BRIDGE

AUGUST  Paradise Found Honolulu hosts the Fall NABC Nov. 22–Dec. 2

BRIDGE

BulletinVolume 84, Number 8 • August 2018 • acbl.org Cover photo courtesy of HTA/Tor Johnson

Features

9 Induction Zone Reus, Fergani enter Canadian Hall of Fame 10 Hawaiian Hands Honolulu hosts Fall NABC Nov. 22–Dec. 2 16 Maple Leaf Rag Team Gartaganis will play at World Championships 22 Apellation Trail Cocheme ponders what’s in a name 24 International Matchpoints A club game played around the world 28 Charting New Waters Introducing the new convention charts 32 Hey Batter, Bidder Comparing America’s pastime and ours

9 16

10

Getty Images/iStockPhoto

4 Bridge Bulletin August 2018 COLUMNS INTERACTIVE FEATURES CONTRIBUTORS  IN FIRST SEAT  THE BIDDING BOX  PHILLIP ALDER Card Play 101  LOSING TRICK COUNT  IT’S YOUR CALL  ADAM PARRISH  RULING THE GAME  CHALLENGE OF THE MONTH Parrish the Thought

,  WEST, EAST HANDS FOR  PAT HARRINGTON DEPARTMENTS THE BIDDING BOX Play & Learn  LETTERS TO THE EDITOR  CROSSWORD PUZZLE  JERRY HELMS  EMPLOYMENT Ask Jerry

 PRODUCT REVIEWS MASTERPOINTS  LYNN BERG  NEW LIFE MASTERS Startup Bridge  CLUB NEWS  LIFE MASTER MILESTONES ,  LARRY COHEN , ,  NOMINATIONS Bidding Basics, The Real Deal  PERSONAL MP PROFILE ,  ELECTION NOTICES ,  MIKE LAWRENCE Mike’s Bridge Lesson, Mike’s Advice  BIG GAMES PASSINGS ,  EDDIE KANTAR , ,  OBITUARIES Chalk Talk, Test Your Play CALENDARS  IN MEMORIAM  AUGUST BOEHM  TOURNAMENT DIRECTORY Boehm on Bridge

,  TEACHER, DIRECTOR COURSES  MARK HORTON Misplay These Hands with Me  SCHEDULE OF EVENTS  MARTY BERGEN Better Bridge with Bergen

 KAREN WALKER Bidding Matters King–Small 22 32  FRANK STEWART My Bridge and Yours

 GEORGE JACOBS George’s World

 BILLY MILLER Dear Billy

 DAVID BIRD Bridge with the Abbot

24

August 2018 Bridge Bulletin 5 IN FIRST SEAT

Member Services: 800–264–2743 (U.S. ) Conventionally speaking 662–253–3191 (Others) Beginning in late November, the ACBL will Call and speak to a member formally adopt a new set of convention charts services representative to: to replace the ones that have been in use for • Join the ACBL the past few decades. Readers should check • Renew your membership out the story on pg. 28 by Tom Carmichael, the • Change your mailing address chair of the ACBL’s Competition and Conventions Committee, to • Get questions about MPs answered learn about the new charts. This is the first installment of a four- • Report Bridge Bulletin not received part series. If you’re one of the players worried that the new charts will be Available Monday–Friday complicated, don’t be. In fact, most players won’t notice any change 8 a.m.– 4:30 p.m. CST at all. The revisions to the charts clean up some inconsistencies, while aiming for a more uniform playing experience, especially at Email Customer Service: the tournament level. The main takeaway from the series is that [email protected] these new charts are unlikely to affect club players – clubs have extraordinary latitude in deciding which treatments are allowable More contact information on pg. 82. at games run under their sanctions – while helping experienced tournament-goers know what to expect from one venue to the next. Thanks are owed to the all-volunteer members of this committee who worked for years to bring this project to fruition. Their BRIDGE willingness to seek out input from players as the charts were being developed was a model for how systemic changes should take place. Bulletin Editor: Paul Linxwiler A reminder Managing Editor: Sue Munday One of the best-kept secrets on Associate Editor: Chip Dombrowski the web is BridgeFeed at acbl.org. Graphic Design’/”Layout: Cindy Hill There’s a mountain of free bridge BRIDGE BULLETIN (ISSN –—˜™–š›œš) is published content here, including some of the monthly by the Amer i can Contract Bridge League, Inc., best columnists in the game, great šŸœŸ Windchase Blvd., Horn Lake MS ›˜š›œ––Ÿ¢›, šš¢–¢Ÿ›–›–——. £Ÿ per copy, £¤™ annually. Yearly sub- instructional material, flashbacks, scrip tion paid with annual dues. Periodicals postage paid humor pieces and news. And with at Horn Lake MS and at additional mail ing offices (USPS the Summer NABC happening as ¤˜˜–¤›—). Printed in the USA. Canadian Publication rate paid at Windsor ON, Get the news now! this issue is mailed to members, Permit ¨¤——¤—™ŸŸ. CANADIAN return address: c/o Today / ACBL BridgeFeed is the place to follow the Amer i can Contract Bridge League, P.ªO. Box ˜œŸ, Stn A, Windsor ON, Canada N™A šP¢. BridgeFeed goings-on in Atlanta. People. News. NABC. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to BRIDGE Tips and Tools. Humor. If you’ve not checked BridgeFeed BULLETIN, P.¬O. Box ¢˜™, Horn Lake MS ›˜š›œ-—¢˜™ Quizzes. Flashback. out yet, you owe it to yourself to take a peek. American Contract Bridge League Paul Linxwiler, [email protected] 6575 Windchase Blvd. Horn Lake MS 38637–1523 acbl.org/BridgeFeed acbl.org

6 Bridge Bulletin August 2018 »InBox Letters to the Editor

Exception to the rule We even had an opportunity to tour bridge community’s effort to battle Playing bridge at St. Catherine’s the area and play some golf at the love- Alzheimer’s. Surely we can do better. club in West Palm Beach is a pleasure. ly (and reasonably priced) Valley Oaks Most likely, the club’s hands were tied. The space is beautiful, the bidding Golf Course. We certainly look forward Perhaps a think tank can be formed to boxes and the cards always seem new, to returning to Visalia next year. overcome the red tape involved in mak- and most importantly, the games are EDDIE ROSE and ANN GILLESPIE ing medical exceptions regarding club expertly managed by our wonderful Laguna Niguel CA games. It made me very sad to think director, Julie Jarow. that a lovely and vibrant lady such as Julie runs a tight ship, and we appre- Remembering kindness Mary – or many thousands of others – ciate the rules that she enforces. For I was saddened to read about Mary are forced to the sidelines because of example, nothing is more distracting Oshlag (June, pgs. 26–27). I met Mary masterpoints and not allowed to live during a match than a cell phone ring- and Richard my first year of learning out their lives enjoying the game that ing, except someone actually answer- bridge on a cruise where they were has kept them going. We need to be ing it. At Saint Cat’s we have a policy to running the bridge program. They more inclusive in times of need. Please discourage this behavior, and a $ 1 fine were both so nice. I was happy when I find a way to overcome this obstacle. is payable to charity for each infrac- saw their picture in the Bridge Bulle- BILLY MILLER tion. tin when they won the 2011 Truscott/ Las Vegas NV Recently, however, Julie carved out USPC Senior Swiss Teams. an appropriate exception. Miriam It was a memorable experience for Platinum, schmatinum Lerman, a healthy, avid and active me on the cruise. Mary and Richard I disagree with Theo Lichtenstein’s player, was celebrating her 100th welcomed me even though I was a real Letter to the Editor in the June is- birthday. After we sang “Happy novice at that time. The other play- sue suggesting that a platinum point Birthday” and enjoyed a delicious cake, ers were very nice also, as most bridge should be one of the requirements for we continued our game. Suddenly, a players are. We all have to learn from Life Master status. cell phone rang loud and clear. It was the beginning, so having nice people to The majority of bridge players value Miriam’s, and in a shocking disregard help you along sure makes a big differ- politeness, respectful remarks and just for protocol, she put down her cards ence. plain decency. I recall when my hus- and answered it. We were stunned, ARLENE LOCA band and I – each of us with just a few until Julie announced that if you are Afton MI black points – attended our first NABC 100 years old, it is OK for your phone to several years ago. A gentleman of great ring, and if you are 100 years old and it Fix it skill, as I was later told by a director, is your birthday, you can answer it. In regards to the tragic story of Mary gave me a compliment on a nice play SUSANNE DURST I had made. It was probably the only Katonah NY Oshlag and the downhill slide she has taken from the devastating effects of one of the day, but I was thrilled and Alzheimer’s, I was struck by some- inspired! Big trees, big fun thing her husband Richard reported. There is a reason for Law 74 On a recent visit to Sequoia Na- In her last good time period when she (Conduct and Etiquette). There is a tional Park, we decided to stop and play was able to continue to enjoy her daily reason we look forward to Bill Buttle’s some bridge at the nearby Visalia CA bridge games, keeping her mind, body monthly cartoon. Things like this Sectional. What a wonderful bridge and spirit going, Mary was prevented promote enjoyment of the game. tournament! The facilities, especially from playing bridge on certain days be- Another good reason for playing bridge the beautiful Lakes Clubhouse, were cause she had too many masterpoints. is that it enhances mental health. terrific. The hospitality was top-notch, That’s a terrible shame. Part of the There are many reasons to play. So the food was great, the staff was very story was that the minute she stopped friendly and welcoming, and Nancy Letters to the editor are welcome by regular mail and email. playing bridge, it was like the light Brevity is considered a virtue, as is subject matter with relevance Boyd did an excellent job of directing. switch in her life was turned off. to a majority of ACBL members. Unsigned letters are not (Of course, our winning two open pairs considered for publication, so please include your name and This is not a good reflection on the hometown. Letters may be edited. All letters will receive a added to the enjoyment!) response. Send emails to [email protected].

August 2018 Bridge Bulletin 7 Letters to the Editor

all this fuss about making it tougher If the guide cards were wider, then it both followed to the first trump, but to achieve a Life Master will only would be impossible to cover the num- West showed out on the second one, turn players, especially seniors, away bers and letters (Table B3, for example) I could have crossed to dummy and from ACBL. There are plenty of local on both ends of the cards, as is some- picked up the trumps with a finesse. non-ACBL bridge clubs. They are a lot times the case. Overall, it would make At this point, I led a spade to the cheaper, too! it a simpler task for players to find queen and returned a spade to my People are more important than a their assigned tables, as well as being hand, but now I have a potential trump platinum point. less time-consuming and frustrating. loser. My thinking then was that I ALICE THOMAS RON HOPMAN needed hearts to be 3–3 or something Langley BC Huntley IL good to happen in that suit, so I led the ♥9 to the queen, cashed the ♥A and Déjà vu? A study in contrasts led a low heart to my hand. East could ♥ Yesterday I was called to a table at a ♠ Q 6 5 not tell who had the K, so he didn’t game I was directing. While en route, ♥ A Q 7 4 ruff this and I scored my king. I now led ♣ another table needed a quick answer. ♦ 10 7 5 the A and exited with a club, waiting By the time I reached the original table, ♣ 8 6 3 to take my two remaining trump tricks they claimed to have sorted things ♠ — ♠ J 7 4 3 2 and making my contract. out. Because I was already there, I ♥ 10 8 5 2 ♥ J 6 It was at this point that Mr. Good inquired what the problem was. North ♦ K Q J 9 8 2 ♦ 6 4 3 Player screamed at me saying, “Why said someone had scored on their line ♣ K 10 4 ♣ Q 5 2 did you block the heart suit? If they (we use travelers at our club). East ♠ A K 10 9 8 were 3–3, you just lost a trick,” and then chimed in that they had already ♥ K 9 3 he said it very nastily. I stated that if played this board. I tried to clarify ♦ A hearts were 3–3, I was making my con- whether East–West had played this ♣ A J 9 7 tract, and if not, I needed some help, board at another table. All four looked which is what happened. He continued at me sheepishly and then admitted This deal came up in a knockout to berate me about it. I should have they had played the same board twice event in the recent Sacramento Re- called a director, but I didn’t. at this table, with a different contract gional and demonstrates how really It is this type of demeanor that the and a different result. North had sorted good players should – and should not – game does not need. Why couldn’t he things out when she realized that the act at the table. be gracious and say, “Nice play,” or say handwriting on the traveler line was I opened 1♠ as South, and Mr. Good nothing at all? His teammates reached her own! Player overcalled 2♦. My partner slam and went down two, so we gained That was a first for me. raised to 2♠, and I bid 4♠. 13 IMPs. LARRY SHERMAN Mr. Good Player led the ♦K, and I The very next match, we played San Diego CA won the ace. At first glance, it looks like against two other experts, Huub I have five spades, three hearts and two Bertens and Dan Korbel, who really enjoy each other and went out of their Bigger is better aces for 10 tricks. And if hearts split 3–3, I will make 11 tricks. way to have fun even when they lost by In my travels to tournaments, as well a bunch. It was quite fun to play with as local games, I have noticed the need Thinking about the trump suit, I led ♠ this attitude, and these two are great for larger guide cards on the table. The the A, and when West showed out, I realized that I had misplayed this suit examples of what the League needs to chief reason for this, especially at tour- promote the game. naments, is that players are constantly and had to rethink the entire hand. I needed to start this suit by leading low JERRY WEITZNER searching for their assigned tables be- Danville CA cause the guide cards are often covered to the queen which would have allowed by the boards. Anyone who’s played in a me to discover the 0–5 split. If they had Swiss team event knows what I mean.

8 Bridge Bulletin August 2018 Due Recognition The CBF inducts Reus, Fergani into the Canadian Hall of Fame. BY KATIE THORPE Photo by Michael Yuen

The Canadian Bridge Federation held its annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony during the Canadian Bridge Championships at the end of May in Montreal. The 2018 in- ductees are Sharyn Reus of Summerstown ON and Kamel Fergani of Montreal. This year’s ceremony began with a short memorial for Eric Murray, one of the original inductees into the CBF Hall of Fame, and also a member of the ACBL Hall of Fame. John Carruthers delivered a remembrance of Murray, with Allan Graves and Michael Roche providing additional remarks.

Sharyn Reus Sharyn Reus and Kamel Fergani are inducted into the Canadian Bridge Hall of Fame. Sharyn first represented Canada at the 1972 Olympiad Teams in Miami, having played for only three years at the time, finishing a very respectable seventh place. She went Kamel Fergani on to win 10 Canadian Women’s Team Championships, Kamel Fergani of Montreal has represented Canada seven and she represented Canada 16 times at team events in the times at teams in world championship contests, several world championships, finishing third on three occasions: times in pairs, and served as non-playing captain for the 1988 (Venice), 1989 (Perth) and 1996 (Rhodes). Sharyn also 2011 Canadian Senior team. He has won six Canadian represented Canada five times in world championship pair National Team Championships and two NABC events – the events and attained the rank of World Life Master. 1988 Jacoby Open Swiss Teams and the 2016 Wernher Carruthers – who was inducted into the Canadian Hall of Open Pairs. Additionally, he is a well-respected and well- Fame in 2015 – introduced Sharyn: “I had the good fortune loved teacher. to captain Sharyn’s team a few times. She was the perfect Nicolas L’Ecuyer, who was mentored by Kamel as a young partner and teammate: She never made a mistake, and she player before becoming his regular partner, introduced Ka- never criticized her partner, her teammates or, most im- mel. L’Ecuyer described the “six levels of bridge.” portantly, her captain, for their mistakes. She and Dianna “Level 1: learn how to bid. Level 2: learn how to play. Level Gordon were for years the best Canadian women’s pair and 3: really learn how to bid. Level 4: really learn how to play. one of the best in the world.” Level 5: really, really, really learn how to bid. And Level 6 – Carruthers also shared comments from other Canadian which I am now renaming in honor of Kamel – the Fergani luminaries who were unable to attend the induction cer- Level – which is to really, really learn and know how to play emony. Of Sharyn, Eric Kokish wrote, “How proud I am that the game. you always played the game the right way and tried to find “Kamel is a great teammate. And if there was anything the truth.” complex to play, I would always leave it to Kamel to play it. Former partner Gordon wrote, “I had the good fortune of It’s the best way to optimize our results.” sitting South opposite Sharyn’s North for the better part of Both recipients thanked their partners, teammates and 40 years! I know, I know … She doesn’t look old enough to families, attributing much of their success to them. Kamel make that true, but it is. My motto was, ‘It’s better to play especially thanked Francois Gauthier, an early mentor, for with her than against her,’ because she is such a tigress at teaching him that (a) there were partscores and (b) the the bridge table! Until screens interrupted my vision, I used opponents were allowed to play a hand! He claimed that he to enjoy watching her intensity and her very careful crafts- had a hard time passing those lessons on to his presenter, manship as she fought for every single trick in a contract Nicolas. that was usually too optimistic. A bit of a magician is that The inductees received commemorative statues engraved Sharyn Reus! Her spot in the Canadian Bridge Hall of Fame with West Coast Haida symbols. For Sharyn, the salmon, is anxiously awaiting.” a symbol of persistence and determination; for Kamel, the owl, a symbol of intuition, wisdom and keen sight. ◾ August 2018 Bridge Bulletin 9 Hawaiian Hands Honolulu hosts Fall NABC Nov. 22–Dec. 2

The hands tell the story in hula. Come, they beckon, heart of Waikiki. The resort features more than 20 restau- come to the Polynesian paradise to play. Come to the Fall rants, cafes and lounges, including a variety of casual din- NABC in Honolulu, Nov. 22–Dec. 2. ing options. There are beaches and pools, fitness centers, The hands tell the story in bridge, too. And you’ll play a full-service spa and live shows. Available daily activities lots of them in 10 days at the best championships in the at the Hawaiian Village include yoga, turtle- and whale- world! There are games morning, afternoon and night for watching tours, catamaran trips, snorkeling and kayaking. all levels of play. But you don’t get to have all the fun! Enroll the kids in Newcomers are extended a special, warm island wel- the Hilton’s Camp Penguin, a fun, educational program for come. There are free, two-hour lessons followed by games children ages 5 to 12. They’ll enjoy onsite and offsite ac- the first weekend of the tournament. And most every tivities, including excursions such as visiting the Waikiki afternoon and evening, there’s a bridge celebrity speaker Aquarium and the Honolulu Zoo. presentation 45 minutes before game time. White sand beaches, floral breezes, tropical nights ... and Enjoy your time away from the table, as well. Spread bridge! It doesn’t get any better than this. Book your trip to over 22 acres, the Hilton Hawaiian Village is located in the paradise now.

10 Bridge Bulletin August 2018 Getty Images/Photodisc Visitors to Hawaii can be assured Air travel that the volcanic activity is having Omega World no effect whatsoever on the islands Travel is the offi- of Oahu (where the NABC is being cial travel agency for the ACBL. For air held), Maui, Molokai, Lanai and travel assistance, call 800–969–4152, Kauai. Travel is safe to the Hawaiian fax 866–445–6705 or email info@owt. net. Islands per Governor David Ige.

Parking Site Hilton Hawaiian Village pro- All events will be played at the Hilton vides a six-level parking garage, Hawaiian Village at 2005 Kalia Road, conveniently accessible from Honolulu. all towers at the resort. Overnight self-parking for Housing registered hotel guests: $43/night Overnight valet parking for regis- Hilton Hawaiian Village tered hotel guests: $50/night Waikiki Beach Resort 2005 Kalia Road Event discounted validated self- and educational activities for the kids, Honolulu HI 96815 parking: $8 (not valid for overnight including field trips and, of course, function parking) learning to play cards. Because it’s Room rates start at $195/night. Event discounted validated valet affordable, the child care program Please visit acbl.org for more informa- parking: $13 (not valid for overnight makes NABCs vacation destinations tion about room rates. function parking) for the entire family. There is no mandatory resort fee for Lost Ticket: $100 The cost is $25 per bridge session ACBL members at Hilton Hawaiian All prices are subject to change with- for the first two children and $40 Village. Complimentary wireless inter- out notice. per bridge session for three or four net is included in your room rate. children. Babies 3 months to 1 year are Child care $40 per bridge session. Call onPeak at Bring the kids along! The NABC For more information or to sign up, 855–992–3353 or child care program offers flexible contact Donna Compton at cdmra@ email [email protected] to reserve a hours for parents plus dozens of fun mindspring.com or 214–394–5830. room. You can also book online at acbl. org. Please check the ACBL website for the latest housing information.

For Intermediate/Newcomer players only Hawaii 2018 NABC hotel By Cathy Hess, I/N Committee cancellation policy A one-night room deposit, Bridge is serious fun, but sometimes the empha- charged to your credit card at the sis is on the serious. The Honolulu NABC Inter- time of booking, will be applied to mediate-Newcomer Committee wants to put equal your stay. This fee is separate from emphasis on the fun. any cancellation charges that may Our tiny Ambassador of Aloha, Nanea, welcomes be imposed by the hotel. players each day, and at the end of the tournament, Reservations may be canceled one lucky and dedicated player can take Nanea without penalty on or before Sept. home. I/N players will receive an additional reg- 16, 2018. For reservations canceled istration packet and gifts, as well as prizes for fun Nanea says, “Aloha” after Sept. 16, your one-night contests. deposit becomes nonrefundable. Meanwhile, be prepared to play bridge, learn bridge, laugh and enjoy our beautiful Hawaii. For more information, email [email protected].

August 2018 Bridge Bulletin 11 Fall NABC Schedule 2018 • Honolulu Hawaii Events, dates, times and locations are subject to change. Please check acbl.org for changes. • Three-flight open events are stratified as A/X (6000+/0–6000), B/C (1500–3000/0–1500) and Gold Rush (300–750/0–300). • Two-flight open events are stratified as A/B/C (3000+/1500–3000/0–1500) and Gold Rush (500–750/200–500/0–200) or as A/X/Y (6000+/4000–6000/0–4000) and B/C/D (1500–3000/750–1500/0–750) if there is no Gold Rush. • One-flight open events are stratified as A (3000+), B (750–3000) and C (0–750).

MONDAY, NOV. 19–WEDNESDAY, NOV. 21 24 hours NABC ONLINE INDIVIDUAL (unl./2000/500) Play online from anywhere

THURSDAY, NOV. 22 BOLD, UPPER CASE = NABC+ events (Platinum points) 1 pm International Fund Open Pairs (unl./3000/750) UPPER CASE = NABC events (Gold and Red points) International Fund Swiss Teams (unl./3000/750) Green = Regional events (Gold and Red points) International Fund 299er Pairs Blue = Gold Rush events (Gold and Red points) 7:30 pm Educational Foundation Knockout Teams Cont. Fri.–Sat. at 9 am Red = Intermediate-Newcomer events (Red points) Educational Foundation Open Pairs (unl./3000/750) Educational Foundation 299er Pairs SUNDAY, NOV. 25 9 am Sunday–Monday Morning Compact KO Teams FRIDAY, NOV. 23 0-5 Newcomer Pairs Play Free Today! Saturday–Sunday Morning Compact KO Teams 9 am Friday–Saturday Morning Compact KO Teams Jo Best Friday–Sunday Morning Side Game Series Educational Foundation KO Teams 10 am 299er, 199er, 99er, 49er, 0–20 & 0–5 I/N Pairs Jo Best Friday–Sunday Morning Side Game Series 299er Swiss Teams 10 am 299er, 199er, 99er, 49er, 0–20 & 0–5 I/N Pairs Bridge Plus+ Free lesson, 14 deals, no card fee 10 am & 3 pm Daylight Open Pairs (unl./3000/750) 10 am & 3 pm Daylight Open Pairs 1 pm Friday–Sunday Side Game Series (unl./3000/750) Daylight Swiss Teams (unl./3000/1500) 1 & 7:30 pm NAIL LIFE MASTER OPEN PAIRS 2 qualifying & 2 final sess. Daylight Gold Rush Swiss Teams (750/300/200) BAZE SENIOR KNOCKOUT TEAMS For players born before 10:30 am & 3:30 pm SUPER SENIOR PAIRS Jan. 1, 1959. Pre-registration required by 11 am. One two- Age 70+; 2 qualifying, 2 final sessions session match per day until completed. Noon & 7 pm BAZE SENIOR KNOCKOUT TEAMS Open Pairs (unl./3000/750) 1 pm Friday–Sunday Side Game Series Luke Han Friday–Saturday Knockout Teams 1 & 7:30 pm MITCHELL OPEN BOARD-A-MATCH TEAMS 3 pm 299er, 199er, 99er, 49er, 0–20 & 0–5 I/N Pairs MARSHA MAY STERNBERG WOMENS B-A-M TEAMS 7:30 pm Evening Swiss Teams Friday–Sunday Side Game Series Both BAMs: 2 qualifying & 2 final sessions 0–10,000 SWISS TEAMS 299er, 199er, 99er, 49er, 0–20 & 0–5 I/N Pairs Open Pairs (unl./3000/750) A/X/Y Swiss Teams (unl./6000/4000) SATURDAY, NOV. 24 Junior Day/Julie & Billy Miller Day Bracketed B Teams (0–3000) 9 am Julie & Billy Miller Sat.–Sun. Morning Compact KO Teams Brackets of 8 teams by Friday–Saturday Morning Compact KO Teams average MPs; 3 teams in each bracket earn gold. Jazz with Aloha in Memory of Oded Stitt Saturday– Educational Foundation Knockout Teams Sunday KO Teams Jo Best Friday–Sunday Morning Side Game Series 3 pm 299er, 199er, 99er, 49er, 0–20 & 0–5 I/N Pairs 10 am Julie & Billy Miller 299er, 199er, 99er, 49er, 0–20 & 0–5 I/N Pairs 299er Swiss Teams Julie & Billy Miller Bridge Plus+ Free lesson, 14 deals, no card fee 7:30 pm Bryan Smither Evening BAM Teams 10 am & 3 pm Julie & Billy Miller Daylight Open Pairs (unl./3000/1500) Open to Swiss drop-ins & new entrants Julie & Billy Miller Gold Rush Pairs (750/300/200) Friday–Sunday Side Game Series 1 pm Friday–Sunday Side Game Series 299er, 199er, 99er, 49er, 0–20 & 0–5 I/N Pairs 1 & 7:30 pm NAIL LIFE MASTER OPEN PAIRS 299er Swiss Teams BAZE SENIOR KNOCKOUT TEAMS 11:30 pm Zip Knockout Teams 0–10,000 SWISS TEAMS 2 qualifying & 2 final sessions Julie & Billy Miller Open Pairs (unl./3000/1500) MONDAY, NOV. 26 Goodwill Day Julie & Billy Miller Gold Rush Pairs (750/300/200) 9 am Sunday–Monday Morning Compact KO Teams Jazz with Aloha in Memory of Oded Stitt Sat.–Sun. KO Teams Monday–Wednesday Morning Knockout Teams Julie & Billy Miller Compact KO Teams Lester & Mitzie Kodama Monday–Wednesday Luke Han Friday–Saturday KO Teams Morning Side Game Series 3 pm Julie & Billy Miller 299er, 199er, 99er, 49er, 0–20 & 0–5 I/N Pairs 10 am Luke Han 299er, 199er, 99er, 49er, 0–20 & 0–5 I/N Pairs 7:30 pm Julie & Billy Miller A/X/Y and B/C/D Evening Swiss Teams 10 am & 3 pm Daylight Open Pairs (unl./3000/1500) Friday–Sunday Side Game Series Daylight Gold Rush Pairs (750/300/200) Julie & Billy Miller 299er, 199er, 99er, 49er, 0–20 & 0–5 I/N Pairs Edith Neff Monday–Tuesday Daylight KO Teams 11:30 pm Julie & Billy Miller Zip Knockout Teams 10:30 am & 3:30 pm SUPER SENIOR PAIRS Julie & Billy Miller Junior Zip KO Teams (25 and under. Free) Noon & 7 pm BAZE SENIOR KNOCKOUT TEAMS

12 Bridge Bulletin August 2018 MONDAY, NOV. 26 (continued) WEDNESDAY, NOV. 28 (continued) 1 pm Monday–Tuesday Side Game Series 3 pm Karen Lanke 299er, 199er, 99er, 49er, 0–20, 0–5 I/N Pairs 1 & 7:30 pm MITCHELL OPEN BAM TEAMS 7:30 pm Karen Lanke Evening BAM Teams MARSHA MAY STERNBERG WOMEN’S BAM TEAMS Open to Swiss drop-ins & new entrants 0–10,000 IMP PAIRS 2 qualifying & 2 final sessions Lake Minnetonka Wednesday–Thursday Side Game Series A/X/Y Open Pairs (unl./6000/4000) Karen Lanke 299er, 199er, 99er, 49er, 0–20 & 0–5 I/N Pairs B/C/D Open Pairs (3000/1500/750) Karen Lanke 299er Swiss Teams Godfrey Chang Monday–Tuesday KO Teams 11:30 pm Karen Lanke Zip Knockout Teams Compact Knockout Teams 3 pm Afternoon Side Swiss Teams THURSDAY, NOV. 29 299er, 199er, 99er, 49er, 0–20 & 0–5 I/N Pairs 9 am Jannie Feeback Thursday–Friday Morning Compact KO Teams 7:30 pm A/X/Y and B/C/D Evening Swiss Teams Wednesday–Friday Morning Knockout Teams Monday–Tuesday Side Game Series Mark Teaford Celebration of Life Thursday–Saturday 299er, 199er, 99er, 49er, 0–20 & 0–5 I/N Pairs Morning Side Game Series 299er Swiss Teams 10 am 299er, 199er, 99er, 49er, 0–20 & 0–5 I/N Pairs 11:30 pm Zip Knockout Teams 10 am & 3 pm Daylight Open Pairs (unl./3000/1500) Daylight Gold Rush Pairs (750/300/200) TUESDAY, NOV. 27 Tom Lum Day Rick Wall Thursday–Friday Daylight KO Teams 9 am Tom Lum Tuesday–Wednesday Morning Compact KO Teams 1 pm Lake Minnetonka Wednesday–Thursday Side Game Series Monday–Wednesday Knockout Teams 1 pm & 4:30 pm 0–10,000 FAST OPEN PAIRS 2 qualifying & 2 final sessions Lester & Mitzie Kodama Monday–Wednesday Morning 1 & 7:30 pm KAPLAN BLUE RIBBON PAIRS Side Game Series SENIOR MIXED PAIRS 2 qualifying & 2 final sessions 10 am Tom Lum 299er, 199er, 99er, 49er, 0–20 & 0–5 I/N Pairs 0–6000 MINI BLUE RIBBON PAIRS 10 am & 3 pm Tom Lum Daylight Open Pairs (unl./3000/1500) Open Pairs (unl./3000/1500) Tom Lum Gold Rush Pairs (750/300/200) Gold Rush Pairs (750/300/200) Edith Neff Monday–Tuesday Daylight KO Teams Leonard & Helen Fahrni Compact KO Teams Noon & 7 pm BAZE SENIOR KNOCKOUT TEAMS Patsy Lum Wednesday–Thursday KO Teams 1 pm Monday–Tuesday Side Game Series 3 pm Afternoon Side Swiss Teams 1 & 7:30 pm KAPLAN BLUE RIBBON PAIRS 299er, 199er, 99er, 49er, 0–20 & 0–5 I/N Pairs Pre-qualification required. 2 qual., 2 semifinal & 2 final sess. 7:30 pm A/X/Y and B/C/D Evening Swiss Teams WHITEHEAD WOMEN’S PAIRS 2 qualifying & 2 final sess. Wednesday–Thursday Side Game Series 0–6000 MINI-BLUE RIBBON PAIRS 299er, 199er, 99er, 49er, 0–20 & 0–5 I/N Pairs 2 qualifying, 2 semifinal & 2 final sessions 299er Swiss Teams 0–10,000 IMP PAIRS 11:30 pm Zip Knockout Teams Tom Lum Open Pairs (unl./3000/1500) Tom Lum Gold Rush Pairs (750/300/200) FRIDAY, NOV. 30 Susan Kobayashi Day Waialae Bridge Club Tuesday–Wednesday KO Teams 9 am Susan Kobayashi Friday–Saturday Morning Compact KO Teams Godfrey Chang Monday–Tuesday KO Teams Thursday–Friday Morning Compact KO Teams 3 pm Tom Lum Afternoon Side Swiss Teams Wednesday–Friday Morning KO Teams Tom Lum 299er, 199er, 99er, 49er, 0–20 & 0–5 I/N Pairs Mark Teaford Celebration of Life Thursday–Saturday 7:30 pm Tom Lum A/X/Y and B/C/D Evening Swiss Teams Morning Side Game Series Monday–Tuesday Side Game Series 10 am Susan Kobayashi 299er, 199er, 99er, 49er, 0–20 & 0–5 I/N Prs. Tom Lum 299er, 199er, 99er, 49er, 0–20 & 0–5 I/N Pairs 10 am & 3 pm John Johnson Daylight Open Pairs (unl./3000/1500) Tom Lum 299er Swiss Teams Susan Kobayashi Gold Rush Pairs (750/300/200) 11:30 pm Tom Lum Zip Knockout Teams Rick Wall Thursday–Friday Daylight Knockout Teams 1 pm Susan Kobayashi Friday–Sunday Side Game Series WEDNESDAY, NOV. 28 Karen Lanke Day 1 pm & 4:30 pm 0–10,000 FAST OPEN PAIRS 9 am Karen Lanke Wednesday–Friday Morning KO Teams 1 & 7:30 pm SENIOR MIXED PAIRS Tuesday–Wednesday Compact KO Teams REISINGER BOARD-A-MATCH TEAMS Monday–Wednesday Morning KO Teams Pre-registration required by 9 pm Nov. 29. Lester & Mitzie Kodama Monday–Wednesday Morning 2 qualifying, 2 semifinal, 2 final sessions Side Game Series KEOHANE NORTH AMERICAN SWISS TEAMS 10 am Karen Lanke 299er, 199er, 99er, 49er, 0–20, 0–5 I/N Pairs 2 qualifying, 2 semifinal, 2 final sessions 10 am & 1 pm Karen Lanke Fast Open Pairs (unl./3000/750) Wally Young Open Pairs (unl./3000/1500) 10 am & 3 pm Karen Lanke Daylight A/X/Y Swiss Teams (unl./6000/4000) Susan Kobayashi Gold Rush Pairs (750/300/200) Karen Lanke Bracketed B Teams (0–3000) Iku Donnelly Friday–Saturday Knockout Teams Brackets of 8 teams by average masterpoints; 3 pm Susan Kobayashi Afternoon Side Swiss Teams 3 teams in each bracket earn gold. Susan Kobayashi 299er, 199er, 99er, 49er, 0–20 & 0–5 I/N Prs. 1 pm Lake Minnetonka Bridge Club Wednesday–Thursday 7:30 pm Susan Kobayashi Evening Swiss Teams Side Game Series Friday–Sunday Side Game Series 1 & 7:30 pm KAPLAN BLUE RIBBON PAIRS Edward R. Kupperstein 299er, 199er, 99er, 49er, WHITEHEAD WOMEN’S PAIRS 0–20 & 0–5 I/N Pairs 0–6000 MINI-BLUE RIBBON PAIRS 11:45 pm Susan Kobayashi Zip Knockout Teams Karen Lanke Open Pairs (unl./3000/750) Karen Lanke Open Swiss Teams (unl./3000/1500) Karen Lanke Gold Rush Swiss Teams (750/300/200) Patsy Lum Wednesday–Thursday KO Teams Waialae Bridge Club Tuesday–Wednesday KO Teams

August 2018 Bridge Bulletin 13 SATURDAY, DEC. 1 SUNDAY, DEC. 2 9 am Morning Swiss Teams 10 am A/X/Y Swiss Teams (unl./6000/4000) Friday–Saturday Morning Compact KO Teams Luke Han Bracketed B Teams (0–3000) Thursday–Saturday Morning Side Game Series Brackets of 8 teams by average masterpoints; 10 am Celebration of Life for Jean Luning 3 teams in each bracket earn gold. 299er,199er,99er,49er,0–20 & 0–5 I/N Pairs Above teams: Playthrough with half-hour break. 10 am & 3 pm Daylight Open Pairs (unl./3000/1500) Friday–Sunday Side Game Series Daylight Gold Rush Pairs (750/300/200) 299er, 199er, 99er, 49er, 0–20 & 0–5 I/N Pairs Noon & 7 pm REISINGER BAM TEAMS 299er Swiss Teams 1 pm Friday–Sunday Side Game Series 10 am & 1 pm Fast Open Pairs (unl./3000/750) 1 & 7:30 pm KEOHANE NORTH AMERICAN SWISS TEAMS 10 am & 2 pm John Sutherlin Saturday–Sunday Knockout Teams MIXED SWISS TEAMS 2 qualifying & 2 final sessions 11 am & 5 pm REISINGER BAM TEAMS Open Pairs (unl./3000/750) KEOHANE NORTH AMERICAN SWISS TEAMS John Sutherlin Saturday–Sunday Knockout Teams MIXED SWISS TEAMS Continues Sunday at 10 am & 2 pm 2 pm Friday–Sunday Side Game Series Compact Knockout Teams 299er, 199er, 99er, 49er, 0–20 & 0–5 I/N Pairs Iku Donnelly Friday–Saturday KO Teams 299er Swiss Teams 3 pm 299er, 199er, 99er, 49er, 0–20 & 0–5 I/N Pairs 7:30 pm A/X/Y and B/C/D Evening Swiss Teams Friday–Sunday Side Game Series 299er, 199er, 99er, 49er, 0–20 & 0–5 I/N Pairs

14 Bridge Bulletin August 2018 August 2018 Bridge Bulletin 15 Maple Leaf Melee Team Gartaganis wins the Canadian National Team Championship. BY PAUL THURSTON

