Number: 187 UK £3.95 Europe €5.00 July 2018 Bernard Magee’s Bidding Quiz

This month we are dealing with hands on which you have a singleton in your partner’s suit. You are West BRIDGEin the auctions below, playing ‘Standard Acol’ with a weak no- (12-14 points) and four-card majors.

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

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 ? 1♠ Pass 2♥ Pass 1♠ Pass 2♥ Pass 2♣ Pass 2♠ Pass ? 2NT Pass 3♥ Pass ? ?

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

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 1♠ Pass ? 1NT Pass 2♥ Pass ? 2♣ Pass 3♠ Pass ? ?

3. Dealer East. Love All. 6. Dealer East. Game All. 9. Dealer West. Love All. 12. Dealer West. Love All. ♠ A K 7 6 ♠ A 3 2 ♠ A K 10 ♠ 3 ♥ 4 ♥ 2 ♥ 4 ♥ A 8 7 6 5 N ♦ N N N ♦ Q J W E 9 7 W E ♦ A 9 8 4 W E ♦ A J 5 4 2 W E ♣ A K 8 4 3 2 S ♣ Q J 7 6 5 4 3 S ♣ K Q 10 9 3 S ♣ A 3 S

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 2♠ Pass ? 1NT Pass 2♥ Pass 1NT Pass 2♥ Pass 3♦ Pass 3♠ Pass ? ? ?

Answers on page 11 Answers on page 29 Answers on page 39 Answers on page 47

Features this month include: ADVERTISERS’ INDEX 1 Bidding Quiz by Bernard Magee BRIDGE 2 2018 Cruises on 5 Mr Bridge Columbus with Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Cruise & Maritime Surrey GU21 2TH 7 Bidding Quiz by Bernard Magee 3 Clive Goff’s Stamps ( 01483 489961 8 The Diaries of Wendy Wensum 4 2019 Cruises on [email protected] Columbus with 9 Defence Quiz by Julian Pottage Cruise & Maritime www.mrbridge.co.uk 5 Charity Events shop: www.mrbridge.co.uk/ 10 The Power of Spot Cards: Part 4 by Mike Lawrence 5 Travel Insurance mrbridge-shop 11 Declarer Play Quiz by David Huggett 6 Italian & Adriatic Publisher and Highlights with Voyages 11 Bidding Quiz Answers (1-3) by Bernard Magee Managing Editor to Antiquity Mr Bridge 12 Playing Cards Made in the United States 9 Tunisia 2018-19 by Paul Bostock 10 Acol Bidding Associate Editor with Bernard Magee Julian Pottage 15 Declarer Play Answers by David Huggett 13 Bernard Magee DVDs [email protected] Set 8 16 Sally’s Slam Clinic 14 Mr Bridge UK Events Bridge Consultant 17 Defence Quiz Answers by Julian Pottage 15 Bernard Magee Rules Simplified bernardmagee 18 More Tips by Bernard Magee 16 Festive Events 2018 @mrbridge.co.uk 19 Overcalling by Andrew Kambites 18 Cruise the Danube to Cartoons & Illustrations Vienna & Budapest with Marguerite Lihou 23 Overcalling Quiz by Andrew Kambites The River Cruise Line www.margueritelihou.co.uk 21 Bernard Magee DVDs 24 David Stevenson Answers Your Questions Set 7 Technical Consultant 27 Overcalling Quiz Answers by Andrew Kambites 22 Canaries Chrismas & Tony Gordon Funchal Fireworks with 29 Readers’ Letters Fred. Olsen Typesetting 29 Bidding Quiz Answers (4-6) by Bernard Magee 23 Designs for Bridge Jessica Galt Table Covers [email protected] 30 Wise Wynfryth’s Powerful Spell by David Bird 26 Aegean Experience & Proof Reading Team Alexandria with Voyages 33 Victor Mollo by Shireen Mohandes to Antiquity Mike Orriel 28 A Voyage Through the Julian Pottage 36 Julian Pottage Answers Your Questions Middle Sea with Voyages Catrina Shackleton 39 Bidding Quiz Answers (7-9) by Bernard Magee to Antiquity Richard Wheen 29 Clive Goff’s Stamps 40 Changing the Guard by Jeremy Dhondy Customer Services 32 South Africa, Namibia Catrina Shackleton 42 Defence Against High Contracts by Bernard Magee and the Skeleton [email protected] Coast with Voyages to 44 Ruffing In Your Hand by Michael Byrne Antiquity Events & Cruises 39 Declarer Play with ( 01483 489961 46 Catching Up with Sally Brock Bernard Magee Jessica Galt 47 Bidding Quiz Answers (10-12) by Bernard Magee 41 Club Insurance [email protected] 43 Defence with Bernard Megan Riccio 48 Hesitating with a Known Singleton Magee [email protected] by David Stevenson 43 Re-Boot your Acol with 50 Seven Days by Sally Brock Bernard Magee Clubs & Charities 45 Bernard Magee’s Maggie Axtell Tutorial Software [email protected] REDUCE THE COST OF YOUR POSTAGE 48 Bernard Magee DVDs Postage stamps for sale at 90% of face-value, Sets 1-3 all mint with full gum. 49 Bernard Magee DVDs Printed in the UK by Quotations for commercial quantities available on request. Sets 4-6 The Magazine Values supplied in 100s, higher values available as well as 52 Passage to Ancient Printing Company 1st and 2nd class. Egypt & India with www.magprint.co.uk ( 020 8422 4906 e-mail: [email protected] Voyages to Antiquity

BRIDGE July 2018 Page 3

GOOD NEWS MASTERPOINTED RE-OPENING CHARITY EVENTS CRUISES & EVENTS These new members of staff AUGUST 2018 enable me to reintroduce Last year I inspected 10 ST IVES ROTARY CLUB mv. Columbus, previously a our Saturday mornings’ Village Hall, Hemingford P&O ship but now fully service. From 30 June 2018, Abbots, PE28 9AH. £15. the office will be open from Sue O’Donovan refurbished as the flagship ( 01487 822701 / 07733 033706 of Cruise and Maritime 9am - 1pm. Hopefully, Voyages. So encouraged by some of you will find this SEPTEMBER 2018 the response for this year’s reinstated service a really 13 GT BARFORD BOWLS CLUB Gt Barford Bowls Club, two masterpointed cruises, useful option. MK44 3BG. £15. the first of which is Beryl Seymour Just before leaving for my advertised on page 2, you CHARITIES ( 01767449116 annual bucket and spade [email protected] will find details of two We support charities in Pat Martin-Moran holiday in Brittany, I had a ( really popular cruises for several ways. The most 01234 870198 tele-conference with my [email protected] 2019 on the facing page. obvious is free advertising consultant. He tells me that OCTOBER 2018 This year we also have a for events that use bridge the cancer has gone and 5 ST NEOTS MUSEUM masterpointed event at for fundraising, see the there are no signs that it Denham Grove, 10-12 St Neots Outdoor Bowling Club adjacent column. PE19 1AP. £15. has spread anywhere else. August, see page 14. Another way we help is by Jean Searle ( 01480 212298 Whilst on said holiday, providing items to be used grandson Owen took this NOVEMBER 2018 SANDRA TIMBURY as spot prizes. Organisers picture while I was sunning 6, 7, 8 BIRKHOLM MANOR should write to or email Corby Glen, Grantham, myself. I told him, by way Maggie Axtell. Lincs, NG33 4LF. £18.50. of encouragement, that it In aid of The Red Cross. was ‘magazine quality’. Penny Hedley Lewis 2019 WEEKEND ( 01476 550255 As he expects to find the [email protected] photograph included, I Dates and venues for 2019 To advertise your charity dare not disappoint him. are now on my website. events, please email [email protected] FLASH SALE T R AV EL Sandra joins us from a While I was away, the office background in accounts. Should you need travel had a flash sale email. As a Seeking a new career path insurance, give Genesis number of you do not have and having recently started Choice a call. See the email I repeat the offer for to learn to play bridge, the adjacent advertisement. your benefit. job seems an ideal fit. For those with Pre-existing DVD box sets 4 or 5 for health conditions (No Age She is currently owned by DANUBE only £55 or both for £100. Limit) an energetic dog and has Price includes p&p. Details Last year’s River Cruise l Travel Insurance with of all 8 box sets are to be three grandchildren. Line’s Danube sailings were online Medical Screening found on the back of this very popular and many of l Cover for medical month’s carrier sheet. EMILY HAWKINS you missed out. Do not let conditions, up to a high Being a flash sale it must that happen again. River level of severity, even a end 16 July 2018. Strictly cruising is a wonderful way terminal prognosis UK addresses only and to watch the world go by l No age limits subject to availability. and to move from one city l Instant online cover to another. When the boat Email is the quickest way We fully understand that you may to announce offers and moors you are commonly wish to speak to us direct about promotions. If you would in the heart of the action cover and your medical conditions and are able to soak up the and assure you of the best like to hear of such sales, do attention by senior staff on a direct sign up providing your atmosphere of the city in an phone line that does not require you to hold or press buttons for email address and consent. Emily is our second new instant. Bernard Magee is hosting an October sailing departments. You can opt out any time. recruit. She has a degree in ( textile design, which skill again this year. If you are 01268 524344 she continues to develop as tempted, further details are [email protected] 2019 DIARIES on my website. www.genesischoice.co.uk a hobby. Another big Genesis Choice Ltd are an appointed Now in stock and available passion is travel; she is representative of NDI Insurance All good wishes and Reinsurance Brokers Ltd who by mail order from my excited to be visiting Peru are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority No.446914 website or ( 01483 489961. later this year. Mr Bridge

BRIDGE July 2018 Page 5

Bernard Magee’s Acol Bidding Quiz

This month we are dealing with hands on which you have a singleton in your partner’s suit. You are West in the auctions below, playing ‘Standard Acol’ with a weak no-trump (12-14 points) and four-card majors.

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

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 ? 1♠ Pass 2♥ Pass 1♠ Pass 2♥ Pass 2♣ Pass 2♠ Pass ? 2NT Pass 3♥ Pass ? ?

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

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 1♠ Pass ? 1NT Pass 2♥ Pass ? 2♣ Pass 3♠ Pass ? ?

3. Dealer East. Love All. 6. Dealer East. Game All. 9. Dealer West. Love All. 12. Dealer West. Love All. ♠ A K 7 6 ♠ A 3 2 ♠ A K 10 ♠ 3 ♥ 4 N ♥ 2 N ♥ 4 N ♥ A 8 7 6 5 N W E W E W E W E ♦ Q J ♦ 9 7 ♦ A 9 8 4 ♦ S S S A J 5 4 2 S ♣ A K 8 4 3 2 ♣ Q J 7 6 5 4 3 ♣ K Q 10 9 3 ♣ A 3

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 2♠ Pass ? 1NT Pass 2♥ Pass 1NT Pass 2♥ Pass 3♦ Pass 3♠ Pass ? ? ?

My Answers: My Answers: My Answers: My Answers:

1...... 4...... 7...... 10......

2...... 5...... 8...... 11......

3...... 6...... 9...... 12......

Answers on page 11 Answers on page 29 Answers on page 39 Answers on page 47

BRIDGE July 2018 Page 7 The Diaries of Wendy Wensum

Episode 75:

A Change of Mind

illie was definitely unhappy. final contract of seven no-trumps, South led the club ace and continued She had been campaigning which was boldly doubled by West. with the king which was ruffed by Jo. for years against the intro- Jo exited with the king of trumps taken Mduction of computer-generated boards West North East South perforce by South’s ace. Unwilling at the Riverside. Now the wrangling Wendy Millie to lead another club for a and was over and the committee had fi- Pass 1♦ 3♥ 4NT1 discard and unable to lead a diamond, nally purchased the necessary equip- 5♥ Pass2 Pass 7NT South made the assumption that ment and software, and agreed to use Dbl All Pass declarer was unlikely to hold the ace computer hands for all future club 1Blackwood of spades for her three heart opener. events. Today’s teams competition was 2DOPE She returned a spade won by North’s a momentous occasion, the implemen- ace. North, faced with the unenviable tation of this controversial change. We The from West was the choice of returning either a spade or a were playing as usual with Kate and Jo two of hearts, which Millie was forced diamond, led the ace of diamonds and as our teammates and during the first to win in hand with the ace. She the contract was eventually defeated match this appeared. crossed to dummy with a spade and by three tricks. The IMP swing was threw the losing spade in her hand on decisive, allowing us to win the match the ace of diamonds. With the club comfortably. On this slender evidence Dealer West Love All. suit running, the contract rolled home from just one session of bridge, Millie ♠ A 10 8 6 5 with two spade tricks, one heart, one announced that computer-generated ♥ 8 diamond and nine clubs. ‘Perhaps boards were a splendid and much ♦ A Q 10 8 6 5 computer hands aren’t so bad at all,’ needed innovation to the game. She ♣ 10 Millie noted with some satisfaction. could not understand why anyone ♠ Q J 9 4 ♠ 7 At the other table Kate was West and could possibly oppose the committee’s ♥ J 7 3 2 N ♥ K Q 10 9 6 5 4 passed, as did North. Jo opened a pre- excellent plan. Accompanied by W E ♦ ♦ K 9 2 S J 7 4 3 emptive three hearts. Not surprisingly, disco dance movements she chanted, ♣ Q 5 ♣ J with nine clubs South came to life ‘Winner, winner, chicken dinner.’ She ♠ K 3 2 with a bid of five clubs. With a known really should stop watching so many ♥ A eleven card heart fit, Kate bid five TV soaps. In spite of this apparent ♦ hearts on the TNT principle. With change of heart, I had the feeling that ♣ A K 9 8 7 6 4 3 2 North and South each holding two IT and Millie would come to blows aces, neither felt confident enough to again. double. In particular South was aware In the pub later, we discussed the West passed and I opened one diamond that East might be void in clubs; North board further and Jo commented, as North. East intervened with a pre- overlooked the fact that South must ‘One for your diary I think, Wendy.’ emptive three hearts, but Millie sitting have a good hand to come in over a Looking at me rather uneasily but South was undeterred and asked for pre-empt. Five hearts by Jo sitting East clearly surprised by this startling aces with four no-trumps Blackwood. was the final contract. revelation, Millie responded, ‘I didn’t West made life difficult for us by know you kept a diary, Wendy. attempting to in five hearts. West North East South Whatever you do, don’t ever publish It was to no avail. I passed showing Kate Jo them. I wouldn’t want anyone to specifically an even number of aces. Pass Pass 3♥ 5♣ know about my dance routines or my Millie interpreted my bid as two aces, 5♥ All Pass colourful language.’ I assured her that and with no top losers jumped to the all her secrets were safe with me. ■

Page 8 BRIDGE July 2018 DEFENCE Mr Bridge QUIZ Hotel Royal Kenz by Julian Pottage Tunisia 2018-19 (Answers on page 17) Seven Day All-inclusive Duplicate Bridge Holidays ou are West in the defensive positions below playing Ymatchpoint pairs with only North-South vulnerable.

1. ♠ Q 10 8 3. ♠ 8 4 ♥ K J 9 8 ♥ Q J ♦ K J 8 3 ♦ K Q 6 5 ♣ 9 3 ♣ A Q 9 6 5 ♠ A K 7 5 ♠ Q 10 ♥ 7 3 N ♥ 10 7 6 N W E W E ♦ Q 9 6 5 S ♦ A 10 9 7 3 2 S ♣ 8 7 2 ♣ 10 2 6-13 November 2018 from £699 13-20 November 2018 from £699 Both of the above weeks from £999 West North East South West North East South Golf is available - green fees charged extra 1♦ 1♥ 2♠* 3♥ 5-12 Mar 2019 with Bernard Magee from £699 Dbl 3♥ 3♠ 4♥ Pass 4♥ All Pass 4♠ Pass Pass 5♥ *Weak Dbl All Pass

You lead the ♠K, collecting You lead the ♠Q, on which the ♠8, ♠9 and ♠3. How do go the ♠4, ♠6 and ♠7. What you continue? is your plan?

2. ♠ 8 6 5 4 4. ♠ Q 10 ♥ Q 10 5 4 ♥ J 8 5 2 ♦ A 9 2 ♦ K Q 10 5 3 *Prices shown are per person on an all inclusive basis sharing ♣ A 4 ♣ 8 6 a twin or double-bedded room and are inclusive of bridge fees. ♠ A Q 10 ♠ K J 9 6 Standard rooms all come with a private bath, toilet, balcony and ♥ 7 N ♥ 7 N tea and coffee making facilities. Sole occupancy supplement is £5 ♦ 8 5 4 W E ♦ 9 6 W E per night. The supplement for a pool view room is £3 per person, S S per night. To upgrade to a superior room with bath robe, bottle of ♣ J 8 7 6 3 2 ♣ A K J 5 4 3 wine and bowl of fruit on arrival is £3 per person per night. For details of what is included in the all-inclusive package, please call for an information pack and booking form. West North East South West North East South These prices are based on scheduled flights from Heathrow to 1♠ 2♥ 1♥ Tunis. Flights from Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow can be 2♠ 4♥ 4♠ 5♥ 2♣ 3♥ Pass 4♥ arranged at a supplement. All Pass All Pass *All prices are firm until 30th September 2018. Terms and conditions apply. Packaged with and You lead the ♠A, on which go You lead the ♣A: ♣6, ♣7 and bookings by Tunisia First ATOL 5933. the ♠4, ♠K and ♠2. How do ♣2. You continue with the you continue? ♣K: ♣8, ♣9 and ♣Q. What For details or an information pack call do you do next? Mr Bridge Holidays  01483 489961

BRIDGE July 2018 Page 9 Fireside Chats with Mike Lawrence BERNARD MAGEE’S INTERACTIVE The Power of TUTORIAL CD ACOL Spot Cards BIDDING Part Four

MAC or our partner opens West led the ♠5 and East ting three spade tricks. Windows 1NT showing 15-17 played the ♠J. South will be In the heart suit, South points and you have limited to two spade tricks. is not guaranteed to get Ythis eleven point hand. East has the king of hearts two tricks but he can with so South is limited to one a little good guessing. One heart trick. thing that South has going ♠ K 4 3 South can play diamonds for him is that the defenders ♥ Q 7 4 in various ways. He may get cannot lead hearts to their Throughout 200 ♦ J 8 4 3 two tricks if he guesses well. benefit. deals split into ten ♣ A J 4 In clubs, South finessed In diamonds, the addition chapters, Bernard the jack, losing to the queen, of North’s nine means that evaluates your bids, and later needed to wish for South can get two tricks for praising the correct All the books on no-trump the ten to drop. It did not. sure and has a nice chance ones and discussing bidding say you should bid Now let’s give North some of getting three. This is a the wrong ones. 3NT and that is what you helpful spot cards. You can distinct upgrade from the do. You put this hand down see that North has a collec- previous layout where get- l Opening Bids with some confidence and tion of tens and nines that ting even two diamonds and Responses sit back to watch the play. he did not have in the origi- was a chore. l Slams and It turns out that the play is nal layout. And in clubs, South now Strong Openings painful. has a play for four club l Support for Partner You watch while your tricks. If he guesses to play l Pre-empting partner struggles and late in ♠ K 10 9 the ace and jack, he will the hand it all comes down ♥ Q 10 3 find East’s queen and can l to his needing a 3-3 break in ♦ J 9 4 3 take all four tricks. Even if l No-trump £66 one of the suits. ♣ A J 10 South misguesses who has Openings It does not happen and he ♠ Q 6 5 4 ♠ J 7 3 the queen, he has three sure and Responses ♥ J 5 4 N ♥ K 8 7 6 tricks. In the first layout, goes down one trick. W E l Opener’s and ♦ S ♦ K 5 Q 8 7 6 he had two top tricks but Responder’s Rebids ♣ 8 6 5 4 ♣ Q 7 normal play did not gain ♠ K 4 3 ♠ A 8 2 another. Adding the ten of l Minors and Misfits ♥ Q 7 4 ♥ A 9 2 clubs to the North hand was l Doubles ♦ J 8 4 3 ♦ A 10 2 enormous. l Competitive ♣ A J 4 ♣ K 9 3 2 When you evaluate your Auctions ♠ Q 10 6 5 ♠ J 9 7 hand, particularly for no- ♥ J 5 3 N ♥ K 10 8 6 W E trump bidding, you should Mr Bridge Mail Order ♦ K 5 S ♦ Q 9 7 6 In this layout, West leads a always consider your spot Ryden Grange, ♣ 10 8 6 5 ♣ Q 7 spade as before but South cards. In this case, North’s Knaphill, Surrey GU21 ♠ A 8 2 is not in trouble. The spade spot cards added two or 2TH ♥ A 9 2 lead goes to the nine and three tricks to the worth of ( 01483 489961 ♦ A 10 2 East’s jack. South wins and the combined hands. Give www.mrbridge.co.uk/ ♣ K 9 3 2 later, at his whim, can fi- them some credit in the bid- mrbridge-shop nesse the ten of spades, get- ding. ■

