Christmas in the Caribbean on board Voyager

Caribbean Gems Departing 20 December 2012 – 4 January 2013 – 17 days On board mv Voyager From £1,949pp Barbados ~ St Lucia ~ Guadeloupe ~ Montserrat ~ Grenada ~ Tobago ~ Exclusive Margarita Island ~ La Guaira ~ Curacao ~ Bonaire Island ~ Celebrate Christmas and New Year with Santo Domingo ~ Montego Bay Fares in the Caribbean with A pot-pourri of islands, each idyllic, each exotic and each unique! Christmas in the Caribbean promises legacies of colonial history, stunning landscapes of simply breathtaking beauty, dramatic nature, vibrant culture, and magical underwater worlds. Why choose this cruise? • Opportunity to fly over Canaima National Park and enjoy the aerial view of spectacular Angel Falls • Leisurely cruise around St Lucia with its legendary pitons • Tobago – perhaps the last of the ‘Virgin Caribbean’ • Caracas – the Venezuelan capital in the most magnificent of settings • Montserrat – an island showcase of volcanic nature • Marvellous coral and marine life around Bonaire

Details of the Mr Bridge programme can be found on page 18.

MONTEGO BAY SANTO DOMINGO YOUR VOYAGE INCLUDES

• A comprehensive bridge MONTSERRAT programme hosted by the GUADELOUPE Mr Bridge team • All meals, entertainment and gratuities on board

ST LUCIA • Comprehensive lecture and guest

BONAIRE BARBADOS speaker programme ISLAND • Captain’s cocktail parties and CURACAO GRENADA MARGARITA gala dinners ISLAND • Flights included LA GUAIRA TOBAGO

Discovery club members save an aDDitional 5% 01483 489961 for brochures and bookings www.bridgecruises.co.uk

Fare shown is per person based on an inside Guarantee cabin where a cabin number is not given at time of booking. This includes all applicable discounts and may not be combined with any other offer; Discovery Club discount is applicable and will be deducted at time of booking. Mr Bridge exclusive fares are up to £150pp off outside cabins, up to £100pp off inside cabins and up to £50 off Guarantee fares. All fares are correct at time of print, are subject to availability and may be changed or withdrawn at any time. Only bookings made directly with Mr Bridge can be are eligible to be part of the Mr Bridge Group. Terms and conditions apply. See brochure or website for full terms & conditions. Voyages of Discovery is a trading name of All Leisure Holidays Ltd.

VOD_BR117_ Caribbean Gems_A4.indd 1 29/08/2012 16:29:44 FEATURES ADVERTISEMENTS 5 Mr Bridge 2 Christmas in the Mr Bridge BRIDGE 9 Our Party Night Caribbean on Voyager AT THE by Colin Payne 3 Tunisia 2012/3 Ryden Grange ROYAL KENZ 10 The A to Z of 4 Passage to Oman Knaphill, Surrey Bridge: N & O aboard Minerva TUNISIA GU21 2TH by Julian Pottage 7 Mail Order Form ( 01483 489961 Two-week 14 The Diaries of 7 Cut-out Form e-mail: Wendy Wensum half-board 8 Cruise to the [email protected] 15 Rules for Dummy Caribbean duplicate website: by David Stevenson aboard Voyager bridge holiday www.mrbridge.co.uk 16 Scottish Seniors Win 9 Christmas 2012 Bronze in Dublin and New Year 2013 Publisher and by Liz McGowan 14 Stamps Managing Editor 17 Miracles of Card Play Mr Bridge reviewed 15 Voyages to Antiquity by David Huggett Cruise to Burma Associate Editors 18 Voyages of Discovery Bernard Magee 21 Bidding Quiz by Bernard Magee Voyager 2013 Cruises Julian Pottage 22 Bidding Quiz Answers 20 Bridge Events Technical Consultant by Bernard Magee with Bernard Magee Tony Gordon 23 Defence Quiz 21 S R Bridge Tables by Julian Pottage 21 Bridge Tie Proof Readers 24 Defence Quiz Answers Tony & Jan Richards 22 Mr Bridge by Julian Pottage Playing Cards Danny Roth 25 Declarer Play Quiz Richard Wheen 23 Mr Bridge by David Huggett Just Bridge Events Hugh Williams 4-18 November 2012 26 Declarer Play Answers 25 Charity Bridge Events by David Huggett Golf available Office Manager 26 Begin Bridge, Acol Tony and Jan Richards Jane Cavell 27 Lead Quiz Version with £769* by Andrew Kambites Bernard Magee Events & Cruises 28 Lead Quiz Answers ( 01483 489961 27 Mr Bridge Tutorial 24 Feb – 10 March 2013 by Andrew Kambites Bridge Breaks Golf available Rosie Baker 29 Julian Pottage Bernard Magee Jessica Galt 30 Global Travel Answers Your Questions Insurance and his team Rachel Everett 33 Doubled and Venerable 35 Bridge Event £799* Megan Riccio reviewed Booking Form *per person half-board sharing Sophie Pierrepont by David Huggett a twin-bedded room and is 36 Bernard Magee at inclusive of bridge fees. Single Clubs & Charities 37 David Stevenson Haslemere 2011/2012 supplement £6 per night. Answers Your Questions These prices are based on air Maggie Axtell 38 Duplicate Bridge travel from Heathrow to Tunis. [email protected] 40 Catching Up Rules Simplified Flights from other UK airports by Sally Brock are available at a supplement. 44 Stamps Prices for seven-night stays are Address Changes 41 Seven Days available on application. 45 Club Plugs Pay £70 per fortnight per person Elizabeth Bryan by Sally Brock extra and have a pool-facing 45 2013 Diaries room, tea & coffee making ( 01483 485342 43 Readers’ Letters facilities, bath robe and a bowl of Standard and Luxury seasonal fruit. [email protected] 46 Beryl Hutchinson 46 Bernard Magee’s These holidays have been organised 47 Julian Pottage says for by Tunisia First Limited, All correspondence should Tips for Better Bridge Mr Bridge A Double then a New ATOL 5933, working in association be addressed to Mr Bridge. 48 Tutorial Software with Thomas Cook Tour Suit Shows a Good Operations Limited, ATOL 1179. Please make sure that all Hand 48 QPlus Offer letters, e-mails and faxes carry full postal addresses The views expressed in this publication are not DETAILS & BOOKINGS and telephone numbers. necessarily those of the publisher or its Managing Editor. ( 01483 489961

Page 3 Godafoss Falls, Iceland Dubai Creek

Minerva

Exceptional value cruising aboard Minerva Mosque, Dubai At Swan Hellenic we will always go further and delve that bit deeper. our on board Guest Speakers and inclusive excursions ashore take you behind civilisations both ancient and modern, with fascinating results. You will travel in country-house style with around 350 other like-minded passengers. Choose to dine in the restaurant of your choice and in the company of your friends and you will still be assured of exceptional value for money, including a comprehensive programme of shore excursions and all tips on board and ashore. Travel with a truly great British company, established in 1954, and enjoy an experience that will live with you forever. Join Mr & Mrs Bridge to participate in the truly wonderful ‘Swan’ experience. We have enhanced the standard Minerva bridge programme to complement the on board entertainment during the numerous sea days making for a wonderful bridge cruise. On this sailing there will be duplicate sessions every evening with seminars and afternoon bridge on days at sea. there is no bridge supplement as, like most of the excursions, it is included in the price. Additionally, as there is no single supplement, there will be a number of singles travelling and they will always be found a partner for a game. PASSAGE To oMAN PASSAGE To oMAN no single 15 DAYS DEPARTING 21 NoVEMBER 2012 Safaga Egypt 15 DAYS DEPARTING 21 NoVEMBER To 5 DECEMBER 2012 CAt 12 Inside GtY £1,695pp (20% Single Supp.) Khasab supplement CAt 8 Outside GtY £2,195pp (30% Single Supp.) Inside £1,750pp (Category N), Outside £2,225pp (Category I) Dubai After experiencing the beautiful countryside of Dublin and remote St Kilda, explore the UAE No single supplement – exclusive to Mr Bridge Muscat Norse world and hear about the sagas, volcanic landscapes and islands. Discover Iceland’s Discover Arab and nomadic culture as you follow ancient trade routes from Egypt capital Reykjavik, geysers and waterfalls, whale watch and discover active volcanic down through the Red Sea and around the Arabian peninsula to Oman and Dubai. landscapes and islands. Salalah On an inclusive full day excursion to Luxor including lunch on the banks of the FREE complimentary pre and post cruise coach transfers from London Victoria Coach Station, Nile, explore the treasures of Ancient Egypt. Discover traditional merchant houses, Southampton Airport, Bournemouth and Poole Railway Stations. Reduced rates on pre-cruise hotel stay archaeological sites, atmospheric souks, ancient frankincense trade routes and ports, and parking also available, see page 21 of the March 2011 to May 2012 Swan brochure for further details. palaces and mosques and – as a complete contrast – the 21st century city of Dubai. Djibouti

Fares shown are per person and include 14 nights accommodation on board Minerva, meals, shore excursions, gratuities and departure flights from Gatwick with arrival in Heathrow, transfers available on request. Fares shown are Saver Fares – cabin number will not be allocated at time of booking. Full payment required at the time of booking. 100% cancellation charges apply. Not combinable with any other offer or discount and no further loyalty discount. Other categories and fares are available. Prices correct at time of going to print but are subject to change. Offers apply to new bookings only, are capacity controlled, subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Fares shown include all applicable discounts and are not combinable with any other offer. Booking terms and conditions apply. Travel insurance not included. Swan Hellenic is a trading name of All Leisure Holidays Limited ABTA W0392 ATOL 3897. Only bookings made directly with Mr Bridge guarantee participation in the onboard Mr Bridge programme, subject to availability. To book or request a brochure call 01483 489 961 When calling please quote MRBS12 www.bridgecruises.co.uk

SH_BR117_swanad 1 cruise_A4.indd 1 30/08/2012 10:17:53 MINERVA REFURB not good enough. So, if you saver fare deal including And the Scottish Seniors want bridge, do mention no single supplement with have: see report on page 16 that you do, better still single fares from £1,550 for by Liz McGowan. The first make your booking 17 days sailing from of the Celtic Sims will take through my office. 18th November. place from Monday 3rd After all, that’s our job. December to Thursday 6th It is something to look December and Green/Red forward to, which I now points awarded. Enter GOOD NEWS find myself doing, more through [email protected] Going forward, I have been and more, as I get older. asked to promote and travel COVER STORY Having recently been with a full-blown exclusive MISSED Mr Bridge party on board invited to look over Swan A significant number of Minerva later this year – Hellenic’s Minerva at readers have told me how see the adjacent advert. anchor in Portsmouth much they have missed the Lots of days at sea means Harbour, I thought you prize quiz. I like to avoid lots of bridge for everyone, might like to hear about my disappointing anybody especially for beginners. visit. Both the port and ship where possible, so write exceeded my expectations, Those wanting to learn this and tell me how you would proving that a combination wonderful game will be open the bidding, holding of imagination and lots of sent the interactive CD, the following hand, playing money really can work. Begin Bridge, at the time of Acol (12-14 no-trump). The newly built Portsmouth making their booking so Cruise Terminal is light, that all the basics are ♠ A K 9 7 airy and has lots of parking. covered before the cruise ♥ Q J 4 The city planners should be starts. Then, once onboard, ♦ J 5 2 it is only a matter of congratulated. As for the ♣ K 8 7 Having had so much to practice. If you have a ship, what an improvement. tell you about Minerva, friend who’s always wanted Gone is most of the old- the cover story of this to learn, this is their fashioned junk that Answers with your name, issue is the Christmas chance. And with a cluttered its lounges and address and telephone and New Year cruise on no single supplement corridors. She has now number before 13 October. board Voyager. blossomed into that rare saver fare deal on selected Those of you who have thing, a small ship with a inside/outside cabins, this QPLUS spacious feel. A number of is their chance of a lifetime. waited for a replacement for This program is still the the good old ship Discovery cabins have been upgraded In addition to learning to best one for Acol players. have been very patient and to include balconies. Bridge play bridge there are some Those of you with this December finds Voyager players will be delighted really interesting tourist wonderful software should sailing the blue Caribbean. that the regular card room attractions included. has been retained. The try the following bridge For details, see page 2. hands that I have come On page 8, details of the chair covers, carpets and ... AND 2013 drapes have been renewed, across whilst playing in the inaugural voyage from with much love and care If this cruise on Minerva is past few weeks: Portsmouth can be found. lavished on the choice of at too short notice, Mrs 8087/05, 7363/07, 7414/16 colours and materials. Bridge and I will again be and 0722 numbers 01 to 06. DON’T BIN IT on this lovely refurbished It is a great shame that due Do let me know what you There is an insert ship, sailing from Tenerife to apparent lack of support, think and when writing or introducing Voyager and to Barbados, all around the my provision of bridge phoning, let me know of its inaugural programme mouth of the Orinoco on hosts on all Minerva any interesting hands. included with this the north-eastern coast of sailings looks like finishing magazine. There is up to South America. Lots of at the end of this year. CELTIC SIMS £150 off some of these days at sea means lots and voyages if booked before 30 Many of you introduce lots of bridge. The itinerary There is a chance of holding September, so it’s at least yourselves once on board, includes places I certainly a heat at bridge clubs worth giving it a glance. having booked as the result have never been to before. throughout the UK to raise of seeing adverts in this Register your interest now, funds to help with the costs The bridge club on Voyager magazine and/or Bridge asking for a brochure to be of sending Scottish, Welsh is at the top of the ship with Weekly. As far as the ship’s sent right away. I suspect and Northern Irish teams wonderful views and has up owners and management this cruise could turn out to world championships, if to nineteen tables. You are concerned that is just to be a quick sell as I have a and when they qualify. won’t be disappointed.

Page 5 SAD NEWS WARNING CLUB INSURANCE A ROUND TUIT Beryl Hutchinson, a regular If you would like my Now that members, asked member of my weekend weekly emag, do provide to leave by their club, have and onboard ship team, your email address. As it is started suing the club has died after a short paid for by advertising, you committee for damages illness, see page 46. May will receive some bridge arising from the alleged she rest in peace. related adverts. Likewise, infringement of their this publication is paid for human rights and/or MAEVE BINCHY by advertisers. When psychological damage, not responding, do say you saw being insured is as daft as Sadly, this lovely lady has it in BRIDGE or heard these claims. £60 per year recently died. I will find about it from Mr Bridge. to cover a club of up to 100 space to tell you how she Several of our services are members is a small price to has helped both me and the being discontinued from pay for peace of mind. Still published as a tea game of bridge in the next apparent lack of support, Ring Moore Stephens on towel. issue. May she, too, in particular the ( 020 7515 5270. rest in peace. continuous bridge host £6.96 including p&p. provision on Minerva. CHELTENHAM Art Screen Print NEW BABY ( Once again, Donald Russell 01287 637527. are supporting BRIDGE. If their ad offends you, you SECONDS know what to do*. I have a stock of slightly Meanwhile, others say unsaleable copies of thanks for helping to keep Duplicate Bridge Rules this publication going. Simplified. Send in three second class stamps per Bernard Magee will be copy or £1.70 by phone speaking at this festival on I promised news of using a credit card or pay Monday 8 October. Those the latest office baby. by PayPal using the link on wishing to hear him live Office manager, Catrina our online shop. should grab the Shackleton, was safely opportunity. The delivered of a son on Cheltenham Literature ELSTEAD HOTEL 14 August. Felix James Festival has grown over the Bournemouth BH1 3QP weighed-in at 7lb 6oz. EXTENSION twelve years since its Mother and son are well, 9 – 11 November inception. The organisers as is proud father Mark. The last push to promote 16 – 18 November second-hand QPlus has are widening its scope and Just Duplicate yielded over a £1,000 have chosen to include EITHER/OR Full Board £169pp pounds for Little Voice, the bridge. Hooray. No single supplement Tutorials or Just Duplicate charity with a school house at The Chatsworth Hotel, in Adis Ababa, Ethiopia. CLUB QUIZ Day Guests: two days Worthing. £169 per person. Offer now open until bridge, lunch and dinner, If your club would like to 31 October. £125 per person. Payment 16 – 18 November have a Bernard Magee quiz should be made in full at Finding Slams Q Plus 7 donation £10. for your Christmas party the time of booking. Crombie McNeil Q Plus 8 donation £16. just send in your name and 30 – 2 December Q Plus 9 donation £25. club details by snail mail or email and your quiz will be better bridge End Play and Avoidance For multiple orders, readers with Ned Paul can make a sensibly sent to you by the first week reduced pro-rata donation. of November. Just be sure bernard magee Full support team with Send me your cheque for to include your club’s name supervised play for those The first CD is now ready. the disk of your choice. and your own full details, who want it. Just Duplicate It is based on the topics Please make your cheques including email address for those who prefer just covered in the six lectures payable to L.U.C.I.A Little and telephone number. duplicate. £169 per person. given by Bernard at Voice and send me two 2nd No single supplement. Haslemere last year. This is class stamps to cover the ardington 2012 Payment in full at time of Bernard Magee at his best. cost of posting it to you. booking. Debit cards or More rooms are now A must have. Thank you. cheques preferred. Strictly available at this hotel for subject to availability. *Shut your eyes and turnover. single occupancy. Mr Bridge

Page 6 ✄ ✄

If you have not Mr Bridge MAIL ORDER contacted us recently, please enter your PLAY SOFTWARE TUTORIAL DVDs details in the box QPlus 10 £86.00...... Haslemere 2011 below to re-register: QPlus 10 - Trade-in £35.00...... 1 Ruffing for Extra Tricks £25.00...... Bridge Baron 2 Competitive Auctions £25.00...... Name (Mr, Mrs, Miss) Mac compatible £63.00...... 3 Making the Bridge Baron – Trade-in £36.00...... Most of High Cards £25.00...... 4 Identifying & Address ...... TUTORIAL SOFTWARE Bidding Slams £25.00...... Begin Bridge 5 Play & Defence of ...... £66.00 Acol Version ...... 1NT Contracts £25.00...... £66.00 ...... Acol Bidding ...... 6 Doubling & Defence Advanced Acol Bidding £96.00...... to Doubled Contracts £25.00...... Postcode ...... Declarer Play £76.00...... All 6 DVDs as a boxed set £100.00...... Advanced Haslemere 2012 Telephone ...... Declarer Play £81.00...... 7 Leads £25.00...... E-mail ...... £76.00 Defence ...... 8 Losing Trick Count £25.00...... Five-Card Majors 9 Making a Plan £89.00 with Strong No-Trump ...... as Declarer £25.00...... Please send BRIDGE Better Bridge with 10 Responding to 1NT £25.00...... to the following Bernard Magee 11 Signals & Discards £25.00...... enthusiasts: Haslemere 2011 £69.00...... 12 Endplays £25.00...... Better Bridge with Bernard Magee In course All 6 DVDs as a boxed set £100.00...... Name (Mr, Mrs, Miss) Haslemere 2012 of preparation MR BRIDGE TIE £15.00...... SOFTWARE BUNDLE OFFER BONE CHINA MUGS Address ...... Any two software pieces £120.00...... Bidding Sequence £15.00...... BOOKS It’s Only a Game £15.00...... Duplicate Bridge Mystery Man £15.00...... Rules Simplified £5.95...... BRIDGE PLAYERS’ DIARIES Postcode ...... Better Hand Evaluation £14.00...... Standard: Red ..... Navy ..... Telephone ...... Bernard Magee’s Tan ..... Black ..... Ivory ..... Bridge Quiz Book £14.00...... Green ..... Burgundy ..... £6.95...... E-mail ...... Bernard Magee’s Luxury Kidrell Covers & ball-point pen Quiz and Puzzle Book £14.00...... Ruby Red ..... Navy Blue ..... Tips for Better Bridge £14.00...... Green ..... £14.95...... Name (Mr, Mrs, Miss)

Prices are inclusive of VAT and postage to UK mainland...... I enclose a cheque for £...... Address ......

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Please complete all or Expiry: ...... CVV ...... Issue No...... part of this form and (CVV is the last 3 numbers on the signature strip) return to: Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Make your cheque payable to Mr Bridge and send to: Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH Surrey, GU21 2TH. ( 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop ✄ ✄

Page 7 Sail to the Caribbean on board Voyager this Winter

Voyage to the Caribbean Departing 4 – 21 December 2012 – 18 days On board mv Voyager from £999pp From Portsmouth ~ La Coruña ~ Funchal ~ St Kitts ~ Antigua ~ Martinique ~ Barbados (overnight) £999pp

The ‘Crystal City’ and ‘Pearl of the Atlantic’ are the gems at the forefront of Voyager’s journey taking you across the ocean to where the dazzling blue skies and stunning azure waters of the Caribbean promise four glittering island treasures. St Kitts – once the Mother Colony of the West Indies, Antigua – a showcase of colonial architecture, Martinique – a little piece of France in the Caribbean and Barbados – the Caribbean’s own ‘Little England’. Why choose this cruise? • Medieval Santiago de Compostela • Madeira – the ‘Floating Garden of the Atlantic’ • Glorious landscapes of Martinique • Historic Sugar Train ride on the beautiful island of St Kitts • Fascinating history on the island of Antigua

Details of the Mr Bridge programme can be found on page 18.

