Thanks to Mr Bridge for Permission to Share These Articles About the EBU by Jeremy Dhondy

Thanks to Mr Bridge for permission to share these articles About the EBU by Jeremy Dhondy

What is the EBU doing for non-members of the organisation?

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

he EBU has about 54,000 social activities are often high on the run games for beginners who often members. The estimates of the agenda and learning or refreshing feel, initially at least, intimidated number of bridge players in skills at bridge is one way to get by experienced players. Both in the TEngland is several times that number. players into a club and breathe fresh North and Midlands new events have Some, of course, play only irregularly life into it. Many clubs, both affiliated been run to seek to attract improvers and at home and never visit a club and unaffiliated, are suffering from a to a competitive game whether they let alone play in a tournament. Many decline in membership mostly caused are members of the EBU or not. are not duplicate players. Others by an ageing membership. How to (including readers of this magazine) replace these members, and even may play at an unaffiliated club. increase the totals, is a key concern. Acquiring new players I think people are less patient these days. Better the 20-20 cricket match In August, EBED ran an advert in the Charity begins at home over in an evening than the five day test Daily Telegraph for those interested match for many, and the same applies in learning bridge. When interested The EBU is the regulating body for to activities such as bridge. Some who people were in contact they were duplicate bridge in England. The first played in clubs are now playing online. directed to lessons being organised thing needed is players and lots of It gives them the flexibility to play only near to where they lived. Teachers them, so a significant responsibility a few boards if they wish and to drop registering for this were members of is to organise teaching and teacher out, drop back in again, and even play the EBU, members of EBTA, affiliated training. About two years ago, all at 3am if that is their wont. club teachers but also non-members our education activities were moved and those who teach in unaffiliated to our new sister charity: English clubs. Preliminary analysis shows Bridge Education & Development this to have been worthwhile (indeed (henceforth EBED). This, I hope, gives enquires are still coming in) and them a higher profile and stresses the it is likely to be repeated in 2017. importance attached to them. Part Interestingly, it also showed that there of being a charity requires EBED to were some parts of the country where promote activities to all players, not little or no teaching was going on. just EBU members. EBED, amongst other things, runs the teaching association: English Bridge Teachers EBED are developing a course to teach Setting the rules Association (EBTA). The association bridge to run alongside traditional publishes materials and runs courses. courses. It will use accelerated learning Of course, having got players into a Teaching the young is a sound and will become available in Autumn club you will only keep them if they investment for the future, but there is of this year. The idea is to get people like the activity. All clubs are required also a need to attract older people to playing in a club sooner than with a to follow the laws which are set and the game. Perhaps they are moving traditional course. The materials will promulgated by the World Bridge towards retirement or their children be available to all. Of course, if your Federation. So, if you fancy re-dealing have left home. In either case, new club is big enough it might be able to a board if it is passed out, bidding

Page 6 BRIDGE January 2017 when it is not your turn or making Younger players an insufficient bid then whether you are playing in an affiliated club or not, The number of juniors in the EBU has Mr Bridge 2017 you are bound by the law book. On risen in the last couple of years, but BRIDGE EVENTS the other hand, there are regulations. from a low base. Getting those who are These are set by the EBU and it is at school to learn bridge (often, at first, generally up to a club, affiliated or not, through the vehicle of minibridge) is a as to whether to use them. Examples of positive way forward. It has to compete these are announcing or alerting. You with many other activities. Many who might imagine that unaffiliated clubs do become involved and play for a few would get rid of some regulations, years then perhaps give up as work and but if you look on many club websites family life takes precedence. Hopefully, you will see that they often use the they will return later. One positive re- EBU regulations. Clearly, unless you cent move is the Junior Award Scheme. disagree strongly, it is easier to adopt This is available to be used in schools, Trouville Hotel a set of regulations someone else has clubs, indeed almost anywhere there Sandown, Isle of Wight already thought about. When I was are juniors learning. What is it? It is Chairman of the Laws and Ethics an initiative from EBED, designed to 23-27 February £399 Committee of the EBU, it was my stimulate enthusiasm for junior bridge Slam Bidding view that the book of regulations was among young players, parents and edu- hosted by Bernard Magee too long and complex (72 pages of it). cators. It is an award scheme that offers Now we have something that is half the graded attainment levels, dependent length and I don’t think we are worse upon teacher assessed ability, demon- off. There are some who think that is strated at the table. There are award still too long, but I think it is a step in levels all the way from minibridge to the right direction, not least because the top Diamond level. much bridge is played without anyone worrying about which conventions or agreements they may have or use. The Belonging EBU provides advice on regulation and law to clubs whether affiliated or not. To some extent the question posed in Above all, you have to create the the title of this article is odd. Any na- Inn on the Prom St Anne’s on Sea FY8 1LU right atmosphere in the club, so re- tional organisation has a responsibility straining the barrack room lawyers for the whole game, how it is regu- and those whose idea of a good even- lated and how it develops. It needs to 7-9 March £245 ing is to belittle beginners is also a develop a strategy which makes its of- Seminar Weekend good idea. Clubs, affiliated or not, hope ferings attractive and makes clubs and Hosted by Bernard Magee not to have to invoke any disciplinary people wish to join, but in the end, if processes but occasionally they do and there are those who would rather con- 7-9 July £189 a model constitution is available for tinue to play in their own club without Just Duplicate1 those who want to use all or part of it. being involved in the national game Hosted by Patrick Dunham It makes life simpler if you have some- then that is their prerogative. I think it thing in place before the nasty incident is a sad and negative position to take. 28-30 July £199 takes place. The EBU, like many national member Game Tries They say that the best referees are organisations, depends on some very those who aren’t noticed and the same hardworking volunteers. Sometimes Hosted by Gwen Beattie may well be true for tournament di- their work, perhaps because it is good, rectors. It is a thankless task but if is taken for granted by those who don’t we are to have a smooth and harmo- contribute. Look at some websites for Full Board nious game, then a director is a key clubs who are not affiliated to their No Single Supplement2 part of that. They will likely benefit county or the EBU. You will find refer- from training and courses are run for ence to EBU ideas and policies. Shar- all, whether they be members of the ing is good but so is contributing. ( 01483 489961 EBU or not and whether they direct That may not be a universally See www.mrbridge.co.uk in an affiliated or unaffiliated club. popular view, but it is one I believe in for any new dates You might want to test whether you quite strongly. We all want our game 1Please note there are no seminars, would be any good at this. If so a free to both survive and flourish. I think a set hands or prizes at these events. online short course is available here: national body is a key to that, whether 2subject to availability https://goo.gl/YnxeJu you are in or out of it. ■

BRIDGE January 2017 Page 7 About the EBU by Jeremy Dhondy

How to Encourage More People into Bridge

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

How can we encourage more players can be aggressive and rude. in life when their children have gone people into the game? The net effect has been a drop in the off to university and retirement is on Q number of players at tournaments and the horizon. That is, however, rather a drop in the number of junior players. too long a pay back period given the ‘I think bridge clubs have Add to that the perception that some health of the game. The charity EBED a problem with our ageing bridge clubs are unfriendly places and ran an advert last August in the Daily A bridge population and not the internet now provides a very real Telegraph which attracted hundreds of enough people from 20-45 or so alternative, you see that thus far it is all replies. It was for those who wanted to playing. Some young people are gloom and doom. learn to play bridge. Those who replied playing poker online – but most were put in touch with local teachers. simply don’t have the time. Younger The first thing revealed was that there people today are often not home from What can be done? are parts of the country where there are work until 7pm or later. So how can few teachers so that leads to another they go to a bridge club in the week Noting a decline is one thing we can need: to train more teachers. Some of starting by 7.30pm? I think there may probably agree on. What to do is less those students will go off to learn in be a case for some bridge clubs to offer easy to agree on, not least because a bridge club and others to learn with 18 board movements, starting around the problem is multi-faceted. There someone who teaches privately. What 8.15pm. More weekend afternoon are things to make the everyday will be the quality of the teacher? There sessions too. Some original thinking game of club bridge more attractive. are some horror stories of people with is certainly required – not just by the Perhaps an increase in the number of no qualifications teaching systems EBU. Bridge clubs will die out unless daytime games, perhaps experienced that haven’t been played for 60+ years they find a practical way to welcome players being nicer to newcomers, such as Modified Beasley. That means “younger” professional people.’ perhaps, in larger clubs, games for having a system whereby teachers can relative beginners. All important, be assessed and a student knows that but rather at the periphery. Similarly, the teacher they are going to has some What’s the problem? efforts by the EBU to win its VAT case sort of validation is useful. That is would result in a reduction in entry the role of EBTA, the English Bridge Bridge, whether organised by the EBU fees and better value for those who Teacher’s Association although, of or not, has come under pressure in attend tournaments. Helpful, but not course, there are also good teachers all sorts of ways in the last thirty or revolutionary. who don’t choose to be certificated or so years. Young people have many join. more competing demands on their Irrespective of the quality of time and many schools are not all that Getting new players teaching, I think the place of teaching supportive. More competitive players, is quite important. Those who learn as they get older, are a bit less inclined At the heart of what needs to happen in clubs are likely to play in the clubs. to travel and if you need to depend is a push to teach more new players. Those clubs who have a teaching on public transport to get you home Teaching young people of school age programme are more likely to survive after a club game outside a big city, attracts good headlines but it is a brutal and thrive than those who don’t. then you can forget that. Some newer fact that many who are keen give up Another relevant issue is how long it players find the club environment when job and family become a higher takes to learn. A friend of mine learnt unappealing because experienced priority. Still, many do come back later at a ‘Bridge in a Weekend Course’.

BRIDGE March 2017 Page 27 He enjoyed it and wished to continue, is not for very long. That means the BERNARD but unlike many players, recognised club committee has to create the right he was not yet very good and probably atmosphere. Everyone will get upset MAGEE’S not up to the standard for a normal from time to time, but what happens INTERACTIVE duplicate. He made enquiries of a if it is a regular occurrence. At my local club, which was very dismissive local club they introduce guests and TUTORIAL CD of where and how he had learnt and newcomers at the start of an evening. noted tuition for at least six months Nearly everyone will greet people would probably be required to correct and tell them their names when they ACOL BIDDING some of the ‘nonsense’ he had learnt. sit down. Few people proffer advice Fortunately, he is made of sufficiently unless asked. The net effect is that the stern stuff that this did not put him club (and there are plenty more like it) off. The other relevant factor was how will more than likely prosper. About long some courses can be. The cynic ten years ago, the EBU introduced Best in me says that some teachers outside Behaviour at Bridge. It evolved from a clubs get a captive audience and US code of ‘zero tolerance’. Does your wish them to come back for as many club use it or something like it? You can MAC or lessons as possible. EBED are currently find detail at http://www.ebu.co.uk/ Windows developing something called ‘Fast documents/laws-and-ethics/articles/ Track Bridge’ which will be available best-behaviour-at-bridge.pdf. But it is later in 2017. The idea is that people about creating the right atmosphere of can function at the table after a dozen which this is only a part. two hour lessons. I think the days when people wanted to commit to a couple of year’s lessons have gone. Of Flexibility course, even if this is a success some people will drift away unless there is a One of the questions posed at the Throughout 200 deals split into suitable game for them to play in. One beginning was related to flexibility. Is ten chapters, Bernard evaluates club I know of runs a game each week there a case for starting earlier, playing your bids, praising the correct for inexperienced players. They play fewer boards or playing at a different ones and discussing the wrong slightly fewer boards, they don’t allow time of the day. There is no doubt that ones. the more esoteric systems, they expect the daytime session has become very good behaviour and it is very popular. popular in some parts of the country. l Opening Bids Of course, you have to probably have It won’t suit those who work regularly, and Responses both your own premises and enough but it will suit some players who may l Slams and students to make this likely to be a be getting to the point that travelling Strong Openings success. The message of this club and at night is no longer at all enjoyable. others is that first you have to get the A weekend afternoon session may l Support for Partner teaching right, then you have to get the appeal to working players and others. l Pre-empting game right that students will play in. Certainly, events taking place at l Overcalls The hope is that once new players have weekends attract those too busy £66 learnt a bit, played in supervised lessons during the week. Those who have more l No-trump and played in a novice duplicate, they limited time in the evening because of Openings will be ready for the full game. The club pressures of work may prefer that, at and Responses has to get this right too. least some of the time, they play online l Opener’s and where a shorter session or even one that Responder’s Rebids starts at a seemingly very anti social Is Bridge enjoyable? time is preferable. There is an affiliated l Minors and Misfits online Bridge Club (Bridge Club Live l Doubles Will you go to a game where you are at http://www.bridgeclublive.com/); amongst the worst players, get 32% it gives master points and the EBU l Competitive Auctions each week and then have to suffer also organises an online knock-out players complaining about your tournament each year. speed, your failure to alert, announce Like most games, bridge will have to Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, and stop appropriately and worst of be more flexible in years to come if it Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH all lecturing you, uninvited, on how is to survive. A good starting point is ( 01483 489961 you should have endplayed your left to teach more new players and be nicer www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop hand opponent or should have bid 6♣ to them and more encouraging when because it was ‘obvious’. The answer they arrive at the club to play. ■

Page 28 BRIDGE March 2017 About the EBU by Jeremy Dhondy Is Bridge a Sport?