Page 10 BRIDGE July 2018 Answers to Bernard Magee’s DECLARER Bidding Quizzes 1-3 PLAY on the Cover and page 7

QUIZ you should settle for a 1NT re- 1. Dealer East. Love All. sponse, keeping the bidding by David Huggett ♠ K 8 7 6 ♠ Q J 2 at a manageable level. ♥ 4 N ♥ A 9 8 6 Whenever you respond at (Answers on page 15) W E ♦ J 8 7 3 S ♦ K Q 2 the two level, you are basically ou are South as declarer playing or teams. ♣ J 4 3 2 ♣ A 8 7 saying that your hand is worth YIn each case what is your play strategy? more than a 1NT response (6-9). So your hand should be West North East South worth 10 points – this hand is 1♥ Pass 1. ♠ 7 6 5 3. ♠ 7 6 2 ? a long way short of that. ♥ 8 5 4 ♥ A Q 7 ♦ J 10 9 ♦ A J 3 2 1♠. You usually need six ♣ K Q J 7 ♣ Q 7 6 high card points to respond 3. Dealer East. Love All. to a one-of-a-suit opening, ♠ A K 7 6 ♠ 8 N N but when you are very short ♥ 4 N ♥ A J 10 8 5 2 W E W E W E ♦ ♦ S S in your partner’s suit, you Q J S K 3 2 can stretch that a little in an ♣ A K 8 4 3 2 ♣ Q J 6 ♠ K Q J 10 9 2 ♠ K J 3 attempt to find a better con- ♥ A 7 ♥ K 8 2 tract. You respond 1♠ and if West North East South ♦ K Q 7 5 ♦ K 7 6 5 4 your partner rebids in hearts, 1♥ Pass ♣ A ♣ A 2 your attempt will have failed, ? but any other rebid will leave you in a better contract. The 2♣. Whenever you are re- You are declarer in 4♠ You are declarer in 3NT odds are in your favour, so go sponding with a strong after East opens 1♥. West and West leads the ♠5 with for it. Here, he rebids 1NT. hand, you should bid as leads the ♥2 and East East playing the ♠Q. How naturally as possible. This plays the ♥Q. How do you do you plan the play? is because you will have the plan the play? 2. Dealer East. Love All. strength to make at least two ♠ K 8 7 ♠ A 5 2 bids – perhaps making a re- ♥ 4 N ♥ A K 7 6 3 W E sponder’s later on, to 2. ♠ K Q 8 4. ♠ 7 6 5 ♦ K 8 7 S ♦ A 4 3 force the bidding onwards. ♥ A 7 5 3 2 ♥ Q 7 5 ♣ Q 8 7 6 5 2 ♣ 9 3 By bidding your longest suit ♦ K 7 5 ♦ 8 7 6 first, you are able to give an ♣ A 6 ♣ K 9 7 5 accurate description of your West North East South hand. This should make it 1♥ Pass N N ? easier for the partnership to W E W E find the best contract. S S 1NT. There is a ‘rule’ of 14 It is only on weaker hands ♠ A J 10 9 6 5 ♠ A K 2 which says add points to long- that you might bid a four-card ♥ 4 ♥ A K 10 8 6 2 est suit length to see whether major at the one-level rather ♦ A 8 2 ♦ 9 2 you can respond at the two- than bidding your longer mi- ♣ K 8 3 ♣ A 2 level, but this is another of the nor at the two level. Here the many rules that should really auction might progress: 1♥- be called guidelines. Basi- 2♣-2♥-2♠-2NT-3♣… You are declarer in an You are declarer in 4♥ cally this means that if your At this point you have per- optimistic 7♠ and West after East opened with a hand fits the ‘guideline of 14’ fectly described your hand: leads the ♠2 with East weak 2♦. West leads the then you can contemplate re- six clubs, four spades and following. How do you ♦A followed by a low one sponding at the 2-level, but a strong hand. Your partner plan the play? to East who plays a third the suit quality does need to with three-card club support round. How do you plan be there to back it up. and a singleton, should aim the play? Here, with just 8 HCP and for a club contract – hope- a six-card suit of poor quality, fully you can reach 6♣. ■

BRIDGE July 2018 Page 11 A History of Playing Cards: Part Nineteen by Paul Bostock Playing Cards made in the United States

laying-cards were first made in North America soon after Independence was declared in 1776. However, a number of factors hindered their local production especially as there was a strongly established and relatively cheap supply of cards from London as the UK treasury did not tax exported cards. Also, there was very little, if any, specialised printing Pmachinery and even less card-stock. The first specialist makers grew in the 1890s around the North-eastern cities of Philadelphia, Boston and New York. The earliest example still preserved is by Amos Whitney of Boston, 1798, now in the Cary Collection at Yale University. Examples become more plentiful a decade or so later; the illustration shows cards made by Jazaniah Ford around 1815 and again made in Boston. These have been Cards by Jazaniah Ford, Boston c 1815. heavily used, but they are useful to see as they are typical of this period’s style. Several of the makers have ‘American Manufacture’ on the Ace of Spades – essentially advertising their worthiness in the wake of Independence. These early cards were made by artisans who printed with wooden blocks and then hand-coloured with the aid of stencils – just the same as anywhere else at the time. In 1835, Lewis Cohen set up his own firm in New York, and designed machinery for four-colour automated printing for the first time in the US. The cards were a great success, and Cohen went on to produce both standard cards and some exceptional luxury examples with gold metallic ink. In 1844 two of Cohen’s relatives started their own businesses – J J Levy and Samuel Hart. They did so with the founder’s blessing, as all three firms had ac- cess to the details of the new printing process, and they all prospered. Samuel Hart had the greatest success, and was the first manufacturer in the world to put corner indices on cards, dating from 1864. This innovation was soon adopted almost everywhere. The three firms were the first The richly colourful, early example of ‘Illuminated’ cards by L I Cohen, 1840. to introduce Jokers, also in The light brown colour is a metallic ink. the mid 1860s.

Page 12 BRIDGE July 2018 Andrew Dougherty was born in Ireland but his parents moved to New York in 1834, when he was seven. He set up his card making business in 1848 and within ten years his output was BERNARD growing quickly. By 1870, his factory’s capacity was three and a half million packs per year. The firms of Lawrence and Cohen (now run by Cohen’s son and nephew), John J Levy and Samuel Hart, were feeling the pressure and they were gradually affiliated into one: the New MAGEE York Consolidated Playing Card Company. TUTORIAL DVDs

SET 8 43 TEAMS £25 per DVD OF FOUR Great fun to play at club level and even in the home. Bernard discusses the format and then looks at the tactics you might use in the bidding and play.

44 GAME TRIES When your partner raises The first design produced by Andrew Dougherty, around 1848. your suit to the two-level, you have a variety of options available to you. By the 1880s, printing techniques were no longer closely guarded secrets, but widely available, and we see a proliferation of smaller makers. Among these, Russell and Morgan of Cincinnati 45 DISRUPTING stand out. Their first packs were made in 1881 and they went on to produce a cleverly thought DECLARER out range from utility cards to luxury cards. Their most famous ‘Bicycle’ pack began in 1885, A defender needs to try and and continues to this day. From around this time, many of their cards bore the inscription predict what declarer might plan. It is ‘The US Playing Card Co.’ and in 1891 this was adopted as the company name. your job to disrupt declarer’s plan.

46 DEFENDING vs HIGH CONTRACTS Making the right plays against high level contracts can make a huge difference.

47 OVERCALLS Duplicate bridge is so much more competitive these days. This being so, it is important you remember you are part of all this. 48 PRESSING THE DEFENCE There are ways you can make life more awkward for the defenders, particularly Russell and Morgan ‘Cabinet’ cards, 1888. by disguising holdings in your hand. Bernard explores The US Playing Card Company acquired many of the smaller brands, and in 1894 the New a number of tactics that will help you to exploit the York Consolidated Company offered to join the group. The Dougherty business was acquired defenders. in 1907, and the United States Playing Card Company continues in the present day as the principal US manufacturer. The firm has acquired a number of European makers too, and £105 is one of the world’s largest producers. They have embraced the digital age, offering smaller Set of 6 print runs for artists to produce their own designs. ■ Mr Bridge Mail Order The author is a Court Assistant in the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards – see ( 01483 489961 www.makersofplayingcards.co.uk. Many more sets of cards are illustrated on the author’s www.mrbridge.co.uk/ website www.plainbacks.com shop

BRIDGE July 2018 Page 13 Mr Bridge UK Events

Tutorial Events with Bernard Magee PROGRAMME 2018 Chatsworth Hotel DAY 1 3-5 August £258 26-28 October £258 1500 Mr Bridge Competitive Bidding Supporting Minors Welcome Desk open Tea or coffee on arrival Gourmet Food at Trouville Hotel, From £399* 1745 to 1830 Elstead Hotel Two Bridges Hotel Sandown, IOW Welcome drinks Bournemouth BH1 3QP Mon 26 to Wed 28 Nov Fri 15 to Tue 19 Feb 19 Play and Defence of 1NT Competitive Bidding 1830 to 2000 From *Price includes ferry fare Dinner £349 for two adults in one car. 2015 BRIDGE 1 DUPLICATE PAIRS Just Duplicate Tutorial Events 2018 2018 DAY 2 0800 to 0930 Blunsdon House Blunsdon House Breakfast Denham Grove 9-11 November £228 19-21 October £238 1000 to 1230 Near Uxbridge, UB9 5DG SEMINAR & PLAY Better Leads & Switches 27-29 December £228 of SET HANDS or 30 Nov - 2 Dec £238 DUPLICATE BRIDGE Denham Grove Doubles (Just Duplicate Events)

10-12 August £223 Denham Grove 1230 to 1330 Masterpointed Duplicate Cold Buffet Lunch Hosted by Gary Conrad 5-7 October £228 1400 to 1645 Declarer Play 14-16 September £218 BRIDGE 2 Hosted by Sandy Bell TEAMS of FOUR 19-21 October £218 (Bernard Magee Events) Ramada Resort, Grantham DUPLICATE PAIRS Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT Ramada Resort Ramada Resort Grantham (otherwise) 1815 to 2000 Grantham 21-23 September £218 Dinner 17-19 August £208 Doubles Hosted by John Ronan 2015 BRIDGE 3 26-28 October £208 DUPLICATE PAIRS 16-18 November £208 9-11 November £218 Better Finessing DAY 3 Chatsworth Hotel Hosted by Michael Haytack 0800 to 0930 17-19 August £218 Chatsworth Hotel Breakfast Chatsworth Hotel Worthing BN11 3DU 12-14 October £218 28-30 September £228 1000 to 1230 Splinters and Cue Bids SEMINAR & PLAY 23-25 November £218 of SET HANDS or Hosted by Will Parsons DUPLICATE PAIRS Elstead Hotel Elstead Hotel (Just Duplicate Events) 5-7 October £218 1230 to 1400 16-18 November £228 Sunday Lunch 2-4 Novem ber £218 Bidding (weekend events only) Distributional Hands Please note there are no seminars, Hosted by Lesley Lewis 1400 to 1645 set hands or prizes at these events. BRIDGE 4 Two Bridges Hotel DUPLICATE PAIRS Dartmoor PL20 6SW 2019 dates now available. Please call for details.

Full Board – No Single Supplement* ( 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk *Subject to availability. Single supplement applies at Two Bridges & Blunsdon House Answers to David Huggett’s Play Quiz on page 11

You are declarer in 7♠ and West leads East with the queen and two others but 1. ♠ 7 6 5 the ♠2 with East following. How do you that is not the point of this hand. Simply ♥ 8 5 4 plan the play? the queen of spades at trick one ♦ J 10 9 It is always ambitious bidding a grand and no harm can come to you. If you had ♣ K Q J 7 slam and the odds have to be well in your started with Axx it would have been easy, ♠ 3 ♠ A 8 4 favour. Here the main problem perhaps but less so with the actual holding. ♥ J 6 2 N ♥ K Q 10 9 3 lies in determining which thirteen tricks W E ♦ ♦ 8 6 4 3 2 S A are there to be made. However on a ♣ 10 8 6 4 ♣ 9 5 3 2 good day the hearts will break no worse 4. ♠ 7 6 5 ♠ K Q J 10 9 2 than 4-3 and you can always manage ♥ Q 7 5 ♥ A 7 a club ruff in dummy. Six spades, two ♦ 8 7 6 ♦ K Q 7 5 hearts, two diamonds, two clubs and a ♣ K 9 7 5 ♣ A ruff comes to thirteen but you have to go ♠ Q 10 4 3 ♠ J 9 8 about setting up these tricks carefully. ♥ J 9 3 N ♥ 4 W E Play ace of hearts and ruff a heart ♦ A 3 ♦ K Q J 10 5 4 S You are declarer in 4♠ after East opens followed by a club to the ace and ruff ♣ Q 10 6 4 ♣ J 8 3 1♥. West leads the ♥2 and East plays the another heart. Finally king of clubs and ♠ A K 2 ♥Q. How do you plan the play? a club ruff allows you to ruff yet another ♥ A K 10 8 6 2 This looks to be a pretty sound contract heart setting up a winner in dummy. ♦ 9 2 and, as always when that is the case, you Draw the remaining two trumps and ♣ A 2 have to look for hidden dangers. cross to dummy’s king of diamonds to Here the only danger is that you might cash that last little heart. sustain a diamond ruff if that suit breaks You are declarer in 4♥ after East opened particularly badly and so it might seem with a weak 2♦. West leads the ♦A that you have to draw trumps as soon 3. ♠ 7 6 2 followed by a low one to East who plays as possible. But suppose you do that by ♥ A Q 7 a third round. How do you plan the play? leading a trump at trick two. East will ♦ A J 3 2 The third round of diamonds is tedious win, cash his putative singleton ace of ♣ Q 7 6 and you might be wondering whether to diamonds and lead a heart to his part- ♠ A 10 8 5 4 ♠ Q 9 ruff high or with the ten, hoping that East ner’s known jack – known because of the ♥ 9 5 3 N ♥ J 10 6 4 has the jack. opening lead – and then get his ruff. You ♦ 8 W E ♦ Q 10 9 Of course, as you may have seen, you S can combat this defence in either of two ♣ K 10 8 3 ♣ J 9 5 4 don’t ruff at all but simply discard the ways. ♠ K J 3 card that you were always going to lose Either duck the initial lead or return a ♥ K 8 2 anyway – your little spade. Now a fourth heart at trick two, severing communica- ♦ K 7 6 5 4 round of diamonds can be handled by tions in both instances. ♣ A 2 dummy and you make the ten tricks, as you were always destined make. ■

2. ♠ K Q 8 You are declarer in 3NT and West leads ♥ A 7 5 3 2 the ♠5 with East playing the ♠Q. How do DUPLICATE BRIDGE ♦ K 7 5 you plan the play? RULES SIMPLIFIED ♣ A 6 You know from the Rule of Eleven that (otherwise known as the Yellow Book) ♠ 4 3 2 ♠ 7 East started with two or three spades, ♥ J 8 6 N ♥ K Q 10 9 depending on whether West has led from W E by David Stevenson only ♦ J 9 3 ♦ Q 10 6 4 a four or a five-card suit. Obviously extra S Fully Revised 2017 95 ♣ Q J 4 2 ♣ 10 9 7 5 tricks will come from the diamond suit £5 ♠ A J 10 9 6 5 and, as you only need four tricks from Available from Mr Bridge ♥ 4 that suit, you might think the problem lies ♦ A 8 2 in keeping East off lead so that he can’t ( 01483 489961 ♣ K 8 3 lead a spade through your vulnerable www.mrbridge.co.uk jack. Indeed you would be unlucky to find

BRIDGE July 2018 Page 15 2018 FESTIVE Sally Brock Looks at Your Slam Bidding SEASON Denham Grove Sally’s Slam Clinic Near Uxbridge UB9 5DG Where did we go wrong? the bid is that when East shows no aces, West continues with 5NT, best Jim Miller sent in this deal that turned played as asking for specific kings, but up in a local beginners/intermediate also confirming all the aces are held. If class that he helps to supervise. The East had ♣K-Q-x-x-x-x then he would ♣ Christmas hands were: be able to bid 7 with confidence – as it is he shows his lower king, and then 23-27 Dec £495 his ♥K too. However, West is right not and Transfers ♠ A K Q J 3 ♠ 7 6 to bid the grand slam for the above- hosted by Sandy Bell ♥ A 6 3 N ♥ K 7 5 2 mentioned reasons. I gather that in W E ♦ A 6 ♦ 8 Twixmas S practice everything behaved and ♣ A 7 5 ♣ K J 8 6 4 3 thirteen tricks were there. 27-29 Dec £258

Defence as Partner of the Leader Slam of the month hosted by Bernard Magee He asks: New Year 1. What is the best opening bid for At the eleventh hour I received a good 29 Dec-2 Jan 2019 £499 West? contender for this award from Stan Drawing Trumps 2. Opposite some strong opening, Christie of Devizes Bridge Club. hosted by Bernard Magee is the East hand worth a positive response? Ramada Resort 3. What is the best final contract at ♠ Q J 10 7 2 ♠ K 8 6 4 matchpoints? ♥ K Q 10 6 N ♥ A 9 4 1. The choice of opening bid is difficult. ♦ Void W E ♦ K Q 9 5 4 Grantham S Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT I would not open with an Acol 2♠, as ♣ A J 10 7 ♣ 8 the hand is too balanced. It is rather good for a 2NT opening (presumably 20-22), so I would go for an Acol 2♣ West East (or Benjamin 2♦, I guess). 1♦ 2. I like to be able to give a positive 1♠ 2♠ on this type of hand – I think it should 4♣ 4♥ Christmas be a good five-card suit at the two level, 4NT 5♥ 23-27 Dec £425 and a good six-card suit at the three 6♠ Just Duplicate level. If East starts with a negative on hosted by Sheila Rogers this hand it is going to be difficult for After East’s ♠2 raise, West’s 4♣ was him to catch up. a cue-bid, as was 4♥. West now felt Twixmas 3. At matchpoints, the best final he could ask for keycards because he 27-29 Dec £215 contract is clearly 6♠, but that may be knew his partner did not have the ♦A. Losing Trick Count difficult to reach. I would expect 6♣ to Hearing of two keycards opposite he New Year score very well. was prepared to bid a slam, and when My suggested sequence is: North led the ♠A followed by the ♦A 29 Dec-1 Jan 2019 £345 the play was straightforward. So, is Suit Establishment West East this a good slam? I think it is fair in Blunsdon House 2♣ 3♣ practice. It looks good on a non-trump Swindon SN26 7AS 3♠ 4♠ lead, and even if there is a trump lead 4NT 5♣ then it needs the ruffing diamond Twixmas 5NT 6♣ , and then for hearts to come in. 27-29 Dec from £228 6♦ 6♥ In truth, I don’t much mind if I am in Just Duplicate 6♠ it or not – until it makes. ■ Call for details of all itineraries ( 01483 489961 It may seem bizarre for West to use Send your slam hands to www.mrbridge.co.uk/ukbreaks Roman Key Card Blackwood when he [email protected] has all five aces, but the reason I like