PORTSMOUTH YOUR VOYAGE INCLUDES

• A comprehensive bridge

ST KITTS programme hosted by the Mr Bridge team ANTIGUA LA CORUÑA • All meals, entertainment and gratuities on board MARTINIQUE • Comprehensive lecture and guest

BARBADOS speaker programme • Captain’s cocktail parties and gala dinners • Return flight included

FUNCHAL Discovery club members save an aDDitional 5% 01483 489961 for brochures and bookings www.bridgecruises.co.uk

Fare shown is based on two people sharing a twin bedded Guarantee cabin; cabin number will be allocated at time of embarkation. Fare is correct at time of going to print and includes all applicable discounts and is subject to change at any time. Only bookings made directly with Mr Bridge are eligible to be part of the Mr Bridge Group. Discovery Club Discount is combinable and will be applied at time of booking. Please note that Mr & Mrs Bridge will only be travelling on part of this cruise. For full terms and conditions please see the main brochure. Voyages of Discovery is a trading name of All Leisure Holidays Ltd.

VOD_BR117_Voyage to the Caribbean.indd 1 29/08/2012 16:30:32 Party Bridge Mr Bridge Christmas Our Party Night & New Year by Colin Payne 2012/13

rom the start, everyone is banned from playing with their regular partner. We have a Duplicate Bridge series of half-hour sessions, playing a variety of games based on bridge. We choose Ffrom some of the games below. We have a break halfway through for drinks and a buffet. Prizes are slightly arbitrary; probably top lady and gentleman; others maybe ‘closest to Denham Grove zero’ or closest to a score determined at the end of the evening by drawing a card (card value Near Uxbridge, UB9 5DU x 100; black is plus; red minus). We try to avoid members playing for a predetermined prize.

1 Rubber Bridge at 200 per trick. Reward for Self explanatory. making the contract; 300. Set timer for 25 minutes, with no dealing after the bell. 7 A small prize for last person making a trick with a two 2 Chicago when the bell goes. Play 4 hands, normal vulnerability, each hand scored as duplicate. 8 All or Nothing 24-27 Dec £455 Shuffle and deal as normal. Just Bridge – Jo Walch 3 Goulash Play 4 hands. Trump suit is (with a small separate section Deal 2 sets of 5 cards and 1 set of 3 predetermined; First hand clubs; for rubber / Chicago cards to each player. then diamonds, hearts and spades. Diana Holland) Bid. Dealer is declarer and may opt Play all contracts worth game or which to make all 13 tricks or no tricks. 27-29 Dec £215 would convert an existing partscore to Scoring is from the following table: Game Tries – Gary Conrad game, also any doubled or redoubled contracts. ‘All’ Tricks ‘Zero’ 29 Dec – 1 Jan £445 Otherwise, score 1 trick less than bid attempted made attempted Finding Slams (1 level bids = 0). -1050 0 +1400 Gary Conrad Then stack and cut the cards -750 1 +1050 without shuffling before redealing. -500 2 +750 Note: After a played hand, -300 3 +500 The Olde Barn shuffling is at the dealer’s discretion. -150 4 +300 Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT Set time to 25 minutes. -50 5 +150 No dealing after the bell. 0 6 +50 +50 7 0 4 Irish Roulette, +150 8 -50 Chicago Scoring +300 9 -150 Shuffle and deal as normal. +500 10 -300 Play 4 hands. +750 11 -500 Each player in turn is declarer. +1050 12 -750 Contracts are predetermined by the +1400 13 -1050 organiser (game contracts work best). 24-27 Dec £455 Suggested scoring system: Note: Defenders score the reciprocal successful contract, of declarer’s score (e.g. Declarer Just Bridge 500 + contract value +300; defenders -300). 27-29 Dec £215 + 100 per overtrick. Doubles – Patrick Dunham Unsuccessful contract, 9 Gamblers’ Delight 100 per undertrick. Deal as normal. 29 Dec – 1 Jan £445 Play 4 hands. Losing Trick Count 5 Pass the Parcel, Each hand dealer decides contract with Rubber Bridge Scoring no bidding (level and denomination). Patrick Dunham Shuffle and deal as normal. Scoring: Each player passes 4 cards of the same For contracts bid and made. ( 01483 489961 suit to the player on their left. [email protected] Bid and play the hand. 1 level 100 www.holidaybridge.com Set time to 25 minutes. 2 level 300 No dealing after the bell. 3 level 600 Booking form on page 35 4 level 1000 Please call if you would like 6 Bid as normal, but overtricks are Overtricks 50 each a sample copy of the programme penalised as well as undertricks Undertricks 100 each.

Page 9 A to Z of Bridge compiled by Julian Pottage

NEGATIVE INFERENCE response to an ace-asking 4♣ or 4NT, An inference about the lie of the cards a bid of the next step, provided it is not that you draw by considering why an the agreed trump suit, asks for kings. N opponent did not choose an alternative Other names for such an arrangement bid or play. For example: are Rolling Blackwood and Rolling Gerber. West North East South NATIONAL BRIDGE 1♣ Pass 1♥ Pass NIBU ORGANISATIONS (NBOs) 2♣ See Northern Ireland Bridge Union. Responsible for organised bridge within their countries and for The other players can infer that West NO BID submitting entries to the major does not have a four-card spade suit Term signifying ‘Pass’. Traditional international bridge competitions. since it would be normal to show the in Britain before the introduction of Devolution came to bridge in the UK suit in preference to rebidding the bidding boxes. in 2000, so the EBU, SBU, WBU and clubs. NIBU are now all NBOs. NO-TRUMPS NEGATIVE RESPONSE Highest-ranking denomination at NATURAL A response denying values, often bridge. A suit bid that guarantees some length after a strong artificial opening, e.g. In a no-trump contract, the highest in the suit named, or a no-trump bid a 2♦ response to an Acol 2♣ or a 1♦ card in the suit led wins the trick. The suggesting the hand is playable in no response to a Precision 1♣. It can trick scores are higher in no-trumps trumps. also be a response denying the hoped than other denominations, making for shape or card in response to an a no-trump game (3NT) the lowest NEGATIVE DOUBLE asking bid, e.g. a 2♦ reply to a Stayman game contract. A double after partner has opened enquiry. No-trump contracts tend to be the bidding and right-hand opponent profitable when the partnership has a intervenes with a suit call, to show NEUTRAL CARD stopper or two in each suit and lacks values and, usually, four cards in an A card played that gives no signal an eight-card or longer fit in one of the unbid major. or inference about the strength or majors. It is for takeout, not penalties. It also distribution of the suit. goes by the name of Sputnik double A middling card in a suit-preference NO-TRUMP FOR TAKEOUT because players first used it in 1957, the situation is one example of a neutral An old defence to weak three openings same year as the launch of the Russian card. whereby an overcall of 3NT serves as spacecraft, Sputnik. When the defenders know their own a takeout request allowing all other plan, they will play neutral cards to calls to be natural, including a penalty avoid giving unnecessary information double. ♠ 7 6 to declarer. ♥ K 10 7 4 NON-FORCING ♦ Q 9 5 NEUTRAL LEAD A bid that does not demand a ♣ A 8 5 3 Another term for a passive lead, i.e. continuation from partner. one that gives nothing away. Most game bids and limit bids are non-forcing. One-level opening bids, This hand is suitable for a negative NEW SUIT overcalls and pre-emptive bids of any double if partner opens one of a minor In the bidding, a suit the partnership sort are generally non-forcing. and RHO overcalls 1♠, or if partner has not shown before. In the play, a In this auction, all four first-round opens 1♠ and RHO overcalls two of a suit that has not been played before. bids are non-forcing: minor. At duplicate, negative doubles have NEXT STEP FOR KINGS West North East South become almost universal. An agreement whereby, after the 1♥ 1♠ 1NT 2♠

Page 10 A to Z of Bridge continued Responses adhere to the following To avoid two losers in the suit, you scale: start with a small card towards dummy. After winning with the king, you play 5♣ Fewer than 11/2 points small from both hands – there is no NON-FORCING SEQUENCE 5♦ 11/2 points (one ace and one point in playing up to the queen since Any sequence of bidding that is king, or three kings) East’s failure to capture the king marks not forcing, such as the following 5♥ 2 points (two aces, four kings, West with the ace. If you reverse the examples: or one ace and two kings) East-West hands, it would be necessary 5♠ 21/2 points (two aces and one to play initially from the North hand 1. 1♥-Pass-1♠-Pass-2♥ king, or one ace and three towards South’s Q-7-6-5; again, you 2. 1♥-Pass-1NT kings) would need to duck the second round. 3. 1♥-Pass-2♣-Pass-2♦-Pass-2♥ 5NT 3 points, etc 4. 1♥-Pass-2♣-Pass-2♦-Pass-3♦ ODD-EVEN DISCARDS NORTH A system of discards in which the NON-PLAYING CAPTAIN (NPC) One of the compass positions at the face value (odd/even) of the discard Most international teams of major bridge table. In duplicate, North may signal attitude or suit preference. bridge-playing countries appoint usually assumes the responsibility Odd cards encourage the suit captains who are not a playing member for scoring the table’s result and for discarded while even cards indicate of the team. The main responsibility is correctly placing boards on the table. suit preference between the other two to decide who plays in various stages suits. For instance, when discarding of the contest, at which tables they NORTHERN IRELAND on a spade lead, the ♥3 asks for a play and the tactics to follow. He or she BRIDGE UNION heart, the ♥8 asks for a diamond and also represents the team in discussions Regulatory body for duplicate bridge the ♥2 asks for a club. about playing conditions, protests and in Northern Ireland. appeals, and at social events, press ODD TRICK conferences, etc. NOTTINGHAM CLUB SYSTEM Each trick won by declarer in excess A simple English 1♣ system popular of the book. ‘One odd’ is one trick in NON-PROMISSORY STAYMAN in the Nottingham area. The system excess (i.e. declarer’s seventh trick). A variation on Stayman with standard uses an artificial ♣1 opening (16-21 replies by opener but which allows points) and five-card majors. OFFENCE responder to use Stayman on a 1. Any breach of the Law. balanced hand not containing a four- NUISANCE BID 2. Attacking mode in bidding or play. card major. If a 2NT response to 1NT A bid aiming to disrupt the opposition’s is conventional, responder has to auction. Any pre-emptive bid is a OFFSIDE find some other way to invite game nuisance bid. Overcalls made on weak If you finesse and it loses, you can say in no-trumps, one solution being to hands with little expectation of buying the missing card is ‘offside’. start with 2♣. Using non-promissory the contract are also nuisance bids. Stayman, after opener rebids ♥2 , responder rebids 2♠ if holding four A Q 10 spades; 2NT instead would deny four N spades. K 7 5 W E J 8 4 2 S

NON-VULNERABLE O 9 6 3 (NOT VULNERABLE) In rubber bridge, the condition of a side that has not yet won a game. At In this double finesse position, the duplicate, the board indicates whether OBLIGATORY FINESSE king is onside (under the queen) while you are non-vulnerable, sometimes The play of a small card on the second the jack is offside (over the ten). with a green band or the absence of a round of a suit in the hope that a red band. The bonuses for making a particular opponent will have to play OGUST game or a slam are lower when non- the master card. For example: Another name for Blue Club responses vulnerable, as are the penalties for to a 2NT enquiry over a weak opening. going down in a contract. Opener rebids as follows: K 4 3 2 NORMAN 4NT ♣ N 3 minimum, poor suit A slam convention in which one A 8 W E J 10 9 3♦ minimum, good suit S shows aces and kings with one bid. An 3♥ maximum, poor suit ace counts as one point and a king as Q 7 6 5 3♠ maximum, good suit a 1/2 point. 3NT A-K-Q-x-x-x in suit opened

Page 11 A to Z of Bridge continued suitable connection. You play against While it might be safe to do so if South other players sitting at their computers. holds Q-x or Q-J-x, often you will find Online bridge is popular for players the suit frozen and opening it up will who want to play at unsocial hours blow a trick. If South has J-x, x-x, J-x-x, OLYMPIAD or who, for whatever reason, cannot x-x-x, Q-x-x, Q-x-x-x or Q-J-x-x, it is A bridge event held every four years, attend a bridge club. better not to lead the suit. in the same years as the Olympics, in which countries from all over the ONSIDE OPENING BID world compete – now known as the If you take a finesse and it succeeds, The first call of the auction other than Mind Sports games. you can say the missing card is ‘onside’. pass. The generally accepted wisdom is that you need a hand a little better ONE-BID OPEN than average (e.g. 12+ HCP) to make a A bid at the one-level. 1. To make the first bid in the auction. one-level opening. This way, if partner 2. Teams or pairs competition has an average hand, your side can ONE CLUB SYSTEM where no restriction applies to the make a part-score, or if partner also A system of bidding that employs an contestants (sex, age, master point has opening bid strength, you can artificial bid of ♣1 as its strongest ranking, or other such-like thing). make game. opening. Usually the bid denotes a minimum of about 16 or 17 points. In OPEN HAND OPENING POINTS the UK, strong club systems were quite Dummy. A method of hand valuation by which popular in the early 1980s but are now you add your high card points to the relatively rare. Precision is the most OPEN PAIRS length of your two longest suits. common strong club system. A competition open to any pair, irrespective of membership, age, sex ONE OVER ONE RESPONSE or masterpoint ranking. In British ♠ A Q 8 7 5 ♠ A Q J 7 5 2 A sequence such as 1♣-1♠, where congresses, where entry to the main ♥ K J 7 3 ♥ A K 8 3 2 responder bids at the one-level. A one- event is restricted, it is customary for ♦ 7 4 ♦ 5 over-one response has a very wide an Open Pairs event to take place at ♣ 6 3 ♣ 4 range and (by an unpassed hand) is the same time. forcing for one round. Responder may have as few as 5 or 6 points or, with an OPEN ROOM The first hand has nineteen opening unsuitable hand type for a jump shift, Room where spectators can watch points (10 in high cards, 5 for the spade great strength. the players. At international or other length and 4 for the heart length). The important matches it is usual to have second hand has twenty-five (14 HCP, at least one room for this purpose. 6 spades and 5 hearts). ♠ K Q 8 5 2 ♠ K Q 8 5 2 ♥ 9 6 3 ♥ A K J 4 OPEN UP OPENING LEAD ♦ 8 5 ♦ A 4 To ‘open up’ a suit is to play the first The lead to the first trick, before the ♣ 7 5 2 ♣ K 3 cards in that suit. As a defender, you dummy appears. The opening lead is are more likely to open up new suits often the single most important play when you are playing an active defence on a deal. Before making the opening A one-over-one response of 1♠ is than when you are trying to defend lead, you should consider the bidding correct with either of the above hands passively. and your own hand. At duplicate, if partner opens one of either minor. Some suits are safer to open up having selected your lead, you should than are others. The riskiest suits to place it face down on the table. ONE-SUITER open up are those where you have an The best opening leads are those An unbalanced hand with one long honour ranking just above an honour that are both safe (unlikely to concede suit and no other biddable suit. Pre- held on your right. a trick) and attacking (likely to set up emptive openings and overcalls show tricks). A sequence such as K-Q-J-x is a one-suiter with a single bid. Bidding usually a good lead. A suit partner has a suit twice, particularly if the rebid K 9 5 bid is usually a good lead too. Against is with a jump, tends to show a one- N a no-trump contract, you usually lead suiter. W E A 10 6 2 from a long suit, aiming to set up long S cards as well as high-card winners. ONLINE BRIDGE When, as often happens, you do not A method of playing bridge using a have an ideal holding in any suit, you computer and an internet connection. Holding the ace over dummy’s king will need to weigh up from the auction You can play from home or from and the ten over the nine, East is and your hand, whether to prefer a wherever you have a laptop and unlikely to want to open up this suit. passive lead or an active lead.

Page 12 A to Z of Bridge continued It is most unlikely that spades is the 3. To find a good contract in which to best trump suit – East has shown a play; good six-card heart suit and (by not 4. To pave the way for a sacrifice, rebidding 2♠) has denied holding four which may be cheaper than letting If you can see that suits are breaking spades. Therefore, West’s 3♠ agrees the opponents play in their contract. badly for declarer and finesses are hearts and shows a spade control. Shape and suit quality are more likely to fail, you are more likely to go Depending upon the partnership important for an overcall than they passive. If the auction sounds confident style, the control may be first round are for an opening. Here, North could and your hand holds few surprises for (ace or void) or second round (king or hold a 9-count with ♣K-Q-10-x-x-x declarer, you are more likely to attack. singleton). West might hold: and an ace on the side, but should not A trump can be a good lead if you have hold a 5332 13-count with ♣A-J-x-x-x. a good holding in declarer’s second suit. Leads from unsupported honours, ♠ A J 4 OVERCALLER especially aces, tend to be risky. ♥ K 6 N The player who makes an overcall. W E ♦ 9 6 4 S OPENING LEADER ♣ A Q 10 8 4 OVERRUFF The player who makes the opening To ruff a trick that someone has lead, the one to the left of declarer. already ruffed, with a higher trump. OUT ON A LIMB Although usually it is a good idea to OPTIONAL DOUBLE Phrase used to describe a dangerous overruff when you get the chance, if A double suggesting all-round action such as bidding no-trumps you would have to play a very high strength and inviting partner to choose with no stopper in an opponent’s suit. trump to do so and you have a useful between bidding on and defending discard to make, it may be better not for penalties. At low levels, optional OVER to do so. If, instead, an opponent doubles are relatively rare; normally Term describing a player’s hand (or threatens to overruff, again it might be doubles are either definitely penalty or cards therein) with respect to his better to discard. definitely takeout. Optional doubles right-hand opponent, e.g. ‘Sitting tend to occur when the opponents over’. South is over East while honours have pre-empted to the game level. in West’s hand will be over South’s ♠ Q 9 5 2 honours. ♥ 9 6 3 West North East South ♦ A K 5 4♠ OVERBID ♣ 9 7 2 Dbl A call made on insufficient values. ♠ J 10 3 ♠ 8 For example, if partner opens 2NT ♥ 10 5 N ♥ A K Q 8 7 2 West North East South ♦ Q 8 7 4 W E ♦ J 9 2 showing 20-22 points and you raise to S 1♥ Dbl 4♥ 6NT with an average 10-point hand, ♣ J 8 5 3 ♣ 10 6 4 Dbl this is an overbid. ♠ A K 7 6 4 ♥ J 4 On each of these auctions, West’s OVERBIDDER ♦ 10 6 3 double is optional. A person who overbids. ♣ A K Q

ORANGE BOOK OVERBOARD Colloquial term for The Handbook To be at too high a level. South plays in 4♠ after East has bid of Directives and Conventions hearts. The defenders start with three Authorised by The Laws and Ethics OVERCALL rounds of hearts. If South ruffs the Committee of The English Bridge 1. The first bid by a member of the side third round of hearts low, West can Union. that did not open the bidding. play the ten (or jack) of spades to 2. To make a bid after an opponent has overruff. South does better to discard OUT-OF-THE-BLUE CUE BID opened the bidding. a diamond loser. Then, if East persists This is a cue bid made before the with a fourth heart and West ruffs partners have bid and raised a suit. It West North East South with an honour, dummy can play the implicitly agrees the suit partner has 1♦ 2♣ queen to overruff. just bid as trumps and shows a control in the suit of the cue bid. North’s 2♣ is an overcall and, in OVERTAKE bidding 2♣, North is overcalling. To play a higher card from one hand West North East South An overcall can serve many when already winning a trick. You 1♥ Pass purposes: often use this technique when a hand 2♣ Pass 3♥ Pass 1. To disrupt the opposing bidding; is devoid of entries and the suit is 3♠ 2. To suggest a lead; blocked. For example:

Page 13 A to Z of Bridge continued The Diaries of Wendy Wensum

♦ A Q J 6 5 4 Episode 9: A Grecian Jaunt N W E S ♦ K Part 2: Beware the Colossus

If dummy has no side entry, you overtake the king with he weather contin- North South the ace. This gives you ued fine and sunny, ♠ 7 5 3 2 Spouse Fay access to three tricks in and so Millie, Jus- ♥ K Q 6 2 2♣1 the suit and may allow you Ttin and I explored historic ♦ 8 4 4NT2 5♣3 to run the entire suit if it Rhodes, marvelling at the ♣ K J 2 5NT4 6♥5 divides evenly. wonderful culture and ar- ♠ Void N ♠ J 10 9 8 7NT End W E 1 chitecture of the classical ♥ J 9 5 S ♥ 10 8 7 4 3 Acol OVERTRICK civilisation that once was ♦ 10 9 6 5 2 ♦ 7 3 2Ace asking A trick in excess of the ancient Greece. ♣ Q 10 8 6 4 ♣ 9 7 30 or 4 aces number for which you have Meanwhile, Spouse re- ♠ A K Q 6 4 4King asking contracted. Overtricks do mained at the hotel at- ♥ A 52 kings not count towards game tending workshops on the ♦ A K Q J and, in rubber bridge, you noble game. ♣ A 5 3 When the spades refused score them above the line. Having experienced to break, Spouse took the For example, if you bid 4♠ competitive bridge for the successful club finesse to and make 13 tricks, you first time, he now sought As dealer, Millie opened make his contract with have made three overtricks, further victories. Like two clubs (Acol). With no three spades, three hearts, the difference between the most new converts to a opposition bidding, the four diamonds and three 13 you have made and the cause, a missionary zeal full scientific auction was: clubs, giving him and Fay 10 you contracted to make. engulfed him. a top and Bryn and me a At matchpoints, making The holiday was nearing North South bottom. overtricks can be a its end and, on the final Justin Millie On the plane journey particularly useful way to day, the main event was 2♣ home, Spouse was insuf- improve your score. the mixed pairs. Millie was 2NT 3♠ ferable. He explained first playing with Justin and I 4♠ 5♣ to Millie and then to me in OVERTRUMP with Bryn, now fully re- 6♣ 6♦ great detail the finer points Synonym for overruff. ■ covered from his alcoholic 6♥ 7♠ of outlandish conventions haze. End and complex techniques Thus, by default, Spouse learned from the bridge REDUCE formed a partnership with Seven spades seemed a tutorials. THE COST Fay, an equally enthusias- reasonable contract, but Later, I explained to Mil- OF YOUR tic newcomer and fellow drifted one off to the jack lie my plan of action, ‘Next POSTAGE tutee at the bridge seminar of trumps with the un- time, I’ll book him on a sessions. friendly break. As luck walking holiday in Crete Postage stamps for sale Their system card was would have it, Bryn and I and arrange a trek for him at 90% of face-value, all mint with full gum. heavily laden with conven- (sitting East-West) played up the Samarian Gorge.’ tions, partially memorised the same board against Millie looked surprised. Quotations for commercial quantities available on request. and definitely not fully Spouse and Fay. ‘Surely you mean down mastered. The bidding followed the gorge?’ she questioned, Values supplied in 100s, higher values available as well On this critical hand, a less than subtle route, ‘Up is a very difficult as 1st and 2nd class Millie and Justin were demonstrating that un- climb.’ (eg 2nd class: 100x40p+100x10p) playing North-South sophisticated approaches ‘Precisely,’ I replied with (/Fax 020 8422 4906 against pleasant but un- can sometimes prove vic- malicious and vengeful in- e-mail: clive.goff known opponents. torious. tent. @londonrugby.com

