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Number: 211 July 2020 BRIDGEJulian Pottage’s Double Dummy Problem

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

Contract 5♠ by South Lead: ♥6

This Double Dummy problem can also be found on page 5 of this issue. The answer will be published on page 4 next month. BERNARD MAGEE’S TUTORIAL CD-ROMs

ACOL BIDDING ADVANCED DEFENCE l Opening Bids and BIDDING l Lead vs No- Responses l Basics Contracts l Slams and Strong l Advanced Basics l Lead vs Suit Contracts Openings l Weak Twos l Partner of Leader vs l £96 Support for Partner l Strong Hands No-trump Contracts l Pre-empting l Defence to Weak Twos l Partner of Leader vs l Suit Contracts £66 l Defence to 1NT l l Count Signals No-trump Openings l Doubles £76 and Responses l Attitude Signals l Two-suited Overcalls l Opener’s and l Discarding Responder’s Rebids l Defences to Other Systems l Defensive Plan l Minors and Misfits l Misfits and l Stopping Declarer l Doubles Distributional Hands l Counting the Hand l Competitive Auctions

Operating system requirements: Operating system requirements: Operating system requirements: Windows or Mac OS 10.08 -10.14 Windows only Windows or Mac OS 10.08 -10.14

DECLARER PLAY ADVANCED FIVE-CARD MAJORS l Suit Establishment in DECLARER PLAY & Strong No-Trump No-trumps l Overtricks in l Opening Bids & l Suit Establishment No-trumps £81 Responses in Suits l Overtricks in l No-Trump Openings l Hold-ups Suit Contracts l Support for Partner l Ruffing for Extra Tricks l Endplays l Slams & Strong l Entries in No-trumps l Avoidance Openings l Delaying Drawing l Wrong Contract l Rebids £89 Trumps l Simple Squeezes l Minors & Misfits l Using the Lead l Counting the Hand l Pre-empting l Trump Control l Trump Trouble l Doubles l Endplays £76 l Doubled Contracts l Overcalls & Avoidance l Safety Plays l Competitive Auctions l Using the Bidding Operating system requirements: Operating system requirements: Operating system requirements: Windows or Mac OS 10.08 -10.14 Windows or Mac OS 10.08 -10.14 Windows only ( 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop Features this month include: ADVERTISERS’ BRIDGE 1 July Double Dummy Bridge Problem INDEX TheMr Bridge Monthly Magazine by Ryden Grange, Knaphill, 2 Tutorial Software with 4 June Double Dummy Bridge Problem Answer Surrey GU21 2TH Bernard Magee ( 01483 489961 by Julian Pottage 3 Clive Goff’s Stamps Mr Bridge [email protected] 4 4 The Generator www.mrbridge.co.uk 5 July Double Dummy Bridge Problem Tea Towel shop: mrbridge.co.uk/shop by Julian Pottage 5 Bernard Magee Bridge Publisher/Managing Editor 6 Julian Pottage Answers Your Bridge Questions Limited Mr Bridge 5 The Edwardian 7 Bidding Quiz by Bernard Magee Tea Towel Associate Editor Julian Pottage 9 Defence Quiz by Julian Pottage 10 Books On Bridge [email protected] 9 Declarer Play Quiz by David Huggett 14 Acol Bidding with Bernard Magee Bridge Consultant 11 The Losing Trick Count by Andrew Kambites Bernard Magee 14 Little Voice bernardmagee 15 The Losing Trick Count Quiz @mrbridge.co.uk by Andrew Kambites 15 Declarer Play with Bernard Magee Cartoons & Illustrations 16 Nazir's Eastern Magic by 19 Advanced Acol Bidding Marguerite Lihou 18 Simple Take-Out Doubles by with Bernard Magee www.margueritelihou.co.uk 20 Bridge Glossary - C by Julian Pottage 26 Bridge With Angela Technical Consultant Tony Gordon 27 Bridge Glossary - D by Julian Pottage 31 Bernard Magee Bridge 34 Seven Days by Sally Brock Limited Typesetting Jessica Galt 37 Defence Quiz Answers by Julian Pottage 33 Rules [email protected] Simplified 38 David Stevenson Answers Your Bridge Questions 43 Begin Bridge with Proof Reading Team 39 Declarer Play Quiz Answers by David Huggett Catrina Shackleton Bernard Magee 41 The Losing Trick Count Quiz Answers Julian Pottage 44 Double Dummy Tea Mark Rixon by Andrew Kambites Towels Mike Orriel 43 Bidding Quiz Answers (1-3) by Bernard Magee 45 Defence with Richard Wheen 45 Bidding Quiz Answers (4-6) by Bernard Magee Bernard Magee Clubs & Charities 50 Luxury Playing Cards Maggie Axtell 46 The Diaries Of Wendy Wensum [email protected] 47 Bidding Quiz Answers (7-9) by Bernard Magee 51 Advanced Declarer Play with Bernard Magee Events, Holidays & Cruises 48 Self Alerting and Self Explaining by David Stevenson ( 01483 489961 52 Mr Bridge Fine Bone 49 Bidding Quiz Answers (10-12) by Bernard Magee Jessica Galt China Mugs [email protected] 50 Sally's Slam Clinic Megan Riccio [email protected] REDUCE THE COST OF YOUR POSTAGE Emily Hawkins British postage stamps for sale at 90% of face- [email protected] value, all mint and with full gum. Customer Services Catrina Shackleton Quotations for commercial quantities are [email protected] available on request.

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BRIDGE July 2020 Page 3 RECOVERY UPDATE 2020 program. For UK events, I plan to reduce my offering, any cancellations will receive a full refund. If your Mr Bridge UK Event is E GEN ERATO cancelled the lead booker TH R will be advised, by email, at least 5 weeks prior to the ♠ K J 9 7 event date with full details ♥ 10 8 7 on how to obtain a refund. ♦ K 3 2 ♣ K Q J 2021 EVENTS ♠ 4 3 2 ♠ A Q 10 8 6 5 ♥ ♥ 6 5 4 3 2 N I anticipate running a ♦ Q 8 7 6 W E ♦ J 9 S ♣ 7 6 5 ♣ 4 3 2 As many of you will be slimline offering of events ♠ Void aware I have recently in 2021 while we see how ♥ A K Q J 9 undergone an operation to things develop. ♦ remove a new cancer. A 10 5 4 BERNARD MAGEE ♣ A 10 9 8 Thankfully, the procedure appears to have been successful. However, at 81, I know many of you are ♥ this has knocked some of enjoying watching Bernard Contract 7 by South the stuffing out of me and I Magee on his YouTube Lead: 4♥ am having to focus almost channel. I am impressed by all my energy on making a what he has managed to full recovery. achieve in such a short period of time.

9. THE GENERATOR © Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961. Printed in the UK on 100% cotton. Coinciding with my own Available as a tea towel from Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961 health issues is the I am encouraging Bernard coronavirus pandemic that to take this forward under has swept all over the his own brand. Bernard THE GENERATOR world. In 60-plus years of Magee Bridge. In turn, I running my own businesses encourage you to support I have never experienced him as he develops his The Solution to June’s anything as dire as this business. If you have not current situation. yet seen Bernard in action do visit: Double Dummy Bridge Problem Like so many other companies, Mr Bridge has bernardmageebridge.com 1. Put up dummy’s ♥10, playing the ♥9 had to furlough some of its underneath it, and a spade staff and cancel several This will take you through 2. Return to dummy with a club and ruff another months of events with no to what he is doing. Bernard clear idea of how it will all is keen on returning to spade end up. hosting weekends, holidays 3. Return to dummy with a second club and ruff and cruises as soon as it is a third spade With both my health and possible but will work on the pandemic to consider, I building and consolidating 4. Return to dummy with a third club and ruff a have sadly decided I need to an on-line following. fourth spade slim down future bridge 5. Then cross to dummy with the ♦K and draw holiday offerings. FUNDRAISER the remaining trumps, discarding diamonds 2020 EVENTS Bernard Magee's live from hand. You make the last two tricks with broadcasts on YouTube the minor-suit aces. Subject to government have now raised £28,000 for guidelines allowing events Cancer Research UK via It is crucial that you use all three club entries to take place, I plan to Bernard Magee's Just Giving ♦ honour all Mr Bridge page. Well done him and before the K because otherwise West could overseas holidays and the bridge players for their discard a club on the fourth round of spades. n cruise commitments in my generosity.

Page 4 BRIDGE July 2020 THE FUTURE £25 per box of four mugs, including postage. Bernard It is a time of great uncertainty and I want to BACK COPIES Magee keep my options open. I hope you will appreciate Bridge that for now I need to focus ♣ Seminars by Bernard Magee on restoring my health. Since beginning in bridge ♣ Set Hands to practise the subject of in 1987 it has been a the seminar tremendous journey and I ♣ thank you for sharing it Videos that go over each set hand with me. I hope that this is ♣ Video Quizzes and Video Hands of a temporary resting point the week from which we can continue our travels Rather than throw away ♣ Community questions and answers together. Thank you for any surplus copies of ♣ Miscellany of live events your continuing support BRIDGE, I prefer to send and understanding. them to bridge clubs in Founder membership £11.99 per month boxes of 20 or so copies. (available until the end of June) 2021 DIARIES Suprisingly, I still have includes discounts on selected products some overs, so if you and special offers on future overseas haven't already done so, drop [email protected]. holidays, weekend events and live shows uk an email to that effect sign up at: and a box full will be www.bernardmageebridge.com dispatched by carrier. If over-subscribed, I will [email protected] fulfill the over-orders the following month. Next year's diaries should be ready at the end of June. GOFFIES STAMPS However, me some slack on this delivery date as COVID gets the blame for EDWARD everything these days. If HE IAN you have not got a 2020 T diary, I still have some ♠ 8 5 3 overs, one of which I can ♥ Q 9 5 4 3 2 send you for no charge on Clive Goff has advertised ♦ 2 receipt of your 2021 order. his surplus postage stamps ♣ A K 2 The diaries, as usual are at discounted prices in the ♠ A 6 4 ♠ Void £14.95 each, come in three pages of this magazine for ♥ 6 N ♥ 10 8 7 W E cover colours; ruby red, over 20 years. Indeed he is ♦ A Q 10 8 S ♦ K J 9 7 5 navy blue and bottle green. our most faithful advertiser. ♣ 7 6 5 4 3 ♣ Q J 10 9 8 They each have a useful If you need some stamps at ♠ K Q J 10 9 7 2 ballpoint pen in their spine. a discount, see his ♥ A K J The club offer promotion is advertisment on page 3. ♦ 6 4 3 10, mixed colour covers, for ♣ Void £55 or pro rata. LEAVE A MESSAGE BONE CHINA MUGS Contract 5♠ by South Please leave a message if an ♥ These unique bone china answerphone answers you. Lead: 6 mugs were not originally We will return your call. intended for retail sale but are sold in boxes of four, All good wishes 10. THE EDWARDIAN © Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961. Printed in the UK on 100% cotton. one of each as illustrated on Available as a tea towel from Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961 the back cover of this issue. Mr Bridge

BRIDGE July 2020 Page 5 Julian Pottage Answers Your Bridge Questions How Should I Play A-Q-x-x Facing x-x-x-x For One Loser?

I was declarer in with six hearts and two Base Online and was playing for the drop is best. 6NT with these clubs while West had only impressed by declarer’s The reason why declarer Q hands after East six cards between the two play in the trump suit. decided to play for the 4-1 had opened a weak 2♥. suits, I cashed the ♠A next. Could you explain how he spade split was the opening I know a suit contract Unfortunately West dropped found the winning play? lead. BBO robots love might have been better the ♠K and East got in with leading singletons and many but I could have made ♠J on the third round to cash ♠ K 9 5 ♠ A Q 8 7 4 human players like leading 6NT with a correct guess. a heart. Did I play correctly? ♥ Q J 9 5 N ♥ A K 6 2 singletons too. The lack of an W E S Hall, ♦ Q 10 3 S ♦ A J 9 initial heart lead therefore Manchester. ♣ A 8 7 ♣ 4 made it rather more likely ♠ A Q 6 2 that South had one spade ♥ K 2 From the end position and two hearts rather than ♦ A K 9 5 2 you reached, you did West North East South two spades and one heart. ♣ A K A play correctly. Even 1♠ 2NT1 without the information that Dbl 4♣ Pass2 Pass ♣♦♥♠ N West had two more cards in 4♠ Pass 4NT Pass W E the rounded suits than East 5♥3 Pass 6♠ All Pass This deal comes S did, it was more likely that the 1 Both minors, weak or strong from a matchpoint ♠ 9 8 4 3 ♠J and ♠10 were in opposite 2 Self alerted as forcing Q duplicate before ♥ A 9 3 hands than both with East. 3 Two key cards the lockdown started. ♦ 6 An improvement would ♣ Q J 10 4 3 have been to cash the ♠A South led the ♣Q. Declarer earlier, before you came won with dummy’s ♣A, Dealer North. Love All. to hand to run the clubs. cashed the ♠K (all following ♠ 10 9 5 4 West led the ♥8, which I Better still, and catering low) and then ran the ♠9 ♥ 4 won in dummy. I unblocked for the possibility that West successfully. South had ♦ Q 10 8 7 2 the ♣A-K (all following), might dump the ♠K under the ♦K and North ♠J-10- ♣ K 10 3 came to hand with the ♥A the ♠A, is to a spade x-x so this was the way ♠ A J 6 2 ♠ K 8 7 (East played the ♥10 and after you unblocked the to make the contract. ♥ K J 8 6 5 3 ♥ Q 10 9 7 N West the ♥7) and finished clubs. Then you are losing A Lamb, ♦ Void W E ♦ K 6 4 the clubs. I discarded three the lead while you still have Birmingham. ♣ A 4 2 S ♣ Q 9 7 diamonds from dummy a heart stopper. Moreover, ♠ Q 3 while West discarded one if East has a doubleton ♠K South had shown ten ♥ A 2 diamond and East three (and West the ♠J), it might cards in the minors ♦ A J 9 5 3 hearts. Next, I finessed not be easy for East to avoid A (five clubs and five ♣ J 8 6 5 the ♠Q successfully, both going in with the ♠K; you diamonds), which leaves only opponents playing low. This might thus make the contract three cards in the majors, was when the guess came. even with the ♠K offside. most likely two of one and West North East South If West started with one of the other. Letting Pass Pass 1♦ ♠K-x, I needed to duck the ♣♦♥♠ the ♠9 run wins if South 2♥ 4♦ 4♥ Pass second round of spades. started with a small singleton Pass 5♦ Pass Pass If East started with ♠J-x, I I was watching (three holdings) but loses 5♥ All Pass needed to cash the ace next. an online match if South has 10-x or J-x (six Knowing that East started Q on Bridge holdings). On the face of it, Continued on page 8 ...u

Page 6 BRIDGE July 2020 Bernard Magee’s Acol Bidding Quiz

This month we are dealing with hands that sit between two bids. You are West in the auctions below, playing ‘Standard Acol’ with a weak no-trump (12-14 points) and four-card majors.

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South 1♥ Pass ? 1♠ Pass 1NT* 2♥ Pass ? ? ? *12-14

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South 1♥ Pass ? 1♠ Pass 2NT* Pass ? ? ? *20-22

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

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

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

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

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

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

Answers on page 43 Answers on page 45 Answers on page 47 Answers on page 49

BRIDGE July 2020 Page 7 Julian Pottage Answers Your Bridge Questions continued

t ... Continued from page 6. sides have a 10-card fit, so bid 3♦ – while the bid shows With both the queen of it would have been perfectly ♠ Void diamonds, it shows the weak spades and the king of possible that both 5♦ and ♥ J 9 7 5 4 3 hand, not the strong hand. clubs favourably placed for 5♥ are going one down. ♦ A K Q J 10 8 2 The correct action for partner declarer, the contract made. However, if either contract ♣ Void is a ‘pass or correct’ 3♣. East-West had more of is making it is better to bid Over 3♣, you might punt 5♦, N the high cards – 23 points on (450 outscores -300 W E hoping you do not have three out of 40 – and both sides and -300 outscores -400). S heart losers, but 4♥ could had a ten-card fit. 450 gave ♠ A Q 10 4 3 2 make facing a doubleton. E/W a 90% score, while ♣♦♥♠ ♥ 10 Assuming you bid 4♦ over some pairs defended 5♦ ♦ 9 7 6 5 3♣, partner has a huge hand undoubled -2, which gave In the May issue of ♣ 8 2 and cue bids 4♠. That does 90% the other way. What is BRIDGE, Jeremy not excite you. So this is the your take on proceedings? Q Dhondy quotes recommended auction: The Lodger by email. The Rule of 20 – ie If your Hearts break 3/3 and 6♦ HCP plus the number of makes. However, when West North East South Regardless of what cards in your two longest my RHO opened 1♠, my 1♠ 2♠ Pass 3♣ strength jump suits add up to 20, you partner passed my 2♠ Pass 4♦ Pass 4♠ A overcalls East-West have an opening bid. bid, which I thought was Pass 5♦ All Pass are playing, I would not I am sure I have seen rather strange, and I was recommend a 2♥ reference previously to a left to scramble 6 tricks. I agree that you are not with the West hand. Jump rule of 22 (sorry I cannot My suggested bidding: going to reach 6♦. The slam overcalls of any description remember exactly when). Is might fail on a trump lead should indicate a single- that a more cautious version West North East South if East has both missing suited hand, not a hand like of the rule of 20 or does it 1♠ 2♠ Pass 2NT trumps and hearts are 4-2, this with superb support for refer to something else? Pass 3♦ Pass 4♦ though it will be tough for spades. Since I would not Peter Jobling by email. Pass 4♠ Pass 5♦ West to duck the ♥10 if you fancy a take-out double when All Pass win the first trump in dummy holding six hearts in a hand The idea of needing and lead the ♥10 – West of limited strength, I would 20 opening points I’d never get to 6♦, which is has to infer that if you had overcall 1♥. As it happens, A (high card points lucky in my humble opinion. a club loser you would have the 2♥ overcall worked well, plus length of your two We agreed to play discarded it on the ♠A and alerting East to the big fit. longest suits) for a one-level Michaels weak or strong. so read you for a club void. By bidding 4♦, North had opening is fairly standard. In terms of HCP, I have already shown a shapely Those who like to be in the the first variety, which ♣♦♥♠ hand. Going on to 5♦ was bidding more often might requires one to first bid your bidding the hand twice. use the rule of 19 instead. higher-ranking suit, but When I held the South should have been Most people would open it goes against the grain following hand, my the one bidding 5♦ rather a hand with 12 HCP and a to overcall at the 2-level Q partner and I ended than North. 4-3-3-3 shape, which would in second seat with such in an inferior part-score. Once East does not double give only 19 opening points. a pitiful suit. How can we 5♦, West knows that the I cannot immediately improve our approach? penalty from defending is think what the rule of 22 Geoff Simpson, ♠ A J 10 8 6 4 unlikely to be great, though is about but it must refer Torphins, Aberdeenshire. ♥ J making 11 tricks facing a to something else. ♦ A 8 3 2 hand that could not open While I agree that ♣ 8 2 might not be easy either. If ♣♦♥♠ passing 2♠ was South had been the one to A unwise, I do not think bid 5♦, West would have My partner and your partner should bid 2NT I opened 1♠ and over a had to decide whether to bid I had a disaster – that not only asks for your one no-trump response 5♥ without knowing what Q when I had a suit but is also a forward- from partner rebid 2♦ to East was planning to do. fantastic shapely hand going move. Also, if partner show my 6-4 shape. As you point out, both with 13 red cards: does bid 2NT, you cannot Continued on page 10 ...u

Page 8 BRIDGE July 2020

DECLARER DEFENCE QUIZ

by Julian Pottage PLAY (Answers on page 37)

ou are West in the defensive positions below, playing QUIZ matchpoint pairs with both sides vulnerable. While you Yusually aim to beat the contract, you may also need to by David Huggett consider the risk of conceding overtricks. (Answers on page 39) 1. ♠ J 10 4 3 3. ♠ Q 8 5 4 3 ou are South as declarer playing or teams ♥ 10 8 7 ♥ A K (so aiming to fulfill your contract). In each case what is ♦ A ♦ K 10 4 your play strategy? Y ♣ A Q 10 9 4 ♣ K 10 4 ♠ 9 5 ♠ K 10 ♥ A K J N ♥ J 9 7 5 2 N W E W E ♦ J 9 6 4 3 S ♦ 8 6 2 S 1. ♠ A 6 3. ♠ A Q 7 ♣ 7 6 3 ♣ 7 6 5 ♥ K 7 5 ♥ Q 10 ♦ A K 3 2 ♦ K 2 ♣ J 10 9 4 ♣ A Q J 8 7 3 West North East South West North East South 1♣ Pass 1♠ 1♠ N N Pass 2♠ Pass 4♠ Pass 2NT* Pass 4♠ W E W E All Pass All Pass S S * Game-forcing spade raise ♠ 10 7 5 4 ♠ J 3 ♥ A Q 6 ♥ A K 6 4 You lead the ♥A, on which You lead the ♥5, partner ♦ 5 4 ♦ A 5 partner plays the ♥5 and playing the ♥10 and declarer ♣ A K 8 3 ♣ 10 9 6 4 2 declarer the ♥2. What is the ♥6. Now the ♠Q runs to your plan? your ♠K. What is your plan?

You are declarer in 3NT. You are declarer in 6♣. West West leads the ♠3. How do leads the ♦J. How do you you plan the play? plan the play? 2. ♠ K Q 4 4. ♠ A 4 ♥ K Q 7 ♥ A Q 7 2 ♦ K Q 10 4 3 ♦ Q J 6 4 2. ♠ K 9 2 4. ♠ K 5 4 ♣ 8 4 ♣ J 6 4 ♥ 8 7 6 5 ♥ 7 5 ♠ 7 5 ♠ 8 7 5 3 ♦ K Q 7 ♦ 10 9 5 ♥ 8 5 N ♥ 9 5 N W E W E ♣ ♣ ♦ ♦ A 7 6 J 10 8 3 2 A 9 6 2 S A 10 8 2 S ♣ K 10 7 6 5 ♣ A 10 7 N N W E W E S S West North East South West North East South ♠ A J 8 4 3 ♠ A J 6 1NT* 2♥* 2♠ ♥ A Q ♥ A 10 8 Pass 3NT All Pass Pass 3NT Pass 4♠ ♦ A 6 5 ♦ K Q J 6 4 * 12-14 All Pass ♣ 8 3 2 ♣ A Q * weak

You lead the ♣6. Partner You lead the ♥9: ♥A, ♥J and You are declarer in 4♠. West You are declarer in 3NT after plays the ♣Q, captured by ♥6. Declarer calls for a low leads the ♦J. How do you West originally opened 1NT ♣ ♦ plan the play? with East passing. West leads the A. Declarer now leads diamond, covered by the 3 the ♥Q. How do you plan the ♦J. What is your plan? and ♦K. What is your plan? the play?

BRIDGE July 2020 Page 9 Books on Bridge continued

Who Has The Queen? Frank Stewart £20 t ... Continued from page 8. 1 Deciding the suit was not Full of deals in which finding Partner passed with robust enough to overcall at the a missing queen, or one of K-Q-x-x in diamonds and three level. her relatives, is the key to 3-2 in spades and many 2 Liking his fifteen points, and making a contract. other players were in 2♠ six card major, but concerned for a better score. Should about the suit quality. I have just rebid 2♠? Martin Epstein by email. East did not lead a diamond, which West Big Deal With a good six- could have ruffed, but Augie Boehm card major, a poor preferred the four of clubs. £20 A four-card minor and Having won perforce, Augie Boehm shares tales a minimum opening bid, declarer played ace and it is perfectly reasonable another trump. It was then and insights from his unique to forget about the minor. possible to ruff the return perspective as an expert While a 2♦ rebid does show and run the hearts, making bridge player and a world- your second suit, it does not twelve tricks in all. This gave class musician. indicate a two-card disparity North-South 83% of the between the suits – the match points. Was this just normal expectation is one lucky or did they deserve it? more card in your first suit (5- Alex Mathers, 4), equal length (5-5) being Northallerton. Playing Suit the next most likely shape. Combinations The North-South Gitelman and Rubens ♣♦♥♠ bidding was fine. It A is usual to assume £15 about 8 points in partner’s Designed to serve two main hand if you come in over purposes; It enables readers Q an opposing pre-empt. You to improve their card-play would not expect to make technique. Secondly, it shows Dealer East. N/S Game. 3♥ with the South hand how even small changes can ♠ A 10 9 8 4 2 facing 8 points but 4♠ with have quite large impacts. ♥ K 10 5 the North hand might well ♦ A 10 2 make facing 8 points. ♣ A Given that you might ♠ 7 5 ♠ K Q lose a heart ruff or block ♥ 9 7 3 N ♥ 8 2 the heart suit if you try Tricks of the Trade W E Larry Cohen ♦ Void S ♦ K J 9 8 7 5 4 taking two trump , ♣ K Q J 10 9 6 5 2 ♣ 4 3 declarer’s line of play in £20 ♠ J 6 3 4♠ seems reasonable. Strategic thinking for ♥ A Q J 6 4 At favourable vulnerability advanced bridge. ♦ Q 6 3 West might have sacrificed ♣ 8 7 in 5♣ – the hand has seven sure tricks and the chance of beating 4♠ must be slim West North East South – only going down on a To order, please call Mr Bridge 3♦ Pass1 defensive cross-ruff if East 4♣ 4♠2 All Pass has a void in clubs. n ( 01483 489961 Email your questions (including your postal address) www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop for Julian to: [email protected]

Page 10 BRIDGE July 2020 About Bidding Judgement by Andrew Kambites The Losing Trick Count

he 4-3-2-1 point count certainly ways to adjust point count to take spade fit is unearthed, this South hand hugely improved bidding, but account of distributional values, many is three tricks better than a minimum it was really only intended to people find it easier to use the losing opening bid! The bidding should Tevaluate balanced hands, in particular trick count (or LTC). Before going proceed: 1♠-2♠-4♠. for no-trump bidding. The limitations in to the details of the LTC I would Before finally deciding how many of counting points were obvious when stress that there are various perfectly losers you have you might need to dealing with unbalanced hands. legitimate ways of applying it and make adjustments. Counting points can be a poor way if you have been taught a way that Look at Hands B and C. of forecasting how many tricks you differs from my explanation it is likely will make in a suit contract if you that the differences are slight and if have an unbalanced hand and a good you are happy with your methods I Hand B Hand C fit with partner. would advise you not to change them. ♠ Q 8 7 6 2 ♠ A J 10 3 2 Look at Layout A. North/South have However, I would comment that while ♥ Q J 2 ♥ A J 10 a combined 19 points but they will the LTC should be a vital part of ♦ K 3 ♦ A Q probably make 11 tricks with spades your bidding judgement I see many ♣ K 7 4 ♣ K 10 9 as trumps. examples of it being misused. When (and only when) you have established that you have a good fit Our formula seems to give each hand Layout A you need to start by counting your seven losers: (2 spades, 2 hearts, 1 ♠ K 9 4 3 losers. diamond and 2 clubs). However they ♥ 8 6 Consider only the first three cards are clearly not equivalent. ♦ Q 10 7 6 in a suit. There are never more than Suppose you had never heard of the ♣ J 9 7 three losers in a suit as the fourth LTC. card always has the potential to take With Hand B, you would count 11 N a trick, either by force or by ruffing in points and wonder whether or not to W E ♠ S partner’s hand. open the bidding. If you did open 1 With three or more cards in a suit, and partner responded 2♠ you would ♠ A Q 8 7 5 2 count the ace, king, and queen as pass without hesitation. ♥ A K 4 3 2 winners. Any other card in the first With Hand C your only decision ♦ 2 three is a loser. as opener would be whether to open ♣ 3 With only two cards in a suit, count 1♠ or perhaps upgrade your 19 only the ace and king as winners. points to 20 because of your excellent With a singleton count only the ace intermediates and open 2NT. If you You cannot even accuse me of as a winner. Any other card is a loser. choose to open 1♠ and partner raised constructing a hand where all the With a void you have no losers. to 2♠, you would jump to 4♠ with no cards are working perfectly. North’s If you apply this to Layout A you will qualms. ♦Q and ♣J are completely wasted. see that South has only four losers, one Both of these judgements would be Take them away and 4♠ will still make in each suit. I will explain later that a right, and if you somehow use the LTC 11 tricks, this time with just 16 points. minimum opening bid typically has to persuade you otherwise you are While there are some sophisticated seven losers, therefore once the big misusing the LTC. u

BRIDGE July 2020 Page 11 t With these hands you have two values have more queens than aces If you have found a fit of at least eight options if you open 1♠ and partner and few useful intermediate cards. cards with partner and your hand is raises to 2♠. Of course most hands have plus and unbalanced apply the LTC as follows: You can choose to use the point minus values that cancel out, leading 1. Count your losers. count. Counting points works well to no adjustment. Yes, this does 2. Add partner’s estimated losers. enough with balanced hands, even require judgement and does not lend 3. Deduct the total from 24 to give if you do have a fit. In talking about itself to a simple formula, but I believe the number of tricks you expect to balanced hands I mean the shapes you it adds to the effectiveness of the LTC make. The significance of 24 is that would normally open 1NT with 4-3-3- and really makes the LTC a valuable no hand can have more than 12 losers 3, 4-4-3-2 and 5-3-3-2. tool in your . because the fourth card in a suit is not Alternatively, you can try to a loser, hence the maximum number understand why the LTC initially Having worked out your own losers of losers in the combined hands is seems to give unsatisfactory outcomes you need to estimate your partner’s 24. A good aide-memoire is to realise on these hands and make adjustments. losers. that 14 losers in the combined hands If you do this properly, you will come to This is no more difficult than normally makes ten tricks in a major a very similar conclusion to counting estimating partner’s points and is done suit: ie game. There are several other points if your hand is balanced but a on the basis of the strength revealed ways of doing this, a common one far superior assessment if your hand is in the bidding. The critical number using the number 18 rather than 24 to unbalanced. In Layouts G and H later to remember is SEVEN. That is the give the level you can aspire to. They in this article I will demonstrate this. number of losers in a sound opening are all the same in slightly different Using the LTC without adjustments hand, and you work up and down packaging so if you have been taught is a very blunt tool. Queens are from there: the stronger the hand, the to use 18 there is no reason to change. considered the same as aces. Clearly fewer the losers. Consider Layout D: they are not! Intermediate cards are Here are some examples of the losers not valued; for example A-J-10 is better you can expect from partner’s bid. than A-3-2 but both seem to count as i) A minimum response (usually 6-9 ♠ K Q 3 2 two losers. HCP) has nine or ten losers. With such ♥ K 6 5 The traditional solution is to count a hand responder might raise opener’s ♦ K 4 3 A-J-10 as only one loser and a queen suit to the two level, ie 1♠-2♠. ♣ 5 3 2 unsupported by another honour card ii) An intermediate (or jump) as if it is a low card. This is certainly response (usually 10-12 HCP) has eight N W E an improvement but in my opinion losers. With such a hand responder S this ignores lots of other combinations might jump raise opener’s suit to the where the LTC overestimates or three level, ie. 1♠-3♠. ♠ A 7 6 5 4 underestimates the strength. I use iii) A sound minimum opening ♥ 3 a broader approach, trying to use bid (usually 12-15 HCP) or a strong ♦ Q 5 common sense and judgement. response (13+ HCP) has seven losers. ♣ K Q J 7 6 Here are some combinations With such a hand opener might give a where the ‘official’ number of losers single raise in responder’s suit, ie 1♥- underestimates the strength: 1♠-2♠. North South A-Q doubleton, A-J-10 or A-K-J iv) A strong one-level opening bid 1♠ tripleton, I call these ‘plus values’. A (usually 16-18 HCP) has five or six 3♠1 4♠2 singleton king is a plus value. losers. With such a hand opener might 1 North has eight losers (1 spade, 2 hearts, Here are some combinations give a jump raise to partner’s suit, ie. 2 diamonds, 3 clubs). Note that if you where the ‘official’ number of losers 1♥-1♠-3♠. choose to count points because your hand overestimates the strength: K-2 v) A very strong opening bid is balanced you will come to the same doubleton, Q-3-2 tripleton, I call these (usually 19-21 HCP) has four or five conclusion: 10-12 points = 3♠. Looking at the ‘minus’ values. losers. Opener will insist on game, ie. North hand you might suspect that some If the hand has significantly more 1♠-2♠-4♠. Look back to Layout A and of your points will fit partner’s second suit plus values than minus values, subtract you will understand why the bidding whereas others might be of less value, but a loser. If the hand has significantly should be 1♠-2♠-4♠. South has four no second suit has been bid so you cannot more minus values than plus values, losers. North has nine losers. allow for that. add a loser. In a really extreme case 2 South has six losers (2 spades, 1 heart, 2 like Hand B, I might subtract two Having counted (and adjusted) your diamonds, 1 club). By all means add 6 to losers. Generally hands with plus losers and estimated your partner’s 8 (partner’s assumed number of losers) values have more aces than queens losers you need to assess the total and take the resulting 14 from 24, leaving and/or intermediate cards that the number of losers and hence the ten tricks. However, after using the LTC a LTC does not value (jacks, tens and number of tricks you can expect to number of times it becomes second nature: nines). Conversely hands with minus make. six losers opposite eight equals ten tricks.

Page 12 BRIDGE July 2020 Note that the ♥K is wasted but 4♠ is still West North East South Both South hands have 12 points, excellent. 1♥ Dbl1 Pass 4♠2 which seems to be a minimum All Pass opening bid and suggests it would be Look at Layout E: 1 In anticipation that his side has a fit, North wise to pass 3♠. counts seven losers: 2 spades, 2 hearts, 2 However, looking at these layouts diamonds, 1 club. you can see that 3♠ is clearly high Layout E 2 South has six losers: 1 spade, 2 hearts, 1 enough in Layout G where North/ ♠ Q 7 6 5 2 diamond, 2 clubs. Assuming seven losers South have 4 inescapable losers, but ♥ K 8 4 opposite he could almost imagine 11 tricks, in Layout H, 4♠ is excellent. The ♦ 5 2 but the ♦K is wasted so ten tricks is the limit. difference is that the ♦2 was a loser in ♣ 9 7 4 Layout G whereas the ♣2 is not a loser

N Balanced hands in Layout H. The fourth card in a suit W E At this stage, it might help if I is never a loser. S demonstrate my views on using the If South counts points, South will ♠ A K 4 3 LTC with balanced hands (4-3-3-3, pass 3♠ in both Layouts G and H. ♥ 7 4-4-3-2 or 5-3-3-2 shape). If South counts losers, South will ♦ A K 9 8 7 6 value the hand as 7 losers in Layout ♣ 8 2 G (1 spade, 2 hearts, 3 diamonds and Layout G Layout H 1 club) and pass 3♠, but in Layout H ♠ K 10 7 4 ♠ K 10 7 4 South will value the hand as 6 losers North South ♥ A 10 4 ♥ A 10 4 (1 spade, 2 hearts, 2 diamonds and 1♦ ♦ A 9 4 ♦ A 9 4 1 club). South has one ace and two 1♠ 4♠1 ♣ J 8 4 ♣ J 8 4 queens but the ♠J and ♣10 may be 1 At first sight, South has five losers. However useful so he has no reason to add a with two aces and no queens, and both N N loser. 6 losers suggests bidding 4♠, W E W E long suits headed by A-K combinations I S S which is the correct contract. would value it at four losers. Note that in Layout G South has ♠ A Q J 3 2 ♠ A Q J 3 2 one of the balanced (no-trump) North’s ♥K is wasted but 4♠ is still ♥ 8 3 ♥ 8 3 shapes so the point count leads to the excellent. ♦ 8 3 2 ♦ 8 3 same correct conclusion as the LTC. ♣ K Q 10 ♣ K Q 10 2 However in Layout H, South has 5-4- It is also possible to use the LTC as 2-2 shape, not balanced, and the LTC an aid after partner has made an gives a superior outcome. overcall or a take-out double. North South North South 1♠ 1♠ When not to use the vi) A minimum 1-level overcall 3♠ Pass 3♠ 4♠ LTC often has eight losers. You should only use the LTC once a vii) A minimum 2-level overcall has In Layout G how should North value fit has been found. seven losers. his hand after South opens ♠1 ? ix) A minimum take-out double has If North counts points, 12 points seven losers. will make a limit raise of 3♠ obvious. Layout J How about if North counts losers? ♠ 6 Layout F demonstrates using the LTC North seems to have 9 losers: 2 spades, ♥ 6 in a competitive auction: 2 hearts, 2 diamonds and 3 clubs. 9 ♦ A Q 8 7 5 2 losers might suggest raising to only ♣ K J 5 4 2 2♠ but if North properly adjusts for Layout F the fact that he has two aces and no N ♠ A 10 3 2 W E queens, two tens that might S ♥ 8 5 or might not be useful and the ♣J ♦ K 6 3 2 (which the LTC ignores completely) ♠ A Q 8 7 5 2 ♣ A Q 9 he should subtract a loser. This more ♥ K 7 5 4 2 ♦ 6 N refined assessment of 8 losers should W E again lead to jumping to 3♠. ♣ 6 S Note that in Layout G, the LTC ♠ K Q 7 6 5 properly used comes to the same ♥ 7 6 conclusion as counting points but It is not uncommon to find players ♦ 4 requires a little more effort. saying: ‘I opened because I had only ♣ K 6 4 3 2 Now look at South’s decision in five losers.’ To see the flaw in that Layouts G and H. statement, look at Layout J. u

BRIDGE July 2020 Page 13 t Suppose South thinks his hand is South has counted no heart losers. BERNARD worth five losers. Presumably North So has North. ♥A-K-Q-J opposite thinks the same. So applying the LTC a void. South has counted no club MAGEE’S there should be 14 tricks. losers. So has North. Again ♣A-K-Q-J INTERACTIVE Which particular grand slam do you opposite a void. want to play in? (I will forgive you for Of course serious duplication TUTORIAL CD not making the overtrick). Personally, of values can easily make the LTC with this misfit I would be happy to inaccurate at a lower level (as can settle for a small minus score in a two the point count) but it is less likely ACOL BIDDING level contract. to happen. Often it is impossible to Neither player has any grounds diagnose serious duplication at a low for applying the LTC because they level, for example if South opens 1♠ have found no fit; indeed they are and North raises to 3♠ it is never going not going to find a fit! South should to be possible for South to find out initially look at his hand with cautious whether North’s honour cards in the optimism. He might be aware that if other three suits fit well with South’s MAC a fit is found he might subsequently shape. At slam level there is often or Windows use the LTC, and then with five more bidding so there is more time to losers the hand is rather better than a diagnose a good fit. minimum opening bid. I would open If you think I have given extreme 1♠, prepared to subsequently revise examples to demonstrate some of my my evaluation dramatically upwards views, I plead guilty. However, if they or downwards depending on how the make you realise that you cannot auction develops. blindly apply the LTC in all situations The LTC works best in bidding my examples will have fulfilled their borderline games, based on shape purpose. n and a good fit. It can give you some Throughout 200 deals split idea whether a slam might be on into ten chapters, Bernard if the hands fit well but generally evaluates your bids, praising it works rather less well for slam To support the correct ones and bidding where precise cards are discussing the wrong ones. likely to be needed. Little Voice, send l Opening Bids your used stamps to: and Responses £66 Layout K l Slams and ♠ K J 10 3 2 Malcolm Finebaum Strong Openings ♥ A K Q J 2 Flat 8 Mountford House l Support for Partner ♦ 7 5 2 ♣ Void l Pre-empting 8 Crescent Road

l Overcalls N Enfield EN2 7BL l No-trump Openings W E S and Responses l Opener’s and ♠ A Q 9 7 6 Little Voice work directly Responder’s Rebids ♥ Void ♦ 8 4 3 with an impoverished l Minors and Misfits ♣ A K Q J 2 urban community to l Doubles support the economic l Competitive Auctions development of women, In Layout K North/South certainly have a good spade fit. South has four to provide primary Operating system requirements: losers. North has five losers. That education to children and Windows or Mac OS 10.08 -10.14 seems to suggest North/South can make 15 tricks. It seems we have vocational opportunities Mr Bridge Limited two tricks to spare for a grand slam. to youth. Unfortunately, the defenders cash the ( 01483 489961 first three diamond tricks. What has www.littlevoicefoundation.org www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop gone wrong? The answer is serious duplication of values.

Page 14 BRIDGE July 2020 BERNARD The Losing Trick MAGEE’S INTERACTIVE Count Quiz TUTORIAL CD by Andrew Kambites (Answers on page 41) DECLARER

PLAY 1 What do you bid with Hands 1A to 1F 3 You are West. The bidding starts as if your partner opens 1♠? If you use shown. What is your next bid with the losing trick count (LTC), say how Hands 3A to 3F? many losers you are showing. West East 1♥ 1♠ Hand 1A Hand 1B Hand 1C ? MAC ♠ Q 6 3 2 ♠ A J 9 7 ♠ K 8 7 6 or Windows ♥ Q 4 3 ♥ A 10 9 ♥ 4 ♦ 8 6 ♦ Q 4 ♦ 9 7 5 4 2 Hand 3A Hand 3B Hand 3C ♣ Q 5 4 2 ♣ A J 9 8 ♣ 10 6 5 ♠ Q 8 6 2 ♠ K Q 7 6 ♠ K Q 6 ♥ Q 8 7 6 ♥ A J 10 7 ♥ Q 6 4 3 2 ♦ Q 2 ♦ A J 10 ♦ A Q 7 4

Hand 1D Hand 1E Hand 1F ♣ A K Q ♣ A 5 ♣ 7 ♠ K 8 7 6 ♠ 10 9 4 3 ♠ J 10 9 7 4 3 ♥ 4 ♥ Void ♥ Void ♦ A 7 5 4 2 ♦ J 10 9 4 3 ♦ J 10 9 4 3 2 Hand 3D Hand 3E Hand 3F Bernard develops your ♣ 10 6 5 ♣ 8 4 3 2 ♣ 7 ♠ A Q 7 6 ♠ A K 7 6 ♠ A Q J 6 ♥ ♥ ♥ declarer play technique in A K 6 5 3 2 Q J 8 6 4 A K 7 5 3 ♦ 8 3 ♦ A 10 3 ♦ 8 3 the course of ten ♣ 2 ♣ 2 ♣ 7 2 introductory exercises and 2 You are West. The bidding starts as 120 complete deals. shown. What is your next bid with l Suit Establishment Hands 2A to 2F? in No-trumps 4 You are South. The bidding starts as West East shown. What is your bid with Hands l Suit Establishment 1♥ 2♥ 4A to 4F? in Suits ? l Hold-ups £76 West North East South l Ruffing for 1♣ Dbl Pass ? Extra Tricks Hand 2A Hand 2B Hand 2C ♠ Q J 7 ♠ A J 7 ♠ A J 10 l Entries in ♥ K J 7 6 ♥ K J 7 6 ♥ K J 10 6 Hand 4A Hand 4B Hand 4C No-trumps ♦ A J 9 ♦ A J 9 ♦ A Q 9 ♠ A 10 8 7 6 ♠ A 10 8 7 6 ♠ 7 4 3 2 l Delaying Drawing Trumps ♣ K J 7 ♣ K J 7 ♣ K J 7 ♥ K 7 ♥ K 7 ♥ 9 5 3 l Using the Lead ♦ K J 7 ♦ 8 3 2 ♦ 8 3 2 ♣ 8 3 2 ♣ K J 7 ♣ 9 3 2 l Trump Control Hand 2D Hand 2E Hand 2F l Endplays & Avoidance ♠ 8 ♠ A 10 8 7 2 ♠ A K l Using the Bidding ♥ A K 6 5 4 3 ♥ A K 9 8 7 2 ♥ Q 9 5 4 3 Hand 4D Hand 4E Hand 4F ♦ A Q 10 7 ♦ Void ♦ A K ♠ A Q 10 7 6 5 ♠ A Q 8 7 6 5 ♠ K 10 9 8 7 6 Operating system requirements: Windows or Mac OS 10.08 -10.14 ♣ 8 2 ♣ 8 2 ♣ J 7 4 3 ♥ 9 ♥ 9 ♥ K 10 9 3 2 ♦ J 4 ♦ 6 4 2 ♦ 9 Mr Bridge Limited ♣ 8 5 3 2 ♣ 8 5 2 ♣ 8 ( 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop

BRIDGE July 2020 Page 15 Robin Hood's Bridge Adventures by David Bird Nazir’s Eastern Magic

ou’re going somewhere?’ and drew trumps in three rounds. the game,’ Robin Hood observed. queried Friar Tuck. Now, how could he avoid two losers in ‘Nowadays, sadly, bridge seems to be Robin Hood nodded. the diamond suit? more of a game for old people.’ Y‘They’ve started a weekly game at the One possible chance was to overtake Nathan Adaire collected a near- Golden Ferret alehouse,’ he replied. the queen of clubs on the second round average score, playing the first ‘Nazir and I are giving it a try.’ and take a diamond . This was in 2♠. ‘That’s risky, in a new place,’ said only a 50-50 shot; perhaps he could ‘Your father is a good teacher,’ said Tuck. ‘You can never be sure who’ll be find something better. Robin Hood. ‘You played it well.’ playing,’ Nazir cashed his other top spade and Nathan looked modestly Robin Hood shrugged his shoulders. continued with the ace and queen of downwards. A compliment from ‘Life in these times is full of danger,’ he clubs, overtaking with dummy’s king. Robin Hood, the hero of all the boys replied. ‘We’ll be careful.’ Instead of taking a diamond finesse, for miles around? He wouldn’t forget The Golden Ferret was a well-kept he then ran the ♣10, throwing his low that in a hurry. house. Haryld Gwynne, the portly diamond. On the next board, Nazir reached a landlord, was quick to eject any Rowan Heade won with the club jack slam: drunken rabble rousers. As a result, he and surveyed the scene uncertainly. had several satisfied customers of an Declarer must have begun with only advanced age. two spades or he would have used a Dealer South. N/S Game. The outlaws’ first opponents were an spade ruff to untangle the club suit. ♠ Q 10 5 4 2 elderly married couple. A spade return would surely allow ♥ K 4 2 a ruff-and-discard, and a club return ♦ 6 would give declarer a twelfth trick ♣ Q 9 8 6 Dealer South. Love All. with the ♣9. Like it or not, he would ♠ Void ♠ A 9 3 ♠ 7 3 have to return a diamond. When the ♥ J 10 9 7 5 N ♥ Q 8 W E ♥ 6 5 3 2 ♦ ♦ Q 10 7 2 ♦ J 8 3 2 appeared on the table, Nazir faced S ♦ 6 4 3 his remaining cards, claiming the ♣ K 10 5 4 ♣ A J 7 3 2 ♣ K 10 9 4 slam. ♠ K J 8 7 6 ♠ 10 9 8 6 4 ♠ Q J 5 2 Rowan Heade smiled at the swarthy ♥ A 6 3 ♥ Void N ♥ 9 7 4 declarer. ‘You played it well,’ he said. ♦ A K 9 5 4 W E ♦ ♦ ♣ K 10 8 2 S J 9 7 ‘You must allow me to buy you a Void ♣ J 8 3 2 ♣ 7 6 5 celebratory drink. Landlord!’ ♠ A K Nazir raised his right hand. ‘I thank ♥ A K Q J 10 8 you for your kind offer,’ he replied, West North East South ♦ A Q 5 ‘but for me, Inshallah, the alcohol is Nathan Robin Swithin Nazir ♣ A Q not permitted.’ Adaire Hood Adaire ‘Then Robin will celebrate on your 1♠ behalf,’ persisted Rowan Heade. Pass 4♠ Pass 6♠ West North East South ‘Landlord, a tankard of Ferret’s Best All Pass Rowan Robin Aldith Nazir over here!’ Heade Hood Heade A few rounds later, Robin and Nazir The baker’s son led the jack of hearts 2♣ faced the village baker and his teenage and down went the dummy. Seeing Pass 2♦ Pass 2♥ son. that he might need entries to his hand Pass 4♥ Pass 6♥ ‘We’re up against the experts here later, Nazir won the first trick with All Pass Nathan,’ said the baker. ‘No need to be dummy’s king. ‘Low trump,’ he said. nervous.’ East rose with the ace, West showing Nazir won the spade lead with the ace ‘It’s good to see a young lad playing out, and returned a second trump.

Page 16 BRIDGE July 2020 Nazir won in his hand, continuing with the ace and king of diamonds. He discarded a heart from dummy and ruffed a diamond with a low trump, all following. Benefitting from his careful play at trick one, Nazir now returned to his hand with a heart to the ace. After a heart ruff with dummy’s queen, he ruffed a club in his hand and ruffed a fourth round of diamonds with the 10. He then reached his hand with a club ruff and drew East’s last trump. The slam had been made. ‘You see what I told you, Nathan?’ said the baker. ‘You won’t see play like that too often. And all in the blink of an eye, too.’ Nazir smiled. ‘No real problem, once I keep dummy’s trump queen and ten for ruffing high. Your son is a bright lad. He would have made it too, I’m sure!’ West North East South Wise Wynfryth rocked backwards Near the end of the evening, the Brynn Robin Wise Nazir and forwards in her seat. There was outlaws faced opposition well known Lockett Hood Wynfryth nothing she could do. Whether she to them ‒ Wise Wynfryth and one 1♥ Pass 1NT 4♠ discarded on this trick or ruffed and of her wealthy sponsors, from the All Pass returned a trump, declarer would be Drunken Partridge alehouse. able to ruff the club queen in dummy; ‘I thought we might find you here,’ Nazir became declarer once more. ‘All he would lose just two hearts and a exclaimed Robin Hood. the hard work is for me tonight,’ he diamond. ‘Partly for pleasure, partly for said. ‘Robin does nothing but deplete Nazir gave Wynfryth a friendly business,’ Wise Wynfryth replied. ‘My the Landlord’s stock of ale.’ smile, showing her his remaining reputation stretches far and wide. I’ve Hood laughed as he laid out his cards. ‘Just for once, perhaps, my made two sales already ‒ an evil one dummy. ‘A bleary-eyed dummy is no Eastern magic was more powerful to punish a debtor, another to cure a problem,’ he replied. ‘Declarer is the than yours,’ he said. palsy of the face.’ one who needs a clear head.’ ‘More powerful than my partner’s, Hood nodded respectfully. ‘Your Nazir won the heart lead with the that’s for sure,’ Wynfryth retorted. She service to the community is much ace. There were four potential losers on delivered a piercing glare across the valued,’ he replied. ‘If your magic view, but all would be well if trumps table. ‘Were you asleep? We can make carries you ahead of us in this session, broke 2-1. He would then be able to five hearts!’ your reputation may grow further.’ draw the defenders’ trumps before ‘But... we were vulnerable,’ replied The players drew their cards for this ruffing a heart in dummy. Mind you, the pale-faced Brynn Lockett. ‘My deal: the power of Wise Wynfryth’s magic hand wasn’t that good.’ was legendary. The chance of a 3-0 Wise Wynfryth began to mutter trump break would be much higher something under her breath. The Dealer West. E/W Game. than normal. other three players could not decipher ♠ 9 3 2 Nazir played the ace of trumps and a word, but it seemed to be a spell of ♥ 6 3 was not in the least surprised when some sort. ♦ 10 8 7 5 3 2 West showed out, throwing a heart. Brynn Lockett was looking paler by ♣ 7 6 Abandoning trumps for the moment, the second. ‘I only had 12 points,’ he ♠ Void ♠ J 8 5 he led a second round of hearts. pleaded. ‘No-one would go to the five- ♥ K Q 10 9 8 4 N ♥ J 7 Wynfryth won with the jack and level on such a hand.’ W E ♦ ♦ A 9 6 S K Q J switched to the jack of clubs. Wise Wynfryth completed her ♣ K 8 5 4 ♣ J 10 9 3 2 Nazir rose with the club ace and led invocation and leaned forward to enter ♠ A K Q 10 7 6 4 his remaining heart. If he ruffed in the the result in her scorecard. ‘If you were ♥ A 5 2 dummy, there was every chance that too timid to bid 5♥, you should have ♦ 4 East would overruff. A further trick in led a low diamond,’ she declared. ‘I ♣ A Q clubs would then put him one down. win and return a club. Let's see how ‘Throw a club,’ instructed Nazir. powerful his Eastern magic is then!’ n

BRIDGE July 2020 Page 17 About Doubles by Sally Brock

Simple Take-Out Double

ack in 1993, I wrote a book With a king or so more, double and called Double Trouble. For Hand A Hand B then make a jump rebid in no-trumps. many people it hit the spot and ♠ A Q 3 2 ♠ K J 2 On Hand F, you could overcall 1♠ Bhelped them work out when doubles ♥ 5 ♥ 7 6 (and that might be the choice of some were for penalties and when for take- ♦ A 9 6 5 ♦ A Q 8 7 experts), but you might miss a game out. That is a long time ago and some ♣ K 10 5 4 ♣ K 10 5 4 if partner passes, so I would prefer to things have changed. Mr Bridge asked double first. Hand G is even stronger – me if I could write a series of articles again I would double and rebid spades, on doubles for this magazine, so here Hand C Hand D but give me a king more and I would we go. ♠ A Q 6 5 ♠ A J 4 jump in spades on the second round. ♥ 8 7 3 ♥ 7 With Hand H you feel slightly less The Simple ♦ A 10 4 ♦ Q J 8 7 3 happy doubling with only a doubleton Take-Out Double ♣ K 7 6 ♣ A 10 6 5 small spade, but you have so many points that it is unlikely that partner Way back in the beginning of time, will jump too high in spades, and if he a double of any bid in bridge simply (ii) Some very strong hand that is too does, well he might make 4♠. doubled the stake. So a double of a strong for an overcall. I should point out here that some 1♥ opening would say that you didn’t experts prefer to start strong hands think your opponents could make 1♥. These days an overcall can certainly with a simple overcall. They argue that But the world hasn’t been like that for be as strong as 16 or 17 HCP, but to if there is subsequent pre-emption a long, long time. overcall with a stronger hand than they are better placed if they have bid that can lead to a missed game. So the their long suit. It is not that likely that Requirements for a take-out double following hands would be examples of your side will have game on without a of an opening suit bid the strong variety of take-out double fit, and with a fit partner will probably (again of a 1♥ opening): raise with as little as 6 or 7 HCP. Even There are two possible hand-types for if partner does pass, then there is a a take-out double: strong possibility that opener will Hand E Hand F reopen. There is a lot to be said for this (i) Opening values (more or less), with ♠ K 5 ♠ A Q J 5 4 style but it can be difficult to know support for the other three suits and ♥ A Q 10 5 ♥ 6 exactly how strong partner can be shortage in the opponent's suit. ♦ A K 5 4 ♦ A K 5 when they start with a simple overcall ♣ A 9 5 ♣ A 10 7 6 and then do a load more bidding. Sometimes you can take a calculated risk but you should never have fewer Your action after partner has a made than three cards in any unbid major. If Hand G Hand H a one-level occasionally you have only a doubleton ♠ A K J 10 6 5 ♠ Q 3 in an unbid minor, then so be it, but ♥ A 6 5 ♥ A 3 You must remember that if the next you should be aware that it might ♦ J ♦ A K J 10 4 3 hand passes, however weak your backfire. You should not generally have ♣ A Q 9 ♣ K Q 2 hand, you must bid. So to bid in this a five-card major you could bid at the situation does not promise any values. one level (but to double a minor with Generally speaking, when responding one poor five-card major and support On Hand E, with 20 HCP, you are too you should assume your partner has for the other suits is acceptable for strong to overcall 1NT (usually played a 4-1-4-4 13-count. You should be some people). Here are some possible as 15–17), so double first and then conservative with only 4-card suits, doubles of a 1♥ opening: rebid no-trumps on the next round. but can be more aggressive with

Page 18 BRIDGE July 2020 5-card suits. So, here are some hands Here are some more responding hands: that would make a simple response to BERNARD a take-out double of 1♥: Hand M Hand N MAGEE’S ♠ 7 6 3 ♠ K Q J 4 INTERACTIVE Hand I Hand J ♥ K Q 10 4 ♥ 9 8 3 2 ♠ J 10 7 6 ♠ 6 5 ♦ K 10 3 2 ♦ A 7 TUTORIAL CD ♥ 8 7 3 ♥ 10 7 6 3 ♣ J 7 ♣ 8 6 3 ♦ K 4 2 ♦ Q J 7 6 3 ♣ Q 7 5 ♣ 6 2 ADVANCED Hand O Hand P ♠ 5 4 ♠ 5 4 ACOL BIDDING Hand K Hand L ♥ Q 3 ♥ Q 10 9 8 7 2 ♠ 7 3 ♠ 4 3 2 ♦ K J 10 5 3 ♦ Q 2 ♥ 7 6 2 ♥ 5 4 3 2 ♣ A 7 5 3 ♣ 9 8 3 ♦ K 10 7 6 ♦ 4 3 2 ♣ K 10 7 6 ♣ 4 3 2 On Hand M you should respond 1NT. This shows just about the same values On Hands I and J make a simple as a regular 1NT response – maybe response in your best suit. Opinion is 6–10 HCP. Partner will usually add divided on Hand K with some experts your points to his and pass, or raise to liking 2♣ (on the grounds that partner 2NT or 3NT. If he rebids a suit that is can more easily introduce diamonds forcing for one round as you know he if he doesn’t like clubs) while others has a strong hand (or he would have prefer 2♦, which would be my choice, made a simple overcall in the first because then it is easy to rebid 3♣ place). On Hands N and O you must should partner (or opener) bid again. make a jump response in your longest Hand L is a nightmare, but you have suit – after all you would have invited Throughout 200 deals, to bid something! Many choose 1♠, game had partner opened the bidding. Bernard not only evaluates but I have a hankering for 2♣ – the On Hand N bid 2♠; on Hand O bid 3♦. your bids, praising the rationale is that partner is more likely I know that earlier I said that you could correct ones and discussing ♠ to get excited after a 1 response than not pass a take-out double – well, that the wrong ones, he also ♣ after 2 . is not strictly true. Hand P is a pass. plays the hands with you. Imagine that partner holds Hand Partner should lead a trump and your F or G above: if you respond 1♠ he is best chance is to take a penalty from l The Basics quite likely to raise you to game, while 1♥ doubled. It is not the end of the l Advanced Use of £96 if you respond 2♣ he will bid a simple world if it makes and it is your best the Basics 2♠ that you can pass. chance of a plus score. n l Weak Two Openings Quiz (Answers on page 51) 2. Your left-hand opponent opens 1♣ l Strong Two Openings 1. Your right-hand opponent opens 1♣ (showing at least four). Your partner l Defence to Weak Twos (showing at least four). What do you doubles and RHO passes. What is your l Defence Against 1NT bid? response? l Doubles l Two Suited Overcalls Hand 1A Hand 1B Hand 2A Hand 2B l Defending against Other ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ A Q 10 4 A Q 5 3 Q J 6 3 K 10 9 4 3 Systems ♥ K J 10 5 4 ♥ K 10 2 ♥ 4 3 ♥ K 10 2 ♦ K 3 ♦ A 3 2 ♦ Q J 9 5 4 ♦ K 2 l Misfits and Big ♣ 7 2 ♣ A Q J ♣ 6 2 ♣ 8 7 3 Distributions

Operating system requirements: Hand 1C Hand 1D Hand 2C Hand 2D Windows only ♠ 5 ♠ A Q 2 ♠ 6 5 3 2 ♠ K Q J 4 ♥ A Q 10 3 ♥ K 10 3 ♥ K 4 ♥ A K 10 3 ♦ K Q 6 4 ♦ A Q 10 9 3 ♦ Q 10 5 ♦ 7 3 2 Mr Bridge Limited ♣ A 10 3 2 ♣ 7 2 ♣ Q J 10 9 ♣ Q 5 ( 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop

BRIDGE July 2020 Page 19 A to Z of Bridge A to Z of Bridge compiled by Julian Pottage

five clubs, you open 1♥ rather than suit. West must have the ♦Q (or East 1♣. The style, the brainchild of Pierre would have played the card, the lower Albarran in France, has influenced of touching honours in third seat, C Italian bidding theory. It features in rather than the ♦K) and East surely the Neapolitan Club, and holds the ♦J (or West would have led Roman systems. the ♦Q rather than fourth best). West CAB therefore started with Q-x-x-x and An old-fashioned natural system of CANSINO CONVENTION East with K-J-x-x-x. The information bidding, with similarities to Acol, A little used defence to a 1NT opening that East has 4 points in diamonds to particular features of which are ace- bid where an overcall of 2♣ shows West’s 2 may then help you to place showing responses to the 2♣ opener clubs and two other suits, and a 2♦ cards in another suit. and Blackwood. CAB stands for Two overcall shows both majors. Clubs, Ace responses and Blackwood. CARRY-FORWARD CAPTAINCY OR CARRY-OVER SCORE 1 The captain of a team: his When an event takes place over more An assistant who collects score cards responsibilities include scoring, than one session, the ‘carry-forward’ at a large tournament. The use of selecting line-ups, arranging the score is that part of the score carried Bridgemate and similar scoring devices match venue (for private matches) over from a previous session. If the means that caddies are now rare. etc. participants are the same in each 2 When one member of a partnership session, a full carry-forward is normal. CALCUTTA has made a limit bid, the other takes However, if the earlier session was a An unusual type of duplicate the ‘captaincy’ and usually selects qualifying session, with a reduced field tournament that makes possible a the contract. If someone makes in the subsequent session, the carry- fair-sized financial gain to any player an , the asker takes the over may be some fraction or subset of or other participant. After the entries ‘captaincy’ and usually determines the full score. close, an auction takes place at which the contract. players and spectators bid to place bets CARVE on contesting pairs. The money bet Slang term meaning to misplay. goes into a pool and is later distributed The determination of the distribution ‘Butcher’ and ‘Play Misère’ are similar among the purchasers of the winning of the unseen hands and the location terms. pair. of the missing high cards by logical deduction from the bidding and play. CASH CALL To lead a winning card or cards. Any bid, double, redouble or pass. ♦ 8 6 CASH OUT To take a series of tricks by leading N Annual tournament contested by the W E winning cards. The term usually S open teams of England, Ireland, , applies to the situation when a player Scotland and under ♦ A 5 realizes that he is on lead for the last the auspices of . time and takes all the tricks that he can. The tournament takes place over two weekends early in the year and you Suppose you are playing in a spade CHANGE OF SUIT can watch all the action at Bridge Base contract after East has bid diamonds The bid of a different suit e.g. 1♥-Pass- Online. and West has supported. West leads 2♦. the ♦2 and East plays the ♦K. From CANAPÉ the bidding and the size of the spot CHEAPEST BID A bidding style in which, with two card led, you place West with four The most economical bid available to a suits, one bids the shorter suit first. diamonds and East with five. You can player e.g. if the auction is up to 2♠, the In other words, with four hearts and also place the picture cards in the cheapest bid is 2NT.

Page 20 BRIDGE July 2020 CHECKBACK CHINESE FINESSE game and so is generally a good idea. A convention for finding 5-3 and 4-4 A deceptive play attempting to score a fits in the majors after opener’s 1NT trick with an unsupported honour. CLEAR A SUIT rebid. Responder’s 2♣ rebid is artificial, For example: To force out, by successive leads, asking for more information and adversely held high cards and so showing at least the values to invite establish winners in the suit. In other game. Layout 1 words, you clear a path for your side to A 4 3 run the suit. Opener Responder N 1♦ 1♥ K 8 6 W E J 10 7 2 S 1NT 2♣ ♠ A 5 ? Q 9 5 N ♠ Q 10 7 4 2 W E ♠ J 8 6 3 2♦ minimum without three hearts S or four spades Layout 2 ♠ K 9 2♥ minimum with three hearts A 4 3 2♠ minimum with four spades, but N not three hearts K 8 6 W E 10 7 5 2 West leads a low spade to the jack and 2NT maximum without three hearts S king. West, when back on lead, then or four spades Q J 9 ‘clears’ the suit by continuing with 3♣ maximum with four clubs another spade. 3♦ maximum with five or six diamonds Suppose you are South on Layout 1. CLEAR-CUT TRICKS 3♥ maximum with three hearts If you judge that West holds the king, A conservative method of assessing 3♠ maximum with four spades, but you might lead the queen (as you would a hand’s playing strength, typically not three hearts if you held the jack with it) hoping used in assessing whether the hand to escape a cover. If the position were qualifies for a strong opening bid. In CHEST ONE’S CARDS actually as in Layout 2, West would your long suits, you assume partner is To hold one’s cards tight to one’s chest be right not to cover since you could void and the second most favourable to prevent the opponents from seeing take the king with the ace and finesse distributional division of the other them. the nine on the second round to score cards. In the other suits, you assume three tricks. no help from partner (typically three CHICAGO The Chinese finesse has a chance low cards). A form of rubber bridge that comprises of success only if West has the sets of four deals (chukka) with pre- king but neither the jack nor the determined vulnerability. ten, so it is usually not the best line of Hand 1 On the first deal, neither side is play. ♠ A K Q J 8 5 3 vulnerable; on the fourth, both sides ♥ A 9 4 are. CHUKKA ♦ 7 3 On the other two deals one side is A term for the four deals at Chicago ♣ 5 vulnerable, usually the dealing side. bridge. The term originates from polo. Scoring is similar to rubber bridge Hand 2 but with bonuses for games replacing CLAIM ♠ A K Q J 5 3 the rubber bonus. If a deal results in a Declarer makes a claim by placing ♥ A Q 2 pass out, the same player redeals. his cards face up on the table and ♦ 7 3 Some play a variation, known as announcing that he will win one ♣ 5 2 duplicate style Chicago; the procedure or more of the remaining tricks. A is the same as regular Chicago but defender makes a claim by showing duplicate style scoring applies: any or all of his cards to declarer and Hand 1 has eight clear-cut tricks. Even part scores attract an immediate announcing he will win one or more facing a void, the spade suit will play bonus rather than carry forward to of the remaining tricks. When a for no loser if the break is either 3-3 or subsequent deals and honours do not player makes a claim, he should state 4-2. count. his intended line of play. If he fails to Hand 2 has only six clear-cut tricks. The benefit of playing Chicago is the do so and an opponent contests the Facing a void, the spade suit will play known length of a chukka. claim, restrictions apply to his play. In for one loser on a 5-2 break, the second duplicate, if anyone disputes a claim, most favourable. The ♥Q, being CHICANE the players should call the Director to of uncertain value, does not count An old expression for a trump void. adjudicate. towards the total of clear-cut tricks. Claiming, if done well, speeds up the This term is no longer in regular use.u

BRIDGE July 2020 Page 21 t can careful management of suits. penalty is available from defending CLOSED HAND For example, if you draw three at this level. The double suggests a The hand of the declarer as distinct rounds of trumps with a holding of doubleton heart (not enough hearts from the ‘open’ hand, the dummy. A-K-J-10-x facing Q-x-x-x, you would to raise to 3♥ or 4♥), five clubs (not usually draw them with the ace, jack enough clubs to bid 3♣) and no spade CLOSED ROOM and ten. This leaves you with the stopper. In important head-to-head teams-of- option of winning the fourth round in This hand would be typical: four matches, the two pairs of a team either hand. usually play in different rooms. One of these rooms may be designated the COMPASS POINTS ♠ 8 6 5 ‘closed room’, the other the ‘open room’. North, South, East and West indicate ♥ J 6 Spectators, including any non-playing the positions of players at the table. ♦ A K 5 captain, may watch in the open room ♣ A K 9 7 3 but may not enter the closed room. COMPETITIVE AUCTION Bidding sequences in which both COFFEE HOUSING partnerships enter the auction. Nowadays, players use many low-level Indulging in unethical behaviour to Competitive auctions are common, doubles as competitive rather than mislead the opponents. For example: occurring on perhaps 70% of deals, penalty. adding to the excitement of the game. COMPLETING A TRANSFER K J COMPETITIVE DOUBLE This means bidding the suit partner

N A double, primarily for take out, to has shown at a minimum level. eg. Q 2 W E A 3 convey that the bidder is unwilling to 1NT-Pass-2♦-Pass-2♥. S pass but has no good descriptive bid to 5 4 make. South’s double is competitive in the sequences below. A rare preparatory triple squeeze, followed by a . When South leads low, West pauses West North East South Normally, the ending requires two before playing low, as he might if he 1♣ 1♥ 1♠ Dbl double menaces (guarded by both held the ace instead of the queen, thus opponents) and a one-card menace misleading declarer. The term comes (guarded by one opponent). The one- from a style of bridge that one used to West North East South card menace must be over the relevant encounter in European coffee houses. 1♣ opponent, and declarer has top winners 1♠ 2♥ 2♠ Dbl for all the remaining tricks but one. COLD Slang term describing a contract that In the first sequence, it would be is certain to make. ‘Frigid’ and ‘Icy’ are pointless for South to attempt a penalty ♠ Void similar terms. double of a bid that is natural and ♥ 8 forcing, especially at such a low level. ♦ K 7 3 COME-ON The double suggests a doubleton heart ♣ K 6 4 A signal that encourages partner to (not enough hearts to raise to 2♥), a ♠ Void ♠ A continue playing a suit. In standard four- or moderate five-card diamond ♥ 3 N ♥ Void ♦ J 9 2 W E ♦ Q 8 4 methods, you usually give a come- suit (not enough diamonds to be S on signal with a high spot card. For bidding 2♦) and a weakness in one of ♣ J 8 5 ♣ Q 9 2 example, if partner switches to the ♠A the black suits (hence the inability to ♠ K and you hold ♠K-J-9-2, you play the bid 1NT). ♥ A K nine (assuming you can afford it). This hand would be typical: ♦ A 6 ♣ A 3

COMMUNICATIONS The ability to transfer the lead between ♠ 8 6 5 First, see that the requirements are the two hands of a partnership. ♥ J 6 present: Declarer has six top winners Communications are very ♦ K 9 7 4 3 (three ace-kings), doubly guarded important as they allow you to reach ♣ A K 9 menaces with entries to the threats established winners and to lead in both minors and a singly guarded towards (rather than away from) menace in spades (the king over East’s tenaces. In the second sequence, after the ace). Playing suits in the right order can opponents have bid and raised spades, The lead of the♥ A squeezes East in help to maintain communications, as it is most unlikely that a worthwhile three suits. To avoid conceding a trick

Page 22 BRIDGE July 2020 immediately, he must discard from one CONSTRUCTIVE To contemplate a grand slam, a of his minor suits. This gives West sole Description of a bid that is helpful and partnership will need first-round responsibility for guarding that minor forward going, seeking to find the best control in every suit. To contemplate suit, thereby preparing the way for a contract. a small slam, it will need first-round double squeeze. This is opposite to an obstructive control in at least three suits and South next plays the king and ace or pre-emptive bid, the main aim of first- or second-round control in the of whichever East discards, which is to make life difficult for the fourth. and then leads the ♥K, which creates a opponents. It is also opposite to a double squeeze on both opponents. sign-off. Constructive bids are usually invitational (partner may pass) or ♠ K Q J 7 5 3 COMPUTER DEAL sometimes forcing for one round ♥ 6 1 Term to describe the creation of rather than game forcing. ♦ A Q 7 4 deals by computer. These deals are All of East-West’s bids in this ♣ J 4 more correctly distributional than sequence are constructive: those that some players deal. This is because humans often do not shuffle West North East South This hand has first-round control in the cards properly. 1♣ Pass 1♥ Pass diamonds, second-round control in 2 Term to describe a deal physically 1♠ Pass 1NT Pass each major and third-round control dealt by a computer dealing 2NT End in clubs. If 6♠ has any hope of being machine: this usually requires cards a viable contract, partner will need with special markings similar to bar CONTRACT first- or second-round control of codes for the machine to identify The undertaking by declarer to win a clubs and at least two first-round the cards. number of tricks, in the denomination controls in total. named, specified by the final bid of CONCEDE the auction. The number of tricks is 2 In some systems, notably the Blue To give one or more tricks to the six more then the bid, ie. you need Club, aces and kings have specific opposition. ten tricks to make 4♠. A defender numerical values: two for an ace may double the contract, in which and one for a king. In this case, for CONCESSION case a member of the declaring side example, a hand with one ace and A player makes a concession when he may redouble. The lowest contract is one king or with three kings would announces he will lose the remaining 1♣ and the highest contract is 7NT have three controls. tricks. A player may also concede one redoubled. or more tricks as part of his own claim. CONTROL FREAK A player who likes to takes decisions CONDONE Contract Bridge evolved slowly from on behalf of the partnership in system, To bid or play immediately following the game of , through the games style and play. In the bidding, he likes an irregularity and thereby convert it of Auction Whist, and to make general forcing bids, such into a legal action. finally to Contract Bridge in 1926. It as fourth-suit forcing and bids of the For example, if at South’s turn to bid differed from its predecessors in that opponent’s suit, to find out about his West opens 1♥ and North bids 1♠, only tricks bid for and made counted partner’s hand while disclosing little North’s bid condones the bid out of towards game (based on the Plafond about his own. In the defence, he turn. system). expects his partner to signal everything Harold Vanderbilt changed and to lead or return his suits. CONGRESS considerably the method of scoring A tournament, typically played over a and perfected the new game with the CONTROLLED PSYCHES (long) weekend, and often comprising inclusion of incentives for games and A is one that deliberately several individual competitions. slams, as well as the Plafond system of misdescribes one’s hand to confuse the Usually, a congress takes place in a bidding towards game by accumulating opponents. A psychic bid that some hotel or conference centre. partscores. special bid by partner can uncover is a controlled psyche and makes CONSOLATION EVENT CONTROL the use of such bids safer. British In some congresses and large 1 This is a holding in a suit that bidding restrictions prohibit the use of tournaments, the main event has prevents the opponents from controlled psyches. qualifying rounds to reach the Final. cashing more than a certain number Usually, a ‘consolation event’ takes of tricks in the suit. An ace or void CONVENTION place concurrently with the Final (in a suit contract) constitutes a first- A call or play with a defined meaning for the pairs/teams who failed to round control, a king or singleton understood by the partnership, which qualify. (in a suit contract) constitutes a has little or no similarity to the natural second-round control. use of the bid. u

BRIDGE July 2020 Page 23 t Common examples of a convention cards. are a 2♣ Stayman response to 1NT and Defenders may give count signals A specialized manoeuvre during the a 4NT ace-asking enquiry. on suits that declarer plays, especially play of the hand. Many coups have if dummy holds a long suit but few identifying names, some descriptive entries. Here is an example: (such as , , A card by which a partnership gives , ), others details of the system of bidding it is from the names of their authors (such using and its methods of leads, discards ♦ K Q J 10 5 as ), or the places and signals. It varies from the simple, where they first surfaced (such as Bath N acceptable in most local clubs, to the ♦ A 8 2 W E ♦ 9 6 coup and ). very detailed information required by S sponsoring organisations for major ♦ 7 4 3 COUP EN PASSANT tournaments. The lead of a plain suit card to promote Having a correctly completed a low trump sitting over a high trump. convention card is a courtesy to your Declarer plays a diamond to the king For example: opponents and may assist the director and continues the suit to drive out if any dispute arises about the meaning the ace. East plays high-low (the nine of your side’s bidding. System Card is before the six) to show an even number ♠ 3 2 another name for a Convention Card. of diamonds, clearly two. This enables ♥ — West to the ♦A until the third ♦ — CO-OPERATIVE DOUBLE round. If East had three diamonds, he ♣ — A double, usually at a low level, that would play upwards and West would ♠ A ♠ — shows willingness to bid on or to know to take the ace on the second ♥ — N ♥ A W E ♦ A ♦ 3 penalise the opponents but with no round. S strong preference between the two. Defenders may also give count ♣ — ♣ — signals on each other’s leads, doing ♠ — West North East South so either by agreement or when an ♥ K 1♠ attitude signal is clearly pointless. ♦ 2 Pass 2♥ 3♦ Dbl ♣ —

Historically, this double would have ♠ J 7 5 been a pure penalty double. However, it In the diagram above, with hearts as N is quite rare for one to have a diamond ♠ K Q 10 8 3 W E ♠ 9 6 4 2 trumps, North leads a spade. If East stack on this sequence. Since North S discards, South scores the ♥K at once might leave in the double, South needs ♠ A on a ruff. If East prefers to ruff, South a few diamonds for this co-operative discards and makes the ♥K on the last double. trick. Either way, the ♥K becomes a Here is a possible hand: When West leads the king, East can winner. see that declarer will win with the ace – this means that it will be obvious COUNTING ONE’S CARDS ♠ A J 9 4 3 2 to all that East has nothing in spades. The Laws of Duplicate Contract Bridge ♥ Q 6 In this situation, East should make a state that players should count their ♦ K 6 2 count signal. Normal is to play second cards, face down, before they look at ♣ A J highest from a four-card holding, in their hand, to check that they have this case the six. thirteen.

The best contract might be 4♠, 4♥, COUNTING THE HAND COURT CARDS 3NT or 3♦ doubled. To keep all options The deduction of the location of Old-fashioned name for the honours. open, South doubles. the cards in the unseen hands from Originating from the fact that the With undisclosed length in one of the bidding and previous play. For kings, queens and jacks, being all the majors, North is likely to show example, if a player shows up with ‘coated’ figures were ‘coat cards’. This it or, with a flattish hand and a few three spades, five hearts and three quickly changed to court cards due diamonds, pass. clubs, then you can deduce he has a to the association with a royal court. doubleton diamond. COUNT SIGNALS Alternatively, if a player makes a bid COURTESY BID A signal to convey information about that shows 12-14 points and he shows A continuation made on a weak hand the length of a suit rather than its up with three aces, you can deduce that to allow for the possibility that the strength. In standard methods, a peter he has neither the fourth ace nor any opener has great strength. Examples (high-low) shows an even number of kings. of this are the 3♠ bid in the sequence

Page 24 BRIDGE July 2020 1♠-1NT-3♦-3♠ or a 2♦ response to a CROSS-IMP 2♣ opening. ♠ A 4 A method of scoring individual pairs ♥ Q 2 in terms of IMPs. You compare each COVERING HONOURS pair’s score with the score of every The maxim ‘Cover an honour with an Immaterial N ♠ K 3 other pair sitting in the opposite W E ♥ K 3 honour’ coming from the early days S direction and convert it to IMPs, as if of whist is usually sound but may be each in turn of the other pairs were wrong sometimes. It is usually right to ♠ Q 2 teammates. A pair’s score on any given cover if you hold intermediate cards ♥ A board is then the sum (plus or minus) that covering might promote, or if your ♦ A of all the separate IMP scores. holding is short, when partner might hold such cards. It is usually wrong to CROSSRUFF cover if you have length in the suit and South leads the ♦A and discards the A play in which declarer uses trumps poor intermediates, or if the honour ♠4 from dummy. Both the hearts and in both hands to ruff losers rather than led is a touching honour. spades are now blocked but South can drawing trumps. It is usually correct unblock whichever suit East discards to play off side suit winners before and use the other suit as an to the starting to crossruff to stop opponents Layout 1 then established queen. from discarding those suits and later ♠ Q 6 being in a position to ruff declarer’s

N CRO winners. A crossruff works best when W E ♠ K 7 4 S This stands for Colour, Rank, Odd, most of your trumps are high trumps. usually in relation to two-suited hands.

CROCKFORDS CLUB ♠ 9 6 Layout 2 The gaming house in central London ♥ Q J 9 8 3 ♠ Q 6 that became famous for its high-stake ♦ J 2 ♣ A J 9 6 N games in the early days of rubber W E ♠ K 7 4 2 bridge and the prominent players ♠ Q 10 5 4 3 ♠ 8 7 S who supported it. It gave its name to ♥ 4 2 N ♥ 6 5 W E ♦ Q 9 7 5 3 ♦ 8 6 the premier teams’ championship of S Generally, East should cover the queen England. ♣ Q ♣ K 10 7 5 4 3 2 with the king on the first layout (West ♠ A K J 2 might hold 10-x-x or A-10-x) but CROCODILE COUP ♥ A K 10 7 not on the second (South might hold A play by a defender of an apparently ♦ A K 10 4 A-J-10-9-x). unnecessarily high card to prevent a ♣ 8 throw-in on his partner. The defender CRASHING HONOURS needs to imagine being a crocodile as it The playing of two high honours by opens its jaws to make sure of catching As South, you play in 7♥. West leads defenders to the same trick. A deceptive partner’s winning card (which by this a trump. You should win in hand (you play by declarer can sometimes induce stage is a singleton). do not want to use dummy’s lowly defenders to crash their honours. For For example: ♥3 for ruffing) and cash the red ace- example: kings as well as the ♣A. You will then ruff clubs in hand and cards from the ♠ 3 2 pointed suits in dummy and make the Q 5 4 3 2 ♥ A Q rest of the tricks.

N N A W E K 6 ♠ A Q ♠ K CROWHURST CONVENTION S W E ♥ 7 6 S ♥ K 5 4 A convention, named after the English J 10 9 8 7 player Eric Crowhurst, whereby a bid ♠ 5 4 of 2♣ by responder, after a wide-range ♥ 3 2 1NT rebid by opener, is an enquiry. If South, as declarer, leads the queen For example, if the 1NT rebid by from dummy, East may decide to opener shows 12-16 points then the cover, causing the defenders to crash When South, declarer, leads a spade, continuations are as below: their honours. West must play his ♠A, swallowing his partner’s ♠K. This saves East from Opener Responder CRISS-CROSS SQUEEZE winning and having to lead into the 1♥ 1♠ A with a blocked suit. heart tenace. 1NT 2♣ For example: ? u

BRIDGE July 2020 Page 25 t 2♦ 12-14 points without five hearts 3 A direct overcall in the suit an Queen of Scots, the ♦9 was the chief or three spades opponent has opened conveys the card. 2♥ 12-14 points with five hearts message of a very powerful hand or, 2 ‘Butcher’ Cumberland wrote the 2♠ 12-14 points with three spades, more popularly, some form of two- orders for the Battle of Culloden but not five hearts suited hand. The popular Michaels (1746) on the card. 2NT 15-16 points convention and the rarer 3 The order for the massacre at convention both use this type of cue Glencoe was on the back of the bid to show a two-suited hand. card. This is a bid of a suit with no intention 4 That it derives from the nine that the bid suit should be the trump CULBERTSON SYSTEM lozenges that formed the arms of suit. The term covers several quite Historic system of bidding devised and the Earl of Star, whom Scots hated different situations. popularized by , first for his part in the massacre at 1 In a slam investigation, when the published in the Blue Book in 1933 Glencoe and the union with partnership has agreed a trump suit and later revised in further Blue Books. England. (either explicitly or implicitly), the Many of the features of the Culbertson cue bid of a suit shows a control in system have provided a basis for CURTAIN CARD that suit. By agreement this may be modern methods. The very successful Written record of a hand in a duplicate first-round control (an ace or void), team and public opinion board; this enables a player to check or either first- or second-round influenced the system, leading to the that his hand is correct and helps to control. To avoid confusion with the publication of the Gold Book in 1936, restore the hand if the board becomes other types of cue bid, some call this which became standard in America fouled. Curtain cards are no longer in a control-showing cue bid. for nearly fifteen years. Features of the widespread use. system were: West North East South CUT 1♦ Pass 1 Valuation by Honour Tricks, 1 Before the beginning of a rubber, 1♠ Pass 3♠ Pass 2 Uniform standards for biddable from a deck of cards spread face 4♣ Pass 4♦ suits, down on the table, each player 3 The approach forcing principle, draws one card. Those drawing the After East’s 3♠ raise sets spades as 4 The forcing Two bids, two highest cards play with each trumps, West’s 4♣ and East’s 4♦ are 5 The forcing take-out (now known as other, the winner deals first. both (control-showing) cue bids. a jump shift) showing three Honour 4♣ must show interest in a slam Tricks, 2 Before every deal, the dealer’s RHO because, with no such interest, West 6 Strong no-trump, cuts the deck towards the dealer by would simply raise 3♠ to 4♠. 7 Non-forcing jump rebids by opener, dividing it into two portions. The unless in a new suit, dealer replaces the lower portion on 2 In a contested auction, a bid of the 8 Asking bids. top of the other. opponents’ suit is called a cue bid: it may be a general (when CULBERTSON 4-5NT 3 In a qualifying session, the cut is no suitable alternative is available) A complicated slam convention the place at which the field divides or have a conventional meaning. showing aces and kings as well as in determining who goes forward to asking for them. The 4NT bid shows the next stage. For example, if there West North East South three aces or two aces and a king of is to be a 7-table all-play-all final in 1♥ 2♣ 3♣ a suit bid by the partnership. The a pairs’ event, the cut will be after responses are: with two aces or one the 14th place. West North East South ace and the kings of all suits bid by 1♣ the partnership, bid 5NT. If holding CUT IN 1♥ 2♣ 3♣ no ace, bid five of the lowest suit that A form of rubber bridge in which the partnership has bid. Holding one players draw for partners. At the end Popular nowadays is for East’s 3♣ ace, bid the suit with the ace at the five- of each rubber, players change partners cue bid in the first sequence to show level, or at the six-level if it is the ace and one or more players leave the a value raise to at least 3♥. The older of the lowest suit genuinely bid by the table, exchanging places with sitting treatment is to play it as asking for partnership. out players or players from another either a full or half a club stopper. table. In the second sequence, where CURSE OF SCOTLAND partner’s action is an overcall, it is Name given to the ♦9. The exact source Bridge with Angela. almost universal to play the 3♣ cue of the name is a mystery. There have Consolidate your basic skills with this bid as showing a sound (heart) raise, been various suggestions: easy to read guide to Standard Bidding, Play, Defence & Conventions also known as an Unassuming Cue 1 In the game Cornette, introduced to Bid. Scotland by the unfortunate Mary £7.95 ( 01483 489961

Page 26 BRIDGE July 2020 A to Z of Bridge continued

on a board (i.e. add up all the scores markings (similar to bar codes). and divide by the total number of Dealing machines are very useful for scores). In most sizes of field, the large tournaments (where there are a D calculation ignores one or more of the large number of boards to deal), for top and bottom scores to give a more simultaneous pairs events (where each representative score. The purpose of club will play the same deals) and for DANGER HAND calculating the datum is so that you clubs that wish to provide players with During the play of a contract, it can can compare an individual pair’s score hand records at the end of a session. be dangerous to lose the lead to one with the datum and convert it to IMPs. opponent but safe to lose it to the As an example, suppose the scores DECEPTIVE PLAY other. The hand that declarer needs on a board are +1100, +620, +620, The play of a card, or a line of play, to keep off lead is the ‘danger hand’. +620, +140 and -100. Ignoring the top with the express intention of deceiving Sometimes you can organize life score (+1100) and the bottom score opponents about the true lie of the accordingly: (-100), the total score is 2000. Dividing cards. this by 4 gives 500, which is the datum.

♠ Q 2 DEAD ♠ A J 9 4 ♥ A Q 7 A hand is ‘dead’ if there is no entry to N ♦ 10 7 it. ♠ 8 7 6 W E ♠ K Q 10 ♣ A Q 10 9 3 2 S ♠ A J 10 9 3 ♠ 7 6 5 DEAL ♠ 5 3 2 ♥ J 4 2 N ♥ 10 9 6 5 1 To distribute the 52 cards, one card ♦ K 6 4 W E ♦ 9 8 5 S to each player in turn starting with ♣ 8 4 ♣ K 7 5 the player on the left of the dealer. If South, the declarer leads a spade ♠ K 8 4 2 The set of four hands dealt. from hand and finesses dummy’s ♥ K 8 3 nine, East might win deceptively with ♦ A Q J 3 2 Dealing precedes the bidding and the king (or queen). Declarer may ♣ J 6 play. At duplicate, most dealing occurs then waste an entry returning to hand at the start of a session and (unless a to take a further finesse. If East won relay table means some boards are not the first round of spades with the ten, West leads the ♠J against 3NT. The in play) players do not deal in later declarer would know at once that the contract is at risk if the defenders rounds. In some types of competition, suit would not run for one loser. make four spade tricks and one of the the players do not deal at all: the minor-suit kings. You have a choice director presents the boards with the DECK of finesses to take. At this stage, it is cards already dealt. A pack of playing cards. unclear which defender will be the danger hand, the hand to whom you DEALER DECLARATION do not want to lose the lead. The person who deals (at rubber The final contract. Dummy covers with the ♠Q, bridge or Chicago) and makes the which holds the trick. Since the first call. At rubber bridge, the dealer DECLARER ♠K is vulnerable to a lead through rotates after each deal. At duplicate, The member of the partnership who it, East becomes the danger hand. the board stipulates the dealer and first bid the denomination of the final Accordingly, you take the diamond the term ‘dealer’ means ‘first bidder’ contract. finesse into the West hand. as the dealer does not physically deal If East held the ♠A, the ♠Q would the cards. West North East South not hold (swap the ♠A and ♠7). You 1♦ Pass would duck the second spade and win DEALMASTER 1♠ Pass 2♠ End the third round with the ♠K. West, Software for organizing, analyzing with the long spades, would be the and creating deals that is popular with West North East South danger hand and you would instead bridge teachers and journalists. 1NT Pass 2♣ finesse clubs into East. 3♣ End DEALING MACHINE DATUM An electronic device for dealing cards. In the first auction, West, who bids The average of the scores obtained It usually requires cards to have special spades before East, becomes declarer.u

BRIDGE July 2020 Page 27 t In the second auction, West again DEFENCE TO 1NT DEFENDERS becomes declarer. South is an opponent Term given to a partnership agreement During the play, the non-declaring and so his 2♣ bid has no significance about entering the bidding after an side. in determining the eventual declarer. opponent’s 1NT opening bid. There During the auction, the defenders are a number of conventions in use are the non-opening side, though it is DEEP FINESSE because nothing is entirely effective rarer to find the term used this way. 1 A finesse when three or more cards in overcoming the pre-emptive effect higher than the card finessed are of a 1NT opening. More and more DEFENSIVE BIDDING missing. players are using a simple defence Bidding by the non-opening side, called , whereby a 2♣ overcall sometimes with an obstructive intent. shows both majors and all other suit A J 9 overcalls are natural. DEFENSIVE TRICK During the bidding, a holding that N W E DEFENCE TO you expect to win a trick even if the S ARTIFICIAL STRONG CLUB opponents buy the contract; during 4 3 2 Term given to a partnership agreement the play, a card combination that wins about entering the bidding after a trick for the defending side. an opponent’s strong artificial ♣1 Aces and kings are quite likely to Needing two tricks in the above opening bid. Since game for the non- win tricks whatever the contract. By suit, and with plenty of entries, opening side is unlikely, it is usual to contrast, a holding like J-10-x-x is South plays a low card from hand bid on weak distributional hands with unlikely to win a defensive trick unless planning to play the nine if West the aim of disrupting the opposing it is in the opposing trump suit. follows low. If the nine loses to the bidding. king or queen, South can later take DELAYED GAME RAISE a simple finesse of the jack. DEFENCE TO MULTI When partner opens one of a major 2 A computer programme that Term given to partnership agreement suit and the responder has the values analyses, on a double-dummy basis, about entering the bidding after for game, it is valuable to distinguish lines of play on a deal; it shows an opponent’s Multicoloured Two between hands with distributional which result in success and which to Diamond opener. In second seat, values, and hands with both trump defeat. Printouts of computer deals you expect to get two chances to bid, support and all round strength often show makeable contracts as which increases your options. You (usually 13 to 15 points). computed by Deep Finesse. can directly bid 2♥, 2♠, 3♣ or 3♦ as In the first case a direct raise to natural, 2NT to show a strong no- game, which has the additional value DEFEAT THE CONTRACT trump. of having a pre-emptive effect, is in To win, in defence, enough tricks so Double is usually two-way, showing order. In the second case, bidding a that declarer cannot make his contract either a too weak to bid second suit and then bidding game even if he wins all the remaining tricks. 2NT or any strong hand. In sixth seat in partner’s opening suit at the next If the contract is 3NT, the defenders (i.e. when you are in second seat but opportunity may better describe the need to score at least five tricks to pass first time), double of ♥2 /2♠ is for hand – a delayed game raise. For defeat the contract. In a grand slam, takeout. example: the defenders need only a single trick In fourth seat, a simple method is to to defeat the contract. treat the auction 2♦(Multi)-pass-2♥ the same as 2♥(weak)-pass-pass ♠ K J 6 3 DEFECTIVE TRICK and 2♦(Multi)-pass-2♠ the same as ♥ 8 2 A trick that contains fewer than or 2♠(weak)-pass-pass. ♦ A 5 3 more than four legally played cards. ♣ A Q 7 5 Assuming the players pay attention DEFENCE TO to the game, defective tricks are OPENING THREE-BID extremely rare. Term given to a partnership agreement With this hand, after partner opens about entering the bidding after an 1♠, you respond 2♣ knowing you can DEFENCE, THE opponent’s pre-emptive three-level bid 4♠ next time. 1 The two defenders – these are opening. At one time it was common The use of splinters and 2NT as a East-West if North-South buy the to play 3NT as for takeout and the game-forcing raise of partner’s major contract and vice versa. next development was a variety of have made the delayed game raise less 2 Term also refers to the line of conventional takeout bids. It has common than it once was. play or defensive strategy that the now become almost universal to play defending side adopts. double for takeout whether you are DELAYED SUPPORT over or under the bid. An invitational raise in partner’s first bid suit on the second round of

Page 28 BRIDGE July 2020 bidding usually showing three-card DEVIL’S COUP West North East South support, as in this sequence: A rare coup whereby a seemingly 1♣ 1♠ 2♦ Pass certain trump loser vanishes. 2♠ West North East South For example: 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass DIRECTOR 2♣ Pass 3♥ This person organises the movement of ♠ 9 pairs and boards as well as dealing with DENIAL BID ♥ K 10 any irregularities that arise. Most clubs A bid that indicates lack of support ♦ — have a playing director as it is hard to for partner’s suit (e.g. 1♠-Pass-1NT), ♣ — find volunteers to give up an evening or general weakness such as the 2♦ ♠ 8 ♠ — to serve as director. In a tournament, response to an Acol 2♣ opening. ♥ Q 7 N ♥ J 8 4 there would be a non-playing director. ♦ — W E ♦ — S DENOMINATION ♣ — ♣ — DISCARD A general term meaning clubs, ♠ — A card played to a trick that is neither diamonds, hearts, spades, or no- ♥ A 9 of the suit led nor of the trump suit. trumps. During the auction, the ♦ Q denominations follow that rank, with ♣ — clubs as the lowest and no-trumps as ♠ Void the highest. ♥ J 7 5 3 Hearts are trumps, and South, ♦ 10 7 5 4 3 DEPO declarer, leads the ♠9 from dummy. ♣ Q 7 4 2 Convention handling intervention East ruffs and South will overruff. If after a Blackwood 4NT bid. East ruffs with the ♥J, South ruffs with The name is a mnemonic for ‘Double the ♥A, and finesses the ♥10. If East On a spade lead, if spades are trumps Even Pass Odd’. A double after trumps with a lower card, South ruffs or there are no-trumps, any card you intervention shows zero, two or four with the ♥9 and takes the top two play will be a discard. On any other aces, the pass shows one or three. trumps for the final two tricks. lead, you will be following suit rather Due to the ambiguity, most pairs do than making a discard. The term not use this method, preferring DOPE DIRECT KING CONVENTION discard is also a verb, meaning to or DOPI. If during the auction a member of make a discard. the partnership reveals how many DESCHAPELLES COUP aces he has, a subsequent Blackwood DISCOURAGING CARD Defensive play involving the 4NT enquiry will ask him about A card signalling the fact that a of a high card in order to gain entry to kings. As the associated conventions defender does not wish to have the suit partner’s hand. that disclose aces early in the auction led or continued. In standard methods, For example: have gone out of popular use, this you discourage by playing low (the convention is now quite rare. lowest card you hold in the suit).

A 5 DIRECTION North, South, East or West. ♠ Void N Q 6 4 W E K 8 7 3 ♥ 7 5 3 S DIRECTIONAL ASKING BID (DAB) ♦ Q 10 7 5 4 J 10 9 2 After an overcall, a cue bid of the ♣ K J 9 4 2 opponent’s suit by either member of the opening side asks partner to bid When requiring an entry into partner’s no-trumps if he holds a partial stopper If partner leads a heart or you discard hand, East makes the Deschapelles (or better) in the opposing suit. To a heart on a spade, you would be coup by leading the king. If dummy’s make such a bid it would be usual likely to want to discourage hearts by ace wins, the queen becomes an entry; to hold a partial stopper oneself. For playing the two. if declarer allows the king to hold, East example: leads another card to the now bare ace, DISCOVERY PLAY establishing the queen as an entry. A declarer who tests the distribution ♠ J 6 3 of the outstanding cards in the unseen DEUCE ♥ A Q 3 hands before committing himself to A colloquial name sometimes used in ♦ K 5 one line of play is making a ‘discovery reference to the two. Derivative from ♣ A Q 8 5 3 play’. deux (French) and duo (Latin). For example: u

BRIDGE July 2020 Page 29 t a singleton and one for a doubleton. (discouraging) and asks for the other The Karpin Count adds points not suit of the same colour. ♠ 6 4 for shortages, but for extra length in For instance, when discarding on a ♥ A J 5 the bid suit, one extra point for each spade lead, the ♥2 asks for a heart, the ♦ A Q 8 card over four in the longest suit; ♥3 asks for a diamond and the ♣5 is ♣ K 10 7 3 2 so a five-card suit gains one point, a neutral (as it theoretically asks for a ♠ J 10 7 5 3 2 ♠ 9 8 six-card suit gains two extra points, spade). ♥ 9 8 6 N ♥ 10 3 2 etc. Opener uses the Karpin count in ♦ W E ♦ 5 4 3 S J 10 7 2 evaluating his hand. In responding, DOPE/ROPE ♣ 6 ♣ Q 9 8 5 with primary trump support, the 5-3- Conventions used after intervention ♠ A K Q 1 count is more accurate while the following a Blackwood 4NT, allowing ♥ K Q 7 4 3-2-1 count is more accurate with only responder to show an even number of ♦ K 9 6 secondary support. aces or an odd number of aces. After ♣ A J 4 While the shortage and length an intervening bid, Double shows an points’ methods produce similar Odd number of aces, Pass an Even results, it is a good idea to make the number. After an intervening double, West leads the ♠J against South’s 7NT. following adjustments: Redouble shows an Odd number of You have twelve top tricks and the With a singleton king, queen or jack, aces and Pass an Even number. Due to thirteenth will come from a successful deduct one point. With five trumps in the ambiguity, most pairs do not use finesse against the ♣Q. By playing the responding hand, add one point. this method. off the winners in spades, hearts and diamonds, you find that West started DOPI/ROPI with a 6-3-3-1 distribution. You can ♠ K 9 6 5 4 Conventions used after intervention cash the ♣K and confidently finesse ♥ 8 following a Blackwood 4NT. against East on the second round of ♦ 8 5 3 Following an intervening bid, Double clubs. ♣ A 8 5 2 shows zero (O) aces, Pass one (I) and other responses on a step principle, DISTRIBUTION the first bid (e.g. ♥5 after a ♦5 overcall) Distribution assesses the number of With this hand, it would be usual to showing two aces etc. After an cards in a suit as dispersed around the count three points for the singleton intervening double, Redouble shows table or in an individual player’s hand. heart if partner bids one of the black zero (O) aces, Pass one (I) ace etc. For example: 5-4-3-1 ‘distribution’. suits because then you have primary If you are playing Keycard This is also the hand’s ‘pattern’ or trump support. Blackwood or Roman Keycard ‘shape’. If partner bids diamonds, the Blackwood, it is usual to play that A hand or deal with a lot of singleton is worth only two points. you double (or redouble) to show the distribution will have more than the If partner bids hearts or no-trumps, first step response or pass to make the average number of singletons or voids. the singleton is not worth any second step response. The cheapest On the preceding deal, South’s distributional points. actual bid shows the third step distribution is 3-4-3-3, North’s is 2-3- response and so on. 3-5 and East’s is 2-3-4-4. The spade DISTRIBUTIONAL VALUE distribution is 6322 while the heart A holding of worth, due to shortage or and diamond distributions are 4333; length in suits. West 1 the club distribution is 5431. ♠ K 9 5 3 DIXON CONVENTION ♥ A Q J 8 3 DISTRIBUTIONAL First recognized defence to the Multi, ♦ 7 5 POINT COUNT based on the principle that a double ♣ A 2 Points based on distribution that you of 2♦ shows a fairly balanced hand add to the High Card Points value of of about 13-16 points, immediate a hand to more accurately estimate overcalls of 2♥ and 2♠ show the West 2 its playing strength. A number of equivalent of a take out double of the ♠ Q 9 5 3 methods are in use, some based on other major and all other bids are ♥ A Q J 8 3 shortages, others on length. For natural. ♦ 7 5 example: ♣ A 2 The standard Goren Count (or DODD DISCARDS 3-2-1 count) adds three points for a A system of discards in which the face void, two for a singleton and one for value (odd/even) of the discard may West North East South a doubleton. When the partnership signal attitude or suit preference. Even 1♥ 2♦ 2♠ 3♦ has a good fit, Goren recommends cards Encourage the suit discarded 4♠ Pass 4NT 5♦ adding five points for a void, three for while even cards are Off-putting ?

Page 30 BRIDGE July 2020 On the first hand, playing Keycard the double finesse would gain only one Blackwood, you want to show three trick. DOUBLE RAISE key cards. That is a fourth step A raise of partner’s suit by two levels response. Thus, as double and pass DOUBLE JUMP OVERCALL (e.g. 1♥-Pass-3♥). In Acol, this is a deal with the first and second steps, An overcall skipping two levels limit raise usually showing four-card you bid 5♠. On the second hand, you of bidding (e.g. 1♥-3♠). Facing an support and eight losers or 10-12 have two key cards and so bid 5♥. unpassed partner a double jump points. With Roman Keycard Blackwood overcall is pre-emptive, trying to Opener can also make a double raise you have (zero or) three key cards on obstruct the opponents. It shows a (e.g. 1♣-Pass-1♥-Pass-3♥). This would the first hand (first step response) and similar hand to a pre-emptive opening show four-card support and better so double. With the second hand, you bid. than a minimum opening (six losers have two key cards and the trump or 15-17 points). queen, which is a fourth step response, DOUBLE JUMP RAISE and so bid 5♠. A raise missing out two levels of DOUBLE SQUEEZE bidding. It is usually pre-emptive in This is a squeeze against both DOUBLE nature, e.g. 1♥-4♥. opponents. In one suit, you have A call that (if it ends the auction) a threat against one opponent. In increases the value of tricks bid and DOUBLE OF another suit, you have a threat against made, the penalty for undertricks, the THREE NO TRUMP BIDS his partner. In a third suit, you have bonuses for overtricks, and will lead When the opponents bid to 3NT, a a threat that the opponents share the to an additional bonus of 50 points if double by the defender who will not be burden of protecting. the doubled contract is successful. The on lead usually acts as lead-directing For example: call is in use for several conventional double, asking for a particular lead, purposes. At low levels, most doubles often dummy’s first bid suit. are for takeout. If both defenders have bid a different ♠ A J suit, the double asks partner to lead ♥ K DOUBLE DUMMY his own suit rather than that of the ♦ — A play in a particular situation that doubler. ♣ — the players could not possibly better If nobody has bid a suit, a double ♠ K 5 ♠ Q 6 even if they could see all four hands. shows a long solid suit and asks ♥ A N ♥ — ♦ — W E ♦ A To examine a deal double dummy is partner to lead his shortest suit. S to look at all four hands simultaneously. ♣ — ♣ — A double dummy problem is one in West North East South ♠ 7 which all four hands are on display. 1♥ Pass 2♣ ♥ — Pass 2NT Pass 3NT ♦ K DOUBLE FINESSE Dbl ♣ A A finesse against two outstanding honours. For example: West North East South 1♣ 1♥ As South, declarer, you lead the ♣A. 1♠ 2♦ Pass 3♦ To keep the ♥A West throws a spade. A Q 10 Pass 3NT Pass Pass After dummy throws the ♥K, East is Dbl in a similar position to his partner. To N K J 8 W E 9 7 6 2 keep the ♦A East too throws a spade, S On both auctions, West’s double asks leaving the ♠A-J to win the last two 5 4 3 for a club lead. tricks. On the first auction, East would be Key requirements for a double likely to lead a spade or a diamond squeeze are that at least one of the Declarer must first finesse dummy’s without the double. On the second single guarded menaces lies over ten and later the queen to take all auction, East would be likely to lead a the stopper (they both do in the three tricks. If East held one honour, spade without the double. above example) and that prior to u

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BRIDGE July 2020 Page 31 t playing the squeeze card declarer someone from ruffing one of your If you are trying to set up the diamond has lost any losers that the defenders diamond winners. suit when North has no side entry, you are due to take. need to duck the first two rounds of the suit, conserving the ♦A as an entry DOUBLED INTO GAME ♠ Q 10 2 to the long cards. A player is said to have been doubled ♥ 9 into game if an opponent has doubled ♦ A 10 8 5 4 DUKE OF CUMBERLAND’S his contract and the score for the tricks ♣ 9 6 5 3 HAND made, if the contract is successful, will Dealt to the son of George IV at whist. N exceed 100 while this score would have W E Clubs were trumps and the Duke held: been less than 100 had the contract not S been doubled. For example, to double ♠ A K J 7 4 a contract of 2♠ would be to double ♥ A 4 2 ♠ A K Q into game but to double a contract of ♦ K 6 ♥ A K Q J 2♦ would not. ♣ 10 7 4 ♦ A K ♣ K J 9 7 DOUBLER The person who doubles. On this layout, you should not draw trumps. Instead, you start by ruffing a His opponents bet that he would DOUBLETON heart, returning to the ♦K and ruffing not make a single trick in his hand. A holding of only two cards in a suit. a second heart. You cannot afford to According to the story, he accepted draw trumps because you need two of the bet and lost all thirteen tricks. The DOWN dummy’s trumps for ruffing. complete deal was: Failing to make the contracted number of tricks. DRIVE OUT To force out an opponent’s high card ♠ Void DRAWING TRUMPS by leading a sufficiently high card in ♥ Void The act of playing successive rounds the same suit and continuing the suit ♦ 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 of trumps in order to remove the until the high card has gone. ♣ A Q 10 8 opponents’ trumps. The objective is ♠ A K Q ♠ J 10 9 8 7 6 to stop the opponents from ruffing DROP ♥ A K Q J N ♥ 10 9 8 7 6 ♦ A K W E ♦ Q J your winners. Popular folklore says To play a high card and cause an S that players who fail to draw trumps opponent to follow with a lower ♣ K J 9 7 ♣ Void end up walking barefoot along the missing high card, as in the expression: ♠ 5 4 3 2 Embankment. The truth is that there ‘to drop the singleton king offside’. ♥ 5 4 3 2 are almost as many hands on which ♦ Void you need to do something else before ♣ 6 5 4 3 2 drawing trumps, such as taking ruffs A conventional 2♣ response to a third- in dummy or setting up a long suit. or fourth-hand opening asking if the You are South, playing in spades, opener has a sound or sub-minimum Following whist principles of the time, and receive a heart lead to your ace. opener. This convention is not in use the Duke led the ♣7. North won with in the UK. the ♣8, and after two diamond ruffs and two further club leads through ♠ Q 10 2 DUCK the Duke, North could draw the last ♥ 9 4 To decline to take a trick that one trump and cash the seven remaining ♦ A Q J 3 could have won. Ducking is often a diamonds. ♣ 9 5 3 2 good idea to avoid playing a high card on a low one, to leave the opponents DUMB BIDDER (SILENT BIDDER) N W E with a guess or to disrupt the opposing Device to permit silent bidding. It is a S communications. Ducking can also board placed in the centre of the table, ♠ A K J 7 4 maintain your side’s communications: subdivided into labelled regions, 1♣, ♥ A 2 1♦, 1 ♥, 1♠, 1 NT, 2♣ etc. (up to 7NT), ♦ K 9 6 Dbl, Redbl, Alert, Stop and Pass. ♣ 10 7 4 ♦ A 9 5 3 2 A player makes his call by touching the appropriate region of the board N ♦ K J 10 W E ♦ Q 8 with a pen or pencil, or moving a On the layout above, you should S small counter placed on the dumb draw trumps and run the diamonds. ♦ 7 6 4 bidder. Bidding boxes have rendered Drawing trumps is essential to stop dumb bidders almost obsolete.

Page 32 BRIDGE July 2020 DUMMY The first application of the duplicate the result that, whilst the combined 1 This is the partner of the declarer, principle was in Duplicate Whist honour point strength is high, the who takes no part in the play, except by John T. Mitchell, inventor of the trick-taking potential is limited. (at duplicate) in playing cards as first pairs movement. Duplicate instructed. Auction Bridge began in 1914 under 2 This is also the hand of declarer’s the auspices of the American Whist ♠ A Q partner, as laid out on the table so League. ♥ K Q 6 that the other three players can see Most bridge clubs and almost all ♦ 7 6 4 2 it. tournaments play duplicate bridge. ♣ K J 5 4

DUMMY REVERSAL DUPLICATION N W E A method of play by which the hand OF DISTRIBUTION S with longer trumps (declarer) ruffs A duplication of distribution occurs losers. Dummy’s trumps then draw when both players have exactly the ♠ K J 3 the remaining trumps. For example: same length in one or more suits. ♥ A J ‘Mirror Distribution’ is a similar term, ♦ Q 8 5 3 suggesting the duplication is in several ♣ 7 6 3 2 ♠ J 10 9 suits. ♥ A K 5 ♦ A 7 5 4 ♠ K Q 10 7 5 Whilst the combined point count for ♣ Q 7 2 ♥ Q North-South is 26, they can take only ♠ 6 4 3 ♠ 8 2 ♦ J 8 5 six certain tricks and are unlikely to ♥ Q J 10 N ♥ 8 7 4 3 ♣ A Q 10 2 make game. W E ♦ ♦ K J 10 9 S Q 6 3 2 ♣ 6 5 3 ♣ 10 9 8 N DUPLIMATE W E ♠ A K Q 7 5 S A Swedish designed card-dealing ♥ 9 6 2 machine that can deal any pack of ♦ 8 ♠ A J 9 8 3 cards but works best with those that ♣ A K J 4 ♥ 9 have barcodes. It also prints hand ♦ 10 4 2 records. ♣ K J 9 4 You are South in a contract of 7♠ and DUSTBIN BID have twelve top tricks. You can get Colloquial name for a 1NT response home however, when the suits break Due to the duplication of distribution to 1♥ or 1♠. If you lack the values for a evenly, by means of a dummy reversal. in the red suits, the likely North-South two-over-one response, you may have By ruffing dummy’s three losing contract of 4♠ is doomed to failure. to respond 1NT on a variety of hands, diamonds with top trumps, you end If one player held three hearts and a including those that are far from up with three trump tricks, four club singleton diamond, however, there balanced. tricks, three tricks from the red suit would be only two losers and eleven winners and three tricks by trumping tricks. diamonds in hand. ♠ Void DUPLICATION ♥ J 9 5 4 3 2 DUPLICATE BRIDGE OF VALUES ♦ 9 7 A form of bridge in which different A duplication of values occurs either ♣ A J 8 7 4 players play the same deal. This when one player is short in the eliminates the luck of the deal since other’s strong suit (e.g. K-Q-x facing a players’ scores compare with the other singleton) or when both players have a If partner opens 1♠, you should results on each board. strong holding in a particular suit with respond 1NT. ■

Available from DUPLICATE BRIDGE only RULES SIMPLIFIED £595 Mr Bridge by David Stevenson ( 01483 489961 (otherwise known as the Yellow Book) www.mrbridge.co.uk FULLY REVISED IN 2017

BRIDGE July 2020 Page 33 Seven Days by Sally Brock

here is not really a lot to say here as most days are just the same as the one before and the one after. I was a little slow to obey the lockdown. It was not really clear what danger I might cause – to me or anyone else – by walking 15 minutes to Barry’s and staying with him from time to time. So I went for a visit immediately after the lockdown started. However, I Tthen realised that one of the medications I was on (for a skin complaint) was an immunosuppressant and actually put me at quite a high risk. So I decided to stay home as instructed. I have my usual writing and online work, and seem to have set up quite a few regular games with friends. I’m not very keen on playing seriously online. I like to be connected by Skype or phone so we can have a good time socially as well as playing. I find playing in real isolation to be rather depressing. My typing is not very good so if the only way to communicate is by typing on BBO, I make oodles of mistakes and usually say what I want to say too late when the subject has already moved on. I do play regularly in the EBU Lockdown League where we play just eight boards, and then go to ‘Hangout’ to go through them. Otherwise I meet with friends and we Skype and play on the regular BBO site. My younger two children are with me. Toby is working; Briony has finished her second year with the Open University. We get regular Ocado deliveries. They go for runs; Briony does online yoga; I spend 40 minutes each day on my exercise bike (reading my book at the same time). I speak to Barry several times a day usually. And most days we play bridge or bid hands together. Life plods on.

MONDAY – it all depends on the sanity of your What do you think of that? This is my working day. At 12.30 I have opponents. Anyway, I pass, only to I think I would have opened 2♣ on an hour online with my Irish friends. find that declarer is 6-6 in the majors! the South hand. Although 1♠ works This week we decide to enlist Barry’s Then I have a couple of hours with out OK on the actual layout, if I had aid and play against him rather than Debbie. This is a good hand: responded 1NT, she would not have a work on practice deals. The hands comfortable rebid. (She would have to are rather dull, except for a dramatic rebid 3♣, and it then sounds as if her final deal when we defend 4♠ doubled, Dealer South. Love All. clubs are better than they are relative to which is cold for eleven tricks (though ♠ 4 3 her spades – and her partner might be declarer loses her way and I take my ♥ A K Q 10 9 2 reluctant to support spades with only a eye off the ball to let it make anyway!) ♦ Q J 9 6 4 doubleton.) Over my 2♥ response she when we are cold for 6♣. My fault, I ♣ Void sets trumps with 3♠ and then we cue- guess. As South, I hold: ♠ 9 2 ♠ A 7 5 bid, use RKCB and stop in 6♠. But why ♥ 8 7 4 3 N ♥ J 6 5 aren’t we in 6NT? W E ♦ 3 S ♦ 10 8 7 2 Against 6♠ West leads a diamond. ♠ Q 5 ♣ K 9 7 6 5 3 ♣ J 10 8 In practice Debbie wins and plays a ♥ 7 6 ♠ K Q J 10 8 6 trump, going one down when East ♦ K J 9 4 3 ♥ Void wins at once and West ruffs the ♣ Q 9 4 2 ♦ A K 5 second round of diamonds. While not ♣ A Q 4 2 something you would find looking only at the North-South hands, there We are at favourable vulnerability, and is a winning line. Win the diamond I hear the bidding go: This is our bidding: in hand, ruff a club, then play three top hearts pitching two diamonds West North East South West North East South and a club. After that the ♥10, ruffed 2♠ Dbl 4♠ Pass 1♠ and overruffed, followed by the ♣A Pass Dbl Pass ? Pass 2♥ Pass 3♠ and a club ruff. Now declarer can ruff Pass 4♣ Pass 4♦ high back to hand and play the ♠K. The trouble with this type of sequence Pass 4♥ Pass 4NT East wins and plays a diamond, but is that even if you know partner’s Pass 5♣ Pass 6♠ declarer can ruff high, draw trumps hand you often don’t know what to do All Pass and claim.

Page 34 BRIDGE July 2020 In the evening we have the final THURSDAY match in the EBU Lockdown League. Dealer West. E/W Game. This is a league with a large number of ♠ 8 5 2 After a fairly lazy morning, I have my divisions. ♥ 10 5 3 usual Thursday afternoon spot with Each team plays four times a week in ♦ 8 7 4 Jovi, Margaret and Susanna. However, matches of eight boards only. I really ♣ 9 6 5 4 Margaret is poorly so I ask Heather like this format. We have a team of ♠ A Q J 9 3 ♠ 7 6 if she’d like to join us and off we go. seven people and we are not scheduled ♥ A Q 4 N ♥ J 9 2 I play with Susanna this time and we W E ♦ K 10 5 2 ♦ Q J 6 3 to play in this particular match, but S do well for a while – taking lots of nevertheless we watch our team play ♣ 10 ♣ Q J 8 3 penalties but it soon deteriorates and and join them in ‘Hangout’ afterwards ♠ K 10 4 we end up losing narrowly. to discuss the hands. We have a good ♥ K 8 7 6 Later we practise online against win but are too far behind the leaders ♦ A 9 Sabine and Roy, who are in to challenge and have to settle for ♣ A K 7 2 Copenhagen. We Skype at the same second place. time and it is great fun. This is an interesting slam: West North East South TUESDAY 1♠ Pass 1NT Dbl My usual morning routine; climb out Rdbl Pass Pass 2♣ Dealer South. E/W Game. of bed, do an immediate 15-minute Pass Pass Dbl All Pass ♠ Q 3 routine of floor exercises, then have tea ♥ Q 10 8 7 6 3 2 and breakfast – usually on my balcony Barry (West) leads a diamond to my ♦ A Q 9 6 and often with a Sudoku, unless the jack and declarer’s ace. Declarer ♣ Void book I am reading is particularly plays a diamond back to my queen ♠ K 9 7 6 4 ♠ J 8 exciting. After that, I spend 40 minutes and I switch to the ♠7. Declarer errs ♥ K 9 5 N ♥ Void W E ♠ ♦ ♦ on my exercise bike while reading on now by going up with the K. Barry K 4 S 10 7 5 3 2 my Kindle. Then it is time for a shower cashes three rounds and exits with ♣ J 3 2 ♣ K 10 7 6 5 4 and getting dressed. Depending on a diamond. Declarer ruffs and exits ♠ A 10 5 2 my mood, it is either about 10.30 now with a heart; we take three rounds of ♥ A J 4 or lunchtime! that suit before exiting with the ♣10, ♦ J 8 I spend a lot of the day planning enabling us to take two more tricks in ♣ A Q 9 8 my next patchwork wall-hanging. I trumps. Four down and plus 800. have decided to do a peacock. When we were in Lisbon last year we went This is how they bid: up to the castle where there were a WEDNESDAY large number, all performing for the Today we decide to have our coaching West North East South tourists, so I have a great variety of session before Fiona goes to work, so I 1NT excellent photos. am at my laptop at 8am – along with Pass 2♦ Pass 2♥ At 5.30pm I have an online session Fee, David and Barry again. Pass 4♣ Pass 4NT with Fiona and our coach, David Not surprisingly, no one has had Pass 6♥ All Pass Burn. We have been doing this a lot time to study anything new, so again since the lockdown (though Fiona is we simply play and agree to have a After South’s ♥2 , North’s 4♣ shows a still working) so hopefully we will be good look at David's new notes before void and is also an optional ace-ask. much improved when we next play at we meet tomorrow. If South had bid 4♦ she would have the table. This afternoon Barry joins us It’s a pretty lazy day. I’ve been shown a poor hand (or else a super- and we just play, discussing whatever thinking a bit more about my peacock max) while 4NT showed a medium comes up. and maybe doing it a bit differently for hand with two aces outside clubs and In the evening Barry and I are online a change. no queen of trumps. I find the only against Frances and Graham. We play I order some sequins online and lead that doesn’t give the contract random deals against each then some ribbon. I intend to spend immediately: a low heart. However, other and Skype at the same time. It time cutting out while watching TV in even on that lead an alert declarer is a very enjoyable way of passing the the evening (we’re on to Unforgotten can succeed if she inserts the ♥6 from time. If the play/defence doesn’t look now) but Briony bought a newspaper dummy. Then a spade to the ace, cash very interesting, we simply claim a and there is a huge puzzle section that the ♣A pitching a spade. Play the ♦J reasonable number of tricks and move tempts me! to the king and ace, ♦Q and ruff a on. I also intend to ring Barry when diamond with the ace, finally ruff a Generally speaking, they score Briony goes to bed, but, unsurprisingly black suit in the dummy and ruff the better than us. This week though, we he’s asleep by then. last diamond with the jack. West can do get this one exactly right: overruff but declarer has the rest.u

BRIDGE July 2020 Page 35 t In the evening Toby cooks us and Barry playing a match on BBO I am South and hear my partner delicious mushroom tortilla, and then simultaneously. The former is probably pass and East open a Precision 1♦. we continue with Unforgotten. more fun than the latter! It seems unlikely we have a slam so decide to jump straight to 4♠. This is passed around to East who decides she FRIDAY SUNDAY hasn’t bid enough yet! She tries 4NT, At 11.30am I have a Zoom conference In the morning we have an online presumably hoping to bring her clubs with a group of old school friends. This session with friends Karen and Axel into the game. I pass (for us a double is the fourth such conference we have who are in Sydney. There is a fairly of 4NT would show a hand with better had and our numbers are growing narrow window when we are all playing strength and less defence weekly, as we contact someone else awake, but 11pm our time is 8am there – my intention is to double when we used to be at school with, and so that works well enough. This is my they eventually settle somewhere). they know someone else, etc, etc. It is favourite hand: West bids 5♦ and my partner bids good fun catching up, even if I can’t 5♥ – showing cards there. Well, that remember all of them! is exactly what I wanted to hear so I In the afternoon it is time to face the Dealer North. E/W Game. jump to 6♠, and there we are – with a huge pile of ironing that has mounted ♠ J 10 2 little bit of help from our friends! up. Actually, not as huge as usual ♥ A K 9 3 2 The rest of the day is spent doing because I’m finding that I’m choosing ♦ Q J 9 nothing special, though Toby and I are all my easy-care clothes to wear when ♣ 9 7 tempted by the weather into going for no-one will see them. Linen can wait ♠ 9 7 4 3 ♠ Void a medicinal walk in Holland Park. till after the lockdown finishes! ♥ J 10 4 N ♥ 8 5 Later on, I work on my peacock W E We are thinking we might play in ♦ 10 5 S ♦ A K 8 7 6 3 2 while watching our latest boxed set – the Young Chelsea IMP pairs event, ♣ Q 6 5 2 ♣ K 8 4 3 Hidden. I’m not so keen on this one but decide against doing so. It always ♠ A K Q 8 6 5 – a lot of it is in Welsh with English seems so slow and it doesn’t feel right ♥ Q 7 6 subtitles. n to Skype while we play. Even though ♦ 4 we wouldn’t cheat, maybe people ♣ A J 10 would think we might! Though what people do who live in the same house I don’t know. Instead, I order pizza in with the kids (which takes nearly three hours to arrive.) and later Skype Barry while we bid a whole lot of hands. SATURDAY I get up late and am pottering around happily when Fiona texts to remind me I am supposed to be online with her and David. I had forgotten to write it in my diary (so there was no chance of remembering it). We bid for an hour and a half or so – I do think we are improving! At four o’clock my girls (England’s U26 women’s team) have a world championship match online against Italy. This is the sixth round of the competition and we have a bye in the seventh. We are lying in the middle of the table and a win is important. Unfortunately, things don’t go our way and we lose by 31 IMPs – not likely to be enough to finish in the top half where we would enter the knock-out stage. In the evening I watch TV (we are nearly finished with Unforgotten!)

Page 36 BRIDGE July 2020 Answers to Julian Pottage’s Defence Quiz on page 9

West North East South trick one. With dummy’s holding solid 1. ♠ J 10 4 3 1NT* and plenty of trumps there, an attitude ♥ 10 8 7 Pass 3NT All Pass or count signal would be useless. You ♦ A * 12-14 should read the ♥10 as a suit-preference ♣ A Q 10 9 4 signal for the higher-ranking other ♠ 9 5 ♠ Q 7 You lead the ♣6. Partner plays the ♣Q, suit, diamonds. You should switch to a ♥ A K J N ♥ Q 5 4 3 captured by the ♣A. Declarer now leads diamond, the ♦6 is the normal card but W E ♦ J 9 6 4 3 ♦ 10 8 7 2 ♦ S the J. What is your plan? any should do – partner can win and ♣ 7 6 3 ♣ K 8 5 Since partner would have played the exit safely. If you do not lead a diamond ♠ A K 8 6 2 ♣J at trick one, the lower of touching next, declarer can draw the last trump, ♥ 9 6 2 honours, if holding the ♣Q too, you cash the heart and club winners and ♦ K Q 5 place the ♣J with declarer. Unless the ♣J guarantee the contract by leading to the ♣ J 2 is now bare, you need the next club lead ♦10. to come from partner’s side of the table. A count of points tells you that declarer West North East South could have both missing aces (♠A, ♥A, 4. ♠ A 4 1♣ Pass 1♠ ♦J, ♣A-J gives 14 points) or partner could ♥ A Q 7 2 Pass 2♠ Pass 4♠ have one of them. The way to find out if ♦ Q J 6 4 All Pass partner has one of the missing aces is to ♣ J 6 4 hold up the ♦A until partner has made a ♠ 8 7 5 3 ♠ 6 You lead the ♥A, on which partner plays discard, most likely on the third round. ♥ 9 5 N ♥ K J 10 8 4 3 the ♥5 and declarer the ♥2. What is your If you see a high heart or high spade ♦ A 10 8 2 W E ♦ 9 7 3 S plan? discarded, you will switch to that suit. If ♣ A 10 7 ♣ K 9 3 The key thing here is to work out not, you will hope the ♣J is bare. Here ♠ K Q J 10 9 2 whether the ♥5 does or does not partner will discard the ♥9. ♥ 6 encourage hearts. While the ♥5 is not ♦ K 5 very high, the ♥3 and ♥4 are missing. ♣ Q 8 5 2 The ♥5 could well be the highest heart 3. ♠ Q 8 5 4 3 your partner can afford. Even if your ♥ A K partner never signals, you might decide ♦ K 10 4 West North East South to carry on with hearts because a switch ♣ K 10 4 2♥* 2♠ will not help much if declarer has either ♠ K 10 ♠ 6 Pass 3NT Pass 4♠ the ♣K or the ♦K. With the knowledge ♥ J 9 7 5 2 N ♥ 10 8 4 3 All Pass that the ♥5 is encouraging unless it is ♦ 8 6 2 W E ♦ A Q J 7 * weak S from precisely 9-6-5, continuing hearts ♣ 7 6 5 ♣ J 9 8 3 is clear. Your side makes the first three ♠ A J 9 7 2 You lead the ♥9: ♥A, ♥J and ♥6. Declarer tricks and a club later. ♥ Q 6 calls for a low diamond, covered by the ♦ 9 5 3 ♦3 and ♦K. What is your plan? ♣ A Q 2 You are in the swing now of looking 2. ♠ K Q 4 for signals. You already knew the heart ♥ K Q 7 layout from the bidding. How do you ♦ K Q 10 4 3 West North East South read the ♦3? On an opposing lead it ♣ 8 4 1♠ is usual to signal length. The ♦3, being ♠ 7 5 ♠ 10 8 6 3 Pass 2NT* Pass 4♠ low, denotes an odd number, three no ♥ 8 5 N ♥ A 9 4 3 All Pass doubt. This means declarer began with W E ♦ ♦ * A 9 6 2 S 7 5 Game-forcing spade raise a doubleton. Does this mean you should ♣ K 10 7 6 5 ♣ Q 9 3 hold up the ♦K for this round? The ♠ A J 9 2 You lead the ♥5, partner playing the ♥10 answer is no as dummy has an entry (the ♥ J 10 6 2 and declarer the ♥6. Now the ♠Q runs to ♠A) and you need to take the ♦K with the ♦ J 8 your ♠K. What is your plan? ♦A to save a diamond trick. You then exit ♣ A J 2 You need to work out why partner safely with a heart and wait for your club played the ♥10, surely a high card, at tricks. n

BRIDGE July 2020 Page 37 David Stevenson Answers Your Bridge Questions Can You Open An Artificial 2♣ With 8 Playing Tricks?

Playing hands not legal to open it 2♣ which played (not according to to the table number for shuffled at the shows a strong hand, either their seat orientation). The the E/W pairs so that Q table, this hand 16+ points, or 12+ with at results were then transferred when the moving pairs was opened 2♣, alerted, least five controls (A=2, K=1). into Scorebridge which was play N/S their scores are strong, eight playing tricks. This hand does not have 16 set for a Mitchell arrow- recorded differently. points nor five controls. switched movement. It seems to me that the It is legal to open it 3♦, Given that the results only possibilities are that: ♠ x x intermediate to strong, though show all N/S players in the 1) It is a freakish result, ♥ K Q x this is a very rare usage. top half and all E/W players unlikely to recur, or ♦ A K Q x x x x I would open it 1♦ and in the bottom half, we 2) All the North-South ♣ x do not see the problem. would value your opinion pairs were the better However, I do realise that on the reason for this. players in the club, or there is a growing irrational Have we done anything 3) You did arrow-switch two As the hand was played I fear in clubs to open at the wrong procedurally, out of five rounds which will noted that the HCP was low one level with a seven card particularly with recording skew the results somewhat, or and the bid may be suit. In fact views on how to the results on the travellers? 4) The N/S and E/W borderline. bid are answered by Julian Or given that we were pairs had the same pair This will often be worth Pottage not by me and I have only 5 tables, is this number and their scores eight playing tricks in copied him in for his opinion. statistically an issue? were recorded wrongly. diamonds, but not clear cut Jacqueline Theeten by email. I think that number four is tricks. ♣♦♥♠ unlikely and the probability Partner may have none, A five table is that it was a combination and J-x-x-x of diamonds, At our bridge Scrambled of the first three. Try running and 5-1, and 6-0 splits will club we decided A Mitchell (that is, it again and let me know if it arise say 20% of the time. Q to trial using an a Mitchell with an arrow- seems a more normal result. The tournament director arrow-switch. The results switch) is statistically a said eight tricks were we obtained had all the reasonable movement. ♣♦♥♠ possible and allowed the N/S players at the top half You seem to have done bid. and all the E/W players everything correctly except Last evening on Is it not short of controls? in the bottom half of the that I would have arrow- BBO an opponent Is it not short of points? list. Obviously, this does switched the last, and only Q called the director I feel some sympathy. not appear fair and we the last, round. Nevertheless because I didn’t announce Should the hand are trying to understand this is still an unusual our partnership agreement be opened 1♦? if there is anything we conclusion. It is certainly for opening 1NT, which Could 3♦ be alerted, have not done correctly. possible that the results are is 11-14 and is so stated intermediate to strong, We used the arrow-switch correct and all the North- on our convention card. 7+ playing tricks? on the second to last round. South pairs played better The director gave them an Alex Mathers, Players stayed in their same than the East-West pairs. If adjusted score because I Northallerton. orientation and the boards you did arrow-switch two didn’t announce our range. were turned clockwise, rounds then that would He said all 1NT opening Playing tricks is an so North played the West make it a little less fair and bids must be announced optimistic count cards. Players recorded make the results stranger. – see copy below of chat A and this hand has 8 the results on the traveller For the travellers you with spelling corrections. playing tricks. However it is according to the hand they want to add five (or ten) Continued on page 40 ... u

Page 38 BRIDGE July 2020 Answers to David Huggett’s Play Quiz on page 9

♦J. How do you plan the play? 1. ♠ A 6 With only five tricks available outside 4. ♠ K 5 4 ♥ K 7 5 of the trump suit, you might be forgiven ♥ 7 5 ♦ A K 3 2 for thinking that you need all five spade ♦ 10 9 5 ♣ J 10 9 4 tricks to ensure your contract and the way ♣ J 10 8 3 2 ♠ K J 9 3 2 ♠ Q 8 for that to happen would require a 3-2 ♠ Q 10 8 ♠ 9 7 3 2 ♥ 10 8 4 N ♥ J 9 3 2 break with the queen onside. However, ♥ Q J 9 2 N ♥ K 6 4 3 W E W E ♦ Q 8 S ♦ J 10 9 7 6 should the heart finesse work, then you ♦ A 8 3 S ♦ 7 2 ♣ Q 7 2 ♣ 6 5 need only four trump tricks and you can ♣ K 9 4 ♣ 7 6 5 ♠ 10 7 5 4 guarantee that apart from a 5-0 break ♠ A J 6 ♥ A Q 6 by playing the ace first and then leading ♥ A 10 8 ♦ 5 4 towards dummy, covering whatever West ♦ K Q J 6 4 ♣ A K 8 3 plays. If West shows out then you win ♣ A Q with the king and lead towards the jack. So your first priority is to take the heart You are declarer in 3NT. West leads the finesse. You are declarer in 3NT after West ♠3. How do you plan the play? originally opened 1NT with East passing. You could duck the and West leads the ♥Q. How do you plan the later play the clubs from the top to try 3. ♠ A Q 7 play? to prevent West gaining the lead should ♥ Q 10 After knocking out the ace of he have started with five spades and the ♦ K 2 diamonds, you will have eight tricks. doubleton queen of clubs, but there is a ♣ A Q J 8 7 3 As the king of hearts is with East, West better line, indeed a near 100% line. If ♠ 10 9 5 4 ♠ K 8 6 2 must hold all the missing high cards, West started with four spades, there are ♥ 9 8 N ♥ J 7 5 3 2 which means that no finesses will work. W E ♦ J 10 9 4 3 ♦ Q 8 7 6 no worries while if he had five then East S Moreover West surely has four hearts as surely holds a doubleton honour as West ♣ K 5 ♣ Void East didn’t transfer to that suit, so holding would not normally lead low from K-Q- ♠ J 3 up will not help; similarly West’s queen of J-x-x. So by rising with the ace at trick ♥ A K 6 4 spades will not be doubleton. You need one the suit is blocked. If East unblocks ♦ A 5 to use the fact that West will be trying to his honour then even after a losing ♣ 10 9 6 4 2 protect both the spade queen and the club finesse to West the ten of spades club king and will have discards to find. becomes a second stopper. The only way So win the third heart and knock out the this plan is likely to fail is if West led from You are declarer in 6♣. West leads the ace of diamonds. doubleton 3-2 in spades when it would ♦J. How do you plan the play? The opponents may cash their heart be essential to duck at trick one. You have a potential spade loser and and exit with a diamond but as declarer a possible trump loser as well but in fact you throw the club queen on the last the chances of making this contract are heart and cash your diamonds. With only 2. ♠ K 9 2 almost 100%. Win the first two diamond four cards remaining West is viciously ♥ 8 7 6 5 tricks ending in hand and lead the ten of squeezed while you can safely keep two ♦ K Q 7 clubs, running it if West plays low. If East cards in each black suit in dummy. You ♣ A 7 6 wins he will be hopelessly endplayed, will know which suit West has unguarded ♠ Q 10 7 5 ♠ 6 forced to either lead into the spade by whether the king of clubs then drops ♥ J 9 3 2 N ♥ K 10 4 tenace or the heart tenace giving away under the ace. W E ♦ ♦ J 10 S 9 8 4 3 2 four tricks in that suit for two spade If East wins the fourth round of hearts ♣ K J 10 ♣ Q 9 5 4 discards. And of course a diamond exit and switches to a spade, life is a bit ♠ A J 8 4 3 would give away a ruff and discard, trickier. You must go up with the ace of ♥ A Q declarer throwing the low spade from spades to keep dummy’s entry intact. It ♦ A 6 5 hand. If West shows out on the initial club will then be a good idea to cash the ace ♣ 8 3 2 lead then play ace and another, leaving of clubs before running the diamonds. If East in the same unhappy position as West does not discard the king of clubs, before. you will know to keep dummy’s spades You are declarer in 4♠. West leads the intact and drop the queen. n

BRIDGE July 2020 Page 39 David Stevenson Answers Your Bridge Questions continued

t...Continued from page 38. enough of a difference are wrong. Since it is an Pass-5♥-Pass-6♣-Pass- Please could you to adjust but of course I accepted principle it cannot 6♥-Pass-Pass-X. review the director’s have not seen the hand. mislead because declarer It turns out that the ruling and provide an To avoid problems in cannot assume any particular 2♥ bid was natural and answer to my question future, always announce. problem from thinking. obviously, if not alerted and about announcements: Note that these rules are announced as spades, then Player: I object to similar to BBO events hosted ♣♦♥♠ the opponents would never the adjustment. in Wales, Northern Ireland have played in hearts. Director: Your partner and the Republic of Ireland. A player made an The player who bid 3♥ did not announce his While there is no announcing insufficient bid, not was completely wrong of no trump range. in Scotland, writing the Q accepted by her course and actually had Player: We were told by range in before opening left-hand opponent. She the minors and thought his someone that 11-14 did 1NT will speed matters up changed the denomination 3♥ bid was showing equal not have to be alerted. and has no downside since (bidding 2♠ rather than length in the minors as he Player 2: We used to alert partner cannot see it. correcting to 3♣). thought the X of 1NT showed it, but were told not to alert When I was called and the minors, although it was if anywhere in 11-15 range. ♣♦♥♠ gave my ruling that her just a normal X of 1NT which Director: Alert not partner was now silenced was the system. They play required but announce We are defending. for the rest of the auction, double of a strong 1NT as is always required. The My partner leads she said she wished to minors. In fact they had a general rules are the same Q to the first trick, change her bid to 3♣. minor suit fit and would as the EBU; you announce dummy is tabled and I ruled that she had to stick have played there if the your opening no trump. declarer calls for a card. I with 2♠, but I later wondered 2♥ had not been alerted. I appealed because have only a singleton in the if her LHO could decree Can you make any sense our agreement isn’t a led suit so have no choice which bid he accepted? of this, as the director said conventional one. BBO over which card to play. Mike Heddon, the result should stand. provides only an option, ie a Nonetheless, am I allowed Wirral, Cheshire Name and address supplied. button, for alerting and none, to pause to study the lead ie no button, for announcing. and dummy’s cards in Let us assume that If the 2♥ bid had not What is the BBO rule, if order to try to decide the insufficient bid been announced, any, for announcing bids? how best to defend? Or A was 2♣ over a bid A and described as a Name and address supplied. must I play in of 2♥ by opponents. She weak take-out if asked, then to avoid misleading corrected it to 2♠ but when they would not have reached The rules for declarer about, for example, she heard the laws attempted 6♥. So there is no doubt that announcing in which defender holds to correct it to 3♣ so as not the result should be adjusted A the EBU are that a missing high card? to silence partner. The next for the 1NT opener’s side. every 1NT opening without Derek Adams, player in turn can accept the But since the other side exception gets announced. Cardiff. 2♣ bid if he wishes and there contributed largely to their I appreciate this rule is is no further penalty. If he own bad score I might not not necessarily followed You are allowed to does not the 2♠ bid stands, adjust for them. I would in all clubs nor by all EBU stop and think. It silencing partner. The 3♣ have to see all four hands players, especially those A is accepted that at bid is cancelled, cannot be and talk to the players. playing 12-14, but it is trick one the third person accepted, but is unauthorised definitely correct that you to play may take as much information to partner but ♣♦♥♠ should announce 11-14. time as he needs to think authorised to opponents. There is no announce about the whole hand, Partnership button but in fact it with no inferences to be ♣♦♥♠ Understandings: is unnecessary: you drawn from such thought Q Level 4 7A3, the should write your range as to his holding. A problem arose regulations for 1-level into the explain box I am sure some people when the bidding opening bids are 8+ points before opening 1NT. will say that you cannot think Q started 1NT-X-2♥ in 1st and 2nd positions, I am surprised that the when holding a singleton (announced as spades)- and follow the Rule of 18. director decided it made because it misleads but they 3♥-3♠-4♥-Pass-5♦- Continued on page 44 ... u

Page 40 BRIDGE July 2020 Answers to The Losing Trick Count Quiz on page 15

1 What do you bid with Hands 1A to 1F bid showing spade support. As with Hands 1A and 1B in question if your partner opens 1♠. If you use Hand 1C 2♠. Nine losers (2 spades, 1, Hands 2A to 2C in question 2 are the losing trick count (LTC), say how 1 heart, 3 diamonds and 3 balanced so counting points should lead many losers you are showing. clubs). A minimum response to a sensible outcome. Indeed, many has nine or ten losers. With pairs would happily raise 1♥ to 2♥ such a hand responder with 3-card support so they would not Hand 1A Hand 1B Hand 1C might raise opener’s suit to even have the guarantee of an 8-card ♠ Q 6 3 2 ♠ A J 9 7 ♠ K 8 7 6 the two level, ie 1♠-2♠. fit, which is necessary to use the LTC. ♥ Q 4 3 ♥ A 10 9 ♥ 4 Hand 1D 3♠. Eight losers. (2 spades, Hand 2A Pass. 16 points opposite at ♦ 8 6 ♦ Q 4 ♦ 9 7 5 4 2 1 heart, 2 diamonds and most 9. Game is unlikely to ♣ Q 5 4 2 ♣ A J 9 8 ♣ 10 6 5 3 clubs). An intermediate be better than 50%. Note (or jump) response has Bernard’s sound advice to Hand 1D Hand 1E Hand 1F eight losers. With such subtract a point for hands with ♠ K 8 7 6 ♠ 10 9 4 3 ♠ J 10 9 7 4 3 a hand responder might 4-3-3-3 shape. If you regard ♥ 4 ♥ Void ♥ Void jump raise opener’s suit to Hand 2A as 15 points (and ♦ A 7 5 4 2 ♦ J 10 9 4 3 ♦ J 10 9 4 3 2 the three level, ie 1♠-3♠. indeed with no intermediates ♣ 10 6 5 ♣ 8 4 3 2 ♣ 7 Hand 1E 2♠. Nine losers. (3 spades, it is a poor 15 points) then 0 hearts, 3 diamonds and pass is even more obvious. 3 clubs). Hand 2B 2NT, showing 17-18 points. Hands 1A and 1B: Both initially come Hand 1F 4♠. Seven losers. (3 spades, 0 I am sure that some of you to eight losers (two in each hearts, 3 diamonds and one will protest that a 2NT rebid suit), an unsatisfactory result club). Does bidding game with shows 15-16 or 15+, but that arises because the LTC so few points concern you? A that is only if partner had counts queens the same as lot of the time 4♠ will make changed suit. 1♥-2♣-2NT aces and is not interested in even if partner is minimum shows 15+ points because intermediates. You need to and even if it doesn’t make 2♣ promises at least nine adjust your count of losers to it is quite likely that your points. 1♥-2♥-2NT promises allow for the fact that Hand A opponents can make 4♥ or 17-18 points because partner is as bad as it could be, while even 6♥. 4♠ is a win/win bid. has at most nine points. Hand B is greatly undervalued There is no reason to bid by a raw assessment on 2 You are West. The bidding starts as on over 2♥ with a 3-4-3-3 the LTC. I would certainly shown. What is your next bid with hand with 15 or 16 points. add a loser, maybe even Hands 2A to 2F? Hand 2C 3NT. Showing 19 points. two losers, for Hand A. Despite the dreaded 4-3-3-3 Hand 1A Valuing the hand as 9 or West East shape I would rate this as a 10 losers, 2♠ is right. 1♥ 2♥ good 19 points because the Hand 1B I would subtract two losers. ? intermediates are good. I will certainly be playing Hand 2D 4♥. You have five losers. (1 it at game level. I am too spade, 1 heart, 1 diamond strong for an immediate Hand 2A Hand 2B Hand 2C and 2 clubs). Your hand 4♠, so unless I am playing ♠ Q J 7 ♠ A J 7 ♠ A J 10 is better than average for a convention that shows ♥ K J 7 6 ♥ K J 7 6 ♥ K J 10 6 five losers, having more this type of hand I will ♦ A J 9 ♦ A J 9 ♦ A Q 9 aces than queens. A very pass the time with 2♣ to ♣ K J 7 ♣ K J 7 ♣ K J 7 strong opening bid has 4-5 see what develops. losers. Opener will insist Suppose instead you decide Hand 2D Hand 2E Hand 2F on game, ie 1♥-2♥-4♥. to use the point count for ♠ 8 ♠ A 10 8 7 2 ♠ A K Hand 2E 4♥. Again you have five balanced hands. Hand A has ♥ A K 6 5 4 3 ♥ A K 9 8 7 2 ♥ Q 9 5 4 3 losers. (2 spades, 1 heart, six points and a doubleton: ♦ A Q 10 7 ♦ Void ♦ A K no diamonds and 2 clubs). raise to 2♠. Hand B has 16 ♣ 8 2 ♣ 8 2 ♣ J 7 4 3 Indeed, since you probably points and a doubleton, which have a 10 card heart fit you is too strong for any limited could almost argue that the u

BRIDGE July 2020 Page 41 Answers to The Losing Trick Count Quiz

on page 15 Continued... t missing ♥Q doesn’t matter have three aces and only one A minimum take-out double has seven and consider it to be four queen, your intermediates losers, in which case you expect to losers. are excellent and you have no have at least an 8-card spade fit. Hand 2F 3♣. A long suit trial bid. unsupported honours. I would Hand 4A 4♠. Initially eight losers (2 Five losers but you really subtract at least one loser, spades, 1 heart, 2 diamonds, need partner’s honours to perhaps two. Whether you 3 clubs) but there are lots of be in the right places. This regard the hand as 5 losers or positives. First, you have more hand is not quite as good 4 losers, it is well worth game. aces than queens. Second, as the LTC might suggest Alternatively, 19 points the ♦J might be useful. Third, because you have too few and good intermediates. if partner is minimum he will honours in your long suits. Hand 3C 2♠. This is likely to be better be short in clubs and you than rebidding 2♦. You might have no wasted values there. 3 You are West. The bidding starts as have only a 7-card spade fit Hand 4B 2♠. The same shape and shown. What is your next bid with so the conditions for using values as Hand 4A, but Hands 3A to 3F? the LTC are not met. I would the ♣K-J-7 are likely to be regard it as a hand with 13 wasted opposite partner’s West East points and a singleton. club shortage and in front 1♥ 1♠ Hand 3D 4♠. Five losers (1 spade, 1 of West’s opening bid. ? heart, 2 diamonds and 1 club), Hand 4C 1♠.12 losers, three in with more aces than queens. each suit. Counting losers Hand 3E 3♠. Six losers (1 spade, 2 might suggest that you Hand 3A Hand 3B Hand 3C hearts, 2 diamonds and would rather not bid but ♠ Q 8 6 2 ♠ K Q 7 6 ♠ K Q 6 1 club). A strong opening you have no choice. You ♥ Q 8 7 6 ♥ A J 10 7 ♥ Q 6 4 3 2 bid has five or six losers. certainly cannot pass ♦ Q 2 ♦ A J 10 ♦ A Q 7 4 With such a hand, opener partner’s take-out double. ♣ A K Q ♣ A 5 ♣ 7 might give a jump raise to Hand 4D 4♠. Not many points but only partner’s suit, ie 1♥-1♠-3♠. seven losers (1 spade, 1 heart, Hand 3D Hand 3E Hand 3F Hand 3F 3♠. Six losers (1 spade, 1 2 diamonds, 3 clubs). Again, ♠ A Q 7 6 ♠ A K 7 6 ♠ A Q J 6 heart, 2 diamonds and 2 if partner has a minimum ♥ A K 6 5 3 2 ♥ Q J 8 6 4 ♥ A K 7 5 3 clubs) and a useful jack. take-out double he is likely to ♦ 8 3 ♦ A 10 3 ♦ 8 3 be short in clubs so I would ♣ 2 ♣ 2 ♣ 7 2 4 You are South. The bidding starts as certainly expect to make 4♠. shown. What is your bid with Hands Hand 4E 3♠. Eight losers (1 spade, 1 4A to 4F? heart, 3 diamonds, 3 clubs). Hands 3A and 3B are balanced, which Hand 4F 4♠. Six losers (2 spades, 2 gives you a choice between West North East South hearts, 1 diamond, 1 club). using LTC or counting points. 1♣ Dbl Pass ? Note that you might jump to Hand 3A 2♠. Your initial assessment is 4♠ with seven losers but that is 6 losers but you have three no excuse to push the bidding unsupported queens and Hand 4A Hand 4B Hand 4C to the five level for which only one ace. I would add a ♠ A 10 8 7 6 ♠ A 10 8 7 6 ♠ 7 4 3 2 there is no reward. A further loser, making 7 losers and ♥ K 7 ♥ K 7 ♥ 9 5 3 point to consider when your a minimum opening bid. ♦ K J 7 ♦ 8 3 2 ♦ 8 3 2 hand is weak in terms of high Alternatively, 15 points on ♣ 8 3 2 ♣ K J 7 ♣ 9 3 2 cards is that partner might initial assessment but certainly not have a classical take-out not worth more than 14 Hand 4D Hand 4E Hand 4F double. He could have a points. Indeed I am wondering ♠ A Q 10 7 6 5 ♠ A Q 8 7 6 5 ♠ K 10 9 8 7 6 strong single-suited hand with why I didn’t open it 1NT. ♥ 9 ♥ 9 ♥ K 10 9 3 2 diamonds, though he should Hand 3B 4♠. Again your initial ♦ J 4 ♦ 6 4 2 ♦ 9 then have 18 or 19 points. n assessment leads you to ♣ 8 5 3 2 ♣ 8 5 2 ♣ 8 count 6 losers but the hand is far better than that. You

Page 42 BRIDGE July 2020 BERNARD Answers to Bernard Magee’s MAGEE’S Bidding Quizzes 1-3 INTERACTIVE TUTORIAL CD on page 7 BEGIN BRIDGE 1. Dealer East. Love All. 2♣. Those of you who need just nine ♠ Q 8 7 6 ♠ 9 5 points to respond at the 2-level would ♥ 8 4 N ♥ A Q J 7 3 have found this one easy. However, W E ♦ Q 7 6 5 3 ♦ 10 2 modern Acol likes to reserve the 2-level S ♣ J 2 ♣ A K 9 3 for hands that are better than a 1NT response (6-9). Clearly with 9 HCP you are in the West North East South normal 1NT responding range, but 1♥ Pass you do need to make sure you are ? fully evaluating your hand. When your long suit is strong, you can upgrade. Pass. You have 5 HCP so are just short Furthermore, your spade honours of the normal values for responding. together are a good sign and then the Should you pass or try 1♠? ♥J-10 is a hidden gem. When you pick it If you are going to break a rule, you up, it does not appear to be worth much, should be hoping that most of the time but when you hear your partner open in you will improve the contract. the suit, you should perk up – this might Learn to play bridge with There is no reason to think that well bolster his suit and help to develop Bernard Magee, Britain’s responding 1♠ will improve the contract tricks. best bridge teacher in 20 – surely a large proportion of the time I would evaluate the hand as ten points interactive chapters: your partner is going to rebid 1NT, 2♣ or and respond 2♣ and would be happy to 2♥ – in which case you might have made finish in 3NT opposite a decent 15 points. l Basics of Bridge things worse. l Basics of Card Play Technique Perhaps more importantly, you are not l Practice of Card Play Technique going to pick up many worse five-counts: 3. Dealer East. Love All. l Planning the Card Play your longer suits are poor – all your ♠ A 7 6 ♠ K Q 8 5 l Basics of Bidding honours are by themselves and the ♣J is ♥ Q 7 4 2 N ♥ A J 3 l Bidding Balanced Hands W E not looking good. Pass and hope it works ♦ K 3 2 ♦ A 6 5 4 l Bidding Suits S out well. Remember your opponents ♣ Q 7 6 ♣ 8 2 l Responding to a Suit might bid and then the auction can l Supporting Partner £66 develop with your partner knowing that l Responding to 1NT you are weak. West North East South l The Give yourself a singleton heart and 1NT Pass l 2NT Opening and Response three clubs and then it is not unreasonable ? Strong Two Opening and Response l to bid 1♠ – expecting most contracts to Overcalls l be better than 1♥, but with a doubleton, Pass. With 11 points you would usually Doubles l there is no reason to think that hearts will invite your partner to game, but this is Pre-empting l be uncomfortable. no ordinary 11 HCP hand. You have the l Basics of Defence 1 notorious 4-3-3-3 shape, which helps no l Basics of Defence 2 one and I like to take a full point off in l Defence against Notrump Contracts 2. Dealer East. Love All. these cases. Add to this the fact that all l Defence against Suit Contracts ♠ Q J 8 ♠ K 5 your honours are isolated and that there ♥ N ♥ Operating system requirements: J 10 A Q 9 7 3 are no tens, nines or even eights. W E ♦ 8 7 6 ♦ K J 9 3 You should evaluate the hand as a bad Windows only S ♣ A J 10 9 6 ♣ Q 2 10 points and pass. Mr Bridge Limited Even if partner is maximum, as here, you are likely to be a long way off game. ( 01483 489961 West North East South You may well finish with only seven tricks www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop 1♥ Pass – the isolated honours make the play of ? the hand difficult. n

BRIDGE July 2020 Page 43

continued Double Dummy Tea Towels t...Continued from page 40. Natural 1 no-trump bids ♠ 6 Printed on 100% premium must show 9+ points. ♥ Q Are these regulations ♦ Q 8 6 4 white cotton. relaxed in 3rd position, ♣ A K J 10 9 8 2 31” x 20” (78.74cm x 50.8cm) particularly non-vulnerable? ♠ A 10 2 ♠ J 8 7 4 £7.95 each. Two or more for £6 each. Could we bid tactically? ♥ J 7 ♥ A K 10 9 8 2 Would there be an implicit ♦ A J 5 3 2 ♦ 9 understanding developing, ♣ 7 5 3 ♣ Q 6 which should be disclosed? ♠ K Q 9 5 3 Alex Mathers, ♥ 6 5 4 3 Northallerton. ♦ K 10 7 ♣ 4 The requirements for an opening A 1NT are 9+ in all North opened 4♣, which positions. However, the ended the auction. requirements for one of a Before the opening lead, suit are 8+ in 3rd and 4th this was described as “an but the Rule of 18 does not opening hand with at least 7 apply. So you can agree to clubs, but not very strong”. open on various 8+ hands. I think this was a This must be disclosed. reasonable bid and Psyches and deviations explanation and a bid are legal so long as partner we might have made. does not allow for them and As to whether it is good they are not frivolous. If you bridge is another thing. start opening every 7 count Is this bid legal? in 3rd or every balanced 8 Alun Williams, count with 1NT in 3rd, then Anglesey. partner will realise and it becomes part of your system: It is certainly legal. since it is an illegal part There are no you may no longer do so. A restrictions on natural bids above the one ♣♦♥♠ level. However, if it shows an opening bid this is a In the March pretty unusual treatment edition of BRIDGE so it should be alerted. Q(207), I read Whether it is a good idea a question from Alex is the sort of question Julian Mathers with interest. Pottage answers so I have This hand came copied him in. n up recently: More designs available:

Email your questions for David to: www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop [email protected] ( 01483 489961 Please include your postal address Mr Bridge Ltd

Page 44 BRIDGE July 2020 BERNARD Answers to Bernard Magee’s MAGEE’S Bidding Quizzes 4-6 INTERACTIVE TUTORIAL CD on page 7 DEFENCE

MAC or Windows probably 6-9 points and a seven-card 4. Dealer West. Love All. suit. However, with all your strength ♠ K 8 7 6 5 ♠ 9 3 concentrated in your suit and the all ♥ Void N ♥ A K 8 6 5 3 important ♥10, you should go for it. W E ♦ K J 4 S ♦ A Q 9 Move the jack in to one of the other suits ♣ K 8 5 3 2 ♣ 7 4 and you should probably pass – it is the interior suit strength that makes it worth a bid. West North East South If you have a good suit and very little ? defensive strength (just one trick against most contracts) then you should try hard Bernard develops your Pass. I hope that this was not a difficult to pre-empt, particularly if you are non- defence in the course of ten decision for you, but those who use vulnerable. introductory exercises and the rule of 20 as a guideline may have 120 complete deals. opened. The guideline of 20 suggests that if you add your two longest suits and 6. Dealer West. Love All. l Lead vs your points together, if the total comes ♠ A K ♠ J 9 4 2 No-trump Contracts to 20 or more, then you might consider ♥ A Q 2 N ♥ K 5 3 W E ♦ K Q 6 ♦ 9 8 2 l Lead vs opening. S Suit Contracts Of course, those who choose to open ♣ J 6 5 3 2 ♣ 8 7 4 will have cause to regret that decision. l Partner of Leader Always remember that by passing vs No-trump Contracts at the start, you are not forced to pass West North East South l Partner of Leader thereafter – all you are saying is that your ? vs Suit Contracts hand is not worth an opening bid. l Count Signals Being aceless is the most obvious 1♣. 19 HCP and a five-card suit: should negative feture of the hand, but add in you open 2NT or stick to the 1-level? l Attitude Signals the two poor suits and opening will only Some players have bids to open at the l Discarding £76 gain if you find a good fit – without a fit 2-level with 19 points, but it is not good l Defensive Plan your hand will be awful. bridge. You should require 20 points in l Stopping Declarer a balanced hand to open at the 2-level. Your system is built around responding l Counting the Hand 5. Dealer West. Love All. with 6 or more points, so if you open at ♠ 7 ♠ A K 9 2 the 1-level with 19 you should not miss ♥ ♥ A J 10 8 7 6 5 N 9 4 a game. ♦ ♦ Operating system requirements: 6 5 W E A J 9 8 3 2 With this hand you have to decide Windows or Mac OS 10.08 -10.14 ♣ 7 5 3 S ♣ 2 whether your hand is worth 20 points and the poor quality of your long suit should Mr Bridge Limited be the give-away. It is a reasonable West North East South 19-count, but not worth 20, so open 1♣ ( 01483 489961 ? and hope partner responds so you can www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop reach game. Or, if he passes, be happy 3♥. Your range for pre-empts is to have stayed at the 1-level. n

BRIDGE July 2020 Page 45 The Diaries of Wendy Wensum Episode 99: Challenge Accepted

e were on the balcony this increasing wind,’ she suggested Millie (South) opened 1♣. Our at the Riverside sipping venomously. opponents passed throughout. I drinks. It was a pleasant I could hear the director calling responded 1♥ and Millie rebid 1♠. I Wevening although an increasing breeze for order in the bridge room and now had to decide between 2♠ or 3♠. was rippling the surface of the river. we returned through the bar where And in the end chose the latter option. There was a hint that the weather was Millie topped up her brandy before we Millie of course accepted the challenge worsening. ‘What is it about wind resumed our seats at the bridge table. and bid the spade game. With hardly chimes? Why are they so popular?’ George and Sarah greeted us cordially any wasted values in hearts the Millie mused. I assumed the questions as we arrived at their table to play this contract looked possible. were rhetorical and declined an board. opinion. I was right to do so. She went West North East South on to explain that her neighbour’s George Wendy Sarah Millie wooden chimes clattered away day Dealer South. Love All. 1♣ and night when it was windy. They ♠ A J 9 6 Pass 1♥ Pass 1♠ were close to her bedroom window ♥ J 10 8 5 2 Pass 3♠ Pass 4♠ and were disturbing her sleep. ‘What’s ♦ Q 10 5 All Pass to like about them?’ she continued, ♣ J ‘They are supposed to be calming not ♠ K 10 4 ♠ Q 2 Dummy’s singleton jack won George’s irritating.’ I was unable to offer any ♥ K 4 N ♥ A Q 9 6 3 opening lead of the ♣4. Millie, as W E ♦ J 6 4 3 ♦ 9 8 advice, as my knowledge of the devices S declarer, ducked a trump from dummy was extremely limited. I have heard ♣ Q 9 8 4 ♣ 7 6 5 2 round to George who played one back. soft musical sounds emitting from ♠ 8 7 5 3 Millie went up with the ace and Sarah’s them in nearby gardens and generally ♥ 7 queen dropped. On the play of a small found them quite soothing. ‘Anyway, I ♦ A K 7 2 heart from dummy, Sarah ducked. think they might have an accident in ♣ A K 10 3 George won with the king, and cashed

Page 46 BRIDGE July 2020 the ♠K; then a heart back was covered Answers to Bernard Magee’s and ruffed. So Sarah started with two spades and five hearts. If the opening lead was from four to the queen, (as Bidding Quizzes 7-9 seemed likely from the opening lead) then the contract had a good chance on page 7 of making. At this point, rather unethically but with humorous intent, George 7. Dealer East. Love All. that with five-card support for a major, a whispered, ‘If this contract makes, I’ll ♠ K 9 4 3 ♠ A Q J 8 5 weak hand and a singleton, you should ♥ K 8 4 N ♥ 7 generally jump to game because it might buy everyone a drink.’ Millie decided W E to place the ♦J in the four cards held ♦ K 7 6 5 S ♦ Q J 4 2 make and if it doesn’t the chances are by George. ♣ 8 3 ♣ Q J 2 that the opponents can make something. She cashed the ace followed by the Sometimes both sides can make game king of clubs and when the queen – 4♠ will make on this hand, but so didn’t fall she finessed the ♦10. Then West North East South probably will 4♥. If you let them into the she continued with ♦Q and came to 1♠ Pass auction, they might bid on to 5♥ as a hand to cash the top two diamonds. ? good sacrifice, or even making if one of Finally, Millie ruffed her club loser in them has a void in spades. dummy. 2♠. The basic losing trick count gives you Another way of looking at your hand Looking straight at George as the a count of eight and a lot of responders is to consider what you would do if you contract made Millie announced, would jump to 3♠. Point counters would bid 2♠ or 3♠ and the opponents bid to ‘Mine’s a double brandy. Wendy, you wonder what the fuss was about and 4♥. If you would bid on to 4♠, then you will have another glass of claret, won’t simply respond 2♠. Hand evaluation is should bid straight to 4♠. If you would be you dear?’ continuing in a louder really tricky and requires a lot of good willing to pass 4♥ out, you can stick to voice to the neighbouring tables, judgement. With experience you learn the lower bid. I know that I would not be ‘What are the rest of you drinking?’ to use a balance of your evaluation keen to let them have the contract in 4♥, Various orders were heard coming methods. so the philosophy is to bid high and fast from the room. ‘I only meant this One of the rules I like to introduce to on weak distributional hands – say it all table,’ responded George now rather losing trick count players is ‘be wary of in one bid and keep the opponents quiet. crestfallen and certainly regretting aceless hands’. The losing trick count It goes wrong sometimes, but in the long his initial promise. Sarah was clearly assumes a spread of high cards – if you run you will win more than you lose. annoyed with her partner and have no aces you will be over-valuing accused him of breaking bridge laws your hand. I would downgrade this to 8½ and breaching BBB guidelines. The losers and with nothing extra in sight, I 9. Dealer East. Love All. traveller suggested that 3♠ and 4♠ would bid 2♠. ♠ Q 4 3 ♠ A K 9 8 6 were popular contracts making nine If you raise to 3♠, partner bids 4♠ and ♥ 4 N ♥ 9 8 3 W E ♦ A 8 7 6 5 ♦ K 2 or ten tricks. you are missing too many top cards and S George apologised and kept his will be at least one off. ♣ J 7 4 2 ♣ K 6 3 promise by delivering a double brandy and a large glass of claret to our table during the next round. I looked over 8. Dealer East. Love All. West North East South to see Sarah with a gin and tonic ♠ J 8 7 6 3 ♠ A K Q 5 4 1♠ Pass presumably as compensation for her ♥ 5 4 N ♥ 8 2 ? W E ♦ 3 ♦ 8 7 6 2 angst. S Later in the pub, Kate had no instant ♣ A 9 8 7 6 ♣ K 4 2♠. You have a choice of two bids both recall of the deal in question. With of which show 6-9 points: 1NT or 2♠. The difficulty, the board was located on answer depends on how you feel when her scorecard as 3♠ making nine West North East South you look at your hand – do you feel it is tricks. ‘I hope George isn’t too upset’, 1♠ Pass most suited to no-trumps or spades? I remarked. ‘I doubt it’, replied Millie, ? I hope the answer is that it looks more ‘but if he is, I’ll find him a wind chime suited to a trump contract and therefore to soothe his tortured soul. As a matter 4♠. On this question it is a close call you bid 2♠. Even if your partner has of fact, I know where I can get one for between three bids: 2♠, 3♠ or 4♠. With just four spades, you may find 2♠ plays free. I think there will be one lying in such powerful trump support you should better than 1NT. my garden in the morning. The wind is not consider passing. 8 losers would Here, 2♠ is an excellent contract, whilst certainly getting up. Drinks all round suggest bidding 3♠ and perhaps the 1NT looks dubious. Thank goodness everybody. This time they’re on me.’ n point count might slip between 2♠ and your partner chose to open 1♠ and not 3♠. However, another of my guidelines is 1NT! n

BRIDGE July 2020 Page 47 David Stevenson Answers Your Frequently Asked Questions Self Alerting and Self Explaining

ne of the effects of COVID-19 duplicate. You usually have to pay for I advise everyone to follow the EBU is that a large number of these with BBO$, which you buy with recommendation even in non-EBU bridge players have found a credit card. There is a partnership events. Othat bridge can be played quite desk if you have no partner and you When it is your turn to call a box successfully online. While people can pay for things called robots who pops up with all available calls. who foretell the future have a very low play an American style game, but the It also contains an ‘Alert’ button success rate, it is my expectation that sensible approach is to arrange your and an ‘Explain’ box. If your call many people who did not play online partner in advance. The EBU runs five was announceable or alertable in before this year will play online bridge duplicates a day (four at normal speed ordinary circumstances then before for years to come. The most popular and one fast game) so with those and you make your call you should write platform is Bridge Base Online the ones run by other organisations an explanation in the ‘Explain’ box. (BBO) and duplicate events are run there is plenty of choices. So if you are going to open a 12-14 on it by organisations throughout the These duplicates still need 1NT you write ‘12-14’ in the ‘Explain’ British Isles. The national websites tournament directors. Tempo box before you make the bid, which give details. In many cases Master problems, such as long hesitations, you do by clicking on ‘1’ followed Points are being given. Some of the are much less likely to be relevant by clicking on ‘NT’. If you want to differences playing online are clear. It because players have connection use a suit symbol, for example to is impossible to lead, play or call out problems so a delay might have any explain a 2♥ transfer response to a of turn or make an insufficient bid or reason although it is still possible that 1NT opening as showing at least five to . I feel convinced that some they will need a ruling. The director’s spades, you use a prefix ‘!’ to convert a of these duplicates will remain even most common problem is dealing letter into symbol, so you put ‘5+!S’ in after bridge returns to normal. The with people who lose connection the ‘Explain’ box. If you are going to rest of this article is based on BBO and such players are often replaced make an Unusual No-trump overcall duplicates, though other platforms by a temporary substitute who over a 1♥ opening, you write ‘UNT’ will generally be similar. gives way when the original player or ‘both minors’ or ‘5+!c & 5+!d’ in When you first join BBO you will is online again. While the software the ‘Explain’ box and click on the find that it is free and easy to join. automatically puts the original player ‘Alert’ button and then bid 2NT. It You just choose a nickname and back, the substitution is done by the is helpful to go a little further and password and that is all you need director. in situations where questions are for registration. Then you can play The greatest difference in online common to write in the explain box in casual games (and also matches duplicates is how to tell opponents before making the bid even when it is as mentioned later) for free. You can what you are playing. The EBU neither alertable nor announceable. just join a table and see what it is like. recommends that everyone gives For example, the bidding goes 1♣ More fun and more sensible is to their opponents a short summary (P) 1♥ (P) 1NT. People play this 1NT arrange for four of you to try it out of their system at the start of each rebid in many ways, in Acol it used together. You just set up a table and round. For those of you who have not to be 15-16 and now 15-17 is more reserve seats for your friends (you played online you can ‘talk’ to the common, with a strong 1NT opening will need to know the nicknames they table or to your opponents by typing this is more likely to be 11-14 or 12- gave when they registered). Having in something in a space marked 14, and some people play Crowhurst tried it out you could then try a ‘Chat’ and then clicking on ‘Chat’. with a stretched range of 12-16 or 13-

Page 48 BRIDGE July 2020 Answers to Bernard Magee’s 17. So to save time and trouble write the range in the ‘Explain’ box before rebidding 1NT. Bidding Quizzes 10-12 In Scotland there is no announcing. The above rules apply to alertable on page 7 bids, of course, but it is helpful to save problems if you explain all 1NT openings and 2 level openings, whether alertable or not, before you 10. Dealer North. Game All. have 25 points between you, with a lack bid them. Doubles are not alertable ♠ J 10 9 ♠ A 5 4 of entries to your hand you cannot be but again it is sensible to explain ♥ K 8 7 N ♥ A Q J 6 5 4 guaranteed to make game. However, W E ♦ ♦ any non-standard double before you 2 S Q 7 4 with the chance of finding a four-card make it. ♣ A 9 8 7 6 3 ♣ 2 major in your partner’s hand which Perhaps I should explain the would then elevate the strength of your mechanics of Self Alerting and Self hand (because of the singleton), it is Explaining. Whatever you write in West North East South surely worth the risk of bidding Stayman the ‘Explain’ box will be seen once 1NT* 2♥ Pass and ending up in 3NT if no fit is found. you make your call by both opponents ? This is not clear cut, but it seems right but it will not be seen by your partner. * 12-14 to go for it, considering that sometimes Similarly, when you alert, the call even when you do not find a fit, you appears with a little coloured ring 3♥. Should you pass and be happy you might still scrape home in 3NT. to your opponents but not to your are in a good denomination or should Clearly 4♠ is a reasonable contract. partner. So your partner sees no you try for game? explanations and no alerts from you. You have only 8 HCP but the singleton Thus this is an excellent method of could be very valuable – a six-card suit 12. Dealer South. Love All. explaining your bidding without any might do very well if partner has some ♠ A 6 ♠ K 9 8 5 of the normal problems created by support and finally the jack-ten-nine ♥ A 5 3 N ♥ 4 alerts and explanations at the table holding can be quite powerful. Add to ♦ Q 5 W E ♦ A 10 8 6 2 S where partners do not agree on the this the vulnerability – being vulnerable ♣ A K 9 8 7 6 ♣ 4 3 2 meaning. The effect of this excellent should not put you off from going system is that it is the explain function for game – on the contrary, it should that is most important not the alert. reassure you that your partner should West North East South After all, when you alert in the normal have a decent hand. Had you been 3♥ game the main effect is to tell your non-vulnerable, you might have passed, ? opponents there is something worth knowing that partner might overcall quite asking. In this case, if you explain aggressively, but vulnerable you should 3NT. We finish with one of those your call to the opponents it hardly expect a decent 6-card heart suit and annoying pre-empts that has fulfilled its matters whether you alert or not. So something outside. aim – forcing us to guess. while most organisations insist that You cannot go straight for game, but Pass, 4♣ or 3NT are all possible. you self alert properly, in fact self an invitational 3♥ fits the bill and when Double does not fit the bill, since you have -explaining is the important part of your partner holds what you expected only one long suit. With 17 HCP surely the procedure. More experienced with a singleton to boot, he can raise to you have to do something, otherwise you players who play in the top events game. are likely to be left defending 3♥ – you will realise that this procedure is cannot rely on your partner to come up somewhat similar to alerting and with a bid. explaining behind screens. 11. Dealer East. Game All. Generally when given a choice Apart from the duplicates there are ♠ 9 7 4 3 ♠ A Q 6 5 between two bids, both of which could also many casual games. In addition ♥ J 7 6 5 N ♥ A 8 be right, choose the one that gives the W E ♦ ♦ there are various matches ranging 2 S A K 7 4 bigger upside – clearly that is 3NT – when from friendly matches between ♣ Q J 3 2 ♣ K 6 5 it is right you make game as opposed to clubs, or even just arranged by eight 4♣, which is a measly partscore. people, to various leagues, some of Holding the ♥A makes a big difference them run by the various authorities. West North East South here because you can hold up in hearts It is sensible to follow the above rules 2NT Pass and hopefully cut South off. Of course, for self alerting and self explaining ? there will be hands when it is South who in matches as well. Do try online holds three clubs and you will go a long bridge: you will find it quite fun and 3♣. Do you pass or bid? With just four way down! All you can do is try for the best rewarding even if it is not as sociable points and no tens in sight, it is tempting contract – long minors are worth so much as going to the club. n to pass. Remember, that even if you more when you play in no-trumps. n

BRIDGE July 2020 Page 49 A Sally Brock Looks At Your Slam Bidding Sally’s Slam Clinic

Slam of the month in the suit – but Colin’s later actions they can’t remember how they bid it at seem rather clearcut and he asks why all! But they do know that they missed This month’s star award goes to Colin they were the only pair to bid the a slam. Jones who was playing at Richmond grand slam. Well done to his partner Bridge Club with an unfamiliar Barbara Beaumont for making her partner: contract. Win the ♠A, ruff diamonds ♠ K Q 10 9 3 ♠ A J 4 2 while drawing trumps, hoping the ♥ 5 4 N ♥ A Q J 6 W E ♦ 6 ♦ A 10 king of diamonds is short, with the S Dealer South. N/S Game. possibility of a ruffing diamond ♣ A K Q 8 6 ♣ 10 9 5 ♠ J finesse at the end, or maybe a minor- ♥ A Q 6 5 suit squeeze. When West shows out ♦ A Q J 5 3 on the third round of diamonds, Apparently South was the dealer ♣ A 10 7 the ruffing finesse is a sure thing. and opened 1♦ (and would bid ♠ K Q 10 9 2 ♠ 8 7 6 5 3 I think the answer to why so few up to 3♦ if allowed). This would ♥ J 3 N ♥ Void pairs were in 7♥ lies in the East-West be my recommended auction: W E ♦ 10 8 ♦ K 9 7 6 4 2 S bidding (or lack of it) rather than ♣ Q J 5 2 ♣ 4 3 North-South’s. Look at the playing West North East South ♠ A 4 strength in that East hand – and 1♦ ♥ K 10 9 8 7 4 2 at favourable vulnerability to boot. 1♠ Pass 2♦ 3♦ ♦ Void Surely it is worth a raise to 4♠. Now 4♣ Pass 4NT Pass ♣ K 9 8 6 South would probably pass and it’s not 5♠ Pass 6♠ All Pass clear that a 4NT bid from North would even be asking for aces (it might be If I was playing in my favourite They bid: interpreted as showing both minors). partnerships, I would not bid 2♦ over He might well content himself with a 1♠. For me, a simple unassuming West North East South simple jump to 6♥. Maybe East should cue-bid is restricted to hands with 1♥ sacrifice in 6♠ (going four down for 3-card support (unless 4-3-3-3 which 1♠ 2♦ Pass 4♥ –800), but then he might find himself I treat as 3-card support). With this Pass 4NT Pass 5♥ needing to sacrifice again in ♠7 (still hand I would bid 2NT, my strongest Pass 7♥ All Pass only –1100, less even than a small slam). 4-card raise (3♦ would be a weaker 4-card raise). However, thereafter Unsure of how his partner would Where did we go wrong? the auction would be the same. The interpret any bid that might agree West hand is certainly worth bidding hearts immediately, Colin (North) Today’s deal was sent in by Tony game after a strong 4-card invitation, decided to start with a natural 2♦ Richards from Woking. It was played and it costs nothing to show his side response. Granted, South’s rather by his wife and her partner in a social suit on the way. East has a lot more aggressive 4♥ rebid made things bridge afternoon. I can’t really tell than a 4-card invitation and can ask easier – at least promising extra length them where they went wrong because for aces before bidding the slam. n

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Page 50 BRIDGE July 2020 BERNARD Answers to Sally Brock’s MAGEE’S INTERACTIVE Simple Take-Out Double TUTORIAL CD Quiz on page 19 ADVANCED DECLARER 1. Your right-hand opponent opens your response? 1♣ (showing at least four). What do PLAY you bid? Hand 2A Hand 2B ♠ Q J 6 3 ♠ K 10 9 4 3 Hand 1A Hand 1B ♥ 4 3 ♥ K 10 2 ♠ A Q 10 4 ♠ A Q 5 3 ♦ Q J 9 5 4 ♦ K 2 ♥ K J 10 5 4 ♥ K 10 2 ♣ 6 2 ♣ 8 7 3 ♦ K 3 ♦ A 3 2 MAC ♣ 7 2 ♣ A Q J or Windows Hand 2C Hand 2D ♠ 6 5 3 2 ♠ K Q J 4 Hand 1C Hand 1D ♥ K 4 ♥ A K 10 3 ♠ 5 ♠ A Q 2 ♦ Q 10 5 ♦ 7 3 2 ♥ A Q 10 3 ♥ K 10 3 ♣ Q J 10 9 ♣ Q 5 ♦ K Q 6 4 ♦ A Q 10 9 3 ♣ A 10 3 2 ♣ 7 2 Hand 2A 1♠. You should bid majors before minors here, because Hand 1A 1♥, your decent 5-card suit. you 6 are more likely to have Bernard develops your Hand 1B Dbl. You are too strong for game on in a major than a advanced declarer play 1NT while 2NT would show minor. If, say, opener rebids technique in the course of a 2-suiter with the lowest two 2♣, you can show your ten exercises and 120 new suits. Double and rebid at the diamonds on the next round. complete deals. lowest level in no-trumps Because you ‘know’ partner whatever partner bids (even has at least three spades l Overtricks in Notrump if he bids 1♠ I would bid 1NT (unless he is very strong), if Contracts as it shows my strength you had 5 spades you would without committing us to too l Overtricks in Suit rebid them, so when you bid high a level). Contracts spades and then diamonds Hand 1C Pass. For the time being. partner should know your l Partner will expect spade suits are this way round. l Avoidance £81 support if you double. There Hand 2B 2♠. With a 5-card suit may well be a chance to and 9 HCP you should l Wrong Contract act on the next round (but make a jump response. l Squeezes that is for a future article). Hand 2C 1NT. With clubs so well Hand 1D 1♦. It could work well to l Counting the Hand stopped and 8 HCP I like double, but it is likely to 1NT. If you bid 1♠ you have l Trump Trouble encourage your partner to shown no points at all, and l Doubled Contracts bid a 4-card major when a you are clearly not good diamond contract is likely ♠ l Safety Plays enough to bid 2 . Maybe to be a safer partscore. If you will get a chance to bid Operating system requirements: he has five cards in a major Windows or Mac OS 10.08 -10.14 spades on the next round. he may bid it anyway. Hand 2D 2♣. Don’t worry, I have not told you about this Mr Bridge Limited 2. Your left-hand opponent opens 1♣ response yet. You will have ( 01483 489961 (showing at least four). Your partner to wait till next month. www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop doubles and RHO passes. What is

BRIDGE July 2020 Page 51 Mr Bridge Limited Edition Fine Bone China Mugs

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