Number: 163 UK £3.95 Europe €5.00 July 2016 Bernard Magee’s Bidding Quiz This month we are dealing with misfits. You are West in the auctions below, BRIDGEplaying ‘Standard Acol’ with a weak no- (12-14 points) and four-card majors.

1. Dealer East. Love All. 4. Dealer West. Love All. 7. Dealer East. Love All. 10. Dealer West. Love All. ♠ ♠ 2 ♠ A 9 8 7 6 ♠ A J 5 4 2

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

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

2. Dealer East. Love All. 5. Dealer West. Love All. 8. Dealer East. Love All. 11. Dealer West. Love All. ♠ A K Q 5 4 ♠ A K 7 6 5 ♠ 4 ♠ 9 5

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

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

3. Dealer East. Love All. 6. Dealer West. Love All. 9. Dealer East. Love All. 12. Dealer West. Love All. ♠ K 7 6 3 ♠ K Q 10 8 6 5 4 ♠ Q 8 7 6 5 ♠ Void

♥ 9 8 6 2 N ♥ 6 5 N ♥ K 8 3 N ♥ A K 8 7 6 N ♦ J 8 5 4 W E ♦ 2 W E ♦ 8 7 W E ♦ A 10 4 2 W E ♣ 3 S ♣ J 5 4 S ♣ J 4 3 S ♣ K J 8 7 S

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South 1♣ Pass 3♠ Pass 3NT Pass 1♦ Pass 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass ? ? 1♠ Pass 2♥ Pass 2♣ Pass 2♦1 Pass ? ? 1Fourth suit forcing

Answers on page 7 Answers on page 9 Answers on page 13 Answers on page 15 ADRIATIC COASTS to VENICE with Bernard Magee

GREECE • MONTENEGRO • CROATIA • SLOVENIA • ITALY 27 November – 9 December 2016 13-day cruise from £1,499pp

Koper SLOVENIA Venice Rijeka ST MARK’S SQUARE CROATIA KRKA NATIONAL PARK Sibenik Split Dubrovnik MONTENEGRO PANORAMA ITALY Kotor MONTENEGRO

GREECE

Piraeus Venice, Italy Highlight port (2 full days) Corinth Canal

Minerva begins her voyage in Piraeus, gateway to CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS Athens, before a memorable transit of the Corinth Canal. On to Montenegro and the beautiful town of • Enjoy an extended stay in Piraeus, allowing plenty of time Kotor, with the captivating Croatian city of Dubrovnik to immerse yourself in ancient Athens next to be discovered. Set sail for Split, home to the • Minerva transits the narrow Corinth Canal – an impressive Diocletian Palace, continuing to Sibenik unforgettable experience and then Rijeka, gateway to the Opatija Riviera. The • Sail along Kotor Fjord to the medieval walled town Slovenian town of Koper is next to be explored, with of Kotor iconic Venice your fi nal port of call. • Dubrovnik and Sibenik o er some of the most incredible sights on the Croatian coast FARES PER PERSON MIN161127 • Explore remarkable Venice and see the iconic Grand Cabin Type Fares from Canal, St Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace Balcony Savers from £2,999 • Extend your cruise with an optional 3-night post-cruise Outside Cabins from £1,799 city stay in Venice and Verona Inside Cabins from £1,499 • Full Mr Bridge programme

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SH_16_2097_Mr Bridge_Adriatic Coasts_A4.indd 1 25/05/2016 12:33 Features this month include: ADVERTISERS’ BRIDGE 1 Bidding Quiz by Bernard Magee INDEX 2 Adriatic to Venice 5 Mr Bridge Ryden Grange, Knaphill, onboard Minerva Surrey GU21 2TH 7 Bidding Quiz Answers (1-3) by Bernard Magee 3 Clive Goff’s Stamps ( 01483 489961 4 Fiestas de Navidad 9 Bidding Quiz Answers (4-6) by Bernard Magee [email protected] onboard Minerva www.mrbridge.co.uk 9 Defence Quiz by 5 QPlus 11 shop: www.mrbridge.co.uk/ 5 Mr Bridge Just mrbridge-shop 10 Readers’ Letters Events

Publisher and 11 Defence Quiz Answers by Julian Pottage 6 Aegean Classics onboard Minerva Managing Editor Mr Bridge 12 Sally’s Slam of the Month 7 QPlus 11

Associate Editor and 13 Bidding Quiz Answers (7-9) by Bernard Magee 7 Travel Insurance Bridge Consultant 7 Designs for Bridge Bernard Magee 15 Bidding Quiz Answers (10-12) by Bernard Magee Tables bernardmagee @mrbridge.co.uk 16 David Stevenson Answers Your Questions 8 Old Empires onboard Minerva Cartoons & Illustrations 19 Declarer Play Quiz by David Huggett 10 Charity Events Marguerite Lihou www.margueritelihou.co.uk 20 Declarer Play Answers by David Huggett 12 Better

Technical Consultant 13 Mr Bridge 21 Dirty Hands by David Owen Playing Cards Tony Gordon 29 More Tips by Bernard Magee 13 Kinds of Accountant Typesetting & Design Tea Towel Ruth Edmondson 30 Teachers’ Corner by Ian Dalziel [email protected] 13 Designs for Bridge Table Covers 32 To Win or Not to Win. That is the Question! Proof Readers by Andrew Kambites 14 Bernard Magee DVDs Julian Pottage Mike Orriel 15 Club Insurance 34 The Sheriff’s Late Appointment by Catrina Shackleton 15 Duplicate Bridge Richard Wheen 36 Julian Pottage Answers Your Questions Rules Simplified Customer Services 15 Mr Bridge Tie Catrina Shackleton 38 Wendy Wensum’s Diaries 22 Italian Overture [email protected] 39 Responding to a 1NT Opening (Part 1) onboard Minerva Events & Cruises by Jeremy Dhondy 24 Atlantic Isles ( 01483 489961 onboard Minerva Jessica Galt 42 No Conventions by Andrew Kambites [email protected] 28 Archipelagos onboard Minerva Megan Riccio 44 Eight Days with [email protected] 29 Croatia Sophie Pierrepont with Mr Bridge [email protected] REDUCE THE COST OF YOUR POSTAGE 33 Cruises onboard Minerva Clubs & Charities Postage stamps for sale at 85% of face-value, Maggie Axtell all mint with full gum. Quotations for 41 Mr Bridge [email protected] commercial quantities available on request. Tutorial Weekends Values supplied in 100s, higher values Address Changes 47 Maritime Iberia available as well as 1st and 2nd class onboard Minerva ( 01483 485342 (eg 2nd class: 100x38p+100x16p). Elizabeth Bryan 48 Volcanic Islands [email protected] ( 020 8422 4906 e-mail: [email protected] onboard Minerva

BRIDGE July 2016 Page 3 FIESTAS de NAVIDAD CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR

ITALY • SARDINIA • MALLORCA • SPAIN • FRANCE 21 December 2016 – 3 January 2017 14-day cruise from £1,699pp

FRANCE Marseille ITALY

MONTSERRAT TARQUINIA MONASTERY POBLET Civitavecchia MONASTERY Barcelona Tarragona SPAIN SARDINIA Valencia Palma de Mallorca ALBUFERA Cagliari NATIONAL PARK NORA Plaza de la Virgen, Valencia Highlight port (2 nights) CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS Your cruise begins in Civitavecchia from where you can discover the treasures of Rome, then make sure • An extended stay in Civitavecchia allows time to you’re on deck as Cagliari’s spectacular domes and discover the treasures of ancient Rome façades come into view. Continue to Palma de Mallorca • Delve into a wealth of fascinating history in Cagliari, followed by Spain’s Valencia for overnight stays before the Sardinian capital Minerva makes her maiden call in Tarragona. Explore • Enjoy two full days in Valencia – one of Spain’s this charming resort ahead of an unforgettable New largest cities Year’s Eve in the vibrant city of Barcelona and conclude your cruise in fascinating Marseille. • Join Minerva on a maiden call in Tarragona and discover its fascinating medieval quarter FARES PER PERSON MIN161221 • Celebrate the New Year in Barcelona, a vibrant city Cabin Type Fares from fi lled with the spectacular works of Antoni Gaudi Balcony Savers from £3,499 • Extend your cruise with an optional 3-night pre-cruise Outside Cabins from £1,999 city stay in Rome or a 3-night post-cruise city stay in Inside Cabins from £1,699 Aix-en-Provence • Full Mr Bridge programme

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SH_16_2097_Mr Bridge_Fiestas de Navidad_A4.indd 1 27/05/2016 09:52 NO APOLOGY three years. Be sure QPLUS 11 to tell your friends. 2016 JUST OH DEAR DUPLICATE Really user-friendly My ‘little bit of vision’ in bridge-playing last month’s editorial has BRIDGE software generated lots of comment. It has also landed me with Inn on the Prom FEATURES INCLUDE a substantial mail bag, both St Annes on Sea FY8 1LU snail and e, to sift through. 1-3 July £189 l Help button – explains I make no apology for the features for bidding shelving some of the Be assured, I am not and card play advice regular features to make wanting change for the room for Dirty Hands sake of change. Cricket l Displays on HD and large would have died without screens by David Owen. the One Day County l Comprehensive manual Originally published in Knock-outs as these led The New Yorker earlier to the really popular One l Feed in your own deals this year, it is the most Day Internationals. These l option comprehensive coverage in turn, led to the riotously Chatsworth Hotel of the scandal. It is also successful 20/20 variation. Worthing BN11 3DU l 5,000 preplayed hands the best written. for teams All I ask is that those who 15-17 July £199 It is placed in the centrefold l 4,000 preplayed hands care about bridge should for matchpoint pairs in this issue of BRIDGE, try to think outside the box. 5-7 August £199 see pages 21-28, with the 7-9 October £199 l Save match function publisher’s permission As for mealy mouthed holders of vested interests, l Closed room – button along with that of their 11-13 November £199 staff writer, David Owen. I am sorry if you find the to view other table 25-27 November £199 Its positioning enables its phrase offensive but at least l Receive QPlus 11 removal from the main you know who you are. now and QPlus 12 Ramada Resort in October body of BRIDGE should Be assured, I am very subscribers wish to share simply trying to draw Grantham the information with their attention to the shrinking Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT bridge playing friends. numbers. These bear 16-18 September £189 This should transform witness to a problem that £99 what has been largely needs to be addressed 14-16 October £189 including post and packing uninformed gossip into before it is too late. informed comment. 4-6 November £189 I accept that I have a vested 18-20 November £189 TIMES FLIES BY interest for seeking change. The feeders of the duplicate TRADE-IN game, rubber and Chicago, Denham Grove OFFER have all but evaporated. Near Uxbridge, UB9 5DG Return any QPLUS The future and 29-31 July £199 CD and booklet with sustainability of my 21-23 October £199 a cheque for £50 and currently successful bridge receive QPLUS 11 It is almost four years now mail-order service, my 4-6 November £199 now and QPLUS 12 since I started publishing bridge publishing and when ready at the BRIDGE every month and marketing business and my end of October. seeking subscriptions. bridge travel and holiday Full promotions, depend on a No Single With our extra bridge thriving game. So yes, I hosting on Minerva, Supplement* Mr Bridge certainly do have vested pictured above, we are ( 01483 489961 interests, but it would ( 01483 489961 able to offer a three www.mrbridge.co.uk www.mrbridge.co.uk be short-sighted for the year subscription for game not to embrace Please note there are no only £50. (Offer closes System: 8mb RAM, CD-ROM, innovation and change. seminars, set hands or Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 or 10 15 September 2016). prizes at these events. All good wishes, Those already subscribing *subject to availability may extend theirs by Mr Bridge

BRIDGE July 2016 Page 5 AEGEAN CLASSICS

CYPRUS • TURKEY • GREECE 2 – 15 November 2016 14-day cruise from £1,299pp

GREECE Dikili PERGAMON ACROPOLIS

Piraeus EPHESUS ANCIENT Nauplia Kusadasi OLYMPIA TURKEY TERMESSOS Kalamata Marmaris

Antalya

Larnaca CYPRUS KHIROKITIA Highlight port (2 full days)

Embark Minerva in Larnaca, your gateway to the divided city of Nicosia, and on to Antalya with its historic Ephesus, Turkey treasures. Next port of call is Marmaris, from where ancient Knidos can be visited, continuing to Kusadasi, CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS with plenty of time to explore the ruins at Ephesus and Miletus. Discover ancient Pergamon from Dikili before • Five overnight stays in port maximise your time ashore Minerva sets her sights on Greece. From Kalamata • Explore Turkey’s Lycian coast and uncover its discover Olympia and then sail to pretty Nauplia before ancient treasures arrival in Piraeus to experience the wonders of Athens. • Take in the ruins of Ephesus, including its magnifi cent library, theatre and Roman houses FARES PER PERSON MIN161102 • Discover the wealth of the Roman Empire on a range Cabin Type Fares from of tailor-made shore excursions Balcony Savers from £2,499 • An extended stay in Piraeus allows ample time to Outside Cabins from £1,599 explore ancient Athens Inside Cabins from £1,299 • Full Mr Bridge programme

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SH_16_2097_Mr Bridge_Aegean Classics_A4.indd 1 24/05/2016 17:29 Answers to Bernard Magee’s PLUS 11 Bidding Quizzes 1-3 Q l Help and Hint buttons l Displays on HD and large screens on the Cover l Comprehensive manual l Feed in your own deals £99 l Minibridge Remember that a change of suit Receive QPlus 11 option now and QPlus 12 1. Dealer East. Love All. response is forcing for one round. Start l 5,000 preplayed when ready at the ♠ Void ♠ A K J 4 2 by responding 1♠ and plan to rebid 3♣ end of October hands for teams ♥ N ♥ A 9 6 4 8 5 3 over partner’s second bid. and 4,000 preplayed hands for ♦ Q J 7 3 2 W E ♦ 9 5 4 If you respond 2♠ to show your S matchpoint pairs ♣ J 9 7 6 ♣ A K strength, your partner will rebid 3♦ and you are uncomfortably high already – Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961 you could rebid 4♣, but if 3NT had been www.mrbridge.co.uk West North East South the best contract you would have gone 1♠ Pass past it. ? Instead the auction starts: 1♦-1♠- 2♦-3♣: a new suit at the three-level is 1NT. To reply to a one-level suit opening unconditionally forcing. TR AVEL bid in a new suit at the two-level, you Your partner might try 3♥ as an attempt require 10 total points including at least to reach 3NT, but you can rebid 4♣ now INSURANCE 9 HCP. These requirements are in place to show your shape and unsuitability for for good reason – they keep the auction no-trumps (with no heart stop). The club For your own quote from in check when you have a misfit. fit is found and you might bid to slam. With 8 HCP you have to make a response, but you do not have the strength to bid at the two level. Therefore, there is only one answer: 1NT. Your 3. Dealer East. Love All. hand is certainly not balanced, but the ♠ K 7 6 3 ♠ A 2 1NT response to an opening bid is often ♥ 9 8 6 2 N ♥ A K 5 4 called the ‘dustbin bid’ because you ♦ J 8 5 4 W E ♦ 3 2 S throw all the hands that cannot afford to ♣ 3 ♣ A J 8 6 4 bid at the two level into it. ( 01268 524344 A 1NT response would finish the www.covercloud.co.uk auction at a safe level. If you bid 2♦ West North East South instead then your partner would rebid 1♣ Pass 2NT and you may be too high already. ?

1♦. You usually need 6 HCP to respond to a one level opening bid and you fall a 2. Dealer East. Love All. long way short of that barrier. However, ♠ A K Q 5 4 ♠ 7 the aim of an auction is to find the best ♥ 4 N ♥ J 6 5 contract for your side and if you think you ♦ 5 3 W E ♦ A K 9 8 4 2 can improve the contract by lying, then S ♣ A K 8 6 2 ♣ Q J 3 go ahead and do it! 1♣ does not look good and as long as your partner does not rebid in clubs, West North East South you are likely to improve the contract by 1♦ Pass making a response. With three four-card ? suits, you should bid the lowest, in order to facilitate the finding of a fit. If your 1♠. You have a very strong hand in partner’s second suit was diamonds, you response to your partner’s opening, would want to find a fit there. but with two strong suits to show, you Here, East would rebid 1♥ and you will need as much space as possible. would pass. ■

BRIDGE July 2016 Page 7 TAPESTRY of BYZANTINE & OTTOMAN EMPIRES

GREECE • TURKEY 15 – 27 November 2016 13-day cruise from £1,499pp

BLUE XANTHI Kavala MOSQUE Thessaloniki Istanbul

GREECE MOUNT PELION Volos

Piraeus EPHESUS TURKEY Kusadasi

Highlight port (3 days)

Departing Piraeus, Minerva sails towards Volos, Meteora Monastery, Greece from where you can discover the spectacular Meteora Monasteries. On to Thessaloniki, Greece’s vibrant second CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS city and your gateway to ancient Pella and the intriguing archaeological site of Aigai. Step ashore in picturesque • Visit the awe-inspiring monasteries of Meteora, Kavala before sailing for Istanbul, whose highlights include perched high atop towering peaks the Topkapi Palace. Continue to Kusadasi, gateway to the • Visit Pella, the birthplace of Alexander the Great ruins at Ephesus, and fi nally return to Piraeus, from where • A two-night stay in Istanbul, with plenty of time to you can follow St Paul’s journey to the Areopagus Hill. discover its unique highlights including the ornate Ottoman Blue Mosque FARES PER PERSON MIN161115 • Overnight in Kusadasi to make the most of Ephesus Cabin Type Fares from with its magnifi cent library, theatre and Roman houses Balcony Savers from £2,999 • During an extended stay in Piraeus, visit Ancient Outside Cabins from £1,799 Corinth where St Paul preached and lived for two years Inside Cabins from £1,499 • Full Mr Bridge programme

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SH_16_2097_Mr Bridge_Tapestry of Byzantine_A4.indd 1 24/05/2016 17:32 Answers to Bernard Magee’s DEFENCE Bidding Quizzes 4-6 QUIZ on the Cover by Julian Pottage (Answers on page 11)

Pass. Your partner’s hand is ou are West in the defensive positions below playing 4. Dealer West. Love All. the one you held in Q1! Ymatchpoint pairs with neither side vulnerable. Both sides ♠ 2 ♠ J 8 7 6 4 1NT shows 6-9 points, you are using Acol with a 12-14 1NT and 2♣ Stayman. ♥ K Q J 5 N ♥ 9 2 have 15 points, so game is W E ♦ K Q 3 S ♦ A J 7 6 beyond reach. Bearing in ♣ A J 5 4 2 ♣ 10 8 mind that your partner has 1. ♠ J 9 6 3. ♠ K Q J 6 not promised any length in ♥ K 9 7 2 ♥ K Q 9 spades, you should not be ♦ J 4 2 ♦ Q 7 4 2 West North East South rebidding a five-card spade ♣ J 10 5 ♣ 8 5 1♣ Pass 1♠ Pass suit. In fact, you have a bal- ♠ K Q 10 7 4 2 ♠ 7 4