The 2018 Canadian Bridge Champi- onships was held in beautiful down- town Montreal, May 26–June 3. The gorgeous spring weather and the great selection of restaurants within easy walking distance were an unbeatable combination for the event. After a four-day, 21-match round- robin, there was a fairly significant changing of the guard in the standings among the Open Team entrants. To be sure, there were many familiar names among the eight captains who led their teams into the playoffs: GARTAGANIS, TODD, L’ECUYER and LITVACK. But teams like WANG, Winners of the 2018 Canadian National Team Championship: John Zaluski, Jeff Smith, Nicholas Gartaganis, Judith Gartaganis, Paul Thurston and Martin Caley ANGUS and D’SOUZA had rosters replete with players unaccustomed to the late stages of our national Zygmunt Marcinski; Kamel Fergani– Seniors event (CSTC) and taking the championships. NISBET was largely Frederic Pollack; Michel Lorber–Ron gold medal after a well-played final new to the Open Team playoffs despite Carriere against TURNER (David Turner–John captain Pamela and partner Brenda ANGUS: Monica Angus, Alex Hong, Gowdy with Fred Lerner and Michael Bryant having played dominant roles Jack Lee, Edward Xu, Yan Wang Schoenborn). Playing for the winners: in recent Canadian Women’s Team TODD, npc: Doug Fisher–Ray Nader Hanna–John Rayner; John events. (Due to very few entries ahead Hornby; Brad Bart–Neil Kimelman; Carruthers–Joey Silver and Michael of the deadline, the 2018 CWTC was Steve Mackay–Danny Miles Roche–Michael Hargreaves. canceled, and several players who LITVACK: Irving Litvack–Ian In the CNTC, after three days of might have entered that event played Findlay; Bob Kuz–Ganesan Sekhar; quarterfinal and semifinal action, on Open Teams in the CNTC.) David Willis–Jeff Blond past form prevailed as GARTAGANIS D’SOUZA: Lino D’Souza–Terrence would face TODD for the gold medal. Round-robin results (rounded) and Rego; Richard Chan–Ray Jotcham; The former had bested NISBET rosters of the qualifying teams: Kole Meng–Terry Du 114–45 in the quarterfinal and 1. GARTAGANIS 292 NISBET: Pamela Nisbet–Brenda D’SOUZA 173–126 in the semis, while 2. WANG 258 Bryant; Rene Pelletier–Herve TODD downed ANGUS 161–143 in 3. L’ECUYER 257 Chatagnier; Robert Tremblay–Gerard their quarterfinal encounter before 4. ANGUS 254 Turcotte thrashing LITVACK 225–73 in the 5. TODD 239 (Complete field rosters, round-robin other semifinal bracket. 6. LITVACK 229 results and results of all secondary The GARTAGANIS lineup had a re- 7. D’SOUZA 229 events are available at cbf.ca.) sume that counted 14 previous CNTC 8. NISBET 228 wins: Captain Judith (four) with Surprise eliminees after the qualify- husband Nicholas (five), as well as Jeff GARTAGANIS: Judith and Nicholas ing stage were teams that many would Smith (three) and Paul Thurston (two). Gartaganis; Jeff Smith–John Zaluski; have picked as likely to qualify with John Zaluski and Martin Caley were Martin Caley–Paul Thurston serious chances to win it all: ODDY, seeking their first CNTC title as well as WANG: Difan Wang–Jianfeng Luo; McAVOY, HANNA and BISHOP. the ACBL Grand Life Master status a Peter Wong–Mike Xiaofang-Xue HANNA’s squad gained a consider- win would earn them. L’ECUYER: Nicholas L’Ecuyer– able consolation prize by entering the TODD featured five of the six play-

16 Bridge Bulletin August 2018 ers who had won the 2017 title on seemed determined to get in the way ♣A and delivered the ruff for East to (mostly) home turf in Winnipeg: Doug of. But when 3NT came back to Kersey, exit with the ♠J to produce this end- Fisher with Neil Kimleman–Brad Bart it was time to show the second suit. ing: and Steve Mackay–Danny Miles. Ray East then decided that if he could ♠ Hornby capably subbed for captain make nine tricks (maybe, maybe not!), K 6 3 ♥ Bob, who was back home dealing with a perhaps there were 10 to be found. But Q ♦ family matter. Koski came to life by showing his sup- Q 10 ♣ Eight segments of 14 boards would port at the five level, largely intended K ♠ ♠ determine who would get their names as a furtherance of the sacrifice Kersey Q 10 5 2 J 7 ♥ ♥ engraved on the Mark Molson Trophy seemed bent on. — — ♦ ♦ and represent Canada at the Rosen- Some sacrifice: 5♥ was cold! De- J 2 K 8 7 6 3 ♣ ♣ blum Teams at the world champion- clarer ruffed the club lead, played the 9 — ♠ ships in Orlando this Fall. ♠A and ruffed a spade to lead a heart A 9 8 4 ♥ A repeat victory for the Westerners towards the closed hand. Hello, king! J 5 4 ♦ was not in the cards, however, as One more spade ruff and the trumps — ♣ the team that dominated the round- were drawn for a very profitable plus — robin (going 19–2 in the 21 matches) 650 for North–South. To succeed, South needs to win had just enough of the better luck to Sometimes Seniors bid as much as the ♠A, cross to the ♥Q (black-suit prevail 234–207 in the final, so Team Juniors! discard from West) and cash the ♣K Canada for Orlando would be the for one spade discard. Then the play to GARTAGANIS sextet. transfer the responsibility for guarding Before we get to the bridge played in Transfer squeezes seem to show up diamonds to West is the ♦Q to force the final, let’s take a look at some of the more in textbooks than in actual play, East to cover. highlights and lowlights of the round- so it’s a shame this one wasn’t found at The ♦K is ruffed, and when the last robin matches. And because coverage the table. trump is cashed, West will be down to of the Senior event will be unavoidably Dlr: East ♠ K 6 3 ♠Q 10 and the ♦J and must give up brief (I was busy playing!), let’s start Vul: E–W ♥ Q 6 3 the contract trick. with a truly impressive performance ♦ Q 10 4 At the table, declarer won the spade by Bill Koski–Don Kersey on this deal ♣ K J 10 6 shift in dummy and 3♥ drifted one from a Senior qualifying match: ♠ Q 10 5 2 ♠ J 7 down. Dlr: East ♠ 6 ♥ K 9 ♥ 10 8 7 Vul: E–W ♥ J 8 7 5 2 ♦ A J 2 ♦ K 9 8 7 6 3 The dealing computer produced lots ♦ Q 10 6 4 ♣ A 9 7 3 ♣ 8 2 of freakish layouts during the nine-day ♣ 10 7 5 ♠ A 9 8 4 Bridge Week, and this one may have ♠ K 4 ♠ Q J 8 ♥ A J 5 4 2 produced the most post-session “What ♥ 6 4 3 ♥ K ♦ 5 happened at your table?” queries in the ♦ J 8 5 ♦ A K 9 3 ♣ Q 5 4 hospitality suite. ♣ A K 8 4 3 ♣ Q J 9 6 2 West North East South ♠ A 10 9 7 5 3 2 Pass 1♥ Dlr: South ♠ A J 5 ♥ A Q 10 9 Dbl Redbl 2♦ Pass Vul: Both ♥ 9 3 ♦ 7 2 Pass 2♥ 3♦ 3♥ ♦ — ♣ — All Pass ♣ A K Q J 10 8 3 2 West North East South ♠ K Q 10 7 6 3 ♠ 8 4 2 With 3♦ due to fail and 2♥ a sure Schoenborn Koski Lerner Kersey ♥ 10 8 ♥ A K 7 6 4 2 make, South needed to justify his push 1♣ 1♠ ♦ Q 8 2 ♦ 9 6 3 by finding nine tricks. 2♠ Pass 2NT 3♠ ♣ 9 7 ♣ 5 The start to the play was not promis- 3NT Pass Pass 4♥ ♠ 9 ing for declarer as West cashed the ♦A Pass Pass 4NT Pass ♥ Q J 5 and got the count signal ♦9 from part- Pass 5♥ Dbl All Pass ♦ A K J 10 7 5 4 ner. Diagnosing the possible club ruff, ♣ 6 4 West shifted to a low club that South After Lerner’s opening drew an won to play the ♥A and a second heart. overcall and a cuebid raise, he headed After the popular start of 1♦ by In with the king, West cashed the towards a notrump game that Kersey South and 2♠ by West, one North

August 2018 Bridge Bulletin 17 was later quoted as saying, “I really signals, so that when West played the 2♦ was “multi” promising a weak despaired of finding out what I needed ♥8, East suspected that it might be two-bid in a major. 2NT showed a to know about partner’s hand, so I just from ♥10 8 3 – and shifted to a spade. strong balanced hand with extra of- jumped to what I hoped I could make.” Next was the ♠A, ♣A and a spade ruff fense, usually a suit that would provide But when that guess was 6NT, East’s in dummy to dump the last two losers a source of tricks. West’s first pass double told him there was something on high diamonds. Twelve tricks. was grudging to be sure, as he would else to despair of as the defender This turned out to be a double- have furthered the preempt if only cashed the high hearts before shifting barreled disaster as the misdefenders’ he’d known his partner had spades for to a spade to the queen and ace. Only teammates managed to stop in 5♣ – the multi 2♦, an inherent weakness nine tricks for minus 800 as the cost but went down! East cashed two high in the convention that conceals the for the hopeful leap to slam. hearts and shifted to a spade. North identity of the preemptor’s suit. 3♦ Ron Bishop conducted as much of an took the black aces and ruffed a spade was a transfer to hearts, and 4♥ was exploratory auction as possible before before trying to discard his last ♠ — on an enthusiastic super-accept. 4♠ was putting on the brakes in a good spot. the ♥Q! a bit too late to be effective, but West did not want to be left out. 5♣ was a West North East South control bid in furtherance of a possible Bishop Duquette Here’s another freak show exhibit heart slam. Ditto for 5♦, and the slam 1♦ that was my favorite: was reached. The double: “Well, I do 2♠ 3♣ Pass 3♦ have two aces!” But it was plus 1660 for Pass 3♠ Pass 4♦ Dlr: East ♠ — the good guys! Pass 5♣ All Pass Vul: N–S ♥ Q 7 5 4 2 ♦ The unrelenting diamond bids 8 ♣ K Q 7 6 5 3 2 convinced Bishop his partner would The “Junior” on the GARTAGANIS ♠ K 10 5 3 ♠ A 9 8 7 6 2 be unlikely to provide the wherewithal team was Jeff Smith, a grey beard ♥ 6 3 ♥ 9 8 for slam – and he was right. That didn’t who’s just over 40 (sigh!), but he used ♦ K 7 3 2 ♦ 6 5 4 stop some pairs from getting to 6♣ and a tactic on this deal that’s largely gone ♣ J 10 9 ♣ A 8 in at least one match, that “impossible” out of style with the modern mania for ♠ Q J 4 contract was actually made. bid, bid, bid with any excuse. ♥ East cashed a high heart, and his A K J 10 ♦ A Q J 10 9 partner contributed the ♥8 while Dlr: West ♠ 9 8 ♣ 4 North made the falsecard he had to Vul: N–S ♥ Q J make with the ♥9. It seems that East– ♦ 9 7 4 3 West North East South West had made a recent conversion to ♣ A Q 9 6 5 Thurston Caley upside-down carding, and the conver- ♠ 7 3 ♠ A J 4 2♦ 2NT sion wasn’t quite as airtight as it might ♥ 10 4 3 ♥ A K 9 7 2 Pass 3♦ Pass 4♥ have been. Certainly the ♥8 was the ♦ K Q J 6 5 2 ♦ 8 4♠ 5♣ Pass 5♦ correct card in UDCA methods, but ♣ 4 3 ♣ K J 8 2 Pass 6♥ Dbl All Pass the partnership hadn’t quite broken ♠ K Q 10 6 5 2 the habit of “fudging” a bit with their ♥ 8 6 5 ♦ A 10 ♣ 10 7

West North East South Zaluski Smith 3♦ Pass Pass 3♠ Pass 4♣ Dbl 4♠ Pass Pass Dbl All Pass

Seeing no offensive future for his side opposite a nonvulnerable three- bid, East passed with his substantial values, a “trap pass” if there ever was The 2018 Canadian Senior Team champions: John Rayner, Nader Hanna, Joey Silver, one. Hoping for some of East’s values Michael Roche, Michael Hargreaves and John Carruthers to be with his partner, South under-

18 Bridge Bulletin August 2018

standably fell into the trap, and North Dlr: East ♠ Q J 10 9 4 3 followed along as well. Vul: Both ♥ Q 5 Plus 800 was earned for setting and ♦ J 9 2 springing the trap that was avoided at Another modern trend came to ♣ A 10 the other table when East tried 3NT grief on this deal from the final when ♠ A 7 6 ♠ 8 5 2 over the same 3♦ opening and could a featherweight overcall and preemp- ♥ 10 8 3 ♥ K J 9 7 find only eight tricks. tive raise not only didn’t generate any ♦ A K 8 ♦ 10 7 4 3 effective obstruction, but attracted an ♣ J 6 3 2 ♣ 8 7 opening lead that suited declarer. ♠ K ♥ A 6 4 2 In the semifinal round, we faced a Dlr: West ♠ K 7 6 4 ♦ Q 6 5 very game D’Souza team that needed Vul: None ♥ K Q 6 5 ♣ K Q 9 5 4 an 11th-hour appeal victory to send the ♦ — much-fancied L’Ecuyer team to the ♣ A K 8 4 3 Both South players declared 3NT sidelines in the quarterfinal round. ♠ Q 8 ♠ A 10 9 after exploratory auctions, and both The match stayed close throughout ♥ 9 ♥ 10 8 7 4 opening leaders started with an and seemed a lot tighter than the final ♦ J 7 5 4 2 ♦ A 9 8 6 3 attitude-seeking high diamond lead. score of 173–126 might suggest. ♣ J 10 7 6 2 ♣ Q On that high diamond, Judith con- A big chunk of our IMPs came from ♠ J 5 3 2 tributed the ♦10: not only negative this grand slam that was reached via ♥ A J 3 2 attitude for diamonds in their UDCA some simple science after Martin ♦ K Q 10 methods, but containing a large mea- Caley expertly envisioned how the play ♣ 9 5 sure of suit-preference information as might go. well: “I’d really like a heart shift.” West North East South Nicholas complied, with his ♥3 Dlr: East ♠ J Bart Thurston Kimelman Caley going to the ♥Q and ♥K. Declarer Pass 1♣ 1♦ Dbl Vul: None ♥ A 7 5 ducked, but the low heart continuation 3♦ 4♦ Pass 4♥ ♦ A K Q 9 8 6 4 ended his chances. All Pass ♣ A 4 At the other table, East’s diamond ♠ 10 ♠ 8 7 4 2 The diamond opening lead suggested played to trick one was just murky ♥ K Q J 6 2 ♥ 8 4 by the overcall worked out very well – enough that West didn’t find the heart ♦ J 10 ♦ 7 5 3 2 for Martin Caley. A spade was discard- shift, continuing instead by cashing his ♣ J 7 6 5 2 ♣ K Q 8 ed from dummy at trick one. East won other high diamond honor and playing ♠ A K Q 9 6 5 3 the ♦A and continued the suit. De- a third round. ♥ 10 9 3 clarer cashed his two diamond tricks At that point, the BBO commenta- ♦ — for two more spade discards and played tor predicted Smith would go down, as ♣ 10 9 3 a spade to the king and ace. When a West would duck the ♠K, and there spade came back, declarer played low, wouldn’t be enough entries to both West North East South and when the ♠Q popped up, it was establish and cash good spades. But Caley Thurston ruffed in dummy, trumps were drawn Smith showed entries are where you Pass 4♠ and 11 tricks claimed. find them: West did duck the play of Pass 4NT Pass 5♠ Without the dubious benefit of the the ♠K, but declarer then led a club to Pass 7♠ All Pass overcall at the other table, Nicholas dummy’s 10 to gain the crucial extra Gartaganis fished out a semi-deceptive entry and set up spades for nine win- After the 4♠ opening, Caley could ♣7 against the same 4♥ contract, ners in all. see a lot of side-suit tricks with his and declarer simply had too much great diamonds and enough entries so to do to overcome the adverse splits that they couldn’t all be disturbed with and spade honor location. 11 IMPs to the opening lead. Once key card Black- GARTAGANIS. With three segments remaining, wood revealed South held the three top GARTAGANIS had built a useful lead spades, the ♠J not only firmed up the (160–112), but then TODD staged one suit but could also be used as an entry. of their trademark rallies to take the That was 11 IMPs for us when our In the second segment of the final, sixth set 60–18. There would be every- counterparts rested in 6♠. Smith–Zaluski on offense and Judith– thing to play for in the last 28 deals! Nicholas on defense combined to pro- One of TODD’s double-digit gains duce a great team result on this deal: came from this instructive deal: 20 Bridge Bulletin August 2018 Dlr: North ♠ 9 8 6 4 West North East South hinged on the cardplay. Vul: None ♥ K Q 8 Kimelman Bart For GARTAGANIS, Smith led his ♦ K J 9 1♥ Pass 2♣ singleton, and Zaluski diagnosed his ♣ J 6 2 Pass 2♦ Pass 2NT best chance to set 4♥ might be via ♠ Q 10 ♠ A K 7 5 3 2 Pass 3♦ Pass 3NT ruffs, so he won the ♣A and returned ♥ A J 7 4 3 ♥ 9 Pass 4♣ Pass 5♣ the ♣8 for one ruff, and after a spade ♦ Q 6 5 2 ♦ 10 8 4 3 Pass 6♣ All Pass to the ace, a second club ruff followed. ♣ 7 3 ♣ 10 9 When Judith declared, East for ♠ J After the typical 2/1 start to the auc- TODD gave the same club lead a long ♥ 10 6 5 2 tion, North knew his partner would study before deciding to maintain his ♦ A 7 have roughly the equivalent of an open- tenace over dummy’s cards by playing ♣ A K Q 8 5 4 ing bid along with good clubs to make the ♣7 to force the ♣J from declarer. the initial game-forcing response. East Two high trumps brought good East started the bidding with a weak held out some hope that his baby clubs news, and Judith continued with a low 2♠ opening, but at both tables, North– might play a role, but the 3–2 diamond diamond to the jack and queen. East South took over and crawled into 5♣. split compensated and Bart had no cashed the ♠A, but didn’t like what he Both Wests started with the ♠Q, and problem bringing home 12 tricks – and saw from West, so reverted to dia- then the defensive paths diverged as 12 large IMPs when the forcing 1♣ monds, playing the ♦10 to the ace. Hornby–Fisher made short work of the auction at the other table didn’t diag- Declarer ruffed the third diamond defense: Fisher overtook the ♠Q to fire nose that both North and South had and cashed the ♠K before leading a back his lone heart, essentially playing maximum values for their early calls. club to dummy’s king and East’s ace his partner for either the ♣A or ♥A. 3NT made in comfort, but without a – to thoroughly endplay the defender. One fast ruff later meant down one. vulnerable slam bonus. East had only losing options: to lead At the other table, Caley played the away from his guarded ♣10 to de- ♠3 at trick one, clearly a discouraging clarer’s split tenace or yield a ruff and card, but one that failed to elicit the discard by playing back a spade. That ♥A and a second heart from his part- The penultimate segment settled was 10 well-earned tricks for declarer ner, so 5♣ came home. Moral: Don’t nothing (12–11 for GARTAGANIS), so and 13 IMPs for the team. ask (or expect) partner to do for you the result of the match rested on the what you can do for yourself! final 14 deals. During that dramatic set, another Many reports like this start with a great team result established a bit of quiz question or two for the reader, but breathing space for our squad when I’m going to end with one. You hold: During last year’s final segment of Smith–Zaluski found the winning the CNTC, TODD staged a fantastic defense, and captain Judith earned an ♠A 3 ♥J 9 8 3 ♦10 5 3 2 ♣A 7 5 rally to nip L’ECUYER at the wire, entry to the “Best Declarer Play of the and with both vulnerable, you pass as largely on the basis of some success- 2018 CNTC” sweepstakes on this chal- dealer. Your LHO opens 1♥, partner ful slams missed by their opponents. lenging deal: overcalls 1♠ and RHO passes. What’s Would the excellent result fashioned your call? ♠ by Kimelman–Bart on this deal be the Dlr: South 4 3 For TODD, East passed and that ♥ start of a repeat rally? Vul: N–S J 10 4 2 effectively ended the auction with 1♠ ♦ A J 8 yielding 10 semi-lucky tricks. ♣ Dlr: North ♠ 4 K 9 5 4 For GARTAGANIS, Zaluski chanced ♠ ♠ Vul: Both ♥ A K 9 8 4 J 9 6 5 2 A Q 10 7 his arm with a 1NT response. That ♥ ♥ ♦ A K Q 7 5 9 5 Q 3 attracted a raise to the nine-trick game ♦ ♦ ♣ K 5 K 9 7 5 2 Q 10 3 from Jeff Smith, who gave full appre- ♣ ♣ ♠ A J 10 7 6 3 ♠ 8 5 2 3 A 10 8 7 ciation to the likely source of tricks he ♠ ♥ Q 10 5 2 ♥ J 6 K 8 held in the spade suit: ♦ 10 4 ♦ J 9 2 ♥ A K 8 7 6 ♠K Q J 8 7 5 ♥10 6 ♦A Q ♣Q 8 2. ♣ 8 ♣ 9 6 4 3 2 ♦ 6 4 ♠ K Q 9 ♣ Q J 6 2 That ♥10 was just enough to spruce ♥ up Zaluski’s heart stopper, and nine 7 3 Despite holding minimum combined ♦ tricks rolled home for one last double- 8 6 3 values, both North–South pairs took an ♣ digit swing and the 2018 CNTC title for A Q J 10 7 optimistic route to 4♥, and the result GARTAGANIS. ◾ August 2018 Bridge Bulletin 21 Naming Names A look at player names and bridge curiosities. BY SIMON COCHEME

Sometimes all You are West again. cuebid – take your pick. that matters is that you are born ♠ A K 10 ♠ Q J 6 5 3 ♥ 4 3 2 ♥ A K 9 7 6 Ann Luther (1897–1960) was a with the right silent-movie actress. Who can ever name and form the right partnership. ♦ 6 4 3 ♦ — ♣ A K 6 5 ♣ 4 3 2 forget “The Scarlet Lady” (1915) and When Phil King and Cameron Small “The Island of Desire” (1917)? She played together in the English Premier North opens 1♦ and your partner was the fourth wife of vaudevillian League, their appellation of King– bids 2♦, a Michaels cuebid, showing Edward Gallagher (1873–1929) and, Small made me think of a short suit. the majors. Counterintuitively, you as Ann Gallagher, became famous for Japanese international Akio Kurokawa should choose to play in hearts not the Ann Gallagher finesse. She was doesn’t even need a partner to make me spades – on this layout, anyway. You playing bridge in New York, the story think of a shortish suit. You will see his can actually make 12 tricks in hearts, goes, and she had a two-way finesse for first name fairly frequently; indeed you so long as the trumps break 3–2. North the queen of trumps, with something will come across it a little later on in leads the ♦A. You ruff and play two top like ♠A J 10 9 in hand and ♠K 8 7 6 this article. Is there an ACBL member hearts. Now leave the trump winner in dummy. She played dummy’s ♠6 to out there called Singleton, and do they outstanding and play on spades, start- her jack, and it won the trick. She then play with someone called King, Queen, ing with your Kurokawa holding (did finessed again the other way, running Jack or Honor? you spot it?). The opposition can take the ♠10 round to her right-hand op- their trump trick when they like, but ponent’s ♠Q. She is variously reported It is a bridge curiosity that a 4–4 fit they can’t prevent you discarding your to have said (before taking the second will sometimes play better than a 5–4 two low clubs and then ruffing dum- finesse), “Let’s see if I am really lucky,” fit. Look at the following hands: my’s ♣4 with your ♥4. In hearts, you and/or (after the second finesse failed), have to lose a heart, and so you only “Well, they say finesses only work half ♠ A Q 9 8 ♠ K 7 5 4 need to draw two rounds of trumps. In the time.” ♥ K J 10 7 6 ♥ A Q 8 5 spades, you have to draw three rounds In 1983, Alan Truscott wrote in his ♦ 10 4 ♦ A 7 5 of trumps, and that leaves you with a column in The New York Times about ♣ A 6 ♣ 9 8 heart loser and a club loser. a deal that someone had concocted If the spades break 3–2, you can make I fear I may take some flak around in which the Ann Gallagher two-way more tricks in spades than hearts. You the clubs as players seek out their finesse was the correct technical play: lesser fits and bid their weaker suits. are West, at the controls in 4♠. Say you Dlr: North ♠ K 3 2 get a diamond lead. You win with the If your opponent looks like the sort of intelligent person who has read this Vul: E–W ♥ A ace, draw three rounds of trumps and ♦ K 7 6 5 run the hearts, throwing a club from magazine, you may be in for a good result or two. ♣ A K Q J 2 dummy. Now you can ruff a club and ♠ Q 7 5 4 ♠ 6 concede a diamond, making 12 tricks. ♥ K Q J 10 9 ♥ 4 3 2 In hearts, you can only ever make 11 Mention of the Michaels cuebid re- ♦ 10 4 ♦ A Q J 9 8 3 tricks; five hearts, four spades and two minds me that I have sometimes seen ♣ 4 3 ♣ 9 8 7 aces. The difference is that, playing in the convention written as a Michael’s ♠ A J 10 9 8 hearts, you can’t generate an extra trick cuebid, as though the inventor’s name ♥ 8 7 6 5 by getting a ruff in the short hand. was Michael. The inventor was Mr. ♦ 2 We’ve seen it can be advantageous Michaels and so there shouldn’t be ♣ 10 6 5 to play in the lesser fit. The Vondracek an apostrophe. Or should there? Mr. Phenomenon (first written about by Michaels’s first name was Michael, West North East South Felix Vondracek in The Bridge World so a Michael’s cuebid is not incorrect. 1♣ Pass 1♠ in 1956) is cut from the same cloth. It Or is it? Michael Michaels was known Pass 2♦ Pass 3♣ can sometimes be right to play in the as Mike, so the choice seems to be Pass 3♠ Pass 4♠ weaker of two equal-length trump fits. between a Michaels cuebid and Mike’s All Pass

22 Bridge Bulletin August 2018 West (because the story has Holly- repeat the trump finesse, but, were that able to play a third spade to the king, wood connections, we’ll call her Mae) to fail, he would lose three hearts, a come back to hand with the ♣10, draw led the ♥K to dummy’s bare ace. South diamond, and a trump. What he had to the last trump, and enjoy dummy’s played the ♠2 to his jack. Mae could do after the ♠J won the second trick clubs. Eleven tricks made. see that winning with her queen would was to surrender a trump trick while Maybe Mae hesitated just a smid- not do much good – declarer would be he still had a trump left in dummy to gen at trick two. If declarer had been able to come to at least 10 tricks: four take care of a heart return. alerted as to the possible whereabouts spades, one heart and five clubs. So It was time for South to take an Ann of the queen, he might have recalled Mae let the ♠J hold the trick. Gallagher finesse! At trick three, he led the saying, “If it looks like a duck and Now look at the problem from de- the ♠10 from hand and ran it. I don’t walks like a duck and sounds like a clarer’s point of view. He could cross know if he had a suitable quote ready duck, then you probably shouldn’t back to dummy with the ♠K and if it lost. When it won, however, he was repeat the finesse.” ◾

 SPRING NABC, MEMPHIS SCHEDULE OF NATIONAL-RATED EVENTS To enable players to participate in more national championships, the starting dates of several events in the Spring NABC have been shifted. Here’s what the Spring NABC schedule looks like for the 2019 tournament in Memphis:

Monday, March 18–Wednesday, March 20 Monday, March 25–Sunday, March 31 NABC ONLINE INDIVIDUAL VANDERBILT KO TEAMS Hosted by BBO Entry required by 8 p.m. Sunday, March 24; continues until complete Wednesday, March 20–Thursday, March 21 Tuesday, March 26–Wednesday, March 27 BALDWIN NORTH AMERICAN PAIRS – FLIGHT A Two qualifying and two final sessions; pre-qualification ROCKWELL MIXED PAIRS required Two qualifying and two final sessions

Friday, March 22–Saturday, March 23 Thursday, March 28–Friday, March 29 LEVENTRITT SILVER RIBBON PAIRS SILODOR OPEN PAIRS Two qualifying and two final sessions; pre-qualification Two qualifying and two final sessions required SMITH LIFE MASTERS WOMEN’S PAIRS 0-10,000 SWISS TEAMS Two qualifying and two final sessions Two qualifying and two final sessions; no player with more than 10,000 masterpoints Saturday, March 30–Sunday, March 31 JACOBY OPEN SWISS TEAMS Friday, March 22–Sunday, March 24 Two qualifying and two final sessions KAY PLATINUM PAIRS NABC+ FAST OPEN PAIRS Two qualifying, two semifinal and two final sessions Two qualifying and two final sessions Sunday, March 23–Monday, March 25 GOLDER NORTH AMERICAN PAIRS – FLIGHT B Two qualifying and two final sessions; pre-qualification LEBHAR IMP PAIRS required Two qualifying and two final sessions PRESIDENT’S CUP NORTH AMERICAN PAIRS – Monday, March 25– Friday, March 29 FLIGHT C Two qualifying and two final sessions; pre-qualification 0-10,000 KO TEAMS required Pre-entry required; continues until complete

August 2018 Bridge Bulletin 23 Global Game Qualifiers will compete for $20,000 in China in World Wide Bridge Contest

BY CHIP DOMBROWSKI

Two American pairs qualified to North America, the ACBL winners five of them. Greek pairs won four of participate in the finals of the World from the June 1 qualifying game, Gary the eight games and claimed 10 of the Wide Bridge Contest in October in Powell and Larry Davis of Austin TX, 25 berths to play in China. China, where they’ll compete for a lost out on the continental spot to a Through the first six sessions, an $20,000 prize. Philadelphia-area pair from Ecuador who won the third average of 563 pairs played, with per- players Bobbie Gomer and Everett session held April 24. haps one or two clubs from the U.S. or Young, along with H. Gordon and Clubs in 43 countries participated Canada participating. In the last two Susan Bullard of Lexington KY, earned in at least one of the eight qualifying sessions, ACBL clubs participated in the berths by placing second and third games held between March and June, much greater numbers, increasing the in the world in the last of the eight with about 19 countries each session. size of the field substantially. There qualifying games on June 2. The contest is most popular in Greece, were 3546 pairs playing June 1 and Another spot went to the continen- one of five countries that participated 2513 on June 2. The U.S. was the larg- tal winner, but for the purpose of this all eight sessions. Greece was the larg- est participant both of those days, with event, North and South America are est participant in each of the first six Canada second or third and Greece considered a single continent. Despite sessions, fielding more players than third or fourth. England was second on getting a higher score throughout all the next two countries combined in June 2. eight sessions than anyone else in

Friday, June 1 Powell and Davis, Friday, June 1 both Diamond Life Top 10 Pairs Worldwide Masters, played at Country Percent the Bridge Center 1. Anastasios Iliadis – Nikolaos Bovasianos Greece 74.91 of Austin. 2. Ilias Stefanopoulos – Nikolaos Karapanos Greece 74.33 Neither had 3. Bjorn Tiller – Marusa Basa England 72.94 made plans to play 4. Aristeidis Katsifos – Giorgos Dimitrakopoulos Greece 72.15 that day. When 5. Gary Powell – Larry Davis USA 71.99 the morning 6. Haven Sharaf – Kimberly Gilman USA 71.55 game that Davis 7. Graham Cope – Mike Meakin England 71.43 normally directs 8. Colin Mitchell – Dan Benison England 70.61 Larry Davis and Gary Powell 9. Richard Miller – William Braun USA 70.45 was canceled 10. Jim Wolsey – Pam Eves Canada 70.11 due to lack of attendance, Davis decided to rearrange his day and play the afternoon game instead. Powell, Top 10 Pairs in ACBL (world ranking) Club location Percent whose wife had another commitment, decided at the last minute to take a chance on finding a partner. They 1. (5) Gary Powell – Larry Davis Austin TX 71.99 2. (6) Haven Sharaf – Kimberly Gilman Woburn MA 71.55 don’t often play together – just a few times a year. 3. (9) Richard Miller – William Braun Salt Lake City UT 70.45 “We played well and got some gifts,” Davis said. 4. (10) Jim Wolsey – Pam Eves Hamilton ON 70.11 Their score of 71.99% would have been good enough 5. (12) Don Joynt – Ron Kline Laguna Woods CA 69.02 to qualify in any of the other seven sessions and would 6. (14) Firm Weaver – Judy Hill Saratoga Springs NY 68.92 win four of them. However, on the day with the largest 7. (15) Peter Tracy – Sherry Tracy Kalispell MT 68.69 field, it was only fifth place worldwide. They were 8. (16) Jacob Karno – Paul Deal Metairie LA 68.67 0.95% short of qualifying. 9. (17) Michael Schreiber – Richard Oshlag Jonesboro AR 68.66 Davis is a past president of District 16 and has 10. (18) Wayne Weisler – Dee Moses Metairie LA 68.58 chaired the biennial Austin Regional for over 20 years.

