Number One Hundred and Forty-One September 2014 Bernard Magee’s Acol Bidding Quiz BRIDGEYou are West in the auctions below, playing ‘Standard Acol’ with a weak no-trump (12-14 points) and 4-card majors.

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South ? 2♣ Pass 2♦ Pass 1♥ 1NT Pass 1NT 2♣* ? ? ? *Shows hearts & another suit

2. Dealer West. Love All. 5. Dealer North. Love All. 8. Dealer South. Love All. 11. Dealer West. Love All. ♠ A K 8 2 ♠ A 8 ♠ A Q ♠ K 2

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South 1NT Pass 2♦* Pass 3♣ Dbl Pass 2♠* 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass 2♥* Pass 3♦ Pass ? ? 1NT Pass 2♦ Pass ? *Transfer to hearts *Weak. 6 spades. 6-10 HCP. ?

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South 1♥ Pass 1NT Pass 1♥ 1♠ Dbl* 1♥ 1♠ 2♥ 1♠ 2♣ ? ? *Take-out double ? ?

Answers on page 7 Answers on page 8 Answers on page 11 Answers on page 19 1790 MR Bridge Bang to Sing ad amended_Layout 1 27/05/2014 16:24 Page 1

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DATE PORT ARRIVE DEPART FEB 16 Depart UK FEB 17 Arrive BANGKOK Thailand Transfer to hotel overnight hotel FEB 18 BANGKOK Thailand overnight hotel FEB 19 BANGKOK Thailand Embark Aegean Odyssey 8.00pm FEB 20 At Sea FEB 21 KO SAMUI Thailand 6.00am 1.00pm FEB 22 SIHANOUKVILLE Cambodia 7.00am (Phnom Penh) 8.00pm FEB 23 At Sea FEB 24 HO CHI MINH CITY Vietnam noon overnight CRUISE TO FEB 25 HO CHI MINH CITY Vietnam 2.00pm FEB 26 At Sea FEB 27 KUANTAN Malaysia 1.00pm 6.00pm THE JEWELS OF FEB 28 At Sea MAR 1 MALACCA Malaysia 7.00am 6.00pm MAR 2 SINGAPORE 7.00am Disembark and transfer to SOUTHEAST ASIA Singapore Airport for flight home Departs February 16, 2015 fares from £2,795pp include: • SCHEDULED ECONOMY CLASS FLIGHTS Enjoy a daily duplicate on this wonderful cruise. with free regional connections from selected UK airports Sail with Mr & Mrs Bridge to the jewels of Thailand, •EXPERT GUEST SPEAKER PROGRAMME Cambodia, Vietnam and Malaysia. Enjoy daily • DAILY DUPLICATE BRIDGE duplicates, seminars and afternoon bridge when • BRIDGE SEMINARS WHEN AT SEA at sea. With sightseeing excursions in all ports • SIGHTSEEING EXCURSIONS AT MOST PORTS OF CALL visited, this promises to be another truly • OPEN-SEATING DINING memorable voyage. • MR BRIDGE WELCOME DRINKS PARTY • COMPLIMENTARY WINE WITH DINNER ON BOARD • GRATUITIES FOR ON-BOARD CABIN AND RESTAURANT STAFF • OVERSEAS TRANSFERS AND BAGGAGE HANDLING MR BRIDGE VALUE FARES† Standard Inside from £2,795 Outside from £3,195 Balcony from £4,250 PAST PASSENGERS ON AEGEAN ODYSSEY ENJOY ADDITIONAL DISCOUNTS – CALL NOW please ask for details Join Mr & Mrs Bridge on a visit to ON 01483 489961 ANGKOR WAT, CAMBODIA TO RESERVE YOUR Depart UK on the 13th and extend your Bangkok stay with a 3-day excursion by air CABIN, OR VISIT to Siem Reap in Cambodia to visit the www.mrbridge.co.uk magnificent temple ruins at Angkor. 2 NIGHTS SIEM REAP/1 NIGHT BANGKOK †All prices shown are per person, based on double occupancy, available only on certain cabin grades, Supplement including flights are subject to availability at the time of booking and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Twin sharing £589pp/Single £695pp *Single accommodation is available only in certain categories and is subject to availability.

10093 TO VOYAGES ANTIQUITY ABTA No.Y2206 FEATURES 5 Mail Order Form 1 Bidding Quiz 5 Subscriptions to BRIDGE Better Hand by Bernard Magee 6 Bernard Magee DVDs BRIDGE 4 Mr Bridge 7 Classical Greece & Evaluation Ryden Grange, Knaphill, 7 Bidding Quiz Answers Adriatic with Bernard Magee Surrey GU21 2TH (1-3) by Bernard Magee Voyages to Antiquity ( 01483 489961 8 Bidding Quiz Answers 8 Bridge Events at Introduction (4-6) by Bernard Magee Elstead Hotel [email protected] Better Hand Evaluation is www.mrbridge.co.uk 11 Bidding Quiz Answers 9 Discover Japan & China aimed at helping readers to (7-9) by Bernard Magee aboard Minerva add greater accuracy to their shop: www.mrbridge.co.uk/ 12 Machines – Good or Bad? 10 Bridge Event bidding. It deals with auctions mrbridge-shop in which you and your partner, by John Barr Booking Form against silent opponents, can Publisher and 13 David Stevenson 10 Bridge Events with describe your hands fully to Managing Editor Answers Your Questions Bernard Magee each other and, by evaluating Mr Bridge them accurately, find the best 13 Defence Quiz 11 Dalmatia & the Aegean final contract. The emphasis of Associate Editor and by Julian Pottage with Voyages to Antiquity all good, accurate bidding is on Bridge Consultant 14 The Prestwich Bequest 12 Mr Bridge 2015 Diaries hand evaluation. Bernard Magee by David Bird 13 Duplicate Bridge There are two general types of auction: a) a fit is found and b) bernardmagee 16 Declarer Play Quiz Rules Simplified @mrbridge.co.uk no fit is found. by David Huggett 16 S R Designs Bridge Tables When you do not have a fit, Cartoons & Illustrations 17 Julian Pottage 18 Tips for Better Bridge you are aiming to describe the Marguerite Lihou Answers Your Questions strength of your hand as soon 19 France, Spain & Morocco www.margueritelihou.co.uk 18 Bridge and Travel Tips as possible, most often using with Voyages to Antiquity no-trump bids. This book be- Customer Services 19 Bidding Quiz Answers 20 Genesis Choice gins by discussing balanced Catrina Shackleton (10-12) by Bernard Magee hand bidding in Acol, as it Travel Insurance [email protected] 21 Accelerated Bridge is very important that both 23 Mediterranean Cruises members of a partnership Teaching by Ned Paul Technical Consultant with Voyages to Antiquity have an accurate knowledge of Tony Gordon 22 Mary’s Ninth Lesson how to show hands of different 25 Croatia with Mr Bridge by Liz Dale strengths. Typesetting & Design 27 Mr Bridge Tie When a fit is found, there is Ruth Edmondson 24 Rovinj, Croatia – Part 1 29 Bernard Magee’s much re-evaluation of the [email protected] by Bernard Magee Tutorial Software hand to be done; point count, 26 Cruise Report though still important, needs Proof Readers by Richard Wheen 32 S R Designs Leather Gifts to be evaluated together with Tony & Jan Richards distribution. The best way of 28 Why is Cue Bidding 34 Tunisia with Mr Bridge Richard Wheen reaching an accurate assess­ Hugh Williams so Useful? 34 QPlus 11 ment is to use the Losing Trick by Julian Pottage 36 Mr Bridge Count; this is an important Office Manager method of hand evaluation and 30 The Summer of 1958 Just Duplicate Bridge takes up a number of chapters. Rachel Everett by Shireen Mohandes [email protected] 36 Charity Events 33 September 2014 Finally, we move on to different 37 Mr Bridge forms of evaluation including Events & Cruises by Jeremy Dhondy Playing Cards game tries and splinter bids. ( 01483 489961 35 Catching Up You can never know enough 38 Clive Goff’s Stamps Rosie Baker by Sally Brock methods of hand evaluation; [email protected] 39 Bridge Events at the more you learn, the better 37 Declarer Play Answers Jessica Galt The Olde Barn Hotel you get at judging your hand. by David Huggett [email protected] 40 Denham Grove Although the Losing Trick 38 Readers’ Letters Megan Riccio Filming Weekend 2015 Count is used more easily in [email protected] 42 Seven Days tandem with your partner, a 41 Bridge Events at large proportion of the ideas by Sally Brock Sophie Pierrepont Blunsdon House Hotel in this book can be used by an [email protected] 45 Defence Quiz Answers individual. For example, eval- 41 Subscriptions to BRIDGE uating your hand to be worth Clubs & Charities by Julian Pottage 44 2014 Festive Season an extra point is going to help 46 The Diaries of Maggie Axtell with Mr Bridge anyone you partner – as long [email protected] Wendy Wensum as you get it right. 47 Cruises to Ancient Address Changes ADVERTISEMENTS Civilisations with ( 01483 485342 £14 including UK postage 2 Bangkok to Singapore Voyages to Antiquity Elizabeth Bryan with Voyages to Antiquity 48 Clearance Sale See Mail Order Form [email protected] on page 5. 3 Better Hand Evaluation 48 QPlus Trade-In

BRIDGE September 2014 Page 3 Name needed all adapted easily to the to buy Windows for Mac The price is £520 per new operating software. software to use them. person, no single The new telephone system supplement and inclusive of is yet to be fully integrated. REPLACEMENT full board and car ferry When it has been, the new (minimum two people per database management You might just need a vehicle). Ring the office for system will come into its replacement CD as nothing a programme of the event these days lasts forever it own. The postage machine and a hotel brochure. means I spend less with seems. Before everything is Some regular supporters of Clive Goff and save time sealed, it might well be my events up in the north not sticking stamps on possible to fix you up at west are keen to come for envelopes. relatively modest cost. the week. For an extra Last month I rambled on so Also, my team in the office charge I plan to provide a NEW PACKAGING much I failed to use my are all trained to re-install coach from Lytham with Round Tuit. There was no In future all my DVDs your QPlus and Bernard pick ups in Liverpool and Mrs Bridge cake for the (films) are to be marketed Magee software. They really Manchester. It will return 20th birthday of this with sealed wrappers. For are very patient and from Sandown after publication. this reason all the old stock helpful. Give them a ring. breakfast on 9 February. Such an arrangement could I suppose that now BRIDGE of DVDs is now being WINTER HOLIDAYS also be provided from is metamorphosing cleared – Mrs Bridge is spitting blood at these north London via Victoria from an entirely free I went to Sandown on the wasteful marketing and Guildford. Like I said, promotional publication, Isle of Wight last week with practices. Purely cosmetic ring for details. into a self-supporting my friends the Honours, she says… and she’s right, monthly, it should have a below, to review The The heading said winter of course. The film you new name. Bridge Monthly Trouville as a bridge venue. holidays, so I must mention watch really is just the immediately springs to Well, it is just the right size Tunisia in November and same. However, if I am to mind. What do you think? for us and we will have the March, their weak currency widen the market for these Please let me know quickly whole hotel to ourselves making the all-inclusive products, of which I am as I need to get going from 2-9 February. holidays attractive with the marketing enormously proud, then pricewise. Sharm el Sheik I have tried the food, and promotion. they need to be packed and for the last two weeks in presented properly. studied the menus and I am January at the all-inclusive really sure that it has The same applies to all CDs Three Corners resort WHAT’S NEW everything I could want for developed, distributed and provides real winter sun a successful bridge event. To mollify those who write published by my company. for those that want it. and complain there is too Attempts are made, from Mrs Bridge will be with me much Sally Brock and time to time, to copy and along with a team of hosts BRIDGE TABLE Bernard Magee, my sell pirate versions. One and helpers to greet you. resident programmer has way for me to deal with We will stay for the first few Mrs Goldsmith, who lives written new software to this problem is to nights until Bernard Magee in the Edgware area, has an enable blogs for bridge cellophane wrap. In future, joins the party to host the almost new table for sale players to be able to those with AppleMac second leg of what promises at £25. It must be collected. incorporate bridge hands computers really will need to be a great event. ( 0208 958 5080. easily. This is important as, let’s face it, it’s the bridge you want. With immediate effect, I have launched separate Sally Brock and Bernard Magee blogs. Do visit my website: www.mrbridge.co.uk

OTHER NEWS Our new computers, purchase of which as has been made necessary by Microsoft stopping support for Windows XP, are working well and we have

Page 4 BRIDGE September 2014 REPRINT ✄ Mr Bridge MAIL ORDER PLAY SOFTWARE TUTORIAL DVDs NOVELTIES QPlus 11 £92.00 ...... 2011 Series – £25 each Mr Bridge Torch Pen (boxed) £5.00 ...... QPlus Trade-in £50.00 ...... Ruffing for Extra Tricks ...... Mr Bridge Pound for Life QPlus 10 (S/Hand) £50.00 ...... Competitive Auctions ...... Keyring £5.00 ...... Bridge Baron 24 £69.00 ...... Making the Most of High Cards ...... Mr Bridge Tie £15.00 ...... Bridge Baron Trade-in for 24 £35.00 ...... Identifying & BOOKS Bidding Slams ...... I am reprinting the Round Duplicate Bridge Rules Tuit because the stock TUTORIAL SOFTWARE Play & Defence of Simplified £5.95 ...... 1NT Contracts ...... clearances represent Begin Bridge/Acol £66.00 ...... Better Hand Evaluation extra-ordinary value. The Acol Bidding £66.00 ...... Doubling & Defence Bernard Magee £14.00 ...... to Doubled Contracts ...... wrappings really don’t Advanced Tips for Better Bridge matter, it’s the content. The Acol Bidding £96.00 ...... All 6 DVDs Bernard Magee £14.00 ...... as a boxed set £100.00 ...... software is supported by my Declarer Play £76.00 Robin Hood’s Bridge Memoirs David Bird £12.00 ...... back-up team a phone call Advanced 2012 Series – £25 each away here at Ryden Grange. Declarer Play £81.00 Leads ...... Bridge Adventures of Robin Hood – David Bird £12.00 ...... Defence £76.00 ...... Losing Trick Count ...... MORE MARMITE Five-Card Majors with Making a Plan as Declarer ...... MR BRIDGE DIARIES Strong No-Trump £89.00 ...... Responding to 1NT ...... for 2015 (now in stock) Better Bridge 2011 Red .... Green .... £6.95 ...... with Signals & Discards ...... Bernard Magee £69.00 ...... Endplays ...... Navy .... Maroon .... £6.95 ...... Bundleware Offer All 6 DVDs Club Prices 10 for £35 ...... Any two CDs £140.00 ...... as a boxed set £100.00 ...... Luxury Kidrell Covers & pen: Ruby Red £14.95 ...... TEA TOWELS 2013 Series – £25 each Navy Blue £14.95 ...... Life’s a Game, but Hand Evaluation ...... £7.00 Club Prices 10 for £90 ...... Take a bow Marguerite Bridge is Serious ...... Pre-Empting ...... Lihou (pictured above) The Pot Boiler. A Double Splinter & Cue-Bids ...... SUBS Dummy Problem £7.00 ...... Introductory Rates) whose caricatures enliven Avoidance ...... ( these pages. 10 Commandments for 12 Months £20.00 ...... Bridge Players £7.00 ...... Pairs Play & Defence ...... 24 Months £35.00 ...... 10 Commandments for Thinking Defence ...... 36 Months £50.00 ...... GOFFIE’S STAMPS Duplicate Players £7.00 ...... All 6 DVDs £100.00 Remember, Clive Goff’s 25 Road Traffic Signs for as a boxed set ...... 12 Months Overseas: discounted stamp service is Bridge Players £7.00 ...... PICK ‘N’ MIX Europe £50.00 ...... really worth a try. We Are Survivors £7.00 ...... Any 6 DVDs £105.00 ...... Outside Europe £95.00 ...... Value supplied in two stamps, combined to make Prices are inclusive of VAT and postage to UK mainland. up the 53p, 2nd class rate. 2nd class to you at 44p. 1st I enclose a cheque for £...... class 62p, still only 50p to Mr/Mrs/Miss ...... you. Available in lots of 100. ( 0208 422 4906. Address......

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What else indeed? Well, Postcode...... ( ...... there is Denham Filming, Festive Bridge at the Olde Barn and Denham Grove. Croatia in May with Bernard Magee and a full Expiry: ...... CVV ...... Issue No...... selection of cruises for you (CVV is the last 3 numbers on the signature strip) to pick and choose from. Make your cheque payable to Mr Bridge and send to: Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH All good wishes, ( 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop

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BRIDGE September 2014 Page 5 BERNARD MAGEE Boxed Sets of six DVDs

Series 1 Series 2 Series 3 1 Ruffing for Extra Tricks 7 Leads 13 Hand Evaluation This seminar deals with declarer’s Bernard takes you through all the Going beyond just the point-count use of ruffing to make extra tricks basic leads and the importance of is important if you want to improve. and then looks at how the defenders your choice of lead. If you start to Reaching & making 3NT on 24 HCP; might counteract this. (74 mins.) think not just about your hand, but and avoiding 3NT on 26 HCP when about your partner’s too, then you there are only 7 or 8 tricks. (110 mins.) 2 Competitive Auctions will get much better results. (95 mins.) This seminar focuses on competitive 14 Pre-Emptive Bidding auctions from the perspective of the 8 Losing Trick Count The art of pre-empting is so important overcalling side and then from the A way of hand evaluation for when in the modern game. Understanding perspective of the opening side in you find a fit. Bernard deals with the the right types of hand to bid up the second part. (86 mins.) basics of the losing trick count then on and realising the importance of looks at advanced methods to hone position and vulnerability. (96 mins.) 3 Making the Most your bidding. (92 mins.) of High Cards 15 Splinter & Cue-Bids This seminar helps declarer to use 9 Making a Plan Take your slam bidding to another his high cards more carefully and as Declarer level. Splinter bids are a vital tool to then looks at how defenders should Bernard explains how to make a plan add to your armoury & try your hand care for their high cards. (83 mins.) then expands on how to make the at Italian style cue-bidding. (116 mins.) most of your long suits. The first half 4 Identifying deals with no-trumps, the second with 16 Avoidance Play & Bidding Slams suit contracts. (87 mins.) As declarer, an important tactic is The first half of this seminar is about to be in control of the defenders: identifying when a slam might be on 10 Responding to 1NT avoiding a particular defender getting – one of the hardest topics to teach. This seminar deals with Transfers the lead. As a defender, you can try to The second half covers some slam- and Stayman in detail. The 1NT make sure the right player gets the bidding techniques. (96 mins.) opening comes up frequently, so lead at the right time. (88 mins.) having a good, accurate system of 5 Play & Defence responses is paramount. (93 mins.) 17 Play & Defence at Pairs of 1NT Contracts Duplicate Pairs is the game most of This seminar looks at the most 11 Signals & Discards us play and getting used to the tactics common and yet most feared This seminar deals with Count, will make a lot of difference to your of contracts: 1NT. The first half Attitude and Suit-preference signals: performance. Making more overtricks looks at declaring the contract and aiming to get you working as a and making sure you do not give the second part puts us in the partnership in defence. (92 mins.) away tricks as a defender. (90 mins.) defenders’ seats. (88 mins.) 12 Endplay 18 Thinking Defence 6 Doubling & Defence Bernard takes you through the basics By far the hardest aspect of bridge, against Doubled Contracts of the technique before showing some but if you can improve your defence The first half of this seminar magical hands where you take extra your results will quickly improve. explores penalty doubles and the tricks from defenders. In the second Learn how to think through the second half discusses the defence half, Bernard looks at how to avoid defence and get your mind in gear for against doubled contracts. (88 mins.) being endplayed. (80 mins.) the decisions that await you. (87 mins.)

