Number: 201 September 2019 Bernard Magee’s Bidding Quiz This month we are dealing with responding after your partner has interfered after an opponent’s 1NT opening. You are West in the auctions below, playing ‘Standard Acol’ with a weak no- (12-14 points) and BRIDGEfour-card majors. It is your turn to call.

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South 1NT 2♥ Pass 1NT Dbl Pass 1NT 1NT Pass 2♦* ? ? Pass 2♣* Dbl 2♥ Pass 2♥ Dbl Pass ? ? * Stayman * transfer to hearts

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South 1NT 2♥ Pass 1NT Dbl Pass 1NT 1NT ? ? Pass 2♦* Dbl 2♥ Pass 2♣* Dbl 2♥ ? Pass Pass 2♠ Pass * transfer to hearts ? * Stayman

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

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

Answers on page 43 Answers on page 45 Answers on page 47 Answers on page 49

Features this month include: ADVERTISERS’ INDEX BRIDGE 1 Bidding Quiz by Bernard Magee Mr Bridge 2 Fjords Mountains & Ryden Grange, Knaphill, 5 Glaciers with Fred. Olsen Surrey GU21 2TH 7 Bidding Quiz by Bernard Magee 3 Clive Goff’s Stamps ( 01483 489961 4 Majorca 2020 8 The [email protected] 6 Mr Bridge UK Festive www.mrbridge.co.uk by Andrew Kambites Events 2019-20 shop: mrbridge.co.uk/shop 13 The Law Of Total Tricks Quiz 11 Mr Bridge Luxury Playing Cards by Andrew Kambites Publisher and Managing 12 Magellan 2020 cruises Editor 15 Defence Quiz by with Cruise & Maritime Mr Bridge Voyages 16 Julian Pottage Answers your Questions 13 Mr Bridge UK Events at Associate Editor 19 Declarer Play Quiz by David Huggett Denham Grove Julian Pottage 14 Tenerife 2020 [email protected] 20 Gisborne’s Sunday Afternoon by 15 Mr Bridge UK Events at Bridge Consultant 22 Catching Up with The Chatsworth Hotel Bernard Magee 18 Travel Insurance 23 Leads Quiz by bernardmagee 19 Mr Bridge UK Events at @mrbridge.co.uk 26 Leanora Adds' Holiday Ideas Blunsdon House 23 Mr Bridge UK Events at Cartoons & Illustrations 28 More Tips by Bernard Magee The Olde Barn Hotel Marguerite Lihou 24 Christmas in Malta www.margueritelihou.co.uk 29 The Law Of Total Tricks Quiz Answers by Andrew Kambites 25 Acol Bidding with Technical Consultant Bernard Magee Tony Gordon 30 About the ABCL by Ned Paul 25 Rules Simplified 33 Leads Quiz Answers by David Gold Typesetting 28 Declarer Play with Jessica Galt 35 Declarer Play Quiz Answers by David Huggett Bernard Magee [email protected] 28 BRIDGE Subscriptions 36 Seven Days by Sally Brock Mr Bridge Proof Reading Team 29 2020 Diaries 39 Defence Quiz Answers by Julian Pottage Mike Orriel 32 Defence with Bernard Magee Julian Pottage 40 Readers' Letters 34 Tunisia Winter 2019-20 Catrina Shackleton 42 Reviews by Shireen Mohandes 37 Little Voice Richard Wheen 43 Bidding Quiz Answers (1-3) by Bernard Magee 38 Croatia 2020 Customer Services 44 Alerting Doubles by David Stevenson 38 Mr Bridge UK Events at Catrina Shackleton The Elstead Hotel [email protected] 45 Bidding Quiz Answers (4-6) by Bernard Magee 40 Charity Events Events, Holidays & Cruises 46 Entries: Part 8 by Mike Lawrence 41 Tutorial Software with Bernard Magee ( 01483 489961 47 Bidding Quiz Answers (7-9) by Bernard Magee 43 Reboot Your Play with Jessica Galt Bernard Magee 48 The Diaries of Wendy Wensum [email protected] 43 Q Plus 15 Megan Riccio 49 Bidding Quiz Answers (10-12) by Bernard Magee 45 Mr Bridge UK Events at [email protected] 50 Sally's Slam Clinic Two Bridges Hotel Emily Hawkins 46 Bridge Gifts [email protected] 46 Club Insurance Sandra Timbury REDUCE THE COST OF YOUR POSTAGE 47 Reboot Your Acol with [email protected] British postage stamps for sale at Bernard Magee 49 Bridge Mats Clubs & Charities 90% of face-value, all mint and with full gum. 50 Mr Bridge UK Events at Maggie Axtell The Trouville Hotel Quotations for commercial [email protected] 50 Bridge with Angela quantities are available on request. Values supplied in 100s, higher 51 Columbus 2020 cruises Printed in the UK by with Cruise & Maritime The Magazine values available, as well as 1st and Voyages 2nd class. Printing Company 52 Isles of the UK with www.magprint.co.uk ( 020 8422 4906 e-mail: [email protected] Fred. Olsen

BRIDGE September 2019 Page 3 Mr Bridge Holidays PUERTO POLLENSA, MAJORCA 4* Cabot Hotel Pollensa Park Spa 29 March - 5 April 2020 - hosted by Bernard Magee - from £985 19-26 April 2020 - hosted by Sandy Bell - from £1059 Bernard Magee

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Join your Mr Bridge host for a bridge holiday in Majorca. Throughout the week, they will offer a full bridge programme, including two seminars What's Included... followed by supervised play with the assistance of their experienced team, all played in a friendly atmosphere. A full team ensure there are no half-tables R Flights from London and a partner will always be found. Heathrow R Hotel transfers Cabot Hotel Pollensa Park Spa has a privileged location in front of the Bay R of Pollensa; just 150 meters from the beautiful sandy beach and within a 15 All-Inclusive minute walk to the harbour, the town centre and the restaurant areas and R En-suite accommodation enjoys beautiful views of the Serra de Tramuntana. R Use of hotel facilities R Cabot Hotel Pollensa Park Spa Mr Bridge Team is a large and recently renovated R Mr Bridge welcome & hotel spa with a thermal relaxation farewell drinks party swimming pool, jacuzzi, Finnish R Two bridge seminars & sauna, Turkish bath and tennis set hand sessions courts. R Bridge every evening All rooms are recently refurbished R Afternoon bridge on selected days R No half tables and have air conditioning/heating, R shower/full bathroom, free WiFi, Programme of optional LCD TV, desk, wardrobe, fridge, excursions hairdryer and telephone. All non- R Complete financial ground floor rooms have a balcony protection with chairs.

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Prices shown are per person sharing and include flights from Heathrow. Selected regional flights may be available at a supplement.* Excursions are not included in the price of the holiday. For details of what is included in the all-inclusive package, please call for an information pack and booking form. Single supplement of £98 applies. Sea view upgrade £35 per person. Terms and conditions apply. These holidays have been organised for Mr Bridge by Great Little Escapes LLP, ATOL 5933. WELL RESUME made chocolate smooth PLAYING CARDS CELEBRATED and easy-to-manage in the For the last few months, my late 1800s, candy-makers notes, such as they are, coated nuts, caramels, could be found on the back marshmallows and other of the carrier sheet allowing tasty treats with chocolate. Leanora Adds to develop And from this Bridge Mix her travel column on page 5. was born. She has so much to say, that her column has permanently 2020 DIARIES migrated to the centrefold, where readers will now be able find her every month.

In the middle of July, I was A BIT OF HISTORY lucky enough to have Bridge players in the 1920s picked the perfect Saturday – 50s sat around tables for to celebrate my 80th entire evenings obsessed birthday. You see me, with their favourite game. pictured with my grandson Put down their cards to eat? Etienne Westphall, at the Forget it. event in the grounds of Ryden Grange. Then Bridge Mix came The 2020 diaries are now in along – pieces so small they stock. They have the usual Pictured below, I am could snack with one hand soft leather-like covers and surrounded by family, My Mr Bridge Premier and hold their cards with come in ruby red, navy blue friends and all those lovely Quality playing cards are the other. or bottle green, with a people who have been a now in stock in boxes of 72 ball-point pen in the spine. part in my life and For thousands of years, packs; 36 red back and 36 £14.95 each inc p&p. contributed to my happiness. people covered nuts and blue backs. £72 per box Thank you, one and all. seeds with sugary shells, including delivery to UK dating back to the ancient GOFFIE'S STAMPS addresses. Packs of 12 (6 GIRLS 10 BOYS 10 Romans. The early sugar Postal prices have gone up red, 6 blue) are available plum of the 17th century again. Time to try Clive £19.95 including delivery to My grandchildren are was actually a small nut or Goff’s discounted British UK addresses. divided evenly. The decider, seed with layers of sugar stamp service. at least for the time being, – often taking weeks to All good wishes is due in a week or so. make. When machinery ( 020 8422 4906 Mr Bridge

BRIDGE September 2019 Page 5 Mr Bridge Festive Season 2019-20 Full board. No single supplement*.

Christmas 2019 Denham Grove Blunsdon House 23 December Near Uxbridge UB9 5DG Swindon SN26 7AS 1500 Mr Bridge Welcome Desk open Tea or coffee with mince pies 1745 Welcome Reception followed by Dinner and then BRIDGE Christmas Eve 1000 SEMINAR followed by set hands 23-27 December £519 1230 Lunch followed by BRIDGE 27-29 December from £228* Competitive Bidding 1745 Mulled Wine Reception Just Duplicate hosted by Will & Sylvia 1830 Dinner then BRIDGE hosted by Kate Henderson Christmas Day Parsons 1000 BIDDING QUIZ 27-29 December £262 New Year 2019-20 1230 Christmas Lunch Better Leads & Switches 29 December 1500 Queen's speech displayed hosted by Bernard Magee 1530 BRIDGE 1500 Mr Bridge Welcome Desk open Tea or coffee with mince pies 1830 Buffet Dinner followed by BRIDGE 29 Dec - 2 January £525 Doubles 1745 Welcome Reception followed by Boxing Day hosted by Bernard Magee Dinner and then BRIDGE 1000 SEMINAR followed by set hands Waiting List Only 30 December 1230 Lunch followed by BRIDGE 1000 SEMINAR followed by set hands 1830 Dinner followed by BRIDGE The Olde Barn 1230 Lunch followed by BRIDGE 27 December Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT 1830 Dinner followed by BRIDGE 1000 SEMINAR followed by set hands New Year's Eve 1230 Lunch 1000 SEMINAR followed by set hands Denham Grove - all depart 1230 Lunch followed by BRIDGE 1400 Afternoon BRIDGE at Olde Barn only 1745 Gala Reception Twixmas 2019 1830 Gala Dinner followed by BRIDGE 2345 See in the New Year drinks 27 December 23-27 December £445 0030 Optional Speedball pairs at Denham 1500 Mr Bridge Welcome Desk open Just Duplicate Grove only Tea or coffee with mince pies hosted by Lyn Hilton New Year's Day 1745 Welcome Reception followed by Dinner and then BRIDGE 27-29 December £238 1100 BIDDING QUIZ 1230 Lunch followed by BRIDGE 28 December Leads & Defence Olde Barn - all depart 1000 SEMINAR followed by set hands hosted by Elaine Duff 1830 Dinner followed by BRIDGE at 1230 Lunch followed by BRIDGE 29 December - 1 January Denham Grove only 1745 Mulled Wine Reception £359 2 January 2020 1830 Dinner followed by BRIDGE Game Tries Denham Grove only 29 December hosted by Elaine Duff 0800 Brunch Style Breakfast 1000 SEMINAR followed by set hands * Subject to availability, single supplement applies to all rooms at Blunsdon House. 1230 Lunch followed by Duplicate Bridge Room upgrades may be available at supplement. £50 discount for back to back bookings.

Details & Bookings ( 01483 489961 Bernard Magee’s Acol Bidding Quiz

This month we are dealing with responding after your partner has interfered after an opponent’s 1NT opening. You are West in the auctions below, playing ‘Standard Acol’ with a weak no-trump (12-14 points) and four-card majors. It is your turn to call.

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South 1NT 2♥ Pass 1NT Dbl Pass 1NT 1NT Pass 2♦* ? ? Pass 2♣* Dbl 2♥ Pass 2♥ Dbl Pass ? ? * Stayman * transfer to hearts

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South 1NT 2♥ Pass 1NT Dbl Pass 1NT 1NT ? ? Pass 2♦* Dbl 2♥ Pass 2♣* Dbl 2♥ ? Pass Pass 2♠ Pass * transfer to hearts ? * Stayman

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

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

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

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

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

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

Answers on page 43 Answers on page 45 Answers on page 47 Answers on page 49

BRIDGE September 2019 Page 7 About the Contested Auction by Andrew Kambites Everything You Need To Know About The Law Of Total Tricks Part 1

n Auctions A and B West has to Diagram C going two off and 4♠ is also two off. consider how to bid next. In each ♣ J 9 8 In that case it is clearly right to case East has raised West’s spades ♣ 5 4 2 ♣ K 7 6 3 double 4♥ rather than be doubled in Ito the three level. I will assume that ♣ A Q 10 4♠. So how can West tell? East/West are using methods that The law of total tricks (LLT) states make 3♠ a limit raise (10-12 points that in a competitive auction when or 8 losers) rather than pre-emptive. both sides have found a fit the total However there is a fundamental Diagram D number of tricks equals the total difference between the criteria that ♣ J 9 8 number of trumps. West should use to decide what to do. ♣ K 5 4 ♣ 7 6 3 2 The ideas behind the LTT were ♣ A Q 10 known for years by experts, but it took Auction A the American expert, Larry Cohen, to West East formulate it and publicise it in a book 1♠ 3♠ It will work for one side or the other. If (To Bid or not to Bid) in a way that ? it works for North/South then maybe made it accessible to club players. they will make 4♥, but East/West will In earlier articles I introduced you Auction B be one off in 4♠. to the concept of bidding to the level of West North East South On the other hand if it works for East/ your fit. In this article I try to explain 1♠ 2♥ 3♠ 4♥ West they will make 4♠, with North/ why. It will start in a rather theoretical ? South only one off in ♥4 . Whichever way but I am conscious that you will side benefits from a successful club want practical advice. After Auction A, West must simply try , it pays for West to bid 4♠. to decide whether or not he thinks 4♠ So should West bid 4♠ in Auction will make. The losing trick count and/ B? Of course both 4♥ and 4♠ may go Layout E or his points will help him decide. off but on the other hand both ♥4 and ♠ K J 5 4 With Auction B, the decision is more 4♠ may make. It is almost impossible ♥ 9 4 complex. He has to try to decide not to judge with perfect accuracy, but in ♦ K 9 3 2 only whether or not his side can make expert circles it is considered within ♣ J 9 8 4♠, but also whether North/South can the margin of inevitable error if ♠ 9 6 ♠ 7 3 2 make 4♥. It might be correct to bid 4♠ West continues with 4♠ (-1) when 4♥ ♥ A Q J 7 6 N ♥ K 10 5 ♥ ♦ Q 10 6 W E ♦ A J 5 even if it goes off if 4 is making. Of would have been one off. Far more S course it is almost impossible to know, damaging would be if West sells out ♣ 5 4 2 ♣ K 7 6 3 for example, there are a lot of hands to a successful 4♥ when he could have ♠ A Q 10 8 where there is a finesse available, made 4♠. ♥ 8 3 2 maybe in clubs. In Diagram C the club Of course this is not a licence for ♦ 8 7 4 finesse works for North/South whereas West to bid 4♠ whatever his hand. ♣ A Q 10 in Diagram D it works for East/West. There are many hands when ♥4 is

Page 8 BRIDGE September 2019 In Layout E, each side has two further in a later article. to take, one in each . Layout G Balanced hands (4-3-3-3, 4-4-3-2 or The club finesse is right for North/ ♠ K J 6 5 4 5-3-3-2 shape) tend to generate fewer South, so in spades they lose just 2 ♥ 4 tricks than the Law of Total Tricks hearts and 3 diamonds, making 8 ♦ K 8 3 2 might suggest. tricks. ♣ J 9 8 Layout J is similar to Layout E, now The diamond finesse is working for ♠ 9 ♠ 7 3 2 with North/South given some minor East/West, so they make 8 tricks in ♥ A Q J 9 7 6 N ♥ K 10 5 heart honours. hearts, losing 3 clubs and 2 spades. ♦ Q 10 6 W E ♦ A J 5 S Each side can make 8 tricks playing ♣ 5 4 2 ♣ K 7 6 3 in its chosen denomination, making ♠ A Q 10 8 Layout J 16 TOTAL TRICKS. ♥ 8 3 2 ♠ K J 5 4 Now count the number of trumps ♦ 9 7 4 ♥ J 4 each declaring side would have if it ♣ A Q 10 ♦ K 9 3 2 could choose the trump suit. North/ ♣ J 9 8 South have 8 spades and East/West ♠ 9 6 ♠ 7 3 2 8 hearts. Adding these ‘trump’ In Layout G, North/South can make ♥ A 9 8 7 6 N ♥ K 10 5 ♠ ♥ ♦ Q 10 6 W E ♦ A J 5 figures together, there are 16 TOTAL 3 while East/West can make 3 . 18 S TRUMPS. total trumps and 18 total tricks. ♣ 5 4 2 ♣ K 7 6 3 16 total tricks and 16 total trumps. Is Of course life is not quite as simple as ♠ A Q 10 8 this coincidence? this. For example, it is worth looking ♥ Q 3 2 Have I deliberately given each side at cases where the total trumps do not ♦ 8 7 4 one working finesse? equal the total tricks. ♣ A Q 10 In Layout F I have given South rather than North the ♦K so now both finesses work for North/South but Layout H There are still 16 total trumps but neither works for East/West. ♠ K J 6 5 now only 15 total tricks (North/ ♥ 4 2 South can make 2♠ but East/West are ♦ K 8 3 2 one off in ♥2 ). The heart adjustment Layout F ♣ J 9 8 has decreased the number of tricks ♠ K J 5 4 ♠ 9 2 ♠ 7 3 available to East/West playing in ♥ 9 4 ♥ A Q J 9 7 N ♥ K 10 6 5 hearts without increasing the number W E ♦ 9 8 3 2 ♦ Q 10 6 ♦ A J 5 S of tricks available to North/South ♣ J 9 8 ♣ 5 4 2 ♣ K 7 6 3 playing in spades. ♠ 9 6 ♠ 7 3 2 ♠ A Q 10 8 4 Can North/South anticipate this in ♥ A Q J 7 6 N ♥ K 10 5 ♥ 8 3 the auction? ♦ Q 10 6 W E ♦ A J 5 ♦ 9 7 4 S Not conclusively. South might reason ♣ 5 4 2 ♣ K 7 6 3 ♣ A Q 10 that his ♥Q can be finessed (although ♠ A Q 10 8 if East/West have nine hearts they ♥ 8 3 2 may play for the drop). North may ♦ K 7 4 In Layout H there are 18 total trumps, not see how his ♥J can possibly be of ♣ A Q 10 but on best defence East/West are any use. However together they give held to 8 tricks in hearts whereas North/South a certain trump trick if North/South can make just 8 tricks in West plays in 2♥. The effect of this is to increase by one spades. Just 16 total tricks. The reason North/South cannot see each other’s the number of tricks North/South is that both sides are too balanced. hands but there is a general principle can make but decrease by one the Both sides are missing four cards here. If you have minor honours number of tricks East/West can make. in the other major and in each case (queens and jacks) opposite partner’s Now North/South make 9 tricks and they break 2-2. Both sides have some likely shortage, they are more likely East/West 7. It is no longer true that reason to suspect this. Holding a small to be of use defending an opposition each side can make eight tricks (the doubleton in your opponent’s suit so contract than in playing your contract. number of trumps they hold) but the often means that partner also has a It may be marginal but in a competitive total is still 16. small doubleton, leading to two losers. auction both North and South should A finesse works for one side but not It might seem surprising but a regard their heart holdings as factors the other side. It affects the number of holding of a small tripleton can be suggesting they should not push too tricks each side can make but it leaves better if opponents have found a good high. the total tricks unaffected. fit because it often means that partner Finally Layout K shows a hand where How about if each side has 9 trumps, has a singleton, leading to just one the total number of tricks exceeds the giving 18 total trumps? loser. This theme will be developed total number of trumps. u