Why is it important that One of the ways in which bridge’s schools, for example. The view of some bridge might be recognised status as a possible sport might head teachers was that all card games Qas a sport? Is there much be determined is by reference to involved the ‘devil’s play things’ and chance of this happening?’ Parliament. The last time they spoke were not to be countenanced. How- on the matter, it was to include bridge ever, this battle has been won and you This is a timely question as, in in the definition of sport used by a should not expect the police to turn January of this year, the High body such as the Charity Commission. up at your weekly game, well not for A Court ruled that the English Bridge now has a charity EBED (English anything to do with gambling anyway. Bridge Union could not proceed fur- Bridge Education and Development) In 1970, over 250 schools took part ther in its quest to have bridge recog- and around 20 affiliated clubs are now in a national competition sponsored nised as a sport. That represents the registered as charities. One argument by the Daily Mail and Peter Donovan, end of the road as far as legal action put forward by our lawyers was that its bridge correspondent. In some is concerned, at least for the moment. Sport England should use a modern schools, teaching bridge is linked to So why does it even matter? Is it just definition made by Parliament, rather mathematical skills, but there is no about money? than relying on an 80 year old law. The formal link to the national curriculum IOC and Sport Accord both recognise and nor will there be until there is What is a sport anyway? bridge. Erasmus+, an EU sport funding more formal recognition of the game. When this topic is discussed, it fre- programme also recognises bridge. That battle has been won in some quently starts with a pub-like disagree- Sometimes people use the expres- European countries such as Sweden. A ment as to what constitutes a sport, sion Mind Sport, which includes not quote from a USA citizen who came to with points about physical activity only bridge but other activities such as observe a youth training event, ‘To see and competition being made. There chess and go. seventh and eighth graders sitting and was a good moment in the EBU’s first concentrating for three hours, it never hearing against the imposition of VAT Why does it matter? happens except in bridge.’ on competition entry fees, when the Sport, Mind Sport, Game, Activity. It would be foolish to suggest that HMRC lawyer went on at length about What’s the difference? money has nothing to do with the anything that was a sport, not only In the 1930s, when bridge was arguments. Bridge clubs benefit involving physical activity but having relatively young, it got a lot of from grants from, for example, local participants who were fit and healthy. publicity at national level. Bridge authorities. Recognition would unlock ‘I expect you mean darts,’ came from matches between Great Britain and greater possibilities of funding from our lawyer (sotto voce) to the amuse- the USA were widely publicised as the National Lottery. There was a ment of at least one of the judges. I tests of skill, yet the police arrived at story in the press at the start of this suppose the first point is one of fair- a bridge congress in Harrogate in 1935 year about a bridge club (unaffiliated), ness. Why is bridge defined as a sport because of, they said, the existence which applied for and got funding to in some countries, including ones in of gambling. Last year, a number of help some club members participate the EU, but not in the UK? Why are bridge players, including UK expats, in a director training course, run some activities defined as sports and were disturbed by the police in Pattaya by EBED and the EBU. This council others not? The list of those that are during a duplicate and arrested. There may have been more enlightened in England is more than a touch arbi- was apparently a crackdown on vice than some, but a rise in recognition trary. Baton twirling? Model Aircraft ordered by the military government. and reputation can only help. As to flying? Dragon Boat Racing? It sounds The battle to have bridge regarded why there should be recognition and like an evening in watching Eurosport as a game of skill and not a gambling funding – it is a good idea to look at 2. Of course, widening the list means game went on in the UK for more how our game can assist society. the funding may have to go more than fifty years. As long as people, in ways, but it is perhaps not unreason- general, and the Government, specifi- Benefits of bridge able to suggest that the list should be a cally, regarded it as a gambling game, Introducing bridge, or its younger bit more consistent and logical. it wasn’t going to be promoted in brother mini bridge, into schools can

Page 8 BRIDGE April 2017 improve mathematical skills 2008 finding published in mind sport-type activities and social skills. It gets vol- the American Journal of both in the field of health PLUS 12 unteers involved. However, Public Health. It suggested and also social inclusion. It’s Q the two hardest things in in- that social ties through com- already happening in other creasing this do not include munity groups, involving countries. I’ve mentioned Really user-friendly funding. It is a matter of activities such as bridge, can European countries already, bridge-playing getting volunteers and once preserve brain health, there- but bridge will be a part of software that is achieved, being able fore EBED’s attempts to add the Asian Games next year to get into schools and past to the body of evidence, in and it was on the short list, FEATURES INCLUDE those who think of bridge England, will be important but not eventually chosen, and smoky rooms, green in the fight for greater rec- for the Olympic Games in l Help button – explains eyeshades and dubious prac- ognition. Tokyo in 2020. the features for bidding tices in the same breath. Is In short, I would argue and card play advice Participation it fair? Of course not, but that whether you end up l Displays on HD and when our national press il- The number of universities calling bridge a sport, a large screens lustrates a story on bridge with bridge clubs is smaller mind sport or neither of with photos showing some than it once was. The win- those, it should be high on l Comprehensive retired colonels dressed in ning team, in the British the list of activities to be manual plus fours in golf clubs, sip- Universities Champion- promoted by our govern- l Feed in your ping large gin and tonics ship for the Portland Bowl, ment to all age groups, be- own deals before the sun has gone over qualifies to play in a Euro- cause it has a public ben- the yardarm, it is perhaps pean Universities event, ex- efit. The EBU may have lost l Minibridge option not that surprising. I invited cept that it doesn’t. Because its recent court battle (not l 5,000 preplayed hands one of the bigger press photo bridge is not recognised as the first time this battle has for teams agencies to the EBU Sum- a sport by the British Uni- been fought), but I think mer Congress to take some versities and Colleges Sport, the national organisation l 4,000 preplayed hands for matchpoint pairs more realistic pictures for participation for our teams should be seeking to raise their libraries but was ig- in this event is denied. I the profile of the game and l Save match function nored, sadly. think that for the first time promote it. If you agree let It is not, of course, just in quite a lot of years, the your local MP know. Several l Closed room – button to view other table about schools. We are living EBU will have more than MPs turned up recently at a longer and many want more 500 junior members in 2017 match between school chil- social and leisure activ- (still not quite 1% of mem- dren and members of the ity after retirement. Taking bership). That’s a welcome House of Lords, organised bridge lessons from scratch landmark but when you by the EBU, and they were or, perhaps going back to compare it with countries impressed by what they saw. £99 something you learnt forty such as France, Poland or the If bridge got the recognition including p&p years ago, can give you ac- Netherlands, it is a drop in it asks for and perhaps some cess to a whole new social the ocean. In Poland, bridge access to funding or relief environment, so when we is recognised by the Polish from VAT, then amongst the hear government bang on Olympic Authority. Bridge things that could happen TRADE-IN about social inclusion, then is taught and played in many would be: bridge has an important part schools, they have well over OFFER to play whether it is at home, 10,000 juniors, they pick up l A nationwide pro- Send in ANY in the local club or at the lo- a disproportionate num- gramme of minibridge bridge software, cal U3A group. ber of medals in the junior in schools using accred- together with a Then there are health ben- events and, in due course, ited teachers. cheque for £50 efits. There is some evidence this will filter through to the l The production of learn- that activities such as bridge full open team. ing material for begin- and receive (or the Sudoku puzzle for ners at all levels. QPlus 12. that matter) can help to de- For the future l Grants for clubs to help lay the onset of dementia- If we can get to a position them upgrade their fa- like illnesses by keeping the where there is more recog- cilities. Mr Bridge brain active. Bridge, on the nition for bridge and other l Reduced entry fees for ( 01483 489961 whole, is more sociable than equivalent activities, then we competitions. www.mrbridge.co.uk some other activities like will all be better off. Those l Training weekends for completing the crossword. who play will get help and players at all levels. System: 8mb RAM, CD-ROM, Much of the evidence comes acknowledgement. Society l Training programmes Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 or 10 from the USA, such as the as a whole will benefit from for bridge teachers. ■

BRIDGE April 2017 Page 9 About the EBU by Jeremy Dhondy

Is There Too Much Regulation in Our Game?

I enjoy playing bridge, but people playing a mini no-trump or what happens deep into the auction. it seems to me there is too something else which means they Typically, it is only an opening bid or Qmuch regulation in our open a weaker hand than some. Why perhaps the first response that really game which spoils enjoyment. Do should it only apply to the first round? causes much need for regulation. you have any comment? I recall playing in a tournament many A good question is why there should years ago when a board was passed be any regulations at all covering this One of the characteristics of out on the final round. The previous area. If you play a relatively short round a sport or game is that it has results were another 10 pass outs and of two or three boards against a pair, A a set of laws or regulations +1,100 for North South and -1,100 for then it is unfair to expect you to have to govern it, so you can’t play an North South. Not everyone takes the to defend against very complicated organised game and get away from same view of a hand. Occasionally, systems. Some systems are regulated it all. However, that doesn’t mean you might be deprived of 1/24th of so they can only be played in high level there should be 500 pages of laws and your allotted boards, but not many tournaments. regulations. boards are passed out at all tables. Some players would like to restrict In addition to the Laws, there are also still further what people play and it Laws and Regulations Regulations which apply individually is not uncommon to find, in the EBU as each country, county or club see postbag, suggestions that all players First there are Laws and they cover fit. These apply to duplicate bridge should have to play a weak no-trump bridge wherever it is played. From time and, unlike the laws, clubs can decide and four-card majors, because that is to time, the EBU is blamed for some for themselves how many of them what is traditional in the UK. In my aspect of them that someone doesn’t they implement. However, few clubs, opinion, you may be better at bridge much like, but they are produced affiliated or otherwise, want to write than the next person because you by the World Bridge Federation and their own regulations; they prefer the defend better or play hands better, updated once every ten years. The national organisation to do the work. but you might also have an advantage next update is almost upon us and There are examples of regulations because you and your partner have will apply from September 2017. Laws which are clearly not going to be used by some agreements that you have cover such things as revokes, leads, many, if any, clubs. A good example of worked out and discussed. In England, bids out of turn and insufficient bids this would be the regulations for traditionally there has been more or calls. There is a separate code for playing behind screens. There are variation in this area. The reason why rubber bridge, although it is quite regulations concerning what you can most players play a take-out double of similar to the duplicate code. agree to play. pre-empts in 2017 is because they have One example of the ‘bad’ law is given When I started as Chairman of the been persuaded it is a better and more by the regular correspondent, who does EBU’s Laws and Ethics Committee flexible tool. Fifty years ago, it was not see why there is a law that prevents there was a booklet of 72 pages common to play double for penalty a redeal if everyone on the first round covering this. I thought this was an and there was a raft of conventions passes. A player at the table may have example of too much wordiness and such as FILM, Lower Minor, Fishbein passed accidentally with an opening complexity and, in recent years, it has and Herbert that people played. In bid or he may be quite conservative halved in length. One reason for this is other words, bidding can develop and about what he opens. There may be that it is no longer necessary to regulate has done so. It is right to have some

Page 14 BRIDGE May 2017 regulations so that it doesn’t become passes immediately you may draw maintain the fairness and pleasantness unrecognisable as bridge. Players a conclusion about his hand type. If, of the game. We don’t want to drown should not use destructive weapons on the other hand, he takes a long in regulation and red tape, but if there in order to easily inconvenience time and produces a 3NT bid, you is a dispute, it is good to have some opponents; however it is right to allow are likely to know it is not a 19 count regulations to fall back upon. bidding development. with a balanced hand and a double You have to arrange a match in the I predict that in 25 years time that stop. A fundamental tenet of the County League. You offer several the dominant system in the UK will game is that you should only be able dates to the opponents and they fail to have become the same as much of the to know about your partner’s hand accept any or propose any of their own. world and that is strong no-trump and from his bidding. Anything else is What happens? Or you try to qualify five-card majors. Keep the magazine unauthorised. These who don’t like for the final of the club pairs. 16 pairs and see if I am right! stop cards usually produce an auction qualify. You are equal 16th. How is the like 1NT-Pass-3NT as their example, tie split? Or you enter the wrong score Fairness where it is pointless. If the next hand on to the traveller or bridgemate. Can passes at the speed of light he, of it be corrected? If you and your partner have an agree- course, has nothing to think about. If All of these problems and more can ment in any aspect of your bidding, he takes a long time and then passes, be covered with simple regulations then it is fundamental that your oppo- he was probably thinking of doubling which you rarely have to apply, but nents are informed, hence the idea of but would need a particular lead to are useful when there is a difficult system cards, alerting and announcing, defeat the contract. Giving him a few situation. all of which are covered by regulation. seconds to make his decision without There is a difficult player in your club. Announcements, which are now about it putting a strain on what you lead is, He upsets players almost every week. ten years old, cover some common po- in my opinion, an improvement. Can your club ask him to leave? It may sitions. If for example, you open 2♥, Scotland and England/Wales have depend on the regulations your club then your opponent’s next action, if differing ideas about whether you has. My experience of these matters is any, may depend on whether your bid is should alert if your partner doubles. that when a club does wish to go down natural or weak, strong or somewhere In Scotland it is easy. You don’t alert this route, they usually have good in the middle. He is unlikely to care at any double. That makes writing reason, but far too often they have no this stage about the exact point range eg the regulation exceptionally easy proper constitution or process that 5-9 or 6-10 etc, so your partner simply and simple to understand. As that would resolve the issue. The typical says, ‘Weak,’ if it is a weak two. would take several pages out of the volunteer on a club committee does not Announcements, like all new regulations, why don’t we all follow wish to be presented with a letter from ideas in bridge, had some vociferous suit? The main reasons are having to an aggressive solicitor demanding his opposition at the start which went ask and give away your hand eg the client be allowed to play. At this point, from talking of discrimination sequence 1NT-Dbl-2♣-Dbl. If the people will typically say, ‘For goodness against those hard of hearing to all second double is for take-out, you may sake it is a game, after all.’ True, but sorts of technical arguments, but in wish to take one action and if penalty, having some regulations stops the truth, knowing what your opponent’s another. If there are no alerts, then you very small number disrupting what no-trump range is and a few other have to ask each time and risk giving should be your pleasant afternoon or minor things has made life easier and information to partner. Similarly, it evening at the club. removed the need for detailed system starts 1♠-Pass-4♣-Dbl. 4♣ is a splinter cards on a club night. The number who bid and the double suggests partner What’s the answer? sit down and give a brief precis of what leads a diamond. Not all that common they play has also increased markedly. but how would you ever be expected to My answer is a light touch. Club bridge The problem of overhearing has not guess this if there was no alert? does not need lengthy tomes of regula- proved to be difficult in any club I’ve So it comes down to simplicity of tions. The law makers and regulators played in. Usually it is comments regulation against disclosure and should make it their business to have such as, ‘6♠ is completely laydown,’ fairness and it isn’t so simple. Not as light a touch as possible and not say bellowed at 115 decibels that attract many club players want to sit there for in 800 words what can be said in 50. the attention of other players. an evening hearing every single bid, Our game runs better when there double or pass alerted, so a balance are some sensible and understand- Stop and Double trouble needs to be struck. able regulations. Administrators must know all the regulations but players I recently got a letter lambasting the must also be aware of what the main EBU and other bridge organisations When the going regulations are. The minutiae they for having a procedure where you had gets tough? can leave to the director. I would say to produce a stop card before making that is what they are paid for but, of a jump bid. Imagine your left hand Away from the nitty gritty of alerts course, many are long suffering volun- opponent opens 3♣. If your partner and stops, there are regulations to teers. ■

