Washington www.Washington BridgeLeague.org Bridge League

May/June 2003 B ♣ U ♥ L ♠ L ♦ E ♥ T ♣ I ♠ N

Thursday, May 1 ♣Stratified Open Pairs ...... 10:30am Washington Bridge Center,,, 1620 Elton Road, Silver Spring MD, (301) 445-0276 ♦StrataFlighted Pairs (A/X unlim/3000, B/C Separate 1500/500), Stratified 199er Pairs & 0-20 Pairs (Christ the King Church only), Stratified 99er Pairs (Beth El only) Beth El Congregation, 3830 Seminary Rd, Alexandria ...... 7:00pm Christ the King Church, 2301 Colston Drive, Silver Spring ...... 7:30pm Capital Beltway to Connecticut Ave. South. Left on East-West Hwy. Right on Grubb Rd. 1st left on Colston. The church is one block on the left.

* * * Friday and Saturday at Christ the King Church only * * * Friday, May 2 ♥Stratified Open Pairs (unlim/1500/500) (single sessions) ...... 10:00am, 2:00pm ♠Stratified Senior Pairs (unlim/1500/500) (single sessions) ... 10:00am & 2:00pm ♣Intermediate/Novice Pairs (single sessions) ...... 10:00am, 2:00pm & 7:30pm ♥StrataFlighted Pairs (A/X unlim/3000, B/C Separate 2000/750) ...... 7:30pm Saturday, May 3 ♠Senior Pairs (unlim/2000/750) (single sessions) ...... 9:30am &1:30pm ♣Intermediate/Novice Pairs (300/200/100/50/20) (single sess.s) 1:30pm & 7:00pm ♦StrataFlighted A/X Pairs (unlim/3000) (single sessions) ...... 1:30pm & 7:00pm ♥StrataFlighted B/C Pairs (2000/750) (single sessions) ...... 1:30pm & 7:00pm

* * * Sunday at the WBC and Laurel Clubs * * * Sunday, May 4 ♠A/X -A-Match Teams (unlim /3000)(Laurel only) ...... 11:00am & TBA Laurel Bridge Club, 8654-A Laureldale Dr., Laurel, MD, (301) 490-1383 ♣B/C Swiss Teams, VPs (2000/750, 2 sessions with a short break) ... 11:00am & TBA (WBC only) WBC, 1620 Elton Road, Silver Spring MD, (301) 445-0276 ♦300/200/100/50 Swiss Teams, VPs (single sessions) (WBC only) 11:00am & 4:00pm

I/N events: 199er, 99er, 49er, & 0-20; Stratification at Director’s Discretion Open and Senior Stratified Events and StrataFlighted Events vary as listed above.

Famous Washington Hospitality includes food and/or drinks for all players ev- ery day. Refreshments available throughout the tournament. Scrip awarded for 57th Annual Potomac Valley Sectional, May 1-4, 2003 Sectional, May Valley Annual Potomac 57th 1st/2nd overall and section tops. Chairs: Kathy Kruskal, (202) 662-3430, [email protected], Ben Laden, (202) 244-1765, [email protected], Hospitality: Kitty Gottfried, (301) 587-3981, Partnerships: A/X: Fred King, (703) 536-1914, [email protected], B/C/D: Charity Sack, (703) 963-7027, [email protected], or Barbara Rothkin, (301) 493-9359, [email protected], On-line Partnership Desk: www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org. WBL Ombudsman Contents Suggestion Box Any player with helpful director is- sues including criticism or praise of Do you have a suggestion that the directing staff may contact the Om- might help to increase membership budsman, Ann Lindley and be assured or otherwise improve the Washing- that the source of the information will ton Bridge League? Give any and all remain confidential. Information ARTICLE PAGE ideas to Don Berman, 301-776-3581, should be provided in writing and [email protected], 13707 may be handed to her at any game, President’s Letter ...... by Barbara Doran 2 Engleman Dr., Laurel, MD 20708, or or mailed to her at 18518 Grackle Partnerships and/or Carpools (New!) ...... 2 www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org. Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20879-1767. Bits and Pieces... ♣♦♥♠ ∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼ ♣♦♥♠ Philadelphia NABC National Event Winners, DEADLINE: MAY 30, 2003 TO SUBMIT NEW ARTICLES TO THE EDITOR FOR THE JULY/AUGUST 2003 ISSUE More WBL Successes from Philadelphia, Round Robin Deadline May 5 ...... 3 Washington Bridge League BULLETIN (usps #861-240) VOL. 61, #3 — SUBSCRIPTION $2 PER YEAR FOR MEMBERS OF UNIT #147 (INCLUDED IN ACBL ANNUAL DUES). 2002-2003 WBL-NVBA Player of the Year Lists ...... 4 NON-MEMBER SUBSCRIPTION RATE IS $21 FOR THREE YEARS. PUBLISHED BI-MONTHLY BY THE WASHINGTON BRIDGE LEAGUE AT 14517 PERRYWOOD DRIVE, BURTONSVILLE, MD 20866. SECOND-CLASS POSTAGE PAID AT Passing of a Beloved Mother, Passing of Harold Siegelman ...... 4 BURTONSVILLE, MD. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO WASHINGTON BRIDGE LEAGUE BULLETIN, ACBL, 2990 AIRWAYS BLV D., MEMPHIS, TN 38116-3847. ALL EDITORIAL AND GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE Miscellany, Volunteers Needed...... 4 SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE EDITOR AT 901 CLIFTONBROOK LN., SILVER SPRING, MD 20905-3711. The Worker Bzzz, featuring Steve Robinson ...... by Jim Allen 5 Editor — Donna Rogall (301-421-9615), [email protected] I/N Editor — Leslie Shafer (301-593-6828), [email protected] WBL Solvers’ Club ...... by Steve Robinson 7 Columnists — Steve Robinson, Richard Colker, Clyde Kruskal The opinions expressed by our columnists do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the ACBL, the WBL, Solvers’ Club’s New Problems ...... 13 or even the editors of this publication. The WBL is not responsible for the claims of its advertisers. 2003 Trophy Race Standings...... by Webmaster, Don Berman 14 Barbara Doran, President — (301-608-0347), [email protected] Dick Wegman, Vice President — (301-365-2228), [email protected] New! 0-20 Game & Lesson Thursday Nights ...... 14 Steve Robinson, Treasurer — (703-379-4371), [email protected] Barbara Shaw, Secretary — (301-598-3339), [email protected] Unit Game Schedule and Map...... 15 UNIT DIRECTORS Committee Action XLII, Part II...... by Rich Colker 17 Weizhong Bao — (703-326-9288), [email protected] Don Berman — (301-776-3581), [email protected] BridgeAtSchools! Bridge at the Jefferson School ...... by Barbara Shaw 19 Lee Jensen — (301-949-7467), [email protected] Fred King — (703-536-1914), [email protected] May 15, 2003 Annual Meeting, Elections and Charity Game ...... 20 Ben Laden — (202-244-1765), [email protected] May 15, 2003 Annual Meeting, David Ruderman — (301-384-8825), [email protected] February/March City of Washington Tournament - Results ...... 23 SOME KEY VOLUNTEERS Area Bridge Class Offerings ...... 27 Kathy Kruskal — Tournament Co-Chair (202-662-3430) Ben Laden — Tournament Co-Chair (202-244-1765) NLMasterPointers ...... by I/N Editor, Leslie Shafer 28 Frances Burke — Membership Secretary (301-384-6103) Michael Carroad — Unit Game Chief Director (301-322-4289) Round Robin Form ...... back cover Jim Coleman — Unit Game Manager (301-434-6559) Madge Gallant — Partnerships (301-587-6424) Kitty Gottfried — Unit Game and Sectional Hospitality (301-587-3981) Rosemary Marks — Prizes (301-598-2405) ∼ ♣♦♥♠ ∼ WBL WEBSITE: DISTRICT 6 SITE: www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org www.districtsix.org