BRIDGE September 2019 Page 9 t If the auction gives you good reason to believe your side has nine spades Hand N Hand P Layout K and your opponents are competing ♠ A Q J 7 4 ♠ A Q J 7 ♠ K J 6 5 4 vigorously in clubs, it pays to assume ♥ 8 6 2 ♥ 8 6 2 ♥ 4 they have nine clubs. Thus if you ♦ A K J 3 ♦ A Q 3 ♦ K 8 believe your side has nine spades, you ♣ 2 ♣ K Q 10 ♣ J 9 8 4 2 work on the assumption that there are ♠ 9 ♠ 7 3 2 18 total trumps, and all things being ♥ A Q J 9 7 6 N ♥ K 10 5 equal, 18 total tricks. This suggests Auction Q W E ♦ Q 10 6 3 2 ♦ A J 5 Love All S that if you estimate you have nine ♣ 5 ♣ K 7 6 3 trumps you should be prepared to West North East South ♠ A Q 10 8 bid in competition to the three level, 1♠ 2♣ 2♠ 3♣ ♥ 8 3 2 called bidding to the level of your ? ♦ 9 7 4 fit. It also suggests that if you decide ♣ A Q 10 to bid on in a competitive auction the Your partner has only promised three reason should be that you have extra spades. For prudence I shall assume he length rather than extra strength. has exactly three spades (although in There are 18 total trumps but North/ Extra length in your suit is an asset practice he may have four). South can make 4♠ (losing two if you play the hand but a liability in With Hand L you know you have at diamonds and a heart on best defence) defence. The more spades you have, least nine spades, therefore bidding to while East/West can make 5♥ (losing the fewer your opponents have and the the level of the fit means you should a trick in each black suit): 21 total greater the probability that they will bid 3♠. Of course you can only do tricks. The reason is that each side be able to early. On the other hand this if partner can assume you are just has a fit in two suits: East/West have extra strength (points) increases your competing rather than making a game the red suits while North/South have chances of beating your opponents’ try. the black suits. Of course in many club contract. Hand M is a full three points competitive auctions each side might You might like to consider the stronger than Hand L but to bid 3♠ find their main fit but not necessarily maths. Suppose you have an eight-card would be wrong. You can only assume uncover their secondary fit so this can fit. Your opponents have five cards seven total trumps (remember, East be hard to diagnose. in the suit. Therefore they have 21 might have bid 2♠ with just three card The law of total tricks states that cards in the other three suits. Unless support). Pass is correct. Remember, in a competitive auction when they have precisely three 7-card fits bid on with extra length rather than both sides have found a fit the total they are bound to have an 8-card fit extra strength. number of tricks equals the total somewhere. Hopefully they haven’t yet With Hand N you want to make a number of trumps. found it, and if you put the pressure . Clearly you cannot bid 3♠ Layout H shows that if the hands on by bidding to the level of your fit competitively with Hand L and also as are too balanced the total number of they might never find it, either selling a game try with Hand N. However, you tricks tends to be fewer than the total out too easily or competing when can make a trial bid. Playing help suit number of trumps. they don’t have the bidding space to game tries, you bid 3♥, asking partner Layout J shows that if you have investigate fully and playing in the to decide between 3♠ and 4♠ while minor honours in your opponents' wrong denomination. drawing attention to the fact that you suits the total number of tricks tends If you have a nine card fit your need help to cover your heart losers. to be fewer than the total number of opponents have four cards in the suit. Note that if their suit was hearts you trumps. Therefore they have 22 cards in the would have difficulty making a trial Layout K shows that if both sides other three suits. They are bound to bid below 3♠ because there are no bids have a double fit the total number of have an 8-card fit somewhere and in in between 3♥ and 3♠. I will cover this tricks tends to be more than the total practice they are highly likely to have in a later article by suggesting that number of trumps. a 9-card fit. after ♠1 (2♥) 2♠ (3♥) double can be Perhaps you are thinking that Hence suppose West has hands L, used as a game try in spades, called a while this is all very clever, how is it M, N or P and the bidding has started game try double. supposed to help you at the bridge as in Auction Q. With Hand P, if South had passed table? You might be able to estimate 2♠ then your natural game try would your side’s total trumps, but how have been 2NT, suggesting only four can you possibly estimate your Hand L Hand M spades (in case East has raised 1♠ to opponents’ total trumps? The answer ♠ A Q J 7 5 2 ♠ A J 9 7 2♠ with just 3-card support). However is surprisingly easy. ♥ 8 6 2 ♥ 8 6 2 that is no longer available. But there The total trumps your side has will ♦ K Q 6 ♦ K Q 6 3 is a better option here. Even if you usually equal the total trumps your ♣ 7 ♣ A J play game try doubles, they should opponents have. only apply when you have no trial

Page 10 BRIDGE September 2019 bid available. In this case you could spades opposite a maximum 1♠ to understand, wondering why West make a trial bid in either red suit. So he bids the opposition suit, should voluntarily go off in ♥3 when double is for penalties, and that is 2♥, called an Unassuming , or he might have made 2♥. a reasonable option here. It is quite UCB. The answer is that if East is weak and likely that partner has raised 1♠ to The desirability of bidding to the intending to pass 2♥, a competitive 2♠ on comparatively slender values level of your fit might also help you to North/South would not allow East/ because he has a singleton club. In that understand the concept of ‘breaking West to play in 2♥. They would case your ♣K-Q-10 will be virtually a transfer bid’. This is because the enter the bidding in the protective useless in a spade contract. Minor auction might become competitive if position and get a good plus score in honours opposite partner’s shortage your side subsides at the two level. spades. West’s 3♥ is called ‘breaking are more likely to be of use defending Consider West’s rebid with hands the transfer’. West only breaks the an opposition contract than in playing S, T and U in Auction R. East’s 2♦ transfer if he has 4-card support for your contract. is a transfer to hearts, guaranteeing partner’s known 5-card suit. 3♥ shows Please note that I have not five hearts. East might be very weak a minimum 1NT opening but with 4 mentioned vulnerability in this article (intending to pass 2♥ by West) or hearts. yet. Generally you should be slightly much stronger (planning to bid game With Hand U, West is maximum more cautious if making a high level or even make a slam try). for 1NT. He breaks the transfer with vulnerable bid that might be doubled, 3♦, showing a maximum 1NT opener, but in auctions where it is not obvious Auction R 4-card heart support and values in whether you or your opponents can Love All diamonds. Occasionally this might make their chosen contract you should West East enable East to bid a thin game with not be unduly swayed by vulnerability. 1NT 2♦ fitting cards, for example suppose East If you allow your opponents to ? has: make 3♣ when you can make 3♠ it is a significant loss whatever the Hand S Hand T Hand U vulnerability. ♠ K 10 7 ♠ 9 2 ♠ 9 2 ♠ 7 4 Bidding to the level of the fit explains ♥ K 7 6 ♥ K Q 6 5 ♥ K Q 6 5 ♥ A 10 9 8 7 why all direct raises of an overcalled ♦ A Q 5 4 ♦ Q J 8 7 ♦ A J 8 7 ♦ K Q 4 3 suit are pre-emptive, as described in a ♣ Q 10 6 ♣ A 10 8 ♣ A 10 8 ♣ 6 2 previous article.

West North East South With Hand S, West is maximum but 1♥ 1♠ Pass ? he has no reason to do anything other Opposite Hand U the double red suit than bid 2♥ as he has been asked to do. fit allows East/West to make ♥4 easily, With no game ambitions and 3-card Of course if East continues bidding, but East was intending to pass if West spade support South raises to 2♠. He showing game interest or better, West had rebid 2♥. knows his side has at least an 8-card will be delighted to co-operate. Note also that North/South have a fit. With Hand T, West knows his side double fit in the black suits and if hearts With no game ambitions and 4-card has at least nine hearts. Moreover it is break 3-1 and diamonds break 3-2 (as spade support South raises to 3♠. He certainly possible that North/South is most likely) then North/South are knows his side has at least a 9-card fit. have nine spades. West is minimum only one off in 4♠. On all scenarios it With no great strength and 5-card for 1NT but he should put pressure on is clearly best for East/West to bid to spade support South raises to 4♠. He North/South by bidding 3♥, the level the level of the fit, making it harder for knows his side has at least a 10-card fit. of the fit. North/South to find their likely spade If South has game ambitions in Inexperienced players find this hard fit. n Mr Bridge Luxury Playing Cards Box of 36 blue backs and 36 red backs. Not barcoded £72 including postage to UK mainland addresses ( 01483 489961 to order by debit card

BRIDGE September 2019 Page 11

The Law Of Total Tricks Part 1 Quiz by Andrew Kambites (Answers on page 29)

1 At love all what should 2019 2020 East bid with Hands A, B Hand D Hand E and C after this auction? ♠ J 5 3 2 ♠ K J 6 3 2 13-15 September £218 9-13 January £479 ♥ ♥ Just Duplicate Re-Boot your Play Q 10 9 9 West North East South ♦ Q J 10 9 ♦ 7 6 25-27 October £218 Hosted by Bernard Magee 1♠ 2♣ 2♠ 3♣ ♣ Q 3 ♣ J 10 4 3 2 Just Duplicate 28 Feb-1 March £218 Just Duplicate Pass Pass ? 22-24 November £238 Dealing with 1NT 20-22 March £218 Hand F Hosted by Sandy Bell Just Duplicate 24-26 April £246 Hand A Hand B ♠ K 3 2 23-27 December £519 ♠ J 7 3 ♠ J 9 7 3 ♥ A 5 4 Competitive Bidding Better Finessing Hosted by Will Parsons 12-14 June £237 ♥ Q 10 7 6 ♥ 10 9 4 2 ♦ 6 3 ♦ K 4 3 2 ♦ K 4 3 2 ♣ A J 8 7 6 27-29 December £262 Just Duplicate with ♣ 7 2 ♣ 7 Better Leads & Defence Hosted by Bernard Magee 17-19 July £224 Just Duplicate 29 Dec-2 Jan 2020 £525 3 At game all what should Doubles 7-9 August £246 Hand C West bid with Hands A, B Hosted by Bernard Magee Bidding 4-4-4-1 Hands ♠ K J 7 and C after this auction? ♥ 10 9 4 2 Nestling in the Buckinghamshire countryside, Denham Grove ♦ K 4 3 2 West East 1 enjoys a peaceful setting amid 42 acres of pristine parkland, ♣ Q 2 1NT 2♥ providing an air of traditional tranquillity. ? 1 ♥ Denham Grove has free Wi-Fi throughout plus many on-site 2 is a transfer to spades. 2 With only North/South leisure facilities, including indoor swimming pool, spa and vulnerable what should sauna, gymnasium and tennis courts. South bid with Hands A to Hand A Hand B F after this auction? ♠ A J 8 ♠ A J 8 6 ♥ K 6 3 ♥ K 6 3 West North East South ♦ Q 10 9 6 5 ♦ K 10 9 6 1♦ 1♠ Pass ? ♣ A 6 ♣ J 8

Hand A Hand B Hand C ♠ K J 8 ♠ K J 8 2 ♠ A J 8 6 Prices shown are per person, full board including tea & coffee during ♥ 7 5 2 ♥ 7 5 ♥ K 6 3 breaks and a welcome drinks party. There is no single supplement and ♦ 7 6 ♦ 7 6 ♦ A Q 10 9 single players will always be found a partner. The Mr Bridge team will ♣ J 10 4 3 2 ♣ J 10 4 3 2 ♣ 9 8 offer support during the set hand sessions, on the seminar events, and make up the numbers in the duplicates, so there should never be a half table. Hand C All rooms are ensuite, have tea & coffee making facilities and have free internet. The venue does not have a lift, but many rooms are on the ♠ J 8 5 4 ground floor. ♥ 8 5 4 ♦ 5 3 2 For details and bookings call ♣ 5 3 2 Mr Bridge Holidays  01483 489961

BRIDGE September 2019 Page 13 Mr Bridge Holidays 4* Hotel Riu Garoe 14-28 January 2020

Winter Sun - Tenerife Join Sandy Bell for a bridge holiday with winter sun in Tenerife. Throughout the fortnight, Sandy will offer a full What's Included... bridge programme, including four seminars followed by supervised play with the assistance of Sandy’s experienced R Flights from London team, all played in a friendly atmosphere. A full team ensure Gatwick or Manchester there are no half-tables and a partner will always be found. Sandy Bell R Hotel transfers R Hotel Riu Garoe is in the La Paz Half board district of Puerto de la Cruz, just R En-suite accommodation 300m from the Botanical Gardens, R Use of hotel facilities 2km from the beach and has a free R Mr Bridge Team shuttle service to the centre of R Mr Bridge welcome & Puerto de la Cruz. Known for its farewell drinks party dark, volcanic-sand beaches and the R Four bridge seminars & huge Loro Parque zoo, which lies set hand sessions to the west, Puerto de la Cruz also R Bridge every evening has a saltwater pool complex on the sea front designed by architect César R Manrique. The old harbor is home to Afternoon bridge on a 17th-century customs house and a selected days crumbling 18th-century fort. R No half tables All rooms have air conditioning, R Programme of optional satellite TV, bathrobes, a balcony or excursions terrace, free WiFi, along with many R Complete financial other services. protection Half-board from £1419 per person

Call Mr Bridge on 01483 489961 or visit www.mrbridge.co.uk

Prices shown are per person sharing and include flights from Gatwick or Manchester. Selected regional flights may be available at a supplement. Excursions are not included in the price of the holiday. For details of what is included in the half-board package, please call for an information pack and booking form. Single supplement £20 per night. Terms and conditions apply. This holiday has been organised for Mr Bridge by Great Little Escapes LLP, ATOL 5933. DEFENCE QUIZ

by Julian Pottage (Answers on page 39)

ou are West in the defensive positions below playing Ymatchpoint pairs with both sides vulnerable.

1. ♠ 5 3. ♠ K 5 ♥ J 10 3 ♥ J 8 5 ♦ A Q 10 9 4 3 ♦ K Q 10 8 6 4 14-16 February £218 ♣ K Q 8 ♣ A J 2019 Just Duplicate ♠ A 8 4 2 ♠ A 10 4 2 27-29 September £218 6-8 March £238 ♥ A 7 4 N ♥ K 7 N Just Duplicate Bidding Distributional Hands ♦ 7 W E ♦ 9 7 5 W E 27-29 March £223 S S 4-6 October £264 ♣ J 10 6 5 3 ♣ K 10 6 3 & Avoidance Masterpointed Duplicate Hosted by Bernard Magee 17-19 April £224 Just Duplicate 18-20 October £238 West North East South West North East South Declarer Play 15-17 May £246 2♠* 3♥ 1♥ Hosted by Lesley Lewis Defence to Weak Twos 4♠ 5♥ All Pass Pass 2♦ Pass 2♥ 26-28 June £224 1-3 November £218 * Weak Pass 4♥ All Pass Just Duplicate Just Duplicate 18-20 September £246 15-17 November £218 You lead the ♦7: ♦A, ♦8 and You lead the ♣3: ♣A, ♣7 Responding to 1NT Just Duplicate ♦5. Play at trick two starts and ♣4. Play at trick two 16-18 October £246 with the ♥J, on which go the starts with the ♥5, on which Suit Establishment ♥5 and ♥2. What is your go the ♥4, ♥Q and ♥K. 2020 30 Oct-1 Nov £224 plan? What is your plan? 24-26 January £264 Just Duplicate Counting Defence 13-15 November £224 Hosted by Bernard Magee Just Duplicate

A family run, grade II listed building, with beautiful Georgian 2. ♠ Q J 5 2 4. ♠ 9 7 5 frontage. The Chatsworth Hotel retains much of its 19th ♥ Q J 10 5 ♥ A 7 5 3 century charm and is renowned for its friendly, efficient ♦ K 8 ♦ K 10 3 service. The hotel is backed by a Silver Tourism Award for ♣ K J 9 ♣ K Q 6 Quality. Adjacent to the seafront, it is the perfect location for ♠ K 4 ♠ A Q 10 6 4 3 2 a stroll. ♥ A 8 7 3 N ♥ Q J N W E W E ♦ ♦ J 10 5 4 S A S ♣ 10 8 3 ♣ J 10 3

West North East South West North East South 1NT* Pass Pass 2♣* Pass 2♠ 1♠ Pass Pass 2♦ Prices shown are per person, full board including tea & coffee during Pass 4♠ All Pass 2♠ 3♦ All Pass breaks and a welcome drinks party. Single players will always be found a partner. The Mr Bridge team will offer support during the set hands * 12-14 and Stayman sessions, on the seminar events, and make up the numbers in the duplicates, so there should never be a half table. You lead the ♦J: ♦K, ♦2 and You lead the ♣J: ♣K, ♣A All rooms are ensuite, have tea & coffee making facilities and free Wi-Fi. ♦3. Play at trick two is the and ♣4. Back comes the The venue has a lift and is located in lovely Steyne Gardens, close to the ♠Q, on which go the ♠7, ♠6 ♣8: ♣9, ♣10 and ♣Q. Now sea front. Garden view or sea view rooms may be available (sea view at and ♠K. How should you comes the ♦3 covered by the a supplement). continue? ♦9, ♦Q and ♦A. What is your For details and bookings call plan? Mr Bridge Holidays  01483 489961

BRIDGE September 2019 Page 15 Julian Pottage Answers Your Bridge Questions

Is A New Suit At The Three Level Forcing?

