Number One Hundred and Thirty-Three January 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. Love All. 4. Dealer West. Game All. 7. Dealer East. Game All. 10. Dealer North. Love All. ♠ A K ♠ 8 6 ♠ A K 7 6 ♠ A 3 2 ♥ 9 7 N ♥ A K 8 7 6 N ♥ 7 N ♥ K 8 6 5 N ♦ A K 4 3 W E ♦ A J 8 2 W E ♦ 9 8 3 W E ♦ 9 3 W E S S S S ♣ A Q 5 3 2 ♣ Q 2 ♣ J 9 8 7 3 ♣ A 9 7 6

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South ? 1♥ 1NT 2♠ Pass 1♥ Pass 2♠1 Dbl Pass ? 1♠ Pass 2♦ Pass ? ? 1Weak two: 6-10 HCP.

2. Dealer East. Love All. 5. Dealer North. Love All. 8. Dealer West. Love All. 11. Dealer East. Love All. ♠ 10 5 ♠ A 3 2 ♠ A 7 6 5 ♠ 3 2 ♥ 4 2 N ♥ 8 7 3 N ♥ 6 4 N ♥ 8 7 N ♦ A 8 7 6 5 4 2 W E ♦ 4 3 2 W E ♦ 3 W E ♦ K 5 4 3 W E S S S S ♣ Q 2 ♣ J 8 5 4 ♣ K Q 9 8 7 5 ♣ K 10 9 5 2

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

3. Dealer South. Love All. 6. Dealer West. Love All. 9. Dealer West. Love All. 12. Dealer East. Game All. ♠ A 8 2 ♠ 3 2 ♠ J 9 8 5 4 ♠ A 4 2

♥ A K 6 N ♥ A J 9 6 5 3 N ♥ K Q 2 N ♥ 4 2 N ♦ Q 5 4 W E ♦ A 7 2 W E ♦ A K 7 W E ♦ 8 3 W E S S S S ♣ J 8 4 2 ♣ A 9 ♣ 6 2 ♣ A Q J 6 5 3

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South 1♥ 1♥ 1♠ 2♥ Pass 1NT Pass 2NT Pass 1NT Pass ? ? ? ?

Answers on page 9 Answers on page 11 Answers on page 13 Answers on page 15 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 Tricks will get much better results. (95 mins.) This seminar focuses on competitive 14 Pre-Empting 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 & 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 Pairs Play & Defence 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 Endplays 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.

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 FEATURES 47 Key Card Blackwood 1 Bidding Quiz Answers by Bernard Magee by Andrew Kambites Mr Bridge BRIDGE 5 Mr Bridge Ryden Grange, Knaphill, 9 Bidding Quiz Answers ADVERTISEMENTS Surrey GU21 2TH (1-3) by Bernard Magee 2 Bernard Magee DVDs 2014 3 Mr Bridge 2014 Diaries ( 01483 489961 11 Bidding Quiz Answers (4-6) by Bernard Magee 4 Cruises with Bridge e-mail: 12 Christmas in Austria Voyages to Antiquity [email protected] by John Barr 5 Bridge Events at website: 13 Bidding Quiz Answers The Olde Barn Hotel Players’ www.mrbridge.co.uk (7-9) by Bernard Magee 7 Mail Order Form 14 January 2014 Cut-out Form Diaries Publisher and by Jeremy Dhondy 8 Bridge Event Managing Editor 15 Bidding Quiz Answers Booking Form Mr Bridge (10-12) by Bernard Magee 8 Bridge Events with Bridge Consultant 16 What are the Features Bernard Magee of Playing Five-Card Bernard Magee 9 A Journey to Majors? Jerusalem with Technical Consultant by Julian Pottage Voyages to Antiquity Tony Gordon 17 Fisticuffs at the Club 10 Bernard Magee’s by Richard Wheen Tutorial Software Typesetting & Design 19 David Stevenson 11 Treasures of the Answers Your Questions Ruth Edmondson Aegean with Contents include 21 Mary’s First Lesson Voyages to Antiquity Proof Readers by Liz Dale 13 Classical Greece ♦ Acol Summary Tony & Jan Richards 22 Mr Bridge Club Quiz and Turkey with by Bernard Magee. Catrina Shackleton Voyages to Antiquity 23 Bridge and Travel Tips ♦ Guide to the Laws. Richard Wheen 23 Defence Quiz 15 Sail Around Hugh Williams by Julian Pottage the Black Sea with ♦ Scoring Tables for Voyages to Antiquity duplicate and Office Manager 24 New Year’s Day in rubber bridge. Sherwood by David Bird 18 Mr Bridge Rachel Everett Just Duplicate Bridge ♦ Distributional odds. 26 Julian Pottage 20 Rubber / Chicago Answers Your Questions ♦ Hand patterns and Events & Cruises Bridge Events ( 01483 489961 28 Declarer Play Quiz fascinating figures. by David Huggett 20 Bridge Events at: Rosie Baker Denham Grove ♦ Cover colours remaining: Jessica Galt 30 David Gold Says Red and Navy. Assume You Can 20 Duplicate Bridge Megan Riccio Beat the Contract Rules Simplified ♦ All covers printed in gold-coloured ink. Sophie Pierrepont 31 Declarer Play Answers 22 Tips for Better Bridge by David Huggett 29 Bridge Events at: ♦ Individual diaries £6.95 Clubs & Charities each including p&p. 32 Defence Quiz Answers Elstead Hotel Maggie Axtell Blunsdon House Hotel by Julian Pottage ♦ Special concession [email protected] Chatsworth House 33 The Diaries of to clubs and teachers. Ardington Hotel 10 for £35, Address Changes Wendy Wensum 31 Mr Bridge Playing Cards thereafter £3.50 each ( 01483 485342 34 Key Card Blackwood including p&p. 36 Bridge Tie Elizabeth Bryan by Andrew Kambites 36 Better Hand ♦ Luxury version with super- [email protected] 36 Key Card Blackwood soft kidrell cover, gilded Quiz by Andrew Kambites Evaluation page edges and 37 Stamps a ball-point pen attached, All correspondence should 37 Readers’ Letters in ruby red, navy blue be addressed to Mr Bridge. 42 Catching Up 39 Charity Events or bottle green. Please make sure that all by Sally Brock 40 Global Travel Insurance £14.95 each including p&p. letters and e-mails carry 44 Seven Days 46 S R Designs full postal addresses and See Mail Order by Sally Brock Bridge Tables telephone numbers. Form on page 7. 46 Answers to Mr Bridge 48 Christmas 2014 with Club Quiz 2013 Voyages to Antiquity

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ABTA No.Y2206 For reservations call on 01483 489961 or visit www.mrbridge.co.uk WORK IN I answer. Why? Because all OLDE BARN PROGRESS my spare love, care and The Olde enthusiasm must be channelled into securing Barn the future of BRIDGE; it is a formidable commitment. Hotel Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT JUST IN TIME 17-19 January 2014 £169 This new venue has been Adjacent to this column is Just Duplicate Bridge added to our listing of the 2014 programme of Just Duplicate events. events at the Olde Barn at 21-23 February £179 31 January – 2 February Michael Haytack Marsden, near Grantham. Stayman & Transfers Clifton Park Hotel, They understand the Lytham St Anne’s, Lancs. weekend bridge events and 14-16 March £169 Readers from the north- how they work. The hotel Just Duplicate Bridge In some ways it would west, here is your chance. provides comfortable 25-27 April £179 have been good to have accommodation for bridge Will Parsons started the New Year with JUST DUPLICATE and bridge players. It has Further into the Auction a great big bang and become a trusted venue. launched an entirely new Nothing in the 2014 9-11 May £179 programme has been Gwen Beattie – Overcalls magazine. However, lots of ANTIQUITY the regular content of cancelled, but if you had 16-18 May £169 BRIDGE is so loved by its thought of booking one or Just Duplicate Bridge readers, I feel obliged to two of these dates, you do 6-8 June £245 keep change to a minimum need to do it right away. Bernard Magee NEW I keep extending the final TOPIC and very carefully broaden Bidding its content in order to date of the £50 off offer, but On the facing page, Distributional Hands attract new subscribers. it must stop sometime. Once the first tranche of Voyages to Antiquity give 13-15 June £169 This New Year issue was places are filled, later the what, how and why you Just Duplicate Bridge supposed to be posted should cruise with them bookers are expected to 20-22 June £245 exclusively to subscribers, and Mr Bridge. pay the regular price. This Bernard Magee but Voyages to Antiquity is still great value and just A small enough ship to be Finding Slams wanted to reach a wider to remind you, the price considered intimate, it 27-29 June £169 audience. If you are not includes full board and six really has lots going for it. Just Duplicate Bridge already a subscriber, it is sessions of bridge. And them you should thank. full board includes a roast On the back cover of this 11-13 July £169 Going forward, this on Sunday. The £50 off issue, I am promoting the Just Duplicate Bridge publication has to be a makes below cost which is 2014 Christmas Cruise. I subscription magazine if am not able to offer a zero 1-3 August £169 why, after five years, these Just Duplicate Bridge it is to enjoy a future, events must start to thrive single supplement as the although it may currently without subsidy. costs of overnight 29-31 August £169 still be viewed free on my accommodation in Nairobi Diana Holland webpage along with back and while out on safari Rubber / Chicago issues in my library: LEFT OUT are outside the 12-14 September £169 www.mrbridge.co.uk/library One hotel that does cruise company’s control. Just Duplicate Bridge The special rate of £20 per understand is the This cruise is something to Ardington in Worthing. 26-28 September £179 year does not fully cover book now and enjoy Stan Powell costs but I am keeping the They are feeling quite looking forward to. A must Declarer Play offer going as support neglected at the moment do if you can afford it. gathers momentum. with all this promotion of 10-12 October £245 Just Duplicate. They have Bernard Magee Indeed, it is most BLACK SEA 2014 Endplay & Avoidance heartening how many of asked me to promote their you have responded. tutorial events which are Mrs Bridge and I are 14-16 November £179 priced at £215, no single circumnavigating the Black Will Parsons – Doubles THE END supplement and offer twin Sea in October. The ship is occupancy for only £35 almost fully booked, but I Full Board No Single Supplement The end of what you might more to include full board still have a few cabins, held ask? My subsidised Just for both occupants. for my party, but only for Booking Form on page 8. Duplicate weekend events, Almost too good to be true. twin occupancy.

BRIDGE January 2014 Page 5 ROBIN HOOD GOFFIES STAMPS 2014 DIARIES There are a few bridge BRIDGE players’ diaries still in stock. Standard or luxury Make sure you versions as per mail order don’t miss your form on page 7. favourite monthly EVEN BETTER articles by taking out an annual Last year’s Christmas QPlus 11 has been really present was to provide well received. Its graphics subscription. readers who sent 4 second are even better and there class stamps with copies of With ever-increasing are more hands from either Robin Hood’s Bridge tournaments, both pairs postal costs, Clive Goff’s Memoirs or Bridge discounted stamp service and teams of four. Adventures of Robin Hood. will save you some money The new initial activation SPECIAL Both previously written while brightening up your procedure has now been OFFER and published by David envelopes. made a once only action. Bird back in the 1990’s. This will please users of PRICE These have been revised Value supplied in two stamps, combined to make earlier versions of QPlus, and reset as a way of who regarded the monthly promoting the further up the 50p 2nd class rate, 2nd class to you at 41p. 1st need to enter a password as adventures of Robin Hood. a real negative. New stories will be class 60p, only 50p to you. l Acol Bidding Available in lots of 100. The playing strength of Quiz & Answers recounted every month ( 0208 422 4906. QPlus has improved by an Bernard Magee within the pages of BRIDGE. Indeed, the first average of 1 IMP per deal l Ask Julian Pottage can be found on pages 24 FIRTH OF FORTH on QPlus 10. l Julian’s FAQs and 25 of this issue. Bernard Magee goes to BRIDGE TABLES l Misleading Cases as Those not wishing to send The Queensferry Hotel on reported by R Wheen postage stamps may use 14-16 March. This venue our shop to take up this overlooks the magnificent l Ask David Stevenson offer paying by PayPal, Firth of Forth and is now l David’s FAQs adding a 20p service charge well and truly under new l Mary’s First Lesson making each book £2.20. management. So you may Hot off the press. book with confidence and

l Helpful Conventions you should book early to and Related Quiz PICK ‘N’ MIX avoid disappointment. l Defence Quiz All the three series of l Tales from SURPRISED DVDs are listed on page 2 Those looking for a good Sherwood Forest of this issue, with Expecting the twin packs of quality bridge table should by David Bird thumbnail descriptions. my lovely premium quality turn to page 46 where you l Things You Playing time is an average playing cards to be sold out will find a choice of three Should Know... 90 minutes per disc. very quickly, I did not see qualities to choose from. l Catching up The wonderful thing about the point of including them a tutorial DVD is that on my sales list, so I have I’LL BE THERE l Seven Days viewers have a permanent missed the seasonal sales As usual I am going to the l Jeremy Dhondy record which they can and still have stock in hand. New Year’s Eve Gala re-visit over and over again. That will learn me. While l Sally Brock Tip Dinner at Denham Grove. These are the very best stocks last, £7 per box. As last year, I will be l Travel Tip available in their field, but 2 boxes for £12. staying on for a game l Readers Letters as the proud producer, you afterwards and look would expect me to say BARON FOR MAC forward to meeting as that, wouldn’t you? Special Introductory Bridge Baron 24 was many of the guests as Subscription: £20 for Individual DVDs £25 each. published at the beginning possible. See you there. twelve monthly issues. Boxed sets of six £100. Pick of December. See the mail Happy New Year, See page 7. and mix any six for only order form for details and £100. Including p&p. trade-in terms. Mr Bridge

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BRIDGE January 2014 Page 7 ✄ BRIDGE BRIDGE EVENTS BREAKS with Bernard Magee June 2014 ♦ Full-board ♦ Two seminars* 6-8 Olde Barn Hotel ♦ All rooms with ♦ Two supervised £245 Bidding NEW en-suite facilities play sessions* Distributional ♦ No single supplement ♦ Four bridge sessions** Hands

Please book ..... places for me at £...... per person, 20-22 Olde Barn Hotel £245 Finding Slams Single .... Double .... Twin .... Chatsworth Hotel OCTOBER 2014 Name of Hotel/Centre...... Worthing BN11 3DU 3-5 Chatsworth Hotel Date(s) ...... JANUARY 2014 £245 Game Tries Mr/Mrs/Miss ...... 10-13 Denham Grove 10-12 Olde Barn Hotel £399 Filming £245 Endplay & Address...... Weekend Avoidance

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( ...... March 2014 21-23 Inn on the Prom Special requirements (these cannot be guaranteed, £245 Doubles but we will do our best to oblige). 14-16 Queenferry Hotel ...... £245 Endplay & Avoidance Blunsdon House Hotel Please give the name(s) of all those covered by this booking. Blunsdon, Swindon SN26 7AS April 2014 ...... 4-6 Chatsworth Hotel Please send a non-returnable deposit of £50 per person per place by £245 Finding Slams NOVEMber 2014 cheque, payable to Mr Bridge. An invoice for the balance will be sent with your booking confirmation. On receipt of your final payment, 11-13 Blunsdon House 7-9 Chatsworth 28 days before the event, a programme and full details will be sent £245 Leads & Defence Hotel together with a map. Cancellations are not refundable. Should you £245 Hand require insurance, you should contact your own insurance broker. Evaluation 14-16 Blunsdon House £245 Further into the Auction 21-23 Elstead House £245 Doubles Expiry: ...... CVV...... Issue No...... (CVV is the last 3 numbers on the signature strip) 28-30 Blunsdon House £245 Bidding NEW Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH. Queensferry Hotel Distributional ( 01483 489961 North Queensferry KY11 1HP Hands e-mail: [email protected] website: www.holidaybridge.com Full Board. No Single Supplement. *on tutorial weekends only. **6 sessions on rubber/Chicago events. See Adjacent Booking Form. Please note: Just Bridge events contain no seminars and do not award prizes. ✄

Page 8 BRIDGE January 2014 Answers to Bernard Magee’s Bidding Quizzes 1-3 on the Cover

2♣ and now you can bid 2♦ and if he Pass. 1. Dealer West. Love All. bids again, bid 3♦. This shows a weak You were planning to open 1NT, but ♠ A K ♠ 9 8 7 hand with very long diamonds. your right-hand opponent opens 1♥. ♥ 9 7 N ♥ 8 6 4 2 The problem with responding 2♦ im- The important thing to note, now, is W E ♦ A K 4 3 S ♦ Q 8 2 mediately is that your partner will want that you do not have to bid. Too many ♣ A Q 5 3 2 ♣ K 8 7 to finish in a game contract: with 15 HCP people feel the need to tell their partner opposite a 2♦ response (10+), he will that they have an opening hand, but that push the bidding on. By responding 1NT is not what a double is used for. A first West North East South first, you show your weakness and slow round double of a suit bid is for take-out, ? the auction down. suggesting shortage in the first bid suit and a hand that wants to play in a suit 2NT. contract. A 1NT opening is used for balanced Your hand definitely does not want to hands of 12-14 points. However, the 3. Dealer South. Love All. play in a suit contract – it is horribly flat. 2NT opening is used for balanced and ♠ A 8 2 ♠ 10 6 4 3 So how about overcalling 1NT? semi-balanced hands of 20-22 points. ♥ A K 6 N ♥ 8 5 3 The 1NT overcall shows a stronger W E This addition of ‘semi-balanced’ to the ♦ Q 5 4 ♦ A 3 2 hand: once one opponent has shown S definition is important. Often there will ♣ J 8 4 2 ♣ 9 7 6 strength by opening, it is dangerous to be no satisfactory opening available for start bidding no-trumps unless you are 20 point hands with poor five-card suits, stronger because you are likely to find so you will generally do best to open 2NT West North East South yourself doubled. That is exactly what on them. 1♥ would happen here: 1NT doubled would Note also, that your weak hearts are ? not be fun to play. ■ 1662 Mr Bridge quarter page ads 121x113_Layout 1 21/11/2013 18:51 Page 1 nothing to worry about either – on a bad day, your opponents will run a long heart ACCOMPANIED MR & MRS BRIDGE suit, but bidding no-trumps will generally VOYAGES TO ANTIQUITY give you the best results. BY BRIDGE CRUISES

2. Dealer East. Love All. A Journey to Jerusalem ♠ 10 5 ♠ A K 9 4 2 ♥ 4 2 N ♥ J 5 W E ♦ A 8 7 6 5 4 2 ♦ 9 3 S ♣ Q 2 ♣ A K 4 3

West North East South 1♠ Pass See some of the world’s greatest sites and ? enjoy daily bridge on this magnificent voyage.

