Number: 182 UK £3.95 Europe €5.00 February 2018 Bernard Magee’s Bidding Quiz

This month we are dealing with hands where your opponents have bid your suit. You are West in the BRIDGEauctions below, playing ‘Standard Acol’ with a weak no- (12-14 points) and four-card majors.

1. Dealer South. Love All. 4. Dealer East. Love All. 7. Dealer North. Love All. 10. Dealer South. Love All. ♠ 7 6 ♠ 7 6 ♠ 7 6 5 ♠ 4 2

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South 1♥ 1♠ 2♦ 1♥ 2♥1 Pass 1♣1 ? ? ? 1A two-suited hand: ? 1Strong club: 16+ spades and a minor points, any shape

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South 1NT Pass 2♥1 1♠ Dbl Pass 1♣ 1♥ 2♣1 Pass 2♦2 ? 1Transfer to spades ? Pass 1♠ 2♣ Pass ? ? 1The strongest bid 2Negative

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South 1♥ Pass 1♠ 1♥ 1♠ 1NT 1NT 2♣1 1♥ ? ? ? 1Landy: both majors Pass 1NT Pass Pass ?

Answers on page 41 Answers on page 43 Answers on page 45 Answers on page 47

Features this month include: ADVERTISERS’ BRIDGE 1 Bidding Quiz by Bernard Magee INDEX 5 Mr Bridge 2 The Aegean Experience Ryden Grange, Knaphill, 7 Bidding Quiz by Bernard Magee & Alexandria with Surrey GU21 2TH Voyages to Antiquity ( 01483 489961 9 When Should You Use Stayman? by Mike Lawrence 3 Clive Goff’s Stamps [email protected] 10 Gisborne’s Unlucky Guess by 4 Cruises 2018 on www.mrbridge.co.uk 12 Facsimile Packs by Paul Bostock Columbus with shop: www.mrbridge.co.uk/ 14 David Stevenson Answers Your Questions Cruise & Maritime mrbridge-shop 16 The Diaries of Wendy Wensum 6 Croatia 2018 Publisher and 17 The Mr Bridge Christmas Quiz by Mike Orriel Mr Bridge Managing Editor 8 UK Events Mr Bridge 17 Defence Quiz by 12 Charity Events

Bridge Consultant 18 Grand Slam Opened at the Seven-Level – Part Two 13 Club Insurance Bernard Magee by Shireen Mohandes 13 Travel Insurance bernardmagee 19 Declarer Play Quiz by David Huggett @mrbridge.co.uk 20 The Mr Bridge Christmas Quiz Answers 20 Bernard Magee DVDs Set 7 Cartoons & Illustrations by Mike Orriel Marguerite Lihou 21 Defence Quiz Answers by Julian Pottage 22 Bernard Magee DVDs www.margueritelihou.co.uk Sets 1-3 22 Drawing Trumps by Bernard Magee Technical Consultant 23 Bernard Magee DVDs Tony Gordon 24 More Tips by Bernard Magee Sets 4-6

Typesetting & Design 29 Declarer Play Answers by David Huggett 24 QPlus 12 Ruth Edmondson 30 Adapting Your Style and System by Andrew Kambites [email protected] 25 Cruise the Danube to 32 Adapting Your Style and System Quiz Vienna & Budapest with Proof Readers by Andrew Kambites The River Cruise Line Julian Pottage 33 The Future by Jeremy Dhondy 29 Mike Orriel Rules Simplified Catrina Shackleton 35 Answers to Adapting Your Style and System Richard Wheen by Andrew Kambites 41 Bernard Magee’s Tutorial Software Customer Services 36 Cross-Ruffingby Michael Byrne Catrina Shackleton 38 Julian Pottage Answers Your Questions 43 Declarer Play with Bernard Magee [email protected] 41 Bidding Quiz Answers (1-3) by Bernard Magee Events & Cruises 44 Defence 42 Catching Up with with Bernard Magee ( 01483 489961 Jessica Galt 43 Bidding Quiz Answers (4-6) by Bernard Magee 45 Acol Bidding [email protected] 44 Sally’s Slam Clinic with Bernard Magee Megan Riccio 45 Bidding Quiz Answers (7-9) by Bernard Magee 50 Designs for Bridge [email protected] Tables Sophie Pierrepont 46 What are Inverted Minor Raises? [email protected] by Julian Pottage 51 Moorish Odyssey with Voyages to Antiquity Clubs & Charities 47 Bidding Quiz Answers (10-12) by Bernard Magee Maggie Axtell 48 Early Season Snow by John Barr 52 Swedish Waterways & [email protected] Cities with Fred.Olsen 49 Seven Days by Sally Brock Address Changes ( 01483 485342 Elizabeth Bryan REDUCE THE COST OF YOUR POSTAGE [email protected] Postage stamps for sale at 90% of face-value, all mint with full gum. Quotations for commercial quantities available on request. Printed in the UK by The Magazine Values supplied in 100s, higher values available as well as Printing Company 1st and 2nd class (eg 2nd class: 100x38p+100x18p). www.magprint.co.uk ( 020 8422 4906 e-mail: [email protected]

BRIDGE February 2018 Page 3

AS PROMISED I recently wrote to David Stevenson with a question on bridge laws and was pleasantly surprised to receive a rapid personal reply BERNARD to my query. I had thought that I would have to wait until my letter was published MAGEE before receiving an answer. Similarly, a few weeks later, Julian Pottage kindly replied to me on a bidding question, TUTORIAL DVDS again by return. Right at the end of my column last month was a My reason for writing this letter, other than to say Coming stop press announcement. Set 8 Soon Congratulations to thank you, is that I recall Helen and Bernard Magee your asking a few months 43 TEAMS OF FOUR on the birth of their son ago for more questions, as This form of the game is the most common at international Alfred James Forrest Magee, not many had been level and is great fun to play at club level and even in the forthcoming at the time. I home. I will discuss the basic format and then look at the weighing in at 7lb 14oz. tactics you might use in the bidding and play. He arrived on 6 December. was just thinking that if you were to make it clear in the 44 GAME TRIES magazine that all questions When your partner raises your suit to the two-level, you are answered personally and have a variety of options available to you, in order to find immediately, irrespective of out whether game is a sensible option. I will talk about whether or not they are game tries to find better games and published, then that might game tries, when you consider the option of a no-trump be a stimulus for a more contract. regular supply of readers’ questions. This is just a 45 DISRUPTING DECLARER suggestion which I hope you A defender needs to try and predict what declarer might will accept in the spirit in want to do. Your job is then to disrupt declarer’s plan. Stop him ruffing, stop him establishing suits and generally try which it is intended. to put him off, by using only your cards, of course. Colin Jones, MASTERPOINTED Kingston, Surrey. 46 DEFENDING SLAMS Making the right plays against slams can make a huge Responding to demand we SEE THE difference. Knowing when to attack and when to lie low: are organising a few events CENTREFOLD should you lead an ace or not? We will not just consider during the coming year slam contracts, but also other high level contracts in where will be Following the success of competitive auctions. awarded to the winners. our river cruises last 47 OVERCALLING The first two of these will October, Bernard Magee and his team are once again Duplicate bridge is so much more competitive now and be on mv. Columbus, see it is important you are part of this. Knowing the reasons sailing down the Danube. the adjacent advertisement. for overcalling and understanding them will allow you to Gary Conrad will host the To make a river cruise compete more and at the right time. British Isles and Cities and work, it is necessary to fill 48 PRESSING THE DEFENCE Sandy Bell will host the the whole ship with bridge European Cities cruise. players and their friends. As declarer there are ways you can make life more awkward for the defenders, particularly by disguising holdings in This is because of the your hand for a little longer. I will be exploring a number READERS LETTERS limited space given to of tactics that will help you to exploit the defenders, lounges and bars on these including the dreaded squeeze. Readers’ Letters as well as otherwise delightful questions for Julian Pottage vessels. If you missed out and David Stevenson are in last autumn, it is a must - £25 per DVD or £105 for the set of six short supply. do for this year. You should The following letter is have a look. Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961 pertinent, so do to give All good wishes, www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop it a read. It may well solve the problem. Mr Bridge

BRIDGE February 2018 Page 5 Mr Bridge id ri

M r rig Bernard Magee e de i M ed Berrd Mgee M ed i i r Bridge: Land based holidays allow time e ee id ie r er er rig for a full bridge programme, which gives you the opportunity Rovin is situated on the western coast of Istria in Croatia, the largest peninsula on the Adriatic to enhance your bridge skills, but coastline, a one hour drive from Trieste, 2 ½ hours from Zagreb. Boasting a rich natural and there is also time to both visit the cultural heritage with beautiful landmarks such as the old town, the Golden Cape Park Forest, local area and just sit back and protected islands and coastal area, Rovinj has many loyal visitors from all parts of the globe and relax. Over the fortnight the bridge has developed into a popular tourist destination. The climate is warm and semi-dry, there are programme includes four seminar 134 sunny days in a year, which makes Rovinj the third sunniest spot in the Adriatic. & set hand sessions, duplicate bridge every evening, teams event Hotel Eden is wedged right between a peninsula covered by a one hundred year old park forest and the ever popular bidding and a quiet cove. The old city centre of Rovinj is just a 20 minute walk away. quiz. You can play as much or as little as you wish and the

excursions* are fitted around the bridge programme to maximise your enjoyment. Singles There is a sole occupancy supplement of £12 per room per night. If you are a single bridge player please do not worry about being on your own. We will always be able to find you a partner and you can always have a game. As well as there being other singles in the same situation as yourself, there is the Mr Bridge team who will be happy to partner you if required.

Will & Sylvia Parsons Call Mr Bridge on 01483 489961 or visit www.mrbridge.co.uk Half only, including flights from Gatwick. Birmingham, Manchester & Edinburgh flights may be available at a supplement. Terms and conditions apply. These holidays have been organised for Mr Bridge by Great Little Escapes LLP, ATOL 5933. *Excursions are not included in the price of the holiday.

Croatia Advert - A4 v5 option 2.indd 1 05/12/2017 10:00 Bernard Magee’s Acol Bidding Quiz

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

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South 1♥ 1♠ 2♦ 1♥ 2♥1 Pass 1♣1 ? ? ? 1A two-suited hand: ? 1Strong club: 16+ spades and a minor points, any shape

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South 1NT Pass 2♥1 1♠ Dbl Pass 1♣ 1♥ 2♣1 Pass 2♦2 ? 1Transfer to spades ? Pass 1♠ 2♣ Pass ? ? 1The strongest bid 2Negative

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South 1♥ Pass 1♠ 1♥ 1♠ 1NT 1NT 2♣1 1♥ ? ? ? 1Landy: both majors Pass 1NT Pass Pass ?

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

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

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

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

Answers on page 41 Answers on page 43 Answers on page 45 Answers on page 47

BRIDGE February 2018 Page 7 Mr Bridge UK Events

Tutorial Events with Bernard Magee PROGRAMME DAY 1 Elstead Hotel Elstead Hotel Four-Night Break at 1500 Mr Bridge Bournemouth BH1 3QP 23-25 February £252 the Trouville Hotel, Welcome Desk open 4-4-4-1 Hands Tea or coffee on arrival Sandown, From 1745 to 1830 Inn on the Prom Isle of Wight £399* Welcome drinks Mon-Wed 1830 to 2000 Thursday to Monday 5-7 March £252 Dinner 15-19 February Supporting Majors 2015 BRIDGE 1 Distributional Hands DUPLICATE PAIRS Chatsworth Hotel and Sacrificing DAY 2 13-15 April £258 www.mrbridge.co.uk Ruffing for Extra Tricks 0800 to 0930 Denham Grove *Price includes ferry fare Breakfast Near Uxbridge, UB9 5DG 3-5 August £258 for two adults in one car. 1000 to 1230 Competitive Bidding SEMINAR & PLAY of SET HANDS or DUPLICATE BRIDGE Gourmet Food and Duplicate (Just Duplicate Events) at Two Bridges Hotel, Dartmoor 1230 to 1330 Cold Buffet Lunch Mondays to Wednesdays 1400 to 1645 From £349 12-14 March Doubles BRIDGE 2 TEAMS of FOUR 9-11 April Finding Slams (Bernard Magee Events) Ramada Resort, Grantham DUPLICATE PAIRS Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT (otherwise) 1815 to 2000 Dinner Just Duplicate Tutorial Events 2015 BRIDGE 3 DUPLICATE PAIRS Ramada Resort Denham Grove DAY 3 27-29 April £228 Grantham 0800 to 0930 Finding Slams Breakfast 2-4 March £199 Hosted by John Ronan Hosted by Sheila Rogers 1000 to 1230 20-22 July £228 SEMINAR & PLAY Chatsworth Hotel 20-22 April £208 Losing Trick Count of SET HANDS or Worthing BN11 3DU 1-3 June £208 DUPLICATE PAIRS Ramada Resort (Just Duplicate Events) Hosted by Gary Conrad Grantham 1230 to 1400 17-19 August £218 Sunday Lunch 11-13 May £218 (weekend events only) Stayman and Transfers 1400 to 1645 Chatsworth Hotel Hosted by Elaine Duff BRIDGE 4 2-4 March £212 DUPLICATE PAIRS Hosted by John Cobbett Elstead Hotel 11-13 May £228 18-20 May £218 Inn on the Prom Leads and Defence Full Board St Annes On Sea FY8 1LU Hosted by Sheila Rogers Hosted by Hilary Levett 17-19 August £218 15-17 June £228 No Single Stayman and Transfers Hosted by Sandy Bell Supplement* Denham Grove 6-8 April £218 Chatsworth Hotel ( 01483 8-10 June £228 15-17 June £218 Further into the Auction 489961 14-16 September £218 Hosted by Will Parsons www.mrbridge.co.uk Please note there are no seminars, 28-30 September £228 Two Bridges Hotel set hands or prizes at these events. Splinters & Cue Bids *subject to availability. Single Dartmoor PL20 6SW supplement applies at Two Bridges. Fireside Chats with Mike Lawrence

When Should You Use Stayman?

his discussion starts off with an to bid 2♣ when not holding a major question. What but there are some serious dangers ♠ K 9 5 4 does the question have to do to doing that. On this auction, you ♥ J 8 2 Twith responding to Stayman? Watch. can be pretty sure dummy has a ♦ A Q 8 Your RHO opens 1NT, 12-14, and four card major which, in this case, ♣ K 9 6 your LHO raises to 3NT. What is your can only be spades. ♠ Q 8 7 6 3 ♠ J 2 ♥ K 7 3 N ♥ Q 9 4 opening lead? 3. Opener does not have four spades. W E If he did, he would bid them over ♦ 6 5 3 S ♦ J 10 9 7 3NT. ♣ 10 7 ♣ A J 4 3 ♠ Q 8 7 6 3 4. Your partner did not double 2♣ for ♠ A 10 ♥ K 7 3 the lead. You have only five points ♥ A 10 6 5 ♦ 6 5 3 so it is possible that your partner ♦ K 4 2 ♣ 10 7 has some points, and if he had ♣ Q 8 5 2 good clubs too, he might double for a club lead. The world leads spades. You have a suit Declarer starts with two spade you can hope to set up and you have Do you see why the question of asking winners, two heart winners eventually, a possible in the king of hearts, for a major is so far-reaching? three diamonds, and a club. Hands which may be needed to get you in like this one often end up with nine after setting up the spades. tricks but often that is because of a If you answered with anything other ♠ K 9 5 4 bad lead. Here, if West leads a spade, than a spade, you started reading ♥ J 8 2 South has three spade winners. That is this article from the end, not the ♦ A Q 8 a help for South. If West leads a heart, beginning. Now a different auction. ♣ K 9 6 most unlikely, it gives up a trick too. The ten of clubs lead also gives South West North East South a trick. Only a diamond is safe. I am 1NT This is your hand, and your partner not saying that a diamond is right all Pass 2♣ Pass 2♥ opens 1NT. I suggest that with a of the time but I am pointing out some Pass 3NT All Pass balanced shape, you should just raise inferences that suggest diamonds are a to 3NT. You may miss a spade fit but consideration. What is your opening lead now? given you are 4-3-3-3, finding a spade The point of this discussion is simple. On the first auction, a spade lead fit may not be useful. There are many When you have a with was automatic. On the new auction hands where a no-trump contract is no-trump values, raise your partner you know a lot more. What things do superior to playing in a 4-4 major suit to 2NT or 3NT according to what you you know now that you did not know fit and the symptoms usually start with have. Do not bid Stayman unless you before? responder having a balanced hand. have a reason to think a major is better If, on this hand, you do bid 2♣, your than no-trumps. Whenever you bid 1. You know that opener has four partner bids hearts and you go on to Stayman you are giving the opponents hearts. 3NT. The opening leader has the hand information which may well them to 2. You know that responder has four I showed you above and now, having defend better. spades. Why would he ask for a been warned that dummy has four This hand can be filed away under major when he does not have one? spades, he may choose another lead. the heading ‘something to think A clever player might think it cute Here are all four hands. about.’ ■

BRIDGE February 2018 Page 9 Robin Hood’s Bridge Adventures by David Bird Gisborne’s Unlucky Guess

ergeant Woodruffe knocked on If the club was right, he the door of Gisborne’s quarters. Dealer North. Love All. would have nine top tricks and time When no reply came, he entered ♠ A to set up at least one more from the Sthe room, noting that his superior ♥ A 9 7 6 diamond suit. What if he took an officer was apparently still asleep. ♦ K 10 9 6 3 immediate club finesse and it lost? ‘My Lord?’ said the Sergeant. ♣ Q 7 6 Gisborne would clear the spades and A bleary-eyed Gisborne raised ♠ Q J 10 7 ♠ 8 6 5 3 2 the game would go down. himself on one elbow. ‘How dare you ♥ 10 4 3 N ♥ Q J 8 It must be better to lead a low W E ♦ A J ♦ 8 7 5 2 wake me so early?’ he demanded. S diamond from dummy. If the Sheriff ‘It’s nine on the clock, my Lord,’ the ♣ K 8 5 4 ♣ 2 held ♦A-x-x, he could not go in with the Sergeant replied. ‘The Sheriff would ♠ K 9 4 ace without setting up four diamond speak with you.’ ♥ K 5 2 tricks, enough for the contract. If Gisborne threw off the bed cover ♦ Q 4 instead he played low, declarer could and dressed quickly. ‘On what matter?’ ♣ A J 10 9 3 pocket a diamond trick. Then just four he asked. ‘Was he in one of his bad tricks from the club suit would give moods?’ him the game. ‘No worse than normal,’ came the West North East South When Bloch played a low diamond reply. Guy of Edwynne The Roland to his queen, Gisborne won with the ‘You took your time,’ observed Gisborne de Rayne Sheriff Bloch ace and led back the ♠J. Declarer the Sheriff, as Gisborne entered 1♦ Pass 2♣ ducked and he continued with the ♠10 his chambers. ‘A money-making Pass 2♦ Pass 3NT to the king. opportunity has arisen. I’ve lined All Pass Bloch led a second diamond towards up a high-stake game with Roland dummy, intending to rise with the Bloch and Edwynne de Rayne this Gisborne led the ♠Q, won in the king and take the club finesse. ‘I’faith afternoon.’ dummy. Roland Bloch, a stout man what a pleasing sight!’ he exclaimed, Gisborne, whose head was still who liked good food and plenty of it, when the ♦J appeared on his left. He throbbing from a heavy drinking paused to assess his prospects. displayed his remaining cards. ‘Four session the previous night, looked back in alarm. ‘Could it not be tomorrow instead, my Lord?’ he replied. ‘I’m not feeling well today and they are strong players.’ ‘You will be here at two, well or not,’ declared the Sheriff. ‘And let’s do without any of your usual mutterings of how-could-I-tell-my-Lord or it-was- an-unlucky-guess-my-Lord. We’ll be playing for big money.’ Gisborne returned to his quarters. There were only a few hours to sober up and such an encounter was not an enticing prospect. Not when you would be blamed for every losing deal. Gisborne’s headache had scarcely improved by the time the game started. This was an early deal:

Page 10 BRIDGE February 2018 diamond tricks, two ace-kings and the West in the suit. Seeing no future in Game All when this big deal arose: club ace. The game is there.’ spades, the Sheriff then switched to Gisborne’s arrangement with the the ♦Q. Sheriff was that he would pay one Bloch won with the ace and liked his Dealer North. Game All. quarter of any losses, the Sheriff chances at this stage. He led the ♥K ♠ 7 2 covering the remainder. His earnings and Gisborne ducked to prevent the ♥ J 5 as commander of the castle’s soldiery ♥Q becoming an entry to dummy’s ♦ A K 8 7 4 3 were moderate and he had pleaded club winners. These cards remained: ♣ A 7 5 strongly for a share of just one tenth. ♠ 8 6 ♠ 5 4 The Sheriff had refused, claiming that ♥ K 9 8 4 N ♥ Q 10 6 3 W E ♠ — ♦ Q 2 ♦ J 9 6 5 Gisborne would then have no incentive S to concentrate properly. Still, at least ♥ Q 7 5 ♣ Q 10 8 3 2 ♣ J 9 4 his Lordship would have no cause to ♦ 10 ♠ A K Q J 10 9 3 blame him for the last deal. Bloch had ♣ J 9 ♥ A 7 2 just played it well. ♠ 3 ♠ Q J 6 ♦ 10 On the very next deal, Roland Bloch ♥ A J 9 N ♥ — ♣ K 6 ♦ 5 W E ♦ J 8 7 had a chance to land the first rubber. S ♣ 10 ♣ — ♠ A West North East South Dealer East. N/S Game. ♥ 2 Guy of Edwynne The Roland ♠ 2 ♦ K 6 3 2 Gisborne de Rayne Sheriff Bloch ♥ Q 7 5 4 3 ♣ — 1♦ Pass 2♠ ♦ 10 9 Pass 3♦ Pass 3♠ ♣ J 9 7 6 4 Pass 4♠ Pass 4NT ♠ 7 4 3 ♠ Q J 10 9 6 5 Before playing another heart, the Pass 5♥ Pass 5NT ♥ A J 9 8 N ♥ 10 6 portly declarer cashed the ♠A and ♦K Pass 6♦ Pass 7♠ W E ♦ 5 4 ♦ Q J 8 7 All Pass S to remove West’s safe exit cards. He ♣ Q 10 8 3 ♣ 2 discarded a heart from dummy and ♠ A K 8 then led the ♥2. Gisborne’s head was throbbing ♥ K 2 Gisborne was powerless. He won painfully as he considered his opening ♦ A K 6 3 2 with the ♥A and had to concede lead. A vulnerable grand slam at ♣ A K 5 the last three tricks to the entryless these exalted stakes? If successful, it dummy. An overtrick had been made would cost him a fortnight’s pay. Now, and the first rubber was at an end. leading away from an honour was very West North East South ‘There was nothing I could do, my risky against a grand slam. Surely the Guy of Edwynne The Roland Lord,’ said Gisborne, aware that the Sheriff could not fault him for leading Gisborne de Rayne Sheriff Bloch Sheriff was glaring at him. a safe trump. 2♠ 3NT ‘It was always there,’ agreed Roland Gisborne led the ♠8 and Bloch won All Pass Bloch, as he reached for his scorepad. in his hand. He crossed to the ♦A ‘Shall we settle rubber by rubber or and ruffed a diamond with a high The Sheriff opened with a Feeble Two at the end?’ queried the white-haired trump. He then led the ♠3 to dummy’s and Bloch thumbed through his splen- Edwynne de Rayne. ♠7, both defenders following. West did collection of honour cards. The ‘At the end, at the end,’ grunted the showed out when the ♦K was played Good Lord was indeed in a bounti- Sheriff. ‘What happens on a diamond but Bloch ruffed a fourth round of ful mood today. Gisborne was no star lead? Can you make it then?’ diamonds and returned to dummy at the game and with any luck he and ‘Let me see,’ Bloch replied. ‘I win with the ♣A. His heart losers had gone Edwynne should be able to line their and play ace-king and another club. on the ♦K and ♦8. The slam was home. pockets. ‘Three no-trumps,’ he said. Gisborne wins and plays another The Sheriff rose to his feet, glaring at Gisborne could feel his headache diamond. Yes, you’re right. A diamond Gisborne. ‘You bone-headed buffoon!’ worsening. He led the ♠7 and down lead beats it.’ he cried. ‘A vulnerable grand slam and went the dummy. Bloch won with the Gisborne swallowed hard. ‘How you lead the only card in your hand to ♠K and continued with two top clubs, could I tell, my Lord?’ he blurted. ‘I led let it through?’ the Sheriff discarding the ♥6 on the the suit that you had bid.’ ‘It was an unlucky guess, my Lord,’ second round. When a third round ‘May the Saints preserve me from Gisborne replied. ‘I could hardly risk of clubs was played, Gisborne won partners who follow rules intended leading from a side-suit honour.’ with the queen and the Sheriff threw for beginners!’ exclaimed the Sheriff. ‘The leather-brain still hasn’t realised a spade. ‘Lead a diamond and he has no it,’ thundered the Sheriff. ‘Lead the six Gisborne’s spade continuation was chance.’ of trumps, not the eight. How can he ducked by declarer, aiming to exhaust The second rubber had reached make it then?’ ■

BRIDGE February 2018 Page 11 CHARITY EVENTS A History of Playing Cards: Part Fourteen by Paul Bostock FEBRUARY 2018 27 ST NEOTS ROTARY CLUB St Neots Outdoor Bowling Club, PE19 1AP. Tickets £15. Val Corrigan ( 01480 213682 Facsimile Packs MARCH 2018 16 MS THERAPY CENTRE Village Hall, Hemingford Abbots, ld playing cards are now rare, so that a specific and desirable pack may be PE28 9AH. Tickets £15. very difficult or even impossible to buy (for instance if the only known -ex Jenny Lea ( 01480 455810 amples are in museums). Not surprisingly, such packs are often expensive. 29 RNLI OFacsimiles and Reproductions? While these may sound second-best, the reality is Village Hall, Roxton, Beds MK44 3EB. that a copy is the only way to see some special packs, and might be good to have. Tickets £15 Catherine Wootton ( 01234 772127 Our first example is a pack first made ( 01234 870234 by Robert Morden in 1676. In this pack, [email protected] each of the 52 cards shows a map of a APRIL 2018 county of England and Wales. Original 26 ST NEOTS MUSEUM seventeenth century maps are scarce, so St Mary’s Church, Eaton Socon, PE19 8EJ. this pack is of value to historians and Tickets £15. geographers as well as to specialist play- Jean Searle ( 01480 212298 ing-card collectors. In 2013 an original MAY 2018 version of this pack sold at Sotheby’s for 11 CHILDREN’S CHARITIES £15,000. I have in front of me a very finely Doddington Village Hall, March, made facsimile by Harry Margary made Cambs, PE15 0TG. Tickets £16. in 1972 (see right) and copies of this pack Val Topliss ( 01354 653696 are still on sale at just over £10. This ena- JUNE 2018 bles me to enjoy these old maps just as 15 GT STUKELEY CONSERVATIVE CLUB they were intended – on a set of cards. Village Hall, Gt Stukeley PE28 4AL. There are a number of contemporary Tickets £15. Kay Brownlow ( 01480 880663 packs around that feature older full Sheila Stephenson ( 01480 457338 length designs. One set, whose maker is not shown, is a very good reproduction JULY 2018 of standard cards of around 1805 by 13 GT BARFORD CHURCH Village Hall, Gt Barford, Beds MK44 3HA. James Hardy, a London cardmaker. Tickets £15. The reproduction goes to the extent Graham Evans ( 01832 293693 Ten of Diamonds – Map of Cornwall Gill Wilkes ( 01234 870428 by Morden 1676. Reproduction [email protected] sets by Harry Margary, 1972. AUGUST 2018 10 ST IVES ROTARY CLUB of having a paper wrapper and a string Village Hall at Hemingford Abbots, tied around just as the originals had and PE28 9AH. Tickets £15. Sue O’Donovan ( 01487 822701 the finish of the cards is convincing too. ( 07733033706 Modern players could use these cards SEPTEMBER 2018 to play games that were popular in the 1800s without worrying about the value 13 GT BARFORD BOWLS CLUB Gt Barford Bowls Club, MK44 3BG. £15. of the cards. Beryl Seymour ( 01767449116 A similar example – again featuring [email protected] standard cards by Hardy – was produced Pat Martin-Moran ( 01234 870198 by brewers William Bass & Co in 1977. [email protected] This set was made to celebrate the Com- OCTOBER 2018 pany’s 200th anniversary. The cards are 5 ST NEOTS MUSEUM printed on modern stock, but it is a well St Neots Outdoor Bowling Club, PE19 1AP. made set and its booklet gives a short his- Tickets £15. Jean Searle ( 01480 212298 tory of playing-cards and instructions for playing some historically popular games. To advertise your charity events, Illuminated King of Spades, US Games Systems have produced please email [email protected] Andrew Dougherty & Co., 1865. excellent copies of several early American Facsimile by US Games Systems Inc. decks, including an ‘illuminated’ set first

Page 12 BRIDGE February 2018 A History of Playing Cards: Part Fourteen by Paul Bostock CLUB INSURANCE Every club should be Facsimile Packs covered and my inclusive package, to suit clubs of up to 300 members for less than made by Andrew Dougherty in 1865. Illuminated decks were made with gold in the ink. In the image shown, all the gold areas would have featured this special £75 per year, is the right ink, and the result is a very satisfying rich and bright finish. package at the right price. Simon Wintle, a contemporary card expert, has made cards in the old way using wooden blocks and stencils. While these are of great interest to collectors, they Contact FIDENTIA for a quote also have a practical use in filming. If people are seen playing cards in a period drama, directors want those cards to look right, and facsimiles allow that to ( 020 3150 0080 happen without risking an historic and valuable set. [email protected] Many contemporary card makers have issued facsimiles. We have encountered some in previous articles, eg the fifteenth century German hunting deck and the sixteenth century Spanish deck, where originals would be impossible to own. The Fournier Museum has produced excellent versions of items in its collection, like its English hand-painted transformation pack and circular Indian Ganjifa cards. The French card maker B P Grimaud has similarly made a new version of a very early Cotta transformation pack of 1804, and examples of French packs from earlier centuries. Some collectors feel that facsimiles risk devaluing the originals but I think the production of a facsimile underlines the importance of the original. So from ancient geographical and other illustrated cards, via old standard cards and For those with Pre-existing health transformations, the modern enthusiast can truly become involved in historic sets conditions (No Age Limit) of cards that would otherwise be priced out of reach. l Travel Insurance with online There is now a wide selection of facsimile packs (see below for some examples) – Medical Screening an opportunity to own copies of historically significant cards. ■ l Cover for medical conditions,

up to a high level of severity, even a terminal prognosis l No age limits l Instant online cover

We fully understand that you may wish to speak to us direct about cover and your medical conditions and assure you of the best attention by senior staff on a direct phone line that does not require you to hold or press buttons for departments.

( 01268 524344 We look forward to speaking with you soon

Email: [email protected] Website: www.genesischoice.co.uk

Genesis Choice Ltd are an appointed The author is a Court Assistant in the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing representative of NDI Insurance and Reinsurance Brokers Ltd who Cards – see www.makersofplayingcards.co.uk. Many more sets of cards are are authorised and regulated by the illustrated on the author’s website www.plainbacks.com Financial Conduct Authority No.446914

BRIDGE February 2018 Page 13 David Stevenson Answers Your Questions on Laws and Ethics Convention Not Alerted

West opened 1NT he calls the director, but does round which is unauthorised says this is to be regarded (announced as not tell people what he might information to West. It is as natural – he has shown Q15-18). North have done otherwise, which unusual for a 1NT opener a preparedness to play in passed. East passed after a is unauthorised information to bid again when his no-trumps, and may have long hesitation. South then to partner and gains nothing. partner has passed, and an agreed shortage (the suit bid 2♦ (not alerted). This One of the things that especially strange that he partner has got covered). bid was passed out. At this players in clubs must learn would bid over a 2♦ bid Am I correct? stage South told East/West is to call the director when showing the majors but Name and address supplied. that the 2♦ bid was artificial there is a problem, not to not a natural 2♦, and I do showing the majors. North discuss it before he arrives. feel that North’s comments I believe this admitted he had forgotten The director presumably have some substance. is alertable. I the convention. West then gave the ruling without In the actual case where A agree that your stated that he had been opening his law book since the director wound it back reading might be correct, misled and would have he cannot rewind the auction to 2♦ the final ruling should but it also says ‘conveys bid differently if he had any further than the last call be based on the director’s no unusual information been aware of the true by the non-offending side, error, and the final score about suit holdings’ and meaning of the 2♦ bid. that is East’s final call. He adjusted on this basis: at while it is accepted that a The director was called must warn East that he must such time both sides are shortage in partner’s suit and after some consideration make every effort to avoid treated as non-offending, is possible, this is normally ruled that the bidding taking any advantage of which means both sides understood to mean a should be rewound to the West’s unfortunate comments. might get a good score, but singleton. A in partner’s point where South bid 2♦. The board should then of course the unauthorised suit I think is unusual. This was done and West be played out, either in 2♦, information complicates it. I do agree that this is promptly doubled the 2♦ or in whatever is reached As for averaging the board ambiguous, but the general bid. North objected that if East does decide to that is just illegal, and will rule is When in doubt, alert. the double could be based change his final pass. have disadvantaged one on the long pause by East. At the end of the hand, side or the other, and just ♣♦♥♠ The director was recalled the director should consider possibly both sides. and decided that the board whether to give an adjusted Last week at South should be averaged, to score in N/S’s favour if he ♣♦♥♠ Bucks Bridge Club rectify a situation that was felt that any of East’s actions Qthis came up: tending to become heated. took advantage of the I had a question How should the unauthorised information from an experienced West North East South director have ruled? and harmed N/S. Also he Qclub member and 1♥ 2♦ 1NT Alan Mansell, should consider whether wanted your advice. Milford-on-Sea BC. to give an adjusted score In the auction: 1 of a suit The director was called. in East-West’s favour – (Pass) – 1 of another suit He ruled that South could First the director if he considers that the – (Pass) – 1NT, I was asked, accept the insufficient bid, should stop the misinformation (the failure to ‘If opener will normally but South didn’t, and that A players talking. Some alert 2♦, and the failure for make the 1NT rebid even East could put it right by damage has already been West to get an explanation) with a void in partner’s bidding 2NT, which she did. done by West’s remarks, and affected West’s pass over suit, is it alertable?‘ I understood that only he should be warned that, in 2♦. That is complicated by My reading of the EBU parallel bids are allowed. future, if he has a problem East’s slow pass on the first Blue Book section 4C1(b) I do not believe that 2NT

Page 14 BRIDGE February 2018 (10-12 points) is a parallel West North East South illegal and on a different My regular partner bid, as it has a different 3♠1 Dbl All Pass day all that would have and I recently meaning from 1NT (6- 1Explained as weak. happened is that E/W would Qmade some 9/10). It would seem the have missed a game. changes to opening twos. only possible bid in this My partner admitted that he If they do play 3♠ as We used to play weak sequence is a Pass from made a mistake in passing intermediate, a very rare twos in diamonds, hearts East, with West restricted the take-out double. During treatment, then you have and spades, but now play from rebidding? the play, more and more been misinformed and 2♦ as eight playing tricks Perhaps I have points kept appearing from an adjustment is possible. in an unspecified suit. misunderstood, so I have West. At the end of play I But it is unlikely and the Twice in consecutive today ordered the new asked for a director’s ruling adjustment is not clear. weeks my partner has ‘Duplicate Bridge Rules as to whether there had forgotten this and opened Simplified‘ from Mr Bridge. been misinformation – had I ♣♦♥♠ 2♦ with a weak hand. Susan Hegi by email. known that West was strong Last night I announced his I might have overcalled 4♥ I was declarer and 2♦ opening as strong, but While you are right or 4♦ rather than doubling incorrectly called since I held ♠K Q 10 9 x x that insufficient bids for take-out as I would have Qfor a lead from ♥A x ♦x x x ♣A x, I was bid- A may be accepted realised that my partner dummy. RHO said, ‘it‘s your ding anyway. So 2♠ it was and otherwise that if a player might be very weak. E/W lead,‘ so I led a card from and partner bid 3♦, which makes a Comparable Call made an unstoppable 11 my hand whereupon LHO could still be strong with instead, the auction tricks for a top. The director said, ‘I accept the lead from diamonds, in which case I continues without penalty, adjusted the score to 4♠+1 dummy.‘ This was referred am sniffing slam, so I bid there is another rule. If undoubled which I thought to an experienced director 3♠, passed out and made. the insufficient bid was was fair. But on reflection who ruled that LHO was Now should one of us natural, and the lowest I’m not sure this was correct. within his rights and the reveal a misbid/misexpla- sufficient bid in the same Was there misinformation? original lead from dummy nation before the opening denomination (in no- Graham Evans, had to be played. I had lead is made? All will be trumps or the same suit) Winwick, Cambs. presumed the words, ‘it’s revealed when dummy goes would be natural, the your lead.‘ amounted to a down, but it just might affect player can change it to It is doubtful, and rejection of the lead from the lead. Any thoughts? that bid without penalty. there is no doubt dummy. Are we in a position Mike Brotherton, North Wales. Since 1NT was natural, A the actual result was where declarer has to ask and assuming 2NT would your partner’s fault passing the defence if the irregular There is no necessity be natural, it was correct a take-out double with five lead is accepted or rejected? to tell opponents that it could be changed to hearts and no points. Mike Scarffe, A about a mistake so 2NT without penalty and the Even if there was Farnhill, North Yorks. long as the system has been auction continue normally. misinformation I do wonder explained correctly. So you whether the result would be The law states were right to say nothing. ♣♦♥♠ different, since if they play 3♠ unambiguously that But there is a snag. Now as somewhat stronger, your A when attention is your partner has got it Please could you take-out double is routine drawn to an irregularity, wrong three times, it is really give me your view and there is no reason for which is what RHO has done, becoming part of your system, Qon the following your partner to pass it. all four players are required and that should be disclosed. hand where I was North: There is no way I can to call the director and take So in future you really need tell whether there was no action until he arrives. to tell opponents that you misinformation or not without Thus everyone at the table are playing 2♦ as eight ♠ A talking to the players. It is is clearly in the wrong and playing tricks in an ♥ A K 9 7 quite possible this pair do that is the way arguments unspecified suit, but that ♦ A K Q 2 play 3♠ as weak but West occur. The best way to avoid partner has a habit of ♣ 9 6 4 3 decided to open it anyway. arguments is to call the forgetting and you used ♠ Q 10 8 6 5 4 3 2 ♠ K J 7 It is a fact that a growing director and leave it to him. to play 2♦ as weak. ♥ Void ♥ Q J 10 8 N number of less experienced Once LHO has said he Once you are confident ♦ J W E ♦ 10 9 6 4 players seem to take fright accepts the lead from dummy, he will no longer do so you S ♣ A K J 10 ♣ Q 2 at the idea of opening at the lead is accepted and can revert to the simple ♠ 9 the one level with a seven the director ruled correctly. explanation. ■ ♥ 6 5 4 3 2 plus card suit and look for ♦ 8 7 5 3 an alternative. If that is what E-mail your questions on bridge laws to: ♣ 8 7 5 has happened here, then [email protected] it is poor bridge but not

BRIDGE February 2018 Page 15 The Diaries of Wendy Wensum Episode 70: An Italian Jaunt Part 3: The Peace Treaty

Spouse and I are on holiday in the resort of Limone on the shores of Lake Garda with friends, Millie and Justin.

ware of the rather tenuous other evening. I needn’t have worried, West led the eight of hearts. I ducked connection of Verona with it turned out to be a pleasant session. in dummy and after some thought East William Shakespeare, Spouse Differing styles of hand valuation played the queen which I won with Aand I decided that an excursion to the proved a diversion on this board. the ace. I led the diamond five towards historic town was, nevertheless, still dummy and played the king, which well worth a visit. We began by explor- held the trick. With the ten and nine ing the Roman amphitheatre, now an Dealer East. North-South Game. of diamonds in hand it seemed safe to open-air opera house. Outside in the ♠ J 9 8 4 3 2 play the diamond four from dummy on large central square, we lunched in the ♥ 10 7 which I placed the nine, won by West elegant surroundings of delightful res- ♦ K 4 with the jack. West exited with his taurants and cafés, which provided a ♣ Q 6 5 last heart, won with the king by East wide range of delicacies at surprisingly ♠ K Q 5 ♠ 10 7 6 who then exited meekly with a heart, reasonable prices. A stroll through ♥ 8 5 N ♥ K Q 9 6 4 2 which was won in hand with my jack. I W E ♦ ♦ the town past charming churches, the A J 8 7 6 S 3 2 now led the diamond queen, taken by ancient castle and the tourist-packed ♣ J 10 2 ♣ 7 4 West’s ace. With three tricks already in courtyard containing a balcony typi- ♠ A the bag I now had five clubs to take as cal of the period in the Bard’s play ♥ A J 3 well as the ace of spades and the master Romeo and Juliet. ♦ Q 10 9 5 diamond for a total of ten tricks. Back in the hotel later, Millie ♣ A K 9 8 3 At the other table North-South were and I decided to go for some retail playing a version of . therapy, and I arranged to meet Hattie and Henry took no part in Spouse afterwards in the bar by the East opened a weak two in hearts, the auction from the East-West seats. swimming pool. I arrived to find and I found myself with a problem. I South opened one club, artificial and him in conversation with Henry and didn’t want to pass, but I wasn’t sure strong. North bid two spades, a weak Happy Hattie, Millie’s nemesis, given what to do. If I doubled, Spouse would bid showing six spades. South made the designation due to Hattie’s rather almost certainly bid spades, and three a try with three clubs passed out by strident outlook at the bridge table. clubs seemed rather insipid. In this North. Spouse may have been missing real ale, position, Spouse and I use a natural but he was certainly cheerful enough on 16-18 two no-trumps, over which, West North East South free Italian lager. His companions were in this instance, three hearts would Hattie Henry very friendly and Hattie showed no be forcing but other three level bids Pass 1♣1 signs of the aggression she was capable natural and non-forcing. I knew the Pass 2♠2 Pass 3♣ of displaying over the green baize. distribution was wrong, but I had a All Pass Over the years, I have often noticed certain spade stop and possibly two 1Artificial, strong club. 2Weak. that in unfamiliar surroundings stops in hearts. So two no-trumps bridge players can seem very different it was. West passed and, of course, Hattie led the jack of clubs and the from their card room persona. Millie partner bid three spades. I should have contract made with an overtrick, a whispered, ‘Is this the same Hattie? She guessed. I was sure West would lead a lucky but happy swing for our team. has such a sharp tongue, I’m sure she heart and it was teams scoring, so in It turned out to be an extremely could use it to strip wallpaper.’ for a penny in for a pound. I converted pleasant evening. Justin and Millie Millie was playing with Justin that to three no-trumps on the dubious joined the four of us for drinks later. evening in the duplicate pairs. Spouse justification that I held maximum Rather like the rival families of Romeo and I found ourselves at a half table, values for my . and Juliet in Shakespeare’s drama, and the TD suggested we joined the perhaps we take our petty prejudices teams event, which was a pair short. West North East South too seriously, not realising that in the Spouse was pleased when we were Spouse Wendy real world we have many interests and linked with his new buddies, Henry 2♥1 2NT beliefs in common. The Bard may not and Hattie; I was less sure having Pass 3♠ Pass 3NT have played bridge, but he certainly witnessed their dispute with Millie the All Pass 1Weak two, 5-9 HCP, 6-card suit. understood relationships. ■

Page 16 BRIDGE February 2018 MR BRIDGE DEFENCE QUIZ CHRISTMAS by Julian Pottage QUIZ 2017 (Answers on page 21) ou are East in the defensive positions below playing Set by Mike Orriel Ymatchpoint pairs with only N/S vulnerable. Both sides are using Acol with a 12-14 1NT and 2♣ Stayman.

CARDS 1. ♠ J 10 8 3. ♠ A Q 8 3 1 Which card baked some tarts and which card stole them? ♥ K 9 8 5 2 ♥ 9 7 6 2 Which card is known as ‘the curse of Scotland’? ♦ A K 9 6 3 ♦ K J 10 6 3 Which card game contains two alcoholic drinks? ♣ Void ♣ Q 2 ♠ K 9 3 ♠ 5 4 2 4 In which card game are the ♦3 and ♥3 important cards? ♥ A 10 4 3 ♥ A 4 3 N N ♦ 7 4 2 ♦ 9 3 W E W E SCORES S ♣ 9 8 2 S ♣ K J 8 7 5 5 What are the only two making contracts whose duplicate score is exactly 2,000? West North East South West North East South 6 How many doubled vulnerable undertricks 1♣ 2♣1 will score a penalty of exactly 2,000? Pass 1♥ Pass 2♦ Pass 2♦1 Pass 2♥ 7 In teams of four, how many IMPs is a net Pass 4♦ Pass 4♠1 Pass 3♥ Pass 4NT score of +2,000 on one hand? Pass 6♦ All Pass Pass 5♦ Pass 6♥ 1Cue bid All Pass 8 Exactly 2,000 masterpoints would represent 1Near game force and relay which masterpoint rank in England? Partner leads the ♠6, cov- ered by the ♠10. What is Partner leads the ♣10, cov- ODD ONE OUT (Which is the odd one out in each case?) your plan? ered all around. Declarer 9 Green, purple, orange, red, blue cashes the ♦A, overtakes the ♦Q with the ♦K and 10 Pink, black, blue, green, gold leads another diamond, 11 170, 270, 370, 470, 570 partner playing upward. What is your plan? ANAGRAMS on a ‘BRIDGE’ theme.

12 CUP DETAIL 13 BLUER ODE 2. ♠ A Q J 6 2 4. ♠ Q 8 7 6 14 NEUTRON MAT 15 BELL SHONE ♥ J 10 6 ♥ 8 6 5 3 ♦ Q ♦ A J MISCELLANEOUS ♣ Q J 10 7 ♣ Q J 5 ♠ 9 4 3 ♠ A 9 3 N N 16 What is ‘the rule of eleven’ when defending? ♥ 8 7 5 2 ♥ Q J 4 2 W E W E 17 Which windy city is a form of bridge? S ♦ A 10 8 S ♦ Q 6 5 ♣ K 6 2 ♣ 10 8 4 18 What does the mnemonic SAYC stand for? 19 What are the odds against being dealt a Yarborough? 20 You are West and hold the hand below. West North East South West North East South What should you lead? 1NT Pass 1NT Pass 2♥1 Pass 2♠ All Pass Pass 3♣ Pass 3♥

♠ ♠ Dealer East. West North East South Pass 3 Pass 4 Partner leads the ♦2. You ♠ 8 7 1♥ 7♠ All Pass capture the ♦J with the ♦Q 1 ♥ K 7 6 2 N Pass Pass Dbl Rdbl Transfer to spades and return the suit, partner W E playing the ♦8. Declarer ♦ K Q 10 2 S All Pass ♣ 8 7 4 Partner leads the ♦4. What leads the ♠K followed (if is your plan? you ) by the ♠J, part- ner playing the ♠2 and Answers on page 20. ♠10. What do you do?

BRIDGE February 2018 Page 17 Grand Slam Opened at the Seven-Level Part Two by Shireen Mohandes

e all know that bidding a London clubs, principally St James’s A substantial sum of money was to Grand Slam is not an every- (now called TGR). I’m reliably told be won or lost on the deal, along with day matter. But how often that duplicate bridge at a club was not a story to dine out on for weeks to Wdo you hear about an opening bid at of much interest to these players. come. the Grand Slam level? And how often This story was told to me by London Imagine you are sitting West. What does this happen at ? player Barry Myers. Barry is one of the are your thoughts? First you must London player Andy Bowles told rare former professional bridge players respect your partner and your RHO. me about this deal, which took place who gave up rubber bridge and turned Jeremy Flint (1928-1989) was, at the at The London School of Bridge in to study, leading to a successful career time, one of the best players in the Kings Road, in the 1980s. ‘I remember in law. You will, of course, be familiar country, having either won or been Gerald Bridgeman opening at the with his name, as he is frequently second in the eight times seven-level, at rubber bridge (not a mentioned in Sally Brock’s columns. and later going on to win a silver ) on something like: medal at the in 1987. 1983, Rubber Bridge, Flint was also a successful high-stake St James’s Bridge Club, rubber bridge player. ♠ A K Q x x London. So, back to the deal, is Flint punting ♥ Void the grand? What’s Barry up to? Is he ♦ Void trying to attract a non-trump lead? ♣ A K Q x x x x x Stakes £3 per 100. Dealer East. N/S Vul. Surely the most likely situation is ♠ J x x that Flint has a two-suiter, and Barry ♥ x x x N W E is void in one suit. Of course, Flint It made. By the time he’d bought ♦ A K J x x S knows the situation too, so maybe everyone in the room a drink, I think ♣ x x Flint’s second suit is at most a four or he’d made a small loss.’ five bagger (as he did not run to that As we all know, rubber bridge is suit when doubled)? Maybe Flint just played much less often these days. West North East South likes redoubling? Perhaps it’s a long- But in the 60s, 70s and 80s, the great Tony Salmon Mond Barry Myers Jeremy Flint term strategy of his, that may not work masters of the game, Jeremy Flint, Pass 7♣ out well on this deal, but long term, he Jonathan Cansino, John Collings and Pass Pass Dbl Rdbl is quids in. Looking at the arithmetic: Irving Rose, were all to be found in All Pass Remember 150 honours implied, but not guaranteed, by the auction.

7♣ doubled making (140x2)+1,500+50+150+700 = 2,680 7♣ redoubled making (140x4)+1,500+50*+150+700= 2,960 7♣ doubled defeated by 1 +150-200 = -50 7♣ redoubled defeated by 1 +150-400 = -250 *Note that the redouble insult bonus was not changed to 100 yet; that was introduced in the 1987 law changes.

Have you selected your lead, before Jeremy Flint (England) and Peter Pender (USA). Photo: ACBL reading on?

Page 18 BRIDGE February 2018 DECLARER PLAY QUIZ by David Huggett (Answers on page 29) Sally Brock and Barry Myers (photo: Peter Hasenson) ou are South as declarer playing teams or rubber bridge. If you defeat the redoubled contract, it is worth £96 in YIn each case, what is your play strategy? 1983, that’s around £300 in 2017. From Flint’s perspective, his bonus for making was 280, his increased penalty for being defeated was 200. So the odds ♠ ♠ were attractive to redouble. 1. K 6 5 3. A 7 6 ♥ ♥ The full deal: J 10 K 6 5 ♦ K Q 7 4 3 2 ♦ 10 9 5 ♣ 5 3 ♣ A 8 6 4 Dealer East. N/S Vul. N N ♠ A K Q 10 x W E W E ♥ J x x x x x S S ♦ x x ♠ ♠ ♣ Void A Q 4 J 5 2 ♥ ♥ ♠ J x x ♠ x x x x x A K 2 A 9 2 N ♦ ♦ ♥ x x x ♥ Void 6 5 K Q J 6 2 W E ♣ Q J 9 6 4 ♣ K 5 ♦ A K J x x S ♦ Q x x x x x ♣ x x ♣ x x ♠ Void ♥ A K Q 10 You are declarer in 3NT You are declarer in 3NT ♥ ♠ ♦ Void and West leads the 7. after West opened 1 . ♥ ♠ ♣ A K Q J 10 x x x x The J wins. How do you West leads the 10. How plan the play? do you plan the play?

West did not find the heart lead. Should he have? I think the hints are there. Declarer’s second suit is either long, or ♠ ♠ strong. So possession of the ♠J just tips the scales in favour 2. A 10 7 4. K 9 8 2 ♥ ♥ of leading a heart. Q 6 4 K Q 5 ♦ ♦ As it happens, Flint’s partner could have rescued the day 5 4 2 7 6 4 ♣ ♣ by bidding 7♥. But that is not the sort of thing that one does. A J 6 2 A K 2 It would be mad, inspired, and dangerous. Like some sort of N N contemporary Japanese film of the 1980s? ■ W E W E S S

American Charles Goren wrote in Sports Illustrated, in ♠ K Q J 9 8 2 ♠ A Q J 10 7 5 June, 1966, of Flint’s trip to the USA to compete in bridge ♥ 7 ♥ 3 events with American Peter Pender: ‘A 37-year-old ♦ K Q 7 6 ♦ K 8 handsome blond six-footer from England is now at the ♣ Q 5 ♣ 8 7 6 4 halfway point of his six-month assault on the American world of bridge, and the results thus far are impressive.’ Later on in the column Goren added: ‘Unfortunately for You are declarer in 4♠ after You are declarer in 4♠ and Flint, what little publicity their victories have received has West opens 1♥ and East West leads the ♥J. How do gone primarily to Pender because, as an American, he is raises to 2♥. West leads you plan the play? better known here. In addition, Flint is handicapped as a the ♥K (for count) and lecturer by a British accent that many Americans find more switches to a low trump. difficult to understand than the Russian accent that was How do you plan the play? such an asset to Ely Culbertson.‘

BRIDGE February 2018 Page 19 MR BRIDGE BERNARD CHRISTMAS QUIZ 2017 MAGEE ANSWERS TUTORIAL DVDS Set by Mike Orriel 1 Queen of hearts baked, Jack of hearts stole 2 Nine of diamonds Set 7 3 Gin rummy 37 MORE SIGNALLING 4 Canasta I will be looking at different times when you and 5 5♥ redoubled or 5♠ redoubled, the messages you might want to give. Using signals in new vulnerable with two overtricks. ways can greatly improve your enjoyment of defence as 6 Seven vulnerable undertricks. well as pushing up your scores. 7 19 IMPs. 38 4-4-4-1 HANDS 8 District master. Everybody’s least favourite type of opening hand. I will be going through the methods for choosing the right suit 9 Purple (the others are the colours to open as well as coping with responses. As responder of the suits in a ). you need to be aware of the options and work out your 10 Pink (the others are all types of master points). partner’s type of hand. Strong 4-4-4-1 hands can be just as difficult and will be dealt with too. 11 370 (not a possible score at duplicate, all the others are). 39 DRAWING TRUMPS 12 DUPLICATE. This seminar sounds straightforward, but we will not be 13 REDOUBLE. simply drawing trumps, we will be considering the reasons 14 TOURNAMENT. for delaying. Keeping control of trumps is an important part of declarer play. Knowing when to risk leaving trumps 15 . out and when not. 16 Rule of eleven enables a defender to work out from 40 FIVE-CARD MAJORS his partner’s lead of fourth highest how many cards Popular around the world, this method is becoming more declarer has higher than the card led. The defender popular here. It is not a method I would advocate for club subtracts from 11 the value of the card led. players, however it is important to understand the method as you will need to defend against it. 17 Chicago. 18 Yellow Card. 41 FUNDAMENTALS OF DEFENCE 19 About 1827 to 1 (0.0547%) – ref Defence is by far the hardest aspect of bridge: this seminar seeks to show the building blocks that can start you off on Bridge players encyclopaedia. a wonderful journey. If you can get the basics right then 20 A club; South clearly has solid spades, no hearts, the more complicated aspects of defence can follow. either the ♦A or no diamonds, and solid clubs. The 42 SUPPORTING MINORS only hope is that East is void in clubs and can your opening lead. (). PS Hand is Minors are not as important as majors, but we have to bid from a Camrose trial and no-one got it right. them and it is important to know your system. Bidding more 3NT contracts will get you better scores, but being able to spot a minor suit slam will put you a cut above. Joint Winners with 20/20: Dave Simmons, Buntingford, Herts, Elaine Sharpe, Malmesbury, Wilts. £25 per DVD or £105 for the set of six Runners Up with 18/20: Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961 Raymond Hunter, Queen Camel, Somerset, Patricia Arthur, Wirral, Merseyside, www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop Hilary Kirkland, Ravenshead, Notts.

Page 20 BRIDGE February 2018 Answers to Julian Pottage’s Defence Quiz on page 17

West North East South Why is declarer playing diamonds 1. ♠ J 10 8 1NT before trumps? With a club loser exposed, ♥ K 9 8 5 2 Pass 2♥1 Pass 2♠ declarer’s plan is to discard a club on a ♦ A K 9 6 3 Pass 3♣ Pass 3♥ diamond. Although declarer can surely ♣ Void Pass 3♠ Pass 4♠ overruff, you must ruff low, preventing ♠ 7 6 5 4 2 ♠ K 9 3 All Pass the discard. Moreover if dummy regains N ♥ Q 6 ♥ A 10 4 3 1Transfer to spades the lead with a spade and leads a fourth W E ♦ 8 S ♦ 7 4 2 diamond, you must ruff low again, for the ♣ J 7 6 4 3 ♣ 9 8 2 Partner leads the ♦4. What is your plan? same reason. Finally, if your opponent ♠ A Q South’s 3♥ must show good hearts and tries to cash a fourth round of spades, ♥ J 7 weak diamonds. Despite the shortage you do not ruff with the ♥A; instead you ♦ Q J 10 5 in dummy, you should take the ♦A and leave partner to ruff low. ♣ A K Q 10 5 return the suit, shortening dummy’s trumps. To keep up the good work you should West North East South place partner with the ♣A (else your ♣K 1♣ is dead) and later win the first round of 4. ♠ Q 8 7 6 Pass 1♥ Pass 2♦ clubs. You can then continue the forcing ♥ 8 6 5 3 Pass 4♦ Pass 4♠1 game. When in with the ♣A, partner can ♦ A J Pass 6♦ All Pass play a fourth diamond. ♣ Q J 5 1Cue bid ♠ 10 4 2 ♠ A 9 3 ♥ A 9 7 N ♥ Q J 4 2 Partner leads the ♠6, covered by the ♠10. ♦ K 10 8 2 W E ♦ Q 6 5 S What is your plan? ♣ 7 6 3 ♣ 10 8 4 An inspection of the spot cards in 3. ♠ A Q 8 3 ♠ K J 5 spades should tell you what to do. If the ♥ 9 7 6 ♥ K 10 ♠6 were fourth best, South would have ♦ K J 10 6 ♦ 9 7 4 3 none higher – clearly impossible. It must ♣ Q 2 ♣ A K 9 2 be second highest from a poor suit, in ♠ 9 7 6 ♠ 5 4 2 which case you should duck, keeping ♥ 10 N ♥ A 4 3 declarer to two spade tricks. ♦ 8 7 5 4 2 W E ♦ 9 3 West North East South S Later you will refrain from discarding ♣ 10 9 6 4 ♣ K J 8 7 5 1NT a spade. You will of course use the ♥A to ♠ K J 10 All Pass capture the ♥K. ♥ K Q J 8 5 2 ♦ A Q Partner leads the ♦2. You capture the ♦J ♣ A 3 with the ♦Q and return the suit, partner playing the ♦8. Declarer leads the ♠K followed (if you duck) by the ♠J, partner 2. ♠ A Q J 6 2 West North East South playing the ♠2 and ♠10. What do you do? ♥ J 10 6 2♣1 While you could the ♠A for a ♦ Q Pass 2♦1 Pass 2♥ second time, declarer can surely force ♣ Q J 10 7 Pass 3♥ Pass 4NT an entry to dummy in clubs, limiting ♠ 8 7 5 ♠ 9 4 3 Pass 5♦ Pass 6♥ the upside. Can you see a downside to ♥ 9 4 N ♥ 8 7 5 2 All Pass ducking the second spade? If partner W E ♦ ♦ 1 K 9 6 4 2 S A 10 8 Near game force and relay has the ♥A, point count tells you the clubs ♣ A 9 3 ♣ K 6 2 are running and you might not get the ♠ K 10 Partner leads the ♣10, covered all chance to take the ♠A until it is too late. ♥ A K Q 3 around. Declarer cashes the ♦A, Indeed, if you read the ♠10 on the sec- ♦ J 7 5 3 overtakes the ♦Q with the ♦K and leads ond round as a suit-preference signal, ♣ 8 5 4 another diamond, partner playing you do place partner with the ♥A. So upward. What is your plan? take the ♠A and switch to the ♥Q. ■

BRIDGE February 2018 Page 21 BERNARD Bernard Magee DVDs – Number Thirty-Nine MAGEE TUTORIAL DVDS

SET 1 Drawing Trumps 1 Ruffing for Extra Tricks 2 Competitive Auctions 3 Making £25 per DVD the Most he focus of this DVD trumps, you may lose even handling the trump suit. of High Cards is on declarer play in more by allowing the oppo- For example if you want 4 Identifying trump contracts and nents to score ruffs. You do to lead trumps from a par- Tin particular how to deal best to lead trumps from the ticular hand (as you saw on & Bidding Slams with the trump suit. The North hand so win with the the previous hand – plan- 5 Play & Defence first slide cuts straight to the ♣10 and lead a trump to the ning to lead from dummy). of 1NT Contracts point: queen. Sometimes you have to give 6 Doubling & It is usually correct to up the lead to reach a hand Defence against draw trumps as soon as pos- – the risk may well be worth Doubled Contracts sible. Only delay if you have ♠ 9 3 2 it, in order to take a finesse. a good reason. ♥ 9 8 7 4 Then, there are the three SET 2 Here is a classic exam- ♦ A K main reasons for delaying ♣ 7 Leads ple where an inexperienced K J 10 4 drawing trumps: player is prone to delaying ♠ A 4 ♠ K J 10 l Scoring ruffs in the 8 Losing Trick Count trumps: ♥ Q 10 6 5 3 2 ♥ J short trump hand 9 Making a Plan ♦ J 9 4 3 N ♦ Q 10 5 2 l W E Discarding losers as Declarer ♣ 7 S ♣ 9 8 6 5 3 l Using entries 10 Responding to 1NT ♠ 9 3 2 ♠ Q 8 7 6 5 ♥ 9 8 7 4 ♥ A K 11 Signals & Discards Here is a simple example: ♦ A K ♦ 8 7 6 12 ♣ K J 10 4 ♣ A Q 2 ♠ A 6 5 SET 3 N ♥ 8 3 W E S West wins with his ace, but ♦ 9 8 6 3 13 when you regain the lead, ♣ A K 6 2 14 Pre-Emptive ♠ Q 8 7 6 5 you play a second trump Bidding ♥ A K and only lose three trump N £105 W E ♦ 8 7 6 S 15 Splinter set of 6 tricks in total. As you can & Cue Bids ♣ A Q 2 see, if you delay drawing ♠ K Q J 8 4 16 trumps you might allow 4♠ by South. your opponents to score ♥ A 6 4 17 Play & Defence at West leads the ♣7. ruffs in hearts and clubs and ♦ A 4 Pairs thereby score more than ♣ 8 7 4 18 Thinking Defence three trump tricks. Having You have eight tricks outside bad trumps is not a good 4♠ by South the trump suit: once trumps enough excuse for delaying West leads the ♦K. Mr Bridge are drawn you will make drawing trumps. ( 01483 489961 your tricks easily enough. The DVD deals with de- You pretty much expect laying drawing trumps for Assuming the spades break www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop to lose three trump tricks, a variety of reasons, but reasonably you have nine but if you delay drawing at the start it is to do with top tricks and are look-