BRIDGE May 2017 Page 15 About the EBU by Jeremy Dhondy

All About Handicapping

Is bridge a suitable game attracted some strong players, but the has existed for the last six years: for using a handicapping event had a handicap applied to all the National Grading Scheme. Qsystem? A local bridge club players and there was a separate prize Several clubs already use this for I sometimes play at has introduced list for those players. You could not, of handicapping (amongst other things). such a system, possibly to encourage course, win prizes in both categories. If you aren’t familiar with it, a grade less able players and give them the Other countries also organise such is produced which depends on your pleasurable feeling of winning or games. In American tournaments, level, your partner’s level and the doing well, but this is at the expense you will see reference to such things opponents’ levels. Therefore, if you of the stronger players. as the 49er pairs. If you’d like to play with a strong partner against play, you must have fewer than 50 weak opponents, then you will need The short answer is that it masterpoints. As there is also a 99ers a higher score to improve, whereas if is, in my opinion, a game game this restricts the game to a you play with a weak partner against A well suited for handicap small section of the membership. strong players you need a lower score competitions. It will hardly be the Because masterpoints build up over to improve your grade. Your grade is only activity. Horses are handicapped the years and don’t reflect current expressed from a two to an ace and by carrying different weights in races, form, they aren’t perhaps best suited can change quite regularly. golf and squash players participate to the method. Some clubs in England To run a handicap, you can pick a with a handicap which acts as a run similar types of games to the date, eg when the event is due to start leveller. Chess players surrender a American tournaments which can and give players a percentage based on piece or pieces or the weaker player lead to a county competition. their and their partner’s grade. You has more time on the clock. Snooker In the local club, the main game might find a king starting with a 5% players may give the weaker player a is a pairs game, perhaps enlivened handicap over an average player (a points start. A handicap may benefit with the occasional teams event. A seven). I don’t suppose players would the weaker player by giving him or handicap competition can provide want to do this every game, but as an her a better chance, but it also benefits welcome variety. The first step is what occasional change I think it has a role the better player by producing more to base the handicap on. It has to be to play. You could also use it to have a of a challenge. If you play golf against something which is accepted and can split game, so that those with a higher someone each week and beat him by be easily updated. Arpad Elo invented rank are in a separate section to those fifteen or more strokes, then after a a scheme for chess which rates players with a lower rank. This, of course, while, whilst there is the joy of the and games can then be based on the would depend on having enough game itself, the competitive element scores. Bridge is a bit more difficult players. dies away. because it is a partnership game, but Another method that can be used is A handicap can also be used to there are still workable methods. stratification. You choose some levels stratify competitions, so that there is (call them A, B and C). Players are put an incentive for players to participate into one of them depending on their even if they would be regarded in the Step forward the NGS NGS grade and then at the end of the weaker half of the field. I used to go to evening, as well as an overall winner, a French tournament held each year in Fortunately if you play at an EBU you can have B and C flight winners. La Baule. The major pairs competition affiliated club, the right system If you are an affiliated club,

BRIDGE June 2017 Page 23 there is detail on all this in the Club moved into the area recently, you can Management Handbook. always produce a temporary handicap until things settle down. Bridge players, of course, are Unaffiliated Clubs competitive creatures so if a club is to run a handicap it is best to give These clubs don’t have the benefit of the some thought to the regulations. For NGS, but that does not stop them from example, is the handicap fixed for running such a game. You could run the season or does it get recalculated a handicap game based on percentage at any point? How do you deal with a These English made tables scores over the past year, so if you had substitute? Must you play all the games offer superb quality and have averaged 55%, then you would start off or should it be, say, at least eight out of the genuine Pelissier hinges. with a 5% handicap against the 50% ten. If your club is unaffiliated, then Choose from the great value player, but a 5% advantage against the those players who are EBU members Club, the Premier or the 60% player. You can publish the scores can still use their NGS rating; perhaps elegant Royal. with or without handicap, if you wish. the club could affiliate. You’d be very Special Prices for Bridge Most scoring programs (including welcome. Club orders of 5 or more. EBUScore and Scorebridge) will deal quite adequately with handicaps. You might decide that the whole handicap Teams as well as pairs really does make it too difficult for the better players to overcome. If that’s the It doesn’t have to be a pairs game. I case then it can always be adjusted or played in a league many years ago and maybe only 80% of the difference in there was also a league cup which was score counts. a knock-out event. A match between a first division team and a sixth division team (yes, there were six divisions Club Table with traditional green How to handicap then) could be quite unbalanced, so felt playing surface £159.00 the division six team started 20 imps Here is a method to use if you don’t up in a 24 board match, a fifth division have access to the NGS: team 16 up etc. This seemed to work quite well. l In determining the handicap win- In teams, a poorer team may often ners, normal match-pointed per- beat a stronger team in a seven or centage scores are adjusted by the eight board Swiss match, but this is less handicap of each competing pair. likely in a 24-board league match and rare in something like a 48-board Gold l Each member’s handicap is Cup Match. Therefore, a handicap may Premier Table, bevelled edges calculated as follows: be an incentive for a team which is and baize playing surface £199.00 fed up with losing in round one every l Take the average percentage score year. With entries falling in many for the previous calendar year in competitions that may be a useful club pairs events (minimum of ten fillip. events). Subtract this from 50 and Perhaps your club might like to try divide the result by two to give the this method once a month or so, as a handicap. variant on the normal game or perhaps over a few weeks at one time of year. If l The handicap of each pair will be the club is worried about how it might the sum of the handicaps of the two be received (and the writer of the letter Royal Table, elegant surround and partners. This combined handicap at the start of the article had some baize playing surface £249.00 is added to their match-pointed doubts) then asking the members at Order online or by phone percentage score in the event, to the AGM might be one way to gauge www.designsforbridge.co.uk give their percentage score in the its likely acceptance and success. handicap competition. (Note that I looked up a few club websites whilst 01483 270 100 some handicaps will be positive preparing this article and found quite SR Designs for Bridge and some negative). a few clubs offering a handicap pairs in Unit A1, Send Business Park, one form or another, so there is some Send, Woking, Surrey GU23 7EF If someone wishes to play and hasn’t popularity out there which perhaps played ten games, perhaps they have your club can build on. ■

Page 24 BRIDGE June 2017 About the EBU by Jeremy Dhondy What to do about Slow Play

My club has a few players international or the Gold Cup final, boards finish at around 11pm. I think who are very slow and there is a set number of minutes for this reduces enjoyment for many and Qthey are spoiling the game each stanza of boards and going over some show that by not returning. for others. What does the EBU that will lead to a fine and eventually, The club can assist by having a recommend in this sort of situation? although very rarely, the breakup of a director who calls the move promptly, partnership for the rest of the match. perhaps having a clock or computer I think slow play is something It’s not really appropriate to have displaying a count down. If you put that is experienced in many such rigid rules in clubs, so there ‘bridge timer’ into Google, you can A clubs and it does cause is a problem as after all people are find free software timers, at least a problem. The EBU gets more coming out for the evening for some for the first few months, whilst you complaints on this issue than anything enjoyment and a list of offences decide whether they suit your club or else at its events (even the temperature). for which you can be fined doesn’t not. Try http://rothwells.weebly.com/ Answers, I think, are both short and improve the atmosphere. In a typical timer.html. Even if you buy one, it is longer term. In a major tournament two-board round, there may be a not expensive. That’s the mechanical there are quite strict regulations about difficult defensive hand or a declarer bit and will solve the problem of the the speed of play and possible match play problem that can slow it down. occasional drop in speed. Strangely, point or IMP fines if you exceed the Perhaps you only start to get concerned many players react better to the time allowed. Two specific cases come when it is the same pair time after machine telling them it is time to to mind. Several years ago in Estoril, time. move than they do to a human being in a major European teams quarter with the same message. final, all eight declarers played in Keeping up to speed 3NT. Seven went down and the eighth There’s slow play made it. 12 IMPs to his team then, There are things the club can do, and slow fussing but he took a very long time over the things members can do and even allotted amount and was not only things the slow player can do (see Before we come to the more serious fined 24 IMPs, but also had to read an below). The first set of things clubs can malefactors, it is worth remembering editorial about the evils of slow play, do are, I think, to do with how your that some slowness is nothing to do with himself as an example, in the club determines the general speed of with playing the cards but rather to do tournament bulletin the next day. The play. At the club where I play most with all the fussing that goes on before second saga was a Gold Cup semi final of my local bridge, the game starts at and after the board. I used to play many years ago where the speed of 7pm and everyone has finished their against a pair who would start every play had been glacial. They would have allotted 24 boards by, at the latest, round by a. studying your system finished at gone 2.30am, were it not 10.01. I’ve never seen a problem with card and b. enquiring specifically for the fact that they played the final slowness and on teams nights you about your defence to 1NT. Nothing eight boards the same way at both have to play 28 boards in the same particularly unreasonable in that, but tables forcing the set to be replayed. time. However, one club, where I play there was no evidence that they ever Now it was 3.55am. That incident led occasionally, starts promptly at 7.38 did anything with the information. to some much stricter rules about for a 7.30pm start, players are slow and It seemed equivalent to clearing their the speed of play, so hopefully this then disappear to the bar at the end of throats. They certainly proceeded over could not happen again. In a Camrose a round. Small wonder, then, that 24 1NT in the same way, however

BRIDGE July 2017 Page 27 you chose to intervene. When the the club is going to have to decide round, but that reduces enjoyment hand was finished there would be an what to do with players who believe for at least one wholly innocent pair. animated discussion/post-mortem. that other competitors may take If you do remove a board as director Eventually, the score would get put three hours for 24 boards but they are then you award Av+ or Av- according into a Bridgemate and then all the entitled to 3 hours 20 minutes. When to whom you hold at fault. scores would be compared along the director has exhausted his options It may be time for the club chairman with a running commentary on how (if he is playing as well as directing he to have a word with the recalcitrant they might have done better together may not have that many), it may be partnership. For those who are with some acidic comments along the time for the club committee to decide thinking about the poor slow pair lines of, ‘how did anyone let 11 tricks what to do. After all the director is who are being persecuted, it is good through on that board? Was there a likely a club volunteer and his task to remember that there are upwards revoke?’ Looking at the scores is part is to keep the movement going. of 20 other pairs who are having their of the fun but you have to recognise Persistent slow play may require a bit enjoyment of their game spoilt by that if your play is in the slow lane you more action especially if, for example, finishing late each week or hanging have an obligation to get on with the there is a rota of directors so it takes around between rounds. I guess if it other elements of the game. Not letting some time for the pattern to become comes to it, and this should be rare, it anyone see dummy until you have noticed. The director, when called, could be necessary for the club and the entered the contract and opening lead may also have to make a determination pair to part company but this is very on to your scorecard is an unpardonable of who was responsible and deciding it much the last resort. I think you have sin in my book. Incidentally, if your on the odds, ‘You have been slow four to get the pair concerned to accept that opponents are slow, avoid entering times this month therefore it must be they are slow, damaging the enjoyment into a conversation (eg about details of you this time also,’ is unlikely to go of others and get them to make a the defence etc) at the end of the first down particularly well. Matchpoint commitment to improving matters. of three boards. As a slow player, even fines are not going to work more than It is to be expected that novice players doing something minor like entering on the rare occasion. They alienate but will be significantly slower and those the board number and contract into don’t usually make anyone play faster. clubs who have duplicates especially the Bridgemate when dummy can save Whilst you can take a board away, it for them often play fewer boards to time. is contrary to the Law to stop a board allow for it, but the most intractable which has started (unless players have offenders have been playing a long The slow and started it after being told not to by the time, are experienced and believe that the persistent director). You might allow the board to we all have to accept their pace. be played at the end if both pairs want The ten commandments for slow Having accepted and dealt with the but this won’t be a solution if you have players should help them stay at the players who are occasionally slow and to vacate the premises by 10.15pm. You club and not aggravate the rest of the respond to the gentlest of chivvying, might remove a board from the next membership. ■

Ten Commandments for Slow Players

l Lead first and write it down later.

l Move promptly: if move is called get to the next table swiftly.

l Score swiftly: enter details before the end of the hand if you can and then put in the rest of the detail and offer the Bridgemate to your opponent. eg ‘We got 45%,’ is usually enough rather than going through how many bid which particular game.

l Catch up: if you are late arriving then you have an obligation to try to catch up.

l Time yourself: in Chess they have clocks but even in bridge you should be aware if you have taken 11 of the available 15 minutes to deal with the first board of two.

l Limit your post-mortem until you have finished all the boards for the round.

l Alert: don’t ask every time there is an alert.

l Claim: consider claiming if you have a reasonably easy end position.

l Use your opponent’s thinking time: you may be able to plan your own play better.

l If your opponent is going to cash a long suit in dummy, decide on your discards. I bet you’ve watched someone agonise over their first discard and then when another winner is played do exactly the same again. It can hardly be a surprise.

