Number: 167 UK £3.95 Europe €5.00 November 2016 Bernard Magee’s Bidding Quiz This month we are dealing with responder’s rebid. You are West in the auctions below, playing BRIDGE‘Standard Acol’ with a weak no- (12-14 points) and four-card majors.

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

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 1NT1 Pass 1♥ Pass 2♣ Pass 2♣ Pass 2♦ Pass 1♠ Pass 2♥ Pass ? 115-17 balanced ? ? ?

2. Dealer East. Love All. 5. Dealer East. Love All. 8. Dealer East. Love All. 11. Dealer East. Love All. ♠ 10 6 4 3 ♠ J 8 5 4 ♠ 6 5 4 ♠ A Q 8 6 N ♥ K Q 8 7 N ♥ A K 6 5 4 N ♥ 7 ♥ 9 4 N W E ♦ W E ♦ W E ♦ ♦ W E Q J 5 9 8 K Q 9 3 S K Q 6 ♣ 8 2 S ♣ 7 4 S ♣ A K Q 4 3 ♣ K 9 8 2 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 1NT1 Pass 1♥ Pass 2♣ Pass 2♣ Pass 2♦ Pass 1♠ Pass 2♣ Pass ? 115-17 balanced ? ? ?

3. Dealer East. Love All. 6. Dealer East. Love All. 9. Dealer East. Love All. 12. Dealer East. Love All. ♠ 7 2 ♠ 8 5 4 ♠ K Q 3 ♠ A J 10 6 5 N ♥ K Q 8 7 4 N ♥ A K 6 5 4 N ♥ 6 4 ♥ K 7 N W E ♦ J 7 6 W E ♦ 9 8 W E ♦ 7 2 ♦ 6 2 W E S ♣ K Q 4 S ♣ A Q J S ♣ K Q 6 4 3 2 ♣ A J 5 2 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 1NT1 Pass 1♥ Pass 2♣ Pass 2♣ Pass 2♦ Pass 1♠ Pass 3♥ Pass ? 115-17 balanced ? ? ?

Answers on page 45 Answers on page 47 Answers on page 49 Answers on page 50 2172 Mr Bridge 170915BR worked2_Layout 1 05/09/2016 09:42 Page 1

NEW – 2017 AUTUMN BRIDGE CRUISE

ITALIAN & Venice

Urbino Croatia Ancona Split ADRIATIC Italy Dubrovnik Adriatic Rome Pompe ii Sea Sorrento Brindisi Salerno albania Lecce Sarande HIGHLIGHTS Paestum Butrint Corfu greece Sicily Taormina

Mediterranean Sea DEPARTS UK SEPTEMBER 15, 2017

SEP 15 Fly to ROME Italy Transfer to Civitavecchia and Aegean Odyssey SEP 16 SORRENTO Italy overnight (Pompeii & Herculaneum) SEP 17 SORRENTO Italy overnight SEP 18 SORRENTO Italy Cruise past Capri and Amalfi Coast SALERNO Italy (Paestum) SEP 19 Cruise past Stromboli and through the Strait of Messina TAORMINA Sicily SEP 20 At Sea SEP 21 CORFU Greek Islands SARANDE Albania (Butrint)

VENICE 13-day fly-cruise from £2,150 per person SEP 22 LECCE Italy SEP 23 DUBROVNIK Croatia with Mr & Mrs Bridge SEP 24 SPLIT Croatia SEP 25 URBINO Italy Cruise around Italy to the pleasures of beautiful Sorrento and SEP 26 VENICE Italy overnight Sicily, and along the glorious Adriatic coast to Venice. Begin with SEP 27 VENICE Italy Disembark and transfer to Venice Airport an extended stay in Sorrento with time to explore the ruins of both for flight home Pompeii and Herculaneum. Sail past romantic Capri and south AEG170915BR to Taormina with its magnificent Graeco-Roman theatre. Get a flavour of the Greek Islands in Corfu and visit charming Croatian MR BRIDGE VALUE FARES ports en route to one of the world’s greatest destinations – Venice. Premium Inside from £2,295pp Standard Outside from £2,650pp Premium Outside from £2,795pp Odyssey Club Members enjoy an additional 5% discount SINGLE on prices shown above. SUPPLEMENT JUST 10%† FARES INCLUDE: CALL NOW ON 01483 489961 • Scheduled economy class flights • Expert guest speaker programme OR VISIT www.mrbridge.co.uk • Mr Bridge drinks party Cabins can be held at no obligation for 7 days • every evening • Morning seminars and afternoon bridge when at sea • Sightseeing excursions in all ports of call • All meals on board in choice of two restaurants • Complimentary wine with dinner on board • Gratuities for on-board cabin and restaurant staff • Overseas transfers and baggage handling

10093 Mr Bridge fares are per person and subject to availability at time of booking. They may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please see website for full terms and conditions. ABTA No.Y2206 †Single accommodation is available only in certain categories and is subject to availability. ALL OF A SUDDEN promoter once bled dry. Ask Bernard Magee. Bridge weekends, holidays Bernard will answer and cruises have ensured questions arising from his that the growth has been tutorial CDs, DVDs and steady and continuous. other published work and writings. The most recent success [email protected] came three years ago with Cities & Waterways the enforced morphing Ask Leanora. Leanora of Europe of BRIDGE from a bi- Adds, with more than monthly promotional mag 10 years experience in I realise that by next to a monthly subscription the Mr Bridge Holiday October I will have been magazine. The changes office, answers questions working as Mr Bridge were forced by the price relating to weekends, for 30 years. The aim hike in mailing costs ahead holidays and cruises. was to reform the EBU. of Post Office privatisation. [email protected] Whilst I did not advertise The current special offer this ambition openly, of 36 monthly issues of TIME TO I did begin with long BRIDGE for only £50 (UK CELEBRATE lists of to-dos and even addresses only) makes a Departs Dover longer lists of to-trys. Mrs Bridge will join me great Christmas present, 22nd April 2017 • 8 nights on lovely Aegean Odyssey Most of these amounted to but do please note the Balmoral • L1706 next autumn when all nothing much, although offer expires at the end three sailings will celebrate several of the bridge clubs of November this year. Dover, the 30th Anniversary. See founded in the late 80s still Thereafter it must returns Hamburg (Overnight), adverts on the facing page, Cruising River Elbe, flourish as members’ clubs. to £45 per year as the page 51 and the back cover. Cruising North Sea Canal Minerva promotion ends. (Noordzeekanaal), Little was I to know that Amsterdam (Overnight), Mr Bridge was to start after TEN DAYS LATE Cruising Western the popularity of the game NEW COLUMN Scheldt River, Antwerp had peaked. Just for the Jeremy Dhondy’s series (Overnight), Dover record, around two million on Conventions ends people played at least once with the second part of a month in the sixties and Daily bridge on board, bridge fees Lebensohl. This will be included. Mr Bridge welcome seventies. A slow decline published in the next drinks party. Partners for single set in, so that when I issue, very conveniently players. Special solo offers. Sebastian Paul John started in October 1987, the last of the year. it was around 1,850,000. Creasey, otherwise known Anxious to retain Jeremy as as No. 18, arrived last Great value Mr Bridge fares: Then the decline escalated he is a valued contributor week weighing 9lbs 6oz. Interior Room £719pp as declines do. Today to BRIDGE, I have invited I list all his Christian Ocean View Room £809pp there are less than 300,000 him in his capacity as names as I am proud to Ocean View Room £989pp playing at least once a Chairman of the EBU, to be included. His mother, Balcony Room £1,259pp month and that includes host an Ask Jeremy About father and no-longer-baby Suite £1,349pp those playing at home the EBU column. This he Rose are all doing fine. Balmoral or online and/or using has agreed to try for a year. a software program. Please send your emails to: YOUNG WENDY All the while, extra ideas [email protected] have been tried and tested I know from experience adding revenue streams unthought of when I your questions will be set out. Play programs, answered promptly, interactive tutorial CDs, courteously and with films and DVDs. authority. Both questions and answers will be For reservations call Mr Bridge To help fund these bridge published in BRIDGE. on 01483 489961 products, other non- www.mrbridge.co.uk bridge activities such Other new features being A number of readers added from January are: as tea towels blossomed have commented that Terms and conditions apply – see Fred.Olsen 2017 brochure or only to find themselves The History of Playing Wendy Wensum isn’t www.fredolsencruises.com for details. killed-off by an ungrateful Cards by Paul Bostock. the girl she was.

BRIDGE November 2016 FOC348846_MrBridge_Ad_Strips_261x41_L1706_W.C.03.10.16_FV.inddPage10/10/2016 3 09:03 1 3076 Mr Bridge A4.qxp_Layout 1 07/10/2016 10:51 Page 1

Exceptional value scenic cruising

SAVE up to 30% PLUS Buy One Get One Half Price

By adding a little more contemporary chic to the traditional experience, retaining the important smaller ship benefits which we know are still very the impressive Magellan is bringing a new dimension to cruising with popular in the British cruise market. Cruise & Maritime Voyages. At 46,052grt Magellan is still a small to mid- Benefits of travelling with Mr Bridge sized cruise liner by today’s standards and carries about 1,250 • Mr Bridge host and team members on board passengers compared to the mega liners which occupy upwards of 6,000 • Evening bridge every day passengers. She is an elegant and spacious ship offering a wide choice • Bridge on afternoons when the ship is at sea of lounges and facilities including a purpose built bridge room. • Any passengers travelling as a single will be found a bridge partner The CMV emphasis is very much on offering exceptional value and • Welcome drinks party Medieval Cities & River Seine Experience Iceland's Land of Ice & Fire

Sunday 28th May 2017 Thursday 15th June 2017 5 nights aboard Magellan 12 nights aboard Magellan London Tilbury - Antwerp (Belgium) - Rouen (France) - Liverpool - Lerwick (Shetland Islands) - Tórshavn (Faroe Islands) - Cruising River Seine - Le Havre (France) - Newport. Seyðisfjörður (Iceland) - Akureyri (Iceland) - Ísafjörður (Iceland) - Reykjavík (Iceland) - Includes coach from Newport to Tilbury Dublin - Liverpool. (Also departs from Dublin). Twin Inner Full Fare 1st Adult 2nd Adult Ocean View Full Fare 1st Adult 2nd Adult Twin Inner Full Fare 1st Adult 2nd Adult Ocean View Full Fare 1st Adult 2nd Adult from £659 £459 £229 from £899 £629 £314 from £1739 £1289 £644 from £2409 £1789 £894

European Cities & Fairytales Land of the Northern Lights

Sunday 1st October 2017 Tuesday 10th October 2017 9 nights aboard Magellan 14 nights aboard Magellan London Tilbury - Amsterdam (Netherlands) - London Tilbury - Rotterdam (Netherlands) - Olden - Kristiansund (Norway) - Hamburg (Germany, overnight) - Copenhagen (Denmark, overnight) - Alta - Honninsvåg (Norway) - Tromsø (Norway) - Trondheim (Norway) - Aalborg (Denmark) - London Tilbury. Åndalsnes (Norway) - Bergen - London Tilbury.

Twin Inner Full Fare 1st Adult 2nd Adult Ocean View Full Fare 1st Adult 2nd Adult Twin Inner Full Fare 1st Adult 2nd Adult Ocean View Full Fare 1st Adult 2nd Adult from £1239 £919 £459 from £1719 £1279 £639 from £1919 £1429 £714 from £2659 £1979 £989

For more information and bookings call on: 01483 489 961 or visit: www.mrbridge.co.uk Terms & Conditions apply. Subject to availability and may be withdrawn without notice. Prices are from and per person based on two adults sharing a twin cabin on a ‘guarantee’ basis with cabin numbers allocated at ticketing stage. Excludes tours and gratuities (at £5pp per night). Viewing of the Northern Lights subject to weather and atmospheric conditions *Technical call. Land by launch or tender. Operated by South Quay Travel & Leisure Ltd trading as Cruise & Maritime Voyages. Some ports may be at anchor. ABTA V9945. 3076 Well, this happens to us all, QPLUS 12 Mohandes stated that sooner rather than later. Zinidane Zidane head- The latest version of butted Francescoli when QPlus is being posted OLDER WENDY it was Materazzi whom at the end of October. he assaulted. Apologies to anyone mislead. CROATIA 2017

This Bernard Magee 70% RULE Norway Winter land-based holiday, Following several really is filling up fast references to the 70% for 2017. Book now to Rule in previous issues, avoid disappointment. if you still want to know Call for an pack or see what it’s all about having This older Wendy, the advert on page 46. read through this issue, illustrated by Marguerite just send me an email Lihou, is taking her PALACE PARTY and I will email a full bridge more soberly. Earlier this year, I met explanation by return. Maureen Whenery- MORE Whitton on board lovely OUTSIDE THE BOX CELEBRATION Aegean Odyssey, doing Readers’ Letters, page 40. Departs Southampton something I really enjoy; Something very similar 20th January 2017 • 15 nights cruising the Greek Islands. came up during a game Balmoral • L1702 It was the last evening while I was on board of the cruise and I asked Aegean Odyssey last Southampton, Alesund, W-W what she would month. It isn’t part of the Harstad, Loften Islands, be doing tomorrow. She game or within the rules Norway explained she would be but such ideas could and Alta (Overnight), going to Buckingham should be considered. Tromso (Overnight), Molde, Palace with her daughter Bergen, to celebrate 150 years of Southampton Bernard Magee will 2017 DIARIES the work of Barnardo’s. oversee the introduction All new subscribers will of river cruises as a further As a child, brought up by receive a 2017 bridge Daily bridge on board, bridge fees Dr Barnardo’s, she was included. Mr Bridge welcome step forward. They do players’ diary, its cover drinks party. Partners for single not work satisfactorily very happy and had a colour chosen randomly players. Special solo offers. unless the entire ship can great deal to be thankful but there is a choice when be devoted to bridge. for. So much so that ordering extra copies. locally she now gives talks Great value Mr Bridge fares:

They have soft kidrell Ocean View Room £1,669pp to raise the awareness of Barnardo’s work. covers, Ruby Red, Navy Superior Ocean View Room £1,799 pp Blue or Bottle Green with

a built-in ballpoint pen. Balmoral Contents include the diary portion, Bernard Magee’s summary of Acol, laws and ethics and scoring tables. See mail order form on the carrier sheet.

TOO MUCH GLOSS

At last we have the Consideration is being confidence to do given to the problem For reservations call Mr Bridge of the glossy covers. I this. Please go to the Well done her. on 01483 489961 centrefold of this issue hope to have a remedy in time for January. www.mrbridge.co.uk for further details of CORRECTION one of these holidays, Terms and conditions apply – All good wishes, see Fred.Olsen 2017 brochure or created to celebrate 30 In last month’s BRIDGE, www.fredolsencruises.com for details. years of Mr Bridge. Number 166, Shireen Mr Bridge

BRIDGE November 2016 FOC348857_Mr Bridge Advert Strips_261mmPage10/10/2016 x 41mm_L1702_W.C.03.10.16_FV.indd 5 09:03 1 Features this month include: ADVERTISERS’ 1 Bidding Quiz by Bernard Magee INDEX

BRIDGE 2 Italian & Adriatic 3 Mr Bridge Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Highlights with Surrey GU21 2TH 7 In My Opinion by Andrew Kambites Voyages to Antiquity ( 01483 489961 5 Cities & Waterways of 8 The Defensive Plan by Bernard Magee Europe with Fred.Olsen [email protected] 9 Defence Quiz by Julian Pottage 4 2017 Cruises www.mrbridge.co.uk on Magellan shop: www.mrbridge.co.uk/ 10 Give Yourself an Extra Chance by Michael Byrne 5 Norway Winter mrbridge-shop with Fred.Olsen 12 Globe Trotter - Part Four by Shireen Mohandes Publisher and 6 Clive Goff’s Stamps Managing Editor 13 Declarer Play Quiz by David Huggett 11 Mr Bridge Mr Bridge 14 Catching Up with Sally Brock Festive Season 2016 Associate Editor and 14 Renaissance Bridge Consultant 15 Declarer Play Answers by David Huggett & Rivieras with Bernard Magee Voyages to Antiquity bernardmagee 16 Teachers’ Corner by Ian Dalziel 16 Madeira, Morocco @mrbridge.co.uk 18 David Stevenson Answers Your Questions & Seville with Cartoons & Illustrations Voyages to Antiquity Marguerite Lihou 21 Defence Quiz Answers by Julian Pottage 17 Mr Bridge Just www.margueritelihou.co.uk Duplicate Bridge Events 22 Seven Days with Sally Brock Technical Consultant 25 Cruise the Danube to Vienna & Budapest Tony Gordon 24 Julian Pottage Answers Your Questions with The River Typesetting & Design Cruise Line Ruth Edmondson 29 Wendy Wensum’s Diaries 33 Denham Filming 2017 [email protected] 30 Little John’s Master Play by David Bird 34 Club Insurance Proof Readers Julian Pottage 32 Strong Artificial Twos by David Stevenson 34 Travel Insurance Mike Orriel 36 Designs for Bridge Catrina Shackleton 34 More Tips by Bernard Magee Table Covers Richard Wheen 35 Lebensohl Part 1 by Jeremy Dhondy 37 Designs for Bridge Customer Services Tables Catrina Shackleton 38 Escaping an by Andrew Kambites 39 Bernard Magee’s [email protected] Tutorial Software 40 Readers’ Letters Events & Cruises 43 Better ( 01483 489961 45 Bidding Quiz Answers (1-3) by Bernard Magee 45 Acol Bidding Jessica Galt with Bernard Magee [email protected] 46 Sally’s Slam of the Month Megan Riccio 46 Croatia with Mr Bridge [email protected] 47 Bidding Quiz Answers (4-6) by Bernard Magee 47 Declarer Play Sophie Pierrepont with Bernard Magee 49 Bidding Quiz Answers (7-9) by Bernard Magee [email protected] 48 Central America Clubs & Charities 50 Bidding Quiz Answers (10-12) by Bernard Magee and the Mardi Gras Maggie Axtell with Fred.Olsen [email protected] 49 Bridge Events with Bernard Magee Address Changes REDUCE THE COST OF YOUR POSTAGE ( 01483 485342 50 Defence Postage stamps for sale at 85% of face-value, with Bernard Magee Elizabeth Bryan all mint with full gum. Quotations for [email protected] commercial quantities available on request. 51 Seville, Morocco Values supplied in 100s, higher values & Canary Islands with Printed in the UK by available as well as 1st and 2nd class Voyages to Antiquity The Magazine (eg 2nd class: 100x38p+100x16p). 52 Ancient Greece, Italy Printing Company & Spain with www.magprint.co.uk ( 020 8422 4906 e-mail: [email protected] Voyages to Antiquity

Page 6 BRIDGE November 2016 In My Opinion The EBU – The 70% Rule by Andrew Kambites

The September issue of BRIDGE starts with an opinion on why the number of bridge players seems to be declining. The writer refers to the ineffective and sometimes counterproductive way the EBU conducts itself. The new 70% rule is an instance of this.

The EBU masterpoint scheme has ex- multaneous pairs. A cynic might point have never seen before. Out of the isted for many years. It is cumulative, out that simultaneous pairs events question. We need to make our awarding every time you raise a lot of money for the EBU. Sec- guests feel at home and in their have a reasonably successful evening, ondly, the EBU proposed a 75% rule comfort zone on the first night. leading to people who play a lot and and says it consulted and adapted the 2. Divide it into two sections. For have played for many years attaining scheme from 75% to 70% as a result of example, if we have 13 tables di- high rankings that do not necessarily objections. I am a director on bridge vide it into a seven-table section reflect their standard of play. I have no holidays and I learned about the 70% and a six-table section playing six objection to this because it gives moti- rule by accident two months before it rounds of three boards per round. vation to many players. Within the sys- was due to come in. I passed on what No thanks: I want guests to meet tem there are many inconsistencies: for I had learned to our other directors. and socialise with as many fellow example, you may turn up at your club None of them knew about it either. guests as possible on the first night: one week, score 60% and get, perhaps, The EBU 70% rule is a problem for nine two-board rounds is ideal. 32 masterpoints, but then play the next events run by bridge holiday compa- 3. Play 19 boards (ie only one board week against the same players and find nies. We often have to run a shortened on the last round). Our guests yourself with 400 masterpoints be- session, for example, on the first night would think I had taken leave of cause it happens to be a simultaneous when people have had to get up at my senses. pairs. The masterpoint scheme raises a 3am to catch early morning flights. 18 I have run bridge holidays for 18 years lot of money for the EBU and person- boards is a nice introduction. A longer and don’t need telling about all these ally I think it is unnecessary to tinker session would mean that many would options. I have built up a good idea of with the goose that lays the golden egg, opt out. Holiday companies that pay what our guests like. I am sure that however, if such reform was necessary for an EBU licence to give master- these suggestions are made in an at- the only sensible way to approach it points contribute a lot of money to the tempt to help, but the EBU is missing would be to look at all issues. The EBU EBU, but were never consulted or even the point and this demonstrates the has done nothing for many years ex- formally told after the decision was way it operates. It is arrogant and in- cept introduce more rankings (it was made. It can be seen that no thought appropriate that somebody who has commented that the EBU has more was given to shorter sessions because never even been on a bridge holiday rankings than the British army) but when I first learned of the 70% rule, I tells me what I should do. recently it decided to tinker with just looked on the EBU website, where it The chairman of the EBU says that one part by introducing the 70% rule. gave suggested movements that met every competitive activity needs a reg- That means that for masterpoints to be the rule. None of the suggested move- ulatory body. I agree, and that is why awarded, a movement must be chosen ments involved playing fewer than 24 I have supported the EBU for many whereby every player must be sched- boards. A commercial business would years. However I am coming to the uled to play 70% of the boards. If you never make a change that affected its conclusion that Mr Bridge is right in have 13 tables and play two boards a customers without consultation or not licensing his holidays. We need a round, then 26 boards are in play so thought. The EBU is a monopoly, and regulatory authority that aims to help it is required that everybody plays at its autocratic behaviour is typical of us, not one that takes our money and least 19 boards (70% of 26 is 18.2 so 18 monopolies. creates obstacles. Holiday companies boards is insufficient). The EBU had suggestions to over- are not just cash cows that can be tak- I will comment on two aspects of come our problems. For example: en for granted. ■ this tinkering. First, the EBU has not 1. Use complicated movements (eg abolished the huge awards given at si- weave Mitchells) that our guests Next Month: How the EBU works.

