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Home , Acol, Ely Culbertson, English Bridge Union, Hugh Kelsey, Jack Marx (bridge), Julian Pottage

Number: 177 UK £3.95 €5.00 September 2017 Bernard Magee’s Bidding Quiz This month we are dealing with hands with two long suits. You are West in the auctions below, BRIDGEplaying ‘Standard Acol’ with a weak no- (12-14 points) and four-card majors.

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South ? 1♥ Pass 1♥ 1♠ 2♥ 3♠ 1♥ 1♠ 2♣ 2♠ 1♠ Pass 2♣ Pass ? ? ?

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass 1NT Pass 1♣ 1♠ 1♥ 1♠ 2♣ 2♠ ? 2♥1 Pass 2♠ Pass 2♥ 3♠ 4♥ 4♠ ? ? 1Transfer to spades ?

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South 1♠ Pass 3♦ 1♥ 1♠ 2♥ 1♥ Dbl ? ? ? 1♠ 2♦ 2♥ 3♦ ?

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

Features this month include: ADVERTISERS’ BRIDGE 1 Bidding Quiz by Bernard Magee INDEX 5 Mr Bridge 2 The Aegean Experience Ryden Grange, Knaphill, with Voyages to Surrey GU21 2TH 7 Bidding Quiz by Bernard Magee Antiquity ( 01483 489961 9 Lives and Times - Part One 3 Clive Goff’s Stamps [email protected] by Shireen Mohandes 4 Classical Italy and www.mrbridge.co.uk 14 David Stevenson Answers Your Questions the Adriatic with Voyages to Antiquity shop: www.mrbridge.co.uk/ mrbridge-shop 17 About Safety Plays by Andrew Kambites 5 Christmas in Cuba & the Caribbean with Publisher and 19 About Safety Plays Quiz by Andrew Kambites Voyages to Antiquity Managing Editor 20 Making Extra Tricks in No-Tumps by Bernard Magee 6 Renaissance Italy & Mr Bridge Historic Islands with 21 Defence Quiz by Bridge Consultant Voyages to Antiquity Bernard Magee 21 Declarer Play Quiz by David Huggett 8 Mr Bridge UK Events bernardmagee 13 Festive Season 2017 @mrbridge.co.uk 22 Wendy Wensum’s Diaries 16 Club Insurance Cartoons & Illustrations 23 About Safety Plays Answers by Andrew Kambites 16 Travel Insurance Marguerite Lihou 24 Sally’s Slam Clinic www.margueritelihou.co.uk 26 Mediterranean 25 Defence Quiz Answers by Julian Pottage Odyssey with Technical Consultant Voyages to Antiquity Tony Gordon 27 Declarer Play Answers by David Huggett 27 QPlus 12 Typesetting & Design 28 Bridge and VAT by Jeremy Dhondy 35 Acol Bidding Ruth Edmondson with Bernard Magee 29 Catching Up with [email protected] 36 Bernard Magee DVDs Sets 1-3 Proof Readers 30 The Joker by Paul Bostock Julian Pottage 32 Friar Tuck’s Raiding Party by 37 Bernard Magee DVDs Mike Orriel Sets 4-6 Catrina Shackleton 34 Missing More Honours by Michael Byrne 40 Defence Richard Wheen 36 Claims – Part One by David Stevenson with Bernard Magee Customer Services 41 Bernard Magee DVDs 38 Julian Pottage Answers Your Questions Catrina Shackleton Set 7 [email protected] 41 Bidding Quiz Answers (1-3) by Bernard Magee 45 Declarer Play with Bernard Magee Events & Cruises 42 Teaching Drawing Trumps by Ian Dalziel ( 01483 489961 46 Bernard Magee’s Tutorial Software Jessica Galt 43 Bidding Quiz Answers (4-6) by Bernard Magee 47 Denham Filming 2018 [email protected] 44 Readers’ Letters Megan Riccio 51 Italian & Adriatic [email protected] 45 Bidding Quiz Answers (7-9) by Bernard Magee Highlights with Sophie Pierrepont Voyages to Antiquity 46 More Tips by Bernard Magee [email protected] 52 A Voyage Through Clubs & Charities 47 Bidding Quiz Answers (10-12) by Bernard Magee The Middle Sea with Voyages to Antiquity Maggie Axtell 48 Ten Days by Sally Brock [email protected] Address Changes ( 01483 485342 REDUCE THE COST OF YOUR POSTAGE Elizabeth Bryan [email protected] Postage stamps for sale at 90% of face-value, all mint with full gum. Quotations for commercial quantities available on request.

Printed in the UK by Values supplied in 100s, higher values available as well as The Magazine 1st and 2nd class (eg 2nd class: 100x38p+100x18p). Printing Company www.magprint.co.uk ( 020 8422 4906 e-mail: [email protected]

BRIDGE September 2017 Page 3

30TH CELEBRATION on ms. Serenity. Single occupancy of a twin Readers will be aware bedded cabin is available that I have spent many at a supplement of 25%. months talking about my forthcoming 30th 2018 DIARIES anniversary celebrations. Our inaugural river boat

cruises in particular, hosted by Bernard Magee HAPPY COUPLE No. 1 as well as Aegean Odyssey voyages in September, Here, as promised in these October and November columns last month, is a with yours truly on . photograph of Bernard and Helen Magee on their All the sailings have been These are now in stock. special day, 8 July 2017. well supported but the best They have lovely soft laid schemes of mice and luxury kidrell covers men do sometimes go awry. with a ball point pen in Sadly, due to a recently the spine. Chose from diagnosed bladder cancer, Ruby Red, Bottle Green I cannot join in any of these or Navy Blue. £14.95 each. parties as I have to undergo Club price 10 assorted radio and chemotherapy. for only £50 including Furthermore, I have postage (and pro rata). been advised to focus DISCOUNTED all my energy on getting STAMPS well, completing the ©Studio GD Photography 2017 treatment and thereafter rebuilding my strength. HAPPY COUPLE No 2 All the while being patient, no pun intended.

QPLUS 12 Clive Goff continues to advertise in these pages, helping us to pay our bills. Be assured his service is all legal and above board. ( 020 8422 4906 ©yellowsnapper [email protected] The day after Bernard See advert on page 3. Once again it is that time and Helen’s wedding, we TRAVEL INSURANCE went to Camberley Heath of year. The world bridge Golf Club for a luncheon computer championships Genesis Choice provides celebration of Brian and are in Lyon, France this quotations with the help Diana Holland’s Diamond year. They will be over by of humans. See page 16. Wedding. Sixty great the time this issue lands on years. Guests known to your doorstep. Be assured, CLUB INSURANCE me included Robin and Johannes Leber, pictured Fidentia, successors to Christine Kent, Richard above, once again travels Moore Stephens, continue and Carol (Brailey) full of hope as he always to offer the Mr Bridge Club Smithson, Brian and does. ‘What other way Insurance package for less Joan Griffiths, Mike and is there to travel?’ I hear than £75 for clubs up to Sheila Watts, Miriam him mumble. Quite So. 300 members. Policies start Finn, Elizabeth Marr DOWN THE DANUBE November 1 and pro rata. and helpers at Rubber/ ( 020 3150 0080 Chicago in the early There are still some cabins All good wishes, days of Mr Bridge, Fran available for both this Bennie and Viv Fleury. years October sailings Mr Bridge

BRIDGE September 2017 Page 5

Bernard Magee’s Acol Bidding Quiz

This month we are dealing with hands with two long suits. You are West in the auctions below, playing ‘Standard Acol’ with a weak no-trump (12-14 points) and four-card majors.

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South ? 1♥ Pass 1♥ 1♠ 2♥ 3♠ 1♥ 1♠ 2♣ 2♠ 1♠ Pass 2♣ Pass ? ? ?

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass 1NT Pass 1♣ 1♠ 1♥ 1♠ 2♣ 2♠ ? 2♥1 Pass 2♠ Pass 2♥ 3♠ 4♥ 4♠ ? ? 1Transfer to spades ?

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South 1♠ Pass 3♦ 1♥ 1♠ 2♥ 1♥ Dbl ? ? ? 1♠ 2♦ 2♥ 3♦ ?

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

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

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

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

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

BRIDGE September 2017 Page 7 Mr Bridge UK Events

Tutorial Events with Bernard Magee PROGRAMME DAY 1 Blunsdon House Elstead Hotel Gourmet Food 1500 Mr Bridge Bournemouth BH1 3QP 15-17 September £252 Welcome Desk open Play and Defence of 1NT and Duplicate at Tea or coffee on arrival Two Bridges Hotel, 1745 to 1830 Chatsworth Hotel Dartmoor Welcome drinks 22-24 September £252 1830 to 2000 Dinner Better Finessing Monday to Wednesday 30 Oct-1 Nov 2015 BRIDGE 1 2-4 Feb 2018 £252 13-15 November DUPLICATE PAIRS Supporting Majors 12-14 March 2018 DAY 2 9-11 April 2018 Ramada Resort 0800 to 0930 Denham Grove Grantham Breakfast Near Uxbridge, UB9 5DG Wed-Fri Four-Night Break at 1000 to 1230 the Trouville Hotel, SEMINAR & PLAY 8-10 November £252 of SET HANDS or Ruffing for Extra Tricks Sandown, Isle of Wight (Just Duplicate Events) Inn on the Prom 1230 to 1330 Mon-Wed Thursday to Monday Cold Buffet Lunch 5-7 March 2018 £252 15-19 February 2018 1400 to 1645 Supporting Majors BRIDGE 2 www.mrbridge.co.uk TEAMS of FOUR Elstead Hotel (Bernard Magee Events) Ramada Resort, Grantham for further details 23-25 Feb 2018 £252 DUPLICATE PAIRS Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT (otherwise) 4-4-4-1 Hands 1815 to 2000 Dinner 2015 BRIDGE 3 Just Duplicate Tutorial Events DUPLICATE PAIRS Events DAY 3 Ramada Resort 0800 to 0930 Denham Grove Grantham Breakfast 29 Sep – 1 Oct £212 1000 to 1230 8-10 September £212 SEMINAR & PLAY Chatsworth Hotel Further into the Auction of SET HANDS or Worthing BN11 3DU 24-26 November £212 16-18 Feb 2018 £212 DUPLICATE PAIRS Blunsdon House Leads and Defence (Just Duplicate Events) 1230 to 1400 29 Sep - 1 Oct £212 Blunsdon House Sunday Lunch (weekend events only) Chatsworth Hotel 13-15 October £222 1400 to 1645 Doubles 6-8 October £212 BRIDGE 4 3-5 November £212 10-12 November £222 DUPLICATE PAIRS Splinters and Cue Bids Elstead Hotel Elstead Hotel Inn on the Prom Mon-Wed Full Board St Annes On Sea FY8 1LU 9-11 October £212 3-5 November £222 Better Leads and Switches No Single 24-26 November £212 Hosted by Will Parsons Supplement* Ramada Resort Denham Grove Grantham 17-19 November £222 24-26 November £199 Better ( 01483 Hosted by Will Parsons Chatsworth Hotel 489961 19-21 Jan 2018 £199 24-26 November £222 Please note there are no seminars, www.mrbridge.co.uk Blunsdon House Hotel set hands or prizes at these events. Game Tries Swindon SN26 7AS *subject to availability A Blast From the Past by Shireen Mohandes

Lives and Times

This series of articles will cover the intertwined lives of three bridge personalities. The lifespans of , Louisa Chamberlain and George Lengyel take us from the late 1800s to the early twenty-first century. Part 1 covers the period to just before the start of WW2, and includes the golden years of . Part 1: 1892-1936

Paul Stern, of served in the German army. that the alliterative nature of that date After the end of WW1 Paul might have been brought up at the The Viennese family of Edward and completed his studies in law at family wedding. Bertha Stern comprised four children: University (full credit being given Family life for Martha and Paul Paul, Hilda, Antonia and Olga. In for war service of 3 years 89 days); seems to have gone well; Paul worked 1892, the year that Paul was born, his qualification was Doctor of Law in Vienna and travelled in Europe on Vienna was part of a diverse and multi- (although in later publications he is business. Children came along: Eve cultural empire, ruled by Emperor mistakenly believed to have a degree (1921) and Edward (1924). In the years Franz Joseph I (1830-1916), which in philosophy). On the 19th October that followed, his talented mind and comprised the Austrian Empire, the 1919, he married Martha Hoffman. his determined efforts allowed him to Kingdom of Hungary and many Slavic It may not be too fanciful to suppose rise to a level of technical proficiency areas. Laws were published in eight at bridge that allowed him to go on languages and all national groups to be a national and international continued to speak and be schooled in champion. His innovation and their own languages. forward thinking helped his country Paul’s education and career must to achieve superiority in Europe and have made the family proud. He was further afield. enrolled at Vienna University (1911 – It is hard to summarise Paul’s vast 1914), studying law and, at about the bridge playing achievements. He same time, he completed a business excelled as player, theorist, author course at the Vienna Business and official. He founded the Austrian Academy. Bridge Federation in 1929 and was During WW1 Paul served its first president. He was a member his country in the cavalry, with of the Austrian open teams that won distinction, on the Italian and Serbian the first two European championships fronts and was awarded three medals, in 1932 and 1933, under the auspices including the prestigious Goldene of the International Bridge League Verdienstkreuz mit der Krone am in Scheveningen, and in Bande der Tapferkeitsmedaille. At six . foot three inches tall he would have stood out amongst his comrades. It may interest historians to know In 1925, American Harold Vanderbilt was the person who derived Contract that his fellow Austrian, Adolf Hitler bridge from . The game became hugely popular in the USA and who spent the years 1905-1913 in all around the world. The infamous self-publicist was well Vienna and was just three years older travelled, and it comes as no surprise to read that Culbertson and Stern would than Paul, won the Iron Cross which later meet, and duel, at the bridge table, in much hyped and discussed could be considered as the equivalent tournaments. The systems they each developed were constantly compared and medal. Hitler had, of course, been discussed. They collaborated on projects and ventures, such as AutoBridge. rejected by the Austrian army and

BRIDGE September 2017 Page 9 recruited teammates from amongst the Louisa Chamberlain, Guy Ramsey, said, ‘…he [Paul members. of Stern] was the acknowledged In the early 1930s, arguably the European expert on all cases height of bridge’s popularity, ideas John Chamberlain (1881-1917), was involving games of chance – a on systems were reported on in daily Neville Chamberlain’s cousin; the considerable requirement in a newspapers. Chamberlain extended family were Continent where gambling is legal. Culbertson was busy making from Edgbaston in Birmingham. He was, in fact, almost a one-man movie featurettes, six in total, each 20 In 1907 he married Hilda Poynting Court of Appeal when questions of minutes or so in duration, and these (1885-1974), daughter of John Henry ethics (or cheating) were involved.’ were being played in cinemas. The Poynting (1852-1914), a notable Contract Bridge Journal, June 1948 golden age of bridge coincided with physicist who lived there, and was a the golden age of radio, and bridge was leading academic at Birmingham and widely followed through that medium Cambridge universities. Hilda’s father ’s autobiography as radio was so accessible. died after falling into a diabetic coma; describes the fervour surrounding Challenge matches were all the a disease that was to play a big part in bridge in coffee houses in Vienna. The rage and superiority in bidding was Louisa’s later life. She was an outgoing serious bridge was at the Vienna Bridge contested. So, what made Paul’s woman, who excelled at croquet Club. It is here, at the Grand Hotel, the Vienna system a stand-out? He and enjoyed her bridge. Hilda and

Championship Der International Bridge League club’s base, that the top players played, was the first person to truly codify John lived with their four children, ‘… in surroundings that were relaxed, bidding. The likes of Culbertson in the Drusilla, Louisa (born 1909), Honor friendly and comfortable – not to USA, S J Simon, , and the and Richard in Edgbaston. say luxurious.’ There were about 100 Acolites, etc, all were developing During WW1 Captain John members, who dined on the premises systems where, pretty much, what you Chamberlain was in the South Wales when games ended. Vice President bid matched with what you held in Borderers. He was killed in action, at Paul Stern crafted his system and your hand. the age of 36 and was buried in Ypres,

Championship Der International Bridge League The Times, on 22 March 1938 Printed in German, in 1935, and written by: Paul Stern; Egon Watza; Manfred reported, ‘The Vienna System, as Wlaschütz; Karl von Blühdorn; et al. Gerald Hilte, at the Netherlands Bridge Dr Stern himself prefers to call it, is Museum, tells me: an amalgam of various systems. To master it, it is necessary to unlearn ‘This is an incredible unique book, it is numbered, all the hands and results are much, receive on trust several new on folded pages (unfolded: 4-5 A4 format) with handwritten hands and results. ideas, and take the structure as a Dr Stern presented the book in a way that Hungary (who won this championship) whole with no half measures. was not the best team, but Austria (actually 2nd) were the best team. “Bidding,” it is stated, “should not be a series of problems for one’s Today daily bulletins present the daily boards and results, but before 1934 it took partner but a more or less a year. He was the first one who managed that the book was published within 2 mechanical disclosure of specific weeks after the match was finished, at least it was presented like that.’ cards.”’

Page 10 BRIDGE September 2017 Belgium, alongside so many friends and colleagues. Bamberger Point Count System How sad it must have been for Louisa and her siblings, to lose The Bamberger Point Count System requires 52 points to produce a probable grandfather and father just a few years slam on power alone. The honour cards are evaluated as: 7 point for Ace, 5 apart. Hilda went on to marry Samuel point for a King, 3 point for a Queen, and 1 point for a Jack. Bamberger is one Gurney-Dixon (1878-1970) a year later, of several systems, others include Collet, Polish, Robertson, Vernes. That last one and they had three children. Hilda, will keep you on your toes, as the points are: 4, 3.1, 1.9 and 0.9, respectively. Samuel, and all seven children lived happily together, first in Winchester Basics of the Austrian System. and then in Lyndhurst, Hampshire. Sometime in the 1930s Hilda invited The system, which uses the Bamberger method for counting points, changed Paul Stern to her home in Winchester, quite a bit over the years. Stern used a variety of evaluation methods. where they played bridge together. Probably around this time Louisa was 1♣: 19-27 points. No five-card suits other than clubs. learning how to play bridge, and 1♦/1♥/1♠: 18-27 points. Five-card suit. 1NT: 28+ points. Any shape. Forcing. A story, as recounted by a family 2♣/2♦/2♥/2♠: Game going strength which requires some help from partner member, sometime before the to reach slam. outbreak of WW2: 2NT: 35-41 points. Balanced (when unbalanced you open 1NT). ‘The Chamberlains lived in, or 3♣/3♦/3♥/3♠: Pre-emptive. 7+ card-suit. Weak. near, the New Forest. There is a story that Louisa went abroad and Gordon Rainsford, General Manager of the , was born in took her dog, Watson, down to the Kenya and spent his early childhood there. He explains, ‘I first played rubber New Forest by train to stay with her bridge at home with my family when I was a teenager, and remember mother. The dog was unhappy and supplementing my pocket money playing with my grandmother against her caught the correct train back to friends. I also used to play at the Visa Oshwal Community Centre in Mombasa, London all on his own and was where they played “Stern” – a variant of the Vienna system using the 7-5-3-1 reunited with Louisa through his point count.’ dog collar.’