1NT. March 23, 2014 ~ 25 days from Athens to Istanbul Great value Mr Bridge fares With 6 HCP, it makes sense to keep the Fly to Athens (overnight hotel), board Aegean Odyssey – CAT M Standard Inside £3,295pp cruise to Syracuse • Palermo • Trapani • Valletta bidding open. However, you need 10 CAT J Standard Outside £4,295pp Rethimnon • Haifa • Jerusalem • Limassol CAT D Deluxe Balcony £6,450pp points to respond at the 2-level, so that Iskenderun • Tasucu • Antalya • Rhodes • Santorini SINGLE SUPPLEMENT 15% Delos • Mykonos • Izmir • Istanbul (fly home) means you have only one choice: 1NT. Full details of inclusions on page 4. All fares subject to availability. The 1NT response is sometimes called Call for great deals on 2 shorter voyages: Athens-Jerusalem & Jerusalem-Istanbul the rubbish-bin bid because you have to throw all your weak hands into it. For reservations call on 01483 489961 or visit www.mrbridge.co.uk On this hand, your partner will rebid

BRIDGE January 2014 Page 9 BERNARD MAGEE’S INTERACTIVE TUTORIALS

BEGIN BRIDGE ACOL MORE DECLARER ACOL VERSION BIDDING (ADVANCED) PLAY l Card Play Technique ACOL BIDDING l Opening Bids and l Suit Establishment l Planning Card Play Responses l Basics in No-trumps l Bidding Balanced l Slams and Strong l Advanced Basics l Suit Establishment Hands Openings in Suits l Bidding Suits l Weak Twos 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 l Strong Two Opening Openings 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 & Trump Contracts l Misfits and Avoidance l Competitive l Defence against Suit Distributional Auctions l Using the Bidding Contracts Hands

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

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System Requirements: Windows XP, Vista, 7 or 8, 8mb RAM, CD-ROM Answers to Bernard Magee’s Bidding Quizzes 4-6 on the Cover

contract, but it is the best of a bad lot. There is no chance for game: you have 4. Dealer West. Game All. Do not be tempted to pass – your part- 13 HCP and your partner has shown ♠ 8 6 ♠ Q J 10 9 5 3 ner has not promised four tricks, so they 6-9. You do have a six-card suit but that ♥ A K 8 7 6 N ♥ 4 2 may well make their contract and score is what should be leading you down W E ♦ A J 8 2 S ♦ K 7 6 game. 3NT is no good either – you can- another path. ♣ Q 2 ♣ 9 8 not rely on partner having 20 points. When you have a big fit, you should Your partner makes the normal call be aware that your opponents might also with his hand, but, unfortunately you have a big fit. They have not found a fit West North East South have a pretty awful hand – we cannot as yet, but if you give them the chance 1♥ 1NT 2♠ Pass always fit perfectly together. However, it they may well find it. ? is important to trust each other and re- Since you cannot make game, there is spond in the normal way. 4♣ going one a temptation to pass, but then North will Pass. or two off will be an OK score. -100 is double, which allows your opponents to What does the auction mean so far? better than -140 for 3♠ making. find their diamond fit. They can make 3♦ North has shown a strong balanced or even 4♦ comfortably. hand and your partner has made a bid However, if you bid on to 3♥, North at the 2-level, so surely he must be strong may well be kept quiet and you win the too. 6. Dealer West. Love All. contract. Bridge is a difficult game. Rules can ♠ 3 2 ♠ 9 8 7 6 You have plenty of bids available to change after each bid in the auction: once ♥ A J 9 6 5 3 N ♥ K Q 4 show a good/strong hand where game W E your opponents have shown strength, the ♦ A 7 2 ♦ 4 3 might be on: in fact, any bid other than S definition of your bids changes. If your ♣ A 9 ♣ J 7 6 5 3♥. It is important to understand that 3♥ partner is strong in this auction, he dou- is not invitational – it is a competitive bid. bles the 1NT bid, expecting to defeat the Note East’s response of 2♥ over the 1♠ contract comfortably. Any suit bid is a West North East South overcall – trying hard to show support in weak bid: an effort to compete for the 1♥ 1♠ 2♥ Pass a competitive auction is so important: part-score. It should show a six-card suit ? here, it allows you to bid on to 3♥. 140 and a weak hand: generally, you are ex- points for 3♥ is much better than -130 for pected to pass. 3♥. N/S making 4♦. ■ 1662 Mr Bridge quarter page ads 121x91_Layout 1 21/11/2013 18:40 Page 1 As you can see, 2♠ is an excellent con- tract, but any other contract will strug- ACCOMPANIED BERNARD MAGEE gle, since you will be unable to reach the VOYAGES TO ANTIQUITY spades in the East hand. BY BRIDGE CRUISES Treasures of the Aegean 5. Dealer North. Love All. ♠ A 3 2 ♠ 4 ♥ 8 7 3 N ♥ A 9 6 5 W E ♦ 4 3 2 S ♦ K Q J 5 ♣ J 8 5 4 ♣ K Q 9 7 Classical sites and legendary islands of Greece and Turkey. Cruise with Bernard Magee and enjoy daily bridge on this fascinating voyage. West North East South 3♠ Dbl Pass July 7, 2014 ~ 13 days from Athens to Istanbul Great value Mr Bridge fares Fly to Athens and join Aegean Odyssey – cruise to ? CAT M Standard Inside £2,095pp Syros • Santorini (Akrotiri) • Kos • Rhodes & Lindos CAT J Standard Outside £2,595pp Antalya (Aspendos) • Fethiye (Patara) • Bodrum CAT D Deluxe Balcony £3,750pp 4♣. Izmir (Ephesus & Pergamon) • Canakkale (Troy) SINGLE SUPPLEMENT 15% Your partner has made a take-out Istanbul (fly home) Full details of inclusions on page 4. All fares subject to availability. double. You should take him out to your For reservations call on 01483 489961 or visit www.mrbridge.co.uk best suit: clubs. Bid 4♣ – it is not a great

BRIDGE January 2014 Page 11 Letters from Overseas Christmas in Austria by John Barr

efore moving to Austria, I Christmas Eve and is usually baked North South thought Christmas was Christ- carp or sausages. 1♣ 1♥ mas – a mix of religious cer- The 5th of December is Kram- 3♥ 4NT Bemony and commercial exploitation. pusnacht (Krampus night) when vil- 5♦ 5♥* But it’s all different here. The first -dif lages are visited by St Nicholas (this *after a long think. ference is the lack of wall-to-wall TV is good) and Krampuses (part man, adverts for children’s toys, perfume part goat, part monster and not good Declarer won the diamond lead, and fancily wrapped chocolates start- at all). St Nicholas and his angels bring played a heart to the king and a sec- ing in September. ond heart from The second differ- table. When East ence is the 5th of showed out, de- December – and I’ll clarer turned to come back to that me (West) and later. The third dif- looked at me as ference is that many if I was wear- Austrian towns ing a Krampus and villages have costume. A few Christmas markets minutes later, where you can buy she had to lose local arts and crafts two hearts and as presents, and (of the ace of clubs, course) drink wine, going one off, an beer and glühwein early Christmas to keep the cold present for my weather at bay. partner and me. Christmas Eve is Had declarer a family celebration, been in slam, her when the Christmas tree is dressed presents for children who have been play would have been absolutely right. and the Christkindl (Austria’s ver- well behaved, while the Krampuses try Even playing in 4♥ or 5♥ at pairs, it sion of Father Christmas) brings pre- to capture children who have behaved is probably the correct play. But at sents for the children. The traditional badly, to take them away and eat them. teams (or rubber bridge), the onus is Austrian Christmas meal is eaten on I defended this hand during a recent on making your contract. teams evening at the Kitzbühel club: With only one loser outside the trump suit, the key to the hand is to avoid two trump losers. The correct ♠ A 8 safety play for the contract of 5♥ at ♥ K 9 7 3 teams is to cash the heart ace and play ♦ 9 4 low to the 9. If it loses then the suit has ♣ K Q J 10 9 split 3-2 and you are home and dry. If West shows out on the second round, N you go up with the king and play back W E S through the queen towards your jack, guaranteeing only one loser in the suit. ♠ K J 6 3 I like to think I’d have got this right ♥ A J 8 6 if I had been declarer, but I usually ♦ A K 7 6 spot these lines of play seconds after ♣ 3 I’ve taken the wrong line and gone off. ■

Page 12 BRIDGE January 2014 Answers to Bernard Magee’s Bidding Quizzes 7-9 on the Cover

3♣. You passed at your first turn, which West North East South 7. Dealer East. Game All. means you have a maximum of 11 1NT Pass 2NT Pass ♠ A K 7 6 ♠ 2 points. It also means that jump respons- ? ♥ 7 N ♥ A J 10 8 3 es are available to be used for different ♦ 9 8 3 W E ♦ A K 5 4 meanings. They cannot show the usual 3♠. When I have a five-card major in S ♣ J 9 8 7 3 ♣ 5 4 2 strong responding hands (16+) because a 12-14 point balanced hand, I assess you cannot be that strong. its quality. If I am happy to bid it twice, The jump responses are generally re- then I open 1-of-the-major, but if the West North East South served for hands with support for open- suit is too weak, I open 1NT. Hence, with 1♥ Pass er’s suit but with a long and strong side this hand, you chose to open 1NT. Your 1♠ Pass 2♦ Pass suit, with all the high cards in the two partner has raised to 2NT, inviting game ? long suits. The idea being that, if there and suggesting about 11 points. Should is a double fit, then there is the potential you accept his invitation? Pass. Your partner bids a new suit at the for a slam. 3♣ is a beautiful descriptive You have 13 HCP with a five-card suit 2-level: this promises at least five cards bid which allows East to dream of slam – and your high cards are working to- in his first bid suit and four cards in the he can envisage 12 tricks in a black suit gether in the red suits. Generally with 13 second suit. The key issue here is whether contract and should therefore bid to the points, you have to decide whether it is you have to make a bid: is 2♦ forcing? excellent 6♠. a good 13 or a bad 13 and this is cer- The answer depends on the level You might have tried a splinter re- tainly a good 13, which should push you of your original response: if you had sponse of 4♦, but it is hard for East to towards bidding game. responded at the two level, then you will envisage a slam opposite a passed hand However, there is one more thing to have promised 10 points and can be unless there is a double fit. The splinter consider, rather than simply bidding expected to make another bid. However, might work, but 3♣ is a much better de- 3NT, try the effect of bidding 3♠. By bid- here, you have responded at the one level, scriptive bid. ding 3♠, you are accepting your part- promising just 6 points. Your partner has ner’s invitation, but showing your five- rebid below his barrier (two of the suit he card spade suit just in case it influences opened), which promises just 12 points. 9. Dealer West. Love All. your partner’s choice of game. With the partnership unsure of a majority ♠ J 9 8 5 4 ♠ K Q 2 It must promise five cards because of points, you certainly do not want ♥ K Q 2 N ♥ 8 7 your partner would have used Stayman to be forced to bid again. Hence, you ♦ A K 7 W E ♦ Q 9 8 4 3 if he was interested in four-card majors. S can pass if you want to. With two more ♣ 6 2 ♣ A 5 3 Here, your partner will raise to 4♠ and diamonds than hearts, it is exactly what the right game is reached. ■ 1662 Mr Bridge quarter page ads 121x77.5_Layout 1 21/11/2013 18:34 Page 1 you should do here, keeping the auction at a manageable level and playing in a ACCOMPANIED BERNARD MAGEE reasonable fit. Of course, your best fit is VOYAGES TO ANTIQUITY in clubs, but you cannot always locate BY BRIDGE CRUISES your best fit. 2♦ will score well – many pairs will bid one level too high with these cards. Classical Greece & Turkey

8. Dealer West. Love All. ♠ A 7 6 5 ♠ K Q 9 8 4 2 ♥ 6 4 N ♥ 7 W E Join Bernard Magee on a voyage through the Aegean and into the Black Sea. ♦ 3 S ♦ A 7 4 ♣ K Q 9 8 7 5 ♣ A J 2 August 21, 2014 ~ 13 days from Athens to Istanbul Great value Mr Bridge fares Fly to Athens and board Aegean Odyssey – cruise to CAT M Standard Inside £2,095pp Nauplia (Mycenae) • Rethimnon (Knossos) • Santorini CAT J Standard Outside £2,595pp Delos • Mykonos • Izmir (Ephesus & Pergamon) • CAT D Deluxe Balcony £3,750pp West North East South Canakkale (Troy) • Sevastopol • Odessa • Istanbul SINGLE SUPPLEMENT 15% Full details of inclusions on page 4. All fares subject to availability. Pass Pass 1♠ Pass For reservations call on 01483 489961 or visit www.mrbridge.co.uk ?

BRIDGE January 2014 Page 13 2014 with Jeremy Dhondy, Chairman of the EBU January 2014

n October, I was elected Chairman after ten issues, the printers ran out established tournaments (if we do, it of the English Bridge Union. of their paper allowance imposed by will be voluntary). The attraction of It’s a big responsibility with the post-war rationing. In my view, the being able to play in your own home Iorganisation having some 54,000 history of our game is very important instead of travelling to a match on a members and growing. I’m allowed and is a theme to which I will return cold winter evening may be seen as one to be chairman for a maximum of in a future article because a national plus. The early signs are promising. six years and before that time is up I organisation has a big responsibility The very same BBO attracts a larger hope to have made the organisation in this area and one I want to develop. audience each year to watch anything stronger, to have more people playing Although modern technology is not from a World Championship to a more bridge and enjoying it more. an immediate pleasure for everyone, Home International or trial and it is I’d like to share with you some of it is going to play an increasing part all free. Not perhaps something for my ideas for both of these tasks and in the life of a bridge player. Many everyone, but attracted audiences I know I’ll be talking both to people clubs already use Bridgemates or some of 5,000+ for the latter stages of the playing under the auspices of the EBU other form of computerised scorer and last world championship in Bali. You and also those who play in clubs that many of us are used to being able to don’t have to be a top player to watch are not affiliated. see the scores by the time we get home. or compete, some players use online The first question is, ‘why join the And not only the scores, but the hands services to have lessons and to practice. English Bridge Union?’ It’s been asked and, ‘yes I did have a doubleton club I remember watching TV as a young and answered many times before, on Board 9 and yes partner could child. The TV did not have a channel but it is key to the progress needed have given me a ruff to beat 4♠.’ There selector as there was no choice when to ensure that the organisation is a is even a little box to tell you which it was manufactured, but it did have strong and successful one. If you play contracts can be made, although the a box next to it with a 1 and 9 on it bridge in the comfort of your living software that does it is double-dummy so you could switch from BBC to ITV. room or tennis in the local park, you perfect and always drops the singleton It doesn’t take much to see how that don’t need to join any organisation but king offside, but it still offers surprises aspect of life has changed and bridge play tennis in any club at any level and even to experienced players. Training will also not stand still. Some decry you will become a member of the LTA. is offered by the EBU to those in clubs it (500 channels and still nothing If you play bridge in any affiliated club who direct and score. The training is worth watching), but generally we can you will become an EBU member. Is cheap (even without two for the price watch what we want in tremendous that bad or good? I think you get good of one which is on offer to all affiliated clarity and quality. One job of the value for the 35p or so you pay to the clubs) and means that club volunteers EBU is to manage the technological EBU each time you play and will look provide a better service to other changes that affect our game whilst to improve services that you get as a members at the club. still allowing players to have a good member. One benefit is a members’ In the past few years, people have time. So dig out your £2.50 and pop magazine given to all who play a dozen started to play and watch online. The off to have a game at the local club times per year or more at any affiliated EBU is involved in two experiments. including tea and biscuits and reflect club, county or national event. This The first is a recently started online that you are getting about the best magazine is now available online with game. Via Bridge Base Online (BBO), value pastime imaginable. Be grateful additional content and there are plans you can play an EBU game six times to the volunteers in your club who help to make it even easier to read on the per week and earn master points. You make it cheap and enjoyable. Reflect tablets which you may have received don’t have to be an EBU member to that no-one has to take the travelling as presents. You can now also read play if you want to give it a try. The score sheets home and work on them past magazines, including some of the other experiment is a small online by hand the next day and if you have really early ones from just after World knock-out tournament started this constructive comment or feedback on War II. In 1946 the magazine couldn’t year to see what problems there might these or other topics, I’ll be pleased to be published for all 12 months because, be in bringing this idea to one of our hear from you at [email protected]. ■

Page 14 BRIDGE January 2014 Answers to Bernard Magee’s Bidding Quizzes 10-12 on the Cover

spade, which will make up for a lack of describing your hand and understanding 10. Dealer North. Love All. points. Adding your hand to his should your partner’s description. East opened ♠ A 3 2 ♠ 5 suggest a game contract and 4♥ is surely 2♣ and rebid 3NT: this means he does ♥ K 8 6 5 N ♥ A Q 3 2 the right place. not have 23-24 (he would have rebid W E ♦ 9 3 S ♦ A 7 4 2 When responding to a take-out double 2NT), so he must have 25+ points. ♣ A 9 7 6 ♣ K 10 8 2 remember to show your strength as well You have six points and a reasonable as your best suit. 5-card suit. Surely, there is a reasonable chance for slam and you should express West North East South this by inviting slam with a 4NT bid. A 2♠1 Dbl Pass 4NT bid directly after a no-trump bid is ? 11. Dealer East. Love All. quantitative – asking partner to assess 1Weak two: 6-10 HCP. ♠ 3 2 ♠ A K Q 5 his strength and bid 6NT if he is stronger ♥ 8 7 N ♥ A K Q 5 than promised. W E 4♥. ♦ K 5 4 3 S ♦ A 2 With 26 points, East will accept your North opens a weak two: showing 6-10 ♣ K 10 9 5 2 ♣ A 4 3 invitation and raise to 6NT. Your club suit points and a six-card spade suit. Your helps bring the slam home. partner doubles: this is a take-out double asking you to bid your best suit. West North East South 3♥ looks like the obvious bid, but re- 2♣ Pass member that you are forced to respond, 2♦ Pass 3NT Pass 12. Dealer East. Game All. so a 3♥ bid can show zero points. You ? ♠ A 4 2 ♠ K 8 7 3 have 11 HCP and your partner should ♥ 4 2 N ♥ A 8 3 W E have a good opening hand, or if he is 4NT. ♦ 8 3 S ♦ Q 9 7 6 borderline he should have a singleton Strong hand bidding is all about ♣ A Q J 6 5 3 ♣ K 2 1662 Mr Bridge quarter page ads 121x108_Layout 1 21/11/2013 18:46 Page 1

ACCOMPANIED MR & MRS BRIDGE West North East South VOYAGES TO ANTIQUITY BY 1NT Pass BRIDGE CRUISES ?

3NT. Sail around the Black Sea You have a hand of great potential, but clubs do not score well – you are going to score so much more in no-trumps. How high should you bid? 11 HCP with a strong six-card suit makes 13 total points, which suggests going for game. The theory is simple: if the club suit makes, you are likely to make nine tricks, if it doesn’t make, then From the birth of civilisation to the Crimean War, explore the Black Sea you might not make 1NT. as you sail aboard the Aegean Odyssey on this intriguing bridge cruise. In a sense you are gambling, but it often pays off when you gamble 3NT October 7, 2014 ~ 12 days from Istanbul to Istanbul Great value Mr Bridge fares with long minors. Fly to Istanbul to join Aegean Odyssey – cruise to CAT M Standard Inside £1,995pp Here, your partner has as bad a hand Trabzon (Sumela Monastery) • Batumi • Sochi CAT J Standard Outside £2,495pp as he can hold: but you still make a com- Feodosiya (Sudak) • Yalta • Sevastopol (Balaclava) CAT D Deluxe Balcony £3,650pp Odessa • Nessebur • Istanbul (fly home) SINGLE SUPPLEMENT 15% fortable 9 tricks. Full details of inclusions on page 4. All fares subject to availability. With long minors, if you are thinking of For reservations call on 01483 489961 or visit www.mrbridge.co.uk game, then go for it – especially if the suit is strong. ■

BRIDGE January 2014 Page 15 Julian Pottage answers your Frequently Asked Questions What are the Features of Playing Five-Card Majors?

laying five-card majors means Playing five-card majors, West opens The better minor title is a slight that an opening bid of 1♥ or 1♠ 1♣ and East responds 1♥, at which misnomer (suit quality is irrelevant) promises five cards in the suit point West knows of the 4-4 fit (and but seems to have stuck. With ‘better Pbid. This enables you to find 5-3 fits can raise to 4♥). This time, there is minor’, you open the longer minor quickly because responder knows that no gain compared with playing four- with 4-3 or 3-2 in the minors; with 3-3, three-card support is adequate for a card majors. What happens with those you open 1♣; with 4-4 you open 1♦. known five-card suit. hands if North overcalls 1♠? Can you This means that a ♦1 opening playing still find the 4-4 heart fit after the♣ 1 better minor will be a four-card suit opening? Yes, you still find the 4-4 fit unless you have four cards in each ♠ K 8 4 ♠ A Q 6 since East makes a negative (Sputnik/ major and a doubleton club. ♥ A K J 8 2 N ♥ Q 7 3 take-out) double. This double suggests W E ♦ Q 5 S ♦ 9 6 3 2 four cards in the unbid major. ♣ 10 4 3 ♣ J 7 5 What are the downsides to playing ♠ 9 5 3 five-card majors? The main one is that ♥ K J 6 when you lack a five-card major and ♦ A Q 3 2 Playing five-card majors, West opens are out of range for 1NT, you have ♣ K 6 3 1♥ and East raises to 2♥, which is an to open something else. This applies easy make. Playing four-card majors, even when your only four-card suit you might well play in 1NT, often fail- is a major. You must make a prepared Playing a prepared club, you open 1♣. ing. Early knowledge of a 5-3 fit helps, opening in one of the minors. By Playing better minor, you open 1♦. (I particularly on competitive auctions. opening in a short minor, you make it have assumed that this hand would be easier for the opponents to intervene out of range for a 1NT opening – most while making it harder for partner to people playing five-card majors also ♠ 7 3 judge what to do. If you are opening play a strong no-trump.) ♥ Q 8 4 1♣ on balanced hands and hands with The rarer downside to five-card ♦ A 8 4 clubs, partner must guess and will majors is that the partnership can ♣ K J 9 4 2 sometimes guess incorrectly. find itself locked into a 5-3 major-suit fit even when a more productive fit is available. This is most likely to be an Suppose partner opens 1♥ and the ♠ 10 6 2 issue at the slam level. next hand overcalls 3♦. Playing five- ♥ A 3 card majors, you have an easy raise ♦ Q 8 5 4 to 3♥. Playing four-card majors, you ♣ K J 9 3 ♠ A 10 7 4 2 ♠ K 8 3 would have a problem. Of course, you ♥ 5 N ♥ A K J 3 W E can still find 4-4 fits when playing ♦ A Q 5 S ♦ K 2 five-card majors. While opener does Suppose (using five-card majors) ♣ K 9 8 2 ♣ Q J 10 3 not bid a four-card major initially, partner opens 1♣ and the next hand responder certainly can. Indeed, overcalls 2♠. If partner has clubs, you responding in a four-card major want to bid 3♣. If partner has short After West opens ♠1 , East might think is more important than ever when clubs, however, you do not want to play ‘whoopee, we have a spade fit’. Even if playing five-card majors. at the three level with two flat hands. it is just psychological, it is harder to You have a guess, with no good answer. reach 6♣ on these hands playing five- In the UK and France, it is usual to card majors than it would be playing ♠ J 4 ♠ 10 5 2 play a prepared 1♣, which may be as four-card majors. ♥ A Q 10 3 N ♥ K J 5 2 short as two cards (a doubleton); a 1♦ In summary, playing five-card W E ♦ K 8 3 S ♦ Q 7 4 opening stays as natural (4+ cards). majors works well when you have one ♣ A K Q 2 ♣ J 7 5 In North America and much of the to open. Most of the world favours world, it is usual to play ‘better minor’. five-card majors. ■