At a matchpoint For West to pass would be a suit is hearts which would be have bid something, duplicate session grave breach of partnership what West would have bid they have not shown a Q at our bridge club discipline. Holding four- already (5♥) if holding two specific suit. of we actually came first as card club support and a key cards rather than three. 3♣ and 3♦ are natural. E/W but came unstuck on hand reasonably suited Perhaps at matchpoints If, however, the opposing this slam deal. I am not sure for a trump contract, West East pots the slam on the openings are natural – for how it should have been bid. should raise to 4♣. basis that playing in 5♣ example they are playing a East would like to check on could score poorly if 3NT precision style 2♣ or a weak key cards after the 4♣ raise – is making with overtricks. 2♦ – then a cue bid normally ♠ Q 8 4 but the problem with clubs as shows 5-5 in the majors. ♥ Q 8 5 4 3 trumps is that West’s reply to ♣♦♥♠ ♦ 9 2 a 4NT enquiry might commit ♣♦♥♠ ♣ J 10 8 the side to a slam even if Has the bidding of ♠ A 10 9 7 5 ♠ K two key cards are missing. the opponents' suit I play at a low- ♥ J 7 N ♥ K 9 While I can see how to get different meanings? level club. W E Q ♦ ♦ A 8 S K Q J 10 7 5 to a slam using a convention When I first learnt Q As dealer I held: ♣ K 9 3 2 ♣ A Q 5 4 known as kickback (a bid bridge, I could bid the ♠ J 6 3 2 lower than 4NT is the key opponents' suit to ask ♥ A 10 6 2 card ask) or using a rolling partner to bid his best suit. ♠ K 7 ♦ 6 4 3 4NT (if you start cue bidding, Opponents probably only ♥ Q 9 8 5 ♣ 7 6 a subsequent 4NT is just a opened at the one level. ♦ A Q forward going move rather In the more advanced ♣ J 7 5 3 2 than asking), using standard game, when opponents With West opening – methods there is no easy open at the 2 level bidding, the bidding was: solution. You are relying on their suit now guarantees I opened 1NT as I did not inferences that West would the unbid major and a minor want to open 1♣ since West North East South bid differently on a hand suit. What is the position if if the response was 1♠ 1♠ Pass 2♦ Pass less suited for a slam. opponents open 2♣ or 2♦? I felt a 2♣ rebid would 2♠ Pass 3♣ All Pass 6NT is actually better Dan Murray by email. indicate a better suit. than 6♣ because if clubs Also as dealer I We made 13 tricks are 4-1 but the ♥A is onside Nowadays even wanted to pre-empt (although would make you might make 6NT but over 1-level opening LHO overcalling 1♠. 12 tricks if in a slam as not 6♣. With the semi-solid A bids, a bid of the My partner however insists South would cash ♥A). diamond suit, East might opponents' suit often that I should never bid 1NT Could you explain work out that 6NT is a shows a 2-suited hand. with two doubletons. how this should be bid? better spot. This being the Over natural 2-level Phillip Stanhope, What went wrong? case, East might use a 4NT opening bids as you suggest Carshalton, Surrey. Bruce Paul by email. enquiry if the partnership a bid of the opponents' methods allow the auction suit shows a two-suiter. As a beginner you While your auction to stop in 5NT – but the Opening bids of 2♣ and are taught the started fine, the usual way to stop in 5NT if 2♦ are often artificial. A rules: one of which A bidding should not two key cards are missing is If they are strong artificial is not to open 1NT with 2 have ended in 3♣. East’s 3♣ that following the reply the bids then there is no doubletons. However, as rebid, being a change of suit 4NT bidder introduces an such thing as a cue bid – you progress you learn that at the three level, is forcing. unbid suit – but the unbid although the opponents some rules are flexible.

Page 16 BRIDGE September 2019 With most of your val- to pass first time and then West East get a heart lead or a club ues in your short suits and bid 3♥ on the second round 1NT 2♦ lead and heart switch: you those values being tenaces, (or instead he could double 2♥ 3♠* lose a heart ruff, a high the hand is well suited to the artificial bid). West, in 4♠ trump and two minor-suit opening 1NT. With this passing 3♥, demonstrates * I was trying to show 6-5 in the aces. If the defenders start particular hand, I would not some familiarity with majors. with two rounds of clubs, consider the decision close. East’s style but will come The other hands were: you ought to make it. Opening 1♣ would be undone when East has a Whether you run the ♠Q, more attractive if your shape genuine 3♥ overcall. run the ♠10 or start low to was 4-2-2-5 rather than 2-4- With six good spades, ♠ K 7 the ♠A, you can pick up 2-5 because then you can North should unquestionably ♥ 5 2 the trumps for one loser. show the second suit after compete to 3♠. Perhaps ♦ A 8 5 4 3 The pairs who made an a 1♦ or 1♥ response – but North failed to do so for fear ♣ A J 6 2 overtrick in 4♥ probably did here with so many of your that South would take 3♠ as so without an underlead of N values in your short suits I inviting game. The solution W E the ♣A. Declarer might have would still open 1NT even is for North to double 3♥ on S drawn trumps, guessed the with the majors reversed. better hands (not a penalty ♠ J 6 2 spades right and then, when double), leaving 3♠ free to ♥ Q North did not cash the ♣A, ♣♦♥♠ show a competitive hand. ♦ K 10 9 discarded both of West’s You have not given a ♣ Q 10 9 8 5 3 clubs on the long spades. I made nine tricks range for South’s 1NT but on the below hand. even if it is 10-12 South ♣♦♥♠ Q Who, if anyone, cannot bid 3♠ with two The other tables made should have bid differently? low spades, so evaluation 10 or 11 tricks in hearts, I have always How do you value of the heart holding is played by West, although thought that South’s hearts? irrelevant. Since you ask, not all bid game. Q after you have How do you value long weak hearts suggest a On a club lead, I went 1 opened 1NT you do not East’s minors? shortage in the North hand off by misplaying the hand. bid again unless forced (or but also suggest that any I presume the 11 tricks at least invited) to do so. heart finesse is wrong. in 4♥ was after a low My partner and I play the Dealer South. Love All. With one side bidding club lead from North. weak no-trump. Last night ♠ Q J 10 7 6 5 spades and the other hearts, How should the partner opened and the ♥ A 3 values in the minors can bidding have gone? bidding went as follows: ♦ 10 5 4 be useful in either contract. Name and address supplied. ♣ 3 2 Normally East would deduct West North East South ♠ A 8 ♠ K 9 4 a point because the ♦Q With the East hand I 1NT 2♥ Pass Pass ♥ J 8 N ♥ K Q 9 4 2 is doubleton but since the am not sure I would Dbl W E ♦ K 7 6 3 S ♦ Q 9 ♣10 in combination with A force to game facing ♣ K 9 7 6 5 ♣ J 10 8 the ♣J looks good, I would a weak no-trump – the Partner had a shape ♠ 3 2 not make the deduction. singleton ♦Q is likely to be suitable for a takeout ♥ 10 7 6 5 worthless – but I do not feel double, a small doubleton ♦ A J 8 2 ♣♦♥♠ strongly on that point. in hearts and 14 HCP. ♣ A Q 4 If you wish to show the Afterwards, I referred Playing matchpoint 5-6 shape, you might do to Mike Lawrence’s The duplicate, with no that more economically Complete Book on the West North East South Q opposition bidding: by bidding 2♦, then and on page 1NT My partner opened 1NT 2♠ and then 3♠. 164 he gives an example of Pass 2♥* 3♥ All Pass (12-14) with the West hand: I suppose partner might it after a strong NT opening * alerted transfer cut across your intention by bid – 4-4-3-2 with 16 HCP. jumping to 3NT over 2♠ – but What about if you play Alex Mathers, ♠ A 5 3 ♠ Q 10 9 8 4 then you could remove to the weak no-trump?

Northallerton. ♥ A 9 6 4 N ♥ K J 10 8 7 3 4♥. Playing with myself, the Mike Johnson by email. W E ♦ J 7 6 2 S ♦ Q second-round jump to 3♠ With a modest 11 ♣ K 7 ♣ 4 would be a splinter, following At matchpoints, points, East is acting the principle that if a new suit especially with neither A only to stop N/S from bid is forcing (as 2♠ would A side vulnerable, it playing in 2♠. The direct 3♥ Playing transfers I responded be) then a jump should pays to compete and you can overcall suggests a more 2♦ and the complete bidding have a special meaning. be a little bit flexible about positive intent. East ought (opponents passing) went: You go down in 4♠ if you ‘textbook’ rules. u

BRIDGE September 2019 Page 17 t If the opener has a small even with a shortage in an low from dummy (he held doubleton heart and four unbid major because you are the 10). When my partner spades, it can work well strong enough to bid again. won with the king, declarer to make a takeout double. Partner will need a good was audibly and visibly Travel insurance Yes, it helps to be maximum hand (which you know is not annoyed and I teased him as well so that partner can the case) or a fistful of hearts a little (we know each other for those with leave in the double if holding to jump to 4♥ – any lower well), saying that he knew I pre-existing four reasonable hearts. number of hearts enables would never lead away from While there is more risk you to convert to spades or a king against 6NT. Alas, health involved in bidding twice no-trumps at the same level. this joke rebounded on me on your own when playing Partner will probably conditions instantly. My partner, seeing a weak no-trump, letting jump in diamonds after ♥A-x in dummy, led a heart, No Age Limit the opponents play quietly you double 1♣ and then but too late. With 8 tricks in at the two level when they depending upon how you the minors, the ♥A and the probably have a 6-2 fit risks are feeling you might head three established spades, l Travel Insurance getting a poor score too. towards a slam. With the ♦K declarer coasted home. with online Medical likely to be with the opening It turned out that my ♣♦♥♠ ♦ ♥ Screening bidder, 6 is a decent spot. partner held the Q, so Both 5♦ and 6♦ are better if I had led a small heart l Cover for medical I have the North contracts than 1♠ anyway. initially, 6NT would have ♣ conditions, up hand shown Had the 1 opening failed, losing the spade and Q below and West been natural, you might probably two heart tricks. to a high level of opens 1♣, of course. (At have tried a 3NT overcall So much for passive leads! severity, even a my table announced – but the opponents are Do you have any advice on as ‘might be short‘). more likely to lead some initial leads in this situation? terminal prognosis I think I can’t double: other suit when they Jim Miller, l Instant online suppose the red cards are announce the 1♣ opening Loughborough. swapped in the other three as possibly a doubleton. cover hands and partner tries 4♥. If the opponents are We fully understand But 1♠ (my actual choice) ♣♦♥♠ bidding correctly, the is a gross underbid. use of Gerber implies that you may wish A In principle, a cue bid This may be a long suit and source of to speak to us is Michaels or a rock- just a hard luck tricks in dummy and hence direct about cover crusher but the strong Q story, but I would suggests an attacking lead. and your medical meaning never happens! still value any comments However, as Sir Humphrey conditions and you may have. Appleby (and Hamlet before assure you of the At matchpoint pairs, him) might say, the proper ♠ best attention by A J 9 7 5 RHO opened 1NT (12-14 use of Gerber is honoured ♥ Q pts). LHO had a very strong more in the breach than in senior staff on ♦ A Q 5 hand and after a Gerber the observance – so you will a direct phone ♣ A Q J 8 enquiry for aces, bid 6NT. sometimes find a balanced line that does not ♠ 8 4 3 ♠ 10 6 2 I held four hearts to hand in dummy and regret ♥ A K 6 2 N ♥ J 10 9 7 5 the king, four spades the attacking lead. require you to hold W E or press buttons for ♦ K S ♦ J 8 to the 9, three small The conventional advice ♣ K 10 6 5 2 ♣ 9 7 3 diamonds and two small recommending passive departments. ♠ K Q clubs. Remembering leads against 6NT assumes ♥ 8 4 3 the conventional advice balanced opposing hands – ( 0344 249 1701 ♦ 10 9 7 6 4 3 2 recommending passive sometimes the opponents will ♣ 4 leads against 6NT, I led a get greedy at matchpoints or [email protected] spade, and was pleased to play in no-trumps to protect www.genesischoice.co.uk see A-Q-J-x in dummy. a tenace holding from the Tom Smith, Declarer thought for and will have Genesis Choice Ltd are an Orpington, Kent. some time, then played unbalanced hands. n appointed representative of NDI Insurance and Yes, a 1♠ overcall is a Reinsurance Brokers Email your questions for Julian to: Ltd who are authorised gross underbid. Often and regulated by the you are going to play [email protected] Financial Conduct Authority A there and miss game. With a No.446914 Please include your postal address strong hand, you can double

Page 18 BRIDGE September 2019

DECLARER PLAY QUIZ by David Huggett (Answers on page 35)

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

2019 7-9 February £228 1. ♠ 6 5 2 3. ♠ K J 5 Just Duplicate 18-20 October £238 ♥ K 6 5 ♥ 6 5 4 Signals & Discards 28 Feb-1 March £238 ♦ Q 8 6 4 ♦ K Q J 7 4 2 Hosted by Will Parsons Pre-Emptive Bidding ♣ K Q 2 ♣ 3 1-3 November £228 27-29 March £238 Just Duplicate Ruffing for Extra Tricks N N W E W E 8-10 November £264 3-5 April £224 S S Game Tries Just Duplicate Hosted by Bernard Magee ♠ A 9 ♠ A 10 6 19-21 June £246 ♥ A J 2 ♥ A Q 2 22-24 November £228 Just Duplicate ♦ K J 10 7 3 2 ♦ A 10 3 21-23 August £224 ♣ A 6 ♣ A K J 8 27-29 December £228 Just Duplicate Just Duplicate 25-27 September £246 Overcalling 2020 You are declarer in 5♦ and You are declarer in 6NT. 16-18 October £224 West leads the ♠Q. How do West leads the ♦9 with East 31 Jan-2 Feb £264 Just Duplicate you plan the play? following. How do you plan Supporting Minors the play? Hosted by Bernard Magee 30 Oct-1 November £246 Splinters & Cue Bids Blunsdon House Hotel is a unique four star family owned hotel in Wiltshire situated on the edge of the Cotswolds, set in 30 acres of grounds. Facilities include a beauty 2. ♠ 7 5 4. ♠ 6 4 salon, gym and heated indoor pool. ♥ K 6 5 4 ♥ A 6 4 ♦ A J 6 2 ♦ A 2 ♣ 9 7 5 ♣ K Q 9 6 4 2

N N W E W E S S

♠ A K 10 ♠ K Q 9 Prices shown are per person sharing a twin or double bedroom, full ♥ A 2 ♥ 8 7 5 3 2 board including tea & coffee during breaks and a welcome drinks party. ♦ Q 10 9 5 4 ♦ K Q 7 There is a single supplement at Blunsdon House from £40, subject to ♣ K Q J ♣ A 3 availability. Single players will always be found a partner. The Mr Bridge team will offer support during the set hand sessions, on the seminar events, and make up the numbers in the duplicates, so there should never be a half table. All rooms are ensuite, have tea & coffee making You are declarer in 3NT and You are declarer in 3NT. facilities and have free Wi-Fi. The venue has a lift. West leads the ♠6 with East West leads the ♠7 with East playing the ♠Q. How do you playing the ♠J. How do you For details and bookings call plan the play? plan the play? Mr Bridge Holidays  01483 489961

BRIDGE September 2019 Page 19 Robin Hood's Bridge Adventures by David Bird Gisborne’s Sunday Afternoon

t was an intolerably hot afternoon. chair, watching someone else have all been lost by overtaking with the ♦A, Sir Guy of Gisborne’s quarters, at the fun. She raised to the heart game whoever happened to hold the ♦Q? the top of the castle’s west tower, and the ♠J was led. ‘Nice dummy, my Still, there was no point in pursuing Iwere favourably situated in such love,’ said Sergeant Gifford. ‘Ace up!’ the matter. conditions. Any slight breeze would After playing dummy’s two top ‘It’s the same if you held the ace-jack enter on one side and pass through, trumps, declarer led a low club or ace-queen of diamonds,’ persisted offering the occupants some relief. towards his hand. Gisborne went in Gisborne. You would win with the Gisborne and Sergeant Gifford had with the ace and switched to the ♦5. ace and then cross to my king for a summoned a couple of wenches from He smiled happily at the young beauty diamond ruff.’ Lucas Street, one of Nottingham’s opposite him, as she won with the jack ‘I see that now, Sir,’ Sabina replied. seamier areas. The near record and scored a second diamond trick Soon afterwards, Gifford was in temperatures precluded any energetic with the king. His switch had worked another heart game. pursuits and they were currently well. How happy the wench must be to engaged in a game of bridge. be partnering a true expert instead of This was the deal before them: the hapless Sergeant Gifford. Dealer East. Game All. After a few seconds, a puzzled- ♠ 7 looking Sabina led a second round of ♥ J 8 4 2 Dealer South. Love All. spades. Declarer won the trick, ruffed a ♦ A Q J 9 6 5 ♠ A K 2 spade to hand to draw the outstanding ♣ Q 5 ♥ A K trump and discarded his last diamond ♠ A 6 5 4 2 ♠ 10 9 8 3 ♦ 9 7 6 4 3 on the third round of clubs. The game ♥ A N ♥ 10 7 6 5 W E ♣ K J 2 ♦ K 10 8 ♦ 4 was his. S ♠ J 10 9 6 ♠ Q 8 5 3 ‘That was clever, partner,’ declared ♣ 10 9 8 3 ♣ K J 7 2 ♥ 9 8 2 N ♥ 7 5 Estrilda. ‘I thought you’d be in trouble, ♠ K Q J W E ♦ ♦ ♥ K J S A 8 5 there.’ K Q 9 3 ♣ 9 6 5 3 ♣ A 10 8 7 Sabina looked across the table. ‘I had ♦ 7 3 2 ♠ 7 4 a trump left, partner,’ she said. ‘If you ♣ A 6 4 ♥ Q J 10 6 4 3 overtake my ♦K with the ace, you can ♦ Q 10 2 give me a ruff.’ ♣ Q 4 ‘Watch your tongue!’ Gisborne West North East South exclaimed. ‘How can a Lucas Street Sabina Estrilda Guy of Sgt. woman dare to criticise the play of a Gisborne Gifford West North East South knight of the realm?’ Pass 1NT Sabina Estrilda Guy of Sgt. ‘Sorry, Sir,’ Sabina replied. Pass 2♣ Pass 2♥ Gisborne Gifford ‘You knew the contract was cold Pass 4♥ All Pass 2♥ unless I held the ♦A,’ Gisborne Pass 4♥ All Pass continued. ‘If you wanted a diamond The ♣10 lead was covered by the ruff, you should have won the first queen, king and ace. When Sergeant When the sergeant of the guard diamond with the king and returned Gifford led a trump towards dummy, opened with a Feeble Two, the straw- the ♦J. That’s the way to beat it. Any Sabina won with the ace and played haired Estrilda thought for a moment good player would defend that way.’ a second round of clubs. Gisborne about bidding 3NT. No, most of her Sabina was not willing to put her won with the jack and switched to the clients liked to play the contract silver shilling at risk ‘Sorry, Sir,’ she ♠10, drawing the jack and ace. A third whenever possible. They didn’t hand said again. Knight of the realm or not, round of clubs forced the dummy to over a silver shilling just to sit in their surely nothing could possibly have ruff, leaving dummy with the ♥J-8

