October 2010 English Bridge Issue No. 231

The EBU members’ magazine

Everyone’s a winner at the Brighton Congress!

English Bridge Learn, play, © All rights reserved ENGLISH BRIDGE is published every two months by the enjoy Broadfields, Bicester Road, Aylesbury HP19 8AZ Sally Bugden, Chairman ( 01296 317200 Fax: 01296 317220 [email protected] Web site: www.ebu.co.uk ______SO how do you get more people to play Milton Dameral Trust, for pupils to learn to Editor: Elena Jeronimidis ? There is only one answer. play this simpler version of bridge in our 23 Erleigh Road, Reading RG1 5LR Teach more people. But what is the best way schools. We have had some great publicity ( 0118 926 2602 to go about that? It is very easy to become for this project in Kent where Lord Skel - [email protected] complacent about the way we educate, mers dale, a member of the All Party Parlia - Editorial which is why, back in 2008, we commis - mentary Group, visited Pembury School, Sally Bugden (Chairman), Jeremy Dhondy and Elena Jeronimidis sioned some research into all of the bridge Tunbridge Wells for a match – resulting in a ______education we undertake – from young re-match scheduled for November at the children through to the over 50s and Houses of Parliament. We aim to roll out a Advertising Manager Chris Danby at Danby Advertising everything in between. We were incredibly programme of publicity around the Fir Trees, Hall Road, Hainford, lucky to have Rob Lawy – an accomplished country in every school where Norwich NR10 3LX Y tournament bridge player and senior aca - is being taught. ( / Fax 01603 898678 demic involved in the School of Education Importantly, we are running a series of [email protected] ______and Lifelong Learning at the University of consultation meetings addressing education Exeter – volunteer to undertake the project within every county, including youth acti vi - Printing: St Ives (Andover) plc for us. Rob provided us with a potential ties, universities, adult education and intro - strategy which not only defined the key ducing players to competition bridge at groups we should approach but highlighted county level. And, of course, a great aspect INSIDE GUIDE the issues we needed to address to be truly of this project is the exchange of best representative of all those who play practice between counties. We aim to finish Duplicate pairs tips 5 n duplicate – in schools, universities, clubs the consultation by the end of the year – Bridge fiction 7 n and tournaments. Rob presented his fin - look out for the results that we hope your Ask Heather 9 n ished research in May 2009. county will report to you at its next appro - Director, please! 11 n What have we done since then? We have priate meeting. Report 12 n introduced the club teacher training There are so many aspects to education Traps for the unwary 13 n scheme. We believe that this is the best way which we embrace at the EBU, including the Reviews 14-15 n to recruit players in to our affiliated clubs: Really Easy Congresses and the new Next Prize Leads quiz 17 n the teaching course and the advice and Steps Congress – please read the report on Club bidding quiz test hands 18 n guidance pack is free to you and the page 28. We also run the EBU Teachers Bridge People 18 n nominated trainee teacher from your club. Association – which provides substantive Bridge with a twist 19 n You will see a more detailed piece about this train ing, support, advice, lesson plans Bridge nuggets 20 n on page 27. One of the fundamental truths (inclu ding content) and reductions on Ask Jeremy 21 n that I have learned during my five years of essen tials like insurance for a very small Brighton report 22-23 n involvement with the EBU is that all clubs annual subscription of £15. EBU news and diary 24-28 n have a life cycle. Even if your club is on the You can get information on all of these Bidding quiz test hands 29 n ascendant at the moment, you really need to activities by visiting our website, or Letters to the editor 31-32 n think about what will be happening in contacting John or Lisa at Aylesbury on Club bidding quiz answers 33 n future years. Don’t be complacent, think 01296 317200. European Championships report 34-35 n about where your new members will be Quite rightly, most of our members coming from now – not when it is too late! just want to get on and play the game at Bidding quiz answers 36-37 n Our teaching scheme will begin to intro - whatever level it is they choose to play it Around and about 38-39 n duce players into your club sessions after at. But it is our job to ensure that there Better defending 40-41 n two years. are new recruits, not just in twenty years’ Caption Competition 41 n We have developed the MiniBridge time, but this year, next year, the year The debate 42-43 n initiative, thanks to funding from the after . . . r Useful conventions 44 n Heather’s hints 45 n Standard English 46 n ARTICLES IN ENGLISH BRIDGE ARE COLOUR CODED County news 47-52 n Instruction EBU News Features Reports A day in the life of . . . / Top Tip 53 n A chat with the editor 54 n n n n n www.ebu.co.uk October 2010 English Bridge 3 Excel Bridge For the very best in Luxury Bridge Breaks Events coming up include: Full of traditional charm and elegance The Hydro, EASTBOURNE Oct 22-24/25 £198/236 Spectacular setting and superb dinner menu Treglos Hotel, CONSTANTINE BAY Nov 7-12 (5 nights) £399

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4 English Bridge October 2010 www.ebu.co.uk Lead a passive S C I

top-of-three-small T C A against 1NT instead of T

S R a broken four-card suit I A P CONTRACTS of 1NT are just as impor- tant as any other (the same number of E/W Game. Dealer South. match-points are available on each and ´ K 8 4 often more – as on the deal) with little every deal). Indeed, because that is the ™ 9 8 4 payback. contract you will be declaring or defending t A 7 3 Let anyone who leads a heart, hoping to at least as often as any other, mastering the ® Q 8 5 2 find partner at home, play against me for tactics will be highly instrumental to your ´ A Q 7 6 ´ 10 5 3 large stakes for a long time. Such aggres - ™ N ™ success as a pairs player. Q 7 W E J 10 5 3 sive leads are heavy long-term losers. Say A 1NT contract is not a sprint. It is a t 8 5 4 S t Q 10 9 6 no more. long haul. The key is to stay in the game, ® K J 7 4 ® A 9 Clubs is another strong but broken and try to control the latter stages. Because ´ J 9 2 four-card suit that is best avoided. Here you will typically have a second (and ™ A K 6 2 partner has the ace, yet a club lead gives third?) chance to find the right defensive t K J 2 declarer two tricks ( ®4, ®2, ®A, ®3; later attack, you do not need to take risks on ® 10 6 3 ®10 led through West, pinning East’s ®9]. lead at trick one before you have a sight of Left to his own devices, declarer is likely to dummy. make no club tricks. Watching (at ninety degrees to) the West North East South So lead a diamond. Yes, this gives declar - Poles and other top bridge-playing nations, 1NT er a third diamond trick with his jack. But you see the lead-style versus 1NT that has All Pass it is a he could always take for been prevalent for years. They’ll lead from himself – you have given him nothing. On three small cards – giving nothing away – Let’s analyse the four leads for West. First, a diamond lead – around to the jack, in preference to strong, broken four-card spades. They say of A-Q-x-x-x (that’s five declarer is likely to lead ace-king and a suits such as A-Q-6-2, K-J-8-4 etc. These cards) that it’s the best lead versus no- third heart*, hoping for a 3-3 split. He will latter leads give away cheap tricks so often, trumps: give one trick up and the suit will be disappointed and although he will requiring partner to have a filling high- often run. A-Q-x-x (four cards) is an score the king of spades later, he will card, and, as I say, defending 1NT you entire ly different proposition: the worst probably go down one. On any other lead, normally have time to switch. (they say). You give up a cheap trick (and I’m betting declarer will score eight tricks. A final point: make that diamond lead be the eight – a clear ‘high-for-hate’ lead. Don’t lead a murky ‘MUD’ five. (The reason for leading second-top from small cards is so that you can follow higher next time, eliminating the possibility of a doubleton and a . Ruffing is not a factor in no-trumps.) r

IN the 10th European Youth Pairs Championships held in Opatja, Croatia, in July, the best performance by an English pair was that of Tommy Brass and Alex Roberts, who *Study the heart pips. How about declarer came seventh in the Youngsters A Final. starting with a small heart, to the seven, eight In the Junior series, only Ben Paske and Graeme Robertson qualified for the A Final, and ten? On regaining the lead, he cashes the where they finished 22nd. In the B Final, the highest-placed English pair were David ace, felling West’s queen (unblocking dummy’s Faria – James Paul who came 18th. nine). He can now finesse against East’s ™J-5, In the Girls series, neither of our pairs qualified for the final. holding ™K-6 over him, so scoring a third heart trick.

www.ebu.co.uk October 2010 English Bridge 5 14:09 Page 1

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6 English Bridge October 2010 www.ebu.co.uk Bridge at Cholmeley School N O I T C I F

Stefan Götel E G D I

breaks the Rule R B

‘DO you know what day it is today?’ asked young German master leapt to the six- ‘The last , please,’ requested Stefan the Reverend Benson. level over her 4NT bid. The queen of Götel. The Matron surveyed the elderly cleric diamonds was led and, with a shake of her The Headmaster, who had to keep the with a look of concern. ‘It’s Thursday, head, the Matron laid out the dummy. queen of hearts, discarded the eight of Charlie,’ she replied. ‘That’s why we’re all ‘Why didn’t you show me your aces, clubs. Götel threw his last heart and West here playing bridge.’ partner?’ she demanded. ‘We might have threw a diamond. When a club was led ‘No, no, you misunderstand me,’ said reached a slam with two aces missing!’ from dummy at trick twelve, East followed Benson. ‘Today is the day of the blessed Stefan Götel peered learnedly over his with the ten. Since his last card was known Saint Anthony of Egypt, an all-time rimless spectacles. ‘Your 4NT was Black - to be a heart, there was no point what- favour ite of mine.’ wood?’ he queried. ‘I took it as a limit soever in declarer finessing the jack of The Headmaster beckoned for the next bid.’ clubs. He rose with the king and West’s board to be brought into position. This was The Matron blinked uncomprehend ing - queen tumbled to the baize. The slam had meant to be a bridge session, not some ly. She didn’t like to be rude, particularly been made. never-ending divinity lesson for the Lower to a foreigner, but if a jump from 2 ´ to ‘Well played, partner!’ exclaimed the Fourth. 4NT wasn’t Blackwood, what was? Matron. ‘You certainly made up for that ‘He lived a life of consecrated solitude in Götel won the first trick with the ace of mistake in the bidding. How many clubs the desert, dying at the age of 105,’ Benson diamonds and drew trumps in four rounds , did you have?’ continued. ‘A wonderful inspiration to us throwing a club from his hand. Eleven top ‘Four clubs,’ Götel replied. ‘Ace, king, all.’ tricks were on view and a 3-3 heart break jack and four.’ ‘It’s you to bid, Stefan,’ said the Head - would give him a twelfth. ‘Small heart, The Matron struggled to recall the rele - master. please.’ vant guideline on whether you should This was the deal before them: The Headmaster’s nine was allowed to finesse a queen. Eight ever, nine never, win the first round of hearts. Götel won wasn’t it? That didn’t help very much the club switch with the ace and continued when you only held seven cards between N/S Game. Dealer South. with the king and ace of hearts. No luck the hands. Still, Stefan knew what he was ´ K Q J 9 6 arrived from this quarter, West throwing a doing. Presumably a fuller version of the ™ K 5 3 diamond on the third round. rule would be ‘Eight ever, nine or seven t A K It seemed to the German master that he never.’ The Matron smiled to herself. Just ® 9 5 2 would now need the club finesse to succeed. imagine how difficult bridge would be ´ 8 7 3 2 ´ 4 Wait a minute, perhaps there was an extra without such useful guidelines! r ™ J 6 N ™ Q 10 9 2 chance. He crossed to dummy’s king of W E t Q J 10 6 3 S t 9 8 5 4 diamonds, leaving these cards to be ® Q 7 ® 10 8 6 3 played: ´ A 10 5 Want to recruit ™ A 8 7 4 more members t 7 2 ´ 9 for your bridge club? ® A K J 4 ™ — t — Then find out more about ® 9 5 West North East South ´ — ´ — the EBU’s FREE club Rev. The Head- Stefan ™ — N ™ Q teacher courses! W E Benson Matron master Götel t J 10 S t — 1NT ® Q ® 10 8 For details Pass 2™ Pass 2´ ´ — phone 01296 317217 Pass 4NT Pass 6´ ™ 8 All Pass t — or e-mail [email protected] ® K J The Matron recoiled in her seat when the

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8 English Bridge October 2010 www.ebu.co.uk Bid better slams R

E

H with splinters T

A

Send your questions to multiple world champion Heather Dhondy E

c/o the editor at 23 Erleigh Road, Reading RG1 5LR or e-mail [email protected]. H

Please include your name and address even if writing by e-mail – though we are happy not to publish your name to protect the guilty! K

S

Heather Dhondy A tA in partner’s hand is of little signif i - ARTHUR Bradley writes from West cance to East – in fact the lack of it Sussex: The following deal occurred at (implying values elsewhere) is actually our club recently and I wondered more encouraging! points), whereas 1 ´ – 1NT –3t –3´ – whether you could suggest a bidding This is my recommended sequence: 4® will show a huge hand (about 4-5 sequence. Hearts break 2-1; slam is a losers), investigating slam when partner certainty but not easy to find. West East can only respond 1NT. Pass 1´ Dealer West. 2™ 4t1 ´ ´ A Q J 9 8 2 4™ 4´2 JIM Mallinson writes from Burnham- N W E 2 ™ K 9 7 6 5 2 S ™ A 8 4 3 5® 6™ on-Sea: How would you bid these two t K 10 8 7 6 3 2 t Void Pass hands scientifically? ® Void ® A J 3 1 Splinter, showing a singleton or void in the bid suit and support for partner’s suit Love All. Dealer West. My partner and I play Basic with 2 Cue-bids, showing first-round control ´ A K Q J 10 5 3 ´ Void Strong Twos and our bidding was: ™ 2 ™ A 7 4 N W E t J 8 4 S t A K Q 10 6 3 2 West North East South RD asks by e-mail: How many points ® 5 3 ® K 9 4 Pass Pass 1´ Pass would you recommend to play the 2t Pass 3´ Pass cue-bid (after a fit)? Also, are the cue- At my club, playing basic 4™ Pass 4NT Pass bid and LTC the only conventions Acol with just standard Black wood (no 5® Pass 5™ All Pass used after a fit has been found? transfers, cue-bids, etc.), the auction was simple: 1 ´ – 2 t – 3 ´ – 4NT –5t – 6t, the final contract looking like the This hand is certainly not simple to bid, and When you are developing a constructive best slam in terms of pro tect ing ®K I would be surprised if many pairs reached auction, unusual jumps gene rally show sup - from the lead and offer ing better slam. Although the small slam is decent, I port, since it is preferable to keep the bid - chances of an to the West hand. would not wish to play a grand with these ding as low as possible while investi gat ing a two hands, since, although there are no top fit. For example, 1 ´ – 4 ® is an unusual losers, you are a long way from thirteen jump, and is normally played as a splinter, Your bidding sequence is a decent tricks. West’s main problem is what to res - guaranteeing game values, pri mary support practical auction and you did well to reach pond over 1 ´. Despite the lack of values, for spades, and a shortage in clubs. a great slam (played from the correct side, 1NT is too much of a distortion, which Once a fit has been found, you can use as you say). However, I would have started leaves a choice of 2 t or 2 ™. 2 t is not the Losing Trick Count (LTC), which isn’t with a 3 t force with the East hand, which incorrect, but I think it is more prac tical to a convention as such, but an alternative would take the pressure off the auction. show the six-card major. At this stage you method of hand evalua tion, and you will Here is my suggested sequence: are not envisaging slam, so your first use that to decide, for example, whether priority is to reach the highest scoring game you are worth game, slam, or part-score. If West East and a 4 ™ contract must be investigated. you are in the slam zone, then once a fit 1´ 3t Following your sequence, East’s rebid of has been found, cue-bidding, splinters, or 3´ 3NT 3´ is, in my view, not best. A change of of course Blackwood can all be useful tools. 4t 4™1 suit following a two-level response should A cue-bid guarantees the values for at 4´1 4NT 2 be played as forcing, and that allows you least game, and shows some slam interest. 5t 6t to rebid 2 ™, keeping the bidding low while The values you need will depend on the 1 Cue-bids investigating your best fit. I also dislike the auction that has preceded it. For example: 2 Normal Blackwood. Partner is known to use of Blackwood by the hand that has 2® –2´ –3´ –4® will show no more have the ´A after the cue-bid, so we know three aces and a void. The presence of the than the minimum positive values (8 that it is the ®A that is missing r

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10 English Bridge October 2010 www.ebu.co.uk !

John keeps out of E S A E L trouble with the law P

, R O two boards in a row T C E R

‘OH no, look where we’ve got to play next, asked Julie about the 3 ® and was relieved I

it’s the pair that plays funny systems,’ said to hear her say: ‘It is natural but at worst it Mike Swanson D John worriedly. shows minimum opening values and it ‘Don’t worry, they are more likely to could be a fair bit stronger.’ confuse each other than cause us to get in Over 3 t John decided to commit his West North East South a mess,’ replied Julie in an effort to placate side to game and so he leapt to 4 ´. Ever Julie John John but not believing a word of what she curious, West again asked: ‘Well, we are Pass said. now in the land of the unknown,’ replied Pass 1® 3t Dble Julie. ‘We do play splinters so it could be a 4t Dble Pass 4™ spade shortage agreeing diamonds, or it All Pass Love All. Dealer East. could just be showing a black two-suiter.’ * ´ K Q 9 8 2 John was now on the horns of a dilemma John couldn’t help asking what the 3 t bid ™ Void when Julie again bid her dia monds. Was it was, if only because he was having trouble t J 10 9 5 4 2 the honourable thing to pass, having mustering the courage to make a negative ® 10 9 listened to her either/or expla nation, or (take-out) double at the three-level with ´ 3 ´ 10 6 should he bid on? Eventually he decided only 7 points. After hearing that the 3 t bid N ™ K 7 5 4 3 W E ™ Q J 10 9 8 2 that passing 5 t would just be silly, so he bid was pre-emptive, eventually he doubled. t A Q 8 7 6 3 S t K 5´ which Julie raised to 6 ´. Despite the big diamond fit, West only ® 4 ® Q J 7 3 After John had made thirteen tricks, the raised to 4 t, fearing that the adverse ´ A J 7 5 4 opponents asked to look at his hand, so he vulnerability would produce too big a ™ A 6 spread it on the table in the full ex pec - penalty if he bid 5 t. Julie’s double was also t Void tation of hearing a call for the Director. for take-out (and John remembered that it ® A K 8 6 5 2 Instead East-West just shrugged their was!), so John signed off in 4 ™. shoulders and accepted that they would The defence got off to the best possible have done the same, and they all went on start when West led a spade to East’s ace; West North East South to the next board. East then played his second spade and, Julie John when John led trumps to the next trick, 2t 3® West took his ace and gave his partner a Pass 3t Pass 4´ E/W Game. Dealer South. spade ruff. At last the defence tried to Pass 5t Pass 5´ ´ K J 10 cash a diamond, so John ruffed and drew Pass 6´ All Pass ™ K 9 7 4 the last trump. All he had to decide now t Q was whether East had eight diamonds When the 2 t bid was alerted, John asked ® A J 8 4 3 and a singleton club, or seven diamonds West what it meant. ´ 9 8 6 4 ´ A 7 and a doubleton club. Eventually he ™ N ™ ‘It’s a Multi: it’s either a weak two in a A 3 W E J 10 decided that with an eight-card suit East major, or a strong two in a minor, or a t K 10 7 5 4 S t A J 9 8 6 3 2 would have bid at least 4 t, so he played strong .’ ® 10 7 ® Q 6 the ace and king of clubs and made his For once John did remember the main ´ Q 5 3 2 contract. points of their defence: double showed a ™ Q 8 6 5 2 ‘I nearly went off there,’ said John. ‘I balanced 13-16 or any hand with 21+ t Void couldn’t believe that East could have as points, 2 ™ showed a take-out double of ® K 9 5 2 many as 12 points for his pre-emptive bid.’ spades, 2 ´ showed a take-out double of ‘It came as a surprise to me too,’ replied hearts, and 2NT was 17-20 balanced. All West. ‘But if you would like to call the that didn’t really help him as he just Director . . .’ wanted to show a big two-suiter. Eventually * Author’s Note: Julie should really not have ‘No, no,’ interjected Julie. ‘Two boards in he decided upon 3 ®, hoping that he speculated on what John’s bid might mean . a row where John makes his contract and would get the chance to bid again. She should just have said that it was a we avoid the Director is a rare occurrence Even though it wasn’t alerted, West situation that they had not discussed. to be savoured.’ r

www.ebu.co.uk October 2010 English Bridge 11 Report

A remarkable achievement

SYBIL and Len Ornstin run bridge classes and duplicate sessions at the North Middlesex Golf Club in Whetstone, North London. Len launched the bridge classes in the autumn of 1999 after taking the EBUTA teacher training course, closely follow - ed by Sybil. The price per head for the lessons has always been £5 including drinks and biscuits at half time. Since their inception of the classes, Sybil and Len have raised over £20,000 in aid of various charities – most of them local to the club, which generously gives the space to run the classes free of charge. In addition to the bridge, purely for fun, Sybil and Len run an annual ten- hole golf competition known as ‘The Bridging Golfers Society’, which is followed by a lively party and dinner. The photograph shows them centre front with seventeen of the twenty-four people who currently support the bridge and have all become good friends. r

A New Challenge!

If Bridge is the King of card games, then surely Poker is the Queen. Just check your TV schedules to see how popular the game has become. The EBU has linked up with leading internet Poker site, Full Tilt Poker, to offer EBU members a special introductory offer when they join Full Tilt. Very simply, when a new member has 'spent' US$16 on the site, Full Tilt will add a US$40 bonus to their account. All you have to do to qualify for this bonus is to quote the bonus code, EBU01, when signing up to Full Tilt. This is in addition to Full Tilt's standard introductory offer, which could be up to US$600. You will find a link to the Full Tilt site on the EBU website. You can withdraw money from your Full Tilt account at any time, so this means that you can try it out at absolutely no financial risk whatsoever. The Full Tilt site offers Poker tuition and tips for successful play. It offers a wide range of different types of Poker game, including Hold’em, Stud and Omaha, to name but a few. There are both single-table games and multi-table tournaments and a wide range of stakes is available to suit all pockets. You can also pay a small game fee and play with 'play' money if you prefer. And, as a global website, games are available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, fifty-two weeks a year. Fancy a new challenge to complement your Bridge-playing activities? Then why not give Full Tilt Poker a try? After all, what have you got to lose?