Page 16 BRIDGE January 2014 Misleading Cases: Number One Fisticuffs at the Club Regina v. North and others before Mr Justice Ebu, at the Old Bailey After the evidence and Counsels’ closing speeches, Mr Justice Ebu summed up to the jury as follows:

his case involves a well very simple. North, as dealer, opened might not have been a touch better for known bridge club whose 1♦, East passed and South bid 1NT. his partner to overtake the ♠K opening name, to protect the And there the matter rested. In your lead with ♠A and return a spade. You “Tinnocent, I shall not disclose. The case deliberations, you may wish to take will recall East’s reply (with almost as concerns the conduct of the players into account the fact that neither East many adjectives) that that might have at a particular table in that club one nor West made an overcall in their re- promoted a spade trick for South, but evening a few months ago. All four spective major suit. If either had, then West would have none of it. He said, players have since been charged with probably none of what followed would rightly in my view, that his spade suit affray during the play of hand 17 and have happened. You may feel (I do not must have been K Q 10 (x ..) for such you, the jury, now have to determine wish to influence you in either direc- a lead, in which case, after East takes their guilt or innocence. This is, I tion) that that fact alone may (or of trick 1 with ♠A, West wins the spade believe, the first time in this country course may not) affect the culpability return as cheaply as possible and reels that a jury has consisted entirely of of one or more of the defendants. off his remaining spade winners, there- bridge players, that being necessary so West made the obvious opening lead by making (in the event) the first five that you can knowledgeably consider of ♠K and dummy’s hand went down. tricks, with no doubt a couple more the ramifications of the bidding and South thanked his partner but went on later after West switches to a heart. card play. to suggest that he should have opened And talking of hearts, West added, You have a copy of the hand in 1NT. North said he had read that 4333 why did his partner switch to that suit? question, and the bidding, but I will hands should be downgraded by one He must have seen that it would give repeat them for posterity: point, so he decided not to open 1NT, away a trick. At this point, South asked but queried later why his partner did the others to leave the post mortem till not respond 2♦ to the 1♦ opener (to the end of the hand, but was then told Dealer North. Love All. which question he received no reply). by East and West to shut up. ♠ 4 3 2 Dummy played low to the opening By this stage, North wanted to get ♥ A Q 2 trick and so too did East and South. into the blame game and asked why ♦ 5 4 3 2 Seeing East’s ♠8, West continued with his partner had not won trick 3 with ♣ A Q 10 ♠6, won by East with ♠A. East looked ♥10 (or indeed ♥8), having regard to ♠ K Q 10 7 6 ♠ A 8 through his hand two or three times the Rule of 11? And why he took the ♥ 5 4 N ♥ K J 9 7 6 for another spade to lead, but, find- diamond finesse but not the deep club ♦ Q 6 W E ♦ 10 9 8 ing none, he led ♥7 (fourth highest finesse? S ♣ K J 9 2 ♣ 8 5 4 of his longest suit) to ♥3, ♥4 and ♥Q. That was when the trouble re- ♠ J 9 5 Declarer now led ♦2 from dummy to ally started. You have heard the evi- ♥ 10 8 3 ♦A and led back ♣3. West contributed dence on that and I do not need to go ♦ A K J 7 ♣2 and declarer finessed ♣Q success- through it again. It was never decided ♣ 7 6 3 fully. He then led back ♦3 to ♦9, ♦J and whether South made his contract be- West’s winning ♦Q. cause, by the time the police arrived Now West cashed his three winning to separate the combatants, the table West North East South spades and when East failed to follow had been knocked over and the cards 1♦* Pass 1NT to the first of these, West enquired and all four bidding boxes were on the All Pass *Playing 12-14 1NT opening whether (and I am omitting the ad- floor, their contents scattered far and jectives and bad language which this wide. I might add, however, that from You will recall the bidding: it was Court had to endure at this juncture) it where they had got to before

BRIDGE January 2014 Page 17 Misleading Cases continued JUST DUPLICATE the fracas, it looks to me as if North/South were heading 10-12 January £199 13-15 June £169 Blundson House Hotel The Olde Barn to make 1NT for an above average score. Hardly worth 10-12 January £199 27-29 June £169 fighting about, methinks, Elstead Hotel The Olde Barn and in any case the director awarded both pairs a bottom 17-19 January £169 4-6 July £199 for their sins. The Olde Barn Denham Grove For some reason, none of 24-26 January £199 11-13 July £169 the players called for the di- Elstead Hotel The Olde Barn rector until things got physi- Elstead Hotel cal. In this respect, they all 31 Jan – 2 Feb £199 Bournemouth BH1 3QP 18-20 July £199 accept that they made a mis- Elstead Hotel Blunsdon House Hotel 28-30 March £199 take but claim (and I agree) 31 Jan – 2 Feb £199 Denham Grove 1-3 August £169 that they did not thereby Chatsworth Hotel The Olde Barn commit an offence. 28-30 March £199 It is up to you, members Elstead Hotel of the jury, to determine on 25-27 April £199 these facts which, if any, of Blundson House Hotel the players is guilty of the charge of affray. Each player believed that he had bid or played correctly but that his partner had not and each thought someone other £50 than himself had started Ardington Hotel Chatsworth Hotel the fracas. Self-defence is, Worthing BN11 3DZ Worthing BN11 3DU of course, a complete de- OFF* fence, but so too can be a 31 Jan – 2 Feb £199 Just Duplicate Events 12-14 September £169 Clifton Park Hotel in 2014. See page 5 The Olde Barn justifiable defence of one’s for terms and own cause. You should ig- Lytham St Annes conditions. 10-12 October £199 nore the fact that all four 7-9 February £199 Blunsdon players ended up in hospital Denham Grove House Hotel overnight. That is one of the hazards of playing a poten- 14-16 February £199 9-11 May £199 10-12 October £199 tially dangerous game such Chatsworth Hotel Blunsdon House Hotel Elstead Hotel as bridge.” 14-16 February £199 16-18 May £169 17-19 October £169 His Lordship then read Elstead Hotel The Olde Barn The Olde Barn out to the jurors the normal language as regards the bur- 21-23 February £199 30 May – 1 June £199 24-26 October £199 den and standard of proof Blundson House Hotel Chatsworth Hotel Chatsworth Hotel and what their duties were 28 Feb – 2 March £199 once they retired to the jury Chatsworth Hotel room. He went on to inform Full Board them that if they reached a 28 Feb – 2 March £199 unanimous decision quickly, Blundson House Hotel No Single a three-table duplicate ses- 14-16 March £199 Supplement sion in his Lordship’s rooms Blundson House Hotel would follow (four tables Booking Form if all four defendants were 14-16 March £169 on page 8. found not guilty). His Lord- The Olde Barn Please note there are no ship would gladly be the The Olde Barn Hotel seminars, set hands 21-23 March £199 Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT or prizes at these events. tournament director. Chatsworth Hotel Reporter: Richard Wheen, after A.P. Herbert ■

Page 18 BRIDGE January 2014 David Stevenson answers your questions on Laws and Ethics Can Declarer Change His Card?

I was declarer opponents right? had overcalled a natural so I overcalled 2♥, which in 3NT and had Maria Leathers by email. 2♣, not alerted, and part- was doubled by my LHO Qreached a four ner had bid a natural 2♦. and then passed out. I card ending. On the table No, they were not So 3♣ is reasonable with: went down two for -500. were ♦Q-J and ♣K-Q – right and I am sur- At the end of play, I all winners. In my hand A prised you are letting noticed that my RHO I had the ♠3-2, the ♥7 opponents give rulings. They ♠ x had 19 points. At other and the ♣9. I played are likely to take advantage. ♥ Q x x tables, the contract was the ♠2 and immediately If you pull out the wrong ♦ K 3NT making by East. As a said, ‘Oh, I have played card and change it, or try ♣ K J 10 x x x x x result, we had a bottom. the wrong card.’ I lost to change it, immediately, I did not call the direc- two tricks because of my it may be changed, as the tor, but I would like to mistake, but could it have director would have told you. but with: know what the ruling been a mechanical error? would have been had Kit Gow by email. ♣♦♥♠ I called the director. ♠ x Iraj Darvish by email. It does not sound like My partner and ♥ Q J x x a mechanical error: I play Landy. My ♦ Q x The first thing a A at the time you led QRHO opened 1NT ♣ A J x x x x director does is to the ♠2 you meant to lead the and I, having a long club A try to find out what ♠2 so it is not a mechanical suit (and forgetting our happened. If, for example, error. In fact, it makes no system) bid 2♣, which 3♣ is not allowed since you he decided that East had difference: once declarer has my partner alerted and, would bid 2♥ and with: miscounted his points and played a legal card it may on being asked, told the opened 1NT by accident, not be changed, whether opponents that it showed or intended to open 1♠ and it was intended or not. both majors. My partner ♠ x opened 1NT by accident, then bid 2♦, asking me ♥ Q J x then nothing illegal has hap- ♣♦♥♠ to choose a major. Aware ♦ Q x x pened and the result stands. now that I was playing ♣ A J x x x x He could even have decided Playing South at Landy, what should I to open 1NT as a psyche. the club recently, do? Can I rebid clubs? Again there is nothing wrong. QI opened 1♦, 3♣ is not allowed since you If they do not play a 12-14 West passed, my partner You must make every would bid 3♦ (or pass). 1NT opening and you were bid 1♠ and East bid 2♥. effort not to gain told the wrong thing, or if I meant to bid 3♦, but A from the unauthor- ♣♦♥♠ they have changed to 16-19 pulled out 3♣ by mistake. ised information, which in this but West has forgotten and I apologised immediately, case is the alert and answer My RHO (East), misinformed you, then the ‘wrong suit.’ I was then which have reminded you. opened 1NT and director might adjust depend- told by our opposition So you may bid 3♣ if and Qhis partner an- ing on what he thinks might that I could not change only if you are sure that it is nounced 12-14. I held 10 have happened without the my bid to 3♦. Were our what you would bid if you HCP with six good hearts misinformation.

BRIDGE January 2014 Page 19 Ask David continued correct ruling from his law sible doubles’ (Law 36) and Denham book. The card is assumed read it out to the table. Grove to have belonged to the Putting it simply, the dou- deficient hand throughout bler replaces the double with Denham, At the clubs I and, if at any time that hand any legal call and his partner Bucks, UB9 5DG attend in Surrey, has failed to follow suit to a must pass for the rest of Qseveral play- spade, revoke penalties will the auction. If they finish up ers pull out the card follow. The result stands. defending, there will also be slightly from the bidding lead penalties. box when the contract ♣♦♥♠ has been agreed. They ♣♦♥♠ then have a personal Recently, we 10-13 Jan 2014 – £399 reminder of the contract had a very odd I was playing Filming Weekend throughout the play. situation. North in a team event Bernard Magee Q I’m not sure if there and East passed, then Qat the club and 7-9 February – £199 is any wrongdoing with South doubled. West our team finished with Just Duplicate Bridge this but can you clear called the director 55 IMPs. Another team, 28-30 March – £199 it up for me please? who was rather who had also appar- Just Duplicate Bridge Carol Holloway by email. flummoxed. As there ently scored 55 points, 4-6 April – £169 was nothing to double, had one hand thrown Rubber / Chicago It is illegal unless the could this be construed in – they said the opposi- Diana Holland regulating author- as unauthorised tion should have opened. 4-6 July 2014 – £199 A ity deem otherwise, information? Should the They claimed they had Just Duplicate Bridge so a club could require it, director have allowed been denied the oppor- ban it or even mandate it. In the bidding and play tunity to score points. Full Board practice clubs do not bother to continue unhindered The tournament direc- No Single Supplement and it is a very minor abuse and returned at the tor gave them 2 IMPs, Booking Form on page 8. which is generally tolerated. end of the hand to see so they now had 57 and if any score adjustment they were declared the ♣♦♥♠ was needed? Or is winners. I have never there some other heard of this rule and I would like rule to deal with this do not understand the RUBBER / to ask you if unusual bidding? logic of it. Is it correct? CHICAGO Qthis was a cor- Lynda Moore, Suffolk. Colin Shaw, rect decision? I was Goring-by-Sea, East Sussex. EVENTS West, playing in 5♦, I am always a little doubled by South. surprised that direc- Certainly not. You Chatsworth Hotel I was playing the tors are flummoxed cannot say a team Worthing BN11 3DU A tenth trick and about by matters which are covered should have bid any- A 7-9 February 2014 to make my contract perfectly clearly in the Law thing: they can judge to bid with Sheila Rogers when South noticed that book. He should open the how they like. I am afraid you he had only two cards Law book, find ‘Inadmis- were harshly treated there. Denham Grove left. The director found Bucks UB9 5DG the missing card to be 4-6 April the ♠7 and replaced it with Diana Holland from another pack. DUPLICATE BRIDGE We were told an av- erage score would be RULES SIMPLIFIED The Olde Barn given. I was disappoint- Marston, ed. Surely South (a very (otherwise known as the Yellow Book) Lincs NG32 2HT good player) should have 29-31 August counted his cards before with Diana Holland we started the hand. by John Rumbelow and only 95 Pauline Wilkinson by email. revised by David Stevenson £5 £169 Full Board No, it was not a cor- No Single Supplement rect decision and it Available from Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961 Booking Form on page 8. A was most remiss of the director not to read the

Page 20 BRIDGE January 2014 Ask David continued repeat (but not embellish) Beginners’ Bridge Corner his statement at the time of the claim (if any) and decides how many tricks, 1. Recently, giving the benefit of any Mary’s First Lesson declarer (North), doubt to the non-claimers. by Liz Dale Qon lead, claimed One unfortunate the last three tricks of happening, that is sadly ary took one last defender, suits, trumps, no a hand holding three far from rare, is that some look in the mirror. trumps, tricks and ruffs. trumps J-x-x. At this strong-minded and offensive MWhy on earth Partnership points was juncture, West showed players interrupt the claimer was she so nervous about identified as the most her hand saying she still and start telling him he is attending the first session important principle, held the 10 of trumps. wrong and arguing before of Beginners’ Bridge, which linked to the number of Only then did declarer he has had any chance was being introduced at the tricks that were able to say he would have to make or complete his local bridge club through be made (see Table 1). played the jack first. statement of how he is the U3A? Was it because Having a host ‘men- West was deemed to playing it. If the director she didn’t want to look tor’ at each table certainly have won a trick. Was judges this has happened, silly? Was it because she was reassuring and meant that the correct decision? he silences the other side really didn’t want people to that Mary really could play 2. What should be the and invites the claimer to ‘find her out’? Oh how she a lot of hands in the first correct procedure once make a full statement now. wished Peter was here to three hours. Problems and a player claims the last say, ‘Go on – you’ll be fine.’ misunderstandings were several tricks of a hand? ♣♦♥♠ Mary was impressed with sorted out immediately. N Scott, Crook, Co Durham. the welcome. Tea, coffee Homework handout sheets I have some and biscuits, together with were being distributed. Mary There always have queries on a first name identification had not only to learn the been and probably QLaw 27, label for everyone’s lapel. Partnership Points Table (see A always will be Insufficient Bid. Within minutes, introduc- below) linked to makeable disagreements over claims 1. If the insufficient tions had been made and tricks, but also the mean- like this, since a large bid is changed to a all new learners were sitting ing of all the new words. majority of players will always pass then the partner at tables for four with an The three hours had cash their trumps from the is required to pass identified host ‘mentor’ passed swiftly. Already top. But a large majority throughout, but can the from the club at each table. Mary had made some new does not mean everyone insufficient bidder The place was buzzing. friends. She really liked the and some players might re-enter the Hands were dealt, hon- people on her table. Eve- play a small one when they auction later? our cards identified, and ryone seemed so nice. Per- think they are all winners. 2. If 1♥ is followed by minibridge commenced. haps, like her, they were a In my view, the decision 1♣ condoned, would Partnership point counts little nervous about coming, was correct since playing a a following bid of 1♦ were identified and Mary but it didn’t show. She was small trump when believing be insufficient? was told how many tricks really glad she had plucked them all to be good is 3. If 1♥ is followed should be made on a up the courage to come. careless, not irrational. It by 1♣, condoned, can particular contract. Noth- Yes, she was going to come is very much a matter of opener repeat 1♥? ing too daunting for the back and yes, she was go- judgement: for example, Lionel Avery, first lesson. Lots of new ing to learn her homework. I would probably give a Amersham, Bucks. words to remember: dealer, Already, she was looking player all the tricks with opener, responder, partner, forward to the second ses- A-K-2 and an outstanding The player who dummy, contracts, declarer, sion next week. ■ forgotten 6. Certainly, the made the insufficient director was not wrong to A bid can call make the judgement he did. whatever he likes later, Table 1. Partnership Points. The procedure after knowing that his partner 21/22 high card points a claim is simple: the must pass throughout. If The partnership should be in a contract to make 7 tricks. opposition either accept 1♣ is condoned, then calls it or call the director. The of 1♦ and 1♥ are legal and 23/24 high card points director gets the claimer to sufficient. ■ The partnership should be in a contract to make 8 tricks. 25/26 high card points E-mail your questions on bridge laws to: The partnership should be in a contract making 9 tricks in [email protected] no trumps or 10 tricks in hearts/spades

BRIDGE January 2014 Page 21 Bernard Magee’s Tips MR BRIDGE for Better Bridge CLUB QUIZ 2013 65 invaluable tips in 160 pages CARDS 1 Which card is the title of a short story Bidding Tips 33 A low lead usually promises 1 Always consider bidding length and an honour by Agatha Christie? spades if you can 34 When declaring 1NT, 2 Bid more aggressively try to be patient 2 Which card appears to be holding a leaf? when non-vulnerable 35 Duck an early round when 3 Counting the values of the tiles, which card 3 Always double when the you are short of entries opponents steal your deal 36 Lead up to your would be worth the most at Scrabble? 4 A takeout double shows two-honour holding 4 Which card was the ‘highest’ of the gardeners shortage in the suit doubled 37 Do not always assume 5 ‘Borrow’ a king a suit will break well for the Ace of Hearts? to keep the auction open 38 Drop a high card 6 After a penalty double, to put off the defence SCORES don’t let the opponents escape 39 Play your highest card to tempt 5 Making 13 tricks in a particular vulnerable small 7 Halve the value of a singleton a defender to cover honour when opening 40 Draw trumps first unless you slam gives a score which matches the year in which a 8 Only add length-points for a have a good reason not to particular English king came back to the throne. suit that might be useful 41 Do not waste your trumps 9 Isolated honours are bad 42 Consider leaving a lone defen- Which king? except in partner’s suit sive trump winner out 6 How much are spades worth (for each odd trick won) 10 Use the jump shift sparingly 11 Consider passing and letting Defence Tips in Auction Bridge? partner decide 43 Keep four-card suits intact 7 2♣ doubled, 2♦ doubled, 1NT + 3, 2NT + 2: all these 12 You need two top honours whenever possible for a second-seat pre-empt 44 Give count on declarer’s leads score the same. Which other result can get this score? 13 Put the brakes on if you have a 45 Keep the right cards 8 What do the scores 230, 520 & 560 have in common? misfit rather than signal 14 Strong and long minors work 46 Take your time DIRECTING well in no-trumps when dummy is put down 15 One stop in the opponents’ suit 47 High cards are for killing 9 The opening leader leads the ♥A and wins the first other high cards can be enough for no-trumps trick. However, at trick two at the same time as he 16 Keep your two-level 48 Do not waste responses up to strength intermediate cards leads the ♥K, declarer leads the ♣A from his hand. 17 Use your normal methods in 49 Pick two key suits to What is the ruling? response to a 1NT overcall concentrate on during the play 18 Don’t overcall just because 50 If in doubt, cover an honour 10 The bidding progresses: 1♥, Pass, Double and you you have opening points with an honour are called to the table. What is the ruling? 19 Overcalls can be quite weak, 51 If a lead is from two honours, it so be prudent when responding is best not to cover CARD GAMES 20 Weak overcalls must be based 52 Keep your honour to kill on strong suits dummy’s honour 11 What poker hand (2 cards) is sometimes called ‘the 21 6NT requires 33 points 53 Try to show partner your gay waiter’. not 4 aces and 4 kings solid honour sequences 22 Raise immediately, if weak 54 Lead the normal card when 12 In Happy Families, what is the Baker’s son’s name? with four-card support leading partner’s suit 23 In a competitive auction, 55 Never underlead an ace at trick 13 How many cards are dealt to each player in Gin show support immediately one in a suit contract Rummy? 24 Bid to the level of your fit 56 Be wary of leading from quickly with weak hands four cards to only one honour 14 In what year did Edmund Hoyle write his ‘Short 25 With strength and support, 57 Lead a higher card from Treatise on the Game of Whist’? use the opponents’ bid suit a suit without an honour 58 Lead through ‘beatable’ ODD ONE OUT (Which is the odd one out in each case?) strength and up to weakness Declarer Play Tips 59 Cash your winners before try- 15 TRANSFER, RELAY, INVERTED MINOR, WEAK 26 When your contract depends ing for a trump promotion on a finesse, think ‘endplay’ 60 Be patient when defending TWO, STRONG TWO, BALANCED INVITE. 27 Consider what a defender 1NT 16 1♣-3♣; 1♥-4♥; 1NT-2NT; 2♣-2♦-2♠; 2♣-2♦-2NT; might be thinking about 61 Trump leads can be safe ♠ ♠ 28 Always take your time throughout the play 1 -2 . at trick one 17 FRENCH, EXCLUSION, ROLLING, BYZANTINE, 29 Establish extra tricks before General Tips cashing your winners 62 Do not put important cards ROMAN. 30 Use your opponents’ at either end of your hand . bidding to your advantage 63 Avoid being declarer when 18 Belote, Skat, Piquet, Briscola, Ecarté 31 Avoid the ‘baddie’ you are dummy gaining the lead 64 Before you lead, ask for a ANAGRAMS on a ‘BRIDGE’ theme. 32 Use the Rule of Seven when review of the auction 19 RAFT FOR HOUSE. holding up in no-trumps 65 Enjoy the Game! 20 BLUE ROSES DO. £14 including postage and packing from Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH. ( 01483 489961 Answers on page 46.