BRIDGE September 2017 Page 11 would have met Paul. Louisa was Crockfords and The Portland amongst in life as his father Lajos, a solicitor, unlike most of the women with a others. Run by Count Repelaer, a rich suffered a nervous breakdown in family background such as hers. and titled Dutchman with a waxed WW1, and, unable to endure the noise She was independent, well-travelled moustache, the club had hotel-like and bustle of , sought refuge (having visited , Egypt and rooms for visitors, and a decent in a small village. George was brought India), and kept distant from tennis restaurant. up by relatives in Budapest. According parties and the debutant social scene. The mid 1930s would have been an to George, during WW1 his mother, She moved to London in the late exciting time for the bridge playing aunt and grandmother needed a fourth 1930s and became a bridge host at The Hilda and Louisa. Would they have player for bridge, so they taught him Hamilton (close to the site of tall hotels made the trip to Selfridges to kibitz to play when he was five years old. In in Park Lane). What was involved the infamous Culbertson challenge his words: ‘with better things to do in in being a bridge host? Perhaps this matches? the evening at that time of life, I had advertisement describes the role: Surely we can speculate they would to be bribed to make up a four’. This, From The Times, 24 March 1930, have attended, sat in the dedicated he considered, was the start of his and relating to the Acol Club in West packed auditorium, and watched the professional career at bridge. Hampstead: . Perhaps afterwards reading While at university studying ‘Capable and experienced lady the review of the day’s play in the economics, he lived in digs in Buda, wanted to take charge of the bridge evening edition of the papers, before rowed on the Danube, played tennis room of one of the newest and most popping into the club for a rubber or in the summer and enjoyed skiing. He enterprising bridge clubs of NW two. would have come across Robert Darvas London. Applicants must have great (1903-1957), Geza Ottlik (1912-1990), personal charm, be quite alive, and George (Gyuri) Lengyel, and much later, Tim Seres (1925-2007) have plenty of initiative, able to play of Hungary to name a few of his countrymen, who a really first-class game, and have a became major figures in the bridge good following.’ Lajos Lengyel and Piroska Pécsi, of world in their lifetime. The first two The Hamilton was one of the grand Budapest, had just one child, George were praised by in the clubs of London. It competed with (1911-2005). He had a tough start New York Times, 13 January, 1991:

Page 12 BRIDGE September 2017 ‘If one wanted to select the bridge multi-lingual. He now speaks seven writer with the greatest creativity languages fluently.’ 2017 FESTIVE in terms of card-play theory, two Austria hosted the 1934 European Hungarians would be among the Championships in Vienna but it was SEASON strongest candidates. One is Robert Hungary which triumphed. That Darvas, who died in 1957 and is strong team, and variations of it, went Denham Grove remembered for the classic “Right on to win first or second placings at Near Uxbridge, UB9 5DG Through the Pack”, written with the championships for the next three Norman De V. Hart and read and years. In effect, between them Austria reread with great delight all over the and Hungary could rightly claim to world since it first appeared in 1947. have dominated the European bridge Each card in the deck tells a story in scene between 1932 and 1938. In the which it plays a key role. The themes, women’s championships, Austria Christmas both technical and human, are triumphed in back-to-back years, astonishingly varied. 1935, 1936, 1937. 23-27 Dec £495 Duplicates and Seminars At 25 years of age, George was a Signals, Discards and Basic Defence winner at the 1936 Bridge Olympiad, hosted by Will Parsons an international competition devised by Ely Culbertson. Was it his success at Twixmas bridge that prevented him completing 27-29 Dec £252 his studies? We can only speculate. Duplicates and Seminars He started a professional career as Competitive Bidding a buyer for a chemical factory in the hosted by Bernard Magee mid-1930s. New Year 29 Dec-2 Jan £499 Duplicates and Seminars Acknowledgements Further into the Auction hosted by Bernard Magee Several people have helped me with this set of articles. I’d like to thank David Stern (grandson of Ramada Resort Paul Stern), Evi and Marianne Grantham (George Lengyel’s daughters), Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT The other is Geza Ottlik, who died John Townsend, The Netherlands October 9 1990, at the age of 78. His Bridge Museum, Valentine Ramsey great work, written with , (Guy Ramsey’s son). I have quoted was “Adventures in Cardplay,” which from Guy Ramsey’s excellent book opened new frontiers in play and Aces All, Rixi Markus’s autobiography A Vulnerable defense when it appeared in 1979. Christmas In his own country he was known Game, Contract Bridge Journal, and The Times. 23-27 Dec £425 to a wider audience as the ultimate Just Duplicate authority on Hungarian prose. His hosted by Sheila Rogers novel “A School at the Frontier” was translated into many languages. In Next month Twixmas 1985 he received the Kossuth Prize 27-29 Dec £215 for Literature, which is his country’s Paul’s grandson, David, only has a few Duplicates and Seminars highest award.’ of Paul’s bridge medals and none of his Overcalling In such company, George developed war medals. What happened to them? New Year as a player, and he made up a student The 1937 encounter with Culbertson, 29 Dec-1 Jan £345 team which was nicknamed “The how did that turn out? How did the Duplicates and Seminars 100 Years Team” because of their Stern family leave Austria? Was Paul a Better Hand Evaluation total ages. They went on to win the toughie, or in fact, a gentle giant? Hungarian Championships in what Louisa’s life changes course, and she Back to Back bookings were still the early days of bridge. A faces struggles in addition to the war. save £50 (per additional event) profile on him in , George marries, but is forced to ( 01483 489961 in the 1980s, said, ‘…it was no good reach an unwilling accommodation speaking just Hungarian, for no one with a Nazi leader. For details and itineraries else spoke Hungarian and at an early (Do I sound like a TV listings www.mrbridge.co.uk/ukbreaks age he had been encouraged to become magazine?) ■

BRIDGE September 2017 Page 13 David Stevenson Answers Your Questions on Laws and Ethics

Hesitating with a Singleton

Early in the hand, but in this case you would partner, you are always twice, the second is I noticed one of not get any sympathy. permitted to deviate so long not penalised, but should Qmy opponents, an as partner does not expect it. the second offender be experienced player, discard ♣♦♥♠ Of course, it depends treated as though the first a club. Towards the end of somewhat on what your offender had not revoked? the play, I led out winning I am not an opponents meant: if they That was the decision clubs with the ♣2 taking experienced bridge were merely advising you I made at the table. the last trick in the suit. Qplayer, learning on what they thought you Andrew Mountain, However, on the last but on the job, as it were. I was should bid, then I am afraid Oakleigh, Wrexham. one club, when both my playing in a friendly four that a lot of opponents do opponents had one each, at home where I picked that. It is not polite and When a player one of the players hesitated up the following hand. they should not, unless you and it is for a few seconds before ask for advice. If they are A established, his side playing it. Because I had saying you are not allowed suffer a penalty. There are kept count, no harm was ♠ A 10 x to make such a bid, they various situations but, in done, but if I had missed ♥ A x x x are wrong, not you. general, the revoke tends to the one that was discarded ♦ A 10 x be one trick transferred to the earlier, I might not have ♣ A J x ♣♦♥♠ other side. If a player revokes played the winning ♣2 and again in the same suit there tried a losing option instead. At a recent is no further penalty. Under Law 72D, I think the Even though there were 17 beginners’ session, Those are the rules. There opponent’s delay in playing HCP, I did not like the look of QI was called to the is no rule that you do not the singleton was illegal, but it and opened 1NT (showing table after a revoke. The get a penalty if you revoke should I have spoken to my 12-14) which my partner left revoke had been established in a different suit or if your opponent, or to the director? me in. I made eight tricks so I asked them to call me at partner revokes. So, if Richard Hainsworth, Leeds. as my partner filled in some the end of the play. However, you mean there were two of the gaps. Afterwards, I shortly afterwards I was revokes in the same suit, You are generally was challenged by one of called again for another then his partner revoked, expected to know the opposition that I should revoke by the same person. his side would suffer two A what is going on not have opened 1NT as I Again, I said. ‘Don’t worry, penalties, usually, but not and if you do not remember was too strong. I thought play on and I will adjudicate invariably, two tricks. whether the thirteenth one could ‘take a view‘ at the end of the play.’ card in a suit is good, it is on one’s hand? Was it a I had no sooner sat down ♣♦♥♠ considered your fault. There psyche? Is that permitted? (I was a playing director) is nothing illegal in pausing Name and address supplied. than I was called, yet I believe that for thought at any time when again, to the same table. standard Acol it cannot mislead declarer. If your opponents This time the offender’s Qteaches that with a If you do have worries said you had done partner had also revoked. 1NT type of opening hand about a break in , A something illegal I can’t find anywhere in you open 1NT with a four- you should call the director they are wrong. Whatever the rules to cover this. If card major and one of the not speak to your opponent, your agreements with the same person revokes suit with a five-card major.

Page 14 BRIDGE September 2017 If a partnership declares there, since both bids were whatever his partner plays, so I just bid 4♦. We made that they are playing weak, it was permitted to and that declarer may game as did most others. standard Acol, but open at the two level with require the other player to South had eight points and (regularly or by agreement) seven cards. Please can you do one of three things: 1. had psyched. South was the open 1NT holding a five- tell me if this is correct. require offender’s partner TD, and, as I felt somewhat card major, should the Norman Taylor by email. to play the highest card he aggrieved, although I know opposition be advised of holds of the suit led, or 2. psyches are allowed, he that fact and if so how? Certainly: players require offender’s partner called another TD. TD2 Colin Jones, may bid as they to play the lowest card he confirmed the psyche was Kingston-upon-Thames. A please, except certain holds of the suit led, or 3. allowed but then advised conventions which are illegal. forbid offender’s partner me I should have taken no Standard Acol is If they wish to open 2♥ on a to play a card of another notice of it, as my partner an approach, often seven-card suit that is their suit specified by declarer. had overcalled vulnerable A taught to beginners, right. A 2♥ opening showing The trouble with this is that and so must have points. and generally followed by hearts is not a convention #1 and #2 are no help at all I asked for the psyche novices. As people develop so a pair can play it in any since you knew he had no to be recorded as neither in the game, playing with way they please. There is hearts, so you might as well TD had suggested this. and against different people, no rule that other people try #3. However, supposing Someone said you are and reading articles (often in should play the way that you spades are trumps and only allowed to psyche BRIDGE) and talking to other do, so long as they are not you forbid the player from once a year – is this true? players, their game develops playing an illegal convention. playing a club, then he will Do you think a TD should and no two pairs with any However, they are required just discard a diamond. set a good example by not experience play everything to keep their opponents There is another law, psyching? Should a second exactly the same way. So, informed, so if they have a numbered 23 in the 2007 TD side with the psycher? you cannot really make too system card they should show laws, which is very rarely Name and address supplied. many deductions about how they play 2♥ on it, and used at club level, but this detail when a pair claims to also describe it accurately might be a time when Psyches are legal. be playing Standard Acol. in answer to a question. it should be: it says that They have become It is generally understood if a player commits an A unfashionable that any particular rules ♣♦♥♠ irregularity when he knows which is why people are about 1NT openings should it could work to his benefit, very surprised by them, and be written on a system card While in the then the director adjusts if many people do not realise and disclosed in answer to death throes of it does work to his benefit. they are legal. The rules say a question, but they are not Qan unmakeable So, under this law I would that you are required to let alertable nor announceable contract with five cards left give declarer a trick. opponents know all your nor do they stop the overall in each hand, I played the A new law book applies agreements with partner, approach being described as ♥10 hoping to tempt my left from August 1st and Law but the rules do not say you Standard Acol. This includes hand opponent to with 23 will become law 72C. have to follow them. In fact, the frequency of including his master trump. As soon as most people who do not five-card majors, which I placed the ♥10 on the table, ♣♦♥♠ follow their agreements do differs from pair to pair. my right-hand opponent so by accident, but whether There is one exception to beat it with the ♥J while my Please could you by accident (misbids) or this general approach: if a left-hand opponent was still give your opinion design (psyches), they are pair has an agreement to deliberating. I objected to Qon the following legal. It is thus perfectly include singletons in their this and called the director bidding situation. My RHO legal for a playing director 1NT opening, that should be who ruled it was a lead (N) opened 2♠, alerted as to psyche and for another part of their announcement. out of turn and gave me a weak. I had 12 points (with director to rule it legal. penalty trick to placate me. four spades) and passed. There is a worry that ♣♦♥♠ Was this the correct ruling? My LHO (S) bid 2NT and people who psyche frequently Name and address supplied. my partner overcalled 3♦. – perhaps once or twice Last night my LHO North then bid 3♥. I asked every session – have the opened a Benji 2♥. The law states that the strength of the 2NT bid effect that their partner QWhen the play had when a defender and was told 16 points, expects it and may allow for been completed, I found A plays to a trick but could be 13 points. it. Then it becomes part of they had seven hearts and before his partner, then I judged that my partner their agreements. To control 10 points, so I queried why the card played becomes a had a long suit headed by this, some authorities require they had not opened 3♥. major penalty card, which the A-K. Nine of my points some or all psyches to be The answer was that they in this case, means that the were kings and under recorded so that patterns played at another club and card must still be played South’s presumed aces, can be seen.

BRIDGE September 2017 Page 15 When you asked for the ‘transfer’. If you continue This means any defence. psyche to be recorded, that is to play this way, then when So, if you wish to play 2♣ CLUB reasonable and they should partner bids 2♦ you must as hearts and spades with INSURANCE do so. If, for example, this alert and, if asked, say, ‘It longer clubs than diamonds, player often bids 2NT without either shows hearts or is a or just long clubs, that is Every club should the values so that his partner weak take-out in diamonds.’ perfectly legal. If you wish to be covered and my expects it, then it is no longer play 2♦ as hearts and spades inclusive package, a psyche, and since it was ♣♦♥♠ with longer diamonds than to suit clubs of up to not explained, it becomes clubs, or just long diamonds, 300 members for less illegal. Of course, this is I use Ripstra as a that is also perfectly legal. than £75 per year, is very rare now that psyches defence to 1NT. What you must not do is the right package at are rare and probably QSome time ago, call either of them Ripstra, the right price. did not happen here. my partner bid 2♣ over because they are not, and As to your specific an opponent’s opening this will mislead opponents. Contact FIDENTIA questions, there is no limit 1NT which I alerted and, In the first case, the for a quote to the number of psyches when asked, said it was director said the 3♣ bid was ( 020 3150 0080 though someone who psyches showing clubs, hearts and illegal, which is not true. If once or twice every session spades. I responded 2♠ partner wishes to bid 3♣ that [email protected] will need looking at. Directors and my partner then bid is legal. What was illegal have a perfect right to psyche 3♣: she in fact had a long was your description of the when playing and the second club suit. The director was 2♣ bid, which is not Ripstra. director did the correct thing called, he ruled that my In the second case, the by saying it was legal. partner’s bid was illegal overcaller claimed it was a I think that for the and we were penalised psyche, which is obviously director to advise you – how I cannot recall. untrue since she expected what you should have bid Recently, at another club, partner to understand it. For those with Pre-existing is inappropriate: advice a similar thing happened If it had been a psyche health conditions on bidding should never against us after my partner then partner fielded it and (No Age Limit) be given unasked, except had opened 1NT. The 2♣ that would be illegal. l Travel Insurance with between partners or close was alerted and This problem has been online Medical Screening friends who understand described as showing both going on for many years. l Cover for medical that it is acceptable. majors and was responded Club players take up a conditions, up to a high to with 2♠ by our other defence to 1NT which level of severity, even a ♣♦♥♠ opponent. The 2♣ overcaller includes artificial 2♣ and terminal prognosis then bid 3♣, having a long 2♦ bids, then pick up a l No age limits My partner opened club suit. After the hand hand with long clubs or l Instant online cover 1NT. I held seven had been played in 3♣, I diamonds and wonder what diamonds to the said, based on my previous to do. Of course, the obvious We fully understand that Q you may wish to speak to king and no other points, experience, that the 3♣ bid solution is to bid 3♣ or 3♦ us direct about cover and ♦ so bid 2 (transfer) and was illegal, but my partner immediately, but this never your medical conditions followed with 3♦ over my said he was happy and so I seems to occur to them even and assure you of the best partner’s 2♥ response. did not call the director. The though they will get there attention by senior staff I was told the EBU 2♣/3♣ overcaller said that anyway. So they bid 2♣ or on a direct phone line that does not require you to had changed the rules her bid was a psyche which, 2♦ and rebid the suit and hold or press buttons for and this was no longer she claimed, was legal. partner understands it, and departments. allowed. Is this true? I would appreciate they do not worry that they Doreen Parrington by email. an explanation of have misled the opposition. ( 01268 524344 who was right. It is important that if any pair We look forward to It is, and always Bill Archer, takes up a convention that speaking with you soon has been, perfectly Ashtead, Surrey. uses 2♣ or 2♦ artificially that legal to play that they agree what to do with Email: sales@ A genesischoice.co.uk 2♦ then 3♦ is a signoff in Assuming you are not a long minor. If they decide diamonds. Whoever told you playing in a novice to bid and rebid the minor, Website: www. genesischoice.co.uk differently was just wrong. event, for which there then they must change their A Genesis Choice Ltd are an There is one small snag: are special rules, then any description of the convention appointed representative of NDI you must not call it a defence to 1NT is permitted. that they are playing. ■ Insurance and Reinsurance Brokers Ltd who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority No.446914 E-mail your questions on bridge laws to: [email protected]

Page 16 BRIDGE September 2017 All You Need to Know by Andrew Kambites About Safety Plays

is an insurance you appear to have eleven easy tricks. tions that will gain, but also ensure policy. You pay a small premi- However, suppose they break 4-1. you realise any distributions where um (usually the of an You can cash ♦A-K-Q and concede a your safety play might lose out (if Aovertrick) in order either to guarantee diamond, giving you two diamond any). your contract or substantially to im- winners in dummy, but you have prove your chances of fulfilling your no to dummy and are held Hand B is slightly harder. You have no contract. to eight tricks. An alternative that loser outside the trump suit. If trumps Obviously, safety plays are a luxury will allow you to take ten tricks, if are 2-2 and West has the ♠K, you can that you can afford when you are in an diamonds break 3-2 or 4-1, is to make 13 tricks by finessing dummy’s excellent contract which allows you to a diamond immediately. The premium ♠Q and then cashing the ♠A. This line sacrifice an overtrick. is your prospect of an eleventh trick. of play will give you 12 tricks if trumps Note that frequently you look at Should you sign away an eleventh are 2-2 or West has the ♠K (but not dummy and it becomes obvious that trick to safeguard your contract if ♠K-J-10-9). Undoubtedly this is your your main chance is a 3-2 trump diamonds break badly? At teams-of- main chance so the correct approach break. You might then look for ways of four or scoring, where is to consider whether you can give guarding your contract against a 4-1 overtricks are relatively unimportant, yourself extra chances without or even 5-0 trump break, but you must you certainly should. However, playing jeopardising your main chance. Try not do so at the expense of failing if duplicate pairs you expect most pairs cashing the ♠A first, intending to trumps break 3-2. to play in 3NT and you cannot afford to return to your hand with a club to lead make one fewer trick than everybody a spade towards dummy’s ♠Q. This y all means, look for safety else, so perhaps you should stake all certainly gives you 12 tricks if trumps plays, but not at the expense on a 3-2 diamond break. In this article break 2-2. Equally, if West has ♠K-J- Bof jeopardising your main I will assume you are playing rubber 9, the spade is still working chance. bridge or teams-of-four, both methods for you. The dangers of sustaining a of scoring which encourage you to ruff by playing a round of clubs (clubs concentrate on fulfilling your contract breaking 8-0) is negligible. So, there Hand A Hand B rather than seeking overtricks. If you seems to be no downside in terms of ♠ 8 3 ♠ A Q 8 5 are playing duplicate pairs, making endangering your contract. The gain is ♥ 8 3 2 ♥ Q 3 2 an overtrick can be the difference when East has the ♠K singleton: your ♦ A K Q 7 6 5 ♦ A K 2 between a top and a bottom so a very safety play means it falls under the ♠A ♣ 10 7 ♣ Q J 3 different way of thinking is needed. rather than capturing your ♠Q and I will examine this in a later article. leaving you with a second spade loser. N N W E W E Note that the recommended safety Note here that there is no danger S S play doesn’t guarantee your contract. of an opponent winning the ♠K and ♠ A 9 6 4 ♠ 7 6 4 3 2 If the missing diamonds are breaking giving his partner a ruff. If trumps ♥ A K 4 ♥ A K 8 7 5-0, there is nothing that you can are breaking 2-2 there are no trumps ♦ 3 2 ♦ 7 3 do. However, it clearly widens your left when you lose the ♠K. If they are ♣ A K 5 3 ♣ A K prospects to include overcoming a 4-1 breaking 3-1, it is the opponent with diamond break without jeopardising three trumps who wins the second Contract 3NT. Contract 6♠. your contract if diamonds break 3-2. round and he cannot give himself a Lead ♣Q. Lead ♦Q. ruff. As in Hand A, your safety play hen considering a safety doesn’t guarantee your contract. There play, make sure you fully are some layouts which will defeat you In Hand A, if diamonds break 3-2 Wunderstand the distribu- whatever you do, namely a 4-0

