Number: 185 UK £3.95 Europe €5.00 May 2018 Bernard Magee’s Bidding Quiz

This month we are dealing with bidding hands that contain a . You are West in the auctions below, BRIDGEplaying ‘Standard Acol’ with a weak no- (12-14 points) and four-card majors.

1. Dealer East. Love All. 4. Dealer East. E/W Game. 7. Dealer East. Love All. 10. Dealer East. Love All. ♠ Void ♠ K 8 7 6 5 ♠ A 7 6 5 ♠ Void

♥ K 7 6 5 N ♥ Void N ♥ Void N ♥ A K J 2 N ♦ A 9 8 6 4 W E ♦ 9 8 7 6 5 W E ♦ J 9 8 4 3 W E ♦ K Q 6 5 4 W E ♣ 10 8 7 6 S ♣ K 4 3 S ♣ Q 7 6 5 S ♣ Q J 4 3 S

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

2. Dealer East. Game All. 5. Dealer East. N/S Game. 8. Dealer East. Love All. 11. Dealer North. Love All. ♠ Q 5 4 2 ♠ K J 6 5 ♠ K 8 7 ♠ Q 8 7 6 ♥ Q 8 7 6 N ♥ A 4 3 2 N ♥ Void N ♥ A 8 7 6 5 N ♦ J 7 6 4 2 W E ♦ K 8 7 6 5 W E ♦ A J 7 6 5 W E ♦ A 8 7 6 W E ♣ Void S ♣ Void S ♣ 9 8 7 3 2 S ♣ Void S

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

3. Dealer East. Love All. 6. Dealer East. Love All. 9. Dealer West. Love All. 12. Dealer North. Love All. ♠ K 8 2 ♠ K 3 2 ♠ Void ♠ A 8 7

♥ Void N ♥ Void N ♥ A K 8 7 6 4 N ♥ K 10 9 8 7 N ♦ A 10 9 6 5 W E ♦ A 7 6 5 4 3 2 W E ♦ 9 8 7 W E ♦ A J 10 5 3 W E ♣ K Q 4 3 2 S ♣ 9 8 2 S ♣ A K 4 3 S ♣ Void S

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

Answers on page 41 Answers on page 43 Answers on page 45 Answers on page 47 Canaries Christmas & Funchal Fireworks

21st December 2018 • 15 nights • Sails from Southampton • Balmoral • L1839

15 nights from only £2,199 per person

Funchal fireworks

Pack all your festive celebrations into one spectacular sailing on Balmoral. The long list of highlights includes stunning beaches, attractive cities, quaint towns, pretty gardens and lush valleys. What’s more, you’ll be treated to a memorable Christmas Day on board, with Fred. Olsen taking care of everything for you, before signing off the year perfectly with Funchal’s spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display.

Enjoy two relaxing days at sea before arriving into Portugal’s vibrant capital, Lisbon, on Christmas Eve. After taking in the attractive city sights, step back on board, where Balmoral’s friendly crew will ensure you’ll have a memorable Christmas. The town of Gran Tarajal on Fuerteventura offers an authentic taste of Prices per person Canarian culture, coupled with a relaxed feel. You’ll then reach Gran Interior Room £2,199 Canaria where you can absorb a mix of architecture in the Vagueta district of Las Palmas, or visit picturesque Puerto de Mogán or the Ocean View Room £2,699 charming towns of Teror and Arucas. Superior Ocean View Room £3,449 The following day will be spent in Tenerife, the largest island in the Superior Balcony £4,799 archipelago, followed by a call into historic San Sebastian for a day Suite £5,199 of exploration. Single Room £3,379 On an extended stay in Funchal, Madeira, you can admire the stunning landscapes via the levada walking trails and explore the enchanting Prices are correct at time of going to print, but gardens, all before watching one of the world’s largest New Year’s may change at any time, call for latest prices. fireworks displays from the decks of Balmoral.

Contact Mr Bridge to book now on 01483 489 961 or visit www.mrbridge.co.uk

These Terms and Conditions are in addition to Fred. Olsen’s standard Terms and Conditions, which are available on our website and on request. Both must be read before booking. Fares are per person, based on standard occupancy of the lead-in room of named category, subject to availability. ‘PP’ is per person. Information shown is correct at time of going to press (February 2018) but fares are capacity controlled and may change at any time. Call for latest prices. All offers may be withdrawn or amended at any time without prior notice, cannot be combined, are subject to availability and cannot be applied retrospectively. Cruise descriptions include optional, chargeable experiences that may be enjoyed independently and/or with optional Fred. Olsen Shore Tours. Shore Tours are available to book six weeks prior to departure (subject to availability and service operation). Some ports may be at anchor, intermediate days are at sea. We reserve the right to amend itineraries for operational reasons. Should you prefer not to be contacted, you can opt out at any time by advising us by email to: [email protected], by telephone: 0800 0355 029 or by post, specifying your full name and address. Please allow up to 28 days for this to take effect. E&OE.

FOC416440_Mr_Bridge_L1839_Update_A4_Ad_W/C_12.02.18_FV.indd 1 14/02/2018 16:54 Features this month include: ADVERTISERS’ INDEX 1 Bidding Quiz by Bernard Magee BRIDGE 2 Canaries Christmas 4 Mr Bridge Ryden Grange, Knaphill, & Funchal Fireworks Surrey GU21 2TH 7 Bidding Quiz by Bernard Magee with Fred. Olsen 3 Clive Goff’s Stamps ( 01483 489961 9 The Diaries of Wendy Wensum 4 Tunisia 2019 [email protected] 10 The Power of Spot Cards: Part 1 by Mike Lawrence 5 Reboot Acol Event www.mrbridge.co.uk 6 Festive Events 2018/19 11 Defence Quiz by Julian Pottage shop: www.mrbridge.co.uk/ 8 Mr Bridge UK Events mrbridge-shop 11 Declarer Play Quiz by David Huggett 10 Designs for Bridge Table Covers Publisher and 12 Cards from Germany and Eastern Europe Managing Editor by Paul Bostock 13 Club Insurance Mr Bridge 13 Travel Insurance 15 Declarer Play Answers by David Huggett Bridge Consultant 14 Scenic Fjords of Norway with Fred. Olsen Bernard Magee 16 Sally’s Slam Clinic bernardmagee 15 17 Defence Quiz Answers by Julian Pottage Rules Simplified @mrbridge.co.uk 19 Overtricks and Undertricks: Part 2 16 Bernard Magee DVDs Cartoons & Illustrations Sets 1-3 by Andrew Kambites Marguerite Lihou 18 Scandinavian Capitals www.margueritelihou.co.uk 21 Overtricks and Undertricks: Part 2 Quiz & St Petersburg by Andrew Kambites with Fred. Olsen Technical Consultant 23 Designs for Bridge Tony Gordon 22 David Stevenson Answers Your Questions Tables Typesetting & Design 24 More Tips by Bernard Magee 24 Bernard Magee DVDs Ruth Edmondson Sets 4-6 [email protected] 29 Overtricks and Undertricks: Part 2 Answers 25 Cruise the Danube to by Andrew Kambites Vienna & Budapest with Proof Readers The River Cruise Line Mike Orriel 30 An Afternoon’s Entertainment by David Bird 33 Bernard Magee DVDs Julian Pottage 32 Establishing Long Suits: Part 2 by Michael Byrne Set 7 Catrina Shackleton 39 Declarer Play Richard Wheen 34 Julian Pottage Answers Your Questions with Bernard Magee Customer Services 38 To Affiliate or Not? by Jeremy Dhondy 42 The Aegean Experience Catrina Shackleton & Alexandria with [email protected] 40 Supporting Minors by Bernard Magee Voyages to Antiquity 41 Bidding Quiz Answers (1-3) by Bernard Magee 43 Defence Events & Cruises with Bernard Magee ( 01483 489961 43 Bidding Quiz Answers (4-6) by Bernard Magee 45 QPlus12 Jessica Galt 44 Catching Up with Sally Brock 47 Bernard Magee DVDs [email protected] Set 8 Megan Riccio 45 Bidding Quiz Answers (7-9) by Bernard Magee 50 Acol Bidding [email protected] with Bernard Magee Sophie Pierrepont 46 Readers’ Letters 51 Swedish Waterways & [email protected] 47 Bidding Quiz Answers (10-12) by Bernard Magee Cities with Fred. Olsen Clubs & Charities 52 2018 Cruises on 48 Out of Turn by David Stevenson Maggie Axtell Columbus with [email protected] 49 Seven Days by Sally Brock Cruise & Maritime Address Changes ( 01483 485342 Elizabeth Bryan REDUCE THE COST OF YOUR POSTAGE [email protected] Postage stamps for sale at 90% of face-value, all mint with full gum. Printed in the UK by Quotations for commercial quantities available on request. The Magazine Values supplied in 100s, higher values available Printing Company as well as 1st and 2nd class. www.magprint.co.uk ( 020 8422 4906 e-mail: [email protected]

