. BRINumber One Hundred and Two DGAuE tumn 2010

Hand 1

Hand 2 PRIZE BIDDING QUIZ At love all, playing with a 12-14 no-, what would you open as dealer on each of the above hands? Use the form on page 6 to send in your answer. Last EExclusiveExclusivxclusivFew e Mr BridgeB PFaFFareslaresaces Cruise to the Riviera with Bernard Magee FFollowollow DDiscoveryiscovery to the sun on this twtwo-partoo-part-part cruise that opens with twtwoo full days at sea, the chance ˜ȱœŠŸ˜ž›ȱŠȱ‘˜œȱ˜ȱœ‘’™‹˜Š›ȱŽ•’‘œǯȱ’œ‹˜—ȱ’œȱ‘Žȱꛜȱ˜ȱ˜ž›ȱŒŠ••œȱŠ›˜ž—ȱ‘Žȱ ‹Ž›’Š—ȱ™Ž—’—œž•Šǯȱ˜ȱȱȱȱȱȱœŠŸ˜ž› Š ‘˜œ ˜ œ‘’™‹˜Š› Ž•’‘œǯ ȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱ’œ‹˜— ’œ ‘Ž ꛜ ˜ ˜ž› ŒŠ••œ Š›˜ž— ‘Ž ‹Ž›’Š— ™Ž—’—œž•Šǯ ȱ OOurur vvoyageoyaagege then takes yyouou through the Strait of GibraltarGibraltar,, yyou’llou’ll relish the views of Africa from the ttopop of the Rock. En route to the Côte d’Azur and Nice’Nice’ss elegant seafront, our visit to Almeria leads iinlandnland to AndalusianAndalusian Granada and the Moorish Alhambra, built against the spectacular backdrop of tthehe Sierra NevNevada.ada. MR BRIDGE – DUPLICATEDUPLICAICAATETE BRIDGE GUARANTEED Ž›—Š›ȱŠŽŽȱŠ—ȱ‘’œȱŽŠ–ȱ ’••ȱ•˜˜”ȱŠĞŽ›ȱ¢˜žȱ˜—ȱ‘’œȱŞȱŠ¢ȱŒ›ž’œŽǯȱ —ȱŠ’’˜—ȱ˜ȱ‹›’ŽȱŽŸŽ›¢ȱŽ›—Š›ȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱŠŽŽ Š— ‘’œ ŽŠ– ’•• •˜˜” ŠĞŽ› ¢˜ž ˜— ‘’œ Ş Š¢ Œ›ž’œŽǯ — Š’’˜— ˜ ‹›’Ž ŽŸŽ›¢ ŽŽŸŽ—’—ȱ‘Ž›Žȱ ’••ȱ‹ŽȱŚȱ–˜›—’—ȱœŽ–’—Š›œȱŠ—ȱřȱŠĞŽ›—˜˜—ȱœŽœœ’˜—œȱ˜ȱ‹›’Žǯȱ—ȱ‘’œȱŒ›ž’œŽǰȱ‘ŽȱŸŽ—’—ȱȱȱȱȱȱ‘Ž›Ž ’•• ‹Ž Ś –˜›—’— œŽ–’—Š›œ ȱȱȱŠ— ř ŠĞŽ›—˜˜— ȱœŽœœ’˜—œ ȱȱȱȱȱȱȱ˜ ‹›’Žǯ — ‘’œ Œ›ž’œŽǰ ‘Ž ŽŽŸŽ—’—ȱœŽœœ’˜—œȱ ’••ȱ‹Žȱœ™•’ȱ’—˜ȱ ˜ȱœŽŒ’˜—œȱ ’‘ȱ˜—Žȱꗒœ‘’—ȱ’—ȱ’–Žȱ˜›ȱ‘˜œŽȱ ’œ‘’—ȱ˜ȱœŽŽȱŸŽ—’—ȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱœŽœœ’˜—œ ’•• ‹Ž œ™•’ ’—˜  ˜ œŽŒ’˜—œ ’‘ ˜—Ž ꗒœ‘’— ’— ’–Ž ˜› ‘˜œŽ ’œ‘’— ˜ œŽŽ ‘ŽȱŽŸŽ—’—ȱœ‘˜ ǯȱ‘¢ȱ—˜ȱ‹›’—ȱ›’Ž—œȱ ‘˜ȱŠ›Žȱ•˜˜”’—ȱ˜ȱ•ŽŠ›—ȱ‹›’Žȱ›˜–ȱ‘Žȱ‹Ž’——’—ǵȱ —ȱŠ—ȱ‘ŽȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱŽŸŽ—’— œ‘˜ ǯ ‘¢ —˜ ‹›’— ›’Ž—œ ‘˜ Š›Ž •˜˜”’— ˜ •ŽŠ›— ‹›’Ž ›˜– ‘Ž ‹Ž’——’—ǵ — Š— entirelyentirely separate section, there will be a Mr Bridge team membermember,, to teach beginners and improvimproversers An exceptional voyage ’’—ȱŠȱ›ŽŠ••¢ȱ›’Ž—•¢ȱŽ—Ÿ’›˜—–Ž—ǯȱ••ȱœŽ–’—Š›œȱŠ—ȱŠĞŽ›—˜˜—ȱœŽœœ’˜—œȱŠ›Žȱ‘Ž•ȱ ‘’•Žȱ‘Žȱœ‘’™ȱ’œȱŠȱ—ȱȱŠ ›ŽŠ••¢ ȱ›’Ž—•¢ ȱŽ—Ÿ’›˜—–Ž—ǯ ȱ•• ȱœŽ–’—Š›œ ȱŠ— ȱŠĞŽ›—˜˜— ȱœŽœœ’˜—œ ȱŠ›Ž ȱ‘Ž• ȱ ‘’•Ž ȱ‘Ž ȱœ‘’™ ȱ’œ ȱŠ ȱ of 8 days Departing ssea,ea, so eveveryoneeryoneone is able to enjoy all the ports of call. There is a £30 per bridge playplayerer supplement for thosethose wishing to join in with the bridge programme. The programme is fully optional and yyouou may September 6, 2010 ™™Š›’Œ’™ŠŽȱŠœȱ–žŒ‘ȱ˜›ȱŠœȱ•’Ĵ•ŽȱŠœȱ¢˜žȱ ’œ‘ǯȱ›ȱ›’ŽȱŠŒ’ŸŽ•¢ȱŽ—Œ˜ž›ŠŽœȱœ’—•Žœȱ˜ȱ“˜’—ȱ‘Žȱ™Š›¢ȱŠ›’Œ’™ŠŽȱȱŠœ –žŒ‘ ȱȱȱ˜› Šœ •’Ĵ•Ž ȱȱŠœ ¢˜ž ȱ ’œ‘ǯ ȱ› ȱ›’Ž ȱŠŒ’ŸŽ•¢ ȱŽ—Œ˜ž›ŠŽœ ȱœ’—•Žœ ȱȱ˜ “˜’— ȱ‘Ž ȱ™Š›¢ ȱ aandnd they will alwaysalways be found a partner for a game. Date Port 6HS HARWICH, England Embark on mv DISCOVVEERY YourYour VoyageVoyage includes:in ȊȊȱȱȱ••ȱ–ŽŠ•œǰȱŽ—Ž›Š’—–Ž—ȱŠ—ȱ ȱ •• ȱ–ŽŠ•œǰ ȱŽ—Ž›Š’—–Ž—— ȱŠ— ȱ 6HS &UXLVLQJ WKH $$WWODQWLF 2FHDQ gratuities on- included with ȊȱȊȱȱ —œ™’›’—ȱŽœ’—Š’˜—œ ȱ —œ™’›’— ȱŽœ’—Š’˜—œ 6HS &UXLVLQJ WKH $$WWODQWLF 2FHDQ no hidden extras ȊȱȊȱȱ ȱ˜–™›Ž‘Ž—œ’ŸŽȱ•ŽŒž›ŽȱŠ—ȱ˜–™›Ž‘Ž—œ’ŸŽ ȱ•ŽŒž›Ž ȱŠ— ȱ 6HS LISBON, Portugal Guest Speaker programme ȊȊȱȱȱ›’Ž—•¢ȱŠ—ȱ›Ž•Š¡ŽȱŠ–˜œ™‘Ž›Žȱ ȱ ›’Ž—•¢ ȱŠ— ȱ›Ž•Š¡Ž ȱŠ–˜œ™‘Ž›Ž ȱ 6HS GIBRALLTTTAAR ȊȱȊȱȱ›ŠŸŽ•ȱ ’‘ȱŠ›˜ž—ȱŜśŖȱ•’”ŽȬ–’—Žȱ ȱ››ŠŸŽ• ȱ ’‘ ȱŠ›˜ž— ȱŜśŖ ȱ•’”ŽȬ–’—Ž ȱ on board 6HS ALMERIA 6SDLQ  passengers in 4-star comfort ȊȊȱȱȱ ••ȱ™›’ŒŽœȱ˜—ȱ‹˜Š›ȱ’—ȱ›’’œ‘ȱ™˜ž—œ•• ™›’ŒŽœ ȱȱ˜— ‹˜Š› ȱȱ’— ›’’œ‘ ȱ™˜ž—œ 6HS &UXLVLQJ WKH 0HGLWHUUDQHDQ 6HD ȊȊȱȱȱ —‹˜ž—ȱ̒‘ȱ˜ȱ‘Žȱ ȱ ȱ—‹˜ž— ȱ̒‘ ȱ˜ ȱ‘Ž ȱ ȱ ȊȊȱȱȱŠ™Š’—ȂœȱŒ˜Œ”Š’•ȱ™Š›’ŽœȱŠ—ȱŠ•Šȱ ȱ Š™Š’—Ȃœ ȱŒ˜Œ”Š’• ȱ™Š›’Žœ ȱŠ— ȱŠ•Š ȱ 6HS NICE, France ǻǻŠ—Œ‘ŽœŽ›ȱǡŝǯśŖ™™ȱœž™™•Ž–Ž—ǼŠ—Œ‘ŽœŽ›ȱȱǡŝǯśŖ™™ œž™™•Ž–Ž—Ǽ dinners Disembark and transfer to airport ȊȊȱȱȱ ••ȱ™˜›ȱŠ—ȱ™›ŽȬ™Š’ȱŠ’›™˜›ȱŠ¡Žœ•• ™˜› ȱŠ— ȱ™›ŽȬ™Š’ ȱŠ’›™˜› ȱŠ¡Žœ IRUÁLJKW KRPH WR *DWZLFN RU 0DQFKHVWHU

ExclusiveExclusive Mr Bridge fares —œ’ŽȱŠ›Žœȱ›˜–ȱ —œ’ŽȱȱȱŠ›Žœ ›˜– £499pp Outside fares from £599pp

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Fares shown are per person based on two people sharing lowest twin-bedded inside/outside cabin categoryategory curcurrentlyrently available and includes all applicable discounts for new bookings made by 30th June 2010. This exclusive Mr Bridge promotion is not combinable with any other offer. All offers aree subject to availabilityavailability,, are capacity controlled and may be withdrawn at any time. Please note, past SDVVHQJHU 'LVFRYHU\&OXE VDYLQJVDUHQRWDSSOLFDEOHWRWKLVSURPRWLRQ$FDELQQXPEHUPD\QRWEHDOORFDWHGDWWLPHRIERRNLQJ,QERXQGÁLJKWLQFXUV SSVXSSOHPHQWIRU0DQFKHVWHU6HHEURFKXUHH DOORFDWHG DW WLPH RI ERRNLQJ ,QERXQG ÁLJKW LQFXUV SS VXSSOHPHQW IRU 0DQFKHVWHUU 6HH EURFKXUH IRUIXOOWHUPVDQGFRQGLWLRQV2QO\ERRNLQJVPDGHGLUHFWO\ZLWK0U%ULGJHDUHHOLJLEOHWREHSDUWRIWKH0U%ULGJH*URXS7KRVHZLVKLQJWRSOD\EULGJHSOHDVHQRWHWKDWWKHUHLVDEULGJHVXSSOHPHQWRI        H 0U %ULGJH *URXS 7KRVH ZLVKLQJ WR SOD\ EULGJH SOHDVH QRWH WKDW WKHUH LV D EULGJH VXSSOHPHQW RI  SHUEULGJHSOD\HUWREHFRQÀUPHGDWWKHWLPHRIERRNLQJ9R\DJHVRI'LVFRYHU\LVDWUDGLQJQDPHRI$OO/HLVXUH+ROLGD\V/WG $OO /HLVXUH +ROLGD\V /WG FEATURES 45 Making Stayman better after 1NT 3 Bidding Quiz by Bernard Colvin BIDDING QUIZ BRIDGE by Bernard Magee 46 Double Dummy Answer by Bernard Magee 4 Bidding Quiz Answers by Richard Wheen Publisher and by Bernard Magee ou are West in the auc - Managing Editor 47 Defence Quiz Answers Ytions below, playing 7 Mr Bridge by Julian Pottage 'Standard Acol' with a weak 7 Double Dummy Quiz no-trump (12-14 points) and Ryden Grange by Richard Wheen ADVERTISEMENTS four-card majors. Knaphill, Surrey (Answers on page 4 ) GU21 2TH 12 Justin Corfield says 2 Cruise to the Riviera Establish Dummy’s Suit with Bernard Magee ( 01483 489961 on Board Discovery 1. Dealer East. Love All. 13 Defence Quiz ♠ 6 4 e-mail : by Julian Pottage 5 Voyages of Discovery ™ 9 5 3 2011 Cruises [email protected] 15 David Stevenson © 5 Answers Your Questions 6 Cut-out Form ® A Q 8 7 6 5 4 website : Mail Order Form www.mrbridge.co.uk 18 How to Score Duplicate West North East South Style in a One-Table 8 Tunisia 1© Pass Situation ? Associate Editor 9 Egypt 2011 Julian Pottage by Cliff Hancock 10 Bridge Weekends 2. Dealer South. Love All. 19 Jeremy Dhondy says with Bernard Magee ♠ A 9 7 Technical Consultant Don’t Fight Partner ™ 7 5 Tony Gordon in the Auction 13 Bernard Magee © A K 4 2 Tips for Better Bridge Bridge Consultant 20 Julian Pottage ® A Q 5 3 Bernard Magee Answers Your Questions 14 All Roads Lead to Rome on board Minerva West North East South 26 Declarer Play Quiz 1NT Proof Readers by Dave Huggett 16 Dbl 2™ Dbl Pass Tony Richards Rules Simplified 27 David Gold says ? Danny Roth Bid Weak Over 17 Christmas 2010 Hugh Williams Strong and Strong 3. Dealer East. Love All. 23 Rubber/Chicago Richard Wheen Over Weak ♠ A K 7 6 5 4 3 Bridge Events ™ 4 2 28 An Interesting Spring Office Manager 24 Voyages of Discovery © 9 7 by Ned Paul Catrina Shackleton 2010/11 Winter Cruises ® K 8 31 Catching Up 26 West North East South Events & Cruises by Sally Brock 2011 Bridge Breaks 3™ Pass ( 01483 489961 32 Seven Days at Ardington Hotel ? Jessica Galt by Sally Brock 30 Bridge Software 4. Dealer North. Love All. Rachel Everett 33 Harold Schogger says 35 Stamps ♠ J 9 6 4 Megan Riccio Lead Through Strength ™ K 7 5 Zoe Wright 37 34 Andrew Kambites says © 6 4 3 Playing Cards Charity Column Use the Rule ® 9 8 2 of Total Tricks 39 Maggie Axtell 2010/11 Bridge Breaks West North East South [email protected] 35 Readers’ Letters 1♠ Dbl Pass 40 Global Travel 38 Betty Ellson ? Insurance Address Changes 1934-2010 Elizabeth Bryan 43 Charity 5. Dealer East. N/S Vul. 42 The Old Baron ( 01483 485342 Bridge Events ♠ K 3 Triumphs Again ™ 7 6 4 by Dick Atkinson 46 Single -Suited © K Q 4 All correspondence should Design Pens ® A K 7 6 5 be addressed to Mr Bridge. 44 Declarer Play Answers by David Huggett 48 QPlus 9.1 Please make sure that all West North East South letters, e-mails and faxes 1♠ Pass carry full postal addresses The views expressed in this publication are not 2® Pass 2© Pass and telephone numbers. necessarily those of the publisher or its Managing Editor. ?

Page 3 ANSWERS TO THE BIDDING QUIZ ON PAGE 3 by BERNARD MAGEE

some strength. Whenever your side has the case here – it is likely to make with a few 1. Dealer East. Love All. majority of strength and reasonable trumps, overtricks. While you have not picked up the ♠ 6 4 ♠ A K 5 3 your opponents will struggle and penalty most desirable hand, do your best to obey ™ N ™ 9 5 3 W E A J 2 doubles work wonders! your partner – take the bidding out of spades. © 5 S © K Q 8 7 6 However, do not bid no-trumps because that One problem with penalty doubles is that, ® A Q 8 7 6 5 4 ® 2 is simply asking for trouble – your opponents whenever your partner has a good one, you will double you and down you will go – with will have shortage in the suit, which makes it these two hands, you will probably be three difficult to pass – partnership trust is the key to West North East South off doubled: -500. good bridge! On this hand, you will take 2 ™ 1© Pass doubled three off, for a penalty of 500. Pick a suit and, if you have to tell a lie, you 1NT Pass 2♠ Pass should choose a minor; with both suits 3® equally poor, choose the lower: 2 ® and hope 3. Dealer East. Love All. your partner does the right thing! Over your 1NT . Two rules: with six high-card points, you ♠ A K 7 6 5 4 3 ♠ 2 2® call your partner should pass, since you should always respond; and you need 10 total ™ 4 2 N ™ A K 9 8 7 5 3 have promised no points – you might escape points (at least 9 HCP) to bid a new suit at the © 9 7 W E © 4 2 for just a couple off if you play there: a loss of 2-level. If you have to respond, but are not S ® K 8 ® 6 5 3 -100 is better than -360 for 1 ♠ doubled with strong enough to bid your suit at the two level, two overtricks. you have only one choice: 1NT.

Your aim is to slow the auction down – if you West North East South respond 2 ®, it will not be a surprise to hear 3™ Pass 5. Dealer East. N/S Vul. 3NT from your partner and you will be stuck! ? ♠ K 3 ♠ A J 8 4 2 After a 1NT response, you have shown your ™ 7 6 4 N ™ K 3 W E weakness: if you bid clubs on the next round, Pass . Your partner’s 3 ™ shows a weak hand © K Q 4 S © A 7 6 5 you will be showing a long suit in a weak hand. with a seven-card heart suit. In general, when ® A K 7 6 5 ® 8 2 Over the 2 ♠ (or raise to 2NT), your 3 ® responding to a pre-empt without good rebid should end the auction – although you support, you need 16+ HCP to go for game. do need a trusting partner! 3 ® is a reasonable Always try to avoid fighting with your partner! West North East South contract; even if it goes down, it will go down a He has shown a seven-card heart suit, so you 1♠ Pass lot less than most other contracts. have found a good fit already – there is no 2® Pass 2© Pass need to mention your spade suit. Note also ? that a bid of 3 ♠ would not show a weak 2. Dealer South Love All. hand; it would be a strong and – it 2™. You have a powerful hand considering ♠ A 9 7 ♠ 8 6 4 3 would take you too high. 3 ™ might scrape that your partner opened the bidding, yet, ™ 7 5 N ™ K Q J 10 home, while contracts any higher will with no fit found, slam is likely to be out of the W E © A K 4 2 S © 5 3 probably go down. picture. When there is no fit, no-trumps ® A Q 5 3 ® J 8 6 usually fit the bill, though, with no stopper in the unbid suit, you cannot bid no-trumps 4. Dealer North. Love All. yourself. What you would like to do is ask your West North East South ♠ J 9 6 4 ♠ 2 partner if he has a heart stopper: the way to 1NT ™ K 7 5 N ™ A J 6 4 do this is to use the fourth-suit forcing W E Dbl 2™ Dbl Pass © 6 4 3 S © A J 8 2 convention. A bid in the fourth suit (the only ? ® 9 8 2 ® K Q 7 6 suit not bid: hearts on this deal), does not need to be natural because a fit is highly Pass . This hand is a question of accurate unlikely in the suit. Instead, it is a general analysis of the auction. Your first double was West North East South strong and forcing bid, one that asks partner for penalties – it was a good call, in essence 1♠ Dbl Pass to show something else about his hand: a showing a stronger hand than South. ? stopper in the fourth suit, support for a suit, or Whenever your side makes a penalty double, extra length in his own suits. On this hand, all later doubles should be for penalties – this 2®. Your partner has made a take-out East would show his stopper by bidding no- is to stop your opponents from escaping too double – you should only pass this if you think trumps and West would raise to game. With easily. Thus, East’s double was for penalties that 1 ♠ doubled would be a good contract for East as declarer, the lead will come from too – he should have at least four hearts and your side to defend. That is certainly not the South and the ™K will be safe. ■

Page 4 DISCOVERYDISCOVERY CLUBCLUB MMEMBERSEMBERS SAVESAAVVE AANN EXTRAEXTRA 5%5% DiscoverDiscovDiscover Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and the Black Sea in 2011

Voyages of Discovery’s Summer 2011 programme features extraordinary new voyages including: Murmansk & The White Sea with a maiden visit to Archangel and familiar favourites the Baltic; Norwegian Fjords; Iceland; the British Isles; VVeenice & the Adriatic Š—ȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱ’œŒ˜ŸŽ›¢Ȃœ ꛜ Ÿ’œ’ ˜ ‘Ž ˜•¢ Š— ’— ˜ž› ¢ŽŠ›œǯ There is an exclusive Mr Bridge party on all Summer 2011 cruises*.