BRIDGE November 2016 Page 7 Bernard Magee DVDs – Number Nineteen The Defensive Plan

his DVD has an ambitious what to play to trick one, but how the rather than a heart unless he held the scope: it aims to map out how whole defence might pan out. ♦A, you should switch to the ♦K and a defensive plan might take then play another diamond to partner’s Tshape. Experts tend to find their way ace and finally the third round of intuitively – having bridge sense – but ♠ A K J 8 7 diamonds to defeat the contract. what can mere mortals do? ♥ Q 5 4 2 Here is the full hand: I give a mnemonic for the whole ♦ Q 9 3 map: BOLD TIPS for LIFE. ♣ 2 12 different things to think about ♠ 9 6 4 3 ♠ A K J 8 7 N ♥ A K 8 6 ♥ Q 5 4 2 might seem a lot, but there are plenty of W E subsets to each aspect as well. Defence S ♦ K 6 ♦ Q 9 3 is so difficult, what this DVD aims to ♣ 5 4 3 ♣ 2 do is to give you a chance to find better ♠ Q 10 5 ♠ 9 6 4 3 plays and plan with your partner. ♥ 9 7 3 N ♥ A K 8 6 South North ♦ A J 7 5 2 W E ♦ K 6 S BOLD 1♠ ♣ Q J ♣ 5 4 3 2♣ 2♥ ♠ 2 l Bidding 3♣ All Pass ♥ J 10 l Objective ♦ 10 8 4 l Lead You hold the East hand above. As the ♣ A K 10 9 8 7 6 l Dummy bidding progresses, you try to picture your opponents’ hands and then as the This part of the plan should be taking auction closes, you try to guess your West chose the ♥7 as the lesser of shape during the auction, particularly partner’s lead. A diamond seems quite evils and you worked out why he did if you have no thought to bidding likely – the unbid suit or perhaps a so. You are limited with your time for yourself. Use your time to prepare for trump. thinking about the defence, but here, the defence. Listen to their bidding, He surprises you by leading the ♥7, much of your thinking should have estimate your objective, plan your lead but this might turn out well because it been done during the auction. (or try to work out what you expect might be from a doubleton. So you win your partner to lead). The first three your king and ace, but your partner TIPS things are done before the start of the plays the ♥9 on the second round. defence, then once the lead is made, Your partner has chosen to lead from l Top Tricks dummy comes down. a three-card heart suit rather than lead- l Increase Tricks I always mention scorecards at this ing a trump or the unbid suit. Why? l Partner point – dummy is the most important Looking at yours and dummy’s l Stop declarer part of any hand (for declarer play trumps it would not be a surprise or defence): use all the time you can, if partner held a precarious trump This involves trying to plan to make rather than spending all sorts of time holding (honour doubleton) and the tricks you require to defeat a fiddling with your scorecard. Take the main reason he might not lead a contract: looking at your likely tricks your time. This is your opportunity to diamond would be if he held the ace. and trying to place the useful cards make your plan – not just to work out Trusting partner to choose a diamond that might be in your partner’s hand.

Page 8 BRIDGE November 2016 LIFE ton). Your partner holds up his ace until the third round l Love and cuts declarer off from DEFENCE l Important Cards dummy. However, your l Four-card suits work is not finished: you l Execution had to discard on the third QUIZ round of hearts, the third This is where the plan gets round of diamonds and by Julian Pottage deeper – the love is what I the fourth round of hearts. (Answers on page 21) call the receiving and giving What cards did you choose? of signals – sharing infor- You should come to the ou are West in the defensive positions below playing mation with your partner conclusion that your clubs Ymatchpoint pairs with both sides vulnerable. Both sides and being available to take are not required. Declarer are using Acol with a 12-14 1NT and 2♣ Stayman. it in and use it. cannot have ♣A-K-x, but if he did, then he could get to dummy anyway. Your job is 1. ♠ A K 10 3. ♠ K 7 6 ♠ 7 to look after the spade suit. ♥ 8 2 ♥ 7 6 5 3 ♥ A 4 2 ♦ Q 8 6 ♦ A K J 6 ♦ K Q J 9 3 ♣ K 10 8 5 2 ♣ 10 3 ♣ Q 9 8 2 ♠ 7 ♠ 9 7 5 ♠ 10 8 5 ♠ ♥ 9 6 4 3 A 4 2 ♥ J 9 7 4 3 N ♥ Q 10 8 4 N N ♥ 7 6 ♦ K Q J 9 3 ♦ A J 9 2 W E ♦ Q 8 W E W E S S ♦ 8 2 ♣ Q 9 8 2 ♣ A ♣ K 8 6 4 S ♣ J 6 5 4 3 ♠ J 10 5 ♠ 9 6 4 3

♥ K Q J 10 N ♥ 7 6 ♦ W E ♦ West North East South West North East South A 7 5 S 8 2 South North ♣ K 10 7 ♣ J 6 5 4 3 1NT 1NT 1♦ ♠ A K Q 8 2 Pass 3NT All Pass Pass 2♣ Pass 2♦ 1♠ 2♣ ♥ 9 8 5 3 Pass 2NT Pass 3NT 3NT All Pass ♦ 10 6 4 You lead the ♥4, on which All Pass ♣ A go the ♥2, ♥10 and ♥K. ♣ ♥ ♥ ♥ Your partner leads the ♥K, Declarer leads the Q You lead the 4: 3, J to your ♣A. How do you and ♥A. Going over to the followed by the ♥10, both of continue? ♦A, declarer calls for the which are ducked, and then Keep all your spades and ♣10: ♣2, ♣5 and ♣K. comes a third heart to the declarer will be defeated. What do you do next? ace. With a hand like yours it If you throw one, declarer would be tempting to switch makes five spades, two dia- 2. ♠ A J 6 off: there are certainly not monds and two aces. Had ♥ J 10 7 2 4. ♠ Q 10 ♦ many Important Cards. your partner taken his A ♦ Q J ♥ A Q 6 5 However, you have work too early, declarer would ♣ 9 6 3 2 ♦ A 6 to do: you have to give also have scraped home. ♠ K 10 8 5 ♣ J 8 6 3 2 some Love to partner. Your Your two plays were crucial ♥ A Q N ♠ K J 8 5 partner has hit dummy’s despite your awful hand. ♦ 10 2 W E ♥ 10 4 N W E strength outside diamonds, South might have bid dif- ♣ Q 8 7 5 4 S ♦ Q J 9 2 S so it will be short of entries – ferently, but decided to take ♣ Q 9 4 this means you plan to show a gamble on 3NT. your length in diamonds so Defence is so difficult: West North East South that your partner can play many experts get things 1♦ West North East South his ace at the right time. The right because they recog- Pass 1♥ Pass 1NT1 1NT other important aspect of nise situations and know Pass 2NT Pass 3NT Pass 2♣ Pass 2♠ your hand is four-card suits: what to think about. This All Pass Pass 3NT All Pass keeping the right cards is so DVD tells you many of the 115-17 important as a defender – things you should be trying You lead the ♦Q: ♦A, ♦3 identifying your important to contemplate and will put You lead the ♣5: ♣2, ♣J and ♦4. Declarer cashes cards is paramount. you in a better place to cre- and ♣K. Declarer crosses the ♣A-K and plays a third ♦ ♦ At trick four, declarer ate a wonderful defence – to the Q ( 4 from East) round; partner follows ♥ ♥ plays the ♦K from dummy the hardest aspect of bridge, and calls for the J. After twice, then discards the 2. the ♥6, ♥3 and ♥Q go on What do you lead next? on which you play the ♦8 certainly, but also the most this, how do you continue? (high-low from a double- rewarding. ■

BRIDGE November 2016 Page 9 Michael Byrne on Playing with the Odds Give Yourself an Extra Chance

hen you think you have a singleton queen, thus increasing your ace of diamonds and a diamond to the found a good way to play chances ever so slightly above 50%. jack and await judgement day, but on a hand it can often be Is there anything better than that? this occasion the full hand is this: Wdifficult to see beyond it – thinking Of course, before you take a risky all- you have found the solution is a bit or-nothing , you try for other like mis-remembering the answer to a chances in the remaining suits. ♠ 4 2 quiz question; you give up looking for Your other main suit is this: ♥ A K 5 4 a better solution, convinced you have ♦ A 8 6 already cracked it. ♣ A Q 7 2 One of the themes of declarer play ♣ A Q 7 2 ♠ K J 8 3 ♠ Q 10 9 7 6 is that you can often add on to an ♥ Q 8 N ♥ 10 9 7 3 N W E existing line of play by giving yourself W E ♦ Q 10 7 ♦ 4 3 S S an extra chance – less like changing ♣ J 9 5 4 ♣ 10 8 your answer, more like adding an ♣ K 6 3 ♠ A 5 extra paragraph to an essay. ♥ J 6 2 Have a look at the hand below and ♦ K J 9 5 2 see what I mean: There is no guess to be made and no ♣ K 6 3 decision, just cash the ace, king and queen and hope the suit splits 3-3. If it ♠ 4 2 does, then the thirteenth club is a boss, Anyone simply taking a diamond ♥ A K 5 4 the last man standing so to speak. finesse early on thoroughly deserves ♦ A 8 6 Clubs 3-3 is only a 36% chance their one down. ♣ A Q 7 2 however, so let’s assume they break We will only go down if the diamond 4-2. Is it now time to take the diamond finesse is wrong (50%) and the queen N finesse? No, we have one other suit to is not singleton with West (97%), as W E S try before we go to diamonds, and that well as clubs 4-2 or worse (64%) and is the heart suit. the queen of hearts does not drop ♠ A 5 (81½%), which comes to only 25%; the ♥ J 6 2 other 75% of the time we will make ♦ K J 9 5 2 ♥ A K 5 4 our game. ♣ K 6 3 Sometimes, it is a matter of playing N W E a suit so that you can enjoy your extra S chances and combine the odds in two You reach 3NT and it is no surprise ♥ J 6 2 different suits. that a spade is led. You try a Let’s start you off with a simple suit play by ducking one round, but the combination – how do you play this opponents persist. (There has been Again, lacking the ten (or any other trump suit? no bidding, so no reason to think juicy intermediate cards), our only the spades are 7-2; both hands have hope is to cash the ace of hearts winners to cash if they get the lead). followed by the king and hope that the ♠ J 10 5

Your first thought is to play on queen drops singleton or doubleton. N diamonds, leading low to the jack; of This is not a great chance (singleton W E S course, you appreciate that crossing to queen is 2½%, doubleton queen is the ace of diamonds not only gets you 16%), but it all adds up. If none of these ♠ A K 9 4 3 2 into the right hand but also checks for chances come to pass, then we play the

Page 10 BRIDGE November 2016 That’s easy you say – when standing, you had bid a you are missing the queen grand slam). you just apply the rule However, if spades are 2016 FESTIVE SEASON ‘Eight Ever, Nine Never’, 3-1 and the queen doesn’t which states that when you drop, then you will have to Denham Grove have nine or more cards you play diamonds by leading Near Uxbridge, UB9 5DG play for the queen to drop, out of your own hand, and but when you have eight or you will go down unless the fewer cards between the two king drops beneath your hands, you take the finesse. ace, very unlikely. With nine cards, we ex- Perhaps instead, you pect the queen to drop just could play on diamonds over half the time – 40% of first? This is not safe as you the time trumps will be 2-2 might run into a ruff even if and if they are 3-1 (50%) we the finesse is working. Christmas 23-27 December £495 hope that the queen is sin- The solution is to run the Duplicates and Seminars gleton (12½%). jack of spades round at trick However, on the hand two. If it wins, you draw Game Tries hosted by Will Parsons below you need to realise trumps and lead diamonds that your second chance de- from hand, whilst if it loses, Twixmas 27-29 December £245 pends on being in dummy. you have an back to Duplicates and Seminars You reach a contract of 6♠ the table in the form of the Better Defence hosted by Bernard Magee and a club is led – what is ten of spades which will your plan? enable you to take the dia- New Year 29 Dec – 2 Jan £445 mond finesse. Duplicates and Seminars This was the full hand: ♠ J 10 5 Better Finessing hosted by Bernard Magee ♥ Q 10 9 8 4 ♦ 9 8 7 2 ♠ J 10 5 ♣ A ♥ Q 10 9 8 4 Ramada Resort Grantham ♦ 9 8 7 2 N Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT W E ♣ A S ♠ 8 ♠ Q 7 6 ♠ A K 9 4 3 2 ♥ J 7 3 N ♥ K 6 5 2 W E ♥ A ♦ K 5 S ♦ 4 3 ♦ A Q J 10 6 ♣ Q J 10 8 7 6 5 ♣ K 9 4 2 ♣ 3 ♠ A K 9 4 3 2 ♥ A ♦ A Q J 10 6 Taking the trump suit in ♣ 3 isolation, the best play is to Christmas 23-27 December £495 play the ace and king. If the Just Duplicate hosted by Shelia Rogers queen doesn’t drop you turn Don’t be worried if you your attention to diamonds found the last hand a bit Twixmas 27-29 December £215 only to find…. tricky to get your head Duplicates and Seminars You’ve seen it now, of round – when it was origi- Doubles hosted by John & Rebecca Ronan course, you want to be in nally played in the Europe- dummy but you have no an Championships in 1979, New Year 29 Dec – 1 Jan £345 entry. If you start by cash- both declarers ran the nine Duplicates and Seminars ing the two top trumps (the of diamonds at trick two and seemingly ‘normal’ play) went down, although they Signals & Discards and the queen does drop didn’t suffer a ruff, they lost hosted by John and Rebecca Ronan then you can get back to a spade trick later on. dummy and take the dia- The key is to realise that Back to Back bookings save £50 (per additional event). mond finesse, perhaps mak- if your first plan (bringing ing all the tricks if every- in the trump suit) doesn’t ( 01483 489961 thing goes well. (This would work, then an entry to dum- be the right line of play if, my will enable you to fall www.mrbridge.co.uk/ukbreaks for details for reasons passing under- back on your diamonds. ■

BRIDGE November 2016 Page 11 Globe Trotter Part Four

What connects Lance Armstrong to the world of ?

he obvious answer might winning the Tour de France many very strong opinions on some topics. be that Armstrong finally times in succession. In the chapter called Winds of admitted that he broke multiple Hamman’s firm had business with Change, Hamman describes this deal Tregulations at roughly the same Armstrong’s management company, from a round robin match against time as a number of bridge cheating effectively underwriting its bonus his compatriots, at the 1971 Bermuda scandals hit the headlines, starting in payouts. Over the years of the contract, Bowl. His team (known as the 2014. But there is another connection. Hamman developed serious doubts ‘Aces’) were defenders of the title and The Lance Armstrong story is linked about Armstrong, and this, combined overwhelming favourites to win. to none other than multiple world with indefatigable investigative A few lines above the excerpt below champion Bob Hamman. If you have journalism from Sunday Times he starts with, ‘The Aces were top dogs watched the movie The Program, you reporter David Walsh, eventually again. It was a fine tune-up for the will have seen Dustin Hoffman play led to the uncloaking of Armstrong. world championships in Taipei. This the part of Bob Hamman. There were almost as many ups and was one of our good results.’ So what is it all about? Bob Hamman’s downs in the non-cycling journey to firm, SCA Promotions, provides that moment of truth as there were for prize coverage (like insurance, but Armstrong as he won race after race. Dealer East. Game All. technically different) to sporting event Bob Hamman, (1938 – ), is widely Scoring: Teams organisers, promotions organisers and acknowledged as one of the top players ♠ A 7 5 4 sponsors. In simple terms, organisers of all time. His bridge achievements ♥ 10 9 6 4 3 can obtain coverage against the highly include ten wins and ♦ unlikely event of things such as hole- six runners-up. You may like to read ♣ K 9 6 2 in-one prizes, and extremely rare his book At The Table which includes ♠ K Q 9 ♠ J 10 8 6 3 2 sporting achievements like someone fascinating tales, exciting hands and ♥ K Q 8 2 N ♥ J 7 W E ♦ J 2 ♦ A 8 7 S ♣ A 8 7 3 ♣ Q 5 ♠ Void Academy Award nominated director ♥ A 5 Stephen Frears’s film, The Program, is ♦ K Q 10 9 6 5 4 3 about the celebrated and controversial ♣ J 10 4 Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong. After many years work, Sunday Times Journalist David Walsh West North East South managed to expose Armstrong Billy Lew Bob Don to the world as a drug cheat, and Eisenberg Mathe Hamman Krauss this film is as much about Walsh’s Pass 1♦ struggle and investigative journalism Dbl 1♥ 2♠ 3♦ as Armstrong’s journey through 3♠ Pass 4♠ Pass the dark world of deception. Pass Dbl All Pass Available on DVD, it is inspired by the award winning book Seven Deadly Don probably should not have sat for Sins. It is informative, entertaining and the double with an eight-card suit, but the cast are convincing. Ben Foster as it turned out the contract could have played the part of Armstrong and been defeated. Krauss led the ♦K and

took performance enhancing drugs as Dustin Hoffman Mathe thought for a long time before part of his preparation for the role. Photo: STUDIOCANAL S.A he discarded a heart. Mathe couldn’t tell if Don was leading from the A-K

Page 12 BRIDGE November 2016 or the K-Q – the king would club in my hand. Don went be led from either holding. up with the ♥A and cashed If it was the A-K and Mathe the ♦Q. When he played an- DECLARER ruffed, he would be ruffing other round, I ruffed with one of his side’s winners. dummy’s ♠Q and my good PLAY As you can see, the correct spade spots saw me home. QUIZ by David Huggett (Answers on page 15)

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

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

N N W E W E S S

♠ 4 ♠ Q 7 6 ♥ A 8 2 ♥ K J 2 ♦ K Q J 9 6 4 2 ♦ 10 9 6 3 ♣ A 9 ♣ A Q J defence is for Mathe to ruff, Plus 790 for the Aces. ♦ put partner in with the ♥A At the other table: You are declarer in 7 and You are declarer in 3NT ♦ ♦ and get another diamond West leads the 3. East and West leads the 7. ruff. The ♠A would be the West North East South throws a low club. How do How do you plan the play? you plan the play? setting trick. Edgar James Norman Bobby Anyway, I won the ♦A Kaplan Jacoby Kay Wolff and immediately played a Pass 1♦ heart to make sure that I Dbl 1♥ 2♠ 5♦ got a pitch for the losing All Pass 2. ♠ 9 8 5 3 4. ♠ Q 7 5 2 ♥ ♥ Wolffie’s♦ 5 bid blew them K 7 2 A 5 ♦ ♦ Hamman’s Law is the right out of the water. Ka- A 6 8 7 4 ♣ ♣ maxim, ‘If you have a plan and Kay would have A Q J 5 J 8 6 2 choice of reasonable been insane to bid on, but bids and one of them N N it wasn’t clear to double, ei- W E W E is 3NT, then bid it.’ ther. As it happened, after S S The much admired Kaplan led the ♠K , W o l ff ♠ ♠ and dearly missed Paul needed only a successful A K A K 9 6 3 ♥ ♥ Soloway (1941-2007) finesse for the ♣Q to make Q J 10 3 K 7 6 ♦ ♦ was one of Hamman’s the 17-point game. The ♣Q K 10 9 3 A 6 3 ♣ ♣ regular partners. was in the wrong hand so 10 9 2 K 5 Soloway, a household Wolff went minus 100, but name in the world of we gained 12 IMPs.’ ■ bridge, was the nephew You are declarer in 3NT You are declarer in 4♠ and ♠ ♣ of gangster Bugsy At the Table: The autobiog- and West leads the 6. West leads the 10. East ♠ ♣ Siegel. The 1991 movie raphy of the world’s #1-rated East plays the Q. How do plays the A and returns a Bugsy is a semi-fictional bridge player. By Bob Ham- you plan the play? club. How do you plan the biography of Siegel. man with Brent Manley. play? 1994. ISBN 0-9642584-1-2

BRIDGE November 2016 Page 13 2161 Mr Bridge third page ad 170527BR_Layout 1 2 Catching Up Renaissance and with Sally Brock

Rivieras hen I left you last month I Briony took him home the following hosted by was in Stockholm, where day. BERNARD MAGEE we had a very enjoyable Bridge-wise it has been fairly quiet. Wweekend, the high spot of which was We went up to Manchester to play getting on a ferry and visiting some of in the Michelle Brunner Memorial the islands in the outlying archipelago. Teams, this year with Raymond Semp Other than that, it has been a time and John Hassett. It was a very enjoy- for funerals. First it was Patrick Jour- able low-key weekend – we came sec- dain, long-time friend from Cardiff. ond, but were never in any danger of His death was quite sudden as he had winning. seemed to be in good health when we I was pleased with this slam deal were all in Budapest, but on his return that came right at the end when I was discovered that he had pancreatic can- playing with John: cer and lasted only a few weeks longer. His funeral was well attended and we LIMITED gave him a good send-off. Dealer North. E/W Vul. SINGLE Then ten days or so after that I got ♠ 10 9 ♠ A K Q 8 7 AVAILABILITY an email to say that my good friend ♥ 9 8 7 5 N ♥ K Mario Dix had died in Malta. After a ♦ A K Q 9 7 3 W E ♦ J 6 Culture and glamour combine S bit of umming and aahing I decided to ♣ 2 ♣ A Q J 5 4 on a cruise that will take you go to his funeral too. So I got myself from Imperial Rome to the a last-minute ticket, caught the 20.30 Italian Riviera and the Cote d’Azur. flight to Malta, landed at 1am, got a West North East South taxi to Margaret’s where I arrived at Pass 1♠ Pass May 27, 2017 - 11 days ♦ ♣ from Rome to Nice 1.25am. The funeral was the follow- 2 Pass 3 Pass 3♦ Pass 4♣ Pass Fly to Rome and transfer to ing day at 10.30am, and I flew back Aegean Odyssey in Civitavecchia. the following morning at 7.20. A real 4♠ Pass 5♦ Pass Cruise to Olbia (overnight on board) whistle-stop tour. He had been such 6♦ All Pass • Bonifacio • Elba • Florence • Pisa a good friend to me over the years, • Marseilles (Avignon) • Cannes (overnight on board) • Monte Carlo • Nice • Fly home and we had been to Malta to enjoy his When John showed his distribution Great value Mr Bridge fares hospitality so many times, I was really I thought my good diamond suit glad I went. was enough to bid the small slam. It Standard Inside from £2,195pp Other than that we had my grandson was slightly tricky when the defence Standard Outside from £2,650pp Premium Outside from £2,795pp Hayden to stay for a couple of nights started with two rounds of hearts, and Single cabins are limited - which was great fun. I picked him up I’m not sure that I took the right line. call for details from Waltham Abbey where he had I ruffed low in dummy, cashed the For reservations call been to Lee Valley Park (where they ace of clubs and ruffed a club, played had the kayaking events at the 2012 a diamond to the jack and ruffed Olympics), and brought him home. another club. Now I drew trumps and on 01483 489961 We gave him his birthday present of a when diamonds were 3-2 and clubs huge Lego set, the Millennium Falcon, 4-3, I could establish the fifth club and proceeded to help him build it. and didn’t need to rely on a 3-3 spade The following day I took him to a pre- break. booked workshop at the Roald Dahl Had one of the minors failed to www.mrbridge.co.uk Museum in Great Missenden, then in oblige then I would have needed the Terms and conditions apply – see brochure or website for details the afternoon we bought water guns spade break. That was enough for a 12 and had a big water fight in the garden. IMP swing. ■