BRIDGE September 2017 Page 17 trump break or East holding ♠K-J-10. The answer is that you don’t know East started with ♠K-J-8 you will fail whether you can afford a club loser in your slam. There are two possible until you know whether or not the safety plays here that guarantee your Hand C Hand D heart finesse is working. Therefore, you slam after winning the first heart trick. ♠ K Q J 3 ♠ K Q 3 should win the ♠K and immediately (i) Win the ♥A and lead a low spade ♥ 7 6 ♥ 7 6 2 finesse the ♥Q. If it wins, then play the from dummy. If East plays the ♠J or ♦ A Q 5 ♦ A Q 5 clubs safely for four tricks. If it loses, ♠K rise with your ♠A and continue ♣ K 9 4 3 ♣ K 9 5 3 then you need five club tricks and spades. If East follows with the ♠8 try the safety play is a luxury you cannot your ♠10. If it loses then spades have N N W E W E afford. broken 2-1 so your ♠A will safely draw S S Note there is another issue involved the remaining trump. If East discards ♠ A 7 6 ♠ A 7 6 here. If the heart finesse loses and the then rise with your ♠A and lead a ♥ A 4 ♥ A Q defenders play a heart back at you, second spade towards dummy’s ♠Q. ♦ K 7 4 ♦ K 7 4 then if you lose a club trick you will (ii) Win the ♥K and lead a low spade ♣ A 10 6 5 2 ♣ A 10 6 4 2 go several off, not to be disregarded if towards dummy’s ♠Q. If West shows you are vulnerable. It would be pretty out then dummy’s ♠Q will lose to Contract 6NT. Contract 6NT. costly and demoralising to return to East’s ♠K, but you now have a marked (i) Lead ♠9. Lead ♠J. teammates with -300 to find that they finesse against East’s remaining ♠J-8. (ii) Lead ♥K. are +100 when opponents also failed in Theoretically, line (i) is slightly better 6NT, but simply cashed the ♣A-K and because you still have a chance of conceded a club. Deciding whether making 13 tricks without jeopardising (i) In Hand C, facing a spade lead you or not you can afford a safety play is 12 if East has the ♠K singleton. will make 13 tricks if clubs provide not always clearcut. How likely are However line (ii) has an interesting you with five tricks and 12 tricks if defenders to play a heart back to you psychological point. Suppose West has clubs give you four tricks. The only if the heart finesse loses? This cannot ♠K-8 or ♠K-J. What should he do if danger to your contract comes if clubs easily be quantified. Even if it could, you lead a low spade towards dummy’s break 4-0, and you have a safety play you cannot afford the time at the table ♠Q? He would look pretty stupid if that guards against that. Win the ♠A to perform advanced mathematical he tries to take his ♠K only to crash and lead a low club. calculations, so I would not criticise his partner’s singleton ♠A. Perhaps If West plays a club honour, the you if you recognised the safety play the merits of this line depend on the danger has passed. You can win in clubs, but rejected it for this reason. bidding. If some version of Blackwood dummy’s ♣K and now your ♣10 and has been used and it is clear that dummy’s ♣9 are equals against the declarer has all the missing aces, remaining club honour, so you cannot Hand E Hand F perhaps this line has less merit. lose more than one club trick. ♠ Q 9 7 6 2 ♠ A Q With Hand F, it is difficult to grasp If West shows out you can rise with ♥ A 2 ♥ A K Q 3 that you could have a problem. If dummy’s ♣K and lead a club from ♦ A K 7 ♦ 10 9 6 3 2 clubs are breaking 3-2 you have 13 dummy towards your ♣A-10. East ♣ J 10 7 ♣ 8 6 tricks. You are slightly irritated at might play a club honour to prevent missing a grand slam and cannot see N N your ♣10 winning, but you take this W E W E a problem with conceding a club trick S S with the ♣A and drive out the other if clubs break 4-1. So you win the ♥A, club honour. ♠ A 10 5 4 3 ♠ K 8 6 play a club to the ♣Q, cash the ♣A-K If West plays a low club, call for ♥ K 5 ♥ 6 and because the club break is 4-1 dummy’s ♣9. If West has four clubs ♦ Q 8 2 ♦ A 7 4 you concede a club. A defender now this will win. More likely, the ♣9 will ♣ A K Q ♣ A K Q 5 4 3 switches to a diamond and suddenly lose to a club honour, but then clubs you can see the danger. You must take are breaking no worse than 3-1. You Contract 6♠. Contract 6NT. your ♦A and can now run the clubs have sacrificed an overtrick if clubs are Lead ♥Q. Lead ♥J. but you have no entry back to your breaking 2-2 but your no-trump slam hand to make the ♠K. It wouldn’t have is safe. helped to unblock dummy’s ♠A-Q (ii) Of course, if the ♥K is led it Hand E offers you another before conceding a club, because now would be madness even to consider opportunity for a safety play. Win you would have no access to dummy’s a safety play in clubs. The moment the ♥K and consider the trump suit. winning hearts. If you had cashed the you give up a club trick, you will be You can afford one trump loser but ♠A-Q and the ♥A-K-Q you would have overwhelmed by hearts so you cannot not two. If you cash the ♠A, you will set up heart winners for the defenders. afford the luxury of a safety play. make 13 tricks if either defender has Once you have spotted the problem Hand D is an interesting variation the ♠K singleton and 12 tricks will there is a neat solution. Win the ♥A on this theme. Can you afford the club be no problem if trumps break 2-1 or and immediately duck a club. This safety play? West started with ♠K-J-8. However, if keeps your communications intact.

Page 18 BRIDGE September 2017 If you cannot see it, you might find it helpful to construct the hand from a About Safety Plays Quiz pack of cards and play it through. by Andrew Kambites

(Answers on page 23) Hand G Hand H ♠ 9 8 ♠ 9 8 ♥ K Q 6 ♥ Q J 6 Hand 1 Hand 2 Hand 3 ♠ 8 7 5 4 ♠ 10 4 2 ♠ K 8 4 ♦ Q J 2 ♦ Q J 2 ♥ 8 6 5 ♥ 6 4 3 ♥ A K 6 ♣ A K 9 6 5 ♣ A K 9 6 5 ♦ Void ♦ K J 6 2 ♦ K J 3

N N ♣ A K Q J 8 7 ♣ 8 4 3 ♣ A K J 10 W E W E S S N N N W E W E W E ♠ A K ♠ A K S S S ♥ A J 9 3 ♥ A K 9 3 ♠ A K Q 2 ♠ A K Q J ♠ A Q 3 ♦ A K 6 ♦ A K 6 ♥ A K ♥ 8 7 ♥ Q J 2 ♣ Q 10 4 2 ♣ Q 4 3 2 ♦ 9 6 5 2 ♦ A Q 7 5 4 ♦ Q 10 2 ♣ 9 6 2 ♣ A K ♣ 8 6 5 4 Contract 7♣. Contract 7♣. Lead ♠Q. Lead ♠Q. Contract 6♠. Contract 4♠. Contract 6NT. Lead: ♦A. Lead: ♥A-K-Q. Lead: ♠J.

Hand G appears simple, but you will fail if you lose a trump trick. If trumps are 2-2 or 3-1 then everything is easy, Hand 4 Hand 5 Hand 6 so turn your attention to what happens ♠ A K 7 ♠ A 4 3 2 ♠ 6 5 if trumps break 4-0. You can cope with ♥ 7 4 2 ♥ 9 8 2 ♥ A 7 5 ♣J-8-7-3 with either defender, provid- ♦ J 6 3 ♦ K 7 2 ♦ K 5 3 2 ed you start by cashing dummy’s ♣A ♣ K 9 5 2 ♣ A K 2 ♣ 8 5 4 3 or ♣K. This will leave you with a top N N N club honour in each hand. W E W E W E If clubs break 4-0 you will now S S S know it and be well placed to take ♠ 8 6 2 ♠ 8 ♠ A K J 10 9 8 the appropriate finesse. However, if ♥ A 6 5 ♥ A K Q J 10 7 ♥ K Q 2 you carelessly start with the ♣Q you ♦ A K Q ♦ A Q 3 ♦ A 8 can no any longer catch ♣J-8-7-3 with ♣ A J 4 3 ♣ 8 7 6 ♣ A K East. Contract 3NT. Contract 6♥. Contract 7♠. In Hand H, you cannot cope if East ♣ Lead: ♠Q. West opened 4♠. Lead: ♣Q. has J-10-8-7, but you can avoid a Lead: ♠K. trump loser if West started with this holding, provided you start with the ♣Q. If East shows out continue with a second club towards dummy. West Hand 7 Hand 8 must play a high club (called splitting ♠ 6 2 ♠ K 7 3 2 his honours) to prevent dummy’s ♣9 ♥ 7 2 ♥ 8 7 2 winning the trick but you can take ♦ 6 5 ♦ A K 8 7 dummy’s ♣A, return to your hand ♣ A K J 6 5 4 3 ♣ 10 7 with your remaining spade honour N N W E W E and take a marked finesse against S S West’s club holding. Hands G and H look so similar but ♠ A K 8 ♠ A Q 4 ♥ ♥ require totally different handling. A J 5 4 A K ♦ A 9 8 2 ♦ 5 2 The correct plays in hands G and H ♣ 7 2 ♣ A K Q 8 4 2 are often referred to as safety plays, but they don’t concede a trick that you Contract 3NT. Contract 6NT. would normally win and are really no Lead: ♠Q. Lead: ♦Q. more than suit combinations, playing the critical suit in the technically correct way. ■

BRIDGE September 2017 Page 19 Bernard Magee DVDs – Number Thirty-Two Making Extra Tricks in No-Trumps

his DVD focuses on declarer round of the suit. You win the ♠A, and play in no-trump contracts and duck a club – playing small from both ♠ 4 3 2 starts by talking about mak- hands, allowing East to win the trick. ♥ A 4 Ting a basic plan, including the meth- You win the spade return with ♠K and ♦ 8 6 ods for establishing your extra tricks. then play a club to the queen. When ♣ A J 10 9 4 3

The most common tactic in no-trump your finesse works, your ace brings N W E contracts is making extra tricks from down the king on the next round and S your long suits. Making sure you have you have three extra club tricks: 11 the entries in place to develop and take tricks in all. ♠ A K 6 5 tricks in a long suit, which can involve ♥ K 8 7 2 ducking in that suit. Then it goes on ♦ A K 4 3 to the idea of combining techniques as ♠ 4 3 2 ♣ K displayed in this hand: ♥ 9 8 You are South, declarer in 3NT on ♦ 8 6 the ♠Q lead. ♣ A Q 7 6 5 4 This way you still have the ♥A as an ♠ Q J 10 9 ♠ 8 7 entry to your established clubs – you ♥ Q 6 2 N ♥ J 10 5 3 give up one top trick by swallowing Dealer South. Love All. ♦ J 7 5 W E ♦ Q 10 9 3 2 the ♣K, but you gain four tricks by S ♠ 4 3 2 ♣ K 9 8 ♣ J 10 retaining your entry. ♥ 9 8 ♠ A K 6 5 ♦ 8 6 ♥ A K 7 4 ♣ A Q 7 6 5 4 ♦ A K 4 ♠ 4 3 2 ♣ 3 2 ♥ A 4 N W E ♦ 8 6 S ♣ A J 10 9 4 3 ♠ A K 6 5 You needed some luck, but by ducking ♠ Q J 10 9 ♠ 8 7 ♥ A K 7 4 early in clubs, you made the most of it. ♥ Q 9 6 N ♥ J 10 5 3 ♦ A K 4 The DVD moves on to a few more ♦ J 7 5 2 W E ♦ Q 10 9 S ♣ 3 2 technical aspects of play including ♣ 6 2 ♣ Q 8 7 5 unblocking, overtaking and also ♠ A K 6 5 getting used to making choices of ♥ K 8 7 2 plays – comparing finessing with high ♦ A K 4 3 You have seven top tricks and might card establishment and long suits. ♣ K make an eighth from a 3-3 spade break, Here you can see a hand that uses but West has led the suit, so you do not some of the techniques discussed: hold out too much hope for that. Your You are South, declarer in 3NT on You finish with three ace-kings and mind turns to the six-card club suit in the ♠Q lead (hand in the next column). five club tricks making 11 tricks. dummy and how you might use that. You have eight top tricks and the The DVD covers a lot of different The obvious play is to finesse in obvious place to look for extra tricks is aspects of declarer play. It focuses on clubs and when it works you have eight clubs. You could take your ♣K, cross the need to try to make a plan early. tricks, but that means you have made to dummy’s ♥A and cash the ♣A, but if Take your time when dummy comes only half a plan. You will not make the queen fails to materialise, dummy’s down and try to pinpoint where any extra tricks from your club length. clubs will be stranded and you are left your extra tricks might come from: Your ♣Q wins, your ♣A wins but with the eight tricks you started with. long suits, high cards, finessing etc. there is no entry to dummy to make The interior strength in the club suit Above all, remember that when you extra club tricks. Instead, you plan for offers a much better play: overtake are playing duplicate pairs, you are a finesse and making your long clubs. your ♣K with the ace and use the aiming for as many tricks as possible, To do this, you need to duck the first ♣J-10-9 to force out the ♣Q. so those overtricks matter! ■

Page 20 BRIDGE September 2017 DEFENCE QUIZ DECLARER by Julian Pottage (Answers on page 25) PLAY

ou are West in the defensive positions below playing Ymatchpoint pairs with neither side vulnerable. Both sides QUIZ ♣ are using Acol with a 12-14 1NT and 2 Stayman. by David Huggett (Answers on page 27)

1. ♠ K 7 3. ♠ K 5 4 3 ou are South as declarer playing teams or rubber bridge. ♥ K 10 8 7 6 2 ♥ 6 5 YIn each case, what is your play strategy? ♦ Q 7 ♦ Q 8 7 ♣ 8 7 5 ♣ A Q 7 5 ♠ 5 4 ♠ Q 10 8 N N ♥ A 5 ♥ 9 2 1. ♠ K J 3 3. ♠ K 9 6 5 W E W E ♦ 10 9 6 4 ♦ J 10 9 5 S S ♥ K Q 4 2 ♥ J 5 4 ♣ A K Q 9 2 ♣ 9 8 6 2 ♦ K 9 5 3 ♦ K Q 3 ♣ A Q ♣ Q 7 6

West North East South West North East South N N 1NT 1♠ W E W E S S Pass 2♦1 Pass 2♥ Pass 3♠ Pass 4NT1

2NT 3♥ All Pass Pass 5♥2 Pass 6♠ ♠ A Q 6 4 ♠ A J 10 7 4 1Transfer to hearts All Pass ♥ A 3 ♥ Q 10 8 1RKCB 2Two key cards ♦ A J 6 2 ♦ A J 9 You cash three top clubs. ♣ ♣ After partner throws the You lead the ♦J: ♦Q, ♦K J 7 6 K 2 ♠2 on the third club, you and ♦A. Declarer cashes switch to the ♦10: ♦Q, ♦K the ♠K-A (partner follows and ♦A. Declarer takes the once and discards the ♦3) You are declarer in 6NT You are declarer in 4♠ ♠K-A and leads the ♠Q. and then the ♥A-K. What is and West leads the ♠10. after three initial passes. What do you do? your plan after the ♥J How do you plan the play? West leads the A,K and comes at trick six? another heart with East following. How do you plan the play? 2. ♠ Q 5 4. ♠ K 10 ♥ A K Q 5 ♥ K 10 9 6 ♦ K Q 9 ♦ K Q 7 ♣ Q 7 6 5 ♣ Q 8 7 5 2. ♠ K Q 6 4. ♠ A K 5 ♠ J 10 8 7 6 4 2 ♠ 5 4 ♥ 7 5 ♥ 8 6 4 N ♥ 9 2 N ♥ J 5 2 W E ♦ A K 6 4 3 ♦ K J 8 7 W E ♦ A 5 ♦ 9 6 5 S S ♣ 8 6 4 ♣ Q 10 2 ♣ A 8 ♣ J 10 9 6 2

N N W E W E West North East South West North East South S S Pass Pass 2NT1 ♠ A J 2 ♠ 6 2 3♠ Dbl 4♠ 5♦ Pass 3♣2 Pass 3♥ ♥ K Q 4 ♥ A K 7 All Pass Pass 6♥ All Pass ♦ 7 5 2 ♦ A Q 10 9 3 120-22 2Stayman ♣ A 7 5 2 ♣ K 9 3 You lead the ♠J: ♠Q, ♠K

and ♠A. Declarer leads the You lead the ♣J: ♣Q, ♣K ♦2. What do you do? and ♣A. Declarer leads You are declarer in 3NT You are declarer in 5♦ and the ♠7 to the ♠K (♠2 from and West leads the ♥3. West leads the ♠Q. How East), then overtakes the East plays the ♥J. How do do you plan the play? ♠10 with the ♠A and leads you plan the play? the ♠Q. What is your plan?

BRIDGE September 2017 Page 21 The Diaries of Wendy Wensum

Episode 65: Lucky Thirteen

illie and I were in the bar certain tricks in my hand I thought admitting, ‘I really must buy a snug when Gary, a well-known a slam was distinctly possible. With rug next time.’ He eventually led gardening enthusiast, joined some trepidation I ventured four no- the four of spades and I claimed the Mus. ‘How are you?’ I enquired. ‘Not trumps, Roman Key Card Blackwood. contract immediately to the complete too bad, but a bit tired,’ he admitted, Millie’s reply of five clubs showed none satisfaction of our opponents. ‘I’ve been digging on my allotment or three of five aces. It was easy to At the end of the round I explained to all day.’ ‘That must be hard work,’ I decode. I held two aces so Millie must Millie how easy it was to bid the grand sympathised. ‘No, no, it was OK. I’ve hold the other two aces and the king once she had re-bid her heart suit, but got a good spade. Had it for fifty odd of hearts. My singleton king of spades wondered why she hadn’t shown her years,’ Gary confided, ‘and in all that now gave me ten tricks in my hand and second suit by bidding three diamonds time it’s only had one new blade and with three tricks in Millie’s dummy, I instead. My reasoning was that she two new handles.’ ‘Who’s your script- bid the grand slam in no-trumps. might be describing her hand better by writer?’ asked Millie smiling more at showing four plus diamonds and five Gary’s nerve in using such an old joke or more hearts. ‘I never thought about rather than the gag itself. Then revert- Dealer West. N/S Vul. it,’ was her unexpectedly honest reply. ing to the character of a latter day ♠ A J In our usual hostelry later, Kate and Lady Bracknell she continued, ‘Mind ♥ K J 10 8 7 2 Jo explained they were rather lucky to you, I’ve never owned a spade. I have ♦ A 10 9 7 get a good result on the hand as the to admit I wouldn’t know what to do ♣ 6 auction took a fairly direct route to with one.’ With a glass of brandy in ♠ Q 9 5 4 3 ♠ 10 8 7 6 2 five clubs. her hand she wandered back to the ♥ 6 5 4 3 N ♥ Q W E bridge room. I followed with my glass ♦ 5 4 3 S ♦ K Q J 2 West North East South of wine leaving Gary grinning at his ♠ 10 ♣ 7 3 2 Jo Kate own humour. ♠ K Pass 1♥ Pass 2♣ It was a duplicate pairs evening at ♥ A 9 Pass 2♦ Pass 5♣ the Riverside and late in the session ♦ 8 6 All Pass Gary arrived at our table. ‘Lost ♣ A K Q J 9 8 5 4 your partner?’’ questioned Millie They had played the board late in impatiently. ‘No. no,’ Gary assured the event and most partnerships had us, ‘Reggie is on his way.’ ‘Ah, Reg West North East South reached slams: some grand; some the Rug,’ noted Millie unnecessarily Reg Millie Gary Wendy small, some in no-trumps, others in referencing Reginald’s toupee which Pass 1♥ Pass 3♣ clubs. I still had doubts whether Millie was clearly a different colour to his Pass 3♥ Pass 4NT and I would have reached seven no- remaining natural hair. Reg, plus a Pass 5♣ Pass 7NT trumps had Millie bid diamonds rather pint of beer, arrived apologising for All Pass than re-bidding hearts, as the response the delay and we played this deal (see to RKCB would then have been an next column). Reg placed his on the ambiguous five hearts showing either Reggie passed and Millie opened one table facedown and swivelled his two aces or one ace and the diamond heart. A pass from Gary was followed head sharply to the left to ask Millie king, in each case without the queen by a pause by me as I considered my to explain the auction. Unfortunately of diamonds. ‘Well perhaps after your options. Two clubs seemed a bit of his toupee was rather loose and stayed jump to three clubs, four no-trumps an understatement of the playing in an East-West orientation. As he should be standard Blackwood,’ strength so I settled on three clubs turned back to expose his lead, his suggested Kate. Jo wondered if cue showing a strong hand with a self- rug now disengaged itself from its bidding might have been better than supporting suit. The opposition were preferred position on his head to land any type of Blackwood. out of the auction. Millie with only one neatly in his glass of beer. Without any ‘It’s too late to worry about all this club ignored her secondary diamond obvious embarrassment he replaced now,’ complained Millie, ‘Whose suit and bid three hearts. With nine the miscreant hairpiece on his head round is it?’ ■

Page 22 BRIDGE September 2017 Answers to About Safety Plays Quiz on page 19

Hand 1 Hand 2 Hand 3 Hand 4 Hand 5 Hand 6 Hand 7 Hand 8 ♠ 8 7 5 4 ♠ 10 4 2 ♠ K 8 4 ♠ A K 7 ♠ A 4 3 2 ♠ 6 5 ♠ 6 2 ♠ K 7 3 2 ♥ 8 6 5 ♥ 6 4 3 ♥ A K 6 ♥ 7 4 2 ♥ 9 8 2 ♥ A 7 5 ♥ 7 2 ♥ 8 7 2 ♦ Void ♦ K J 6 2 ♦ K J 3 ♦ J 6 3 ♦ K 7 2 ♦ K 5 3 2 ♦ 6 5 ♦ A K 8 7 ♣ A K Q J 8 7 ♣ 8 4 3 ♣ A K J 10 ♣ K 9 5 2 ♣ A K 2 ♣ 8 5 4 3 ♣ A K J 6 5 4 3 ♣ 10 7

N N N N N N N N W E W E W E W E W E W E W E W E S S S S S S S S

♠ A K Q 2 ♠ A K Q J ♠ A Q 3 ♠ 8 6 2 ♠ 8 ♠ A K J 10 9 8 ♠ A K 8 ♠ A Q 4 ♥ A K ♥ 8 7 ♥ Q J 2 ♥ A 6 5 ♥ A K Q J 10 7 ♥ K Q 2 ♥ A J 5 4 ♥ A K ♦ 9 6 5 2 ♦ A Q 7 5 4 ♦ Q 10 2 ♦ A K Q ♦ A Q 3 ♦ A 8 ♦ A 9 8 2 ♦ 5 2 ♣ 9 6 2 ♣ A K ♣ 8 6 5 4 ♣ A J 4 3 ♣ 8 7 6 ♣ A K ♣ 7 2 ♣ A K Q 8 4 2

Contract 6♠. Contract 4♠. Contract 6NT. Contract 3NT. Contract 6♥. Contract 7♠. Contract 3NT. Contract 6NT. Lead ♦A. Lead ♥A-K-Q. Lead ♠J. Lead ♠Q. W opened 4♠. Lead ♣Q. Lead ♠Q. Lead ♦Q. Lead ♠K.