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A FrenchFrench & SpanishSpanish SojournSojourn 2323 AprilAprriiill 20112011 – 8 daysdayyss – BridgeBrriiiddge Hosts:Hosts: CrombieCrroombiiee & HHelenelen McNeilMMccNeiill PPoortsmoututh ~ La Coruña ~ Bilbao ~ Le VVeerdon ~ Nantntes ~ St PePeter Port ~ Portsmouth £699pp CastlesCastles & GardensGardens ofof thethe BritishBritish IslesIsles 1515 MayMMaay 20112011 – 1515 daysddaayyss – BridgeBrriidge HHost:ost: GaryGarryy ConradConrraad PPoortsmoututh ~ Falmouth ~ Isles of Scilly ~ Milford Haven ~Cobh ~ Killybegs ~ Douglas ~ Oban PPoortree ~ Scrabster ~ Innvvergordon ~ Rosytyth ~ PPoortsmoututh £1,299pp A BalticBaltic SymphonySymphony 1414 MayMay 20112011 – 1515 daysdayyss – BridgeBrriiddgge Host:Hosstt: AlexAlleex DavoudDavvooud PPoortsmoututh ~ Kristiansand ~ Copenhagen ~ Sttoockholm ~ TTaallinn ~ St PePetersburg ~ Helsinki Warnemunde ~ Kiel Canal ~ Portsmoututh £1,449pp Fjords,FFjjords, Faroes,Faroes, FireFire & IceIce 0044 JunJun 20112011 – 1212 ddaysayyss – BridgeBrriiiddge HHost:ost: AlisonAliisson NicolsonNicollsson Harwrwich ~ Flåm~ Ålesund ~ Akureyri ~ Isafjordhur ~ Reykkjjaavvik ~ TTóórshavn ~ Harwich £1,249pp VoyageVVooyage toto tthehe WhiteWhite SSeaea andand AArchangelrchangel 1515 JunJun 20112011 – 1818 ddaysayyss – BridgeBrriiddgge Hosts:Hosts: CrombieCrroombie & HelenHelleen McNeilMcNeil Harwrwich ~ Bergen ~ Kristiansund ~ Murmansk ~ Archangel ~ Solovetskyky Islands ~ Honningsvåg TTrromsø ~ TTrrondheim ~ Ålesund ~ Harwich £1,899pp TimelessTimeless BalticBaltic 0202 JulJul 20112011 – 1212 daysdayyss – BridgeBrriiiddge HHost:ost: BernardBerrnnarrdd MMaMageeagee Harwrwich ~ Copenhagen ~ Helsinki ~ St PePetersburg (overnightht) ~ TTaallinn ~ Warnemünde Kiel Canal ~ Harwich £1,199pp GGrandrand BalticBaltic DiscoveryDiscovery 1313 JulJul 20112011 – 1818 daysdayyss – BridgeBrriiiddge HHost:osstt: AlisonAlliison NicolsonNicollsson Harwrwich ~ Copenhagen ~ Stockholm ~ Ajoss//KKeemi ~ VVaaasa~ St Petersburg (2 nightsts) TTaallinn ~ Gdynia ~ Warnemünde ~ Kiel Canal ~ Harwich £1,799pp VikingViking SteppingStepping StonesStones 3030 JulJul 20112011 – 1313 daysdayyss – BridgeBrriiiddge HHost:osstt: RayRay HutchinsonHutchiinnson Harwrwich ~Tórshavn ~ Reykkjjavik~Grundarfjördur~ Husavik ~ Seydisfjördur ~ Kirkwkwall ~ Harwich £1,349pp OsloOslo & thethe TimelessTimeless FjordsFFjjords 1111 AugAug 20112011 – 1010 daysdayyss – BridgeBrriidge HHost:ost: BernardBerrnnarrdd MMaMageeagee Harwrwich ~ Oslo ~ Kristiansand ~ Statavanger ~ Olden ~ Flåm ~ Bergen ~ Harwich £999pp EEuropeanuropean ConnoisseurConnoisseur 1111 SepSep 20112011 – 9 daysddaayyss – BridgeBrriiddgge Host:Host: BernardBerrnnarrdd MageeMMaagee Harwrwich ~ Rouen ~ La Rochelle ~ Bilbao ~ La Coruña ~ Leixixoes ~ Lisbon £799pp ClassicClassic MediterraneanMediterranean 1919 SepSep 20112011 – 1212 daysdayyss – BridgeBrriiiddge Hosts:Hosts: TonyTToony & JanJan RichardsRiiccharrdds Lisbon ~ Cadiz ~ Malaga ~ Cartatagena ~ Ajaccio ~ Livivorno ~ Civivititavecchia ~ Messina ~ Dubrovnik £1,399pp VenetianVVeenetian & AdriaticAdriaattic TreasuresTTrreasures 3030 SSeSepep 22011011 – 1133 ddaysayyss – BBridgerriiiddge HHosts:osstts: TonyTToony & JanJan RichardsRiiccharrdds Dubrovnik ~ Splitit ~ Zadar ~ VVeenice ~ Kalamata ~ Piraeus ~ VVoolos ~ Myrina ~ Istanbul £1,549pp %ODFN6HD&RQWUDVWV &RQÁLFWV%ODFN6HD &RQWUDVWV  &RQÁLFWV 1212 OctOct 20112011 – 1313 daysdayyss – BridgeBrriiiddge Host:Host: RayRay HutchinsonHutchinson Istanbul ~ TTrrabzon ~ Sochi ~ Novorossiyiysk ~ YYaaltlta ~ Sevastopol ~ Odessa ~ Odessa ~ Nesebur ~ Kusadasi £1,639pp TThehe HHolyoly LLandand & TheThe RedRed SeaSea 3311 OOctct 22011011 – 1155 ddadaysayyss – BBridgerriiddgge HHost:ost: SandySanddyy BellBellll Piraeus ~ Rhodes ~ Limassol ~ Beirutut ~ Haifa ~ Alexandria ~ Port Said ~ Suez Canal TTrransit ~ Sharm El Sheikhkh Aqaba ~ Safaga £1,799pp

0014831483 489961489961 forfor brochuresbrochures andand bookingsbookings wwww.bridgecruises.co.ukww.bridgecruises.co.uk

FaresFaaresres shown are per person based on two people sharing lowest inside twin-bedded cabin categorycategory as shown and include all applicable discounts for new bookings onlyonly.. All offers are subject to availability,availability, are FDSDFLW\FRQWUROOHGDQGPD\EHZLWKGUDZQDWDQ\WLPH2QÁ\FUXLVHVÁLJKWVIURP0DQFKHVWHULQFXUD SSVXSSOHPHQW SSHDFKZD\ 6HHEURFKXUHIRUIXOOWHUPVDQGFRQGLWLRQV2QO\ERRNLQJVPDGHFDSDFLW\FRQWUROOHG DQG PD\ EH ZLWKGUDZQ DW DQ\ WLPH 2Q Á\ FUXLVHV ÁLJKWV IURP 0DQFKHVWHU LQFXU D SS VXSSOHPHQW SS HDFK ZD\  6HH EURFKXUH IRU IXOO WHUPV DQG FRQGLWLRQV 2QO\ ERRNLQJV PDGH GLUHFWO\ZLWK0U%ULGJHDUHHOLJLEOHWREHSDUWRIWKH0U%ULGJH*URXS 7KRVHZLVKLQJWRSOD\EULGJHSOHDVHQRWHWKDWWKHUHLVDEULGJHVXSSOHPHQWRI SHUEULGJHSOD\HUWREHFRQÀUPHGDWWKHWLPHRIERRNLQJGLUHFWO\ZLWK 0U %ULGJH DUH HOLJLEOH WR EH SDUW RI WKH 0U %ULGJH *URXS  7KRVH ZLVKLQJ WR SOD\ EULGJH SOHDVH QRWH WKDW WKHUH LV D EULGJH VXSSOHPHQW RI  SHU EULGJH SOD\HU WR EH FRQÀUPHG DW WKH WLPH RI ERRNLQJ  VoyagesVoyages of DiscoveryDiscovery is a trading name of All Leisure Holidays Ltd. ✄

If you have not contacted us in the last two years, please enter your details in the box MAIL ORDER below to re-register: PLAY SOFTWARE QPlus 9.1 £84.00 ...... QPlus 8.8 (second hand) £54.00 ...... Name (Dr Mr, Mrs, Miss) ...... TUTORIAL SOFTWARE Address ...... Acol Bidding £64.00 ...... More Acol Bidding £94.00 ...... Declarer Play £74.00 ...... Postcode ...... Advanced Declarer Play £79.00 ...... Telephone ...... Defence £74.00 ......

E-mail ...... BOOKS Duplicate Bridge Rules Simplified £5.95 ...... Club Offer 10 for only £35.00 ...... Simple Directing at the Club – Dr Gurr £4.75 ...... Answers to the Prize Bidding Quiz on the front Better – Bernard Magee £14.00 ...... cover: Bernard Magee’s Bridge Quiz Book £14.00 ...... Bernard Magee’s Quiz and Puzzle Book £14.00 ...... Hand 1 opening bid ...... Bernard Magee’s Tips for Better Bridge £14.00 ...... Hand 2 opening bid ...... SINGLE-SUITED BALL-POINT PENS Ballpoint Pens. Boxed set of four £19.95 ...... 2011 DIARIES If you have any comments, queries or points of interest, please use this panel and post them in: Standard: Maroon ..... Lt Blue ..... Red ..... Ivory ..... Navy ..... Green ..... Tan .... Black ...... £6.95 ...... Club Offer 10 for only £35.00 ...... Luxury: Bottle Green .... Ruby Red .... £14.95 ...... TABLES Please send BRIDGE to the following enthusiasts: Mr Bridge standard bridge table. £60.00 ...... Prices are inclusive of VAT and postage. I enclose a cheque for £......

Mr/Mrs/Miss ...... Mr/Mrs/Miss ...... Address ...... Address ...... Email ...... Postcode ...... ( ......

Mr/Mrs/Miss ......

Address ......

...... Expiry: ...... CVV ...... Issue No...... Email ...... (CVV is the last 3 numbers on the signature strip)

, Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH.

Please complete all or part this form and return to www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop , Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey, GU21 2TH. ( 01483 489961

Page 6 ✄ PRIZE BIDDING QPLUS FESTIVAL BRIDGE DOUBLE DUMMY I have some second-hand Next May, the Surrey town by Richard Wheen copies of QPlus 8.8 for only of Haslemere holds its £54. Should you at some festival and I am joining in later date wish to upgrade to with a three day series of ♠ 4 3 2 9.1, just return the 8.8 with tutorials to be given by ™ a cheque for £32. Bernard Magee. These will © A Q 5 be on 17, 18 and 19 May at ® Void Only a few new hands for 11am and at 3pm each day ♠ 8 7 ♠ K J 9 you to look at this time: ™ 3 N ™ Void in Haslemere Hall, the town’s W E 1600-01 1370-20 well-appointed theatre. Each © K J 10 S © 4 Please send in an for 8771-13 7212-15 tutorial will cover different ® Void ® A K the prize bidding quiz using 5387-06 8584-06 subjects and tickets are £10 ♠ A Q 10 the form on page 6 or send per session. For those ™ 2 One of the useful features of me an email. While doing wanting to stay overnight © 3 2 QPlus is that every possible so, perhaps you will send in there are several local b&bs ® Void combination of 52 cards has your suggestions for any and hotels in the area. It also its own serial number. This changes you would like to supports lots of pubs and enables me to talk to you North is on lead in a see in this magazine. eateries for those wanting to about any particular deal, as no-trump contract. How visit for a day ot two and I can put it up on my own can North/South make all the THANK YOU water and feed themselves. by pressing a button, six remaining tricks against It promises to be a novel The promotion of my confident that I have the any defence? experience. For details and Premium Quality Cards has whole deal reproduced (Answer on page 46.) booking forms ring the office got off to a flying start. accurately, with dealer on 01483 489961. LOST IN Orders for standard and bar- details as well as the ( coded cards for use with vulnerability. Great. TRANSLATION Duplimate machines should FUND-RAISING now be placed directly with DIARIES Christians in Iraq and Little London Bridge Centre Voice shared the proceeds 44 Baker Street, (nearly £4000) of the 2010 London W1U 7RT bridge day out at Bishops ( 0207 486 8222 Waltham hosted by Bernard www.bridgeshop.com Magee. The event was run by a wonderful team once See advert on page 37. again co-ordinated by While on holiday with Margaret Cochrane. NEW PROMOTION cousins in Brittany, I told My 2011 bridge diaries are those with whom we were now in stock. The standard WORTHING 2011 staying, all about our cruise version is £6.95 and the from Malaysia to Mauritius. luxury version is £14.95. And the story about the Club orders, ten standard for pirates really grabbed their only £35 and pro rata. Prices attention, especially Yann include postage and VAT. Drévès, pictured above. BOOKINGS Yes, the ship had to be blacked out at night whilst The Bridge Centre is also We are not travel agents but approaching The Seychelles. helping me launch a general work with Discovery to try For pirates? Yes. Safety was purpose table that I have had to ensure parties of sufficient The Beach Hotel will be of paramount importance to designed and made in China. size are on board for a closed but time does not Voyages of Discovery. All It is 85cm square, about 33 duplicate session. I have stand still. the surrounds of the decks inches in old money, has a arranged that all bridge Bernard Magee will make were draped with razor-sharp strong vinyl top, tubular players who wish to book for his inaugural appearance at barbed-wire. Mais alores! black metal frame and packs Discovery are able to do so The Chatsworth Hotel on 18 For pirates? Yes, absolutely. flat to 4cm (1½") so it’s easy at the best price available at March 2011. For full details That’s incredible. I assure to fold and store. These are the time of making their see page 10. you it was so – and Mrs offered for only £60 booking and that includes Bridge adds her bit. Yes and including delivery. Stock newspaper promotions. He will be hosting only three radio silence was maintained available from mid However, you cannot be part weekends in Worthing in with no email or satellite September. Quotations for of our exclusive group if you 2011 as he is working hard phone connection either just clubs on application. Order don’t book your cruise on on the American equivalent in case it was picked up by with confidence. Discovery with us. of Acol Bidding. the Pirates.

Page 7 Unbelievable! All this for STAMP SAVING parrots – no, pirates. TUNISIA 2011 AT THE ROYAL KENZ Bernard Magee is once again at the Royal Kenz Hotel, Port El Kantaoui. Two weeks TUNISIA 2010/2011 for £799 per person sharing. Singles have a modest supplement. Phone for details. ( 01483 489961. Do take advantage of Clive Goff’s special stamp CHRISTMAS service. Ring him on IS COMING ( 0208 4224906 or email [email protected] Once again we offer two venues for this year’s festive MUCH LOVED season. Denham Grove near Uxbridge, and The Olde I loved my tea towels but Barn Hotel, Marston, near coach said it was just a Grantham, in Lincolnshire. diversion. I’ve given them over to Art Screen Print who Derek Monk is hosting at will be pleased to send you a Denham and Alison list and fulfil your orders. Nicolson at The Olde Barn. They make great little prizes. Full programme on request. ( 01287 637527 MINERVA Do say you heard it from Mr Bridge. Two-week half-board duplicate holidays USED STAMPS Please keep saving your used stamps to help Little Voice, a All Roads Lead to Rome, 31 Oct – 14 Nov £749* small charity supporting a Swan Hellenic’s Minerva home for children in Addis Tony and Jan Richards relocation cruise is priced to Ababa. Ask your friends and Golf available lure you into trying out this neighbours to do so too. See wonderful small ship. Inside the letter on page 35. Those 20 February – 6 March £749* cabins are from £1294 recently sending stamps will sharing. You will experience Bernard Magee be listed in the next issue. a degree of pampering which 6 March – 20 March £749* is hard to describe. As nearly RE-REGISTRATION all the excursions are Chris Barrable and Ann Pearson included in the price, games You need to re-register 20 March – 3 April £749* of bridge are organised to fit every two years to receive in with the ship’s programme. BRIDGE and can now do so Chris Barrable and Ann Pearson online. Go to my website: BRAVE OLDIES mrbridge.co.uk/contact us/more_details.php and *per person half-board sharing a twin-bedded room and is inclusive I am encouraged by the spirit of bridge fees. Single supplement £6 per night. These prices are complete the form. This will of a lot of older readers, who based on air travel from Gatwick to Monastir. Flights from other serve to ensure you receive are slowly learning the new UK airports are available at a supplement. All prices are firm until Bridge Weekly which is the end of July 2010. Prices for seven-night stays are available on technology and finding it emailed out every Tuesday. application. really fun. Pay £70 per fortnight per person extra and have a pool-facing room, tea & coffee making facilities, bath robe and a bowl of Many have Bernard Magee’s Acol Bidding, whose over seasonal fruit. Diana Holland is our your shoulder teaching rubber/Chicago hostess with These holidays have been organised for by Tunisia First Limited, ATOL 5933, method makes you believe working in association with Thomas Cook Tour Operations Limited, ATOL 1179. the mostess. he’s in the room. If you can no longer get out and about It is not duplicate but if you DETAILS & BOOKINGS much or are recovering from enjoy playing the cards and illness, this young man is just meeting like-minded people, ( 01483 489961 the tonic you need. you should give it a try.

Page 8 RIVIERA SHARM EL SHEIK You can still book a place onboard Discovery’s Cruise to the Riviera. This re- location cruise is really AT THE 5* KIROSEIZ popular with bridge players for two very good reasons. Bernard Magee is on board THREE CORNERS, with his experienced team and as there are several days With this year’s experience NA’AMA BAY, at sea, there is plenty of time at Sharm under his belt, for morning lectures, Bernard is really looking EGYPT 2011 afternoon play sessions and forward to introducing you after dinner duplicates. to the colourful fish in the A 5* spacious resort hotel complex with a friendly Inside cabins are still amazing Red Sea. available from £499 sharing, atmosphere situated 3km from the resort centre of £599 outside sharing. Good Last year’s freak storm, so Na’ama bay and a 15 minute courtesy bus ride from prices for singles on bad that it made national the hotel’s private beach. application. See advert on television news here in the the inside front cover. UK, was, I am sure, a one off. Telephone for our HOLIDAY information pack, read it INSURANCE through and then book with confidence. You should consider holiday insurance, most especially LAST MINUTE when you are travelling There are always last minute abroad, an absolute must cancellations for cruises and even if the holiday provider weekends. Give my office a does not make it mandatory. call to see what is available. CREDIT CARD At the time of writing there are still cabins on Discovery. Fly to Iceland and cruise to Greenland and back to Harwich. Or from Harwich to Nice for seven nights for Duplicate Bridge only £499 per person sharing. There are also some with Bernard Magee spaces at Blunsdon House Hotel 6-8 August with 17-31 January 2011 £1079* At long last I have been able Bernard Magee or at the to clarify the terms and Beach Hotel with Chris All inclusive board includes: buffet-style breakfast, conditions that relate to the Barrable the same weekend. lunch, dinner, snacks served at selected times 2% turnover rebate that No single supplements. between meals, ice cream served in the afternoon holders will receive to use and afternoon tea. An unlimited amount of hot, soft towards payment for their 2011-12 WINTER and alcoholic drinks (excluding international weekend events or mail brands and cocktails) served 10 am to midnight. order purchases. Do ring The bridge itinerary consists of four seminars and for an application form. set hand sessions, a quiz with an answer session and JUST BRIDGE a varied evening programme. *per person full-board sharing a twin-bedded room and is inclusive From my postbag, I can see of bridge fees. Single supplement £220 per fortnight. These prices that there is a demand for The arrival of this brochure are based on air travel from Gatwick. Flights from other airports are Just Bridge. is imminent and includes a available at a supplement, Birmingham, Glasgow, Bristol, Cardiff, Japanese adventure as well Manchester and Newcastle. I am planning these events as a cruise from Manila to This holiday is arranged in conjunction with Thomas Cook Holidays ATOL1179. regionally: North Yorkshire, Sydney and a cruise from Leicestershire, North Devon Sydney to Singapore. Real and Buckinghamshire. Discovery Cruising. DETAILS & BOOKINGS Give my office a call if you ( are interested. 01483 489961

Page 9 PROGRAMME This is the format for HOTELS all Bernard Magee hosted events. BRIDGE WEEKENDS Blunsdon House Hotel, with Bernard Magee near Swindon, is a four-star hotel. It boasts a heated FRIDAY indoor swimming pool and Full-board © © Two seminars a nine hole, par three golf 1500 Welcome Desk open All rooms with Two supervised play © © course, as well as a one Afternoon Tea en-suite facilities sessions mile woodland walk. 1745 to 1830 © No single supplement © Four duplicate sessions Ardington Hotel is Worthing's Welcome drinks leading privately owned reception Please book me for ..... places at £..... per person, and managed hotel. It 1830 to 2000 or ..... places at £145 per person as day guests. occupies an Edwardian DINNER terrace situated in a 2015 BRIDGE 1 Single .... Double .... Twin .... Sea View 1 .... Executive 2 .... prestigious town centre DUPLICATE PAIRS location overlooking Venue ...... Steyne Gardens. SATURDAY Dates ...... Denham Grove is set in 42 0800 to 0930 acres of grounds just BREAKFAST Mr/Mrs/Miss ...... northwest of London. It combines a modern design 1000 to 1230 Address ...... with a rural setting and is SEMINAR & the ideal place to unwind. SUPERVISED PLAY of SET HANDS ...... Walk through the verdant (tea & coffee at 1100) grounds or simply relax in Postcode ...... the indoor pool or spa. 1230 to 1330 COLD BUFFET ( ...... The Olde Barn Hotel, LUNCH Special requirements (these cannot be guaranteed, Marston, Lincs, is an idyllic 1400 to 1645 but we will do our best to oblige) retreat set in beautiful BRIDGE 2 countryside in the heart of TEAMS of FOUR ...... England. The emphasis is or FURTHER SUPERVISED PLAY Please give the name(s) of all those covered by this booking on quality and the state-of- the-art Health Club and Spa of SET HANDS ...... has something for everyone. 1815 to 2000 DINNER Please send a non-returnable deposit of £50 per person per place by Chatsworth Hotel is cheque, payable to Mr Bridge. An invoice for the balance will be 2015 BRIDGE 3 sent with your booking confirmation. On receipt of your final pay - Worthing's most prestigious DUPLICATE PAIRS ment, 28 days before the event, a programme and full details will hotel and is a Grade II listed be sent together with a map. Cancellations are not refundable. building with a gorgeous Should you require insurance, you should contact your own insur - Georgian frontage. SUNDAY ance broker. 1£30 supplement per room (Beach Hotel only). 2£50 Retaining its 19th Century supplement per room (Blunsdon House and Denham Grove only). 0800 to 0930 charm, and offering BREAKFAST impeccable service and a , Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH warm welcome, the hotel is 1000 to 1230 ( 01483 489961 Fax 01483 797302 backed by a silver tourism SEMINAR & award for quality. SUPERVISED PLAY e-mail: [email protected] of SET HANDS website: www.holidaybridge.com (tea & coffee at 1100) The Inn on the Prom has a superb sea-front location 1230 to 1400 on the St Annes-on-Sea CARVERY LUNCH Blunsdon House Hotel The Olde Barn Hotel Promenade. Following their 1400 to 1645 Swindon SN26 7AS Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT refurbishment programme, BRIDGE 4 Ardington Hotel Chatsworth Hotel their stunning new boutique FURTHER Worthing BN11 3DZ Worthing BN11 3DU bedrooms offer contemp - SUPERVISED PLAY orary luxury at an affordable of SET HANDS or Denham Grove The Inn on the Prom price – an experience not DUPLICATE PAIRS Near Uxbridge UB9 5DU St Annes-on-Sea FY8 1LU to be missed.