BRIDGE May 2018 Page 3 BACK TO is providing all Tunisia THE KENZ Holidays at Hotel Royal Mr Bridge Kenz on an all-inclusive board basis, see advert. Hotel Royal Kenz RANDOM REVIEWS Tunisia 2018 Janet Ward is to review books I have recently Seven Day All-inclusive enjoyed reading so that Duplicate Bridge Holidays others can share my pleasure. Her reports will Mr Bridge holidaymakers be published as and when, have been staying at the but hopefully they will Hotel Royal Kenz in Port become a regular monthly El Kantaoui for nearly a feature. The first of these is decade. In January 2014 the to be found on page 6. hotel came under the wing of its new owners, Magic Life Hotels and following BLUE DANUBE their aquisition, several real The centrefold this month improvements were made features a seven night to the premises. cruise down the Danube on 6-13 November 2018 from £699 The Hotel Royal Kenz is in mv Serenity. To make such an on board bridge event 13-20 November 2018 from £699 a great location, along a ribbon of sandy beach on work, the ship has to be an Both of the above weeks from £999 exclusive party. There are Golf is available - green fees charged extra Tunisia’s Mediterranean coast. A cab into Port El limited cabins for singles as 12-19 Mar 2019 with Bernard Magee from £699 Kantaoui takes less than all the cabin space is five minutes and if you designed for twin want to explore a bit occupancy. However, the further, the city of Sousse supplement for singles is as and its ancient medina is low as realistically possible. but a 15-minute drive away. At the hotel, you will find BALMORAL two swimming pools bordered by the usual loungers and palms. As for food, the restaurant is set up buffet style. You can *Prices shown are per person on an all inclusive basis sharing expect home favourites like a twin or double-bedded room and is inclusive of bridge fees. cooked breakfasts, plus Standard rooms all come with a private bath, toilet, balcony and weekly themed nights tea and coffee making facilities. Sole occupancy supplement is £5 per night. The supplement for a pool view room is £3 per person, where you can try dishes The 2019 brochure was sent per night. To upgrade to a superior room with bath robe, bottle of from around the world. In to you with last month’s wine and bowl of fruit on arrival is £3 per person per night. addition, there are also two BRIDGE. All the Mr Bridge For details of what is included in the all-inclusive package, please specialist à la carte eateries, 2018 sailings on Fred. call for an information pack and booking form. one Tunisian cuisine and Olsen’s Balmoral already These prices are based on scheduled flights from Heathrow to the other Italian. These are have fair-sized numbers of Tunis. Flights from Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow can be extra to the newly built al bridge players booked on arranged at a supplement. fresco dining terrace board, thereby ensuring *All prices are firm until 30th September 2018. attached to the main enjoyable after-dinner restaurant. duplicates, but there is still Terms and conditions apply. Packaged with and some availability, albeit The recently renovated, bookings by Tunisia First ATOL 5933. limited, on the following: purpose-built bridge room For details or an information pack, can accommodate 23 tables • L1810 – Scenic Fjords of and it is air-conditioned to Norway – Newcastle – 8 call  01483 489961 suit all seasons. For Winter May 2018 – 7 nights, see 2018/19 season, Mr Bridge advert on page 14.