Page 28 BRIDGE July 2017 About the EBU by Jeremy Dhondy What to do about Declining Numbers

My club has declining those in schools may well attract some of professionally produced teachers’ numbers. How can we stop new players, but inevitably many will notes, including supporting resources Qand reverse this? be lost to the game as family and for each topic with student exercises, work commitments take priority. Of quizzes, selected hands to play and I answered a question a few course, they may return to the game commentaries. Bridge for All is much months ago which focused later, but by that time what may more than just a set of course materials. A on making the club a more have happened to the clubs? A better You will also be offered training in welcoming place for people to attend. short term policy may be to seek to the use of the materials and how to If the behaviour is good, members are teach people who are coming up to adapt them as necessary to suit your welcoming and the club committee’s retirement and are looking for an individual style. Advice is provided on view is to ensure the game is enjoyable. increase in their leisure activities and how to set up and organise your classes; This will all help, but to me the key for pursuits. If your club has the facilities with guidance on how to develop the long term is the ability to attract to teach, then the next questions are: your students to become players and new people to the game. I was taken who does the teaching and what do gain maximum enjoyment from their to task by one reader after my previous they teach? EBED, the bridge charity, bridge activities. Your students will article for allegedly suggesting that runs a teaching association and it also become EBU members and will be able only some people were welcome as runs courses to help people teach. to participate in the EBU’s Really Easy new members (young middle-class The main method is called Bridge for Events, geared towards the newcomer professionals). This is far from the All and any prospective teacher who to the game. Perhaps your club may case for most clubs which have seen a does a course is automatically enrolled be able to identify some people who decline in membership in recent years. in the teaching association EBTA wish to teach bridge, wish to earn a They want to attract new members (English Bridge Teachers Association). little money from it and will end up from anywhere locally, young or old You can find more detail here: benefiting your club by attracting new and irrespective of class. There are http://www.ebedcio.org.uk/teach. The members. Win-Win, as they say. some shining examples of clubs whose courses are open to both members and membership has increased and these non-members of the EBU. The course Learning the fast way clubs are vibrant and successful, so comprises modules over a two year what is the secret? period. That has been the traditional way to teach bridge and EBED have New members needed, materials to support this for those who please wish to teach the Bridge for All course. This is not the only way of learning and I think the key to attracting new there are some perfectly good teachers members is teaching. Some clubs will out there who don’t follow this method have premises in which they can run and weren’t trained by EBED, or in the lessons and attract new members, past by the EBU. However, it is a bit whilst other smaller clubs may not more pot luck and there are bad as well have the facilities to be able to do as good teachers out there. Ask any this and will need teachers from the existing teacher just how much time surrounding area who teach privately. it took to prepare all their material Perhaps one of the first things to do and you will quickly realise that the is to establish the most likely market answer is, ‘a great deal.’ Bridge for All The traditional way of learning for lessons and members. Teaching provides teachers with a complete set may not suit everyone, so EBED are

Page 20 BRIDGE August 2017 introducing a new course called Fast l Say what suits, tricks, trumps and Track Bridge. scoring are. 2017 FESTIVE It’s ready now and, by the time l Understand how the game is played. you read this, there will be some l Plan how to take the tricks in a SEASON (free) preview sessions, for any bridge simple no-trump contract. teacher, to launch it. There is one at the l Draw trumps and play a simple suit Denham Grove Summer Congress in Eastbourne on contract. Near Uxbridge, UB9 5DG August 8th if you happen to be playing, l Defend a hand, making leads and or live nearby, and are interested. following suit as required. Other areas of the country are also l Open the bidding with a 1NT bid served (see http://www.ebedcio.org. and make appropriate responses. uk/Fasttrack). So what is the difference l Open the bidding with a suit and between this and ordinary established respond to the opening bid. Christmas ways of teaching? l Recognise whether this is a game or The course seeks to get participants part-score hand. 23-27 Dec £495 Duplicates and Seminars l to the table and playing very much Play a social game with friends or in Signals, Discards and Basic Defence more quickly than the traditional a small friendly game in class. hosted by Will Parsons course and may appeal to those who l As a declarer, plan and play the don’t want to spend up to two years hand. Twixmas learning to play. The course can be l As a defender, choose and play a 27-29 Dec £252 done in environments which don’t lend sensible opening lead. Duplicates and Seminars themselves to the traditional approach, l Work out how contracts might be Competitive Bidding such as on holiday or over a weekend beaten. hosted by Bernard Magee or as a stand-alone course. One way l Compete when the opponents open New Year or another, participants should be able the bidding, choosing between suit 29 Dec-2 Jan £499 to play more quickly than at present. and no-trump overcalls and take- Duplicates and Seminars Of course, they won’t be ready for the out doubles. Further into the Auction cut and thrust of the club duplicate l Respond after partner opens or hosted by Bernard Magee after a weekend and a couple of follow overcalls with one no-trump. up sessions, so those clubs which can l Be able to open the bidding with Ramada Resort offer duplicates for relative beginners, 2♣ to show very strong hands and perhaps with a slower pace and fewer respond. Grantham Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT boards will assist in developing these l Be able to open the bidding with players. The idea of learning bridge in a long weak suits and respond. shorter time is not new and there have l Enjoy playing bridge at home or been Learn in a weekend type courses in the classroom and know about around for a while. These have helped the opportunities for playing with the clubs that have run them to attract others. new members, many of whom have l Play bridge, not needing the teacher Christmas gone on to participate at club level. standing by. 23-27 Dec £425 Learning to play bridge is pretty l Enter a simple duplicate competition Just Duplicate demanding as there seem to be so at the club. hosted by Shelia Rogers many aspects: the bidding, play, defence, regulations, etiquette etc. All of these would be covered in a Twixmas Getting across only the essentials and course, learning to play over a couple 27-29 Dec £215 accepting that those who have learnt of years. A few of these are necessarily Duplicates and Seminars won’t be experts in such a short period trimmed in Fast Track Bridge, but, Overcalling is critical and I think we have to try they can be picked up later. Indeed, New Year something different to attract new one aspect of a club’s teaching can 29 Dec-1 Jan £345 players. If you doubt this, then look at be the follow up lessons for players Duplicates and Seminars your club membership and ask yourself wishing to develop. It’s not reasonable Better Hand Evaluation some questions. Is the membership to expect each teacher to spend time increasing or decreasing? What is by preparing their own materials, Back to Back bookings the average age? What is the weekly and one responsibility of a national save £50 (per additional event) attendance? If you are depressed by bridge organisation is to promote ( 01483 489961 some of the answers then perhaps this the learning of the game by offering is a possible way forward. If you doubt a variety of courses, helping to train For details and itineraries that learning is complex then consider teachers and increasing the number of www.mrbridge.co.uk/ukbreaks this list: students. ■

BRIDGE August 2017 Page 21 About the EBU by Jeremy Dhondy Bridge and VAT

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

Page 28 BRIDGE September 2017

About the EBU by Jeremy Dhondy The Attraction of Online Bridge

What is the attraction of Online playing if you want masterpoints. So, if you online bridge and why do have a sleepless night or an afternoon Qplayers participate? People are busier than ever these days off you can play. I still like face to face and quite a few of those who play bridge, but if I am on the train and have Like many activities, bridge bridge find that family life and work a Wi-Fi connection then I’d prefer this is subject to change. In my get in the way. Rather than give up to solitaire or reading depressing news A experience, players are quite bridge because going to a tournament headlines. There is a review of it at often resistant to change. or club night is just not possible, one www.ebu.co.uk/node/2822#cost if you can take part in an online game. The would like more detail. Online watching EBU tried BBO three or four years ago but the games did not bring a Join the club Most bridge players have a computer high enough number of players to be in the house and growing numbers viable. One reason for this might have As well as the online game there is have smart phones or tablets. If this been the Americanisation of the game the online club. Bridge Club Live is is not your thing you can, of course, so we have recently started another a UK based operation and many of feel free to ignore bridge online. The game, this time with Funbridge (www. the players are British and not robots first area in which bridge has changed funbridge.com). You can get their free at all. This system charges an annual is for those who like to watch bridge. app at the Play Store (Android) or App fee (you can also join on a monthly World Championships contain the Store (Apple) on your mobile device or basis) but games thereafter are free. best players in the world but the events download their free software on a PC If you register as an EBU member were remote from England with no or Mac. If that sounds like gibberish, then master points are given and as realistic way of watching what was then a shorthand is that it works on a member you can get a 50 day free going on. There are now services such pretty much any device. You have the trial to see if you like it. BCL also has as BBO (Bridge Base Online) and opportunity to play four-card majors a forum where you can ask questions more recently Funbridge, who show with a weak no-trump, if that is your and make comments. major championships wherever they preference and there is no need to find The world of the forum has taken are in the world. a partner or teammates as the other off in recent years and one forum at I first noted how popular this might players are perfectly behaved robots. www.bridgewinners.com went into be when I was in Monaco in 2003 and You can play a casual game lasting meltdown at the point where a number in the audience for the very exciting only four boards if you wish or play of international players were accused of final stages of the Bermuda Bowl. The in a tournament. You get given some nefarious practices. Suddenly a dozen result depended on the very last board. free hands when you first register or 20 comments a day turned into so There were several hundred people in so you can practice before starting many that a new server was required to the audience but over 14,000 watching out on a tournament. Tournament stop the website from crashing. online and that was 14 years ago. games, which last 20 boards, cost €2 The EBU runs an annual online Several tournaments in England are and give master points for those who knock out competition (with a plate also covered. The software is free and are successful. You don’t have to be an competition for early losers). It starts participation is also free. EBU member to play, although you do in January.

Page 34 BRIDGE October 2017

About the EBU by Jeremy Dhondy

Please Stop!

Why is it we have the Stop you hold: action then this is an example of what procedure and would the is called ‘unauthorised information’ Qgame be better if we scrapped and you simply are not allowed to use it altogether? ♠ 9 8 7 it. The origin of the Stop procedure ♥ J 3 was to seek to reduce this by getting Saying, ‘Stop’ or using a card ♦ K J 7 5 2 a more even tempo. Of course if the from the bidding box when ♣ 7 6 5 Stop card is produced and you look at A making a jump bid has been your watch, yawn, feign disinterest or a part of club and tournament bridge ignore it then the attempt to improve for over 40 years but it still causes You have nothing to think about so tempo is defeated. players angst. In a recent tournament pass fairly quickly. Now you hold: the player on my right jumped without using the Stop card or saying, ‘Stop.’ I Regulation had a difficult problem. I asked him ♠ K Q 7 after the hand why he didn’t use the ♥ J 3 Stop card and he replied, ‘Because I ♦ K J 8 6 don’t agree with the Stop procedure.’ ♣ Q 10 4 3 Given it is currently a regulation, that doesn’t place him in the strongest position. Obeying only the laws and You have a minimum opening bid regulations we approve of is not a but only three spades and there is sensible strategy. I imagine telling the significant risk in being pushed to the local magistrate that I don’t agree that four level if you have no fit. You think the speed limit in my village should for a while and either double if that be 30mph would not go down well, is your thing or pass if you are not so no matter how many cogent reasons brave (and no-one could reasonably I thought I had. He is not alone in criticise a pass on this hand). Of course his view and at least one player who you should take your actions on both currently plays for England has trouble hands at the same tempo. producing a Stop card in tournaments One fundamental in any game of and that is not because he forgets. bridge is that when you decide what (In international play it is irrelevant to bid you should do it based on your because the game is behind screens hand, together with available evidence Here is the regulation that currently and you are not aware of how long from the bidding, and what your applies in England: your partner or opponent has taken.) partner or opponents have bid. That is Before making a jump bid (ie a bid Your right hand opponent opens 3♥ called authorised information. If you at a higher level than the minimum which is a normal pre-emptive bid and take into account the tempo of partner’s required) a player must place the Stop

BRIDGE November 2017 Page 25 card in front of him, then place his call doubling (more likely this than he unauthorised information. They don’t as usual, and eventually remove the is thinking of bidding). If you now know how. If we move to the world of Stop card. His left-hand opponent lead a spade when he has passed out automated bridge at some time in the should not call until the Stop card has of tempo, you may be guilty of using future then the electronic brain will been removed. The Stop card should be unauthorised information. It is also be able to deliver bids to us in regular left on the table for about ten seconds, likely you will end up getting ruled tempo as happens in online bridge to give the next player time to reflect. It against if the director is called and the already. should not be removed prematurely. facts established. It’s possible to abolish the card After a jump bid the next player but still require people to pause as is must pause for about ten seconds being suggested in North America. before calling. It is an offence either Over the pond The question, perhaps, is whether not to pause or to show indifference appropriate tempo will happen as when pausing. If the Stop card has often if the card is scrapped. been removed prematurely or has not The ACBL (American Contract Bridge been used, an opponent should pause League) have just decided to remove as though the Stop card had been used the Stop card from all its bidding boxes Should we change? correctly. from January 1st 2018. This will apply Problem 1 tends to come with those at all its tournaments. ACBL clubs, as auctions where it seems unnecessary. in England, can decide for themselves. What should we do in England? I If the opponents start: The removal doesn’t mean that the think the first requirement, whether obligation to bid in tempo has been we use the Stop card or say ‘Stop’, is West North East South removed. In their opinion the pluses to have something which persuades 1♦ Pass 2♠ (Strong) of playing the card do not outweigh us to bid in tempo. Nearly everyone Pass 4♠ the minuses. Of course if everyone accepts that in the play it is wrong to did bid in even tempo no matter what think with a singleton except perhaps then few would dream of coming in at the auction and players did not take at trick one. Acceptance that there is a this stage. Similarly a simple auction advantage of hesitations, long pauses requirement to bid in tempo has been by the opponents of: or even instant action we would not harder to achieve over the years. ‘Why need any Stop cards at all. should I pretend to think when I have West North East South Here is another auction: a balanced one-count?’ 1NT Pass 3NT It’s not a bad idea to have a discussion West North East South as to whether we retain the card or is also fairly unlikely to attract action. 1♥ 4♠ ? not. Whatever we decide I think it The answer to these situations is is better if we have a default. Whilst first, that it is easier to have a simple Now perhaps you would like to think clubs are free to do their own thing blanket rule with no exceptions. of bidding or doubling. Partner might with regulation (but not the law) it is Writing the exceptions would be quite wish to re-open. If you pass very rarely a good idea to set up a situation difficult. The second reason is that just quickly then you are in breach of the where one uses the Stop card in the because people are not thinking about regulation and partner knows (and club played in on Monday but not in bidding doesn’t mean they don’t have shouldn’t) that you were not close to the one played in on Thursday. a problem. You hold: taking any action. If on the other hand If we were to scrap the card (and the you think for a long time and then words) we would have removed one pass, partner knows it is likely you have piece of regulation and helped those ♠ 7 6 5 something to think about, encouraging joining the game, but would we make ♥ Q 9 4 3 2 N him perhaps to take action based on a lot of auctions more difficult? It’s ♦ 7 5 3 W E unauthorised information. Much of worth remembering that, currently, S ♣ 4 3 this is sub-conscious. Very few players if someone fails to use the Stop deliberately set out to take advantage, card then he may have breached a but if there is a problem will show you regulation, but you as the next player The opponents bid 1NT-3NT and their hand and say how ‘obvious’ it was still have an absolute obligation to bid it is your lead. You might decide to to take the action they did, oblivious to in appropriate tempo. lead a heart simply because it is the the fact that their partner’s hesitation fourth highest from your longest and or lack of it made a difference. strongest suit. Alternatively, given One disadvantage of the Stop card Your view? partner has most of your side’s points, procedure is that it is one more thing you might try a spade. If partner (amongst many) for beginners and habitually passes quickly in this those new to duplicate to learn and So what do you think about keeping auction but on this occasion thinks manage. Beginners almost never the procedure, whether it involves the for a while, he might be thinking of deliberately take advantage of any Stop card or just the words? ■