Page 10 2010 and 2011 BRIDGE WEEKENDS with Bernard Magee Full Board. No single Supplement.

6 - 8 August 2010 26 - 28 November 2010 7 - 9 October 2011 Blunsdon House Hotel The Beach Hotel Blunsdon House Hotel with £235 per person £235 per person Improver £245 per person Hand Evaluation Further into the Auction SectioSn tayman and Transfers

20 - 22 August 2010 3 - 5 December 2010 14 - 16 October 2011 Blunsdon House Hotel The Beach Hotel Chatsworth Hotel

£235 per person £235 per person £245 per person NEW Better Defence Sacrificing Delarer Play SEMINAR

1 - 3 October 2010 18 - 20 March 2011 21 - 23 October 2011 The Beach Hotel Chatsworth Hotel Denham Grove £235 per person £245 per person £245 per person Declarer Play Weak Twos Game Tries

8 - 10 October 2010 25 - 27 March 2011 4 - 6 November 2011 The Olde Barn Hotel Blunsdon House Hotel Inn on the Prom £235 per person £245 per person £235 per person Game Tries Sacrificing Hand Evaluation

22 - 24 October 2010 8 - 10 April 2011 11 - 13 November 2011 Denham Grove Inn on the Prom Blunsdon House Hotel £235 per person £235 per person £245 per person Doubles Leads and Defence Suit Establishment

29 - 31 October 2010 15 - 17 April 2011 18 - 20 November 2011 Denham Grove The Olde Barn Hotel Chatsworth Hotel

£235 per person £235 per person NEW £245 per person Splinters and Cue-bids Doubles SEMINAR Finding Slams

12 - 14 November 2010 30 September - 2 October 2011 25 - 27 November 2011 The Beach Hotel The Olde Barn Hotel Denham Grove NEW SEMINAR £235 per person £235 per person £245 per person NEW Better Defence Finding Slams Squeezes SEMINAR

Page 11 Justin Corfield Says Establish Dummy’s Suit

key technique in declarer play is Appreciating this, you draw just one As things are, West leads the queen of to know when, and how, to set round of trumps, with the king of spades clubs and you need to find a way to get Aup a long suit in dummy. (both defenders follow), and then start rid of one of your losers. on the club suit, cashing the ®A-K. If What are your thoughts? East or West can one of these, the ♠ A J 2 clubs were 5-1, and you could never Look at the Diamonds ™ 6 5 have made the contract. © J 6 3 After the ®A-K both survive, you ruff There is nothing else for it but to try to ® A K 6 4 2 a club with the ten of spades. If establish dummy’s rather diminutive everybody follows, the clubs were 3-3, diamond suit. Needing to preserve N W E and you can claim at this point. If there entries to the table, you win the lead S is still a high club out, you are still OK. with the ace of clubs and play the six of ♠ K Q 10 7 5 4 You continue setting up the clubs by diamonds. Believe it or not, so long as ™ A 9 crossing back to the jack of spades and the diamonds are 4-3, the defenders are © 10 7 4 ruffing yet another club, this time with powerless, and cannot stop the world’s ® 8 5 the queen of spades. Finally, you can worst suit from being established. cross back to the ace of spades and cash Say they win and return a trump. You dummy’s established fifth club, can win this with the ten of spades and West North East South discarding your heart loser. ruff a diamond with the ace of spades. Pass 2♠ Of course, some suits need more After this, you cross to the nine of Pass 4♠ End setting up than others: spades and ruff a second diamond with the king of spades. If both defenders Partner decided simply to raise your follow to this trick, you are home. Cross weak two opening to game. Even if 4 ♠ ♠ 10 9 8 to the eight of spades and ruff yet went off, it might be a good save against ™ 9 6 another diamond with the queen of 4™ the other way. © 7 5 4 3 2 spades. When the diamonds were 4-3 it The defenders take three rounds of ® K 8 3 only remains for you to cash your major diamonds before switching to a heart. suit winners, cross to the king of clubs N How can you find 10 tricks? W E and cash the long diamond, discarding Since dummy cannot ruff anything, a S the club loser. careless declarer might well start by ♠ A K Q J 6 3 2 It is amazing what suits you can set up drawing trumps. If you do that, though, ™ A K once you put your mind to it! the contract will be in severe danger. If © 6 the trumps turn out to break 3-1, there ® A 6 4 Entries Are Important are only 9 tricks. Even if the trumps are kind enough to break 2-2, you will still It is worth noticing that an initial trump need an unlikely 3-3 club break if you West North East South lead would have beaten this contract. try to set up the suit at that point. There 2® You needed four entries to dummy – is a better way to play this hand. Pass 2© Pass 3♠ three to ruff diamonds, and a fourth to The correct play is to try to set up Pass 4® Pass 6♠ get to the established diamond. A trump dummy’s club suit for a heart discard End lead removes one of those entries before before drawing trumps. Most days, the you are ready to use it. Even on the club clubs will break 4-2 – so you should After you showed your solid suit with lead, if you were to win it in dummy, assume that you need two club ruffs to 3♠, partner’s club was all the you would be an entry short for your set up a third club trick. This, in turn, encouragement you needed to jump to diamond ruffs. Setting up a long suit is a means that you need three entries to 6♠. Dummy, alas, is not all you hoped close cousin to another bridge maxim dummy, two to ruff clubs and another to for. ®K-Q-x or ®K-x would have given that is well worth knowing – watch your get back to the long club. you twelve easy tricks. entries. ■

Page 12 Bernard Magee’s Tips for Better Bridge DEFENCE 65 invaluable tips in 160 pages Bidding Tips 33 A low lead usually promises 1 Always consider bidding length and an honour QUIZ spades if you can 34 When declaring 1NT 2 Bid more aggressively try to be patient when non-vulnerable 35 an early round when you 3 Always double when the are short of entries by Julian Pottage opponents steal your deal 36 Lead up to your 4 A take-out double shows two-honour holding (Answers on page 47) shortage in the suit doubled 37 Do not always assume 5 ‘Borrow’ a king a suit will break well ou are West in the defensive positions below. It is your to keep the auction open 38 Drop a high card Y 6 After a penalty double, don’t to put off the defence turn to play. let the opponents escape 39 Play your highest card to 7 Halve the value of a singleton tempt a defender to cover honour when opening 40 Draw trumps first unless you 8 Only add length-points for a have a good reason not to 1. ♠ 10 5 3 3. ♠ Q 8 3 suit that might be useful 41 Do not waste your trumps ™ A K J 6 2 ™ J 10 2 9 Isolated honours are bad 42 Consider leaving a lone © J © A Q 7 4 except in partner’s suit defensive trump winner out ® A Q 7 2 ® J 5 4 10 Use the jump shift sparingly 11 Consider passing and letting Defence Tips ♠ A Q 9 ♠ A 9 4 partner decide 43 Keep four-card suits intact ™ 10 7 N ™ Q 8 7 3 N whenever possible W E W E 12 You need two top honours © Q 9 6 5 3 S © J 5 S for a second-seat pre-empt 44 Give count on declarer’s leads 45 Keep the right cards ® K 9 5 ® 9 8 7 2 13 Put the brakes on if you have a misfit rather than 14 Strong and long minors work 46 Take your time well in no-trumps when dummy is put down West North East South West North East South 15 One stop in the opponents’ suit 47 High cards are for killing other 3♠ 1™ can be enough for no-trumps high cards Pass 4♠ End Pass 2© Pass 3™ 16 Keep your two-level 48 Do not waste intermediate cards Pass 4™ End responses up to strength 17 Use your normal methods in 49 Pick two key suits to You lead the ©5: ©J, ©A, response to a 1NT concentrate on during the play ©K. Partner switches to You lead the ®8: ®4, ®A, 18 Don’t overcall just because 50 If in doubt, cover an honour the ®3, covered by the ®K. Partner switches to you have opening points with an honour 51 If a lead is from two honours, ®4. What do you play? the ♠J and declarer plays 19 can be quite weak, so be prudent when responding it is best not to cover low. What do you play? 20 Weak overcalls must be based 52 Keep your honour to kill on strong suits dummy’s honour 21 6NT requires 33 points 53 Try to show partner 2. ♠ K 5 3 not 4 aces and 4 kings your solid honour sequences ™ J 10 6 2 4. ♠ Q 4 3 22 Raise immediately, if weak 54 Lead the normal card when leading partner’s suit © A Q 9 6 2 ™ A K 6 2 with four-card support 23 In a competitive auction, show 55 Never underlead an ace at trick ® Q © A Q 9 7 4 support immediately one in a suit contract ♠ A 7 4 ® 5 24 Bid to the level of your fit 56 Be wary of leading from N four cards to only one honour ™ 9 7 W E ♠ A J 8 quickly with weak hands N 57 Lead a higher card from © 8 5 3 S ™ 8 7 3 25 With strength and support, W E use the opponents’ bid suit a suit without an honour ® K 9 7 5 2 © K J 5 S 58 Lead through ‘beatable’ ® J 9 7 2 Declarer-play Tips strength and up to weakness 26 When your contract depends 59 Cash your winners before on a , think ‘’ West North East South trying for a 27 Consider what a defender 60 Be patient when defending 1NT 1© Pass 1™ West North East South might be thinking about 61 Trump leads can be safe Pass 2™ Pass 4™ 1© Pass 1™ 28 Always take your time throughout the play End Pass 3™ Pass 4™ at trick one 29 Establish extra tricks before General Tips End cashing your winners 62 Do not put important cards You lead the ®5. Partner 30 Use your opponents’ at either end of your hand wins with the ®A and You lead the ®2. Partner bidding to your advantage 63 Avoid being declarer when switches to the ♠J. What wins with the ®A and 31 Avoid the ‘baddie’ you are dummy gaining the lead 64 Before you lead ask for a do you do when declarer switches to the ♠2, on 32 Use the Rule of Seven when review of the auction plays low? which declarer plays low. holding up in no-trumps 65 Enjoy the Game! What do you do? £14 including postage and packing from Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH. ( 01483 489961

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DAVID STEVENSON answers questions on Bridge Laws AnExplanation JogsPartner’s Memory

The bidding went he based his next bid on his they play transfers, opener You did more than as follows: partner’s explanation and will announce ‘Hearts’ or you needed to. Your Q that is not allowed. Only ‘Spades’ respectively. A opponents have a very inexperienced players This does not apply to right to know your agreed West North East South fail to realise they may not other artificial bids, even if system, nothing more, so 1NT 1 2©2 use information from they are transfers. For you did not need even to Pass 2™ Pass 3©3 partner. example, if responder bids explain your bidding. You The adjustment should no 2♠ as a transfer to clubs, or have made life easier for 112-14 doubt have been to 2 ™. 2NT as a transfer to them unnecessarily. 2Alerted; explained as diamonds Since the director believed diamonds, opener alerts and Of course, you are likely and hearts this would have made, it explains only if asked. to have to explain at the end 3South had forgotten probably would have cost of the hand, as is your nothing. South should ®©™ ♠ partner. The director was called merely have received a and South was told to play well-deserved telling off. Please could you ®©™ ♠ in 3 ©, which made. The It is a great shame that advise on an director came back and players do not follow the Q ethical problem? West deals and adjusted the score to rules. You must not base passes. North and 3™-1. Is this right? your calls and plays on Q East also pass. Ian Dent, anything partner says, or ♠ K North calls the director Desford, Leicester. any other indications from ™ K Q 9 and says, ‘I have found a partner like alerts, sighs, © K 9 8 7 5 3 card; can I change my bid?’ It is unfortunate groans and hesitations. ® K 10 2 Roger Grimsdick by email. that players think A doing well is more ®©™ ♠ You should explain important than following the West North East South that he cannot rules. South bid 2 ©, which If opponents are 1NT 1 A change his call once showed diamonds and playing transfers, Pass 2 2™3 Dbl 4 Pass he has made it – ie once it is hearts. If his partner had Q should one of 3™5 Pass 4™ End clear of the – said it showed diamonds them alert? and that, in future, he should and then bid 2 ™, no doubt Mrs SF Joyce, 112-14 not make a remark once he South would have passed. Market Harborough. 2Playing Astro, I could not bid 2 © has made a mistake, but So why did he not? Because 3Transfer to spades should keep quiet. When a player 4Alerted: we play this as a penal - I would then read Law opens 1NT, his ty double of 1NT 73C out to South and explain David Stevenson answers partner should state 5Realising that partner cannot to him that he must do his all queries based on the A the range immediately have 15+ points very best to take no facts supplied by the without prompting: that is advantage from anything letter writer. an announcement. In a Before the lead, I explained North has said. I would tell Neither Mr Bridge nor similar fashion, if his partner that I knew my partner did the opponents to call me David Stevenson has any bids 2 ® and it is Stayman, not have a penalty double, back if they have any worries way of knowing whether the 1NT opener should but was showing a heart that South may have taken those facts are correct or announce ‘Stayman’. If the suit. Was this right? advantage unintentionally or complete. responder bids 2 © or 2 ™ and Rosemary Spencer by email. otherwise.

Page 15 suit). When South said ‘no opponents missed game I put down my hand, the Ask David continued diamonds partner’ North and accused me of lying. opponents complained. produced the ©A, thus Michael Canton by email. They thought an winning the trick. North adjustment to the score Halfway through duly led the ™Q. Declarer You did exactly was in order. the play, as ruffed and, when South right. Your AR Bond, Southport. Q declarer (East), I overruffed, finished two A opponents have a asked my partner to play down for -200. Any lead right to know your Judgement is always the ♠Q from dummy; other than the ™Q would agreements as distinct from permissible; if you without playing this card have saved declarer a trick. what is in your hand. Thus, A regarded your hand my partner pointed out The defenders benefitted if you tell them your as worth only 14 points, this that my hand was on lead. from the requirement to agreements, it does not should have been the end of Before I could make a lead play the major penalty matter if the hand disagrees. the matter. Your opponents from my hand, North card at the first legal They were out of order in have no right to an adjusted demanded that he wanted opportunity. Should there accusing you of lying. score when you have done the queen of spades led have been any adjustment This shows two of the nothing wrong. from dummy. Can he do to the score? disadvantages of playing on this? Derek Partridge, Sidmouth. the internet. ®©™ ♠ Mrs C Lambert by email. Firstly, ‘self-explanations’, There is no reason when the bidder explains the The bidding went Well, I never like to adjust the score. meaning of his own call, as follows: the word ‘demand’, A If North does not create a problem when the Q A which gives the , he might easily have bidder has not followed his wrong impression of what played the same way for the agreements, or, as here, West North East South should happen, but same result. Anyway, once a when he has applied Pass Pass 1™ essentially the answer is penalty has applied, if the judgement. Psyches, which 1♠ Dbl End ‘Yes’. offenders do not lose, that is are legal, lead to furious When you asked for the merely the luck inherent in arguments when a player North turned up with a spade queen, it became a the game. explains his system but does strong 5-card spade suit. played card. Your partner not follow it. Many think Could East have asked the had no right to say anything. ®©™ ♠ self-explanations (and self- meaning of the double? As I know dummies often do alerts) are one of the North had passed initially, say something, but, while Play on the advantages of playing on the was it obvious that the they have the right to prevent internet is internet, though this is a double was for penalties? or try to prevent an Q different from in a recurrent problem. Secondly, Ben Travis-Perkins, Surrey. irregularity, they have no club, as partnerships often without a director easily on right to point it out once the have little chance to agree call, unnecessary rudeness Players can always irregularity has occurred. their system. This means from an opponent is difficult ask the meaning of Once pointed out, of bidders explain their own to deal with. A calls when it is their course, you should summon bids (partner cannot see turn to call. However, if the the director. Yes, I know the answer). I held: ®©™ ♠ double was penalties, South people do not do so, but they should have alerted: doubles should. The director will I opened 1NT, of natural suit bids without give both defenders the ♠ K 10 7 duly announced as an alert are for takeout. chance to accept or reject the ™ K 10 3 Q 12-14. In fact, I As for the suggestion that lead out of turn – but © K J 10 6 had 15 HCP but did not after you have passed, without conferring. ® A 10 4 like my doubleton queen double is for penalties, this So, if an opponent says he and poor spot cards (no makes little sense: once you accepts the lead out of turn, tens and only one nine). I have passed, a double is less that is his right and he is RHO opened 1 ©. Deciding ended up as dummy. When likely to be for penalties. merely shortcutting the that my strong diamond process. holding and various tens compensated for the deficit ®©™ ♠ in points, I bid 1NT. An DUPLICATEBRIDGE only opponent asked me what RULESSIMPLIFIED 95 East was in 2 ®. the bid meant. As we were £5 After a few tricks, playing Acol, I replied (otherwiseknownastheYellowBook) declarer led a ‘about 16 points and at Q by John Rumbelow and revised by David Stevenson diamond towards dummy’s least one diamond K-Q-x-x. South followed stopper’, which is what my NewEdition.Includes2008LawRevisions. but North discarded the partner would have said in Availablefrom ( 01483 489961 ™Q (the top card in the a club situation. The

Page 16 play them properly if asked. Ask David continued The director is required only when the opponents are ill mannered. 1. Is declarer entitled to see all ®©™ ♠ Q the defenders’ Christmas cards? Clearly, if the play What is the goes to a finish, this correct way to deal happens naturally. To save Q with the situation time, declarer may choose where one table does not & New Year to make a claim for the last play a board because the few tricks. pairs have been playing too However, declarer may slowly? Can one just count already be three down, or the board as unplayed and deprived of overtricks, factor up their scores on because a long suit failed to the remaining boards? run. Tammy Wilcote by email. If nobody contests the claim, some defenders You just give both place their remaining cards pairs Average Minus face down on their stack. A on the board, Can declarer ask to check normally 40% of a top, that there has not been a unless you judge one side revoke? As a defender, I only was at fault. make a practice of No, there is no situation displaying my hand for when you use the average of Denham Grove anyone to inspect. the other scores; ‘not played’ 2. Although dummy has is only for boards that pairs Near Uxbridge, UB9 5DU few rights during the play, are not due to play. is dummy likewise entitled 24-27 December £395 to see the defenders’ cards ®©™ ♠ as played? A few players Derek Monk angle their cards towards I am not an declarer, especially if they experienced bridge 27-29 December £199 are small and their side is Q player but people losing the trick. Surely, have told me that a double Chris Barrable & Ann Pearson dummy should be able to after a 1NT bid is always monitor the play. for penalty. 29 Dec – 1 Jan £355 Club Player, Liverpool. Is this correct? Martin McNeill, Richmond. Chris Barrable & Ann Pearson Declarer has a right to see all the Players do not have A defender’s cards. If to use penalty the defenders will not show A doubles of 1NT The Olde Barn them at the end, he should bids. It is popular to play call the director who will that 1 ♠-pass-1NT-double is Marston, Lincs, NG32 2HT instruct the defenders to take-out of spades, for show their hands. instance. If the 1NT is a Cards played correctly are strong no-trump opening, it 24-27 December £395 flat and thus visible to all. If is also quite common to play Alison Nicolson this is not happening, again the double as something the director will insist on it. conventional rather than for Against most players, the penalties. As I have said director need not be involved many times before, not ( 01483 489961 since defenders will show everyone uses the same their cards when asked and . ■ e-mail: [email protected] website: www.holidaybridge.com E-mail your questions on bridge laws to: Please call if you would like a sample copy of the program [email protected]

Page 17 How to Score Duplicate Style in a One-Table Situation by Cliff Hancock

ere is an idea for scoring bridge in the one table good play but 3 overtricks would be bad bidding; you should situation that closely reflects the scoring of a session of be in a small slam. Example: 2 hearts made 9 tricks with 22 Hduplicate bridge. The basis is a few simple precepts: HCP would score +1 standard point. Undertricks, similarly, are easy. Each one counts -1 standard l there are only four different types of contract (part score, point – but with no upper limit (go 6 off, you will score -6). game contract, small slam, grand slam) Example: 4 spades made 9 tricks with 26 HCP scores -1 l each type should have its own range of high-card points standard point. (HCP) for which the contract should be made For both overtricks and undertricks, the part about the l if a side has fewer than the indicative range and still makes ‘penalty’ for exceeding the upper limit of the par range the contract, then they have done better than ‘par’ and so remains. Example: 4 spades made 11 tricks with 29 HCP should record a positive score; if they have more than the scores -1 (29 HCP) + 1 (overtrick) = 0 standard points. indicative range and make the contract, then they should Example: 2 diamonds made 6 tricks with 24 HCP scores -1 (24 record a negative score HCP) – 2(undertricks) = -3 standard points. l overtricks should be rewarded (although there should be an To adjust for the fact that it is easier to make contracts with upper limit to ensure that underbidding is not encouraged) a long trump suit and/or with a side suit void then there are l if a contract is not made, then the side failing should be penalties for having those. Any declaring side that has one penalised, except in the case where they have made a valid hand with 7 or more cards in the trump suit scores -1 standard point. In addition, any declaring side that has a void in a non- l the advantage of long trump suits and side suit voids should trump suit scores -1 standard point for each such void. not have an undue influence Example: 4 ♠ made 10 tricks with 23 HCP when declarer holds l vulnerability, doubling and redoubling should have the 7 spades and dummy with a club void scores +2 (23 HCP) – 1 same effect as in the duplicate situation (7 spades) – 1 (club void) = 0 standard points. Note that these adjustments are only for trump contracts – You can achieve these requirements (and more); here is how: there is no penalty for holding a long suit (or a void) in no- Bid and play normally and, after the deal, note how many trumps. The familiar ‘gambling 3NT’ opener on a long, solid HCP the declaring side held. Compare this number with the minor suit is not penalised. table below: An essential element of is the sacrifice bid. We safeguard this by giving a declaring side failing to make the Part Game Small Grand contract but holding the minority of HCP a bonus of +1 Contract type score contract slam slam standard point for every HCP fewer than 20, but with an upper limit of +3. Example: 3 spades made 7 tricks with 17 HCP HCP Par range 21 – 23 25 – 28 32 – 34 36 – 40 scores -2 (undertricks) +3 (17 HCP) = +1 standard point. This is the bare bones of the system (doubling including Upper limit 1 2 1 0 ‘doubling into game’, redoubling and vulnerability are on counting overtricks included in the full system), a scoresheet template is available from the author, please email [email protected] Thus, for example, 2 ™ has par range 21 – 23; 3NT has par Does it work? A measure of its accuracy would be its range 25 – 28 and so on. If the side has fewer HCP than the deviation from zero over a large number of hands. After all, lower value, they score a positive number of standard points performing at par scores zero and doing better gets a positive equal to the difference between their HCP and the lower value. score while doing worse gets a negative score. Well, a group of Example: 2 hearts made 8 tricks with 19 HCP would score +2 us (around 10 – 12 players) have been using it for around five standard points. If they hold more than the upper value, they years and, for the first three years it seemed to be OK, so I score a negative number of standard points equal to the started recording more detailed information over the last two difference between their HCP and the upper value. Example: years. The current overall score after 1866 hands is -9 standard 3NT made 9 tricks with 29 HCP would score -1 standard point. points, so it is accurate to around ½%! I have also scored some Overtricks are easy to score. Each one counts +1 standard recent finals and it gives a result similar to the point – with an upper limit as set out in the table above. The net IMP scores. It seems to work at all levels of the game. thinking here is that making two overtricks in (say) 3NT is Below are a few sample deals from an evening of bridge.