12 English Bridge October 2010 www.ebu.co.uk Y

Don’t conceal R A W N

your major suits U

E H T

as responder R O F ONE of the mistakes that people often By showing the major-suit fit you end up S

make when they are starting out is to in the right denomination (spades) and P forget to look for major-suit fits where the right level (game). A they exist, in favour of a hasty bid, often in R

Michael Byrne T no-trumps. Let’s see a few more situations when we This sort of hand is a frequent example: might forget to look for major-suit fits:

Partner opens 1 t Partner opens 2NT your rebid? Say that Hand 1 and the next hand Hand 2 and the next hand Hand 4 partner opens 1 t ´ K 8 7 5 passes; what do you ´ 8 7 passes; what do you ´ Q 10 8 3 and responds 2 t over ™ Q 10 3 do? ™ K J 9 7 do? ™ A J your 2 ® bid, and you t 8 6 t Q 8 7 6 t Q 6 have Hand 4. You ® K J 10 8 ® J 9 3 ® K Q J 7 5 correctly res pond ed in your longest suit, since you are strong In my experience, players who are just Remember to bid enough to make sev e - learning bridge are split into those people Stayman – it would Partner 2 Partner 4 ral bids, and you who want to bid no-trumps (because they be embarrassing to ´ A K Q ´ K J 4 2 should carry on have stoppers in the other suits), and those bid a confident 3NT ™ A Q 8 4 3 ™ 6 5 4 show ing your shape that want to show their strong club suit. It only to fail when we t A J 2 t A K J 9 5 by bidding 2 ´. Part - may come as a surprise to learn that the had a nice heart fit. ® 6 2 ® 6 ner’s hand may be as right bid is 1 ´, and it is not even a close Part ner’s hand may in Partner 4; now 3NT decision. be as in Partner 2. (which partner will It is very important that you don’t The worry you had about the spade suit pass if you bid it) has no chance, but 4 ´ is a respond in no-trumps when holding a will soon be allayed – when the opponents con tract that should present no chal lenges. four-card major, as it gives partner the cash the first five club tricks! 4 ™, mean - Let’s review a few points about bidding wrong message. while, is nice and easy. major suits as responder: Remember: if you start by bidding a , there’s always plenty of time to Partner opens 1 ™; end up in no-trumps later. This is because Hand 3 the next hand passes; Do: a change of suit is forcing, which means ´ Q J 5 4 what do you do? • Show a major suit, even a poor one partner has to bid again. However, if you ™ 6 (Hand 1), in preference to respond - respond in no-trumps t K 8 7 5 3 ing with a bid of no-trumps. partner can (and will) Partner 1 ® 8 7 4 • Remember to bid Stayman even pass, and a major- ´ A J 10 4 when you have a balanced hand suit fit will have gone ™ K 4 (Hand 2). begging. t A K 7 5 4 It may seem strange • Look for a major-suit fit on the This may be your ® 6 5 to respond in a suit Partner 3 second round even if partner partner’s hand: that is not your long - ´ 10 8 3 2 doesn’t show one at first (Hand 4). est, but you must bid ™ A K 6 4 2 Don’t: Now compare these two auctions: 1´. The hand is not t 6 4 • Worry about the quality of your strong enough to bid ® A J major suit – length is strength. Auction 1 at the two level, and if • Be side-tracked by wanting to show West North East South you only get one shot partner your point count: there’s 1t Pass 1NT All Pass you should show your major. If part ner time to limit the hand later on. has a dia mond suit he will rebid it, and the • Let a distract you when Auction 2 right trump suit will be found. If he has four you have a weak hand; if you are West North East South spades (as above), he can support you. only worth one bid, show the major 1t Pass 1´ Pass suit (Hand 3). r 3´ Pass 4´ All Pass What about missing major-suit fits on

www.ebu.co.uk October 2010 English Bridge 13 S Bridge Apps W E

I Steve Hurst reviews the latest in bridge gizmos: bridge applications V for the iPhone (also suitable for iPod touch and iPad) E R Note: all screenshots were taken on an iPhone and are about 60% of real size

iBid grammar errors which at times made the that partner would ruff high to promote information difficult to read. Sometimes my trump queen. Partner ruffed low the card representations aren’t in English allow ing declarer to overruff, draw trumps either, resulting in suits headed A-R-D-F and cash winners to make the contract. rather than A-K-Q-J. Partner was given a second chance when The descriptions of the conventions declarer inexplicably decided to continue seem to be accurate, though many people to play on hearts and this time partner seem to play slight variants on most couldn’t help but promote my queen as he conventions nowadays. Unfortunately the had started with jack doubleton. descriptions are often too short to learn from, as there is insufficient space to explain the pros and cons along with several example hands, so the application is mostly for reference. The reader wishing to learn new conventions would be ad - vised to look elsewhere. Most iPhone users will have ready access THE iBid application is a mini-database to the internet and therefore have ready of bridge conventions listed in semi- access to convention definitions on-line. I alphabetical order in one large menu. can’t see myself using the application but Selecting one of the conventions displays I’m sure it will prove useful to some. The information about that convention in a iBid application is available from the large scrolling page. The information is iTunes store for £2.39. always in a fairly small white font on a black background, which may not be suitable for several of our readers. Omar Sharif Bridge That was +50 to the good guys and I thought I would be in for an easy game. THIS application allows the user to play Unfortunately it was not so easy playing rubber bridge against computer oppo - with a partner who was rarely on the same nents. A quick visit to the options menu wavelength in both the bidding and allowed me to agree some conventions defence. I opened 2 ™ playing ‘Standard with my electronic partner. The system American’ and partner drove to slam with options available were basic but adequate a flat 14 count. The expected ten tricks for a casual partnership. There were were available, but that left us two short. plenty of options to customise the visual My partner and I atoned for that experience of the game but alas I couldn’t misadventure by quite amusingly both make it feel anything but cluttered. doubling the opponent’s final contract of On to the game and my first hand with 5® on the same hand. Declarer must have high expectations. The opponents reached known he was doomed at that stage! a reasonable 4 ´ contract and I led a heart The interface felt very cluttered (see from J-10-8-7. Dummy came down with next screenshot) but I suppose for a ™A-K-Q-5-3 and declarer won with the complete bridge-playing experience there Often the information des cribes how ace. I was somewhat shocked at trick two is rather a lot to fit onto one small . the convention came into being, which I when declarer played the ™3 off table Despite the above criticisms, I found that I found quite interesting. The author of allowing my ten to take the trick, the re - had fun pla y ing the game, though one iBid is not a native English speaker and maining hearts having originally divided would struggle to actually call it bridge. alas the text is riddled with spelling and 2-2. I continued another heart, hoping The computer Artificial Intelligence is

14 English Bridge October 2010 www.ebu.co.uk certainly not worthy of the application’s find a winning line where possible! For on to show a superior line and explains grand name. Omar Sharif’s Bridge is instance, consider in isolation the suit the reasons why. This a great way to learn available from the iTunes store for £2.99. combination A-J-3 opposite K-10-2. You and is very useful, and is very useful, the could try taking a finesse for the queen only downside being that the cards have to through East and find that it fails. Going be played out trick by trick during the back a trick you try taking the finesse explanation, which can be a little tedious. through West, only to find that fails too Defensive play problems are very similar because the queen has been moved! Only to the declarer-play problems in terms of when you find the correct line of an end - presentation and learning. Sometimes it is play, forcing the opponents to open up the your partner who makes the suit for you, will the program let you and other times it is you. When you succeed. attempt to make an opening lead, David will either allow it or deny it with the message ‘This is probably not the best choice for an opening lead’. It is a shame that a reason is not given as to why this wouldn’t be a good lead. Overall these are great little appli- cations for improving bridge players. I can’t help but feel that I ought to get BetterBridge1 / BetterBridgeG more than sixteen hands for the price, though, particularly as I’ve already THE BetterBridge series was developed by found one hand with a bug in it such England international . Each that an incorrect line was an nounced as program presents the user with sixteen being correct. Both are available from bridge hands to play – ten as declarer and the iTunes store at £2.99 each. I would six as a defender. Most hands are game thoroughly recommend that anyone con - contracts, with some slams and one part- sid ering pur chasing either appli ca tion score thrown in. Once you have completed a deal, you first download the free BetterBridgeS After selecting a deal, users are shown can read through a short debrief from the application. It is the same as the other their hand for that particular problem. author. This usually looks at a good, or applications in the BetterBridge series Two example bidding sequences are given, seemingly obvious, line and then shows but only contains three hands, as it is a one for five-card majors and a strong no- how that line is insufficient. It then goes free sampler. r trump, with the second for four-card majors and a weak no-trump. The author Ra gives a brief description of the auction and ting IN A NUTSHELL: ROMAN KEY-CARD BLACKWOOD HH : any information relevant to the hand. For HH A short reference table provided by Jeremy Dhondy H a declarer-play problem the opening lead is made and the dummy displayed. The user now has to play the hand, receiving What is it? A form of Blackwood that has the king of the trump suit as praise from David for making the contract the 5th Ace. The trump queen is also shown. and a suggestion to try again if the con - How do I respond to 5® shows 0-3 Aces; 5 t shows 1 or 4 Aces; 5 ™ shows 2 tract fails. 4NT? or 5 Aces without the trump queen, and 5 ´ shows 2 or 5 Aces plus the trump queen.

What happens if I don’t If partner responds 5 ® or 5 t, then the next step (that know about the trump isn’t the trump suit) asks for the trump queen. queen?

How do I show the If you haven’t got it, bid the trump suit at the lowest level. queen? If you have got it, bid six of the trump suit, or bid an inter - vening suit to show the queen and also a side king.

If I bid 5NT to ask for You can do whatever you want. Some people show the Kings, is this anything number of kings and others show their lowest king. special? Remember there are only three kings to consider.

Are there any drawbacks? It’s a great improvement on traditional Blackwood but also prone to misunderstanding about which suit is agreed as trumps and also the precise continuations over a response.

Each hand is cleverly constructed to Were can I get more www.bridgeguys.com/Conventions/RomanKCB.html provide a user challenge or learning point. information? The program won’t let you accidentally

www.ebu.co.uk October 2010 English Bridge 15

Z makers of playing cards since 1824 PRIZE LEADS I www.piatnik.co.uk QQQUUIIZZZ U Q

( 020 8661 8866

OPENING leads are often subjective and vir tual ly any S opening lead can be successful some of the time. However, D bridge is in many ways a game of percentages and there fore A certain leads will gain more often than others. In each issue E L

you will be given three hands and the bidding on each, and

you are asked to choose your opening leads. Sugges tions E

and markings will be in the next issue. In each example you Z I are on lead as West. R

Paul Hackett P WN E S Hand 1 Pass Pass 1♣ ´ 5 3 Pass 1´ Pass 2NT ™ Pass 3♣ Pass 3´ This charming twin-pack of Piatnik playing 10 9 5 3 2 Pass 3NT End cards (‘Van Gogh Iris’) is the prize on offer in t K Q 5 ♣ 9 6 2 WN E S our series of quizzes set by Paul Hackett. For Hand 3 1™ Pass 1NT more information on the new Piatnik cards ´ A Q 10 6 Pass 3™ Pass 3NT please visit www.gibsonsgames.co.uk. ™ 6 2 End There are three categories in our competi - t A 9 4 3 tion: up to and including Master; up to and ♣ 9 7 6 including Regional Master; and those with WN E S higher ranking. Please indicate on the top left- Hand 2 1´ Dble Pass 2t hand corner of the envelope, or in the e-mail ´ K 8 5 3 2 Pass 2´ Pass 2NT subject line, the category for which you are ™ A J 2 Pass 3NT End entering. The first correct entry in each t K 9 3 category out of a hat will win the prize. ♣ Q 10 The Editor’s decision is final.

Entries to the Editor, 23 Erleigh Road, Reading RG1 5LR, or e-mail [email protected] by October 20th, 2010. Please make sure you include your full postal address even if entering by e-mail.

ANSWERS TO AUGUST OPENING LEADS QUIZ

WN E S ™A (10); t10 (9); ´J (5); t6/ t4 (3). WN E S Hand 1 1t Hand 3 2´ ´ A K J 9 8 7 3♣ 3NT 4´ 5t This is a very close call between being aggressive ´ 7 6 Pass 2NT 3™ 4´ ™ A J 8 6 5 5´ 6t End or passive. If declarer is 5-5, then there is a ™ Q 10 7 5 4 5™ 5´ End t Void chance that he may be able to discard a losing t 10 6 5 heart on dummy’s diamonds and also the ♣ 9 5 3♣ = Both majors, ♣ 7 5 4 2´ = Weak, 5-10 points constructive diamond lead may set up an extra trick. Similarly 2NT = Enquiry ™ the A could give the contract away, but equally 4´ = Maximum, with a ™A (10); ´A/ ´K (6); a club (1). may defeat it. With a natural trump trick a club singleton heart should not be considered. The normal card to This hand came from the invitation Slava Cup, lead in diamonds would be the t10. ™Q (10); ™7/ ™5/ ™4 (7); a diamond (5); a club held in Moscow. Since 3NT was natural it seems (3); a spade (1). highly likely that South is void in spades. If we lead the ™A we have a double shot. Partner can It looks important to cash your heart trick, encourage hearts if he has the king, or, if not, we CONGRATULATIONS therefore a heart lead appears to be the best can try and cash our spade trick. Partner had the TO THE WINNERS: choice. However, we know that South has a ™K and a spade lead would be ruffed and a singleton heart and the strength is with losing heart discarded on a club winner. Master: Marion Keeler, North. Therefore we should try and retain the Lostock lead. Thus the ™Q gets top marks. The hand WN E S came from the Portland Pairs and it needed Hand 2 1´ Regional: David Lampert, West to be able to lead a diamond as the tK ´ J 10 9 4 Pass 1NT Pass 3♣ South Croydon was in dummy. ™ Pass 3´ Pass 4´ I have marked up a diamond lead only A Q 10 4 Open: Joe Angseesing, t 10 9 6 4 because, as it happens, it would have defeated Cheltenham ♣ J 3♣ = Natural and game the contract, but it could just as well have been forcing a club lead that was needed.

www.ebu.co.uk October 2010 English Bridge 17 CLUB PLAYER’S Bridge People BIDDING QUIZ RINGING THE CHANGES ON each of the following problems, you are West. What should you bid SOME people are quite happy to carry on exam, to become an International Bor - with each hand on the given auction? doing the same job throughout their life, deaux Educator). ‘These trips,’ says Phil, gives the correct but Phil Cooke of Bath is not one of them! ‘are strenuous (very long days), but always answers on page 33. Originally an electronics graduate, Phil memo rable.’ worked with the top experts in the field. A Phil also receives many invites to wine career in high tech led to becoming Chair- tast ings and seminars (100 wines per Hand 1 WNES man of the Research and Development session is not ex ceptional), which all led to ´ A 1´ Pass Society, as well as lecturing at Sussex him founding a Wine Appreciation Circle ™ A 5 4 2 2t Pass 2´ Pass University. The latter and giving courses and t A J 8 7 6 3 ? led to developing three talks, as well as tastings, ® K 4 hobbies – ram bling, to various charities, cooking and bridge – clubs and societies. His which helped change new career as a Wine Phil’s life – twice! Expert is thriving and Hand 2 WNES He first combined his talks are very ´ J 9 7 3 2 1® Pass cooking and bridge by popular, as they include ™ Q 2 1´ Pass 1NT Pass playing with friends guidance on how to t A 10 2 ? after a meal, where good taste, insights in to the ® 8 6 4 wine enhanced the am - history of wine as well as bience. However when, how it is pro duced, the late in life, he met Sally, grape va ri eties, the wine now his partner, they regions, and many other Hand 3 WNES decided to move to such topics. And they are ´ K 8 5 2 1NT Pass Bath, and Phil’s bridge, often accompanied by ™ K 8 6 ? honed by lessons with tastings of quality bread t J 8 7 3 2 the late Freddie North, together with his and cheeses! ® 3 univer sity career and dinner parties, all What about the bridge? ‘A lifetime of came to an end. Phil had to start afresh. going up learning curves had proved His first step, on Sally’s advice, was to addictive,’ says Phil, ‘and after I started transform his appreciation of wine from a playing again I took up duplicate. If I get Hand 4 WNES hobby into a qualification. Phil obtained interested in something, I like to have a ´ A J 9 5 4 2 1™ Pass 1NT the Wine and Spirit Educational Trust level of knowledge to be able to have a ™ 8 6 ? Diploma in two years. This led to giving sensible discussion with an expert, so lots t K 10 3 2 evening courses at the University of Bath, of reading. Sadly, it was too late in life to ® 3 which were an instant success. He then become an expert player!’ became a member of the Association of Helping partner Sally to learn bridge led Wine Educators (after passing another to the idea of teaching it, so after sitting exam). This membership leads to invites more exams, Phil qualified as an EBUTA Hand 5 WNES from wine producers, so Phil has had teacher and opened his own bridge school. ´ 10 8 5 1™ Pass trade wine trips to Portugal, Spain, Italy, All this does not leave much time for ™ 9 1NT Pass 2® Pass Cham pagne, Burgundy, Loire, Beaujolais, rambling, but Phil likes to keep something t K Q 10 9 5 3 ? and Bordeaux (this last led to another in reserve for the next stage in his lif e . . . r ® Q 8 6

BRIDGE AND GOLF GIFTS DIRECT LIMITED Hand 6 WNES Large selection of bridge and golf gifts and accessories ´ A J 3 1t Pass 1´ ™ A J ? For the catalogue and price list contact Cynthia at t 9 8 7 5 4 3 Bridge and Golf Gifts Direct Limited ® 6 5 ( 020 8954 8006 Fax: 020 8420 7006 E-mail: [email protected]

18 English Bridge October 2010 www.ebu.co.uk T S Rules and Laws I W T

A Revisited H T I

Friends and readers have reminded Simon Cochemé W

of some Rules and Laws that were omitted from his earlier articles, E

and have drawn his attention to a few new ones. G D I R

Simon Cochemé B THE first two rules may be of some use to level given by the answer.’ The problem is you, I can make no promises about the rest. perhaps more ‘Easley’ solved by using Mr Mel C’s Rule of Nine tells you when you Blackwood’s exceedingly fine convention. Collings, the enfant terrible of English should pass for penalties after partner has This will be lost on those who think that bridge well into his sixties, playing with made a re-opening take-out double. Add Mr Black wood’s forenames were Roman, Jonathan Cansino: together your cards in the opponent’s suit, Key and Card. plus your honours (including the ten) in introduced me to Bentley’s that suit, plus the level of the bid. If the Law which says that, when faced with a E/W Game. Dealer West. total is nine or more, then pass the double two-way finesse, you should take it into the ´ Q 5 2 with a happy heart. Just in case you were hand of the defender you like more. The ™ 8 3 wondering, this Mel C is not a Spice Girl, finesse may not work, but you will not give t Q 10 9 4 3 but Mel Colchamiro, a well known Ameri - your enemy the satisfaction of winning the ® 10 7 3 can writer and teacher. trick. Barry also told me about a Miami ´ A K 9 3 ´ J 8 7 4 Your partner may not thank me for , where you throw a defender in ™ K Q 10 2 N ™ A J 6 5 4 W E telling you this, but Gunnar’s Law (named and he promptly claims the rest. t A K 8 7 2 S t J 5 after Gunnar Hallberg) says that whatever Goldwater’s Rule (Harry Goldwater was ® Void ® J 9 you think is a reasonable level to which to a well known American Tournament ´ 10 6 pre-empt, bid one higher. Director) is: ‘You should seriously consider ™ 9 7 Keith Stanley sent in Stanley’s Law: accepting a lead out of turn. If your oppo - t 6 ‘There is a direct mathematical connec - nent doesn’t know whose lead it is, he pro - ® A K Q 8 6 5 4 2 tion between the percentage by which a bably doesn’t know the right lead either.’ bridge player over-estimates his or her Keith Sheppard e-mailed with Shep - ability and the percentage by which his or pard’s Law , which states that if a board is West North East South her behaviour to opponents is below an passed out at some tables but played at Cansino Collings acceptable level.’ Alas, he declined to name others, then the result, where it is played, is 2® Pass 2™ 4´ names. ‘The corollary is that on the rare inevitably a contract going off – although 5NT 7´ Pass Pass occasion when you discover an expert not necessarily by the side that opened the Dble All Pass player who underestimates his or her bidding. Hmm, I think that ‘inevitably’ is ability, then his or her behaviour will be too absolute a word to use in predicting the The tA was led, followed by a heart to the well above average.’ Here Keith was happy outcome of events at a bridge table, but it ace. East switched to a club, ruffed by to give , one of the creators of is an interesting idea and I will certainly West, who played back the ´9. Collings Acol, as an example. keep an eye out for relevant boards. rose with the queen, ruffed a diamond and Bill Daly tells me that if you hold A-8-4-2 Keith also told me about Cole’s Rule of eventually made another diamond trick in a suit that partner leads, you should win Thumb: ‘If in doubt, play the card nearest for only ten down. A selector at the time with the ace and (contrary to accepted your thumb.’ I have done some research vowed that Collings would never again bridge teaching) play back the eight. and found that it actually originated in the play for England. In fact he did so in each When you regain the lead you should play Netherlands, where it is known as Coleslaw . of the following three decades! the four and then the two. This is the Law Thanks also to D.R. of Wetherby, where Collings was, of course, hoping to talk of Diminishing Returns. bridge seems to be an extreme sport, and his opponents out of a slam and to be I have already described two of David to all the others who sent in rules and doubled in 6 ® or 7 ®. Cansino’s leap to 7 ´ Burn’s Laws (‘Play in a suit where you laws, many of them seemingly based on and the resulting penalty made this deal have more trumps than the opponents’ bitter experience. I should like to mention the one for which Collings is most and ‘You can’t make 3NT on a cross-ruff’). Mrs C.W. of Fulham, who sent us a rule remembered, rather than his many bril lian - He has a third Law which is as follows: for the perfect soufflé. Not quite what we cies. It was used by Chris Dixon in his ‘During the auction, ascertain how many had in mind, but it works a treat. obit uary of Collings in 2005; surely the aces are held by your oppo nents. Subtract Let us finish with a deal from the 1965 ultimate example of The Law of Un- this number from eight. Do not bid at the European Championships. It features John intended Consequences . r

www.ebu.co.uk October 2010 English Bridge 19 S

T Seven-card suits E G G U N are fun! E G D I R

B Mike Newman West North East South about to get it right between the eyes. 1NT 3™ Seven-card suits are useful not only in SEVEN-CARD suits evoke in me the same Pass 4™ All Pass the bidding but in the play. Reeling off feeling I had as a child when I was given a your winners can put defenders under water pistol — or, even better, that terrific You are South. East opens a weak 1NT intolerable strain. The technique is known little gun which fired pellets of potato. (12-14), and you let him have it with both in expert circles as a squeeze. In less Seven-card suits are fun. You can fool barrels of your potato pistol. 3 ™! Gonna illustrious company it is known as Playing around with them and make a nuisance of have some fun, baby! Off Winners and Hoping that Somebody yourself. Unfortunately North, who must have Throws the Wrong Thing. Of course sometimes, as here, your been kept indoors as a child and made to Here, you have a crucial card in your partner will take you seriously: do homework, can't take a joke. He raises hand. It is the ten of clubs. you studiously to 4 ™. West leads the ten of spades. You play ´ Q 4 2 low from dummy, and East overtakes with ´ Q 4 2 ™ Q 7 2 the jack, cashes the ace and king of spades ™ Q 7 2 t A Q 9 5 and exits with a trump, the jack falling t A Q 9 5 ® A Q J from West. Which minor-suit finesse are ® A Q J you going to take? ´ 10 9 8 6 ´ A K J N You have, of course, already counted the ™ J N ™ 10 4 W E W E S points. West has shown up with a jack, t 8 7 4 3 S t K 10 6 2 which means that East must have both ® 8 5 4 2 ® K 9 7 3 ´ 7 5 3 minor-suit kings for his 1NT opening. ´ 7 5 3 ™ A K 9 8 6 5 3 So the contract is hopeless and you may ™ A K 9 8 6 5 3 t J as well throw in the towel. t J ® 10 6 And yet, and yet . . . You still have one ® 10 6 slug of potato in your gun, and East is

All you have to do is cash the ace of clubs and then run the heart suit. If you are PROTECT OUR BRIDGE COLUMNS kind, you will do it quickly. If you are feeling sadistic, you will do it slowly. Right IN THE NATIONAL PRESS at the end, the South hand will have two cards – the ten of clubs and the jack of From the beginning of August there is no longer a bridge column in diamonds. Dummy will have the ace and the Evening Standard ; it has been moved to the paper’s on-line edition. queen of diamonds. If you care about keeping bridge in the national press, register your As for East, he will have been unable to views by e-mailing one or both of the following: guard both of his treasures. If he has Editor: Geordie Greig [email protected] discarded the king of clubs, your ten will Managing Editor: Doug Wills [email protected] be a winner. If he has bared the king of diamonds, you simply cash the ace and The Evening Standard has a tradition of great bridge writers: David queen. Bird has been doing it for about fifteen years. Before him it was So don't be afraid of squeezes. They can Terence Reese, who had followed Rixi Markus, , Bob be fun — and much more rewarding than Rowlands and Maurice Harrison-Gray. trying to hit a moving target with a piece of raw vegetable. r