Page 14 Rules for Dummy by David Stevenson

hat should dummy hand. Sometimes declarer Thus, dummy can stop his establishing the revoke. He do during the names a card, for example partner if he is starting to can also tell declarer he has Wplay? A famous ‘Ace of clubs’, at which point call a card, or is removing put a trick the wrong way, English bridge player dummy says, ‘You are in a card from hand. but only before the start of reputedly said that the best your hand,’ then declarer What else do dummies the next trick. In addition, if place for dummy was away says, ‘Oh, sorry,’ and leads do wrong? One of the most one of the other three draw from the table buying the from the other hand. This annoying habits is to play a attention to an irregularity, next round of teas and is illegal for two different different card when declarer dummy can (and should) call coffees. While no doubt reasons. First, dummy must asks for a card and there for the director. If the director he was joking, there is an never draw attention to an are equals. If dummy has wants to know something, he element of truth in what he irregularity before anyone A-K-Q and declarer says, might ask dummy questions: said, because dummies love else, so, once declarer has ‘queen,’ dummy must play of course, dummy can to get involved. They act led (and calling for the the queen. It breaks people’s answer. When the play is over, like a nursemaid to partner, card is leading it), dummy concentration if dummy dummy can call attention to worrying on his behalf. Sadly, should stay quiet. Second, plays the ace and it is rude an irregularity, but only then, many of the things dummies the defenders must be given as well. Similarly, dummies so if he realises someone has do are illegal. When the the option of accepting the who reach for small cards led from the wrong hand or dummy has only winners lead from the wrong hand unasked, or even for a trump revoked, he can point it out left, some dummies feel the – and they never are. when they think declarer is then. He can also point things urge to say, ‘They are all Some people dispute this, ruffing in the dummy, are out about claims that have good.’ This is illegal: suppose saying, ‘Surely dummy is a menace. If declarer says, occurred since play ceases. partner had not realised. allowed to warn partner he ‘Play anything’, that is a The above is about the That is suggesting a play to is leading from the wrong choice for the defenders limit of what dummy can do. partner: the defenders should hand?’ True, he can warn to make, not dummy. Put the dummy down, keep call the director immediately. partner, but only if he What else is dummy quiet, warn partner against The most common failing manages to do so before it allowed to do? When doing things, check partner of dummies, which happens happens. Once the card is declarer has shown out of has not revoked, tell him he all the time in clubs and lesser played, it is too late – and hearts, he may say, ‘No has a trick the wrong way, events, is to tell declarer once a card is called for hearts, partner?’ In effect, point things out at the end of he has led from the wrong from dummy, it is too late. he is warning him against the hand and nothing more. 1376 Mr Bridge Strip ad Dec 5_Layout 1 03/09/2012 15:48 Page 1

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Page 15 Scottish Seniors Win Bronze in Dublin by Liz McGowan

cotland’s Seniors Team at the drew trumps ending in dummy and capped players, but he moved to 2012 European Championships casually led the four of hearts from the London from Glasgow in 1975. After (Willie Coyle, John Matheson, table. Who can blame East for rising Great Britain was split into three parts, SDerek Diamond, Victor Silverstone, with the queen? Partner might have he became English, though you would John Murdoch, Iain Sime and Captain led from J-3 and he was looking at two not think it to hear him talk. When Harry Smith) has done us proud, diamond tricks and hoped to come invited to play with Derek Diamond in winning Scotland’s first ever medal at to a club eventually. But the queen the Scottish Seniors Trials, he grasped this level. This qualifies Scotland for dropped partner’s ten and Willie the opportunity with enthusiasm. the World Championships in Bali next could lead the nine from dummy, ruff Derek is a very successful player who year and the SBU must soon embark away the king and discard his losing rises to the big occasion. As an untried on a fundraising campaign. club on the eight. partnership, they had some moments Willie Coyle, MBE (for of considerable interest. services to education) is There was a board where the quiet man of Scottish a Grand Slam could bridge but deservedly be made in diamonds, the most respected. In spades or no-trumps; partnership with Victor Derek and Victor played Silverstone he played a in 5♣-1 – but they were key role in Scotland’s not the only pair to play glory years in the 1960s in Exclusion Keycard and 70s when we broke Blackwood. A pair from England’s dominance of the winning English the Camrose with five Ladies team (I would winning series and two not dream of naming ties. He is our most capped player in names) duplicated their score. British Open teams and, with John Dealer South. E/W Game. Matheson, has spearheaded Scotland ♠ A 10 5 2 in senior events. John, a retired GP, is ♥ A 9 8 4 Dealer East. N/S Game. enjoying perhaps his most successful ♦ Q J ♠ K spell ever, challenging Victor ♣ A Q 10 ♥ A Q 6 4 Goldberg’s record 15 Scottish Cup ♠ Q 7 ♠ 4 ♦ A K J 8 4 2 wins. Since Scotland achieved separate ♥ J 10 N ♥ K Q 7 6 5 ♣ 10 6 W E status in 2000, he has played in every ♦ 9 8 5 4 S ♦ A K 7 2 ♠ A 7 ♠ Q J 10 8 6 4 3 possible international event in either ♣ 9 7 6 4 2 ♣ K J 3 ♥ K J 8 5 N ♥ 9 W E the Open or Senior team. Nothing ♠ K J 9 8 6 3 ♦ Q 3 S ♦ 10 9 dims John’s enthusiasm for discussing ♥ 3 2 ♣ J 9 8 5 2 ♣ A Q 4 bridge and, since retirement, he does ♦ 10 6 3 ♠ 9 5 2 that a lot. ♣ 8 5 ♥ 10 7 3 2 Willie Coyle was one of very few ♦ 7 6 5 to make 4♠ on this board from the ♣ K 7 3 match against Finland and the only West North East South one to score 880 after John Matheson’s Matheson Coyle pressure redouble. A club lead beats 2♠ West North East South 4♠ trivially, but the jack of hearts Pass 4♠ Dbl Pass Coyle Matheson looks more tempting. Willie won Pass Redbl End 3♠ Pass the ace – he did not want to give Pass Dbl Pass 4♥ West the opportunity to switch. He Victor Silverstone is one of our most End

Page 16 Scottish Seniors continued Miracles of Card Play This was a nice result that helped Scotland to a 20-10 by Terence Reese and David Bird win over silver medallists, Poland. The Polish East reviewed by David Huggett opened 4♠, passed round to Derek Diamond, who dou- £10.99 from The London Bridge Centre bled. There were four una- ( 020 7288 1305 www.bridgeshop.com voidable losers and declarer was not gifted with second sight, so North scored his his book was first Grace turns out to be the opposing pair bid to 5♣ singleton king of spades for published in 1982 best player of them all. and, sensing they were two down, 300 to Scotland. and introduced the After a short interval making a mockery of him John Matheson favours a Tunsuspecting bridge world in Africa, where two and his Order, he spoke. loose pre-empting style, but, to the delights of life in monks go to convert ‘Double,’ he said, noting in deference to his partner, the monastery of St. Titus. the Bozwambi tribe to that his voice had broken, he opened just 3♠. North This was ruled with a stern Acol and where we meet but, after the lead of the doubled for takeout and hand and a beady eye by its some more outrageous ten of hearts, declarer South bid 4♥. Willie led ace formidable Abbot, Hugo characters, we return to crossruffed to produce the and another spade, ruffed Yorke-Smith, whose main the monastery. following ending: in dummy. Victor Marko- interest seems to lie in the My favourite story of all wicz (South) tried ace, then garnering of master points has to be the last, which queen of hearts, hoping to and a good bridge repu- features the sorrowful ♠ Void pin a doubleton jack. Willie tation rather than more Brother Anthony who is ♥ Void won his king and stranded spiritual attainments. a member of the silent ♦ 10 5 declarer in dummy by lead- There is a wonderful Eustacian order and ♣ A 8 ing the queen of diamonds. cast list of players, some therefore, of necessity, ♠ Void ♠ Void ♥ 9 7 3 N ♥ Void Markowicz cashed a second good, some hopeless, but an over-cautious bidder. W E top diamond, then exited the strength of the writers (Bidding boxes were not ♦ 9 S ♦ Void with a heart, hoping that lies in their ability to make around in 1982 remember, ♣ Void ♣ K Q J 9 Willie would be endplayed these players seem real, as but, anyway, perhaps their ♠ Void to lead away from the ace of though you know them. use would be against the ♥ 5 2 clubs. No luck: Willie drew The book consists spirit of the thing.) ♦ Void trumps and led a club so that mainly of the bridge life of Playing East with the ♣ 10 6 John could make his remain- these monks, their weekly Abbot as his partner, this ing spades. Five down gave duplicates and forays into deal proved too much for Scotland a 13 IMP swing. national competition. Brother Anthony to bear: The hapless East had to The third pair, Iain Sime The Abbot is incensed ruff the diamond lead and John Murdoch, are when the EBU will not high and return another very active on the Scottish let him enter an all-male ♠ 8 high trump to the ace. bridge scene. John is one of team into the Hubert ♥ 8 6 A further diamond lead our most capped Camrose Phillips Bowl, making, as ♦ A 10 5 4 3 promoted declarer’s ten players, displaying a very he puts it, no allowance ♣ A 8 7 3 2 of trumps and the game flexible approach in dealing for their predicament. ♠ 9 7 5 2 ♠ K Q J 10 made. ♥ ♥ with the idiosyncrasies of They introduce a relative 10 9 7 4 3 N K J I suspect you either ♦ 9 7 6 2 W E ♦ K Q J several different partners. from a nearby convent to S love the authors’ sense of Iain has become a regular in complete the team who, ♣ Void ♣ K Q J 9 humour or hate it. the Camrose team with John according to the Abbot, ♠ A 6 4 3 I have been a fan ever Matheson. Like the rest of will cost the team about ♥ A Q 5 2 since these stories first us, they sweated through 100 points a board. Great ♦ 8 appeared and, although the final match against the stuff, but I have to wonder ♣ 10 6 5 4 I cannot pretend that the Netherlands, watching as whether that sort of non- hands will make you a the possible medals changed PC humour would get better bridge player, they colour from bronze to silver, past the censors these Forced by his vows to pass are likely to make you a then back to bronze on the days... and of course Sister throughout, he heard the happier one. very last board. ■

Page 17 introducing VOYAGER with SUMMER 2013

fter a period of refurbishment Artist’s impressions of Voyager after refurbishment A in October 2012, Voyages of Discovery’s new ship Voyager will offer 35 suites (30 with balconies), open seating dining, spacious decks and a dedicated bridge room.

She carries just 550 like-minded passengers in home from home comfort. Some of Voyager’s exceptional features will include her vast open deck space allowing for superb vantage points. BRITISH ISLES and the BALTIC VOYAGER CELTIC TREASURES Smart leather upholstery and wood CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW panelling in the library will offer the 29th APRIL – 14th MAY 2013 14th – 25th MAY 2013 25th MAY – 2nd JUNE 2013 perfect area to relax, and contemporary 16 days from £1,499pp 12 days from £1,319pp 9 days from £1,009pp furnishings and large windows in St Peter Port • Fowey the Veranda restaurant are ideal for Ostend • Kiel Canal Foynes • Killybegs Warnemünde • Helsinki Waterford • Dublin Portrush • Dublin • Cobh leisurely dining. St Petersburg • Tallinn Kirkwall • Invergordon St Peter Port Stockholm • Copenhagen Greenwich • Dover we are proud to announce that a Explorer Grill The Emerald Isle promises the royal horticultural a cluster of charming towns, Mr Bridge team will be on board all Follow in the footsteps of Vikings, knights, crusaders Society’s chelsea Flower historic cities and a wealth of Voyager sailings. during the course of and merchants around a sea Show takes centre stage breathtaking landscapes and where recent history is just on this cruise around the spectacular coastlines formed her refurbishment a dedicated spacious as intriguing. British isles in springtime. over many millenia. bridge room will be created. this will allow for spectacular views, giving bridge H ERITAGE of the THE LAND of the MEDITERRANEAN MEDLEY players the opportunity to thoroughly B RITISH ISLES Midnight Sun enjoy their on board bridge experience. 2nd – 11th JUNE 2013 11th – 25th JUNE 2013 12th – 26th SEPTEMBER 2013 the Mr Bridge ethic is to promote 10 days from £1,099pp 15 days from £1,719pp 15 days from £1,899pp

friendly competitive bridge. Your St Peter Port • Holyhead Bergen • Brønnøysund Marseille • Nice • Livorno bridge team will offer bridge every Liverpool • Belfast Tromsø • Honningsvåg Civitavecchia • Castellammare Oban • Port of Tyne Hammerfest • Leknes Di Stabia • Messina • Brindisi evening, there will also be morning Molde • Stavanger Ancona • Venice • Sibenik castles, cathedrals, palaces seminars and afternoon bridge sessions Hvar • Dubrovnik and historic landscapes – all As summer solstice while the ship is at sea to complement part of the rich heritage of an approaches explore the this voyage opens up island nation whose history north cape and the awe- fascinating chapters of history, the on board entertainment. You are covers thousands of years. inspiring scenery around visits cities reborn after conflict this cruise is in partnership norway’s beautiful coastline. and others frozen in time. able to partake as you wish. if you are with the national trust. a single bridge player rest assured that the Mr Bridge team will partner you ADRIATIC, AEGEAN and THE LEGENDARY IN THE FOOTSTEPS with other like-minded players. CORINTH CANAL BLACK SEA of ST PAUL Library dinner on board Voyager is open sitting, 26th SEPTEMBER – 8th OCTOBER 2013 8th OCTOBER – 21st OCTOBER 2013 21st OCTOBER – 2nd NOVEMBER 2013 which allows for greater flexibility. 13 days from £1,979pp 14 days from £1,999pp 13 days from £1,599pp

however, we have arranged that Mr Dubrovnik • Kotor Istanbul • Nesebur Istanbul • Canakkale Bridge clients can meet up with those in A SUPERB SHIP WITH FACILITIES TO MATCH Katakolon • Itea • Corinth Odessa • Sevastopol • Yalta Dikili • Kusadasi Canal • Piraeus • Mykonos Feodosiya • Novorossiysk Antalya • Patmos • Kavala similar circumstances and sit at tables • Three Restaurants providing a range of options including alfresco dining Volos • Dikili • Canakkale Sochi • Batumi • Trabzon Thessaloniki • Piraeus together. Being part of a group means istanbul • 30 Balcony Cabins • Two Lounges • Four Bars • Lecture Theatre As Voyager traces the Black Visit sacred destinations and that Mr Bridge passengers should never this fascinating voyage Sea’s legendary coastline the marvellous ruins of cities • Library • Pool with two hot tubs • Health and Fitness Centre takes in medieval walled the enthralling history of lined with the early history of feel they are alone. cities, monuments of ancient the region unfolds. Explore christianity. there is an • Beauty Salon • The Bridge Club • Medical Centre • Internet Centre greece and transits the legacies of the russian tsars option to visit the Holy Land if you have any questions, call the Mr remarkable corinth canal. and magnificent Istanbul. after your cruise. Bridge office on 01483 489961, and our friendly team will be happy to assist. Discovery club members save an aDDitional 5% 01483 489961 for brochures and bookings www.bridgecruises.co.uk

All fares shown are per person based on two people sharing lowest twin-bedded inside cabin category currently available, are for new bookings only, include all applicable discounts and cannot be combined with any other discounts, excluding Discovery Club discount for past passengers. Cabin number may not be allocated at the time of booking. All fares correct at time of print, are subject to availability and may be changed or withdrawn at any time. Terms and conditions apply. Only bookings made directly with Mr Bridge are eligible to be part of the Mr Bridge Group. See brochure or website for full terms & conditions. Voyages of Discovery is a trading name of All Leisure Holidays Ltd.

Voyager brochure spread.indd 1-2 30/08/2012 13:31:28 introducing VOYAGER with SUMMER 2013

fter a period of refurbishment Artist’s impressions of Voyager after refurbishment A in October 2012, Voyages of Discovery’s new ship Voyager will offer 35 suites (30 with balconies), open seating dining, spacious decks and a dedicated bridge room.

She carries just 550 like-minded passengers in home from home comfort. Some of Voyager’s exceptional features will include her vast open deck space allowing for superb vantage points. BRITISH ISLES and the BALTIC VOYAGER CELTIC TREASURES Smart leather upholstery and wood CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW panelling in the library will offer the 29th APRIL – 14th MAY 2013 14th – 25th MAY 2013 25th MAY – 2nd JUNE 2013 perfect area to relax, and contemporary 16 days from £1,499pp 12 days from £1,319pp 9 days from £1,009pp furnishings and large windows in St Peter Port • Fowey the Veranda restaurant are ideal for Ostend • Kiel Canal Foynes • Killybegs Warnemünde • Helsinki Waterford • Dublin Portrush • Dublin • Cobh leisurely dining. St Petersburg • Tallinn Kirkwall • Invergordon St Peter Port Stockholm • Copenhagen Greenwich • Dover we are proud to announce that a Explorer Grill The Emerald Isle promises the royal horticultural a cluster of charming towns, Mr Bridge team will be on board all Follow in the footsteps of Vikings, knights, crusaders Society’s chelsea Flower historic cities and a wealth of Voyager sailings. during the course of and merchants around a sea Show takes centre stage breathtaking landscapes and where recent history is just on this cruise around the spectacular coastlines formed her refurbishment a dedicated spacious as intriguing. British isles in springtime. over many millenia. bridge room will be created. this will allow for spectacular views, giving bridge H ERITAGE of the THE LAND of the MEDITERRANEAN MEDLEY players the opportunity to thoroughly B RITISH ISLES Midnight Sun enjoy their on board bridge experience. 2nd – 11th JUNE 2013 11th – 25th JUNE 2013 12th – 26th SEPTEMBER 2013 the Mr Bridge ethic is to promote 10 days from £1,099pp 15 days from £1,719pp 15 days from £1,899pp friendly competitive bridge. Your St Peter Port • Holyhead Bergen • Brønnøysund Marseille • Nice • Livorno bridge team will offer bridge every Liverpool • Belfast Tromsø • Honningsvåg Civitavecchia • Castellammare Oban • Port of Tyne Hammerfest • Leknes Di Stabia • Messina • Brindisi evening, there will also be morning Molde • Stavanger Ancona • Venice • Sibenik castles, cathedrals, palaces seminars and afternoon bridge sessions Hvar • Dubrovnik and historic landscapes – all As summer solstice while the ship is at sea to complement part of the rich heritage of an approaches explore the this voyage opens up island nation whose history north cape and the awe- fascinating chapters of history, the on board entertainment. You are covers thousands of years. inspiring scenery around visits cities reborn after conflict this cruise is in partnership norway’s beautiful coastline. and others frozen in time. able to partake as you wish. if you are with the national trust. a single bridge player rest assured that the Mr Bridge team will partner you ADRIATIC, AEGEAN and THE LEGENDARY IN THE FOOTSTEPS with other like-minded players. CORINTH CANAL BLACK SEA of ST PAUL Library dinner on board Voyager is open sitting, 26th SEPTEMBER – 8th OCTOBER 2013 8th OCTOBER – 21st OCTOBER 2013 21st OCTOBER – 2nd NOVEMBER 2013 which allows for greater flexibility. 13 days from £1,979pp 14 days from £1,999pp 13 days from £1,599pp however, we have arranged that Mr Dubrovnik • Kotor Istanbul • Nesebur Istanbul • Canakkale Bridge clients can meet up with those in A SUPERB SHIP WITH FACILITIES TO MATCH Katakolon • Itea • Corinth Odessa • Sevastopol • Yalta Dikili • Kusadasi Canal • Piraeus • Mykonos Feodosiya • Novorossiysk Antalya • Patmos • Kavala similar circumstances and sit at tables • Three Restaurants providing a range of options including alfresco dining Volos • Dikili • Canakkale Sochi • Batumi • Trabzon Thessaloniki • Piraeus together. Being part of a group means istanbul • 30 Balcony Cabins • Two Lounges • Four Bars • Lecture Theatre As Voyager traces the Black Visit sacred destinations and that Mr Bridge passengers should never this fascinating voyage Sea’s legendary coastline the marvellous ruins of cities • Library • Pool with two hot tubs • Health and Fitness Centre takes in medieval walled the enthralling history of lined with the early history of feel they are alone. cities, monuments of ancient the region unfolds. Explore christianity. there is an • Beauty Salon • The Bridge Club • Medical Centre • Internet Centre greece and transits the legacies of the russian tsars option to visit the Holy Land if you have any questions, call the Mr remarkable corinth canal. and magnificent Istanbul. after your cruise. Bridge office on 01483 489961, and our friendly team will be happy to assist. Discovery club members save an aDDitional 5% 01483 489961 for brochures and bookings www.bridgecruises.co.uk

All fares shown are per person based on two people sharing lowest twin-bedded inside cabin category currently available, are for new bookings only, include all applicable discounts and cannot be combined with any other discounts, excluding Discovery Club discount for past passengers. Cabin number may not be allocated at the time of booking. All fares correct at time of print, are subject to availability and may be changed or withdrawn at any time. Terms and conditions apply. Only bookings made directly with Mr Bridge are eligible to be part of the Mr Bridge Group. See brochure or website for full terms & conditions. Voyages of Discovery is a trading name of All Leisure Holidays Ltd.