Page 16 BRIDGE July 2018 Answers to Julian Pottage’s Defence Quiz on page 9

West North East South spades in that case. 1. ♠ Q 10 8 1♠ 2♥ You might switch to the ♦A in case partner ♥ K J 9 8 2♠ 4♥ 4♠ 5♥ is void and to save partner from guessing ♦ K J 8 3 All Pass what to do at trick three. Suppose you ♣ 9 3 switch to the ♦A and partner plays the ♦J. ♠ A K 7 5 ♠ J 9 4 2 You lead the ♠A, on which go the ♠4, ♠K How do you know this is not a singleton? ♥ 7 3 N ♥ 10 and ♠2. How do you continue? The clue is that with a singleton partner W E ♦ ♦ ♠ Q 9 6 5 S A 10 7 4 2 What do you make of the K? Normally would have overtaken the first spade and ♣ 8 7 2 ♣ A Q 4 this would show the ♠Q – but you are switched to a diamond. ♠ 6 3 looking at the ♠Q in your own hand. An If your side does not cash out correctly, ♥ A Q 6 5 4 2 unusual card should carry an unusual the contract makes with an overtrick. ♦ Void message. ♣ K J 10 6 5 What would you have done if partner had played a normal discouraging 4. ♠ Q 10 spade? ♥ J 8 5 2 West North East South You probably would have switched to ♦ K Q 10 5 3 1♦ 1♥ dummy’s weaker minor, clubs. You thus ♣ 8 6 Dbl 3♥ 3♠ 4♥ switch to a diamond, leading the ♦8 to ♠ K J 9 6 ♠ 8 5 3 4♠ Pass Pass 5♥ denote your weakness. ♥ 7 N ♥ Q 10 6 4 Dbl All Pass If you fail to switch to a diamond, ♦ 9 6 W E ♦ J 8 7 S declarer can make the contract, ruffing ♣ A K J 5 4 3 ♣ 10 9 7 You lead the ♠K, collecting the ♠8, ♠9 three spades in hand to eliminate the ♠ A 7 4 2 and ♠3. How do you continue? suit and later forcing partner to make a ♥ A K 9 3 In this situation, the ♠9 should be a losing return. ♦ A 4 2 count , signifying an even number ♣ Q 2 – the bidding also suggests that partner has four spades. So you can cash the 3. ♠ 8 4 ♠A. While it is true that you will set up ♥ Q J West North East South dummy’s ♠Q, you can play a diamond at ♦ K Q 6 5 1♥ trick three, so declarer is unlikely to have ♣ A Q 9 6 5 2♣ 3♥ Pass 4♥ anything useful to discard. ♠ Q 10 ♠ A K 6 5 3 2 All Pass It is crucial that you play the second ♥ 10 7 6 N ♥ 4 2 spade before leading diamonds because ♦ A 10 9 7 3 2 W E ♦ J 8 You lead the ♣A: ♣6, ♣7 and ♣2. You S after a diamond goes to the jack, ace ♣ 10 2 ♣ 8 4 3 continue with the ♣K: ♣8, ♣9 and ♣Q. and a ruff, declarer would be able to ♠ J 9 7 What do you do next? discard any remaining spade on the ♦K. ♥ A K 9 8 5 3 Since partner has played upwards in ♦ 4 clubs, you know a third club is opposite. ♣ K J 7 You do not want to play a third round, 2. ♠ 8 6 5 4 giving a ruff and discard. Do you switch ♥ Q 10 5 4 to a spade, hoping partner holds the ♦ A 9 2 West North East South ♠A, or do you play safe with a diamond ♣ A 4 2♠* 3♥ switch? ♠ A Q 10 ♠ K J 9 7 3 Pass 4♥ All Pass The bidding makes the ♠A a firm fa- ♥ 7 N ♥ 6 *Weak vourite to be on your right. In any case, ♦ 8 5 4 W E ♦ K Q 6 3 spade tricks will not run away if East has S ♣ J 8 7 6 3 2 ♣ Q 10 5 You lead the ♠Q, on which go the ♠4, ♠6 and four trumps or three and ♦J-8-x-x. A fur- ♠ 2 ♠7. What is your plan? ther clue is that with the ♣10-9 left part- ♥ A K J 9 8 3 2 Since the ♠2, ♠3 and ♠5 are missing, ner could have played the ♣10 as a suit- ♦ J 10 7 you read the ♠6 as encouraging. For preference signal for spades – a helpful ♣ K 9 sure, partner cannot want a club switch partner would have done that. So switch since it would be clear to discourage to the ♦9 and wait to score the ♠K. ■

BRIDGE July 2018 Page 17 More Tips from Bernard Magee Mr Bridge Holidays Cruise the Danube to Vienna and Budapest aboard ms Serenity Take advantage by coach: 14-23 October 2018 of short suit leads by air: 15-22 October 2018

gainst a trump con- ing South’s J-10 combination. tract, your opponents You can make sure of four Awill often make a short spade tricks by way of a dou- suit lead to aim for a ruffing ble finesse. trick. There is little you can do if they have a singleton opposite an ace and you can ♠ 9 be aggrieved if they get you ♥ 10 9 6 down. However, to make up ♦ J 10 8 7 2 for this, you need to take ad- ♣ A 8 7 6 vantage of the situation when ♠ K Q 8 2 ♠ A 7 6 5 you gain the lead and can ♥ A 8 7 2 N ♥ K Q J 4 W E stop the ruff. ♦ A 4 S ♦ 6 3 ♣ Q 4 3 ♣ J 10 9 ♠ J 10 4 3 ♠ K Q 8 2 ♠ A 7 6 5 ♥ 5 3

♥ A 8 7 2 N ♥ K Q J 4 ♦ K Q 9 5 Your cruise includes: ♦ W E ♦ ♣ A 4 S 6 3 K 5 2 by coach ♣ Q 4 3 ♣ J 10 9 • Coach travel to and from Dover from selected pick- You win the ♠A, draw trumps up points After a straightforward auc- in three rounds finishing in • Return ferry crossings to tion: 1♥-3♥-4♥, North leads dummy and lead a spade. and from Dover ♠9. South should play low and a • 7 nights cruise on a full The contract looks easy: lot of declarers will go up with Bernard Magee will host board basis four trumps, four spades, ♦A king or queen, but not you. and oversee a bridge • 2 nights half board hotel and a slow club trick from the Placing North with no spade programme of seminars, accommodation queen, jack and ten. How- higher than the nine, you set hands and duplicate • An overnight b&b stay ever, both major suits might win the trick with your eight sessions organised to at Dover with breakfast is break badly – you will dis- and thereby make your con- fit around the cruise available at a supplement cover the trump situation after tract. Of course, if South splits two rounds, but how about his honours you cannot go itinerary. There will also by air the spade suit – what was the wrong, you beat his ten and be welcome and farewell • Return flights from lead? then play clubs. Eventually drinks parties. London Heathrow or fly North has made the normal you reach dummy and play Cabins from £1149 pp direct from Manchester lead from his hand and had a third round of spades to se- Sole occupancy supplement or Birmingham at a South held the ♠A instead of cure your spade tricks. from 25%. Very limited supplement (subject to the ♣K it would have resulted Can you see that North’s availability. Call for prices. availability) in a swift defeat of 4♥. How- singleton lead will usually • Coach transfers between ever, you can take advantage be an unlucky omen – often airport and ship on this occasion – the ♠9 is causing the loss of a ruff, so • 7 nights on a full board surely from shortage – either it is really important to get basis a doubleton or singleton? your own back when you can. If it is a doubleton, then you Here, you would have expect- are happy enough, but if it is ed to lose a spade trick had To book or for more information a singleton you need to take you played the suit yourself, full advantage – by taking the but because of North’s open- ( Mr Bridge on 01483 489961 nine with your ace, you will ing lead you were able to take or visit www.mrbridge.co.uk leave your K-Q-8 surround- advantage and save a trick. ■

Page 18 BRIDGE July 2018 About the Contested Auction by Andrew Kambites

Overcalling

t is certainly possible to learn C is in the middle. Of course you would bridge as a series of ‘rules’. However Hand A Hand B Hand C prefer spades to be trumps because you you will become a far better player ♠ K Q J 10 9 8 ♠ A 6 5 ♠ 9 7 6 5 4 have five of them. However, all your Iif you understand the reasons behind ♥ 8 ♥ A J 5 4 ♥ A J 8 honour cards are in your short suits, these so-called ‘rules’. In my new ♦ Q J 10 9 ♦ A 6 5 ♦ A 8 3 as likely to take tricks if you defend as series I examine the contested auction, ♣ 5 4 ♣ 8 6 2 ♣ Q 3 if you are declarer. ie an auction in which both sides try to If you understand this you are lay claim to the contract. starting to grasp that it is not just Your criteria for bidding needs to With Hand A it should be obvious a question of how many points you be very different compared to the that the potential of your hand is have. There are ‘offence’ points, which uncontested auction. determined hugely by the trump are only likely to be of much use if There are many hands where each suit. If hearts are trumps you have you pick trumps, and ‘defence’ points side can make eight tricks with their no certain trick in your hand. You which are equally likely to take tricks chosen trump suit. There are fewer, might lead the ♠K but if declarer has if your opponents pick the trump suit. but still a significant number of hands, a singleton spade and dummy has the where each side can make game. This ♠A, you will make no spade trick. ou must be much more isn’t because of points, indeed often Equally, if declarer or dummy has a aggressive in the competitive each side has only about 20 points, but doubleton diamond the defence might Yauction if your hand has because of shape. In a future article, I never make a diamond trick. On the mainly offensive points rather than will examine how you might recognise other hand, if spades are trumps you if your points are mainly defensive. these hands as the auction develops, are guaranteed five spade tricks and but two things should be stressed at your ♦Q-J-10-9 are very likely to In particular, please take on board this stage. give you two diamond tricks as well. that there are some hands that would Seven tricks in total – what a contrast. be worth an opening bid but are not f you continually allow your Without giving you any criteria for worth interfering if opponents open opponents to steal the contract overcalling, it is clear that despite the first, and there are some hands that Iwhen you have a making fact that you have only nine points it is might not merit an opening bid but contract your way, you will never necessary to 1♥ with 1♠. are certainly worth overcalling in be a winner. Hand B demonstrates the opposite. your long suit. When you looked at your hand you If you want a summary of which Also: could see three tricks, the three aces. points are likely to be offensive or You had intended to open 1NT, until defensive try this. nless you are prepared your opponents opened 1♥. If they Aces are likely to be both offensive to accept some risk when want to play in hearts your hand and defensive, though occasionally Uit comes to entering the might be worth four tricks because you might be disappointed when you auction, you will repeatedly be the ♥J is more likely to take a trick if have the opening lead and your ace is talked out of your rightful dues. hearts are trumps. You have no reason ruffed at trick 1. to bid anything now. It is a commonly Queens and jacks, and to a lesser These themes will constantly recur held misapprehension that if you have extent kings, in your long suit(s) are but for now I want to examine how an opening bid you should necessarily offensive. you should approach your overcalling. want to enter the auction if opponents Queens and jacks, and to a lesser Consider each of these hands if your bid first. extent kings, in your short suit(s) are right hand opponent opens 1♥. Hands A and B are extremes. Hand defensive. u

BRIDGE July 2018 Page 19 This is particularly true of isolated that you would not open, you might honours, i.e. honours that are not ask whether you would be happy for backed up by another honour. It is him to lead your suit from a holding Hand G Hand H Hand J worth looking at the club holding in such as king doubleton. Because you ♠ K 6 4 ♠ K 6 ♠ K 6 4 Hand C, ♣Q-3. Suppose your partner might compete with a good suit on a ♥ J 5 4 ♥ 9 5 4 ♥ 9 5 4 has ♣7-5-4. There is little or no chance hand that was not worth an opening ♦ K 7 ♦ K 7 ♦ A Q of you making a trick with your ♣Q bid, partner will feel he has been ♣ A J 9 6 5 ♣ A J 9 8 6 5 ♣ A J 10 6 5 if your hand is declarer or dummy. directed to lead an overcalled suit However suppose the opponents have much more strongly than an opening won the contract. Your opponents bid suit. With Hand G, I would pass 1♥. Of have an eight-card club fit. Declarer With Hand C, I would not have course I would have opened 1NT, and will probably have to guess who has opened the bidding and I certainly do if my black suits were reversed I would the ♣Q and take a finesse. If he guesses not want partner to lead a spade from overcall 1♥ with 1♠. wrongly, your ♣Q will make a trick. ♠K-x so I do not overcall 1♥ with 1♠. With Hand H, I would overcall 1♥ Equally your ♣Q might combine However, if Hand C was stronger, I with 2♣. The sixth club is the decider. with a club honour in partner’s hand. might have no choice but to overcall Hand J is the minimum I would because the danger of never finding require to overcall 1♥ with 2♣ with a our spade fit if I pass is greater than poor five-card suit. ♣ A 10 9 2 the danger of attracting a damaging Can I now try to anticipate some opening lead from partner. questions? N ♣ Q 3 W E ♣ J 5 4 Firstly, how does the vulnerability S affect my criteria? ♣ K 8 7 6 Hand D Hand E Hand F The answer is not a great deal. Get- ♠ A Q 10 7 6 ♠ 9 7 6 5 4 ♠ 9 7 6 5 4 ting talked out of your dues when vul- ♥ 8 7 ♥ A J 8 ♥ A J 8 nerable can be even more expensive If you are defending you will have no ♦ J 10 7 6 ♦ A K 3 ♦ A K 3 than if you are non-vulnerable. Nowa- reason to open up clubs – a frozen suit. ♣ 4 2 ♣ Q 3 ♣ A J days opponents find it harder to make However, declarer will have to play a penalty double because 1♥-1♠-Dbl three rounds of clubs if he wants to is played for take-out, a negative dou- establish the fourth club as a winner. With Hand D I would overcall 1♥ with ble. As you will see when you read my Either you or your partner will take 1♠ because my points are offensive. article on negative doubles it is possi- a trick. With South’s ♣K sitting after Incidentally there is even more incen- ble for the defenders to reclaim their the ♣J and North’s ♣A sitting after tive to overcall 1♣ with 1♠ because it penalty doubles but in practice, at club your ♣Q you cannot develop a club might prevent your opponents from level, it happens rarely. trick. finding a heart fit. The more bidding Secondly, you have seen hands space your overcall consumes, the worth an opening bid that you had to A simple suit overcall more pre-emptive the effect. pass (Hands B and G). If your partner Hand E is a stronger version of has the same values and passes, it is (without a jump) Hand C. I do not like overcalling 1♠ quite possible that your side has game So what are the requirements for an with such a bad suit, but I do not want values. You need not worry about that. overcall? Experts differ on this but to sell out to 2♥ if we can make 2♠ so I The criteria I have given is for the hand I will work on the assumption that a make the 1♠ overcall. immediately after the opening bidder. simple overcall of a suit at the one Hand F gives me another option: a If the bidding goes 1♥-Pass-Pass-?, level shows at least a five-card suit 1NT overcall which you will later see your partner is called the protective and between seven and 16 points. shows 15-18 points and at least one hand. The criteria are very different That is not to say that you overcall stopper in their suit, hearts. for him. He is called the protective every time you have seven points and It is tempting to use the same criteria hand because he must try to protect a five-card suit. If you overcall with for two-level overcalls but expert you if you have been forced to pass a hand that you would have passed opinion is that they should be kept to a with opening values. I deal with the as dealer, your points should be reasonable standard. Part of the reason protective hand in a future article. offensive. for this is that partner has one fewer Thirdly, you might wonder what you Another way of saying this is that level of bidding to make a . do if your hand is too strong for these your suit should be good. Remember, A two-level overcall without a jump criteria. your opponents might buy the (e.g. 1♥-2♣) should show 10-18 points The answer is that you double first contract. and at least a good five-card suit. If and then bid your suit. I will expand Suppose partner has to make the you are in the range 10-13 points you on this in my article on takeout opening lead. Your overcall will have should have a six-card suit. doubles. u directed him to lead your suit. If you Suppose your right hand opponent Contact: [email protected] are considering an overcall on a hand opens 1♥.

Page 20 BRIDGE July 2018 Jump overcalls Traditionally a single jump has Hand Q shown a hand that would merit ♠ K Q J 8 7 5 BERNARD opening the suit and making a jump ♥ 2 rebid in your suit. Maybe 15-17 ♦ K Q J 8 7 points with a good six-card suit. ♣ 8 MAGEE TUTORIAL Hand K Hand L Assuming nobody vulnerable, with ♠ K Q 10 8 6 5 ♠ K Q 10 8 6 Hand N overcall 1♥ with 3♠. With ♥ 7 ♥ 7 Hand P your eight spades makes DVDs ♦ A Q 8 ♦ A Q 8 you worth a 4♠ overcall. How about ♣ K 10 7 ♣ A Q J 8 Hand Q? You might be worried about £25 per DVD overcalling 1♥ with 4♠. First you SET 7 could miss a slam. Second diamonds 37 MORE SIGNALLING Hand M might be the correct strain. However Bernard looks at different times ♠ K Q 10 8 6 5 ♠ a jump to 4 is a very practical bid when you signal and the messages ♥ 7 and is likely to give your opponents a you might want to give. ♦ Q 10 9 8 headache. Particularly if partner has ♣ 10 7 already passed, 4♠ is likely to be where 38 4-4-4-1 HANDS you want to play. Everybody’s least favourite type How about if you are vulnerable and of opening hand. Bernard goes If your right hand opponent opens 1♥, opponents are not? Many of you still through the methods for choosing Hand K is worth 2♠. Hand L is too adhere to the rule of 2, 3 and 4. This the right suit to open as well as coping with responses. strong for 1♠ but jumping to 2♠ is not means that you need to be within two the answer because you have only five tricks of your bid at red vulnerability, 39 DRAWING TRUMPS spades. You need to start with a take- three tricks at equal vulnerability This seminar sounds straightfor- out double and then bid your spades and four tricks at green vulnerability. ward, but we will not be simply if partner chooses a , which If you cautiously adhere to this you drawing trumps, we will be con- shows a hand too strong to overcall 1♠. might decide to bid a weak 2♠ with sidering the reasons for delaying. Nowadays many partnerships hand N and only 3♠ with hand P. Keeping control of trumps is an choose to play intermediate or even important part of declarer play. weak jump overcalls. Hand M shows a Overcalling 40 FIVE-CARD MAJORS hand worth jumping to 2♠ over 1♥ if Popular around the world, this you are playing weak jump overcalls ie opponents’ pre-empts method is becoming more popular a hand that would be worth an opening Your right hand opponent opens 2♥. here. weak 2♠ bid. It is not without risk, You jump to 3♠. What does it mean? 41 FUNDAMENTALS particularly if you are vulnerable, but it Weak or strong? Ron Klinger has a OF DEFENCE is an effective pre-emptive action. good rule for this: Defence is by far the hardest f you have a hand too strong for id strongly over their weak aspect of bridge: this seminar seeks to show the building blocks that a simple overcall or jump overcall bids and weakly over their can start you off on a wonderful Iyou must start with a double, Bstrong bids. journey. If you can get the basics intending to bid your suit later. right then the more complicated Whatever your agreement about aspects of defence can follow. Whatever the strength of your jump jump overcalls of 2♥, the principle is 42 SUPPORTING £105 overcalls, they do not need to be that if their bid is strong, you want to MINORS set of 6 alerted because they are natural bids. impede them by pre-emptive action. Minors are not as important as However if their bid is a weak two majors, but we have to bid them n overcall with a double or your interests lie in sorting out your and it is important to know triple jump is pre-emptive. strong hands. You have every right to your system. Bidding more 3NT A ask the partner of the 2♥ bidder what contracts will get you better scores, 2♥ means in his agreed system. If it is but being able to spot a minor suit Hand N Hand P a then your 3♠ overcall slam will put you a cut above. ♠ K Q J 8 7 6 3 ♠ K Q J 9 8 7 6 3 should be strong, like Hand K. Ron ♥ 7 ♥ 7 has another rule to cover this: Mr Bridge Mail Order ♦ J 10 9 ♦ J 10 9 ( 01483 489961 ♣ 5 4 ♣ 5 o not pre-empt after your www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop Dopponents’ pre-empt. ■

BRIDGE July 2018 Page 21

luxury Overcalling Quiz bridge mat Just £24.99 by Andrew Kambites plus £4.99 p & p (Answers on page 27) luxury

1 At love all: bridge mat (i) Would you have opened the bidding as dealer with these hands? Just £24.99 plus £4.99 p & p (ii) What should you bid with these hands if your right hand opponent opens 1♥?