20 English Bridge October 2010 www.ebu.co.uk

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7B6: After a jump bid, the next player Jeremy Dhondy DAVID Wright, Derby, says: Recently must pause for about ten seconds before opponents used Stayman to get to calling. It is an offence either not to pause three of a minor using the sequence or to show indifference when pausing. If being achieved. Of course, if everyone 1NT –2® –2´ –3® – Pass. I've always the Stop card has been removed prema - always acted in the way they should do, then believed this to be an improper use of turely or has not been used, an opponent we would not need a Stop card – but they Stayman; what do the regulations say, should nevertheless pause as though the don’t, any more than a lot of people show please? If this sequence is not allowed, Stop card had been used correctly. awareness of road hazards or limits they are how should a Director deal with the Essentially you must say ‘Stop’ (or use a not warned about (and, of course some do situation if he were called. ‘Stop’ card) before making any skip bid, not even when they are warned). Incident - although it is quite common in clubs for ally, I am surprised at what you say about sequences which go 1NT – Pass – 3NT not Australian events as the Australian Bridge The Orange Book is often accused of to be preceded by a stop. It is unusual for Federation’s website says that the Stop card being too complex but here it is simple. anyone to be fined for failing to do that. is used and the procedure is observed. 11F1 says that all responses and continua- Assuming the first hurdle has been tions after a 1NT opening are allowed with passed, it is then incumbent on the next or without intervention, so there is no hand to pause for the appropriate amount OSSIE Sayed, Chislehurst, Kent says: problem in anyone playing the method of time. A guideline suggests that this is ten I feel that a minor adjustment (increase you describe. seconds, although in practice about eight by 10 points) to the bonus awarded for seems to do. If players fail to pause and then game contracts at the five level only create a problem, they will often get ruled would enliven the bidding in pairs MONTY Malin from Australia asks: against if there is then a subse quent issue. competitions. This will have virtually Can you define the rules for the stop If the first side does not use the Stop no impact in match play. bid? When it is to be used? Here in card, is the second side obligated still to No doubt, this will spawn whole new Australian local clubs or in a major pause appropriately? While there has been bidding systems which will investigate event, it is not used. I would like to debate about this topic, the current view is whether to try for a marginal five level know what purpose the Stop bid has that the second side has the obligation to contract or stay at the four level in the in the game. behave appropriately. majors and go for the five level in the The purpose of the card (and the word minors in place of a mundane 3NT. if not using bidding boxes) is to give the First it is a regulation not a law so I can next hand the opportunity to consider his only answer for England. English regula - action without giving any information to People have suggested scoring changes on tions printed in the Orange Book, available partner. When there is a jump bid, it is many occasions. I recall the removal of the on-line, say the following (and apply to all common for this to set a problem. It’s true superfluous zero being suggested so that 3 ™ of the game except, of course, behind that there are some sequences that rarely making exactly was 14. My preferred change screens where the card is not used). give rise to a problem such as 1NT – Pass – to liven it all up is to introduce a new suit 7B4: Before making a jump bid (i.e. a 3NT but, of course, sometimes you will between spades and no-trumps, which is bid at a higher level than the minimum in want to consider whether to double or not, the same as no-trumps except that the ace is that denomination) a player should place and if you do not have a time period a low rather than high card. I think this was the Stop card in front of him, then place partner will be under ethical constraint not tried briefly early in the 1930s. his call as usual, and eventually remove the to select a short suit lead if you pass slowly. If any scoring change was to happen, Stop card. His LHO should not call until In an ideal world when the auction goes then it would need to be decided by the the Stop card has been removed. 3™ – Pass – Pass to you, it would be best if , as England does 7B5: The Stop card should be left on the you didn’t have any clear idea whether not have the authority to do this. I think a table for about ten seconds, to give the partner might have a balanced 5 count or a downside of doing it, however, would be next player time to reflect. It should not be mar gin al hand for action and the Stop an added complication – especially for removed prematurely. proce dure enhances the chances of this begin ners – for no enormous benefit. r

www.ebu.co.uk October 2010 English Bridge 21 REPORT

BRIGHTON SUMMER MEETING 2010 by Heather Dhondy

THE EBU’s flagship tournament, the West North East South Tournament Directors to follow in order Brighton Summer Meeting, was once again Kurbalija D. Kenny Rees J. Kenny to determine the composition of teams in well attended, despite the scarcity and Pass Pass Pass 1™ each final. This year was no exception. expense of accommodation, which was in 1´ Dble Pass 1NT Down to the last board in the match part due to the overlap of the event with Pass 3NT All Pass between Allfrey (Alexander Allfrey, Andrew Gay Pride week. There has been a slight Robson, Peter Crouch and ) shift in the popularity of events on offer at Kurbalija chose to lead his spade suit, and Dhondy (Jeremy Dhondy, Ian Pagan, the congress, with a rise in numbers for failing to find the club lead that always Filip Kurbalija and Tim Rees), its outcome the mid-week events at the expense of the beats the contract. However, good defence would decide which team made the final main weekend events. Nonetheless, I shall at bridge often involves recovering from top eight, and which would drop out of concentrate on the two major events – the an unlucky opening lead, and this was well the top sixteen! pairs from the first weekend and the teams demonstrated here. Declarer won in hand from the second. and began playing on hearts. Kurbalija won the second heart and switched to the Love All. Dealer North . The first weekend eight of diamonds. Since he had a second ´ Q 9 6 entry (in spades) he was looking for a suit ™ 9 5 The Swiss pairs was won this year by two that could be established in his partner’s t Q J 9 5 3 Welsh stars, Filip Kurbalija and Tim Rees. hand, and he reasoned that a club switch ® 10 8 6 Their defence on the following board would have needed partner to hold K-Q-J-x ´ 10 7 5 ´ 4 3 earned them an 89% score: in order to be profitable, whereas a wider ™ 7 4 N ™ A K 8 W E variety of decent diamond holdings would t A 4 2 S t 10 8 7 6 cause this switch to succeed. ® A K Q J 2 ® 9 7 5 4 Game All. Dealer West. Declarer ran this to her king, and tried a ´ A K J 8 2 ´ Q J 9 4 spade, but Kurbalija rose with the ace and ™ Q J 10 6 3 2 ™ J 9 7 led another diamond, and that was down t K t Q 7 4 two. Without the benefit of x-ray vision, it ® 3 ® A 10 7 was extremely tough to make the contract ´ A 10 8 7 6 ´ 3 after winning the tK, and declarer took a ™ A 2 N ™ 10 5 3 forlorn chance that Kurbalija had led away West North East South W E t 8 2 S t A J 10 6 3 from the ace of diamonds. J Dhondy Allfrey Pagan Robson ® 9 6 4 3 ® Q J 8 5 Congratulations to Filip and Tim on Pass Pass 4™ ´ K 5 2 winning the Harold Poster Trophy. All Pass ™ K Q 8 6 4 t K 9 5 The second weekend The auction was unrevealing, which made ® K 2 the successful defence hard to find. The teams weekend is also a Swiss Looking at all four hands, you can see that format; however, the defenders have four top tricks to cash; the leading sixteen however, Jeremy Dhondy led two rounds teams after three of clubs, the second ruffed by Andrew sessions qualify for a Robson who produced the king of two-tier final of diamonds at trick three. With no know - eight teams each, ledge of partner’s trump tricks, Dhondy while the remaining ducked this in an attempt to prevent teams continue the declarer from reaching dummy’s diamonds. Swiss for a further This would be the right defence if, for session on the example, declarer held tK-x and ´A-J-x Sunday. and East had only one trump trick, since The margins for declarer would have no entry for the spade qualifying are always finesse. However, on this deal it was very tight, and each spectacularly wrong, and with team-mates year there is nearly stopping in 3 ™ at the other table, very always a tie-splitting costly. Allfrey, the eventual winners, Swiss Pairs winners, Filip Kurbalija (left) and Tim Rees procedure for the emerged into the final on a split tie.

22 English Bridge October 2010 www.ebu.co.uk REPORT continued OTHER BRIGHTON WINNERS

Four Stars B Final: Simon Gillis, Odin The final was a very strong field of At this table, the auction was artificial, but Svendsen, Eric Sælensminde, Geir players, including visiting Norwegian world the essential message was that North had a Brekka. champions. Allfrey needed a moment of weak no-trump which South raised to Brighton Bowl: Christine Duckworth, Agnes Wesseling, Niels Van Der Gaast, inspiration against them on the following three. Importantly for the defence, it was Marek Malysa. deal, just to earn themselves a flat board! played by North, and on the natural lead of a heart, they had five easy tricks, and the Senior Pairs: A final: Liz McGowan – contract was quickly defeated. Mike Ash; B final: Angela McCready – E/W Game. Dealer North. At the other table, the auction was over John Samuels; C final: Peter Steward – ´ A J 6 in two bids: Joseph Walsh. ™ 9 7 6 2 Senior Swiss Teams: Jim Luck, Kath t A 7 3 West North East South Nelson, Rhona and Bernard Goldenfield. ® K 6 3 Robson Tundal Allfrey Grotheim Really Easy Congress: Pairs sessions: 1 ´ K 8 3 ´ 10 9 7 2 1 t Pass 3NT Iain Kirkman – Gillian Kirkman; ™ A J 4 N ™ K 10 5 3 All Pass Roshani Nanayakkara – Edd Edmond - W E 1 t 9 5 4 2 S t 6 Precision son; Michael Hall – Pamela Hall; Gill ® 8 5 2 ® A 10 9 7 Smillie – Margaret Stevens; Claire ´ Q 5 4 This time 3NT was played by South, and Price – Tessa Van Gelderen; Alix ™ Q 8 Robson got off to an unlucky start when Payne – Lis Bell. Teams sessions: Claire t K Q J 10 8 he led a spade. Declarer ran this to his Price, Tessa van Gelderen, Jean Blake ® Q J 4 queen, and was up to eight tricks. With the and Aleathea Turkington. diamonds hidden from view he would just Next Step Congress: Pairs sessions: Ann need to slip one club past the defence in Lindsay – Sandra Grossman; Richard West North East South order to be able to cash nine tricks. He led Cleminson – Eliza Wyatt; Bruce Brogeland Forrester Erichsen Crouch a spade to the jack and a low club from Carrison – Louise South; Michael 1 2 1® Pass 1t dummy. Now came the moment of truth. Roberts – Chrysta Rang; John Siddle – Pass 1™3 Pass 1´3 For Alexander Allfrey it was all too easy. Premdat Hariram. Teams sessions: John Pass 1NT Pass 3NT He smoothly rose with the ace and Siddle, Premdat Hariram, Janet Rush - All Pass switched to a low heart, cashing the worth, Maurice Hughes; Josephine 1 At least two cards contract down. Well-defended, and Wreford, Sharon Bayne, Carol and 2 Denying a four-card major congratulations to the team on a fine Mick Brocklehurst. 3 Relays victory. r Midweek events: Knock-Out Teams: Michael Byrne, , Chris Cooper, Simon Cope, Tom Paske, Shivam Shah. Championship Pairs: Tom Paske – Tom Townsend. Mixed Pivot Teams: Heather Hobson, Janet Latham, Roy Garthwaite, Ted Latham. Mixed Pairs Championship: Stephen Peterkin – Sam Punch. Open Teams: Sunday: Andrew Urbanski, David S. Jones, Roger Sweet, Dave Latchem (Green Section); Sam Punch, Liz McGowan, Stephen Peterkin, Mike Ash (Orange Section); Thursday: Ankush Khandelwal, Tom Rainforth, Simon Spencer, Philip Railing. Open Pairs: Sunday: Richard Bowdery – Gordon Rainsford; Monday: Kathy and Denis Talbot; Tuesday: Jim Hay – Abigail Wilson; Wednesday: Graeme Robertson – Tom Slater; Thursday & Friday: Rosaline Barendregt – David Four Stars A Final winners (from the left): Alexander Allfrey, Andrew Robson, Gold. Peter Crouch and Tony Forrester, with EBU Vice-Chairman Andrew Petrie Play With The Experts: David S. (second from the left) Jones – Marc Lee.

www.ebu.co.uk October 2010 English Bridge 23 NEW EBU THE EBU & IMPROVE YOUR BRIDGE CRUISES BRIDGE OVERSEAS in partnership with Gill’s Cruises and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines ANTALYA

Cruises with on-board bridge classes designed to help you hone your basic systems. Topics include how to respond to CONGRESS your partner’s , when to double, pre-emptive bidding including Weak Two openers – and much more. Your teacher will be Sue Maxwell, a qualified Professional 9 – 14 February 2011 Grade EBU teacher whose classes are renowned for being 5* Barut Lara Resort Spa & Suites, very relaxed and good fun . Antalya, Turkey

For further details or to make a booking: Gill’s Cruise Centre ( 0845 460 7002 Details: www.gillscruise.com 1 o r www.e b u.co.uk

EBU BRIDGE COURSES H Pre-congress Pairs In association with H Open Pairs Travel Editions Bridge H Pivot Teams H Men’s, Ladies’ and Mixed Pairs Courses designed to help those wishing to improve their standard of Bridge, following on from learning programmes such as Bridge for All and the Really H Swiss Pairs and Swiss Teams Easy weekends. (both Green-pointed) Each weekend will include two nights dinner bed & full breakfast plus a light lunch and teas, coffees. There are two themed topics, 4 sessions of duplicate bridge and an Open Forum where you will have the opportunity to ask your own questions. The weekends will be led by David Jones, National Tournament Bridge Fees: £120 Director and international player. Entries to EBU Competitions Dept. Date 19th – 21st November Broadfields, Bicester Road, Aylesbury, Hotel Charlecote Pheasant Stratford Cost £198 each Bucks HP19 8AZ Theme Dealing with interference bidding: Doubles ( 01296 317 203/219 E-mail: [email protected] Date 14th -16th January Hotel Hilton St Anne’s Manor, Royal Berkshire Cost £195 each Theme , when to upgrade, when to downgrade your cards Date 4th – 6th March For travel and accommodation please contact Hotel Hilton Newbury Centre Cost £188 each Theme Communication in defence: Play of No-trumps: Play of Trump Contracts BRIDGE OVERSEAS For further information please call David Jones on 02476 461511 or to book call Travel Editions on 0207 553 6950 All events are Full Board and have no single room supplements FREEPHONE 0800 034 6246

24 English Bridge October 2010 www.ebu.co.uk CALENDAR OF EVENTS EBU News n OCTOBER 2010 1-3 West of England Congress Weston-super-Mare JOHN YOUNG PAIR OF YOUNG 1-3 Really Easy Early Winter Break Wroxton, nr Banbury ARMSTRONG THE YEAR PLAYER OF THE 1-16 World Bridge Series Philadelphia, USA 2-3 Great Northern Swiss Pairs AWARD The EBU’s Young Pair of the YEAR Hilton Hotel, Leeds Year Award for 2009 is awarded (entries to Yorks CBA) to Alice Kaye and James Pa ul 2-3 Felixstowe Congress (photo below). In 2009 they 13-14 BGB Autumn Sim Pairs 13-18 Overseas Congress cemented their university part - Crete nership with a string of suc - 16-17 Under 25s Trials cessful results. West Midlands BC, Solihull 30-31 Kent Congress Tunbridge Wells 30-31 Malvern Congress Bransford BOB Rowlands (photo above) is 30-31 Lancashire Congress this year’s winner of the John Brierfield/Blackburn Armstrong Award. A man of The EBU’s Young Player of the 30-31 Lederer Memorial Trophy Young Chelsea, London great stature and often referred Year Award for 2009 is given to to as a gentle giant, Bob’s Ben Paske (photo above). 2009 n NOVEMBER 2010 humour at the bridge table as was only one of many fantastic 5-7 Autumn Congress well as his good nature and years that Ben has had since Birmingham impeccable ethics set him apart starting to play bridge, and in 12-14 Premier League Royal National Hotel, as a true gentleman of the game. true fashion he achieves his London Just like John used to be. goals with a quiet modesty 12-14 NEBA Congress Bob first represented Great In April 2009 they were part that is hard to match. Ben was Allensford Britain in 1966 and has won of the Oxford University team Alice and James’s team-mate 12-14 Seniors Congress Daventry about every major British tour - that won the Portland Bowl, in the Punchbowl final, and he 20-21 Tollemache Cup Qualifier nament – , Crock - the British University Cham- also had a great victory at the Daventry fords, Spring Fours, Hubert pion ship that qualified their Northern Summer Festival of 22 & 24 EBL Sim Pairs Phillips, National Pairs, Grand team to repre sent England in Bridge held in Scarborough, Clubs 27-28 Middlesex Congress Masters (to name just a few). the first Euro pean Universities where he won the Pairs trophy Barnet Bob has given up much of his Bridge Teams Cham pionship in from a field of 170. He also time to promote bridge amongst Croatia. They also did tremen - had great success in lead ing his n DECEMBER 2010 the younger fraternity by coach - dously well in reaching the final team of junior players to the A 27-30 Year End Congress ing promis ing juniors and he has of the Punch bowl at the Spring Final of the Brighton teams, London 28-30 Year End Congress been incredibly hospitable in Fours, coming back from a huge where they came fifth – an Blackpool allowing them to take over his amount down at half time to amazing achievement for a n London home, rent-free, when close within only a few IMP s. team of all youngsters. JANUARY 2011 playing in London tournaments. Their opponents were a star- Ben has had other good 7-9 Republic of Ireland For many years he was an EBU studded team of internationals results, including the Premier 7-9 Midland Counties Congress selector and would kibitz trial - including Ralph Katz (who only League, the Brighton pairs, Bransford lists in order to make informed a few months before had won and international events; how - 8-9 Manchester Congress deci sions at selection meetings. the Ber muda Bowl) and a cur - ever, it is Ben's attitude both at Manchester 10-12 BGB Winter Sim Pairs Bob will receive a memento as a rent England international com - and away from the table that Clubs reminder of his marvellous atti - mented how impressive it was makes this award particularly 21-23 Lady Milne Trials tude to oppo nents and fellow that they were able to get back special. Young C helsea, London players. into the match using con trolled Wherever Ben goes, you can 29-30 Swiss Teams Congress Hinckley Anyone wishing to pay tribute aggression in so few boards. rest assured that he will be the to the late John Armstrong can At the end of the year Alice responsible one, looking out n FEBRUARY 2011 visit Heritage Wood, near Ash - and James had their crowning for his friends, making sure 8 International Sim Pairs bourne, Derbyshire, where a achievement when they were people are OK and always put - Clubs bench is placed in his name, and part of the team which won the ting others before himself. 9-14 Overseas Congress Antalya, Turkey. trees and bulbs are planted Under 25 Channel trophy for As the eldest child from a 12-13 Tollemache Final yearly in his memory. England for the first time in family of eight you can see Hinckley Nominations for next year’s twenty years. Despite an un - where he gets his responsible 18-20 Junior Camrose/Peggy Bayer John Armstrong award can be lucky start, after a few matches attitude from and why he takes Scotland 25-27 Harrogate Spring Congress sent to the EBU or to Paul Hack - they showed true English grit his job of being a squad mem - Harrogate ett ( [email protected] ). and won in the final set. ber so seriously. Michael Byrne Michael Byrne www.ebu.co.uk October 2010 English Bridge 25 EBU AUTUMN CONGRESS CLUB DIRECTOR & COUNTY 5-7 November 2010 DIRECTOR TRAINING COURSES 2010-2011 Birmingham Metropole Hilton Hotel, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, B40 1PP ESSENTIALS £35 ( 0121 7804242 Churchdown, Gloucs Saturday 9 October Cambridge# Saturday 9 October Main events: Darlington Saturday 16 October Aylesbury EBU HQ Wednesday 20 October FULL t The prestigious four-session Two Stars Pairs , Aylesbury EBU HQ Wednesday 27 October commencing Friday afternoon. Welwyn Garden City Saturday 30 October t The Satellite Pairs, starting on the Friday evening, Leicester Saturday 4 December if you prefer a more relaxed style. Harrogate Sunday 12 December Bourne Club, Farnham Saturday 19 March 2011 Other events: Horsham Saturday 2 April 2011 t Swiss Pairs on Saturday. # Cambridge Essentials & BR are over a weekend Additional courses are shown on the EBU website t Teams of Four on Sunday . BOOK RULINGS £40 Cambridge# Sunday 10 October Entries and enquiries to Churchdown, Gloucs Saturday 6 November Aylesbury EBU HQ Wednesday 17 November EBU Competitions Department Darlington Saturday 20 November ( 01296 317 203 / 219 Welwyn Garden City Saturday 27 November Leicester Saturday 15 January 2011 or e-mail [email protected] Bourne Club,Farnham Saturday 7 May 2011 Horsham Saturday 21 May 2011 JUDGMENT RULINGS £ 40 Camberley Sunday 10 October Wymondham, Norfolk Saturday 16 October TEACHER TRAINING COURSES 2010-11 Churchdown, Gloucs Saturday 4 December Aylesbury EBU HQ Wednesday 8 December Partner Teacher Training Courses – Welwyn Garden City Saturday 15 January 2011 courses for prospective teachers Darlington Saturday 29 January 2011 Cambridge Sunday 13 February 2011 Aylesbury EBU HQ October 23rd to 25th 2010 (£195) Leicester Saturday 19 February 2011 Aylesbury EBU HQ February 18th to 20th 2011 Bourne Club, Farnham Saturday 11 June 2011 Manchester Bridge Club July 15th to 17th 2011 Horsham Saturday 25 June 2011 Aylesbury EBU HQ October 14th to 16th 2011 ASSESSMENT £4 5 Wymondham, Norfolk Saturday 30 October Courses – £200 for the Full Course – Camberley Sunday 31 October include how to teach bridge, what to teach, Churchdown, Gloucs Saturday 8 January 2011 short teaching practice, how to recruit, how to retain Aylesbury EBU HQ Wed 19 and Sat 22 Jan 2011 and how to turn your students into a partner club . Welwyn Garden City Saturday 19 February 2011 Leicester Saturday 19 March 2011 For info ( 01296 317217 or email [email protected] Darlington Saturday 26 March 2011 Cambridge Sunday 8 May 2011 Bourne Club,Farnham Saturday 23 July 2011 NEW Club Teacher Training Courses Horsham Saturday 30 July 2011 NEW courses for affiliated clubs COUNTY TD PREPARATION COURSE - SAT 14TH MAY 2011. Under the Universal Membership scheme affiliated clubs are invited This one-day course will be held in Aylesbury. to nominate one club member in any two-year period to be trained FREE OF CHARGE as a Club Teacher. Second and subsequent 2011 COUNTY AND COUNTY REFRESHER COURSE bookings from the same club can be made at £100 each. Details of the 2011 course will appear in due course. The course content will include how to teach bridge, what to teach and a short teaching practice. Entries may only be booked by For further information, or to register for a course the registered secretary of the affiliated club. ( 01296 317203 or email [email protected] The next courses have been arranged at the Bourne Club, Farnham, Surrey – November 20-21 2010 NEW CONCESSIONS FOR AFFILIATED CLUBS NEW Oxford Bridge Club – February 26-27 2011 Under the Universal Membership scheme affiliated clubs are invited to Patcham Bridge Club, Sussex – May 14-15 2011 send a second club member to a TD course FREE OF CHARGE where the club sends a full paying member to any of the club TD courses. The offer is on a ‘like for like’ basis – so when a club books a place For details ( 01296 317217 or email [email protected] (from one to four courses) it receives the equivalent free for another member of the same club. To take advantage of the scheme both the Any clubs with permanent premises who would be prepared to paying member and the free member must be booked at the same host one of the new courses is asked to contact John Pain at the time and the booking must be made by the registered secretary of EBU: ( 01296 317218 or email [email protected]. There are addi - the club. (Please note this scheme does not include the annual tional concessions available for clubs hosting the courses. County Director or County Refresher course held annually, nor the County Preparation day course.)

26 English Bridge October 2010 www.ebu.co.uk EBU News EBU CHELTENHAM MIDWEEK ROLL UP FOR THE CLUB TEACHER PROGRAMME CONGRESS

OK. So what is it for? Success will be evaluated on what percentage of the year 31 May – 2 June 2011* To help membership recruitment group eventually graduate to in your club, the English Bridge your club duplicate sessions. The Union have devised a new Barceló Cheltenham Park Hotel, GL53 8EA responsibility of this falls to the initiative to help affiliated bridge whole club membership. The ( 01242 222021 clubs to ‘grow their own’ mem- future of your club may depend bership through an integrated NE on it. W teaching programme. A brand new event How do we enrol? What do we get? for the 201 0-2011 season Under Universal Membership Each club will be offered one free clubs will be able to nominate teacher training session in any one potential teacher to attend a twenty-four month period to Club Teacher Training course help with the development of the free of charge within a 24-month club and to attract new mem - period. Clubs will be able to send bers. * There is also a mas sive other teachers on payment of the pack of advice and guidance on appropriate fee. how to recruit and welcome your students to your club. Your club Great, where is the next course? teacher will also get free mem- Bourne Club, Farnham, Surrey – bership of EBUTA for one year. November 20-21 2010 Second and subsequent teachers may attend the course on Oxford Bridge Club – February payment of £100 per person, 26-27 2011 subject to available space. Patcham Bridge Club, Sussex – How will it work? May 14-15 2011 The success of your Club If I can’t make any of those A fully Green-pointed Tuesday to Thursday Development programme wil l places or dates . . . ? midweek congress featuring not be judged on how effectively a three-session ‘all play through’ Other courses are in the process the student member has learned Championships Pairs event and of being arranged . . . Register the weakness take-out or with Lisa on 01296 317200 and a one-day Swiss Teams event. Stay man. tell us the area of the country that is most convenient for you. Or Both events will be ‘stratified’ according to contact Krys Kazmierczak on the the actual entry, *Subject to availability. same number about setting up a with Green Points and prizes Conditions apply. course in your area. being awarded based both on the overall ranking list and on the lower half of the field MEMBER REPRIMANDED ranking list.

AN EBU Disciplinary Process recently considered the Entries and enquiries to charge that Roger Stenson had caused distress to a fellow club member during a telephone call made to her. EBU Competitions Department The Committee found that this constituted a breach ( 01296 317 203 / 219 of the Disciplinary Rules 3.2(v) being conduct or or e-mail [email protected] behaviour which falls below the accepted stan dards required of Player Members. Mr Stenson was *NOTE: the event takes place one week earlier reprimanded. than advertised in the Diary

www.ebu.co.uk October 2010 English Bridge 27 EBU STRATIFIED EBU News SIMULTANEOUS PAIRS REALLY EASY CONGRESSES NEW FOR the first time ever we ran We try to introduce different two Really Easy Congresses at types of bridge, so we don’t just Another brand new event Brighton last August. The first play pairs. One session will be ran from Monday to Wednesday multiple teams with the empha- for the 2010-2011 season with 15 tables of enthusiastic sis on bidding up and playing ‘novices and beginners’ – players safely. Another session will be playing for about a year. These Swiss Pairs, playing five-board 7 – 11 March 2011 were followed on Tuesday to matches, one of the most popu - Thurs day by the Next Step group lar forms of competition bridge. (20 tables). Some very keen beg- What is the cut off point for A new event for 2011 in ners stayed over until Thurs day the Really Easy events? Do we and at least six of the Next Step have a master point limit or held on five separate evenings group stayed and played in the anything like that? The answer is (different hands and ranking lists main congress Mixed Pairs on that we don’t – you can pick up a Thursday evening. load of Master Points by having a each evening) Why a Next Step group? successful evening in a Simul - Education does not stop when taneous Pairs but that doesn’t you leave the classroom. There is rule you out of a Really Easy. The National ranking lists and Master Points more to learn than just counting simple answer is that you will will be produced each evening in each of points and tricks. How to behave know when you have outgrown it the four categories: at the table, when to listen, when – the play will be too slow for you to speak. The speed of play can and you are ready for a harder vary – the average expected competition. This means that the speed is eight boards per hour; at experience of the Next Step A. Overall a Really Easy event we start at group varies quite a bit – but four boards increas ing to six and roughly speak ing we have people B. For pairs both members of which are finally reaching the magic eight. with up to five years expe rience below the rank of Tournament Master When you start, it is a bit like including some club bridge. patting your head and rubbing Next year’s Really Easy C. For pairs both members of which are your tummy with so much going Brighton Congresses will be on below the rank of Star Master on at the same time. It may be August 15-17 (Novices and the first time you have used a Beginners) and August 16-18 D. For pairs both members of which are . The systems and (Next Step). The next Really below the rank of District Master conventions at the Next Step can Easy Congress is in Derby from be a little more elaborate, but still April 8-10. with the emphasis on fun and Also, have a look at the new friendly bridge. That does not EBU Improver Events organised mean that there are no calls for by David and Marilyn Jones (see More details the Director – all players, what - page 24). Each weekend has a ever their level, can bid out of themed topic including seminars will be available at: rotation or , and these are and play. More details from dealt with as they crop up. It’s all David on 02476 461511. http://bridge.ecats.co.uk good experience. Gill and John Pain

Information from GOOD LUCK IN PHILADELPHIA! OUR Under-21 team have been invited to participate in the World Cham pionships which run from 10th – 16th October in EBU Competitions Philadelphia. We hope that they will be able to go one better than the Silver Medal they gained in the Beijing World Mind Sports Department Games in 2008. Follow their pro gress on the EBU website. Good luck to all the team: Daniel McIntosh, Tom Paske, ( 01296 317 203 / 219 James Paul, Tom Rainforth, Graeme Robertson and Shivam Shah, NPC Michael Byrne, coach Alan Shillitoe.