? anced type of hand, so you ♥ A 10 N ♥ A 7 5 N should be happy playing in ♦ 9 3 W E ♦ A 9 8 3 W E S 1NT. You have 16 HCP, so 1NT. ♣ Q 7 3 ♣ Q 9 7 3 S have various options avail- If game is not on, it is your able: with your strength, you job to find the best partscore can make a , rebid contract and you seem to West North East South West North East South in no-trumps, or understate have done that. 1♥ 1NT things a little by rebidding 1♠ 2♥ Pass 4♥ Pass 2♣ Pass 2♥ 2♣. Choosing between 2♥ All Pass Pass 3NT Pass 4♠ and 1NT is surely right, the All Pass latter of which is a bit of lie, 6. Dealer West. Love All. You lead the ♠K: ♠6, ♠8 ♠ ♣ ♣ ♣ as you should have at least ♠ K Q 10 8 6 5 4 ♠ Void and A. Are you ready You lead the 3: 5, 10 when declarer leads a low and ♣A. After the ♠K and two spades for the bid. How- ♥ 6 5 ♥ A K 2 heart? ♠Q comes a low spade to ever, whenever you have the ♦ 2 N ♦ A K Q 9 W E the ♠A. What is your plan? makings of a misfit (shortage S 7 6 4 in your partner’s suit), you ♣ J 5 4 ♣ Q 3 2 should aim to keep the auc- 2. ♠ K 6 4. ♠ Q J 10 6 tion low until your partner ♥ Q 7 5 ♥ Q 9 7 2 shows some strength. West North East South ♦ A K Q 10 4 ♦ A J ♥ 3♠ Pass 3NT Pass A 2 rebid forces your part- ♣ 8 6 5 ♣ J 9 6 ner to bid again – that turns ? ♠ A 10 9 4 ♠ A 9 5 4 out badly when your partner N ♥ 9 2 N ♥ Void W E has just six points, as here. Pass. You have accurately ♦ J 6 3 W E ♦ 10 9 8 4 3 S Instead a 1NT rebid will prob- described your hand: weak ♣ J 10 7 3 S ♣ 10 7 4 2 ably finish the auction and you (5-9) and a seven-card spade end up at a safe level. suit. Your partner has bid 3NT and you trust him, so why West North East South West North East South would you want to bid any- 1♠ 1♥ thing? Pass 2♦ Pass 2♥ Pass 3♥ Pass 4♥ 5. Dealer West. Love All. As long as you trust your Pass 3♣1 Pass 3♥ All Pass ♠ A K 7 6 5 ♠ Void partner, he is suggesting that Pass 4♥ All Pass 1 ♥ K Q J N ♥ A 9 6 4 3NT is the best contract. If Fourth-suit forcing You lead the ♦10, covered W E ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 5 4 S ♦ Q J 7 3 2 your hand was radically dif- by the J, Q and K. ♣ Q 8 3 ♣ J 9 7 6 ferent from the one you had You lead the ♣J: ♣5, ♣K What is your plan when promised, then you might and ♣9. Partner returns declarer lays down the ♥A? ♣ ♣ worry, but it is not. the A, felling the Q, and then the ♣2, which West North East South Your partner hopes to make declarer ruffs. What is your 1♠ Pass 1NT Pass nine tricks from his hand: he plan? ? would be unlucky to fail. ■

BRIDGE July 2016 Page 9 welcome and encourages CHARITY them to carry on saving. I READERS’ have noticed that where EVENTS I have managed to thank people they do send again. SEPTEMBER 2016 I am frustrated that many 8 HUDDERSFIELD PENNINE people never enclose any ROTARY CLUB. LETTERS identification and wonder Outlane Golf Club, if you could ask them to do Huddersfield. 12 for 12.30pm. £50 per table (may rise to £52) NOT MY APP also love Sally. She achieves so with your next mention. including lunch, afternoon I have, this evening, more in a week than I do the Of course those who wish tea & biscuits. Raffle prizes. purchased your iPad entire year. I say keep writing to donate anonymously Rtn Sam Smith bridge app for £4.99. I Claire McCullagh by email. should continue to do so. ( 01924 402540 ( 07968 868828 am writing to say how Malcolm Finebaum samuelsmith396 disappointed I am with it. USEFUL BUT? (on behalf of Little Voice). @btinternet.com Faults are: Thank you for the 18 CHIGWELL RIDING TRUST for 1 No info on . unexpected and attractive WAY FORWARD people with special needs. 2 No scoring other gift of a diary in my June When I first started playing Abridge Village Hall, Essex. than per hand. edition of BRIDGE. bridge 60 years ago, bidding 1.30 for 2pm start. £12 pp. 3 No opportunity to A lot of the contents at systems were simple: either Duplicate/Chicago available. Mrs M Walker bid to slam. the beginning are baffling a simplified Culbertson or ( 02035 390387 All in all very poor. Please to me, but never-the-less I a prepared club. They were refund the cost to me at the think the diary will be useful. easy systems for a beginner 28 LOCAL CHARITIES Chicago. Ashtead Peace above address. I consider the However, I am sorry to and millions took up the Memorial Hall, KT21 2DE. product not fit for purpose read in page 5 of BRIDGE game without the need 7.00 for 7.30pm. Bridge prizes, under the sale of goods act. that you want to change the for lessons. When we took a raffle and refreshments. £6. A J O’Shea, game and that some readers up the game seriously, we Maureen and Peter Cox ( 01372 275855 Cromer, Norfolk. should ‘go elsewhere with started using Acol, which was [email protected] So do I. At that price what their skills’. My family taught then played at most clubs. would you expect? It will me 16-18 no-trump (which Acol is a complex system OCTOBER 2016 be interesting to find out seems more satisfactory in which was not designed for 1 MOSAIC (supporting bereaved what the Trading Standards many ways) and some of beginners but for tournament children and their families) Office thinks and what they your articles recently have play. It is not easy for a Bridge Drive. Horton village propose to do about it. used this system. If one beginner to learn and hall, Wimborne, Dorset. plays in America, it is more consequently it has deterred 10am to 4pm. Lunch, including wine. £60 per table. DON’T GIVE UP acceptable or is it change many people from playing. Stella [email protected] Despite your favourable for the sake of change? Imagine my surprise reference to the article/ Mrs C Burne, to read that ‘Acol only’ 7 ST NEOTS MUSEUM. St Neots Outdoor letter I submitted on rubber Woldingham, Surrey. tournaments are the way Bowling Club. £14 pp. bridge to BRIDGE and the forward, as a way of fighting Jean Searle ( 01480 212298 prominence afforded it in THANK UOU vested interests! However, 14 WESSEX CANCER TRUST last month’s issue, I regret With the sudden influx of we do need something new at Dovetail to report that, after two stamps I suspect that you and anything is worth trying. Centre, Winchester Road, weeks, I have yet to receive may have inserted a few Acol is part of the problem, Chandler’s Ford SO53 2GJ. a single enquiry. Very lines in the mag. Thank you. not part of the solution, and 7pm start. Mrs Christine Pennell much a sign of the times. It certainly makes a the best way to get large ( 02380 791046 Once again, thanks difference and I think that numbers of new players for your encouragement every 3 or 4 months people is to devise a very simple 19 LOCAL CHARITIES Chicago. Ashtead Peace and support. need reminding that their system for beginners, from Memorial Hall, KT21 2DE. Dennis Bernard, Bath. used stamps still can be used which they can upgrade to 7.00 for 7.30pm. Bridge prizes, I will include your letter in to raise money. Of course the Acol or five-card majors. a raffle and refreshments. £6. My Shop Window which has recently received parcel from Fortunately, bridge is Maureen and Peter Cox ( 01372 275855 a much wider circulation. your office was a great help. thriving in Basingstoke, [email protected] I do, wherever possible, but we would like to see it LOVE MARMITE send a thank you note to boosted elsewhere as well. To advertise your charity I love your magazine and donors as I believe that George Collins, events, please email in reply to John Shingles, I a ‘thank you ‘ is always Oakley, Basingstoke. ■ [email protected] Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH. [email protected]

Page 10 BRIDGE July 2016 Answers to Julian Pottage’s Defence Quiz on page 9

West North East South 1NT with a singleton, a club discard is 1. ♠ J 9 6 1♠ safe as partner started with four clubs ♥ K 9 7 2 Pass 2♦ Pass 2♥ too. While a diamond discard may be ♦ J 4 2 Pass 3♣1 Pass 3♥ safe as well, you do not need to risk ♣ J 10 5 Pass 4♥ All Pass finding declarer with J-10 doubleton. ♠ K Q 10 7 4 2 ♠ 8 3 1Fourth-suit forcing The bigger decision is when to play N ♥ A 10 ♥ 5 3 your ♥A. Since declarer has bid hearts W E ♦ 9 3 S ♦ Q 10 7 5 You lead the ♣J: ♣5, ♣K and ♣9. Partner and the opposing hands are flat, there is ♣ Q 7 3 ♣ K 8 6 4 2 returns the ♣A, felling the ♣Q, and then no rush. If partner has the ♥J but not the ♠ A 5 the ♣2, which declarer ruffs. What is ♥10, declarer will have a guess whether ♥ Q J 8 6 4 your plan? to dummy’s ♥9 if you keep ♦ A K 8 6 Following suit to the third round of ducking smoothly. ♣ A 9 clubs is easy. The main thing you need to be thinking about is when to play your ace of spades. West North East South Apart from the ♣A-K, partner can have 4. ♠ Q J 10 6 1♥ very little. The diamonds you can see are ♥ Q 9 7 2 1♠ 2♥ Pass 4♥ worrying because you expect the suit to ♦ A J All Pass run for five tricks. You can also count ♣ J 9 6 declarer for five trumps on the bidding, ♠ A 9 5 4 ♠ K 8 3 2 You lead the ♠K: ♠6, ♠8 and ♠A. Are you surely playing without loss. This totals ten ♥ Void N ♥ K J 10 ready when declarer leads a low heart? tricks, so you aim to stop the overtrick. ♦ 10 9 8 4 3 W E ♦ Q 7 2 S Since you hold the ♥A as well as the This means you plan to go in with the ♠A ♣ 10 7 4 2 ♣ Q 8 3 ♥10, you know declarer has no guess on the first round of the suit. ♠ 7 and so you can, in fact, take your time. ♥ A 8 6 5 4 3 Can you see the advantage in taking ♦ K 6 5 the ♥A at once? Partner’s ♠8 looks like ♣ A K 5 the top of a doubleton (or possibly a 3. ♠ K Q J 6 singleton). You want to play the ♠Q and ♥ K Q 9 a third round of spades round while ♦ Q 7 4 2 West North East South partner has a trump left. Declarer now ♣ 8 5 1♥ has to overruff rather than discard a ♠ 7 4 ♠ 10 8 3 Pass 3♥ Pass 4♥ loser. This might beat the contract (as ♥ A 7 5 N ♥ J 3 2 All Pass here) or save an overtrick, depending ♦ A 9 8 3 W E ♦ K 10 5 S upon the precise layout. ♣ Q 9 7 3 ♣ J 10 6 4 You lead the ♦10, covered by the ♦J, ♦Q ♠ A 9 5 2 and ♦K. What is your plan when declarer ♥ 10 8 6 4 lays down the ♥A? ♦ J 6 Dummy’s spades threaten to provide 2. ♠ K 6 ♣ A K 2 discards for declarer’s club losers. If ♥ Q 7 5 South holds the ♠K, you can do little ♦ A K Q 10 4 about it. Perhaps East has the ♠K. In ♣ 8 6 5 West North East South this case, your side will make two spade ♠ A 10 9 4 ♠ 8 3 1NT tricks unless South has a singleton. ♥ 9 2 N ♥ 10 6 3 Pass 2♣ Pass 2♥ If partner does have ♠K-x-x-x, you W E ♦ ♦ ♠ J 6 3 S 9 7 5 2 Pass 3NT Pass 4 must the first spade to protect the ♣ J 10 7 3 ♣ A K 4 2 All Pass ♠K from a ruffing finesse. ♠ Q J 7 5 2 You should also keep your spades so ♥ A K J 8 4 You lead the ♣3: ♣5, ♣10 and ♣A. After that declarer cannot down your ace. ♦ 8 the ♠K and ♠Q comes a low spade to the You can, however, spare a diamond or ♣ Q 9 ♠A. What is your plan? two and a club. You will duck the ♠A Assuming declarer has not opened later. ■

BRIDGE July 2016 Page 11 Better Hand Sally’s Slam of the Month Evaluation Bernard Magee

Introduction

Better Hand Evaluation is aimed at helping readers to add greater accuracy to their Auctions That bidding. It deals with auc- tions in which you and your partner, against silent op- ponents, can describe your hands fully to each other Went Wrong and, by evaluating them ac- curately, find the best final contract. The emphasis of all good, accurate bidding is on hand evaluation. his month I am go- were two top losers in either West North East South There are two general types of ing to look at a cou- red suit, there was also the 1♣ Pass auction: a) a fit is found and b) ple of slam auctions problem that the one-ace re- 1♠ 2♦ Dbl Pass no fit is found. Tthat went wrong. sponse meant that they were 4♦ Pass 4♥ Pass When you do not have a fit, forced to slam even with 5♣ Pass 5♥ Pass you are aiming to describe the 6♠ All Pass strength of your hand as soon two aces missing. A better as possible, most often using ♠ Q 4 ♠ A K 5 shot is a simple raise to 4♣, no-trump bids. This book be- ♥ K 10 6 2 N ♥ Q 8 3 W E allowing West to cue-bid a East-West were playing a gins by discussing balanced- ♦ K S ♦ 7 6 2 red suit. Then East can bid fairly standard strong no- hand bidding in Acol, as it ♣ A 10 8 7 4 3 ♣ K Q J 5 ♠ is very important that both 4 , but now with such a bal- trump, five-card major sys- members of a partnership anced hand he has said it all. tem. have an accurate knowledge of I would like to report East’s double of 2♦ how to show hands of different West North East South that East-West got their just showed three-card support. strengths. 1♣ Pass 1♦ Pass deserts for their poor bid- In my view, West did far When a fit is found, there is 1♥ Pass 2♠ Pass ding. However, North led a too much here. A 4♦ splin- much re-evaluation of the 3♣ Pass 4NT Pass hand to be done; point count, spade, so the diamond was ter with the singleton ace is though still important, needs 5♦ Pass 6♣ All Pass discarded, and South held generally not considered to to be evaluated together with the jack of hearts, so the be a great idea, even if there distribution. The best way of East has a tricky choice slam rolled home. In the is no sensible alternative. reaching an accurate assess­ ment is to use the Losing Trick of bid on the first round. other room, East responded However, having made the Count; this is an important Many tournament players 3NT over the 1♣ opening. bid, he should surely follow method of hand evaluation and use ‘inverted minor raises’, That ended the auction but up with a 4♠ sign-off. I am takes up a number of chapters. whereby a simple minor- North-South cashed the sure East would proceed Finally, we move on to different suit raise is forcing for one first six diamond tricks. with his three aces, but I feel forms of evaluation including round (with a weaker hand strongly that West should game tries and splinter bids. ♣♦♥♠ You can never know enough make a jump raise), which make no further forward- methods of hand evaluation; would solve the problem. going move. the more you learn, the better However, in the absence of I was watching an on- Turning to the play, you get at judging your hand. that convention, 1♦ looks line match when this deal North led a diamond. De- Although the Losing Trick normal. East-West had the turned up: clarer won, drew trumps Count is used more easily in agreement that 1♠ would and tried the ace of hearts tandem with your partner, a have been natural on the … small, small, king. Now large proportion of the ideas in this book can be used by an second round, so East had Dealer East. Love All. declarer could run the nine individual. For example, eval- to bid 2♠, fourth-suit forc- ♠ K Q J 8 7 2 ♠ A 10 9 and when South perforce uating your hand to be worth ing. What should he bid ♥ Q 7 3 N ♥ A 9 8 4 split his honours, set up a an extra point is going to help W E over 3♣? 4NT obviously did ♦ A S ♦ Q 6 3 third winner in the suit for anyone you partner – as long ♣ ♣ as you get it right. not work well. Apart from K 10 2 A 6 4 a club discard. not knowing whether there No justice! ■ £14 including UK postage Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk Send your slam hands to [email protected]

Page 12 BRIDGE July 2016 Answers to Bernard Magee’s Mr Bridge Premium Quality Cards Bidding Quizzes 7-9 on the Cover

pass 2♦. Therefore, it is not just a simple 7. Dealer East. Love All. question of giving preference as it was Standard Faces, ♠ A 9 8 7 6 ♠ 5 on the previous question. with or without bar codes. Unboxed. ♥ 8 7 N ♥ K Q 9 5 3 You would like to bid 2NT but do not 6 red/6 blue £19.95 ♦ K Q 6 3 W E ♦ 8 4 have a heart stop, and raising a second 30 red/30 blue only £65 S ♣ ♣ 3 2 A K Q 7 6 suit on just three cards is not generally Available from The London Bridge Centre. wise, particularly a minor. Your solution is ( 020 7288 1305 www.bridgeshop.com to use the , asking part- West North East South ner to make another bid to help you out. 1♥ Pass 2♥ is the fourth suit and is used artificially 1♠ Pass 2♣ Pass to push an auction in the right direction. ? Here, East would respond 3♣, neatly There are Three describing his hand and allowing the 2♥. partnership to move towards 5♣. Kinds of This deal seems to be a complete misfit, with you holding spades and diamonds Accountant . . . and your partner bidding hearts and clubs. It generally pays to underbid on 9. Dealer East. Love All. misfits because they tend to make fewer ♠ Q 8 7 6 5 ♠ 4 Those who tricks than the point count might suggest. ♥ K 8 3 N ♥ A Q 4 2 With no strong suit of your own, give ♦ 8 7 W E ♦ A K 9 6 5 2 S can add up and preference to partner’s first suit: 2♥. It is ♣ J 4 3 ♣ A Q the best of a bad lot and makes sure you those who can’t. do not go overboard. West North East South ♦ 1 Pass Made in the UK 1♠ Pass 2♥ Pass from 100% pure cotton © Mr Bridge 8. Dealer East. Love All. ? ♠ 4 ♠ A Q 10 6 5 ♥ 8 7 6 5 N ♥ 9 3♦. ♦ A 6 5 W E ♦ K Q J 4 Your partner has made a reverse bid: he S ♣ K Q J 6 3 ♣ A 4 2 is showing strength and asking you to bid again. You do not like the idea of bidding again with your pile of rubbish, but that is West North East South what you have to do. If in doubt of what 1♠ Pass to do, the weakest bid you can make is to 2♣ Pass 2♦ Pass give preference to one of your partner’s ? suits. However, you should only support a second suit with four cards in it, so here 2♥. you should give false preference to his Once again, you appear to have a misfit, first suit: 3♦. although your cards in partner’s second Your partner has a very strong hand suit are not so bad. You should still aim and wanted to look for a 4-4 heart fit to slow the auction down, but this auction before settling for 3NT. Over your 3♦ bid is very different to the previous one. he should bid 3NT and end the auction. Once you have made a two over one It is rarely right to support a second suit response you are forcing the auction for with just three cards, except perhaps with an extra round, so you are not allowed to a singleton in partner’s first suit. ■

BRIDGE July 2016 Page 13 BERNARD MAGEE TUTORIAL DVDS

SET 1 SET 2 SET 3 1 Ruffing for Extra Tricks 7 Leads 13 Hand Evaluation This seminar deals with declarer’s use of Bernard takes you through the basic leads Going beyond just the point-count is ruffing to make extra tricks and then looks and the importance of your lead choice. If important. Reaching & making 3NT on 24 at how the defenders might counteract this. you start to think about your partner’s hand, HCP; and avoiding 3NT on 26 HCP when there (74 mins.) you will get better results. (95 mins.) are only 7 or 8 tricks. (110 mins.) 2 Competitive Auctions 8 Losing Trick Count 14 Pre-Emptive Bidding This seminar focuses on competitive auctions A way of hand evaluation for when you find The art of pre-empting is so important in the from the perspective of the overcalling side a fit. Bernard deals with the basics of the LTC modern game. Understanding the right hands and then from the opening side in the second then looks at advanced methods to hone your to bid up on and realising the importance of part. (86 mins.) bidding. (92 mins.) position and vulnerability. (96 mins.) 3 Making the Most of High Cards 9 Making a Plan as Declarer 15 Splinter & Cue Bids This seminar helps declarer to use his high Bernard explains how to make a plan then Splinter bids are a vital tool to add to your cards more carefully and then looks at how expands on how to make the most of your slam bidding armoury & try your hand at defenders should care for their high cards. long suits, both in no-trumps and suit Italian style cue bidding. (116 mins.) (83 mins.) contracts. (87 mins.) 16 4 Identifying & Bidding Slams 10 Responding to 1NT As declarer, an important tactic is to be in The first half of this seminar identifies when This seminar deals with Transfers and control of the defenders: avoiding a particular a slam might be on. The second Stayman in detail. The 1NT opening comes defender getting the lead. As a defender, you half covers some slam-bidding techniques. up frequently, so having a good, accurate can try to make sure the right player gets the (96 mins.) system of responses is paramount. (93 mins.) lead. (88 mins.) 5 Play & Defence of 1NT Contracts 11 Signals & Discards 17 Play & Defence at Pairs This seminar looks at the most common This seminar deals with Count, Attitude Duplicate Pairs is the game most of us play and yet most feared of contracts: 1NT. and Suit-preference signals: aiming to get and getting used to the tactics will make The first half looks at declaring 1NT and you working as a partnership in defence. a lot of difference to your performance. the second part at defending. (88 mins.) (92 mins.) (90 mins.) 6 Doubling & Defence against 12 18 Thinking Defence Doubled Contracts Bernard takes you through the basics of By far the hardest aspect of bridge, but if you The first half of this seminar explores penalty endplays before showing some hands where can improve your defence your results will doubles and the second half discusses the you can take extra tricks, then looks at how to quickly improve. Learn how to think through defence against doubled contracts. (88 mins.) avoid being endplayed. (80 mins.) the defence. (87 mins.)