BRIDGE November 2017 Page 27 About the EBU by Jeremy Dhondy Bring on the Juniors

What are the EBU doing to around the country. Sussex hold a invites schools to send students to the encourage more juniors to junior weekend event, Gloucestershire Houses of Parliament both to look Qplay bridge? Isn’t it the key and Oxfordshire also co-operate in around and also to play bridge against to the future of our game? running something similar. MPs and Peers. As well as these initiatives there are Are the young the future of groups of schools who have signed Junior Awards bridge? Will they be the only up to initiatives offered by a small A way to keep the game going? number of clubs and counties. One An important recent development Actually no, I don’t think they will such example is Stamford Youth is a national junior award scheme although the EBU and more recently Bridge Academy (www.syba.org.uk). formulated by one of our squad leaders, EBED have had a commitment to They started their work with nearly Alan Shillitoe and administered by bridge in schools. The short term 300 young people and starting this EBED. The scheme breaks down the fix, to avoid clubs dying out as their academic year have extended this to skills required to develop from raw membership ages, is to get teaching another 400+. If most of our bigger rookie to serious contender into a set and increase the numbers and target clubs could do the same the future of of steps and milestones which can be those coming up to retirement who the game would be in safer hands. easily understood and evaluated in the may have more leisure time. I am quite The Tom Bradley award is given to a classroom. heartened by the reaction to EBED’s non-school teacher who does most to These skills (covering bidding, new product ‘Fast Track Bridge’ and develop junior bridge in their area and play and defence) are grouped into hope that this and the more traditional this year it went to Jessica and Anton six progressive levels of attainment: way of teaching will prosper in more Mauve who are involved in a scheme Minibridge, Bronze, Silver, Gold, clubs over the next few years. in the Weald of Kent to get schools and Platinum and Diamond. Each Juniors pick up bridge and clubs involved in junior bridge. level requires the satisfactory minibridge quite quickly and are an A significant part of the role of our ‘demonstration’ of about twenty important part of strengthening the sister charity, EBED, is to assist and increasingly difficult elements of roots of the game but, of course, the promote these initiatives and run their technique. So, at the lowest minibridge juniors that learn often give up for own events. Two examples are: the level successful candidates should be some years after leaving school or Junior Teach In held in Loughborough able to (in the play category): university because jobs and families which brings together all from raw intrude on their free time. Some come recruits to junior internationals and l Count the total number of winners back after a number of years and it will the Youth Bridge Challenge held each l Knock out high cards to be good if they have clubs and an EBU March. www.ebedcio.org.uk/junior_ establish winners to come back to. calendar has details of junior events l Draw trumps in a suit contract around the country. The All Party l Count the points to work out To boldly go Parliamentary Group for Bridge led by where the outstanding cards lie Bob Blackman MP is keen on helping l Take a finesse against an There are some encouraging signs and, amongst other things, the group outstanding card

Page 14 BRIDGE December 2017 As players go through the levels it their pension but also to play bridge in gets more difficult and at the top seniors events. BERNARD level (Diamond award) those who MAGEE’S are successful might well be in a Junior Internationals junior squad and perhaps playing for TUTORIAL CDS England. So you can assess the card In each of our junior squads a squad play skills required (there are other leader organises training and this is tested skills also) I have listed them not just for the team but others who ADVANCED below: want to participate. We had four DECLARER PLAY teams, one in each category go to the l Overtricks in No-trumps l Demonstrate a trump coup European Junior Championships in l Overtricks in Suit Contracts l Demonstrate coup en July of this year. l Endplays passant and elopements All four of the teams qualified for l Avoidance l By playing, show that you are the World Championship (you need to l Wrong Contract £81 counting every deal you play finish in the top six to do this) and two l Simple Squeezes l Be able to explain Smith Peters of the teams, U21 and U26 Women, l Counting the Hand l Demonstrate a simple squeeze won bronze medals. l Trump Reductions & Coups A fine performance and one l Playing Doubled Contracts The last skill listed reminds me of unmatched by any other European l Safety Plays the player in a local duplicate who at country. Couldn’t be better you might about trick nine laid her cards down think. The World Championships and said, ‘The rest are mine on a are in Wu Jiang, China which is ADVANCED squeeze.’ Sadly this wasn’t true but this around 100km from the centre of ACOL BIDDING sort of ostentatious claiming can led Shanghai. To get four teams there l Basics to problems. I enquired as to exactly plus captains and coaches together l Advanced Basics what squeeze she had in mind. After a with accommodation, food and other l Weak Twos £96 short break and a sigh or two she gave expenses will not be a cheap matter. l Strong Hands in and gave us the trick to which we The EBU will be putting up money for l Defence to Weak Twos were entitled. this not least because one if its duties l Defence to 1NT Teaching people of any age to play as an organisation is to further our l Doubles is good for the EBU, the counties, representation in international events l Two-suited Overcalls the clubs and the players – we all and it is particularly pleasing that we l Defences to Other Systems need to do more. If your club offers have juniors doing so well. If they are l Misfits and teaching does it advertise? If it doesn’t to do well in China, and there is every Distributional Hands has it thought of co-operating with hope that they will, then a programme another local club? As far as juniors of training and other squad activities FIVE-CARD MAJORS are concerned does your club welcome will be taking place between now and and encourage juniors? next August. & Strong No-Trump Some juniors who learn at school are We are also going to have a fund l Opening Bids & Responses happy to play a little in school, perhaps raising drive and some clubs, counties l No-Trump Openings at home and don’t desire to spread and individuals have already offered l Support for Partner their wings but others have a strong help. There is detail at www.ebu. l Slams & Strong Openings competitive desire. co.uk/sponsor/WYB2018 for anyone l Rebids The EBU has four squads of juniors interested. l Minors & Misfits (U16, U21, U26 and U26 Women). Back to the original question. l Pre-empting £89 There are 58 juniors in the four squads Encouraging more juniors to play l Doubles at present. If you are thinking that 25 is one key to the future of our game. l Overcalls years old is quite old then be aware It’s one where there are now more l Competitive Auctions that a) when junior bridge first started centres of excellence such as the ones in the late 1960s the maximum age mentioned above but we also need ALSO was 35 and b) in many countries the more to develop to have coverage for l Defence (see p41) average age of the membership today all the country. It is, however, only l Declarer Play (see p45) is quite advanced. In the ACBL in one part of the strategy. Teaching l Acol Bidding (see p39) North America it is said to be 72. those who are older to learn to play As an aside there are now so many or to come back to bridge is another seniors aged over 60 that from the 1st part. Organisations such as U3A have January 2018 the minimum age will bridge clubs in some of their branches. ( 01483 489961 start to rise until it reaches 65 in 2026 Making clubs pleasant environments www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop so not only will people wait longer for is another. ■

BRIDGE December 2017 Page 15 About the EBU by Jeremy Dhondy Playing in the Club

Are Life Masters and other do however have a battle to keep and at the end of a session a player highly ranked players membership on an upward curve approached the tournament director Qkilling the club scene by because new members are needed and said, ‘When are you going deterring newcomers? each year to replace those who have to announce it?’ He didn’t really What is the point of handicap grown too old or infirm to come to understand what she was talking about pairs if the ranking of the event is the club and it is certainly true that we and explained where the results would ignored for master point purposes? have had an ageing membership for be displayed, but it turned out she This shows me why the club scene is some years. had done well enough in her match to dying out with ever smaller numbers As I have remarked before, those become a life master after many years attending. Why bother to be cannon clubs who have a sound and successful and wanted to know when this would fodder for players who are already teaching programme are the ones be publicly announced. The director overloaded with master points? Such which will survive and prosper in the was not overly sympathetic when he players only want to pair with each medium or long term. finally understood but it does show, at other and not act as friendly partners Where clubs are too small or don’t least in North America, how seriously or mentors to newbies. have their own premises this is some take master points. obviously more difficult, but groups In England the scheme has been When players learn and feel of clubs or the county could offer going for just over 60 years and if confident enough to attend a teaching which would benefit all. you play a couple of times a week and Anormal club session they are, It’s one advantage of belonging to never venture outside your club then at first, going to struggle to get a good a national organisation. One large becoming a life master is not likely to result but with practice their results county is undertaking a membership happen. will improve. In those clubs which have promotion campaign at present and One criticism of masterpoints is a strong teaching programme there are decided it wished to offer help to one that they are a reward for longevity as often players who will act as mentors or two unaffiliated clubs as well as much as they are for quality of play. for those who are inexperienced. In the affiliated ones. Sadly one that it Nearly seven years ago it was decided large clubs there may be a novice game targeted closed down through lack of to try something else to run alongside to provide a stepping stone to the main members just before the programme masterpoints and that is the National game. could start. This will happen to Grading Scheme. clubs affiliated or unaffiliated unless This works by calculating a current Are clubs dying? they take steps to secure their own grade for each player based on the last membership. 80 or so sessions that they have played. The idea that the ‘club scene’ is dying The value of your current grade is the does not accord with facts I’ve seen. Masterpoints scheme’s estimate of the percentage Indeed clubs affiliated to the English score that you would achieve, on Bridge Union have seen attendances and the NGS average, if partnering another player increase since Universal Membership I played a game in an American with the same grade. If you partner a was introduced in 2009. Clubs National in Toronto a few years ago strong player you will need to do better

Page 32 BRIDGE January 2018 to keep your grade and if you partner The role of the a weaker player you won’t have to do club Committee so well. It does provide interest and BERNARD apart from the front page is the most Belonging to a club committee can popular page on the whole of the EBU be a thankless task but it can provide website. People like looking to see an opportunity for those who want to MAGEE if they have improved (or perhaps if make their club more successful. their friends and acquaintances have So far this article has talked of TUTORIAL dropped). practical things that can be done, but there is also the element of making the Handicapping club an inclusive place where people DVDS want to come. and stratification If there isn’t a mix of players then £25 per DVD If you play twice a week at the same club what about doing something to SET 7 then 104 pairs’ duplicates per annum, encourage this and make the club a 37 MORE SIGNALLING all of which are very similar, might be friendlier place? I look at different times when you a bit samey after a while. Some clubs What about a Xmas party where it is signal and the messages you might run simultaneous pairs (EBED ones the done thing to play with someone want to give. and charity ones eg for Children in who is not your regular partner? What Need), others run an occasional teams about an event like the ones suggested 38 4-4-4-1 HANDS competition or individual. All of this above which encourages players to Everybody’s least favourite type is to provide a bit of variety. mix? If the club is big enough how of opening hand. I will be going The idea of a handicap is not new about a game once a week or month through the methods for choosing or exclusive to bridge and it provides restricted to players of a certain rank the right suit to open as well as coping with responses. a change and may see some different or perhaps running two distinct players at the top of the field. Golfers sections on the same night? 39 DRAWING TRUMPS play off a handicap and so do croquet There are many possibilities open This seminar sounds straightfor- players. It means you can still have a to clubs but perhaps the biggest one ward, but we will not be simply game even if you are mismatched to is the atmosphere created to make drawing trumps, we will be con- some extent. If the 24 handicap golfer newcomers and relative beginners sidering the reasons for delaying. is playing someone who is quite good welcome to the game. If they go round Keeping control of trumps is an and plays off six then he or she will the room and are told they played or important part of declarer play. have to give one stroke per hole. If the bid a hand wrongly or are sneered at 40 FIVE-CARD MAJORS handicap is realistic it should make for for their inexperience, then perhaps Popular around the world, this a competitive game where one might they won’t be so keen to come back method is becoming more popular not exist otherwise. and all the work done to create a good here. A club competition using handicaps atmosphere and provide a programme 41 FUNDAMENTALS can be organised on, say, a monthly players want is spoiled. Does your club OF DEFENCE basis for a championship. The use the Best Behaviour at Bridge code handicaps can be worked out by and make sure it is followed? Defence is by far the hardest aspect of bridge: this seminar seeks someone in the club or be based on Let me end by telling you the story to show the building blocks that NGS ranking. However, masterpoints of two successful unaffiliated clubs. can start you off on a wonderful are awarded on the unadjusted The first has a strong teaching journey. If you can get the basics ranking. programme, a novice duplicate twice right then the more complicated If masterpoints are important then per week and a successful ordinary aspects of defence can follow. a slightly different alternative is to try duplicate. Most novice players won’t 42 SUPPORTING £105 a stratified tournament. This divides move to the more experienced game MINORS set of 6 the players into categories A, B and because some of the members are not Minors are not as important as C according to masterpoint rank. At very pleasant. majors, but we have to bid them the end of the competition there is an The second is similar but the owner and it is important to know overall ranking for masterpoints and a won’t allow this sort of behaviour your system. Bidding more 3NT separate ranking for B and C also with and asked a few players who would contracts will get you better scores, their own masterpoints. not change not to return. In his club but being able to spot a minor suit The EBU run a week of stratified novice players do move up to the slam will put you a cut above. pairs each March in clubs across the stronger game. They don’t always country. This might not work in a do well to start with but they have a Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961 small club with only a few tables but pleasant time and are encouraged can provide an alternative in medium to return. There is a lesson there www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop and larger clubs. somewhere. ■