24 Bridge Bulletin August 2018 Saturday, June 2 Top 10 Pairs Worldwide Country Percent 1. Konstantinos Tagtalianidis – Pantelis Laskaridis Greece 71.70 2. Everett Young – Bobbie Gomer USA 71.47 3. H. Gordon – Susan Bullard USA 71.09 4. Betty Schultz Kelley – Diane Day USA 70.77 5. Radu Ariton – Bonnie Britton USA 70.41 6. Nikolaos Bovasianos – Stefanos Sidiropoulos Greece 69.72 7. Enid Spira – Carole Goldberg USA 69.29 8. Ambrish Wadera – Ashok Girdhar India 68.82 9. Mahendra Kothary – Sarda Shah England 68.79 10. Mariann Farrelly – Ken Camilleis USA 68.77

Bobbie Gomer and Everett Young Top 10 Pairs in ACBL (world ranking) Club location Percent 1. (2) Everett Young – Bobbie Gomer Jenkintown PA 71.47 Saturday, June 2 2. (3) H. Gordon – Susan Bullard Lexington KY 71.09 3. (4) Betty Schultz Kelley – Diane Day Hot Springs Village AR 70.77 Gomer, a Platinum Life Master, 4. (5) Radu Ariton – Bonnie Britton Staten Island NY 70.41 and Young, a Sapphire Life Master, 5. (7) Enid Spira – Carole Goldberg Millerton NY 69.29 played at the Yorktown Bridge Club in 6. (10) Mariann Farrelly – Ken Camilleis Barnstable MA 68.77 Jenkintown PA. They scored 71.47%. 7. (11) Robert Imhoff – Rochelle Imhoff Livingston NJ 68.57 Gomer attributed the high score 8. (13) Patricia Herrera – Gonzalo Herrera Mexico City 68.39 mostly to luck. On the following deal, 9. (14) Barbara Ahlers – Bernard Kay Evansville IN 67.51 Young made a light penalty double of a 10. (15) Dori Byrnes – Jiang Gu Livingston NJ 67.41 1NT overcall with the North cards and struck gold. Dlr: East ♠ J 9 5 positive we have at least half the deck. mon than the “normal” result of down Vul: N–S ♥ 10 9 4 3 My ♣A Q and ♦J figure to be well three (an 83.3% result for North– ♦ J 4 2 located. Declarer could have doubled South). After the double, East–West ♣ ♣ A Q 9 with major-suit cards, so it smells like can save a trick by running to 2 , ♠ K 7 6 ♠ Q 4 2 my major-suit cards are going to be which should be down only two. ♥ A 5 ♥ Q 7 6 helpful as well.” Gomer and Young are excited about ♦ K Q 10 9 ♦ 7 5 3 Young led the ♥10 and declarer went playing in China. ♣ K J 7 2 ♣ 10 8 6 5 up with the queen, covered by the king Gordon and Bullard make the second ♠ A 10 8 3 and ace. Declarer can hold it to down year in a row for a pair qualifying from ♥ K J 8 2 three by going after clubs, but declarer the Bridge Club of Lexington. Last year, ♦ A 8 6 chose diamonds first, leading the ♦K. Blaine Mullins and Morgan Schreffler ♣ 4 3 Gomer won her ace, cashed the ♥J 8 won one of the qualifying games play- and played a heart to the 9. Young got ing in Lexington. ◾ West North East South out with the ♠J to declarer’s Young Gomer king. Declarer can cash the Pass 1♦ ♦Q, but has no more tricks. 1NT Dbl All Pass The defense gets three hearts, three spades, two diamonds West has a normal 1NT overcall but and two clubs for down four, no way to salvage the board on this 800 for North–South. That horrific layout once he interferes. was worth 99.5% of the match- Although the points are divided evenly, points. it’s a bloodbath on a heart lead. Trust- Most Wests played in 1NT ing Gomer’s sound opening bids and not doubled, and the most skill as a defender, Young considered common results were down double a heavy favorite. one or two on a diamond lead. “Although I have only an 8 count, I’m 1NT making was more com- H. Gordon and Susan Bullard

August 2018 Bridge Bulletin 25 Losing Trick Count, updated – part 4

BY JENNIFER JONES jennbridge.blogspot.com [email protected]

Bidding distributional hands would be headed for a good score. The elected to make a move toward slam Last month, we talked about com- opening lead was the ♦A, and this is with a cuebid of 4♣. I liked my hand petitive bidding, including bidding what partner saw: with the double fit, five-card spade 6–5 hands. Let’s continue the theme of suit, singleton in the opponents’ suit bidding distributional hands, as losing ♠ 9 8 7 5 4 3 and first-round control in clubs! Part- trick count is particularly effective in ♥ A K 10 9 7 6 4 ner should have a six-loser hand for evaluating such hands. Uncertainty ♦ — his jump rebid, so we had the correct arises when evaluating hands using ♣ — loser count for slam. (6 + 6 = 12, which, only high-card points to determine subtracted from 24 is 12.) strength. ♠ Q 6 Partner now cuebid 4♦, and I cuebid I couldn’t believe my eyes when I ♥ J 3 2 4♥. Partner next bid Roman key card was dealt this hand last fall in a local ♦ Q J 10 9 Blackwood, and I responded 5♣, show- sectional team game: ♣ Q 9 6 4 ing one key card. He followed up with ♠9 8 7 5 4 3 ♥ A K 10 9 7 6 4 ♦ — ♣— . 5♦, asking about the trump queen and, As expected, partner’s hand was not as I possessed it, I jumped to 6♠. A Right-hand opponent dealt and strong, but the ♥Q was singleton, so heart was led. passed as I gazed with wonder on we lost only two spades. Partner made this collection. (Have you ever seen a 11 tricks. ♠ A K 5 3 7–6 hand?!) How best to handle this When we compared scores, we found ♥ 9 4 3 four-loser hand? I rejected the idea of that our teammates pushed the oppo- ♦ A K 7 5 2 opening 4♥, as I considered that such nents to 5♥ before they doubled. As ♣ 7 a bid could prevent us from reaching we were vulnerable, our score was plus a slam in one of the majors if we had 990 versus our teammates’ minus 850, ♠ Q 10 8 7 6 one. An argument could be made for so we won 4 IMPs. It is interesting to ♥ 8 opening 1♥ and bidding spades later, note that both teams bid this 15-point ♦ J 9 8 6 4 3 but I finally elected to pass and come in game and, actually, 5 of the points in ♣ A later. One thing seemed certain: This the South hand were unnecessary, so highly distributional hand was unlikely you could say that it was a 10-point Spades behaved (they broke 2–2), to be passed out! game. That is the immense power of and the only trick lost was a heart. LHO opened 1♦, partner passed and distribution. Scoring plus 980 for this 21-point slam RHO bid 2♦. Now I had a good bid: Here is a 6–5 hand I held in a pairs was a top. 3♦. This would presumably show a game: Using LTC when holding distribu- distributional hand with both majors. ♠Q 10 8 7 6 ♥8 ♦J 9 8 6 4 3 ♣A. tional hands enables you to accurately Partner bid 3♥, and I raised to 4♥. gauge their strength and bid to the Without any encouragement from Partner dealt and opened 1♦. I appropriate level. You can “come alive” partner, I settled for bidding game, responded 1♠, and fourth hand over- even with a minimum of high-card ♥ ♠ although I was a bit disappointed that called 2 . Partner now jumped to 3 , points! ◾ we had to give up on slam ambitions showing a strong hand. I noted that my … until LHO doubled. Then I felt we 7-point hand had only six losers, so I

26 Bridge Bulletin August 2018

The New Convention Charts and You – part 1 BY TOM CARMICHAEL, Competition and Conventions Committee Chair

At the Philadelphia meeting of the one tournament to another. Districts Basic Chart ACBL Board of Directors in March, a can choose what rules they want to use The Basic Chart is intended for our motion passed unanimously to retire for their tournaments, which can make newest players. It is the most restric- the existing convention charts and it difficult to know whether the system tive of the four charts in terms of what replace them with new ones effective you play is legal. is legal to play, however, most popular this November at the start of the NABC Frustrated with the status quo, I conventions are legal under the chart. in Honolulu. In this series of articles, started doing my own straw polls a few The chart is intended for “Gold Rush” I will break down the charts and what years ago about the possibility of new style events. At tournaments, it will be changes (if any) you may see at both convention charts and got overwhelm- used for any event which has an upper tournaments and your local clubs. ing positive feedback about the idea. masterpoint limit of 750, as well as Before I jump into the charts them- I formalized the effort to make new some knockout brackets in which all selves, I want to give a historical charts a reality by introducing the idea the teams have low masterpoint totals. perspective on the old charts, and what at a Competition and Conventions Clubs will still be able to use what- the motivations are for changing them. Committee meeting two years ago, and ever rules they wish, but this chart is The last major revision to the struc- we created a subcommittee to explore recommended for limited masterpoint ture of the convention charts them- the idea and flesh out the new charts. games at clubs. selves occurred more than 20 years ago Our goals: The style of the Basic Chart is very with the introduction of the MidChart ¬ Clarity. We wanted the rules to be similar to the current GCC. In many (hereafter called “MC”) in 1995. The clear enough and precise enough to al- ways, this chart can be thought of as MC was originally intended as a chart low directors to understand them and “GCC lite.” Some examples of legal appropriate for higher level open play be able to definitively answer whether opening bids include: Short Club, and, as such, was first introduced at the a treatment is legal. There is a glossary Precision 1♣, Flannery, mini-Roman, NABCs in open events. It was extreme- which defines terms used in the charts, weak notumps, four-card majors, weak ly permissive in terms of what conven- reducing ambiguity. two-bids, Namyats and gambling 3NT. tions were allowed compared with the ¬ Consistency. We wanted the rules Most common responses are likewise General Convention Chart (GCC). legal: forcing 1NT, 2/1 game-force, As time went on, the MC was allowed to be similar for ACBL tournaments based on the type of events, not loca- Stayman and transfers, Jacoby 2NT, to be played at regionals and eventually Bergen raises, etc. For most players, sectionals. As the charts got more ex- tion. The charts themselves spell out which ones apply to which events. this chart should require no changes to posure, changes were made to the MC the current system. ¬ which made it a far cry from the open- Balance. We wanted the ability The new charts contain some termi- ness of its origin. Many conventions to have restrictive charts, which are nology (capitalized in the text) that is and agreements which had long been more welcoming for newer players, as defined in the glossary with a precise legal under the GCC were moved up to well as more permissive charts for the meaning. While there is no need to the MC, effectively watering down the advanced and creative players so as to learn each and every one of these new GCC. The MC morphed into a more not stifle bidding-system development. terms, a few are worth mentioning: restrictive cousin of its previous self, Moving from the GCC/MC model to ¿ following the pattern of the GCC in a four-chart system gives us much Average Strength. This is mostly having long lists of rules citing what is greater flexibility to target different used to describe the minimum require- or isn’t allowed. player groups. ments (by ACBL regulation) for an opening bid. It is defined as 10 HCP The rules also give our tournament After significant effort by the sub- directors problems. The GCC and MC or meeting the Rule of 19 (HCP + the committee, the C&C and the Board length of the two longest suits must be are not always clear as to how they of Directors, we have settled on four should be interpreted, and there are 19 or more). This value is likely to be new convention charts: Basic, Basic+, even some vague or seemingly contra- lower than most people will want to Open, Open+. You can download the dictory rules. open the bidding; this is intentional, to document with all the charts at acbl. give some “wiggle room” for those who As a final strike against the current org/newconventioncharts. system, the rules can be different from like more aggressive bidding.

28 Bridge Bulletin August 2018 ¿ Natural. The rules here haven’t In summary, the Basic Chart should Next month we will examine the changed much, but the following is allow the systems that are most famil- Basic+ Chart, including where it a good summary. Any opening bid, iar to our newest players. Most play- applies, and an overview of the chart response or overcall in a suit at the ers should be able to continue playing itself. one level is natural if it shows four or as they have been with no changes or If you have any questions about the more cards in the suit bid, except for special knowledge of the new rules legality of a convention or system, 1♣ and 1♦, which can be based on a required. please email the subcommittee at three-card holding. (Indeed, 1♣ can [email protected]. ◾ show two cards for hands with exactly 4=4=3=2 pattern and still qualify as natural.) At the two level, an opening bid, response or overcall that shows at least five cards is natural. 2018 Executive Director Search ¿ Quasi-Natural. A new term in- The American Contract Bridge League is continuing to evolve as a troduced in this chart. This is for the membership organization serving more than 165,000 bridge players “can be short” type bids, where a bid is across the continent. either natural (as above) or it has some The Executive Director oversees the entire organization’s operations balanced- or notrump-type pattern. A and leads a team of more than 220 people to move the ACBL forward classic example of this type of bid is the through continuing improvement of processes and technologies. The Precision 1♦ opener, which can have Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible as few as two diamonds if balanced, but for implementing the strategic goals established by the Board. could also be an unbalanced hand with long diamonds. Qualifications ¿ Artificial. Any bid which is neither ⦁ Executive management experience. Extensive experience in senior Natural nor Quasi-Natural. management in an organization of size and complexity similar to It is also worth noting some of the ACBL, preferably in a nonprofit membership organization. areas in which this chart is more re- ⦁ Demonstrated success with building, motivating and sustaining a strictive than the GCC. Some examples high-performing team include: ⦁ Strong technology background to meet the organization’s strategic • Precision-style systems cannot objectives employ artificial bids (other than ⦁ Demonstrated communications skills a negative bid) on the one level. Precision systems where the 1♦ ⦁ Ability to grow the ACBL’s membership response to 1♣ is negative and 1♥, ⦁ A bridge player who understands the game’s competitive and social 1♠ and 1NT are all natural bids is culture and is committed to promoting and expanding its popularity allowed. is preferred • Polish Club–style systems, where ⦁ Experience working with volunteers and a commitment to volunteer 1♣ can be many different hand leadership and involvement types, such as 12–14 balanced, ⦁ Relocation to ACBL Headquarters in the greater Memphis area is natural clubs or the strong forcing required artificial opening. Because this bid is neither strong (it could be a 12–14 For a full job description and application information, visit acbl.org/ notrump) nor natural or quasi- careers. natural (it could have zero clubs if strong), it does not fall within any of Application process the allowed categories. To apply, email [email protected] with a cover • “Woolsey” defense to 1NT, where letter detailing qualifications, resume and salary require- 2♦ shows either major. Double and ment. Applications will be considered until the position is 2♣ are the only calls which are al- filled. The ACBL is an equal opportunity employer. lowed to have no known suits.

August 2018 Bridge Bulletin 29 Product Reviews

Demystifying Defense Here’s Patrick O’Connor fensive problems. Now, the Australian bridge teacher switches seats entirely By Patrick O’Connor with “Demystifying De- fense” to build newcomers’ to cover the basics of defensive card- $16.95, softcover, 134 pages defensive prowess and play: opening leads, second-hand play, Reviewed by Sue Munday confidence. third-hand play and signaling. Each Sound defense is deadly chapter is summarized, and there’s a The silent D in bridge and worth a lot of points quiz to solidify the lessons learned. Declarer play is sexy, and at the table. In theory, it The meat of the book is in the final bidding conventions are like shouldn’t be as hard as it’s chapter: O’Connor invites the reader to shiny new toys. But defense? made out to be: Jump into defend 40 problems with him. Defense is hard! Too of- declarer’s seat, see what he The author’s presentation is clean ten, defense ends up being needs to do to take as many and straightforward. It is impossible the break newcomers take tricks as possible, figure for a newcomer who follows the princi- between playing one hand and bidding out how to stop him, and then jump ples in this book not to walk away with the next. back into your own seat and do it. The a greater appreciation of the defensive catch, of course, is doing this in sync aspect of the game. A rudimentary with your partner, whose cards are, for glossary of bridge terms answers the the most part, unknown. But when a most immediate terminology ques- Upcoming good D clicks, it is intoxicating. tions, and a handy list of themes at the Best Practices O’Connor’s “A First Book of Bridge end enables the reader to refer back to Problems,” which won the American the material that’s been covered. Teacher Workshop Bridge Teachers’ Association’s Book Who knew defense could be so – dare of the Year award in 2012, focused on I say it? – fun! Syracuse NY (Regional) declarer play with a sprinkling of de- Aug. 13–14 Available from bridge supply houses. Mary Miller [email protected] at the table. While bidding Richardson TX (Regional) Hand of the Week 52 Bridge Stories comes into play when con- Aug. 27–28 structing a plan of attack, Eileen Smith Davidoff By Joel Martineau it is not the author’s focus: [email protected] $19.95, softcover, 222 pages “Each story strives to recre- Reviewed by Sue Munday ate the thought processes Asheville NC (Sectional) that I used – or should Oct. 19–20 have used – as I played the Bite-sized nuggets dummy or defended the ACBL Education Department What better way to start contract, or as I watched my [email protected] every week than with a partner declare and defend.” bridge boost? Here’s Joel Unusual in Martineau’s Honolulu HI (NABC) Martineau with just the approach is his emphasis Nov. 23–25 ticket – 52 of them, to be precise. on the language of bridge, as well as ACBL Education Department An experienced bridge teacher as strategy and tactics. “I try to highlight [email protected] well as player, Martineau invites the vocabulary, believing that if readers intermediate reader to sit with him become more comfortable with the

30 Bridge Bulletin August 2018 terms, they will discover opportuni- ing the Canadian great’s nugget of club and tournament play, they are, for ties to apply them and gain confidence wisdom doesn’t actually illustrate its the most part, quite ordinary, but they in their card play and their strategic usage; maybe next volume. capture the competitive battle that thinking.” He supports his premise Martineau writes with great ease starts every time a new hand is fanned. by including a glossary at the end of and humor; you’ll find in the glossary, “Hand of the Week” is an enjoyable the book. New to me was Sheardown’s for example, a definition for Blunder- learning tool because of the thorough maxim: “the lower the doubled con- wood (as opposed to Blackwood). The articulation of the thought process tract, the sooner a trump should hit the deals are not double-dummy displays from the start of a deal to the outcome. table.” Too bad the write-up introduc- of fireworks. Drawn from the author’s Advancing players will do well to make Martineau a Monday-morning ritual. Available from bridge supply houses. ponents’ worst nightmare by interfer- ing in the auction. We are going to be downright annoying!” As she takes newcomers from basic overcalls and takeout doubles to tougher bidding situations, Ronemus introduces some terminology into the bridge lexicon: Darn Good Suit and Darn Bad Suit. She covers responses to doubles and overcalls as well as con- Annoying the Opponents tinuations – subjects oft overlooked Overcalls and Take-out Doubles by newer players in their early bridge (Beginner Level 2) education. “Overcalls and Take-out Doubles” is By Marti Ronemus Ronemus’s second double-decker. The $21.95, 100 flashcards beginning level 1 set on bidding was re- Reviewed by Sue Munday viewed last year in this magazine (July 2017, pg. 24). Card-carrying pest The author suggests several settings In her signature bridge-teaching for using the cards – from bidding style, Ronemus makes developing practice with partner to group drink- overcall skills a game in and of itself. ing games. Everything about flashcard “It’s so easy for the opponents to learning is fun, anyway; Ronemus reach the right contract when we are makes it more so. Deal ’em out! silent throughout the auction,” she Published by and available from Baron writes. “Well, we’ve had enough of Barclay Bridge Supply: 800–274–2221, that!! We are going to become the op- baronbarclay.com.

Call for nominations Nominations are now being accepted for the 2018 Goodwill Member of the Year. This honorary title is given to the ACBL member who has exhibited unselfish dedication to the causes of good conduct, worthy participation and ethical behavior. Any unit/district official in good standing may nominate a candidate. Please include the name of the candidate, contact informa- tion and why you believe the candidate deserves recognition as the Goodwill Member of the Year. Also, include your own name, contact information and unit/district affiliation. A nomination form is available at acbl.org/goodwillnominations, or email your nomi- nation to [email protected]. Nominations are open until Oct. 15, 2018.

August 2018 Bridge Bulletin 31 Baseball and Bridge BY AUGIE BOEHM

ficult to hit for long distances, and the transition from pitcher, one of the best, game’s strategies were directed toward into a daily hitter, an immortal. A more accumulating small advantages, e.g., tightly wound ball made it easier to hit bunting, stealing bases, advancing base home runs, and the advent of sluggers runners, basically playing for one run swinging for the fences re-energized at a time. Wee Willie Keeler claimed the sport. In bridge, the transition to his success as a batter was to “Hit ’em “live ball” started in the late 1950s where they ain’t.” Ty Cobb embodied with systemic bridge as advocated by all the key elements of the dead ball era Kaplan–Sheinwold and Roth–Stone. – he hit for average (still the highest As baseball has developed more lifetime), he stole bases with abandon, sluggers, smaller ballparks, and better and he used every aspect of gamesman- conditioned athletes, the tape mea- ship at his disposal. Sliding spikes high, sure homer and the 100 mph fastball, intimidation was part of his arsenal. hallmarks of the modern game, have esides the catchy alliteration For fun, let’s separate bridge into captured the public’s interest. In mod- of “B’s” (old Yankee fans may dead ball and live ball eras, the early ern bridge, the equivalents are feath- remember the jingle “Baseball days and how the game evolved. The erweight opening bids and hyper-ag- and Ballantine Beer”), there are bridge equivalent of dead ball is the gressive preempts. They don’t always Bsome interesting connections between simple bidding and carding methods produce good results, but there’s no baseball and bridge. Today’s ball game of Culbertson and Goren. Perhaps question that today’s game contains and a session of bridge each last rough- because of deficient methods that more thrills and chills, more precari- ly three hours and are divided into caused lots of guesswork, many of ous contracts, fewer partials. numerous segments, normally nine the top players of that era compen- Great bridge players of earlier times, innings for baseball and usually eight sated by pursuing every psychological such as Norman Kay and B.J. Becker, to 12 rounds for a matchpoint session. advantage through gamesmanship and epitomized the ideal of winning by Each shares several meaningful terms, intimidation. Favorite weapons were avoiding errors. Becker was reported e.g., grand slam, sacrifice, diamond, sarcasm directed at the opponents to have said, “On one of my good days, club, signals, double, rubber and ace. and sharp practices that Edgar Kaplan an opponent cannot beat me; he can In the 1950s, Charles Goren visited dubbed “Old Black Magic.” Kaplan only tie.” Nowadays, avoidance of error the Brooklyn Dodgers’ clubhouse in meant that in the days of rudimentary has largely been replaced by going all Ebbets Field. Bridge was the Dodgers’ bidding, many players compensated out to win boards. Modern bridge more favorite pastime during rain delays and for systemic gaps by using variations resembles Babe Ruth swinging for the on the road, and Goren played some in tempo and inflection. A cheery raise fences with a concomitant increase in deals with the ballplayers. He was from 1♠ to 2♠ might be as high as 10 strikeouts rather than Ty Cobb chok- particularly impressed with the bridge or 11 points since limit raises weren’t ing up his grip, aiming for singles, able skills of pitcher Carl Erskine and in vogue; a sulky 2♠ bid matched to spray the ball to all fields. In today’s wrote about it in his regular column for the bottom of the range. Fortunately, baseball, with the increased number of Sports Illustrated magazine, but we are for the safety of infielders, spiking is home runs and strikeouts, fewer balls getting ahead of our story. no longer tolerated, and the conduct are put in play. Due to overshift and The early days of organized baseball and ethics of bridge have improved stacked defenses, many batted balls are divided into the “dead ball” and enormously, recent cheating scandals become routine outs. The game is less “live ball” eras; the dead ball period notwithstanding. nuanced. Tennis with big dominant lasted until around 1920. The early The beginning of the live ball era in servers tends to shorten rallies. Is baseball, not so tightly wound, was dif- baseball coincided with Babe Ruth’s this more exciting or less? Probably,

32 Bridge Bulletin August 2018 it amounts to personal taste and age. South North West plays low, place the ace with East Young spectators and participants 1♠ 2♣ (1) and duck in dummy, hoping the queen know only the modern version. 3♣ 3♠ is onside. The baseball stars of yesteryear were 4♥ 4NT (2) Charismatic pros like Zia make good generally paid peanuts compared to 5♠ (2) 6♠ copy because of flair and a willingness today’s journeyman major leaguers. Pass to back their instinct. Unfortunately, Today, in the television and media (1) Game force their fame and reputation hardly age, baseball is big business. In bridge, (2) Roman key card Blackwood extends beyond the narrow confines of professionalism used to exist in the (3) Two key cards plus ♠Q bridge. shadows. Now it is commonplace, and Charismatic baseball stars like Cobb the top pros earn handsomely com- The diamond suit is crucial. You and Ruth benefited from extensive pared to their predecessors. could draw trumps (say 3–2 split) and newspaper and radio coverage. Af- Let’s attempt a comparison of styles play three rounds of hearts, perhaps ter they retired, a golf match – three when declaring a bridge hand. Yes, obtaining a clue to the distribution rounds on three different courses in style may be a factor when declaring. If or see an informative discard before different cities – was arranged with faced with a choice of a technical play tackling diamonds. You could weigh the proceeds going to charity. Ruth was or gut instinct, I suspect most modern the impact of a non-diamond lead. younger and had the lower handicap. declarers prefer to rely on technique West will probably assume that North However, Cobb won the contest, in and percentages, just as modern base- has a diamond control because he bid part by hitting more fairways with his ball tends to weigh analytical informa- 4NT after South bypassed 4♦ with controlled swing (singles, not homers). tion more heavily than intuition. For his 4♥ control bid. Might an intrepid He also had a psychological advantage, instance, you are playing 6♠ versus West risk a diamond lead away from which he was quick to exploit. Ruth the lead of a low spade as both oppo- his ace, expecting the king in dummy? had a shorter attention span, about nents follow. In any event, a wait-and-see strategy, two hours was the typical length for a hoping to make a winning guess later ball game in his era. Accordingly, Cobb North (Dummy) in diamonds, is the analytical way to go. slowed down the pace; taking more ♠ A J 5 The alternative, the psychological practice swings, being very deliberate ♥ K 8 6 3 approach, is to lead the ♦J at trick two on the greens. Ruth’s concentration ♦ K 8 before the defense knows much about began to wane and he grew impatient. ♣ A J 10 2 the deal. It would take nerves of steel Cobb won the majority of the holes on for West to duck the ace in tempo; for the back nine. Dead ball gamesman- South (You) all he knows, he may have ducked the ship triumphed over swagger. ◾ ♠ K Q 10 9 4 setting trick if South holds a singleton ♥ A 4 diamond and a hole in a black suit. If ♦ J 10 ♣ K Q 7 6

August 2018 Bridge Bulletin 33 Club News

There are 13 players aged 90 and over 90 in southeastern Quebec. Quebec Unit 152 honors senior players By France Roy Dion | Unit 152 Unit 152 honored 13 players aged 90 and over with an players, the unit offered wine to 80 guests. Everyone enjoyed event in May. These players have participated for many the event and reconnecting with people they hadn’t seen for years in ACBL tournaments and local club sessions and a few years. After the lunch, a game was held by the Quatre have contributed all this time to keep alive bridge activi- Coeurs Club in Quebec City, drawing 31 tables. ties in the region, which includes Quebec City, Beauce and The three women at left in the picture were born in 1919 Trois-Rivieres. and are still playing bridge in clubs. ♣ In addition to providing lunch and a gift to the honored

New club in western Colorado By Sharon Snyder | Grand Slam of Grand Junction DBC Laughing and enjoying oneself is permitted and encour- aged at Grand Slam of Grand Junction Duplicate Bridge Club, the newest sanctioned bridge club on the Western Slope, in Grand Junction CO. Director Sharon Snyder explains and enforces Zero Tolerance. “Our goal is to have people come and leave with a smile,” she said. Although the club has only been sanctioned since October, the group previously met informally in a teaching/learning game. Leaders Snyder, Jeffrey Phillips and Linda Scibienski met with bridge players of any skill level. A short teaching session began the afternoon with time for questions and Linda Scibienski, third from left, teaches a lesson explanations about some aspect of bridge. Then it was time at the club in Grand Junction. to play and practice what everyone had learned. Many players had bridge experience in local social groups, chipped away the ‘old bridge rules and myths,’ and we now although a couple of people had none. Some were unfamiliar have a great group of players excited to learn new things with conventional bids, including basics such as Stayman, about bridge,” said Scibienski. transfer bids, or weak two openers. “Week after week, we A few seasoned duplicate players showed up to volunteer

34 Bridge Bulletin August 2018 as mentors to this group. As more A Virginia club stalwart people came, someone floated the idea that a sanctioned game should for over 60 years be started. Snyder, a certified ACBL By Bill Grewe club director, took charge setting Front Royal and Winchester Bridge Clubs up the club. It has since grown to 10 Thelma Cameron, 92, has been a tables. member of the bridge clubs in Front “We didn’t want to lose sight of Royal and Winchester VA, about what we were,” said Snyder. “Side 70 miles west of Washington DC, session lessons are always avail- since 1956. She grew up in a bridge able. We have handouts, flashcards, family, learning to play 80 years ago books and other learning materials at the age of 12. During World War for people to sign out and study.” II, Thelma was often asked to play, Scibienski sends out a colorful “because everyone needed a fourth.” weekly email that recognizes play- She got her formal bridge education ers’ accomplishments and gives from Ely Culbertson and Charles tips on etiquette and play. She has Goren, and played in her first proven she can get players’ atten- duplicate game in 1953. A Bronze tion and teach all in one step. Play- Life Master, Thelma continues to ers look forward to her email. play winning bridge using the same The club soon joined the Com- basic bridge principles she was mon Game and in May expanded to originally taught – “nothing fancy,” two days a week. ♣ she says. ♣

Helene Hambrecht By Tory Billard | Unit 131 with other housewives. While living in Mexico City, she and At 100 years old, Helene Walter played party bridge with an English couple. Hambrecht is the most senior When Walter retired in 1980, they moved to Sun City Cen- member of Kansas City Unit 131. ter FL. For seven years, they were part of an all-volunteer Helene was born June 27, 1918, in emergency squad. Helene and Walter would take 24-hour Jarrettown PA, near Philadelphia. shifts on the ambulances and fill in when necessary. She and her siblings were raised on a When they retired from the squad, they started playing 24-acre farm, spending summers in golf and bridge again. Opportunities to play bridge were Ocean City NJ. abundant for Helene in Florida. Walter didn’t like duplicate After graduating from the Univer- but would play home games with her. sity of Pennsylvania in nursing, she became a public health Walter passed away in 1996, but Helene continued living nurse at a manufacturing plant during World War II. The in Florida until 2004, when she moved back to Missouri to shift manager, a widower named Walter, was raising two be close to her son. teenage children and an infant. She too was single with two Helene calls Carnegie Village in Belton MO home now. young children. They fell in love and were married in 1953. About 10 years ago, an administrator asked her to start a Walter’s work as an engineer took the family all over, in- bridge group there. Today, it’s still going strong, and Helene cluding two years in Ireland. Helene and her husband loved is a regular player. to travel, and they went on over 25 cruises. They had a place “I’ve had a good life,” Helene said. “I was married to a on Long Island and took their children and grandchildren to wonderful man for over 40 years. He’s been gone a long time, the beach there. but I still miss him. I have my children, lots of grandchildren Helene started playing bridge in the 1950s, taking classes and great-grandchildren. And they are so good to me.” ♣

August 2018 Bridge Bulletin 35 Ruling the Game [email protected] MODERATOR: MATT SMITH NATIONAL TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR

In a recent club game, Our community has a nated rank in that suit.” a pair who played Preci- social duplicate bridge club Do note, though, that there is a clause Q sion encountered one who Q in which I am the de facto in the preface to 46B that may override played 2/1. On the bidding sequence director at times because I read any of the restrictions that follow in 1♣–(1♠)–Pass–(2♣), the 1♣ open- the Bridge Bulletin and have some that law, including the kind of situation ing was strong, artificial and forc- masterpoints. Recently, on a hand you mention. It states that the restric- ing. The 2♣ cuebid promised a limit I was defending, declarer called for tions described in 46B apply “except raise or better in spades. However, the ♣K from dummy which won the when declarer’s different intention is because 1♣ simply showed 16-plus trick. He then said, “Play the queen.” incontrovertible.” That is very strong HCP and said nothing about club I played a club, at which point dum- language that is not often invoked, but length, does this 2♣ bid need to be my asked, “Queen of clubs, partner?” it does give the director the author- Alerted? Or if 2♣ showed a natural to which declarer said, “No, play the ity to allow declarer to play a different club suit, would it need to be Alerted queen of diamonds.” I wasn’t sure card than the law normally requires in in that case? how to rule on this. I finally decided cases where it is absolutely clear that to require declarer to play the ♣Q. declarer never intended to play the card The ACBL Alert Chart de- Was I wrong? the law directs be played. An example fines cuebids as “a bid in a suit of where it might be applied is a case A which an opponent has either No, you were not wrong. where declarer plays the 3 towards a bid naturally or in which he has shown This is a situation that occurs spade suit of A–K–Q–J–10–2 and says four or more cards.” Therefore, the 2♣ A occasionally, and Law 46 “spade” after LHO plays the 4. Law bid is not considered a cuebid. As it is (Incomplete or Invalid Designation 46B2 states that such a designation not a cuebid, and it is not natural, then of a Card from Dummy) addresses it. means declarer normally must play the it is Alertable. A natural club bid would Law 46B3(a) says, “If declarer desig- lowest card of the suit indicated. But not be Alertable for the same reason: It nates a rank but not a suit … declarer is here, it is hard to imagine any circum- is not a cuebid, so natural should be the deemed to have continued the suit with stances where declarer meant to play expected meaning. which dummy won the preceding trick the 2 from dummy. After investigat- provided there is a card of the desig- ing why declarer did not ask for a high spade, it would be legal and almost certainly correct for the director to World Bridge Federation seats open invoke “incontrovertibly not declarer’s The American Contract Bridge League Board of Directors is seeking quali- intention” and allow the play of a high fied applicants to represent Zone 2 (Canada, Mexico and the United States) to spade from dummy in this case. the World Bridge Federation. Two positions will be filled at the 2018 Fall NABC You may want to share Law 46A meetings in Honolulu. The term for the open WBF position begins Jan. 1, 2019, (Proper Form for Designating Dummy’s and ends Dec. 31, 2021. Card) with your declarer so that he can Members of the ACBL in good standing and at least 18 years of age who desire to be a can- be sure to always play the intended didate for WBF Representative for Zone 2 must file a written declaration of candidacy prior to card in the future: “When calling for a Oct. 15, 2018. Include all supporting materials detailing your qualifications for this position. card to be played from dummy declarer Email: [email protected] or send to should clearly state both the suit and ACBL Director of Elections, P.ªO. Box 289, Horn Lake MS 38637-0289 the rank of the desired card.” ◾

36 Bridge Bulletin August 2018 The Bidding Box

MODERATOR: BRUCE ROGOFF [email protected]

See the West and East hands that appear on pages 53 and 55 respectively, and try bidding them with a regular partner. Compare how you performed with the expert pairs whose auctions you can read about in this month’s column. The North–South players are silent unless otherwise noted. The competitors were not informed of any interference by the opponents before the bidding commenced. The form of scoring is matchpoints with a 12 top. The Bridge Bulletin auctions are meant to portray possible bidding sequences to one of the top-scoring contracts using common methods.