Individual DVDs. £25 each. Individual DVDs. £25 each. Individual DVDs. £25 each. Boxed Set of 6. £100. Boxed Set of 6. £100. Boxed Set of 6. £100.

PICK AND MIX. A BOX OF ANY 6. £105 Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961 email: [email protected] 1815 Mr Bridge third page ad Ist-Ven_Layout 1 29/07 Answers to Bernard Magee’s VOYAGES TO ANTIQUITY Bidding Quizzes 1-3 Classical on the Cover Greece & his second suit. He has five hearts and 1. Dealer West. Game All. at least four diamonds with game-going ♠ A 8 4 values and he is interested in discussing ♥ 7 6 N further. You should support his hearts by Adriatic W E ♦ A 7 6 bidding 3♥. This gives your partner the S JOIN ♣ K 9 5 3 2 chance to explore for greater things if he BERNARD wishes. Here, he might cue bid in clubs MAGEE to suggest a slam and, when you can cue West North East South bid 4♠, 6♥ might be reached. ?

Pass. A simple question. 11 HCP and little 3. Dealer West. N/S Game. distribution, so pass. You do have a ♠ K 9 7 6 ♠ 8 5 4 five-card suit, but its quality should ♥ K Q 8 4 2 N ♥ 5 W E not persuade you to upgrade and all ♦ A 3 ♦ K Q 7 6 5 S your honours are isolated. Notice the ♣ K 2 ♣ Q 9 4 3 vulnerability. If you do ever choose to open light, then generally do it when non-vulnerable. If you did choose to West North East South open with this hand, it would be because 1♥ Pass 1NT Pass Enjoy daily duplicates on this you upgraded it to 12 points and so you ? fascinating bridge cruise to would open 1NT (not 1♣). However, ancient Greece, Croatia and Italy there is no real reason to value the hand Pass. above 11 points. Your partner has shown 6-9 points. So August 6, 2015 12 days from Istanbul to Venice the first point to note is that game is Fly to Istanbul and join Aegean Odyssey likely to be beyond you as you have a Cruise the Dardanelles and maximum of 24 combined points. So past Mount Athos • Thessalonica 2. Dealer West. Love All. your only consideration is to find the best Volos (Meteora) • Patmos Athens • Gythion (Sparta & Mystra) ♠ A K 8 2 ♠ 4 3 denomination for your partscore. Had Preveza (Arta) • Corfu • Dubrovnik ♥ Q J 5 N ♥ A K 7 6 4 East held four spades, he would have Ravenna • Venice • Fly home W E ♦ Q J 4 2 ♦ A K 9 8 3 responded 1♠, so there is no point in S Great value Mr Bridge fares ♣ J 5 ♣ 2 bidding spades, which leaves a choice Standard Inside from £2,095pp between passing 1NT and 2♥. Standard Outside from £2,550pp The maximum number of hearts your Premium Outside from £2,695pp West North East South partner can have is three, the minimum is Single supplement just 10% 1NT Pass 2♦* Pass zero. Also bear in mind that your partner Extend your holiday with hotel stays in Istanbul and/or Venice – please ask for details 2♥* Pass 3♦ Pass might have raised 1♥ to 2♥ on some ? hands with 3-card support (imagine For reservations call *Transfer to hearts swapping East’s hearts and spades on this layout and 2♥ would have been a on 01483 489961 3♥. good response). When East makes a transfer bid, he is If in doubt when rebidding over a 1NT showing five or more cards in the suit response, you should repeat a suit only irrespective of what he bids next. Your with six or more cards. www.mrbridge.co.uk partner is not rebidding diamonds to Passing 1NT leaves you in the best deny hearts, he is bidding them to show partscore. ■ Terms and conditions apply – see brochure for details

BRIDGE September 2014 Page 7 Answers to Bernard Magee’s Bidding Quizzes 4-6 on the Cover

3NT. Your partner’s double is for take- West North East South 4. Dealer West. Love All. out showing about the strength of an 1♥ 1♠ Dbl* ♠ A 9 8 7 6 5 4 ♠ 2 opening bid, with shortage in clubs and ? ♥ A K Q N ♥ J 8 7 6 5 4 support for the other three suits. Holding *Take-out double ♦ A K 6 W E ♦ Q J 2 an opening hand yourself, you should be S ♣ Void ♣ J 8 7 aiming for a game contract. Which is the 4♠. Your partner has made a simple most likely making game contract? overcall of 1♠. He is not showing great With only one long suit, 5♦ is certainly strength, but he should have at least a West North East South one option, but what about no-trumps? five-card suit. When responding to an 2♣ Pass 2♦ Pass Your ♣K is safe if you bid 3NT because overcall with a little bit of distribution, then ? the lead will be coming up to you, so you it is a good idea to support aggressively, should go for it. bidding to the level of your fit. You have 2♠. You chose to open 2♣ because When you have an opening hand and five spades and your partner should also you want to finish in a game contract a stop in the opponents’ suit, then, if you have five: together that makes ten, so bid (probably 4♠) even if your partner holds are not long in an unbid major, it is worth to make ten tricks – jump straight to 4♠. a Yarborough. Give your partner a considering a no-trump contract opposite Over time, it has been shown that this singleton spade with no points at all and a take-out double. 5♦ may well make on tactic works really well. Sometimes 4♠ you would expect only to lose two spades this hand, but 3NT will often score more, will make, but more often it will go off, and one diamond. Your partner’s 2♦ is perhaps +430 instead of +400. giving you a good score because your the negative response: it does not say opponents can make a contract of their anything about diamonds. own. By bidding to the level of your fit Once you have opened 2♣, you do fast, you put maximum pressure on your not need to make a jump rebid in a suit 6. Dealer North. Love All. opponents. They will have to guess at unless you are certain that your suit is the ♠ A 6 5 3 2 ♠ K Q J 9 7 their best contract. 5♥ is a good contract only possible trump suit. Because your ♥ 2 N ♥ 8 7 for East-West, but they might choose to spades are weak, it is not unreasonable ♦ 9 8 7 W E ♦ A 4 double you in 4♠ instead. 4♠ will go one S to think that both diamonds and hearts ♣ Q J 4 3 ♣ 10 8 6 5 or two off, which is certainly better than could make reasonable trump suits if -450 for 5♥ making. ■ your partner has length. Therefore, you should rebid 2♠, knowing your partner has to bid again. Here, your partner will rebid 3♥ and you can settle for hearts as trumps, Elstead Hotel finishing in 6♥ or 7♥, depending on your Bournemouth BH1 3QP ambition. Had you rebid 3♠, then your partner 10-12 October £199 would simply raise to 4♠ to finish the Just Duplicate – Jo Walch auction. 31 October – 2 November £199 Just Duplicate Val Passmore

5. Dealer North. Love All. 14-16 November £199 ♠ A 8 ♠ K Q 6 5 Just Duplicate – Mary Stebbing ♥ 8 5 3 N ♥ A 9 6 4 ♦ K Q J 6 2 W E ♦ A 9 8 5 S 21-23 November £245 ♣ K 8 4 ♣ 2 Doubles – Bernard Magee

West North East South Full Board – No Single Supplement 3♣ Dbl Pass Booking Form on page 10. ?

Page 8 BRIDGE September 2014 Discover Japan & China aboard Minerva with Tony & Jan Richards

Stimulating, informative, relaxing, sociable - just some Japan and China Discovery of the words passengers have used when describing the Swan Hellenic experience. A cruise aboard Minerva is like 3 – 24 January 2015 nothing else, with meticulous attention to the fi nest details 22 Days from £2,999pp No single and with a quality and charm that is simply unique. supplement*

SPECIAL OFFER PRICES Join your Mr Bridge team, along with the crew and sta of Cabin Type Per Person Minerva on a journey of discovery to Japan & China. Enjoy Balcony Saver £8,499 duplicate bridge every evening after dinner. On days at sea Outside Saver £4,999 there are morning seminars and afternoon bridge sessions. Inside Saver £2,999 There are also exclusive drinks parties hosted by Tony & Jan Richards. Exceptional, inclusive value

✓ Mr Bridge programme ✓ All meals included – ✓ A tailor-made shore open-seating dining excursion programme ✓ Captain’s gala nights ✓ All gratuities on board ✓ A selection of engaging and ashore onboard activities ✓ Flights and overseas ✓ Enhanced benefi ts airport transfers in selected cabins ✓ Porterage of luggage ✓ Complimentary ✓ Port taxes, visas chau eur service**

**On all cruises, passengers booking selected cabins (category A-C) within 75 miles of your departing UK airport (London or Manchester only). For passengers living further away, excess mileage charges will apply.

Additional cruises & Grand Voyages available Call 01483 489961 for brochures & bookings

Fares are calculated per person based on two people sharing. Fares apply to new booking only, are correct at the time of going to print and are subject to availability. Saver fares are for unnumbered cabins, which may be berthed on arrival. Payment in full at time of booking, 100% cancellations & amendment fees apply. Cannot be combined with any other offer or loyalty discount, are capacity controlled and may be withdrawn at any time. See brochure for full terms & conditions. Swan Hellenic is a trading name of All Leisure Holidays Ltd. *Subject to availability. 14_0686 ✄ BRIDGE BRIDGE EVENTS with Bernard Magee BREAKS 28-30 Blunsdon House £245 Distributional NEW Hands ♦ Full-board ♦ Two seminars* ♦ All rooms with ♦ Two supervised JANUARY 2015 en-suite facilities play sessions* 23-25 Blunsdon House ♦ No single supplement ♦ Four bridge sessions** £245 Competitive Bidding Please book ..... places for me at £...... per person, 30-1/2 Holiday Inn Single .... Double .... Twin .... Chatsworth Hotel Newport Worthing BN11 3DU £245 Finding Slams Name of Hotel/Centre...... SEPTEMBER Date(s) ...... 26-28 Holiday Inn Newport Mr/Mrs/Miss ...... £245 Doubles

Address...... OCTOBER ...... 3-5 Chatsworth Hotel £245 Game Tries Postcode ...... ( ...... 10-12 Olde Barn Hotel £245 Endplay Elstead Hotel Bournemouth BH1 3QP Email ...... & Avoidance

Special requirements (these cannot be guaranteed, but we will do our best to oblige). FEBRUARY 2015 20-22 Inn on the Prom ...... £245 Better Leads and Switches Please give the name(s) of all those covered by this booking. APRIL 2015 ...... 17-19 Olde Barn Hotel Please send a non-returnable deposit of £50 per person per place by £245 Better Finessing cheque, payable to Mr Bridge. An invoice for the balance will be sent Holiday Inn 24-26 Chatsworth Hotel with your booking confirmation. On receipt of your final payment, Newport, S Wales NP18 2YG £245 Topic TBA 28 days before the event, a programme and full details will be sent together with a map. Cancellations are not refundable. Should you 17-19 Holiday Inn require insurance, you should contact your own insurance broker. Ashford-North £245 Signals & Discards

NOVEMber 7-9 Chatsworth Hotel £245 Hand Evaluation

Expiry: ...... CVV...... Issue No...... 14-16 Blunsdon House (CVV is the last 3 numbers on the signature strip) £245 Further into the Auction Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH. 21-23 Elstead Hotel The Olde Barn Hotel Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT ( 01483 489961 £245 Doubles e-mail: [email protected] website: www.holidaybridge.com Full Board. No Single Supplement. *on tutorial weekends only. **6 sessions on rubber/Chicago & Just Duplicate events. Please note: Just Duplicate events contain no seminars and do not award prizes. See Adjacent Booking Form. ✄

Page 10 BRIDGE September 2014 1815 Mr Bridge third page ad venice to Athens_Layo Answers to Bernard Magee’s VOYAGES TO ANTIQUITY Bidding Quizzes 7-9 Dalmatia on the Cover & the

2NT overcall to show 16-19 points. 7. Dealer North. Game All. With a very good spade stop and ♠ K Q 7 4 ♠ J 10 8 5 17 points, 2NT describes your hand Aegean ♥ 7 3 N ♥ A 10 9 perfectly. Your partner would pass on JOIN ♦ A J 4 2 W E ♦ K Q 8 6 this hand. BERNARD S ♣ 7 4 3 ♣ A J MAGEE

West North East South 9. Dealer North. Love All. 1♥ 1NT Pass ♠ K Q 6 ♠ A J 9 5 4 ? ♥ A 2 N ♥ 7 6 5 ♦ K 8 7 6 5 W E ♦ A 3 S 2♣. ♣ 4 3 2 ♣ Q J 6 Your partner’s 1NT overcall shows 15-18 points and a stop in the opponents’ suit. It is important to play your conventions West North East South over this 1NT bid. You want to be able to 1♥ 1♠ 2♥ use Stayman for the same reasons as you ? need it over an opening 1NT. With 10 HCP, you have the strength for 3♥. Enjoy daily duplicates on this cruise game but, with four spades, you should Your partner has made a simple 1♠ through the beautiful Adriatic check for a spade fit before raising to overcall. Meanwhile, your opponents to the ancient sites of the Aegean game. You bid 2♣, your partner responds have found a fit. Direct raises of your 2♠ and you can raise to 4♠, finding the partner’s suit are competitive – you do July 7, 2015 10 days from Venice to Athens best game. not need high card points, you need Fly to Venice and join length in partner’s suit. You bid to the Aegean Odyssey, then cruise to level of your fit. So when you do have Split • Korcula • Dubrovnik a strong hand, you need to find another Kotor Bay • Corfu • Preveza (Arta) Ithaca • Katakolon (Olympia) 8. Dealer South. Love All. way of showing it. With opening strength Pylos • Monemvasia • Hydra ♠ A Q ♠ 4 3 2 and support for your partner, you want Athens • Fly home ♥ K 6 5 N ♥ A 8 7 4 to suggest that the deal belongs to your Great value Mr Bridge fares ♦ A J 3 2 W E ♦ Q 10 5 side. To show strength, make a bid in the S Standard Inside from £1,795pp ♣ K 8 7 6 ♣ 9 4 3 opponents’ suit: 3♥. Standard Outside from £2,195pp Your partner also holds an opening Premium Outside from £2,350pp hand, so can be confident of game, Single supplement just 10% West North East South but will also know that it will be the Extend your holiday with hotel stays in Venice and/or Athens – please ask for details 2♠* opponents sacrificing and not you: this is ? so important. On competitive deals like For reservations call *Weak. 6 spades. 6-10 HCP. this, the bidding is likely to progress to the five-level and it is imperative that you on 01483 489961 2NT. know what you are doing. As the weaker South opens a weak 2♠ showing 6-10 side, you would be contemplating a HCP and a six-card spade suit, a pre- sacrifice, whereas here, when you bid ♥ emptive style opening. Your defensive 3 , you are suggesting that you are the www.mrbridge.co.uk system is to play a take-out double and doubling side. 4♠ makes, but 5♠ does Terms and conditions apply – see brochure for details natural overcalls, including a natural not, so your side needs to double 5♥. ■

BRIDGE September 2014 Page 11 Letters from Overseas Mr Bridge 2015 Machines - Good or Bad Bridge by John Barr

Players’ he 2013/14 ski sea- too many wild distribu- left, opened a weak two in son in Austria has tions. We have been using hearts, which was followed been a strange one, computer dealt hands at by two passes. I considered Diaries Twith limited snowfalls, but Kitzbühel Bridge Club for everything from double to great skiing. The majority of a couple of years now and 6♦, but eventually decided pistes are now supported by there are often light hearted to bid 3♥. Over one level snow making equipment, complaints about the distri- openings we play Michaels, so when the temperature butions of computer dealt which is either weak or was below freezing early in hands. I have been respon- very strong, so I hoped that the season, a deep base of sible for dealing the hands after my next action partner artificial snow was gener- for the last six months and would get the idea. ated which has helped to it is not unusual to hear a The next bid was a sur- maintain the pistes in good cry of, ‘John, what has your prising 4♣ from my left- condition, despite the lack computer gone and done hand opponent, followed Contents include of natural snow. Artificial now?’ as someone fails in by 4♠ from partner and 5♣ snow used to be no fun to a contract due to a four-nil from my right-hand oppo- ♦ Acol Summary ski on – it was hard, icy and trump break. nent. I considered bidding by Bernard Magee. prone to turning into mar- Personally, I much prefer 5♠, hoping to hear 6♣ from ♦ Guide to the Laws. bles – but the technology distributional computer the opponents, over which has improved and now the dealt hands, so I was I might buy the contract in ♦ Scoring Tables for artificial snow is not very pleasantly surprised to pick 6♠, but I decided that I’d duplicate and different from the real stuff. up the following human look stupid if 5♠ was passed rubber bridge. out when we could make 12 ♦ Distributional odds. or 13 tricks, so I jumped to 6♠ which was the final con- ♦ Hand patterns and tract. fascinating figures.

♦ Cover colours: Red, Navy, Green, Burgundy. ♠ A Q J 10 9 ♥ 7 ♦ All covers printed in ♦ A K J 10 9 8 7 gold-coloured ink. ♣ Void ♦ Individual diaries £6.95 ♠ 4 2 ♠ 7 6 each including p&p. ♥ Q 10 9 N ♥ K J 8 6 5 3 W E ♦ 5 2 S ♦ Void ♦ Special concession ♣ K Q 8 5 4 3 ♣ A J 10 9 2 to clubs and teachers. 10 for £35, ♠ K 8 5 3 thereafter £3.50 each Another area of life sup- dealt hand at love all during ♥ A 4 2 including p&p. ported by machinery now is a recent rubber bridge game. ♦ Q 6 4 3 ♣ 7 6 ♦ Luxury version with super- dealing bridge hands. Many soft kidrell cover, gilded bridge players prefer com- page edges and puter dealt hands as they ♠ A Q J 10 9 a ball-point pen attached, reflect the mathematically ♥ 7 in ruby red or navy blue. A diamond ruff at trick £14.95 each including p&p. correct distribution, com- ♦ A K J 10 9 8 7 one would have held the pared with the more bor- ♣ Void contract to 12 tricks, but the ing, flatter hands that can opponents tried to cash a See Mail Order result from an inadequate Form on page 5. club so we made all 13 tricks. shuffle – while others think While I was wondering what Who needs a computer to that computers generate far to bid, the dealer, on my deal crazy hands? ■

Page 12 BRIDGE September 2014 Laws and Ethics Questions DEFENCE Answered QUIZ by David by Julian Pottage (Answers on page 45)

ou are East in the defensive positions below at match- Stevenson point pairs at LOVE ALL. It is your turn to play. Both Ysides are using Acol with a 12-14 1NT and 2♣ Stayman.