Page 14 BRIDGE November 2016 Answers to David Huggett’s Play Quiz on page 13

You are declarer in 3NT and West leads than the seven from the Rule of Eleven, 1. ♠ A 7 5 3 2 the ♠6. East plays the ♠Q. How do you but surely it must be either the king, ♥ K 6 plan the play? queen or jack because if West held all ♦ A 10 7 5 The contract looks easy with two those cards, he would surely have led the ♣ 8 5 spades, three hearts, two diamonds and king. ♠ K J 9 6 ♠ Q 10 8 at least three clubs. There is a danger So play the ace of diamonds imme- ♥ Q 10 7 5 N ♥ J 9 4 3 that the defenders might make three diately and then knock out the ace of ♦ 8 3 W E ♦ Void spades, a heart and a club, which should hearts; you will find either the diamond S ♣ Q 10 7 ♣ K J 6 4 3 2 focus your attention on the way you play suit blocked or the suit breaking 4-3. ♠ 4 hearts and clubs and, in particular, which Note that it would do East no good to ♥ A 8 2 of those you attack first. throw his diamond honour under the ace ♦ K Q J 9 6 4 2 Suppose you take a club finesse at trick because you hold the ten and the nine ♣ A 9 two and it loses. A spade is returned and and a potential second stopper. you still need to knock out the ace of hearts. If West holds that card together You are declarer in 7♦ and West leads the with three spade winners, you will be ♦3. East throws a low club. How do you defeated. plan the play? Now try playing hearts first. Whoever 4. ♠ Q 7 5 2 With a heart ruff in dummy you can wins will play a spade, but now when you ♥ A 5 count twelve tricks, but the thirteenth is take the club finesse it is into the hand ♦ 8 7 4 harder to come by. Logically it can only with no more spades – or if he still has ♣ J 8 6 2 come from spades and if the adverse a spade then the suit has broken 4-3, ♠ Void ♠ J 10 8 4 cards in that suit should happen to break which limits your losers to four. ♥ Q 10 8 4 2 N ♥ J 9 3 4-3 then you can surely come to a second ♦ K J 9 W E ♦ Q 10 5 2 S spade trick. So draw trumps in hand and ♣ Q 10 9 7 3 ♣ A 4 play the ace of spades and ruff a spade. ♠ A K 9 6 3 Play a heart to the king and ruff another ♥ K 7 6 spade, followed by the ace of hearts, 3. ♠ A K J 5 ♦ A 6 3 a heart ruff and finally ruff yet another ♥ Q 10 7 5 ♣ K 5 spade. By now the last spade in dummy ♦ A 5 will be a winner – and your thirteenth ♣ 8 7 4 trick – and you can reach it with dummy’s ♠ 10 8 2 ♠ 9 4 3 You are declarer in 4♠ and West leads last trump. ♥ A 4 N ♥ 9 8 6 3 the ♣10. East plays the ♣A and returns a ♦ K J 8 7 4 W E ♦ Q 2 club. How do you plan the play? S ♣ 10 3 2 ♣ K 9 6 5 Your relief at making a club trick ♠ Q 7 6 should not deter you from keeping your ♥ K J 2 eye on the ball, for it all looks so easy 2. ♠ 9 8 5 3 ♦ 10 9 6 3 now. Five spades, two hearts and a heart ♥ K 7 2 ♣ A Q J ruff and a trick in both minors come to ♦ A 6 ten tricks, but every now and then trumps ♣ A Q J 5 will split 4-0. If West holds four then a ♠ J 10 7 6 2 ♠ Q 4 You are declarer in 3NT and West leads trump loser is inevitable but if East holds ♥ A 8 N ♥ 9 6 5 4 the ♦7. How do you plan the play? four you can pick them up, but only if you ♦ J 8 7 2 W E ♦ Q 5 4 Even if the club finesse works you still play the queen of trumps first. S ♣ 8 3 ♣ K 7 6 4 need a heart trick for the contract, but So do just that. If West shows out ♠ A K if you knock out the ace of hearts then play a trump from dummy and cover ♥ Q J 10 3 you do not need a second club trick, so it whatever East plays. Ruff a heart back ♦ K 10 9 3 must be right to play on hearts. to dummy and take the marked trump ♣ 10 9 2 Think back to that . You finesse against East’s remaining honour; know that East has only one card higher ten easy tricks all the time. ■

BRIDGE November 2016 Page 15 2161 Mr Bridge third page ad 170503BR_Layout 1 2

Teacher’s Corner – Teaching Tips from Ian Dalziel Madeira, Morocco Limit Bids and Captaincy & Seville hosted by n the uncontested auction, points the following auctions the limit bid really matter. If you can calculate has its point count shown. SANDY BELL the combined points of your part- Inership (high card and distribution 1. 1NT (12-14). points), you know how high to bid – 2. 1♥ – 3♥ (10-12). partscore, game or slam. The easy bit 3. 1♣ – 1♥ – 2NT (17-18). is counting your own points; working 4. 1♥ – 1♠ – 2♣ – 2♥ (6-9). out your partner’s strength is the hard bit and that is what a A limit bid is non-forcing, but it doesn’t is for. necessarily limit or end the bidding. It Now here is the key. It is not neces- simply means that the points and shape sary for each member of the partner- of the hand are within defined limits. ship to tell the other their points. All A bid of a new suit is forcing (usually) that’s necessary is, that at some point so the limit bid must ‘arrive’ when you in the auction, one player declares his run out of suits. As it is quite rare to point range by making a limit bid; his bid all four suits, this means a limit bid Enjoy the spring sunshine of partner then knows the total, becomes occurs in the first four bids most of the Madeira, the dramatic landscapes of the captain, and takes charge of fur- time. the Canary Islands and the Moorish ther bidding. In the Limit Bidding Chart shown, splendours of Morocco and Seville. A limit bid is a no-trump bid or the the limit bids are in square boxes and second bid in the same suit by the unlimited bids are in ellipses. Most of May 3, 2017 - 11 days partnership, whichever comes first. the point ranges are repeated, so you from Funchal to Seville The limit bid shows a narrow point don’t need to remember too much. It’s Fly to Funchal to join Aegean Odyssey range and the shape of the hand. In all based on logic and you are simply for 2 nights on board. Cruise to La Palma • Lanzarote • Agadir (Taroudant) • Marrakesh (overnight hotel) • Casablanca (Rabat) • Seville (overnight on board) • Fly home

Great value Mr Bridge fares Standard Inside from £1,995pp Standard Outside from £2,550pp Premium Outside from £2,695pp Single supplement only 10%

For reservations call

on 01483 489961

www.mrbridge.co.uk

Terms and conditions apply – see brochure or website for details

Page 16 BRIDGE November 2016 Teacher’s Corner – Teaching Tips from Ian Dalziel JUST DUPLICATE BRIDGE 2016 Limit Bids and Captaincy

bidding what you think you can make the fourth suit , you leave based on partner’s minimum. All point the chart without reaching a limit bid. ranges in the chart include points for These areas have sub-systems of their Chatsworth Hotel Worthing BN11 3DU distribution, if appropriate, and each own which are taught separately. limit bid must have suitable shape. The structure of the Acol system 11-13 November £199 The chart takes you to the limit is based on the rule that a new suit is 25-27 November £199 bid – the bidding may not end there forcing and bids of previous suits and but further bidding is done ‘off the no-trump bids are not forcing. You chart’. The partner of the limit bidder can have exceptions to these rules as becomes the captain and takes charge long as you agree them with partner. of the bidding. The captain simply Limit bids don’t just show points; adds the points in his hand to the there are shape rules too, but these are range promised by the limit bid and straightforward. Most mistakes are arrives at the total point range. He made with errors in the point range – then decides if the hand belongs in so learn this chart no matter how long partscore, game or slam zone. He has it takes you. It will be well worth the three basic ‘traffic light’ commands, as effort. Believe me, a good grasp of limit Ramada Resort shown, but there is only one limit bid bids and captaincy will profit you more Grantham in the auction. than all your conventions put together. Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT Study the seven auctions shown. 4-6 November £189 Each has a limit bid and captain’s command. These are the key bids 18-20 November £189 in the auction – if you get these two bids correct everything else falls into place. Note all bids after the limit bid are not on the chart. If you would like a free PDF and/or Word copy of my charts and lesson notes, please email [email protected] I am sure most bridge teachers will agree with most of the figures on my chart, but the Word copy can be edited Denham Grove You’ll notice from the chart, that if you want to change any of the point Near Uxbridge, UB9 5DG after a jump shift, a bid, and ranges. ■ 4-6 November £199

Full Board No Single Supplement* ( 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk

Please note there are no seminars, set hands or prizes at these events. *subject to availability

BRIDGE November 2016 Page 17 David Stevenson Answers your Questions on Laws and Ethics

A Very Strong Pre-Empt

South bid 3♣, strong, which 15 points strong). Perhaps that is what partner to act on the alerted by and a seven card suit is, happened here. However, information. But could QNorth as a pre- then it needs an alert. You even if this is so, they have you please comment empt without further say it was explained, so to tell their opponents what on the original advice explanation. West did the explanation should be they are doing. One of the and my objection to it? not question the call. ‘weak to intermediate’ or questions I would have asked Ron Tomset by email. Bidding continued similar. If I had believed that South is why he did not until South reached a misleading explanation open 1♣: the answer might This is a very tricky 5♣, at which stage had affected the double, have been illuminating. business. It is true West doubled. When it I would have adjusted the A that many authorities became apparent that contract to 5♣ undoubled. ♣♦♥♠ have suggested that you South had opening There are other should not ask about a points (15, I believe), possibilities. If they play it At a local call unless you intend to West threw his cards in as weak, but South decided duplicate bid or double, but that has and said he would not to open 3♣ as a type of Qsession: after disadvantages: if you do have doubled had he psyche, or even because an opposition alert, ask and pass, it becomes known the situation. he forgot his system or I was told by a very obvious that you might have South did not at any miscounted his points, then experienced player (in made some positive call with stage clarify his bid and there is no misinformation a friendly manner) that a different answer, while North was directing. I and the result stands. If I I should not ask for this would be less obvious was asked for advice and had been directing, then I information about the if you often asked with pointed out there were should have been asking bid unless there was no intention of bidding. failures on both sides, N/S questions to make sure some intention to bid The problem arose but was not prepared to I understood their system. on my part. The reason originally, and still exists, recommend a solution I wonder whether there is given was that the because people who ask as I do not have the any chance that this is the request for information questions often have values, necessary experience effect of a modern problem, might show partner and they pass without and may have only namely that players do not that I had an interest asking on bad hands. made matters worse. seem to understand that in the suit bid alerted. Before announcements It was almost at the you can open 1♣ (or any However, it seems to killed the problem off, there end of the session when other one bid) with a seven me that if you do have was a definite feeling that West threw his cards card suit? It seems to be a an interest in bidding (I after a 1NT opening, the in and accepted the growing problem that when had 11 points), asking next hand would ask the contract had been made. players pick up a seven card for an explanation, range and pass with about Fred Sleight by email. suit they do not know what to then passing, would eleven points, pass without do, so they open a Benjamin also convey information asking with about seven If N/S were playing 2♣ (for which they are too to partner. Obviously, points, ask and double with 3♣ as a bid that weak) or a pre-emptive in both cases, it would about fifteen, and double A could be fairly 3♣ (for which they are too be unethical for without asking with nineteen

Page 18 BRIDGE November 2016 or so. This was irrever- dummy, before playing the box to make it easier to in whatever contract ently described as the ‘French from his own hand. take the cards out. Only the has been reached and if Defence’ or ‘Weasel over an Declarer and West director can deal with people E/W have been harmed opening 1NT’. Of course, each discarded a spade, doing things wrongly and you then call me back? Or there is nothing unethical then declarer wanted had no right to tell him what should I adjudicate in such questions, but if to change the card he did was wrong. Either you some other way? partner used the informa- called from dummy. The accept it without comment, John Williams, Montrose. tion, then that was unethical, director’s view was that a or you call the director. and there was a strong belief card nominated must be This is a matter of that many partners did. played resulting in East ♣♦♥♠ law, though the law While the problem of winning trick 13, which I A has been completely the 1NT opening has think is correct. Does the In a recent misplaced so it is very difficult now departed, except in fact that declarer called club duplicate, to find. The relevant law is Scotland where they do not for the card when it was Qpair 10 were 16D. Once the offending use announcements, the not dummy’s turn to play the only stationary player has made a call problem still applies in other make any difference? pair. When pair 7 sat and her partner has called situations, and the advice Patrick Dunham by email. at their table, North subsequently, the board you were given can best be had looked at his hand must be cancelled. Since said to shift the problem When declarer plays when it was realised the bidding was completed rather than eradicate it. out of turn the card that he was holding this must have happened. The best solution might be A may not be retracted East’s cards. What action So average minus to to always ask, but this slows so the ♦K stands as played. should be taken? the offending side and the game down considerably Huw Jones by email. average plus to their and can cause time and other ♣♦♥♠ opponents is correct. problems: for example, if the If I understand you, opponents have a fourteen East opened, I this was a Howell ♣♦♥♠ bid auction with artificial bids (South) passed A movement. In such to a small slam, it is normal Qand West paused, a case they play the hand My partner (East) and best to ask all questions touched the bidding with North playing the hand was playing about the sequence before box quite firmly, moved he has seen – and the board Qin 4♠, doubled the opening lead (or when it ever so slightly, let turned so that he plays by North. Nearing the it is face down, if it is the go of it and then bid. East – and the scorer treats end of play, my partner partner of the opening leader I said that touching it as an arrow-switch. No played off a long run of asking). Another solution the box like this gives penalty is normally given clubs from dummy. When is to randomly ask the odd information to partner. since no-one failed to play a there were only four question when you have The opposition said board through this mistake, cards left on the table nothing and no real interest. touching the box doesn’t unless North makes a habit (two more clubs and Whatever you do, you count, only the bidding of this, in which case, a two small diamonds), have a right to ask, but your cards. I understood that small penalty (10% of a top) thinking that there were partner must make every one touch of the cards would be appropriate. no more clubs out, and effort to take no advantage was all that was allowed knowing that a diamond from any questions you do before the bid. Is there a ♣♦♥♠ lead would prove fatal, ask, or from any impression penalty for doing this? she played another as to why you are asking. Jean Robertson, I was called club. North immediately Lundin, Links, Fife. to the table put his hand down on ♣♦♥♠ Qas director. the table for all to see Of course West The bidding had been saying, ‘I give you two,’ South is declarer should not be fiddling completed when the (which made our game) in a no-trump A with his bidding South hand noticed she ‘and I make the last Qcontract. With box, which shows doubt had bid with the cards two.’ His partner, South, just two tricks left, East and provides unauthorised from the previous hand said, ‘Hold on, I’ve still was on lead, holding the information to partner. (the current board still got the highest club.’ We ♦Q-10. Declarer, next There are no particular had the South cards in). would undoubtedly have to play, and West both rules about allowing one Do I give an average lost the game whatever had two spades and touch or anything: players minus to the offending my partner played. We dummy had the ♦K-J. are required to make their side and an average called the director who East led the ♦10 and decision before they touch plus for E/W? Or do I say had not come across declarer immediately the cards or box, unless they the bidding has finished this before and called for the ♦K from were clearly just adjusting and they play the hand eventually North,

BRIDGE November 2016 Page 19 in a gesture of goodwill, LHO. So she asked West 3♦ bid, it becomes legal and one-, two- or three-level conceded the game to us. whether she wanted to the bidding goes on from then either it is for take- What should the accept the 3♦ bid or not. there. That means the next out or it is alertable. decision have been? West said she would, bid could be 3♥ or 3♠ or Where players go wrong In any case, it is a whereupon I repeated 3NT. The notion of ‘using is that they worry about what good example of my 3NT bid. However, up one’s bidding cards’ is the sequence is, or what why hands should be the director said I very strange and does not is standard, or suchlike. played out to the end. couldn’t do this as I had appear in the law book. But the previous rule was Heather Toynbee by email. already ‘used up’ my So, with a correct ruling, like that and everyone got bidding cards for 3NT. LHO could accept 3♦ and it wrong so it was decided While of course there I could bid on, 4NT, for you would bid 3NT and to adopt a simpler rule. are the occasional example. I declined to do finish in 3NT, or he could So it does not matter A bad claims and this. Partner made the reject it and your partner’s what the sequence is, concessions, they do speed contract but scored zero correction to pass stands what is normal, how many the game up enormously, as, naturally, everyone and you finish up in 3NT. rounds of bidding there and there is nothing more else was in 3NT. I had have been, or anything vexing than a declarer who to accept the director’s ♣♦♥♠ else: if it is a natural suit plays out a long suit very ruling even though I bid, and double is anything slowly with the defence felt it was wrong. I have been except take-out, you alert. worrying only to find she Derek Allum, Ashprington, trying to find has only winners otherwise. Totnes, Devon. Qthe Blue Book ♣♦♥♠ Claims and concessions reference for the are a good idea, though First of all, the following, but despite If members play care should be taken. director should be my best efforts, I seem to a system other The law says that after A called immediately have failed and wonder Qthan Acol such a defender concedes and anything goes wrong: players if you would be kind as five-card majors etc her partner objects, there should not change a call, enough to point me in (no ), do is no claim or concession, discuss it and only then call the right direction. they have to mention and the hand continues the director. When there it before they start? If to be played. It is not a is an infraction during the West North East South they do not, then can I very good law, leading bidding anyone may call 1NT Dbl 2♠ Dbl call the director? Should to absurd complications, attention to an irregularity, they be penalised? but we must follow it. so the director was wrong: The second double in Niranjan Doshi, RHO has a perfect right to this sequence is for Harrow, Middlesex. ♣♦♥♠ point it out, but should have penalties, as is the called the director then. first of course, and I A club may have At a recent The director was correct thought it did not need a rule that players club night, my to offer LHO the chance to alerting or announcing. A tell opponents Qpartner (South) accept the 3♦ bid, but only However, during my their system at the start. opened 2NT (20-22 after all the alternatives search for the book I Otherwise, except in points). West passed had been explained. While have come across Rule Scotland, which has and I bid 3NT having six the law allows the player 4H4(c) and wondered such a rule generally, points and insufficient to change the 3♦ bid to if the second double the answer is no, they do cards in the majors to anything legal, subject to falls into this category not have to tell you. consider Stayman. East various penalties, it also and, if so, I think it If a club has such a rule, passed and partner bid says that if the player has does need alerting. then there would not usually 3♦, having expected a attempted to change it to Pat Sainsbury by email. be a penalty for not telling Stayman 3♣ from me. something before the director you, unless a pair do it Immediately, East said arrives, that choice stands The rule in England repeatedly: penalties are it was insufficient and if the insufficient bid is not and Wales for quite rare in bridge (except should be corrected accepted. So in effect, there A doubles is incredibly for ). The director to a valid bid. Partner were two possibilities: LHO simple, deliberately so, might adjust a score if he then put down ‘Pass’. can accept 3♦, which makes but despite that players felt you were misled by them Some discussion ensued it legal, or opener has to get it wrong. If you double not telling you and you were whereupon the director change 3♦ to a pass and a natural suit bid at the damaged as a result. ■ was called. She said it this silences partner for the wasn’t up to partner’s rest of the auction (and there E-mail your questions (including your postal address) RHO to say anything, could be lead penalties). on bridge laws to: [email protected] it was up to partner’s Finally, if LHO accepts the

Page 20 BRIDGE November 2016 Answers to Julian Pottage’s Defence Quiz on page 9

West North East South revealing. Assuming that partner played 1. ♠ A K 10 1♦ third hand high at trick one and has failed ♥ 8 2 Pass 1♥ Pass 1NT1 to cover the ♣10 because he couldn’t, ♦ Q 8 6 Pass 2NT Pass 3NT you place the ♥A-K and ♣A-Q-J on your ♣ K 10 8 5 2 All Pass right. This accounts for all of South’s ♠ 9 7 5 ♠ Q 6 4 3 115-17 possible 14 points. N ♥ J 9 7 4 3 ♥ 10 5 Having concluded that partner W E ♦ A J 9 2 S ♦ K 5 4 You lead the ♣5: ♣2, ♣J and ♣K. probably holds the ♠A-Q-J, you should ♣ A ♣ 9 7 6 3 Declarer crosses to the ♦Q (♦4 from East) be able to work out what to do. You want ♠ J 8 2 and calls for the ♥J. After the ♥6, ♥3 and to pick up dummy’s ♠K on a finesse and ♥ A K Q 6 ♥Q go on this, how do you continue? so switch to the ♠10. ♦ 10 7 3 Counting points is important again. ♣ Q J 4 Partner’s ♣J at trick one and inability to beat the ♦Q mark the A-K in both mi- nors on your right. If, as seems to be the 4. ♠ Q 10 West North East South case from declarer’s line of play, the ♥K ♥ A Q 6 5 1NT is there too, that accounts for all the pos- ♦ A 6 Pass 3NT All Pass sible 17 points shown. ♣ J 8 6 3 2 Placing partner with the ♠Q but ♠ K J 8 5 ♠ A 6 4

You lead the ♥4, on which go the ♥2, perhaps not with the ♠9, what should ♥ 10 4 N ♥ J 9 7 3 2 ♥10 and ♥K. Declarer leads the ♣Q to you do? You lead the ♠10. This enables ♦ Q J 9 2 W E ♦ 8 5 3 S your ♣A. How do you continue? partner to wait to play the ♠Q on the ♠J ♣ Q 9 4 ♣ 10 7 You should start by counting declarer’s and means the suit is ready to run when ♠ 9 7 3 2 points. Partner’s ♥10 at trick one enables you get back in with the ♥A. ♥ K 8 you to place the ♥A-K-Q on your right. It ♦ K 10 7 4 looks as if the ♣Q-J are there too. That ♣ A K 5 comes to 12 – so no room for the ♦K in a maximum of 14. 3. ♠ K 7 6 If partner holds the ♦10 and ♦K, a ♥ 7 6 5 3 West North East South switch to the ♦2 should work. If, however, ♦ A K J 6 1NT declarer holds the ♦10, you need to lead ♣ 10 3 Pass 2♣ Pass 2♠ the ♦J so that partner does not have to ♠ 10 8 5 ♠ A Q J 4 3 Pass 3NT All Pass play the ♦K on a low card. Whatever your ♥ Q 10 8 4 N ♥ J 2 opponent does, you can cash four dia- ♦ Q 8 W E ♦ 10 5 3 You lead the ♦Q: ♦A, ♦3 and ♦4. Declarer S mond tricks to beat the contract by one. ♣ K 8 6 4 ♣ 9 7 2 cashes the ♣A-K and plays a third round; ♠ 9 2 partner follows twice and then discards ♥ A K 9 the ♥2. What do you lead next? ♦ 9 7 4 2 You read partner’s low ♦3 at trick one 2. ♠ A J 6 ♣ A Q J 5 as discouraging diamonds and the lowly ♥ J 10 7 2 ♥2 discard as discouraging hearts. This ♦ Q J means you place both the ♦K and ♥K on ♣ 9 6 3 2 West North East South your right. Adding those to the ♣A-K you ♠ K 10 8 5 ♠ Q 7 4 1NT have seen, declarer cannot hold the ♠A. ♥ A Q N ♥ 8 6 5 4 Pass 2♣ Pass 2♦ If partner holds ♠A-9-x, a low spade W E ♦ ♦ 10 2 S 8 7 6 5 4 Pass 2NT Pass 3NT switch will enable to you take four spade ♣ Q 8 7 5 4 ♣ J All Pass tricks. Can you see how to cater for the ♠ 9 3 2 more likely layout of ♠9-x-x-x on your ♥ K 9 3 You lead the ♥4: ♥3, ♥J and ♥A. Going right? You start with the ♠K, then lead ♦ A K 9 3 over to the ♦A, declarer calls for the ♣10: the ♠5 to the ♠A. Your partner leads a ♣ A K 10 ♣2, ♣5 and ♣K. What do you do next? third round with your ♠J-8 now sitting Once more the early play has been over declarer’s ♠9-7. ■