Page 22 BRIDGE January 2014 Bridge and Travel Tips

LENGTH IS STRENGTH DEFENCE Bridge tip from Sally Brock: When you have four trumps, lead from QUIZ your longest suit not from shortage. by Julian Pottage hat would you lead (Answers on page 32) from the following Dealer west. Game All. hand? ♠ Q 9 6 W ou are East in the defensive positions below. It is your turn ♥ Q 5 Yto play. Both sides are using Acol with a 12-14 1NT. ♦ 9 8 7 2 Dealer West. Game All. ♣ K 10 8 4 ♠ K 3 2 ♠ K 3 2 ♠ 8 7 4 N ♥ 10 7 6 4 ♥ 10 7 6 4 W E ♥ 3 2 S 1. ♠ K Q 9 2 3. ♠ J 5 2 ♦ K Q 10 5 4 ♦ K Q 10 5 4 ♦ A J 3 ♥ A K J 10 ♥ A K Q ♣ 9 ♣ 9 ♣ Q J 5 3 2 ♦ 9 5 4 ♦ J 10 9 6 3 ♠ A J 10 5 ♣ K 7 ♣ A Q ♥ A K J 9 8 ♠ 5 4 ♠ A K 8 7 4 West North East South ♦ 6 N ♥ 9 6 2 N ♥ 6 3 2 Pass Pass Pass 1♥ ♣ A 7 6 W E W E ♦ Q J 6 ♦ K 7 Pass 1NT Pass 2♠ S S ♣ J 10 4 3 2 ♣ J 9 4 Pass 3♥ Pass 4♥ All Pass On a diamond lead, declarer is sunk. He ruffs the second West North East South West North East South Your singleton club is an obvi- (best play is to discard a club 1♥ Pass 1♠ 1♦ 1♠ 1NT ous possibility, but it could eas- here, but on this layout it Pass 3♠ Pass 4♠ Pass 3NT All Pass ily pick up cards in partner’s doesn’t make any difference), All Pass hand. A better choice is your plays the ♥A and a heart to Partner leads the ♠9 and longest suit, a diamond, hop- the queen and runs the ♠9. Partner leads the ♦2. What dummy plays low. What ing to force declarer to ruff. You win your king and play do you do? do you do? Then, when you get in with the another diamond. Now, you ♠K, you can hope to force him have one more trump than again, ultimately promoting a declarer and the contract trick for your long hearts. (See eventually drifts two off. full deal below.) When you’re considering On a club lead, declarer whether or not to lead a sin- 2. ♠ A K Q 9 2 4. ♠ A 10 5 2 simply wins, draws trumps gleton, choose your long suit ♥ K Q 7 ♥ K Q J 2 and gives up a trick to your instead when you have four ♦ 5 4 ♦ 6 4 3 ♠K. Ten tricks made. trumps. ■ ♣ 9 7 3 ♣ 10 7 ♠ 8 5 4 ♠ J 7 4 N ♥ 6 3 2 N ♥ 10 8 6 5 3 W E W E ♦ ♦ Travel tip from Emma Thomson: S K Q 7 6 S A K ♣ J 8 4 ♣ 5 4 2 f you’re planning a big trip, taking in several countries, buy a round-the-world ticket (RTW). By purchasing all your tickets in advance and in bulk, you’ll save money I West North East South West North East South on the total price of the ticket. Routes flying west to east 1♠ Pass 2♥ 1♠ taking in the major cities, for example, London–Bangkok– Pass 4♥ All Pass Pass 3♠ Pass 4♠ Singapore–Sydney–LA, are cheaper than choosing more All Pass unusual destinations and you can save even more by book- Partner leads the ♦10. ing through third-party agents, instead of with the airline What do you do? Partner leads the ♦J. What alliances direct. A few rules apply: you have to follow one is your plan? global direction (no backtracking), start and finish in the same country and the minimum trip duration is ten days.

BRIDGE January 2014 Page 23 Robin Hood’s Bridge Adventures by David Bird New Year’s Day in Sherwood

t was early morning in a small to take us on?’ Young Much was inexperienced at glade deep in Sherwood Forest. ‘Count me in,’ said Friar Tuck. ‘Are the game and out of his depth in this Those outlaws still asleep were you with us, John?’ exalted company. They would forgive Iaroused gradually from their dreams Little John wiped the sleep from his him if he made a silly mistake or two, by the wonderful smell of bread cook- eyes. ‘Not until I’ve ’ad me breakfast,’ yes, but how much better it would ing over the open fires. he replied. ‘Let Much ’ave a go.’ be to gain their respect with a sound ‘Any idea what day it is, Tuck?’ asked Much’s eyes lit up. He had never performance. Now, what should he Robin Hood, who was stoking one before been allowed to play against lead against 4♥? His spade honours of the fires. Friar Tuck was never at Robin Hood. Perhaps he would teach were nearly in sequence. Perhaps the his best before mid-day. ‘I believe it him some of the game’s secrets. ♠K would be a good lead? Yes, let’s try may be the day celebrated for Saint A coarse-woven blanket was laid out that. Almachius the Martyr,’ he replied. ‘I on the ground and the four players sat Nazir looked into Robin Hood’s eyes wouldn’t wager my life on it, though.’ down cross-legged. This was an early as he displayed his dummy. ‘Good Hood laughed. ‘The answer I was deal: hand,’ he declared. ‘Perhaps in future looking for is New Year’s Day,’ he said. times, if Allah wishes it, there will be ‘You know, the day when we’re all some special bid to show such power. expected to give up some undesirable Dealer South. Love All. Then we could bid more slams when habit, like… well, like gluttony, for ♠ 6 4 2 your hand is also good.’ example.’ ♥ A 6 5 3 Hood nodded. ‘Perhaps that should ‘No need to look at me as you say ♦ K Q 4 be our New Year’s resolution,’ he that,’ Friar Tuck replied. ‘It’s common ♣ A Q 10 suggested. ‘To improve our slam knowledge that a large man requires ♠ K Q 10 8 ♠ 9 7 3 bidding!’ more food than a small man.’ ♥ 10 8 4 N ♥ 2 ‘It would make more sense than any W E ♦ 8 7 5 3 ♦ A 10 9 6 ‘He’s right,’ added Much the Miller’s S silly ideas about eating less,’ declared son. ‘My father has two horses, one ♣ 6 2 ♣ K 9 7 5 3 Friar Tuck. ‘Why would the bountiful twice as big as the other. The big one ♠ A J 5 Lord provide us with the means to eats at least twice as much.’ ♥ K Q J 9 7 cook joints of meat and make fruit ‘Not a convincing proof,’ an amused ♦ J 2 pies if he did not intend us to enjoy Robin Hood replied. ‘You might as ♣ J 8 4 them to the full?’ well say that a drunkard needs twice Friar Tuck played the ♠3 on the first as much beer as someone who drinks trick and Robin Hood contributed the modestly.’ He sprang to his feet. West North East South ♠5. Much was pleased with the success ‘Anyway, Nazir and I need to hone our Much Nazir Friar Robin of his opening lead. What a great start bridge skills before we play in the big Tuck Hood he had made in this high-level game! money game at Nottingham Market 1♥ He was about to play another spade tonight. Who among you are willing Pass 4♥ All Pass when Hood leaned towards him.

Page 24 BRIDGE January 2014 Robin Hood continued from dummy. Dealer East. E/W Game. Several of the onlookers exchanged ♠ A J 9 2 glances. What a strange play to make! ♥ K Q 8 3 Still, Robin must know what he was ‘You saw Tuck’s ♠3?’ he said. ‘It was a ♦ 10 5 doing. Friar Tuck won the trick with signal to tell you he has nothing good ♣ 10 6 4 the ♥J and switched to the ♣K. After a in the suit. You should play something ♠ 6 4 3 ♠ 7 few moments, Hood played a low card different now.’ ♥ 9 5 N ♥ A J 7 6 4 2 from his hand. W E ♦ J 8 7 6 4 2 ♦ K Q Much could not believe what he was S A puzzled Little John, who had hearing. The defenders could signal to ♣ 8 3 ♣ K Q J 9 joined the group of outlaws watching each other? If only he could learn such ♠ K Q 10 8 5 the game, nudged Will Scarlet. Why on secrets from these great players, he ♥ 10 earth had Robin not won with the ♣A? would become an expert himself. ♦ A 9 3 Robin Hood won the second round As instructed, Much looked for a ♣ A 7 5 2 of clubs with the ace and drew trumps different suit to play. His father, the with the king, ace and jack. He then miller in Gorsthorpe Village, had played dummy’s ♥K. Friar Tuck often mentioned how well it worked West North East South covered with the ♥A and Hood ruffed to ‘lead through dummy’s strength’. Much Nazir Friar Robin with his penultimate trump. He then Maybe a club would be a good idea. Tuck Hood gave up a club trick, won by Friar Tuck Robin Hood paused for thought 1♥ 1♠ in the East seat. when the ♣6 appeared. If he took the Pass 3♠ Pass 4♠ ‘I guess I’m too late to play this card,’ club finesse and it lost, Tuck would be All Pass said Friar Tuck, switching to the ♦K. able to return a spade through his ♠A-J. ‘Afraid so,’ Robin Hood replied. He This would set up a fourth trick for This time, Much had little to think won with the ♦A and ruffed his last the defence before he could establish a about when choosing his opening lead. club to reach the dummy. Away went discard on the diamonds. It was more than his life was worth his two diamond losers on the estab- Hood reached forward to play the not to lead the suit that Friar Tuck lished ♥Q-8 and the game was made. ♣A. After drawing trumps with the had bid. Imagine how the onlookers Nazir flashed his perfect white teeth king, queen and jack, by way of congratula- he led the ♦J. When tion. ‘Nice move, duck- Friar Tuck allowed this ing first club,’ he said. to win, he continued Few of the onlook- with a second diamond ers had understood the to the queen and ace. play. Maybe someone Robin Hood won the would explain it. spade return with the ‘Yes,’ agreed Friar ace. He then crossed to Tuck. ‘If he takes the the carefully preserved ace immediately, I can ♥A to discard his spade set up a diamond win- loser on the established ner to go with two club ♦K. The game had been tricks.’ made. Little John nudged ‘You defended well, Will Scarlet again. ‘You young Much!’ Robin see it now?’ he asked. ‘I Hood exclaimed. ‘That was going to tell you club switch made it before but I thought awkward for me.’ they’d hear.’ Much looked mod- Will Scarlet had not estly downwards. been paying attention. His defence had been ‘Yeah, clever,’ he praised by none other than Robin would laugh if he chose instead to lead replied. Hood himself! It was a moment to diamonds, his own suit! ‘It was difficult for our young friend savour. How proud his father would The ♥9 appeared on the coarsely- here,’ Friar Tuck continued. ‘If Much be. woven, grey blanket and Hood happens to lead a diamond, the The winter sun was soon in evidence studied the dummy that Nazir put contract can’t be made.’ and several other outlaws had gathered down. It seemed natural to play one ‘That’s really unlucky,’ Much round to observe the play. of dummy’s honours on this trick, but replied. ‘Just this morning, I made my Robin Hood reached another game that would waste the power of his ♥10. New Year’s resolution. Always lead contract on this deal: He leaned forward and played the ♥3 partner’s suit!’ ■

BRIDGE January 2014 Page 25 Julian Pottage answers your bridge questions How Should We Reach the Best Contract?

How should of rebid. 2♦ shows where in 1♥ when South de- we bid the the values lie, whereas 2♣ cided to pass North’s Dealer West. Love All. Qfollowing hands, shows the length. Bearing in rebid of a phoney heart ♠ K J 10 4 playing Benji Acol? mind that you do not really to try to keep the bid- ♥ Q 10 6 N W E want to be ruffing with the ding open. It was not ♦ 9 8 2 S high diamonds, 2♣ seems a great success. ♣ J 8 4 ♠ 3 ♠ A K J 8 6 OK. 2♥ would be only my How would you bid? ♥ A K 9 7 6 ♥ 8 4 third choice. By opening Nicholas Beswick, N ♦ K Q J W E ♦ 10 9 3 2 one suit and rebidding in Blaenau, Gwent. West North East South ♣ 10 5 4 2 S ♣ Q 8 another, you suggest a 5-4 Pass Pass Pass 1♦ shape. A 2♥ rebid would Bidding a major with Pass 1♠ Pass 1NT1 both overstate the hearts a doubleton is not All Pass 115-17 West East and understate the minors. A sensible, especially Pass as it is a non-forcing bid. What would you 1♥ 1♠ ♣♦♥♠ South should have raised lead and why? 2♣ 2♦1 1♥ to 2♥ on this deal. Keith Hawkins, 2NT 3NT On this deal, Partnering myself, I am Chippenham, Wiltshire. All Pass most pairs at our sure I would bid 1♣-1♦-3NT. 1Fourth suit forcing Qclub bid a part This would not be a success The ♥6 would be my score in clubs, making on a spade lead but makes choice. The spade East disagreed with 2♣ at most 10 tricks with on any other lead. With 8 A spots are not good by West and thought the club king offside. sure tricks, a rebid of 3♣, enough to lead the suit 2♥ was a better rebid. even though it is a jump, when you know dummy has Huw Jones, Swansea. does not do justice to the four. A diamond, though ♠ A 8 4 North hand. It surprises me probably safe, is going to While you ask about ♥ A K to hear that so many peo- help set up declarer’s suit. West’s actions, East ♦ 8 4 ple played in a club partial. As for the unbid suits, I do A seems to be the one ♣ A Q J 10 9 6 You must have some cau- not like leading from J-x-x. out of line. East has over- N tious bidders in your club. An added reason for prefer- bid, using fourth suit forcing W E ring a heart to a club is that S and then raising to game. ♣♦♥♠ North is unlikely to have four A simple 2NT rebid would ♠ 7 hearts but could have four or have sufficed; even that ♥ 10 7 4 2 Please can you even five clubs: with 4-4 in would be on the aggressive ♦ A Q 7 6 5 2 help me with this the majors, it is customary to side if East had not passed ♣ 8 2 Qticklish open- respond 1♥; with 5-4 in the originally: some would just ing lead decision? majors, North would prob- give preference to 2♥. Playing match- ably have removed 1NT to West had a tricky choice My partner and I ended points, I was dealer: 2♥.

Page 26 BRIDGE January 2014 Ask Julian continued She felt that without This evening I ran both players are maximum a singleton or void in a quick simulation for their bidding. If you aim hearts she was not A using Dealmaster Pro to reach every single make- qualified to double. with 1,000 deals each time. able game, you will bid With East- Which of us, if either, a lot that are not there. West silent, should have doubled? With 24 HCP, 3NT made QNorth opens Vicky Fisher by email. 36% and went down 64%. ♣♦♥♠ 1♥, South responds 1♠ With 25 HCP, 3NT made and North rebids 2♥. With opening values, 55% and went down 45%. Vulnerable, my South holds: four spades and 0-2 With 26 HCP, 3NT made partner opened A hearts, it would be 71% and went down 29%. Q1NT (12-14). RHO clear to double 1♥ rather then overcalled 2♦. I was ♠ J 8 7 6 4 than pass. With three hearts, This simulator assumes holding a balanced 13 ♥ 5 4 it is less clear. While the text- double-dummy play. That points with four hearts, ♦ Q 7 5 books say you should pass, tends to help the defend- four spades, two dia- ♣ K Q J some players successfully ers with the opening lead, monds and three clubs adopt a policy of doubling but thereafter works more – a textbook case for on such hands – the Italian to declarer’s advantage. Stayman. However, we Blue team was famous for it. You seem to be right that play that an intervening Should South rebid Had you been a passed 25 is the critical number. bid switches conventions his spades and, if hand, you could have off, leaving me with a so, what point count doubled 2♥ yourself with 10 ♣♦♥♠ quandary. In the event, would he show? points, four spades and two I decided not to bid 3NT Name and address supplied. hearts. I agree that it would Please could you directly because of my be rather aggressive to do help me with a diamond weakness. Partner is quite that on the actual auction. Qbidding issue? Instead, I doubled hop- likely to have six Perhaps your partner ing that partner might A hearts to open 1♥ should have doubled the realise that my 2♣ bid and rebid 2♥ over a 1♠ second time around. As- ♠ A Q 9 6 2 had been ‘stolen’. In the response. You would need suming the opponents ♥ K 5 event, she understanda- six goodish spades to rebid know what they are doing, ♦ K 8 6 bly passed. It turned out 2♠. Here you have five if they have bid and raised ♣ K 10 3 that we had an excellent poor spades. The decision a suit but not attempted to heart fit and 4♥ would is therefore not close. You look for game, they have a have made comfortably. should pass. While nine fit but limited values. This I opened 1♠ and my The result was 300 points points would be consistent being the case, you were partner responded 2♠. for 2♦ two down doubled, with 2♠, this spade suit is not. likely to be short in hearts I added my 6 losers instead of 620 points and have a few values. to partner’s 9 losers, for 4♥ made. Is there ♣♦♥♠ which told me to bid a way of dealing with ♣♦♥♠ to the 3 level. As there such a situation after The dealer was nothing to gain by a no-trump opening? opened 1♥; my I am giving a bidding to the 3 level, Chris Brown, Woking. Qpartner in second lecture on no- I passed – and made seat passed with 14 HCP, Qtrump bidding 10 tricks. Other pairs The customary four spades and three to an audience of bid and made 4♠. way to handle this hearts. Responder duplicate players. How Was I right to pass A sort of intervention raised to 2♥. I had many points does a my partner’s 2♠ bid? with the hand you held is 10 HCPs, four spades partnership need to My partner had 9 HCPs to cue bid the opponent’s and two hearts but have a better than 50% and a 9-loser hand. suit, 3♦. Opener can then said nothing, fearing chance of making 3NT, Anthony Shaw by email. show a 4-card major or that partner might assuming that both bid 3NT without one. have very little. hands are balanced? Your bidding and You certainly can play Most people played in My view is that 24 HCP reasoning seem fine double of 2♦ as take-out, 2♠ and made three. We is likely to fail, while 26 A to me. If you bid on though traditionally doubles had 24 HCP between us. HCP is likely to succeed, over 2♠, it is because you can after a no-trump opening are If my partner had with a big question see a realistic prospect of 10 for penalties, so you would doubled, I would have mark over 25 HCP. tricks facing the right hand, need to have discussed the taken her to be asking Alan Mansell, not because you are hope- situation with partner before me for a spade fit. Milford-on-Sea. ful of making 9. Sometimes, trying a take-out double.

BRIDGE January 2014 Page 27 Ask Julian continued West North East South 1♣ Dbl Pass 1♦ 2♣ 2♦ All Pass DECLARER Playing stand- My first instinct was ard Acol, what to bid 1♠ but then I PLAY Qis the best thought, ‘Why conceal a response to 1♥ with 5-card suit?’ On reflec- the following hands? tion, I may have been QUIZ wrong. I had 5 HCP, not entirely a bust. by David Huggett Hand 1 Should I have over- ♠ A Q 9 8 looked the 5-card dia- (Answers on page 31) ♥ 3 2 mond suit and bid 1♠? ♦ K 4 Partner’s hand was: ou are South as declarer playing teams or rubber bridge. ♣ Q J 9 3 2 YIn each case, what is your play strategy?