Is speaking a bid odd spoken call – I know 1. ♠ Q J 8 2 3. ♠ A 8 7 2 whilst placing it a few people who make ♥ J 6 3 ♥ 8 2 on the table from a final pass by saying it. Q ♦ A 9 2 ♦ Q J 10 2 the bidding box allowed? But if someone does it ♣ K 9 5 ♣ K Q 4 Our only qualified Direc- continually, that tends to ♠ K 5 ♠ K J 5 tor has recently left the annoy other people and N ♥ A 9 5 2 N ♥ A K 5 club and a reference to should be stopped. W E ♦ 10 8 5 3 W E ♦ 8 5 S S my question cannot be ♣ A Q 8 ♣ A 9 8 7 5 found. I presume the an- ♣♦♥♠ swer to be no (possibility of unauthorised infor- In a no-trump West North East South West North East South mation etc.), otherwise contract, in what 1♥ Dbl! 2NT1 Pass 2♥1 Dbl 4♥ 4♠ why use bidding boxes? order should 3♥ Pass 4♥ 4♠ Pass Pass Dbl All Pass Q 1 Norman Scott, Crook, dummy’s cards be faced? Pass Pass Dbl All Pass Weak Co. Durham. Kaye Raymond by email. 1Limit raise to 3♥ or better Partner leads the ♥Q. It is not legal per Any order the Partner leads the ♥K and What is your plan? se. If someone has player likes. The continues the suit. Having difficulties – for only rules are that ruffed the second round, A A ♠ example some blind people they are pointed lengthwise declarer leads the 4 to the ♠6, ♠Q and ♠K. What play with braille cards – and in suits towards declarer. do you return? 4. ♠ 8 6 2 ask for it to be spoken as Some opponents ask for ♥ K 9 3 well, then of course it is colours to alternate because ♦ 9 reasonable to accede to they have problems seeing: 2. ♠ Q 8 7 2 ♣ A Q 10 8 3 2 their request. Also, I do not of course, players should ♥ Q 8 6 2 ♠ A K 5 suppose anyone minds the accede to such a request. ■ ♦ K 6 2 N ♥ J 10 8 2 W E ♣ Q 9 ♦ 7 6 4 3 S E-mail your questions to: [email protected] ♠ K 5 ♣ K 6 N ♥ K 5 W E ♦ J 8 7 5 3 S ♣ A J 8 5 West North East South DUPLICATE BRIDGE 1♥ Pass 2♣ Pass 2NT1 West North East South Pass 3♥ Pass 3NT RULES SIMPLIFIED 3♣ All Pass Dbl All Pass 115-19 (otherwise known as the Yellow Book) Partner leads the ♦10. De- Partner leads the ♠J. You only by John Rumbelow and clarer wins with the ♦A take the ♠K and ♠A, the 95 revised by David Stevenson £5 and leads the ♣2 to the ♠Q appearing from South ♣Q, partner discarding on the second round. the ♥3. What is your plan? What do you do next? Available from Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961

BRIDGE September 2014 Page 13 Robin Hood’s Bridge Adventures by David Bird The Prestwich Bequest

riar Tuck had a sparkle in his eye clad bishops. It seemed that giving dummy, to enjoy the remaining three as he approached Robin Hood to the poor was a popular pastime, club honours. What could be done? one cold but sunny morning in particularly if the money was supplied After a few seconds, Hood spotted Fthe outlaws’ camp. ‘I have some news by someone else. An early round saw the solution. ‘Discard a spade,’ he said. for you,’ he said. ‘Lord Fitzdouglas of the outlaws facing two elderly priests. East won the third round of dia- Prestwich Manor has died.’ monds and switched to the ♠7. Robin ‘Interesting news,’ Robin Hood Hood rose with the ♠A and unblocked replied, ‘if I’d ever heard of the noble Dealer South. Love All. the ♣A. He drew trumps in three lord.’ ♠ 8 6 3 rounds and was then able to cross to ‘Ah, but I haven’t told you the best ♥ 8 7 5 3 the ♥8 to discard three spade losers on bit,’ continued the Friar. ‘He has left ♦ 5 2 the ♣K-Q-J. The game was his. 500 golden guineas in his will, to be ♣ K Q J 7 ‘Could have been worse,’ observed given to the deserving poor of some ♠ K J 9 4 ♠ Q 7 Father Tomkin. ‘If he ruffs the third part of the country.’ ♥ 2 N ♥ 10 9 6 diamond, he scores an overtrick.’ W E ♦ K Q J 4 ♦ A 9 7 3 ‘How are they to decide which part S Father Aldis was reluctant to of the country?’ asked Hood. ‘It’s a ♣ 9 6 5 3 ♣ 10 8 4 2 contradict his partner, who was many handsome sum but, spread thinly, it ♠ A 10 5 2 years his senior. ‘I’m not sure he can would not accomplish much.’ ♥ A K Q J 4 reach dummy’s club honours if he ‘There is to be a two-day pairs ♦ 10 8 6 does that,’ he said. tournament, held in Prestwich ♣ A ‘Ruff the diamond and he’ll be in Manor and open only to members dummy already,’ retorted the half- of the priesthood,’ said Friar Tuck. blind priest. ‘The winners will have the privilege West North East South A round or two later, the outlaws of buying food with the money and Father Friar Father Robin faced two competent-looking nuns of distributing it within 20 miles of their Tomkin Tuck Aldis Hood middle age. religious establishment.’ 1♥ ‘Feeble Twos, 12-14 no-trump ‘It’s scarcely believable,’ Hood Pass 2♥ Pass 4♥ opening and the Duke of Richmond’s observed. ‘The sort of absurd plot All Pass ace-ask,’ announced Sister Ingrith. you would encounter only in books. Anyway, is there some fellow priest Father Tomkin, who had poor skilled enough to give you a chance of eyesight, peered closely at his hand. Dealer South. E/W Game. winning?’ When he eventually extracted the ♦K, ♠ 7 4 ‘Ah, well, that’s the problem,’ Tuck Father Aldis signalled encouragement ♥ A K 7 6 replied. ‘Perhaps, since it’s in a good with the ♦9. He thumbed this card ♦ Q 9 7 6 3 cause, we could er…’ halfway across the table to ensure that ♣ K 6 Hood laughed. ‘I can read your vil- it did not escape his partner’s notice. ♠ K J 10 9 8 6 ♠ 5 3 2 lainous mind,’ he said. ‘Are you think- The defenders then continued with ♥ 8 3 2 N ♥ 5 W E ♦ J ♦ K 10 8 ing of your good friend Friar Robin?’ two more rounds of diamonds. S A month or so later, the great hall Robin Hood paused to consider his ♣ A Q 5 ♣ J 10 8 7 3 2 of Prestwich Manor was filled with a play to the third trick. Suppose he ♠ A Q motley assortment of churchmen from ruffed the third diamond in dummy ♥ Q J 10 9 4 around the country. Several nuns had and trumps turned out to be 3-1. He ♦ A 5 4 2 made the journey. At the other end would not then be able to unblock the ♣ 9 4 of the scale were at least two purple- ♣A and draw trumps ending in the

Page 14 BRIDGE September 2014 Robin Hood continued well. The first day’s play was nearing to hope that his hand would give some its end when they faced the Bishop of play in 6♠? Norwich and his choirmaster, Geraint The Bishop of Norwich, whose Grope. enormous girth seemed out of place West North East South in an event aiming to succour the Sister Friar Sister Robin starving, led the ♦2. Ingrith Tuck Letha Hood Dealer East. N/S Game. Hood’s eyes focussed on the dummy. 1♥ ♠ 9 5 2 If hearts broke 3-2, he could ruff the 1♠ 4♥ All Pass ♥ A Q 8 6 4 2 first trick and score all thirteen tricks. ♦ Void Still, East’s bidding surely foretold of a Sister Ingrith led the ♦J and down went ♣ 10 8 5 2 bad heart break. If he had to establish the dummy. Hood considered his pros- ♠ 8 7 4 ♠ 3 the heart suit with a ruff, he would pects. If the opening lead was from ♥ J 9 7 3 N ♥ 10 need a trump entry back to dummy to J-10-8, East’s ♦K would fall on the first ♦ 10 7 2 W E ♦ A K Q J 9 enjoy the long cards. round. ‘Play low, please,’ he said. S 8 6 5 3 His mind made up, Robin Hood When the ♦8 appeared from East, ♣ J 7 3 ♣ K Q pointed a finger at the dummy. ‘Two of Hood saw that it would be a mistake ♠ A K Q J 10 6 clubs,’ he said. to win the first trick. If the lead was ♥ K 5 When Hood followed with the ♦4 on from J-10, his play would make no ♦ 4 the first trick, Friar Tuck’s mouth fell difference. If, instead, the ♦J was a ♣ A 9 6 4 open. By St. Barnabas! Why on earth singleton, he could not afford East hadn’t he ruffed in the dummy? to gain the lead twice in diamonds, With no idea of what was going on, returning a spade on the first of these West North East South Geraint Grope won and continued occasions. Bishop of Friar Geraint Robin with another top diamond. Perhaps The ♦J held the trick and Sister Norwich Tuck Grope Hood the mad declarer would fail to ruff Ingrith switched to a trump. Hood 5♦ 5♠ again. won and drew trumps in two further Pass Pass 6♦ Dbl Robin Hood ruffed with the ♠A and rounds. He then played ace and another Pass 6♠ All Pass drew two rounds of trumps with the diamond, setting king and queen, up the suit. The East showing out pale-faced Sister on the second Letha switched to round. He then a spade, but Hood played the king rose with the ace and ace of hearts and proceeded to and ruffed a heart discard the ♠Q high in his hand. on the fifth round The ♠6 to the ♠9 of diamonds. A allowed him to subsequent lead discard all three towards the ♣K club losers and the landed the game. slam was made. Sister Ingrith ‘You buffoon!’ nodded apprecia- cried the Bishop tively. ‘Not many of Norwich. ‘How will find the duck can you push at Trick 1,’ she in- them into a mak- formed her part- ing slam?’ ner. ‘Sadly for the ‘But I was only starving poor of 300 down in 6♦,’ Bodleigh Marsh.’ protested his part- Robin Hood ner. ‘It was an ob- was not immune vious sacrifice.’ to the irony of The Bishop the nun’s remark. raised his eyes Had his duck to the ornately of the ♦J con- carved ceiling. demned some innocent marsh dwell- When 6♦ ran back to Friar Tuck, he ‘When the paupers of Norwich cel- ers to death by starvation? was unwilling to accept a modest non- ebrate our return on Monday, you can Tuck and Hood continued to do vulnerable penalty. Surely it was better explain this one to them!’ ■

BRIDGE September 2014 Page 15 DECLARER PLAY QUIZ by David Huggett

(Answers on page 37)

ou are South as declarer playing teams or rubber bridge. YIn each case, what is your play strategy?

1. ♠ K 4 3. ♠ A 9 7 6 ♥ A Q 10 6 ♥ A Q 5 ♦ 7 6 4 ♦ K 2 ♣ 7 5 4 2 ♣ 10 7 5 3

N N W E W E S S

♠ A Q ♠ K Q J 8 3 ♥ 9 8 7 ♥ J 2 ♦ A Q J ♦ A Q 6 ♣ Q J 10 9 8 ♣ Q J 8

You are declarer in 3NT You are declarer in 4♠ and and West leads the ♠3. West leads the ♥4. How do How do you plan the play? you plan the play?

2. ♠ Q 7 4 4. ♠ 6 5 4 2 ♥ A 10 2 ♥ A Q J 7 ♦ 8 7 5 ♦ 8 4 ♣ K 8 6 4 ♣ Q 10 6

N N W E W E S S

♠ A 6 2 ♠ A Q ♥ K Q J 4 ♥ 10 8 2 ♦ 3 ♦ A K 6 3 ♣ A Q J 7 3 ♣ K J 8 2

You are declarer in 4♥ You are declarer in 3NT and West leads the ♦A and and West leads the ♠J with follows up with the ♦K. East playing the ♠8. How How do you plan the play? do you plan the play?

Page 16 BRIDGE September 2014 Julian Pottage answers your bridge questions Can I Respond in a Poor 7-Card Suit?

If partner opens At game all, able, it seems reasonable that system to let part- the bidding and the hand on my to go quietly and hope to ner know which suit QI hold a 7-card Qright opened defeat them in whatever they they wanted returned. suit with only a few 1♠ and I held: choose as a final contract. I would like to points, do I respond use the method. three of that suit? ♣♦♥♠ Lionel Silver, I might not have a ♠ 9 7 5 4 2 Messingham, Lincolnshire. really good suit and ♥ A K Playing at a do not wish to mis- ♦ A 8 4 bridge drive, As a defender, you lead my partner. ♣ A K 7 QNorth opened can signal whether Doreen Parrington by email. 2♥ (strong). East has A you like a suit if 11 points and 5 good partner leads it or if you are As a rule, you do I was going to bid 2NT, spades with all honours. discarding on another suit not want to pre- but instead bid 2♠. Should East overcall 2♠? whether declarer or partner A empt when part- Someone suggested Jeannette Jones, leads it. Most people do ner opens the bidding. that my 2♠ should be Banstead, Surrey. this by playing high or low; If your side is bidding asking for a spade you can do it by playing an and the other side (at stopper. We ended up Even if the rest of odd or even card instead, least so far) is not, bid- going several down. the hand is J-x-x, x-x so long as you have the ding space is more likely James Rodgers, A and x-x-x, ♠A-K-Q- appropriate card, of course. to be useful to your side Columbjohn, Devon. J-10 sounds enough for a You just need to agree with than the opposing side. 2♠ overcall, except perhaps your partner which encour- If your suit is lower rank- With only 18 HCP, if you are vulnerable against ages and which discourages. ing than partner’s, a jump you would be light not. You do not want to I find Even Encouraging, to three of a suit would be A for a natural 2NT risk going for 800 against Odd Off-putting the easier a strong jump shift anyway, overcall. In any case, I rec- a non-vulnerable game. If way to remember, though not a pre-empt. A double ommend playing 2NT as for the rest of the hand is not the method may be more jump, if partner has opened the minors. The traditional as bad as I have suggested, popular the other way round. a major (e.g. 1♠-Pass-4♣), meaning of 2♠ is a very for example if you have a There is a possible ethical is much more useful as strong hand, which over- singleton heart, it would be issue. Do not spend five min- a splinter (raise to game states your values. I would reasonable to overcall 2♠ utes before playing an even with a shortage in the suit recommend playing 2♠ as whatever the vulnerability. card because everyone will bid) than as a pre-empt. a two-suiter in any event. know that you really wanted If you are talking about the If you jumped to 3♠, that ♣♦♥♠ to play an odd card (or vice situation where your suit is would ask for a spade stop- versa). If you have only cards higher than partner’s, then per – it would also suggest Can you please of the wrong parity for the yes, in theory, you could a long running minor, which let me know message you wish to convey, make a double jump to the again you do not have. Qwhat odd & the ethical way round the three level. If you do play Realistically, your only even signals are? Many problem is to play high-low that as natural and weak, it choices are 1NT, double years ago, friends used with such cards. ■ would indeed make sense to or pass. If, as you say, the have a good suit for the bid. opponents were vulner- E-mail your questions to: [email protected]

BRIDGE September 2014 Page 17

Bernard Magee’s Tips Bridge and Travel Tips for Better Bridge 65 invaluable tips in 160 pages HONOUR THY

Bidding Tips 33 A low lead usually promises 1 Always consider bidding length and an honour PARTNER spades if you can 34 When declaring 1NT, 2 Bid more aggressively try to be patient when non-vulnerable 35 Duck an early round when Bridge tip from Sally Brock: 3 Always double when the you are short of entries opponents steal your deal 36 Lead up to your Consider your partner’s problems 4 A takeout double shows two-honour holding shortage in the suit doubled 37 Do not always assume 5 ‘Borrow’ a king a suit will break well in defence and try to stop to keep the auction open 38 Drop a high card 6 After a penalty double, to put off the defence him making mistakes. don’t let the opponents escape 39 Play your highest card to tempt 7 Halve the value of a singleton a defender to cover his is the most com- This is the end position in honour when opening 40 Draw trumps first unless you 8 Only add length-points for a have a good reason not to mon example of not a typical no-trump con- suit that might be useful 41 Do not waste your trumps Tfollowing the tip and tract. 9 Isolated honours are bad 42 Consider leaving a lone defen- I see so many players do- Declarer has exited with except in partner’s suit sive trump winner out 10 Use the jump shift sparingly ing it. I am hoping to cure a card to put East on lead. 11 Consider passing and letting Defence Tips you. East knows his partner has 43 Keep four-card suits intact partner decide South is in a no-trump the master diamond but 12 You need two top honours whenever possible for a second-seat pre-empt 44 Give count on declarer’s leads contract: it does not matter is not sure who has the 13 Put the brakes on if you have a 45 Keep the right cards how many tricks he is trying master heart (or maybe he rather than signal misfit to make, nor what went on even knows his partner has 14 Strong and long minors work 46 Take your time well in no-trumps when dummy is put down before. the master heart). 15 One stop in the opponents’ suit 47 High cards are for killing Whatever the layout, it other high cards can be enough for no-trumps cannot cost to play a heart, 16 Keep your two-level 48 Do not waste responses up to strength intermediate cards ♠ Void but so many Easts in this 17 Use your normal methods in 49 Pick two key suits to ♥ 10 situation play their mas- concentrate on during the play response to a 1NT overcall ♦ 10 ter card, here the king of 18 Don’t overcall just because 50 If in doubt, cover an honour you have opening points with an honour ♣ Void spades. Suddenly, West, 19 Overcalls can be quite weak, 51 If a lead is from two honours, it ♠ Void ♠ K who has perhaps not being so be prudent when responding is best not to cover 52 Keep your honour to kill ♥ J N ♥ x paying proper attention or 20 Weak overcalls must be based W E on strong suits dummy’s honour ♦ Q S ♦ Void may have a genuine guess, 21 6NT requires 33 points 53 Try to show partner your ♣ Void ♣ Void starts to think … Hopefully, not 4 aces and 4 kings solid honour sequences ♠ 7 he will get it right but East 22 Raise immediately, if weak 54 Lead the normal card when with four-card support leading partner’s suit ♥ Void should never have allowed 23 In a competitive auction, 55 Never underlead an ace at trick ♦ 3 him to go wrong. Try to show support immediately one in a suit contract ♣ Void 24 Bid to the level of your fit 56 Be wary of leading from avoid making your partner quickly with weak hands four cards to only one honour guess. ■ 25 With strength and support, 57 Lead a higher card from use the opponents’ bid suit a suit without an honour 58 Lead through ‘beatable’ strength and up to weakness Declarer Play Tips 59 Cash your winners before try- 26 When your contract depends ing for a trump promotion on a finesse, think ‘endplay’ 60 Be patient when defending Travel tip from Emma Thomson: 27 Consider what a defender 1NT might be thinking about 61 Trump leads can be safe ravelling places unique stresses on a 28 Always take your time throughout the play at trick one relationship. Jet lag, sleeping in a strange 29 Establish extra tricks before General Tips Tbed and touring sites of interest under an cashing your winners 62 Do not put important cards unrelenting sun can fray the evenest of tempers, 30 Use your opponents’ at either end of your hand bidding to your advantage 63 Avoid being declarer when so reserve an extra dose of patience for your loved 31 Avoid the ‘baddie’ you are dummy one – even if they leave the passports at home. As gaining the lead 64 Before you lead, ask for a the saying goes, ‘The couple who travel together, 32 Use the Rule of Seven when review of the auction holding up in no-trumps 65 Enjoy the Game! stay together.’