- 1 - President’s Letter Bits and Pieces by WBL President, Barbara Doran

This will be my last President’s letter. It’s we would fail without their efforts. I can’t Philadelphia NABC Vanderbilt been an interesting three years, to say the possibly name all of you, but there are two National Event Winners 9-16 Steve Robinson Peter Boyd least. We lost our sites at the Kensington Ar- people I to whom special thanks are due: 9-16 mory and Ohr Kodesh, but the Unit Game is Kitty Gottfried, who does the hospitality at 17-32 Jeff Roman now thriving at Christ the King. Our sectionals the Unit Game and sectionals and Lee have lost the White Oak Armory as a reliable Biggs, who tirelessly moves things where Red Ribbons site, but we’re coping. We hope to find a per- they need to be when they need to be there. 6 Robert Gunnell Jr manent home for our sectionals soon. Our directing staff is magnificent. They 27 Robert Wissman John Christensen We got a duplicating machine, allowing the are knowledgeable, courteous, and capable, 37 John Lawrence, Charity Sack Unit Game to end earlier and enabling us to hold it sometimes seems, of great feats of legerde- 44 Allen Shaw Rose Berman interesting events, and other organizations have main. Michael Carroad and Millard Nachtwey 45 Robert Stearns been renting it so they can benefit from its use. go way beyond their job descriptions in pro- Open Pairs II My Boards have been great. These viding service to the unit. I thank you all. 12 Steve Robinson Peter Boyd people work very hard, giving unstintingly The Washington Bridge League is the 30 Alan Schwartz Ai-Tai Lo of their time and energy to help make bridge best Unit in the ACBL. It has been a privi- 32 Yi Zhong in Washington better. They seldom receive lege to serve as its President for the past Robert Wissman and John Christensen recognition or compliments; they often be- three years. I look forward to serving in 44 Helene Bauman, Vincent Wilmot Jr come a target for complaints and abuse. I other capacities in the future. put together four steady games to lead from Women’s Pairs could never have survived without them. Come to the annual meeting to vote for start to finish in winning the North Ameri- 19 Cecily Kohler We have many volunteers who work hard the new Board. You’ll have a say in how the can Pairs Flight C by a full board. 21 Diane Walker to give back something to bridge. They re- unit is run, eat a good meal, and have a rol- Christensen, of Baltimore, works for the Open Jacoby Swiss teams ceive less recognition that the Board, but licking good time. You even get to play bridge. Social Security Administration. Wissman, 15 Alan Sontag I hope to see you soon....Barb of Arlington VA, is a contract officer for the 18 Michael Klein, Mike Cappelletti Sr U.S. Department of State. 19 Jane Sturgis; William Wilson Partnerships and/or Carpools Although the two have known each other 21-24 Eugene Davidson for 18 years, they’ve played together only 32 Les Bart, Lyle Poe Jr; Richard Need a Partner or a Carpool for Unit Games or Tournaments? for about two. They play a 2/1 game force Wegman, David Abelow Players who would like assistance can obtain help either on-line or by contacting one system with a few gadgets – “Washington 37/38 Steve Robinson; Peter Boyd of the WBL’s partnership coordinators or Don Berman, the carpool coordinator. Standard – what we learned from Steve 41 Marshall Kuschner Hal Hindman, Robinson,” said Wissman. The NAP Flight (1) On-line partnership desk. The WBL has established an on-line partnership Mark Chen, desk on its web site (www.washingtonbridgeleague.org). The WBL is the first unit C was the second national event the two had 42 Robert Gookin, Gloria Silverman, in the country to do this. Sign up, indicate which events you are available for, and played together. The first was the Red Rib- 44-45 Richard Ferrin, Eugene Kales, Alan find out if other players are available for the games you wish to play in. Simply log bon Pairs earlier in the tournament. They Schwartz, Ai-Tai Lo on to the WBL website and click on the partnership desk. Please give it a try. came in 28th overall. Machlin Woman’ Swiss Teams 6 Beth Palmer (2) Partnership coordinators. For those who prefer assistance in person, three people More WBL Successes have volunteered to help players find partners in advance of the unit game or sectional 10 Nadine Wood events. Fred King will assist players in Flights A/X ([email protected]; 703-536- from Philadelphia Judge Henry Hudson A/X Pairs 1914). Charity Sack and Barbara Rothkin will assist players in Flights B and C NAOP Flight A 1 Leo LaSota Alan Kleist ([email protected]; 703-963-7027; [email protected]; 301-493-9359). Please 3 Ai-Tai Lo, Alan Schwartz Stratified Fast Pairs let them know as early as you can what game or events you would like to play in. Mixed Pairs 1 Eileen Houghton Bob Bell (3) On-line carpool notices. Post your requests and look at others at the WBL 4 Bill Cole Ellen Cherniavsky Round Robin website. To post requests, send an e-mail to the Web Master ([email protected]). 14 Lee De Simone Include your name, when you need a ride (either a specific date or a general request, 20 Tom Cogan Helene Bauman Deadline May 5 e.g., all unit gmes), and how to contact you (E-mail or phone numbers). 21 Herman Louie - Ming Louie It’s time to get a round robin team to- (4) Don Berman, carpool coordinator can also be contacted at 301-776-3581. 29 Carolyn Gibson Eugene Schuyler gether. Round Robin Coordinator, Steve Good luck, and we look forward to seeing you on Thursday evenings and at the WBL sectionals. 47 Nadine Wood Robinson will gladly help you to form or - 2 - - 3 - Beth Palmer, far right Calvin Cobb & Chip King join a team of four to six players to play in NonLM Leaders The Worker Bzzz the flight of your choice. League play runs Player Points from May 5 through the summer to deter- 1 John Lowe III ...... 45.51 * featuring: Steve Robinson, WBL Treasurer mine qualifiers for the knockout portion of 2 Penny Stoever ...... 36.80 * the event. This fun event can be played in 3 David Hamilton ...... 33.63 * by Jim Allen a relaxed home setting or at a club. An en- 4 Michelle Cantave...... 31.28 * try form is printed on the back cover. Sign 5 Todd Zimnoch ...... 30.61 * 6 Joseph Ogulin ...... 22.54 Hyman Bookbinder, a member of Lynden up with Steve Robinson by mail, e-mail, 7 Huailin Chen ...... 21.72 “All the World’s a Stage” phone, or in person at the annual meeting. Johnson’s administration and a well-known 8 D Tonnesen ...... 21.70 * And Stevie is on it spokesman for Jewish Americans. 2002-2003 WBL-NVBA 9 John Christensen ...... 21.50 * In January 2003, Steve Robinson was elected Stevie lived at home near Walter Reed Hos- 10 Ali Al-Aref ...... 18.91 * to the ACBL Hall of Fame. He will be inducted pital and was able to concentrate on his pro- PLAYER OF THE YEAR 11 Paul Krueger ...... 18.14 * at the 2003 Summer Nationals. This honor is sig- gramming and his bridge hobby. As Shakespeare Eligibility 12 Gloria Halstead ...... 16.61 * nificant as he joins a very exclusive group of great wrote in Henry V, I.I.46 “…the Gordian knot of Eligibility 13 Melville Yudkin ...... 16.36 Players must attend at least three WBL bridge players, such as Charles Goren, Alfred it he will unloose.” Stevie and his first regular 14 Charles King ...... 16.11 * Sheinwald, Edgar Kaplan, and Eli Culbertson. and three NVBA sectionals during the 15 Leo Cardillo ...... 15.95 * partner, Kenny Rhodes joined the Washington Stevie is the first living member in the ACBL contest period (September, 2002, through 16 Thomas Din ...... 15.84 * Bridge League and toured the area Sectional May, 2003). Points won on Tournament 17 Frank Cardillo ...... 15.57 * Hall of Fame from District 6, which includes Tournaments from Richmond to Cumberland, Thursday evenings are included in the to- 18 Mark Rosen ...... 15.31 Washington D.C. Virginia and most of Maryland. Maryland. In 1965, needing only 0.39 red points tals, but do not count towards eligibility. 19 John Laurim ...... 15.28 He is an ACBL Grand Life Master with over to obtain Life Master Rank, Stevie went to the The WBL's "In-Club Sectional" in Sep- 20 Jay Kelkar ...... 15.15 28,000 master points, eleventh all time, in the Atlantic City Regional. He played and earned world. , the number one point tember, 2002, does not count towards the no points, nada, zilch, just a smudge, an era- Passing of a earner, said assertively, “He’s a great player!” totals or for eligibility. sure after a scoring error correction, taking away Beloved Mother Jeff Meckstroth described Steve as “a gentle- his only possible points for the weekend. Or, as Awards The Washington Bridge League would man at the table.” Eric Rodwell reported, “He Olivia recounts in Twelfth Night, V.1.368 “alas Two trophies will be awarded. like to extend our condolences to WBL is small in stature but a bridge dynamo.” poor fool, how have they baffl’d thee.” Standings member, Jane Sturgis, for the passing of her So! You think you know Steve Robinson? As Intrepidly, Stevie went to the Chicago Na- Here are the standings after eight of ten tour- mother on February 24, 2003. In lieu of he says, “I always felt good about myself. Winning tionals where he became the 6,471st ACBL Life naments. The asterisk* indicates that the flowers, donations may be made in her name is better than getting high on alcohol or drugs.” Master, in 1965, age 25. Once in the finals of to Johns Hopkins Hospital, Children’s On- player has met the eligibility requirements. Born in 1941, in Washington D.C. Stevie attended the Blue Ribbon pairs in New Orleans, against cology Unit, 600 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, District of Columbia public schools and was well Sheinwold, Kaplan, Roth, Rappaport and the MD 21287. Open Leaders Passing of on the way to becoming an excellent chess player like, his partner Walt Walvick remarked in Yogi Player Points at Coolidge High School. Then, in the student union Berra fashion, “We’re the only pair in this event 1 Leo LaSota ...... 119.45 * Harold Siegelman of the University of Maryland, he met Ray Clark that I have never heard of.” 2 Steve Robinson ...... 117.87 * As we went to press, we were dismayed and Mark Laken, two very good bridge players. Stevie played frequently with Jo Morse and 3 Robert Gookin...... 112.21 * to learn of the untimely passing of Harold He learned bridge the right way and the rest is Kit Woolsey. He started winning National events 4 Mark Shaw ...... 98.88 * Siegelman. Our next issue will include a history. Stevie says, “In chess, you can make one beginning with Men’s pairs in Cincinnati in 1972 5 Fred King ...... 96.08 * memorial for this long-time WBL member. bad move and the evening is spoiled. In bridge, with Kit. He won a Team event with 6 Helene Bauman ...... 88.08 * Miscellany you can recover from one or even two bad deci- Steve Parker, Lou Bluhm and Steve Goldberg. sions and still end up the winner.” 7 Alfred Steinberg ...... 87.96 Our two units are holding a Sectional He characterizes the field as less strong than a Stevie graduated from the University of 8 Barbara Shaw ...... 85.14 * Tournament at Clubs from June 9 to 15. WBL event, since most of the good teams were Maryland. He “didn’t cut very many classes to 9 Alan Kleist ...... 83.25 * Are you missing a scarf? Contact Kitty eliminated, early. play bridge” and earned a Bachelor of Arts de- In 1974, he won the International Mixed 10 Margot Hennings ...... 78.16 Gottfried at (301) 587-3981. gree in Government and Politics in 1963. Steve’s Teams with Jo Morse, Steve Parker, Bobby Lipsitz 11 Janet Gookin ...... 75.92 * After May’s Potomac Valley Sectional, the next WBL Sectional will be Oct. 9-12. first national venture was in 1963 in the four- and Peggy Lipsitz (now Reich) in Las Palmas, in 12 John Adams...... 72.11 session open pairs in St Louis where he had the 1974. Stevie joined with Peter Boyd, in 1980. In 13 Stan Schenker ...... 62.71 * Volunteers Needed opportunity to compete against Helen Sobel and 1996, Stevie teamed with Kit, Eddie Manfield, 14 Stephen Swearingen...... 59.66 * To help Kitty Gottfried with hospitality Charlie Goren. He was below average all four Bobby Lipsitz and Neil Silverman, and won the 15 John Lawrence ...... 58.60 * for sectionals, the unit game or special sessions. He was drafted later in 1963 and bridge Rosenblum in Miami, an International event. 16 Kenneth Davis ...... 58.59 * events such as the May 15 Annual Meet- took a back seat to the U.S. Army. After basic “We were unseeded and lucky,” Stevie says. 17 James Geist ...... 55.68 * ing, call her at (301) 587-3981. training, they first stationed him in an infantry They played well and beat Zia and the Paki- 18 Tim Crank ...... 52.60 * To help out at the upcoming July 4th division at Fort Benning, Georgia but, after sec- stanis, who had beaten Jeff Meckstroth and Eric 19 Andrew Gofreed ...... 52.02 Regional, contact Tournament Co-Chair, ond thoughts, sent him to the Pentagon as a pro- Rodwell, Peter Weichsel, Mike Lawrence, Ron 20 Charity Sack ...... 49.80 * Kathy Kruskal at work at (202) 662-3430. grammer. Stevie owes that change to his Uncle, Ruben and Mike Becker. In addition Stevie and - 4 - - 5 - Peter won the Reisinger in 1986, and the 1987 cation to his unit. “Very few of the really good WBL Solvers’ Club Vanderbilt with and players give so much to the administration of along with and Peter Pender. Zia in bridge, “ says Fred. “ It is also remarkable to Moderated by Steve Robinson 2003 noted, after reflecting on Stevie’s election have someone of his caliber participate in so [email protected] to the Hall of Fame, “Steve is a great player many of the Unit’s events. Our unit is very lucky.” with a big heart for bridge.” Stevie has served on the Washington Bridge Peter Boyd commends Stevie for his innova- League Board since 1971 for a total of 27 years tions, creativity and sometimes-brilliant solutions so far and also served as President. He has been Congratulations to Bob Hartmann, Mark 1)MPs, You’re Vulnerable. You, South, hold: to bridge issues. Peter says, “Stevie thinks out of Treasurer since 1989 and still has had time to Chen and Rick Bingham with a score of 460. ♠K1086 ♥K2 ♦J10943 ♣54 the box. He is like the energizer bunny. He always win the top unit annual award, the Lovenberg tro- They win a free entry to the Unit Game and SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST has the energy and the interest for bridge issues, phy, 14 times. Michael Carroad, WBL Club Man- will be invited to be on a future panel. Tied SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST whether they are adding or changing the bidding ager, ACBL Tournament Director, Chairman, Mid- —2♥ Dbl 5♥ for fourth were Richard Ferrin, John system, giving me something more to remember, Atlantic Finance Committee, and WBL Past ???? or finding innovative President commends Lawrence and Steve Carton with a score of Action Score Panelists Solvers solutions to bridge Stevie for his hard 450. Tied for seventh were Al Duncker, Mike Dbl (F) 100 3 86 game problems.” Steve Robinson’s work, dedication and Kovacich, Michael Mayer and Rustry Krauss Beth Palmer cred- National Titles reliability. “He is an with a score of 440. Tied for eleventh were Dbl (NF) 80 2 0 Pass 70 6 87 its Steve’s persistence. 1. 1972 Men’s Pairs outstanding Trea- Ted Guthrie, Barry Bragin, Brad Theurer, 5♠ 50 0 48 “When he thinks he 2. 