BRIDGE November 2016 Page 21 Seven Days by Sally Brock

West North East South Friday 2♣ 2NT Dealer North. E/W Vul. Today is the start of the Brighton Pass 3♥ Pass 3♠ ♠ J 10 7 5 2 teams – well, it is in Eastbourne now, Pass 4♠ All Pass ♥ 7 but most people are still calling it ♦ 10 9 2 ‘Brighton’. I am determined to get into Partner’s 2♣ opening is either an Acol ♣ J 10 6 3 better exercise habits, so I start with 2♣ or a (very, on this occasion) weak ♠ A K Q 6 ♠ 8 4 a session on my bike, and I’ve also two in diamonds. Our opponents ♥ A 5 N ♥ K 10 9 4 ♦ K 5 W E ♦ J 8 7 6 started meditating, so I do that too. brush us aside and bid their major-suit S Then I set off. It is my intention to take game. I expect declarer to hold some ♣ A Q 7 5 4 ♣ K 9 8 a friend out for lunch in Brighton. She strength in diamonds so lead a trump. ♠ 9 3 has Alzheimers, but it is reasonably Declarer wins the ace, then overtakes ♥ Q J 8 6 3 2 well controlled and she still lives his queen and draws the last trump. ♦ A Q 4 3 alone. The problem is that although I On these trumps my partner plays ♣ 2 only rang yesterday, by today she has the two followed by the ten – we play forgotten, and has gone out. At least, I suit-preference in trumps, so this sug- think that’s what happened. gests that he holds the ♣J. On the third West North East South So, eventually I drive on to East- round of spades, declarer has a slightly Pass Pass 3♥ bourne. I have a couple of hours to wait awkward discard to find. He chooses a Dbl All Pass before Barry arrives on the train so I club – though a heart would have been go to the venue and see several friends. much better. Then, he confidently runs Do you agree with passing West’s take- For dinner we meet teammate Ben the jack of diamonds to my queen. I out double with that East hand? It is a and his new wife Dana. Although they play three rounds of clubs and declarer little risky, of course, but it looks as if were married in England a few weeks has to lose a heart trick too. One down. I have a couple of heart tricks, and can ago, they are having another wedding In the other room (where East probably count on partner for three in Israel in a few weeks, and we are go- passes as dealer), South opens a strong more. Also, people tend to bid a lot in ing. I’m really excited about it as I’ve no-trump and the same contract is third seat at favourable vulnerability, never been to Israel. Read all about it reached. Here, the defence starts with so the chances are that South does not next month. two top clubs and switch to a trump. have that much for his bid. Then the Swiss Teams starts. Thank Declarer cashes his trumps in hand We don’t defend to best advantage. goodness we have teammates who are and ruffs a club. When the jack comes After two rounds of spades, partner on good form – enough to carry us down he is home, and when the queen switches to the king of diamonds. through. Let’s hope we can do better of diamonds drops, he has an overtrick. Declarer wins and plays a low club tomorrow. which I win with the king. I assume This is one of our better boards: partner holds the queen of diamonds, Saturday and so play a diamond back which I have agreed to chair a seminar for the allows declarer to get to dummy. He Dealer East. N/S Vul. EBU in the morning, so at 11am, there plays the seven of hearts and runs ♠ K J 6 5 4 3 I am, helped by Ben Green, in front of it to partner’s ace. The net result is ♥ J 8 2 30 or so people. Luckily, it is a ‘going +500, and I am not too pleased really. ♦ J 5 through the hands’ type seminar and However, in the other room East bids ♣ Q 7 I do not have to prepare anything. It’s 3NT over the double and West raises ♠ 9 8 7 ♠ 10 2 quite hard to know how it went from to 6NT. That has no chance so we gain ♥ K Q 7 4 N ♥ 9 6 my perspective but everyone seems to 12 IMPs despite our defence. ♦ Q 7 W E ♦ 9 8 6 4 3 2 S join in and I hope it is instructive. ♣ A K 6 3 ♣ J 9 8 Thank goodness we begin to play a ♠ A Q bit better, and for most of the day we Sunday ♥ A 10 5 3 look to be comfortable qualifiers. We We start well in the final, but then ♦ A K 10 need a draw or so in the last round in lose a couple of matches. With one ♣ 10 5 4 2 order to be sure and, in fact, win 17-3. match to go we are lying second but This is the main swing: a long way off the leaders, who are

Page 22 BRIDGE November 2016 Barbara Travis, Fiona Brown, Howard you are ever in Eastbourne. Then we Wednesday Melbourne and Gary Hyett. Next year, set off for London, giving Phil King a we are going to play in the Gold Coast lift. Just as we are trying to negotiate I’m taking advantage of having a tournament in Australia with Barbara our way out of Eastbourne, Phil gets NICKO match in Cheltenham this and Howard, so it is good to see them a message from an unknown person afternoon to call in on my parents in doing well. We need at least 18-2 in our saying that they are stranded at the Chippenham for lunch. They are not last match – and that will only be good railway station, their train having so good these days, but it is quite a enough if the Travis team lose 20-0 to been cancelled, and is anyone still in distance for me to go so it is good to Black in the last round. So our chances Eastbourne who might give them a combine it with something else. I take are remote. Our team finish first, and lift to London. It turns out to be from the ingredients to make omelettes for we have scored 19-1; when we leave the Mike Bell and Sarah O’Connor and at lunch. Generally, my mother is more playing room we are in the lead. As it that moment we are seconds from the or less bedridden with my father as her turns out, it is not in our hands – it all station, so we pick them up and have a main carer, but he hasn’t been feeling depends on the final board. full car home. too good recently either. Anyway, it is good to see them and we stay a couple of hours before heading on up to Dealer West. E/W Vul. Monday Cheltenham Bridge Club. ♠ Q 7 5 4 3 Up early for a practice session with This is a quarter-final NICKO match. ♥ A 9 3 Nicola before dashing off to meet We lose a few on the first set, and win ♦ 9 8 7 4 Briony at Shepherds Bush tube. She a few more on the second. Substantial ♣ 9 is a strong royalist and we are off to gains in the third quarter see us 38 ♠ J 10 6 ♠ A K 8 Buckingham Palace to look at both the up with eight boards to play. We drop ♥ Q 7 5 4 N ♥ K J 10 2 State Apartments and the exhibition of a few but the result is never really in ♦ A K Q J 3 W E ♦ 6 5 2 S the Queen’s clothes. Outside the Palace, doubt. After a quick drink at the pub ♣ 7 ♣ K J 10 the place is heaving as it happens to with our opposition, we head off home. ♠ 9 2 coincide with the Changing of the It’s slightly more trouble than usual as ♥ 8 6 Guard. We push our way through the Oxford ring road is closed at some ♦ 10 the crowds and eventually get to our stage and we drive around in circles ♣ A Q 8 6 5 4 3 2 entrance. The whole place is busier for a while trying to find our way out. than we would like and it is difficult I drop Barry at High Wycombe station to get close enough for a proper view. and head off home … exhausted. At our table the bidding is rather Still, I enjoy it – I think I am more amusing: mentally prepared for crowds than Briony is. Then we wander through the Thursday West North East South gardens to the exit before returning to Briony has recently become interested 1♦ Pass 1♥ Pass Shepherds Bush. in watersports and has bought herself 3♥ Pass 3♠ 3NT Briony then goes home while I go an inflatable kayak. I promised that to- 4♣ Pass 4♥ 4♠ back to the flat for a relaxing afternoon day I would accompany her to the ca- Dbl Pass Pass 5♣ with Saturday’s Times (especially its nal so she could try it out. She had dis- Pass Pass Dbl All Pass puzzle pages). In the evening, I have covered somewhere near Tring, called an online teaching session while Barry Cow Roast, and off we go. We do find a We collect 500 from 5♣ doubled, cooks my dinner. good place, at the back of a petrol sta- and are pleased to see that 5♥ would tion, where there is easy access to the almost certainly go down after a club canal. She blows up the kayak, assem- lead and diamond switch. And in fact Tuesday bles it and we manage to get her and we gain 12 IMPs on the deal when After a lazy morning with not much the kayak into the water without mis- opponents press on to the five level in to do, as Barry is tied up, I decide to hap. She paddles up and down, while the other room. go home and have lunch with Briony. I walk on the towpath. The weather is In the other match, the Black team We go to Berkhamstead, browse a lovely and it is good fun. I’m sure she’s bid freely to slam on the East-West few shops and enjoy lunch in the going to be happy going on her own, cards, going two down and losing a big sunshine at Carluccio’s. Then back to but just this first time my company is swing. And we are overtaken, finally London and TGR’s for our first Hubert welcome. losing out by just 1 VP. Phillips match of the season against Then back home, via Waitrose, to do A miracle had nearly happened, but Gillian Lonsdale’s Oxford team. We a bit of work while Briony goes off to a not quite. struggle a bit in the early stages but meeting. In the evening I catch up on We go out to dinner at Morgan’s. We come through comfortably enough in Casualty, and think about packing for had such a good meal the previous night the end. Then we descend on a local Wroclaw, where I am going on Satur- we are keen to repeat the experience. Italian restaurant for a snack and a few day morning for the start of the World I would thoroughly recommend it if glasses of red wine. Championships … ■

BRIDGE November 2016 Page 23 Julian Pottage Answers your Bridge Questions

What is the Optimum Contract and How Would You Bid it?

Is there an we should make game. What is normal for Before I get to the optimum contract The bidding ended most partnerships lead, I should point Qon this layout, – how I wished I had A is not to have an A out that I would have and if so, who should not opened my mouth. agreement. If you play that overcalled 1♠ on your hand have bid what (playing East led her singleton a double of an is for whatever the vulnerability. a weak no-trump)? heart and ruffed penalties, it would be logical You have a good suit, with hearts three times. for a redouble to have a some chance of buying the Keith Rylands by email. similar meaning ie that you contract, and a readiness ♠ Q 10 8 4 3 wish to play in 2♣ redoubled. for partner to lead the suit ♥ A K J 10 7 3 A possible auction With one of my partners, if you end up defending. ♦ K 5 is as follows: our agreement is not to make Moreover, since you passed ♣ Void A redoubles (other than in a originally, partner will know ♠ A K 5 2 ♠ J 9 6 few clearly defined situations) not to get too excited.

♥ Q 9 8 4 N ♥ 6 West North East South because any misunderstand- You can place South W E 1 ♦ A 7 S ♦ J 9 8 4 1♥ 1♠ Pass Pass ing over the meaning of with either the king or a ♣ A Q 5 ♣ J 9 6 4 3 1NT2 2♥3 All Pass a redouble is expensive. singleton spade (for the ♠ 7 1North takes the chance to show 4NT bid) and partner with ♥ 5 2 the spades at the one level. ♣♦♥♠ few values (given that the ♦ Q 10 6 3 2 2The 1NT rebid with nothing from opponents have called a ♣ K 10 8 7 2 partner shows 18-19 or maybe What should slam). You have high hopes 17-19. You risk missing game if you lead on of making the ♣K since South you pass with this many points. Qthe following has bid clubs and North On this deal (no-one 3The delayed bid in opener’s suit hand? I never know has shown only one ace. vulnerable) there were is natural. whether to lead an While cashing the ♠A could a variety of results at ace against a slam. go wrong if dummy has ten our club: 2♠ minus two It is interesting that none red cards (declarer’s ♠K by West; 1♥ minus four of the tables at your and ♣A would then cover by West; 2♠ made by club reached 2♥. ♠ A Q 10 7 6 dummy’s black-suit losers), North (after a defensive ♥ 10 6 5 4 N the odds are against this. W E error); 1♠ minus one ♣♦♥♠ ♦ 7 6 S Besides, if dummy does by North (I could have ♣ K 8 have 4-6 in the red suits, made it); 3♥ doubled Partner opens a the diamond suit will cover minus one by North. strong 2♣ which declarer’s losers in the As North I was QRHO doubles, West North East South black suits. On balance, delighted to see my now what? As a corollary Pass 1♦ Pass 1♥ leading the ♠A seems best. hand. Then West opened to double showing a bust Pass 2♥ Pass 3♣ As you can gather from 1♥. Ah well, I thought, after an overcall maybe Pass 4♥ Pass 4NT the above, there is no simple I’ve got that suit well redouble shows a bust Pass 5♦ Pass 6♥ right answer. The fact that covered, let’s see if – but what is normal? All Pass you can hope to make the ♣K partner can support Simon Gottschalk, later is a reason, in this case, my 1♠ overcall, if so, Pendoylan. Name and address supplied. for the ace lead. ■

Questions (including your postal address) for Julian: [email protected]

Page 24 BRIDGE November 2016 Cruise the Danube to Vienna & Budapest aboard ms Serenity – October 2017

Join Bernard Magee 10 DAYS to celebrate the FROM 30th anniversary of £1099 Mr Bridge on this exclusive river cruise

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

ms Serenity & Budapest

RCL Mr Bridge 4pp Cruise the Danube Groups.indd 1 05/10/2016 09:49 EXCLUSIVE MR BRIDGE ANNIVERSARY CRUISE

Elbe IJsselmeer

NETHERLANDS

The Danube Rhine

Join Bernard Magee to celebrate the 30th anniversary Main of Mr Bridge on this exclusive departure Main Danube CZECH REPUBLIC Canal Neckar Moselle Ilz Danube Passau Dürnstein SLOVAKIA Cruise the Danube start GERMANY Inn Bratislava Rhine Melk Vienna to Vienna & Budapest AUSTRIA Budapest aboard ms Serenity SWITZERLAND HUNGARY ITALY By coach: 5-14 October 2017; by air: 6-13 October 2017 SLOVENIA CROATIA Discover the delights of the Danube as you enjoy seminars and daily bridge* with Bernard Magee on one of the most scenic journeys through the heart of Europe. From the pretty city of Passau on the Austrian border to the Hungarian capital of Budapest, we cruiseBOSNIA in comfort & and style aboard the ms Serenity, passing through the beautiful scenery of the Wachau valley and dipping into the history and culture of amazing HERZEGOVINA Danube cities along the way. With a full day in the musical city of Vienna and Budapest as well as a visit to the Slovakian capital of Bratislava, this is a SERBIA wonderful opportunity to sail the waters that are beautifully immortalised by the composer Strauss, in the classical waltz The Blue Danube.

Day 1: UK – Germany (Coach) Travel by coach to Dover from your chosen departure point and take the ferry to Calais, where we continue to the overnight hotel. Day 2: Germany – Passau (Air) After breakfast we travel by coach and board our ship in Passau, known as ‘the three rivers city’ due to its unique location where the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers meet. Those travelling by air join today. Safety briefi ng and welcome meeting from the ship and Mr Bridge as we set sail and cruise towards Melk.

Vienna

Day 3: Melk – Vienna Day 4: Vienna This morning we arrive in the small town of Melk We spend a whole day in Vienna experiencing which lies in the beautiful Wachau valley. Here the delights of this beautiful city. In the morning you can join an optional excursion to visit the you can join an optional city tour to experience most famous monastic house in Austria, the its grand palaces, baroque castles, magnifi cent Benedictine Abbey, situated above Melk in the squares and striking monuments and after lunch on Wachau valley. Return to the ship late morning and board we have an optional afternoon excursion to enjoy afternoon bridge as we sail to Vienna for an Schönbrunn Palace, or alternatively you may wish overnight stop. to join an afternoon bridge session. Enjoy evening bridge on board as we cast oŒ and cruise towards This evening there will be a Mr Bridge pre-dinner Budapest. drinks reception in the Lido Bar followed by dinner Bratislava Castle as we arrive in Vienna.

To book or for more information contact Mr Bridge 01483 489961 or visit www.mrbridge.co.uk

RCL Mr Bridge 4pp Cruise the Danube Groups.indd 2 05/10/2016 09:49 YOUR CRUISE INCLUDES BY COACH  Coach travel to Dover from selected local pick-ups  Return ferry crossings from Dover  7 nights’ cruise on a full board basis  2 nights’ half board hotel accommodation BY AIR  Return fl ights from London Heathrow  Coach transfers between airport and ship  7 nights’ cruise on a full board basis (Regional fl ights may be available at a supplement)

2017 No. of Ferry crossing/ date days airport 5 October (coach) 10 Dover 6 October (air) 8 Heathrow

Cabin prices per person Tour code: DANUB Code Deck options Berth By coach By air Main Deck 2 £1099 £1149 Middle Deck 2 £1249 £1299 Panorama Deck 2 £1399 £1449

All prices shown are per person; a limited number of cabins for sole occupancy are available with a reduced 25% supplement (thereafter 50% supplement applies). ______Travel Insurance – from £39.95 per person ______Deposit – £350 per person, payable to The River ______Cruise Line

OPTIONAL DRINKS PACKAGE: £99 per person Includes house wines, house beers and soft drinks served in the restaurant at lunchtime and evenings

*Bridge programme may be subject to change ms Serenity – restaurant EXCURSIONS Day 5: Budapest After breakfast, join our optional walking tour  Melk Abbey ...... £21 After breakfast there will be a seminar with to take in the sights of the Slovakian capital,  Vienna city tour ...... £21 Bernard Magee in the Lounge Bar before we dominated by its castle and unique suspension  Schönbrunn Palace ...... £20 sail into Budapest with commentary on the city bridge, to experience its rich culture. Later in the  Budapest city tour ...... £21 as we arrive. Then spend time in one of the day we set sail towards Dürnstein and there will  Budapest by night ...... £23 world’s most beautiful cities and explore both be afternoon and evening bridge sessions.  sides of Hungary’s capital – traditional ‘Buda’ Puszta horse show ...... £32 Day 8: Durnstein and cosmopolitan ‘Pest’. Start with an optional  Bratislava city tour ...... £19 Dürnstein is crowned by the ruins of the castle tour to become acquainted with the city known  Dürnstein tour with wine tasting ...... £26 that once imprisoned Richard the Lionheart. as the “pearl of the Danube” and in the evening Join our optional walking tour to admire the you can choose to either play more bridge Mr Bridge recommends you pre- pretty courtyards and buildings, before stopping or experience Budapest by night on another book at his special package price £145 at one of the Wachau valley’s wine cellars for optional excursion, enjoying a city tour, glass of Saving per person £38 some wine tasting. We then set sail for Passau wine and a folklore show in a local tavern. with a bridge seminar to enjoy on the way and Day 6: Budapest pre-dinner bridge in the Lounge bar. Preceding Enjoy free time in Budapest or opt to take our tonight’s 30th Anniversary Gala Dinner there excursion taking you through the sweeping will be a drinks party and prize-giving. plains of Hungary to Lajosmizse. Here we visit Day 9: Passau – Germany (Coach) / UK (Air) a traditional stud farm and enjoy a tour of Those travelling by coach disembark after the grounds in a horse-drawn carriage, before breakfast and travel by coach to the overnight watching a live Puszta horse show. We then sail hotel. Those travelling by air also disembark this to Bratislava with a seminar and set hands in the morning for their return fl ights to the UK. afternoon followed by after-dinner bridge in the evening. Day 10: Germany – UK (Coach) After breakfast you will continue by coach to Day 7: Bratislava Calais, taking the ferry to Dover for the return Early morning arrival into Bratislava. journey to your chosen pick-up/drop-o¢ points. Gratuities – all gratuities are discretionary