£14 including postage and packing from Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH. ( 01483 489961

Page 18 BRIDGE September 2014 1815 Mr Bridge third page ad villef-Sevil_Layout 1 29 Answers to Bernard Magee’s Bidding Quizzes 10-12 VOYAGES TO ANTIQUITY on the Cover France, Pass. You have described your hand, 10. Dealer East. Game All. balanced with 15-17 points. If your ♠ A 4 2 ♠ K Q 5 partner felt there was a chance for game, ♥ A 8 7 6 N ♥ 4 3 2 he would have jumped in the auction or W E Spain & ♦ 8 7 ♦ A K 9 5 3 raised a suit or no-trumps. His 2♦ bid S ♣ K Q 4 3 ♣ 7 6 is non-forcing and suggests game is beyond the partnership, so he will have only 6-7 points. Morocco West North East South When giving preference as responder, JOIN 1NT 2♣* you often give false preference to BERNARD ? *Shows hearts & another suit opener’s first suit because it is likely to MAGEE be longer. However, this is not always Double. You cannot choose your the case when giving preference to a opponents. Sometimes, you will come responder. Because the responder may up against players who play different not have had the strength to show his defences to 1NT. These opponents are longer suit, when it comes to giving playing Asptro, where a 2♣ overcall preference you should go back to his shows hearts and any other suit. first suit only if you have equal length or Although it only promises 4+ hearts, it better. should show a hand with at least nine East cannot respond 2♦ at the first bid cards in the two long suits. What defence because it would show 10 points, but do you play against it? he should show his four spades. Over Your double should show general 1NT, it makes sense for East to show his strength and perhaps suggest a possible diamonds now and West should pass. penalty: other bids are natural except for Enjoy daily duplicates on this a bid of the suit that South has promised splendid Mediterranean (2♥). This would show a strong hand and 12. Dealer East. Love All. bridge cruise next summer ask for the 1NT bidder to describe his ♠ 4 3 ♠ A Q 7 6 5 hand a little more. ♥ K J 7 6 N ♥ A Q 4 2 June 4, 2015 W E 12 days from Villefranche to Seville Although you have the strength for ♦ 9 7 4 S ♦ 8 5 3 Fly to Nice and join Aegean Odyssey in 3NT, doubling first might pay dividends ♣ A 5 4 3 ♣ 7 Villefranche (2 nights on board) if the opponents do not have a fit, which Cruise to Marseilles • Avignon is the case here. You may well get 800 Carcassonne • Barcelona • Cartagena points from doubling your opponents West North East South Malaga (Granada) • Tangier Cadiz (Jerez), then cruise inland on the but, if you decide against it later, then you 1♠ 2♣ Guadalquivir River into Seville • Fly home can still try for 3NT. On this particular ? Great value Mr Bridge fares hand, 3NT might not make, so it certainly Standard Inside from £2,195pp would be better to take a penalty. After two suit bids it is rarely Double. Standard Outside from £2,625pp useful to use a double as penalties, so Premium Outside from £2,850pp it is generally assumed that it would be Single supplement just 10% 11. Dealer West. Love All. for take-out. In fact, in this situation, it is Extend your holiday with a hotel stay in Seville – ♠ K 2 ♠ A 9 5 4 best used to show at least four cards in please ask for details ♥ A Q 5 4 N ♥ 2 the unbid major, a negative double (or For reservations call W E ♦ 8 7 6 S ♦ Q 9 5 4 3 2 Sputnik double). ♣ A K 3 2 ♣ 9 6 All the double suggests is that you have on 01483 489961 the equivalent of a 1♥ response to an opening bid, so 6+ points and four or West North East South more hearts. Clearly, this hand is perfect 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass for a double and your partner is then www.mrbridge.co.uk 1NT Pass 2♦ Pass able to compete to 3♥ if the opponents ? bid up to 3♣. ■ Terms and conditions apply – see brochure for details

BRIDGE September 2014 Page 19 Clarence Court Tel: 01702 343496 10 Clarence Street Email: [email protected] Southend on Sea, Essex SS1 1BD www.bridgetravelinsurance.co.uk Genesis Choice is a trading name of Acumen Insurance Services Limited

Genesis Choice have partnered with goodtogoinsurance. Online or Offline? We are, of com to provide travel insurance cover to travellers of any course, mindful that you may wish age, with or without pre-existing medical conditions. We can to speak to us directly and if this also cover your travelling companions on the same policy. is the case, please call us on the MRB line 01702 343496 and we With no age limits and cover for pre-existing medical will be happy to assist. conditions up to high levels of severity, being over 65 is no barrier to getting the right travel insurance cover for your Or, let us pay for the telephone call by emailing us at holiday or cruise. [email protected] with your telephone number and we will call you back by return. Medical Screening If you have any pre-existing medical conditions they must We would stress that all information on these policies may be declared. However, as your medical screening will be be found on the website. However we would be pleased to completed when obtaining your quotation, there is no need post the policy wording to you or email you with details – the to make additional calls to a separate medical screening choice is yours. provider. A sample* of cover levels on the Area Definitions goodtogoinsurance.com product UNITED KINGDOM: England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland. EUROPE 1 (RESTRICTED EUROPE): Means the continent Silver Gold Platinum of Europe west of the Ural Mountains including the Republic of Ireland, the Isle of Man, Channel Islands and all countries Maximum trip duration 31 days 31 days 31 days bordering the Mediterranean Sea, as well as Madeira and Standard Excess £100 £75 NIL The Azores, but excluding Spain, The Canaries, Turkey, Cyprus, Malta, Egypt, Israel, Libya, Algeria, Jordan, Syria Medical Excess £500 £150 NIL and Switzerland. For residents of the Isle of Man and Medical & Repatriation £10 million £10 million £10 million Channel Islands travelling to the United Kingdom, United Expenses Kingdom shall be considered Europe 1. EUROPE 2: Same as Europe 1 but including Spain, The Cancellation X £2000 £5000 Canaries, Turkey, Cyprus, Malta and Switzerland. Curtailment X £2000 £5000 WORLDWIDE 1 (RESTRICTED WORLDWIDE): Means anywhere in the world except USA, Canada and the Personal Property X £2000 £3000 Caribbean. WORLDWIDE 2: Means anywhere in the world. If you are Death X £15000 £15000 going to more than one country, take care to select the region that will cover all of the countries you are visiting. l Please see the website for full terms, conditions and For example, if you are travelling to France and Spain, you exclusions or alternatively, we’re happy to post them should select Europe 2. to you if required. Website: www.bridgetravelinsurance.co.uk Genesis Choice When commencing the online quotation please ensure you Clarence Court, Clarence Street, enter MRB in the “Unique agent reference” box at the head Southend on Sea, Essex SS1 1BD of the quote page. Be assured the site is very user friendly Tel: 01702 34 34 96 and the medical screening process is all online. Email: [email protected] You can save the quote by entering your email address, you can retrieve the quote or purchase the policy at a later Genesis Choice is a trading name of Acumen Insurance date. The site is very easy to use and the medical screening Services Limited who are an appointed representative comes in the form of multiple options. of ITC Compliance Limited, Financial Conduct Authority Reference No.313486 Payment Payment can be made by either Visa, Goodtogoinsurance.com is an appointed representative of Maestro or Mastercard without any Ancile Insurance Group Limited which is authorised and extra charges. regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority – No 471641. Blogging with Ned Accelerated Bridge Teaching by Ned Paul

s a bridge teacher, I am often taking more lessons until they know South West North East asked how long it takes to what they don’t know. If there is no 1♥ Pass 2♥ learn bridge. Of course, we all supervised play group to join, then the Pass Pass ? Aknow that it takes a lifetime and then initial learning effort will have been you still will not have learnt it all, but wasted. If you pass now, it’s losing bridge. If if you are a complete beginner, you can I like my beginners to be competitive the opponents have bid correctly, they learn the basic mechanics of bridge in straightaway. In the traditional do not have more than about 22 HCP quite a short time. beginner courses that last many weeks, between them as they have made no A course I enjoy teaching is Learn the tendency is to play set hands where move towards game. Partner therefore Bridge in a Weekend, a two-day only one side enters the bidding. Real has 8-10 HCP. Also, if the opponents introduction to the game for complete have an eight-card fit, they are likely beginners that starts on Saturday to make their contract while we have morning by assuming no knowledge. a fit in a different suit. So it becomes a The course ends on the Sunday golden rule of competitive bidding that afternoon with the new players playing we do not let the opponents play in an their first ‘gentle’ duplicate with other agreed suit at the two-level. already established players. Despite holding only a four-card I have taught this course successfully suit, a bid of 2♠ would not be wrong, for over ten years and found that it but with the shape of your hand so gives the new players a good taste of ideal, why not try double for take- out? the game. The students especially like life this ain’t! There is a learning Your partner does have four spades the fact that, at a certain point, the advantage to playing ‘normal’ deals. and duly bids 2♠ and you win the instruction stops and they can attempt For example, what would you do with board as 2♥ makes and 3♥ goes down. to play. this hand that came up recently? 2♠ makes comfortably, probably with On the Sunday afternoon, we do an overtrick. not use preset teaching deals, just random hands from the previous ♠ K 8 6 5 week’s duplicate. The newcomers ♥ 7 Dealer: West. Love All. manage as best they can, getting ♦ A Q 10 3 ♠ K 8 6 5 help where necessary from the more ♣ J 5 4 2 ♥ 7 experienced players in the game who ♦ A Q 10 3 are happy to act as mentors. Those ♣ J 5 4 2 new players who find that they like You are North, second to speak at ♠ Q 4 ♠ J 7 2 ♥ ♥ K Q 6 4 2 N ♥ A 9 8 3 bridge carry a lot of momentum and love all. Dealer, West, opens 1 . You W E motivation from a course like this. have only 10 HCP so your hand is not ♦ K 6 5 2 S ♦ 9 4 They want to play again straightaway. worth any action at this point. You ♣ K 3 ♣ Q 10 8 7 They soon start attending supervised need a five-card suit to overcall and ♠ A 10 9 3 play groups – and this is the key: there an opening hand to consider a take- ♥ J 10 5 must be the opportunity for the new out double. East raises the opening bid ♦ J 8 7 players to continue playing. And I do to 2♥, your partner passes and so does ♣ A 9 6 mean playing – it’s not worth them West. The bidding has gone:

BRIDGE September 2014 Page 21 Blogging with Ned continued Beginners’ Bridge Corner

There is no point in pro- Mary’s Ninth Lesson tecting beginners from this kind of deal until they have taken the appropriate les- by Liz Dale son. It’s an everyday bread- and-butter competitive deal oan had made a sur- a reponse of 2♥. Responder should, probably, be a game and the sooner they learn to prise birthday cake for is promising 6-9 HCP and bid in 3NT or 4♥/4♠.’ compete soundly the better. JMary, which she brought at least four cards in hearts. It was almost time to play. I normally teach Learn along to the Tuesday ses- By making a bid of ‘stop’ Alastair reminded everyone Bridge in a Weekend in sion. Everyone said, ‘Happy 3♥, responder promises that, ‘If you are declarer London three or four times Birthday,’ to Mary when she 10, 11 or 12 HCP and at you must not forget that, as a year, but just recently I came in the door. ‘Oh my least four cards in hearts. soon as dummy goes down, have been looking to take it goodness,’ thought Mary, If responder bids ‘stop’ 4♥, you must plan the play by on the road. I have started ‘I really didn’t expect this,’ he is promising at least 13 counting top tricks and think working with Folkestone feeling quite flummoxed but HCP and, therefore, enough about how you are going to Duplicate Bridge Club in secretly pleased. Everyone points for game, with at make the extra tricks neces- Kent. At Folkestone DBC, enjoyed the cake at coffee least four card support.’ sary to ensure the contract teacher Chris Lohan runs time. Mary hadn’t had so It was time to work is successful. For example, an active programme and much fuss in years. But how through some examples by finessing, ruffing or supported my proposal to on earth did Joan know? on the board, but, actually, establishing a long suit.’ run a weekend course. At She had a lot to tell Liam after a few hands Mary Soon, the prepared hands the weekly duplicate there and Anne this evening. thought, ‘This isn’t too were on the table and the is a ‘gentle duplicate’ op- Today’s lesson was on hard. I think I can learn this mentors in place. Mary’s tion that runs alongside limit bid responses. These quite easily,’ but she didn’t table didn’t always have the main duplicate. The were bids made in the same say this to anyone else. the same mentor but, as players play fewer boards suit by opener’s partner It was obvious from the always, the mentor was at a slower pace – ideal for when opener has bid either responses that not everyone cheerful, willing and ready newer players to cut their 1♣, 1♦, 1♥ or 1♠. They were thought like this. Some of to give as much assistance duplicate teeth. Tony Russ, very important responses, in the group were making as possible. All confusions the Education Officer of that partner of opener was quite heavy weather of it. were dealt with immediately. Somerset CBA, has also showing a fit in the suit, ie at Mary was glad that she had Mary loved this part of the approached me about run- least four cards and, this was worked so thoroughly on all morning best of all. She ning a beginner weekend in the significant bit, also show- the previous homeworks. loved being Joan’s playing Taunton and we have fixed ing a specific point count. It was definitely paying partner. They both wanted a date in November. If you ‘The responder’s limit bid off, together with Joan’s to be good players and, have friends who might be point count had to be learnt,’ two evening practice during the week, they had interested in this acceler- Alasdair said. ‘Yes, afraid sessions a week. been working on their leads. ated approach to learning so, learnt!’ he repeated. A Alasdair still stressed Yes, if either of them led a bridge, or you would like sigh went around the room. the importance of the small card, partner knew to consider adding week- Mary scribbled in large capi- combined partnership high it had been led from an end bridge teaching to your tal letters the word ‘learn’ point count every lesson. honour suit because it was own offering, you would be on her notes. She would Now he was reminding the low for like. If the lead was welcome to contact me on work on it this evening. group again, ‘21/22 HCP something like an 8 or 9, ( 0208 892 9429. ■ Alasdair continued, should make seven tricks, partner knew it was high for ‘Say a 1♥ bid is made by 23/24 HCP should make hate and therefore, partner opener and partner makes 8 tricks and 25/26 HCP didn’t have to lead it back.■

Ned Paul is a bridge professional – an After a one of a suit opening, eg 1♥, partner bids: organiser, promoter, ♥ club convenor and 2 = 6-9 HCP with at least 4 hearts. teacher. He runs a 3♥ = 10-12 HCP with at least 4 hearts. number of bridge clubs in the London area. 4♥ = 13+ HCP with at least 4 hearts.

Page 22 BRIDGE September 2014 1806 Mr Bridge Med all cruise ad final_Layout 1 03/07/2014 11:34 Page 1

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ADD A CITY FOR MORE INFORMATION STAYS, BEFORE OR AFTER YOUR CRUISE – please ask for CALL ON 01483 489 961 details www.mrbridge.co.uk Croatia 2014 Rovinj, Croatia: Part One by Bernard Magee

t was good to have the chance to away from it – good friendships were themselves on the sea-life. try a new holiday venue, Rovinj formed. The dining in the hotel was good in Northern Croatia. I had made a Most of us ventured towards town too: we were seated on a stretch of 8 Ishort recce trip to appraise the venue the first time out. A promenade by the tables of six in the dining room right and knew that the hotel was good and sea allows you to take a leisurely stroll beside the windows, which allowed bridge facilities excellent, but that had to the restaurants and bars around for a nice ambience and a good social not prepared me for how comfortable the port and then right round to the atmosphere. The food was good and the venue would be for the whole of old town of Rovinj. It is a delightful varied, with the vegetables particularly the bridge group. town, very much in the Croatian tasty. The bridge party was small, which style with its high church tower in the As usual, we had two seminars a

was suitable for our first Croatian same design as St Mark’s bell tower in week, with set hands straight after. venture; 42 players with a good team Venice (which is just a two or three In the first week, the seminars were of helpers, meant we would be between hour boat trip away). on bidding and one of the topics that 10 and 11 tables. We had a spacious The favourite restaurant of our came up was the fourth suit forcing. bridge room, which contained room group was right on the water’s side and for a seminar set-up too with a lovely served the biggest prawns you have large screen which made viewing easy. ever seen. Not only that, you got eight ♠ K Q 5 4 3 ♠ A 2 The party settled in quickly. We of them at a time. With beer or white ♥ K Q 5 2 N ♥ A 8 W E ♦ ♦ had about 16 singles in the group who wine to wash it down, the seafood 3 2 S 7 6 5 rotated amongst each other and got on was irresistible. Groups of bridge ♣ A 3 ♣ K Q 7 6 5 4 really well, both at the bridge table and players were frequently found gorging

Page 24 BRIDGE September 2014 Croatia: Part One continued The atmosphere at the bridge table was relaxed, with everybody there to enjoy themselves, but also to enjoy CROATIA their bridge. West East Perhaps the declarer on this hand 5-19 May 2015 1♠ 2♣ was a little too relaxed; he forgot that 2♥ ? making your contract is not your only Bernard Magee aim, but to make as many tricks as and his supporting team This particular hand came up in a possible. duplicate later and required a bid of the fourth suit. After the first three HOTEL From bids, East has no obvious natural ♠ K J 4 bid – he does not have the length to ♥ 3 EDEN £1,399 sharing support either of West’s suits, but 3♣ ♦ A J 6 2 ROVINJ is non-forcing and 4♣ would take the ♣ A 8 7 6 5 auction beyond a possible 3NT. East ♠ 7 6 ♠ 5 3 2 uses a bid in the fourth suit (3♦) to ask ♥ Q J 10 9 7 N ♥ K 8 6 5 his partner to describe his hand a little ♦ Q 9 8 3 W E ♦ K 10 S more. One of his hopes is that West ♣ 4 2 ♣ K Q 10 9 will be able to show a diamond stop by ♠ A Q 10 9 8 bidding 3NT. ♥ A 4 2 West has no diamond stop to show ♦ 7 5 4 and should simply rebid 3♠, showing ♣ J 3 nothing extra. Now East, with 3NT not available, has to choose the best Rovinj is situated on the western coast ♠ South North scoring game, so 4 is his best option. of Istria in Croatia, the largest peninsula 5♣ looks the more obvious game, 1♠ 2♣ on the Adriatic coastline, a one hour but 4♠ is one fewer trick for 20 more 2♠ 4♠ drive from Trieste, 2.5 hours from Zagreb. Boasting a rich, natural and cultural points. As long as the spades break no heritage, with beautiful landmarks such as worse than 4-2, you should be able to After South chose to open the the old town, the Golden Cape Park Forest, make your game. bidding, the auction was relatively protected islands and coastal area. In the other direction along the straightforward. Declarer had eight The climate is warm and semi-dry, with sea is the woodland. Well kept paths top tricks and could see the chance more than four months a year without wind. weave through the woods as well of making his contract by taking two Hotel Eden is wedged right between a as clinging to the coast – take your ruffs in dummy. He won the ♥Q, ruffed peninsula covered by a one hundred year pick. The birdsong was wonderful. a heart, a trump back to hand and old park forest and a quiet cove. The old city centre of Rovinj is just a 20 minute We were able to hire bikes from the another heart ruff. Ten tricks made walk away. hotel and outside too. Cycling through and a reasonable score on the traveller. Rooms: All rooms are equipped with a the woods was easy, with the paths However, he was disappointed that direct phone line, LCD SAT TV, mini-bar, set up for both walkers and bikers. two tables had made more. safe, bathtub or shower, toilet, hair dryer, However, the crackle of the gravel When I am asked how overtricks are balcony, air conditioning/heating. Suites are available, details on application. under the tyres drowned out some of made, my first response is usually to the birdsong, so it was necessary to blame poor defence, but on this hand Singles: There is a sole occupancy supplement of £10 per room per night. If stop every so often and listen to the if declarer gets on his bike, rather than you are a single bridge player, please do not songs and conversation of the birds. lying on his lounger, he might get his worry about being on your own. We will Amazing variety – some of the tunes top score. always be able to find you a partner and you so lyrical, whilst at other times it The answer, as so often, lies in a long can always have a game. sounded a little like an argument. suit. Dummy’s fifth club can supply Beaches & Pools: The playful curves of the pool offer refreshment in the summer The weather was excellent, Rovinj the eleventh trick, but you have to start with a salty breeze coming from the natural seems to have its own micro-climate early. Win the ♥A and duck a club. stone and pebble beach only a few steps with the clouds dissipating inland. Win the trump return in hand, ruff a away. The vast outdoor pool will cool you The temperatures ranged from 18 ♣ down after a day of lounging in the freely heart, A, ruff a club, ruff a heart and available deck chairs. to 26 degrees centigrade, so that, at ruff a club. Finally, you draw trumps ♦ Terms and conditions apply. times, lying by the beautiful pools was and can cross to the A to take your Packaged with and bookings the order of the afternoon. However, all-important overtrick with the ♣8. by Tunisia First ATOL 5933. there was also the option of an indoor Most of the clients were on the pool, or a massage (or even the gym). holiday for a fortnight and most of the Details of the bridge programme The spa was renovated recently and tours were in the second week, much ( 01483 489961 was an excellent facility. more to look forward to and to see. ■