Page 4 BRIDGE May 2018 • L1815 – Scandinavian subjects of the DVDs. GOFFIES STAMPS Re-Boot your Capitals & St Petersburg IMPROVE YOUR BRIDGE – Rosyth – 9 June 2018 – MEMORY. What better Postal rates have changed. Acol with 14 nights, see page 18. way to start a new year? See Goff’s advert on page 3. Bernard Magee Denham Grove, Uxbridge, • L1831 – Swedish Each evening Bernard’s MASTERPOINTED Bucks UB9 5DG. Waterways & Cities – team will run a duplicate. Newcastle – 25 September The event will be focussed See the back cover advert 11 nights with Bernard on improving your bridge for details of our first two 10-14 January Magee, see page 51. and setting you up for an masterpointed cruises on 2019 entertaining 2019, playing board mv. Columbus. • L1839 – Canaries your favourite game. See £454pp Thursday – Christmas & Funchal the adjacent advertisement. 2018 FESTIVE Fireworks – Southampton Monday SEASON 21 December – 15 nights, Four Nights see inside front cover. 2019 DIARIES Details of Christmas, Full Board – No Single Twixmas and New Year at Supplement1 DENHAM 2018 Denham Grove and The Ramada, Grantham can be All six DVDs produced found on page 6. from the filming earlier this year are now in stock. All LETTERS pre-orders have been dispatched by Royal Mail Hopefully my treatment signed-for service. will have been successful. I am certainly feeling much better and slowly rebuilding DENHAM 2019 my strength. Next years’ bridge players’ I have decided to take a One of the odd things diaries are now in stock break from film production about bereavement and in a and all early orders have in 2019. Asked what he more limited way about Topics already been dispatched. would put on to fill our serious illness is that friend OPENER regular January slot at A copy of this years’ bridge and foe alike seem to leave RESPONDER Denham Grove, Bernard players’ diary can be sent one alone. I have heard of Magee replied, quick as a free of charge to get you this phenomenon and RESPONDING flash, ‘Reboot your Acol’. started as the lovely new indeed in one or two cases I TO 1NT So that is it is what it is: diaries only begin in the can recall behaving in just Reboot your Acol. middle of August. Please let the way I describe above. LAWS & ETHICS Those attending will go me know if you want one Despite requests for the through all the basics and when placing your order. flow of letters to return to IMPROVING extensions of their system. Available in Ruby Red or normal, letters to the BRIDGE MEMORY Bernard will be giving four Navy Blue, they come as magazine and myself have seminars covering the usual with soft kidrell more or less dried up. OPENER, the covers and a useful Let’s be hearing from you. Sessions of RESPONDER, then ballpoint pen in the spine. supervised play AEGEAN ODYSSEY RESPONDING to 1NT and follow each OVERCALLS. PERMISSION The Voyages to Antiquity lecture. As usual these will be Please do sign the form brochure for the 2019 Optional evening followed with set hands on giving us permission to summer season is enclosed duplicate every the subject of the preceding in this months’ package send you emails of bridge evening. lecture. A fifth seminar is related offers and deals. You along with this issue. It is a to cover the LAWS & little ship but it is a happy can find the appropriate Contact Mr Bridge to ETHICS. Aiming to remind form on the carrier sheet if little ship. I look forward to book your place you of the nuances of the you haven’t already sent us resuming my travels if I am or for further bridge game, but also your permission. given the ok by the medics dealing with the most at my review next month. details common errors that occur WEEKEND EVENTS Here’s hoping. and how they can be put ( 01483 489961 All good wishes right. The sixth seminar Details of our 2018 breaks 1Subject to availability will reprise one of the can be found on page 8. Mr Bridge

BRIDGE May 2018 Page 5 2018 FESTIVE Reviews by Janet Ward SEASON Denham Grove The Bridge Ladies Near Uxbridge, UB9 5DG A Memoir by Betsy Lerner

Published in paperback by Pan Macmillan £8.99 ISBN: 978-1447272526

Christmas he Bridge Ladies is described is gradually overcome and after some 23-27 Dec £495 as a memoir. In this fascinating false starts she is eventually invited to Duplicates and Seminars in NT & Suites and account Betsy Lerner describes join the Ladies. This ordeal gradually Tthe largely hidden lives of half a becomes something quite different as Transfers hosted by Sandy Bell dozen east coast American Jewish she begins to get it, to learn how to women including her mother, able, partner, to make appropriate bids and Twixmas intelligent and educated, now in their understand the dance of the bridge 27-29 Dec £258 eighties, united over several decades table. Duplicates and Seminars by the game of bridge. As a girl she Like going to the theatre, the Defence as Partner of the Leader hosted by Bernard Magee was exasperated, but also fascinated, attraction and mystery of bridge seems by the mysterious rituals of Monday to be that once the game starts, all New Year lunch followed by a game of bridge, outside life is temporarily put aside. The 29 Dec-2 Jan £499 but with absolutely no wish to know mobile telephone is mercifully absent. Duplicates and Seminars more, escaping the nest at the earliest It is a game requiring concentration, Drawing Trumps & Trump Control opportunity. team play and skill and yet it is still hosted by Bernard Magee Later, as her life brought her back a game of chance. The framework of to New Haven, she finds herself rules, which determine behaviour, Ramada Resort imperceptively drawn to this group. makes for a safe place in which to play, Grantham She begins an exploration, tentative at which is why infringements produce Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT first, of the women and their hidden such strong reactions. lives. With an almost Anglo-Saxon The bridge ladies began playing when reticence, but with occasional bursts the game had a prime place in social of chutzpah, she discovers in these life, now lost to other media. The book apparently conventional women, reminds us of the continuing virtues who stayed within their religious of the card game when people come community and did not work outside together from all backgrounds and Christmas the home after marriage, lives full of where age is irrelevant, to concentrate 23-27 Dec £425 interest. The book is a reflection on for a time on the play. Just Duplicate loss, ageing, marriage, mothers and Betsy Lerner becomes competent at Twixmas daughters and female friendship. It is bridge, yet the next game is always a also about the game of bridge. challenge. It is a pleasure to play and 27-29 Dec £215 Parallel to the ladies’ stories, though winning is always desirable, it Duplicates and Seminars Loosing Trick Count Betsy Lerner embarks on a journey is the game itself that is the attraction. of her own. Intrigued by a year’s It can be a significant means of making New Year observation of the etiquette of the connection. 29 Dec-1 Jan £345 ladies’ bridge table, she decides to The book closes with a description Duplicates and Seminars attempt to learn, initially going to a of a game in which she, the erstwhile Suit Establishment bridge club in New York. As a non- difficult daughter, is actually invited bridge player, I identified with her by her mother to partner her. graphic descriptions of bafflement, She reports: ‘Overall, we win half the Back to Back bookings putting down the book temporarily hands we play and feel very positive save £50 (per additional event) when it became too technical. Her about our partnership. ( 01483 489961 sense of incompetence and ignorance Bridge made a team out of us.’ ■

For details and itineraries Warning. Janet Ward will be reviewing books that may not necessarily be about bridge. www.mrbridge.co.uk/ukbreaks However, I do hope they will be of interest to you. Ed.

Page 6 BRIDGE May 2018 Bernard Magee’s Acol Bidding Quiz

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

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

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

2. Dealer East. Game All. 5. Dealer East. N/S Game. 8. Dealer East. Love All. 11. Dealer North. Love All. ♠ Q 5 4 2 ♠ K J 6 5 ♠ K 8 7 ♠ Q 8 7 6 ♥ Q 8 7 6 N ♥ A 4 3 2 N ♥ Void N ♥ A 8 7 6 5 N W E W E W E W E ♦ J 7 6 4 2 S ♦ K 8 7 6 5 S ♦ A J 7 6 5 S ♦ A 8 7 6 S ♣ Void ♣ Void ♣ 9 8 7 3 2 ♣ Void

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BRIDGE May 2018 Page 7 Mr Bridge UK Events

