The Hawkeye Bridge Association, Unit 216 of the ACBL

Prez Sez April 2014 By Rod Burnet Highlights New phone books are at the May 16th Lunch Bridge Center. Please pick up 11:30 Game 12:30 Directory ...... 2 your copy and don’t forget to Medallion Party on June 8th Longest Day ...... 3 thank Lee, Kathi, and Barb @ 12:30 for lunch with Unit About Alzheimer’s ...... 4 for their work on this project. providing the meat and the Disaster I ...... 5 The 2015 regional tourna- players are to bring other Big D ...... 6 ment will be co-chaired by items for the pot luck meal. Unusual vs Unusual ...... 7 Mike Smith and Susan Seitz Awards and certificates will B List ...... 7 and will be held at the Des be handed out to 2013 Ace Moines Sheraton Hotel. Con- of Clubs and Mini McKen- Blackwood Observations 8 tract negotiating has been ney winners. A game will HSGT ...... 9 completed thanks to Dee Wil- be held after the awards Phone Book Update ...... 10 are completed. son and Mike Smith’s assis- Classes...... 10 tance. st Longest Day on June 21 Up the Ladder ...... 11 2014 Spring Festival will be (see page 3) will be a joint Bottom Boards ...... 12 April 3rd-6th at the Bridge ACBL/Alzheimers Associa- Center. Marilyn Jones, chair- tion event to raise funds for Mentoring Games ...... 14 person has lists out for snack the association. Last year’s Mini-McKenney ...... 14 volunteers and clean up vol- event raised over $500,000. unteers. Let’s keep our repu- and this year’s goal is with these activities. Please tation for having a good sec- $750,000.00. Our unit will support your unit’s efforts to tional tournament with tasty be participating in this make this a fun event and a snacks in a clean facility. To- event in 2014 with Nancy successful fund raiser for ny Ames will be the Director- Wilson chairing the local the Alzheimer Association. in-Charge. committee. Between the Congratulations to Mary Mark your calendar for the hours of 5:30 AM and Walters upon attaining her following events: 10:00 PM many activities Silver Life Master’s. are being planned includ- Mentoring games ing three meals, several NOTICE April 11th Lunch bridge games, book re- If you are not a paid-up 11:30 Game 12:30 views, walking events, ACBL member, this will th mahjong, bake sale, craft April 25 Lunch be your last Hawkeyer. 11:30 Game 12:30 sale and even a wine and cheese party as the final The Hawkeyer is available at May 2nd Lunch event. Many volunteers http://www.bridgeunit216.or 11:30 Game 12 :30 g/hawkeyer/hawkeyeronline. will be needed to assist htm

April ’14 Hawkeyer Page

Hawkeye Bridge Unit 216 Club Directory

Association DES MOINES AMES Officers Bridge Center Heartland Senior Services Rod Burnett President 10190 Hickman Court 205 South Walnut Sun. 6pm Free Lesson by Dee Wilson Vice Pres. Clive, IA 270-0868 Mary Lou Agocs Secretary Andy Terry

Margie Brennan Treasurer Sun. 6:30 pm (0-299) Andy Terry 451-9168 Stan Gustafson Past Pres. Sun. 2-4:30 pm New players Sun. 6:30 pm (open) Lesson/Chat Bridge Nancy 285-9916 Tue. 7:00 pm (open) of Directors Ray Schoenrock 232-4717 2016 Kathi Kellen Monday Thur. 7:00 pm (open) Dee Wilson 12 pm (1000/2000/open) Ira White 292-5616 Gary Oliphant 12 pm (100/300/500) MARSHALLTOWN Rich Newell Nancy Wilson 285-9916 Wed. 6:30 p.m. 2015 Margie Brennan 6 pm Free lesson by Nancy Senior Center; 20 E State St. Rod Burnett 285-9916 Larry Park 641-752-6121 Charlotte Hubbell 6:30 pm (0-20) Newcomer Marilyn Jones Game PELLA 2014 Mary Lou Agocs Thur. 7:00 p.m. Stan Gustafson Tuesday (open/non-smoking) 12:00 pm (600/900/2000) Harry Swanson 611 Franklin St. 12:00 pm (100/300/500) Craig Nelsen Nancy Wilson 285-9916 Unit 216 Committees Wednesday Publicity: Gary Oliphant, 12 pm Free lesson Spring Festival Craig Nelsen 12:30 pm (0-20) new play- Appeals: Pete Wityk, Jim ers April 3-6, 2014