Page 20 BRIDGE September 2019 opposite declarer’s ♥K-Q-9. ‘Jack of good heart games. another of her recommendations, to hearts, please,’ said Sergeant Gifford. The next rubber had reached Game ‘lead through strength’, and a spade He was about to follow with the ♥9 All when this deal arose: lead became obvious. when he noted the paucity of entries to The ♠9 appeared on the table his hand. If dummy’s jack won and he and Sergeant Gifford surveyed the crossed to the ♥Q next, he would be Dealer South. Game All. treasure-strewn dummy that was laid able to take only one diamond finesse. ♠ A K Q 10 6 2 out. A spectacular hand, yes, but where That would not be good enough if ♥ A K 6 2 was the to his club winners? West held three diamonds to the king. ♦ A K Q ‘Play the 10,’ said Sergeant Gifford. Gifford overtook the ♥J with the ♣ Gisborne grabbed the trick quickly queen and West showed out, throwing ♠ 9 4 ♠ J 7 3 with his jack, before declarer could a spade. A diamond to the queen was ♥ J 7 3 N ♥ Q 9 8 5 claim that his play from dummy was a ♥ ♦ 9 7 6 3 W E ♦ 8 4 followed by a marked finesse of the 9. S momentary aberration. He was about The ♥K drew East’s last trump and ♣ 7 5 4 2 ♣ 10 9 8 6 to switch to the ♣10 when it occurred declarer then repeated the diamond ♠ 8 5 to him that declarer probably had finesse, claiming the contract. ♥ 10 4 no entry to the South hand. Thank ‘Ooh, how clever!’ exclaimed ♦ J 10 5 2 Heavens he had stopped to plan his Estrilda. Her initial thoughts of ♣ A K Q J 3 defence, before returning a wooden partnering a humble sergeant rather ♣10. If the comely wench opposite had than the more glamorous Gisborne held his cards, she would have played had dissipated. Particularly after West North East South back a club and given away the slam! Gisborne’s defensive blunder on the Sabina Estrilda Guy of Sgt. Gisborne returned the ♦8, hoping to earlier heart game. ‘That’s the first Gisborne Gifford lock declarer in the dummy. ‘Win with rubber to us.’ 1♣ the ace,’ said Gifford. ‘And a low spade, Gisborne glared across the table. Pass 2♠ Pass 3♣ please.’ ‘Lead a diamond, woman, and you Pass 3♥ Pass 3NT Gisborne winced as declarer can give me a ruff,’ he informed his Pass 6NT All Pass produced the ♠8 and faced his partner. remaining cards. ‘The two heart losers Sabina maintained an impassive Estrilda, who had picked up one of go on my ace-king of clubs,’ said expression. Mistress Pember taught the strongest hands she had ever seen, Gifford. ‘Dummy’s high, then.’ bridge to the Lucas Street women, to could not believe it when her partner ‘What an awful opening lead!’ cried increase their earning power. She had opened the bidding. What should she Gisborne. ‘You lead the nine of spades advised them never to lead away from say over 3NT? and set up his eight as an entry? Lead a king against a suit contract. It was tempting to bid a spade slam, the ♠4, woman, or either red suit. He ‘I return to your hand with a spade but that was hardly appropriate when must go down then.’ and you give me a second ruff,’ playing professionally. The general rule Sabina and Estrilda shared a glance. persisted Gisborne. He strode to the was: ‘He who pays the shilling, plays Had the esteemed knight of the realm window and flapped some air on to the hand.’ Her raise to 6NT closed not noticed that he should have let his reddened face. ‘It’s so hot in here, the auction. The fair Sabina thumbed dummy’s ♠10 win? How could declarer it’s difficult to think straight.’ through her cards, wondering what to avoid the loss of two heart tricks then? Estrilda winked at Gifford. It was lead. It was one of Mistress Pember’s Not that either of them would point excessively hot, yes, but that hadn’t golden rules to make a passive lead this out. ‘Sorry, Sir,’ said Sabina. stopped her partner from making two against 6NT. Combine this with Sergeant Gifford looked happily into his partner’s eyes. ‘I didn’t expect to make that one,’ he observed. ‘I thought my intentions would be obvious when I played dummy’s ♠10.’ Gisborne blinked furiously. By the Saints, how had he missed it? Declarer would hardly play the ♠10 from dummy unless he held the ♠8 in his hand. The Sheriff would have exploded if he’d made such an error in his presence. It was fortunate indeed that these young wenches understood nothing of the game. Look at their blank expressions. Even after Gifford’s tactless remark, they didn’t realise what had happened! n

BRIDGE September 2019 Page 21 Catching Up with Sally Brock

he first few days of June were early night. The next day we went to the little worried that we had missed game rather quiet, but it soon heated service at the crematorium followed on the last board of our first match: up. We were already prepared by lunch at Roy’s golf club. We then Tto go to Nottingham for a funeral on drove back to London and played at the Monday after the Pachabo (inter- the Young Chelsea – on a Monday Dealer East. Game All. county teams of four), when on the night these days there is a system ♠ Q 6 5 4 Thursday morning beforehand we whereby people are encouraged to ♥ A Q 10 9 6 had a phone call letting us know that turn up and play with different people. ♦ K 9 8 2 our good friend Bernard Goldenfield This evening Barry had agreed to be ♣ Void had died in Manchester. Because he host – being on standby to play or not ♠ A K ♠ J 3 was Jewish the funeral was arranged as was convenient. In the end we both ♥ K J 8 N ♥ 7 5 3 ♦ J 10 7 4 W E ♦ A 3 immediately, and we just had time to played and had a fun relaxed evening. S get there. We rushed back to London The following day we took a train up ♣ A K 10 8 ♣ J 9 7 6 5 4 on a late afternoon train to get to to Solihull for our Round of 16 Gold ♠ 10 9 8 7 2 TGR’s to play our YCKO semi-final Cup match against Tom Gisborne’s ♥ 4 2 (which we lost). Yorkshire team, which turned out to ♦ Q 6 5 The following day we were going to be easier than expected. We started ♣ Q 3 2 Kay’s 60th birthday party at Hever well by gaining 32 IMPs in the first set, Castle in Kent. At the last minute and never really looked back. Barry had to work on the south coast The following day, June 12th, was The bidding at our table was: so we agreed to meet at lunchtime at my birthday. I had arranged to go with Gatwick Airport station. That was some friends to the open air opera West North East South easier said than done and we must at Holland Park: Verdi’s Un Ballo Pass Pass have spent 45 minutes or so connected in Maschera. We had reserved some 1♣ 1♥ Pass Pass by phone shouting at each other about picnic tables and took lots of food and 1NT Dbl 2♣ 2♠ where we were and where exactly we drink. It was strange in that out of 3♣ 3♠ All Pass should meet. We made it eventually our group of nine, six thought it was and then I drove to our hotel for a excellent while three did not want to West led a top club; I ruffed and then short rest before getting a taxi to the go back for the second half! Well, I was played a low spade from the dummy. party. It was a really lovely affair, but one of those who enjoyed it – though it West won with the ♠K and played the would have been more lovely were it was really cold and wet. Afterwards we ♦J – low, low, queen. Now a heart to the not for the terrible weather. There was went back to my place for more food queen, ♥A and a third heart, ruffing, a terrace overlooking a lake where and drink. and another low spade. I ended up we should have all been having pre- The next day had been set aside for with 11 tricks and was a little worried dinner drinks but it was so wet and packing and generally getting ready that they might bid game in the other cold that only the smokers braved the to travel to Istanbul on the Friday. room. They did, but the ‘they’ who outdoors. There was excellent food However, at the last minute Zia emailed bid and made game were our team- and dancing and we left the party well and asked me to go to the Acol Club to mates who made 3NT with a couple of after midnight in full swing. look at a presentation on a new bridge overtricks, for 13 IMPs to us. The next day we drove to Coventry website. That was interesting and we We qualified in 6th place (with 32 to for the Pachabo in which we finished went out for a curry afterwards. qualify) which was respectable and the a respectable but unremarkable Istanbul: the European Open Bridge team was playing well. Our first knock- seventh. Afterwards, as arranged, we Championships. In the mixed events out match was against Punching drove to Nottingham, called in on my I played with Thor Erik Hoftaniska. Norway and we won comfortably. godmother Jane (the partner of the The format of the mixed teams was However, our next opponents, Good departed), and picked Briony up from two days of Swiss teams, in which Six, were stronger. the station. We went out for a rather we needed to finish in the top 32 to good dinner and then had a reasonably qualify for the knock-outs. I was a Continues on page 25 ... u

Page 22 BRIDGE September 2019 OPENING LEADS

QUIZ by David Gold (Answers on page 33) You are West playing teams or rubber bridge with both sides vulnerable. You are playing standard type leads, top of a sequence, second and fourth and so on... 2019 2020 20-22 September £238 17-19 January £218 Further into the Auction Just Duplicate Hosted by Denis Murphy 14-17 February £299 11-13 October £218 Seminar Plus Training Event 1. 3. Just Duplicate Overseen by Will Parsons, this event will feature four ♠ 8 7 5 4 ♠ A J 3 25-27 October £238 N N potential new hosts each ♥ 9 5 2 ♥ 6 3 2 Play & Defence of 1NT W E W E ♦ ♦ Hosted by Michael Haytack presenting a seminar K 2 S K Q 10 9 S ♣ Q J 10 9 ♣ 7 5 3 1-3 November £264 6-8 March £218 Defence as Partner of the Leader Just Duplicate Hosted by Bernard Magee 3-5 April £224 West North East South West North East South 15-17 November £218 Just Duplicate 1♠ Pass 2♥ 1♠ Just Duplicate 17-19 April £246 Pass 3♥ Pass 4♣1 Pass 1NT Pass 2♥ 23-27 December £445 Losing Trick Count Pass 4♥ All Pass Pass 2♠ Pass 3♥ Just Duplicate 1-3 May £224 1 Cue bid, hearts agreed. Pass 4♥ All Pass 27-29 December £238 Just Duplicate Leads and Defence Hosted by Elaine Duff 5-7 June £246 Competitive Bidding What do you lead? What do you lead? 29 Dec-1 Jan 2020 £359 Game Tries 3-5 July £237 Hosted by Elaine Duff Masterpointed Duplicate

This charming rustic hotel is set in the beautiful countryside of Grantham in the heart of England. Comfortably furnished 2. 4. and tastefully decorated rooms, with a traditional bar, ♠ 10 7 3 ♠ Q 6 3 2 ♥ 9 8 5 N ♥ J 7 3 N contemporary lounge, atmospheric restaurant and health W E W E club altogether make for an idyllic retreat. ♦ K J 3 2 S ♦ J 6 2 S ♣ 10 7 3 ♣ J 8 3

West North East South West North East South 1♦ 1NT1 Pass 1♥ Pass 1NT1 Pass 2♣2 Pass 2♥ Pass 3NT All Pass Pass 3NT All Pass 1 1 2 Prices shown are per person, full board including tea & coffee during 15-17 balanced, not four 12-14 Stayman breaks and a welcome drinks party. There is no single supplement and spades single players will always be found a partner. The Mr Bridge team will offer support during the set hand sessions, on the seminar events, and What do you lead? What do you lead? make up the numbers in the duplicates, so there should never be a half table. All rooms are ensuite, have tea & coffee making facilities and free Wi-Fi. The venue has a lift. For details and bookings call Mr Bridge Holidays  01483 489961

BRIDGE September 2019 Page 23

Catching Up BERNARD MAGEE’S with Sally Brock INTERACTIVE TUTORIAL CD Continued from page 22 ACOL BIDDING t (Indeed they went on to win the It was a bit like a runaway train! No competition) and we lost by 24 IMPs. losers but not many tricks either. My I am sure that the winners must have partner led a spade, covered by the done a lot of very good things over the queen, king and ace. Declarer played five days of the competition and it is two rounds of trumps ending in perhaps churlish of me to mention dummy and led a heart to the queen MAC or one of their disasters but I am going and king. When the smoke had Windows to anyway! cleared she went four down. +400 went well with the +800 scored by our team-mates against their 2♠ doubled Dealer East. Game All. contract (East could not resist opening ♠ Q 8 4 2♥ showing a weak hand with 5-4 in ♥ 7 the majors). ♦ A K 10 8 5 Then the pairs started. Thor Erik ♣ A 9 6 4 and I qualified comfortably enough ♠ J 10 9 ♠ K 6 3 2 for the semi-final and subsequently ♥ K 6 N ♥ 10 9 8 4 2 Throughout 200 deals split W E for the final, but never looked as if we ♦ 9 7 4 2 S ♦ Q J 6 were going to threaten the leaders. In into ten chapters, Bernard ♣ J 10 7 2 ♣ 5 the end we finished 23rd out of 56. I evaluates your bids, praising ♠ A 7 5 played terribly on the last day but was the correct ones and ♥ A Q J 5 3 reasonably happy with my game for discussing the wrong ones. ♦ 3 the rest of the time. ♣ K Q 8 3 During the last day of the mixed l Opening Bids events, Debbie, my partner for the and Responses women’s events, arrived. We had l Slams and Our opponents bid: dinner on the terrace of the hotel Strong Openings where they had a barbecue each l Support for Partner West North East South evening. I had had several glasses of Pass 1♥ wine (but nothing excessive). I went l Pre-empting Pass 2♦ Pass 3♣ up to my room just after midnight and l Overcalls Pass 4♣ Pass 4♠ was in the bathroom when I fell very £66 Pass 4NT Pass 5♦ heavily. All I remember is swearing to l No-trump Pass 5♥ Pass 5NT myself and dragging myself to my bed. Openings Pass 7♣ All Pass I had no energy to deal with whatever and Responses damage I might have done... n l Opener’s and Responder’s Rebids DUPLICATE BRIDGE l Minors and Misfits RULES SIMPLIFIED l Doubles by David Stevenson l Competitive Auctions (otherwise known as the Yellow Book) only FULLY REVISED IN 2017 95 Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, £5 Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH Available from Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961 ( 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop www.mrbridge.co.uk

BRIDGE September 2019 Page 25 Leanora Adds' Holiday News & Ideas Look no further if you need inspiration about where to go on your bridge holiday or break.

Exciting Times Seminar Plus already part of the Mr Bridge team, they are looking to become lead Throughout 2019 we have Training Event hosts for future events and this introduced an exciting mix of new is their chance to showcase their land based holidays, new skills and give a Mr Bridge seminar cruise destinations and a wider for the first time. See page 23. selection of UK events. These have all been very well received. So in Festive Options 2020 we are further expanding to include more destinations. A I am commonly being asked about key request being for winter sun – We had the first of these new-style the different options for the festive hence Tenerife. For a full overview events in Worthing this year. period so I have created a table to look at the adjacent page. It was a great success. Such an make it clearer. Then you can decide event lends itself well to enhance for yourself what suits you best. More excitement; we have had to your learning. So we have decided add another Majorca date as to have another one. This time it For many, Christmas can be a lonely the first is already sold out of singles will be in Grantham, at The Olde time and for some, by attending our and has limited twins and doubles Barn Hotel, from 14-17 February events, the fun is brought back albeit remaining. Sandy Bell will now host 2020. It is only £299 per person in a different way. Our feedback a group from 19-26 April, from with no single supplement for year after year highlights the £1059 per person. Why not join her? three nights full board including 4 sociable atmosphere that is created seminars and 4 set hand sessions. and many friendships have been Overseen by Will Parsons, each forged. If you are on your own, I seminar will be given by a different urge you to take that step and give it potential lead host. Although a try - you will be well looked after.

Festive Overview Introducing the Team Land based Cruise UK St Paul's Bay, Malta Canaries & Funchal Fireworks Denham Grove, Emily DB San Antonio Hotel & Spa 4* Fred. Olsen's Balmoral Uxbridge Hawkins

Office Staff 23-27 December Competitive Bidding Emily is our Hosted by Will & specialist in UK Sylvia Parsons breaks. She has £519 per person been working Hosted by Sandy Bell Hosted by John & Rebecca Ronan for Mr Bridge for just over 27-29 December a year, however her knowledge is 23 - 30 December 2019 or 22 December - 6 January 2020 Better Leads & Switches such that you would think she had 23 December - 2 January 2020 Hosted by Bernard been part of Mr Bridge for years. from £1429 pp Spending Christmas on board will Magee If you have a special requirement be a memorable experience. Enjoy a £262 per person or need information about a hotel, Perfect for a getaway over the festive relaxing Christmas Eve and celebrate Emily is your first port of call. In period. There is no need to worry Christmas Day with festivity and 29 Dec - 2 Jan 2020 2019 we have 68 UK events so about the timings of the turkey, sit back delicious food, while the ship’s Waiting List Only that gives you an idea of the scope and have it all taken care of. Combined crew take care of everything. of her role. Emily is also working with bridge organised by Sandy Bell Sign off 2019 in style as you will be Blunsdon House, behind the scenes to secure new it could be just what you need. in prime position to watch Madeira’s Swindon venues, so if you would like to make Call 01483 489961 spectacular fireworks toast to 2020. a suggestion, do give her a call.

Page 26 BRIDGE September 2019 Tenerife - Hotel Riu Garoe For details Day Guests (4*) Puerto De La Cruz call my team 01483 We welcome day guests at all our ( 489961 events. For our standard 2 night breaks there is a discount of £100

per person off the full-board price. 14-28 January – from £1419 As day guests you are entitled to all Host: Sandy Bell NEW meals, teas and coffees, drinks party Two Week Half Board TENERIFE and the whole bridge programme. includes Gatwick flights The only bits you are not eligible Full details on page 14 for are the bed and breakfast. 4* Hotel Riu Garoe Tunisia – Hotel Royal Kenz (4*) To find out the day guest rates for Port El Kantaoui 14-28 January 2020 our other events please call the Top Mr Bridge office. With Sandy Bell Pick Group Travel Awards The hotel in Tenerife looks 3-10 March – from £799 set to fulfil all our Mr Bridge In June I had the honour of being Host: Bernard Magee requirements and certainly Fred. Olsen’s guest at the Group One Week All-Inclusive ticks the box for winter sun. With Travel Awards. During the evening, includes Heathrow flights an average temperature of 17oC awards were issued for all aspects Full details on page 34 it is just what is needed to let you of group travel and Fred. Olsen won escape from the dull cold days the award for best cruise line for Majorca – Cabot Hotel Pollensa and long nights of January. groups. This certainly is something Park Spa (4*) Puerto Pollensa we do not need to be told, as our bridge groups are always so well looked after by the ship's 29 March - 5 April – from £985 Sandy will present four seminars, staff. Well done Host: Bernard Magee followed by supervised play with Fred. Olsen. Fully deserved. Limited Space Remaining the assistance of her experienced NEW - 19-26 April – from £1059 team, all played in a friendly Host: Sandy Bell atmosphere. As always, singles will be welcome. See page 14 Festive Overview One Week All-Inclusive for more information. includes Heathrow flights UK Call for details. See page 4

Denham Grove, The Olde Barn, Croatia – Hotel Eden (4*) Financial Protection Uxbridge Grantham Rovinj By booking a Mr Bridge holiday 23-27 December 23-27 December including flights through Great Little Competitive Bidding Just Duplicate Escapes LLP or Authentic Adventures Hosted by Will & Hosted by Lyn Hilton you are afforded complete financial 5-19 May – from £1599 Sylvia Parsons £445 per person protection for the full cost of your Host: Will & Sylvia Parsons £519 per person holiday under their ATOL licenses. Two Week Half Board 27-29 December Authentic Adventures also offer a includes Gatwick flights 27-29 December Leads & Defence land only option which is covered Full details on page 38 Better Leads & Switches Hosted by Elaine Duff by ABTOT. Do bear in mind when Hosted by Bernard £238 per person Italy - Hotel Caesius Thermae & considering any holiday that full Magee Spa Resort (4*+) Lake Garda financial protection is not available £262 per person 29 Dec - 1 Jan 2020 to travellers when the elements Game Tries of flights, hotels and transfers 29 Dec - 2 Jan 2020 Hosted by Elaine Duff are booked independently. Waiting List Only £359 per person It is also important to highlight October 2020 that all Mr Bridge UK holidays are Blunsdon House, 27-29 December Host: Bernard Magee protected by financial protection. Swindon Just Duplicate One Week Half Board It is certainly something worth Call to register your interest from £228 per person checking when you book a holiday Details in final stages of completion as there are many that are not.