1 You trump the ♦A lead. What now? If trumps break 3-2, then There is a play which guarantees a third club trick whatever you can easily make all 13 tricks by drawing trumps in three the distribution, but unless you have seen it before it is hard to rounds and cashing dummy’s clubs. Suppose you go for this find. Cash your ♣A and lead the ♣3 towards dummy. line and trumps are 4-1? You discover the disappointing If West does not follow suit on the second club you know spade break on the second round and now you are in trouble. East has the ♣Q, so rise with dummy’s ♣K and lead back You have no way of preventing the defenders from taking towards your ♣J. If West follows suit with a low club, then their trump trick on the third round of clubs and continuing insert dummy’s ♣9. If that loses to East’s ♣10 the clubs have diamonds. You will be unable to draw the last trump and get broken 3-2. If West plays the ♣10, then win dummy’s ♣K and back to dummy to enjoy your remaining club winners. now the ♣J and ♣9 are equal ranking cards against the ♣Q. The correct safety play is to duck the second round of trumps. Again, you might find it helpful to construct the hand 5 This looks easy but beware! Your 12 tricks could rapidly from a pack and play it through. Start by following the line become 11 if you try the ♠A at trick 1 and it is ruffed. You when you start with ♠A-K and see what happens. have a foolproof safety play once you think of it. Allow the ♠K to win trick 1. If West continues spades ruff, draw trumps and 2 You have ended up playing at the four level in a 4-3 trump fit. later use dummy’s ♠A to discard your club loser. Your main priority here is not losing trump control. Best play This safety play guarded against spades breaking 8-0 (not is to discard your ♦4 on the third round of hearts even though unlikely after West’s 4♠ opening bid) and the premium was it is a winner. If West continues with a fourth round of hearts, nothing. You just exchanged a club loser for a spade loser. you can then ruff with dummy’s ♠10, keeping your strong four-card trump holding intact for the purpose of drawing 6 At first, this looks similar to Hand 3. You have eight cards in trumps. Now only a 5-1 or worse trump break will defeat you. the critical suit (in this case spades). You intend to finesse the This is a safety play to guard against a 4-2 trump break, but ♠J so is it best to cash the ♠A first in case West has the ♠Q as a 4-2 break is more likely than a 3-3 break this line of play singleton? is a no brainer at any form of scoring. Cashing the ♠A first certainly is a spectacular success if West has the ♠Q singleton, but if you try this you can only finesse 3 This deal represents the most basic of safety plays. You once. That will not be enough if East has ♠Q-x-x-x. probably need the club finesse to succeed. However, before Look at it this way. Cashing the ♠A before finessing the ♠J finessing dummy’s ♣J, it costs nothing to cash the ♣A, in case is necessary if West holds the ♠Q singleton, but it fails if West East has the ♣Q singleton. This doesn’t compromise your has any other spade singleton. main chance, West holding the ♣Q. With five spades missing there are five possible singletons that West could hold. It is clearly best that you make the play 4 You have eight top tricks, the ♠A-K, ♥A, ♦A-K-Q and ♣A-K. that brings success if West has the singleton ♠7, ♠4, ♠3 or ♠2 You need a ninth from the club suit. One possible line is to and give up on the ♠Q singleton. cash dummy’s ♣K and lead a club from dummy intending to It is best to win the ♣A, cross to dummy with the ♥A and finesse the ♣J. This will work unless West has ♣Q-10-x-x or finesse the ♠J. If this passes off well, re-enter dummy with the ♣Q-10-x-x-x. ♦K and finesse your ♠10.

BRIDGE September 2017 Page 23 7 The correct play of the club suit in iso- Sally Brock Looks at Your Slam Bidding lation is to play for the drop (cashing the ♣A-K). Clearly this leaves you with no prospect of any more club winners if one defender has ♣Q-x-x because you have no outside entry to dummy. You can greatly improve on this by ♣ Sally’s finessing the J having taken trick 1 with the ♠A (Plan A). You still have good prospects of seven club tricks (West holding ♣Q-x-x, ♣Q-x or ♣Q) Slam Clinic and this play safeguards your contract if West has ♣Q-x-x. You have found a safety play with a very small insurance premium that safeguards your con- Where did we ♣K, so how can there not be 12 tricks tract on a 3-1 club break, but can do go wrong? in no-trumps? I would be sympathetic even better. The best play is to duck a to a West who bid the grand slam, club completely at trick 2 (Plan B). This John Clift sent in this slam deal that which can hardly be worse than on a ensures your contract against any split occurred during the Kenley Bridge finesse. except East holding ♣Q-10-9-2 and, Club anniversary event. if East has these clubs, you have no ♣♦♥♠ chance. If West has ♣Q-10-9-2, his ♣9 will win the first round but East will ♠ Void ♠ A K J 5 3 Slam of the month show out, leaving you with a marked ♥ A K 4 N ♥ 10 8 7 3 finesse of the ♣J on the second round. ♦ A Q J 9 7 4 3 W E ♦ K 10 S Once again, I am short of a good slam Plan B is clearly best at rubber ♣ A Q 8 ♣ J 10 sent in by a reader. So I have resorted bridge or teams, but Plan A (a sort to one I thought my partner and I of compromise safety play) would be (West) bid well, and simply, in an more appropriate at duplicate pairs. John (West) reports that his partner overseas tournament last year. opened 1♠ and he responded 2♦. 8 If you were playing this hand in 7NT, When his partner rebid 2♥ he could you would have no choice but to hope not bid 4NT as that would be RKCB ♠ Q 5 ♠ A K 10 3 N clubs were breaking 3-2 (or perhaps ♥ A 10 7 4 ♥ 5 for hearts. Instead, he jumped straight W E a singleton ♣J). Playing in 6NT, you to 6♦, and was disappointed to find he ♦ A J 8 7 6 4 S ♦ K 10 9 5 2 need only five club tricks. If they are had scored a joint bottom, the rest of ♣ J ♣ Q 10 6 breaking 4-1, you can afford to give the field making twelve or thirteen up the fourth round of clubs so you tricks in no-trumps. should now consider whether you can There is no need to leap around with West North East South cope with a 5-0 break. Remember, such a wildly speculative bid as 6♦. 1♥ your main chance is clubs break- Maybe he should have bid 3♦ on the 2♦ Pass 3♥ Pass ing 3-2 or 4-1 and you mustn’t do first round, but that is a matter of style 4♥ Pass 4♠ Pass anything that could jeopardise your (indeed, many pairs don’t play that bid 5♣ Pass 6♦ All Pass contract if they break favourably. You as natural these days), but having bid can cope with either defender having 2♦, over 2♥ he should content himself Partner’s 3♥ bid after the overcall was a ♣J-9-6-5-3 by utilising dummy’s ♣10 with a simple 3♣, fourth-suit forcing. , showing a singleton heart and your ♣8. Win trick 1 with dum- East now bids 3♦ and that is very and a good diamond fit. That suited my my’s ♦A, enter your hand with the ♠A good news indeed as it’s now likely hand very well so I cooperated with a and lead the ♣2 towards dummy’s that East holds the ♦K. Simplest now return cue-bid of 4♥, showing the ace. ♣10. If West has ♣J-9-6-5-3 he must is for West to raise to 4♦, asking East Partner continued with a spade cue- rise with the ♣J to prevent dummy’s to cue-bid. East bids 4♠ and West bids bid so now I bid my singleton club, and ♣10 making a trick, but now dum- 5♣. East signs off in ♦5 , now showing that was enough reason for partner to my’s ♣10 is a winner and you have a minimum hand. That is probably bid the virtually 100% slam. five easy club tricks. enough reason for West to rule out So, dear readers, please send in some If East has ♣J-9-6-5-3 West a grand slam and bid a simple 6NT. well-bid slams or you will have to put will show out on the first round. If East does not have the ♠A-K, then up with me continuing to blow my Dummy’s ♣10 will lose to the ♣J, surely he must have the ♥Q and/or own trumpet! ■ but subsequently you have a marked finesse against East’s remaining Send your slam hands to [email protected] ♣9-6-5-3. ■

Page 24 BRIDGE September 2017 Answers to Julian Pottage’s Defence Quiz on page 21

West North East South While you are unsure who has the ♥Q, 1. ♠ K 7 Pass Pass you can deduce that ruffing is safe. If the ♥ K 10 8 7 6 2 3♠ Dbl 4♠ 5♦ shape on your right is 5-5-2-1, you will ♦ Q 7 All Pass cash the ♦10 on the next trick. If declarer ♣ 8 7 5 is 5-5-1-2 and is planning to discard ♠ 5 4 ♠ J 9 8 3 2 You lead the ♠J: ♠Q, ♠K and ♠A. clubs on the hearts, the contract is cold if N ♥ A 5 ♥ 9 4 3 Declarer leads the ♦2. What do you do? partner lacks the ♥Q – and otherwise two W E ♦ 10 9 6 4 S ♦ K J 3 You have mixed clues about the spade discards on the hearts will not be enough ♣ A K Q 9 2 ♣ 10 3 suit. Your partner might not raise with to stop partner’s ♣K from scoring. ♠ A Q 10 6 only two, yet declarer might not have The danger in not ruffing is that one ♥ Q J called for the ♠Q if holding the singleton diamond goes on the third heart and ♦ A 8 5 2 ♠A. If a second spade is not cashing, you another on the fourth. You avoid this by ♣ J 6 4 surely need to find partner with the ♣K ruffing the ♥J. and cash two clubs. You can cater for both the likely chances West North East South of beating the contract by grabbing the 1NT ♦A and switching to the ♣A, looking out 4. ♠ K 10 Pass 2♦1 Pass 2♥ for a on the latter. As the cards lie, ♥ K 10 9 6 2NT 3♥ All Pass partner plays the ♣10 leaving you in no ♦ K Q 7 1Transfer to hearts doubt about whether to continue clubs. ♣ Q 8 7 5 ♠ 5 4 ♠ 9 8 6 3 2 You cash three top clubs. After partner ♥ J 5 2 N ♥ Q 3 throws the ♠2 on the third club, you ♦ 9 6 5 W E ♦ 10 8 4 3 S switch to the ♦10: ♦Q, ♦K and ♦A. 3. ♠ K 5 4 3 ♣ J 10 9 6 2 ♣ K 3 Declarer takes the ♠K-A and leads the ♥ 6 5 ♠ A Q J 7 ♠Q. What do you do? ♦ Q 8 7 ♥ A 8 7 4 The general rule is to ruff an opposing ♣ A Q 7 5 ♦ A J 2 winner and to do so with a low trump. ♠ Q 10 8 ♠ 6 ♣ A 4 Here it looks as if partner has the ♦J and ♥ 9 2 N ♥ 10 8 7 3 declarer is trying to discard dummy’s ♦ J 10 9 5 W E ♦ K 6 4 3 S remaining diamond. As dummy can ♣ 9 8 6 2 ♣ K J 10 3 West North East South overruff, your ♥5 will not score – but ♠ A J 9 7 2 2NT1 playing it on the ♠Q allows partner to ♥ A K Q J 4 Pass 3♣2 Pass 3♥ make the ♦J later. Ruffing with the ♥A or ♦ A 2 Pass 6♥ All Pass discarding would see the ♦7 disappear. ♣ 4 120-22 2Stayman

You lead the ♣J: ♣Q, ♣K and ♣A. West North East South Declarer leads the ♠7 to the ♠K (♠2 from 2. ♠ Q 5 1♠ East), then overtakes the ♠10 with the ♠A ♥ A K Q 5 Pass 3♠ Pass 4NT1 and leads the ♠Q. What is your plan? ♦ K Q 9 Pass 5♥2 Pass 6♠ As on the first deal, you have the option ♣ Q 7 6 5 All Pass to ruff a winner with a low trump. Does ♠ J 10 8 7 6 4 2 ♠ K 9 3 1RKCB 2Two key cards this mean that partner holds the ♥A and ♥ 9 2 N ♥ 8 7 6 3 declarer cannot easily draw trumps? A W E ♦ ♦ A 5 S J You lead the ♦J: ♦Q, ♦K and ♦A. Declarer count of points suggests not – partner has ♣ A 8 ♣ K 10 9 3 2 cashes the ♠K-A (partner follows once at most 5 in total, 3 of which you have ♠ A and discards the ♦3) and then the ♥A-K. seen. The reason why you are getting the ♥ J 10 4 What is your plan after the ♥J comes at chance to ruff is that declarer is missing ♦ 10 8 7 6 4 3 2 trick six? ♥Q-J-x-x-x and wants you to ruff. Whether ♣ J 4 Are you wondering whether the ♥J you ruff high or low, doing so would blow lead is an attempt at a ruffing finesse? the defensive trump trick. Just discard. ■

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VTA_170801_Mr Bridge Ads August 2017.indd 2 09/08/2017 10:39:59 Answers to David Huggett’s Play Quiz on page 21

You are declarer in 3NT and West leads would have opened the bidding. With his 1. ♠ K J 3 the ♥3. East plays the ♥J. How do you actual hand, West might have doubled ♥ K Q 4 2 plan the play? 1♠, but only holding three hearts and ♦ K 9 5 3 Hearts may be 4-4 but you do know opposite a partner who could not open, it ♣ A Q that East has at least three because of is probably more prudent to pass. ♠ 10 9 8 ♠ 7 5 2 the lead, making it pointless to duck the ♥ 8 5 N ♥ J 10 9 7 6 opening lead. Now, if West started with a ♦ Q 10 7 4 W E ♦ 8 five-card suit, it will be necessary to keep S ♣ K 9 8 2 ♣ 10 5 4 3 East off lead, if at all possible, because 4. ♠ A K 5 ♠ A Q 6 4 you would not like a heart lead through ♥ 8 6 4 ♥ A 3 your remaining honour. With diamonds ♦ K J 8 7 ♦ A J 6 2 the clear suit to attack, all will be well if ♣ Q 10 2 ♣ J 7 6 West started with three and has to win the ♠ Q J 10 8 3 ♠ 9 7 4 third round, but you can improve on this ♥ 9 3 N ♥ Q J 10 5 2 by playing low towards dummy twice. If ♦ 6 5 W E ♦ 4 2 S You are declarer in 6NT and West leads West has to play the queen from queen ♣ A 7 6 4 ♣ J 8 5 the ♠10. How do you plan the play? doubleton you can duck, keeping the ♠ 6 2 You have loads of points for the slam, danger hand off lead. ♥ A K 7 but you still have only ten tricks on top. ♦ A Q 10 9 3 You can obviously make another club ♣ K 9 3 and you should be able to make another diamond too, but you have to be careful 3. ♠ K 9 6 5 about how you intend to set up these ♥ J 5 4 You are declarer in 5♦ and West leads extra tricks. Strangely, you have to take ♦ K Q 3 the ♠Q. How do you plan the play? the club finesse as early as possible, for ♣ Q 7 6 3NT would have been easy, but, after the simple reason that if it fails you need ♠ 3 ♠ Q 8 2 looking for a possible diamond slam, that to find the diamond queen onside or ♥ A K 9 N ♥ 7 6 3 2 particular boat has sailed. With a certain singleton with West. ♦ 10 8 7 2 W E ♦ 6 5 4 loser in both hearts and clubs it looks as if S If it wins however, you can safety play ♣ A 10 5 4 3 ♣ J 9 8 you have to find the club jack, but it would the diamonds for three tricks by playing ♠ A J 10 7 4 be much better if you let the defence find the ace first and then low towards ♥ Q 10 8 that particular card for you. After draw- dummy, covering whatever West plays. ♦ A J 9 ing trumps play the other top spade and If he shows out on the second round, ♣ K 2 ruff the third. Now play the top hearts and you simply play the king and lead low exit with the third. Whoever wins will ei- towards the jack. ther have to give you a ruff and discard You are declarer in 4♠ after three initial or open up the club suit. ■ passes. West leads the A,K and another heart with East following. How do you 2. ♠ K Q 6 plan the play? ♥ 7 5 The a priori odds of playing the trump PLUS 12 ♦ A K 6 4 3 suit is to bash out the ace and king, hoping Q ♣ 8 6 4 that the queen falls in one or two rounds l Help and Hint buttons ♠ 9 8 3 ♠ 10 7 5 4 and maybe that is what you have to do l Comprehensive manual ♥ A 10 8 3 2 N ♥ J 9 6 here. Certainly, with three inescapable l Feed in your own deals £99 ♦ Q 8 W E ♦ J 10 9 losers outside the trump suit, you cannot including S l option p&p ♣ Q 9 3 ♣ K J 10 afford to lose a spade, but you can glean l 5,000 preplayed hands for ♠ A J 2 further information. Before tackling teams and 4,000 preplayed ♥ K Q 4 trumps, play the ♣K merely to see who hands for matchpoint pairs ♦ 7 5 2 has the ace. If it is West, he cannot hold Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961 ♣ A 7 5 2 the ♠Q as well as that would give him www.mrbridge.co.uk thirteen points, when he most definitely

BRIDGE September 2017 Page 27 About the EBU by Jeremy Dhondy Bridge and VAT

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

I’ve seen some recent news It can be found at the ECJ website at ter, David Ew- about the EBU and their https://curia.europa.eu art, who has Qapplication to be exempt The EBU would be unwise to count helped us and from VAT and also to be regarded as its chickens quite yet, because the freely given a a sport. What is the latest position? report is not binding on the judges. large amount They are expected to make their of time and There has been some progress final decision around October. The expertise, for recently, but first a summary effect could be transforming, if they which we are A of where we have got to. The do agree with the Advocate General, very grateful. EBU have pursued two legal courses. because not only would the EBU There are lots The first is for our competitions to be benefit going forward by the removal of mixed mes- exempt from VAT and the second is of VAT on its competition entry fees, sages. The gov- for us to be regarded as a sport by the but it could also claim some past VAT ernment, in Government, and in particular, Sport back, which could be used for the part, does recognise bridge as a sport. England. development of the game. It is possible For example, the Charities Commis- The VATthat clubs will also benefit if they are sion recognises bridge and that is, in case has gone both registered for VAT and set up part, what helped the EBU to set up through sev- for the public benefit: ie membership the charity English Bridge Education eral HMRC tri- clubs rather than proprietor owned & Development (EBED) in 2014. The bunals and eventually clubs. All of this is a bit uncertain at International Olympic Committee ended up in the European Court present, but a couple of members, with recognised bridge as long ago as 1995. in Luxembourg. There was a hearing expertise in this area, have offered to Bridge was on the long list of activities in March and the result of that, when assist affiliated clubs if matters develop for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, known, will be binding on both sides. favourably. It’s worth remembering but did not make it to the final cut. It It won’t be affected by Brexit, when- that if all of this does happen, then the was a demonstration sport in the Win- ever that happens (or doesn’t!). What EBU will not save as much as 20% on ter Olympics of 2002 in Salt Lake City has happened recently is that a report its entry fees, but a smaller percentage and will feature in the Asian Games of prepared for the European Court as we will lose some exemptions we 2018. of Justice has concluded that bridge currently have. Still, it would be nice Other countries’ individual should be considered a sport for VAT to be in this position. If we do lose the Olympic Committees also recognise purposes. The Advocate General, who fight, then I guess we won’t be all that bridge. Poland is one example and prepared the report, recognised the popular amongst the European Bridge bridge gets significant government skill element of duplicate bridge. More community, as other EU Bridge funding and status as a consequence importantly, perhaps, he recognised Associations will likely find their of this recognition. Sport England on that bridge demonstrated the essen- current exemption under threat. its own website says, ‘We’re here to tial characteristics which make some- Our second case has been about rec- increase the number of people doing thing a sport. He ognition. This has been pursued with sport and activity – no matter what dismissed the idea Sport England through various Eng- their background, ability or age.’ They that there must be lish courts. We have not been success- may argue bridge is not a sport but a strong physical ful and legal action is at an end, at least an activity? Personally, I’d be happy element. His re- for the time being, not least because to sign a piece of paper saying we port was published the expense is too high. In our VAT didn’t want their money if that is their in the middle of case we have had the good fortune to problem. June. be represented by a leading tax barris- The EU via their Erasmus+ pro-