Voyager brochure spread.indd 1-2 30/08/2012 13:31:28 PROGRAMME This is the format for 2012-2013 BRIDGE EVENTS all Bernard Magee hosted events. with Bernard Magee FRIDAY 1500 Mr Bridge 9 – 11 Inn on the Prom Welcome Desk open £245 Declarer Play Afternoon tea/coffee 1745 to 1830 Welcome drinks reception 1830 to 2000 DINNER 2015 BRIDGE 1 Chatsworth Hotel DUPLICATE PAIRS Worthing BN11 3DU

SATURDAY October 2012 26 –28 The Olde Barn Hotel 0800 to 0930 Blunsdon House Hotel Swindon SN26 7AS £245 Splinters and Cue Bids BREAKFAST 5 – 7 The Olde Barn Hotel 1000 to 1230 £245 Suit Establishment JUNE 2013 SEMINAR & 8 Cheltenham DECember 2012 7 –9 The Olde Barn Hotel SUPERVISED PLAY of SET HANDS Literature Festival 28 – 30 Chatsworth Hotel £245 Endplay and Avoidance £10 10.00-11.00 (tea & coffee at 1100) £245 Better Defence 14 – 16 Chatsworth Hotel Hand Evaluation 1230 to 1330 MARCH 2013 £245 Sacrificing COLD BUFFET £10 11.30-12.30 LUNCH Penalty Doubles 22-24 Queensferry Hotel JULY 2013 1400 to 1645 12 – 14 Blunsdon House Hotel £245 Leads and Defence 5 – 7 Blunsdon House Hotel BRIDGE 2 TEAMS of FOUR £245 Landy Defence to 1NT £245 Signals and Discards or FURTHER 12 – 14 Cheltenham Regency SUPERVISED PLAY 19 – 21 Chatsworth Hotel of SET HANDS £245 Signals and Discards £245 Thinking Defence 1815 to 2000 26 – 28 Cheltenham Regency October 2013 DINNER £245 Doubles 11 – 13 Blunsdon House Hotel 2015 BRIDGE 3 £245 Splinters and Cue Bids DUPLICATE PAIRS November 2012 2 – 4 Blunsdon House Hotel 18 – 20 Chatsworth Hotel SUNDAY £245 Squeezes £245 Playing & Defending 1NT Cheltenham Regency Hotel 0800 to 0930 Cheltenham GL51 0ST BREAKFAST 1000 to 1230 SEMINAR & APRIL 2013 SUPERVISED PLAY 5 – 7 Blunsdon House Hotel of SET HANDS (tea & coffee at 1100) £245 Losing Trick Count 1230 to 1400 12 – 14 Chatsworth Hotel CARVERY LUNCH £245 Declarer Play 1400 to 1645 BRIDGE 4 The Olde Barn Hotel 19 – 21 Inn on the Prom FURTHER Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT £245 Thinking Defence SUPERVISED PLAY of SET HANDS or DUPLICATE PAIRS Full Board – No Single Supplement. See booking form on page 35.

Page 20 Bernard Magee’s 2012-2013 BRIDGE EVENTS Bidding Quiz Bridge Tie You are West in the auctions below, playing £15 with Bernard Magee ‘Standard Acol’ with a weak no-trump (12-14 including points) and four-card majors. (Answers overleaf.) postage & packing

1. Dealer East. Game All. ♠ Q J 4 3 From ♥ 3 2 N ♦ 7 6 4 W E Mr Bridge ♣ Q 10 8 6 S Inn on the Prom St Annes-on-Sea FY8 1LU ( 01483 West North East South 489961 26 –28 The Olde Barn Hotel 2NT Pass £245 Splinters and Cue Bids ? www.mrbridge.co.uk JUNE 2013 7 –9 The Olde Barn Hotel 2. Dealer East. Love All. Order Form £245 Endplay and Avoidance ♠ K Q 3 on page 7 ♥ Q 7 6 N 14 – 16 Chatsworth Hotel ♦ Q 10 9 3 W E £245 Sacrificing ♣ Q 7 4 S JULY 2013 5 – 7 Blunsdon House Hotel West North East South 2♣1 Pass £245 Signals and Discards ? 12 – 14 Cheltenham Regency 1Acol, strong and artificial £245 Thinking Defence

October 2013 3. Dealer North. N/S Game. 11 – 13 Blunsdon House Hotel ♠ J 10 5 £245 Splinters and Cue Bids ♥ A 6 3 2 N NEW ♦ K 5 3 W E SEMINAR ♣ Q 9 8 18 – 20 Chatsworth Hotel S £245 Playing & Defending 1NT

West North East South Treat yourself to a beautiful Pass 1NT Pass ? hand-crafted bridge table. Made in France from specially selected beech our tables will grace any room. 4. Dealer East. Love All. ♠ A 9 6 4 Mahogany or cherry finish ♥ 5 Traditional green felt or luxury velour ♦ A 9 5 4 N playing surface. W E ♣ A 7 5 3 Folds flat. Patented Hinging Device Queensferry Hotel S FREE COLOUR North Queensferry KY11 1HP BROCHURE Three different models from £149 West North East South Phone 01483 750611 3♥ Pass www.bridge-tables.co.uk Full Board – No Single Supplement. See booking form on page 35. ? S R Designs, 1 Hook Hill Park, Woking, GU22 0PX

Page 21 Answers to Bernard Magee’s Bidding Quiz on page 21

West North East South did add anything for intermediates, you 1. Dealer East. Game All. 2♣1 Pass would take it off again for your ugly 4333 ♠ Q J 4 3 ♠ A K 8 6 ? 1 Acol, strong and artificial shape. No, it is certainly right to pass. ♥ 3 2 N ♥ A Q 5 In no-trumps, the defence start with W E ♦ 7 6 4 S ♦ 8 3 2NT. What are the responses to the diamonds; partner wins and knocks out ♣ Q 10 8 6 ♣ A K 9 7 artificial 2♣? 2♦ is weak while all other the ♠A; back comes another diamond. bids are natural and positive. There are seven tricks but no more: one You are not weak and have no particu- of the defenders started with five dia- West North East South lar suit to mention, so no-trumps is the monds, giving them six tricks – the ♠A, 2NT Pass best call, but at what level: 2NT or 3NT? the ♣A-K and three diamonds. ? Some might plump for 3NT because As you can see, it is lucky you did not 2NT might just show 8-10 points – the try 2NT or 2♣ (Stayman). Partner would 3♣. 2NT shows 20-22 points so, with snag is that it uses up too much space. probably have passed 2NT: even that five points, you should go for game: you Remember, partner might have a distri- would have been too high. will have 25-27 points between you. With butional hand when he opens 2♣ and he this hand, you would also like to explore might want to tell you about it. East will which game: a spade contract may play rebid 3♣ over 2NT, giving you plenty of 4. Dealer East. Love All. better if you have a fit. space to explore on your way to 6♣. ♠ A 9 6 4 ♠ 7 2 The solution is to bid Stayman. It is ♥ 5 N ♥ K J 10 8 7 6 4 W E the same as Stayman at the 2-level, just ♦ A 9 5 4 S ♦ 3 one level higher. Yes, this is a natural 3. Dealer North. N/S Game. ♣ A 7 5 3 ♣ K 9 2 extension of Acol, although some play ♠ J 10 5 ♠ K Q 7 6 Baron or five-card Stayman (again using ♥ A 6 3 2 N ♥ K 5 4 W E the 3♣ bid) – they all enable you to find ♦ K 5 3 ♦ A 6 West North East South S the 4-4 spade fit. ♣ Q 9 8 ♣ J 4 3 2 3♥ Pass 3♣ asks opener whether he has a four- ? card major; here, your partner would bid 3♠, which you would raise to 4♠. West North East South Pass. Partner has made a weak pre- This would make easily against Pass 1NT Pass emptive bid; all you have for him are reasonable breaks, whilst 3NT would fall ? three aces. With no great fit, you have no foul of a diamond lead unless the suit reason to alter the contract. divides 4-4. Pass. 1NT shows 12-14 points and you Pre-empts are designed to obstruct the hold 10 points. That makes a maximum opponents’ bidding. Every so often, they of 24 points – not enough for game. You affect your own side; the best solution is 2. Dealer East. Love All. have no five-card suit, so a no-trump simply to accept that the gains have to be ♠ K Q 3 ♠ A contract is likely to be best. tempered by a few losses. ♥ Q 7 6 N ♥ A K 5 4 Is there anything else to consider? Here, you suffer no adverse effect W E ♦ Q 10 9 3 S ♦ 7 Well, you have one ten and one nine, – 3♥ is the perfect resting place, while ♣ Q 7 4 ♣ A K J 10 9 8 6 which is merely average, so you should 4♥ would need a lot of luck to come not add on anything for that. Even if you home. ■

Mr Bridge Premium Quality Cards Standard Faces, with or without bar codes. Unboxed. 6 red / 6 blue £19.95 30 red / 30 blue only £60 Available from The London Bridge Centre. ( 020 7288 1305 www.bridgeshop.com

Page 22 DEFENCE JUST DUPLICATE with Mr Bridge QUIZ by Julian Pottage (Answers overleaf)

ou are East in the defensive positions below. It is your turn Yto play. Both sides are using Acol with a 12-14 1NT.

1. ♠ Q 6 3. ♠ K 8 6 2 ♥ K 5 ♥ J 10 8 4 Elstead Hotel, Bournemouth BH1 3QP ♦ J 10 8 7 4 2 ♦ K 7 ♣ A K 3 ♣ J 4 3 ♠ A 10 ♠ J 9 5 4 9-11 November 2012

N ♥ 10 7 4 3 N ♥ A Q 3 W E ♦ K 9 5 W E ♦ A 8 3 16-18 November 2012 S ♣ J 8 6 5 S ♣ Q 10 6 Please note there are no seminars or set hands at these events. West North East South West North East South 1♦ Pass 1♠ 1♥ Pass 2♦ Pass 3NT 3♦1 3♥ Pass 4♥ End End 1Weak

West leads the ♦Q. You West leads the ♥Q, won by win the ♦K with the ♦A and the ♥K. Declarer calls for return the suit. Declarer the ♦J. What do you do? ruffs, goes to dummy with a spade and calls for the ♥J. How do you defend?

2. ♠ Q J 9 6 4. ♠ K Q 6 ♥ K 10 5 3 ♥ J 10 3 Chatsworth Hotel, Worthing BN11 3DU ♦ 7 2 ♦ K 7 ♣ A K 3 ♣ J 10 8 4 3 ♠ K 7 3 ♠ J 9 5 4 16-18 November 2012 N ♥ A Q 7 N ♥ K 6 4 2 hosted by Crombie McNeil W E ♦ 10 9 8 5 4 W E ♦ A Q 3 S S ♣ 8 6 ♣ 7 6 30 Nov - 2 Dec 2012 hosted by Ned Paul West North East South West North East South 1NT 1♥ Pass 2♣ Pass 2♠ Pass 2♣ Pass 2NT £169 Full-board Pass 4♠ End Pass 3♥ Pass 4♥ End No Single Supplement West leads the ♦K. Declarer takes the ♦A, West leads the ♦J. You Payment in full at the time of booking. crosses to the ♣A and calls win the first two tricks with for the ♠Q. What do you your ♦A and ♦Q. How do do? you proceed? Please see booking form on page 35.

Page 23 Answers to Julian Pottage’s Defence Quiz on page 23

West North East South for the ♥J. How do you defend? 1. ♠ Q 6 1NT You have a three-way choice this time ♥ K 5 Pass 2♣ Pass 2♠ – duck, cover with the queen or win with ♦ J 10 8 7 4 2 Pass 4♠ End the ace. If you duck, you presume declar- ♣ A K 3 er will play low too and the lead will stay ♠ J 9 7 4 ♠ A 10 West leads the ♦K. Declarer takes the ♦A, in dummy. You will make only one trump ♥ Q J 9 6 N ♥ 10 7 4 3 crosses to the ♣A and calls for the ♠Q. trick. Playing the queen is even worse. W E ♦ ♦ Q 6 S K 9 5 What do you do? You do not even leave declarer the op- ♣ 9 7 4 ♣ J 8 6 5 This time, you have poorer spot cards tion of a losing guess (playing you for ♠ K 8 5 3 2 in the suit declarer is attacking. This time, A-x). Correct is to take your ace. Having ♥ A 8 2 declarer may hold the ten of spades done so, you want to keep the lead out ♦ A 3 and pick up the suit whatever you do. of dummy. You do not want to return a ♣ Q 10 2 Can you see why it is still a good idea to trump, giving a free finesse. Nor do you duck? You are really hoping that partner want to concede a ruff and discard or has the ten of spades. If you duck, de- play from your queen of clubs. Correct is West North East South clarer has a guess. If you started with K-x to exit with a spade. 1♦ Pass 1♠ and partner with 10-x-x, it would be right Pass 2♦ Pass 3NT to lead low next. On the actual layout, End when you began with K-x-x and partner with 10-x, the winning action is to con- 4. ♠ K Q 6 West leads the ♥Q won by the ♥K. tinue with the jack to pin the ten. Some ♥ J 10 3 Declarer calls for the ♦J. What do you of the time, declarer is bound to guess ♦ K 7 do? wrong. Of course, if you cover first time, ♣ J 10 8 4 3 The rule to cover the last of touching declarer has no guess – partner’s ten ♠ 10 8 3 2 ♠ J 9 5 4 honours works well here. If you cover pops up on the second round, resolving ♥ 8 N ♥ K 6 4 2 the first time, declarer wins with the ace the suit. ♦ J 10 9 6 2 W E ♦ A Q 3 S and plays back to the ten; up comes the ♣ A 9 5 ♣ 7 6 queen to leave the suit established. ♠ A 7 The way to make two tricks is to let ♥ A Q 9 7 5 partner win the first diamond, leaving 3. ♠ K 8 6 2 ♦ 8 5 4 your king-nine as a tenace over the ten. ♥ J 10 8 4 ♣ K Q 2 Ducking also gains if partner has the sin- ♦ K 7 gleton queen because you do not want ♣ J 4 3 to waste your king on the same trick as ♠ Q 10 3 ♠ J 9 5 4 West North East South partner’s queen. ♥ 6 N ♥ A Q 3 1♥ ♦ Q J 9 6 5 4 2 W E ♦ A 8 3 Pass 2♣ Pass 2NT S ♣ 9 5 ♣ Q 10 6 Pass 3♥ Pass 4♥ ♠ A 7 End 2. ♠ Q J 9 6 ♥ K 9 7 5 2 ♥ K 10 5 3 ♦ 10 West leads the ♦J. You win the first two ♦ 7 2 ♣ A K 8 7 2 tricks with your ♦A and ♦Q. How do you ♣ A K 3 proceed? ♠ 10 4 ♠ K 7 3 You should anticipate that declarer ♥ 8 6 4 N ♥ A Q 7 West North East South intends to finesse against your king of W E ♦ ♦ ♥ K Q J 6 S 10 9 8 5 4 1 hearts. How do you protect this card ♣ 9 7 5 4 ♣ 8 6 3♦1 3♥ Pass 4♥ from capture? Yes, you will duck the jack ♠ A 8 5 2 End 1Weak (and the ten). You must also reduce dum- ♥ J 9 2 my’s trump length to stop declarer from ♦ A 3 West leads the ♦Q. You win the ♦K with finessing on the third round. You should ♣ Q J 10 2 the ♦A and return the suit. Declarer ruffs, play a third diamond, forcing dummy to goes to dummy with a spade and calls ruff. ■

Page 24 CHARITY DECLARER BRIDGE EVENTS

PLAY OCTOBER 2012 OCTOBER continued 6 NSPCC 28 CHIGWELL RIDING TRUST FOR Bridge & Supper, Royal SPECIAL NEEDS St John the QUIZ British Legion, Sutton. £10. Baptist Church, Church Wendy Powell Lane, Loughton, IG10 1PD. ( 01353 664752 2.30pm. Tickets £10 per by David Huggett person to include a 16 CHRISTCHURCH & EAST sumptuous tea. (Answers overleaf) DORSET CONSERVATIVE Gerald ( 0208 508 7035 ASSOCIATION 7.00pm. ou are South as declarer playing teams or rubber bridge. West Parley Memorial 29 RNLI Bridge afternoon at Hall, Christchurch Road, Waltham Chase Village Hall In each case, what is your play strategy? Y West Parley. £26/table inc. (near Bishop’s Waltham). supper. 1.30pm for 2pm - 5pm. Maureen Anderson £40 a table including tea. ( 01202 894819 Sue Carpenter 1. ♠ K Q 9 3. ♠ A 4 [email protected] 20 FORCE Chicago bridge at ( 01489 893843 ♥ 7 6 3 ♥ 8 7 5 4 St John’s Ambulance Hall, ♦ J 7 5 ♦ K 7 5 Seaton. 2pm. £20 per table 31 THE ROTARY CLUB OF ♣ A Q 6 3 ♣ Q J 6 4 to include tea and cakes. BOLTON-LE-MOORS Frances Sell Bolton Golf Club, Chorley N N ( 01297 552721 New Road, BL6 4AJ. W E W E 1pm prompt. Tickets £8 20 RNLI S S (including afternoon tea and Cheltenham Bridge Club prizes). 10.30am–4pm. Lunch & Michael Cull ♠ A J 10 7 5 3 ♠ K Q 3 glass of wine. £15pp. ( 01204 842910 ♥ A 8 2 ♥ A 10 9 3 2 Margaret Beverley ( 01242 510193 ♦ 9 6 ♦ A 8 3 NOVEMBER 2012 ♣ J 2 ♣ K 2 24 NSPCC Chicago Bridge 2 WESSEX CANCER TRUST Lunch. £48 per table to SOUTHAMPTON GROUP include ploughman’s lunch Rubber bridge, Highfield with wine. Court Gardens Church Centre Highfield You are declarer in 4♠. You are declarer in 4♥ and Farm, Ditchling, East Lane, Southampton. 7pm West leads the ♦A-K and a West leads the ♠J. How do Sussex. 11 for 11:30am. for 7.15pm start. £6pp. ( 07860 736077 third diamond, which you you plan the play? Gwen Pearce ruff. How do you plan the 24 Marden House Centre ( 023 8023 6145 Bridge Drive at Marden play? 2 RNLI St Paul’s Church Hall, House, New Road, Calne, Pixmore Way, Letchworth Wiltshire SN11 0JJ. Garden City. £48 per table, Raffle in aid of Arthritis includes lunch at 12.30pm Research UK and afternoon tea and 10.30am for 11am start. biscuits. Excellent lunch with wine 2. ♠ A 10 4. ♠ K 8 3 Keith Groves or juice. ( 01462 632673 ♥ 7 6 3 ♥ 7 6 4 Tickets £17.50 per person. ♦ 8 2 ♦ K J 10 Jane Rowell 3 EYE CANCER ♣ A K 10 9 6 4 ♣ A K 6 4 ( 01249 819619 Reynolds Institute, [email protected] Dorchester Road, Weymouth. 2pm start. £32 per table N N 27 WELCARE IN BROMLEY including tea. W E W E St George’s Church Hall, Gene Hill S S Bickley Park Road, Bickley, ( 01305 786509 BR1 2BE. 2pm to 5.30pm. ♠ Q 9 4 3 ♠ A Come with a partner for 22 HUDDERSFIELD PENNINE ♥ K 4 ♥ A 5 2 Progressive Chicago. ROTARY CLUB £6 per person including ♦ A Q J ♦ A Q 9 7 6 3 12 noon for 12.30pm. tea/coffee with light Outlane Golf Club. £44 per ♣ Q 8 7 3 ♣ 7 3 2 refreshments. table including lunch, Gillian Scales tea and biscuits. ( 020 8663 3173 Brian Noble You are declarer in 3NT You are declarer in 6♦ and [email protected] ( 01484 427356 and West leads the ♠2. West leads the ♥Q. How How do you plan the play? do you plan the play? E-mail your charity events: [email protected]