SET 4 SET 5 19 Defensive Plan £25 25 Defence as Partner Looking at your own hand, then at dummy of the Leader and envisaging how partner’s hand will per DVD Defence is the hardest aspect of the game, allow you to make a plan for the defence. it is where most players can make great (112 mins.) progress. (104 mins.) 20 Further Into 26 Aggressive Bidding the Auction £105 set of 6 at Duplicate Pairs The first two bids of an auction are usually Years ago, you needed 13 HCP to open the easy, but beyond that the complications bidding and rarely competed for a partscore. increase. Learn how to ‘talk’ to your partner Now its usual to open lighter and compete for during the bidding. (95 mins.) every hand. (114 mins.) 21 Weak Twos Buy a Set 27 Strong Opening Bids It is important to bid more in the modern Managing your strong bids carefully can give game and weak twos are an important choice Get 1 Free you joy, particularly when you have a neat for the competitive player. (104 mins.) bidding sequence to a lovely slam. (122 mins.) 22 Trump Control 28 Take-Out Doubles Handling the play of the hand when trumps Bernard deals with basic take-out doubles and break badly is an important attribute: playing Offer must close their responses, then progresses to talk about calmly and using a variety of tactics to pave competing for every partscore. (99 mins.) (76 mins.) 31 July 2016 the way to success. 29 Suit Establishment 23 Sacrificing in Suit Contracts An exciting aspect of the auction is Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961 Long suits are powerful things: Bernard tries to outbidding your opponents and going down, get across his passion for them by showing you but gaining by doing so. Learn to bid more On-line shop: how to develop your extra tricks. (81 mins.) aggressively. (105 mins.) www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop 30 / Defending 24 Improving Bridge Memory Against a 1NT Opening Remembering every card is a dream for most Competing against a 1NT opening allows you of us. However, learn ways in which All prices include postage – UK only. to challenge for the partscore. Bernard talks to remember the important things. about competing over 1NT in general and then (90 mins.) about Landy. (85 mins.) Answers to Bernard Magee’s CLUB Bidding Quizzes 10-12 INSURANCE Every club should be on the Cover covered and my inclusive package, to suit clubs of up to 300 members for less than suit with minimal support. Bearing that in 10. Dealer West. Love All. mind, you should bid 3NT. This suggests £75 per year, is the right ♠ A J 5 4 2 ♠ 3 that you hold a club stopper and only five package at the right price. ♥ A J 4 2 N ♥ 7 6 3 hearts. It gives your partner the choice of ♦ K Q 6 W E ♦ 9 8 games: if he does have three-card heart Contact FIDENTIA for a quote S ♣ 6 ♣ K Q 10 9 8 4 2 support he would bid 4♥ now. Instead you finish in 3NT, which offers ( 020 3150 0080 the best chance of achieving the game [email protected] West North East South bonus. 1♠ Pass 1NT Pass 2♥ Pass 3♣ Pass ? 12. Dealer West. Love All. DUPLICATE Pass. East’s bidding seems strange – ♠ Void ♠ J 9 8 7 4 why not bid 2♣ on the first round? ♥ A K 8 7 6 N ♥ 4 BRIDGE This is the key to understanding the ♦ A 10 4 2 W E ♦ K Q 7 6 5 S auction: East was not strong enough to ♣ K J 8 7 ♣ A Q RULES bid 2♣ on the first round. He is showing a weak hand with a very long club suit SIMPLIFIED and he wants you to pass. West North East South (otherwise known as the Yellow Book) When you have a big misfit, your job 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass is often to find the least bad contract 2♣ Pass 2♦1 Pass by John Rumbelow – escaping for one off rather than two ? 1Fourth suit forcing only and revised by or three. Here, you pass 3♣ and you 95 David Stevenson £5 finish in the best of a bad lot. If you can 3♦. You have a natural start to the escape for one trump loser you can make auction, bidding three suits between you the contract. More importantly, 3NT and then your partner bids the fourth Available from Mr Bridge is completely hopeless – with no tricks suit, which you alert. It is very rare that ( 01483 489961 coming from dummy the best you can a partnership will find a fit in the fourth www.mrbridge.co.uk really hope for is five tricks. suit, so a bid in that suit is used artificially to ask partner to bid again. Responding to the bid, you would usually show a stopper by bidding no- 11. Dealer West. Love All. trumps, show extra length in a suit by Mr Bridge ♠ 9 5 ♠ A Q 4 3 2 rebidding it, or show support for your Celebration ♥ A K 6 5 4 N ♥ 9 2 partner’s suit. There is one last option ♦ A K Q 2 W E ♦ J 3 which does not come up very often: S Party Tie ♣ K 4 ♣ 8 6 3 2 you can raise the fourth suit when you have genuine support and a little extra strength. This usually allows your partner West North East South to bid 3NT when it suits him, but more 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass importantly it gives a great description of £15 3♦ Pass 3♥ Pass your hand. including postage & ? When you bid 3♦, your partner has packing heard you bid three suits, so he knows 3NT. With 19 HCP, you want to go for you must be short in spades. This fits game, but which game? When you force perfectly with his hand – his nasty spades ( your partner to bid again as your jump can be ruffed away – so East will pursue a 01483 489961 rebid did, you must remember that he slam in diamonds. 7♦ is a good contract, www.mrbridge.co.uk will often give preference to your first but I think 6♦ is a little more realistic. ■

BRIDGE July 2016 Page 15 David Stevenson answers your questions on Laws and Ethics

Bidding After Partner Hesitates

I was directing own favour. Instead, 4♥ making nine tricks. perhaps three years at our club when I suggested that West Actually, even for an ago. Do you remember Qthis happened: should be careful in this aggressive player, I think the note? Can you give sort of situation and the 4♠ bid is way off being me some advice? his response was that automatic with such poor Hamish McBride, Aberfeldy. Dealer West. Game All. the hesitation had no spades, length in hearts and ♠ J 7 effect on his bid. As he few tricks. It could easily be Whilst I do not ♥ A K Q J 10 9 8 2 is a very competitive going for 800 or 1100 and remember the ♦ Void bidder this could well I would have a serious word A particular advice, ♣ 6 5 2 be so and I was content with West as to his approach. slow play is one of the two ♠ A 6 5 4 3 ♠ K Q 10 2 to let the matter rest. I would expect a poll to show biggest problems in keeping N ♥ 7 5 3 W E ♥ 6 Nicholas Beswick by email. that most players would pass. club players happy (the S ♦ Q 10 9 5 ♦ A K 6 4 3 other is bad behaviour). ♣ A ♣ Q J 9 It is irrelevant ♣♦♥♠ You must remember that ♠ 9 8 whether he believed even if you upset the ♥ 4 A the hesitation We are a recently continually slow pairs, at ♦ J 8 7 2 had any effect on his bid, formed club of the moment the other pairs ♣ K 10 8 7 4 3 though he may have been Qfifteen couples. are being upset, and you affected subconsciously We have formed the have to find a balance. without realising it. The law club from two groups of The first step is to talk West North East South says that when in receipt of ‘kitchen bridgers’. We to them about it, which Pass 4♥ Pass1 Pass unauthorised information try not to be too formal, you have done. 4♠ All Pass (the hesitation in this case), but have a problem with The second step is 1Long pause a player may not make two of the couples being to give them a serious a call suggested by the guilty of slow play. Once warning, and explain that 4♠ made with an unauthorised information the TD asked one of if they cannot keep up then overtrick. Elsewhere, if there is a logical them to miss out the last they will be penalised. four Norths went down alternative not suggested. board as they were so far The third step is to in 4♥, while there were The hesitation suggests behind. They have been actually start penalising three West spade bidding over passing so is talked to, gently, to no them. Certainly, you contracts. Lacking an pass a logical alternative? avail. Some players are should take boards away opening bid and a If you polled other players, a bit impatient; how do from them if necessary, partner who passed, did most of them would choose I get them to speed up giving them average West have a legitimate to pass and even the most a bit, without throwing minus and their opponents , particularly aggressive bidders would them out of the group? average plus. Eventually when vulnerable? consider pass. That makes I seem to remember procedural penalties of I personally would pass a logical alternative you had an excellent 10% of a top are in order. say not but, as I was the and bidding 4♠ is illegal. note from a newish The fourth step is to warn North player, I could This is an easy ruling: I club with a copy of their them that if they persist they not make a ruling in my would adjust the score to advice on slow play, will no longer be welcome.

Page 16 BRIDGE July 2016 The final step is, of course, In fact, a transfer over director is rare – perhaps (or his partner should). to ask them to leave. I hope intervention, while not too rare. At a recent In this case, the failure to it will not come to this. common, is one of the pairs evening, I, North alert was misinformation less rare possibilities. and vulnerable, dealt and everyone knew it once ♣♦♥♠ and opened 1NT. East West ‘woke up’. At this ♣♦♥♠ bid 2♦. I glanced at point, all four players are Declarer leads West to see if an alert required by law to call the from his hand We sometimes was forthcoming, but director. The main thing he Qwhen the lead run events nothing happened. My would have done is to allow is in dummy and LHO Qwhich need a first-time partner, not a your partner to change his covers. Is that lead single winner, and for very experienced player, 2♥ call. Since 2♦ actually accepted or can RHO 6 or 7 tables would then bid 2♥, wrongly showed spades, it is quite ask for lead to be normally arrow switch thinking that this was likely he would have changed played from dummy? the last round – 3 or 4 a transfer to spades. his 2♥ to a pass, but once Catherine Graves, boards out of 24 or 28. At this point, West he did not, it was too late. Tadworth, Surrey. Mainly because Howell woke up, apologised East should be admonished movements seem to take for dreaming, said that for speaking out of turn. Once the next player longer than Mitchells. the 2♦ bid should have Since the explanation was plays to a lead out I have seen articles been alerted and that correct, the only effect of this A of turn it has been which explain how it meant spades and was to make the defence accepted, even if the player this will produce a another suit. West then easier, since it tells West what followed unintentionally, not fair result, but none passed. I (12 points and was in East’s hand. This is realising it was out of turn. of them deal with the ♥K-x) passed also, and unauthorised information to situation where there is so did East. However, West, who must make every ♣♦♥♠ a half table. Does the before West could effort to take no advantage. arrow switch still work? lead against South’s If I had been called at I was North Or is it messed up by unintended 2♥, East the end, then I would have (dealer) and the one pair not having said that, while West’s given all four players a Qbidding started: anyone to switch with? explanation of the 2♦ bid short lecture on calling the David Marshall, Oban. was correct, East had, in director and East a lecture West North East South fact, intended a different on not speaking when Pass 1NT 2♦ What people do not bid but had pulled out there was no advantage. 2♥1 realise is that when the wrong card. After I would have found out 1Transfer to spades A playing a scrambled this complete fiasco, my whether West took any Mitchell, ie one where the partner did well to make advantage of the comment: At this point, my partner, last round is arrow switched, six tricks in 2♥, but of otherwise the result stands. who has been playing players are competing with course, our score on the It is a great example of bridge for 40+ years, pairs sitting in the other board was a bad one. how not calling the director stated that transfers were direction on every board Evidently, the director caused an unfortunate not permitted over an and this includes the pair should have been result for one side and an intervening bid. I was sitting out during the arrow called at some point, unfair gain for the other. also of this understand- switch round. So, if they are but when, by whom ing, but the director was a moving pair, while on each and with what result? ♣♦♥♠ unaware of this and said board they will compete with James Miller, Loughborough. he would have to check it some other moving pairs, I have been out and advise. As yet we on every board they will also The problem with asked to have not had a response. compete with a stationary not calling the Qgive a ruling I would appreciate pair, the one who played that A director is that you on the practice of a your view, please. board on the last round. get into a mess. Of course, defender who, when Patricia Carruthers by email. This means that an it depends a lot on the showing out of a suit arrow-switch works just as director’s approach, but in (eg clubs), announces, Any response is well with or without a half my view the friendliest clubs ‘Having no clubs.’ My permitted to 1NT, table and is just as fair. are where the director is reaction would be to A and has been for called when something goes classify it unauthorised most of your partner’s 40 ♣♦♥♠ wrong and no-one takes information to the years! So N/S can play any umbrage. Psychologically, partner as it may not responses they like with or At our friendly I always recommend the have been noticed and, without intervention, and local club, player who made the mistake if partner were to lead this includes transfers. Qthe use of the should call the director back a club which was

BRIDGE July 2016 Page 17 trumped, may merit 3) 1♦-(2♣)-2♠ – After an Can a director example of the latter. If you a score adjustment. It overcall responder’s look at the open 2♣ and partner decides also is an unnecessary 2♠ bid is non-forcing Qcards of all the to bid 3NT (or even 6NT), distraction which has with a weak hand. players at the table? Are based on the high card caused annoyance. All these bids are the rules for kibitzers strength you have shown, What is your view? natural showing at applicable to him? he is likely to be severely Roger Grimsdick by email. least five spades, and Dr NM Gadgil, disappointed. Certainly, are compatible with Mumbai, India. it will take a lot of tricks Nothing in the laws EBU Level 2, but are played in clubs, but that allows this form of they alertable? In general, the is not what a 2♣ A communication, Geoff Woodcock, director should not opening shows. though of course a player Buckland BC. A look at any hands at The one advantage of is allowed to answer his all during the bidding or the opening 2♣ is that your partner if he asks whether They are all non- play. It is not good director opponents will be fooled he has no more of a suit, so standard and practice. However, if there as well. If they ask what it really it is just pre-empting A unexpected so was some good reason why means, no doubt they will be his question. Like other forms they are all alertable. he feels that he must, then told ‘strong’ or ‘Benjamin’ of legal communication, I presume that the first he can look at any hand he or ‘Acol’ and this may keep it needs to be consistent one is not game forcing: feels he should. It would be them out of the auction. otherwise it may indicate if it is then I doubt it re- very rare, not recommended, However, this would be something to partner. ally needs an alert. but not illegal. unfair, keeping them out of I also think it annoying and The second one is not nor- the auction by misinforming somewhat distracting. As a mally played as very strong, ♣♦♥♠ them. As a result of this, director, if asked to rule, I perhaps 7 or 8 to 10 or 11, the EBU has, very correctly, would suggest to the player so it is alertable if it is con- What should be decided it is illegal to open he desists, but, in general, siderably weaker than that. the opening bid a highly distributional hand we tend to just tolerate a lot Finally, the third one is a Qwith this hand? with a lot of tricks but not of annoying habits at the commonly played method, high cards with 2♣, and if bridge table, for example, but certainly alertable. you do so you are playing players writing on their ♠ 5 an illegal agreement. The score card before leading ♣♦♥♠ ♥ Q 9 7 5 board will be cancelled or putting dummy down. ♦ Void and your opponents will It is not impossible that a The bidding ♣ A K J 9 8 7 6 3 get average plus, and you situation could arise where went as follows: will get average minus. an inappropriate remark like Q this leads to an adjustment, West North East South Various bids were made ♣♦♥♠ but this is likely to be very 1NT1 Pass 2♦2 Pass at our club, 1♣, 3♣ and rare and each case should 2NT All Pass 4♣. I would have opened The scoring be judged on its merits. 112-14 2♣. Since discussing this of a 2Transfer to hearts with a higher-ranking Qalways causes ♣♦♥♠ player, I was told that discussion in our small Can West do this or a 2♣ opening would be club (no qualified With my usual does West have to bid illegal on this hand. director). North was partner I play 2♥ as that had been Please could I have in 2♠. There were five Qa system which announced? What your comments? tricks still to be played. is nominally Acol, but is your opinion? Ron Turner by email. North led a diamond has some variations Rosemary Milsted, which West trumped which could potentially Wateringbury, Kent. A 2♣ opening shows with the master ♠10. confuse our opponents a strong hand in West had led to the next and I am wondering It is a very strange A general playing trick when he realised whether these bids are response to a strength. Unfortunately, a he had a diamond. He alertable. Examples are: A transfer, but not growing problem in bridge immediately admitted 1) 1♦-(pass)-2♠ – The illegal – after all, what harm is the failure to differentiate the revoke. E/W took jump response in spades does it do? It probably means between strong based on top no more tricks after the shows 6 cards but only they do not really understand cards, and strong based on master trump and N/S 10+ points. 2) (1♦)-Dbl- transfers. So long as the 2♦ a lot of playing tricks which made their contact. They (pass)-2♠ – The jump bid bid shows hearts, then they means a hand is strong were not damaged. What shows a weak hand, but have told you the truth, so played in its own suit. should the ruling be? guarantees 5+ spades. there is nothing wrong. Your hand is a typical Fred Sleight by email.