BRIDGE September 2019 Page 27 BERNARD More Tips from Bernard Magee MAGEE’S INTERACTIVE If They Lead Your TUTORIAL CD Strong Suit, It May DECLARER PLAY Be From Shortage

ost of the time the opponents ♠ 9 4 annoyingly hit your weak spot ♥ K 9 7 4 2 MAC or Mwith their lead, but every so ♦ 4 Windows often they appear to make the ‘wrong’ ♣ K 9 7 5 2 lead: hitting your strongest side suit. Of ♠ K 8 6 5 ♠ Q 7 3 2 N ♥ 8 6 3 ♥ A 5 course, this is good news to some extent, W E but it is also time to be wary. If they are ♦ A Q 5 S ♦ K J 8 7 6 leading your strong suit they should have ♣ A Q 3 ♣ 8 6

a reason and that may well be because ♠ A J 10 they have a shortage there. ♥ Q J 10 ♦ 10 9 3 2 ♣ J 10 4 ♠ ♠ Bernard develops your K 8 6 5 Q 7 3 2 ♥ 8 6 3 N ♥ A 5 declarer play technique in W E ♦ A Q 5 ♦ K J 8 7 6 You go up with dummy's ♦J and play a the course of ten S ♣ A Q 3 ♣ 8 6 small trump. South ducks, but your king introductory exercises and wins and although when you the 120 complete deals. second round South makes two trump ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ l Suit Establishment You bid to 4 (1 -3 -4 ) and North tricks, the defenders do not make a ruff. in No-trumps leads the ♦4. Plan the play. Note that it does South little good if he North has led your strongest side suit goes up with the ♠A on the first round: l Suit Establishment and you should be worried that he has a he is able to give his partner a diamond in Suits singleton. Consider how the play might ruff, but then his ♠J10 fall under your l Hold-ups go: assuming trumps are 3-2, your main king and queen. l Ruffing for worry is that South can get the lead and Consider what happens if you win the Extra Tricks give his partner a ruff. To do this South first diamond trick in hand and play a £76 would have to have the ♠A; if he doesn’t trump towards the queen: South would l Entries in have the ♠A then you should be safe. win his ace and give his partner a dia- No-trumps Plan your play in the trump suit assum- mond ruff. You would still have a trump l Delaying ing South has the ace – you need to start to lose to South’s jack-ten as well as a Drawing Trumps trumps from dummy, playing a small club or heart trick. l Using the Lead trump towards the king. If that holds then When you feel you have been lucky on you will play another trump and hope to the lead, consider carefully why and you l Trump Control lose just two trump tricks. might be able to avoid a nasty ruff. n l Endplays & Avoidance l Using the Bidding Subscriptions to BRIDGE

Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, An ideal gift Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH 1 year £49 | 2 years £79 | 3 years £109 ( 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop ( 01483 489961

Page 28 BRIDGE September 2019 Answers to The Law Of Total Tricks Quiz on page 13

1 At love all what should East bid with 2 With only North/South vulnerable good shape the adverse Hands A, B and C after this auction? what should South bid with Hands A vulnerability should not put to F after this auction? you off. It is perfectly possible West North East South that you can make 4♠ and 1♠ 2♣ 2♠ 3♣ West North East South they can make 5♥ or 5♦. Pass Pass ? 1♦ 1♠ Pass ? Hand F 2♦. Spades will be trumps but this time you want to make a game try. 2♦ is an UCB. Hand A Hand B Hand C Hand A Hand B Hand C ♠ J 7 3 ♠ J 9 7 3 ♠ K J 7 ♠ K J 8 ♠ K J 8 2 ♠ J 8 5 4 ♥ Q 10 7 6 ♥ 10 9 4 2 ♥ 10 9 4 2 ♥ 7 5 2 ♥ 7 5 ♥ 8 5 4 3 At game all what should West bid with ♦ K 4 3 2 ♦ K 4 3 2 ♦ K 4 3 2 ♦ 7 6 ♦ 7 6 ♦ 5 3 2 Hands A, B and C after this auction? ♣ 7 2 ♣ 7 ♣ Q 2 ♣ J 10 4 3 2 ♣ J 10 4 3 2 ♣ 5 3 2 West East 1NT 2♥1 Playing Acol West will have either five Hand D Hand E Hand F ? spades or only four spades in a balanced ♠ J 5 3 2 ♠ K J 6 3 2 ♠ K 3 2 1 2♥ is a transfer to spades. hand too strong to open 1NT for his ♥ Q 10 9 ♥ 9 ♥ A 5 4 1♠ opening. It is estimated that if your ♦ Q J 10 9 ♦ 7 6 ♦ 6 3 partnership opens all balanced hands in ♣ Q 3 ♣ J 10 4 3 2 ♣ A J 8 7 6 Hand A Hand B Hand C the 12-14 point range with 1NT then 75% ♠ A J 8 ♠ A J 8 6 ♠ A J 8 6 of 1♠ openings have five spades. ♥ K 6 3 ♥ K 6 3 ♥ K 6 3 North has at least five spades for his 1♠ ♦ Q 10 9 6 5 ♦ K 10 9 6 ♦ A Q 10 9 Hand A Pass. You have no reason overcall. ♣ A 6 ♣ J 8 ♣ 9 8 to think you have more than 8 total trumps. Hand A 2♠. An 8-card fit. No Hand B 3♠. You have at least 8 total game ambitions. Hand A 2♠. A good hand but with only trumps, probably nine. You Hand B 3♠. A 9-card fit. Again 3-card spade support you are minimum for your 2♠ no game ambitions. should just bid as requested, bid but your shape is good. Hand C Pass or perhaps 2♠. there is no reason not to bid If you go off in 3♠ then it is Bidding to the level of as requested by the transfer. very likely that North/South the fit might suggest Hand B 3♠. 4-card spade would have made 3♣. 3♠ but at unfavourable support. Time to break Hand C Pass. You are maximum vulnerability I don’t feel the transfer. 3♠ shows a for 2♠ but in this sort of inclined to risk -800. minimum 1NT opener. competitive auction the Hand D 2♠. Again bidding to the Hand C 3♦. Shows 4-card spade reason for bidding on is extra level of the fit might suggest support, a maximum shape, not extra strength. You 3♠ but your ♦Q-J-10-9 1NT opener and good probably have at most 8 total opposite partner’s likely diamonds. n trumps, possibly only 7. Your shortage suggest there will doubleton ♣Q may combine be fewer total tricks than Mr Bridge 2020 diaries ♠ with something in partner’s the LTT might suggest. 2 Only £14.95. hand to make a defensive puts a bit of pressure on Navy blue, Ruby red trick against 3♣. You might and may make it hard for or Bottle green beat 3♣ but you are not sure them to find a heart fit. ( enough to risk a double. Hand E 4♠. A 10-card fit. With 01483 489961

BRIDGE September 2019 Page 29 About the ABCL by Ned Paul Long Distance Information… Part 3: Mugged in the Vanderbilt Ned Paul continues his account of the 2019 Spring North American Bridge Championships in Memphis, Tennessee

t’s Monday and the fifth day of are enjoying the match. We get off to he spends up to 40 weeks a year on play (our fourth) at the Spring a good start and I settle down, feeling the Regional Tournament circuit. One 2019 North American Bridge we are playing reasonably and we are very much gets the impression that he IChampionship (NABC). NABCs are at least competitive in this match. So is motivated by helping others improve held three times a year in different the 15-board set continues but we and that playing the Vanderbilt is just cities and are amongst the world’s suffer a double game swing out when a bit of fun downtime. biggest bridge congresses. Our team both games could have been beaten for Nathan is a project as much as a is myself and bridge partner Brian -16 IMPs and another game swing out partner. As for helping others, Jade McGuire, both from London, and negates our early good work and we even takes time out to show me that Brian’s American bridge friend Ti reach half time 35-41 down. I am not always holding my cards in a Davis and her bridge partner Richard The match is being played in a great secure enough way to hide them from Kalkbrenner, both from Little Rock, spirit. Nathan sometimes seems a little prying eyes. I take his tip on board. Arkansas. We are playing as a team over-awed by Jade but he is still a good We sit the same way in the second and living as a team, sharing a rented player. They are playing a loser-based half. We get a game swing and a slam apartment in downtown Memphis, rather than a high-card swing but we also let a game through close to the competition venue. point system; there seems a lot to learn and we will need our teammates to We have been playing seven hours of and get right and there is judgement have a fair card. They chip in some bridge a day since we arrived, but now involved too. Jade will occasionally bits and pieces, but when we add it up the bridge is going to get serious! We comment to Nathan about whether he another 14 IMPs has slipped away and have entered the , approves of Nathan’s choice of bids. we lose a possibly winnable match by the premier teams competition of the Jade’s professional existence is as a 20 IMPs. We are not out yet – we will week and one of the most coveted bridge team-builder and trainer and play in the evening repêchage. u titles in world bridge. We don’t expect to win but we’ll have fun trying. We are seeded 67th of the 68 teams and have been drawn in a group of four teams from which three teams will qualify. The ‘fourways’ work like this: in the afternoon you play a 30-board match; the two winners advance (and get the evening off) while the losers play off over another 30 boards for the third qualifying place. In the afternoon we sit down against Jade Barrett from South Dakota and his partner Nathan Doyle who is wearing his Junior Team Ireland name badge. Jade is the dominant character at the table but he goes out of his way In play against Jade Barrett of South Dakota & Nathan Doyle of Ireland in the Vanderbilt Cup to be welcoming and to make sure we

Page 30 BRIDGE September 2019 Vanderbilt, ‘The Father of ’

The Vanderbilt Trophy was given to the American Contract Bridge League by Harold Stirling Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt is often called ‘the Father of Contract Bridge’, for his role in inventing the modern game in 1925. ‘Mike’, as he was known to family and friends, was the grandson of the New York railroad magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt and as such was born in 1884 to a privileged life. He played cards from an early age, often hiring the expert of the day J.B.Elwell, the so-called ‘Wizard of Whist’, to be his partner, first in whist tournaments and then for when that game became popular. The rules of auction bridge did not require you to bid for the tricks you needed to make game: if you won the auction in 2♠ and then made ten tricks, all the tricks counted towards game and so 2♠+2 for example was a game. In 1925 Vanderbilt and a group of friends took a cruise from California to New York on a liner called the SS Finland. By 1st November 1925, the Finland was at Balboa, preparing to go through the Panama Canal. That evening Vanderbilt broke out the cards and proposed that the game should be played to a new scoring system. Only the tricks bid for would count towards game. If not bid for, overtricks would be scored ‘above the line’. The trick score was decimalised so that game became 100 points below the line. Slams now had to be bid for, not just scored, so large slam bonuses were introduced to tempt bidders beyond game. This made necessary large penalties for doubled contracts to stop the defending bidders sacrificing cheaply. The concept of being ‘vulnerable’ when being game in was also introduced with enhanced bonuses and penalties adding tactical interest. Vanderbilt had put a lot of thought and experience into devising his new scoring scale and the new game, ‘Contract Bridge’ was an immediate success. We use Vanderbilt’s scoring system today with only trivial alterations. A British expert Lt. Col. was later to comment on the difference between the old Auction Bridge and the new Contract Bridge. Bridge historian Richard Fleet in his book Tournament Bridge in England 1925-1945 quotes Buller as follows: “I have come to the conclusion that the fascination of Contract is due mainly to the fact that thrills in bidding are frequent, while at Auction they are few and far between … Thus at Auction, dull bidding is the rule; at Contract it is the exception.” The Vanderbilt Cup was given in 1928 for the winners of the North American Team-of-Four Championship and is still awarded every spring at the Spring NABC. The winners’ list is a veritable who’s who of bridge and includes Vanderbilt himself who won in 1932 and 1940. Vanderbilt gave an endowment so that each winner would receive a replica trophy, a practice still continuing. Vanderbilt’s preferred bidding system was his own , the . He wrote four books on the subject. In 1930 Vanderbilt achieved fame in a different way by successfully defending the America’s Cup in his yacht Enterprise. He defeated the English aviation pioneer Thomas Sopwith in Endeavour, winning the series by four to two after losing the first two races.

BRIDGE September 2019 Page 31 t For the evening match we are That gives declarer nine tricks. Yes, BERNARD drawn against Team Davison, seeded Omer opened 1NT with that. As 61. This comprises Susan Davison and the match continues Omer ignores MAGEE’S Sharon Phillips from Manhattan, each Stayman at least once more and again INTERACTIVE playing with a Turkish pro partner, the dummy suits him. Omer and Gokhan respectively. The only break we get is when the TUTORIAL CD Our teammate Ti has encountered opponents bid as follows: Omer before and asks us to handle him. We soon find out why. Susan is a Susan Omer DEFENCE very nice person who frequently visits 1♠ 2♦ London as she has family in Holland 2♠ 6NT Park, West London. Omer on the other hand is an ‘operator’. He doesn’t stick Omer had 19 HCP including ♠K-5. to the conventional bidding rules, Susan’s dummy is this: bending bids to fit his hand. He has MAC or anyway a very loose and active bidding Windows style and is completely unilateral ♠ A 9 7 6 4 2 – always trying to marginalise his ♥ Void partner and between deals constantly ♦ 8 6 4 teaching at the table. He gets dealt ♣ K Q J 10 hand after hand that fits his style and keeps finding Susan with magic cards that get him out of jail. I stupidly go There is a spade to lose and the down in a cold 4♥ for 10 IMPs out and diamond finesse doesn’t work so after we are a recoverable 23 IMPs down at the ♥K lead Omer finishes four down the half. when 4♠ was good. And apparently, In the second half Omer comes into it’s all Susan’s fault for not opening 2♠. Bernard develops your his own. He does not pass throughout A torrent of other boards, however, defence in the course of ten on a single one of the 15 deals. In a goes Omer’s way and there is clearly introductory exercises and hand that is typical he bids 1NT (14- no way we have won this match. We 120 complete deals. 17 HCP), partner responds 2♣, regular lose by about 40 IMPs and the feeling Stayman, and Omer now directly bids is we got mugged as much by the cards l Lead vs 3NT. as by the opponent. No-trump Contracts “You don’t play Garbage Stayman?”, Later, Ti and Richard tell us that l Lead vs I wryly remark as dummy hits with their Turk Gokhan has bid in the same Suit Contracts 12 HCP. “Oh, yes we do; I forgot that style, including opening 1NT with a possibility,” he says. singleton. Ti, who is a bit of a straight l Partner of Leader ♦ vs No-trump Brian has cashed the A from eight when it comes to bidding – just ♦ Contracts A-K-x to have a look. He sees: bid your hand and don’t do anything unorthodox – is annoyed too. l Partner of Leader Opening 1NT with a low singleton vs Suit Contracts ♠ K 8 7 3 or too far out of your agreed point l Count ♥ A 9 7 3 count is apparently barred in ACBL- Signals ♦ Q J 5 land and Ti is wondering whether she ♣ Q 8 should have called the ‘police’ – the l Attitude £76 Signals tournament directors – at the time. I just feel it was bad bridge but paid off l Discarding Brian needs to find an unlikely and that we have been left standing in l Defensive Plan switch to the ♠Q or ♠10 from Q-10- the street with no clothes on. x-x as I have ♠A-J-x-x. Instead, Brian So we are out. There is nothing left to l Stopping Declarer continues diamonds and finds that do except congratulate the opponents l Counting the Hand this is Omer’s hand: and move on. It’s a shame as had we won, we would have been playing the Lavazza team (essentially the Italian Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, ♠ 6 national team), the experience of a Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH ♥ K 6 2 lifetime. ( 01483 489961 ♦ 9 6 4 Tomorrow we will lick our wounds www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop ♣ A K J 10 7 5 and enter something else – there are still six days of bridge left! n

Page 32 BRIDGE September 2019 Answers to David Gold’s Opening Leads Quiz on page 23

West North East South Declarer has shown an invitational 1. ♠ A Q J 10 2 1♦ 5/5 hand. Dummy appears to have two ♥ Q J 4 3 Pass 1♥ Pass 1NT1 spades and three hearts since North ♦ J 10 9 Pass 3NT All Pass preferred to play in hearts. If you can ♣ 3 1 15-17 balanced, not four spades stop the spade ruff in dummy, you will ♠ 8 7 5 4 ♠ K 3 get two spade tricks (maybe three on a ♥ 9 5 2 N ♥ 8 What do you lead? good day if for example partner has the W E ♦ ♦ ♠ K 2 S A 8 7 6 4 You have a weak hand with one bit K). Therefore, you should lead a trump. ♣ Q J 10 9 ♣ 8 6 5 4 2 of good news: you have a couple of A trump to partner’s ace for a trump ♠ 9 6 stoppers in opener’s diamond suit – but back and a third round of trumps when ♥ A K 10 7 6 it is dangerous to lead diamonds. A heart in with the spade ace is the only way to ♦ Q 5 3 might work but it is usually a bad idea beat the pushy 4♥. On a diamond lead, ♣ A K 7 to lead dummy’s suit unless you have declarer makes easily. good reason to believe that opener is short there. So, it comes down to trying West North East South to hit partner in spades or clubs. There is 4. ♠ A K J 9 1♠ Pass 2♥ a clue: with five decent spades partner ♥ A 10 6 Pass 3♥ Pass 4♣1 had a chance to make an easy overcall ♦ Q 8 Pass 4♥ All Pass of 1♠. However, a 2♣ overcall is riskier ♣ 9 7 5 2 1 Cue bid, hearts agreed. and partner could easily have fair values ♠ Q 6 3 2 ♠ 10 8 5 and a 5-card club suit but be unable to ♥ J 7 3 N ♥ 9 8 5 W E What do you lead? bid. A club lead is the best shot, lead the ♦ J 6 2 ♦ K 10 9 7 5 S The queen of clubs looks tempting ♣7 to tell partner you do not have much ♣ J 8 3 ♣ A 4 (top of a sequence) but the auction has interest in the suit. Only a club lead beats ♠ 7 4 highlighted an alternative. South was 3NT and if you the black suits ♥ K Q 4 2 thinking about a slam so you may need partner would have had a 1♠ overcall. ♦ A 4 3 to do something special to beat this ♣ K Q 10 6 contract. Also, dummy was unable to cue bid diamonds and that was enough 3. ♠ 6 4 information to turn South off from the ♥ J 10 5 West North East South slam hunt. It really sounds as if your ♦ A J 8 6 5 1NT1 partner has the ace of diamonds. If so, ♣ Q 9 4 Pass 2♣2 Pass 2♥ the king of diamonds lead will be very ♠ A J 3 ♠ 8 7 5 Pass 3NT All Pass effective. Here after the king of diamonds ♥ 6 3 2 N ♥ A 8 1 12-14 2 Stayman W E ♦ ♦ lead, a diamond to the ace and a third- K Q 10 9 S 7 4 2 round ruff you have three tricks. With the ♣ 7 5 3 ♣ K J 10 8 6 What do you lead? losing spade finesse too, 4♥ will fail. ♠ K Q 10 9 2 It may not appear that there is much to ♥ K Q 9 7 4 go on but actually the auction has been ♦ 3 revealing. You know that South has four 2. ♠ Q J 5 4 ♣ A 2 hearts and that North has four spades ♥ A J 10 4 (otherwise why bother with Stayman) ♦ 10 5 and your holdings in those suits are ♣ K 6 5 West North East South unattractive. It must be correct to lead ♠ 10 7 3 ♠ A 9 2 1♠ a minor, but which one? It may seem a ♥ 9 8 5 N ♥ K 3 2 Pass 1NT Pass 2♥ coin flip but there is a tiebreaker. With W E ♦ K J 3 2 ♦ 7 4 Pass 2♠ Pass 3♥ good clubs partner might have doubled S ♣ 10 7 3 ♣ Q J 9 8 2 Pass 4♥ All Pass Stayman to attract a club lead and with ♠ K 8 6 the equivalent holding in diamonds ♥ Q 7 6 What do you lead? partner might not have had enough to bid ♦ A Q 9 8 6 While a diamond lead looks a stand- 2♦. For this reason, a diamond lead is the ♣ A 4 out, you should always pay attention to best chance. Lead the ♦2 to let partner the bidding. know you have an honour in the suit. n

BRIDGE September 2019 Page 33 Mr Bridge Holidays Hotel Royal Kenz Limited space still available Tunisia Winter 2019-20 3-17 September 2019 with Bernard Magee Call for details

Seven Day All-Inclusive Duplicate Bridge Holidays 5-19 November 2019 from £999 per person sharing or one week from £699 per person sharing 5-12 November or 12-19 November Prices held Hosted by Gwen Beattie until 31 August 2019+ 3-10 March 2020 from £799 per person sharing Hosted by Bernard Magee Bridge: Land based holidays allow Situated in a quiet area just 250 metres away from the sandy beach on time for plenty of bridge, Tunisia’s Mediterranean coast, the 4* Hotel Royal Kenz in Port El Kantaoui is a but there is also time to popular destination for Mr Bridge holidaymakers. both visit the local area A taxi into Port El Kantaoui takes less than five minutes and if you want and just sit back and relax. to explore a bit further, the city of Sousse and its ancient medina is just a Over the fortnight the 15-minute drive away. bridge programme includes four seminar & set hands sessions, which gives you the opportunity to enhance your bridge skills, as well as duplicate bridge every evening. You can play as much or as little as you wish and the excursions* are fitted around the bridge programme to maximise your enjoyment. Singles: There is a sole occupancy supplement of £5 per room per night. If you are a single bridge player please do not worry about being on your own. At each session we will be able to find you a partner, so you can always have a game.