Page 25 Answers to David Huggett’s Play Quiz on page 25

You are declarer in 3NT and West leads in anticipating a possible bad break will 1. ♠ K Q 9 the ♠2. How do you plan the play? pay dividends. ♥ 7 6 3 While it looks natural to play low from ♦ J 7 5 dummy, this would be wrong. Suppose ♣ A Q 6 3 East wins with the king and plays a heart; ♠ 8 2 ♠ 6 4 in this case, you would need to find the 4. ♠ K 8 3 ♥ K J 4 N ♥ Q 10 9 5 ace of that suit well placed. So put up ♥ 7 6 4 W E ♦ ♦ ♦ A K 8 3 S Q 10 4 2 the ace of spades immediately and take K J 10 ♣ 10 8 5 4 ♣ K 9 7 a diamond finesse. This way you are go- ♣ A K 6 4 ♠ A J 10 7 5 3 ing to suffer defeat only if the king of ♠ J 9 7 4 ♠ Q 10 6 5 2 ♥ A 8 2 spades, the ace of hearts and the king of ♥ Q J 10 3 N ♥ K 9 8 W E ♦ 9 6 diamonds are all wrong. In other words, ♦ 8 2 S ♦ 5 4 ♣ J 2 you need only one out of three finesses ♣ Q 10 5 ♣ J 9 8 to work as opposed to one out of two: ♠ A you have boosted your chance by 12.5%. ♥ A 5 2 You are declarer in 4♠. West leads the ♦ A Q 9 7 6 3 ♦A-K and a third diamond, which you ♣ 7 3 2 ruff. How do you plan the play? The contract looks rather hopeless, 3. ♠ A 4 though the defence has given you a ♥ 8 7 5 4 You are declarer in 6♦ and West leads chance by playing a third diamond. Ob- ♦ K 7 5 the ♥Q. How do you plan the play? viously, it would do no good to lead the ♣ Q J 6 4 Although the slam is far from ideal and jack of clubs because West would cover ♠ J 10 9 7 2 ♠ 8 6 5 they have found your weak spot straight if he had the king – and yet somehow ♥ Void N ♥ K Q J 6 away, there is still hope. With only eleven W E ♦ ♦ you need to make three club tricks. So Q 10 6 4 S J 9 2 tricks on top, you clearly have to make having ruffed the third diamond, play a ♣ 10 8 7 3 ♣ A 9 5 another club trick; for that to happen, trump to dummy and continue by playing ♠ K Q 3 you need a 3-3 break. So take the ace a low club. If East wins, he will be giving ♥ A 10 9 3 2 of hearts and cash the spade ace. Then you the three club tricks you require so he ♦ A 8 3 cash two rounds of trumps ending in does better to duck. Then, after winning ♣ K 2 dummy and discard a club on the king with the jack, you play a club to the ace of spades. Play the two top clubs and and ruff a club. On a good day, the king ruff a third round. If the suit has broken will fall, so you finish by drawing trumps You are declarer in 4♥ and West leads as required, you will be able to enter ending in dummy, throwing a heart on the ♠J. How do you plan the play? dummy with a third trump and pitch a the queen of clubs. When things look to be easy, this is losing heart on the long club. Note that the time to take extra care. Your losing you play this way, taking initially only two diamond in hand can be discarded on rounds of trumps, whether or not all fol- an eventual club winner from dummy, low to them: you need the third round as 2. ♠ A 10 so the only losers you have are the ace an entry to dummy. ■ ♥ 7 6 3 of clubs and as many hearts as fortune ♦ 8 2 dictates. Win the opening lead in dummy ♣ A K 10 9 6 4 and lead a low heart, inserting the nine BEGIN BRIDGE ♠ J 8 7 2 ♠ K 6 5 from hand if East follows with a low card. ♥ A 9 2 N ♥ Q J 10 8 5 More often than not, you will lose to an W E ACOL VERSION ♦ ♦ 10 7 5 4 S K 9 6 3 honour in the West hand: if that hap- ♣ J 2 ♣ 5 pens, it means that you can lose at most An Interactive Tutorial ♠ Q 9 4 3 two tricks in trumps. You will win any re- CD with Bernard Magee ♥ K 4 turn in hand, cash the ace of hearts and ♦ See Mail Order form A Q J drive out the club ace. £66 ♣ Q 8 7 3 Every now and again, East will hold all on page 7. four missing trumps and your foresight

Page 26 Andrew Kambites’ Tutorial Bridge Breaks Lead Quiz You are West in the auctions below playing OCTOBER 2012 teams or rubber bridge. It is your lead. (Answers 12-14 Ardington Hotel overleaf.) £245 Losing Trick Count Sandy Bell 1 ♠ 7 4 3 2 19-21 The Olde ♥ 8 2 N Barn Hotel ♦ 9 5 4 W E £215 Signals ♣ 9 5 3 2 S and Discards Stan Powell

West North East South November 2012 1♣ 1♥ 1NT Ardington Hotel Pass 3NT End 2-4 The Olde Worthing BN11 3DZ Barn Hotel £215 Game Tries David Stead 2 ♠ 7 4 3 2 9-11 Blunsdon ♥ Q 8 2 N House Hotel ♦ 9 5 4 W E £245 Suit Establishment ♣ 5 3 2 S Ned Paul

16-18 Chatsworth Hotel West North East South Worthing ♣ ♥ £169 Finding Slams 1 1 1NT Crombie McNeil Pass 3NT End

23-25 The Olde Barn Hotel £215 Playing Suit The Olde Barn Hotel ♠ Combinations Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT 3 7 4 3 2 N Will Parsons ♥ 8 7 5 W E ♦ 9 5 4 S 23-25 Queensferry Hotel ♣ 8 3 2 £245 Game Tries Crombie McNeil West North East South 30-2/12 Chatsworth Hotel 1♣ 1♥ 1NT Worthing Pass 3NT End £169 Endplay and Avoidance Ned Paul

FEBRUARY 2013 4 ♠ A J 3 ♥ 9 7 5 3 2 ♦ J 7 N 15-17 The Cheltenham W E ♣ Regency Blunsdon House Hotel J 6 3 S £245 Hand Evaluation Swindon SN26 7AS Chris Williams West North East South 1♣ Pass 1NT See booking form on page 35. Pass 3NT End

Page 27 Answers to Andrew Kambites’ Lead Quiz on page 27

declarer’s hand. Why would it be a mistake to lead the 1. ♠ A K J Suppose you lead the ♥Q. Declarer ♥8? When you follow with a lower heart ♥ 6 4 3 then has a second heart stopper. He next time, partner might assume you had ♦ K Q 10 wins with the ♥K, finesses clubs and a doubleton. That would mean declarer ♣ K Q J 10 makes ten tricks without needing to touch started with ♥K-10-x-x and has two heart ♠ 7 4 3 2 ♠ Q 8 5 spades: two hearts, four diamonds and stoppers. Lacking the entries to drive out ♥ 8 2 N ♥ A Q J 7 5 four clubs. two heart stoppers, partner might decide W E ♦ ♦ 9 5 4 S 6 3 2 If you had chosen to lead a heart from not to set up a second heart trick for ♣ 9 5 3 2 ♣ A 4 a holding of ♥Q-8-2 in a suit partner declarer and abandon the suit. ♠ 10 9 6 had not bid, you would have led the ♥2. Opinions differ as to whether to lead ♥ K 10 9 There is no reason to depart from your the seven (MUD) or the four from a ♦ A J 8 7 normal lead just because partner has holding of 10-7-4. I believe the seven is ♣ 8 7 6 bid the suit. Partner takes the ♥A and better. analyses your lead. You will see in Hand 3 that you do not lead your lowest card West North East South from three small, so either you have led 4. ♠ 9 8 4 1♣ 1♥ 1NT a singleton (in which case declarer has ♥ 10 6 Pass 3NT End an unlikely holding of ♥K-Q-J-8-4) or ♦ A K Q you have an honour (K, Q or J). Partner ♣ A K Q 10 8 Partner has overcalled hearts and there returns a heart; then a clever declarer ♠ A J 3 ♠ Q 10 7 5 2 is certainly no reason not to lead his suit. will also realise you have a heart honour: ♥ 9 7 5 3 2 N ♥ A J 8 W E ♥ ♥ ♦ J 7 ♦ 6 4 3 2 Lead the 8: top of a doubleton. clearly, you started with Q-x-x. Declarer S rises with his ♥K to try to block the suit ♣ J 6 3 ♣ 4 and finesses clubs. Partner takes the ♣K ♠ K 6 2. ♠ Q J 8 and leads a heart to your ♥Q. Having ♥ K Q 4 ♥ 6 3 no heart left, you try a spade: two down. ♦ 10 9 8 5 ♦ A K J ♣ 9 7 5 2 ♣ A Q J 10 8 ♠ 7 4 3 2 ♠ A 10 6 3. ♠ K Q J ♥ Q 8 2 N ♥ A 10 9 7 5 ♥ 4 West North East South W E ♦ ♦ ♦ ♣ 9 5 4 S 8 7 2 A K J 10 1 Pass 1NT ♣ 5 3 2 ♣ K 6 ♣ K Q J 10 4 Pass 3NT End ♠ K 9 5 ♠ 7 4 3 2 ♠ 8 6 5 ♥ K J 4 ♥ 8 7 5 N ♥ A Q J 9 6 2 Traditionally, you would have led a fourth W E ♦ ♦ ♦ ♥ ♥ Q 10 6 3 9 5 4 S 3 2 highest 3. Partner would win the A ♣ 9 7 4 ♣ 8 3 2 ♣ A 5 and probably see no reason not to return ♠ A 10 9 the ♥J, allowing declarer to make eleven ♥ K 10 3 easy tricks. You cannot blame partner: West North East South ♦ Q 8 7 6 you might have held ♥K-9-7-3-2. 1♣ 1♥ 1NT ♣ 9 7 6 Modern theory is to lead the second Pass 3NT End highest card from a suit with no honour (A, K, Q or J). This is rather like comparing You are certainly going to lead a heart: West North East South Hands 2 and 3: the bottom card from an the question is: ‘Which one’? 1♣ 1♥ 1NT honour but the middle from three small. A certain group of players Pass 3NT End If you play this lead style (known as automatically lead: ‘Top of partner’s leading second best from a bad suit), you suit.’ While I suppose this has the merit The usual lead from three small cards is will lead the ♥7. Partner should work out of clearing up which is your top card, the middle one. Then play the top one, that it cannot be fourth highest and (from it has major practical disadvantages. followed by the lowest – middle-up-down South’s failure to bid 1♥) that it cannot be The disadvantage here is that the card – MUD. As in Hand 2, there is no reason from ♥K-9-7. Realising there is no future is wasted: here, it should serve the vital to change just because partner has bid in hearts, partner will switch to the ♠5, purpose of neutralising an honour in the suit. Lead the ♥7. leading to a quick two down. ■

Page 28 Julian Pottage answers your bridge questions

Changes in Acol Bidding

As someone who My partner diamond holding. Facing a ding slowly. The bid- has been play- opened 2NT doubleton, the hand is going ding could have started Qing bridge for Qand I held: to be worth only one trick. 1♣-1♥-2♣-2♠-3♥; then around 40 years, I have Facing a three-card or longer East can go for the slam. noticed a few changes holding, and assuming the Hugh Ball by email. in Acol bidding. The ♠ 8 5 3 opponents cannot get their minimum strength for a ♥ 5 3 long suit going first, it might East should respond two-over-one response ♦ A 8 5 4 3 2 be worth four or five tricks. 1♠, not 2♠ and seems to have increased ♣ 9 8 Playing teams or rub- A certainly not 1♥. With from 8 points to 9, while ber bridge, I would raise a two-suited hand (not with the range for a 1NT rebid to 3NT. Going down (or one of your suits the same seems to have widened I passed and we an extra one down), if the as opener’s), the modern from 15-16 to 15-17. made several over- diamonds do not run, is of thinking is that you should Does the English tricks, as did the other little consequence compared not jump shift. In any case, Bridge Union Teach- pairs. Partner held: with the chance of making if you do start with 2♠, there ers’ Association instruct game. At matchpoints, as is no need to jump to 4♥ on its teachers to follow you were playing, pass- the next round – 2♠ already a particular method ♠ A K 4 ing seems reasonable. created a game force. and does it update this ♥ A 9 A 1♥ response is also from time to time? ♦ Q J 7 ♣♦♥♠ wrong; you should not lie Ronald Bernstein, Wembley. ♣ A Q 10 7 6 about your suit lengths to My partner and create a force. If you give A review of the I missed a slam West three spades and relevant section of Although the opponents Qon these hands: two hearts, responding A the EBU website sug- found the heart lead, 1♥ would result in missing gests that the EBU does not diamonds broke kindly, the 5-3 spade fit because ‘instruct’ teachers to adopt a 2-2 with the king onside. ♠ 6 4 ♠ A K Q 7 5 West would think that East particular method. However, Should I have raised? ♥ A 9 3 N ♥ K Q 10 5 2 has only four spades. W E it does provide resources Shirley Lake, ♦ K 10 S ♦ Q 9 A possible auction for to teachers, based on its Camden, London. ♣ K Q J 5 3 2 ♣ A the hands is 1♣-1♠-2♣- ‘Standard English’ method 2♥ (forcing)-2NT-3♥-4♥- of bidding, which I would With 4 points, the 4NT-5♦-6♥. East infers from say amounts to a recom- usual rule is to pass a West East West’s 2NT bid that the op- mendation. I do know that A 20-22 2NT open- 1♣ 2♠ ponents do not have two fast it updates its recommended ing. With the points loaded 3♣ 4♥ diamond winners. If you do methods from time to time; in one hand, 24-25 points End not feel confident of the dia- indeed, I understand that often fails to produce game. mond situation, East would the range of the 1NT rebid Here the situation is a little Surely with a very strong have to cue bid 4♠. Then was on the agenda recently. unusual because so much hand like East’s, it is West could bid 4NT and go depends upon partner’s better to take the bid- on to bid the slam.

Page 29 GLOBAL TRAVEL INSURANCE A1 Yeoman Gate, Yeoman Way, Worthing, BN13 3QZ GLOBAL TRAVEL GLOBAL TRAVEL INSURANCE ( INSURANCE Services Limited 01903 267432 Fax 01903 268946 Email [email protected] Services Limited

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CANCELLATION OR CURTAILMENT up to £1,500 PERSONAL LUGGAGE, MONEY & VALUABLES up to £2,000 If you have to cancel or cut short your trip due to illness, injury, redundancy, jury service, the police Covers accidental loss, theft or damage to your personal luggage subject to a limit of £200 for any requiring you to remain at or return to your home due to serious damage to your home, you are one article, pair or set and an overall limit of £200 for valuables such as cameras, Jewellery, furs, covered against loss of travel and accommodation costs. etc. Luggage and valuables limited to £1500. Delayed luggage, up to £75. Policy Excess £50. Policy Excess £75. Money, travel tickets and travellers cheques are covered up to £500 against accidental loss or theft For persons aged 61 to 70 years the excess is increased to £100. (cash limit £250). Policy Excess £50. For persons aged 71 to 90 years the excess is increased to £150. No cover is provided for loss or theft of unattended property, valuables or money or for loss or theft See section headed Increased Excess for Pre Existing Medical Conditions for increased not reported to the Police within 24 hours of discovery. excesses applicable to claims arising from pre-existing medical conditions. PASSPORT EXPENSES up to £200 PERSONAL ACCIDENT up to £15,000 If you lose your passport or it is stolen whilst abroad, you are covered for additional travel and A cash sum for accidental injury resulting in death, loss of sight, loss of limb or permanent total accommodation costs incurred in obtaining a replacement. No Policy Excess. disablement. No Policy Excess. DELAYED DEPARTURE up to £1,500 MEDICAL AND OTHER EXPENSES up to £10,000,000 If your outward or return trip is delayed for more than 12 hours at the final departure point to/from Including a 24 HOUR WORLDWIDE MEDICAL EMERGENCY SERVICE UK due to adverse weather conditions, mechanical breakdown or industrial action, you are entitled (a) The cost of hospital and other emergency medical expenses incurred abroad, including to either (a) £20 for the first 12 hours and £10 for each further 12 hours delay up to a maximum additional accommodation and repatriation expenses. of £60, or (b) the cost of the trip (up to £1,500) if you elect to cancel after 12 hours delay on the Limit £250 for emergency dental treatment and £5,000 burial/cremation/transfer of remains. outward trip from the UK. Policy Excess £50 (b) only. Limit £2,500 for transfer of remains to your home if you die in the UK. MISSED DEPARTURE up to £500 Policy Excess £75 Areas 1, 2 & 3, £150 Area 4 or on a Cruise. Additional travel and accommodation expenses incurred to enable you to reach your overseas For persons aged 61 to 70 years the excess is increased to £150 Areas 1, 2 & 3, £500 Area destination if you arrive too late at your final UK outward departure point due to failure of the 4 or on a Cruise. vehicle in which you are travelling to deliver you to the departure point caused by adverse weather, For persons aged 71 to 90 years the excess is increased to £300 Areas 1, 2 & 3, £1,000 Area strike, industrial action, mechanical breakdown or accident to the vehicle. No Policy Excess. 4 or on a Cruise. PERSONAL LIABILITY up to £2,000,000 See section headed Increased Excess for Pre Existing Medical Conditions for increased excesses applicable to claims arising from pre-existing medical conditions. Covers your legal liability for injury or damage to other people or their property, including legal expenses (subject to the laws of England and Wales). Policy Excess £250. (b) HOSPITAL BENEFIT up to £300 An additional benefit of £15 per day for each day you spend in hospital abroad as an in-patient. LEGAL EXPENSES up to £25,000 No Policy Excess. To enable you to pursue your rights against a third party following injury. No Policy Excess.

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✄ 328STI12 Ask Julian continued 7 diamonds and only 5 Values in the trump suit are playing in 1NT doubled. points. What should she always good, as usually are have done? A weak take- aces and kings. Holdings ♣♦♥♠ out over 2NT, I am not like Q-x-x are quite good I have always sure how to convey this. in a suit partner has bid My partner believed that 25 Christine Barnes by email. but are of dubious value in opened 1♦ and I Qpoints is what an unbid suit. Three low is Qam sitting with: one is aiming for in 3NT Most players do not generally a poor holding in and 26 for a game in a have a weak takeout partner’s suit. If you have major suit. When play- A into diamonds reasonably good holdings ♠ 6 ing last night, an op- available after a 2NT in trumps and other suits ♥ K Q ponent said that it was opening. With 5 points, you that your partner has bid, go ♦ Q J 8 4 2 the other way round i.e. would not want to be making for game. If not, stay low. ♣ A Q 8 4 2 26 for 3NT and 25 for a weak takeout anyway. a major game. Could The partnership has 25- ♣♦♥♠ you please clarify? 27 points, which suggests What should I bid? Helen Belcham by email. bidding game. Depending Normally, we Nora Bridge by email. upon the hand’s shape and play Stayman You need to make an how likely the diamonds Qand transfers in If you are playing extra trick for game are to run, responder could response to partner’s strong jump A in a major, which is bid 3NT or 5♦, neither of 1NT bid. What is the A shifts, which most why the recommended point which would be a slam try. normal procedure if the people do, it would seem count is higher, 26 for 4♥/♠ LHO of the 1NT bidder reasonable to bid 3♣. You rather than 25 for 3NT. I am ♣♦♥♠ doubles, especially if intend to support diamonds not sure where your op- you have not agreed at your next turn. ponent got the alternative When a partner- ‘wriggle’ or defence information from, hopefully ship has enough to a double of 1NT? ♣♦♥♠ not from this publication. Qhigh card points John Collins, for game but the losing Welwyn Garden City. What happens ♣♦♥♠ trick count shows too if either bidder many losers for game, The standard practice Q(say opener I am helping which system should in the absence of or responder) passes with a beginners’ take precedence? For A any agreement is an Acol forcing bid, Qclass and would example, my partner that transfers and Stayman e.g. 1♦-pass-1♥- like to teach Benji Acol, and I had a fit in hearts are off after the double. pass-1♠-pass? but some tell me that with enough HCP for This is because you might Linda Paterson, Ipswich. we must teach Standard game, while the LTC well want to play in 2♣ Acol. Is there a standard? showed only enough or 2♦ (rather than 1NT If you pass a My research does not values for 3♥. My part- doubled) and you are not forcing bid, this come up with an answer. ner made 4♥, though going to wish to investigate A may not be good Wendy Pattinson, Rugby. only because two dia- game (normally you would for partnership morale and mond finesses worked. be happy to play in 1NT might land you in the wrong This is a free Margaret Williams by email. doubled or 1NT redoubled contract. However, it does country – you if you have a good hand). happen from time to time. A can teach what- No valuation method Many players use some A player who has psyched ever you like. Quite a lot of is 100% accurate. sort of wriggle with some or bid very light might pass people play Benji Acol in A Some players use success. Opponents are a forcing bid, for example. clubs and tournaments. both methods, bidding to the often strangely reluctant to On your sequence, a higher of the two. They never double an escape bid. The simple 1♠ rebid would not be ♣♦♥♠ miss game but do get a lot general idea with a wriggle forcing. I assume you meant of minus scores. I would not is that you redouble to show to say that opener jumped to I opened 2NT recommend that approach. a single suited hand (opener 2♠. If, for instance, responder (20-22 points); If one method tells you to then bids a forced 2♣, held a 3505 Yarborough Qmy partner bid game and the other does which you pass with clubs and did not fancy leaving 1♦ replied 3♦. I took this not, at least you know you or correct to your long suit) in with a void, it would be to mean that she was have a close decision. The and that an immediate bid reasonable to pass 2♠. With strong and making a sensible approach in such a shows the lower of two suits. a normal responding hand, slam try; afterwards, situation is to consider how The only type of wriggle to of course, you would bid she said that she had well your values are working. avoid is one that rules out again.