BRIDGE September 2014 Page 25 Misleading Cases Number Nine

CRUISE REPORT by Richard Wheen

Dear Jack, Blackman and Staywood were, which a heavy heart, but knowing he was was when I first really took in that correct about the French rules and When you recruited me as a there were indeed, as you had warned with due deference to our Captain, Tournament Director for your bridge me, players of all different standards I went along with this. The worst cruises, it was a condition of my on the cruise.) thing was replacing the cards in the employment that I write to you at the Shortly afterwards, the Captain of duplicate boards with their French end of each cruise with an account of the ship made a broadcast over the counterparts, which took me ages. the bridge activities during the cruise. tannoy, welcoming us all on board Thus it was that, after playing 24 I have just completed my first such (particularly mentioning the bridge- hands we finished our session quite a cruise (the Mediterranean Highlights playing passengers) and giving bit later than we should and, what with holiday, from and to Southampton) in some useful (and some less useful) the clocks going forward as well, we the S.S. Pan European Ambassadress information about the ship and its missed lunch. I am afraid one or two and I am now writing to tell you all programme. He also made a point of of the bridge players may be asking about it. reminding us that we would be visiting you for a refund of part of the cost of After the lifeboat drill on the first a number of different countries on the holiday because of this – I am most morning, I got the bridge players to sit our cruise and warned us, in a rather terribly sorry. down at the card tables and introduce old-fashioned way I thought, that The following morning, our themselves to each other. They were we should be sensitive to their laws duplicate session was interrupted by an interesting looking collection and, and customs. He mentioned the case the Captain’s announcement that, from the sound of things, there were (apocryphal, I hope) of the passenger having crossed the bay of Biscay (in a number of different nationalities who went ashore in Albania to play calm weather, since you ask), we were represented. I gave them a short talk (in bridge at the local club and returned now in Spanish territorial waters. So English, which most of them seemed to the ship next day minus a toe for guess what happened at table 9. The to understand) on the arrangements revoking. Spanish North-South couple at that for bridge on this cruise and pointed All went well for the first hour or table announced that they were now out that, since at the moment we were so of bridge. Then, the Captain came reverting to playing their normal heading in a southerly direction, the on to the tannoy again, explaining (Spanish) system, namely weak twos, a back of the ship was North (‘Not the that we were now passing into French strong no-trump, five-card majors and back!’ roared a loud voice, ‘The stern!’ territorial waters and a new time zone. Gerber. After this, I gave up trying to I later found out that the voice was that Shortly afterwards, I was summoned have everybody play the same system, of a retired Royal Naval officer, whom to table 3, where a hand had just been so inevitably the hands took longer we christened ‘the Admiral’). To completed and North was scoring. to play, in view of the need to discuss simplify matters and avoid the need When I enquired what the problem systems and conventions at the start of for convention cards, I told them that, was, the French South told me that, in each round. So, next morning, in order as the ship flew the Blue Ensign and line with the Captain’s announcement to make sure that we got to the dining was therefore under the jurisdiction earlier about local laws and customs, room in time for lunch, we played of the English Bridge Union, we would now that we were under French only 18 hands. I hope there will be no all be playing Acol, a 12-14 no-trump jurisdiction the scoring and indeed claims for refunds on that account. and strong two bids. Also, the only North’s other obligations should now Later that day, we turned East and conventions allowed on the cruise pass to South, and that we should passed Gibraltar on our left. ‘Not on would be Stayman and Blackwood. start using French playing cards (A, our left! To port!’ said the Admiral, so (At this point, I was asked what R, D, V rather than A, K, Q, J). With to encourage the bridge players to go

Page 26 BRIDGE September 2014 Misleading Cases continued ‘alibi’, ‘alcohol’, and the throughout. My thanks names of many of the stars to the Captain and crew, in the sky, were imported and to the bridge players, Bridge into English from the who were great company to the correct geographical Arabic. Also, as you know, (especially my Arab lady position, everybody had these days we use so-called friend, who will shortly be Tie to move one place to the Arabic numerals. They are my wife, and the Admiral, right. ‘Not to the right! called Arabic because they who is to be my best man). To starboard!’ roared the were invented by clever As far as I know, no toes Admiral. Arabs in the middle ages were lost in Albania this Our first port of call was to replace those dreadful time. Thank you for inviting Tangier, so in due course Roman numerals which me to run the bridge on this we headed South again, but, must have been impossible cruise – I have learned a lot by this time, I had realised to multiply and divide with. and enjoyed it enormously, that it was a bit silly to move So we have quite a lot to including (dare I say it) the players round the table thank the Arabs for). coming home to Acol, weak every time the ship altered On our way back to no-trump and clockwise course, so for the rest of Southampton, my Arab lady play. Roll on the next cruise. the cruise, the sharp end of friend drew my attention the ship was deemed to be to an interesting hand she Yours sincerely North. ‘Not the sharp end! had just played, which I am The bow!’ called out the repeating below. Richard Wheen Admiral. She was South playing When the Captain an- in 3NT (the bidding was: Solution nounced that we had ar- 1NT-2NT-3NT) and the to the problem rived in Algerian territorial opening lead by East was waters, I was called to table the ♠K. When declarer Win the third round 7 by a charming Arab lady held up dummy’s ♠A, East of spades in dummy, who reminded me that Ara- kept leading spades. South discarding a club from bic, spoken in most of the asked me how, on winning hand. Now lead a heart. countries of North Africa, trick 3 with ♠A, the rest of West does best to play low, is written from right to left the hand should have been so South plays an honour, (or from starboard to port, played. winning. Now lead ♦K, as the Admiral would no Solution at the end. Re- playing low from dummy, doubt have said) and ac- member to read the hand then lead ♦2 to ♦10. £15 cordingly bridge in North from starboard to port and Now lead another heart including Africa was played in an don’t forget that the play and again West does best anti-clockwise direction. goes anti-clockwise. to play low, so win in hand postage At first, I thought this was with another honour. & packing a joke, but then I realised Now lead ♦Q overtaking that it was entirely logical. 3 6 A ♠ in dummy with the ♦A So I made the requisite an- 3 6 7 ♥ and cash the remaining nouncement to the play- 4 01 J A ♦ diamond, discarding a club From ers. Some of them initially 4 6 Q ♣ from hand. North now found it quite difficult to 4 8 9 ♠ 2 7 J Q K ♠ leads his last heart and West Mr Bridge switch to bidding and play- 5 9 01 A ♥ N 4 8 ♥ will probably take his ♥A W E ing the hands anti-clock- 3 5 6 ♦ S 7 8 9 ♦ and (best) lead back ♥10, wise, but, by the time we 8 01 A ♣ 5 9 J ♣ won by South’s remaining ( 01483 left North Africa for Greece 5 01 ♠ honour. The ♣K and ♣Q and Italy a few days later, 2 J Q K ♥ are good against the ♣A for 489961 they had all got the hang of 2 Q K ♦ the ninth trick. things. The Admiral (who 2 3 7 K ♣ The keys to playing this described himself as port- hand are (a) to hold up your www. handed) even preferred ♠A for two rounds (the Rule mrbridge.co.uk playing anti-clockwise. The rest of the cruise, via of 7) and (b) to keep leading (It was not until this cruise Cairo, Cyprus, Athens and hearts from dummy, that I discovered that words Rome, passed off all too thereby making three heart Order Form such as ‘admiral’, ‘caravan’, quickly, in similar vein tricks even though, as is on page 5 ‘aubergine’, ‘albatross’, and with glorious weather likely, they break 4-2. ■

BRIDGE September 2014 Page 27 Julian Pottage answers your Frequently Asked Questions Why is Cue Bidding so Useful for Slams?

cue bid is a bid, in a suit other the desirable ♦A or the less desirable than the agreed trump suit, ♥A. The solution is to cue bid 4♣, ♠ A K J 9 8 3 to say that you can stop the showing slam interest and normally ♥ K 8 Aopponents from cashing too many the ♣A. ♦ 7 3 2 winners in the suit. An ace or a void If partner replies 4♦, you are in ♣ A 6 is a first-round control. A king or a business (once one player makes a singleton is a second-round control. cue bid, all bids are cue bids except To make a slam, the partnership will no-trump bids and bids in the trump West North East South need first or second-round control of suit). If partner bids 4♥, however, you 1♦ Pass all four suits. It will also need first- will give up on a grand slam (the rule 2♠ Pass 3♠ Pass round control of at least three of the is that you cue bid the cheapest control ? suits. You can usually find out about first, so ♥4 from partner would deny the latter, whether you have enough a diamond control). You would also Having already shown a strong hand first-round controls, via a 4NT settle for the small slam if partner with your jump shift, you lack the enquiry. Cue bids deal with checking signs off in 4♠ (which would deny the values to take control via 4NT. Partner that you have a control of sorts in ability to cue bid 4♦ or 4♥). may have a minimum opening. every suit. Equally, you do not want to bid 4♠ The traditional method of cue to say you have a minimum for your bidding is that you show first-round ♠ A K 8 7 6 5 4 jump shift. That would waste a round controls before second-round controls. ♥ K J 10 of bidding. Instead, you cue bid 4♣, The more modern method is that, ♦ 7 3 showing your club control. You are below the level of 4NT, you can show ♣ 2 inviting partner to make a return cue first or second-round controls equally. bid (or ask you for aces/key cards with Cue bids are particularly useful in 4NT). As partner is unlimited and you three situations (i) you have a void or West North East South are still below game, your cue bid does (ii) you have two or more fast losers 1♥ Pass not promise strong slam interest: you in a suit or (iii) your hand is not quite 1♠ Pass 3♠ Pass are allowing for the possibility of extra strong enough to take control with a ? values in partner’s hand. 4NT enquiry. How do you know that a bid is a If you bid 4NT and partner shows two cue bid rather than natural? Cue bids aces (quite likely), you will not know apply only after you have agreed a ♠ A K Q J 9 3 whether the opponents have two top trump suit (in some cases by inference ♥ Void diamonds to cash (partner’s aces could rather than a direct raise). If you have ♦ K Q J be the ♥A and the ♣A). Before bidding agreed a major, a bid above three of the ♣ A K Q 10 4NT, you should cue bid 4♣, giving major is usually a cue bid; if you have partner the chance to cue bid 4♦. agreed a minor, you need to go past Another plus point cue bids have 3NT before cue bidding starts. Once West North East South over a 4NT enquiry is that they cue bids start, all bids in side suits are 2♣ Pass 2♦ Pass enable the partnership to exchange cue bids as well. If you bid the trump 2♠ Pass 3♠ Pass information. Neither player becomes suit, this suggests the final contract. If ? the captain. Either player may you bid 4NT or 5NT, this is an enquiry, conclude that sufficient information is as if you had not started cue bidding. You intend to play in a small slam available to bid, or not bid, a slam. If you have never used cue bids at least and want to know whether You initiate or continue a cue before, I realise this is a lot to take in partner holds the ♦A for a grand slam. bidding sequence only if you believe – but trying to bid slams without them If you bid 4NT and partner shows one that the values and controls for a slam is like having a hand tied behind your ace, you will have no idea whether it is may be present. back – impossible to do efficiently. ■

Page 28 BRIDGE September 2014 BERNARD MAGEE’S INTERACTIVE TUTORIALS

BEGIN BRIDGE ACOL ADVANCED DECLARER ACOL VERSION BIDDING ACOL BIDDING PLAY l Card Play Technique l Opening Bids and l Basics l Suit Establishment l Planning Card Play Responses in No-trumps l Advanced l Bidding Balanced l Slams and Strong Basics l Suit Establishment Hands Openings in Suits l Weak Twos l Bidding Suits l Support for Partner l Hold-ups l Responding to a Suit l Strong Hands l Pre-empting l Ruffing for l Supporting Partner l Defence Extra Tricks l Responding to 1NT l Overcalls to Weak Twos l Entries in l Stayman l No-trump £66 l Defence to 1NT No-trumps £76 Openings l Strong Two Opening l Doubles and Response and Responses l Delaying l Two-suited Drawing Trumps l Overcalls l Opener’s and £96 Overcalls l Doubles £66 Responder’s Rebids l Using the Lead l Defences to l Pre-empting l Minors and Misfits l Trump Control Other Systems l Defence against No l Doubles l Endplays & l Misfits and Trump Contracts Avoidance l Competitive Distributional l Defence against Suit Auctions Hands l Using the Bidding Contracts

ADVANCED DEFENCE FIVE-CARD BETTER DECLARER PLAY MAJORS & BRIDGE l Lead vs Strong No-Trump l Making Overtricks No-trump Contracts l Ruffing for in No-trumps l Opening Bids Extra Tricks l Lead vs & Responses l Making Overtricks Suit Contracts in Suit Contracts l No-Trump l Doubling and l Partner of Leader Openings Defence l Endplays vs No-trump Against Contracts l Support £89 £69 l Avoidance Doubled for Partner l Partner of Leader Contracts l Wrong £81 vs Suit Contracts l Slams Contract & Strong Openings l Play and Defence l Count l Simple of 1NT Contracts Signals l Rebids Squeezes l Attitude l Minors l Counting £76 l Finding and Signals & Misfits the Hand Bidding Slams l Discarding l Pre-empting l Trump Reductions l Making the & Coups l Defensive Plan l Doubles Most of High Cards l Playing Doubled l Stopping Declarer l Overcalls Contracts l Counting l Competitive l Competitive l Safety Plays the Hand Auctions Auctions

Make your cheque payable to Mr Bridge and send to: Mr Bridge , Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH ( 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop

System Requirements: Windows XP, Vista, 7 or 8, 8mb RAM, CD-ROM A Blast From the Past 3 by Shireen Mohandes The Summer of 1958

his month’s step back in time thing we have in bridge is that, in 1981, as late as 1987), 11 down doubled, looks at bridge reportage in another American ‘Bobby’ became the not vulnerable, was a save (2,100) the summer of 1958. That year, youngest team member to win the against any vulnerable grand slam Tthe mighty Italians, known as the Bermuda Bowl. Bobby Levin was just (for example, 2,210 for 7♥). Yes, you ‘Blue Team’, won the Bermuda Bowl, 23 years old. just had to make two tricks to show a bridge’s world championship, held at Back in 1958, Terence Reese, edi- profit. Como, Italy. This tor of The Brit- was the second in The British Bridge World reported ish Bridge World what was to be an the following comment by English (also a winner Dealer West. N/S Game. ♠ uninterrupted run captain Geoffrey Fell, overheard of the Bermuda A K Q ♥ of 10 wins. Else- during the interval at the Camrose, Bowl, prolific A 9 3 ♦ where in the world ‘If I had thought that you were going bridge author, K Q J 3 ♣ of games, a most to make that bid I would have told and chess enthu- Q 7 3 ♠ ♠ exciting occur- you not to talk with your mouth full.’ siast), was seek- 5 2 J 8 7 4 3 rence was 14 year- ing an injunc- ♥ 10 6 4 2 N ♥ J W E ♦ ♦ old Bobby Fischer’s tion to restrain 7 6 4 S 10 9 8 5 2 meteoric rise in chess, leading to his Mr Ben Cohen over a book publish- ♣ 9 8 5 4 ♣ K 6 winning the US Championship later ing matter. Judgment was in Reese’s ♠ 10 9 6 in the year. To this day, the bridge favour. When the Court had not re- ♥ K Q 8 7 5 world hasn’t seen such a young person turned by five minutes past two, Reese ♦ A dominate a game. Perhaps the closest tells us in his editorial, Boris Schapiro ♣ A J 10 2 (Reese’s long-time partner) propound- ed that they ‘fine the Judge a couple of matchpoints.’ The 1958 auction for North and South Look at this hand and ask yourself, is not available, but I am reliably ‘When might I bid 7♠ all by myself, informed that this is how it might have without a squeak from partner?’ been then:

West North East South ♠ J 8 7 4 3 Harrison-Gray ♥ J Pass(z) 2NT Pass 3♥1 ♦ 10 9 8 5 2 Pass 4♥ Pass 4NT2 ♣ K 6 Pass 5♥3 Pass 7♥ Pass Pass Pass4 1No transfers back in 1958 2Blackwood 3 4 Bobby Levin in 2014 No, the hand has not been misprinted! 2 Aces At the table, East had a small think Photo: ACBL (Nick Mallouf) Well, back in 1958 (and indeed about bidding 7♠.