Hand A Hand B Hand C Hand D Hand E Hand F ♠ K J 6 ♠ A Q 10 7 3 ♠ J 6 5 3 2 ♠ J 6 5 3 2 ♠ A Q J 7 6 ♠ A K Q J ♥ Q 7 5 4 ♥ 6 3 2 ♥ Q 5 4 ♥ A 5 4 ♥ 6 5 ♥ 8 6 5 ♦ A J 5 ♦ Q 10 7 ♦ Q 8 7 ♦ A K J ♦ K Q 7 ♦ Q J 10 3 ♣ K 3 2 ♣ 9 4 ♣ K 4 ♣ 9 8 ♣ A K 4 ♣ 6 3

2 At game all, your right hand opponent opens 1♣. Thick woven surface makes What should you bid with these hands? an idealThick playing woven surface and (i) If you are playing strong jump overcalls? protectssurface your makes table. Very popular with Bridge (ii) If you are playing weak jump overcalls? Clubs.an 78cmsideal wideplaying so it fits a standardsurface 80cms and card table protects your table. Hand A Hand B Hand C Hand D Hand E Hand F PaddedThickVery woven popular table surface with makesbag. ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ Q 10 7 5 4 3 A J 10 9 6 5 A J 10 9 6 5 A J 10 9 6 5 Q 9 8 6 5 4 A K J 10 7 6 an ideal£39.00Bridge playing +Clubs. £4.99 surface p&p and ♥ 8 7 ♥ 8 7 ♥ 8 7 ♥ 8 7 ♥ A 8 ♥ A 8 78cmprotects wide your table.so it ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Very popular with Bridge A K 7 Q J 8 7 A J 10 8 A K J 8 A J 7 6 A K 7 6 fits a standard ♣ 9 5 ♣ 8 ♣ 8 ♣ 8 ♣ A ♣ 8 Clubs. 78cms wide so it fits a standard80cm card80cms table.card table

Padded table bag. £39.00 + £4.99 p&p 3 At game all, your right hand opponent opens 1♠. What should you bid with these hands? Large enough to take a standard 80cms bridge table. Made from tough nylon with carrying straps Hand A Hand B Hand C and Velcro fixing. Ideal for ♠ K 8 2 ♠ K 8 ♠ K 8 2 storing or carrying your table. ♥ 8 6 ♥ 8 6 ♥ 8 6 Order online or by phone ♦ K 7 6 ♦ K 7 6 ♦ A K 7 www.designsforbridge.co.uk ♣ K Q 5 3 2 ♣ K Q 8 6 5 4 ♣ K Q 5 3 2 Large enough to take a standard 0148380cms bridge table.270 Made 100 from toughLarge nylon enough with carrying to take straps a standardandSR VelcroDesigns 80cmsfixing. for Bridge Idealbridge for Unitstoringtable. A1, or MadeSend carrying Business from your tough table. Park, 4 At love all, your right hand opponent opens 1♦. Send,nylon Woking, with carrying Surrey GU23 straps 7EF What should you bid with these hands? Orderand Velcro online fixing. or by phoneIdeal www.designsforbridge.co.ukfor storing or carrying 01483your 270 table. 100 Hand A Hand B Hand C OrderSR Designs online orfor by Bridge phone ♠ K J 10 9 6 5 2 ♠ A Q J 8 7 6 5 4 ♠ Q 7 6 5 4 3 2 www.designsforbridge.co.ukUnit A1, Send Business Park, ♥ K 7 ♥ K 7 ♥ K 7 Send, Woking, Surrey GU23 7EF ♦ 9 ♦ 9 ♦ 9 01483 270 100 ♣ J 10 7 ♣ J 9 ♣ A 9 8 SR Designs for Bridge Unit A1, Send Business Park, Send, Woking, Surrey GU23 7EF

BRIDGE July 2018 Page 23 David Stevenson Answers your Bridge Questions Is A Misleading Lead Allowed?

I was East in (my wife) wondered if average on the last that one pair is always slow. the deal below I could/should have board if they are slow, If you finish a round late, Q and became made a fuss about the but with two boards per you will get noise whether declarer in 5♠ after the misleading lead. round, it is more difficult. the director has moved following bidding: John Collins by email. We allow 15 minutes for them on or not. It is easier a two-board round. to keep the room to time The director would 1. At what stage if you have a timer, such ♠ 10 8 ask the player should a director as Michael Rothwell’s. ♥ K 10 9 8 6 5 3 A why she led the move people on? ♦ 4 club eight. People are 2. When should they ♣♦♥♠ ♣ 9 5 4 allowed to false card. Of start timing the next

♠ 6 5 4 3 N ♠ A K Q 9 2 course, at such times the round? As soon as they My wife was ♥ W E ♥ 7 S 4 partner is misled as well. have moved players on playing duplicate ♦ Q 9 7 6 5 2 ♦ A J 8 Let us look at the or when the last pair has Qpairs the other ♣ A 10 ♣ Q J 7 2 possibilities. If South led ♣8 moved and sat down? night when dummy ♠ J 7 deliberately to give a false As a director, I get ‘threw’ his cards on the ♥ A Q J 2 impression (perhaps because frustrated when being table such that they ♦ K 10 3 she knew she had all the pushed, you can’t were at an angle across ♣ K 8 6 3 strength but did not want concentrate on the hand the table and with the you to know this) then she you’re playing and it suits close together, has done nothing wrong. spoils the evening. I making it difficult for West North East South Another possibility is find that when pairs are her to see the layout of Pass 1♠ Dbl that South was confused moved on prematurely the suits and cards. 4♠ Pass 4NT Pass and did not really know it does not speed up When she asked 5♦ Pass 5♠ All Pass why she led the ♣8. This play, noise levels go dummy if he would is just unlucky for you. up, so those who are straighten them so that South led the ♣8 which, However, if she and her still playing cannot she could see them after some thought, I partner had agreed to try concentrate, especially more easily, the reply decided must be ‘second some different leads and when another player was an abrupt, ‘No’. highest from rubbish’ this included leading second comes to the table to Is there any rule and put North as holding highest with an honour, take a board to pass on. regarding the laying the ♣K, so I played then it should say so on her I call the move when out of dummy (other the ♣A from dummy system card and the director one or two tables are than that the trump suit and generally made a might adjust the score. still playing, with only is on dummy’s right)? mess of it, going one about three cards left If not and this down in a contract that ♣♦♥♠ or just scoring and circumstance occurs should have made. start timing when the should we call the TD I knew that South We have a couple last pair sit down. to complain about didn’t have any odd of directors Ron, Alton Bridge Club. the abrupt refusal to conventional leads as Qwho want to a polite request? I’d previously printed keep pushing us to get The normal Michael Taylor, Leeds. out her convention finished, saying you approach is to move card for her. should now be on your A the room when Dummy is required It was supposed to last board and moving fewer than one third of the to put the cards be a friendly bank pairs on even when some tables are still playing and A down in columns holiday pairs session, have got eight or ten not to apply any pressure pointing towards declarer. so I did not comment cards to play. I appreciate to tables which are behind, All players are required to be on it but my partner that they can give an unless it becomes obvious polite. I believe you should

Page 24 BRIDGE July 2018 have called the director Michaels. West made 12 ask. So it is not credible West North East South who would have asked the tricks for a 13% result as that he was damaged. 1♦ 2♣ 3♦ player to put the dummy most pairs were in game The only possibility of down in a fashion which or slam in diamonds. damage I can see is if South did not use the makes it easy for everyone East called the TD East were to convince me stop card. While West to see it and he would have and said his side had he had a good reason was pausing for the suggested a politer attitude. been damaged. because of the lack of alert mandatory ten seconds The decision at the end to not ask and then pass North pointed out to ♣♦♥♠ of the evening was to on the first round. I cannot South that he had not let the result stand. The think of a good reason used the stop card. Is it My wife returned White Book 1.3.2 seems but having asked him he legal for North to point late from a local to support this. East could try to convince me. out that the stop card Q club duplicate subsequently appealed I believe there was no had not been used? because of a rule the decision (possibly damage so no adjustment. Once made aware of infringement at her table beyond the time limit) The main reason for East- the failure to use the which, after discussion and the TD offered to West getting a bad result was stop card, can South at the end of the evening give an adjusted score East’s failure to force to game change the bid to 2♦? between the players of 40% (N/S), 13% (E/W with game values. I should The 3♦ bid was not a and three TDs, led to a – their original score). have a word with South mechanical error, the ruling which was made N/S agreed as they had about alerting conventional player, through lack of without 100% confidence. caused the problem overcalls but leave it at that. concentration, hadn’t These were the hands: in the first place. realised he had made I direct at another club ♣♦♥♠ a jump bid and would and always find these have bid 2♦ if he had Dealer South. Game All. decisions difficult. I Partner realised it was an option. would be interested (North) bids Ken Goddard, by email. ♠ A J 9 8 2 in your comments. Q 1NT and RHO ♥ Q 9 6 4 3 Name and Address supplied. doubles. Playing the During the auction ♦ Void wriggle, I pass which is it is permitted for ♣ K 8 3 Failure to alert an is forcing opener Aany player to draw ♠ K 7 6 ♠ 10 alertable call is to redouble if my LHO attention to an irregularity

♥ A 10 8 2 N ♥ K misinformation so passes. Is the pass at any time, so North has W E A ♦ ♦ A 8 4 3 S K Q J 6 2 East-West were misinformed. alertable? We play in a perfect right to point out ♣ J 5 ♣ A Q 9 6 4 2 So the question was whether Scotland (but I don’t the lack of a Stop card ♠ Q 5 4 3 there was damage. think this matters). since that is an irregularity. ♥ J 7 5 I would have asked John Williams, Montrose. After someone has pointed ♦ 10 9 7 5 East what he thought was out an irregularity, all four ♣ 10 7 going on, but unless he While the alerting players are required to is very inexperienced he in Scotland is call the director, at least must suspect that 2♣ was A different in some one of them must. West North East South Michaels. Assuming he ways from the rest of the Since the 3♦ bid was the My wife suspects it he should ask British Isles, this is not one bid intended at the time Pass to make sure. However, it of those cases. A forcing by South, it may not be 1♣1 2♣2 Pass 2♠ looks as though he assumed pass by responder after a changed. However, North Pass Pass 3♦ Pass it was from his bids on the 1NT opening is doubled has got unauthorised Pass 3♠ 4♣ Pass second and third rounds. is alertable everywhere. information, as the director Pass3 Pass I would have asked him would point out when called, specifically why he did ♣♦♥♠ and must make every effort 1Announced, ‘Could be short,’ not bid 2♦ over 2♣. If his to take no advantage. by East. answer is something along I would be For example, if he has a 2Michaels not alerted by the lines of that he hoped grateful if hand worth 3NT over 3♦ South. that the opponents were Qyou could but only worth a pass over 3Before passing, West asked going to get into trouble, let me know what 2♦ he must bid 3NT, and if if 2♣ was Michaels and was then I do not see any way in should happen he does not, an adjustment told it was. which he was damaged. after the following might be given by the It is difficult to see West bidding sequence: director. ■ East was a good enough bidding any differently on player to suspect that the the first three rounds and E-mail your questions on bridge laws to: [email protected] 2♣ bid could have been on the fourth round he did

BRIDGE July 2018 Page 25

Answers to Overcalling Quiz on page 23

1. At love all: (i) Would you have opened the bidding as dealer with these Hand D Hand E Hand F hands? ♠ A J 10 9 6 5 ♠ Q 9 8 6 5 4 ♠ A K J 10 7 6 (ii) What should you bid with these hands if your right hand ♥ 8 7 ♥ A 8 ♥ A 8 opponent opens 1♥? ♦ A K J 8 ♦ A J 7 6 ♦ A K 7 6 ♣ 8 ♣ A ♣ 8

Hand A Hand B Hand C ♠ K J 6 ♠ A Q 10 7 3 ♠ J 6 5 3 2 Hand A (i) 1♠. ♥ Q 7 5 4 ♥ 6 3 2 ♥ Q 5 4 (ii) 1♠. Too much defensive strength for a weak 2♠. ♦ A J 5 ♦ Q 10 7 ♦ Q 8 7 Hand B (i) 1♠. ♣ K 3 2 ♣ 9 4 ♣ K 4 (ii) 2♠. Hand C (i) 1♠. (ii) 1♠. Too weak for a strong jump overcall. Too strong for a weak jump overcall. Hand D Hand E Hand F Hand D (i) 2♠. ( ♠ J 6 5 3 2 ♠ A Q J 7 6 ♠ A K Q J ii) 1♠. ♥ A 5 4 ♥ 6 5 ♥ 8 6 5 Hand E (i) 1♠. Spades not good enough for strong jump ♦ A K J ♦ K Q 7 ♦ Q J 10 3 overcall. ♣ 9 8 ♣ A K 4 ♣ 6 3 (ii) 1♠. Hand F (i) Double. Too strong for any jump overcall. (ii) Double. Bid spades next with jump. Hand A (i) Open 1NT as dealer. (ii) Pass 1♥. 3. At game all, your right hand opponent opens 1♠. Hand B (i) Pass as dealer. What should you bid with these hands? (ii) Overcall 1♥ with 1♠. You want a spade lead. Hand C (i) Pass as dealer. Hand A Hand B Hand C (ii) Pass 1♥. Your points are very defensive with ♠ K 8 2 ♠ K 8 ♠ K 8 2 unsupported queens and jacks. ♥ 8 6 ♥ 8 6 ♥ 8 6 You don’t want a spade lead. ♦ K 7 6 ♦ K 7 6 ♦ A K 7 Hand D (i) Open 1♠ as dealer. ♣ K Q 5 3 2 ♣ K Q 8 6 5 4 ♣ K Q 5 3 2 (ii) Overcall 1♥ with 1♠ despite bad spades. Hand E (i) Open 1♠ as dealer. (ii) Double 1♥, intending to bid spades later. Hand A Pass. Not enough for 2♣ with only a five card suit. You are too strong for a 1♠ overcall of 1♥. Hand B 2♣. The sixth club makes the difference. Hand F (i) Open 1NT as dealer. Hand C 2♣. Poor clubs but a stronger hand. Or maybe 1NT (ii) You only have four spades but they are so good. (15-18 points). You badly want a spade lead so overcall 1♥ with 1♠. 4. At love all, your right hand opponent opens 1♦. What should you bid with these hands?

2. At game all, your right hand opponent opens 1♣. What should you bid with these hands? Hand A Hand B Hand C (i) If you are playing strong jump overcalls? ♠ K J 10 9 6 5 2 ♠ A Q J 8 7 6 5 4 ♠ Q 7 6 5 4 3 2 (ii) If you are playing weak jump overcalls? ♥ K 7 ♥ K 7 ♥ K 7 ♦ 9 ♦ 9 ♦ 9 ♣ J 10 7 ♣ J 9 ♣ A 9 8 Hand A Hand B Hand C ♠ Q 10 7 5 4 3 ♠ A J 10 9 6 5 ♠ A J 10 9 6 5 ♥ 8 7 ♥ 8 7 ♥ 8 7 Hand A 3♠. Pre-emptive. ♦ A K 7 ♦ Q J 8 7 ♦ A J 10 8 Hand B 4♠ with an eight card suit. ♣ 9 5 ♣ 8 ♣ 8 Hand C 1♠. With poor spades and tricks outside this hand is not suitable for a pre-emptive bid. ■

BRIDGE July 2018 Page 27

Answers to Bernard Magee’s READERS’ Bidding Quizzes 4-6 on the Cover and page 7

LETTERS has chosen to rebid his suit 4. Dealer East. Game All. in which you hold a single- ♠ A K 8 7 6 ♠ 3 ton. This time his rebid ab-

♥ 2 N ♥ A K 7 6 5 4 solutely promises six – with W E RETURNING for this to be addressed as ♦ 7 6 5 S ♦ A 8 3 a balanced type of hand he TO BRIDGE new players were being ♣ 9 8 3 2 ♣ J 6 5 would have passed 1NT. You Returning to bridge after discouraged. However, have not shown either of your a 20 years gap, there my local club has felt it minor suits, but you certainly have been many changes, necessary to send a reminder should not introduce them at West North East South largely as a result of to its members and after 1♥ Pass the three-level. As so often, technological advances. my last visit it is essential. 1♠ Pass 2♥ Pass responder has to cede to the Hand records available Brian Elsdon, ? opener’s choice and pass. after the conclusion of a London, SW20. duplicate and also on the Pass. internet enable players HOME MADE Your partner has rebid 2♥ 6. Dealer East. Game All. to see very easily how At times I have played cards and you have a weak hand. ♠ A 3 2 ♠ 9 6 they may have improved with young people who find Unless you have a strong six- ♥ 2 N ♥ A K 7 6 5 4 W E their performance. it hard to hold 13 cards card suit of your own, you ♦ 9 7 S ♦ A 8 3 Bridgemates enable in their hands (or more should cede to your partner’s ♣ Q J 7 6 5 4 3 ♣ 10 2 the duplicate results to be cards for other games). suit. Much of the time your available immediately on Not always having access partner will have a six-card West North East South its conclusion and give an to a card holder, I have found suit for this auction. I prefer 1♥ Pass accurate comparison during that using a roll of aluminium to play that he can have just 1NT Pass 2♥ Pass the latter stages of play. foil or clingfilm does the job. five, but if he does, it will be a ? However, I have noticed a All that is needed is to tuck strong suit. 2♥ is the best con- reluctance of players sitting the flap in, and then place tract on your two hands. 3♣. north to show the score to the cards in the opening gap. The same auction as in the the other players at table, See the photograph below. previous question, with you whilst it was much easier 5. Dealer East. Game All. expecting six hearts in your for everyone to see the old ♠ K 8 6 N ♠ 3 partner’s hand. However, this W E written traveller. Previously ♥ 2 S ♥ A K 7 6 5 4 time you have a seven-card experienced players could ♦ Q 9 7 6 5 ♦ A 8 3 suit of your own and by show- judge reasonably accurately ♣ A 4 3 2 ♣ J 6 5 ing your weakness on the first how they had scored. round (by responding 1NT) The lack of curtain cards you can now introduce your West North East South means you are not certain of seven-card suit. 3♣ shows 1♥ Pass receiving the required hand, I 1NT Pass 2♥ Pass precisely the type of hand you can only assume that dealing I have a friend who has ? hold: 5-7 points and a 7-card errors are sufficiently rare to dexterity issues. He finds suit. Your partner should pass render them unnecessary. this home-made card Pass. and your partnership finds its The behaviour of players holder to be excellent. Once again your partner best fit. ■ is still an area of concern. The weight of a full roll of Duplicates were conducted foil helps to keep it steady in an atmosphere of and upright, so only one REDUCE THE COST OF YOUR POSTAGE intimidation. Many players hand is needed to sort the Postage stamps for sale at 90% of face-value, deliberately or inadvertently cards, and to pull them out all mint with full gum. chose to make pairs to play them. Foil generally Quotations for commercial quantities available visiting their table feel as works better than clingfilm, on request. uncomfortable as possible, to because the greater weight Values supplied in 100s, higher values available seek an advantage. I gather makes it more stable. as well as 1st and 2nd class. that both here, and in the US Shireen Mohandes, ( 020 8422 4906 e-mail: [email protected] there have been directives London. N19. n