28 English Bridge October 2010 www.ebu.co.uk – CUT OUT – CUT OUT – CUT OUT – –

– Beat today’s experts Beat today’s experts C

T These hands are all from modern events These hands are all from modern events U and David Bird points to some useful and David Bird points to some useful U lessons to be learned from them. See lessons to be learned from them. See T

O O

how your efforts compare with the how your efforts compare with the experts’ bidding. experts’ bidding. T U U T

C October 2010 October 2010 –

– WEST HANDS EAST HANDS

C

T (IMP scoring on every deal) (IMP scoring on every deal) U U T

O 1. E/W Game ´ A 9 1. E/W Game ´ K J 10 8 6

Dealer North ™ 9 7 2 Dealer North ™ 10 O T

t A 10 8 7 6 4 3 t K 5 2 U

U (Pigeaud) ® 3 (Fishpool) ® A K J 6 T

C *North opens 1 ™, and rebids 3 ™ *North opens 1 ™, and rebids 3 ™

– –

2. N/S Game ´ J 10 6 2 2. N/S Game ´ 8 C

T Dealer East ™ A K Q J 3 Dealer East ™ 7 t 6 3 t A K J 9 U U

(Brogeland) ® Q J (Sælensminde) ® A K 9 8 6 5 2 T O

*North bids 1 ´ if possible *North bids 1 ´ if possible O T

3. N/S Game ´ A K 7 6 5 3. N/S Game ´ Void U U

Dealer West ™ 8 6 5 2 Dealer West ™ A K T C

t 4 t A K Q 10 9 8 5 3 2 –

– (Versace) ® A 10 4 (Lauria) ® 8 7

C T 4. E/W Game ´ Void U

U 4. E/W Game ´ 8 7 3 Dealer East ™ 10 6 4 Dealer East ™ A Q 5 3 t A J 7 5 4 2 T O

t K 10 9 6 3 (Justin Hackett) ® A K Q 4 O

T (Jason Hackett) ® 2 *South bids 1 ´, North bids 4 ´ U

U *South bids 1 ´, North bids 4 ´

5. E/W Game ´ K 10 7 3 T C

5. E/W Game ´ A Q 6 4 2 Dealer South ™ 7 4 2 – Dealer South ™ A K Q 9 t 8 6

– C t J 9 (Smith) ® J 7 6 2 T (Brock) ® 9 8 *North bids 2 t U *North bids 2 t U T 6. N/S Game ´ A Q 3

O O

6. N/S Game ´ K 6 2 Dealer East ™ 8 6 2 ™ t T Dealer East K Q 9 3 U t A 10 2 (Vucic ) ® A J 10 6 3 U (Curlin) ® K Q 9 5 4 *South bids 1 t if possible T

C

*South bids 1 t if possible – –

$ Did you beat the experts? – Pages 36-37

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S 0 2 : . : S u 0 k Changes One point Your LETTERS TO THE I HAVE returned to bridge after fewer ruling? EDITOR a twenty year absence. Quite a bit has changed in that time RE ‘Ask Heather’ in the August I APPRECIATE that at every and technology has brought issue of English Bridge, I con - congress there is likely to be at some brilliant benefits. tend that 5, not 6, HCP is the least one player who makes a match and at the end of that What has also changed are minimum on which a Grand fool of himself but I want to match my eyes were feeling the rules on alerting and an - Slam in a suit can be made: tease Directors and would-be rather tired so I took my glasses nouncing; the latter did not Directors, and ask them how off to put them in the top even exist when I last played, ´ 10 9 8 7 6 5 they would have ruled at a pocket of my jacket, when to and this appears a retrograde ™ 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 situation that actually happen - my horror I found another pair step. What makes the game so t Void ed at Brighton this year. of glasses already there. It sud - fascinating is that it is so ® Void It was the first session of the den ly dawned on me that I had challenging – developing the Swiss Teams on the Saturday just played sixteen boards with right , getting N and my partner and I were Mr North’s spectacles perched W E the right card play etc. How - S sitting East-West at the correct on the end of my nose! I was far ever, the rules to learn on alert - table when the boards were too embarrassed and too much ing and announcing seem to be ´ A J 4 3 2 given out. Mr North then took of a coward to return the glasses over-engineering the game. ™ Void out his spectacle case, opened it to the man himself, but I hand - Much of it seems some what t 5 4 3 2 up and there was nothing ed them to a TD and suggested arbitrary; some things that used ® 5 4 3 2 inside. He then stood up and they might belong to a member to be alertable are not now, and searched in his trouser pockets of the first team we had played vice versa . You an nounce a East –West must have a single - but he had no luck there. Then that afternoon. trans fer after a 1NT opener, but ton spade in each hand and the we all looked under the table to My question for Directors is only if it is to a major, not to a hearts must split 3-3 or 4-2; see if the glasses had perhaps how would they have ruled if minor. Take the bidding one diamonds and clubs can split dropped on the floor but no Mr North had asked for some level higher and you don’t any which way except 9-0. luck there either. Mr North or all of the scores of the first announce a transfer to a major North –South can make 7 ´ on then decided to trundle along match to be adjusted because if it is after a 2NT opener! any lead from either def en d er. It to the table where his team- an opponent had put him at a I think I am now up to speed makes no difference whether mates were sitting to see if one severe disadvantage by nob- with this, but it seems to have East-West’s points are shared of them had picked up his bling his glasses? Further more, brought out a new breed of more or less equally, or whether glasses by mistake. He returned if the Director were to rule that player – one that seems to one hand holds as many as 33 looking very glum and Mr the scores could not be changed relish the prospect of pointing points, 2 points more than the South suggested that he might at this late stage, could the out you did not get the Drax hand in Moonraker. have left them in the foyer when victim lodge an appeal or etiquette right. While I can I intentionally choose spades he was reading a news paper. would the official advice that understand the rationale for as the trump suit: if it were If you know the Metropole would have been given suggest the rules, I genuinely think it clubs, as in the James Bond hotel, then you will know that it that any such action would be may discourage new players, hand, East –West could make a is a very long trek from the considered very short-sighted? many of whom will think they useful (!) in seven of playing area to the foyer of the Allan Greenstein, already have enough to try to one of their suits, going no hotel. By this time I was getting Westcliff on Sea remember! more than two off (ruff and rather agitated. After all, one Martin Cutbill, Cuddington ace, with North on lead), or could reasonably expect a play - three off (extra ruff) if the ace er to come to the table with Breakfast Jeremy Dhondy, Chairman of the were switched to the North everything that he needed to Laws and Ethics Committee, replies: hand with North on lead. Over play a match. I suggested rather MR Gerry Jones’s suggestion It’s likely some things have changed spades, six off doubled in 7NT testily that I thought we ought (August Letters) to omit details in 20 or so years! Announcing has looks expensive, although it is to get on with the first board. of people’s break fast from your been well received at least in part still cheaper than the oppo - Mr North agreed reluctantly ‘Day in the Life’ series, and because it reduces the need to nents’ slam if the vulnerability and for the whole match he instead leaving it to the readers check systems before starting play is not adverse. tried hard to focus on the cards to work it out by reading and also to ask questions such as Peter Jeffery, in front of him. between the lines is a brilliant “What is 2 ´?” Wheathampstead, Herts At the end of the match we idea. It didn’t take me long to Limiting announcements to a scored up and our team won by work out Fulvio Fantoni’s pre - few standard positions was thought Mr Jeffery is right, as are Ian a small margin. I do not know if ferred choice: sun flower seeds. to be likely to assist its intro - Budden (Ealing), Bernard Coode Mr North then went down to In Mr Jones’s case I found it duction. Clearly one can extend it, (Gerrards Cross), Chris Curtis the foyer to search for his harder: barbed wire or just sour e.g. from 1NT and responses to (Birmingham), and Felix Sawko missing spectacles and to be grapes? Sorry, have to run, the 1NT over calls or to 2NT openers (by e-mail) who made the same honest I could not have cared por ridge is boiling over! but not perhaps quite yet! point. less. We got on with our next Gunnar Hallberg, Brighton Ú

www.ebu.co.uk October 2010 English Bridge 31 LETTERS CONTINUED from page 31 The expert view DAVID Bird’s ‘Beat the experts’ bid no-trumps as soon as possible. article is always interesting. I So you will open 1NT or rebid have a rather pedantic question some number of no-trumps when - The August Debate on Hand 1 in the June issue; ever you hold a balanced hand. If when partner opens 1 ® and the bidding starts 1 ® –1t – 1NT, THANK you for the most frequency than minor-suit one holds: you might have missed a 4-4 heart interesting pair of articles in the slams, in my view, Sandra wins fit. If instead you respond 1 ™ and August issue, by Sandra hands down. ´ K 10 5 the bidding continues 1 ® –1™ – and Ron Klinger, on which Tim Lawrence, ™ J 9 7 2 1NT, it barely matters that you may t 10 7 5 3 four-card suit to choose as Farnham Common ® A Q have missed a 4-4 diamond fit. It is opener. Over the weekend, they the major-suit fits that are impor - sparked off a lively discussion My vote goes to Ron Klinger for David Bird recommends a tant to locate. between my wife Julia, younger the following reasons: response of 1 ™. As a result many, perhaps most, son John and myself about how I was not convinced by I always thought one should players prefer to respond in a we would handle the hands ’s argument bid four-card suits up the line major when they hold one or both shown. The key point we which she based primarily on in response, hence I would have majors alongside a four-card noticed was that the hands the outcome of one particular replied 1 t. diamond suit. In the USA they which Ron Klinger features (in hand. Failing to bid to a minor Ian Kat, by e-mail will do this even when they hold support of bidding the suits suit slam can cost quite a few five or six diamonds. Meadowlark upward) present no problem IMPs, so opening 1 ™ for fear of David Bird replies: With 4-4 in the Bridge, a USA - for the ‘major first’ method losing the heart suit is not red suits, you can afford to respond playing pro gram, actually res - (which we use) provided the sound in my view and unlikely 1t only if the opener will always ponds 1 ™ when it holds four partnership uses a game- holding a hand with 19 points; rebid 1 ™ when he has four cards hearts and eight diamonds; I have forcing 2NT rebid which allows and rebidding clubs will surely there, even on a balanced hand. In seen it myself! Ridiculous, of a secondary fit to be found. indicate five or more hearts. some countries, for example course, but it is pro grammed to After a one-over-one response Furthermore, assuming the France, they do bid in this way. In respond in a four-card major if a jump rebid of 2NT shows 18- remaining points are evenly the UK, a general guideline is to there is one. 19 high-card points while over distributed, partner may well a two-level response the HCP be too weak to bid at the two THE AUGUST DEBATE are 15 upwards. level and by opening 1 ™ his Thank you for your votes and comments. 54% of voters As to which argument to vote options have been reduced to thought bidding four-card suits down the line is best. for, Sandra Landy’s ‘bid a four- three responses of which 1NT card major first’ has it but, for has to cater for a variety of maximum effectiveness, this hands lacking four hearts or should be used in conjuction four or more spades. However, Odds with a forcing 2NT rebid. opening 1 ® leaves partner a IN the June debate, while estimating only half qualifying When the four-card suits are choice of five responses and arguing against using Stayman for 1NT are opened as such: the minors, though, I agree with sufficient values and a fit, on flat hands, Alan Mould 7.76%. Their respective likeli - with Ron Klinger: bidding the has the chance to raise clubs if stresses that ‘it’s all about the hoods are 54.08%, 26.45% clubs first is superior. playing this as Inverted. odds, but then fails to mention and 19.47%. Godric Dearing, Liverpool I consider bidding space too any, offering carefully selected Responder with four spades valuable to be wasted, especially hands to suit his argument. He hopes that opener has four Please add my name to the Ron as the opposition is all too eager strangely gives an opener’s spades with a doubleton. The Klinger side on bidding up the to steal it from you. 4-3-2-4 hand (spade fit), ad - chances of this occurring are line with balanced 4-4-3-2 Michael Gwilliam, Fareham mit ting that 4 ´ is superior to 27.04% (three out of six com - hands; as a devout believer in 3NT, but then states: ‘ . . . the binations of two four-card Hamman’s Law, bidding the odds are against that.’ suits) plus 4.87% (one suit in minor first gets you to no- Send your letters to the Editor, Points are less likely in five four), totalling 31.91% out of trump contracts more easily Elena Jeronimidis, 23 Erleigh Road, cards than seven, and a 3-2 ‘fit’ 38.52% (the extra 6.61% has and also facilitates reaching Reading RG1 5LR, or e-mail might be well stopped in 3NT no doubleton, i.e. the distribu - minor-suit slams. [email protected] but if point-less it is wide tion is 4-3-3-3), thus despite Fleur Waters, Eye (please include your postal open – yet the doubleton the fit responder unluckily address) offers a ruff in a suit contract, finds opener with a matching Sandra Landy’s arguments are The editor reserves the right to none of which is mentioned. 4-3-3-3 hand only 17.16% of based on the risk of missing a condense letters. Publication does Normally a 1NT opening is the time. major-suit game; Ron Klinger’s not mean the EBU agrees with the based on a 4-4-3-2 distri bu - Contrary to Mr Mould’s as - on the risks of missing a minor- views expressed or that tion (21.55% of all hands are sertion, the odds show that suit slam. Since major-suit the comments are factually correct. thus), 4-3-3-3 (10. 54%) or Stayman is worthwhile! games have a much higher 5-3-3-2 (15.52%) but guess- Laurie Jackson, Hull r

32 English Bridge October 2010 www.ebu.co.uk BUSINESS CARD ADVERTS Club Player’s

Only £25 +VAT per insertion. G Contact Chris Danby N

( 01603 898678 [email protected] I

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Answers to problems Julian Pottage C on page 18

WNES WNES Hand 1 1´ Pass Hand 4 1™ Pass 1NT ´ A 2t Pass 2´ Pass ´ A J 9 5 4 2 ? ™ A 5 4 2 ? ™ 8 6 t A J 8 7 6 3 t K 10 3 2 2´. Points are not every - ® K 4 3™. You cannot be sure ® 3 thing! A 6-4 shape has of the best contract. It great playing potential. might be 3NT, 4 ´, 5 t or On the losing trick count, even 6 t. Although you are unlikely to you have seven losers – certainly fine for an have a 4-4 heart fit (partner did not rebid overcall when you have a six-card suit. 2™), showing your secondary heart suit is While you might get another chance if you your most descriptive action. As a res - pass on this round, by bidding 2 ´ you stop ponder’s at the three level, 3 ™ North from rebidding 2 ™ or 2 ®. creates a game force. WNES WNES Hand 5 1™ Pass Hand 2 1® Pass ´ 10 8 5 1NT Pass 2® Pass ´ J 9 7 3 2 1´ Pass 1NT Pass ™ 9 ? ™ Q 2 ? t K Q 10 9 5 3 t A 10 2 ® Q 8 6 2t. Partner may well ® 8 6 4 Pass. You have already have only four clubs, in shown your spades. Now which case 2 ® would be partner has made a a 4-3 fit. With six good diamonds, you are limit bid and you know the values for happy to play in the suit even facing a game will not be present. Bidding 2 ´ singleton. A good rule of thumb on this might improve the contract – if partner sort of auction is that you can introduce a happens to have three spades – but it six-card suit at the two level or a seven- could easily make it worse. carder at the three level. November 12 –14, 2010 Seniors WNES WNES Hand 3 1NT Pass Hand 6 1t Pass 1´ Congress ´ K 8 5 2 ? ´ A J 3 ? Daventry, ™ K 8 6 ™ A J Daventry Hotel (Barceló), t J 8 7 3 2 2®. You can use Stay - t 9 8 7 5 4 3 Pass. With your long Sedgemoor Way, Daventry, ® 3 man on a weak hand if ® 6 5 suit bid on your left, NN11 0SG ( 01327 307000 you can afford to pass there is nothing positive any rebid by opener. You you can do. You just have Green-pointed could easily have an eight-card spade fit or to pass and hope that the opponents bid Championship Pairs, Swiss Pairs & an even better fit in diamonds. If partner too high – or maybe partner can do Swiss Teams for players born rebids 2 ™ and plays in a 4-3 heart fit, at something. in or before 1951 least any club ruffs will be in the short trump hand. In contrast to Hand 2, this Send us your problem hands! time bidding is much more likely to E-mail [email protected] improve the contract than make it worse.

www.ebu.co.uk October 2010 English Bridge 33 50th European S T R Bridge Teams O P E R Championship Tony Gordon

THE 50th European Bridge Teams Cham - shown on Bridge Base Online, but it seems pionship took place in Ostend, Belgium, E/W Game. Dealer West. the BBO Vu-Graph operator in the Closed in June. Despite the late withdrawal of ´ A Q J 9 8 Room did not know the players and, for four teams, there were record entries in ™ A 4 the purposes of the broadcast, entered the three events with thirty-eight countries t K J 10 their names based on the line-up infor - taking part in the Open teams, twenty- ® K J 8 mation he had been given. Fortuna tely a eight in the Women’s teams and twenty- ´ K 5 4 2 ´ Void replay could easily be accommo dated (or three in the Seniors teams. In each event ™ 10 9 3 N ™ Q J 8 7 6 5 2 there would have been an assigned score W E the leading six teams would qualify for t 9 5 S t 3 2 of 12-12 VPs) as there was only one round next year’s world championships in Eind - ® A 10 6 2 ® Q 9 5 4 of matches scheduled for the next day, and hoven; however, as the Netherlands would ´ 10 7 6 3 Sweden prevailed by 17-13 VPs. qualify automatically by virtue of being ™ K the host country, if they finished in the top t A Q 8 7 6 4 six the seventh placed team would also ® 7 3 qualify. d

OPEN TEAMS West North East South d o o W

Townsend O’Brien Gold Pigot n e t h The field in the Open teams was divided Pass 2NT Pass 4 p e t S

1 2 into two groups of nineteen teams and Pass 4™ Pass 4NT : o t 3 o after a round-robin the top nine teams in Pass 5® Pass 6t h P each group progressed to a second All Pass Tom Townsend round-robin. When this approach was 1 Cue-bid introduced in 2008, the second round- 2 Roman Key-Card Blackwood Although this loss was the first of four robin was all play all, but this year the 3 Zero or three key cards successive defeats, England occupied a qualifying teams carried forward their qualifying position throughout the first results against the other eight teams Aggressive bidding resulted in Ireland round-robin and eventually finished in from their group and only played the reaching a small slam that seemed des - seventh place in their group. Their carry nine teams from the other group. This tined to succeed unless England found forward score of 111 VPs meant they change to the format did not meet with their spade ruff, but Townsend found would start the second round-robin in universal approval, but it had the effect another way to scupper the contract when eleventh place, 19 VPs adrift of the team of shortening the tour na ment by three he chose the two of clubs as his opening occupying the last qualifying place for days. lead. Peter Pigot made the normal play of next year’s . After five The England team of and finessing dummy’s jack and was quickly rounds that gap was down to 11 VPs, but Tom Townsend, Jason and Justin Hackett, one down. At the other table the Hackett England could not make any progress in Andrew McIntosh and Nick Sandqvist, twins located their spade fit but stopped at the last four matches and had to settle for contained five members of the team that the five level when they discovered two key twelfth place, which was where they were runners-up to Italy at the World cards were missing. A heart was led, so finished two years ago. Mind Sports Games in Beijing in 2008, but thirteen tricks were made and England At the business end of the table, Italy such is the strength of the field in the gained 11 IMPs. went to the front early on and despite a European Championship that they would A few rounds later England faced last round hiccup against Israel they won do well to finish in the top six. They made Sweden, but the pairs in the Closed Room the title for the twentieth time in all and a good start, with an early highlight being sat the wrong way round. You might the eighth time in the last nine cham - Tom Townsend’s effort on the following imagine that such an error would be easily pionships. Poland were second and Israel deal against Ireland: spotted, especially as the match was being third.

34 English Bridge October 2010 www.ebu.co.uk WOMEN’S TEAMS diamonds, she opted for the squeeze less extreme than one that was dubbed approach. She therefore continued with ‘The terror of Ostend’, but it resulted in England’s form in this event had been up the nine of diamonds to dummy’s ace three hundred and seventy IMPs changing and down since winning the title in 2001, (Vienna ) and then crossed back to hands. but with the gold medal from Beijing hand with the club king. When she now under their belt they could expect to be in cashed her two remaining trumps, contention again this year, and so it discarding the six and jack of diamonds N/S Game. Dealer East. proved. With two rounds to go they were from dummy, East was squeezed as she ´ 8 7 6 5 4 3 in second place, 8 VPs behind the could not retain two clubs and the king of ™ K 7 4 Netherlands, but there were several teams diamonds in the two-card ending. 4 ´ was t 10 9 5 breathing down their neck. also the contract at the other table, but ® 4 declarer relied solely on clubs breaking ´ A K J 9 ´ Q 10 2 evenly and went one down to give ™ Q 10 6 5 N ™ Void W E England a gain of 12 IMPs. t Void S t J 7 6 4 Despite this gain England could only ® K Q 10 8 2 ® J 9 7 6 5 3

d register a narrow victory over Denmark ´ Void r o f s

n ™

i and easy wins for their nearest rivals A J 9 8 3 2 a R

n meant England dropped to fifth, albeit t A K Q 8 3 2 o d r

o only 8 VPs behind new leaders, France. It ® A G

: o t was a similar story in the final round. o h P England beat Israel 20-10 VPs, but all the teams above them inflicted heavier defeats East-West can make a small slam in on their opponents to leave England in clubs, but they were only allowed to Accurate play by Sally Brock on the board fifth place behind France, the Netherlands, declare a contract at six of the eighty-six below earned England a game swing in Sweden and Germany. So England missed tables. The bad breaks in both red suits their penultimate round match against out on a medal, but they had the conso- limit North-South to eleven tricks in a Denmark: lation of qualifying for next year’s Venice red suit, but optimum defence was not Cup. Congratulations to Sally Brock and always found. When Justin Hackett , Heather Dhondy and Nevena declared 6 ™ in the Open teams, he ruffed N/S Game Dealer South. Senior, and especially to Fiona Brown and the opening spade lead and played ace of ´ 8 7 6 Susan Stockdale who, in their first appear - hearts and a small heart. West, who ™ 10 8 5 ance in this event, finished fifth in the perhaps hoped declarer needed to ruff a t A J 6 Butler ranking. club in dummy, erred by following with ® A 6 4 2 the six which allowed Justin to win with ´ 5 3 ´ Q J 9 dummy’s seven, and although the ace of ™ A K J 4 3 2 N ™ 7 diamonds was then ruffed by West, the W E t 7 4 2 S t K 10 8 5 3 king of hearts remained as an entry to ® 10 9 ® Q 8 7 3 take the marked diamond finesse. In the ´ A K 10 4 2 Women’s event, it was East who gave ™ Q 9 6 Nevena Senior a helping hand in her 6 ™ t Q 9 contract when she discarded a diamond r e

® K J 5 p on the fourth round of trump s. p a H

n a c n

u West North East South D

:

o ™ West North East South t Pass 2 o h Bilde Smith Rasmussen Brock P 3® 3™ 4´ 5NT ´ ™ 1 Fiona Brown and Susan Stockdale Pass 6 Pass Pass 4™ 4´ All Pass 6´ Dble All Pass

The defence began with three rounds of SENIORS TEAMS The above auction from a seniors match is hearts against Brock’s 4 ´ and East ruffed a little strange because East thought South the third round. She then exited with a England fielded the same team, Paul had opened 1 ™, which would have meant spade, so declarer drew trumps, crossed to Hackett and Ross Harper, Gunnar Hallberg that West's 3 ® overcall was , dummy’s eight of spades and successfully and John Holland, David Price and Colin showing spades and diamonds. South led finessed the jack of clubs. Brock now had Simpson, that had won the Seniors Bowl the ace of dia monds against 6 ´ and a choice of conti nu ations. She could test at last year’s world cham pionships in São declarer ruffed four diamonds in dummy the clubs and fall back on the diamond Paulo, but they found the field here a and three hearts in hand, but North’s finesse if they did not break 3-3. much tougher proposition; they struggled trumps took the last six tricks. So the end Alternatively, she could lay the ground - to make an impact and even tually finished result was that every trick was won by a work for a minor-suit squeeze in case in a disappointing four teenth place. trump! clubs did not behave. As Brock thought it Extremely distributional deals are prone Poland won the Seniors teams with Den - was unlikely that West held the king of to produce large swings. The deal below is mark in second place and Italy third. r

www.ebu.co.uk October 2010 English Bridge 35 Z I

U Beat today’s Q

G N I

D experts D I

B David Bird Bidding problems are on page 29

1. E/W Game. Dealer North. ner, Fabienne Pigeaud, bids 2 t. How strong is round control in hearts.’ this, would you say? Pigeaud could now visualize a low point- ´ A 9 ´ K J 10 8 6 Some players treat a change-of-suit as forcing count slam. Partner’s heart cue-bid was likely ™ 9 7 2 N ™ 10 opposite an overcall. Beginners’ books tend to to be a shortage after North’s strong rebid. She W E t A 10 8 7 6 4 3 S t K 5 2 promote this treatment because it is easier to surely held the ®A as well, to justify making a ® 3 ® A K J 6 teach! Most of the systems cue-bid. Seven diamonds, three black-suit (used by their expert bidding panels) describe tricks and two heart ruffs would add up to West North East South such a change of suit as ‘constructive but non- twelve. If only one heart ruff was safe, because Pigeaud Neve Fishpool Bessis 1™ 1´ Pass forcing’. I think this is the best method. of a possible overruff, a fourth black-suit trick 2t 3™ 4™ Pass North rebid 3 ™ and Fishpool had to calcu - would come to the rescue. She leapt to 6 t, 6t late her next move on a hand with a good fit completing a splendid auction. for partner’s diamonds. Her choice was 4 ™, a We start at the final of the French Ladies Trials. cue-bid with the message: ‘I have a good dia - n Awards: 6t (10), 5 t (7), 4 ´ (6), 6 ´ (3). Catherine Fishpool 1 ´ and her part - mond fit, a strong hand and first- or second-

´ 2. N/S Game. Dealer East. ship of Boye Brogeland and Erik Sælens minde indicated the A (or a void spade) by cue- from Norway. East’s rebid of 2 t was a reverse bidding 5 ´, Brogeland would have invited a ´ J 10 6 2 ´ 8 (a bid in a new suit that is higher than two of grand slam by bidding 5NT. ™ A K Q J 3 N ™ 7 the first suit). As such, it was forcing for one East in fact bid 5NT himself. This meant: ‘I W E t 6 3 S t A K J 9 round. do not have first-round spade control but other - ® Q J ® A K 9 8 6 5 2 Brogeland bid and wise I have an excellent hand.’ Knowing there Sælensminde made the unexpected rebid of was a top loser in spades, Brogeland signed off West North East South 5®. What would your reaction have been on in 6 ®. Brogeland Gromov S’minde Dubinin the West cards? At the other table West reached the less 1® Pass impressive contract of 6NT. North, who held 1™ 1´ 2t Pass East had suggested 4-7 shape in the minors. 2´ Pass 5® Pass This was not the moment for West to worry the ´A-K, very wisely did not double. He could 5™ Pass 5NT Pass that there might be two top spade losers and I not stand the thought of waiting for partner to 6® fully expected Brogeland to raise to 6 ®. No, he find the right lead against a retreat to 7 ®! made a grand-slam try of 5 ™! He was looking This deal is from a 2010 Vanderbilt match and for a grand slam, should East hold the ´A, tA n Awards: 6® (10), 6 ™ (7), games (5), features the exciting world-champion partner - and long clubs headed by the A-K. If East had grands/6NT (3).

3. N/S Game. Dealer West. The remaining deals all come from the 2010 better bid! He cue-bid spades for a second European championship in Ostend. Italy faced time. Since the bidding was already committed ´ A K 7 6 5 ´ Void Germany on this deal and Lorenzo Lauria’s 2 t to 6 t, this was a grand-slam try. He must ™ 8 6 5 2 N ™ A K response was forcing to game. The bidding therefore hold the ®A as well as the ´K. W E t 4 S t A K Q 10 9 8 5 3 2 continued to 3NT and Lauria’s 4 t was then a The splendid 5 ´ bid would have allowed ® A 10 4 ® 8 7 slam try, based on a massive diamond suit. Lauria to bid 7NT if he held three low clubs Alfredo Versace’s 4 ´ was a cue-bid, showing and one diamond fewer. As it was, Lauria West East the ace or king of spades. Lauria’s 5 ™ was also could count fourteen tricks and bid 7NT. Versace Lauria Most pairs reached this top spot, although 1´ 2t a cue-bid but it carried the message that he 2™ 3t did not hold any control in the club suit; oth - some unaccountably chose 7 t instead. Poor 3NT 4t erwise he would have cue-bid 5 ® instead. San Marino ended in 3 t after a bidding mis - 4´ 5™ What should West bid next? understanding. ´ 5 7NT Some players would cue-bid 6 ® to show that they had first-round control in the suit n Awards: 7NT (10), 7 t (8), 6NT (5) 6 t (4), where partner had no control. West found a games (1).

36 English Bridge October 2010 www.ebu.co.uk 4. E/W Game. Dealer East. England face Sweden on this deal. Justin opponents’ strong bidding in spades that his Hackett opens 1 t, overcalled with 1 ´. What partner will be very short in that suit. He leaps does Jason Hackett’s 2 ´ mean? to 6 t and the 23-point slam is reached. Well ´ 8 7 3 ´ Void done. ™ A Q 5 3 N ™ 10 6 4 If responder wants the opener to bid again, t K 10 9 6 3 W E t A J 7 5 4 2 he can make a . If responder As it happens, the Swedish South now S ® 2 ® A K Q 4 h a s a good suit to show, he can bid it. So, a bid judged well to sacrifice in 6 ´, which went only in the opponent’s suit has only one meaning: 800 down. 7 t depends on the heart finesse, it shows a sound raise in the opener’s suit. A which would in fact have succeeded. West North East South Jason Bertheau Justin Nystrom direct response of 3 t would have been pre- 1t 1´ emptive. n Awards: 6t (10), 7 t (7), 5 t (5), 4 ´ dou - 2´ 4´ 5® Pass North raises pre-emptively to 4 ´ and Justin bled (3). 6t Pass Pass 6´ can scent a slam. Diamonds are agreed as Dble trumps, so 5 ® is a cue-bid, showing slam val - ues and a club control. Jason can tell from the

5. E/W Game. Dealer South. On this deal two of the world’s strongest big cards from partner (the ´K and a minor- women’s teams face each other: England and suit top card) to make the game good. A game- Germany. Nicola Smith has only 4 points but try was enough in that case. Pony Nehmert bid ´ ´ A Q 6 4 2 K 10 7 3 she is worth a raise to 2 ´. This may allow part - 3t over Brock’s 3 ®. What should Smith do ™ A K Q 9 N ™ 7 4 2 W E ner to compete further if South raises dia - now? t J 9 S t 8 6 ® 9 8 ® J 7 6 2 monds, for example. Christina Giampietro The East hand is minimum in every respect, enters with a competitive double. What should yes, but which is the weaker move: a Pass or ´ West North East South Sally Brock bid now? 3 ? Brock Nehmert Smith Giampietro Slaves to the Losing Trick Count would It is sensible to go straight to the committed Pass mutter: ‘I have five losers and partner should level (3 ´ here) when you are weak, thereby 1´ 2t 2´ Dble have nine. 5 plus 9 = 14. 18 minus 14 = 4.’ The consuming bidding space. Following this laud - ® t ´ 3 3 3 arithmetic completed, they would bid 4 ´ and able method, Smith bid 3 ´ and the England go one down. ladies stopped safely. Well done. Sally Brock evaluated her hand more accu - rately. She held only 16 points and needed two n Awards: 3´/2 ´ (10), 4 ´ (3).

6. N/S Game. Dealer East. contract. Whose fault was it? East is blameless as the driven snow! He Tips to remember showed his minimum hand and West never - A change-of-suit facing a one-level ´ K 6 2 ´ A Q 3 theless suggested a slam. East’s 4 ´ cue-bid • ™ K Q N ™ 8 6 2 overcall is constructive but non- W E meant that he had a spade control (ace, king t A 10 2 S t 9 3 forcing. Facing a two-level overcall ® K Q 9 5 4 ® A J 10 6 3 or shortage). It also meant that he did not it is forcing. have a heart or diamond control, otherwise he would have cue-bid one of those suits. West • When your partner’s opening bid is West North East South knew that the ™A and the tK were missing. overcalled, you bid the overcaller’s Curlin E’berg Vucic V’guerra With no reason to expect that any diamond suit to show a sound raise of part - 1® 1t losers could be discarded, he should have ner’s suit to the three-level, at least. 2t Pass 3® Pass signed off in 5 ®. For example, after a start of 1 t and ® ´ 4 Pass 4 Pass an overcall of 1 ´, you bid 2 ´. 3 t 6® n Awards: 3NT (10), 5 ® (9), 4NT (4), slams instead would be pre-emptive. (3). Do not use the Losing Trick Count France face Serbia on our last deal. The Serbian • as the sole guide for judging a raise East, Aleksandar Vucic, opens a natural 1 ®. ´ ™ t ® in a suit. Look also at the point- Hervé Vinciguerra overcalls 1 t and Igor count and whether your honours Curlin’s 2 t shows a sound raise in clubs to at are aces rather than kings, kings least the three level. East indicates a minimum Our experts fell only at the last hurdle, scoring rather than queens. hand with his sign-off in 3 ®. West might rebid a fine 53 out of 60. If you came anywhere 3NT but he still sees the chance of a high club close, you did well. Let’s look for some bidding contract and advances to 4 ®. East cue-bids tips. his spade control and West bids 6 ®, a hopeless

THE ART OF PLAYING BRIDGE AT HOME see www.bridgeassistant.net

www.ebu.co.uk October 2010 English Bridge 37 Around & About

PURPOSE-BUILT PREMISES MANY HANDS

JULY 25th saw the official opening of the Coventry & North MAKE LIGHT WORK Warwickshire Bridge Club. This took place at the new location for the Coventry Bridge Club at the C&NW Cricket Club ground on THE committee of Brierfield Bridge Club (situated in East Binley Road. The Bridge Club had been looking, unsuccessfully, Lancashire) was delighted to learn that the membership had for new premises but cost and the attendant facilities proved too reached three hundred this month. It was founded in 1981 with expensive. With the Cricket Club looking to extend its member- the convenient number of twelve members. ship, a joining of the two clubs was brought about after five years of planning and building, the Bridge Club leaving its premises in Spon Street after forty-two years. The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress presided over the ceremony with the actual opening symbolised by the Lord Mayor cutting a large playing card in two (picture below).

Photo: Rosemary Price

Simple-systems night at the Brierfield Bridge Club

The club purchased its own premises, the former Leeds and Photo: Brian Cave Liverpool Hotel, in 2003 and at that time had one hundred and Club President David Jones watches the Lord Mayor cutting forty members. Denis Robson, then chairman of the EBU, a playing card at the inauguration of the club’s new premises officially opened the building. Members have put in a lot of hard work to make the property The Bridge Club is a stand-alone building connected to the main and car park more congenial and secure. A band of lady members clubhouse. As a purpose-built building, it provides all that a formed a talented catering team and ‘supper socials’ are held modern bridge club should: air-conditioning, good lighting, several times a year. space, an ever present Steward and Stewardess, and up to the A course of lessons is given each year (following EBU guide - minute IT facilities are all available, providing a club probably as lines). A structured programme for these beginners, where by they good as any other in the country. can join the club’s mainstream duplicate sessions on a selected The EBU had a strong presence with Malcolm Oliver, Graham evening when only simple systems are used, enables them to Jepson and Max Bavin all attending the opening. develop further at their own pace. A few extra subjects are covered An afternoon session of 27 boards barometer-scored pairs saw in further tutorials during the second year. There is a well stocked the winners as Peter Donovan, the Daily Mail bridge correspondent, and well used lending library (although it has proved difficult to ably partnered by Michael Butler, the Coventry Club Treasurer. keep Michelle Brunner’s books!) (Ann Ridgway) Duplicate bridge is now played each weekday evening and on two afternoons, and a mini-league for team play takes place annually. Affiliated to the EBU, the club hosts several inter-club and county competitions and stages its own annual competition, the Pendle Witch Pairs. The club supports a number of charitable causes Free trial ´ Acol widely played including the local hospice. Special subscription rates for EBU members Probably the key feature underpinning the club’s success has Friendly & fun online club for all players been the involvement of so many individuals in giving their skills, time and energy. Many hands make light work. (Tony Price)

38 English Bridge October 2010 www.ebu.co.uk Around & About

A CLUB FOR ALL STANDARDS A PIECE OF STRATFORD BRIDGE HISTORY NORFOLK’S newest bridge club is a place where players at all levels mix happily together. IN 1978 Omar Sharif, the great film star and renowned bridge The Afternoon Bridge Club (ABC), based at the luxurious new player, came to Stratford to play bridge in the Stratford Bridge Costessey Centre, only started in February this year but already Congress which had started the year before. Omar, along with his has 95 members. It meets twice weekly and also holds regular All team-mates P. Stecklemacker, Paul Chemla and the great Boris Day Bridge events. See www.afternoonbridge.org.uk . Schapiro won the Avon Cup for the Swiss Teams Event. ABC member and EBU Life Master Nigel Block is a former President of Norfolk CBA, currently its Chief Tournament Director, who cut his teeth with University Bridge in the 1960s. ‘I love the way ABC is so friendly and all-embracing in terms of its membership of both new and experienced players,’ he said. During the 30 plus years Nigel has partnered 15 Star Premier Master Lena Taylor, they have competed successfully in county events and various congresses. ‘I think ABC has the nicest atmosphere of any of the clubs I have ever played in,’ said Lena, who admits to being a stickler for bridge rules, regulations and ethics – and convention cards.

Photo: Mary Johnson Gordon Fox, Stratford-upon-Avon Club Secretary (far right) presents the Avon Cup to the winning team from the Arden Bridge Club Other winners of this event read like a Bridge Who’s Who, including Paul Hackett, Kaplan, Pencharz, Rose, Sheehan, Posner, Sadler, Smerdon, Waterlow, the Orams, Darwen and many more champions and/or bridge writers, and have included local boy Max Bavin, who is now the Chief Tournament Director of both the English Bridge Union and the World Bridge Federation. Photo: Jane Scarfe The Avon Cup, engraved with all these great winners’ names, From the left: John Cass, Val Wyatt, Lena Taylor and Nigel Block has recently come back into the possession of the Stratford-upon- Avon Bridge Club and was competed for by twenty teams repre - John Cass doesn’t take his bridge as seriously as Lena. According sent ing fourteen local clubs on Sunday, July 18th. to his wife Jacqui – also an ABC member – it took her four years Sponsored by local firm Retirement Securities, the afternoon’s to bully him into learning to play. ‘But I got hooked very quickly competitive but friendly Swiss Teams competition was enjoyed by and now I love it,’ said John. eighty players and was directed by Darren Evetts, Chairman of the Club Secretary Jan Wells runs ABC’s Find-a-Partner service Warwickshire County Bridge Association. which enables members to play and try new bidding systems The team of Mary Andrew, Margaret Crangle, and Pam and with different people. Jan herself learned bridge with a work Tony King, representing Arden Bridge Club, won the Trophy with colleague thirty years ago. ‘We were going to learn to swim,’ she the right to display this wonderful bit of Stratford bridge history said, ‘but bridge won out in the end – because we didn’t want to for the coming year. Pershore’s Martin Rees, Louie Kennedy, Alan get our hair wet!’ Boyes and Bernard Palmer were the runners-up. (Mary Johnson) John and Val Wyatt enjoy playing together. ‘Everyone here is so friendly that I don’t worry about competing against really good players,’ said Val. Double your Green Points with an Expert ABC’s happy mix of experienced and newer bridge players should Call Dima Nikolayenko continue as the club’s Bridge Tutor Deborah Rabbidge started teaching Beginners’ Classes in September. ‘They are our members ( 01438 821882 or 0790 0935393 of the future,’ said Deborah. (Jane Scarfe)

www.ebu.co.uk October 2010 English Bridge 39 G

N Frozen Suits I D N E F E D

Part I R E T T E

B Andrew Kambites If East leads the two, North captures low and declarer tries the ten, losing to West’s queen with the king and declarer West’s king. East still has the ™Q-9 sitting can finesse the nine, again making three over dummy’s jack, denying declarer a THERE is always a danger if you spade tricks. second heart trick. underlead an isolated honour. If you lead If South leads the eight and West plays If North leads the jack, East covers with from a suit like ´K-9-4-3-2 you risk low, North must play the king and now the the queen and South takes the ace. West’s finding Layout 1: queen and jack prevent declarer from ™K-8 still sit over declarer’s ™10-6. making a third spade trick. If North leads the six East plays low and Recognising a frozen suit Layout 1 South must play his ace. Again the queen ´ 7 6 and jack prevent declarer from making a This is what makes the heart suit in

N third spade trick. Layout 3 frozen: East has the queen, ´ K 9 4 3 2 W E ´ J 10 8 If the players are experts the suit in sitting over dummy’s jack. The purpose S Layout 2 may be doomed to rest in limbo, of the queen is to neutralise the jack. The ´ A Q 5 with nobody prepared to touch it. If an queen should sit there waiting until the expert declarer needs three spade tricks he jack is played. If East leads a heart, he is will try to arrange to endplay a defender to releasing the hold his queen has over You have given away a trick that declarer force him to open up the spades or give a dummy’s jack. The fact that East can see could not have generated for himself. If ruff-and-discard. the jack in dummy means that even if he you had known this in advance you might The heart suit in Layout 3 is also frozen: doesn’t know the exact heart layout he have waited for partner to get the lead and can suspect that the suit might well be play the suit. This suit is safe for East to frozen. lead, but not for West. Layout 3 Equally, West’s king is poised over ™ J 7 5 declarer’s ten. If West leads a heart, he is

What is a ‘Frozen Suit’? N relinquishing the hold his king has over ™ K 8 4 3 W E ™ Q 9 2 declarer’s ten. West cannot see declarer’s S However, there are some suit combina - ten, but may well suspect that this is the tions for which if any player on either side ™ A 10 6 position. plays the suit, he concedes a trick. Such a As East can see his queen sitting over suit combination is called a ‘Frozen Suit’. dummy’s jack whereas West cannot see Look at the spade suit in Layout 2: If West leads the three, North plays low declarer’s ten, it is clearly easier for the and declarer captures East’s queen with his defender sitting after dummy to judge ace. He makes a second heart trick by whether a suit might be frozen. Layout 2 force. A slight change to the heart suit of Lay - ´ K 10 6 If East leads the two South plays low out 3, giving the diamond suit in Layout 4,

N and West must play the king to prevent unfreezes the suit: ´ Q 7 5 3 W E ´ J 4 2 dum my’s jack scoring. Now declarer can S make a second heart trick by finessing ´ A 9 8 his ten. Layout 4 How about if North leads a heart? t 7 6 5 Provided the defenders obey the standard N If West leads the three, North plays low defensive guidelines of second hand t K 8 4 3 W E t Q 9 2 and declarer captures East’s jack with his playing low or covering an honour with an S ace. Now declarer can finesse dummy’s ten honour, declarer is held to one heart trick. t A J 10 and make three spade tricks. If North leads the five then East plays

40 English Bridge October 2010 www.ebu.co.uk Now declarer can always make two dia - he has to continue attacking clubs he has mond tricks, courtesy of taking two two choices. CAPTION . Again East might not know the West might continue with the queen of layout, but the fact that there is no honour clubs. He knows South has the ten, but it COMPETITION in dummy means that if he chooses to lead could be doubleton. Alternatively West the two he can be confident that he is not could continue with the six of clubs and giving anything away. hope declarer misguesses.

The winning approach Beware of opening up a suit in which you have a single honour Recognising a possible frozen suit is a if the opponent before you crucial part of good defence. On the whole has a lower honour. I would advise you not to pay too much attention to frozen suits at trick one when you make the opening lead, because you A suit can become frozen later don’t have enough information to form an I see a large lady . . . close to you . . . in the play opinion. Just try to make a sensible deci - saying: “THAT WAS FORCING!” sion between active defence and passive A suit which is not initially frozen, may defence. THE winner of our August com pe ti tion, become so as play progresses, for example By trick two the possibility of fatally with the cap tion above, is Edward the clubs in Layout 5: opening up a frozen suit should be an Blincoe , Fowey, who will rec eive a integral part of your thinking. In my charming Victoriana bridge mug from opinion the average bridge player is far too our sponsors, Bridge and Golf Gifts Direct (see page 18). Other good cap - Layout 5 active in defence. He tends to lead a suit, tions were: They don’t encourage psyches ® K 5 4 find he has given away a trick, and then he at my club (Mrs J. Choat, Brookmans tries something else in the vague hope that N Park); OK, so that's your hand. What was ® Q 9 6 2 W E ® A J 7 this will work better. A likely outcome is S in dummy? (Simon Cochemé, London); that he gives away another trick. Most Yes, there is a bridge club in heaven, but ® 10 8 3 players switch from one suit to another far the bad news is you’re booked to play too frequently. The answer to this problem tomorrow! (Mike Scott, Bootle); Four is to develop a finely tuned bridge logic, fingers and a thumb singleton – I would West leads the two to East’s jack. No harm which recognises when you have to at - jump raise (Roger Brown, Sandown); is done yet, but if either defender leads tempt to take your defensive tricks before Beware the ace-less hand! (David Noble, another club declarer will be given a trick. they can disappear, and when you can Ponteland); You will trump your wife’s Suppose that, having won the jack, East afford to sit back and wait for them to winner, and she will leave you (Frans Vas Nunes, Brentwood); In the trade, this puts West in with a diamond. If West feels come to you. r hand is known as a Yarborough (David Hill, Prenton); and I see, but will my partner get the message? (Barry Ransley, Chatteris). HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PHYLLIS WATERS! The cartoon for our new competition is below. Please send your bridgy FOWNHOPE Bridge Club’s captions (multiple entries accep ted) to oldest member, Phyllis Waters, the Editor, English Bridge, 23 Erleigh celebrated her 96th birthday Road, Reading RG1 5LR or by e-mail to [email protected] not later than 20th at the club. Phyllis was one of October 2010. Don’t forget to include the earliest club members, as your full postal address! was Ken Nelson (in the photo with Phyllis, left, and Monica Davies). Ken travelled to East Sussex from his home in Torquay to pay tribute to Phyllis, who is still a regular player. Phyllis’s daughter travelled from her home in Menorca to join in the celebrations, bring - ing with her an ample supply of home-made sausage rolls to add to the cakes and wine provided by the club. Chairman Heather Brace presented Phyllis with a potted rose, aptly named ‘Old Timer’! (Ted Dutton) Sponsored by Bridge & Golf Gifts Direct

www.ebu.co.uk October 2010 English Bridge 41 E Fourth highest leads T A B

E are best D

E

H Two top players debate a hot bridge topic. Tell us whose argument

T Chris Jagger has won you over by e-mailing the Editor at [email protected]

Instead, I shall discuss two other main ing an odd number left. With Q-3-2, he 9 8 7 reasons to play fourth highest. leads the two and then the queen, to show an even number left. If he leads the queen N W E J 10 5 2 S Q 6 We all like a man with attitude and declarer ducks, his partner gives count to show the number of cards he has left A K 4 3 (playing what is known as ‘current count’ ´ A 7 is better than playing ‘original count’, as it ™ K 7 6 doesn’t rely on you remembering how YOU lead the five playing third and lowest t 8 5 2 many you started with!). leads (see note on opposite page— Ed), to the ® A K Q J 4 There are also many hands against no- queen and ace. Next time you get in you ´ 6 4 3 trumps where it is useful to know if lead the jack; declarer wins with the king, N ™ A J 10 5 partner has tried to find a passive lead, or and returns the four to your ten. Now his W E t Q 10 7 4 has led from strength. S three is a winner, beating your two! ® 3 2 Leading fourth highest avoids frittering Familiarity away that important five, but getting one is the mother of memory bad score is not the end of the matter. Partner leads the two of hearts against 4 ´. There is a long-term psychological impac t Playing third and lowest leads, inserting The key to success at bridge is to be free of on partner, who for ever more will be the ten could lose to the queen (possibly encumbrances, and focus on the matter at searching for a reason not to lead the third even the singleton queen), and then hand. My best run at bridge was with a highest, in case it is going to give away a declarer may wrap up twelve or thirteen partner whose system could be fitted trick. Thus I will have no idea whether he tricks, when you had three diamonds and comfortably on a postage stamp – not one has three, four or five cards from his a heart to take. The problem is that you do of those big colourful ones from Equa to - choice of lead! not know partner’s attitude, only the rial Guinea, just an ordinary second-class This debate is all about whether you count of the suit: he has three or five. The postage stamp. We breezed in, we breezed prefer to get simply a count of the suit count might have been crucial later in the out. We didn’t worry about our methods, (third and lowest leads), or whether you defence, but on this hand we need more we just worried about the hand we were prefer to get partner’s attitude to the lead, information at trick one. playing. while at the same time getting an indication With fourth highest leads, you would Most people play fourth highest leads in of the count (fourth highest leads). For insert the ten, and then decide what to do this country, and it is easiest to stick with example, if your partner leads the two next. Playing pairs, cashing the ace could what you are used to, particularly if you against no-trumps, and you and dummy be correct, or switching to a diamond. You play with several partners. It is hard both have a doubleton in the suit, then you know that partner does not have the ace enough to decide which suit to lead, and know that partner has only four, so declarer and king of diamonds, as otherwise he by the time most people have decided, has a five card suit, and you will probably would have led one. At teams you would they are not always thinking about which therefore switch. Playing third and lowest switch to a diamond. card should be played. A former England leads this would be far from clear. It is quite possible that you will beat this international wanted to play third and However, I am not going to give you a contract by making three diamonds and a lowest leads as they are ‘better’ – sadly they series of hands where fourth highest leads couple of hearts, or two diamonds and weren’t better by the time he had defended work best – of course there are times they two hearts, or one diamond and three a whole hand thinking I’d led fourth will work best, and equally there are times hearts. But which? Suppose you play a highest. when third and lowest work better. diamond to the king and ace and another Ever since I lost my last debate about heart comes back. Now what? whether to take out 1NT doubled, people The answer is easy, as you show your have come up to me moaning because When you have finished reading this magazine, please recycle it. count now. With Q-4-3-2, partner leads they had a hand where I was right. Ignore the two and follows with the three, show - my sage words at your peril! r

42 English Bridge October 2010 www.ebu.co.uk Third & lowest leads E T A B

are best E D

E OTE Experts call the system described by Barry Rigal

N H ‘Third and Fifth’, but the name Barry has given it (‘Third and Lowest’) avoids ambiguity (— Ed). Barry Rigal T

AT no-trumps, the defence seeks to estab - What about the four-/five-card problem? lish and cash small cards. Against suits, the 10 9 5 main target is to cash winners. Deter mining N W E A 8 3 which winners will stand up requires both Q 9 S accurate count signals and leads. N W E Fourth highest leads, leading high from S A K 10 8 3 three or four small cards, is simplest and Playing fourth-highest, West leads the best against no-trumps, by placing the four to the ten, ace, and two. Does South honours for partner. Against suits, how - Partner has raised our overcall pre- have queen to three, queen-jack-small, or ever, I advocate third and lowest leads. emptively, with four or five cards. There king-queen small? Contrast the position They provide partner with what he needs, are six possible five-card holdings, fifteen when partner leads a third-and-fifth seven the count in the suit led. four-card holdings. from length. West won’t have led low from This means third from an even number Fourth highest will provide some help; touching honours, so he has K-J-7-4, of cards (thus third from six, not fifth), the lead of the two (ten of the fifteen four- and East should continue the suit. low from an odd number of cards, top of card holdings) gives us the count. But all Third and lowest lets both declarer and a doubleton. Thus we differentiate by two the five-card suits might be four, if declar - the defenders work out more – but not cards how we lead from an even and odd er does not play the two. Thus more than often. Indeed, sometimes declarer is more number – high from even, low from odd. half the positions remain ambiguous. in the dark than before: A two-card ambiguity will be very rare. By contrast, a third-and-lowest two clari - As East we defend a high-level contract fies five of the six five-carders immediately after our pre-empt has been raised: – and the potentially ambiguous J-7-6-5-4 10 9 3 is clarified when declarer produces the two. N Equally, in the four-card suits, when 6 4 W E A Q 7 2 S Q 9 declarer follows, he must reveal his shape.

N When partner leads the four from J-7-4-2, K J 8 5 W E S A K 10 8 7 3 declarer must play either the six or five. The lead can no longer be from J-7-6-5-4 – it must be third highest from four. Playing third and lowest I lead the six to my Should we switch or cash two winners? Note the exceptions to third and lowest. partner's ace, and he returns the two. Do I West could have any of these holdings: When you have raised partner, you should have Q-7-6-4 or my actual holding? Fourth lead top (not MUD) from three or four highest leads give the game away. small to avoid this accident: Equally, sometimes the third highest J65 J64 J62 J54 J52 card is not affordable – but that simply J42 654 652 642 542 requires judgment from the player on K 7 4 lead as to when he should not waste a J654 J652 J642 J542 6542 N spot card. This is why these leads don’t 6 5 3 W E A J 10 9 8 2 S work against no-trumps: you frequently Attitude leads leave us groping. But even cannot afford to waste spot cards. In no- Q playing fourth-highest, only J-6-5 is reveal - trump, who wins the third round of a ing. All other holdings are ambiguous. By suit is far more critical than at suits, contrast, if playing third and lowest the six Equally, give West East’s two, and the lead where the third round is likely to be three-card holdings where the small card is of the six from 6-5-3-2 prevents declarer trumped by someone. a 2 clarify the position. (Note: South must stealing a trick. (A MUD five from 6-5-3 In summary: the auction and his own follow with the high spot-card from 5-2 and will not do the trick – it could be from cards will allow the opening leader’s partner 6-2, or East can decipher J-6-4 and J-5-4 as Q-6-5). to work out the leader’s precise holding well.) A big edge for third and lowest. There are other benefits, as here: more often when playing these methods. r

www.ebu.co.uk October 2010 English Bridge 43 S

N The Michaels O I T N E V

N cue-bid O C

L U F E

S suit, and though partnership styles may With the values for game, the advancer

U • David Bakhshi vary, it is a good idea to make sure that good can either jump to 4 ™/4 ´ or, alter - suits are held. A useful guideline is for the natively, he can make a return cue- Michaels overcaller to have at least two bid by bidding the opponents’ suit at THIS convention was the brainchild of an honours in each suit (though many like to the three level. This sets up a game American, Mike Michaels, and it lends be more aggressive when non-vulnerable). force, and asks the Michaels bidder to itself to being played in a fairly simple way. When the opening bid is 1 ™ or 1 ´, a describe his hand further. (A jump to Michaels cue-bid is used to show the most 4™/4 ´ can also be made on a pre- Why is it useful to make important suit (the other major), and one emptive hand with five trumps – two-suited overcalls? of the minors. Again, at least five cards opponents are left to guess which should be held in each suit, and each suit type of hand advancer holds!) When the opponents open the bidding, it is should be of reasonable quality. a winning strategy to try to make their lives Next, what do you bid when the over - as difficult as possible, either pushing them How strong does one need to be caller’s second suit is unknown? higher than they would prefer to be, or just to make a Michaels cue-bid? The principles are very similar to those stopping them from declaring. While this detailed above, but the advancer also can be effective with one-suited hands, Many partnerships play that the overcaller needs a way of finding out which minor there is even greater potential when holding will either have a weak hand or a strong the Michaels bidder holds. When the a two-suited hand since there is now a much hand, but not one of intermediate strength. advancer holds a hand with game interest, better chance of finding a fit in at least one Since it is so useful to show a two-suited this can be achieved by sacrificing a 2NT of the long suits. It is also helpful to show hand as soon as possible, I would recom- response as a natural bid, and replacing it the two-suited nature of the hand as quickly mend not worrying too much about a with a forcing enquiry. The overcaller is and efficiently as possible. point range, but consider overcalling on expected to bid his minor at the three level weaker hands when non-vulnerable. As with a minimum hand. With extra values, How can an overcaller show a with all competitive auc tions, vulnerabi lity he can bid 3 ™ to show clubs or 3 ´ to show two-suited hand after an is a major fac tor. When non-vulnerable, diamonds. opening bid of 1 ®/1 t/1 ™/1 ´? one may have a relatively weak hand, but a In addition, a bid of 3 ® by advancer vulnerable over call suggests a better hand becomes a ‘pass or correct’ bid, and says: When the opponents open the bidding (close to opening values is sensible). ‘Partner, pass if your second suit is clubs, with one of a suit, an area that requires but correct to 3 t if that is your second suit’. partnership agreement is the meaning of a How does one respond to a Here is Michaels in action: cue-bid (i.e. bidding the opponents’ suit). Michaels cue-bid? When holding length in the opponents’ suit, it is usually best to pass, so a cue-bid Let us first consider the auctions where ´ A Q J 7 4 ´ 6 3 can be given an artificial meaning. While it the overcaller has shown both majors. In ™ 6 N ™ 8 7 4 2 W E used to be popular to play a cue-bid as this case, the overcaller’s partner (called t A Q 8 5 2 S t K J 9 3 showing a very strong hand, it has become ‘advancer’) is gener ally in charge of the ® 5 4 ® A K 8 commonplace to show such hands by decision-making (unless the Michaels bid - starting with a take-out double. This frees der has significant extra values). up a cue-bid to show a two-suited hand. • With less than opening values, the West North East South advancer should give preference at 1™ How does partner know in which the two level. 2™1 Pass 2NT 2 Pass suits the overcaller has length? • With a minimum opening hand, the 3´3 Pass 5t All Pass advancer can make an invitational bid. 1 Spades and a minor When the opening bid is 1 ® or 1 t, a He can either bid 2NT (with no fit), or 2 Enquiry, with game interest Michaels cue-bid is used to show the two jump to 3 ™/3 ´ with at least three cards 3 Non-minimum, with diamonds most important (of the three remaining) in the suit. Unbalanced hands with suits, i.e. hearts and spades. The Michaels four-card support can invite with In the next issue: how to defend against bidder should have at least five cards in each fewer high cards. the Michaels cue-bid. r

44 English Bridge October 2010 www.ebu.co.uk s

Good declarer play, t n i H

s

very hard defence ’ r e h t a e

Heather Dhondy H

Game All. Dealer South. ´ 10 9 3 ´ 10 9 3 ™ A 10 3 ™ A 10 3 t — ´ 10 9 3 t J 5 ® 8 7 6 4 ™ A 10 3 ® 8 7 6 4 3 ´ 6 5 ´ K J 2 t J 5 ™ J 6 5 N ™ 9 8 7 2 ® 8 7 6 4 3 W E N t 4 3 S t 10 9 8 ´ 6 5 ´ K J 2 W E S ® J 10 2 ® — ™ J 6 5 N ™ 9 8 7 2 W E ´ A Q 8 7 4 t A K 4 3 S t 10 9 8 6 2 ´ A Q 8 7 4 ™ K Q 4 ® Q J 10 2 ® 5 ™ K Q 4 t — ´ A Q 8 7 4 t Q 7 ® K 9 ™ K Q 4 ® A K 9 t Q 7 ® A K 9 You will need to find both the jack and PLAYING teams, you are in 4 ´ as South king of trumps with East, and in order to after a 2NT opening, and a five-card Stay - pick up the trumps you will need two When everything works for you the con - man enquiry. entries to dummy, since East can always tract makes, but was it lucky, or could the West begins the defence with the ace cover the ten from dummy. In order to defence have done better? and king of diamonds and switches to the get the extra entry, you will need to find When you first played a heart, suppose queen of clubs. With an unavoidable club the jack of hearts with West. West had inserted the jack? Now your loser, prospects are not looking good since Start with a heart to the ten and then entries to the dummy are restricted to one, the trump suit will need to be picked up play the ten of spades from dummy. If East and when East covers your ten of spades for no loser. How do you plan the play? covers, you can cross back to the heart ace you can no longer re-enter dummy to re - This is where we have got to: and repeat the finesse. This was the full deal: peat the finesse. Can this defence be found? Consider the position from the West seat. The only reason declarer is crossing to IN A NUTSHELL: LANDY (A DEFENCE TO 1NT) dummy at trick four must be to take a trump finesse. If he hasn’t begun with a top A short reference table provided by Jeremy Dhondy trump, it must be because partner holds the king. Therefore if you count declarer’s Invented by Alvin Landy from the USA. points, he must have the king and queen of • Rati H ng: • 2® over 1NT shows the majors. All other suit bids are natural. HH hearts, and it is therefore impossible for the HH play of the jack to cost, but when declarer It applies in both 2nd and 4th seats. • needs two entries, it is essential. • Usually it is played as showing at least nine cards in the two suits. • You respond by bidding your better major. If you have four cards in a major and wish to invite game you can jump in the major. If you have three in a major and Heather’s Hints wish to invite game, then you bid 2 t first. See below. Think about how many entries you The 2 t response to 2 ® is usually played as asking partner to bid his better major. • • need to a weak hand. It may dictate It is what you would do with equal length in the majors. the play in a suit. • If the opponents double 2 ®, then pass shows clubs, 2 t shows diamonds and • As a defender, try to consider what redouble asks partner to bid his better major. declarer is up to before committing • You can find out more at www.topbridge.com/pages/eng/landy.htm yourself to playing a card. r

www.ebu.co.uk October 2010 English Bridge 45 H Top of a sequence of S I L G

N honours can be a good lead E

D R A D hearts must be at least as good as Q-J-9 to N ™

A justify leading the Q. By finding the one Hand 1 Hand 2

T useful card in your hand, partner has done ´ Q J 9 8 2 ´ A 2 S Sandra Landy well to lead a heart. If you play the ™A and ™ 7 6 ™ A 6 3 return the ™8, you will set up declarer’s ™K t Q 9 7 6 2 t A 6 5 but you hope to create some heart winners ® 8 ® 8 6 5 4 3 for your partner to cash when he gains the LEADING the top card of a sequence of lead. Dummy has 14 points and you have 5. Hand 3 Hand 4 honours in a suit where we have length is Even if declarer has a maximum of 14 ´ A 3 ´ 8 6 3 often a good lead. As well as establishing points, partner must have at least 7 points of ™ 8 5 3 ™ A K Q 2 potential winners for our side, it passes which 3 are the ™Q-J. So it’s quite possible t A K 10 9 7 t 10 8 5 useful information to partner about where that partner will have an entry to cash his ® 7 4 2 ® 9 7 5 your points are and how the contract might heart winners once they are esta blished. be beaten. This can help your partner work Play the ™A and return the ™8. out where your tricks and also declarer’s 1. ´Q. Although the sequence of spades is tricks might be coming from. missing the ´10, the presence of the nine Suppose you are on lead to an opponent’s and eight make this a strong holding. A 3NT contract and you hold ™Q-J-10-9. Dummy fourth highest ´8 is likely to suggest to Any of the four cards would do, but you ´ A J 4 partner that you have a bad suit and are should choose the card that will pass the ™ 5 4 leading your second highest spade from a most useful information to your partner. t A K J 9 8 2 poor holding. If you lead your fourth highest card, the ® 9 8 2. ®6. Don’t lead an unsupported ace! Lead ™9, partner may think you are leading the You a club despite your very poor club holding. top card of a suit with no honours. Lead ´ Q 10 2 Even if declarer has three club stoppers, the ™Q and partner knows you have a N ™ A 8 2 your first lead will knock out one. When in good holding in hearts. W E t Q 4 3 with one of your aces you can knock out a S But what exactly do you expect partner ® J 10 8 7 second club stopper. When in with the to do with that information? Consider this second ace you can knock out the third club hand where South opened 1NT showing stopper (if declarer has a third stopper) and 12-14 points and North jumped to 3NT. Once again the contract is 3NT (1NT – you hope to get in with your third ace to Your partner leads the ™Q and this is what 3NT) and partner leads ™Q. Dummy has cash two winning clubs. you can see: 13 points, you have 9. Declarer has at least 3. tK (or tA). With 11 points, partner 12 points of which three are the ™K, leaving has at most 4, maybe fewer. So to beat the at most 6 points for partner and maybe as con tract you must set up diamond Dummy few as 4, of which 3 are the ™Q-J. If winners and hope to get in with the ´A, to ´ 10 4 3 partner’s heart winners are established, the cash those winners. Leading out the tA ™ 5 4 only possible entry to partner’s hand is and tK will establish diamond tricks t A K J 9 likely to be in the heart suit. You should when opponents’ diamonds break 3-3 or ® A Q 6 5 play your ™2 not your ™A. Declarer doesn’t when one of them has a doubleton You know who has the ™A, it could be in your diamond which includes an honour. More ´ 9 8 2 partner’s hand, so declarer will probably on king leads soon.

N ™ A 8 2 win the first heart with the ™K and will 4. ™A (or ™K). No Stayman used, which W E t 7 4 3 surely play on diamonds. When you get in suggests dummy doesn’t have four hearts, S ® J 10 8 7 with the tQ, you can play the ™A and then but declarer may. This time you just have the ™8. You just hope partner has five to hope you can cash four hearts and that hearts and that we can cash four winning partner will produce the setting trick. I Given you have the ™A, partner should hearts to defeat 3NT. had one student who led the ™2 from this have a decent sequence of cards in the Which card would you lead with the holding and let declarer make a trick with heart suit. From ™Q-J-7-6-3 partner would following hands, when your right-hand ™J-4 facing ™8-3 in dummy. The ™J won lead the ™6, fourth highest counting down opponent has opened 1NT which has trick one when the defence could have taken from the top, not the queen. Partner’s top been raised directly to 3NT? the first five heart tricks! r

46 English Bridge October 2010 www.ebu.co.uk COUNTY NEWS

David and Anne Gilling were 9th with Brighton , highlighted of course by Tim In Guernsey, we also played our Avon 55.5% out of 98 pairs competing for the Rees winning the Swiss Pairs (see page Restricted Pairs and the Higher Ranking www.avoncba.org.uk Seniors A Final. Graeme Robertson had 22). Congra tulations also to Ian Reiss - competition went to Rudi Falla –Dick also played for Cambridge University mann – Peter Hawkes, 3rd in the A Final Langham, with Lynda Mildon – Alistair IN the Bowl the team of (representing English Universities) in of the Swiss Teams, and to Richard Kent second. The Lower Ranking was Irene Robinson, Mike Huggins, Myles the 5th World University Championships Palmer, Dick Davey, Ed Scerri and Chris won by Barry Pallot – Brian Powell and Ellison, Jeremy Rickard and Robert Covill played in Taiwan just before the Brighton Burley who were 5th in the B Final. second were Robin Endean – Sue Corbet . has reached the third round (last 32) Con gress (see page 48). The main County Teams Champion - In our District Teams, the semi-finals following two fine wins. Further afield, Alan Oddie – Iain ship will again be a straight knock-out were between Robert Plumley’s team In the Silver Plate, the team of Andrew Roberts came 3rd in the Swiss Pairs at this year with the innovation that losers (Lynda Mildon, Alistair Kent, Susie Urbanski, Alan Jones, Aidan Schofield the Scarborough Congress with 170 VPs in the first round do not have to pay Farnon and Pat Merriman) who beat and Nelson Stephens is through to the anything! Thereafter each winning team the Babbe team (Don, Anne and Vera fourth round (last 16). and their team were first in the Teams B Final White Section with +53 IMPS. At pays £16. There will be four seeded Babbe and Sylvia Lawrence King) and At the EBU Brighton Summer Meet - teams, who will enter in the round of the Allen team (Mike and Anne Allen, ing between 6-15 August there was a the Riviera Congress in Torquay, Graeme Robertson’s team won the Swiss Teams sixteen; with some days still to go, Gill Morgan and Andy Hall) who beat good complement of Avon players. The entries are already up on last year. Our Dick Langham (Rudi Falla, Lynne best performance in the Swiss Pair s held with 112 VPs and in the Northants Swiss Pairs Ron Davis came =7th with 91 VPs. thanks to Paul Hackett for suggesting Stephenson and John Seymour). In the over the first weekend was 32nd place of this format which has been successful in final Plumley beat Allen to add the Robert Covill – Aidan Schofield (352 In the Essex / Herts Swiss Pairs, Alan Oddie – David Harris were 3rd with 104 Staffordshire. District title to the County Cup which pairs). In the Midweek, Marc Lee – David Congratulations to James Paul who they won earlier in the year. Jones won the Monday evening Play with VPs. Well done to all concerned. Leighton Buzzard BC recently held with his partner Alice Kaye is the EBU the Experts Pairs for the Fraser Cup (72 Young Pair of the Year (see page 25) and pairs) and David was second in the Mid - an ‘Open Evening’ to encourage new Cornwall players to bridge. The evening was a to David Faria, a member of the win - week Pairs Championship (81 pairs). In ning Cambridge University team in the success with many new faces appearing www.cornwallbridge.co.uk the Swiss Teams held over the second Portland Bowl, who took part in the 5th and enjoying a game, while coaching weekend, the leading Avon team was World University Championships in Tai- THE Jo Bro wn Memorial also took place separately (see the photo Andrew Urbanski, Alan Jones,Tony Letts wan (see page 48). Competition was played, below left). and Marc Lee in 49th place (180 teams). Diary Dates: Oct 17, Butler Scored for the first time, on June Diary dates: Thursday Oct 21, Men’s At the Cwmbran Event held over the Pairs for the Jarrett Cup, Windsor. Nov 26, at Mount Charles / Ladies’ Pairs, Wilstead. Thursday Nov first weekend of August, Ralph Smith – 21, Friendly Pairs, SBBC. Dec 5, Mixed Social Club, St Austell, Steve Tomlinson won the Swiss Pairs (86 23, Interclub Teams of Four, also at Swiss Teams, Windsor, 11am start. where the Nosmo Bridge pairs) whilst Cathy Walker, Mike Davies, Wilstead. Both these events start at 7.30 Club, which Jo founded, Brian Dyde and Peter Sherry finished in pm. meets. There was a good 3rd place in the Swiss Teams (40 teams). Channel Islands field, drawn largely from the St Austell, Bodmin, Wade bridge and Nosmo clubs. Berks and Bucks www.cwgsy.net/community/cicba/ Bedfordshire www.berks-and-bucks-cba.co.uk The winners were John Finch – Dave JERSEY and Guernsey played a com- Mattos (Wadebridge) from Irene Row - www.bedsbridge.co.uk OUR Welcome to BBCBA bined Simultaneous Pairs which was land son – Monica Gumb (St Austell). ON home ground, Brian event at clubs was well won by the Guernsey pair Alastair Nearly £400 was raised for the Leu kae - and Rita Keable teamed supported and committee Kent – Mike Bane with Marion Miles – mia Trust. up with Brenda and members enjoyed the op - Jackie Rumball from Jersey second. Highlighting two events which may Geoff Foley to win the portunity to play at clubs In Jersey, the District Open Pairs was be of interest to new EBU members, the BBA Swiss Teams held at throughout the counties won by Ken and Hilary Wise, with Sue very popular Newcomers’ Pairs, which is the Vauxhall Recreation and give out the certificates to the win - Rankin – Brian Youd runners-up. The open to players with fewer than 300 Centre in Luton on June 27 with 105 ners. Best overall in the New Members Restricted Pairs (Regional Masters and Master Points, will be held at Ladock on VPs; 36 teams competed in this event. category were Liz Wilsey – Christine above) was won by Howard Basden- November 21, and more experienced At the Brighton Meeting, Alan Shillitoe Taulbut (in the photo below right) of Smith – Carl Harrison, with Martin players may like to play in the County and partner were 11th out of 352 pairs Bradshaw BC with 64.96%, while the Rogers – Richard Christenson in second Knock-out, a green-pointed teams com - competing for the first weekend Swiss Existing Members winners were, very place. The Lower Restricted (below Re - p e tition played in members’ homes Pairs event with 184 VPs. Alan Shillitoe appropriately, two of our Tollemache gional Master) was won by Sue (entries to Pauline Deal by Oct 17.) and Graeme Robertson’s teams were team, Richard Palmer – Ed Scerri with Griffiths – Chris Blackstone, with Sarah Please note that the Falmouth Salver =4th (out of 182) in qualifying for the 75% at Amersham Community Centre. Sutton – Sue Le Sueur second. The will now be held on Sunday Jan 9, not Four Star A Final . They then came 6th There were a number of good Jersey Indi vidual resulted in: 1. Eric Saturday 8, as in the County booklet. and 7th respectively in the Final itself. performances by BBCBA players at Todd, =2 John Honey and Neville Bush. Diary Dates : Oct 3, Cornwall Mixed r e v e A e B B

C

d i s v d a e B Brian Keable supervises play at the Leighton Buzzard Bridge Club’s D Liz Wilsey (left) and Christine Taulbut, winners of the New Members category

: : o o t (Beds CBA) Open Evening t in the Welcome to BBCBA competition, with county Chairman Nigel Thompson o o h h P P www.ebu.co.uk October 2010 English Bridge 47 Pairs, Ladock. Oct 17, County Swiss leads to details of the highs and lows of 46th; Ann Slee, Alison Pollock, Ruth came second in the Pairs A Final and the Teams, Penzance. Nov 7, Pivot Teams, our county pairs over the last couple of Edmondson and Brigid McElroy were Swiss Pairs was won by Manny Marks and Ladock. Nov 21, Newcomers’ Pairs, seasons. 54th in the Teams. The teams have been his partner. The Mountnessing B team Ladock. Nov 28, Bodmin Swiss Pairs, In the Midlands League, our third selected to represent Devon A in the (David Tennet, Linda Fleet, Tim Connett Lanhydrock Golf Club. team not only won last season’s Mark - Western League 2010 - 2011. and Steve Ensor) reached the last 16 of ham Trophy but also won the overall Diary Dates: Oct 23-24, Plymouth the NICKO Plate. In the Essex / Herts One Cumbria trophy against all the other third divi - Congress; contact David Hugo ( 01548 Day Events , Jill Hair – Paddy Murray were sion teams from the other regions. 562267. Oct 26, Charity Simultaneous 5th in the Swiss Pairs, and Sandy Riach – www.ccdba.co.uk Sheena Haytack – Mary Marshall Pairs; contact Paul Ainsworth ( 01803 Robert Elliott and team-mates were 4th have won the Corry Cup for the Ladies’ 752846. Saturday Oct 30, Exeter Club in the S wiss Teams. THE AGM on 1st August saw a number Pairs Championship, with John Griffin – One Day Swiss Pairs; Sunday Oct 31, In Essex competitions, the winners of of long-serving officers retire. Our thanks Don Smedley winning the Dodson One day Swiss Teams; contact Jean the Team of Four Trophy were Margaret go to Geoff Bell (Secretary), David Shep - Shield for the DCBA Men’s Pairs Cham - Whitlam ( 01404 815318. Nov 12-14, Curtis, David Sherman, Tony Philpott, pard (Chairman) and Leo Lehnin ger pionship. Torquay BC Congress, Palace Hotel, Nigel Bardsley and Dick Green, who beat (Equipment Officer) for their many years The July Green Point Event was jointly Torquay; contact Joan Ley ( 01803 Marc Chawner, Paul Spencer, Ian Moss of hard work for bridge in Cumbria. The run by Notts and Derby, with Irene and 401119. Sunday Nov 21, One-day and Mike Graham in the final. The Plate new Chairman is John MacLachlan, John Auld winning the Saturday Pairs Charity Swiss Teams, Filleigh Village was won by Val and Paul Mollison, John Equipment Officer is Bruce Denwood and John Sansom, Pamela Pearce, Joyce Hall; contact John Boxall ( 01271 Williams, Brian Davies, who beat Peter and the Secretary is Glenda Lloyd. Skelton and Sandy Davies the Sunday 882675. Sunday Nov 21, One-day Charity Scotting, Michael Watson, Jacek Lapszys In the second match of the Northern Teams. Swiss Teams, New County Inn, Smith - and Sandy Riach in the final. League ‘C’ Division the Cumbria team One of the DCBA’s most popular leigh; contact ( David Hugo 01548 Other recent Essex competitions : con tinued their good form finish ing events is our Summer Swiss Event . Every 562267. Mixed Teams: =1. John Stimson, Winnie second to Lancashire and remaining top two weeks for eleven weeks up to twenty- Godber, Colin Elliot, Martin Baker and of the group. Congratulations to Colin five teams of four battle it out for Dorset Alan Cohen, Bob Hair, Allan Greenstein, Woods, Graeme Walker, Dorothy Prit - valuable prizes on each evening and Yvonne Dias; 3. Margaret Curtis, Ray chard, Howard Brown, Ian Reeves, Tony overall. Current overall leaders are Andy www.bridgewebs.com/dorset Cor nell, David Clark, Ray Clarke. Bartlett, Adam Aitken and Ian Smith. Wells’ team. It will be over by the time THE County would Summer Seniors: 1. Ian Moss – Peter Unfortunately, Cumbria was not as this goes to press and the final results like to give special Oake, 2. Mike Rand – Chris Chorley, successful in the Pearse McNamara can be viewed on the website. thanks to Helen Ack - 3. Bob Hair – Alan Cohen. George Curtis: Trophy on June 27, losing by a resound - royd and Julian Gregory 1. Nicole Cook, Peter Oake, Peter Frank - ing 84 IMPs to Lancashire. It was, as for organising an excellent Green Point lin and Alan Mayo; 2. Margaret Curtis, always, a match played in great spirit and Devon Swiss Teams, despite the distractions David Sherman, Frank Morrison and Ian many thanks to Barrow Bridge Club for www.devonbridge.co.uk from the glorious weather and a certain Moss; 3. Roger and Jill Tattersfield, Alaric hosting the event and providing a won - CONGRATULATIONS England World Cup match! We would Cundy and Chris Megahey. der ful spread for tea. to Sephen Lindfors – be interested in knowing your opinion Diary dates: Oct 10, Fletcher Trophy. Diary Dates: week commencing Oct Jim Grant who were of extending the event to two days, in Oct 24, Tony Kelvin Swiss Teams. 4, Autumn Simultaneous Pairs held in second in the Swiss order to incorporate both pairs and clubs. Oct 10, Pro-Am teams, Eden BC. Teams at the Mid Wales teams, in future. Nov 7, Championship Teams Qualifier, Gloucestershire Congress in July, playing Weymouth Cup: 1. Helen Ackroyd, St Herbert’s Centre Keswick. with Andrew Thompson – Mike Fletcher. Martin Brook, Ann Sharples and Bob www.gcba.org.uk The EBU Riviera Congress held in Mott, 202 VPs; 2. David and Isabel Marr, THE Summer events Derbyshire Torquay attracted many players from Claire Hillyard and Richard Vessey, 162 had an increase in num - other parts of the country. Congratu - VPs; 3. Hilary Brain, Chris Stevens, www.dcba.org.uk bers this year. The Pivot lations to the following Devon players: Clive Russell and Alistair Cowley, 161 Teams, played over four THESE last minute notes Warner and Louise Solomon, Alan and VPs. Congratulations to Jan Green, Joan sessions, was won by are unfortunately not as Jette Bailey, second in the Swiss Teams; Meech, Frances Keene and Judy Petran J. Angseesing, W. Angseesing, P. Phair, comprehensive as usual, Ann Slee, Richard Lingham, Ruth who won the actual trophy. A. Wearmouth, T. Hill, and R. Croot. with our usual con tri - Edmond son and Brigid McElroy were Allendale Trophy: =1. Helen Ackroyd, The Summer Teams is an individual butor, Jennifer Floutier, 3rd. Tim and Patricia Mantle were 3rd Martin Brook, Ann Sharples and Bob competition with participants being being temporarily occu - in the Swiss Pairs. Mott; 2. Adrian Fontes, Mac Lowcock, only able to score with the same partner pied building her new home! The Newton Abbot Charity Swiss John Jones and Keith Palmer, 81 VPs; twice; it was won by Joe and Wendy The best way to catch up on what has Teams event held on the 1st August was 3. Eugene Sheehan, Mary Clews, David Angseesing. The Summer Pairs is an been happening recently is to scour the won by Mike Crelley, Ann Hinkins, Gill and Pat Page, 79 VPs. individual competition where the best Derbyshire website on www.dcba.org.uk . Eileen Davies and Tom Wallis. At Dorset Green Point Swiss Teams: six scores with different partners count. The Calendar and Handbook buttons Brighton, Ann Slee – Richard Lingham 1. Keith Bennett, Andrew Bennett, Tracy It had one session left when this report give full details of events in the new were 28th in the Swiss Pairs, followed by Adams and Steve Tearle, 99 VPs; 2. Phil was submitted and Tony Letts narrowly season. The County Matches button Ruth Edmonson and Brigid McElroy Norman, Guy Lawrenson, Mark Hooper led Val Constable. and Christine Bradley, 96 VPs; =3. Karen By the time you read this, the autumn Dewar, Mac Lowcock, Ken Dunn, Charles Patrick, and Rohan Bagshawe, Monday Night sessions will be under 5th World University Julian Gregory, Margaret Williamson, way but don’t worry if you have not Keith Jerram, 93 VPs. managed to get to them, as the Pairs and Bridge Championship Diary Dates: Oct 10, Simeon Cup League restart in January. Please contact Pairs. Oct 31, Ladies’ Pairs and Men’s the Chief Tournament Director if you want to participate and need a partner THE 5th World University Bridge Championship ended on August Pairs. Dec 12, Chope Salver Mixed Pairs. Jan 9, Frost Rose Bowl Teams – all at the or team-mates. 9, 2010 in Kaoshiung, Chinese Taipei. After six days of play, Allendale Community Centre. The County Knock-out qualifying Poland (who had the championship sewn up before the last round is being held on Monday October round) took the gold medal with 276 VPs, leaving the silver to 26; those who qualify will then play a Essex knock-out match every two months France with 238 VPs and the bronze to Israel with 232 VPs. www.essexbridge.co.uk until defeated. Why not get a team of Cambridge University, representing England, came ninth out of THERE have been several four from your club and enter? fourteen teams. The team was: David Williams, Sarah O’Connor, good results in national Sunday events before Christmas are David Faria, Graeme Robertson, Tom Rainforth, with John Hasle - competitions. Sue and the Lesley Everett Cup for teams of four grave as coach and Michael Byrne as non-playing captain. Chris Taylor, Linda Fleet on October 17. The Bredon Vale Cup takes place on November 7; all affiliated Graeme Robertson won the Paul Magerman Trophy for the award and her partner won the Sussex One Day Swiss clubs can enter up to two teams of four. for best played/defended hand for his defence to a 4 ´ contract. Teams. In the Eastbourne Summer Seniors The Leonard Cup is a pairs competition Congress, Richard Register – Alan Cohen for players ranked below National

48 English Bridge October 2010 www.ebu.co.uk COUNTY NEWS

Master. All Sunday events start at least three days beforehand to Lillian Club). in playing bridge. It is early days and 2.15pm and include a tea. Entries can be Craigen, [email protected] or the Committee would welcome any made to the Chief tournament Director ( 02380 254276. Hertfordshire suggestions so that the site can be made by e-mail to [email protected] . as useful as possible for its target www.hertsbridge.co.uk Don’t forget to check out the GCBA Herefordshire audience. website for results and events. FIRST, an apology for The Manx Bridge Union Annual www.herefordshirebridge.co.uk mis sing the last two issues General Meeting received reports about IN the coming competition year, the due to committee re - a satisfactory year and a good Congress Hants and IoW running of the County events has been organisation. in 2009, with the Monday evening www.bridgewebs.com/hiwcba/ handed over to the affiliated clubs to In the Seniors Congress improvers’ classes being well supported. organise according to guidelines laid at Eastbourne, congratulations go to Liz Kelly joined the Committee as a new WELCOME all those down by the County Committee. Of the Celia and Derek Oram who retained the member and has since been instrumen - new members who have County’s ten affiliated clubs, eight have main Pairs Trophy, and the team of tal in developing the website, and Fred come to us. We hope that accepted this role and identified a David Stimson, Roger Edmonds, Anne Kissack took over the Secretary’s mantle some of you will try the particular event to run and appointed a from Erika Slatcher who had held the county events. Held main - and Cliff Short who won the Swiss responsible person. It is hoped that post for many years. Otherwise the ly in Romsey, a mid-county venue with Teams event. In the Herts / Essex Swiss spreading the load of encouraging Committee remained unchanged. Erika easy access, and including a plated tea, Teams, the event was won by Herts entries etc. between eight clubs, and will continue to be the shareholder and they are good value for a pleasant players Fiona and Paul Littlewood, June giving each club and its members an attend shareholder meetings at the EBU. afternoon and early evening’s bridge. Ball and Helen Robinson. association with particular events, will Diary dates: Oct 24, Island Pairs Some of the events are aimed at less In the Beck Cup (an inter-counties lead to larger entries. Directors have to Championship. Nov 14, Island Teams experienced players (look out for the team of four competition) the Herts be appointed from the County pool and ‘No Fear’ and ‘Simple Systems’ com pe- team of Anne Flockhart, Vernon Gaskell, Championship. Jan 9 2011, Island duplimated boards ordered. After the titions) and we hope to see new players Celia and Derek Oram won the event Hand icapped Pairs Championship. events, the County Treasurer (who has in these competitions particularly. In for the second year running. set the entry fees) gets a financial sum - any of the competitions, average club County Events: the county Cham - mary and surplus (if any) but the County Kent players will not feel out of their depth pionship Pairs winners were David bears the risk of any shortfall. and will have a chance to meet members Walker – Alan Kay and the Humble Cup, www.kcba.org.uk Ben Britton – Mike Ralph achieved from other parts of the county. So check the county teams of four championship, CONGRATULATIONS to the best result for Herefordshire entries your handbook or the county website, was won by the Dickson team (Malcolm Hugh Llewellyn-Jones and in the East Wales Congress at Cwmbran and contact Lillian to enter as given Harris, Dave Walker, David Dickson, Peter Llewellyn-Jones, with 8th in the Swiss Pairs . At Brighton, below. We look forward to seeing you! Alan Kay, Anne Flockhart, Mike win ners of the B Final of Tom Paske with Tom Townsend won the Late results from last season: HIOW Hancock). Bob Turnham – Hazel Miles the Championship Pairs at Championship Pairs (photo below), while players swept the board at the Dorset were winners of the Seniors Pairs and the the Summer Seniors Con - Ben Paske’s team reached the 4 Stars A Swiss Teams in June: 1. Tracy Adams, Watford BC team (Christine Leek, Tricia gress in Eastbourne . Final of the Swiss Teams. Steve Tearle, Keith Bennett and Andrew Englert, Judith Meredith, John McBride) Congratulations to Jeremy Willans – Diary Dates: Friday Oct 8, the draw Bennett; 2. Phil Norman, Guy Lawren - won the Cadet Teams competition. The Ian Draper on winning the Phillimore for the KO Teams and play of the first son, Mark Hooper, Chris Bradley; 3. Victor Ludorum Awards for the most Cup , the Kent Swiss Pairs Champion ship. round, Ledbury Community Centre, Karen Dewar, Mac Lowcock, Kenneth points accumulated in county events The Kent League East , for the Dover 7pm. Friday Oct 15, Inter Club Teams went to: Open – Ann Flockhart; Inter- Cup, was won by Brian Crack, Shirley Dunn, Charlie Patrick. League – first round, Ledbury CC, 7pm, County results: Charity Sims: 1. Mike mediate – Steve Mossey and Mark Wads - Goldwin, Clemency Schofield, Malcolm (both these events run by the Ledbury worth (joint winners); and New comers – Lewis, Margaret Mace, Keith Rains, McMorran – Barry Tobutt. Hicko: Peters- Club). Saturday Oct 23, Ladies’ and field. Marion and Tony Watkins. David Ilott. The North West Kent League Men’s Pairs, Tarrington Community Diary dates: Friday Oct 8, Club Cup Division 1, play ing for the Gill Cup, was Diary dates: Oct 3, Mixed Pairs Hall, 10.30am, (run by the Ross Club). (Flitch / Plate for married / unmarried Winners, Bridge Centre, 7.30pm. won by Norman Inniss, Ossie Saeed, Friday Nov 19, Inter Club Teams Sunday Oct 24, Humble Cup – 1st Stefan Syplywczak, Colin Game. Winner pairs). Oct17, Wessex Swiss Teams. Nov League – round 2, Ledbury Community Qualifinal, Bridge Centre, 1pm. Friday of the North West Kent League Division 2 7, Simple System Pairs (+IOW heat), Hall, 7pm. Saturday Nov 20, No Fear Oct 29, Mixed Pairs Championship, was team Walsh: Suzanne Walsh, Steve clubs (inquire below for nearest club). Teams (only one member of each team Bridge Centre, 7.30pm. Friday Nov 19, Ripley, Dennis Ingham, Clare Ingham. Nov 21, Jubilee Cup Teams of Eight. may be Advanced Master or above), Eccles Cup, R C Parish Hall, Hemel Arnold Cup: the Kent’s premier knock- Events are held at Romsey, starting at Wellington Heath Memorial Hall, Hempstead, – 7.30pm. out teams event was never completed 2pm unless otherwise listed. Entries at 1.30pm (run by the Wellington Heath due to the unfortunate deaths of Denis Isle of Man O’Donovan and Marie Horlock. The Arnold Plate was won by Graham www.manxbridgeunion.org Foreman, Lyn Foreman, John Griffiths, BY the time this issue of Graham Pollack . the magazine is circu - Well done also to Chris Burton who lated, the biggest event obtained distinction in the final part of in the Manx bridge his Club Directors course. calendar for 2010 will Diary dates: Sunday Oct 10, Dyer have taken place. The 44th annual Isle of Smith / Hunter Cup Mixed Pairs Man Bridge Congress will have been Championship, Tunbridge Wells, 11am. held from September 10 to 12 in Douglas. Saturday Oct 30, Kent Congress Swiss Players from the Island and from Pairs, Tunbridge Wells, 1pm. Sunday around the British Isles will, no doubt, Oct 31, Kent Congress Green Pointed have enjoyed the usual small and Swiss Teams, Tunbridge Wells, 11am. friendly green-pointed event and basked in the habitual sunshine which allows Lancashire visitors to make the most of the Island. Results from the Congress will appear www.lancsbridge.co.uk in the next issue of the magazine. IN the second round of the Anyone too impatient for that can view Northern Bridge League, the full results now on the Manx Bridge Lancashire A finished 3rd Union’s website. out of four teams, Lanca - The website is a new innovation this shire B 5th out of eight year. The site is designed to be a source teams and Lancashire C first out of of news and information for members eight teams. Lancashire A lie fourth U

B of the MBU and to provide an intro - after two rounds, Lancashire B third E Herefordshire’s Tom Paske (left) and London’s Tom Townsend,

: o

t winners of the Championship Pairs at the Brighton Midweek Congress duction to bridge on the Isle of Man for and Lancashire C second. o h

P visitors to the Island who are interested Preston Summer Pairs: 1. Barrie www.ebu.co.uk October 2010 English Bridge 49 Newall – Brian Ripley. Cup Round 1, Rothley Centre. Dec 8, Congress. Sunday Dec 19, Santa Claus Pairs, Diary dates: Oct 9, Northern Bridge Stanley Trophy Round 3, Glenfield. London Trophy Pairs: 1. Arun Suri – Manchester Bridge Club, 2pm. League, Round 4. Oct 10, Pendle Witch Bob Bowman, 2. Chris Wall – Steve Pairs, Brierfield Bridge Club. Oct 17, Lincolnshire Burton, 3. Mike Bertini – Ken Merseyside/Cheshire Foundation Cup Swiss Teams, Black - McClements. London League: Div. 1: burn Bridge Club. Oct 30, Lancashire www.lincsbridge.org.uk 1. Tartan (Arni Anidjar-Romain), www.mcba.org.uk Congress Swiss Pairs, Brierfield Bridge THE Davey Cup was 2. London Duplicate (Graham Clay); THE President’s Cup for Club. Oct 31, Lancashire Congress Swiss won by Drene and Alan Div. 2: 1. Bury the Hatchet (Dudley inter-county teams was Teams, Blackburn Bridge Club. Nov 14, Brown, Mo Parsons and Leigh), 2. Young Chelsea 5 (Brian held in Carlisle in mid- Athenaeum Swiss Teams, Bury Athe - Maurice Ladlow. The McGuire); Div. 3: 1 Lillycrop (John July. We played steadily naeum. Dec 5, Lytham Rose Bowl, Charles Heward Trophy Lillycrop), 2. August Blue (Mark through the first two Lytham Bridge Club. (restricted) was won by Mary Milnes, Bill Davies); Newcomers: Putney Pirates sessions and went into the lead during Gibbs, Joyce Gregory, Jean Robertson. (Peter Blumer), 2. Crouch End (Alan the third, only to be narrowly overtaken Leicestershire Whitehouse). Home Counties League: at the end by Manchester. Well done to At the AGM on June 27 Alan 1. Middlesex 2 (Peter Hasenson), everyone despite the disappointment. www.leicsbridge.org.uk Andrews was re-elected Chairman, Bill 2. London Red (Simon Cochemé). The team was Dave and Jean Keen, A lan THE Samani Salver Parsons Vice-Chairman, Mike Llewellyn Diary dates: Oct 30-31, Lederer Stephenson, Stuart Matthews, Chris (summer knock-out Treasurer, and Stuart Knox Competi - Memorial Trophy; fabulous spectator Pope, Andy Prothero, Colin Humphrey, cup) has now reached tion Secretary. There were no nomina - event at the YCBC starting at 1pm each Mike Swanson, Peter Broster, Bob Pitts. the final stage. It will tions for Secretary as Drene Brown day. Watch eight international teams of Whilst our A and B teams struggled be contested between (photo below, left) is unable to continue stars compete for this pres tigious title; last season in the Northern Counties Melton and Hinckley A, who defeated due to health problems. At the time of enquiries to Stefanie Rohan stefanie@ League , our C team were winning their Clarendon 1 and Clarendon 2 respec ti - writing this report, we are still awaiting metrobridge.co.uk or ( 07891 747273. division. This qualified them for the vely in the semi-finals. a replacement. Nov 7, Junior Teams of Four, YCBC, National Final where they finished a The corresponding Plate final is The AGM Pair s was won by Elaine 1pm. Nov 28, Under-19 Pairs, YCBC, creditable 3rd in their section. The team between Blaby C and the Golf Club. Proctor – Maurice Lynn. 1pm. For both junior events contact for the national final was Cameron Boyd, Diary dates: Oct 10, Midland League Sadly we have to report the death of Chris Duckworth ( 020 7385 3534 or Geoff Cowie, Earl O’Keeffe, Rob Roberts, v Derbyshire (home). Oct 12-13, Peter Hughes on July 16. With his wife, [email protected] . Barbara Serres, Gareth Thomas, Ric and Josephs Bowl Preliminary Round, Club he participated in many events. He was Julia Dearing, though other players did Heats. Oct 14, BGB Simultaneous Pairs, a lovely gentleman and will be very Manchester take part in the local rounds. County Bridge Club. Oct 27, Stanley much missed. Deepest condolences to Winners of the Wirral BC Swiss Trophy Round 2, Glenfield. Nov 10, Brigid and family. www.lighton.btinternet.co.uk/ Teams (Jim Davies Cup) were John Josephs Bowl Preliminary Round Open Diary dates: Oct 24, Random Seeded BEST of luck to our Hampson, Simon Whitehouse, Paul Heat, Glenfield. Nov 24, Leicestershire Teams, pre-entry (only as a pair) three Manchester mem - Roberts, Julian Merrill. essential. Nov 7, Mixed / Married Pairs. bers – Gary Hyett, John Bob Pitts has revived the County Nov 28, Lincoln Imp; this competition Hassett, Jeff Morris – Newsletter. This will be sent out by e- is now open to all as a multiple teams who will be part of the mail four or five times a year to any event with the team meeting the rank team representing England in the players who send him their e-mail restrictions awarded the Imp plate. Commonwealth Nations Bridge Cham - address and to all clubs in the County. All events at Dunholme Village Hall. pionship in Delhi from October 23. Best Copies can also be downloaded from Unless otherwise stated, arrive by of luck also to Michael Byrne in his role the County website. 1.25pm. as non-playing Captain of the Under Diary dates: Oct 17, Chester Bowl 21s in the World Championships in Charity Pairs, Deva BC. Nov 14 Water - London Philadelphia, USA, at the beginning of worth Cup (County Open Pairs), MBC. October. Dec 5, Merseyside Cup, MBC. Jan15-16 www.metrobridge.co.uk On October 11 at 4.30pm Suzanne 2011, Chester Congress, Deva BC. Feb 6, County Trials, MBC. Feb13, Mersey side CONGRATULATIONS to Gill, Chairman of the EBU Education & Deeside Cup (Pivot Teams), MBC. the following: at the Working Group, will be holding a Feb 20, Jean Keen Trophy (Women’s Summer Seniors Congress, meeting of northern counties to consult Teams), MBC. and on education development. Anyone Peter Cogliatti were first interested in education or Youth Bridge and third in the Swiss Pairs, and Mandie will be welcome. Please inform Jeff Middlesex Campbell – Benji Hackenbroch were Morris if you can attend. www.middlesexbridge.co.uk third in the Pairs B Final; at the Riviera Congratulations to Michelle Brunner, Congress, Alice Kaye won the Swiss Teams Rodney Lighton, Bill Hirst and Howard CONGRATULATIONS to and Alex Hydes (photo on page 52) won Melbourne who won the one-day MCBA Alex Allfrey for being part the Swiss Pairs; One-Day Swiss Pairs Green Point Swiss Teams in July; 24 of the winning team in the were won by Anne Catchpole in Oxford teams competed. In the Swiss Pairs at A Final of the Swiss Teams and Nigel Freake – Gill Hutchinson in the EBU Scarborough Summer Festival at Brighton. Nevena Senior Essex / Herts; at the SBU Summer on 1st August winners were Mike Bell – and Catherine Seale were Congres s, Chris Duckworth, Brian Jason Hackett; John Parsons – Ed Levy in the team which came Callaghan and John Matheson won the were 9th. second, while Neil Rosen, Consolation Teams; and in Brighton, in Brighton Meeting : in the Senior Swiss Anne Rosen and Martin Jones came 5th. Despite having a brain tumour the teams Andrew Robson and Tony Teams Bernard and Rhona Goldenfield, Tony Waterlow, Victor Silverstone and and in the last three years Forrester won the Four Stars A Final, Kath Nelson and Jim Luck (photo next Ian Panto came 8th in the B Final . In the major open heart surgery, as Simon Gillis won the B Final and Chris page) were the winners from a field of Swiss Pairs, Neil Rosen came second and well as suffering two strokes Duckworth and Marek Malysa won the 51 teams. In the midweek events Celia Ian Pagan finished 4th. that have left her partially Swiss Teams, with John Reardon second Comrie and Tom Slater did very well At the Riviera Congress, Philip and Alan and Olivia Woo and Alex finishing second in the E/W section of Town – Neil Harcus finished 3rd in the sighted, Drene Brown of Lin - Hydes 3rd; Tom Townsend (photo on Play with the Expert . In the main Swiss Swiss Pairs. Shivam Shah and Basil Letts colnshire is proving that you page 49) won the Tuesday Pairs; Paul Teams held over the second weekend were part of the team that finished can overcome disabilities and Lamford – Chantal Girardin were Michael Byrne’s team finished 7th in the second in t he Swiss Team s at the Essex / carry on winning. She is espe - second in the Mixed Pairs; Open Pairs A Final; 180 teams competed. Herts event. In the Summer Senior cially proud of winning the and Teams were won by Gordon Diary Dates: Sunday Nov 7, Man - Congress, Jeremy Dhondy finished 3rd Lincs CBA Cham pionship Pairs Rainsford, Pip Railing and David Gold chester Intermediate Pairs, St Peters in the Champion ship Pairs A Final. with husband Alan for the first (twice); and Ros Nanayak kara – Edd Assembly Rooms, Hale, 1.30 pm; entries Diary dates: Oct 3, MCBA New - Edmondson were first and Timothy to Barbara Lewis at babsandalec@dsl. comers Pairs, Novnat Bridge Club, 1pm. time. Wilson – Monica Marinescu were pipex.com . Sunday Dec 5, Ben Franks Oct 31, Ranked Masters Pairs, Oshwal second in sessions of the Really Easy Pairs, Manchester Bridge Club, 1pm. Bridge Club, 2pm. Nov 14, Senior Pairs,

