www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org September/October 2005

The WBL Fall Sectional is back!

75TH ANNUAL B D.C. CHAMPIONSHIPS SEPTEMBER 29 - OCTOBER 2, 2005 ♣

New for Friday Night: IMP PAIRS, BEER U & BRATWURST! ♥ Introducing IMP pairs... You only need one partner, but it scores like a team game. Your score will be averaged with all the other scores from your direc- tion on each . Then you will compare your L actual score to the average. The difference is what you use to find your IMP score from the IMP score chart... ♠ It’s Fall...Time to Get L ♣ Back to Bridge & Other Sports ♦ ♦

♥ Kick off Saturday with the E ♠ JOINT ABA/ACBL Get Back to the STRATAFLIGHTED PAIRS AT 11AM FAMOUS ♥ Play with a regular partner or contact Barbara Ames, WASHINGTON 202-439-5667, [email protected] or Winston Edwards, HOSPITALITY 301-776-8511, [email protected] to set up a game with complimentary T with an ABA member. Mixed membership partnerships snacks, drinks, & (ABA/ACBL) will be eligible for extra point awards! weekend lunches. ♣ Get Back to Bridge School with SATURDAY’S 2PM WORKSHOP I Turn your friends onto bridge in One Day with the ♠ INSTANT BRIDGE PLAYER LESSON! 1:30PM SUNDAY — BOOKLET, PIZZA, & SNACKS Just $20 with advance reservation; $25 at the door. (Students $10 with N reservation; $15 at the door) To reserve your spot, email Dr. Steven Forsythe: [email protected] or call 301/592-9177. See page 3 for the full tournament schedule... WBL OMBUDSMAN CONTENTS Any player with helpful director SUGGESTION BOX issues including criticism or praise of the Do you have a suggestion that directing staff may contact the might help to increase membership or Ombudsman, Ann Lindley and be otherwise improve the Washington assured that the source of the information Bridge League? Give any and all will remain confidential. Information ARTICLE PAGE ideas to Don Berman, 301-776-3581, should be provided in writing and may be [email protected], 13707 handed to her at any game, or mailed to President’s Letter ...... by Dick Wegman 2 Engleman Dr., Laurel, MD 20708, or her at 3100 N Leisure World Blvd, Apt. WBL 75th Annual D.C. Championships — Sept. 29-Oct. 2, 2005 . . . . . 3 www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org. 606, Silver Spring, MD 20906. WBL 44th Annual Presidential Tournament — January 5-8, 2006 . . . . 4 ♣♦♥♠ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ♣♦♥♠ Bits and Pieces... deadline: October 28, 2005 to submit new articles to the editor for the November/December 2005 issue Instant Bridge Player Report; One-Day Bridge Lesson! Learn New Tricks. Sunday, October 2 (during the sectional); Mixed

Washington Bridge League BULLETIN (usps #861-240) Membership Game at the Next WBL Sectional Sat., Oct. 1, 11am; VOL. 63, #5 — SUBSCRIPTION $2 PER YEAR FOR MEMBERS OF UNIT #147 (INCLUDED IN ACBL ANNUAL DUES). Unit Game Updates ...... 5 NON-MEMBER SUBSCRIPTION RATE IS $21 FOR THREE YEARS. PUBLISHED BI-MONTHLY BY THE WASHINGTON BRIDGE LEAGUE AT 14517 PERRYWOOD DRIVE, BURTONSVILLE, MD 20866. SECOND-CLASS POSTAGE PAID Lost & Found at the Regional; Welcome to the WBL; Look for AT BURTONSVILLE, MD. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO WASHINGTON BRIDGE LEAGUE BULLETIN, ACBL, 2990 AIRWAYS BLVD., MEMPHIS, TN 38116-3847. ALL EDITORIAL AND GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE Upcoming WBL & NVBA Sectionals; ...... 18 SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE EDITOR AT 901 CLIFTONBROOK LN., SILVER SPRING, MD 20905-3711. Sad News; Club News— To Club Owners and Managers, Schweinhaut Editor — Donna Rogall (301-421-9615), [email protected] I/N Columnist — Sandy Forsythe (301-592-9177), [email protected] Center Club Game, Laurel Bridge Club; 2005-6 NAPs ...... 19 Columnists — Steve Robinson, Richard Colker, Jim Allen, Barbara Shaw, Dick Wegman 2005-6 GNTs; Gift Horse? ...... 20 The opinions expressed by our columnists do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the ACBL, the WBL, or even the editors of this publication. The WBL is not responsible for the claims of its advertisers. NVBA Fall Sectional Tournament — October 20-23, 2005 ...... 6 Dick Wegman, President — (301-365-2228), [email protected] WBL Solvers’ Club ...... by Steve Robinson 7 Fred King, Vice President — (703-536-1914), [email protected] Steve Robinson, Treasurer — (703-379-4371), [email protected] Thursday Night Unit Game... Richard Ferrin, Secretary — (202-265-0718), [email protected] 2005 Trophy Race Standings ...... by Webmaster, Don Berman 14 UNIT DIRECTORS 0-20 Game & Lesson Thursday Nights, Carpools ...... 14 Barbara Ames — (202-439-5667), [email protected] Don Berman — (301-776-3581), [email protected] Schedule, Map, Partners Guaranteed, Spare Brains or Muscle? . . .15 Winston Edwards — (301-776-8511),[email protected] # Clyde Kruskal — (301-927-1023), [email protected] Committee Action 50, Part I ...... by Rich Colker 17 Jane Sturgis — (301-725-4660), [email protected] Speeding Up the Game ...... by Fred King 22 Barbara Summers — (301-598-5838), [email protected] A Regional, a Nationals, & a STaC—WBL Members’ Tournament Trails . . 20 SOME KEY VOLUNTEERS Nadine Wood — Tournament Chair (301-565-9555) Area Bridge Class Offerings — Leslie Shafer’s Fall Schedule ...... 27 Ann Lindley — Tournament Co-Chair (301-438-1335) Frances Burke — Membership Secretary (301-384-6103) NLMasterPointers ...... by I/N columnist, Sandy Forsythe 28 Ted Ying — Unit Game Chief Director (301-490-3154) Stepping Up to New Heights ...... 29 Michael Carroad — Unit Game Manager (301-322-4289) Charleen Brand — Unit Game Partnerships (301-946-8483) Need a Partner or a Ride to the Unit Game? ...... back cover Charity Sack — Tournament Partnerships (703-963-7027) Kitty Gottfried — Unit Game and Sectional Hospitality (301-587-3981) Solvers’ Club’s New Problems ...... back cover

WBL WEBSITE: DISTRICT 6 SITE: ∼ ♣♦♥♠ ∼ www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org www.districtsix.org - 1 - PRESIDENT’S LETTER by WBL President, Dick Wegman

As you open this issue of the Bulletin, Here’s an interesting story from the Atlanta you may notice a new look on our cover Nationals. Our team played in the semi-finals of page. Our Bulletin editor, Donna Rogall, the 0-5000 event against two strong has redesigned and modernized the logo for young players – Justin Lall from Plano, Texas and the Washington Bridge League. Members of David Grainger from Ontario. Justin picked up our Board are very pleased with our new ♠xx, ♥AKQ109xx, ♦Axxx, ♣—, and he bid look, and I hope you like it too. 1♥ after his partner opened the bidding 1♦. Our first sectional tournament for the After his left-hand opponent (me) overcalled 1♠, 2005-2006 season will be held over the week- his partner rebid 2♣, and he bid 2♠ (game end of September 29-October 2, with Thursday force). His partner rebid 2N, he bid 3♥ and his evening and Friday games at Christ the King partner raised to 4♥. Justin now decided that Church (as usual), and Saturday and Sunday his hand was worth a of 5♣, but his part- events at our new location at the Margaret ner assumed that Justin was showing secondary Schweinhaut Senior Center on Forest Glen support for clubs, and he passed the cue bid. So Road in Silver Spring. The Schweinhaut they played in their 5-0 fit, down three, when 11 Center is a very comfortable facility, with lots tricks are easily available in hearts. What really of playing space, good lighting, and two large impressed me was that neither Justin nor David parking lots just outside the front door. The showed the slightest flicker of disappointment or center is located just a mile or so from the disapproval about the contract, and when the Beltway exit at Georgia Avenue, so it should be hand was over, the two of them just went on to the reasonably convenient for most of our players. next hand without comment. Their behavior was On Saturday morning during the sectional absolutely exemplary – I only hope that I can we will be holding a joint game with the achieve the same high standard of behavior the next time I find myself in a similar situation. Washington Bridge Unit of the American Bridge We have also just arranged with the Association. You may recall that the ABA host- Smithsonian Institution for a beginners bridge ed a joint game with us earlier this year, and course program to be held as part of the Campus this is our turn to reciprocate. I hope many of on the Mall early next year. It will consist of six you will be able to play in this event, and to two-hour lessons, and will be taught by Ron welcome our good friends from the ABA. We Kral, one of the most experienced teachers in very much hope to be able to schedule these the Washington area. This is a wonderful joint events on a regular basis in the future. opportunity to introduce new players to the I would like to encourage our intermediate exciting and challenging game of bridge – and novice players to participate in our tourna- please be sure to let your friends know about ments (and unit games) during the coming 2005- this program. As soon as I have more details 2006 season. At the recent Summer Nationals about this program, I will provide them to you. in Atlanta, almost 1,000 players competed in the Finally, I’m sorry to report that this month newcomer and intermediate events, and several the Washington Bridge Center is closing its players from our area performed very well. The doors at its New Hampshire Avenue location, top newcomer/intermediate player at the tourna- after many years of service to the Washington ment was David Banh, who recently graduated bridge community. Jim Allen, longtime owner from Thomas Jefferson High School in McLean. and manager of the WBC, is hoping to reopen Both Shlomit Rind and Roma Chandra made the the club soon at another nearby location. Top 30 list of newcomer/intermediate players at Good luck, Jim, in finding a suitable site, and the Summer Nationals. Congratulations to we look forward to playing at your club again David, Shlomit and Roma on a great perform- in the very near future. ance in Atlanta, and we look forward to seeing I hope to see you soon at the bridge table. you at our games this fall. Dick Wegman - 2 - - 3 - BITS AND PIECES