Page 18 BRIDGE July 2016 When West led the player won the trick with to the next trick, the revoke card each time, DECLARER A the revoke was that could be as many as established. West won the four tricks to the opposition, revoke trick by revoking, so subject to the tricks being PLAY that trick is transferred at available: tricks before the the end of the hand, plus revoke cannot be transferred. one subsequent trick if his QUIZ side makes another. You ♣♦♥♠ say his side took no more by David Huggett tricks after the revoke, so We had a strange (Answers on page 20) only one trick is transferred. occurrence After any revoke, further Qduring a club ou are South as declarer playing teams or rubber bridge. tricks are transferred if the night. South, in a no- YIn each case, what is your play strategy? non-offending side is still trump contract, won trick damaged after any revoke 4. East led a diamond, penalty. You say there was out of turn, to trick 5. no damage, so no further Almost immediately, 1. ♠ 6 5 3. ♠ 7 6 4 tricks are transferred. South played a spade ♥ A Q J 3 ♥ Q 7 5 Thus, one trick is having not noticed ♦ 10 5 3 2 ♦ 10 7 5 transferred. While there was East’s lead out of turn. ♣ 10 7 5 ♣ K 9 6 4 no damage, it is felt by the West followed with a law makers (and I tend to spade and a spade was N N W E W E agree) that some penalty nominated from dummy. S S must be given to persuade Only after dummy players to follow suit, so in played, did the other ♠ A K Q ♠ A K 5 2 this case the revoke cost three players realise that ♥ 7 6 5 ♥ A K J 2 them a trick. Sometimes it East had played first. ♦ A K 7 ♦ 2 does, sometimes it does not. Was the lead out of ♣ Q J 9 2 ♣ A Q J 8 turn condoned and did ♣♦♥♠ the other three revoke? ♥ Did East win the trick? You are declarer in 3NT You are declarer in 4 and ♠ ♦ How would you rule? and West leads the J. West leads the K followed ♦ At the club Patrick Dunham, How do you plan the play? by the Q. How do you tonight we had Coleorton, Leics. plan the play? Qsomeone revoke twice on one hand and Once the correct each time they made leader has led, the trick, what is the whether he noticed A ♠ ♠ penalty for that? the lead out of turn or 2. A 10 9 3 4. 7 6 4 Josephine Ober, not and whether he did it ♥ K 4 ♥ 7 5 Watford, Herts. deliberately or not, his lead ♦ 10 5 ♦ J 9 8 5 3 becomes the correct lead ♣ A Q 7 5 3 ♣ A K 4 If a player and the lead out of turn is a second time in put back in the hand. So N N W E W E the same suit, then East’s diamond is returned A S S there is no penalty for the to his hand and East plays second revoke. However, whatever he wishes. ♠ K Q J 6 2 ♠ K 5 if a player revokes in a Note this only applies ♥ A 9 ♥ A Q 6 3 different suit, the normal when the correct leader is ♦ A Q J 4 ♦ A K 10 2 rules apply to each revoke. an opponent: you cannot ♣ J 2 ♣ Q 5 3 So, if a player revokes regularise partner’s twice in two different suits, lead out of turn by leading ♠ both are established, and if yourself. ■ You are declarer in 6 and You are declarer in 3NT West leads the ♠4. East fol- and West leads the ♥4. lows suit. How do you plan East plays the ♥10. How the play? do you plan the play? E-mail your questions (including your postal address) on bridge laws to: [email protected]

BRIDGE July 2016 Page 19 Answers to David Huggett’s Play Quiz on page 19

You are declarer in 6♠ and West leads in three rounds. That will be fine if the 1. ♠ 6 5 the ♠4. East follows suit. How do you trumps do break evenly, but the chances ♥ A Q J 3 plan the play? are that they won’t and now when you ♦ 10 5 3 2 It may look as though the contract just lose the lead – as you will when the ♣ 10 7 5 needs either the club king or the diamond opposition ruff a club – they will have at ♠ J 10 9 7 2 ♠ 8 4 3 king to be onside, but in fact you can do least three more diamonds to cash. As ♥ 8 2 N ♥ K 10 9 4 better than that. you can afford to lose two spade tricks, ♦ J 6 W E ♦ Q 9 8 4 Suppose you draw trumps and lead just discard one spade now and a second S ♣ K 8 4 3 ♣ A 6 the jack of clubs, losing to East’s king. If if the defenders play a third round of ♠ A K Q East then returns a diamond you will not diamonds, aiming to ruff the fourth ♥ 7 6 5 know whether to take the finesse or hope round, if necessary, in dummy. ♦ A K 7 that the remaining clubs break evenly Now you would have to be very unlucky ♣ Q J 9 2 when you could obtain three diamond in the red suits to be defeated. discards. You are put to a premature decision. You are declarer in 3NT and West leads Much better is to draw trumps ending the ♠J. How do you plan the play? in dummy and lead a low club. If East 4. ♠ 7 6 4 You might make four heart tricks if it plays the king, then unless clubs break ♥ 7 5 is your lucky day, but that is a long shot, really badly you will have the discards ♦ J 9 8 5 3 and besides, it would be wrong to tackle you need. If East withholds the king, then ♣ A K 4 hearts first. Why? Because if East has the you have no club loser. If West wins, then ♠ A 8 3 2 ♠ Q J 10 9 ♥K and returns a spade, you would need you can try for the club break before ♥ K J 9 4 2 N ♥ 10 8 to play on clubs where two tricks are as- falling back upon the diamond finesse. ♦ 4 W E ♦ Q 7 6 S sured. If East wins the first club and returns ♣ J 9 8 ♣ 10 7 6 2 his last spade, then you will be defeated if ♠ K 5 West has the remaining club honour and ♥ A Q 6 3 two more spades. In all, you would have 3. ♠ 7 6 4 ♦ A K 10 2 lost two spades, one heart and two clubs. ♥ Q 7 5 ♣ Q 5 3 Now, try tackling clubs first and see the ♦ 10 7 5 difference. The point is that if the heart ♣ K 9 6 4 finesse loses later on in the play, then East ♠ 10 8 ♠ Q J 9 3 You are declarer in 3NT and West leads will have been exhausted of spades. ♥ 8 3 N ♥ 10 9 6 4 the ♥4. East plays the ♥10. How do you ♦ K Q J 8 3 W E ♦ A 9 6 4 plan the play? S ♣ 10 7 3 2 ♣ 5 This is simply a case of counting your ♠ A K 5 2 winners and being careful. 2. ♠ A 10 9 3 ♥ A K J 2 The heart lead has done you no harm ♥ K 4 ♦ 2 and you only need to make four diamond ♦ 10 5 ♣ A Q J 8 tricks to ensure your contract and this you ♣ A Q 7 5 3 can do with 100% certainty. You have to ♠ 8 4 ♠ 7 5 be careful not to let East gain the lead ♥ J 8 6 5 N ♥ Q 10 7 3 2 You are declarer in 4♥ and West leads who might switch meanly to a spade, ♦ K 9 8 W E ♦ 7 6 3 2 the ♦K followed by the ♦Q. How do you causing you distress if West holds the ace S ♣ 10 9 6 4 ♣ K 8 plan the play? in that suit. ♠ K Q J 6 2 The contract is a good one, but you So play the ace of diamonds by all ♥ A 9 always have to be careful when playing means, but then cross to dummy and ♦ A Q J 4 in a 4-3 fit. take a diamond finesse. If it loses you ♣ J 2 Suppose you trump the second still have nine tricks and if it wins you will diamond lead and aim to draw trumps have gained an overtrick. ■

Page 20 BRIDGE July 2016 Dirty Hands by David Owen A cheating scandal in the world of professional bridge

n 2010, and Ron Yet Fisher and Schwartz were more Brogeland is in his early forties. He Schwartz – Israeli bridge play- than holding their own against some has blond hair, much of which often ers in their early twenties – were of the best partnerships in the world. seems to be sticking straight up, and Imembers of the team that won the They often made the kinds of plays a more athletic build than most of the World Junior Teams Championship. that are fun to read about later, in world’s best bridge players. (At ma- The following year, their team won the bridge publications, because the intui- jor tournaments, the relatively few European Youth Bridge Team Cham- tion and reasoning can seem almost players who look as though they’ve pionships and they were invited to Sherlockian. The best players are able spent much time outside tend to be compete in a number of tournaments to deduce the presence of particular the smokers.) Brogeland had been a that included most of the world’s top cards in opponents’ hands long before teammate of Fisher and Schwartz dur- players. During the next few years, those cards have been exposed in play, ing the two previous tournament cy- they finished at or near the top in a based on what’s happened so far, and cles, on a six-player team sponsored remarkable number of those tourna- they think like oddsmakers. One of by a retired American businessman. ments. the longest chapters in the American (Tournament teams typically consist Bridge is a card game for four peo- League’s ‘Encyclope- of three pairs.) On several occasions ple. Like doubles tennis, it’s played two dia of Bridge’ lists precise probabilities during that period, he told me, he had on two – although at a bridge table the for alternative approaches to playing questioned them about their results partners sit opposite each other. (The hundreds of specific combinations of on certain hands, which he felt they seats are designated by compass points: cards. No one would try to memorize had played with uncanny precision. ‘I North-South versus East-West.) There all the percentages, but every skilled asked them, ‘What was your logic on are many millions of players world- player acquires an increasingly com- this hand?’ ‘ he recalled later. ‘They al- wide, and major tournaments attract prehensive sense of what’s likely to ways had a quick answer, but their re- thousands of entrants, but the arrival work and what isn’t. sponses still kept me on my toes.’ Now of new talent is a cause for celebra- Last summer, at an international that he had competed against them, he tion, because older players often worry event in Chicago, , was convinced that they were secretly that the game is aging into extinction. a Norwegian player, became con- exchanging information about their Successful young players stand out vinced that Fisher and Schwartz had cards. He shared his suspicions with for another reason, too: bridge, un- made prescient bids and plays that several other players. ‘Boye was steam- like chess, has never been dominated they couldn’t have found with skilful ing,’ Wolpert said. ‘But I told him to by prodigies. ‘The game is hugely ex- sleuthing alone. ‘Bridge is such a logi- do this the right way. Don’t go around perience-based,’ , a top cal game,’ he told me. ‘When you do a saying they’re cheating – you need to professional and a co-founder of an lot of strange things in a very short pe- get the evidence.’ influential Web site, Bridgewinners. riod of time, and those strange things All the major bridge organizations com, told me recently. He’s thirty- are successful – it just doesn’t hap- have protocols for dealing with alle- three years old – an age that, in the pen.’ He spent hours studying records gations of unethical behavior, but , counts as something like of hands that he and his partner had organizations have often been ineffec- late adolescence. ‘The longer you play, played against Fisher and Schwartz, tive in the past, and Brogeland feared the better you get at making good de- and concluded that they had been they’d do nothing. Instead, he posted cisions, because you’ve seen it before. cheating. ‘I just didn’t know how they a comment in a thread on Bridgewin- When you’re young, you don’t walk were doing it,’ he said. (Fisher and ners.com in which he said that he and in and suddenly start winning every Schwartz have denied all the allega- three of his teammates from the previ- event.’ tions.) ous two years had decided to give

BRIDGE July 2016 Page 21 ITALIAN OVERTURE

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SH_16_2097_Mr Bridge_Italian Overture_A4.indd 1 24/05/2016 17:31 up everything they had won together whose purposes is to reduce the role of ments must be transparent; secret un- – something that he said all players luck. At each table, the player whose derstandings between partners are not should do if they believe their team bid initiates the final contract is called allowed. Tournament players reveal includes ‘a cheating pair.’ This wasn’t the declarer. His opponents are called their agreements on a printed form, a veiled accusation, since Fisher and the defenders, and the play begins which their opponents can examine, Schwartz were the only teammates when the defender sitting to the left of and if an opponent is confused by he didn’t name. – an the declarer turns one of his cards face something, during either the bidding American bridge superstar for almost up on the table – a potentially momen- or the play, he can ask for an explana- four decades – told me, ‘Boye had balls tous play, called the . The tion at his next turn. as big as church bells to be doing what declarer’s partner now lays all his own Expert poker players often take ad- he was doing.’ And Brogeland wasn’t cards on the table, also face up (and, vantage of a skill they call table feel: an finished. Within a few weeks, what be- optionally, excuses himself to go out- ability to read the facial expressions gan as a single accusation had grown side for a cigarette); his hand, called and other unconscious ‘tells’ exhib- into a major scandal, involving the the dummy, is played not by him but ited by their opponents. Bridge players highest levels of international play. by the declarer, in addition to his own. rely on table feel, too, but in bridge not Bridge evolved from whist, a simi- There are many legitimate ways all tells can be exploited legally by all lar but simpler game, which dates to in which players exchange informa- players. If one of my opponents hesi- at least the early seventeen-hundreds. tion about their hands, during both tates during the bidding or the play, In both, a card is played from each of bidding and play. Some bidding se- I’m allowed to draw conclusions from the four hands in succession, and the quences, known as bidding conven- the hesitation – but if my partner hesi- resulting four-card ‘trick’ is won ei- tions, have artificial meanings. One tates I’m not. What’s more, if I seem to ther by the highest card in the suit that of the most widely used is Blackwood have taken advantage of information was led or by the highest card in the (named for the man who invented that I wasn’t authorized to know, my ‘trump’ suit – a designated supersuit, it), in which a bid of ‘four no-trump’ opponents can summon the tourna- which defeats all others. This sounds asks the bidder’s partner to reveal how ment director and seek an adjusted re- straightforward until you try it. One many aces he holds: a response of ‘five sult for the hand we just played. Prin- of the reasons bridge continues to fas- clubs’ means no aces (or all four), ‘five cipled players do their best to ignore cinate players all over the world is that, diamonds’ means one ace, ‘five hearts’ their partner and play at a consistent in order to become even sort of good at means two aces, ‘five spades’ means , in order to avoid exchanging it, you have to be willing to be bad at it three. Over the decades, Blackwood unauthorized information – and, if for a long time. has spawned many variations, some they do end up noticing something In whist, the trump suit is deter- of them quite complicated. My regu- they shouldn’t have noticed, they go mined by exposing the last card in lar bridge partners and I occasionally out of their way not to exploit it. Un- the deck; in bridge, the trump suit is allow beginning players to use a sim- principled players consciously take decided by an auction, which the four ple version, which we call Friedman advantage of such information. And, players conduct before revealing any Blackwood, after our late friend John occasionally, they go a great deal fur- of their cards. The auction also estab- Friedman, who was always forgetting ther than that. lishes how many tricks the auction’s the responses. (You answer by holding If you attend the spring North winner will have to take in order to up fingers.) American Bridge Championships, earn a positive score – a target known For the defenders, the play of the which will be held in Reno in March, as the contract. (Some auctions result hand is governed by conventions you won’t hear any mention of prize in a ‘no-trump’ contract, meaning that known as carding agreements. The money, because there is none. The the hand will be played without a su- oldest, which dates to the early days world’s best players earn hundreds of persuit.) The game’s modern version, of whist, is to lead the fourth-highest thousands of dollars a year, but the called contract bridge, is usually at- card when playing from a long suit. money is in salaries and other fees tributed to Harold S. Vanderbilt, who, If you know that that’s what your paid by wealthy team sponsors and during an ocean cruise in 1925, de- partner’s doing, you can apply the ‘clients,’ whose only goal is glory. Steve vised several transformative improve- so-called Rule of Eleven: subtract the Weinstein, who is fifty-two and has ments to the scoring system of the rank of the led card from eleven, and been one of the highest-ranked players previous version, . His the result is the number of higher in the world for more than a decade, ideas caught on with extraordinary cards in that suit which are contained told me that, because rich bridge ad- speed, and within a few years auction in the other three hands. Since you can dicts outnumber great players, compe- bridge had all but disappeared. see two of those hands (your own and tition for the services of the top pros In tournaments and at bridge clubs, the dummy), you now know the exact can be intense. Weinstein worked as identical hands are played at all tables, distribution of all the higher cards. an options trader on Wall Street be- and each pair’s or team’s score is based One reason this isn’t cheating is that fore switching, after 9/11, to bridge on how well it does relative to others the declarer can read and exploit the and poker full time. The team that he playing the same cards – a form of , too, since he can also see two plays for is financed by Frank T. (Nick) the game known as duplicate, one of of the four hands. In bridge, all agree- Nickell, the chairman of Kelso &

BRIDGE July 2016 Page 23 GATEWAY to ATLANTIC ISLES

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SH_16_2097_Mr Bridge_Gateway to Atlantic Isles_A4.indd 1 24/05/2016 17:30 Company, a private-equity firm in ence Reese, who is still widely regard- Cheating scandals lead, inevitably, Manhattan. (Nickell himself plays on ed as perhaps the best English player to enhancements in security. Even in his team, and was inducted into the in the history of the game. Dorothy games at local bridge clubs nowadays, American Contract Bridge League’s Hayden – a great player herself, who bids are made not by speaking them Hall of Fame in 2008.) was later married to , (and possibly imparting unauthor- The first American full-time profes- the Times’ bridge columnist for forty- ized information through inflection) sional bridge team, called the Dallas one years – determined, by watching but by silently displaying pre-printed Aces, was formed in 1968 by Ira G. them play, that Reese and his partner bidding cards. Hands at big tourna- Corn, Jr., a Texas businessman. The were showing each other how many ments are dealt not by people but by pay wasn’t spectacular: a thousand hearts they held by positioning their machines, and each deal is recorded, dollars a month for married play- fingers in particular ways when they making tampering virtually impos- ers, somewhat less for bachelors, plus fanned their cards. sible. For top matches at important travel and tournament expenses. Corn In 1970, Henry Itkin and Kenny tournaments, each table is fitted with assembled his team because he was Rhodes, a relatively unknown Ameri- a single diagonal , which pre- upset that, for more than a decade, can pair, suddenly began achieving vents partners from seeing each other the game had been dominated by a results that better players believed during the bidding and makes chang- group of Italian players known as the were beyond their capabilities. Their es in tempo harder to interpret. And, . The won the code was cracked by Steve Robinson, because of the Italian Foot Soldiers, in World Teams Championship in 1970, a well-known tournament player, who big matches dividers are placed under and again the following year. Those realized that, when Rhodes sorted his tables as well as on top of them. victories were all the more impressive hand after picking it up, he moved the In 2014, two German physicians, because the Aces were convinced that cards in a way that telegraphed his en- who had won a World Pairs Champi- the Blue Team was cheating, although tire holding to Itkin. Robinson told me onship, were banned for ten years by no members of the team were ever that he had observed them during a the for using formally charged. Bob Hamman, who tournament without being able to de- an auditory signalling system. (They’re played on the Aces and now, in his late cipher what they were doing, but as he now known as the Coughing Doctors.) seventies, is universally considered drove home afterward he reviewed a Their method was so crude that they to have been one of the best bridge hand in his mind, and the system sud- were relatively easy to catch, but, in players ever, told me, ‘The Blue Team denly came to him. ‘If he took cards general, as security measures have be- had two outstanding players and one from the right and put them back in come more sophisticated, methods of very good player, but the other three the right side of the hand, that rep- evading them have become more so- were essentially from central casting.’ resented one,’ he said. ‘Right to the phisticated, too – like the arms race He conjectured that the Italians used center was two, right to the left was between e-mailers and spammers. a number of illicit signals, involving three. Center to the right was four.’ When Brogeland made his first an- things like hand gestures and the po- The signaller would give counts on nouncement, his evidence against sitioning of their cigarettes. In 1975, three suits – first spades, then hearts, Fisher and Schwartz consisted solely two members of a later version of the then diamonds – and then use simi- of what he believed to be a collection Blue Team were caught signalling un- lar movements to show strength. The of suspicious hands; he still didn’t der the table with their feet; they’ve code was so complex that the pair usu- know how they might be exchanging been known ever since as the Italian ally used it in just one direction (only information. A few days later, he cre- Foot Soldiers. Itkin could reliably read it). In 1979, ated a new Web site, called Bridge- An American player told me that the two other American partners, Steve cheaters.com, and posted three You- Blue Team’s cheating might be consid- Sion and Alan Cokin, were caught Tube videos from the 2014 European ered an inevitable consequence of It- signalling to each other with their Team Championships, which Fisher aly’s unusual card-playing culture. In scoring pencils, and were expelled and Schwartz’s team had won. Each briscola, a popular trick-taking game, from the American Contract Bridge video had been shot from a camera one of the objects is to surreptitious- League. ‘ was one of the best mounted near the table. It showed ly pass information to your partner, declarers in the game,’ Paul Linxwiler, all four players, as well as the table without being observed by an oppo- the executive editor of Bridge Bulle- paraphernalia of modern tournament nent. (In one signalling system, tight- tin, the A.C.B.L.’s monthly magazine, bridge: four bidding boxes (contain- ening the lips over the teeth shows an told me. ‘But he hated the idea that a ing each player’s pre-printed bidding ace, glancing upward shows a king, less talented player might beat him.’ cards); a felt-covered bidding tray and shrugging one shoulder shows Sion and Cokin were reinstated after (on which the players place bidding a jack.) But, over the years, plenty of five years, and Cokin never got into cards before sliding it back under the non-Italians have been caught cheat- trouble again. But Sion was thrown screen); and a plastic duplicate board ing, too. One notorious incident took out permanently in 1997, after being (a flat, rectangular box in which four place in Buenos Aires in 1965, at a ma- caught doing the equivalent of stack- pre-dealt hands have been delivered jor international tournament called ing the deck with a tournament’s pre- to the table). Brogeland asked for help the , and involved Ter- dealt hands. from other players, and the search