Page 30 BRIDGE September 2014 Summer 1958 continued Bidding textbooks tend not to have a chapter on responding with nine-card 1958 was when … suits. l 14-year-old Bobby Fischer Opening lead: ♠5. won the United States Dealer North. Love All. Chess Championship. Analysis ♠ Q 9 ♥ Q 10 7 4 l Seven Manchester United 7NT is the top spot because, if the ♦ A 9 7 6 footballers were among hearts fail to bring in five tricks, then ♣ A Q 7 the 21 people killed in the declarer can try the club finesse (three ♠ Void ♠ K 3 Munich air disaster. tricks in each of the majors, four ♥ J 6 N ♥ K 8 3 2 W E diamonds and three clubs, fingers ♦ K J 8 5 4 3 ♦ Q 2 S l A peace symbol was designed ♣ K J 10 9 4 ♣ 8 6 5 3 2 crossed). and completed by Gerald ♠ A J 10 8 7 6 5 4 2 Gray, sitting South, was at the helm. Holtom, commissioned by ♥ A 9 5 Bob Rowlands, a partner of his in the CND, in protest against ♦ 10 1960s, said, ‘he had an uncanny knack the Atomic Weapons ♣ Void of picking up people’s nuances.’ He Research Establishment. won the first trick and played a small heart to the king. Remembering that hesitation in the bidding and also The 1958 auction was short: l A US B-47 bomber accidentally seeing the ♥J, he placed East with a dropped an unarmed atom bomb long suit, perhaps contemplating a West North East South on Mars Bluff, South Carolina. sacrifice, or perhaps counting out the Dimmie Flemming Fritzi Gordon 1 penalty on his fingers (as some do). 1 NT Pass 6♠ l The Bridge on the River How envious his friends must have All Pass Kwai won seven Oscars. been to see him finesse the ♥9 at trick 1Perhaps taking a leaf (or a cover) from her 3 to bring home the grand. regular partner, Rixi Markus’s, book ‘Bid l The first parking meters If you inspect the auction, you will Boldly, Play Safe’. were installed in Britain. notice a small z in the bidding. I asked Eng- At another ta- Alan Hiron wrote of Terence Reese, land Interna- l The Beatles, at that time The ble, Reese held ‘He was the author or co-author of some tional, Tom Quarrymen, paid 17 shillings the West cards 90 books on the game, the bridge T o w n s e n d , and 6 pence to have their and opened 1♣. correspondent of the London Evening for his recom- first recording session. This prevented Standard from 1981 and of the Observer mended auc- from 1950. Perhaps his most acclaimed the opponents tion using all l The first Cod War began book was Reese on Play (1948), a classic from reaching the gadgets between the United which made his reputation as a writer.’ any grand. available to to- Kingdom and Iceland. H o w e v e r , As of now, David Bird holds the record day’s experts. Reese’s delight at authoring (including co-authoring) He replied, l The Bossa Nova was born in was short-lived. 123 titles. David believes that Reese ‘To be honest, Rio de Janeiro. The phrase His teammates wrote 107 books. the same as in ‘bossa nova’ means literally reached 7♥ and 1958.’ were defeated. ‘new trend’. Two hits you might well know are ‘Quando, The next deal comes from the Opening lead 5♦. Ladies Trials and has two interesting Quando, Quando’ (1962) and features. Analysis ‘And I Love Her’ (1964). Before you look at the top of the next column, decide what you would bid There are two potential losers: one in l The long-running BBC after your partner opens 1NT (12-14), spades and one in hearts (the other programmes Blue Peter playing teams, at love all: small heart can be discarded on the and Grandstand were ♣A). So, at first sight, the key decision broadcast for the first time. seems to be in the trump suit: go for ♠ A J 10 8 7 6 5 4 2 the finesse or not? With just two out- l Prime Minister Harold Macmillan ♥ A 9 5 standing trumps and nothing else to go opened the UK’s first ever ♦ 10 on, the odds slightly favour the drop. If motorway, the Preston Bypass. ♣ Void that fails, then the only hope is that a defender has the singleton ♥K.

BRIDGE September 2014 Page 31 ♠ Summer 1958 continued (with the Q) and discard her third heart. If the spades don’t break but East holds the king and What actually happened is out of diamonds, as would at the table was that Fritzi have happened on the actual played for the drop, found layout, East is end-played: no friendly heart layout and went one down. Interestingly, when Terence ♠ — Reese first reported the ♥ Q 10 7 4 hand in his column in ♦ 9 7 The Observer, he (very ♣ A Q 7 surprisingly for him) ♠ — ♠ — missed a small safety play, ♥ J 6 N ♥ K 8 3 2 ♦ K J 8 W E ♦ — which he later noticed and S described. Can you see it? ♣ K J 10 9 ♣ 8 6 5 3 2 Fritzi would not have ♠ J 10 8 7 6 5 blamed herself for missing ♥ A 9 5 something that Reese had ♦ — not noticed seeing all four ♣ — hands. At trick 2, declarer Real Leather Gifts The perfect gift for your bridge-playing friends. Beautiful leather zipped cases in burgundy red or deep blue containing Victor Mollo said this about Fritzi, two packs of cards and a set of our bridge design ballpoint ‘Few men play as well as Fritzi pens. £39.00 Gordon. No woman plays better. Where Rixi Markus is fiery, Fritzi A set of four scorepad holders - two burgundy and two blue Gordon is icy cold. Where Rixi made from top quality leather. (Scorepads not included) takes her contract by storm, Fritzi Offered at this special price of £39.00 makes hers through merciless efficiency – merciless towards Fritzi Gordon the slightest lapse on the part of her opponents.’ (from The Bridge Immortals, Victor Mollo, 1967).

Fritzi’s granddaughter, the actress Tara Summers, said, ‘My mother was born under a poker table. My grandmother, a world champion bridge Tara Summers player, had been dealt a Photo: Diana Ragland royal flush just as she went into labour and she chose to play the hand, rather than go to hospital. She was excited about having a child but adamant that she was not going to let it get in the way of her game.’ Tara Summers, The Daily Telegraph, December 2005.

Exclusive to S R Designs. Despatched by first class post or DPD Courier service for should eschew the early Of course, this line might just £4.99 per order. discard on the ♣A and, result in going down by two instead, ruff a diamond, tricks, but the safety play is PHONE 01483 750611 then play ace and another definitely worth making. or order online at spade. Note that the ♥J or a If there is no spade loser, club lead gives the contract www.bridge-tables.co.uk she can later enter dummy immediately. ■

Page 32 BRIDGE September 2014 2014 with Jeremy Dhondy, Chairman of the EBU September 2014: What have they ever done for us?

here is a Monty Python Sketch insufficient bid or a revoke. Training however, you need trained teachers. involving the Peoples’ Front directors for clubs provides an arbiter One problem here is that some who of Judea, or is it the Judean whom people trust so they can get on teach have an interest in making the TPeople’s Front, which goes on for with enjoying their game. courses rather long, but these days the some time and concerns whether the Talking of enjoying the game, there idea of a couple of dozen lessons before Romans did anything for Palestine. are many clubs where there are one or you play a card in anger doesn’t much It ends, ‘All right, but apart from the two people who try to spoil the game. appeal. Providing suitable courses and sanitation, the medicine, education, They gloat, they are rude to partner, training teachers is another job of the wine, public order, irrigation, roads, a ‘Even an idiot would have led a spade,’ national body. fresh-water system and public health, or perhaps to the opponents. They We may not all be ready for it yet but what have the Romans ever done for belittle and hector and, of course, some bridge is already moving online. us?’ The answer is, ‘Brought peace?’ know all the rules, except that they We will need regulation for that, but followed by, ‘Shut up.’ often don’t. Clubs ought to have a code we need to prepare and see if the game If you think that is an odd way to of behaviour. The EBU introduced will work online. start an article, it brings to mind (my Best Behaviour at Bridge around eight A national body tends to have a mind at least) those who decry the years ago and a lot of clubs use that or representative framework. Although national organisation in bridge. Why a variation of it, but some don’t and we think of that as the small number do we need one? What do they ever do allow the behaviour of a minority to who represent England, it is also for the person who plays locally on a spoil the game of the majority. In the those who represent their county or Wednesday night? Why do we need to end, it may come to asking a player not their club. Does your club play in the belong? to darken the doors of the club again. National Inter Club knock out? Join Perhaps the first thing that a If so, then having sensible and legal in if you haven’t. It’s fun and there is national body does is to provide rules procedures helps and the EBU provide a plate competition if you lose early on and regulations. You have to have a a model club constitution and advice. (entry included in the entry fee). code to play by otherwise you don’t Most people who play any game So, apart from the basic rules have a game. In football, the Sunday like a method to compare themselves of the game, the meaning of bids, morning game at the local playing field with others. Bridge is, after all, a dealing with bad losers, teaching is governed by the same laws as the competitive game. So the club ladder bridge teachers and training ordinary final of the World Cup and so it is for may provide some of that but so does players how to organise and run a bridge. For sure, there are regulatory a master point scheme and more bridge session so that we can play bits about what system you can play recently the National Grading Scheme. with our friends in a happy, calm, fair, and whether there might be a screen in One of the weaknesses of the NGS was understandable environment to the front of you that might differ, but the it provided only for pairs games but, mutual satisfaction of all, organising basic game is the same. In cricket, the by the time you read this, multiple and international teams, providing a match between two pub sides may not Swiss team games in clubs, counties national grading system ... what has be governed by Duckworth-Lewis if and nationally will all count. the EBU ever – ah, well I suppose the weather is inclement, but the rules If you look at clubs, in some the you do get a free diary and a regular on whether you are out or how you can players are quite elderly, the number magazine. bowl are the same. of tables is in decline and there It does, of course cost money. That’s To stay with the rules for a moment, is no plan to get new recruits. A where your 35p goes, although the most players don’t read the law book national organisation needs to plan cost is kept down by the considerable for fun or indeed at all and they don’t for the future and having a teaching efforts of our many volunteers to want to concern themselves with programme is part of that. It’s easier whom much thanks is owed. it much but they do want someone for clubs with their own premises to If you have constructive comment competent to administer rules fairly have teaching sessions, but even if or feedback on these or other topics, if there is a problem, someone who the club hires its premises it’s often I will be pleased to hear from you at knows what to do when there is an possible to get new recruits. First, [email protected]. ■

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Page 34 BRIDGE September 2014 Catching Up by Sally Brock

here’s not actually a huge so to Opatija. The hotel was great (as Nicola and I play a two diamond amount of catching up to do long as you were inside it and couldn’t opening which shows a very weak this month. There was only a see it) and I had a lovely room on the hand with a six-card major and no Tweek or so between my birthday and top (tenth) floor. There were indoor strong option. Our openings of two of leaving for Croatia. Most of that time and outdoor pools and a private jetty a major are stronger, from about 8 or 9 was spent preparing to go: several where you could swim in the sea off HCP up to 11 or 12. online bidding sessions with Nicola, the rocks. The first night, after some So here, East passed, Nicola (South) decisions about what to take with me, research, we went a short way up the opened two diamonds and West last-minute dribs and drabs of work. coast to a restaurant overlooking the doubled. I, of course, thought that she We’re still working hard to improve sea in a small village. Perfect. Almost would have hearts, so for the moment the ProBridge site (www.pro-bridge. a pity we had to play bridge. I passed to show diamonds. East bid co.uk). By the time you read this, we Most of the Saturday was spent two hearts, Nicola passed and West will have a comprehensive interna- reading the system and exploring. The bid three clubs. It still sounded to me tional bridge calendar on the site. Any opening ceremony was at a local ho- as if Nicola had hearts, so I passed of you who like to combine a holiday tel and was mercifully short before we again. Now, East bid three hearts and with a bridge event will be able to see were all allowed a drink on the terrace. West raised to four. Surely, now, Nicola what is available. On August 1st, we The nearby restaurant where we went must have spades. I bid four spades. launched a ‘Hand of the Day’, where for dinner served good food but the When this was passed around to West, you can look at a daily bridge prob- service was interminably slow. This she doubled and that was +790. lem, with the solution published the was something we were to find in most In the other room, they pressed on following day. places. I guess if you are on holiday, to five clubs, which was also doubled On the Thursday before we left, you don’t mind if dinner takes three or and made on the nose after a trump I went to a party at TGR’s that was four hours, but, when you want to get lead. hosted by John Pottage: a celebration a fairly early night, it can be irritating. After the match, Briony was outside of winning the World Junior We started the bridge on the Sunday waiting to say hello, having arrived Championship 25 years ago. That with a small loss against Scotland. It safely. I was a bit nervous about event took place in Nottingham in would have been much worse but for her and her friend Jess driving 1989. Raymond was captain, but it this deal: themselves all the way from Zagreb, was before we were together and my in a left-hand drive car driving on role was typesetting and layout of the the wrong side of the road. But they daily bulletin. John also invited those Dealer East. Game All. are both good drivers and managed involved in GB’s other World Junior ♠ A K 8 4 2 without a hitch. victory, in Bali in 1995. By then, ♥ A The second match was a small win Raymond and I were married and I ♦ K J 8 5 2 against a strong Swedish side, so we was pregnant with Briony. I did some ♣ 6 3 finished the day right in the middle of VuGraph commentary and generally ♠ Void ♠ 10 3 the table. ♥ K 7 2 N ♥ Q 10 8 5 4 3 relaxed, while all the others did most W E On the Monday, we had a bye fol- of the work. It was good to catch up ♦ A 7 3 S ♦ 9 6 4 lowed by heavy wins against Bulgaria with old friends, particularly those ♣ A K Q J 10 7 2 ♣ 9 8 and Serbia, leaving us in fourth place, whom I haven’t seen for years because ♠ Q J 9 7 6 5 well in touch with the lead. they don’t play bridge any more. ♥ J 9 6 The Tuesday saw a narrow loss to I flew to Zagreb with the rest of the ♦ Q 10 Greece, followed by wins against team early on Friday morning. There ♣ 5 4 Turkey and Croatia, leaving us in the was a coach to take us the 200km or bronze medal position … page 42

BRIDGE September 2014 Page 35 JUST DUPLICATE BRIDGE CHARITY EVENTS 12-14 September £169 The Olde Barn SEPTEMBER 4 MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT Bridge drive at Horton 23 North Wilts Inner Wheel & Chalbury Village Hall, 10-12 October £199 Bridge Drive. 1pm. Liddington Wimborne, Dorset. 10.30am. Blunsdon House Hotel Village Hall, nr Swindon. £9. £15pp (table of 4 please) to Afternoon tea and raffle. include cooked lunch & wine. Margaret Bracher Stella Brake ( 01202 624224 10-12 October £199 ( 01793 729970 [email protected] Elstead Hotel margaret.bracher @btinternet.com 18 Salters Hill Charity Cheltenham Bridge Club. 24 Friends of Sussex Hospices Chatsworth Hotel 10.30am to 4pm. £15 includes Glyndebourne Opera House Worthing BN11 3DU lunch & glass of wine. Charity Bridge Event. ( 01242 245392 12 noon. The Mildmay Hall. [email protected] Includes lunch and a glass 14-16 November £199 of champagne. A choice of 22 THE FRIENDS OF Elstead Hotel Chicago or rubber bridge. ST WULFRAM’S CHURCH Glyndebourne shop and Sleaford Golf Club Willoughby gardens open an hour before Road, Sleaford NG34 8PL. 21-23 November £199 the event. £25. £17.00 including lunch. 10am. Chatsworth Hotel Dianne Steele Jean Parker ( 01476 562204 Elstead Hotel ( 01435 813630 31 WESSEX CANCER TRUST Bournemouth BH1 3QP [email protected] (Southampton) GROUP 25 CHILDREN’S CHARITIES Rubber bridge. 7.15pm. Highfield Church Centre, 17-19 October £169 Guildford Café Bridge Event. Play will take place at Highfield Lane, The Olde Barn various venues in the Southampton SO17 1RL. £8. town centre. Gwyneth Pearce 24-26 October £199 £25 per player plus donation. ( 023 8023 6145 Chatsworth Hotel £5, £10 or £15 for raffle. Includes coffee on arrival & NOVEMBER 2-course lunch. 31 Oct – 2 Nov £169 10.15-10.45am registration. 1 EYE CANCER. Reynolds The Olde Barn douglaswright@ Institute, Upwey, Weymouth. 1.30 for 2pm. £30 per table Blunsdon House Hotel 3countiesbridge.com includes tea and cakes. Blunsdon, Swindon SN26 7AS [email protected] Val Pierce ( 01305 833686 29 Alzheimer’s Society Gene Hill ( 01305 786509 Loreto Centre, Abbey Road, 28-30 November £199 Llandudno. 1.30 for 2pm. 13 HUDDERSFIELD PENNINE Chatsworth Hotel £5pp includes tea & prizes. ROTARY CLUB Bill Carter ( 01492 868589 Outlane Golf Club. Lunch with afternoon tea. 28-30 November £169 12 for 12.30pm. The Olde Barn OCTOBER £48.00 per table. 3 RNLI. Salwarpe Village Hall, Rtn Sam Smith Droitwich, WR9 0AH. ( 01924 492540 10.30 for 11am. samuelsmith396 The Olde Barn Hotel £12 including buffet lunch. @btinternet.com Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT Pam Main 22 RNLI ( 01905 381395 Cheltenham Bridge Club. 31 Oct – 2 Nov £199 3 ST ANDREWS CHURCH 1-5pm. Includes tea & cakes. £10 per person. Elstead Hotel Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton, Cambs. Margaret Beverley 10.00 for 10.30am. £14.00. ( 01242 510193 7-9 November £199 Mavis Campion [email protected] Denham Grove ( 01480 860477 FEBRUARY 2015 3 DEBRA 14-16 November £199 Denham Grove Drift Golf Club, East Horsley, 11 WIMBORNE ROTARY CLUB. Chatsworth Hotel Denham, Bucks UB9 5DU KT24 5HD. 2-4.30pm. Allendale Community Centre, £15 includes delicious tea. Hanham Road, Wimborne, Sue Hanrahan Dorset. 2pm. £30 per table Full Board – No Single Supplement ( 01932 400009 including excellent tea. [email protected] Don Phillips ( 01202 972211 Booking Form on page 10. Please note there are no seminars, set hands or prizes at these events. E-mail your charity events: [email protected]

Page 36 BRIDGE September 2014 Answers to David Huggett’s Play Quiz on page 16

do you plan the play? 1. ♠ K 4 Playing in a 4-3 fit is often a hazardous 4. ♠ 6 5 4 2 ♥ A Q 10 6 venture but, here, there is no need to ♥ A Q J 7 ♦ 7 6 4 worry as long as you don’t panic. A quick ♦ 8 4 ♣ 7 5 4 2 count of the tricks shows that you have ♣ Q 10 6 ♠ J 9 8 3 2 ♠ 10 7 6 5 four hearts, five clubs and a spade but, ♠ K J 10 9 3 ♠ 8 7 ♥ K J 3 N ♥ 5 4 2 of course, there is a problem. If you ruff ♥ 6 4 N ♥ K 9 5 3 W E W E ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 9 8 2 S K 10 5 3 the second diamond and then play the Q 10 2 S J 9 7 5 ♣ A 3 ♣ K 6 three top trumps, you will be in trouble if ♣ A 9 3 ♣ 7 5 4 ♠ A Q the suit splits 4-2, because the defender ♠ A Q ♥ 9 8 7 with the last trump will be able to ruff the ♥ 10 8 2 ♦ A Q J clubs as soon as he can and then cash ♦ A K 6 3 ♣ Q J 10 9 8 whatever diamonds remain. So, throw ♣ K J 8 2 spades from hand instead on the second and third diamonds. Now, if they lead a You are declarer in 3NT and West leads fourth round, you can ruff in dummy and You are declarer in 3NT and West leads the ♠3. How do you plan the play? then draw trumps, not caring if they are the ♠J with East playing the ♠8. How do It might look tempting to play on clubs 4-2. you plan the play? but can that really be right? By the time With two suits to attack – hearts and the clubs have been established, the clubs – it is important to play the right defenders will have enough winners to suit first, although, at a casual glance, it defeat you via three spades (at least), 3. ♠ A 9 7 6 might not seem to matter. Suppose you and the top two clubs. Although it is a ♥ A Q 5 take a heart finesse and it loses. East very long shot, you need to play West for ♦ K 2 will probably return a spade and now both the king and jack of hearts and for ♣ 10 7 5 3 you are in trouble whenever West started East to hold the king of diamonds. So ♠ 4 ♠ 10 5 2 with a five card suit and the ace of clubs. win the spade lead in hand and take a ♥ 10 8 7 4 N ♥ K 9 6 3 Now, try knocking out the ace of clubs W E ♦ ♦ series of finesses, hearts first and then 8 7 5 4 S J 10 9 3 first. Whoever wins will return a spade diamonds to return to hand in order to ♣ A 9 6 2 ♣ K 4 but now, when you take the heart finesse, take another heart finesse. You will need ♠ K Q J 8 3 it will be into the defender who holds no three cards to be right, but that is a better ♥ J 2 more spades – or if he does, then the suit chance than no chance at all. ♦ A Q 6 will have broken 4-3. ♣ Q J 8 Put another way, you can lose the ace of clubs to either hand but you can only ever lose a heart to East. ■ 2. ♠ Q 7 4 You are declarer in 4♠ and West leads ♥ A 10 2 the ♥4. How do you plan the play? ♦ 8 7 5 If you look at your potential losers you Mr Bridge ♣ K 8 6 4 will see that the most you should lose are Premium Quality Cards ♠ J 3 ♠ K 10 9 8 5 two clubs and a heart, so you have to N ♥ 9 8 6 5 ♥ 7 3 ask yourself if anything could go wrong. Standard Faces W E with or without ♦ A K 9 4 S ♦ Q J 10 6 2 Well, if you decide to duck the opening bar codes. ♣ 10 5 2 ♣ 9 lead – playing West for the king – then it Unboxed. ♠ A 6 2 certainly might. 6 red / 6 blue ♥ K Q J 4 Not infrequently, East will produce the £19.95 ♦ 3 king and play a club from a doubleton, 30 red / 30 blue ♣ A Q J 7 3 scoring a third round ruff, so that, in all, only £60 you lose two clubs, a ruff and a heart. Of course, you can stop all that nonsense The London Bridge Centre You are declarer in 4♥ and West leads by winning the first trick and drawing ( 020 7388 2404 www.bridgeshop.com the ♦A and follows up with the ♦K. How trumps.