Page 28 BRIDGE September 2017 gramme (Sports funding) concerned about the fitness also recognise bridge as of the nation with a possible does Sportaccord. war looming. One suspects Catching Up Whether bridge is a game, that this is not the top prior- a sport, an activity, a mind ity in this century. If we get sport or something else past the name ‘sport’ and causes argument in the pub, look at the leisure activi- with at the dinner table and else- ties in our society, whether where. Some will argue that physical or mental, and say something can’t be a sport that if we promote them, Sally Brock unless it involves significant will that lead to a better physical activity, and mov- society for many of us, the was quite pleased with chest pains in the middle of ing as East-West in a dupli- answer would be a resound- how the women’s events the night. They established cate doesn’t count. ing yes. went in Montecati- that he had not had a heart In an early hearing, a Recognition is not all Ini. I wasn’t playing with attack and that his heart government lawyer waxed about money. An increased the strongest team or the was OK. However, they have lyrical about the necessary status for bridge would, for strongest partner – but my no real idea of what is wrong physical activity and fitness example, make it more like- partner, Debbie, played re- with him. He has lost his needed to be regarded as a ly to feature in our schools. ally well. We nearly quali- appetite and therefore lost a sports person and the activ- That would help the future fied for the knock-out stage lot of weight. He has gener- ity as a sport. Our lawyer of the game, especially as of the teams, eventually fin- ally lost all his joie de vivre, asked if they were think- we live in an age where ishing 10th out of 30 (with and is in danger of general ing of darts. There playing of cards at home is eight to qualify). In the deterioration. I went to see are many in- much less common than pairs we did even better, him a couple of times and consistencies in it was and the rise of finally ending up fifth. I had he wasn’t great. However, activities recog- the internet is all a lovely time. Montecatini he is now home and feeling nised as sports in encompassing. was full of nice places to eat, a bit happier. He has carers the UK, eg model EBED are cur- often outside, and we went coming in four times a day, aeroplane flying, arm rently looking at out with different friends and we are hopeful that he wrestling, baton twirl- the body of research every night. Many people might recover sufficiently to ing and frisbee. Whether that might indicate complained about the play- enjoy a few good years yet. they should or shouldn’t whether playing bridge and ing conditions, but I didn’t I’m sure he is depressed af- count is not really the point. other games testing mental think they were too bad. Of ter the loss of my mother, The point is, rather, as to agility have health benefits. course, it was Italy in June and it must be hard for him whether these activities can Dr Doug Brown for the and therefore quite hot, but to pick himself up again. benefit society. Can ‘mind’ Alzheimer’s Society said not too bad as long as you I just hope he can find the sports, for example, de- in 2016, ‘People who regu- weren’t far from an air-con- mental energy to do so. lay the onset of dementia larly challenge their brains ditioning unit. On the domestic front, I and keep minds active for through education, work When I got home, I had a am delighted with the flat. longer? Can activities such and leisure activities tend to few biggish bridge matches. It’s such a nice place to live. as bridge assist with pro- have lower rates of dementia First, a match As far as the kids are con- moting social inclusion? I in later life.’ against an Oxfordshire cerned, Toby has nearly fin- suspect this is going to be a There is plenty of research team which we won com- ished his masters degree at long fight, but the govern- out there and now the job fortably – that means we are Imperial – exams all over, ment should want to assist is to develop it and pull it now in the quarter-finals. just his project to finish. activities that have health together to make an ever Then we had a Crockfords Briony has decided she benefits and promote social stronger case for bridge, so match at the Young Chelsea. wants to go and live in inclusion, even more so as the argument in the pub is Again we won fairly easily New Zealand for a while. I our society ages. not about whether bridge and are now in the final. The can’t decide on whether I’m For now, the argument has any physical aspect or following evening we had a pleased or not – obviously seems to focus on which whether it should be a sport, Young Chelsea match and I’ll be glad if it makes her obscure past law can be but rather that the reason to won, despite a truly dread- happy but the thought of quoted to substantiate or classify it as such is the ben- ful first half when Barry and being so far apart is terri- knock down the case. The efit it gives to society. I were rescued from oblivi- fying. Given how much we government of the 1930s The next few months on by Frances and Graham are both away in the sum- passed some legislation to could well be an important in the other room having a mer, we will only both be in put the physical element time for the future of our storming time. the country for a day or so into the definition of sport. game or activity or mind My father has been ill. He between now and when she It did this because it was sport or sport. ■ was taken to hospital with goes. ■

BRIDGE September 2017 Page 29 A History of Playing Cards: Part Nine by Paul Bostock

The Joker

An American Addition to the Pack possible to create light-hearted variants in which the Joker could be used as a ‘wild-card’, meaning that a player could The Joker was first add- assign any value, so as to maximise the value of all the cards ed as an extra card in held. It was also pos- American packs, spe- sible to assign the Joker cifically those made a special role – as the in New York around highest or lowest valued 1864. At that time, Eu- card in the trump suit chre was a popular card or in the whole pack. A game – imported from second Joker was added . In Euchre specifically for Canasta. rules, the highest rank- According to Cham- ing card is the Jack of bers card games, Ca- the trump suit (‘Right nasta was invented by, Bower’, a corruption of ‘bored women in a club the German bauer) fol- in Montevideo, Uru- lowed by the other Jack guay around 1940.’ By of the same colour (‘Left the 1950s, Canasta was Bower’). The other cards briefly more popular then rank as expected. Joker from New York c. 1864 than bridge in the USA. Someone then had the Quite possibly the first Joker. idea of a variant, Rail- Jokers in road Euchre’ in which there was a ‘Best Bower’, an additional card outranking all the others. In some versions the card is England actually marked ‘Best Bower’ and in others ‘Joker’. As far as we can tell now, these two variants arrived at the same time. The first English Joker Joker has become the name of choice, probably because it was made by Goodall. is less specific to one game, and perhaps as it is much more This arose from a collab- catchy. oration with an Ameri- can, Victor E Mauger. Mauger was a distribu- More Jokers tor and seller of cards but was not a card maker, so Incidentally, the idea of an additional card was not exactly he bought supplies from new. English manufacturers occasionally included a blank Goodall, who were at the card from the early 1800s, which was intended to be used as time the largest playing- a replacement so that the pack could continue to be used if card manufacturer in a single card went missing. The new idea was that the Joker the world. As a result was an integral part of the game. Nowadays, in a new pack of their American con- Ace of Spades showing you may sometimes see both a Joker, or two Jokers, and nection, Goodall were the collaboration between additional blank cards – and even tables. introduced to the Joker Goodall and Mauger. Once the Joker appeared, it began to take on a slightly ahead of their English Joker from Mauger c 1870, different character. For games other than Euchre, it was competitors. made by Goodall & Co.

Page 30 BRIDGE September 2017 Variety

One of the appealing qualities of the Joker is that it is does not have a standard design. Instead, manufacturers have designed their own Jokers to give their packs a more distinctive character. These are often slightly humorous, colourful and occasionally a little sinister. Below we show a sample of Jokers showing some of the variety. As a result, there are now collectors who collect just Jokers – taking out the Joker is bemoaned by collectors of whole packs, of course!

An international selection of modern Jokers: [L-R] Obergs (), USPC Bicycle (USA), Modiano (Italy)

Lastly, the American collectors club is called 52+Joker, a name that recognises the significance of the Joker as a truly American addition to the pack. Each year the Club produces a deck for members only, and one such deck featured Jokers on every card. This is an entertaining and clever design, some of the cards are shown below. ■

Examples of Cards from ‘Jokers 1’ by 52+Joker

The author is a Court Assistant in the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards – see www.makersofplayingcards. co.uk. Many more sets of cards are illustrated on the author’s website www.plainbacks.com

BRIDGE September 2017 Page 31 Robin Hood’s Bridge Adventures by David Bird Friar Tuck’s Raiding Party

big tournament was to be held have all come to realise. I think we in Nottingham Castle, the could do well together. He did say he Dealer North. Love All. Grande Michaelmas Payres. would be moving on southwards in ♠ K Q 7 AThe first prize was to be a leather purse a couple of days, but he would surely ♥ 6 5 3 2 containing 20 gold sovereigns. Such a find such a venture enticing.’ ♦ A 9 4 substantial sum would provide food The plan was agreed and the two ♣ K 7 2 for several villages during the harsh priests set off for Nottingham on the ♠ 9 3 ♠ 8 4 2 winter and the outlaws would dearly dawn of Michaelmas. ♥ K Q J 8 7 N ♥ 10 4 W E ♦ K Q 6 3 ♦ 10 7 5 2 love to win it. Even the second prize of The event comprised 48 boards of S five sovereigns would be a worthwhile pairs play. An early round saw the ♣ 8 3 ♣ 10 9 6 4 acquisition. priests facing Luke and Jen Myras, ♠ A J 10 6 5 It was out of the question for Robin a couple whose happy marriage had ♥ A 9 Hood or Nazir to play in the event. The produced one son and four daughters. ♦ J 8 Sheriff’s men would keenly survey all This was an early contract that Father ♣ A Q J 5 the entrants and would not be fooled Gulwynne faced (hand in the next by any attempts at disguise. Hood column). was an inch or two over six foot and Luke led the king of hearts and Friar West North East South Nazir’s appearance was distinctly Tuck laid out the dummy. Luke Friar Jen Father oriental. What could be done? ‘You don’t hold four-card support Myras Tuck Myras Gulwynne ‘Perhaps I might enter in partnership for a raise?’ Gulwynne queried. 1♣ Pass 1♠ with Father Gulwynne?’ suggested ‘Usually, yes,’ Tuck replied. ‘The king 2♥ 2♠ Pass 6♠ Friar Tuck. ‘He’s a good player, as we and queen are good cards, though.’ All Pass

The tall priest won the first trick with the heart ace and drew trumps in three rounds. He continued with four rounds of clubs and then played the ♠J, eyeing the West player in the hope that he might be showing some signs of distress. This was the position:

♠ — ♥ 6 5 ♦ A 9 ♣ — ♠ — ♠ — ♥ Q J N ♥ 10 W E ♦ K Q ♦ 10 7 5 S ♣ — ♣ — ♠ 10 ♥ 9 ♦ J 8 ♣ —

Page 32 BRIDGE September 2017 When the ♠10 was played, Luke Myras Father Gulwynne won the spade West North East South had no good card to play. If he threw lead and continued with a trump to Lady Friar Annette Father a diamond honour, declarer would dummy’s queen. Friar Tuck winced as Gwynyth Tuck Blochet Gulwynne discard a heart from dummy and West showed out on this trick. Perhaps Pass 1♠ score two diamond tricks. He chose 6♦ would have been a better contract. Pass 3♣ Pass 3♠ instead to discard the ♥J, but Father By bidding the hand more slowly, he Pass 4♦ Pass 4♥ Gulwynne then called for a diamond could have discovered whether South Pass 6♠ All Pass discard. He continued with the ♥9 and held five diamonds. ‘Eight of hearts, dummy’s ♥6 was set up as a twelfth please,’ said Gulwynne. The ♦K was led and down went the trick. The slam had been made. The grey-complexioned Canon dummy. ‘Upon my word, what strange ‘Did you ’ave the jack of diamonds, Bunte covered with the ♥9 and bidding!’ exclaimed Annette Blochet. my love?’ Myras enquired. declarer won with the jack. After a club ‘Have you men of the cloth not heard ‘I didn’t ’ave no good card at all,’ his to the ace he was able to lead the ♥3, of the Richmond 4NT to ask for aces? wife replied. ‘Totally useless ’and. I benefitting from his previous unblock Everyone at court plays that device knew they was going to make it.’ of the ♥8. East followed with the ♥4 nowadays.’ ‘Ah well, nothing we could do in that and Father Gulwynne finessed the ‘Except for poor Emeline Valbeque,’ case,’ Luke Myras concluded. ♥7. He drew East’s remaining trumps added Annette Blochet. ‘I tried to Father Gulwynne returned his with the ace and king and discarded explain it to her but since her eightieth cards to the worn wooden board. As it the ♦8 from dummy. He then played birthday, she says she rarely bids any happened, a lead of the other red king the ace, queen and nine of diamonds, slams.’ would have sunk the slam. The Good overtaking with his king. Five tricks Father Gulwynne won the Lord himself would have gone down. in the suit allowed him to claim the diamond lead and paused to plan the With several good boards already contract. play. He could discard two hearts on their card, the priests faced the ‘A pretty contract,’ Tuck observed. and a diamond on the clubs. The Bishop of Durham. A slender man ‘You had to unblock both the red remaining diamond could be ruffed with little appetite for rich food, he eights.’ in the dummy. What would happen if looked disapprovingly at Friar Tuck. Gulwynne obviously thought trumps were 4-1? Rather than donating every coin to the nothing of such a play. ‘Only a bumble- Spared a heart lead, he could afford local poor, it seemed that he spent his head would do otherwise,’ he retorted. to lose a trump trick and still make the money on pies and puddings. The Bishop thrust his cards back slam. Mind you, this would have to be ‘You are faring well, your Grace?’ into the wooden board. Did these done when there was still a trump in queried Friar Tuck. apologies for priests do any of the dummy to guard against a diamond ‘Well enough,’ the Bishop replied. Good Lord’s work? It seemed they continuation. ‘Play the trump nine,’ he ‘It’s your partner to speak.’ spent the whole time playing cards and said. gorging themselves. They probably The ♠9 was run to West’s jack. followed the same despicable lifestyle Gulwynne won the club return, Dealer South. E/W Game. even during Lent. reached his hand with the ♥A and ♠ 5 2 The first session was drawing to its ruffed a diamond with the ♠Q. He ♥ Q 8 3 close when two expensively-dressed then drew trumps, pleased to see ♦ A Q 9 8 members of the court arrived, Annette that West had started with four. ‘Two ♣ A 8 7 3 Blochet and Lady Gwynyth de Vries. hearts and a diamond go on the clubs,’ ♠ K Q J 8 7 6 ♠ 10 9 4 On the second board Father Gulwynne he said, claiming the remaining tricks. ♥ Void N ♥ 10 9 5 4 2 had yet another slam to play: ‘What an excellent session!’ Friar W E ♦ J 10 4 ♦ 5 S Tuck exclaimed, as the two priests left ♣ K J 5 4 ♣ Q 9 6 2 the playing hall. ‘Why don’t we go and ♠ A 3 Dealer East. Game All. celebrate with a ham and veal pasty? ♥ A K J 7 6 ♠ Q 9 2 There’s plenty of time to visit the Owl ♦ K 7 6 3 2 ♥ 8 6 3 2 and Falcon down the road. I don’t play ♣ 10 ♦ A well on an empty stomach.’ ♣ A K Q J 10 Gulwynne had seen the size of ♠ J 8 7 3 ♠ 4 Tuck’s lunch just an hour before the West North East South ♥ K 5 N ♥ Q 10 9 4 start of play. How could his stomach W E Bishop of Friar Canon Father ♦ K Q J 7 5 ♦ 10 9 8 2 S possibly be empty? ‘I’ll join you for Durham Tuck Bunte Gulwynne ♣ 8 4 ♣ 7 5 3 2 the walk, but I won’t eat,’ he replied. 1♥ ♠ A K 10 6 5 ‘Nor will you or I touch a drop of ale. 1♠ 2♣ Pass 2♦ ♥ A J 7 After a session like that I can see those Pass 4♥ Pass 4NT ♦ 6 4 3 gold sovereigns dancing in front of my Pass 5♥ Pass 6♥ ♣ 9 6 eyes. We can sink a pint or two when All Pass the event’s over!’ ■

BRIDGE September 2017 Page 33 Michael Byrne on Playing with the Odds

Missing More Honours

ast month, we were concentrating player with K-Q-10-x onside will split In each case, you lead low to the ten/ on combinations where you were his honours), but it might force out the jack and when it loses, come back to missing two honours of different king or queen; on the next round you hand and lead low to the remaining Lrank, such as king-jack, and how you then lead low to the jack and hope that honour. You will be successful finesse the lower missing card and wins the trick. (making a second trick on the first then finesse the higher missing card. What do we need for this play to example, and extra tricks depending This month we shall look at more succeed? We need the ten to be onside on how the suit splits on the other combinations and see how our general and at least one of the king and queen two) whenever the king or the queen technique changes slightly depending to be onside as well. This gives us odds or both lie onside, a 76% chance. on what assets we have. One of the of 37% to which we can add a smidgen How many cards do we need in the general principles we learned was that for K-Q doubleton onside. So that is suit before it becomes wrong to take usually we try and finesse the lower clearly the better line. the double finesse? card that might win the trick first, and There is one further issue we need to The answer is that it is always right we can extend that to a card that won’t consider for this combination before to play the A-J-10 combination by win the trick, but might build up a we move on. We did not include K-Q-x finessing and then finessing again. winner for us. This is a simple example: onside in our winning layouts, as it is assumed that a defender with K-Q-x who is looking at A-J-9 in the dummy ♦ A J 10 8 7 4 ♠ A J 9 will play low, in the expectation that N we will go wrong by finessing the W E N S W E nine. The corollary to this is that if S that defender instead rises with the ♦ 6 5 3 2 ♠ 4 3 2 king or queen, you should expect him to hold H-10-x rather than H-H-x. In reality, most defenders are not that Here you are missing just the king, You have one winner in the form of the resourceful, so that if you lead towards queen and 9. When you lead towards ace, and you need to build up a second the A-J-9 and a defender rises with the the strength and the next hand plays trick. What are your possible options? king or queen, you should prefer to an honour, you can win it and be Leading the ace and then another believe they are splitting their honours certain of five tricks. If the next hand one will work only in a few tiny cases, to guarantee a trick, as that will be true follows with the 9, however, it is 100% where there is a doubleton K-Q, or a most of the time. On balance, I would to finesse the ten, you don’t mind it bare honour offside (assuming you win the ace and come back to hand losing even to a singleton honour since come back to hand before you lead to lead up to the jack. If that defender the other one will be certain to drop the second round). I think we can does indeed hold H-10-x, I would pay on the next round. discount that as a serious contender. off to their brilliancy, congratulate The combination that causes a lot of Our two main choices are low to the them on a great play and move on to heartache is this one: 9 and low to the jack. the next deal. Leading low to the jack will gain Let’s look at some easier when the king and the queen lie combinations now, and make it just the ♣ A J 10 7 4 onside, a 24% chance. (Two cards split king and queen that you are missing: N 2-0 48% of the time, so two honours W E onside is half of this: 24%.). S If leading low to the jack loses to the ♥ A J 10 ♥ A J 10 4 ♥ A J 10 7 ♣ 9 5 3 2 queen or king, then that is the end of N N N the matter since the opponents have W E W E W E the king or queen, and the ten. S S S You lead low to the jack and it loses What about leading low to the 9? ♥ 4 3 2 ♥ 6 5 3 ♥ 8 6 4 3 to an honour. You come back to hand It will never win the trick (surely a and lead low towards the A-10 and the