Page 22 BRIDGE February 2018 Bernard Magee DVDs – Number Thirty-Nine BERNARD MAGEE TUTORIAL DVDS

Drawing Trumps SET 4 19 Defensive Plan 20 Further Into the Auction 21 Weak Twos 22 Trump ing for one more. There is are mentioned: leaving the and the ♥A to take 4♠ two £25 Control per DVD a shortage in dummy with master trump out, ducking off. short trumps: if you can ruff an early round of trumps or 23 Sacrificing a heart you gain a trick. A throwing a loser on a loser. 24 Improving diamond ruff is not so use- Here is a hand to try your ♠ 7 5 4 Bridge Memory ful; ruffs in the long trump luck with: ♥ K Q 2 hand shorten the longer ♦ 4 SET 5 ♣ A K Q 7 6 5 trump holding and thus do 25 Defence as Partner ♠ 7 5 4 ♠ 9 3 ♠ J 10 8 2 not gain tricks, but a heart of the Leader ruff is added to the five ♥ K Q 2 ♥ 10 9 6 3 N ♥ A J 8 7 W E 26 Aggressive Bidding trump tricks in the South ♦ 4 ♦ A K Q J 3 S ♦ 10 8 2 at Duplicate Pairs hand. ♣ A K Q 7 6 5 ♣ 10 4 ♣ 9 8 You win the ♦A and duck ♠ A K Q 6 27 Strong Openings a heart. The defence take N ♥ 5 4 28 Take-Out Doubles W E ♦ 9 7 6 5 a diamond trick but then S 29 Suit Establishment ♣ J 3 2 play a trump. You can win in Suit Contracts the ♠A, cross to the ♥A and ♠ A K Q 6 take a heart ruff. Finally, you ♥ 5 4 30 / Defending Against a 1NT draw trumps and concede a ♦ 9 7 6 5 The way to make when Opening club on the final trick. ♣ J 3 2 trumps break 4-2 (more likely than 3-3) is to duck the first round of trumps. SET 6 ♠ A 6 5 Playing matchpoint pairs You can still ruff a diamond 31 Counting Defence ♥ 8 3 you finish in the imagina- in dummy, so whatever 32 Extra Tricks ♦ 9 8 6 3 ♠ tive contract of 4 on the the defence tries, you can in No-Trumps ♣ A K 6 2 lead of ♦A followed by the regain the lead and draw ♠ 10 9 ♠ 7 3 2 ♦K. 5♣ is a better contract, trumps and then enjoy your 33 Supporting ♥ ♥ ♠ Partner Q 7 5 2 N K J 10 9 but making one less trick in clubs. 4 making for 420 £105 ♦ K Q J W E ♦ 10 7 5 2 ♠ 34 Finessing S 4 gets you a better score will score a top on the score set of 6 ♣ Q 9 5 3 ♣ J 10 (420 rather than 400). How- sheet. 35 Bidding ♠ K Q J 8 4 ever, with so few trumps This DVD deals with one Distributional ♥ A 6 4 you need to take care. of the most important top- Hands ♦ A 4 You could just go for ics of declarer play, trying 36 Coping with ♣ 8 7 4 broke: ruff the second dia- to drive home some of the Pre-Empts mond and play off ♠A-K- major tenets of suit contract Q hoping for a 3-3 break. play. By the time you make The DVD moves on to You make 11 tricks if they your way through this, I ex- Mr Bridge slightly more difficult top- do break well, but you lose pect you to make more deci- ( 01483 489961 ics: using your entries control if they do not. The sive plans about your trump www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop wisely and keeping trump defence will ruff a club and suit and make more extra control. A number of tactics cash two more diamonds tricks by using it wisely. ■

BRIDGE February 2018 Page 23 More Tips from Bernard Magee QPLUS 12

Really user-friendly Go Through Each Suit bridge-playing software when Dummy Comes Down

♦ FEATURES INCLUDE ut away your scorecard DIAMONDS: if the 8 is led The full hand is shown for just a moment be- from dummy you would keep above. It is relatively straight- l Help button – explains Pcause I want you to study your king back, but if the forward. the features for bidding dummy. Dummy is funda- queen is led you would cover Declarer wins the first heart and card play advice mental to your defence and with your king. with his ace and makes the requires your attention. You CLUBS: leading the jack clever play of the ♣J. Most l Displays on HD and large screens can always fill in your score- would be a strange play – defenders will not be ready for card at the end of the hand. normally declarer, with the this and will either think about l Comprehensive king in his hand would lead to whether to cover (giving away manual the king and then finesse the the presence of the queen) or ♠ 8 5 4 3 l Feed in your other way. A lead of the jack will actually cover – in both own deals ♥ A K 7 from dummy would suggest these instances declarer will ♦ Q 8 declarer held a solid suit (K- make five club tricks. l option ♣ A J 7 6 10-9-8) and was maybe fish- However, having thought ♠ A 9 2 l 5,000 preplayed hands ing for the queen. Plan to play about clubs before they were N ♥ 9 6 4 low smoothly whichever club led, you are ready and follow for teams W E S ♦ K 9 7 2 is led. smoothly with a low club. l 4,000 preplayed hands ♣ Q 4 2 I hope you can see that put- Declarer has no reason to for matchpoint pairs ting your scorecard aside is place you with the queen and l Save match function worthwhile. If you get used to so makes the You are East with North as doing this every time dummy of taking his king and then l Closed room – button dummy, the auction was short comes down, then your de- the ace, hoping for the drop. to view other table but sweet: 1NT-3NT and your fence will improve immeasur- Then he knocks out your partner leads the ♥Q. When ably. ♠A. dummy comes down I want You are allowed to take You play a heart which de- you to look closely at each suit your time at trick one – even clarer has to duck to break and decide on the card you if declarer calls for the ♥A the heart communication, but £99 might play if that suit is led. straightaway. All players are your partner has been look- including This does two things: it gets given time to think on the first ing at dummy too and with p&p your mind into defensive gear trick. After that you should try no entries left in his hand to and it also prepares you for to play ‘in ’. The first make his hearts he switches to any lead declarer might make time you try doing this analy- diamonds through dummy’s TRADE-IN from dummy, so if necessary sis it will probably take you queen: leading the ♦J. you can follow smoothly. slightly too long, but as you Declarer ends up losing OFFER SPADES: your partner has do it more and more, you will three diamonds along with Send in ANY not led the suit and you would get quicker at it. a heart, a spade and a club. bridge software, like your ace to kill an honour 3NT down two instead of together with a so your plan would be to duck an easy 11 tricks if you gave a spade lead from dummy. ♠ 8 5 4 3 away your ♣Q. cheque for £50 HEARTS: your partner ♥ A K 7 Dummy should be the and receive should have three high cards ♦ Q 8 cause of much interest for the QPlus 12. to lead high against no- ♣ A J 7 6 defence: analyse each suit trumps so you would expect ♠ 10 7 6 ♠ A 9 2 and plan your plays if declar-

him to hold Q-J-10, which ♥ Q J 10 5 3 N ♥ 9 6 4 er leads them. Make yourself Mr Bridge ♦ J 10 4 3 W E ♦ K 9 7 2 makes it a reasonable suit S ready. At the same time ana- ( 01483 489961 to lead back. With partner ♣ 3 ♣ Q 4 2 lyse your partner’s lead and www.mrbridge.co.uk knowing you do not ‘like’ the ♠ K Q J contemplate any sensible suit by looking at dummy, you ♥ 8 2 switches. System: 8mb RAM, CD-ROM, would generally give count on ♦ A 6 5 West’s diamond switch was Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 or 10 the first round: ♥4, low, for an ♣ K 10 9 8 5 as crucial as your smooth play odd number of cards. in clubs. ■

Page 24 BRIDGE February 2018 Cruise the Danube to Vienna & Budapest aboard ms Serenity October 2018 Join Bernard Magee 10 DAYS and his team on this FROM exclusive £1149 river cruise

A bridge programme of seminars, set hands and duplicate sessions will be organised around the cruise itinerary, together with a welcome and a farewell drinks party.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

ms Serenity & Budapest Elbe IJsselmeer

NETHERLANDS

The Danube Rhine

Bernard Magee and team will be on board Main Main Danube CZECH REPUBLIC Canal Neckar Cruise the Danube Moselle Ilz Danube Passau Dürnstein SLOVAKIA start GERMANY Inn Bratislava Rhine to Vienna & Budapest Melk Vienna aboard 4 star ms Serenity AUSTRIA Budapest SWITZERLAND By coach: 14-23 October 2018; by air: 15-22 October 2018 HUNGARY ITALY SLOVENIA CROATIA Discover the delights of the Danube as you enjoy seminars and daily bridge* on one of the most scenic journeys through the heart of Europe. From the pretty city of Passau on the Austrian border to the Hungarian capital of Budapest, we cruise in comfort and styleBOSNIA aboard & the ms Serenity, passing through the beautiful scenery of the Wachau valley and dipping into the history and culture of amazing cities along the way. HERZEGOVINA Danube With full days in the musical city of Vienna and in Budapest as well as a visit to the Slovakian capital of Bratislava, this is a wonderful opportunitySERBIA to sail the waters that are beautifully immortalised by the composer Strauss, in the classical waltz The Blue Danube.

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

Vienna

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

To book or for more information contact 01483 489961 or visit www.mrbridge.co.uk YOUR CRUISE INCLUDES BY COACH  Coach travel to Dover from selected local pick-ups  Return ferry crossings from Dover  7 nights’ cruise on a full board basis  2 nights’ half board hotel accommodation BY AIR  Return fl ights from London Heathrow or fl y direct from Manchester or Birmingham at a £30pp supplement (subject to availability)  Coach transfers between airport and ship  7 nights’ cruise on a full board basis

2018 No. of Ferry crossing/ date days airport 14 October (coach) 10 Dover 15 October (air) 8 LHR BHX MAN

Cabin prices per person Tour code: DANUB Code Deck options Berth By coach By air LHR Main Deck 2 £1149 £1249 Middle Deck 2 £1299 £1399 Day 5: Budapest Day 7: Bratislava Panorama Deck 2 £1449 £1549 After breakfast there will be a bridge seminar Early morning arrival into Bratislava. in the Lounge Bar before we sail into Budapest All prices shown are per person; a limited number of cabins After breakfast, join our optional walking tour for sole occupancy are available with a reduced 25% with commentary on the city as we arrive. Then to take in the sights of the Slovakian capital, supplement (thereafter 35% supplement applies). spend time in one of the world’s most beautiful dominated by its castle and unique suspension ______cities and explore both sides of Hungary’s capital bridge, to experience its rich culture. Later in the Travel Insurance – from £35.95 per person – traditional ‘Buda’ and cosmopolitan ‘Pest’. Start ______day we set sail towards Dürnstein and there will ______with an optional tour to become acquainted be afternoon and evening bridge sessions. Deposit – £275 per person, payable to The River with the city known as the “pearl of the Danube” Cruise Line and in the evening you can choose to either play Day 8: Dürnstein ______more bridge or experience Budapest by night Dürnstein is crowned by the ruins of the castle PROVISIONAL FLIGHT TIMES on another optional excursion, enjoying a city that once imprisoned Richard the Lionheart. Outward journey Take time to walk in the town and explore its tour, glass of wine and a folklore show in a local Departs London Heathrow 09.00 tavern. pretty courtyards and buildings before we set Departs Manchester 10.40 sail for Passau with a bridge seminar to enjoy on Day 6: Budapest Departs Birmingham 10.40 the way and pre-dinner bridge in the Lounge Enjoy free time in Budapest or opt to take our Return journey bar. excursion taking you through the sweeping Departs Munich for London Heathrow 16.05 plains of Hungary to Lajosmizse. Here we visit Day 9: Passau – Germany (Coach) / UK (Air) Departs Munich for Manchester 15.35 a traditional stud farm and enjoy a tour of Those travelling by coach disembark after Departs Munich for Birmingham 15.40 the grounds in a horse-drawn carriage, before breakfast and travel by coach to the overnight watching a live Puszta horse show. We then sail hotel. Those travelling by air also disembark this to Bratislava with a seminar and set hands in the morning for their return fl ights to the UK. EXCURSIONS  Melk Abbey ...... £21 afternoon followed by after-dinner bridge in Day 10: Germany – UK (Coach)  the evening. After breakfast you will continue by coach to Vienna city tour ...... £25 Calais, taking the ferry to Dover for the return  Schönbrunn Palace ...... £35 journey to your chosen pick-up/drop-o£ points.  Budapest city tour ...... £21  Budapest by night ...... £35  Puszta horse show ...... £36  Bratislava city tour ...... £24 Mr Bridge recommends you pre- book at his special package price £169 Saving per person £28

EXCURSIONS Excursions are required to be booked and paid for no later than 10 weeks before departure. Please note any requests received within 10 weeks cannot be guaranteed and is subject to their availability.

SPECIAL REQUESTS Any special requests such as airport assistance or dietary requirements must be advised at the time of booking. Booking information such as passport details, insurance details and next of kin information should be given at the time of booking and certainly no later than 10 weeks prior to departure. Please note any special requirements received within 10 weeks of departure cannot be guaranteed.

Gratuities – all gratuities are discretionary ms Serenity – restaurant *Please note the bridge programme may be subject to change

Please have your passport and insurance details to hand when calling to book Departure Points We know that for many of our customers a convenient pick-up is important, so we o† er a choice of pick-ups and routes across the country and we promise that after you have boarded your tour coach there will be no more than six additional pick-up stops on route to the UK port of departure (excluding motorway services and overnight hotel stops).

Bedfordshire Luton JOIN AT THE PORT OVERNIGHT HOTEL –

Berkshire AND PARK WITH CAR PARKING Newbury Join at the departure port. Leave your car For ferry crossings from Dover you can Reading in a secure car park close to the port of book overnight accommodation with Buckinghamshire departure and be collected/returned by breakfast close to the port of departure Milton Keynes our coach. and be collected/returned by our coach from just £59 per person – including car Car parking at Dover Eastern Docks is £9 Essex parking for the duration of your holiday. Brentwood per day. We can pre-book parking for you. Chelmsford Prices are subject to change. Enjoy the Ramada Hotel, Dover and the Romford Ashford International Hotel, an ideal Thurrock Services overnight stay with breakfast included prior to meeting up with your fellow Hampshire travellers when the coach collects you Havant from the hotel. Portsmouth MEET AT YOUR CRUISE SHIP Prices for an overnight start at £59 per Hertfordshire person per night for a twin/double South Mimms Services Make your own travel arrangements at Stevenage bedded room, single room supplement your convenience to join this cruise, £29 per person per night. simply board your cruise ship at the Kent Car parking is subject to availability and Ashford embarkation point. Details available on request. conditions, it may be necessary to park Canterbury nearby. Dartford Maidstone Services

Northamptonshire Northampton

Oxfordshire Oxford

Surrey Reigate Woking

Sussex (East) Brighton Eastbourne Hastings Hove

Sussex (West) Chichester Crawley

Profile

Passengers using our complimentaryPanorama coach Decktransfer service should be aware that regional departuresLounge are subject Bar to availability and are operated subject to minimum numbers of people. Due to ferry crossing times coach pick-ups will be early, call for Middlemore details. Deck Reception Restaurant Main Deck Sun Deck MS SERENITY – DECK PLAN

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

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

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

Main Deck 111 113 117 121 115 119 101 123 127 125 103 107 105 109 112 114 116 118 110 122 124 126 128 120 102 104 106 108 PB0405

Main Deck Middle Deck Panorama Deck To book or for more information contact 01483 489961 or visit www.mrbridge.co.uk Please have your passport and insurance details to hand when calling to book. You will need to accept the terms & conditions when making your booking – for full terms & conditions visit the Mr Bridge website or call for a copy. Answers to David Huggett’s Play Quiz on page 19

You are declarer in 4♠ after West opens four spade winners to defeat you. By 1. ♠ K 6 5 1♥ and East raises to 2♥. West leads playing the ace from dummy at trick one ♥ J 10 the ♥K (for count) and switches to a low you will block the suit. ♦ K Q 7 4 3 2 trump. How do you plan the play? ♣ 5 3 You have four potential losers with one ♠ 9 2 ♠ J 10 8 7 3 heart, two diamonds and a club. From ♥ Q 9 8 7 3 N ♥ 6 5 4 the bidding East is marked with either 4. ♠ K 9 8 2 ♦ 9 8 W E ♦ A J 10 the king of clubs or the ace of diamonds. ♥ K Q 5 S ♣ A 10 8 2 ♣ K 7 So win the trump switch in dummy and ♦ 7 6 4 ♠ A Q 4 lead a low club. If East has the king and ♣ A K 2 ♥ A K 2 rises with it then you will have two club ♠ 4 3 ♠ 6 ♦ 6 5 winners for diamond pitches while if he ♥ J 10 9 2 N ♥ A 8 7 6 4 ♣ Q J 9 6 4 plays low from a holding containing the ♦ A 10 5 2 W E ♦ Q J 9 3 S king then you have no club loser. If West ♣ 9 5 3 ♣ Q J 10 wins the trick then East must hold the ♠ A Q J 10 7 5 You are declarer in 3NT and West leads ace of diamonds, meaning you have just ♥ 3 the ♥7. The ♥J wins. How do you plan the one loser there after you twice lead ♦ K 8 the play? towards the ♦K-Q from dummy, trumps ♣ 8 7 6 4 You are looking for three extra tricks providing the entries you need. from the minors and at first glance it might seem right to enter the closed hand You are declarer in 4♠ and West leads with a spade in order to lead up to the the ♥J. How do you plan the play? king of diamonds. But if you do that and 3. ♠ A 7 6 The worst that can happen is that the king holds you might be in trouble. ♥ K 6 5 you lose one heart, one club and two Suppose you re-enter your hand with a ♦ 10 9 5 diamonds if the ace of that suit is badly heart and lead a second diamond to the ♣ A 8 6 4 placed – so you have to assume that it queen with East producing the ace. Now ♠ K 10 9 8 3 ♠ Q 4 is. If you play a top heart from dummy you have no means of establishing the ♥ Q J 7 N ♥ 10 8 4 3 at trick one East will win and might well suit and getting back to dummy to enjoy ♦ A W E ♦ 8 7 4 3 return a diamond, leading to defeat as S your winners. The solution is easy once ♣ Q J 7 2 ♣ 10 9 3 the cards lie. Instead try the effect of you see it. Simply lead a low diamond ♠ J 5 2 ducking the jack of hearts lead altogether. from dummy at trick two and as long as ♥ A 9 2 If East overtakes then you have two club the suit breaks 3-2 you will be OK, with ♦ K Q J 6 2 discards while if he doesn’t, you can ruff the spade king providing the entry that ♣ K 5 out the ace and throw the low diamond you need. from hand. If East ducks at trick one, you will make You are declarer in 3NT after West eventually six spade tricks, one heart, two opened 1♠. West leads the ♠10. How do top clubs and a club ruff in dummy. ■ 2. ♠ A 10 7 you plan the play? ♥ Q 6 4 With only fifteen points missing it is ♦ 5 4 2 tempting to place them all with West DUPLICATE BRIDGE ♣ A J 6 2 after his opening bid. But can that really RULES SIMPLIFIED ♠ 5 4 ♠ 6 3 be the case? Surely with a suit headed by (otherwise known as the Yellow Book) ♥ A K 10 5 2 N ♥ J 9 8 3 the K-Q-10 he would have led the king. ♦ A J 8 W E ♦ 10 9 3 The obvious conclusion is that East must by David Stevenson S only ♣ 10 8 4 ♣ K 9 7 3 have a doubleton honour, which makes Fully Revised 2017 £595 ♠ K Q J 9 8 2 it imperative for you to rise with the ace ♥ 7 from dummy immediately. If you don’t, Available from Mr Bridge ♦ K Q 7 6 East will win and return a second spade ( 01483 489961 ♣ Q 5 and with West bound to hold the ace of www.mrbridge.co.uk diamonds he will have the entry to cash