♠ K J 8 2 Hand 2 ♥ A J 10 7 1. ♠ 7 3 3. ♠ K 8 4 ♠ A 9 4 3 ♦ A Q J ♥ A 8 5 ♥ A 7 6 4 ♥ 3 2 ♣ A 9 ♦ A Q 5 ♦ K 6 5 ♦ 4 3 ♣ K 6 5 4 3 ♣ 7 6 4 ♣ Q J 4 3 2

We missed 4♠ as did N N several other pairs. W E W E Lindsey Barnes, Knuts- We play Michaels cue S S ford, Cheshire. bids. Is the North hand ♠ K 4 ♠ A Q J 10 7 2 too strong for Michaels? ♥ K Q 6 ♥ 3 With Hand 1, you Alternatively, might ♦ J 10 9 6 2 ♦ A 9 2 are worth two bids partner have doubled ♣ A 8 2 ♣ A 5 3 A and should start 2♣ for take-out? by bidding your longest Margaret Bleakley by email. suit. Respond 2♣. You are declarer in 3NT You are declarer in 4♠ after With Hand 2, you are With your hand, and West leads the ♥J. West dealt and opened 4♥. worth only one bid and you might have How do you plan the play? West leads the ♥K. How should respond in your anticipated that there A do you plan the play? major. In any case, with only would be further bidding. 7 HCP, you are too weak If you bid 1♠ first time, you to respond 2♣ whether can plan to compete with you have four spades 2♦ on the next round. That or not. Respond 1♠. is better than bidding 1♦ 2. ♠ A 7 5 3 4. ♠ 6 3 and then 2♠ or doing what ♥ 8 5 ♥ K Q 5 4 ♣♦♥♠ you did, which was not to ♦ K 10 8 6 4 ♦ J 10 5 show the spades at all. ♣ 7 4 ♣ 8 7 6 4 I held the Yes, partner could and

following should have doubled 2♣ as N N QSouth hand: a second take-out double (or W E W E maybe cue bid 3♣) to show S S the significant extra values. ♠ 6 4 ♠ A K Q ♠ Q 10 7 4 A Michaels cue bid shows ♥ A 7 3 ♥ A 9 8 7 6 ♥ 8 5 5-5 in the majors, not 4-4, so ♦ Q J 9 7 3 ♦ K Q 9 2 ♦ K 9 7 5 3 would not have been a good ♣ A K J ♣ A ♣ 8 5 idea, whatever the strength of her hand. ■ You are declarer in 5♦ and You are declarer in 6♥ and West leads the ♥K. How West leads the ♣K. How E-mail your questions for Julian to: do you plan the play? do you plan the play? [email protected]

Page 28 BRIDGE January 2014 Elstead Chatsworth Hotel Blunsdon House Hotel Worthing BN11 3D 7-9 Feb £169 Hotel Bournemouth Sheila Rogers Swindon SN26 7AS BH1 3QP Rubber / Chicago 14-16 Feb £199 Just Duplicate

28 Feb-2 Mar £199 Just Duplicate

21-23 Mar £199 Just Duplicate

4-6 April £245 Bernard Magee Finding Slams

17-19 Jan 2014 £245 3-5 October £245 Bernard Magee Bernard Magee NEW Better Leads TOPIC Game Tries & Switches 7-9 November £245 BRIDGE EVENTS 31 Jan-2 Feb £199 Bernard Magee BRIDGE Just Duplicate Hand Evaluation 10-12 January 2014 £199 EVENTS Full Board – No Single Supplement Just Duplicate Bridge Booking Form on page 8. 10-12 Jan 2014 £199 21-23 February £199 Just Duplicate Bridge Just Duplicate Bridge

24-26 January £199 Ardington Hotel 28 Feb – 2 March £199 Just Duplicate Bridge Just Duplicate Bridge Worthing BN11 3DZ

14-16 March £199 31 Jan – 2 Feb £199 Just Duplicate Bridge Just Duplicate Bridge

11-13 April £245 14-16 February £199 Bernard Magee Just Duplicate Bridge Leads & Defence

28-30 March £199 25-27 April £199 Just Duplicate Bridge Just Duplicate Bridge

11-13 April £215 14-16 November £245 Stan Powell BRIDGE EVENTS Bernard Magee Signals & Discards Further into the Auction 24-26 Jan 2014 Declarer Play £215 28-30 November £245 21-23 November £245 21-23 February Overcalls £215 Bernard Magee Bernard Magee 14-16 March Take-Out Doubles £215 Bidding NEW Doubles TOPIC (Improvers) Distributional Hands

Full Board 11-13 April Hand Evaluation £215 Full Board No Single Supplement No Single Supplement Full Board – No Single Supplement Booking Form on page 8. Booking Form on page 8. Booking Form on page 8.

BRIDGE January 2014 Page 29 David Gold Says Assume You Can Beat the Contract

his maxim applies mainly when You risk giving an overtrick but, at playing teams or rubber, when it teams, it is a small price to pay for the ♠ A J is essential to defeat contracts. chance of defeating the contract. ♥ A 4 T ♦ K Q J 10 9 4 ♣ 10 4 3 ♠ A K J 10 ♠ J 6 5 2 ♠ 8 7 5 2

♥ J 6 4 ♥ J 10 N ♥ 6 5 3 2 ♦ A K Q ♦ K 6 3 W E ♦ A ♣ 7 6 4 ♣ A K Q J S ♣ K J 9 2 ♠ ♠ Q 3 N A 10 8 3 N ♥ A Q 10 5 W E ♥ K 6 4 W E ♦ 5 2 S ♦ J 10 9 8 S Your LHO opens 1NT (12-14) and RHO ♣ A 10 9 8 3 ♣ 3 2 raises to 3NT. Partner leads the spade nine (top of nothing). Declarer wins the first trick with the You open 1♣ and LHO doubles. RHO RHO LHO king. At trick two, you are in with the bids 1NT and LHO raises to 3NT. You 1♥ 1♠ diamond ace. Desperate measures are lead the ten of clubs. 1NT (15-17) 3NT in order. Declarer again has plenty of On the first trick partner plays the five tricks so you must take at least four now and declarer wins with the jack. Next You lead the jack of diamonds. Declarer if you are to beat the contract. You must declarer plays the queen of clubs. You wins with the king in dummy and, at try a club hoping partner holds the ace had better not duck that as you can see trick two, runs the jack of hearts to your but does it matter which? If partner has declarer can simply run for home with king, partner following with the two. fewer than three clubs, it is hopeless four spade tricks, three diamond tricks Declarer surely has plenty of tricks for and, if partner has four clubs, it does and two club tricks. Having taken the his contract so desperate measures are not matter which one you lead. So focus ace you can see that declarer has nine called for. If you ‘assume you can beat on three clubs with partner. It is vital to tricks ready to run. There is only one the contract’, there is only one chance switch to the club jack – a ‘surrounding’ chance to beat the contract, which is and it may seem unlikely. You can play play. The full deal: to cash four heart tricks. This dictates declarer for a bare king of spades and lay putting partner with the king of hearts; down the spade ace hoping to take four you should ‘assume you can beat the spade tricks. The full deal: ♠ A J contract’ and lead the heart five. ♥ A 4 The full deal: ♦ K Q J 10 9 4 ♠ J 6 5 2 ♣ 10 4 3 ♥ ♠ ♠ J 10 9 6 4 3 N 8 7 5 2 ♠ A K J 10 ♦ K 6 3 ♥ J 8 7 W E ♥ 6 5 3 2 ♥ J 6 4 ♣ A K Q J ♦ 8 7 3 S ♦ A ♦ A K Q ♠ A 10 8 3 ♠ Q 9 7 4 ♣ A 6 5 ♣ K J 9 2 N ♣ 7 6 4 ♥ K 6 4 W E ♥ 7 5 2 ♠ K Q 10 ♠ Q 3 ♠ 7 6 5 2 ♦ J 10 9 8 S ♦ 7 5 4 ♥ K Q 10 9 ♥ A Q 10 5 N ♥ K 7 3 ♣ 3 2 ♣ 9 8 4 ♦ 6 5 2 ♦ 5 2 W E ♦ 10 9 8 4 ♠ K ♣ Q 8 7 S ♣ A 10 9 8 3 ♣ 5 2 ♥ A Q 9 8 3 ♠ 9 8 4 ♦ A Q 2 ♥ 9 8 2 ♣ 10 7 6 5 On the jack of clubs switch, you cash ♦ J 7 6 3 four clubs to defeat the contract. ♣ K Q J So (playing rubber bridge or teams): Now you are playing rubber bridge: ‘assume you can beat the contract!’ ■

Page 30 BRIDGE January 2014 Answers to David Huggett’s Play Quiz on page 28

ace of hearts throwing a minor suit loser You are declarer in 5♦ and West leads from hand. 1. ♠ 7 3 the ♥K. How do you plan the play? ♥ A 8 5 3NT is likely to fail, so if you can make ♦ A Q 5 your 5♦ you are sure for a good swing. ♣ K 6 5 4 3 With so many trumps, it looks instinctive 4. ♠ 6 3 ♠ A 8 2 ♠ Q J 10 9 6 5 to play on that suit immediately, but just ♥ K Q 5 4 ♥ J 10 9 4 N ♥ 7 3 2 think what will happen if you do. Some- ♦ J 10 5 W E ♦ ♦ ♣ 8 7 4 3 S K one will win and cash a heart no doubt 8 7 6 4 ♣ 9 7 ♣ Q J 10 and, with an inescapable spade loser, ♠ 8 7 5 ♠ J 10 9 4 2 ♠ K 4 the contract will flounder eventually. So, ♥ J 10 3 2 N ♥ Void W E ♥ K Q 6 although it might lead to an eventual ♦ 8 6 4 S ♦ A 7 3 ♦ J 10 9 6 2 second undertrick, you have to be brave. ♣ K Q 10 ♣ J 9 5 3 2 ♣ A 8 2 Win the opening lead and play a spade ♠ A K Q to dummy in order to finesse the clubs. If ♥ A 9 8 7 6 the jack wins, you aim then to cash the ♦ K Q 9 2 You are declarer in 3NT and West leads ace and king, throwing the heart loser ♣ A the ♥J. How do you plan the play? from dummy. Only then is it safe to play At first glance, it might seem a good on trumps. idea to play on the club suit, but that line You are declarer in 6♥ and West leads is flawed for two reasons. First, even if the ♣K. How do you plan the play? the suit breaks 3-2, you will still have to It looks as though there is only one los- find another trick either from spades or 3. ♠ K 8 4 er – in diamonds – but it is at times like diamonds but, more pertinently, if you ♥ A 7 6 4 these that you have to be most vigilant. If ever lost the lead to East, he might be ♦ K 6 5 East has all four missing trumps, you are able to find a lethal switch to spades. ♣ 7 6 4 bound to lose a trick in that suit, but if However, a quick tally of the number of ♠ Void ♠ 9 6 5 3 West holds them all, you are safe as long tricks available outside diamonds comes ♥ K Q J 10 9 8 5 2 N ♥ Void as you cash the ace from hand first. Now, to five, meaning you have to make only ♦ Q 10 3 W E ♦ J 8 7 4 you can pick up West’s holding by taking S four diamond tricks to fulfil your contract. ♣ Q 10 ♣ K J 9 8 2 two finesses against the jack, ten combi- However, there is the danger of East gain- ♠ A Q J 10 7 2 nation. Somehow, our instincts tell us to ing the lead and switching to a spade, so ♥ 3 play the top card from the shorter hold- eschew the diamond finesse and play the ♦ A 9 2 ing first and in this case it would prove ace first. This gives you the extra chance ♣ A 5 3 fatal. ■ of finding East with a singleton king.

You are declarer in 4♠ after West dealt and opened 4♥. West leads the ♥K. How Mr Bridge 2. ♠ A 7 5 3 do you plan the play? Premium Quality Cards ♥ 8 5 With ten top tricks, there doesn’t seem ♦ K 10 8 6 4 to be a problem and the reality is that Standard Faces ♣ 7 4 there isn’t – as long as you don’t play with or without bar codes. ♠ ♠ K J 2 Q 10 9 8 the ace of hearts from dummy at trick Unboxed. ♥ N ♥ K Q J 4 2 10 9 6 one. West is likely to hold all the miss- 6 red / 6 blue W E ♦ 5 2 ♦ A ing hearts for his four-level preempt, in £19.95 S ♣ 8 6 5 ♣ Q 10 9 3 2 which case the ace will be ruffed by East. 30 red / 30 blue ♠ 6 4 So, play low from dummy and do the only £60 ♥ A 7 3 same on the heart continuation, but ruff ♦ Q J 9 7 3 in hand instead. The London Bridge Centre ♣ A K J Now draw trumps, enter dummy with ( 020 7388 2404 www.bridgeshop.com the king of diamonds and finally cash the

BRIDGE January 2014 Page 31 Answers to Julian Pottage’s Defence Quiz on page 23

West North East South ducking the first round of spades? 1. ♠ K Q 9 2 1♠ Pass 2♥ If you duck the first spade, playing the ♥ A K J 10 Pass 4♥ All Pass eight to encourage, you will force out the ♦ 9 5 4 stopper at once. Then, assuming partner ♣ K 7 Partner leads the ♦10. What do you do? has a second spade and an entry, you ♠ A 7 ♠ 5 4 will get to run the spade suit later. ♥ 8 4 3 N ♥ 9 6 2 The situation is similar and the solution Taking the first two spades and then W E ♦ ♦ K 10 8 2 S Q J 6 the same. giving up the third round will not work ♣ A 9 8 5 ♣ J 10 4 3 2 You need to play an honour to stop so well because partner will be unable to ♠ J 10 8 6 3 South from scoring a cheap trick (here continue spades. ♥ Q 7 5 with the ♦J). You need to play the lower While your ♦K might be an entry if ♦ A 7 3 honour, the ♦Q rather than ♦K, to help partner happens to hold the ♦A, you do ♣ Q 6 partner judge the location of the dia- not need to take that chance. mond honours. Partner will soon gain the lead with the West North East South ♥A and should work out to play you for 1♥ Pass 1♠ the ♦K rather than the ♣K. This is because 4. ♠ A 10 5 2 Pass 3♠ Pass 4♠ with the ♦A-K-J, declarer would probably ♥ K Q J 2 All Pass play to get rid of one of dummy’s clubs ♦ 6 4 3 on a diamond. ♣ 10 7 Partner leads the ♦2. What do you do? ♠ 9 ♠ J 7 4 ♥ 9 7 4 N ♥ 10 8 6 5 3 In third seat, you usually play high – you ♦ J 10 9 5 W E ♦ A K S want to do that here. When your highest 3. ♠ J 5 2 ♣ A J 9 8 6 ♣ 5 4 2 cards are of equal rank, you should play ♥ A K Q ♠ K Q 8 6 3 the lower or lowest of them, here the ♦J. ♦ J 10 9 6 3 ♥ A Once this forces out the ♦A, it will be ob- ♣ A Q ♦ Q 8 7 2 vious that you have the ♦Q as well since ♠ 9 6 ♠ A K 8 7 4 ♣ K Q 3 declarer would not waste the ♦A from ♥ J 9 7 4 N ♥ 6 3 2 W E A-Q. If you played the ♦Q, partner would ♦ Q 5 4 S ♦ K 7 place declarer with the ♦J and might think ♣ 10 6 5 3 ♣ J 9 4 West North East South that the best chance of defeating the con- ♠ Q 10 3 1♠ tract is to underlead the ♣A when in with ♥ 10 8 5 Pass 3♠ Pass 4♠ the ♠A, hoping for the ♣Q in your hand ♦ A 8 2 All Pass and a misguess by declarer. ♣ K 8 7 2 Partner leads the ♦J. What is your plan?

West North East South There is a time when you should play 2. ♠ A K Q 9 2 1♦ 1♠ 1NT the higher of touching honours. This is ♥ K Q 7 Pass 3NT All Pass to alert your partner to the fact that you ♦ 5 4 have a doubleton. By playing the ♦A ♣ 9 7 3 Partner leads the ♠9 and dummy plays and then cashing the ♦K, you are draw- ♠ 7 6 ♠ 8 5 4 low. What do you do? ing attention to your unusual holding. ♥ A 4 N ♥ 6 3 2 Then, when you play a club, your partner W E ♦ 10 9 8 3 2 ♦ K Q 7 6 Although the usual rule is to play high knows to switch back to diamonds to give S ♣ A Q 5 2 ♣ J 8 4 in third seat, this is not a command. You you a ruff. ♠ J 10 3 need to think about the play in the con- If you played the diamonds in the usual ♥ J 10 9 8 5 text of the hand as a whole. South has fashion, king before ace, your partner ♦ A J shown a spade stopper and is going to will probably play you for a club honour ♣ K 10 6 make a spade trick at some point what- (whichever of the ♣K and ♣Q declarer ever you do. Can you see the benefit in does not play). ■

Page 32 BRIDGE January 2014 The Diaries of Wendy Wensum Episode 21: Engaging Celebrations

t was a last-minute decision to Millie and Justin. Nearing midnight, West North East South take a bridge mini-break to cel- this was the final board: Millie Spouse Justin Wendy ebrate the New Year in the Peak Pass IDistrict with Millie and Justin. Un- 1♥ Pass 4♥ 5♦ der overcast skies, Spouse and I set Dealer South. N/S Vul. 5♥ 6♦ Pass Pass off early on our drive from Norfolk, Spouse Dbl Rdbl All Pass picking up Millie en route. Riding in ♠ 10 7 6 5 state in the back seat with the maps, ♥ Void Millie led the ♥A and Spouse tabled her navigating skills proved less than ♦ Q 7 3 dummy. I ruffed. Being able still adequate. The maps were transferred ♣ A 9 8 4 3 2 to count to thirteen, I led a trump to me in the passenger seat, but fol- Millie Justin felling the singleton king. I ruffed lowing an unintentional diversion, ♠ A J 9 8 N ♠ K Q 4 3 2 another heart and conceded a club surprise, surprise, my ability was also ♥ A K Q 7 3 W E ♥ J 9 8 5 4 2 making twelve tricks in all. More found to be wanting. I have suggested ♦ K S ♦ Void hilarity ensued as the other three we buy a SatNav but to no avail. Most ♣ Q 10 5 ♣ K 7 players congratulated me. Of course males seem to love electronic gadgets, Wendy East-West will make 6♥ only on a but not Spouse. Anyway, without any ♠ Void favourable lead, as the ♣A and a democratic authority, he took on the ♥ 10 6 spade ruff will defeat the contract. navigational role in addition to that ♦ A J 10 9 8 6 5 4 2 The TD came over to our table, but his of driver. ‘That load looks top-heavy,’ ♣ J 6 comments were rendered inaudible he observed as we were overtaken by by the chimes of Big Ben striking a car with two bicycles strapped pre- midnight. Spouse paused only to cariously to its roof. I remarked on the Wine and spirits were flowing freely, thank the director for his tolerance of positive environmental impact of cy- but, as dealer, I was still taken by sur- our exuberant behaviour and to order cling. Millie was less sure. ‘I would be prise when I found I had shown a green a bottle of champagne from a passing more impressed if the bikes were tow- pass card. On my left, with a brandy waiter. Smiling cheerfully, Spouse ing the car,’ she quipped sagely. glass at the ready, Millie opened 1♥. removed his party hat, took my arm On our arrival at the hotel for Spouse passed and Justin made a prag- gallantly and led me to the dance floor lunch, it began to snow. Justin was matic bid of 4♥, simultaneously taking in the adjoining ballroom. Balloons making his own way to the venue a sip of claret. I took a deep breath and streamers were cascading down and by the time he appeared in the and overcalled 5♦. Millie seemed sur- from the hotel ceiling. ‘Happy New afternoon, the clouds had parted and prised and took a large swig of brandy, Year, darling,’ he whispered in my ear the surrounding moor glowed in but was sufficiently composed to bid as we waltzed romantically from the unison with the setting sun in cold 5♥. Spouse, who had been increasing Old Year to the New. anticipation of the passing of another both his alcohol and merriment levels As the celebrations subsided, Millie year. During pre-dinner drinks, we steadily during the day, took account and Justin came over to wish us the mingled with our fellow guests and of his void in our opponents’ suit and season’s greetings and Spouse and from the bar, proceeded to the elegant joined the fray with a bid of 6♦. After I reciprocated. ‘Wendy,’ said Millie dining room. The white countryside a further two passes, Millie doubled. excitedly, ‘You two must be the first was now a picture worthy of a painting Spouse, still with a silly party hat to know; Justin has just asked me to as a bright winter moon rose over perched precariously on his head, en- marry him and I said yes.’ A sumptuous distant hills. After an excellent meal, tered the spirit of the occasion with a engagement ring on Millie’s finger everyone was in holiday mood. Most redouble. At this point, much laughter confirmed the happy outcome of the guests took to the ballroom, but some engulfed the table in anticipation of a proposal. Much hugging, kissing and of us settled for duplicate bridge in the good result for one pair at least, almost a few tears followed and Spouse gladly card room. As chance would have it, certainly in contravention of rule 74. ordered another bottle of bubbly as we Spouse and I played the last set against The complete sequence was: celebrated into the small hours. ■