Page 34 BRIDGE September 2017 other honour does not ap- as well as you do, you recog- to dummy. Now it’s crunch pear. Should you finesse or nise this trump suit as one time – do we play the jack or BERNARD play for the drop? we have discussed earlier, run our 8 round? MAGEE’S Once again, you should and the is to Let’s think about what INTERACTIVE take a second finesse. You take two – can you we know about the hand. will lose only to a holding see why that is wrong on East began with ♠K-Q and TUTORIAL CD of K-Q doubleton offside. this hand? ♥x-x-x. He turned up with If, instead, you backpedal Taking two finesses is the ♣A-Q and if we knew that by cashing the ace at this right line of play in theory, West had the ♣J (likely if ACOL point, you will cater for as it guards against K-Q-x East’s ♣Q at trick one was a BIDDING K-Q doubleton offside but or K-Q-x-x onside, but if true card), then we could be at the expense of losing to that were the case here, East pretty sure East must have a singleton honour offside, would have a small single- the ♦Q to make his point a holding which is more ton or a void, both holdings count up from 11 to 13. likely. (A third option of we can rule out due to the This is where watching starting by cashing the ace opening bid of 1NT. the pips early on comes in so is a poor choice. It too ca- Instead, we cash the ace handy! West looked as if he MAC or ters for K-Q doubleton off- of trumps and East follows was leading from an honour Windows side, but at the considerable with the queen. This must (the ♣5 was led, remember, expense of losing to K- be from K-Q stiff and we which can’t really be second Q-x and K-Q-x-x onside.) can, if we wish, play another highest from a bad suit), So with all that in mind one and clear trumps. Be- but could it have been from how do you play this hand fore we do so, we might be the ten? That would mean against two experts at your tempted to cash a few hearts the E/W hands might have local club? to stop East getting safely off started something like this: Throughout 200 lead in that suit, but a quick deals split into ten rethink tells us this is a bad chapters, Bernard ♠ A 10 7 6 idea – East is marked with ♠ 8 4 ♠ K Q evaluates your bids, ♥ ♥ N ♥ Q 4 3 2 a doubleton spade and thus 9 6 W E 10 8 5 praising the correct S ♦ A J 7 likely to have three hearts. ♦ K Q 6 2 ♦ 10 5 3 ones and discussing ♣ K 3 (West would probably have ♣ 10 8 7 5 2 ♣ A Q J 9 4 the wrong ones. led his singleton heart at N l Opening Bids W E trick one if East had four S hearts and East might not That is consistent with the and Responses ♠ J 9 5 3 2 have opened 1NT with 2-2 bidding, but hang on, if l Slams and ♥ A K J 7 in the majors). So if we cash you were West on lead to Strong Openings ♦ 9 8 4 ♠ three rounds, West will ruff 4 wouldn’t you lead the l Support for Partner ♣ 6 in with his small trump. So ♦K? I know I would, and it l Pre-empting we play another trump and is therefore more likely that East wins and, predictably, West’s diamonds are K-10 l The auction is competitive, exits with a heart. We cash a rather than K-Q. You let the l No-trump £66 East starts the bidding with few of those ending in hand ♦8 run and this forces the Openings 1NT (12-14). You overcall and they are indeed 3-2 queen and gives you your and Responses ♣ with East having three. 2 for the majors and part- game, the full hand being: l Opener’s and ♦ ner responds 2 asking for As East has turned up Responder’s Rebids your better major. You bid with the ♣A-Q and ♠K-Q, 2♠ and he raises you briskly he is likely to have a dia- ♠ A 10 7 6 l Minors and Misfits to game. West leads the ♣5. mond honour, so the per- ♥ Q 4 3 2 l Doubles ♣ ♦ A J 7 You expect the A to be centage play in this suit is l Competitive offside since an ace under- still to play low to the seven ♣ K 3 Auctions lead is unlikely at trick one, and hope that ♦Q-10-x-(x) ♠ 8 4 ♠ K Q but you confidently play low or ♦K-10-x-(x) is onside. So ♥ 9 6 N ♥ 10 8 5 W E Mr Bridge, Ryden from the dummy and hope we lead a low diamond and ♦ K 10 6 2 S ♦ Q 5 3 Grange, Knaphill, East with ♣A-J-x-x puts up West plays the king – has ♣ J 9 7 5 2 ♣ A Q 10 8 4 Surrey GU21 2TH the ace. No such luck, he that changed our view? ♠ J 9 5 3 2 wins the ♣Q and continues We win the ace in dummy ♥ A K J 7 ( 01483 489961 with the ♣A which you ruff. and cross back to hand with ♦ 9 8 4 www.mrbridge.co.uk/ What now? another spade, undecided, ♣ 6 ■ mrbridge-shop Knowing the percentages and lead a diamond back up

BRIDGE September 2017 Page 35 David Stevenson answers your Frequently Asked Questions BERNARD MAGEE TUTORIAL DVDS Claims – Part One

SET 1 1 Ruffing for Extra Tricks laims speed up bridge and, it was illegal for play to continue, but it in general, are a good idea. has just become legal, if and only if, all 2 Competitive Auctions Many players find it quite four players agree. If claimer has made Cannoying when declarer plays a hand a mistake he will probably realise it 3 Making the Most of High Cards out very slowly, seeming to pause and and correct it, and that is now legal. It £25 think before every trick and at the is never to the advantage of the non- 4 Identifying per DVD end, the defence realise that declarer claiming side to play on: they should & Bidding Slams had all the tricks and everyone’s time always accept the claim or call the was being wasted. Of course, less director. 5 Play & Defence experienced players sometimes find it Suppose you are the director and you of 1NT Contracts difficult to express themselves or to be are called. First, you should always ask 6 Doubling & Defence confident they have all the tricks and what the contract is and who claimed: against Doubled it is reasonable that they should claim it can be quite confusing when no-one Contracts rarely. Surely, everyone can claim when tells you what is trumps. The claimer they have only winning trumps left! is required to face his cards on the SET 2 Some players object to claims for two table so make sure he does so now, if reasons, first because sometime they he has not already done so. Then ask 7 Leads had a bad experience when making the claimer to repeat what he said at 8 Losing Trick Count a faulty claim and they were ruled the time. This is very important: often against and second because some the claimer decides to embellish it 9 Making a Plan declarers who claim do not explain the (usually because he has realised what as Declarer claim or do not explain it well enough the problem is) and you do not want 10 Responding to 1NT for them to understand. Players who his current explanation: you want to are less confident should wait until know what he said originally. Check 11 Signals & Discards they are sure they have all the tricks (or with the other players that you have 12 sure they have all the tricks except the been told accurately. For example, last one or two), but still should claim many claims are made with a trump SET 3 once it is obvious. More experienced out and when you get to the table players should make a claim clearly, claimer will say he was going to draw 13 Hand Evaluation so their opponents understand. It is trumps: that is not important, what is 14 Pre-Emptive Bidding more important to explain the claim important is whether in his original very clearly if your opponents are less claim he said he was drawing trumps. 15 Splinter experienced. Also it is a requirement There is one problem that sometimes & Cue Bids of law that the claimer puts his hand occurs: claimer attempted to claim £105 down on the table so everyone can see and was interrupted by opponents 16 Avoidance set of 6 it: too many people claim holding their who would not let him finish his Play hand in such a way that each opponent claim. If you judge that may have 17 Play & Defence at Pairs can only see some of the cards. occurred, then you invite him to state If you do not understand the claim, his claim in full now, making sure the 18 Thinking Defence you can always ask the claimer to opponents do not talk over him. One explain it more clearly and if you have of the problems with contested claims any doubts as to whether it is right, is that the two sides often try to talk at Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961 then call the director. Do not get into the same time: you have to stop that www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop an argument with claimer and do not and keep control. ask him to play on. Until very recently Suppose you are confident that you

Page 36 BRIDGE September 2017 David Stevenson answers your Frequently Asked Questions BERNARD MAGEE TUTORIAL Claims – Part One DVDS

SET 4 have heard what was said originally, or 19 Defensive Plan what he says now, if he was not allowed Hand B to finish originally. Now, you ask the ♠ A K 10 x x ♠ Q 9 x x 20 Further into the Auction opposition to put their cards face up ♥ A N ♥ Q x x W E 21 Weak Twos ♦ ♦ on the table and tell you what is wrong — S — with the claim, one opponent at a time. ♣ Q ♣ — 22 Trump Control The claimer will often try to interrupt: 6♠ by West 23 Sacrificing £25 do not let him. Make sure everyone per DVD has their say, dummy included, but 24 Improving players speaking one at a time. Having In Hand A, West says, ‘All mine.’ The Bridge Memory got all the facts and knowing what ♠A and the ♣A, ♣K and ♣Q have all cards are left (it is often best to write been played. But there is a trump out. SET 5 the cards left down), you tell them to How do you rule? When you are called 25 Defence as Partner put a score in the Bridgemate or on the to the table declarer says, ‘Of course, of the Leader traveller, probably as though the claim I draw the trump.’ He did not say it was accepted, but make it clear this is when he made his claim. So long as 26 Aggressive Bidding not a ruling, and when you have made the player holding the trump does not at Duplicate Pairs a decision, the result may be changed. have to follow suit to three rounds of 27 Strong Opening Bids Then let them play the next board. spades and a club, then you give the Claims are like other judgement defence a trick. A player who does not 28 Take-Out Doubles rulings, as when someone hesitates: mention one outstanding trump when 29 Suit Establishment you do not decide immediately, and he claims has usually forgotten it. in Suit Contracts usually you should consult with Even if he has not, he should be ruled someone else before deciding. against in case he has, and, next time, 30 / Defending How do you decide? Assume the will be more careful with his claim. Against a 1NT Opening claimer is declarer, which is usual. If In Hand B, West says, ‘All mine, you feel confident that you know how drawing trumps.’ The ♣Q is good. SET 6 declarer will play, then you allow it. But there is a safety play in spades: For example, if declarer is claiming if you cash the ace or king first, then 31 Counting Defence three tricks holding A-K-x in dummy if someone shows out you can play 32 Extra Tricks and Q-x in hand, you should not be spades safely for five tricks. But players in No-Trumps interested when the opponents say often forget this and cash the queen he might play the ace first and block first. They will be all right unless 33 Supporting the suit. Claims do not fail because an North holds ♠J-x-x-x. So you give the Partner £105 opponent finds a ridiculous line. Let defence a trick only if North does have 34 Finessing set of 6 us look at a couple of examples: this holding. Declarer will now tell you that he would obviously have done the 35 Bidding safety play, but if that is true, why did Distributional Hands Hand A he not mention it when he claimed? If 36 Coping with Pre-Empts ♠ Q J x ♠ K x he is that casual in his claim statement, ♥ A K N ♥ — then he might easily have been that W E ♦ ♦ — S — casual if he played the hand out. ♣ J ♣ 5 4 3 2 In a future article, we shall consider Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961 6♥ by West some of the other problems with claims www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop and give a few more examples. ■

BRIDGE September 2017 Page 37 Julian Pottage Answers your Bridge Questions Penalty or Take-Out Double?

Can you comment Nor do I agree with North’s 1. When playing a a bit to reach game. North on the N/S bidding? 5♦ bid. Making a sacrifice strong no-trump, I is not going to envisage Q How would bid after partner has made A often play that the game facing a weak no- you bid the South hand? a penalty double is almost only weak Stayman auction trump, unless perhaps never right. If wishing to is to bid 2♣ and pass the South is maximum with four suggest a 5♦ contract, North reply, all continuations by hearts. I do not like going Dealer North. E/W Game. should bid 4♦ over 3♠. It responder being at least against the field and would ♠ A is illogical to pass over 3♠ invitational, including only downgrade a hand ♥ J 9 6 3 2 and then bid 5♦. I do not the one you give. If your with a 4333 shape and ♦ Q J 10 8 6 think North should bid 4♦ agreement is that North’s poor intermediate cards. ♣ K 6 on this hand, but it would sequence is consistent be better to consult partner with a Yarborough, ‘drop ♣♦♥♠ N W E by doing so than to make dead Stayman’, it is better S a unilateral 5♦ bid later. to start with a 2♦ transfer My partner and I ♠ Q 5 and rebid 2♠. While most use transfer bids ♥ Q 7 ♣♦♥♠ new suits bid by responder Qover a 1NT opening ♦ 9 3 2 following a transfer create and find them very useful. ♣ A Q 10 9 7 4 We stopped in a a game force, you can play However, should they only part-score with 13 this as only invitational. be used on a weak hand? Qtricks makeable. While I accept that in West North East South Could you explain how terms of high cards, South 1♥ 1NT Dbl to improve the result? is minimum for a strong ♠ Q 9 2 3♠ Pass 4♠ Dbl no-trump, the J-10-8 of ♥ A Q 2 Pass 5♦ Dbl 5♥ hearts is worth much more ♦ K J Pass Pass Dbl All Pass Dealer South. Love All. than one point, once you ♣ J 8 7 6 5 ♠ 10 9 4 2 find that partner’s main suit N Can South’s first double ♥ A Q 5 4 3 is hearts – the fast winners W E be anything other ♦ Void in clubs look good too. S than penalty? ♣ J 10 8 7 Assuming that North follows ♠ A J 10 8 4

Huw Jones, Swansea. ♠ 7 6 5 N ♠ K J 3 an invitational sequence, ♥ 9 ♥ W E ♥ ♦ K 6 S 9 7 2 South’s best continuation is Q 6 5 South’s double (of ♦ A Q 5 4 3 ♦ K 10 9 7 6 3♣. This cannot express a ♣ A Q 9 2 1NT) is universally ♣ 9 5 2 ♣ Q 4 desire to play in clubs facing A played as for ♠ A Q 8 a hand that has shown both penalty. With 10 HCP and ♥ J 10 8 majors, so must show the North South a good suit to lead, it is ♦ J 8 2 values to raise hearts with 1NT 2♥ a reasonable action. ♣ A K 6 3 a concentration in clubs. 2♠ 3♣ I do not agree with South’s News of club values plus 4♣ 5♣ subsequent double of 4♠ – West North East South heart support is just what this is a case of bidding the 1NT North wants to hear. We did actually make 5♣. I hand twice. The double of Pass 2♣ Pass 2♦ 2. If 1NT was weak, South think 3NT would have made. 1NT already showed 9 or Pass 2♥ All Pass having downgraded the Is this a correct use 10 points upwards. What Geoff Simpson, hand because of the 4333 of transfer bids and, does South have in reserve? Aberdeenshire. shape, you are struggling if not, what would be

Page 38 BRIDGE September 2017 your recommendation better for North to have opening by North? How for my response to my jumped straight to 5♦ could we reach a slam? ♠ A Q J 9 5 partner’s initial 1NT bid? after the 1♠ bid? Patrick Cliff, ♥ Q J 10 9 4 Ann Yeldon, 2. Is North’s jump to 3♦ Uckfield, Sussex ♦ A 6 Seaford, East Sussex. after a double forcing for ♣ 9 one round or to game? Playing a 16-18 1NT One of the beauties 3. How would you opening, I disagree of transfer bids is that bid the hands? A with the 1♥ opening. Me Partner A you can use them on Angela Buckley by email. If you open 1♥ and rebid 1♠ 2♣ both strong hands and on 2NT after a 1♠ response, that ? weak. The 1NT-2♥-2♠-3♣ North’s double shows 19-20. While adding start is eminently correct. followed by a jump something for the decent We got to an awful Looking at the two hands, A to 3♦ shows a strong five-card suit is fair enough, 6♥ contract, which, 4♠, played with the lead hand and good diamonds, you are adding two points to undeservedly, I made. coming up to the ♥A-Q, something like an Acol two the basic 17 if you do that. As Martin Epstein by email. seems to be the best spot. in diamonds. Yes, I think it it happens, overbidding via With only 14 HCP, I Even if neither black suit should create a one round the 1♥ opening might help would definitely rebid plays without loss, you force. Even if you play it as the partnership reach a slam, A 2♥ rather than 3♥. At can expect to make 4♠. non-forcing, South’s pass because South is surely never the point partner responded The interesting question is is inexplicable. 2♣ was a stopping short facing what 2♣, you did not know of a whether opener’s raise to forced action. South has sounds like 19-20 points. fit – and the losing count 4♣ should show (or deny) an ace and a king more Playing a 15-17 1NT trick only works, or stands three spades as well as than promised. I must opening, it is reasonable a fair chance of working, four or five clubs. Many admit I would have bid to upgrade the North hand when you have a fit. It is now partnerships would not have 3NT on the South hand into the 18-19 range and standard to play a simple an agreement about this. over 3♦, which does not start with 1♥. Again South 2♥ rebid (after the two level There is a case for opener play well on a heart lead. is very interested in a slam response) as forcing for to bid 3♠ over 3♣ despite North has a tricky hand after the start of 1♥-1♠-2NT. one round, so you do not the club support, because to bid. An initial double Incidentally, a 15-17 1NT need to worry about missing a club slam is unlikely with with a void in hearts is opening has the advantage game if you rebid 2♥. so many values in unattractive, as is an of giving a three-point the red suits. immediate 3NT overcall. range for the 1NT rebid, ♣♦♥♠ The route chosen seems 12-14. Playing a 16-18 1NT ♣♦♥♠ as good as any. opening, the 1NT rebid LHO opens 1♥, range of 12-15 is a bit too partner doubles, Our bidding was as ♣♦♥♠ wide for most people. QRHO passes. follows, settling in Now suppose North What does a jump Qa part score when My partner and I, opens 1NT, as seems of 3♥ show? a slam was makeable. at rubber bridge, normal playing a 16-18 1NT LHO opens 1♣, partner Qplay a strong opening. South might then doubles, RHO passes. no-trump (16-18) and use Gerber to discover that What does a jump ♠ Q 9 4 five-card majors with a North holds three aces and cue bid of 3♣ show? ♥ Void prepared club. We held: one king. On a bad day, the Simon Gottschalk, ♦ A K Q 9 8 6 5 3 ace-king of clubs are missing Pendoylan, Glamorgan. ♣ A 8 and the opponents cash the ♠ A 3 first two tricks. Most of the Most pairs would not N W E ♥ A J 10 8 7 time 6♠ will have play facing have an agreement. S ♦ A 10 3 three aces and one king. A With one partner, I ♠ A 7 6 3 ♣ K J 5 At duplicate, with more have played that the jump ♥ J 8 4 system available, it might cue bid shows a game- N ♦ 7 4 W E be easier to get to 6♠. forcing two suited hand. ♣ K 4 3 2 S ♠ K Q 10 9 8 6 4 2 ♣♦♥♠ ♣♦♥♠ ♥ Void West North East South ♦ K Should I have 1♠ Dbl Pass 2♣ ♣ Q 9 4 3 rebid 2♥ on the With neither side Pass 3♦ All Pass Qfollowing hand? vulnerable and I chose 3♥ because I Qat IMP scoring, 1. Would it have been Do you agree with a 1♥ had a five-loser hand. you hold:

BRIDGE September 2017 Page 39 What is a ‘2/1 In a club duplicate, ♠ A K 8 2 system’? I have my partner dealt BERNARD N ♥ 9 6 3 come across it when I held: MAGEE’S W E Q Q S ♦ Q J 8 4 online at BBO and have INTERACTIVE ♣ 10 3 played against it on TUTORIAL CD holiday in Portugal. ♠ K 7 2 N ♥ K Q J 4 W E Most of the club played S West North East South 2/1 and with the language ♦ 6 4 DEFENCE 1♦ Pass 1♠ 5♣ barrier we didn’t know ♣ A K Q 5 5♦ Pass ? about it. (I am sure you can imagine the result: 34%.) Do you raise? Alun Williams, Me Partner Name and address supplied. Llanfairpwll, Anglesey. 1♦ 1♥ 2♣ It would depend a When people talk 2♠1 3NT MAC or bit upon who partner about a 2/1 system End Windows A is. Facing a cautious A it means that a bidder, I would raise to 6♦. non-jump change-of-suit 1Temptation to jump to 6♣; if I I do not think I would raise response in an uncontested use Blackwood and he answers with an aggressive bidder, auction by an unpassed 5♦, with just one ace, we are particularly if we are playing hand creates a game force: in trouble. In that eventuality, I Benjamin, which would would like to settle for 5NT but he eliminate some possible West North East South would take it as asking for kings. Bernard develops opening hands. You need 1♠ Pass 2♦ your defence in the to bear in mind that a You will not be surprised to course of ten very long club suit on East shows at least four hear that we made a slam. introductory your left means suits will diamonds and at least What should I have done? exercises and 120 not break kindly and that 12 or 13 points. Rupert Timpson by email. complete deals. any finesses in the heart The 2/1 system is quite l Lead vs suit are likely to fail. popular in America and Since a raise of 2♣ No-trump ♣ Here are a couple of in online games; indeed to 3 would not be Contracts possible hands for partner: BBO robots all play 2/1. A forcing, you were When playing 2/1, you right to dismiss that. You were l Lead vs need to have an arrangement right too not just to jump Suit Contracts Hand A about how to handle the to 3NT, ruling out a club l Partner of Leader ♠ Q 7 wider range of responding slam. Although you could vs No-trump ♥ ♣ ♣ A J 7 4 N hands that are worth a jump from 2 to 4 , which Contracts ♦ A K 9 7 6 5 3 W E response, but not worth a would be forcing, going S l Partner of Leader ♣ Void game force. It is common via fourth suit as you did vs Suit Contracts for 2/1 players to play a seems fine. You should have forcing 1NT response, which carried through your plan, l Count Hand B gives responder the chance however, and bid 4♣ over Signals ♠ 7 to make a second bid and 3NT. Given how good your l Attitude £76 ♥ A K 7 4 N so differentiate minimum clubs are, and hence how Signals W E ♦ A K 9 7 6 5 3 S responding hands from weak partner’s are going to l Discarding ♣ 4 those worth inviting game. be, it is unlikely that partner Also, you do not need to will get excited – but at least l Defensive Plan play strong jump shifts at you have a chance this way. l Stopping Declarer Opposite Hand A, you the three level by responder Some pairs play fourth suit l Counting have only eleven obvious because a two-level response as game forcing, which might the Hand tricks and a slam seems to already covers strong hands, avoid this problem. Partner depend on squeezing North so jumps in a new suit to could then rebid 2NT rather in the majors. A slam is the three level will mean than 3NT, giving you room to Mr Bridge, Ryden hopeless opposite Hand B. something else, typically some continue with 3♣ and leaving Grange, Knaphill, As you can see, if the sort of raise of opener’s suit. more room to explore. ■ Surrey GU21 2TH opponents have a club ( 01483 489961 trick to cash, partner might www.mrbridge.co.uk/ E-mail your questions (including your postal address) need the A-K-Q of hearts mrbridge-shop for Julian to: [email protected] for a slam to be good.