BRIDGE July 2016 Page 25 for evidence immediately became a to shorten Weinstein’s many trips to everything he had won while they collaborative international project. and from the airport. The furnishings were employed by him. Not long after his Web site went up, consisted of little more than a couch, As the scandal involving the Israelis Brogeland received a tip that Fisher a coffeemaker, and a big round table. was unfolding, Brogeland received an and Schwartz had been in trouble be- I’d brought a bidding tray and a du- e-mail from Maaijke Mevius, a physi- fore, when they were teen-agers. With plicate board to use as props. ‘When cist in the Netherlands, whose spe- aid from several players, he obtained the bidding is over, you have to get cialty is astronomy. She said that the documents showing that, beginning these things out of the way,’ Weinstein revelations about Fisher and Schwartz in 2003, the Israeli Bridge Federation said, demonstrating. ‘The pair sitting had got her wondering about other had disciplined Fisher and Schwartz North-South almost always handles partnerships, and that she had studied more than once for ethical violations that – and Fisher and Schwartz always other tournament videos available on in junior events. In 2005, Fisher was wanted to sit North-South.’ Usually, YouTube. She was especially interested caught with a slip of paper contain- North moves the bidding tray to the in Fulvio Fantoni and Claudio Nunes, ing information about a hand his ta- floor or to a nearby chair, and puts the who were then ranked No. 1 and No. 2 ble hadn’t played yet, and the I.B.F. duplicate board in the center of the ta- by the World Bridge Federation. Both suspended him for two years, forbade ble, directly under the screen. players are Italian, but in 2010 they him to represent Israel in bridge for On deals in which Fisher and moved to Monaco after being hired an additional eighteen months, and Schwartz ended up as declarer and to play on the Monegasque national placed him on probation for five years dummy, they cleared away the tray team, which is led and financed by a beyond that. Schwartz was also sus- and the board in the usual man- wealthy Swiss businessman. Rumours pended and placed on probation in ner. But when they were defending about them had been circulating 2005, for a different offence. Yet, even – meaning that one of them would among bridge players for several years, before their probations were over, they make the opening lead – they were and Mevius thought that her scien- had re-emerged as a pair. wildly inconsistent. Sometimes Fisher tific training might enable her to spot As Brogeland had requested, players would remove the tray, and sometimes something that others had missed. She around the world studied the videos of Schwartz would, and sometimes they told Brogeland that she had indeed Fisher and Schwartz – at first, without would leave it on the table. Further- seen something, although she wasn’t success. ‘I thought it must be some- more, they placed the duplicate board an accomplished enough player to be thing electronic, because I couldn’t in a number of different positions – sure of its significance. What she had figure it out,’ Jeff Meckstroth told me. each of which, it turns out, conveyed a noticed was that, when either Fantoni But Per-Ola Cullin, a young Swedish particular meaning. ‘If Lotan wanted or Nunes made an opening lead, he player, noticed something strange. I a spade lead, he put the board in the sometimes placed the card on the ta- spoke with him on the phone recent- middle and pushed it all the way to the ble horizontally, and sometimes verti- ly, after his children had gone to bed. other side,’ Weinstein said. If he want- cally. He said, ‘I actually thought that Boye ed a heart, he put it to the right. Dia- Brogeland followed up, with help knew what they were doing, and was mond, over here. Club, here. No pref- from a number of other top players. just trying to find out if others could erence, here.’ Using that key, a leading Meckstroth told me that he had been see it as well. It turns out that he didn’t professional stayed up all night study- convinced since 2014 that Fantoni and know, but when I watched the video ing the hands, then published a de- Nunes were cheating. He said that I kind of saw it right away.’ The tac- tailed synopsis of the crucial plays in a he had been trying for a year, with- tic that Cullin identified involved the post on Bridgewinners. A British Web out success, to persuade the A.C.B.L. opening lead, one of the most diffi- designer, who plays recreationally, to investigate them, and had spent cult plays in bridge, because it usually used that analysis to assemble an ex- many hours studying tapes himself, has to be made with no knowledge of planatory highlight reel, and uploaded but without spotting the opening-lead the other hands except what has been it to YouTube. pattern. With Mevius’s clue, though, deduced from the auction. A bridge The team on which Fisher and the cheat became obvious: in eighty- player who somehow found the ideal Schwartz played last summer was two of eighty-five videotaped hands, opening lead on every hand would be sponsored by Jimmy Cayne, the former Fantoni or Nunes led a card vertically like a tennis pro who never missed a head of Bear Stearns. (Cayne was criti- when his remaining holding in the first serve. cized in the press during the global fi- same suit contained an ace, a king, One day last month, I asked Wein- nancial crisis for seeming to care more or a queen, and horizontally when it stein to show me the code that Cullin about bridge than about Bear Stearns. didn’t. Weinstein asked a bridge-play- had broken. He and his wife live in He stepped down shortly before the ing math professor at the University of a big house on the outskirts of An- firm’s collapse, and since then he’s had Chicago to calculate the probability of des, New York, a tiny town not far fewer distractions.) After studying the such a precise correlation’s occurring from where he grew up, but I visited videotapes, Cayne announced that he by chance. The professor, in an e-mail, him at a smaller house, in a suburban would drop Fisher and Schwartz from said that the number was ‘so small it neighborhood in New Jersey, which his team unless they were vindicated, is not worth working out exactly,’ but they recently began renting, mainly and that he would willingly forfeit that it would be roughly ‘.0000 . . .

Page 26 BRIDGE July 2016 where at least the first eighteen digits ficult, partly because the governing ized tournament table, at which play- are zeros.’ (Fantoni denied all allega- bodies were fearful of being sued, and ers wouldn’t use actual cards at all, tions of cheating by him and Nunes.) partly because cheating could be ex- and would bid and play roughly the A few days after the accusations tremely difficult to prove. Older play- way they do online. But tournament concerning Fantoni and Nunes, an- ers often exhibited what now seems players I talked to said they would other leading pair, and like a fatalistic attitude about dis- be reluctant to move the game so far Alex Smirnov, of Germany, confessed honest opponents, even in cases they from its analog origins. Brogeland that they had been cheating. They believed to be obvious. But YouTube told me that what he thinks the game said they were ‘aware of the ‘whis- changed that, and Bridgewinners really needs is a firmer cultural com- pers’ ‘ about their ‘ethical conduct,’ has given top-level players a global mitment to ethical play. ‘I think we and that these whispers contained discussion-and-support forum – two should be more focussed on that,’ he ‘some truth.’ In fact, there was more empowering developments for hon- said. ‘If you’re always trying things than some truth, and their confession est players. In January, the American to make cheating more difficult, it’s wasn’t entirely voluntary. Brogeland Contract Bridge League gave Broge- like biting your tail.’ Bridge, in other had compiled evidence – one of their land its annual sportsmanship award. words, should try to be more like golf, signals involved placing their bidding The charges against Fisher, the only major sport in which players cards in unusual positions on the bid- Schwartz, Fantoni, and Nunes are still call penalties on themselves, and not ding trays – and he and Weinstein had officially only allegations: no national at all like football, in which a running given them an opportunity to step bridge organization has ruled on any back would be considered almost neg- forward before being outed. Their en- of the current cases, and the four play- ligent if he didn’t try to shove the ball a tire team withdrew from the World ers have hired lawyers and prepared few inches farther forward after being Bridge Championships, which were defences. (Fisher and Schwartz told tackled. to begin a week later, in Chennai, In- Brogeland that they wouldn’t sue him No matter what eventually hap- dia. I’ve watched, also on YouTube, a if he retracted his accusations and pens, players today seem less resigned remarkable video in which Piekarek paid them a million dollars; Broge- to unethical behavior by opponents and Smirnov are playing Fisher and land has said that he would welcome than players of the past sometimes Schwartz in a tournament match, and a lawsuit.) A number of hearings have did – no doubt partly because, for the Fisher appears to catch Smirnov try- been scheduled, but even if no organi- time being, they have the tools to fight ing to cheat. Smirnov places a bidding zation ultimately takes action, it’s un- it. Brogeland has set a powerful ex- card on the bidding tray in an unu- likely that any of the players will com- ample, but the attitude he represents sual position, and Fisher apparently pete again – certainly not as partners. had been building for some time. Two obliterates the signal by shaking the ‘They’re done,’ one pro told me. years ago, after the World Bridge Fed- tray as he slides it to the other side of In the future, catching cheaters will eration banned the Coughing Doctors the screen. Fisher smirks, then writes presumably be more difficult. Several from competition, the overwhelm- something on a piece of paper and players I spoke with said that Fisher and ing majority of responders to a poll shows it to Smirnov. Smirnov shrugs, Schwartz might have evaded detection on Bridgewinners said that, in prov- glances at the video camera, and looks indefinitely if they had been less bra- en cases of cheating, titles should be around the room. zen, and that the reason so many inci- stripped from the cheaters’ teammates The damage that Lance Armstrong dents were exposed all at once is that, as well as from the cheaters themselves did to the careers of other competitive until very recently, tournament vide- – a position that players and governing cyclists, and to cycling itself, is incal- otapes weren’t readily available, and bodies in the past haven’t always em- culable, and it seems conceivable that dishonest players didn’t understand braced. And Weinstein told me that, at the sport will never fully recover. The their power. Now that they do under- a tournament two or three years ago, recent alleged cheating incidents in stand, cheaters will become craftier in Fisher approached him and said he un- bridge are in some ways just as egre- their deceptions, and the main tool for derstood that Weinstein had been tell- gious. ‘The thing about Fantoni and catching them will almost certainly be ing people behind his back that he and Nunes that’s so upsetting,’ Weinstein statistical analysis of suspicious results. Schwartz were cheating. ‘I said, ‘No, I’ll told me, ‘is that they xxxxxx up the It’s also likely that major bridge organi- tell you to your face,’ ‘Weinstein con- game since 2002, when they won the zations will adopt binding-arbitration tinued. ‘I said I could show him four- World Open Pairs, so for a decade and requirements, thereby eliminating the teen hands on which I know he had a half, almost, they have ruined the intimidation presented by lawsuits. cheated. He said, ‘Well, we don’t cheat records of bridge.’ Yet virtually every Team sponsors could take that idea a – but what would you do if you were in player I’ve talked to, Weinstein among step further, by adding ethics clauses to my position?’ And I said, ‘I don’t know, them, views the recent incidents as all of their player contracts. Lotan. I really can’t relate to that, be- highly positive events. Effectively pur- Several players have proposed tech- cause I would never be in your posi- suing bridge cheaters used to be dif- nological fixes, such as a computer- tion.’ ©David Owen 2016 ■

This article was first published in The New Yorker and is reprinted with the author’s permission.

BRIDGE July 2016 Page 27 ATLANTIC ARCHIPELAGOS

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SH_16_2097_Mr Bridge_Atlantic Archipelagos_A4.indd 1 24/05/2016 17:30 More Tips from Bernard Magee CROATIA When leading against a doubled 2-16 May 2017 contract consider leading trumps Bernard Magee

ou should all double much At favourable vulnerability, it looks HOTEL From more than you do: punish the safe for North-South to , £1,425 overbidding and get good scores after all they only need to make EDEN Y sharing at duplicate pairs by doubling your seven tricks to make a profit (three ROVINJ opponents. However, to really punish off doubled non-vulnerable = -500). your opponents takes accurate defence. However, with a comfortable game Players tend to bid on, when they have on for your side, you know there is a good trump fit and hope to be able to only one likely source of tricks for the make use of their trumps to make more opponents so you attack it straight tricks than they might deserve. As a away: lead your singleton trump. defender, your job is to negate the effect Against partscore contracts, a of their trumps and that will often mean singleton trump can be a risky lead, leading trumps as often as possible to because quite often your partner cut down the ruffs that declarer can get. will have a decent four-card holding You are on lead with this hand, in their trump suit and it will be as West, after the auction given. spoilt by your lead. However, when Rovinj is situated on the western coast the opponents support each other of Istria in Croatia, the largest peninsula boldly, it is much less likely to cost on the Adriatic coastline, a one hour Dealer East. E/W Game. and the importance of drawing their drive from Trieste, 2.5 hours from Zagreb. Boasting a rich, natural and cultural ♠ 7 trumps far outweighs the risks. heritage, with beautiful landmarks such as ♥ K 8 3 2 N Declarer wins in hand and plays the old town, the Golden Cape Park Forest, W E ♦ K J 9 8 2 a club to partner’s king. Partner protected islands and coastal area. S ♣ Q 8 7 continues your fine defence by playing The climate is warm and semi-dry, with another trump. Declarer wins in hand more than four months a year without wind. and ruffs a club, but when he tries Hotel Eden is wedged right between a West North East South a heart, your partner leaps up with peninsula covered by a one hundred year old park forest and a quiet cove. The old 1♣ 1♠ his ace and plays a third trump. city centre of Rovinj is just a 20 minute Dbl 3♠ 4♥ 4♠ Dummy has supplied just one ruff walk away. Dbl All Pass and declarer ends up four off: +800. Rooms: All rooms are equipped with a When you look at the North- direct phone line, LCD SAT TV, mini-bar, Your first double was negative, South holdings it seems easy to safe, bathtub or shower, toilet, hair dryer, promising four cards in the unbid make at least seven tricks: five top balcony, air conditioning/heating. Suites are available, details on application. major, your second double was for trumps and a couple of club ruffs: penalties: your hand did not look that extra trump trick would leave Singles: There is a sole occupancy supplement of £11 per room per night. If ideal for competing to the five level. you with only 500 points, short you are a single bridge player, please do not changed for the 620 you would get worry about being on your own. We will for making 4♥. A heart or club lead always be able to find you a partner and you can always have a game. ♠ K J 8 3 will allow declarer that extra trick. ♥ J 9 7 4 Many of the doubled contracts you Beaches & Pools: The playful curves of the pool offer refreshment in the summer ♦ 7 6 5 4 will defend against will be sacrifices with a salty breeze coming from the natural ♣ J where a trump lead attacks your stone and pebble beach only a few steps ♠ 7 ♠ 6 5 4 opponents’ main source of tricks. away. The vast outdoor pool will cool you down after a day of lounging in the freely ♥ K 8 3 2 N ♥ A 10 6 5 However the leads are just as W E available deck chairs. ♦ K J 9 8 2 ♦ A powerful at lower levels. Generally, S Terms and conditions apply. ♣ Q 8 7 ♣ A K 10 5 2 when you have doubled your opponents These holidays have been organised for ♠ A Q 10 9 2 in a suit partscore, you will have the Mr Bridge by Great Little Escapes LLP, ATOL 5933 ♥ Q majority of points between you and a ♦ Q 10 3 strong trump holding. By leading trumps Details of the bridge programme ♣ 9 6 4 3 you will often be able to take control of ( 01483 489961 the hand. ■

BRIDGE July 2016 Page 29 Teacher’s Corner – Teaching Tips from Ian Dalziel Double Dummy Analysers

hat has been the most useful footing so this advantage tends to even Bailey of California in 1999. Bill was development in bridge in out and the computer predictions are a keen bridge player and computer the last 25 years? There not far off what happens at the table. programmer who took a year off work Ware a lot of contenders: bidding boxes, The ‘makeable contracts’ table is to write it. The analyser was soon computer scoring, computer dealing, enormously useful in bridge teaching incorporated in computer dealing dealing machines, bridge websites and when doing post-mortems. Not only software the world over, to enhance Bridgemates. My vote, however, goes does the teacher have the DD predic- their print-outs, as mentioned above. to the Double Dummy Analyser which tion of the current con- works out makeable contracts, which tract, he can also readily are shown on computer dealt hand see the tricks made had print-outs, either in hard copy or on another contract been a website. Double Dummy (DD) play chosen. The teacher means the best play on both sides with needs to explain that all cards showing. sometimes making as In the example shown, 6♠ by South many tricks as shown is straightforward on any lead but is only possible with all a low club. You draw trumps then cards exposed, although establish a diamond for a club discard, at times, the computer while retaining ♥Q as an . On the will alert you to a way unlikely club lead, you have a nasty of making the contract guess but the computer plays ♣10 with without ‘peeking’ which, impunity, as it knows ‘what lies where’. otherwise, you would have missed. Working out how the computer makes its contracts can be tremendously in- structive. It involves every aspect of card play including leading, trump control, ruffing, suit establishment, en- tries, ducking, timing, finessing, unblocking, end plays and squeezes. I keep a sheet of hand It’s true, therefore, that double print-outs in my pocket; dummy play is not ‘real bridge’ as all it’s a great time passer cards are seen; it’s a bit like chess and and will improve your reduces bridge to pure logic. There card sense immensely. is no deception, no percentages to Some DD problems are calculate, no inferences need be taken very hard to solve – one took me a In addition, it enables you to input any from the bidding or previous play and week, yet the computer usually solves hand (partial or complete) and see the you don’t need to remember which them in a fraction of a second. best play for any contract you chose. cards have been played. However, The first DD analyser was called Hence, if you are stumped as to how declarer and defenders are on an equal ‘Deep Finesse’ and was written by Bill the computer has made a contract,

Page 30 BRIDGE July 2016 Teacher’s Corner – Teaching Tips from Ian Dalziel Double Dummy Analysers

Deep Finesse (DF) will show you how When you find the unique solution ‘followers’ have an average of three it’s done. Up till recently this software to a very difficult contract in a random choices at tricks one to 10, two choices cost $40 but is now free as a download hand, it’s hard to believe the deal at tricks 11 and 12 and of course no from www.deepfinesse.com wasn’t created or designed but came choice at trick 13. Here is a DF screenshot of the hand about by blind chance. Isn’t it amazing Hence, trick one can be played 351 above, in 6♠, with South to play after that a game with such simple card ways (13x3x3x3), trick two 324 ways a trump lead. The winning cards play rules can create such endless (12x3x3x3) and so on. Trick 12 is 16 complexity, wonder and (2x2x2x2) and trick 13 is 1. You then even beauty? multiply the options for all 13 tricks – In 2006, Bo Haglund 351x324……..x16x1 etc which comes of Stockholm indepen- to approx …..82,000,000,000,000,000, dently wrote his own 000,000,000. Now, of course, most of analyser called Double these options are unlikely but surely Dummy Solver (DDS). the computer has to consider them all, Like Deep Finesse it was as sometimes bizarre plays succeed? 100% accurate, but was My computer’s processor is 2.6GHZ so at least 10 times faster, so it does 2,600,000,000 calculations per most dealing programs second. Amazingly fast – but it would have switched from DF take 100 million years to analyse every to DDS. Very generous- possible play of a bridge hand. The ly, Bo made DDS freely fact it takes less than a second surely available and now Bill means it only analyses a fraction of the Bailey has followed suit possible plays but it never misses the (see above). key plays. How does the DD an- I sent my analysis above to Bo alyser work? I have nev- Haglund. He replied that DDS takes er known it to be wrong into account every possible play but so I assumed it consid- only a small fraction is searched, ered every possible way only those plays that can affect the a hand could be played. outcome. The software has some very Have you ever wondered clever algorithms to do this and so what that number is? I the computer does an average of only had to work it out myself 50,000 searches. It seems these tree as I couldn’t find the an- searches have been used for years by swer anywhere. I did it computer chess programmers, which this way…. confirms my view that double dummy The opening leader play is similar to chess. has a choice of 13 cards, Bo sent me some links to websites the subsequent leaders which explain the algorithms, but have a choice of 12, 11, it was way over my head. To me, are marked with W and losing cards 10 cards and so on. That’s the easy bit it remains a work of genius and with L . You can pace through the – but those following suit, ruffing or I think we bridge players owe a huge hand trying any line you wish and discarding will have a varying number debt of gratitude to Bill and Bo for the winning and losing options will of choices to each trick. However, after this wonderful enhancement to our change as you do so. It’s great fun. analysing many hands I found the game. ■

BRIDGE July 2016 Page 31 Improve Your Defence with Andrew Kambites

To Win or Not to Win. That is the Question!

eginners love winning tricks. In Layout A, South was in 6NT. The A similar misfortune met the defence They fear losing the lead. They contract clearly depends on the spade in Layout B. Again, the contract was then realise that often taking all finesse, which was due to fail, but East 6NT, this time with little legitimate Byour tricks at the start of a hand means found a way to let it succeed. Declarer chance of success despite the com- you lose all the later tricks because you won the diamond lead with the ♦K bined total of 33 points, because the have set up winners for your oppo- and started on clubs. Twice East with- defenders should always get a trick in nents. As declarer they learn to finesse, held his ♣A. Declarer then turned his each . risking losing a trick but realising that attention to spades, running the ♠J. West led a diamond, declarer won if they are too scared to finesse, they West won the ♠K but had no club left the ♦K and successfully finessed his lose the trick anyway. As declarer and to play. ♥J. defender they are shown that some- Declarer made his no-trump slam Now he turned his attention to times it pays to not take your ace, in with two clubs, three spades, three spades. For some reason best known particular, because it can disrupt your hearts and four diamonds. to himself, East allowed dummy’s opponents’ communications or aid East’s excuse was, ‘I didn’t know ♠K and ♠Q to win the trick. Declarer your own communications. I will deal whether to win it or not.’ Let me suggest then switched back to diamonds with this in the next article, but this a simple rule. If you are in a position to and cashed the rest of his time I want to deal with something win a trick when your partner cannot winners ending in dummy. that I see over and over again in club win it, take the trick unless you have a The position was: bridge: namely defenders allowing op- positive reason otherwise. This usually ponents to win a trick for no particu- applies in fourth seat, but can equally lar reason and later regretting it. I will well apply in second seat if an honour ♠ J start with a valuable principle. is led from dummy. ♥ Q 3 ♦ — ♣ — Layout A Layout B ♠ 10 ♠ A ♠ J 10 9 ♠ K Q J ♥ 10 8 N ♥ K 9 W E ♥ A 7 ♥ Q 3 2 ♦ — S ♦ — ♦ A J 5 3 ♦ K Q 7 6 ♣ — ♣ — ♣ K Q J 10 ♣ A K 7 ♠ 9 ♠ K 6 5 ♠ 7 4 2 ♠ 10 6 5 3 ♠ A 8 7 ♥ A 6 ♥ 10 6 5 2 N ♥ 9 8 4 3 ♥ 10 8 7 5 N ♥ K 9 4 ♦ — W E ♦ 10 9 8 4 W E ♦ 6 2 ♦ 9 8 3 ♦ 5 4 ♣ — S S ♣ 9 3 ♣ A 8 6 4 ♣ 5 3 ♣ 10 9 8 4 2 ♠ A Q 8 3 ♠ 9 4 2 ♥ K Q J ♥ A J 6 Declarer was fairly confident of the ♦ K Q 7 ♦ A J 10 2 position and exited with a spade. East ♣ 7 5 2 ♣ Q J 6 won and had to lead away from his ♥K. Contract made.

Page 32 BRIDGE July 2016 East made the same East knew why he was then the ♠Q when the ♠K irrelevant excuse as in ducking: if he had taken the holds the trick. East keeps Layout A. ♥K with his ♥A he would his ♠A. Declarer now cashes Mr Bridge I will now look at some have been endplayed. two club tricks leaving this My upcoming 2016/17 examples where a defender If East had returned a position: programme on board is right to allow declarer to club or a diamond, that win the trick. would have fatally conceded a ruff and discard, allowing ♠ J MINERVA declarer to ruff in one hand ♥ K Q 5 Layout C and discard a heart from ♦ 8 5 3 ♠ K J 8 3 2 the other hand. ♣ J ♥ K Q 10 If East had played back a ♠ 9 ♠ A 10 ♦ A 9 ♥ 10 9 8 N ♥ 6 heart he would be leading W E ♣ ♥ ♦ S ♦ A Q 5 away from his J, solving J 9 4 2 10 7 AEGEAN CLASSICS ♠ 10 N ♠ 5 4 declarer’s heart problems. ♣ — ♣ 8 7 6 ♥ 9 8 7 6 W E ♥ A J 4 ♠ 6 2-15 November 2016 S Note that it would have ♦ Q J 10 8 4 ♦ 6 5 3 2 been correct for East to al- ♥ 7 3 14 day cruise ♣ 10 7 3 ♣ 8 6 4 2 low the ♥K to hold even if ♦ A K Q 6 ♠ A Q 9 7 6 he didn’t have the ♥J. ♣ A OLD EMPIRES ♥ 5 3 2 This gives declarer a guess 15-27 November 2016 ♦ K 7 when he leads a second 13 day cruise ♣ K J 9 heart from his hand if the Declarer cashes the ♣A and hearts are as shown in Lay- West has an easy spade dis- ADRIATIC to ♥ out D: does East have the J card. VENICE In Layout C, the contract or ♥A? Declarer established 11 27 Nov - 9 Dec 2016 was 6♠. West led the ♦Q, tricks but with both red won by declarer’s ♦K. De- suits breaking 4-2, there 13 day cruise clarer then drew trumps in Layout D is no twelfth trick. Now two rounds, cashed the ♦A ♥ K Q 7 picture what would have ITALIAN and three rounds of clubs happened if East had taken N OVERTURE ending in his hand leaving ♥ J 8 6 3 W E ♥ A 5 4 his ♠A. Declarer could cash S 9-21 December 2016 this position. the ♠J as well as the ♣A and 13 day cruise ♥ 10 9 2 West would have to discard a guard in one of his red FIESTAS de ♠ J 8 3 suits, allowing declarer to ♥ K Q 10 Layout E demonstrates an- make four tricks in that suit. NAVIDAD ♦ — other situation where East Most squeezes work only 21 Dec - 3 Jan 2017 ♣ — needs to withhold an ace. if declarer has lost all the 14 day cruise ♠ — ♠ — The contract is 6NT. tricks he can afford to lose. ♥ 9 8 7 N ♥ A J 4 W E If declarer had succeeded ATLANTIC ISLES ♦ J 10 8 S ♦ 5 2 in losing a spade, West 3-17 January 2017 ♣ — ♣ 8 Layout E would have no spare card 15 day cruise ♠ Q 9 7 ♠ K Q J to discard. Conceding your ♥ 5 3 2 ♥ A K Q 5 inevitable losers in order ARCHIPELAGOS ♦ — ♦ 8 5 3 to squeeze an opponent 17-30 January 2017 ♣ — ♣ K J 10 is called ‘rectifying the 14 day cruise ♠ 9 7 5 ♠ A 10 8 2 count’. ♥ ♥ J 10 9 8 N 6 4 So how can East know it is VOLCANIC ♦ W E ♦ ♠ Declarer now led the ♥2 to J 9 4 2 S 10 7 correct to withhold his A dummy’s ♥K. East correct- ♣ 9 4 ♣ 8 7 6 5 2 here, but not in Layouts A ISLANDS ly allowed this to hold the ♠ 6 4 3 and B? 30 Jan - 12 Feb 2017 trick. ♥ 7 3 2 Not easy: all I can say 14 day cruise Declarer had to return to ♦ A K Q 6 is that at club level I have his hand with a trump and ♣ A Q 3 seen far more contracts MARITIME IBERIA lead another heart towards let through by withhold- 12-25 February 2017 dummy. Now East could ing aces for no good reason 14 day cruise cash two heart tricks to West leads the ♥J, taken by than I have seen squeezes defeat the slam. Can you see dummy’s ♥A. Declarer then fail because a defender re- ( 01483 489961 the difference? calls for dummy’s ♠K, and fuses to take a winner. ■

BRIDGE July 2016 Page 33 Robin Hood’s Bridge Adventures by David Bird

The Sheriff’s Late Appointment

he fifth round of the West North East South finesse? Should he risk annoying the Nottingham Castle duplicate Odine Guy of Berwick The Sheriff by winning the queen with his saw the arrival at the Sheriff’s Jubert Gisborne Jubert Sheriff king? Perhaps he should follow with Ttable of a married couple who had 4♠ the ♣6, claiming that he had pulled worked for many years in the castle Pass 6♠ All Pass the wrong card. laundry. Few better jobs were available ‘Play the ace,’ said the Sheriff. ‘And to those of their standing and the The ♦K was led and Gisborne put lead another diamond.’ He ruffed this laundry-room was warm even in down the dummy. Berwick Jubert trick with the ♠10, retaining his two the depths of winter. It went without was distressed to see that dummy lowest trumps to allow him to enter saying that they were careful with contained the ♣A-Q and he held the the dummy safely. their words when facing the Sheriff. ♣K sitting over the tenace. What if the He crossed to the ♠8 and ruffed ‘Your silk shirt shows well today, slam depended on a successful club another diamond with the ♠J. my Lord,’ observed Berwick Jubert. ‘I believe my wife was assigned to its cleansing this week.’ ‘I added some marjoram to the soapwort, my Lord,’ said Odine, his wife. ‘I hope you like the fresh scent it produces.’ The Sheriff, who had little interest in such matters, managed a small nod. He pointed at the board before them and the players drew their cards. This was the layout:

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

Page 34 BRIDGE July 2016 Returning to dummy with the ♠9, he Kingslake, a lithe 19-year-old who and Patsi Kingslake won with the ♠Q. ruffed dummy’s last diamond. With had recently paid several late-night She paused to read the lie of the spade the diamond suit removed from the visits to his officer’s quarters in the suit. Letha would have returned the ♠J fray, these cards remained: West tower. Such encounters broke no from an original ♠J-9-2. The Sheriff regulations, as far as he knew, but the must still hold the ♠A-J and it would Sheriff would jibe him mercilessly if he give him an extra trick if she persisted ♠ 4 were to discover the situation. with the suit. ♥ A K J 6 ‘Ah, who have we here?’ enquired Pleased to have an opportunity to ♦ — the Sheriff, looking Miss Kingslake impress Sir Guy, Patsi switched to the ♣ A Q up and down. ‘Have you played in the ♦9. The Sheriff won and was soon able ♠ — ♠ — castle duplicate before, my dear?’ to set up the club suit, making the ♥ 10 3 N ♥ Q 9 8 4 W E ‘No, my Lord,’ Patsi replied. ‘It’s my contract exactly. ♦ —─ S ♦ — first time.’ ‘That’s surprising, my Lord,’ said ♣ J 9 8 5 3 ♣ K 10 7 The Sheriff smirked. ‘Did you hear Gisborne, inspecting the score-sheet. ♠ A K that, Gisborne? It’s her first time.’ ‘Most declarers have gone down in ♥ 7 5 2 ‘I believe it’s you to bid, my Lord,’ 3NT.’ ♦ — replied Gisborne. ‘His Lordship played it well, Guy,’ ♣ 4 2 This was the deal before them: observed Patsi Kingslake. ‘If he wins the first trick, the contract cannot be made.’ The Sheriff led the♥ 2 from his hand Dealer South. E/W Vul. The Sheriff’s ears pricked up. ‘She and the ♥3 appeared from West. ‘Play ♠ 10 6 calls you Guy?’ he queried. ‘What have the six,’ said the Sheriff, looking almost ♥ K 6 2 we here, Gisborne? Are you acquainted bored as he made this expert play. He ♦ A 8 5 with this wench?’ would no doubt be the only declarer in ♣ Q 10 9 8 3 ‘Er… well, not really, my Lord,’ the room to find it and then, tediously, ♠ K Q 8 5 4 ♠ 9 2 Gisborne replied. ‘She sometimes the ♥Q would prove to be onside. ♥ J 8 4 N ♥ Q 7 5 3 serves the wine in the Great Hall.’ W E ♥ ♦ 9 3 ♦ 10 6 4 2 Berwick Jubert won with the 8 S The Sheriff eyed Patsi closely. ‘Now and had to surrender the contract by ♣ K 7 2 ♣ A 6 4 I come to think of it,’ he continued, leading into one of dummy’s tenaces. ♠ A J 7 3 ‘I believe I saw you, or someone very ‘Well played indeed, my Lord!’ he ♥ A 10 9 much like you, entering the West exclaimed. ♦ K Q J 7 tower at around eleven on the clock ‘Well played, but not well defended,’ ♣ J 5 last night. What was your business observed Gisborne, turning towards there? Speak up!’ Odine Jubert. ‘Play your ♥10 on the Patsi Kingslake looked helplessly at first round, woman! Your partner West North East South Gisborne, expecting him to come to wins dummy’s jack with the queen Patsi Guy of Letha The her aid. and can then exit safely with the ♥9.’ Kingslake Gisborne Fogge Sheriff ‘It was entirely innocent, my Lord,’ ‘That would be a brilliant defence…’ 1NT said Gisborne. ‘I’ve been giving Patsi declared the Sheriff. Pass 3NT All Pass some help with her bridge. She works Sir Guy was delighted to receive long hours and it was the only time we such a rare compliment. Patsi Kingslake led the ♠5, her some- could er… get together.’ ‘… had she been playing against the what stout partner producing the ♠9. The Sheriff surveyed the young village idiot!’ continued the Sheriff. The Sheriff saw that he had eight easy serving girl, whose charms were ‘Any other declarer would win the ♥10 tricks, including a couple of spades. He growing on him by the moment. ‘If with dummy’s ace, return to his hand would therefore need at least one trick you want to improve your game, my with a trump and finesse the♥ 6 for from the club suit. Suppose he won dear, there’s no need to waste your the endplay. Even if West began with the first trick with the ♠J and played time with Gisborne,’ he informed her. such as ♥10-9, it makes no difference. I a club. If the outstanding club honours ‘I will see you at eleven tonight. My cover the ♥9 with the ♥J on the second were split and spades were 5-2, East chambers are in the East tower, on the round and East has to lead back into would win and clear the spade suit. top floor.’ dummy’s ♥K-6.’ He would then be in danger of los- Resigned to her fate, Patsi Kingslake ‘Exquisite analysis, my Lord,’ said ing three spades and two clubs. What nodded her acceptance. Berwick Jubert. ‘It’s a privilege to could be done to guard against that ‘I’ll have my man bring up a good listen to it.’ situation? bottle from the cellars and we can go A couple of rounds later, two serving The Sheriff soon spotted the over this 3NT deal again,’ declared wenches arrived at the Sheriff’s table. solution. He followed with the ♠3, the Sheriff. ‘Yes indeed, it will be an Gisborne was somewhat ill at ease to allowing East to win the first trick. The enjoyable night. For both of us, I can discover that one of them was Patsi ♠2 was returned, South playing the ♠7, assure you!’ ■

BRIDGE July 2016 Page 35 Julian Pottage Answers Your Bridge Questions

Weak and Strong Four-Level Openings

In your column, six-card major open 2♥ and everyone else has ruff with a heart continuation you mention or 2♠. The less popular made the contract (or and cut communications Qthat some way is with the multi 2♦ thinks its makeable). with a club switch. Gaining partnerships have a way opening. Weak hands with I chose a cross ruff line the lead just once with the to differentiate a strong a long major are one of the and ducked the opening ♠A, they cannot do both. 4♠ opening from a weak options in the 2♦ opening. lead – not a success when In your final line, an 4♠ opening. If there The multi 2♦ opening the hand with two clubs improvement would seem were a way of achieving includes some strong hands also had two spades. to be throwing two hearts this, could it not also as well, often a balanced An alternative is to win on the clubs rather than a be used to differentiate hand outside the range for first trick with the ♥A and card from each red suit. between a weak two and the partnership’s chosen try to throw two hearts a strong two opening range for a 2NT opening. from hand on clubs. ♣♦♥♠ bid, thus providing the Another is to win advantages of both? ♣♦♥♠ first trick with the ♥A Would you bid Peter Fitch by email. and play the ♠K (works Stayman with a The contract is if spades are 3-2) Q4-3-3-3 hand? The way a 4♠ by North, the Another is to win Martin Epstein by email. partnership might Qlead a low heart; the first trick with the A choose to show a what is the best line? ♥A, cash the ♦A, ruff a The simple answer strong 4♠ opening is with a (Yes, I can see 3NT and diamond, play a club to is no, even at convention known as South 5♣ are better contracts). the jack, ruff a diamond, A matchpoints. When African Texas (or ). ♣A discard a diamond, you lack a ruffing value, A 4♦ opening shows a ♣K discard a heart if East a no-trump contract will strong 4♠ opening (and a ♠ K Q 8 7 4 follows suit. (I like this often play as well as a suit 4♣ opening shows a strong ♥ A 10 3 line best at the moment). contract, even if a 4-4 fit 4♥ opening). If you use 4♣ ♦ A 9 5 3 What do you suggest? exists. If a 4-4 fit does not and 4♦ openings to show a ♣ J Simon Gottschalk, exist, using Stayman gives strong major, it is usual to Pendoylan, Glamorgan. the defenders information N play a 3NT opening as a W E about declarer’s hand for S 4-level pre-empt in a minor. When the trumps are no benefit and gives them There are two common ♠ J 6 3 weak and one has a a chance to double 2♣. ways to differentiate a ♥ 8 4 A source of tricks in a At teams or rubber weak two from a strong ♦ 7 side suit, a cross-ruff rarely bridge, the answer is even two. The more popular is ♣ A K Q 10 9 8 7 seems to be the best line. more emphatically no, with a convention known Leading the ♠K when because you would need as Benjamin. Hands that you get in has the merit of to make two tricks more in qualify for a natural strong It is the second hand of simplicity. The defenders a major-suit fit compared two opening open 2♣ its type recently where want to do two things to kill to a no-trump contract to while weak hands with a I have gone one off the club suit: force dummy to show a significant gain.