BRIDGE July 2018 Page 29 Robin Hood's Bridge Adventures by David Bird Wise Wynfryth’s Powerful Spell

obin Hood was exhausted. Robin Hood took a sip of his ale and ‘You got problems, George?’ queried For well over three hours he smiled at his partner. ‘Do I take it you Young Lynda. No-one knew how old had been scouring the forest don’t have a spell to stop anyone bid- she was, but she had been called by Rfor deer. Not one sighting. According ding a slam against us?’ he asked. that name for well over 30 years now. to his reckoning he was close to the ‘Spells isn’t somethin’ to make jokes ‘None for you to worry about,’ her Baron of Beef ale-house. Perhaps he about,’ reprimanded Wise Wynfryth. partner replied. should cut his losses and head there ‘Many a victim of my spells could tell When he played dummy’s queen for a consolatory pint. With any luck you that – if they weren’t pokin’ up the and jack of trumps, West showed out he might find a bridge game that he daisies in some graveyard.’ on the second round. He continued could join. ‘No offence intended,’ said Robin with his top two hearts and a heart ‘Look who it is!’ exclaimed Wise Hood. If only a fraction of the stories ruff with the ♠7. So far, so good. Now, Wynfryth as Robin Hood pushed told about Wise Wynfryth were true, how could he return to his hand to open the creaking front door. ‘Shows it made sense to mind one’s words in draw East’s remaining trumps? how powerful my spells are. I were her presence. George Gussett continued with just wishin’ for someone to make up a Hood led the ♦J and the half-drunk the ace and queen of diamonds, four. Preferably someone who can tell George Gussett won in his hand with discarding a club from his hand. That one card from another.’ the king. He shook his head, trying to was his intention, anyway. But Wise ‘I’m not sure I can rise to those clear his thoughts. He had six winners Wynfryth ruffed the third round of heights,’ declared Hood, taking the in the side suits and five trump tricks. diamonds. The slam could not be vacant seat opposite Wise Wynfryth. Yes, so a heart ruff in dummy would rescued at this stage and he went one ‘A pint of my usual!’ he shouted to the bring the total to twelve. down. landlord. Play began and this was an early deal:

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

West North East South Robin Young Wise George Hood Lynda Wynfryth Gussett

1♣ Pass 1♠ Pass 2♠ Pass 6♠ All Pass

Page 30 BRIDGE July 2018 Wynfryth cackled to herself ‘Don’t dummy’s jack. Without apparent be foolish in the circumstances. In need no spell to stop ‘em biddin’ slams consideration, Wise Wynfryth any case it was his practice to choose that go down,’ she exclaimed. followed with the ♥3. a safe lead against 6NT. He tossed the ‘Weren’t my fault,’ Gussett declared. Happy with this development, ♣9 onto the rough oak table and down ‘It couldn’t be made.’ George Gussett drew the remaining went the dummy. Robin and Wynfryth shared a trumps in three more rounds and George Gussett reached for his glance. If declarer had made a plan re-entered dummy with the ♣A. tankard, finding it empty. ‘More ale, before playing to the first trick, he He played the ♥A, both defenders landlord!’ he cried. Now, how many might have won the diamond lead following, and continued with the top tricks did he have? Eleven. Taking with dummy’s queen. He could then ♥K. ‘Follow with the ♥8, Wynfryth,’ two spade would give him play the ♠Q-J, followed by the ♥A-K he said. ‘Do that for me and the slam a good chance of a twelfth trick, but and a heart ruff with the ♠7. After is mine.’ maybe he could do better than that. returning to the ♦K, he could draw the Wise Wynfryth thumbed through Gussett won the club lead with outstanding trumps. The ♣A would her cards mischievously. ‘Can’t seem dummy’s queen and finessed the provide an to reach the ♦A. to find the♥ 8,’ she said. ‘Oh yes, here ♠J, losing to Robin Hood’s king. ‘Couldn’t be made, Lynda,’ Gussett it is!’ When the ♦2 was returned, he won persisted. ‘If it were possible, I would Gussett discarded a spade from his in the dummy and led the ♥Q. Wise have made it.’ hand. ‘Robin plays the heart queen and Wynfryth showed no interest in this Not long afterwards, another big the rest are mine,’ he said, displaying card, following smoothly with the ♥2. deal arose: his cards. ‘No bites on that piece of bait,’ Robin Hood joined in the joke. ‘I declared George Gussett, overtaking can’t seem to find the ♥Q,’ he said. with the ♥A. He cashed a few more Dealer North. E/W Game. ‘Here it is!’ cried Wise Wynfryth minor-suit winners and eventually ♠ Void triumphantly. ‘Let no-one doubt my took a second spade finesse, not ♥ A K J 10 9 2 powers. Another slam has gone down.’ believing his bad luck when this lost to ♦ A 4 3 ‘No-one can doubt your bridge the Robin Hood’s queen. ♣ A 6 5 3 powers, certainly,’ declared Robin ‘Your partner’s the most unlucky ♠ 10 8 7 5 4 ♠ A Q 9 Hood. ‘Once you ducked the ♥Q, there player in the shire,’ Gussett informed ♥ 6 4 ♥ Q 8 7 3 was no way for George to make it.’ Young Lynda. ‘All three big cards were ♦ 9 8 7 5 N ♦ 6 2 Robin and Wynfryth won the first offside. It’s the last time I’m playing W E ♣ ♣ 10 7 S Q J 9 4 two rubbers. The next rubber had against Wynfryth here. Her spell ♠ K J 6 3 2 reached Game All when Gussett makes all the cards move to the wrong ♥ 5 arrived in another slam: place.’ ♦ K Q J 10 Wynfryth pulled the ♥K from her ♣ K 8 2 hand and waved it in front of Gussett’s Dealer South. Game All. eyes. ‘Hah!’ she exclaimed. ‘You ♠ 8 5 thought I’d cover with the king, did West North East South ♥ Q 6 you?’ Robin Young Wise George ♦ A K 7 4 Gussett was none too happy, seeing Hood Lynda Wynfryth Gussett ♣ A Q J 3 2 the other players laughing at his 1♥ Pass 1♠ ♠ K Q 7 6 2 ♠ 9 4 3 misfortune. He consoled himself Pass 3♣ Pass 3♦ ♥ 8 7 3 ♥ K 10 9 5 4 2 with another mouthful of ale. ‘It were N Pass 4♦ Pass 5♦ ♦ 10 2 W E ♦ 9 8 5 an extra chance, leading hearts,’ he Pass 6♦ All Pass ♣ 9 8 4 S ♣ 6 declared. ‘The second spade finesse ♠ A J 10 was more likely to be right, anyway. ‘Did you double the slam, Wynfryth?’ ♥ A J Anyone would play it that way.’ enquired Robin Hood. ♦ Q J 6 3 ‘Except me or Robin,’ declared Wise ‘Whatever gave you that idea?’ Wise ♣ K 10 7 5 Wynfryth. ‘You should play three Wynfryth replied. rounds of clubs and diamonds before Robin Hood gave an amused smile. taking the first spade finesse. When ‘If you were so confident in your spell West North East South Robin wins, he’d have to return a to prevent them making a slam, I Robin Young Wise George spade or a heart.’ thought you might...’ Hood Lynda Wynfryth Gussett George Gussett struggled to follow ‘Spells aren’t for laughing about,’ 1NT her analysis. ‘That’s how I were going intervened the old woman. ‘I told you Pass 6NT All Pass to play it,’ he replied. ‘It were your that before. Make a lead.’ magic spell that changed my mind. Robin Hood led the ♦9 and George Robin Hood could tell that his partner Something funny happened in my Gussett won with the ♦10. His next would hold little of value. brain. How can I describe it? It were move was to lead the ♥5, finessing Leading the king of spades would almost as if I were a bit drunk!’ ■

BRIDGE July 2018 Page 31

A Blast From the Past by Shireen Mohandes Victor Mollo

ussian émigré Victor Mollo WW2 in an intelligence or possibly (1909 – 1987) is widely consid- code-breaking capacity. About 15 ered one of the funniest bridge years ago I asked Tony Priday to find Rauthors, if not the funniest. out, by talking to Squirrel, Victor’s His fictional characters are so well widow. She replied that Victor had put known that they are now part of the himself forward as a volunteer in that bridge language. One hears ‘that was type of role, but because he already had a rabbit line of play’, or maybe in a a job at the BBC, which contributed to discussion about a ruling or director the war effort in some way, it was not call ‘well, only a secretary bird would their practice to reassign people, and do that, others would turn a blind eye’. so he continued on at the BBC. Mollo enjoyed some success in tour- The Mollo main characters are nament bridge, winning Crockfords summarised well in Wikipedia. in 1948 for example, but he preferred Here is a selection: rubber bridge and played regularly, After their escape the family lived finding it to be lucrative. As a writer Hideous Hog by far the club’s best in several cities in Europe including of books, both instructive and humor- player, but also an insufferable and Paris, then finally ous, he was and continues to be inter- shark who seeks to humiliate opponents for their mistakes. made their home in England. The nationally well respected. He wrote young Victor was sent to school here dozens of books and articles, starting Rueful Rabbit a small, timid man and later continued his education in 1947 and continuing until he died. who can barely hold his cards at the London School of Economics Some have been posthumous collec- together and can’t always tell (which happened to have a fairly tions of previously unpublished work. diamonds from hearts, but has such incredible luck that even the active bridge playing scene). No longer cards he accidentally drops (several wealthy, his financial hardship meant ‘My first book was an accident. at once, occasionally) become the that he had to make his own way in Perhaps my second was another. right ones. life. He worked as a film extra, taught Then it became a habit, which soon Russian, gave bridge lessons, and did a turned into an addiction. I could Secretary Bird who knows the laws range of other jobs. not stop writing and as happens of the game perfectly and insists with all addictions, I had to increase that they are applied to the letter, Eventually he became a journalist. the dose.’ always to his own downfall. In 1940 he worked as sub editor at the BBC, in its European Service, Victor Mollo later becoming an editor. When Confessions of an Addict Mollo’s family were from St. he retired in 1969 he became the Petersburg, and they were wealthy. bridge correspondent for The Evening Wealthy enough to buy a train, Standard, and he later held the same His obituary in The Times (30/9/1987) masquerading as a Red Cross position for The Mail On Sunday when read: ‘Mollo was a man who enjoyed service, and escape the Russian it launched in 1982. good food and wine; and he especial- Revolution using forged passports His first marriage was to bridge ly enjoyed the spirited debate which and papers, which as he explains in player Patricia Cohen in 1943; she these could engender. He was a pas- his autobiography were unintelligible later married , and was sionate and skilful apologist for sever- by ‘the new masters’ because many the mother of Nicola Smith MBE. His al causes, in particular that the game of them could not read. And ‘…some second marriage was to Jeanne Forbes should not be defiled by political in- of the best forgeries were, therefore, in 1952, she was known to friends as terference. But however forcefully he wasted on them. On the other hand, Squirrel. aired his views, his remarks were al- after four years of war everyone in He spoke many languages and was ways lightened by a puckish smile and Russia recognised The Red Cross an eloquent writer. I wondered if his the wit which was the hallmark of his symbol’. language skills were put to use during writing’. u

BRIDGE July 2018 Page 33 The extract that follows is from his au- tobiography, Confessions of an Addict. The chapter is reprinted in two parts, with kind permission of the copyright owner. Part 2 will be published in the The Cinderella of Crime Part 1 next edition of BRIDGE.

Mollo books Cheating is the Cinderella of Crime. good player and afraid of no one. But a small selection Perhaps it is not even a crime in the why should two ill-assorted Austrians, best sense of the word. Be that as it who could not possibly want to prove Fiction These, along with others, have may, the fact remains that in an age anything, try so hard to lose their been reprinted several times. in which every form of dishonesty money? Or did they seriously expect to win? Bridge in the Menagerie: The flourishes, card-sharping is on the Winning Ways of the Hideous Hog decline. No one can live by it for Three or four deals later I knew the (1965) long. No one sympathises with its answer. There are many ways of card- Bridge in the Fourth Dimension: practitioners, neither the Church, nor Further Adventures of the Hideous Parliament, nor any of the professional sharping, but only a few are suited Hog (1974) champions of the “we could not afford to bridge. Our Austrian opponents Masters and Monsters: The a mother” school of thought. stacked. This time-honoured method Human Side of Bridge (1979) According to Lord Gardiner, the consists in gathering the tricks in popularity of crime is due to the such a way that the high cards should Instruction criminals’ sense of security against the alternate with the low. The intended Card Play Technique, or the risks of detection. Card-sharpers are pattern is, ace-low, king-low, queen- Art of Being Lucky, doomed to be detected almost at once. low, or perhaps, once more ace-low. Victor Mollo and Nico Gardener A deed of violence, a few well-executed Sometimes, of course, despite their (1955) burglaries, a spot of blackmail, forgery best endeavours, the cards did not Nico Gardener (1906-1989) is or arson, these may go unpunished for fall on the table in the right order. the father of Nicola Smith MBE, years. But no one can expect to hold The high cards and the low would be multiple world champion bridge consistently good cards and get away touching instead of alternating. When player. This book is considered to with it, and the average bridge player that happened one of the Austrians be one of the classics. has always believed that it is better would detect an imaginary speck of for ten innocent men to be found ash on one of the cards. To flick it away Biographical guilty than for the eleventh to escape he would pick up the card, restoring Confessions of an Addict punishment. it a second or two later to a different (1966, autobiographical) For some years after my early place in the trick. The Bridge Immortals experiences with the Indians, who Whenever the sharpers deal, fortune (1967, selection of 37 carved me up so pleasantly at the is allowed to function unaided. The mini biographies) London School of Economics, I stage, however, is being set for the encountered no cheats anywhere. next hand when one of the victims Then, when I was playing a will have the deal. The sharper on his partnership with Penguin at a little left stacks while he pretends to shuffle. club in Maida Vale, two Austrians of Unobtrusively he tries to improve on unprepossessing appearance, whom the pattern for every card is unlikely we had never seen before, cut into to be in its appointed place when the our table. One was a swarthy little tricks are gathered from the table. hunchback with a nervous grin. The Having gone through the motions, he other was fair, long and weedy, who bends the pack, ‘bridging’ it, to be cut grinned in a more sickly manner. Both by his partner and accomplice. men tried to ooze charm from every That part is vital, of course, for if pore and looked as if the effort would the cards are cut against the grain, prove too great for them. Almost as leaving a low one on top of the pack, soon as they sat down they proposed the stackers become the victims of raising the stakes and that, even more their own work, while the dealer and than their manner and appearance, his partner get the high cards. Among aroused my suspicions. I was always in the lower orders of the profession such favour of raising the stakes myself but things have happened before and will Confessions of an Addict (1966) that was because I was very young and doubtless do so again. To cheat well Published by George Newnes Ltd. I had to prove to myself that I was a must be as hard as it is to play well.

Page 34 BRIDGE July 2018 The Cinderella of Crime Part 1

The artistry in stacking lies as much after five o’clock, there was an influx making his way out. As might have in distracting the attention of the of men coming from their offices been said of Charles II, nothing in victims as in picking up the cards and new tables were formed for half his life at the club became him so deftly from the table and in improving a crown and five shillings a hundred, well as his manner of leaving it. As on the high-low sequence in the with side bets on the rubber. he reached the door, he bowed low: shuffle. As a gentleman of leisure, who “Goodnight, gentlemen,” he said with “Ah, Madame,” one of the Austrians had no firm commitments once the quiet dignity. Then, turning to Mrs. would say, while his partner attended Coronation was over, Mr. E would Lebouvier and throwing down a fiver to more serious matters, “beautiful arrive punctually at three o’clock and with a nonchalant gesture, he added: women are not understood in England. for two whole hours he would deal “My table money. Give the change to You should visit Vienna.” his opponents the most scintillating the barman.” Thereupon he shook the Of course, even the Viennese don’t cards. He could not lose every rubber, dust of the club from his well-shod feet say such things for fun. Evidently they for he only dealt one hand in four, but and vanished into the shadows of Park had good reason to think that it would his bad cards become proverbial. Lane. ■ bring them good luck. So did we, “That poor Mr. E,” Lady X would say, and we took to shuffling vigorously, “he had five slams made against him undoing all their beautiful work. this afternoon, and it was the same No self-respecting card-sharpers yesterday, you know.” And would be Supporting notes to the chapter. could be expected to put up with the same the next day. Mr. E would Lord Gardiner (1900-1990) was such vandalism and before long the take good care of that especially if he a British Labour politician, who Austrians departed to keep an urgent happened to be playing with members served as Lord Chancellor of Great appointment elsewhere. I never saw of the club’s committee. After five Britain from 1964 to 1970. them again, but several years later o’clock his star rose rapidly, and by the Penguin is the nickname of Victor fortune brought into my life a far more time the stakes reached five shillings Mollo’s friend Norah Elizabeth distinguished practitioner of the art of all the right planets were in the Corke (1906-1977). They were card-sharping. ascendant. So much so that it could bridge partners. Norah won three Mr. E originated variously in not last. People became suspicious and successive European Women’s Austria, Alsace and Lichtenstein. He they found not only that Mr. E held Teams championships (1950, 1951, liked England so much that though he too many aces and kings, but that too 1952), playing for Britain. She had come over in the first place solely many turned up after the game with married Ralph Evans, so is also to watch the Coronation of George VI, neat little incisions in the corners. known as Penguin Evans. Penguin he had stayed behind playing bridge A plot was hatched to unmask the and Ralph managed the Riviera forever after. villain. Three of the club’s leading Hotel in Bournemouth. Mr. E’s method of aiding fortune players came in early one night and Maida Vale is a district in North consisted of marking and slipping. waited for Mr. E to make up a four. London; nearby was a high With a signet ring he would make an Someone sent for new cards so that concentration of bridge clubs, incision in the corners of the aces and the seals should be broken in public. including the world famous Acol kings. Then, as dealer, his sensitive The play began, with Mrs. Frances Bridge Club (now in West End fingers located the high cards and he Lebouvier, the club’s owner, acting Lane), and the Lyndhurst Club (36 would proceed to slip them to himself unofficially as official observer. Finchley Road, NW3). and to his partner. In addition to his After about half an hour or so, one of The Coronation of George VI undoubted skill in marking and slip- the players declared: I have three aces took place in May 1937. ping, Mr. E was also a gifted tactician. in my hand and all are marked.” He is the only card-sharper I have Mr. E spoke up in the same breath. The Little Club was at 37 come across who used to deal himself, No doubt card-sharpers come Brompton Road, Knightsbridge. deliberately, a spate of bad cards. prepared for such situations. Ruth Ellis (the last woman to be It happened this way. During the “I, too, have an ace,” he announced, hanged in the UK) lived in a flat early part of the afternoon, most of the “and it is also marked.” above the club, and worked there play at the Little Club, off Park Lane, It was a gallant effort, but the odds for a short while. Is this the same club that Mollo refers to? Probably. where he practised, was for the modest against him were too long and after stake of sixpence a hundred. Then, a brief rearguard action Mr. E was

BRIDGE July 2018 Page 35 Julian Pottage Answers your Bridge Questions What Should I Overcall With 23 Points?