BRIDGE January 2018 Page 33 About the EBU by Jeremy Dhondy The Future

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

Do you think bridge has in 2012 the numbers participating in force earlier this year, explanations any future in England or a sport once per week or more has of the laws and how they would affect Qanywhere else? dropped by around 9,000 – contrary players were covered in traditional to hopes at the time that they would courses. The world of YouTube has Bridge, as we know it, is markedly increase. also been used for those who want to not all that old. Contract learn remotely and those who wanted A Bridge dates back to the mid to seek clarification. A new laws forum 1920s, Auction Bridge for 30 or 40 Adapting to has been set up for directors and years before that and the EBU to 23 the modern age organisers to discuss problems that May 1936. When the game first got arise with the laws and scoring (www. going both here and in the USA, it To know other activities may also ebu.co.uk/forum). You have to register was a world with relatively few other have their problems isn’t all that before you can comment but anyone distractions. consoling, so where can bridge go if it can read. Compare it to 2018 where TVs have is to survive? It can start by embracing 500+ channels to view, the internet, modern technology. Most clubs have Volunteers online gaming and 101 other things. websites and many use electronic Many activities that have been popular scoring. Clubs which are affiliated to Not everyone is that keen to play online for many years are undergoing a the EBU can get grants to assist with and for many the visit to the club is a challenge. If you go into most bridge scoring devices such as Bridgemates good way to meet people as well as clubs you’ll see that most competitors and, of course, EBUScore is free to all having fun. Most clubs are members’ have reached middle age or more. affiliated clubs. clubs and they rely on volunteers. There will be few young people. When Quite a few people both watch Typically your game costs a lot less I started playing one event held was and play bridge online. Bridge Base than most social activities. £2.50 the Young Players Pairs (for those who online allows you to watch world and perhaps a cup of tea included is were U26). This had three heats across championships and also to play quite common but your club needs a the country and upwards of 200 pairs without leaving the house. Funbridge committee to help it plan and organise entering. Today, the same competition organise competitions each weekend events, it needs people to collect table attracts only about twenty-five pairs. which attract 200+ participants (no money and direct and make the tea Some clubs have suffered declining partner needed). The software is free, and coffee. It’s getting harder to find numbers and a few have had to close you don’t have to be an EBU member volunteers, something that is also seen because of lack of support. (although you do if you want to win at national level where people who Bridge may have problems as a masterpoints) and you can get details sit on the Board, committees etc are pastime but it is hardly the only from www.ebu.co.uk if you want to all volunteers as are the many people activity to do so. In the last decade know more. I suspect that more people who work at county level. Of course participation in golf has declined from will use computers, phones and tablets if the person collecting table money 1.54 million to 1.13 million. County as time passes so becoming more or membership subs is confronted Cricket grounds are nigh on empty for involved in the online world is one with moans from people who think many first-class matches and since the way to both survive and prosper. they ought to get their game for next Olympic Games were held in London When the new laws came into to nothing and make clear their

BRIDGE February 2018 Page 33 resentment at having to pay 25% of the club game if the club has a pleasant the decline and indeed by embracing cost of a cinema ticket instead of 20%, environment and the members are new technology how the decline might then said volunteer may well decide also pleasant. Why join a club to be be reversed. Things are significantly to do something else like skydiving! abused? Any local club has to give brighter in other parts of the world. Being a director can also be a thankless consideration to this and whether that We might look at how the game could task as some bridge players can be means a code like Best Behaviour at change. When bridge was younger, quite argumentative and that doesn’t Bridge or some more stringent action although most thought the game was just apply to the more competitive against those who offend is for the fine as it was, there were those who ones. Running a successful club which club to decide. wanted to change it. Five-suit bridge welcomes people and gives them a At national or international level lasted a short time. good time is also a way to help the it may be a matter of improving the game continue. image of the game. The stories of cheats and their methods over the last couple of years may bring some Attracting adverse publicity which may mean more people that a school thinking of introducing bridge is discouraged. In an ideal People are finding other things to do world, bridge would be a part of the and the bridge population is ageing. curriculum as it is in other countries How can this be countered? Teaching eg Sweden and Poland. I mentioned a people to play is key in this area. few issues ago that there were areas as I wrote several months ago about Stamford, Lincolnshire, Oxfordshire, The Eagle Suit Fast Track Bridge which is a new Gloucestershire, Sussex and West Kent product designed to get people to the where there are successful projects A variant of introducing a new suit table much faster than conventional to involve schools with both bridge (the Rex suit) to sit between spades teaching methods. It suits some and I and mini bridge. Getting more areas and no-trumps but the ace was low am glad to say has attracted a number involved and expanding this project lasted an even shorter time. It is a of teachers to run the courses. The is key to the future. At international game where even if you have learnt the more traditional route is supported by level there is more acceptance of fundamentals, there is a sizeable step courses such as Bridge for All and there the idea of ‘Mind Sports’ and IMSA to learn the various regulations and are also teachers who don’t use any of (the International Mind Sports procedures which follow. Perhaps we those products who teach successfully Association) was formed over a decade should look to simplifying the game (I think that is a shame as they are very ago. It held events at the same time as to increase its attractiveness. The book good teaching products). Clubs can the Olympic Games in 2008, 2012 and of regulation in England is 32 pages promote teaching and get themselves 2016. One strong hope for the future today, not 72 pages as it was a few a new supply of members. The EBU is the East. Deng Xiaoping, when years ago, and I am not sure the game and its fellow charity EBED have leader of China, gave bridge good is any the worse for it. Indeed there are taken on the job of producing teaching treatment (he was keen on the game) those who think two pages would be courses, helping to train teachers, and from this foundation has come even better. keeping a database of existing teachers many thousands of junior players. We need to build on the things in order to help maintain the supply There was a tournament held in Lyon the game has such as its element of of students who will end up playing a few months ago alongside the world competition. It isn’t unique in the in our clubs. That’s a good example championships and the junior field world of mind sports for that but it is of why a national organisation is was over 50% Chinese. Bridge will be perhaps more sociable. Many players needed if the game is to prosper. The a ‘sport’ in the next Asian Games. also like to chat about the game and short term fix is to teach people who that used to involve meeting, but now are coming up to retirement age who Where do we go? the online world can assist with this. find that they have more leisure time When the cheating scandals broke than previously. In the long term, of Bridge is a game which has survived the a couple of years ago, whatever the course, something that attracts the test of time. It is on a list of preferred downsides (and there were many), young is important even if many leave activities by people all over the world it was the making of Bridgewinners the game when job or family becomes perhaps because it is an inexhaustible (www.bridgewinners.com) allowing quite demanding on their time. Many game of skill. With 635,013,559,600 players from all over the world to will return later. different hands you are unlikely to see comment, discuss and argue. So yes, the same one come round again soon. to answer the original question, I Improving the image There are signs especially in the West believe bridge has a future. I suspect that it is a game more for the old and more will be online but face to face At a local level if you have taught fewer young people are playing. I’ve has many years left and the better it is beginners they will only enjoy the suggested above a few ways to slow looked after, the longer that will be. ■

Page 34 BRIDGE February 2018 About the EBU by Jeremy Dhondy Marketing Bridge

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

It concerns me greatly that been higher. That compares to the Stamford Youth Bridge Academy. bridge is seen nowadays English Chess Federation with 10,500 The charity EBED www.ebedcio.org.( Qas an old person’s game. members. Also note that sports such uk) does a lot with juniors to help Certainly, great things are being as golf are haemorrhaging members promote the game and bring it to more done to introduce juniors into the and courses are closing. They aren’t schools. It runs an annual camp in game, but let’s face it, juniors will not the only example. There aren’t many Loughborough and helps support ones generally join a club populated by young or old who go and watch a organised by counties such as Sussex, the over 70s. My middle aged friends County Cricket match these days (or Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire. play poker and regard bridge as the even a test match outside England, There is also a junior awards scheme last activity to be undertaken before Australia or India). and one idea is to integrate it with the care home. Some readers may think that in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme. Why is this? In the 1960s bridge was the 1960s and earlier it was much Over 260 awards have been achieved universally played and was a family more a family game. New activities even though the scheme is young. In game with a huge social following. and technology have given people England we are pleased because the Chess is ‘seen’ as a young person’s more opportunities and options than number of juniors has risen from a game whilst bridge is seen mainly for perhaps they had 50, 60 or 70 years very small number ten years ago to the old. ago. Card playing is a lot less common over 500 but this is far fewer than in It seems to me that the problem at home than once it was. Sweden (where bridge is on the school lies in marketing and the drab image When Culbertson was around and curriculum) or Poland (where bridge that the EBU projects onto the introducing people to bridge he didn’t is recognised by the National Olympic game. Every activity in the modern have to compete with 500 TV channels, Committee) or France (where bridge world needs its highly visible role Netflix, WhatsApp and the Xbox. His is recognised as a sport). We get little models. So where is the modern style, whilst undoubtedly successful in support from Government. It was one day equivalent of Omar Sharif and the 1930s, probably would not work reason why we took Sport England to where are the creative and dynamic so well today, so the trick is to find a a judicial review in 2016. Galling to publicists such as Culbertson who strategy that does work. find that Baton Twirling and Model did so much in the 1920s and 1930s Aeroplane Flying have the status to make bridge the world’s premier Junior bridge denied to us. card game? Culbertson had a marketing Teaching the young is one way to Teaching at the club strategy that really worked. Does the bring people into the game but having EBU? learnt they often go to University, get To address the problem of the gap (ie demanding jobs and have demanding having clubs for those ex juniors to The image of bridge children so bridge is not played for come back to), teaching those coming quite a few years. If these young up to retirement is one way to get more You aren’t the only one to be concerned people come back to in their 50s, we people coming into the game. I rather about the image of bridge or the age must consider the possibility that suspect that people are less willing to of those who play the game. I don’t there will be few clubs for them to spend as long as perhaps they did in think bridge has ever been universally return to. Therefore we must have a the past learning to play bridge. Learn- played and indeed the membership long term strategy. There are some ing with the local authority has virtu- of our national organisation was promising ventures to bring bridge ally ceased to exist so teaching falls measured in the hundreds and then to more schools and children. To give to teachers in clubs or independent the low thousands until well into the just one example have a look at www. teachers for the most part. If you go to 1970s. At 55,000 in 2017 it has never syba.org.uk. This is the website of the a teacher it would be nice to think that

Page 18 BRIDGE March 2018 the teacher had, perhaps, a improve its strategy. In short programme is important qualification and that they some ideas we have sought but so is the attempt to en- were teaching something to pursue are: courage the graduate to join. relatively mainstream that Will he or she arrive to a the learner could play with l Developing the Junior welcoming atmosphere? In a his friends or in a club. Not Game including a junior big club it might be possible too long ago you could find award scheme, residen- to have a novice game but the odd teacher still teach- tial courses and involving many clubs won’t have the ing obsolete systems, such more schools (universi- numbers to make this pos- Hand-crafted Card Tables These English made tables as Beasley. It came from the ties are next as the game sible. In some clubs, where offerThese superb English quality made and have days before the approach has been declining there they have a few pairs who the genuinetables offer Pelissier superb hinges. quality and have the forcing methods such as for some time). want to join in, they have a ChooseThese Englishfrom the made great tables value genuine Pelissier hinges. Acol really took off. l Introducing new teach- couple of tables as an appen- offerTheseClub, superb Englishthe Premierquality made and ortables the have theChoose genuineelegant from Pelissier Royal the great. hinges. One example. You hold: ing activities and courses dix to the main movement. offerThese superb English quality made and tables have ChoosevalueSpecial Club, from Prices thethe forPremiergreat Bridge value or such as Fast Track Bridge. Initially they may only play offerthe genuine superb qualityPelissier and hinges. have ChooseClubClub,the orders from theelegant Premier theof 5Royal.great or or more. valuethe Getting our clubs and two of the three boards until the genuine Pelissier hinges. SpecialClub, elegantthe Prices Premier Royal for or.Bridge the ♠ K J 5 counties to do the same. their pace of play picks up. Choose from the great value SpecialClub,elegant the Prices Premier Royal for or.Bridge the ♥ A 7 l Club orders of 5 or more. Refreshing and updating This way you can include ClubSpecial orderselegant Prices of Royal for5 or Bridge. more. ♦ K Q 10 7 4 our existing courses and fairly raw beginners without ClubSpecial orders Prices of 5for or Bridge more. ♣ A K J publications. annoying the regular and Club orders of 5 or more. l Seeking to raise our pro- more experienced member. file with the government. In the end the recruit will Partner opens 1♠ and your l Developing an online want a pleasant evening, so recommended response is presence including online to be frequently reminded Club Table with traditional green 6♦. Well, it could be the games with Funbridge by the club Secretary Bird felt playing surface £159.00 right contract. and a KO tournament. that they have failed to stop, Club Table with traditional green EBED have introduced a alert, understand Stayman Club Table with traditional Clubfeltgreen playing Table felt surface with playing traditional £159.00 surface green new course called Fast Track There is a distinction be- or play a hand to best advan- felt playing surface £159.00 Bridge in 2017 designed tween what can be done centage, is not a happy recipe Club£159 Table with traditional green felt playing surface £159.00 to get people to the table trally by the EBU or EBED for continued attendance. much more quickly. It also and what can be done lo- So for the club the priori- refreshed the books that un- cally by clubs or counties or ties are: derpin the traditional cours- individual teachers. In most es introduced by Bridge for activities, some assurance l Getting people to learn to Premier Table, bevelled edges All. Those clubs who under- that the person teaching you teach and become quali- and baize playing surface £199.00 take some teaching will be is competent and up to date fied. the ones to survive. is important. A national l Running courses. If you Premier Table, bevelled edges and baize playing surface £199.00 I suppose an answer to framework, qualifications run Bridge for All classes, PremierPremier Table, Table, bevelled bevelled edges and baize playing surface £199.00 the modern day equivalent for teachers and an agreed whether Fast Track or not, Premieredges andTable, baize bevelled playing edges of Omar Sharif may be Bill syllabus all help. EBED ran then your teachers get andsurface baize playing £199 surface £199.00 Gates or perhaps Warren an advert in the Daily Tel- help with teacher notes Buffet. egraph last year, seeking to and the course book. l get people to learn to play Introducing recruits gen- Royal Table, elegant surround and The impact of bridge. A lot of people re- tly into the life of the club. baize playing surface £249.00 l technology sponded with interest. Sadly Modifying the behaviour Order online or by phone there were parts of the coun- of existing club members Royalwww.designsforbridge.co.uk Table, elegant surround and We must now recognise the try where very few teachers where needed. Royalbaize playing Table, surface elegant £249.00 surround and baize playing surface £249.00 impact of technology. The could be found. Undoubt- Royal01483Order Table, online elegant 270 or bysurround phone100 and RoyalSR DesignsTable, forelegant Bridge baizewww.designsforbridge.co.ukOrder playing online surface or £249.00 by phone online game is rather more edly some potential students Does your club have declin- surroundUnit A1, Send and Businessbaize Park, www.designsforbridge.co.uk likely to attract the young. were lost. Therefore having ing numbers and an ageing playing01483Send,Order Woking, online surface 270Surrey or £249 by GU23 phone100 7EF www.designsforbridge.co.uk Sometimes, the difficulty of a comprehensive database is membership? 01483SR Designs 270 for Bridge 100 a prerequisite to trying this Unit A1, Send Business Park, travelling to a bridge club What are the club OrderSR Designs online foror by Bridge phone 01483Send, Woking, 270 Surrey GU23 100 7EF and playing a duplicate again. committee doing about it www.designsforbridge.co.ukUnitSR A1, Designs Send Businessfor Bridge Park, game of three hours may put If you can get people to and is your club using the Send,Unit A1, Woking, Send Surrey Business GU23 Park, 7EF off the younger players. learn then the next step is to resources of the EBU and Send,01483 Woking, 270Surrey GU23 100 7EF . get them to join in at your EBED? SR Designs for Bridge Strategy club. After all, members are Look here www.ebedcio. Unit A1, Send Business Park, what most clubs want and org.uk/node/59 to see what Send, Woking, Surrey GU23 7EF The EBU is determined to need. So having a teaching is on offer. ■