Call Mr Bridge on 01483 489961 or visit www.mrbridge.co.uk Prices shown are per person sharing and include flights from Heathrow. Selected regional flights may be available at a supplement. Terms and conditions apply. These holidays have been organised for Mr Bridge by Great Little Escapes LLP, ATOL 5933. *Excursions are not included in the price of the holiday. + Prices held until 31 August 2019. After this date they will increase by £30 per person for November and £36 per person for March. For details of what is included in the all-inclusive package, please call for an information pack. Answers to David Huggett’s Play Quiz on page 19

1. ♠ 6 5 2 You are declarer in 3NT and West leads is it? Sometimes it is hard to see the wood ♥ K 6 5 the ♠6 with East playing the ♠Q. How do for the trees and the contract is in fact ♦ Q 8 6 4 you plan the play? completely safe as long as you take the ♣ K Q 2 Assuming West has led from length precaution of cashing enough diamonds ♠ Q J 10 8 7 ♠ K 4 3 the Rule of Eleven tells you that West to exhaust the defenders of diamonds ♥ Q 8 4 3 N ♥ 10 9 7 holds the ♠J and clearly you would not and then simply lead a low club from W E ♦ 9 5 ♦ A like East to lead a spade through your dummy, covering whatever card East S ♣ 7 5 ♣ J 10 9 8 4 3 remaining holding. But of course that is chooses to play. West may win the eight ♠ A 9 exactly what will happen if you take an with the ten but now will be completely ♥ A J 2 immediate losing diamond finesse. Then endplayed, having to concede a trick in ♦ K J 10 7 3 2 if the club ace is with West you are going whichever suit he happens to lead. You ♣ A 6 to be defeated if that hand started with at will have the ♠K as an entry for cashing least five spades. Much better of course the rest of the diamonds. is to play a club at trick two. If West You are declarer in 5♦ and West leads wins he cannot profitably lead another the ♠Q. How do you plan the play? spade and if East wins you can duck the 4. ♠ 6 4 You may well find this is not a problem spade return, win the third round and ♥ A 6 4 at all and if so you have done well. take a diamond finesse into East – the ♦ A 2 When this hand was played declarer just hand who is likely to be short in spades. ♣ K Q 7 6 4 2 couldn’t wait to get rid of his losing spade If the defenders decline to win the club ♠ A 10 8 7 3 ♠ J 5 2 N on a third round of clubs, but tragedy switch then declarer can safely play on ♥ K J 10 ♥ Q 9 W E struck when West ruffed. Then faced with diamonds, winning at least two spades, ♦ J 9 8 3 S ♦ 10 6 5 4 a loser in diamonds and one in hearts two hearts, four diamonds and a club. ♣ J ♣ 10 9 8 5 (when East could exit safely in hearts ♠ K Q 9 after winning the ♦A and the finesse ♥ 8 7 5 3 2 failed) declarer had to concede defeat. 3. ♠ K J 5 ♦ K Q 7 Of course the club ruff was unfortunate ♥ 6 5 4 ♣ A 3 but declarer had eleven tricks cold simply ♦ K Q J 7 4 2 by drawing trumps from the outset. Trying ♣ 3 to gain that extra trick would have been ♠ Q 9 4 ♠ 8 7 3 2 You are declarer in 3NT. West leads the N debatable even at pairs because the ♥ K J 10 W E ♥ 9 8 7 3 ♠7 with East playing the ♠J. How do you popular contract would have been 3NT, ♦ 9 8 5 S ♦ 6 plan the play? doomed to fail on the likely 5-3 spade ♣ Q 10 7 2 ♣ 9 6 5 4 Assuming West has led from length you break and rarely making more than nine ♠ A 10 6 know that East has no card higher than tricks. ♥ A Q 2 the jack in spades. Furthermore there is ♦ A 10 3 little point in ducking this trick because ♣ A K J 8 East will return a spade and West, having 2. ♠ 7 5 started with five spades, would play low, ♥ K 6 5 4 maintaining communications between ♦ A J 6 2 You are declarer in 6NT. West leads the the two hands. All will be well if you can ♣ 9 7 5 ♦9 with East following. How do you plan somehow strive to make four or more ♠ J 9 8 6 4 ♠ Q 3 2 the play? club tricks without letting East gain the ♥ Q 10 8 3 N ♥ J 9 7 West has done very well in leading lead and any 3-2 break will be good W E ♦ ♦ 8 7 S K 3 the suit that does you no good at all, enough. The problem occurs if the suit ♣ A 4 ♣ 10 8 6 3 2 but even so you have eleven tricks on breaks 4-1 but you can give yourself an ♠ A K 10 top and plenty of chances to make the extra chance by leading a low club from ♥ A 2 twelfth in any of the remaining three hand at trick two. If West produces the ♦ Q 10 9 5 4 suits. It is in fact a finesser’s paradise jack you can of course duck, preventing ♣ K Q J and the question is how to combine your East gaining the lead to play a spade chances with the minimum of danger. Or through. n

BRIDGE September 2019 Page 35 Seven Days by Sally Brock

SATURDAY players but have never played together At our table the bidding is: – they obviously got on well because …I wake up at about 7.30 to find myself at the end of the day we are leading. I West North East South in the middle of a horror story. My hope Debbie and I will be able to live 2♥ Pass Pass 2♠ sheets are covered in blood, about as up to their performance. I sleep most Pass 3♠ Pass 4♠ much uncovered as covered; it looks as of the rest of the day, appear briefly for All Pass if I have murdered someone. My whole dinner and go to bed early for more face is caked in black crusted blood. I sleep (having skyped Barry – Debbie At our table, West leads her singleton decide that the first thing to do is to try rang him earlier and he had been very diamond to her partner’s ace and ruffs to clean myself in the shower so I can concerned). the diamond return. With trumps see what damage there is. It seems to now playing for no loser, all partner take forever before the shower stops has to lose is the ♣A. running pink. I get out and sit in front SUNDAY Diana Nettleton, our East, defends of a mirror and try to clean the rest much better. She saw that giving her of it from my face with my cleansing I wake up and feel more or less OK. partner a diamond ruff would simply cream. When I am done I see that there I’m not quite sure how I will be when set up lots of tricks for declarer. So, are two big gashes on my nose that I have to concentrate on the bridge. she wins the ♦A and switches to a look as if they will need stitches. I send I can only wear my glasses perched heart. There is nothing declarer can a text to Debbie and ask her to come precariously on the end of my nose, do now. She tries the ♥Q which is to my room on her way to breakfast. so it seems a bit dangerous to try that covered by the king and ace. She then She also thinks I will need stitches and while walking around, but I hope it leads a spade from dummy intending goes downstairs to try to arrange an will be OK when I am playing. to finesse, but wins East’s king with the ambulance while I get dressed. Soon By a stroke of luck, play starts late ace and cashes the queen. However, my room is full of concerned hotel staff. today (12 instead of 10) because of the West can now obtain the lead and cash There is so much blood that I can see Turkish general election. two more winners before declarer can that they don’t really believe that I have This is an instructive deal from our get anything away. fallen – surely I have been attacked but first match: We qualify in second place, but want to protect my attacker! It is not today has been a struggle for me. long before they produce a wheelchair Although I am in no real pain, actually and take me downstairs to the waiting Dealer West. Game All. existing is quite hard work! I am slow- ambulance. Apparently we are just 10 ♠ 8 7 2 moving, and when walking around I minutes away from the biggest hospital ♥ A 9 4 don’t wear my glasses, so I am almost in Turkey. They take me in and do lots ♦ K J 10 6 blind. However, the bridge has gone of tests. I have broken my nose in ♣ J 9 8 well enough. several places. They eventually set it, ♠ J 4 3 ♠ K In the evening we have as quick a stitch me up and let me go. Luckily all ♥ K J 10 8 3 2 N ♥ 6 5 dinner as possible on the terrace and W E ♦ ♦ the tests have proved negative and I 3 S A 9 8 5 2 then I retire to sleep. do not seem to have done myself any ♣ A 5 2 ♣ 10 7 6 4 3 long-term harm. ♠ A Q 10 9 6 5 While I have been away, my team- ♥ Q 7 MONDAY mates have found a substitute pair ♦ Q 7 4 for the women’s teams (Susanna and ♣ K Q Because we finished second in the Barbara), both of whom are good round robin we had a choice of

Page 36 BRIDGE September 2019 opponents. We chose a Russian team will be able to make anything our way in the balmy air watching the sun go we had beaten in the Round Robin. so I decide to hope that 2♠ is going down. We are 11 up at half time and add 13 down, as indeed it is. We start with in the second half to win the quarter- two top hearts and a heart ruff, then final, thus guaranteeing a medal. both minor-suit aces and still have a FRIDAY However, in the semi-final we draw further certain trump trick to come a very strong French/Polish/Russian for +200 and a complete top. The alarm goes off at 5.30. I make a ensemble. We have our chances but in Unfortunately, the rest of the day’s cup of tea, finish packing and head the end lose by 12. Once again, a quick bridge is terrible and we are nowhere downstairs. We get a car to the airport. dinner (actually I have exactly the close to qualifying. I thought I was more or less same as yesterday – calamari to start After the bridge we have a quick recovered, but one look at those with, then four-cheese ravioli – real dinner on the terrace and then go to long slow-moving queues have me comfort food). the medal ceremony for the women’s heading for ‘Special Assistance’! It is a few days since I have heard teams. As it happens, there has been There is the double benefit not only from Briony, who is now on a ship an appeal in the final of the event that of the wheelchair, but also skipping in the Arctic Ocean somewhere. Last has not yet been decided – it is even all the queues. We both get whisked I heard she had been really suffering possible that more boards might have through every checkpoint and finally from seasickness, which is one of the to be played. Consequently only the get taken to the aeroplane itself on most unpleasant things in the world I bronze medals are awarded. The press some clever hoist-type truck. We go gather, so I am strongly hoping she is room print out an A4 photo of my face up in the air and arrive at the same feeling better. for me to hold in front of my actual height as the aeroplane’s door. We are Tomorrow the women’s pairs starts. face in all the photographs! I have a little concerned as there seems to be been given permission to wash my an argument going on in the truck in hair, and to have a beer, so tomorrow Turkish about whether we are going TUESDAY looms enticingly. to Gatwick or Stansted! However, we check with the airline staff for I wake up puffy eyed, but that gets a reassurance. lot better as the day progresses. My WEDNESDAY The flight is uneventful and Barry mouth looks very bruised now, though is there to meet me which is lovely – (apparently to be expected). Our first Every day I wake up a little better, and makes such a difference even when I 16-board session in the pairs is OK, today is no exception. However, the have not been in the wars. 51% or so, something to build on. This bridge is no good at all. We never look We stop off at my place for me to is one of our better boards: like qualifying. Friends Jovi and Sarah change, shower (a walk-in shower feels win the semi-final though, so we are like a luxury) and unpack. Then we optimistic for them. Also, an English get the bus back to his place, where he Dealer North. Game All. team wins the open teams so there is cooks me dinner and generally takes ♠ 10 cause for celebration there. care of me. n ♥ J 10 5 4 In the evening we go back to the fish ♦ K Q 10 restaurant at the Marina. Ten of us sit ♣ K J 8 6 3 in the open air by the water as they To support Little Voice, ♠ J 9 ♠ Q 8 7 2 bring us delicious food (the down side send your used stamps to: ♥ A K 9 2 N ♥ 7 3 is the haggling over the bill as they W E ♦ A 6 5 2 ♦ J 4 3 claim we have had a lot more than S Malcolm Finebaum ♣ A Q 5 ♣ 10 9 7 2 we actually did). I am exhausted now. ♠ A K 6 5 4 3 As the others head for the bar, I retire Flat 8 Mountford House ♥ Q 8 6 hurt. 8 Crescent Road ♦ 9 8 7 ♣ 4 THURSDAY Enfield EN2 7BL Little Voice work directly

No bridge today – or formal bridge at with an impoverished urban West North East South any event. We all get up late, but in the Pass Pass 2♦ afternoon sit by the pool and throw a community to support the Dbl Rdbl Pass 2♠ few cards around. economic development of Dbl All Pass In the evening Debbie and I go out women, to provide primary to dinner with Richard and Simon. education to children and Partner’s first double shows either 13- This is a really lovely place: the water vocational opportunities to 15 balanced or any good hand. Her laps at the edge of the terrace and youth. second double is for take-out. seagulls fly around; small fishing boats www.littlevoicefoundation.org It doesn’t look likely to me that we are moored next to us. We sit outside

BRIDGE September 2019 Page 37 Mr Bridge Holidays Croatia 2020 at Hotel Eden, Rovinj

5-19 May 2020 from £1599 per person sharing or one week from £1179 per person sharing 5-12 May or 12-19 May Hosted by Will & Sylvia Parsons 2019 2020 4-6 October £218 24-26 January £238 Rovinj is situated on the western coast of Istria in Croatia, Just Duplicate Signals & Discards boasting a rich natural and cultural heritage with beauti- 8-10 November £218 21-23 February £218 ful landmarks such as the old town and the Golden Cape Just Duplicate Just Duplicate Park Forest. Rovinj has many loyal visitors and has de- 13-15 March £238 15-17 November £264 veloped into a popular tourist destination. The climate is Further into the Auction warm and semi-dry, with 134 sunny days in a year, Rovinj Key Card Blackwood & Slams is the third sunniest spot in the Adriatic. Hosted by Bernard Magee 24-26 April £224 Just Duplicate Hotel Eden is wedged right between a peninsula covered 1-3 May £246 by a one hundred year old park forest and a quiet cove. Doubling for Improvers The old city centre is just a 20 minute walk away. 5-7 June £224 Just Duplicate 6-8 November £224 Just Duplicate 13-15 November £246 Leads & Defence

Close to the heart of Bournemouth, the Elstead Hotel is situated Bridge: in a quiet, tree-lined avenue. The attractive and spacious air- conditioned restaurant has an excellent reputation for traditional, Land based holidays allow time for plenty of bridge, but home-cooked food. there is also time to both visit the local area and just sit back and relax. Over the fortnight the bridge programme The Nordic Leisure Club offers the very best of leisure facilities for includes four seminar & set hands sessions, which gives a Hotel in Dorset - including a 46’ heated pool and fitness suite. you the opportunity to enhance your bridge skills, as well as duplicate bridge every evening. You can play as much or as little as you wish and the excursions* are fitted around the bridge programme to maximise your enjoyment. Singles: There is a sole occupancy supplement of £12 per room per night. If you are a single bridge player please do not worry about being on your own. We will always be able to find you a partner so you can always have a Prices shown are per person, full board including tea & coffee during game. breaks and a welcome drinks party. Limited singles with no single supplement. Single players will be found a partner. The Mr Bridge team For an information pack and booking form will offer support during the set hand sessions, on the seminar events, and make up the numbers in the duplicates, so there should never be a ( Mr Bridge on 01483 489961 half table. Rooms are ensuite with tea & coffee making facilities. The or visit www.mrbridge.co.uk venue has a lift, pool, gym & free Wi-Fi in the lounges. Half board only, including flights from Gatwick. Selected regional flights may be available at a supplement. Terms and conditions apply. For details and bookings call These holidays have been organised for Mr Bridge by Great Little Escapes LLP, ATOL 5933. *Excursions are not included in the price of the Mr Bridge Holidays  01483 489961

Page 38 BRIDGE September 2019 Answers to Julian Pottage’s Defence Quiz on page 15

West North East South You have scored one trick with the ♥K 1. ♠ 5 1NT* and can see two more with the ♠A and ♥ J 10 3 Pass 2♣* Pass 2♠ ♣K. If you are going to beat the contract, ♦ A K 10 9 4 3 Pass 4♠ All Pass the best bet is to switch to a low spade ♣ K Q 8 *12-14 and Stayman (probably after cashing the ♣K first) in ♠ A 8 4 2 ♠ K Q 10 9 7 3 the hope that partner has the ♠Q but not ♥ A 7 4 N ♥ 5 You lead the ♦J: ♦K, ♦2 and ♦3. Play at the ♠J and that declarer guesses wrongly, W E ♦ ♦ ♠ ♠ 7 S 8 6 2 trick two is the Q, on which go the 7, calling for a low spade from dummy. At ♣ J 10 6 5 3 ♣ 9 7 2 ♠6 and ♠K. How should you continue? teams or rubber bridge, you would do ♠ J 6 A count of the points tells that you that. At matchpoints, however, the risk of ♥ K Q 9 8 6 2 that partner has between 5 and 7. losing your ♠A if declarer guesses right ♦ Q J 5 One possibility is that these include the or has the ♠Q or no spade honour is too ♣ A 4 ♣A-Q – but there is no rush to play clubs high. Just cash out to save the overtrick. because declarer has shown a (and partner might have followed West North East South with a lower trump if holding good clubs). 4. ♠ 9 7 5 2♠* 3♥ The pesky ♣9 in dummy means that ♥ A 7 5 3 4♠ 5♥ All Pass you cannot set up a club trick if partner ♦ K 10 3 * Weak has the ♣Q but not the ♣A, so instead ♣ K Q 6 you should play for partner to be short ♠ A Q 10 6 4 3 2 ♠ Void You lead the ♦7: ♦A, ♦8 and ♦5. Play at in hearts and try for a ruff there. Since ♥ Q J N ♥ 10 8 6 4 2 trick two starts with the ♥J, on which go you do not expect declarer to hold four ♦ A W E ♦ 9 8 2 S the ♥5 and ♥2. What is your plan? hearts and you have no entry other than ♣ J 10 3 ♣ A 8 7 5 2 You have two aces and would like to ♥A, you should switch to a low heart. A ♠ K J 8 score a ruff to defeat the contract. If you ruff is then on if partner has either ♥K-x ♥ K 9 find partner with the ♣A, indeed you can (as here) or two low hearts and ♠A-x-x. ♦ Q J 7 6 5 4 beat it by two tricks – but declarer is more ♣ 9 4 likely to hold that card. While you might assume that partner, who bid spades, 3. ♠ K 5 holds the ♠K, you do not need to assume. ♥ J 8 5 West North East South Holding three hearts you can the ♦ K Q 10 8 6 4 Pass ♥A and hope for an informative discard. ♣ A J 1♠ Pass Pass 2♦ When partner discards the ♠K or ♠10 on ♠ A 10 4 2 ♠ J 9 7 6 3 2♠ 3♦ All Pass the second round of trumps, you know it ♥ K 7 N ♥ 10 4 W E ♠ ♦ 9 7 5 ♦ J 2 ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ is safe to underlead your A. S You lead the J: K, A and 4. Back ♣ K 10 6 3 ♣ Q 7 5 2 comes the ♣8: ♣9, ♣10 and ♣Q. Now ♠ Q 8 comes the ♦3 covered by the ♦9, ♦Q and 2. ♠ Q J 5 2 ♥ A Q 9 6 3 2 ♦A. What is your plan? ♥ Q J 10 5 ♦ A 3 Partner’s pass over your 1♠ opening ♦ K 8 ♣ 9 8 4 marks the remaining high cards on your ♣ K J 9 right. The play has also been revealing. ♠ K 4 ♠ 9 7 3 With three low spades in dummy, why do ♥ A 8 7 3 N ♥ K 4 West North East South you think partner returned a club rather ♦ J 10 5 4 W E ♦ Q 7 2 1♥ than switch to spades? Well you might S ♣ 10 8 3 ♣ Q 7 6 5 2 Pass 2♦ Pass 2♥ have led a singleton and be wanting a ♠ A 10 8 6 Pass 4♥ All Pass ruff – but a void in spades is the more ♥ 9 6 2 likely reason – indeed the high ♣8 and ♦ A 9 6 3 You lead the ♣3: ♣A, ♣7 and ♣4. Play at the high ♦9 both look like signals for ♣ A 4 trick two starts with the ♥5, on which go spades. Aiming to score your ♠A-Q and the ♥4, ♥Q and ♥K. What is your plan? get a ruff, you switch to a low spade. n

BRIDGE September 2019 Page 39 CHARITY EVENTS READERS’ SEPTEMBER 2019 13 GREAT BARFORD BOWLS CLUB Greatt Barford Bowls Club, MK44 3BG. Tickets £15. LETTERS Beryl Seymour ( 01767 449116 [email protected] or Pat Martin-Moran ( 01234 870198 [email protected] VULNERABILITY even undoubled, is a It has sometimes been different story. Minus 200 OCTOBER 2019 contended that “Vulnerability is almost always a terrible 2 NSPCC serves little purpose in score, in part because if Danny House, New Way Lane, Hurstpierpoint, duplicate bridge”. I would your opponents might have West Sussex. BN6 9BB. contend that it is of huge bid a makeable game £12 inc a delicious tea. importance in duplicate. Do but foolishly stay in a part Belinda Toop ( 07860 736077 you open the bidding? Do score you have given them [email protected] you make an overcall? Do a top without them doing 4 LOCAL CHARITIES you punish the opponents anything clever. Minus 200 St Neots Outdoor Bowling Club, PE19 1AP. or bid on? Do you make turns every partscore bid £15. a high level ? and made by the opposition Jean Searle ( 01480 212298 One of the first things into a good score. 10 NSPCC I look at when the board These comments touch Oake Village Hall, Taunton, arrives is the vulnerability as only a small part of the TA4 1JA. £18.50 inc lunch & wine. it determines much of what I vulnerability issue. It would Fay Thomas ( 01823 336443 will be thinking and bidding. take an article rather than 11 St NICHOLAS HOSPICE CARE In duplicate it is the a letter to discuss them all. New Green Centre, Thurston, absolute score that matters. Suffice to say, when you IP31 3TG. £12 inc a delicious tea. That is why bidding and next play in a duplicate Celia Jeal ( 01284 728350 making 4NT is so much more at your club, keep a close [email protected] important than bidding and eye on the vulnerability. 24 CHARITY CHOSEN BY WINNER making 4 hearts. That extra Lyn Fry, by email. Methodist Church Hall, 10 points for No Trumps will Coincidentally, Julian Pottage Paradise Road, change whether you get a top deals with vulnerability Downham Market, PE38 9JE. board and score well or just in his FAQ column in the £5 inc tea, coffee & cakes. get a run of the mill score. October issue of BRIDGE. Terry Mann ( 01553 617585 Now consider that your [email protected] opponents have bid to 4 NEW POLICY NEEDED 31 SAYERS CROFT TRUST Spades and you think they It’s high time you had Ewhurst Youth Sports Centre, will make it. If you sacrifice recycling instructions printed Broomers Lane, Ewhurst, and go down two doubled, on the plastic wrapper the GU6 7RB. £40.00 per table. it is a great thing when you magazine comes in. Better Bruce Dean ( 01483 277863 are non-vulnerable because still, switch to compostable they will only score 300 but potato starch wrappers. if you are vulnerable they will Michael McCormick, NOVEMBER 2019 score 500 and they will be Smith Portland, Dorset. 8 COPLE PARISH CHURCH the ones to get a top board. Cople Village Hall, Cople, MK44 3TT. £15. Think now about part RING IN THE NEW Jane Peeke ( 01234 838379 scores. Your opponents Thank you for the lovely [email protected] can bid and make 2NT. If cards which arrived last ( or Julie Scherrer 01234 838623 you protect against them Friday. I help run a very small [email protected] and go down two non- club on a Monday afternoon vulnerable that is only 100 and after we had finished this To advertise your charity event, please email (or are doubled and go one week I brought all the boards [email protected] down, again for 100) that home. Yesterday my husband There is no charge for this advert. is fine against their gain of and I set to and replaced all 120. Two down vulnerable, the cards in our boards.

Page 40 BRIDGE September 2019 It was a lovely gesture political journal. Thus it is belated best wishes on BERNARD on your part to supply up to Mr Bridge to make his your first anniversary. them so cheaply and I readers aware of the events MAGEE’S hope all the other clubs bridge players may attend STILL GETTING BETTER TUTORIAL that purchased them are to enjoy their game and it is As a subscriber, I often see CDs as pleased as we are. up to those exercising their letters criticising the content Mrs Jean Harrison, options to take account of the of this magazine – too ADVANCED Lonan, Isle of Man. environmental implications, many advertisements, too DECLARER PLAY choosing their mode of complicated articles etc. l Overtricks in No- A GOLDEN PRAYER transport accordingly. I cannot claim to always trumps Blessed are they who bring Ms Gibbon made her get Bernard Magee’s or the l Overtricks in Suit back memories of yesterday. choice. Surely, it is up to other contributors quizzes Contracts Blessed are they who others to make theirs. first time – or indeed the l Endplays l Avoidance understand my faltering Tim Friedman by email. second. However, they are l Wrong Contract steps and shaky hand. always informative and l Simple Squeezes Blessed are they who know thought - provoking. BEGINNERS l Counting the Hand that my ears today must strain I cannot thank you I am amazed that every l Trump Reductions & to catch the things they say. enough for advertising my successive issue of the Coups Blessed are they who book in BRIDGE. Sales magazine contains yet more l Playing Doubled seem to know that my eyes are quite slow now but new information and ideas. Contracts are dim and wits are slow. 10,000 over 20 years. I especially like Sally l Safety Plays Blessed are they who We really enjoy your Brock’s articles when looked away when the cup magazine especially the she admits to making a ADVANCED spilled at my table today. bridge problems and mistake, though no doubt ACOL BIDDING Blessed are they with a Readers’ Letters page. not as many as I do. l Basics cheery smile who stop to Your holidays are excellent, David Bird’s Robin Hood l Advanced Basics l Weak Twos chat for a little while. especially Worthing. We Adventures are both fun and l Strong Hands Blessed are they who are disappointed not to fascinating – but how do l Defence to Weak never say “You’ve told be spending Christmas they always get such good Twos that story twice today” with you, but Denham hands? Who cares about l Defence to 1NT Blessed are they who make Grove is not quite up to minor historical inaccuracies l Doubles it known that I am loved, standard. However, your – it is fiction – geddit? l Two-suited Overcalls respected and not alone. usual director and team As to adverts – if there are l Defences to Other Blessed are they who know are excellent as usual. some contributors who must Systems l Misfits and I am at a loss to find the So pleased you are have ad-free magazines, Distributional Hands strength to carry my cross. back to good health. either let them pay the Blessed are they who in Jack Harris and I got no-doubt much higher cost FIVE-CARD loving ways ease the days married 14 August 2018. or better still, include an MAJORS on my journey home. He is 98 and was once a advert for a pair of scissors. & Strong No- St. Patrick’s Missionaries, Lancaster (bomber) pilot. Finally, and even more Trump Datchet, Slough. We both enjoy playing incredibly, every magazine l Opening Bids bridge at our excellent local can be downloaded from & Responses FREE WILL club, Tunbridge Wells. the website by anyone, l No-Trump Openings Having recently returned I have retained my name. within a couple of l Support for Partner from a bridge holiday Angela Tompson, months of publication. l Slams & Strong Openings reached by air travel, your Tunbridge Wells, Kent. However, I do not l Rebids correspondent Ms Fiona Denham Grove is under begrudge a penny of my l Minors & Misfits Gibbon, see Readers’ new ownership and has subscription. So, keep up the l Pre-empting Letters in BRIDGE, July been extensively refitted and good work and may you live l Doubles 2019 number 200, urges refurbished. Perhaps you for many more years knowing l Overcalls Mr Bridge “to work out an should give it another go. how we value all your efforts. l Competitive Auctions environmental policy” to Congratulations on your Phillip Stanhope, combat “environmental marriage last year and Carshalton Beeches, Surrey. ALSO damage”. I cannot see l Defence (see p32) that Ms Gibbon has got Write to Mr Bridge at: Ryden Grange, Knaphill, l Declarer Play (see p28) l Acol Bidding (see p25) this the right way round. Surrey GU21 2TH or e-mail [email protected] As its title implies, BRIDGE E-mail correspondents are asked to include their name, full postal is a magazine devoted to address, telephone number and to send no attachments. Letters ( 01483 489961 may be edited for length and clarity. the and not a www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop

BRIDGE September 2019 Page 41 Reviews by Shireen Mohandes Bridge Mix The Bridge Cartoons Of Charles M. Schulz

Published 2012 by About Comics. Available from Mr Bridge £5.00

here are only two honorary finished cartoons after Schulz had American Life Masters: Snoopy switched just to drawing layouts, did and Woodstock. In 1997 Roy not play the game at all. TG. Green, then Chief Executive of the It’s Only a Game was originally ACBL, the American equivalent of the intended to be solely and specifically EBU, presented the much-admired about bridge. By the time it was Charles Schulz (1922 – 2000) with released, it was three single-panel certificates for the duo. cartoons per each Sunday’s instalment, Bridge Mix, published in 2012 with the third always being about by About Comics, is an endearing bridge. collection of Schulz’s bridge cartoons from the late 1950s onwards. “The thing to remember about Schulz’s bridge cartoons,” says Nat Gertler, the publisher of Bridge Mix and author of three books on the history of Peanuts, “is that they’re not really about the game. They’re about the players – the emotional highs and lows of playing the game, and the occasional obsessiveness of living a life of bridge. That’s true for all the cartoons he did about sports and games – it’s the people he’s really interested in.” Nat Gertler added: Charles Schulz was an avid bridge player. Jim Sasseville, the artist who drew the

These panels are not the first time that Schulz cartooned about bridge. He had the Peanuts kids playing bridge as early as 1952, five years before he’d launch It’s Only a Game, the series that included the weekly bridge cartoons collected in this book. The entire run of It’s Only a Game, including the non-bridge cartoons as well as the bridge ones, is available in the book It’s Only a Game: The Complete Color Collection, also Nat Gertler published by About Comics. n

Page 42 BRIDGE September 2019 Re-boot Answers to Bernard Magee’s your Bidding Quizzes 1-3 Play on the cover and page 7 with Bernard Magee a little more strength and a bit of 1. Dealer North. Love All. distribution. However, it is the wrong ♠ A 7 6 ♠ 9 8 type of distribution – with a misfit for ♥ J 4 2 N ♥ K Q 10 9 7 3 your partner you should slow down ♦ K 7 6 W E ♦ Q 3 right away. There will be the odd hand S ♣ Q 8 4 3 ♣ A 6 2 when your partner has three spades and bidding 2♠ will work well, but more often than not it will lead to a poor result. West North East South You should only disturb your partner’s 1NT 2♥ Pass 2-level overcall for a very good reason Denham Grove, Uxbridge, ? – either with extra strength if you are Bucks UB9 5DG upping the level, or with a strong and Pass. Your partner has made a 2♥ long suit if keeping the level the same. 9-13 January 2020 overcall of 1NT, so should have a decent (Thursday – Monday) hand. However, he is limited by the fact that with a good 15 points or more he 3. Dealer North. Love All. from £479pp would have started with a double. ♠ 3 ♠ 9 8 2 You have 10 HCP but very flat ♥ A 8 4 N ♥ K Q J 9 7 3 Four Nights - Full Board - W E distribution – your losing trick count is ♦ A Q 10 6 5 4 S ♦ 8 2 No Single Supplement very poor. With no distribution you would ♣ 10 6 5 ♣ A J like to have 11 points to invite game. I like to take a full point off when I have a Topics designed to 4-3-3-3 shape, so evaluating your hand West North East South as nine, you should pass. 1NT 2♥ Pass benefit all levels, but East has a decent 2♥ overcall, but 8 ? focus on having a tricks may be the limit. 4♥. One final hand which is responding firm foundation for to partner’s overcall and this time you playing any contract. 2. Dealer North. Love All. have support and distribution. With 10 ♠ K 7 6 5 4 ♠ 8 2 HCP, three-card heart support, a good ♥ 8 N ♥ K Q J 7 6 3 6-card suit and a singleton you should W E ♦ A 7 6 5 ♦ K Q 3 be evaluating the hand close to 13 Sessions of supervised S ♣ ♣ play follow each lecture. A 4 3 6 2 points and therefore should skip over the invitation to game and instead go straight for 4♥. Your hand has good Optional duplicate West North East South heart support and the potential to either session every evening1. 1NT 2♥ Pass develop your diamond suit or to ruff ? spades. With both options it makes sense to go for game. Facing many minimum Contact Mr Bridge to Pass. Once again, your partner has overcalls game will be a good prospect, book your place overcalled 1NT and this time you have such as with this hand here. n Still or for further details. Only Ready in October. PLUS 15 £99 All 2019 purchasers of Q including ( 01483 489961 The very best Acol p&p playing software available. Q Plus 12 will receive a copy 1 Not directed by Bernard Magee. Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk of Q Plus 15 automatically.

BRIDGE September 2019 Page 43 David Stevenson answers your Frequently Asked Questions Alerting Doubles

t is strange that people find so follow these simple rules. Let us have a quick quiz: which of much difficulty in the alerting of Suppose your left hand opponent the following doubles are alertable? doubles since the rules are very bids 2♥ but it does not show hearts, Isimple. Perhaps the reason is that the what then? For example it is a transfer 1. 1NT (2♥) Dbl if it is (A1) penalties alerting is rather different from the bid in response to 1NT, so it shows or (A2) takeout? alerting of bids or passes. spades. Then if your partner doubles Let us start with the simplest rule of and he is showing hearts and is hoping 2. 1NT (3♥) Dbl if it is (B1) penalties all. In Scotland no doubles are alerted to penalise them or is just telling you or (B2) takeout? whatever their meaning. Personally I what to lead, you do not alert. If it find it very strange. For example, my means anything else then you alert. 3. (1NT) Dbl (2♣) Dbl (2♦) Dbl where partner and I play 1♥ (2♠) Dbl to show Similarly if the opponents bid no- both the first two doubles are for clubs, which is very unusual. But we trumps a double is either for penalties penalties: do you alert the third double are not allowed to alert it! The bulk of or it is alerted. Again the earlier if it is (C1) penalties or (C2) takeout? this article will be about the alerting auction does not matter and these rules in England and Wales, and then rules apply below the four level. In Scotland you alert none. In we shall deal with Ireland. So what To summarise, below the four level, England/Wales you alert A1, B1 and follows is right in England and Wales. if partner doubles a bid of a suit that C1: C1 surprises many people saying Suppose your left hand opponent shows that suit, or doubles a short “But it is obviously for penalties” but bids 2♥ and your partner doubles. minor, then do not alert if the double remember the idea is to have simple Should you alert? The first question is: is for takeout, alert otherwise. If easily followed rules. In the Republic what does 2♥ show? Assume it shows partner doubles a no-trump bid, or of Ireland you alert A1, B2 and C1: hearts. What is your partner’s double? a suit bid that does not show that remember it is only at the one- or two- If it is for takeout then you do not suit, do not alert if the double is for levels that you do not alert takeout alert. Now what is difficult about that? penalties, or is showing the suit bid, doubles in the Republic. In Northern People say that in some cases because alert otherwise. Ireland I suggest you alert A1, B1 or B2 of the earlier auction it is obvious that Above the three level the only and C1 as you are accustomed. it is for penalties. The trouble with that doubles that need alerting are those How about a trap question, just to is that what is obvious to one person asking for a lead of a particular suit see if you are reading carefully? Do is not obvious to another person that is not the suit bid, or are doubles not worry if you get this one wrong! and the old rule, which followed this of no-trumps that ask for a particular Which of the following doubles are idea, caused no end of trouble. So the lead. So a double of 4NT or 5♦ asking alertable? current rule says if 2♥ shows hearts do for a club lead requires an alert. not alert if double is for takeout, alert How about the Republic of Ireland? 4. (4♥) Dbl if it is (D1) penalties or if it is for any other reason, whatever The rules are even simpler. If you (D2) takeout? the earlier bidding. This applies to a double a natural suit bid at the one- or double of any bid of a suit below the two-level partner alerts unless it is for Scotland is easy: no alerts. In the 4-level, where the bid shows the suit takeout. If you double anything else Republic of Ireland you alert D2 bid in any auction whatever. It also partner alerts unless it is for penalties. because takeout doubles are only not applies if the bid is followed by two Once the bidding reaches opener for alerted after a one- or two-level bid. passes and a double. Another speciality the second time, you do not alert any In England/Wales you alert neither as is if the opponents open a short 1♣ double whatever the meaning if it is a you do not alert above 3NT except for or 1♦, an opening non- of double of 4♣ or higher. strange lead directing doubles. I can a minor that might have fewer than As for Northern Ireland, their alert hear you ask that you thought the rule three cards: it is treated as though rules do not mention doubles. They is different on the first round. But the they have shown the suit bid, so an are quite easygoing and it is best to English rule for alerting above 3NT unalerted double is for takeout. So it follow either the England/Wales rules on the first round only applies to suit is important to stop thinking what the or the Republic of Ireland rules and bids, not doubles, redoubles or NT normal meaning for the double is and no-one will worry. bids, a very strange distinction. n

Page 44 BRIDGE September 2019 Answers to Bernard Magee’s Bidding Quizzes 4-6 on the cover and page 7 and your partner’s (15+) you have a 4. Dealer North. E/W Game. good expectation of game and would ♠ 8 7 6 ♠ A 4 like your partner to choose between 4♠ ♥ 8 4 3 N ♥ A 5 and 3NT. To do this, you must jump to W E ♦ J 8 7 3 ♦ 9 6 4 3♠, showing your strength as opposed to Gourmet food at the S ♣ 4 3 2 ♣ K Q J 7 6 5 2♠ which would be weak. Two Bridges Here, your partner would choose 4♠ The second evening meal consists of which should make comfortably. In 1NT a five course tasting menu. Executive West North East South doubled, declarer has four top tricks Chef Mike Palmer’s creative flair 1NT Dbl Pass which means he would just go 3 down comes into its own with firm ? and he could count -500 as a victory! emphasis on the very best seasonal ingredients from local farmers, Pass. Your partner has doubled North’s fishermen and producers. Wine is supplied by a local specialist and ales 1NT opening, which usually shows a 6. Dealer North. E/W Game. from their own Dartmoor Brewery. good 15 or more points or a hand that ♠ 3 ♠ A K 5 4 2 can defeat 1NT. Your hand is grotesque ♥ 4 2 N ♥ A K 8 W E ♦ J 10 8 5 4 ♦ 9 2 2019 – you can supply nothing for your partner S 21-23 October £349 and would expect 1NT doubled to make. ♣ J 10 9 8 5 ♣ Q 4 3 You might be tempted to remove your Better Leads and Switches partner’s double by bidding. However, with Will Parsons take note of the second part of the West North East South 2020 description above – ‘or a hand that can 1NT Dbl Pass defeat 1NT’. ? 23-25 March £349 Bearing in mind your partner might be Doubles able to defeat 1NT by himself, there is 2♦. This hand is a tricky one. It would with Bernard Magee no sense in taking his double out to a seem reasonable to think that your hand contract which is likely to go a long way would be best played in a minor suit – 20-22 April £349 down and might well get doubled. most of the time your partner will have a Drawing Trumps As you can see, if you pass, then your fit for one of your suits. You might be able with Will Parsons partner will lead the ♣K against 1NT and to make a minor-suit contract whilst 1NT should rack up seven tricks for the de- may well be making by North. However, fence. how can you show both suits? The answer is that you cannot, but you can imagine that there might be a bit more bidding on 5. Dealer North. E/W Game. the hand and therefore make a plan to ♠ K Q J 6 5 ♠ A 4 2 show both suits if that happens. ♥ 7 6 3 N ♥ A K For this reason, I suggest bidding 2♦ – W E ♦ 4 ♦ J 10 6 5 S this might be wrong if it gets passed out, Prices shown are per person sharing a twin ♣ Q J 3 2 ♣ K 10 9 4 but if anybody bids again, you can show or double bedroom, full board including tea your second minor, 3♣ and by bidding & coffee during breaks and a welcome this way you have given your partner the drinks party. There is a single supplement at Two Bridges of £70, subject to availability. West North East South choice between the two suits at the same Single players will always be found a partner. 1NT Dbl Pass level. If you start with 2♣ then rebid 3♦, The Mr Bridge team will offer support during ? your partner would have to bid 4♣ if he the set hand sessions and make up the numbers in the duplicates, so there should likes clubs, which is not so good. never be a half table. Room upgrades may 3♠. The vulnerability is key on this board: Here the auction would go 2♦ from be available at a supplement. you expect to get 1NT doubled down, but you and 2♠ from your partner, but you, All rooms are ensuite, have tea & coffee will it be worth more than a game? It is as planned bid 3♣. Your partner knows making facilities and have free Wi-Fi. Please note there is no lift at this hotel. a strange thing that making nine tricks you are weak because you took out the against 1NT doubled (getting them three double at the 2-level, so he should not For details and bookings call down) is worth 500 but making nine be excited – he should simply pass 3♣. Mr Bridge Holidays tricks in your own game would be worth 3♣ is likely to go one off, but that is  01483 489961 600. Change the vulnerability and things better than 1NT doubled and making would be different. With your strength (likely with an overtrick). n

BRIDGE September 2019 Page 45 A world of bridge Fireside Chats with Mike Lawrence gift ideas Entries

Bridge pen set A set of four beautiful ballpoint pens with our own ‘four suits’ design. Packaged in a satin-lined gift box, the lid of which has the Part Eight four suit symbols embossed in gold. The ideal present for your bridge-playing friends. tempting ♥J and West will rise with £17.95 Dealer South. Game All. his ♥Q if South leads a low one. ♠ Q J 10 9 3 There is a technique that works. If ♥ A 9 2 you have not found a sure line yet, look ♦ 6 4 further to see if you can find one. ♣ Q 6 2 The winning line makes an ♠ 8 2 ♠ 7 6 5 4 assumption. It assumes that West ♥ K Q 8 4 N ♥ 7 6 5 has the ♥K and ♥Q, a fair wish given W E ♦ Q J 8 5 ♦ 10 9 S that leading the king from any other ♣ 8 7 4 ♣ K J 9 5 holding is nearly impossible. Art-deco Playing Cards ♠ A K Instead of making the instinctive We’ve designed these high- ♥ J 10 3 play of the ♥A, which guarantees a quality playing cards featuring ♦ A K 7 3 2 second heart trick, let West have the 1920s lady golfers. Packed in a ♣ A 10 3 ♥K. You will unblock the ten or jack clear box of two decks, they are from your hand. offered at a special introductory West is on lead and he has no good price of just £9.95 West North East South plays. If he does not lead a heart, you 1♦ have all the time you need to play on Pass 1♠ Pass 2NT spades. Most likely you will end up Pass 3♥* Pass 3♠ with ten tricks. Eleven is possible too. Pass 3NT All Pass If West leads another heart, you finesse the ♥9 if West leads a low heart The bidding used an unusual and if he leads the ♥Q, you win the convention. When South rebid 2NT, ace and finish unblocking with the ♥J. North bid 3♥, a transfer bid, telling This play leaves the ♥9 as your entry to Velvet Bridge Cloth South to bid 3♠. South did and North’s the dummy. n £32.95 3NT bid offered South a choice of games. Much as if South had opened Despatched by first class post or with 2NT. I can think of about four CLUB DPD Courier service for just £3.25 methods you can use after a 2NT rebid INSURANCE CARDS, CLOTHS, JIGSAWS and suggest that this is an area which Every club should be you should discuss and choose from AND LOTS MORE GIFT covered and my inclusive IDEAS ON OUR WEBSITE amongst the methods. ♥ package, to suit clubs of www.bridge-tables.co.uk West leads the K. There are ten top up to 300 members for less tricks if you can get them. Can you do than £75 per year, is the PHONE that? right package at the right Here is one line of play that you price. 01483 270100 might expect to see. If South takes the Contact FIDENTIA for a quote or order online at ♥A and unblocks his ten (or jack) he www.bridge-tables.co.uk can cash the top spades and can try to ( 020 3150 0080 SR Designs for Bridge get to dummy but it won’t work. West Unit A1, Send Business Park, Woking GU23 7EF [email protected] will not take his ♥Q if South leads a

mrbridgead-24-5-19.indd 1 24/05/2019 10:14:46 Page 46 BRIDGE September 2019 Answers to Bernard Magee’s Bidding Quizzes 7-9 on the cover and page 7

7. Dealer South. Love All. no diamond support. Bear in mind that 2020 ♠ J 8 7 6 ♠ 9 3 your partner has another chance to bid if ♥ A 4 N ♥ 8 7 5 he wishes. With three hearts you should 10-14 February £479 ♦ 9 8 7 6 W E ♦ A K Q pass and can reasonably hope that your S ♣ K Q 2 ♣ A J 10 9 7 partner will make a take-out double of Reboot Your Acol 2♥ if he is short in hearts, over which you Hosted by Bernard Magee can show your spade suit. in Lytham St Anne’s West North East South As it is, your partner will pass 2♥ out 1NT and with accurate defence you might Pass 2♣* Dbl 2♥ get this two off for a very nice score. You ? lead a diamond (as your partner doubled * Stayman that suit) to your partner’s king and he switches to his singleton spade. He then 2NT. Your partner doubled North’s wins the first trump and can cross to your Stayman bid, what does he mean? ♣K for a spade ruff and then return to Generally, a double of an artificial your ♣A for a second ruff. On a really This event is the perfect bid shows the suit bid – here, clubs. good day you might get a diamond ruff opportunity to refresh your However, it can be done on strong hands as well for three off. bidding. too. You have a reasonable all-round hand, with good support for clubs and Cleverly designed in such a a heart stopper. Since you are happy to 9. Dealer North. Love All. way that both novices and compete to 3♣, your best practical bid is ♠ A 7 6 5 ♠ 3 seasoned players have plenty 2NT. Hopefully your partner will bid 3♣ ♥ 7 N ♥ A J 10 9 8 W E to learn. if he has a weak hand with long clubs, ♦ 9 7 2 ♦ A 8 6 4 S The six seminars are: but with a stronger type of hand he can ♣ A 10 9 8 4 ♣ Q J 5 raise to 3NT. You might be surprised to OPENER be thinking about game when North has RESPONDER bid Stayman, but quite a few players will West North East South use Stayman on weak hands as a way to 1NT 2♥ 2♠ RESPONDING TO 1NT escape. Pass Pass Dbl Pass OVERCALLS Here, your partner has clubs and a ? decent hand so would raise to 3NT. LAWS & ETHICS 3♣. Your partner has made a 2♥ overcall IMPROVING BRIDGE MEMORY and then followed up with a double of 8. Dealer South. Game All. South’s 2♠ bid. What does his calling Bernard Magee and his team ♠ J 8 7 3 2 ♠ 9 suggest? will be on hand to support ♥ 8 7 6 N ♥ A 5 3 The first thing to note is that with very W E ♦ ♦ you through the ever popular 6 5 S A K 8 4 3 strong hands he would have started with set hand sessions. ♣ A K 2 ♣ J 7 6 5 a double of 1NT, which in turn means that he cannot have a hand that thinks Optional duplicate sessions 2♠ will certainly be defeated – therefore every evening are directed West North East South his double must be for take-out. He by Bernard Magee’s team. 1NT should have six hearts or a strong five- Pass 2♦* Dbl 2♥ card suit for his overcall, but is likely to Prices shown are per person ? be short in spades for his double. He is sharing. Limited singles * transfer to hearts asking you to support his hearts with a available at no supplement. reasonable holding in that suit or bid a Terms and conditions apply. Pass. East has doubled a transfer bid, suit of your own. so once again you expect him to hold the You have an easy call of 3♣ and your For details and bookings call suit bid and he might be quite strong. His partnership has found its best fit. Your Mr Bridge Holidays  01483 489961 double is not for take-out so over 2♥ you spade suit is too weak to contemplate have no reason to bid since you have passing the double. n

BRIDGE September 2019 Page 47 The Diaries of Wendy Wensum Episode 89: A Marginal Contract

eorge and Sarah were sitting 1NT (12-14). I was West and bid a 2♥ (Multi- style) showing at a half table and Millie very shaded 2♣ showing five-five in hearts and a minor. With only a small and I joined them. Players hearts and a minor. Sarah, knowing doubleton in hearts, rightly or wrongly, Gwere assembling for the start of we would not stop in 2♣, passed and Jo decided to play in 3♣ and so bid a the evening’s duplicate pairs at the Millie converted to 2♥. George and I style 2NT, requesting Kate Riverside. ‘Hi. George, how did you both passed, after which Sarah’s 3NT to bid clubs. Kate forgot the system get on in the triathlon the other week?’ closed the auction. and assumed it was an invitation to was my greeting. George, known in 3NT. With a good 13 HCP she bid club circles as the Jogger, had recently West North East South game. extended his talents to a higher level. Wendy Sarah Millie George ‘Not too bad, I came third in my age 1NT12-14 West North East South class and forty-second overall.’ ‘But 2♣1 Pass 2♥ Pass Jo Kate did you enjoy it?’ I enquired. ‘Yes, Pass 3NT All Pass 1NT12-14 I did. I was second at the end of the 1 Hearts and a minor 2♥1 2NT2 Pass 3NT swimming stage and then moved up All Pass to first in my class after the cycling. I led the ♥5 hoping to find Millie with 1 Hearts & a minor. 2 Intended as Lebensohl. Unfortunately in the final run I was the jack (or even more hopefully the overtaken by two more experienced ace). When dummy was faced I could As West asked his partner, ‘Any runners,’ he explained enthusiastically. see this was a tight contract. Without questions?’ Jo explained that she ‘I seem to recall you aren’t the fastest some sort of heart stopper I thought intended her 2NT bid to be Lebensohl, jogger around,’ noted Millie in rather Sarah’s jump to game was a bit but their opponents made no fuss and negative tones. ‘Never mind. It was ambitious. Millie’s jack won the first West led a small heart. East won with your first triathlon and third is an trick and she returned the ♥6. George the jack and returned another heart. excellent result,’ I contributed by played low and I won with the queen. Kate ducked and West won with the way of encouragement. ‘How many I put George with the ♥A and at most queen. Now West was careless and competitors were in your age class?’ ten HCP elsewhere. With luck Millie returned a third heart. This allowed Jo asked Millie suspiciously. ‘Well only had potential winners somewhere in to make her contract with an overtrick three,’ admitted George now looking a her hand. I could lead a third heart by taking four tricks in both black bit crestfallen. ‘At least you took part; to knock out the ace, but there was suits and the two red aces. We all we’re nearly all couch potatoes at this no obvious entry to my winners. It agreed that the 3NT contract with only club,’ was my consoling response. Our was a bit of a guess, but I led a low one stopper in hearts was marginal. first board gave all four of us various diamond. George ducked, and Millie Millie noted rather disparagingly that problems as it progressed through won with the king. She exited with the threadbare overcalls over 1NT were bidding and play. jack. George had a dilemma. His slim becoming the norm at the Riverside. hope of making the contract seemed Discussion returned to George and to be that I had started with five hearts his athleticism. As a group, bridge Dealer South. Love All. and six diamonds, and that Millie players might lack physical fitness, ♠ A J 5 held the missing ♣A and a doubleton but playing the game appears to keep ♥ 8 4 diamond. George now tried the ♦A. brains in reasonable shape. Millie ♦ A 9 2 It was to no avail. Millie held a third retorted that George needed to be ♣ Q 10 9 5 2 diamond and the ♣A. We took two mentally alert if Sarah always made ♠ 8 7 ♠ 10 6 3 2 hearts, one club and four diamonds. him play awkward contracts. Kate ♥ K Q 7 5 3 N ♥ J 6 2 The contract failed by three tricks. returned to the subject of triathlon: ♦ Q 7 6 5 3 W E ♦ K J 10 S Of course George could have settled ‘If George finished forty-second ♣ 7 ♣ A 8 6 for one off by winning the ♥A at his overall in the triathlon; I wonder how ♠ K Q 9 4 first opportunity and conceding four many competitors had participated. ♥ A 10 9 hearts and the ♣A. The figure might be forty-two. Men ♦ 8 4 In the pub later, Jo, Kate, Millie and tend to exaggerate you know.’ At this ♣ K J 4 3 I looked at the board in more detail. point much giggling ensued. Further When played by Jo and Kate, the comment was curtailed by Millie’s bidding was rather error prone. Kate inquiry: ‘Now, come on girls, whose As South, George dealt and opened opened 1NT as dealer. West overcalled round is it?’ n

Page 48 BRIDGE September 2019 Answers to Bernard Magee’s luxury bridge mat Bidding Quizzes 10-12 Just £24.99 plus £4.99 p & p on the cover and page 7

have expected my partner to bid spades 10. Dealer North. Love All. straight away if he only held spades, so I ♠ 7 6 4 ♠ A 10 5 2 would place East with clubs and spades ♥ J 8 3 2 N ♥ 4 on this deal. Furthermore, you have seen W E ♦ 7 6 ♦ K Q 4 3 North pass South’s response to Stayman, S ♣ A J 8 3 ♣ Q 10 9 5 so it looks like he has a weak hand. I expect East to be reasonably strong for his bidding and so would like to show West North East South my strength too by bidding 2NT: you 1NT Pass 2♦* have a good heart stopper and 10 HCP. Pass 2♥ Dbl Pass East is full value for his bids so can raise ? to 3NT. * transfer to hearts Note, that it is difficult for East to get the strength of his hand across because 3♣. East passes on the first round but he was in fourth position and both his op- then makes a double of North’s 2♥ bid ponents had already called. Had North on the next round. Doubles in no-trump passed on the first round then East could auctions are often for penalties, but not have made a penalty double to show his Thick woven surface makes on the second round – if your side has strength more clearly. an ideal playing surface and not bid and the opponents have made protects your table. a weak take-out or used a transfer, then Very popular with Bridge doubles of the natural suit bid can be 12. Dealer North. Love All. Clubs. 78cms wide so it fits used for take-out. East is showing about ♠ 9 8 7 6 ♠ A Q 5 10-14 HCP and shortage in hearts. He is ♥ 2 N ♥ A K 9 8 7 a standard 80cms card table W E ♦ ♦ looking to compete for the contract. A 4 2 S 7 6 Your job is to bid your best suit outside ♣ Q J 6 5 2 ♣ K 9 3 Padded table bag. hearts, so you bid 3♣. Once again your £39.00 + £4.99 p&p side has found its best fit. West North East South 1NT Dbl 2♦ 11. Dealer South. Love All. Pass Pass 2♥ Pass ♠ 7 6 ♠ A K 4 3 ? ♥ A K 4 2 N ♥ 7 6 W E ♦ J 8 7 5 2 ♦ 4 3 ♣ S 3 . East makes a penalty double on the ♣ Q 8 ♣ A K J 7 6 first round of the auction and then bids 2♥ over South’s 2♦ call. What can you expect from your partner on this hand? West North East South 15+ HCP and a heart suit – usually he Large enough to take a standard 80cms bridge table. Made from 1NT will have five – it is not the same as a tough nylon with carrying straps Pass 2♣* Dbl 2♥ normal overcall where you might expect and Velcro fixing. Ideal for Pass Pass 2♠ Pass a six-card suit. storing or carrying your table. ? Your job is to help your partnership * Stayman find the best contract – it is a choice be- Order online or by phone tween trying 2NT or 3♣. With your one www.designsforbridge.co.uk 2NT. Your partner has been even busier entry to hand likely to disappear quickly, on this deal – he has started by doubling 3♣ looks the safest option. 01483 270 100 North’s Stayman bid and then followed East should pass your 3♣ bid and you with a 2♠ call at his next turn. Once again reach a sensible contract. SR Designs for Bridge this is a tricky hand and might depend In 2NT with the ♦A knocked out early Unit A1, Send Business Park, on your partnership style. However, on you may well be cut off from your Send, Woking, Surrey GU23 7EF playing with a random partner I would clubs. n

BRIDGE September 2019 Page 49

Sally Brock Looks At Your Slam Bidding

on the lovely Isle of Wight Sally’s Slam Clinic

Where did we go wrong? bid the slam; he was also one of only five players (out of 35) to make 12 2020 Alun Williams sent me this hand tricks! which was his first deal in the Friday 20-24 February £425 night duplicate at Menai Bridge: Dealer East. Love All. Declarer Play ♠ 10 8 7 4 ♠ Void ♠ J 10 4 ♥ A J 10 4 ♥ A K Q J 10 5 4 N ♥ 9 6 ♦ K Q 5 3 Hosted by Bernard Magee W E ♦ K J ♦ A 9 7 6 4 ♣ 8 S ♣ A K Q 6 ♣ J 9 2 ♠ K ♠ J 9 2 2-6 November £375 ♥ K 8 6 3 N ♥ 7 2 W E ♦ 7 2 S ♦ J 9 6 4 Doubles and Their bidding was: ♣ K J 9 7 4 2 ♣ Q 10 6 3 Laws & Ethics ♠ A Q 6 5 3 West East ♥ Q 9 5 Hosted by Will Parsons 2♣ 2♦ ♦ A 10 8 What makes the Isle of Wight so 4♥ ♣ A 5 different is that there you will find the best of Southern England’s Where did they go wrong? The answer landscape features condensed into is that space-consuming leap to 4♥. West North East South an area of just 147 square miles, all A jump to 3♥ sets the suit and asks Pass 1♠ easily accessible and unspoilt by the 2♣ 4♣ Pass 4♦ many large developments to be seen partner to cue bid. Here partner ♦ ♥ ♣ elsewhere. Here, you can still find would bid 4 and it is easy to bid the Pass 4 Pass 5 miles and miles of wild and beautiful grand slam (you might prefer to ask Pass 5♦ Pass 6♠ coastlines, a green heartland of for aces just in case partner’s cue bid All Pass tranquility and a enchanting rural is a singleton – it is unusual to ask for community almost untouched by aces when you have a void but here Andrew received a low club lead to the modern urban pressures, it is little partner has denied a spade control so queen and ace and reasoned that the wonder why so many choose to stay if he has an ace you know it will be in ♥K had to be right as there was little on the Isle of Wight. diamonds). left for West to hold (given he was missing the ♣Q). So, he laid down the Slam of the month ♠A and was rewarded when the ♠K dropped. After that it was easy enough Andrew Shillam sent in this slam deal to take a heart finesse and make 12 from a simultaneous pairs. He and his tricks. A good auction and accurate partner were not only the only pair to play. Well done. ■

Prices shown are per person, full board including tea & coffee during breaks and a welcome drinks party. Price also includes ferry fare for two adults in one car. There is no single room supplement and single players will always be found a partner. Bridge with Angela Singles in cars will incur a supplement. Sea view rooms may be available. The Mr Bridge team will offer support during the set hands sessions and Consolidate your basic skills with this easy to make up the numbers in the duplicates, so there should never be a half table. All rooms are read guide to Standard Bidding, Play, Defence & ensuite, have tea & coffee making facilities and have free internet. Conventions For details and bookings call Mr Bridge Holidays  01483 489961 £7.95 ( 01483 489961

Page 50 BRIDGE September 2019