1972 Reisinger, Lancaster, Pa. surer,” says Michael. Kieran Dyke and Dave Smith with a score of can offer a suggestion, 3. 1973 Blue Ribbon Pairs, Las Vegas Stevie has been 430. Tied for sixteenth were Ken Kaufman, 5NT 20 0 2 he doesn’t give up until 4. 1975 Blue Ribbon Pairs, New Orleans the Coordinator of the John Ferman, Lloyd Rawley, Marc Umeno, East’s 5♥-bid is either preemptive or invi- he is sure you under- 5. 1978 Men’s Board-a-Match Teams, very successful, WBL Gerald Lerner, Ellen Cherniavsky, Helene tational to slam. Since most of the time, East’s stand. He demonstrates Houston, TX Round Robin, a six Fournier and Joe Wallen with a score of 420. bid is preemptive, pay off if East has eleven the same determination 6. 1984 Grand National Open Teams, month long team Tied for twenty-fourth were Juanita Beeson, tricks and is doing it to you. If East’s bid is in his work for bridge.” Washington, D.C. event, for the last 20 John Glynn, Irish Grandfield, Mike Deverin, preemptive, this is our hand and therefore we Shakespeare wrote in 7. 1985 Grand National Open Teams, Montreal years. He also runs the Peter Slafte, Arnie Frankel, Mel Yudkin, Bob are in a forcing situation. The opponents can’t ”A Midsummer Night’s 8. 1985 Mixed Pairs, Winnipeg e-mail announcement Wissman and Lee Bauer with a score of 410. play in 5♥ undoubled. We must either bid on network for the unit, dream”, II, i, 199; “Do 9. 1986 Men’s Swiss, Portland, Or The average score of the 223 solvers was 346. or double them. In situations, there I entice you? Do I amassing over 1000 10. 1986 Reisinger, Atlanta, Ga. The average score of the experts was 409. are four levels of strength we can show. The speak you fair? Or, bridge players for his 11. 1987 Vanderbilt, St. Louis, Mo All readers are encouraged to send an- rather, do I not in plain- communications. strongest is to pass and pull partner’s double. 12. 1988 Grand National Open Teams, swers and/or new problems to Steve The next strongest is to bid directly. Then est truth tell you…” Salt Lake City, UT Stevie has served Robinson, 2891 S. Abingdon St. #A2 Arling- there’s pass and let partner make the decision. Stevie, along with 13. 1989 Men’s BAM Teams, Lancaster, Pa the District 6 Board of ton, Va, 22206. In addition to the winner re- With the weakest hand type, double. So where television director, 14. 1991 Vanderbilt, Atlantic City Directors since 1978. Barry Crane, was one 15. 1992 Grand National Open Teams, Toronto He is a past President ceiving a free play at the WBL Unit Game, does this hand fall in the four levels of strength? of the few top master 16. 1994 Open Board a Match, Minneapolis, MN and past Vice President Steve will play with anyone who gets a per- With only one working card, I think this hand point earners with a 17. 1997 Vanderbilt, Dallas, TX of District 6 and serves fect score or who exactly matches all five of falls into the weakest category, which means full time job, earning 18. 2001 IMP Pairs, Toronto as Treasurer of District his answers. If you send a self-addressed double. You don’t want partner to bid 5♠ hold- over 21,000 points be- 6 having been elected stamped envelope to the above address along ing ♠AQJxx♥x♦Qxx♣AKQJ. I am happy that fore retiring. Stevie Steve Robinson’s 10 times. In addition, with your answers, Steve will send you a copy not one expert bid five over five. played for fun, was World Titles he has been elected as of the new problems to ensure that you can Two experts agree with me and double dedicated to Sectional the 1st or 2nd alternate 1. 1974 World Mixed Teams, Canary Islands meet his next deadline. You can pick up a to stop partner from bidding. tournaments and was from District 6 to the 2. 1986 Rosenblum Teams, Miami copy of the problems at the WBL Unit Game Rodney: “Double—It makes sense to unable to get time off ACBL Board of Direc- 3. 2000 World Senior Teams, in Maryland, and can send answers or re- play this as a forcing pass sequence, giving to attend many tors for twenty years. Maastricht, Netherlands quests for problems to [email protected]. ourselves more ability to show hand Regionals out of the Nadine Wood, District WBL Solvers Club uses Washington Stan- strength. Just assume that RHO is sacrific- area, although he did 6 Representative to the National Recognition dard as published July 1996. ing. So, I double to tell partner I don’t have attend all of the Na- ACBL Board of Direc- 1972 Lou Herman Trophy – Fall NABC Washington Standard second edition the much. The heart king may score a trick on tionals. He feels that 1987 Mott-Smith Trophy – Spring NABC tors spoke for many in bridge is great for him, the District when she book, is out. If you are a serious bridge player, defense, but it will have less value on of- and so he gives back a tremendous amount of recognized Stevie numerous contributions to this book is a must. You can purchase a copy fense, since it’s unlikely to remove a loser.” time to aid in the continued success of bridge. Bridge. “Besides being a great bridge player,” from Steve for $25.00 at the Unit Game and Shaw: “Double—Don’t want partner Dr. Fred Steinberg, a partner and three time Nadine continued, “He has devoted a lot of time to at tournaments or can send him a check for thinking pass is forcing with my working Lovenberg trophy winner points out Stevie’s dedi- ...Robinson Biography, continues on pg.13 $28.95 which includes $3.95 for priority mail. four-count.” - 6 - - 7 - Two experts double 5♥ to show mond length might negate some of partner’s so inclined. I would give him something like sure. It looks like I have a hand which will strength. I would double 5♥ holding high cards. Maybe partner will know what ♠A♥AKQxx(x)♦AQxxx♣x(x) and we are reward his enterprise, but a) if he had a ♠xxx♥xxx♦xxxx♣xxx. Pass shows values. to do?” cold for seven with a 3-1 diamond break.” moose he might’ve started with double and Parker: “Double—I must show some val- Schwartz: “Pass—No reason to think Schwartz: “6♣—Worth bidding slam with b) our suits are not breaking well here.” ues and let partner decide if he is so offen- they can’t make it if partner can’t bid again.” this much and gets us to the right fit.” When suits don’t figure to break, play sive oriented he will bid again. I cannot When an opponent jumps to five-of-a- One expert makes the bid that is most in your best suit even if that suit is a minor have a heart stack based on this bidding. major or a passed hand jumps to five-of-a- likely to make. and even if you’re playing matchpoints. Pass would just get another double from minor assume it’s your hand. They can’t play Hopkins: “6♦—I hope my Ace is oppo- partner. At least this way I can show some at the five-level undoubled. With weak site partner’s singleton or they lead clubs 3) IMPs Both Vulnerable. You, South, hold: values. Bidding a suit now is just a guess hands, you have to double. anyway and give partner . I am tak- ♠AKQ987♥765♦3♣Q65 as to suit and level.” ing a stab at the safest slam as I worry about King: “Double—I don’t have enough to 2) MPs Both Vulnerable. You, South, hold: how the red suits are breaking. Opener is SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST bid, but I think my values are enough to 1♠ Pass 2♦(FG) Pass ♠J963 ♥763 ♦K1043 ♣A10 usually 5-7 or such for this type of auction.” ♠ ♦ double.” 2 Pass 3 Pass Five experts go back to the major. With ♠ ♣ Six experts pass. Do they really want SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST West showing a possible 7-5 hand, do you 3 Pass 4 Pass partner to bid on. — —— —— Pass ???? ♣ ♥ really want to play in a suit where on bad a Adams: “Pass—The 5♥ bidder thinks we Pass 4 4 Pass ♠ Action Score Panelists Solvers Adams: ♠ ♦ day, East has three trump tricks, - can make 4♠, therefore I think we can make Pass 4 5 Pass ♥AQ10xxx♦AQJxx♣xx for instance. Also, 4NT 100 1 0 4♠. 5♥ doubled will be a poor score. How- ???? with hearts as trumps, you might have to 4♥ 90 0 7 ever, I can’t bid without getting to a level Action Score Panelists Solvers lose a club. 4♠ 80 7 110 that is a worse score. So I pass, waiting for 6♣ 100 4 32 Cappelletti: “5♥—At matchpoints try to 4♦ 50 3 33 partner to take action, because to be mak- 6♦ 90 1 66 go plus in major. Plus first, slam later.” 5♣ 20 0 64 ing 4♠, partner must have a good hand. Key 5♥ 80 5 57 At matchpoints try to go plus. With all Pass 20 0 4 is to not bid partner’s cards when he will 5NT 70 0 2 the black-suit bidding, any makeable game 6♣ 20 0 2 ♦ get a chance to. Next month, ask me what I Pass 50 1 44 will be worth matchpoints. Holding three 5 20 0 2 ♥ ♠ do when partner reopens with a double.” 6 40 0 20 little hearts, I can’t believe that 5♥ will play 5 20 0 1 ♦ Just because the 5♥-bidder thinks you 7 20 0 1 make more often than 5♦. What is the meaning of 4♣? 6-5 in the mi- ♠ can make 4♠ means that you can make 4♠. 5 20 0 1 Shaw: “5♥—Tough problem. I don’t want nors? Could be. But what do you bid over 3♠ Sometimes the 2♥-bidder has defense. Partner has shown the red suits and has to hang partner for . I bid 5♥ to holding ♠32♥A2♦AKQ543♣A2? Are you Cappelletti: “Pass—But you might enough strength to bid at the five-level. How- protect our matchpoint position. If partner aggressive, bid four notrump and find opener double very frisky opponents. Anything can ever, West has shown the black suits which is a conservative solid citizen I would bid with ♠KQ5432♥Jxx♦x♣KQJ? 6♠ is a poor happen in very freaky hands, but since part- means that any missing red cards will be with five notrump choice of slams. I think 6♣ contract which needs spades to be 3-2 with the ner probably is short in hearts, your Kx East. The question is how much of our shows the club Ace and invites a grand. If I ace on sides with no defensive ruffs. I would hearts suggests defense. Note that if RHO strength is partner playing us for. If partner had the same hand with the King or Queen not want to be in 5♠ opposite ♠KQ5432. Or, has ♣AQxxxx(x) - then even if partner has has ♠x♥AKQxx♦AQJxx♣xx, 6♦ would be of hearts I would bid 6♣.” are you conservative, signoff in 4♠ and find ♠AQxx♥x♦AKQxx♣ KJx they a great contract assuming hearts are not 5- Rodney: “5♥—We may make six. How- partner with ♠AKQ987? How do you make a might make 5♥.” 0. If you are going to bid 6♦ and since part- ever, I was going to happily pass 4♥, so I strength showing 4♠-bid? 4♣ is best played I would not expect the opponents to ner could have more then ten red cards, and won’t be pushed into over-bidding.” as an advanced cuebid. Shows a good hand with make 5♥. you are a passed hand, why not show your You passed 4♥ because partner could two-card spade support. If you had real clubs, Ao: “Pass—East’s 5♥ is likely an ad- ace of clubs. Partner knows that any red cards have been gambling. you should have bid them earlier. If 4♣ is an vance . But maybe it’s a trap to get will be offsides and won’t go wild. Ao: “5♥—Slam is possible, but choosing advanced cuebid and you have the AKQ of +500/+650 instead of +450. It’s not a sure Four experts agree with me and bid a a better game should be a better action. Leav- trumps, you must make a forward-going noise. thing to me. Partner knows better.” slam. Three of them even cuebid looking ing 5♦ is a clear victory to 4♠ bidder.” In slam bidding, the player with good trumps Roman: “Pass—I won’t be goaded into for seven. King: “5♥—I have two cards that should is obligated to advance towards slam. There- bidding at the five-level with no distribu- Adams: “6♣—Pass is out of the ques- be very good for partner. Is this enough to fore, South must bid something other then 4♠. tional surprises and values well within the tion, so which is it, 6♦, or 6♣? Since I have bid a slam? Clearly suits are not breaking If partner is making a slam try missing the top range of what partner will play me to have.” the club ace and excellent diamonds, I well and partner is under pressure, so I will three trump honors, he must have good con- Couldn’t you have two or three working might as well bid 6♣ just in case partner bid only 5♥.” trols in the other suits. Four notrump is the cards? has a spade control and needs the club con- I think passing 5♦ is better than bidding only correct bid. If partner shows three Hopkins: “Pass—I have a working four- trol for a Grand. Maybe partner is 5♥. 5♦ figures to make more often than 5♥. keycards, a bid of five notrump will tell part- count and some distribution for partner. This ♠♥AKQ9xx♦AQxxx♣xx. I like my chances Roman: “Pass—I like to play that this ner that you have the AKQ of trumps. is not sufficient to bid at the five-level while in 7♦ and we should be able to set 7♠.” 5♦ bid shows five or more diamonds while Three experts bid 4♦ as a preference. partner has a further chance to speak. Also, Parker: “6♣—My hand is a great fit for bidding four notrump would show four. As They’re assuming that 4♣ shows clubs a double is premature as my Spade and Dia- partner. He can bid 6♦, 6♥ or seven if he is for raising, partner has bid twice under pres- which is the wrong assumption. - 8 - - 9 - Parker: “4♦—I have shown my spades help for partner’s suits. And, of course, part- our high level contract, but I am too short in bid 4♠. Holding a minimum hand, partner and denied support for diamonds twice so ner can still overrule me and continue on- hearts to double. Maybe partner will have a might overbid with 2-1-5-5 but never with far. I have nothing extra to show. I will let wards. I rate to have this type of hand rather clearer picture of the correct contract. Pass 1-2-5-5. partner tell me what 4♣ was all about. If it than something like ♠KQJ10xxx♥KQx♦x♣Jx is not forcing, but if partner has a good hand, Shaw: “4♠—Partner might have two is an advanced for spades I will where I would rebid 4♠ at my second turn.” he will bid. If partner passes, then we have spades or they might break 3-3. If partner pass 4♠ next since my hearts are xxx. If he King: “4♠—Having opened this hand, I no game, and no large penalty coming.” is known to have his bids I might venture wants to play in diamonds let him. He must think I should continue to show a minimum Ao: “Pass—There are many unsure 5♦ but modern experts will probably be bid- not have a hand suitable for three notrump hand by bidding 4♠.” things: we may or may not make game in ding on a moderate 5-5. We probably need or he would have bid it over 3♠.” When partner bids a new suit at the four- one of our three suits, we may or may not at least one lucky break to make this hand Shaw: “4♦—I think 4♦ is right. I think level, a suit which could have been bid ear- defeat 4♥. Things I know are that we don’t so I hope it’s in spades.” partner is 7-5. With 6-5 he would bid dia- lier, that bid should be an artificial slam have a nine-card spade fit, either my ♠K Schwartz: “4♠—Sounds like they have monds and then clubs. Here he bids dia- try. When partner makes a slam try and you or singleton heart is duplicate value in de- ten or eleven trumps so the law protects me. monds, diamonds and then clubs. Whether have the AKQ of trumps, bid a slam. claring five-of-a-minor and I have some de- I might run if doubled based on table feel.” the 7-1 plays better than the 5-3 is a matter fense values. Pass leaves the following op- Take plus scores at IMPs. of suit interior quality. If partner now of- 4) IMPs None Vulnerable. You, South, hold: tions to partner: pass with weak offense ♣ fers me a choice of 5 I would probably ♠AK8765 ♥3 ♦1083 ♣J72 values, bid 4♠ with two spades, bid four 5) IMPs Both Vulnerable. You, South, hold: pass.” notrump or 5♣ with 6-5 or 5-6 in minors SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST ♠Q2 ♥Q7654 ♦J943 ♣A10 Schwartz: “4♦—I’m not bidding my six- and double with good defense values.” —— —— 1♦ 1♥ SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST card suit a fourth time, so I will take a Hopkins: “Pass—Again, I have only one SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 1♠ 3♥ 4♣*4♥ ♥ ♠ “false” preference. Maybe partner will de- point in my partner’s suits so I don’t think —— —— 1 2 ???? (*dbl would show 3spades) ????