BRIDGE March 2018 Page 19 About the EBU by Jeremy Dhondy

Being Competitive

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

Are bridge players too result and nor should you. the revoke made any difference but competitive? What is wrong Bridge should be a pleasant and in the end it is probably simpler to Qwith a pleasant game of an enjoyable game but it is also a have a straightforward rule. In the afternoon or an evening without competitive game. When at university 1940s a revoke cost four tricks, (big those who wish to win at all costs? I was introduced to some game punishment element here). These days theory in the shape of the ‘Prisoner’s the principle of the law is more about I suppose the answer might be dilemma’. This sort of thing was well ‘rectification’ rather than punishment. ‘nothing’ and we can all move thought of 45 years ago. Essentially it Usually a revoke costs one trick but Aon, but it isn’t quite as simple was all about whether you competed the director can adjust the score if, for as that. If you go and play bridge at or sought to co-operate. It appeared to example, your revoke cut declarer off your local club, the first requirement be in your best interests to co-operate from five winners in the dummy. is that you have a good time. There are but many participants did not and Generally it is a poor idea to argue things that can spoil your enjoyment. I’m afraid I fell into this category. I about such a situation at the table, not Perhaps you play very badly, perhaps wanted to win. In my opinion if you just because of the arguing but because you are unlucky and the opponents participate in games you are likely to most players don’t actually know the drop your doubleton queen having have a competitive streak. It is all a law. The worst are those who say, ‘We bid a grand slam, maybe an opponent matter of how you control it. Recently, don’t need the director because the gloats over his good result or I was lucky enough to be invited to play law is….’ This is often followed by a summons a tournament director some rubber bridge at the Portland statement wildly at odds with what the abruptly, alleging you have done Club in London, one of the oldest law actually is. something awful. Those events divide card clubs in the world. A reasonable into two categories. Those you can do amount of money will change hands Directors and scorers something about and those you can’t. of an evening but the behaviour of A club that was considering all is impeccable. No-one shouts or In a club the best thing is to have a affiliating to the EBU had a major complains or moans. If someone does calm person with some training. Good reservation and that was that they something good he is congratulated clubs send volunteers off for a little would be propelled into a much more and the experience of the evening is a training. There has long been director competitive world than they wanted. very pleasant one, unless you pick up training, but recently an introductory Masterpoints, NGS, unpleasant and no cards at all in which case a drink shorter course for club directors over-competitive people. Whatever and pleasant company dull the pain. has been introduced. Anyone from the merits or otherwise of affiliation a club, affiliated or not, can attend. the club would still be the same place. Too many regulations? Details at http://www.ebedcio.org.uk/ If it had visitors (and there wouldn’t td-training. We take it for granted be many) it is up to the club to set the When something goes wrong a that someone will produce a score at standards they want and from the common complaint is that there are the end of an evening and in many point of view of the regular game there too many regulations or perhaps clubs this will appear on the internet is no reason why the mood should that they are bad or unfairly applied. pretty quickly. Both the scorer and change. Quite a few clubs have a free Games need some law and regulation. any director are volunteers and help play voucher for those who win the It is fundamental to bridge that you the game go more smoothly for the duplicate, a small competitive token. follow suit, so if you revoke you often enjoyment of more players. These You don’t see arm wrestling at the gain an advantage that the law will days, because most scoring is done by table and 25 calls for the director as a redress. You can argue about whether computer and, in many clubs, with

Page 38 BRIDGE April 2018 Bridgemates or similar devices, there information ie something they is also a need for a skill here. EBU clubs know other than by a legitimate can use, for free, a program called bid or play. This is often caused by a BERNARD EBUScore if they wish (unaffiliated misunderstanding of the law, so if your clubs can use it at a modest charge). partner follows to a play slowly then it The director and the scorer make for is likely he has not got a singleton. You MAGEE a more pleasant game for everyone. only know this because he has played No need for dispute, let a director slowly and you should not use this TUTORIAL decide. As well as the law about which information to plan the defence. It is you have no choice there is a matter of sometimes hard to play completely in regulation. Do you alert or announce? tempo and, as a competitor, most do DVDS What conventions may you play? not want the director at the table every Coming Many clubs have no problem with other round so tend to let it go. Soon any of this and simply adopt the EBU The opponents open 1NT. Your SET 8 ♣ position (as a matter of simplicity and defence to that is 2 shows the majors. 43 TEAMS OF FOUR practicality), but in theory whilst clubs You forget, bid 2♣ but only have clubs. ♥ This form of the game is great can’t make their own laws anything Partner alerts and bids 2 . The alert fun to play at club level and even regarding regulation is up to them. wakes you up to the fact you have in the home. I discuss the basic It is up to the regulators to make forgotten. If you use the alert to now format and then look at the tactics their regulations understandable, not help you decide to bid 3♣ then you are you might use in the bidding and too complex and not requiring the using unauthorised information. play. strength of ten people to pick up the The pleasant gamer will now say 44 GAME TRIES manual. The same applies to other that by calling the director you are games. Years ago I used to umpire for spoiling everyone’s enjoyment, but When your partner raises your suit to the two-level, you have a a pub cricket side. There was a pleasant in reality if they held themselves to variety of options available to you. knock-out tournament which led, if higher standards it should not be a I will talk about major suit game you were moderately successful, to you problem. Sometimes, it is fair to say, tries and minor suit game tries, visiting most of Southern England’s players who are relative beginners when you consider the option of a minor cricket grounds and enjoying do not understand all this and need no-trump contract. a good tea. It wasn’t very serious but some gentle encouragement rather 45 DISRUPTING all the players wanted an official to than the full majesty of the law. Most DECLARER sort out any rule difficulty and, other players use their judgement, in the than meeting one umpire who was same way as they would not seek to A defender needs to try and predict what declarer might want to hopelessly biased, it worked very well. enforce a rule that said you must stick do. Your job is then to disrupt de- with a card played if it were dropped clarer’s plan. Dealing with mishaps on the floor by an octogenarian with acute arthritis. In short it is how you 46 DEFENDING SLAMS The ‘pleasant gamers’ will tell you that deal with problems rather than the Making the right plays against all this competitiveness is responsible problems themselves that make the high level contracts can make a for a loss of enjoyment. Can you game a pleasant one or not. huge difference. Knowing when to attack and when to lie low. imagine someone at the local club telling his partner out loud, whilst Club environment 47 OVERCALLING defending, what cards he holds? That Duplicate bridge is so much would be received, unsurprisingly, The club sets up the right environment, more competitive now and it is with indignation and an invitation not one where good behaviour and fair important you are part of this. to darken the doors of the club ever play are important. They have a again. director who is trained to help with 48 PRESSING THE It is a fundamental principle that any difficulty at the table and avoid DEFENCE you make decisions at the bridge table rancour. As declarer there are ways you based on ‘authorised information’. The club has competitions and there can make life more awkward for ♠ the defenders, particularly by Partner opens 1 . You know he has an may be token prizes (or not). Some disguising holdings in your hand opening bid and spades is his longest players will like to look at the hands for a little longer. I explore a or joint longest suit. That’s an example after the event and analyse their number of tactics that will help of something you know from totally mistakes, wish to do well and note you to exploit the defenders. legal sources and is authorised. We their progress whether they judge by could play at a club for most, if not position, masterpoints or NGS rating. Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961 all, of our life before coming across Others will be less concerned. It’s a big someone who openly cheats, but world and there ought to be room for www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop people do sometimes use unauthorised all of us. ■

BRIDGE April 2018 Page 39 About the EBU by Jeremy Dhondy To Affiliate or Not?

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

My club is having a meeting time they play. That’s 38p a game and That may be true in some cases but, soon. We will decide wheth- a small add on for the county which is with central organisation, help can be Qer we ought to reaffiliate to about 4-7p. If you play once per week offered to those who might wish to do the EBU or not. Can you help me it costs about the same to be a member some teaching and also to those who with any arguments that might help now as 10 years ago. Most clubs adjust have the job of directing each session. win the day? the table money in sensible amounts For sure, people like coming to a club and then pay the charge. Provided you which is pleasant and well run. People My club had its AGM recent- play a certain number of times per year take pride in the performance of their ly and decided not to reaffili- in any club or tournament, you get a country. I think many players will be Qate. I think it ought to. What number of benefits (the magazine, an pleased if our junior teams do well in can I do about this? annual diary, masterpoints, following the World Championship in China progress via the NGS, online games in August. Indeed a number of clubs A club should only affiliate etc). Obviously these benefits are and counties have joined with some to the EBU if its committee more valuable to some players than sponsors in offering financial help. Aand members are happy that others but it’s a pretty cheap form of this is the right course. The AGM is entertainment. Clubs also get benefits The importance of teaching a suitable place for such a decision to such as cheap insurance, discounted be made and perhaps if the committee training for teachers and directors and I’ve banged the drum before about the are in favour they need to plan so that free scoring software. They also get the importance of teaching. Whether this members are fully informed before services of our club liaison officer if is to younger players or those who are they vote. It won’t come as a great there are areas they need or want help older, it is critical. Yorkshire have been shock to know that the Chairman of with. running a membership pilot project the EBU thinks it is a good idea for with an attempt to get new people to clubs to affiliate. Whether you are as The future of your club join. The clubs that do have teaching an individual or as a club swayed by programmes have noticed an increase the arguments may depend on your There are arguments other than in those wishing to join courses and view of bridge and what you expect. financial. Virtually all sports, games, several areas with no previous courses activities, mind sports etc have a have started to teach. The result is Money national body. Many players, but not several hundred additional students. all, are pleased to belong and much of There is benefit to the clubs with new One set of arguments is financial. It the time any financial benefit is nothing members and benefit to the EBU with will cost some money. It’s good to to do with it. Most of us want our game additional members. The early signs of start from the point that an evening to have a future and having a central this project are very promising and I of duplicate bridge is a very cheap organisation is one good way to seek hope it can be rolled out to several more form of entertainment. My local club to ensure this. If you look around your areas later this year (other counties charges £2.50 per session for members club and the majority of the members have shown interest). One particular and a further 20p for a cup of tea are aged 70+ then where will your club positive sign is the number of people, or coffee. That’s outstanding value. be in 20 years time? I had a letter from both teachers and students, who like Before 2009, individuals used to join a club recently which, in effect, said the new Fast Track Bridge programme, the EBU and pay about £22 annually that whilst they agreed with seeking aimed at getting players to the table after to belong. Now, although you can to get new members it was difficult to 24 hours of tuition. Responsibilities join directly (£29), most players get the help needed from volunteers as of the central organisation in this become members via their club, if it many players simply wanted to have area include producing courses, is affiliated, and they pay a fee each their weekly game and nothing else. having a syllabus, having a teacher’s

Page 38 BRIDGE May 2018 association, training and ac- depending on one’s mood, have a free trial. There is also crediting teachers. Where that many clubs that are un- an online game three days a BERNARD a club has difficulty in get- affiliated use EBU regula- week with Funbridge with MAGEE’S ting a teaching programme tions and procedures with- masterpoints and a prize INTERACTIVE going, then perhaps joining out thinking they have any ladder. I’m not a great one, in with another club for this need to contribute to the at present, for playing on- TUTORIAL CD activity may help. formation of them. It takes line, but as I write this arti- the time of, mostly, volun- cle on a day where outside is DECLARER The club game teers to put them together deep in snow and the game and whilst there will be at the club last night was PLAY From time to time, clubs and some disagreement about cancelled, online looks to individuals express dissat- some of the regulations or have an attraction. When isfaction with some aspect rules, generally a pretty the Thursday night Fun- of the laws and regulations. good job is done by people bridge game started, a club They are too complex, they who have only the good of manager wrote to the EBU MAC or change too often, they are the game at heart. to ask if they were seeking Windows wrong, they are wrongly ap- The majority of EBU to specifically destroy club plied. The laws are one thing members don’t play in tour- bridge. A rather intemperate that makes a game, so those naments but their club game observation and amusing to who think a re-deal is ap- has been improved no end note that in the ten weeks propriate if a hand is passed by technology. I went to or so since the online game out will find themselves in my local club last week and has started, his Thursday at- conflict with the laws of the they were using bridgetabs. tendance has gone up rather game. The laws are some- These had recently replaced than down. thing the World Federa- old small bridgemates Bernard develops tion of Bridge produce. Of where you needed your ex- The future your declarer play course, in the case just men- tra strength glasses to see technique in the tioned there are two points. the results. The preliminary In short I hope bridge as it is course of ten The first is that it is only result was available by the played survives not only my introductory exercises and 120 possible to re-deal in round end of the last hand and full lifetime but that of those to complete deals. 1 and second you may find detail was on the web by the come. It has challenges that players who use agreements time I’d driven a short dis- weren’t present in the early l Suit Establishment such as a mini no-trump or tance home. days and it is by adapting to in No-trumps just take a view and open a Any affiliated club can use these challenges that it will l Suit Establishment hand which others might (for free) the EBU scoring survive. It is best placed to in Suits not. They are clearly disad- program called EBUScore. do this if there is a flourish- vantaged. Even if they choose to use ing central organisation to l Hold-ups £76 Having a framework is something else, results can lead and develop the game. l Ruffing for important for a game. Ig- be found very quickly in Of course if you approve of Extra Tricks noring it is like playing the EBU members area and a national organisation but l Entries in football and ignoring off- such things as NGS and not the current one then No-trumps side rules or playing cricket masterpoints updated. members can agitate for a and deciding that being change. The Board are sub- l Delaying out LBW doesn’t count. Technology ject to election and re-elec- Drawing Trumps You may be playing a game tion after all. l Using the Lead but it isn’t bridge. When it I wonder how much people If you are seeking to per- l Trump Control comes to regulations such will play online in the next suade your local club to af- as whether you alert or an- decade. The EBU had done filiate, go armed with mate- l Endplays & nounce and what you may some work on how these rial which not only suggests Avoidance play, clubs have the author- games work and how they the pecuniary advantage to l Using the Bidding ity to do as they wish but can be secure. club and members of join- it is not surprising to note The EBU now runs an ing but also the wider argu- that nearly all follow the na- online knock-out competi- ments for the betterment of Mr Bridge, Ryden tional body in this respect. tion which has increased its the game. Some will never Grange, Knaphill, It’s a lot of work and effort entries in each of the three be persuaded, perhaps be- Surrey GU21 2TH to have different regulations years it has been held. The cause they have little or no ( 01483 489961 and awkward for the players EBU has an online affiliated interest outside their own www.mrbridge.co.uk/ if they play at another club. club in Bridge Club Live and game, but I don’t think that mrbridge-shop It’s amusing or annoying, as an EBU member you can applies to the majority. ■