We were playing Traditionally North would promised any more because 12 points (rather than a club charity start with a 2♥ . an opponent has bid. specifically 12). Holding 14 Qnight with Nowadays many people If you play a 1NT rebid points as opener, it seems Chicago scoring. My play a cue bid as some as 15-16 (we recommend fair enough to bid on. partner and I missed sort of two-suited hand, so 15-17), a 2NT rebid shows I am not sure what your game with these hands. the recommended initial 17-18 (we advise 18-19), system is to differentiate action is double. A double the same as it would have 11 points from 12 with followed by a new suit is done without the overcall. no intervention, but you ♠ A K Q J 9 strong, about 18-20 HCP. With 15-16 (or 15-17 if are in a small minority ♥ A Q 10 This North hand is so strong you follow our advice), you in playing it. Having one ♦ A K 5 that you would plan to follow double. The double normally bid to show 11 points and ♣ 8 4 up with a jump or cue bid. shows a hand better than another to show 12 means You are not going to reach a minimum opener but too you are losing the ability N a slam here because, in spite weak to rebid 2NT; you to show something else. W E S of the good fit, you need might also double on a hand two finesses to work to make strong enough to rebid 2NT ♣♦♥♠ ♠ 10 8 7 2 12 tricks. You will certainly but with no club stopper. ♥ 9 7 6 5 reach 4♠, however, because 1. If you are ♦ 9 2 North will insist on game ♣♦♥♠ playing ace for ♣ A 7 2 once South bids spades. Qattitude and My partner and I king for count, and ♣♦♥♠ play that a bid of partner leads king and West North East South Q 2NT in response then ace, how do you 1♥ 2♠ All Pass I would like to a 12-14 point 1NT know whether he is your views on opening shows 12 points. leading from ace-king After a defensive slip, Qthe rebid of a If the bidding is 1NT– doubleton or A-K-x-x-x? we made all 13 tricks. 15/16 (2♠) – 2NT – how many 2. What do you prefer, With the ♥K-J onside, HCP after opening one points is 2NT showing? normal count or reverse 12 tricks were cold. of a suit as follows. Your I took it as still count? If you play normal We play strong two opening 1NT would meaning 12 points count it means playing bids. Is there a better be weak, 12-14. (with at least one spade a high card with two or call for North? stopper), basically four cards in your hand M South, West North East South ignoring the 2♠ bid and and the danger is either Caversham, Reading. 1♦ Pass 1♥ 2♣ bidding what you would helping the declarer in ? have done anyway. how to play the suit, or A strong two is an With 14 good points if you have 9-8-3-2 say, opening bid. A What would the rebid I bid 3NT – only to you are throwing away A strong jump overcall of 2NT mean? find that partner was a potential winner. is different, not forcing and Reg Wholey, Guildford. bidding with 10 points Martin Epstein, by email. limited in value – the sort of and we went 1 down. hand on which if you were The opposing Who is right? 1. If you lead the dealer you would open one overcall should not Bruce Paul, by email. king and then ace of your longest suit and rebid A change the range A (or the ace and three of it. Thus even if you of a 2NT rebid by opener If you play 2NT then the king), you are right play strong jump overcalls, (only that having a stopper as natural here, it that partner does not know they do not show a hand becomes a requirement). A would be reasonable whether you have ace- as powerful as North has. After all, responder has not to take it as showing 11- king doubleton. Against

Page 36 BRIDGE July 2018 lower level contracts you lead West North East South hand suitable for a Frequency of occurrence the king from ace-king if you Pass Pass ? (N/S – presumably strong have five or more cards in 1♥ 2♥1 Dbl 3♣ Play Lebensohl). jumps went out of the suit or if partner has sup- 3♥ Pass 4♥ All Pass fashion because they ported the suit. If you lead the 1Michaels seldom occurred. king and partner can work ♠ Q J 3 Should they be out that you are not long in We missed a diamond ♥ A 10 9 4 variable depending on the suit, it might be possible game and partner ♦ Q 8 7 6 vulnerability and is there to place you with an ace-king said I should have ♣ 8 6 a difference between doubleton combination. bid my diamonds. pairs and teams? 2. Playing reverse count Angela Buckley, Leeds. N Comments on suit has a slight technical W E quality – and how S advantage over standard Without the double, rigid should you be count. With a doubleton or you would have bid ♠ 6 about sticking to the with a four-card holding, A 3♣, pass or correct. ♥ 6 3 agreed system? How you are playing a lower After the double, you have ♦ A K J 10 5 3 2 tight (disciplined) is card than you would playing the option of passing to say ♣ A K 3 the bid (whatever standard count. With five, that you do not particularly system is played)? you can usually spare a want to play in spades. If Ross Stacey, Northampton. middle card without difficulty. you bid a suit, it should be If not suitable, what Sometimes you cannot afford to show a suit of your own. should South bid? Intermediate the middle card from three If you pass, partner can Byron Williams by email. jump overcalls – but the gains that come bid diamonds and then A are somewhat from when you have two or you find the diamond fit. A takeout double pointless. You can easily four cards outweigh this. Most pairs would have not of a weak two in handle those with a simple discussed what a redouble A one major should overcall. As you say, strong ♣♦♥♠ would mean. If in doubt, suggest either the other jump overcalls have gone avoid taking an undiscussed major or a very strong hand. out of fashion because I was South and action, especially if it is a The hand is strong but of their low frequency. after partner redouble. In general, a does have only 15 HCP. If you study the system Qbid 2♥ (showing redouble shows a good hand If you play a 3♠ cue bid as cards posted for a serious spades and a minor) (so you could jump to 3♠ pre- hearts and a minor, which is bridge event (like the recent and East doubled, I emptively, starting game try a common agreement, that Camrose and Lady Milne), was not sure what hands with a redouble); here is not an option. If, however, you would find that everyone 2NT would mean. you could play it as showing you play it as asking for in those events plays weak Might it show a heart a top spade honour (in a spade stopper then the jump overcalls. When the stopper or would it be other words you are happy hand is reasonably suited experts agree, you can be a constructive way to for partner to lead a spade for that (you would prefer pretty sure they are right. A ask for the minor? against a heart contract); the diamonds to be solid). jump overcall so often makes Thinking that the risk I know some people who A heavy 3♦ overcall is it harder for the opponents of a misunderstand- play it as ‘bid 2♠’. definitely possible. Bearing to judge what to do. ing was too high with Incidentally, although it in mind that you have only Suit quality is more that bid, I chose a worked, East’s double was 15 HCP, partner will quite important when you are ‘pass or correct’ 3♣. a poor call. Double should often be in a position to bid vulnerable. When vulnerable, show reasonable values and 3NT over that when that is you need a reasonable six- an interest in penalising. East the right thing to do. Here card suit to make a weak ♠ A Q 10 9 4 should either have passed, North would have a close jump overcall at the two level ♥ A planning to compete to 3♥ decision whether to pass and a reasonable seven-card ♦ K J 10 9 2 later, or bid 3♥ trusting 3♦, pot 3NT or raise to 4♦. suit to make a weak jump ♣ J 7 West not to expect too overcall at the three level. ♠ 6 3 ♠ J 8 7 5 much strength (because ♣♦♥♠ The better the suit, the ♥ K Q J 5 4 3 ♥ 10 7 6 2 a hand worth a good less likely the opponents ♦ Q N ♦ 3 raise would cue bid 2♠). I would are to double you and the W E ♣ A Q 5 2 S ♣ K 10 8 6 appreciate your more likely it will be right ♠ K 2 ♣♦♥♠ Q comments of the for partner to lead the suit ♥ 9 8 pros and cons of jump if your left hand opponent ♦ A 8 7 6 5 4 After East overcall methods. ends up as declarer. ♣ 9 4 3 opens a weak Should they be weak, As a rough guide, if you Q2♠, is the South intermediate or strong? would have opened with a

BRIDGE July 2018 Page 37 weak two bid or a weak three The problem is that East 2. I was East, in a open 4♥. I would not bid at the prevailing table has not guaranteed four contract of 4♥, although recommend waiting for the position and vulnerability, spades. I think I would trying for overtricks second round because the you can sensibly make a bid 4♠, although it could at matchpoints. opponents will have started weak jump overcall at the go horribly wrong. exchanging information by appropriate level. It makes then – as you found out. little difference whether you ♣♦♥♠ ♠ 4 2 2. This is interesting. When are playing pairs or teams. ♥ 5 3 one of two equal honours It is time for you to be brave. Are low and ♦ 9 8 3 2 falls, eight ever, nine never high level ♣ K J 8 7 6 does not apply. It is as you ♣♦♥♠ Qreverses played ♠ A 10 9 8 ♠ 6 5 suggest a restricted choice the same whether one ♥ K 7 6 N ♥ A 10 9 8 4 2 position. It is almost twice W E The following plays SAYC or Acol? ♦ A Q J 7 S ♦ K 10 as likely that the ♥Q is a deal came up at Huw Jones, Swansea. ♣ Q 4 ♣ A 10 9 forced play from a singleton Qa club game. ♠ K Q J 7 3 rather than a chosen card In short: yes. These ♥ Q J from ♥Q-J doubleton. actions carry the ♦ 6 5 4 There are some other ♠ K 10 8 A same messages ♣ 5 3 2 considerations. If you ♥ A 9 5 2 about suit lengths and extra finesse into the ♥J, South ♦ 7 5 strength in the two systems. (who presumably led the ♣ A 8 5 3 Some people playing When I drew the first ♠K at trick one) can cash a ♠ J 7 6 5 ♠ A Q 9 3 two-over-one would allow trump with the ♥K the spade. This turns out to be ♥ Void N ♥ K 6 opener to make a high ♥Q fell. I finessed the only a small point because W E ♦ 6 4 3 2 S ♦ A Q J 8 reverse simply to show a ♥10 on the second round you can discard two clubs ♣ Q J 10 9 2 ♣ K 7 6 5-5 shape – but that is not and it lost to the ♥J. on the third and fourth ♠ 4 2 a mainstream treatment. In your book ‘Bridge rounds of diamonds, so ♥ Q J 10 8 7 4 3 Secrets’, you mentioned you appear to have one ♦ K 10 9 ♣♦♥♠ ‘Eight Ever, Nine Never’. black suit loser either way. ♣ 4 Does this principle Another factor to consider 1. I was playing apply, even if one of is the possibility of an East. I did not the two high cards was on North (if trumps West North East South Qopen though I played in the first round are 3-1 but you play for the 1♥ Dbl 4♥ had nine cards in hearts. of drawing trumps? drop). Suppose you put up Pass Pass Dbl All Pass Or is it right to finesse the ♥A on the second round the 10 (Principle of and see South show out. My thinking was: double ♠ 9 5 restricted choice) and You would still be in with a shows opening values N ♥ Q J 10 9 8 7 6 5 3 was I just unlucky? chance of making 12 tricks W E ♥ ♦ and spades, 4 is weak S Void Hiroko Canning by email. if you could force North to and shapely and the ♣ 8 4 lead a club away from the second double is 1. With a nine-card king. Stripping North’s exit for penalties. suit, you can open cards would mean trying to Should I (West) have I thought it was not a A 3♥ despite being play four rounds of diamonds bid either after the first good enough suit to open vulnerable and having only (discarding one card from or second double? 3♥ or 4♥, considering 3 HCP. You have seven each black suit) and then David Cree, Lanarkshire. we were vulnerable. sure tricks in your hand, ruffing a spade. As well I was prepared to so you are not going to as the king of clubs, you When East doubles find out about the lose more than 500 even would need North to hold 1♥, it is for takeout. opponents’ hands or if the opponents double one or two spades and four A A subsequent partner’s hand first and partner has nothing diamonds (or three diamonds double of 4♥ cannot really and then bid 3♥ or 4♥. useful. 1♥ would be grossly and one spade). The endplay be a penalty double: the It went P-1NT-P-6NT. misleading with so few chances do not seem high hand shape cannot have I did not have a chance high cards while 2♥ does enough to justify playing changed. The second double to show my hearts. 6NT not get the job done with for the drop in trumps, so just shows a better hand. was an easy make. so much playing strength. yes, you were unlucky. ■ West has a tricky choice What do you suggest Non-vulnerable, you might over 4♥ doubled. The big that I should bid? Should opposing heart fit suggests I have opened 1♥, E-mail your questions (including your postal address) ♥ ♥ ♥ that the four-level may be 2 (weak), 3 , 4 or was for Julian to: [email protected] too low a level for defending. Pass the correct bid?

Page 38 BRIDGE July 2018 Answers to Bernard Magee’s BERNARD Bidding Quizzes 7-9 MAGEE’S on the Cover and page 7 INTERACTIVE TUTORIAL CD

desire to show that strength yet. Very DECLARER 7. Dealer East. Game All. rarely will your partner pass 1♠ unless he ♠ K Q 8 4 ♠ 7 6 is very weak. PLAY ♥ 4 N ♥ K Q J 6 5 2 He might even choose to pass 1♠ here W E ♦ A 7 4 2 S ♦ J 6 and that would be no bad thing!. ♣ K 9 6 5 ♣ A 7 2 There is no need to jump to 2♠ here in order to show your strength – that just

forces the bidding too high. Although a MAC or West North East South change of the suit by the opener at the Windows 1♥ Pass one level is not forcing, most responders 1♠ Pass 2♥ Pass with any decent kind of hand will try to 2NT Pass 3♥ Pass bid. Give East another high card and he ? would raise to 2♠.

Pass.

With 12 points opposite an opening hand 9. Dealer West. Love All. you tend to aim for a game contract ♠ A K 10 ♠ 6 2 unless the hands misfit. Here, there is no ♥ 4 N ♥ A J 10 8 5 3 W E doubt that you misfit. When your partner ♦ A 9 8 4 S ♦ 7 6 3 bids his suit three times and cannot be ♣ K Q 10 9 3 ♣ 4 2 Bernard develops your bothered to show you anything else, he is declarer play technique in generally going to have a weak opening the course of ten hand with a six-card or seven-card suit. West North East South introductory exercises and You should settle for 3♥ and give up on 1♣ Pass 1♥ Pass a game contract. 3♥ might go one off, 1NT Pass 2♥ Pass 120 complete deals. but that is better than going to game and ? l Suit Establishment going further down. in No-trumps Remember that if your partner had a Pass. little more length/strength he could have The player who held these cards opted l Suit Establishment in Suits jumped to 4♥ himself. to rebid 1NT – that might not have been your choice, but now that you have l Hold-ups chosen that option you need to stand by l Ruffing for 8. Dealer West. Love All. it and pass your partner’s rebid. Extra Tricks ♠ K 8 7 6 ♠ A 5 4 2 You have shown your 16 points and £76 l Entries in ♥ 4 N ♥ Q 9 8 6 your partner has decided that the two- W E No-trumps ♦ K Q 4 S ♦ 7 3 2 level is high enough and he prefers to ♣ A K J 7 3 ♣ 4 2 play with hearts as trumps. He will be l Delaying disappointed by your singleton, but if you Drawing Trumps

choose to play any other contract, you l Using the Lead West North East South will be very disappointed by dummy. 1♣ Pass 1♥ Pass Should West have rebid 1NT? l Trump Control ? 2♦ is the other option, which is a l Endplays & Avoidance reverse – the problem with that is that l Using the Bidding 1♠. over 2♥, you are likely going to follow With 16 HCP there is perhaps a with 2NT and take the auction too high. Mr Bridge Mail Order temptation to rebid 1NT to show your The strength of your three-card spade Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey strength, but better is to bid your hand holding against your weaker four- GU21 2TH naturally. card diamond suit, might suggest that ( 01483 489961 ♠ Rebid 1 – this is not a reverse, so does rebidding 1NT is reasonable – it certainly www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop not show 16+, but you have no great works on this hand anyway. ■

BRIDGE July 2018 Page 39 About the EBU by Jeremy Dhondy Changing The Guard

My name is Jeremy Dhondy and I am the Chairman of the . This column is to answer questions or comments about the EBU that you might have. If you have a comment or a question, I would be happy to hear from you. [email protected]

We are now living in a time a starter’s version of the game. unless something happens many if when instant gratifica- Changes could include: not most clubs won’t be viable by that Qtion is important to many, time. If we want the basic structure of including especially the younger l Find ways to speed up the game. our game to continue, then we need generation. Whether it is video l Eliminate as many rules as more players and that will only come gaming, instant messaging or possible. about through teaching. Many clubs something else, this is a far cry l Adjust dealing algorithms to can’t or won’t teach and they are in from the genteel world of a nice generate livelier, bigger hands. the most danger. Clubs who do have game of bridge accompanied by l Scoring: consider changing a successful teaching programme are tea and biscuits. the game and slam bonuses; putting off the evil day and some are Unless we make bridge more en- penalties etc. to make it more expanding year on year. ticing, even exciting, we will strug- attractive to bid games, slams It is important to identify the gle to attract the influx of younger and to make sacrifices poten- appropriate age ranges to teach. players we are looking for. This tially less expensive. Much energy in the past has been problem is not confined to bridge. l Throw in part-score hands. devoted to young players, but in club I know little about cricket but it membership terms for a tiny, not to seems to me that the authorities, I recognise that my suggestions say, infinitesimal, return. around the world, have felt it nec- are probably not new and that you Yorkshire are currently piloting essary to make major changes to and colleagues may already have a membership campaign. The early bring in the crowds and enliven the given considerable thought to all returns are encouraging and it will game. In this respect, I am thinking this. But, maybe, just maybe, it spread to some more counties next particularly of limited over cricket would be worth looking again at year. including Twenty20. And now, I how it might be possible to make think I read that a 100 ball innings bridge more exciting. It’s not cricket game is being considered. This is As for the purists – maybe it is all a far cry from two-innings county better to get more people actively Those who follow cricket are used cricket on a peaceful midweek af- playing, whether online or face-to- to seeing stories about the possible ternoon in Olde England. Perhaps face, than it is to preside over the demise of test cricket and the new the Indian Premier League (IPL) is terminal and accelerating decline formats which attract sizeable crowds. an example of major change? of the old game. Sadly, many test matches outside I think that making bridge more England, India and Australia are exciting is part of what is required The place to start is to imagine played in front of tiny crowds. Those if there is to be a better approach where our bridge clubs will who do watch are not patient with a to attracting younger players. A be in, say, 30 years time. five-day format which may not end Which brings me to the scope for A look around many clubs suggests in any result. This societal impatience making changes to bridge, at least that the majority of the membership can also be seen in those who don’t in relation to introducing them to is aged over 60 now, so it’s clear that want to spend a significant length of

Page 40 BRIDGE July 2018 and accommodation. If the problems time learning to play bridge. That’s one Ringing the changes important reason for the development of security can be resolved we may of the new Fast Track Bridge teaching Scoring has been relatively static for yet have championships where people programme. In cricket the new shiny some time, with the last significant don’t have to travel to the other side of glitzy IPL attracts big crowds and big change involving penalties and the world. money, so are there any lessons to be redouble bonuses being more than 30 learned here? years ago. Would the game change, and What’s next? Slow play in the game does annoy if so for better or worse, if the bonus people and put them off. It is perhaps for, say, a grand slam, was doubled I suspect we can take two approaches. one reason why some desert to the or penalties increased? Backgammon The current game will improve if we online game. Does your club address has a doubling cube that allows games employ more technology as we have this? When I used to live in London I to be played for 16 or 32 times the been doing for 40 years. Computer was put off a club that always seemed original. Is this an idea for bridge? deals and scoring, websites, tablets to start 8-10 minutes late and finish Are there other changes to scoring to score at the table, instant results 20-25 minutes late all because no-one or other formats which would etc. All of these changes have come attached any priority to progressing re-invigorate the game. In clubs nearly despite some players saying they won’t the game. It became a chore not a all games are matchpoint pairs and catch on or that they are a bad idea. pleasure so I went less often. I imagine I some players are reluctant to try other Technology does, however, require was not alone. It’s only a small step but things. Handicap Pairs, IMP Pairs more expertise at the club and some doing something via the director or and Speedballs are all ideas which expense. The director used to worry the club committee or by introducing have been floated in some places with about a or worse the movement some technology might help speed up varying degrees of popularity. Teams going wrong. Today his worry extends the game. leagues have become popular in some to whether the laptop and Bridgemates The laws of the game are the province clubs and counties. survive the evening. of the , When bridge first became popular It is the case, however, that more root although the EBU gets blamed for in its current recognisable form in the and branch reform is needed to take bits people don’t like. The WBF have 1930s it wasn’t long before some started our game into the second half of this devoted their energy to the concept of tinkering. Five suit bridge was one century. If bridge in any form is found rectification rather than punishment such proposed variation. Somehow to have a significant role in delaying or in the laws, so getting the board played having to hold more cards in the hand preventing the deterioration of mental wherever possible is a priority. did not appeal and it did not last long. processes e.g. dementia, then this will Although we should rely on our I quite liked another idea of having a be good publicity for bridge and can be directors to know the laws in detail ‘Rex’ suit which came between spades used to promote the game. The bridge rather than the players, a simpler and no-trumps (no extra cards) and charity, EBED, is commissioning some code would probably help everyone. the only difference from no-trumps research on this topic. Similarly in the matter of regulation, was that the ace was low not high. Maybe the time has come for some which is in the hands of the EBU, there It didn’t catch on either, but would invigoration. After all, the bridge of is a case for greater simplicity. Whilst have given rise to some interesting the 1930s had far fewer alternatives I was chairman of the Laws & Ethics problems of hand evaluation – my 16 than can be found now, so we need Committee I helped organise for the count has become a 0 count! something to make our game develop, regulations book (the Blue Book) to go One change that is here to stay, I prosper and appeal to a wider audience. from 74 pages to 32. Removing verbiage suspect, is the online game. Those who Maybe then the newspapers will and a host of exotic agreements helped like bridge but don’t wish to travel to give up on the picture of four people this. I don’t think the world has the club on a wet and windy evening dressed as if in an Agatha Christie changed much so the extra pages are have a place to play. Generally the novel, sipping a G+T whenever bridge not missed. There is scope for greater game has as many hands but does not is mentioned. ■ work here I suspect. Whilst most last as long so is ideal for busy people regulations have a sound reason for who get home from work and can’t CLUB INSURANCE existence, the resulting complexity is make it to the club for 7 or 7.30. undoubtedly a barrier, especially for I mentioned Funbridge in my last Every club should be covered beginners. The American authority article and that is the game the EBU and my inclusive package, to suit (the ACBL) got rid of the stop card on run, but it is open to non-members. clubs of up to 300 members for less than £75 per year, is the right January 1st 2018. That doesn’t mean Bridge Club Live and Bridge Base package at the right price. removing the obligation to pause Online also run similar games. If you appropriately in an auction, but it does are an insomniac you can still play, as Contact FIDENTIA for a quote mean one fewer card in the bidding many of the series are worldwide and box and one fewer process whereby attract players from many countries. ( 020 3150 0080 beginners are lambasted by some for a As an aside, the biggest expense of [email protected] small technical infringement. international competition is travel

BRIDGE July 2018 Page 41 Bernard Magee DVDs – Number Forty-Four Defence Against High Level Contracts

his DVD starts with Defence However, when you suspect a strong you continued with another heart – against Slam contracts, but side suit, then it is time to be ACTIVE taking the first two tricks. then moves on to defending – take your tricks before they run A non-heart lead allows declarer to Tagainst five-level contracts involving away. So against Auction 1 you lead claim 13 tricks – it is no surprise that competitive bidding or sacrificing. ♣10 (or a trump) – not a heart. his diamonds allow him to discard all The first topic is leading against Against Auction 2 you lead ♥A. his losers. slam contracts and the distinction From leading against slams, the is made between two types of slam: topic moves on to defending in normal slams, where declarer will Hand 1 general against slams and then there is have to work for his tricks; and strong ♠ A 9 7 6 a little bit on Grand Slams, generally side suit slams, where declarer, once ♥ K 7 6 advocating a trump lead. trumps are drawn will make his tricks ♦ K 9 8 4 After the break, the DVD talks about from a side suit. ♣ J 3 other high level contracts. Competitive Generally, the auction will give you ♠ 10 2 ♠ 8 3 bidding and then sacrifice bidding. a fair idea of what to expect. ♥ A 9 8 2 N ♥ J 10 4 The key with regard to sacrifice W E ♦ 7 6 3 ♦ Q J 10 5 Here are two auctions: S bidding is to be aware of the scoring ♣ 10 9 8 7 ♣ Q 6 5 4 – to understand how many tricks you Auction 1 ♠ K Q J 5 4 might be aiming for. South North ♥ Q 5 3 Have a look at this hand: 1♠ 3♠ ♦ A 2 4NT 5♦ ♣ A K 2 6♠ ♠ A 6 4 ♥ 2 N Auction 2 ♦ Q 10 4 W E You lead passively with a club or S South North trump and declarer has to lose two ♣ A Q J 6 5 3 1♠ 3♦ heart tricks. He has nowhere to throw 3♠ 4♠ his second heart loser. Clearly leading 4NT 5♦ the ♥A would be a disaster – gifting You are West, dealer with your side 6♠ declarer his slam. vulnerable. You open 1♣ and partner bids 1♠, You hold the same hand against both over which South rudely interrupts and you are on lead: Hand 2: with 3♥ – this is a weak jump overcall. ♠ A Q J 6 What do you do next? ♥ 7 5 Your partner has shown only four ♠ 10 2 ♦ K Q J 10 9 8 spades, but with three-card support ♥ A 9 8 2 N ♣ 5 and a singleton, 3♠ looks the practical ♦ 7 6 3 W E ♠ 10 2 ♠ 3 bid. The auction carries on as shown: S ♣ 10 9 8 7 ♥ A 9 8 2 N ♥ K 10 6 4 W E ♦ ♦ 7 6 3 S 5 4 West North East South ♣ 10 9 8 7 ♣ Q J 6 4 3 2 1♣ Pass 1♠ 3♥ Choose your lead. ♠ K 9 8 7 5 4 3♠ 4♥ 4♠ 5♥ The solution is that against ‘normal’ ♥ Q J 3 Pass Pass Dbl End slams you should defend relatively ♦ A 2 passively, leaving declarer to work for ♣ A K You passed over 5♥ expecting partner his 12 tricks. This means that you DO to take action – to double or perhaps NOT lead out aces because you want bid on to 5♠. them to kill one of declarer’s high This time you chose the♥ A and At this vulnerability you were hop- cards. partner encouraged with the ♥10 so ing to make 620 points from 4♠, so

Page 42 BRIDGE July 2018 even doubling 5♥ you are ruff, either switching after Re-boot your BERNARD going to need a lot of tricks the ♥A lead, or if they find Acol with MAGEE’S to get your money back. a club lead, then they can Bernard Magee What do you lead? take three tricks – ♥A and INTERACTIVE Denham Grove, Uxbridge, Where are your oppo- two club ruffs. Bucks UB9 5DG TUTORIAL CD nents’ tricks going to come Handling trumps as de- from? fenders is so important – 10-14 January DEFENCE They will surely come when your opponents are 2019 from ruffing, so your job bidding on tram tickets is to try to stop them mak- (few points) then most of £454pp Thursday – ing too many trump tricks, their potential will be from Monday MAC or by leading trumps. Lead- ruffing – negate it by taking Windows ing a singleton trump is of- those trumps away. Four Nights Full Board – No Single ten frowned upon, but not Other topics include the Supplement1 in these kind of auctions use of signals to help in where the opponents are these ‘big auctions’. Count likely to have a big fit, so you signals can be important to are not compromising your identify the relative lengths partner’s trump holding. you hold in a suit – allow- Here is the full deal: ing your partnership to take the tricks you deserve. They can also help you negotiate Bernard develops ♠ 10 9 3 2 your own ruffs. Then the your defence in the ♥ K 6 3 DVD finishes with long suit course of ten ♦ K 7 6 5 3 2 contracts – making perhaps introductory ♣ Void an obvious point, but an im- exercises and 120 ♠ A 6 4 ♠ K Q J 7 5 portant one. When a hand Topics complete deals. ♥ 2 N ♥ 9 7 5 shows a very long suit, then W E OPENER ♦ Q 10 4 S ♦ A J 9 you should expect that hand l Lead vs ♣ A Q J 6 5 3 ♣ K 10 RESPONDER No-trump to have a shortage some- ♠ Contracts 8 where. A pre-emptive open- RESPONDING TO ♥ A Q J 10 8 4 ing of 3♠, for example, will 1NT l Lead vs ♦ 8 usually show a seven-card OVERCALLS Suit Contracts ♣ 9 8 7 4 2 suit. Most of the time the LAWS & ETHICS l Partner of Leader hand will also have a single- vs No-trump ton – bearing this in mind, IMPROVING Contracts Your opponents have been you need to make sure your BRIDGE MEMORY l Partner of Leader very busy in the auction, but aces make. vs Suit Contracts on a non-trump lead, they The summary of the topic are likely to make at least is simple – high-level auc- Sessions of l Count eight tricks, by taking two tions are exciting and the supervised play Signals £76 club ruffs in dummy (-500 decisions you make in de- follow each l Attitude would give them a profit fence are high-pressure. The lecture. Signals N against your 620). However, difference between a slam W E l Discarding after your trump lead, de- making and going down is S clarer can take a club ruff at massive and may depend on Optional l Defensive Plan trick 2, but when he tries to your lead. The important duplicate session l Stopping Declarer get back to hand, your part- thing is to relax and try not every evening2. ner wins the trick and plays to give too much away. Only l Counting the Hand another trump, keeping de- strive for your tricks when clarer to just 7 tricks. He is you expect a second suit in Contact Mr Bridge to four down and you collect your opponents’ hands. En- book your place Mr Bridge, Ryden 800 points – killing the sac- joy these types of hands and or for further Grange, Knaphill, rifice. do not forget how difficult details. Surrey GU21 2TH A quick look and you these decisions are. Do not ( 01483 489961 might think that a slam blame your partner if he ( 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk/ might be on your way, but lets a slam through – take 1Subject to availability. 2Not mrbridge-shop the defence should be able the blame together and try directed by Bernard Magee. to make at least one club harder the next time. ■

BRIDGE July 2018 Page 43 Michael Byrne on Managing Trumps Ruffing In Your Hand

n the previous months put the slow heart loser is is always better than no rounds of trumps and we have looked at on your spade suit, so you hope at all. There is always then drew a third one just situations where you will have to develop a trick (of course) the chance that for good luck. No-one Ineed to ruff in your hand, there. You cash the ace and one of your opponents will threw any hearts but I was and sometimes to set up king but the queen doesn’t discard from a four-card committed to my line. I long suits in the dummy. drop – what now? suit (it may not be obvious played ace, king and ruffed This month we are going to Of course, the queen to keep Jxxx or the like) so a heart in my hand. When concentrate on situations falling doubleton was in real life your play might I opened my eyes I saw where you do both, ruffing unlikely, but you have succeed more often than it that the Q J 10 had fallen in your hand to create a second string to your should. tripleton and dummy’s 9 winners on the table. bow. Because it is a trump What is the lowest card had become a winner. This This is a simple hand that contract you can ruff the that might become a winner was the full deal: we shall look at in many third round. So back to the in this fashion? guises: dummy in diamonds, ruff Believe it or not this is a a spade in hand, the queen real-life hand I played many ♠ A K 8 2 falls and you make your years ago, which saved my ♥ K 9 5 3 ♠ J 8 7 3 slam – lucky perhaps, but it bacon when I had overbid ♦ J 3 ♥ K 7 6 was your only hope. somewhat: ♣ 7 6 3 ♦ A 10 7 3 2 What about if we change ♠ 4 ♠ 6 5 N ♣ 6 the spade suit to make it ♥ 8 7 6 4 W E ♥ Q J 10 S N weaker: ♠ A K 8 2 ♦ K 10 8 7 ♦ Q 9 5 4 W E S Instead of: ♥ K 9 5 3 ♣ K Q J 9 ♣ 10 5 4 2 ♠ A K ♦ J 3 ♠ Q J 10 9 7 3 ♥ A 5 4 ♣ 7 6 3 ♥ A 2 ♦ K Q J 9 8 ♠ J 8 7 3 N ♦ A 6 2 W E ♣ 8 4 2 N S ♣ A 8 W E S ♠ Q J 10 9 7 3 ♠ A K ♥ A 2 You bid well to reach a ♦ A 6 2 6♠ was not a good contract, diamond contract but sadly ♣ A 8 and it did not deserve to you overbid to 6♦ rather What about if it was this? make, but you still must try than the sensible 5♦. Is there for every chance. any lucky lie of the cards A sensible auction might be On that note can you see a that might rescue you on a ♠ 10 4 3 2 way to make the contract at heart lead? N North South the top of the next page. W E You have one inescapable S 1♠ 3♠ In the first scenario we club loser, no losers in ♠ A K 4♠ will imagine that you have trumps and one slow bid accurately to 3♥ after loser in hearts. (A slow This would make 11 easy West has doubled your 1♥ loser is one that is not Again, you would do exactly tricks, but my partner and for take-out, and get the immediately apparent as a the same thing, cash the A I emerged in 6♠ after both defence of two rounds of loser, but that you will lose K and then ruff one, hoping taking rosy views. spades and then a trump eventually unless you can that one hand began with Q What chance did I have switch. You play low from do something with it.) J x. This is not particularly on the ♣K lead? dummy and beat the jack The only possible place to likely, but a small chance I won the ace, drew two with your ace.

Page 44 BRIDGE July 2018 deal is ever so slightly different… ♠ 6 5 Once again, the opponents compete BERNARD ♥ K Q 4 3 this time by overcalling in spades, and MAGEE’S ♦ 10 7 3 2 they lead three rounds against your ♣ 7 5 2 rather optimistic contract of 4♥. TUTORIAL CDs

N W E S ♠ 6 5 3 ADVANCED ♠ 8 4 2 ♥ K Q J DECLARER PLAY ♥ A 10 9 7 2 ♦ 10 7 3 2 l Overtricks in No-trumps ♦ A Q ♣ 7 5 2 l Overtricks in Suit Contracts ♣ A 4 3 N l Endplays W E l Avoidance S l Wrong Contract £81 You then play a trump back to dummy, ♠ 7 4 l Simple Squeezes confirming the 3-1 split as expected. ♥ A 10 9 8 7 2 l Counting the Hand Now you try the diamond finesse by ♦ A Q l Trump Reductions & Coups leading low to your queen. It is no great ♣ A 4 3 l Playing Doubled Contracts surprise when this loses to the king l Safety Plays and West finds a club switch which goes to the queen and your ace. With Can you see any play for the contract? five possible losers your best hope is ADVANCED to cash the ♦A, cross to the queen of This time you will need the diamond ACOL BIDDING trumps (drawing the last trump) and finesse to work, and you will also l Basics ruff a diamond. If the jack falls then need to find East with the jack and l Advanced Basics the ten in dummy becomes a winner no more than one small diamond. l Weak Twos £96 and you can ruff your third spade and You cross to the dummy with a heart l Strong Hands cash it, throwing away one of your two to play a diamond to the queen and l Defence to Weak Twos clubs. the first hurdle is overcome when it l Defence to 1NT This might be the full deal: wins. You now cash the ♦A dropping l Doubles East’s jack and go back to the dummy l Two-suited Overcalls with a heart (they split 3-1) and ruff a l Defences to Other Systems ♠ 6 5 diamond, bringing down the king – l Misfits and ♥ K Q 4 3 fantastic news. Distributional Hands ♦ 10 7 3 2 Now you can go back to the last ♣ 7 6 5 trump in dummy, cash the ♦10 and ♠ A K Q 3 ♠ J 10 9 7 claim your well-earned game bonus. FIVE-CARD MAJORS ♥ 8 N ♥ J 6 5 This is the layout you need: & Strong No-Trump ♦ K 9 5 4 W E ♦ J 8 6 l Opening Bids & Responses S ♣ K J 8 2 ♣ Q 10 9 l No-Trump Openings ♠ 8 4 2 ♠ 6 5 3 l Support for Partner ♥ A 10 9 7 2 ♥ K Q J l Slams & Strong Openings ♦ A Q ♦ 10 7 3 2 l Rebids ♣ A 4 3 ♣ 7 5 2 l Minors & Misfits ♠ A K J 9 8 ♠ Q 10 2 l Pre-empting £89 ♥ 6 N ♥ 5 4 3 l Doubles W E ♦ 9 8 5 4 ♦ K J 6 l Overcalls West could have beaten your contract S easily by switching to a club at trick ♣ Q 9 6 ♣ K J 10 8 l Competitive Auctions 2 or 3 – do you think he should have ♠ 7 4 ♥ done? From his point of view if you A 10 9 8 7 2 ALSO held losers in clubs there was nowhere ♦ A Q l Defence (see p43) for them to run away, and his club ♣ A 4 3 l Declarer Play (see p39) switch might have been into your AQ. l Acol Bidding (see p10) Of course, when you showed up with the ♥A and ♦AQ then he knew his This time the defence has done nothing partner would hold one club honour, wrong, you just found the miracle lay- but sadly for the defence that was too out you needed. Lucky? Perhaps, but if ( 01483 489961 little too late. you are going to bid them like that you www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop Now let’s try a scenario where the had better play the cards well. ■

BRIDGE July 2018 Page 45 Catching Up with Sally Brock

he Cyprus tournament was West North East South we had gained the necessary 8 IMPs. fantastic. There were three 1♥ 1♠ At favourable vulnerability Barry held: hotels huddled together about Pass Pass 4♥ 4♠ Tfive miles outside Kyrenia on the Pass Pass Dble All Pass north coast of North Cyprus (the ♠ 4 2 Turkish region). Two of them were You are East. West leads the seven of ♥ A J 4 joined together by a casino. The all- clubs which you win with the king. ♦ 9 7 4 3 2 inclusive rate included meals at any of How are you going to defend? ♣ K 8 7 the restaurants, and also any drinks. The first question to ask yourself N W E There was lots of finger food outside the is how many hearts partner has. S playing area so if you had not managed Obviously he is void and if that is to find time for lunch there was no the case he might have a lot of clubs. chance of going hungry. I would really Several defenders tried a second club After two passes I (South) opened a recommend going to one of these here and declarer was soon making strong no-trump. It is not our style to tournaments – the next one is in early twelve tricks. Better defence is to try a invite game and normally he would September when the weather should top heart or two. The safest defence is have passed with such a poor main be excellent (for more information for you to play the king-ace, allowing suit, but, hungry for IMPs, he raised go to www.bridgemerit.com or email partner to discard two diamonds, and me to 3NT. This was the full deal: [email protected]). then you can give him a diamond ruff Being around Zia is like being to beat the game. As it happens he around royalty (though I have can ruff higher than dummy’s six, so Dealer South. E/W Game. no personal experience of that!). playing a third round of hearts would ♠ 4 2 Everyone wants to shake his hand and work as well. ♥ A J 4 have a hug, and get a photo taken with As I am sure I have mentioned before, ♦ 9 7 4 3 2 him. He exudes charm from every we are out of all the major knock-outs ♣ K 8 7 pore. I really enjoyed playing with this season, so all we have is the Young ♠ A J 8 7 ♠ Q 9 6 5 him, and hearing what he had to say Chelsea Knock-out – and actually I ♥ Q 10 5 2 N ♥ 8 3 W E ♦ ♦ about the hands afterwards. After the think we are still playing last year’s J 5 S A Q 10 6 two-session mixed pairs, I played with event. This is a double-elimination ♣ 10 3 2 ♣ J 9 6 Barry in the three-session open pairs. event and we have already lost once, ♠ K 10 3 This was an instructive defensive deal so it was with fear and trepidation that ♥ K 9 7 6 (cover up the West and South hands we faced our semi-final against Fiona ♦ K 8 before reading on): Hutchison, Rob Cliffe, Martin Jones ♣ A Q 5 4 and Richard Johnson. We gained a few IMPS on the first set but lost some Dealer East. Game All.. on the next two sets to face the last West led a heart (who would not?), ♠ 6 5 set 8 IMPs down. This is a 32-board which gave me four heart tricks; clubs ♥ 9 7 match, which is quite a lot to fit in on broke, giving me four club tricks and ♦ A 10 8 7 4 3 a weekday evening, and the going had I had to make one of my pointed-suit ♣ J 10 3 been slow. I was playing with Andy kings. +400. We won by 1 IMP! Very ♠ 9 8 3 2 ♠ J Bowles, but Barry was playing in a well judged. N ♥ ♥ Void W E A K 8 6 5 4 3 2 different match in a different event and Towards the end of April I was out to ♦ Q 6 S ♦ 9 5 he had finished, so he came in to play dinner with friends and one of them, ♣ Q 9 8 7 6 4 2 ♣ A K the last set – apart from Andy wanting Chris Duckworth, was complaining ♠ A K Q 10 7 4 to get home, it seemed sensible for me about the vagaries of organising a ♥ Q J 10 to play in a regular partnership rather Café Bridge event scheduled for the ♦ K J 2 than an irregular one. Our opponents following day. It is very important ♣ 5 played very well and when it came to to get exactly the right number of the final board, it seemed unlikely that people (divisible by four) and, as