BRIDGE January 2014 Page 33 Things You Should Know by Andrew Kambites About Key Card Blackwood

fter the partnership has than 50%. If it is genuinely 50%, you agreed a suit, a bid probably don’t mind whether or not ♠ A Q J 10 7 2 ♠ K 4 3 of 4NT asks about key you bid it, however, in practice a slam ♥ K Q J 10 N ♥ A 6 3 A W E cards. ♦ A K ♦ J 8 3 2 that seems to be 50% is usually worse S than that. West can certainly argue ♣ A ♣ 10 3 2 There are 5 key cards: the 4 aces and that if East has either the ♠K or ♥A the king of trumps. The responses are the slam will be excellent. Superficially, as follows: it seems that if both of these cards are West East 5♣ shows 0 or 4 key cards. If you missing, it is on the spade finesse, but 2♣ 2NT9 cannot tell whether partner has 0 or 4, in practice, 6♠ is most unlikely to make 3♠ 4♠ you shouldn’t be using Blackwood. even if the spade finesse is right. First, 4NT 5♥10 there are no entries to dummy to take 7NT 11 5♦ shows 1 or 5 key cards. the finesse. Second, it is quite possible 5♥ shows 2 key cards. that North will lead a singleton heart 92NT shows a balanced positive, 8 or 5♠ shows 3 key cards. and find a ruff. As usual, if two key more points. cards are missing, give up on the slam. 105♥ shows two key cards, the ♠K and In the next hand, East gives a ♥A. ♠ A Q J 10 7 ♠ 6 4 3 2 more helpful response to key card 11West can count thirteen tricks. ♥ K Q J 8 7 N ♥ 10 9 6 Blackwood. ♦ A K W E ♦ Q J 2 S ♣ A ♣ K 3 2 ♣♦♥♠ ♠ A Q J 10 7 2 ♠ K 4 3 ♥ K Q J 10 N ♥ 9 6 3 f you use key card Blackwood, West East ♦ A K W E ♦ J 4 3 2 it is essential that both S 2♣1 2♦2 ♣ A ♣ 9 3 2 Ipartners know the trump 2♠ 3♠3 suit. 4NT4 5♣5 5♠6 Pass West East Key card Blackwood really concentrates 2♣ 2♦ the mind. Using ordinary Blackwood, 1Game forcing. 2Negative: 0-7 points. 2♠ 3♠ you can get away with not knowing, 3No need to hurry. 2♣ was game forc- 4NT 5♦7 but now the king of trumps is a key ing. 2NT would have been a second 6♠8 Pass card there will be chaos unless trumps negative: 0-3 points are known. 4Key card Blackwood. 7One key card, the ♠K. I can readily sympathise with part- 5No key cards 6High enough 8West does not know whether East has nerships that take a practical view that the ♥A or ♠K, but either way, 6♠ will 4NT is always Blackwood. It may not Generally speaking, you are happy be excellent. be the best practice but it avoids am- to be in a small slam if the chances biguity, a huge advantage. However, of making it are higher than 50%. If East had the ♠K and ♥A, then it without more sophistication, you can- Conversely, you would prefer to stay would have been easy to reach a grand not effectively play key card Black- out of a slam if the prospects are less slam. wood. I would suggest you might

Page 34 BRIDGE January 2014 About Key Card Blackwood continued 1Game forcing. unauthorised information so West 2Positive. 8+ points. At least 5 spades. was ethically obliged to pass. 3Key card Blackwood. Spades are agreed as trumps. Just to make sure you understand: 4NT like the following simple guidelines. 41 or 5 key cards (here one, the ♠K). was a truly awful bid. East virtually 5Asking for kings, but also guarantee- admitted it when he hesitated after (i) If a suit has been agreed by both ing all the key cards are present. the reply before bidding 5♠. If you use players bidding it, 4NT is key card 6This doesn’t answer the Blackwood Blackwood properly, you should know Blackwood with that suit agreed. question but it does show initiative. If what to do after all possible responses. (ii) If no suit has been agreed, then the partner has the 4 aces, East can count I can give you very specific advice: last bid suit is the agreed trump 13 tricks. If you use Blackwood, you should suit. have worked out what to do next (iii) If the last bid was no-trumps, then ♣♦♥♠ without needing to hesitate. 4NT is not Blackwood. If your partner uses Blackwood, ou should normally not hears your answer and then hesitates Auction A Auction B use Blackwood without before signing off at the 5 level, you West East West East Yhaving some idea of how should almost certainly pass. 1♠ 2♣ 1♠ 2♣ strong partner is. A far better auction would have been 2♦ 4NT 2NT 4NT Auction D. In Auction A, the agreed suit is dia- The reason is that, when you use 5Far too early for Blackwood. If all monds. The ♦K is a key card. Blackwood, you are taking complete partner can do is rebid 2♠, I have no In Auction B, 4NT is quantitative. control of the auction. Partner will reason to venture beyond game. West passes if minimum for 2NT or answer your questions, showing his 6Partner is now known to have a strong bids 6NT if maximum. key cards and maybe outside kings. hand with 6 spades. We certainly have He will never have a chance to show the values for slam, I will make sure 2 ♣♦♥♠ if he has extra points, or extra shape. key cards are not missing. The next hand illustrates some all too 72 key cards, the ♠K and ♣A. fter the response to common horrible bidding. 8Obvious. 4NT, a continuation of ♣♦♥♠ A5NT asks how many of the remaining kings partner ♠ K Q 10 9 6 4 ♠ A J 3 2 ou should normally holds (ie. excluding the king of ♥ Q J 8 N ♥ K 7 not use Blackwood trumps). ♦ K J W E ♦ A 8 7 6 without having given the S Y ♣ A Q ♣ K J 2 partnership every opportunity The responses are as follows: to find a fit.

6♣ shows 0 kings. Auction C Auction D Below, you see two possible auctions 6♦ shows 1 king. West East West East for the layout shown. I think you will 6♥ shows 2 kings. 1♠ 4NT1 1♠ 2♦5 agree that Auction F is far superior. 6♠ shows 3 kings. 5♥2 5♠3 3♠ 4NT6 Pass4 5♥7 6♠8 Common sense dictates that such a ♠ A Q J 6 5 ♠ 3 5NT continuation must be a try for a At the table, Auction C was chosen. ♥ 8 7 N ♥ A K Q 2 1 ♦ A 8 6 2 W E ♦ K Q J 4 grand slam because, whatever the re- East argued: I am an ace stronger than S sponse, you can never stop below a I might be to bid game, so I must use ♣ 9 2 ♣ A K Q J small slam. Therefore, it guarantees key card Blackwood to try for slam. that all of the key cards are present. 2Two key cards, the ♠K and ♣A. 3Oh dear, a key card is missing. I must Auction E Auction F think what to do now. Long hesitation, West East West East ♠ A Q J 6 ♠ K 10 7 5 4 3 2 then sign off in 5♠. 1♠ 4NT1 1♠ 2♣4 ♥ A Q 2 N ♥ 8 4 5♥2 6NT3 2♦5 4NT6 W E With considerable frustration. West 7 8 ♦ A K Q 3 S ♦ 7 had 18 points when he might have 5♥ 7♦ ♣ A 2 ♣ K Q J 10 had 12. He had six excellent spades when he might have had only four. Auction E: It is incredibly annoying to have a 1Key card Blackwood with spades as West East strong hand and be deprived of the the trump suit. Certainly, a slam is 2♣1 2♠2 opportunity to tell partner. The long inevitable with 25 points opposite an 4NT3 5♦4 hesitation had made West aware that opening bid. However, to use Black- 5NT5 7NT6 two aces were not missing. This is wood now makes it certain that

BRIDGE January 2014 Page 35 About KCB continued Things You Should Know About Better Hand Key Card Blackwood Quiz Evaluation the correct contract of 7♦ by Andrew Kambites can never be reached. (Answers on page 47) Bernard Magee 2 2 key cards Introduction 3Stuck. A key card is missing. For one thing, East 1 What would you bid with Hands A,B,C and D if your Better Hand Evaluation is partner opens 1♠? If you use key card Blackwood aimed at helping readers to has no idea whether it is an add greater accuracy to their consider your continuations after all possible replies. ace or the ♠K. bidding. It deals with auctions in which you and your partner, Auction F: against silent opponents, can Hand A Hand B Hand C Hand D describe your hands fully to 4Wait to see what partner ♠ A 6 5 ♠ K J 5 2 ♠ A Q 10 3 2 ♠ A Q 10 3 each other and, by evaluating does. If the best he can do them accurately, find the best ♥ A K 9 6 5 ♥ A 6 ♥ 7 ♥ Q J is 2♠, I will know more final contract. The emphasis of ♦ A K 8 ♦ K 7 6 3 ♦ A K Q J 10 9 ♦ A K Q J 10 (ie partner is minimum all good, accurate bidding is on ♣ K 8 ♣ A Q 2 ♣ 9 ♣ A K hand evaluation. without a second suit) and can always bid Blackwood There are two general types of auction: a) a fit is found and b) then. no fit is found. 54 diamonds as well as 2 You are East. The bidding starts as shown. When you do not have a fit, 5 spades. Just what East you are aiming to describe the wanted to hear. West East strength of your hand as soon 6Key card Blackwood with 1♠ 2♣ as possible, most often using diamonds (the last bid suit) 2♦ 4NT no-trump bids. This book be- gins by discussing balanced ? as the trump suit. hand bidding in Acol, as it 7 2 key cards. is very important that both 8East can count 13 tricks. (i) What is your next bid with Hands E, F, G and H? members of a partnership That includes a ruff in (ii) If your partner hears your answer and continues with have an accurate knowledge of 5NT, how do you respond to that? how to show hands of different dummy. strengths.

♣♦♥♠ When a fit is found, there is Hand E Hand F Hand G Hand H much re-evaluation of the hand to be done; point count, ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ ou should nor- A 8 6 5 4 A K 8 6 4 A 8 6 5 4 A K 6 5 4 though still important, needs mally not use ♥ 8 7 ♥ 8 7 ♥ K 8 ♥ K 8 to be evaluated together with Blackwood if you ♦ K J 7 6 ♦ K J 7 6 ♦ J 10 7 6 ♦ J 10 7 6 distribution. The best way of Y ♣ K 6 ♣ K 6 ♣ K 6 ♣ K 6 reaching an accurate assess­ have 2 top losers in ment is to use the Losing Trick an unbid suit or a side Count; this is an important suit void. method of hand evaluation and takes up a number of chapters. 3 You are South. You have Hand J. In these situations, it is Finally, we move on to different important to know not how forms of evaluation including game tries and splinter bids. many aces partner has, but Hand J You can never know enough which aces. Cue bidding is ♠ A J 7 6 5 methods of hand evaluation; the more you learn, the better more helpful and we cover ♥ 8 you get at judging your hand. this in the next edition of ♦ K Q J 10 3 BRIDGE. ■ ♣ K Q Although the Losing Trick Count is used more easily in

tandem with your partner, a large proportion of the ideas The bidding starts as shown below. in this book can be used by an Bridge Tie individual. For example, eval- West North East South uating your hand to be worth an extra point is going to help 3♥ 4♠ Pass 4NT £15 anyone you partner – as long inc p&p Pass ? as you get it right.

See mail How should you continue if partner responds: £14 including postage order form (i) 5♣? (ii) 5♦? (iii) 5♥? (iv) 5♠? on page 7 See Mail Order Form on page 7.

Page 36 BRIDGE January 2014 Readers, Bill Seymour and happen? Why are they not his club deserve your helpful banned from the bridge READERS’ comments and ideas, so table, at least for a couple of let’s be hearing from you. days, as a punishment? I am fed up with sitting at a table GREAT NEWS where such bickering occurs. I realise that married LETTERS couples do not always

play bridge together at

their club, but I should In BRIDGE 132, I included secretary and an odd- like them to realise how the following letter in my bod service will help, but uncomfortable they make page 5 editorial. It arrived the most important thing others at the table feel. too late to be included with is a telephone number. I have been advised that, Name & address supplied. Reader’s Letters, but I seized If this comes across as with immediate effect, the upon it for inclusion in my being rude, it is because bridge room on m.v. Voyager IMPROVEMENTS editorial and I print the letter I truly care. A beautiful will be relocated to the I just wanted to give you and comments below. website is boring when Lookout Lounge. I do not some feedback on your Now, please read on. it doesn’t provide the have any more information Ruffing for Extra Tricks DVD. information you need yet regarding the ins and outs It is, of course, excellent but DESPERATE quickly and easily. Other – I will source this when our it would help if you were We are a very small club bridge clubs in the same directors return from the ship. able to put more ‘stops’ with an ageing membership predicament please note. Needless to say, the ship will onto the disc, so that I and we are in dire need provide full co-operation, but could watch one hand at a of new members. BILL’S QUICK I wanted you to be among time. As it is, I have to fast Could you give us a plug RESPONSE the first to know about the forward at the beginning of and tell your readers of our Many thanks for your two decision that has been made. each viewing which is time predicament, giving them communications. I would say I am sure you will agree consuming and irritating.... our website address. that your comments were that this is a good move and possibly something you could www.bridgewebs.com/ forthright rather than rude. one you have been looking build into future discs? orpington I will discuss the question forward to for quite a while. Whilst writing, I would like Bill Seymour, of telephone contact with Glen Thomas, to extend my thanks to you, Secretary, Orpington BC. the committee. As you are Group Sales Manager, as without your software, I Sorry to have to tell you well aware, we live in an m.v. Voyager. should never have learned to this Bill, but until your club age where digital contact play this wonderful game. becomes new-membership rules and our website reflects BAD MANNERS Pat Colledge, friendly, it will continue that. I look forward with I have returned recently from Burgess Hill, Sussex. its downhill spiral. I could great interest to reading a bridge holiday, where once find no means of making your advice on ‘Build- again, I am appalled by the YOU SHOULD KNOW quick human contact to up and revitalisation’. bad manners of married I am just writing to say discuss your predicament. Bill Seymour, couples. It is usually the how much I enjoy BRIDGE. A dedicated membership Secretary, Orpington BC. man who behaves in such a I am not an experienced terrible way towards his wife. bridge player, but I do love One such comment was, playing and go regularly REDUCE THE COST ‘you silly cow.’ I objected to the U3A class. to his bad manners and In BRIDGE 132, I OF YOUR POSTAGE told the director. He said particularly appreciated the Postage stamps for sale at 90% of face-value, he would have a word with article, Things you should all mint with full gum. Quotations for him but the next night, he know about by Andrew commercial quantities available on request. was just as terrible, so I told Kambites. There are so many him that this was no way things I need to learn and the Values supplied in 100s, higher values to talk to his wife. The next pages on Red Suit Transfers available as well as 1st and 2nd class morning he did apologise, were really helpful. I hope (eg 2nd class: 100x37p+100x13p) giving me an explanation that the Losing Trick Count (/Fax 020 8422 4906 regarding his manners, can be explained in due but really there can be no course as there seem to be e-mail: excuse for such language. a couple of ways of using it. [email protected] The point I am making Mrs V Galvin, is, why is this allowed to Peterborough.

BRIDGE January 2014 Page 37 READERS’ LETTERS Malcolm Finebaum. trump is common, but it is as Mr Magee explains continued Send your used stamps and no coincidence that 5-card everything really clearly. collections in support of Little majors and opening a minor One can practice with the Voice to: Mr M Finebaum, suit with fewer than four hands over and over. 8 Mountford House, tend to go hand-in-hand I have six of them and MISLEADING Crescent Road, with the strong no-trump. have saved the money for In the Tunisia holiday advert Enfield, EN2 7BL. The idea is certainly worthy two more, but you haven’t on page 3 of BRIDGE 131, it of consideration, but it is brought out a new one states that prices for seven- GREAT IDEA not as easy as it sounds. for such a long time. night stays are available We have all sat in the waiting With some topics, one The Better Bridge No. 1 on application. Last year, rooms of doctors, dentists extra paragraph might be CD is marvellous. It is the a friend went for the seven and hospitals with tables full fairly easy. The articles logical follow-on from his nights and we would both of a variety of magazines. As on Stayman and Red Suit Defence, Acol Bidding and very much like to do this from many of us are concerned Transfers can be adapted Declarer Play interactive 2-9 March 2014. Tunisia First with the falling numbers in to the strong no-trump, just CDs, taking one’s skills a have told me that a seven- our bridge clubs, why not by arguing that if his no- stage further. For example, night stay is not on offer. I deposit, when read, our copy trump opening is four points after using it, I have a much would be most grateful for of BRIDGE in these rooms? stronger (16-18 rather than clearer understanding of your comment on this. It might encourage some to 12-14) he requires four fewer when a slam is likely and Mrs Elizabeth Marr, return to this wonderful game points in response to make my declarer and defensive London. or even stimulate the curiosity a game try or bid game. play in 1NT is much, much Sorry, the advert was wrong. of potential beginners. Much However, with other topics stronger than it was. Bernard Magee plans the better than putting them in that will follow in the series, It is particularly valuable holidays he hosts based on a the dustbin and certainly the whole article would need for those who, like myself, two-week stay and asks my less boring for readers. rewriting because some of are unable to join your office to refuse shorter stay Brian Meadows, the conclusions reached cruises and courses. bookings. We can, however, Ledbury, Herefordshire. simply do not apply if you Mrs Carol Moore, cater for seven nights in Surplus copies of the play the strong no-trump . . . Hereford. April and November. EBUs English Bridge could And even that wouldn’t likewise be recycled. totally solve the problem. AND ANOTHER... CRYSTAL BALL My All You Need To Know I have just spent a very enjoy- I have your Begin Bridge, OTHER THINGS About articles are necessarily able ‘Just Bridge’ weekend which I have found extremely TO KNOW long. However, if they get at the Elstead Hotel, Bourne- helpful. Do you have You asked Andrew Kambites too long, the main points are mouth. May I congratulate a CD that will help me to write a new series diluted. I have already had you on finding such an with what comes next? entitled, Things You Should to make judgements about excellent hotel. It is the best Barbara Lumsden, Know About... The article how much to include. For hotel we have stayed at with Aberdeen. on Stayman was excellent, example, before writing my you. The food was brilliant, Just follow on with but he wrote it only in the article on Red Suit Transfers, the rooms luxurious and Bernard Magee’s Acol context of a weak no-trump. I gave careful consideration hotel staff so helpful and Bidding. Simple. It would be helpful, in as to whether to include welcoming. Even the bridge future articles, if he could black suit transfers as well was good and Mary Steb- LITTLE VOICE write an extra paragraph and call it All You Need To bing’s direction was just right. Further to our chat yesterday, or two on how the system Know About Transfers. Bridge Friendly and encouraging I would like to assure you varies when playing a students in England are to the slower players so the that I am continuing with my strong no-trump, five-card taught the weak no-trump. bridge went smoothly. We efforts to raise money for majors and a short club, a The vast majority of readers certainly hope to go again. Little Voice. Indeed, I would variation which I am sure of BRIDGE play the weak Mrs Pamela Child, confess to enjoying what I do, a large number of your no-trump and I must stick Weymouth, Dorset. though it takes a lot of time. readers play nowadays. to the brief given to me by Sadly, donations of used Wg Cdr P D Cliff, OBE. Mr Bridge at the outset. GIVE HER A RING stamps have dropped off Uckfield, East Sussex. I live in Highgate, London over the summer months and Andrew Kambites replies: GREAT PLUG N6 and would like to I feel that we could benefit A bidding system based on Please, please don’t stop hear from other ladies from a little reminder in your a strong no-trump is not producing the Bernard with a view to playing magazine in the next issue just a variation of a weak Magee interactive CDs. rubber bridge at home. especially as the Christmas no-trump, it is an entirely They are by far the best Mrs Trixie Sadler, season sees every home different system. In many way of improving one’s Highgate, London. receiving lots of post. countries, the strong no- game that I’ve come across, ( 0208 444 6775.