INSTANT BRIDGE PLAYER endar now for Steve Forsythe’s Instant REPORT Bridge Player seminar: by Dr. Steven Forsythe • Sunday, October 2 • 1:30pm-6:30pm On March 5, 2005, we held our most suc- • Margaret Schweinhaut Senior Center cessful Instant Bridge Player program yet. 1000 Forest Glen Road, Silver Spring 74 students participated. •Directions: Take I-495 to Georgia Ave The “Advanced” Instant Bridge Player North. Take the first right onto Forest class provided an opportunity for those who Glen Road. The senior center is approxi- “know how to play” to improve their skills mately one half mile on the right after by teaching slightly advanced conventions crossing Sligo Creek Parkway. such as Stayman and Jacoby transfers, plus It’s two classes in one: we'll card play and defense topics as well. have one room for people who have never For the “cost” of some free plays, four played, and one room for those who need a excellent helpers gave up a Saturday during refresher or want to review Steve’s One Page the sectional to spend six hours encouraging in detail. new bridge players. These excellent helpers The cost is just $20 with a reservation or are Mike Henderson, John Mattioli, Arthur $25 at the door. (Students $10 with reserva- David Olsen, and Aaron Navarro. tion; $15 at the door.) A free booklet, pizza The following Thursday, we had nine new lunch, coffee and snacks are included. For people at the 0-20 game. A number of peo- more information or to make a reservation, ple drove up from Virginia for the IBP and email [email protected] or call Steve or Sandy asked about similar programs near them. Forsythe at 301/592-9177. I would like to thank Mary Jane Von Moss and my wife, Sandy for teaching, MIXED MEMBERSHIP GAME AT marketing and course preparation, and THE NEXT WBL SECTIONAL all those who helped who aren’t named S ., O . 1, 11 here for emailing, putting up flyers, AT CT AM changing web sites, etc. The team effort Kick off Saturday of the next WBL sec- paid off in spades! tional with the joint ABA/ACBL pair game at 11am. Your choice: either play with a reg- ONE-DAY BRIDGE LESSON! ular partner or sign up to play with an ABA LEARN NEW TRICKS. player. Contact Barbara Ames, 202-439- SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2 5667, [email protected] or Winston Edwards, (DURING THE SECTIONAL) 301-776-8511, [email protected] to set Pass the following to your friends and up a game with an ABA member. Mixed family who do not know how to play bridge or membership partnerships (ABA/ACBL) will who haven't played for a long time. be eligible for extra point awards! Have you wanted to learn to play bridge, but can't find time for lessons? UNIT GAME UPDATES Want to play in a duplicate game, but by Ted Ying, WBL Club Manager afraid your skills aren't quite up to par? and Unit Game Chief Director Here's your chance to join the fun! Some recent changes at the WBL Unit You can learn to play bridge, or Game have been very well received lately review the basics of play and modern bidding, in just one day! Mark your cal- ...continued on p. 18 - 4 - - 5 - WBL SOLVERS’ CLUB

Moderated by Steve Robinson [email protected]

Congratulations to Matthew Mallory who majority answer 90 points. For the other came in first with a score of 480. He wins a answers I consider how good the answer is free to the Unit Game and will be invit- and how many experts vote for it for its ed to be on a future panel. Tied for second score. If you submitted an answer that got 20 were Mark Rosen and Barry Bragin with a points, that bid would get a bad score at the score of 460. Tied for fourth were Jackie table. A good exercise would be to figure out Sincoff, Arnie Frankel, Ben Stauss and why I gave your answer 20 points. You might Richard Ferrin with a score of 440. Tied for have misread the problem. eighth were Brad Theurer and Raghavendra The book Washington Standard second Rajkumar with a score of 430. Tied for tenth edition is out. If you are a serious bridge play- were Bill Otey, Tom Musso, Steve Carton, Walt er, this book is a must. You can purchase a Flory and Charles Sadowski with a score of copy from Steve for $25.00 at the Unit Game, 420. Tied for fifteenth were Jason Rosenfeld, at tournaments or can send him a check for Don Berman, Larry Kahn, John Montgomery, $28.85 that includes $3.85 for priority mail. Barbara Summers, Manuel Paulo, Mike Kovacich, Fred Allenspach and Robert Stone 1) IMPs None Vulnerable with a score of 410. Tied for twenty-fifth ♠A1073♥JT3♦A8♣J876 were Arnold Kling, Gerald Lerner, Donna SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST Rogall, Dave Smith, Bruce Kretchmer, Jim —— —- 1♦ Pass Murphy, Terry Jones and Kenn Pendleton 1♠ Pass 2♣ Pass with a score of 400. The average score of the 3♣ Pass 3♠ Pass 234 solvers was 313. The average score of ???? the experts was 402. All readers are encouraged to send Action Score Votes Solvers answers and/or new problems to Steve 5♣ 100 5 18 Robinson, 2891 S. Abingdon St. #A2 4♦ 90212 Arlington, VA, 22206-1329. In addition to 4♠ 70267 the winner receiving a free play at the WBL 4♥ 70 2 8 Unit Game, Steve will play with anyone who 4♣ 60128 gets a perfect score or who exactly matches Pass 50 0 84 all five of his answers. If you send a self- 3NT 20 0 13 addressed stamped envelope to the above 4NT 20 0 2 address along with your answers, I will send When opener opens 1♦ and rebids 2♣, you a copy of the new problems to ensure that he could have a minimum hand such as you can meet his next deadline. You can pick ♠xx♥xx♦KQxxx♣AQxx. He could also up a copy of the problems at the WBL Unit have a very good hand such as ♠KJx♥x Game in Maryland, and can send answers or ♦KQJxx♣AKxx or ♠Qxx♥x♦KQJxx♣AKQx, requests for problems to [email protected]. a hand that is not quite good enough to force You can also see and answer the problems at to game. Since opener can have as much as the WBL web site. WBL Solvers Club uses 17 HCPs, it’s right to raise clubs. Even if 3♣ Washington Standard as published July 1996. goes down, the opponents might be able to I personally score all the problems. If a make two-of-a-major. Opener bid 3♠, which majority of the solvers vote for an answer, shows at least 14 HCPs with three-card and the answer is reasonable I will give that spade support. But if you play in spades, answer 100 points. I will not give 100 points dummies three spades have to do double to an answer that I consider bad no matter duty. They’re needed to draw trumps and how many experts vote for it. There are times the losing hearts. If spades split 4-2, I’m not when I want to make a point. I will give that sure you can handle the hand. This hand answer 100 points and will therefore give the must be played in clubs. - 6 - - 7 - Another clue is opener’s previous bid. If values and 3154 shape. Ten tricks in spades WASHINGTON AREA BRIDGE PLAYERS he had three good spades and four poor should be easier than eleven in clubs.” Panama Canal clubs, he might have raised 1♠ to 2♠. I In the example hands, 5♣ plays very would raise spades holding ♠KQx♥x easily. Play AK of clubs and run the dia- Cruise Vacation ♦KQJxx♣Kxxx, but bid 2♣ holding monds. In 4♠, you have to worry about ♠Jxx♥x♦KQJxx♣AKxx. hearts and a 4-2 spade break. 10 Night Eastbound Panama Canal Cruise Two experts invite partner to make the One expert goes conservative. Departing 02-DEC-2005 decision. How does partner know which con- Landen: “4♣—-I have nothing really From Miami, Florida tract is best? Why couldn’t 4♥ be a cuebid? special for my previous bidding. I don’t feel aboard Brilliance Of The Seas You could have an extra club. the need, not vulnerable, to stretch to bid an Woolsey: “4♥—-I can’t be making a slam eleven trick game (5♣) or try for ten tricks STEVE ROBINSON will direct and teach several try since I am a limited hand, so this has to in a seven-card fit (4♠). If vulnerable, I sessions of bridge both during the days at sea and be choice of games. Either 4♠ or 5♣ could would probably bid 5♣.” in the evenings. You must be a part of this group be right. Partner can look at his black suits Two experts try for slam. If partner were 3055 and hopefully make the right decision.” with a good hand, he would have jump-shifted. to play in these sessions. ♥ ♦ Day Ports of Call Arrive Depart ACBL points will be Hopkins: “4 —-I want partner to pick the Schwartz: “4 —-Slam is still possible 1 Miami, Florida 5:00 PM awarded, but you need contract. I’m hoping he can read the message. particularly if partner is 3055. Might as well 2 At Sea For example, with ♠KQx♥x♦KQJxx♣A109x, show something on the way to 5♣. Don’t not be a bridge player to 3 At Sea I would like to play 4♠. With ♠Qxx♥- think 4♦ should be an offer to play in dia- 4 Oranjestad, Aruba 7:00 AM join us on this cruise. ♦KQJxxx♣AQxx, I want to play 5♦. With monds.” 5 Oranjestad, Aruba 1:00 AM Once again, there will be ♠Kxx♥x♦KJxxx♣AKQx, I want to try 5♣. Roman: “4♦—-Critical to show the dia- 6 Panama Canal (Cruising) 7:00 AM 3:00 PM lots of opportunities for Hopefully partner will choose based on where mond card here. We could belong anywhere 6 Cristobal Pier, Panama 3:00 PM 7:00 PM bridge as well as visiting his strength is.” from 4♠ to 7♣ - ♠Kxx♥-♦KQxxxx♣AKQx.” 7 Puerto Limon, Costa Rica 7:00 AM 7:00 PM fascinating ports of call. Four experts agree with me and make the Partner’s hand is limited by his failure to 8 At Sea decision to play in clubs. jump shift so he can’t really have your exam- 9 George Town, Grand Cayman 7:00 AM 6:00 PM Adams: “5♣—-3♣ was a courtesy raise. ple hand. 10 At Sea I’ve a pretty good hand considering. With lit- It’s up to you to make the final decision 11 Miami, Florida 8:30 AM tle wastage in Hearts, game seems likely. when you know more about the hand. Need another club to cue-bid. My Spades 2) Matchpoints None Vulnerable ITINERARY SUBJECT TO CHANGE. are not good enough to try the Moysian.” Lublin: “5♣—-Hope to throw spade los- ♠AKQ65♥AK54♦K2♣AK While onboard enjoy: ers away on diamonds.” SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST ♣ ♥ ❖ I agree with Lublin. 2 Pass 2 * Pass Rock-climbing wall Cappelletti: “5♣—-Partner has either 3- ♠ ♦ ❖ ® 2 Pass 3 Pass ShipShape Day Spa and Fitness Center 1 or 3-0 in the majors AND a reason for not 3♥ Pass 5♥ Pass ❖ Sports court with basketball/volleyball court raising 1♠ to 2♠ directly (perhaps three ???? ❖ Indoor/outdoor country club with golf simulator small). Thus he probably has most or all of *Artificial, shows one ace or two kings ❖ Latté-tudes,SM a specialty coffee house featuring Seattle’s Best Coffee® the missing 15 points in the minor suits. ♣ ❖ The Colony Club, a unique British colonial-style lounge with self-leveling pool tables Should make 5 cold or at least good play.” Action Score Votes Solvers ♣ 7NT 100 2 36 ❖ Casino RoyaleSM ❖ Portofino Italian Restaurant Steve Bunning: “5 —-Partner is likely 3154 with enough extra strength to consider 6♣ 80514 ❖ Chops Grill ❖ Seaview Café ♦ SM game opposite invitational values. With two 6 70 2 3 ❖ Themed bars and lounges ❖ Casino Royale 7♣ 50 1 3 ® aces and little wasted in hearts, bid the ❖ Indian Raj-themed Solarium ❖ Adventure Ocean youth facilities game. A club contract should prove easier 5NT 50 2 11 than the Moysian spade fit.” 7♥ 50 0 116 All of this and more for only: Interior Stateroom ...... from USD 1189 Two experts make the decision to play in 6♥ 40028 Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom . .from USD 1339 spades. Since you could have five spades, 6NT 30 0 21 partner is never going back to clubs. 5♠ 30 0 2 ♠ For information and reservations contact: Parker: “4 —-We know that partner is What can partner have for his 5♥-call? Prices include port charges, taxes, 3154 with about seventeen points. With ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ Wendy Epstein, ALL WAYS TRAVEL and fees. AIRFARE TO AND FROM If he held x Qxxx Axxxx xxx, he fewer he would have passed 3♣. We should ♥ ♥ 6505 DEMOCRACY BLVD MIAMI, AIRPORT TRANSFERS, AND TRIP would raise 3 to 4 . He could even have have a good play for game and ten tricks as much as ♠x♥Qxxx♦Axxxx♣Qxx to raise BETHESDA MD , 20817 CANCELLATION INSURANCE ARE ADDI- TIONAL. Prices are based on availability should be easier than eleven. Give him to 4♥. 4♥ doesn’t stop partner from investi- Phone: 3015710400 Fax: 3015710404 and are subject to change. Certain restric- something like, ♠Kxx♥x♦KQJxx♣AKxx gating further. Jumping to 5♥ shows a better [email protected] tions apply. Ship registered in the Bahamas. and 4♠ plays better than 5♣.” hand such as ♠x♥Qxxx♦AQxxx♣Qxx or King: “4♠—-Partner is showing extra ♠x♥QJxx♦AQJxx♣Qxx. He should have Paid Advertisement Paid Advertisement - 8 - - 9 - all of the missing queens as well as the Ace diamonds and good hearts we want to play in Action Score Votes Solvers their hand. of diamonds to jump to 5♥. 5♥ shows a hand hearts. He can bid 7♦ with good diamonds 4♣ 100 6 59 Woolsey: “4♣—-It always pays to make the that should be in slam unless you’re missing and I will be 7NT otherwise he bids 7♥.” 2NT 80 3 13 more descriptive call, even if it is a slight over- two keycards or the top two clubs. Notice that I think one reason partner bid 5♥ is because 3NT 80 1 21 bid. Partner has room to cuebid if he only has 7NT is either cold or has good play opposite he’s worried about clubs. Wouldn’t you bid the 4♠ 50 2 124 interest, and I can then sign off. If partner three queens and the ace. Opposite same holding ♠AKQJxx♥AKJx♦x♣Jx? ReDbl 40 0 4 drives to slam, my hand will not be a disap- ♠x♥Qxxx♦AQxxx♣Qxx 7♥ needs hearts 3-2 What does 5NT mean? The two usually Pass 30 0 1 pointment. In addition, the descriptive splinter while 7NT will make whenever hearts are 3-2, meanings of 5NT is choice of slam or grand 2♠ 20 0 3 will help if the opponents bid to the five-level.” diamonds are 3-3 or when there is a squeeze. slam force. Which meaning applies here? 3♠ 20 0 4 Landen: “4♣—-Reluctantly. At the Either red Jack would make 7NT cold. Hopkins: “5NT—-Should be Grand Slam 6♠ 20 0 1 table, I might bid 4♠. I don’t like letting The experts are trying to tell partner what Force. I’m willing to be in a 68%+ grand slam.” 4♥ 20 0 2 LHO bid 4♦ or 4♥. On the other hand I they have. The problem with all of the AKxx opposite Qxxx is 32% to have a 5♠ 20 0 2 have an awfully good hand to bid a “preemp- expert’s bids is that there is no consensus loser. You don’t want to be in 7♥ down with tive” 4♠. Many partnerships now play 3NT This is a good hand to tell partner what you ♠ about the meanings of any of these bids. 13 top tricks. have. You have a game-forcing spade hand in this type sequence shows a good 4 bid How can you make a bid when only your Cappelletti: “5NT—-Better check for Q♥ with short clubs. All other bids are a distor- with about one defensive trick. I’m a tad clone knows what it means? in case partner has something like strong even for that.” tion. If the opponents compete, you want part- ♣ 6♣ shows the ace of clubs but what else ♠x♥Jxxx♦AQJxx♣Qxx.” ner to have a chance to get the follow-up cor- Hopkins: “4 —-Is this a push for the does it show? If partner has that hand you have 13 rect. If partner has ♠Axxxx♥x♦Kx♣Axxxx, modern style of using 3NT in this situation Adams: “6♣—-We are playing a grand as tricks in notrump. 4♣ will make him very happy. He’ll also know to show one prime/defensive trick in an oth- partner can’t lack the HQ for the 5♥ call. Is 6♦ a choice of slams or is a cuebid? erwise preemptive hand?” ♦ ♥ what to do if the opponents compete holding ♣ Over 6♥ or 6NT, I will bid 7♦. Partner Roman: “6 —-When I next bid 7 , ♠Axxxx♥KQx♦xx♣KQJ. King: “4 —-Not the usual number of high- should work out that I have both partner will know to correct to 7NT with cards for this bid, but I want partner to know ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ Two experts jump to game. What will they do Kings and am looking for tricks for 7NT. something like xx Qxxx AQJ10x xx.” if the opponents bid at the five-level? Bid 5♠ how to evaluate his clubs as offense or defense.” Second choice is 6♦ directly, focusing on our How can partner have less than AQ of ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ Lublin: “4♣—-To get the bidding up and ♥ and find partner with AQJxx xx xxx KJx source of tricks, but partners can get con- diamonds and a Queen for his 5 -call? (-800) or pass and find that you are cold for 6♠. tell partner not much defense.” fused and think that denies the club king.” Schwartz: “6♦—-5♥ should be a general ♠ Another Lublin-ism. Game forcing splin- ♥ Adams: “4 —-Yes, I have a good one, I’m confused about your follow-up. slam try. If partner can bid 7 opposite the but the opponents have a good save. If part- ters deny defense. He couldn’t have Landen: “6♣—-I assume 5♥ asks me to bid DK and the outside controls, I can try 7NT.” ♠xxxx♥AQJx♦AQJx♣x and splinter. ♣ ner doubles them, I will know not to bid on. six with good hearts. Well, I have pretty good Lublin: “6 —-Assuring partner no los- If I show a strong hand first, I will wonder if When you can make a descriptive bid in hearts and I’m interested in bidding seven. If ers. Also says bid seven with one of top three I’m to overrule partner.” a competitive auction, partner is more likely partner signs off in 6♥ I’ll probably pass. 6♦ by heart honors.” Parker: “4♠—-No sense in allowing to be able to make a knowledgeable decision. A Lublin-ism. He makes a bid, assigns a partner will get us to seven of something. I’ll them in at a low level or allow them to dou- 4) IMPs Both Vulnerable continue with 7♦ showing the diamond king meaning based on his hand and assumes ble 4♣ or 4♦. The big question is what do I and let partner decide between 7♥ and 7NT.” partner will know what it means. I think all of do over five-of-a-minor.” ♠A32♥6♦765♣J98654 There’s not even a consensus about what the experts have done that in this problem. Three experts show part of their hand. SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 5♥ means. One expert agrees with me and ends the 2NT shows a four-card limit raise or better, —— —— 1♣ 1♥ Woolsey: “6♣—-Partner has shown his auction. usually balanced. ???? controls, so his eyes are going to be glued Steve Bunning: “7NT—-Partner is inviting Cappelletti: “2NT—-Tactical limit raise slam, but we know he has only one ace and no Action Score Votes Solvers upon his heart holding after I make a grand (or better) - opponents less likely to save.” ♣ slam try. He won’t get it wrong.” kings. He likely has extra heart length, spade Schwartz: “2NT—-Since we have the 3 100 6 101 shortness and a queen or two. With a 26-point 4♣ 80240 This assumes that you’re playing with master suit, its more likely to be “our hand”, ♣ someone with the same understandings that monster and every AK, bid the grand. Hearts so I can show some values instead of just 5 50123 might make seven and notrump only six, but ♠ ♣ 2♥ 50 1 7 you have. Unless you’re cloned, there is no bidding 4 . I am not good enough for 4 .” ♣ such person. the is also possible. Go for the match- Steve Bunning: “2NT—-A splinter bid 2 50157 King: “6♣—-I think 5♥ is asking for a point gold and bid 7NT.” risks pinpointing a for the oppo- Pass 50 0 4 There is only one correct answer to this 3♥ 50 1 0 club control. I will show a first round con- nents while a slam for our side is unlikely ♠ trol. With only a second round control I problem. 7NT! And I’m sure everyone knows given the eight-loser dummy. With two extra 1 20 0 2 would bid 6♥.” what 7NT means. When you can count 13 , an ace and a singleton, the vulnera- The typical jump to 3♣ shows a weak hand So what is partner going to do over 6♣? tricks in aces, kings and queens bid 7NT. ble game is odds on.” with five clubs. This hand has a sixth club and What does 7♣ mean? To play with 5404, 3) IMPs You’re Vulnerable One expert shows a good 4♠ . an outside ace. The sixth club and the ace or choice of red suits? Roman: “3NT—-We didn’t get a footnote change the hand from a weak hand to a mixed ♠K109765♥654♦A32♣3 Parker: “7♣—-This shows top controls in about what 3NT means, but whether it’s a raise type of hand. There are many minimum all suits. 5♥ ask for total controls across all SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST good raise to four or the weak end of a two- hands where game is cold. Opposite suits. If he wanted to find out just about hearts —— —— 1♠ Dbl tiered splinter (it must be one or the other), ♠Kxx♥Axx♦xxx♣AKxx, 3NT is practically he could bid 5NT. If he has good diamonds ???? it’s what I have.” cold. Opposite ♠KQxx♥xxxx♦x♣AKxx 5♣ is and poor hearts we want to play 7NT, if poor 2NT=LR+;3NT=good 4♠-bid;4♣=splinter Five experts agree with me and describe cold. The big problem is that hearts are going to - 10 - - 11 - be raised. You want to make a bid, which will If they don’t know about how big our club fit is, Seven experts cuebid. Nice if partner has opened the hand 1NT. Now, I’m stuck looking help partner make a decision when hearts are they may underestimate their heart fit.” five hearts or a diamond stopper but the typi- for the “least bad” bid. Notrump is a shot in raised. If 2♣ shows four-card support, 3♣ shows Two experts overbid. They won’t know what cal negative double shows four hearts and the dark. A heart or spade bid risks ending in five-card support, then 4♣ shows six-card sup- to do if their partner doubles the opponents. does not have a diamond stopper. If partner the wrong strain. Pass could be right, but that’s port. Bidding 4♣ shows how many clubs you Cappelletti: “2♥—-Even more tactical has five hearts, he has fewer than ten HCPs. a pure gamble. A cuebid is forward going and have and puts West into a position where he has limit raise or better, but does have one Bidding 3♦ does not guarantee getting to a hopefully conveys some doubt as to where the to make a decision at the four-level. He has to defensive trick.” makable spot. What is partner supposed to bid hand should be played.” deal with the wide range 1♥ . The over- Lublin: “3♥—Splinter preempt but still over 3♦ holding ♠Jx♥Axxx♦xxx♣KJxx? Hopkins: “3♦—-Help! This one is call could be eight HCPs or it could be sixteen. vulnerable and will accept game tries in clubs.” 3♥ and play the 4-3? 3♠ and play the 5-2? vicious. I can just see partner getting forced Six experts bid 3♣. Could be right if Lublin’s splinters are preemptive. Adams: “3♦—-Who knows? Sometimes if we end up in a 4-3 Heart fit. Maybe I’ll be partner has a 2NT-jump rebid. If you tell partner about your six clubs, partner has five Hearts, so passing 2♦ seems lucky and partner will bid 3NT.” Adams: “3♣—-Seems obvious.” he will be in a better position to get you to a big risk (+300 vs Vulnerable Game).” One expert rebids his spades. Could end Landen: “3♣—-Preemptive raise. your best spot. What game? up playing in a 5-1 fit and the best would be ♦ There’s no law that says you can’t have a lit- 5) IMPs You’re Vulnerable Landen: “3 —-What else. I’m forcing to a 5-2 fit. tle extra every once in a while.” game, come hell or high water. We might go down, Parker: “2♠—-I do not bid three-card suits Roman: “3♣—-I’m unsure as to system ♠AQ543♥KQ2♦J65♣AQ but at least we should find the right strain.” if I do not have too. I should be able to scram- here, but it’s my intention to show a club SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST The right strain could end up in a 4-3 ble lots of tricks based on my high card points. preempt. So if we’re “flip-flopping”, put me 1♠ 2♦ Double Pass heart fit or a 5-2 spade fit. If partner can bid again we will find a better down for 2NT. Bidding 4♣ is too much with ???? Roman: “3♦—-Good hand, uncertain spot. Give him ♠xx♥Axxx♦xxx♣Kxxx, and this dog.” direction. I will pass 3NT (and wish I had we are high enough. If I bid 2NT and he has Action Score Votes Solvers Woolsey: “3♣—-If this isn’t a preemptive passed 2♦ doubled, raise 3♥ to 4♥, and some extras but not in Diamonds we get to 3NT Pass 100 1 9 raise, what is? Yes we might make 3NT on bid 4♦ (pick a game) over 3♠ or 4♣. It’s and go down off the top.” 3♦ 90 7 149 some hands where partner can’t move, but on tempting to pass (dummy is likely not to be Three experts guarantee that hearts will 3♥ 50 3 12 balance the 3♣-call figures to work out fine.” a thing of beauty) and that might well be the be trumps. You’d wouldn’t be happy to play 2♠ 40 1 11 Steve Bunning: “3♣—-With a weak winner, but with no trump tricks and red-on- in hearts opposite ♠Kx♥Jxxx♦xx♣KJxxx 2♥ 40 0 18 hand, long clubs, and limited information white it’s just too big a position to take.” or even ♠Kx♥Jxxx♦xxx♣KJxx. 2NT 30 0 13 about partner’s hand, describe your hand Woolsey: “3♦—-I’m strong enough to force Cappelletti: “3♥—-Since you are 4♥ 30 0 6 and let partner decide if it’s appropriate to to game, but I have no idea about the strain. If Vulnerable at IMPs - might make game.” 3♠ 30 0 4 bid more. Immediately bidding more than I bid any suit or notrump, that is a distortion. Lublin: “3♥—-Going to game and give 3NT 30 0 7 3♣ is too unilateral.” The cuebid tells partner what my problem is.” partner cuebid room.” 3♣ 20 0 3 Hopkins: “3♣—-Preemptive.” Partner might know the problem but Schwartz: “3♥—-Just too good a hand 4NT 20 0 1 One expert jumps to game. might not have a solution. opposite a vulnerable negative double at the 4♠ 20 0 1 Parker: “5♣—-Why be fancy, someone King: “3♦—-Show partner I have a good two-level to just rebid 2♥. 3♦ is forcing to has a game and it may be us. Partner can have We probably have enough strength to make hand without clear direction.” game, so I am short of that.” a minimum such as ♠KQxx♥xxx♦xx♣AKxx game but we might not have an eight-card Steve Bunning: “3♦—-Opening 1♠ could The key elements to passing partner’s and we go down one and they make 4♥. If he fit and we might not have a diamond have worked well, but I’m wishing I had are strength and misfit. has a better hand with a singleton Diamond we stopper. Give partner a typical negative double ♣ ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ make 5 . Why let them exchange information such as xx Axxx xxx KJxx and what con- SOLVERS’ SCORES and have to guess later.” tract do you want to play? I’d want to play 2♦ One expert agrees with me and makes a doubled. There is no game and you could easi- Law bid. Allows partner to make the final ly get 500. Make West pay for overcalling 2♦ ♣ ♣ ♠ ♣ ♦ ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ John Adams 5 6 4 3 3 420 decision knowing that you have six clubs. If holding Jxx Jx AKQxx Jxx. Partner will ♣ ♣ ♦ ♥ not blow a trick with his . He’ll Steve Bunning 5 7NT 2NT 3 3 470 LHO bids 4 and partner doubles, you can ♣ ♥ ♥ live with it. probably lead a spade and you can then decide Mike Cappelletti 5 5NT 2NT 2 3 330 Schwartz: “4♣—-Can live with 3♣, but how the defense should go. When thinking Robbie Hopkins 4♥ 5NT 4♣ 3♣ 3♦ 410 want to increase the odds of us not losing a about passing a negative or takeout double, Steve Landen 4♣ 6♣ 4♣ 3♣ 3♦ 430 double game swing. With no top club honor, think about partner’s opening lead. If your Glenn Lublin 5♣ 6♣ 4♣ 3♥ 3♥ 380 3NT very unlikely.” spade holding was Jxxxx, partner could blow ♠ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♦ One expert allows the opponents to the suit by leading the King from Kx. A second Fred King 4 6 4 2 3 390 describe their hand. West can show a simple reason to pass the double is that East didn’t Steve Parker 4♠ 7♣ 4♠ 5♣ 2♠ 260 heart raise, a limit heart raise and a forcing raise diamonds. Partner should have a few dia- Steve Robinson 5♣ 7NT 4♣ 4♣ Pass 480 heart raise. West could even show club short- monds. A third reason to pass is that you know ♦ ♦ ♣ ♦ ♣ Jeff Roman 4 6 3NT 3 3 430 ness by jumping to 4 . You don’t do well that partner does not have primary spade sup- ♦ ♦ ♣ ♥ when the opponents know what they have. port. I don’t often pass negative doubles but this Alan Schwartz 4 6 2NT 4 3 370 King: “2♣—-I don’t want to drive the oppo- seems clear-cut. So clear-cut that I don’t think Kit Woolsey 4♥ 6♣ 4♣ 3♣ 3♦ 440 nents to a game they might not reach otherwise. that there is any other reasonable bid. - 12 - - 13 - ♣ UNIT GAME ♦ WBL ♥ UNIT GAME ♠ THURSDAY NIGHT ♣ UNIT GAME ♦ WBL ♥ UNIT GAME ♠ THURSDAY NIGHT

2005 TROPHY RACE STANDINGS UNIT GAME PARTNERS GUARANTEED www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org 0-20 DO YOU HAVE ANY Updated by our Webmaster, Don Berman LESSON To find a partner 1 day or more before the game, call Char- MUSCLE OR BRAINS leen Brand (301-946-8483) or log on to the Online Partner- The Lovenberg Race is open to all WBL members; the Izzy Cohen TO SPARE? Race is open to all WBL members who started the calendar year with & GAME ship Bulletin Board at: www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org. fewer than 1500 ; the Tubbs Race is open to all WBL mem- bers who started the calendar year Izzy Cohen The Washington Bridge GUARANTEED SCHEDULE as a Non-Life Master; the Woolridge 1 66.09 James Geist League could use a little of Race is open to all WBL members 2 65.46 William Hacker PARTNERS! All Games held at Christ the King Church either! In order to keep events who started the calendar year with 3 60.35 Mark Rosen exciting and entry fees low, the fewer than 20 masterpoints. 4 57.93 Jason Rosenfeld 09/22/2005...... STaC Stratified Pairs WBL relies on the goodness of 7:30PM - Winners in each category will 5 53.01 Michael Gill 09/29/2005...... WBL Sectional our members to volunteer for receive four sessions of free plays. 6 52.30 Hailong Ao 10:30PM 10/06/2005...... Club Appreciation Teams small jobs at the Unit Game Second place gets two and third 7 44.18 Lloyd Rawley (A/X=BAM, B/C/D=Swiss) and Sectional Tournaments. 8 43.99 Eugene Fisher place gets one. 10/13/2005...... StrataFlighted Appreciation Pairs Some jobs require brains while This list is up to date through 9 43.59 Robert Ellis J A OIN NYTIME 10/20/2005...... NVBA Sectional others require muscle. We’ll be August 25, 2005 not including the 10 41.97 Noble Shore 11 35.48 Barry Bragin The cost is $5. This 10/27/2005...... Qualifying happy to employ either. Unit KO or the Fidelity and Trust From setting up and Round Robin. All points are subject 12 34.79 Kitty Gottfried includes a 30 minute 11/03/2005...... StrataFlighted Unit Championship breaking down tables, to pub- to audit by the WBL Director. 13 32.09 Janet Dence lesson by Dr. Steven 11/10/2005...... StrataFlighted Unit Championship 14 29.80 Ronald Susi licity and events develop- Lovenberg Forsythe followed by 11/17/2005...... StrataFlighted Unit Championship 15 29.41 Mirsad Mujezinovic 11/24/2005...... CLOSED for Thanksgiving ment, a little effort from you 1 122.29 Steve Robinson fun, enjoyable bridge will make our bridge commu- 2 120.69 David Ruderman 12/01/2005...... StrataFlighted Upgraded Club Championship 3 106.02 Alfred Steinberg Tubbs for players with 0-20 12/08/2005...... StrataFlighted Unit Championship nity even better. Busy sched- ule? No worries. Most volun- 4 99.65 John Adams 1 57.93 Jason Rosenfeld masterpoints. 12/15/2005...... Holiday Party & MABC STaC 2 29.41 Mirsad Mujezinovic teer assignments take only 15 5 91.91 Mark Shaw Lessons will cover 12/22/2005...... Grand National Teams Qualifying 3 27.71 Neal Rosenthal minutes to 1 hour a month. 6 69.80 Benjamin Brill slam bidding, weak 12/28/2005...... StrataFlighted Unit Championship 7 66.09 James Geist 4 27.59 Jian-Jian Wang twos, 3 level+ pre- Here’s how to help: 8 65.46 William Hacker 5 23.87 Ellen Rosenthal ∼ ♣♦♥♠ ∼ 1. Reply by email, phone 9 60.35 Mark Rosen 6 23.38 Prem Garg empts, , 7 23.17 Shyam Giridharadas For a Last-Minute Partner or in person if you are willing 10 57.93 Jason Rosenfeld takeout doubles, neg- to help in any way. 11 56.15 William Cole 8 21.18 James Andre ative doubles, open- Call the NEW Washington Bridge League Cell Phone 9 20.12 Behnaz Fardshisheh 2. Please indicate if you can 12 53.38 Earl Glickstein ing leads, and - 13 53.01 Michael Gill 10 19.84 Lily Andre (301) 395-2760 offer any special skills (such as 14 52.53 Leon Letwin ing. Each lesson will marketing or a strong back). 15 52.30 Hailong Ao Woolridge be tailored to the 3. Someone will contact you 16 50.59 Robert Bell 1 10.14 Joav Steinbach needs and interests of MAP TO CHRIST THE KING CHURCH shortly with a choice of assign- ments you can pick from. 17 50.23 Weizhong Bao 2 6.92 Brian Julius the players. 18 50.03 Barbara Shaw 3 4.24 William Goldman BONUS – You will be invit- 19 49.42 Peter Boyd 4 3.87 Ronnie Sweed This is a great pro- ed to the summer Volunteer 20 49.00 Diane Walker 5 3.24 Stanley Fineman gram for beginners as Gathering and BBQ Party. 21 47.25 Yi Zhong 6 2.81 Ruby Brooks well as experienced Thank you in advance for 22 47.16 John Glynn 7 2.53 Christopher Miller social bridge players! any assistance you can provide. 23 46.02 Dalia Kende 8 2.49 Melba Battle Barbara Summers, Volun - 24 44.59 Donald Berman 9 2.36 Michael Watts Partners will be pro- teer Coordinator, 301-598- 25 44.18 Lloyd Rawley 10 1.86 Roger Williamson vided if needed. For more information call 5838, [email protected], UNIT GAME CARPOOL AVAILABLE or email Steve or GAME IS TO START PROMPTLY Sandy Forsythe at To arrange a carpool, contact Don Berman, Carpool Coordinator, at AT 7:30PM 301-776-3581 or [email protected]. ....Or log on to the WBL’s (301) 592-9177 (email: FOR MORE INFORMATION new Online Carpool Notices at: www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org. [email protected]) CALL 301-649-1812

- 14 - ∼ ♣♦♥♠ ∼ - 15 - Paid Advertisement Paid Advertisement COMITTEE ACTION #50

Part 1 by Rich Colker, [email protected]

It’s the first qualifying session of the Some expert experienced Precision play- Eva Klivington – Owner, Teams at the Orlando NABC last ers who were given this hand as a bidding Principal Broker, VA, MD, DC fall. Playing with a top expert partner you problem bid on over 4♠, while about an pick up, as North, ♠KQ2 ♥K8543 ♦742 equal number passed, some without much & ♣73. You’re the dealer, at favorable vulner- though and some reluctantly. If you bid over Margit Klivington – Realtor ability, and you and top expert are playing 4♠ partner will bid the slam. The actual Precision. You pass and the auction pro- auction continued (after the 4♠ bid): ceeds: “SPECIAL BRIDGE PLAYER” DEAL (You) (Partner) (You) (Partner) 4♠(5) Pass 1♣(1) ♥ ♠ How fast can we sell your house? ♦(2) (3) ♠(4) 5 6 1 (Dbl) 2 (5) Break in (slow) 3♠ 4♠ ♦ Start Packing! ? The K was led and there was nothing (1) Strong, artificial, forcing much to the play as 6♠ came home easily (2) (3) LIST, BUY or RENT with your bridge player friend. Artificial, 0-8 HCP; Diamonds; for +980. The complete deal was: (4) We have 20 years real estate expertise and our successful track Game Force Bd: 9 record selling $20 million per year, speaks for itself. What is your call? Vul: E/W First, let’s consider what sort of hand Dlr: North North Did you know that only 7% of the people in the real estate business sell partner might have to bid this way. He sure- ♠ KQ2 80% of all properties? We are in the top 1% of that elite group. ly has good spades (he jumped in the suit, suggesting that it be trumps even though he’s ♥ K8543 We will sell your home with full service at discounted commission. missing the king-queen in the suit), so he ♦ 742 must have at least seven of them including ♣ 73 Unbeatable commission means that we will credit you 1% of the sales the missing intermediates, perhaps some- West East price of your home at settlement. We have built our success through thing like ♠AJ1098xx. The rest of his hand ♠ 74 ♠ 8 our clients. You deserve the best! must be pretty good as well, maybe ♥ Q109 ♥ J762 ♠AJ1098xx ♥x ♦Ax ♣AKx (which an ♦ KQJ8 ♦ A10963 Guaranteed to aggressive partner might count as nine win- ♣ Q984 ♣ J106 Visit our website for the entire MLS listings (700,000+) beat any ♣ throughout Northern Virginia: RealtyToWeb.com commission by ners since as little as Q10xx in your hand South $50 might make game even without a spade fit). ♠ AJ109653 On the other hand, partner might hold some- ♥ A Call for a free, no obligation market analysis! thing like ♠AJ1098xx ♥A ♦Qxx ♣AK ♦ 5 (where as little as the ♦KJ in your hand ♣ AK52 703-391-7450 would make game an excellent bet), in which case a diamond lead could make even Think about what type of hand partner the five level unsafe. might hold for this auction. Think about whether partner could have taken any $24 million dollars worth of government foreclosures. (People who did not pay their taxes). So, have you decided what your call will stronger or weaker actions. Think about We are official HUD representatives for the government. be? Knowing whose column you’re reading you probably suspect that everything is not what partner’s break in tempo implies about RealtyToWeb.com as copacetic as it seems. After all, there has his hand and whether or not that information Fox Mill Shopping Center, to be a Director call and an appeal lurking could have come to you from any other- 2557 John Milton Drive, Herndon, VA 20171 somewhere, doesn’t there? And you’d be source (a legal source). Then decide how you ♠ 703-391-7450 (Office) 703-391-7455 (Fax) ♠ right, because partner’s 4 bid came after a would rule and next issue you can see how Email: [email protected] significant break in tempo. Well, what’s your your ruling compares to the one made by the Independently owned and operated! action now? NABC committee. - 16 - - 17 - Bits & Pieces, continued from p. 5... LOST AND FOUND SAD NEWS play in the District 6 Final. AT THE REGIONAL Leon Hammerman passed away July The Open Flight Finals will be held at and I thought I’d pass these on to our mem- the Knights of Columbus Hall (KOCH), I have several glasses, one cell phone 29th from Leukemia. A memoral service was bers. The unit game starts are 7:30 pm every 5115 Little Falls Road, Arlington VA. Game and three watches. If any are yours, please held at the Goodwin House in Alexandria. Thursday night. There had been some com- times will be 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm on check with me. —Kitty Gottfried (301-587- plaints in recent years about the game start- —C N — Saturday, October 8 and 11:00 am and TBA 3981) LUB EWS ing late or running late. In the last few on Sunday, October 9. Mid-chart conven- months, last call for buying entries is WELCOME TO THE TO CLUB OWNERS & tions will be allowed in the Open Flight only. announced at 7:30 pm. At that point, anyone WASHINGTON BRIDGE LEAGUE MANAGERS: The Finals for the Non-Life Master (NLM in line will be sold an entry. When all play- up to 500 MPs) and 0-2000 flights will be All WBL and metro area bordering clubs ers in line have been sold an entry, the The WBL welcomes the following new played at two sites on October 8-9: the are encouraged to post listings of special directors start to set up the game and get ACBL members: Mr Dwight D Adams, Mr KOCH in Arlington at 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm games or news of interest here in this space. boards distributed. All of our boards are now Emilio Cecchi, Mr Paul L Chassy, Ms Reina L on Saturday, and the Williamsburg Marriott, pre-duplicated by the WBL card dealing Chassy, Mrs Ruth B Lee, Dr Alfred J 50 Kingsmill Road, Williamsburg, VA, on machine and are ready to play as soon as SCHWEINHAUT CENTER Liepold, Stephen R Salitrik, Jake A the same dates at 10:00 am and 3:00 pm on they are distributed. After the movements CLUB GAME Schuessler, Elinor Stolar, Mr Ronald Saturday and 10:00 am and TBA on Sunday, are set, if any late players arrive, they will be Goldberg, Kathryn W Graham, Dr Betty K Wonjoo Goldstein has a game at the the same times as the sectional events are accomodated as the movements allow. If Koed, Alex Kruskal, Justin Kruskal, Dolores Margaret Schweinhaut Senior Center 1:00 pm held in Williamsburg that weekend. they cannot be added in without creating a on Thursdays. It is an invitational bridge problem, they will not be allowed to play. If Polakoff, Mr Richard Weiser, Carolyn NLMs and players with 0-2000 MPs may club with a limitation of 3500 masterpoints. they can be added in without a problem, they Stewart, and Ms Edna Warsowe. play at the site of their choice. will be accomodated. Since the July 4th In addition, we welcome the following People over 3500 can play, but will not win Three pairs in each flight will qualify to regional, the game has been started every transfers from other units: Robert D Abbo, masterpoints. represent District 6 in the National Finals, week by 7:45 pm. Mrs Sonny F Adelson, Mr Robert E Brady, Mr which will be held during the Spring 2006 LAUREL BRIDGE CLUB In addition we have a clock that is set Robert L Ellis, Ms Catherine Harris, Woodie NABC in Dallas, TX. For the NLM and 0- to match the A/X game (the game that typ- McLean, Mr Bertram R Remer, Mr Leonard W We at the Laurel Bridge Club were 2000 players, the pair finishing first overall ically ran the latest) and any other events Halpert, Mr Jason R Holderness, Clara M very sorry to hear of the closing (hopeful- at each site will qualify for the National that share the same number of boards. Any Howard, Mrs Ann M Ingram, Sajid Masood, Mr ly temporary) of the Washington Bridge Final. The formulas for qualifying the third pairs that run beyond the time on the Randall J Rubinstein, Mr Steve M Schlosser, Center. In light of that fact, we will add a pair and determining the order of qualifica- clock are given a warning and a set Mrs Amy J Bloom, Mr Joseph H Horwath, Mr Saturday afternoon game at 1:30 pm tion will be announced before the start of the amount of time to catch up (typically until Theodore Kahn, Mr Tom W Neal, and Mrs starting on Saturday, August 15th, and event. The Open Final will be held at the the end of the next hospitality break or two Adele Waggaman. will also add a Monday night non-life Dallas NABC on March 29-30, 2006; the 0- rounds). Any pairs that have not caught up Please join us at our weekly Unit master game at 7:30 pm. We hope to con- 2000 and NLM Finals will be held in Dallas by the warning period are assessed a late Game on Thursday evenings and frequent tinue to provide playing opportunities for on April 8-9, 2006. penalty. Four late penalties have been the local bridge clubs in the area. Maryland bridge players. Call Rose The winners of each flight are reim- assessed since the regional and to four Information can be found on our website, Berman at 301.776.3581 or check the bursed by the ACBL for airfare and three separate pairs so we have not had any www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org. Laurel Bridge Club web site at www.dis- hotel room nights apiece to attend the repeat offenders yet. trictsix.org/laurel/laurel.htm for further National Final. Second place pairs receive Due to these policies, all games have LOOK FOR UPCOMING WBL information about games and times. airfare from the ACBL and $200 apiece from been ending by 10:45 and all scores are AND NVBA SECTIONALS District 6 to subsidize hotel expenses. Third posted and available by 11:05 each week. So 2005-2006 place pairs receive $300 apiece from far, these changes have been well received September 29-October 2 .Silver Spring, MD and players are learning to adapt. For those District 6. Membership dues or Life Master people who were discouraged from playing October 20-23 ...... Arlington, VA DISTRICT 6 FINALS service fee must be current and continuous in recent years due to the late end to the O 8-9, 2005 from the start of the District Final competi- January 5-8, 2006 ...... Silver Spring, MD CTOBER game, please come back and see how the tion to the completion of the North American game runs now. We’d love to have you back February 23-26, 2006 ...... Arlington, VA The District 6 Final for all flights will be Pairs Final at the NABC in order to play in to join us. If you have any questions or com- held October 8-9, 2005. You must be a the National Final. March 2-5, 2006 ...... Silver Spring, MD ments, please feel free to contact me at member of a Unit in District 6 and have For more information, visit the District 6 [email protected]. April 27-30, 2006 ...... Arlington, VA qualified for the event at the club level to web site or contact Barbara Doran by phone - 18 - - 19 - Paid Advertisement Paid Advertisement at (301) 608-0347 or by email to GNT Coordinator, they will be posted on the [email protected]. For information spe- District 6 web site, www.districtsix.org. cific to the Williamsburg site, contact Wyatt We will be holding the first weekend of Mapp at (757) 827-6130 or by email at the District finals of Flights B and C at sep- [email protected]. arate northern and southern sites; however, they will be the same weekend. To start your 2005-2006 planning process, the dates for the District GRAND NATIONAL TEAMS competition are as follows:

It’s time to get out to your local club and 1st Weekend 2nd Weekend qualify to win a subsidized trip to Chicago, Open March 11-12 April 29-30 IL, at the Summer 2006 NABC to represent Flight A May 20-21 June 3-4 District 6 in the national finals of this grass- Flight B February 18-19 March 11-12 roots competition. Flight C February 18-19 March 11-12 The club qualification period begins All the information about pre-registra- October 15, 2005 and extends through April tion, sites and times for the District final 2, 2006. District-level competition for the B will be in the December/January issue of and C flights begins in February 2006 and your District 6 TableTALK. District level the Open flight in March 2006. So make sure competition dates, sites, results and other you qualify early for those flights. However, pertinent information will be published in you can go out and play as often as you want subsequent editions. The Conditions of with whomever you want!! Contest will also be available at www.dis- Once again, the competition will contain trictsix.org. If you have any questions, feel four flights at the District level. The Open free to contact Rae Dethlefsen, District 6 Flight is open to all players; Flight A is lim- GNT Coordinator, at 703-709-5205 or by ited to players with 0-5000 master points; email at [email protected]. Flight B is limited to players with 0-2000 master points; and Flight C is limited to GIFT HORSE? Non-Life Masters with fewer than 500 mas- by John P. Glynn ter points. At the club level, the Open and A You are in 6N by North, no E-W bidding. flights will be combined. East, Jim Geist, leads ♦Q. How do you read Masterpoints awarded at the club level the hand? How do you play it? are half red—an easy way to earn red points South without traveling to a Regional or changing ♠ K2 your normal local playing habits. In the ♥ A2 District level competition, the match awards ♦ AT976 are red and the overall awards are gold. ♣ AQJ2 Remember, players qualify as individu- als at the club level and may form new teams North with qualified players for the District phase ♠ AJT4 of the competition. What this means is that ♥ Q53 you can play with all of your friends at the ♦ K32 club level no matter what their flight eligi- ♣ K85 bility and then form one or more teams to compete in one or more flights at the District July 18 Unit Game: Board 19 level. So y’all come out and play! Dealer: South Call your club manager to find out when Vul: E/W the club is holding qualifying games. As Lead: ♦Q club dates are made available to the District ...continued on p. 22 bottom, col. 1 - 20 - - 21 - SPEEDING UP THE GAME A REGIONAL, A NATIONALS, AND A STAC by Fred King WBL Members’ Tournament Trails

One of the most common complaints what card you will discard before it is ADIEU TO ALEXANDRIA The hotel claimed that they delivered made by bridge players is slow play. I your turn. If your RHO is taking a long everything that was ordered and the reason would like to suggest two things that we all time before making a bid, decide what The WBL hosted the annual Fourth of the food ran out so quickly was that about half July Regional at the Hilton Alexandria Mark of the attendees did not eat dinner expecting can do to speed up the game and they call you will make based on his likely Center from June 28 to July 4. This was the to eat later in the evening. After some discus- could also improve your results! actions and be ready when it is your turn. last time that our unit will host the Regional sions with Nadine, who was sitting at a table The first of these is to minimize the This will not only speed up the game, but in Virginia for the foreseeable future. across from the food stations the entire time time between hands. Talking about what if you know in advance what you are going Starting in 2007 when the WBL hosts the observing the small amount brought out, the happened, who made a bad play or call, to do, you can act in tempo and not hesi- July 4th Regional, it will be at the new hotel agreed to reduce the bill. etc. will distract your concentration on the tate. Since hesitations create the biggest Bethesda North Marriott on Rockville Pike All in all, this year’s tournament had near White Flint. (The NVBA, who alter- plenty of hospitality, lots of bridge and was next hand as well as increasing the time headaches in our game, eliminate them by nates hosting with us, will be in Alexandria a success even though attendance was needed to finish all your boards. Get the being prepared when your turn arrives. for one more year, 2006, and then they will down about 5% from last year. As always, score recorded quickly, the new board put Just like voting in Chicago, thinking early be moving to the Reston Hyatt.) We are look- this success was the result of the hard work on top and start the next board. and often can speed up the game, improve ing forward to using the new facilities and put in by our many volunteers who make Decreasing the time spent between boards your results and eliminate unauthorized having the tournament held within the phys- things happen with hours of selfless work. will speed up the game. information problems. ical boundaries of the WBL. They deserve the credit. Besides Nadine, As a result of our moving, you might special thanks to: Tournament Co- Secondly, you may not play or bid until think that the hotel would be even more dif- Chairman, Fred King; Partnership Chair, it is your turn to do so, but you can and LUBLIIN SAFETY ENT. ficult to work with especially in food prices. Barbara Ames; Prizes, Carole Geagley; should THINK before it is your turn. If But no, they actually lowered prices at the Information, Ellen Cherniavsky; Daily partner or declarer is almost certain to WWW.IRONMANSAFETY.COM snack bar and had a much greater variety of Bulletin Editor, Bryan Coleman; + play a suit in which you are , decide items for sale. For the first time in the 13 Intermediate/Novice Chairs, Frances Burke The most comprehensive selection of years the July 4th regional has been held at and Sherrie Schrama; Hospitality, Ann Safety Products on the Net Today the this hotel, there actually was enough Lindley and Kitty Gottfried; Restaurant Gift Horse, continued from p. 20... food on the last day. Hamburgers ran out Guide, Helene Baumann; Volunteer early, but there was plenty of food left so that Coordinator, Barbara Summers; Publicity, I tell this story on myself because I spent For everyone you know! there were several choices and everyone got Charity Sack and their many volunteers. the drive home thinking about it. I played —LIIVE SAFE— something to eat. The hotel staff was out- standing and accommodating throughout the ALEXANDRIA, VA, REGIONAL Jim for the QJ8x of Diamonds. Took the K, Our Internet Mall offers thousands led a low diamond to . Jim pitches tournament and we received no complaints 28 JUNE – 4 JULY, 2005 of high quality safety products to fit from the directing staff or any players, which the ♥4 and I can no longer make the con- your every need... with an average of a was another first. WBL Top Ten Lists tract. Geist’s hand is Q9873, K8764, Q, 63. 15% - 35% difference in pricing com- Unfortunately there was one big glaring ♦ When his partner gets in with the J, he pared to the average retail store. Please exception — the Saturday night food after All WBL Members will lead a heart and I am dead, and even if enjoy your visit to our Mall; we have the session. The tournament chairman, 1 91.75 ...... John Adams I am willing to finesse the spade I do not tried to make your experience as enter- Nadine Wood, has been ordering and prepar- 2 83.86 ...... William Cole taining and adventurous as possible. have enough entries to do so. The point is ing food for bridge players all over the 3 79.82 ...... Steve Robinson that strong players do not lead Q from QJ8x 30-Day Money Back Guarantee United States and Canada in excess of 35 4 60.47 ...... Mark Shaw 5 59.70 ...... Janet Lee against 6N and Jim is a strong player. But years. Imagine her shock and chagrin when the hotel servers said the food was gone 59.70 ...... Frederick Allenspach even if you suspect a trick what do you do? when less than half of the players had eaten 7 55.33 ...... Peter Boyd Of course he could not imagine how damag- anything. This was the first time in those 35 8 48.12 ...... Ellen Cherniavsky ing his lead was in terms of communica- years that not only was everyone not fed, but 9 47.07 ...... Fred King tions. Nice lead Jim. there weren’t any leftovers either. 10 45.52 ...... Katherine Paramore Paid Advertisement - 22 - - 23 - Members with fewer than 1500 masterpoints Young LM-1500 Mini-Life-Master Pairs Open Swiss Teams SECTIONAL TOURNAMENT AT 1 37.22 ...... John Glynn 14 Carmon Lee Woodley, Nokesville VA; 11 James Murphy, Chesapeake VA; CLUBS Matthew Mallory, APO AE 2 36.57 ...... William Hacker William Pettis, Silver Spring MD 13-19 June 2005 3 27.05 ...... Theodore Wilkinson 17 Steve Robinson, Arlington VA; Peter 4 26.98 ...... Victoria Selph Spingold Knockout Teams Boyd, Silver Spring MD Performance Lists 9/16 Peter Boyd, Silver Spring MD; Steve 5 26.67 ...... Steven Schatzow 18 Robert Gookin, Falls Church VA 6 25.74 ...... James Geist Robinson, Arlington VA 17/32 David Butler, Keswick VA; Mark 21 Alan Sontag, Gaithersburg MD Top twenty-five point winners 7 24.50 ...... Katherine Rabenstein 31 Mike Cappelletti Sr, Alexandria VA 24.50 ...... Randy Zeibert Dahl, Richmond VA 1 27.71 ...... Beverly Flaschentrager, 9 24.44 ...... Jason Rosenfeld 17/32 William Pettis, Silver Spring MD; Ai- Virginia Beach VA Tai Lo, Reston VA; 10 23.65 ...... Andres Doernberg 17/32 Sumner Steinfeldt, WashingtonDC; WBL Top Ten Lists 2 21.93 ...... Arnie Frankel, Hal Hindman, Annandale VA; Atlanta NABC Laurel MD Members with fewer than 500 masterpoints Mark Chen, Oak Hill VA 3 20.95 ...... Rita Davidson, 1 27.05 ...... Theodore Wilkinson Timonium MD 2 26.67 ...... Steven Schatzow Wagar Knockout Teams All WBL Members 3 24.50 ...... Katherine Rabenstein 1 Beth Palmer, Silver Spring MD; 1 114.62 ...... Peggy Allen 4 19.30 ...... Wendy Richardson, 4 24.44 ...... Jason Rosenfeld 3/4 Rae Dethlefsen, Reston VA 2 103.31 ...... Steve Robinson Cambridge MD 5 23.65 ...... Andres Doernberg 3 102.96 ...... Beth Palmer 5 19.06 ...... Warren Stone, 6 23.56 ...... Ross Bley 0-5000 Mini-Spingold Knockout Teams 4 101.96 ...... Peter Boyd Ocean City MD 23.56 ...... Martha Bley 2 Richard Wegman, Bethesda MD; 5 90.59 ...... Frederick Allenspach 6 18.91 ...... Peter Hughes, 8 23.40 ...... Behnaz Fardshisheh Gloria Silverman Bart, Gambrills MD 6 90.03 ...... Richard Wegman Alexandria VA 9 23.14 ...... Barry Lieberman 7 78.56 ...... Gloria Silverman Bart 23.14 ...... Thomas Din 0-1500 Mini-Spingold Knockout Teams 8 69.46 ...... Mark Shaw 7 17.91 ...... Harold Jordan, 5/8 Ronald Kral, Reston VA; Dan Moore, 9 60.02 ...... William Pettis Wilmington DE Burtonsville MD 10 54.35 ...... Mike Cappelletti Sr 2005 SUMMER NABC 9/16 Laurie Scheinman, Baltimore MD 8 17.86 ...... Lee De Simone, ATLANTA, GEORGIA Alexandria VA Senior Swiss Teams Members with fewer than 2000 masterpoints 9 17.58 ...... Donald Geerhart, District Six Honor Roll 1 35.22 ...... Alice Wegman Overall Placings in NABC+ Events 1 James Murphy, Chesapeake VA Springfield VA 4 Divakar Bhargava, Richmond VA 2 33.13 ...... Dan Moore 10 17.48 ...... Georgie Feldman, 9 Mike Cappelletti Sr, Alexandria VA 3 30.32 ...... Linda Maloney Cambridge MD Sheinwold Flight B Grand National Teams 12 Shou-Ling Wang, Bethesda MD; 4 27.21 ...... Jane Sturgis 5/8 Larry Kahn, Vienna VA; James Ronald Spath, Severna Park MD 5 23.97 ...... Kenneth Kaufman 11 16.99 ...... Howard Siegel, Edmonds, Arlington VA; 22 Ed Lazarus, Baltimore MD 6 19.85 ...... Eugene Fisher Chestnut Hill MA Dhirendra Ghosh, Mc Lean VA; Jay 23 Eugene Davidson, Washington DC 19.85 ...... Adrienne Fisher Kelkar, Oak Hill VA 24 Martin Graf, Chevy Chase MD; Mark 12 16.42 ...... Darwin Afdahl, Shaw - Arnie Frankel, 8 19.19 ...... Jason Rosenfeld Virginia Beach VA 19.19 ...... James Geist Life Master Pairs Laurel MD; David Ruderman, 13 16.13 ...... Jess Stuart, Burtonsville MD 19.19 ...... Charity Sack 25 Ai-Tai Lo, Reston VA West Chester PA 26 Hanna Schepps, Silver Spring MD 30 Peter Boyd, Silver Spring MD; Steve 16.13 ...... Lois Stuart, Robinson, Arlington VA Members with fewer than 750 masterpoints National 199er Pairs 1 19.85 ...... Adrienne Fisher West Chester PA 38 William Cole - John Adams, Silver 2 David Banh, Annandale VA Spring MD 2 19.19 ...... Jason Rosenfeld 15 15.86 ...... Jerry Keller, 3 14.39 ...... Shlomit Rind Laurel MD 43 Andrew Gofreed, La Plata MD; Alan NABC Fast Pairs 4 12.49 ...... Roma Chandra Tenenbaum, Rockville MD 17 Raghavendra Rajkumar, Arlington VA 16 15.71 ...... Eliezer Solomon, 5 11.63 ...... Madeline Delahan Ocean City MD 11.63 ...... Franz Delahan Bruce LM-5000 Mini-Life-Master Pairs Mixed Board-A-Match Teams 15.71 ...... Charlotte Hahn, 7 11.43 ...... Reni Malloy 9 Ann Lindley, Silver Spring MD; 16 Mark Dahl, Richmond VA Ocean City MD Vonnie Lavender, Burke VA 25 Robert Gookin, Falls Church VA 8 9.92 ...... Emerita Hayward 21 Robert Graves, Greenbelt MD; Donna 27 Jeff Roman, Alexandria VA; Cecily 9 9.88 ...... Anne Derbes 18 15.58 ...... Enid Asherman, Graves, Severn MD Kohler, Washington DC 9.88 ...... Robert Schwab Alexandria VA - 24 - - 25 - 19 15.56 ...... Craig Robinson, 2 13.61 ...... E Nock, AREA BRIDGE CLASS OFFERINGS Lansdale PA Ocean City MD LESLIE SHAFER’S FALL SCHEDULE 20 15.48 ...... Kenneth Davis, 13.61 ...... Robert Nock, Alexandria VA Ocean City MD Questions: Call Leslie Shafer at 301-593-6828 or email [email protected]. 21 15.38 ...... Barbara Blitz, 4 13.46 ...... Ellen Mendelson, Pikesville MD Pikesville MD Hi all - Here is the eagerly awaited 2005 More Magic Hands! 22 15.05 ...... Danijel Zenko, 5 13.24 ...... Charles Carrington, Fall Bridge Schedule of all of my classes. There’s a “trick” to every hand and we Chevy Chase MD Silver Spring MD Please remember only Kenwood classes will will be playing LOTS of hands each week. you need to send ME your registration via 23 14.77 ...... Julian Boyce, 6 11.68 ...... William Hacker, This class will train you to problem solve email. All MCRD classes you must register Silver Spring MD Germantown MD and develop card sense. Starts Sept. 26, with them either online or send in via fax. Monday 10 a.m. - noon; 8 weeks. $71 tuition 7 11.33 ...... Noble Shore, Thanks — Leslie 24 14.70 ...... Hanna Schepps, plus a $15 material fee. Register thru Silver Spring MD North Potomac MD Beginner Bridge Part 1 MCRD). Level: Advanced players. 8 11.29 ...... Jeff Ruben, For absolute beginners or those who 25 14.60 ...... Pamela Bowman, haven’t played in a loooooong time. Kenwood ∼ ♣♦♥♠ ∼ Towson MD Wilmington DE Country Club. Starts Sept. 7th, Wed. 10 a.m- If you are a member of the Washington 9 10.49 ...... Paul Leopold, noon. Tuition: $125; 8 weeks. Register thru Hebrew Congregation (JBC) there are two Leslie at [email protected]) For those Potomac MD classes there — Introduction to Signaling Players with more than 1500 masterpoints of you who play bridge already, please tell 10 9.76 ...... Florence Silverman, your non-playing friends. (Tues., 12:30-2:30 pm begins Sept. 13th) or 1 21.93 ...... Arnie Frankel, Baltimore MD Beginner Bridge Part 1 (Thurs., 1:30 -3:30 Laurel MD Brush Up Bridge at OASIS p.m. begins Sept. 15th). 8 weeks. Register Good for students who have not played in through WHC Sisterhood. 2 19.06 ...... Warren Stone, a while or feel rusty about their bridge Players with fewer than 500 masterpoints Ocean City MD knowledge. Basic bidding and play reviews. ∼ ♣♦♥♠ ∼ 1 27.71 ...... Beverly Flaschentrager, Fridays 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. There are 3 18.91 ...... Peter Hughes, I’ve had several requests from intermedi- Virginia Beach VA two 5-week sessions. First 5-week session Alexandria VA starts Sept 23rd. Second 5-week session ate thru advanced students who wanted an 2 20.95 ...... Rita Davidson, evening class. Note the slam bidding course 4 17.91 ...... Harold Jordan, starts Oct. 28th. $80 tuition each semester. Timonium MD Call Oasis directly to register (202-686- at the Leland Rec Center on Wednesday Wilmington DE 9760). Advanced Beginners. nights through MCRD. 3 19.30 ...... Wendy Richardson, 5 17.86 ...... Lee De Simone, Cambridge MD Beginner Bridge Part 2 ∼ ♣♦♥♠ ∼ Alexandria VA Introduces more basics such as takeout 4 17.48 ...... Georgie Feldman, doubles, overcalls, etc. Coffield Com Center. MCRD classes - To register online, go to: 6 17.58 ...... Donald Geerhart, Cambridge MD Starts Sept. 19th, Mon., 7:15 - 9:15 pm; 8 http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec Springfield VA weeks. $71 tuition; $15 material fee. 5 16.99 ...... Howard Siegel, I hope that answers some of your ques- Register w/MCRD. 7 16.42 ...... Darwin Afdahl, Chestnut Hill MA tions. Feel free to email me if you need more Virginia Beach VA Basic Conventions info at [email protected]. 6 15.38 ...... Barbara Blitz, (Stayman, Blackwood, Transfers, etc.) Best of luck with your bridge, but more 8 16.13 ...... Jess Stuart, Pikesville MD Tuesdays 7:30 - 9:30 pm. 8 weeks. Starts West Chester PA Sept. 20th at Potomac CC. Register thru importantly – have fun with it!! 7 15.05 ...... Danijel Zenko, 16.13 ...... Lois Stuart, MCRD. $71 tuition and $15 material fee. ∼ ♣♦♥♠ ∼ Chevy Chase MD Level: Advc’d beg. - Interm. West Chester PA Tip of the Week: A takeout double by a 8 14.51 ...... Theresa Browning, Slam Bidding passed hand shows 9-11 HCP plus shortness 10 15.86 ...... Jerry Keller, Towson MD Want to learn how to bid those elusive Laurel MD slam contracts? Impress your friends and in the enemy’s bid suit. Example: you hold 9 12.96 ...... Jules Blitz, scare your opponents!! 8 weeks; Two loca- S: xx H: Axxx D: KQxx C: Qxx Pikesville MD tions — Kenwood Country Club starting You West Partner East Players with more than 500 and fewer than 10 12.76 ...... Ellie Isaacs, Sept. 7th on Wed. 1-3 p.m. ($125; register Pass Pass Pass 1♠ 1500 masterpoints Ocean Pines MD thru me); or Starts on Sept. 21 at Leland ?? Com. Center on Wed. 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. $71 1 14.60 ...... Pamela Bowman, 12.76 ...... Becky Rendler, tuition plus a $15 material fee. Register thru Double to show almost an opening hand Towson MD Ocean Pines MD MCRD. Level: Interm. To Advc’d Players. plus support for the unbid suits! - 26 - - 27 - STEPPING UP TO NEW HEIGHTS asterPointers As of September 1, 2005 NLM Junior Masters (5 Masterpoints) Sectional Masters (50 Masterpoints) by I/N Columnist, Sandy Forsythe, [email protected] Leon Blitman Barbara Brisentine Mark Cohen Linda Marshall Pat Mascari Robert Moss J J Jayaraman Patricia Minami Yasmina Patel Kenn Pendleton THINK BEFORE YOU LEAD! North Charles Morton Jose Porres Harriette Plotkin Lorraine Tyler ♠ A843 Let’s say you’re West, and this is your ♥ KQ92 Stephen Salitrik Minal Shah hand: Regional Masters (100 Masterpoints) ♦ QT6 Rebekah Viola Myra Weinberg Lucille Allor Dale Collinson ♠ QT62 ♣ J4 Margarett Wilden Andres Doernberg Alex Goldenberg ♥ 63 West (You) East ♠ ♠ Wesley Gray Evelyn Knapp ♦ A97542 QT62 KJ97 ♥ 63 ♥ J8 Barry Reich Kenneth Rosenau ♣ 6 Club Masters (20 Masterpoints) ♦ A97542 ♦ K3 Gerry Wixson Kathy Attlan Murat Berk You’re on lead against a 6♥ contract. ♣ 6 ♣ 87532 What do you lead? South Ruby Brooks Jennifer Elliott National Masters (200 Masterpoints) ♠ 5 Brian Julius Carolyn Kier Calvin Cobb Jr Elaine Conway Did you automatically choose the single- ♥ AT754 Danut Gliga Donald Goldman ton club, hoping to score your ace of dia- ♦ J8 Porter Kier Ajaz Rahman monds and a club ruff? Not so fast! Let’s ♣ AKQT9 Bob Grudberg Robert Krueger John Ryan Shawn Stringer Gerard Mulvenna Jon Ranhand consider all the information available to us As you can see, you can set the contract so we can choose the best plan, starting with by leading the ace of diamonds and another Corinne Zimmermann Thomas Reckford the auction: diamond to partner’s king. How will you know to continue diamonds after partner WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH plays the itty bitty three? Visualization, once 1♥ ♠ ♣ again! After the first trick, only the king and P1 P3the jack of diamonds are missing (unless P3♥ P 4NT South sneakily falsecards). Partner can’t sig- Do you get along with P5♦ P6♥ nal with a card she doesn’t have! Pard’s three could even have been a singleton. You South’s 4NT bid was Blackwood; North your computer? know that South has a big hand and your showed one ace. Do you think South would tricks are likely to go away if you don’t grab bid slam missing two aces? Maybe, if he had them fast. Stick to your plan! a void, but with a void, he probably wouldn’t On any lead other than a diamond, Help is here! have used Blackwood. So if the ace of clubs declarer can win the lead, pull trump in two ➨Get on the internet ➨OKBridge/OKWin isn’t in your partner’s hand, how are you rounds, throw dummy’s losing diamonds on going to get your ruff? Won’t declarer win the ➨Computer purchase ➨Microsoft Word his good clubs and ruff his two diamonds in ➨ ➨ opening lead and pull your trump? the dummy: making seven. At the table, only Computer setup Microsoft Excel/Access one North-South pair out of 12 bid the 26 ➨Email setup ➨Web Page Design Let’s see if we can come up with a better HCP slam, but several pairs took 12 or 13 ➨Software installations ➨Uploads and Downloads plan. C’mon, it’s only two tricks; this should tricks. Against a game contract, I would lead ➨Programming ➨Phone support be easy, right? We know partner has no aces, the singleton club: partner may very well but maybe she has a king. Wouldn’t it be have the ace of clubs. When you or your great if she had the king of diamonds? opponents have reached the most normal dibasoft Sometimes you have to use your imagina- contract, it’s okay to be with the field and tion: visualize a lay of the cards that will let make the normal lead. Computer Consulting you set the contract (or make the contract) Whatever the contract, you should 301-990-8534 and then play for that lay. always think carefully when you’re on lead. Consider the auction, estimate partner’s [email protected] This hand came up at a Suit Yourself HCP, and make your plan. Opening leads Diane Walker game at my house. Here’s the full deal: are blind, but they shouldn’t be deaf! Paid Advertisement Paid Advertisement - 28 - - 29 - THE WASHINGTON BRIDGE LEAGUE NEED A RIDE TO THE UNIT GAME? Periodicals 14517 PERRYWOOD DRIVE Postage Paid NEED A PARD FOR THE UNIT GAME? BURTONSVILLE, MARYLAND 20866 at Burtonsville, MD