Tutorial Events with Bernard Magee PROGRAMME Ramada Resort Gourmet Food at DAY 1 Grantham Two Bridges Hotel From 1500 £349 Mr Bridge 27-29 July £252 Mon 26 to Wed 28 Nov Welcome Desk open Leads and Defence Play and Defence of 1NT Tea or coffee on arrival 1745 to 1830 Elstead Hotel Trouville Hotel, Welcome drinks Bournemouth BH1 3QP Chatsworth Hotel From Sandown, IOW £399* 3-5 August £258 1830 to 2000 Fri 15 to Tue 19 Feb Competitive Bidding Dinner Competitive Bidding 2015 BRIDGE 1 26-28 October £258 *Price includes ferry fare for two adults in one car. DUPLICATE PAIRS Supporting Minors DAY 2 0800 to 0930 Just Duplicate Tutorial Events Breakfast Denham Grove Ramada Resort Chatsworth Hotel 1000 to 1230 Near Uxbridge, UB9 5DG SEMINAR & PLAY Grantham 8-10 June £228 of SET HANDS or Further into the Auction DUPLICATE BRIDGE 1-3 June £208 Hosted by Martin Holcombe (Just Duplicate Events) 17-19 August £208 28-30 September £228 1230 to 1330 Cold Buffet Lunch 26-28 October £208 Splinters and Cue Bids Hosted by Will Parsons 1400 to 1645 16-18 November £208 BRIDGE 2 Elstead Hotel TEAMS of FOUR Denham Grove 15-17 June £228 (Bernard Magee Events) Ramada Resort, Grantham Stayman and Transfers DUPLICATE PAIRS Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT 15-17 June £218 Hosted by Sandy Bell (otherwise) 16-18 November £228 10-12 August £223 1815 to 2000 Bidding Dinner Masterpointed Duplicate Distributional Hands Hosted by Gary Conrad Hosted by Lesley Lewis 2015 BRIDGE 3 DUPLICATE PAIRS 14-16 September £218 Denham Grove 19-21 October £218 20-22 July £228 DAY 3 Losing Trick Count 0800 to 0930 Hosted by John Ronan Chatsworth Hotel Breakfast 5-7 October £228 Chatsworth Hotel 17-19 August £218 1000 to 1230 Worthing BN11 3DU Declarer Play SEMINAR & PLAY Hosted by Sandy Bell 12-14 October £218 of SET HANDS or DUPLICATE PAIRS 23-25 November £218 Ramada Resort (Just Duplicate Events) Grantham Elstead Hotel 1230 to 1400 21-23 September £218 Sunday Lunch 5-7 October £218 Doubles (weekend events only) Hosted by John Ronan 2-4 Novem ber £218 1400 to 1645 9-11 November £218 BRIDGE 4 Please note there are no seminars, Better Finessing DUPLICATE PAIRS Two Bridges Hotel set hands or prizes at these events. Hosted by Michael Haytack Dartmoor PL20 6SW

Full Board – No Single Supplement* ( 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk *subject to availability. Single supplement applies at Two Bridges. The Diaries of Wendy Wensum Episode 73: Money Matters

s I walked into the bar at the hearts; although my club king looked glasses at her seven-card suit and heart Riverside, Millie and the ashen- doomed, I had useful cards in spades void, and buoyed up by the favourable faced club treasurer were hav- and we must have a heart fit. vulnerability and traditional Riverside Aing an interesting exchange of views. optimism, Jo found a bid of five clubs. I heard Millie indignantly assert, ‘But An emphatic double by North ended Tom, I paid my annual subscription a Dealer South. N/S Game. the auction. few weeks ago.’ ‘That was for the previ- ♠ Q 9 5 2 ous year,’ he retorted exasperatedly, his ♥ A K 10 3 West North East South cheeks turning pink. ‘Well you might ♦ A 9 7 Jo Kate have reminded me,’ was Millie’s practi- ♣ 10 2 1♥ cal defence. ‘I did, I left a message on ♠ K J 4 ♠ 8 7 3 2♣ 2NT Pass 4♥ your answer phone,’ was the riposte as ♥ Void N ♥ 9 5 4 5♣ Dbl All Pass W E ♦ ♦ his face turned redder. ‘I never check Q 10 5 S K 6 3 2 it,’ was the cavalier reply. ‘I sent you ♣ A Q J 9 8 7 6 ♣ 5 4 3 North led the ace of hearts, ruffed a letter ages ago,’ explained the treas- ♠ A 10 6 in hand by Jo. With no certain urer as his ears took on a scarlet hue. ♥ Q J 8 7 6 2 to dummy, Jo played the ace of clubs ‘It must still be in my in-tray,’ was her ♦ J 8 4 felling South’s king. Having removed provocative response as Tom’s nose ♣ K North’s last trump, she played a turned a disturbing crimson. ‘You still diamond to the king, which held. A owe for this year, and the subscrip- diamond back to the ten brought out tion for next season is due before the West North East South the ace. She ruffed the heart return and AGM,’ he declared emphatically. ‘You Tom Millie Wendy played out her winners – the diamond should have said. I’ll pay both right Pass queen and the remaining clubs. now. I don’t like causing trouble,’ she 1♣ Dbl Pass 4♥ Both North and South mistakenly responded, adding cheekily, ‘Have you All Pass discarded all their hearts. This left all a pen?’ as she looked for her cheque four players with three spades each. book. As she wrote out the cheque she Tom led his top club following it with Unaware of the exact position, Jo noted, ‘You shouldn’t get so het up, the queen. I ruffed the second club randomly played the spade four, won Tom, it’s bad for you.’ ‘I know, that’s and removed the opponents’ trumps. by South with the ten. South returned why I’m not standing for the post With no ruffing values in dummy, the six and Jo went up with king to again,’ he admitted as he made a bee- there were only eight certain tricks, make her tenth trick for a great score line to the other end of the bar mutter- so I employed the unsophisticated of one off. ing something about squeezing blood ploy of ace of spades followed by In the pub later, conversation turned out of a stone. I imagined a fortifying small towards the queen. Tom popped to the subject of Tom. We all agreed it whisky would soon restore his face to up with the king winning the trick, was a shame that he was resigning as its natural pallor. Millie turned to me but setting up dummy’s queen. On treasurer, as he had performed that role and whispered, ‘He’s quite emotional regaining the lead the queen removed efficiently for many years. ‘Why don’t for an accountant; they’re usually just the opponents’ remaining spades you stand for the post, Jo,’ suggested like androids, no hearts.’ allowing me to ditch a losing diamond Millie out of the blue. ‘On the other As it turned out we played this on the spade two. The final result was hand you could stand, Millie,’ retorted seemingly innocent board later in the four hearts making ten tricks, losing Jo. Millie looked a bit perplexed evening against Tom and his partner one trick in each suit outside the before responding. ‘No I don’t think (hand in next column). With an eleven trump suit. so, bridge players are so sensitive, I count including the wasted king in When Jo and Kate played the hand, manage to upset them without trying.’ clubs, I decided to pass even though South opened one heart. Jo overcalled After a brief pause for reflection she the hand met the rule of nineteen. two clubs. North agreed hearts with added, ‘I could run for president Tom, his pallid complexion restored, his two no-trump bid showing four- though; it’s less time consuming.’ bid one club, which Millie, holding card support. Holding an extra heart An unusual silence prevailed as two good four-card majors, doubled. South enthusiastically bounced to Millie went to order another round of After East passed, I decided to bid four four. Looking through rose-tinted drinks. ■