Page 40 BRIDGE September 2017 Answers to Bernard Magee’s BERNARD Bidding Quizzes 1-3 MAGEE on the Cover and page 7 TUTORIAL DVDS 2♦. 1. Dealer West. Game All. With 16 high card points and two five- £25 per DVD ♠ J 7 6 5 4 3 ♠ 2 card suits, you may feel the need to show SET 7 ♥ Q 8 6 4 2 N ♥ A 3 your strength. However, your first job is to 37 MORE SIGNALLING ♦ A Q W E ♦ K 8 7 2 find out whether you have a fit, because S I look at different times when you ♣ Void ♣ K Q 7 6 5 3 these kinds of hands do not do well when signal and the messages you might there is no fit with partner. If you rebid want to give. 3♦, you force your partnership to game – West North East South a new suit at the three-level. Considering 38 4-4-4-1 HANDS ? that your partner might have just six Everybody’s least favourite type high card points, you certainly cannot of opening hand. I will be going Pass. guarantee a game. through the methods for choosing Just nine points, but with eleven cards in Bid just 2♦ and see how things the right suit to open as well as coping with responses. your two long suits, you might chance a progress. call. I like to relabel the ‘rule of 20’ as the 39 DRAWING TRUMPS ‘guideline of 20’. This suggests that if you This seminar sounds straightfor- add the length of your two longest suits to ward, but we will not be simply your high card points, then if it equals or 3. Dealer East. Love All. drawing trumps, we will be con- exceeds 20 you should consider opening. ♠ Void ♠ A K J 5 4 sidering the reasons for delaying. As a guideline, you will realise that ♥ K 7 6 4 2 N ♥ 9 5 Keeping control of trumps is an you just consider an opening rather than ♦ K 9 8 7 6 W E ♦ 4 3 important part of declarer play. S automatically open. The final decision ♣ Q 4 3 ♣ K J 6 5 40 FIVE-CARD MAJORS tends to rest on the quality of your two Popular around the world, this long suits. Here, your suits are very poor method is becoming more popular indeed and if you open you will only West North East South here. score well if you find a fit. If not, you will 1♠ Pass 41 FUNDAMENTALS probably end up far too high. If you do ? open, the East shown will probably bid OF DEFENCE to 3NT and whether you pass or convert 1NT. Defence is by far the hardest aspect of bridge: this seminar seeks to one of the majors, you will be far too A lovely distributional hand, but your to show the building blocks that high and will lose a lot of points. partner opens in your void suit. When can start you off on a wonderful Pass and then try to come in later, if your long suits are robust you can journey. If you can get the basics possible – by doing this you will have sometimes afford to bid them when you right then the more complicated limited the strength of your hand so that are light on high card points. However, aspects of defence can follow. your partner will not go for game. when you have just one high card in each 42 SUPPORTING £105 of your suits, you need the requisite high MINORS set of 6 card points to bid at the two level. Minors are not as important as To bid a new suit at the two-level, you majors, but we have to bid them 2. Dealer West. Love All. need at least nine high card points or 10 and it is important to know ♠ A 8 ♠ Q 7 6 4 total points. Your two long suits are weak, your system. Bidding more 3NT ♥ K Q 4 3 2 N ♥ 9 6 so you should settle for a 1NT response. contracts will get you better scores, ♦ A K 8 7 2 W E ♦ 9 4 It feels difficult to respond 1NT with but being able to spot a S ♣ 2 ♣ A J 6 5 3 such a distributional hand, but by doing slam will put you a cut above. so, you slow the auction down when there is a misfit. Over 1NT, East rebids 2♣ West North East South and now you might choose to pass: any Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass higher contracts will have little chance of www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop ? success. ■

BRIDGE September 2017 Page 41 Teacher’s Corner – Teaching Tips from Ian Dalziel Teaching Drawing Trumps

bridge teacher gave a lesson 13, thus getting the number of trumps like them. on the use of the trump suit; held by your opponents, which you The counters are only used at my it was quite a comprehensive count down to zero as you draw them. early lessons on drawing trumps. Aexposition of the subject. He covered This means if declarer or dummy ruffs However the ‘count down’ method can drawing trumps, ruffing in dummy, early it doesn’t affect the count, which be used to count the work suit at no- the cross ruff and ruffing out a suit. happens if you use any other method. trumps and side suits when another He also intended to explain ‘ suit is trumps. In fact, with practice dummy play’, but ran out of time. At you don’t need to count at all. If you the end of his 60 minute talk, he asked have eight cards you think, ‘I hope for questions from his students, but they break 3-2,’ and if both follow for was met with silence. This didn’t re- two rounds, they are 3-2, if not they are ally surprise him as he was sure he 4-1 or 5-0. Similarly, if you have nine had explained everything very clearly. cards, you hope for 2-2 till you find out Feeling quite confident he said, ‘Surely otherwise, with seven cards you hope someone has a question? No mat- for 3-3, but, of course, both are against ter how trivial it might seem, I want the odds. Once you concentrate on to hear it.’ Eventually a man from finding out ‘the break’ no counting is the back of the class slowly raised his needed. hand. ‘A few of us at this table have I tell beginners to draw trumps been wondering the same thing.’ he ‘immediately, if not sooner’ unless said, ‘What exactly are trumps?’ there is a good reason to do otherwise. Well I hope my lessons and yours are Until they have been taught the better than that! But the fact remains To ensure that all students understand exceptions (like ruffing in dummy), I that many beginners only really learn this, there is a ‘trump counter’ on each want them to be ‘quick on the draw’. with the cards in their hands. That table (as shown above). When dummy Some learn this skill quickly but doesn’t mean there is no place for the goes down, declarer sets the trump others take years to do it, some never spoken lesson, I just keep it short. My counter to the number of trumps held do. They can’t resist cashing just a few first spoken lesson on drawing trumps by the opponents. Every time he draws winners first before drawing trumps; lasts about 12 minutes and I show a round of trumps he resets the counter claiming the risk of being ruffed is low them only one hand. The rest of the until it reaches zero. For example, if and they often get away with it. My hour is spent playing prepared hands the declarer has eight trumps and they response is, ‘Why take unnecessary (with set contracts) taking turns to break 3-2 the count will go 5, 3, 1, 0. risks? I want these side suit winners as be declarer. As there is no bidding If declarer forgets, the others remind much as you do, but not just yet!’ (To only three students are needed at each him. Even those who don’t need it are paraphrase St Augustine’s prayer). table. They are told in advance that asked to use it as they may have used Some put off drawing trumps to ‘ruff trumps should be drawn every time another method and I want them to in hand’ which rarely gains and often but a fair number don’t do it and get a change. loses. For after trumps are drawn, the master card ruffed. I made these counters from ceiling trumps left in your hand are ‘automatic Of course, you need to count the roses and volume controls from old tricks’, they don’t need your help, they trumps too. It’s simple arithmetic transistor radios. I’m sure dials like will win anyway, even if you played but with other things happening in these are produced for other purposes, blindfold. the hand, it’s easier said than done, but I haven’t been able to source any. Why some people don’t draw trumps especially if it can’t be done in one go. You could just write the numbers despite years of ‘good’ teaching has The ‘count down’ method is best, this down on a card and score them out baffled me for many years. It’s one means when dummy goes down you but the counters are better and good of life’s mysteries. Perhaps I’m just total your trumps and subtract from fun. They really work and the students more aware of the problem than other

Page 42 BRIDGE September 2017 teachers as the second half of all my classes is random hands with the card Answers to Bernard Magee’s play recorded, so nothing is missed, which has its good side and bad side. Bidding Quizzes 4-6 Another reason beginners give for not drawing trumps is that, ‘my on the Cover and page 7 trumps aren’t good enough; I have too many top trumps missing.’ Declarer might hold ♥Q-J-x-x-x opposite ♥10- – remember that his 2♠ bid did not show x-x, and perhaps think that if they 4. Dealer East. Love All. spade support, he was simply completing don’t draw trumps the ace and king ♠ A 8 7 6 5 ♠ 9 the transfer. will somehow disappear or maybe ♥ 9 3 N ♥ A K 8 6 4 Once you know you have a spade fit, they don’t want to lose the lead early ♦ K Q 8 6 2 W E ♦ 4 3 you can try for slam by making a cue bid S on. If they don’t draw trumps, they ♣ 2 ♣ A J 7 6 3 of 4♣ (first or second-round control) and will lose the ace and king anyway, but then when East can bid 4♦ (showing the the opponents’ small trumps may take ♦A or ♦K), you can bid Blackwood. Your tricks by ruffing. West North East South partner would show two aces and you What if your trumps are ♣J-x-x-x 1♥ Pass would go for the slam: 6♠. opposite ♣K-x-x or even ♦A-Q-x-x 1♠ Pass 2♣ Pass opposite ♦J-x, which can happen if a ? one opening is passed out or a is passed. Such trump holdings 2♥. Your partner has bid two suits and 6. Dealer South. Love All. are never covered in the text books, they misfit with your hand. Once again, ♠ A K 8 7 6 ♠ 4 they are not supposed to happen but you should downgrade your hand. Two- ♥ J 10 9 7 6 N ♥ K Q 2 they do quite a lot, especially with suited hands are wonderful when you ♦ A K W E ♦ 9 8 S beginners. If your trumps are that have a fit, but when they misfit, you will ♣ 2 ♣ K J 9 6 5 4 3 bad you should probably be in no- generally find that declaring contracts trumps. You therefore do a ‘no-trump can be very difficult. It pays to be careful conversion’ where you draw trumps with misfits and staying low is wise. Here, West North East South till no-one has any left and then play you should simply revert to your partner’s 3♦ the hand in no-trumps with the three first suit, 2♥, and with a little bit of ruffing ? remaining suits. It’s probably as good in both hands your partner should be as any other method as the contract able to make. Any higher and you are 4♦. Pre-emptive bids are designed to will be a struggle. likely to be recording a minus score. make your life awkward and, once again, Until a student has mastered they have achieved their aim. You have drawing trumps and fully understands two suits that you would like to show, but why ruffing in the long hand isn’t you have to start at the three level rather productive, they won’t benefit from 5. Dealer East. Love All. than the one level. With such potential further lessons on declarer play in suit ♠ K Q J 8 7 ♠ A 4 3 in a heart or spade contract, it is not un- contracts. However, you can’t hold ♥ A K N ♥ J 9 8 7 reasonable to hope that your partner will back the class so you must move on. ♦ Q J 6 4 3 W E ♦ K 7 2 have at least three-card support for one S One solution might be to suggest that ♣ 6 ♣ A 9 5 of them. With a fit, your hand will be very students use the trump counter until powerful (just five losers) so it is just a they clearly don’t need it any more. matter of showing your two suits. A dou- However, some feel stigmatised and West North East South ble does not really do the trick because reject the idea. Sometimes ‘face saving’ 1NT Pass that suggests you have support for all the can impede learning but an unhappy 2♥1 Pass 2♠ Pass unbid suits and on this hand you would student won’t learn much. ? find your partner responding 5♣. Instead, My dream would be to have a 1Transfer to spades you should bid 4♦ – the opponents’ suit beginner’s class where everyone draws – you clearly do not want to play in dia- trumps ASAP unless they had a valid 3♦. This hand demonstrates the flexibility monds. Instead, this is used to show a reason. Sadly for me, this remains of transfers: you use your first response strong two suited hand. Your partner bids a dream, but my eight little trump to 1NT to show five or more spades and the lowest suit he would be happy to play counters have helped hundreds of now you can show your second suit at the with as trumps (opposite a five-card hold- students over the years. Give them a three level. A rebid of 3♦ shows a strong ing in your hand). Here East would bid 4♥ try at your beginner’s class; you must two-suited hand: your partner has to bid and that is where you would play. know someone with DIY skills who again – either by bidding 3NT or support- Had you chosen to simply overcall 3♠ would enjoy the challenge of making ing one of your suits. Here, East will bid hoping to show hearts later you might them. ■ 3♠ – showing three- or four- card support have finished in 3♠. ■

BRIDGE September 2017 Page 43 hand number 3 of Bernard work and a bit too much Magee’s bidding quiz in at my stage of life. Still, I READERS’ the July issue of BRIDGE enjoyed every minute of it. (hands reprinted below). David Bird by email.

JUST ASKING 3. Dealer East. Game All. LETTERS ♠ A 9 7 6 ♠ K 3 ♥ Void N ♥ A 9 8 7 6 5 W E IN PRAISE OF… Gwen, Ingrid and Kay. They ♦ K 8 4 S ♦ Q 2 worked tirelessly to provide ♣ A Q 10 5 4 2 ♣ K J 8

all the bridge anyone could want. We were impressed by the atmosphere of great East opens 1♥, West bids good humour and civility 2♣ and East responds throughout – combined 3♣ (rather than repeat with proper formality his threadbare hearts and competitive spirit. in the first instance). Gwen’s tutorials were West has five losers, and gems: fun, thought provoking can place East with seven a. When will the new Jeremy Dhondy, pictured and challenging us to losers for his opening bid. version of the Yellow above, is excellent at being look at things anew. The On the loser count, West Book be available? able to converse with all, graphics, presentation has enough for 6♣ and b. Will BRIDGE have articles about all and at all levels and notes were superb. can bid it directly. In by David Stevenson of the game. His articles This was our first explanation, he can point on the law changes? are always very informative bridge cruise – there out to his partner that this c. Have you considered and worth a read. certainly will be more. hand would be a tricky producing an app on Whether he is explaining Eileen and Cormac Lalor, one to reach slam by other the main laws, for the how to play or Collins Bridge Club, means, particularly as the benefit of club directors? identifying the problems of Cork, Republic of Ireland. suit is clubs, and hope that Dermot Paddon by email. the shrinking numbers of his partner is convinced. See my editorial notes on those playing club bridge or TRY AGAIN ROGER He might also mention page 5 of this issue. defending the virtues of the Roger Harris should that their opponents will EBU, he is always interesting. appreciate that partners do be using this excellent tool, MARKETING… He listed the ten not need to ‘match’ each and that their partnership is IT CERTAINLY IS NOT commandments to help others’ methods in hand disadvantaged if they do not. Just to say how much my clubs prevent slow play, evaluation. However, both Ann Stevenson, mother, Hazel Morgan, see BRIDGE 175. he and his partner would Hopton, Stafford. enjoyed her holiday in Rovinj, I would like to suggest greatly benefit by extending Croatia earlier this year. that Jeremy add one more their range of techniques BACK AT WORK She passed away commandment, which I to include point count, Many thanks for the smart some six weeks after think will go a long way fit, shape, distribution of bridge diary that you sent. enjoying a fantastic two to solving the perennial values etc, in addition to It is very much appreciated weeks playing bridge. problem of slow play: the Losing Trick Count. and Thelma has already I am not saying this ‘The director should call Knowing that the Losing started to put entries into it. should be a selling point, the move for the next round Trick Count is so important Recently I exhausted but I would very much like even when up to a third of in such a range, it would myself, commentating and you to put the news of her tables are still playing.’ be well worth his trying writing for the daily bulletin death in your magazine. John Williams, again to persuade his during the recent European This will ensure that those Montrose Bridge Club. partner to adopt it. He could Open championships. Six she met on her oh so recent use, as an example of the hours a day for 14 days... holiday will remember her. IRISH GOODWILL effectiveness of the LTC, it was like being back at Jill Morgan by email. ■ Thank you for the wonderful bridge cruise we had in Write to Mr Bridge at: Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH June on board Magellan or e-mail [email protected] to Iceland. The ship, its E-mail correspondents are asked to include their name, full postal Captain and crew, were first address, telephone number and to send no attachments. class. We particularly wish Letters may be edited for length and clarity. to praise your bridge team:

Page 44 BRIDGE September 2017 Answers to Bernard Magee’s BERNARD MAGEE’S Bidding Quizzes 7-9 INTERACTIVE TUTORIAL CD on the Cover and page 7 DECLARER PLAY

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South 1♥ 1♠ 2♥ 3♠ 1♣ 1♠ 1♥ 1♠ 2♥ ? 2♥ 3♠ 4♥ 4♠ ? ? 4♦. Pass. You have a fit in hearts so you 5♣. Your partner overcalls 1♠, can fully evaluate your hand: Your side have the majority of showing five cards and you Bernard develops 14 HCP, two five-card suits strength, so you cannot sell hold three spades, which your declarer play and a singleton – worth per- out to 4♠ without doubling: means you have a fit. technique in the haps 18 or 19 total points. Use between you, you have to de- Even with just five high card course of ten the losing trick count and you cide whether to bid on or dou- points, you should contem- introductory will count only five losers. Both ble 4♠. plate raising to 2♠ – the level exercises and 120 complete deals. methods tell you to bid on, but It is dangerous to progress of your fit. before you simply bid 4♥ con- to the five-level unless you However, consider the dan- l Suit Establishment sider what is likely to happen have a double fit. However, ger of bidding 2♠ – you show in No-trumps next. Over 4♥, North bids 4♠ your partner has already your partner that you have a l Suit Establishment and your partnership now has shown you his first suit: clubs, fit and since you are so weak it in Suits a decision to make – should and you do have a reason- would be no surprise if North you bid on to 5♥ or not? able fit with this suit. Expect- now raises in hearts, perhaps l Hold-ups ♥ £76 Generally, the answer is no, ing him to have five clubs and even to 4 . l Ruffing for unless you have a double fit: at least three hearts, you do What will your partner be Extra Tricks 8+ cards between the part- indeed have a double fit and thinking? l Entries in nership in two different suits: can bid on above 4♠. Why not He holds a very distribu- No-trumps you clearly have plenty of tell him of your fit in clubs at tional hand and will be think- hearts, but what about dia- the same time by bidding 5♣ ing that 4♥ will probably l Delaying monds? – this is not suggesting that make, so why not bid 4♠ as Drawing Trumps By showing your second suit you play in clubs, but that you a sacrifice. He is not going to l Using the Lead by bidding 4♦ (on the way to have a double fit and thus the expect you to hold two certain l Trump Control 4♥), you help your partner to potential for more tricks. trump tricks. He guesses that decide what to do over 4♠. Perhaps it is unrealistic to you might have four hearts, l Endplays & With five diamonds and a sin- bid on to 6♥ with these two but not such a powerful five- Avoidance ♥ gleton club, he would bid 5 , hands (combined 24 points), card holding. l Using the Bidding but here, with five clubs and but twelve tricks will be easy. Considering the vulnerabil- a singleton diamond, he will 5♣ allows your partner to cue ity and your powerful heart double. bid 5♦ (cue bids above 4NT holding, you should keep Mr Bridge, Ryden A diamond lead will likely should show first round con- quiet. Grange, Knaphill, lead to a two trick defeat trols). Now you might see the North will probably raise to Surrey GU21 2TH of 4♠, whilst a trump lead full potential of the two hands 4♥ (or invite game). ( 01483 489961 against 5♥ would make it very – the hope that your second Over 4♥ you might risk a www.mrbridge.co.uk/ difficult to make ten tricks, let diamond might be discarded, double, or if you prefer, you mrbridge-shop alone eleven. leaving just a spade loser. can pass. ■