BRIDGE September 2014 Page 37 Sally has raised multi-tasking MORE ARDINGTON to a new level; I suspect that READERS’ behind the scenes lurks a battery of servants and pri- vate secretaries, either that or

she’s on a banned substance! LETTERS Ken Thorp, Poole, Dorset. ARDINGTON HOTEL I have been coming to your I am writing to ask if you bridge weekends in Worthing TOO MUCH SALLY a more relaxed content than are intending to book any for some years, so imagine I have deliberated about other contemporaries. I am more bridge weekends my huge disappointment renewing my annual not really enamoured with at the above hotel. My in finding that you are no subscription because I do the new cartoon type photos husband and I consider it longer having weekends find that 5 pages by Sally of contributors, but can live to be an excellent venue for at the excellent Ardington are rather too much for me. with that, but I do prefer this purpose – especially Hotel (pictured above). We Some time ago I defended that a bridge magazine regarding the attentive staff liked the Beach but do not your right to print her articles concentrates on bridge and the very good food like the Chatsworth. I am – it was a free magazine and not people’s lives. served. Personally, we would afraid to say that unless you and you were ‘paying the Sorry if I sound a bit be happy for Just Bridge to reinstate Just Bridge at the piper’. Now that I help to grouchy about this matter. be held there (no seminars), Ardington, we will not be ‘pay the piper’, I feel entitled I do not intend to be rude as it is within reasonable coming to your weekends. to express an opinion. I but this month was the final travel distance for us – as Anna Rees by email. have just renewed my sub straw – Catching Up by Sally elderly people. We are not So sorry to hear that but – for a year. I hope that and Seven Days by Sally. so keen on the Chatsworth, as repeatedly announced, during that period some A sally too far. with its much larger numbers our programme of Just thought, perhaps from the Mr G Makeham, in the bridge party. Bridge events concludes new Associate Editor, might Lewes, East Sussex. On recently telephoning, at the end of this year. bring about an influx of new I urged you to retain material, fresh contributors My HeroINE The Ardington – especially SOME DO, and a reduction of some My hero is Sally Brock; her now that it has been SOME DON’T from the current stable. exploits leave me breathless. refurbished. I realise that Having just enjoyed your I am always interested That lass can accomplish the lack of a lift may be a July issue of BRIDGE, I in Sally’s bridge comments more in a week than I can drawback. However, there must write and agree with but not her private life, in a year. One minute she’s always seemed to be a contributor June Baguley family details, eating habits, dashing up to Inverness reasonable sized party to Readers’ Letters on the holiday arrangements, to take part in a competi- attending your events subject of ‘Better Focus’. wine preferences, clothing tion, back on the overnight there – everyone seems My wife and I often problems, house sale, etc. sleeper to edit a few travel to acclaim its merits. watch Bernard’s DVDs To me this is all very books, give lessons on the So, please will you continue and repeatedly make the pretentious and should be internet, set up a website, to include The Ardington same observation. The confined to social media knock out a few newspaper in your schedule of bridge continuous switching back sites where I am sure it columns, book air tickets venues – you will have lots of and forth to the audience can be avidly consumed for an international event in ‘backers’ for this and we will breaks our concentration. by those interested in lives Peking at the same time as certainly be most grateful. Mr Alan Cooper, other than their own. rustling up a chilli con carne Mrs M Barnard, Blewbury, Oxfordshire. I do enjoy BRIDGE. It has for a dozen house guests. Southsea, Hants. TRADING UP Have just been on my first Mr Bridge weekend and just REDUCE THE COST OF YOUR POSTAGE wanted to say everything was Postage stamps for sale at 90% of face-value, all mint fantastic. Excellent hosts, with full gum. Quotations for commercial good company and to be quantities available on request. thoroughly recommended. Values supplied in 100s, higher values available Only downside was we came bottom. We are now thinking as well as 1st and 2nd class (eg 2nd class: 100x37p+100x16p). of taking a Bernard Magee (/Fax 020 8422 4906 e-mail: [email protected] holiday doing some tuition. Cath Marlow by email.

Page 38 BRIDGE September 2014 READERS’ LETTERS CELEBRATION DEBRA SUPPORT continued The Olde Barn Hotel NOT NORMAL Marston, This is really a question for Lincs NG32 2HT Bernard Magee as much as Many thanks for the prizes one about QPlus. I cannot you sent for our Bridge avoid the impression, shared Tea. At the risk of sounding by others I know, that the I am attaching a recent greedy, this has spurred software’s distributions are photograph of some of our me on to ask a favour as consistently unfavourable members with the magazines we are launching a Winter to those usually expected, you so kindly sent to me. I Pairs League for the Debra ie too many 4-0 and 5-0 distributed all eighty plus of Charity which will run from trump splits. Is this because them and hopefully some November until Easter 2015. these are competition boards members will order their own Leigh Harding has kindly designed to test the best copies in the future. I don’t donated free membership of declarers? If this is the case, think they all realise that they the No Fear Bridge website can I pat myself on the back will no longer automatically for the League winners. for avoiding congresses or receive your magazine I wondered if you would 26-28 September £179 is it simple paranoia on my each and every month. be prepared to donate or part? Are the cards loaded We had a great day at our sponsor prizes for all the Declarer Play against declarer? The Summer Lunch in Norwich winners of each individual Gwen Beattie program is great and used on June 16th with twenty group within the League often but there is this lurking tables of all abilities. There (this however could be a 10-12 October £245 impression that the normal were four spot prizes at lot of prizes; if the League distributions are not present. the end of each round. succeeds to our expectations, Endplay Roy Howgill by email. Everybody had a popular it could be 50 prizes) or if & Avoidance I have forwarded your letter novel to take home as a this was too much, perhaps Bernard Magee to both Bernard Magee and change from bridge items. for the 2nd and 3rd pairs Johannes Leber of QPlus. Trophies were won as follows: of the overall League? Their replies will be included Coventry Shield Should you feel this were 17-19 October £169 in the next issue. As for your (Winners) possible, we would be very Just Duplicate comments on the boards Christine Sadd & Wendy Gee happy to mention your Bridge at congresses, I suspect Rifke Cup help in our literature. Patrick Dunham the EBU reply might be (Runners Up) Susan Hanrahan, the same as from Bernard Pete Wood & Tony Collins West Byfleet, Surrey. Magee and Johannes Luncheon Trophy Happy to help. Believe it or 31 Oct – 2 Nov £169 Leber. I will ask Jeremy (Most Improved Pair) not, we get surprisingly few Just Duplicate Dhondy. Meanwhile, put a Marion Laurence & Jill Cadley requests for prizes despite Bridge bit of spice into your bridge. Ann Melville, repeatedly offering to June Dixon Give the cards a thorough Aylsham & North support fund-raisers using shuffle before you deal. Walsham Bridge Circle. bridge as their tool. and Carol Fisher

14-16 November £179 Doubles Will Parsons

28-30 November £169 Just Duplicate Bridge Michael Haytack

Full Board No Single Supplement Booking Form on page 10.

BRIDGE September 2014 Page 39 BERNARD MAGEE at Denham Grove near Uxbridge, Bucks, UB9 5DG. 9-12 January 2015 £399 Friday – Monday, £369 Friday – Sunday, full board Limited places for Thursday night available. £45pp single, £65 double/twin.

Defence as Partner of the Leader Aggressive Bidding AT PAIRS Defence is the hardest aspect of the game, but the one Forty years ago, duplicate pairs was in its infancy and you that I love to teach the most: it is where most players can needed 13 HCP to open the bidding and rarely competed make great progress. You are often taught about opening for a partscore. Now the norm is to open with 11 HCP and leads, but what about as the leader’s partner? How do you compete for every hand. The reason is largely because of play to trick one and then what do you do later? Should the scoring system. -50 and -100 can score very well, when you continue with your partner’s suit or switch? I will try your opponents can make a contract of their own. Since to give you the answers to all of these questions and more. going off can score well, you should bid more.

Strong Opening Bids Take-Out Doubles Much focus is placed on weak opening bids in the Take-out doubles are an increasingly important aspect of modern game which means many strong hands are hard duplicate bridge. I will deal with basic take-out doubles to bid. Managing your strong bids carefully can give and their responses and then progress to you great joy, particularly when you have a neat talk about competing for every partscore. bidding sequence to a lovely slam. I will talk about Aiming to push your opponents higher or your strong opening options and show you how to looking to get the magic -50, which scores so well when make the most of them. your opponents can make a contract of their own.

Suit Establishment Landy / Defending Against 1NT Five-card suits (and longer) are powerful things: I will Competing against a 1NT opening allows you to chal- try to get across my passion for them by showing you lenge for the partscore and also disrupts your opponents’ how to develop your extra tricks through establishment. conventions. I will talk about competing over 1NT in Every five-card suit merits your attention, however general and then talk about the Landy Convention, weak. Once you have seen the opportunities for extra which is a relatively simple method of competing over tricks, you will understand why it is important to add 1NT. The weak no-trump is a powerful pre-emptive strength on for long suits during the auction. opening, so you need to try hard to overcome it.

6 seminar sessions with Bernard1 6 sessions of supervised play2 Contact Mr Bridge to book your place or for further details: ( 01483 489961 1Filmed 2Not with Bernard Magee READERS’ LETTERS BEGIN BRIDGE continued I wish to thank you for Blunsdon sending me your CD on BRIDGE Begin Bridge – Acol Version House Hotel TURN OF PHRASE by Bernard Magee. Swindon SN26 7AS Make sure you I just received the August I cannot tell you how don’t miss your issue of BRIDGE. I look much I have enjoyed, favourite monthly forward to reading your indeed am still enjoying, articles by taking prologue and then turn to learning the game. out an annual Bernard Magee’s quiz, which The CD is brilliant and subscription. helps me improve my bridge. I am totally engrossed with each section. It is very methodical, detailed l Acol Bidding Quiz and explanatory and most & Answers importantly, easy to follow. Bernard Magee Aegean Odyssey The bonus is that I can l Ask Julian Pottage learn Acol at home and I am concerned about at my own pace with no BRIDGE EVENTS l Julian’s FAQs the statement you made pressure until I am ready ‘calming down about the and have the confidence l Misleading Cases 10-12 Oct £199 as reported by our lovely Aegean Oydssey’ and to play socially. court correspondent hope I have misinterpreted The DVD is interactive, so Just Duplicate Bridge your meaning. I also love to speak, so when you ‘play’ Sheila Rogers l Ask David Aegean Odyssey. Are you or ‘bid’, Bernard Magee, Stevenson proposing to sever your the tutor, states whether the 14-16 Nov £245 l David’s SPECIAL connection with her? correct card has been played Bernard Magee OFFER FAQs Please clarify why you or the right bid made. Further into PRICE are having to calm down. He points out the correct l Mary’s I have booked with you to card or the correct way the Auction First Lesson travel on the Minerva and to play the hand. I have l Play Quiz hope it is just as good an never encountered such an 28-30 Nov £245 experience as the one I excellent CD for learning Bernard Magee l Defence Quiz had on Aegean Odyssey. the game of bridge before. Bidding NEW TOPIC l Tales from Once I have mastered Distributional this CD, I will send for Acol Sherwood Forest Hands by David Bird Bidding, Defence and of course Declarer Play. l Blast from Now that I have retired, 23-25 Jan 2015 £245 the Past Minerva the thought of getting back Bernard Magee l Catching up Finally, congratulations on to playing bridge with other Competitive your sixteenth grandchild. like-minded folk, as well l Bidding Seven Days Rosalind looks a pretty baby. as joining in on some of l Jeremy Dhondy Mrs Anna Crockford, the bridge weekends and Old Malden, Surrey. holidays, will open another l Sally Brock Tip Please forgive me, it was happy chapter in my life. l Travel Tip just a turn of phrase. Maria by email. ■ l Readers’ Letters Special Write to Mr Bridge at: Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH Introductory or e-mail [email protected]

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BRIDGE September 2014 Page 41 Seven Days by Sally Brock

I have a passionate dislike for the idea of stopping the boat for a swim. Wednesday ubiquitous two-over-one (ie a two- We all jump off the boat and have a This was originally supposed to be a level change of suit response is forcing good ten minutes or so in the water, rest day but the weather forecast was to game) and am always glad when before climbing back on board to so bad that the organisers changed the it doesn’t turn out well. Here, we continue the boat ride. Jess drives us schedule so we play today and rest to- have no problems. Nicola opens one back to Opatija and, after a short rest, morrow. It is only a ten-minute walk spade, I respond two hearts and we we venture out to dinner at a nearby to the venue but the weather looks are off to the races. Bidding the slam pizzeria with the rest of the team. threatening so we wait for the bus. is no problem. At the other table, the A good day – a relaxing change (There was one memorable occasion Russian South has to respond one no- from the bridge (though I’m not sure when we played in Malmo, Sweden, trump and that gives North a problem. this tournament has been sufficiently where the heavens opened while Nico- If she shows a 5-5, or longer, two- arduous really to need it). la and Heather were walking to the suiter, then South will give preference venue. When they arrived, someone to hearts when she is 1-3 in the majors. had to give them a lift back to their ho- In such a situation, spades is very likely tel to change out of their wet clothes to be the better denomination. So she Friday – apparently you could wring water simply rebids four spades (as happens The first match is against France. We out of their underwear). For some rea- at a lot of tables across the field). are a bit unlucky. First, I hold, as North: son, the bus is not allowed to drive the Then, it’s back to the hotel for a same route as we walk and the drive quick drink and buffet dinner. I have actually takes longer than the walk. my weekly coaching session with my ♠ 9 5 We start against Austria and have a Irish women. Skype Barry and then go ♥ 10 8 7 5 great card. We win by 45 IMPs. Then to bed. ♦ 3 we walk back to the hotel in the rain. I ♣ J 10 8 6 4 3 had been going to go out for lunch with the girls in the car but the weather is so bad no-one much feels like doing that Thursday I hear Nicola open two clubs. I bid so we eat at the hotel. Afterwards, I go The long-awaited day off. I meet the two diamonds and she bids two no- to the gym. Then, we keep checking girls for breakfast as usual. Simon trumps. We play this as game-forcing. the score but it is not going well and joins us and decides to come with us I bid three clubs, asking about majors, we lose to Romania by 22 IMPs. on our outing. and she bids three diamonds, denying Then, it’s back to the sports centre After the usual excellent buffet a four- or five-card major. My choices for the match against Russia. They are breakfast we set out for the island now are a jump to five clubs or a usually a strong team but seem to be of Krk. This requires a 40km drive simple three no-trumps. It’s possible doing badly here. We have a decent down the coast to the toll bridge and she has game more or less in her own card and win by 15 IMPs. I am pleased then over to Krk. We stop for a coffee hand, perhaps with a diamond suit, with this slam hand: early on and then proceed to a good so I go for the nine-trick game. In watersports centre we have heard fact, there is no problem in making about. They have a waterski zipwire three no-trumps, but she has a very Dealer North. E/W Vul. set-up – all very exciting but no- suitable hand for playing in five clubs. ♠ A J 10 9 7 4 3 one really fancies it. So, on to Punat In the other room, after a similar start, ♥ K Q J 10 4 where we park the car and walk along North makes the other choice and ♦ Void the promenade before choosing our jumps to five clubs which her partner ♣ 8 lunch spot. Special Krk pasta with raises to slam. Slam is on a finesse and ♠ 8 6 5 2 ♠ K Q gorgonzola hits the spot admirably. the finesse is right. ♥ 8 3 N ♥ 2 W E We quite fancy going out on a boat Then, later on, I hold: ♦ A 9 7 4 S ♦ J 10 6 5 3 but all the tours on offer seem rather ♣ K Q 7 ♣ A 10 9 5 2 too long. Eventually, we find someone ♠ Void who is prepared to take us out for an ♠ 7 6 5 ♥ A 9 7 6 5 hour for a mere £23 or so. We get an ♥ A 8 4 2 ♦ K Q 8 2 ice cream first and then board this ♦ J 6 ♣ J 6 4 3 small vessel. Out of the harbour and ♣ A 8 4 3 around the island. Simon has the great