(*2nt-Limit raise; 3♠-forcing raise) cide to pass.” going on is going to get me a plus score. I am Seven experts sign off in 4♠. Action Score Panelists Solvers likely to have a trick or two on defense, but Action Score Panelists Solvers Adams: “4♠—Unless partner has no mi- Pass 100 3 11 can’t be sure how my lengths will 2NT 100 6 83 nor suit losers, 4♠ will play as well as five- Double 90 2 34 affect partner’s defensive trick-taking capa- 4♥ 60 3 100 of-a-minor, and might make if I find ♠JTx. 5♦ 80 4 78 bility. I will leave this up to partner and be 3♥ 40 1 29 If partner has no minor suit losers, partner 4♠ 50 2 87 happy if he passes, doubles, or bids on.” 4♣ 20 0 1 can correct. I did not jump to 3♠ over 2♦. 5♣ 20 0 7 Four experts bid 5♦. Wouldn’t you bid 4♣ 3♠ 20 0 9 If partner is making an advance cuebid, 6♦ 20 0 3 holding as little as ♠xx♥x♦Axxxx♣AKQxx 3NT 20 0 1 then 4♠ slows auction.” 4NT 20 0 2 or ♠xx♥x♦Axxxx♣AQ10xx? With a little This is the one auction where two ♥ If partner is making an advanced cuebid 5 20 0 1 luck, you could make 4♠ but you can never notrump is best played as showing a limit and you have the AKQ of trumps, you’d Two options - defend or bid on and I like make 5♦. If partner has enough strength to raise in hearts. 3♥ shows less than a limit better sit up and smile. defending. Partner has shown strength in make 5♦, 4♥ doubled should get at least 300. raise, 3♠ shows more than a limit raise and Cappelletti: “4♠—What else? Can part- both minors, I have two spade tricks and I Parker: “5♦—Partner has at most two 4♥ shows a preemptive raise. How else can ner have ♠x♥xx♦AKJxxx♣AKJx?” know what to lead. What does partner have spades and I have three-card support for at you show a limit raise in hearts and still be But partner could have for his 4♣-bid? He should be at least 5-5 in least a five-card and probably a six-card dia- able to play in 3♥? If you have heart sup- ♠xx♥x♦AKJxxx♣AKJx. the minors. If he is 2-1-5-5, you might want mond card suit. He should have something port, you need to show it to partner in case Rodney: “4♠—I really don’t have any- to try 4♠. If partner is only 5-5 in the mi- like ♠x♥xx♦AKxxx♣AKQxx or better. We West bids more spades. If you happen to thing else to say. I think my last two spade nors, I would expect his two-card suit to be may have a slam if he is 6-5 and diamonds have a natural two notrump, either make a bids have conveyed nothing more than my spades. With one spade and two hearts, part- break and he has the club 10, but it is too negative double or jump to three notrump. hand is spades, and nothing else — I have ner tends to be conservative. He could be much of a guess, ♠x♥x♦AKxxxx♣AK10xx.” One can get by without a natural two- not shown seven spades, just the inability to more extreme in the minors. 6-5 for instance. Cappelletti: “5♦—Should have play.” notrump bid. One cannot get by without a bid anything else. I’m not sure what the 4♣- Five experts opt to defend and three of Rodney: “5♦—I expect to make five and bid which shows a limit raise. bid means. Partner may be in spades - them pass. With two tricks opposite an may make six, but there are a lot of minor Is this hand a limit raise, forcing raise, all the more reason to play in spades. My opening bid, why would you want to let the losers to take care of and it will be very simple raise or preemptive raise? There are hand may be worthless in another suit.” opponents play undoubled? easy to lose two tricks.” two aspects to this problem. Getting to the Ao: “4♠—Spades are my only treasure.” Roman: “Double—Because I don’t know King: “5♦—This may be too conserva- correct heart level and helping partner do the Roman: “4♠—4♦ should be xx or stiff what to bid, but I know what to lead (SA).” tive a bid, but I don’t know how to show all right thing if the opponents bid more spades. honor.” Three experts pass. This is not a forcing of my major controls.” Six experts say limit raise. You want to play Hopkins: “4♠—I can play this suit oppo- situation since you could have bid 1♠ hold- Does partner’s 4♣-bid show a hand with in 3♥ if partner has a roach such as site a void. I really hope partner is 1-2-6-4 ing as little as ♠KJ10xx and out. only two minor-suit losers? ♠Jxx♥AKxxx♦xx♣KJx. A limit raise shows and not 0-3-6-4 or the like. I have no real Adams: “Pass—Bad splits might scuttle If I were going to bid a game, I would some defense and you have one sure trick with - 10 - - 11 - plenty of chances for a second defensive trick. down big number by bidding 4♥. Two WBL Solvers’ Club’s New Problems Five experts agree with me and show a notrump seems to be a little less risky.” limit raise. As a limit raise, this hand is at One expert shows a simple raise. July/August 2003 the bottom strength wise. But 5-4 hands are Wouldn’t you worry if you bid 3♥ and it went worth more than 5-3-3-2 hands and hands all pass? Would partner bid game holding ) MPs, They’re Vul. You, South hold: 4) MPs, You’re Vul. You, South hold: with at least ten trumps play better then ♠xxx♥AKxxx♦K10♣Kxx? All 4♥ needs is ♠AQ73♥4♦KQJ72♣1075 ♠-♥K843♦KQ109753♣A4 hands with only nine trumps. to guess diamonds correctly. SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST Parker: “Two Notrump—5-4-2-2 plays Shaw: “3♥—This seems about right on ———1♥ 1♦ 1♥ Pass Pass well with five trumps. I will let my fifth heart values. Your Queen of spades is worth noth- Dbl 2♥ Pass Pass ???? equal a point or two. 3♥ is a close second ing. While you have five hearts this could ???? ♠ 5) MPs, You’re Vul. You, South hold: with the wasted Q. Since we are vulner- be the limit of the hand. You don’t rate to 2) IMPs, None Vul. You, South hold: ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ able I will push a little bit.” make four unless partner bids it himself.” ♠-♥AQ73♦K9875♣QJ102 KQ6 A54 7532 QT2 SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST Cappelletti: “Two Notrump—Limit raise Three experts show a preemptive raise. SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST ♣ ♦ ♠ —2♠ Pass Pass ——1 1 - might make game (or beat 4 doubled).” Preemptive raises deny defense and part- ???? Hopkins: “Two Notrump—Partner needs ner might go wrong if the opponents bid 4♠. Double Redouble Pass Pass extras to cover my losers in the Spade and Roman: “4♥—Too many of partner’s seven- ???? Roman: Return answers by May 27 to: Diamond suits, so I show a limit raise. One loser hands will provide decent play for game 3) MPs, None Vul. You, South hold: ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ Steve Robinson of the nice features of this bid is that part- to bid two notrump and 3♠ is not this hand.” K10 4 AK7654 AJ98 2891 S. Abingdon St #A2, ner might even be in a position to make a Adams: “4♥—Nice to know I have limit SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST Arlington Va, 22206 when he isn’t sure, either.” and forcing raises available, means this bid 1♦ 1♥ Pass Pass [email protected] Rodney: “Two Notrump—Tell partner I will not be misunderstood; but this hand quali- ???? have some values. Partner can then make fies for neither. I will have an easy double of an intelligent decision if LHO bids 4♠. I 4♠, expecting partner to do the right thing. If I Robinson Biography, continued from pg.8... He is a teacher of both beginning and advanced will bid on to 4♥ even if partner does not.” make a misdescriptive limit or forcing raise, the administration of bridge. He has served the methods in Virginia and Maryland. He regularly King: “Two Notrump—I have eight los- how will I know to respect partner’s double? If district and his unit with energy and dedication.” donates himself as a partner as a prize for charity. ers, the expected total for a limit raise.” I make a single raise, I might slow down the Bill Cole, long time team member and part- He attends the “Van the Man” Charity Event in Ao: “Two Notrump—Tough pick between auction and buy the contract. Tempting, but ner, GNT Chairman and current President of Dis- Laurel, Maryland where over $11,000 was re- two notrump and 4♥. If partner can’t bid this is losing strategy in the long run as good trict 6, was especially articulate. “Steve Robinson cently raised. Mary Dresser, club owner and pa- is not only a great bridge player but has set an 4♥ over my two notrump, then we are not opponents will do the right thing given room.” tron of the charity said, “he is usually among the ♥ ♥ example of fair play for all the rest of us to follow. highest priced players in the auction. He always likely to make the game. In this case, 3 Schwartz: “4 —I’ll use the law with- He has brought an incredible amount of energy supports us whenever he is available. He is very or whatever level of spades our opponents out showing a particularly good hand. Slam to his volunteer work and has given his valuable generous with his time for charity.” compete will be the final contract. Both calls is unlikely.” bridge advice to players of all levels.” Stevie chose early retirement at age 55 from have some danger: we will double 4♠ that Use two notrump as a limit raise after Stevie invented the CRASH Convention and the Department of the Army in 1996 and be- might be cold by bidding two notrump, we 1♥ - 2♠. was influential in the invention of the came a Professional Bridge Player. He was mar- will not double 4♠ to collect only 200 or go Make ever card count! ROBINSON convention. He began writing for ried in 1976. With his wife Linda, they raised the WBL Bulletin in March of 1985. His col- their daughter Sara a graduate of Cornell Uni- umn, “WBL Solver’s Club” in which he serves versity with a degree in Psychology. Sara is a as Moderator, is world famous and circulates special education teacher. Solvers’ Scores throughout North America six times a year. In Linda is a retired physical therapist. Though addition, he authored the 332-page quintessen- a life master bridge player, she prefers Interna- John Adams Pass 6♣ 4♠ Pass 4♥ 410 tial book, Washington Standard now in its sec- tional Folk Dancing where she is an expert. Hailong Ao Pass 5♥ 4♠ Pass 2NT 430 ond edition. This book, known affectionately in Stevie helped Linda in bridge but a more fun the Washington Area as “Stevie Standard,” in- event is watching Linda teach Stevie to dance. Mike Cappelletti Pass 5♥ 4♠ 5♦ 2NT 410 ♦ ♠ cludes many conventions he pioneered as he He is a Grand Life Master, with over 28,000 Robbie Hopkins Pass 6 4 Pass 2NT 440 sought to develop a thorough method of taking ♥ ♠ ♦ master points, of which over 1700 are platinum, Fred King Dbl 5 4 5 2NT 420 advantage of almost all possible bids in almost and a Open Life Mas- Steve Parker Dbl 6♣ 4♦ 5♦ 2NT 410 all possible auctions. His book is a comprehen- ter. Bobby Hammond, WBF, says, “he is always Steve Robinson Dbl 6♣ 4NT Dbl 2NT 500 sive bidding and defending tome. His motto, a tough opponent. He has quietly accumulated Jeff Roman Pass Pass 4♠ Dbl 4♥ 360 “make every card count” is proudly displayed the skins on the wall.” David Rodney Dbl 5♥ 4♠ 5♦ 2NT 460 on his ubiquitous e-mail. As Shakespeare writes in “As You Like It” Alan Schwartz Pass 6♣ 4♦ 4♠ 4♥ 280 Stevie was recently appointed to serve as the V.4.187, “There is much matter to be heard and Mark Shaw Dbl 5♥ 4♦ 4♠ 3♥ 340 non-playing Captain of the ACBL Juniors travel- learn’d…. Your patience and your virtue well de- ing to Bali in the South Pacific to coach his team. serves it. You to a love that your true faith doth merit.” - 12 - - 13 - 2003 NNeew!w! WBL Unit Game Schedule Trophy Race Standings All Games held at Christ the King Church www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org • • • April 17...CHURCH CLOSED - CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP AT THE WASHINGTON BRIDGE CENTER Updated by our Webmaster, Don Berman 0-20 April 24 ...... NVBA Sectional The Lovenberg Race is open to all WBL members; the Izzy Cohen May 1 ...... WBL Sectional Race is open to all WBL members who started the calendar year with Game May 8 ...... Strataflighted Unit Championship fewer than 1500 ; the Tubbs Race is open to all WBL mem- May 15...... Annual Membership Meeting & Charity Game bers who started the calendar year as a Non-Life Master; the Woolridge May 22...... Strataflighted Unit Championship Race is open to all WBL members who started the calendar year with Thursday May 29...... Strataflighted Up-Graded Club Championship fewer than 20 masterpoints; the Machlin Race includes only those points Nights June 5 ...... Strataflighted Membership Game won in senior events at the five June 12 ...... WBL/NVBA STaC (Pairs) WBL Sectional Tournaments. at the Lovenberg June 19 ...... Stratified BAM (Unit Championship) 1 74.11 Steve Robinson Winners in each category will Unit Game 2 51.48 Leo LaSota receive four sessions of free plays. June 26 ...... Stratified NAOP Qualifying 3 46.05 Alfred Steinberg Second place gets two and third • • • July 3...... CLOSED - ALEXANDRIA JULY 4TH REGIONAL 4 42.04 Alan Kleist place gets one. 7:30pm - July 10 ...... Stratified NAOP Qualifying 5 35.41 John Adams This list is up to date through 6 32.90 Barbara Shaw March 20, 2003. All points are 10:30pm 7 29.90 Charleen Brand subject to audit by the WBL Di- Newcomer, Novice, and Intermediate 8 27.20 William Hacker rector. 7:15pm...... Free Duplicate Mini-Lesson 9 26.85 Earl Glickstein Join Anytime 7:30pm...... Bridge 10 25.72 Andrew Gofreed Tubbs 11 25.28 Kitty Gottfried 1 18.28 John Lowe III The cost is $5. This “Partner, Partner?” 12 23.95 Steven Parker 2 15.57 Steven Sacks includes a 30 minute To find a partner before the game, contact: Fred King for Flights A/X ([email protected]; 13 22.56 David Ruderman 3 14.86 Michelle Cantave lesson by Dr. Steven 703-536-1914), Charity Sack ([email protected]; 703-963-7027) and Barbara 14 22.16 Fred King 4 14.68 Howard Tash Forsythe followed by Rothkin ([email protected]; 301-493-9359) for Flights B/C. 15 21.59 Ellen Klosson 5 13.38 Ellen Rosenthal fun, enjoyable bridge 16 21.29 Shou-Ling Wang 6 12.57 William Gill for players with 0-20 ...Or log on to the WBL’s new Partnership Desk Online at: www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org. 17 21.17 Charity Sack 7 11.51 David Hamilton 18 20.98 Mark Shaw 8 10.44 Kevin Barnes masterpoints. Call Frances Burke at 301-384-6103 for info on Newcomer Classes and Games Lessons will cover 19 20.35 Warren Kaufman 9 10.38 William Isenstein GAME IS TO START PROMPTLY AT 7:30PM FOR INFORMATION CALL 301-649-1812 20 19.90 Glenn Lublin 10 9.84 Suzanne Abrams slam bidding, weak 21 19.46 William Cole twos, 3 level+ pre- 22 19.28 Janet Dence Woolridge empts, , take- Map to Christ the King Church and Parking 23 18.29 Robert Ellis 1 4.53 Neal Rosenthal out doubles, negative 24 18.28 John Lowe III 2 3.08 William Kingery Jr doubles, opening CAPITAL BELTWAY RT. 495 25 18.05 Arnie Frankel 3 3.02 Jean Agenbroad 33 EXIT 31 4 2.69 Terry Carlton leads, and signaling. EXIT Each lesson will be tai- Izzy Cohen 5 2.69 Candace Carlton RRR