Page 32 Ask Julian continued If the bidding goes something like Doubled And Venerable A 1♠-pass-2♦-pass-3♠, opener is indicating values by Terence Reese and David Bird My partner and a good six-card suit. reviewed by David Huggett opened 2♣ However, the rebid does £9.99 from The London Bridge Centre Q(Acol). I held: not set the suit as trumps. ( 020 7288 1305 www.bridgeshop.com While it is quite common to play that 4♣ or 4♥ (the unbid suits) by responder riginally published ♠ K Q 7 5 would then be cue bids in 1987, this book ♠ J 10 8 6 3 ♥ Q 9 5 3 2 agreeing spades, there are is the third in the ♥ 8 6 5 ♦ 10 5 4 some bids that do not agree Oseries about the bridge- ♦ K 9 3 ♣ 6 spades, 3NT for example. playing monks of St. Titus. ♣ A J Since then, there have been ♠ K ♠ Void

♣♦♥♠ many more volumes, now ♥ 4 2 N ♥ A K Q ♦ W E I responded 2 . My written, of course, just by S J 9 3 partner jumped to 3NT. Please can you Bird, and this volume re- ♦ Q 6 4 ♦ J 8 7 2 Not knowing what to advise on taking mains one of my favourites. ♣ 10 8 7 5 4 3 2 ♣ K Q 6 do, I passed. It easily Qpartner out Why is this? Well, this is ♠ A Q 9 7 5 4 2 made 13 tricks. What of his 5-card overcall mainly because the authors ♥ 10 7 are your thoughts? to your 5-card suit? are so outrageously non-PC ♦ A 10 5 Stephen Lamley, Lancaster. When should you do and in these don’t-upset- ♣ 9 it and is it forcing? anyone-at-any-cost days, I Partner, who would Beryl Pattinson by email. was surprised at just what rebid 2NT with you could get away with The defenders play three A 23-24, has shown I like to play a over twenty years ago. rounds of hearts; Brother 25-27 by jumping to 3NT. change of suit after Moreover, the characteri- Tobias ruffs the third with With 32-34 points be- A partner’s overcall sation is so good. The au- the two of trumps. West tween the hands, you do as forcing so that a bid of thors flesh out these bridge- overruffs and exits with a not want to stop in 3NT. opener’s suit (unassuming playing monks so that you club but, with no squeeze You really want to bid cue bid) guarantees support. think you know them, or developing, declarer has to 4♣, Stayman, with a view to However, the majority view at least someone just like concede a diamond. checking for key cards (and seems to be to play a new them. Predictably, the parrot is a possible grand slam) if suit as non-forcing. If you The book is divided into not amused, ‘Four spades partner shows a four-card play it as non-forcing, you three sections, with the first cold!’ he shrieks, ‘Ruff the major. You might try 4♣ need to have a suit that is dealing with the weekly du- heart high, eliminate clubs even if you are unsure of its likely to be a better trump plicate games at the mon- and exit with a trump. meaning: if partner raises to suit than partner’s suit, astery of St. Titus. Then we Whoever wins has to open 5♣, at least you will know he something like K-Q-10-9-x or move on to Africa where up the diamond suit or con- has not taken it as Stayman. K-J-9-x-x-x; remember, you the missionaries are trying cede a ruff and discard.’ If you think that would not will often get to play in your to bring Acol to the natives The third part of the book work, the choices are 4NT suit if the bid is non-forcing. and this features some of details the Abbot’s attempt (invitational) and 6NT. If you play the new suit the authors’ funniest crea- to win the Spring Four- as forcing, the suit quality tions, in particular the par- somes but you will have to ♣♦♥♠ is slightly less important but rot who plays like a demon buy the book to discover you need enough values to and certainly doesn’t suffer whether or not he succeeds. Does a jump in be making a forcing bid – fools gladly. Here he is play- If you are looking to im- the original suit enough to think that your side ing with the luckless Broth- prove your game, this book Qbid by opener has the balance of power. er Tobias: probably won’t help very agree the suit when Some people play that a new much, but if you are not partner had responded suit is non-forcing after a West North East South too sensitive and are after a in a different suit? I one-level overcall but forcing The Bro. good laugh with some really thought both partners after a two-level overcall. Parrot Tobias good hands then it is a must had to bid the same suit This is because partner will 1♠ buy. In short, the monks at some level to agree often have a six-card suit to Pass 3♠ 4♥ 4♠ have never given better val- it was the trump suit. overcall at the two level and End ue for money. Pauline Bailey, so is less likely to need a Shalford, Surrey. ‘rescue’.

Page 33 Ask Julian continued 5♠ 2 key cards (meaning that North would ♠ 5 (excluding the ♣A) rebid 2♣ on any hand where ♥ A K J 9 7 5 4 5NT 2 key cards and the it is critical whether South is ♦ Q 10 9 7 5 ♦Q (excluding the ♣A) maximum or minimum), you Dealer was ♣ Void might agree to play 4NT as West, with Clearly, partner can never asking. In that situation, it is Qboth vulnera- have 5 key cards when usual to play that the last suit ble; I was North: West North East South excluding the ♣A. On bid naturally (here diamonds) 1♠ Pass the hand you quote, East counts as the trump suit. 2♥ Pass 3♦ Pass holds 3 key cards, the ♠ A K 2 ? ♦A-K and the ♠A, so would ♣♦♥♠ ♥ A K Q 2 reply 5♥. You could then ♦ A K Q 6 3 2 I decided to punt bid 7♦ with confidence. Can you suggest ♣ Void 6♦, which made 13 the best bid- tricks, with 7♦ cold. ♣♦♥♠ ding sequence N Q W E Partner held: for these hands? S The bidding proceeded ♠ Q 10 4 ♠ A K 9 4 3 Qas follows: ♠ A ♥ J 9 5 ♥ 3 ♥ A 9 8 6 4 2 ♦ 10 7 5 ♦ A K 8 3 West North East South ♦ K 2 ♣ A 8 7 5 ♣ Q J 7 1♣ ♣ K Q 7 3 Pass 1♦ Pass 1NT Pass 6NT End N W E West North East South Is there a scientific S 3♣ Dbl Pass 4♣ way to look for a slam South had a 3-3-2-5 Pass 4♦ End or grand slam when shape with 15 HCP. ♠ 10 9 8 5 3 holding a void? North had a 4-3-4-2 ♥ 7 5 What else could I have M S Kington, shape with 17 HCP. ♦ A 4 done or should my Newcastle Upon Tyne. If North bid 4NT to ♣ A J 9 6 partner have bid 3NT? ask for aces and we Lesley Howard by email. What I am about use some form of Key to say comes with Card Blackwood, what North South Your partner’s 4♣ A a serious health suit would South as- 1♥ 1♠ should show strength warning. It concerns one of sume is trumps? How 2♣ 3♣ A as well as play- the most dangerous con- does South answer if he 3♥ Pass ability in more than one ventions in bridge to get thinks it is a NT contract? suit. While your 4♦ should wrong. It goes by the name What would 5♦ mean? South said that North be forcing, with the hand of Exclusion Blackwood or Steve Bailey by email. should bid 3♥ with 16 you held, you should not be sometimes Voidwood. HCP. North said he taking any risks. If you do If you jump in a new suit The question of key thought that 2♣ was not want to bid 7♦ directly, above the level of game, this cards does not arise wide ranging (12-18) and for fear that partner might shows a void in the suit and A when a no-trump was trying to describe his have just the majors, you asks partner for key cards (or contract is likely. Here, as hand. Who was right? could bid something obvi- aces, whatever you normally 4NT would be a direct raise Huw Jones, Swansea. ously forcing (5♣ for ex- play) on the step principle but of a no-trump bid and the ample) and 7♦ next time. excluding the ace in the suit partnership has not agreed South has passed a Your partner actually has bid. a suit, it would normally be forcing bid here. With a tough call following your In other words, if you bid quantitative rather than ace A the poor hearts and double. I suspect I would 5♣, partner ignores the ♣A in asking. In this case, any good clubs, North’s initial leave 3♣ doubled in. You deciding how many key cards continuations should be 2♣ rebid is fine. By bidding are going to need quite a to show. Using 1430 RKCB, as natural. 5♦ would therefore on over 3♣, North is show- good hand for 3NT to make. you do, the replies to 5♣ are show strong three-card ing extras: South must find as follows: diamond support or four- another bid. This bid should ♣♦♥♠ card support, suggesting be 4♥ because North surely 5♦ 1 or 4 key cards 6♦ as a possible contract. has six hearts to bid the Playing RKCB (excluding the ♣A) Perhaps, if you are playing suit again (opening 1♥ and with 1430 replies, 5♥ 0 or 3 key cards 2♣ over 1NT as some sort rebidding 2♣ had already Qas West I held: (excluding the ♣A) of range/shape enquiry shown 5-4).

Page 34 Ask Julian continued again suggests the 3♦ rebid. Not even every 2♣ opener would have first or second round control of every suit. BRIDGE The following disaster took the ♣♦♥♠ Qgloss off what BREAKS had been a good session: My partner and I play the ♦ Full-board ♦ Two seminars* following system Q ♦ All rooms with ♦ Two supervised ♠ Q J 7 4 for two level openings: en-suite facilities play sessions* ♥ 7 ♦ No single supplement ♦ Four duplicate sessions** ♦ 10 9 8 2♣ to show 24+ HCP ♣ A J 8 7 3 (alerted) and forcing. Please book ..... places for me at £...... per person, 2♦ to show 22/23 HCP N in unnamed suit, or W E Single .... Double .... Twin .... S 22/23 HCP balanced, or 8 playing tricks in an Name of Hotel/Centre...... ♠ Void unnamed suit (alerted). ♥ A 10 8 5 3 2♥ or 2♠ with 6-10 HCP Date(s) ...... ♦ A K Q J 2 and a 6-card suit. ♣ K 9 6 2NT to show 20/21 HCP Mr/Mrs/Miss ...... and a balanced hand. Address...... South was dealer and I would be grateful the bidding went: for your comments ...... 1♥-1♠-2♦-Pass. on the above. Postcode ...... On a favourable club Is it the same as lead, we made 13 tricks ‘reverse Benji’? ( ...... – for an outright bottom. John Hamilton, Every other pair had bid Bearsden, Glasgow. Special requirements (these cannot be guaranteed, and made a diamond but we will do our best to oblige). or no-trump game. What you play Jasper Carrott by email. does look very ...... A much like reverse North cannot bid any Benjamin to me. The Please give the name(s) of all those covered by this booking. differently. From what key features of reverse A you say, it seems that Benjamin openings are: ...... everyone else was playing a strong club system or rebid 2♣ = game force even if Please send a non-returnable deposit of £50 per person per place by cheque, payable to Mr Bridge. An invoice for the balance will be sent 3♦ on the South hand. the hand is balanced. with your booking confirmation. On receipt of your final payment, Although a void in 2♦ = near game hand 28 days before the event, a programme and full details will be sent partner’s suit is not good (strong balanced or an together with a map. Cancellations are not refundable. Should you news, when you add some Acol Two type hand). require insurance, you should contact your own insurance broker. length points for the two 2♥/2♠ = weak. five-card suits to the 17 HCP, the hand does appear The exact range of the to qualify for a 3♦ rebid. 2NT opening (and the North would then bid 3NT. range for 2♦-2♥-2NT) Another way of valuing seems to vary depending the South hand is to say that upon where you play. Expiry: ...... CVV...... Issue No...... it has only four losers and It is sensible for one to (CVV is the last 3 numbers on the signature strip) has first- or second-round show 20-21 and the other control of every suit. This to show 22-23. ■ Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH. ( 01483 489961 e-mail: [email protected] E-mail your questions for Julian to: website: www.holidaybridge.com [email protected] *on tutorial weekends. **6 sessions on rubber/Chicago events.

Page 35 BERNARD MAGEE Filmed Live at Haslemere Festival

2011 2012 1 Ruffing for Extra Tricks 7 Leads This seminar deals with declarer’s use of ruffing Bernard takes you through all the basic leads and the to generate extra tricks and then looks at how the importance of your choice of lead. If you start to think defenders might counteract this. not just about your hand, but about your partner’s too, then you will get much better results. 2 Competitive Tricks This seminar focuses on competitive auctions from the 8 Losing Trick Count perspective of the overcalling side to start with and A method of hand evaluation for when you find a fit. then from the perspective of the opening side in the Bernard deals with the basics of the losing trick count second part. then looks at advanced methods to hone your bidding.

3 Making the Most of High Cards 9 Making a Plan as Declarer This seminar helps declarer to use his high cards more carefully and then looks at how defenders should care Bernard explains how to make a plan then expands on for their precious high cards. how to make the most of your long suits. The first half deals with no-trumps, the second with suit contracts. 4 Identifying & Bidding Slams 10 Responding to 1NT The first half of this seminar is about identifying when a slam might be on – one of the hardest topics This seminar deals with Transfers and Stayman in to teach. The second half covers some of the detail. The 1NT opening comes up frequently, so having techniques used to bid slams. a good, accurate system of responses is paramount.

5 Play & Defence of 1NT Contracts 11 Signals & Discards This seminar looks at the most common and This seminar deals with Count, Attitude yet most feared of contracts: 1NT. The first half and Suit-preference signals: aiming to get looks at declaring the contract and the second you working as a partnership in defence. part puts us in the defenders’ seats. 12 Endplays 6 Doubling & Defence Bernard takes you through the basics of the against Doubled Contracts technique before showing some magical hands The first half of this seminar explores penalty where you take extra tricks from defenders. In the doubles and the second half discusses the second half, Bernard looks at how to avoid being defence against doubled contracts. endplayed as a defender.

DVDs DVDs Each £25. Boxed Set of 6 £100 Each £25. Boxed Set of 6 £100

Make your cheque payable to Mr Bridge and send to: Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH ( 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop Fax 01483 797302 David Stevenson answers your questions on Laws and Ethics What Should Happen After an Insufficient Bid?

East opened 1♦. insufficient bid does, his tions, each of 8 tables with it, including Web Mitch- South bid 1♠. partner must pass throughout their own set of boards. ells, for all numbers of QWest, who did not for the rest of the auction. With more, two sections of tables up to a very high notice this bid, also tried Your ruling was wrong, Mitchells, making sure the number – and it is free. to bid 1♠. He said he I fear. Please call the two sections play the same would correct the bid to director next time. number of boards if pos- ♣♦♥♠ 2♠. I said we could accept sible (so, for example with the 1♠ bid if we wished. ♣♦♥♠ 17 tables split into 8 and I was declarer. My partner disputed 9, stop the 9 table move- Before LHO this. West then bid 2♦ Our Bridge ment after 8 rounds). Qled, she set the and East ended in 3♦. Club is getting There is also a very clever card in the bidding box With hindsight, I should Qvery good at- set of movements called Web crossways to remind probably have called the tendances and we are Mitchells. The disadvantages her of the contract. Is director, as I was unsure in danger of having in are two: in some cases, you that legal, please? what should happen, excess of 13 tables. Can need three sets of boards, Paul Hildersley, Staines but it is a friendly club. Mitchell movements be in other cases only two. Of (similar from John Lees). Pamela Steele by email played above this num- course, this might be viable (similar from Richard ber and, if so, how? Is if you have a Duplimate. It would be illegal Davis, Ipswich). it better to divide the The other slight problem in an EBU event, room into two separate is that some North-Souths A since you may not I am dismayed that Howell movements? play boards in an unusual have an aide memoire; you did not call the April Bell, Corbridge, order, though they would the only way it would be A director for an insuf- North East (similar from get used to it quickly. legal is if the bidding box ficient bid. It does not matter C J Williamson, Chelmsford). The Web Mitchells need regulations made it legal. whether you think you know quite a long explanation, A club can make their the rules: not to call him is What a nice prob- too long for this column; own regulations, so they just wrong. As for it being a lem to have! Many their great advantage can allow, forbid, or even friendly club, players should A people dislike Howell is that they handle any require the practice. be happier to call the director movements, so I would usu- number of tables over 13 Note that it is quite in friendly clubs because the ally try to avoid such things. with everyone playing the common amongst directors are friendly too. There are various possibili- same 13 sets of boards. inexperienced players and If you had called the ties, assuming you are trying Finally, I have two sug- does little harm. director, he would have told to play 26/27 boards. gestions. One is to purchase you that the next player With 14 tables, play the directory of movements David Stevenson answers all could accept the 1♠ bid if he a Mitchell with a skip, by Manning from the EBU: queries based on the facts wished. If he did not, then 13 2-board rounds. I am not sure whether it has supplied by the letter writer. since 2♠ would be artificial With 15 tables, I am not Web Mitchells. The other is Neither Mr Bridge nor and since there is no suf- sure of the best. You could to get the Jeff Smith scoring David Stevenson has any way ficient bid that shows what play a straight Mitchell program, http://homepages. of knowing whether those the 1♠ bid showed, whatever stopping two rounds early. nildram.co.uk/~jasmith/, facts are correct or complete. the player who made the With 16 tables, two sec- which has movements in

Page 37 Ask David continued called me and asked better result. What Can you advise whether the original should I have done? whether the explanation lead should stand. How Alan Mansell by email. given is adequate? should I have ruled? Fraser McLeod, Southampton. West opens 2♦, John Williams, Montrose. You may make announced as decisions at bridge There was nothing Qstrong. North Once the leader has A based on the bid- much wrong with shows his stop card and made the opening ding, your opponents’ A what you said; the bids 3♠. East and South A lead, he cannot mannerisms, the state of director was most remiss to both pass. West asks change it. Therefore, despite the play, your knowledge take no further action against the meaning of North’s the fact that nobody else has of the system and nothing your opponents. The accusa- 3♠. South replies, ‘not actually seen the card, it is else. As a matter of law, you tion of cheating should have sure’ (North-South are not permissible to change it. must not use anything else. led to a disciplinary penalty a regular partnership). Here, you have used at the very least against your Pressed by West as to ♣♦♥♠ partner’s answers to the opponent, quite possibly fur- the point count, South opponent’s question, ther sanctions. She has every says, ‘probably strong.’ I was North which is a big no-no. It right to ask the director for a West passes; 6♦ was a when the bidding does not matter which of ruling: for her to accuse you good contract. North, in Qwent as follows you has the system wrong, of cheating is way out of line. fact, held eight points it is information you are Unless your opponent was and seven spades. What not entitled to use. a complete beginner, she should the ruling be? West North East South If 5♣ had given you a ought to be aware that any Roger Grimsdick by email. 1♣ Pass 1♥ top, the director would have defensive signal depends 1♠ 1NT Pass 3♣ adjusted the score to 3NT. on many things and may The players do not Pass 3♠* Pass 3NT You must avoid taking any be untrue anyway: false- seem to have an Pass 5♣ End advantage from unauthorised carding is perfectly legal. A agreement and South information in future. The director should have told them that – so the result South alerted 3♠ and, explained this to her as well. stands. Of course, 95% of when asked, said I was ♣♦♥♠ All this is not to say that serious bridge players play promising a spade you could not improve your 3♠ here as pre-emptive. I stopper and requesting My partner and wording. Since your dis- do not think forcing South that he bid 3NT. This I play simple cards are to keep winners to give an explanation he he duly did. In fact, I Qdiscards: we and discard losers, I sug- does not believe in counts was holding a small throw losers and keep gest you say exactly that. as misinformation. He had doubleton in the suit potential winners. already said he was not sure. and asking for a stopper. Defending a no-trump ♣♦♥♠ In view of his answer, contract, I discarded a ♣♦♥♠ I bid 5♣ fearing the heart from K-x-x. My If a defender spades were wide partner explained, when keeps his own The opening open. In fact, he held asked, as not interested Qcard faced at lead was face the ♠A-Q; 3NT and 6♣ in the suit discarded. the end of a trick, does Qdown on the were laydown, giving When a subsequent declarer need to wait table. Before anyone us a bottom. If I had finesse of the ♥Q lost until the card goes face asked any questions, ignored his answer to my king, declarer down before continu- the leader decided to and passed 3NT, we complained that we had ing with the next trick? change it. Declarer would have got a much misinformed her and Name and address supplied. accused us of cheating. I called the director Although it does immediately, who decided not actually say DUPLICATE BRIDGE to take no action. A so in the laws, By ‘not interested’, players generally assume RULES SIMPLIFIED we mean, ‘I am not this is correct procedure. (otherwise known as the Yellow Book) interested in a heart lead Apart from anything else, if from you, partner.’ We declarer plays the next trick only by John Rumbelow and are not denying being knowing that the defender 95 revised by David Stevenson £5 able to win any tricks in is still thinking about the the suit. On this occasion, last one and might want to Available from Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961 I had a six-card spade see it, declarer is guilty of suit that I wanted led. rudeness.