Our contestants this month are (many top foreign pairs compete there values but “extra” length. Neither East foreign pairs rarely seen at NABCs, but as well). Each has represented China ventured an initial double with the each won a major title last fall in San in international play several times over solid high-card strength but sterile Diego. Winning the North American the years. shape (Shen particularly didn’t like Swiss Teams were Wubbo de Boer and Shao-Shen play fairly simple original the three low hearts), nor was West Agnes Snellers of the Netherlands, a Precision methods: 13–15 notrumps, tempted with his marginal values. couple for nearly three decades and 1♦ promises four-plus cards in the After North–South stopped bidding, regular partners for about 18 years. De first two seats, five-card majors, and only Snellers chose to balance with a Boer had been a prominent member 1♣ showing any 16-plus hand. double, which they’ve agreed is take- of the Dutch “Team Orange” for 12 out unless discussed otherwise. Shen years prior to that, winning the 1993 Problem 1 feared his double might be interpreted Bermuda Bowl. Snellers was a member North deals. None vulnerable. as penalty, so he stayed fixed. of the Dutch Ladies team in the early North opens 1♠. If East passes, South 1990s, but retired from “serious” bids 1NT (forcing). North bids 2♥, Bridge Bulletin auction: We slightly bridge to focus on her career. They South bids 2♠. prefer Snellers’ decision to balance, are perhaps proudest of the fact that particularly if our opponents are ag- together they’ve been captain and West East gressive types. We’d also be tempted to coach of the highly successful Dutch ♠ 6 3 ♠ A 10 4 double 1NT as West. ♥ K 5 4 ♥ 9 8 3 Junior team for the past 10 years. ♣ ♦ A 9 5 ♦ K 4 2 Scores: 2NT 12; 3 7; 3NT 5; De Boer–Snellers play a natural ♠ ♣ A 8 4 3 2 ♣ K Q J 7 (2 ) 3 system with variable notrumps (9–12 de Boer–Snellers 7, Shao–Shen 3 in first and second seat nonvulnerable, de Boer North Snellers South strong otherwise), and 2/1 responses (1♠) Pass (1NT) Problem 2 that are not quite game forcing. A 2♣ Pass (2♥) Pass (2♠) East deals. N–S vulnerable. opening is either weak in diamonds or Pass (Pass) Dbl (Pass) various strong hands, and a 2♦ open- 3♣ All Pass West East ing is either weak in one major or any ♠ K 10 ♠ A 9 8 5 4 3 game force. Shao North Shen South ♥ J 10 5 3 ♥ K Q 7 Shao Shao and Shen Yuxiong, win- (1♠) Pass (1NT) ♦ K Q J 7 ♦ A 4 ners of the prestigious Reisinger BAM Pass (2♥) Pass (2♠) ♣ A 9 8 ♣ 5 2 Teams, have been regular partners All Pass de Boer Snellers for five years. They are considered These days, light responses to one- 1 ♠ top pros in the bridge-crazy nation of-a-major openings are commonplace 2♣ 2 ♠ of China, where they’ve registered when responder has a fit, a situation 2NT 3♠ multiple victories in very strong league made murkier when a forcing 1NT is 4♠ Pass and club championship structures employed as a compromise with weak August 2018 Bridge Bulletin 37 Shao Shen five-card suit and support elsewhere. De Boer didn’t like his 3♥ bid, which 1♠ De Boer opted for the double, and when suggested at least a very good five-card 2NT 3NT partner showed values, he felt he had suit: “I should have bid 3♦ or 4♣ in- Pass just enough extras to introduce his stead.” Snellers thought she might have heart suit. With extra values of her bid 4♥ now, but opted to stay low with De Boer’s 2♣ was game forcing own, Snellers issued a general cuebid, 3♠. De Boer showed his club support, unless he had a club invite, and it also and de Boer showed his club support. and after the diamond cuebid, took a could have been a two-card suit as their Snellers cuebid her ♦K, but de Boer shot at slam. 2♦ or 2♥ responses promise five-card signed off, fearing they were already Shen’s 2♣ was natural and game- suits. 2♠ by Snellers was non-forcing, too high. Right he was. forcing over the Precision 1♣. The bid- ambiguous as to length. De Boer’s 2NT Shao chose the overcall, not want- ding proceeded naturally through 4♣ asked for shape, and 3♠ promised a ing to miss a heart contract at match- (Shen later thought he should bid 4♥ six-card suit. De Boer was content to points. Shen’s 3♣ was natural and over 3♠, which would have ended the bid 4♠, knowing from the 2♠ bid that forcing, and Shao bid 3♠ to suggest auction), and three cuebids followed. slam was almost impossible. support and allow room for 3NT. Shen Shen bid Blackwood and tried 6NT op- Shao’s 2NT was natural and game- didn’t think he was supposed to bid posite the three-ace reply. forcing, a treatment we don’t see here notrump with J–x–x so he retreated to very often. Shen unfortunately did not 4♣, and Shao was done. Bridge Bulletin auction: 1♥–2♣; see his sixth spade, so he bid 3NT with 2♠–3♣; 3♦–3♥; 4♣–4♥; Pass. his “balanced” hand. Shao had an easy Bridge Bulletin auction: As Shao– ♣ ♥ ♥ pass opposite a limited opening. Shen. With a suspect ♠Q, we don’t Scores: 5 10; 4 7; 3NT, 5 5; think West has extras, so it’s now or 4NT 3; 6♣, 6NT 2 Bridge Bulletin auction: 1♠–2♦; never for the heart suit. de Boer–Snellers 20, Shao–Shen 15 2♠–2NT; 3♥(?)–3♠; 4♠–Pass. We would bid 2♥ with 6–4 in the majors, Scores: 3NT 11; 2NT 9; 3♣ 7; 4♣ 5; Problem 5 so the 3♥ bid should simply suggest 2♥ 3; 3♥, 5♣ 1 North deals. N–S vulnerable. values there and some concern about de Boer–Snellers 18, Shao–Shen 13 clubs for notrump. West East Problem 4 ♠ K Q 10 ♠ A J 8 6 5 ♠ ♠ ♥ Scores: 4 10; 5 8; 4 6; 3NT 5; West deals. Both vulnerable. ♥ J 7 ♥ A 10 4NT 4 ♦ A K 9 5 4 3 ♦ Q 10 7 de Boer–Snellers 17, Shao–Shen 8 West East ♣ 7 4 ♣ K J 9 ♠ A 7 6 3 ♠ K 4 2 Problem 3 ♥ A Q 8 6 4 ♥ K 3 de Boer Snellers South deals. E–W vulnerable. ♦ Q 3 ♦ K J 1♠ South opens 1♠. ♣ A 9 ♣ Q J 10 7 4 3 2♦ 3♦ 3♠ 3NT West East de Boer Snellers 4♦ 4♥ ♠ Q 6 ♠ J 9 3 1♥ 2♣ 4♠ Pass ♥ K J 10 5 4 ♥ 8 7 2♠ 3♣ ♦ A J 8 ♦ K 10 3♥ 3♠ Shao Shen ♣ K 4 3 ♣ A Q 10 9 8 2 4♣ 4♦ 1♠ 6♣ Pass 2♦ 2NT de Boer North Snellers South 3♠ 4♣ (1♠) Shao Shen 4♦ 4♥ Dbl (Pass) 3♣ (Pass) 1♣ 2♣ 4NT 5♥ 3♥ (Pass) 3♠ (Pass) 2♥ 3♣ 6♠ Pass 4♣ (Pass) 4♦ (Pass) 3♠ 4♣ 5♣ All Pass 4♦ 4♥ For the Dutch, the auction was all 4♠ 4NT natural through 3♠ (3♦ created a Shao North Shen South 5♦ 6NT game force). 3NT was a “serious” slam (1♠) Pass try, and de Boer showed his diamond 2♥ (Pass) 3♣ (Pass) control. Snellers cuebid 4♥, which 3♠ (Pass) 4♣ All Pass De Boer’s natural reverse created a also implied club control as partner game force, and 3♣ by Snellers prom- had denied it. De Boer signed off, but West faced the classic dilemma of ised a real suit (2♣ could have been a later felt he should have bid Roman key double vs. overcall with a mediocre doubleton with a balanced game force). 38 Bridge Bulletin August 2018 card Blackwood with his nice trumps to cooperate. Bridge Bulletin auction: 1♠–1NT; and source of tricks. Shen bid a fearless 5♣ over the 3♦–4♦; 4♠–5♣; 5♥–5NT [pick a The Chinese pair tend to avoid preemptive raise, and Shao wondered slam]; 6NT–Pass. opening a 13–15 1NT with a five-card whether a grand was in the picture ♠ ♦ major, hence 1♠. Shen opted for the with his three key cards. He ultimately Scores: 7NT 12; 7 11; 7 9; 6NT 8; ♠ ♦ ♠ 2NT rebid with his balanced hand and settled for the small slam with such 6 5; 6 2; 5 , 5NT 1 solid stoppers. Shao showed his spade limited space to investigate. de Boer–Snellers 35, Shao–Shen 42 support, and Shen, with a maximum ♦ ♥ in context, started cuebidding his Bridge Bulletin auction: 1 –(1 )– Problem 8 ♥ ♣ ♠ controls. Shao launched Blackwood, Dbl–(3 ); 4 –(Pass)–4 –(Pass); West deals. None vulnerable. 6♣–All Pass. envisioning setting up his diamond West East suit with good trumps for entries, bid- Scores: 6♣ 11; 5♣ 5; 5♦ 1 ♠ Q J 9 ♠ A K 10 4 ding the spade slam after finding two de Boer–Snellers 30, Shao–Shen 37 ♥ 5 ♥ A K 8 7 aces opposite. Shen gave some thought ♦ 10 8 7 6 2 ♦ 3 to converting to 6NT, but passed. Problem 7 ♣ A 9 7 3 ♣ K 8 6 4 South deals. Both vulnerable. Bridge Bulletin auction: As Shao– de Boer Snellers Shen, with East bidding 6NT at the West East Pass 1♣ end. The extra values and undisclosed ♠ A K Q 10 9 4 ♠ 8 5 1♦ 1♥ diamond help make 6NT a good shot. ♥ A 9 ♥ J 10 3 2 1NT 2♠ ♦ ♦ ♣ ♣ Scores: 6NT (E) 12; 6♠(E) 11; K J 2 A Q 7 6 4 5 5NT(E), 6♦(E) 9; 6NT(W) 8; ♣ K 6 ♣ A 9 3 Pass 6♠(W) 7; 5NT(W), 6♦(W) 6; de Boer Snellers Shao Shen 5♠(E) 5; 5♦ 1 2♣ 2♦ Pass 1♣ de Boer–Snellers 25, Shao–Shen 26 2♠ 3♠ 1♦ 1♥ 4♣ 4♦ 1NT Pass Problem 6 4♥ 5♣ East deals. E–W vulnerable. 5♦ 5♠ A completely natural auction for the South overcalls hearts. North bids 3♥ 6♠ Pass Dutch. Snellers would always rebid if possible. 1♥ even with a 3=4=3=3 hand, so 1NT Shao Shen was an easy choice for de Boer with no West East 1♣ 1NT guarantee of a club fit. 2♠ announced ♠ A 10 6 3 ♠ 5 2♠ 3♦ a three-suiter with significant ex- ♥ 8 6 3 ♥ J 3♠ 4♠ tras, and with the diamond shortness ♦ A 10 ♦ K J 9 3 2 4NT 5♥ identified, de Boer issued a shapely ♣ K 10 8 4 ♣ A Q J 9 5 3 6♠ Pass game invitation. Snellers could infer partner’s lack of diamond wastage (no de Boer North Snellers South De Boer’s 2♣ was either a weak two- 1♦ (1♥) notrump bid), so she had no hesitation bid in diamonds or a strong one-suiter bidding the excellent game. Dbl (3♥) 4♣ (Pass) with less than a game force. Snellers 4♥ (Pass) 5♣ All Pass Strong 4–4–4–1 hands are tough chose the direct spade raise, and 4♣ to handle, and in a big-club system Shao North Shen South was a non-serious cuebid. More cue- they’re nearly impossible without a 1♦ (1♥) bidding ensued, but the auction died at dedicated opening. After the strong Dbl (3♥) 5♣ (Pass) the six level when each player ran out club opening and negative 1♦, Shen’s 6♣ All Pass of controls to show. 1♥ was ostensibly a five-card suit. Shen’s 1NT response to the strong Shao was not inclined to introduce his Our Easts opened 1♦ with their mi- club showed 8–13 balanced without a weak diamonds, especially with stop- nor two-suited minimum, and West’s five-card suit. His 3♦ was artificial, pers in the black suits, so he settled for double promised exactly four spades. showing 11–13 without spade support. 1NT. Shen had nowhere to go. Over 4♣, de Boer cuebid 4♥ with his Shao rebid his excellent suit, but Shen prime values, but Snellers signed off, signed off with a minimum in con- BB auction: As de Boer–Snellers. a bit light in high cards and fearing text. Still, Shao had an ace extra, so he Scores: 4♠ 12; 5♣ 10; 3♠ 8; 4♣ 6; spade wastage opposite. De Boer later checked for key cards before bidding 2NT 4 mentioned that he should have cuebid the spade slam. Final score: de Boer–Snellers 45, 4♠, which would have gotten Snellers Shao–Shen 46 ◾ August 2018 Bridge Bulletin 39 It’s Your Call DIRECTOR: SUE MUNDAY R SCORES: KAREN WALKER

Problems from Washington Bridge League Solver’s Club

1. IMPs. North–South vulnerable. reason to try to show both many first-round con- ♠K 9 6 5 3 2 ♥Q 7 6 5 2 ♦J 7 ♣— majors now. It’s not my trols. Whether or not we style to ‘walk the dog.’” play negative doubles this West North East South Sanborn: “4♠, short and high, partner should not 1♦ Dbl 2♦ ? sweet. I can’t picture why I deliver values exclusively need to find hearts. If there in the club suit; with that, Call Votes Award is a ruff, it’s more likely to he would pass and hope ♦ 4 8 100 be found if my right-hand we can double back in. 4♠ 4 90 opponent is on lead.” Otherwise, the pressure 3♦ 3 70 Boehm likes 3♦. “Trying on these doubles is just too Dbl 1 50 to slow down the auction great.” 3♠ 0 30 rather than jump to 4♠, Larry Cohen agrees. the value bid.” “Partner’s double shows Pick a game 3♦ by Meckstroth. “I Kerri Sanborn cards, not clubs. I have Weinstein says 4♦ shows at least could double to show both majors, but enough to guess to reach slam, but five cards in each major and a weaker if more diamond bids are coming, this might as well offer a choice in case hand. “That resembles what I have. leaves me better placed.” partner has something like: When I double their 5♦, hopefully Lawrence chooses double. “I think I partner figures out to lead clubs.” ♠K x x x ♥K Q J 10 x ♦x ♣K x x. can handle all auctions from here.” Grossack calls 4♦ a perfect descrip- No need to insist on diamonds. Also, tion of his hand. “Lots of cards in the ♣ 2. IMPs. East–West vulnerable. 6 is a waste of time, because partner majors.” is never going to know when to bid “4♦, Michaels style,” says Rigal, ♠A J 3 ♥A 9 8 2 ♦A K 10 9 8 7 ♣— seven.” “limited values, lots of shape.” West North East South Donn: “5NT to let partner help me Lee’s 4♦ shows at least 5–5 in the 1♦ pick a suit for slam. Even if partner’s majors without a lot of defense. “I’d 5♣ Dbl Pass ? double is being defined as being for start with 3♦ with a better hand.” penalty, it should be high cards, not Donn, too. “We can’t play this hand Call Votes Award something like ♣K J x x and out.” in less than game, but 3♦ sounds like 5NT 11 100 Robinson likes 5NT pick-a-slam. more high cards.” Pass 3 80 “Double should be high cards and not 4♦ by Robinson. “This shows 6♣ 2 60 ♣Q J 10 x and out.” majors, at least 5–5. Could be any 6♦ 0 50 5NT by Weinstein, pick-a-slam. “I strength.” 5♦ 0 50 want to cater to partner being 5–5 in Shi’s 4♦: “Pick a major, pardo.” 5♥ 0 20 the majors while not giving up on a Colchamiro, 4♦: “How wrong can diamond fit.” this be?” A little help here? Sanborn bids 5NT. “Sometimes you 4♠ by Korbel, who answers Col- The majority vote is for 5NT, pick-a- have to have faith that your vulnerable- chamiro’s question. “I don’t like a 4♦ slam. versus-not opponent isn’t mad. That jump because opposite 3–3 in the Korbel explains. “Let’s have partner gives partner cards outside of clubs. majors, we will be in hearts, which is pick a slam. Anything he picks will be Double is not for penalty at this level.” probably worse than being in spades.” fine. Getting to seven is unrealistic, Colchamiro likes the flexibility 5NT Larry Cohen takes the decision as we cannot bid it, and partner will affords partner. “5NT gives partner a out of partner’s hands. “4♠. I see no never be able to take a chance on this chance to come back with 6♣ with 4–4

40 Bridge Bulletin August 2018 in the majors. Obviously a grand slam 6♦.” thinks it means, we have it.” is possible, because at these colors, Shi’s 6♣, roughly translated, says, “I Shi: “We could easily have a slam, partner can’t have much in clubs. Less have a good hand, concern about strain, and this is pretty much the only way I obvious is the secure route to get there. and interest in a grand. I hope this con- can start investigating it.” Partner figures to have something like: veys all those messages.” Donn: “4♥, showing a good 4♠ bid. ♠K x x x ♥K Q x x ♦Q x ♣x x x, I will not go beyond 4♠ on my own, 3. Matchpoints. East–West vulner- because hands like this are notoriously where 6♥ or 6♦ is enough. But he able. difficult to play if the breaks are bad might have the ♠Q, making 7♦ best. ♠A K 10 8 ♥K ♦A Q J 10 9 7 4 ♣4 and partner has a singleton diamond.” I’m not smart enough to find out with Korbel’s 4♥ is a slam-try some- any certainty. So I’m gonna go low (in West North East South where. “Partner assumes in spades, context). I’m assuming West isn’t nuts, 1♦ and bids accordingly. If partner bids (1) and has nine or 10 tricks, so passing the 3♥ Dbl Pass ? 4♠, I will reluctantly pass.” double has little upside versus plus 920 (1) Negative. Lee defines his 4♥ as just a good or 980 our way.” 4♠. “If slam is in the picture, I’ll try to Grossack drives for slam with 5NT. Call Votes Award steer us back to diamonds later.” “Michael Rosenberg once said they ei- 4♥ 7 100 Rigal’s 4♥ is a heart cuebid for ther have nine clubs or are 8–4 for this 4♠ 7 90 spades. “I’m not done yet. Over 4♠ I 5♣ bid. So I’m not going to pass. I think 4NT 2 70 will bid on with ... glad you didn’t ask! I bid 5NT to suggest to partner that I 5♦ 0 30 Maybe key card?” have two places to play (because 5NT 6♦ 0 10 Meyers agrees. “4♥, and if partner is always pick-a-slam, I must be pick- bids 4♠, I will bid Blackwood. It is ing between two options for trump). The swan takes wing tempting to bid 4♠ directly, but part- 6♣ is also an option, but I think it Except for the key-carders, the pan- ner could have values and only three is too ambiguous and leaves partner elists are split right down the middle. spades, or partner could have spade stuck for a bid.” Almost half the panel stops to cuebid length and we have a slam. So I want to Lee guesses 5NT. “I think we rate to 4♥ on their way to ... where? keep the door open.” have a slam somewhere, and this gives “Who are these red-on-white luna- Sanborn calls 4♠ the practical us the most flexibility in finding the tics we’re facing this month?” wonders bid. “There are a few gaps, and I can’t right strain.” Weinstein as he bids 4♥. “We need guarantee slam facing a lot of various “Pick a slam, any slam,” Rigal urges so little for slam; we need to cuebid hands. Of course, we could be laydown with 5NT. “6♣ would be three-suited, I to show a great hand. Not sure this for seven, but maybe partner will be think; 5NT emphasizes diamonds.” promises spades, but whatever partner A couple of the panelists elect to defend. Boehm is one. “We probably have a Panel’s answers better spot, but no assurance of finding – ¢ › ¤ Ÿ Total it. Remove to 5NT and hope to survive August Boehm ›♦ Pass ¤♠ ¢♣ –♠ ›™— bad breaks and land on our feet? I’ll Ken Cohen ›♦ Pass ¤♠ ¢♣ –♠ ›™— take whatever plus score is coming in Larry Cohen ¤♠ ŸNT ¤♠ –♠ Dbl ¤™— ♣ 5 doubled.” Mel Colchamiro ¤♦ ŸNT ¤NT –♠ Pass ¤Ÿ— Meyers, too. “Pass. But I’m close to Josh Donn ¤♠ ŸNT ¤♥ Pass Dbl ¤Ÿ— cuebidding 6♣. I think double will net Zachary Grossack ¤♦ ŸNT ¤♠ –♠ Dbl Ÿ—— us a plus score for sure, and I’m not sure 6♣ will.” Daniel Korbel ¤♠ ŸNT ¤♥ –♠ Dbl ¤˜— Lawrence says his guess is 6♣. “That Mike Lawrence Dbl š♣ ¤♠ ¢♣ Pass ›š— double isn’t penalty. I expect we’ll Roger Lee ¤♦ ŸNT ¤♥ –♠ Dbl ¤™— beat it, but we might have a slam, and I Jeff Meckstroth ›♦ ŸNT ¤♠ –♠ Dbl ¤œ— won’t get rich passing against a vulner- Jill Meyers ¤♦ Pass ¤♥ –♠ –♠ ¤¤— able 5♣ bidder. I need points. Partner Barry Rigal ¤♦ ŸNT ¤♥ –♠ Pass ¤œ— won’t have more than two clubs be- Steve Robinson ¤♦ ŸNT ¤NT –♠ Dbl ¤œ— cause his bid asks me to bid something. Kerri Sanborn ¤♠ ŸNT ¤♠ –♠ Pass ¤œ— ♠K Q x x ♥K x x ♦Q x x x ♣x x Sylvia Shi ¤♦ š♣ ¤♥ –♠ Dbl ¤Ÿ— is a typical hand on which we can make Steve Weinstein ¤♦ ŸNT ¤♥ –♠ Dbl ¤™—

August 2018 Bridge Bulletin 41 able to bid then.” Blackwood immediately. a fan of four-card over- Grossack, 4♠: “Again, I don’t want 4NT by Robinson, ask- calls, but if partner ends to corner partner by bidding 4♥ and ing for aces. “If partner has up on lead, I can’t stand creating an ambiguous situation. With two, I’ll bid 6♦. If partner the thought of anything the ♥K likely wasted, I’ll bid what I has one, I’ll play 5♦. 4♠ but a spade lead.” think I can make.” could go down on a bad 1♠ by Colchamiro. Meckstroth isn’t torn. “4♠. Finally, break or if I lose control.” “Even if they have a big an easy one!” Colchamiro: “I hope in diamond fit, maybe part- Larry Cohen’s 4♠: “Perhaps I am our system that 4NT is Ro- ner has them nailed there worth 4♥, but 4♠ doesn’t show a bad man key card Blackwood (♦K 10 9 x) and at least hand. Partner would need either two for spades and partner is the dope will know what to aces and then some, or an ace, good promising at least four of lead.” spades and the ♦K for slam. With all them. With East–West Korbel’s 1♠: “I have no Mel Colchamiro of that, he might bid again over 4♠. vulnerable and me own- idea. Reading others’ an- That’s what I’ll say in the postmortem, ing the ♥K, partner’s values should swers will enlighten me. For me, pass, anyway.” be three of the following four cards: 1♠ and 2♣ are all reasonable-looking Lawrence’s 4♠: “Lazy.” ♠Q, ♦K, ♣A, ♣K. If I am right, then options.” A couple of panelists break into 6♠ ought to be cold or have good play. 1♠ is Sanborn’s call after survey- If they lead out ♥A then ♥Q, I may ing the possibilities. “Other choices have a trump issue. In that case, I are pass, 1NT and 2♣. None appeals NEXT MONTH’S PROBLEMS might have to decide whether to risk a more than bidding where I live. I don’t first-round finesse for the ♠J opposite have enough to reopen with 2♣ and 1. IMPs. North–South vulnerable. partner’s ♠Q x x x.” then bid again over a big red-suit bid by ♠8 2 ♥8 2 ♦Q J 9 8 6 ♣A Q J 7 opener.” West North East South 4. IMPs. None vulnerable. 1♠ by Weinstein. “Suggestion for the 1♠ 2♥ Pass ? ♠A K Q 10 ♥J 9 7 4 ♦— ♣Q 7 4 3 2 scorer: 1♠, 100; everything else, minus 50. Even Zach won’t be able to think of West North East South 2. IMPs. North–South vulnerable. something more creative.” 1♥ Pass Pass ? Hey, Grossack is on board with 1♠ ♠K 10 9 8 4 3 ♥Q 9 ♦K 9 4 ♣Q 7 ... “or did they suddenly make a law Call Votes Award West North East South against overcalling four-baggers? If so, 1♠ 12 100 1♥ 2NT(1) 3♥ ? they certainly didn’t pass on this news 2♣ 3 70 to me.” (1) Clubs and diamonds. Pass 1 70 1♠ by Meckstroth, who reasons, 1NT 0 30 “Can’t double, and bidding clubs loses 3. IMPs. Both vulnerable. the spade suit.” Four play ♠K Q 8 5 ♥ — ♦K Q 10 8 5 ♣ A K 6 4 Boehm counters with 2♣. “Too Lee balances with 1♠ somewhat much to sell out and 1♠ probably loses West North East South reluctantly. “I would like to have a clubs. If someone bids diamonds – 1♦ more textbook hand, but I just don’t likely – I can bid spades and show my Pass 1♥ Pass 1♠ want to sell out to 1♥ with this much suits proportionately.” Pass 3♥ Pass ? playing strength, despite the risk of al- Ken Cohen prefers clubs, too. “I like lowing the opponents to back into a big bidding my longest suit first, and I 4. IMPs. North–South vulnerable. diamond fit.” might have a chance to show spades Shi has misgivings, too. “1♠. I don’t ♠A 4 ♥8 6 5 2 ♦A Q 4 ♣9 7 6 2 next if the auction stays low.” like my options, but I’m certainly not Donn reaches for the pass card, “be- West North East South passing. I hope nothing bad happens.” cause partner probably doesn’t have 1♦ 1♥ ? Rigal: “1♠. Sorry, that ♣2 sure too much and the opponents might looked like a spade!” belong in diamonds. If I were to bid, it 5. IMPs. North–South vulnerable. 1♠, Meyers insists. “I’m not defend- would be 1♠, certainly not 2♣.” ♠10 7 6 ♥4 3 2 ♦A 5 4 ♣9 6 4 3 ing 1♥.” 1♠ by Robinson. “I don’t want to West North East South 5. Matchpoints. North–South vulner- pass it out and no other bid seems Pass able. right.” 1♦ Dbl Pass ? Larry Cohen, 1♠. “Generally, I’m not ♠K Q 9 7 ♥A K Q 3 ♦A Q 9 6 ♣3

42 Bridge Bulletin August 2018 West North East South lefty bids 2♣ and I can back in with get a second chance and I’ll know more 1♦ Pass 1♥ ? a double. Not long ago, I had a similar by then.” hand in a similar situation: Sanborn rides that same train of Call Votes Award ♠K J x x ♥A K x x ♦x ♣A K Q x. thought. “I’m betting I get another Dbl 9 100 chance and that there was no psych by Pass 4 80 Lefty opened 1♠ and righty bid 1NT the favorable opener.” 1♠ 3 70 forcing. I passed for a similar reason Boehm tries 1♠. “In the old days, I and student partner learned that when might have passed unless I suspected Now or later you pass, it may not be that you have a psych. Nowadays, either the opening Double by Larry Cohen. “For now. I’ll nothing, but rather you have (for now) bid or response may be featherweight, deal with partner’s club bids later.” nothing to say.” so I best introduce the suit where we Lee doubles. “I’m too strong to start Pass by Rigal, who sorted his hand may have a future.” with anything else.” correctly this time. “I can’t show this 1♠ by Meyers. “I might pass at Ditto Robinson. “I can bid 2NT over hand at my first turn and probably matchpoints if they were vulnerable, a club bid. Too strong for a 1NT over- won’t be able to at my second turn ei- but at this vulnerability, I just can’t.” call, and I don’t want to miss a spade ther, but unless they have psyched, I’ll Ken Cohen is a 1♠ bidder. “Heavy on fit.” points but short in trump. Do not like Korbel’s plan is the same. “Double. any of my other options.” ◾ I’m not a big believer in trapping. If partner bids clubs, well, I’m plenty strong enough to correct to notrump.” TOP ONLINE SCORES FOR JUNE (982 players) Weinstein doubles, but suggests that Clare Christiansen, Oak Harbor WA 500 Pierre Daigneault, Montreal QC 470 if the opponents were vulnerable, he’d Huei Rong Chern, Westlake OH 490 Dave Dunstan, Harrison TN 470 make a trap pass. “I’m too strong for Jack Dean, Houston TX 490 Eric Endicott, Toronto ON 470 1NT, so I double first.” Jeanette Dean, Houston TX 490 William Feasley, Eden NY 470 Meckstroth doubles. “I can bid Jon Farber, Alexandria VA 490 Lawson Sonny Freeman Jr., Nashville TN 470 notrump if partner bids clubs. Another Ian Ferguson, Ottawa ON 490 Thomas Fukawa, Hampton VA 470 easy one.” [Hmm. That makes two in John Gillespie, Orleans ON 490 Piotr Gawron, Arvada CO 470 one set. The director must be getting Ned Hager, Tulsa OK 490 Sandra Gebhardt, The Villages FL 470 soft.] Richard Higgins, Hot Springs Village AR 490 Alan Green, Tucson AZ 470 Grossack doubles. “Very annoying, John Langer, Santa Clarita CA 490 Jonathan Hauke, Lexington MA 470 especially when I used up my allot- Langis Sirois, Ottawa ON 490 Kenneth Hovda, Bothell WA 470 Marilyn Steele, Kennewick WA 490 Alex Hudson, Raleigh NC 470 ment of four-card overcalls on the last Lawrence Boyd Jr., Shaker Heights OH 480 Irwin Kahn, Chapel Hill NC 470 problem. Good partners would never Kathryn Burns, Cincinnati OH 480 Komal Kamat, Plainsboro NJ 470 bid clubs after this double anyway, so H. Paul Davis, Cupertino CA 480 Steve Lake, Las Vegas NV 470 I’m not worried. That being said, the Debnarayan Dhar, Oak Hill VA 480 Carl Levesque, way people try to steal contracts now, Mariann Farrelly, Mashpee MA 480 St-Honore de-Temiscouata QC 470 passing is not an option. Double and Thomas Grahame, Washington DC 480 Paul Lord, Montreal West QC 470 bid 2NT if partner offers 2♣. The val- Adam Grossack, Newton MA 480 Mark Mohr, Springfield NJ 470 ues are spot on.” Paul Hazzard, Marion IA 480 Walt Newcomb, Denver CO 470 Shi tosses the red card on the table. Marshall Kerlin, Sun City Center FL 480 James Peresta, Grand Blanc MI 470 “We are in the days where the oppo- Brett Kunin, West Orange NJ 480 David Promislow, Toronto ON 470 nents bid on anything and everything. Gordon Martin, Oakville ON 480 Je¼ Reusing, Brockville ON 470 Robert Miller, Harrisburg PA 480 Brian Ross, Kamloops BC 470 I’m hoping we have a game in spades.” Robert Miller, East Brunswick NJ 480 Gregor Rus, Velenje, Slovenia 470 Donn doubles, planning to rebid 2NT Steve Ramos Jr., Seal Beach CA 480 James Russell, Ottawa ON 470 over partner’s 2♣. “Not that I love James Wheeler, Edinburg PA 480 Howard Shachter, Deerfield IL 470 doing this, but I can’t think of another Steven Blatter, Aurora CO 470 David Sloane, Glen Cove NY 470 reasonable option since I would never Amy Casanova, Portland OR 470 Arbha Vongsvivut, Godfrey IL 470 start by passing – too easy to miss a Ken Cohen, Philadelphia PA 470 Dan Wong, Pleasanton CA 470 game, even if we come back in later.” Matt Cory, Indianapolis IN 470 Mike Xiao-Fang Xue, Markham ON 470 Pass? “Pass,” says Lawrence. “I will get Please participate in It’s Your Call! Go to acbl.org and click on It’s Your Call under the MyACBL login tab at the top. You may submit answers for a given month until another chance. Likely I can double a midnight on the 20th of that month, at which point the next month’s problems will club bid.” be available. Colchamiro elaborates. “I’m hoping August 2018 Bridge Bulletin 43 Newer Players

Card Play 101 BY PHILLIP ALDER bridgeforeveryone.com

As I mentioned a couple of issues hand. What have you learned? West leads the ♥10. East wins three ago, if you wish to raise your game by Given that West has five spades tricks in the suit with the jack, king and leaps and bounds, there is one way to for his overcall, he is marked with 10 ace, then shifts to the ♣Q. How would do it. These two problems highlight the points: the ♦A K and ♠Q J. Because you continue? method. West didn’t open the bidding as dealer, You have seen East produce 10 HCP: this means that East almost certainly the ♥A K J and the ♣Q. From that 1. Dummy (Partner) has the ♣Q. Play a club to dummy’s ♣Q shift, you can also place him with Dlr: West ♠ K 7 4 king and run the ♣J through East. You the ♣J. So East cannot have the ♠Q; Vul: N–S ♥ 10 9 5 2 count so well! The full deal: otherwise, he would have opened the ♦ J 4 3 bidding as dealer. Reject the “per- ♣ K J 10 ♠ K 7 4 centage” play in spades and cash the ♥ 10 9 5 2 two top honors, hoping that West has Declarer (You) ♦ J 4 3 queen-doubleton. If he does, your ♠ A 6 ♣ K J 10 contract is home, and you played bril- ♥ A K Q J 7 ♠ Q J 9 8 5 ♠ 10 3 2 liantly. If he doesn’t, partner overbid ♦ 8 5 2 ♥ 6 3 ♥ 8 4 again! The full layout: ♣ A 6 3 ♦ A K 6 ♦ Q 10 9 7 ♣ 7 4 2 ♣ Q 9 8 5 ♠ K 6 3 West North East South ♠ A 6 ♥ Q 7 2 Partner You ♥ A K Q J 7 ♦ A K J 10 9 Pass Pass Pass 1♥ ♦ 8 5 2 ♣ 8 5 1♠ 2♥ Pass 4♥ ♣ A 6 3 ♠ Q 8 ♠ 10 9 7 All Pass ♥ 10 9 5 4 ♥ A K J 2. Dlr: East ♠ K 6 3 ♦ 6 3 ♦ 8 5 2 West leads the ♦A: 3, 10, 2. West Vul: Both ♥ Q 7 2 ♣ 7 6 4 3 2 ♣ Q J 10 9 continues with the ♦K and another ♦ A K J 10 9 ♠ A J 5 4 2 diamond to East’s queen. East shifts to ♣ 8 5 ♥ 8 6 3 the ♠2. How would you try to take the ♦ Q 7 4 rest of the tricks? ♠ A J 5 4 2 ♣ A K The most important factor that ♥ 8 6 3 separates experts from lesser players ♦ Q 7 4 Yes, East’s shift to the ♣Q was far is counting the opponents’ high-card ♣ A K too revealing. He should have led the points. This can be facilitated by an ♣J or ♣10. ◾ opponent’s opening bid, overcall or an West North East South initial pass. Partner You At trick four, win with the ♠A (the Pass 1♠ honor from the shorter side first), draw Pass 2♦ Pass 3♦ trumps, play a spade to dummy’s king, Pass 4♠ All Pass and ruff dummy’s last spade in your

44 Bridge Bulletin August 2018 Newer Players

Parrish the Thought BY ADAM PARRISH [email protected] adamparrish.us Question three

We have focused our discussion so North South In the preceding auction, our two far on the two essential questions: 1NT ? primary goals have been accomplished: Do we have a game? and Do we have a We have set a game force and found major-suit fit? These questions help us Now the answer to question No. 3 a major-suit fit. We know the hand determine the two aspects of the final is maybe. We have 16 HCP. If partner belongs in spades and in at least game. contract: level and strain. But remem- has 15, that’s only 31, not enough. But The only final contracts on the table at ber that level has three possibilities: opposite 17 we have 33, and want to be this point are 4♠ and 6♠ (and maybe partscore, game and slam. in slam. So we invite slam with 4NT. 7♠ or 7NT). Our singular goal now So when the answer to question No. 1 Make the hand a little stronger – say is to determine whether we belong in is yes, we need to ask ourselves a third add the ♦Q – and we would have a yes slam. question: Do we have a slam? This answer: Opposite partner’s minimum, Now that we are in slam mode, we question has the same three possible we’d have 33 HCP. With no hope for a switch over to our slam tools, specifi- answers as the other two: yes, no and grand slam, we would simply bid 6NT. cally control bidding and Blackwood. maybe. Question No. 3 takes a backseat to Our only concern for the rest of the Often this third question can be question Nos. 1 and 2, because games auction is game or slam, 4♠ or 6♠. ◾ answered easily and dismissed. But are so much more common than slams, any time we have a yes answer to ques- and slam investigation gives us extra tion No. 1, we need to remember to ask room to explore (i.e., the five level). But question No. 3: Do we have a slam? when we have enough values for game Nominations for the 2019 ACBL ♠Q 9 4 ♥A J 8 ♦K J 8 3 ♣J 3 2 and have found a major-suit fit (i.e., we Bridge Hall of Fame Blackwood have yes answers to questions Nos. 1 and von Zedtwitz awards North South and 2), the spotlight shifts to question 1NT ? Each year, the Bridge Hall of Fame Com- No. 3, and the remainder of the auction mittee considers candidates for the Black- is about slam. wood Award, given for outstanding contri- 1. Do we have a game? . Yes butions to bridge outside of expertise at the 2. Do we have a major-suit fit? No. North South game, and the von Zedtwitz Award, which 1♠ 2♣ honors inactive players who have achieved 3. Do we have a slam? No. (Partner’s 2♠ 3 ♠ prominence in the game of bridge. maximum of 17 would give us a ACBL members in good standing may combined 29 high-card points, not Once we know we’re going to 4♠, the submit candidates’ names to the Hall of nearly enough for slam.) only remaining question is whether Fame Committee for induction into the ACBL Bridge Hall of Fame in 2019. To be we can make 6♠. A lot of auctions that These three answers make placing eligible for induction, a candidate must be at you might not think of as slam auc- least 60 years old and live in North America. the contract simple: We have a game tions are actually entirely about slam Please submit your nominations for these but no slam, and we do not have a – avoiding it when it’s bad and reaching awards to the Bridge Hall of Fame Commit- major-suit fit. 3NT. Done. it when it’s good. A Jacoby 2NT auc- tee to [email protected]. Nominations will Let’s make the hand a little stronger: tion or a 2/1 auction that uncovers a fit be forwarded to the chair of the committee. ♠Q 9 4 ♥A J 8 ♦K J 8 3 ♣A J 3. immediately becomes a slam explora- In order to be considered, nominations must tion. be received no later than Nov. 1.