BRIDGE May 2018 Page 9 luxury Fireside Chats with Mike Lawrence bridge mat Just £24.99 plus £4.99 p & p The Power of luxury bridge mat Just £24.99 plus £4.99 p & p Spot Cards Part One

f someone gave you this passes to East, who opens have been easy. hand, what would your 1♠. You choose 1NT, which Did North overbid by estimate be of its worth? your partner raises to game. raising to 3NT? I West leads the ♠10. In my opinion, the actual How do you like your bidding was not bad. You Thick woven surface makes ♠ K 8 4 chances? On a good day you can get opinions to the con- an idealThick playing woven surface and ♥ K 10 4 hope to take ten tricks, los- trary but no one will say the protectssurface your makes table. ♦ A 7 ing only to the three aces. bidding was wrong. Very popular with Bridge ♣ K Q J 10 9 Clubs.an 78cmsideal wideplaying so it fits On a bad day, a careless The ‘wrong’ came in the a standardsurface 80cms and card table player might go down. play. protects your table. Here is how someone did Given the bidding and PaddedThickVery woven popular table surface with makesbag. This is a nice 16 count. Now go down when they played the information from the ♠ an ideal£39.00Bridge playing +Clubs. £4.99 surface p&p and let’s make a little change. in 3NT. 10, East was marked with ♠ ♠ 78cmprotects wide your table.so it Here is your new hand. the A and J. South had a Very popular with Bridge fits a standard counter to the defence. At Clubs. 78cms wide so it fits ♠ Q 6 2 trick one, South should play a standard80cm card80cms table.card table ♠ K 9 4 ♥ Q 8 3 the ♠Q from dummy. East Padded table bag. ♥ K 10 4 ♦ K Q 5 4 2 has to win the trick or else ♦ A 7 ♣ 6 2 South will get two spade £39.00 + £4.99 p&p ♣ K Q J 10 9 ♠ 10 3 ♠ A J 8 7 5 tricks. The trouble is that if ♥ N ♥ J 9 7 6 W E A 5 2 East wins the trick, South Large enough to take a standard ♦ 10 9 8 3 S ♦ J 6 still gets two spade tricks 80cms bridge table. Made from tough nylon with carrying straps Have you spotted the ♣ A 7 3 ♣ 8 5 4 as his ♠K-9-4 will be worth and Velcro fixing. Ideal for change? Here is the layout ♠ K 9 4 two tricks after East wins storing or carrying your table. that included this hand. ♥ K 10 4 the ace. Order online or by phone ♦ A 7 Have you noticed the www.designsforbridge.co.uk ♣ K Q J 10 9 change I made in your Large enough to take a standard Dealer West. Love All. hand? Originally South 0148380cms bridge table.270 Made 100 from ♠ Q 6 2 had the ♠K-8-4, which was toughLarge nylon enough with carrying to take straps a ♥ Q 8 3 ♠ ♠ standardandSR VelcroDesigns 80cmsfixing. for Bridge Idealbridge for The 10 ran to South’s changed to the K-9-4. If Unitstoringtable. A1, or MadeSend carrying Business from your tough table. Park, ♦ K Q 5 4 2 king, East signalling with South had the original hand Send,nylon Woking, with carrying Surrey GU23 straps 7EF ♣ 6 2 the eight. South attacked (♠K-8-4), 3NT would go Orderand Velcro online fixing. or by phoneIdeal clubs and West took the first down if West had an entry www.designsforbridge.co.ukfor storing or carrying N W E round (feeling uneasy now?) to lead a second spade. S 01483your 270 table. 100 and he found another spade, The point of this hand and ♠ K 9 4 the three. East started look- of the hands in this series is OrderSR Designs online orfor by Bridge phone ♥ K 10 4 www.designsforbridge.co.ukUnit A1, Send Business Park, ing pleased and the result that spot cards have a role. Send, Woking, Surrey GU23 7EF ♦ A 7 was a predictable down two. Often they can be the differ- 01483 270 100 ♣ K Q J 10 9 East cashed four spades and ence between making your took his ♥A for six tricks. contract and failing. Be hon- SR Designs for Bridge ♠ Unit A1, Send Business Park, Did South err by bidding est. If you had the K-9-4, Send, Woking, Surrey GU23 7EF Sitting in fourth seat, you 1NT and not 2♣? If North would you have anticipated hear this bidding. Two was the declarer, 3NT would its value? ■

Page 10 BRIDGE May 2018 DEFENCE DECLARER QUIZ PLAY by Julian Pottage QUIZ (Answers on page 17) by David Huggett ou are West in the defensive positions below playing (Answers on page 15) Ymatchpoint pairs with East-West vulnerable. Both sides are using Acol with a 12-14 1NT and 2♣ Stayman. ou are South as declarer playing teams or . YIn each case, what is your play strategy?

1. ♠ K Q 9 3 3. ♠ 10 ♥ A K Q 4 ♥ K 8 5 4 1. ♠ A 7 3 3. ♠ 10 9 4 ♦ ♦ 7 6 A Q J 8 2 ♥ 6 4 ♥ 8 6 4 ♣ A J 10 ♣ K J 7 ♦ K 10 9 6 3 ♦ A 7 4 2 ♠ A 5 2 ♠ A 9 5 3 ♣ J 9 5 ♣ 8 5 3 ♥ 8 5 N ♥ Q 9 N W E W E ♦ A K J 8 5 ♦ 10 5 N N S S ♣ 9 7 4 ♣ A Q 4 3 2 W E W E S S

♠ 8 ♠ A J 2 West North East South West North East South ♥ ♥ 1♥ Pass Pass 1♣ 1♦ 1♠ 1NT K 9 7 A K ♦ ♦ 2♦ Dbl Pass 2♠ 2♠ Dbl Pass 3♥ A 8 2 K Q 10 6 Pass Pass 3♦ Pass All Pass ♣ A K Q 10 6 4 ♣ A 10 9 2 Pass 3♠ All Pass You lead the ♦10. Partner You lead the ♦A, collecting captures the ♦J with the ♦K You are declarer in 5♣ You are declarer in 3NT the ♦6, ♦2 and ♦3. What is and returns the ♣6. What is after West and East have and West leads the ♥Q. your plan? your plan? competed in spades. West How do you plan the play? leads the ♠K. How do you plan the play? (Trumps are 2-2). 2. ♠ K 4 4. ♠ J 9 7 ♥ 10 2 ♥ A Q J 2 ♦ 10 9 6 4 3 2 ♦ A Q 6 5 4 ♣ J 10 6 ♣ J 2. ♠ A Q 6 4 4. ♠ A Q J ♠ Q J 5 ♠ 10 8 6 4 3 2 ♥ A K 2 ♥ A 6 4 ♥ K Q 9 8 4 N ♥ 10 5 N W E W E ♦ A 10 6 ♦ J 2 ♦ 7 ♦ Void S S ♣ 9 7 5 ♣ Q J 10 6 5 ♣ K Q 7 4 ♣ Q 10 7 6 3

N N W E W E West North East South West North East South S S 1♠ Pass ♠ 5 2 ♠ 7 6 3 2♥ Pass Pass 2♠ Pass 1♦ Pass 1♥ ♥ 6 5 ♥ K Q 8 Pass Pass 3♥ Pass Pass 3♥ Pass 4♥ ♦ ♦ Pass 3♠ All Pass All Pass Q 9 8 7 5 4 3 A Q 9 5 ♣ A K ♣ A K 3 You lead the ♥K, collecting You lead the ♠8. Partner the ♥2, ♥3 and ♥5. What puts up the ♠A, felling the is your plan? ♠K, and switches to the ♦3. You are declarer in 6♦ and You are declarer in 6NT What do you do on this West leads the ♥J. How do and West leads the ♥J. trick and the next? you plan the play? How do you plan the play?

