenty of people live in Italy and The Borromean Islands are in the lake work in Switzerland or vice versa). just offshore, so one trip was getting So we scrapped that idea and instead a hop-on/hop-off ferry ticket to see just went on the railway as far as we Throughout 200 deals split those (three of them); on another could without leaving Italy. The whole into ten chapters, Bernard day we went up in the cable car – the week was really lovely with excellent evaluates your bids, praising first two segments are normal cable weather, and our return was as easy as the correct ones and car, but for the third you can choose could be hoped for even in non-Covid discussing the wrong ones. between a chair lift (that was for us) days. or a roller coaster type affair, which Other than that there has been l Opening Bids £66 engendered as much screaming and little change. I still have plenty of and Responses shrieking from participants as you online clients and we continue to play l Slams and would expect from a fairground socially with a number of friends. We Strong Openings £33 ride. The only disappointment was have been out to dinner in a group a l Support for Partner that on the final day we had planned few times, both in restaurants and in l Pre-empting a major excursion. Usually there is people’s homes. My new arty-crafty something called the Lake Maggiore hobby is rag-rugging – making a rug l Overcalls Express whereby you take a long ferry (and hopefully more to come) from l No-trump Openings to Locarno in Switzerland, followed old clothes and scraps of fabric. Briony and Responses by the Centovalli Railway back to is still away, but we talk a lot and l Opener’s and Domodossola in Italy, and then a communicate via WhatsApp. She had Responder’s Rebids regular railway back to Stresa (with her twenty-fifth birthday a few days l Minors and Misfits lots of potential hopping on and off ago – one of her best ever, she says, as along the way, plus an optional second she went on safari and managed to see l Doubles day going somewhere else). all number of wonderful things. n l Competitive Auctions DUPLICATE BRIDGE RULES SIMPLIFIED by David Stevenson Operating system requirements: Windows or Mac OS 10.08 - 11 (otherwise known as the Yellow Book) only FULLY REVISED IN 2017 £295 Mr Bridge Limited £595 ( 01483 489961 Available from Mr Bridge www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop ( 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk

Page 6 BRIDGE December 2020 Bernard Magee’s Acol Bidding Quiz

For the last quiz we are looking at doubling – for penalties or for take-out? You are West in the auctions below, playing ‘Standard Acol’ with a weak no-trump (12-14 points) and four-card majors. It is your turn to call.

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South 2♠* 1♠ 1NT Dbl Pass 1♠ 2♣ 2♠ Dbl 3♠ Dbl Pass ? Dbl 1NT Dbl Pass Pass Pass Dbl Pass ? ? ? * weak two

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South 1NT 3♥ 3♠ Dbl Pass 1♥ Pass 1♠ 1NT Pass 2♦ Dbl 2♠ Dbl Pass ? Pass 2♥ Dbl Pass Pass 2♥ Dbl Pass ? ? ?

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South 4♠ Dbl Pass 2♥ 2♠ Dbl 3♣ 1♠ 2NT* 2♦* ? ? Dbl 3♣ Dbl Pass Pass 2♥** Pass 2♠ ? Pass Pass Dbl Pass * Unusual 2NT: at least 5-5 in ? the minors * Multi 2♦ – usually weak with a six-card major ** Pass with hearts or correct to 2♠

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

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

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

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

Answers on page 57 Answers on page 59 Answers on page 61 Answers on page 63

BRIDGE December 2020 Page 7 Robin Hood's Bridge Adventures by David Bird Gisborne’s Last Chance

ou sent for me, my Lord?’ looking woman, looking rather the ace and paused for thought. said Gisborne, entering the similar to Wise Wynfryth, a highly She had six top tricks outside the Sheriff’s day-time chamber. regarded purveyor of evil spells. The diamond suit and therefore needed 'Y‘Your deadline for capturing Robin players had just drawn their cards for only three diamond tricks for the Hood expires tomorrow,’ replied the the first board: contract. Sheriff. Muttering something inaudible to ‘But, my Lord, I...’ herself, Wynfryth played the ♦A. Ah, ‘Be silent!’ commanded the Sheriff. Dealer South. Game All. the ♦9 came from Shayla. What next? ‘Some information has come my way, ♠ K Q 6 If she crossed to dummy with a spade extracted by Master Theodore from ♥ 9 5 4 2 and finessed the ♦J, the contract would some hapless villager. Robin Hood ♦ 7 6 5 go down if this lost to a doubleton ♦Q9 will be playing bridge this evening in ♣ K 8 2 and the clubs were cleared. the Drunken Goat alehouse, some ten ♠ 10 8 5 2 ♠ J 9 3 Her mind made up, Wynfryth leagues from here.’ ♥ K 7 N ♥ Q J 10 8 slapped the ♦K on the table. The queen ‘You can rely on me, my Lord,’ ♦ Q 9 W E ♦ 10 8 3 2 fell from West and the contract was S declared Gisborne. ‘I will take five of ♣ Q J 10 9 7 ♣ 6 4 made. my best men and...’ ♠ A 7 4 ‘Hold your cards up, my dear,’ ‘Hood will be partnering a fat ♥ A 6 3 exclaimed Hamryk Gould. He priest, Friar Tuck,’ continued the ♦ A K J 4 wouldn’t dare accuse the Wise woman Sheriff. ‘Hood is a master of disguise, ♣ A 5 3 of peeking, but it was obvious what remember. Don’t be put off if the had happened. Why else would priest’s partner doesn’t look like anyone play for the drop with six cards Hood. Clap him in irons and secure West North East South missing? him in the least pleasant dungeon we Shayla Friar Hamryk Wise ‘I was holding ’em up,’ his wife have. I look forward to visiting him Gould Tuck Gould Wynfryth retorted. ‘Didn’t making no difference. later tonight,’ 2NT Wynfryth’s got magic powers.’ Play started on time at the Drunken Pass 3NT All Pass Wise Wynfryth had no intention Goat’s weekly duplicate session. Friar of disillusioning her opponent, Tuck was partnered by a strange- Wise Wynfryth won the ♣Q lead with particularly as Shayla Gould was an occasional customer of hers. Playing the ♦K had been a simple safety play. If the ♦Q didn’t drop, she would return to dummy and lead towards her ♦J4. A few rounds later, Wise Wynfryth and Tuck faced Jacob Pryce, a local undertaker. ‘I’m always on the lookout for extra business,’ Pryce informed Wynfryth. ‘Have you sold any death spells recently?’ ‘Just one for some butcher who strayed from his wife once too often,’ Wynfryth replied. ‘You’ve missed him. I gave the business to Sam Parkes in Paddle Street. Worth a gold sovereign it was. You never give me that much.’ Wynfryth sorted through her hand, scarcely believing the array of honour cards before her:

Page 8 BRIDGE December 2020 At the Landlord’s insistence, there with the ace, she finessed the ♣Q Dealer East. Love All. was always a mid-session break at the successfully. A club ruff was followed ♠ 9 4 2 Drunken Goat. It allowed him to sell by a trump to the ace and a second club ♥ J 8 5 2 more ale and the last of the evening’s ruff. The♣ A8 were now established ♦ 7 2 pies. Friar Tuck soon returned with a but they could not be played until ♣ 9 6 4 3 pig’s-liver pie in his hand. some more trumps had been removed. ♠ 8 7 3 ♠ 5 ‘Always good to play with you,’ Liz Bigge won the second round ♥ A K Q 6 N ♥ 10 9 7 4 3 observed Wise Wynfryth, ‘but I of trumps and switched to a heart, ♦ J 9 8 5 4 W E ♦ 10 6 3 thought you was booked in to play drawing the queen and ace. S ♣ J ♣ Q 10 7 2 with Robin tonight.’ Wynfryth tried her luck with the ace ♠ A K Q J 10 6 Tuck swallowed a mouthful of pie of clubs, pleased with her luck when ♥ Void and leaned forward. ‘Word is there West showed out but did not hold ♦ A K Q could be a raid here tonight,’ he the last trump. She discarded one of ♣ A K 8 5 replied. ‘Some villager with a loose dummy’s hearts and continued with tongue was hauled off to the Castle the ♣8, throwing the last heart. East yesterday. Robin couldn’t risk it.’ could take her trump queen when she West North East South Play restarted and Wise Wynfryth wished, but the game was made. Wilf Friar Jacob Wise faced two elderly women on this deal: Suddenly, half a dozen heavily Gomez Tuck Pryce Wynfryth armed soldiers forced their way into Pass 2♣ the alehouse. Pass 2♦ Pass 6♠ Dealer South. E/W Game. ‘Anyone who moves will feel the All Pass ♠ 10 9 8 7 4 3 edge of my sword!’ cried Sir Guy of ♥ J 9 4 Gisborne. Spotting Friar Tuck, he Rating the odds of finding Friar ♦ A 10 5 strode aggressively across the room. Tuck with the ♣Q as 2-to-1 against, ♣ 6 ‘You can’t touch a man of God,’ Tuck Wynfryth declined to bid a grand ♠ K 5 ♠ Q J 2 protested. slam. ♥ K 10 8 3 N ♥ Q 6 5 2 ‘It’s not you we’re interested in,’ W E ♦ K Q 8 3 ♦ 6 4 ‘I didn’t promise anything more,’ S Gisborne replied. He glared blackly observed Friar Tuck, chuckling to ♣ 7 4 2 ♣ K J 10 9 at Wise Wynfryth. ‘You think we’re himself as he laid out his threadbare ♠ A 6 fooled by your pitiful disguise? Tie dummy. ♥ A 7 him up, men.’ Although there was no immediately ♦ J 9 7 2 ‘You will not be displeased with me obvious reason to want to cross to ♣ A Q 8 5 3 tonight, my Lord,’ Gisborne informed dummy, Wise Wynfryth ruffed the the Sheriff. ‘I have Robin Hood chained first trick with the ♠10, preserving her to the wall in our deepest dungeon.’ ♠6. When she continued with the ace West North East South The Sheriff jumped to his feet. ‘I’ve and king of trumps, East showed out Liz Friar Aldusa Wise waited long enough for this moment,’ on the second round. What now? Bigge Tuck Rolfe Wynfryth he declared. ‘Take me to him.’ Before drawing the last trump, 1NT They descended into the depths Wynfryth played the ♣A, to see if Pass 2♥ Pass 2♠ of the Castle dungeons. Gisborne anything interesting happened. ‘Hah, Pass 3♠ Pass 4♠ unlocked a cell door and flung it open. Wilf plays the jack!’ she exclaimed. All Pass ‘There he is, my Lord. Robin Hood, as The ♠6 to dummy’s ♠9 drew the last requested.’ trump. ‘Play a low club,’ she instructed. Liz Bigge led the ♦K and reached The Sheriff peered into the darkness. Jacob Pryce followed with the ♣7 for her mug of gin. She didn’t ‘Have you lost your senses?’ he and Wynfryth covered with the ♣8. particularly enjoy playing cards, but exclaimed. ‘It’s a woman.’ When West showed out, she claimed it was something to do while she was Gisborne smiled happily. ‘A master the slam, conceding the last trick to drinking. ‘What’s this heart bid when of disguise, as you said yourself, my East’s ♣Q. you’ve got six spades?’ she demanded, Lord. Discard this womanly garb, ‘Lamb’s brain defence there, as the dummy appeared. Hood, and show yourself!’ Jacob,’ reprimanded the bearded ‘It’s a Jacobean transfer bid,’ Friar Wise Wynfryth struggled to her Wilf Gomez. ‘Put in the ten of clubs, Tuck replied. ‘I’m always happy to let feet, muttering an incantation in forcing the king, and she can’t get back Wynfryth play the hand. She’s a better some ancient language. ‘Those who to dummy.’ player than I am.’ defy the magic of a Wise woman sign Wise Wynfryth looked scornfully to ‘I’ll need to be with that rubbish their own death warrants,’ she hissed. her left. ‘Lamb’s brain comment from dummy,’ retorted Wise Wynfryth. ‘Unchain me, my Lord, and put the you, Wilf,’ she declared. ‘How can ‘They’ve got as many points as we buffoon Gisborne in my place. Do it he make two club tricks with his Q7 have.’ immediately or... I cannot vouch for when I’ve got the 8 and the 9!’ After winning the diamond lead the consequences.’ n

BRIDGE December 2020 Page 9 by Andrew Kambites Common Mistakes By Club Players. Part 2.

or my second article in this a betrayal. Effectively West changed be passed so West jumps to 3NT. East series I will concentrate on his mind. Having originally decided bids 6♥ on general values. I suspect common misapprehensions in to force to game he then decided his that some readers might be asking why Fthe bidding. hand wasn’t good enough. East doesn’t first check on key cards If you create a game forcing auction, with Blackwood, but would 4NT over Changing your mind you influence the subsequent bidding of 3NT be Blackwood? If you are sure by What do you think went wrong in the your partner and neither of you can opt all means check, but I would consider following auction? out below game level. 4NT to be quantitative because no suit Less experienced players wonder has been agreed and the last bid was how experts manage to construct long no-trumps. Layout A. auctions to slams without the danger Layout B shows another example of Love All. of somebody passing. In most long when a player changes his mind. ♠ 7 ♠ A K J 5 auctions to a high level contract there ♥ A K 9 7 2 N ♥ Q J 6 W E is a critical bid which creates a game ♦ A J 7 S ♦ K 10 6 2 forcing auction, in this case 3♣. Layout B. ♣ A J 7 6 ♣ K 5 West’s reasoning was that if he rebid N/S Game. only 2♣ then East might pass and ♠ K J 9 6 5 4 3 2 ♠ 8 miss game, but I suggest you will find ♥ Void N ♥ K J 9 8 4 W E West East ♦ J 10 8 ♦ A 7 3 it hard to construct a hand where East S 1♥ 1♠ would pass and miss a game worth ♣ 8 3 ♣ A 9 6 5 3♣ 3♥ bidding. With an intermediate hand, End if West is rebidding a third suit, he should make a simple rebid and aim West North East South West was most critical of East, asking to show his extra values with his third 3♠ Pass Pass 4♥ why East had shown a minimum bid, for example, as in Layout E later in 4♠ Dbl End response by bidding only 3♥. Really this article. the blame lies totally with West. The There are lots of possible auctions East was itching to double 4♥. But point is that 3♣ is forcing to game. for Layout A, all of which would lead West took unilateral action and was Clearly West’s hand is not worth to at least a small slam. For example. doubled for a quite unnecessary forcing to game, with only 17 points, penalty. no known fit and a singleton in his West East South had been forced to guess by partner’s suit. Once West has forced 1♥ 1♠ West’s pre-empt. He had guessed to game, East concluded that slam 2♣ 2♦ wrongly. West bailed him out without looked almost certain and a grand 3NT 6♥ having the slightest idea of East’s hand. slam quite possible. East decided, quite End If West felt his hand was borderline reasonably, to take his time. Knowing at favourable vulnerability between that West would have five hearts 2♦ is fourth suit forcing. West shows opening 3♠ and 4♠, he had a decision East aimed to set hearts as trumps. the feature of his hand that he hasn’t to make. When West decided to open He planned to use Roman Key Card previously shown, in this case at least only 3♠ East was now in charge. Blackwood later and the ♥K would one diamond stopper. 2NT would This leads to these principles: be a key card. West’s pass of 3♥ was show a minimum opener and could Continued on page 12... u

Page 10 BRIDGE December 2020

DEFENCE QUIZ DECLARER by Julian Pottage

(Answers on page 55) PLAY

ou are East in the defensive positions below, playing matchpoints with neither side vulnerable. While you QUIZ Yusually aim to beat the contract, you may also need to consider the risk of conceding overtricks. by David Huggett (Answers on page 53)

ou are South as declarer playing rubber bridge or teams. 1. ♠ 7 6 3. ♠ Q 10 7 5 4 This means you are aiming to make your contract with ♥ A Q ♥ A Q 10 7 Ylittle concern for overtricks. If, as is the case on most of ♦ K 10 9 7 5 3 ♦ A K 5 the problems this time, the contract looks easy on a favourable ♣ A 9 7 ♣ K lie of the cards, plan on the basis of a less kindly layout. ♠ A 8 4 ♠ K 2 N ♥ K 9 7 5 3 N ♥ K 9 4 3 W E W E ♦ A Q 4 ♦ 2 S S ♣ 10 5 ♣ A Q 9 5 3 2 1. ♠ 7 5 4 3. ♠ A 8 7 6 2 ♥ A J 9 6 ♥ A 7 West North East South West North East South ♦ J 7 ♦ K 9 6 2 1NT1 1♣ Pass ♣ A 6 5 4 ♣ K 2 Pass 3NT All Pass 1♦ Dbl 1♥ 1♠ 1 12-14 Pass 4♠ All Pass N N W E W E S S Partner leads the ♠J. What is Partner leads the ♣4: ♣K, your plan? ♣A and ♣6. You return the ♠ A 9 2 ♠ K 9 5 4 3 ♦2: ♦4, ♦8 and ♦K. Next ♥ Q 10 8 7 2 ♥ K 6 comes the ♠4: ♠2, ♠A and ♦ A Q 10 ♦ A Q 7 4 ♠9. After that comes the ♣7: ♣ J 7 ♣ A 4 ♣8, ♠5 and ♣2. Now comes the ♠Q: ♠K, ♠3 and ♠J. How You are declarer in 4♥ and You are declarer in 6♠. West do you proceed? West leads the ♠K. How do leads the ♠Q and East shows you plan the play? out. How do you plan the play? 2. ♠ Q 4. ♠ K J 6 ♥ A K Q 9 5 ♥ K Q 8 6 5 ♦ 7 2 ♦ A K 5 ♣ J 10 9 3 2 ♣ A K 2. ♠ A Q 7 2 4. ♠ J 8 7 6 2 ♠ 9 6 5 2 ♠ 10 9 7 4 ♥ 8 2 ♥ 3 N ♥ 10 8 N ♥ 10 9 7 3 ♦ K 4 ♦ 8 7 4 W E W E ♦ ♦ ♣ ♣ S A K J 9 5 S 4 Q 10 5 4 2 6 4 3 2 ♣ 7 4 ♣ 10 9 6 5 N N W E W E S S West North East South West North East South Pass 1NT1 1♦ ♠ K 10 8 5 4 ♠ A K Q Pass 2♦1 Dbl Pass Pass 1♥ Pass 2♣ ♥ A Q ♥ A J 6 Pass 3♣ Pass 3NT Pass 2♠1 Pass 3NT ♦ A 7 ♦ A K 3 All Pass Pass 7NT All Pass ♣ A K 7 6 ♣ K Q J 10 1 12-14 and transfer 1 Fourth suit forcing, 11+ points

You are declarer in 6♠ after You are declarer in 5♠. West Partner leads the ♦10. What Partner leads the ♦J. The ♦A an uncontested auction and leads the ♠4. How do you ♦ is your plan? wins trick one and the K West leads the ♦J. How do plan the play? comes at trick two. What is you plan the play? your plan?

BRIDGE December 2020 Page 11 t Once you have pre-empted it is very This is not East changing his mind Auction F rarely right to bid again unless your about the raise to 2♥. Bidding 3♥ West East partner invites you to do so. is a decision caused by a change of 1♥ 1♠ Once you have made a limit bid or circumstances. Playing in 2♥ is no 2♦ 2♥ pre-empted your partner is in change. longer an option. East has decided, 2NT End Layouts A and B demonstrate quite rightly, that it is better to compete another important principle. with 3♥ than allow South to play in West shows intermediate values (17-18 Frequently you have to make a 2♠. If East/West had been playing a points) and at least one club stopper decision in the bidding. Having made it convention where 1♥-(P)-2NT shows a with 2NT and East is thankful to pass. you should stick to it. good heart raise, thus using 1♥-(P)-3♥ To emphasise the difference between as semi pre-emptive, then East would preference and support, the East have bid 3♥ first time. This time it is bidding in Layout G shows genuine Layout C. the turn of West to show some self 3-card heart support. The reason is Love All. discipline and not raise to 4♥. that East has shown a stronger hand ♠ 5 2 ♠ 7 4 3 and would have had more options ♥ A Q 10 4 3 N ♥ K J 8 7 Preference and than with a weaker hand. In this W E ♦ K Q 10 3 ♦ J 8 2 S support situation West can confidently raise to ♣ 6 2 ♣ A J 8 The West hand in Layout E is similar to 4♥, although 3NT wouldn’t be totally Layout A. This time West didn’t make wrong with a good double guard in the mistake of forcing to game with diamonds. West North East South his rebid but the subsequent auction 1♥ Pass 2♥ Pass led to a very poor 4♥ contract. Where Pass 2♠ Pass Pass do you think it went wrong? Layout G 3♥ Pass 4♥ End ♠ 7 ♠ K J 6 4 3 N ♥ A Q 9 7 2 ♥ K 10 3 W E In Layout C the partnership has made Layout E. ♦ A Q 7 S ♦ 6 4 a decision that game in hearts was not Love All. ♣ A J 7 6 ♣ K 9 4 desirable. East may have considered ♠ 7 ♠ K J 6 4 3 bidding 3♥ rather than 2♥ but decided ♥ A Q 9 7 2 N ♥ 10 3 ♦ A Q 7 2 W E ♦ 6 4 3 West East correctly in view of his flat shape that S 2♥ was enough. West announced that ♣ A J 7 ♣ Q 9 4 1♥ 1♠ game was not an option by passing 2♥. 2♣ 3♥ North then reopened with 2♠ and East 4♥ End decided to pass. West judged that it was West East better to compete with 3♥ than sell 1♥ 1♠ Layout H also demonstrates the out to 2♠. East then cracked, changed 2♦ 2♥ difference between preference and his mind and raised to 4♥, leading to a 4♥ End support. North (and to a lesser extent totally unnecessary minus score. West West) showed a lack of understanding has the right to consider the pros and West justified his jump to ♥4 by saying of the difference. West got away with cons of competing with 3♥ without that his hand had been improved by it. North paid a heavy price. having to take into account whether news of East’s heart support. What East will break discipline and bid 4♥. support? West’s first two bids had Next time West might not trust East shown at least five hearts and four Layout H. and pass, leading to a minus score as diamonds. East had a minimum E/W Game. North/South make 2♠. response and wanted the auction to ♠ 3 The situation in Layout D is different. end as quickly as possible. He might ♥ 8 have passed 2♦ to ensure the bidding ♦ K 10 7 6 5 ended but with a choice between ♣ A Q 9 7 6 5 Layout D. playing in a probable 4-3 fit or giving ♠ A Q 10 6 4 2 ♠ 7 5 E/W Game. false preference to 2♥, playing in a ♥ K Q J 6 5 N ♥ 4 2 W E ♠ ♠ ♦ ♦ 8 5 2 7 3 likely 5-2 fit, East went back to hearts. A S Q J 9 8 4 ♥ A Q 8 3 2 N ♥ K J 6 5 Support shows a liking of a suit. ♣ 4 ♣ K J 10 8 W E ♦ K 7 4 ♦ Q J 3 2 ♠ K J 9 8 S Preference shows just that out of two ♣ A J 9 ♣ 6 3 2 options, you prefer playing in the first ♥ A 10 9 7 3 suit. Partner has shown two suits. You ♦ 3 2 prefer, perhaps reluctantly, playing in ♣ 3 2 West North East South the first suit. 1♥ Pass 2♥ 2♠ A better sequence would be Auction Pass Pass 3♥ End F:

Page 12 BRIDGE December 2020 West North East South when he bids 4♠. North has no idea without the slightest semblence of 1♠ 2NT Pass 3♣ whether West has guessed rightly or spade support so 1NT it is. That is 3♥ Pass 3♠ Pass wrongly. In such circumstances North why the 1NT response to 1-of-a-major 4♠ 5♣ Dbl All Pass should not bail out the opponents. is called the dustbin bid. You have to An expert saying about guessing in cram into 1NT anything that doesn’t Consider the auction. North’s 2NT the auction is this: fit elsewhere. It certainly doesn’t is the unusual no trump, showing at Over a period of time the side that guarantee a balanced hand, indeed least 5-5 shape in the minors. South is makes the last guess in competitive 1NT may be the only option if East most unhappy and really doesn’t know auctions will be the losers. has a spade void. In the light of that what to do but with a small doubleton It is worth considering the difference West’s 2♠ looks, and is, badly judged. in each of North’s suits he reluctantly if West has opened 4♠ and North had West should pass 1NT. 2♠ guarantees bids the cheaper one. West has a very a choice with the hand in Layout at least a 6-card suit. strong hand and shows his second H. 4NT, inviting South to choose a If you end up in a low-level contract suit. North correctly passes and then minor could be spectacularly right there is often not time to hold a delicate it is East who is unhappy. He cannot or spectacularly wrong but I would bidding auction to the perfect spot. Just do better than give preference to his chance 4NT. You cannot play bridge try to avoid a stupid contract. partner’s first suit. West is delighted without risk. The difference is that West cannot rebid spades here just to hear 3♠ and bids 4♠. In some in this auction South knows nothing because he has a fifth spade. Look at it circumstances this might well give a about North’s hand whereas in Layout this way. 1NT may or may not be the good outcome but his reasoning in the H South knew enough already from best contract but it is unlikely to be a post mortem certainly wasn’t correct. North’s 2NT to make an intelligent stupid contract. 2♠ might well be an West argued that East had supported decision. unplayable contract. That must suffice. spades. Wrong. 3♠ was preference, not If you are considering sacrificing You cannot aim for perfection at the support. At this stage South was licking against an opponent’s contract you two level. his lips at the thought of doubling 4♠ need to ask two questions. The first is but he was cruelly disillusioned when certainly considered by club players. Repetition North ‘sacrificed’ in 5♣. His reasoning 1. Will my sacrifice be cheaper than Who do you think was responsible for was that at favourable vulnerability their contract? the poor contract in Layout K? 5♣ should be a cheap sacrifice. This The second is too often neglected by was wrong on two counts. First, 5♣ club players. doubled went four off for -800. 2. Will they make their contract? Layout K. Second, 4♠ doubled would have Maybe partner is in a better position Love All. been expensive for East/West. to know than you are, particularly if ♠ A K J 5 ♠ Q 4 ♥ 3 2 N ♥ K J 7 5 4 I suspect quite a few club players you have already bid in a way that has W E would have committed the same given him information about your ♦ A Q 7 S ♦ 8 4 3 2 indiscretion as North but 5♣ is a hand. ♣ A Q 10 9 ♣ J 3 truly awful bid. North has told South what he has. South knows a lot about Trying to show one North’s hand. North knows nothing extra card West East about South’s hand except that given a The auction in Layout J is common in 2NT 3♦ choice between the minor suits South clubs, leading to a ridiculous contract. 3♥ 4♥ preferred clubs to diamonds. If saving What do you think went wrong? in 5♣ is correct then it is South who East’s 3♦ showed five or more hearts. should decide, not North. North is not West knew East had five hearts and playing a partnership game. North is Layout J needs to be trusted to bid the best playing a completely unilateral game ♠ A J 8 7 6 ♠ 4 contract provided East gives him the in which he rules his partner out of the ♥ J 7 N ♥ Q 10 8 4 3 correct information. When East bids W E ♦ A 8 2 ♦ K Q 4 ♥ decision making process. There would S on over 3 he must strive to complete be slightly more of a case for North, ♣ Q 10 4 ♣ J 8 3 2 the picture of his hand, not to repeat because he has a sixth club, to bid 4♣ what he has already shown. East’s 4♥ over 3♥, at least involving South in the shows a sixth heart. East’s second bid decision whether to bid 5♣ over 4♠ West East should be 3NT which West would pass. – but North had no reason to expect 1♠ 1NT As far as possible each new bid in East/West would be bidding 4♠. 2♠ End an auction should strive to give new Look also at the auction of East/ information, not repeat what is already West. West has opened at the one level. You certainly cannot blame East. known. He has bid strongly but East has given Responding to 1♠ with 6-8 points Layout L demonstrates how this no encouragement at all. East could East really has only two options, 2♠ works after a 1NT opening bid. have nothing. West must be guessing or 1NT. 2♠ is clearly not an option u

BRIDGE December 2020 Page 13 t Auction N. the player in the protective seat should Layout L. West North East South be looking for reasons to bid, even if Game All. 1♥ Pass 2♥ End there appears to be some risk. ♠ Q 6 5 2 ♠ A J 4 I have spent endless hours writing ♥ 3 2 N ♥ A J 7 5 4 By the time the bidding reverts to about the misuse of conventions so ♦ A Q 7 W E ♦ 8 4 3 2 S North in the protective position it perhaps this is a good place to end my ♣ A 10 9 2 ♣ Q should be clear to North that this is writings in BRIDGE. a 20/20 hand. This means that give or take a couple of points either way Using conventions West East the points are shared roughly evenly as toys 1NT 2♦ between the two sides. East/West have What do you think of the auction in 2♥ ? found a heart fit so North/South are Layout Q? likely to have a fit if they can find it. East does not have an ideal rebid. He North knows South has some points is strong enough to make a game try because East/West are not interested Layout Q. but not to force to game. Look at the in investigating game. North should E/W Game. choices: bid 2♠, as in Auction P. It is not ♠ A J 3♥ This would be invitational but without risk, though the risk is lower ♥ K shows a sixth heart. than you might think. South will not ♦ J 10 7 4 3 3♦ A new suit at the three level is take 2♠ seriously since North passed ♣ Q 8 4 3 2 game forcing. Also you are not over 1♥ – North is likely to have either ♠ K Q 2 ♠ 9 6 5 N ♥ A Q 6 3 ♥ 9 8 7 5 4 2 seriously considering suggesting five bad spades or, as here, four good W E a contract of 5♦, are you? ones in a hand with the wrong shape to ♦ 9 8 5 S ♦ A Q 6 2NT Not perfect with a singleton club double 2♥ for take-out. If North bids ♣ A J 10 ♣ 9 but it is the best you can do. 2♠ this pushes the guess back to West. ♠ 10 8 7 4 3 You have given the message of an With five good hearts and not much ♥ J 10 invitational hand with 5, but not 6, defence to 2♠ he does best to compete ♦ K 2 hearts. Having only two hearts and a to 3♥, but then North has succeeded ♣ K 7 6 5 minimum 1NT opening bid West will in pushing East/West from a making pass this. 2♥ into a 3♥ contract that should fail. Note that South does not press on to West North East South Protection 3♠. His partner may have already done 1♥ 2NT 4♥ 5♣ If Layout M occurred in a club, I can well to push the opponents higher and Dbl End imagine Auction N occurring at most he does not want to risk undoing this tables. good work. 5♣ doubled went three down for -500, East/West would make 2♥ and declarer losing a spade, the ♥A, a nobody would think more about it. Auction P diamond and two clubs. At the other However North/South can easily make West North East South table North/South passed throughout. 2♠. It is a mundane enough layout and 1♥ Pass 2♥ Pass East/West played in 4♥ and went two deals like this occur regularly, so it Pass 2♠ Pass Pass down when both red suit finesses seems that opportunities to contest the 3♥ End failed and the ♠A was sitting over the part score are regularly being missed. ♠K-Q. If your opponents have found a fit but North’s 2NT was the cause of the are dropping the bidding at a low level, poor result. Layout M. Game All. ♠ A Q J 7 Mr Bridge Torch Pens ♥ 7 3 2 ♦ 7 2 5 pens - £2.75 ♣ Q J 9 2 ♠ 10 2 ♠ K 4 3 10 pens - £5 ♥ A Q 10 8 4 N ♥ K 9 6 5 W E ♦ ♦ 50 pens - £20 A 8 3 S J 6 5 ♣ K 10 3 ♣ 7 6 4 ♠ 9 8 6 5 ♥ J ♦ K Q 10 9 4 ♣ A 8 5 www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop

Page 14 BRIDGE December 2020 North was using 2NT as a pre- equal length in the majors he would empt, thereby putting South in probably choose hearts, the cheaper control of the subsequent auction. If one. Suppose North had not been a pre-empt makes partner the boss it playing Landy. He would have bid an needs to convey precise information. obvious 2♠, leaving him in a sensible In particular the pre-emptor needs contract. good intermediate cards in his suits, Don’t ask partner to choose between Bridge Booking honours in those suits and not too two suits if it is likely that he will make many defensive values outside. an unsuccessful choice. Reassurance Honours in the short suits are For your first bid it is rarely correct defensive tricks. South was entitled to to invite partner to choose between two Guarantee imagine that North had a hand with suits when one suit is two cards longer little defence to 4♥ and decent minor than the other. Fred. Olsen have introduced suits. In that context 5♣ was clearly a new Bridge Reassurance right. Try giving North this hand: Playing undiscussed Guarantee, in addition conventions to their Plain Sailing Finally Layout S demonstrates another ♠ 9 2 typical club mix up. Guarantee. This allows you ♥ 5 to book with confidence ♦ A 10 9 4 3 as you can transfer your ♣ Q J 10 8 2 Layout S. cruise up to two weeks Game All. ♠ K 9 3 prior to travel should it 4♥ would be easy for East/West ♥ 10 9 8 not be deemed possible and 5♣ doubled would be just two ♦ K Q 10 to play bridge on your down (-300). So why did North bid ♣ A K J 8 cruise. Should the cruise 2NT? In my opinion it was simply ♠ A J 6 5 ♠ 10 7 4 ♥ K Q 3 N ♥ A J 7 6 5 4 be cancelled for any non- because it was there: a toy to be used. W E Conventions don’t absolve you of the ♦ A 8 7 S ♦ J 2 bridge related reason, then necessity to use judgement. ♣ 10 6 5 ♣ 9 7 the Fred. Olsen Plain Sailing A similar fault was to be seen in ♠ Q 8 2 Guarantee would still apply. Layout R. ♥ 2 ♦ 9 6 5 4 3 Capital Cities Of The Baltic ♣ Q 4 3 2 Balmoral 13-17 May 2021 Layout R. Hosted by Bernard Magee Game All. ♠ A Q 10 9 4 3 West North East South For details see ♥ J 7 3 2 1NT Dbl 2♦ End www.mrbridge.co.uk. ♦ K 4 Whilst Mr Bridge will not ♣ A East thought his partnership was ♠ K 7 6 ♠ J 8 playing transfers after 1NT is doubled. be operating any further ♥ A Q 8 N ♥ K 10 9 West disagreed. Who is wrong? W E cruises after this 2021 Baltic ♦ J 10 2 ♦ A 9 5 3 S Both of them! They have agreed to cruise, Bernard Magee ♣ Q J 10 6 ♣ 9 8 5 4 play transfers without discussing them Bridge is looking to host ♠ 5 2 fully. In particular this is common ♥ 6 5 4 when an unfamiliar partnership sits cruises and they are in the ♦ Q 8 7 6 down for an evening’s bridge. One process of confirming their ♣ K 7 3 2 says: ‘Transfers?’, the other says: ‘Yes.’ 2022 cruises, and Bernard They then move onto the next topic. Be plans to include a Baltic warned! Conventions need discussion. West North East South sailing. 1NT 2♣ Pass 2♥ A last word from me. I have really For details of this cruise, End enjoyed working with Mr Bridge and his excellent team and I wish them terms and full details of the 2♣ was the Landy convention, all the best in the future. Look after Bridge Booking Reassurance showing at least 5-4 shape in the yourselves. For the first time I am now Guarantee please see: majors. I suppose North had that but playing some bridge online and I am it wasn’t too bright inviting South enjoying it. I may meet some of you www.mrbridge.co.uk/holidays/cruises to choose, especially as if South had online. n

BRIDGE December 2020 Page 15 About Doubles by Sally Brock Simple Take-Out Double Part 6

n this article, we will look at hands and the overcaller bids, say, 2♦. North's double suggests he has the competitive and responsive With Hand A advancer should bid 2♠, values to bid on the first round but doubles. showing a doubleton spade; with Hand had no good bid because he is short in I B advancer passes, or in competition hearts. Perhaps he has: a. Doubling after partner might bid on to 3♦. has overcalled The idea of playing double for In an earlier article, we looked at takeout can be extended to situations Hand E Hand F auctions such as this: when the opponents have bid two ♠ A Q 4 3 ♠ K 10 4 3 different suits rather than bid and ♥ 4 ♥ 8 2 West North East South supported one suit. Suppose advancer ♦ A J 6 5 ♦ K 10 3 1♠ Dbl 2♠ Dbl holds: ♣ Q 10 4 3 ♣ A Q 5 3

A double when opponents have bid and agreed a suit is for take-out, Hand C Hand D Especially in a world where the 1♣ whether the intervening hand has ♠ K 5 ♠ 6 opening could be short, the second- passed, doubled or overcalled. So, ♥ K Q 10 5 2 ♥ K Q J 10 8 7 round double suggests length there. consider, for example: ♦ 8 7 6 ♦ K 4 3 Here is another possible auction: ♣ J 10 4 ♣ J 3 2 West North East South West North East South 1♣ 1♠ 2♣ Dbl 1♣ Pass 1♥ Pass The bidding goes: 2♣ Dbl Here South’s double shows the other two suits. Either of the following West North East South In the old days this double was usually hands would be a good example: 1♦ 1♠ 2♣ ? played as penalties, but penalising opponents at a low level is usually With Hand C advancer doubles, the wrong thing to do – even if that Hand A Hand B showing hearts with tolerance for contract is going down, it warns ♠ K 5 ♠ 4 spades. With Hand D, on the other them of an unfavourable distribution ♥ A Q 3 2 ♥ K Q 10 6 5 hand, where the hearts are much and maybe enables them to remove ♦ Q 10 5 4 ♦ K J 7 6 3 stronger, advancer bids 2♥ as he themselves to somewhere better. ♣ 8 7 2 ♣ 8 3 does not want to suggest spades as an Surely it is better to be able to make a alternative. bid with one of these hands:

The double does not necessarily show b. Doubling on the second a huge hand, 8 HCP or more could be round of the auction after Hand G Hand H enough with the right shape, but one an initial pass ♠ A Q 4 3 ♠ K 10 4 3 that does not want to sell out to 2♣. Just because you passed on the first ♥ 4 2 ♥ 8 2 The overcaller is invited to choose round of the auction does not mean ♦ J 8 7 3 2 ♦ A Q 10 3 between the other two suits (the red that you cannot make a take-out ♣ A 3 ♣ A 4 2 suits here). He certainly might have double later. Consider the following to bid a 3-card suit, so the partner of auction: the overcaller (known from now on This auction is more dangerous than as the advancer) should not get too West North East South the first one because the opponents excited if partner is obedient and bids 1♣ Pass 1♥ Pass have not shown a fit yet, and if they one of his suits. Suppose advancer 2♥ Dbl don’t have a fit you probably don’t (South) doubles with one of the above either, and they may be able to double

Page 16 BRIDGE December 2020 you. On the other hand, both Hands G and H have decent values and if you Sally Brock’s Simple do not bid on them you may miss a contract your way. Take-Out Double c. Doubling on the second round of the auction after overcalling Part 6 Quiz The range of strength for an overcall (Answers on page 21) can be quite wide. These days it is usually considered preferable to bid your suit rather than make a take- What do you bid on the following hands with the auction given? out double first just because you have The vulnerability and scoring method should not affect your 15 or 16 points. However, you don’t answers. have to pass on the second round after overcalling. Take this auction:

West North East South 1♣ 1♥ 2♣ Pass Pass Dbl Hand 1 Hand 2 Hand 5 Hand 6 ♠ A Q 4 3 ♠ A 5 ♠ K J 6 ♠ A 5 Maybe North has one of the following ♥ K J 10 3 2 ♥ K J 6 3 2 ♥ 8 7 3 2 ♥ 9 4 3 hands: ♦ 5 4 ♦ Q 10 4 ♦ Q 10 5 ♦ Q 10 4 3 ♣ 7 6 ♣ 7 5 4 ♣ Q 3 2 ♣ J 9 5 4

Hand I Hand J ♠ A 10 6 5 ♠ A 10 6 West North East South West North East South ♥ A J 10 8 5 ♥ K Q 10 4 3 1♣ 1♥ 2♣ Dbl 1♣ Pass 1♥ Pass ♦ 4 3 ♦ A Q 4 Pass ? 2♥ Dbl Pass ? ♣ A 3 ♣ 5 2

Hand 3 Hand 4 Hand 7 Hand 8 With Hand I, North doubles 2♣, ♠ A 4 3 ♠ A 5 4 3 ♠ 9 8 4 3 ♠ 9 8 4 3 intending to rebid 2♥ if partner ♥ A Q 10 9 4 ♥ Q 10 9 4 3 ♥ K 7 6 3 2 ♥ K 7 6 3 responds 2♦, thus showing his 4-card ♦ A 6 5 ♦ A J 4 ♦ Q 3 ♦ Q 10 4 suit as well. With Hand J, North is ♣ 7 6 ♣ 5 ♣ 3 2 ♣ J 9 happy to pass whatever partner bids. Again, the opponents do not have to have bid and supported for the second- West North East South West North East South round double to be for take-out. Take 1♣ 1♥ 1♠ Dbl 1♠ 2♣ 2♠ Pass the following sequences: 2♣ ? Pass Dbl Pass ?

West North East South 1♣ 1♠ 1NT Pass 2♣ Dbl Here double is take-out, tending to Mr Bridge suggest playability in either red suit. With only one of the other suits it would be better to bid it. 2021 diaries Only £7.48 each £14.95 each West North East South or 10 for £55 & pro rata. 1♣ 1♥ Dbl Pass 1♠ Dbl With a ball-point pen and soft Kidrell cover in a choice of colours; Again, this auction shows a decent hand and offers partner the chance to navy blue, ruby red or bottle green. bid diamonds, should he have length www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop there. n

BRIDGE December 2020 Page 17 I must pay tribute filthy weather; or a night to Bernard Magee for when weather conditions READERS’ advancing my knowledge totally prevent play. of bridge and offering Online bridge could an opportunity to keep sweep all before it and my interest of the game become the new norm for alive during the lockdown the more competitive players, LETTERS period earlier this year. seemingly disadvantaging I am going to miss Bernard club bridge. In fact, it could Magee’s bidding quiz and be the opposite, once club LITTLE VOICE PS. I have attached a the Ask Julian Questions management seeks to turn Many thanks to all your picture – it is from 2016 & Answers feature. a perceived disadvantage readers for their incredibly as you can see – but it has A special mention must to an advantage. generous contributions to myself and Damian Magee also go to Mr Bridge who has For example, a club could Little Voice, thereby turning with little Zoe and Noah kept his publication steadily run online tournaments the very sad closure of the Mr on our last family trip to improving for over 25 years. and introduce Gala F2F Bridge monthly magazine into Addis. Thought it might be a Jaya Gunatillaka, tournaments once a week to educational opportunities good picture for the mag. Waterlooville, Hampshire. promote socialability. I would for children in Ethiopia. The encourage that everyone large donation of £9270.44 MANY THANKS ONLINE BRIDGE - has a name badge, showing has now been received I was sorry to hear MORE ADVANTAGES their SBU/EBU standard/ and will enable 50 children that BRIDGE will cease It is quite easy to add a handicap, tournaments to receive a year of high publication with the couple more, so I shall handicapped, and certainly quality education and tutorial December issue, yet another refrain, to reduce your kept to time. Overnight, support. What a ray of hope casualty of the Corona virus. assumed huge mailbag of all clubs could be more in an otherwise dark year. As a regular club player, I offerings. Instead may I draw welcoming, and members We wish you and the have always enjoyed reading your attention (here flashing benefit playing better bridge. whole bridge community BRIDGE for the diverse range lights) to No. 47 Practicalities. Gerald Della-Porta, good health and a better of articles written by a team Online tournaments Edinburgh. year ahead. With much of specialist contributors. usually last 2 1/2 hours gratitude and love. BRIDGE has served the compared to at least 4 hours END OF AN ERA Jenna Hoyt, bridge playing community for a F2F club including I telephoned your office some Co-founder & Director, so well over the years and I travelling. Certainly, that time ago, when I heard of the Little Voice Foundation. am grateful for the advice I is a practical benefit and impending closure of the Mr littlevoicefoundation.org have gleaned from its pages. more so on a night of Bridge monthly magazine.

Page 18 BRIDGE December 2020 I told a member of your teaching system in the Wishing you a long, light-hearted, your magazine staff (probably Jessica) November issue of BRIDGE. happy and healthy well- was enjoyed by all levels of that I would write to you Mike Gurney, deserved retirement. bridge player. to express my personal Holt Bridge Club, Norfolk. Mr A Crawford, I go back constantly and regret for the loss of your Bishopbriggs, Glasgow. re-read magazines from excellent magazine. A THANK YOU years ago and still find I have taken great pleasure FROM NED NATIONAL RUBBER something interesting. in reading it. The quality and Thank you for giving me BRIDGE EVENTS I often meant to write feel of the paper and the such a large editorial space I think it would be a shame over the years to express first-class informative content and publishing my article if I lost contact with you my appreciation. I regret put it in a league of its own. in full in BRIDGE 215. For without my writing to say that its taken your closing I can fully understand anyone who missed it, the how I appreciate the good to get me to do so. that apart from the impact first part of the article dealt you have done to this With kindest regards to you of the Covid-19 pandemic with opener repeating marvellous game of ours. and your extended family. upon our beloved game their suit at the 2-level in So, Good-bye and Thank Pat McNulty, and your business, your an unopposed auction. In You, from someone you County Cork, Ireland. health and family have summary, the repeat does once called “that Stuart become your primary focus. not guarantee a 6-card suit; Watson” - the one who DOUBLE DUTCH? As a grandparent with four the repeat can also be made wanted the National Rubber wonderful grandchildren, on hands with a 5-card suit Bridge Championship to I empathise with your and a second 4-card suit continue, just as you did, situation. In 2017, I spent which you cannot show as all that long time ago. over 100 days in hospital, you are too weak to reverse. Stuart Watson, coming perilously close to The second part of the article Hatfield, Doncaster. ‘shuffling off this mortal coil’. looked at when to open 1NT My family played a when your 12-14 HCP 5-3- REGRETS pivotal role in my recovery: 3-2 hand contains a 5-card I just discovered a few they focussed my mind on major. I have had positive days ago that you were what is really important feedback for the article, and closing down in August - so I write as a non-bridge in life. Friends coming to I understand you have too. I hope this gets to you. playing reader of BRIDGE the hospital to play bridge Finally, can I just say a huge I was getting your to say how very sorry with me were also a key ‘Thank you’ to you and the magazine (free - though I I am to hear that the factor in my recovery. whole Mr Bridge team for the wanted to pay) for some Mr Bridge monthly is to Thank you for your massive pleasure that Mr Bridge has years and then have been cease publication with contribution to the world of brought over the last 34 years. following you on-line. The the December issue. bridge: may I wish you and I believe you have made a whole tone of your magazine I have very much enjoyed your family good health in real difference in helping was social and lighthearted the range of contributions, these unprecedented times. to sustain bridge in the UK - an approach that my wife the editorials, the A to Z Let us hope that next year we and your monthly magazine and I (we run a small social - glossary of bridge terms, will be able to enjoy face- will be sorely missed. emphasis on social - bridge Catching Up with and to-face bridge with its vital Ned Paul, club) both take. Amongst then spending Seven Days social element once more. Twickenham. many reasons bridge is dying with Sally Brock, Readers’ Mike Thorley, out (your numbers of 1.8m - Letters, and the variety of Solihull, West Midlands. FROM SCOTLAND 300,000 from ‘80s to 2010) approach by the writers of I would like to thank you is that its competitiveness the more technical bridge CERTAINLY most sincerely for the many spills (or is allowed to) too articles, which to me have May I circulate the list of hours of enjoyment that easily into nastiness and the appeal of an elegant but 70 advantages of online I have had reading your aggression. Anybody who unfamiliar oriental language. bridge amongst my magazine for a long number has been ‘bawled out’ at the Bridge players with bridge club members? of years. The variety in the table, never forgets it and some understanding of the John Crosher, content made the magazine is probably lost to bridge. game, will have enjoyed Royston Bridge Club. interesting, informative, Your business allowed a the intricacies of technical educational and entertaining. lovely family atmosphere analysis, and are likely even THANK YOU NED We all reach a point - I’m sure the workers in more than me, to have Just to say thank you to where we want to slow your office greatly enjoyed enjoyed the magazine over Ned Paul for his brilliant down a bit and enjoy a working for you - the boss the years, and even more explanation of the Andrew more relaxed lifstyle so I always sets the atmosphere. regret its discontinuing. Robson system when can fully understand your Your top class contributors Janet Ward, compared to the EBU decision not to continue. meant that, even though Coventry. n

BRIDGE December 2020 Page 19 Julian Pottage Answers Your Bridge Questions How Do We Reach A Slam?