Swanson, Val Laing 12:30 pm (20/50/199) Audit: Rich Newell Bonni Newton 225-6907, Open Events: 778-0899 Calendar: Scott Riley TH 4/3 7PM Stratified pairs. 7 pm (500/1000/1500 or Conduct and Ethics: Fri 4/4 1PM Stratified pairs any non-LM partnership) Tom Olsson, John Gustafson, 7PM Stratified pairs Gregg Walsh 771-4802 Sat 4/5 10AM Stratified pairs Val Laing Education: Tom Olsson (Light Brunch 9AM) Thursday 3PM Stratified pairs (chair), 12 pm (1500/2500/open) Sun 4/6 10 AM Intermediate/Newcomer 12 pm (300/750/1000) 2-session Swiss Teams Coordinator: Nancy Wilson Gregg Walsh 771-4802 Strata-flighted teams Mentoring Coordinator: Nancy Wilson Saturday 0-300 Players Tournaments: Rich Newell 12 pm (300/500/750 or non-LM (partnership) Fri./Sat. Sectionals: Marilyn Jones 12:30 pm (If sufficient attendance) Regionals: Mike Smith & Su- (2000/3000/open) Fri 4/4 1PM Stratified pairs san Seitz Gregg Walsh 771-4802 7PM Stratified pairs Webmaster: Kathi Kellen Sat 4/5 10AM Stratified pairs Hawkeyer: Terry Swanson

page 2 April ’14 Hawkeyer

The Longest Day: Play for the Alzheimer’s Association By Nancy Wilson and cheese after the last games. spread the word to friends and family, inviting them to join us for this spe- cial day and to make a do- The ACBL and the Alzhei- nation to a good cause. mer’s Association will part- The planning committee ner—-for a second year—in needs your help. We are es- sponsoring “The Longest tablishing sub-committees Day,” a nationwide fundrais- for all the work that must er on June 21 from sunrise be done and your participa- to sunset. The event, which tion would be greatly appre- honors the strength, passion ciated. and endurance of those fac- Our team name is Haw- ing Alzheimer’s disease, is a keye Bridge Alzstars and natural match because re- you, as a member of unit search indicates that playing 216, are a team member. bridge promotes healthy ag- Ideally, we would like every- ing and possibly even an one to play bridge for the (Alzheimer’s cont. from page 4) ability to delay the onset of duration of The Longest made to date on benefits of Alzheimer’s and other forms Day, but we realize that any preventive measures of dementia. may not be possible. Our  Genetics, oxidative The Hawkeye Bridge Asso- goal for Unit 216 team Haw- stress, trauma and environ- ciation Unit 216 will join the keye Bridge Alzstars is to mental factors likely play nation-wide fundraiser in raise at least $1,600 to sup- roles one big celebration and pro- port this great cause.  Smoking, diabetes and motion of bridge. On June Kathi Kellen has set up a inadequate social support 21, we will play bridge and special page on Unit 216’s are likely contributing fac- have other fun-filled activi- website listing the event tors ties going on for 16 hours at schedule and keeping track  Poorly controlled illness, the Bridge Center in Clive. of how the program is pro- poor nutrition, and lack of Participants in ‘The Longest gressing. exercise are likely culprits Day’ activities will raise Members can also see a  Cognitive stimulation funds toward care, support list of areas where we need from bridge, reading, word and research efforts for the help. Please check it out at: or math games likely has Alzheimer’s Association. protective effects bridgeunit216.org, In addition to several du- http://act.alz.org/site/TR?  Fish oils, fruits, vegeta- plicate bridge games sched- fr_id=5860&pg= bles, statins, small amounts uled throughout the day, we of alcohol and exercise likely or will have party bridge, mah- help protect http://act.alz.org/site/ jong, walking, book reviews, TR/?pg=national_company  Once again, we must de- bake sales, craft sales, pend on common sense. &company_id=83046&fr_id bridge lessons, breakfast, Take care of yourself. See lunch, and dinner and wine you on the 21st!

April ’14 Hawkeyer Page 3

The Longest Day: More about Alzheimers By Mike Harvey, D. O. Our local ACBL chapter is ommendations were made planning events for the sec- to assist in initiating useful ond annual “Longest Day”, a studies. fundraiser of the ACBL part- These include better defin- nering with the Alzheimer’s ing Alzheimer’s disease and Association. Additional in- cognitive decline, further formation is available in this delineating the relationship Hawkeyer as well as at the to depression, and utilizing club. caregiver information more Alzheimer’s disease currently appropriately. Developing effects 35-50 million Ameri- large-scale long-term epide- cans. It is expected to in- miologic studies will be crease in both sheer num- needed to understand caregiver bers and relative frequency causes, prevention and  Moderate to severe de- as our senior population treatment. Developing a mentia individuals require doubles between 2010 and detailed registry will be up to four caregivers 2050. The disease has dev- needed to facilitate re-  Alzheimer’s Disease ac- astating socioeconomic ef- search and communicate counts for about 60% of de- fects on the individuals, their results. Communication mentia family and support, as well among the different fields  Stroke, vascular disease, as our healthcare system. will help everyone from cut- Lewy Body disease, alcohol ting edge researchers to and trauma make up most of Despite this impact, little the rest medical providers and care- useful research is available givers.  Age is the most important to define causes, effective factor prevention and treatment. This work will need fund-  10% of cases may be fa- The NIH State-of-the-Science ing. Needless to say, $$$ milial Conference in 2010 summa- don’t speak, THEY  Dementia rarely occurs rized results were published SCREAM!! before age 60 in the article “Preventing Alz- Let’s work hard to support  Dementia is in the top heimer’s Disease and Cogni- this cause. ten list of causes of mortality tive Decline”. Top experts in  There is no cure current- fields of medicine, genetics, Here is some interesting ly, and Rx meds are only public health, pharmacology information on Alzheimer’s questionably beneficial and economics agreed that disease:  Depression is commonly associated with dementia, there was nothing to con-  Dementia effects 35- and shares many of the clude from the research gath- 50,000,000 people in the symptoms ered to date. Numerous US  No conclusions can be “critical gaps” in clinical  One in four senior knowledge resulted in these Americans will be directly (Alzheimer’s cont. on page 3) conclusions and many rec- impacted as a victim or

page 4 April ’14 Hawkeyer Anatomy of a Disaster: Case 1 By Pete Wityk S deals All Vul (2) I’m not in love ♠1074 with the 2♦ bid. ♥A7 But, realistically, ♦AK1086 what other call is ♣863 there? Three quick ♠K96532 ♠AQJ6 tricks and a 5 card ♥K3 ♥J64 suit make up for a ♦732 ♦Q54 lot of evils. ♣KJ ♣942 (3) I absolutely hate ♠ the Pass. This is ♥Q109852 not a 5332 or 5442 ♦J9 11 HCP, 7 loser, ♣AQ1075 minimum opening. The hand was N E S W opened because it was of- (4) I’m even less fond of the 1♥(1) 1♠ fensively strong; almost a 3♥ bid than the 2♦ call. But, 2♦(2) 2♠ P(3) P sound opening. To pass once again, what other call is 3♥(4) 3♠ 4♥ 4♠ now when your side could there? Passing 2♦ is not an X P 5♥(5) X be playing in at least three option. Reopening with a P P P different strains lacks con- double is possible. But, I’m sistency. You want to de- not sure that I would want to Declarer miss guessed 4 of 4 scribe the nature of your offer clubs as an option if I key cards, was forced hand and find where you were holding this hand in enough that the opponents should be playing. You this position. don’t want to allow the op- had control of and (5) Beyond any doubt, this is ponents to keep you from went set 800. This was not my least liked bid in this finding the correct strain at a good result. Where did auction. I can’t find any jus- a reasonable level. Bidding they go wrong? tification for making any call 3♣ here tells partner about Discussion of the auction: other than pass. Your part- 9 of your cards. If you don’t ner is warning you off of bid- (1) Some may quibble with want to bid 3♣ here, then ding. For all South knows, opening 1♥ on this hand. I you cannot open this hand. partner has a spade stack don’t. Even with only 9 Pass instead of opening and with a couple of side tricks. HCP, there are 1 ½ quick hope you can describe a two If partner were uncertain tricks, a and good spot suited hand later. South is what to do, a cards in a 5 ½ loser hand, I mixing two entirely different was available. think that this is a reasona- and diametrically opposed ble, even sound opening bid; schools of bidding. That Match point result: especially in the framework seldom works! I’m with +790=7; +620=6; 140=3+; of the forcing club system Grant Baize; 6 – 5 come -200=1; -800=0 this pair was playing. alive! (Disaster cont. on page 10)

April ’14 Hawkeyer Page 5

Big D in Dallas Betty and Kristin By Kathi Kellen Barb

The Big Deal in Big D, aka the 2014 Spring NABC tour- Each pair has nament in Dallas is in fact a been playing to- big deal for 6 Unit 216 play- gether regularly to ers. improve their (NAP) representatives for partnership and Mark Flight B Rich Newell of all are excited West Des Moines, Doug about going to the Stark of Des Moines; for Nationals. Betty’s Flight C Barbara Schipper and Kristin’s com- of Ankeny, Mark Beckwith ments sum it up of Johnston, Betty Torg- the best. “We are erson and Kristin Welter of really excited Doug & Rich Urbandale, all earned the about going to our right to attend the National first national tourna- ACBL pair championship tournament by placing 1st or ment. Right now we are since 1979 and was original- 2nd place in the District 14 working on bettering our ly known as the Grand Na- NAP finals held in Des communication skills. And tional Pairs. This grassroots Moines Oct. 5 & 6, 2013. we've decided we're never event is staged in qualifying Winning the event entitled too old for a good road trip.” rounds at the club, unit and them to have their trip sub- district levels. It ends in a sidized by the District. The NAP has been a major final at the Spring NABC

Opening in 4th Seat

There is no urgency to open in fourth seat with a modest hand. With 14 HCP or more, definitely open. With fewer points use the Rule of 15:

Add your HCP to the number of spades you have. lf the answer is 15 or more, open. lf not, pass.

When partner is a passed hand and you have below 14 points, it appears to be a part-score hand and the side that owns the spade suit is better placed competi- tively. Hesitating, NO! Drying my nails

page 6 April ’14 Hawkeyer Unusual vs. Unusual By Evie Minzer

An interesting (you might say Al told me he was unusual) hand occurred at playing unusual bridge recently. versus unusual, which I did not rec- ♠K3 ognize. ♥K3

♦J865 After I thought ♣AJ1083 about it, it did ♠975 ♠108642 make sense. ♥A10652 ♥QJ974 Unusual versus ♦Q9 ♦A107 Unusual is a good ♣974 ♣------defensive tool. ♠AQJ ♥8 When the oppo- ♦K432 nents interfere af- will bid 3D to show limit raise ♣KQ652 ter a 1 H opening bid with a in spades. Michael’s or Unusual NT I opened 1 club in the North bid, your partner bids the I had always thought of using seat. East bid 2 clubs. Al lower suit of their suit to it when the opponents show bid 2 hearts. West doubled, show a limit raise. He bids both minors over my opening I passed, East passed, and Al the higher of their suit to major bid. bid 5 clubs. show he has the other suit If you are not playing Unusu- and a good hand. The bidding al versus Unusual check out N E S W Conversely, if I open 1 S, this website for further and 1♣ 2♣ 2H X opponent bids Michael’s or more detailed information. P p 5♣ P

P P Unusual NT bid, my partner now will bid 3 C to show http://www.bridgebum.com/ good hand with hearts and unusual_vs_unusual.php Life on the B List By Paul Devon It seems more and more Iowans are coming LEM!! Life is more fun for us B players. Bill to Panama City Beach in the win- asked for key cards at 4 clubs. I thought ter. Sure hope more of you join us in the that since we had not yet established a suit, winters to come. We love it here and we it was asking only for aces. I bid 4 D, saying, love the people. However, the more we I had one ace. Bill knew, that since, I had travel and see other bridge clubs, the more opened 1NT, that I had 3 key cards, not just we appreciate our club. one. With his KQJ10xxxx in H, he knew we could beat the 7 H bidders, by bidding NT. Bill and I managed to get to seven NT miss- ing only 2 aces. How???? NO PROB- 

April ’14 Hawkeyer Page 7

Observations on Blackwood By Richard Freedman

I was prompted by a hand and queen-jack of clubs. from a recent Saturday club You could have a club los- game to offer some sugges- er and a diamond loser tions regarding slam bidding even if responder holds and Blackwood. The hands one black ace (although were something like constructing a limit raise ♠ - ♠KQxx where you can't make ♥AKQJxx ♥109xx slam might be difficult). ♦AQJ ♦xx And you could be cold for ♣Kxxx ♣Axx seven if responder has the club ace, the diamond At one table, the auction king, and is 3-2 or 2-3 in went 1♥  3♥ (limit raise) the minor suits. I would 3♠  4♣ just bid six over the 4C 4NT  5♦ bid, assuming it showed 6♠ (after substantial consid- the ace. If I was really opti- eration). mistic, and wanted to inves- 3. You should never have to As it happens, the pause be- tigate the prospects of a think after partner's re- fore the 6♠ bid was because grand slam, I might bid 4D, sponse to Blackwood. the Blackwood bidder showing that ace. Assuming If you don't know how you thought they were playing partner signed off in 4H, I are going to proceed over any 1430 responses (that is, 5♦ would continue with 5C, possible response from part- showed zero aces, seemingly inviting partner to ner, you're not ready to ask in contradiction with the pre- diamonds to show the king, for aces. If you do know how vious 4♣ bid) while the re- if he had it. to proceed, you shouldn't sponder thought they were 2. Blackwood is not a tool have to think. In fact, it's playing standard responses to bid slams, it's a tool to common to follow a 4NT bid (that is, 5♦ showed one ace). stay out of slams. with 5NT to indicate that But the hand still serves to your side has all the con- In the above hand, once re- illustrate several points. trols, to invite partner to bid sponder cue bid clubs, a grand slam if he has some 1. Not every slam calls for opener has enough infor- unexpected source of tricks Blackwood. mation to bid the slam. You such as extra length in Opener does not know, what- don't use Blackwood to get trumps or in a side suit. But ever number of aces re- to slam, you use it to stay you can't ask for partner's sponder shows, how high to out of slam when you are off help in that decision if you bid. This is a common situa- two aces. Since opener had to think for any length of tion when you have a void. knows that is not a problem time prior to the 5NT bid. So You could be cold for six op- here, there is no need to ask be prepared to act in posite no aces, if responder for aces. after partner's response. has the king of diamonds

page 8 April ’14 Hawkeyer Help Suit or HSGT By Bonni Newton

Sometimes when a does not need help.) If re- has been decided on and sponder has help in the bid opener has an invitational suit, she should bid game, hand she will bid 3 of the even with minimum point major to ask if responder is count. If she does not have at the top of her raise. If re- help, she should sign off in sponder has maximum (9 3H or 3S. pts.) she will bid game. The following suits merit a But sometimes when the bid when using LS HSGT: opener has 16-18 pts. she KJxx, Jxx, Qxxx, QJxx, also has a weak side suit. Kxxx, Axxx, xxx. Note : HSGT (Help Suit Game Try) is some players will only use exactly what it implies. It HSGT with an honor in the AK 0 Losers says to partner, “If you can asking suit. X 1 Loser cover this suit, we can make Ax 1 Loser Example 1 game.” KJxx 1.5 Losers N E S W With only 0 to 1.5 losers in There are different HSGTs: 1H1 P 2H2 P the HSGT suit, bid game. one is short suit and the oth- 3C3 P ???4 er is long suit. (I also found a Holding # Losers 1. 13-21 pts. and at least way to combine the two. If Xx 2 Losers 5 hearts you are interested in this, I Kxx 2 Losers 2. 6-10 pts. and at least 3 will give you a copy of what I QTxx 2.5 Losers hearts found on the internet.) In SS With 2-2.5 losers in the 3. 16-18 pts. and opener HSGT (short suit HSGT) HSGT suit and a minimum needs help in clubs shows a singleton or void and hand, sign off with 3H or 3S. asks partner to bid game 4. ??? There are 3 options: with no wasted honors in A. with 0-1.5 losers in With 2-2.5 losers in HSGT that suit. clubs, bid 4H! suit but with a maximum hand that has honors in an- However, most players use B. with a maximum hand that has 2–2.5 losers other suit lower than the de- LS HSGT (Long Suit HSGT). in clubs but with hon- clared major, bid 3 of the LS HSGT is used with invita- ors in diamonds, bid 3 suit with honors. tional hands (16-18 pts.) diamonds. Opener will Holding # Losers when a major suit has been bid 3H to stop or 4H if Txxx 3Losers designated as trump, as diamonds are also Xxxx 3 Losers when the bidding has been helpful. IH-2H or 1S-2S. C. 3-3+ losers in clubs Qxxx 3 Losers and with a minimum Using LS HSGT, opener will Bid 3 of the declared major. had, bid 3H. bid the cheapest suit availa- Note: A drawback to HSGT ble that has two potential los- Examples of responses to is that it pinpoints the weak ers. (Bid the lower ranking LS HSGT: suit. Some players will not suit with two potential losers; Holding # Losers bid a suit without an honor any suit that is skipped over Void 0 Losers when using HSGT. (Continued on page 10)

April ’14 Hawkeyer Page 9

(HSGT cont. from page 9) the 3 level. But since there Phone Book Changes: If North’s hand is are 0 losers in clubs, he Add ♠A5 ♥AK842 ♦K43 ♣Q86 bids game. Schutt Robert 285-0699 And the bidding is same as 2. Bid 3H This time S has Change Judy Deitch Example 1 the worst possible hand of to Judy Dillman N E S W 3 losers in Clubs. 1H P 2H P- 3. Bid 4H With 2 little Kay and Bud Stowe 3C P ??? cards in the HSGT suit and 222-9445 What is South’s bid (???) maximum pts., bid game; Tom Olsson 669-0865 with the following hands with minimum count bid 1.♠9643 ♥1097 ♦1063 ♣AK 3H. 2.♠QJ4 ♥J97 ♦Q63 ♣752 4. Bid 3D This says re- Classes 3.♠KQ3 ♥J65 ♦A76 ♣54 sponder has a maximum At Bridge Center 4.♠K73 ♥Q65 ♦A7 ♣J52 hand, no help in clubs but unless otherwise noted points in diamonds. He’s Thurs: 10AM; $5/session 1. Bid 4H If N had invited asking if that will help part- with 3H, S would sign off at Class for advancing players ner get to game. Various instructors

Thurs: 10:30-11:30 AM (Disaster cont. from page 5) play in this auction. South Review of Basics Post Mortem: has no rationale for doing Paul Spong 287-2597 anything other than living Urbandale Senior Center When I first looked at this with partner’s double. hand, I thought that it was Fri: 9-9:30 AM Free Lesson General principles to learn an issue of greed. Getting 9:30-10 AM Supervised Play from this example: 70% of the matchpoints for for new players and advanc- any plus score is not enough; 1. When partner says “I ing players $5 this partnership needs to try don’t have the magic hand Bonni Newton 778-0899 or for 100%. Getting 71.4% of you want”, don’t decide that [email protected] the matchpoints consistently you can see that hand Free Classes for new players should win most games and through the backs of the Sunday: 2 PM 5 of 7 mp for any plus score cards better than partner Mon: 6PM is 71.4%. But, looking at this can from the front. Trust Wed:12 PM hand again, I think it’s in- your partner! stead an issue of captaincy. 2. At matchpoints, plus Developing Your Bridge South apparently feels, con- Thur Apr 3—May 22 scores are good. sciously or subconsciously, 6:30 8:30 PM that he is captain and must 3. Once you settle on a bid- Kevin Jones make the final decision. ding style, be consistent Callanan Middle School at Bridge is a partnership with it. https://commed.dmps.k12.i game, generally not a cap- a.us/wconnect/ace/currentc 4. Putting yourself where lasses.htm tain and crew game. I find it you have to play a hand difficult to construct a hand double-dummy to recover Play of the Hand that would double 4S and from the auction is not a April 1 for 8 wks. also gives 5H a reasonable winning tactic. Nancy Wilson 285-9916

page 10 April ’14 Hawkeyer Up the ACBL Ladder (Dec., Jan., Feb.)

New Members: Joyce Hal- Sectional Master: Alice Bronze LM: verson, Diane Hickman, Car- Wolvek, Paul Rober, Barba- lotta Paul, Norma Mishoe, ra Rice Silver LM: Barb Helton, Carson Ode, Sandy Roan Mike Smith, Mary Walter Regional Master: Bill Jr. Master: Rebecca Jo- Leech, Bob Beckwith Platinum LM: seph, Kathy Zumbach, Aus- tin Wilbanks, Patricia Wil- NABC Master: Rita Reed No new , Gold LM, banks, Rose Wilcox Diamond LM, Emerald LM, Adv NABC Master: Grand LM Club Master: Connie Nixon, JoAnn Jensen, Robin Koger, Life Master: Judy Wasco Rose Legg, Michael Rehberg Good Job Guys!

Unit 216 Statistics as of Dec.1, 2013 12/1/13 ...... 3/1/14 12/01/13 3/1/4 Total Members ...... 433 ...... 429 Life Master ...... 21 ...... 21 Rookie (0-5) ...... 33 ...... 28 Bronze LM ...... 64 ...... 61 Jr. Master (5-20) ...... 45 ...... 46 Silver LM ...... 50 ...... 53 Club Master (20-50) ...... 35 ...... 35 Gold LM ...... 18 ...... 18 Sectional Master (50+) ...... 50 ...... 50 Diamond LM ...... 5 ...... 5 Reginal Master (100+) ...... 63 ...... 64 Emerald LM ...... 0 ...... 0 NABC Master (200+) ...... 45 ...... 44 Platinum LM ...... 1 ...... 1 Adv. NABC Master ...... 2 ...... 2 Grand LM ...... 1 ...... 1

An Open Invitation Rules of 10 and 12 From Ron Klinger’s 100 Winning Bridge Tips To Unit 216 Players To consider making a double of a low-level bid: 1. Think about your length and/or strength in opponent’s If you have trump suit. an interesting bridge hand, 2. Be sure you and partner have 20+ High Card Points an interesting 3. Establish that you have a misfit with partner’s suit. bidding sequence, Length: Add your expected trump tricks to the number of an interesting tricks the opponents are trying to take. If the answer is 10 bridge convention, or more, double. or an interesting bridge conversation Strength: Add the number of your trumps to the number of that you’d like to share, tricks the opponents are trying to win. If the answer is 12 or Please send it to more, double.

[email protected] Remember: Potential tricks are more likely to come to frui- tion if declarer is on your right.

April ’14 Hawkeyer Page 11

Avoiding Bottom Boards By Toby White This article is especially for be- ly 3, your score will be around ginning players, and will focus 55%. only on MP, or ‘pairs,' scoring. Of course, this analysis is over- The number of bottom (or near- simplified, because it assumes bottom) boards a partnership that your bidding is equally receives in a given session of sound to that of your opponents. pairs - bridge is perhaps the Still, the main point is that play- most essential factor in explain- ing steady, and not deviating ing their final percentage and from the odds too often is, over standings. Typically, the win- the long-run, a winning bridge ning pair can escape with no strategy. In other words, when more than 2 bottoms (out of 24- in doubt, try to duplicate the 27 total boards), while the medi- field, instead of trying to be cludes shaky pre-empts, over- an pair (who may barely scratch) brilliant and gambling that you calls, and overly long stretches will have 3 or 4 bottoms; any will achieve a ‘top’ board. The for game/slam; astute opponents more occurrences of adverse only exception to this rule is will also double you. Some outcomes will most always elim- when you are in the later stages players simply like to declare, inate you from receiving any of a relatively lousy game, and and will overbid systematically – MPs that session. you need to take extra chances if so, double them. to catch up and salvage one of On any given day, you will like- Do not let the opponents buy a the side awards. ly receive some help from your contract (in a part-score) too opponents. Typically, in an ‘A- Here are some very brief ways cheaply; in other words, make a level’ game, the opponents will to avoid bottom boards. These bid or balancing dou- give you 5-6 tricks (over the en- suggestions are separated based ble when the opportunity arises. tire session), relative to the out- on bidding (most important), Remember that you can relax comes given on the hand records defending (2nd most important), basic bidding rules when you are sheet, while in a ‘novice’ game, and declaring principles: in the balancing (i.e., pass-out) position. this number is usually twice as Bidding Suggestions: high (10-12). Thus, if you can Do not miss obvious games or When in a part-score yourself, be play solid defense and declare slams. 3H making 5 and 4S sure to land in the contract that normally, your partnership making 7 are seldom going to gives you the largest plus score. might give away fewer tricks decent results, even if you score For example, 2C making 2 or than you receive (as gifts) from an extra trick you don’t deserve. even 3 is inferior to 1N making the opponents. As a crude guide- Experienced pairs will not often 2. Obviously, if you have an 8+ line, starting from the average struggle here because they usu- card major-suit fit, that is usual- score of 50%, each net trick ally understand (and trust) their ly going to be the target suit for gained will add 1% to your partner’s bids. trump. score. For example, if you re- Do not make a ‘phantom sacri- ceive 8 tricks and give away on- Do not bid too recklessly, espe- cially if vulnerable; this in- (Continued on page 13)

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(Continued from page 12) practice and concentration. . If you do not under- Start with the trump suit, and stand the opponents’ bids or what fice.’ I’ve found that sacrifices then move onto any side suits their systems are for opening leads, at the 5-level (when the oppo- that declarer is trying to devel- do not be afraid to ask – it is your nents were in 4H/4S) may fail op. Avoid pitching a good right. at least as often as they work. card on trick 11 or 12 (that Be wary of the opponents scoring a This is because the opponents helps declarer win trick 13). – this usually leads to poor might not have made their Do not fail to capitalize on any results for declarer. Still, it is not game, or you go down too many ruffing opportunities. For ex- always optimal to lead out trump; tricks if doubled. ample, if partner leads a suit in some occasions, it may be OK Defending Suggestions: that the opponents bid for opponents to score a ruff if de- Nearly 50% of your success/ (besides trump) on opening clarer can establish at least as failure on defense depends on lead, it is likely a singleton. many additional ruffs. the viability of your opening Delayed ruffs may also be es- Pay attention to the discards of lead. More often than not, I tablished by leading tops of both opponents, and ask them choose to make a safe, con- doubletons on opening lead. about their signaling system if you servative opening lead that both Declarer Suggestions: do now know what their first dis- avoids giving a free trick to de- card implies. Late in the hand, de- Do not play too quickly. I see clarer and reveals specific infor- fenders may be desperate and must newer players often declaring mation to partner. discard a trick-taking card – don’t too fast (perhaps because they miss this opportunity. Know when to take an Ace observe the players with high- (especially in 2nd hand) or play er ability doing this on a regu- Finally, if you are getting more low, and when to cover an lar basis). When the dummy bottom boards than you would like, ‘honor with an honor’ or not. is tabled, have a plan not just take the time to analyze what went Experienced defenders will for trick 1, but for how the wrong. If you do this over a 1- think about these key decisions whole hand might go. month period, by saving and exam- prior to the time when declarer ining the hand records and the When in a suit contract, I al- puts them to the test; hesitation scores achieved at other tables, be ways check to see if I can gives extra information. able to identify which of the 3 are- score some ruffs in the dum- as (bidding, defending, and declar- Communicate with your partner my (which is likely to be ing) needs the most improvement. – this means watching their spot shorter in trump). I also see if If it is declaring, you can obtain cards, noting their signals on there is a side suit I can devel- lots of extra practice by playing first discards, and watching op, after trumps are gone, per- Robot bridge on BBO (Bridge what they discard subsequently haps before the defenders can Base Online), since you are always toward the end of the hand. I’d take all of their entitled tricks. rather be transparent to partner dealt the best hand at the table, and Pay attention to both the auc- and declarer than be confusing will thus play the majority of hands tion, especially if the oppo- to both. yourself. If it is bidding and/or de- nents were bidding (or dou- fending, play with a smaller num- Count all four suits. This is bling) along the way, and the ber of partners, and work on the harder than it sounds, and takes basic principles together.

April ’14 Hawkeyer Page 13 2014 Spring Mentoring Games By Nancy Wilson Two very effective ways of motes learning and enjoy- Complete a registration form improving your bridge game: ment of the game. One of and return it to the desig- the key responsibilities of a 1. playing with someone nated partnership person. mentor is to help his/her who is more experienced We will be happy to assist partner feel at ease. . and skilled than you you find a suitable mentor. 2. playing against stronger Guidelines: Partnership for April 11, competition Mentees pay $4.00 and 2014: Bonni Newton 778- Mentors $2.00 A free Our mentoring program 0899 or [email protected] Lunch is provided from helps newer players become Partnership for April 25, 11:30 until 12:30. Play be- more comfortable in both 2014: Jessie Chance: 225- gins at 12:30 these situations. We have a 1301 or [email protected] number of skilled bridge Players with 20-300 master Partnership for May 2 & 16, players who are willing to points will be mentored by 201: Nancy Wilson 285-9916 work with newer players to a Life Master. Players with or [email protected] help them improve their 0-20 points will be men- Any questions please con- skills in both of these areas. tored by a person with 300- tact: Nancy Wilson, Mentor- 750 master points. The Mentoring Program pro- ing Coordinator

Unit 216 2013 Mini McKenney Standings 0 to 5 pts. 300 to 500 pts. Tom Anderson ...... 105.83 Kay E Henderson ...... 95.53 Connie A Nixon ...... 21.47 Gloria A Ward ...... 87.72 Michael L Rehberg ...... 19.58 Mr Marvin Winick ...... 87.56 5 to20 pts. Mrs Kristin L Welter ...... 80.52 500 to1000 pts. Mr Austin B Pattison ...... 52.89 Rae Gene Burger ...... 116.45 Penelope A Rittgers...... 40.63 Mrs Iola O Aldrich ...... 108.17 20 to 50 pts. Mrs Mary Walter ...... 95.06 Mr Joseph J Antonelli ...... 29.26 1000 to 2500 pts. Jean A Hibbs ...... 29.24 Toby A White ...... 326.65 Mr Clifton L Rubicam ...... 16.20 Bud Stowe ...... 270.78 50 to 100 pts. Mr Douglas G Stark ...... 183.00 Gwen A Swanger ...... 81.13 2500-5000 Kay E Ward ...... 70.62 Mr Ray J Schoenrock ...... 289.00 Mrs Betty B Torgerson...... 63.54 Mr Richard U Newell ...... 271/34 100 to 200 pts. Mrs Kay F Stowe ...... 253/65 Ms Joanne M McPhail ...... 107.26 5000-to-7500 Joyce H Judas ...... 85.30 Mr David P Stark ...... 365.04 Mrs Carolyn N Sabroske ...... 71.03 Ms Joan L Anderson ...... 168.95 200 to 300 pts. Mrs Evelyn Mintzer ...... 160.63 Mr Dominic A Antonelli ...... 256.73 7500 to 10,000 pts. Barbara L Schipper ...... 175.55 Valerie J Laing ...... 354.36 Ms Jan M Carr ...... 109.63 Over 10,000 pts. Dr John E Gustafson ..... 341.64 Mr G M Prabhu ...... 31.45

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April ’14 Hawkeyer Page 15

Mark Your Calendar Unit 216 Sectionals District 14 Regionals ACBL Nationals

Spring Festival Gopher Regional Dallas, TX Clive, IA Bloomington, MN Mar. 20-30, 2014 Apr. 3-6, 2014 May 19-25, 2014 Las Vegas, NV Stars of Tomorrow Coralville Regional Jul. 17-27, 2014 Clive, IA Coralville, IA Aug. 23-24 June 24-29, 2014 Providence RI Nov. 27-Dec. 7 Cornbelt Council Bluffs Regional Clive, IA Council Bluffs, IA Sep. 11-14, 2014 Aug. 4-10, 2014

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