August 2018 Bridge Bulletin 45 Newer Players

Play & Learn BY PAT HARRINGTON [email protected] Dummy’s long suit

On the deal below, North–South enough high spades and can afford to How many of those entries do we reach 4♥ after South responds 2♥to ruff high so we won’t have to lose any need to set up a low spade? We can’t North’s 1♠ opening. West gets off to a tricks in the process. Our plan should know for sure, but we can plan based good start with the ♦Q opening lead, work when we get the most likely 4–2 on the expected 4–2 split of the miss- and the defenders quickly win three spade split and also when we get a ing spades. With that split, we’ll need diamonds and then switch to a club. lucky 3–3 spade split. to lead spades five times – four times We win, but still have a club loser that With no information from the auc- (the larger number in the needed 4–2 must be eliminated to make 4♥. How? tion or play, the Odd–Even Rule can split) to deplete both opponents of help us predict how the opponents’ spades, plus one more time to cash our Dlr: North ♠ 10 8 7 6 2 cards in a suit are likely to split. An odd hard-earned winner. All this must be Vul: None ♥ A Q 9 number of outstanding cards is likely done without losing any more tricks! ♦ K 5 3 to split as evenly as possible, so we South’s ♠A K can be cashed without ♣ A 2 expect five missing cards to split 3–2, using any dummy entries. ♠ J 4 ♠ Q 9 5 3 and three missing cards to split 2–1. An Once both East and West follow to ♥ 4 2 ♥ 5 3 even number of missing cards is most the second spade lead, we know spades ♦ Q J 10 9 ♦ A 8 7 likely to split one off from exactly even. are splitting no worse than 4–2. You ♣ 9 8 7 5 4 ♣ K Q 10 6 Thus, 3–1 is the most likely split of four did notice that, didn’t you? When mak- ♠ A K missing cards and 4–2 is the expected ing a long suit good, you have to count ♥ K J 10 8 7 6 split of six missing cards. However an that suit as well as the trump suit. ♦ 6 4 2 exception occurs with only two cards North’s entries must be used for the re- ♣ J 3 missing. The odds slightly favor a 1–1 maining spade leads. Overtake the ♥6 split. The Odd–Even Rule isn’t guaran- with the ♥9. When both opponents In a suit contract, declarer has three teed because it’s not really a rule. It’s follow, we know we haven’t gotten a ways to eliminate a loser: trump it, just a quick and easy way to determine bad 4–0 trump split, so our plan will dump it or take a finesse. the most likely split of the defenders’ work. Now ruff a spade high. At this No finesse is available here. There’s cards in a suit based on mathematical point, we know that East has one spade no useful shortness in dummy, nor probabilities. left, so overtake the ♥7 with the ♥Q to does dummy have an obvious winner When setting up one or more dis- get back to dummy for a second spade that can serve as a place to discard a cards on winners in dummy, we must ruff. Both opponents follow again, so loser. Dummy does have one asset, have sufficient entries to set up our trumps are drawn. Ruff another spade. though – a long side suit. We can try to tricks and cash them once they are The ♥A provides the entry needed to make one of dummy’s spades good so good. By the time East–West let us cash the fifth spade and discard that we can discard South’s remaining club have the lead, what entries are left in annoying club loser. on it. our North dummy? With all the high A long, strong suit in dummy is an Provided neither opponent has more minor-suit cards gone from dummy, obvious clue to declarer to consider than four spades, we can ruff dummy’s we have three trump entries provided discarding losers on that suit. A long spades good – one of the rare times we play our cards right, overtaking suit that isn’t so strong isn’t as obvious, when declarer makes an effort to ruff whatever heart we lead from our hand but it still offers a chance to eliminate in the long trump hand. We have just each time. a loser. The power of the trump suit

46 Bridge Bulletin August 2018 Newer Players

Ask Jerry BY JERRY HELMS [email protected] jerryhelms.com

Dear Jerry, Hi Jack, long club suit and a weak hand, passes. My partner and I are relatively Before we decide what to bid, let’s With a long diamond suit and a weak newer players, using strong decide why to bid. In 1NT, depend- hand, he converts to 3♦. Neither of notrumps (15–17), and Jacoby trans- ing on opener’s diamond holding, these two decisions solicits input from fers. He opened 1NT, and I held: your hand might produce zero tricks. opener. The hand you cite would be ♠7 4 2 ♥4 ♦J 8 7 6 4 2 ♣8 6 5. However, even if opener holds a low a classic 2♠ response, intending to doubleton diamond, as long as the five convert the forced 3♣ to 3♦. If your I only had one point, so I passed. missing diamonds divide 3–2, as is minor-suit holdings were reversed, you Despite a full 17-count, partner went probable, your hand can expect to take could simply pass the 3♣ bid. down two, vulnerable. Should I have three tricks in a diamond contract. So On each of the following, I recom- bid, and if so, what should I bid? the answer to your first question is yes. mend using 2♠ to reach a minor-suit Jack With a six-card or longer minor suit contract: and a weak hand, responder should get ♠9 8 4 3 ♥7 ♦Q 9 8 7 5 3 2 ♣3 us to a minor suit contract at the low- ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ est possible level as quickly as possible. 4 K 8 3 8 7 5 Q 10 7 6 5 3 From this point, partnership agree- ♠A 5 2 ♥6 4 ♦6 ♣ J 7 6 5 4 3 2 ment becomes the key issue. ♣ Play and Learn continued After the forced 3 , you would pass Your decisions to play Stayman and or correct. By the way, do not ever lets you do that without losing all the Jacoby transfers eliminates the pos- transfer to a minor suit using these tricks you would if you tried to set up sibility of playing either 2♣ or 2♦ as a methods with less than a six-card suit. the same suit in notrump. final contract after 1NT, but somehow The potential 5–2 fit at the three level Ruffing to set up dummy’s long suit the three level should be achievable. As with a weak hand is unlikely to be your often requires declarer to ruff in the always, partnership agreement is the best spot. hand with the longer trumps, some- key to issues like this. Holding either of the following: thing you are generally discouraged In the mid-1950s, Alvin Roth and ♠7 2 ♥8 3 ♦A K Q 8 4 3 ♣7 4 3 from doing, but there are exceptions. Tobias Stone were arguably the best Ruffing to make a long suit in dummy bridge partnership in the world. In ♠A 5 4 ♥9 5 ♦6 2 ♣K Q 8 6 5 2, good, as we just did, is one exception. Roth’s 1958 book, “Bridge is a Part- don’t even think about introducing Ruffing to avoid losing a trick in a nership Game,” one stated purpose of your minor suit. Bid 3NT and first suit led by the opponents is another. their system was “to have no idle bids.” show partner your long suit when you We might also have to ruff in the long In your current system, if responder table it as dummy. trump hand for necessary transporta- holds five or more spades, and intends There are better methods – actu- tion. Spending your long trumps on to “show them,” he would always start ally, much better – but as always, these ruffs avoids losing a trick you would with a 2♥ transfer to the spade suit. options require more memory work. otherwise lose, but it does not provide This makes an immediate 2♠ re- Some of the possible conventional the extra winners that ruffing in the sponse an “idle bid.” agreements include, four-suit trans- shorter trump hand does, so be sure For simplicity’s sake, I recommend fers, 2♠ for size, and Walsh relays. you do it only when you have a very using 2♠ as a relay to force opener to When you’re ready to augment your good reason. ◾ bid 3♣, irrespective of his minor-suit system, consider one of these. ◾ holding or values. Responder, with a

August 2018 Bridge Bulletin 47 Newer Players

Startup Bridge BY LYNN BERG [email protected] Planning the play: When do I draw trump

When you read an outline of how to diamond loser if you’ve drawn all the clubs first, you can discard your two play a hand in a trump contract, it will trump. spade losers before you draw trump. say “Count your losers and look for Win the ♦K and play the two high One reason some players wrongly ways to eliminate losers.” But what are hearts. If the queen doesn’t drop, avoid drawing trump is that they have the ways? How does having a trump now play a second and third round of losers – and no one really likes losing suit complicate the decision process? diamonds: Play the ♦A, and now ruff a tricks. What if you’ve opened 1♠ with Even if the dummy has a singleton low diamond in your hand. If it’s over- ♠Q J 10 7 2, and partner has put you in the suit led, don’t call the play until ruffed, the opponent will be using the in game with his ♠6 5 4 3? Clearly, you’ve made your plan. queen, which you were going to lose you have two spade losers if there’s no You should always evaluate your anyway. You’ll end up making 11 tricks, defensive error, but that’s no reason to hand in relation to dummy’s hand. De- losing only a spade and the ♥Q. delay drawing trump. Always ask your- cide which is the master hand whose Notice that there’s nothing in the self the question, “Is there anything losers you’re going to count. It won’t plan about ruffing clubs. You have no I need to do before I draw trump?” If always be declarer’s hand. What if you club losers in dummy’s hand. If you’ve there’s no bridge reason based on your have opened 1NT and are now playing chosen a master hand and made a plan, count of losers and plan to rid yourself 4♥ with this dummy: you won’t worry about the clubs. Ruff- of losers, then you should bite the bul- ♠2 ♥K J 9 7 4 2 ♦A Q 8 4 3 ♣9 ing a club gets you no extra tricks, but let and do it. A hideous consequence ruffing a diamond is very helpful. of failing to draw trump can be that Your hand: An old friend of mine said your they not only cash the ♠A K, to which ♠Q 9 8 ♥A 10 6 ♦K 2 ♣A Q J 10 7 hand is like a car needing parts – and they’re entitled, but also get to use the Clearly dummy’s shapely hand has partner’s hand is the junkyard. As you ♠9 8 separately by ruffing your win- fewer losers and should be the master count the losers, look to the opposite ners in another suit. Ugh. hand. hand for ways to eliminate losers – There are also hands where you don’t You might eliminate losers by especially if you have too many to make want to pull trump at all, but rather to discarding on a long suit, by taking a your contract. Overtricks are always use your trumps separately. Consider a finesse, or by ruffing. nice, but your first responsibility is to very distributional hand in 4♠: The opening lead is the ♠A. Seeing make your bid. ♠Q 8 5 3 ♥A 9 6 4 3 ♦7 ♣A K 6 the dummy, he shifts to the ♦10. How Sometimes there’s something you ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ do you play the hand? have to do before drawing trump. You A 10 9 4 2 A K J 4 2 Q 7 4 Dummy has only one spade loser, are missing the trump ace, and if you If you play on trump, especially if three diamond losers (one covered lead trump they can get in and cash they break 4–1, you’ll have a tough time by the ♦K), and no club loser since other winners. with this hand. After a heart lead, cash you have the ♣A. You might have a ♠8 4 3 ♥J 10 5 4 ♦Q 6 5 ♣A K Q your minor-suit winners and then start heart loser. If hearts break 2–2, you’ll a crossruff, ruffing diamonds on the still have a heart in your hand to ruff ♠A 9 7 ♥K Q 8 6 2 ♦A 9 3 2 ♣7 board and hearts in your hand. If you a losing diamond. But if hearts are Playing 4♥, you win the opening can sneak in a few low ruffs, you’ll then 3–1 – which is more likely than 2–2 lead of the ♠K. If you now lead hearts, be ruffing high, so only the ♠K or ♠J – you won’t be able to ruff that likely they can win the ace and cash two is high enough to overruff. ◾ more spade winners. But if you play

48 Bridge Bulletin August 2018 Newer Players

Bidding Basics BY LARRY COHEN larryco.com Responding by a passed hand

This is the final article in the series Each responding bid below, there- Jumps in a new suit on responding. This month, we look at fore, means what it would mean by an Some players erroneously think they a special responding situation, namely, UPH (unpassed hand), but the range is can jump as a passed hand to show a the one where the responder has different. maximum non-opener. They want to already passed. For example, say the jump from 1♣ to 2♥ with: auction has been something like: West North East South ♠A 2 ♥A J 9 8 7 ♦Q 3 2 ♣6 5 4 Pass Pass 1♦ Pass West North East South 1♥ to say, “Partner, I am at the top of my Pass Pass 1♥ Pass range.” No. This is not what a jump shows at least four hearts and 6 to 12 shows. For now, I recommend you ? HCP. or don’t jump in a new suit as a passed hand. (Down the road, you might wish West North East South West North East South to discuss with your partner what it Pass Pass 1♣ Pass would mean – possibly “fit-showing” Pass Pass Pass 1♠ 1♠ Pass ? promising at least five cards in the shows at least four spades and 6 to 12 jump suit and at least four in opener’s Don’t get worried – there is nothing HCP. suit.) earth-shattering here, but let’s state some of the obvious things. The person West North East South Raises responding already failed to open the Pass Pass 1♠ Pass Raises mean what they would have bidding. We call this a PH for “passed 2♦ meant by an UPH. Raising partner’s hand.” So in these cases, responder will shows at least five diamonds and 10 to one-level suit opening to the two level be limited to at most 12 HCP (and most 12 HCP. With only 9 points, the re- shows 6–10 HCP. Raising to the three hands with 12 HCP would have opened sponse would be 1NT. level is invitational (11–12 HCP), but … the bidding), so usually 11 HCP. Note that 2/1 game forcing is not Accordingly, no responses (unless used by a passed hand. This is logical, Drury artificial – see below) are forcing. because the responder has already This series is meant to KISS (keep it Opener can (and often will) pass the passed and can’t have enough for a simple, stupid), but I will mention that ♣ ♥ response. game force. Drury (an artificial 2 response to 1 ♠ Because responder wouldn’t bid at A response of 1NT by a passed hand or 1 ) is a popular convention used all with 0–5 HCP, the range for all one- shows 6–10 HCP. A response of 2NT by a passed hand. If I went into more of-a-suit responses by a passed hand would be unlikely, but to keep things detail, I’d be doing a disservice. It is is 6 to a bad 12. A two-level response simple, just assume it shows 11–12 the world’s most forgotten convention, would be 10 to a bad 12. balanced (with no four-card major especially by newer players. Unless you that could have been shown on the one want to have lots of accidents, I suggest level). doing without this for now. If you are adventurous, you can do a web search from a reliable source and have some fun. See next page for quiz and answers

August 2018 Bridge Bulletin 49 BIDDING BASICS QUIZ Ivar Stakgold 1925–2018 On each hand below, what is your Five-time NABC champion Ivar Stakgold died on May 29 in response after Pass–Pass–1♠–Pass; ? La Jolla CA of heart failure at age 92. Stakgold and partner Leonard Harmon helped develop the 1. ♠K J 2 ♥2 ♦Q 7 6 5 4 3 ♣J 4 3 Kaplan–Sheinwold system which was adopted by many play- 2. ♠Q 2 ♥K Q J 9 5 ♦Q 10 7 6 ♣3 2 ers. In 1958, he won the Vanderbilt KO Teams, the Silodor Open 3. ♠6 ♥A 10 8 7 ♦K J 7 6 ♣J 10 7 6 Pairs and the Reisinger BAM Teams. In 1962, he added the Spin- gold KO Teams to his collection, and in 1969, Stakgold won the 4. ♠K Q 2 ♥3 ♦J 10 8 7 6 ♣A 6 5 4 Freeman Mixed BAM Teams playing with wife Alice Calvert Cox. On each hand below, what is your Alice Stakgold died in 1994. response after Pass–Pass–Pass–1♦; In world-level play, Stakgold won a silver medal at the 1959 Bermuda Bowl repre- Pass–? senting the United States. He also represented the U.S. in the 1960 Olympiad. In addition to being a bridge champion, Stakgold was a distinguished mathemati- 5. ♠K Q 3 ♥K J 10 ♦7 6 5 ♣Q 10 9 8 cian, author and educator. Born in Oslo, Norway, Stakgold moved to Brussels, Belgium, 6. ♠K J 7 6 5 ♥A Q 2 ♦2 ♣10 6 5 3 with his Russian-Jewish parents, Rose and Henri Stakgold, when he was 4. The family 7. ♠5 4 ♥K 2 ♦K J 10 8 7 ♣Q 10 8 7 left Belgium in early 1940 on the eve of the German invasion and escaped via France and Spain to the Dominican Republic. While awaiting his United States immigration 8. ♠J 10 8 7 ♥2 ♦A Q 7 6 5 ♣K 10 6 visas, he took bridge lessons. After entry to the United States, Stakgold attended the Horace Mann School and Cornell University. He received his doctorate in applied ANSWERS mathematics from Harvard University in 1949. Stakgold taught at Harvard until 1956, when he joined the Office of Naval Research in Washington DC, where he served as 1. 2♠: 6–10 HCP and support. head of the mathematics and logistical branches. Later posts included a joint appoint- 2. 2♥: 10–12 HCP, at least a decent ment in Engineering Science and Mathematics at Northwestern University and chair five-card suit, not forcing. of the Mathematics Department at the University of Delaware. 3. 1NT: 6–10 HCP, not necessarily bal- Stakgold held visiting professorships around the world. He was president of SIAM, anced. the Society of Industrial and Applied Mathematics; chair of the Conference Board of 4. 3♠: invitational (but 2♣ if using Mathematical Sciences; and director of the Washington office of the American Math- Drury). ematical Society. His two-volume “Boundary Value Problems of Mathematical Physics” and “Green’s 5. 2NT: 11–12 HCP, natural, invita- Functions” are influential texts in their field. tional. In recent years, Stakgold was adjunct professor in the Department of Applied Math- 6. 1♠: 6–12 HCP. Don’t jump to show ematics at the University of California at San Diego where he worked with his col- a maximum passed hand. league Michael J. Holstas, on a third edition of “Green’s Functions,” which was pub- 7. 3♦: limit raise. lished in 2011. 8. 1♠: 6–12 HCP, four or more spades. Stakgold is survived by his daughter Alissa Stakgold of Los Angeles, two step-chil- dren, William Cox and Gail Cox Gagarin; his fiancee Lainie Lesser-Mark; his nieces Renee Packer of La Jolla and Irene Kraas of Santa Fe, and his nephew, David Wolfe of Club and Cruise Raanana, Israel. Director Courses Thanks to the San Diego Union Tribune. The Club & Cruise Directors Course prepares candidates for directing club and bridge cruise games. Includes the Charity Foundation Election Notice ACBL Club Director test. ACBL members interested in running for the Board of Trustees of the ACBL Charity Foundation have until Oct. 15 Honolulu HI (NABC) to submit a written declaration of candidacy. Nov. 19–21 The ACBL Board of Directors will elect one of the Joyce Stone 662–253–3100 Foundation’s five-member board for a four-year term [email protected] beginning Jan. 1, 2019, at the fall board meeting in Honolulu. Trustees do not receive expense reimbursement. Club Director Candidates should send name, address, player number and Refresher Course biographical information to ACBL Charity Foundation, P.O. Box 289, Horn Lake MS Honolulu HI • Nov. 27–28 38637-0289 or by email (with “Statement of Candidacy” in the subject line) to See contact info above [email protected].

50 Bridge Bulletin August 2018 Intermediate Players

Mike’s Bridge Lesson BY MIKE LAWRENCE michaelslawrence.com Choosing the best line

Dlr: East ♠ — defense then took three diamond tricks club ruff in your hand holds up, you are Vul: Both ♥ J 9 8 for down one. cold. ♦ J 7 3 2 There are many possible lines. South All those other tempting (or pseudo- ♣ A 8 7 5 4 2 might set up the club suit, but that runs tempting) lines have big worries. into problems if clubs divide 4–2 and I could spend another three pages ♠ A Q 9 5 other problems can arise when hearts discussing the bad things that might ♥ A K Q 4 2 divide 4–1. happen. Better to discuss this one line ♦ 10 5 4 Here’s the full layout: where almost nothing bad can happen. ♣ 10 ♠ — Postmortem West North East South ♥ J 9 8 East’s 2♠ isn’t classic, but it does 2 ♠ 3♥ ♦ J 7 3 2 one big thing that is usually over- Pass 4♥ All Pass ♣ A 8 7 5 4 2 looked. It allows opener to show the ♠ J 10 8 ♠ K 7 6 4 3 2 general nature of his hand. Consider West led the ♠J, East following with ♥ 10 7 5 3 ♥ 6 this: Assuming you pass with the East the ♠2. South spotted a line that was ♦ K Q 8 ♦ A 9 6 hand, you will often feel like bidding close to 100%. Can you find it? ♣ Q J 3 ♣ K 9 6 later. Say you pass and the bidding goes Here are a couple of lines that were ♠ A Q 9 5 1♥–Pass–2♥ to you. You would surely tried by others who declared 4♥. ♥ A K Q 4 2 bid 2♠. The problem with this is that One South decided to ruff a diamond ♦ 10 5 4 your partner won’t know you have in dummy. He won the first two spade ♣ 10 six spades. He will expect you to have tricks, discarding diamonds from something like this: dummy. He gave up a diamond, and This is a simple deal if you spot the ♠A Q 9 7 5 ♥4 ♦K J 4 2 ♣5 4 2. the defenders won and played a trump. winning line. Win the ♠Q at trick one, Declarer led another diamond, which play the ♠A and ruff a spade. Surely You wouldn’t open this hand, but you the defenders won. They continued all of these tricks are safe from any might well come in later with a spade leading trump. South got his diamond bad news. Next play the ♣A and ruff a bid. The trouble is that much of the ruff, but he still had two spade losers. club. Assuming clubs divide 4–2, you value of your hand lies in the fact that Another declarer won the first trick are home. Ruff your last spade. East you have a six-card suit. Partner won’t with the ♠Q and ruffed a spade. He has long spades, so you are 100% safe know that and won’t compete with played the ♣A and ruffed a club. He in doing this. Then cash the ♥J, giving some hands where bidding would be ruffed his last low spade in dummy, you the first seven tricks. You still have fine. ♠ cashed the ♥J and ruffed another club the A–K–Q of trumps, which gives you Also, as always, by opening 2 , you to his hand. Fortunately, West couldn’t 10 tricks. put instant pressure on the opponents. overruff, but when South drew trumps The key is to cash the ace of spades Passing and bidding spades later puts with the ♥A K Q, he discovered that before ruffing spades in dummy. It’s no pressure on the opponents. ◾ West had four of them. South tried to safe to ruff spades in dummy since cash his ♠A, but West ruffed it. The East can’t overruff and as long as one

August 2018 Bridge Bulletin 51 Intermediate Players

The Real Deal BY LARRY COHEN larryco.com Double dummy

Several years ago, South held these you cope with your third-round club solution. Can you find it? cards in a European tournament: loser? Cash the top clubs ending in dummy; ♠J 6 2 ♥10 9 8 7 5 ♦6 5 ♣A J 3. Are you counting? This is a double- if the queen falls, claim the contract. dummy problem. Based on the auction East is left with only spades. Lead the In a team game, vulnerable against and play, you can be sure that West ♠3, which East must duck. Win your not, he was in fourth seat. Left-hand started with no spades, two hearts and ♠J and lead another spade to the king. opponent opened 1♦ and partner six diamonds. That means he has five If East wins, he is endplayed. If he doubled. RHO jumped to 2♠ weak. clubs. The remaining position (other ducks, play your losing club and West South didn’t have enough to bid, but than the ♣Q) has to be: has to give you a ruff-sluff (you throw when West bid 3♦ and South’s partner your last spade from your hand). doubled a second time, South jumped ♠ K Q 9 3 Once you stopped to count and were to the vulnerable heart game. ♥ Q playing double dummy, 10 tricks were Everyone passed and West led the ♦ — there. This was the Real Deal: ♦A: ♣ K 6 2 ♠ — ♠ A 10 8 7 5 4 Dlr: West ♠ K Q 9 3 ♠ K Q 9 3 ♥ — ♥ — Vul: N–S ♥ A K Q ♥ A K Q ♦ 8 4 3 ♦ — ♦ Q 7 2 ♦ Q 7 2 ♣ ? 10 9 8 7 ♣ ? 4 ♣ K 6 2 ♣ K 6 2 ♠ J 6 2 ♠ — ♠ A 10 8 7 5 4 ♥ 10 9 ♥ J 4 ♥ 6 3 2 ♠ J 6 2 ♦ — ♦ A K 9 8 4 3 ♦ J 10 ♥ 10 9 8 7 5 ♣ A J 3 ♣ Q 10 9 8 7 ♣ 5 4 ♦ 6 5 ♠ J 6 2 ♣ A J 3 If the ♣Q is with the doubleton (not ♥ 10 9 8 7 5 very likely), this will be easy. What if ♦ 6 5 Off the top, there are two diamonds the opening bidder has it? There is a and a spade to lose. Not losing a trump ♣ A J 3 ◾ trick and doing something with the potential third-round club loser are among the many hurdles. West cashed two high diamonds, 2019 Honorary Member of the Year Selection Process East playing high low, and led the ♦9 The ACBL Honorary Member Committee is charged with the annual selection of a member (suit preference for spades). Good (or pair of members) who is widely known throughout the membership and who has given news – East can’t produce the ♥J. If he freely of time and ability, without thought of reward and in the interest of the League as a whole. did, you’d be down two: he’d play ♠A The committee invites members in good standing to nominate one person or pair for the and a spade for his partner to ruff. East committee’s consideration. The nominee(s) may come from any district as long as they are not tries the ♥6, which you overruff. Next, currently serving on the ACBL Board of Directors. To propose an Honorary Member of the Year candidate, email Kelley Trejo at kelley.trejo@ you play two rounds of trump, every- acbl.org by Aug. 31, 2018. Nominations should include a short explanation (up to 500 words) as one following. to why you believe the candidate should be selected. Please include your contact information. One hurdle down, one to go. How will Visit acbl.org/honorarymembers for a list of previous ACBL Honorary Members of the Year,

52 Bridge Bulletin August 2018 Intermediate Players

Chalk Talk BY EDDIE KANTAR kantarbridge.com One hand, fi ve bidding sequences

What bids would you make with the Logical answers: following West hand? ‚ 1♦. You are strong enough to bid West hands for the ♠9 ♥A K 5 3 ♦K Q J 7 2 ♣9 3 2 both suits, so start with your lon- August Bidding Box ‚ West North East South ger. Bid these hands with a partner. 1 ♣ Pass ƒ 2♦. You are not strong enough to The East hands are on pg. 55. The ? reverse with 2♥, which normally North–South players are silent unless shows 17-plus high-card points otherwise noted. Scores on pgs. 37–39. ƒ West North East South with this distribution, a little less 1♦ Pass 1♠ Pass with 4–6 distribution. Problem 1. North deals. None vul. ? North opens 1♠. If East passes, „ 2♠ or 4♥. Two possible answers South bids 1NT (forcing). North bids here. If you bid 2♠, a cuebid „ West North East South 2♥, South bids 2♠. 1 ♠ Dbl Pass showing 12-plus HCP, you might ♦ ♠6 3 ♥K 5 4 ♦A 9 5 ♣A 8 4 3 2 ? wind up in 5 if partner has three hearts and longer diamonds. ♥ Problem 2. East deals. N–S vul. West North East South Jumping directly to 4 is also rea- ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ 1 ♦ Pass sonable, as partner figures to have K 10 J 10 5 3 K Q J 7 A 9 8 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass four hearts most of the time. Take South deals. E–W vul. ? full credit for either answer. Problem 3. South opens 1♠. 2♣. A jump to 3♦ in this sequence † West North East South is invitational, not forcing. To cre- ♠Q 6 ♥K J 10 5 4 ♦A J 8 ♣K 4 3 1 ♣ ate a force in diamonds, precede 1♦ 3♣(1) Dbl Pass your diamond bid with a fourth- Problem 4. West deals. Both vul. ? suit forcing bid of 2♣. ♠A 7 6 3 ♥A Q 8 6 4 ♦Q 3 ♣A 9 (1) Preemptive. † 4♥. Partner’s double shows hearts and spades, and their bidding sug- Problem 5. North deals. N–S vul. gests partner has a singleton club. ♠K Q 10 ♥J 7 ♦A K 9 5 4 3 ♣7 4 3♥ is also in the ballpark. Take full credit for either answer. Problem 6. East deals. E–W vul. South overcalls hearts. North bids 3♥ if possible. ♠A 10 6 3 ♥8 6 3 ♦A 10 ♣K 10 8 4 Rating Scale Problem 7. South deals. Both vul. 4 or 5 correct I like your style. ♠A K Q 10 9 4 ♥A 9 ♦K J 2 ♣K 6 3 correct Need some help. Less Need lots of help. Problem 8. West deals. None vul. ♠Q J 9 ♥5 ♦10 8 7 6 2 ♣A 9 7 3

August 2018 Bridge Bulletin 53 Intermediate Players

Boehm on Bridge BY AUGUST BOEHM H is for holdup

Years ago, I taught bridge for a day in It is often correct to hold up with a to shift to hearts, your weakest suit. Ossining NY at the notorious federal sure double stopper, such as A–K–x, Holding up here amounts to playing penitentiary, Sing Sing. An organiza- when you must lose the lead twice. with fire. tion sponsored an outreach program The defenders may also make good ♠ to help socialize prisoners scheduled J 10 3 use of the holdup technique. For ex- ♥ soon for release. I wondered how to A K 6 5 ample, you are East defending 3NT. ♦ ingratiate myself if faced with a trucu- 8 3 2 ♣ lent or hostile audience. I proposed the A 7 3 North (Dummy) ♠ topic of stealing tricks through decep- 6 5 4 ♠ ♥ tion; the sponsor was not amused. Per- A K 5 A 7 2 ♥ ♦ haps perversely, I decided on holdup 7 3 K J 10 9 6 ♦ ♣ plays. Q J 10 9 5 9 3 ♣ The basic purpose of the holdup K 6 4 East (You) ♠ play is to disrupt the opponents’ com- J 10 8 2 In 3NT versus the lead of the ♣Q, ♥ munications. Focusing on notrump, 5 4 hold up the first round. You need to ♦ with only one sure stopper, hold back A Q 2 develop the diamonds, and the gain ♣ J 10 8 5 your winner as long as possible. For comes when the clubs divide danger- instance, opening leader starts a suit ously, 5–2, and the high diamonds are South opened the bidding 1♣ and where dummy holds x–x, you hold split, e.g., West holds ♣Q J 10 9 5 and jumped to 2NT after North’s 1♦ re- K–x–x, RHO wins the ace and returns ♦K 6 4, giving East ♣8 2 and ♦A 7. If sponse. West leads the ♥J, denying a the suit. Hold up and win your king on you win the first club, East can win the higher honor. Declarer wins in hand to the third round. If RHO had played the first round of diamonds and return a advance the ♦5, partner follows with jack at trick one, you should win the club – West will establish his long suit, the 3, and dummy inserts the 9 – plan king because it’s now or never, assum- retaining the ♦K entry, to set you one your defense. ing the ace is on your left. trick. If you hold up at trick one and You should hold up, preferably in Dummy holds x–x, you A–J–10, LHO win the expected club continuation, tempo. Declarer probably doesn’t have leads low, and RHO plays an honor at the defenders’ transportation is ruined. enough strength to make his contract trick one. Don’t hold up because it will If West wins the ♦K, he can establish without the diamond suit. In all likeli- cost you a trick. Win trick one, leav- his clubs but lacks a re-entry, and if hood, he will return to his hand and ing you with a second stopper, J–10 East wins the ♦A, he has no more repeat the diamond finesse. Now, you against their high honor. Suppose clubs to play. The shift in timing gives pounce. When declarer started with dummy holds J–x, you A–10–x, and the declarer his contract. a doubleton diamond, your holdup lead is a low card. Don’t squander your An essential provision of the holdup play has severed his communication. honor cards – duck in the dummy at technique is that the defense leads de- Dummy has the ♥A entry to drive out trick one and win the ace if RHO plays clarer’s most vulnerable suit. Let’s say your ♦A but no way to return and use a royal. The combination of dummy’s that declarer’s spades are 9–8–2 facing the diamond winners. If you win the singleton jack plus your 10–x guaran- A–K–5, and the hearts are 10–7 oppo- first diamond, dummy will be worth tees a second stopper. site A–6–3. If the lead is a spade, don’t three diamond tricks. When you hold hold up, because you allow the defense up, dummy wins one. Try it. ◾

54 Bridge Bulletin August 2018 Intermediate Players

Misplay These Hands with Me BY MARK HORTON [email protected] The elimination game

Playing in a major invitational team the ♥Q, East winning and returning a tournament with a partner of the high- diamond. I win with dummy’s ace and East hands for the est class, I pick up: play a heart to the jack. When every- one follows, I play a spade to the king August Bidding Box ♠ A J 7 4 followed by a spade to the jack. When Bid these hands with a partner. ♥ Q J 5 4 3 West produces the queen, I am down The West hands are on pg. 53. The ♦ K 5 one. North–South players are silent unless ♣ J 6 The full deal: otherwise noted. Scores on pgs. 37–39.

With both sides vulnerable, the ♠ K 9 6 Problem 1. North deals. None vul. player on my right passes, and I open ♥ A 8 7 2 North opens 1♠. If East passes, 1♥. My partner raises to 4♥, which we ♦ A 9 South bids 1NT (forcing). North bids play as a high-card raise with four-card ♣ 9 5 4 2 2♥, South bids 2♠. support. That leaves us with this short ♠ Q 8 ♠ 10 5 3 2 ♠A 10 4 ♥9 8 3 ♦K 4 2 ♣K Q J 7 auction: ♥ 10 9 ♥ K 6 ♦ Q 10 8 7 2 ♦ J 6 4 3 Problem 2. East deals. N–S vul. West North East South ♣ A K 10 8 ♣ Q 7 3 ♠A 9 8 5 4 3 ♥K Q 7 ♦A 4 ♣5 2 Pass 1♥ ♠ A J 7 4 Pass 4♥ All Pass ♥ Q J 5 4 3 Problem 3. South deals. E–W vul. ♦ K 5 South opens 1♠. West leads the ♣A and I get a fair ♣ J 6 ♠J 9 3 ♥8 7 ♦K 10 ♣A Q 10 9 8 2 dummy: Postmortem Problem 4. West deals. Both vul. ♠ K 9 6 Having ruffed the third club, declarer ♥ A 8 7 2 can improve his chances by cashing the ♠K 4 2 ♥K 3 ♦K J ♣Q J 10 7 4 3 ♦ A 9 ♥A, after which he takes two rounds of ♣ 9 5 4 2 diamonds, ending in dummy, and ruffs Problem 5. North deals. N–S vul. the fourth club. He then exits with a ♠A J 8 6 5 ♥A 10 ♦Q 10 7 ♣K J 9 ♠ A J 7 4 heart. East wins but must then play a ♥ Q J 5 4 3 spade, which ensures that declarer will Problem 6. East deals. E–W vul. ♦ K 5 only lose a trick in the suit if West has South overcalls hearts. North bids ♣ J 6 both the queen and the 10. That was 3♥ if possible. the line followed at the other table, so ♠5 ♥J ♦K J 9 3 2 ♣A Q J 9 5 3 It looks as if I will need to find one we lost a game swing. ◾ of two finesses working. When East Problem 7. South deals. Both vul. encourages with the ♣7, West contin- ♠8 5 ♥J 10 3 2 ♦A Q 7 6 ♣A 9 3 ues with the king, followed by the 8, East playing the queen as I ruff. I run Problem 8. West deals. None vul. ♠A K 10 4 ♥A K 8 7 ♦3 ♣K 8 6 4

August 2018 Bridge Bulletin 55 Intermediate Players OUT OF HAND BY BILL BUTTLE Challenge of the ŒMonth

Dlr: West ♠ A Q J 3 Vul: Both ♥ — ♦ A 8 2 ♣ A K Q 9 5 3

♠ K 9 6 4 ♥ 9 8 ♦ 10 7 3 ♣ 8 7 4 2

West North East South 4♥ Dbl Pass 4♠ Pass 6♠ All Pass

You are South. West leads the ♥K against 6♠. Plan the play.

“Y’know, I’ve heard insanity defined as repeating the same Career Opportunity Executive Managing Director procedure again and again, expecting better results!£”

Challenge Answer

Duncan Bridge Center in At first glance, this looks easy. Just If you ruff the opening lead with the ♠ Palm Desert, CA is seeking an ruff the heart lead, draw four rounds of 3, you won’t be able to draw all the trump, then cash six clubs and the ♦A. enemy trumps if the spades divide 4–1, anchor-director to manage its Twelve tricks. But say the layout is this: because the only entry to your hand is 10,000 table/year club and sta§. the ♠K, and you can’t afford to over- This is an exciting opportunity ♠ A Q J 3 take one of dummy’s honors. for a candidate who has superior ♥ — Is there any way to overcome the people-skills and an excellent ♦ A 8 2 not-unexpected 4–1 trump split? knowledge of “The Laws.” ♣ A K Q 9 5 3 Yes. Ruff the opening lead with the Completion of our new facility is ♠ 5 ♠ 10 8 7 2 trump ace. When you then cash the ♥ ♥ ♠ expected in Summer/Fall 2019. A K Q J 7 5 4 10 6 3 2 Q J, West unsurprisingly shows out ♦ Q J 5 ♦ K 9 6 4 on the second round of the suit, but Position is open immediately. ♣ 10 6 ♣ J because you have the ♠K 9, you can Salary commensurate with skills. ♠ K 9 6 4 simply take the finesse against East’s Email Beverly Hartin with ♥ 9 8 10. resume and salary requirements: ♦ 10 7 3 After extracting all of East’s trumps, [email protected] ♣ 8 7 4 2 you can safely run all your minor-suit winners and make your slam. ◾ duncanbridgecenter.com

56 Bridge Bulletin August 2018 Intermediate Players

Better Bridge with Bergen BY MARTY BERGEN martybergen.com Squeezes made easy – part 3

Here is the second squeeze example ered the most difficult area of bridge. Here is squeeze example three. I call from last month, playing 7NT: When you run diamonds, which it “very similar, but different.” You are 3. in 6NT, and the ♠J is led. ♠ K 7 4 discards must you note? ♥ K Q All discards in the black suits. Keep ♠ K 7 4 ♦ A K Q 10 a running total of the number of cards ♥ 9 8 ♣ K Q 7 4 that have been played. You do not have ♦ A K Q 10 to note which opponent discarded. ♣ K Q 7 4 ♠ A Q 6 2 After cashing four diamonds, win ♥ A 2 your ♥A. Your hands will now be left ♠ A Q 6 2 ♦ J 9 7 5 with their original seven black cards. ♥ A 2 ♣ A 6 5 ♠ K 7 4 ♦ J 9 7 5 You win the opening heart lead with ♥ — ♣ A 6 5 dummy’s queen. You have 12 sure win- ♦ — You have 11 sure winners: three ners: three spades, two hearts, four dia- ♣ K Q 7 4 spades, one heart, four diamonds and monds and three clubs. If either spades three clubs. If either spades or clubs or clubs split 3–3, you have 13 tricks. ♠ A Q 6 2 split 3–3, you have 12 tricks. Your play 1. If neither black suit divides 3–3, ♥ — at trick one is not critical. Suppose you and E–W defend perfectly, is it ♦ — win dummy’s ♠K. possible to make 7NT? If yes, ♣ A 6 5 Since this deal is less straightfor- what are you hoping for? Now cash three winners in one of ward, I will start you off with state- Yes. That the same opponent began your suits. Suppose you try spades: ments rather than questions. with at least four clubs and four spades. king, ace and queen. After that, if the 1. If neither black suit divides 3–3, and 2. How will you play? opponents’ original six spades have E–W defend perfectly, if you play Win the ♥Q, run your diamonds and been played, cash your last spade. Oth- correctly and one opponent started force your opponents to make discards. erwise, you will cash the ace, king and with at least four spades and four Discarding is often difficult. So as queen of clubs and hope that dummy’s clubs, you can make 6NT. long as running a suit will not compro- ♣7 will win the last trick. 2. Once again, you should begin by mise your entries, be eager to do so. If one opponent began with at least running diamonds. On this deal, if an opponent was dealt four cards in each black suit, after six 3. Once again, you must keep track of as little as ♠9 8 5 3, it is essential for tricks were played, his seven remaining discards in spades and clubs. him to hold onto all of his spades. How- cards obviously could not include four 4. The opening leader’s hand is: ever, the opponents can’t know that. If cards in each black suit. Therefore, at ♠J 10 9 8 ♥7 6 5 3 ♦2 ♣J 9 3 2. your hand had been: trick six, he will be squeezed: forced to On the run of diamonds, he will discard three hearts. Obviously, ♠A Q 6 ♥A 4 3 2 ♦J 9 7 5 ♣A 6, discard a black-suit stopper. If either suit split 3–3, you have a clas- East follows to all four diamonds. then they would not need to keep sic “bad news, good news” situation. After winning the ♠J opening spades, but an opponent who began Bad news: There was no squeeze. lead and cashing four diamonds, with four hearts must keep all of them! Good news: You bid and made 7NT. how will you play? ◾ It’s no wonder that defense is consid- August 2018 Bridge Bulletin 57 Advanced Players

Bidding Matters BY KAREN WALKER kwbridge.com Table feel – part 6

An asset for all bridge players is the adjusting it as the auction develops, If you do have a problem: When ability to make decisions smoothly, and begin forming a plan for your you stop to think, the other players’ at- without giving away hints that they opening lead and defensive strategy. tention naturally goes to you. Take care were considering other choices. There Don’t interrupt your opponents’ to control your facial expressions and will always be situations where you auction. Unless you need the informa- body language. Don’t put your hand need time to think – even robots slow tion to make an immediate decision, anywhere near the bidding box until down when they have extra informa- wait until the auction is over to inquire you’ve made a decision. tion to process – but the more of these about the meanings of opponents’ bids. What is not allowed: It’s legal and breaks you can avoid, the more unread- Even innocent questions may provide desirable to pretend you don’t have able you’ll be to your opponents. clues about your interest in specific a problem when you do – to make an One of the best ways to reduce features of their hands. in-tempo call when you actually had thinking time during the auction is to Some players believe they can avoid something to think about – but the op- anticipate problems and have solutions drawing attention to any one question posite is not ethical. You aren’t allowed ready before they occur. As discussed by asking about every single bid. This to mislead your opponents by hesitat- in the previous issue, if you can plan is not a good solution. The frequent ing when you don’t have a legitimate your possible rebids in advance, you interruptions waste time, annoy the reason to think. won’t have to stop to think – and con- other three players and may be seen You may encounter players who try tribute to your opponents’ “table feel” – as an attempt to break the opponents’ to mask their tempo problems with at your next turn. Here are some other concentration. a blanket disclaimer: “My partner strategies that will help you improve huddles at random times. I take no your tempo. What about skip bids? Although inference, and neither should you.” bidding boxes no longer have Stop Unless the player has a disability that Create a steady tempo. Get into cards to enforce a break, you are still the habit of pausing for 2–3 seconds causes him to bid slowly, this is not required to pause after your RHO an acceptable excuse. Bidding and before every call, even an “automatic” makes a skip bid. The rules state you pass. If you can maintain this consis- playing in tempo is a bridge skill, and should wait 10 seconds before mak- those who haven’t mastered it (which tent, deliberate pace when making easy ing your call, but that can seem like an decisions, you’ll have an extra – and includes virtually everyone) can’t eternity. Five seconds or so is usually demand that you ignore evidence that unnoticeable – second or two to think sufficient. when you have more difficult ones. they had a difficult decision. How you During that time, don’t gaze at the interpret an opponent’s hesitation is Use idle time to think. Try not to ceiling or act bored. Just look at your at your own risk, but you’re entitled to give any signs that you have a difficult hand, then make your call. Intense honest behavior. ◾ choice when on opening lead. If the study isn’t necessary or ethical if you opponents are doing all the bidding and aren’t considering a bid, but don’t make you have no critical decisions, use your it obvious that you didn’t need time to “passing” time to plan ahead. Create a think. mental picture of the bidders’ hands,

58 Bridge Bulletin August 2018 Advanced Players Test Your Play BY EDDIE KANTAR kantarbridge.com

Dlr: South ♠ 9 5 3 2 1. Vul: Both ♥ A K IMPs ♦ K 8 5 4 ♣ A Q 9

Yu Li and Dorian Shillingford ♠ A K Q ♥ Q J 10 3 2 Helen Shields Pro-Am winners ♦ 9 3 A Toronto pair won the Canada-wide Helen Shields Rookie–Master ♣ K J 10 Game, held April 17. Yu Li and Dorian Shillingford scored 72.92% playing at the Hart House Bridge Club. One member of each pair is required to West North East South have under 50 masterpoints. 1NT Club location Percent Pass 4NT Pass 6NT 1. Yu Li – Dorian Shillingford Toronto ON 72.92 All Pass 2. Michael Hogan – Peter Mullally Halifax NS 71.83 3. Patricia Briggs – Mary Lapeer Kingston ON 70.83 Opening lead: ♣8. Plan the play. 4. Nando Masini Pieralli – Sandy Yeomans Kamloops BC 70.14 5. Janet Galbraith – Graham Sadoway Calgary AB 70.09 6. Wayne Kershaw – Kim Duncan Niagara on the Lake ON 69.55 7. Garth Wiggins – George Ongyerth Calgary AB 68.87 8. John Finucan – Maureen Rush Kingston ON 68.41 Dlr: South ♠ 6 4 3 9. Jane Jennings – Kate Verweij Niagara on the Lake ON 67.27 2. Vul: None ♥ A K Q 10 4 10. Cindy Youell – Fiona Been West Kelowna BC 67.20 IMPs ♦ 7 5 ♣ K 4 3

♠ A K J 5 Your Gold Medal is Within Reach ♥ J 9 3 Realize your dreams of winning a world championship medal when the ♦ A K World Bridge Federation hosts the 2018 World Bridge Series Sept. 22–Oct. 6 ♣ A 10 8 2 in Orlando FL. The World Bridge Series offers a variety of championships, all of which are West North East South transnational – enabling players from anywhere in the world to come together 2NT as teammates or in partnership to compete. Pass 6NT All Pass The venue is the magnificent Marriott Orlando World, where the WBF has obtained special rates. Opening lead: ♦Q. Plan the play. The opening ceremony is on Friday, Sept. 21. The first events to be contested are the Open, Women’s and Senior Team Championships; the Rosenblum Open Teams start on Saturday, Sept. 22, and the McConnell Women’s Teams and the Rand Senior Teams start a day later. The team championships are followed by the Open, Women’s and Senior Pairs. In addition to these and other championship events, there will be a number of WBF events of one or two days’ duration (pairs or Swiss) available for those wishing to participate in shorter tournaments. Players in good standing with their national bridge organizations are eligible to compete in any of these events, provided they meet all the WBF eligibility requirements. Please go to worldbridge.org for more information. Solutions are on page 61.