BRIDGE May 2018 Page 11 A History of Playing Cards: Part Seventeen by Paul Bostock Cards from Germany and Eastern Europe

laying cards were in Germany by the end of the 14th century and the oldest set still preserved is the ‘Stuttgart Deck’. Analysis of the paper and water marks suggest that it was made within the years 1427-1431. The cards are a ‘hunting pack’ (one appeared in BRIDGE 170) and they are large, hand-painted and finished with a variety of metallised pig- Pments that make them shine. The German suits are leaves (informally grün for green), Hearts (rot for red), hawk-bells and acorns. While the early German packs had 52 cards, it is now standard to see packs of 36, sometimes further reduced depending on the game being played. The composition of the suits has evolved uniquely; while the Ace took the highest value in many European games, in Germany the Daus (meaning ‘Deuce’) was promoted and the Ace vanished. The remaining cards run from six upwards. The courts are unter, ober and König (under-knave, over-knave and King). The tens usually carry the Latin numeral X and often show a flag. So in the standard pack of 36 cards, the German suit runs upwards in values as fol- lows: 6, 7, 8, 9, X, Unter, Ober, König, Daus. No doubt, for the players of German games Traditional standard Bavarian cards by F X Schmid. Note the suit signs and the this is all second nature. elaborate ‘Daus’ of hearts which ranks highest (and has a tax stamp). Excellence in Printing

German cards stand out for another reason: for most of their history they have been made with the highest standards of quality and artistry. The first use of wood-block printing anywhere was German and was specifically for making playing- cards. German makers were also pioneers of metal engraving. Whilst the English maker Thomas De La Rue was the first lithographic printer in 1832, the German makers adopted this technique and took it to its highest level. Bernhart Dondorf, widely regarded as the finest card maker of this era, began in Frankfurt in 1833 as a sup- plier to the printing industry. He started making playing- cards in 1840 using a com- bination of engraved steel plates and colour lithogra- Four Continents by B Dondorf, c1870. Note the illustrated backgrounds on phy. The company made both numeral cards (the ♠4) and the detail and subtle colouring in the magnified standard designs and more image of the face. From the collection of Barney Townshend.

Page 12 BRIDGE May 2018 elaborate and decorative cards. One of many highly-regarded patterns is their ‘Four Conti- nents’ made from around 1870, shown in the images below. This had French suits (presum- CLUB ably with export in mind). INSURANCE In 1933 the Company celebrated its 100th anniversary and made a special pack with a particularly lavish design. The card faces used thirteen colours, which meant producing and Every club should aligning thirteen lithographic stones. The cards were newly drawn featuring medieval court be covered and my figures with a heroic and noble bearing. Playing-card legend says that this pack brought the inclusive package, company to its end, particularly as it was made during the difficult economic conditions to suit clubs of up to facing Germany in the 1930s. The truth is that the company was already in the process of 300 members for less being taken over by Flemming and Wiscott, but the legend is compelling and it has stuck. than £75 per year, is the right package at the right price.

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Dondorf 100th Anniversary pack, 1933. The King’s face shows the extraordinary fine detail and colouring. From the collection of Barney Townshend. For those with Pre-existing health conditions (No Age Limit) Eastern Europe l Travel Insurance with online Medical Screening

The same German suits are used in Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic; the Swiss l Cover for medical pattern is a variant with bells, acorns, shields and roses as its suit signs. These Eastern conditions, up to a high European cards have their own distinctive character as seen in the fairly modern example level of severity, even a from Prague below. The demonic Daus of acorns and seated Kings are typical. terminal prognosis l No age limits

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( 01268 524344 We look forward to speaking with you soon Modern version of the traditional Prague Pattern, Czech Republic. Obchodny cards, 1970s. Email: sales@ genesischoice.co.uk We thank Barney Townshend for images and information on Dondorf. ■ Website: www. genesischoice.co.uk Genesis Choice Ltd are an appointed representative of NDI Insurance and Reinsurance The author is a Court Assistant in the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards – see Brokers Ltd who are authorised www.makersofplayingcards.co.uk. Many more sets of cards are illustrated on the author’s and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority No.446914 website www.plainbacks.com

BRIDGE May 2018 Page 13

Answers to David Huggett’s Play Quiz on page 11

You are declarer in 6♦ and West leads Chances are that it will win and give you 1. ♠ A 7 3 the ♥J. How do you plan the play? nine tricks. ♥ 6 4 The play might seem straightforward, ♦ K 10 9 6 3 for if declarer has to lose a diamond, then ♣ J 9 5 the spade needs to be right, while ♠ K Q J 6 4 ♠ 10 9 5 2 if the king of trumps falls under the ace 4. ♠ A Q J ♥ A 8 3 2 N ♥ Q J 10 5 then there are twelve guaranteed tricks. ♥ A 6 4 ♦ 7 4 W E ♦ Q J 5 What is important though is to establish ♦ J 2 S ♣ 8 2 ♣ 7 3 whether or not there is a spade loser ♣ Q J 10 6 5 ♠ 8 because if there isn’t you can guarantee ♠ 10 8 4 ♠ K 9 5 2 ♥ K 9 7 not to lose two trumps by playing low ♥ J 10 9 2 N ♥ 7 5 3 ♦ A 8 2 from hand and covering whatever West ♦ K 10 7 3 W E ♦ 8 6 4 S ♣ A K Q 10 6 4 plays. Of course if West shows out you ♣ 7 2 ♣ 9 8 4 rise with the ace and lead back towards ♠ 7 6 3 the queen. So win the opening lead, ♥ K Q 8 You are declarer in 5♣ after West and play a club to hand and see whether the ♦ A Q 9 5 East have competed in spades. West spade finesse works. ♣ A K 3 leads the ♠K. How do you plan the play? (Trumps are 2-2). Four tricks in diamonds will give you You are declarer in 6NT and West leads enough tricks but there is a potential 3. ♠ 10 9 4 the ♥J. How do you plan the play? problem. If, while establishing the dia- ♥ 8 6 4 If either the spade or diamond finesse monds, you happen to lose a trick to East, ♦ A 7 4 2 works you will have twelve easy tricks a heart return through your king could ♣ 8 5 3 and, at first glance, it doesn’t seem to prove awkward. The best way round this ♠ K 8 5 ♠ Q 7 6 3 matter in which order you take them. is by simply ducking the lead and pitching ♥ Q J 10 5 2 N ♥ 9 7 3 But suppose you lead the ♦J at trick a diamond on the ♠A at the second trick. ♦ J 3 W E ♦ 9 8 5 two and it loses to West who returns a S (If the defenders switch at trick two you ♣ J 6 4 ♣ K Q 7 spade. Now you won’t know whether to have to engineer this yourself.) Take two ♠ A J 2 take the finesse or to play for the ♦10 top trumps from the closed hand (drawing ♥ A K to come down in the next two rounds. them all as it happens) and then play the ♦ K Q 10 6 Much better is to win the opening lead in ♦A and then low to the king. If all follow ♣ A 10 9 2 hand and lead a low diamond towards you establish the suit with a and have dummy. If West has the king and plays it, a trump entry for the two long diamonds. then you have three diamond tricks while If diamonds are 4-1 then you play for the You are declarer in 3NT and West leads if he ducks you simply establish a second ♥A to be onside, when ♥K and a ruff in the ♥Q. How do you plan the play? spade trick. If East wins the trick you can dummy will give you eleven tricks. With favourable diamonds there are still combine the chances of making a still only eight tricks available and the third diamond with hoping the spade most realistic chance of a ninth trick must king is well placed. ■ come from the spade suit. You either 2. ♠ A Q 6 4 need to hope East has honour doubleton ♥ A K 2 – a long shot – or for the spade honours DUPLICATE BRIDGE ♦ A 10 6 to be divided when two will ♣ 9 7 5 suffice. But for that to happen you need RULES SIMPLIFIED ♠ K 10 8 ♠ J 9 7 3 to get to dummy twice and that can only (otherwise known as the Yellow Book) ♥ J 10 9 4 N ♥ Q 8 7 3 be achieved if diamonds are 3-2. So ♦ K J 2 W E ♦ Void after winning the first trick, play the ♦K by David Stevenson only S 95 ♣ 8 6 2 ♣ Q J 10 4 3 and ♦Q and then overtake the ten with Fully Revised 2017 £5 ♠ 5 2 the ace, making sure the seven remains ♥ 6 5 in dummy. Now take a spade finesse. Available from Mr Bridge ♦ Q 9 8 7 5 4 3 Doubtless it will fail and a heart will be ( 01483 489961 ♣ A K returned, but you win and lead the ♦6 www.mrbridge.co.uk to the ♦7 and repeat the spade finesse.

BRIDGE May 2018 Page 15 Sally Brock Looks at Your Slam Bidding BERNARD MAGEE Sally’s Slam Clinic TUTORIAL Where did at Wimbledon Bridge Club. This is we go wrong? an individual tournament where DVDS everyone plays just one board with Simon and Angela Chatterton missed everyone else, and it was the final deal. a slam on this deal: He was playing with someone he had SET 1 never played with before. 1 Ruffing for Extra Tricks ♠ K 8 6 5 ♠ A J 7 4 3 2 Competitive Auctions ♥ 10 N ♥ A 8 4 2 ♠ Q J 7 ♠ A K 9 8 W E ♦ A J 10 9 5 3 ♦ K 6 ♥ A K 10 9 N ♥ 8 2 S 3 Making the Most W E ♣ 9 4 ♣ A Q ♦ A 6 ♦ K Q 8 4 3 2 of High Cards S £25 ♣ A K J 10 ♣ Q 4 Identifying per DVD & Bidding Slams West North East South Pass Pass 1♠ Pass West North East South 5 Play & Defence 3♠ Pass 4♠ All Pass 2NT Pass 3♣ Pass of 1NT Contracts 3♥ Pass 4NT Pass 6 Doubling & Defence Angela (West) knew she had an 5♦ Pass 5NT Pass against Doubled excellent hand after her partner 6♥ Pass 7NT All Pass ♠ Contracts opened 1 but didn’t think she could splinter with 4♥ in case her partner After the 2NT opening, 3♣ was SET 2 had opened light in third seat. Unless Stayman. It is generally considered that your partner does this regularly the 4NT bid over the 3♥ rebid should 7 Leads (which is frowned upon) you will lose be quantitative rather than ace-asking. 8 Losing Trick Count more points by underbidding than you After all, what would East do with four will by bidding your hand properly. spades and, say, 11 HCP? With a hand 9 Making a Plan I think a fit jump to ♦3 is the answer, that wants to agree hearts and ask for as Declarer showing a good suit with support aces, first bid the other major to agree 10 Responding to 1NT for partner. This would then be the partner’s suit (this cannot be natural, sequence: for with five spades you would have 11 Signals & Discards transferred, and with only four you 12 West North East South would bid an appropriate number of Pass Pass 1♠ Pass no-trumps). Still, in a club individual SET 3 3♦ Pass 4♣ Pass it is more likely partner would take it 4♥ Pass 4NT Pass as asking. When East found out that 13 Hand Evaluation 5♥ Pass 6♠ All Pass all the aces and kings were there, 7NT 14 Pre-Emptive Bidding could not be a worse contract than You would not want to be in a grand 7♦. As it happened diamonds did not 15 Splinter slam with this combined trump break, but there were thirteen tricks & Cue Bids holding – even if it does make. anyway. £105 At the end of this hand, the score 16 Avoidance set of 6 ♣♦♥♠ board had Henryk lying in third Play place, about 2% behind the leader, 17 Play & Defence at Pairs Slam of the month but the computer was being slow and this board had not been included. 18 Thinking Defence I am grateful to Henryk Klocek for After a tense few minutes the score writing to me with this deal. He was popped up and Henryk had won the playing in the Hetty Van Os Trophy competition. ■ Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop Send your slam hands to [email protected]