50 English Bridge October 2010 www.ebu.co.uk COUNTY NEWS

Eastmans Bridge Club, 2pm. Nov 14, playing with Charles Outred from team that won the B Final at the Scerri and partner as runners-up, and U19 Pairs Championship, Pinner Bridge Glasgow. The Hurworth B team of Scarborough Summer Congress . Cathy Rowland – Mary-Ann Sheehy in Club, 2pm; Nov 27-28, Middlesex Con - David Broadhead, Damien Hassan, Diary dates: Sat Oct 9, Saturday 3rd place. The Swiss Team s was won by gress, Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, Clive Owen, Chris Owen, Malcolm Winter League, Stamford. Sun Oct 10, Ed Scerri and team-mates, with David 1pm start. Oliver and Martin Kane have won Eden Cup and Murchie Lerner, Kettering. Flower, David Stead, Michael Gold smith through to the semi-final of the NICKO Wed Oct 20, Wednesday Winter League, and Nick Perceval-Price runners-up. Plate where they will play Welwyn Northampton. Sun Oct 24, Lakeland Geoff Nicholas – Krishan Jalie won Norfolk Garden City J. and Kettering Trophy, Kettering. Wed the June Seniors Pairs, with Geoff and www.bridgewebs.com/norfolk/ Two NEBA clubs ran events for Nov 17, Wednesday Winter League, Rosemary Runnicles winning in July Macmillan Cancer Care. The Macmillan Northampton. Sat Nov 27, Saturday and Colin Jones – Norman Gascoyne in THE Eastern Counties Pairs for the Margaret Watts Memorial Winter League, Stamford. August. League season started Trophy , won by Pauline and Nigel Diary dates: Oct 10, Midlands League ingloriously for Norfolk. Durie, played at St Georges, raised over Nottinghamshire v Warwickshire, Oxford BC. Oct 12, Against Hertfordshire, the £900 for the Charity, whilst the 24 Hour County Pairs Heat, Oxford BC. Oct 31, A team lost 3-17, the B Bridgeatho n organised by Wearside www.bridgewebs.com/nottinghamshire Men’s and Ladies’ Pairs, Oxford BC. Dec team lost 8-12 and the C Bridge Club and Elvet Rotary Club raised NOTE the new website address for 5, Swiss Pairs, Oxford BC. team lost 2-18. Must do better! over £10,000. Notts above. The summer open events continued Diary dates: Oct 20-22, NEBA In the County Match against Leicester - Somerset to be well supported. Trophy winners Autumn Simultaneous Pairs for the shire, Notts 1st and 3rd teams lost 12-8 were: Shaw Trophy: Roger Cortis – Stuart Cramlington Cup, clubs. Sunday Oct www.somersetbridge.org.uk and 4-16 respectively, but the 2nd team Langridge; Mills Knight Trophy: John 24, King Cup. Saturday Oct 30, Gazette won 17-3. CONGRATULATIONS to Harrison – Nawal Fenwick; Broke Trophy: Cup Final. Nov 12-14, NEBA Congress, In the Notts / EBU One-day Green- John and Marjorie Dil - Mike and Barbara Harnden. The Allensford. Wymond ham Trophy (Restricted Pairs) point Swiss Events at Spondon there worth, Helen Lilly and went to Alan Hourd – Trish Raywood. were 80 pairs in the Pairs and 25 teams Olgar Belding who won the Open Pairs: 1. Roger Amey – Mike Northamptonshire in the Teams. The Swiss Pairs was won Swiss Pairs at our AGM, and Ken and Ann Bawdon, Whiting, 2. Gabriel Ip – Stuart Langridge, www.northantsbridge.info/ by the Notts pair John and Irene Auld with another Notts pair, David Julian Brown and Kathy Pilkington who 3. John Harrison – Nawal Fenwick, 4. THE Eden Cup and Murchie Lerner will Burgess – Gordon Fullerton, 3rd. The were second. Brian Parkinson – Harry Fox, 5. Bogdan take place at Kettering Bridge Club on Swiss Teams was won by John Sansom – Thanks to Ken and Ann Bawdon for Drobny – Maureen Kimbley, 6. Roger Sunday October 10 starting at 1pm. The Pamela Pearce with Joyce Skelton – administering the Michael Coda Cup Amey – Robbie Roberson. afternoon session will be a qualifying Sandy Davies. event, which we are delighted to say Forthcoming attractions: Oct 17, session with the top fourteen pairs Diary dates: the full calendar is raised £1330 for last year’s county Allwood Wharton Trophy, Club Teams playing for the Eden Cup and the others available on the website. On Wed - nominated charity, the EBU’s Youth and of Eight, Roundwood. Oct 31, Houston for the Murchie Lerner. Entries to Jim nesdays the President’s Cup continues, Education Charitable Trust. Thanks Trophy, Swiss Teams, Bawburgh. Nov Bainbridge. interrupted by a BGB Sim on Oct 13. also to Dave Latchem for preparing the 14, Orb Pacquot, Swiss Pairs, Round - The Lakeland, the inter-club teams of The NCBA Anniversary Teams will take commentary. wood. Dec 5, Barclays Bank Trophy, eight event, will be taking place at place on Sunday Oct 24. (Enquiries and We have a large programme of Roundwood. Enjoy! Kettering Bridge Club on Sunday entries to Graham Brindley ( 0115 county sponsored events, twenty-three October 24 starting at 1pm. The winners 9232186.) Joan Burgess has become the in total played over a ten-month will represent the county in the Garden North East League for Teams of Four Secretary. season. Running the programme takes a Cities Trophy. On the same day the www.neba.co.uk lot of organisation, administrative sup - Kettering Trophy for teams of four will port and event management. We would THE NEBA Summer be held at Kettering Bridge Club starting Oxfordshire like to thank all the Committee mem - Pair s was won by Janet at 1pm. Entries to Jim Bainbridge. www.oxfordshirebridge.co.uk bers involved with the county pro- and Frank Springett. There have been a few successes of gramme for a large amount of work Cramlington Bridge county members in national compe - AT the OBA AGM in June, the following Officers behind the scenes, and also all members Club again held their titions, James and Shirley Dutton outside of the Committee who are successful one-day Pairs finished second in the Northants Swiss were elected: John Briggs, Chairman; Sandra Nichol - involved with directing and scoring, as Congress and winners of the Bridge Pairs. Jim Bainbridge, Margaret Jones, well as those transporting tables, Holiday were Hayden Dando – Martin Ross Stacey and Leszek Lubaszewski son, Secretary; Dinah Lintott, Treasurer; Stephen bidding boxes and the pre dealt hands Kane. North East players had a were second in the Nottinghamshire to and from the events. The county is successful weekend at the Peebles Con - Swiss Teams with Christine White, Ian Brown, Chief Tournament Director; Alan Grunwald, Tournament Secretary; fortunate to have a very good website gress with the main Teams event being Clarke, Chandra Ramamoorthy and run by Tony Manickam, which provides won by Clive Owen, Malcolm Oliver Michael Gore Browne in 3rd place. Geoff Nicholas, President’s Cup, Chester an excellent service. The site is kept up and Chris Owen from the North East Robert Miller was a member of the Cup and Wessex League Secretary; Ian Angus, Match Secretary; Brenda Harris, to date with news and results not only Publicity Officer and Marryat Stevens, for the county itself, but also for some of Youth Officer. OBA President Evan our affiliated clubs. We would like to Harris presented the prizes, followed by thank Holly Quinn, Barry Morrison, free bridge and refreshments. Joan Sprague, and David and Pat Sixteen thousand pairs entered the Hancock for acting as stand-by pairs at World-Wide Simultaneous Pairs, from various of our county competitions last which Lorraine Jones – Peter Owen- season. Smith emerged as the highest-ranked Diary dates: Oct 23, Mixed Teams of UK pair, achieving a remarkable 159th Four, Street. Nov 6, Swiss Teams, Wool - place. a vington. Dec 5, Men’s and Ladies’ Pairs, In the Swiss Pairs at Brighton, Chris West Camel. Cooper and partner achieved 28th place from a field of 352 pairs. Kathy and Staffs and Shrops Denis Talbot won the Monday Open Pairs. Robert Procter, Michael Robin - www.staffsandshrops.org.uk son, Nathan Piper and Ian Angus WE welcome Kath Adams reached 8th place from a field of 164 on to the County Com- teams in the Brighton Bowl. Meanwhile mittee as our new at Cwmbran, Maxine and Stuart Henry Treasurer. reached 11th place in the Swiss Pairs The winners of the From the left: Manchester CBA’s Rhona Goldenfield, Jim Luck, Kath Nelson from a field of 86 pairs. Phoenix Trophy were Paul Cutler and U

B The Oxfordshire Congress attracted a James Vickers. E and Bernard Goldenfield, winners of the Seniors Swiss Teams

: o t at the Brighton Summer Meeting. record entry this year. Beryl Kerr and Apologies to Pat Poxon and Gillian o h

P partner won the Swiss Pairs, with Ed Allsop: they should have been down as

www.ebu.co.uk October 2010 English Bridge 51 the winners of the Ladies’ Pairs. Jason Alastair Dunbar 3rd. venues). Jan 7-9 2011, Midland Counties Hackett won the Pairs at Scarborough. Venture Pairs: 1. N/S Frank Howard – Congress. Yorkshire Avril Strong, 2. N/S Tony Whitely – More information available from www.ycba.freeserve.co.uk/ Carson Pratt; 1. E/W Pam Bache – www.warwickshirebridge.co.uk or SANDY Davies, David Suffolk Doreen O’Dell, 2. E/W Mayra Henday – Sandra Squires sandra_squires@email . Robin son, Graham Jepson Nelly Wheelwright. Sussex Green Point com . www.suffolkbridge.co.uk and David Musson were Swiss Teams: 1. Sue and Chris Taylor, SUFFOLK County Chair - winners of the Champion- Linda Fleet and Peggy Moss; 2. Gerald man Andrew Moore has Wiltshire ship Teams at the EBU’s Scarborough Soper, Terry Goldsmith, Brian Ransley, been monopolising the Congress. Brian Mcquire. www.wcba.co.uk prizes recently. He and Alex Hydes and James Thrower A great result in Brighton for Andrew David Price retained their Seniors title THE county is building (photo below) won the Swiss Pairs event Southwell – Matthew Hoskins who (68.8%), from Julian Lang – David up to the start of the at the EBU’s Riviera Congress. finished 3rd in the first weekend in the Morran (63.3%) in second and Claude new season. At the time Roy Garthwaite, Heather Hobson Swiss Pairs. Seniors Swiss Teams: 4. Stokes – Jeff Orton (62.3%) in third. of writing, entries are coming in well for and Janet and Ted Latham won the Roger Poulter – Pyers Pennant, 46. Then Andrew and his wife Jane won the the two leagues and for the knock-out Mixed Pivot Teams at the Brighton Mary Briant – Judith Brown. Wednesday Married Pairs (61.8%), from Elaine and competitions. Summer Meeting. They were also the Open Pairs: 2. Matthew Hoskins –Jens Alan Green (59.7%) in second; third Players should note that our Sunday runners-up in the Gerard Faulkner Toft. Second Weekend: in the Teams place was tied between Jenny and David events will be held at a new venue this Salver (Seniors Knock-out Teams). event Jeremy Willans was in the team Price, and Maureen and John Heath season, at the Wyvern Club in Devizes. The York A team finished in 5th place that came 2nd in the B Final and 7th in (57.3%). Also with his wife Jane, Andrew Consult the county web site for in the final of the EBU’s Garden Cities the B Final were Matthew Hoskins, won the Clare Swiss Pairs (93 VP), from directions. competition. Andrew Southwell, Mick Carrington Julian Lang – David Morran (89 VP) in Congratulations to the Swindon Congratulations also to the and Richard Fedrick; well done to all of second and Jan Wynne – Audrey Tillet quintet (Andrew Law, Bob Bannister, following on their successes in county them. (88 VP) in third. Roy France, Sam Sloan and Kathy events and club congresses: Malton Diary dates: Oct 17, Basic bridge Diary dates: Sunday Oct 31, Club Hodgson) who reached the semi-final Swiss Teams: Stuart Davies, Giles Pairs, East Grinstead. Oct 24, Ladies’ Teams-of-Eight, Woodbridge. Sunday of the NICKO Plate, losing to a Young Foster, Richard Winter and Tom Pairs, Patcham. Nov 13, Chairman’s Nov 7, Novice Pairs, Risbygate. Sunday Chelsea team at that stage. Copeland. John Gerrard Simultaneous Cup, Avenue. Dec 5, Basic Bridge Pairs, Dec 5, Club Teams of Four, Ipswich Pairs: 1. Sylvia Symons – Frank Leigh Bognor. Bowls Club.Full details of all events on Worcestershire (Leeds), 2. George Bak – Gill Copeland the SCBA website. (Bradford), 3, Derek Markham – Giles Warwickshire www.worcestershirebridge.co.uk Foster (Bradford); 204 pairs took part SUMMER is a quiet from thirteen clubs. York shire Flitch: Surrey www.warwickshirebridge.co.uk time for Worcestershire Annette and Mike Jackson. Waddington www.surreycountybridge.org.uk OVER one hundred bridge as everyone goes Cup Final: Bradford (Alan Jarvis, Giles people celebrated the MANY congratulations to Bob Rowlands on holiday, but there is Foster, Tony McNiff and Sue Logan). grand opening of the new still some news to report. Newcomers Pivot Teams: Chris Riggall, who is this year’s winner of the John purpose-built Coventry Armstrong Award for exem plary sports - A team from Pershore Bridge Club Gill Woodcock, Julia Broady and Marie and North Warwickshire (Wilf Atkinson, Ken Southwell, Bernard Hallam. manship in bridge (see page 25). Peter Bridge Club on 25th July, Lee collected the award on Bob’s behalf Palmer, Sally Martin) won the Avon In schools bridge, the Yorkshire which was opened by the Lord Mayor Cup, and at the Nottinghamshire Green- Schools Cup and Christine Asquith Trophy at the Brighton Summer Meeting. (see page 38). Guests included EBU Also at Brighton Angela McCready – pointed Weekend John Sansom, Pam teams-of-four events were won by Jack Board Members Malcolm Oliver and Pearce, Joyce Skelton and Sandy Davies Simm – Sam Smith (Harrogate) with John Samuels won the B Final at the Graham Jepson, World Chief TD Max Seniors Congress. won the Teams event, with Pam and Manchester team-mates. A special award Bavin and Daily Mail Bridge Corres - John also finishing second in the Pairs. was made for excellent play by Matthew Shirley Pritchard, Graham Hudson, pondent Peter Donovan. David Jones, Peter Bentley and an out-of-county Diary dates: Mon Oct 4, Closed Poulter (Leeds) and Julian Ostrowski Club President, expressed the hope that Teams Qualifier*. Sat Oct 9, Irene Allen (Barnsley). The Yorkshire Schools Pairs player were runners-up in the Teams at with a forty-table capacity and the most the Eastbourne Seniors Congress. ‘Non Expert’ Swiss Pairs, Stourbridge, competition was won by Joseph up-to-date technology, Coventry would 1pm. Sat Oct 30, Malvern Green Pointed Cresswell – Daniel Cerigo. Details of forthcoming events for the become a major bridge venue. The new season are available on the website Swiss Pairs, Bransford, 1pm. Sun Oct Diary dates: Oct 24, Nelson Rose opening pairs event was won by Mike 31, Malvern Green Pointed Swiss Teams, Bowl, Harrogate. Oct 31, Yorkshire – contact Frances Trebble ( 01252 Butler – Peter Donovan. 679883 for further details. Bransford, 12 noon. Mon Nov 8, Mixed League (Match 1). Nov 14, Ryedale Pairs, Congratulations to our Dawe s team Teams (Bill Dalman Trophy). Mon Nov New Earswick. Nov 21, Yorkshire of David Jones, Gary Watson, George 22, Grand Prix Teams. Sun Nov 28, League (Match 2). Nov 28, YCBA 75th Sussex Cuthbertson, Ian Handley, Roger Bryant, Inter-club Teams for Healey Cup. Mon Anniversary Event, Walshford). Dec 5, Dave Kenward and Mike Leese, Steve www.sccba.co.uk Dec 6, Mixed Pairs. Mon Dec 20, Yorkshire League (Match 3). Dec 19, Wood on winning the National County Christmas Charity Swiss Team, 7pm. Mixed Pivot Teams, New Earswick. r NOVICE Swiss Teams: Teams of Eight Final in July. 1. Mark Withington, Ann WPL winners: George Cuthbertson – Bradstock, Dave Collard Ian Handley (PremA), Roy Moore – and Ros Osbourne; 2. Ann Norman Selwyn (PremB), Mark Binder, Maggie Conway, Johnson – Joan Macleod(PremC). Frances Wallace and Jose - Teams League: Div. 1: WMBC (Hackett); phine Forrester. Div. 2: WMBC (Poole); Div. 3, Moseley The hot summer must have (Heighway). diminished the numbers at the Ardingly Sutton BC winners of the Joyce Hare Swiss Pairs this year but a fiercely Teams : Anne Woosnam, Barbara Wren, competitive day ensued with Mike Nick Woosnam, Mike Morriss. Dancy – Amanda Bolton coming top, Diary dates: Sunday Oct 17, Frank George Phillips – Valerie Frearson Cup, WMBC, 1.45pm. Nov 22-26, second, and Peter Llewellyn-Jones – County Simultaneous Pairs (various

OCTOBER 19 is the closing date for the submission of county reports for the next issue of English Bridge. U

B London’s Alex Hydes (left) and Yorkshire’s James Thrower, E

: o Please e-mail: [email protected] t winners of the English Riviera Swiss Pairs event o h P

52 English Bridge October 2010 www.ebu.co.uk A day in the life of . . . Jason’s Top Tip

If you have a bad board, forget about it and move on Jason Hackett to the next hand.

There is no point in flapping around if Initially introduced to bridge at the age of 11 by mother Olivia, by 16 Jason Hackett and you have a bad result on one board: his twin brother, Justin, were the youngest ever players in the World Pairs you will just lose concentration and put Championship in Miami Beach in 1986, and soon they went on to become European off your partner. By all means tear your Junior Champions and World Junior champions. They were also in the England bridge hair out if you are playing in an event where screens are used and your team that won a Silver Medal in the Open Teams at the 2008 Mind Sports Games and partner cannot see you, but in normal were part of the Europe team in the recently held in Cardiff. duplicate events showing your frus - tration will just get you a worse result MY day starts late, as usually my nights bridge profes sional, I quite frequently play on the next (and maybe subsequent) stretch into the very small hours of the with friends. I just enjoy playing, it does not board. You will do much better if you cherish morning. If I play poker on-line (most matter with whom, though of course when partnership harmony and keep your nights), I may not finish before 6am, so if it comes to the main national events I have mouth shut. The post-mortem can wait I am to get a good sleep I don’t get up to be careful which team I play for, as poor till the end of the session, when you can much before 3 or 4pm. It will come as no results would weaken my chances of being talk things over calmly over a drink. surprise that I then need lots of espresso chosen to re present England in inter na tion - before I really join the land of the living! al cham pion ships. That is my top priority. Once I am properly If I am not out playing though, and continued to Mongolia by car, awake, I start thinking of bridge, or occasionally which enabled us to see places at our own breakfast, which is either live poker, I go out for a pace. This seemed adventurous enough to a continental-style affair meal with friends. I me, so I rejected the option of travelling or a sushi or even some- hardly ever eat at home, through Mongolia on horseback – without thing more substantial, though I enjoy cooking a saddle – which is a local tourist attraction. depending on how and actua lly do a mean Although I enjoy visiting far away hungry I am. I am very fish carpaccio (tuna or countries, my favourite part of the world is much into food, espe - sea-bass) with grape - the South-West of France. The climate is cially French or Asian, fruit after a Gen naro good, the food and wine superb, there are and I like to try all sorts Contal do Italian recipe I lots of places and things to see, and of international cuisines. found on the internet. naturism, which I like to practise, is well i

This is easy in Man ches - h Carpac cio is a way of supported. Moreover, the region can easily c c a T ter, where I live and preparing food without be reached by car, which has the added n o R

where there are lots of : cooking it, and I am very advantage that I can bring back to Man- o t o ethnic eating places h much into that sort of chester lots of local produce! P which also deliver food, thing. Apart from recipes By now it will be clear that food, drink so I don’t have to go out in order to have a found on the ’net, I have built up quite a and congenial company are very important tasty and exotic afternoon snack. collection from travelling around Europe to me. That is why I particularly enjoy I spend the rest of the afternoon pot- and the world, and I am always prepared to playing in bridge tournaments in Ireland, tering on the computer; I regularly update try out something new in restaurants. At the France and Spain where the playing my Facebook page or might play more moment I am sampling Yemeni and Afghan schedule is not as intense as in England, and poker if there is any going on. If I get up dishes, which are meat-based, though my allows time for socialising with fellow early, I go for a walk – usually once or favourite food is probably fish – especially players around the restaurant table or at the twice a week. My walks are serious affairs, fish cheeks, a delicacy I discovered in China. bar. In fact, this is where, in my view, live some ten-mile hikes in the hills, and Travelling is my great passion in life, and poker scores more highly then bridge: it is although I often go with friends I also I pursue it as much as I can, preferably by played in better venues with greater em pha - enjoy walking on my own. Considering my car. I dislike flying, not just because the si s on hospitality. weight, I am reasonably fit, so I can keep space in airplanes is cramped, but also Apart from this, I enjoy both games: going for quite a distance, though the because I detest the petty bureaucracy at bridge provides much more of an intel - occasional stop in a coffee shop – if I come immi gration in many foreign airports. I am lectual challenge, but I like the fact that at across any – is welcome. not adverse to travelling by train, though, poker you are on your own and, if you play What I do in the evening depends on and one of my most memorable journeys on-line, it is at times of your choosing. I am whether I am playing bridge with a client or was on the Trans-Siberian railway ten years quite happy to play poker by night and play not. If I don’t have a bridge commitment, I ago. I learnt Russian at school, so I could bridge, or go travelling, by day. r end up playing twice a week on-line on manage some form of interaction with BBO, or I might go and play at a club or fellow passengers, which I greatly enjoyed. To read more about Jason Hackett, visit congress with a friend. Although I am a My friends and I stopped at Irkutsk, www.ebu.co.uk/general/biographies/players .

www.ebu.co.uk October 2010 English Bridge 53 L

A A chat I R O T

I with the Editor D

E Elena Jeronimidis

Summer pleasures friends for being a mere club player. story is told by an American teenager who However, I do appreciate being given the knows nothing about bridge but acts as the BY the time you receive this issue, Autumn op por tunity to express the view that the ‘card turner’ for his blind great-uncle, a will be well under way, but as I write this national press has capitalised on the bridge bridge player of great repute. In the course page Summer is lingering on, and I wish I element in the case to suggest that there is of the novel, the narrator acquires an in- could take my computer outside and work something in the game that leads to strife depth knowledge of the game as well as an in the garden. At least I can still take my post and even violence, which I’m sure I am not under standing of himself and his family. to a comfortable chair under the shade of the only one to dispute. I very much doubt It is indeed a very good read, not just for the pear tree, though, and as my postbag has that a difference in bridge standards leads the teenage market at which it is aimed but been huge I have been able to spend a lot of to murder – or half the bridge-playing also for all those who love their bridge or time enjoying the weather and your letters. popu la tion might be seri ously at risk. It is, even non-players who are curious about the First, a big thank you to all those who however, a fact that un pleas ant ness at the fas ci n a tion of the game. Wisely, bridge have written in praise of English Bridge. I bridge table is an area where clubs and other tuition is kept to a minimum, but the way in always say – and I mean it – that I want to bridge organ isers need to be firm and keep which the game can hook you is beautifully hear if there is anything you don’t like in the such situations under control. The EBU con veyed. So, a big thank you to my cor re - magazine but, boy, isn’t it nice to receive the does have a Best Behaviour at Bridge policy spondent for bringing this book to my occasional word of praise! ‘I rely on English which, if pro perly implemented, goes a long attention: it will do very nicely as a present Bridge for an interesting, entertaining mag - way towards ensuring that no bullying takes for several friends and family at Christmas! azine with just enough about tournament place at the table and that victims of bad and international results to tell us what is behaviour are protected at least while play - Can you help? going on without the twenty-page reports,’ ing bridge. writes Tim Lawrence from Farnham Com - As for Stephen Green having played in the I have received this question from John mon. And ‘As a new reader, your magazine World Championships at Lille, yes he did, Lyon-Maris, by e-mail: ‘Most bridge players is great,’ says Paul Goddard of Oakwood, but not, as Mr Parkinson rightly surmises, roughly split a pack into two halves and London. So I’d like to change my standard as an officially selected team player. At then shuffle them. Sometimes the break plea: please write to say what you don’t like some inter national cham pion ships there could be say 66/33%. Is there any research in the magazine, but also let me know what are events open to all bona fide mem bers which might determine the likely outcome it is that you do like. Your letters will of their respective national bridge orga - of the distribution using the same packs brighten up the grey of the Winter to come. nisations. They don’t need to be great over a number of games as a result of vary - players to enter – all they need is to have ing shuffle sizes?’ In the news paid up their member ship fees, and be able My attempts to provide an answer having to afford the entry fee and the expense of miserably failed, may I enlist your help? If Tony Parkinson writes from Reading: playing abroad. The infer ence that Stephen you can reply to Mr Lyon-Maris’s question, ‘Would you care to comment on the strange Green had a high bridge standing because let’s hear from you – by e-mail, please. case of the bridge player convicted of mur - he played in Lille is nonsense. dering his wife for not being a very good Fireworks player? The gentleman in question, one The fascination of bridge Stephen Green, is described in the press as Finally, thank you all those readers who playing for England in the 1998 World On a happier note, John Cumming of have suggested more topics for debate, Champion ships. There seem to me to be Ashtead has sent me several e-mails about notably Michael Gwilliam of Fareham, who two flaws in this story. One, I’ve never heard , the latest book by Louis still cannot believe that I could not ‘find of him – this may be a flaw of mine rather Sachar – who featured in our ‘ Two-Minute someone to argue the case for an alternative than his, and two, I can find no evidence of Interview’ in the February 2009 English method to a take-out double against pre- his name among the participants in Lille.’ Bridge: ‘I have found it a great read and emptive opening bids.’ It’s all too true! And Well, I actually don’t much care about absolutely enthralling . . . It’s a great story now I cannot find anyone prepared to argue com menting on what was a terrible tragedy. interwoven with good bridge . . . I’m sure it that Splintering With a Singleton Honour Stephen Green was convicted of murdering will bring a tear to many a player’s eye.’ May Not Be a Capital Sin . . . But I have his wife Carole by stabbing her one hundred I could not resist such a recommend a - found two debaters ready to argue whether times in their flat; at the trial, it emerged tion, and immediately acquired the book. It Women Are as Good as Men at Bridge, so be that he repeatedly belittled her in front of was more happy reading in the garden: the ready for the fireworks! r

54 English Bridge October 2010 www.ebu.co.uk www.ebu.co.uk October 2010 English Bridge 55