BRIDGE September 2017 Page 45 BERNARD More Tips from Bernard Magee MAGEE’S TUTORIAL CDS When Holding Up ADVANCED DECLARER PLAY Look For Partner’s l Overtricks in No-trumps l Overtricks in Suit Contracts l Endplays Count Signal l Avoidance l Wrong Contract £81 l Simple Squeezes l Counting the Hand hen you hold an ace, as a follows to declarer’s lead with his lowest l Trump Reductions & Coups defender, you have control card, he is showing an odd number of l Playing Doubled Contracts Wover the suit – by choosing the cards. Now it is arithmetic time. Five in l Safety Plays right time to play your master you will dummy plus three in your hand equals sometimes be able to break declarer’s eight, leaving five out. Your partner has communications and save a number of an odd number, probably three, which ADVANCED tricks. However, to know when to play leaves declarer with a doubleton. Your ACOL BIDDING your ace is not easy – for this you will job is to take your ace on the round that l Basics often need assistance from your partner. takes declarer’s last card – here it will be l Advanced Basics Hopefully, your partner will give you the second round. l Weak Twos £96 a count signal – telling you how many l Strong Hands cards he has in the suit. When following l Defence to Weak Twos to declarer’s lead (from hand or dummy) ♠ 9 4 2 l Defence to 1NT defenders generally give a count signal: ♥ Q 6 5 l Doubles playing low with an odd number of cards; ♦ K Q J 10 3 l Two-suited Overcalls or playing a higher spot card to suggest ♣ 9 3 l Defences to Other Systems an even number. ♠ J 6 5 ♠ Q 8 7 3 ♥ J 8 7 3 N ♥ K 10 2 l Misfits and W E Distributional Hands ♦ 6 5 2 S ♦ A 8 7 ♠ 9 4 2 ♣ J 6 5 ♣ Q 10 4 ♥ Q 6 5 ♠ A K 10 FIVE-CARD MAJORS ♦ K Q J 10 3 ♥ A 9 4 & Strong No-Trump ♣ 9 3 ♦ 9 4 l Opening Bids & Responses ♠ Q 8 7 3 ♣ A K 8 7 2

l No-Trump Openings N ♥ K 10 2 l Support for Partner W E ♦ A 8 7 S l Slams & Strong Openings ♣ Q 10 4 After you win the second diamond you l Rebids return a spade – you need your ♥K l Minors & Misfits to retain its place over dummy’s ♥Q. l Pre-empting £89 West North East South Declarer wins the switch and might try l Doubles 1♣ ducking a club or simply lead a heart to l Overcalls Pass 1♦ Pass 2NT the queen. Neither tactic will work here: l Competitive Auctions Pass 3NT All Pass declarer cannot establish more than eight tricks if you keep him to just one ALSO You are sitting East and your partner diamond. Clearly, if East ducks a second leads the ♥3 against 3NT. Dummy plays round of diamonds, then declarer has l Acol Bidding (see p35) the ♥5 and you choose the ♥10 which his ninth trick. l Defence (see p40) declarer takes with his ace. He then plays Most defenders know that they are l Declarer Play (see p45) the ♦9, to West’s ♦2 and dummy’s ♦3. supposed to duck with an ace some of This is crunch time – you need to the time, but they tend to guess on which decide when to take your ace – your round to play it. If you look out for a ( 01483 489961 aim is to cut declarer off from the lovely count signal from your partner, then you www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop diamonds in dummy. Your partner’s ♦2 will be able to work out exactly when to carries an important message – when he play it. ■

Page 46 BRIDGE September 2017 Answers to Bernard Magee’s BERNARD Bidding Quizzes 10-12 MAGEE on the Cover and page 7 at to be excited. Just a four loser hand or 10. Dealer West. Love All. probably worth 20 total points if you Denham ♠ 7 6 ♠ A 8 2 assess your void and long suits. ♥ K Q 8 7 6 N ♥ 9 5♣ should be the least of your Grove ♦ A K 8 3 2 W E ♦ 9 6 5 ambitions and you want to get across S near Uxbridge, Bucks UB9 5DG. ♣ 2 ♣ A Q J 10 4 3 your excitement to your partner. 3♠: a bid of the opponents’ suit would show excitement, but perhaps better is to jump West North East South in their suit. 4♠ would suggest great 12-15 Jan 2018 1♥ 1♠ 2♣ 2♠ excitement and that slam might be on. ? To be that excited, usually it will show a £399pp void in the suit. Pass. You have a lovely two-suited With nothing wasted in spades and Friday – Monday hand and hope to open 1♥ and rebid 2♦ holding the ♦A-K in the only unbid suit, to describe your hand neatly. However, East is clearly worth a move towards slam. Full Board your opponents have other ideas and It is never easy to bid minor suit slams No Single Supplement1 ♠ take the auction up to 2 before you can particularly when there is interference, Limited places for Thursday night bid again. but 6♣ is certainly a great contract. available. £67pp single, £45pp double/twin. It is tempting to bid 3♦, but you would be taking the auction to a dangerous level on a minimum hand with no fit found. All 12. Dealer East. Love All. will be well if you find a fit, otherwise you ♠ A 9 8 7 6 5 ♠ 2 Topics will be committed to game with too few ♥ 7 N ♥ A K 8 6 4 2 Teams of Four points. Here, East would bid 3NT over ♦ Void W E ♦ 9 8 6 5 S 3♦, hoping his spade stop would be good ♣ Q 9 8 7 6 5 ♣ A 2 Game Tries enough. Clearly, you would be overboard and defeated soundly. Disrupting Declarer Instead West should pass and leave West North East South things up to his partner – he may well bid 1♥ Dbl Defending Slams again – either doubling for take-out or 1♠ 2♦ 2♥ 3♦ rebidding a very strong suit. Here, East ? Overcalling would rebid 3♣ and that should end the auction. Pass. Wow! You have some hand – 6-6 Pressing the Defence hands are uncommon and you would love to get to play the hand, but as 11. Dealer West. N/S Game. usual you need some kind of fit to justify 6 seminar sessions ♠ Void ♠ 9 8 7 6 further bidding. Surely with two six-card 2 ♥ K Q 8 7 6 N ♥ 9 2 suits you are bound to have a fit. That with Bernard ♦ Q J 4 W E ♦ A K is a reasonable assumption, but your S ♣ A Q 8 7 6 ♣ K J 10 3 2 opponents have pushed the level up to 6 sessions 3♦ and to show your second suit would of supervised play3 mean bidding 4♣, which is much too West North East South high. Rebidding 3♠ is no good either, Contact Mr Bridge 1♥ 1♠ 2♣ 2♠ because now you would be hoping that ? your partner has something friendly in to book your place spades. Unfortunately, you just have to or for further details: 4♠. This time you have found a lovely pass and wait for your next big two-suiter ( 01483 489961 fit, you opened 1♥ and your partner to come along… has responded 2♣. Normally you are You might defeat 3♦ if you can give your 1Subject to availability 2Filmed not so keen on minor suit fits, but with partner a spade ruff, whilst any contract 3Not with Bernard Magee five-card support and a void, you have by your side is going to struggle. ■

BRIDGE September 2017 Page 47 Ten Days by Sally Brock

Sally is the captain of the English U26 women’s team. The team is playing in the European Youth Championships in Slovakia.

Friday at Stansted or on the flight, but for 8.30am, do my exercises, get meet up with people when we get to myself ready and down to breakfast My main job of the morning is to pack. Bratislava. The shuttle bus takes us at 9.15am. As I have said before, the I not only have to pack for my trip to to our hotel, in Samorin. It is a very food here is very good, with plenty of Slovakia, but when I get back I have nice large sports complex that has choice, though it is a bit pot luck what only a day to get ready for Toronto three hotels on its campus. The rooms is actually available when you get to the and certainly won’t have time to do are lovely – spacious with masses of head of the queue. Sometimes, all the any laundry, so the packing for both storage. It is mostly organised into cooked stuff has gone but I am happy trips has to be considered together. An two-bedroom suites with a shared with cold meats and cheese. English old schoolfriend comes over for lunch bathroom. I am sharing with Bryony teabags are pretty hard to come by. which is nice – an opportunity to Youngs, the coach both for our team At 10am the bridge starts. I settle my show off my new flat. I leave when she and the U21 team. We arrive in time players – I don’t really need to do this, does at about 2.30pm, and head off to for lunch – cafeteria-style but pretty but it makes me feel a bit more useful meet up with son Ben who is driving good nevertheless. There is quite a lot and the one time I don’t, we have our home from work. This requires me of hanging around until the rooms biggest loss! Then I sit with some of to get the overground to Hampstead are allocated, but in that period the the other English people who aren’t Heath and walk for five minutes or so rest of the team – who have flown into actually playing. I half keep in touch – I’m finding it so easy to get around. Vienna – turn up. At 4pm we have a with what is happening on my laptop The journey back to his place in meeting with our team where I give and half do some rather tedious work Newport (near Saffron Walden) takes them lots of advice on how to cope on my computer. The allowed time for a lot longer than usual (Friday evening with the week’s bridge, and then at each match is two hours and then we rush hour starts at about lunchtime), 5.30pm there is a captains’ meeting score up and decide who is going to but we finally get back to his place and which Bryony and I attend and learn play next. Then I go and put the line- I see my grandchildren – Hayden will some of the administrative details of up in (ie tell a computer in which seats be eight soon and Parker is 15 months. this particular event. At 7pm there is my players are going to sit). When both Ben cooks a barbecue, and I play with an informal opening ceremony at the captains have done this, we can see the children. I have great fun with running track. Then another cafeteria- what the other has chosen and know Parker – my daughter-in-law sent me style dinner. which of our pairs is going to play a short video clip of him just walking, which of theirs). I also scan my badge taking a few steps, chuckling all the so I can get a print-out of the scores in time, before finally falling back on to Sunday – Friday the last match, and pick up a copy of his bottom. I show him the clip and he the hand records. And so it continues. loves it. I show it to him again, and he I have made rather a silly mistake. We have a longer break for lunch loves it even more. He soon works out When asked about what period I after two matches but otherwise the how to press the little arrow and play it was going to write about for this cycle continues all day, and then again and again. Such fun. month’s article, it seemed to me that we have supper. After supper, I am I should write up this week where usually part of the group who heads I am captaining the U26 women’s off to the bar for a couple of glasses of Saturday team. However, I have now realised wine before retiring to my room. that actually every day for six days Let me introduce you to my team: The alarm is set for six, and after will effectively be identical. So I have breakfast we set off for the 20-minute decided to condense the next six days My Team or so ride to Stansted. Hayden comes into one time period to try to give you too but I don’t think it is as interesting a flavour of what it is like to be here My star pair is Yvonne and Alex. for him as he thought it would be. without boring you rigid. Yvonne would have been on the U26 I don’t see any other bridge players Every morning I set my alarm open team were it not for the fact that

Page 48 BRIDGE September 2017 her partner decided to give up the Interesting Hands East’s 3♥ asks partner to bid 3NT with game entirely a few months before the a heart stopper, which she duly does. event. She has played a lot for Scotland You hear the following bidding Unfortunately, there is another suit in grown-up women’s events and now sequence: less well stopped. lives in Stockholm with her partner Never mind, North leads a heart and Adam. She works in a laboratory as West North East South the hand is over. an environmental chemist. Alex, who 1♣ Pass 2♦ Pass This is a tricky slam deal: lives in Crawley with her boyfriend 2♠ Pass 3♦ Pass Will, is a senior products manager for 3♥ Pass 4♦ Pass a mail order gift company. 4♥ Pass 6♥ Pass Dealer South. Game All. Then we have Siyu (or Helen) and 6NT Pass Pass Dbl ♠ 10 4 2 Ewa. They have just finished their All Pass ♥ A K 10 4 2 first year at Oxford University. Siyu, ♦ K Q 5 who now tells me she would prefer What do you lead as North? ♣ K 2 to be called Helen, is Chinese and is ♠ 7 6 5 ♠ 9 8 studying engineering science. Ewa is ♥ 6 5 3 N ♥ Q J 8 7 Dealer West. Love All. ♦ A J 10 W E ♦ 9 8 6 4 3 2 Polish and studying biochemistry. S The third pair is Olivia (Liv) and ♠ 10 8 4 3 2 ♣ Q 8 6 3 ♣ 5 Hanna. Liv has just finished her ♥ J 8 ♠ A K Q J 3 geography degree at Bristol and has ♦ 10 8 ♥ 9 now gone home to live in Edinburgh. ♣ Q J 8 2 ♦ 7 She is going to spend a year training ♣ A J 10 9 7 4 a guide dog for the blind before going travelling. Hanna is Estonian and Our North chooses a diamond, and has just finished her second year at is rather alarmed to find that eight of Our opponents bid to 6♠, which looks Nottingham University studying them come down in the dummy! The a little problematical, until you realise maths. full deal: that there is no problem unless West Then there is Bryony, who is coach leads the ace of diamonds, and if she both to our team and the U21s. She does, there are three parking places does all the work that is involved in ♠ 10 8 4 3 2 for clubs and only one needs ruffing. looking after both teams. Apart from ♥ J 8 Provided declarer draws two rounds deciding who is to play and putting ♦ 10 8 of trumps that should be no problem. in the line-up, there is not that much ♣ Q J 8 2 Our pair have a slight misunder- for me to do, except perhaps to keep ♠ K Q J 9 ♠ 7 standing and opt for 6NT instead, and everyone’s spirits up when things are ♥ A 9 2 N ♥ K 10 6 that is unmakeable, even if declarer W E ♦ K J ♦ A Q 9 7 6 4 3 2 going badly. Before the championships S guesses clubs correctly (as long as West began, I was worried about the girls ♣ 10 9 5 4 ♣ 7 doesn’t fly in with the ♦A). losing energy towards the end of the ♠ A 6 5 This deal is well defended by Yvonne: set and have provided all of them with ♥ Q 7 5 4 3 small Tupperwares full of nuts, seeds ♦ 5 and chocolate. They have instructions ♣ A K 6 3 Dealer South. Game All. to have a snack when there are just four ♠ 10 2 boards to go. Let’s hope that helps a bit! ♥ 9 6 5 Over the six days that I am writing As it happens, South has enough ♦ 4 3 about, we have good moments (at the discards, and just needs to come down ♣ A Q 10 9 5 3 end of the first day when we had won to the two black aces and ♥Q-7-5 ♠ Q J 8 6 5 4 ♠ A 7 all four matches and were challenging (actually coming down to a singleton ♥ 8 7 4 N ♥ A 10 3 2 ♦ 9 2 W E ♦ J 8 7 6 for the lead) and bad moments (the small club would be better but a little S end of day two when we had lost all scary). In the end, declarer drops a ♣ K 6 ♣ J 8 4 our matches and were not much above trick and the slam goes two down for ♠ K 9 3 average). Another good moment is +300, which goes well with the +430 ♥ K Q J when we play Poland on the last match in the other room. Note that our pair ♦ A K Q 10 5 of day five and are on BBO. Yvonne are not in the right contract either. The ♣ 7 2 and Alex had played on BBO before, bidding goes: but it is the first for Helen and Ewa and they are quite nervous. However, they West North East South West North East South acquit themselves admirably and we 1♣ Pass 1♦ 1♥ 1♦ win the match and move up into the Pass Pass 3♥ Pass 2♠ Pass Pass 2NT bronze medal position. 3NT All Pass Pass 3NT All Pass

BRIDGE September 2017 Page 49 West, Yvonne, leads the ♠Q to the been hammered by the Netherlands ace, and a spade is returned, won by Dealer South. Love All. while France beat Germany heavily. So declarer’s king. Declarer now plays a ♠ A 8 6 now the threat is France, not Hungary. low club and Yvonne makes the expert ♥ K 7 3 However, we have an 11 VP lead over play of inserting the ♣K. It is easy to see ♦ K Q 9 8 4 2 France, so as long as we can score 9 why this is the right play in textbooks, ♣ 4 VPs we are guaranteed the bronze but not so easy to find it at the table. ♠ 10 9 ♠ Q J 5 2 medal. Meanwhile the Netherlands However even so, declarer has to work ♥ Q J 8 5 4 N ♥ A 9 2 have an 8 VP lead over Poland at the ♦ A 7 W E ♦ 10 5 hard to find a losing line. She wins the S top and they are playing each other. It ace (or Yvonne would have had a lot of ♣ K J 5 3 ♣ Q 9 6 2 will be good to watch. spades to cash), plays a diamond to her ♠ K 7 4 3 In the meantime, our U21 team are ace and another club, hoping the suit ♥ 10 6 hanging on in there. With two matches will come in. When West plays low, ♦ J 6 3 to go (they have a slightly different she wins the ♣Q and plays a heart. ♣ A 10 8 7 schedule with five shorter matches Alex ducks and declarer plays another a day compared with our four) they heart. Alex wins and returns a third are in third place, 6 VPs off the lead round of the suit and declarer is sunk. Our Closed Room result is good in and 12 ahead of fourth. On the other She has to lose a trick in each suit plus a small way. Yvonne makes 4♦ when hand, the U26 team’s tournament is a long heart. East underleads the ♥A at trick one. effectively done and dusted as they are So at the end of the six days, with However, this is the Open Room lying fifth, out of reach both of third three matches to go, we are lying auction: and seventh and they eventually finish fourth. We are 5 VPs behind third, 10 in sixth place. VPs ahead of fifth and a massive 43 West North East South In the end we do OK against ahead of seventh, with six to qualify. Pass but France do badly, so in fact we don’t In our first match tomorrow we play Pass 1♦ Pass 1♠ need any victory points at all. There Hungary, who are currently in the Dbl Rdbl 2♣ Pass is also no change in the U21 event. bronze medal position. Then we have Pass 3♦ Pass 3♥ All in all, it has been a great English two middle-of-the-table teams to Dbl 3NT Dbl Pass performance. It is the first time we finish with. We have our eyes firmly Pass 4♠ Dbl All Pass have won any medals in any European on the bronze medal. junior events since we played as Great The other English teams are in with The defence start with two rounds of Britain (in about 2000, I believe). a good chance of a medal. hearts, and then West switches to the We are the only country with all The U26 team is lying fifth, 22 points ♠10, won in hand by declarer who four teams qualifying for the world behind third and 17 ahead of seventh. knocks out the ♦A. West wins the championships. China here we come! They have the teams lying second, second diamond and switches to a After a couple of glasses of prosecco, third and bottom to play. club to the queen and ace. there is a closing ceremony where we The U21 team had been leading Declarer can probably get out for are presented with our medals. Then for quite a while, but have not had a two or three down now, but she plays dinner, followed by even more glasses good day. Still, they are lying fourth, a diamond next, ruffed by West. She of prosecco/red wine, and a not- but only 5 VPs off the lead and 27 VPs plays a third round of hearts. Declarer too-late, not-too-drunken night. All ahead of seventh. However, they have ruffs and plays a spade to the ace. Now feeling pretty pleased with ourselves. a very tough finish with first, second, when she plays a diamond East ruffs, sixth and eighth placed teams still to draws the last trumps and claims the play. rest, +1,100. Sunday Everything is balanced on a knife When the dust clears we win by 29 edge and tomorrow will be a very IMPs, but both sides are fined 1 VP as a We need to check out of our rooms by exciting day. time penalty. As I write, they have just 11am, and rather than wait there until started the penultimate match against four o’clock for the shuttle bus to the the Czech Republic and we are in the airport, a group of us decide to get a Saturday bronze medal position, 9 VPs ahead of taxi to Bratislava station, leave our Hungary who are now fourth. baggage in left luggage and spend a The first match against third-placed Nightmare. After a couple of small few hours in town before flying home. Hungary is tremendous. Everyone partscore swings, it all goes wrong This all goes according to plan. We who isn’t playing is keenly watching and after eight boards we are 26 IMPs walk around Bratislava Castle, then on their laptops in the bar. We are all down. It is with great relief that we the Old Town, before stopping for a willing our team to do the right thing. gain 13 IMPs on each of two back-to- pleasant lunch in the sunshine. Back Helen and Ewa have a great set. We are back boards towards the end, and the to the station and then an Uber to all on the edge of our seats for Board final result is a loss by 1 IMP. the airport for an uneventful flight 11 in particular: In the meantime, Hungary have home. ■

Page 50 BRIDGE September 2017 Cruise with in Autumn 2018

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