Page 42 BRIDGE September 2014 Seven Days continued off lots of hearts but we are not under long-time adversaries. We are on any pressure. Eventually, she plays the BBO, of course. In our room, things nine of spades. Time stands still for a don’t seem to go particularly well. while and then she runs it. One down. Our opponents seem to do well and I hear the bidding go, one spade on my In the second match, we play we miss a couple of thin games. When left, one no-trump on my right, three Denmark. Again, we have a good card we come out, though, everyone is no-trumps on my left. I pick a heart in both rooms and finish with a heavy smiling and we have won by 16 IMPs. and declarer has eleven tricks. In the win. We are now lying third but only Apparently, this is the first time the other room vagaries of system mean 3 VPs off the lead. Seven matches to English women have beaten the Dutch that Nicola’s hand is on lead. She has go. in a European Championship, ever. K-Q-6 in clubs and 10-9-5-3 in hearts However, the real excitement is in That keeps us at the top of the table, and unerringly fishes out a club. So the other events. After the end of the nearly 10 VPs ahead of Italy and the that is another 11 IMPs out, leading to second match, we all hang around to Netherlands. a final loss by 10 IMPs. see if the English Seniors will manage Afterwards, I change quickly and The second match is against Ireland to win with a match to go. When the go out with the girls and David Burn and we win by 10. Then, Nicola and I go score is finally posted, they have a 19.61 for a little trip. We drive to Labin, 45 for a walk and visit the supermarket, VP lead, so would have to lose the last minutes or so along the coast, an old leaving the others to play Estonia, match very badly not to win the event. walled town on the top of a cliff. We whom they beat heavily. We eat on The English open team are also doing wander around for a while and have the lower terrace at the hotel. Again, well, after a somewhat rocky start. a lovely dinner looking out over the the food is good but the service slow, They qualify at the head of their group coast. though we are entertained by a concert and when the complicated carryover on the other terrace (far enough away system is worked out, they are still that we can still hear each other talk). well placed. Everything to play for. We are also pleased that the Irish open Monday team (Fee’s boyfriend Hugh McGann Somehow the pressure is worse when is on the team) qualify for the final. you are in front than when you are Saturday They are close at the beginning of the chasing. We start against Germany We start against Israel and have an day but have a tough finish, including and it doesn’t go well. Plenty of room excellent card in both rooms to finish having to play Sweden and Monaco, for improvement and the card from with 20 VPs. I enjoy this one: but they manage it. the other room is not perfect either. We After we finish, I go back to the hotel lose by 14 IMPs. Then Poland and the and have a long Skype conversation match is much the same. We are now Dealer West. Game All. with Barry (for some reason we have second, 5 VPs behind the Netherlands. ♠ K 10 6 5 4 2 been just missing each other for most Nicola and I go shopping with Briony, ♥ 10 of the week). I really like going through checking the scores on our phones ♦ Q 6 3 the hands with him. Then, I go down to every five minutes or so. Team-mates ♣ Q J 6 the lower terrace of the hotel and swim do OK against Spain, winning by 19 ♠ Q 7 ♠ J 3 in the sea. After a shower and change, IMPs. It’s looking OK but then the ♥ 9 7 N ♥ 6 5 4 W E we walk along the promenade to the Dutch make an unmakeable game on ♦ K J 9 5 4 S ♦ A 10 7 excellent fish restaurant we went to the final board for 7 IMPs in instead of ♣ A K 7 4 ♣ 9 8 5 3 2 on our first night. It is a lovely seaside 5 out. We are back in the lead but only ♠ A 9 8 setting and the food is excellent. by the tiniest of margins. ♥ A K Q J 8 3 2 We eat at the buffet in the hotel and ♦ 8 2 all have an early night. ♣ 10 Sunday Today, we play the team lying bottom West North East South followed by the team lying top: Tuesday 1♣ 2♠ Pass 4♥ Lebanon and then the Netherlands. The first match is against Italy and, All Pass We are on the bench for the first although we start well, it soon match. After breakfast, I go to the disintegrates. Again, a poor match in I decide to call my hand balanced gym and then rush back to my room both rooms leads to a heavy loss, by and open one club rather than one to follow progress online. It looks as if 40 IMPs. That puts them in the lead. diamond. My top club opening lead things are going well. We are well up Somewhat remarkably, we are still in a is easy and I can tell that it is likely and things are not going so well for medal position. But France are chasing that declarer has a singleton. What the other teams at the top. When the us and they have only lowly Lebanon next? I switch to the queen of spades. smoke has cleared, we are lying first. to play in the last match. On a brighter Declarer wins with the ace and plays Then, it is time for the Netherlands, note, we are all quite excited

BRIDGE September 2014 Page 43 Seven Days continued if West decides to open, then East may well force to game. We know the Dutch 2014 FESTIVE SEASON East-West have stayed in a about how well the open partscore. All of sudden, team is doing. we hear whoops and cheers Denham Grove One thing to keep in from the orange-shirted Near Uxbridge, UB9 5DU mind at the end of these Dutch players and it is all round robin events is that over. We have to settle for it is very stressful. It is not silver. just our team feeling the In truth, the main pressure. Our last match is damage was done yesterday against Norway, generally and it is remarkable that we a decent team but one that were still in with a chance, has not been doing so well having lost three of our last in this event. Nicola and I five matches. Christmas 23-27 December have a good match, though We have a quick beer Just Duplicate Bridge £495 the boards seem fairly flat. by the pool and go out to Jo Walch When we come out, we are dinner in Opatija Harbour. rather surprised to find While we are eating, we are Twixmas 27-29 December that we are in the lead, but constantly checking on our only by a fraction of a VP. phones to see how the open Doubles £245 Soon, we are overtaken by team are doing. They have Bernard Magee the Netherlands. France the mighty Monaco to play are lying third and Italy in the final round. Both New Year 29 Dec – 2 Jan are losing to Germany and Monaco’s hopes for the title Hand Evaluation £445 are no longer in a medal and the English hopes of a position at all. Those two medal depend on this match. Bernard Magee matches finish and we are The antepenultimate board ahead of both of them. It is very exciting. Fantoni/ is just a question of how Nunes (popularly known The Olde Barn well the Netherlands do on as Fantunes) for Monaco Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT the final couple of deals. manage to end up in six They gain 6 IMPs on the spades on a 4-3 fit rather penultimate board when than in their ten-card heart the Estonians take 200 fit. The trump suit is K-J-6 from three clubs doubled facing A-10-8-7. Spades are rather than bidding their 3-3 with the queen under own non-vulnerable game. the A-10-8-7. Nunes needs The last board is a terrible to locate the ♠Q to make vulnerable game that his slam. If he does, then makes: Monaco will win the title Christmas 23-27 December and England may not get a Just Duplicate Bridge £495 medal. Time stands still and Sheila Rogers Dealer West. E/W Vul some excellent defence by West East Tony Forrester offers Nunes Twixmas 27-29 December ♠ Q 6 4 ♠ 9 8 a losing option, which he ♥ A K 10 8 4 ♥ 5 takes and the slam is down. Further into the Auction £215 ♦ Q 8 ♦ A J 10 7 So it’s gold for Israel, silver Patrick Dunham ♣ 8 7 4 ♣ A Q 10 6 5 2 for Monaco and bronze for England. New Year 29 Dec – 1 Jan The closing ceremony is Declarer Play £345 South has the ace-king of at nine o’clock. At least it spades, the diamond finesse is as short as possible. We John Ronan is right and North has king wander back to the hotel doubleton of clubs, so either for a final drink before Back to Back bookings save £50 per booking. three no-trumps or five retiring to bed to pack in Booking Form on page 10. clubs will make. Although time for our early morning See www.mrbridge.co.uk/ukbreaks for details and itineraries. game is a terrible contract, departure. ■

Page 44 BRIDGE September 2014 Answers to Julian Pottage’s Defence Quiz on page 13

West North East South high card, surely the ♦A or the ♦K, in 1. ♠ Q J 8 2 3♣ which case you might score a ruff as ♥ J 6 3 Dbl All Pass well. If that high diamond is the king, you ♦ A 9 2 certainly want to lead the suit from your ♣ K 9 5 Partner leads the ♦10. Declarer wins side of the table. So overtake the ♥Q with ♠ A 6 ♠ K 5 with the ♦A and leads the ♣2 to the ♣Q, the ♥K and switch to the ♦8. If declarer ♥ K Q 10 8 4 N ♥ A 9 5 2 partner discarding the ♥3. What is your ducks, partner wins and continues W E ♦ ♦ ♠ Q 6 4 S 10 8 5 3 plan? diamonds. You then take the K as soon ♣ J 6 4 ♣ A Q 8 This time, the opposing bidding is as you get the chance and lead your ♥5 ♠ 10 9 7 4 3 normal. You are the one who might have to put partner in to give you a diamond ♥ 7 bid differently. Again, you would like to ruff. ♦ K J 7 score 500 to beat the pairs making game ♣ 10 7 3 2 your way. For three down, you must hope that declarer can never get to dummy. 4. ♠ 8 6 2 You also need to look for a ruff. Partner ♥ K 9 3 West North East South must hold both major-suit aces on the ♦ 9 1♥ Dbl! 2NT1 Pass bidding. Take the ♣A, ♠K and ♥K, then ♣ A Q 10 8 3 2 3♥ Pass 4♥ 4♠ lead the major in which you think partner ♠ J 10 9 4 3 ♠ A K 5 N Pass Pass Dbl All Pass ♥ 5 4 ♥ J 10 8 2 started with four cards – you may have W E 1 Limit raise to 3♠ or better already decided that this is spades if you ♦ K J 8 2 S ♦ 7 6 4 3 read the ♥3 as showing an odd number ♣ 7 4 ♣ K 6 Partner leads the ♥K and continues the of hearts. In any case, partner can get to ♠ Q 7 suit. Having ruffed the second round, see all the cards in one of the majors and ♥ A Q 7 6 declarer leads the ♠4 to the ♠6, ♠Q and should know not to try to give you a ruff ♦ A Q 10 5 ♠K. What do you return? in that suit. ♣ J 9 5 You will need to take the contract three down to beat pairs making 4♥ your way. Since partner surely holds the ♠A from the 3. ♠ A 8 7 2 West North East South failure by declarer to finesse, prospects ♥ 8 2 1♥ are good. With the minor-suit honours ♦ Q J 10 2 Pass 2♣ Pass 2NT1 spread around the table, you must avoid ♣ K Q 4 Pass 3♥ Pass 3NT leading those; dummy’s ♦9 becomes a ♠ 6 ♠ K J 5 All Pass big card if you lead the suit. You must ♥ Q J 10 6 4 3 N ♥ A K 5 115-19 also be careful to leave partner a safe exit ♦ K 9 6 4 W E ♦ 8 5 S card. So do not play a third heart. Play a ♣ 6 2 ♣ A 9 8 7 5 Partner leads the ♠J. You take the ♠K and trump to partner’s ace. A third round of ♠ Q 10 9 4 3 ♠A, the ♠Q appearing from South on the hearts is then available as a safe exit. ♥ 9 7 second round. What do you do next? ♦ A 7 3 The fall of the ♠Q means that the ♣ J 10 3 contract is going down. Indeed, you will 2. ♠ Q 8 7 2 surely make your ♣K as well as five spade ♥ Q 8 6 2 tricks to take it two down. However, as ♦ K 6 2 West North East South the contract appears normal, you should ♣ Q 9 2♥1 Dbl 4♥ 4♠ not stop looking there. ♠ A J 9 6 ♠ K 5 Pass Pass Dbl All Pass Given that you have both opposing ♥ A J 10 4 3 N ♥ K 5 1Weak suits stopped, you can afford to try a W E ♦ Q 10 9 4 ♦ J 8 7 5 3 diamond up to dummy’s weakness. S ♣ Void ♣ A J 8 5 Partner leads the ♥Q. What is your plan? If South has the ♦A-K, you have lost ♠ 10 4 3 Assuming that partner has no more nothing. As it is, the ♦K gives you a ♥ 9 7 than six hearts, you can see four tricks: a seventh trick. Indeed, if declarer grabs ♦ A spade, two hearts and a club. Might you the ♦A and West encourages with the ♣ K 10 7 6 4 3 2 make more? ♦8, the ♦J might make as well for four You can hope that partner has another down. ■

BRIDGE September 2014 Page 45 The Diaries of Wendy Wensum Episode 29: A Cretan Jaunt

he flight from Norwich trans- board against Costos and Elsa. ‘Trust you to lead when it wasn’t your ported Spouse and me to the turn.’ ‘I’m not that daft; at least I can warm and welcoming Mediter- operate the video recorder on our telly Tranean climate of the island of Crete. Dealer South. Game All. at home,’ Spouse retaliated in the same On entering the terminal building, the ♠ A K J 10 7 3 jovial spirit but definitely emphasising airport carousel coughed into life. A ♥ K Q 9 the ‘I’. ‘Anyway, why didn’t you double cascading mass of passengers surged ♦ K 7 4 6NT?’ he enquired not unreasonably. towards it, all eager to reclaim their ♣ 2 ‘I meant to but I forgot,’ I responded, baggage. At this critical moment, the ♠ 8 5 2 ♠ 9 6 4 adding, ‘In any case there is not much N ♥ J 10 6 3 2 ♥ 8 7 4 conveyer belt shuddered and reposed W E point in doubling if you are going into a frustrating stillness, without ♦ Void S ♦ Q 10 9 8 6 5 to lead out of turn.’ Costos entered hint of deliveries from the depths ♣ A K 7 5 4 ♣ 9 the fray by noting that Elsa’s hand, of the basement. A second carousel ♠ Q without a high club honour, was not erupted into motion at the far end of ♥ A 5 the dummy he had expected or needed the arrival lounge and Spouse headed ♦ A J 3 2 to make the contract. Elsa brought the a charge of males towards it. As he and ♣ Q J 10 8 6 3 discussion to an end with, ‘Maybe not, his marauding companions reached but the dummy is very colourful. Look their goal, it coughed and halted its at all the pretty pictures.’ More laughs fragile activity. Simultaneously, the Costos was seated South and opened and more wine completed the round. first carousel, reviving from its hesi- 1♣ as dealer. His wife, Elsa, sitting The traveller revealed that the popular tant start, began to eject an endless North, responded 1♠. The bidding contracts were 4♠ and 3NT, but two procession of bags, cases and sun-um- reached a slam by a fairly direct route. pairs had played in 6♠. One declarer brellas. I was soon re-united with our had gone one off, perhaps to a diamond luggage. Spouse rejoined me having West North East South ruff and a top club. A club lead to the returned from his futile foray, breath- Wendy Elsa Spouse Costos ace followed by a club return and a ing heavily like a phantom telephone 1♣ careless low trump from North could caller. He took the suitcases sheepishly Pass 1♠ Pass 2♣ have the same effect. The other pair from my hands. Pass 3♠ Pass 3NT had made the contract on a favourable We headed for the taxi rank and Pass 6NT All Pass lead, presumably by removing trumps reached our apartment in Rethymnon before taking the marked diamond without further mishap. Unknown to Spouse can be rather impetuous at finesse. us, the local bridge club was prepar- times and on this occasion was about Later that evening, from the balcony ing for its weekly duplicate event in as quick-witted as a Royal Mail pillar of our apartment, I gazed across the a room below. A knock on our door box. My fingers caressed the ♣A and still waters of the sweeping bay. I knew interrupted our unpacking. It was our ♣K lovingly. I was ready to lead out we would enjoy our holiday here. hosts, Costos and Elsa, who greeted my two winners when, to my dismay, Rethymnon was outlined in bright us with the immortal lines, ‘You don’t Spouse tabled the ♦10 face up. Now, moonlight, the massive bulk of the play bridge by any chance do you? We if Costos plays the jack, the contract Venetian fortress contrasted with the have a half table.’ It was an invitation can roll home with three diamond slender minaret beside it. The picture- we couldn’t refuse. Set out on a table tricks, six spades and three hearts. The postcard view seemed to encapsulate in the centre of the playing area, were director was called and announced the in that single moment the long and jugs of fruit juices, bottles of water, ca- options for a lead out of turn. Costos chequered history of this town. With rafes of local wines, bowls of fruit and considered his situation carefully and care or insight, it could have become dishes filled with olives and other mul- asked me to lead a diamond in order the Cannes of Crete, but the easy- ticoloured delicacies. The drinks and to ensure three diamond tricks and going nature of its inhabitants had snacks disappeared as the sunny after- the slam. ‘I haven’t got a diamond,’ made that possibility merely a dream. noon progressed. We were welcomed I explained. ‘In that case,’ said the Spouse gently disturbed my reverie by warmly at every table, where conversa- director, ‘lead what you want.’ The top whispering, ‘You’re very thoughtful.’ tion was mainly in English as players two club tricks defeated the slam. Much Placing his arm comfortingly around practised their foreign language skills. hilarity ensued. ‘You daft thing,’ I my shoulder, we silently surveyed the Late in the session, we played this complained light-heartedly to Spouse, town in all its romantic tranquillity. ■

Page 46 BRIDGE September 2014 1807 Mr Bridge Ship ad_Layout 1 03/07/2014 18:19 Page 1

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ABTA No.Y2206 For reservations call on 01483 489961 or visit www.mrbridge.co.uk BRIDGE DVD CLEARANCE If undelivered or unwanted kindly return to Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey, GU21 2TH All 18 DVDs £100 Series 3 DVDs £54 individually wrapped, unboxed individually wrapped, boxed Series 1 Series 2 Series 3 1 Ruffing for Extra Tricks 7 Leads 13 Hand Evaluation This seminar deals with declarer’s Bernard takes you through basic Going beyond just the point- use of ruffing to make tricks and leads and the importance of your count is important if you want to then looks at how the defenders choice of lead. If you start to improve. Reaching & making 3NT might counteract this. (74 mins.) think about your partner’s hand on 24 HCP; and avoiding 3NT on 2 Competitive Auctions as well as your own, then you will 26 HCP when there are only 7 or 8 This seminar focuses on get much better results. (95 mins.) tricks. (110 mins.) competitive auctions from the 8 Losing Trick Count 14 Pre-Emptive Bidding perspective of the overcalling side A way of hand evaluation for The art of pre-empting is so and then from the perspective of when you find a fit. Bernard deals important. Understanding the the opening side. (86 mins.) with the basics of the LTC then right types of hand to bid up on QPLUS TRADE-IN OFFER 3 Making the Most looks at advanced methods to and realising the importance of of High Cards hone your bidding. (92 mins.) position and vulnerability. (96 mins.) Return any QPlus CD and booklet with a cheque This seminar helps declarer to 9 Making a Plan as Declarer 15 Splinter & Cue-Bids use his high cards more carefully Bernard explains how to make Take your slam bidding to another for £50 and receive wonderful QPLUS 11. and then looks at how defenders a plan then expands on how to level with splinter bids, a vital tool should care for their high cards. make the most of your long suits. for your armoury & try your hand Order with confidence. (83 mins.) (87 mins.) at Italian style cue-bids. (116 mins.) 4 Identifying & Bidding Slams 10 Responding to 1NT 16 Avoidance Play The first half of this seminar is This seminar deals with Transfers As declarer, an important tactic is about identifying when a slam and Stayman in detail. The 1NT to be in control: avoiding a par- might be on – one of the hardest opening comes up frequently, so ticular defender getting the lead. stock clearance topics to teach. The second half having a good, accurate system of As a defender, you can try covers some slam-bidding tech- responses is paramount. (93 mins.) to make sure the right player All second-hand software guaranteed working niques. (96 mins.) 11 Signals & Discards gets the lead at the right time. 5 Play & Defence of 1NT This seminar deals with Count, At- (88 mins.) Play Software – £50 QPlus 10 Bernard looks at declaring 1NT titude and Suit-preference signals: 17 Play & Defence at Pairs (the most common and yet most aiming to get you working as a Duplicate Pairs is the game most Tutorial Software £50 each feared of contracts) and then puts partnership. (92 mins.) of us play and getting used to the us in the defenders’ seats. (88 mins.) 12 Endplay tactics will make a lot of differ- Begin Bridge/Acol Acol Bidding 6 Doubling & Defence Bernard takes you through the ence to your performance. (90 mins.) Advanced Acol Bidding Declarer Play against Doubled Contracts basics of the technique before 18 Thinking Defence Advanced Declarer Play Defence The first half of this seminar showing some magical hands By far the hardest aspect of explores penalty doubles and the where you take extra tricks from bridge, but if you can improve Five Card Majors with Strong No-Trump Better Bridge 2011 with Bernard Magee second half discusses the defence defenders. Then he looks at how your defence your results will against doubled contracts. (88 mins.) to avoid being endplayed. (80 mins.) quickly improve. (87 mins.) ( 01483 489961 ORDER NOW ( 01483 489961 Strictly according to availability. Prices include p&p and VAT. Strictly according to availability. Prices include p&p and VAT. Telephone orders only, please. Offers expire 31 August 2014. Telephone orders only, please. Offers expire 31 August 2014.