Page 38 Ask David continued then add the IMPs together. early in the play. If answers, though dummies People often refer to this someone rejects the always want to be involved. as ‘teams-of-four scoring’. claim, play continues If declarer leads from the From your comment, I do not with all hands exposed. wrong hand, the normal A player opened believe you are doing this. This gives them an unfair rules apply, i.e. either 1♦ on the Alternatively, you just add advantage. Can anyone opponent may accept or Qfollowing hand. all the scores together and do something about this? reject that lead. The only He said that with 5-6 in work out the IMPs from the John Collins by email. exception to this is if an the minors and 11 HCP, total. People often call this opponent misinforms him he had the requisite ‘teams-of-eight scoring’. The only connection as to which hand he is in. 19 opening points. In the example you I have with BBO give, assuming you mean A is that they host ♣♦♥♠ teams-of-eight scoring, my laws forums: that is a ♠ Q 5 consider team A: kindness on their part, but My partner and ♥ Void Hand 8: -50-420-50+100 is my only connection with I open 1♣ on ♦ A 7 6 5 2 = -420 = -9 IMPs. them. Indeed, I have only Qmany hands ♣ Q 10 8 7 6 2 ever played on BBO twice. too strong for a 1NT ♣♦♥♠ Those who play regularly opening, so long as we tell me that in fact only have at least a 3-card Is this a psyche or just My partner and the side that rejected the club suit. Our opponents a light opening? I have agreed to claim can see all the hands. keep complaining and Alex Mathers, Northallerton, Qplay transfers, The player who made the calling the director. North Yorkshire (similar though sometimes he rejected claim continues to In each case, the from Sheila Tester, forgets. He opened see only his own hand and director has ruled that Polegate, Sussex). 2NT. I responded 3♥, the dummy. Thus, if declarer the opening does not holding three hearts and claims and a defender require an alert. Despite It is legal to agree five spades. He did not rejects, the defenders can this, opponents have to open a hand that alert and raised to 4♥, see declarer’s hand but continued to challenge A satisfies the Rule of which I passed. I made declarer cannot see the us, sometimes irritably. 19, subject to an absolute 4♥, whereas the rest of defensive hands. Moreover, What is the position? minimum of 8 HCP. Thus the room had scored 20 declarer cannot tell which Tim Sharrock, (from a legal perspective), points fewer in 3NT. defender rejected the claim. Blunham, Bedford. this is a normal opening; if Our opponents One cannot therefore the pair normally open with demanded to know how derive any advantage by Three-card minors this hand, it is not a psyche. many hearts I held. I making a false claim. are not alertable, replied three and that A so you should ♣♦♥♠ I intended 3♥ as a ♣♦♥♠ not alert them. If the transfer. They informed opponents are getting ratty Playing teams me that before they Is it legal for with you, call the director of eight, team lead the first card, I am declarers and say so: they have no QA had pairs 1, obliged to disclose my Qwho cannot right to do so. Rudeness 2, 3 and 4 while team B false bid. Is this correct? remember which hand is not to be tolerated. had pairs 9, 10, 11 and Thea Hill by email. they are in to face the You seem to play a three- 12. The scores on board last card they played card club suit with some 8 were as follows: Pretty much – you after turning it over? regularity, so I suggest have agreed to play Phil Hickman by email. on your system card you 1v12 4♠-1 by N NS -50 A transfers – and your write minimum number 3v9 4♥= by W NS -420 opponents have a right to Any player may of cards as three for 1♣ 10v2 5♥-1 by W NS +50 know this. You should tell look at his own last and explain similarly. 11v4 4♠-2 by N NS -100 the opponents at the end A quitted card before Too many people are of the auction that your the next trick starts. While intolerant of opponents How many IMPs 3♥ bid was alertable. there is no facility for asking who play differently from do you score? which hand a player is in, themselves: we want ‘Maxi Ines Penning, Okehampton. ♣♦♥♠ surely nobody can possibly Tolerance’ for this game to object. Best is if an opponent survive. ■ There are two ways I often play on to score teams of bridgebase.com. E-mail your questions on bridge laws to: eight. You can score I have noticed A Q [email protected] it as two teams of four; that some players claim

Page 39 Catching Up by Sally Brock

here were a few ning whatever happened in West North East South island nearest to Turkey patches of interest the other matches. This was 2♦ 4♦ Pass (indeed, it looked as if you in late May and early Board 1: 4♥ Pass Pass 4♠ could swim there from TJune since I last wrote. We Dbl All Pass where we were) for a week won a Hubert Phillips match in the sun with Chris, Brian (national mixed teams of Dealer North. Love All. Here 4♦ was forcing, show- and Jeremy. We did not do four). This may not seem ♠ 7 ing 5-5 in diamonds and a a lot (though, actually, I had particularly remarkable as ♥ K J 10 7 6 major. This convention is my laptop and did quite a we are quite a strong team ♦ Q 5 Leaping Michaels; I thought lot of work) – it was good (me and Barry, Nicola and ♣ 10 9 7 5 2 it was supposed to show to lie in the sun, wallow in Robert Sheehan) – but we ♠ K 10 6 5 4 2 ♠ Q a good hand. However, I the pool and eat and drink lost in the first round the ♥ A 3 N ♥ Q 9 8 5 4 would not want to criticise to excess. ♦ J 6 W E ♦ A K 10 9 7 4 last two years. S a teammate for this result. The next three weeks were I played in the EBU Con- ♣ Q 8 6 ♣ 3 West gave preference to quite quiet. Briony and I gress in Bournemouth with ♠ A J 9 8 3 hearts, persuading South did an ice-sculpture course Debbie Sandford, then in ♥ 2 that her partner’s suit must in Wimbledon, which was the Monday Swiss Teams ♦ 8 3 2 be spades after all. When rather fun. My parents had with Nicola. While we all ♣ A K J 4 she bid 4♠, West was happy a Pimms and patisserie par- had a jolly good time, there to double. If I had sat North, ty to celebrate living in the is no good result to report. I think I would have tried village for 50 years (and we We won a Gold Cup The bidding at our table was: five clubs as partner’s spades took their initials sculpted match, so are still in that cannot be that good or she in ice). The following week- event – if we win our next West North East South would have bid the suit ear- end we (Barry, Simon and match, in early September, 2♦ 2♥ Dbl lier. Anyway, North passed I) went up to Manchester. we will be in the quarter- Pass Pass 3♦ All Pass and 4♠ doubled went for There was a memorial event finals – and it is a long time 1,100 on a partscore deal. for Michelle Brunner in the since I have played in the My 2♦ opener was a Multi, With that board in the bag, form of a mixed pivot teams late stages of the Gold Cup. showing a very weak two- the pressure was off for our at the Manchester Bridge The main attraction of bid in either major, often East/West pair. Club. Then, on the follow- this period was the Euro- a five-card suit in first (or When we finished the ing day, a green-point Swiss pean Championships in third) seat non-vulnerable. match, we had lost 14-16. teams. We had a very enjoy- Dublin where I was a mem- Nicola’s double was a re- Thankfully, the results in the able weekend, staying with ber of the English women’s quest for me to pass if I had other matches were favour- (and playing with) Michael team that won the gold hearts. East quickly removed able for us and we were un- Byrne – but the bridge from medal. We led from early herself from trouble and we catchable. All in all, this was all of us was terrible. on, always by a decent mar- defended 3♦. According to a very satisfactory outcome. At the end of July, for the gin. People have said to me Deep Finesse (the analysis In my usual manic fourth year running, we that it was a stroll, a breeze program), we can beat 3♦; fashion, I arrived back at went for our annual holi- in the park, no pressure at alas, we failed to find what- Heathrow at lunchtime on day with the Sandford fam- all. Actually, leading from ever it needed and 3♦ made. the Sunday; after a short ily. This year, we went to the front is quite stressful. We were left feeling a little breather, I set off to drive the Cotswolds Water Park. You just think how awful it unhappy, as there was a case north. Briony and I were We were in quite upmar- would be if you fail to win for Nicola passing and let- going to stay with family ket accommodation with a from such a strong posi- ting declarer struggle. For friends in Darlington be- balcony overlooking a lake tion. In addition, there were us, the set continued in a fore going to the open day at (and there are plenty of several minor explosions rather scrappy fashion with Durham University on the lakes in the Park – some of as one team member after mediocre bridge from both Monday. Although it was which are for water sports another bowed under the sides. We had not done ter- nice to spend time together, while others are sanctuar- pressure. Even at the end, ribly, but there was certainly I am not sure Briony is well ies for various animals/ it was difficult for the two scope for a loss. In the other suited for further education. birds). I would thoroughly pairs playing. room, the result of the first On the Wednesday night, recommend it for anyone We played Sweden in the board was dramatic and Barry and I set off to Gat- who likes outdoor activities: last round and needed to changed the mood of the wick for a crack of dawn plenty of lovely walks, bike win 17-13 to guarantee win- match totally: flight to Samos, the Greek rides, water sports, etc. ■

Page 40 Seven Days by Sally Brock

Friday a huge sports fan – unlike West North East South is virtually certain (North/ Barry – but that was a fan- 1♥ South were playing four- Up early to pack and get tastic night), Barry and I 2♥1 4♥ 4♠ Pass card majors, so North had out of our Cotswolds Wa- head back into London. Pass 5♣ 5♦ 5♥ to have four hearts) and I ter Park holiday house. This Pass Pass 5♠ Dbl can take the spade finesse has been a very good week All Pass 1two-suited with confidence. If North (though we would have pre- Sunday ruffs the diamond, that was ferred better weather). Today is the Young Chelsea a loser in any case; if he dis- Briony is going to Cam- Knockout Final, the real Dealer South. N/S Game. cards, I win and concede a bodia for a couple of weeks prize for which is getting ♠ 5 diamond, later playing for next Saturday (with Pro- an invitation to play in the ♥ 7 6 3 2 spades to be 3-2. jects Abroad, to help in an Lederer at the end of Sep- ♦ A Q Anyway, all is well in the orphanage) and there are a tember. The Lederer is a ♣ K Q J 8 5 3 end as we win by 4 IMPs. number of things she still prestigious invitation teams ♠ K Q 10 9 4 ♠ A 7 2 Back to Barry’s for supper, ♥ J 8 N ♥ 9 needs, so, no sooner do we event held at the Young W E and then home. get home and unload the car, Chelsea every year. ♦ J 7 6 4 2 S ♦ K 10 8 5 than we are off to Reading to I play in Kitty Teltscher’s ♣ A ♣ 10 9 7 6 4 explore the shops there. We team; the line-up for today ♠ J 8 6 3 Monday finally get home about six. is Nicola and me, along with ♥ A K Q 10 5 4 Nicola has been away for Barry comes over and we Colin Simpson and Willie ♦ 9 3 a lot of the time between spend the rest of the evening Coyle. Although our oppo- ♣ 2 Dublin and now and is feel- glued to the Olympics. nents, Mike Hill’s team, have ing a bit rusty, as am I, so knocked out several strong we have two sessions on- teams to get to the final, South leads his club; I win line practising our bidding Saturday we are heavy favourites on this in dummy and play a today. In between, I have a It is up and into town for paper. However, we do not diamond. North goes in lunch date with a local non- more shopping. Some of play our best and struggle with the ace and plays a bridge-playing friend. It the stuff we bought yester- all the way. It is exciting for heart. South wins and con- seems Nicola and I need the day needs to go back, some the kibitzers watching at the tinues hearts. In uninspired practice as we seem to find more things are needed. Young Chelsea (they can see fashion, I ruff the heart, cash a way to go wrong on most One of the consequences of it on a screen in the bar). On the ♠A and play a spade to deals. the Cotswolds holiday was the last deal, we misdefend dummy’s king. I now have to We end on a high note, that we got the bikes up and 3♠ and declarer makes a go one down. though: running. In the afternoon, ‘no-win’ play at trick twelve In retrospect, I think I Barry and I go for a walk to go down. If he had made should have played differ- along the Thames at Hurley it, we would have had to play ently. South’s two of clubs Nicola Sally while Briony cycles a longer extra boards. looks very like a singleton, ♠ A K J 5 ♠ 7 6 If we had got this hand which means North must ♥ 4 3 N ♥ A K 9 6 route; we met at the pub af- W E terwards. It is always fun to from the last set right at ei- have a singleton in either ♦ 7 2 S ♦ Q 6 3 walk along the river – there ther table, it would all have spades or diamonds. Af- ♣ K Q 9 4 3 ♣ A J 7 2 is such a lot going on (and it been over. In the other ter I have ruffed the heart, will be us on one of the boats room, our pair have a bit of a I should ruff a club and in a few weeks – but that is a mix-up as to whether or not then play another diamond. 1♣ 1♦ (alert) story for another day). a pass is forcing in a com- When South shows out in 1♠ 2♦ (alert) In the evening, Briony petitive auction; they bid 6♥ clubs (confirming my first 2♥ 3♣ is babysitting, so, after the freely, going a couple down. thoughts) and diamonds 3♠ 4♣ Olympics finishes (I am not The auction at our table was: are 2-2, North’s distribution 5♣

Page 41 Seven Days continued Nicola. Actually, it works Thursday fantastically: Nicola and Dramatis Personae I have an enjoyable hour Barry comes with me to St Sally Brock lives in High Wy- practising and bidding to Pancras and the Eurostar; combe with her two teenag- the right contract on nearly then he is off to the Olym- ers, her husband Raymond ♦ having died in early 2008. She My 1 response is a trans- every slam hand BBO pro- pics. He will get to see Usain works partly as a bridge pro- fer to hearts; 2♦ is fourth- duces for us. Bolt win the 200 metres in fessional, occasionally playing suit forcing. Nicola shows a Toby is feeling surpris- real life while we lesser mor- for pay but more often writing doubleton heart; then, with ingly sociable (probably be- tals will have to make do (she is the bridge columnist for The Sunday Times) and no diamond stopper, rebids cause he is shortly going to with the TV. Apart from the teaching online; the rest of the her robust spade suit (she be on his own for a couple fact that our coach thinks time she works on the produc- could not have five or she of weeks – his idea of bliss) that the train is leaving at tion of travel guides. She has been a member of the British/ would have bid them again and we spend the even- 13.25 instead of arriving at English women’s team on and earlier). At this stage, it is ing playing the latest craze: 13.25, and therefore misses off since 1979. still possible for her to have Munchkin (you really need it, all passes off peacefully, a diamond control so I leave three people to play). I quite and our hotel looks good. Briony & Toby are Sally’s 16-year-old daughter and her room to show it; then I enjoy this but this is the It is slightly grand and old- 18-year-old son. am happy to pass 5♣ and fourth time I have played it fashioned, but lovely for all leave her in the top spot. now; I would not really rec- that and very close to the Ben, Gemma and Hayden I spend the evening work- ommend it for anyone over Grand Place in Lille. Ben is Sally’s 35-year-old son who is married to Gemma. ing on my laptop in front of 50 – the kids are so on top We settle ourselves in Hayden is their two-year- the TV. Because I am go- of it while I am so slow and and explore our immedi- old son, and they all live in ing away shortly, I let Bri- miss so much that they are ate vicinity for a while be- Waltham Abbey. ony have complete control constantly exasperated with fore changing into dress Barry Myers is Sally’s new of the TV, so tonight it is me. uniform and meeting up to partner, both at and away Harry Potter, followed by walk to the opening cere- from the bridge table. He is a Big Brother. mony. We are going to have criminal defence barrister and lives in Shepherd’s Bush. Wednesday to do this walk at least once Briony and I spend most of every day for a couple of Nicola Smith is Sally’s current Tuesday the morning packing. She is weeks; we are not sure how international bridge partner. Briony is working today. struggling to fit everything easy it is going to be. It turns They formed a last-minute partnership in 2008 to join She works in a children’s she thinks she needs into out to be a comfortable 15 the England women’s team for play centre, mostly in the her (very large) rucksack. I minutes so it should be fine the World Mind Sports Games cafeteria there. First, we go am trying to persuade her (unless it rains). in Beijing where they won the gold medal. Nicola has been for a drive. We are hoping that it is possible to wash I hope you do not have playing international bridge to get her driving as quickly out underwear, pyjamas, any illusions that this might since she was 17, which is as possible after her seven- vest, tops and the like. Af- be anything like the Olym- rather a long time ago. teenth birthday, on Septem- ter lunch, I take her for a pic opening ceremony. It is Heather and Jeremy Dhondy ber 18th. To that end, I have drive and we stock up on a usually just a succession of Heather, youthful and athletic, already bought a car for her few provisions. Then a final people giving speeches, ei- is a professional bridge play- to use; we go driving in a game of Munchkin before ther in badly accented Eng- er, teacher and writer, living in London with husband Jer- local car park. My brother- I set off for London. While lish, or else in a foreign lan- emy. She played with Nicola in-law is a driving instruc- I can comfortably pull the guage then translated into until 2007 but now plays with tor and he is coming for the two wheelie bags that I need English. I am afraid I judge Nevena Senior. Jeremy is the weekend after her birthday on the flat, stairs are a strug- it on how easily I can sleep captain of the England wom- en’s team for Dublin and Lille. to give her some concen- gle; so Barry meets me at through it. This one passes trated tuition. South Ruislip and we con- muster. Afterwards we have Chris Duckworth and Brian Then home via the post tinue by tube to Shepherds a drink, get a chance to say Callaghan are friends living in office to send a parcel for my Bush. Rather excitingly, he hello to some old friends West London. grandson Hayden’s third has bought a new car (after and then go out to dinner. Debbie Sandford is a friend birthday at the weekend. the death of his previous I have a late night talk to and occasional bridge partner. I spend the morning writ- one) – this is five years older Barry about his day – much Lives in west London with her ing this article. Then I have (i.e. a 1992 model) but very more exciting than mine – three children and partner Gad Chadha. a simple bright idea to im- cute – a tiny white Mazda and then to bed. prove a difficult area of our sports car. You will have to wait un- Simon Cope is a friend, team- bidding and practise it on- Then back to his place til the next issue to find out mate and some time bridge how we do (though I guess coach. He was coach of the line with Barry for half an and he cooks me Dover sole English open team in Dublin. hour or so to see if it will while we watch the Olym- you will probably know be- work before imposing it on pics – bliss. fore then if we do well). ■

Page 42 Wikipedia at the end of the a few other conventions. section on Contract Bridge. I If you are able to READERS’ have had some suggestions recommend a bridge teacher of minor modifications to give us private lessons but nothing to change the at home, perhaps you principles involved and I still could call me to discuss? believe that they offer the John Perkins, LETTERS best basis for a competitive Walton on Thames, Surrey. and realistic game with In your area, try Ned Paul only three players. ( 0208 892 9429 Bill Watson, Codsall, FROM L.U.C.I.A. PARTY GAMES Wolverhampton. WHY RUBBER? AND LITTLE VOICE Your correspondent, A question came up round I should like to thank your W Marchant, asked about WHAT FREQUENCY? our table the other day. readers for the generous fun bridge games for the Scoring a recent local pairs Why do we use the word donations that have arrived annual party time season. event, I found that one table ‘rubber’ in rubber bridge? in our charity bank account With my friends, we played had not put the asked for Or playing a ‘rubber’ in in recent months. Most of the under the following ‘rules’: ‘name, rank and number’ of Canasta for that matter. funds were raised through the Normal deal and normal the players on the back of I cannot find a satisfactory expertise of Colin Bamberger, bidding. However, before the first traveller. However, explanation anywhere from the sale of stamps the opening lead is faced, this was compensated for by and wonder whether you collected by your readers. three cards are passed from the next table down the line can help filling this gap The funds are allocated each player to the LHO. putting their ‘name, rank in our knowledge. to support one of LUCIA’s Real consideration should be and number’ information Hanne Rader by email. partner organisations in given to the choice of these on the back of the first The etymology is not Ethiopia: Little Voice (LV). cards as the bidding could traveller for both their first certain, I fear, though what LV provides a home and be very influential and the and second set of boards. is certain is that it is not education for orphaned more the game is played, How often does that occur? a term that originated in children who would otherwise the more important you Mr Peter Burville, bridge. Certainly, it is used be living a life of destitution will find those three cards St Margaret’s Bay, Kent. in baseball, bowls and whist on the streets of Addis Ababa. become. Otherwise, normal and I have heard it myself LUCIA’s representatives made play and normal scoring FIGURE OF SPEECH in other sports and games. a return visit to the children’s and, as it was played at None of the players in our It can be used for a series home a few weeks ago, and holiday time, we gave it the little group seem familiar of games, such as the were bowled-over by the name ‘passover bridge’. with ‘Breaking the Barrier’. World Series in baseball, warmth and sense of family Mr Colin Dale, Is this still in practice? effectively the final, a set in the home. Most of the Stamford, Lincs. Mr H Bannerman, of seven games with the children have lived through See Party Night on page 9. Cheltenham, Glos. winner the first team to four. terrible hardships, poverty It is also used for the final and abuse, but they have FINAL WORD TEACHER WANTED game, for example if they been lucky to be found and Bert Howard from Derbyshire My wife and I are are three all in the World cared for by the staff and proposed another variation intermediate bridge players. Series, the seventh game is other children at the LV home. to the rules for playing bridge We play social duplicate called the rubber game. Despite their difficult past, with only three players in at a friendly club. While not certain, it is everyone works together to the August 2012 magazine. We spend about 2 believed the term was build a loving home and safe His main point is that the months a year in Cape first used in bowls. community. In turn, this gives dealer checks the points Town where we have weekly Famously, in 1588 the children the opportunity of all the hands and then private lessons and would Sir Francis Drake was to grow up in safety, to have gives the hands with the like to make a similar interrupted while playing an education and to go on to highest number of points arrangement for when bowls with word that the make their way in the world to the other two players we are back in the UK. Spanish Armada was in sight. as confident and responsible before bidding starts. We are reluctant to change In a show of leadership for adults. We encourage all your With one player having our bidding system other his captains, Drake said, readers to continue collecting seen all the hands, it is hardly than some tweaking. We ‘We can finish the rubber used stamps, sending them a competitive situation and play 5-card majors, strong and beat the Spaniards, to LUCIA or Colin Bamberger I cannot see the point of it. NT, club approach, strong too.’ and the term ‘rubber’ for his expert attention. My rules were first twos for majors and Multi for probably migrated to whist Jill Russell, on behalf of published in this magazine in weak majors/strong minors, and eventually on to bridge. the L.U.C.I.A. Trustees. April 2012. They are now in reverse Roman keycard and David Stevenson.

