www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org July/August 2006

WBL Anniversary75 61ST ANNUAL th POTOMAC VALLEY TOURNAMENT B August 3-6, 2006 ♣ Silver Spring, MD

U Have a W

♥ CooL ASHINGTON time at L a HOT ♠ Sectional! It’s

L B

Summer RIDGE ♦ Bridge

E and L EAGUE ♥ T S

♣ Don’t miss the ECTIONAL 2:30pm Saturday Panel Show!

I There are events throughout the tournament for players of all levels including a full schedule of inter- ♠ mediate and novice games. Enjoy the usual famous Washington hospitality from Nadine and Kitty including free lunches on the weekend. N For the complete schedule, see page 3. WBL OMBUDSMAN CONTENTS Any player with helpful director SUGGESTION BOX issues including criticism or praise of the Do you have a suggestion that directing staff may contact the might help to increase membership or Ombudsman, Ann Lindley and be otherwise improve the Washington assured that the source of the informa- Bridge League? Give any and all tion will remain confidential. Information ARTICLE PAGE ideas to Don Berman, 301-776-3581, should be provided in writing and may [email protected], 13707 be handed to her at any game, or mailed President’s Letter ...... by Fred King 2 Engleman Dr., Laurel, MD 20708, or to her at 8822 Fircrest Pl., Alexandria, WBL 61st Annual Potomac Valley Tournament — August 3-6, 2006 . . . . 3 www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org. VA 22308. 76th Annual D.C. Championships — October 19-22, 2006 ...... 4 ♣♦♥♠ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ♣♦♥♠ deadline: August 28, 2006 Bits and Pieces... to submit new articles to the editor for the September/October 2006 issue Welcome to the WBL; District 6 & NVBA Lose Long-Time Volunteer Bette Dudka; Congratulations to the District 6 Grand National Washington Bridge League BULLETIN (usps #861-240) VOL. 64, #4 — SUBSCRIPTION $2 PER YEAR FOR MEMBERS OF UNIT #147 (INCLUDED IN ACBL ANNUAL DUES). Team Winners! ...... 5 NON-MEMBER SUBSCRIPTION RATE IS $21 FOR THREE YEARS. PUBLISHED BI-MONTHLY BY THE WASHINGTON BRIDGE LEAGUE AT 14517 PERRYWOOD DRIVE, BURTONSVILLE, MD 20866. SECOND-CLASS POSTAGE PAID Bridgeisms!; Best Leads Against NoTrump by ...... 20 AT BURTONSVILLE, MD. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO WASHINGTON BRIDGE LEAGUE BULLETIN, ACBL, 2990 AIRWAYS BLVD., MEMPHIS, TN 38116-3847. ALL EDITORIAL AND GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE WBL Solvers’ Club ...... by Steve Robinson 7 SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE EDITOR AT 901 CLIFTONBROOK LN., SILVER SPRING, MD 20905-3711. Thursday Night Unit Game... Editor — Donna Rogall (301-421-9615), [email protected] 2006 Trophy Race Standings ...... by Webmaster, Don Berman 14 I/N Columnist — Sandy Forsythe (301-592-9177), [email protected] Columnists — Steve Robinson, Richard Colker, Fred King, Bob Levey, Barbara Doran, Bryan Coleman 0-20 Game & Lesson Thursday Nights, Carpools ...... 14 The opinions expressed by our columnists do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the ACBL, the WBL, or even the editors of this publication. The WBL is not responsible for the claims of its advertisers. Schedule, Map, Guaranteed Partner Program, ...... 15 Fred King, President — (703-536-1914), [email protected] It Takes a Village to Run a Bridge Club, Spare Brains or Don Berman, Vice President — (301-776-3581), [email protected] Steve Robinson, Treasurer — (703-379-4371), [email protected] Muscle?; Upcoming Sectionals ...... 16 Richard Ferrin, Secretary — (202-265-0718), [email protected] Committee Action #53 ...... by Rich Colker 17 UNIT DIRECTORS Barbara Ames — (202-439-5667), [email protected] A Remembrance of Carole Geagley ...... from Bryan Coleman 21 Ellen Cherniavsky — (301-649-1350), [email protected] Clyde Kruskal — (301-927-1023), [email protected] Reflections on the History of the WBL as our 75th Anniversary Bob Levey — (301-654-7033),[email protected] Celebration Approaches, Part I ...... by Bob Levey 23 Shlomit Rind — (301-315-2211), [email protected] Barbara Summers — (301-598-5838), [email protected] Area Bridge Class Offerings — Leslie Shafer’s Fall Classes ...... 25 SOME KEY VOLUNTEERS Advertise? ...... 25 Nadine Wood — Tournament Chair (301-565-9555) Ann Lindley — WBL Ombudsman (703-360-9087) 2006-2007 District 6 Finals . .by Barbara Doran 26 Frances Burke — Membership Secretary (301-384-6103) Ted Ying — Unit Game Chief Director (301-490-3154) New D.C. Bridge Game Off to a Good Start! — Sunday Bridge Fiesta! . .27 Michael Carroad — Unit Game Manager (301-322-4289) Barbara Doran — Unit Game & Tournament Partnerships (301-608-0347) Stepping Up to New Heights ...... 27 Kitty Gottfried — Unit Game and Sectional Hospitality (301-587-3981) Dick Wegman, Past President — (301-365-2228), [email protected] NLMasterPointers ...... by I/N columnist, Sandy Forsythe 28 Need a Partner or a Ride to the Unit Game? ...... back cover WBL WEBSITE: DISTRICT 6 SITE: www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org www.districtsix.org Solvers’ Club’s New Problems ...... back cover - 1 - PRESIDENT’S LETTER Silver Spring, MD: August 3-6, 2006 by WBL President, Fred King WBL75th 61st Annual Potomac Valley Tournament Anniversary Thursday, August 3 Have a Woodward and Lothrop, Garfinkels, with major assists from our historian, Peter ♣ StrataFlighted Open Pairs (A/X unlim/3000, B/C/D Separate 1500/1000/500) CooL Hechinger, People’s Drug, Dart Drug, Boyd. (See page 23.) Still I am sure that the (both sites); Stratified NLM Pairs (NLM/100/50) & 0-20 Pairs (Christ the King time at Raleigh’s. All of these are just a few of the membership has memories and memorabilia Church only); Stratified 199er Pairs (Beth El only) Washington institutions that have disap- that you could share with us and I would Beth El Congregation, 3830 Seminary Rd, Alexandria ...... 7:00pm a HOT Christ the King Church, 2301 Colston Drive, Silver Spring ...... 7:30pm peared during my time here. One institution urge you to do so. Sectional! that has kept going strong throughout this Capital Beltway to Connecticut Ave. South. Left on East-West Hwy. Right on We want to celebrate those who have st period is the Washington Bridge Grubb Rd. 1 left on Colston. Church is on the left before the next intersection.

been members of the WBL the longest. If ECTIONAL League. Indeed the WBL has now been Friday— you joined the WBL before 1965 and have Friday, August 4 around for 75 years (even longer than the S at Christ the King Church Only been a member ever since then, please let ACBL!) and we want to have a wonderful ♦ Stratafied Pairs (2000+/1000/500) ...... 10:00am us know. ♥ Diamond Anniversary celebration. Already StrataFlighted A/X (unlim/3000) & B/C/D Pairs (1500/1000/500) . . . 2:00pm ♠ you have heard about some of the upcoming Even though the WBL has been around Barometer Pairs StrataFlighted A/X (unlim/3000) & B/C/D Pairs (1500/1000/500) ...... 7:30pm activities. Many of them will center on the for a very long time, it has changed greatly

EAGUE Check your scores every round! Friday nights are your chance to try a different form of the game. October D.C. Championship sectional. We over the years and continues to change. One

L This one-session Barometer Pairs has no qualification necessary. Everyone plays the same boards at the will make the first award of the Machlin area of great change has been the types of same time and you can see how you’re doing after every round. Sportsmanship Trophy during the tourna- games that we run at our sectionals. When I ♣ Intermediate/Novice Pairs (300/200/100/50/20)(single sessions) ...... 10:00am, 2:00pm, 7:30pm ment. We will reinstitute the Eynon trophy first came to Washington the sectional ♦ Sat. & Sun. at the Margaret Schweinhaut Senior Center Only ♥ for the team winners. Other possible activi- schedule was very simple. Thursday night ties are still being planned. there was an open pairs run in conjunction RIDGE 1000 Forest Glen Road, Silver Spring, MD: From Beltway exit Georgia Avenue north (toward Wheaton). Turn right at first traffic with the NVBA (which, by the way, used to B It’s Summer Those of you who have played in the light onto Forest Glen Rd. The Senior Center is .7 mile on your right. WBL games over the years have had the be part of the WBL). On Friday afternoon Bridge and there was an Open Pairs and on Friday night opportunity to play against famous bridge Don’t miss the players such as Charles Goren, Al Roth, Steve there was the Mixed Pairs. Saturday there 2:30pm Saturday Panel Show! Robinson, and oh so many more. But in addi- was a two session Open Pairs with a qualify- Saturday, August 5 ing session and a consolation for those who tion to those who have won fame in bridge, ♦ you have had the chance to play against did not qualify. Finally on Sunday was the StrataFlighted A/X Pairs (unlim/3000)(single sessions) ...... 11:00am, 3:30pm ♥ StrataFlighted B/C/D Pairs (1500/1000/500)(single sessions) ...... 11:00am, 3:30pm world-class athletes like Pauline Betz Addie, team game, usually Swiss, but occasionally a ♠ ASHINGTON Intermediate/Novice Pairs (300/200/100) (single sessions) ...... 11:00am, 3:30pm -a-Match. Look at the tournament one of the best women tennis players in the ♣ Newcomer Pairs (50/20/5) (single sessions) ...... 11:00am, 3:30pm history of the game. Eddie Eynon owned the schedule in this bulletin and see how much W ♦ Panel Show between sessions ...... 2:30pm Washington Senators baseball team. U. S. that has changed! What changes have you Sunday, August 6 Senators and members of the House of noticed since you have been here? ♥ A/X Swiss Teams, VPs (unlim /3000, 7 round playthru w/short break) ...... 11:00am & TBA Representatives, Supreme Court Justices What ways would you like to see us cel- ♠ B/C/D Swiss Teams, VPs (2000/1000/500, 7 round playthru w/short break) ...... 11:00am & TBA and other high government officials have ebrate the WBL’s long run? Speak to me or ♣ 300/200/100/50 Swiss Teams, VPs (single sessions) ...... 11:00am, 3:00pm been regulars at WBL games. (Despite his any other member of the board or send us ♣ ♥ great love of the game, we have no evidence Full Schedule of Intermediate and Novice Events your thoughts in an email. The WBL belongs I/N events: 0-5, 20, 50, 100, 200, 300; Stratification at Director’s Discretion. that President Eisenhower ever joined the to its members and we need your ideas to includes snacks, drinks and WBL.) Of course there have also been some make your celebration the best it can be. Famous Washington Hospitality Friday, Saturday and Sunday lunch free of charge. Chair: Nadine Wood, 301-565-9555, [email protected]. Volunteer scoundrels in the league, but I will let you Diamonds are forever, but our diamond name them yourself. Coordinator: Barbara Summers, 301-598-5838, [email protected] Hospitality: Kitty jubilee lasts only one year, so come out and Gottfried, 301-587-3981, [email protected] Partnerships: Barbara Ames, 202-439-5667, Sectional Bob Levey has contributed his first of (at enjoy it with us. [email protected] or try the easy Online Partnership Bulletin Board: www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org least) two parts on the history of the WBL Fred King - 2 - - 3 - BITS AND PIECES Silver Spring, MD: October 19-22, 2006 76th Annual th WBL75th D.C. Championships It’s our Diamond Anniversary A Diamond is Forever... Jubilee, so WELCOME TO THE CONGRATULATIONS TO THE come help the WBL cel- WASHINGTON BRIDGE LEAGUE DISTRICT 6 GRAND NATIONAL Thursday, October 19 ebrate 75 years of the The WBL welcomes the following new TEAM WINNERS! ♣ best bridge in StrataFlighted Open Pairs (A/X unlim/3000, B/C/D Separate 1500/1000/500) ACBL members: Ms Edith E Burzio, Ms Ariane Good luck to our first place teams at the (both sites); Stratified NLM Pairs (NLM/100/50) & 0-20 Pairs (Christ the King Washington. We will Cohn, Mr Edward J Gorman III, Mrs Jeanne have our usual first Summer North American Bridge Church only); Stratified 199er Pairs (Beth El only) Haji, Ms Frances T Jones, Mr Steven S Mazzola, Championships in Chicago. Beth El Congregation, 3830 Seminary Rd, Alexandria ...... 7:00pm class hospitality as well and Mrs Masumi Tochisako. Christ the King Church, 2301 Colston Drive, Silver Spring ...... 7:30pm as awards honoring In addition, we welcome the following trans- Championship Flight Capital Beltway to Connecticut Ave. South. Left on East-West Hwy. Right on those who have helped fers from other units: Robert D Abbo, Mrs 1 Mark Dahl – Dave Butler – Grubb Rd. 1st left on Colston. Church is on the left before the next intersection. make bridge here so Sonny F Adelson, Mr Calvin H Cobb Jr, Mr Alan Schwartz – Ai-Tai Lo

ECTIONAL great. We will revive old Friday—at Christ Thomas W Conley, Mrs Lynn A Jones, Mrs 2 Steve Robinson - - Bill Cole -

S traditions, institute new the King Church Only Friday, October 20 Arlene Lanter, Mr Jovica Medic, Mr Lewis A Beth Palmer - Bill Pettis - ♦ ones, reminisce about Ondis II, and Mrs Adelle Weiss. Stratafied Pairs (2000+/1000/500) ...... 10:00am the past and look for- 3/4Earl Glickstein – Bob Bell – Fred King – ♥ StrataFlighted A/X (unlim/3000) & B/C/D Pairs (1500/1000/500) . . . 2:00pm Please join us at our weekly Unit ward to the future. Bryan Coleman ♠ IMP Pairs, Champagne & Caviar ...... 7:30pm Game on Thursday evenings and frequent StrataFlighted A/X (unlim/3000) & B/C/D (1500/1000/500) Don’t miss it! the local bridge clubs in the area. Fred Steinberg – Dave Ruderman – Gene

EAGUE Friday nights are your chance to try a different form of the game. With IMP pairs, you only Information can be found on our website, Kales – John Adams – Andy Gofreed –

L need one partner, but it scores like a team game. Your score will be averaged with all the www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org. Alan Tenenbaum other scores from your direction on each board. D 6 & NVBA L Flight A (0-5000) ♣ Intermediate/Novice Pairs (300/200/100/50/20)(single sessions) ...... 10:00am, 2:00pm, 7:30pm ISTRICT OSE ♦ LONG-TIME VOLUNTEER 1 Ben Brill - Bill Hacker - Sat. & Sun. at the 1000 Forest Glen Road, Silver Spring, MD: From Beltway exit BETTE DUDKA Diane Walker - Kenton

RIDGE Margaret Schweinhaut Georgia Avenue north (toward Wheaton). Turn right at first traffic Schoen - Millard Nachtwey - Only ♥ light onto Forest Glen Rd. The Senior Center is .7 mile on your right. Bette Dudka, long-time dedicated volun- Linda Maloney B Senior Center Saturday, October 21 teer and Board Member/Officer at all levels 2 Sumner Steinfeldt - Hal Hindman - of bridge administration, passed away on ♦ StrataFlighted A/X Pairs (unlim/3000)(single sessions) ...... 11:00am, 3:30pm Rusty Krauss - Barry Falgout - Joan ♥ Thursday, June 22 after a brief bout with StrataFlighted B/C/D Pairs (1500/1000/500)(single sessions) ...... 11:00am, 3:30pm Lewis ♠ Intermediate/Novice Pairs (300/200/100) (single sessions) ...... 11:00am, 3:30pm cancer. Bette was active in the NVBA unit, ♣ Newcomer Pairs (50/20/5) (single sessions) ...... 11:00am, 3:30pm serving in all officer positions except that as 3/4Ellen Cherniavsky - Tom Musso - Ellen ♦ Machlin Sportsmanship Award Presentation & “The History of ...... 2:30pm Treasurer and on the NVBA Board continu- Klosson - Brad Theurer WBL Bridge” Panel Show ously through 2003, as well as holding the Dhirendra Ghosh - Shuba Dey - Sven ♥ Eynon Trophy Sunday, October 22 position of NVBA Tournament Chair for Pride - David Genne ASHINGTON many years up until 1989. She was also Flight B First awarded in 1931— Try to add your name to the famous names inscribed here! active at the District 6 and Mid-Atlantic W A/X Swiss Teams, VPs (unlim /3000, 7 round playthru w/short break) ...... 11:00am & TBA Bridge Conference (MABC) levels, again in 1 John Christensen – Hongmo ♠ B/C/D Swiss Teams, VPs (2000/1000/500, 7 round playthru w/short break) ...... 11:00am & TBA positions of Secretary, President, Board Wang – Suellen Polland – ♣ 300/200/100/50 Swiss Teams, VPs (single sessions) ...... 11:00am, 3:00pm member, and MABC Tournament Chair, Larry Brafman ♣ Full Schedule of Intermediate and Novice Events ♥ holding the position of District 6 Secretary 2 Shuba Dey – Jay Kelkar – Debnarayan I/N events: 0-5, 20, 50, 100, 200, 300; Stratification at Director’s Discretion. right up until her death. Bette had long been Dhar – Dhirendra Ghosh 75th one of three District 6 representatives to the Famous Washington Hospitality includes snacks, drinks and Friday, Saturday and Sun- 3/4Michael Cheng – Helen Cheng – Robert ACBL Board of Governors, relinquishing day lunch free of charge. Chair: Nadine Wood, 301-565-9555, [email protected]. Volunteer Zier – Henry Strauch that position only in May of this year when Coordinator: Barbara Summers, 301-598-5838, [email protected] Hospitality: Kitty Larry Kahn – John Edmonds – David her health no longer permitted her to remain Gottfried, 301-587-3981, [email protected] Partnerships: Barbara Doran, 301-608-0347, Sectional Genne – Sven Pride [email protected] or try the easy Online Partnership Bulletin Board: www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org active in that role. Her contributions will be long remembered—she will be missed. ...continued on p. 20 - 4 - - 5 - WBL SOLVERS’ CLUB WASHINGTON AREA BRIDGE PLAYERS 10-Day Mexico Cruise Vacation Moderated by Steve Robinson [email protected] Welcome to Holland America Line, where timeless values of gracious service combined with premium amenities and surroundings elevate a cruise from ordi- nary to extraordinary. Every day brings a wealth of activities, indulgences and Congratulations to David Rodney and a bad score at the table. A good exercise would entertainment, along with the freedom to partake in as many or as few as you Dean Pokorny who tied for first with a score be to figure out why I gave your answer 20 please. And every of 480. They win a free to the Unit points. You might have misread the problem. I T I N E R A RY request—be it more ice 10-day Mexican Riviera & Sea of Cortez Cruise Game and will be invited to be on a future The book Washington Standard second or two sugars in your panel. Tied for third were Jerry Pruzan, edition is out. If you are a serious bridge play- Roundtrip San Diego...February 21 - March 3, 2007 tea—is miraculously On board ms Ryndam Chuck Yaple and Michael Frosch with a score er, this book is a must. You can purchase a anticipated. No wonder of 450. Sixth was Richard Riseberg with a copy from Steve for $25.00 at the Unit Game, Day Ports of Call Arrive Depart Holland America’s five- score of 430. Tied for seventh were Rossi at tournaments or can send him a check for 0 SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 5:00 PM star fleet is consistently Lindstrom, William Zane, Sam Gumbert, $29.05 that includes $4.05 for priority mail. 1 At Sea among the Highest- Prahalad Rajkumar, Manuel Paulo, Tom 2 At Sea rated Cruise Lines by Musso, Lyle Poe and Wes Goldberg with a 1) IMPs Both Vulnerable 3 Puerto Vallarta, Mexico 7:00 AM 9:00PM Condé Nast Traveler and score of 420. Fifteenth was Pete Whipple ♠A1096♥5♦AJ1054♣A65 4 Mazatlan, Mexico 8:00 AM 5:00 PM Travel + Leisure. We with a score of 410. The average score of the 5 Topolobampo, Mexico 5:30 AM 11:00 PM SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST invite you to experience 125 solvers was 348. The average score of (Copper Canyon shore excursion) 1♦ Pass 2♣* Pass sunny, spirited Mexico the experts was 420 6 Loreto, Mexico 8:00 AM 6:00 PM with Holland America ???? *GF Scenic cruising Sierra de la Giganta All readers are encouraged to send Line. Imagine waking to Action Score Votes Solvers 7 Pichilingue (La Paz), Mexico 7:00 AM 4:00 PM answers and/or new problems to Steve a festive new port of call 2♠ 100 5 79 8 Cabo San Lucas, Mexico 7:00 AM 4:00 PM Robinson, 2891 S. Abingdon St. #A2 nearly every day, shop- ♥ 9 At Sea Arlington, VA, 22206-1329. In addition to 3 70202 ping for exquisite folk- ♣ 10 SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 7:00 AM the winner receiving a free play at the WBL 3 70219 loric art and shiny silver Unit Game, Steve will play with anyone who 2♦ 50123 jewelry, sipping frosty margaritas in the shade of a palm-thatched palapa. Sun, gets a perfect score or who exactly matches Pass 20 0 01 sand, mariachi music, easy Latin rhythms—and an onboard experience that can all five of his answers. If you send a self- 3♠ 20001 only be described as close to flawless. Olé! addressed stamped envelope to the above How do you describe a hand with four Please join us for the Third Annual District 6 Bridge Cruise... address along with your answers, I will send spades, five diamonds and three clubs? Easy! you a copy of the new problems to ensure that You open 1♦, bid spades and then support STEVE ROBINSON will direct and teach several sessions of bridge both during the you can meet his next deadline. You can pick days at sea and in the evenings. You must be a part of this group to play in these clubs. I don’t see any other choice. If you up a copy of the problems at the WBL Unit raise clubs directly, partner will not know that sessions. ACBL points will be awarded, but you Game in Maryland, and can send answers or you have a singleton heart and might assume need not be a bridge player to join us on this requests for problems to [email protected]. you have four clubs. If you bid 3♣ and part- cruise. Once again, there will be lots of oppor- You can also see and answer the problems at ner bids 3NT, do you pass 3NT and find part- tunities for bridge as well as visiting fascinating the WBL web site. WBL Solvers Club uses ner with Qxx of hearts or worse, or do you pull ports of call. Washington Standard as published July 1996. and find partner with AKQ of hearts. You SPECIAL PRICING FROM $1,099.00 I personally score all the problems. If a can’t jump to 3♥ showing short hearts S A M P L E P R I C I N G majority of the solvers vote for an answer, and because that promises four-card support. Inside stateroom ...... from $1,099.00 the answer is reasonable I will give that answer Four experts agree with me and bid 2♠. ♠ Outside stateroom ...... from $1,359.00 Call now for best staterooms! 100 points. I will not give 100 points to an Bidding 2 suggests five diamonds. After ♠ Verandah stateroom ...... from $1,989.00 Call ALL WAYS TRAVEL to answer that I consider bad no matter how many 2 , partner’s most likely bid will be 2NT. ♣ Non-discountable amount (included above) . . . .$210.00 reserve your space. experts vote for it. There are times when I want Now you can bid 3 and partner will know Taxes (not included) ...... $97.21 (301) 571-0400 to make a point. I will give that answer 100 that you have short hearts and only three Cancellation Protection Plan (optional) or 4.75% of Tariff points and will therefore give the majority clubs. If opener has a , open- CPP Platinum (optional; U.S. residents only) 6.25% of Tariff answer 90 points. For the other answers I con- er should rebid either 2♦ or 2NT depending ♦ Prices are per person, double occupancy, and are subject sider how good the answer is and how many upon stoppers in the majors. I think 2 to availability. Non-discountable amount is included. Taxes experts vote for it for its score. If you submitted should be opener’s default. Opener should are additional. an answer that got 20 points, that bid would get rebid 2♦ whenever 2NT, two-of-a-major or Paid Advertisement- 6 - Paid Advertisement - 7 - 3♣ are not good descriptions of the hand. club break. will buy the contract. Over 2♣, responder Adams: “Pass—Washington Standard is Holding♠xxx♥xxx♦AKQx♣Axx, opener Two experts bid 3♣. I should have made can easily bid a four-card suit. to play “Robinson.” Playing Robinson, I should rebid 2♦ which will allow responder them tell me what they would do if partner Two experts agree with me and bid their could double hoping partner bids 2♣, or I to play notrump. bids 3NT. long suit. Assuming the opponents have at could bid 3♣. I do not think partner will Landen: “2♠—I will follow up by sup- Adams: “3♣—2♠ rates to be a heavy least one eight-card fit, 3♣ in your eight- expect a weak hand for 3♣ in pass out posi- porting clubs. I’m not sure what partner’s favorite among solvers, but is not the right card fit has to be a Law follower. tion. Double is just wrong. If we do have a original 2NT would have been in bid playing Robinson style Washington Rogall: “3♣— The system I’m playing is fit, and stop at 2♣, then the opponents have Washington Standard. If GF, then it’s almost Standard. Robinson style, 1♦ - 2♣ bid Robinson. (Aren’t we all?) That means I’ve a fit, and we are letting them find it. If we do a certainty that partner has five+ clubs. I’d rarely has a four-card major, if ever, and the got two ways to show clubs. I can double to not have a fit, we end up in 3♣ and we can be more likely to splinter then, but I’d still club bid shows at least five clubs. Since I show either a four-card major and a longer be in trouble. Strange, fit can stop at 2♣; no like to have a fourth .” already know where our fit lies, it’s best to minor, or just a long minor, or some huge fit must get to 3♣.... I pass, and hope to win Hopkins: “2♠—I plan to support next tell partner. No splinter, as that shows at hand. I can also jump to 3♣. I’m not pass- matchpoints by having the opponents play a and suggest the pattern of my hand.” least four trumps.” ing because you always want to take them lower scoring part score.” Rogall: “2♠—Whether 2♣ shows at Roman: “3♣—Supporting partner is the out of a non-vulnerable 1NT at matchpoints Parker: “Pass—Sometimes they get to least five clubs when all of responder’s best bid in bridge. 3♥ is a splinter, but when you’ve got a six-card suit or nine play a contract. I play Robinson.” notrump ranges are covered by other bids or shows four trumps.” cards in two suits. Additionally, there’s Landen: “Pass—I usually play at least four clubs otherwise, I don’t want to One expert will take a long time to some extra safety in this case. We’re also Cappelletti, so I’d pass; I’m unwilling to bid splinter or raise directly because that would describe his hand. I would think that bid- non-vulnerable and partner didn’t bid, so to the three-level. If I could double (where show four-card support. With my slam going ding 2♠ would not only show four spades, it this guarantees that partner is balanced showing a single suited club hand is one of values, I’m happy to pattern out with club would also show five diamonds. with at least two-card club support. Double the options) or bid 2♣ natural, I would.” support at my next opportunity. There’s also King: “2♦—Leave partner as much room is tempting because there’s some chance we Hopkins: “Pass—I expect partner to lead no reason to temporize with a waiting 2♦ as possible to describe his hand while show- could get to play at the two-level. There’s his longer/better major and I am well pre- rebid, when I’ve got a very descriptive and ing the fifth diamond of mine.” not much chance partner will ask for my pared for this. My system is 2♣ natural; 2♦ natural call to make at a low level.” In constructive auctions, it’s important major, since with 5-4 or better and many 4- Multi; two-of-a-major is single-suiter and Woolsey: “2♠—My understandings are that partner knows how many trumps you 4’s, partner would have already bid, but in good; double is majors, minors or diamonds that this promises at least 5-4 in the pointed have when you support. that case, I might even pretend to have four and 2NT is a big two-suiter. I could bid 2♣ suits, but does not show extra strength. Over 2) Matchpoints None Vulnerable hearts. However, it’s much easier for the to play but 1) this might help them get to a partner’s expected 2NT call, I can bid 3♣, opponents to find their fit in these cases, so ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ previously unreachable 4-4 fit completing a perfect description of my hand. A3 Q65 54 1087654 I’d rather take my chances with an immedi- and 2) RHO is reasonable likely to have a If he bids something else we won’t belong in SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST ate .” minor-orientated hand and we might be out notrump, and I can afford to support clubs at ZZZZ 1NT Pass Pass Woolsey: “3♣—I’m assuming a strong gunned to boot.” the four-level.” ???? notrump opening. Against this I play that Roman: “Pass—Whatever convention I Four experts raise clubs immediately. Your bid and what system are you playing? double shows a four-card major (usually) was playing. This is a really tough problem, There’s a big difference between three-card and a longer minor, 2♣ shows both majors, because ordinarily I am willing to take seri- Action Score Votes Solvers support and four-card support. Suppose 2♦ shows one major, two-of-of-a-major ous risk to not allow my opponents to play Pass 100 6 76 partner held ♠KQJ♥xxx♦KQx♣KQxx. He shows five of that major and a minor. Partner 1NT when they are non-vulnerable. Here 3♣ 90 3 02 would respond 2♣ and would be sadly dis- clearly has some values, yet he didn’t double however, my suit is weak, it is likely that I’ll 2♠ 60 0 04 appointed to play in 6♣ opposite three-card or bid 2♣. The conclusion is that he must end up playing it at the three-level, I have a support. Two experts splinter. Splinter show 2NT 50 0 02 have at least a doubleton club, since if he honor in whichever major partner leads, and Double 40 1 30 four-card support. ♣ has a singleton club he would definitely the opponents may back into a major suit fit Cappelletti: “3♥—Splinter - you would 2 40 0 11 have had the shape to find some call. I could that responder wasn’t strong enough to look like to coax partner into bidding Partner has to have a balanced hand double and hope that partner bids 2♣ pass for the first time. When I add all this up, I Blackwood.” when you have six HCPs and 1NT gets or correct, but that gives the opponents room decide to go quietly.” Parker: “3♥—Splinter. Always set trumps passed to you. If partner has an unbalanced to find an eight-card major suit fit. 3♣ puts One expert follows the slow road. as soon as possible. I have great controls and hand, he would have bid something. Partner it to them, and is probably safe enough.” Bidding at the two-level allows the oppo- a singleton so we are going slamming. Give has to have at least two clubs and clubs rates Next we’ll hear from the six wimps. nents to easily get into the auction. partner ♠Kxx♥Axx♦Kx♣KQxxx and we to be a playable spot. In your dreams, you Cappelletti: “Pass—Partner has fewer King: “Double—Playing Woolsey where have a lay down grand.” would bid 2♣ and buy the contract but the than 15 points - and will probably lead a double shows a four-card major and a longer If you held ♠A109♥5♦AJ1054♣A65x, opponents are out there and probably will be major.” minor or just a long minor. Seldom right to 7♣ would be a decent contract. Opposite able to bid a higher suit at the two-level. The True. Partner will probably lead a major let them play in 1NT when you have a distri- only three clubs, 7♣ is poor contract, one right call on this hand is 3♣.This makes it but how many tricks are you going to set up butional hand.” that needs a diamond and a 3-2 difficult for the opponents to will very likely in partner’s four-card major? When faced with the choice between bid- - 8 - - 9 - ding and passing, bidding is usually right. if partner has a singleton and take control of also try RKC. We might get to five down one, At first glance, you might bid 1♠. But It’s best to show a long minor over 1NT by the hand. However, I won’t know if partner but anytime partner can play spades for no there are some of partner’s rebids which jumping to the three-level. has more than five spades and partner will losers we make at least six. RHO rates to could make the auction difficult. Suppose think I have four-card support so we could have at least six or seven HCP in hearts and ♦ ♠ 3) IMPs You’re Vulnerable partner rebids 2 over your 1 . Now you easily get to the wrong strain. Splintering is clubs. That doesn’t leave partner much must bid 3♣ since no other non-game bid is ♠765♥5♦AKQJ1054♣A5 out since it really doesn’t do anything useful besides good spades.” forcing. Over your 3♣, partner bids 3NT and SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST and again misdescribes my spade length. Three experts jump to 4NT. Sometimes there you are, never having supported ♥ ♠ 1♠ 2♠ Since 2NT is Jacoby, 3 shows any limit it’s best to jump directly to 4NT when there’s hearts. Suppose partner raises to 2 holding ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ ???? (Michaels) raise or three-card support, game forcing. If competition. If you bid make a bid at the xxx Axxxx KQJx Q. Blackwood in partner bids game and I’ve got the room, I three-level or four-level and an opponent spades will get you to a no-play slam. In Action Score Votes Solvers bids at the five-level, then you’ve lost your ♦ could bid RKC next. With all the key cards, order to get to a good slam you need partner 3 100 6 29 ♦ ability to check for aces. I would like to have ♥ I could bid 7 to offer partner a choice. to have good hearts. The only way to check 3 60 1 25 Partner can evaluate her spade holding a spade honor to bid a direct Keycard. on hearts is to make them trumps. Suppose 4NT 50 3 26 Parker: “4NT—RKC - This must be ♥ ♥ accurately knowing my exact trump length opener rebids 2 . On this hand you can bid 4 40 0 07 Blackwood for spades. If partner has the ♦ and that there’s a bad trump split likely. RKC and easily count tricks. But suppose 6 40 0 02 right cards I can find out now, not after some ♠ However, I can’t offer a strain choice at the your spades were a little weaker, AKJx for 4 30 0 07 ♦ convoluted auction. I will bid 6 or 7♦s.” ♦ six-level after RKC because 6 asks for instance. Again, the only way to set hearts as 4 30 0 05 Woolsey: “4NT—RKC. I plan to pass if ♠ third-round diamond control. I could start trumps is to go thru new minor and that 5 30 0 04 ♦ partner bids 5♦, and to bid 6♦ if partner ♦ with 3 , since my diamonds are solid, and could lead to some difficult sequences. 5 30 0 03 it’s IMPs. However, we could be in trouble in bids 5♥ or 5♠. If partner bids 5♣ (0 or 3), Five experts agree with me and start with Double 30 0 10 my continuation will depend upon my agree- ♣ ♠ diamonds if there’s a spade . Also, bid- a two-over one. Bidding 2 will not stop you 6 30 0 01 ding diamonds makes it easier for them to ment about how we handle a potential zero from finding your eight-card spade fit. Over Pass 30 0 04 or three conflict. I think this covers all bases ♣ ♠ ♠ find a club fit. Nevertheless, diamonds are 2 , opener will bid 2 holding four spades. 3 20 0 01 higher than clubs, and I could still mention and figures to get us to the right contract.” Cappelletti: “2♣—Give partner a chance 3NT 20 0 01 my secondary spade support if they show a Cappelletti: “4NT—Since 3♥ would set to show six hearts. Then support hearts, then Partner has opened 1♠, and you have heart fit. The critical bonus of starting with spades as trumps, 4NT is regular bid Blackwood. Bid a grand if partner has three-card spade support. However, you 3♦ is that partner is highly likely to rebid Blackwood. If partner shows two aces, try AKxxxx and an ace.” might not belong is spades. You won’t have spades with six or more and then I’ll know 5NT. This hand will play in diamonds or in Adams: “2♣—Honestly, I do not see the any trump losers if diamonds are trumps. If that spades has a good shot.” notrump.” problem here. 2♣ is game forcing, and if I you bid 3♦, forcing, and partner rebids Hopkins: “3♦—Natural and forcing. I may Whether or not 4NT is regular later support hearts, it shows three. Bidding spades, then you might belong in spades. even learn something from my partner’s Blackwood or Keycard is partnership under- 1♠ is silly, as I can’t conveniently support Picture partner with ♠Axxxx♥AKJ10♦- response and even the opponent’s bidding that standing. Most partnerships would play it as hearts and be forcing. Jacoby 2NT I reserve ♣Kxxx. You can make 7♦ but you make at may help me aim towards our best contract.” Keycard however. for four-card support, unless I plan to be best 5♠. Diamonds should be trumps unless True! If partner rebids spades, then you Three small is the worst possible trump captain, which I do not. That also gives up partner rebids his spade suit. You don’t want could then consider spades as the trump suit. support. Solid seven-card suits usually make on the 4-4 spade fit which we could find to play in spades opposite a bad five-card King: “3♦—Natural and forcing. Let’s very good trump suits. after 1♥- 2♣ 2♠ if partner has some sort of spade suit. Matchpoints would be different. hear what partner has to say.” (defined by opening style).” 4) IMPs You’re Vulnerable There is another small problem. The oppo- Roman: “3♦—In contrast to Problem Rogall: “2♣—Robinson’s guideline of nents could have many hearts and you might one, here, I don’t want partner thinking I ♠AKQJ♥Q54♦A32♣K32 only bidding spades over hearts when you find your next bid at the five-level. That have a hand I love with spade support, I SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST have three more spades than hearts works problem is secondary, however, to getting to want him to find out I have a hand I love with ZZZZ ZZZZ 1♥ Pass well. Otherwise, you have trouble showing the correct trump suit. diamonds and if I get the chance later, I’ll ????* your strength and your heart length. Here, I Five experts join me in bidding their can bid 2♣, creating a game force and then whisper “spades” to him.” *2minor GF, 2NT= GF 4-card forcing raise solid seven-card suit. Making the same bid One expert sets spades as trumps by bid- bid hearts at my next opportunity to show as if you had two small spades. ding the one suit shown by the opponent. Action Score Votes Solvers exactly three-card support (unless partner Adams: “3♦—From my perspective, Landen: “3♥—I’d rather bid 3♦ forcing, 2♣ 100 6 17 rebids spades). After that’s done, I can start Spades will not have safety against the but I think that should be competitive. 3♥ is 1♠ 70 2 70 looking for slam, having learned more infor- expected bad break. Diamonds will. Since usually played as limit or better in spades. 2NT 50 0 11 mation about partner’s hand. I don’t think this hand is in the slam range, I need to get The real problem comes if partner signs off 4NT 50 1 11 this is the type of hand to take over with 2NT diamonds into the picture before spades.” in 3♠. I guess I’d have to make one more try 2♦ 50 0 02 Jacoby, which would make partner do all the Rogall: “3♦— Tough choice between 3♦ with 4♥. If partner jumps to 4♠ I’ll try 2♠ 40 0 12 describing and me do all of the deciding. I and 3♥. Using 2NT Jacoby I could find out RKC. If he bids 4♠ after LHO bids 4♥, I’ll 6♥ 20 0 02 might do that if we were playing a modified - 10 - - 11 - response system and I could learn a lot more should show his shape by bidding his three- Adams: “4♦—This is clearly choice of here, guessing what the four-level bids about partner’s hand than with standard card fragment, rebidding a five-card suit or by games. I’d like to play spades, but hearts mean. I want to offer partner a choice Jacoby rebids. In this case, there needs to be bidding 2NT with 2542. Over 3♥ showing a could be better if partner has one spade. between the majors. (Partner is smart more give and take so I can later offer part- minimum, you now bid 3♠ which is a slam try Partner might even have six hearts.” enough to be able to tell if the diamond stop- ner a choice of strains.” opposite a minimum. If partner has two of your Landen: “4♦—Good problem. Four-of- per needs protecting.) But, what’s the best Hopkins: “2♣—I don’t like to misrepre- missing three keycards (Ace-King of hearts either-major might be best and it’s possible we way to do that? I’m arguing that bidding 4♥ sent my hand but I want to set the force and and Ace of clubs) he will cuebid. If partner have a slam. I believe most experts would treat does this. Would I really pull partner out of keep the level low so partner can describe bids 4♥ over 3♠, there is no reason to bid the 4♦ cuebid as initially asking partner to 3NT with only one place to play? What pos- his hand easily.” RKC because the most keycards partner can pick between the majors (“choice of games”). sible hand can I hold? Not three-card heart King: “2♣—These auctions always go have is one. Is it nice to be able to play in 4♥ I will pass four-of-either-major. Unless partner support and mediocre spades — I never better if you start with a game force.” when partner has ♠xx♥Kxxxx♥KQJx♣QJ? has a double diamond stopper or we’re run- would have mentioned the spades. Not two- Roman: “2♣—Auctions that begin 1♥ - 1♥ - pass -1♠ can lead to bad auctions ning both majors we rate to make more tricks card heart support and mediocre spades — 1♠ can be awkward for showing slam tries in standard and you should try to avoid them with a trump suit than in notrump.” I’d pass 3NT. 4♣ is natural and forcing. If I (partner bids 2♦, we now have to bid 3♣, he with game-forcing hands. King: “4♦—I want partner to pick a bid 4♣, partner can raise clubs, bid 4♦ bids 3NT, and we...?) and should be avoided major. While we are likely to have nine RKC, bid a major, or return to notrump. I 5) Matchpoints None Vulnerable whenever possible. Here, partner didn’t tricks, at matchpoints, I think we need to don’t want three of those things to happen, so open Flannery, 2♣ is forcing to game, I can ♠KQ9875♥Q5♦32♣AJ9 play in a major.” 4♣ is out. Normally, a below game bid hearts next, and eventually I will get to ♦ SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST Roman: “4 —Choice-of-games cuebid. when we haven’t found a fit would be a show a slam try with three hearts.” ZZZZ 2♦(weak) 2♥ 3♦ Six spades, two hearts, “pick a major suit choice of games. However, since we’ve Woolsey: “1♠—It is vital to introduce the ♣ ♥ 3♠ Pass 3NT Pass game partner”...perfect.” already got 4 and 4 to offer choices of spades here, even if partner will automatical- ♥ ♥ ♦ ???? Four experts bid 4 . Bidding 4 won’t games, 4 is freed up to be a slam-try in ly raise on three which he will playing get partner to correct to 4♠ holding Jx of spades — the only suit not covered for slam- Flannery, since the 1♠-call is assumed to be Action Score Votes Solvers going bids. With a heart slam-try, I would ♦ spades and AK109x of hearts. a five-bagger. I want that. Playing in spades 4 100 5 07 Parker: “4♥—Partner should only have have cue bid initially. Note: I’d only make ♥ figures to take one more trick than playing in 4 80 4 28 this ideal 4♥-bid in an ideal world such as ♠ two diamonds, thus only one stopper. He should hearts. For example, imagine partner with 4 70 0 24 assume I have six spades and two hearts for this this bidding contest. At the table, I’d guess ♠xxx♥AKJxx♦Qxx♣Qx. 6♥ has no play Pass 50 1 62 auction. 3NT will not produce many tricks if he that 4♦ would be read as choice of majors.” unless they give you a trick on the lead or you 4NT 20 0 01 Only one expert passes. This is match- ♣ does not have the Spade Ace.” can successfully Morton fork them in the 4 20 0 03 Woolsey: “4♥—Partner may have been points and if one of the majors does not run club suit and the king of diamonds is on. But You bid 3♠, which is forcing. Unless forced to bid 3NT with a single diamond you will get a poor score. 6♠ is cold with normal splits unless West you’re a passed hand, new suits are forcing in stopper, and that could be very bad. 4♥ lets Hopkins: “Pass—I hope we can run six leads a diamond and East has the king.” response to an of . The him choose his major. If 4♦ is choice of heart tricks or six spade tricks plus partner’s Landen: “1♠—What else? Is this an question now is which game do we play? 3NT, games that is okay also, but there might be diamond stopper and a couple of clubs. If I advertisement for 2♣? That bid would help when diamonds have been bid and raised some ambiguity. But pass is very wrong (as it were slightly more distributional I suppose I eliminate the problem of sorting out suit seems like the least likely to be the game that was in real life if I remember correctly).” could offer partner a choice of games by bid- lengths that might develop if partner raises will take the most tricks. Partner could have Cappelletti: “4♥—Partner might have ding 4♦.” spades, but what if partner were 4513 and only one diamond stopper. So which major do only one diamond stopper.” Flexible bids are used to help you get to raised to 3♣? You’d bid 3♥ and spades, the we play in? Your spade suit could be a lot Rogall: “4♥—We’re in some netherworld the best spot. probable best trump suit, would be lost in the worse. Make the five of spades the five of S ’ S wash. As 3♥ would be forcing after 1♥-1♠- clubs and you would make the same 3♠-bid. OLVERS CORES 2♠ I don’t see why I wouldn’t bid my solid You want to give partner a choice of majors suit even if it’s only four long. How would you with the emphasis on spades. 4♦ is the way John Adams 3♣ Pass 3♦ 2♣ 4♦ 470 get to 7♠ facing ♠xxx♥AKJxx♦x♣Axxx if to do that. You want partner, if he holds two Mike Cappelletti 3♥ Pass 4NT 2♣ 4♥ 400 no one bids the suit?” spades and five hearts to bid 4♠. If you had Robbie Hopkins 2♠ Pass 3♦ 2♣ Pass 450 Parker: “4NT—RKC - Once again why set only five spades, you would bid 4♥ giving Steve Landen 2♠ Pass 3♥ 1♠ 4♦ 430 up an auction where you need three bids to raise partner the choice of 5-2 fits. Whatever 4♦ Fred King 2♦ Dbl 3♦ 2♣ 4♦ 390 hearts and then you will bid RKC anyway.” means, partner is going to do the right thing. Steve Parker 3♥ Pass 4NT 4NT 4♥ 350 Not true about bidding RKC. Suppose the He won’t rebid hearts unless they are good. Steve Robinson 2♠ 3♣ 3♦ 2♣ 4♦ 490 auction starts out 1♥ - 2♣ - 2♦ - 2♥. We are He won’t support spades without two. Donna Rogall 2♠ 3♣ 3♦ 2♣ 4♥ 470 at the two-level in a game-force and hearts Four experts agree with me and bid 4♦. Jeff Roman 3♣ Pass 3♦ 2♣ 4♦ 470 have been set as trumps. Supposed partner If partner bids 4♥ and you correct to 4♠, Kit Woolsey 2♠ 3♣ 4NT 1♠ 4♥ 390 bids 3♥ showing a minimum. With extras he then this sequence shows a spade slam try. - 12 - - 13 - ♣ UNIT GAME ♦ WBL ♥ UNIT GAME ♠ THURSDAY NIGHT ♣ UNIT GAME ♦ WBL ♥ UNIT GAME ♠ THURSDAY NIGHT