Contact Charleen Brand (301-946-8483) one day ahead to find a partner for the unit game. For a last minute partner, call the WBL cell phone (301-395-2760). Try the country’s first On-Line Partnership Bulletin Board: www.washingtonbridgeleague.org. Don Berman, Carpool Coordinator can be contacted at 301- 776-3581 or ([email protected]) or log on to the On- Line Carpool Notices at www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org. Good luck! We look forward to seeing you on Thursday evenings.

WBL SOLVERS’ CLUB’S NEW PROBLEMS September/October 2005

1) IMPs You’re Vulnerable 3) Matchpoints You’re Vulnerable 5) IMPs Both Vulnerable ♠3♥KQ104♦AKQJ4♣1032 ♠A♥A6♦AQ107654♣A87 ♠K96♥AKJ762♦K65♣J SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST ♣ 1♥ Dbl 1♠ 2♣ 1♦ 3♣ 3♠ Pass ——- —— —- 3 ???* Dbl* 3♣ Pass Pass ???? *4♦ is not a legal bid and will be given 10 3♥ Pass 3♠ Pass 2) Matchpoints None Vulnerable points. ???? ♠A54♥A6543♦A4♣K87 4) IMPs None Vulnerable *Dbl=3-card spade support SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST ♠J83♥1082♦AJ65♣A52 Return answers by October 24 to: ♦ Steve Robinson ——- —— —- 1 SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 2891 S. Abingdon St #A2, 1♥ Pass 2♥ 3♣ ——- Pass 1♣ 2♠ Arlington VA, 22206 ??? ???? [email protected]