How could my South has both the strength 6♠ with such a good suit, 1 Influenced by two doubletons. I partner and I and the clear direction (very albeit less so if your methods might have opened 1NT. Q have reached a good spade suit) for a strong allow you to establish 2 An intermediate jump overcall slam with these cards? jump shift to be right. If that North has the ♥Q. with a sound suit, but six losers Both sides were your system dictates a 1♠ Here then is a possible in the plain suits. vulnerable and East-West response, that is fine, as auction: passed throughout. I have is North’s 4♥ rebid. South I (South) led the three of given our actual auction. then needs to appreciate North South clubs to partner's king. that North has bid game 1♥ 1♠ He cashed the ace, I facing what might have 4♥ 4NT discarded the nine of spades. ♠ A 5 been a 6-point hand. South 5♣1 5♦2 He cashed the jack of ♥ K Q 10 8 6 4 3 actually has 15 points, 9 6♦3 6♥4 clubs, East ducking, West ♦ A K more than that and should End discarding the two of hearts. ♣ 9 5 make a further move. 1 0 or 3 key cards, obviously 3 He led the ten of clubs, Arguably 4♠ should be a after the strong 4♥ rebid taken by East’s queen. N cue bid even though South 2 Do you have the ♥Q? East cashed the ace W E S has bid spades previously 3 Yes and the ♦K of spades, I discarded because North has bid 4♥ 4 This is the safest spot if the key the three of hearts. ♠ K Q J 10 8 4 2 without knowing of support. card missing is the ♦A Then the queen of spades, ♥ J 9 South’s hand and the fact I discarded the six of hearts. ♦ J 2 that North passed 4♠ at the ♣♦♥♠ The four of spades was ♣ A K table indicates the players won with West`s king. both thought 4♠ was natural. He cashed the eight 5♣ certainly would be a cue of spades and the North South bid but you cannot check on Q ace of diamonds. 1♥ 1♠ aces if you do that. Despite Then led the six of 4♥ 4♠ the flaw of potentially having Dealer West. Love All. diamonds to my queen. End two fast diamond losers, ♠ 10 7 5 I put him back in with the South might reasonably bid ♥ K 5 4 jack of hearts to his ace. Eric Mallett, 4NT. When North shows ♦ 10 Now he was end-played, Hythe, Kent. three key cards (two aces ♣ A K J 10 6 2 and I made the setting trick and the ♥K) South knows ♠ K 8 3 2 ♠ A Q 4 with the nine of diamonds. N Reaching the best a key card is missing. ♥ A 2 W E ♥ Q 10 7 This got us a shared top. S contract, 6NT, is If you are playing Roman ♦ A K 8 6 5 ♦ J 3 2 The results were: A really difficult. Keycard Blackwood with ♣ 7 5 ♣ Q 9 8 4 3NT by East down 1 twice. Both 6♥ and 6♠ are 3041 replies, North bids ♠ J 9 6 3NT by East making once good contracts but could 5♣ over 4NT and then ♥ J 9 8 6 3 3NT by East making go down on a ruff if the South has room to bid 5♦ ♦ Q 9 7 4 +1 three times lead is in the major you to check on the ♥Q. The ♣ 3 3♣ by North doubled do not have as trumps. possibility that North has down 3. If you play strong jump the ♦K but not the ♦A is a The last result was shifts, South should start reason to bid 6♥, though it West North East South sobering. with 2♠ rather than 1♠. is certainly tempting to bid 1♦1 3♣2 3NT All Pass Continued on page 22... u

Page 20 BRIDGE December 2020 Answers to Sally Brock’s Simple Take-Out Doubles Part 6 Quiz, on page 17

What do you bid on the following hands with the auction given? The vulnerability and scoring method should not affect your answers.

Hand 1 Hand 2 want to bid on. With good have only three spades. ♠ A Q 4 3 ♠ A 5 values but nothing particular Hand 6 Here you want to bid ♥ K J 10 3 2 ♥ K J 6 3 2 to say, you can double partner’s better minor. ♦ 5 4 ♦ Q 10 4 yourself. You are happy Especially if your opponents ♣ 7 6 ♣ 7 5 4 with whatever partner might are playing a short club, you bid and want him to bid can’t guarantee that that is higher with extra values. diamonds. Indeed, if he has West North East South Hand 4 You have an attractive a 5-card minor it is more 1♣ 1♥ 2♣ Dbl distribution with your likely to be clubs (otherwise Pass ? singleton club. Partner usually he might have overcalled 1♦ has a 5-card diamond suit last time). Bid 2NT. This can Hand 1 The one thing you can be on this bidding, so tell him hardly be natural as neither certain of is that partner of your fit by bidding 2♦. of you had enough strength has at least four spades. Occasionally it may be a 4-3 to bid on the first round. It With a fairly minimum fit, but it should play well shows both minors and asks overcall, bid a simple 2♠. enough when you take ruffs partner to bid his better one. Hand 2 Partner may have only four in the short trump hand. diamonds, but it is preferable to bid 2♦ rather than 2♥ on Hand 7 Hand 8 a ropey 5-card suit. With Hand 5 Hand 6 ♠ 9 8 4 3 ♠ 9 8 4 3 fewer than four diamonds ♠ K J 6 ♠ A 5 ♥ K 7 6 3 2 ♥ K 7 6 3 partner will probably go ♥ 8 7 3 2 ♥ 9 4 3 ♦ Q 3 ♦ Q 10 4 back to 2♥ anyway. ♦ Q 10 5 ♦ Q 10 4 3 ♣ 3 2 ♣ J 9 ♣ Q 3 2 ♣ J 9 5 4

Hand 3 Hand 4 West North East South ♠ A 4 3 ♠ A 5 4 3 West North East South 1♠ 2♣ 2♠ Pass ♥ A Q 10 9 4 ♥ Q 10 9 4 3 1♣ Pass 1♥ Pass Pass Dbl Pass ? ♦ A 6 5 ♦ A J 4 2♥ Dbl Pass ? ♣ 7 6 ♣ 5 Hand 7 Partner’s most likely Hand 5 Your only suit is the one the distribution is 1-3-3-6. If opponents have bid and he had a 4-card red suit, West North East South supported. Your best bid is he may well have bid it. Bid 1♣ 1♥ 1♠ Dbl 2♠ – almost certainly a 4-3 3♥ with your 5-card suit. 2♣ ? fit but at least you only have Hand 8 With a similar hand but only to try to make eight tricks. If four hearts it is better to Hand 3 You have quite a good hand you look confident then the bid 3♣, which will probably for an overcall and definitely opponents won’t know you be a safer partscore. n

BRIDGE December 2020 Page 21 t...Continued fom page 20. fewer than four spades is slam invitational hands. This, suit (eg Astro, when the Apart from suit quality, likely to have enough in however, is not the standard overcaller must have hearts), should we consider losers hearts to bid 1NT or enough method for most pairs. you can bid the opposing suit when overcalling? clubs to raise to 2♣. I do recommend that straight away to force partner Alex Mathers, 2. If you play a 1♣ opening opener’s continuations are to give a further description. Northallerton. as possibly only a doubleton natural after an invitational club (quite a common raise to 4NT. Opener, if ♣♦♥♠ I am not a fan of agreement in the UK when bidding on over 4NT, bids intermediate jump playing 5-card majors) reasonable four-card suits up This deal comes A overcalls, regardless then there is a good case the line or jumps in a suit to from Whitley of the number of losers. for playing the free 1♠ bid show five. Without the nine- Q Bay Bridge Club. What harm can you come as at least four spades and eight of clubs, a raise to 3NT The computer printout to if you overcall 2♣ on a double as denying four would suffice. On the actual suggests East-West could the North hand? Playing spades. Some responding hand, I do not mind 4NT. have done better in both intermediate jump overcalls hands (for example a 9 point If you are playing teams or the bidding and the play: can encourage players to hand with a 2-3-4-4 shape rubber bridge, this gives you make non-jump two-level but no heart stopper) would extra options since it will not overcalls on five-card suits, be unbiddable without the be a disaster to finish in 5♣. Dealer East. Love All. which can be rather risky. option to double because You could jump to 3♣ over ♠ A Q 5 3 Weak jump overcalls disrupt you cannot raise what might 1NT or bid 2♣ followed by ♥ 9 6 4 the opposing bidding and are be a doubleton club without 3♣, whichever is the stronger ♦ J 10 3 a much more potent weapon. at least five-card support. action in your methods. ♣ Q 8 4 In the play, if declarer ♠ 9 6 ♠ 8 7 N had tackled the diamonds ♣♦♥♠ ♣♦♥♠ ♥ Q J 10 W E ♥ A 8 5 2 S while a spade entry was ♦ 8 7 5 4 2 ♦ K Q 9 6 still available, it would have Partner opens I normally play ♣ A 9 7 ♣ K 10 5 been possible to take the 1NT (12-14) and Stayman after 1NT. ♠ K J 10 4 2 marked finesse against Q you hold this Q When the right ♥ K 7 3 your ♦9. I guess the idea in promising collection: hand opponent calls 2♣ ♦ A cashing the spades first was (ie, steals your bid) what ♣ J 6 3 2 to avoid going two down if is the best thing to do? North had the ♦Q but if you ♠ A 5 2 Dorothy Gill-Carey, have no entry to hand you ♥ A K 6 Penkerris, Cornwall. West North East South might as well cash both top ♦ K 5 1NT 2♠ diamonds (not that doing ♣ K J 9 8 2 One simple option All Pass so helps as the cards lie). is to agree with your A partner that double is West led the queen of ♣♦♥♠ Another point or another Stayman and that everything hearts, taken by East, who club would make the else means the same as it returned the two, taken When playing Acol, decision easier. As it was, would have done without in hand by declarer. how many spades none of 3♣, 3NT and 4NT the overcall (eg 2♦ = five He cashed the ♦A and Q does East show seemed entirely satisfactory. plus hearts). Having such an then entered dummy in this sequence? Would What do you suggest? agreement is a little unusual with the queen of spades, the answer be different Does the scoring method – you would definitely need and ruffed a diamond. in another system? affect the decision? to discuss it with your partner. He next entered Alan Lamb, The more common practice dummy with the ace West North East South Gloucestershire. is that double is for take-out of spades, and ruffed 1♣ 1♥ 1♠ (if 2♣ is natural) or showing dummy’s last diamond. Mike Gurney, With 18 points and values (if 2♣ is conventional). He now exited with his Holt, Norfolk. a 5332 shape facing In the former case, you last heart, losing to West. A a weak no-trump will find out whether your With declarer’s red suits 1. In Acol, assuming opening, it helps a lot if partner has a four-card eliminated, West had to give that East has the you have a 5-4 fit. If your major because he will bid declarer a ruff and discard A option of a negative methods give you a way to it. In the latter case, you or open up the club suit. or takeout double, the free discover whether partner has might need to cue bid the Declarer lost just two bid of 1♠ shows at least five four clubs, you use them. I opposing suit, once they have heart tricks and two club spades. A hand with only normally play 1NT-2♠ as a shown one, to ask partner for tricks, so made nine tricks. four spades would double. range enquiry, using it on more information. If the 2♣ The all seeing eye of the A hand worth a bid but with both game invitational and overcall promised a specific computer indicates declarer

Page 22 BRIDGE December 2020 can be held to eight tricks. feedback please if you have 1. In modern Acol game forcing, in which case Can the defence do better? the time. responder does not promise responder needs to be strong The computer also 1. After the auction to bid again if opener rebids enough to force to game indicates East-West 1♠ – 2♦, does responder 2♠ or raises to 3♦. If opener facing a minimum opening, can make 3♦. 100% guarantee a rebid jumped to game (3NT or so usually 13 points. This looks difficult. if no intervention? 4♠), responder would also Is this possible without The Rule of 14 be at liberty to pass that. If ♣♦♥♠ help? suggests responder can opener changes the suit, that The Lodger. bid on as few as 8 HCP. If most definitely is forcing. How would you opener has a very minimum 2. With 4-4 in the majors, bid this one? The defence can stop hand, and rebids 2♥, can responder always responds Q I will say how we the overtrick in 2♠ responder Pass showing 1♥ regardless of strength. bid it without giving names. A with a trump switch at preference? If so, then an Given that opener could trick two. This takes out one opener with a much stronger either open 1♠ or rebid of dummy’s entries before hand would have to make 1♠ if holding four spades, ♠ Q 9 8 4 declarer has unblocked the a jump rebid to force a responder would not ♥ 5 2 ace of diamonds. Although response, and waste bidding normally bid spades on ♦ A Q 5 it is easy for East to see the space. So in a case like this, the second round with 4-4 ♣ Q 9 7 2 danger in opening up one is a change of suit by the in the majors. Perhaps if of the minors, the heart opener forcing for 1 round? the bidding starts 1♦-Pass- N W E return chosen at the table 2. Does a responder’s 1♥-Pass-2♦-Pass and S could work on a slightly reverse imply 10+ HCP or responder has no sort of different layout. If you give 12+? Suppose responder club stopper whatsoever it ♠ A J 5 South a small singleton is 4-4 in the majors, and might be the least evil to ♥ J diamond and ace-jack to opener opens the auction rebid 2♠ even though that ♦ K 8 7 4 3 four clubs, a trump switch with 1♦, intending to rebid really shows five hearts ♣ A K J 4 would allow declarer to 1NT showing 15-16 HCP. as well as a spade suit. make ten tricks by discarding Does it make any difference If you play some sort of one of dummy’s hearts on which suit responder checkback, responder can Bidding (opponents the fourth round of clubs. mentions 1st? If he bids enquire after a 1♦-Pass- pass throughout): Even if the East-West hearts 1st, then a subsequent 1♥-Pass-1NT start. If you methods allow a takeout 2♠ rebid will take him do not play any sort of North South double of 2♠, West would above his 2♥ ‘barrier’, Checkback (and maybe even 1♦ need either four hearts or and I’m hoping this might if you do), you should play 1♠ 2♣ a singleton spade for that show a stronger hand. that opener opens 1♠ on 3♣ 3♠ to be a reasonable action. On the flip side, if he bids balanced hands with four End The computer makes 3♦ 1♠ first, followed by 2♥, spades. Either way, there is Name and address supplied. by finessing the nine of wouldn’t this be suggesting no need for responder to diamonds. In real life, 5/4 distribution? I may be bid 2♠ over the 1NT rebid The bidding was fine declarer would lose two answering my own question with 4-4 in the majors. up until one of the tricks in each pointed suit here, but in this situation it If you play four-card A players passed a bid and the king of hearts to go could easily be cleared up majors but do not like that I regard as forcing. With one down – the defenders by Checkback, therefore opening them then a minimum opening South do not make a club trick maybe this second option occasionally you will miss a raises spades immediately, because they cannot open is a way of showing 4/4 4-4 spade fit when opener so the delayed support up the suit to their advantage with a weaker variety? has four spades and a four- shows a decent hand. and eventually one of West’s Geoff Simpson, card minor and responder is North might bid 4♦ over clubs goes away on the Torphins, Aberdeenshire. too weak to use Checkback. 3♠ offering South a choice fourth round of hearts. A responder’s reverse of games. 4♣ and 5♣ Although Ask Julian more normally occurs when would also be reasonable ♣♦♥♠ for Mr Bridge will responder has a four- choices, South advancing A cease with the card major and a longer to 5♣ over the former. I’m disappointed imminent ending of the minor. In traditional Acol to hear the demise publication of BRIDGE, a responder’s reverse is ♣♦♥♠ Q of BRIDGE; many the feature will continue forcing for one round only, thanks for all your for members of Bernard in which case 11 points This deal comes contributions. Magee Bridge, see back suffices. An increasingly from the Yarm I’ve a couple of questions cover, for which there is a popular treatment is to play Q Bridge Club. My where I’d appreciate some free introductory month. a responder’s reverse as partner and I were N/S. u

BRIDGE December 2020 Page 23 t entered the auction? David Stevenson Answers Your Bridge Questions Alex Mathers, Dealer North. N/S Game. Northalleton. ♠ 10 9 6 2 ♥ 4 Whether North’s 2♣ Should I ♦ 10 9 8 6 4 3 was brave or foolish ♣ Q 8 A rather depends ♠ Q 5 4 ♠ 8 7 upon what 3♦ would have Announce ♥ Q 9 7 2 N ♥ J 10 6 5 3 meant if South had bid 2♥ W E ♦ 7 5 S ♦ A K 2 rather than 2♠. Looking at ♣ A K J 5 ♣ 10 6 2 four spades and one heart, An Opening ♠ A K J 3 North needs to be prepared ♥ A K 8 for a 2♥ reply. If a 3♦ rebid ♦ Q J is a weak action then fine. Lead? ♣ 9 7 4 3 Because North is a passed hand 3♦ probably would not be forcing for most I play in a club if it is critical. Certainly West North East South partnerships but if it would of moderate you must not announce it Pass Pass 1NT1 be invitational then it would Q ability which at the time of a ten lead. Pass 2♣2 Pass 2♠ be a risky thing to do. When does not use system All Pass playing a strong no-trump, cards. One of my partners ♣♦♥♠ 1 15-17, downgrading the it is usual to have few and I are experimenting doubleton queen-jack. responding actions as weak. with Strong Tens. A recent piece in 2 Garbage Stayman, hoping to With the points divided 20- Should we inform BRIDGE informed improve the contract. 20, it is unsurprising that the opponents at every table, Q readers that side with the spade fit won especially as most people Stayman can be used West led the ace of clubs, the contract. Neither East play tens as ‘top of nothing’? legitimately to indicate a followed by the king, East nor West could reasonably I suspect that having partner weak hand with a long(ish) playing the two, and six. have entered the auction. announce it on the lead of minor, which I also use. West switched to a ten is not only illegal, but (eg 1NT-Pass-2♣-Pass- diamonds, East making ♣♦♥♠ there are also implications 2♠-Pass-3♦-All Pass). the top two tricks, West when partner DOESN’T Should this be announced playing the seven and five. Should Drury (or lead a ten which opponents (by partner) as ‘Stayman OR The third round was Reverse Drury would not be aware of ...’? If the latter, what is your ducked by South and Q if played) still in those circumstances. suggested form of words? West, into North. apply after opponents Ron Tomsett, Ron Tomsett, The top two trumps double or overcall? Maidstone, Kent. Maidstone, Kent. were cashed. Huw Jones, Then the top two Swansea. There is no rule that Stayman never hearts, and a heart ruff. you should announce promises anything The ten of diamonds forced Drury or Reverse A strong tens at the start A (and never has) and out the master trump. Drury is off after an of the round and I expect while people do not always Declarer’s trumps took A overcall. With a near you will more likely upset realise this they really have to the last two tricks, so opening hand and support rather than help people. learn. The term “Stayman” is eight tricks were made. for partner, you can cue bid The only people who really correct whether you promise The print-out indicated the opposing suit. If they take much notice of what a major or not, whether it East West could make 3♥. double rather than overcall, cards opponents lead tend promises strength or not. If Were we brave or foolish? you can still play Drury – or to be the top players and people need to know they will Should West or East have you could redouble. n they are quite likely to ask have to ask. n

Mr Bridge 24 packs 12 blue backs and Luxury playing 12 red backs - just cards £24 including postage. www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop UK mainland only.

Page 24 BRIDGE December 2020 A to Z of Bridge A to Z of Bridge compiled by Julian Pottage

S continued from the November issue. ♠ 10 9 3 ♠ K Q J 10 STRONG TWO BID ♥ A 9 4 N An opening bid of two of a suit used ♦ A 8 4 ♠ 2 W E ♠ A 9 5 4 3 S to show a strong hand with at least ♣ 10 9 7 3 five cards in the suit named. You can ♠ K 8 7 4 2 ♠ A 6 5 ♠ 8 7 6 play them as not forcing, forcing for ♥ 7 6 N ♥ Q J 8 2 W E one round (Acol) or forcing to game ♦ 6 5 S ♦ K J 10 3 (Culbertson). In Acol, either of the ♣ 8 6 5 2 ♣ J 4 West leads the two of spades against following hands would be suitable for ♠ Q J a heart contract, clearly a singleton. a strong two bid (2♠): ♥ K 10 5 3 After winning with the ace, East ♦ Q 9 7 2 returns a high spade (the nine) to ask ♣ A K Q for the higher-ranking of the other Hand 1 Hand 2 side suits (diamonds) or the two to ask ♠ K Q J 10 7 4 ♠ A K Q 7 4 for the lower-ranking suit (clubs). ♥ A K 4 ♥ K Q J 8 3 South plays in 3NT after East opened Some pairs, by agreement, play suit- ♦ A Q 3 ♦ K 4 the bidding. West leads the ♠4 to the preference discards, usually known ♣ 5 ♣ 3 ♠A and ducks the spade return. Even as McKenney discards. Tournament after the♣ J falls, declarer can see only players and the top rubber bridge eight tricks, so he cashes a third club, players use suit-preference signals SUCKERS DOUBLE crosses to the ♥A, cashes the ♣10 and in further situations, such as when A double of a freely bid game or slam leads a spade. West can do no better following to the second round of a contract by a player who is relying than run the spades, the last one of suit having already given a count or solely on defensive high-card strength. which ‘suicidally’ squeezes East. attitude signal on the first round. Against good opponents, such doubles can mean that declarer makes an SUIT ‘unmakeable’ contract by placing the Method of sorting the fifty-two cards ♠ Q 6 doubler with all the missing strength. in a pack, identified by the shape of the N It is probable that the declaring side has pip; spades, hearts, diamonds or clubs. ♠ A K J 8 5 2 W E ♠ 10 4 3 distributional values to compensate S for missing high-card values. SUIT PREFERENCE SIGNAL ♠ 9 7 Defensive signal whereby the play SUFFICIENT BID of the cards in one suit indicates a A bid at a higher level than the preference between two other suits. West cashes his top spades against previous bid or at the same level in a The principle is that a high card asks a heart contract. On the first round, higher-ranking denomination. To be for a high suit, a low card for a low East must play low (the three) so legal a bid has to be sufficient. suit. It is most common to give a suit- that West can work out who has the preference signal when you believe doubleton. On the second round, East SUICIDE SQUEEZE that partner will not wish to play the has a choice. The ten, the higher card, A squeeze when a defender, rather suit in which you are giving the signal, suggests a diamond switch, while the than declarer, leads the card that such as when you are giving partner a four, the lower card, suggests a club inflicts the squeeze. ruff. switch. u

BRIDGE December 2020 Page 25 t requesting clarification. In reply, 4NT SUPPORT shows three aces, a bid of four of the ♠ K 5 2 1. To raise partner’s suit (eg 1♥-Pass- agreed trump suit shows two aces and ♥ J 7 3 2♥ or 1♦-Pass-1♠-Pass-3♠). the trump king, and a new suit shows ♦ K Q J 4 2. If you have a worthwhile holding in two aces and a singleton in the suit bid. ♣ 7 6 4 partner’s suit, this is support. These days very few pairs play this ♠ 10 9 8 6 3 ♠ A Q 7 4 Support can be primary (usually convention, preferring instead to use ♥ 6 N ♥ 10 9 4 four cards) or secondary (usually Splinters, often in conjunction with ♦ 7 5 3 W E ♦ A 8 2 S three cards). When evaluating the Jacoby 2NT raise. ♣ K 9 8 5 ♣ J 10 3 support, length is more important ♠ J than strength. Supporting your SWISS PAIRS ♥ A K Q 8 5 2 partner’s suit, especially if it is a A pairs competition where instead ♦ 10 9 6 major, is normally a good idea. One of using a fixed movement the scores ♣ A Q 2 of the key objectives of bidding is to accumulated to the end of each round establish the denomination in which determine who you play on the next to play; supporting partner facilitates round. Pairs with similar scores play South plays in 4♥. West leads the ♠10 this. Supporting partner’s second each other on the next round. Using and the ♠Q wins. As East, you should suit nearly always shows four-card a Swiss Pairs movement is common switch. There are three reasons for support. where the size of the field makes it this. Firstly, if the ♠J is a true card, impossible for each pair to play every there are no more spade tricks to cash. SUPPRESSING THE BID ACE other pair. Competitors often like the Secondly, even if the ♠A stands up, To ignore an already identified ace format because playing more boards you do not want to establish the ♠K. (such as by a cue bid) in responding against the same opponents adds to Thirdly and most importantly, you to Blackwood. This convention is now the game’s social element and because want to set up some club winners to rare as many pairs cue bid both first- the coveted green master points are cash when you get in with the ♦A. You and second-round controls and so often on offer. should switch to the ♣J, top of the need 4NT to identify which is which. mini sequence. SWISS TEAMS SURE TRICK A competition for teams organized in SYSTEM A trick that a player is certain to make. the same way as for Swiss Pairs. Swiss The methods of bidding and card play Teams and Swiss Pairs are popular used by a partnership. SWING for one-day events as they provide a The net difference in the score on a format different to that available in board in a teams match. club play.

SWING DEAL OR SWING HAND SWITCH A deal on which a large swing in scores 1. You switch if you lead a different T occurred, or which had the potential suit from the one previously led. for a large swing. 2. Arrow-switch, an adaptation towards the end of a session allowing TABLE SWISS CONVENTION a single winner to be determined 1. A team of four, two pairs or four An old convention whereby responses from a Mitchell movement. players in a duplicate event make of 4♣ or 4♦ to an opening bid of one of Other things being equal, it is usually up a table. a major show a good fit, sound values better to continue with the first suit 2. The dummy is the hand on the for game and some interest in a slam, rather than switch to a new suit. This table. thus releasing the direct raise to four is because each time you open up a 3. To ‘table’ one’s hand it to expose it, of opener’s major as a pre-emptive new suit you risk giving away a trick. either as dummy or when making a action. There are many versions of Common reasons to switch are as claim. Swiss. The two most popular were: follows: 4. If dummy says ‘table’ it is a Singleton Swiss: 4♣ shows two aces reminder to declarer that the lead is and a singleton, after which ♦4 from (i) Partner has discouraged the suit; in dummy. partner asks responder to identify the (ii) Continuing the original suit would singleton; 4♦ shows two aces without a mean leading into a tenace; TABLE NUMBERS singleton. (iii) Continuing the original suit is too Numbered cards placed on each table Fruit machine Swiss (Three-Way passive; for identification purposes. Swiss or Sussex Swiss): 4♣ shows (iv) You have run out of the original either two aces and a singleton, or suit. TABLE PRESENCE three aces, or two aces and the king of The almost indefinable characteristic trumps. 4♦ from opener is then a relay possessed by expert players whereby

Page 26 BRIDGE December 2020 they draw correct inferences from West North East South towards rather than away from the their opponents’ mannerisms and 1♣ tenace. If the opponents lead the suit, rhythm of play etc. Pass 1♥ Pass 2♥ you would prefer a lead up to rather Dbl than through the tenace. TACTICS General manoeuvres in bidding and In each of these example sequences, TEXAS CONVENTION play, and other choices of action in the double is for take-out. In the third A transfer method in response to a adapting one’s style to the peculiarities example, the second round was West’s 1NT/2NT opening bid. In response, a of a particular event or situation. first chance to double hearts. A hand jump to 4♦ is a transfer to 4♥ and a Different methods of scoring and consistent with all of them is: bid of 4♥ is a transfer to 4♠. Few UK conditions of contest often determine players use Texas. that you should modify your approach to the game. Tactics also extend to ♠ K 10 8 3 THIN deciding which opponents to play ♥ 4 N 1. A contract you have bid on very W E against in a teams match and when ♦ K J 8 2 S slender values is a thin contract. each pair should sit out if there is a ♣ A Q 10 3 2. A hand too weak for a specific team of six. action you can describe as thin. For example, at matchpoint pairs you put more effort into trying to TANK, TO GO INTO THE TEAM make overtricks than you would at To pause for a long time when faced A group of four or more players other forms of the game; at IMPs, you with a difficult decision in the bidding competing as a single unit. push for vulnerable games more than or play. you would at other forms of the game; TEMPO at rubber bridge, you bid differently if TAP 1. Tempo can mean to have the you already have a part-score. To knock gently on the table: initiative in the play. For example: 1. This a method of alerting partner’s TAKE-OUT conventional bid (when bidding A sign-off in a denomination other boxes are not in use). ♠ Q J 10 9 than that previously bid by partner or 2. In rubber bridge, to tap means to ♥ A K a bid after partner has doubled. pass. ♠ A K N Immaterial If partner has bid 1NT and you hold 3. In America, to tap declarer means W E a weak unbalanced hand, it is usual to force him to ruff. ♥ Q J 10 9 S to take out into your long suit (via a transfer if you are playing those). TARTAN TWO BIDS Immaterial If partner has made a take-out Opening bids of 2♥ and 2♠ show a double, you will nearly always take out variety of types of hand. 2♥ shows the double. either a weak hand (about 5-9 points) West on lead against South’s no- If partner has made a penalty with five hearts and a five-card minor, trump contract has the initiative double, it will be rather less common or an Acol 2♥ opener, or a strong (tempo) and can guarantee four to take out the double. balanced hand (about 19/20 points). 2♠ tricks by leading his long suit. If shows either a weak hand (about 5-9 North had the lead (tempo), it would TAKE-OUT DOUBLE points) with five spades and another be North who made four tricks. A double used conventionally to five-card suit, or an Acol ♠2 opener. 2. In bidding or play, tempo means the ask partner to bid his best suit. After both openings, a response in general rhythm of a player’s actions. Traditionally a double is for take-out the next available bid is a relay to seek if it is: clarification. TEMPORISING BID 1. Of a suit bid at the one- or two- A temporising bid keeps the bidding level. TENACE open while saying little about your 2. Made at the first opportunity to A holding of (normally high) cards in hand. For example: double that suit. the same suit, one ranking next above 3. Made before partner has bid. and the other next below a card held by an opponent, eg A-Q or K-J. A holding ♠ A J 9 5 3 West North East South that is not strictly a tenace before ♥ 7 3 N 1♥ ♦ A Q 8 3 W E play starts may become one during S Dbl the course of play. For example. A-J-x ♣ J 4 opposite x-x-x becomes a tenace if the West North East South king is led. 1♥ Pass 2♥ If your side leads a suit in which Dbl you have a tenace, you want to lead u

BRIDGE December 2020 Page 27 t THREAT CARD (MENACE) THROUGH STRENGTH West North East South A card that, whilst not yet a winner, A lead is through strength if the 1♠ Pass 2♣ Pass may become a winner if the opponents second player to the trick has a 2♦ Pass 2♥ Pass weaken their holding in the suit by strong holding in the suit, or at least a ? discarding from it. stronger holding than that held by the After partner’s fourth-suit forcing bid, The main use of the term is in fourth player. you have to bid again even though connection with squeezes. For there is nothing you really want to say. example, if North holds ♥A-K-Q-J-4 THROW AWAY The correct bid is ♠2 . and East ♥10-8-6-5-3, the ♥4 is a To discard. Temporising bids are usually cheap threat card (menace). East cannot bids. afford to discard a heart for fear of THROW IN establishing the ♥4 as a winner. 1. A deal when all four players pass – THIRD AND FIFTH LEADS the term comes from rubber bridge A convention whereby, from long suits THREE-HANDED BRIDGE where players would literally throw without an honour sequence, you lead There are many versions of this game, in their cards for a redeal. the third highest card from three- which sometimes goes by the name 2. To give a player the lead deliberately, and four-card suits and lead the fifth ‘cut-throat bridge’. with the expectation of a favourable highest from longer holdings. It is Usually the three players bid against return. Here is an example: quite common to play third and fifth each other for the dummy, which may leads in suits your partner has bid. remain concealed or have a number of This is because you are much more cards exposed during the auction or ♠ K Q 5 likely to lead from a three-card suit if after the first lead. ♥ A 9 8 7 6 3 partner has bid it. ♦ J 4 THREE NO TRUMP ♣ 7 4 THIRD HAND HIGH FOR TAKE-OUT ♠ 10 8 6 3 ♠ 9 7 2 A traditional rule suggesting that An old convention whereby an overcall ♥ 5 N ♥ 4 W E ♦ K Q 10 5 ♦ 9 8 7 3 2 the correct action to take when one’s of 3NT after an opponent’s three-level S partner has led is to play one’s highest pre-emptive opening is a take-out ♣ K 9 8 5 ♣ J 10 3 2 card (but the lowest of equals). request. ♠ A J 4 For example: ♥ K Q J 10 2 THREE-QUARTER MOVEMENT ♦ A 6 An incomplete Howell movement ♣ A Q 6 8 5 2 when not all the pairs meet. One feature of the three-quarter movement N Q 10 7 3 W E K 9 6 is that there are more stationary pairs South plays in 6♥. West leads the ♦K. S than in a full Howell but fewer than in Declarer wins this, draws trumps, A J 4 a Mitchell. Another is that it is often cashes three rounds of spades and possible to have the same number of leads the ♦J. This throws West in. West boards in play (and number of boards has the lead but does not want it: a club When West leads the three, East must per board) no matter how many tables goes into the tenace while any pointed play the king to stop South from there are. suit card would give a ruff and discard. scoring an undeserved trick with the For example, three-quarter jack. movements exist with nine 3-board TIGHT rounds for 6, 7 or 8 tables. A contract close to failure, in other THIRD-IN-HAND OPENER words the defenders have taken the In the third seat, it can be good tactics THREE-QUARTER NO TRUMP maximum number of tricks that to open on a hand slightly below the To play a strong no-trump only when declarer can afford to lose. usual strength for an opening bid. vulnerable against non-vulnerable Such an opening is a ‘third-in-hand’ opponents, with a weak no-trump at TOP opener, and you may term it as semi- other times. Highest matchpoint score available on psychic. One reason why it can be a each board in a duplicate pairs event. good idea to open light is that if none THREE-SUITER of the first three players has a genuine A hand with four or more cards in TOP OF NOTHING opening then the fourth player three suits ie 4-4-4-1 or 5-4-4-0. Old-fashioned standard lead from probably has the best hand at the Three-suited hands are often difficult a holding of three small cards (and table and so is the favourite to become to describe, the exception being when sometimes more) eg you lead the nine declarer. By showing your suit, so an opponent bids your short suit, from 9-6-3. The method has fallen into long as it is a good suit, you should be when a take-out double can enable you disfavour because of necessity you helping partner with the opening lead. to suggest three suits at once. play a lower card on the second round,

Page 28 BRIDGE December 2020 which makes it look as if you started that with, for example, a five-card TRANSFERRING THE MENACE with a doubleton. During the play, it or longer heart suit, one responds A squeeze play that transfers the guard can be correct to lead top of nothing in diamonds. Partner will convert from one defender to the other. when conveying that you have no to hearts after which responder may For example: strength in the suit is high priority. pass with a weak hand, or make some Some pairs play top of nothing at trick further descriptive bid. An elaborate one in supported suits as it is obvious system of ‘transfer bidding’ sequences ♠ A J the lead cannot be from a doubleton. can describe a range of hand-types. ♥ Q 10 For example, to make a 2♦ transfer in ♦ — TOTAL POINT SCORING reply to 1NT you might hold: ♣ — Form of scoring at teams whereby the ♠ K Q ♠ 7 team with the largest aggregate score ♥ J 9 N ♥ K 6 4 W E wins. Hand 1 Hand 2 ♦ — S ♦ — ♠ 8 2 ♠ 8 2 ♣ — ♣ — TOUCHING CARDS ♥ K J 7 4 2 ♥ K J 7 4 2 ♠ 8 Cards in sequence eg A-K or 9-8. ♦ 10 9 7 5 ♦ K ♥ A 3 ♣ 8 6 ♣ A Q 9 5 4 ♦ A TOUCHING SUITS ♣ — Clubs and diamonds, diamonds and hearts, hearts and spades and spades With the first hand, you intend to and clubs are the combinations of stop in 2♥, playing in a safer partscore You are aiming to make the four touching suits. than 1NT while keeping the stronger remaining tricks at no-trumps (or hand as declarer. With the second, you with diamonds as trumps) and have TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR (TD) intend to rebid 3♣. the lead in dummy. North has two Person delegated by the sponsoring menaces, the ♠J and the ♥Q, but each organization to see to the smooth TRANSFERRED KING opponent guards one of the menaces. running of the tournament, to give If an opponent opens the bidding at If you simply cross to the ♥A and cash rulings on points of law and to sort out the one level and the next two players the ♦A, there is no squeeze because any irregularities. The TD organises pass, you can generally assume that West keeps spades and East hearts. If, the movement, tells the players when partner has some values. The usual however, you lead the ♥Q (covered by it is time to move and in general has rule is to imagine that you hold a king the king and ace), the heart menace the same duties as a director at a club. more than you actually do and bid becomes the ♥10 and responsibility for The main difference is that a TD is accordingly. Partner makes suitable guarding the suit ‘transfers’ to West. unlikely to be a player. allowance for this. TRAP PASS TOURNAMENT To pass holding a strong hand in the DIRECTOR’S GUIDE ♠ 7 hope the opposition will overbid and Book of advice for Tournament ♥ Q J 9 4 N you can extract a good penalty against Directors, intended as an explanatory ♦ A 8 5 4 W E their final contract. You may also see S supplement to the Laws and as a guide ♣ Q 10 3 2 the term used to describe the situation to their implementation. in which you are playing negative doubles but wish you were not. TRAM TICKETS West North East South Very poor cards. 1♠ Pass Pass Dbl ♠ 7 TRANCE ♥ 9 6 4 N ♦ K Q 9 5 2 W E To pause for a substantial length of If you had a king more, you would S time during bidding or play. Slow play have made a take-out double of 1♠ ♣ A 8 3 2 can disrupt the movement and irritate in second seat. You therefore have other players so one should avoid enough for a reopening double. u trances. Little Voice work directly with an To support Little Voice, send your TRANSFER BIDS impoverished urban community to used stamps to: Bids of suits that show the suit ranking support the economic development immediately above the one bid, and ask of women, to provide primary Malcolm Finebaum partner to bid that suit. They are most education to children and Flat 8 Mountford House common after partner opens 1NT vocational opportunities to youth. 8 Crescent Road or 2NT and allow greater flexibility www.littlevoicefoundation.org Enfield EN2 7BL in the bidding. The basic principle is

BRIDGE December 2020 Page 29 t TRICK POINTS TRUMP ASKING BID West North East South Points for contracts bid and made, A bid that enquires as to the quality 1♠ 2♦ recorded below the line in rubber of partner’s trump holding. In many ? bridge. Trick points for each trick over systems, a bid of 5NT not preceded six bid and made are as follows: by 4NT asks about partner’s trump If a double would be negative, holding eg 2♣-pass-3♦-pass-5NT. In suggesting four hearts and asking Clubs or diamonds trumps 20 Precision, it is quite common to play partner to bid, you do not want to Hearts or spades trumps 30 a single raise after a ♣1 opening and double. Instead, you should pass No-trumps 40 a positive response as a trump asking (smoothly) in the hope that your for the first and 30 bid eg 1♣-Pass-1♠-Pass-2♠. partner reopens with a double. for each subsequent no-trump trick TRUMP CONTROL TRAVELLER OR TRIPLE RAISE The player with the longest trump TRAVELLING SCORE SLIP A raise missing out two levels of holding has trump control. When two The slip of paper that accompanies a bidding eg 1♠-Pass-4♠ or 1♠-2♦-Pass- players have equally long trump suits, board as it travels round the room in 5♦. It is usually pre-emptive. the player whose partnership has the a duplicate event, on which to record lead has the tempo and therefore has each pair’s result. TRIPLE SQUEEZE trump control. On deals where one of This is a squeeze against one opponent the defenders has four trumps, there TREATMENT in three suits. There are numerous can be an intriguing battle for trump That part of an agreed system designed types of triple squeeze positions. In control. For example: to handle certain situations that the simplest variant, you have enough arise in the bidding. It may also be a winners to win all but two of the variation of a particular convention. remaining tricks. For example: ♠ K J 7 5 ♥ A K 3 TRIAL BID ♦ Q J 4 A bid in a new suit when trumps have ♠ A J ♣ 8 7 4 been agreed that invites partner to ♥ — ♠ A 8 6 3 ♠ 2 bid higher (normally to game) if he ♦ 3 2 ♥ J 6 5 N ♥ Q 10 7 4 ♣ 3 ♦ K 10 7 5 W E ♦ A 9 8 3 2 is good for his previous bidding but S allows room for him to sign off if he is ♠ K Q Immaterial ♣ 9 5 ♣ 10 3 2 poor. With halfway values, he should ♥ — N ♠ Q 10 9 4 ♦ K Q W E ♥ 9 8 2 judge what to do from his holding in S the 'trial bid' suit. ♣ A ♦ 6 ♠ 2 ♣ A K Q J 6 ♥ A ♠ Q 10 7 4 ♦ A J ♥ K Q 4 N ♣ K South plays in 4♠. West leads the ♦5. ♦ 8 5 2 W E ♦ S East wins with the A and returns the ♣ 8 5 2 ♦3. When as South you lead the ♥A, you Suppose that South ruffs and plays squeeze West in three suits. Indeed, he a trump. West then wins and plays a West North East South must throw a spade in order to avoid third diamond, forcing South to ruff 1♠ Pass being squeezed again. again. Declarer has trump control 2♠ Pass 3♥ Pass because West and North have the 4♠ TRIPLETON same number of trumps and declarer A holding of three cards in a suit eg has the lead. You have little in the way of extra values A-J-5 or 7-3-2. Now suppose the play starts the but your heart holding should solidify same way but West holds up the whatever partner has in the suit. As TRUMP ♠A until the third round before little as ♠A-K-x-x-x and ♥A-x-x-x-x A card in the trump suit as determined continuing diamonds. This time West opposite makes 4♠ almost laydown. by the last suit bid in the auction or has the lead while North and West playing such a card. Trumps are very have equal trump length, so West has TRICK important since in any trick containing trump control. A group of four cards, the lead and a trump the highest trump wins the Finally suppose that declarer the three subsequent cards played in trick. In the auction, you often want to (correctly) discards a heart at trick rotation. A key objective in the play is arrange for the trump suit, if there is two. This way West is unable to set to win tricks. Since there are fifty-two one, to be a suit in which you and your up a force (the ♦Q will be high) and cards, there are thirteen tricks. partner have the most cards. declarer has trump control.

Page 30 BRIDGE December 2020 TRUMP COUP declarer stops drawing trumps, East of trumps held in the long trump A stratagem whereby you can trap can infer that either West has no hand. You do this by ruffing, usually an opponent’s trump honour without more trumps or that West’s remaining in preparation for a trump coup or taking an actual finesse. For example: trump is a winner. West's trump echo endplay. tells East which it is. The general technique is for declarer to reduce his trumps to the same ♠ — TRUMP KING length as the defender’s. ♥ 7 4 Often regarded as a ‘fifth’ ace in control-showing bids. ♠ — N ♠ K J ♠ 4 ♥ J 9 W E ♥ — TRUMP PETER ♥ 7 4 2 S This is the same as trump echo. ♠ A Q ♠ Q 10 8 N ♠ — ♥ ♥ W E ♥ — TRUMP PROMOTION K S A Q J 3 To promote a trump trick in a defender’s hand through leading a ♠ K J 9 2 With spades as trumps, you lead a plain suit in which declarer and one ♥ — heart from dummy. Whatever East defender is void. This occurs mainly does, you overruff and make the last in two ways: two tricks. 1. The lead of a plain suit card through In this four-card ending, spades are To reach a position like this you declarer can allow partner to make trumps, the lead is in dummy and need to ensure that you have the same an extra trump trick. South needs three of the four tricks. number of trumps as the defender 2. If a defender ruffs with a high As South starts with a trump more (if you had more, you would have to trump, this may force declarer than West, an immediate endplay ruff and lead away from your trump to overruff, thereby promoting would not work because West could holding). You will also need to ensure a trump trick for that defender's win the spade cheaply and exit with that the lead is not in the hand with partner. a heart. Instead, you ruff a heart, the trump tenace. Suppose the trump layout is as follows: reducing your trump length to West’s, before giving up a spade. TRUMP ECHO A high-low signal in the trump suit. ♠ 8 4 2 TRUMP SIGNAL In the trump suit, an echo shows an An agreed method by defenders, N odd number (ie opposite to a standard ♠ J 9 5 W E ♠ 10 3 when following in trumps, to show signal in a plain suit) and usually a S information in that suit or another desire to ruff. ♠ A K Q 7 6 suit. The usual signals are the trump echo (to show length and/or a desire for a ruff) and the suit-preference ♠ A 7 4 1. If East leads a suit of which both signal.

N South and West are void, declarer ♠ 10 6 2 W E ♠ K J TRUMP SUIT S faces an unpleasant choice: ruff low, allowing West to overruff or ruff The denomination of the last suit bid ♠ Q 9 8 5 3 high and lose the third round. in the auction. 2. If West leads a suit of which both East and South are void, East TRUMP SUPPORT ♠ 9 5 2 should ruff high with the ten. If Support for partner in his proposed declarer discards, the defenders trump suit. N ♠ Q 6 3 W E ♠ J 10 have an immediate trump trick. If S declarer overruffs, West wins the TRUSCOTT CONVENTION ♠ A K 8 7 4 third round. Defence mechanism against strong As a rule, declarer does best to discard (16+pts) artificial opening bids of ♣1 a loser rather than incur a trump (as in Precision and Blue Club systems). In the first trump suit, declarer plays promotion. The principle is to counter honour- the ace and then up to the queen. If To thwart this, the defenders should point strength with distributional West plays the six followed by the two, usually arrange to cash their side values. this shows a third trump and strongly winners before trying for a trump An overcall shows a two-suited suggests a desire for a ruff. promotion. hand with at least 5-4 distribution in In the second, declarer cashes the the suits pinpointed by the following ace-king. Here West might play high- TRUMP REDUCTION PLAY bids over 1♣: low even with no desire to ruff. When Play designed to reduce the number u

BRIDGE December 2020 Page 31 t 1♦ shows diamonds and hearts ♠ A 9 8 5 4 2 ♠ K 10 7 3 1♥ shows hearts and spades ♥ 3 N ♥ 9 4 1♠ shows spades and clubs ♦ Q 7 4 W E ♦ A K 10 6 3 2 S 2♣ shows clubs and diamonds ♣ A 5 3 ♣ 2 U 1NT shows diamonds and spades Double shows clubs and hearts. The combination of good controls UNASSUMING CUE BID In fourth seat, after an artificial♣ 1 and the two-suit fit in the pointed The use of a cue bid in the opponent’s opening and an artificial response suits means that East-West can expect suit, in response to an overcall by (such as a 1♦ negative or a control to make a slam with only 20 HCP partner, to show at least a sound -showing response), the principle is the between them. minimum raise of partner’s suit, same. The lowest four suit bids show You should try harder than usual to thus releasing direct raises to be used the lower of touching suits; double buy the contract when your side has a competitively or pre-emptively. shows non-touching suits including two-suit fit. the suit doubled; no-trumps shows the West North East South other non-touching two-suiter. TWO-SUITED OVERCALLS 1♣ 1♠ Pass You can also play Truscott over an Conventional overcalls that show two 2♣ Acol/Benjamin 2♣; all the bids are a suits, at least one of which partner level higher than over a strong 1♣. knows. The unusual no-trump and the West’s 2♣ bid shows three (sometimes Michaels cue bid are the most popular more) spades and fair values (typically TWO CLUB SYSTEMS types of two-suited overcall. 10+ points). The bid neither shows nor Systems employing a strong and denies a particular holding in opener’s forcing 2♣ opening bid, such as Acol TWO-SUITER suit, hence the name 'unassuming'. and Standard American. A hand with at least five cards in each West might hold: of two suits. TWO NO TRUMP OVERCALL A balanced hand of some defined TWO-WAY FINESSE ♠ K 8 5 strength, but frequently played as a A card combination allowing declarer ♥ A 8 6 3 N ♦ A 10 4 2 W E conventional bid if it is a jump or after to finesse either opponent for a missing S both opponents have bid. The most honour. For example: ♣ 7 2 common conventional use of a 2NT overcall is to show a two-suited hand with the two lowest unbid suits. K 10 6 UNAUTHORISED INFORMATION N TWO OVER ONE W E Information available to a player that S To respond, without jumping, to he is ethically bound to ignore. For partner’s one-level opening bid with A J 8 example, an inference drawn from a a new suit at the two-level. The bid hesitation by partner is ‘unauthorised shows greater values than are required information’, although, of course, it is for a one-level response. With the above card combination, legal to act upon an inference drawn you have the choice of finessing either from a hesitation by an opponent. TWO OVER ONE SYSTEM opponent for the missing queen. A system in which a two-over-one When you have a two-way finesse, West North East South response (eg 1♠-pass-2♣) creates a you usually want to delay playing the 1NT game force. With such a system, it is suit. This is partly in the hope that the 2♣* Pass 2♠ Pass usual to play a forcing 1NT response to opponents may lead it first and partly ? 1♥ or 1♠ and to play weak or artificial so you can obtain as much information *explained as both majors jump shifts. as possible before you have to decide who is more likely to hold the missing West North East South TWO-SUIT FIT honour. 1♥ 1♠ 2♥ 2♠ If you and your partner have eight or 3♥ 3♠ Pass* Pass usually more cards between you in TWO WAY STAYMAN ? two suits, this is a two-suit fit. Hands The use of ♣2 as non-forcing Stayman *slowly with a two-suit fit often produce more (forcing for one round only) and 2♦ as In the first sequence, whatever the tricks than the point count or the law game-forcing Stayman. partnership agreement, if West does of total tricks suggest. not actually hold both majors, he has a duty to ignore East’s explanation. In the second sequence, the slow

Page 32 BRIDGE December 2020 pass suggests that East was thinking of his contract. UTILITY CLUB bidding 4♥. West should bid 4♥ only if This is another name for the Phoney it is a clear-cut action (unlikely in this UNLIMITED BID Club. particular example). A bid (such as the Acol 2♣ opener) with no upper limit. UP THE LINE UNBALANCED DISTRIBUTION In ascending consecutive rank order, Distribution that is not one of the UNPENALTY DOUBLE as in ‘To bid four-card suits up the line’. balanced or semi-balanced hand A conventional double of a slam patterns. An unbalanced distribution contract showing no defensive tricks, UP TO STRENGTH will normally contain at least one thus allowing partner to judge 1. In the auction, this means having singleton or void, in addition to one whether to sacrifice. With one or more full values for a bid. or more long suits. The most common defensive tricks, one should pass. 2. In the play, leading up to strength unbalanced distribution is 5-4-3-1. Very few pairs play unpenalty is the opposite of leading up to doubles. weakness. UNBID SUIT It is usually a good idea to lead up to A suit not bid during the auction. UNUSUAL NO TRUMP your side’s strength but not so good A convention whereby an overall in to lead up to opposing strength. UNBLOCKING no-trumps which, given the previous The play of an unnecessarily high card bidding, could not logically be natural, in a suit to preserve a small card. For is used instead to show length in the ♠ 4 3 2 example: two lowest-ranking unbid suits. N The most popular application is W E S as an immediate overcall of a suit 10 8 7 opening, although this is an extension ♠ Q J 5 of the convention, for such a bid could N A K J 3 2 W E Q 5 4 logically be natural. S Look at the two sequences below: If you lead towards the queen-jack 9 6 twice, you are likely to make a trick. West North East South If instead you lead from your hand, Pass 1♥ Pass 2♥ you are unlikely to make a trick. If West leads out the ace and king, East 2NT needs to unblock the queen in order UPPERCUT that West can run the suit. West North East South To ruff high in order to try to promote 1♥ a trump trick for partner. UNDER 2NT For example: To be under another player is to be on his right: West is under North etc. In the first sequence, West cannot possibly hold a very strong balanced ♠ 5 4 3 UNDERBID hand. N To make a bid suggesting a weaker In the second sequence, it is also ♠ J 6 W E ♠ Q 2 hand than that actually held. usual to play that the 2NT bid shows S the minors, because, while West could ♠ A K 10 9 8 7 UNDERBIDDER hold a very strong balanced hand, a Someone who frequently underbids. two-suited hand is much more likely. West might hold: With spades as trumps, West leads a UNDERLEAD suit in which both East and South are To lead a small card from a holding void and East ruffs with the queen of including a high card. ♠ 5 spades. Assuming South overruffs, ♥ 3 N W E this promotes West’s jack. UNDERRUFF ♦ K 10 9 6 5 S To discard a small trump under the ♣ K J 9 8 4 2 ruffing card of an opponent. This unusual play may be to avoid being endplayed or simply because UPSIDE DOWN SIGNALS/ V you cannot afford a discard in a side DISCARDS suit. These are alternative names for Reverse Signals/Discards. VALUE RAISE UNDERTRICK This is an artificial bid to enable you to Each trick by which declarer fails in differentiate a hand with support for u

BRIDGE December 2020 Page 33 t partner and fair values from a weak than small ones but to limit the extent level higher than usual, for example or pre-emptive raise. There are three of very large wins to prevent the result a 6♦ response showing one ace and common situations for playing a value in one match effectively determining a working void. Another method raise: the outcome of an entire tournament. involves specifying which void you After partner has overcalled In a Swiss teams competition, it is hold, by jumping to the suit below the (unassuming cue bid), after partner common for the VP scale to go from 0 trump suit with a low-ranking void has opened and the next player has to 20, with 20 being a maximum win and six of the trump suit with a high- overcalled and after partner has and a score of 10 for a tied match. ranking void. opened and the next hand has doubled. In the first two cases, the bid to show VIENNA COUP VUGRAPH a value raise is a minimum bid in the Unblocking play required when a Live theatre-style presentation of opposing suit. In the third case, the menace is blocked and entries are a hand of bridge using overhead bid is 2NT. lacking. projectors, closed circuit cameras etc, You temporarily establish a winner thus enabling an audience to follow West North East South for an opponent, only to force him to the play in detail. In addition to the 1♦ 1♠ Pass discard it. presentation itself, a panel of experts 2♦ James Clay of London, a leading usually provides commentary. whist authority in the last century, West North East South first described the play. He ascribed VULNERABLE 1♠ 2♦ its discovery to the best whist player in Term used to describe a side with a 3♦ Vienna, hence its name. game. Bonuses for games and slams In the end position on the following are higher when you are vulnerable West North East South hand, North’s ace of hearts blocks the but so are the penalties if you fail to 1♠ Dbl heart menace. To squeeze East you make your contract. 2NT must cash the ♥A before crossing to the ♦A. WAITING BID For any of the above sequences West A non-committal bid, often a cheap might hold: forcing bid offering partner more ♠ A J room to describe his hand. ♥ A Players sometimes call it a ♠ K 9 7 5 ♦ 2 ‘temporising bid’. ♥ Q J 5 N ♣ — ♦ A J 6 2 W E ♠ K Q West North East South S ♣ 7 2 Immaterial N ♥ K 2 1♥ Pass 3♦ Pass W E S ♦ — 3♥ ♦ — VANDERBILT, Harold Stirling ♠ 2 West will bid 3♥ on most hands Developed contract bridge from ♥ Q 3 with five or more hearts to give East auction bridge. ♦ A maximum room to indicate the reason ♣ — for his jump shift. VARIABLE NO TRUMP An opening 1NT bid being weak when not vulnerable and strong when VIEW, TO TAKE A vulnerable. To make a decision concerning a play or bid, usually one not strictly in VENICE CUP accordance with the odds. W The World Championship held biannually for representative women’s VOID teams. A holding of no cards in a suit. WALLET Device used to hold cards in a duplicate VICTORY POINTS VOID SHOWING BIDS event. In some events, usually teams The use of an unusual jump to show competitions with International a void in a side suit has found a place WBF Matchpoint Scoring (IMPs), one in many of the modern systems. Some Abbreviation for the World Bridge makes a further conversion from methods make no initial distinction Federation Matchpoints to Victory Points (VPs). between voids and singletons. It is The conversion occurs on a match- possible to show a void in responding WBU by-match basis. The purpose is to to a Blackwood enquiry of 4NT by Abbreviation for the Welsh Bridge reward large victories more generously making the normal response one Union

Page 34 BRIDGE December 2020 WEAK JUMP OVERCALL WEAK TWO BIDS before it becomes established, or by A jump overcall based on a good An opening bid at the two-level, an opponent following the correction six-card suit and about 6-10 points usually in the majors, with mainly of a revoke, or following a revoke on at the two level or a seven-card suit pre-emptive intent. the twelfth trick and in certain other and similar values at the three level. Typically, such a bid shows a six- defined situations permitted by the Due to their much higher frequency card suit and 5-9 or 6-10 points. A Laws. of occurrence and their ability to 2NT response is an artificial response disrupt the opposing bidding, most to enquire about strength, suit quality, WOLFF SIGN OFF tournament players now use weak outside features or some combination A conventional way of stopping in jump overcalls. of these. a suit partscore after opener’s jump Playing weak twos, you open 2♠ on rebid of 2NT: responder bids an hands like these: artificial ♣3 , which forces opener ♠ A Q J 9 4 2 to bid 3♦; responder then passes (if ♥ 5 4 wishing to play in 3♦) or bids another ♦ 6 4 3 Hand 1 Hand 2 suit, non-forcing. ♣ 10 2 ♠ A Q J 9 4 2 ♠ K J 8 5 3 2 ♥ 5 4 ♥ 2 WORKING CARD ♦ 6 4 3 ♦ Q 10 7 4 A card is working if it is particularly This hand is suitable for a weak jump ♣ 10 2 ♣ 7 2 useful, such as a king or queen in a suit overcall of 2♠ over one of any other suit. bid by partner.

WEAK JUMP SHIFT RESPONSES WEAKNESS TAKE-OUT WORKING VOID The use of a jump shift in response to (WEAK TAKE-OUT) A void is ‘working’ if it is particularly an opening bid of one of a suit to show A natural response, especially to an useful. This is especially the case in a weak hand. opening bid of 1NT, that does not slam bidding when a ‘working void’ This convention is popular with two- promise any strength, but merely is one in which partner does not hold over-one players but highly unusual in expresses the wish to play in an the ace. Acol. alternative denomination. If you have a weak unbalanced hand, it is likely WORLD BRIDGE WEAK NO TRUMP that a suit contract will play better FEDERATION (WBF) An opening bid of 1NT showing 12-14 than 1NT. The successor to the International points and a balanced hand. Playing Bridge League and founded in 1958, a weak no-trump, you open 1NT on WELSH BRIDGE UNION (WBU) the World Bridge Federation provides hands like these: Regulatory body for Duplicate Bridge a global organisation mainly to set in Wales. uniform international standards for the laws of the game and to conduct Hand 1 Hand 2 WEST World Bridge Championships. ♠ K Q 7 4 ♠ K 9 6 One of the positions at the bridge table. ♥ 9 4 ♥ Q 8 4 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS ♦ A J 8 3 ♦ A 4 WHACK The World Bridge Federation (WBF) ♣ K 10 3 ♣ Q J 9 3 2 Colloquial word for ‘Double’ organises all the official World Championship events. WHITE The most famous of these is the WEAK THREE BIDS Shorthand for describing the Bermuda Bowl, a world open teams An opening bid at the three-level made vulnerability of both partnerships championship, so named because it with pre-emptive intent. It is usual on a board and meaning that neither was first held in Bermuda in 1950. to have a seven-card suit, few values partnership is vulnerable. Great Britain won the Bermuda Bowl outside and about six playing tricks if in 1955. For many years now, the non-vulnerable (seven if vulnerable). WIDE OPEN Bermuda Bowl has taken place in You would open 3♣ on hands like A player has a suit ‘wide open’ if he alternate years, and apart from special these: has no guard in that suit in a no- arrangements for North America, trump contract, or no control in that teams can only play in the Bermuda suit in a slam contract. For example, Bowl having already done well in Hand 1 Hand 2 if declarer and dummy both have a a zonal championship, such as the ♠ 7 ♠ 7 small doubleton in spades, one would European teams Championship. ♥ 8 5 2 ♥ 2 say the suit is ‘wide open’. Running alongside the Bermuda ♦ 7 4 ♦ Q 10 8 5 Bowl and with equivalent qualification ♣ A Q J 8 5 3 2 ♣ A J 9 7 5 4 2 WITHDRAWING A CARD criteria are three other teams events. Permitted in correcting a revoke u

BRIDGE December 2020 Page 35 t The longest running of these is the Venice Cup, which is a world women’s PLUS teams championship. This started Q in 1974 in Venice. Great Britain won X the Venice Cup in 1981 and again in £99 15 1985. Seniors compete for the D’Orsi Seniors Bowl, first held in 2001 and X £49.50 won by England in 2009. The most 1. Symbol used in recording hands recent addition is the Wuhan Cup for when the x denotes a small card. Mixed Teams, first held in 2019. 2. Symbol used when writing down a The World Youth Teams contract to denote that it is doubled Championships, which started in (for example 4♥ x). Similarly two The very best Acol- 1987, are also biannual but do not take symbols denote that it is redoubled playing software place at the same time as the other (for example 4♥ xx). available. teams events. Great Britain won in 1989 and won again in 1995. Features include: Every 4 years, starting in 1960 and • a friendly interface traditionally in the same years as the Olympic games, the WBF holds a • a hint button - always at direct entry equivalent of the above Y hand & a help button - events, where all countries can take explains the features for part without having to qualify via a bidding and card play advice zonal championship. YARBOROUGH The WBF also organises nationally A hand containing no card higher • Easy Windows installation representative pairs events in various than a nine, named after the English categories as well as transnational Lord who offered odds of one guinea • Rubber bridge, duplicate and pairs and teams events. to 1,000 guineas against (10 pence to teams scoring £110) holding such a hand (the true WRIGGLE odds are 1827 to 1). • Feed in your own deals A convention whereby, after an • Create your own system opponent doubles an opening 1NT, the responder with a weak hand • Pre-programmed systems attempts to locate a fit that may include Acol, Standard prove less costly than standing the American and many more double. There are various versions of a Z Wriggle in common use, the common • Instant results for teams theme being that both redouble and immediate suit bids are weak actions, ZERO • 5,000 hands to play at teams with some actions showing a single- 1. Lowest matchpoint score possible of four suited hand and some actions showing on a board at duplicate two suits. 2. The score on a board when there is • 4,500 hands to play at matchpointed pairs. a pass out. WRITTEN BIDDING For Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 or 10. The use of a paper pad to record bids. ZERO OR TWO HIGHER Instead of making their bids vocally, A lead method by which the lead of players write them on a pad that they a nine or higher shows a suit headed NEW - Q Plus 15 pass to each other. At one time, written either by that card or by two higher includes Android bidding was popular in Australia but cards. For instance, the ten would be compatibility (5-9) the widespread use of bidding boxes consistent with a suit headed by the has now made written bidding a rarity. K-J-10 or the ten. n

Set of 4 matching Mr Bridge Limited Ryden Grange, Christmas mugs. £25. Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH Call for details. ( 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop ( 01483 489961

Page 36 BRIDGE December 2020 Biographies compiled by Ian Dalziel Biographies Of The BRIDGE Writers

was devastated when Mr Bridge To make a great magazine, however, disappointed but accepted his reasons. announced the magazine would the quality of production must be Then, to my amazement, he phoned end in December. I have read and matched with skilled writers and me back a week later and said he had Ienjoyed it almost since its inception BRIDGE had both. changed his mind and that he knew and was a columnist for two and a half In order to show the ‘human side’ someone who could co-ordinate the years. Life will just not be the same of these bridge geniuses (whom we project. I was delighted – until he told without it and I know many of you feel have read and loved for decades) I me that person was me! I wasn’t sure I the same way. suggested to Mr Bridge that he publish was up to it but really had no choice, When BRIDGE was in its heyday a short biography of each writer for if I didn’t do it, it wouldn’t happen. the letters page sometimes ran to 12 accompanied, if possible, by an ‘at I sent an individual letter to each pages, it was unique, great reading and home’ picture. I also submitted a list long-term writer hoping to persuade covered a fascinating range of subjects. of questions which I felt the readers them to take part. Each letter included I wrote in fairly regularly but, such might want to ask. a different set of questions tailor-made was the competition, I considered it a He thought this a good idea but for the individual. Some participants triumph to get a letter published. regretted that there was not enough used my questions to write their own The quality of the paper got better time left for such a project and, due mini biography and others responded and better and, with the glossy version to Covid, his staff was limited. I was as a Q&A session. The results will from 2016 onwards, the magazine follow and I hope they help make a reached a standard far superior to that fitting end to the magazine. achieved by any other bridge magazine As a full-time bridge teacher before or since. Mr Bridge deserves an for most of my life, I know that enormous amount of credit as he not composing bridge hands and only created the whole thing, but he quizzes and preparing lessons is very enlisted many top writers, edited it time-consuming. In my case, the so carefully for 28 years and probably preparation took so much of my time, subsidised it too. As others will testify, it left little time for a personal life. a bridge magazine can never be I just accepted this as a price worth profitable today whether it’s financed paying to have such an interesting by advertising, by subscription, and rewarding job. I had wondered or both. His aim was not to make if the other Mr Bridge writers found money but to promote an interest and the same but have been amazed to understanding of bridge and enhance discover they all had a family life and/ the lives of the readers – which he has or lots of friends plus many interests done in spades. outside bridge. I am sure you will be The ‘Mr Bridge’ story is a fascinating as interested as I am to learn more one; some of it he has shared with me. about these people who have become It would take a whole magazine to friends over the years through their tell and months to write. It can’t be contributions to the magazine. included in this issue but I do hope As this is the last magazine I won’t that sometime soon, he will write his get any feedback in the letters page so autobiography – and I have already if you have any comments please email placed an advance order. me at [email protected] n

BRIDGE December 2020 Page 37 Biographies compiled by Ian Dalziel John Barr

When did you move to Austria? servants to a large Maine Coon and an We moved to Austria in August 2009. even larger Norwegian Forest cat.

How does duplicate bridge in What hobbies do you have Austria compare with bridge in outside bridge? the UK? I play in a band, a guitar duo that plays The most surprising difference is that in hotels, bars, art centres and at après there are very few bridge clubs, except ski parties. I play a mix of acoustic, in Vienna. Before emigrating I lived in Europe I could be based anywhere. I’m electric, baritone and bass guitars Reading. There were at least a dozen now retired. – most of which I have built. Our clubs in or around Reading, and it music ranges from ballads for quiet was possible to play bridge at least 5 What started you writing and do restaurants through to blues and rock evenings a week. you write for other magazines or and roll for après ski parties. I recently I’m lucky to have the Kitzbühel newspapers? completed an MA course in music, Bridge Club nearby as beyond that the I had previously written some articles studying at the Waterbear college in Salzburg and Innsbruck clubs are an for books edited by Elena Jeronimidis, Brighton, mainly through on-line hour’s drive away. a previous editor of BRIDGE, and she distance learning. suggested that I contact Mr. Bridge. I enjoy skiing in the winter. From Do you use different playing I don’t write bridge articles for other St Johann we have easy access to the cards and how do you cope with publications, but I wrote a ski guide large Ski Welt, Kitzbühel and Saalbach the language? book in my first few years in Austria, ski areas, as well as many smaller ski We use German playing cards, which and have had articles published in resorts. initially required extra concentration, computer magazines and the travel but is now second nature. section of the Daily Telegraph. Will you be able to continue your My German language skills are interesting articles elsewhere limited. I passed the German A2 How many bridge books are in when BRIDGE ceases? exams a few years ago, but my German your library and who are your I would like to, but I have no plans or is now getting worse as so many people favourite writers? opportunity at the moment. n in Austria not only speak English, but I have far too many bridge books. want to practise it, so my opportunities I enjoy (and regularly re-read) the for German conversation are limited. Menagerie series by Victor Mollo, Playing bridge in German is and David Bird’s Abbot books. I am relatively easy as the language particularly interested in card play, required to play bridge is very limited. and learn something new every time However, I was very pleased to pass the I read Right Through the Pack by Tournament Director’s exam where Darvas and Hart or the books on card both the training and the exam were play by Milnes and Lukacs. mostly in German. Tell us about your family and What is your day job or are you pets. retired? My wife and I enjoy the relaxed, When we moved to Austria I worked outdoor lifestyle found in Austria, in the IT industry. As long as I had walking in the mountains and access to a phone and an internet running or cycling in the valleys. connection, and I could travel around We like big cats and are currently John and his wife with their two cats

Page 38 BRIDGE December 2020 Biographies compiled by Ian Dalziel Bernard Magee

When and how did you start a regular partner which made entering would be how much is not spent on playing bridge? tournaments difficult. bridge. I played cards throughout my My new website: childhood in our large family – How many bridge books are in bernardmageebridge.com seems to starting with snap, happy families and your library and who are your be all consuming. When I then add beat your neighbours out of doors and favourite bridge writers? the time that my son takes – there making our way through all sorts of I probably have about 200 books in is not too much time to spare. games. My oldest brother taught me various places. bridge when I was thirteen. I would choose three writers, two of Tell us about your family and whom have written in our magazine: pets. You have been a full time bridge Martin Hoffman, Mike Lawrence and I am married to Helen and we have teacher for many years. Did you Julian Pottage. When I was out of one son, Alfie, who is two and a half. previously have another career? bridge practice and needed to tune the No pets but a lot of toys. After university I had a variety of mind for a game, I would always pick temporary jobs before working at up a book on defence – the part of the What hobbies do you have IPBM, an old bridge magazine and game which always needs honing. outside bridge? printing company, where I learnt I would count my son as one of my the various jobs involved in printing How much of your week is spent hobbies, then there is cycling and and preparing magazines, as well as on bridge? walking. I enjoy following sport and helping with the bridge content. I am laughing at the question. my wife and I are learning Italian. In At the moment the easier question fact it is the way we met – at lessons. n What might you have done with your life if bridge hadn’t taken over? As a mathematician I have a feeling I would have got involved in the banking industry, which was attracting many people at the time I was graduating.

If you hadn’t got so involved in bridge teaching I’m sure you could have been a player at the very top of the game. Do you regret missing out on that? I do have some regrets that I was not able to pursue my playing career a little more. I came to the junior arena very late, playing in the U25 team when I was 23 or 24, rather than making my way through the junior ranks which seems to be the common way now. From the age of 25 I started to get involved with the bridge holidays and was away too much of the time to have Bernard with his wife, Helen, and their son, Alfie

BRIDGE December 2020 Page 39 Biographies compiled by Ian Dalziel Sally Brock

When and how did you start by my long experience. I guess when it playing bridge? isn’t will be the time I retire. My parents taught me at home. We had played lots of trick-taking games when As a bridge teacher I find most we were small, then solo, and only of my younger women give up when we were considered competent competitive bridge when they at solo were we taught bridge – I was have a family and/or a career, about 14. I was at boarding school they just haven’t time for both – until O levels, but went to a day school but you are a shining example to in the sixth form. My parents were show that women don’t need to delighted to have me at home so at choose, they can have it all. least they always had three. I must I don’t think it’s just women. I think have played an evening or two each a family, a job and serious bridge is week at that time. And of course I probably too much for most people. thought I knew it all. have no idea how many giant sudokus I was lucky that my job and serious I do. bridge coincided. Also, I did not have What started you writing in the I’m always looking for arts and crafts custody of my eldest child, so was first place? things to make, but the problem is that not that involved in his upbringing. I’ve always been quite pragmatic you need an outlet for the creativity. So I was well established as a bridge about earning a living. I worked for Once you’ve made whatever it is for all player when I had my other two. And a bridge magazine (first International your family and friends who want it, if I actually did give up playing for a Popular Bridge Monthly, then Bridge you can’t sell it you need to move on to while when those children were small Magazine) – mostly typesetting and something else. (between 1993 and 2001). editing. When there wasn’t enough work I decided to have a go at writing. In your column you seem to tell I have seen many talented female My first book was A Fistful of Honours us everything – no holds barred. bridge students get ‘lumbered’ about my first international success. Is there anything in your life with a weaker partner and hence that you keep private? How do never fulfil their potential. They You play a massive amount of Barry and your family feel about can’t give them up for ‘fear they bridge, teach and write about all of their lives also being in the hurt their feelings’. Yet my male bridge, have a great family life, public domain? students just change partners till meet lots of friends, have a great Well, I try not to write stuff people – they get the ‘best fit’ and think social life, go on holidays, have including me – would not want the nothing of it. You have changed a patient life partner in Barry, world to know. I tend not to name partners many times but I don’t hobbies outside of bridge, run a people who make errors at the bridge think you have ever lost a friend house, do cooking and still find table, but only when I give them credit. because of it. How do you do it? time to sleep. The question every I’m quite good at changing husbands reader must ask is this – how do You have recently turned sixty too. you fit it all in 24 hours? Do you but in bridge terms you are still I don’t know how I do it. I haven’t have an identical twin? I just a youngster and we all hope have had that many different bridge can’t believe one person could many years to go, will you ever partners: in the women’s game it has do it all. retire? really only been Sandra Landy, Nicola I don’t know and I don’t really think I It was quite a while ago now that I Smith and now Fiona Brown. I have do – it’s just that everyone hears about turned 60. It’s hard to say. Maybe I played with other people but mostly everything I do. To be honest, I haven’t am making more mistakes, but at the on a professional basis. As for male really had enough to do recently – you moment I think that is counteracted partners – I married well.

Page 40 BRIDGE December 2020 Women usually outnumber Biographies compiled by Ian Dalziel men at duplicate and at club level I find the bridge ability of men and women is similar. However, when I recently looked at the NGS leaderboard I was absolutely amazed to discover David Huggett than there were only two women in the top 100. Why do you think this is? first started playing bridge at I don’t know. I have always thought school when I was 17. Four of us that at club level women, if anything, read a book and then challenged tended to be better. I think at the top Ifour teachers to a match and although level women are not so successful in they beat us easily we beat them in a the open game for the same reason return match a couple of weeks later. that there are not so many women at I stopped playing pairs about 25 the top of anything (though that is years ago because I used to get so changing). It is hard to be at the top angry at perceived injustices. of anything when you are juggling Before the onset of Covid, I played family and work issues. only in major county events and National competitions and recently I’m sure your coaching has just a few online matches a week in seen players surpass their lockdown leagues which, surprisingly expectations but some say there for me, I really enjoy. I probably have about 100 bridge is a glass ceiling which those I worked in Operations Research books which I have either bought without natural ‘card sense’ can for British Gas in a department which or have reviewed over the years. My never break through. In other aimed to maximise conditions for the favourite author is David Bird. Not words to be a top player, is it company. I retired when I was 50. only is he a friend of mine but we share ‘nature or nurture’? I suppose because I was fairly well the same sense of humour and I just I think to get to the top you need to known in the bridge world when I was love it when he is being perhaps a little have a lot of natural ability as well as in my thirties and forties I got asked non-PC. And Terence Reese of course work hard at the game. But for the to contribute to Bridge Magazine wrote the most insightful works. vast majority of players it is just a and that led on to writing for other Sadly I have no family any more and game. They want to have fun, and win publications. For many years I wrote my cat who almost made 21 has passed sometimes. You don’t have to have for the excellent magazine Bridge Plus. on too. But I have loads of incredibly enormous natural ability to do that. I have written two bridge books with good and kind friends and never feel Stephen Cashmore, Plan the Play and lonely. Will you be able to continue The Monster Book of Basic Declarer Bridge is only one of two passions in your fascinating blogs elsewhere Play as well as four or five e-books my life and the other is tennis. I am when BRIDGE ceases? which sold well, particularly in the a fanatical follower of the game and There has been some discussion of United States. have been to all the Grand Slams over doing it online, but nothing definite My monthly article for BRIDGE the years. I used to play regularly with yet. n takes anything from a couple of hours some bridge friends as it happens but to much longer to write, depending now old age and a widening girth have on inspiration. I have a number of set put paid to all that. themes and I usually try to work from I have too many faults to mention those but sometimes inspiration is but the worst is probably intolerance lacking. where it is not always due. My biggest Pre Covid I ran a class in the New hate is unpunctuality – I just cannot Forest – the same group of ladies for bear it when other people think they 25 years – and a duplicate one evening can waste my time. a week for people who had been to I imagine my bridge writing days my Adult Education classes, which I are at an end but when and if the ran for many years, but who were too pandemic ever ends I would hope to scared to join a proper club. Many continue the talks I give to the County years ago I had spent a working holiday on bridge related topics. I usually give in Zimbabwe teaching bridge out there three a year and they are always well and I also ran a class in La Manga, supported and I get huge satisfaction Sally and Barry Spain, with the late Jeremy Flint. from giving them. n

BRIDGE December 2020 Page 41 Biographies compiled by Ian Dalziel Andrew Kambites

was born in 1948 and grew up in for Gloucestershire in the mid 2000s. London. I studied Maths at Bristol As bridge holidays increased I ceased University and spent my career in to be a reliable member of the team Iteaching maths. I wanted to bring my so effectively withdrew from serious family up in a rural environment so bridge. Obviously now bridge holidays having moved to Gloucestershire in are on hold, I have started playing 1972 I have remained here (Stroud) online, both socially with friends I ever since. I enjoyed my time in teaching maths have made on bridge holidays and I am married to Carol with two and taught bridge to a lot of teenagers, with past teammates. sons. Mark is a professor of Maths at many of whom played junior bridge I have written about 20 books, Manchester University and is married for England. However, I turned including, in collaboration with Eric to Kirsty with three children (Jason down extra responsibilities in maths Crowhurst (the Acol Guru), Hugh 15, Helen 10 and Sophie 8). Carl teaching in order to pursue my bridge Kelsey and Ron Klinger. I wrote for works in IT for IBM at Hursley (near interests. This led to early retirement, English Bridge for many years and for Winchester) and is married to Yana after which I have directed and taught Bridge Plus when Elena Jeronimides with one child (Elisa 6). on bridge holidays for First for Bridge. edited it. When Elena rejoined Mr I played chess at university and I never played a huge amount of Bridge as Associate Editor of BRIDGE started bridge immediately afterwards. bridge. Family came first. However I then started writing for his excellent Bridge was only ever a hobby but I soon I had successes, the most recent two magazine. I have always considered had other bridge interests. In the early being the Tollemache and Pachabo myself as a teacher and writer to eighties I provided the bridge material for a bridge computer, the BBC bridge companion. I knew Pat Husband well. Pat took over the EBUTA in the mid 1980s with a remit of promoting teachers with personal and motivational skills rather than top quality bridge expertise. Pat used me in the role of improving the bridge skills of teachers and assessing teachers. Through Pat I met Ron Klinger, leading to a number of books. Later on when the EBU introduced Bridge for All and Standard English, I worked with their appointee, Sandra Landy, in producing some of the materials. I joined the EBU panel of directors. I helped Pat design materials for club TDs which were subsequently used in the original EBU training materials. I ran club directing courses for the EBU. Andrew’s family

Page 42 BRIDGE December 2020 intermediate players, helping them Biographies compiled by Ian Dalziel understand what they are doing rather than follow rules. Bridge is a difficult game, which is what it makes it so fascinating. The first requirement of anybody who wants to be a real bridge player is to realise that things are not Marguerite always black and white. My greatest hate in bridge is the all too common bully who believes that partners who do not do things exactly as they do are wrong or stupid. I also hate the Lihou interpretation of the laws as if they are rituals rather than an attempt to set a framework which is fair to all. I am afraid that many of the questions I spent on them. I was inspired by which David Stevenson has had to the great cartoonist Mel Calman. He answer in BRIDGE show just how did the cover illustration for a book common this attitude is in clubs. called “Why women win at bridge” My writing has a distinct pattern. by Danny Roth. I “borrowed” his idea If writing a series I do it all at once of giving the cards an inner life and in order to make sure it fits together. personalities. Maybe one month planning, two weeks writing a series of 10 articles, Although many top bridge then another month tweaking and players have a career in maths proof reading. The first draft is quite and computing there are also quick, maybe 10 hours for one of some great bridge players in the my articles/quizzes but it is thrown arts word. Do you find many together and evolves over time. Cut bridge players in among your and paste is very necessary. associates in arts and crafts? I have no plans for further writing, Joan Crawford and Omar Sharif though I don’t rule it out if somebody I understand you are a keen were creative people and good bridge makes a suggestion. bridge player, when and how did players. Day jobs don’t often come My bridge library isn’t very big. I you start playing bridge? up in conversation at the bridge club have a somewhat idiosyncratic sense As a child I played kitchen bridge at (a lot of club players are retired aren’t of humour and I like humourous home with my family (as well as Whist they) but they seem quite diverse. I writing, David Bird being particularly and other card games like Rummy have a background in IT, I switched good. and Hunt the Lady). After university to illustration mid career (a mid-life Faults? I think my greatest fault is I moved to London and took bridge crisis you might say). my modesty. evening classes and started playing at Outside bridge, I have played a lot the British Airways bridge club. You clearly have a great of tennis and table tennis in the past. imagination. Do you find that Too many operations, for example, a How much bridge do you play helps you when playing bridge? left knee replacement made necessary and at which clubs? Sometime it’s an impediment. I by the strains of tennis, have led me I now live in Bristol and am a member imagine the worst scenario when I to indulge in lower-impact exercise. of Bristol Bridge club. I play about should go more with the odds. Before Covid I used to swim one twice a week. kilometre a day. With pools closed, Since Covid I have been playing 3 or Tell us about your family and my major exercise has been walking. 4 times a week online. pets. Carol and I have an allotment. I am married, prefer cats to dogs, but I am very concerned about the Your illustrations on the front we don’t have a cat at the moment. future of the planet. Politicians think covers in 2008 & 2009 with the short term. Matters like pandemics ‘human playing cards’ were quite What other hobbies do you have and global warming are likely to have a iconic, how long did it take you outwith your work and bridge? long term effect on my grandchildren, to compose one of these pages? I swim outdoors all year round (sea, and more so on the world’s poor. Mr Bridge gave me a completely free rivers, lakes, lido) and play tennis It would also be good to see telling rein with the design of the covers badly. I am looking forward to going the truth become the norm in our which was great fun and gave me lots back to the theatre and music events politics. n of latitude, I can’t remember how long when the Covid epidemic is over. n

BRIDGE December 2020 Page 43 Biographies compiled by Ian Dalziel David Bird

y good fortune, I did not start playing bridge until after I had taken my mathematics finals Bat university. I have several friends who devoted their university years to playing the game, much to the detriment of their degrees. I played bridge solidly until the age of 29, winning several national events. After my marriage to Thelma ‒ we met on holiday in Tunisia – I cut down on playing and began to write about the game. My first Abbot book, Miracles of Cardplay, was accepted by a publisher only after Terence Reese became a co- author. I worked for 30 years at IBM, travelling the world to give presentations and courses on David and his wife Thelma computer graphics. I still played in tournaments such as the Pachabo and Forrester, Geir Helgemo, Martin 0-9 to Leicester last season, despite my the Tollemache. At the age of 59 I had Hoffman, Ron Klinger and Omar vociferous coaching from the stands. a heart attack, which was brilliantly Sharif; also with some good friends of Finally, you asked whether Robin patched up by the NHS (three stents). mine: Taf Anthias, Tim Bourke, Simon Hood will continue to play bridge in I had to stop playing bridge for a Cochemé and Marc Smith. Finally, the near future. Maybe not. I did put while and I found that I didn’t miss the most successful commercially together four books that feature him playing at all. I devoted my attention have been those with one of North and his arch enemy, the Sheriff of to writing a never-ending stream of America’s top bridge teachers, Barbara Nottingham. One difficulty that I had bridge books. One landmark was Seagram. when constructing storylines was that when I passed Terence Reese’s record Do I have a life outside bridge? Yes! the outlaw had a massive price on his total of 107 books. My latest count is Before Coronavirus struck, Thelma head. Sadly, therefore, the ‘big two’ 142; I always like to have a book ‘on and I took three or four long-haul could not face each other at the table.n the go’. holidays every year, alternating I most enjoy writing bridge fiction, between the Far East and the entering the various imaginary worlds Caribbean. Eating out, both at home and matching the deals I have created and abroad, is one of life’s greatest with the characters involved. Creating pleasures. I review each meal on a bridge text book is rewarding in the Tripadvisor (Thelma: “Oh no, you early stages, but tedious in the final haven’t brought your camera again!”) two or three months, when you have A year ago I passed 1000 reviews to polish the text and remove as many on their site, placing me top in the errors and typos as possible. I have Southampton area. been fortunate to write books with I support the Southampton several of the world’s finest players: football team and have still not fully Boye Brogeland, Larry Cohen, Tony recovered from watching them lose David and Barbara Seagram

Page 44 BRIDGE December 2020 Biographies compiled by Ian Dalziel

Nigel Block

Most readers will not recognise undergraduate students at Norwich your name but you do in fact City College. write the popular Diaries of Wendy Wensum. Why did you What started you writing about make the decision to write bridge and do you write for other anonymously? magazines or newspapers? Male writers were the norm at the time I was asked to write a series of articles and so rightly or wrongly I felt a female for the Norfolk County newsletter nom-de-plume might be appropriate introducing newcomers to bridge for a fictional diary based largely on into local bridge clubs. I now edit the the four women: Wendy, Millie, Jo and newsletter, re-titled 'Talking Bridge’. Kate. Now that BRIDGE is coming to In the past, I have written articles for an end, I don’t mind if any biography specialist education magazines as well contains my real name. the fictional Riverside BC. editing a column on IT for a local newspaper. You have managed to remain What are Wendy’s views about anonymous since the column the government’s alcohol How many bridge books are in started over 9 years ago, did guidelines and do you imbibe your library and who are your anyone outside your immediate yourself? favourite bridge writers? family know you wrote the Wendy believes that Millie drinks By some standards, my bookshelves column? too much. Personally, my alcohol are not weighed down by a massive Yes, my wife, children and consumption is well within any number of titles, perhaps about 30. grandchildren and a few other friends government guidelines. Terence Reece books are more in and colleagues were in the know. evidence than any other author, but When and how did you start ‘The Walk of the Oysters’ by Rex How do you keep a straight face playing bridge? Mackey is a personal favourite. when people at your bridge club I started to play bridge as a post- discuss Wendy Wensum? graduate research student at Queen Tell us about your family and With some difficulty at times. Elizabeth College in London in pets. the 1960s. I learned from books My wife and I have been married for Is Wendy based on a person you and playing kitchen bridge in the over 50 years. We have a son and a know? college bar. Our team improved to a daughter and 4 grandchildren. No No. The River Wensum flows through reasonable level over time. pets, my wife and I live in the city. Norwich; hence Wendy’s surname. I chose the forename, Wendy, entirely Do you have a career outside What hobbies do you have for the alliterative effect. your bridge writing? outside bridge? I have been retired for some years. My main activities are vegetable Are Wendy’s friends based on gardening, and going to the theatre. players at an actual bridge club? What was your previous career? My wife and I especially like visits to Originally Wendy's usual partner, I taught Mathematics, Statistics and the Globe in London. Millie, was based on a (sadly deceased) Computer Studies, first in a business local player. The strengths and foibles context at Kilburn Polytechnic in Will Wendy live on when we all possess are illustrated in North London, but for the bulk BRIDGE ceases publication? Wendy’s diaries by other characters at of my career, mainly HND and No plans are in place. n

BRIDGE December 2020 Page 45 Biographies compiled by Ian Dalziel Ned Paul

When and how did you start allowed me to change career again Saturday morning to playing their playing bridge? and I launched a national magazine first gentle duplicate with real hands I started playing bridge in the sixth for orienteering called CompassSport. on Sunday afternoon. This really gives form at school in 1966. Nobody played I ran this as a ‘lifestyle’ business for people a lot of momentum to start a system. 19 years. By 1998 the magazine was their bridge and from this beginning In 1967 the EBU had a stand at the becoming too much like work so I they are encouraged to move into Daily Mail Boys & Girls Exhibition stopped that and started to do bridge supervised play to gain the experience at Olympia and I went every day to related things including doing some they need. I much prefer this route to play bridge. It was organised by EBU part time hosting at the Acol Club the accepted way of giving hundreds Secretary Dimmie Fleming with where Andrew Robson was in charge of lessons without much context. I initial help from Daily Mail bridge and it was thanks to Andrew’s input believe people take up the game to play correspondent Peter Donovan. One that I was able to transition into bridge it with friends, not to learn it as an day at Olympia I was taken to lunch as a career. end in itself. There are a lot of people by Jack Marx but I didn’t realise the in London who have graduated this significance of this at the time. I believe you were the mainstay course and are now playing regularly I also joined the local penny-a- of the Young Chelsea bridge club at club level or better. hundred bridge club (Blackheath BC (YC) when it was in its heyday, When face to face bridge ground in London) while still at school and what was that like? to an abrupt halt I have successfully played as much as I could. Bridge had In 1998, Warwick Pitch, the YC been able to offer club bridge online never been so popular. Secretary was looking for an assistant, via BBO and currently host six games so I joined YC on a full time basis. a week. I also do some Zoom teaching Do you have time to play any I hosted and directed some of the and supervised play. All the details are bridge purely for enjoyment? duplicates, organised the teaching on my website: In lockdown I have played hardly and supervised play, maintained the www.bridgewebs.com/bridgewithned any bridge other than the duplicates web site, did all the hidden jobs that For over ten years now I have also I organise online for my club players keeps that sort of place going. There worked with Victor Lesk. Victor and random BBO games. I have played were duplicates every evening and happened on our bridge group by no bridge with ‘real partners’ since Friday had over 30 tables. However, chance, walking past a pub where we lockdown and I am missing it. attendance began to wane; the great were playing supervised play. Victor wave of bridge players who had learnt is the author of the amazing phone- I believe bridge is now your full in their youth in the 60s and 70s, based scoring app BriAn (= Bridge on time job, what was your previous began to retire from work in central iPhone & Android). We work closely career before you got immersed London and a number of the suburban together professionally and I am in bridge? clubs got organised to provide daytime grateful for his support. I have been full time in bridge since bridge for the social players, which 1998 and self-employed since 2002. YC wasn’t able to match. I left YC by How many bridge books are in After school I joined a bank then common consent at the tail end of your library and who are your a stock exchange firm. I went late to 2002 and went freelance. favourite bridge writers? university and when there took up I have around about 300 or so books, of orienteering. I graduated in 1975 and What did you do next? all ages and types including historical then had a gap year, travelling in Africa. I then started teaching classes, stuff about the early days of bridge. On returning to London, I found a job supervised play and hosted duplicate (more like 1000! – Hazelle) teaching English at a business school in different parts of London. Like When I first started playing way in London. During this time I met my Topsy this just grew and grew. It all back when, I read everything I could. life partner Hazelle Jackson through keeps me busy and my mailing lists My first book was Contract Bridge orienteering. Hazelle was a rising star stretch to around 1100 players. Made Easy by Josephine Culbertson. in the IT world. When we had our son On the teaching side I have continued I really enjoyed Mollo, his technical Gus in 1980 we decided that Hazelle to teach Learn Bridge in a Weekend books with Nico Gardener, as well as would continue at work and I would a 2-day Saturday-Sunday course in the Menagerie series with the Hideous be the stay at home partner. This which the students go from zero on Hog and the Rueful Rabbit. Reese’s

Page 46 BRIDGE December 2020 books especially the ones on card play play. But last year I was able to tick ever under-achiever in bridge and in remain seminal. Albert Dormer was an important item off my bucket list my heart I know this is true. Because I a top writer to the best journalistic and play in the Spring 2019 North don’t get much opportunity to play at standards – easy reading but full of American Bridge Championships the highest level, I also bid too much. meat. Klinger is prolific but as a top in Memphis, Tennessee. It was a One Christmas one of my serious technical bridge player his stuff is more fantastic experience which I can fully bridge partners sent me a card. When intense. David Bird is just amazing recommend. I opened it a number of green Pass with his monks, Robin Hood and cards fell out: ‘You might need some schoolboy stories. These are always Tell us about your family. of these next year!’, was the message! amusing reading but technically Hazelle and I have one son, Gus, who worth reading too and you can learn came along early in our relationship. What are your views about how to think through challenging He’s married to Delea and they have bridge teaching? hands. Hats off to how David is able to given us two lovely grandchildren. I rate myself among the best teachers of keep coming up with interesting deals bridge for beginners. It’s fun opening and the fictional tales with which he What hobbies do you have up the game for beginners and getting surrounds them. outside bridge? them to catch the excitement and I enjoy biographical books, reading The days of orienteering and running competitiveness of bridge. It’s amazing about top players’ lives on the are past and we don’t even do so much how much you can teach beginners bridge circuit: Zia, Wolff, Helgemo, walking these days. We cook together in a very short time to get them Hamman, Sontag, Auken, etc. A few and both like a jigsaw, and we like playing. I think conventional teaching years ago a writer Edward McPherson travelling within the UK. concentrates too much on teaching spent a year trying to learn bridge I have an interest in railways and system and conventions which is not and researching the bridge scene. The when we stayed in North Devon, I fell the same as teaching bridge. If you resulting book, The Backwash Squeeze, in love with the Lynton & Barnstaple play bridge without any system you was not universally acclaimed but it is Railway. This was a narrow gauge line can get by but then you realise how one of my favourites. I also enjoyed that ran from 1898 to 1935. A society much better you would be if you had The Card Turner by Louis Sachar, a was formed to revive the railway, not a pre-arranged system with a partner. novel in which a teenage nephew is preserve it, as there was nothing left to It doesn’t matter which system; the dragooned into helping his uncle, who preserve. I love the extended timescale best system is the one your partner is is going blind, play bridge – in this way that these people are prepared to playing. he learns bridge. I won’t spoil the plot work to, many knowing it will be well The same with conventions; a – you’ll have to read it for yourself. beyond their own allotted span. convention is an invented solution to a problem that you meet in the How much of your week is spent Do you admit to any faults? bidding or play. Until you have met on bridge? Yes, lots. Specifically with bridge, I the problem a few times there is no What I have outlined above is a play too quickly. At school I was bright context for the solution. It’s almost pretty full time workload and even in but always wanted to get the answer like you have to go off in a few 3NT lockdown it is still a big commitment. and never mind about showing the contracts when a 4-4 major suit fit Hazelle doesn’t play bridge at all working. This carried forward to exists. Only then do you buy into what so bridge is not time we can share. bridge. Not thinking things through millions of bridge players before you Consequently, I have to be careful enough has cost me dearly. I was once have discovered: that Stayman is a how much bridge outside work I can told to my face that I was the biggest convention worth learning and adding to your repertoire. Every convention you learn you should ask yourself ‘What are we trying to achieve?’ ‘Does it solve a problem and if so, at what cost in terms of the natural bids it replaces?’ ‘Will it come up often enough to be worth the strain of memorising’ ‘Do I know it – and does partner know it – thoroughly enough that we know all the response sequences and continuations?’ ‘What happens over intervention – is it on or off?’ and so on. I love an opponent with hundreds of conventions on their card; I fear an opponent with few conventions on their card but who can play the spots off the playing cards. n

BRIDGE December 2020 Page 47 Biographies compiled by Ian Dalziel Julian Pottage

When and how did you start Double Dummy problems? playing bridge? 1) Answering the queries itself does I started about 1971. My parents had not take a lot of time but putting them a regular four on a Sunday evening. I into a convenient format ready for used to watch most weeks and if one typesetting can take a couple of hours. of the regulars could not come then I 2) The defensive quizzes are maybe played. an hour working out the deals, another hour writing them up and a How much bridge do you play brief time checking – I like to write all now? of an article and then read through it Once every week or two. the next day. 3) A double dummy problem can Do you have a career outside take hours to get precisely right, bridge? eliminating unintended alternative I breed golden retriever puppies. This compensation for mis-sold insurance solutions and trying to get the only happens every couple of years but products. difficulty level such that the problems when it does the work is intensive. I are solvable but not too easy. also take photographs for some stock What brought you into bridge agencies but there is little money in writing? I believe you personally answer that these days. At university most of my bridge friends every question you receive were a year ahead of me. This meant even if it isn’t published. What If not bridge, what was your that when they graduated I needed to percentage of your mailbag is previous career? form a partnership with a first year actually published? My main career was as a pensions student and work on coaching him. Yes, I answer all queries received administrator and then pensions Some of the material I prepared to do (unless they are for the Mr Bridge manager and more recently financial that I could see would be suitable for Office or for David Stevenson in which compliance consultant. My time a book. case I forward them). About 90% get at Blue Circle was the peak of my published. pensions career but when it lost its Do you write for other magazines place in the FTSE 100 I took voluntary or newspapers? Pre Covid did you run bridge redundancy. I then dealt with In 1992 I started writing for Bridge classes and/or run bridge Magazine and for the last few years holidays and cruises? I have been contributing to Bridge I It is almost 30 years since I have Norge (they translate the articles into run organised bridge classes. I am Norwegian) and English Bridge. planning to offer online teaching but I do not yet have any clients. I know you have written bridge Once work for Mr Bridge winds books, how many are in your down, I shall be pursuing that more name? vigorously. I have lost count – just over 25 – roughly half are in my own name and How many bridge books are in roughly half co-authored – one with your library and who are your Nick Smith, one with Peter Burrows favourite bridge writers? and several with Terence Reese and I should think it is about 100. Ron Marc Smith. Klinger is good for instructional material and David Bird is good for How much time does it take you bridge humour. Of the American Julian and Elsa receiving their to write 1) Your Q&A column. writers, my favourites are Eddie Good Citizen award. 2) Your defence quiz and 3) The Kantar and Mike Lawrence.

Page 48 BRIDGE December 2020 How much of your week is spent Biographies compiled by Ian Dalziel on bridge? Between writing and playing it perhaps averages out at maybe 3 hours a day.

Tell us about your family and your pets. David I have a wife, 3 sons, 1 daughter and 2 dogs. I have been married for 24 years. My eldest son is a wizard with IT. My youngest son is studying engineering at Oxford. My middle son is a keen Stevenson chess player. My daughter has just started sixth form at school and is a keen musician, playing piano, organ and guitar as well as singing. When and how did you start What hobbies do you have playing bridge? outside bridge? I started at home with my parents and Over the years, bridge, dogs and sister as a family game. Then I played photography have all switched from bridge at public school at the age of 15 being hobbies to being business and have played ever since. I started interests. Genealogy is the one thing playing seriously at University. that has remained strictly amateur. I have travelled around the world Living in Wales has probably to play bridge in places such as South helped with that because the lack of Africa, North Africa, the USA and diversity of Welsh surnames makes much of Europe. My partner, Liz research difficult – if I was doing it Commins, and I love playing in professionally, I would be looking for Ireland, both North and the Republic. clients in England or the USA. I have won the Northern Foursomes, the Grand Masters (when it was the We are all delighted your Q&A top event) and got to the Gold Cup and finding it easy to play online and articles will continue on Bernard Final, and many smaller events. I even expect to continue playing online Magee’s web site. As you are still won a small event in Denmark with during the week when life returns to in the flush of youth we all hope my wife. normal. you will continue for a long time to come. How much bridge do you play Do you have a career outside Queries are already coming in thick now? bridge? and fast. n Once or twice nearly every day plus Not now, but I used to work in an some tournaments at weekends. I office in accounts. am playing in regular tournaments and in EBU duplicates. I am playing How did you get involved in considerably more because of Covid-19 directing, you must be so patient, do you ever lose your cool? When I was treasurer of the North West CBA, I helped run their Congresses and they sent me on an EBU directing course. This got me involved in directing for the EBU and I have directed for them ever since. Only one current EBU director has been directing for them longer. I am now a National director in both England and Wales, a European Bridge League director, a member of the National Appeals Committee of the ACBL and have directed in David and his wife, Liz, Denmark. I also train directors for Julian with puppy Crystal. with cats, Nico and Nimo the EBU, the EBL and the WBU. u

BRIDGE December 2020 Page 49 Biographies compiled by Ian Dalziel BERNARD MAGEE’S David Stevenson INTERACTIVE continued... TUTORIAL CD t I am currently directing eight EBU How much of your week is spent DECLARER tournaments a week. on bridge? It can be very difficult when players Over half of the waking time. PLAY argue and they can get heated. While only a minority argue it is noticeable Tell us about your family and that that minority is considerably pets. larger in online directing. I have a wife, Liz Stevenson, and two Siamese cats, Nico and Nemo. Do you ever get abuse as a director and how do you handle What hobbies do you have MAC it? outside bridge? or Windows Mild abuse happens and I ignore it. Train travel is the main one. My wife I once got very serious abuse from and I often travel with my bridge someone whom I penalised but my partner, Liz Commins, and her superior reduced the penalty, in my husband and we have travelled to view incorrectly. I get upset when many countries. My most expensive people have a go at me when I am holiday ever was taking the train from playing and find that they rarely get Vancouver across Canada to Toronto penalized even if I call the director. with my wife (three plus days). We also travel on preserved railways: my Bernard develops your How did your column get started only days out this year are to the Welsh declarer play technique in in BRIDGE? Highland Railway and the Welshpool the course of ten Mr Bridge asked me to do the Q&A and Llanfair Railway. introductory exercises and many years ago and later he asked me 120 complete deals. to write an additional article every We are all delighted your Q&A other month. articles will continue on Bernard l Suit Establishment Magee’s website, and we all hope you in No-trumps How much time does it take you will never retire. to write your column? We are already getting quite a few l Suit Establishment All I do is answer queries as they come queries and I do hope people who want in Suits in when they come in (usually) so it to hear from me might ask questions l Hold-ups £76 is an impossible question to answer there. n l Ruffing for (all questions are published with an Extra Tricks answer). The articles take two to three £38 hours each. l Entries in No-trumps How many bridge books are in l Delaying Drawing Trumps your library and who are your l Using the Lead favourite bridge writers? l Trump Control I have a hundred or so books but I have not read any of them for years. l Endplays & Avoidance Many, many of them are superb. l Using the Bidding While my favourite writers used to Operating system requirements: be Mollo, Reese and Kelsey, the most Windows or Mac OS 10.08 - 11 important book of all is Clyde E Love’s book on squeezes. His classification of compound squeezes is unrivalled. Mr Bridge Limited I have put it on my website at ( 01483 489961 https://blakjak.org/brx_ste3.htm Liz Commins and Liz Stevenson with www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop with slight improvements. Nico (red collar) and Nimo (blue collar)

Page 50 BRIDGE December 2020 Seven Days by Sally Brock

THURSDAY redouble shows the ace. I cue-bid However, there is a trump loser so it spades and she cue-bid diamonds. is the right time to miss a good slam. Last night I went to Barry’s so wake I know her ♥A is working now as it Later I go to Barry’s. He has become up there this morning. I get going would be a parking place for one of very interested in Chinese cookery reasonably quickly and stop off for my spades, so just bid the slam. With and tonight’s dinner is lots of chicken a haircut at the hairdressers at the the heart length probably on her right, and sweetcorn soup – very delicious. bottom of his building before walking Fiona starts with the ♣A and can I play in the Young Chelsea online home. I had left the flat quickly in therefore pick up West’s trumps. duplicate with Ollie and Barry plays something of a tip, so get home to tidy with Margaret. up and do a lot of ironing (I want to This is our best board, and it causes leave the washing machine etc free FRIDAY a lot of problems for several pairs: for Briony when she gets home). Late At 10 o’clock I have a bidding session afternoon, I have my weekly practice with Margaret, against Ollie and with Fiona against Maggie and Claire, all playing my preferred weak Dealer South. N/S Game. Heather. This is a good hand for our no-trump five-card major system. ♠ A Q J 9 2 methods: We Zoom at the same time and it is ♥ 7 2 great fun with a free discussion of all ♦ A 8 7 interesting hands as we go. What does ♣ J 7 3 Dealer South. E/W Game. it mean if your right-hand opponent ♠ 8 ♠ K 10 7 6 5 4 3 ♠ A 7 3 opens a weak two-bid and you bid ♥ K 9 6 3 N ♥ Q J 8 5 W E ♥ Void ♥ ♥ ♦ 10 6 3 ♦ 5 four of that suit? Eg 2 – 4 . I think S ♦ K Q 7 3 it should be virtually game in your ♣ Q 10 9 8 4 ♣ K ♣ K J 9 7 6 3 own hand with one of the other suits. ♠ Void ♠ K 10 2 ♠ Q J 9 5 I would have liked to be able to bid it ♥ A 10 4 ♥ 9 8 5 3 N ♥ K Q J 6 2 with: ♦ K Q J 9 4 2 W E ♦ J 9 4 S ♦ 10 8 6 2 ♣ A 6 5 2 ♣ Q 8 2 ♣ Void ♠ 8 6 4 ♠ 6 ♥ A 10 7 4 ♥ 8 The bidding at our table is: ♦ A 5 ♦ A K J 9 7 5 2 ♣ A 10 5 4 ♣ A K Q 5 West North East South 1♦ Pass 1♠ Pass 2♦ West North East South As it was I have to settle for 5♦, Pass 2NT Pass 3♣ 1NT thinking I have missed slam when Pass 3♦ Pass 4♦ Pass 2♠ Pass 3♣ partner has: Pass 5♦ Dbl All Pass Pass 3♥ Dbl Rdbl Pass 3♠ Pass 4♦ I prefer a 2♣ rebid to 2♦. For me, Pass 6♣ All Pass ♠ K 8 3 bidding diamonds twice and then clubs ♥ A 9 2 shows a weaker hand. After ♦2 North Partner’s 1NT opening is 12–14, my ♦ 8 4 3 has a terrible bidding problem. Should 2♠ shows clubs and her 3♣ shows a ♣ J 9 8 2 she try a nebulous 2♥ or 3♣, or 2NT fit (A-x-x/K-x-x or any four or more without a stopper in either unbid suit. cards). 3♥ shows shortage and the u

BRIDGE December 2020 Page 51 t eight-board matches against each West North East South That is her choice, and then South other, Skyping as we go, with a Zoom 1♦ bids three clubs. North gives diamond session for all of us at the end. Pass 1♠ Pass 3NT preference, and then South goes on All Pass with 4♦. With no real idea of what is going on, North raises to 5♦. My SUNDAY I confess that I, playing with me, would partner doubles on the sound of the On discovery that chicken and probably have had the same sequence sequence rather than for any other sweetcorn soup is Briony’s favourite, too. Those of you out there who play reason. Barry spends most of the morning Benjaminised Acol might have done I lead my spade. Declarer calls for making some for me to take back to better. How about: the queen, covered by the king and her. So when I get home that is what ruffed. Declarer then ducks a heart, we have for lunch, along with the West North East South East winning and switching to the most delicious French bread I have 2♣ ♣K. Declarer wins with the ace and just discovered from a particular Pass 2♦ Pass 3♦ could have succeeded just by drawing local shop. In the evening I walk to Pass 3♠ Pass 3NT trumps and playing a club next, but Heather’s (two and a half miles) and Pass 4♣ Pass 6♦ she knows nothing about the spade have a drink with her, Ollie and David, All Pass and club layouts at this stage. Instead, before going out for an Indian. she plays the ♥A and ruffs a heart. With an ace and a king and a potential Then she plays a diamond to her hand ruffing value, the North hand is a bit and a diamond to the ace. She tries a MONDAY good to pass 3NT. He moves with 4♣, top spade pitching a club, but I ruff Our normal Monday session with Jovi and now South has a really good hand and exit with a heart and have to come et al is off because tomorrow Jovi is – perhaps worth a jump to 6♦. to a club trick at the end for one down. having an operation on her eye. Her It looks as if the contract depends Barry and Margaret do considerably eyesight has been slowly deteriorating on either: (1) bringing in the trumps better than we do. Afterwards we over the years and this is a last-ditch for no loser, or (2) a 3-3 spade break Zoom with some other people too effort to halt the decline – but it might – declarer plays the ♦A-K and if there and go through the card. That’s just as not work. Very worrying. At 2.30 I is a trump outstanding he then plays much fun as actually playing. have my normal Monday afternoon the ♠A, ♠K and another spade. He can lesson with Debbie. Always good fun, then play a club to dummy and cash and also to catch up on what has been a spade winner discarding the heart SATURDAY happening in the lives of her children. loser. However, what if West plays a I am up at the crack of dawn to pick up Later our team has a Lockdown League diamond honour on the ♦A? Should Briony from Heathrow. She has been match, though we are not playing. We declarer go to dummy to finesse in in Mombasa for two months so I’m just join in for the Zoom post mortem diamonds (the best line in the suit by really looking forward to seeing her. I and are happy with a decent win. some distance), or play another top am driving along the M4 merrily when In the evening we play against diamond, playing for spades 3-3 as she rings me to ask me where I am. She Frances and Graham. This is a difficult above? Wouldn’t the ♦Q on the first has me on a trace app and asks me why slam deal they face: round of the suit be a good play from I am in Slough! There are roadworks West? That might persuade declarer on the M4 at the moment and instead to waste the dummy entry to take a of the usual big blue signposts, there Dealer South. Love All. diamond finesse through East. As are very small ones just with the road ♠ K 5 4 3 2 the cards lie, this is academic because number on, so I completely missed ♥ 10 6 diamonds are 2-2 but, if West had Heathrow! And the worse thing is ♦ 8 7 ♦Q-J-x and three spades, dropping that all those extra miles had to be ♣ A 8 5 4 a diamond honour would be rather done at 50mph. Anyway, I eventually ♠ 9 8 7 6 ♠ Q 10 smart. ♥ K 9 7 5 3 N ♥ Q J 8 4 get there and find her easily enough. W E She made it from landing to outside ♦ Q 4 S ♦ J 5 in half an hour – and that was coming ♣ 7 6 ♣ Q J 9 3 2 from a quarantine country. She looks ♠ A J TUESDAY fabulous. I take her home and then we ♥ A 2 In the morning we go to the tip. prepare a shopping list and off I go to ♦ A K 10 9 6 3 2 We have several old suitcases and a Tesco. When I get back we unpack the ♣ K 10 mattress topper to get rid of. Maybe food, she puts some washing on and I we are supposed to leave them in the look at her photos. It’s so good to have street but that seems a bit odd. We her home. They bid: turn up to find that we need to book Later on I go to Barry’s for dinner, an appointment and that they are fully and we play online: four pairs playing Continued on page 54 ... u

Page 52 BRIDGE December 2020 Answers to David Huggett’s Play Quiz on page 11

You are declarer in 6♠ after an The 100% line is to eliminate hearts 1. ♠ 7 5 4 uncontested auction and West leads the and clubs and just cash the diamond ♥ A J 9 6 ♦J. How do you plan the play? ace before throwing West in. This way ♦ J 7 Although thirteen tricks for an overtrick he either gives you a ruff and discard ♣ A 6 5 4 look easy that must not stop you from or opens up the diamonds to your ♠ K Q J 3 ♠ 10 8 6 asking yourself if anything could go advantage – even if West had J-10-8-x, ♥ 5 N ♥ K 4 3 wrong. While it might seem natural to you could win the jack with the queen W E ♦ 9 6 4 3 S ♦ K 8 5 2 start trumps by playing the ace first, if and then take the marked finesse. ♣ 9 8 3 2 ♣ K Q 10 you do that then you have missed the ♠ A 9 2 point of the hand. The contract is only in ♥ Q 10 8 7 2 danger if you have a loser in both black 4. ♠ J 8 7 6 2 ♦ A Q 10 suits but you will only have a club loser ♥ 3 ♣ J 7 if East holds all four missing clubs. But if ♦ 8 7 4 West is void in clubs it is highly unlikely ♣ 6 4 3 2 he will be void in spades as well – and ♠ 10 9 5 4 ♠ 3 You are declarer in 4♥ and West leads remain silent throughout the auction – so ♥ K 9 7 2 N ♥ Q 10 8 5 4 W E the ♠K. How do you plan the play? the winning line is to play the spade king ♦ 6 5 2 S ♦ Q J 10 9 You have five potential losers in this first. If East shows out, you can pick up ♣ 9 5 ♣ A 8 7 slightly optimistic contract and you all of West’s trumps by repeated finesses. ♠ A K Q might think that you need the two red- ♥ A J 6 suit finesses to work. Indeed if you take ♦ A K 3 the heart finesse and it works you are 3. ♠ A 8 7 6 2 ♣ K Q J 10 still likely to lose two spades, a club and ♥ A 7 a diamond if the king of diamonds is ♦ K 9 6 2 offside. ♣ K 2 You are declarer in 5♠. West leads the In fact things are not as bad as they ♠ Q J 10 ♠ Void ♠4. How do you plan the play? seem. If the king of diamonds is well ♥ J 9 8 N ♥ Q 10 5 4 3 2 If trumps are 3-2, you can just draw W E ♦ ♦ placed, you can discard a spade from J 10 5 3 S 8 trumps and knock out the club ace, dummy on the third diamond and ♣ Q 10 8 ♣ J 9 7 6 5 3 losing just one diamond and a club. In engineer a ruff of your third spade. ♠ K 9 5 4 3 practice East will show out on the second You can afford to lose a spade, a club ♥ K 6 round of trumps. and a heart. So play a club to the ace ♦ A Q 7 4 If you play off the last top trump and at trick two and take a diamond finesse, ♣ A 4 then play ace of hearts and a heart ruff pitching a spade on the third diamond to get to dummy to draw the last trump if successful. If either defender ruffs the you will be exposed to any number of third diamond, you still have the heart You are declarer in 6♠. West leads the heart losers when you knock out the finesse in reserve. ♠Q and East shows out. How do you ace of clubs. And if you delay drawing plan the play? trumps and aim to knock out the ace of Hands like this with a mirror clubs first you will be in danger of losing 2. ♠ A Q 7 2 distribution are tedious in that they offer a ruff if, as here, the ♣A and the 4-card ♥ 8 2 no immediate scope for scoring ruffs. trump holding are in opposite hands. ♦ K 4 Here when East shows out at trick one East can win the second club and give ♣ Q 10 5 4 2 you have a certain trump loser and his partner a ruff and you still have that ♠ J 9 6 3 ♠ Void you must try to ensure you do not lose diamond loser. ♥ 10 7 6 3 N ♥ K J 9 5 4 a diamond as well. It seems natural to The winning line, which is not easy W E ♦ J 10 9 8 2 ♦ Q 6 5 3 S eliminate hearts and clubs and then play to spot, is to duck a heart after cashing ♣ Void ♣ J 9 8 3 diamonds from the top. If they break 3-2 the third round of trumps. You win the ♠ K 10 8 5 4 all well and good, while if East has four return, ruff the jack of hearts in dummy ♥ A Q cards in the suit you can throw West in and now draw the last trump discarding ♦ A 7 with his winning trump to give you a ruff your diamond loser. Then you knock out ♣ A K 7 6 and discard. But if West has the four card the ace of clubs while the ace of hearts holding then that line will fail. remains in hand to stop that suit. n

BRIDGE December 2020 Page 53 t ... Continued from page 52. 6♦. West leads the ♣A and switches booked for at least a week. Luckily to a diamond. I rise with dummy’s we try online (useful to have a mobile ace, draw trumps and discard three phone on you) and find another tip diamonds on two spades and a club. If that has spaces, so off we go. But instead West leads a diamond at trick instead of a quick trip it seems to take one, I would rise with dummy’s ace, all morning. draw trumps, discard my club on a Later on I have an hour’s lesson with spade and give up a diamond. Andy, followed by practice with Fiona, I really want to win this event and then 18 boards with Mary. After because the ’expert’ hasn’t won before. that it’s time for a bit of a crash in front But we don’t even win our way! We of the TV. have to settle for third. Later on, I have another go at a group session with Richard and three of his WEDNESDAY friends. The idea is that four of them In the morning I am playing in a play while I critique. We first tried this charity event arranged by Joy Blakey a couple of weeks ago and the Skype on behalf of the Manchester Bridge was a nightmare. We couldn’t set up Association in aid of the Nicky anything that all five of us could listen Alliance Centre. Her husband Irving on. has bought me. I am looking forward In the meantime I have actually to this as he is a pretty good player. bought a Zoom subscription and sent We both do a bit wrong but things go out an invitation that way. One woman pretty well and we end up close to 70%. has problems but that is the fault of I Iike this slam deal: her computer rather than my end, so the whole thing goes a lot better. They seem to find it helpful and hopefully Dealer East. Love All. will want to repeat the experience. ♠ A K 10 5 Then I have a Lockdown League ♥ A 3 match with Barry. We don’t seem to ♦ A J 10 8 6 do particularly well but there are three ♣ K 4 hands where there is a thin game to be ♠ 4 2 ♠ 9 8 7 6 3 made at the other table. Each time our ♥ 9 8 4 N ♥ 7 2 W E team-mates bid and make the game ♦ 9 2 S ♦ K 4 while we get into the auction more ♣ A J 8 7 5 2 ♣ 10 9 6 3 effectively and keep our opponents ♠ Q J out of it. We win by 27 IMPs, which is ♥ K Q J 10 6 5 quite a lot over eight boards. We have ♦ Q 7 5 3 won both our first two matches by a ♣ Q decent margin – a new experience for our team. Afterwards, Briony and I watch This is our auction: Anthony Hopkins in The Two Popes, which we both thoroughly enjoy. West North East South Pass 1♥ -o-o-o-o-o- Pass 2♦ Pass 2♥ Pass 2♠ Pass 3♥ I have thoroughly enjoyed writing Pass 4NT Pass 5♣ about myself for the past eleven years. Pass 5♦ Pass 6♥ It is a pleasure when I go anywhere All Pass – in this country or abroad – and people come up to me and introduce It is only partly because of the themselves, feeling perhaps that matchpoint scoring that I refuse they know me. It is a real shame that to support my partner’s diamonds. BRIDGE has had to cease publication With such good hearts, it is hard and I will miss all my readers. n to see that it would ever be right to play in diamonds. As you can see, 6♥ is a much better contract than

Page 54 BRIDGE December 2020 Answers to Julian Pottage’s Defence Quiz on page 11

1. ♠ 7 6 Partner leads the ♦10. What is your plan? find declarer discards a diamond from ♥ A Q Since you have no side entry, it is dummy instead of ruffing and then you ♦ K 10 9 7 5 3 pointless clearing the diamond suit. You will be in trouble. ♣ A 9 7 can, however, take advantage of the fact Instead you should exit with a low club, ♠ J 10 9 5 ♠ A 8 4 that your partner probably has a second hoping partner has the ♣J. ♥ 8 4 2 N ♥ K 9 7 5 3 diamond – declarer will have to hold W E ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 8 2 S A Q 4 up if you overtake the 10 with the J. ♣ J 6 4 2 ♣ 10 5 When, as expected, the ♦J holds, you 4. ♠ K J 6 ♠ K Q 3 2 switch to a spade. Declarer ducks and ♥ K Q 8 6 5 ♥ J 10 6 the ♠K wins. Partner then has a safe exit ♦ A K 5 ♦ J 6 in either major. Later partner regains the ♣ A K ♣ K Q 8 3 lead with the ♣K and you take the ♦A-K. ♠ 8 5 2 ♠ 10 9 7 4 Note that cashing a top diamond at ♥ J 4 2 N ♥ 10 9 7 3 W E ♦ ♦ trick two would be a mistake. If you fail J 10 9 8 S 4 West North East South to cash your other top diamond, you lose ♣ J 4 2 ♣ 10 9 6 5 1NT1 it. If you do cash it, declarer could make ♠ A Q 3 Pass 3NT All Pass nine tricks by way of two spades, five ♥ A 1 12-14 hearts, a diamond and a club. ♦ Q 7 6 3 2 ♣ Q 8 7 3 Partner leads the ♠J. What is your plan? A count of points tells you that the 3. ♠ Q 10 7 5 4 lead is from a jack-high suit, so unless ♥ A Q 10 7 West North East South declarer has K-Q alone there is no future ♦ A K 5 1♦ in the suit. You do have five reasonable ♣ K Pass 1♥ Pass 2♣ hearts and two entries in diamonds, so if ♠ J 9 ♠ K 2 Pass 2♠1 Pass 3NT partner has three hearts you might set up ♥ J 8 2 N ♥ K 9 4 3 Pass 7NT All Pass W E 1 and run the hearts. Overtake with the ♠A ♦ Q J 9 8 3 S ♦ 2 Fourth suit forcing, 11+ points and switch to a low heart; you will lead ♣ J 8 4 ♣ A Q 9 5 3 2 another low heart when in with the ♦Q. ♠ A 8 6 3 Partner leads the ♦J. The ♦A wins trick ♥ 6 5 one and the ♦K comes at trick two. What ♦ 10 7 6 4 is your plan? 2. ♠ Q ♣ 10 7 6 Finding discards when you have a ♥ A K Q 9 5 4-4-4-1 hand type is often tricky. Since ♦ 7 2 you know declarer has the ♥A, partner ♣ J 10 9 3 2 West North East South cannot have four hearts, so you definitely ♠ K 10 7 4 ♠ 9 6 5 2 1♣ Pass want to keep your hearts. To jump to 3NT ♥ 7 6 4 3 N ♥ 10 8 1♦ Dbl 1♥ 1♠ facing a hand that might have only 11 W E ♦ 10 6 S ♦ A K J 9 5 Pass 4♠ All Pass points, South is likely to have at least 14 ♣ K 8 6 ♣ 7 4 points, which if you think about it will ♠ A J 8 3 Partner leads the ♣4: ♣K, ♣A and ♣6. include the ♣Q. This means you cannot ♥ J 2 You return the ♦2: ♦4, ♦8 and ♦K. Next spare a club either, at least not yet. Your ♦ Q 8 4 3 comes the ♠4: ♠2, ♠A and ♠9. After that safe discards are in spades – declarer ♣ A Q 5 comes the ♣7: ♣8, ♠5 and ♣2. Now has denied four spades by passing up comes the ♠Q: ♠K, ♠3 and ♠J. How do the chance to rebid 1♠. you proceed? Eventually you will have to discard West North East South You have only hearts and clubs left from one of the rounded suits if declarer Pass 1NT1 and must choose between these suits. cashes the top cards in both pointed Pass 2♦1 Dbl Pass With the tenace in hearts in dummy, a suits. Fortunately for you, the opposing Pass 3♣ Pass 3NT heart lead hardly appeals. Does it matter blockages (if the ♥A is bare, as is All Pass which club you lead? probable) means you will be able to 1 12-14 and transfer If you lead the ♣Q, you may well discard from one of them safely. n

BRIDGE December 2020 Page 55 The Diaries of Wendy Wensum Episode 104: The Garden Cities Revisited

nce again it was time to enter a don’t charge him,’ I replied. ‘True,’ 2♠. Spouse found 3♥. Clearly unsure Riverside team for the Norfolk retorted Spouse, ‘As a barber, Wendy whether to continue the auction , East qualifying heat of the Garden is very low cost, but long term she’s eventually passed. OCities. A notice to that effect had remarkably high maintenance.’ In the been posted on the club’s information background, I saw Millie grinning West North East South board calling for volunteers. As while fortifying herself with a large Spouse Wendy only six names appeared on the list brandy illicitly smuggled into the 1♠ 2♥ by the deadline, those three pairs alcohol-free premises. In one stanza 2♠ 3♥ All Pass were automatically selected. Two of boards in the final session, this more volunteers were needed. Millie apparently innocuous deal appeared. West led the ♥Q; I won with the king pressurised her husband, Justin, to and then played the ace. Running the forgo his traditional Sunday round of ♣10 and later finessing the ♣J set up golf; I explained forcefully to Spouse Dealer East. Game All. a second club trick. With one loser that he would not be able to doss down ♠ K 4 2 in each suit the contract was an easy on the sofa watching TV or bash away ♥ 9 8 5 2 make. Part-scores in three of the on his drums in the garage. Our team- ♦ 8 4 four suits were readily available so of-eight was now fighting fit, ready to ♣ A J 7 6 there were plenty of options in the do battle against clubs from all over ♠ J 6 5 ♠ A 10 9 8 3 subsequent auctions. the county. ♥ Q J 10 N ♥ Void When Kate and Jo were East-West, ♦ 7 5 2 W E ♦ K Q J 9 6 3 ♦ At the end of the first session we S Kate opened a more traditional 1 . found ourselves well down the field. ♣ K 9 5 3 ♣ Q 8 South made an intermediate jump An excellent tea prepared us for the ♠ Q 7 overcall of 2♥. Jo passed and North second half, during which Jo suddenly ♥ A K 7 6 4 3 bid 3♥. Kate now tried 3♠ and South looked at Spouse and announced out ♦ A 10 optimistically bid the heart game. of the blue, ‘I like your new hair style.’ ♣ 10 4 2 Spouse was clearly stunned by the West North East South comment, but explained that I cut it Jo Kate for him. Kate turned to me, ‘I didn’t East opened 1♠, suppressing his longer 1♦ 2♥ know you were a hairdresser on the diamond suit. I overcalled 2♥, West Pass 3♥ 3♠ 4♥ side.’ ‘He’s my one and only client. I supported his partner by bidding All Pass

Page 56 BRIDGE December 2020 Although again declarer took the winning view in clubs, the contract Answers to Bernard Magee’s slipped one off. George and Sarah had yet a different Bidding Quizzes 1-3 sequence, which was reasonably natural up to 3♥. At this point, George needed to on page 7 make a key decision, Pass or give preference to diamonds or spades. On the grounds that Sarah almost certainly held five spades, he opted for the more economical contract of 3♠ Pass. You double South’s 1NT opening which rolled in without mishap. 1. Dealer South. Love All. for penalties – generally once your side ♠ 3 ♠ 9 4 2 has made a penalty double, you should West North East South ♥ A K 9 6 N ♥ 7 2 play subsequent doubles for penalties W E George Sarah ♦ K Q 9 6 2 S ♦ A J 4 3 – this makes it easier for your side to 1♦ 1♥ ♣ 9 8 2 ♣ K Q 7 6 punish your opponents if they try to run Pass 2♥ 2♠ 3♥ from the original double. North probably 3♠ All Pass has a very weak hand with five spades. West North East South Your partner’s double shows length in In the final foursome, East’s opening 2♠* spades, so you should pass it and hope 1♦ bid was overcalled 1♥ by Justin. Dbl 3♠ Dbl Pass to get a healthy penalty from defending. West bid 1NT. Millie followed with ? 2♥. East competed with 2♠ and Justin * weak two tried 3♥. The auction ended with a ♦4 3. Dealer North. E/W Game. bid by West, and that contract slipped 4♦. You made a take-out double over ♠ 7 6 ♠ 9 2 one off. East’s weak two spade opening (6-10 ♥ K 7 6 5 N ♥ A 2 W E ♠ ♦ ♦ points, six spades). North raised to 3 – it 6 4 3 S A K Q 2 West North East South is important to understand that this raise ♣ K 9 7 2 ♣ A 8 5 4 3 Millie Justin can be made on very weak hands – most 1♦ 1♥ hands with three spades will increase 1NT 2♥ 2♠ 3♥ the pre-empt to make it more difficult West North East South 4♦ All Pass for your side to find a fit. Your partner 4♠ Dbl Pass responds to your double with another ? The board certainly demonstrated that double: generally when the opponents deals on which the points are evenly have shown a good fit, you should focus Pass. What does the double of 4♠ divided need careful handling. In this on take-out doubles because it will be mean? instance our scores were fortunately very rare that you can make a profitable Most players play a double of 4♠ and all positive: +140, +100, +140 and +100 penalty double at a low level. above as simply showing a strong hand giving a total of +480. This proved to Your partner would often have - at such a high level a take-out shape be a useful IMPs swing and enabled responded in the unbid major if he had cannot be guaranteed, but you will know the Riverside to win the match length in that suit, so his responsive that your partner has 15+ points and unexpectedly comfortably. Even so, we double suggests playing in one of the expects 4♠ to go down most of the time. finished well down the field and will minors - so you should choose your You should only bid if you expect to not be participating in the regional better minor. Your diamonds are good score more by doing so. Undoubtedly final at Peterborough. In the end the and long so you should bid 4♦. the vulnerability is such that making a county A team, in the guise of their game will be profitable, but you certainly Norwich-based club were the worthy cannot be sure of making a game. winners. 2. Dealer South. Love All. Particularly as you cannot rely on your Later that evening all eight of our ♠ A 2 ♠ K 8 7 6 partner’s shape. team regrouped in our local near ♥ K Q 5 3 N ♥ A 2 As you can see when you look at your W E ♦ K Q 9 8 ♦ 6 3 2 partner’s hand he simply expects to the Riverside to commiserate with S each other on our disappointing ♣ Q J 2 ♣ 8 7 6 5 defeat 4♠. performance. You pass and if the opener has 8 On various occasions during the spades, then that is all he is likely to event each of us had made silly errors: West North East South make. You make 300 points, only half a as Millie put it: ‘We don’t need a team 1NT vulnerable game, but if clubs break 3-1 idiot, we all share the role by taking Dbl 2♠ Dbl Pass then you have three losers so the five equal turns.’ n ? level would be too high. n

BRIDGE December 2020 Page 57 David Stevenson Answers Your Frequently Asked Questions Dealing With Hesitations

esitations lead to rulings quite break in that tempo if it is faster or “Yes”, or “I am not sure”. Do not argue: often in competitions and slower than what is normal. By far the if you say no and your opponent wants events but much more rarely most common BITs that are noticed to argue, call the director yourself. Hat club level. Is this because there are and commented on are calling or If the hesitation is disputed and the fewer hesitations at club level? No, playing slowly so we shall use the term director is called, he will ask all the it is because there are fewer director hesitation in this article. players for their view, trying to stop calls about hesitations. As with many Another point is that it has been them all talking at once. Competent things, this may depend on the attitude said many times that after a hesitation directors do not assume that the of players in the club and its history. followed by a pass the partner may not person who speaks loudest is correct! Some clubs have several rulings about bid; in fact opponents have been known Then the director will take a view hesitations so when someone hesitates to say so at the table. Apart from the and if the decision is that there was there is an immediate instinct to fact that it is not the opponents’ right no hesitation that is an end of the call the director. In other clubs there to give rulings it is also not necessarily matter. The players could appeal it but may not have been a ruling on a true. If the player has an obvious bid appeal committees usually take the hesitation in the last three years so why should he not make it? view of the director in such matters. when the director is called because of Suppose you feel your opponent has So if the director decides there was no a hesitation there is shock, horror and hesitated. What should you do? You hesitation and you were sure there was, sometimes anger. This article is not should say to the opponent something do not argue, just accept it and carry about how to rule but about attitudes like “Do you agree you thought for a on. If the director decides there was a to hesitations. time before making that call?”. If the hesitation in a similar way you should Some of the most unfortunate answer is yes then you need to do accept it even if you think otherwise. disagreements have been over nothing until the end of the hand. The director will then ask you to finish hesitations, sometimes leading to Then, if you think his hesitation the hand and say that if a player thinks shouting matches. To begin with, affected the hand, you call the director, he was damaged to call him back. what is a hesitation and what is and if you do not you move on to the Suppose at the end of the hand the wrong with it? When a player thinks next hand. If the answer is no then do director is recalled. One side is often before he makes a call or play, this is a not argue, just call the director. He is saying aggressively that a call was hesitation if he thinks for longer than the one to sort out whether there was based on the hesitation and the other is normal. There is nothing actually a hesitation, not you. When you ask side is saying defensively that the wrong with it but it often tells partner never use the word hesitation: there is call was automatic. There is no need that he has a problem and his partner an automatic response of no if you ask for aggression or argument since it can often deduce what the problem is. “Did you hesitate?”. For some reason is now a matter for the director. The The partner is not allowed to use this people get angry and assume the worst argument that the call is one that information but sometimes does or when that word is used. the player would always make has no perhaps opponents think he has. In From the other side if you are asked validity since once there is a hesitation fact calling or playing immediately whether you hesitated, even if they use it puts restraints on the partner. The without thinking and faster than the word hesitate, do not assume you director decides whether the player normal can lead to similar problems are being accused of anything. You who made the call “chose among which is why directors are getting are merely being asked whether you logical alternatives one suggested by into the habit of calling it a BIT, which thought for an extra length of time the hesitation and whether a logical stands for Break In Tempo. There is which is very common. Just think alternative not suggested would get a what you might consider a normal back and decide whether you believe better score for the opponents”. What tempo to a call or play and so it is a you thought for a time, and say “No”, does that mean in English? Perhaps it

Page 58 BRIDGE December 2020 is clearer with a couple of examples. Suppose the bidding goes 1♣ (P) 5♣ Answers to Bernard Magee’s and after a two-minute think the next player doubles. You can be certain that he has not got three trump tricks! His Bidding Quizzes 4-6 partner bids 5♦, which is a good idea since 5♣ was making. The opposition think he should have passed the on page 7 double despite his distributional weak hand. You ask a few players and all of them without exception would bid 5♦. So it appears that passing the double was not a sensible thing to do, or in the words of the law, not a logical alternative. So the director lets the result stand. Now suppose the 5♦ bidder had a balanced hand and when can defeat a contract then he can double you asked the few players some passed, 4. Dealer West. N/S Game. it. some bid 5♦. That means that pass is a ♠ Q J 10 9 2 ♠ 8 4 Clearly, you have neatly described you logical alternative to bidding 5♦ and ♥ A K J 7 N ♥ 4 3 hand already – why would your partner W E the director will change the result to ♦ 7 6 S ♦ K Q J 10 5 want to ask you to choose your best suit 5♣ doubled making. ♣ 4 3 ♣ A 9 6 5 when he knows what it is from your first Consider what this means. bid? The director has not said that the Your partner thinks he has five tricks in player did anything unethical by West North East South his own hand (sitting over the 3♠ bidder) bidding 5♦. There may have been a 1♠ 1NT Dbl Pass and probably hopes you can supply at lot of reasons, such as he does not ? least one more. understand the law or he did not notice the hesitation or he made a Pass. You have opened a little light, misjudgement. Of course, it may be but the quality of your suits made it 6. Dealer West. Love All. that he knew what he was doing and worthwhile. Your partner has doubled ♠ 7 ♠ A Q J 4 3 deliberately used the hesitation in his North’s 1NT overcall and you have a ♥ A Q J 8 7 6 N ♥ 9 W E decision. That would be unethical but decision to make. Your partner’s double ♦ 4 2 S ♦ K Q 8 6 5 we do not say the player was unethical is for penalties – he has added your ♣ J 8 3 2 ♣ A 10 because he may or may not have been. opening strength to his and does not If you are ruled against like this, you believe the opponents are likely to make must not take it personally. It is just a 1NT. Just because you are slightly light West North East South game and you have misjudged the legal on points, there is no reason to overrule 2♥ 2♠ Dbl 3♣ position. Similarly, if you get a ruling your partner – your suit quality should ? in your favour about a hesitation, there make up for the lack of points. should be no crowing and thinking East will lead his suit and the defence Dbl. The first thing to identify is that your that that will teach the opponents. It have an easy seven tricks. partner’s double of 2♠ is for penalties – is just a decision and you should just you have described your hand so your carry on. partner is in control. South has now So, if either your side or your 5. Dealer West. Love All. bid 3♣ which may well be an attempt opponents feel hard done by because of ♠ 6 ♠ Q J 9 4 to rescue his partner. Generally , you an alleged hesitation, please remember ♥ A Q J 8 7 6 5 N ♥ 2 should have little to say about this, but W E ♦ 4 3 2 ♦ A K 8 7 here with four cards in the suit and a that it is not a matter for argument or S bad behaviour. It is merely a matter ♣ 5 3 ♣ A 10 9 4 very decent weak two – you should show to be put before the director and to your potential against a club contract by accept his decision even if it is against doubling. your side. Rulings over hesitations are West North East South Most of the time you will have the not a matter of life and death, even 3♥ 3♠ Dbl Pass majority of points – your partner is surely though some players act as though ? going to have opening strength and they are. If you are ruled against, treat you hold 8 points – showing your club it the same way as when an opponent Pass. Another penalty double – it is your length is crucial. If you do not double, takes a finesse the correct way against job to identify it. Once one member of your partner is stuck for a bid over 3♣. you, in other words just treat it as bad the partnership has made a pre-emptive Instead you are going to get a handsome luck and carry on. n bid, the partner is in full control – if he reward from 3♣ doubled. n

BRIDGE December 2020 Page 59 by John Barr The Black King

lthough Simon worked for the whether this was penalty or take out, only one entry to his hand a single intelligence services, his usual and whether he could expect to find winning finesse would not help – he role was as a boffin working in a four card spade suit opposite Simon would still have to surrender a trick Aa basement office to analyze and write chose to bid 5♦, which his partner to the spade king. The only layout that reports about emerging technology. raised to 6♦. would allow him to make his contract However, he had been selected for This had been the auction: was for East to have a singleton king his first field operation because of his of spades. hobby. He played bridge. His contact West North East South His contact was supposed to give was also a bridge player, and an Simon him information about “The Black innocent bridge game was the venue 3♥ Pass King” and had shuffled and dealt this chosen for the exchange. The meeting 4♥ Dbl Pass 5♦ hand. Simon was excited about how had been arranged for Simon to collect Pass 6♦ All Pass the world of espionage and his hobby information about a double agent, were coming together so beautifully. known only as “The Black King”. West led the heart ace, and Simon He confidently cashed the spade ace, As he shouldered the door to the found himself looking at this layout: felling the king on his right. This was bar open, Simon scanned the room the full deal: with a nervous glance, finding what he sought not once, but twice. ♠ A Q J 10 He paused, wondering how to ♥ 4 ♠ A Q J 10 determine which of the two bridge ♦ K Q J 10 9 ♥ 4 games he should join, when his ♣ A K Q ♦ K Q J 10 9 decision was made for him by the man ♣ A K Q shuffling the blue deck at the nearest N ♠ 9 8 5 3 ♠ K W E ♥ A 10 6 2 N ♥ K Q J 8 7 5 3 table, who said with a slightly eastern S W E ♦ Void ♦ 8 5 2 European accent “It‘s cold outside, why S don’t you join us?”. As arranged, he ♠ 7 6 4 2 ♣ J 10 8 6 3 ♣ 9 2 responded “It’s cold, but the daffodils ♥ 9 ♠ 7 6 4 2 will be flowering soon.” Hearing his ♦ A 7 6 4 3 ♥ 9 response one of the four excused ♣ 7 5 4 ♦ A 7 6 4 3 himself from the table, beckoning ♣ 7 5 4 Simon to take his place. The man with the slightly eastern At trick two West switched to a club. European accent dealt and opened 3♥. Simon won in dummy and started As Simon picked up the deck to shuffle Simon was next to speak, and passed, drawing trumps (East held all three). for the next deal, the phone of the holding: He was about to overtake the third man with the faintly European accent round in hand and cross his fingers to rang. He looked at the screen, then take the spade finesse when he stopped answered it with a series of guttural ♠ 7 6 4 2 to think – late, but not too late. East grunts. After 30 seconds he stood up, ♥ 9 probably has seven hearts and has smiled at his bridge companions and ♦ A 7 6 4 3 shown up with three diamonds and a said “I’m sorry, I have to go”. He took ♣ 7 5 4 club. With eleven cards accounted for a £5 note from his wallet and dropped he can hold no more than two spades. it in front of Simon “You play a good That meant West had at least three game, perhaps we will play again” – 3♥ was raised to game, which his spades, so although the spade finesse then he was gone. partner doubled. Having no idea was odds on to work, as Simon had When Simon returned to the office

Page 60 BRIDGE December 2020 he made his way to the technology department and handed over the £5 Answers to Bernard Magee’s note that he had won. “Can you analyse this for me? I need to know what information is hidden in Bidding Quizzes 7-9 it.” Two hours later a white-coated lab technician carrying a £5 note knocked on page 7 on Simon’s door. “Here’s your money”, he said, ”but there’s no hidden information, it’s just a normal £5 note”. Simon’s mind was racing. Had he joined the wrong bridge game? Had he made a mistake that would allow a double agent to escape? Were his days 7. Dealer South. Love All. on the first round because he is short in as a spy numbered? ♠ 4 ♠ J 10 9 8 5 spades. Once both majors are bid, his Eventually, he shrugged. His boss ♥ A J 8 7 N ♥ K 2 double is asking for a minor and you W E would never know there had been a ♦ Q J 10 8 S ♦ 9 5 4 should bid 3♣. second bridge game, and at least he ♣ K J 8 4 ♣ A Q 5 You can see East’s predicament – no had the satisfaction of having played positive action works on the first round, a difficult hand well, and he had won but on the second time around a double a fiver. West North East South is reasonable at this vulnerability. Simon still felt uneasy. The deal that 1♠ he had encountered the day before was Dbl 1NT Dbl Pass so well aligned with the information ? 9. Dealer East. Game All. that he had been supposed to collect ♠ 9 8 3 ♠ A K J 2 that he was convinced that he had met Pass. You have made a classic take-out ♥ A K 4 3 N ♥ 7 6 5 W E ♦ ♦ his contact and that the information double, then North bids 1NT and your Q J 10 9 S 8 2 was there – if only he knew where to partner makes another double. Doubles ♣ 4 3 ♣ A K 8 7 look. of suits are usually take-out and doubles So he returned to the bar when it of no-trumps are generally penalties. As opened at 11:00 the next morning, you have seen from some of the answers, West North East South ordered a small beer and sat at the there are exceptions to these guidelines, 1♠ 2NT* same corner table where he had played but there will generally be a good reason Dbl 3♣ Dbl Pass the 6♦ contract the day before. The for the exception. Here, there is no ? cleaner had not yet tidied the remains such good reason so you should pass, * Unusual 2NT: at least 5-5 in the minors of the bridge game away, so Simon expecting your partner to have about 10 examined the scoresheets – finding points. Pass. Your double of the Unusual nothing out of the ordinary. He then 2NT bid is used to show strength and sat idly riffle shuffling the pack while suggest that the hand belongs to your wondering where the information he 8. Dealer North. Love All. side, but you have no sensible bid. Most had been supposed to collect might ♠ J 8 7 6 5 ♠ 3 2 importantly it sets up an auction where have been hidden. As he shuffled he ♥ A 4 N ♥ J 3 2 either member of the partnership can W E ♦ 4 2 ♦ K Q J 7 double for penalties. realised that one card was facing the S wrong way. When he realised that this ♣ 9 8 7 6 ♣ A K 4 2 This tends to be important when you card was the King of Spades he felt are both relatively balanced. Your partner this was unlikely to be a coincidence, is very happy to double 3♣ for penalties and decided to examine it closely. West North East South and of course, you will be happy to return One of the two faces of this King of 1♥ Pass 1♠ the compliment if the opponents choose Spades had an unexpected mole on Pass 2♥ Dbl Pass to run to 3♦.This is one of those hands his left check. Simon drained his beer, ? where the Unusual 2NT does not work collected the blue pack of cards and so well for the overcalling side, but only returned to the office. 3♣. Your partner passed 1♥ on the first if the opening side manages to double This time the technical department round so should his second round double them as you have managed here. Very was able to find the information that be for penalties? often E/W will settle for a 3NT contract Simon had sought, and later that day Not in this case, as doubles of suit bids on hands like these instead of taking a a cabinet minister resigned in order to are generally for take-out, and your part- likely 800 or even 1100 penalty from the spend more time with her family. n ner might have been unable to double opponents’ contract. n

BRIDGE December 2020 Page 61 Julian Pottage Answers Your Frequently Asked Questions How Do I Improve?

his is a good question and the to playing in the Transnational teams via your computer. vast majority of the questions at the World Championships! The Avid readers of Sally Brock’s column that have come to the ask Ju- sensible step up from club bridge is will see that Sally often says she enjoys Tlian feature are about trying to secure a county event or perhaps you could discussing hands afterwards as much a better result if the reader encounters play in a local league. If you already as playing. Studying your results with a similar situation again. play in county events, the next step up a view to working out how you might One way of getting better is by is a national event. A number of the do better if you held a similar hand reading about the game either in a national knockout teams events have a again can help your game as well as magazine, as you are doing right now, secondary event for those knocked out adding enjoyment. or by reading books. When I was a early, so do not let fear of losing your You do not want to look only at teenager I read every bridge book I first match and not getting another your poor boards – look at your good could lay my hands on – the local game deter you from entering. If you results too and see whether you can library in Havant could secure books play rubber bridge, moving up to a honestly say you would have avoided from anywhere in Hampshire and stake you cannot really afford to lose whatever problems your opponents I read them all, several I read many forces you to sharpen your game. encountered. This can not only times. Some books are educational in Attending seminars, lessons or boost morale better than looking nature while others aim to test your training courses are other ways to only at poor boards but increases the existing skills. If you read a book that improve. Good teachers will not opportunity to improve. Quite often has problems in it, you will derive abandon you after you have completed a question has come in to Ask Julian most benefit if you decide what to do a beginner’s course. Many will have an asking what East-West should have before skipping to the answer. improver’s class or at least be able to done differently (the reader being East Another traditional way to improve point you towards one. or West) but I spot something North- is by having a partner who is a better Having a mentor or coach can South should have done differently. player than you are. Unless you are also help your game. In major For a bridge post mortem you need happy to pay for the privilege or the championships, teams often have a your partner as a minimum, though it better player is someone you have a coach as well as a captain – nobody is can be better to have a group discussion. non-bridge relationship with, you exempt from the capacity to improve. If you and your partner disagree about probably will be unable to play with a Even world champions make mistakes, which one of you should have done stronger partner regularly – but even a just fewer than average players do. something differently, peer review can few games can help. If you are a junior Having a private tutor is similar and provide an amicable way to break the (or perhaps one of your grandchildren if you get together with a partner or deadlock. As well as discussing what is), it is likely that you can find an some friends so that you are splitting you actually did, you can also discuss experienced player to take you under the cost two, three or four ways it need what you would have done if your their wing. Everyone was young once. not be prohibitive. hands had been slightly different. Playing against players better than Playing bridge, attending seminars, Even without any hand records in yourself is another way to improve. It attending lessons and having a private front of you, discussions with your is sensible to give yourself a challenge tutor are all things you can do online. partner can aid understanding and but make it a small one. Do not go If you can find a book in Kindle or help avoid future misunderstandings. from playing at your local club straight PDF form, you can even read a book When I interviewed Gerald Tredinnick

Page 62 BRIDGE December 2020 and I asked him whether he thought that he and Stuart had a particular Answers to Bernard Magee’s understanding because they are twins, his response was that being twins did not help directly but did mean they Bidding Quizzes 10-12 had more time to spend together to discuss the game. Quite commonly a query to the on page 7 ask Julian feature is along the lines of ‘what should this bid mean?’. Often the brief answer is ‘what your partner will think it means.’ If you can eliminate the occasions when one of you thinks a double is take-out and the other in the auction generally doubles are for thinks it is for penalties or when one 10. Dealer East. Love All. penalties. However, there are going to be of you thinks a bid is forcing and the ♠ 8 7 6 ♠ 4 some obvious exceptions, as here: East’s ♥ 5 4 N ♥ A K 9 2 previous pass means he is most unlikely other thinks it is not, your results will W E improve. Unless you are striving to be ♦ 7 6 5 S ♦ A K Q 2 to be making a low level penalty double. a world champion, it does not matter ♣ 9 8 7 6 5 ♣ A K 3 2 His double must therefore be a take-out too much whether you are playing the of hearts and, as such, you have a clear- best theoretical method so long as you cut response of 3♣. and your partner are playing the same West North East South method. 2♣ 2♠ With the likes of Skype and Zoom Pass Pass Dbl Pass 12. Dealer South. Game All. discussions with your partner are easy ? ♠ A 3 2 ♠ 8 6 enough online. The telephone is still ♥ A 9 6 5 N ♥ K Q 8 2 W E ♣ ♦ ♦ available for those who do not have 3 . Your partner has opened with your J 9 8 2 S A 4 3 internet access or who prefer to use it strongest bid, but South interrupts – you ♣ 4 3 ♣ A 9 5 2 for whatever reason. pass and then your partner reopens the Something I have not tried but auction with a double. others report as finding helpful is With 23 points your partner might West North East South using computer software to play as have chosen to rebid 2NT if he had a 2♦* an individual. So long as you try to stopper in spades, but without a stopper Pass 2♥** Pass 2♠ learn from your mistakes rather than it makes sense to reopen the bidding Pass Pass Dbl Pass curse the computer for giving you an with a double. It is certainly a take-out ? unhelpful layout, you should derive double asking for your best suit. You bid * Multi 2♦ – usually weak with a six-card some benefit from that. 3♣ and your partner will probably make major Educational resources available that a forcing bid to elicit some excitement, if ** Pass with hearts or correct to 2♠ may help include the following: possible, from you, but you will woodenly keep bidding clubs. On a normal 3-1 3♥. The Multi 2♦ convention often Q Plus software and associated trump split, 5♣ is high enough. causes problems because it confuses tutorial CD-ROMs available from the opponents. The trick is to realise that mrbridge.co.uk until 27 November 90% of the time the opener has a six-card and then from Bernard Magee Bridge. major and once you know which you 11. Dealer North. Game All. can defend against it as against a usual Bernard Magee tutorial DVDs ♠ A 3 ♠ K 9 7 6 weak two. The auction has taken a while, available from: ♥ 9 8 7 N ♥ 4 2 but once the bidding reaches East for a W E bernardmageebridge.com/shop ♦ Q J 5 S ♦ A 7 6 2 second time, he knows that South has ♣ J 9 8 7 6 ♣ A K 2 a weak two in spades so he can make Bernard Magee Bridge: twice weekly a take-out double. The 2♥ response to seminars, assisted play sessions, the multi 2♦ is not natural – it is ‘pass or continuation of Ask David and West North East South correct’ – basically allowing the opener Ask Julian features and more: 1NT Pass 2♦ to describe his hand. With a weak two in bernardmageebridge.com Pass 2♥ Dbl Pass hearts he passes, or with a weak two in ? spades he ‘corrects’ to 2♠. Online tutoring: Knowing that the 2♥ bid is not natural Sally Brock sally(at)sallybrock.net 3♣. When deciding whether a double is means that you can confidently respond Julian Pottage for penalties or for take-out I will often 3♥ to the double and your best partscore julianbridge(at)outlook.com n use a simple rule: when no-trumps are is found. n

BRIDGE December 2020 Page 63 BERNARD MAGEE BRIDGE Join our exciting new online learning community for £13.99 per month 30 day free trial for BRIDGE subscribers* email us: [email protected] or call: 01344 205120

WEEKLY Designed for Quizzes Forums with: you to digest + David Stevenson in bitesize Hands of the Week & modules + Julian Pottage Live Shows

BI-WEEKLY COMMUNITY ‘Big’ seminar Forums + + 8 set hands Facebook + Find Partners + Casual Play

Watch just ... or for total the modules that immersion, appeal to you... Modules watch it all! Join Call us: Online: 01344 205120 Now bernardmageebridge.com

* For new members to bernardmageebridge.com