2006 TROPHY RACE STANDINGS ∼ ♣ ♦ SCHEDULE ♥ ♠ ∼ WBL GUARANTEED www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org 0-20 Updated by our Webmaster, Don Berman LESSON All Games held at Christ the King Church PARTNER PROGRAM The Lovenberg Race is open to all WBL members; the Izzy Cohen You never need to miss the Race is open to all WBL members who started the calendar year with & GAME 07/27/2006...... StrataFlighted Unit Championship unit game because you don’t fewer than 1500 ; the Tubbs Race is open to all WBL mem- 08/03/2006...... WBL Sectional have a partner at the last bers who started the calendar year Izzy Cohen 08/10/2006...... Stratified NAP minute! The WBL has a guaran- as a Non-Life Master; the Woolridge GUARANTEED 1 74.91 Michael Gill 08/17/2006...... StrataFlighted Club Championship teed partner (GP) program for Race is open to all WBL members PARTNERS! 2 55.39 William Hacker players who occasionally need a who started the calendar year with 08/24/2006 ...... StrataFlighted International Fund Game 3 45.40 H John Edmonds partner for the unit game. Here’s fewer than 20 masterpoints. 08/31/2006 ...... StrataFlighted Unit Championship 4 44.54 Mark Rosen how it works: we provide a Winners in each category will 7:30PM - 09/07/2006 ...... NVBA Sectional 5 37.92 Eugene Fisher standby partner; if an odd num- receive four sessions of free plays. 09/14/2006 ...... StrataFlighted Unit Championship 6 36.12 Jason Rosenfeld 10:30PM ber of people in need of a part- Second place gets two and third 7 35.91 Charity Sack 09/21/2006 ...... StrataFlighted Upgraded Unit Championship ner arrive, we match the players place gets one. 8 35.64 Lloyd Rawley 09/28/2006 ...... Stratified STaC as best we can, and the GP plays This list is up to date through 9 33.16 David Genne J A 10/05/2006 ...... StrataFlighted Club Appreciation OIN NYTIME with the one who is left. (If there June 8, 2006 including the Unit 10 32.32 Philip Mittleman 10/12/2006 ...... StrataFlighted Appreciation BAM/Swiss is an even number of players KO, but not the Fidelity & Trust 11 31.89 Janet Dence The cost is $5. This 10/19/2006 ...... WBL Sectional looking, the GP goes home). You Round Robin. All points are subject 12 31.81 Danut Gliga includes a 30 minute 10/26/2006 ...... StrataFlighted Club Championship can always get a game. to audit by the WBL Director. 13 30.49 Joel Miller lesson by Dr. Steven 14 29.89 Angeliki Magklara 11/02/2006 ...... StrataFlighted GNT Swiss Players in search of partners Lovenberg 15 28.37 Richard Ferrin Forsythe followed by 11/09/2006 ...... NVBA Sectional should try to arrive between 1 87.09 Alfred Steinberg fun, enjoyable bridge 11/16/2006 ...... StrataFlighted Unit Championship 7:00 and 7:15 (or call ahead). 2 85.44 David Ruderman 11/23/2006 ...... CLOSED (Thanksgiving) The partnership desk closes at 3 84.99 Steve Robinson Tubbs for players with 0-20 4 74.91 Michael Gill 1 31.81 Danut Gliga masterpoints. 11/30/2006 ...... StrataFlighted Unit Championship 7:25. You can call the WBL cell 5 71.78 Noble Shore 2 29.89 Angeliki Magklara Lessons will cover 12/07/2006 ...... StrataFlighted GNT Swiss phone (301) 395-2760 at the last 3 25.66 William Kingery Jr minute if are on your way and 6 70.06 Arnie Frankel slam bidding, weak 12/14/2006 ...... Holiday Party/Stratified STaC 7 69.30 John Adams 4 22.58 Katherine Rabenstein know you’ll be at bit late. twos, 3 level+ pre- 8 60.27 Benjamin Brill 5 20.20 Daniel Koch For a Last-Minute Partner, to tell someone you’ll be To find a partner at least a 6 19.33 Shyam Giridharadas empts, , 9 55.89 Ellen Klosson late, to hear announcements, or to contact the Unit Game day in advance, contact Barbara 7 18.59 Roma Chandra takeout doubles, neg- Doran (see below). or log on to 10 55.39 William Hacker for any reason, call the WBL Cell Phone: 11 54.10 Fred King 8 17.90 Shawn Stringer ative doubles, open- the Online Partnership Bulletin 9 17.24 James Wisman 12 49.10 Mark Shaw ing leads, and - Board at: www.Washington 13 48.27 Earl Glickstein 10 16.95 Prem Garg (301) 395-2760 BridgeLeague.org. 14 47.13 Larry Kahn ing. Each lesson will You might want to volunteer 15 45.40 H John Edmonds Woolridge be tailored to the for the GP program yourself. It’s 16 45.18 Donald Berman 1 16.17 Amy Bloom needs and interests of MAP TO CHRIST THE KING CHURCH a great way to meet people. If 17 44.54 Mark Rosen 2 13.56 Marie Saeger the players. you play on the night you’re the 18 43.71 Leon Letwin 3 10.88 Jose Porres This is a great pro- GP, you play free. If you volun- 19 42.68 William Cole 4 10.70 Andrew Jacknain teer, you receive a free play for gram for beginners as 20 42.23 Robert Bell 5 8.18 Grazyna Gdula any future unit game whether or 21 41.48 Eugene Kales 6 7.04 Paul Chassy well as experienced not you play that night. 22 40.63 Clyde Kruskal 7 7.04 Reina Chassy social bridge players! Email Barbara Doran at 23 39.92 Donna Rogall 8 7.03 Cynthia Harrison 24 37.92 Eugene Fisher 9 6.14 Kay Miller Partners will be pro- UnitGamePartner@DistrictSix 25 37.44 Diane Walker 10 5.98 Sheila Kaplan vided if needed. For .org or [email protected], more information call or call her at (301) 608-0347. UNIT GAME CARPOOL AVAILABLE or email Steve or PARTNERSHIPS CLOSE AT 7:25PM Sandy Forsythe at To arrange a carpool, contact Don Berman, Carpool Coordinator, at TO START THE GAME PROMPTLY 301-776-3581 or [email protected]. ....Or log on to the WBL’s (301) 592-9177 (email: AT 7:30PM. CALL IF YOU’RE LATE, new Online Carpool Notices at: www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org. [email protected]) OR YOU MAY NOT BE ACCOMMODATED.

- 14 - ∼ ♣♦♥♠ ∼ - 15 - DO YOU HAVE ANY COMITTEE ACTION #53 IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO MUSCLE OR BRAINS RUN A BRIDGE LEAGUE by Rich Colker, [email protected] TO SPARE? by Barbara Summers, Volunteer Coordinater, [email protected] The Washington Bridge League could use a little of Few situations at the table result in as about 5-6 seconds had elapsed), during Behind the scene volunteers are helping keep either! In order to keep events much unpleasantness as those involving dis- which time N/S’s failure to accept the claim this game we love alive and thriving. exciting and entry fees low, the puted claims. The following case, from a alerted East to the need for the heart finesse. The Guaranteed Partner Program run by match played in Hong Kong last year, was WBL relies on the goodness of The Director determined that East’s fac- Barbara Doran guarantees a partner for those who sent to me for my opinion by one of the par- our members to volunteer for ing of his hand constituted a claim and that need one on an occasional basis and has many ticipants. South was the dealer at favorable volunteers show up and sometimes be needed and small jobs at the Unit Game his subsequent statement had served only to vulnerability. sometimes not be needed. The volunteer gets a and Sectional Tournaments. “clarify” that he was claiming the rest of the free play for being willing and available to play. Some jobs require brains while North tricks. He ruled that East’s delay before Those that have volunteered include Steve others require muscle. We’ll be ♠ Q73 making his statement had not helped him to Carmen, Winston Edwards, Don Berman, Fred King, happy to employ either. ♥ Q108 place the ♥Q with North since no rational Richard Ferrin, Kitty Gottfried, Vince Wilmot, Bob From setting up and ♦ 985 alternative line of play was possible. The Bell, Ram Sarangan, Bill Colligan, Charity Sack, breaking down tables, to pub- Tibor Roberts, Chris Miller, Barbara Doran, Jane ♣ A1085 Director assigned the result for 3NT making, licity and events develop- Sturgis, Lloyd Rawley, Barbara Shaw, Arnie West East +600 for E/W. ment, a little effort from you Frankel, Dick Wegman, Saul Penn, Ron Zucker, ♠ A8654 ♠ J N/S appealed this decision. At the hear- will make our bridge commu- Allen Shaw, Steve Czecha, Jim Geist, Carole Banks, ♥ 7 ♥ AKJ3 ing N/S told the Committee their under- Steve Nessier, Ron Susi, Marc Weiner, Dave nity even better. Busy sched- ♦ J10643 ♦ AKQ72 standing of the Claim Laws was that when a Ruderman...many have been volunteer partners ule? No worries. Most volun- ♣ 92 ♣ J63 player claims and makes no statement more than once. Please contact Barbara Doran at teer assignments take only 15 South immediately about his line of play, he may [email protected] if you would consider being minutes to 1 hour a month. Volunteer Partner Schedule. ♠ K1092 not take a line whose success depends on on our Right now we Here’s how to help: need volunteers for Thursdays in August. ♥ 96542 finding one opponent or the other with a 1. Reply by email, phone This is just part of a continuing (and growing) ♦ —- specific card or cards. Thus, he may not or in person if you are willing list of our VILLAGERS... Please let me add ♣ KQ74 take a line of play that places a specific your name next time. to help in any way. card in one opponent’s hand if a rational West North East South 2. Please indicate if you can alternative line of play is available that ♥(1) offer any special skills (such as 2 would be less successful. marketing or a strong back). Pass Pass 3NT Pass UPCOMING 3. Someone will contact you Pass Pass Here, with South having shown at least SECTIONALS shortly with a choice of assign- five-four in the majors, declarer had an (1) Alerted; 6-11 HCP, at least 5-4 in the majors ments you can pick from. alternative line of play available: play South August 3-6 ...... Silver Spring, MD ♥ ♠ South led the ♣K against East’s 3NT to hold the Q and KQ109. Following this BONUS – You will be invit- line, he wins the ♥A at trick five (if North September 7-10 ...... Arlington, VA ed to the summer Volunteer contract and continued with the queen and another club. North won, cashed his fourth shifts to a heart) and runs the diamonds, Gathering and BBQ Party. squeezing South in the majors. Since this October 19-22 ...... Silver Spring, MD club, and was on lead at trick five when East line would fail on the actual lie of the cards, Thank you in advance faced his hand. After some time (see below) November 9-12 ...... Arlington, VA and since declarer did not make a timely for any assistance you declarer indicated he would take the rest via statement of an intended line of play, and January 4-7, 2007 ...... Silver Spring, MD can provide. the heart finesse. At this point North called since the pause could have alerted him to Barbara Summers, Volun - the Director explaining that about 8-10 sec- the need for the heart finesse, he should not February 8-11, 2007 ...... Arlington, VA teer Coordinator, 301-598- onds had elapsed before declarer made his be allowed to succeed in his contract. 5838, [email protected], statement. (South and West agreed with North’s time estimate; East thought that only The Appeal Committee agreed with N/S - 16 - - 17 - Paid Advertisement Paid Advertisement that East should not be allowed to finesse because he did not ask whether N/S might North for the ♥Q. East’s failure to state an open 2♥ with 12+ HCP. intended line of play suggests he might have So I believe East’s failure to mention the miscounted and thought he had the rest of heart finesse strongly suggests he was out of the tricks when he claimed. Thus, had he touch with the hand, and might have played not claimed and had North led a card at for a possible misdefense or a “possible” trick five he might have simply won the squeeze on South. Add to that the possibili- trick with a top honor and started cashing ty that if North had been given the chance to his winners from the top before he realized switch to a “deceptive” ♥10 at trick five he he was a trick short—at which point it might easily have been talked out of the would have been too late to take the heart heart finesse. finesse. But even if East knew he was a trick Eva Klivington – Owner, short, the possibility of squeezing South in It is easy to confuse “irrational” with Principal Broker, VA, MD, DC the majors meant there was clear doubt “careless” when considering whether a about his “intended” line of play. The declarer might adopt a certain line of play— “SPECIAL BRIDGE PLAYER” DEAL Committee therefore adjusted the result to especially one that is so “obvious” with all 3NT by East down one, +100 for N/S. 52 cards in view. If East thinks he has the How fast can we sell your house? rest of the tricks, or if he thinks South could I agree with the Committee’s decision, hold all the remaining HCP, he could easily Start Packing! but one additional issue still needs to be rise with the ♥A (careless, but not irra- addressed. If the description of South’s 2♥ tional) if North leads the ♥10 at trick five. LIST, BUY or RENT with your bridge player friend. opening is accurate (6-11 HCP with 5-4+ in He might even miscount the outstanding We have 20 years real estate expertise and our successful track the majors), and if we may assume that N/S high cards and place South with only 11 record selling $20 million per year, speaks for itself. would not open 2♥ with sound opening bid HCP—even with the ♥Q. values (12+ HCP), then playing for the Did you know that only 7% of the people in the real estate business sell squeeze against South is not a viable option In these “lazy” claim situations, my pol- 80% of all properties? We are in the top 1% of that elite group. since it would require him to have opened icy is that the claimer needs to CONVINCE We will sell your home with full service at discounted commission. 2♥ holding ♠KQ109 ♥Qxxxx ♦—- me he knew what was going on in the hand Unbeatable commission means that we will credit you 1% of the ♣KQxx, which is a good 12 HCP plus dis- when he makes no statement about his sales price of your home at settlement. We have built our success tribution (a sound opening bid for most intended line of play and more than one through our clients. You deserve the best! players). So an East player who is in touch plausible line is available. My bias, and Visit our website for the entire MLS listings (1,000,000+) with the hand would not play South for that that of most appeals people I know, is to throughout VA, MD, and DC: RealtyToWeb.com holding and would likely have taken the presume he is out of touch with the hand heart finesse. and might play carelessly—unless it would Call for a free, no obligation Guaranteed to take a glaring mind loss not to know what beat any But East’s failure to make a statement market analysis! was going on (such as playing a player to commission by suggests that he had no line of play in mind, hold a card in a suit he has previously 703-391-7450 $50 perhaps because he had lost touch with the showed out in). In the present case I hand and thought he had the rest of the believe that East’s playing for a misdefense Free Bridge Lesson with Steve Robinson tricks. If East knew he needed the heart or a squeeze on South is a lot closer to care- paid by Eva Klivington if you buy or sell real estate through Eva finesse he should have mentioned it when he less than it is to irrational. claimed, since any experienced player We are official HUD representatives for the government. knows he cannot take a winning finesse if So E/W deserve to receive –100 on the RealtyToWeb.com his claim does not include a statement to deal both because of the negligent form of Fox Mill Shopping Center, 2557 John Milton Drive, Herndon, VA 20171 that effect. Could East have thought it was so the claim as well as for depriving North of a 703-391-7450 (Office) 703-391-7455 (Fax) chance to talk East out of taking the heart ♠♠ clear to take the heart finesse that he simply Email: [email protected] neglected to mention it? I doubt it both finesse by switching to a high heart at trick Independently owned and operated! because of the timing given in the report and five—even if East “knew” he needed it. - 18 - - 19 - Bits & Pieces, continued from p. 5... your partner. In order to get the best possi- A REMEMBRANCE OF ble signal, your partner has to know what Flight C you have. (x) represents one or more spot CAROLE GEAGLEY 1 Neal Rosenthal – Ellen cards. from Bryan Coleman Rosenthal – Richard Levin – Lead the Ace from AKx or longer. This Marc Weiner – Shyam will get partner to signal encouragement Giridharadas – Prem Garg with the Queen and discouragement with the Jack. From AKT9(x), you want partner to 2 Jim Rankin – Larry Cowan – Mary encourage with the Queen and discourage Newton – Dan Traub with the Jack. 3 Dennis Schwanz – Susan Miskura – Lead the King as the power lead. Partner Walton Francis – Duke Wilson plays an honor if he has one, otherwise part- 4/6William Colket – Doreen Colket – Patti ner gives count. From AKJT9(x) lead the We recently lost a truly the Senate Appropriations Drummond – Diane Lucci – Robert King. Partner plays the Queen if he has it remarkable lady, someone Committee staff and as Edwards otherwise partner gives count. You want to our local bridge world is the senate majority be able to run the suit if declarer has Qx. Eberhard Jehle – Owen Byer – Leah going to miss greatly. changed over the years, Boyer – Narayan Govind – Forrest Swope Lead the King from AKQT(x) to get the Jack Carole Geagley, of Severn, she worked for senators – Chris McRae or count. Lead the K from KQJT9 to get count or get partner to unblock with the Ace. MD, passed away on June Tom Harkin (D, IA) and Jim Rucker – John Wisk – Dot Sorto – Lead the King from KQT9(x) and get the 19 after a battle with can- Arlen Specter (R, PA), Paul Anderson Jack from partner. cer. Carole was a member helping manage the seam- BRIDGEISMS! Lead the Queen to get attitude for the of the Washington Bridge less transition between Jack. KQT(x), KQ9(x) and AKQ(x) are League for more than thirty years and in chairmanships – a task she performed in compiled by Ron Kral sequences where you would lead the Queen. that time served as unit president, vice- exemplary fashion for more than fifteen I’d like a review of the bidding with all You want partner to encourage with the jack the original inflections. or a higher honor. If you lead the Queen and president, secretary, unit board member, years. Both senators publicly recorded follow with the Jack that shows length and cheer and sympathy coordinator, babysit- their praises for her tireless work in the Card sense is when it’s technically right partner is supposed to unblock with the Ace ter chairperson at our 1984 nationals, senate chamber when she retired at the to do something, the little man that sits on If you lead the Queen and follow with the my shoulder or anyone else’s shoulder says, prize chairperson at our July 4th region- end of March last year. King that shows shortness and partner is not als, and in an unofficial capacity, a long “Don’t do that.” And you say to yourself, supposed to unblock with the Ace. Carole was well known for her endless- time unit volunteer taking on a myriad of “Well, wait a minute, that’s the right way to Lead the Jack to get attitude for the T. ly cheerful disposition, a truly quick wit play.” And he says, “Yeah, but you don’t jobs too long to list here. KQJ(x), QJ(x), AQJ(x) are sequences where that rarely missed its mark, and a dazzling wanna play that way.” That instinct is card you would lead the Jack. You want partner to sense. It’s almost an ability to feel where the Carole met her loving husband, long smile that just brilliantly lit up her face. encourage with T or a higher honor. You time director Ron Geagley, at the bridge Those truly fortunate to know her on a per- cards are. It’s something that you can’t buy, have to be careful when leading the Jack you can’t find; you’re born with it. The abil- from KQJ since partner will not know that table in 1975. They married two years sonal level discovered a fiercely loyal ity to do the right thing at the wrong time or you have the King. If you lead the Jack and later and the two became pretty much friend whose companionship was as really to do the wrong thing at the right time. follow with the T that shows length and part- inseparable. They raised their daughter, unique as it was wonderful. Barry Crane ner is supposed to unblock a higher honor. If Lori, who now resides in Frederick, MD, Her loss is one we will always mourn. The real test of a bridge player isn’t in you lead the Jack and follow with the Queen and who provided them with four beauti- We will continue to run our regionals, keeping out of trouble, but in escaping once that shows shortness and partner is not sup- ful grandchildren all of whom Carole he’s in. Alfred Sheinwold play our cards, run our boards, but it will posed to unblock with a higher honor. loved dearly. If you have the slightest touch of Lead the T as a standard Jack lead. never be the same for many of us. We masochism, you’ll love this game. AJT(x), KJT(x) or JT9(x) are sequences She was the office manager at the law share her family’s grief for we too have a where you would lead the T. firm of Seltzer and Suskind from 1971 to lost an important family member. Just as BEST LEADS AGAINS Lead the 9 as a standard T lead. AT9(x), 1977, after which she started a career on the lone chair stands out at a bridge table KT9(x), QT9(x), AQT9(x), AKT9(x) and NOTRUMP Capitol Hill working for the Joint of three, so does the space left by Carole T98(x) are sequences where you would lead by Steve Robinson the 9. Economic Committee, where she rose to - a void that serves as a painful reminder When you lead an honor against notrump Lead the 8 from 98(x), T87(x), KJ98(x) or the position of personal assistant to the of that which we have lost and will never you want to get the best possible signal from AQ98(x). Second or fourth best. executive director. In 1990 she joined find again. - 20 - - 21 - Paid Advertisement Paid Advertisement REFLECTIONS ON THE HISTORY OF THE WBL AS OUR 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION APPROACHES, PART I by Bob Levey We are thrilled to present this series of arti- organizations in the United States, wrote Dick cles from Bob Levey. For more than 36 years, Wegman, former WBL President, in the he was a reporter and columnist for The November/December 2005 WBL Bulletin. Washington Post. Throughout that period, he For more than 40 years, the WBL’s edited The Post’s bridge columns, and often Thursday Unit Game has been widely known contributed articles about bridge to national as the toughest test south of New York City and international publications. In addition, (the Unit Game was originally held on Mr. Levey is a member of the WBL Board. Wednesday, but on March 6, 1958, for The Washington Bridge League turns 75 unknown reasons, it moved to Thursday, this fall. It is almost as old as contract where it has remained ever since). bridge itself. In 1981, a player named Ann Schwartz Just six years after was racked up a 203 1/2 game at a WBL section- invented in 1925 (aboard a New York al mixed pairs. She backed it up with a 209 Central Railroad train), the game was in the next day’s sectional open pairs. sweeping the country. Washington was being Schwartz finished third in the mixed and swept by it, too. second in the open. Cafeterias in federal office buildings saw “Ann, around here, it takes a GOOD dozens of shuffle-and-deal lunch-hour score to be a winner,” wrote the late Jim games. The Evening Star and The Wood, the editor of the WBL Bulletin for Washington Post both carried daily bridge more than 20 years. columns. Trumping your partner’s ace was a The first organized bridge tournament in sin known from sea to shining sea. Washington was held in May, 1931. It was When a woman killed her husband in sponsored by The Washington Post. It Kansas for failing to bring home a touch-and- attracted more than 600 players. The first go four-spade contract, The Post played the WBL tournament was held in December of story on page one—complete with an analysis that same year. That December tournament by famed bridge theoretician Ely Culbertson of was the first to award master points. how the poor, deceased declarer might have From the very beginning, the WBL was a made his bid and spared himself. vibrant organization—full of characters, In the Washington of 1931, bridge was controversy and exceptionally talented played largely at kitchen tables, in bridge players. embassies, at country clubs. There were no One of its founders was Eddie Eynon, the master points, no official tournaments, no owner of the Washington Senators baseball player ranking systems, no such thing as a team. Eynon also lent his name to the official sil- duplicate or a Swiss Teams. ver trophy that goes to the winner of the WBL’s But one evening in the fall of that year— annual team championship. The trophy will be history does not record exactly where, exact- reactivated at the WBL’s October sectional in ly when, or exactly who was in attendance— honor of the organization’s 75th birthday. the WBL was born. It has played a major role An early president of the WBL (in the mid- in organized American bridge ever since. and late 1930s) was James H. Lemon, a local Eleven WBL members have won interna- investment executive who later became part tional championships. Dozens have won owner of the Senators himself. Lemon also national championships. Scores have won served as an early president of the ACBL. regionals and sectionals. The WBL ranks as In 1952, the official WBL membership “one of the oldest and longest-standing bridge log lists Carl B. Albert and Page Belcher. Both - 22 - - 23 - were members of Congress from Oklahoma had the country in a headlock. Washington AREA BRIDGE CLASS OFFERINGS at the time, and Albert was soon to be House had not fully recovered from the strains of Majority Leader. World War One. It was suffering from a LESLIE SHAFER’S FALL CLASSES By 1941, a wartime code-breaker named severe housing shortage, and sharp racial Alfred Sheinwold was playing in—and win- segregation. The federal government had not Contact Leslie at [email protected] or call 301-977-0314 for more information. ning—local tournaments. Sheinwold was mushroomed in size, as it soon would, under later the pre-eminent bridge columnist of his the first FDR Administration. era and a many-time captain of U.S. interna- The Twenties were no longer around to Bridge for Absolute Beginners. Wednes- Polishing Your Basics–Part 1. Tuesday tional teams. roar. Washington was a bit gloomy, a bit day mornings, 10 a.m. to Noon. (Location evenings at the Potomac Community Four years later, a young player named Al sleepy. It gravitated to bridge as a way to to be announced.) Eight weeks beginning Center, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Eight weeks Roth—later a much-decorated champion— smile. about September 27th. Learn the greatest beginning September 19th. For Adv. won the annual WBL pairs championship. And as a way to shine. card game of all time! Have a great time Beginner to Intermediate players. Eight years after that, Roth and three team- By 1937, when the ACBL was born, and meet new friends while playing lots of Concentrates on the common bidding situa- mates won the WBL team championship Washington was chosen as the site of the ini- (and the Eynon Trophy). One of Roth’s team- tial Fall Nationals. In the previous few hands. Course designed for those who tions that your partner doesn’t get right all mates was a Philadelphian named Charles months, as ACBL tournaments began to be have never played before. Register the time. Play lots of hands each lesson. Goren—who was later featured on the cover held all over the East Coast, “more than 50 through Leslie. Register through Montgomery County of Time Magazine in keeping with his glam- [WBL] members have been awarded Recreation Department. our-boy reputation as Mr. Bridge. National Master Points, indicative of being a Beginning Bridge–Part B. Monday In the 1950s, a regular winner of WBL winner or a runner-up in an ACBL master- evenings at the Women’s Club of Chevy Advanced Bridge Decisions. Wednesday events was Mike Michaels, inventor of the point tournament,” according to the official Chase (Conn. Ave. at E-W Highway), 7:30 afternoons, 1:00-3:00 p.m. (Location to be Michaels cue-bid (it shows two suits immedi- 1937-38 report of the WBL Secretary. to 9:30 p.m. Eight weeks beginning announced; formerly at Kenwood.) Eight ately over an opponent’s bid). Michaels later World War Two put a crimp in WBL oper- married and played with Terry Michaels, who ations and attendance. Because the federal September 18th. Includes takeout doubles, weeks beginning about September 27th. ran a popular bridge club at Van Ness government required a 48-hour work week, overcalls, pre-emptive bids and strong 2C For Intermediate to Advanced players. Center in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. including Saturday afternoons, tournaments openers. Continuation of beginning class Includes losing trick count, opening hand Bridge in Washington was glamorous and shrank to single sessions on Friday and or great as brush-up for those who haven’t evaluations, deciding which game to play very upper-crust in that early era. WBL tour- Saturday nights. Only on Sundays did WBL played in years. Come prepared to have in and other topics that need more than a naments were held at the Shoreham Hotel, tournaments offer two sessions. fun and play lots of hands. Register simple rhyme to understand. Register right down the hall from the legendary Blue According to WBL records, Unit Game through Leslie. through Leslie. Room, where the likes of Count Basie and attendance fell from an average of 30 1/2 Frank Sinatra entertained. Players dressed tables in January, 1941, to 25 1/2 a year in their Sunday best, even if it wasn’t later, to 17 two years later, to 15 three years My Favorite Advanced Conventions. Sunday. Early players often spent the night later. The official history of the WBL’s first ADVERTISE? Monday mornings at the Potomac in Shoreham suites (WBL tournament flyers 50 years says it was “several years before Community Center, 10 a.m. to Noon. Eight advertised reduced rates for members). bridge activity in Washington returned to its Advertisements are welcome in weeks beginning September 18th. For Membership growth was steady and former level.” the WBL Bulletin. We distribute advanced players. Includes Jacoby 2NT, solid. In April 1937, six months before the But the WBL’s biggest test began to approximately 1900 copies of each Splinter Raises, Drury and when to use them ACBL was officially founded, the WBL had arrive in 1956. in competition. Play lots of hands each les- 246 members, according to official records. A federal manpower executive named issue, every other month. Advertising A year later, that figure stood at 340. Victor R. Daly—who was African-American— rates are: son. Register through Montgomery County By April, 1958, the WBL had 1,000 applied for membership. He mailed in a $2 Recreation Department. $75 for a full page ad members. It reached a high-water mark of check to cover one year’s dues. 2,600 in April, 1974. Although membership The check was returned. $50 for a half page ad Thinking Bridge; More Magic Hands. has fallen since, the official membership of Over the next five years, the WBL nearly $30 for a quarter page ad Tuesday mornings at the Women’s Club of 1,663 in 2006 is somewhat misleading, disintegrated over the issue of whether to Chevy Chase (Conn. Ave. at E-W Highway), since that total does not include unpaid allow blacks to play in WBL games or join as $20 for an eighth page ad 10 a.m. to Noon. Eight weeks beginning WBL life masters. The accurate current members. Even when the question was September 19th. For advanced players. membership total is believed to be about resolved in 1961, resignations, short tem- The sixth consecutive appearance Each hand has a trick to it that you need to 2,000, according to ACBL officials. pers and hard feelings were everywhere. of an ad runs free. When it was founded in 1931, the WBL solve at the table. Starts with hand #101. was a port in a stormy city. The Depression (To be continued in our next issue) Register through Leslie. - 24 - - 25 - 2006-2007 NORTH AMERICAN PAIRS SUNDAY DISTRICT 6 FINALS N D.C. B EW RIDGE BRIDGE by Barbara Doran, District 6 NAP Chair GAME OFF TO A FIESTA! GOOD START!