Please have your passport and insurance details to hand when calling to book

RCL Mr Bridge 4pp Cruise the Danube Groups.indd 3 05/10/2016 09:49 Departure Points Routes D1 to D12 – ferry crossings from Dover to Calais Avon Essex St Albans D4 Oxfordshire Warwickshire Bath D9 Basildon D1 Stevenage D3 Banbury D4 Nuneaton D4 Bristol D9 Brentwood D1 Watford D6 Oxford D6 Rugby D4 Chelmsford D1 Welwyn Garden City D3 Witney D6 Stratford-upon-Avon D4 Bedfordshire Clacton-on-Sea D1 Bedford D3 Colchester D1 Kent Shropshire West Midlands Dunstable D4 Harlow D2 Ashford D12 Oswestry D5 Birmingham D4 Luton D4 Romford D1 Canterbury D12 Shrewsbury D5 Coventry D4 Southend-on-Sea D1 Chatham D12 Telford D5 Hopwood Park Berkshire Thurrock Services D1 Dartford D12 Services M42 D4* Bracknell D9 Witham D1 Deal D12 Somerset Solihull D4 Chieveley Services D9 Faversham D12 Bridgwater Services D8 Sutton Coldfi eld D4 Maidenhead D9 Gloucestershire Folkestone D12 Taunton Deane Services D8 Walsall D4 Newbury D9 Cheltenham D6 Gillingham D12 Weston-super-Mare D8 Wolverhampton D4 Reading D9 Gloucester D6 Herne Bay D12 *SW Birmingham to service Slough D9 Tewkesbury D6 Maidstone Sta€ ordshire Bromsgrove & Redditch area Wokingham D9 Services D9 D10 D12 Cannock D4 Margate D12 Lichfi eld D4 Wiltshire Greater London Sta– ord D4 Buckinghamshire Bexleyheath D12 Medway Swindon D9 Aylesbury D4 Services D1 D3 D4 D12 Stoke-on-Trent D4 Bromley D9 Tamworth D4 High Wycombe D6 Croydon D9 Orpington D9 Worcestershire Milton Keynes D4 Enfi eld D3 Ramsgate D12 Evesham D6 Rochester D12 Su€ olk Kidderminster D6 Kingston-upon-Thames D9 Bury St Edmunds D1 Cambridgeshire Richmond-upon-Thames D9 Sevenoaks D10 Malvern Link D6 Cambridge D2 Sittingbourne D12 Felixstowe D1 Worcester D6 Sutton D9 Ipswich D1 Huntingdon D2 Uxbridge D9 Tunbridge Wells D10 Peterborough D2 Whitstable D12 Lowestoft D1 Yorkshire (South) Barnsley D3 Hampshire Cheshire Surrey Doncaster D3 Aldershot D10 Leicestershire Crewe D4 Camberley D10 Rotherham D3 Andover D10 Leicester Forest East Northwich D4 Services D3 Dorking D10 She™ eld D3 Basingstoke D10 Epsom D10 Cosham D11 Loughborough D3 Cornwall Godalming D10 North Wales Cowplain D11 Lutterworth D4 Bodmin D8 Guildford D10 Wrexham D5 Eastleigh D10 Market Harborough D3 Truro D8 Leatherhead D10 Fareham D11 Liskeard D8 Lincolnshire Reigate D10 South Wales Farnborough D10 Grantham D2 Staines D9 Bridgend D7 Fleet Services D10 Derbyshire Lincoln D2 Woking D10 Cardi– D7 Havant D11 Derby D3 Cardi– West Services D7 Petersfi eld D11 Norfolk Sussex (East) Carmarthen D7 Portchester D11 Devon Great Yarmouth D1 Bexhill D11 Llanelli D7 Portsmouth – The Hard D11 Exeter Services D8 Norwich D1 Brighton D11 Magor Services D7 Southampton D10 Newton Abbot D8 Thetford D1 Eastbourne D11 Neath D7 Waterlooville D11 Paignton D8 Hastings D11 Newport D7 Plymouth D8 Northamptonshire Hove D11 Port Talbot D7 Torquay D8 Herefordshire Kettering D3 Swansea D7 Hereford D6 Northampton D4 Sussex (West) Dorset Wellingborough D3 Bognor Regis D11 TRAVEL BY AIR Bournemouth D10 Hertfordshire Burgess Hill D11 Outward: Heathrow to Christchurch D10 Birchanger Green Nottinghamshire Chichester D11 Munich 08:55/11:45 Dorchester D10 Services D2 Mansfi eld D3 Crawley D10 Return: Munich to Heathrow Poole D10 Hatfi eld D3 Newark D2 Haywards Heath D11 16:25/17:25 Weymouth D10 Hemel Hempstead D4 Nottingham D3 Littlehampton D11 Please note: All details are Letchworth D3 Worthing D11 provisional & subject to confi rmation Profile South Mimms Services D4

Passengers using our complimentaryPanorama coach Deck transfer service should be aware this may involve anLounge early Bar departure/late return. This may on occasion be the day before the date of departure/day after the date of return for those who live Middlea long Deckway from the port. RegionalReception departures are subject toRestaurant availability and are operated subject to minimum numbers of people. Main Deck Sun Deck MS SERENITY – DECK PLAN

Deck Berth Cabin facilities Panorama Deck Panorama Deck 2 Shower/WC

311 Lounge Bar 331 313 317 321 315 319 301 333 323 335 327 325 303 329 307 305 309 Lido Bar Middle Deck 312 314 316 318 310 332 322 334 324 336 330 326 328 320 302 304 306 308 2 Shower/WC

Middle Deck Main Deck Reception 211 231 213 217 221 215 219 201 223 227 225 203 229 207 205 209 Restaurant 2 Shower/WC 212 214 216 218 210 232 222 224 230 226 228 220 202 204 206 208

Main Deck 111 113 117 121 115 119 101 123 127 125 103 107 105 109 112 114 116 118 110 122 124 126 128 120 102 104 106 108 PB0350

Main Deck Middle Deck Panorama Deck To book or for more information contact Mr Bridge 01483 489961 or visit www.mrbridge.co.uk Please have your passport and insurance details to hand when calling to book. You will need to accept the terms & conditions when making your booking – for full terms & conditions visit the Mr Bridge website or call for a copy.

RCL Mr Bridge 4pp Cruise the Danube Groups.indd 4 05/10/2016 09:49 The Diaries of Wendy Wensum

Episode 55: The Experiment

one are the days when a back.’ weary scorer at a candle-lit Dealer East; Love All. As bridge finished for the evening, desk entered match points ♠ K 5 Millie thanked the TD for his efficient Gon individual travellers, laboriously ♥ J 7 3 running of the event, but added with a transferred the data to a giant paper ♦ Q J 9 6 5 hint of irony, ‘Lovely experiment. I as- grid and pressed keys on a massive ♣ 10 6 4 sume we go back to dealing at the table ancient calculator in order to produce ♠ 7 6 4 ♠ J 10 9 8 2 next week. Bridge is much more relax- ♥ 4 N ♥ A K 10 9 8 5 2 a hand-written ranking list for posting W E ing without computer-dealt hands.’ on the club notice board the following ♦ 8 7 3 S ♦ Void In the pub later, Kate and Jo re- week. ♣ K Q 9 8 7 5 ♣ 3 called the auction when they played Nowadays, the Riverside, in common ♠ A Q 3 the board. Jo admitted opening with with most clubs, publishes full results ♥ Q 6 a bent pre-emptive three hearts which via the internet the same evening or ♦ A K 10 4 2 South doubled for take-out. North the next day. Pre-dealt hands are used ♣ A J 2 showed his diamond suit and South for simultaneous pairs events, but the bid game. tradition of hand dealing remains for all other competitions. West North East South West North East South This evening, however, was an Monica Wendy James Millie Kate Jo exception; for the first time, locally Pass 2NT 3♥ Dbl produced computer-generated boards Pass 3NT All Pass Pass 4♦ Pass 5♦ were being used as a trial for possible All Pass permanent adoption. Millie then took her five diamond As Monica and James, now newly tricks. With nine certain tricks, she Jo led her ace and king of hearts and, elected members, approached our played the club jack losing to the on Kate’s , switched to a club to table, Millie whispered to me, ‘Here queen. A club return gave Millie the defeat the contract. Millie clearly dis- comes Monica, the drama queen; I contract with an overtrick, for a score approved of Jo’s choice of a pre-emp- predict a tantrum. By the way she’s of +430. A heart switch would have tive three hearts and suggested that getting quite fat in the face isn’t she?’ the same effect. An initial spade or as the hand also contained a five card adding provocatively, ‘Well, either that diamond lead might hold the contract spade suit, one heart was generally a or she’s storing nuts in her cheeks for to nine tricks. Monica rounded on her better approach. Even though Jo didn’t winter.’ ‘Millie, behave,’ I demanded. husband, ‘James, you had seven hearts dispute Millie’s reasoning, Millie The first board passed without inci- and five spades. Why didn’t you open? couldn’t resist quoting Oscar Wilde’s dent, but the second board produced You have only five losers and twenty dictum, ‘I always pass on good advice. rather more excitement. opening points. You could have bid It’s the only sensible thing to do with James was dealer and passed, Millie one, two, three or even four hearts. it.’ She then had another little grumble in the next seat opened two no-trumps Explain yourself.’ James started to jus- about the undue influence of informa- which was followed by a pass from tify his pass, but had no chance to do tion technology on the modern game. Monica. With a reasonably balanced so as the TD called the move. However when Kate bought another seven count, I converted to the final The tantrum continued as they round of drinks which included a dou- contract of three no-trumps. Monica headed for the next table. ‘Poor Jim,’ ble brandy for Millie, the troubles of led the king of clubs won in hand by said Millie sympathetically, ‘No won- a world run by computers were soon Millie with the ace. der they call her Mona behind her forgotten, at least for the present. ■

BRIDGE November 2016 Page 29 Robin Hood’s Bridge Adventures by David Bird Little John’s Master Play

ittle John had been betrothed to Megwyn, as she opened the rough- Megwyn for several months and hewn door of her modest hut. Dealer South. Love All. many thought it was time for ‘Do I smell rabbit cooking?’ enquired ♠ A 7 3 Lthem to tie the knot. Robin Hood, stepping into the dark ♥ J 10 7 4 ‘I met young Megwyn in Gleethorpe interior. ‘I’m glad I came now!’ ♦ K 5 village yesterday,’ said Maid Marian. ‘You’ll have to forgive him, Meg,’ ♣ Q 6 4 2 ‘She wondered if we would like to take said Maid Marian. ‘Men always think ♠ 9 8 5 2 ♠ Q J 10 4 supper with her and John. We could of their stomachs. I expect you know ♥ A N ♥ 6 5 2 W E ♦ J 9 4 3 ♦ Q 10 8 6 2 play bridge afterwards.’ that.’ S ‘Is she a good cook?’ Robin Hood First and second helpings of rabbit ♣ J 10 9 8 ♣ K enquired. stew had been consumed when the ♠ K 6 Marian patted the outlaw leader players took their seats for a few ♥ K Q 9 8 3 playfully on the cheek. ‘What a hands of bridge. Robin was under ♦ A 7 question to ask!’ she replied. instruction from Marian to hold back ♣ A 7 5 3 The following Tuesday, Robin a bit in the play. If they could show and Marian crossed the forest to John in a good light as a bridge player, Gleethorpe village. Megwyn’s chance of matrimony might West North East South ‘Ah, they’re here, John,’ said be enhanced. This was an early deal: Robin Megwyn Maid Little Hood Marian John 1♥ Pass 3♥ Pass 4♥ All Pass

Robin Hood led the ♣J and Megwyn laid out her dummy. ‘Ten nice points for you John,’ she declared. ‘I hope it’s enough.’ ‘A very pretty dummy, my love,’ Little John replied. ‘Not as pretty as you, of course.’ Robin and Marian shared a glance. What a fine couple John and Megwyn made. They would surely have a happy married life together. The lead was unlikely to be from the K-J-10, so Little John reached across the rickety table to play the ♣2. When the ♣K appeared from Marian, he nodded happily as he won with the ace. Some players would have wasted dummy’s ♣Q at trick one. He knew better than that. Robin Hood won the first round of trumps and played the ♣10, covered by the queen. Maid Marian ruffed and

Page 30 BRIDGE November 2016 there was no way for declarer to avoid John crossed to the ♣K and led the ♥3. decided to score as many trumps two subsequent club losers. He was If Marian rose with the ace, he would tricks as he could by ruffing. He won one down. have three heart tricks, enough for the the first trick with the ♥A and ruffed a ‘That was unlucky, my love,’ contract. When she chose to play the heart in his hand. He then played ace Megwyn exclaimed. ♥9, Little John won with the ♥Q and and another club, preparing for a club ‘Little John scratched his chin. ‘Yes,’ continued with the ace, king and jack ruff in dummy. he said. ‘Particularly after I made the of diamonds. Maid Marian won the second club right move at trick one.’ Robin Hood won with the ♦Q and and switched to the ♦Q. Winning in Robin Hood would not dream of cleared the spades but declarer had the dummy, Little John ruffed another pointing it out but the contract could nine tricks. heart in his hand and continued with have been made by allowing the Megwyn’s eyes were shining. ‘What a club ruff in the dummy. He cashed ♣K to win the first trick. When the a play, my love!’ she exclaimed. ‘Even the ♦K and ruffed a fourth round of ♥A was taken subsequently, a club Robin would have been proud of that.’ hearts, both defenders following suit. continuation would not have beaten ‘I’m not sure I would have found it,’ These cards remained: the contract. If East ruffed, she would Robin Hood declared. ‘That low heart be ruffing a loser. was a clever idea.’ ‘Unlucky at cards means lucky in Marian surveyed the scene ♠ Q 9 love, John,’ Hood declared. ‘Young contentedly. She could tell from the ♥ — Meg looks a treat tonight.’ looks that Meg and John exchanged ♦ 7 6 ‘So she does,’ agreed Maid Marian. that they were very much in love. ♣ — ‘I like that apple blossom in your hair, Several deals later, Little John ♠ — ♠ A J 10 8 Meg. It suits you.’ ventured a somewhat bold overcall: ♥ — N ♥ — ♦ 10 9 W E ♦ — Early in the next rubber, Little John’s S cardplay was tested again: ♣ Q 10 ♣ — Dealer East. Game All. ♠ K 7 6 ♠ Q 9 5 ♥ — Dealer East. Love All. ♥ A 8 6 5 ♦ 8 ♠ 7 5 ♦ A K 7 6 ♣ — ♥ K J 3 ♣ 8 4 ♦ 9 4 3 ♠ Void ♠ A J 10 8 ♣ A K 9 6 5 ♥ J 10 9 4 N ♥ K Q 7 3 Little John, who had so far lost only W E ♠ 8 6 3 2 ♠ K J 10 9 4 ♦ 10 9 5 3 ♦ Q J ♦ S one trick, exited with the 8. Maid ♥ 7 4 N ♥ A 10 9 2 ♣ Q 10 9 7 6 ♣ K J 2 Marian ruffed Robin’s ♦9 and with W E ♦ Q 8 7 6 ♦ 2 ♠ K 7 6 4 3 2 S a helpless shrug of her shoulders ♣ 10 8 4 ♣ Q J 2 ♥ 2 returned the ♠J. ♠ A Q ♦ 8 4 2 Little John, who had earlier held ♥ Q 8 6 5 ♣ A 5 3 little hope of making the contract, ♦ A K J 10 5 liked what he saw. He won with ♣ 7 3 dummy’s ♠Q and led towards the ♠K West North East South for his tenth trick. The doubled game Robin Megwyn Maid Little had been made. West North East South Hood Marian John ‘Wonderful play, John!’ exclaimed Robin Megwyn Maid Little 1NT 2♠ Robin Hood. Hood Marian John Pass 4♠ Dbl All Pass Megwyn ran to her beloved’s side 1♠ 1NT and wrapped her arms around him. Pass 3NT All Pass Little John decided to mention his six- ‘That was magic, John,’ she said. ‘You card spade suit and was soon in 4♠ know how to warm a girl’s heart, I’ll The ♠6 was led and Little John won doubled. Robin Hood led the ♥J and say that.’ East’s ♠K with the ♠A. He sat back in down went the dummy. ‘It’s the right moment to end a his chair, wondering how to play the ‘A good hand, as you see, my love,’ perfect evening,’ declared Maid hand. Meg was always so sweet if he Megwyn observed, spreading her Marian, rising to her feet. ‘We’ve all happened to go down, but it would cards out. ‘You play the cards so well. really enjoyed ourselves.’ be better to bring a warm smile to Should I have redoubled?’ ‘Yes, indeed,’ agreed Robin Hood. her face. If he played a heart to the Little John could see a diamond loser, ‘I’ve rarely tasted such a mouth- king, Marian would win and clear the two club losers and (after Marian’s watering stew.’ spades. He might then go down if the double) a possible three trump losers. Megwyn laughed delightedly. ‘You’re ♦Q was offside and hearts failed to ‘I don’t think so,’ he replied. a lucky man, then,’ she said. ‘I’ve put break 3-3. There was no apparent future the leftovers in a small pot for you. Suddenly inspiration struck. Little in drawing trumps, so Little John That can be your lunch tomorrow.’ ■

BRIDGE November 2016 Page 31 David Stevenson answers your Frequently Asked Questions

Strong Artificial Twos

n bridge clubs throughout the slam bidding, also when to penalise realised that to open with a weak British Isles, the Benjamin 2♣ the opponents if they get in on the act. hand which is described as strong may opening has become very common. There is, however, one advantage constitute misinformation and lead to IIt replaces the old Acol Two opening. in opening all three with 2♣: while an adjustment (and is bad bridge). That showed ‘a hand of power and you may mislead your partner into Some players would argue that quality with at least eight playing thinking you have a strong hand you hands with a lot of distribution such as tricks’. Modern club players seem to also mislead your opponents. Suppose Hand A and Hand B are ‘strong’. This have forgotten the ‘hand of power and you have 13 points and a balanced is one way of looking at it certainly, quality’ part of the definition, and hand and your RHO opens 2♣: what and if you were to describe a hand as, often open ♣2 on any hand with eight do you do? Usually, you would pass. ‘strong, but the strength may lie in its playing tricks, even a hand suitable for Now, suppose your partner has a distribution,’ it might be felt this was a pre-emptive opening. similar hand, he will also pass. Both good enough. Consider these three hands: of you will rely on the fact that you The fact is that the term ‘strong’ has cannot have game values once the come over the years to refer to hands opponents have shown a strong hand. that are strong in high cards. So, to Hand A Are you not allowed to fool your avoid argument, the EBU defined ♠ K Q 10 9 8 7 6 5 3 opponents? Not this way: if you open a ‘strong’ for a two-level opening bid as ♥ J 3 bid that shows a strong hand then the the ‘Extended Rule of 25’. ♦ 5 opponents have a right to rely on you The EBU started off by defining ♣ 10 to have a strong hand. strong hands as Rule of 25, also called This has been a growing problem 25 Opening Points, which is defined over the last twenty years as the as the sum of the number of cards in Hand B traditional ideas on Acol Twos have the two longest suits in the hand, plus ♠ K Q J 6 5 4 2 been forgotten. A lot of club players the high card points (HCP). Thus the ♥ A K 3 seem to think you cannot open simple three hands above have 17, 23 and ♦ 3 bids, such as 1♠, when you have a 28 Opening Points respectively. Any ♣ 5 2 seven card suit. So they open 2♣, hand with 25 Opening Points qualifies fool partner, and fool the opponents as strong. You can also have a hand unfairly. without long suits which has 16 HCP, Hand C The (EBU) but not 25 Opening Points: these ♠ A Q J 10 6 5 realised that this abuse needed count as strong as well. Again, only ♥ A K controlling, so there are now rules for Hand C qualifies. ♦ A J 6 what constitutes ‘strong’, which apply The EBU decided there were some ♣ 6 5 in England and Wales. openings which might really qualify The first rule for what is allowed in a as strong hands that did not meet any Benjamin 2♣ opening (or a Benjamin of the above requirements. These were These hands have all got eight playing 2♦ opening or an Acol 2♣ opening, defined as hands with sufficient points tricks, and I know some people who for that matter) is that it has to show for a normal one-level opening with at would open them all 2♣. However, the a strong hand. If you make such an least eight clear-cut tricks. It is legal first hand is a 4♠ opening (possibly 3♠ opening on what is not considered to play a strong opening to include vulnerable against not), the second a strong hand then you are playing such hands, but only if it is properly a 1♠ opening, and only the third is a an illegal method, the deal will be disclosed. So, if you call it ‘Benjamin’, 2♣ opening. Why? Because only the cancelled and you get average minus, then it may not include such hands: to third is a strong hand. If you open all unless you got a bad score anyway. include such hands perhaps the term three with 2♣ then your partner will Whilst Scotland and Ireland do should be ‘Benjamin, perhaps weaker find it impossible to judge game and not have such strict rules it must be with good distribution’. The minimum

Page 32 BRIDGE November 2016 point count is considered 11 in Wales, possibly 10 in England. What are clear-cut tricks? They are not playing tricks, a term coined by BERNARD MAGEE Ely Culbertson and used in defining Acol Twos and whether hands are at Denham Grove suitable for pre-empts and so forth, near Uxbridge, Bucks, UB9 5DG. which is an optimistic count of a hand’s worth. Clear-cut tricks is a much more pessimistic count, tending to assume things will go badly. They 13-16 January 2017 are tricks that the hand will make opposite a void in your longest suit £399pp Friday – Monday and the second best suit break. Both £369pp Friday – Sunday

Hand A and Hand B have only seven 1 clear-cut tricks. Full Board – No Single Supplement Consider: Limited places for Thursday night available. £65pp single, £45pp double/twin.

Hand D ♠ K Q J 6 5 2 Topics ♥ A Q 10 MORE SIGNALLING ♦ K 5 I will be looking at different times when you signal and the messages you might ♣ J 3 want to give. Using signals in new ways can greatly improve your enjoyment of defence as well as pushing up your scores.