BRIDGE May 2018 Page 39 About the EBU by Jeremy Dhondy Bring on the New Players

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

In my local area, I see the The progression is lessons, Involving new players same people all the time consolidation, supervised practice, Qat the club and also when I gentle duplicate, full duplicate. That’s One thing I am frequently told is that venture out to local tournaments. a lot of organisation not only to put on club players have no ambition to move How can we get new people involved? and teach lessons but for the club to on, that new players do not want to have the necessary number of teachers. play in the better game at their club let Teaching is important Far-sighted clubs help volunteers alone go to a tournament. Whilst not get the training necessary for them to everyone wants to visit a tournament I was recently invited to Preston Bridge become teachers. EBED run courses 150 miles away, it is important to Club to open their newly refurbished precisely for this. Have a look at http:// stage events that are suitable and premises and I thought they provided www.ebedcio.org.uk/teach if you or enjoyable for less experienced players. an object lesson in how to both your club are interested. EBED doesn’t Getting outside your immediate maintain their current membership mind whether your club is affiliated circle has much to commend it. Two and also to get new players into the or not. I think it is important to have new initiatives to mention are, first, a game. someone on the club committee national one. The EBU has just put on a First of all they have a pleasant who is responsible for the teaching ‘Jack High’ tournament to go with the refurbished environment and a lot of programme and the students. It Easter Festival. It is what it says on the the work and planning was done by sends the right message about the tin, ie available only to those who have volunteers in the club. This creates a importance of this. an NGS rating of Jack or below with great atmosphere. When the new players make it to the some prizes reserved for those with an Secondly, you have read previous normal club game it can be difficult if NGS of nine or below. The tournament articles by me going on about the they encounter players who are terse costs less than usual and the players importance of teaching before and and unhelpful, so it is important to should feel more comfortable as fewer it won’t surprise you I am about to create the right atmosphere. I asked boards are played. mention it again. The club has not a club manager about his success in In my local county they have decided only beginners’ lessons but also getting relatively new recruits to the to put on a tournament aimed at newer consolidation lessons for those who normal club game. He replied that players who may not wish to travel a have got to the end of the beginners’ the first thing he had to do was to long way to play. Again it is restricted, course. Once you have taught new chuck out about 6-8 long-standing this time, to those 10 or under on players, those taught there and perhaps club members who found it hard to the NGS. The county have contacted elsewhere need somewhere to play. be polite to anyone let alone relative clubs who have teaching programmes, Often relative beginners are slow beginners. That’s probably a lot easier whether they are affiliated or not to and unsure so need a welcoming if the club is a proprietor owned one invite entries and at the time of writing environment to start with where, rather than a members’ one and I’m it has already attracted a decent size perhaps, they play fewer boards. not sure a major cull is necessarily field with some weeks to go. Even before this there can be some the way to go but it does point to supervised play in order to make the importance of creating the right Is it safe? students feel more comfortable about atmosphere whatever your club’s aims playing. are. Famously this is a line delivered by

Page 38 BRIDGE June 2018 Laurence Olivier, a dentist and also campaign may be more effective than a war criminal, whilst holding some a draconian one. Try asking for any BERNARD very unpleasant dental equipment call for the director to be below 75 next to Dustin Hoffman, who has decibels and accompanied by the word MAGEE’S no idea what he is talking about. It’s ‘please’. In one club I play in you hear a INTERACTIVE something which applies to games for call for ‘technical director’ which is the new players in my view. Is the event, player’s way of saying something has TUTORIAL CD whether in a club or further afield, gone wrong with the scoring machine likely to be something you want to or someone has 16 cards and nothing go back to? If an event has too many ethically challenging has happened at DECLARER boards or the experienced players the table. In short you don’t need the complain about slow play, bidding, Witchfinder General to deal with the PLAY the laws etc, then the newcomers will recalcitrants but you do need to create be discouraged from attending in the the right atmosphere in the club. future. A fundamental is that your club Bring on the robots has to have a way of welcoming new MAC or players into the game. If you are big If beginners feel unsure and they know Windows enough to organise supervised play, a they are slow then one possibility newcomers game, perhaps with fewer might be to play some bridge online boards will likely help, but if not then to build up confidence. These days you your regular players will need to adapt can play with robots. One example if there is to be a game at your club in game is Funbridge (https://www. years to come. Similarly even if there funbridge.com/en/). You can play at a is a newcomers’ game, eventually the time of your choosing, at a speed you idea will be for players to graduate. want and as frequently or infrequently So to go with the welcoming bit, the as you wish. You can start, stop for a new events and the club committee couple of hours and then pick up again. member charged with ensuring some Your robot is most obliging and will Bernard develops your teaching happens, you also need a firm play any system you want. Funbridge declarer play technique in code of conduct. We could call it ‘Best is French in origin but its grasp of Acol the course of ten Behaviour at Bridge’ but any name will has improved in the last few months so introductory exercises and do. You must expect your members to weak no-trump and four-card majors 120 complete deals. be pleasant to newcomers and to be is fine as a system. tolerant if they don’t get every little If you enjoy the game then there is l Suit Establishment nuance of the game right. In general, also a more competitive game run via in No-trumps for example, if there is a hesitation the EBU. You don’t have to be a member l Suit Establishment then a) it probably doesn’t mean all unless you want to register the master in Suits that much and b) it is unlikely that in points that go with it. Best of all no most cases beginners will know how robot that you play with will be critical l Hold-ups to take illicit advantage, so the only or sigh in a meaningful way if you go l Ruffing for harm comes when the experienced down in a solid contract. The robots Extra Tricks player makes a couple of cheap jibes themselves are not completely beyond £76 l Entries in about ethicality and follows that criticism on occasion although they No-trumps with a stentorian call for the director. are getting more reliable. Just as you Then he describes the situation to the learn whilst going along, the engine l Delaying director in the most unflattering way. which determines the robot’s play is Drawing Trumps Really this is just bullying. It is a good updated quite frequently to correct l Using the Lead idea for beginners to have something errors and improve bidding. You can brief about ethics in their lessons, play on your computer or laptop, l Trump Control not so much as to be off-putting but tablet or phone. It even understands l Endplays & Avoidance enough to know that one doesn’t give the Apple system so iPads are OK to l Using the Bidding the thumbs up to approve of a bid or use. play! It is also a good idea to have the If you feel that robots are a touch aforementioned code of conduct and impersonal then perhaps going away Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, to deal with any players who make the with others for a bridge weekend Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH lives of others unpleasant. When you with like minded players might help. ( 01483 489961 have your code you need to enforce I’m told Mr Bridge organises a few of www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop it. To avoid losing members, a gentle those! ■

BRIDGE June 2018 Page 39 About the EBU by Jeremy Dhondy Changing The Guard

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

We are now living in a time a starter’s version of the game. unless something happens many if when instant gratifica- Changes could include: not most clubs won’t be viable by that Qtion is important to many, time. If we want the basic structure of including especially the younger l Find ways to speed up the game. our game to continue, then we need generation. Whether it is video l Eliminate as many rules as more players and that will only come gaming, instant messaging or possible. about through teaching. Many clubs something else, this is a far cry l Adjust dealing algorithms to can’t or won’t teach and they are in from the genteel world of a nice generate livelier, bigger hands. the most danger. Clubs who do have game of bridge accompanied by l Scoring: consider changing a successful teaching programme are tea and biscuits. the game and slam bonuses; putting off the evil day and some are Unless we make bridge more en- penalties etc. to make it more expanding year on year. ticing, even exciting, we will strug- attractive to bid games, slams It is important to identify the gle to attract the influx of younger and to make sacrifices poten- appropriate age ranges to teach. players we are looking for. This tially less expensive. Much energy in the past has been problem is not confined to bridge. l Throw in part-score hands. devoted to young players, but in club I know little about cricket but it membership terms for a tiny, not to seems to me that the authorities, I recognise that my suggestions say, infinitesimal, return. around the world, have felt it nec- are probably not new and that you Yorkshire are currently piloting essary to make major changes to and colleagues may already have a membership campaign. The early bring in the crowds and enliven the given considerable thought to all returns are encouraging and it will game. In this respect, I am thinking this. But, maybe, just maybe, it spread to some more counties next particularly of limited over cricket would be worth looking again at year. including Twenty20. And now, I how it might be possible to make think I read that a 100 ball innings bridge more exciting. It’s not cricket game is being considered. This is As for the purists – maybe it is all a far cry from two-innings county better to get more people actively Those who follow cricket are used cricket on a peaceful midweek af- playing, whether online or face-to- to seeing stories about the possible ternoon in Olde England. Perhaps face, than it is to preside over the demise of test cricket and the new the Indian Premier League (IPL) is terminal and accelerating decline formats which attract sizeable crowds. an example of major change? of the old game. Sadly, many test matches outside I think that making bridge more England, India and Australia are exciting is part of what is required The place to start is to imagine played in front of tiny crowds. Those if there is to be a better approach where our bridge clubs will who do watch are not patient with a to attracting younger players. A be in, say, 30 years time. five-day format which may not end Which brings me to the scope for A look around many clubs suggests in any result. This societal impatience making changes to bridge, at least that the majority of the membership can also be seen in those who don’t in relation to introducing them to is aged over 60 now, so it’s clear that want to spend a significant length of

Page 40 BRIDGE July 2018 and accommodation. If the problems time learning to play bridge. That’s one Ringing the changes important reason for the development of security can be resolved we may of the new Fast Track Bridge teaching Scoring has been relatively static for yet have championships where people programme. In cricket the new shiny some time, with the last significant don’t have to travel to the other side of glitzy IPL attracts big crowds and big change involving penalties and the world. money, so are there any lessons to be redouble bonuses being more than 30 learned here? years ago. Would the game change, and What’s next? Slow play in the game does annoy if so for better or worse, if the bonus people and put them off. It is perhaps for, say, a grand slam, was doubled I suspect we can take two approaches. one reason why some desert to the or penalties increased? Backgammon The current game will improve if we online game. Does your club address has a doubling cube that allows games employ more technology as we have this? When I used to live in London I to be played for 16 or 32 times the been doing for 40 years. Computer was put off a club that always seemed original. Is this an idea for bridge? deals and scoring, websites, tablets to start 8-10 minutes late and finish Are there other changes to scoring to score at the table, instant results 20-25 minutes late all because no-one or other formats which would etc. All of these changes have come attached any priority to progressing re-invigorate the game. In clubs nearly despite some players saying they won’t the game. It became a chore not a all games are matchpoint pairs and catch on or that they are a bad idea. pleasure so I went less often. I imagine I some players are reluctant to try other Technology does, however, require was not alone. It’s only a small step but things. Handicap Pairs, IMP Pairs more expertise at the club and some doing something via the director or and Speedballs are all ideas which expense. The director used to worry the club committee or by introducing have been floated in some places with about a revoke or worse the movement some technology might help speed up varying degrees of popularity. Teams going wrong. Today his worry extends the game. leagues have become popular in some to whether the laptop and Bridgemates The laws of the game are the province clubs and counties. survive the evening. of the World Bridge Federation, When bridge first became popular It is the case, however, that more root although the EBU gets blamed for in its current recognisable form in the and branch reform is needed to take bits people don’t like. The WBF have 1930s it wasn’t long before some started our game into the second half of this devoted their energy to the concept of tinkering. Five suit bridge was one century. If bridge in any form is found rectification rather than punishment such proposed variation. Somehow to have a significant role in delaying or in the laws, so getting the board played having to hold more cards in the hand preventing the deterioration of mental wherever possible is a priority. did not appeal and it did not last long. processes e.g. dementia, then this will Although we should rely on our I quite liked another idea of having a be good publicity for bridge and can be directors to know the laws in detail ‘Rex’ suit which came between spades used to promote the game. The bridge rather than the players, a simpler and no-trumps (no extra cards) and charity, EBED, is commissioning some code would probably help everyone. the only difference from no-trumps research on this topic. Similarly in the matter of regulation, was that the ace was low not high. Maybe the time has come for some which is in the hands of the EBU, there It didn’t catch on either, but would invigoration. After all, the bridge of is a case for greater simplicity. Whilst have given rise to some interesting the 1930s had far fewer alternatives I was chairman of the Laws & Ethics problems of hand evaluation – my 16 than can be found now, so we need Committee I helped organise for the count has become a 0 count! something to make our game develop, regulations book (the Blue Book) to go One change that is here to stay, I prosper and appeal to a wider audience. from 74 pages to 32. Removing verbiage suspect, is the online game. Those who Maybe then the newspapers will and a host of exotic agreements helped like bridge but don’t wish to travel to give up on the picture of four people this. I don’t think the world has the club on a wet and windy evening dressed as if in an Agatha Christie changed much so the extra pages are have a place to play. Generally the novel, sipping a G+T whenever bridge not missed. There is scope for greater game has as many hands but does not is mentioned. ■ work here I suspect. Whilst most last as long so is ideal for busy people regulations have a sound reason for who get home from work and can’t CLUB INSURANCE existence, the resulting complexity is make it to the club for 7 or 7.30. undoubtedly a barrier, especially for I mentioned Funbridge in my last Every club should be covered beginners. The American authority article and that is the game the EBU and my inclusive package, to suit (the ACBL) got rid of the stop card on run, but it is open to non-members. clubs of up to 300 members for less than £75 per year, is the right January 1st 2018. That doesn’t mean Bridge Club Live and Bridge Base package at the right price. removing the obligation to pause Online also run similar games. If you appropriately in an auction, but it does are an insomniac you can still play, as Contact FIDENTIA for a quote mean one fewer card in the bidding many of the series are worldwide and box and one fewer process whereby attract players from many countries. ( 020 3150 0080 beginners are lambasted by some for a As an aside, the biggest expense of [email protected] small technical infringement. international competition is travel

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