Page 46 BRIDGE July 2018 expected, people kept dropping out. I said that I had nothing much to Answers to Bernard Magee’s do the following day (except my tax return) and so was drafted in to play Bidding Quizzes 10-12 in the event with Brian Callaghan, a seriously good player whom I had on the Cover and page 7 never played with before. If you have never played in a Café Bridge event, I can thoroughly recommend it. This one was in Wandsworth, and five cafés like to have aces and kings to go for a were involved. They had 34 tables in 10. Dealer West. Love All. borderline game – here your high cards total spread over the cafés. The boards ♠ 4 ♠ K Q 10 9 7 6 are unlikely to be so useful. stay at the tables and all the people ♥ A K 7 6 4 N ♥ 3 2 If East had been stronger, he either has W E ♦ J 4 2 ♦ 7 5 3 move around. When it is lunchtime S to jump to game himself, or use a bid of you eat wherever you are. I thoroughly ♣ A Q 4 3 ♣ 9 7 the fourth suit, to force the auction. enjoyed my day. We started off really well, though tailed off towards the end. On one round we started by taking a West North East South 500 penalty on a partscore deal, and 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass 12. Dealer West. Love All. then did the same again on the next: 2♣ Pass 2♠ Pass ♠ 3 ♠ A K Q J 10 7 6 ? ♥ A 8 7 6 5 N ♥ 4 ♦ A J 5 4 2 W E ♦ 7 3 S Dealer East. Love All. Pass. ♣ A 3 ♣ K Q 9 ♠ Void You have shown your partner two suits ♥ K 10 7 4 3 and he has chosen to rebid his suit. ♦ 8 7 5 3 2 Responder should generally cede to West North East South ♣ K 4 3 opener, so when he does not, he must 1♥ Pass 2♠ Pass ♠ K J 6 5 4 3 ♠ 2 have a strong and long suit. This means 3♦ Pass 3♠ Pass ♥ A 5 2 N ♥ Q 9 6 you should trust your partner and pass ? ♦ J 9 W E ♦ A K 2♠. You should expect him to have a S ♣ 9 7 ♣ A Q J 10 8 6 2 weak hand that only wants to play in 4♣. ♠ A Q 10 9 8 7 spades, which is exactly what he holds. Your partner has made a jump response ♥ J 8 of 2♠ (strong and forcing) and followed ♦ Q 10 6 4 up by rebidding his suit. One should only ♣ 5 make a jump response on exceptional 11. Dealer West. Love All. hands – to follow it by simply rebidding ♠ 4 ♠ A Q J 10 7 6 one’s suit should show a solid or semi- I opened 1♣ as East, and South made a ♥ K Q 7 6 4 N ♥ 3 2 solid long suit with 16+ points. ♠ ♦ Q J 10 W E ♦ K 5 3 If you trust your partner’s bidding you pristine 2 overcall. My partner passed S and it came back to me. Although I did ♣ K Q 4 3 ♣ 9 7 have the perfect cards for him: aces. not have the perfect shape for a double Your 3 aces might well make his hand. I thought it was likely that partner had Having shown your two suits naturally, a penalty double of 2♠ and as I had West North East South the way to show your excitement now is extra values I preferred double to three 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass to bid 4♣. This cannot be natural (with a clubs. That ended the auction. We took 2♣ Pass 3♠ Pass 0-5-4-4 hand you would have rebid 3♣ all the tricks we could and that was ? rather than 3♦) so it can only be a cuebid, another 500 penalty. suggesting the chance for slam. East will On the third board of the set, on a Pass. then use Blackwood and hopefully he high after the success of our previous There is no doubt that there has been a settles for 6♠ (or 6NT). two boards, we again doubled our record number of passes in this quiz and By using your jump shift to show opponents, this time in 2♦. This should this hand makes up the last of them. exceptional hands, it helps you to find have been made but declarer lost her Your partner’s jump to 3♠ might look slams on hands like this. If East just bids way and went one down, so the whole forcing, but like most rebids of a suit it 1♠ on the first round, then he will struggle round was quite a success. is a limit bid. It is highly encouraging to catch up later in the auction. The next Café Bridge is in Brook showing 10-11 points and a six-card suit, However, the important bid was yours Green on September 18th. but as so often when the hands misfit, – understanding the value of your aces For more information contact passing tends to work best. allowed you to suggest the possibility of Chris Duckworth In situations when your partner has slam. ■ ([email protected]) ■ a long suit and you misfit, you would

BRIDGE July 2018 Page 47 David Stevenson answers your Frequently Asked Questions BERNARD MAGEE TUTORIAL DVDs Hesitating with a SET 1 Known Singleton 1 Ruffing for Extra Tricks 2 Competitive Auctions 3 Making the Most of High Cards n the September 2017 issue of out that some players in clubs do not £25 BRIDGE, number 177, there was a count very well and they may think 4 Identifying per DVD question which I answered which there is still another one out because & Bidding Slams Ihas led to some debate. I have had of the pause. While this may be true, it is unfortunate but there is no reason 5 Play & Defence emails from readers disagreeing with the answer and a thread on Facebook for a player who knows there are no of 1NT Contracts starting off with criticism of the an- more out to assume declarer has got it 6 Doubling & Defence swer by a leading player. I have con- wrong. So long as he has something to against Doubled sulted several top European directors think about it is not illegal. Contracts to confirm my answer. It seems to me Another objection is that a player that it would be best if, instead of a who pauses for a time in this situation SET 2 short answer, I went into this in detail can only be doing so to mislead. This so the law can be better understood. is a very unfortunate and untrue 7 Leads The situation was that declarer accusation. While a player could be 8 Losing Trick Count played a suit. At a time when there doing that it is very unlikely and there was only one card left out, this being is no reason to assume it. Of course if 9 Making a Plan known to all the players except the director is called he will ask the as Declarer dummy if they had been counting, player why he delayed but he will not 10 Responding to 1NT the defender holding the card thought assume the worst. One correspondent for some time before playing it. The suggested he would warn a player who 11 Signals & Discards question was whether this was illegal did this. But a director has no reason 12 Endplay and if so what should be done about it. to warn a player who has done nothing What does the law say? It says that wrong. Because he might be thinking SET 3 if you take an action which misleads about the rest of the hand one cannot the opponents and you knew they assume he has nothing to think about. 13 Hand Evaluation could be misled it was illegal unless It was suggested that a player in this 14 Pre-Emptive Bidding you had a good reason for doing so. situation should say, ‘I was not thinking Many of the books on play advise about anything,’ or similar but why 15 Splinter people to think about their plan for should he lie? Assuming he is thinking & Cue Bids the hand, and especially what to about the rest of the hand there is no £105 discard on long suits, in advance. reason to say otherwise. Of course he 16 Avoidance set of 6 Some of them specifically recommend could say, ‘I was not thinking about Play thinking at a time when it clearly this trick,’ which would be reasonable 17 Play & Defence at Pairs makes no difference. So if the player if it had been likely to mislead, but a was planning the hand he appears to player who knows that declarer cannot 18 Thinking Defence have a strong case. Of course if he was be misled because it is the last card in not and merely causing trouble then it the suit cannot be forced to say such Mr Bridge Mail Order might be considered illegal. a thing. ( 01483 489961 Perhaps if I looked at some of the Another suggestion is that he www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop objections we could consider this should wait until the end of the trick further. Some people have pointed and then refuse to turn his card over

Page 48 BRIDGE July 2018 David Stevenson answers your Frequently Asked Questions BERNARD MAGEE TUTORIAL Hesitating with a DVDs Known Singleton SET 4 19 Defensive Plan 20 Further into the Auction 21 Weak Twos until he had finished thinking, which which is unreasonable: why should has the disadvantage that players other people tell him when he 22 Trump Control do not always respect this and carry should think? 23 Sacrificing £25 on with the next trick anyway. But l You should never hesitate with a per DVD the main thing wrong with this singleton: not always true, but you 24 Improving suggestion is that there is no reason must have a reason to do so. Bridge Memory that a player should stop to think l He should apologise for the delay: when other people tell him he should. not true if he had something to SET 5 If he wants to think partway through think about. 25 Defence as Partner a trick that is reasonable so long as it of the Leader does not mislead the opponents, and I did consult some top European it is reasonable for him to assume his directors and they were unanimous 26 Aggressive Bidding opponent can count up to thirteen. that my approach was correct. I made at Duplicate Pairs It has been pointed out that players sure they understood that the declarer 27 Strong Opening Bids are warned against hesitating with may be less experienced but they said a singleton but that is a different it made no difference. 28 Take-Out Doubles situation. Normally when a player What should a director do if he was 29 Suit Establishment hesitates with a singleton he has called to the table in such a case? In in Suit Contracts nothing to think about and knows it other words a player has thought for will mislead. But a known singleton some time before playing the last card 30 Landy / Defending is different because the player has of the suit at a time when he clearly Against a 1NT Opening no idea it will mislead. Of course it knew it was the last card of the suit. should be investigated as to whether As with all judgements the director SET 6 he had anything to think about. should investigate, asking the player It was also stated in the Facebook why he paused for a time. So long as 31 Counting Defence thread that no ethical player would he produces a reasonable answer, such 32 Extra Tricks ever do this. The problem with this as, ‘I knew I was about to make some in No-Trumps comment, apart from the fact that I discards when declarer continued have known ethical players who have playing this suit, so I stopped to 33 Supporting done it against me, is that since it is consider what to discard,’ then the Partner £105 not unethical to pause with a good director should rule no infraction. If 34 Finessing set of 6 reason it is just not true. the director actually decides that he To summarise the most common had no reason, and declarer has gone 35 Bidding objections to my original question and wrong because of it, then he could Distributional Hands answer were: adjust the score. But the director 36 Coping with Pre-Empts must not approach this, as several l It was unethical which is not true if correspondents said, with the sceptical the player had something to think view that the player must have been Mr Bridge Mail Order about since he had no reason to doing something wrong. Initially, he ( 01483 489961 suppose it would mislead anyway. should have an open mind and see www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop l He should think at a different time what is said. ■

BRIDGE July 2018 Page 49 Seven Days by Sally Brock

the evening I again bid with Fiona – supper. I’m only there an hour before Monday she is away from home on a course in dashing home for an online coaching Briony has been struggling with an Birmingham, so has more spare time session with Fiona and David. I feel as allergy. It started a few weeks ago but on her hands than usual. if I have been rushing around all day. is steadily getting worse. She has had a rash on her arms and legs for a little Wednesday Thursday while but today it reaches her eyes. In Today is Toby’s graduation ceremony, I get up and do my exercises and the something of a panic she books an in the Royal Albert Hall. We have sun is shining so I have breakfast on emergency appointment with a private been issued with dire warnings on my balcony. Although I have plenty allergy specialist. So my morning is how important it is to be there early, to do I decide to indulge myself by spent taking her there. Unfortunately, and so we leave the flat dressed to sitting in the sunshine and finishing the doctor isn’t sure whether or the nines at 7.45. It is just a short bus my book. No such luck. Several phone not it is an allergy, so refers her to a ride, and then we need to pick up his calls later I give up and retire to my dermatologist (for Wednesday). tickets, his gown, have his photo taken exercise bike where I do get to finish We come home for lunch and etc. Still with 45 minutes to spare we my book in peace. I have an online then she dashes off on a few errands go for a coffee, and eventually Briony session with Gilly at 11.15, towards the before meeting up with a friend in the joins us. We have a box which is very end of which Briony arrives. We talk evening. I settle down to work on my swish, and it is certainly a very proud briefly but I am online with Chris at annual bridge expenses. Every year I moment when he goes up onto the 1.00. After an hour and a half of that, start off well, recording them as they stage. However, I have to say that Briony and I manage a quick chat happen, but after a couple of months there can’t be anything much more before she is off – for blood tests and I let it drop and so have no record boring in the world. Simply listening more medical appointments. She was (other than the diary on my phone) to to names being read out for a couple of going to go on public transport but is see what I’ve done over the year. I deal hours. The high spot is when someone suddenly in a panic that she’ll be late, with my income OK, but soon run has won a prize and we are allowed so Muggins offers her a lift – provided into problems and have to email other to clap. Afterwards we return Toby’s I can avoid the congestion zone – an people to sort things out. I will have to robes and go for lunch. extra £11.20 a couple of times this put it on hold. I get out my jewellery In the afternoon I potter around week and it soon adds up. loom and start making a bracelet. I (managing to forget I had an online I have an online session in the have decided that in a year or so I will session booked), and then take evening and then it’s a couple of hours take a stall at a craft fair, and spend the Briony for her appointment with the in front of the TV. intervening time building up stock. dermatologist. While it is expensive In the evening I bid online with to deal with this privately, at least it Friday Fiona – practice for the European is getting sorted. She says that Briony I get up slowly, do my exercises and Championships, supervised by David has post-viral eczema and not an sit on my balcony in the sunshine Burn, our coach. allergy at all. She prescribes two sorts while I have my breakfast. I do a bit of cream, one for her body and one for of work on the new bag, then it’s off to Tuesday her eyelids, and some steroids. We go Marylebone on the bus to catch a train I spend most of the day in creative and get those and then I drop Briony to Warwick for the Spring Foursomes, mode. I finish my bracelet, just to off before dashing back to the Costa my favourite weekend event of the prove I can remember how. Then I near the Young Chelsea to have a year. We are drawn in a threesome to cut out a bag a friend has asked me coffee with Alex. We have to select the start with, against a team captained to make – ‘just like this old one that U26 girls team soon (rather overdue by Paul Gipson – I enjoy playing these I really love that has fallen to bits’! actually) and some rather unforeseen guys and we seem to draw them every Briony comes over for a while – off problems have cropped up that I want year – and a Danish women’s team. work because of her rash, I think she to talk to her about. Then she goes off Everything goes more or less to plan gets a bit lonely in her new room. In to play bridge while I go to Barry’s for and overnight we are 20 IMPs or so up

Page 50 BRIDGE July 2018 against both teams. but I feel I need to do something that I open 1♦, as we do on this hand-type, We stay up late talking in the bar, but will not be done at the other table to and I have to decide what to bid over as we’re not starting in the morning try to create a swing. We don’t play an 3♥. I could opt for 3NT, but feel that I we can lie in. escape mechanism when 1NT is dou- want to offer alternatives. bled, so 2♣ is ostensibly natural. As it When Barry bids 3♠ I know he Saturday is often the first move on a more bal- won’t have four (as he didn’t make a The first half of the day goes well. anced hand, I decide to remove myself negative double in the first place) and We continue to gain points and win to my five-card suit. When Barry now so my chosen sequence suggests doubt both matches comfortably. Then it is a bids 2♥ it looks as if he is a bit three- about no-trumps. Had Barry removed break for lunch and we play our first suited, so I try 2♠ and East doubles for to four of a minor I would have bid 4♠. full knock-out match. We are drawn penalties in the pass-out seat, rather The opponents lead hearts and I against Hauge which doesn’t sound slowly. duck the first two and win the third. too scary, but they are too good for us. West really should lead a trump on It seems that I will be fine if I can duck After a couple of sets we are 5 up, and this auction, but instead she tries the a club to East but I am rather taken then we sit out and team-mates have a ♥K. I win the ace and return a heart. aback when West discards a diamond couple of accidents, leaving us 19 down When West plays the ♥9, I duck. She on the first club. with a set to go. We are back in but switches to the ♣A and another club. I I rise with the king and my plan nothing goes right – on the very first win the king and crossruff for a while. now is to get rid of East’s cards in the board partner had the chance to dou- At trick nine I have seven tricks in outside suits and then run a club to ble Drury for the lead, but he didn’t, so front of me and am in hand with ♠K-J him at the end. I made a passive lead, letting a game and two diamonds and the ♠10 and So, I play a spade to dummy, and, through. It went from bad to worse – three hearts in dummy. I ruffed a win- playing East for the ♦K, I play a low at both tables. We didn’t even bother ning diamond with the ♠10 and can- diamond. When he plays the king (it adding up the score. Afterwards we not be denied an eighth trick from my might have been king doubleton) I went to 7 Square for dinner and had an ♠K-J. However, it is too little too late, duck, win the spade return, cash my excellent meal and an enjoyable even- and we lose by 33 IMPs. spades and the ♦A and play a club to ing – ours is a very sociable team. The consolation event is the Punch- dummy’s ten, to endplay East. bowl. We are playing in a threesome Although we gain IMPs on this deal Sunday with one team to qualify. Halfway (they play in 4♦ in the other room), we We are drawn against Fegarty, a Cam- through we are 1 IMP up in one match, gain only 6 IMPs on the set, so are out bridge-based team we know quite well. and 8 down in the other. It looks as if of the Punchbowl too. We decide to We get off to a reasonable start but it is we need to win both matches to pull call it a day and give tomorrow’s Swiss downhill from there. Despite the fol- through. Believe it or not, in the six- teams a miss. lowing rather amusing partscore on board round of the second half, there Out to dinner at a Spanish place the final deal we lose. are five double-figure swings. This is called Tasca Dali, which is excellent. an instructive game swing, more in As they told me beforehand there is the bidding than in the play: no menu – they just bring us food. Dealer South. N/S Game. We have a platter of Spanish bits and ♠ 10 5 3 pieces to start with, then a lentil and ♥ J 7 6 5 4 Dealer South. Love All. chorizo stew, followed by a piece of ♦ 2 ♠ A 7 4 bream, then fillet of pork before a ♣ K 10 9 7 ♥ 2 crème brulee. It is all excellent and ♠ A 9 8 ♠ Q 7 6 ♦ 9 4 2 very reasonable. ♥ K 9 N ♥ Q 10 8 3 ♣ A K 10 9 8 2 Then back for a drink or two in the W E ♦ Q J 7 ♦ K 9 6 3 ♠ 6 2 ♠ 10 9 8 5 S bar before an earlier night than the ♣ A Q J 8 5 ♣ 3 2 ♥ Q 9 8 6 5 3 N ♥ K 10 7 past two. Maybe one year we’ll have a ♠ K J 4 2 ♦ Q J 7 6 5 W E ♦ K S good run. ♥ A 2 ♣ Void ♣ Q J 7 6 4 On the plus side I am extremely ♦ A 10 8 5 4 ♠ K Q J 3 pleased with my U26 girls who, ♣ 6 4 ♥ A J 4 having lost their first match against ♦ A 10 8 3 a very strong team, win their next ♣ 5 3 two matches before losing to another West North East South strong team. That bodes well for the 1NT world championships. ■ Dbl 2♣ Pass 2♦ West North East South Pass 2♥ Dbl 2♠ 1♦ Pass Pass Dbl All Pass 2♥ 3♣ 3♥ Dbl Send your slam hands to Pass 3♠ Pass 3NT [email protected] I am not proud of my 1NT opening, All Pass

BRIDGE July 2018 Page 51