This has seven playing tricks, but how 4-4-4-1 HANDS many clear-cut tricks? The second- Everybody’s least favourite type of opening hand. I will be going through the best spade break opposite a void is methods for choosing the right suit to open as well as coping with responses. As 5-2, so you have only three tricks, plus responder you need to be aware of the options and work out your partner’s type of hand. Strong 4-4-4-1 hands can be just as difficult and will be dealt with too. the ♥A, so four. Pessimistic indeed. Playing tricks would include half a DRAWING TRUMPS ♥ ♦ trick for the Q and the K, plus it This seminar sounds straightforward, but we will not be simply drawing trumps, assumes a few spades opposite. we will be considering the reasons for delaying. Keeping control of trumps is an Personally, I would recommend important part of declarer play. Knowing when to risk leaving trumps out and that you ignore all this clear-cut tricks when not. business, and go back to opening weak FIVE-CARD MAJORS hands with lots of tricks with a pre- empt, fair hands with a one-bid, and Popular around the world, this method is becoming more popular here. It is not a stick to proper strong hands for an method I would advocate for club players, however it is important to understand opening 2♣. That way you will not get the method as you will need to defend against it. a good score taken away for an illegal FUNDAMENTALS OF DEFENCE method and will not have to explain Defence is by far the hardest aspect of bridge: this seminar seeks to show the clear-cut tricks, and hands with extra building blocks that can start you off on a wonderful journey. If you can get the distribution. Stick to 25 Opening basics right then the more complicated aspects of defence can follow. Points for Benjamin and you will not go wrong. SUPPORTING MINORS While this article is about strong Minors are not as important as majors, but we have to bid them and it is artificial twos such as Benjamin, it important to know your system. Bidding more 3NT contracts will get you better might be worth noting that the same scores, but being able to spot a slam will put you a cut above. rules do not apply to natural opening twos. You can open them legally on a 2 much wider range of hands, but you 6 seminar sessions with Bernard must keep your opponents informed. 6 sessions of supervised play3 So if you decide to open strong twos on both Hand B and Hand C, you may Contact Mr Bridge to book your place do so, but when you announce them or for further details: ( 01483 489961 say, ‘Intermediate to Strong.’ Then the 1Subject to availability 2Filmed 3Not with Bernard Magee opponents will not be fooled. ■

BRIDGE November 2016 Page 33 CLUB More Tips from Bernard Magee INSURANCE An Ace Lead Promises the King

Every club should be This is a simple rule, which experts stick This signalling method fails if the covered and my inclusive to pretty rigidly, but club players seem to opening leader does not have the king – package, to suit clubs of up struggle with. The temptation to lead an you will not know how to signal – you will ace without support seems irresistible, ask partner to continue to your queen and to 300 members for less than but it is important to be patient in find it losing to declarer’s king. £75 per year, is the right defence. Your ace’s job is to kill a king: Exceptions to the rule are rare (against package at the right price. if you lead it, then it will garner only low some high level contracts). More often cards and its power may well have been you should simply avoid leading a suit Contact FIDENTIA for a quote wasted. headed by the ace alone. However, when you have a sequence You are on lead against 4♠ after North ( 020 3150 0080 of honour cards, then leading the top transfers in this auction: [email protected] card is normal, so that is why an ace lead should promise the king. Knowing South North this, your partner can then support your 2NT 3♥ defence by giving you information: 3♠ 4♠ making a signal to help your next move. The contract is 4♠ by South and this is the club suit. ♠ 7 6 ♥ A J 7 4 N W E ♦ A J 4 S A. ♣ 9 7 3 ♣ A 8 5 2

For those with Pre-existing health N ♣ A K 10 5 W E ♣ J 8 4 conditions (No Age Limit) S This is a straightforward lead: you should Make your cheque payable to Mr Bridge and send to: ♣ Q 6 2 not lead an ace and you should not Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH or l Travel Insurance with online Medical Screening underlead a suit headed by an ace, which ( 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop leaves the choice of two cards. ♠6 or the l Cover for medical conditions, ♠7. up to a high level of severity, B. ♣ 9 7 3 even a terminal prognosis

N l No age limits ♣ A K 10 5 W E ♣ Q 8 4 ♠ Q J 9 8 4 3 S ♥ 6 5 l Instant online cover ♣ J 6 2 ♦ 9 8 3 We fully understand that you may ♣ J 7 wish to speak to us direct about ♠ 7 6 ♠ 10 5 2 ♥ A J 7 4 N ♥ 10 9 3 cover and your medical conditions W E and assure you of the best attention C. ♣ 9 7 3 ♦ A J 4 S ♦ 10 7 5 2 ♣ A 8 5 2 ♣ Q 9 6 by senior staff on a direct phone line N that does not require you to hold or ♣ A K 10 5 W E ♣ 8 4 ♠ A K S press buttons for departments. ♥ K Q 8 2 ♣ Q J 6 2 ♦ K Q 6 ( 01268 524344 ♣ K 10 4 3 We look forward to West leads the ♣A and East gives a speaking with you soon signal: a high spot card to ask partner The trump lead gives nothing away and to continue or the lowest card to say no. declarer cannot make more than nine Email: [email protected] In A, with the ♣J you would like partner tricks. Lead out any ace and declarer Website: www.genesischoice.co.uk to stop and let you lead the suit through should be able to make 10 tricks. declarer’s queen: play low for no: ♣4. Top of a sequence leads are the most Genesis Choice Ltd are an appointed In B, with the ♣Q you are glad to let important type of leads in bridge: you representative of NDI Insurance partner continue: ♣8. Finally, in C, with should never lead the king without the and Reinsurance Brokers Ltd who are authorised and regulated by the a doubleton you want your partner to queen, nor the queen without the jack, so Financial Conduct Authority No.446914 continue to give you a ruff on the third why contemplate leading the ace without round: high-low for a doubleton: ♣8. the king? ■

Page 34 BRIDGE November 2016 Conventions Part 23 with Jeremy Dhondy Lebensohl Part 1

n earlier article in this series answer to Hand A would be to play a often than not you will achieve a better covered responding to 1NT. penalty double, but that would leave result at the three level by making Of course, the opponents you struggling with Hand B. If you your contract, going one off when they Awill seek to come in whenever they play double as take-out then this is are making theirs or persuading them reasonably can and, in recent years, what you do on Hand B and partner to continue to 3♠ and going down. much effort has gone into developing could: You might now ask what happens ways of countering intervention over with Hand A as you will be keen on your 1NT opening. a. Pass to penalise the possibility of a penalty. Partner You need methods to: b. Try to find a fit at the three level should strain to re-open when:

l Penalise Given you are likely to go to the three a. He is short in their major l Compete level, you should not be too far short b. He has a reasonable hand l Play in the best game of the values for 2NT to start with ie find a 4-4 major fit and opener can either bid his lowest On occasions, when he passes and you suit which partner can correct or use could have got a penalty, then perhaps Lebensohl is not perfect, but it does 2NT to show two places to play. It will they will be vulnerable and you will provide answers to most of the above typically be more use than using it still get +200 and, on other occasions, bullet points. naturally. If you hold the West hand: you may not have any particular fit so First, you need to decide on your +50 or +100 will be a reasonable score. initial move when the opponents come in at the two level over your 1NT ♠ J 8 6 ♠ 5 4 2NT Bid (it doesn’t really matter what range ♥ K J 9 4 N ♥ A 7 6 5 your no-trump is but this article will ♦ K 9 W E ♦ Q J 7 5 Now consider what the following S assume 12-14). ♣ A J 7 6 ♣ Q 8 4 sequence might mean:

Double West North East South The auction might go: 1NT 2♠ 2NT If partner opens 1NT and the opponents bid 2♠ (natural) then what West North East South 2NT could, of course, be natural but will you do with the following hands? You Partner perhaps there are better uses for it? 1NT 2♠ Dbl Pass It would be useful to be able to show 2NT1 Pass 3♦ Pass the following hand types: Hand A Hand B 3♥ All pass ♠ K J 9 7 ♠ 5 4 a. A hand which only wants to ♥ 5 4 ♥ K J 9 7 1 I don’t wish to defend and have compete with a decent suit ♦ A J 9 4 ♦ A J 9 4 two possible places to play b. A hand that is worth game with ♣ J 7 3 ♣ J 7 3 a suit but is not certain where to They might make ♠2 or go one off and play you might make 3♥. Of course, they c. A hand worth game with or With a ten count game is unlikely, might go on to 3♠ which is all but without a four card major and so should you go for a part score or certain to go off. So once in a while with or without a stop in the perhaps seek to penalise? An easy it might be right to defend, but more opponents’ suit.

BRIDGE November 2016 Page 35 Lebensohl uses 2NT as an artificial bid major you would just bid 3NT. So what luxury requiring partner to bid 3♣ so they happens when you don’t have a stop? can then describe their hand. Read on, but first a mini summary. bridge mat You can’t cover Hands A, B and C If they intervene with 2♥ or 2♠ then: Just £24.99 with a 2NT bid, so first let us cover plus £4.99 p & p other bids. l A new suit at the three level is natural and forcing. New Suit at the l A shows four of the Three-Level other major and a stop. l A bid of 3NT shows a stop but If you bid a new suit then it is natural not four of the other major. and forcing. After the bidding has started: If your opponents come in over 1NT with 2♣ or 2♦ showing something West North East South like hearts and another, or spades and 1NT 2♠ ? another, you can proceed as if they had bid the major and a bid of their major A typical hand might be: means the same thing, so, for example:

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

Thick woven surface makes You have enough for game and five West North East South an ideal playing surface and cards in the other major. If partner 1NT 2♦1 3♠2 protects your table. has a fit then you want to play ♥4 . If Very popular with Bridge partner doesn’t, then you probably 1Spades and another Clubs. 78cms wide so it fits want to play 3NT if he has a stop or 2A spade stop and four hearts ie bid as if a standard 80cms card table chance 4♥ on a 5-2 fit if he has not. they had bid 2♠ Bidding 3♥ natural and forcing will Padded table bag. get you to the right contract most of Back to 2NT the time. If you have a heart suit but £39.00 + £4.99 p&p are not worth game then we will see Now we come to hands where either shortly what you might do. you just want to compete or you have the values for game but no stop in Cue Bid their major. Suppose you hold: If you change your hand a bit to:

♠ 9 7 2 ♠ A 5 N ♥ Q J 10 7 5 4 W E N ♥ K Q 9 3 ♦ K J 3 Large enough to take a standard W E S ♦ A Q 7 ♣ 4 80cms bridge table. Made from S ♣ tough nylon with carrying straps 10 9 4 2 and Velcro fixing. Ideal for storing or carrying your table. West North East South Again you have the values for game 1NT 2♠ ? Order online or by phone but no suit to bid (as you show five www.designsforbridge.co.uk or more cards by bidding a suit at the You want to compete in hearts, but three level). You do, however, have a if you bid 3♥ partner will think you 01483 270 100 stop in their suit. You could just bash have the values for game so, instead, 3NT, but it is possible that 4♥ will be you bid 2NT. This is an artificial bid SR Designs for Bridge better if you have a fit, so here you can requiring partner to bid 3♣ and then Unit A1, Send Business Park, cue bid their suit. That shows both a you pass or bid 3♦ or, in this case, bid Send, Woking, Surrey GU23 7EF stop and four in the other major. If you 3♥ in order to show your suit. You are had a stop without four of the other not inviting partner to bid on.

Page 36 BRIDGE November 2016 Occasionally, you can distinguish thinks this best, or he can bid a four between three differing values of hand. card minor. You can stop in 4♣ or Suppose again partner opens 1NT and 4♦ if you only just have the values for the opponents bid 2♣ showing both game. Game forcing here really means majors. Now you can bid: forcing as far as 3NT. If you have neither a stop nor four of l 2♦ natural and weak the other major, you can bid 2NT and l 2NT followed by 3♦ to show an over partner’s 3♣ response you can bid invitational hand 3NT. Partner can remove to four of a l 3♦ to show a natural and forcing minor if he does not have a stop. This hand can be passed or raised to game. These English made tables offer superb quality and have This applies any time you can bid your Warning the genuine Pelissier hinges. suit naturally at the two level. Choose from the great value You may have a hand where you A word of warning if you take on Club, the Premier or the have the values for game but with no this set of agreements. ‘Do we play elegant Royal. stop in the opponent’s major. Lebensohl?’ is a dangerous question Special Prices for Bridge Suppose you hold: for two reasons: Club orders of 5 or more.

a. Not everyone plays it as ♠ 9 7 5 described above. N ♥ K Q 8 4 b. Some people play it in more W E ♦ K 7 S positions than after 1NT and ♣ A J 8 6 an overcall. To give an example: does it apply if you overcall rather than open 1NT? West North East South Club Table with traditional green 1NT 2♠ ? We will see next time where else it felt playing surface £159.00 could apply and what else 2NT might You bid 2NT and over your partner’s mean. The 2NT bid in competition response of 3♣ you bid 3♠ to show the is an example of one which is rarely values for game, exactly four hearts natural these days. In my opinion, this and no spade stop. agreement comes into the category Partner can now choose to bid 3NT of being played when you play with if he has a stop, bid 4♥ with a 4-4 fit someone you play with regularly rather or even chance it on a 4-3 fit if he than a casual one off partnership. ■

Summary Premier Table, bevelled edges and baize playing surface £199.00 l Decide what you do when your opponents intervene over 1NT. Is double for penalties or does it show the values for 2NT or more without their suit?

l You can use 2NT artificially to describe some hands. Direct bids are forcing. This is the route you go to show a hand with a stop in the opponent’s suit.

l You go via 2NT to show a weaker hand or a game forcing one Royal Table, elegant surround and without a stop in the opponent’s suit. baize playing surface £249.00 l If you agree to play Lebensohl, it is wise to check you are playing it Order online or by phone in the same way as your partner. www.designsforbridge.co.uk

l I have a rule which says you shouldn’t be allowed to play a 01483 270 100 convention you can’t spell and this often disqualifies the use of SR Designs for Bridge Unit A1, Send Business Park, Lebensohl although not as often as Cappelletti defence to 1NT! Send, Woking, Surrey GU23 7EF

BRIDGE November 2016 Page 37 Improve Your Defence with Andrew Kambites Escaping an Endplay

o start with I will ensure that Endplays can happen in no-trump two diamond tricks. There is a danger you understand the main in- contracts, but they are far more that when he wins the first diamond gredients of an endplay. common in a suit contract because trick West will be endplayed, so East TLook at the position in Layout A: of the threat of a ruff and discard. must try to prevent that by overtaking Consider East’s play in Example B. the ♥K with his ♥A and switching to West leads the ♥K against 5♣. the ♦7. No doubt, declarer will try a Layout A low diamond, but West can win the ♠ — ♦J and get off lead safely with a spade ♥ — Example B or heart. His ♦K will take a trick later. ♦ 9 8 ♠ A Q 10 Declarer has: ♣ A 10 5 3 ♥ 6 3 ♠ — ♠ 7 5 ♦ 10 9 8 N ♥ J 10 9 ♥ A 8 7 ♣ A 10 5 3 2 ♠ K J W E ♦ K 6 5 S ♦ 4 ♠ 7 5 4 3 2 ♥ 5 ♣ — ♣ — ♥ K led N ♥ A 8 7 4 2 ♦ A Q 3 2 ♠ — W E ♦ 7 4 ♣ K Q J 7 6 4 S ♥ — ♣ 8 ♦ A Q ♣ Q J 7 6 Sometimes you need to protect West North East South yourself from an endplay. When 1♣ declarer draws trumps easily and sets Clubs are trumps. West has the lead. 1♥ 3♣ 4♥ 5♣ about eliminating side suits, it is often At first glance it might look as though All Pass a sign that he has an endplay in mind. declarer has an inescapable diamond In Example C, partner leads the ♣6 loser. However whatever West does he Look at what happens if East fails to against 6♠. Declarer takes the ♣Q cannot prevent declarer taking the rest overtake the ♥K. West continues with and plays two rounds of trumps, West of the tricks. the ♥Q which declarer ruffs. Declarer following once. Now he cashes two If West plays a heart, declarer can draws trumps with the ♣K and cashes more rounds of clubs and the ♥A. ruff in dummy and discard the ♦Q three rounds of spades, discarding a Are you with it? Can you see what is from his hand. For obvious reasons diamond on the third one. going to happen? this is called a ruff and discard. With the hearts and spades Generally speaking, a defender should eliminated, declarer leads the ♦10 and avoid leading a side suit in which runs it to West’s ♦J. West is on lead, Example C declarer and dummy are void, when and the cards are as shown in Layout ♠ K Q 7 6 2 both also have trumps. However, the A. West is endplayed. ♥ A K 2 alternative here is equally unpalatable. East should reason as follows. ♦ Q 3 If, instead, West tries a diamond, Partner should have at least five hearts ♣ A Q J declarer’s ♦Q wins the trick. There is for his 1♥ overcall, therefore, there is ♠ 9 8 no escape for West once this position little chance that a second heart trick ♣ 6 led N ♥ Q J 7 is reached. The skill for defenders is to is available. There are no defensive W E ♦ K 10 7 6 S prevent this position being reached, if tricks in spades and little chance of a ♣ 9 7 5 3 at all possible. trump trick. So, the defenders need

Page 38 BRIDGE November 2016 West North East South draw trumps and eliminate 1♠ clubs. The only answer is BERNARD MAGEE’S Pass 4NT1 Pass 5♥2 that he doesn’t want the de- Pass 5NT3 Pass 6♦4 fenders to realise an endplay Pass 6♠ All Pass is coming. INTERACTIVE 1Key card Blackwood. I will end by revisiting the 22 key cards, obviously the ♠A ruff and discard. TUTORIAL CDS and ♦A. Can you see how the 3Asking for kings. defenders beat 4♠ in Layout ADVANCED FIVE-CARD 4 1 king. E? DECLARER PLAY MAJORS & Strong No-Trump If you sleepily follow to the l Making Overtricks ♥A with the ♥7, declarer Layout E in No-trumps l Opening Bids ♠ will cash his ♥K and give 10 8 7 5 3 l Making Overtricks & Responses you a trick with the ♥Q. You ♥ Q 3 in Suit Contracts l No-Trump ♦ 2 will be endplayed, forced to l Endplays Openings ♣ A K J 10 3 either lead away from your l Support ♦ ♠ ♠ l Avoidance £89 K or concede a ruff and J 9 2 Void for Partner l Wrong discard by exiting with the ♥ 9 6 N ♥ A K J 7 l Slams W E 5 4 2 Contract £81 thirteenth club. S & Strong Openings To defeat this contract, ♦ 9 7 6 4 3 ♦ A 8 5 l Simple l Rebids you need West to hold the ♣ 9 7 4 ♣ 8 6 5 Squeezes ♥10 and the ♦J. You must ♠ A K Q 6 4 l Counting l Minors jettison your ♥Q and ♥J ♥ 10 8 the Hand & Misfits under the ♥A-K and allow ♦ K Q J 10 l Trump Reductions l Pre-empting your partner to win the ♣ Q 2 & Coups l Doubles third round. He can safely l Playing Doubled l lead a diamond. Contracts l Competitive Layout D shows all four West North East South l Safety Plays Auctions hands. 1♥ 1♠ Pass 4♠ All Pass

Layout D A heart is led and East takes ADVANCED ♠ K Q 7 6 2 the ♥A-K. The♦ A is clearly ACOL BIDDING ♥ A K 2 a winner, but where is a ALSO ♦ Q 3 fourth defensive trick com- l Basics ♣ A Q J ing from? The answer can l Advanced ♠ 5 ♠ 9 8 only be a trump trick. Basics l Acol ♥ 10 9 6 3 ♥ Q J 7 N Suppose East continues l Weak Twos Bidding ♦ J 9 8 5 4 W E ♦ K 10 7 6 with the ♥J at trick 3. De- S l Strong Hands ♣ 8 6 2 ♣ 9 7 5 3 clarer ruffs with the ♠Q (see p45) l Defence ♠ A J 10 4 3 and discards the ♦2 from to Weak Twos ♥ 8 5 4 dummy. West’s ♠J will now l Declarer l Defence to 1NT ♦ A 2 take a trick but the diamond Play ♣ K 10 4 trick has vanished. l Doubles The correct approach is to l Two-suited (see p47) cash the ♦A at trick 3 and Overcalls £96 ♥ Declarer might have made then continue with the J. l Defences to l Defence it a little harder for you. This gives declarer a ruff Other Systems Eliminating the clubs made and discard that he doesn’t (see p50) l Misfits and his intentions an open book, need, but more importantly, Distributional ♠ but suppose he had cashed it promotes West’s J into a Hands the ♥A at trick 2. Would winner. you then have thought of The time you can produc- following suit with a heart tively give declarer a ruff ( 01483 489961 honour? This is a bit harder, and discard is when he has www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop but you should ask why de- no side suit losers: when clarer was in such a hurry your purpose is to promote System: MAC OSX (Intel chip), Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 or 10, CD ROM to cash hearts rather than a trump trick for partner. ■

BRIDGE November 2016 Page 39 Although the club members concerning A Little Bit were always welcoming, of Vision from BRIDGE READERS’ when it came to the table 165, September 2016. it was a different thing. A word to start with about Although our convention card the number of players, at said Acol, weak no-trump least at affiliated clubs. The and Blackwood – we were number of sessions played LETTERS quizzed at every opportunity, has increased every year apparently because Mum had since the start of Universal told her ‘friends’ that I had Membership in 2010 and once played at a good level. the number of affiliated VERY DIFFERENT simple and obvious (like The whole aspect of ‘alerting’ clubs has increased also. Of I was interested to read in take-out double) should be was alien to me and seemed course, more growth would the new column Conventions permitted. Perhaps Heather superfluous to our very basic be welcome, as the average and Tournament Bridge Dhondy, the writer of the system. However, I persevered age of players is increasing. about HUMs (Highly Unusual original article could be asked only to be pulled up A programme to get more Methods); stated under the to comment on the above. repeatedly for not arranging learners into the game second reason as to why the Kiki Muir, my dummy hand to the started with an advert placed author is so passionate about Repton, Derbyshire. satisfaction of the opposition. in the Daily Telegraph not being allowed to play To double your partner Move on a few years producing several hundred conventions of their choice in contravenes the laws of and my sister asks me to enquiries. This has resulted tournaments. I have asked in bridge ie it is no longer partner her in a social bridge in additional students for the past why it would not be bridge. HUMs do not. evening. We get on well and some of the many courses possible to double after your she asks me to partner her due to start this Autumn. partner opens in a suit which UNHAPPY RETURNS in a club event. OK – no This plan was spearheaded happens to be your singleton I have recently had the problem. What do you mean? by EBED, our sister charity. – a double would be like pleasure of reading and Bidding boxes? I have no idea A second initiative is with a a take-out double by the testing myself against the what they are or how they course to speed up the pace opposition saying, ‘any other last two issues of your work. Sorry, I’m not going of learning, so that by next suit, partner.’ The answer magazine, courtesy of my to be one who provokes September newcomers will given to me was that it was subscriber sister. I note repeated calls to the TD. be able to learn and get to not on my convention card – that your contributors are So there we go. A the table to play very much but why can it not be added? concerned that there is a lack brilliant, absorbing, mind- more quickly than at present, I know you cannot double of young people learning exercising game and when although the traditional your partner and that it is not the game. I am not young, it is introduced, twenty-first methods of learning will allowed but why can’t it be but I do think that I can add century style, to the new remain. Watch out for introduced under HUMs and, some perspective – not from player, or someone like Fast Forward at Bridge. in due course, an effective someone learning the game, me coming back to the I suspect the game will defence will be allowed? but rather someone who game, what we see is that evolve and more will be Over the years, the word wished to come back to it. all the rule changes and added to the number who ‘double’ has been introduced I was first exposed to paraphernalia is to prevent wish to play or practise to cover several situations bridge in 1966 at Glasgow perceived cheating. Then online. Your correspondent and surely this would be University. In the ensuing comes Answer Your Questions is right that we need another useful weapon – years, I was cannon-fodder (Laws & Ethics) and Readers’ volunteers to help run clubs whatever the Law and Ethics for the likes of Willie Coyle Letters – several contributions and that they are faced with committee say and whoever and other internationals, include thinly veiled bile, challenges. Having insurance they may be (see reason 3, notably Barnet Shenken. resentment and distrust (ie which covers something page 5). In fact, I do have Not on their standard, the opposition is cheating). nasty that may happen and a partner whom I play this however I did represent the Why would anyone want having a club constitution, convention with and it works University for a number of to take up the game after perhaps modelled on well. If the opposition query years in the lower teams. reading what goes on in the EBU’s specimen, will it, an explanation is given For twenty-odd years I did some of these clubs and in help with these matters. so there is no problem. not play the game again, the minds of their members? A game where the rules The end of the article until I was asked by my 85+ Alasdair P Wood, take over will have problems. says ‘anything at all’ should year-old mother to partner Ayr, Scotland. When I was chairman of be permitted at national her at the local club. I did so the EBU’s Laws and Ethics tournament level, to which for two seasons. I have to say SOME ANSWERS Committee, it was my opinion I would add ‘and at social that it was not a particularly I wanted to reply to your that the book of regulations bridge’ where anything enjoyable experience. anonymous correspondent about what you could play

Page 40 BRIDGE November 2016 was far too long and we This won’t stop people having provide regular updates and Duckworth-Lewis scoring, would all benefit from a cut an enjoyable game but it articles for club personnel in the event of a rain break, in half. This cut was achieved. will stop any discussion of and this we do via the Club they are still governed by the In most games, situations the hands afterwards and Management Handbook, basic laws. The law book is change and, certainly at top it will make any award of available to all affiliated neither brief nor simple, but level, technology has more rankings/masterpoints/ clubs. In addition, there is that is what umpires are for of a role which explains why NGS fairly meaningless. a regular newsletter more and the authorities show a some rules seem to change. Yes, it is true that the array targeted than English Bridge, willingness to help and train Not many of these affect club of technology is growing our bi-monthly members’ umpires for local club sides. players who would not look and IT literate members magazine. The EBU can I have done one of their forward to playing behind are needed in the clubs. I simplify regulations and courses and jolly good it was screens, for example. The remember when I was very indeed, it is up to the club as too. In international cricket, laws of the game which are young, my mother rejecting to whether they are used or if you take more than two in the hands of the World ITV as unsuitable, as she later not. A club, for example, can minutes to come out to bat Bridge Federation change did with colour television and decide not to use alerts or after the fall of a wicket, you every ten or so years. In probably teletext. Rather be announcements or even the can be ‘timed’ out. I rather practice, few will change in deaf and not use subtitles Multi if they wish, although doubt that happens in the the next revision and even than give in to technology. I wouldn’t recommend it. As village green game. More fewer that regularly affect As for computers, I am to a ‘lite’ set of laws, your likely ribald suggestions as the club game. Such changes not sure what she would correspondent needs to to the reason for the delay. that do happen are aimed have made of Sky with 500 understand that any game Finally, I couldn’t agree at making the game fairer. channels to watch and still has rules; in our case the law more that clubs, counties and For example, the Laws of a struggle to find something is not set by the EBU, SBU or the EBU need to attract new 1935 prescribed a penalty worth viewing, but life does WBU but by the world body. players. I started this reply by of four tricks for a move on. However, look at Of course, you can do describing one way by which which was later deemed to the quality of picture now what you want at home. we are trying. Of course, be too draconian and cut compared with 1956. In your club, the laws will making your local club a to three tricks in 1948. In my local club, I can play, be used, otherwise it is not more welcoming place will Masterpoints are 60 drive 25 minutes home and bridge you are playing. also help. Certainly directors years old in England and find the results waiting for me It is certainly best if there also need to deal with one criticism of them is that when I do. I regard that as are some trained directors, beginners in a friendly way they reward longevity as excellent service. It could all but for the most part, club and not make them worried much as skill, so the NGS go wrong and probably has, players only need help with about minor infringements (National Grading Scheme) but even that would not stop fairly standard infractions, of the rules. There we are was introduced to give those us having our game. The club such as a lead out of turn, a back to the training offered. players interested a more keeps an abacus in reserve revoke or an insufficient bid. Players can, of course, also current indication of success. in case of catastrophe. You can simplify and reduce help by leaving their barrack Judging by how many people Courses in being a club the law of course, but saying room lawyer side at home. look at the web page, they tournament director are something like a revoke is Jeremy Dhondy, are interested in their grade run for those in affiliated one trick (or even two) does Chairman of the EBU, or perhaps that of their and, should they wish, not cover the situation when Aylesbury, Bucks by email. friends if it is lower than unaffiliated clubs, by EBED. someone revokes and cuts theirs. All the calculations Thus far, I hope I have dummy off from five winners. GOOD COMPANY are done by the EBU and demonstrated that the EBU That is why directors can I was interested to read the process is as simple as and EBED are seeking to help restore equity in such cases, Mr Ben Lee’s letter entitled uploading the weekly game. with a number of the issues but I would guess it happens ‘No Conventions’ in A game needs to be fair and raised. There are some useful fewer than half a dozen BRIDGE 164, particularly one where most of the players suggestions in the article times a year in England. his comment, ‘I will play different boards is less that was published. Clubs I agree that some parts of never bid 7NT.’ than fair, hence the reason for cannot be automatically the law are only really for In 1962, I was the youngest saying that 70% of the boards protected from the threat the top level. Club players member of Farnborough should be in common. Better of a lawsuit, but adopting won’t have to deal with (Kent) Bridge Club and if it is higher, but that can be sensible procedures and very complex systems, nor being without a partner, was difficult for some number of the insurance, mentioned screens, nor the need to allocated the oldest member pairs. A 22 table duplicate earlier, can greatly reduce submit system files. There is of the club to be my partner, where 44 boards are in play the possibility and likelihood no reason why they should Mr Laird. He was a lovely (and this example is real) can of damage that might result. have to, but if they play Scottish gentleman, but have two pairs playing almost They can also ask for advice. cricket on the green then conservative with his bidding, no boards in competition. I agree that the EBU should whilst they might not use especially opening bids.

BRIDGE November 2016 Page 41 We had been playing up his answers. I either articles several times over. affiliated. However, in my together for about a year have to carry a special Keep up the good work. view the EBU do a fine job. when he opened one of a marker or use a separate Judy Coles, I hope Mr Anonymous suit, so I knew that he had piece of paper, which is Biggin Hill, Kent. will take up the challenge, at least 13 high card points. just a nuisance. I feel sure take up teaching bridge, I held an Acol 2♣ opening it must be more expensive, AGAINST THE TREND go on their teaching course bid, in fact, 23 points. So I and the older covers were I read the In My Opinion maybe, and little by little, knew we must have at least quite good enough, so article with increasing your clubs will grow again. 36 points between us. please return to them. sadness, not because I am an Dr Otto Meth-Cohn We could be missing an John Crosher, EBU person, but a mere foot by email. ace as I had three and also Royston, Hertfordshire. soldier in . three kings, so I gave him I live outside a small ANOTHER SUCCESS a double raise and on his HATE GLOSS (2) Northumbrian town of about I just wanted to say thank conventional reply went to Sorry but I think your 30,000 souls. Bridge is you, on behalf of Droitwich our slam convention which super glossy front cover is thriving here. I can hardly Bridge Club, for the latest was then Gerber, 4♣. He had a mistake. It cannot take keep count of the number of set of 6 DVDs (31-36) the missing ace but just to be either a pen or pencil when clubs, all well supported. In which arrived yesterday. on the safe side (he was not trying to answer Bernard my small village alone, there The DVD library at our club the only cautious bidder in Magee’s Bidding Quiz. are three different clubs – is a great success and is our partnership) I called 5♣ The inside pages are less one for absolute beginners, getting good use. I hope it for kings. He had the missing glossy and can take a pen one for improvers and one is generating good publicity king so worst case scenario, or pencil so that quality for the more experienced. for you. Droitwich Bridge we had , four gloss would be better for There are at least eight Club is a success story at kings, two queens and four the front cover thus allowing clubs in the area meeting the moment. We are getting jacks so I boldly bid 7NT. the reader to write their on different nights and a steady trickle of visitors, Mr Laird almost had a heart answer before comparing venues. Numbers of tables all of whom seem to join, attack at such boldness. with Bernard’s answers. in the larger clubs are in the and table numbers have After the first card was A Brown, high teens with the smaller gone up by two full tables played, Mr Laird laid his Polmont, Falkirk. ones of a dozen or so. per evening since the same hand down; we were missing Why is this so against the time last year. On Tuesday, only two jacks. I laid down HATE GLOSS (3) national trend? It is simple. we had 14 tables in play for my cards and asked my As usual I have read your We have a very active the first time at the club in opponents if they wished to article in my new edition. teaching programme, using almost five years. I am sure play out the hand and quietly You say you are glad that the excellent EBU teaching that the DVD library has scored 7NT. I would not have you have now achieved a methods and materials. Only contributed to that success. written about this but for the glossy cover. We don’t like two things empty bridge Will Parsons (Chair) fact that it was a joint top it at all, as we used to write clubs: 1. No teaching for by email. shared by three pairs out of copious notes and reminders beginners and 2. Rudeness. eight, so Mr Lee, you are in on the covers but now the The latter quickly empties REALLY? good company as the other pen just slides off. Now we a thriving club and should I very much enjoy the five pairs stopped in 6NT. are having to on a piece be dealt with firmly. magazine, but I always read Ron Mitchell by email. of paper for the notes. You It is evident that bridge it from the back to front. can’t please all the people tends to appeal to the older Mrs Lena Morgan, HATE GLOSS (1) all the time, but we still look members of society. That is Swansea. I thoroughly enjoy your forward to every edition. where our efforts should be magazine and appreciate Mrs Joyce E Pitt, aimed. Young folks tend to TELL ME…PLEASE that you are continually trying Perth, Scotland. prefer activities based on What the Rule of 70 to improve it. However, I do technology for mind games, is as mentioned in hate your new glossy covers. HATE GLOSS (4) but there are lots of people BRIDGE Number 165. Not only does it make May I make a suggestion? who would consider bridge Margaret Owen, them more difficult to read Could you reduce the gloss given some opportunity Brentford, Middlesex. as they reflect the light, on the cover. I can’t find any for a suitable class – and See page 7. but more importantly I pens that will write on it and a continuation thereafter. can no longer do Bernard I do like to do the quiz and Whingeing about the EBU, CONTROVERSIAL Magee’s Bidding Quiz. either tick my answers or rules etc won’t change a During our conversation a Both ballpoints and put the correct answer in. thing. Clubs don’t need to few days ago, I mentioned pencils refuse to write on Other than that I love the join the EBU. Indeed, two that I had read with it, so I cannot easily record magazine and read it cover of our longest standing and amusement the heading of my answers before looking to cover, and some of the most popular clubs are not Trump Control on page 21

Page 42 BRIDGE November 2016 of the current magazine. none of the experts now were about some change. I did wonder if any of your using Acol, as this had been I do hope you consider Better Hand American readers had any replaced by bidding five card it suitable for publication. witty comments to add? majors and a strong no- A new financial structure is Evaluation Hazael Brown by email. trump. I asked what should needed to support national Bernard Magee I bid with a weak balanced duplicate bridge activities. HAPPY BUNNY hand and he replied that this The costs of the National Introduction I attended a weekend was shown by a phoney club. Bridge Organisation are Better Hand Evaluation is with Bernard Magee I thought, ‘This is progress?’ now out of proportion to the aimed at helping readers to add greater accuracy to their Who opened my eyes Lindsey Barnes by email. population of contributors bidding. It deals with auc- to what I could see. and to the sustainable income tions in which you and your He simply threw open CHOICES from tournaments etc. partner, against silent op- the competitive doors I have enjoyed many holidays Current trends will put ponents, can describe your And now I bid freely with Mr Bridge. However, my the EBU back on the brink hands fully to each other and, by evaluating them ac- in all the part scores. cruise with the ship Magellan of financial disaster as curately, find the best final The lectures were good in August was an experience it was six years ago. contract. The emphasis of all – the play was intense, I will not be repeating. A programme to reduce the good, accurate bidding is on But advice from our However, I am looking cost of the EBU and to spread hand evaluation. Bernard always seemed forward to two other cruises I the minimised costs amongst There are two general types of to make sense, have booked with Mr Bridge; more clubs and players is auction: a) a fit is found and b) no fit is found. Although sometimes our one on Minerva and the needed. Fortunately, there is bids could land us in trouble, other on Aegean Odyssey. sufficient time and reserves When you do not have a fit, you are aiming to describe the Mrs I Masters, I shall continue to use for a bold strategy to cut strength of your hand as soon the competitive double. Boston, Lincs. overheads, make tournament as possible, most often using Graham Lee, 2016. bridge more financially no-trump bids. This book be- EYE CANDY attractive and enjoyable, and gins by discussing balanced- hand bidding in Acol, as it PROGRESS provide incentives for clubs is very important that both 78 years ago, my father that are presently unaffiliated members of a partnership taught the family how to to join in and contribute. have an accurate knowledge of play bridge using a simple Therefore the levy on each how to show hands of different strengths. bidding system known player in each session as the ‘phoney club’. played at each affiliated When a fit is found, there is much re-evaluation of the A bid of 1NT required at club can be reduced. hand to be done; point count, least 16 points and a bid of Pressures on income. though still important, needs a required at least The EBU has three main to be evaluated together with five cards. A weak balanced sources of income: distribution. The best way of reaching an accurate assess­ hand was shown by bidding a My bridge partner, Julia, 1. The shop faces ment is to use the Losing Trick club – hence the phoney club. is a great fan of Bernard competition from other Count; this is an important My wife and I played this and has all his DVDs and suppliers of bridge method of hand evaluation and system until we decided to his online tutorial system. paraphernalia and therefore takes up a number of chapters. join a local bridge club. I would like to get her pressure on its prices. It Finally, we move on to different I suggested that before a signed photograph of makes a limited contribution. forms of evaluation including doing so we should have him if possible. Can you 2. The numbers playing game tries and splinter bids. You can never know enough some lessons, so we did. help? Many thanks. in EBU tournaments are methods of hand evaluation; The teacher was aghast Stuart Potter by email. in sharp decline at best. the more you learn, the better at our bidding system and Although prices are rising, you get at judging your hand. said that the phoney club LAST BUT NOT LEAST there are substantial costs, Although the Losing Trick was a very poor system and I was so pleased to see and major competition Count is used more easily in we should change to Acol the article in your August from commercial cruises, tandem with your partner, a large proportion of the ideas with four card majors and a edition. I agreed with holidays and weekends. in this book can be used by an weak no trump; so we did. (almost) every single word. Again there is very little individual. For example, eval- With the help of Like many others I am financial contribution uating your hand to be worth Mr Benjamin and others I troubled by the present from tournaments. an extra point is going to help anyone you partner – as long have used this ever since. EBU board’s position 3. The income from Pay as you get it right. However, a few days ago I on many things. to Play (P2P) from affiliated picked up a stray partner at I have written the following clubs is raised at the modest £14 including UK postage the club and he said that he about the financial aspects cost of running the associated Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961 had been taught by a local of the current situation IT systems, the masterpoint www.mrbridge.co.uk ex-international who said that in the hope of bringing scheme and the national

BRIDGE November 2016 Page 43 grading scheme (NGS). providing enjoyable bridge combined with a package The EBU board manages It contributes the major for appreciative players. of free or heavily discounted the shareholders’ meeting part of the EBU’s Most of these activities are training, playing cards and according to the board’s ‘disposable’ income. not licensed or affiliated and bridge software; and agenda. The EBU AGM is P2P replaced individual do not offer masterpoints 3. Implementing budgets managed to reduce debate member subscription in or input to the NGS. for the operation of the among and questioning 2010 when individual Although some clubs have EBU that reduce its actual by the shareholders. membership of the EBU was affiliated, some have voted costs by 5% a year for Questions to the board and declining so quickly that it to unaffiliate, at least one at least five years. debate are not minuted posed a threat to the EBU’s because of the cost of P2P, The EBU expenses are or reported. The county future existence. Pay to Play and others have closed. incurred in supporting chairmen’s meeting was made the EBU levy a club Many weekly club members representation of England in cancelled this year. expense, almost invisible to are coming to the end of international competitions; The EBU is owned by members. Although many their playing careers; there donations to the charity the county associations. clubs disaffiliated at the is competition for the time EBED, an annual salary bill of They are collectively the time, the change steadied and money of potential around half a million pounds governing body of the EBU the financial situation. new bridge players from and the running of a medium and therefore the limited The population playing many other pursuits and sized office block in Aylesbury. company. They have the bridge in affiliated clubs the reputation of formal Its major financial asset power and the responsibility and national tournaments is duplicate bridge is one of is the office block, though to set strategy and direction. getting older and numbers aggression, rudeness and there are substantial cash Some readers will remember are falling. The quantity of the the use of an ever more reserves. These overheads when the counties met as a P2P levy on these players is complicated set of rules and were acquired at a time when body and their representatives consequently likely to decline regulations to intimidate. the game, particularly the were ‘delegates’ not and with it the income. Turning the tide. national and international ‘shareholders’. The EBU response has To keep up the overall game, was booming. The counties no longer been to increase the levy P2P income it has to be Potential cost reductions have any opportunity to P2P every year by roughly reduced to a level where include the salary bill; meet and discuss policy. 3%. Pay to play reached clubs and their players find downsizing or sub-letting Strategic change is needed 36p per player per session it a reasonable contribution its Aylesbury offices, or and the counties can bring two years ago. A minority of to an organisation that has considering moving to a it about if they debate shareholders voted against its very little to offer them. more economic part of and act collectively. increase that year. Last year it To spread the load wider, the country; withdrawing If you are an EBU was held steady for one year, there has to be an incentive from the Corn Cairdis member player, you will but the signs are that the for non-affiliated clubs and other discretionary be affiliated to a county. EBU board will propose to to become affiliated at a activities; and reducing the Contact the chairman, and resume the increase this year. reasonable cost, with some number of teams, or support shareholder(s), of your The steady increase to direct benefits. The world of teams representing county and give them your maintain the income has of affiliated bridge will England internationally. views on how they should resulted in making affiliated probably continue to decline, Champions for Change. assure the future of formal bridge unattractive. The and therefore the costs of The English Bridge bridge in this country. population of affiliated running the national bridge Union set up a limited Name & email supplied. clubs is level at best. Ever organisation must also company for administrative I have respected the request fewer players in affiliated be reduced, in a planned purposes, but the company for anonymity as the writer is clubs play in EBU or county and managed manner. is ultimately governed by a county office holder who competitions. Many club This can be achieved by: the body of county bridge tells me they have already members are barely aware 1. Committing to reducing associations, who each attracted some retaliation that they belong to the EBU. the P2P levy of 36p by 1p a hold a number of shares from the EBU board for their Others do take an interest year until it reaches 25p; and in the limited company. attitude. ■ in the masterpoint rankings 2. Offering an entry and the NGS, but it is programme to non-affiliated questionable that they value clubs such that they pay Write to Mr Bridge at: Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH them to the extent of 36p or 0p P2P in their first year or e-mail [email protected] more each time they play. of affiliation; 25% of the Social, informal and current rate in their second E-mail correspondents are asked to include their name, full postal leisure bridge is very year; 50% in their third address, telephone number and healthy. Cruises, holidays, year and 100% in their to send no attachments. weekends, social clubs, fourth year of affiliation Letters may be edited for length and clarity. volunteer groups are all onwards. This would be

Page 44 BRIDGE November 2016 Answers to Bernard Magee’s BERNARD Bidding Quizzes 1-3 MAGEE’S INTERACTIVE on the Cover TUTORIAL CD ACOL BIDDING chance of game if he is maximum. 1. Dealer East. Love All. With a miserable eight points, you ♠ K 10 6 5 ♠ A J might consider passing, but you have a ♥ K Q 8 7 N ♥ J 6 5 reasonable hand, with the added bonus ♦ 7 W E ♦ A K 10 8 4 of your diamond holding – a robust S ♣ J 10 9 4 ♣ Q 8 5 holding in your partner’s suit will often help to develop tricks, as is the case here. MAC or So you invite your partner to game by Windows West North East South bidding 2NT and with a maximum hand 1♦ Pass he accepts; bidding 3NT. 1♥ Pass 1NT1 Pass ? 115-17 balanced 3. Dealer East. Love All. ♠ 7 2 ♠ 6 4 3 3NT. ♥ K Q 8 7 4 N ♥ A 2 You have only nine high card points but ♦ J 7 6 W E ♦ A K 10 8 4 S your partner has shown 15-17 so should ♣ K Q 4 ♣ A 9 5 you bid game or not? Throughout 200 deals split into A singleton in partner’s suit is a bad ten chapters, Bernard evaluates sign, but it is your two tens that should West North East South your bids, praising the correct persuade you to go for game. Your club 1♦ Pass ones and discussing the wrong holding is worth more than one point 1♥ Pass 1NT1 Pass ones. and the ♠10 might come in handy too. ? A ten with another honour is generally 115-17 balanced l Opening Bids counted as half a high card point. All-in- and Responses all your hand is probably worth a bad ten 3♣. l Slams and points, but that is certainly worth going This time you have plenty of strength for Strong Openings for game. game, but should be slightly wary of your Game is not a certainty but most of the spade holding. The defenders will often l Support for Partner time you should accumulate at least nine favour an unbid major when they are on l Pre-empting tricks. lead, so if you have weakness there, you l Overcalls will not often escape. £66 Therefore making a forcing bid, one l No-trump 2. Dealer East. Love All. that emphasises your spade weakness is Openings ♠ 10 6 4 3 ♠ A J probably best: it will advertise the best and Responses ♥ K Q 8 7 N ♥ J 6 5 lead to the defenders, but it will also l Opener’s and ♦ Q J 5 W E ♦ A K 8 7 4 allow you to find a better contract if you S Responder’s Rebids ♣ 8 2 ♣ A 9 5 are both weak (as here). 3♣ is your best bid, ostensibly natural, l Minors and Misfits but if your partner does support, you l Doubles West North East South could go back to diamonds if necessary. l Competitive Auctions 1♦ Pass Over 3♣, East will accept that 3NT is 1♥ Pass 1NT1 Pass too risky with his weak spades too: he ? will probably bid 3♦ over which you can 115-17 balanced rebid 3♥ and East should pick 4♥ as the Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, best contract of a mixed bag. You have Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH 2NT. a reasonable chance in 4♥ – needing to ( 01483 489961 Your partner has shown 15-17 points avoid two losers in hearts and diamonds www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop so with your eight, there should be a combined. ■

BRIDGE November 2016 Page 45 CROATIA Sally Brock Looks at Your Slam Bidding 2-16 May 2017 Bernard Magee Sally’s Slam Clinic HOTEL From e have recently discovered (my preference) or ‘first-round first’. ♠ £1,425 EDEN a technical glitch in the Mr After the 2 opening, East should Bridge email system which raise to 3♠, after which West, who sharing ROVINJ Whas meant that quite a few emails that is (sub)minimum for the opening, were sent in for me never arrived. So, should simply raise to 4♠. If West all of a sudden, instead of grumbling wishes to proceed he should try 4♦, that no-one ever sends me any slam and now East knows that there is no hands, I now have too many to publish. club control and can sign off in 4♠. Please keep them coming. From now If West starts with 2NT and East on I am going to publish one hand transfers with 3♥, West should ‘break entitled ‘Where did we go wrong?’ and the transfer’ with 4♦, showing four- one ‘Slam of the Month’ which will card spade support and a diamond feature a good bidding sequence, and control. Again with no club control which will receive a prize. East should sign off in 4♠. Even if East-West prefer the ‘first-

Rovinj is situated on the western coast Where did we round first’ style (so that the diamond of Istria in Croatia, the largest peninsula go wrong? cue-bid does not deny second-round on the Adriatic coastline, a one hour control in clubs), the lack of club drive from Trieste, 2.5 hours from Zagreb. This first deal was sent in by Ian control should be identified in time to Boasting a rich, natural and cultural heritage, with beautiful landmarks such as Dalziel: stop at the five level. the old town, the Golden Cape Park Forest, protected islands and coastal area. Slam of the Month The climate is warm and semi-dry, with Dealer East. Love All. more than four months a year without wind. ♠ K Q J 10 9 ♠ A 8 5 4 2 This deal cropped up in one of the ‘less Hotel Eden is wedged right between a ♥ A Q N ♥ K J 2 competitive’ evenings at Horsham peninsula covered by a one hundred year ♦ A Q 4 W E ♦ K 10 9 Bridge Club and was sent in by Nigel old park forest and a quiet cove. The old S ♣ Q 8 5 ♣ 4 3 city centre of Rovinj is just a 20 minute Flynn, who bid it with his wife Kate. walk away. Rooms: All rooms are equipped with a direct phone line, LCD SAT TV, mini-bar, Some pairs at the Troon Bridge Club ♠ A 5 3 ♠ Q 10 safe, bathtub or shower, toilet, hair dryer, bid Pass – 2♠ – 6♠, though some ♥ 6 3 N ♥ Q balcony, air conditioning/heating. Suites preferred to go via Blackwood. Even if ♦ K 10 8 5 W E ♦ A Q 9 2 are available, details on application. S the defenders did not take the first two ♣ A K 6 3 ♣ Q 10 9 8 7 5 Singles: There is a sole occupancy supplement of £11 per room per night. If club tricks, the slam had no play. you are a single bridge player, please do not My first comment is that I do not worry about being on your own. We will like a 2♠ opening on that West hand. West North East South always be able to find you a partner and you ♠ 1♣ Pass can always have a game. A 2 opening should have some good playing strength, either a six-card 1♦ 1♥ 3♦ 4♥ Beaches & Pools: The playful curves of 4NT Pass 5♦ Pass the pool offer refreshment in the summer suit or two five-card suits. The West with a salty breeze coming from the natural hand here is a balanced 20-count and 6♦ All Pass stone and pebble beach only a few steps should be bid as such by opening 2NT. away. The vast outdoor pool will cool you The other comment is that this is I particularly like East’s jump to 3♦, down after a day of lounging in the freely available deck chairs. the hand-type that should use cue- showing good appreciation of the Terms and conditions apply. bidding. Ace-asking conventions hand’s distributional potential despite These holidays have been organised for should only be used when it is (more a low point-count. This enabled West Mr Bridge by Great Little Escapes LLP, ATOL 5933 or less) certain that there are not two to take control and bid the slam in the Details of the bridge programme top losers in any suit. There are two 4-4 fit. Note that a slam in the 6-4 club styles of cue-bidding: ‘up-the-line’ fit has no play at all. ■ ( 01483 489961

Send your slam hands to [email protected]

Page 46 BRIDGE November 2016 Answers to Bernard Magee’s BERNARD Bidding Quizzes 4-6 on the Cover MAGEE’S INTERACTIVE 2♦. Once again your partner is not 4. Dealer East. Love All. promising much when he rebids 2♣, but TUTORIAL CD ♠ J 8 5 4 ♠ 7 6 3 at least you have a little more strength ♥ A 9 8 7 6 N ♥ 2 this time. 2NT is still beyond you – your ♦ 2 W E ♦ A K 7 5 4 partner might have just 12 points, so with DECLARER S ♣ J 6 4 ♣ A K 3 2 a misfitting hand, you would be likely to struggle. PLAY That leaves a choice of your three bid West North East South suits again. It is tempting to bid 2♥, but 1♦ Pass you will often finish in a poor contract. 1♥ Pass 2♣ Pass Your partner has already shown at least MAC or ? nine cards in the minors, so he is likely to Windows be short in hearts, particularly because Pass. Your partner has shown his if he had a 1-3-5-4 hand he might have second suit, but is not promising any raised to 2♥ on the previous round. extra strength, since he has bid below his Given a choice between clubs and first suit at the two-level. diamonds you should give preference to You do not have a very nice hand, but the first suit, which might be longer: 2♦. you have a decision to make: which part- score contract will be the safest? Although you have a spade stopper, no-trumps 6. Dealer East. Love All. should be out of your mind because you ♠ 8 5 4 ♠ K 6 3 need points to make no-trump contracts ♥ A K 6 5 4 N ♥ 2 and you are certainly too weak. So ♦ 9 8 W E ♦ A K 7 5 4 S Bernard develops your you need to choose between hearts, ♣ A Q J ♣ K 8 3 2 declarer play technique in diamonds and clubs, but remember that the course of ten you are not looking at just your hand, introductory exercises and you are considering your partner’s too. West North East South With weak opening hands your 1♦ Pass 120 complete deals. ♥ ♥ ♣ partner should support to 2 on many 1 Pass 2 Pass l Suit Establishment three-card holdings. You should only ? in No-trumps really rebid your own suit if you would l Suit Establishment feel comfortable playing opposite a 2♠. You have a strong hand and since in Suits singleton heart in your partner’s hand: you want to play in a game contract, clearly not the case here. That leaves a you either need to bid it now, or make l Hold-ups choice between your partner’s suits and a forcing bid. Deciding which game l Ruffing for with two more clubs than diamonds you straightaway would be guesswork, so Extra Tricks should choose clubs. what choices do you have? 2♥ is certainly £76 2♣ is non-forcing, so you should pass, no good and 3♥ would show six hearts l Entries in No-trumps leaving your partner a chance to make and is still non-forcing. his contract. Your only choice is to use an artificial l Delaying bid to get your partner to bid again and Drawing Trumps hopefully his next bid will solve your l Using the Lead 5. Dealer East. Love All. problems. ♠ J 8 5 4 ♠ 7 6 3 You use the fourth suit forcing: make a l Trump Control ♥ A K 6 5 4 N ♥ 2 bid of 2♠, which as the fourth suit, is used l Endplays & Avoidance ♦ 9 8 W E ♦ A K 7 5 4 artificially to tell your partner you have S l Using the Bidding ♣ 7 4 ♣ A K 3 2 strength, but are not sure what to bid. Opener is required to describe his hand one more time, particularly making Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, West North East South note of whether he has a stopper in Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH 1♦ Pass spades. ( 01483 489961 1♥ Pass 2♣ Pass East would bid 2NT, showing his stop- www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop ? per and now you can raise to 3NT. ■

BRIDGE November 2016 Page 47 Miami, USA Central America & the Mardi Gras th 4 February 2017 • 46 nights Southampton Sails from Southampton • Balmoral • CRUISE ID: L1703

Charleston Ponta Delgada Key West Jacksonville Tampa Hamilton Madeira New Orleans (2 nights) Port Canaveral Miami Cozumel Key West Tortola Belize City Antigua Falmouth St. Lucia Banana Coast Barbados (Trujillo)

Date Arrive Depart Destination host of incredible experiences are packed into one truly FEBRUARY 2017 Sat 04 PM Southampton stunning holiday. The Caribbean, North America and Central Sun 05-Tue 07 Cruising America: this fantastic trip takes you to some of the world’s most Wed 08 early am late pm Funchal, Madeira A Thu 09-Tue 14 Cruising beautiful, exciting and interesting destinations in a once-in-a-lifetime Wed 15 early pm late night Bridgetown, Barbados Thu 16 early am late pm Castries, St. Lucia adventure you will never forget. Fri 17 early am late pm St. John's, Antigua Sat 18 early am late pm Road Town, Tortola Visit Road Town, Tortola, rich in pirate history. mile upon mile of untouched golden beaches Sun 19-Mon 20 Cruising Here you can ride into the rugged inland and two awe-inspiring, world famous rocket Tue 21 early am late pm Falmouth, Jamaica landscapes on our Jeep Safari tour, or head launch sites – the Kennedy Space Centre Wed 22 Cruising out into the warm, crystal clear waters and and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Thu 23 early am late pm Banana Coast (Trujillo), Honduras swim with dolphins. Tortola was voted the Contrast the fiercely modern architecture Fri 24 early am late pm Belize City, Belize best port of call in the Caribbean by Fred. of Jacksonville with the gentler Georgian Sat 25 early am late pm Cozumel, Mexico Olsen guests, though Barbados, Antigua buildings of Charleston. Southern charm Sun 26 Cruising and St. Lucia aren’t bad either. marks departure from the shores of the Mon 27 late pm New Orleans, LA, USA US as the British charm of Bermuda beckons. Tue 28 New Orleans, LA, USA Honduras, Belize and Mexico all follow in MARCH 2017 quick succession: bathe in tropical sunshine, Wed 01 early pm New Orleans, LA, USA Latin culture and fascinating indigenous Thu 02 Cruising history. Little can match two nights in New early am late night Fri 03 Tampa, FL, USA Orleans though, especially as this is perfectly Sat 04 Cruising timed so you can join the colourful fun at the Sun 05 early am late pm Key West, FL, USA annual Mardi Gras. Collect symbolic colourful Mon 06 early am late pm Miami, FL, USA Tue 07 early am late pm Port Canaveral, FL, USA beads as the revellers (known as ‘krewes’) Wed 08 early am late pm Jacksonville, FL, USA parade their hand-crafted floats and Thu 09 early am late night Charleston, SC, USA costumes through the city. Fri 10-Sat 11 Cruising Sun 12 early am late pm Hamilton, Bermuda In Florida, enjoy Fred.’s maiden call into Mon 13-Fri 17 Cruising Tampa, followed by the party atmosphere, Sat 18 early am early pm Ponta Delgada, Azores relaxed mind-set and beautiful beaches of Sun 19-Tue 21 Cruising Key West, Miami and Port Canaveral. This Wed 22 AM Southampton is the chance to explore floral national parks, New Orleans Up to £250 per person On Board Spend For adult travellers only The extended length and nature of this Prices per person sailing are suited to the adult traveller, REDUCED SOLE OCCUPANCY therefore only those over 18 are able SUPPLEMENTS ON SELECTED Cabin type Prices from to join. TWIN GRADES Inside £3,999 Outside £4,699 Suites £10,499 Your Price Includes: Single £6,749 Daily evening bridge on board and bridge fees included in the fare • Morning seminars and afternoon bridge on days at sea • A bridge partner will always be found for solo travellers • Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, a five-course a la carte dinner, late night buffet and self-service Prices are correct at time of going to print, but tea & coffee • Mr Bridge Welcome and Farewell Drinks parties• Varied daytime activies, lectures may change at any time. Call for latest prices. and talks • Choice of live evening entertainment

Contact Mr Bridge to book now on 01483 489 961 or visit www.mrbridge.co.uk

FOC307429_Mr_Bridge_FP_4x_210X295_Ads_27.01.16_FV.indd 1 27/01/2016 11:38 Answers to BRIDGE EVENTS 2016/17 Bernard Magee’s with Bernard Magee Bidding Quizzes 7-9 on the Cover PROGRAMME FRIDAY isn’t forcing and 3NT might 7. Dealer East. Love All. make, so you should use the 1500 Mr Bridge ♠ 6 4 ♠ 2 fourth suit forcing to help you. Welcome Desk open N Tea or coffee on arrival ♥ 7 2 W E ♥ A 9 8 6 4 3 A bid in the fourth suit, 2♠, is S ♦ K Q 3 ♦ A J 4 2 rarely needed naturally, so it Elstead Hotel 1745 to 1830 Bournemouth BH1 3QP ♣ K Q 6 4 3 2 ♣ A 8 is used to allow the maker of Welcome drinks the fourth suit bid to keep the 4-6 November £245 reception auction going. Your partner Competitive Bidding 1830 to 2000 West North East South would rebid 3♦ (suggesting a Dinner 1♥ Pass 5-5 hand). Now you can be Blunsdon 2015 BRIDGE 1 2♣ Pass 2♦ Pass sure that diamonds is the best House Hotel DUPLICATE PAIRS ? denomination, but you might Swindon SN26 7AS investigate the chances of a 11-13 November £245 SATURDAY 3♣. Your two-level response slam. 4♣ would be the bid to Partner of the Leader 0800 to 0930 makes an important differ- make (not an easy one): this Breakfast ence to the auction: when would suggest diamond sup- your partner changes the port and hopes for a slam. 1000 to 1230 SEMINAR & suit again, you are forced to As you can see, 6♦ will SUPERVISED PLAY bid once more. This is be- make comfortably. of SET HANDS cause your two-level response (tea & coffee at 1100) should show ten or more 1230 to 1330 points and you can therefore 9. Dealer East. Love All. Cold Buffet Lunch manage to rebid 2NT if you ♠ K Q 3 ♠ A 9 6 5 2 N Denham Grove have the right type of hand. ♥ 6 4 ♥ 7 5 1400 to 1645 W E Near Uxbridge UB9 5DG With six clubs, you should ♦ 7 2 S ♦ A 8 4 3 BRIDGE 2 TEAMS of FOUR rebid your suit, which gives ♣ K Q 6 4 3 2 ♣ A 8 18-20 November £245 a pretty good description of Penalty Doubles 1815 to 2000 your hand. Now your part- Dinner ner might try going back to West North East South Trouville Hotel 2015 BRIDGE 3 3♥ suggesting six cards. With 1♠ Pass Sandown, Isle of Wight DUPLICATE PAIRS a fit in hearts you can go for 2♣ Pass 2♦ Pass 23-27 February £399 game: 4♥. ? Slam Bidding SUNDAY 0800 to 0930 4♠. You respond 2♣ and hear Breakfast 8. Dealer East. Love All. your partner rebid 2♦. Your 1000 to 1230 ♠ 6 5 4 ♠ 2 partner’s bid suggests five N SEMINAR & ♥ 7 W E ♥ A K 8 6 5 cards in the first suit and four SUPERVISED PLAY S ♦ K Q 9 3 ♦ A J 5 4 2 in the second – this is a crucial of SET HANDS ♣ A K Q 4 3 ♣ 7 2 part of the modern Acol sys- (tea & coffee at 1100) tem. This means you have a 1230 to 1400 fit in spades, so you can fully Inn on the Prom Sunday Lunch West North East South evaluate your hand. Six losers, St Anne’s on Sea FY8 1LU 1400 to 1645 1♥ Pass but aceless so you should de- 7-9 March £245 BRIDGE 4 2♣ Pass 2♦ Pass value it slightly; however, there DUPLICATE PAIRS tba ? is still the strength for game. With your high cards in 2♠. You are strong enough trumps and your long suit, Full Board. No Single Supplement*. for game, so your job is to de- you should treat the hand at See www.mrbridge.co.uk for any new dates cide which game is best. You its full value and go straight *subject to availability have a fit in diamonds, but 3♦ for game: 4♠. ■

BRIDGE November 2016 Page 49 BERNARD Answers to Bernard Magee’s MAGEE’S Bidding Quizzes 10-12 INTERACTIVE TUTORIAL CD on the Cover

DEFENCE been bid. You need to contrive a bid that 10. Dealer East. Love All. will likely result in the best contract be- ♠ Q 8 7 6 2 ♠ K 3 ing reached. Bid 2♦, where your strength ♥ Q 9 N ♥ A K 4 2 lies: the change of suit is forcing for one ♦ J 4 3 2 W E ♦ 7 round. Your partner will assume that you S ♣ J 2 ♣ A K 7 6 4 3 have four cards in diamonds, but that MAC or should not cause too many problems, Windows more important is that your partner will West North East South consider a no-trump contract if he has a 1♣ Pass stopper in hearts (the unbid suit). Here, 1♠ Pass 2♥ Pass East would indeed bid no-trumps (2NT) ? and you would finish in 3NT.

3♣. Your partner has rebid in a new suit above his first suit at the two-level: he has made a reverse bid and so should be 12. Dealer East. Love All. strong. He is asking you to make at least ♠ A J 10 6 5 ♠ Q 4 3 one more bid. ♥ K 7 N ♥ A Q J 9 8 6 Bernard develops your You would prefer not to have to make ♦ 6 2 W E ♦ A K 4 S defence in the course of ten another bid, but to keep your partner ♣ A J 5 2 ♣ 9 introductory exercises and happy you must. 120 complete deals. Whenever you are weak and have weak suits, then your best bid is to give West North East South l Lead vs simple preference to one of your part- 1♥ Pass No-trump Contracts ner’s suits – this shows no extra strength. 1♠ Pass 3♥ Pass l Lead vs Here you should bid 3♣ and your part- ? Suit Contracts ner might well choose to pass. 4♣. Your partner’s jump to 3♥ shows a l Partner of Leader vs No-trump strong hand: 6+ hearts and 16+ points. Contracts You have a fit in hearts; your heart holding 11. Dealer East. Love All. is plenty to support a six-card suit, so you l Partner of Leader ♠ A Q 8 6 ♠ K 2 might be tempted just to bid 4♥. vs Suit Contracts ♥ 9 4 N ♥ K 7 6 5 However, you hold 13 HCP of your W E l Count ♦ K Q 6 ♦ 7 own, which puts you very close to the S Signals ♣ K 9 8 2 ♣ A Q 7 6 4 3 slam zone. You would like to tell your partner two things: you are happy to play l Attitude £76 Signals in hearts, but you also have the strength West North East South to try for a slam. In an auction like this, l Discarding 1♣ Pass there is no room to do this. However, ex- l Defensive Plan 1♠ Pass 2♣ Pass perts have generally found that if opener ? jump rebids in his suit, there is little point l Stopping Declarer in arguing about the choice of suits at the l Counting the Hand 2♦. You have a strong hand, which oppo- four-level – it is too rare that this will be site an opening bid has plenty of strength helpful. Therefore, experts use a new suit for a game. You have good support for at the four-level in this auction to agree Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, your partner’s suit, but with a balanced the major suit and be a cue bid: showing Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH shape, you would like to explore for a a control in the suit. ( 01483 489961 no-trump contract. Your partner’s rebid 4♣ is the perfect bid on your hand and www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop in his own suit has made things slightly this allows the partnership to move to- awkward because only two suits have wards the slam. ■

Page 50 BRIDGE November 2016 2172 Mr Bridge FULL page 171109BR_Layout 1 04/09/2016 00:37 Page 1

NEW – 2017 AUTUMN BRIDGE CRUISE

SEVILLE, S PA I N Seville Jerez Cadiz Malaga MOROCCO & Strait of Gibraltar Rabat Casablanca Fez Morocco Atlantic CANARY ISLANDS Ocean Marrakesh Agadir Taroudant Canary La Palma Islands Lanzarote Tenerife

DEPARTS UK NOVEMBER 9, 2017

NOV 9 Fly to MALAGA Spain Transfer to Aegean Odyssey NOV 10 At Sea NOV 11 River cruising along the Guadalquivir River SEVILLE Spain overnight NOV 12 SEVILLE Spain NOV 13 CADIZ Spain (Jerez) NOV 14 CASABLANCA/FEZ Morocco Morning drive to Fez for afternoon sightseeing hotel* NOV 15 FEZ/RABAT/CASABLANCA Morocco Morning drive to Rabat. Rejoin ship in Casablanca overnight NOV 16 CASABLANCA/MARRAKESH Morocco Drive to Marrakesh for afternoon sightseeing hotel* SEVILLE 12-day fly-cruise from £1,795 per person NOV 17 MARRAKESH/AGADIR Morocco Rejoin ship in Agadir. with Mr & Mrs Bridge Afternoon sightseeing to Taroudant NOV 18 LANZAROTE Canary Islands This fascinating journey takes you from Moorish Spain to the NOV 19 LA PALMA Canary Islands NOV 20 TENERIFE Canary Islands treasures of the Canary Islands and the very best of Morocco with Disembark and transfer to a land tour to the great cities and sites, including hotels stays in Fez Tenerife Airport for flight home and Marrakesh. Cruise through the Strait of Gibraltar and inland AEG171109BR to moor in the centre of Seville. Sailing out into the Atlantic Ocean, MR BRIDGE VALUE FARES you’ll visit the sun-blessed Canary Islands and visit Lanzarote’s Standard Inside from £1,795pp famous Fire Mountains and the verdant landscapes of La Palma. Standard Outside from £2,195pp Premium Outside from £2,295pp Odyssey Club Members enjoy an additional 5% discount on prices shown above. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT FARES INCLUDE: JUST 10%† • Scheduled economy class flights CALL NOW ON 01483 489961 • One night hotel stay in both Fez and Marrakesh • Expert guest speaker programme OR VISIT www.mrbridge.co.uk • Mr Bridge drinks party Cabins can be held at no obligation for 7 days • Duplicate bridge every evening • Morning seminars and afternoon bridge when at sea • Sightseeing excursions in all ports of call • All meals on board in choice of two restaurants • Complimentary wine with dinner on board • Gratuities for on-board cabin and restaurant staff • Overseas transfers and baggage handling

Mr Bridge fares are per person and subject to availability at time of booking. They may be 10093 withdrawn at any time without notice. Please see website for full terms and conditions. †Single accommodation is available only in certain categories and is subject to availability. ABTA No.Y2206 *No bridge during hotel stays. 2172 Mr Bridge FULL page 171018BR_Layout 1 03/09/2016 23:59 Page 1

NEW – 2017 AUTUMN BRIDGE CRUISE ANCIENT GREECE, spain Greece CartageMediterraneanna Seville Athens Jerez Sea Palermo Granada Trapani Segesta Santorini SICILY& SPAIN Cadiz Malaga sicily Valletta Heraklion malta Knossos crete

DEPARTS UK OCTOBER 18, 2017

OCT 18 Fly to ATHENS Greece Transfer to Aegean Odyssey in nearby Piraeus OCT 19 SANTORINI Greek Islands (Akrotiri) OCT 20 HERAKLION Crete (Knossos) OCT 21 At Sea OCT 22 VALLETTA Malta OCT 23 PALERMO Sicily overnight OCT 24 PALERMO Sicily (Monreale) OCT 25 TRAPANI Sicily (Segesta) OCT 26 At Sea OCT 27 CARTAGENA Spain OCT 28 MALAGA Spain (Granada)

SEGESTA, SICILY 14-day fly-cruise from £2,150 per person OCT 29 CADIZ Spain (Jerez) overnight OCT 30 CADIZ Spain River cruising along the with Mr & Mrs Bridge Guadalquivir River SEVILLE Spain overnight Combine your desire to travel with your passion for bridge OCT 31 SEVILLE Spain on a voyage across the Mediterranean Sea. Explore Minoan Disembark and transfer to Santorini and Crete. Sail into the grand harbour of Valletta. Seville Airport for flight home Enjoy the monumental sites of Sicily and the magnificent AEG171018BR Alhambra Palace at Granada before Aegean Odyssey sails MR BRIDGE VALUE FARES inland along the Guadalquivir River to the heart of Andalusia and its splendid capital – Seville. Standard Inside from £2,150pp Standard Outside from £2,650pp Premium Outside from £2,795pp Odyssey Club Members enjoy an additional 5% discount on prices shown above. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT JUST 10%† FARES INCLUDE: • Scheduled economy class flights CALL NOW ON 01483 489961 • Expert guest speaker programme OR VISIT www.mrbridge.co.uk • Mr Bridge drinks party • Duplicate bridge every evening Cabins can be held at no obligation for 7 days • Morning seminars and afternoon bridge when at sea • Sightseeing excursions in all ports of call • All meals on board in choice of two restaurants • Complimentary wine with dinner on board • Gratuities for on-board cabin and restaurant staff • Overseas transfers and baggage handling

Mr Bridge fares are per person and subject to availability at time of booking. They may be 10093 withdrawn at any time without notice. Please see website for full terms and conditions. †Single accommodation is available only in certain categories and is subject to availability. ABTA No.Y2206