Page 36 BRIDGE July 2016 Playing at my I am sure that I will spades to seek a a decent five-card suit and club, I was East, never have the joy of major suit game? good controls, responder is Qnon-vulnerable, a hand like this again. Geoffrey Cassen by email. not staying out of a slam. and opened 1NT (12-14 How should the bidding 6NT with the ♣K protected points); South passed, have gone? We were Your hand may is actually the best spot, West passed and North playing Chicago. be difficult to especially at matchpoints. passed. I went down four Marion Snelling, Abingdon. A describe even if you Figuring out that North has but North was sitting with start describing it straight the ♣K rather than the ♣Q five good hearts ace high It sounds as if you away. You do not want to or ♣Q-J is not so easy. and 16 points. Virtually bid the hand quite redouble and find that your all the other tables were A well. If you made LHO jumps in diamonds. ♣♦♥♠ in 2♥ by North. Should all 13 tricks, presumably Start with 1♥ aiming to he not have bid? you found the ♥A-K and show the spades later. I play with Angela Ingram by email. the ♠A opposite. Given that three partners partner had opened and ♣♦♥♠ Qand with two When someone jumped in clubs, you would we play CRO (colour, opens a weak no- hardly expect to find so On this hand, rank, other) two-suited A trump, it is usual many values in the majors. we were playing and with my for the other side to play a After your partner’s raise Qa 15-17 no- third we play Michaels. penalty double and to use it to 4♥, you might have made trump and Stayman. All the books seem to with 15 points or more. With one slam try in the hope of recommend Michaels 16 points, with or without a finding two out of three of the to show two five-card five-card heart suit, I would ♠A and the ♥A-K in partner’s ♠ Q J 8 suits (eg (1♠)-2♠ = hearts double a 12-14 1NT. hand. A 4NT enquiry would ♥ K Q 8 and either minor) and If your opponent obtained not help because partner ♦ K Q 7 I wondered what the a good score by making would include the ♣A and ♣ K 7 6 5 reason is. CRO seems the wrong call or perhaps the ♦A in the reply, neither so good when you know N because they were playing of which is any use to you. W E straightaway which the S double as conventional, Raising yourself to 5♥ might two five-card suits are. that is unlucky for you. The not work either because ♠ A K 7 Jo Copping, Brecon. majority of the time that an partner might take that as ♥ A J 7 6 opponent makes a mistake, asking for a diamond control. ♦ A J 10 8 6 The advantage of you will gain. You need to My choice would be a cue ♣ 8 playing a two-suited accept that some of the time bid of 5♦. Partner would then A overcall as showing you will lose by their mistake. be unconcerned about the specific suits is that partner diamond suit and would value North South immediately knows what the ♣♦♥♠ high cards in your suits highly. 1NT 2♣ second suit is. Suppose the 2♦ ? bidding starts as follows: My partner ♣♦♥♠ opened 1♣. How should the bidding West North East South QI held this What is the best continue? 1♠ 2♠ 4♠ amazing shape: response on Huw Jones, Swansea. ? Qthe following hand after partner has Responder should Playing Michaels, with support ♠ K Q 9 7 5 4 3 opened 1♣, doubled be able to rebid for both minors, West can bid ♥ Q 8 7 6 5 4 by your RHO? A 3♦, forcing. On this 4NT to find out East’s second ♦ Void particular sequence, it is suit. With support for only ♣ Void clear that 3♦ shows a strong one minor, West will normally ♠ K Q 8 7 3 hand because responder pass. Most of the time this ♥ A 10 7 6 4 2 would pass 2♦ holding a will be the right thing to do I responded 1♠. My ♦ Void weak hand with diamonds. In because West’s short minor partner rebid 3♣ and I ♣ J 5 any case, most people using will coincide with East’s long continued with 3♥, which a strong no-trump opening minor. If, however, the long my partner raised to 4♥. allow responder very few minors coincide, defending It was left there. The Which is preferable, to options of showing a weak 4♠ could be horribly wrong. lead was the ♣A and, redouble showing 10+ hand. Opener then raises to The disadvantage to of course, with a void points, or 1♥ (forcing 4♦ and responder might just playing that a two-suited in clubs and diamonds, for one round) with the pot 6♦. With a minimum of overcall shows a specific suit I made 13 tricks. intention of rebidding 32 HCP between the hands, is that you need to give up

BRIDGE July 2016 Page 37 another bid. Most commonly, people give up 3♣, which means you can never make a The Diaries of Wendy Wensum weak jump overcall in clubs. The variety of different methods that people Episode 51: use to show two specific suits (, modified Ghestem, CRO as you use) Cue for Burlesque can create confusion – the players get the suits wrong. t the Riverside West North East South slam in no trumps. Simplicity and popularity may Bridge Club it was Kate Jo explain why the books you the final session of 2NT West North East South mention all favour Michaels. Athe monthly series of pairs Pass 3♦1 Dbl2 3♥ Wendy Oscar Millie Ian I do not feel strongly events for the club cham- Pass 4NT3 Pass 5♥4 2NT either way. pionship, so a relatively Pass 6♥ All Pass Pass 3♦1 Dbl2 3♥ large field settled down to 1Hearts Pass 4♣3 Pass 4♦3 ♣♦♥♠ determine the overall win- 2Lead directing (risky as might Pass 4♠3 Pass 6♠ ners. This distributional be a no-trump contract) Pass 6NT Pass 7NT Suppose you are deal did not improve our 3RKCB All Pass playing Benjamin position, although to be 4Two key cards without the ♥Q 1Hearts Qand the bidding honest, previous perfor- 2Lead directing (risky) starts 2♣-2♦-2♥. mances had already put us West led the ♦Q as re- 3Cue bid showing first round 1. If responder has 0-6 out of serious contention. quested by the double and control HCP can he now pass? East ruffed. Jo took the 2. What values do rest of the tricks to make I was confused by the bid- 3♣ and 2NT show? Dealer South. Game All. her contract. 6NT would ding, but decided that as David Cree by email. ♠ Void have been a better score Millie had suggested a dia- ♥ AQJ10762 with only the missing mond lead, I would oblige 1. I do not think you ♦ 109 ace to lose. 7♥ played by and lead the queen. When would be passing ♣ A1074 North appeared to be the dummy appeared on the with as many as ♠ 865 N ♠ A109743 winning score, or was it? deck, Ian remained calm A W E ♥ ♥ 6 HCP. You would not Void S 9854 When Millie and I played and brought home the (unless playing a strong ♦ QJ76532 ♦ Void the board, the auction contract by running sev- club system) pass a one- ♣ J93 ♣ 852 started along similar lines en hearts, two diamonds level opening with 6 HCP. ♠ KQJ2 but then took a different and four clubs. ‘Did you By opening with a strong ♥ K3 route. All was well up to forget the system?’ Oscar bid, partner is suggesting ♦ AK84 the 3♥ bid. Now, Oscar, asked his partner. ‘We got you can make game even ♣ KQ6 in the North seat, bid first a good result,’ Ian pre- on a hand that might pass clubs and then spades at varicated. ‘You forgot the a one-level opening. the four level showing system again, didn’t you?’ 2. If you play that the initial When Kate and Jo played first round controls and Oscar questioned crossly. 2♦ covers most hands without the board, the auction was agreeing hearts as trumps, ‘I might have, but I got us a a good suit, you need to have fairly routine and started but Ian, in the South seat, top,’ was the defensive re- one responder’s rebid that with a 2NT opener by Jo, wrongly interpreted these ply. ‘You didn’t recognise merely keeps the bidding sitting South, followed by bids as natural. Ian also my ,’ responded open without promising a 3♦ from Kate in the North intended his 4♦ bid as nat- Oscar with disappoint- great deal. 2NT would seem seat, requesting a transfer ural, although systemical- ment in his voice as they to fit the bill. 3♣ would tend to hearts. East doubled ly it was a cue. He wrongly trailed off to the next table to show a better hand than for a diamond lead and assumed that Oscar held without even offering us 2NT. ■ so, with only two hearts, five hearts, four clubs and an apology for their for- Jo passed. Undeterred, four spades. Erroneously, tuitous result. ‘I wish we Kate went slamming with presuming a four-four fit could make mistakes like E-mail your questions RKCB. 5♥ from Jo con- in spades, Ian bid the slam that and get a top,’ Millie (including your firmed two key cards, in that denomination. Os- observed ruefully, before postal address) ♥ for Julian to: missing the Q. This was car panicked and bid 6NT. adding accusingly, ‘Any- julianpottage good news for Kate who Ian now put Oscar with way, Wendy, surely you @mrbridge.co.uk bid the slam. the ♠A and bid the grand should have led a spade.’ ■

Page 38 BRIDGE July 2016 Conventions Part 19 with Jeremy Dhondy Responding to a 1NT Opening (Part 1)

he 1NT opening is a very 2♣ Stayman (asks partner to version is called ‘non-promissory important part of the armoury bid a 4-card major Stayman’, but even amongst players of any bidding system. or 2♦ without one) who play almost no methods, they TMost players use Stayman and some 2♦ Transfer to Hearts might use a 2♣ response to 1NT as a form of transfer responses, and the 2♥ Transfer to Spades way to bale out to a minor, and hence principle is the same whether you play 2♠ Transfer to Clubs not have a major. Whatever type it is a weak or a strong no-trump opening. 2NT Transfer to Diamonds when you are announcing, you say, This article will assume your 1NT 3♣/♦/♥/♠ Natural, 6 cards, slam try ‘Stayman’ and nothing further. opening is 12-14. If it is 15-17 then just 4♦ 5-5 in the Majors You might bid 2♣ on any of the adjust the number of points by about with (only) game values following hands: three. When you respond to 1NT you have Using Stayman Type A Weak to cover a variety of hand types: Stayman is one of the first conventions l Hands that are weak and seek a that players learn. When it was ♠ K 10 8 3 2 N ♥ Q 9 5 2 haven of safety invented 75 or more years ago there W E l Hands that are invitational were a number of players who had a ♦ 7 3 S l Hands that look for the best game similar idea. For example, a leading ♣ 5 4 l Hands that have slam interest Acol player in England, JCH Marx. There is a story that There are many different methods and visited England when he was quite In this example, if partner bids 2♥ or some of them are quite complex and elderly and played a game at the 2♠ you pass and if he denies a major thus a strain in the memory. You can Young Chelsea Bridge Club. Someone by bidding 2♦, you bid 2♠. All you are develop the method suggested below had organised all the participants seeking to do is improve the contract. further, if you like complexity or feel to explain a 2♣ response to a 1NT You may not succeed, but you will gain you are able to handle it, but probably opening as ‘Marx’. History records he more often than not by removing 1NT. only with a regular partner. As with was a bit puzzled, but not whether he most systemic agreements it only was amused or not. Type B Raise to 2NT takes one ‘forget’ to ensure it will be You might use Stayman when you many hundreds of hands before you are looking for a major suit fit or This time you may or may not hold a show a profit. when you wish to raise to 2NT with major: or without a major. You can’t just bid The basic scheme 2NT as this would be a transfer to diamonds. It often seems to me that ♠ K Q 6 5 N ♥ Q J 5 4 I suggest you use what are called four- there is a basic misunderstanding W E suit transfers. That means you can about Stayman. It doesn’t necessarily ♦ K 9 4 S transfer to any of the suits. The scheme show anything, rather it asks for a ♣ J 3 of things is: major suit. Sometimes this suggested

BRIDGE July 2016 Page 39 You respond 2♣ and if partner shows a forcing to game and you are not worth major, you raise to three invitationally. ♠ K J 7 5 3♦. N ♥ A 9 6 4 If he denies a major, you bid 2NT W E inviting him to bid 3NT if he likes his S ♦ A 6 4 Type C Game forcing hand. ♣ Q 5 You might also have: This time you have:

East opens 1NT and West responds ♠ Q 9 4 with 2♣ over which East bids 2♥. Now ♠ K J 9 5 2 N N ♥ K 7 5 ♥ A Q 4 W E West jumps to 3NT. West would not W E ♦ A 10 6 4 S have bothered with Stayman if he had ♦ Q J 7 S ♣ K 10 6 no interest in a major (and he has told ♣ Q 5 you he doesn’t have a heart fit) so you can bid 4♠ knowing you will have a fit. Now, whatever partner responds You transfer to spades after your to 2♣, you will bid 2NT to show a Major suit transfers partner’s 1NT opening and then bid raise and invite him to bid 3NT. One 3NT. He now has a choice of passing advantage of this method is that you Over partner’s 1NT, you respond 2♦ or bidding 4♠. know whether you have a fit or not, but to show at least five hearts and ♥2 to the opponent on lead does not know show at least five spades. Fast arrival whether you have a major. Once again you might be: Be aware of this hand type as If you have a second suit you can show responder: Type A Weak it to help partner make his choice.

♠ K J 9 5 ♠ K J 6 4 3 ♠ K Q J 3 2 N N N ♥ 4 3 ♥ 7 5 ♥ 5 4 W E W E W E ♦ A J 8 5 S ♦ 4 3 S ♦ A K J 4 S ♣ K 7 5 ♣ J 10 4 2 ♣ 7 5

You respond 2♣ to partner’s 1NT You bid 2♥ and when partner bids 2♠, With all your points in two suits you opening and he bids 2♥. you give up. 2♠ is not guaranteed to want to tell partner that it may be If you bid 2NT you are showing an play better, but any time partner has worth considering an alternative. The invitational raise without a major, so three or more spades it probably will. auction thus starts: on this hand you bid 2♠ forcing for one round and partner may bid 2NT Type B Invitational West You or 3♠ with a minimum hand, and 3NT 1NT or 4♠ with a maximum. 2♥ 2♠ ♠ 7 5 3♦ N Type C Looking for ♥ A Q 10 6 5 W E the best game ♦ A J 5 S At the point where partner hears you ♣ 10 4 3 bid like this he knows you are going This time you have: to game but, of course, you may have slam in mind so there is an important You respond 2♦ and over partner’s 2♥ principle to bear in mind called ‘the ♠ K J 5 rebid, you now bid 2NT to show an principle of fast arrival’. This says N ♥ A 10 7 3 W E invitational hand with five hearts. that if you are already forced to game, ♦ K Q 5 4 S If you have this hand: then bidding game immediately is the ♣ J 5 weakest option and anything else is stronger. ♠ 7 5 Suppose you hold: N ♣ ♥ A Q 10 6 5 You respond 2 to partner’s 1NT W E opening. If partner bids 2♥ you raise ♦ A J 6 5 S to 4♥. If he bids 2♦ or 2♠, you bid 3NT. ♣ 10 4 ♠ A J 4 N ♥ A J 7 5 Note, that if you are worth game you W E will always have a major if you bid 2♣. S ♦ Q 6 This is because the 1NT opener may You bid the hand the same way. Why? ♣ 10 7 6 5 have this hand: Because a new suit at the three level is

Page 40 BRIDGE July 2016 West East He would be delighted to bid 4♥ as a 1NT cue bid knowing there are few wasted Mr Bridge 2♥ 2♠ values in diamonds. You should then 3♦ ? reach a slam on a combined 28 count 2016 Tutorial with 12 top tricks. You are minimum, but are happy to If, on the other hand, partner has: Weekends play in spades as you have three, so you bid 4♠ to show this. If you had a maximum with a spade ♠ K 7 6 N ♠ ♥ A Q J fit, then you would bid 3 which gives W E partner the choice of raising to 4♠, S ♦ K J 3 2 with no ambition beyond game or, if ♣ 7 5 3 he has a possible slam in mind, cue bidding (which is easier because he has more room). He would regard his ♦K as wasted and sign off in 4♠. A slam, despite the fact Denham Grove Self-agreeing splinters you have a combined 30 points, would Near Uxbridge, UB9 5DG be very poor. 1-3 July £215 With a game forcing hand opposite A jump to the four level after a trans- 1NT there is a further opportunity fer is a splinter. Note that this includes: Further Into the Auction open to you. Will Parsons You hold: West East 1NT 2♥ 2♠ ♠ A Q J 9 4 3 4♥ N ♥ K 9 6 W E ♦ 5 S This one can be very expensive if you ♣ A Q 6 and partner play it differently. You can show hands with 5-5 in the majors after a 1NT opening by other routes. Inn on the Prom You can transfer to spades and then bid My suggestion would be to respond 4♦ St Annes on Sea FY8 1LU 4♦ as a splinter. This directs partner to directly to 1NT to show this hand type the possibility that a slam might be with no ambition to play anywhere 15-17 July £199 on if he has most of his points outside other than 4♥ or 4♠. You will never Signals and Discards diamonds. want to bid 4♦ naturally. Gwen Beattie If the 1NT opener held: Next article

♠ K 7 6 l minor suit transfers N ♥ A Q 7 3 l slam tries at the three level W E ♦ 7 6 4 l what to do if the S ♣ K 5 3 opponents intervene l breaking the transfer ■ Ramada Resort Summary Grantham Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT l A Stayman response does not promise a major (in this system), it asks 21-23 October £199 for one and it may cover several hand types. Stayman and Transfers l A transfer to a major and then bidding a new suit is forcing to game in tba modern style. Full Board l A transfer followed by a jump in a new suit is a “self-agreeing” No Single Supplement* splinter. ( 01483 489961 l A response of 4♦ to 1NT shows both majors (5-5) and a desire to play in a major suit game with the best fit. www.mrbridge.co.uk *subject to availability

BRIDGE July 2016 Page 41 No Conventions by Andrew Kambites

Andrew replies to a letter from John Martin in BRIDGE 160: In his biography on the EBU website, Andrew Kambites comments that most players would be better off playing no conventions, but to depend on having an extensive system instead. Would you please ask him to expand on these views in a future article?

must start by clarifying exactly to accept this as a consequence of this auction 2NT is not a jump bid. what I mean when I say most misusing conventions. Unless used 5) Is system on or off if opponents players would be better off playing properly, conventions will not improve double 1NT? Ino conventions. your game. Part of the purpose of 6) If an opponent doubles your First, I am not saying that this reply is to help you choose which transfer bid or Stayman, do you conventions are bad. A convention conventions to play, and how to play rebid as you would have done is an agreement to substitute the them properly. without the double? Many strong natural meaning of a bid by an I frequently see players sitting down partnerships play that after 1NT- artificial meaning. Inevitably, there just before the session is starting and (P)-2♥-(Dbl), opener bids 2♠ with is a slight loss. Good conventions agreeing a system with just a few three or four spades and passes compensate for the natural loss by named conventions. Stayman and with only a doubleton spade. giving a greater compensating gain. red suit transfers: and immediately This helps if the auction becomes Consider Stayman, possibly the most move on to the next convention. competitive. indispensable of conventions. You lose Hold on! Let me ask some questions. the ability to sign off in ♣2 if partner I use the phrase ‘system on’ to denote I will concentrate on question 5), opens 1NT. You gain the resource to when you are playing Stayman and because as a tournament director, find a 4-4 major suit fit. The gain is red suit transfers. System off is when I have lost count of the number of in frequency of use (you are far more you abandon these conventions. Bids times a problem has arisen after a likely to want to look for a major suit shown in brackets are bids made by sequence such as 1NT-(Dbl)-2♥ when fit than sign off in♣ 2 ) and importance your opponents. one partner thinks 2♥ is natural of outcome (it often gets you to the and the other thinks it is a transfer right game contract; game contracts 1) Is system on or off if partner opens to spades. Inevitably, everybody being of greater importance than part 2NT? at the table becomes aware of this scores). Stayman also occurs with 2) Is system on or off if partner’s first misunderstanding, with opener considerable frequency, meaning you natural bid in the auction is 2NT and responder having unauthorised get used to using it and are unlikely to eg. 2♣-2♦-2NT? information that partner doesn’t forget. 3) Is system on or off if partner interpret their bid correctly – and I Second, I am not saying you should overcalls an opponent’s suit am not just talking about unfamiliar not play conventions if they give opening with 1NT? partnerships. I suppose you can just you pleasure. Bridge is a game, the 4) Is system on or off if partner agree this with your partner on a purpose is enjoyment. I frequently overcalls 2NT, say over a weak two superficial basis (ie by agreeing that see people playing conventions they opening by an opponent. For that system is on or off after a double), don’t really understand, gaining huge matter, you need to decide whether but really you need to understand pleasure on some hands where their (2♥)-2NT is natural or showing the issues involved. The point is that conventions serve them well. They the minors? It really should be when 1NT is doubled the priorities of also have the hands where they have natural. It is normal that a jump to the opening side change. You are less a misunderstanding, and they need 2NT is the unusual no-trump; in likely to be looking for game, and far

Page 42 BRIDGE July 2016 more likely to need to limit damage it tends to disorientate you and affect by being able to sign off in any suit, your judgement on the next hand. For Hand C including clubs and diamonds. If you example, you agree to play Splinters. ♠ K J 7 5 just play ‘system on after a double’ After six months, it comes up for the ♥ Q J 7 you cannot sign off in these suits. So first time: partner opens ♥1 and you ♦ A J should you abandon Stayman and leap to 3♠ (a double jump in a new ♣ K Q 8 3 transfers after a double of 1NT? Well, suit agrees partner’s suit and shows it is certainly possible to play a wriggle a singleton or void in the suit bid). which allows you to sign off in any The trouble is it is late in the session He reasons that he would bid game in five-card suit, for example 1NT-(Dbl)- and partner is tired. 3♠ sounds like a spades with 13 points, and he is a full Rdbl requires opener to bid 2♣, after natural bid. You are a little concerned ace stronger than that. So he wheels which responder can pass if he wants when partner fails to alert and even out Blackwood. Opener shows two to sign off in clubs or otherwise bid his more worried when he passes, leaving ace (or key cards) and he signs off in five-card suit. If you play this, you can you in a 2-1 spade fit. I suspect you are 5♠, usually slowly, giving partner an sensibly play Stayman and transfers. highly likely to get a bad result on the ethical problem. If nothing else, I hope you can see next hand as well, as you find it hard to what I mean by saying that a cursory accept the previous stupid result. ‘Stayman and red suit transfers’ is not Another frequent misuse of Hand D Hand E sufficient to avoid problems. conventions is to use it as a toy. You are ♠ A Q 10 6 4 3 ♠ A 9 8 4 2 Most players would not really non-vul against vulnerable opponents ♥ 2 ♥ 8 6 know where to start if they were and RHO opens 1♠. You have Hand A: ♦ K 3 ♦ K 6 3 asked to discuss a convention. At ♣ A J 5 4 ♣ A J 2 this stage I can offer some help. In 2004, I produced a checklist for the Hand A Gloucestershire Tollemache team. ♠ A If opener has Hand D, 6♠ is laydown. It was not to tell them what to play. ♥ K 4 If opener has Hand E, 5♠ is in danger. The idea was to promote discussion ♦ A 7 5 4 3 You cannot sensibly take control where there was the possibility of ♣ J 9 4 3 2 with Blackwood when you have no confusion. Each pair of a partnership idea of whether partner has 12 points filled it in separately and then came or 19. It is interesting to speculate together to discuss their answers. You have agreed to play the unusual what responder would have done if We worked hard on system analysis 2NT, so you jump to 2NT. Opponents Blackwood was not available. I suspect and also on the psychological side bid to 4♠ and partner sacrifices in that he would have just bid a quiet of the game (getting the best out of 5♣, doubled for two down. The worst 2♣ to see what opener rebid. With your partner and teammates) during thing is that the opponents were not Hand E, opener would have shown a this period and Gloucestershire won going to make 4♠. Partner made the minimum with a 2♠ rebid, at which the Tollemache for the only time in final bid, but it is your fault. Hand A point, a wise responder would settle for its history in 2005. If you play with a is totally unsuitable for 2NT: the suit 4♠. I certainly believe that most bridge regular partner and are prepared to quality of your minors is poor and players would improve if Blackwood put in some serious effort, I am happy you have good defensive values in the (and its dodgy offspring Gerber) were to send you this checklist: just e-mail major suits. Partner has every right banned. Undoubtedly, they would feel me at [email protected] and to expect a hand like Hand B, with uncomfortable without the security say ‘Please send checklist’ and I will good intermediates in the minor suits blanket but they might be forced to attach it and return it to you. and not much defence to a major suit develop better judgement. If you are serious about getting contract. If you don’t understand the One final point. When agreeing a better results, the number of point I am making, you shouldn’t be system, the stronger player should conventions you play should take into playing the unusual no trump. give way to the wishes of the weaker account your frequency of playing. player. I am well aware that in most Most conventions have teething partnerships this will instantly solve problems. You need to come through Hand B the problem because both partners this and reap the benefits after sorting ♠ 4 will be bending over backwards to ac- the problems out. If you play just ♥ 7 5 commodate partner. In particular, no once a month, you should keep to ♦ Q 10 9 8 5 piece of system should be played un- conventions that come up frequently. ♣ K J 10 5 3 less both players are clearly happy with If you play with a regular partner it. The rule is, ‘No Bullying’. If you sug- three times a week and are prepared gest playing a convention and partner to put the work in, you can be more Blackwood is notorious in promoting seems reluctant, don’t play it. On no ambitious. When a convention goes misuse. Partner opens 1♠ and account should you try to teach part- wrong you not only have a bad result, responder has Hand C. ner a new convention at the table. ■

BRIDGE July 2016 Page 43 Eight Days by Sally Brock

The most exciting event in the period since I last wrote was the birth of Parker Geoffrey Sowter on the Queen’s birthday. He weighed in at 8lb 5oz, and although he arrived at the eleventh hour (C-section booked for the following day), it was a home birth and went reasonably smoothly (not sure Gemma would quite agree with that). He is, of course, totally gorgeous. Things are progressing well in all the major knock-outs (apart from Crockfords which we lost a while ago). In this period we won a match, a NICKO and the semi-final. The Super League is going well this season too. This is a competition arranged at the Young Chelsea by Nick Sandqvist for ten top-class teams who all play all. We have not done very well over the last few years and have often been in the relegation zone. This year, however, we are lying second, just 2 VPs behind Barry’s team, but approximately 40 VPs clear of third. There haven’t been any major bridge events in this period, though I have spent a great deal of time planning and booking various trips. Briony and I are going to Capri and Naples for a few days in May – as a reward to ourselves for all the work we have done on the charity evening and bridge quizzes. Barry is going to come out for a few days at the end of the European Championships and we will drive around Hungary for a while. Briony and I are going away again in July – driving to Annecy in eastern France for a few days, via Lille on the way there and Bruges on the way back. In addition we have been invited to a wedding in Israel at the end of September and I’m having fun tacking some travel on to that.

Friday Saturday Dealer East. N/S Vul. I set off for London in my car full of Although our hotel rate includes ♠ A 7 3 bits and pieces that Barry has picked breakfast, I prefer to go across the road ♥ A 2 out from clearing my parents’ house to Carluccio’s. First, it is good to get a ♦ A Q 7 4 3 last weekend. I stop off outside his flat, bit of fresh air; secondly, I prefer the ♣ A Q 8 make a couple of journeys with chairs food; and thirdly, it is good to get away ♠ K J 10 8 2 ♠ 9 6 5 4 etc, and then park. He is working hard from all the bridge players. Our second ♥ 7 6 N ♥ J 10 9 5 3 ♦ K 9 6 W E ♦ 10 5 at a trial in Brighton at the moment – match is against a team of juniors – a S this is the fourth week and most days Sweden/England combination. We ♣ 10 4 2 ♣ 9 6 he gets home exhausted. struggle a bit but eventually win. ♠ Q Then I get the tube to Covent We nip out for a few tapas at our ♥ K Q 8 4 Garden to meet old school friends favourite lunchtime place, and then ♦ J 8 2 Clarissa and Julia for lunch. Then I go have our third match – this time ♣ K J 7 5 3 back to Shepherds Bush to retrieve my against Mossop (David Mossop, Alex car and drive to Stratford-upon-Avon Hydes, the Hackett twins, David Price for the Spring Foursomes. Because of and Artur Malinowski). We are a few West North East South Barry’s trial I am playing with Robert up with a set to go, but things don’t Pass 1♣ Sheehan for the first half of the match. go well at our table in the final set. 1♠ 2♦ 3♠ Pass He has very kindly agreed to drive up With one board to go Barry thinks we Pass 4♠ Pass 5♦ from Dorset to help us out. At half- need a swing. This is the deal (see next Pass 7♣ All Pass time we are 3 IMPs up and Robert sets column). off on his long drive home and Barry They tell me I should pass that When we finish the set and go outside, takes over. We win comfortably. It is a fairly revolting South hand at adverse the scores are displayed and say that very friendly match – with one board vulnerability, but I hate passing we are level with one board to go. to go dummy leaves the table and 12-counts. Barry understandably Teammates gain 1 IMP on their last comes back with a bottle of red wine hopes I have more. However, West board so we think we have won the and four glasses. Later in the bar, we leads the jack of spades, I run it to my match by 1 IMP. Unfortunately, I have catch up with lots of friends. It’s what I queen, draw trumps, take a diamond misscored a board, so in reality we like about this tournament – as well as finesse, discard a diamond on the ace lose by 4 IMPs. being an opportunity to play against of spades, ruff the diamonds good and We go out for a good dinner and top-class teams, it is also very sociable. claim my grand slam. then socialise in the bar later.

Page 44 BRIDGE July 2016 Sunday Lots of murky areas in that auction. we drown our sorrows with a good Chris (South) wonders if he should dinner out and a few drinks in the bar We start with a good win against have redoubled 3♠, but in the end afterwards. Robertson (Marion Robertson, Fiona didn’t dare. Quite rightly, I think, Brown, Kieran Dyke, Michael Byrne having listened to their post mortem. and John Holland). This is also very West leads a trump and declarer Monday close throughout. We are 9 IMPs makes an overtrick, for a 7 IMP gain We decide to go home rather than down after the first set and pull a few to us. play in the Swiss teams, leaving back, then a few more. This is one of We are 7 IMPs up going into the last after breakfast. I drive a car load of our gains, though it should have been set and the last set does not go well at people back to London, and then a lot more. our table. However, teammates have a on to Whelpley Hill to see Briony. huge card and we win by 29 IMPs or I have collected quite a lot of money so. and cheques from people who are Dealer North. Love All The draw now brings us against contributing to Stoke Mandeville ♠ Void Helle, a Birmingham/Netherlands Spinal Research, either for the quiz or ♥ Q 10 9 4 combination, all playing a complicated for the charity evening, so I want to ♦ 10 7 2 strong club relay system. This match pass all that over to her before I forget. ♣ A K Q J 10 5 does not go our way and we are 35 Then we watch a bit of TV and have an ♠ A Q J 8 5 4 ♠ K IMPs down at half-time. However, it Indian takeaway (our local one, Zeera, ♥ 2 N ♥ K J 6 3 was not all gloom and doom. I like to is so good) for dinner. ♦ K 8 6 5 W E ♦ Q 9 4 3 S open light pre-empts and this was a ♣ 7 2 ♣ 9 8 6 3 good example: ♠ 10 9 7 6 3 2 Tuesday ♥ A 8 7 5 I am up early for my exercise regime ♦ A J Dealer South. E/W Vul. and by 9.15am I have had breakfast, ♣ 4 ♠ 7 5 done my exercise and am showered, ♥ K 4 3 2 ready to settle down to the promised ♦ 7 3 2 work on Malawi. Briony gets home West North East South ♣ A K 9 5 just after lunch and we spend some 1♣ Pass 1♠ ♠ A 9 ♠ Q 6 4 time going through the lists for Friday, Pass 2♣ Pass 2♥ ♥ A 10 8 6 N ♥ Q 7 yet again, and finding some people Pass 4♥ All Pass ♦ K J 10 6 W E ♦ A Q 8 5 4 S we think it might be worth sending ♣ J 8 4 ♣ Q 7 6 a final, final email about the event. Barry leads a diamond to the queen ♠ K J 10 8 3 2 Dinner is left over Indian takeaway, and ace and, after a long thought, ♥ J 9 5 then some TV and – a new pastime for declarer plays the ace of hearts and ♦ 9 us – patience. another heart. I win my jack and ♣ 10 3 2 think we need to cash our diamond before punching dummy with a spade. Wednesday So I lead a diamond back to the king I open 3♠ which silences everyone. I feel a cold coming on which is a bit and am annoyed when Barry doesn’t West leads a club. I win the ace and ominous. I hope it either waits until continue with a spade. So declarer play a spade to the jack and ace. The after Friday, or comes and goes quickly. makes the ten of diamonds and then defenders now play a couple of rounds I get on with Malawi in the morning runs clubs through me and has to make of diamonds. I ruff, cross to dummy and then go to Eton to meet ex- 10 tricks. As usual, though, Barry’s with a club, take another trump husband number two, , mind is working better than mine. If I finesse, draw trumps and play a club. for lunch. He has very kindly offered had stopped to count declarer’s tricks, With West holding the ace of hearts, I to provide some alcoholic prizes for I should have seen that if I simply play can cross to dummy with the king and the charity evening. I get home about king and another heart then she can’t discard a heart on the established nine three o’clock, take a couple of hours make more than six clubs, two trumps of clubs. 3♠ just made. to finish Malawi, and then we work and a diamond. So I have let the game In the other room, South opens on the event, drawing up a seating through. In the other room it is much 2♠, West doubles and East bids 3NT. plan for Friday and preparing some more exciting: South leads a heart and declarer has vouchers to give the winning bidders no trouble in coming to nine tricks. in the charity auction. West North East South We are 40 IMPs down with eight 1♣ Pass 1♠ boards to go. We do well in that final Pass 2♣ Pass 2♥ set but there is not a lot in the boards Thursday 2♠ 3♠ Dbl Pass and we only manage to pull back My cold seems stable – no better, no Pass 4♥ Dbl All Pass 26 IMPs, to lose by 14 IMPs. Again, worse, but still looming. I try to

BRIDGE July 2016 Page 45 frighten it with exercise. Then settle However, I don’t have any contacts on of thing before, we had no real idea down to writing this article while it, so it is fairly useless for ringing out, of how many people we could hope Briony dashes off to Watford on a but at least anyone with a problem can to drum up and were pleased to end couple of errands, one of which is to ring me. The one who does is Barry. up with 17 tables. If we were to do it get me a new phone. My existing one Both of us have been struggling with again, we would avoid a Friday night, is very slow and she thinks I need the early symptoms of a cold, but his partly because people don’t like to the latest iPhone. She has discovered has developed into a terrible hacking commit to a Friday as they might be that if we (or rather she) take it to a cough. Never mind. He was supposed going away, and partly because many particular store in Watford within the to be playing with Jenni, whose only people don’t like going out then for next few hours then she can get £130 stipulation was that she play with religious reasons. or so back on my old one. That sounds someone she knows and likes. Well, I spend the next hour circulating, like it’s worth doing. However, she Simon is going to be there partnerless, meeting and greeting; excellent arrives home in tears, having lost the so that problem is easily solved. canapés are served, and then the SIM card somewhere on her travels. Then we meet Toby for a late lunch. bridge starts. We play for an hour and With tomorrow looming, it is not the He is looking great – full of plans for a half and then take a break. Back to best time for me to be without a phone. his masters degree and a choice of the bar area for more food and drink Later on, I have my usual online temporary jobs open to him until he while Sotheby’s auctioneer Edward session with Lucy and Louise. Then a starts. Then we head back to London Rising conducts an auction: a dinner bit of TV before an early night – not Bridge and start setting up. There’s party cooked in your own home by a that I think either of us will sleep very good news (mostly) and bad news. The Michelin-starred chef goes for £1,700, well. bad news is that there is a conference a bespoke suit for £750, a wine-tasting going on before us (they will be finished experience for £500 and bridge sessions by 6.30pm) and the entrance area, both with Ben, Simon and myself are also Friday indoors and outdoors is heaving and it auctioned. Then he asks for money for This is it. D-day! It’s strange when a is hard to get our stuff inside. The good a research assistant: this costs £1,000 a day you have been working towards news is that Gary, the tournament month and I am delighted that he gets for months finally arrives. We’re up director, is already there and starting six takers. All in all it is a great success. early loading the car. First, we drive to to put up tables. Many thanks to Mr We play until 11 o’clock, and the final the venue, Glaziers’ Hall near London Bridge for providing the pens for ranking is posted on a large screen. As Bridge. That takes about an hour and the night – special pens with torch the last few results creep in, the leader a half. The plan was to unload the included (apparently the same pens board changes several times, finally car and then park it in some multi- were particularly helpful when used by settling on Anita and Gunnar. The storey for the rest of the day. When we those stranded in the recent Colorado prizes (whisky/wine donated by Mark arrive there are lots of cones outside floods to help the helicopters locate Horton, and really lovely chocolate the building, but when we tell the and rescue them). Toby – as general shoes donated by Sophie’s Chocolates attendant that we are running an event dogsbody for the evening – helps, in Chesham) are distributed, and he moves them and lets us park there. while Briony and I talk to Givergy, everybody goes home. We unload our stuff and ask where the who we have hired to organise the We help Gary clear up. Toby nearest car park is, but he says that we online auction. The auction has been dashes for the back to Bow can leave the car there for the rest of live for a while now and we have been a and Briony and I set off wearily for the day. Wow, that’s really good news. little disappointed by the response, but home. The online auction was a little If we were superstitious (and I think hopefully it will improve on the night. disappointing and we made small perhaps we are) this would be a sign We set up, change into nicer clothes mistakes which we would certainly that the day is going to go well. and deal with little bits and pieces of improve on if we run it again, but Then we go to Westfield in Stratford organisation. However, Briony has overall we feel quite pleased with on the underground. First we have to pretty much thought of everything and ourselves for a job well done. Having deal with the phone. Again, another there is not that much to do. read that, though, it sounds as if I am good sign, we have no idea where The starting time is 6.45pm, with the taking too much credit for myself. All I the Three shop is but it is the first bridge to begin at 7.30pm. However, I really did was provide my address book one we see when entering Westfield. think because it is so difficult to get – all the organisation of the event was Then we stand in a queue to tell to, people have wanted to make sure down to Briony and I am really proud them our problem and then they put they would not be late, so the first of the way she managed it and the way us in a different queue to wait for an people arrive at 6.15pm. Never mind, she handled herself on the night. assistant. However, a new guy comes everything is set up, so everyone can The bottom line is that we raised on duty and doesn’t quite realise this, sit in the lovely bar area, with floor nearly £20,000 for Stoke Mandeville so when he asks our problem and we to ceiling windows looking on to Spinal Research, which is quite an tell him, he actually deals with us then the river, and have an early drink achievement, and our thanks go to our and there, so we successfully queue (all generously donated by Bernard generous friends who helped to make jump. Soon I have a working phone. Teltscher). Not having done this sort the evening work so well. ■

Page 46 BRIDGE July 2016 A MARITIME HISTORY of IBERIA

CANARY ISLANDS • GIBRALTAR • SPAIN • PORTUGAL 12 – 25 February 2017 14-day cruise from £1,299pp

ENGLAND Portsmouth

La Coruna SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA PORTUGAL SPAIN Lisbon Seville CORDOBA

Tenerife JEREZ Cadiz Gibraltar CANARY ISLANDS Highlight port (full day)

Explore the volcanic island of Tenerife before sailing Monument to the Discoveries, Lisbon to Gibraltar, whose imposing silhouette looks out over Europe and Africa. Minerva continues to the maritime CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS city of Cádiz, your gateway to Jerez, followed by an extended stay in Seville, whose highlights include the • Spend a day exploring Gibraltar, which boasts a world’s third largest church. Admire World Heritage fascinating history dating back to the 11th century monuments in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon, with a • Visit Jerez, renowned throughout the world for its fi nal stop in La Coruña, from where you can follow the sherry and Moorish Alcazar pilgrims’ route to Santiago de Compostela. • An overnight stay in Seville will help you to experience FARES PER PERSON MIN170212 this vibrant city of fl amenco and fi esta Cabin Type Fares from • Admire the Jeronimos Monastery, Lisbon’s lavish Manueline masterpiece Balcony Savers from £2,499 Outside Cabins from £1,599 • Marvel at the UNESCO-listed Tower of Hercules standing proud at the entrance of La Coruna harbour Inside Cabins from £1,299 • Full Mr Bridge programme

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SH_16_2097_Mr Bridge_Maritime History_A4.indd 1 24/05/2016 17:31 VOLCANIC ISLANDS and VISTAS with Bernard Magee

CANARY ISLANDS • MADEIRA 30 January – 12 February 2017 14-day cruise from £1,499pp

MADEIRA BOTANICAL GARDENS Funchal

TIMANFAYA MOUNTAINS CANARY ISLANDS La Palma Tenerife Lanzarote SANTA CRUZ La Gomera Fueteventura Highlight port (3 days) El Hierro Gran Canaria

Minerva’s journey begins at the volcanic island of Tenerife, with Gran Canaria, described as a continent in miniature, Arrecife, Lanzarote next to be explored. Step ashore in Fuerteventura followed by Lanzarote, home to the spectacular Timanfaya National CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS Park, and take in Madeira’s highlights during a two-night • Stroll through the lava fi elds of Mount Teide on the stay in Funchal. Discover the greenest of the Canary volcanic island of Tenerife Islands, La Palma, and continue to fascinating La Gomera before Minerva makes her maiden call to El Hierro, a • Explore the beautiful Botanical Gardens of Funchal UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve. • The UNESCO-listed Garajonay National Park o ers beautiful panoramic views of La Gomera FARES PER PERSON MIN170130 • Join Minerva on an inaugural sailing to the smallest of Cabin Type Fares from the Canary Islands, El Hierro Balcony Savers from £2,999 • This will be the fi rst time Minerva visits all 7 Canary Outside Cabins from £1,799 Islands in one cruise Inside Cabins from £1,499 • Full Mr Bridge programme

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SH_16_2097_Mr Bridge_Volcanic Islands_A4.indd 1 25/05/2016 12:34