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S VE 4 19.28 Janet Dence SS VE VE 9 1.44 David Mead gram for beginners as S CC UU ILLILLILL UU SSS

ONNECTICUT . ONNECTICUTONNECTICUT .. .. 5 18.29 Robert Ellis 10 1.44 Kathleen O'Toole G NN DD well as experienced DD THTHTH RRR RUBB AA

6 18.28 John Lowe III LELLE LELE DDD 161616 social bridge players! E 7 17.18 John Lawrence Machlin .. ... RR DDD D Partners will be pro- EAST- WEST HIGHWAY ..... RR E - W H . 8 16.50 John Glynn 1 4.30 Eugene Davidson E - W H .. .. RT. 410 vided if needed. For AA 9 15.57 Steven Sacks BBB 2 3.60 Shou-Ling Wang VEVE COLSTON DRIVE EACHEACHEACH 10 14.86 Michelle Cantave 3 2.82 Cynthia Helms more information call ......

11 14.84 Lloyd Rawley 4 2.80 Marvin Weinstein or email Steve or D DD VEVE

RIVE A RIVE A RIVE A 12 14.68 Howard Tash 5 2.80 Dorothy Weinstein Sandy Forsythe at 301 RIVERIVE A 13 14.10 Gregory Campbell 6 2.70 Juline Glaz 592-9177 (email: RT. 410 14 13.40 James Geist 7 2.70 Daniel Shankle Jr [email protected]) N WASHINGTON 15 13.38 Ellen Rosenthal 8 2.66 Audrey Stern ^ - 14 - ∼ ♣♦♥♠ ∼ - 15 - Paid Advertisement Paid Advertisement Committee Action XLII RealtyToWeb.com Part II by Rich Colker, [email protected] ♣ Special “Bridge Player” Deal ♦ This article concludes the discussion of declarer’s intention to unblock the dia- claiming issues arising from the deal that mond was not a doubtful point and, in fact, Bridge Players Trying to “Sell” your home? was introduced in the Feb./Mar .issue. --Ed. it was overwhelmingly likely that she had on the Team The evidence presented by both pairs stated the claim properly in the first case. Want to “Buy” your is quite weak. E/W could not remember They therefore assigned the result for 3NT dream home? the play to the first five tricks, they were made three, +400 for N/S. uncertain about whether both of declarer’s The weighing of conflicting pieces of evi- Trying to “Find” the right real statements had been the same (West be- dence such as exist here in order to reach a estate investment? ing more certain than East), and yet they decision is often not an entirely objective were certain enough that declarer had said process. In fact, it is often downright sub- nothing about unblocking the ♦9 either jective. I can accept the decision to allow Get a Greater Return on time to question the Director’s ruling. Not declarer to make her contract since the Di- Your Investment: exactly faith inspiring. rectors were there to hear the players’ state- As for N/S, declarer had played dia- ments and to interpret their body language ♥ If you list your property with monds twice, and when the ♦10 appeared and other intangibles. (Sometimes you just a Bridge Player, you’ll get up on the first round her intermediate spots have to be there to do the right thing.) The Eva Klivington all became equals. Yet on the second decision also sits well with me because I Principal Broker, to $4,000 credited to you at round, she failed to either unblock the ♦9 think E/W were trying to use a minor “tech- settlement. or to retain the ♦K in dummy so that the nicality” to get something they were not able Licensed in VA, MD, DC suit wouldn’t block. (Had East returned a to win themselves at the table. (East’s fail- ♠ If you purchase a home spade instead of a second heart after win- ure to knock out dummy’s spade entry after ning the ♦A the suit would have been ir- his partner had showed out on the second through a Bridge Player, you’ll retrievably blocked.) This suggests that de- round of diamonds was egregious; he de- get up to $2,000 credited to clarer may not have been aware of the dia- served to go minus.) Still, I’m also troubled you at settlement. mond situation when she claimed. by declarer’s failure to appreciate the dia- The Panel did not consult any players mond position throughout her play of the because they believed the appeal involved hand, right through to her failure to men- Curious to know how much only the claim laws and did not require tion it when she repeated her claim state- your house is worth? any bridge judgment on their part. They ment. In other words, I’m suspicious that decided, mainly on the basis of South’s she “got away with one” here. Click on…….. apparently accurate description of the Even so, one problem still remains. Steve Czecha play, as well as her agreement to facts not Look at the scores assigned both by the www.realtytoweb.com necessarily in her own best interest (that table Director and by the Panel, and then Agent, Licensed in MD she did not detach the ♦9 and that she go through the play again carefully and may have misspoken her second state- count declarer’s tricks. Ready? She took 2557 John Milton Dr ♥ and ment) and her partner’s confirmation of three clubs, five diamonds, the A, and Oak Hill VA, 20171 her version of the events, that declarer’s the ♠K (when she crossed to dummy to Office Phone: intention was clearly to unblock the ♦9 cash her diamonds she could not get back ♠ Michael Chelst 703-391-7450 even if at some point she stated her in- to her hand to cash the A as well). But tention carelessly. Law 70A instructs the that’s ten tricks, not nine. So if the Direc- Loan Officer, www.broker Director to adjudicate a claim “as equi- tors ruled that she made her contract, the Serving VA, MD, DC @realtytoweb.com tably as possible to both sides, but any score had to be +430 and not +400. doubtful points shall be resolved against Hmm. Maybe they should have con- the claimer.” The Panel believed that sulted some expert players after all. - 16 - - 17 - Paid Advertisement Paid Advertisement BridgeAtSchools!

Bridge at the Jefferson School by Barbara Shaw

Last fall, BridgeAtSchools! began its first full new boy joined, so we were down to one table. year pilot program. A group of 13 fourth and fifth However, was I ever delighted to have these four graders and 1 second grader started learning to club members. All are straight A math students play bridge at the Jefferson school in Gathersburg, who love to play cards. They all expressed an in- Maryland. It is an after school bridge club which terest in being good bridge players. So we were meets Wednesday afternoons from 3:30 to 4:30. I able to advance from that point. I took over the joined (as the bridge mentor) two fifth grade club since I was doing most of the instructing any- teachers to teach the students to play bridge. way. I was joined by Jane Sturgis who loves work- We began by teaching the values of the cards ing with the kids. So we advanced into real bridge. by playing war. When we switched to partner- We started the second semester by teaching ship war, it didn’t the kids long to realize that if 4th best leads against NT contracts and 3rd and their partner was winning the trick, they didn’t need 5th leads against suit contracts. And did their to play a higher card. They were also pretty obser- eyes open wide when they figured out the math of vant. One nine year old was on lead at about trick the leads and could figure out what was in the 8 and I asked her what card she thought she could defenders’ hands. All replied, WOW, that’s neat. play to win the next trick. She replied the Q of Then we taught them upside down carding. We hearts because the A and K had already been also taught them a little about signaling. One boy played. Then I asked her which card she was go- lead the A then K of hearts against a spade con- ing to play next which might win a trick. She an- tract. His partner said, “Don’t play any more hearts swered the 8 of clubs explaining that a lot of because declarer will trump it in dummy.” So I clubs had already been played and she thought asked what he wanted his partner to switch to. this might be the highest one left. In fact, it was the He looked at me confused. Both boys had bid thirteenth club. Not bad for a 9 year old who had hearts so they had lots of cards to choose from for never played cards before. a . I told him to play a high heart under the As the weeks progressed, the club members K for a diamond switch and a low heart for a club learned to play real . The first few switch. Again the boys said WOW, neat. I re- weeks we played hands with all four hands show- minded them that I said that I would teach them ing so that the kids could follow what was going on. how to communicate with each other later in the They learned how to play with a dummy... although year without ever saying a word. Lesson 1 on com- our dummies are never quiet. They learned about munication was now complete. playing from touching honors. Then, as we split The kids are so wonderful and they do get up into three tables, we would play one hand all excited when they play. When it is their turn to together, then 3 or 4 hands during the time re- be dummy, all they want to do is run around the maining. They learned how to score and boy did table to see what their partner has and help him they hate going down in contracts. Don’t we all. with the play of the hand. We are running out of Back in week three, I told the club members time and there is so much more to learn. I have that the most important number in bridge is 13 had such a wonderful time. I hope that summer and that if they wanted to be good bridge players camp at the Jefferson School will include a Bridge they would learn to count, count, count. They have Club. Three of the boys graduate and go on to been given student study sheets with notes and intermediate school. I hope to instill in them an practice hands that go along with each week’s interest in bridge so they won’t quit. Their teach- lesson. I emphasized to them that bridge is like ers told me that they come to school at 7:15 in the any other endeavor in life. The more time you morning to play bridge before the actual class- spend studying and practicing, the better player room lessons start until 9:00. Hopefully, they have you will become. caught the bridge bug. They all have the talent to Well, the second semester was a bit of a disap- become great bridge players if they stick with it. pointment to us. The two fifth grade teachers got Thanks to the WBL for buying ACBL mem- discouraged and dropped out as did most of the berships for the boys as a graduation present. I students. Only 3 club members returned and one hope to see them playing when they are older. - 18 - - 19 - ...... May 15, 2003 Annual Meeting...... Elections and Charity Game......

This year’s Annual Meeting and Elections school and college students to the exciting Candidate for the Board Her husband Ralph is a CPA in busi- will be held on Thursday, May 15, at Christ world of tournament bridge. Dick is a lawyer Don Berman has been a ness for himself. In addition to bridge, she the King Church, the site of our Unit Game, with a Washington D.C. law firm. Dick and member of the WBL Board enjoys golf, and her family which includes prior to play. As usual, there will be a com- his wife Alice, who plays regularly at Unit of Directors for 6 years. He three children, Mark, Donna, and Christo- plimentary dinner buffet at 6:00 p.m. The games and sectionals, live in Bethesda. is WEB Master for both the pher and eight grandchildren. meeting and elections will take place at ap- WBL and District 6. He is Her biggest thrill in bridge was win- proximately 7:00 p.m. The church will be open Candidate for Vice-President the Recorder for the ning the team game at the 4th of July Re- at 3:00 p.m. for ballot casting to those play- Fred King has been a mem- WBL.He has been a bridge gional in Alexandria racking up 33 gold ers who will be unable to attend the elections. ber of the WBL for 30 years, player (sort of, he says) for points in one day. At the Philadelphia Na- Copies of the WBL Policies and Treasurer’s ever since he moved to Wash- over 40 years. tionals this year, she finished 19th over- Report will also be available. A charity game ington in 1973. He retired all in the National Swiss Team event with will begin when the meeting concludes. two years ago after working Candidate for the Board Bill Wilson, and Lee and Paul Johnson from North Carolina. 2002 Masterpoint Races at the World Bank for almost Steven Forsythe is an 28 years. He has been on the analyst and an Air Force Jane is interested in running for the During the evening, we will recognize WBL board since 2001 and major. He earned a B.S. Board because she would like to become our 2001 Mini-McKenney and Ace of Clubs more actively involved in the game and also is the education liaison and in Physics from Kent winners for their achievements. to have an opportunity to contribute to the chairs the unit growth committee. He has also State University and an organization. been the WBL master for over ten years M.S. and a Ph.D. in Op- Elections and was the local caddy coordinator for each of The election portion of the meeting will be- erations Research from Candidate for the Board the last two Washington nationals. All three of the Air Force Institute of gin with our Elections Chairperson, Jim Allen, Ron Zucker learned how his children have caddied both for the unit at the Technology. Steve and his introducing the candidates before they each to play bridge in this area, national level. He enjoys bridge greatly, espe- wife Sandy run the 0-500 masterpoint Suit speak briefly to the membership. Nominations cially bidding contests, and would like to see our but moved to San Fran- will be accepted from the floor. The four officer Yourself Forest Glen Bridge Club. They are cisco in January of 1993. unit attract more new members and do a better also running the new 0-20 game and les- positions are one-year terms. Three of the Unit job of retaining current members. In his ten years outside Director positions are two-year terms. The fourth son at the unit game on Thursday nights. the Washington area, he Steve has taught bridge at the local el- Unit Director position is a one-year term as it is Candidate for Secretary got to see how lucky we the second year of the position that Lee Jensen ementary school as well as Easybridge! He are to have the bridge en- has retired from. The following unit members Barbara Shaw,,, the incum- and his wife have two children, Mira (9) vironment we do, where are running for the indicated positions. bent Unit Secretary, is and Aaron (6). many of the best players are involved in the seeking her third term. If elected to the board, Steve hopes to local unit and available to players of all lev- Candidate for President Barbara is conscientious build membership by expanding the unit’s els for questions. Ron would like to do what Dick Wegman has served and punctual with the novice/intermediate program, and by focus- he can to try to perpetuate the strength of the WBL as Vice Presi- minutes. She is a Gold ing on programs and activities that will en- the games in this area. It seems to him that dent, Chairman of the Con- Life Master who can be hance the enjoyment and satisfaction of lo- new player development is important, but duct & Ethics Committee, seen playing locally on a cal bridge activities. only to the extent that we also encourage and a member of the Board regular basis. Barbara is newer players to play up and challenge of Directors. If elected, currently mentoring elementary students for Candidate for the Board themselves against the best. As a bridge Dick wants to build atten- the BridgeAtSchools pilot program in Jane Sturgis is a retired player, he says he is (to put it kindly) me- dance at Unit games and Gaithersburg. Outside of bridge, Barbara is Contracting Officer from diocre, a solid B player who is trying to sectionals by appealing to a starter for tournament level swim meets. the Food and Drug Ad- make the jump to being an A player, but new members and stimulating interest in play- ministration. She was who has not yet made that jump. ing by existing WBL members. He has sev- Candidate for Treasurer employed by the Federal Ron has been involved in non-profit eral major goals for the coming year: (1) en- Steve Robinson has served Government for 30 years work for most of his professional life, and suring that the playing atmosphere at WBL as treasurer for 14 years, working in contracts for understand the demands of non-profits. He events is friendly and welcoming to new play- and board member for 12 NIH, USDA, SSA, and is currently working at Public Citizen's Glo- ers; (2) finding a long-term, stable location more years He is retired FDA. Her biography is in bal Trade Watch, where he just finished for WBL sectional events; (3) helping players having worked as a com- "Who's Who of American Women'' from writing a book on the World Trade Organi- find suitable partners for Thursday night puter specialist for the Dept 1983 through 1995. She was selected for zation, and is currently a Legislative As- games and sectional events; (4) organizing car of the Army. He hopes that an Internship at NIH in Administration sistant. While in San Francisco, he worked pools to help players who need rides to WBL every player will use his and was granted a full scholarship to in high tech in the Silicon Valley, and also games; and (5) sponsoring an interscholastic book "Washington Stan- American University where she majored brings technology skills to bear on his vol- bridge championship to introduce local high dard" to become proficient bidders. in Business Administration. unteer work. - 20 - - 21 - Paid Advertisement Paid Advertisement 56th Annual City of Washington Tournament Do you get along with February 27 - March 2, 2003 your computer? Results

Top Ten Cumulative 3 Morris Tepper - Allen Lord ...... 55.34 Point Winners 4 Gerald Steinberg - Seymour Baden ... 55.00 Help is here! 5 Herbert Behre III - John Lowe III ...... 54.85 Help is here! All Players ➨ ➨ 1 25.34 ...... Alfred Steinberg Stratum C Get on the internet OKBridge/OKWin 2 23.02 ...... Steve Robinson 6 Pairs ➨Computer purchase ➨Microsoft Word 3 18.16 ...... Fred King 1 Marshall Kramer - Nelu Schwartz ...... 55.39 ➨Computer setup ➨Microsoft Excel/Access 4 15.44 ...... Ellen Cherniavsky 2 Herbert Behre III - John Lowe III ...... 54.85 ➨ ➨ 5 14.49 ...... Joe Wallen Email setup Web Page Design 6 14.09 ...... Kristene Miller ➨Software installations ➨Uploads and Downloads 7 13.41 ...... Steve Bunning Thursday Evening ➨Programming ➨Phone support 8 13.29 ...... Mark Shaw 9 12.91 ...... Andrew Gofreed A/X PAIRS at Silver Spring .. Stratum A 10 11.56 ...... Shou-Ling Wang 18 Pairs 0-1500 Players dibasoft 1 14.49 ...... Joe Wallen 2 13.41 ...... Steve Bunning Computer Consulting 3 11.00 ...... Bob Kerchner 4 9.55 ...... Charity Sack 301-990-8534 5 8.68 ...... John Lawrence 6 7.27 ...... John Lowe III [email protected] 1 Arnie Frankel - Helene Bauman ...... 67.26 7 7.05 ...... Ronald Kral Diane Walker 2/3 Richard Wegman - Robert Klein ...... 61.01 8/9 6.40 ...... Todd Zimnoch 2/3 John Lawrence - Charity Sack ...... 61.01 8/9 6.40 ...... Penny Stoever 4/5 John Adams - Alfred Steinberg ...... 57.74 10 5.75 ...... Howard Tash 4/5 Leo LaSota - Alan Kleist ...... 57.74 0-500 Players Stratum X LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE 1 7.27 ...... John Lowe III Stratum X 2/3 6.40 ...... Penny Stoever 9 Pairs 2/3 6.40 ...... Todd Zimnoch 1 John Lawrence - Charity Sack ...... 61.01 The average nursing home cost in the Washington, D.C. 4 5.75 ...... Howard Tash 2 Penny Stoever - Todd Zimnoch ...... 55.36 5 4.38 ...... Peggy Shearn 3 Charles Carrington - Roy Tibery ...... 54.46 area is $50,000 - $60,000 annually. 6 4.19 ...... Bernard Sachs 4 Lee Jensen - Ellen Cherniavsky ...... 43.75 7 4.15 ...... Samuel Bowlin 8/9 4.13 ...... Cynthia Helms B/C PAIRS at Silver Spring ..Stratum B 8/9 4.13 ...... Charles King 10 Pairs Do not deplete your life savings for long term care costs. 10 4.05 ...... Leo Cardillo

Thursday Morning Call for Quote: OPEN PAIRS ...... Stratum A 23 Pairs 1 Dolores Rioux - Arthur Mackwell ...... 65.79 (301) 299-2235 2 Jim Allen, Jr - Jackie Thompson...... 57.70 1 Daniel Koch - William Kingery Jr...... 60.42 3 Warren Kaufman - Leo Lasota ...... 56.31 2 Ray Dodson - Rodger Kamuf ...... 57.75 4 Marshall Kramer - Nelu Schwartz ...... 55.39 3 Joana Da Silva - David Harris ...... 53.63 5 Morris Tepper - Allen Lord ...... 55.34 4 Jon Chasson - John Lowe III ...... 53.13 ROY BECKER INSURANCE AGENCY 6 Gerald Steinberg - Seymour Baden ... 55.00 Stratum C Stratum B 8 Pairs 11711 Greenlane Dr., Potomac, MD 20854 18 Pairs 1 Daniel Koch - William Kingery Jr...... 60.42 1 Dolores Rioux - Arthur Mackwell ...... 65.79 2 Ray Dodson - Rodger Kamuf ...... 57.75 2 Marshall Kramer - Nelu Schwartz ...... 55.39 3 Joana Da Silva - David Harris ...... 53.63 Paid Advertisement Paid Advertisement - 22 - - 23 - OPEN PAIRS at Alexandria .. Stratum A 2 Martin Aronsohn - Robert Von Moss . 59.50 2 Stephen Weiner - Daniel Kelleher ..... 51.45 5 Charles Carrington - Allen Lord ...... 55.32 14 Pairs 3 Judy Glick - Clifford Dyhouse ...... 56.00 3 Samuel Bowlin - Wanda Avila...... 48.93 6 Reese House - Suzanne Abrams...... 53.01 4 Sherrie Schrama - Richard Bryan ...... 54.00 4 Herbert Behre III - Stuart Sessions.... 48.80 Stratum C Stratum B 13 Pairs 7 Pairs Saturday Morning 1 Jonathan Siegel - Malcolm Stewart .... 63.19 1 Judy Glick - Clifford Dyhouse ...... 56.00 SENIOR PAIRS ...... Stratum A 2 John Lowe III - John Laurim ...... 59.03 2 Sherrie Schrama - Richard Bryan ...... 54.00 34 Pairs 3 Franz Delahan - Madeline Delahan ... 57.18 3 J J Armour - Larry Gomberg ...... 50.00 4 Reese House - Suzanne Abrams...... 53.01 5 Jon Ranhand - Donald Goldman ...... 52.78 1 Melville Yudkin - Leo Cardillo ...... 64.58 2 Janet Gookin - Robert Gookin ...... 57.08 Friday Evening SENIOR PAIRS ...... Stratum A 24 Pairs 3/4 Diane Alexander - Candace Kuschner55.42 A/X PAIRSStratum A 3/4 Youssof Seraj - Virginia Fletcher ...... 55.42 22 Pairs 5 La Quitta Talbot - Mark Tonnesen ..... 51.67 Stratum B 1 Alfred Duncker - Shou-Ling Wang .... 63.69 6 Pairs 2 Daniel Shankle Jr - Juline Glaz ...... 60.90 1 Melville Yudkin - Leo Cardillo ...... 64.58 3 Audrey Marbach - Alice Miller ...... 59.78 2 Youssof Seraj - Virginia Fletcher ...... 55.42 4 Eric Branfman - Carl Nelson ...... 59.74 5 Bernard Sachs - George Hershman ... 59.46 1 Bernard Sachs - George Hershman ... 67.53 6 Kim Smith - Charles Stenger ...... 59.23 Friday Afternoon 2 Marie Creisher - Mary Jane Von Moss 59.25 OPEN PAIRS ...... Stratum A 1 Richard Wegman - Mike Cappelletti Sr . 60.88 Stratum B 3 Grace Cohen - Jay Cohen ...... 59.00 36 Pairs 2 Lou Reich - J Merrill ...... 57.87 21 Pairs 4 Frances Burke - Rosemary Marks ..... 56.74 3 Leo LaSota - Dan Kasture ...... 56.94 1 Donald Jacobs - Edward Alexander... 58.01 5 Anne Stein - Jack Armstrong ...... 55.53 4 Shou-Ling Wang - Warren Kaufman .. 56.02 2 Cynthia Helms - Charles King ...... 56.79 6 Daniel Huzzard - Mary Guandolo ...... 55.04 5/6 Peter Boyd - Ellen Klosson ...... 54.86 3 William Hudson - Franklyn Taylor Jr 55.33 5/6 Steve Robinson - Alfred Steinberg .... 54.86 4 Audrey Stern - David Wakefield ...... 55.04 Stratum B 5 Kenneth Rapley - Nelson Waks ...... 52.56 10 Pairs Stratum X 6 Jon Ranhand - Donald Goldman ...... 51.31 1 Frances Burke - Rosemary Marks ..... 56.74 8 Pairs 2 Phyllis Sonen - Hilda Getz ...... 52.95 1 Leo LaSota - Dan Kasture ...... 56.94 Stratum C 3 Joan Benesch - William Benesch ...... 49.62 1 Warren Kaufman - Shou-Ling Wang .. 62.68 2 Robert Ellis - Kenneth Berg ...... 51.62 11 Pairs 4 Charles Pan - James Rodgers ...... 48.66 2 Earl Glickstein - Mike Cappelletti Sr 62.22 3 Stephen Czecha - Tim Crank ...... 50.69 1 Donald Jacobs - Edward Alexander... 58.01 3 Julian Boyce - Ann Lindley ...... 60.27 2 Cynthia Helms - Charles King ...... 56.79 300/100/50 PAIRS...... Stratum A 4 Gloria Silverman - Les Bart ...... 60.25 B/C/D PAIRS ...... Stratum B 3 Jon Ranhand - Donald Goldman ...... 51.31 28 Pairs 5 Alfred Steinberg - Steve Robinson .... 59.25 28 Pairs 4 John Terauds - Edvin Tums ...... 50.15 6 Ralph Sturgis - Linda Smith ...... 58.46 Stratum B Saturday Afternoon 17 Pairs 1 Michael Chelst - Eva Klivington ...... 50.85 A/X PAIRS ...... Stratum A 38 Pairs 2 Jackie Thompson - Jane Sturgis ...... 50.54 1 Bob Kerchner - Kenneth Katzner ...... 65.42 3 Christon Johnson - Frank Cardillo ..... 49.94 2 John Adams - Steve Robinson ...... 63.45 1 Robert Von Moss - Howard Moss ...... 62.50 4 Leo Cardillo - Suzanne Abrams ...... 49.59 2 Eileen Aronovitch - Martin Aronovitch .. 60.80 1 Martin Reed - Howard Tash ...... 61.88 3 Ellen Cherniavsky - Joe Wallen ...... 61.29 5 K Soderberg - Barry Smith ...... 49.19 3 Candace Carlton - Terry Carlton ...... 60.42 2 Saul Penn - John Glynn ...... 61.53 4 Bryan Coleman - Fred King ...... 59.79 4 Herbert Behre III - Deborah Branch . 59.09 Stratum C 3 R Richard Hopp - Leslie Shafer ...... 59.16 5 David Ruderman - Alfred Steinberg .. 59.57 6 William Hacker - Charleen Brand ..... 57.54 5 Mehmet Bayar - Sarah Pinocci ...... 58.52 10 Pairs 4 Lois Simonton - H Evan Duquette ..... 57.61 6 Bob Blodgett - William Rogers ...... 56.63 1 Christon Johnson - Frank Cardillo ..... 49.94 5 Peggy Shearn - Anita Christman...... 56.49 Stratum X 2 Leo Cardillo - Suzanne Abrams ...... 49.59 6 D Tonnesen - John Lowe III ...... 55.41 23 Pairs Stratum B 3 K Soderberg - Barry Smith ...... 49.19 1 Bob Kerchner - Kenneth Katzner ...... 65.42 15 Pairs 4 Marshall Kramer - Nelu Schwartz ...... 47.79 Stratum C 2 Ellen Cherniavsky - Joe Wallen ...... 61.29 1 Candace Carlton - Terry Carlton ...... 60.42 19 Pairs 3 William Hacker - Charleen Brand ..... 57.54 2 Herbert Behre III - Deborah Branch . 59.09 300/200 PAIRS ...... Stratum A 1 Martin Reed - Howard Tash ...... 61.88 10 Pairs 4 Todd Zimnoch - Penny Stoever ...... 56.13 3 Kathleen O’Toole - David Mead...... 56.06 2 Peggy Shearn - Anita Christman...... 56.49 5 Carl Nelson - Eric Branfman ...... 55.63 4 Robert Munger - Ann Lebherz...... 55.11 3 D Tonnesen - John Lowe III ...... 55.41 6 Charity Sack - Prahalad Rajkumar .... 55.38 5 Gloria Halstead - John Hudson ...... 53.98 4 Ray Dodson - Rodger Kamuf ...... 53.20 5 William Pepelko - Barbara Pepelko ... 52.44 B/C PAIRS ...... Stratum B Stratum C 6 Reni Malloy - Agnes Gavin ...... 51.91 22 Pairs 11 Pairs 1 Jonathan Siegel - Malcolm Stewart .... 63.19 1 Candace Carlton - Terry Carlton ...... 60.42 Stratum D 2 John Lowe III - John Laurim ...... 59.03 2 Kathleen O’Toole - David Mead...... 56.06 12 Pairs 3 William Hudson - Franklyn Taylor Jr 57.64 3 Kevin Acker - Donald Peck ...... 53.22 1 William Pepelko - Barbara Pepelko ... 60.00 1 Reni Malloy - Agnes Gavin ...... 51.91 4 Franz Delahan - Madeline Delahan ... 57.18 4 Jane Smidinger - Henry Erno ...... 49.43 - 24 - - 25 - Saturday Evening Stratum C Israel - Frederick Mueller ...... 88.00 Area Bridge 6 Pairs Stratum C A/X PAIRS ...... Stratum A 1 Jeff Youngen - Mary O’Shea ...... 54.17 5 Teams Class Offerings 32 Pairs 2 Jean Donnell - Jack Lawrence ...... 48.51 1 William Adams - Samuel Bowlin - Cynthia Helms - Charles King ...... 78.00 Sunday 2 Daniel Weinberg - Paul Gayer - William Prosser - Duke Wilson ...... 67.00 A/X SWISS TEAMS ...... Stratum A 21 Teams Sunday Morning Leslie Shafer’s Classes 300/200/100 SWISS TEAMS Stratum A Washington Bridge Center (WBC),301-445-0276 1 Steve Bunning - Kristene Miller ...... 65.77 10 Teams Every Saturday 10 a.m. - 12 noon: Start- 2 John Lawrence - Tim Crank ...... 64.23 ing April 26: When to Break the “Rules”! 25 3 David Ruderman - Alfred Steinberg .. 62.31 popular bridge rules and when to break them. 4 Regena Edwards - Patricia Parker ..... 56.28 Rule examples: 8 Ever, 9 Never; Draw Trumps 5 David Milton - Stan Schenker ...... 56.03 Right Away; 2nd Hand Low, 3rd Hand High; 6 Leo LaSota - Alan Kleist ...... 55.51 1/2 Alfred Steinberg - Stephen Swearingen - Whenever You Can; Always Return Stratum X Andrew Gofreed - Fred King - Alan Tenenbaum ...... 93.00 Your Partner’s Lead and lots more. $10/class. 18 Pairs 1/2 Steve Robinson - Mark Shaw - Barbara 1 Pitamber Devgon - Alfred O’Malley - Gerry Includes handouts. This class is on a “drop- 1 Steve Bunning - Kristene Miller ...... 65.77 Higgins - Richard Hesse ...... 60.00 in” basis. No reservations required. 2 John Lawrence - Tim Crank ...... 64.23 Shaw - Jeff Roman - Lyle Poe Jr ...... 93.00 3 Thomas Musso - Ellen Cherniavsky - Joe 2 Helen Solomon - Sally Garfinkel - Lois 3 David Fleischer - James Geist ...... 54.74 Bridge Clinics! Wallen - Randolph Beckham ...... 90.00 Redmond - Claire Agoglia ...... 54.00 4 Joana Da Silva - David Harris ...... 52.82 Thursdays 10 a.m. - 12 noon for Inter- 4 Peter Boyd - Glenn Lublin - William Cole - 3 Donald Jacobs - Andrew Tempel - Jean 5 Rammohan Sarangan - Elizabeth Nelson . 52.56 Ron Sukoneck ...... 87.00 Phillips - Carol Mumma...... 50.00 mediate to Advanced Students. Fridays 10 B/C PAIRS ...... Stratum B 5 Earl Glickstein - Harold Siegelman - Steve 4 Sally Rockey - Robert Lumbert - Rose a.m. - 12 noon for Beginning Students. 18 Pairs Bunning - Kristene Miller ...... 80.00 Hadidian - Sarah Pinocci ...... 48.00 Get practical and hands-on Bridge in- 6 Charles Yaple - Jim Wakefield - Helene Stratum B struction in these very small classes. Each Bauman - Kenton Schoen ...... 79.00 7 Teams lesson limited to a maximum of six students! 7 Bruce Houston - Donald Van Arman - 1 Pitamber Devgon - Alfred O’Malley - Gerry Shuffle and play up to eight hands with Leslie Bernard Oetjen - J. David Grier ...... 78.00 Higgins - Richard Hesse ...... 60.00 guiding you through the bidding and play. Stratum X 2 Sally Rockey - Robert Lumbert - Rose By reservation only. Call her at 301-593- 9 Teams Hadidian - Sarah Pinocci ...... 48.00 6828 to reserve your spot. $20 per lesson. 3 Terry Jones - Mary O’Shea - Cynthia 1 William Isenstein - Howard Tash ...... 59.72 1 Thomas Musso - Ellen Cherniavsky - Joe Wallen - Randolph Beckham ...... 90.00 Dunbar - Jeff Youngen ...... 40.00 One-Day Seminars 2 David Hamilton - Michelle Cantave .. 58.10 Note locations. Each class is a one-time 3- 2 Bruce Houston - Donald Van Arman - Stratum C 3 Ronald Kral - Jane Sturgis ...... 56.71 Stratum C hour session on a “drop in” basis. $20 per per- 4 Candace Carlton - Terry Carlton ...... 55.79 Bernard Oetjen - J. David Grier ...... 78.00 4 Teams 5 Georgia Lyhus - Arlan Lyhus ...... 55.09 3 Todd Zimnoch - David Grabiner - Alfred 1 Terry Jones - Mary O’Shea - Cynthia son per class. Sunday Afternoons from 2-5 p.m. Graham - Penny Stoever ...... 70.00 Dunbar - Jeff Youngen ...... 40.00 Lesson Handouts and Hand Analyses provided. Stratum C 4 Robert Stearns - Charles Young Jr - Lynn April 27 How to Make Your Opponents 17 Pairs Boardman - Bill Gainer ...... 68.00 Sunday Afternoon 1 William Isenstein - Howard Tash ...... 59.72 Lose Control of the Hand. Creating may- B/C SWISS TEAMS...... Stratum B 2 David Hamilton - Michelle Cantave .. 58.10 B/C SWISS TEAMS...... Stratum B 300/100 SWISS TEAMS ...... Stratum A hem and confusion for your opponents will 18 Teams 3 Candace Carlton - Terry Carlton ...... 55.79 6 Teams be your accomplishment after taking this 4 Georgia Lyhus - Arlan Lyhus ...... 55.09 class. Level: Int-Advcd. @ WBC 5 Peggy Shearn - Brenda Green ...... 53.94 May 4 Top 10 Mistakes You Make At 300/100/50 PAIRS...... Stratum A the Bridge Table. Location: Potomac Com. 18 Pairs Center. Level: Advcd Begin-Advcd. 1 Robert Munger - Ann Lebherz...... 65.77 May 11 Game-Forcing Bids. A re- 2 John Hawks - A Hawks ...... 63.39 sponder can usually keep bidding new suits 3 Rose Hadidian - Sarah Pinocci...... 60.12 1 Ronald Kral - Lloyd Rawley - Charity Sack 1 David Raley - Barry Lieberman - Jon Chasson to force, but it is not that simple for an 4 Millie Reizenstein - Albert Leon ...... 58.63 - Robert Schwenk ...... 103.00 (not pictured) - John Lowe III ...... 56.00 opener. Level: Int-Advcd.@ WBC 5 Samuel Bowlin - Wanda Avila...... 56.25 2/3 Jack De Vivo - Constance Bynum - Audrey 2 Jeff Youngen - Mary O’Shea - Ali Al-Aref - May 25 Lead Directional Doubles. Warren - Stephen Mac Arthur...... 94.00 Stratum B Terry Jones ...... 55.00 Sometimes doubling an opponent’s artificial 9 Pairs 2/3 James Short - Steven Emanuel - Daniel bid (e.g., Stayman, Transfers, Blackwood Feldman - Walter Kerns...... 94.00 Stratum B 1 Robert Munger - Ann Lebherz...... 65.77 responses) can tell partner what you want 2 Jeff Youngen - Mary O’Shea ...... 54.17 4 Janet Dence - John Sedgewick - Jerry 3 Teams 3 Ali Al-Aref - Frieda Joyce ...... 49.40 Miller - Margie Coccodrilli ...... 93.00 1 Jeff Youngen - Mary O’Shea - Ali Al-Aref - led. What quality suit must you have? What 4 Jean Donnell - Jack Lawrence ...... 48.51 5 Allen Shearn - Peggy Shearn - Barbara Terry Jones ...... 55.00 length? Level: Interm. @ WBC - 26 - - 27 - Opener at the one-level! ♠ Q 8 Opener Responder ♥ A K 7 6 2 1♦ 1♥ ♦ A 8 7 4 1♠ ... MasterPointers ♣ 9 6 N Examples of conventional bids that show SHAPE: L Examples of conventional bids that show SHAPE: written and compiled by I/N Editor, Leslie Shafer Bids that Paint a Picture of Your Cappelletti/Hamilton SHAPE & POWER Unusual 2NT Michaels 7. Jumping into your ‘old’ suit: This Painting a Picture Bids that Paint a Picture of Your Distribution bid promises extra length and extra points. Examples of conventional bids that show Specifically, a 6-card suit and invitational You paint a picture of your hand with Opener Responder SHAPE & POWER: 1♦ 1♥ strength (16-18 points for opener). 2NT Openers Weak Twos your bidding. What kind of picture would ♠ your partner like to receive? Crisp, clear, 1 1NT This bid is not forcing. Takeout Doubles 2♠ . . . Opener Responder Flannery Roman focused? Or fuzzy, ambiguous and hard to ♥ ♠ define? The clearer a picture you can send 3. What picture is the opener trying to 1 1 Splinters paint with this sequence? He obviously has 3♥ ... to your partner about your hand, the better In summary, the better you can accu- your partner will be able to steer your side five spades for this bidding. Why then open Opener with a measly minor? Because the diamonds ♠ K 8 rately describe your shape and power, the to the best contract. It’s difficult to get a ♥ A K 10 9 5 2 more likely your partner can pinpoint the good score if you’re not in a good contract. were LONGER!! This bidding sequence shows six diamonds and five spades—a very ♦ K 8 best contract (how high and where). This What types of bids paint a well-defined pic- ♣ distributional hand. Q J 3 makes for more scientific bidding and less ture for your partner? of the cowboy “ from the hip” Opener 8. Jumping into a new suit (“Jump ♠ method. THE Bid That Paints a Perfect Picture: K J 8 6 3 Shift”): A Jump Shift by opener shows 19- ♥ Q 5 21 points and establishes a game forcing [Leslie Shafer is the editor of “Bridge Students 1. Opening one of a suit and then re- ♦ 1. Opening one of a suit and then re- A J 10 8 6 2 auction. Neither opener nor responder can ‘R Us.” A national bridge newsletter specifi- bidding 1NT says: ♣ bidding 1NT says: “I was just too weak to — pass until game is reached. cally for Intermediate and Novice players, it is open 1NT, partner.” Opener Responder receiving rave reviews! Started in January Opener 1♣ 1♠ This bid is forcing to GAME. ♥ 2001, hundreds of subscribers in its first year ♠ 9 6 3 1NT 2 ... Opener Responder attests to its easy-to-read format and Leslie’s ♥ 1♥ 1♠ A K 7 4. If the responder has 4/4 in the majors 3♦ ... famous humor! Call (301-593-6828) or write ♦ 10 9 7 he bids them UP THE LINE, hearts first. If for a free copy of Issue #1. You may subscribe ♣ Opener A Q 6 2 responder bids spades first and hearts later ♠ A K 8 by sending your name, address, phone number Opener Responder he is showing 5-4 or longer in those suits! ♥ A K 6 5 2 and payment of $25 for a one-year subscrip- 1♣ 1♠ Responder ♦ A Q 4 3 tion (six issues a year) to Leslie Shafer, 690 1NT . . . ♠ K J 8 6 3 ♣ 3 Concerto Lane, Silver Spring, MD 20901. Her ♥ Q 10 8 6 website is www.bridgeteacher.com and her 2. Opening one of a suit and then jump- ♦ Q 4 2 9. Reverses: When your second bid is at email address is [email protected]] ing to 2NT says: “I was just too strong to ♣ 2 the two-level and is higher ranking than open 1NT, partner.” Opener Responder your first bid suit. Three requirements for Stepping Up Opener 1♥ 1♠ a by opener: to New Heights ♠ Q J 8 2♥ ... A) You must have 17+ HCP; ♥ A K 7 As of March 2003 ♦ 5. Rebidding a suit: When partner has B) You promise more cards in the first bid Junior Masters (5 Masterpoints) K 9 7 suit than the second one (remember, bid- ♣ A Q 6 2 not supported your suit and you bid it again, John Chasson you are promising extra length — six cards ding two suits promises nine cards or Opener Responder more total in the two suits). Club Masters (20 Masterpoints) 1♣ 1♠ or more — in the suit. Jean Agenbroad James Andre 2NT . . . Opener C) Your second suit is bid at the two level. Amy Musher Rebecca Shafer ♠ Q 8 ♥ This bid is forcing for one round. Mary Anne Shull ***** A Q 9 8 7 5 Opener Responder If you have the right distribution and the ♦ A 8 Sectional Masters (50 Masterpoints) ♣ 1♦ 1♠ right point count, you should open 1NT. It 9 6 3 ♥ Shirley Forrester Erez Hendelman 2 ... Jean Phillips is the “Perfect Bid.” Opener Responder Opener 1♥ 1♠ Regional Masters (100 Masterpoints) Partner can usually judge right away what ♦ ♠ K 8 3 denomination (suit vs. NT) and what level 2 ... ♥ A K 6 5 Jack Geltman (partscore, game or slam) the partnership 6. Bidding two suits: When opener ♦ A Q J 3 2 Allan Gray should arrive at. You have painted a picture bids two suits without jumping and the sec- ♣ 3 NABC Masters (200 Masterpoints) of your entire hand with a 1NT opening. ond bid is at the two level, he shows nine The following auction is NOT a re- Arlan Lyhus Georgia Lyhus ***** (or more) cards in the two suits mentioned. verse because the opener’s rebid is still John Mattioli - 28 - - 29 - THE WASHINGTON BRIDGE LEAGUE Periodicals 14517 PERRYWOOD DRIVE Postage Paid BURTONSVILLE, MARYLAND 20866 at Burtonsville, MD

2003 Round Robin Entry Form Enclose check (made out to the WBL) for $50 for Flight A/X, 0-3000/unlim- ited, $40 for Flights B/C/D which will be stratified or bracketed depending on the number of entries and number of teams that fall into different brackets.

Return entry and entry fee by May 5 to Steve Robinson, 2891 Abingdon St. #A2, Arlington, Virginia 22206-1329

Open (A/X) Flight Flight B/C/D ACBL # E-Mail Address , captain