Page 38 BRIDGE January 2014 READERS’ LETTERS enterprising card maker l To become a member continued has produced a deck of of the EBU you join any CHARITY cards with each suit in a affiliated club in England different colour. It would and as long as you remain EVENTS be so much easier for a member, you are a FEBRUARY 2014 REAL RESULTS her to sort her cards and member of the EBU. Thus My wife and I have then play the hand. the EBU could not have 14 CROSSROADS, South Ayrshire, Caring for Carers. just received BRIDGE It might be a boon to many told Mr Mohan he was Bridge Drive 2pm, 132 and I managed to other older players with fail- no longer a member St Ninian’s Church, gain the first look. ing eye sight. ( I frequently because he still is. Bentinck Drive, Troon. I was really interested in have to check my red suits). l To receive benefits such as Sue Williams ( 01292 317534 Hugh Tarrans article, ‘Real If you can help us with this the magazine and diary, Lois Martin Results at our Club’ and, dilemma we would all be you must earn magazine ( 01292 267530 in particular, his conclud- very grateful. We already points which you do by 27 HUDDERSFIELD PENNINE ing remarks. These must use the large print cards. playing in any affiliated ROTARY CLUB be music to the ear’s of so Mrs Hilary Chaplin, club or EBU or county Bridge Lunch with tea and many players, particularly Chelford, Cheshire. event. If you fail to do so biscuits £48 per table. those who have just started then you will remain a 12.00 for 12.30. Outlane Golf Club, Huddersfield. or not been playing for very member but not receive EBU MEMBER? Rtn Sam Smith long. Making or not mak- I had been a member of the magazine or diary. ( 01924 492540 ing a contract depends on the EBU for more than 20 You will retain such things samuelsmith396 a number of factors, which years and had not envisaged as your access to the @btinternet.com actually makes bridge the being a non-member. members’ area of the EBU MARCH 2014 fascinating game that it is. However, I discovered and masterpoint record. So often players blame that last year I had played l Mr Mohan can play as 11 ST NEOTS’ BOWLING CLUB themselves for not making once short of some new frequently or infrequently as St Neots, Cambs. 10.00 for 10.30am. £14.00. a contract barely realis- standard they have and he wishes. It is his choice. John Shaw ing that but for a differ- was no longer a member. If he has not played very ( 01480 475454 ent opening lead or the I received no communi- often recently and starts 12 WIMBORNE ROTARY CLUB distribution of the cards, cation about this from the to play more, then his Allendale Community Centre, they would have made it. EBU, not even a note to say magazine will be delivered Wimborne, Dorset. 2p.m. Michael Bassett by email. why I have lost my member- again. If he plays once per £28 per table, including tea and good prizes. ship or to thank me for my month or more, none of Don Phillips DIFFERENT COLOURS many years of support. this will be an issue (nor ( 01202 972211 I and three friends have had What a way to run a even if he plays twice in one 12 RICHMOND SUPPORT GROUP a friendly bridge afternoon national organisation. It’s month and none the next). FOR ST TEREAS’S HOSPICE for a few years. We have all time we had an alternative, l If he does not play very ‘Bridge the Gap’, Hudswell passed our 70th birthdays one that allows us to play often but would still like Village Hall, Richmond, and bridge has become a as much or as little as to retain benefits, he North Yorks. 2-4pm fol- lowed by afternoon tea. wonderful pastime for us we like, but still remain a can become a direct Tickets £10. all. Unfortunately one of member, and which takes member for one single Mary Lovell our four has developed a the trouble to notify me to payment per year. ( 01748 850208 severe sight problem (macula explain why I had suddenly l To send magazines and degeneration) which is not lost my membership. diaries to those who did not APRIL 2014 operable and is not now Peter Mohan, Bedford. play and did not contribute 4 Conservative Association responding to treatment. She Jeremy Dhondy, would not be a sustainable Gt Stukeley Village Hall. can still see but is having EBU Chairman replies: economic model. ■ Tickets £13.50. Sheila Stephenson great difficulty distinguishing ( 01480 457338 the four suits. Having been Kay Brownlow a competent player she Write to Mr Bridge at: Ryden Grange, ( 01480 880663 Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH is disheartened that she 25 CHILDREN’S CHARITIES has dropped out of bridge or e-mail [email protected] Doddington Village Hall, afternoons – despite our E-mail correspondents are asked March. 10.00 for 10.30am. Tickets £14.00. pleadings to continue – we to include their name, full postal Val Topliss can still have tea together, address, telephone number and to ( 01354 653696 but the bridge made it fun. send no attachments. The purpose of this letter Letters may be edited for length E-mail your charity events: is to see if you or your and clarity. [email protected] colleagues know if any

BRIDGE January 2014 Page 39 G L O B A L T R A V E L I N S U R A N C E

The Turret, 25 Farncombe Road, Worthing, BN11 2AY. ( 01903 235042 Fax 01903 229389 Email [email protected] Website www.globaltravelinsurance.co.uk

SINGLE TRIP SUMMARY OF COVER

The following represent the Significant and Key Features of the policy including Exclusions and Limitations that apply per person. A full copy of the policy document is available on request.

CANCELLATION OR CURTAILMENT up to £1,500 PERSONAL LUGGAGE, MONEY & VALUABLES up to £2,000 If you have to cancel or cut short your trip due to illness, injury, redundancy, jury Covers accidental loss, theft or damage to your personal luggage subject to a limit of £200 for any service, the police requiring you to remain at or return to your home due to serious one article, pair or set and an overall limit of £200 for valuables such as cameras, Jewellery, furs, damage to your home, you are covered against loss of travel and accommodation costs. etc. Luggage and valuables limited to £1500. Delayed luggage, up to £75. Policy Excess £50. Policy Excess £75. Money, travel tickets and travellers cheques are covered up to £500 against accidental loss or theft For persons aged 61 to 70 years the excess is increased to £100. (cash limit £250). Policy Excess £50. For persons aged 71 to 90 years the excess is increased to £150. No cover is provided for loss or theft of unattended property, valuables or money or for loss or theft See section headed Increased Excess for Pre Existing Medical Conditions for increased not reported to the Police within 24 hours of discovery. excesses applicable to claims arising from pre-existing medical conditions. PASSPORT EXPENSES up to £200 PERSONAL ACCIDENT up to £15,000 If you lose your passport or it is stolen whilst abroad, you are covered for additional travel and A cash sum for accidental injury resulting in death, loss of sight, loss of limb or permanent total accommodation costs incurred in obtaining a replacement. No Policy Excess. disablement. No Policy Excess. DELAYED DEPARTURE up to £1,500 MEDICAL AND OTHER EXPENSES up to £10,000,000 If your outward or return trip is delayed for more than 12 hours at the final departure point to/from Including a 24 HOUR WORLDWIDE MEDICAL EMERGENCY SERVICE UK due to adverse weather conditions, mechanical breakdown or industrial action, you are entitled The cost of hospital and other emergency medical expenses incurred abroad, including additional to either (a) £20 for the first 12 hours and £10 for each further 12 hours delay up to a maximum accommodation and repatriation expenses. of £60, or (b) the cost of the trip (up to £1,500) if you elect to cancel after 12 hours delay on the Limit £250 for emergency dental treatment and £5,000 burial/cremation/transfer of remains. outward trip from the UK. Policy Excess £50 (b) only. Limit £2,500 for transfer of remains to your home if you die in the UK. MISSED DEPARTURE up to £500 Policy Excess £75 Areas 1, 2 & 3, £150 Area 4 or on a Cruise. Additional travel and accommodation expenses incurred to enable you to reach your overseas For persons aged 61 to 70 years the excess is increased to £150 Areas 1, 2 & 3, £500 Area destination if you arrive too late at your final UK outward departure point due to failure of the 4 or on a Cruise. vehicle in which you are travelling to deliver you to the departure point caused by adverse weather, For persons aged 71 to 90 years the excess is increased to £300 Areas 1, 2 & 3, £1,000 Area strike, industrial action, mechanical breakdown or accident to the vehicle. No Policy Excess. 4 or on a Cruise. See section headed Increased Excess for Pre Existing Medical Conditions for increased PERSONAL LIABILITY up to £2,000,000 excesses applicable to claims arising from pre-existing medical conditions. Covers your legal liability for injury or damage to other people or their property, including legal expenses (subject to the laws of England and Wales). Policy Excess £250. HOSPITAL BENEFIT up to £300 An additional benefit of £15 per day for each day you spend in hospital abroad as an in-patient. LEGAL EXPENSES up to £25,000 No Policy Excess. To enable you to pursue your rights against a third party following injury. No Policy Excess.

MAIN EXCLUSIONS AND CONDITIONS Pre Existing Medical Conditions The following represents only the main exclusions. The policy document sets out all of the You only need to undergo medical screening if You are travelling to Area 4, on a Cruise, conditions and exclusions. A copy of the full policy wording is available on request in writing prior or for a period in excess of 31 days. For all other Trips there is no need to advise us of to application. your pre existing medical conditions. If you have a history of any medical condition and are travelling within Area 4 or on a Cruise, MAIN HEALTH EXCLUSIONS you must first contact Towergate Medical Screening Line to establish whether we can provide Insurers will not pay for claims arising cover for your trip. 1. Where You (or any person upon whose health the Trip depends) have or have had symptoms The number to call is: 0844 892 1698 which are awaiting or receiving investigation, tests, treatment, referral or the results of any of the foregoing, unless We have agreed in writing to cover You. If you are accepted, the level of excess stated below will apply. You will receive written 2. From any terminal illness suffered by You (or any person upon whose health the Trip depends). confirmation that you are covered for the trip. In the event that you are not accepted for cover 3. From any medical condition for which You (or any person upon whose health the Trip depends) having been screened, we may be able to offer you cover under our Single Trip “PLUS” have within 12 months prior to the date of issue of this insurance been diagnosed with a medical product. Please ask us for further details or go to our website. condition or have been admitted or undergone a procedure/ intervention. 4. Medical conditions existing prior to the payment of the insurance premium or any consequence thereof in respect of which a Medical Practitioner would advise against travel or that treatment INCREASED EXCESS FOR Pre Existing may be required during the duration of the Trip. Medical Conditions

OTHER GENERAL EXCLUSIONS Acceptance of pre existing medical conditions is made by the application of increased Claims arising from excesses in the event of claims arising from the pre existing condition. 1. Winter sports, any hazardous pursuits, any work of a non sedentary nature. If You already suffer from or have a history of any medical condition, the following excess will 2. Self inflicted injury or illness, suicide, alcoholism or drug abuse, sexual disease. apply (other than in respect of claims that are specifically excluded) : 3. War, invasion, acts of foreign enemies, hostilities or warlike operations, civil war, rebellion, Under the Cancellation or Curtailment section – double the normal excess. Terrorism, revolution, insurrection, civil commotion, military or usurped power but this Under the Medical & Other Expenses section – exclusion shall not apply to losses under Section 3 – Medical Expenses unless such losses are caused by nuclear, chemical or biological attack, or the disturbances were already For persons aged 60 years or less the excess is increased to £500 Areas 1&2, £750 Area 3, taking place at the beginning of any Trip. £1,000 Area 4 or on a Cruise. 4. Failure or fear of failure or inability of any equipment or any computer program. For persons aged 61 to 90 years the excess is increased to £1,000 Areas 1&2, £1,500 Area 5. Bankruptcy/liquidation of any tour operator, travel agent, airline, transportation company or 3, £2,000 Area 4 or on a Cruise. accommodation supplier. Please note that we consider a Cruise to be a Trip by sea in a liner calling at a number of ports. 6. Travelling to countries or regions where the FCO or WHO has advised against travel. 7. Your failure to contact the Medical Screening Line where required.

POLICY EXCESSES: The amount of each claim for which insurers will not pay and for which you are responsible. The excess as noted in the policy summary applies to each and every claim per insured person under each section where an excess applies. ✄ This insurance is arranged by Global Travel Insurance Services Ltd who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and our status can be checked on the FCA Register by visiting www.fca.org.uk or by contacting the FCA on 0845 606 9966. This Single Trip Travel Insurance Insurance is underwritten by ETI – International Travel Protection, the Suitable for a single round trip starting and finishing in the UK United Kingdom branch of Europäische Reiseversicherung (ERV) A.G.. and Channel Islands, is of no more than 94 days duration, ERV is authorised by the Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht for persons whose age is 90 years or less. (BAFIN – www.bafin.de) and the Prudential Regulation Authority and subject to limited regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and Global Travel Insurance Prudential Regulation Authority. The Turret, 25 Farncombe Road, Worthing, BN11 2AY. ( 01903 235042 Fax 01903 229389

SINGLE TRIP INSURANCE PRODUCT SUITABILITY SINGLE TRIP APPLICATION FORM

Please FULLY complete the following in BLOCK CAPITALS. Once complete, As this description contains the Key Features of the cover provided it return the application panel direct to Global Travel Insurance at the address constitutes provision of a statement of demands and needs. above, with a cheque or with card details entered. Insurance is not effective This insurance is suitable for a single round trip starting and finishing until a Policy has been issued. in the UK and Channel Islands, is of no more than 94 days duration, for persons whose age is 90 years or less. Title (Mr/Mrs/Miss) Initials This insurance is only available to persons who are permanently resident and domiciled in the UK and Channel Islands. Surname

Telephone No. Single Trip PREMIUM RATING SCHEDULE House Number/Name GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS 1. United Kingdom – England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Street Name Isle of Man, including all islands comprising the British Isles (except the Channel Islands and the Republic of Ireland). Any British Isles or UK Town Name Cruises are rated as Area 2. 2. Europe – Continental Europe west of the Ural mountain range, Postcode all countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea (except, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya & Syria), the Channel Islands and the Republic Date of leaving Home of Ireland, Iceland, Madeira, The Canaries and The Azores. (Persons residing in the Channel Islands need to pay Area 2 rates for UK trips). Date of arrival Home 3. Worldwide – All countries outside of the above (except those within Area 4). Screening Ref 4. North America, Central America & The Caribbean – Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, Canada, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Greenland, Introducer Mr Bridge Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, The Caribbean Islands, United States of America. Geographical Area – See Premium Panel (1,2,3 or 4) SCHEDULE OF PREMIUMS Names of all persons to be insured Age Premium The following Premiums are valid for policies issued up to 31/3/2014 and for travel completed by 31/12/2014. Maximum age is 90 1 £ years. For periods in excess of 31 days please call for a quotation. Maximum period of insurance is 94 days. All premiums include the 2 £ Government Insurance Premium Tax (IPT). 3 £ Geographical Areas 4 £ Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Area 4 Persons Aged up to 80 Years 5 £ 1 – 3 days £16.10 £24.70 £51.80 £74.50 6 £ 4 & 5 days £19.40 £31.10 £65.10 £93.80 6 -10 days £22.60 £41.90 £88.20 £126.30 Credit/Debit Card Details TOTAL PREMIUM £ 11-17 days £25.80 £45.90 £98.10 £141.30 18-24 days £29.00 £52.70 £110.40 £159.10 Card No 25-31 days £32.30 £60.00 £125.70 £181.00 Start Date End Date Issue No Persons Aged 81 to 90 Years 1 – 3 days £24.15 £37.05 £103.60 £149.00 Security Code 4 & 5 days £29.10 £46.65 £130.20 £187.60 DECLARATION 6 -10 days £33.90 £62.85 £176.40 £252.60 On behalf of all persons listed in this application, I agree that this application shall 11-17 days £38.70 £68.85 £196.20 £282.60 be the basis of the Contract of Insurance. I agree that Insurers may exchange 18-24 days £43.50 £79.05 £220.80 £318.20 information with other Insurers or their agents. I have read and understood 25-31 days £48.45 £90.00 £251.40 £362.00 the terms and conditions of the insurance, with which all persons above are in agreement and for whom I am authorised to sign. PREMIUM ADJUSTMENTS All age adjustments apply to the age on the date of return to the UK Signed...... Date...... Infants up to 2 years inclusive are FREE subject to being included with an The form MUST be signed by one of the persons to be insured on behalf of all persons to be insured. adult paying a full premium. Mr Bridge is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Global Travel Insurance Children 3 to 16 years inclusive are HALF PRICE subject to being included Services Ltd, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. with an adult paying a full premium. Unaccompanied children pay the adult rate.

✄ 429STI13 Catching Up by Sally Brock

ust because the world champion- at Heathrow as the England women’s the airport, arriving in Beijing to play ships had finished didn’t mean team was going to Beijing for six days on the second day. there was time to relax. It seemed to play in the Hua Yuan Cup. There Briony picked me up from Heathrow Jthat, almost as soon as I was home I were eight teams in total: us, USA, on the Friday afternoon and took me to was off again. This year, we have joined Sweden, Poland, Netherlands, Indo- Barry’s. Then went on to her university a team in the Premier League for the nesia, China and Beijing. There was a to spend her last night and load up all first time. There are two divisions of total round robin over two and a half her stuff. Meanwhile, we went home the League each year and the prize for days, then one and a half days of pairs on the Saturday in preparation for winning the first division is to play (the Capital Cup Pairs). In the teams, a Hubert Phillips match (that is a in a Camrose weekend (the Camrose we did well and were leading with one national mixed pivot teams knock- is the competition between the home match to go, against the Dutch. We out). Robert (Sheehan) and Gunnar unions: England, Ireland, Northern did OK, scoring 12.55 VPs (out of 20), (Hallberg) came to pick us up and Ireland, Scotland and Wales). At the but the Americans had a terrible time we went to a pub for lunch and a end of the season, the top two of Di- against China so China overtook us reminder of the team system before vision Two go up and the bottom two and we had to settle for second. going to Carole Mueller’s house for of Division One go down. Because we We particularly like this Chinese this match. I have a lot of respect for are a new team, we start automatically tournament because it is held in the our opponents – after me, Carole was in Division Two. When we agreed to centre of town and we can easily get Raymond’s partner of choice when play, the team was Barry, me, Heather the underground to wherever we like playing locally – she is a good player, and Binkie (Brian Callaghan). But … (this is unlike the Sport Accord event as are the rest of her team. But this just Heather had a prior commitment for later in the year which is out near the wasn’t their day. We did everything the first weekend, so Binkie played Olympic Village and a 45-minute right and they did everything wrong with Heather’s husband, Jeremy. And traffic jam in a taxi – at least – before and in the end we won by over 7,000 this weekend was in Manchester. you can get anywhere). The relaxation aggregate points. However, they were Barry went up on the train, while I of choice when not playing bridge still gracious enough to entertain us to drove up via Bradford to take Toby his was, of course, shopping. This time, an excellent dinner. stuff for university (I was in Bali when Nicola has upgraded herself to This was an interesting deal. I’ll term started so he had to go on pub- Premier Economy which seemed to start off by presenting it as a simple lic transport with only what he could give her a virtually unlimited baggage cardplay problem: carry). We (that is Barry and I) played allowance. So I could bring back a new just about acceptably (I was still pretty suitcase filled with goodies. tired – my body clock was still in Bali) While I was in China, Barry started Dealer East. Game All. while Jeremy and Binkie had a good what is expected to be quite a long trial ♠ A 2 weekend and we were lying above av- in Manchester. And, after discussion ♥ A Q 10 4 erage, well placed for a change. with her tutors, Briony decided ♦ A K Q 10 2 The following Monday, I went into that she definitely wanted to leave ♣ Q 10 London for a session with a new cli- university. There was also another ent, Jenny, then Briony came home for Premier League weekend, this time N W E a few days as she was not very well. As in London. I missed out on this one, S we talked about this and that it became Barry playing with Frank To instead apparent that she was not happy with of me. The team played very well and ♠ 9 8 4 3 her course: too much maths, too much at the end of the weekend we were ♥ K J 7 theoretical stuff. I tried to persuade lying second. Heather and Nevena ♦ 9 6 4 her to persevere with it a little longer meanwhile did play in the Premier ♣ 8 4 2 but … On the Friday she dropped me League but then left immediately for

Page 42 BRIDGE January 2014 Catching Up continued beginning of the fifth set went very There was more to come. North held: badly for us. On the first board, at Love All, Barry had to decide what to do with neither ♠ K 10 4 West North East South side vulnerable holding: ♥ Void 1♠ Pass ♦ A K 10 9 7 3 Pass Dbl Pass 2♣ ♣ A K 9 5 Pass 2♠ Pass 3♣ ♠ A K Pass 3♦ Pass 3♥ ♥ 8 6 5 3 Pass 4♥ All Pass ♦ A K J 8 7 And heard his partner open four clubs, ♣ Q 5 showing, in their system, either solid You have done rather well in the hearts, or a hand with the ace of hearts bidding to bid to game in your 4-3 fit. missing but with an ace outside. What How would you play on the lead of the His left-hand opponent (LHO) opened could be better? He went straight to six ten of spades? a weak no-trump, I passed and his hearts, making comfortably when his The first thing to do is to win RHO bid two clubs, Stayman. For partner had a solid eight-card suit. Our quickly, as three rounds of clubs us, a double would show clubs, so he team-mates play different methods (as might scupper you. It looks now as if passed, thinking that he might get the do I) and the slam was missed. We had you are favourite because all you need chance to double two spades on the lost 34 IMPs in three boards. is to make four heart tricks and five next round, but, in fact, his LHO bid Luckily, things improved thereafter. diamonds. All will be well if both suits two hearts which was passed round We bid a slam missed in the other break favourably, but can you think of to him. He tried three diamonds but I room and had a delicate auction to a anything to do to cater for bad breaks? had no idea he had such a good hand making five diamonds when three no- The best line is to win the lead and and we missed game. trumps went down in the other room. cash two top hearts. Now try two top That was a paltry loss compared At the end of the set, we were just 1 diamonds. If diamonds break, you with the next deal: IMP down. The rest was a bit up and draw the remaining trumps and claim. down and we entered the final set with But if the layout is as it is here … a lead of 23 IMPs. As it happened, Dealer East. N/S Vul. there were a couple of swings out that ♠ A K J 10 9 6 2 we had not anticipated in our room, ♠ A 2 ♥ Q 5 4 so it actually came down to the wire. ♥ A Q 10 4 ♦ A J 10 On the last board, their declarer went ♦ A K Q 10 2 ♣ Void down in a game that our pair didn’t ♣ Q 10 ♠ 8 5 4 3 ♠ 7 bid. We gained 5 IMPs on the board to N ♠ 10 7 ♠ K Q J 6 5 ♥ 8 7 ♥ K 3 W E win by 7 IMPs. ♥ 9 6 5 3 N ♥ 8 2 ♦ Q 6 4 S ♦ 7 5 3 Phew! It is nice to have played the ♦ J 7 5 3 W E ♦ 8 ♣ Q J 5 2 ♣ A K 9 8 6 4 3 match early so we can sit back and S ♣ K J 7 ♣ A 9 6 5 3 ♠ Q watch everyone else fight for their ♠ 9 8 4 3 ♥ A J 10 9 6 2 semi-final place. ♥ K J 7 ♦ K 9 8 2 Briony has always been very ♦ 9 6 4 ♣ 10 7 interested in cooking and her ♣ 8 4 2 intention, when leaving university, was to concentrate on that. While she West North East South is waiting to do some sort of training, … and East shows out on the second 1♣ 2♥ she has decided that she will have a diamond, you can cross to hand with a Pass 5NT Pass 6♥ market stall. So we went and looked at trump and take the sure finesse before Pass 7♥ All Pass various markets, found out what was drawing West’s last trump. needed, made lists of what she had to The following day was another tough North meant his five no-trump as do and she experimented with making match, this time a Gold Cup quarter- a ‘grand slam force’, asking partner various types of small cakes. That kept final against Richard Butland, John about trump honours. However, the her very busy for most of the week and Reardon and Norman and Kay Selway. response of six hearts showed no I helped out as much as I could while This was a 64-board match and both honours in their system and North did frantically finishing off Iran, Sri Lanka teams were playing four-handed. I not think that possible for a vulnerable and Uruguay. don’t know about anyone else but at weak jump overcall. He knew there Barry was back from Manchester the end of it, I was nearly dead. had been some misunderstanding, so on Thursday night this week so I went At the halfway stage, we were 15 guessed to bid the grand slam. As our over there to join him for dinner. On IMPs up and happy that things were other pair missed the slam altogether, the Friday, I met Margaret for lunch more or less going our way. But the that was 17 IMPs out. and then we spent the evening in. ■

BRIDGE January 2014 Page 43 Seven Days by Sally Brock

Saturday Played Hand award. left, had held the ♠A-x, declarer would have been home, but in practice, East I get up reasonably early and go to wins the ace of spades and cashes the meet Briony in Ealing to go to an Dealer East. Love All. long club for one down. Open Day at the University of West ♠ 6 3 Anyway, after this match things London where they have a couple of ♥ 10 9 6 3 begin to improve. We have a good win degree courses in culinary arts. It ♦ Q J 7 5 against the Premier League team and looks good to me, but she will have to ♣ 9 6 2 then three very narrow losses. At the decide for herself. It was probably my ♠ 10 9 7 5 ♠ A Q 8 2 end of the day we are just a little below N ♥ K Q 5 2 ♥ J 7 intervention that contributed to her W E average. doing a course that she was unsuited ♦ 10 9 4 S ♦ 8 3 2 In the evening, Fiona and Susan to previously. ♣ Q J ♣ 10 8 5 4 have to dash off and we stay at the The weekend bridge competition is ♠ K J 4 RAC Club where we have been invited the Lederer. This is an invitation teams ♥ A 8 4 to dinner with Richard (of Richard event and always excellent. Pretty ♦ A K 6 and Gerry) who has been watching for much all the top players in the country ♣ A K 7 3 most of the day. are there and a few international stars as well. In the past, this has been held at the Young Chelsea, but their new In our room, I open the South hand Sunday premises are not big enough so this with 2NT. I know I am maximum and Now the cavalry (in the form of year we play in the rather splendid have excellent controls, but I don’t like Heather and Nevena) arrive and we RAC Club in Pall Mall. We are there as 4333 distributions and I am allowed start to race up through the field: a England Women, but there are other to be maximum occasionally. Barry narrow win against Norway, followed constraints. Heather can’t play on the also takes a conservative position by a large win against the Young Saturday and Nicola can’t play on the with his 3 HCP, not wanting to push Chelsea team. Sunday. However, a few days before for a non-vulnerable game, especially Strictly speaking, I don’t really need the event, Nicola rings me to tell me of at this form of scoring. The Lederer to play today at all, but Susan and the trouble she is having with her eyes. is scored on point-a-board scoring: Fiona have both said that they would I don’t understand fully but she has as well as the normal IMP scale, like to play a set with me, so I turn up had a lot of problems over the years there is a matchpoint element – two for Match 8 to play with Fiona against and certainly needs an operation. points available for every board, on the strong de Botton team. Nothing There were times in Bali/China when a straightforward win, draw or lose terribly exciting seems to happen at she called for a card from dummy that basis. At my table, West leads the ten our table, but there is a lot going on at she didn’t have or didn’t realise that of spades to East’s ace and a spade is the other and we win that heavily too. her hand had come to her mis-sorted. returned and finessed. This effectively Our last match is against the Anyway, the upshot is that she needs gives me nine tricks on top and President’s team (the President is to put drops in her eyes at regular nobody goes wrong in the endgame so Bernard Teltscher, without whose intervals and they make it even harder that is all I make. generous sponsorship each year the for her to see. By now Nevena has made In the other room, Gunnar’s 2NT event would not take place). They have other plans, so we agree that Barry opening is a point lighter so he opens a large lead (it might have been even will substitute. His shoulders are wide two clubs and soon finds himself in larger had they not played in the same enough to take all the jokes he will get game and Susan Stockdale finds the direction at both tables in the previous when people see he is playing for the good lead of the ten of diamonds. round). If we can win very heavily, then English Women! Declarer wins with the king and ducks we have an outside shot at winning the We start off with a terrible match a club. Another diamond comes back event; on the other hand, we do not against the European Aces. It’s not that and declarer wins in hand and cashes have a very big lead over third so a loss we do anything particularly stupid, his minor-suit winners, pitching a could easily send us sliding down the but everything we do is wrong and club from his hand. By now, he is fairly table. The boards seem rather flat to me, everything they do is right. Though, confident about East’s distribution, so but in practice, there are large swings curiously, one of our few good boards he plays a heart to his eight. Susan wins in and large swings out, resulting in is when I make 2NT with an overtrick the queen and plays another heart to a very narrow loss for us. That keeps and Gunnar Hallberg goes down in the jack and ace and another heart everyone happy. The President’s team 3NT. You may find it hard to believe, gives West the lead again. If West, wins and we retain our second place. but this hand earns him the Best- who had two spades and a low heart After a glass of wine and the

Page 44 BRIDGE January 2014 Seven Days continued up some of the cakes and offer free psyching often in a particular situa- tasting. This stimulates much more tion. These days, real psyching is rare, interest and, although there is room but occasionally a situation occurs for improvement, we are quite happy when it is hard to resist. presentation, when we each receive a with our first outing. We will make My partner opens a weak two hearts bottle of champagne, we drive back to improvements next time but feel there at favourable vulnerability, the next Barry’s. He is off to Manchester and is definite potential. Everything seems hand passes and I hold: we were intending to go straight to to shut down at about two and we get Euston but he has forgotten a vital bit home by three – both of us exhausted. of kit. Then I drive him to Euston and After a short sleep, we spend the next ♠ 3 then back to High Wycombe for my few hours trying to find Briony’s car ♥ A J 10 6 5 2 weekly dose of Downton Abbey. keys – to no avail. There is a second ♦ 10 7 5 set which used to be in my possession, ♣ A Q 8 but we have no idea where those are Monday either. This might prove to be a serious The weather forecast was one of fearful problem. Looking online, we can What should I bid? Surely, the storms, but nothing too terrible seems expect to spend in excess of £500 to opponents can make more in spades to have happened here. I wake up get another set. than we can in hearts and any bid I before seven and suddenly remember make in hearts will only goad them that this is the first day of our new into action. Accordingly, I decide to recycling waste collection. I should Wednesday bid a natural two spades myself. This have put the bins out last night but Up early to the gym. As I collect my is how the bidding continues: forgot. So there I am in my pyjamas hoodie from the back of the chair and slippers rushing to put out the in the kitchen, an apron falls to the West North East South bins: this week a green one for garden floor and with it is the clatter of keys. 2♥ rubbish, a brown one for food rubbish, Thank heavens for that. I’ve been a bit Pass 2♠ Dbl 3♠ a blue one for cans and bottles and too busy to go to the gym as much as Pass Pass Dbl Pass another green one for paper. I would like recently, so I need to get Pass 4♥ All Pass Briony gets up at about nine and we back into the habit. have a couple of hours of cooking be- Then I try to sort through some of fore we leave to meet my parents for my emails before a snack lunch and ♠ 3 lunch at The Crab at Chieveley (an then a teaching session with Richard ♥ A J 10 6 5 2 excellent fish restaurant I thorough- and Gerry. Because Barry is in Man- ♦ 10 7 5 ly recommend), a favourite midway chester, I have to play with a robot ♣ A Q 8 venue. We arrive at one o’clock as ar- which isn’t as much fun, but honour ♠ K 5 4 2 ♠ A J 8 7 6 ranged but then worry for an hour as is satisfied all round as we finish with ♥ Void N ♥ 3 ♦ A K Q 9 6 4 W E ♦ 8 2 my parents get stuck in accident traf- an exact tie. Any readers interested in S fic and don’t arrive until two. Still, online bridge teaching are welcome to ♣ 9 5 2 ♣ K 10 7 6 3 it’s good to catch up and we spend an contact me on [email protected]. I ♠ Q 10 9 enjoyable couple of hours before head- then drive into London in Barry’s car. ♥ K Q 9 8 7 4 ing back for more cooking and general I have supper with Nicola and then ♦ J 3 preparations for tomorrow’s market move on to the Young Chelsea for a ♣ J 4 stall. We have no idea what to expect. duplicate with Jenny. She is a pretty Will anyone buy Briony’s cakes? decent player who would like to im- prove her game a bit so we are going to I’m not sure I entirely understand the play on a roughly once-a-month basis. opponent’s bidding but am pleased Tuesday I psyched on one hand. In the fifties with our score of -50 in four hearts Up at 6.30am to get ourselves ready and sixties, psyching was very com- when, in practical terms, East-West and out of the house by 7.30am. Minor mon and considered a normal part of are going to make ten or eleven tricks glitch in that we can’t find Briony’s the game, some of the very best players in spades. car keys, so in the end we have to having strong reputations for ‘tricky’ This evening, Jenny plays well and move everything from her car into bidding. Then things went full circle: we have a good lead on the field go- mine which makes us a bit later than there were two camps: those who still ing into the last round – which is just we would have liked. We put up our thought it was part of the game and as well as we barely score any match- gazebo and display our wares without those who thought it was tantamount points at the end. The Young Chelsea too many problems. The weather is to cheating. We went through a phase is no longer licensed to serve alcohol good, mostly sunny without too much where all psyches had to be recorded so we can’t get a drink there and can’t wind. Business is slow to start with, so that it could be seen that a part- find a pub locally either (perhaps we but soon we realise we should cut nership did not build up a pattern of looked in the wrong direction).

BRIDGE January 2014 Page 45 Seven Days continued Answers to Mr Bridge Anyway, we get the tube Club Quiz 2013 back to Hammersmith and on page 22 have a drink there to round ♣ off the evening. Then I go 1 K. back to Barry’s, although he 2 ♥J. is in Manchester. 3 Jack (17) of (5) Diamonds (12): 34. Thursday 4 ♠7 (the ♠2 and ♠5 were also there). I sleep well and it’s nearly 9.30am before I get up. I set- 5 Henry VI. 1,470 for 6NT + 1. tle down to going through the hands of some recent 6 9. events to pick out some of 7 1NT doubled, making. the more interesting for my 8 They are the scores articles here and in the Sun- for making one-level day Times. That keeps me redoubled contracts busy for a couple of hours non-vulnerable. and then I go to Westfield 9 Declarer replaces the to meet Debbie for lunch. ♣A and there is no It’s a while since we met penalty. Declarer does and there’s a lot of catch- not have penalty cards. ing up to do. Then it’s home 10 The double is by train (it will be easier for inadmissible, so Barry to come out to me at must be cancelled. the weekend if I leave him The offender can call his car). Briony picks me up anything he wishes, but from the station and then the offender’s partner there’s a bit of excitement (the opening bidder) as we show a viewer around must pass for the rest the house. She seems to like of the auction. it so we are in optimistic 11 Q-3. moods. A ‘queen with a tray’. 12 Master Bun. Friday 13 10. Up and out to the gym for 14 1742. my second session of the 15 BALANCED INVITE. week. Then back for some The rest are all possible more writing of bridge arti- descriptions of 2♦ bids. cles. Actually, I have a very 16 2♣-2♦-2♠ is the only productive day, transferring forcing sequence (the lots of hands and informa- partner should bid tion from various scattered again). bits of paper into some sort 17 FRENCH. The rest are of order on my computer. In forms of Blackwood. the evening, Briony goes out to see some fireworks while 18 BRISCOLA is an Barry, who is in London af- Italian card game ter his week in Manchester, which uses 40 cards, bids a few hands on BBO. the other games use 32 card packs. Later, we watch TV and write letters on the bunt- 19 FOUR OF HEARTS. ing we bought for Briony’s 20 SOS REDOUBLE. stall. ■

Page 46 BRIDGE January 2014 Answers to Key Card Blackwood on page 36

1 What would you bid with Hands A,B,C I know you have two losing hearts, but how many kings you have, excluding the and D if your partner opens 1♠? If you you have 26 points. If partner was miss- king of trumps. use key card Blackwood, consider your ing the ♥A-K, he would have opened the Hand E: (i) 5♥, showing two key cards, continuations after all possible replies. bidding on seven points, hardly likely. the ♠A and ♦K. It is inconceivable that partner will Hand E: (ii) 6♦, showing one additional show no key cards with 5♣. king, the ♣K. Hand A Hand B If he answers 5♦, showing one key Hand F: (i) 5♥, showing two key cards, ♠ A 6 5 ♠ K J 5 2 card, you will jump to 6♠. the ♠A and ♦K. ♥ A K 9 6 5 ♥ A 6 If he answers 5♥, showing two key Hand F: (ii) 6♥, showing two additional ♦ A K 8 ♦ K 7 6 3 cards, you should make 7♠ or 7NT eas- kings, the ♠K and ♣K. ♣ K 8 ♣ A Q 2 ily. Note that partner cannot have a bal- Hand G: (i) 5♦, showing one key card, anced hand too strong to open 1NT, so the ♠A. he will have five spades, enabling you to Hand G: (ii) 6♥, showing two additional Hand C Hand D count 13 tricks: 5 spades, the ♥A, 5 dia- kings, the ♥K and ♣K. ♠ A Q 10 3 2 ♠ A Q 10 3 monds and the ♣A K. Hand H: (i) 5♦, showing one key card, ♥ 7 ♥ Q J the ♠A. ♦ A K Q J 10 9 ♦ A K Q J 10 Hand H: (ii) 6♠, showing three addi- ♣ 9 ♣ A K 2 You are East. The bidding starts as tional kings, the ♠K, ♥K and ♣K. shown.

Hand A: You are almost certainly going West East 3 You are South. You have Hand J. to play in a slam but you don’t yet know 1♠ 2♣ the denomination. Start with 2♥ and 2♦ 4NT see what partner rebids. If he rebids 2♠, ? Hand J showing a minimum opening bid with at ♠ A J 7 6 5 least five spades, you can jump to 4NT, (i) What is your next bid with Hands E, F, ♥ 8 key card Blackwood, and try 6♠ unless G and H? ♦ K Q J 10 3 two key cards are missing. (ii) If your partner hears your answer ♣ K Q Hand B: You are hopeful of slam, but it and continues with 5NT, how do you is too early to jump to 4NT because you respond to that? don’t know how strong partner is. Your West North East South correct call is the waiting bid of 2♦. If 3♥ 4♠ Pass 4NT partner rebids 2♠, showing a minimum Hand E Hand F Pass ? opening bid, you should settle for 4♠. ♠ A 8 6 5 4 ♠ A K 8 6 4 Hand C: 4NT, key card Blackwood. Of ♥ 8 7 ♥ 8 7 How should you continue if partner re- course you don’t know how strong part- ♦ K J 7 6 ♦ K J 7 6 sponds: (i) 5♣? (ii) 5♦? (iii) 5♥? (iv) 5♠? ner is, but it hardly matters because you ♣ K 6 ♣ K 6 know what to do whatever his answer. It is not 100% safe to commit your part- The five key cards are the four aces and nership to the 5-level, but you would be the ♠K. Hand G Hand H very unlucky to fail, so using key card In the unlikely event that he answers ♠ A 8 6 5 4 ♠ A K 6 5 4 Blackwood is justifiable. The five key 5♣, which shows 0 or 4 key cards, you ♥ K 8 ♥ K 8 cards are the four aces and the ♠K. will know he has none (because you have ♦ J 10 7 6 ♦ J 10 7 6 (i) 5♣ shows 0 or 4 key cards. It is in- two). You will then just have to sign off in ♣ K 6 ♣ K 6 conceivable that partner has no key 5♠ and hope the spade finesse is right. cards for his jump to 4♠, so he has If he answers 5♦, showing one key the ♠K and all the side suit aces. You card, you will sign off in 5♠. Note that, if Before answering to partner’s key card can bid 7NT confidently. the partnership is missing an ace and the Blackwood, you must know the agreed (ii) 5♦ shows 1 or 5 key cards. He cannot ♠K, a slam is at best 50%. trump suit. You and your partner have have five because you have one, so If he answers 5♥, showing two key not agreed a suit by both of you bidding he must have just one. You will just cards, then jump to 6♠. it, but in that case the last suit bid is as- have to hope you can make 5♠. If he answers 5♠, showing three key sumed to be the agreed trump suit. Dia- (iii) 5♠. Partner has two key cards so two cards, you can count 13 tricks so you can monds are trumps so the five key cards are missing. bid 7NT confidently. are the four aces and the ♦K. (iv) 6♠. Partner has three key cards so Hand D: 4NT, key card Blackwood. Yes, Partner’s follow up bid of 5NT asks only one is missing. ■

BRIDGE January 2014 Page 47 1665 MR BRIDGE xmas cruise final_Layout 1 26/11/2013 13:22 Page 1

Sri Lanka Colombo Maldives Galle Nairobi Seychelles Kuda Bandos Tsavo/Amboseli Praslin/La Digue Mombasa Mahe Kenya Zanzibar 3-day Tanzania Indian Ocean Mayotte safari Comoros included 20-day cruise-tour departs December 19, 2014

DATE PORT ARRIVE DEPART DEC 19 Fly to NAIROBI Kenya Transfer to hotel overnight hotel DEC 20 NAIROBI Kenya overnight hotel DEC 21 NAIROBI/AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK Kenya Morning drive from Nairobi to Amboseli for afternoon game drive game lodge DEC 22 AMBOSELI/TSAVO NATIONAL PARK Kenya Morning game drive at Amboseli Afternoon game drive at Tsavo game lodge DEC 23 TSAVO/MOMBASA Kenya Morning game drive. Continue to Mombasa to embark Aegean Odyssey 6.00pm DEC 24 ZANZIBAR Tanzania 8.00am 1.00pm DEC 25 Christmas Day celebrations at sea DEC 26 MAYOTTE Comoros 7.00am 6.00pm DEC 27/28 At Sea DEC 29 MAHE Seychelles 2.00pm overnight CRUISE FROM DEC 30 MAHE Seychelles 6.00pm DEC 31 PRASLIN/LA DIGUE Seychelles 8.00am 6.00pm New Year’s Eve celebrations JAN 1-3 ‘15 At Sea JAN 4 KUDA BANDOS Maldives 1.00pm 10.00pm AFRICA JAN 5 At Sea JAN 6 GALLE Sri Lanka 8.00am 8.00pm JAN 7 COLOMBO Sri Lanka 7.00am TOASIA Disembark and transfer to airport NEXT WINTER fares from just £3,895pp include: •SCHEDULED FLIGHTS Enjoy a daily duplicate on board this unique •EXPERTLY PLANNED ITINERARIES Christmas voyage across the Indian Ocean •SHORE EXCURSIONS IN MOST PORTS OF CALL •EXPERT ANTIQUITY GUEST SPEAKERS Join our bridge team on this celebration voyage taking you •WINE WITH DINNER ON BOARD from the magnificent game parks of Kenya to the exotic shores •OPEN-SEATING DINING of Sri Lanka via the islands of the Indian Ocean. •GRATUITIES ON BOARD •EXCLUSIVE MR BRIDGE COCKTAIL PARTY •FESTIVE CELEBRATIONS ON BOARD •DAILY BRIDGE

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