BRIDGE February 2018 Page 29 About Duplicate Pairs by Andrew Kambites

Adapting Your Style and System

If you accept that getting to the right make it, giving you -90, or -120 if and passes, you might miss game. That part score takes priority over bidding they make an overtrick. You open is an inevitable consequence of your thin games at pairs, you can adjust the traveller and find that lots of pairs changed priorities when playing pairs. your style to take advantage of this. your way have gone one off in ♠2 , With Hand B you have a two suited Look at Hands A and B. In each case scoring -50. hand. Again playing teams you should the opponent on your right has opened Playing teams-of-four this would have no reason to intervene with such 1NT (12-14 points) and it is love all. hardly matter (maybe one or two a weak hand, but at love all playing IMPs) but such small variations in pairs you should reflect that if you score can make a big difference to your can find a fit you will almost certainly Hand A Hand B matchpoint score at duplicate pairs. If score better than allowing them to ♠ K Q 7 6 5 4 ♠ K 7 6 5 4 you let them play in 1NT your only play in 1NT. You really cannot bid 2♠ ♥ 8 7 6 ♥ Q 10 6 5 upside is if they go off in 1NT and you with such a weak suit, but if you have ♦ K 2 ♦ 9 7 cannot make a part score of your own, a two-suited overcall available to show ♣ 9 7 ♣ K 6 not very likely. both majors your chances of finding a Note that this sort of argument is not fit are doubled. so valid at game all where either side is Experience has taught me that if I With Hand A it would be unwise to going off in hundreds or even with just have a two-suiter partner frequently bid 2♠ if playing teams. Partner would one side vulnerable (whichever side it has a reasonable fit in one of the suits expect you to have more and would is) because on the one hand you don’t and extreme shortage in the other. You certainly investigate game with, say, want to go off in hundreds if you are can often ruff losers in the hand with a balanced 11 points. Playing teams vulnerable, or if they are vulnerable short trumps and score well. It is very you cannot afford to have a huge range you might score very well if they go off desirable to play a system of two suited for your . However there is in hundreds. overcalls to 1NT. The most commonly another important consideration here So suppose you understand and played is Landy, where overcalling 1NT that both you and your partner must accept the principle you might take with 2♣ shows the majors, possibly realise. liberties to get opponents out of 1NT 5-4 shape. The advantage of Landy is at love all. Compare this to the fact its simplicity. The disadvantage is that laying pairs at love all, it that you should not give priority to the only two suited combination you really pays to get opponents straining for thin games at pairs and can show is the majors. Other methods Pout of 1NT if the points are can you see how you can now afford show more combinations but are a roughly evenly shared. to push your way into the auction with little harder to use. Hands A and B? The problem is that if you let them play The logic is that partner should t duplicate pairs consider in 1NT they will probably score well make allowances for you coming in learning a system of two- whether or not they make it. light at love all, and not punish you Asuited overcalls against 1NT Suppose they go one off. You might for your enterprise by bidding on and adding it to your repertoire. initially be satisfied with +50, but it with marginal hands. Of course you is almost certain that you could have might sometimes overcall 1NT with Some other well established principles made your own contract, maybe +110 2♠ on a hand which is almost strong from the early days of bridge are worth in 2♠. enough to double and if partner is re-examination. It has always been On the other hand suppose they worried that you might have Hand A written in stone that if you make a bid

Page 30 BRIDGE February 2018 you should be prepared for any rebid Responding on what would normally by partner. However suppose partner be regarded as insufficient values is to Hand E Hand F Hand G opens 1♣ and you have Hand C or D. be considered mainly when you hate ♠ K 10 5 4 3 ♠ K 8 6 ♠ 7 5 You are playing duplicate pairs. partner’s suit and are prepared to take ♥ 9 7 ♥ 8 3 ♥ A Q J 7 6 risks to improve the contract. There is ♦ K 10 8 3 ♦ K J 6 5 ♦ K 8 7 no good reason to do anything except ♣ 6 2 ♣ Q 6 4 3 ♣ 9 6 2 Hand C Hand D pass with Hand D. ♠ 9 7 6 ♠ 9 7 2 ♥ Q 10 9 7 6 5 ♥ Q 9 7 6 The main principle is that you should ♦ 7 4 3 ♦ J 7 4 Protective bidding add a useful king to your assets and ♣ 2 ♣ Q 9 8 make the bid that you would have I have looked at the need to bid done with that extra king if you had really aggressively over opponents’ been seated immediately over the 1♥ Most experts nowadays would respond 1NT at pairs when neither side bidder. to 1♣ with 1♥ with Hand C. I have is vulnerable. That is merely With Hand E overcall 1♠. Replace, no doubt that some of the founding an introduction to a much bigger say, the ♣6 with the ♣K and your fathers of Acol would turn in their theme. hand is certainly worth an overcall graves at this suggestion, but don’t in second seat. Is this dangerous? It you instinctively know that you are here are a huge number of is far safer than you think. You know going to get a bad score if you pass 1♣? hands at duplicate pairs that partner has at least ten points, Good opponents will only allow your Twhere the points are split otherwise why are your opponents partner to play in 1♣ if it suits them, roughly evenly between the two passing the hand out in 1♥? ie if 1♣ is a dreadful contract. Playing sides, and either side can make a With Hand F make a take-out 1♣ with a 4-1 fit won’t be much fun for part-score in its chosen trump suit. double. partner. But suppose you improvise If you regularly allow opponents With Hand G you must pass. Of with a 1♥ response. to steal these contracts cheaply course there is nothing sensible you If partner rebids 1♠ you can pass. without a fight then you will be a can say, but even if you had a bid If partner rebids 1NT you can sign loser. available you shouldn’t consider it. off in ♥2 . How would you feel if you resurrected If partner rebids 2♦ or 2♠ you can I call these hands 20/20 hands, not this dying auction and your opponents pass. Yes, I know that both of these after the form of limited over cricket, ended up in spades? You believe they rebids are unconditionally forcing but but because each side has roughly are in the wrong contract at present. you were not worth a response in the 20 points. Come to think of it, the Aim to get your good score by letting first place so you are hardly likely to approach to these hands at duplicate them play there. have missed game. pairs rather resembles 20/20 cricket: If partner rebids 2NT you can sign fuelled by testosterone. This leads to f the opponents open 1♣ or 1♦ off in ♥3 . another related principle. and it is passed round to you If partner rebids 2♣ you might Ithen you should consider the initially feel unhappy, but on further t duplicate pairs you must implications of pushing them into reflection your opponents have game be very aggressive in the a higher scoring major suit contract values so you might still get an excellent Afight to win the part score. or no-trumps before making a score if they fail to compete. Note that protective bid. in this case a 1♥ response has achieved I often see this scenario. South opens something different but still very 1♥. West and North pass. East gives a Many players pass far too quickly as valuable: you have made it harder for sigh of relief that nothing is expected of North after Auction H. opponents to enter the auction when him and passes quickly. That is a cop- they have a large majority of the points. out. East should be looking for reasons Auction H Only if your partner bids 3♣ will to bid, not to pass. If East passes in this West North East South you really regret responding 1♥. position (called the protective seat) it 1♥ Pass 2♥ Pass should be with great reluctance. Pass ? laying pairs the crucial The time when East should be determining point when you pleased to pass is if he has good Your opponents have found a fit, yet Pmake a risky bid is whether reason to believe that N/S are in the they have passed the hand out at the you are more likely to gain or lose wrong contract. two level. This is almost certainly a by making the bid. Suppose South opens 1♥ at love all, 20/20 hand and if they have a fit then followed by passes from West and you will also have a fit. All you need Frequency overrides fear. I hope you North. to do is find it. You cannot afford not will agree that you are far more likely Consider East’s actions with Hands to try, even if there is an element of to gain than to lose by responding 1♥. E, F and G. danger.

BRIDGE February 2018 Page 31 With Hand L make a take-out double. 1♥. Equally partner will be aware Hand J Hand K Hand L But suppose you find it hard to find a that finding the best part-score takes ♠ J 10 7 3 2 ♠ A Q 10 6 ♠ K 7 6 fit and your opponents double, leaving priority over bidding borderline ♥ 9 3 2 ♥ 9 8 3 ♥ 8 4 3 you with -500? Remember, it is only games at duplicate pairs. ♦ A J 7 ♦ K 6 2 ♦ A Q 8 7 one bottom. It is not the purpose of this article ♣ 8 6 ♣ 8 6 5 ♣ J 7 6 to explore fully how to bid in the laying pairs the crucial protective position or how partner determining point when you should make an allowance for the fact Even if you are vulnerable it should be Pmake a risky bid is whether that you should mentally add a king to automatic to re-open the auction with you are more likely to gain or lose your assets. This theme is also highly any of these hands if you are the North by making the bid. relevant if you are playing teams of player in Auction H. four and any inexperienced bridge With Hand J overcall 2♠. 2♠ is Frequency overrides fear. Partner player would benefit by reading a correct also with Hand K, despite the will not take your bid too seriously, book or comprehensive article on this fact that you have only four spades. after all you have already passed over topic. ■

Adapting Your Style and System Quiz by Andrew Kambites You are playing matchpoint pairs in each of the questions below. (Answers on page 35)

1. At love all your partner opens 1♦. What is your response 4. At game all, what do you bid with Hands A, B, and C? with hands A and B? If you choose to bid, give your second bid after all rebids by partner up to and including 2NT. West North East South 1♣ Pass Pass ? Hand A Hand B ♠ J 10 9 6 5 4 ♠ J 10 3 2 ♥ 7 5 4 ♥ Q 5 4 Hand A Hand B Hand C ♦ 9 ♦ 9 5 4 ♠ K 8 7 4 3 ♠ K J 8 6 ♠ 5 2 ♣ Q 6 5 ♣ Q 6 5 ♥ 8 5 ♥ A J 9 7 ♥ A J 9 7 ♦ K 10 9 2 ♦ 10 9 3 ♦ 10 9 3 ♣ 7 3 ♣ 5 2 ♣ K J 8 6 2. Your left hand opponent opens 1NT and partner overcalls 2♥. Your right hand opponent passes. What is your bid with Hands A and B: i) At love all? ii) At game all? 5. At game all, what do you bid with Hands A, B, and C?

West North East South Hand A Hand B 1♠ ♠ K J 6 ♠ K 7 6 Pass 2♠ Pass Pass ♥ 8 4 ♥ 9 7 6 ? ♦ A Q 10 8 ♦ A Q 2 ♣ Q 9 8 4 ♣ A 9 8 4 Hand A Hand B Hand C ♠ 8 ♠ 7 6 5 ♠ 7 6 3. Your right hand opponent opens 1NT. What do you say ♥ 7 5 3 2 ♥ K 10 9 4 ♥ 8 with Hands A, B and C: i) At love all? ii) At game all? ♦ A J 6 5 ♦ A J 10 2 ♦ K J 8 7 6 ♣ Q 10 8 6 ♣ 8 5 ♣ K 8 6 4 3

Hand A Hand B Hand C ♠ A J 7 6 5 4 ♠ A Q J 7 5 4 ♠ A Q J 7 5 4 ♥ 9 8 ♥ 9 8 ♥ K 8 ♦ Q J 7 ♦ K Q 7 6 ♦ K Q 7 6 ♣ 6 4 ♣ 6 ♣ 6

Page 32 BRIDGE February 2018 About the EBU by Jeremy Dhondy The Future

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

Do you think bridge has in 2012 the numbers participating in force earlier this year, explanations any future in England or a sport once per week or more has of the laws and how they would affect Qanywhere else? dropped by around 9,000 – contrary players were covered in traditional to hopes at the time that they would courses. The world of YouTube has Bridge, as we know it, is markedly increase. also been used for those who want to not all that old. Contract learn remotely and those who wanted A Bridge dates back to the mid to seek clarification. A new laws forum 1920s, for 30 or 40 Adapting to has been set up for directors and years before that and the EBU to 23 the modern age organisers to discuss problems that May 1936. When the game first got arise with the laws and scoring (www. going both here and in the USA, it To know other activities may also ebu.co.uk/forum). You have to register was a world with relatively few other have their problems isn’t all that before you can comment but anyone distractions. consoling, so where can bridge go if it can read. Compare it to 2018 where TVs have is to survive? It can start by embracing 500+ channels to view, the internet, modern technology. Most clubs have Volunteers online gaming and 101 other things. websites and many use electronic Many activities that have been popular scoring. Clubs which are affiliated to Not everyone is that keen to play online for many years are undergoing a the EBU can get grants to assist with and for many the visit to the club is a challenge. If you go into most devices such as Bridgemates good way to meet people as well as clubs you’ll see that most competitors and, of course, EBUScore is free to all having fun. Most clubs are members’ have reached middle age or more. affiliated clubs. clubs and they rely on volunteers. There will be few young people. When Quite a few people both watch Typically your game costs a lot less I started playing one event held was and play bridge online. Bridge Base than most social activities. £2.50 the Young Players Pairs (for those who online allows you to watch world and perhaps a cup of tea included is were U26). This had three heats across championships and also to play quite common but your club needs a the country and upwards of 200 pairs without leaving the house. Funbridge committee to help it plan and organise entering. Today, the same competition organise competitions each weekend events, it needs people to collect table attracts only about twenty-five pairs. which attract 200+ participants (no money and direct and make the tea Some clubs have suffered declining partner needed). The software is free, and coffee. It’s getting harder to find numbers and a few have had to close you don’t have to be an EBU member volunteers, something that is also seen because of lack of support. (although you do if you want to win at national level where people who Bridge may have problems as a masterpoints) and you can get details sit on the Board, committees etc are pastime but it is hardly the only from www.ebu.co.uk if you want to all volunteers as are the many people activity to do so. In the last decade know more. I suspect that more people who work at county level. Of course participation in golf has declined from will use computers, phones and tablets if the person collecting table money 1.54 million to 1.13 million. County as time passes so becoming more or membership subs is confronted Cricket grounds are nigh on empty for involved in the online world is one with moans from people who think many first-class matches and since the way to both survive and prosper. they ought to get their game for next Olympic Games were held in London When the new laws came into to nothing and make clear their

BRIDGE February 2018 Page 33 resentment at having to pay 25% of the club game if the club has a pleasant the decline and indeed by embracing cost of a cinema ticket instead of 20%, environment and the members are new technology how the decline might then said volunteer may well decide also pleasant. Why join a club to be be reversed. Things are significantly to do something else like skydiving! abused? Any local club has to give brighter in other parts of the world. Being a director can also be a thankless consideration to this and whether that We might look at how the game could task as some bridge players can be means a code like Best Behaviour at change. When bridge was younger, quite argumentative and that doesn’t Bridge or some more stringent action although most thought the game was just apply to the more competitive against those who offend is for the fine as it was, there were those who ones. Running a successful club which club to decide. wanted to change it. Five-suit bridge welcomes people and gives them a At national or international level lasted a short time. good time is also a way to help the it may be a matter of improving the game continue. image of the game. The stories of cheats and their methods over the last couple of years may bring some Attracting adverse publicity which may mean more people that a school thinking of introducing bridge is discouraged. In an ideal People are finding other things to do world, bridge would be a part of the and the bridge population is ageing. curriculum as it is in other countries How can this be countered? Teaching eg Sweden and Poland. I mentioned a people to play is key in this area. few issues ago that there were areas as I wrote several months ago about Stamford, Lincolnshire, Oxfordshire, The Eagle Suit Fast Track Bridge which is a new Gloucestershire, Sussex and West Kent product designed to get people to the where there are successful projects A variant of introducing a new suit table much faster than conventional to involve schools with both bridge (the Rex suit) to sit between spades teaching methods. It suits some and I and mini bridge. Getting more areas and no-trumps but the ace was low am glad to say has attracted a number involved and expanding this project lasted an even shorter time. It is a of teachers to run the courses. The is key to the future. At international game where even if you have learnt the more traditional route is supported by level there is more acceptance of fundamentals, there is a sizeable step courses such as Bridge for All and there the idea of ‘Mind Sports’ and IMSA to learn the various regulations and are also teachers who don’t use any of (the International Mind Sports procedures which follow. Perhaps we those products who teach successfully Association) was formed over a decade should look to simplifying the game (I think that is a shame as they are very ago. It held events at the same time as to increase its attractiveness. The book good teaching products). Clubs can the Olympic Games in 2008, 2012 and of regulation in England is 32 pages promote teaching and get themselves 2016. One strong hope for the future today, not 72 pages as it was a few a new supply of members. The EBU is the East. Deng Xiaoping, when years ago, and I am not sure the game and its fellow charity EBED have leader of China, gave bridge good is any the worse for it. Indeed there are taken on the job of producing teaching treatment (he was keen on the game) those who think two pages would be courses, helping to train teachers, and from this foundation has come even better. keeping a database of existing teachers many thousands of junior players. We need to build on the things in order to help maintain the supply There was a tournament held in Lyon the game has such as its element of of students who will end up playing a few months ago alongside the world competition. It isn’t unique in the in our clubs. That’s a good example championships and the junior field world of mind sports for that but it is of why a national organisation is was over 50% Chinese. Bridge will be perhaps more sociable. Many players needed if the game is to prosper. The a ‘sport’ in the next Asian Games. also like to chat about the game and short term fix is to teach people who that used to involve meeting, but now are coming up to retirement age who Where do we go? the online world can assist with this. find that they have more leisure time When the cheating scandals broke than previously. In the long term, of Bridge is a game which has survived the a couple of years ago, whatever the course, something that attracts the test of time. It is on a list of preferred downsides (and there were many), young is important even if many leave activities by people all over the world it was the making of Bridgewinners the game when job or family becomes perhaps because it is an inexhaustible (www.bridgewinners.com) allowing quite demanding on their time. Many game of skill. With 635,013,559,600 players from all over the world to will return later. different hands you are unlikely to see comment, discuss and argue. So yes, the same one come round again soon. to answer the original question, I Improving the image There are signs especially in the West believe bridge has a future. I suspect that it is a game more for the old and more will be online but face to face At a local level if you have taught fewer young people are playing. I’ve has many years left and the better it is beginners they will only enjoy the suggested above a few ways to slow looked after, the longer that will be. ■

Page 34 BRIDGE February 2018 Answers to Adapting Your Style and System Quiz on page 32

1 At love all your partner opens 1♦. What is your response with which you would also bid 2♠. It makes it hard for Hands A and B? If you choose to bid, give your second bid partner but he must bear in mind the priority is not after all rebids by partner up to and including 2NT. to bid thin games. Hand B (ii) 2♠. Hand C (i) Dbl. With a good 15 HCP you start by doubling 1NT. Hand A Hand B Hand C (ii) Dbl. ♠ J 10 9 6 5 4 ♠ J 10 3 2 ♥ 7 5 4 ♥ Q 5 4 4 At game all, what do you bid with Hands A, B, and C? ♦ 9 ♦ 9 5 4 ♣ Q 6 5 ♣ Q 6 5 West North East South 1♣ Pass Pass ? Hand A Respond 1♠ in an attempt to improve the contract. If partner’s rebid is 1NT or 2NT, rebid spades at the lowest level as a sign off. If partner rebids 2♣, 2♥ or Hand A Hand B Hand C 2♠ you should pass. If partner rebids 2♦ you should ♠ K 8 7 4 3 ♠ K J 8 6 ♠ 5 2 probably pass though 2♠ is a reasonable risk. ♥ 8 5 ♥ A J 9 7 ♥ A J 9 7 Hand B Pass 1♦. No need to improve the denomination here. ♦ K 10 9 2 ♦ 10 9 3 ♦ 10 9 3 ♣ 7 3 ♣ 5 2 ♣ K J 8 6 2 Your left hand opponent opens 1NT and partner overcalls 2♥. Your right hand opponent passes. What is your bid with Hands A and B: (i) At love all? (ii) At game all? Hand A Bid 1♠. Add a useful king in the protective position. Hand B Double for take-out. Hand C Pass. If you re-open there is too great a chance that Hand A Hand B opponents will end up in spades or no-trumps. You ♠ K J 6 ♠ K 7 6 have good reason to believe that they are in the wrong ♥ 8 4 ♥ 9 7 6 contract. Leave well alone. ♦ A Q 10 8 ♦ A Q 2 ♣ Q 9 8 4 ♣ A 9 8 4 5 At game all, what do you bid with Hands A, B, and C?

West North East South At game all you can expect partner’s overcall to be sound. At 1♠ love all partner might have overcalled on rubbish to keep them Pass 2♠ Pass Pass out of 1NT. ? Hand A (i) Pass. Hand A (ii) 2NT. Inviting game if partner is maximum. Hand B (i) 3♥. Game invitation. Hand A Hand B Hand C Hand B (ii) 4♥. Game should be good opposite partner’s two- ♠ 8 ♠ 7 6 5 ♠ 7 6 level vulnerable overcall. ♥ 7 5 3 2 ♥ K 10 9 4 ♥ 8 ♦ A J 6 5 ♦ A J 10 2 ♦ K J 8 7 6 3 Your right hand opponent opens 1NT. What do you say with ♣ Q 10 8 6 ♣ 8 5 ♣ K 8 6 4 3 Hands A, B and C: (i) At love all? (ii) At game all?

Hand A Double, for take-out. You know partner has some Hand A Hand B Hand C points, otherwise why are they not trying for game? ♠ A J 7 6 5 4 ♠ A Q J 7 5 4 ♠ A Q J 7 5 4 They have a fit, so you have a fit. ♥ 9 8 ♥ 9 8 ♥ K 8 Hand B Double. If partner bids 3♣ bid 3♦, offering a choice ♦ Q J 7 ♦ K Q 7 6 ♦ K Q 7 6 between the red suits. Normally if you double and ♣ 6 4 ♣ 6 ♣ 6 then change suit you are showing a very strong hand but partner will remember that you passed over 1♠. Hand C Bid 2NT, for the minors. 2NT cannot be natural Hand A (i) 2♠. Try not let them play in 1NT at love all. because you passed 1♠. Usually 2NT is only unusual if Hand A (ii) Pass. Not enough for a vulnerable two-level overcall. it is a jump to 2NT, but here partner will remember you Hand B (i) 2♠. I know this is much stronger than Hand A, with passed over 1♠. ■

BRIDGE February 2018 Page 35 Michael Byrne on Managing Trumps

Cross-Ruffing

nlike many of the two sets of hands both of for the contract, clubs and get the lead. simple lines of play which look as if they might hearts. On a neutral lead Let’s back up a little and that you can choose lend themselves to a cross- such as the ♦K simply win look at what exactly we did Uwhen you are declarer, cross- ruff. and play the ♥Q. If the in order to prepare for our ruffing is something that opponents take it with the cross-ruff. is done far too often rather ace then they can do nothing The first and most impor- than not often enough. Hand A to harm you, whilst if they tant thing is to cash the side (Oddly this is probably ♠ A 9 3 2 duck it you can simply suit winners first. because the name is quite ♥ K J 8 6 3 knock out the ace of clubs. The reason why we did catchy and people can re- ♦ 4 You basic plan will be to this is very simple when we member it.) ♣ Q J 9 make two heart tricks, three look at the full deal: Playing a hand on a cross- club tricks and four trump N ruff, as opposed to just ruff- W E tricks in hand to go with the ing losers in the dummy S ♦A to make ten. If the play ♠ A 9 5 3 (dummy being the short goes well you can always ♥ A 10 7 3 2 trump hand, as we saw last ♠ K Q 10 5 ruff a diamond to give you ♦ 4 month) occurs relatively ♥ Q the overtrick. If there is an ♣ A 3 2 rarely, as there are a few ♦ A 5 3 2 unforeseen problem such as ♠ J ♠ 8 7 6 2

conditions that need to be ♣ K 10 6 3 a 4-1 trump break or a bad ♥ K 9 8 5 4 N ♥ Q 6 ♦ K Q 10 W E ♦ J 8 7 5 2 fulfilled before you can go break in clubs, you will still S for a cross-ruff: end up with ten tricks. ♣ J 9 6 5 ♣ Q 10 On Hand B you should ♠ K Q 10 4 a) You need to be able to Hand B perform a cross-ruff since ♥ J cash your side suit win- ♠ A 9 5 3 you have no long cards to ♦ A 9 6 3 ners first, which means ♥ A 10 7 3 2 develop. Win the ♦K lead ♣ K 8 7 4 having quick tricks in ♦ 4 and play the ♣A, ♥A and the side suits. ♣ A 3 2 back to the ♣K. Now ruff a b) You usually need to be diamond low, ruff a heart in If you start merrily by win- N ♦ able to start your ruffing W E your hand low, ruff another ning the K lead and ruffing straight away, as every S diamond with the ♠9 and a diamond then ♥A and ruff time you lose the lead the another heart with the ten a heart, ruff another dia- opponents will switch to ♠ K Q 10 4 of trumps. Now ruff your mond, another heart, last trumps to cut down on ♥ J last diamond with the ace diamond and another heart, your ruffing power. ♦ A 9 6 3 of trumps (I’d like to see East will not be sitting idly c) Since a cross-ruff doesn’t ♣ K 8 7 4 someone overruff that) and by. He will take the chance involve drawing trumps that is 11 tricks, losing just to discard his clubs on the at any stage you will not two clubs at the end. third and fourth rounds of make any long cards in The contract and lead are Note that it might seem hearts, and when you come side suits. If you have the same on both hands – that if you give up a club to the end of the play and any suits like that then it 4♠ by South, ♦K lead. then you could ruff the try to take your tenth trick is not the time to cross- On Hand A, you don’t fourth club as well, but with the ♣A, East will ruff ruff. need to cross-ruff as you remember that the oppo- it. have two side suits that nents are going to switch A lot of players think in Let’s compare and contrast will produce enough tricks to trumps the moment they backwards logic when it

Page 36 BRIDGE February 2018 comes to applying this prin- trumps later on. By then of you need is one club trick, ambitiously (perhaps you ciple; they are worried about course he would suffer an cash the three aces and be- would prefer to use another the clubs being ruffed early over-ruff as the opponents gin your cross-ruff. Nothing word) to 7♦ and the oppo- on so they wait until the had run out of the suit, and can stop you making your nent mercifully lead the ♣J. end of the hand, hoping the he invariably went down in contract on a cross-ruff. We have no choice but to opponents will have wasted his contracts. What about if you have cash three rounds and our their trumps. The threat of One of the important attempted a small slam, first hurdle is surmounted a club ruff becomes much things to know before at- bidding to 6♦? Again, with when the clubs break 4-3 more likely towards the end tempting a cross-ruff is, eight ruffs and two ma- and all three rounds stand of the hand rather than at ‘how many tricks am I aim- jor suit aces you have ten up. What now? the beginning. ing for?’ tricks, so you need two ex- Since we want to ruff The chance of a 3-3 club This is particularly true tra tricks; cash the ace and with the ♦5 and the ♦2, break is 36% and 4-2 is 48% when you are playing du- king of clubs before begin- first we should cash the ♥A so you might think the to- plicate pairs, where declar- ning your cross-ruff. and then the ♠A. Then ruff tal odds of the ace and king ers sometimes get overly And finally, what if (in the a spade low, ruff a heart, of clubs standing up is 84%, obsessed with overtricks. desperate need for a swing) and ruff the third round however in the real world it The hand below is basically you have attempted a grand of spades low. When that is considerably better than the most stripped down and slam? In that case you will doesn’t get over-ruffed we this. basic version of a cross-ruff need all three club tricks to are home and can claim the If the clubs do break really hand you might face at the stand up so cash them all rest on a high cross-ruff. badly, you normally find out table: (whilst crossing your fin- Why all this worry about about it on the opening lead. gers). If everything behaves which hand we end up in? If West held a singleton club you make 13 tricks. Have a look at the full deal he is likely to lead it, and if ♠ A 5 4 3 2 Note that it is not the and see if you can spot the East held a small singleton ♥ 6 worry that one of your club problem: club that could leave West ♦ K Q J 8 winners will get ruffed that with a strong sequence and ♣ A Q 2 stops you cashing them all again he might have led it. in 5♦ or 6♦, the real worry ♠ A 5 4 3 2 This act of cashing side N is that if one gets ruffed ♥ 6 W E suit winners first basically S the opponents will return ♦ K Q J 9 shows us the way we play a trump, now this will cut ♣ A Q 2 a cross-ruff, all or nothing. ♠ 6 down your ruffing power ♠ J 9 7 ♠ K Q 10 8 ♥ A 5 4 3 2 ♥ K J N ♥ Q 10 9 8 7 There is no going back once considerably. W E you have started your cross- ♦ A 10 9 7 Note that if we change the ♦ 8 7 4 3 S ♦ 6 ruff since you will lack the ♣ K 6 3 hand then we must be a lit- ♣ J 10 9 8 ♣ 7 5 4 strength to draw trumps tle careful: ♠ 6 at the end of the play, so ♥ A 5 4 3 2 when you embark upon You have a sensible auction ♦ A 10 5 2 your cross-ruff it is impor- starting 1♥–1♠–2♦ and end ♠ A 5 4 3 2 ♣ K 6 3 tant you can count enough up playing in a high-level ♥ 6 tricks to fulfil your contract. diamond contract on the ♦ K Q J 9 The second rule of cross- lead of the ♠K. How would ♣ A Q 2 If instead of cashing the ♥A ruffing is to ruff with your you play it? and then the ♠A you cash little trumps first. If you Of course you can’t an- N the ♠A and then the ♥A, W E hold A-J-10-2 facing K-Q- swer without knowing ex- S you end up in the South 9-3 in the trump suit and actly how many diamonds hand not the North one. your plan needs you to take you are in, since the num- ♠ 6 You ruff a heart with the ♦9 eight trump tricks, then it ber of tricks you are aiming ♥ A 5 4 3 2 and a spade with the ♦2, but will require you to ruff with to make determines how ♦ A 10 5 2 when you ruff the next heart the little ones and the best many clubs you must cash. ♣ K 6 3 with the jack of trumps time to make them is early When you embark on a West discards his last spade, on when the opponents are cross-ruff you count your and he is poised to over-ruff still following suit. One of tricks, so counting the (non- Not only must we obey our your ♦5 later on. my first teammates was very club) tricks we see we have first rule of cross-ruffing Harsh? Maybe, but good nervous about being over- two major suit aces and four (always cash the side suit technique is its own reward, ruffed, consequently he ruffs in each hand to give winners first), but also our and there is no excuse for would always ruff the first you ten certain tricks. second rule (to ruff with the not making a careful plan few rounds of a suit high, Let’s assume you have bid little trumps first). when you are in a grand then try and make the small conservatively to 5♦, now all Let’s say we have bid slam. ■

BRIDGE February 2018 Page 37 Julian Pottage Answers your Bridge Questions Should we Reach a Grand Slam?

Our opponents all four hands, not what On the auction at the table, if North had opened a bid a misfit to 4♠, is right seeing only two. I disagree with West’s 3♣. weak two in hearts? Qmaking twelve Looking only at the East- It is better to emphasise Dare East overcall with tricks. When the evening West cards, there is a the seven-card major suit. such a thin spade suit? was over, the analysis distinct possibility of a East’s 3♥ rebid is wrong Can East expect West to sheet indicated that it was trump loser in 7♠ for a start. too. The 2♥ response balance in the last seat? possible to make 7♥ or 7♠. Depending upon the lead, already showed a five-card Name and address supplied. entry considerations may suit. Rebidding the hearts mean playing for a 2-2 trump promises a six-card suit. If North opens a ♠ 8 3 break, which is only a 40% East, being too strong to weak two in hearts, ♥ Q 10 chance. Even if you can play rebid 3NT, should have bid A East’s options are ♦ A J 9 5 the trumps normally (finessing a fourth suit 3♦ over 3♣. 2♠ and double. You only ♣ Q 10 9 4 2 on the second round if an pass with a good hand ♠ A K 10 9 6 5 4 ♠ 7 2 honour drops from North ♣♦♥♠ if you have length in the

♥ 9 8 N ♥ A K J 7 2 on the first round), there opposing suit, which is not W E ♦ Void S ♦ K 10 7 is still only a 46% chance I have a few the case here. Holding ♣ K J 6 5 ♣ A 7 3 of avoiding a loser. questions about the five spades, I would bid ♠ Q J The possibility of a trump Qfollowing deal. 2♠ despite the poor suit. ♥ 6 5 4 3 loser alone makes a grand West, with only 7 HCP ♦ Q 8 6 4 3 2 slam against the odds and without a singleton ♣ 8 whatever the scoring method Dealer North. N/S Vul. heart, should undoubtedly or vulnerability. Furthermore, ♠ J 3 pass out 2♥ if the bidding you have some slow club ♥ A Q 10 8 6 4 did start 2♥-pass-pass. West North East South losers to contend with. ♦ J 7 6 1♠ Pass 2♥ Pass On the actual layout, the ♣ 6 5 ♣♦♥♠ 3♣ Pass 3♥ Pass fortunate lie of the heart suit ♠ A K 10 8 ♠ Q 6 5 4 2 ♠ ♥ N ♥ 4 All Pass means dummy has five heart 3 2 W E J 5 A hand from last winners, so there are more ♦ 9 8 4 2 S ♦ A K Q 5 night bothered me. Can you suggest a than enough discards. If the ♣ 10 4 3 ♣ K 7 QPlease can you bidding sequence to hearts lay less favourably, ♠ 9 7 advise on the bidding? reach a grand slam? you would need some luck ♥ K 9 7 I was South on the Alex Mathers, Northallerton. in the club suit as well. ♦ 10 3 following bidding sequence: A possible auction for ♣ A Q J 9 8 2 Just because the East-West to 6♠ is as follows: North South computer can see 1♥ 2♣ A a way to make 13 West East West North East South 3♦ 4NT1 tricks does not mean you 1♠ 2♥ Pass1 1♠ 3♣ 5♣ 5♥ want to be in a grand slam. 4♠1 4NT 3♠ All Pass2 End 1 RKCB The computer can see 5♥2 6♠ 1Some would open a weak 2♥. the favourable breaks End 2With a thin trump suit One pair were in 6♥ and the winning line to 1The jump shows the seven- and devalued clubs, East and one in 7♥. take advantage of them. card suit and limited values (a did not bid 4♠. My partner thought The computer tells you stronger hand rebids 3♠). that I was agreeing his what is possible seeing 1Two key cards What might have happened second suit ie diamonds.

Page 38 BRIDGE February 2018 I was confused. How might have an agreement forcing. I am wondering could he not have an ace? ♠ J 3 about how to show a void, whether we should alter Surely he couldn’t not ♥ 9 6 5 including a meaning for 5NT. this to constructive but have the ♥K key card,? ♦ A Q 10 6 5 2. West’s 3♥ ought to non-forcing. Could you Margaret Bleakley, Belfast. ♣ 6 3 2 deny spade support. 3♠ is give the pros and cons? ♠ K 8 5 4 ♠ A Q 9 7 6 2 forcing if 2♠ was a strong Mike Newman, St Saviour,

You raise several ♥ A Q J 2 N ♥ K 8 4 jump shift and a sensible Jersey, Channel Islands. W E interesting points. ♦ 7 S ♦ Void option in that case. It would A It is a common ♣ A 9 8 5 ♣ K Q 10 7 not be forcing if 2♠ was a fit- 1. Yes it is sensible agreement that if the ♠ 10 showing jump. 4♦ indicating to play one action is partnership has not agreed ♥ 10 7 3 a diamond control/shortage A very weak (say 0-3) a suit prior to a 4NT enquiry ♦ K J 9 8 4 3 2 seems a better bet than and the other as showing then the last suit bid naturally ♣ J 4 a less descriptive 4♠. some values. It does not counts as the trump suit. 3. East’s 4♣ was correct. matter a lot which way round Assuming 3♦ is natural in A 4♦ would sound you play it so I would suggest your methods, this makes West North East South as if it is agreeing hearts pass as weaker because it diamonds the trump suit 1♣ 1♦ 2♠ 3♦ rather than clubs. is more natural that way. for key card purposes. If 3♥ Pass 4♣ Pass 2. The 2NT enquiry wishing to find out about 4NT Pass 5♦1 Pass ♣♦♥♠ partly asks whether you are heart honours, South should 6♠ Pass 7♠2 All Pass minimum and partly for bid 3♥ first to agree hearts 1One key card 1. My partner further description so the first and then 4NT. Opener’s 2Expecting the ♦A to be the key and I open 2♣ hand should bid just 3♠. A jump shift rebid has created card missing Qon super-strong game or slam is more likely a game force, so 3♥ is 100% hands, but we are unsure when opener is maximum, forcing. It sounds as if you 1. With a void, what what responder should do which is why it is normal should have done that. is East’s correct bid in if the opponents intervene. for the descriptive bids to You have not said what response to West’s 4NT? After 2♣-(2♠), for example, show a maximum. Partner 5♣ means in your methods. 2. Is it better for West to what meanings would you might still find out about I assume it shows 0 or 3 key bid 3♠ rather than 3♥? Can recommend for (a) pass, and the diamond feature on the cards. In view of North’s West even splinter with 4♦? (b) double? I believe that first hand by cue bidding previous strong bidding, 3. Rather than 4♣, is it one should be junk, and the 4♣ over 3♠ because you it must be three (three better for East to cue bid 4♦? other should be perhaps can cue bid 4♦ in return. aces or two aces and the Mike Clements, Guildford. one defensive trick, but I 3. In general it is good ♦K) rather than none. don’t know which is which. to play the bids as forcing Since the partnership 1. If you do not 2. If I open a weak two because this preserves has bid hearts naturally, have any agreement (6-10), and partner inquires purity in the 2NT response. it is reasonable for 5♥ A about how to show with 2NT, we like to play In my answer to 2, I said to be natural rather than a void, you should just give feature-showing rebids. that 2♠-2NT-3♠-4♣ is a asking about the ♦Q. The your normal reply. Quite However, there is a mild cue bid. If you play a 3♣ partners seem to have been often partner will have debate over the strength. response as non-forcing, you in agreement about that. the ace facing your void, Partner thinks that both these might need that sequence Some people play that in which case a void is no hands should rebid 3♦: to show or at least include a player who gives a 0 or better than a singleton. a big hand with clubs. 3 reply or a 1 or 4 reply If you think partner will You could make an automatically goes on understand it and you think ♠ Q J 9 8 7 5 ♠ A Q 9 8 7 5 exception to change of with the higher number partner will work out where ♥ 10 7 ♥ 10 7 suit forcing for the specific if partner attempts to your void is, you can make ♦ K 9 4 ♦ K 9 4 sequence 2♥-2♠ because sign off. I do not like this a special response. A simple ♣ 8 5 ♣ 8 5 a jump to 3♠ is available agreement very much. If approach is to make the for strong hands. you cannot tell whether you reply a level higher than you are facing 0 or 3, I do not would have without the void. My own feeling is that ♣♦♥♠ think you should be making On this particular auction, the feature should only a 4NT enquiry at all. given that you thought you be shown with the hand If partner opens were playing in clubs, a on the right. Could you 1♠, why does ♣♦♥♠ jump response to 4NT would express a viewpoint? Qa response of commit you to a grand slam 3. Again on weak 2♥ show a five-card or Please advise on (unless partner happened twos: we currently play longer heart suit? bidding this deal, to have spade support). a change of suit by Berenice Wood, Qwhere I was East. Tournament players responder (eg 2♥-2♠) as Great Rissington, Glos.

BRIDGE February 2018 Page 39 Playing a 2♥ as natural, with a jump Yes, since the double of Taking all factors into response to a 1♠ to 2♠ required to invoke 1NT does not promise a account, I would bid 1♥. A opening as showing fourth-suit forcing. balanced hand, partner at least five cards facilitates A solution on this particular might remove the double to ♣♦♥♠ finding both 4-4 and 5-3 deal is for opener to a five-card suit and find a heart fits. You will find a exercise judgement and singleton opposite; it would Here are two 4-4 fit because responder rebid 1♠ rather than 1♥. be unlucky to find a void. In questions on can start with 2♣ or 2♦, While this does ostensibly any case, the doubler does Qyour article on after which opener has a deny a four-card heart not have to pass and may the Benjamin 2♣ in the comfortable 2♥ rebid. You suit, deciding to treat A-K- have a good suit to show. October edition of BRIDGE. will find a 5-3 fit because J-x as rather more worth 1. How does responder responder starts with 2♥ showing than four low is a ♣♦♥♠ show that he has one and opener knows three- reasonable thing to do. playing trick (A, K, or three card support is adequate. What would trumps with shortage)? If the 2♥ response did not ♣♦♥♠ you have done 2. Should I always promise five, opener would Qwith these rebid 2NT after opener be guessing whether or not After a 1NT cards? We play Benji shows his suit or can I to raise on hands with exactly (weak) bid from Acol, weak no-trump. pass with no prospect three hearts. You would be Qthe opposition Partner, third in hand, of a trick in my hand? bound to miss some 5-3 fits and double from me (16+ opened 1♣. I held: David Cree, Strathaven. if opener never raised and be points), partner bid 2♥. bound to play in some 4-3 She meant this as a 1. With a weak fits if opener always raised. weakness take-out. I ♠ K Q hand but not a assumed it was strong ♥ 9 7 6 5 2 A bust, you make a ♣♦♥♠ so it all went wrong. ♦ 8 7 3 fast arrival bid, typically I am not convinced ♣ 10 6 3 jump raising a 2♥ or 2♠ I picked up the hand about the 2♥ weakness rebid to game. This warns below as South take out for two reasons. partner you have no Qand opened 1♣, to 1. Partner does not I passed as did my LHO. interest beyond game. which my partner responded guarantee any hearts for Partner had a four-card heart 2. The main reason for 1♦. My partner and I open the double so a weakness suit: Q-8-4-3. 1♣ scraped keeping the bidding open clubs with 4-4-4-1 and a take-out could mean you home but hearts was our is in case partner has a singleton diamond. What is are playing in a 5-0 fit. best spot. Should I have bid? . If you have a the correct rebid? Would 1♠ 2. If 2♥ is weak, how Michael Hunt by email. partnership agreement deny a four-card heart suit? do you bid a strong heart not to open 2♣ with a hand – looking for game? Hands with five two-suited hand, you Bruce Paul by email. points are marginal. could consider passing. ♠ Q 10 7 4 A With some you In relation to both 1 and ♥ 2 If one player makes respond. With some you 2 above, it is worth noting ♦ A 9 4 3 2 a penalty double, pass. Here the king-queen that hands with a bare eight ♣ Q 10 2 A the other player only doubleton is not pulling tricks do not really need to removes the double in two its weight. Then again the open with a strong bid. If you N W E situations: (i) with a weak presence of a five-card need two tricks from partner, S shapely hand, fearing that major is a significant factor you are safe enough opening ♠ A K J 8 the opposing contract will in favour of bidding. at the one level. It should ♥ 8 5 4 3 make or (ii) with a good Responding also makes therefore be rare that you will ♦ 5 shapely hand, expecting it that bit harder for the go down at the three level ♣ A K 8 7 the value of a contract your opponents to enter the after opening a Benji 2♣. way to exceed the penalty bidding. Most people The idea behind a Benji available from defending. rightly require a better 2♣ opening is to develop a We were playing teams In the particular case of hand for a sandwich seat constructive auction towards and the other team bid a 1NT opening doubled, overcall (or double) than game or slam, not trying and made 4♠; I do not partner shows the first hand they do for taking action to land on a pinhead when know how they bid it. type with a suit bid at the in the protective position. partner is weak. ■ Colleen Haffey by email. two level; partner shows the second hand type by One way to find jumping to the three level E-mail your questions (including your postal address) the spade fit is to (or possibly by bidding 2NT for Julian to: [email protected] A play 1♣-1♦-1♥-1♠ with a two-suited hand).

Page 40 BRIDGE February 2018 Answers to Bernard Magee’s BERNARD Bidding Quizzes 1-3 MAGEE’S on the Cover and page 7 TUTORIAL CDS

North has at least two) and your partner ADVANCED 1. Dealer South. Love All. would not take a 2♠ bid as natural, DECLARER PLAY ♠ 7 6 ♠ A K 4 3 2 because he will not expect you to want to l Overtricks in No-trumps ♥ A Q J 6 5 4 3 N ♥ Void play in the suit? l Overtricks in Suit Contracts ♦ 5 W E ♦ 9 8 7 6 What other choice do you have? S l Endplays ♣ A 5 3 ♣ K 6 4 2 A double would not suggest your type l Avoidance of hand. Some play it to show a general l Wrong Contract £81 strong hand, but the more natural way l Simple Squeezes West North East South to play a double of an artificial bid is to l Counting the Hand 1♥ show the suit bid (hearts). Without length l Trump Reductions & Coups ? in hearts, you should pass and await l Playing Doubled Contracts developments. l Safety Plays Pass. The chances are, on this hand, that you You have a lovely hand dominated by a will end up defending against 2♠, which long and strong heart suit: your dreams means you will have your best suit as ADVANCED of a fun auction are rather scuppered trumps. ACOL BIDDING by South’s opening bid. Although some l Basics of you will feel able to bid hearts now, it l Advanced Basics does not make sense. l Weak Twos £96 2♥ and 3♥ are much more useful as 3. Dealer North. Love All. l Strong Hands artificial strong bids: it is after all very ♠ A K 8 7 ♠ 4 2 l Defence to Weak Twos rare that you have seven cards in a suit ♥ A 9 8 7 6 N ♥ 3 2 l Defence to 1NT opened by the opposition. Also bear in ♦ A 2 W E ♦ Q 9 8 7 6 S l Doubles mind that you might not want to play in ♣ 7 6 ♣ J 4 3 2 l Two-suited Overcalls hearts: South holds five hearts and your l Defences to Other Systems partner none. l Misfits and Your best policy is to pass – you would West North East South Distributional Hands be happy if 1♥ was passed out. In this 1♥ Pass 1♠ case your partner will make a bid if ? North passes. FIVE-CARD MAJORS Pass. & Strong No-Trump This is starting to get annoying. However, l Opening Bids & Responses the introduction to the quiz did say that l No-Trump Openings 2. Dealer North. Love All. your suits were going to be bid. 15 HCP, l Support for Partner ♠ A K J 6 5 ♠ 9 but both of your suits have been bid by l Slams & Strong Openings ♥ K 4 3 N ♥ A 8 6 5 the opponents. Perhaps 1NT is an option? l Rebids ♦ 7 6 W E ♦ 9 8 2 It seems a reasonable choice, but the l Minors & Misfits S ♣ Q 3 2 ♣ J 9 8 6 5 problem is that you have little to gain by l Pre-empting £89 bidding it. On a good day your partner l Doubles will have six or seven points and you l Overcalls West North East South might scrape five or six tricks together, l Competitive Auctions 1NT Pass 2♥1 but more likely is that you might find ? North with 15+ points in a balanced ALSO 1Transfer to spades hand, with which he will double you. l Defence (see p44) In 1NT doubled you will likely just make l Declarer Play (see p43) Pass. the four top tricks in your hand. Your best l Acol Bidding (see p45) Another nice hand and this time although option is to pass. South has not bid spades, he has implied These first three hands exhibit a that he holds five of them. The same simple guideline on the first round of the considerations from the previous hand auction: if your opponents bid your suit, ( 01483 489961 hold true here. Do you really want to play then usually it is correct to pass on the www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop in spades if South has five of them (and first round. ■

BRIDGE February 2018 Page 41 Catching Up with Sally Brock

here has been a lot to do slam a reasonable prospect. Although winding up my father’s affairs we are often very aggressive non- Dealer North. N/S Vul. – which he had left in fairly vulnerable, we usually have reasonable ♠ Q J 10 9 8 7 Tdecent order. My brother and sister hands to compete when vulnerable. ♥ 7 6 N live nearer where my parents were I tried a quiet 2♦ to start with and ♦ Q 4 2 W E than I do and have managed to deal partner bid 2♥, so I raised him to slam. ♣ J 7 S with most of the work, thankfully. He had a 3-5-3-2 distribution with Bridgewise, there was the final kings in spades, hearts and diamonds, weekend of the Premier League. Our so slam made easily enough. Everyone West North East South team did rather splendidly. We were else was pessimistic and stopped short. 1♣ Pass 1♥ leading Division Two at the beginning I think optimists have more fun in life. 2♠ Pass Pass 3♥ of the weekend, and won all four As I am sure I have said before, Pass Pass Dbl All Pass matches on the Saturday quite heavily. our juniors are doing very well at the We were more than a match ahead at moment. All four teams qualified A club lead works best, but a diamond the top of the field when the Sunday for next year’s world championships, is OK. A spade does not work so well, started. It didn’t go so well then, but which will therefore be an expensive and after a spade lead our opponents we were still a mathematical certainty affair. I have managed, via Andrew were not careful enough to beat 3♥. to qualify for promotion with two Black, to find my U26 girls team This was the full deal: matches to go, and eventually won by sponsorship by Touchlight, a genetic more than a match. So next year we research company. They have found a will be in Division One. way to manufacture DNA much more ♠ A K 4 2 We also played in the Tollemache cheaply and quickly than previously ♥ Q J (inter-county teams of eight) which is likely to revolutionise the ♦ J 9 3 qualifying round. We were doing field. All my team are scientists, ♣ Q 10 5 2 OK in this, and it was close with one so were of particular interest to ♠ Q J 10 9 8 7 ♠ 5 3 match to go. We, unusually, were the Touchlight. This means that as well as ♥ 7 6 N ♥ 10 5 2 last table to finish, and when we did paying many of the expenses for the ♦ Q 4 2 W E ♦ A K 8 5 S we had qualified, but those who had world championship itself, there will ♣ J 7 ♣ A K 9 8 finished earlier had the pleasure of be more money available to pay for ♠ 6 seeing the live scores fluctuate – one practice. ♥ A K 9 8 4 3 minute we were in second place, then As part of my general squad activity ♦ 10 7 6 in third, then in second, etc. (with the younger girls as well as the ♣ 6 4 3 How high would your bidding U26 team), a group of us went to play judgement propel you on this deal? in the Middlesex Congress. The idea You are vulnerable against not. The was that three youngsters entered as Also this month the EBU saw fit to bidding goes: a team and then I found an expert to honour me with their Diamond Award make up the numbers. for all round services to bridge. I’m not West North East South There were two young teams, headed really sure what I’ve done to deserve it 1♦ 1♥ by Martin Jones and Margaret Nygren. but it was nice, all the same. Pass ? They did not, and were not expected On a personal level, the issue that to, do well, but it was an excellent it is going to be ongoing for several You, North, hold the following giant: experience for them and everyone months is my teeth. had a good time. I played with Ewa, I’ve been told for the best part of Siyu and Laura, three members of 30 years that my gums are bad, and it ♠ A 5 the England team. We finished 13th seems that the time has come to take it ♥ A Q J 8 5 4 out of 55 which I thought was quite seriously. If I leave it too much longer, ♦ A 7 respectable. I was impressed at how then the bone loss may be too severe ♣ A 3 2 well they played. for implants to work well. So I have Here is a lead problem for you (see given the go-ahead to the implant next column). man. I went for a CT scan of my jaw, Maybe I am just one of the world’s My view on these types of auctions which is the first step and am now optimists, but I couldn’t imagine is that partner’s double was not based waiting to hear just how bad the partner not having enough to make on us taking any spade tricks. situation is. ■

Page 42 BRIDGE February 2018 Answers to Bernard Magee’s BERNARD Bidding Quizzes 4-6 MAGEE’S on the Cover and page 7 INTERACTIVE TUTORIAL CD time your partner has made a take-out 4. Dealer East. Love All. double. What can you bid? ♠ 7 6 ♠ A Q J 8 2 Once again it is important to understand DECLARER ♥ A 3 2 N ♥ K 9 4 that a bid of 2♠ is not natural – your ♦ A Q J 6 5 W E ♦ 2 partner is asking you not to bid spades. PLAY S ♣ 7 6 5 ♣ A 9 8 2 A 2♠ bid is used as a strong response ask the doubler to pick a suit. That leaves you two choices: 1NT or Pass. Pass would be West North East South going against your partner’s wishes and 1♠ 2♦ you should only do that if you hope to get MAC or ? 1♠ down. Holding very long spades and Windows with the points divided evenly between the Pass. This time your partner opens the two sides, you are likely to win the battle. bidding and there is an overcall in your Passing a one-level take-out double is longest suit. With 11 points and plenty very rare, but with six plus cards in the to stop the opponent’s suit a 2NT bid opponent’s suit and six plus points it seems obvious and you might make should be an option.

3NT. However, when you have a lovely The problem with 1NT is that you have holding in your opponent’s suit like this, just one trick in your hand. Your opponents you should have other ambitions. will win the ♠A at some point and then As you hold five cards and South has never lead the suit again – that leaves five or six cards in diamonds, you can you stuck in partner’s hand for most of Bernard develops your be sure that your partner is short in the the play and perhaps finishing with just declarer play technique in suit. What this means is that if the auction four tricks. In 1♠ doubled, you have four the course of ten comes back round to your partner at 2♦, tricks outside spades and should manage introductory exercises and he will not want to pass. His most likely four trump tricks for two down. action will be to double for take-out, 120 complete deals. which tells you he is short in diamonds l Suit Establishment and wants you to choose your best suit 6. Dealer North. Love All. in No-trumps to compete for the partscore. You will ♠ 4 3 2 ♠ A K 8 7 6 l Suit Establishment surprise him by choosing to pass his ♥ A J 8 7 6 5 N ♥ 2 in Suits take-out double – you know that your ♦ 9 8 W E ♦ 6 5 3 S side’s best score is going to come from ♣ K 2 ♣ A 8 7 4 l Hold-ups ♦ defending 2 doubled. l Ruffing for On this hand 2♦ doubled is likely to be Extra Tricks at least three off for +500 (more than a West North East South £76 game). Meanwhile 3NT might not make. 1♥ 1♠ 1NT l Entries in No-trumps ? l Delaying 5. Dealer North. Love All. 2♠. Up to this point you were probably Drawing Trumps ♠ Q J 8 7 6 5 ♠ 10 starting to think that the answer to every l Using the Lead ♥ A 4 N ♥ K 8 7 6 question was going to be pass. However, ♦ 7 6 W E ♦ A 9 3 2 although you still cannot bid your long l Trump Control S ♣ 5 4 3 ♣ A J 6 2 suit on this hand, you can support your l Endplays & Avoidance partner. Remember that you are only l Using the Bidding looking for one fit and, since your partner West North East South has shown five spades (overcall), there is 1♠ Dbl Pass no need to look any further. Furthermore, Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, ? as has been indicated in all the answers Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH so far, 2♥ would not be regarded as a ( 01483 489961 Pass. Once again, your long suit has natural call – it would show a strong www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop been bid by the opponents, but this hand. 2♠ may well win the auction. ■

BRIDGE February 2018 Page 43 BERNARD Sally Brock Looks at Your Slam Bidding MAGEE’S INTERACTIVE TUTORIAL CD DEFENCE Sally’s Slam Clinic

MAC or ♦ Windows Where did more than the A for his positive and will have the ♦Q or ♣K as well. That we go wrong? information is enough for West to This month’s deal was sent in by Chris bid 7♠, expecting the diamond suit to Williams, who wanted advice on how come in for the extra tricks needed. to reach the grand slam, although he scored a top for reaching 6♦: ♣♦♥♠

Slam of the month ♠ A K Q J 7 3 ♠ 6 ♥ A 7 N ♥ 6 5 This deal was sent in by Malcolm Bernard develops your ♦ K J W E ♦ A Q 10 6 5 South of Mapledurham Bridge Club. S defence in the course of ten ♣ A 5 4 ♣ Q J 10 7 3 He and his partner were the only pair introductory exercises and to bid a slam: 120 complete deals. West North East South l Lead vs 1♠ Pass 2♦ Pass ♠ A K 8 ♠ 5 4 N No-trump Contracts 4NT Pass 5♦ Pass ♥ A 6 3 2 ♥ K 7 W E l Lead vs 5NT Pass 6♣ Pass ♦ A K 8 4 S ♦ Q 5 3 Suit Contracts 6♦ All Pass ♣ 10 2 ♣ K Q J 9 6 4

l Partner of Leader vs No-trump The trouble with opening very strong Contracts one-suited hands at the one level is that West North East South they don’t get any easier to bid on the 1♣ Pass l Partner of Leader next round. Two-suited hands work 1♥ Pass 2♣ Pass vs Suit Contracts well to open at the one level, because 4NT Pass 5♣ Pass l Count on the second round you can create a 5♦ Pass 5♥ Pass Signals game force by jumping in a new suit. 6NT All Pass Here, having opened 1♠, West could l Attitude £76 ♠ Signals have continued with 3 which these West showed good appreciation of his days is considered forcing after a two- excellent controls on this deal. When l Discarding level response, but it is unlikely that partner showed one ‘ace’ he asked l Defensive Plan would have got him any more useful about the queen of trumps, and found information. that East held it, along with the king l Stopping Declarer I would have opened 2♣ as West, and of hearts. That meant that it was safe l Counting the Hand East is worth a 3♦ positive. West rebids to bid 6NT rather than 6♣ as each 3♠ and East introduces his second outside suit was known to be double suit. West gives preference to 4♦ and stopped. Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, East raises to 5♦, showing a minimum No other pair in the club bid a slam Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH positive. However, East must have at all on the deal. ■ ( 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop Send your slam hands to [email protected]

Page 44 BRIDGE February 2018 Answers to Bernard Magee’s BERNARD Bidding Quizzes 7-9 MAGEE’S on the Cover and page 7 INTERACTIVE TUTORIAL CD here. However, you also have to decide 7. Dealer North. Love All. whether you want to play in a suit in which ♠ 7 6 5 ♠ A K 9 4 2 you know South has five cards. There will ACOL BIDDING ♥ A 9 8 4 3 2 N ♥ 6 be times with a really solid holding that ♦ 10 6 W E ♦ A K 8 5 2 it might be a reasonable choice: Q-J- S ♣ 4 2 ♣ J 9 10-9-8-7 for example, where you feel the suit will be worthless in clubs, but in hearts you would have four tricks. It is West North East South certainly not the case here: your heart suit MAC or 1 1♥ 2♥ Pass is relatively ropey. Your partner has freely Windows ? rebid clubs when he did not have to, so 1A two-suited hand: spades and a minor you should expect a good six-card suit at least and therefore you should pass. 2♠. This time two players have bid your suit: North opened 1♥, naturally, showing four plus cards, but then your partner bid 9. Dealer East. N/S Game. 2♥. You managed to remember (from ♠ A Q J 5 ♠ 9 6 the first six answers) that an immediate ♥ A Q J 6 N ♥ 9 8 2 bid in the opponent’s suit is not natural, ♦ 9 3 2 W E ♦ A K 5 4 S so you alerted the bid. It shows a two- ♣ 7 6 ♣ A Q 5 3 suited hand: at least five cards in each Throughout 200 deals split into of two suits, one of which will be spades. ten chapters, Bernard evaluates Note, that you do not have to play this West North East South your bids, praising the correct convention, but this partnership had 1NT 2♣1 ones and discussing the wrong agreed to play it, often called Michaels ? 1 Landy: showing both majors ones. cue bid. Do not be tempted to pass 2♥ – your Double. You were just about to respond l Opening Bids partner will not be pleased. With three Stayman to 1NT in order to find a major and Responses cards in spades you have a simple 2♠ suit fit, when South made an overcall of l Slams and response, happy to play in an eight-card 2♣, which was alerted. 2♣ was explained Strong Openings fit. (With no partnership agreement, tra- as Landy, showing a hand with four plus ditionally, a bid of the opponent’s suit cards in each major. l Support for Partner shows a super-strong hand: 20+ points.) Now, you are not so interested in l Pre-empting playing in the majors and 3NT is a l Overcalls perfectly reasonable choice. However, it 8. Dealer East. Love All. depends on how greedy you are. Playing l No-trump £66 ♠ 9 8 3 ♠ A 7 2 against opponents who bid too much Openings ♥ A Q 9 7 4 3 N ♥ 2 against you, if you can get in the habit of and Responses ♦ J 6 5 W E ♦ Q 8 4 doubling them a few times, you will find S l Opener’s and ♣ 2 ♣ A K 9 8 7 6 they start to keep quiet a bit more. Responder’s Rebids With you having such powerful holdings in both majors, how do you think they will l Minors and Misfits West North East South get on in a major suit contract? l Doubles 1♣ 1♥ A double of an artificial bid that shows l Competitive Auctions Pass 1♠ 2♣ Pass two suits after your side has opened shows ? all-round strength and often a desire to penalise the opponents: subsequent Pass. You are in the second round of the doubles are for penalties. A look at the Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, auction, so things have changed slightly. vulnerability will tell you that doubling is Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH Once you have passed on the first round, definitely the right choice. North bids 2♠, ( 01483 489961 you can contemplate bidding your suit but you double again and finish by taking www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop naturally if you wish: 2♥ would be natural the contract four off for +1100. ■

BRIDGE February 2018 Page 45 Julian Pottage Answers your Frequently Asked Questions

What are Inverted Minor Raises?

fter partner opens the bidding What are the advantages Are there any downsides to with one of a minor, inverted in playing the single raise playing inverted raises? minor raises the as the stronger hand? If opener has a strong hand and Ameaning of a single raise and a jump First, when responder has a good hand, responder is weak, you have less room raise. the single raise keeps the bidding lower to explore. Opener cannot make an In standard Acol (and other and gives more space for exploring invitational 2NT rebid when the standard systems), a single raise – the best contract. Secondly, when bidding is already at the three level, 1♣-2♣ or 1♦-2♦ is weaker than a jump responder has a weak hand, the deal is following responder’s weak jump raise – 1♣-3♣ or 1♦-3♦. In standard quite likely to belong to the opponents raise. With a balanced hand, I suggest methods, the single raise shows about (who have the major suits); the weak you bid on with 18-19 points but not 6-9 points and the jump limit raise jump raise means that they have to with 17 or fewer. Occasionally you will about 10-12 points. Playing Inverted enter the auction at the three level. miss game if responder is maximum Minor raises, the single raise is The other big advantage to inverted for the weak jump raise. If you are stronger than a jump raise. The single raises is that they offer a convenient way playing a strong 1NT opening, this is raise is forcing for one round while to handle some otherwise unbiddable less of an issue because balanced 15-17 the jump raise is more pre-emptive in hands. Because the inverted single hands would have opened 1NT in the nature. raise is forcing, responder can make first place. the bid not just on game invitational hands but on game forcing hands as What does opener rebid after Hand 1 Hand 2 well. the inverted single raise? ♠ 7 4 ♠ 7 4 The range for the inverted single Assuming that responder will rarely ♥ 8 3 2 ♥ A 8 2 raise is not 10-12 but rather 10+. raise opener’s minor when having a ♦ K 10 4 2 ♦ K 10 4 2 major to show, it is logical for new suits ♣ K J 8 2 ♣ K J 8 2 by opener to show stoppers rather than Hand 3 necessarily a second suit. A bid of three ♠ K Q 5 of the agreed minor is a weak action, In standard methods, Hand 1 gives a ♥ 9 2 showing a minimum opening hand single raise while Hand 2 gives a jump ♦ A K J 7 3 that would have passed a traditional raise. Playing inverted minors, it is the ♣ J 4 3 limit raise. other way round: Hand 1 gives a jump Any other action by opener below raise and Hand 2 gives a single raise. three of the agreed minor is forcing for In Acol, four-card support is Playing standard methods, what at least one round. Any action by either adequate for the jump raises because would you respond to a 1♦ opening? player that takes the bidding above the opening bid is natural and (playing There is no good answer, is there? three of the agreed minor creates a a style of preferring to open the major Following the principle of preferring game force. If you play splinters in other on 4432 hands too strong for 1NT) will to lie about a minor rather than a situations (strongly recommended), often include five cards in the minor. major, you would probably respond you will play that a jump in a new suit If you play ‘better minor’, when the 2♣ – but this is hardly descriptive. by opener shows a shortage in the suit opening minor does not promise a Playing inverted raises, you have an bid and slam interest. four-card suit, then you need five-card easy raise of 1♦-2♦, showing a decent support for the jump raise; four-card hand with diamond support, with Opener Responder support is still adequate for the forcing the possibility of showing your extra 1♦ 2♦ (inverted) single raise. strength later. ?

Page 46 BRIDGE February 2018 Hand 4 Hand 5 Hand 6 Answers to Bernard Magee’s ♠ 8 6 4 ♠ 6 4 ♠ 6 ♥ A Q 5 ♥ Q J 5 2 ♥ A Q 8 4 Bidding Quizzes 10-12 ♦ A K J 10 ♦ A K J 6 3 ♦ K 10 5 4 2 ♣ Q 8 4 ♣ J 4 ♣ A Q 10 on the Cover and page 7

Bidding aggressively against 2♣ With Hand 4, which is balanced, you 10. Dealer South. Love All. openings can work very well, taking are thinking of a 3NT contract. It ♠ 4 2 ♠ A 7 5 3 away their bidding space and making would not be appropriate, however, ♥ 7 6 N ♥ 9 8 3 the opener’s life very difficult. Of course, to commit to a no-trump contract ♦ A K 3 W E ♦ 7 6 5 4 sometimes you also find a good contract S without a spade stopper. You should ♣ A Q J 6 5 3 ♣ 9 2 or perhaps even a . Here, your rebid 2♥, showing a heart stopper. partner would bid clubs in response to Since 2♥ is the cheapest bid, you do your 2NT bid and you find a good fit. not deny a stopper in another suit. West North East South Perhaps more importantly, if North tries Hand 5 is a minimum opener. If 1♣1 bidding 3NT your partner will lead a all partner has is limit raise, you are ? minor suit and the contract will go down. happy to stop in 3♦. That is what you 1Strong club: 16+ points, any shape Finally, if North-South do find their bid. best fit in spades, then 5♣ would make Hand 6 looks promising. If partner 2♣. This is a nice and straightforward a great sacrifice against 4♠. Two off has extra values and little or nothing hand. When your opponents are using an doubled would be -300 instead of -620 wasted in spades, you could be in the artificial 1♣ system, where 1♣ may show for 4♠ making. slam zone. You should jump to 3♠, no length in clubs at all, then you can showing at least game values and a overcall naturally in clubs. North-South shortage in spades. are playing a system called Precision, 12. Dealer South. Love All. How does opener continue after the which uses a 1♣ opening bid to show ♠ Q J 6 ♠ K 4 2 weak jump raise? Many hands pass – most of their strong hands. South might ♥ Q J 10 9 8 7 N ♥ 4 you need eleven tricks to make game actually hold a void in clubs. ♦ A 7 W E ♦ J 8 6 5 S in a minor, which is a lot even with a There is no point making a jump ♣ 4 2 ♣ A 9 8 7 5 fit if partner is weak. If you bid a suit overcall with such a strong hand, most at the three level, it shows a stopper jump bids are reserved for weak hands in the suit bid and normally denies a when the opponents have shown strength West North East South stopper in any suit bypassed. already. 1♥ Pass 1NT Pass Pass Opener Responder ? 1♦ 3♦ (inverted) 11. Dealer North. N/S Game. ? ♠ 2 ♠ 9 5 3 2♥. Finally, on the last question I am ♥ 4 3 N ♥ A 8 7 6 going to allow you to bid your own suit. ♦ K Q J 7 6 W E ♦ 4 3 You patiently passed on the first round S Hand 7 Hand 8 Hand 9 ♣ Q J 10 9 4 ♣ K 8 7 5 and then you have another turn when ♠ A J 2 ♠ K Q 2 ♠ K Q 2 1NT is passed around to you. Your hearts ♥ J 4 ♥ 10 ♥ 10 4 only have nuisance value in defending ♦ A Q J 8 7 ♦ A Q J 8 7 ♦ A Q J 8 7 West North East South 1NT: they certainly won’t be led by your ♣ Q 10 3 ♣ A Q 4 3 ♣ A Q 3 2♣1 Pass 2♦2 partner and you do not have the entries ? to set them up. However, if hearts were 1The strongest bid 2Negative trumps your hand is worth five tricks With Hand 7 you pass. If partner has (excluding spades). Even if South holds Hand 1, 3♦ is all you can make. 2NT. Both of your suits have been bid five trumps you would feel OK playing in With Hand 8 you jump to 5♦. You by the opponents, but neither of them a heart contract. It is worth competing for have a strong opener and good shape. are natural bids. When your opponents the hand by bidding 2♥. With Hand 9 you bid 3♠. This shows open with a 2♣ bid, they are suggesting Notice that because you passed on a spade stopper and draws attention to great strength, so you have no use for the first round your partner should not the need for a heart stopper for 3NT. a natural 2NT overcall: you cannot have mistake this for a conventional bid. Note, 20+ points. The most sensible use for also the inner strength of your hearts that Is a single raise still strong a 2NT overcall which is not strong, is give you confidence even against a bad after an overcall? to show a distributional hand with two break. Eight tricks are likely in 2♥. In 1NT No – a single raise becomes weak (you long suits. Generally, the 2NT overcall is North would have made seven tricks, so cue bid with a good hand). ■ reserved for showing both minors. that is worth a nice swing. ■

BRIDGE February 2018 Page 47 Letter from Overseas Early Season Snow by John Barr

fter early snowfalls some of the 3-3 I have my 12 tricks, but a 3-3 split This is marginally less than 50% of the ski slopes in Kitzbühel were is against the odds (36%), so perhaps time as the hand with long clubs has open in November. Although I should take the diamond finesse fewer vacant spaces for the diamond Awe’ve had good early season skiing for (50%). I knew that I’d been skating king. However, the combined chance the past few years, it has mainly of a 3-3 split in clubs plus the been on artificial snow. This is squeeze is comfortably over 60%, the first season for a while that which is better than the simple has started early on real snow. So 50% chance of the diamond it would have been rude not to try finesse working so I rejected the some of the pistes that had been diamond finesse. prepared for me. Later in the It’s very tempting to now play afternoon I arrived at the bridge on clubs to discover if the suit club, exhausted but exhilarated breaks 3-3, but if you do that the after my first ski of the season. contract can no longer be made, Towards the end of the session as the only entry to the clubs after I played a hand in 6NT rather a squeeze is in the club suit itself. than the obvious 6♠, hoping for a The correct process is to cash all good pairs score. When dummy the winners outside clubs, coming came down it appeared that 6♠ down to this position: would make in some comfort, while on thin ice by bidding 6NT instead 6NT was a rather precarious venture of the more secure six spade contract, – a bit like some of the icy slopes I’d and that partner would give me a ♠ — skied earlier in the day. cold shoulder if I failed to bring the ♥ — contract home. ♦ — It was unfortunate that East had ♣ A J 7 6 ♠ 7 6 4 3 found the best defensive of returning ♠ — ♠ — ♥ K 5 2 a diamond at this early stage. If she ♥ — N ♥ — ♦ 2 had continued hearts, I could have ♦ 10 8 7 W E ♦ K S ♣ A J 7 6 4 tested the clubs and fallen back on the ♣ 5 ♣ 10 9 3 ♠ J 2 ♠ 10 5 diamond finesse if the clubs had failed ♠ 8 ♥ J 10 7 4 N ♥ 9 8 6 to behave kindly. While considering ♦ — ♦ 10 8 7 6 3 W E ♦ K J 9 5 this option, I wondered if I could ♦ Q 4 S ♣ 5 2 ♣ K 10 9 3 somehow combine my chances in the ♣ 8 ♠ A K Q 9 8 minor suits. ♥ A Q 3 Without the early diamond lead my ♦ A Q 4 chances of making the contract were South leads his last spade and East is ♣ Q 8 roughly 36% (3-3 club split) plus 50% squeezed: she must either discard the of the remaining 64%, a total of 68%. diamond king, or give up her long If I took the immediate diamond club trick. In this case the diamond I won the opening heart lead in hand, finesse my chances would be a simple finesse would also have worked, but cashed a top spade to check that I 50%. But if I rejected the diamond the squeeze would have succeeded had five spade tricks, and ran the finesse and the clubs failed to split, against either East or West. As partner club queen, losing to East’s king. She I could still make the contract on a checked the score in the BridgeMate, returned a diamond, which put me to minor suit squeeze if the hand with he mouthed a silent ‘100%’ and I could an immediate guess. If the clubs split long clubs also held the diamond king. feel the atmosphere begin to thaw. ■

Page 48 BRIDGE February 2018 Seven Days by Sally Brock

Thursday Garvey. I enjoy this deal where a fairly Sunday rare bit of system comes up and means A slow start to the day with the exercise we are the only pair in the room to bid Another lie-in. Then we go out to regime that I try to do three times a a slam. Chiswick. First, to the auction rooms week (some exercises on the floor to poke around. They have been very and 40 minutes or so on my exercise much upgraded since we were last bike). Then I get some work done – Dealer East. E/W Vul. there a year or so ago. Lots of posh assembling eight articles to send off to ♠ 9 stuff. After that we go for a short walk The Sunday Times. The flat needs a bit ♥ A Q 9 7 in the Gunnersbury Triangle Nature of tidying because in the evening it’s ♦ A Q 7 Reserve. This is a lovely little place Girls’ Night Out. A group of friends ♣ A J 10 5 3 next to the overground tracks, and the come first to my flat for a glass or two of ♠ 2 ♠ K Q 10 5 3 backs of high-rise flats. fizz, then we adjourn down the road to ♥ K 10 5 4 N ♥ J 6 We go for lunch at a small Turkish W E ♦ K 10 9 6 4 ♦ J 8 5 3 2 the local ‘bring-your-own-own-wine’ S place – perfect, all my favourite things, Iranian restaurant for lovely flatbreads ♣ Q 9 8 ♣ 4 cooked well, and just the right amount with dips, followed by mixed kebabs, ♠ A J 8 7 6 4 – leaving a warm glow of satisfaction. then back to my place – ostensibly for ♥ 8 3 2 Then home in front of the TV – the coffee, but in reality more wine. The ♦ Void final episode of Howard’s End. last person leaves at one o’clock but we ♣ K 7 6 2 have a really good evening. Monday West North East South I have an appointment at Hammer- Friday Pass 2♠ smith Hospital to get someone to look Up early, considering. I tidy up the Pass 2NT Pass 3♣ at what might be a mole on the side of flat a bit and then settle down to a Pass 3♦ Pass 3♥ my face, near my right ear. The doctor long talk with Briony. It’s a while Pass 6♣ All Pass thinks it’s a wart but wanted a second since we’ve spoken so there’s a lot to opinion. The hospital isn’t quite where say. I shall be seeing her again soon 2NT is asking and 3♣ shows a four- I think it is so I miss the bus stop and and really looking forward to it. I’m card side suit, 3♦ asks and 3♥ shows end up having to walk quite a way off to China next week, and after the clubs. Partner decides to let me have back and am therefore a little late. tournament we’re meeting in Sydney a go at slam. West leads a heart and Never mind, there is a sign up saying for a couple of days shopping and then dummy’s queen holds. I now cross- they are running an hour late anyway. off to Fiji for Christmas. Can’t wait. ruff and make all thirteen tricks. Had As expected, the junior doctor I see In the afternoon Barry and I head off we bid the grand slam (not very likely), first thinks it is a benign wart, as to Willesden to visit Ben and Dana West would have had to lead a trump does her superior, so I am only there Green and baby Daniel Harvey. He is (even less likely) to beat it. about two minutes. I then have to 12 days old and so cute. I’d forgotten rush to keep my lunch date: Kitty and how lovely tiny babies are. All seems Tove are taking me to Mosimann’s good and I am very happy for them. Saturday for lunch. Quite a treat. I have an We go back to Barry’s for a quick bowl A very lazy morning (after drinking excellent meal in good company and of soup and then off to the YC for in the YC bar we don’t get to bed until catch up on all the gossip. I get a the usual Friday duplicate. We play one o’clock). After a late lunch we bus back to Westfield and do a bit of pretty well and have a decent amount walk back to my place, and then on to shopping, then to Barry’s for a bowl of of luck, finishing up with +65 IMPs Kensington High Street to buy some soup before the evening bridge. Today which would usually be enough to food for dinner. A lovely evening in – is ‘First Monday’. Any of my U26 girls win, but we are only third. Well done quite a rare happening – watching Out squad who can (and want to) make it to winners, Sarah Bell and Tommy of Africa. to the YC for a seven o’clock start

BRIDGE February 2018 Page 49 get to play with an expert (usually very poor suit? I guess that depends on female) partner. This evening I play your opponent. I would have thought with India, who is madly keen and he was likely to be 7-5, but Barry just back in the UK after being at thought 7-4 with the ♠K was more university in Sweden. The bridge goes likely. With the 3-0 trump break he OK – we finish third (ahead of Barry, couldn’t eliminate, and in the ending, which is all that really matters). The he played West to have king doubleton hands aren’t specially interesting spade and went one down. though there is to be a lesson learnt from this one where I was South: Tuesday These English made tables Up at the crack of dawn to walk home offer superb quality and have Dealer South. E/W Vul. as I have an appointment with my the genuine Pelissier hinges. ♠ 8 7 5 3 podiatrist at 8.45am (I can feel an Choose from the great value ♥ 7 ingrowing toenail developing and want Club, the Premier or the ♦ 10 7 2 it sorted before I go away). I do a bit of elegant Royal. ♣ A K J 10 4 Christmas shopping in the afternoon, Special Prices for Bridge ♠ 4 ♠ K J 10 9 2 and in the evening Ben comes over. Club orders of 5 or more. N ♥ Q 10 9 8 6 4 2 W E ♥ 3 He occasionally stays over during the ♦ K Q 9 8 6 S ♦ A J 5 3 week – it saves him a long commute ♣ Void ♣ 7 6 3 and it is good to see him. I cook a slow- ♠ A Q 6 roasted shoulder of lamb which works ♥ A K J 5 well. We sit up till quite late talking ♦ 4 and drinking some good claret – later ♣ Q 9 8 5 2 Toby, who has been out to dinner with friends, comes back and joins in.

West North East South Club Table with traditional green felt playing surface 1♣ Wednesday £159.00 4♥ All Pass I sleep late, woken up by a plumber arriving to sort out the radiators on Obviously I would have liked to the ground floor. Then Barry and double 4♥ with the South hand, but I go out in the car to visit plumbers’ that double is for take-out and partner merchants to buy some taps. (The place would not have passed. My 1♣ opening we had been recommended has signs could have been only a doubleton so up saying ‘Closing down December bidding 5♣ wasn’t so attractive for 23rd’ – two and a half weeks in the my partner. Declarer ruffs the club future – but are clearly already closed. lead and erroneously plays a spade. I It turned out it was December 2016.) Premier Table, bevelled edges win and carry on playing clubs. I keep Then I meet up with Margaret for a and baize playing surface £199.00 playing clubs every time I get in and quick lunch to swap presents for our he eventually goes four down. Had daughters. Back home to pack and get he played hearts immediately, all he myself sorted. Then Toby helps me to would have lost is a spade and four the bus to Barry’s with my suitcases trump tricks – down two. When we (it is easier to get to Heathrow from play the board +400 is exactly average his place than mine – and I’m off to as the other declarers made 5♣. A little China/Sydney/Fiji tomorrow). He more attention by our declarer could cooks me a lovely dinner – belly pork have won him a top. slices followed by the baked apples Mind you, 5♣ is not necessarily as I’d made for yesterday but no-one Royal Table, elegant surround and easy as all that. When Barry played the had room for. Later we pop down to baize playing surface £249.00 board, the bidding was similar, but his the YC for a drink and to see how our ♣ Order online or by phone partner bid 5 , knowing of natural team have done in the Super League – www.designsforbridge.co.uk clubs opposite. unfortunately they lost to the bottom West led the king of diamonds team in the league, so the whole 01483 270 100 and continued the suit. What is the position has tightened up and we now SR Designs for Bridge inference to be gleaned from West share the lead with one round to go. Unit A1, Send Business Park, overcalling 4♥ at unfavourable And so to bed … and tomorrow the Send, Woking, Surrey GU23 7EF vulnerability on what you know is a adventure starts. ■

Page 50 BRIDGE February 2018

11 nights from only £1,399 per person

Swedish Waterways & Cities 25th September 2018 • 11 nights • Sails from Newcastle • Balmoral • L1831 Hosted by Bernard Magee

A perfect mix of fascinating destinations with plenty of scenic fjord and archipelago cruising – this is a fine example of what a cruise holiday is all about. Alongside calls into Sweden’s attraction-packed capital, Stockholm, and ‘second city’, Gothenburg, you’ll enjoy a slice of traditional Swedish life in Malmö; and endless island charm among the medieval, UNESCO-listed streets of Visby.

You’ll first navigate a network of Swedish Fjords, passing charming villages and rolling hills en route to the city of Malmö. Infused with a classically Swedish vibe, it’s renowned for its cultural attractions and excellent cuisine.

Continuing on, the island of Gotland awaits your discovery, Prices per person: where in Visby the highlight is surely the well-preserved medieval ruins and old merchants’ houses, hidden within 13th century town Room type Price from walls. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you wander Interior Room £1,399 Bernard Magee the enchanting, UNESCO-listed streets. Ocean View Room £1,599 Superior Ocean £1,949 Your memorable experience continues as Balmoral arrives in the vibrant capital View Room Stockholm for an overnight stay, perfectly complemented by the scenic arrival and departure through the Stockholm Archipelago. Have your camera to hand as you pass Superior Balcony £2,849 through this unique network of nearly 30,000 islands and islets. Suite £2,949 Single Room £1,824 A relaxing day at sea follows, with space to unwind and an array of facilities to hand, Prices are correct at time of going to print, but before you arrive into Gothenburg. On the back of some more archipelago cruising, may change at any time, call for latest prices. Sweden’s ‘second city’ offers a range of attractions to round off your journey in style.

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

These Terms and Conditions are in addition to Fred. Olsen’s standard Terms and Conditions which are available on Fred. Olsen’s website, www.fredolsencruises.com and on request. Both must be read before booking. Information shown is correct at time of going to press (December 2017). Prices are per person, based on standard occupancy of the lead-in room, subject to availability. Prices are capacity controlled and may change at any time. Call for latest prices. Cruise descriptions include optional, chargeable experiences that may be enjoyed independently and/or with optional Fred. Olsen Shore Tours. Shore Tours are subject to availability and service operation. Some ports may be at anchor, intermediate days are at sea. We reserve the right to amend itineraries for operational reasons. The bridge service on these cruises is being provided by bridge directors from Mr Bridge (including Bernard Magee), not Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. Oceans Members benefi ts apply, please ask for more details. Reduced solo fares available on selected sailings, on selected grades, ask for details. E&OE.

FOC411695_FP_L1831_SwedishWaterways _Mr_Bridge_Mag_Ad_W/C_08.01.18_FV.indd 1 10/01/2018 09:38