HCP HCP 7+ suit NS EW Hand Dealer Vul Contract By Result Par range NS Score EW Score NS EW void Cumulative Cumulative

1 N - 4S W +2 15 25 - 25 - 28 0 0 +2 +2

2 E NS 2H S -1 22 18 - 21 - 23 -1 -1 0 +2

3 S EW 3NT E = 11 29 - 25 - 28 0 -1 -1 +1

4 W ALL 4H N = 20 20 7 25 - 28 +4 +3 0 +1

Page 18 Jeremy Dhondy Says

Don’t Fight Partner in the Auction

t is your turn to bid and it seems that, If partner has this hand, it is 100% clear no matter how many times you bid to pass after you have bid 3 ♦. To bid ♠ Void Iyour hand, partner does not get the 3NT shows a distrust of your bidding N ♥ A Q 6 5 W E message! The problem is that he is and a desire to go for a penalty. Note ♦ K J 10 9 4 3 S thinking the same thing. Suppose the that, on that pair of hands, 3 ♦ will make ♣ A J 7 auction goes like this: and 3NT will certainly go down and may go several down. At least nobody West East has doubled – yet. Are you tempted to bid? If so. what? A 1♠ 2♦ If you keep bidding your suit and it poor player will bid 3NT. If you find 2♠ 3♦ breaks badly, then eventually you will partner with the ♦A, the ♦Q is onside 3♠ 4♦ find that the doubling starts. and the lead is kind, you might make it, but the odds are much against this. If If you are North-South, do you smile you pass 3 ♠ and let partner play, it may inwardly? Do you wonder whether East- ♠ 8 3 well go down but you will have escaped West will stop before the seven level? ♥ 6 2 before the doubling starts. Do you think they are having a sensible ♦ A Q 10 9 6 5 3 The worst form of fighting comes auction? Before you laugh too much, ♣ K 8 from the player who wants to announce consider whether this could actually be ♠ 7 5 ♠ K Q 9 2 his hand twice. We have all come across your auction, when you and your ♥ K Q 10 4 N ♥ 8 7 this type. You hold these West cards: partner do not have a fit. W E ♦ 7 S ♦ K J 8 4 2 This auction is the classic fight with a ♣ A J 10 6 3 2 ♣ 9 5 one suiter. You are East and hold: ♠ A J 10 6 4 ♠ 5 ♥ A J 9 5 3 ♥ 3 2 N W E ♦ Void ♦ K J 10 9 5 S ♠ Void ♣ Q 7 4 ♣ A J 7 6 5 N ♥ 7 5 2 W E S ♦ K Q J 10 9 8 7 ♣ K 9 3 West North East South West North East South 1♠ 1♥ 2♣ 2♦ Pass 2♥ 2NT Pass 4♠ Pass Partner opens 1 ♠ and you respond 2 ♦. Pass 3♦ Pass 3♥ ? After partner rebids 2 ♠, what do you Pass 4♦ Dbl 4♥ do? At this point, partner could have a Dbl 4♠ Dbl End You have bid 2NT to show the minors five-card suit, maybe not a great one at and heard partner jump to 4 ♠. If you bid that. It is clear to bid 3 ♦. This is not North has been guilty of bidding his again, you may have to find a new forcing but partner can go on with a diamonds too many times. He should partner! You have shown 5-5 in the very suitable hand. He might hold, for have bid 3 ♠ over 3 ♥ – he had already minors, which is just what you have. example, a hand with ♦A-x and other denied having three spades by bidding Partner knows this, yet has bid 4 ♠. He top cards. Now a pot at 3NT might be 3♦. Likewise, South is just insulting his will have at least seven of them and it right. All too often, partner bids 3NT partner with his 4 ♥ bid. He has only two will be a good suit. Not only do you when holding a hand like: five-card suits yet he insists in playing have one, but you have an ace as well. in one of them, despite the message It is rarely right to keep bidding with a from North that there is no fit. At the misfit. A good rule is to be a touch ♠ K J 10 9 4 3 end of the carnage, South is likely to go conservative when you diagnose a misfit ♥ Q 9 3 N at least three down. and, if you overrule your partner, it W E ♦ Void S What should you not do when partner should be only with a good suit. If ♣ A Q 7 2 pre-empts? It is frequently a mistake to partner knows your distribution and fight. Partner opens 3 ♠ and you hold: continues to bid, respect his decision. ■

Page 19 Ask Julian Pottage

How Should One Calculate the Odds?

With reference to has thirteen. This means likely to have some diamond If the members find your recent article East should be a 13:12 wastage, this hand is the deals a Q on odds, please favourite to hold the king of possible: A challenge, this goes can you explain why a 1-1 spades. This is indeed the to prove that they did not break is more likely than a case as this is the same shuffle properly previously. 2-0 break? Assuming the 52%:48% ratio that a 1-1 ♠ 7 4 Once players get used to two cards missing are the split is the favourite ♥ A 7 4 normal deals – the ones that king and the two of spades, compared to the 2-0. ♦ K 10 6 4 a computer produces – rather there are four possible Mathematics confirms the ♣ K 10 6 4 than the abnormally flat ones holding for one defender: above logic. If East-West they had before – I suspect (i) K-2, (ii) K, (iii) 2, and have two spades, they have you will find any adverse (iv) a void. 24 non-spades. There are A 3 ♣ rebid from you is comments will disappear. 24 In half the split is 1-1; in 2,704,156 ( C12 ) ways West forcing – it is a new suit at Many people underestimate half the split is 2-0. can have 12 non-spades and the three level in a how shapely normal deals 24 John Hinde, Esher, Surrey. 2,496,144 ( C11 ) ways West constructive auction. If are. Suppose your side has can have 11 non-spades. partner does not have a club two 8-card fits – hardly an In isolation, a 1-1 These figures are again in fit, a slam is less likely, so unusual occurrence. The and a 2-0 split the ratio 13:12. bidding 3 ♣ is a good idea chance in either suit of a 3-2 A would appear to be anyway. split is 68%. The chance equally likely. However, ♣♦♥ ♠ Why might a club fit be both suits split 3-2 is thus bridge players have a finite crucial? For one thing, a 68% of 68%, which comes number of cards, thirteen. What should I fourth club in partner’s hand to 46%. In other words, 54% The more cards they have in rebid on this is likely to mean your fourth of the time – a majority of one suit, the fewer they can Q hand? club will be a winner rather the time – one or other of have in the other suits. To than a loser. For another, a those 8-card fits will not calculate the odds of various diamond ruff in your hand split 3-2. splits, one needs to take ♠ A K Q J 6 5 (with clubs as trumps) could Let us look at another account of this. A player ♥ 8 6 3 be the twelfth trick. common situation. The with one spade has twelve ♦ Void chance an individual player non-spades. A player with ♣ A Q 5 2 ♣♦♥ ♠ picks up a hand without a two spades has eleven non- singleton or void is about spades. My local club now 64%. However, on any deal, Suppose the ace of spades 1♠ 2NT (limit) uses a Duplimate there are four players, any of is in dummy. You lead a ? Q machine. Some whom might hold a short spade from hand and West people say they find the suit. If you multiply 64% by follows with the two. You If I bid 4 ♠, we miss a hands challenging and itself for four players, you now know the exact location possible slam; if I bid 3 ♠, have commented that one get about 17%. While this of all the spades bar the partner may pass, which is is constantly trying to slightly underestimates the king, excluding cases (ii) and worse. outguess the machine. frequency of deals with no (iv) above. John Eagle, Chelsea. I understand the hands singleton or void, you get the You also know one of are random but notice few picture. Deals on which West’s cards but none of I agree that a slam ‘average’ hands and many nobody holds a singleton or East’s. This means West has might make. skewed deals. void are very much a twelve other cards and East A Although partner is Barbara Hill by email. minority.

Page 20 suit bids at the same level. more trumps than the level at likelihood of getting a club Ask Julian continued In traditional Acol, a 2NT which you are bidding – an lead into the ace-queen, as response is non-forcing and eight-card suit to bid at the indeed happened at the table. shows about 11 points. four level, a seven-card suit I would bid 3NT, as would My partner However, not everyone plays to bid at the three level or a most players. opened 1 ♠, RHO this. Until quite recently, a six-card suit at the two level. Once declarer can count Q passed and I held: fair few people played You should also take account two club tricks, all depends Baron, whereby 2NT showed of suit quality and on the position of the ♠Q – 16+ and was forcing. vulnerability. three spades and two tricks ♠ Void Fashions are changing again in each of the other suits ♥ 5 4 and an increasing number of ♣♦♥ ♠ would come to nine. We ♦ Q J 9 6 3 2 pairs are playing a 2NT have all been in worse games ♣ A Q 10 8 6 response to 1 ♥ or 1 ♠ as a Do you agree with than this. I think the result is game-forcing raise, agreeing the bidding below just unlucky. the suit opened (ie not Q and was 3 ♥ I responded 2 ♦. Partner necessarily a ). forcing? 3NT went one ♣♦♥ ♠ rebid 2 ♥, which I passed – As you will gather from down despite the initial it looked like a misfit and the above, there is not really club lead because South Who went wrong 3♣ would have been a right or wrong answer – it had the ♠Q. on this deal? Fourth Suit Forcing and is just a question of knowing Q committed us to game. In what system you and your the event, 3NT would have partner are playing. If you West East made 11 or 12 tricks. Is 2 ♥ were playing rubber bridge ♠ J 8 5 ♠ K 10 9 3 ♠ K J 8 6 ♠ Q 7 3 forcing? with no discussion, the 10-12 ♥ 8 2 ♥ A K 9 7 3 ♥ A J 9 7 N ♥ 6 2 W E Peter Rowlett, non-forcing interpretation ♦ A K 7 6 2 ♦ 9 4 ♦ K 4 S ♦ A Q 7 5 Halesworth, Suffolk. would be the norm. ♣ A Q 6 ♣ 9 5 ♣ J 8 7 ♣ A 10 6 4

These days, it is ♣♦♥ ♠ normal to play that West East West East A after a two-level Can you make a 1NT 2♣ 1NT 2♣ (Stayman) response, a new suit by pre-emptive bid 2♦ 3♥ 2♥ 3NT opener is forcing. This being Q after an opponent 3NT 4♠ the case, you should rebid opens the bidding, say, 3♦ (or possibly 2NT). As with eight diamonds and Mrs B Green, Anne Jenks, Milford on Sea, you say, 3 ♣, being fourth very few points? Flex Bourton, Bristol. Lymington, Hants. suit forcing, would overstate William Thomson, Glasgow your values. Passing 2 ♥ is (similar from Nicholas On this side of the Stayman is partly an rather like admitting that you Beswick). Atlantic, East’s 3 ♥ asking bid and partly were not strong enough to A is not forcing. A 2 ♥ A a telling bid. Before bid 2 ♦ in the first place. Yes, you can pre- rebid might be a very weak using Stayman, you need to empt after an hand with the majors, so check that you can cope with ♣♦♥ ♠ A opponent opens. East has to jump to invite whatever partner does. Although a pre-empt is game. With a stronger hand, If you intend to play in Friends of mine slightly less effective after East would start with 2 ♦, a 3NT whatever opener holds, bid 1 ♥-pass-2NT. the opponents have begun to transfer to hearts, and then you should just raise to 3NT. Q One thought that exchange information, a leap bid the spades. Using Stayman benefits only 2NT gave point count of of several levels still makes Should West accept the the opposition, disclosing 10-12 and was not forcing. things difficult for them. invitation? Despite the raw information about declarer’s The other thought that it Indeed, if the opening is in 14 HCP, it is not really a shape and possibly allowing was a jump in new suit and second seat, after partner has maximum, though clearly it the opponents to make a lead- showed a strong hand (the passed, you know that you is better than minimum. The directing double. Perhaps the bidder had 20 points). are pre-empting them rather holdings in the majors are raise all the way to 3NT was Esther Crossley by email. than your partner. poor, as are the intermediates a tad aggressive, though this By tradition, you need to – not a single nine or ten in does not detract from the Firstly, a 2NT bid jump two levels for a pre- the hand. The fifth diamond main point. With a balanced cannot be a jump in emptive bid e.g. 1 ♠-4 ♦. is a very slight plus – I say hand and no 4-card major, A a new suit; no- However, many pairs these very slight because East’s East should raise no-trumps. trumps is a denomination days play weak jump known length elsewhere West’s bidding is rather than a suit. This may overcalls, allowing you to reduces the chance of being impeccable. Once East does explain how the confusion come in with a weak hand able to set up a long not raise hearts, West believes has arisen. No-trump bids via a single jump eg 1 ♠-3 ♦. diamond. The one genuine that East has four spades and often differ in meaning from A good rule is to have four plus about West’s hand is the so corrects 3NT to 4 ♠.

Page 21 Given the constraints of or even 5-card holding in one sometimes at duplicate pairs Ask Julian continued your system, 1 ♦ is the best of the minors but be unable you might wish to correct 2 ♦ choice. to show it with a minimum to 2 ♥ in the hope of getting hand. The response in the 110 rather than 90. It is fine I picked up the ♣♦♥ ♠ suit that ranks just below the if you want to play 2 ♥ as a following: suit opened reduces opener’s sign off – so long as you Q If partner opens options. Opener will often agree this with your partner. 1NT and I have 12 bid this way with only five Q points with 6 spades. ♣♦♥ ♠ ♠ 10 5 clubs, how do I respond? There are only six simple ♥ A 7 Mrs Williams, auctions on which you can On the hand ♦ A K Q J 10 8 4 3 Sevenoaks, Kent. be more or less certain that below, East-West ♣ 4 opener has six cards in the Q missed 6 ♠ (1 ♣-1 ♥- There are many suit opened. Two of these are 1♠-2 ♦-3 ♣-4 ♠). How should hands with 6 clubs 1♣-1 ♦-2 ♣ and 1 ♦-1 ♥-2 ♦. In they get there and how Do I open 2 ♣ or 4 ♦ as even A and 12 points. If these cases, opener had an should East show the heart though there are only 14 your hand is relatively flat, easy chance to show a control? HCP, there are at least 8 say a 6322 type, then you second suit and undoubtedly playing tricks? We play would ignore the clubs and would have either opened or ‘weak twos’ in three suits, simply raise 1NT to 3NT. rebid 1NT with a 5332 type. West East so 2 ♦ is not an option. The sixth club is worth at The other four auctions are ♠ A Q 8 6 ♠ K J 4 3 Steve House, least one point, if not two, 1x-1NT-2x: having opened ♥ K Q J 2 ♥ Void Newport Pagnell, Bucks. which is why you would go with a 5332 shape, opener ♦ K J 10 3 ♦ Q 4 2 straight to 3NT. It is unlikely would happily pass 1NT. ♣ 7 ♣ A K Q 9 6 5 I am afraid I do not that a suit contract (5 ♣) is As you point out, opener like either of the better than 3NT – you would might prefer to open a strong A choices you have have to make several more 5-card major in preference to Peter Marrison by email. offered. To open 4 ♦ with so tricks playing in the suit for 1NT. In this case, after a suit many high cards would be it to be better. If instead you response, the inference is Up to the point misleading and take you past have 6 clubs and a 4-card less strong than when the West bid 4 ♠, the 3NT; you also have too major, a raise to 3NT would opening is a minor. After A bidding was much playing strength to be wrong; in this case, a suit 1♠-2 ♣-2 ♠, opener is likely reasonable. West correctly open 4 ♦ – partner expects contract might well play to have six spades but it is judged that the hand was too you to be two or three tricks better than 3NT; you would not a certainty. good simply to raise 1 ♠ to short of your bid, not to have generally start with Stayman. In summary, the more 4♠. However, having set up nine tricks in your hand. 4 ♦ economical the response, the a forcing auction by going is not close to being the best ♣♦♥ ♠ likelier it is that a rebid of through the fourth suit, West opening on the hand. If you the suit opened shows six, undid the good work by are going to pre-empt, 5 ♦ is If my partner especially when the opening jumping to 4 ♠. West should better than 4 ♦. Even an off- opens one of a suit is in a minor. follow up with 3 ♠, forcing, centre gambling 3NT, with Q and then makes a agreeing spades and the unexpected ♥A on the simple rebid of that suit, ♣♦♥ ♠ allowing a cue bidding side, seems better than 4 ♦. should I assume that the sequence to start. I am not If you do not have a way suit contains 6 cards? One side bids sure that East does show the of showing a strong two, it is What should my partner 1♦-1 ♥-2 ♦-2 ♥-End. heart control. One does not usual to shade the rebid, if the suit contained Q Does 2 ♥ show usually cue bid a shortage in requirements for an Acol 2 ♣ only 5 cards, with a (12-14 abject weakness? The partner’s suit. Perhaps East slightly. I stress the word point) balanced hand? One principle that one should bids 4 ♣ over 3 ♠ and, upon slightly. You might open 2 ♣ surely does not have to stop bidding on a misfit hearing a return cue bid of with four-and-a-half quick open 1NT when holding a rather than fight partner 4♦, jumps to 5 ♠ to ask West tricks rather than the good 5-card major. suggests it should not. for good trumps. customary five. If you have Michael Wilson, J V Hartley by email. Since 6 ♦ might be on game in your own hand (that Radnage, Bucks. when East has diamonds but would mean eleven playing In normal Acol, the is too weak to reverse, West tricks when your long suit is Whether a rebid of 2♥ rebid is mildly might have responded 1 ♦ a minor), you might even opener’ suit A encouraging. Once rather than 1 ♥. This is not to shade it to four quick tricks. A suggests a six-card opener has rebid 2 ♦, say 1 ♥ is without merit, Here, you have only three suit very much depends on promising six diamonds on especially at pairs, when defensive tricks and you the actual suits bid. this particular sequence, making an extra trick if you certainly do not have game Suppose the bidding starts responder should pass 2 ♦ finish in 3NT (if you get a in your own hand, so you are 1♠-2 ♥-2 ♠. In this case, with a bare minimum lead into one of your tenaces) well short of an Acol 2 ♣. opener might have a 4-card response. I accept that could be important.

Page 22 I do not Ask Julian continued understand a Q couple of points in ‘Preference is Different to RUBBER / CHICAGO As East-West, we Support’ in BRIDGE 99; Hosted by Diana Holland reached 5 ♣, they concern the West-East Q making an sequence 1 ♣-1 ♠-2 ♣-2 ♥-2 ♠. 16-18 November 2010 (Tue-Thu) overtrick. How should we You say that East’s 2 ♥ is bid a slam? forcing for one round; I The Beach Hotel, Worthing BN11 3QJ thought one reason for West not to reverse into 11-13 March 2011 (Fri-Sun) ♠ 9 8 6 5 3 hearts unless she has a Ardington Hotel, Worthing BN11 3DZ ♥ 10 8 3 strong hand is that she can ♦ 10 8 7 2 rely on her partner to bid Please note there are no seminars or set hands at these events ♣ 7 out a 5-4 spade-heart shape ♠ K ♠ 7 2 even with a minimum £199 – Full-board – No Single Supplement

♥ K J 9 7 N ♥ A 2 responding hand. W E ♦ A J 5 S ♦ K Q 9 6 4 Secondly, can West really ♣ A K 10 6 3 ♣ Q J 4 2 hold only two spades on ♠ A Q J 10 4 this sequence? How about ♥ Q 6 5 4 the hand: ♦ 3 ♣ 9 8 5 ♠ A 5 4 ♥ 6 Dr Tim Honey, London W13. ♦ A 6 ♣ Q J 10 9 7 5 3 Here is one possibility: A This seems perfect for this sequence. ______West North East South Dick Heasman, Fareham. BOOKING FORM 1♦ 1♠ Please book me for .... places, Single .... Double .... Twin .... 2♣1 3♠2 4♣3 Pass Bidding is not an 4NT 4 Pass 5♦ Pass exact science. You for the Rubber/Chicago event(s) of ...... 6♣ End A cannot guarantee to find a 4-4 fit every time you at ...... 1Being strong enough for a have one. Most people open responder’s reverse, this is 1NT holding a 4-card major Mr/Mrs/Miss ...... better than a negative double. knowing that sometimes Address ...... 2Some might bid all the way to responder will be too weak to use Stayman. It is similar 4♠. Any jump raise is pre-emptive...... 3The usual rule is to stretch one here. Following my advice, level in the face of competitive you will never miss game in Postcode ...... bidding if you have a bid that hearts – either opener will be describes your hand well. strong enough to reverse or ( ...... 4Unlikely that two aces are responder will be good Special requirements (these cannot be guaranteed) missing but West checks anyway. enough to show both suits. Your example hand is not ...... If North bids 4 ♠ rather than consistent with the sequence. 3 , East would not raise Holding three spades and a 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 clubs straight away. West singleton, opener would give sent with your booking confirmation. On receipt of your final would reopen with a double jump preference to 3 ♠. Since payment, 28 days before the event, a programme and full details and East would then bid 5 ♣. 2♥ is forcing for one round will be sent together with a map. Cancellations are not refundable. After that, it would be more only, opener needs to do Should you require insurance, you should contact your own of a gamble for West to bid something extra to indicate insurance broker. (Sea view £30 supplement, Beach Hotel only.) the slam – it might well such great suitability for a , Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH depend upon a finesse. spade contract. ■ ( 01483 489961 Fax 01483 797302 E-mail your questions for Julian to: e-mail: [email protected] [email protected] website: www.holidaybridge.com

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FFaresaresares shown are per person based on two people sharing lowest twin-bedded cabin categorcategoryy currentlycurrentlyrently available, are subject to availability and include all applicable discounts for new bookings onlyonly.. *No single supplement applies to selected I & G cabins on all ccruisesruises eexceptxcept on ‘Tales‘TTalesales ofof thethe OldOld SpanishSpanish Main’. †£30£30 bridgebridge ssupplementupplement pperer bbridgeridge pplayerlayer aappliespplies oonn ‘‘InIn SSearchearch ooff AAncientncient CCivilisations’ivilisations’ ccruise.ruise. UUpgradepgrade oofferffer oonn selectedselected ccruisesruises aass sshown,hown, aappliespplies ttoo iinsidenside CCatat N upgrading to ooutsideutside CCatat KK,, iinsidenside CCatat M upgrading toto outside Cat J. All offers are non combinable with any other offeroffer.. Only bookings made directly with Mr Bridge are eligible to be partpart of the Bridge groups. All offers and cabin upgrades are subject to availability,availability, are capacity controlled and may be withdrawn at any WWLPH$OORIIHUVDUHYDOLGIRUQHZERRNLQJVPDGHE\VW$XJXVW$VSHFLÀFFDELQQXPEHUPD\QRWEHDOORFDWHGDWWLPHRIERRNLQJ6HHEURFKXUHIRUIXOOWHUPVDQGFRQGLWLRQV9R\DJHVRI'LVFRYHU\LVDWUDGLQJQDPHRI$OO/HLVXUH+ROLGD\V/WGLPH$OO RIIHUV DUH YDOLG IRU QHZ ERRNLQJV PDGH E\ VW $XJXVW  $ VSHFLÀF FDELQ QXPEHU PD\ QRW EH DOORFDWHG DW WLPH RI ERRNLQJ 6HH EURFKXUH IRU IXOO WHUPV DQG FRQGLWLRQV 9R\DJHV RI 'LVFRYHU\ LV D WUDGLQJ QDPH RI $OO /HLVXUH +ROLGD\V /WG DECLARER ARDINGTON HOTEL Worthing BN11 3DZ PLAY

NEW QUIZ VENUE by David Huggett

(Answers on page 44)

ou are South as declarer playing teams or rubber bridge. YIn each case, what is your play strategy?

1. ♠ Q 10 7 5 3 3. ♠ A Q 7 3 2011 Weekends ♥ A 10 9 3 ♥ Q 9 5 ♦ A 6 3 ♦ 6 5 3 14 - 16 January £215 ♣ 5 ♣ Q 10 7

N N Signals & Discards W E W E S Ned Paul S ♠ A 9 8 6 4 ♠ J 10 9 8 2 ♥ 7 ♥ A K 21-23 January £215 ♦ K Q J 4 ♦ A 7 4 Suit Establishment ♣ A 6 3 ♣ K J 2 Alex Davoud You are declarer in 6♠ and You are declarer in 4♠ and 25-27 February £215 West leads the ♣K. How West leads the ♦Q. How do you plan the play? do you plan the play? Doubles Ned Paul 11-13 March £199 2. ♠ 8 6 4. ♠ 9 7 5 Rubber & Chicago ♥ A 7 5 ♥ K 10 ♦ 8 7 6 4 ♦ K 9 7 (no seminars or set hands) ♣ A Q J 6 ♣ A Q J 6 4

Diana Holland N N W E W E 25-27 March £215 S S ♠ A Q 5 ♠ K Q 3 Pre-emptive Bidding ♥ K 9 2 ♥ A 9 5 2 ♦ K Q J ♦ A 10 3 Crombie McNeil ♣ 10 9 8 2 ♣ 5 3 2 Full-board – No Single Supplement You are declarer in 3NT You are declarer in 3NT. See pages 38 &39 for programme and booking form. and West leads the ♠4. West leads the ♠6, East East plays the ♠J. How do playing the ♠J. How do , Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH you plan the play? you plan the play? ( 01483 489961 Fax 01483 797302 e-mail: [email protected] website: www.holidaybridge.com

Page 26 David Gold Says Bid Weak Over Strong and Strong Over Weak

obody is vulnerable and RHO Do not make the mistake of bidding For example: deals and opens 3 ♥. What do on a weak hand over their weak bid. (I Nyou do with this? remember learning: ‘don’t pre-empt over a pre-empt’!) ♠ 9 8 2 Another example: ♥ K J 10 7 6 5 4 ♠ K Q J 7 6 5 4 ♦ 9 ♥ 3 ♣ 3 2 ♦ 7 6 5 ♠ 2 ♣ 9 8 ♥ A Q 10 7 6 5 ♦ J 7 4 2 RHO opens 2 ♣ (game force or 23-24 ♣ 7 4 balanced). Your side is at favourable You have a hand on which you would vulnerability. Do not be afraid to get in happily open 3 ♠ non-vulnerable but you their way. Try overcalling 3 ♥ (‘weak should not overcall 3 ♠ because they RHO opens 2 ♠ (weak) at game all. Do over strong’). opened with a weak bid. Say you bid 3 ♠ not make the mistake of overcalling 3 ♥. Maybe the full deal is something like: and LHO raises to 4 ♥, which partner If you do, this could be the layout. doubles (cards, not strict penalties) – what now? ♠ Q J 10 7 6 5 Have a look at the full deal: ♠ A J 3 ♥ Q 3 ♥ 8 2 ♦ 10 8 3 ♦ A 8 5 3 ♣ J 5 ♠ 2 ♣ K 10 9 2 ♠ 4 ♠ A K 3 ♥ A 8 4 ♠ 8 6 4 ♠ K Q 10 9 7 5 ♥ 8 2 N ♥ A 9 W E N ♦ Q J 10 8 3 ♥ K J 9 4 ♥ 3 ♦ A 7 6 5 4 S ♦ K Q J 2 W E ♣ K 7 6 5 ♦ Q 6 S ♦ K 10 9 ♣ Q 10 7 6 4 ♣ A K 9 8 ♠ A 10 8 3 ♠ 9 ♣ A Q J 3 ♣ 8 6 5 ♠ 9 8 2 ♥ J 2 N ♥ K Q 10 9 7 6 5 ♠ 2 ♥ K J 10 7 6 5 4 W E ♦ A K 9 S ♦ 4 2 ♥ A Q 10 7 6 5 ♦ 9 ♣ A Q J 10 ♣ 4 3 2 ♦ J 7 4 2 ♣ 3 2 ♠ K Q J 7 6 5 4 ♣ 7 4 ♥ 3 ♦ 7 6 5 Opponents are cold for 7 ♣ or 7 ♦ or 7NT. ♣ 9 8 Partner will try 3NT and with some Good luck to them in finding it; they confidence! West will double and you will struggle even to reach the will go for 500 on a soft defence and small slam after your 3 ♥ bid. If you If you bid 4 ♠ at this point, you will be possibly 800 or 1100, yet partner could pass, West can respond 2 ♦ and over doubled and lose six tricks (two hardly pass 3 ♥. Remember it is East’s 2NT rebid can bid 3 ♠ showing a diamonds and a ruff, two spades and one important when bidding over a weak bid slam try with both minors (a 3 ♥ transfer club) costing 500. that partner can trust that you will not be would show spades); now they are well If you pass, you will concede 4 ♥+1 weak too. on their way. for minus 690. Yet partner surely was The opposite is true when bidding entitled to double because you over a strong bid. You do not want to bid Summary overcalled at the three level and he had on a good hand and tell them where the 10 points with a singleton in your suit. cards are or concede a penalty when you The point is to bid destructively when The point is that, when the opponents had enough to beat them. Now your aim they make a strong bid and to bid make a weak bid, then your side should is not to get to game but to obstruct the constructively when they make a weak bid constructively hoping to reach game opponents’ bidding or, occasionally, to bid. In other words: Bid Weak Over (or sometimes a slam). find a good sacrifice. Strong and Strong Over Weak! ■

Page 27 An Interesting Spring

by Ned Paul

ridge is a social game. Bidding something for St George’s Day? April parties. And it worked just as well for St and playing your cards to the 23rd this year fell on a Friday, which George’s Day. Sue brought some St Bbest of your ability is important, just so happens to be duplicate night at George’s Day bunting; Edd helped hang but just as important is to enjoy the the Ruff Club. Why not, I thought, it up and we soon had the hall in good company of the other players. Throw in celebrate St George’s Day with a shape. People brought lots of goodies a comfortable place and the buffet table to play and some - was soon groaning. thing nice to eat and Attendance was drink and you have, great – 50% up on at least for me, the our normal club perfect formula. This evenings – and all Spring, I had the the players really chance to indulge entered into the spirit myself by organising of the occasion with several inno vative significant sums of events in which the money being raised. social side of the Sheila alone raised game came to the £155 of sponsorship fore. These included and some of those a charity club night who came brought a and, not one, but two donation with them. ‘Café Bridge Drives’. Some players who couldn’t come sent a Charity Night donation anyway. As At The Ruff Club for the bridge, we played the normal 24 If you are a club secretary, you will charity bridge night? I would have a boards. Surprisingly, only one pair bid a receive a fair number of letters during party and at the same time ask people to slam on this deal (rotated for the year from different charities asking get themselves sponsored to play convenience): you to support their cause. Usually bridge. there isn’t any organised bridge to back I let NOS know what I intended doing it up; the letter simply suggests you and they kindly supplied a sponsor Dealer East. Game All. hold a bridge evening and send them a form. Getting sponsorship for bridge is ♠ A 3 donation. This type of letter is, to put it, apparently something not widely done. ♥ 9 well, charitably, pretty open-ended; and But if your kids can ask you for so- ♦ K 9 7 6 4 2 in consequence it is very easy to put much-a-lap for walking round the park ♣ 9 7 6 4 such letters in the bin. This time I didn’t. and your colleagues can sign you on for ♠ Q J 9 2 ♠ 10 8 7 6 5 4 This particular letter was from the so-much-a-mile for running marathons, ♥ 8 5 3 2 N ♥ K 10 7 W E National Osteoporosis Society (NOS) why can’t you get your own back at so- ♦ Q 10 5 S ♦ J 3 and urged us to play ‘Bridge for Bones’. much-a-board for bridge? ♣ J 2 ♣ K 10 The day it arrived was St Patrick’s Day A bridge club party is easy to set up. ♠ K and pubs everywhere were inviting us to The club provides a couple of boxes of ♥ A Q J 6 4 come out and celebrate our Irish side. wine and the paper plates and the ♦ A 8 Well, as an Englishman, I don’t have an players bring a contribution to the table. ♣ A Q 8 5 3 Irish side. Instead, I thought, why not do This is how we run our Christmas

Page 28 An Interesting Spring in putting one on. We agreed to try to do the time. I joined the players for lunch so and fixed a date in May this year. I at Brady’s, a fish restaurant where Luke continued told the EBU London committee the owner made a particular effort to (‘LMBA’) of our plans and this brought welcome us. His fish and chips were West North East South another offer. Actor James Smith delicious. Four more rounds and it was Pass 1♥ (Glenn Cullen in ‘The Thick of It’) lives time for everyone to make their way Pass 2♦ Pass 3♣ in Old Wandsworth, which, like many back to the Alma for results and prizes. Pass 4♣ Pass 6♣ localities in London, has a village-y feel Rex and Mike had won. Norma Spence to it. He immediately said we should from Age Concern came along to Well, that’s how the bidding eventually come and run a drive in Wandsworth in present the prizes and draw the raffle went. Edd, North was playing only his an area known to the locals as ‘The and we were able to present her with second ever bridge tournament, having Tonsleys’. James also involved the local £320 raised for charity. It made a small learnt bridge the previous month, and charity, Wandsworth Age Concern. I profit for LMBA as well. initially passed his partner’s 3 ♣ bid. signed on as honorary co-organiser and Life masters Anne and Colin, sitting Chris Duckworth, long-time mainstay Canary Wharf East and West, both sat up and in unison said, ‘You can’t do that, Buoyed by the success at the it’s forcing!’, so Edd found a a 4 ♣ Tonsleys, Rex and I pushed ahead raise and Ros, South, bid a slam with our own event in the Canary without giving partner another Wharf district of London’s Dock - chance to pass. Colin led a spade lands. We chose this area, not only and, with the help of the because of the modern develop- favourable trump position and the ments around the docks and diamonds ruffing out, Ros soon riverfront, but also because we wrapped up 13 tricks. ‘Well thought it would be quieter at the done’, said both Anne and Colin. weekend. In fact, all the bars and Well, we’re that kind of club, cafés get very busy on a Sunday. where encouragement of new This time, we had fewer venues players is just as pleasurable as and the players played seven winning. I think the slam is a good 4-board rounds distributed across slam and should have been bid at four different establishments. more tables, even after a 1 ♥-1NT Two, Café Rouge and Henry start. The bidding might continue Addington, were in the heart of 3♣-4 ♣-4 ♦-4 ♠-6 ♣. the business district overlooking During the evening Jo Ellams of West India Dock and two, Café NOS popped in to say ‘hello’ and Brera and Zizzi, overlooked the when all the donations and River Thames. sponsorship were added up, we Cloths came from Putney had painlessly raised the magnificent of LMBA, took care of all the event Bridge Club and bidding boxes from the total of £868.20. literature. For the day, the Monday Club Ruff Club and also my Thursday in Tooting lent us tablecloths and the improvers’ group. We had 16 tables in Café Bridge Ruff Club lent bidding boxes. play. Everyone got a goody bag: Mr Café Bridge works like this. The Bridge donated a key ring for each St George’s Day at the Ruff Club was boards are distributed across a number player and Young Chelsea BC gave actually the second charity event of the of different cafés, restaurants or pubs, everyone a pen. The winners, Mike and week for me. Earlier in the week, I had and the players visit each establishment Lyn, got a nice £100 prize. helped run a ‘Café Bridge Drive’ in in turn. Unlike a normal duplicate, it’s It was hard work for three of us – my Wandsworth. Café Bridge is an idea the boards that stay put. North-South partner, Hazelle, joined Rex and me in from Holland and Belgium, countries move in one direction; East-West in the the organising team – and there were a where the café culture is more strongly other. James found us six venues, few glitches, but on the whole, it went established than in Britain. A few years starting with the Alma pub opposite the well. The players were a more social ago, I had taken part in a café drive in station. In five of these, we had two cross-section than is usual at EBU-style Cardiff, organised in part by bridge tables and in the sixth, only one. We weekend events and we were pleased to journalist Patrick Jourdain. This stirred arranged an out and back circuit and be bringing bridge to what has really my own interest in putting on such an that gave us an 11-table duplicate. turned out to be a new market sector. event. Players arrived at the Alma to be Post event feedback has encouraged us That interest lay dormant until Rex given their starting positions and to continue and we will be putting on joined the Ruff Club. Rex joined us on movement cards and then walked up the another Café Bridge Drive soon. moving back to London, after retiring as road to where their starting table was If any reader feels something similar a logistics specialist for NATO in located. After four 3-board rounds it could happen in their own town, do feel Holland. He had played in several café was lunchtime. The entry fee included free to contact me for any advice you drives and asked me if I had any interest lunch at whichever place you were in at might need. ■

Page 29 BERNARD MAGEE’S INTERACTIVE TUTORIALS

ACOL MORE DECLARER PLAY ADVANCED BIDDING (ADVANCED) DECLARER PLAY l Suit Establishment ACOL BIDDING l Opening Bids and in No-trumps l Making Overtricks Responses l Basics l Suit Establishment in No-trumps l Slams and Strong l Advanced in Suits l Making Overtricks Openings Basics l Hold-ups in Suit Contracts l Support for Partner l Weak Twos l Ruffing for Extra l Endplays l Pre-empting l Strong Hands Tricks l Avoidance l Overcalls £64 l Defence l Entries l Wrong £79 l No-trump to Weak Twos in No- £74 Contract Openings l Defence trumps l Simple Squeezes and Responses to 1NT £94 l Delaying l Counting the Hand l Opener’s and Drawing Trumps l Doubles l Trump Reductions Responder’s Rebids l Two-suited Overcalls l Using the Lead & Coups l Minors and Misfits l Defences to l Trump Control l Playing Doubled l Doubles Other Systems l Endplays & Contracts l Competitive l Misfits and Avoidance l Safety Plays Auctions Distributional Hands l Using the Bidding

DEFENCE £74 l Lead vs No-trump Contracts l Attitude Signals l Lead vs Suit Contracts l Discarding l Partner of Leader vs No-trump Contracts l Defensive Plan l Partner of Leader vs Suit Contracts l Stopping Declarer l Count Signals l Counting the Hand

Sharpen your defence in the course of 20 introductory exercises and 120 complete deals

Make your cheque payable to and send to: Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH

( 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop Fax 01483 797302 System Requirements: Windows XP, Vista or 7, 8mb RAM, CD-ROM Catching Up by Sally Brock

guess the most exciting and Cameron Small as hearts? He now lacks the The following week, I bridge event since I last teammates. It took only one entries to set up his hearts, went to Bonn to play in a Iwrote was the Lady Milne board to tell me that it was provided I take one of them bridge event with Nicola, in Manchester. If you not my day! out now, before he has Heather and Nevena. remember, a little while ago, You hold, as East: unblocked his king. All I There is an annual open I played in the England trials needed to do was switch to a event there called the with Susanna Gross and we spade and the slam still goes Nations Cup to which the finished fourth, qualifying us ♠ 10 8 7 down. –1540 was not a good EBU had their usual to be part of the England B ♥ A Q 9 5 start. invitation. team for the Lady Milne ♦ 7 5 This was the full deal: Because most of the open (women’s home inter - ♣ J 10 8 7 players were involved in national). Well, this took Crockfords final at the place in the middle of April. Dealer North. Game All. weekend, the EBU decided It was the weekend after the You hear the bidding go: to give the invitation to us eruption of the Icelandic North instead; we were all looking volcano and the Irish teams West North East South ♠ A J 4 forward to what would were not able to travel to 1♥ Pass 2♦ ♥ J 10 7 6 4 perhaps be the highest Manchester in time for the Pass 2NT Pass 3♣ ♦ A standard open event we had proposed Friday night start, Pass 4♣ Pass 4NT ♣ K Q 9 6 ever played in. so the organisers shortened Pass 5♣ Pass 6♣ West East However, when the time the event a little to start on the Pass Pass ? ♠ K Q 9 6 3 2 ♠ 10 8 7 came, because it was the Saturday instead. ♥ 8 3 ♥ A Q 9 5 25th anniversary of the The bridge on Saturday Well, I fell for it. I thought ♦ 10 9 8 6 ♦ 7 5 event, the organisers had was unexciting, but we partner would surely lead a ♣ 4 ♣ J 10 8 7 decided to have a parallel moved up a gear on the spade that could easily let the South women’s event and we had to Sunday. Susanna played like slam through. ♠ 5 play in that event instead. It an Italian member I knew South might retreat ♥ K 2 is quite easy to see why they and consequently, we played to 6 ♦ but reckoned we could ♦ K Q J 4 3 2 would want to do that, and, throughout, eventually win - beat that too. So I doubled. ♣ A 5 3 2 indeed, it was probably ning the event in some South bid 6 ♦ and I doubled better practice for us to play comfort. Have to confess to that as well. against some of our main feeling quite pleased with After a lot of thought, I have to say it takes my bad rivals for the European ourselves! partner led a heart. Declarer experiences with Lightner- Championship, but it was Early in May, I went to (who, to be fair, had arrived type doubles from about 284 still a trifle disappointing. Cambridge to play in the late and out of breath and to 285, with no good Well, that is my excuse for President’s Teams. I had been been confronted with this as experience I can ever why we all played so badly! going to play with Margaret his first board) played the remember to counterbalance! Still, we had a good time and but she severely dislocated jack from dummy and I won Afterwards, we all enjoyed the practice will stand us in her ankle after my bridge with my ace. What should I a splendid formal dinner at good stead in Ostend. ■ party and had her leg in return? Jesus College and I was plaster making travel Can you see what a bad fortunate enough to stay with Contact Sally at difficult. Instead, I played mistake declarer made by Jon Cooke and meet his [email protected] with Nicola, with Jon Cooke playing dummy’s jack of family.

Page 31 Afterwards, I go back to defend as East? Seven Days Margaret’s for dinner, and This is a classic example of stay over because of needing a Merrimac . East to be in London tomorrow … should switch to the king of by Sally Brock spades in order to knock out the crucial entry from the Saturday dummy before declarer can Monday in Toronto (though he was get the clubs going. In over here a few weeks ago This is the Garden Cities practice, he switches to a The children both have exams. and became stranded by the regional final, which is a heart instead. Barry wins Toby is now on study leave volcanic ash). Once a week, I competition for the winners of with the ace and knocks out with GCSEs dotted through play online against them, each county’s team-of-eight West’s remaining club his calendar until mid-June. giving them practice and championship. No doubt, you stopper. West can still beat Briony mostly has internal general advice. It’s amazing remember references to team- the contract by switching to a end-of-year exams with the how well I can play when I of-eight matches for New spade (the defenders can odd GCSE paper in amongst. can see all four hands! Amersham in the Berks & establish five tricks before This morning, she has French, Bucks League. Well, we won declarer can get nine), but he one of her favourites. the league, this year without plays another heart and now I travel in to London to Thursday losing a match, and so three no-trumps rolls home. have lunch with my friend qualified for the Garden Cities. Briony cooks us a Debbie who wines and dines Another online session today, It is played at Richmond delicious chicken risotto, me royally at her flat in this time one-to-one. How- Bridge Club this year – which which is waiting for us when Tufnell Park. Later, I get the ever, my student needs to start is an excellent venue. The we get home. Did you notice tube to TGR’s for some late and I need to leave early weather is glorious and, in the subtle use of the words rubber bridge. I am having a (something to do with ferrying perhaps typical English style, ‘us’ and ‘we’ in that previous terrible run at the moment kids about for both of us), so it there is a bowling match sen tence? Yes, romance is and today is no exception. I is hardly worth doing. going on outside. 24 boards definitely in the air! don’t think I did a lot wrong Anyway, we do it for a little before tea and then another 24 so I shall just blame the cards while for fun and she books afterwards. Barry and I may like everyone else. two sessions for next week not have played particularly Sunday Later, I have dinner with a when life should be easier. well in the matches that friend but manage to miss the resulted in our league win but Another glorious day. Ben, last train home … we make up for it today. New Gemma and Hayden come for Friday Amersham win the event with a barbecue lunch. The plan more than a match to spare. was to go for a walk before Tuesday I have been looking forward This is an interesting lunch but they are running to today all week. First, I go defensive hand from the late and it is a bit hot so we all … That means I had to get up in to London to meet some second session: vote for staying in the garden at 5.30 in order to get home in old school friends for lunch. instead. The good thing about time to take Briony to school. Three of us meet regularly barbecues from a female What a start to the day! but this time, a fourth has Dealer East. E/W Game. point of view is that you can Work is quiet just now. The managed to meet with us too. ♠ A 10 usually persuade a bloke to do only book on the go this week It’s always amazing to me ♥ 4 the cooking. Ben takes charge is Bosnia, but it is being that it’s immediately how it ♦ J 7 3 2 with his usual organisational project-managed by a new was when were at school. ♣ A 8 6 4 3 2 and culinary skills and we editor so there are a few Everyone seems happy and ♠ 9 5 2 N ♠ K J 7 4 have a great lunch. At the risk W E teething problems and things willing to discuss the most ♥ J 7 6 S ♥ Q 9 8 3 2 of sounding like a bragging don’t arrive when they should. personal topics with no ♦ A 10 8 5 ♦ 9 6 granny (OK, I am a bragging In the evening, I play difficulty at all. ♣ K Q 5 ♣ J 7 granny) this boy – Hayden – bridge with Barry Myers. We Later, I play with Margaret ♠ Q 8 6 3 is rather extraordinary. He is are doing OK until the last at the Young Chelsea. She’s ♥ A K 10 5 walking (well, I’m not quite round when we score almost not been playing a lot ♦ K Q 4 sure you would really call it no matchpoints at all. Still, it recently because of her leg ♣ 10 9 walking, but he has certainly is fun and good practice for (see Catch-up) so it was taken a few steps on a number the weekend (see later). really good to see her and of occasions) and he is not yet have a game. We play well We bid 1NT (14–16) – 3NT. 10 months old. too, just dropping down into Personally, I would not lead a Next week (half-term) Wednesday second place on the last four-card minor on this Briony and I are going to board (still don’t quite auction, but here West leads a Malta for a few days. Then Online bridge session with understand that because it diamond. Barry wins with the life will be hectic leading up Richard, who lives in seems to be the flattest 3NT king and runs the ten of clubs to the European Champion - London, and Gerry, who lives you could imagine!). to East’s jack. How do you ships at the end of June. ■

Page 32 Harold Schogger Says Lead Through Strength

ometimes you might not know Note the risks on C. If declarer has the West leads the jack of hearts to the ace, what to lead at trick one and be queen, your lead gives him a trick. If he three (discouraging) and queen. Sunhappy with the ‘usual suspects’. has a singleton, you might lose your ace. Declarer then calls for the jack of You might have Q-x in the only unbid Now let us study three common cases: spades, which runs to the king. suit, for example. Sometimes later in the It looks as if there are no more tricks play, you are unsure what to lead next. 1 You have the and the to come in the majors, so West looks for In each case, you might like to try a opponents have shown strength in all three tricks in the minors. ‘Lead through Strength.’ You do this in four suits. You will do better to lead East is quite likely to hold club values the hope that your partner has a good through strength rather than up to it. but club values are no good. Any holding over dummy (or declarer). honours partner has in clubs will be In the layouts below, you lead through sitting under declarer’s strength. Even strength for a finesse against dummy. ♠ 10 9 5 the ace-queen will not be good enough. N Diamond values, over dummy’s ♥ Q 6 5 3 W E ♦ J 6 4 S strength, will be more useful. West a) ♣ K 7 5 2 ♣ A 10 4 should switch to the jack of diamonds.

N ♣ J 10 4 W E ♣ A Q 9 3 You gain the lead with dummy on S West North East South your right. You might switch to a suit ♣ 8 6 3 1♣ Pass 1♥ bid or implied by declarer. Pass 1♠ Pass 3NT End b) ♣ A Q 5 2 ♠ K 7 6 South should have diamonds well held ♥ A 5 2 N ♣ 10 9 4 W E ♣ K J 8 to leap to 3NT. If the opponents have a ♦ K Q 9 5 4 3 S weak spot, it is likely to be in dummy’s ♣ 3 ♣ 7 6 3 second suit. Lead the ten of spades. ♠ 9 5 ♠ 8 4 2 N ♥ K 9 4 W E ♥ J 10 6 2 You may be on declarer’s left and ♦ 10 7 2 S ♦ A 8 6 c) ♣ K 7 5 2 have won a trick. Now seeing dummy, ♣ J 10 8 6 2 ♣ A K 9 7 you can judge whether a lead through ♠ A Q J 10 3 N ♣ A 10 6 3 W E ♣ Q 9 4 its strength might achieve something. ♥ Q 8 7 3 S On this example, South plays in 4 ♠ after ♦ J ♣ J 8 a 20-22 2NT and a transfer. ♣ Q 5 4

Layout A: leading the jack lets you cash ♠ J 10 6 4 2 West North East South three tricks. ♥ A 2 1♠ Layout B: the ten lead puts your side ♦ K 8 3 Pass 2♦ Pass 2♥ well on the way to two tricks. ♣ 8 5 4 Pass 4♠ End Layout C: needing two quick tricks, ♠ K 8 5 ♠ 7 you decide to underlead your ace. You ♥ J 10 9 6 N ♥ 8 7 5 4 3 Partner leads the jack of clubs, which would not employ this tactic very often ♦ J 10 9 W E ♦ A Q 7 2 you win with your king. S in a suit contract. To ensure one trick ♣ J 10 9 ♣ 7 6 3 You look to the dummy and see no and not expecting you to have underled ♠ A Q 9 3 future in the minors. So, you switch to the ace, declarer is likely to play low ♥ K Q the jack of hearts, South’s second suit – from dummy. Trustworthy partner plays ♦ 6 5 4 through strength – and are pleased when third-hand high and gets a pleasant ♣ A K Q 2 your side can make four tricks with two surprise when the queen wins. hearts, a club and a diamond. ■

Page 33 Andrew Kambites Says

Use the Rule of Total Tricks

n this article, I intend to look at some which works for North-South. This 3♥. Now the spotlight falls on West. seemingly mundane hands on which seems only fair: each side has one West has six good spades when he has Ieach side holds around half the success and one failure. North-South shown only five so he competes to 3 . ♠ points. Each side finds a fit. Although can make 2 ♥, losing two spades and Each side has good reason to suspect neither side intends to bid game, each three diamonds. East-West can make 2 ♠, that it has nine trumps, and that the other wants to buy the auction in its chosen losing two hearts and three clubs. Each side probably also has nine trumps. 18 trump suit, or at least push the other side side has eight cards in its best fit: each total trumps means 18 total tricks and to a level at which they might go off. side can make eight tricks. Total tricks indicates competing at the three level. The auction starts like this: and total trumps both equal 16. The works well at game level. The bidding starts: West North East South 1♥ Deal B West North East South 1♠ 2♥ 2♠ ? ♠ 5 1♥ 1♠ 4♥ ? ♥ J 10 6 5 2 South has to decide whether to sell out ♦ K 7 6 2 South has this hand: to 2 ♠ or compete to 3 ♥. There is a very ♣ J 10 8 useful guideline called the Law of Total ♠ A K Q J 9 2 ♠ 10 7 4 Tricks (or LTT). The total number of ♥ 3 N ♥ 9 8 7 ♠ K J 5 4 2 tricks that North-South can make if W E ♦ J 9 4 S ♦ A Q 10 ♥ 8 hearts are trumps, added to the total ♣ 9 5 3 ♣ K 7 6 2 ♦ Q J 4 3 number of tricks that East-West can ♠ 8 6 3 ♣ 9 5 2 make if spades are trumps, gives you the ♥ A K Q 4 total number of tricks. The number of ♦ 8 5 3 hearts held by North-South, added to the ♣ A Q 4 He knows that his side holds ten spades number of spades held by East-West, because North’s overcall guarantees a gives you the total number of trumps. 5-card suit. East-West probably have The LTT states that the total number of Deal B has just a minor change from deal nine hearts to justify bidding to 4 ♥ when tricks equals the total number of trumps. A. North-South can make 3 ♥, losing one each side has roughly half the points. So spade and three diamonds. East-West can South assumes there are 19 total trumps. make 3 ♠, losing one heart and three If there are 19 total tricks, it is quite Deal A clubs. Each side has nine cards in its best likely that either 4 ♥ makes with 4 ♠ ♠ 5 2 fit – each side can make nine tricks. Total going one off or 4 ♠ makes with 4 ♥ ♥ J 10 6 5 tricks and total trumps both equal 18. going one off. Whichever is true, it is ♦ K 7 6 2 Points do not tell you whether to bid correct for South to bid 4 ♠. ♣ J 10 8 on. It is shape, or length in the trump The only time you might be a little ♠ A K Q J 9 ♠ 10 7 4 suit. The player who bids on should be more cautious is if only your side is ♥ 3 2 N ♥ 9 8 7 the one with undisclosed trump length. vulnerable and your opponents clearly W E ♦ J 9 4 S ♦ A Q 10 On deal A, there is little case for South have the majority of points. A large ♣ 9 5 3 ♣ K 7 6 2 to bid 3 ♥ over 2 ♠. He has no reason to adverse penalty is painful, even if your ♠ 8 6 3 believe that his side has more than eight opponents can make their game. ♥ A K Q 4 hearts, or that East-West have more than Finally notice one point that hugely ♦ 8 5 3 eight spades. However, North, if non- helps your judgement in estimating total ♣ A Q 4 vulnerable, should bid 3 ♥. Even if there trumps. are only 16 total trumps, it is better to go On deal A each side had eight trumps. one down (even doubled) in 3 ♥ than let On deal B each side had nine trumps. It On deal A, there is a finesse position in the other side make 2 ♠. is often the case that your opponents diamonds, which works for East-West; On deal B, South will pass but, with have the same length of fit in their best there is also a finesse position in clubs, extra trump length, North competes to suit as you do. ■

Page 34 machines also had a facility the same time, so our games to play in a ‘teams of four’ are very irregular. format, so that we could However, April 21 was the READERS’ compare our play to the charity’s Annual Bridge Drive computers play. and I offered to play. We have had hours of Nevertheless, at the age of pleasure playing at home (as 95, I found it rather well as playing at a bridge embarrassing to be joining LETTERS club) but, unfortunately, the three players who were Probridge 510 has developed complete strangers to me. I a fault, and Saitek's UK agent think it was by studying tells me that the machine is pages of your publication CAPTION PRIZE courses (including one fish no longer in production, and that I had the courage and Thank you for awarding me and one vegetarian), plus two that they cannot carry out ability to make a success of a weekend at one of your for dessert, with coffee and repairs. the occasion. venues, one of ten runner-up mints to follow. It was all such I am therefore looking to Mr Roger P Stokes, prizes in your recent caption good quality, efficiently see whether I can find a Virginia Water, Surrey. competition. served, with your choice of software package that fulfils I thought you might like vegetables. We found it hard the same requirements that NEVER TOO OLD 2 some feedback. to imagine how they could do could be played by linking I am finding Bernard I have never been on one it so well, but Mr Bridge two laptop computers. Magee's ‘Declarer Play’ of your weekends before. As regular guests assured us it Do you have any utterly invaluable – it's my wife doesn’t play bridge was absolutely standard for experience with this, and if wonderful. I'm also keen to and has no interest at all in Mr Bridge weekends so could you please advise? hear that perhaps next year card games, it seemed elsewhere. Mr Dave Morris, there can be more unreasonable either to drag The bridge was a mixture Findern, Derby. ‘Improvers’ weekends – her along, or to leave her at of duplicate and seminars, all QPlus Bridge does all this we've done Stayman and home while I went off to excellently presented by Mr and a lot more if required. Transfers with Sandy Bell, enjoy myself. However, Magee and his band of which was super and are receiving the generous helpers, partners found if NEVER TOO OLD 1 keen to do more. caption competition runner- needed with a minimum of Thank you for sending me All in all, learning bridge at up prize of a Mr Bridge fuss, participate as much or BRIDGE 100. The last one I our tender age of 80 is the weekend, the lure of a free as little as you wish. Mrs C had was issue 96 and I best thing that's happened to lunch was too good to was able to sit in the sun thought that as I had not us – no more tennis and no refuse. Mrs C volunteered to painting (we were blessed contacted you in any way I more cricket unfortunately, accompany me so that we with good weather), wander was now omitted from your but it matters not – we are could see for ourselves what down into town for a little register. hooked and this week we such a weekend had to offer. retail therapy, paddle and The situation at present in even came off the bottom of If you are in a similar join me for morning and Merlewood is that out of 12 our Club's result sheet. position, I can only say, ‘Give afternoon coffee if it suited. I people classed as residents, We're on the way up. it a try.’ We both enjoyed it so could be sure she returned in only two including myself are Pat Trickett, by email. much. Our venue, Beach time for the meals. bridge players. This makes Hotel in Worthing, is full of The end result I could not arranging a game difficult, MEMORY LOSS character to say the least. have predicted – Mrs C said requiring two volunteers, I wish I could remember Although the hotel is in need as we arrived home, ‘We usually from the what I read in your magazine of some renovation, the must do this again!’ I’m sure organisation’s committee. when I come to the table. bedroom was large, double we will. There are two members Mrs Maureen Cliff, aspect, lofty and eminently Alan Chapman, available but not always at Lechlade, Gloucs. comfortable and very clean. Marlborough, Wiltshire. No frills, but TV and radio, Great feedback. Thanks. courtesy tray, en-suite, all you REDUCE THE COST OF YOUR POSTAGE could need. The public rooms NEW LINK Postage stamps for sale at 90% of face-value, are large and comfortable, Many years ago, my wife all mint with full gum. Quotations for the staff helpful and attentive. and I invested in two bridge commercial quantities available on request. The food was superb – we computers, a Saitek had feared for the idea of Probridge 510 and a 310. Values supplied in 100s, higher values available as well as 1st and 2nd class (eg 1st class: These could be linked and mass catering (there were 100x37p+100x5p) apparently 90 in the bridge the two screens allowed us party) but there was a choice to play as a partnership (/Fax 020 8422 4906 e-mail: [email protected] of four items for each of two against the computer. The

Page 35 READERS’ LETTERS explanation attached beside it) to emphasise the main continued Your Questions and Suggestions points? The verbiage can often be off-putting to A few more articles for Could Bernard Magee do a beginners. beginners like my grandson. calendar from his quizzes? CASH FOR STAMPS Mrs E Dickens, Norwich. Good large print. Quiz on one Here is another cheque from Mrs T Summers, I will feature an ABC of Bridge side, answer on reverse. sales of used stamps. This Tiverton, Devon. in 2011. Mrs E Grimmer, Sherbourne, Dorset. time £189. I think most readers are Having only recently begun to happy as it is. I should think so. What a good Colin Bamberger. play bridge, I would find a idea. 179 High Road, beginners’ guide article on a regular basis very helpful. More articles on 5-card majors Trimley St Mary, IP11 0TN. REMINDER Mr L R Cunningham, and strong no trump (Standard Thank you on behalf of Thank goodness you Ballymena, Co Antrim. American). Jenna Hoyt of Little Voice. introduced me to Donald See above. Mr B Elliot, Abergele. If readers have any used Russell. I will feature a four-part series I find the magazine invaluable in 2011. stamps, send them to Colin Mrs S Smith, Corsham. and wish you did more at the above address. weekends for novices. I still buy from a mail order WINNING CRUISE G Jackson, Cockermouth. booklet. Doesn’t this count as I will advertise weekends for being re-registered? NEW GROUPING Imagine my surprise on novices in 2011. Mrs B John, Heswall. You agreed to run a receipt of your letter saying How can it? The booklet has Are there weekends for new, that my caption had won the nothing to do with me. paragraph on ‘The older players who have Association of Bridge Clubs above competition. Thank progressed but not a lot? Please discuss computer dealt and Groups’ with website: you for such a generous Mrs G White, Billericay. hands. www.abc.org.uk in BRIDGE. prize – I can only assume See above. Mr L E White, Beckenham. What is there to discuss? I have not been able to that your business is More teaching, less humour. devote much time to this and flourishing. Dr J Latham, Richmond. More about rubber please. I will contact your office as Mrs S Mayer, Middlesex. the website is therefore not Beginners class in south Much the same as duplicate or yet operational. soon as I have decided upon Lanarkshire. teams bridge really. M Thornthwaite, Bothwell. I will let you have the the particular cruise and my If you weren’t ex-directory, I Have you/will you review the material in due course. travelling companion. would have given you a call. bridgemate system? Mr Trevor Livesey, Mrs Jill Clark, Mr A Naish, Salisbury. Please could we have more Sawbridgeworth, Herts. I’m sure I will in due course. Benfleet, Essex. ‘Just duplicate’ weekends? We Real winners. Runners-up do not want seminars and find Some examples using 5-card SHARED DELIGHT too. Do have a go at the front the usual weekends are too majors and strong no-trump. One of us is a beginner, the cover prize bidding quiz. expensive. Also . Mr J Turner, Gloucester. Mrs P Smith, Fife. other an improver – this I will advertise a few Just See above. magazine is looked forward GOFF SERVICE Bridge in 2011. Stamps offered at a good More on rules re revoking, bids to by both of us equally. I really miss the Daily Bridge out of turn, etc. Mr & Mrs Constantine, reduction with remarkable Calendar. Mr J C V Lang, Colchester. Teignmouth, Devon. pictures. Mr D. Archibald, Morpeth. Perhaps you should buy the Mrs S Crosher, Mine could be out next year, Yellow Book. just watch this space. ONLINE 1 Ruislip, Middlesex. The ‘chatty’ storyline articles Please consider setting up a Can we have Mr Bridge leave me cold. weekends in Scotland? Mr D Norris, Peterborough. play online service? I've BROCK REMINDER Mr Ian Pascoe, Milngavie. valued your bridge mag and When the 100th issue arrived Planned for 2011. Excellent publication. Could we holidays and would trust you I realised that I might not ‘review’ online? More explanation of words and Mr Keith Mackenzie, Jersey. to run such a programme have been receiving recent phrases for beginners. better than anyone else. issues, and it was like J W Clifford, Chippenham. Please give address for used stamps for charity. meeting up with a long-lost Note coming ABC. Mrs P Ellis, Aberystwyth. Mrs C Impey, Bonvilstone. friend. Could you cover the Ghestem Mr Colin Bamberger, ONLINE 2 I was reminded to send system at some time please? 179 High Road, Any chance of an internet this request after reading Mrs P Houlden, Liverpool. Trimley St Mary, IP11 0TN. playing site for your readers? about Sally Brock's success Very good articles, but too Please can you tell me if the Mr & Mrs J Hutchinson, in the Lady Milne much on cruises. Would used stamps you want are welcome return of offers on foreign or English or both. Rudgeway, Bristol. championship. bridge equipment etc. Mrs P Wormleighton, Ealing. There are lots already. Congratulations to her. The Mr S Cowherd, London. Both kinds please. reported hand could be

MATTER OF TASTE entitled ‘fortune favours the Send me Your Questions and Suggestions Is it possible to reduce the brave’. using the form provided on page 6. written words by using bullet John Gillbe, points (perhaps with a brief Guildford, Surrey.

Page 36 READERS’ LETTERS For more details please As we all know each other to everyone’s liking. visit: www.istartapp.com well, when we had finished continued Particularly over the Stefano Tosi laughing about the dreadful Christmas period. We could [email protected] unfairness of the penalty not find any Chicago/rubber MISSING LINK mob +(00)39 335 354568 incurred (massive!), I added breaks last Christmas, which Missed your publications, fuel to the flames by was most disappointing. We was it something I said? CYBERSPACE wondering if, even as a have been on many of your Mr F Gardner, Penarth. With regard to the second to defender, I could have pleasurable events and No, more likely was last article of the editorial in claimed honours on top. would like to take more, so something you didn’t say. Bridge 101. QPlus and the The club chairman thought please, consider our request. associated tutorial software I could, but we weren’t 100% Mr & Mrs K Speyer, BRIDGE WEEKLY can be used on a Mac using sure. Could I have claimed? New Barnet, Hertfordshire. Recently have been getting Parallels Desktop for Mac. Stella Burnett, by email. your emails. Lovely, but I Eric Smith, Yes. POINT COUNT prefer this magazine. Crowthorne, Berkshire. The brief account of this Mrs Edmond, Potters Bar. PRIZE ‘new’ point count evaluation CHARITY REALLY Thanks for the software was very interesting - but GLOSSARY NEEDED BEGINS AT HOME voucher. The CD is great, a hardly new. I used a similar As a not particularly advanced I have just joined a group of real help. It’s as if I have my evaluation back in the mid player, an explanation of ladies in my area who play own teacher at home. 1950s with the Hester some regularly used terms bridge once a month. The Mrs Claudette Storer, bidding system. This also would be useful. lady who runs this group Southport, Lancs. included points for voids etc. Mr A Malpass, starts us at 10.30am and we A bid of 1 club showed 12 - Dudley, West Midlands. carry on until lunch time MORE 15 Hester points, 1 diamond A detailed ABC of bridge when we have sandwiches RUBBER/CHICAGO 16 - 18 points etc. Partner's words, terms and and cakes with tea/coffee. I just wanted to write and tell response also showed a expressions will be published We carry on playing until you how much my husband point count and a simple throughout 2011 and 2012. approx 2.30pm and then we and I enjoyed our Chicago maths formula gave the go home. There are always weekend in Worthing. It was number of likely tricks; all FUNDRAISING three tables (and a waiting so well organized by Diana you then needed was a fit. Bishops Waltham was great. list) and the session is really Holland. It made for a most Then along came this new Is it on again next year? lovely, with the entrance relaxed enjoyable break. bidding system with light Mrs Robinson, Bournemouth. money sent to charity. The Beach Hotel and staff interference bids (called Acol Regretfully, no. All good I understand that they have were excellent – it is such a or something like that) and things come to an end. been trying to find some pity it will be closing down. the Hester system could not inexpensive 'boxes' to play Could we have more cope. But this point count THAT’S ALL with and I was wondering, if Chicago/rubber bridge evaluation really works. When my copy stopped through your magazine, we breaks, as you seem to Brian Roberts, Cullercoats, coming last year, I thought it could ask if there are any favour duplicate, which is not North Tyneside. was due to the recession. clubs who are buying new Mr Brookfield, boxes and could therefore Cleckheaton. sell us theirs? We need No, just your failure to twelve and would happily Premium Quality re-register. pay postage. Sara Starr, by email. Playing Cards MORE I.T. Surcharge or add to the table I wish to make you aware of money to buy the equipment Standard a new, just-released, iPhone you need. Similarly for clean Design. application for Bridge playing cards. Unboxed. players, named ‘iBid’, that 6 red brings a lot of bidding AND HONOURS TOO? 6 blue conventions directly into their Playing rubber bridge, my £19.95 pocket. unfortunate opponent With iBid, Bridge players opened 1NT followed by two 30 red can access descriptions, passes. With 20 points, I 30 blue examples and anecdotes of doubled. She attempted to only £60 the most important escape into two clubs. I had Available from The London Bridge Centre 6 of these, including 4 of the conventions, without the 44 Baker Street, London W1U 7RT. need of any Internet 5 honours. So I doubled her www.http://www.bridgeshop.com ( 020 7486 8222 connection. clubs, as you would.

Page 37 READERS’ LETTERS many pointless and trivial questions to answer i.e. BETTY ELLSON continued PROGRAMME hesitation, delay and minor (1935-2010) This is the format for all rule infringements. Why? weekend tutorial events WHAT’S ITS NAME People make mistakes. except those hosted May I describe a convention Surely the only answer to by Bernard Magee. then ask your readers if they many questions of this type know the history of it? should be: FRIDAY A 4 ♣ asks for aces and l Relax. 1500 kings in one reply. For the l Do not be hidebound by Welcome Desk open purpose of replying an ace = the rules. Afternoon Tea 2 and a king = 1. A 4 ♦ reply is l Be forgiving of your the negative showing 2 or 1745 to 1830 opponents’ mistakes. Welcome drinks fewer ie, one might hold 2 I am saddened to report l Play to the best of your reception kings or an ace but no more the recent untimely death ability. of Betty Ellson, who was and perhaps none. 4 ♥ shows 1830 to 2000 l Do not suspect DINNER 3 meaning AK or KKK; 4 ♠ killed on her way home your opponents are from a bridge session shows AA, AKK or KKKK. unethical in their approach 2015 BRIDGE 1 just after midnight when 4NT – AAK or AKKK and so DUPLICATE PAIRS to the game. she was involved in a on up the ladder. Responder's l And above all – enjoy road accident. The other double of an intervention yourself. SATURDAY driver, allegedly having shows that the intervening bid earlier failed to stop for 0800 to 0930 was the intended reply. Tony Stevens, BREAKFAST the police, ignored the I am aware of the Linslade, Bedfordshire. red light at the crossing similarities between this and 1000 to 1230 through which Betty was RECENTLY MARRIED SEMINAR & innocently driving. ‘Norman’, which was a 4NT SUPERVISED PLAY bid and used king = ½ and of SET HANDS Betty taught bridge for ace = 1. (tea & coffee at 1100) nearly 20 years at the The 4 ♣ trigger means that 1230 to 1330 Wessex Bridge Centre a slam enquiry can be made before hosting at least COLD BUFFET below game especially in a LUNCH twenty bridge cruises minor. for my organisation. It is also occasionally very 1400 to 1645 Black Watch, Black BRIDGE 2 Prince, Albatros, Ocean useful to be able to stop in FURTHER Majesty, Marco Polo 4NT. SUPERVISED PLAY and Discovery. Mr Allan James by email. of SET HANDS or DUPLICATE PAIRS It was she who HELPFUL ADVICE introduced me to the 1815 to 2000 Many thanks for the recent DINNER Bournemouth bridge copy of your excellent mafia and it is from magazine – do please put 2015 BRIDGE 3 among these people that DUPLICATE PAIRS me back on your mailing list. I have been able to build However, reading David my wonderful team of SUNDAY helpers. Stevenson's section caused me to despair for the game. 0800 to 0930 Betty was a proud Surely bridge is a game We met on board Discovery BREAKFAST mother and grandmother. which at club level should be sailing Cape to Cape. She was also a great 1000 to 1230 played for pleasure, David and Pauline Howard, SEMINAR & hostess, so that after our entertainment and nothing Abingdon, Oxon. SUPERVISED PLAY first visit we knew what else. What we see are Congratulations. ■ of SET HANDS to expect and always (tea & coffee at 1100) went on a visit with an empty stomach. We were 1230 to 1400 Write to Mr Bridge at: never disappointed. CARVERY LUNCH Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH Wherever Betty is or e-mail [email protected] 1400 to 1645 remembered or talked of BRIDGE 4 E-mail correspondents are asked to include their FURTHER in bridge circles, it will name, full postal address, telephone number and SUPERVISED PLAY never be said that she to send no attachments. of SET HANDS or knowingly underbid. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. DUPLICATE PAIRS

Page 38 2010 and 2011 BRIDGE Bridge Breaks BREAKS AUGUST 2010 ♦ Full-board ♦ Two seminars 6-8 The Beach Hotel ♦ All rooms with ♦ Two supervised play £215 Leads & Defence en-suite facilities sessions Chris Barrable ♦ No single supplement ♦ Four duplicate sessions SEPTEMBER 2010 Please book me for ..... places at £...... per person, 3-5 The Beach Hotel £215 Dealing with 1NT 1 2 Sandy Bell Single .... Double .... Twin .... Sea View .... Executive .... 17-19 Blunsdon House Staverton Park Nr Daventry NN11 6JT Name of Hotel/Centre ...... £215 Take-out Doubles Improvers* Dates ...... Alison Nicolson NOVEMBER continued Mr/Mrs/Miss ...... 26-28 The Olde Barn £199 Stayman & Transfers Address ...... Alison Nicolson Improvers* ......

JANUARY 2011 Postcode ...... 14-16 Ardington Hotel £215 Signals & Discards ( ...... Ned Paul Blunsdon House Hotel Special requirements (these cannot be guaranteed, Swindon SN26 7AS 21-23 Ardington Hotel but we will do our best to oblige) £215 Suit Establishment OCTOBER 2010 Alex Davoud ...... 15-17 Wychwood Park Please give the name(s) of all those covered by this booking £199 Signals & Discards FEBRUARY 2011 Ray Hutchinson 25-27 Ardington Hotel ...... 22-24 Staverton Park £215 Doubles Please send a non-returnable deposit of £50 per person per place by £199 Hand Evaluation Ned Paul cheque, payable to Mr Bridge. An invoice for the balance will be Alex Davoud sent with your booking confirmation. On receipt of your final pay - 29-31 The Olde Barn MARCH 2011 ment, 28 days before the event, a programme and full details will £199 Slam Bidding be sent together with a map. Cancellations are not refundable. Ray Hutchinson 25-27 Ardington Hotel Should you require insurance, you should contact your own insur - £215 Pre-emptive Bidding ance broker. 1£30 supplement per room (Beach Hotel only). 2£50 NOVEMBER 2010 Crombie McNeil supplement per room (Blunsdon House and Denham Grove only). 5-7 Wychwood Park £199 Declarer Play , Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH Gary Conrad ( 01483 489961 Fax 01483 797302 5-7 Staverton Park e-mail: [email protected] £199 Leads & Defence website: www.holidaybridge.com Alex Davoud 12-14 The Olde Barn £199 Better Defence Crombie McNeil Ardington Hotel The Olde Barn Hotel 19-21 Wychwood Park Worthing BN11 3DZ Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT £199 Slam Bidding The Beach Hotel Blunsdon House Hotel Staverton Park Gary Conrad Worthing BN11 3QJ Swindon SN26 7AS Near Daventry NN11 6JT The Beach Hotel Wychwood Park *aimed at the novice player and/or those picking up the game after a long break Worthing BN11 3QJ Near Crewe CW2 5GP

Page 39 GLOBAL TRAVEL INSURANCE Amelia House, Crescent Road, Worthing West Sussex, BN11 1RL. GLOBAL TRAVEL GLOBAL TRAVEL INSURANCE ( 01903 203933 Fax 01903 211106 Email [email protected] INSURANCE Services Limited Services Limited

INSURANCE PRODUCT SUITABILITY

This insurance is suitable for persons whose Demands and Needs are those of a traveller whose Individual round trip starts and finishes in the UK and is of no more than 122 days duration, and whose age is 90 years or less and is a permanent resident of the United Kingdom and Channel Islands. As this description contains the Key Features of the cover provided it constitutes provision of a statement of demands and needs. This and needs. This insurance is only available to persons who are permanently resident and domiciled in the UK.

SUMMARY OF COVER

The following represent the Significant and Key Features of the policy including Exclusions and Limitations that apply per person. A full copy of the policy document is available on request.

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

MAIN EXCLUSIONS AND CONDITIONS Medical Screening The following represents only the main exclusions. The policy document sets out Unless you are traveling to North or Central America or the Caribbean or on a Cruise, all of the conditions and exclusions. A copy of the full policy wording is available there is no need to advise us of your pre existing medical conditions. The term ‘Cruise’ on request in writing prior to application. does not include River or other Inland cruises or boat trips. If You have a history of any medical condition and are traveling to North or Central MAIN HEALTH EXCLUSIONS: America or the Caribbean or on a Cruise, you must first contact the Medical Screening Insurers will not pay for claims arising Line to establish whether we can provide cover for your trip. If you are accepted, the 1. Where You (or any person upon whose health the Trip depends) are undergoing tests for the following levels of excess will apply. You will receive written confirmation that you are presence of a medical condition receiving or on a waiting list for or have knowledge of the need covered for the trip. The number to call is: for treatment at a hospital or nursing home. 0844 8921698 2. From any terminal illness suffered by You (or any person upon whose health the Trip depends). 3. From any medical condition for which You (or any person upon whose health the Trip depends) have within 12 months prior to the date of issue of this insurance been diagnosed with a medical Increased Excess for Pre Existing Medical Conditions condition or have been admitted or undergone a procedure/ intervention in a hospital. 4. If You are traveling against the advice of a Medical Practitioner. Provision for the acceptance of pre existing medical conditions has been made by the application of increased excesses in the event of claims arising. OTHER GENERAL EXCLUSIONS For claims arising from any medical condition, other than those that are specifically excluded, Claims arising from the excess is further increased as follows: 1. Winter sports, any hazardous pursuits, any work of a non sedentary nature. Under the Cancellation & Curtailment section – double the normal excess. 2. Self inflicted injury or illness, suicide, alcoholism or drug abuse, sexual disease. Under the Medical & Other Expenses section – 3. War, invasion, acts of foreign enemies, hostilities or warlike operations, civil war, rebellion, For persons aged 60 years or less the excess is increased to £500 unless travelling within Terrorism, revolution, insurrection, civil commotion, military or usurped power but this North or Central America or the Caribbean or on a Cruise when increased to £1,000. exclusion shall not apply to losses under Section 3 - Medical Expenses unless such losses For persons aged 61 to 70 years the excess is increased to £1,000 unless travelling within are caused by nuclear, chemical or biological attack, or the disturbances were already taking North or Central America or the Caribbean or on a Cruise when increased to £2,000. place at the beginning of any Trip. For persons aged 71 to 90 years the excess is increased to £1,500 unless travelling within 4. Failure or fear of failure or inability of any equipment or any computer program. North or Central America or the Caribbean or on a Cruise when increased to £3,000. 5. Consequential loss of any kind. 6. Bankruptcy/liquidation of any tour operator, travel agent, airline, transportation company or accommodation supplier. MEMBER OF THE 7. Travelling to countries or regions where the FCO or WHO has advised against travel. 8. Your failure to contact the Medical Screening Line where required.

POLICY EXCESSES: The amount of each claim for which insurers will not pay and for which you are responsible. The excess as noted in the policy summary applies to each and every claim per insured person under each section where an excess applies. ✄ Global Travel Insurance Services Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority and our status can be checked on the FSA Register by visiting www.fsa.gov.uk/register or by contacting the Single Trip FSA on 0845 606 1234. This insurance is administered by FirstAssist Insurance Services Limited Travel Insurance on behalf of the insurer Great Lakes Reinsurance (UK) PLC registered in Suitable for individual round trips up to 122 days duration England No. 2189462. Registered address: Plantation Place, 30 that start and finish in the UK arranged by Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 3AJ, and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority other than Scheduled Airline Failure Global Travel Insurance which is underwritten by IGI Insurance Company Ltd. Registered address: Amelia House, Crescent Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 1RL Market Square House, St James’s Street, Nottingham, NG1 6FG. ( 01903 203933 Fax 01903 211106 If you have a complaint about the sale of this insurance, you must first write to the Managing Director of Global Travel Insurance Services Ltd. SINGLE TRIP APPLICATION FORM Subsequently, complaints may be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Please FULLY complete the following in BLOCK CAPITALS. Service. If we are unable to meet our liabilities you may be entitled to Once complete, return the application panel direct to Global Travel Insurance compensation under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. with a cheque or with card details entered. If you would like more information or are unsure of any details contained Insurance is not effective until a Policy has been issued. herein, you should ask Global Travel Insurance Services Ltd for further Please allow at least 5 days before you need to travel. advice. Details of the Applicant

Title (Mr/Mrs/Miss) Initials PREMIUM RATING SCHEDULE GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS Surname 1. United Kingdom England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, including all Telephone No. islands comprising the British Isles (except the Channel Islands and the Republic of Ireland). House Number/Name (Any British Isles or UK Cruises are rated as Area 2). 2. Europe Street Name Area 1 and Continental Europe west of the Ural mountain range, all countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea (except, Egypt, Israel, Town Name Jordan, Lebanon, Libya & Syria), the Channel Islands and the Republic of Ireland, Iceland, Madeira, The Canaries and The Azores. (Persons Postcode residing in the Channel Islands need to pay Area 2 rates for UK trips). 3. Worldwide excluding North America Date of leaving Home Areas 1 & 2 and All countries outside of the above (except the continent of North America, countries comprising Central America and the Date of arrival Home Caribbean Islands). 4. Worldwide including North America Introducer Mr Bridge Areas 1,2 & 3 and The United States of America, Mexico and other countries comprising Central America, Canada, Cuba and the Geographical Area - See Premium Panel Caribbean Islands. (1,2,3 or 4)

SCHEDULE OF PREMIUMS Names of all persons to be insured Age Premium

Valid for policies issued up to 31/3/2011 1 £ and for travel completed by 31/12/2011. Areas 1 & 2 - Applicable per person up to age 90 years on the 2 £ date of return to the UK. Areas 3 & 4 - Applicable per person up to age 80 years on the date of return to the UK. 3 £ Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Area 4 4 £ 1 - 3 days £13.80 £21.20 £44.40 £63.90 4 & 5 days £16.60 £26.60 £55.80 £80.30 5 £ 6 -10 days £19.40 £35.90 £75.60 £108.30 11-17 days £22.10 £39.30 £84.10 £121.20 6 £ 18-24 days £24.90 £45.20 £94.70 £136.40 Credit/Debit Card Details TOTAL PREMIUM £ 25-31 days £27.70 £51.40 £107.80 £155.20 Each + 7 days £ 5.00 £10.10 £25.30 £36.50 Card No or part thereof (maximum period of 122 days) All premiums include the Government Insurance Premium Tax (IPT), Start Date End Date Issue No which is 17.5% and is subject to variation. Security Code PREMIUM ADJUSTMENTS All age adjustments apply to the age on the date of return to the UK DECLARATION The following adjustments apply ONLY to trips in excess of 31 days for all persons aged 65 years and over On behalf of all persons listed in this application, I agree that this application shall Geographical Area Premium Increase be the basis of the Contract of Insurance. I agree that Insurers may exchange Area 2 Europe Plus 50% (1.5 times) information with other Insurers or their agents. I have read and understood the Area 3 Worldwide excl. North America etc Plus 100% (2 times) terms and conditions of the insurance, with which all persons above are in Area 4 Worldwide incl. North America etc Plus 200% (3 times) agreement and for whom I am authorized to sign. Infants up to 2 years inclusive are FREE subject to being included with an adult paying a full premium. Signed ...... Date ...... Children 3 to 16 years inclusive are HALF PRICE subject to being included The form MUST be signed by one of the persons to be insured on behalf of all persons to be insured. with an adult paying a full premium. Unaccompanied children pay the adult rate. is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Global Travel Insurance Group Discounts – Contact us for discounts available starting at 10 persons. Services Ltd, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. 136STI10 ✄ The Old Baron Triumphs Again by Dick Atkinson

ch, mein Papa!’ intoned the ‘I . . . Obviously there is a danger of got the better of your father?’ Baron soulfully, holding out a being shut out. They may reach 4 ♥ ‘My father was quick to point out that ‘A large sheet of slightly when you have a game in spades or even 5♣ must make on normal defence . . .’ yellowed parchment. diamonds, so –’ And so it would, with that perfect lie of I glanced at it and, deciphering the ‘Nevermind. You pass, of course, to the diamond honours. large gothic characters among the fancy await developments. My father leapt to scrolls and curlicues, realised it was a 4♠ which was passed round to me. I certificate for a block of ten thousand doubled and Julius led the ace of clubs, Dealer: West. East-West Vul. shares in De Beers. My uncle had often rather than the obvious and lethal Baroness bewailed the loss of the family estates, diamond. I discarded the four of hearts, ♠ Void confiscated by the Russians in 1945, but and Papa ruffed low, then cashed the ace ♥ K Q 10 6 3 2 obviously his father had not left him of hearts before starting on trumps, ♦ K J destitute. ‘A handsome bequest,’ I Julius discarding a club on the first ♣ 8 6 5 3 2 replied. round. Analysis?’ Julius Uncle Leo

‘Bequest? Nein, nein! The bridge ♠ Void N ♠ 9 8 7 6 5 2 hand in the margin . . . Somehow the old ♥ J 9 7 5 W E ♥ 8 4 How to Beat the Contract S man always got the better of me. ♦ 9 ♦ A Q 10 7 4 Always.’ ‘Well. I suppose -’ ♣ A K Q J 10 9 7 4 ♣ Void I looked more closely, and sure ‘Keep those hands hidden! To have Old Baron enough there was a deal neatly recorded any chance, you must assume that my ♠ A K Q J 10 4 3 in black ink. It was typical of Uncle Leo father holds only a singleton heart, ♥ A to jot a bridge hand down, oblivious at otherwise eleven tricks are easy.’ ♦ 8 6 5 3 2 the moment to the importance of the ‘Er –’ ♣ Void paper it was written on. ‘So if you can beat it at all, you have a 33% chance of defeating the contract.’ Uncle Beats His Papa ‘Er –’ Intellectual Victory ‘Come, come. Since declarer must be ‘Cover the West and South hands.’ 7-1-5-0 if we are to defeat him, then ‘But there was worse to come. I was I obediently obscured those twenty- partner has just one diamond. Provided unwise enough to claim an intellectual six cards with my right thumb. partner holds the nine or eight rather victory in the post-mortem. After all, it ‘North was my mother. Julius, our than one of the four little cards . . .’ seemed that five defensive unblocks in a butler, was making up the table, and I cunningly varied my interjections: single suit must be an unprecedented opened 1 ♣. Mutti overcalled with 1 ♥, ‘Ah!’ coup . . .’ giving me my first problem. Well?’ ‘You see it!’ I didn’t. ‘I unblocked ‘You mean your father claimed to have This was the hand: defensively in trumps – five times – to achieved the same feat? Surely the precise avoid the throw-in. After taking his six circumstances, almost, would have had to further trump tricks, Papa had to lead a be duplicated. It seems hard to credit.’ ♠ 9 8 7 6 5 2 diamond to the king and ace. I cashed ‘No. It was worse than that. On the next ♥ 8 4 the queen, and threw my father in with deal my mother made 4 ♥ on a simple ♦ A Q 10 7 4 my four of diamonds to lead back into hexagon squeeze. And then . . .’ The ♣ Void my ten-seven. One down.’ Baron turned the fancy share certificate ‘Then, surely, on this occasion you over. ‘This was the third deal.’

Page 42 The Old Baron Triumphs Again continued CHARITY BRIDGE EVENTS either of them as a stepping Papa Gets AuGuST 2010 16 THE FRIENDS OF ST ANNE'S stone to that dummy. CHuRCH. Kew. Church Hall. 15 MACMILLAN CANCER SuPPORT His Revenge Eventually the three and two 1.30pm for 2-5pm. £25 per pair. St George’s Bridge Centre, fell under my five, I cashed Ian Lewty ( 020 8876 3681 Darlington. Duplicate Pairs 2pm. the four, and lost the last five Prizes, , meal. £12.50. 16 CHRISTIAN AID . St Andrew's Church Dealer: East. Game All. tricks to my mother’s Details ( 01325 360340 Rooms, Preston, Weymouth. 1.45 for 2pm, £6.50pp includes tea. North spades. My father was cock- 25 EAST ANGLIA AIR AMBuLANCE Julia Moore ( 01305 776138 Baroness a-hoop, I remember, about Dick Powell Charity Bridge Event [email protected] ♠ AKJ87 that sextuple defensive 2-5pm at South Wootton Village Hall, Kings Lynn. £5.00 entry 16 RNLI ♥ Void unblock.’ includes a cream tea. Cheltenham Bridge Club. £15pp. ♦ 8532 It certainly seemed Ivan Gerstel ( 01553 768236 11am-4pm. Lunch & glass wine. ♣ 9862 unfortunate. ‘I see what you Margaret Beverley West East mean. Presumably Julius SEPTEMBER 2010 ( 01242 510193 Julius Uncle could have made 4 ♥?’ 10 CHILDREN’S CHARITIES 21 HELP FOR HEROES Congregational Leo ‘Pshaw! Perhaps – if he Doddington Village Hall. Church Hall, Market Harborough ♠ Q109 ♠ 65432 hadn’t been at the brandy 10 for 10.30am. £13.50. 2pm. £7.50pp. ( Margaret ( 01858 464777 ♥ J1095 ♥ AKQ that night! But my father had Val Topliss 01354 653696 Ann ( 01858 465508 ♦ AKQJ109 ♦ Void a different contract in mind.’ 16 HuDDERSFIELD PENNINE ROTARY CLuB . Outlane Golf Club. 12 for 22 CHESHIRE HOMES. Village Hall, ♣ Void ♣ AKQ54 I was mystified. ‘4 ♠ must Hartford. 10 for 10.30am. £13.50. be two down . . . 5 could 12.30pm. £44 a table, inc lunch. South ♦ Brian Noble ( 01484 427356 M Howarth ( 01480 212910 Old Baron be, oh, four down easily . . . 5 must be even worse –’ 17 ST MARY’S CHuRCH EATON SOCON, NOVEMBER 2010 ♠ Void ♣ St. Neots 10 for 10.30am. £13. ♥ 876432 ‘Six down, I think. But my Malcolm Howarth 2 FRIENDS OF EAST SuSSEX ♦ 764 father felt that I was guilty of ( 01480 212910 HOSPICES. Glyndebourne Opera House, The Mildmay Hall. 5.30pm. ♣ J1073 a serious faux pas in the 23 uPWOOD CHuRCH RESTORATION Bridge supper, champagne. auction. He was scathing FuND. upwood Village Hall Dianne Steele ( 01435 813630 about my strong call in a suit Chicago Bridge Day. 10 for 10 FRIENDS OF LEATHERHEAD PARISH ‘I opened 1 ♣, Julius with no card above the six- 10.30am. £15pp includes lunch. Chris Bruce ( 01487 812327 CHuRCH. Parish Church Hall. 1.45 responded 2 ♦, a ridiculous spot.’ Peter Somerfield for 2 p.m. £32 per table inc tea. over-valuation with that void ‘But how can it help to do ( 01487 812167 Fran Fleming ( 01372 375957 in my suit, and I rebid 2 . anything else?’ ♠ 24 SAM BEARE HOSPICE. Christ the 11 ST MARGARET’S SOMERSET HOS - Julius made the easy I-don’t- Prince of Peace Church Hall, PICE. Oake Village Hall. 10.30am give-a-damn-how-you-take- Epilogue Portmore Park Road, Weybridge. for 11am. £15 includes coffee it bid of 3 ♥, and I settled for 2pm. £7pp includes tea. Please and lunch with glass of wine. 3NT, well aware that it was The Baron folded the bring tables, scorers and cards. Audrey Pike ( 01823 256059 an underbid, but happy to certificate neatly into four, Claire Bartoli ( 01932 855799 15 RNLI. Village Hall, Swanmore, conclude the rubber since and tucked it back inside the Susan Hanrahan Hants. 1.30 for 2pm. £40 per ( 01932 400009 table including tea and prizes. my partner and I were priceless first edition of Sue Carpenter obviously not in tune. Papa Goethe’s Faust , where it had 28 ST TERESA’S HOSPICE . Hudswell Village Hall, nr Richmond, ( 01489 893843 led his eight of hearts, and been doing duty as a N. Yorks, £10pp. Bridge the Gap 16 CANCER RESEARCH uK . Mutti discarded the eight of bookmark. ‘Papa suggested I duplicate directed by Mr M Baker. Memorial Hall, Christchurch Road, diamonds. She played two should rebid 2 ♥, a much 1.30-4pm followed by tea West Parley, Dorset. 6.30pm for more diamonds on my more natural bid.’ Mary Lovell ( 01748 850208 7.00pm. £24 per table includes remaining hearts, and it was ‘But then you would 29 PRINCESS ALICE HOSPICE refreshments. Joyce Earll ( 01202 894319 apparent that there was a probably end up in 5 ♥, or Putney Leisure Centre. 10.30am very similar blocked even . . .’ for 11am. £64 per table inc. lunch . 25 HuDDERSFIELD PENNINE ROTARY Pam Turner ( 0208 995 2270 CLuB . Outlane Golf Club. position to that other hand. I ‘Nincompoop! 6 is ♥ 12 for 12.30pm. started the clubs from the unbeatable played by East – OCTOBER 2010 £44 per table, including lunch. top. With the clue of that in fact you can make the 1 RNLI . Salwarpe Village Hall, Brian Noble ( 01484 427356 previous position fresh in Grand if you don’t get a Droitwich, Worcs. 10.30 for 11am 26 ALZHEIMER’S CARE & RESEARCH their minds, there was no trump lead. Ach, mein £10pp including buffet lunch. FuND. Village Hall, Hemingford chance that they would go Papa! ’ Mrs P Main ( 01905 381395 Abbots. 10 for 10.30am. £14. wrong, so between them my I decided, tactfully, not 7 WEST WIRRAL INNER WHEEL Sheila Poval ( 01480 395394 parents unblocked the clubs to inquire who won the Charity Bridge Drive. Heswall 28 DORSET AND SOMERSET AIR Hall, Heswall, Wirral at 6.45pm. six times! I was unable to use rubber. ■ AMBuLANCE. Batcombe Village £50 per table including supper. Hall. 2pm £32 per team inc tea. Ruth Foggin ( 0151 6254201 John Perry ( 01373 467508

Previously published in BRIDGE 52. E-mail your charity events: [email protected]

Page 43 ANSWERS TO THE DECLARER PLAY QUIZ ON PAGE 26 by DAVID HUGGETT

You are declarer in 3NT and West leads the the lead. While holding up the ♦A might help 1. ♠ Q 10 7 5 3 ♠4. East plays the ♠J. How do you plan the if East holds a doubleton diamond and the ♥ A 10 9 3 play? ♣A, better still is to eschew the trump finesse. ♦ A 6 3 You win the diamond lead and cash the ace- ♣ 5 There can be no reason not to win the first king hearts. Now lead the jack of trumps if ♠ Void ♠ K J 2 trick with the ♠Q. With the lead in your hand, you wish but, if West follows with a low card, ♥ Q 8 6 4 N ♥ K J 5 2 it might seem right to finesse in clubs. Just see rise with the ace in dummy and play the mas - W E ♦ 10 8 7 2 S ♦ 9 5 what might happen if you do. East will return ter heart on which you throw a losing dia - ♣ K Q J 8 2 ♣ 10 9 7 4 a spade, which you can duck if you like, but mond. You would be unlucky to find the ♠ A 9 8 6 4 you will have to win the third round. With hearts 6-2 (and the ruff not to be with the ♠K), ♥ 7 nowhere near enough tricks without attacking which constitutes a lower risk than finding the ♦ K Q J 4 diamonds, you now have to hope that it is trump finesse failing. On a good day, you will ♣ A 6 3 East – the hand without the spade winners – drop the singleton king of trumps offside! who has that card. On the actual layout, you would be defeated. Now try things the other way round and attack diamonds first. 4. ♠ 9 7 5 You are declarer in 6 ♠ and West leads the Whoever wins will carry on with spades and ♥ K 10 ♣K. How do you plan the play? again you the ace as long as possi - ♦ K 9 7 ble. Now when you take the club finesse, it ♣ A Q J 6 4 The slam you have reached is undoubtedly a can lose only to East, who probably has no ♠ A 10 8 6 4 ♠ J 2 good one and it would be a shame if careless more spades. (If he does have another ♥ Q 7 3 ♥ J 8 6 4 play led to defeat. With no losers in the red N spade, the suit will have broken 4-4 and all ♦ Q 8 4 W E ♦ J 6 5 2 suits and with the two losing clubs in hand S you would lose are two spades, a diamond ♣ 10 8 ♣ K 9 7 capable of being ruffed in dummy, the only and a club.) ♠ K Q 3 concern is not to lose two trump tricks and ♥ A 9 5 2 there can only be a chance of that if the suit ♦ A 10 3 breaks 3-0. It would be a mistake to cash the 3. ♠ A Q 7 3 ♣ 5 3 2 ace first if the East hand has all three missing ♥ Q 9 5 trumps cards; better is to lead a low card from ♦ 6 5 3 hand at trick two. If West follows with a low ♣ Q 10 7 card, you simply cover in dummy; if East wins You are declarer in 3NT. West leads the ♠6, ♠ 6 4 ♠ K 5 that, then the suit will have broken 2-1. If West East playing the ♠J. How do you plan the ♥ J 8 6 2 N ♥ 10 7 4 3 discards, you play dummy’s ♠Q and can later W E play? ♦ Q J 10 8 S ♦ K 9 2 finesse against the ♠J. There is a slight ♣ A 9 8 ♣ 6 5 4 3 improvement on this play however by enter - The tells you that East holds only one ♠ J 10 9 8 2 ing dummy with the ♥A at trick two and lead - spade higher than the six, which you have ♥ A K ing a low spade, covering whatever East seen at trick one. This marks the ♠A-10 with ♦ A 7 4 plays. So, if East should have a singleton king, West. As you have to rely on clubs to provide ♣ K J 2 you do not lose a trump trick at all. you with four tricks in order to succeed in your contract, the most obvious – and correct – way is to finesse against the king. However, if 2. ♠ 8 6 You are declarer in 4 ♠ and West leads the ♦Q. the finesse fails, East will return a spade and ♥ A 7 5 How do you plan the play? you will go down if West started with an orig - ♦ 8 7 6 4 inal holding of five. Of course, all this presup - ♣ A Q J 6 The diamond lead has attacked a weakness poses that you won the first trick! If you had ♠ K 10 7 4 3 ♠ J 9 2 and you have to be careful as to how to pro - ducked, East would have returned a spade – ♥ Q 4 N ♥ J 10 8 6 3 ceed. It might look right to win the diamond W E no other return is any better – and West could ♦ A 5 3 S ♦ 10 9 2 and immediately take the trump finesse: if the have cleared the suit; that way, when the club ♣ 7 5 4 ♣ K 3 finesse works, you will not lose a trump trick finesse fails, East has no further spade left. If ♠ A Q 5 and make the contract with ease. Can you do you had started with the ace of spades in ♥ K 9 2 better than that? You have a third-round heart your hand instead of the king and queen, the ♦ K Q J winner in dummy on which to throw a losing hold-up play would have looked obvious. ♣ 10 9 8 2 diamond. The trouble is the defenders can Somehow, it is much more difficult to spot with probably cash two diamonds when they gain the actual holding. ■

Page 44 Making Stayman better after 1NT by Bernard Colvin

hen you have a 1 5-4 or Longer in and a weak hand then bid In this example, if North weak hand and the Majors and Weak Stayman. If opener replies in plays in 1NT, he should Wyour partner opens a major, you are happy make only 4 tricks (3 1NT there is a danger that a because you have a fit and undertricks) because the 1NT contract fails, possibly ♠ J 8 7 6 5 can pass. defenders can run both quite badly. When the ♥ Q 9 8 7 If the reply is 2 ♦: Now you minors. If he plays in 2 ♠, he partnership has few high ♦ 4 rebid in your longer major, if should make 9 tricks (1 cards, the extra control ♣ K 5 4 you have one, while with overtrick). afforded by having a trump equal length you must bid Clearly, things are much suit can be vital. 2♥. easier when you find a 4-4 fit. Furthermore, when one hand 2 Shortage in Clubs Over 2 ♠, when responder Let us also see how things is weak, playing with a and Weak shows longer spades, opener would progress otherwise: trump suit has another passes as usual. benefit. A ruffing entry to the The key difference is the weak hand may enable ♠ J 8 7 6 progression over a rebid of ♠ 8 6 5 4 declarer to take a finesse or ♥ Q 9 7 6 2♥: ♥ A K 3 2 reach a winner, a chance that ♦ K 8 7 6 ♦ 7 6 5 would not exist in 1NT. No ♣ 4 Opener passes with 3 ♣ 10 5 longer does the 1NT opener cards in hearts or struggle by having to keep converts to 2 ♠ with only leading out of the same hand. With hands of type 1, you 2 hearts. This ensures This is the responding hand Clearly, a 4-4 fit will can bid Stayman and then there will be at least a from the above diagram: you nearly always score better rebid 2 of the longer major if 7-card fit. should bid 2 ♣ Stayman to because you have trump partner replies 2 ♦. With check on the opener’s shape. control and will gain tricks hands of type 2, you simply This idea allows the partner - Here are four examples of by ruffing in either hand. pass any rebid by opener. ship to escape on many hands for opener: However, you will often gain Extensive research sup- hands and find any 4-4 major by playing in a 4-3 fit too. ports my belief that we can fit that is available. The hand While you cannot make an take things a step further: below shows a prime Hand A Hand B extra trick on quite a few example where the system ♠ A K Q 2 ♠ A K Q deals, in which case clearly It is correct to use gains: ♥ Q 8 7 ♥ Q 8 7 you would prefer not to be a Stayman with two 4-card ♦ Q 4 ♦ Q 9 4 level higher, quite often you majors whatever your ♣ 8 6 4 2 ♣ 8 6 4 2 can make an extra trick. If strength ♠ A K Q 2 trumps break 3-3 or you ♥ Q 8 7 Hand C Hand D manage a ruff in the short Either you will find a 4-4 fit ♦ Q 4 ♠ A K Q ♠ Q 7 trump hand, even a 4-3 fit or you will find a 4-3 fit; ♣ 8 6 4 2 ♥ Q 8 ♥ Q 8 7 can be more productive than computer simulations ♠ 10 9 7 ♠ J 3 ♦ Q 9 4 ♦ Q 9 8 4 3 no-trumps. suggest the resulting suit ♥ 6 5 4 ♥ J 10 9 ♣ 9 8 6 4 2 ♣ A K 2 Traditionally, you will have contract will play better than ♦ A K 2 ♦ J 10 9 8 3 heard that you should only use 1NT most of the time. ♣ K J 9 7 ♣ A Q 3 Stayman with 11+ points – To play this method ♠ 8 6 5 4 With Hand A, opener should but then it seemed sensible to requires only a slight change ♥ A K 3 2 rebid 2 ♠, and you can pass include some weak options: to your methods: ♦ 7 6 5 knowing that there is at least hands that could easily deal When you have two long ♣ 10 5 an 8-card fit. with any response: majors (4+ cards in each) The opener should reply

Page 45 Making Stayman possibility of catering for situations when responder Better continued DOUBLE DUMMY SOLUTION has 4 cards in each major. It is also inefficient if by Richard Wheen 2♦ to your 2 ♣ on the other responder has 5 cards in each (Problem on page 7) three hands, after which you major because it means you call 2 ♥. This is not a weak may play in 2 ♥ on a 5-2 fit spade finesse (put my queen take-out, rather it asks when a 5-3 fit is available in ♠ 4 3 2 on East’s jack – brilliant!). opener to choose hearts or spades. ♥ Void Now, since I did not need spades. In the new system this ♦ A Q 5 further entries to hand, I With Hand B, the opener sequence asks opener to ♣ Void played my ace of spades, to should pass. He has equal ‘pass or correct’ so that he ♠ 8 7 ♠ K J 9 fell East’s king. After some ♥ 3 N ♥ Void thought, West threw a length in the majors and he always has three cards in the W E should disregard the fact that final trump contract. ♦ K J 10 S ♦ 4 diamond. With limited his spades are stronger. He Computer simulations ♣ Void ♣ A K options, I led a diamond to ♠ A Q 10 knows there is at least a 7- show that, with the above the king and ace. When I ♥ 2 card fit. He also knows that if responding hand, 1NT played dummy’s five of ♦ 3 2 diamonds to the last trick, I you had 5 spades and 4 makes about 34% of the time ♣ Void hearts you would have rebid but two of a major 43% of found, to my astonishment and delight, that it won – 2 rather than 2 . the time. This confirms that ♠ ♥ o there we were, in contract made. With Hand C, the opener playing in a suit is quite Sanother South-East What chuffed me most should convert to 2 ; with often worth an extra trick. ♠ Surrey Senior Novices’ was that I had spotted and Hand D, he should pass. In However, one important event. I was South in a no- successfully taken three each case there will be at proviso is that the play of the trump contract and, as is the – that being about least a 7-card fit at the two contracts can be difficult, custom in such events, my the limit of my bridge- level. and the defence too! partner had manoeuvred his playing ability. The After the sequence 1NT- Zimmer frame behind my mathematician within me 2♣-2 ♦-2 ♥, opener will pass Conclusion electric buggy to watch me later worked out this was a whenever he holds 3 hearts. play. With dummy to lead, I 1 in 8 chance, so I had been Therefore, if opener has 3 This system does not suggest needed the last six tricks. very lucky. hearts facing responder’s 5 wholesale changes – it is With luck, I would make ‘Bother’, said West, ‘I hearts and 4 spades, they will adding only one tiny chink to three spades (with two must throw my heart, not a get to the same contract on the Stayman convention. You finesses) and two diamonds diamond.’ I was about to the recommended method as can use Stayman in the (with another finesse). That commiserate when North they would if the 2 ♥ rebid normal way with 11+ points. (and I write as someone who weighed in: ‘My partner forced opener to pass. If the It just adds to the number of passed maths O Level 60 squeezed you! If you throw opener has only 2 hearts, he weak hands on which you years ago – grade C) made at your heart, he cashes his will have 3 spades. He will can use it – 0-10 points and most five tricks. Where was heart before taking the last the other to come from? As then convert to 2 ♠. This puts 4-4 in the majors – as well as trick with the ace of them in a 7-card fit if the usual hands with 9+ cards so often, I would have to rely diamonds.’ It was news to responder is 4-5 or 4-4 in the in the majors or short clubs. on my opponents to discard me that I had executed a badly. majors and in an 8-card fit if The only change you need squeeze. Would I have Not knowing what else to known my two of hearts was responder is 5-5. Again, you to make to your system is do I led a spade off dummy good if West had thrown his never end up with fewer when the Stayman bidder and took a deep finesse, three? I doubt it (O level trumps than if opener had to rebids 2 : 1NT-2 -2 -2 . ♥ ♣ ♦ ♥ covering East’s nine with the maths does not equip one to pass 2 ♥, as some methods In this sequence it is ten, which held – so far so deal with such a conundrum) require and you might end up important for the opening good. I returned to dummy but, for the sake of a few with more. bidder to bid 2 ♠ if his spades with a successful diamond minutes’ glory, I kept quiet. As suggested in the are longer than his hearts finesse – so far even better – We S-ESSN’s do that sort of introduction, Acol usually (otherwise he passes). and took another winning thing. treats the sequence 1NT-2 ♣- It is a minor change to have 2♦-2 ♥ as a weak take-out to make, for what appears to (i.e. obliging opener to pass) give major gains. I would showing at least 5 hearts and suggest having a go and Single-Suited Design Pens 4 spades. This prevents the seeing how you get on! ■ Boxed Have you subscribed to my Set of Four weekly e-magazine yet? £19.95

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Page 46 ANSWERS TO THE DEFENCE QUIZ ON PAGE 13 by JULIAN POTTAGE

sure where the queen is – on your right. The This time, however, you do not try to encour - 1. ♠ 10 5 3 rules for switches are similar to leads – top of age with the nine. For one thing, you do not ♥ A K J 6 2 a sequence. If you grab the ace, declarer will expect partner to regain the lead. More ♦ J make two spade tricks – the king in dummy importantly, you do not signal with winners. ♣ A Q 7 2 and the queen in hand. It is another story if You need to keep the ace-nine as a tenace ♠ A Q 9 ♠ Void you withhold your ace, saving it to capture the over the king. ♥ 10 7 N ♥ Q 4 3 queen. So long as partner has the nine of ♦ Q 9 6 5 3 W E ♦ A 10 8 7 4 2 S spades as well as the presumed ten, this ♣ K 9 5 ♣ 10 8 6 3 restricts declarer to one spade trick. ♠ K J 8 7 6 4 2 4. ♠ Q 4 3 ♥ 9 8 5 You should play the seven of spades to ♥ A K 6 2 ♦ K encourage spades. You hope that partner will ♦ A Q 9 7 4 ♣ J 4 gain the lead, perhaps with the ♥A or, as ♣ 5 here, the ♦K and play a second round of ♠ A J 8 ♠ K 10 6 2 spades. You defeat the contract with a club, a ♥ 8 7 3 N ♥ 9 4 W E West North East South diamond and two spades. ♦ K J 5 S ♦ 8 3 2 3♠ ♣ J 9 7 2 ♣ A 8 6 3 Pass 4♠ End ♠ 9 7 5 ♥ Q J 10 5 You lead the five of diamonds: jack, ace, king. 3. ♠ Q 8 3 ♦ 10 6 Partner switches to the three of clubs, covered ♥ J 10 2 ♣ K Q 10 4 by the four. What do you play? ♦ A Q 7 4 ♣ J 5 4 With the ace-queen of clubs poised over your ♠ A 9 4 ♠ J 10 6 5 West North East South king, it might appear that it does not matter ♥ Q 8 7 3 N ♥ Void 1♦ Pass 1♥ W E what you do. In the sense that your king will ♦ J 5 S ♦ 10 8 3 2 Pass 3♥ Pass 4♥ not make while the ace and queen always ♣ 9 8 7 2 ♣ A Q 10 6 3 End will, this is true. However, by saving your king ♠ K 7 2 to play on declarer’s possible jack, you can ♥ A K 9 6 5 4 You lead the two of clubs. Partner wins with make a difference overall. You should play the ♦ K 9 6 the ace and switches to the two of spades, on nine, taking a finesse against the jack. This ♣ K which declarer plays low. What do you do? way, declarer ends up losing a heart as well as two trumps and a diamond. You are probably into the habit of finessing by West North East South now. If you do not play the ace then you will 1♥ play the eight rather than the jack. The eight is Pass 2♦ Pass 3♥ just as good as the jack in forcing out the 2. ♠ K 5 3 Pass 4♥ End queen and you would want to keep the ace- ♥ J 10 6 2 jack over South’s possible K-9. ♦ A Q 9 6 2 You lead the eight of clubs: four, ace, king. ♣ Q Partner switches to the jack of spades and This time, you need to study the dummy ♠ A 7 4 ♠ J 10 9 6 declarer plays low. What do you play? before reaching a decision. The diamond ♥ 9 7 N ♥ 4 3 position is horrible, with the ace-queen over W E ♦ 8 5 3 S ♦ K 4 This time the spade honour you can see in your king-jack. The trump position does not ♣ K 9 7 5 2 ♣ A 10 8 6 3 dummy is the queen. This means you cannot seem good either – it looks like whatever ♠ Q 8 2 so quickly deduce the spade position. Could partner has there will fall under the ace-king. ♥ A K Q 8 5 partner possibly hold the ♠K? You need to ♦ J 10 7 count the points to work this out. If you What is more, if declarer can get to hand, one ♣ J 4 assume the ♣K at trick one is a true card, of dummy’s spades will go away on the ♣K partner has 6 points in clubs and you have (partner has denied holding the ♣K by win - seen the ♠J, giving 7 in total. The unseen ning the first trick with the ♣A). West North East South hands have 23 points between them. If part - 1♦ Pass 1♥ ner has 3 more points (with the ♠K), South’s By far your best chance of defeating the con - Pass 2♥ Pass 4♥ jump rebid with 13 points is looking very skin - tract is to find partner with the king (and ten) End ny. Besides, if holding a spade suit headed by of spades. In this case, you can cash three the king-jack, partner could have led low to spade tricks straight away. You go up with the You lead the five of clubs. Partner wins with avoid giving you a guess. Now that you are ace and continue with the jack. Whether the ace and switches to the jack of spades. sure the ♠K is on your right, the position is dummy covers or not, declarer cannot make What do you do when declarer plays low? much the same as on the previous deal. a spade trick. You know that the third round of spades will stand up since the switch to the From partner’s switch to the jack, you can be You want to save your ace to capture the king. two indicates a four-card suit. ■

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