August 2018 Bridge Bulletin 59 Advanced Players

Mike’s Advice BY MIKE LAWRENCE michaelslawrence.com An amazing hand

In a recent tournament on BBO, this it would need a lot to make a slam. If vulnerable opponent has bid up to 5♦ hand came up. Both tables were full of North had the ♠A and the ♥K, South all by himself. He is missing the excellent players. might make slam, but if North has a ♠A K Q. He is missing the ♥A K Q. He As South, you have this attractive weaker hand, playing in game might be is missing the ♦A K. He is missing the collection: best. Preempts are intended to give you ♣A K Q J. ♠K 4 ♥A Q 10 9 6 3 ♦A K 9 ♣A 6 problems and this 4♦ bid was espe- I suggest this is a record. cially well-timed to do that. At trick one, your partner plays the With both sides vulnerable, your So South got to 4♥ but East, the ♦10. That’s a big oops. This means that RHO opens 4♦, a natural preempt. preempter, was still there. He bid 4♠. your ♦A K 9 would have taken three (This occurred at both tables.) What is South doubled that. West bid 5♣, and tricks on defense. Your lead just cost the best action over 4♦? North passed. Is it Christmas yet? East you a diamond trick. bid 5♦, and South doubled, expecting Now what? Do you guess which ace Table One some large number. to lead? If you lead either of your other West North East South So which result to you like the most? two aces, declarer might ruff and later 4 ♦ Dbl Would you rather play in 5♥ go- discard a loser. It’s probably better to Pass 4♥ Pass ? ing down two or would you prefer to lead more diamonds and wait for your double 5♦? other trick, assuming you have one. Doubling was a dangerous action. If What do you lead? Can it make a dif- Here’s the entire deal: ♠ ♣ partner were to bid 4 or 5 , I can’t ference? South wanted to lead an ace, imagine being very happy. But South but didn’t know which one to lead. He ♠ 10 9 2 ♥ got lucky: His partner bid 4 . South knew East had a void somewhere and ♥ J 8 7 5 2 was enchanted with this and asked for leading the wrong ace might be bad. So ♦ 10 key cards. North had zero, so the final South compromised and led the ♦A. ♣ 9 5 4 2 ♥ contract was 5 , which went down He hoped that after seeing dummy he ♠ A Q 6 ♠ J 8 7 5 3 two. So South was lucky twice. First, would know what to do. Here is what ♥ K 4 ♥ — his partner bid hearts in response to he saw: ♦ 4 ♦ Q J 8 7 6 5 3 2 the double. Second, South’s Blackwood ♣ K Q J 10 8 7 3 ♣ — ♥ bid didn’t do a lot of harm because 4 Dummy ♠ K 4 wouldn’t make. Down 200 was bad, but ♠ A Q 6 ♥ A Q 10 9 6 3 only a little bad. ♥ K 4 ♦ A K 9 ♦ 4 ♣ A 6 Table Two ♣ K Q J 10 8 7 3 West North East South You No matter what South does after 4 ♦ 4♥ ♠ K 4 leading the ♦A, he will get only one Pass Pass 4♠ Dbl ♥ A Q 10 9 6 3 more trick. East guessed the rest of 5♣ Pass 5♦ Dbl ♦ A K 9 the play and made plus 750 for his All Pass ♣ A 6 troubles. Victor Mollo would have been proud At this table, South made the practi- Have you ever had a “What the of this. ◾ ♥ cal bid of 4 . As good as his hand was, @#*#%! is that?” moment? Your

60 Bridge Bulletin August 2018 Advanced Players Solutions to Test Your Play Problems are on page 59.

You have 11 top tricks outside West has the ♦A. However, if the long lowed to the king with an honor, lead a 1. with chances for a 12th in both spade is with West and the ♦A is also club to the 8 at trick three. If East has spades and diamonds. Spades with West, down you go. You may have followed to the first two clubs with require a 3–3 break (close to 36%) or a little explaining to do, but at least you the J–9 or Q–9, win the ace and drive the J–10 doubleton (don’t hold your played the hand to your best advantage. out the remaining honor for your 12th breath), and diamonds require the ace trick. If East plays a club honor at trick with West, a 50% chance. From that You have 11 top tricks plus three, duck the trick. If the ♣10 loses point of view, playing diamonds before 2. chances for 12 if the spade finesse to an honor, win the diamond return spades for your 12th trick is better. works, if spades are 3–3, or if you and cash the ♣A. If clubs are 3–3 you However, there is a better percent- can bring in the clubs for three tricks have your 12th trick. Clearly more age play. Win the ♣A, cash the ♥A K, before taking a spade finesse. As there chances for a 12th trick in clubs than cross to the ♣K and cash two hearts, is a better chance for three tricks in 3–3 spades. discarding diamonds, and then play clubs because of the club intermedi- But wait, another bonus coming! Say the ♠A K Q. If spades are 3–3, your ates, start with clubs. the ♣10 loses to West and when you troubles are over. If they are 4–2, and Cross to the ♣K at trick two and play a third club, East turns up with the long spade is with East, you are still lead a low club, intending to play the honor–9–x–x. Cash the ♠A and run alive, as you can make the contract if 10 if East plays low. If West has fol- off five rounds of hearts leading to this ending as you cash the fifth heart: ♠ 6 4 ♥ 4 ♦ — ♣ — ♠ ? ♠ ?? ♥ — ♥ — ♦ J x ♦ — ♣ — ♣ Q or J ♠ K J ♥ — ♦ — ♣ 10 If East started with at least four spades, this will be the forced end posi- tion. On the last heart, East discards a spade, you pitch your ♣10 and West parts with a diamond. When you lead a spade and East follows low, you know that East’s other card is a club, so go up with the ♠K and drop the now-blank queen in the West hand. Had West started with four or more clubs, your best shot is the spade finesse for the 12th trick. ◾

August 2018 Bridge Bulletin 61 Advanced Players

My Bridge and Yours BY FRANK STEWART [email protected]

Matchpoint events are tests of skill, I could understand North’s bid; his two tricks with a high spade and a good but random factors can intrude – such wealth of prime values was seductive. heart. as what boards you play against which Still, to pass or perhaps try 6NT would “Lead a spade,” my partner remarked opponents. If you are up against the have been disciplined. North couldn’t to me. top seed in your section for two boards, be sure of 13 tricks. “Doesn’t matter,” I shrugged. “Then you should be happy to play 3NT on the South had a play for the grand slam. the ♣A is an entry, and the trump first board with nine tricks, no more He could double-finesse in spades, squeeze still operates.” and no fewer, and to defend a prosaic winning three tricks there if I had the In fact, no lead would beat the grand 4♠ on the second with a result of mi- queen-jack, and there were remote slam. We would have gotten a few nus 420 as flat as a pancake. squeeze chances. matchpoints for minus 1440 against Reality is different. A friend of mine South took the ♣A and drew trumps, 6NT. You can guess how many we got swears that if he sits North–South, and East threw a heart and two clubs. for minus 2140. The full deal: and there is a slam for East–West that Then South didn’t like his chances of ♠ requires inspired lunacy to bid and finding me with both missing spade A K 9 5 ♥ crystal-ball play to make, he will be honors: East, void in trumps, probably A J 7 6 ♦ opposed by the only pair in the room had spade length. But my partner’s 7 4 ♣ capable of doing just that. heart discard brought declarer hope. A 7 3 ♠ ♠ This is a deal in which I was a victim South took three more trumps, pitch- J 6 Q 8 3 2 ♥ ♥ of fate. The setting was a regional pairs ing two spades and a club from dummy K 10 9 Q 8 4 3 2 ♦ ♦ event. Both sides were vulnerable, and to reach this position: 10 6 5 — ♣ ♣ I was West, the dealer, with: Q 10 9 6 2 K J 8 5 ♠ A K ♠ 10 7 4 ♠J 6 ♥K 10 9 ♦10 6 5 ♣Q 10 9 6 2. ♥ A J 7 6 ♥ 5 I passed, and North opened 1NT. ♦ — ♦ A K Q J 9 8 3 2 East passed, and South huddled and ♣ — ♣ 4 bid 6♦. After I passed, North started to think, and after a while … he came forth ♠ 10 7 4 Declarers often discount the effect with 7♦. Everyone passed, South with ♥ 5 of cashing out a long suit and forcing a sigh as heavy as a storm cloud. ♦ 3 2 the defenders to find discards. Hav- I led the ♣10, and South was faced ♣ — ing analyzed thousands of deals with with finding 13 tricks. double-dummy analyzers, I am con- East, who had started with: tinually amazed by what miracles can ♠ A K 9 5 ♠Q 8 3 2 ♥Q 8 4 3 2 ♦— ♣K J 8 5, occur when declarer runs a suit. Even ♥ A J 7 6 if a defender is not truly squeezed, he ♦ 7 4 could turn in his sword. If he saved two may face a tough guess. ◾ ♣ A 7 3 spades and four hearts, declarer could take the ♠A K and score his ♠10 at ♠ 10 7 4 the end. When East actually kept three ♥ 5 spades and three hearts, declarer took ♥ ♦ A K Q J 9 8 3 2 the A, ruffed a heart, led a spade to ♣ 4 dummy, ruffed a heart and won the last 62 Bridge Bulletin August 2018 Special Contributors

George’s World BY GEORGE JACOBS [email protected]

In The Bridge World in 1973, there is result was achieved by an abnormal route. capable trump loser. Nancy’s opening a great article on the mysterious death Grosvenor recognized that it would be lead? None other than the ♦10! of Philip Grosvenor. Why is this impor- more piquant if the gambit could in some Who amongst us would believe it to tant to you? Because of the Grosvenor way favorably influence the result.” be from the actual holding? Naturally I gambit, or coup, named after and cre- saw through this and quickly called for The concept was simple, if elegant: ated by Mr. Grosvenor himself. the ace, intending to drop the stiff king make a mistake at the table, where- Referenced in Alan Sontag’s book or have an easy throw-in at my leisure. upon the declarer can gain a trick they “The Bridge Bum,” Mr. Grosvenor I was dumbfounded when East showed wouldn’t ordinarily have been entitled changed not only how we look at out. Here I had been given an extra to. However, for them to do so, they bridge, but how we verbalize it. Just trick and just as easily I had given it would have to play for you to have like we now (shudder) “Google” things, back. This, my friends was the Grosve- made an egregious mistake. Naturally so, too, did we fast become purveyors nor gambit at its finest: a normal result they choose not to play you for that; of “I was Grosvenored,” or “He tried to achieved by abnormal means. But the now they take the “normal line” and Grosvenor me, but I fell for it anyway.” declarer was left feeling like a buffoon. the opportunity is lost. All that has This last comment tickled me and will Speaking of The Bridge World, in happened is that the original result has you, too, after further review. the February 2018 issue, David Weiss been reached, but by means that have To help you understand the suggests refraining from an overcall dramatically increased your oppo- Grosvenor coup, I should probably that would put your marginal suit on nent’s blood pressure. quote Frederick B. Turner’s article lead if responder makes a negative Shall I give you the hand that from The Bridge World, as I have no double. He then states that he posed a prompted my journey down this chance of getting it right. Trust me, solution in the November 1975(!) issue gambity path? From the Philadelphia once you understand it, you will look of the magazine: After an overcall and a NABC, first Friday afternoon, Board for it on a daily basis. You will send double, advancer’s redouble shows one 26. My opponent was Nancy Lowry. me thousands of emails claiming to of the three top honors in the over- have been Grosvenored or to have Dlr: South ♠ Q 10 8 3 caller’s suit. Weiss calls this principle committed a Grosvenor (but most Vul: Both ♥ 8 3 the negative redouble – a concept, he likely you will be speaking of what ♦ A 9 6 notes, that was furthered by George your partner did to the poor declarer or ♣ K Q 8 4 Rosenkratz. I mean seriously: this guy defender). The very act of perpetrating ♠ K 5 4 ♠ 9 7 6 2 will not drop it. Every 43 years like a Grosvenor coup requires skillful ♥ K J 7 4 ♥ A Q 10 6 5 2 clockwork he tries to get us to adopt timing, keen reading of the stature ♦ K 10 8 ♦ — this method. Enough already. of the opponent, the derring-do of a ♣ 10 3 2 ♣ J 7 5 By the way, you can Google the Gros- riverboat gambler or, at times, simply a ♠ A J venor coup or gambit as your mood brain fart. (May I say that word here? I ♥ 9 strikes you. mean no harm.) Clearly the last part is ♦ Q J 7 5 4 3 2 Have a pleasant Atlanta NABC. I am why these coups are, in great measure, ♣ A 9 6 honored to be presenting my former attributed to our partners. partner and lifelong friend Ralph Katz After a spirited auction, I bought the for induction into the Hall of Fame. “Grosvenor had been content to make contract at 5♦. Philip – I mean, Nancy Chow. ◾ mistakes so egregiously bad that no ratio- – was on lead. Note that I have an ines- nal opponent could exploit them: a normal August 2018 Bridge Bulletin 63 Special Contributors

Dear Billy BY BILLY MILLER [email protected]

Dear Billy, and/or tactical bid, possibly used to Mom then told her son he should My partner and I disagreed about right-side a final contract. But chances have bid 3NT with an eight-trick the bidding on these hands: are, the fourth suit is natural. hand, expecting one trick from Mom. On your auction, should responder Recently, my partner and I were Partner Me have continued with 4♦ over 3NT, dealt these hands on OKBridge. ♠ A Q 7 5 4 ♠ 2 diamonds would clearly be natural and Me Partner ♥ 3 ♥ K Q J 9 7 4 slam-going. If partner raises to 5♦, ♠ 6 5 ♠ A Q J 2 ♦ Q 4 2 ♦ A K J 9 6 5 you will try 6♦. Should partner take a ♥ K 9 7 4 ♥ Q 6 ♣ A J 8 6 ♣ — preference back to 4♥, you might cue- ♦ — ♦ K 5 4 3 bid 5♣. Partner can evaluate her hand Partner Me ♣ A K Q 8 7 5 3 ♣ J 4 2 1♠ 2 ♥ and will know whether she has the ♣ ♥ 3♣ 3 ♦ (1) right stuff to go to slam. Best to make I opened 1 , LHO overcalled 1 , 3NT 4NT (2) sensible, representative bids. and partner made a takeout double. 5♥ (3) 6 ♦ Here’s a no-no: bidding Blackwood RHO passed, and I jumped to 3NT, 6NT Pass with a void. Don’t do that. With side heeding Mom’s advice. But when voids, cuebid your way to slam. LHO passed, partner jumped to 6NT (1) Fourth-suit forcing. Here’s another rule to obey: 4NT (which LHO doubled at his turn). (2) Roman Blackwood. over 3NT is always quantitative, never Did I do something wrong? (3) 2 aces, matching in color or rank. Blackwood. Lots to learn! Living In The Past? She says my 3♦ bid is fourth-suit One last comment: It is not neces- forcing, to which I agree. But be- sarily true that the responder is the Dear Nostalgic, cause I’m the captain (responder), captain. Captaincy is a tricky concept. When you jump-rebid 3NT, you shouldn’t she have trusted me and Usually one becomes the captain when were indicating a long, strong club passed 6♦? The diamond slam is partner has limited their hand, but the suit, a heart stopper, and maybe a little cold, but 6NT is down. I know I could final decision could still be passed back something on the side. With 18 or 19 have jumped to 4♦ on my second to the limited hand. Live by the motto: balanced, you would have rebid 2NT or on my third bid, but I was afraid “I bid my hand, you bid your hand.” not 3NT. In either case, a simple raise she might bid 5♦ before I could bid And I agree that partner should not from 3NT to 4NT is more than enough Blackwood, putting me to a guess as have corrected 6♦ to 6NT. She had an to describe a hand looking for slam. to whether I should bid a slam. excellent hand for diamonds. My standard range for making a Captain, My Captain quantitative 4NT bid opposite my Dear Billy: partner’s opening bid is 18–19 HCP, Dear Kangaroo, Twenty-five years ago, when I balanced. Responder does not have After auctions start with a 2/1 game played in the Culbertson Club in enough to bid slam on this deal. If force, most fourth-suit bids are usu- New York City, a multiple world opener shows 18–19, then a 13-count ally natural because there is no need to champion and her son were our op- such as the one your partner actually create forcing bids artificially; you’re ponents. Her son rebid 3♣ with a held, is only worth an invite. already in a forcing auction. It is pos- hand similar in nature to the one I However, with the actual opening sible that the fourth suit could be used am submitting to you. Mom passed hand – though it is quite nice – a simple to temporize as the most space-saving with a minimum. After the play, jump rebid to 3♣ portrays the accu-

64 Bridge Bulletin August 2018 Special Contributors

Bridge with the Abbot BY DAVID BIRD The Parrot’s opening lead

The Parrot had replaced Brother The young North player used Roman The alternative was to play the ace of Xavier in the monastery team com- key card Blackwood to locate three key trumps, unblock the diamonds and peting in the Winchester green-point cards opposite, and then the ♦K. After continue with the king and queen of Swiss event. They had made a good a few moments, he decided to bid a trumps. This would succeed when start and were on table two when this grand slam in spades. diamonds were 3–3. If the ♦J fell in key deal arose in the fourth round: The Parrot studied his hand. North two rounds, he would be OK on either was presumably hoping that his line, of course. Dlr: South ♠ Q 4 2 diamond suit could be brought in. Declarer played the trump ace and Vul: E–W ♥ A 10 6 2 What should he lead? It would be easy his two top diamonds, the jack not ♦ A 10 8 3 2 enough to push out a lame trump, rec- appearing. Because the divisions with ♣ 3 ommended by textbooks throughout one of the defenders holding ♦J x ♠ J 7 3 ♠ 6 the ages. In his opinion, trump leads could be excluded, it was now best ♥ K 9 3 ♥ Q J 5 4 against a grand slam were overrated. to play for diamonds 3–3 rather than ♦ 6 4 ♦ J 9 7 5 Such contracts were likely to be cold trumps 2–2. Declarer played the king ♣ J 9 8 6 2 ♣ K 10 7 4 90 percent of the time. On the remain- and queen of trumps and tested the ♠ A K 10 9 8 5 ing 10 percent of deals, an attack on diamonds. They failed to divide equally ♥ 8 7 dummy’s entries stood a better chance and he was one down. ♦ K Q of success. Jason Wall, who had followed the ♣ A Q 5 Realizing that the Abbot would have play closely, turned towards the Par- West North East South something to say if the lead misfired, rot. “What did you have in hearts?” he The Jason The Kyle the Parrot stretched a claw towards his asked. Parrot Wall Abbot Jacobs wooden cardholder and placed the ♥9 “King–nine–three,” replied the Par- 1 ♠ on the table. rot, who prided himself on his memory Pass 2♦ Pass 3♠ The shaven-headed Kyle Jacobs was for cards. Pass 4NT Pass 5♣ not happy to receive a heart lead. On a “Wow, what a brilliant lead!” Wall ex- Pass 5NT Pass 6♦ trump lead, he would have been able to claimed. “I probably shouldn’t say this, Pass 7♠ All Pass ruff two clubs in dummy, draw trumps but when we read about how well the and unblock the diamond honors in his Abbot was doing in the Bermuda Bowl, hand. He could then cross to the ♥A we couldn’t believe it. Now I begin to Dear Billy continued and discard his heart loser on the ♦A. understand.” rate value of your cards. If partner has “Ace, please,” he said. The Abbot’s mouth fell open. the values to continue over 3♣, he can What options remained after this Had these impertinent youngsters cuebid 3♥ to ask for a heart stopper awkward lead? If trumps were 2–2, he not studied the hand records from if he’s trying to play 3NT. If he needs could play the ace of trumps, unblock Chennai? Had all his brilliant plays more than that, you don’t have it. the diamonds and cross to the queen of against Meckstroth and Rodwell I do not think Mom would have trumps. If diamonds didn’t break 3–3, passed them by? scolded her son for failing to bid 3NT he could establish the 13th diamond “Obvious lead, obvious lead!” with your particular hand. I guarantee with a ruff, and re-enter dummy with squawked the Parrot. “I never lead a you, this is not the same one the son a club ruff to discard his heart loser. trump against a grand slam.” ◾ held. ◾

August 2018 Bridge Bulletin 65 Michel Archambault – Liette Dubord 83.63% Tim Stelly – Patricia Bell 75.83% Bridge Quebec, Laval QC Orange Community Bridge League, Orange TX Gary Shade – Charles Kopp 81.73% Jackie Carrier – Nicole Lajoie 75.83% Columbus (OH) Bridge Center Le Brayon Bridge Club, Edmunston NB Thomas Clark – John Herrmann 80.32% Tamas Szabo – Aniko Szabo 75.66% Venice Nokomis DBC, Venice FL Oconomowoc (WI) Bridge Club Sandra Wong – Vincent Kwong 80.12% William Ralph – Janet Ralph 75.60% Richmond Hill (ON) Bridge Club Copper City Bridge Club, Butte MT Joseph Eves – Marlene Koerner 78.99% Irva Neyhart – Laurie Rowe 75.57% Old Town Bridge Club, Temecula CA Emerald Bridge Club, Springfield OR Tania Reyes Hiller – Dennis Glazer 78.87% Alice Richmond – Henry Richmond 75.46% The Hartes’ Club, White Plains NY Honesdale-Hawley DBC, Honesdale PA Jerry Hastings – LuAnn Fite 78.75% David Priest – Wafik Abdou 75.35% Claremore (OK) Bridge Club Unit 514, Bakersfield CA Kinza Pickelsimer – Dave Stephenson 78.56% Robert Blanchette – Jacques Grise 75.30% Danville (VA) DBC Club de Bridge Champlain, Gatineau QC Marion Gebhardt – Jack Borenstein 77.65% Paolo Ranaldi – George Bleskachek 75.27% Bridge Academy of North Dallas, Dallas TX Riverside DBC, Eau Claire WI Judi Besner – Lyle Price 77.38% Lise Fischl – Alice Blinn 75.23% Temple Sinai DBC, Delray Beach FL Brockville (ON) DBC Steve Valencic – H. Philip Monyer 77.38% Joe Coens – Lorrie Coens 75.19% Camp Hill (PA) Bridge Club Newmarket (ON) DBC George Colter – Lucille Griffin 77.00% Ida Morrow – Nelson Brown Jr. 75.09% Stepping Stones DBC, Fredericton NB Clear Lake Bridge Club, Houston TX Steven Schultz – Jan Schultz 76.70% Pierre Paradis – Helene Leroux 75.00% Ami Bridge, Langhorne PA Les Dames de Coeur, Rosemere QC Manny Suarez – Gilbert Gramson 76.56% John Altman Sr. – Debbie Wiest 75.00% Astoria (OR) DBC Cincinnati (OH) Bridge Center Joseph Chin – John Miller 76.56% Andy Purbrick – Debby Purbrick 75.00% South Suburban Bridge Center, Lynwood IL Whitford Bridge Club, West Chester PA Joseph Verdirame – Mike Albert 76.56% Bruce Ferguson – Robert Carroll 75.00% Friendly 16 Bridge Club, Omaha NE Mission Hills DBC, Palm Desert CA Steve Nellissen – Stephanie Gottesman 76.49% John Hassler – Jane Shepard 75.00% The Bridge Table, Washington Township NJ Panama City (FL) DBC Roxie Tom – Kay Laird 76.44% Patricia Dovell – Calvin Rowe 75.00% Fiesta Bridge Club, San Antonio TX Gainesville (FL) Bridge Club Sandy Towner – Ian Towner 76.40% Deep River (ON) DBC Reporting Big Games Ray Berry – Jim Bell 76.28% Blue Ridge DBC, Morganton GA Big Games must be reported to the Bridge Bulletin. These Jim Davis – Francis Tseng 76.04% results are not automatically picked up from club files. The Erie (PA) Bridge Association club director, manager or the players themselves may send a Peter Schaff – Chris Van Leeuwen 75.93% notice to [email protected]. Requirements: KC Bridge Studio, Overland Park KS 75% or higher scores in a club matchpoint game that is open or non-restricted. (For example, masterpoint-restrict Kirk Homis – Virginia Youens 75.93% - Monterey Bridge Club, Victoria BC ed games or country club games restricted by membership do not qualify. Nor do cruise games, sectional or regional Mark Bloom – Douglas Jacobs 75.93% Bidwell Bridge Club, Chico CA games.) At least with at least in play. Douglas Smith – Paul Kushner 75.89% five tables 20 boards Carson Valley Bridge Club, Gardnerville NV Both players are ACBL members in good standing. A must accompany the report — either via an Jenny Slay – Mac Golson 75.83% game recap Eastern Shore DBC, Fairhope AL email file or an online link to where the results are posted. Be sure to include the club’s name and location.

66 Bridge Bulletin August 2018 New Life Masters

Canada Valerie Breen, Whistler BC Bill Lau, The Villages FL Elden Gray, East Greenbush NY John Ferranti, Lancaster PA Daniel Lyder, Victoria BC Dane Margol, Jacksonville FL Lisa Hadar, Woodbury NY Allan Kobernick, Wynnewood PA Cindy Oishi, West Vancouver BC Maxine Sharp, Ormond Beach FL Charles Harding, Niskayuna NY Edward Mittleman, Pittsburgh PA Jacqueline Sonsie, Kelowna BC Michael Singer, Miami FL Sarah Hoy, Queensbury NY Craig Netzley, Montoursville PA Dennis Tottenham, Penticton BC Douglas Smith, The Villages FL Betsy Kopstein-Stuts, Pleasant Valley NY Ruth Orth, Sugarloaf PA Dana Warick, Penticton BC Thomas Young, Gainesville FL Magnus Olafsson, New York NY Matt Sherman, Mechanicsburg PA Gisele Girardin, Winnipeg MB Kathy Argenbright, Atlanta GA Deborah Richter, Pleasantville NY Thomas Suman, Blue Bell PA Ron Gaudreau, Orleans ON Robert McFarland, Cumming GA Ellen Roisman, Westbury NY Stephen Grimes, Portsmouth RI Percy Harcourt, Carlisle ON William Baum, Dubuque IA Norman Stewart, Duanesburg NY Jon Peluso, Bluffton SC Rita Menninga, Kingston ON Gary Haddy, Cedar Rapids IA Sue Baum, Cincinnati OH Pravina Jani, Austin TX Laura Simon, North York ON Yu-Diann Lu, Iowa City IA Martin Gibler, West Chester OH James Overtree, Arlington TX Maureen Williams, Kingston ON Jeffrey Rees, West Liberty IA Siva Gopal, Cublin OH George Holliday, Chesapeake VA Pierre Gingras, Boucherville QC Martha Schwake, Hayden ID Jim Laubie, Englewood OH Thad Konopnicki, Weems VA Michele Bonneau, Prince Albert SK Rob Apel, East Dubuque IL Stephen Lonski, Englewood OH Janice Scavongelli, Burke VA Linda Murphy, Rockford IL Richye Maran Sr., Toledo OH Susan Benson, Quechee VT United States Wilma Tunick, Highland Park IL Janet Trease, Toledo OH Kim Likakis, Bennington VT George Boedecker, Anchorage AK Joyce Werner, Bloomington IL Matthew Franklin, Oklahoma City OK Louis Bohannan, Port Ludlow WA Mark Rindner, Anchorage AK Bill deFuniak, Long Beach IN Staci Christian, Lake Oswego OR Judith Hill, Spokane WA Janet Hart, Athens AL Patrick Kelly, Wolcottville IN Anne Allen, Irwin PA Benjamin Levy, Vancouver WA Rita Wilhelmi, Bullhead City AZ Glen McGeady, Long Beach IN Marianne Beezer, Ambler PA Marjorie Mandery, Mount Vernon WA Richard Ashbacher, Newhall CA Margie Wysong, Indianapolis IN Judith Cary, Orefield PA Dan Masters, Colbert WA Olivier Chapelle, Sunnyvale CA Judy Nordvoll, Metairie LA Millie Ellerson, Huntingdon Valley PA Cornelius Duffie, Palo Alto CA Charles Jackson, Northampton MA Raeann Koerner, Ventura CA John Rudy, Lexington MA John Liebenberg, Livermore CA Jane Siebecker, Amesbury MA Dwight McCormick, Monrovia CA Marcia Goggans, Glen Burnie MD Malcolm Mendelson, Moraga CA Ginny Braidwood, Grand Haven MI Stephen Page, Glendale CA Tom Hill, Brighton MI Gail Rosenthal, Santa Ana CA Douglas Kahn, Ann Arbor MI Jim Churchill, Cedaredge CO John Nelson, Brighton MI Kristi Fjare, Estes Park CO Vance Senecal, St. Joseph MI Gregory Newcomb, Boulder CO Gary Theis, Williamston MI Pauline Pettinato, Durango CO Alexis Campbell, Stillwater MN Judith Pogge, Greenwood Village CO Kae Williams, Wildwood MO James Anderson, Mystic CT Kamal Das, Morrisville NC Rosemary Benedict, Oxford CT Virginia Jones, New Bern NC Barbara Strickland, Fairfield CT Avery Lloyd, Greensboro NC Anthony Cardinal, Wilmington DE Chuck McCloskey, Raleigh NC Angela Jones, Wilmington DE Robert Slusser, Gastonia NC Marie Steiner, Milford DE Richard Bindelglass, Martinsville NJ Joel Atwood, Palm Coast FL Joseph Delikat, Tabernacle NJ Marilyn Cance, Vero Beach FL Lynda Pullen, Hillsborough NJ David Cox Jr., Coral Gables FL William Robinson, Chester NJ Peggy Dennis, Vero Beach FL Dede Brownstein, Albuquerque NM Kathleen Gencarelli, Ocala FL Cindy Casson, Las Vegas NV Log into MyACBL. Update your profi le, Paulette Hamilton, Ocala FL Hal Barth, New York NY browse for partners and play. Carol Ketterer, The Villages FL Richard Becker, Howard Beach NY Visit acbl.org/partnershipdesk for more information. Naomi Lake, Jacksonville FL Raluca Dobrescu, Woodside NY

August 2018 Bridge Bulletin 67 Life Master MILESTONES ©Jonathan Steinberg ©Jonathan Steinberg ©Jonathan

Robert Levin Bruce Ferguson Chuck Said Betty Bloom Henderson NV Palm Springs CA Nashville TN Duanesburg NY Grand Life Master Grand Life Master Grand Life Master Grand Life Master ¤Ÿ,——— masterpoints ¤—,——— masterpoints ¤—,——— masterpoints –Ÿ,——— masterpoints

Emerald Life Master (7500 MPs) Betsy Aaron, London ON Gold Life Master (2500 MPs) Ross Thornbrugh, Wichita KS Dan Parish, Sun City AZ John Lloyd, Pembroke ON Don Bell, Vernon BC Sabrina Miles, Mansfield MA Bill Parks, Phoenix AZ Robert Marcus, North York ON David Morse, New Minas NS Michael McDonald, Northville MI Dave Anderson, Westchase FL Andrew Russell, St. Catharines ON Ed Chajkowski, Kemptville ON Peg Mitchell, Minneapolis MN Joe Sacco, The Villages FL Hank Schriel, Ottawa ON Merryl Chin, North York ON Mary Ann Chestnut, Kalispell MT Phyllis Quinn, Cortlandt Manor NY Howard Berkowitz, Cote St.-Luc QC Terry Demers, Perth Road ON Don Farver, Leicester NC Arlene Port, Pittsburgh PA Bernard Mongeau, St.-Jean-sur- Betsy Mayers, Weaverville NC Gene Fomin, Glacier WA Marion Kelly, Anchorage AK Richelieu QC Phyllis Fuchs, Wayne NJ Phil Michaelson, Hot Springs Village AR Albert Charmatz, Los Alamos NM Diamond Life Master (5000 MPs) Joan Cremin, Paradise Valley AZ Adela Naftali, Mexico City, Mexico Clifford Hill, Albuquerque NM Neil Kimelman, Winnipeg MB Pat Chapman, San Diego CA David Rosenstein, Henderson NV John McFadden, Guelph ON Carol Huston, Chico CA Charles Kelly, Anniston AL Fran Posnick, New York NY Howard Zusman, Stratford CT Doris Ashcroft, Stockton CA Mike Silverman, Williamsville NY Mauricio Smid, Huixquilucan, Mexico Jack Brawner Jr., Naples FL Marcia Dean, San Jose CA Tanya Weitz, Bridgehampton NY Sharon McCarty, Jensen Beach FL Marilyn Kalabsa, Ramona CA Daniel Wilderman, New York NY Mimi Little, Birmingham AL George Uljans, Cape Coral FL Steve Ramos Jr., Seal Beach CA Amy Fisher, Cincinnati OH Freda Anderson, La Jolla CA Lanette Moore, Dunwoody GA Harriet Smith, Solana Beach CA Jayne Stahr, Stow OH Jacqueline Ortiz, Rohnert Park CA Gail Zamboni, Roswell GA Kay Tseng, Huntington Beach CA Bonnie Glass Linsk, Cynthia Michael, Woodbridge CT John Glasspiegel, Chicago IL Bijoy Anand, Jacksonville FL Huntingdon Valley PA Karl Perkins, Miami FL Sharron Rosenberg, St. Charles IL Rita Carlin, Daytona Beach FL George Kury, Johnstown PA Pat Peterson, Hernando FL John Fosnaught, Indianapolis IN Larry Kroll, Fort Lauderdale FL Tim Trissler, Mechanicsburg PA Robert Epstein, Atlanta GA William Weiss, New Orleans LA Joan Mager, Leesburg FL James Redheffer, Knoxville TN Betty Taneri, Powder Springs GA Kimberly Gilman, Carlisle MA Arnie Summers, Port St. Lucie FL Pamela Tietz, Crossville TN Steven Johnson, Honolulu HI Robert Prevoir, Randolph MA Lucy Tillman, The Villages FL Massoud Tahmassebipour, Holladay UT James Diebel, Wood Dale IL Ron Geagley, Pikesville MD Alice Van Hoesen, Naples FL Dave Tonnesen, Woodbridge VA George Klemic, Bensenville IL Kent Goulding, Germantown MD John Vega, Naples FL David Roselle, Kirkland WA Stephen McConnell, Evanston IL Linda Smith, Gambrills MD Martha Trilling, Savannah GA Steve Neumueller, Evansville WI Joan Millens, Kingston NY Susan Munday, Southaven MS Mark Daily, Charleston IL Jim O’Brien, Oconomowoc WI Jack Borenstein, Dallas TX Marshall Frank, Chappaqua NY Tom Fogarty, Chicago IL W.H. Lease, Richmond TX Edmond Craig, Drexel Hill PA Dorri Goldgehn, Chicago IL Ruby Life Master (1500 MPs) Carole Moore, Friendswood TX Amin Hakim, Chicago IL David Hu, Richmond BC Sapphire Life Master (3500 MPs) Barry Spector, Springfield VA Steve Oshen, Glen Ellyn IL Slava Simice, Comox BC Roy Perry, St John’s NL Catherine Creer, Spokane WA Bev Olsen, Carmel IN Robert Hatch, Winnipeg MB Jerry Sloan, Lawrence KS Gerald Edge, St. Williams ON

68 Bridge Bulletin August 2018 Martin Caley John Zaluski Andrew Gofreed Andy Anderson Montreal QC Ottawa ON La Plata MD Saskatoon SK Grand Life Master Grand Life Master Platinum Life Master Platinum Life Master –—,——— masterpoints –—,——— masterpoints ¢—,——— masterpoints –—,——— masterpoints Canadian National Team Canadian National Team Championship (¢—–˜) Championship (¢—–˜)

Barbara Jones, Manotick ON Michael Carpenter, Baton Rouge LA Randolph Worsham, Dallas TX Wayne Jordan, Cambridge ON Todd Lusk, Baton Rouge LA Bonnie Kay Yetter, Garland TX Johanna Platt, Mississauga ON Enid Spira, Great Barrington MA Nan Massie, Charlottesville VA Gaetan Beaulieu, Gatineau QC Diogo Teixeira, Wellesley MA Marla Patterson, Arlington WA Mary Flanz, Hampstead QC Steven Willner, West Newton MA Ruth Friedman, Cote St.-Luc QC Patti Anschutz, Rockville MD Silver Life Master (1000 MPs) Barbara Beard, Hagerstown MD Dale Bercov, Calgary AB Rob Rich, San Miguel, Mexico Rochelle Cohen, Potomac MD Joan Johnston, Calgary AB Jack Grier, Bridgman MI Judy McKeague, Bragg Creek AB Gregory Svendsen, Anchorage AK Mark Routman, Cleveland MS Shirley McLeod, Calgary AB George Gomperts, Vestavia AL Frances Bruce, Statesville NC Frances Corney, Vancouver BC David Collins, Green Valley AZ James Kioski, Morganton NC David Gabel, Vancouver BC Susan Gilbert Mark Gross, Phoenix AZ Joanne McClusky, Mebane NC Barb Hiebert, Vernon BC David Ochiai, Phoenix AZ Jerry Wegendt, Boone NC Lisa McCarthy, West Kelowna BC Sarasota FL Carroll Gilbertson, San Marcos CA Jules Lemire, Manchester NH Siavosh Siassi, Vancouver BC Platinum Life Master Mary Glaser, El Dorado Hills CA Robert Goldberg, Rockaway NJ Bonnie Turley, Vernon BC –—,——— masterpoints Deborah Levine, Belvedere CA Dina Arker, North Hills NY Chilton Yang, Kelowna BC Ron Stearns, Westminster CA Donald Campbell, Salem NY Janice Barrett, Richmond Hill ON Mukund Thapa, Palo Alto CA Jeffrey Colton, East Williston NY Ian Budge, Jerseyville ON Marcia Vaughan, Irvine CA Karen Mizrahi, Brooklyn NY Lyn Legault, Coe Hill ON Larry Wyner, Santa Rosa CA Magnus Olafsson, New York NY Angie Maranger, Ottawa ON David Porter, Aurora CO David Parsons, New York NY Chandra Marathe, Brampton ON Carol Davidson, Vero Beach FL Leila Schwartz, Hollis NY Eveline Patten, Nepean ON Peggy Falk, Boca Raton FL Steven Shiffrin, Ithaca NY Jeff Reusing, Brockville ON Nancy Little, Morriston FL Susan Siegel, Kerhonkson NY Ian Sirett, Guelph ON Allyn Lucas, Winter Haven FL W.P. Tordella, Bemus Point NY Gerry Maisonneuve, Gatineau QC Jack Mayer, Fort Myers FL David Britt, Glendale OH Tom Viglasky, Gatineau QC Allan Roderiques, Leesburg FL Dean Congbalay, Terrace Park OH Michael Scott, Delray Beach FL Jody Gaiser, Columbus OH Marcela Gomez, Mexico City, Mexico Mike Sheehy, Wimauma FL Eileen Boal, Albany OR Patricia Mitchell, Chapala, Mexico Sanford Weinger, Plantation FL Veronica Reeves, Tigard OR Mary Seggerman, Andrew Eastwood, Savannah GA Bud McElhaney, Pittsburgh PA Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Veronica Stoessel, Marietta GA Don Smolen, Phoenixville PA P. Martel, Guadalajara, Mexico Gregory Slager, Cedar Rapids IA M. Melnick, Hilton Head SC Rhoda Kauffman Fawad Hakim, Niles IL Sheila Fleming, Columbia TN Jacqueline Nelson, Spanish Fort AL Willow Grove PA Darrel Peckinpaugh, Yorktown IN Diane Stafford, Oliver Springs TN Carol Johns, Scottsdale AZ Platinum Life Master Aslam Siddiqui, Carmel IN Dianne Sussman, Nashville TN James Miller, Scottsdale AZ –—,——— masterpoints Irene Ellis, Overland Park KS Millicent Taylor, Oak Ridge TN Marsha Rayton, Anthem AZ Donald Duritsch, Florence KY Mary Lou Collins, Denton TX Susan Boyers, Oakland CA W. Mike Glatt, Florence KY Nancy Jipp, Plano TX David Cheng, Palo Alto CA

August 2018 Bridge Bulletin 69 Robert Latulippe Faye Marino Dennis Nelson Beverly Perry Quebec QC Greenwich CT Saskatoon SK New York NY Platinum Life Master Platinum Life Master Platinum Life Master Platinum Life Master –—,——— masterpoints –—,——— masterpoints –—,——— masterpoints –—,——— masterpoints

Sue Compton, Escondido CA Barbara Maser, Marvin NC George Friedman, Mequon WI Kathleen Gencarelli, Ocala FL Deborah Goldsmith, San Diego CA Howard Kaiman, Omaha NE Robert Steuer, Glendale WI Paulette Hamilton, Ocala FL Kip Kado, Los Altos CA Piotr Olszewski, Hackettstown NJ Naomi Lake, Jacksonville FL Bin Liang, Union City CA Michael Otte, Little Falls NJ Bronze Life Master Karl Manderscheid, Apollo Beach FL Linda Mattis, Sunnyvale CA Robert Sorce, Franklin Lakes NJ Myrna Greene, Lethbridge AB Carol Mitchell, Panama City FL Mary Mayfield, Yuba City CA Virginia Thompson, Alto NM Alberta Hutchings, Edmonton AB Bert Model, Jupiter FL Enlow Ose, Sacramento CA Guy Doherty, New York NY Robert MacKinven, Calgary AB Rebecca Overton, Tallahassee FL Earl Reeve, Walnut Creek CA Susan Drucker, Port Chester NY Naida Gubbins, Parksville BC Marilyn Storch, Miromar Lakes FL Floyd Richards, Port Hueneme CA Terry Esses, Brooklyn NY Marylyn Rudolph, Central Onslow NS Connie Treloar, Ormond Beach FL Peter Sager, San Rafael CA Rosanna Frank, Chappaqua NY Evelyn Caroline-Elsey, Midhurst ON Rosemary Villwock, Lake Worth FL Rick Clelland, Boulder CO Sande Meisel, Hewlett NY Wilma Castonguay, Chelmsford ON Thomas Young, Gainesville FL Mary Connolly, North Haven CT Georgette Orlando, Linda Davies, Burlington ON Patricia Cunningham, Clayton GA Per Berg, Palm Coast FL Hopewell Junction NY William Menzies, Oshawa ON Lucy Fendig, St. Simons Island GA Barbara Chesterfield, Pensacola FL David Sloane, Glen Cove NY Jackie Potters, London ON Michael Harris, Cumming GA Bonnie Dropkin, West Palm Beach FL Joel Solomon, New York NY Tony S.T. Wong, North York ON William Baum, Dubuque IA Richard Gencarelli, Ocala FL Rita Boeh, Centerville OH Marianna Wright, Toronto ON Yu-Diann Lu, Iowa City IA Brenda Harvey, St. Augustine FL Adam Burton, Miamisburg OH Jeffrey Rees, West Liberty IA David Hines, Holmes Beach FL Jacqueline Hardiman, Fairfield OH Fran Hultquist, Auburn AL L. Kathy Wasson, Spirit Lake IA Charlie Lavarini, Boca Raton FL Isaac Stephani, Cincinnati OH Jacqueline MacClary, Birmingham AL James Williamson, Dubuque IA Russ Townsend, Homosassa FL Allison Thompson, Edmond OK Betty Jean Carter, Little Rock AR Bill Davis, Woodridge IL Anita Winkler, Bonita Springs FL Anita Walker, Salem OR Kathy Scarsdale, Harrison AR Ruta Smulkstys, Lemont IL Shirley Egan, St. Simons Island GA Cecilia Dupont, Lafayette Hill PA Vito Konur, Tucson AZ Carol Thorne, Burr Ridge IL Gail Fisher, Dunwoody GA Carolyn Per, Bensalem PA Patti Starr, Tucson AZ Marsha Woodbury, Champaign IL Teddi Sanford, Atlanta GA Regina Brooks, Aiken SC Deborah Weiss, Scottsdale AZ Patrick Kelly, Wolcottville IN Pamela Ames, Maryville IL Meryl R. Margolies, Summerville SC Nancy Alvarado, Yucaipa CA Ken Gudenkauf, Topeka KS Frank Tirsch, Springfield IL Alison Gembar, Nashville TN Chris Copple, Eureka CA Carl Tollison, Villa Hills KY Margaret Young, Elmhurst IL Ruth McCabe, Nashville TN Bruce Hanson, San Diego CA Beth Gonzales, Hammond LA Larry O’Maley, Fort Wayne IN Dianne Ebert, Austin TX Colin Hemsley, San Jose CA Michael Kudla, Lake Charles LA Dee Scott, Emporia KS Charles Gibson Jr., Arlington TX Hiroko Kitamura, Chula Vista CA Mary Morton, Baton Rouge LA Jeanine Wiggins, Richmond KY Tom Hogle, Houston TX Keith Miller, Los Angeles CA Gerald Goldberg, Stockbridge MA Nathaniel Cook, Baton Rouge LA Sarah Niemann, Emory TX Mary Toman, Oakland CA Charles Jackson, Northampton MA Robert Gervis, West Newton MA Sue Olstad, Georgetown TX Doris Wheatcroft, Huntington Beach CA John Manopoli, Jamaica Plain MA Richard Healy, Worcester MA Dona Swygard, Amarillo TX Jim Churchill, Cedaredge CO Daniel Neiman, Rowley MA Mark Throop, Framingham MA James Willson, Richardson TX Kristi Fjare, Estes Park CO John Rudy, Lexington MA John Bower, Berlin MD Sally Adler, Virginia Beach VA Miriam Futernick, Vail CO Elaine Van Briggle, Dalton MA Anne Grandstaff, Kalamazoo MI Mi Kyeong Ham, Williamsburg VA Jack Liu, Greenwich CT Donald Weld, Greenfield MA William Landrum, Detroit MI Robert Nelson, Midlothian VA Gail Reitman-Heald, West Hartford CT Thomas Comstock, Chevy Chase MD Edward Spaans, Grand Rapids MI Peggy Rossman, Colonial Beach VA Anthony Cardinal, Wilmington DE Cathy McGarrigan, Royce Williams, Ann Arbor MI Carolyn Wilson, Martinsville VA Joel Atwood, Palm Coast FL Fort Washington MD Marylou Doerrie, Coon Rapids MN Israel Perlman, Bondville VT Marilyn Cance, Vero Beach FL Cynthia Veidt, Bel Air MD Cindy Smith, Columbia MO Lou Arevalo, Spokane WA Hilary Davis, Tampa FL continued on pg. 76 ® Anne Boyd, Durham NC David McGraham, Vancouver WA Peggy Dennis, Vero Beach FL 70 Bridge Bulletin August 2018 BY ALAN OLSCHWANG Puzzle Page [email protected]

DOWN 1. Hawthorne novel stigma 2. Venerable English institution 3. “Star Trek” phaser setting 4. Halter alternative 5. Troutlike fish 6. Favored ones 7. ___ Annie of “Oklahoma!” 8. Walk away with 9. ___ Club (military hangout) 10. Attentive 11. Willing, poetically 12. Once, quaintly 13. Unhurried 18. ___-tzu (Chinese philosopher) 19. Air density symbol 23. “Peggy ___” (Buddy Holly song) 24. When two hands meet? 25. Central theme 26. Joltin’ Joe 27. Asian cartoon genre 28. Base denial 29. Declares void 31. Actress Lindley 32. Boss-to-be 33. “Card Players Quarreling” artist 35. Tire-pressure meas. 36. ___-Loompa (Wonka factory ACROSS employee) 1. What’s left over 40. Grafton’s “___ for Outlaw” 37. Former Air France fleet member 5. Breed like salmon 41. Seminary deg. 43. Boston suburb 10. Windward’s opposite 42. and (with 60A) ___ 44. Winnie ___ (Wiley Post’s plane) 14. Famous last words 46. Richard of “Breathless” 45. Beatles hit 15. “M*A*S*H” corpsman 47. Strategize 50. White alternative 16. Vatican City coin, once 48. Yield, as a profit 51. Loses vigor 17. A takeout double should show an 49. Clear CDs 52. Walk-___ (small parts) opening hand and (with 34A) a ___ 51. Vaudevillian Eddie played by Bob 53. Star in Cetus 20. Tempers with heat Hope 54. Taking care of things 21. Big and rugged 53. Emotionally fickle 55. Uniformed comics dog 22. Young ‘un 56. Sharks’ home 56. Builder’s work place 23. Pago-Pago’s place 60. ___ 57. The Aisne flows into it 26. “Book ‘em ___!” 64. Rio ___ 58. A convertiplane 29. “Car Talk” subject 65. Strong suit 59. Swedish actress Persson 30. Traditional cheers 66. Awards for RAF pilots 61. “Avatar” craft 34. ___ 67. Unit in physics 62. __ Hill, San Francisco 38. Re followers 68. Bassoon cousins 63. Street address 39. Sequel title starter 69. Wriggling Solution on pg. 83

August 2018 Bridge Bulletin 71 Mary G. Talbert, Winder GA * Martin Grossman, Olivette MO Marva Anderson, Burr Ridge IL Dr. Fred Hamburg, Springfield MO In Memoriam Dr. Louise R. Greenswag, Buffalo Grove IL Jane C. Hughes, St. Louis MO Dr. David M. Grossmann, Highland Park IL Twyla J. Stewart, Goodson MO Bermuda * Steven Norvich, Barrington IL Elmo Smoot, Hernando MS Lady Jacqueline A. Swan, Paget Eileen Crane, Anahein CA * Miriam Kahl, Jeffersonville IN Jeanne Wilson, Missoula MT Jody Dassalenaux, Carlsbad CA Peggie R. Bastin, Owensboro KY Jeanne L. Burrows, Raleigh NC Canada Pauline M. Dense, Redding CA * Wendy C. Hardman, Edmonton AB Pamela K. Smith, Crestview Hills KY * Janet R. Gardner, Wilmington NC Ross G. Ehrhardt, El Cajon CA * Tom Clarke, Lake Charles LA Richard Hobby, Southport NC Ormond W. Fleming, Delta BC * Robert E. Fosse, Palm Springs CA Margie Ovens, Bridgewater NS Sandra Irwin, Pineville LA * Dwain Imahara, Franklin NC Laraine A. Havel, Bonita CA Marie E. Mahorner, New Orleans LA Martha B. Lawson, Charlotte NC * Kenneth W. Allan, Kingston ON Ronald G. Lawson, Seaside CA Judy M. Andrew, Toronto ON Pearl Sackett, Metairie LA * Garland Samuels, Asheville NC * Ronald W. Moeckel, Kentfield CA * Dottie B. Winn, West Monroe LA Grace W. Sanders, Wilmington NC Eileen Appleton, Niagara Falls ON Noel Norton, Walnut Creek CA Jack R. Brennan, Port Stanley ON Charity Randolph, Oak Bluffs MA Carol C. Verrone, Wrightsville Beach NC * Ivar Stakgold, San Diego CA * Leigh Shallenberger, Somerville MA Joanne H. Woollen, Asheville NC D.G. Coultis, Washago ON * Susan C. Wiebe, Oakland CA * Mary Drummie, Kanata ON Dr. Alexander Gottesman, Daniel K. Powers, Lincoln NE * Alice Wright, San Francisco CA North Bethesda MD * G. Douglas Grant, Concord NH Paul H. Shotlander, Barrie ON Marlene S. Shields, Greenwood Village CO Lester F. Stanford, Don Mills ON Alexander Kuzmuk, Mount Airy MD W. P. Alina, Lakewood NJ Carol A. Taylor, Aurora CO * Dr. Charles Stenger, Rockville MD Elizabeth Harther, Essex Fells NJ * Jack S. Nayer, Montreal QC * Allan Clamage, Stratford CT * Diane Taschereau, Quebec QC * Michael C. St. John, Westbrook ME * Angie Flynn, Spring Lake NJ Louise G. Holland, New Canaan CT Bonnie M. Barnes, Traverse City MI Sandra Kahn, Rockaway NJ * Elinor Borenstine, Washington DC * N. M. Cohn, Novi MI * James M. Moyer, Northfield NJ Denmark William Barker, Lutz FL * Britt Andersen, Varde * Dr. Roland L. Meade, Saline MI Mary Ellen Butler, Albuquerque NM * Charles N. Christmas, Tallahassee FL * Audrey Grossman, Olivette MO Lynn H. Tusha, Carlsbad NM Thailand James G. Crowther, Naples FL * Alan E. Kleist, Chonburi Evelyne Desbrow, Naples FL * Frances S. Griffith, Ocala FL United States Richard A. Grimley, Jupiter FL Murray Melton 1939–2018 Avrum Gross, Juneau AK Ruth Joffe, Longboat Key FL By Simon W. Kantor * Jim Dobbyn, Alexandria AL * Dr. R. Philip Johnsen, Tallahassee FL Emerald Life Master Murray Melton, 78, of Las Vegas NV, * Alan T. Drennen Jr., Birmingham AL * Eli Korisky, Boca Raton FL died May 23 after succumbing to a long illness. We were best * Patsy O. Billingsley, Hot Springs Village AR Sidney L. Puteska, Highland Beach FL Patrick J. Hunt, Hot Springs AR Saul Schussel, Delray Beach FL friends and bridge partners for more than 55 years. Playing cards Dorothy F. Colip, Green Valley AZ Judith M. Sluder, Dover FL was Murray’s passion and vocation. He was an excellent bridge * Wilma J. Krueger, Scottsdale AZ James A. Stidham, Tallahassee FL and poker player, working as a poker dealer at several Las Ve- * Richard Oetting, Prescott AZ Harold G. Wilkins, Ocala FL gas casinos for three decades. Previously, he was a director and * David W. Patton, Peoria AZ Graciela Cann, Loganville GA bridge teacher at Jim Becker’s bridge club in New York City. S.A. Adair, Palm Springs CA * Morris Grodsky, Saint Simons Island GA Murray was a fierce competitor who hated to lose. He and his * Leslie J. Adams, Laguna Woods CA Marylynne R. Solomon, Monroe GA partners won more than 100 regional events and had numerous high finishes in national contests. His most notable performance Mark Gordon 1953–2018 was a second-place finish and silver medalist in the 1994 World Senior Pairs in Albuquerque NM. Two-time NABC champion Mark Gor- We started playing in the early 1960s before bidding boxes, don of Purchase NY died June 14 from brain Alerts, bridge ethics, and extensive bidding systems with nu- cancer. He was 64. merous conventions. Bidding was very un-scientific, keeping Gordon won the 2002 Keohane North everyone in the dark, including partner. Murray had a razor- American Swiss Teams and the 2011 Roth sharp ability to “read” the opponents, which was an important Open Swiss Teams. He finished second in part of the game back then. the 2015 Reisinger BAM Teams. In his younger days, Murray was a superb athlete excelling in In 2013, Gordon won a gold medal at the world champion- basketball and baseball. He was enshrined in the Linton High ships held in Bali, Indonesia, when the team he captained won School Sports Hall of Fame in Schenectady NY, where he grew the World Transnational Teams. up. He was a star player on the Columbia University basket- Pratap Rajadhyaksha, who partnered Gordon from 2008 to ball team and was elected to the first team All-Ivy League bas- 2016, said, “Mark was a true prince among men. He was a fierce ketball team. He also tried out to play for a few Major League competitor, but at the same time, the most kind, gentle and Baseball teams, but wasn’t drafted. Watching and following generous human being I have ever known.” NBA basketball games also was a passion in his life. Gordon served in the financial services industry as an execu- Murray served in the U.S. Navy in the late 1950s. tive vice president at Alliance Bernstein L.P. Murray will be greatly missed by his many friends, partners Gordon is survived by parents Alvin and Felice Gordon, wife and teammates. I have lost my best friend. Please make any Patricia, children Bernard, Dora and Rebecca, and three grand- contributions in Murray’s name to the Leukemia and Lympho- children. ma Society.

72 Bridge Bulletin August 2018 Ruth Vaughan, Carlsbad NM David E. Bell, Waverly OH * Fran Woody, Germantown TN * Col. Lee A. Bauer, Reston VA * Si R. Dombu, Las Vegas NV Janet Eisele, Lima OH Paul D. Axelson, Spring TX * Dr. Francis H. McMullan, Richmond VA Sidney W. Goldstein, Las Vegas NV Bill L. Latta, Deshler OH * Dr. Thomas H. Davis, Waco TX Foster B. Miles Jr., Richmond VA Charles H. Avery, Jamestown NY * Diane L. Stewart, Medford OR * Chuck E. Duran, Houston TX * J. W. Morris III, Richmond VA Lois Bernstein, New York NY Dorothy Coopey, Nanticoke PA Jack R. Farmer, Corpus Christi TX * James H. Poulson, Richmond VA Phyllis D. Bishop, Salamanca NY * Dr. Seymour Gardner, Springfield PA * Ed Groner, Georgetown TX * C. Paul Rich, Chester VA * Richard A. Czarnecki, Sanborn NY * Gail S. Hastings, Glenshaw PA Linda C. Helbach, Fulshear TX Charles R. Skillern, Vienna VA * Neil J. Dever, Breezy Point NY Jean Leiboff, Wernersville PA Robert O. Hirsch, The Woodlands TX John Tingle, Chesterfield VA * Shelley Ganz, Westbury NY * Warren B. Oberfield, Pittsburgh PA * Susan T. Kupper, Houston TX * Angelo Zuccaro, Arlington VA * Mark Gordon, Purchase NY * Alexander N. Rubin Jr., West Chester PA Patricia A. Osborne, Houston TX Herbert E. Cohen, Wallingford VT * Howard Hoffman, Saranac Lake NY * Roslyn Sachs, Pittsburgh PA * Joan Pacha, El Paso TX Anna F. Leland, Orleans VT Marjorie A. Matheson, Mill Neck NY * Diana Ames, Providence RI * Edwin E. Stewart, Tyler TX * Daniel L. Hendry, Kennewick WA George A. Nelson, New York NY Elizabeth S. Barrett, Woodruff SC Leah Jane Taglienti, Richardson TX * Brian B. Carlson, Madison WI Barbara S. Shapiro, Armonk NY Loy E. Bowman, Old Hickory TN * Dr. J. C. Christensen, Salt Lake City UT Jean D. Helsley, Great Cacapon WV * H. Charles Unison, Pittsford NY Thomas C. Jones, Johnson City TN * B. K. Lantz, Salt Lake City UT *Life Master

Jack Nayer 1951–2017 Tom Clarke 1946–2018 By Norm Gordon By Paul Munafo Jack Nayer had an incredible mind for Tom Clarke, a Grand Life Master from numbers and words. He always completed Lake Charles LA, passed away on June 7 the New York Times Saturday crossword after a long illness. He was 72. puzzle (the hardest one) in about 10 min- Tom was highly respected in the Lake utes. He worked his whole life as a comput- Charles community, where he lived his en- er programmer, specializing in EDI and IBM tire life. He was one of the first members mainframe and mini-computers. He loved of the Governor’s Program for Gifted Chil- playing competitive bridge and was pretty good at it. dren, and he later graduated from McNeese State University. Jack was a dependable, solid, loving and supportive husband, He liked to say that his best year was 1973, when he purchased father, grandfather and bridge partner. Interestingly, he coached Clarke Insurance Inc., the family business; he became a Life little league baseball for 12 years. He would start every season Master; and he met the love of his life, Joyce, to whom he was by promising his players that they would all get to play evenly married for the past 41 years. regardless of skill, and while he did not guarantee winning, he He had a very successful bridge career, much of it in part- did guarantee that they would all be better ball players by the nership with the late Alan LeBendig. He won over 100 regional end of the season. He built team spirit and his team won the events, and his successes at the national level included a win championship one year. in the North American Swiss and a second in the Life Masters Jack’s desires and needs were simple. He loved deeply and Pairs, both in 1993. Everyone remembered that he was very was passionate about what he loved. In bridge this was some- sound technically, and often brilliant. times a fault as he was a stickler for small inefficiencies like dum- Mike Passell said, “I enjoyed over four decades of friendship my filling in their scorecard before placing the dummy down. with Tom; he was a terrific player and an even better teammate.” On the other hand, he could be extremely helpful to aspiring Joe Quinn recalled a hand against a strong Polish team in players. If someone asked his advice about bridge, he loved to the North American Swiss, when Tom brought home a tricky share it. He acquired his knowledge slowly over a 45-year period slam by playing for a double squeeze instead of taking a losing by reading thousands of bridge columns in the newspapers and finesse. Roy Jambor talked about Tom’s ability to quickly and the Bridge Bulletin. He also was able to grasp coups and plays accurately analyze a deal: “ ... while I was still wondering whether quickly and easily added them to his arsenal. I would read books I might have done better, I could tell that he already knew the and share the knowledge with him, and I was always amazed answer.” how easily he grasped new concepts. He loved the beauty of Tom’s best attribute might have been his exemplary demean- the plays. He was always optimistic and would look for beauty or at the table. He was always able to shrug off a bad result and and something to be happy about in every session. While he go on to the next board. loved to win, he could have a below-average session and would Jim Barrow said, “Despite being very competitive, Tom was ignore the result completely and just loved that on board so- always friendly to his opponents, and if there was time, he really and-so there was a repeating triple squeeze. tried to learn something about them.” Jack, of Montreal, won a silver medal at the CNTC, Flight Chris Compton, a longtime friend, summarized it very well: B, in 2001 and twice won the premier pairs event (Sam Gold “When I first arrived on the bridge scene, LeBendig and Clarke Pairs – Flight A) at the CAN-AM in Montreal, both times with were a force to be reckoned with; later in life (some 35 years a pickup partner. later), I now reflect upon Tom as a man who handled adversity He was my bridge partner for 18 years. Jack was a regular guy, – both in life and in death – with dignity and class.” and he was special. Jack was a friend of mine. Rest in peace, T.C. We love you and we miss you.

August 2018 Bridge Bulletin 73 Tournament Directory Tournament information is subject to change. Visit acbl.org for the most up-to-date information. Attention tournament contacts plus unit and district officials: Please check your tournament information. If a change is necessary, The American Contract email [email protected]. Bridge League REGIONALS ARE LISTED IN ALL CAPS. Legend: cr=Cruise • sr=Senior • nlm=non-Life Master • pf=progressive final President ‡=note change • nc=non-championship sectional Jay Whipple III

Chair, Board of Directors August Bob Heller 2–5 AK/Fairbanks Elks Lodge Dannetta Wakefield 907–457–4124 3–5 CA/Marysville St. John Episcopal Church Ramon Lopez 530–674–8782 Acting Executive Director 4 CA/San Diego Joe Jones (nlm/500) Seven Oaks Community Center Art Foeste 608–274–6185 3–5 CO/Avon (Vail) Homestake Peak School Bert Solomon 970–926–8699 Chair, Board of Governors 1–2 FL/Deland (0-300) Deland Bridge Club Lynn Berg 386–736–6228 Richard Popper 5–7 IL/Crystal Lake Holiday Inn Karl Anderson 224–276–0715 3–5 IN/South Bend Kroc Corps Community Center William Searcy 574–262–3334 4 KS/Leavenworth St. Paul’s Episcopal (nlm/500) Church Parish Hall Jana Goodman 913–547–0565 1–4 LA/Lake Charles Lake Charles DBC Michael Hickman 337–309–6111 4–5 ME/Portland Woodfords Club Martha Soule 239–597–4637 Board of Directors 4–5 NM/Albuquerque District 1 • Leo Weniger (nlm/500) Duke City Bridge Center Steven Lockwood 505–715–0067 District 2 • Paul Janicki 3–5 OH/Dayton Miami Valley Bridge Center Joseph Camillus 937–272–7930 District 3 • Carlos Muñoz 3–5 TX/Lubbock Lubbock Bridge Center Phyllis Kinnison 806–789–2358 4–5 WV/Wheeling Elm Grove Civics Brett Orban 740–633–6084 District 4 • Joann Glasson District 5 • Sharon Fairchild 10–12 BC/Nanaimo Bowen Park Complex Barbara Jubenville 250–758–1888 District 6 • Margot Hennings 11–12 CA/Fresno (nlm/500) Fresno Bridge Center Laura Da Costa 559–999–2825 District 7 • Bob Heller 10–12 CO/Loveland Larimer County Fairgrounds John Wolf 303–810–4902 District 8 • Georgia Heth 10–12 CO/LOVELAND LARIMER COUNTY (nlm/750) FAIRGROUNDS John Grossmann 719–233–9464 District 9 • Jay Whipple III 10–12 FL/Fort Myers McGregor Point Bridge Club Val Covalciuc 239–415–8168 District 10 • Russ Jones 10–12 FL/Palm Coast Palm Coast Bridge Club Sylvia Caviggia 386–446–2571 District 11 • A.J. Stephani 6–12 ID/BOISE WYNDHAM GARDEN District 12 • Dennis Carman BOISE AIRPORT James Wheeler 360–546–0946 District 13 • Suzi Subeck 9–12 MA/Barnstable Barnstable Intermediate School Robert McCaw 781–752–6100 11–12 MT/Great Falls (0-300) Big Sky Bridge Club Catherine Ayres 303–335–8756 District 14 • Sharon Anderson 9–12 NC/Durham (nlm/500) Triangle Bridge Club Chris Moll 504–495–7485 District 15 • Phyllis Harlan 10–12 NC/Hendersonville District 16 • Paul Cuneo (nlm/500) Hendersonville Bridge Center Nick Weedman 828–693–5300 District 17 • Bonnie Bagley 9–12 NE/Omaha Jewish Community Center Rick Ackermann 402–932–6262 10–12 OH/Rocky River Rocky River Civic Center David Hobe 440–238–2356 District 18 • Claire Jones 10–12 OK/Tulsa Wyndham Hotel Henry Robin 918–333–2760 District 19 • Marv Norden 10–12 ON/Tillsonburg Westfield Public School Jed Drew 519–842–8786 District 20 • Merlin Vilhauer 12 PA/York (nlm/500) Bridge Boardroom Edward Scanlon 717–434–3298 District 21 • Jacqueline Zayac 6–12 QC/LAVAL SHERATON LAVAL Louise Mascolo 514–768–0616 District 22 • David Lodge 9–12 TX/Houston Marriott Westchase David Henke 832–407–2620 10–12 TX/Waco Waco Convention Center Ila Bates 254–732–3602 District 23 • Kevin Lane District 24 • Alvin Levy 17–18 AL/Birmingham District 25 • Mark Aquino (nlm/500) Birmingham DBC Martha Chitwood 205–252–9035 17–19 AR/Hot Springs Village To contact a district director, (nlm/500) Ponce De Leon Center Marianne Dethardt 501–984–2049 visit acbl.org/boardofdirectors. 13–19 AZ/SCOTTSDALE TALKING STICK RESORT & CASINO JoAnne Lowe 480–836–7296 17–19 CA/San Diego Marina Village Conference Center Lamya Agelidis 615–887–1012 17–19 CA/Santa Barbara Goleta Valley Girls Inc. Claude Case 805–845–6357 18–19 CA/Redwood City Canada College – The Grove Marc Renson 650–622–6628

74 Bridge Bulletin August 2018 August (continued) 17–19 CT/Stamford Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Susan Seckinger 860–513–1127 17–19 GA/Macon Henry Tift Bridge Center Tom Wight 478–747–1096 17–19 IA/URBANDALE (nlm/750) DES MOINES BRIDGE CENTER Barbara Maas 319–530–8510 16–19 ID/Idaho Falls Fairbridge Inn & Suites James Fisher 208–520–7840 18–19 KY/Louisville (nlm/500) Louisville Bridge Center Beth Dlutowski 502–653–7637 13–19 MD/HUNT VALLEY (Baltimore) HUNT VALLEY INN Mary Jo Chiesa 410–353–7953 13–19 MI/PETOSKEY ODAWA CASINO Michael Sears 231–582–0604 13–19 MO/ST. LOUIS RENAISSANCE ST. LOUIS AIRPORT HOTEL Michael Carmen 314–872–8439 15–18 NV/Sparks (Reno) Nugget Casino Resort Ruth Swain 701–261–4272 13–19 NY/LIVERPOOL HOLIDAY INN (Syracuse) SYRACUSE/LIVERPOOL Mary Miller 585–394–7899 18–19 OK/Oklahoma City (nlm/500) Fun and Games DBC Inc. Jackie Hertweck 405–748–4788 14–19 ON/GARSON (Sudbury) GARSON COMMUNITY CENTRE Jane Palmer 705–677–5130 18–19 ON/St. Catharines (0-300) Bridge Centre of Niagara Lucy McEwen 905–468–0052 17–19 SC/West Columbia Tri-City Leisure Center Kathryn Kimmerling 734–476–4046 16–19 TN/Knoxville (nlm/500) Knoxville Bridge Center Kathy Duggan 865–607–1255 16–18 TX/Beaumont (nlm/500) Beaumont Bridge Studio Susan Nimmo 409–626–4010 18–19 TX/Austin (0-200) Bridge Center of Austin Scott Humphrey 512–836–5984 17–19 WA/Vancouver Washington School for the Deaf Kathleen Mather 360–258–4240

23–26 AR/BELLA VISTA (nlm/750) RIORDAN HALL Robert Gromatka 479–657–6976 23–26 AR/Bella Vista Riordan Hall Robert Gromatka 479–657–6976

Carlsbad, New Mexico • District 17, Unit 376

61st HARVEY HICKS SECTIONAL Annual SEPTEMBER 21–23, 2018 Best Western Stevens Inn (Host Motel) 1829 South Canal Street, Carlsbad NM 88220 For special bridge rates call 800–730–2851 or 575–887–2851 by Sept. 1

Great schedule with team events starting every day Free coffee, tea and snacks all sessions

Tournament Chair: Director-in-Charge: Partnership Desk: Regina Ballard David White Shyla McGill 575–200–8446 601–886–1940 575–392–1156 [email protected] [email protected]

All advertising paid for by Carlsbad NM, Lodger Taxes

August 2018 Bridge Bulletin 75 August (continued) Life Master Milestones 25–26 CA/Laguna Woods ® continued from pg. 70 (nlm/750) Laguna Woods DBC Marjorie Michelin 805–807–1152 20–26 FL/PALM BEACH John Borden, Troy MI GARDENS PGA GOLF RESORT Shannon Cappelletti 423–400–0269 Douglas Kahn, Ann Arbor MI 24–26 IA/Hills Hills Community Center Gary Edwards 319–642–3579 Gloria Georger, Rochester MN 25 IA/Sioux City Siouxland Center Gretchen Grey, Eden Prairie MN (nlm/500) for Active Generations Donna Lombardini 360–600–0459 Jennifer Abdalla, Jackson MS 25–26‡ IN/Indianapolis (0-300) Indianapolis Bridge Center Joyce Pepple 317–701–8959 Maureen Burnside, Collinsville MS 23–26 LA/Baton Rouge Baton Rouge Bridge Center Dupree Parker 225–978–4796 23–26 MI/Southfield (Det) The Bridge Connection Owen Lien 828–424–5905 John Barnard, Timberlake NC 24–26 NC/Winston-Salem Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Cindy Wright 336–407–9842 Robert Jay Barrett, Lewisville NC 25–26 NH/Nashua Rivier University Dion Center Sarah Widhu 603–881–7518 Catherine Osada, Asheville NC 24–26 NS/Sydney Victoria Park Armories Joe Aucoin 902–862–2340 Claudia Pattison, Apex NC 25–26 ON/Goderich Columbus Hall Maria Deaves 226–663–9260 Sarah Raynor, Winston-Salem NC 22–25 TX/SAN ANTONIO Linford Snead, Greensboro NC (nlm/750) OMNI HOTEL Debbie Schweiss 210–862–9706 Fran Tewkesbury, Greensboro NC 25–26 VA/Virginia Beach John Dudas, Ho-Ho-Kus NJ (nlm/500) Bridge Center of Hampton Roads Kathleen Haglich 757–467–4136 Eli Duttman, Monroe Township NJ 20–26 WA/LYNNWOOD LYNNWOOD CONV. CENTER Tom Hansen 206–719–3160 Gayle Friedman, Freehold NJ 20–26 WI/LAKE HALLIE EAGLES BANQUET HALL & Mimi Lapat, Egg Harbor Township NJ (split) CONFERENCE CENTER Richard Brown 715–559–9433 Mel Meskin, Fort Lee NJ 21–26 WI/MILWAUKEE CROWNE PLAZA Doreen Skok, Sparta NJ (split) MILWAUKEE AIRPORT Yvette Neary 414–526–9035 Robert Easterwood, Las Vegas NV James Sadler, Las Vegas NV 31 PA/Reading (nlm/500) Sacred Heart Villa Sue Wessner 610–972–5327 Tom Aridgides, Manlius NY Richard Becker, Howard Beach NY August/September 31–2 BC/New Westminster Queensborough Robin Brendell, Roslyn Heights NY (Vancouver) Community Centre Angela Fenton 778–386–4343 Charles Harding, Niskayuna NY 28–3 CA/SANTA CLARA HYATT REGENCY SANTA CLARA Pamela Hughes 916–774–0990 Phyllis Froimson, Shaker Heights OH 29–2 FL/Delray Beach Steve Garfunkel, Chagrin Falls OH (nlm/750) Jourdan’s Bridge Club Ora Lourie 561–585–6223 Harry Gerla, Dayton OH 31–3 FL/Pinellas Park Richye Maran Sr., Toledo OH (St. Pete) St. Pete Bridge Club Joanne Wharton 727–596–2139 Mary Ann Marx, Cincinnati OH 28–3 GA/AUGUSTA AUGUSTA MARRIOTT Bipin Tandon, Marion OH CONVENTION CENTER Robert Coleman 706–833–6496 Elaine Isenbart, Oklahoma City OK 31–3 IL/Skokie (Chicago) Weber Center Todd Fisher 773–807–5178 Margaret Brom, Astoria OR 31–2 KS/Overland Park Jewish Community Center Richard Jones 913–962–5886 Joseph Jebbia, Tigard OR 31–2 KY/Paducah Robert Cherry Civic Center Dennis Rose 270–853–0344 John Doyal, Oakmont PA 31–3 MN/Minneapolis Twin City Bridge Center Teri Blu 612–861–4487 Millie Ellerson, Huntingdon Valley PA 31–2 ND/Fargo El Zagel Clubhouse Mary Shaw 701–238–8504 Irene Harpster, State College PA 28–3 PA/MONROEVILLE MONROEVILLE CONV. CENTER Joanne Johnston, Lewistown PA (Pitt) & DOUBLETREE HOTEL Mary Paulone Carns 724–897–7526 Fred Long, Lancaster PA 28–2 RI/WARWICK CROWNE PLAZA Helen Pawlowski 413–530–1278 Sheila Seidner, Yardley PA 28–3 TX/RICHARDSON (Dallas) RENAISSANCE HOTEL Tomi Storey 214–244–8333 Stephen Grimes, Portsmouth RI 31–3 TX/El Paso Decker Bridge Center Peter Peca Jr. 915–581–1637 Crystal Evans, Indian Land SC 31–3 WA/Olympia Washington Land Yacht Harbor Demeter Manning 360–972–3127 Thomas Muller, Rock Hill SC 31–3 WA/Spokane Spokane Bridge Center Jodi Kimbrell 509–464–3323 Liz Castioni, Frisco TX Carol Ehrman, Houston TX September Jory Fort, Amarillo TX 1–3 ON/Toronto Holiday Inn Toronto Yorkdale Ann Shaw 905–855–7177 Laurene Jacob, Austin TX Diana Lecuona, Laredo TX 7–9 AB/Calgary Clarion Hotel and Conf. Centre Dorothy Mersereau 403–245–4536 Fred Mueller, College Station TX 6–9 AK/Anchorage Mary Nelson, Houston TX (nlm/500) Anchorage Bridge Center Timothy Marx 907–344–8778 James Overtree, Arlington TX 6–8 AL/Huntsville St Mary’s Catholic Church Flo Staggs 256–534–3669 Ellen Snyder, Laredo TX 6–8 BC/Sidney (Victoria) Mary Winspear Centre Shelley Burnham 250–516–5987 Debra Gardner, Richmond VA 3–9 CA/COSTA MESA (OC) HILTON COSTA MESA Ron Lien 626–695–5409 Marinus Koch, Forest VA 7–9 CA/McKinleyville Andrew Small, White Stone VA (Eureka) (nc) Ocean View Mobile Home Park Mark Phelps 707–443–9029 Wayne Peters, Appleton WI 7–9 CA/Orangevale (Sac) Orangevale Community Center David Willmott 916–709–8958 Roman Rommelfanger, Manitowoc WI 9–11 IL/Rockford Tebala Event Center Douglas St John 815–877–8460 Dean Whiteway, La Crosse WI 3–9 IN/EVANSVILLE (split) HOLIDAY INN AIRPORT Leroy Breimeier 812–830–0340 7–9 MI/Traverse City YMCA Camp Arbutus Lynn Larson 231–932–5966 James Wise, Millwood WV 7–9 MS/Gulfport Gulfport Club House Lynne Logan 228–254–5245

76 Bridge Bulletin August 2018 September (continued) 6–9 MT/Helena Lewis and Clark Fairgrounds Stephen Visocan 406–461–2534 7–9 NB/Moncton Four Points Sheraton Wade Short 506–533–9729 Pacific Northwest 6–9 NC/Charlotte Charlotte Bridge Association Julie Arbit 301–512–5679 7–9 NC/Wilmington Coastline Convention Center Judith Phelps 910–547–5736 Upcoming Regionals 8–9 ND/Grafton (nlm/750) Ameriprise Financial Michael Leighton 701–352–2198 8–9 NY/Cicero (Syracuse) Cicero Fire Hall Robert Simard 315–656–3204 4–9 OH/DAYTON (split) HOPE HOTEL AND CONF. CTR. Georgia Banziger 937–439–4073 PUGET SOUND 4–9 ON/ST. CATHARINES HOLIDAY INN & SUITES REGIONAL PARKWAY CONF. CENTRE Nader Hanna 416–756–9065 7–9 ON/Perth Civitan Center Kathleen Sullivan 613–278–0931 Lynnwood Convention Center 8–9 OR/Portland Montgomery Park Alan Johnson 971–998–4261 3711 196th Street West 8–9 PA/Erie Erie Bridge Association Shirley Irish 814–520–6663 7–9 SD/Rapid City Canyon Lake Senior Center Margaret Norris 605–645–6325 Lynnwood WA 6–9 TX/New Braunfels New Braunfels Civic Center‡ Paula Warren 830–620–0004 August 20–26 6–9 VA/Fairfax (DC) Fairfax Elks Lodge Margot Hennings 703–560–0245 [email protected] 14–16 AK/Juneau Mountain View Senior Center Shirley Carlson 907–364–3334 14–16 AZ/Prescott Adult Center of Prescott Inc. Joan Shay 928–499–5697 16 BC/Delta (0-200) East Delta Hall Margaret Pattison 778–873–6640 LEAVENWORTH 14–16 BC/Quesnel (nc) Seniors Center John Perry 250–561–2806 15 CA/Camarillo (0-500) Camarillo Senior Center Susan Lang 805–340–7735 REGIONAL 15–16 CA/Gilroy Gilroy Senior Center Mark Moore 408–779–1510 Leavenworth Festhalle 15–16 CA/Stockton Ben Holt Middle School Ken Hillman 209–952–2890 1001 Front Street 14–16 DE/Wilmington Bridge Studio of Delaware Jeff Ruben 302–475–0469 13–16 FL/Daytona Beach Metropolitan Bridge Club Jim Geary 386–235–6420 Leavenworth WA 14–16 FL/Venice Venice Bridge Club James Gordon 941–488–0799 Oct. 29–Nov. 4 14–16 HI/Honolulu Ala Wai Clubhouse Naomi Nortman 808–927–7786 [email protected] 13–16 IA/Urbandale (DM) Des Moines Area Bridge Center Jean Friedrich 515–243–6126 14–16 ID/Boise Wyndham Garden Boise Airport Donald Robinson 208–344–8918 14–16 IL/East Peoria Fon du Lac Park Dist. Admin. Ctr. Bill Bulfer 309–264–7629 for more information 15–16 KY/Lexington Bridge Club of Lexington Terrell Holt 859–351–2023 visit www.d19.org

LONG ISLAND “GOLD COAST” FALL REGIONAL Chateau Briand 440 Old Country Road SEPTEMBER 23–27, 2018 Carle Place NY 11514 516-334-6125 Non LM/LM HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS Swiss Team Event DAILY EVENTS Holiday Inn – Westbury Sun. Sept. 23 at 6:30 pm 369 Old Country Rd. ♦ Gold Rush Pairs Preregistration required (300–750, 0–300) ...... 10:30 am & 3 pm Carle Place NY 11514 [email protected] 855–744–8690 ♦ Open Pairs ...... 10:30 am & 3 pm ¬ EARN RED POINTS ¬ ¬ Complimentary ♦ Swiss Teams ...... 10:30 & TBA Bagels every morning Sagamore Bridge Club 6901 Jericho Turnpike Co ee & Tea Syosset NY 11791 available all day POST MORTEMS FOR ALL PAIR GAMES

Tournament Chair Tournament Manager Gold awarded for placing Lee Launer 516–628–2546 Susan Toporovsky in Swiss Team Events [email protected] [email protected] All Stratifi ed Events — Open Pairs Partnerships Arranged A (3000+) B (1500–3000) C (0–1500) Mark Leibowitz 516–972–8125 [email protected]

August 2018 Bridge Bulletin 77 September (continued) 15–16 MD/Pikesville MID-ATLANTICMID-ATLANTIC (nlm/750) The Bridge Club of Baltimore Patricia Murty 410–323–6206 Upcoming Regionals 15–16 ME/Portland The Woodfords Club Roger Guerin 207–468–0860 15 MI/Lansing (nlm/500) Lansing Bridge Center Diane Schafer 517–327–3925 HUNT VALLEY, MD 15 MN/Rochester August 13–19 (nlm/500) Hadley Creek Community Center Ann Van Ryn 507–282–4566 14–16 NC/Pinehurst Village of Pinehurst Assembly Hall Edward Weiler 910–295–5344 Hunt Valley Inn 14–16 NJ/Allendale Guardian Angel Auditorium Marilyn Cavell 845–425–9013 Chair: Mary Jo Chiesa (410) 353–7953 14–16 NY/Clifton Park Clifton Park [email protected] (Albany) Senior Community Center Robert Valenti 518–326–3829 15–16 OH/Canfield AUGUSTA, GA (Youngstown) Andrews Hall Gary Singer 330–726–9780 August 28–September 3 15–16 ON/St. Thomas St. Thomas Seniors Centre Jim Wright 519–631–5531 Augusta Downtown Marriott 14–16 OR/Phoenix (Medford) Rogue Valley Bridge Club John Cowles 541–482–6314 Co-chair: Ray Coleman (706) 833–6496 14–16 QC/Rimouski Centre Communautaire Ste.-Odile Diane Tremblay 418–722–4089 [email protected] 14–16 SC/Beaufort Holiday Inn Beaufort Peggy Stehly 843–785–9889 13–16 SK/Saskatoon Saskatoon Bridge Club William Ruskin 306–239–2027 CHARLOTTE, NC 14–16 TX/Denton (nlm/500) Denton DBS Kim Brinkman 214–208–0154 14–16 VA/Virginia Beach Bridge Center of Hampton Roads Brian Boyce 757–412–4925 October 22–28 14–16 WA/Bothell (Seattle) Bothell Union Hall Monty Gray 206–283–7311 Hilton Charlotte University Place 14–16 WI/Three Lakes Reiter Center Terry McCloskey 715–546–8306 Co-chair: Arnold Hoffmann (980) 254–7476 14–16 WY/Cheyenne Laramie County Comm. College Daniel Zwonitzer 307–214–7826 [email protected] 21–23 AB/Lethbridge Nord-Bridge Centre North Maureen Bailey 403–328–2344 NORTH CHARLESTON, SC 21–23 BC/Lake Country Winfield Memorial Hall Don Wallace 250–765–9188 Dec. 27, 2018–Jan. 2, 2019 21–23 CA/Lompoc DeWees Community and Sr. Ctr. Donald Beck 805–736–3507 Embassy Suites 22–23 CA/Santa Clarita (LA) Friendly Valley Auditorium Gay Gipson 661–347–9677 21–23 CO/Montrose Elks Lodge Jim Churchill 970–856–4777 Co-chair: Steve Donaldson (843) 412–8097 20–23 FL/St. Petersburg St. Pete Bridge Club Charles Gill 727–363–1136 [email protected] 22–23 FL/Melbourne Wickham Park Senior Center Julia Bomalaski 812–630–3188 www.mabcbridge.org 21–23 GA/St. Simons Island Golden Isles DBC Teryl McBurney 912–268–4388

78 Bridge Bulletin August 2018 September (continued) 22–23 GA/Gainesville 2018 Mini-McKenney race leaders (nlm/500) Senior Life Center Sherry Anton 770–406–1352 (As of July 6, 2018) 21–23 IA/Milford City of Milford Comm. Center Jan Bolluyt 712–336–5996 20–23 KS/Wichita Best Western Wichita North Richard Beye 314–440–2909 0 to 5 20–23 KS/WICHITA (nlm/750) BEST WESTERN WICHITA NORTH Richard Beye 314–440–2909 1. Jagjit Pal Singh Anand, Brampton ON 61 16–23 MA/Boston (cr) RCCL Serenade of the Seas Brett Ramsey 901–870–1293 2. Christopher Luttrell, Oak Ridge TN 61 21–23 MN/Carlton Black Bear Casino & Resort Dianne Carr 218–591–9942 3. Peter Winders, Aurora ON 49 21–23 ND/Minot Minot Moose Lodge Karen Leier 701–839–2343 4. Matt Loewen, Vancouver BC 48 21–23 NM/Carlsbad Best Western Stevens Inn Regina Ballard 575–236–6004 5. Rao Chalasani, Sugar Land TX 44 21–23 NY/Williamsville 6. Gregory Rich, Newtown CT 44 (Buffalo) Main-Transit Fire Hall Gay Simpson 716–836–2519 7. Sandra Stevens, Charlotte NC 41 21 OH/Cincinnati 8. David Tukey, Lansdale PA 40 (nlm/500) Cincinnati Bridge Association Pam Campbell 513–858–2621 9. Yunfeng Shao, Ottawa ON 39 21–23 OH/Cuyahoga Falls Quirk Center Robert Ryan 330–467–6543 10. Thomas Martin, Loudon TN 38 22–23 OH/CINCINNATI (0-500) CINCINNATI BRIDGE CENTER Pam Campbell 513–858–2621 5 to 20 22–23 ON/Caledon East Caledon East Community Centre Denise Donovan 416–614–6754 1. Homer Smith Jr., Suffolk VA 102 21–23 PA/Philadelphia Germantown Cricket Club Ala Hamilton-Day 610–891–9001 21–23 PA/Williamsport Williamsport Bridge Club Judy Stein 570–946–4749 2. Buddy Massey, Gulfport MS 100 21–23 QC/Quebec Montmartre France Roy-Dion 418–622–2718 3. Judy Orchard, Placerville CA 67 22–23 RI/Johnston Johnston Senior Center Maureen Fahey 401–828–0045 4. Lee Brown, Woodland Park CO 66 21–23 TN/East Ridge (Chatt) East Ridge Community Center Bruce Antman 423–290–8207 5. John Betz, Ajijc, Mexico 63 20–23 TX/Austin Bridge Center of Austin George Watkins 512–335–1158 6. John Prance, Calgary AB 52 20–23 TX/Houston (0-500) Westside Bridge Academy Bert Onstott III 713–851–1511 7. Butch Johnson, High Point NC 47 21–23 TX/Wichita Falls Wichita Falls Bridge Center Patricia Robinson 940–696–0630 8. Lori Nelson, Kamloops BC 47 21–23 UT/Salt Lake City Sons of Utah Pioneers Rosalee Gardner 801–738–1278 9. John Fabian, San Diego CA 46 21–23 VT/Williston Burlington Bridge Club Philip Sharpsteen 802–899–2080 10. Leslie Little, Knoxville TN 46

28–30 CA/Fresno Fresno Bridge Center Laura Da Costa 559–999–2825 20 to 50 29–30 CA/Santa Rosa Odd Fellows Hall Maxine Reagh 707–829–7536 1. Arda Kabaca, London ON 153 29 DE/Ocean View 2. Ilgaz Ciftci, London ON 133 (0-300) Ocean View Presbyterian Church Kim Holm 302–559–2023 3. Sean McNally, Minneapolis MN 102 4. Lu Gan, Burnaby BC 83 5. Bill Grewe, Front Royal VA 80 6. Nels Madsen, Auburn AL 78 7. Roger Guerin, Arundel ME 76 8. Morgan Johnstone, Minneapolis MN 74 9. Kevin Zhu, Grand Rapids MI 71 10. Millie Ortego, Opelousas LA 71

50 to 100 1. Siqing Yu, New York NY 133 2. Stella Q. Wan, Palo Alto CA 126 3. Doug Fisher, Barrie ON 115 4. Emma Kolesnik, Ventura CA 114 5. Paul Mohler, Arlington VA 111 6. Michael Mendelsohn, Cary NC 105 7. Susan Morrow, The Woodlands TX 102 8. John Graf, Alexandria VA 102 9. Russell King, Sun City Center FL 98 10. Richard Wang, Davenport FL 95

100 to 200 1. Finn Kolesnik, Ventura CA 337 2. Mariee Walton, Cary NC 133 3. Van Stone, Geneva IL 131 4. Barbara Devaney, Washington DC 126 5. Ying Zhang, Longmont CO 125 6. Ken Hanson, Austin TX 117 7. Leslie Blair, Raleigh NC 113 8. Ronald Caudle, Salisbury NC 112 9. Jean Klinkenberg, Medina OH 112 10. Gordon Young, Pictou NS 111

August 2018 Bridge Bulletin 79 September (continued) Mini-McKenney race leaders continued 28–30 IA/Dubuque Holy Trinity Mark Patton 563–588–1555 200 to 300 28–30 KS/Overland Park 1. R. Blaine Mullins, Frankfort KY 204 (nlm/500) Kansas City Bridge Studio Tim Hays 816–361–8558 2. Peter Bronstein, N. Miami Beach FL 160 29–30 KY/Louisville Louisville Bridge Center Norman Smith 502–491–9460 29–30 MB/Winnipeg 3. Carol Ramberg, Fair Oaks Ranch TX 137 (nlm/500) Temple Shalom William Treble 204–669–1458 4. John Dong, Richmond Hill ON 134 27–29 MI/Grand Haven Grand Haven Community Center Ben Broughton 231–755–1804 5. Leon Yu, Syosset NY 131 28–29 MN/NEW BRIGHTON NEW BRIGHTON 6. Craig Pritzker, Woodbridge VA 128 (Mpls) (nlm/750) COMMUNITY CENTER Amy Dutton 651–475–6180 7. Wayne Stann, Kelowna BC 124 29–30 MO/Olivette (0-300) St. Louis Bridge Center Mark Ziegelman 314–821–2550 8. Paul Durda, Needham MA 121 24–30 MS/ROBINSONVILLE 9. David Jasperse, Holland MI 119 (Memphis) GOLD STRIKE CASINO RESORT Visanji Gala 901–679–3679 10. Judi Katz, Chicago IL 119 24–30 MT/MISSOULA RUBY’S INN Judith Hartz 406–544–2132 27–30 NC/Raleigh Royal Banquet & Conf. Center Harold Albrecht 919–567–0470 300 to 500 29–30 NH/Grantham Grantham Town Hall Jane Verdrager 603–865–5508 1. Tom Bishel, Columbus OH 408 29 NJ/West Long 2. John Bishel, Columbus OH 323 Branch (0-300) Jersey Bridge Club Lynn Chapin 732–223–7349 3. Jacob Freeman, Toronto ON 264 28–30 NS/New Minas Louis Millet Community Complex Brian Delong 902–765–4182 23–27‡ NY/CARLE PLACE CHATEAU BRIAND Lee Launer 516–628–2546 4. Sarah Youngquist, Palo Alto CA 217 29–30 NY/Plattsburgh (nc) Plattsburgh Duplicate Bridge Club Lorraine Streeter 518–578–4992 5. Brent Xiao, Fremont CA 204 29–30 NY/Utica North Utica Senior Center Billie Ohlbaum 315–724–8451 6. Daniel Sonner, Redwood City CA 203 29–30 ON/Chatham Active Lifestyle Centre Lee Easterbrook 226–881–3963 7. Matthew Morgan, Nashville TN 202 29 PA/Allentown Lehigh Valley Active Life Center Pat Saeger 610–437–1112 8. Bo Han Zhu, Oakville ON 199 28–30 SC/Aiken Odell Weeks Activity Center Ronald Jaeger 803–514–2681 9. Amy Brisson, Arlington VA 186 28–30 TX/Longview Holiday Inn Longview Linda Harrison 903–856–6767 10. David Dresher, North Wales PA 183 28–30 VA/WILLIAMSBURG (nlm/750) DOUBLETREE BY HILTON Jane Farthing 757–229–7275 500 to 1000 28–30 VA/Williamsburg DoubleTree by Hilton Jane Farthing 757–229–7275 1. Michael Heins, Champaign IL 595 2. Piotr Olszewski, Hackettstown NJ 324 3. Gary Anderson, Austin TX 296 4. Harrison Luba, Lynnfield MA 287 5. Darrow Neves, Sun City Center FL 273 6. Larry Plotkin, Elkins Park PA 260 7. Rosalind Smith, Dallas TX 254 8. Sundaresan Ram, Tucson AZ 250 9. Ruth Ellen Maddock, Hagerstown MD 237 10. Lewis Maddock, Hagerstown MD 237

1000 to 1500 1. Jerry Barrett, Austin TX 474 2. William Bailey, Mill Valley CA 370 3. Sharon Dameron, Cedar Park TX 350 4. Samuel Amer, Long Island NY 288 5. Leah Shao, Harrisonburg VA 287 6. Mark Crumrine, Ocala FL 275 7. Jack Mahoney, Brunswick ME 274 8. Justin Coniglio, Riverview FL 271 9. Howard Huynh, Lubbock TX 252 10. Tom Schlossberg, Bluffton SC 251

1500 to 2500 1. Robert McClendon, Ponte Vedra FL 1041 2. Mary Ose, Sacramento CA 449 3. Alex Khrakovsky, Columbus OH 427 4. Sabrina Miles, Mansfield MA 401 5. Darryl Legassie, Milton NH 391 6. Junko Hemus, San Clemente CA 321 7. Mason Barge, Atlanta GA 306 8. Russ Pearly, The Villages FL 299 9. Kim Brinkman, Flower Mound TX 287 10. James Walter, Ann Arbor MI 277

80 Bridge Bulletin August 2018 October 6–7 CA/Modesto Homewood Village Clubhouse Barbara Page 209–523–9478 Mini-McKenney race leaders continued 6–7 CA/San Juan 2500 to 3500 Capistrano (nlm/500) S. Orange County Bridge Ctr Frances Krause 949–697–6446 1. Gillian Miniter, New York NY 838 6–7 CO/Sheridan (0-300) Denver House of Cards Robert Stansbury 303–794–5600 2. Sherman Gao, Brea CA 550 5–7 FL/Jacksonville Jacksonville School of Bridge Nancy Hanna 904–874–4371 3. Sue Lan Ma, Kirtland Hills OH 533 6–7 FL/Sarasota (nlm/500) G & G In Between Club Rita Marinho 941–952–3848 4. July Ratley, Redding CA 463 5–7 IL/Caseyville (St. L) Steamfitters Local 439 Charles Keltner 618–654–5106 5–7 IN/Terre Haute Int’l Union of Operating Engineers Tana Holt 765–832–7574 5. Arti Bhargava, Mill Valley CA 461 5–7 MA/Watertown 6. Teri Smoot, Placerville CA 435 (Boston) Armenian Cultural Center Robert McCaw 781–752–6100 7. Jeff Edelstein, Tampa FL 415 5–7 MI/Marquette Marquette Township Comm. Ctr. Duane Fowler 906–225–1907 8. Milton Neher, Richardson TX 365 5–7 MI/St. Joseph Lake Michigan Catholic 9. Fernando Teson, Tallahassee FL 356 Elementary School Jeff Edmunds 269–556–9144 10. Layne Noble, Ottawa ON 342 5–7 NC/Morganton Foothills Higher Education Center Eldon Clayman 828–439–1283 4–7 NV/Carson City Plaza Conference Center Leona Pchelkin 775–782–6406 3500 to 5000 6–7 NY/Webster 1. Aaron Jones, San Francisco CA 598 (Rochester) TBA Roger Woodin 585–471–8261 2. Joan Millens, Kingston NY 546 7 OH/Cincinnati (pf) Cincinnati Bridge Center AJ Stephani 513–648–9553 3. Suman Agarwal, Columbus OH 412 2–8 ON/OTTAWA OTTAWA MARRIOTT HOTEL Michael Abbey 343–262–4063 4. Keith Heckley, Hamilton ON 411 1–7 OR/SEASIDE SEASIDE CONVENTION CENTER James Wheeler 360–546–0946 5. Michael Ranis, Miami FL 404 5–7 PA/Wilkes-Barre Quality Inn & Suites Walter Mitchell Jr. 570–472–3290 5–7 TN/Crossville Cumberland County 6. Joe Houde, Vista CA 391 Community Complex Buck Martin 931–787–4777 7. Stephen Kennedy, Oakland CA 390 4–6 TX/Beaumont Beaumont Bridge Studio Linda Briggs 409–223–1162 8. Weishu Wu, Irvine CA 388 5–6 TX/Richardson 9. Gary Donner, Bluffton SC 379 (Dallas) (0-300) Dorsey’s Bridge Studio Dorsey Shaw 972–517–6331 10. Joseph Rice, Winchester KY 373 5000 to 7500 1. Adam Grossack, Newton MA 981 2. Oren Kriegel, Chicago IL 702 3. Peter Boyd-Bowman, Greensboro NC 541 4. Eric Leong, Oakland CA 538 5. Peter Petruzzellis, Scarborough ON 535 6. Carole Liss, San Rafael CA 526 7. Radu Nistor, Woodside NY 520 8. Sjoert Brink, Rotterdam, Netherlands 507 9. Jonathan Fleischmann, Bloomfield MI 490 10. Joshua Donn, Las Vegas NV 458

7500 to 10,000 1. Crispin Barrere, Berkeley CA 963 2. Alex Hudson, Raleigh NC 925 3. Zachary Grossack, Newton MA 880 4. Sylvia Shi, Las Vegas NV 777 5. Iftikhar Baqai, Irvine CA 648 6. Josef Blass, Chapel Hill NC 644 7. Sylvia Moss, Boca Raton FL 622 8. Richard Chan, Markham ON 593 9. Glenn Robbins, New York NY 587 10. Bjorgvin Kristinsson, Col. Heights MN 515

Over 10,000 1. Joe Grue, New York NY 1746 2. Mark Itabashi, Murrieta CA 1601 3. Brad Moss, Denver CO 1464 4. Kevin Dwyer, Melbourne FL 1437 5. Eric Rodwell, Clearwater FL 1228 6. Jeff Meckstroth, Clearwater Beach FL 1202 7. Shan Huang, Melbourne FL 1185 8. John Hurd, New York NY 1133 9. Geoff Hampson, Las Vegas NV 1120 10. Jacek Pszczola, Chapel Hill NC 1092

August 2018 Bridge Bulletin 81 ADVERTISING INDEX TELEPHONE AND EMAIL SERVICE DIRECTORY See page 6 for more contact information. PRODUCTS ¹ SERVICES Abenity 75 Address Change [email protected] Member Services ACBL Online Membership Card 61 Bridge Bulletin Delivery [email protected] [email protected] ACBL Partnership Desk 67 Masterpoints [email protected] ACBL College Bridge Program 33 1-800-264-2743 Membership Renewal [email protected] ACBL Regional at Sea 15, 19 U.S. only MyACBL Support [email protected] Alice Travel 27 1-662-253-3191 Obituary Notification [email protected] Baron Barclay 2 other countries Patron Members [email protected] 662-253-3173 Bridge Base Online 84 Bridge Holidays 3 ACBLscore Support [email protected] NABC Online 14 Club Services Director Education [email protected] Tully Luxury Travel 31 [email protected] Discipline [email protected] 1-855-275-7629 Help Desk [email protected] TOURNAMENTS U.S. only Marketing Support [email protected] Regionals 1-888-219-9901 Monthly Reports [email protected] Augusta GA 78 Canada only Rulings [email protected] Carle Place (Long Island) NY 77 Special Games and Events [email protected] Charlotte NC 78 Bridge Bulletin Editor [email protected] Danbury CT 78 Editorial Report Big Games [email protected] Hunt Valley MD 78 Department Leavenworth WA 77 Bridge Bulletin Advertising [email protected] 662-253-3117 Lynnwood WA 77 North Charleston SC 78 Discipline [email protected] Puerto Vallarta MX 80 District Elections [email protected] Rancho Mirage CA 81 & Unit Services Marketing Support [email protected] 662-253-3141 Reno NV 79 Tournament Sanctions [email protected] 662-253-3164

Sectionals Chief Executive Officer [email protected] 662-253-3103 Carlsbad NM 75 Education/Teacher Accred. [email protected] 662-253-3161 ACBL Human Resources [email protected] 662-253-3108 Other Corporate Marketing [email protected] 662-253-3112 Duncan Bridge Center 56 Office NABC & Tournament Ops. [email protected] 662-253-3116 National Recorder [email protected] Operator main line 662-253-3100 fax 662-253-3187

Your personal R/C – Rating Code E/C – Event Code masterpoint information GNT/NAP ...... 1 Women’s/Men’s Pairs/Teams ...... A Club Tournament ...... 2 Mixed/Unmixed Pairs/Teams ...... B The masterpoint update on the back cover is Charity Game ...... 3 Open Pairs ...... C for the member the magazine is addressed to and Club MPs...... 4 Master Pairs/Teams ...... D possibly for a household member if space is avail- Local Tournament ...... 6 Non-Master Pairs/Teams ...... E able. If you have more masterpoint activity than Sectional ...... 7 Consolation (All) ...... F can fit in the space provided, you can check your Regional ...... 8 BAM/Swiss Teams ...... G masterpoints at acbl.org. Log in to MyACBL and NABC ...... 9 KO Teams...... H click on Masterpoint History. Correction ...... 0 Individual ...... J Side Game ...... K Charity Pairs ...... L

© 2018 by American Contract Bridge League. All rights reserved. Contents of this magazine may not be reproduced in any manner without written consent from the publisher. Mention of any product does not constitute endorsement by the Bridge Bulletin. Bridge Bulletin assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, photos, art, or cartoons, and reserves the right to reject any editorial or advertising materials. Unsolicited materials should be accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. ACBL, ACBLSCORE, Bridge Bulletin, masterpoint and the ACBL logo are registered trademarks of American Contract Bridge League. All rights reserved. It is Bridge Bulletin policy not to accept advertising from persons or organizations believed to be unreliable or financially irresponsible. We are not responsible, however, for the performance of advertisers, the delivery or quality of their merchandise or services, or the legality of any particular program. On cruise ads, we suggest you check to make sure duplicate bridge will be offered on the cruise you desire. Regarding investment ads, we recommend that you check with your financial adviser before acting. ACBL Management reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to refuse any advertisement.

82 Bridge Bulletin August 2018 Intermediate¥/¥Newcomer Calendar Upcoming NABCs August 4 CA/San Diego (nlm/500) Seven Oaks Comm. Center Art Foeste 608–274–6185 1–2 FL/Deland (0-300) Deland Bridge Club Lynn Berg 386–736–6228 4–5 NM/Albuquerque (nlm/500) Duke City Bridge Center Steven Lockwood 505–715–0067 11–12 CA/Fresno (nlm/500) Fresno Bridge Center Laura Da Costa 559–999–2825 10–12 CO/LOVELAND (nlm/750) LARIMER CTY FAIRGROUNDS John Grossmann 719–233–9464 11–12 MT/Great Falls (0-300) Big Sky Bridge Club Catherine Ayres 303–335–8756 9–12 NC/Durham (nlm/500) Triangle Bridge Club Chris Moll 504–495–7485 10–12 NC/Hendersonville (nlm/500) Hendersonville Bridge Center Nick Weedman 828–693–5300 12 PA/York (nlm/500) Bridge Boardroom Edward Scanlon 717–434–3298 17–18 AL/Birmingham (nlm/500) Birmingham DBC Martha Chitwood 205–252–9035 Fall NABC in Honolulu HI 17–19 AR/Hot Spgs. Vlg. (nlm/500) Ponce De Leon Center Marianne Dethardt 501–984–2049 November 22–December 2, 2018 17–19 IA/URBANDALE (nlm/750) DES MOINES BRIDGE CTR. Barbara Maas 319–530–8510 18–19 KY/Louisville (nlm/500) Louisville Bridge Center Beth Dlutowski 502–653–7637 18–19 OK/Oklahoma City (nlm/500) Fun and Games DBC Inc. Jackie Hertweck 405–748–4788 18–19 ON/St. Catharines (0-300) Bridge Centre of Niagara Lucy McEwen 905–468–0052 16–19 TN/Knoxville (nlm/500) Knoxville Bridge Center Kathy Duggan 865–607–1255 16–18 TX/Beaumont (nlm/500) Beaumont Bridge Studio Susan Nimmo 409–626–4010 18–19 TX/Austin (0-200) Bridge Center of Austin Scott Humphrey 512–836–5984 23–26 AR/BELLA VISTA (nlm/750) RIORDAN HALL Robert Gromatka 479–657–6976 25–26 CA/Laguna Woods (nlm/750) Laguna Woods DBC Marjorie Michelin 805–807–1152 25 IA/Sioux City (nlm/500) Siouxland Ctr. for Active Gens. Donna Lombardini 360–600–0459 ‡25–26 IN/Indianapolis (0-300) Indianapolis Bridge Center Joyce Pepple 317–701–8959 22–25 TX/SAN ANTONIO (nlm/750) OMNI HOTEL Debbie Schweiss 210–862–9706 25–26 VA/Virginia Beach (nlm/500) Bridge Ctr. of Hampton Roads Kathleen Haglich 757–467–4136 31 PA/Reading (nlm/500) Sacred Heart Villa Sue Wessner 610–972–5327 Spring NABC in Memphis TN August/September March 21–31, 2019 29–2 FL/Delray Beach (nlm/750) Jourdan’s Bridge Club Ora Lourie 561–585–6223 Special Events Calendar Aug. 7 Tuesday (evening) ACBL-wide Junior Fund Game #2 * Sept. 13 Thursday (afternoon) ACBL-wide International Fund Game #2 * Oct. 5 Friday (morning) ACBL-wide Senior Pairs #2 * Oct. 11 Thursday (afternoon) Canada-wide Olympiad Fund Game Oct. 25 Thursday Canada-wide Erin Berry Rookie/Master Game Oct. 31 Wednesday (afternoon) ACBL-wide Instant Matchpoint Game #2 * Dec. 17 Monday (afternoon) ACBL-wide International Fund Game #3 * * Games include hand records and analyses.

Upcoming Regionals STaCs Summer NABC in Las Vegas NV July 18–28, 2019 October August 8–14 CO/Colorado Springs 6–12 District 13 & MI Unit 154 (D12) 8–14 CT/Danbury Thomas Dressing 847–215–0310 Solution to Crossword 6–13 FL/ Fort Lauderdale (cr) 13–19 District 1 Puzzle on pg. 71 8–14 MI/Farmington Hills (Detroit) Stan Tench 613–829–4101 8–14 MO/Springfield 13–19 District 9 12–14 WI/Fitchburg (nlm/750) Shirley Seals 904–285–7767 16–21 MB/Winnipeg 20–26 Districts 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 & 23 15–21 NV/Sparks (Reno) Bonnie Bagley 719–593–0205 16–21 NY/Buffalo 20–26 District 4 & MD Unit 135 (D6) 15–21 TX/Abilene John Marks 215–891–0602 22–28 IA/Council Bluffs 20–26 District 7 & FL Unit 219 (D9) 22–28 NC/Charlotte Janet Case 704–992–0397

October/November August/September 29–4 CA/Ventura 27–2 District 10 29–4 PA/Manheim (Lancaster) Jerry Burford 601–421–5513 29–4 WA/Leavenworth 30–4 WI/Lake Geneva September 4–10 AZ Units 351, 354, 355, 356 & 358 (D17) JoAnne Lowe 480–836–7296 August 2018 Bridge Bulletin 83 B=Black, R=Red, S=Silver, G=Gold, P=Platinum, O=Online. More information for the codes below on page 82.

E R E R E R Sanction/Tourn. /C /C Date Points Sanction/Tourn. /C /C Date Points Sanction/Tourn. /C /C Date Points