Page 43 READERS’ LETTERS completely flat,’ but fails to possible arrangements, 6 will of similar data on the continued justify this sweeping have 4 spades: frequency with which hands statement with some 6/12 x 57.84 = 28.92% suitable for the various back-up. conventions might occur. ARROW SWITCHING In looking for, say, a 4333 shape: Of the 4 Mr B Howard, I have just seen George spade fit, responder may possible arrangements, 1 will High Peak, Cheshire. Quinton’s letter about arrow have a doubleton, offering have 4 spades: switching in BRIDGE 116. a probable ruff opposite 1/4 x 28.29 = 7.07% HOLIDAY BRIDGE There have been several an opening 4-3-3-3 hand. Carol and I were visiting things written about it over Conversely, if responder 5332 shape: Of the 12 friends in Portugal who the years. Probably the most is 4-3-3-3, he hopes that possible arrangements, 3 will took us to their local bridge informative was the paper, opener has a spade fit and have 5 spades: club where a couple of the written by John Manning, a doubleton. Points are less 3/12 x 13.88 = 3.47% members remembered us which first appeared in likely in an off-suit five- from previous visits (the the bulletin of the Institute card (3-2) fit than in a 6- or Out of this total of director warned us that the of Mathematics and its 7-card fit and an inadequate 28.92 + 7.07 + 3.47 standard was higher than Applications, which I was a stop could mean 4 or 5 = 39.46%, opener will have the last club we had met at) member of in 1979 when losers in no-trump, but in a a spade fit plus a doubleton but it was mainly ‘new’ faces it first appeared. I think it suit contract the probable 28.92 + 3.47 = 82.08% who made us very welcome. was the only time a bridge- ruff keeps the likely losers 39.46 I say ‘new’ because the related article ever appeared. down to 2 in that suit. of the time. Hence, only majority of the players However, I have attached He adds, ‘..raising in no- 17.92% of the time will were ‘past the first flush of it in case you don’t have a trumps gives less information opener have a matching flat youth’. This didn’t stop them copy. The first is a rather to the defenders,’ but this 4333 hand. Is this amount using some sophisticated poor photocopy of the could equally apply when enough to justify the claim? bidding that we hadn’t original from August/ responder is 4432 with a Interestingly, it is claimed come across before. One September 1979, the second major, thus the Stayman to be 50/50 as to whether of the more successful was is a rewrite I did in 2007 as concept becomes redundant. a 4-4 fit plays better than a man 98 years young. more people were asking for Normally, a 1NT opening 3NT when one of the hands The tactics were explained an electronic version. The is 4432 (21.55% of hands has no ruffing value. Why to us over a few glasses section on switching starts are thus) or 4333 (10.54%) 3NT? The contract might of Constantino but I don’t on page 9, with the ‘answer’ and sometimes 5332 be short of game in 2NT think we are up to it yet. to switch about 1/8 of the (15.52% but let’s assume or three of a major. Also, It was good fun (we are boards coming on page 11. only one third – it is probably did he forget about the 5-4 used to coming bottom) John Pain, English Bridge more – are opened 1NT major suit fits, which on the and bidding boxes get Union, Aylesbury. giving 5.17%). Thus their above one third assumption around the language I have put the 2007 respective likelihoods are: for a 5332 hand, calculates problems at the table. rewrite on our website for to 8.79% of the time? So a thank you to our those who are interested. 21.55 = 57.34% (4432) Mr L Jackson, Hull. hosts and the members www.mrbridge.co.uk/ 37.26 of the club. downloads/manning.pdf SOAP FAN Mr A Williams, 10.54 = 28.29% (4333) I suggest Sally Brock try Barry Llanfairpwll, Anglesey. SKIP STAYMAN 37.26 on a gluten free diet for a PS. As an Italian said to In ‘Skip Stayman on a 4333 week as it is possible that he me once, ‘if you speak hand’, BRIDGE 115, Page 9, 5.17 = 13.88% (5332) has become intolerant. If this three languages you are the author states, ‘..there is 37.26 is so, the described symptoms multi-lingual, if you speak no point in seeking a fit when will all clear up very quickly. two languages you are bi- both hands may be 4432 shape: Of the 12 All major supermarkets lingual. If you only speak sell products to help. one, you are English.’ I write as one of her REDUCE THE COST OF YOUR POSTAGE many fans. Long may her WHERE IS IT? Postage stamps for sale at 90% of face-value, contributions continue. Some time ago you promised Shirley Lake, an article on Precision. all mint with full gum. London, NW1. So far, it would seem Quotations for commercial quantities none have appeared. available on request. WHAT ODDS Mr M Taylor, Values supplied in 100s, higher values available as well The Baron’s calculations on Ballymena, as 1st and 2nd class (eg 2nd class: 100x37p+100x13p) card distribution made me Northern Ireland. (/Fax 020 8422 4906 e-mail: [email protected] wonder about the possibility It’s been and gone.

Page 44 READERS’ LETTERS continued CLUB PLUGS Mr Bridge LOST & FOUND FRAMFIELD REIGATE 2013 Whilst directing at our local BRIDGE CLUB BRIDGE CLUB club, I was called to table reigatebridgeclub.co.uk 3 and informed that South We are a small, friendly, Bridge had no cards in his section members’ club who meet It is now two years since I of the board which had on a Tuesday morning at started teaching and I have Players’ been moved from table 4. 9.15am for a prompt formed a club for my One role for the TD (Law 9.30am start, finishing students to put into practice Diaries 14A) is to attempt to find a about 12.30pm. what they have learnt. I missing card. To my surprise, We stop for a tea/coffee would like to let others all 13 cards were found mid-morning break. know about the existence of the club. tucked neatly behind the Come to Framfield Church 7NT card in South’s bidding Hall. Parking is available. We play duplicate bridge box on table 4. After a few on Wednesday afternoons Duplicate bridge is played. smiles play continued. 2.00-5.15pm at the Subud Table money is £2 for Mr D Drinkwater, Hall, Allingham Road, members and £2.50 for Stafford Bridge Club. Reigate, Surrey. visitors. Annual sub. £10. Ms E Hammergren Smith BRIDGE PLUS We guarantee a partner ( 01737 242146 but bring a friend if at all Contents include possible. KINGSTON ♦ Acol Summary We hold two events during BRIDGE CLUB by Bernard Magee. the year – a Challenge Cup bridgewebs.com/kingston in May and a Christmas ♦ Guide to the Laws. OPENING 4 OCTOBER party bridge event, both ♦ Scoring Tables for I have approximately with food and wine. We Club standard duplicate duplicate and 40 copies of Bridge Plus visit other clubs for annual bridge every Thursday rubber bridge. magazine from issue number events. 7.30-10.30pm at Shiraz 2 to when it ceased to be ♦ Distributional odds. Mirza Community Hall, published (some issues Gerald Makeham, ♦ Hand patterns and 76a Coombe Road, may be missing). If anyone Chairman fascinating figures. Norbiton, Kingston would like these & can ( 01273 480730 KT2 7AZ. ♦ Seven cover colours: collect from the Reading Fred Taylor, Secretary red, navy blue, tan, area, please contact me ( 01825 763256 Single players welcome. black, ivory, green, on ( 01491 410346. Host system to guarantee and burgundy. ■ Weston and everyone a game. Mrs Ferguson, Reading. ♦ Worle BRIDGE All covers printed in Instant electronic scoring; gold-coloured ink. CLUB hand records after every Write to ♦ Individual diaries £6.95 Mr Bridge We have moved to session and results posted each including p&p. St Joseph’s Church Hall, promptly to the internet. at: ♦ Special concession Ryden Camp Road, Friendly game but all to bridge clubs. 10 or Grange, Weston-super-Mare, normal bidding systems more diaries £3.50 Knaphill, Somerset BS23 2JH. Surrey permitted. each including p&p. GU21 2TH We have bridge on: Tournament director and ♦ Luxury version with or e-mail Wednesday at 7pm till super-soft kidrell cover, letters@ host: Ned Paul. 10ish, Friday 2pm till 5ish. gilded page edges mrbridge.co.uk On Saturday, we have Table money £5 including and a ball-point pen E-mail correspondents begun no-fear bridge for tea, coffee and biscuits. attached, in ruby red, are asked to include their beginners and improvers navy blue or green. Ned Paul name, full postal address, at 2pm. £1.50 per session. £14.95 each telephone number and to ( 020 8892 9429 With refreshments. including p&p. send no attachments. ( 07792 715517 Janice King Rosemary Vase See Mail Order Form Letters may be edited for on page 7. length and clarity. ( 01934 417527 ( 020 8546 8719

Page 45 Bernard Magee’s Tips BERYL for Better Bridge HUTCHINSON 65 invaluable tips in 160 pages 1934-2012 Bidding Tips 33 A low lead usually promises 1 Always consider bidding length and an honour eryl Hutchinson MBE was She obtained her Tutor Diploma spades if you can 34 When declaring 1NT, 2 Bid more aggressively try to be patient born on January 6th 1934 at Queen Elizabeth College and when non-vulnerable 35 Duck an early round when in Dairy Drove, Thorney returned to Grantham in 1972 3 Always double when the you are short of entries BFen, Peterborough. Her parents, where she worked as Nurse Tutor opponents steal your deal 36 Lead up to your Albert and Elsie Johnson, lived until 1975 and then as Senior 4 A takeout double shows two-honour holding in a tied cottage on the farm Nursing Officer. She retired in shortage in the suit doubled 37 Do not always assume where her father was horseman. 1989 having served as Director of 5 ‘Borrow’ a king a suit will break well to keep the auction open 38 Drop a high card Beryl’s mother died in 1940 and Nursing and Assistant Manager 6 After a penalty double, to put off the defence her father eventually remarried; for Patient Services. don’t let the opponents escape 39 Play your highest card to tempt Beryl then had two half sisters While all this was taking place, 7 Halve the value of a singleton a defender to cover and two half brothers as well Beryl took on appointments honour when opening 40 Draw trumps first unless you as her brother Cyril. When she with the Red Cross, progressing 8 Only add length-points for a have a good reason not to suit that might be useful 41 Do not waste your trumps caught measles, she went to stay from Branch Nursing Officer and 9 Isolated honours are bad 42 Consider leaving a lone defen- with her maternal grandparents. Training Officer (both regionally except in partner’s suit sive trump winner out This soon became a permanent and nationally) to serve finally as 10 Use the jump shift sparingly arrangement and she returned Director. Later on, after serving as Defence Tips 11 Consider passing and letting to the family home only for interim Director in Derbyshire, partner decide 43 Keep four-card suits intact holidays. she took a position which 12 You need two top honours whenever possible for a second-seat pre-empt 44 Give count on declarer’s leads When she was ten, Beryl’s involved a managerial over- 13 Put the brakes on if you have a 45 Keep the right cards grandparents moved to view of two Nottinghamshire misfit rather than signal Peterborough. Although she residential homes. Her hard 14 Strong and long minors work 46 Take your time failed the 11+ examination, this work was to be rewarded when when dummy is put down well in no-trumps seemed to act as a spur to a life she was appointed to the Red 15 One stop in the opponents’ suit 47 High cards are for killing can be enough for no-trumps other high cards of hard work and achievement. Cross Board of Trustees in 16 Keep your two-level 48 Do not waste After leaving school, she took 2004, serving for most of her responses up to strength intermediate cards a pre-nursing course two days last seven years on the Board 17 Use your normal methods in 49 Pick two key suits to a week and also helped as a as Vice Chairman. In 1999, she concentrate on during the play response to a 1NT overcall teacher’s assistant in an infant was presented with the MBE for 18 Don’t overcall just because 50 If in doubt, cover an honour you have opening points with an honour school. Being an active church services to the Red Cross. 19 Overcalls can be quite weak, 51 If a lead is from two honours, it member, she became a Sunday Beryl was also involved with so be prudent when responding is best not to cover school teacher, later becoming Grantham College for over 20 Weak overcalls must be based 52 Keep your honour to kill involved with the Girl Guide twenty years, serving as Vice dummy’s honour on strong suits movement and the Anglican Chairman of the Governing 53 Try to show partner your 21 6NT requires 33 points Young People’s Association. Body for most of that period. not 4 aces and 4 kings solid honour sequences 22 Raise immediately, if weak 54 Lead the normal card when She passed 5 ‘O’ Levels at In spite of the many demands with four-card support leading partner’s suit Technical College and, following on her time, she also enjoyed 23 In a competitive auction, 55 Never underlead an ace at trick several correspondence courses, playing bridge and even then was show support immediately one in a suit contract she completed her nursing organising bridge days in support 56 Be wary of leading from 24 Bid to the level of your fit training at Peterborough of the Red Cross or St Wulfram’s quickly with weak hands four cards to only one honour 25 With strength and support, 57 Lead a higher card from Memorial Hospital. A period of Church. She also taught bridge, use the opponents’ bid suit a suit without an honour general nursing followed and she starting a bridge club for improv- 58 Lead through ‘beatable’ eventually became Night Sister ers. Once retired, her main de- strength and up to weakness and later Night Superintendent. light was in being a member of Declarer-play Tips 59 Cash your winners before try- 26 When your contract depends ing for a trump promotion Her ambition, however, was to the sixty-six strong team of Mr on a finesse, think ‘endplay’ 60 Be patient when defending be a Nurse Tutor. In pursuit of Bridge hosts and helpers. 27 Consider what a defender 1NT this, she moved to Grantham and Beryl died peacefully on might be thinking about 61 Trump leads can be safe took a position as Ward Sister on Monday July 30th after battling 28 Always take your time throughout the play at trick one the Women’s Surgical Ward. for seven months with pancreatic 29 Establish extra tricks before General Tips Marriage in 1963 to Ken cancer. She had a caring family cashing your winners 62 Do not put important cards Hutchinson meant that Beryl and a host of friends made 30 Use your opponents’ at either end of your hand became step-mother to a lovely during the many years of nursing bidding to your advantage 63 Avoid being declarer when family of four children, one of and teaching. In the relatively 31 Avoid the ‘baddie’ you are dummy them a teenager, so Beryl put short time she spent playing gaining the lead 64 Before you lead, ask for a 32 Use the Rule of Seven when review of the auction aside her ambitions until, sadly, bridge, she made many more. holding up in no-trumps 65 Enjoy the Game! Ken died in 1969. Her down-to-earth approach to Beryl decided to carry on with problems, her wicked sense of £14 including postage and packing from Mr Bridge, her plan to become a Nurse Tutor fun and her loyalty made her a Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH. ( 01483 489961 and was accepted at London very special person. We will all University the following year. miss her so much. ■

Page 46 Julian Pottage Says A Double then a New Suit Shows a Good Hand

nce upon a time, players would West North East South which would be too strong for a strong double whenever they had an 1♣/♦/♥ Pass Pass overcall if you were playing them, must opening hand and an opponent ? be too strong for a simple overcall. You Oopened in a suit first. have to double. When your hand is this The double had the name The ‘too good for 1NT, too good for a good, the danger that the bidding will ‘informatory’ as it informed partner suit overcall’ rule also applies in the be at a dangerously high level at your that the doubler had opening values. If, protective seat. Since, in fourth seat, you next turn is lower. as often happened, the doubler’s partner tend to bid as though you have a king bid the wrong suit, there followed an (three points) more than you hold, even apologetic, ‘you’ve hit my doubleton,’ as Hand A is too good to reopen with 1♠. Hand E Hand F dummy appeared. You would double. Although opener’s ♠ 9 6 ♠ A 9 Nowadays, unless you are Italian, values will now be over yours rather ♥ A K J 5 4 ♥ A K J 5 4 a minimum takeout double implies than under them, you have far less fear ♦ K Q 8 5 2 ♦ A K 8 5 support for all unbid suits. Along with of vigorous competition when the other ♣ 2 ♣ 8 3 this, the upper limit for a simple suit side has tried to stop at the one level. overcall is now about the same as the Returning to second seat, when your upper limit for a 1NT overcall. The suit is lower than opener’s, you must be West North East South upshot is that, if you double and later bid more wary of competition. 1♥ 2♣ Pass Pass a new suit, you show a hand too good for ? a simple overcall.

Hand C Hand D A double followed by a bid of a new suit ♠ 7 ♠ 2 is a strong action for opener as well.

Hand A Hand B ♥ 10 6 2 ♥ K 9 3 With Hand E, you cannot afford to ♠ A Q 9 6 3 ♠ A Q 9 6 3 ♦ A K J ♦ A K J double on the off chance that partner ♥ K 8 5 ♥ A Q 2 ♣ A K 9 6 4 2 ♣ K Q J 9 4 3 wants to defend 2♣ doubled. In the far ♦ 8 5 ♦ 8 5 more likely event that East’s pass means ♣ A K 2 ♣ A K 3 weakness rather than a club stack, you West North East South are likely to hear 2♠ (or even 3♠) if you 1♠ try a reopening takeout double. You do West North East South ? not want that. A natural 2♦, rather than 1♣/♦/♥ double, looks right and is right. ? If you play strong jump overcalls, you With Hand F, you still see some hope will not have a problem with Hand C. of game despite partner’s pass. With a With Hand A, you overcall 1♠. Even You jump to 3♣. These days, many play hand this good, you do not want to rebid counting a point for the fifth spade, you weak jump overcalls or use 3♣ as a 2♦ for fear of missing game. You do not have 17 points – within range for a 1NT two-suited bid. In this case, you cannot want to bid 3♦ either with so little shape. overcall and, therefore, within range for bid 3♣. Does this mean you double, Double fits the bill. You can convert 2♠ 1♠ (indeed, some people would actually planning to bid clubs later? to 3♦ if need be and you can be sure 2♣ bid 1NT on this hand over 1♣ or 1♥). No. To double first, rather than doubled is going down if partner leaves Hand B is three points better, clearly overcall at the two level, you need a hand in the double. out of range for 1NT and so too good for too strong for a strong jump overcall. 1♠. You should double. You expect to bid With Hand C, you are unlikely to miss Summary spades at your next turn. You have little game if you overcall 2♣ and partner fear that the opponents will bounce the passes. To make 3NT, you will need help Doubling an opening bid and then bid- bidding so much that you do not get in clubs, a spade stopper and help in ding a new suit shows a good hand – 18+ the chance. You can outbid them at the hearts as well. With all that, partner will points if you could have shown your suit same level or, if you judge the level too find a bid. You do not want to double at the one level, or a hand too good for a high to do so, double again. and have North bid 3♠, do you? Hand D, strong jump overcall if you could not. ■

Page 47 QPLUS TRADE-IN OFFER BRIDGE If undelivered or unwanted kindly return to Return any QPLUS CD and booklet with a Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey, GU21 2TH cheque for £35 and receive the latest version of wonderful QPLUS Bridge. Order with absolute confidence.

ACOL MORE DECLARER ADVANCED DEFENCE FIVE-CARD BIDDING (ADVANCED) PLAY DECLARER PLAY MAJORS & ACOL BIDDING l Lead vs Strong No-Trump l Opening Bids and l Suit Establishment l Making Overtricks No-trump Contracts Responses l Basics in No-trumps in No-trumps l Opening Bids l Lead vs & Responses l Slams and Strong l Advanced l Suit Establishment l Making Overtricks Suit Contracts Openings Basics in Suits in Suit Contracts l No-Trump l Partner of Leader Openings l Support l Weak Twos l Hold-ups l Endplays vs No-trump for Partner Contracts l Support £89 l Ruffing for l Avoidance l Strong Hands for Partner l Pre-empting Extra Tricks l Partner of Leader l Defence l Wrong £81 vs Suit Contracts l Slams l Overcalls l Entries in Contract £66 to Weak Twos & Strong Openings No-trumps £76 l Count l No-trump l Defence to 1NT l Simple Signals l Rebids Openings l Delaying Squeezes l Doubles and Responses Drawing Trumps l Attitude l Minors l Counting £76 l Two-suited Signals & Misfits l Opener’s and l Using the Lead the Hand Overcalls Responder’s Rebids £96 l Discarding l Pre-empting l Trump Control l Trump Reductions l Defences to l Minors and Misfits & Coups l Defensive Plan l Doubles Other Systems l Endplays & l Doubles Avoidance l Playing Doubled l Stopping Declarer l Overcalls l Misfits and Contracts l Competitive Distributional l Using l Counting l Competitive Auctions Hands the Bidding l Safety Plays the Hand Auctions

Interactive Tutoroal CDs with Bernard Magee. Available from Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH. ( 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk