In This Issue: Defense vs NoTrump by Larry Cohen ...... page 12 The Electronic Age by Harry Falk ...... page 14 The Kibitzer is Shirley Wright by Jon Shuster ...... page 16 Can You Score the Grand Slam? by Barnet Shenkin.... page 63 Palm Beach Gardens PGA National Resort & Spa Regional Tournament 400 Avenue of Champions UNIT 128 Palm Beach Gardens, FL (800) 633-9150 CELEBRITY May 28 through June 3 (561) 627-2000 TEACHER MON 1 pm Stratified Open Charity Pairs HOSTS MAY 7 pm Stratified Open Charity Pairs Shannon Cappelletti – (423) 400-0269 28 7 pm Bracketed Open Knockouts, Round 1 (cont’d Tues. 9 am, 1 pm, 7 pm) [email protected] SERIES 9:30 am Morning Fast Pairs Series (1 of 5) 10 am 299er Pairs (1 session event) Ray Wise – (813) 215-6623 10 am & 3 pm Stratified Senior Pairs (2 session event) [email protected] FEATURING… DAVID TUE 1 pm & 7 pm Stratified Open Pairs (2 session event) MAY 1 pm & 7 pm Primetime KOs I, Rounds 1 & 2 (rounds 3 & 4 cont’d Wed. 1 pm & 7 pm) PARTNERSHIPS AND LISA BERKOWITZ 29 1 pm Side Game Series I (1 of 6) Peggy Higginbotham – (904) 334-5272 3 pm 299er Pairs (1 session event) [email protected] World Class Lecturers And Players 7 pm Side Games Series I (2 of 6) 7 pm Stratified Swiss Teams (1 session event) Need a partner or teammates? 9:15 am-9:45 am Guest Speaker Visit the District 9 Online Partnership Desk at: Monday, May 28, 2012 9:30 am Morning Fast Pairs Series (2 of 5) bridgefinesse.com/D9PDeskIndex 9 am Compact KOs, Rounds 1 & 2 (rounds 3 & 4 cont’d Thur. 9 am , 4 person team only) HOSPITALITY PGA Hotel Palm Beach Gardens Florida 10 am 299er Pairs (1 session event) Please arrive by 9:30 WED 10 am & 3 pm Stratified Senior Pairs (2 session event) Coffee & Orange Juice Daily 1 pm & 7 pm FLORIDA GOLD PAIRS, 0-750, 300-750 Strata Pays Gold (two session event) Monday–Friday Evenings MAY 1 pm & 7 pm A/X Open Pairs, X=0-5000, A=Unlimited (two session event) First Session 30 1 pm & 7 pm Primetime KOs II, Rounds 1 & 2 (rounds 3 & 4 cont’d Thur. 1 pm & 7 pm) Open Hospitality Room 1 pm Side Game Series I (3 of 6) Everyone Welcome 9:45 am-12 Noon - Long Suit Establishment 3 pm 299er Pairs (1 session event) 7 pm Side Games Series I (4 of 6) Ice Cream and/or Desserts Noon-1:00 pm - Lunch 7 pm Stratified Swiss Teams (1 session event) Pizza and Beer 9:15 am-9:45 am Guest Speaker Second Session 9:30 am Morning Fast Pairs Series (3 of 5) Thursday through Saturday 9 am Compact KOs, Rounds 1 & 2 (rounds 3 & 4 cont’d Fri. 9 am , 4 person team only) Senior and I/N Breakfast 1:00-3:00 - Defensive Signals 10 am 299er Pairs (1 session event) THU 10 am & 3 pm Stratified Senior Pairs (2 session event) Hot Dogs and Beer $25 per person, includes both seminars and lunch (cash only, please) MAY 1 pm & 7 pm Stratified Open Pairs (2 session event) Subsidized Sunday Snacks 31 1 pm & 7 pm Primetime KOs III, Rounds 1 & 2 (rounds 3 & 4 cont’d Fri. 1 pm & 7 pm) Questions? Email Lisa at [email protected] or call Shannon at 423-400-0269 1 pm Side Game Series I (5 of 6) STRATA 3 pm 299er Pairs (1 session event) Open & Senior Events Advance registration required by May 21, email: [email protected] 7 pm Side Games Series I (6 of 6) These seminars are designed for novice and intermediate players, so non-life masters only. 7 pm Stratified Swiss Teams (1 session event) A=2000+, B=750-2000, C=0-750 9:15 am-9:45 am Guest Speaker Florida Gold Strats: Fee is subsidized by Unit 128. 9:30 am Morning Fast Pairs Series (4 of 5) Top=300-750, Bottom=0-300 9 am Compact KOs, Rounds 1 & 2 (rounds 3 & 4 cont’d Sat. 9 am , 4 person team only) Guaranteed Loads Of Fun! 10 am 299er Pairs (1 session event) A/X Strats: 10 am & 3 pm Stratified Senior Pairs (2 session event) A=5000+, X=0-5000 FRI 1 pm & 7 pm FLORIDA GOLD PAIRS, 0-750, 300-750 Strata Pays Gold (two session event) JUN 1 pm & 7 pm A/X Open Pairs, X=0-5000, A=Unlimited (two session event) 299er Events 1 1 pm & 7 pm Primetime KOs IV, Rounds 1 & 2 (rounds 3 & 4 cont’d Sat. 1 pm & 7 pm) A=200-300, B=100-200, C=0-100 Our members and directors were saddened to learn that 1 pm Side Game Series II (1 of 4) 3 pm 299er Pairs (1 session event) 299er Strata May Be Changed at Director's Discretion one of our members, Linda A. Apell, passed away on 7 pm Side Games Series II (2 of 4) All Pair Games are Stratified; All KOs and Sat. March 15, 2012. 7 pm Stratified Swiss Teams (1 session event) 2-Session Swiss are Bracketed; All Other Swiss 9:15 am-9:45 am Guest Speaker Linda was a valued bridge player and gracious lady. 9:30 am Morning Fast Pairs Series (5 of 5) are Stratified By Team Masterpoint Average 10 am 299er Pairs (1 session event) She will be dearly missed. SAT 10 am & 3 pm Stratified Senior Pairs (2 session event) DIRECTIONS JUN 1 pm & 7 pm Stratified Open Pairs (2 session event) From I-95, take Exit 78B onto PGA Blvd., 2 1 pm & 7 pm Bracketed Swiss Teams travel west 2½ miles then turn left onto Members & Directors 1 pm Side Game Series II (3 of 4) Avenue of Champions. Van's Friendship Bridge Club 3 pm 299er Pairs (1 session event) 7 pm Side Games Series II (4 of 4) From Florida's Turnpike, take Exit 109 to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida SUN 10 am Stratified Senior Swiss Teams, Two-session Playthrough with short break Palm Beach Gardens and turn right, 1/10 of JUN 10 am Stratified Open Swiss Teams, Two-session Playthrough with short break a mile, turn left into resort. 3 2 ACBL District 9 www.District9ACBL.org 3 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Charity Pairs—1pm Monday July 2 Open Knockouts (Rd. 1)—7pm (continues Tuesday) July 2 – July 8, 2012 Win an Entry Pairs 7pm Side Games —9am, 1pm and 7 pm Open Knockouts cont. (Rds. 2,3,4)—9am, 1pm and 7pm Stratified Senior Pairs—10am and 3pm Gold Coast Unit 243 Tuesday Gold Rush Pairs – 0-750 – 1pm and 7pm July 3 A/AX Pairs 1pm and 7pm Prime Time Knockouts I (Rds. 1&2)—1pm and 7pm HILTON One Session Swiss Team—7pm Side Games —9am, 1pm and 7pm DEERFIELD BEACH Stratified Senior Pairs—10am and 3pm 100 Fairway Drive Stratified Open Pairs—1pm and 7pm Wednesday Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 Stratified 299 Novice/Int Pairs - Single Session —1pm and 7pm July 4 Primetime Knockouts I cont. (Rds. 3&4)—1pm and 7pm I95 & Hillsboro Blvd. Primetime Knockouts II NEW (Rds. 1&2)—1pm and 7pm One Session Swiss Team—7pm Tel: 1-800-HILTONS $85.00 + tax Side Games—9am, 1pm and 7pm Stratified Senior Teams—10am and 3pm Make your reservation early to take advantage of the bridge rate. Gold Rush Pairs —0-750 1pm and 7pm Thursday A/AX Pairs – 1pm and 7pm PLEASE CARPOOL WHEN POSSIBLE. July 5 Primetime KO II cont. (Rds. 3&4) —1pm and 7pm Enjoy Unit 243 Hospitality Primetime KO III - NEW (Rds 1&2) – 1pm and 7pm Coffee,Tea and OJ all day, daily One Session Swiss Team—7pm Bagels in the AM, daily Side Games—9am, 1pm and 7pm Stratified Senior Open Pairs—10am and 3pm Evening Snacks & Desserts (Marilyn Brady Memorial Game) Hospitality Suite open evenings Friday Primetime Knockouts IV (Rds. 1&2)—1pm and 7pm Co-Chairs: July 6 Primetime KO III cont. (Rds. 3&4) —1pm and 7pm Gold Rush Pairs 0-750. A/AX Pairs 1pm and 7pm Marty Robins 954-529-5512 Email: [email protected] Primetime Knockouts V NEW– 1pm and 7pm William Rauld 305-219-2800 Email: [email protected] One Session Swiss Team—7pm Partnership Co-Chairs: Side Games —9am, 1pm and 7pm Jim Walker 954-204-7605 Email: [email protected] Stratified Senior Pairs—10am and 3pm Saturday Marge Pecoraro 954-204-7601 Email: [email protected] July 7 Stratified Open Pairs—1pm and 7pm Hospitality: Primetime Knockouts V cont. (Rds. 3&4)—1pm and 7pm Swiss Teams, Bracketed by Team Masterpoints—1pm and 7pm Carmela Knauer Sunday Stratified Senior Swiss Teams—10am-Playthrough July 8 Stratiflighted Open Swiss Teams—10am-Playthrough

299er Novice/Intermediate Events (Stratified) Wednesday - 1pm & 7pm • Sunday - 10am & 2pm (Single Sessions) OPEN STRAT STRATIFLIGHTED SWISS TEAMS A=2000+ B=500-2000 C=0-500 A=3000+ A/X=0-3000 GREAT LOCATION A/AX: A=2500+ A=0-2500 (play together) FREE PARKING GOLD RUSH PAIRS B=750-1500 C=300-750 D=0-300 GREAT PLAYING CONDITIONS TOP 300-750, BOT 0-300 (play together)

4 ACBL District 9 www.District9ACBL.org 5 Southwest Florida Jacksonville Regional Regional Tournament October 15 through August 20-26, 2012 Waldorf Astoria Naples Jacksonville Marriott – 904-296-2222 475 Seagate Drive, Naples, Florida October 21 4670 Salisbury Road, Jacksonville, FL 888-722-1270 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS MON 1 pm Stratified Open Charity Pairs HOSTS HOSTS 1 pm Stratified Open Charity Pairs AUG 7 pm Stratified Open Charity Pairs Shannon Cappelletti – (423) 400-0269 Shannon Cappelletti – (423) 400-0269 MON 7 pm Stratified Open Charity Pairs 20 7 pm Bracketed Open Knockouts, Round 1 (cont’d Tues. 9 am, 1 pm, 7 pm) [email protected] [email protected] OCT 15 7 pm Bracketed Open Knockouts, Round 1 (cont’d Tues. 9 am, 1 pm, 7 pm) 9:30 am Morning Fast Pairs Series (1 of 5) Ray Wise – (813) 215-6623 Ray Wise – (813) 215-6623 9:30 am Morning Fast Pairs Series (1 of 5) 10 am 299er Pairs (1 session event) [email protected] [email protected] 10 am 299er Pairs (1 session event) 10 am & 3 pm Stratified Senior Pairs (2 session event) PARTNERSHIPS 10 am & 3 pm Stratified Senior Pairs (2 session event) TUE 1 pm & 7 pm Stratified Open Pairs (2 session event) TOURNAMENT CHAIR Peggy Higginbotham – (904) 334-5272 TUE 1 pm & 7 pm Stratified Open Pairs (2 session event) AUG 1 pm & 7 pm Primetime KOs I, Rounds 1 & 2 (rounds 3 & 4 cont’d Wed. 1 pm & 7 pm) [email protected] Bruce Greenspan – (617) 510-8405 1 pm & 7 pm Primetime KOs I, Rounds 1 & 2 (rounds 3 & 4 cont’d Wed. 1 pm & 7 pm) 21 1 pm Side Game Series I (1 of 6) [email protected] OCT 16 1 pm Side Game Series I (1 of 6) 3 pm 299er Pairs (1 session event) Need a partner or teammates? 3 pm 299er Pairs (1 session event) 7 pm Side Games Series I (2 of 6) Visit the District 9 Online Partnership Desk at: PARTNERSHIPS 7 pm Side Games Series I (2 of 6) 7 pm Stratified Swiss Teams (1 session event) bridgefinesse.com/D9PDeskIndex Peggy Higginbotham – (904) 334-5272 7 pm Stratified Swiss Teams (1 session event) 9:15 am-9:45 am Guest Speaker HOSPITALITY [email protected] 9:15 am-9:45 am Guest Speaker 9:30 am Morning Fast Pairs Series (2 of 5) Coffee & Orange Juice Daily 9:30 am Morning Fast Pairs Series (2 of 5) 9 am Compact KOs, Rounds 1 & 2 (rounds 3 & 4 cont’d Thur. 9 am , 4 person team only) Need a partner or teammates? Monday–Friday Evenings Visit the District 9 Online Partnership Desk at: 9 am Compact KOs, Rounds 1 & 2 (rounds 3 & 4 cont’d Thur. 9 am , 4 person team only) 10 am 299er Pairs (1 session event) Open Hospitality Room 10 am 299er Pairs (1 session event) WED 10 am & 3 pm Stratified Senior Pairs (2 session event) Everyone Welcome bridgefinesse.com/D9PDeskIndex 10 am & 3 pm Stratified Senior Pairs (2 session event) 1 pm & 7 pm FLORIDA GOLD PAIRS, 0-750, 300-750 Strata Pays Gold (two session event) WED 1 pm & 7 pm FLORIDA GOLD PAIRS, 0-750, 300-750 Strata Pays Gold (two session event) AUG 1 pm & 7 pm A/X Open Pairs, X=0-5000, A=Unlimited (two session event) Ice Cream and/or Desserts HOSPITALITY Coffee & Orange Juice Daily OCT 17 1 pm & 7 pm A/X Open Pairs, X=0-5000, A=Unlimited (two session event) 22 1 pm & 7 pm Primetime KOs II, Rounds 1 & 2 (rounds 3 & 4 cont’d Thur. 1 pm & 7 pm) Pizza and Beer 1 pm & 7 pm Primetime KOs II, Rounds 1 & 2 (rounds 3 & 4 cont’d Thur. 1 pm & 7 pm) 1 pm Side Game Series I (3 of 6) Thursday through Saturday Monday–Friday Evenings 1 pm Side Game Series I (3 of 6) 3 pm 299er Pairs (1 session event) Senior/IN Breakfast Open Hospitality Room 3 pm 299er Pairs (1 session event) 7 pm Side Games Series I (4 of 6) Hot Dogs and Beer Everyone Welcome 7 pm Side Games Series I (4 of 6) 7 pm Stratified Swiss Teams (1 session event) 7 pm Stratified Swiss Teams (1 session event) Subsidized Sunday Snacks Ice Cream and/or Desserts 9:15 am-9:45 am Guest Speaker 9:15 am-9:45 am Guest Speaker 9:30 am Morning Fast Pairs Series (3 of 5) STRATA Pizza and Beer 9:30 am Morning Fast Pairs Series (3 of 5) 9 am Compact KOs, Rounds 1 & 2 (rounds 3 & 4 cont’d Fri. 9 am , 4 person team only) Open & Senior Events Thursday through Saturday 9 am Compact KOs, Rounds 1 & 2 (rounds 3 & 4 cont’d Fri. 9 am , 4 person team only) 10 am 299er Pairs (1 session event) A=2000+, B=750-2000, C=0-750 10 am 299er Pairs (1 session event) THU 10 am & 3 pm Stratified Senior Pairs (2 session event) Senior/IN Breakfast Florida Gold Strats: 10 am & 3 pm Stratified Senior Pairs (2 session event) AUG 1 pm & 7 pm Stratified Open Pairs (2 session event) Hot Dogs and Beer THU 1 pm & 7 pm Stratified Open Pairs (2 session event) 1 pm & 7 pm Primetime KOs III, Rounds 1 & 2 (rounds 3 & 4 cont’d Fri. 1 pm & 7 pm) Top=300-750, Bottom=0-300 23 Subsidized Sunday Snacks OCT 18 1 pm & 7 pm Primetime KOs III, Rounds 1 & 2 (rounds 3 & 4 cont’d Fri. 1 pm & 7 pm) 1 pm Side Game Series I (5 of 6) A/X Strats: 1 pm Side Game Series I (5 of 6) 3 pm 299er Pairs (1 session event) A=5000+, X=0-5000 STRATA 3 pm 299er Pairs (1 session event) 7 pm Side Games Series I (6 of 6) 299er Events Open & Senior Events 7 pm Side Games Series I (6 of 6) 7 pm Stratified Swiss Teams (1 session event) A=200-300, B=100-200, C=0-100 A=2000+, B=750-2000, C=0-750 7 pm Stratified Swiss Teams (1 session event) 9:15 am-9:45 am Guest Speaker 299er Strata May Be Changed at Director's Discretion 9:15 am-9:45 am Guest Speaker 9:30 am Morning Fast Pairs Series (4 of 5) Florida Gold Strats: All Pairs Games Stratified by Masterpoint 9:30 am Morning Fast Pairs Series (4 of 5) 9 am Compact KOs, Rounds 1 & 2 (rounds 3 & 4 cont’d Sat. 9 am , 4 person team only) Top=300-750, Bottom=0-300 9 am Compact KOs, Rounds 1 & 2 (rounds 3 & 4 cont’d Sat. 9 am , 4 person team only) 10 am 299er Pairs (1 session event) Average of the Pair (both players must fit under the upper limit of the strat or A/X Strats: 10 am 299er Pairs (1 session event) 10 am & 3 pm Stratified Senior Pairs (2 session event) A=5000+, X=0-5000 10 am & 3 pm Stratified Senior Pairs (2 session event) FRI 1 pm & 7 pm FLORIDA GOLD PAIRS, 0-750, 300-750 Strata Pays Gold (two session event) event); All KOs and Sat. 2-Session Swiss are AUG Bracketed; All Other Swiss are Stratified By 299er Events FRI 1 pm & 7 pm FLORIDA GOLD PAIRS, 0-750, 300-750 Strata Pays Gold (two session event) 1 pm & 7 pm A/X Open Pairs, X=0-5000, A=Unlimited (two session event) 1 pm & 7 pm A/X Open Pairs, X=0-5000, A=Unlimited (two session event) 24 Team Masterpoint Average OCT 19 1 pm & 7 pm Primetime KOs IV, Rounds 1 & 2 (rounds 3 & 4 cont’d Sat. 1 pm & 7 pm) A=200-300, B=100-200, C=0-100 1 pm & 7 pm Primetime KOs IV, Rounds 1 & 2 (rounds 3 & 4 cont’d Sat. 1 pm & 7 pm) 1 pm Side Game Series II (1 of 4) DIRECTIONS 299er Strata May Be Changed at Director's Discretion 1 pm Side Game Series II (1 of 4) 3 pm 299er Pairs (1 session event) From I-95: Take exit 344 toward FL-202/ All Pairs Games Stratified by Masterpoint 3 pm 299er Pairs (1 session event) 7 pm Side Games Series II (2 of 4) 7 pm Side Games Series II (2 of 4) 7 pm Stratified Swiss Teams (1 session event) Butler Blvd/Jax Beaches (about 1 minute); Average of the Pair (both players must Turn right onto Salisbury Rd (destination will 7 pm Stratified Swiss Teams (1 session event) 9:15 am-9:45 am Guest Speaker fit under the upper limit of the strat or be on the right) event); All KOs and Sat. 2-Session Swiss are 9:15 am-9:45 am Guest Speaker 9:30 am Morning Fast Pairs Series (5 of 5) 9:30 am Morning Fast Pairs Series (5 of 5) 10 am 299er Pairs (1 session event) Bracketed; All Other Swiss are Stratified By 10 am 299er Pairs (1 session event) SAT 10 am & 3 pm Stratified Senior Pairs (2 session event) Team Masterpoint Average 10 am & 3 pm Stratified Senior Pairs (2 session event) AUG 1 pm & 7 pm Stratified Open Pairs (2 session event) SAT 1 pm & 7 pm Stratified Open Pairs (2 session event) 1 pm & 7 pm Bracketed Swiss Teams DIRECTIONS 25 I-75 to exit 107, go west on CR 896/Pine OCT 20 1 pm & 7 pm Bracketed Swiss Teams 1 pm Side Game Series II (3 of 4) 1 pm Side Game Series II (3 of 4) 3 pm 299er Pairs (1 session event) Ridge Road about 4 miles. Pine Ridge Road 3 pm 299er Pairs (1 session event) 7 pm Side Games Series II (4 of 4) becomes Seagate Drive; go less than half mile 7 pm Side Games Series II (4 of 4) into resort on the right. SUN 10 am Stratified Senior Swiss Teams, Two-session Playthrough with short break 10 am Stratified Senior Swiss Teams, Two-session Playthrough with short break RESERVATIONS: 888-722-1270 SUN AUG 10 am Stratified Open Swiss Teams, Two-session Playthrough with short break 10 am Stratified Open Swiss Teams, Two-session Playthrough with short break 26 (mention to be part of ACBL conference) OCT 21 www.District9ACBL.org 7 President’s Message by Bill Rauld 8 District 9 Update by Shirley Seals 10 THE Defense vs NoTrump by Larry Cohen 12 WORLD Bill Rauld, District 9 President • [email protected] WIDE The Electronic Age by Harry Falk 14 WEB As this issue of the Sunshine Bridge News reaches you, we will have recently The Kibitzer is Shirley Wright 2.0 completed our annual Southeastern Regional in Fort Lauderdale. I would like by Jon Shuster 16 to thank the entire tournament staff for a great tournament as usual. Some Habits Shared By Good Defenders by Jack Brawner 18 You Have Got To See We were very pleased to have our ACBL President, Sharon Anderson Our New Website! attend the tournament. It was a pleasure to get to know her, and we really District 9 Youth and Newcomers' News appreciate her dedication to the job. We look forward to seeing her at many of by Carla Burke 23 Read About it on page 20 our Regional tournaments. A Wild Ride In The Silver Ribbon Pairs by Jim Sternberg 24 The Sunshine Bridge News is mailed Another highlight of the tournament was the induction of the newest six times a year to households of paid- members of the District 9 Goodwill Committee at our annual reception. District 9 Polling Question 27 up members of District 9 of the ACBL. The mailing list is prepared about a This reception is always a pleasure to attend and to meet the new members. Unit 102 30 month before the publication arrives The new members are nominated by the Unit Presidents and are chosen for Tournament Calendar 32 in your mailbox. Mailing is by bulk mail. their service and friendly attitude at the tournaments. I would like to thank Unit 128 37 ACBL members of other districts Carol Hamilton for doing a great job in coordinating the reception. and non-members residing anywhere Unit 219 45 in the U.S. may subscribe. We were also pleased to host the Vice Minister for Sports for the Bahamas Unit 240 50 Subscriptions to the SBN are Mr. Bradley Bosfield and Mr. David Sands, who gave a presentation about available at a cost of $15 for six Unit 243 54 consecutive issues. A check made out having a tournament in the Bahamas in the near future. I will let you know to Sunshine Bridge News should be District 9 Rank Changes sent to Shirley Seals, P.O. Box 1534, more details after the District board studies the proposal. Ponte Vedra, FL 32004 with address March and April 58 information. Although many of our snowbirds have left for the season, I hope the rest Can You Score the Grand Slam? Subscription issues will be mailed of you have already made plans to attend the Palm Beach Gardens Regional by Barnet Shenkin 63 by first class mail, a few days after the full District 9 mailing list goes to May 28 through June 3. The room block is almost sold out so make your the Bulk Mail Office for distribution. reservations soon. At the same time you should plan to attend the Unit 243 Tournaments Address changes for subscriptions th may be sent by email to Shirley at July 4 regional at the Hilton in Deerfield Beach July 2 through July 8. The [email protected]. room rate is only $85.00 per night and the playing conditions are excellent. PALM BEACH GARDENS REGIONAL 2 ©2012 by Sunshine Bridge News (aka ACBL District 9). All rights reserved. DEERFIELD BEACH REGIONAL 4 Contents of this magazine may JACKSONVILLE REGIONAL 6 not be reproduced in any manner without written consent from the Thanks and I will see you at the bridge table. SOUTHWEST FLORIDA REGIONAL 7 publisher. Mention of any product Bridge Deck Club of Naples Sectional 43 does not constitute endorsement by the SBN. The publisher assumes no Gainesville Sectional 44 responsibility for return of unsolicited Tallahassee Sectional 49 manuscripts, photos, art, or cartoons, Bill Rauld and reserves the right to reject any Orlando Sectional 53 editorial or advertising materials. 8 ACBL District 9 www.District9ACBL.org 9 a. Any Junior under the age of 26 years who is OFFICERS a full time student (must provide proof of BILL RAULD eligibility) will be entitled to coupons that District 9 President Phone: 305-219-2800 can be used for any event. These coupons [email protected] will have a value of $10.00 per session. BETTY SANDIFER b. Any Junior under the age of 21 years will be District 9 Vice President entitled to coupons that can be used for any Mobile Ph: 386-795-7423 Shirley Seals, District 9 Director • [email protected] event. These coupons will have a value of [email protected] Highlights of the Memphis 2012 NABC National Board Meeting $10.00 per session. SHIRLEY SEALS Tournament Committee Chair, Robert Hartman, ACBL CEO, reported NAP: A member’s principal residence as Please Remember Our New Regionals Secretary, Treasurer & District 9 that membership is way up. We have more of June 1 of the year prior to the National Coming Up In 2012. Director than 166,000 members for the first time Final shall establish his District of Home Ph.: 904-285-7767 since the mid-1990s. The ACBL and bridge eligibility. Jacksonville Regional Mobile Ph.: 904-563-0470 have received great publicity in early 2012, August 20–26 Fax: 904-285-7783 IN BOTH EVENTS: Changes in Jacksonville Marriott [email protected] including articles in Newsweek, The New residence after such date shall not change York Times, The Wall Street Journal, ESPN the District in which the player is eligible Tampa Regional The Magazine, and Forbes. PUBLICATION STAFF to participate. December 10–16, 2012 RICHARD FLEISCHMAN For some of you who get excited by Embassy Suites Hotel Unit 102 Liaison SNOWBIRDS: A member with seasonal statistics: Counts were up in the following: Phone: 941-580-3719 residences who spends more than half I am always mindful of the many Volunteers [email protected] Regionals (8%), STACs (3%), who make our tournaments in District 9 so very of the GNT (September 1 – March 31) MURIEL ALTUS Clubs (6.5%), online (14.8%), or NAP (June 1 – August 31) qualifying successful. I cannot tell you often enough how much SBN Editor & Unit 128 Liaison GNT (26%) and NAP (43%). period in a District other than the I appreciate you and that ACBL could not function Phone: 813-251-0315 Youth NABC: Online registration is now District of his principal physical residence without your help. [email protected] open for the upcoming Youth NABC in may play beyond the Club qualifying SUE SMITH Philadelphia this coming July. A mailing stage in the District of seasonal residence. Unit 219 Liaison See you soon, Phone: 850-995-7125 containing flyers and posters was sent If he chooses to do so, he may only play [email protected] to all 300 school bridge teachers and a in the District level final of ONE District JUDY SCHORNER postcard mailing was sent to all 800 youth He must play in that District’s District REMEMBER Unit 240 Liaison members. Go to the ACBL web site for Finals to be eligible to play in the National 772-234-7323 more information. Finals. Such a player will not be eligible to [email protected] Super Senior Pairs: Moved that Super be added to a team from his other District. DOLLY DELLON Seniors Pairs will be moved to the All necessary approvals must be obtained Unit 243 Liaison before play begins at the District level. Phone: 954-484-5006 FIRST SUNDAY and MONDAY of the [email protected] San Francisco Fall 2012 NABC. Any player seeking an exception for any JOSEPH CLARK GNT: A member’s principal physical of the above reasons must send his request Creative Director & residence as of September 1 of the year to both of the District Directors involved. Production Manager prior to the National Final shall establish Phone: 727-216-3859 Junior Coupons: Junior Coupons will [email protected] the District in which said member is be made available for Junior members eligible to participate beyond the club For more contact information in good standing for entry into events at look on the District 9 web site, qualifying stage. NABCs. www.District9ACBL.org. 10 ACBL District 9 www.District9ACBL.org 11 At the Memphis Spring NABCs, District 9 DEFENSE VS NOTRUMP Balance! Accordingly, if your had many top five finishers in the prestigious by Larry Cohen partner dutifully balances over and highly competitive platinum point 1NT, don't hang him. Let him out (NABC) events. Congratulations, all. When the opponents open 1NT, there are many options. Only in a partial. Don't Blackwood him Vanderbilt KO Teams the newest and natural bidders would go without a convention into a grand slam. 2nd John Diamond, Boca Raton here. I'm the last one to push conventions, but this is an area 5th- David Berkowitz, Boca Raton and high on my list where I recommend playing "something." 6. How important is it to use double for 8th Pratap Rjadhyaksha, Venice penalty? Jacoby Open Swiss Teams There are numerous conventions overcall with 2♦ to show ♦ and • These days, there is a big debate st Gaylor Kasle, Boca Raton and available; even if you go alphabetically either major, and the next player 1 as to whether or not you need a Fred Stewart, Bloomington, NY you can list: ASTRO, BROZEL, doubles. What do "advancer's" Sheila Ekeblad, Providence, RI PENALTY (or "card-showing") 4th CAPPELLETTI, DONT. That's just the actions mean? What is Pass? and Michael Seamon, Dania double of 1NT. I am not a big start of the list. I prefer DONT because What is Redouble? In such a Machlin Women's Swiss believer in penalty doubles. I it allows you to show all 1‑and 2-suiters situation, I'd suggest: 5th Shannon Cappelletti, Delray Beach without reaching the 3-level. Space prefer to have the double available . Pass = "diamonds -- to play." as artificial. However, against Norman Kay Platinum Pairs doesn't allow a detailed description here rd . XX = "pick your major" weak notrumps, I need penalty 3 John Diamond, Boca Raton of all the methods. More important th James Krekorian, Pensacola . 2♥ = "my own heart suit--I doubles. If you do play penalty 5 than which convention you play, are the don't care if you have spades -- Lebhar IMP Pairs following partnership issues: doubles, remember to discuss don't correct" what it means if your partner nd Alexander Ladyzhensky and 2 Irina Ladyzhenksy, Ellenton 1. Are you playing the same methods . 2♠ = "my own spade suit--I pulls (I suggest Stayman and rd John Potter, Panama City (with brother against all notrump ranges (weak don't care if you have hearts -- transfers--"Front of Card"). 3 Richard of Black Mountain, NC) and strong)? don't correct" Regardless of the method you use, th Susan Miller and Carolyn 4 Sessler, Boca Raton • It is hard to memorize two 4. Is your philosophy to act in the direct be sure to discuss and agree with your different systems, but if your seat aggressively? How important is partner on items #1-6 above. Interfering Silodor Open Pairs defense against a strong notrump suit quality or vulnerability? th Adam Kaplan, New Port Richey with the opponents' notrump is an 4 and Robert Todd, Tallahassee doesn't employ a strong double, important area that occurs frequently. • I suggest that direct seat actions Whitehead Women's Pairs you do need that option available show either a good hand (like As a side note: Be prepared for their 5th Janice Seamon-Molson, Hollywood against a weaker notrump. an opening bid) or very good/ interference over your 1NT! 2. Does anything change if you are in Rockwell Mixed Pairs long suits. It is too perilous to get nd balancing seat (1NT Pass Pass ??)? involved with, say, king-empty 2 Bernace De Young, Miami 3rd Les Bart and Gloria Bart, Bradenton • I suggest playing the same fifth in one suit and queen-jack- fourth in the other. Exercise SBNx Leventritt Silver Ribbon Pairs methods, but allowing lighter James Marsh Sternberg, actions in balancing seat. caution when vulnerable. 1st Contact Larry: Palm Beach Gardens 3. Are you prepared for the follow-ups? 5. In balancing seat are you likely to be [email protected] We also had a Ditrict 9 pair finish th5 in the (What if the opponents compete very aggressive? – You can join Larry’s email list North American Pairs. after your interference)? • My experience says that you (www.larryco.com) – You’ll receive a Golder NAP Flight B Pairs free monthly newsletter to entertain should be very aggressive in this th Dimitri Bourilkov and • For example, suppose you and enlighten you. 5 Malay Ghosh of Gainesville position. Don't let them play 1NT. Story continued on page 15. 12 ACBL District 9 www.District9ACBL.org 13 Harry Falk's website is Story continued from page 13. harrybridge.com it contains It's been many years since we could proudly information about the local announce that all three of District 9's qualifiers duplicates in his area as well to one of the flights of the North American as tournaments at which he officiates. Pairs finished in the overalls. Congratulations to these six players in Flight B: called to show the opponents the score. If Dimitri Bourilkov and Malay Ghosh THE ELECTRONIC AGE th by Harry Falk • [email protected] you're being asked to verify a score, please of Gainesville, 5 overall; David Loeb of be sure to actually read the screen before Heathrow and Maureen Loeb of Lake Almost every bridge club in Florida they feel more comfortable with the Mary, 16th overall; and Michael Wahl of St. which conducts sectional tournaments devices. (And, one of the amazing things approving the score--just like you should Petersburg and J. Roger Pryor of Madeira has introduced some form of electronic about using electronic scoring is that read a legal contract before signing it. Beach, who finished 19th overall. scoring for their games. Starting with the some of the pairs that "had" to have a In most clubs, the machines are set to Special congratulations to our President's recently concluded Sarasota-Manatee North-South suddenly can sit East-West allow the players to see previous results, Cup Flight C of the North American Pairs Regional tournament, Florida regionals every day so that they aren't required to just like with a traveler. Be sure to just take overall place pair, Katherine Grant of Riverview and Virginia Bright of Nokomis, joined in the electronic age. And, at the use the machines.) a short look at the previous scores--you finishing 16th overall. Watch for North North American Bridge Championships, Just as in the days of hand scoring and shouldn't linger and discuss every other American Pairs qualifying games at your all pair games now use one form or then computer entry of the scores, players result and fall behind in the play. And, be local clubs starting June 1. For the three another of electronic scoring. Clearly, the have responsibilities when using the sure that you keep the volume down while summer months, June, July and August, you age of Bridgemates and Bridge Pads has scoring boxes. The machines are mostly you're looking at other results so as not will have many opportunities to qualify to play arrived. to affect the play of the board at another in the district finals October 27 and 28. Your user-friendly, but the scorer must take the masterpoint total on June 1, 2012, determines Electronic scoring has many time to read what is on the screen when table. Of course, in tournaments, this is not a problem since prior results are not your flight. Flight C is for all non-Life Masters advantages. The greatest advantage is making entries. Most systems are set up up to 500 masterpoints. Flight B is for all that it frees up the director from having to display the opponents' pair number displayed. players up to 2000 masterpoints. Flight A is to enter names, retrieve pick-up slips and the boards to be played when a new In the future, we will see team games open to all players. You may qualify at any throughout the game, or make a mad round begins. The scorer should check scored with these devices (some places club, anyplace in ACBL-land. Your eligibility run at the end of the game to enter 30+ each time that the correct opponents already use electronic scoring for these for the district finals is determined by your residence on September 1. This year we will travelers into the computer. In most and boards are at the table. Just as with types of games, but there are a number of again have a two-site finals, at The Bridge cases, scoring is more accurate, directors old fashioned scoring, if the scorer is bugs in the software that still can cause Place Palm Beaches in Lake Park and at the St. can attend to calls in a more timely dummy, he should wait to make entries some problems). Petersburg Bridge Club in Pinellas Park. First manner, and results are available almost until the dummy has been faced. If scorer So, clearly, the electronic age has place pairs in each flight earn a prize of $700 immediately at the end of the game. The is the opening leader, the lead should reached the bridge table. Who knows-- per person; second place pairs in each flight electronic scoring programs create files be made before any scoring is done. earn a prize of $300 per person. The top three maybe down the road we'll all have a tablet pairs earn the right to represent District 9 in full of useful information which can be When the hand is complete, the scorer to display and play the cards, and we won't posted on the internet. The early bugs should make all entries and then give the North American Pairs Finals, an event have to do any more shuffling cards or with no entry fee, at the Spring NABC which in the program have been eliminated, the box to the opponents to verify. Let passing boards to have an afternoon game. will be held in St. Louis, Missouri. Yes, you and the scoring units have proven to be me reiterate the importance of that last can win a cash prize AND you can play reliable and durable even when in use sentence. Verification is to be done by the in a prestigious ACBL event for free! Ask up to 14 times a week. And, as players opponents!!! The system doesn't save any your local clubs when they will be holding become more acclimated to the systems, time if the director is constantly being SBNx qualifiers. Good luck to all participants! 14 ACBL District 9 www.District9ACBL.org 15 score. A ♥ lead also beats 3NT, but that lead nets a lucky +500 (8/8). Your Red The Kibitzer is Shirley Wright would be a bad choice on many hands. suit lead wins the battle but loses the Opening Leads in NT By Jon Shuster But if you led a ♣, you get 100 times the war. credit as someone who woodenly led 3. .♦4: Normally, the default lead, when Shirley: Here are four real hands at matchpoints where you a ♠. Without the double, -400 would undoubled, is your partner’s suit (♥s). need to find the optimal opening leads. What do you lead as have been scored, for just 1/8 MP. So The double of the voluntarily bid game South and why? we commend North for (a) bidding calls for an unusual lead. With the ♣ Michaels and not overcalling; (b) not ♥ ♠ 1. You hold, Vul vs. Not: 4. You hold and suits excluded, your holding doubling 3♦; and (c) doubling 3NT on tells you partner does not want ♠s led. ♠-J73 ♥-J9864 ♦-10 ♣-J1064 ♠-107632 ♥-A10653 ♦-2 ♣-J9 ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ -AQxxx -Qx -KQxxx -x. With If you led a ♥, -550 for a zero on a 12 top. (Both Vul) South’s voluntary ♠ bid, North figured West North East South If you led a low ♦, +100 for a top. If you 2 West North East South that this game was on considerably 1♥ 2♥1 X 2♠ fewer than 26 HC, so -400 would be a led the ♦J, -550 for a zero. If you led the __ __ 2NT1 Pass ♠K, and both you and partner defend 3♦ Pass 3NT Pass bad score even if made undoubled. The 4NT2 All Pass risk seemed minimal. perfectly thereafter +100. Declarer: Pass X All Pass ♠-A ♥-Ax ♦-Q87x ♣-KJxxxx, opposite 1. 22-24 2. .♦6 (a) or ♥9(b) (See below): As in ♠-J10xxx ♥-Qxx ♦-x ♣-A10xx. If 1. 5+5+ in ♠s and an unspecified minor 2. Quantitative the first hand, partner is telling you to declarer runs six ♣ tricks, you have 2. Good Hand 10+ HCP, otherwise make an unusual lead, and there are unspecified Solutions: to discard down to ♠-Q ♥-Kx ♦-AJx 1. .♦10: A double of a voluntarily bid commonly two partnership agreements or ♦-AJ10. When declarer exits in ♦s, Hint: The EW pair is one of the strongest game or slam calls for an unusual (a) you lead your shortest suit or (b) partner wins the second one and plays pairs in Florida. lead. This clearly means that you lead the right major. If partner has a pat a ♥, not another ♦. suit, it is possible, but less likely to be must not lead a ♠, which would be 2. You hold: ♠s as you have the ♠Q. The argument 4. .♠3: Lead a ♠ at matchpoints, not a ♠-Q4 ♥-9854 ♦-62 ♣-J10843 the default lead otherwise. So South ♥ must figure out what partner’s second that the opponents did not bid Stayman (the clear IMPs lead). This is like a (EW Vul) slam. They are balanced with about 32 suit is and lead it. With really good is not really germane. The critical West North East South argument is that if partner doubled for a HCP and so partner has about three. A ♠s and a mediocre minor, partner 1 ♠ lead, and the opponents in theory can ♠ lead is unlikely to cost a trick. If you __ __ 1NT Pass would overcall 1♠ rather than bid have an excess of HCP (no invitation led a low ♥, -660 3/6 MP. If you led the 3NT X All Pass Michaels. Can partner have a hand ♠ to 3NT), partner must have another ♥A, -690 for 1/6. If you led a ♠ (or a like -Qxxxx ♥-x ♦-xx ♣-AKQxx? ♠ 1. 15-17 ♥ entry. If Partner held -AKJ10x and an minor) -630 for 5.5/6 MP. Only one No! We know NS do not have 8 or outside Ace, the opponents would need 3. You hold pair led something other than a ♥. they would play in 4♥. So if partner to run nine tricks off the top if you led ♠-KQ3 ♥-K53 ♦-AJ1042 ♣-42 has 5♣, and NS have a wide open suit a ♦ [Agreement (a)] or a ♥ [Agreement Conclusions: (Neither Vul) and 10+ ♦s, our star declarer would (b)]. So a red suit lead, depending upon Look for opportunities to make lead West North East South never leave 3NT. Partner’s second your agreement is forgiving if wrong. If directing doubles, when the opponents ♦ ♦ ______1♦ suit is therefore s. If you led a , the partner held something like ♦-KQ J10x are on the edge and seem to have bid hand cannot be made (+100 and 8/8 1 (a) or ♥-KQ J10x (b) and an outside A, aggressively. The risk-benefit ratio is low Pass 1♥ 2♣ X matchpoints). If you led a Black suit, a ♠ lead would be a disaster. in most cases. Avoid giving away opening 2 -550 and 0/8. You might argue with 2♠ Pass 3NT Pass Good bridge does not always reward lead tricks when the opponents seem to be Pass X All Pass this reasoning as partner could have balanced and at or near slam strength. doubled 3♦. Not really, as NS would good logic, however. If you led a red suit, declarer can run five ♦ tricks and ♥ play in their 4-3 fit, losing just ♦3 and 1. 3 card support four♥ tricks (0/8 for you). A black suit 2. ♣ raise including ♣A or ♣K 1♠ for an easy +470 and the same top SBNx 16 ACBL District 9 www.District9ACBL.org 17 Bridge for the Club Player SOME HABITS SHARED BY GOOD DEFENDERS (AND SOME MNEMONICS TO ASSIST YOU!) By Jack Brawner • [email protected] Greetings, all! Now that we have putting it into practice. The ONLY too!), then all you have to do is all agreed we are going to double the reason to break a new suit is to try to figure out EITHER partner’s or build your tricks before the declarer declarer’s length in a suit and opponents more, perhaps it is time to either (1) sets up his winners to throw you will know the other one's, help you with some tips on taking your away his losers, or (2) ruffs his losers. also! Believe it or not, after a while this tricks in defense. Obviously, MANY If your tricks will eventually come to can be much easier as well. (Partner is books have been written on defense. you, play it safe. Don’t break a new suit. giving you count, right?) You will get You are not going to get everything Be passive. But if your tricks are about some information from the bidding, you need from an article or two. Defense is the hardest part of the game. to go away, it is time to get desperate no and some information will come during I can make a legitimate claim that defense is also the most important part matter what your holding is. the play. Also, some information will come from assumptions – of the game. For every hand you declare, you will be the dummy once, and GOOD HABIT: ALWAYS keep a you will defend TWO of them! Think about that. How much work and study running count of declarer’s tricks. This PSychology: Psychology? All this are you putting into your defensive abilities? is not as hard as it sounds, and will really means is this: what is declarer frequently lead you to the right answer doing? MANY times you may be fuzzy With this article, I plan to give you an overview only. Let’s start… as you do your defensive thinking. about declarer’s exact points, exact Your defense has to make sense. Put shape, etc. That’s OK! But sometimes What should you do before the • Analyze the hand. Sometimes, the together a general picture of the hand. the best thing to do is very simple. opening lead is made? I created a analysis will be amazingly accurate, Ask yourself what declarer is doing. Figure out what declarer is doing, and mnemonic for that many years ago: other times it is just a guess to begin Does it fit your picture? Here is another then figure out the best way to mess it with. But as the hand begins to unfold, mnemonic I came up with years ago: up. If declarer does not draw trump, R-E-A-P do they need to trump something? If keep analyzing! More on this later… PS–PS: • Review the bidding. This will help they are setting up a suit, you better • lan before you play a card, and you with the rest of the steps, and will P Points, Shape, and PSychology! get yours going. If they are setting up a pay attention! Revise your plan if also help you figure out the declarer’s Points: How many points do you long suit in dummy, can you knock out necessary. Do not just play by habit – likely plan so that you can foil it. have? How many in dummy? How dummy’s entry? return partner’s lead, second hand low, • Estimate everyone’s points. You many points do you expect declarer cover an honor with an honor, etc. If As long as you are paying attention know how many you have, and to have? How many for partner? Keep you defend by rote, you will get average and thinking, you will be a the declarer’s bidding frequently tabs. On the opening lead, you will results at best. THINKING defenders better defender than most! gives you a good idea how many FREQUENTLY know how many get above-average results. I recommend reading good they have. Before you lead, you points everyone has in that suit. How books on defense. And we can estimate the dummy’s points Now…what is the most important many are left? This is NOT as hard as it will talk about specifics in the as well, but be sure to revise question you can ask yourself on may seem – but like any habit, it doesn’t future, but for now: defense? come without working on it. that estimate when the dummy CONCENTRATE! comes down. What’s left must What Could Go Away? Shape: What is declarer’s shape? If belong to your partner. What Yes, that’s it. Simple, yet effective you know your shape (that’s easy!), can you expect? once you get into the HABIT of and the dummy’s shape (that’s easy, Cheers

18 ACBL District 9 www.District9ACBL.org 19 THE WORLD WIDE WEB 2.0

Under Tournaments and Results, you'll find a current calendar. For the tournaments that have finished, you'll find a link to the results. You'll find our brand new, wonderful creation, the Online Partnership Desk. You'll be able to access the Do you remember when we didn't even have computers? Some information on our I/N Voucher Program. Last under that menu, you'll find the Club of you remember it oh so well, as it's -- Results of participating clubs around our district. perhaps -- still! But for most of us, the last 15 years have opened up avenues we never dreamed about before. According to our recent survey, fewer than 10% of you read the Sunshine Bridge News or the ACBL Bulletin online with any regularity. We think, though, that many more of you access the District 9 web site occasionally. Recently the web site's been freshened up on the advice of our beloved "cloud" Under Clubs and Units, you'll find a repeat of the link to Club Results; you'll find a coach, Jay Whipple, and we hope you like it. We map of District 9 clubs; you'll find a link for each of our unit's web sites and you'll find were delighted to have some of you give immediate a map of the district, showing all the counties in the state of Florida. feedback, by way of the Email the Webmanager button at the bottom of the home page. For those of you who are curious but perhaps haven't wandered around, here's what it looks like.

Under the last drop down menu, News and Info, you'll find Changes of Rank www.district9acbl.org Notice that there are some little arrows within the rectangles, up top. Those arrows are (congratulations!) and Masterpoint Races (good luck!). We have North American to remind you that these are drop-down menus. Under District Director and Governance, Pairs information there, then District Youth Bridge Info with a link to www. you'll find a page full of information from our District Director, Shirley Seals. You'll find some past district meeting minutes, and you'll find a link to the ACBL web site. floridajuniorbridge.org, a dedicated site just for information about what's going on with our youngest players.

For those of you still with me, here, did you wonder what an Online Partnership Desk could be? It's the brainchild of that same beloved cloud coach who's been introducing the district board to the 21st century. It allows players to register to say they're looking for a partner or teammates for a future tournament. The potential matched-up pair of players, or pair of pairs, can have an online dialogue to see if they Under Sunshine Bridge News, you'll find a link to the online version of all our past feel comfortable with each other, comfortable enough to make a bridge date! issues and you'll find a list of our staff and their contact information. Story continued on next page... 20 ACBL District 9 www.District9ACBL.org 21