October 14-15, 2006 choice. The Northern game will be on What makes a successful bridge game? (South, B and C only) December 02 at the Gwendolyn Coffield Pleasant people? A comfortable, well-lit facili- ♣♦ EVERY SUNDAY ♥♠ Community Recreation Center, 2450 and ty? Good food? Easy parking? The Washington Steve Forsythe’s Lyttonsville Road, Silver Spring, MD at 12:30 Bridge League’s new non-Life Master duplicate December 02-03, 2006 and 6:00. The Southern game will be held game in Washington D.C. has all that and more! Friendly Bridge Game (North, all Flights) October 14 at the Peninsula DBC 640A 79th At the inaugural game on Sunday, June 4, Street, Newport News, VA at 11:00 and 4:30. 0-300 masterpoints nine tables were in play in a beautiful, sunlit The District 6 Final for Flights A and B will Three pairs in each flight will qualify for be held the weekend of December 02-03, room at the Methodist Home of Washington & the National Finals, held during the Spring D.C. Subsequent games have boasted similar 2006. Flight C will be a 2 session event on 2007 NABC in St. Louis, MO. In the 0-2000 Ultra Friendly Bridge Game Saturday only. You must be a member of a numbers. Each game is preceded by a light and NLM Flights, first and third place will 0-20 masterpoints Unit in District 6 and have qualified for the lunch at 12:30 and a lesson by Steve Forsythe come from the site with the larger atten- at 1. Game time is 1:30. Steve’s “Relaxed event at the club level to play in the District 6 dance and second place from the smaller rules” create a friendly atmosphere and keep Final. The CLUB qualifying period is June site. The Open Finals will be held March ~Relaxed House Rules~ director calls to a minimum. through August. 06-07 in St. Louis; the 0-2000 and NLM The Home is located at 4901 The Open Flight, a 4-session event in Finals will be held March 17-18. Refreshments . . . .12:30 p.m. Connecticut Avenue, NW (just south of the which half the field will qualify for Sunday The qualifiers will be subsidized (to var- intersection of Connecticut and Nebraska Lesson ...... 1 p.m. play, will be held on December 02-03 at the ious extents) for travel expenses and hotel Avenues). Parking is available in the Gwendolyn Coffield Community Recreation rooms by the ACBL and/or District 6. Game ...... 1:30 - 5 p.m. Home’s lot or on the street. Please bring Center, 2450 Lyttonsville Road, Silver Membership dues or Life Master service fee your friends and join us any Sunday! Spring, MD on Saturday and at the Viers Mill must be current and continuous from the (Except during tournaments.) If you have Location: Methodist Home Local Park, 4425 Garrett Park Road, start of the District Final to the completion any questions about the game, please call 4901 Connecticut Ave., Wheaton MD on Sunday. Game times will be of the North American Pairs Final at the 12:30 and 6:00 on Saturday and 11:00 and NABC in order to play in the National Final. email Steve or Sandy Forsythe at Washington, DC [email protected] or call 301-592-9177. 4:30 on Sunday. Mid-chart conventions will For more information, visit the District 6 (just south of the intersection of be allowed in the Open Flight only. web site or contact Barbara Doran by phone Connecticut and Nebraska The 0-2000 Flight, a 4-session event in at (301) 608-0347 or by email to Avenues) which half the field will qualify for Sunday [email protected]. For Southern site spe- STEPPING UP TO NEW HEIGHTS: play, will be played at two sites. Players may cific information, contact David Burnes at As of June 1, 2006 $10 (includes lunch) play at the site of their choice. The Northern [email protected] game will be held on December 02-03 at the Directions To Peninsula DBC: from Junior Masters (5 Masterpoints) Partners Guaranteed Gwendolyn Coffield Community Recreation Interstate 64 (either East or West) take exit Jacqueline Doherty Dr Cynthia Harrison Center, 2450 Lyttonsville Road, Silver 263 (James River Bridge ~ US 258 South ~ Club Masters (20 Masterpoints) ~Social bridge Spring, MD on Saturday and the Viers Mill Mercury Blvd West). Proceed 2.5 miles on Robert Claypool Grazyna Gdula players welcome~ Local Park, 4425 Garrett Park Road, Mercury Blvd. to Newmarket Dr. (Sears Sectional Masters (50 Masterpoints) Wheaton MD on Sunday. Game times will be shopping center is on your right ~ Wendy’s is Joyce Bladen Suzanne Floyd For more information: 12:30 and 6:00 on Saturday and 11:00 and on your left. Turn left (South) onto Joav Steinbach Steve or Sandy Forsythe 4:30 on Sunday. The Southern game will be Newmarket Dr. and proceed to 79th Street Regional Masters (100 Masterpoints) (301) 592-9177, held on October 14-15 at the Peninsula DBC (first traffic signal ~ about 1/4 mile). Turn [email protected] Lorraine Davis Helen Fillion 640A 79th Street, Newport News, VA at right onto 79th St. into old (circa 1964) strip 11:00 and 4:30 on both days. shopping mall. Bridge Club is located about NABC Masters (200 Masterpoints) www.districtsix.org/WBL/ The NLM Flight will be a 2-session event 200 yards away next to US Post Office. Note: Roma Chandra William Kingery Jr Novice/Novice.htm and will be played at two sites on Saturday Bridge Club is identified with large letters Dr Angeliki Magklara only. Players may play at the site of their on the awning. - 26 - - 27 - you may not get another chance. Be care- ...and the number one way to ful: declarers can be tricky, and being improve your bridge play without learning MasterPointers greedy could cost you! anything new: N . Pull trump. Don’t let the opponents . Count! L 3 1 Count your points, count your by I/N Columnist, Sandy Forsythe, [email protected] your tricks when you’re declarer! partner’s points, count the opponents’ Even if their trumps are higher than points. Count how many cards have been yours, you don’t want them scoring their played in each suit, and how many are THE TOP 10 WAYS TO Trying to ruff with the wrong suit! trump separately. If they have five trump left. Counting points will help you to IMPROVE YOUR BRIDGE PLAY 7. Remember what’s high. When between them and you don’t pull them, mentally place the high cards in each (without learning someone plays the ace in a suit, I say to that’s five potential tricks for the oppo- hand, so you can visualize where your anything new!) myself, “Now the king is high.” nents. Unless you need to ruff losers in side’s tricks might come from. Counting (Especially if it’s MY king!) I do the same the dummy, or you need to use trumps for cards will help you to know when your You can improve your play, today, with- thing each time a high card is played. transportation, pull trump as soon as you remaining cards are good, when you out studying, without fancy new conventions, When you get good at this, you’ll know get the lead. should ruff, and when you need to ruff without tricky holdup plays or double finess- when you can safely cash your eight high. Counting everything is hard! But es! Read on for my top 10 ways: because only the seven is still out…and 2. Make a plan. Any plan! Are you counting anything is a good start. With you’ll know when partner’s card is high, going to crossruff? Set up your long suit? practice, you’ll get better. . Lead partner’s suit. You can’t 10 and when you need to ruff! Pull trump right away? Any plan is bet- go wrong leading partner’s suit, especially ter than no plan. After you have some See how easy this game is? You can on the . If he didn’t want you 6. Watch partner’s signals. You experience with making a basic plan, improve your play without learning any- to lead it, he shouldn’t have bid it! Unless and partner can talk about defensive sig- you’ll begin to think about what could go thing new! you think you can get a ruff, you have nals until the cows come home, but it wrong, and how to make your plan better. points and a really good suit of your own, won’t do you a bit of good until you start or you have a better lead, lead pard’s suit paying attention to what card partner adAvrieetPaid Advertisement Paid Advertisement if you want a ride home. (What’s a better plays! Absent any special agreement, a lead? Ace from ace-king is one example. big card says she wants you to continue Lead the ace and see whether partner that suit, a small card says she doesn’t. Do you get along with encourages or discourages.) Discards are especially important, your computer? because they let pard send you a mes- 9. Look at what’s been played sage about the other suits. How will you before you play. When you’re the know what to lead if you don’t know what last person to play to a trick, as declarer suit partner likes? Help is here! or defender, stop to see whose card is ➨Get on the internet ➨OKBridge/OKWin high before you play! You’d be surprised 5. Remember to signal. See ➨Computer purchase ➨Microsoft Word at how many times I’ve seen new players above. We don’t allow you to flash your ➨Computer setup ➨Microsoft Excel/Access trump or play a higher card when their ring around if you want a diamond lead, ➨Email setup ➨Web Page Design partner has already won the trick. Unless or clutch your chest if you want hearts. If ➨Software installations ➨Uploads and Downloads you need to be in the lead right now, you haven’t bid, pard won’t know what ➨Programming ➨Phone support don’t win if you don’t have to. And unless suit you want him to lead. The only way you need to unblock, don’t play a higher to tell him is with a signal! card than you have to. dibasoft 4. Take the setting trick. You’re Computer Consulting 8. Remember the contract. in the lead, you have a winner in your What’s more embarrassing than forget- hand…unless you know you can win 301-990-8534 ting to ruff (or letting the opponents ruff more tricks later if you wait, plunk that [email protected] a trick you thought was good) because sucker down! If you let declarer get back Diane Walker you thought you were playing notrump? in the lead before you take your trick, - 28 - - 29 - W 1) Matchpoints You’re Vulnerable 3) Matchpoints You’re Vulnerable 5) Matchpoints You’re Vulnerable ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ B QT9/ H65/ AT32/ 654 N A/ Q954/ AT96532/ A AKQ93/ AJ/ A6/ 8765 L 66 00

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SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST S 00 ♠ ♥ ♠ W ♠ O 22 1 2 2 PASS 1 DBL PASS 1NT

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Steve Robinson C //

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ M yy ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ AJT54/ K654/ -/ AK54 2891 S. Abingdon St #A2,

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Arlington VA, 22206 U uu SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST B

JJ [email protected] ♥ ♥ ♦ ♥ 2 PASS 3 1 2 PASS ’ ???? ????? S

NEED A RIDE OR A PARTNER FOR THE THURSDAY UNIT GAME?

Contact Barbara Doran [email protected], (301-946-8483) to find a partner in advance or try the On-Line Partnership Bulletin Board: www.washingtonbridgeleague.org. For a last minute partner, call the WBL cell phone (301-608-0347).

Don Berman, Carpool Coordinator can be contacted at 301- 776-3581 or ([email protected]) or log on to the On- Line Carpool Notices at www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org. Good luck! We look forward to seeing you on Thursday evenings.