Page 16 BRIDGE May 2018 Answers to Julian Pottage’s Defence Quiz on page 11

West North East South that the ♣6 is a lowly card, you have high 1. ♠ K Q 9 3 1♠ hopes that it is a singleton. ♥ A K Q 4 2♥ Pass Pass 2♠ This being the case you aim to give ♦ 7 6 Pass Pass 3♥ Pass partner two club ruffs, one after you take ♣ A J 10 Pass 3♠ All Pass the ♣A and another after getting back in ♠ A 5 2 ♠ 8 7 with the ♠A. N ♥ 8 5 ♥ 10 9 6 3 2 You lead the ♥K, collecting the ♥2, ♥3 Since partner might be unsure whether W E ♦ A K J 8 5 S ♦ Q 10 2 and ♥5. What is your plan? to give you a ruff (if the ♦10 was a single- ♣ 9 7 4 ♣ K Q 6 If partner holds the ♥A – you cannot ton), you should continue with the ♣4 or ♠ J 10 6 4 be sure – declarer could be holding up – even the ♣Q as a suit-preference ♥ J 7 then almost all the other high cards will for spades. ♦ 9 4 3 be on your right. Since partner did not ♣ 8 5 3 2 raise hearts first time, it is quite possible that the unseen hands started with three hearts each. Indeed, if you play count 4. ♠ J 9 7 West North East South signals on the king, you will know this. ♥ A Q J 2 1♥ Pass Pass Your side will need to get in two rounds ♦ A Q 6 5 4 2♦ Dbl Pass 2♠ of trumps to stop a heart ruff. Fortunately, ♣ J Pass Pass 3♦ Pass yours are good enough to make the first ♠ 10 8 6 4 3 2 ♠ A Q 5 Pass 3♠ All Pass lead from your side. Switch to the ♠Q. ♥ 10 5 N ♥ 7 6 4 You will then allow partner to win the ♦ Void W E ♦ 9 8 3 S You lead the ♦A, collecting the ♦6, ♦2 second round of hearts to play a second ♣ Q 10 7 6 3 ♣ A K 8 5 and ♦3. What is your plan? round of trumps. ♠ K The hand on your right must be very ♥ K 9 8 3 weak while partner should have a little ♦ K J 10 7 2 something. If, as is reasonable to hope, ♣ 9 4 2 the ♣K-Q are with partner, you might 3. ♠ 10 beat the contract and emerge with a plus ♥ K 8 5 4 score. ♦ A Q J 8 2 West North East South Since you may need to lead clubs twice ♣ K J 7 Pass from your side of the table, you should ♠ A 9 5 3 ♠ J 8 6 4 2 Pass 1♦ Pass 1♥ switch to a club at trick two. Partner, after ♥ Q 9 N ♥ J 10 7 Pass 3♥ Pass 4♥ winning the first club, can put you back in ♦ 10 5 W E ♦ K 9 7 4 All Pass S with a diamond to play a second round ♣ A Q 4 3 2 ♣ 6 of clubs. ♠ K Q 7 You lead the ♠8. Partner puts up the ♥ A 6 3 2 ♠A, felling the ♠K, and switches to the ♦ 6 3 ♦3. What do you do on this trick and the ♣ 10 9 8 5 next? 2. ♠ K 4 This trick is easy: you ruff. Do you then ♥ 10 2 play partner for the ♣A or for a singleton ♦ 10 9 6 4 3 2 West North East South spade? ♣ J 10 6 1♣ 1♦ 1♠ 1NT While declarer might decide to drop ♠ Q J 5 ♠ 8 2 2♠ Dbl Pass 3♥ the ♠K from K-Q-x as a falsecard or ♥ K Q 9 8 4 N ♥ A 7 3 All Pass to maintain fluid entries, this is unlikely W E ♦ ♦ 7 S Q J 8 5 here. A hand that passed as dealer will ♣ K Q 7 4 ♣ 9 5 3 2 You lead the ♦10. Partner captures the ♦J not have the ♠K-Q, the ♣A and a red ♠ A 10 9 7 6 3 with the ♦K and returns the ♣6. What is king. Furthermore, you might read the ♥ J 6 5 your plan? ♦3 (led round to a tenace) as a suit- ♦ A K South, who has suggested some sort of preference signal for clubs. Switch to a ♣ A 8 club cover with the 1NT bid, is quite likely club and then receive a second diamond to have started with four clubs. Adding in ruff. ■

BRIDGE May 2018 Page 17

About Duplicate Pairs by Andrew Kambites

Overtricks and Undertricks: Part 2

n my last article, I examined how ence between the hands I looked at last Perhaps by now you will have realised if every pair is in the same contract time and the hand that led to Travellers that duplicate pairs is very different it is the number of overtricks that A or B? It is highly likely that declarer from teams-of-four. It is also much Idetermine how well you do. However in A/B can tell that there are going to more demanding of stamina because it is not true to say that overtricks are be multitudes of different contracts there are no easy hands where you can always vital. Look at Traveller A. around the room. Perhaps he has bid to sit back and relax. 3NT with just 22 points and can make Look at Hands C and D. Traveller A: Game All. it because of a running diamond suit. However perhaps East/West have 18 N/S Con- N/S By Trks NS+ NS– Hand C no tract MPs points and nine hearts between them so it is quite likely that at some tables ♠ A K Q J 9 6 1 2♥ E 8 110 0 East/West will have bought the hand in ♥ 5 2 2 3♦ S 10 130 12 a heart contract. ♦ A Q 2 3 3NT N 10 630 18 ♣ 8 4

4 3♦ S 9 110 9 Traveller B: Game All. N 5 3NT N 9 600 16 N/S Con- N/S W E By Trks NS+ NS– no tract MPs S 6 1♦ N 9 110 9 1 2♥ E 8 110 0 7 1NT N 7 90 4 ♠ 10 7 2 2 3♦ S 10 130 14 8 2♥ E 7 100 6 ♥ A 8 7 3 3 3NT N 10 630 18 ♦ 9 7 5 9 4♥X E 7 800 20 4 3♦ S 9 110 11 ♣ K 7 6 10 1NT W 7 90 2 5 3NT N 8 100 2 11 3♥X E 7 500 14 ♦ 6 1 N 9 110 11 South North North/South pair 5 are in 3NT. They 7 1NT N 7 90 6 1♠ just make it. They score 16 match- 8 2♥ E 7 100 8 1NT 3NT Lead ♣3 to ♣J points. Now suppose that North is 9 4♥X E 7 800 20 determined to make an overtrick 10 1NT W 7 90 4 because it is pairs. If he takes a risk to I am not asking you to approve of the make an overtrick and he succeeds, 11 3♥X E 7 500 16 bidding. Please humour me here. Your he will increase his matchpoints from partner is aware that holding a long, 16 to 17 because he ties with pair 3. f it is likely that every table is solid suit can lead to making 3NT However look at Traveller B (see next playing the same contract, then attractive. He has chosen to mention column) to see what happens if his Iovertricks are likely to be very spades only once. The crucial thing gamble leads to one off. important at duplicate pairs. is that you realise that most other The match point score of pair 5 has pairs are likely to be in 4♠ by North. reduced from 16 to 2. In striving to get f it is likely that there are many Because your target is to better their one extra matchpoint with an over- different contracts around the score you should form an opinion as trick he sacrificed 14, not a good deal. Iroom then generally you should to how they will do. Clearly the crucial thing on this hand aim to make your contract and only In Hand C it is likely that West has was for the North player in pair 5 to chase overtricks if your contract is underled the ♣A, giving you a cheap fulfil his contract. So what is the differ- secure. trick with the ♣K. Pairs in 4♠ by

BRIDGE May 2018 Page 19 North will get no club tricks and most other pairs will be in 4♠ so just South North will probably fail, losing at least one fulfilling your slam will give you an 1♠ 2♦ diamond, a heart and two clubs. excellent score, therefore you must not 2NT 3NT Therefore you should anticipate that risk your contract in the search of an Lead ♠3 to ♠K getting nine tricks in 3NT will give overtrick. you an excellent score. You should In Hand F you are probably in a normal certainly not risk going off by recklessly contract, but the opening lead is far taking the diamond finesse. Perhaps Hand E from normal. West has chosen to lead if the lead had been the ♣2, strongly ♠ K 10 4 3 2 his fourth highest spade (from a four- indicating that the missing clubs were ♥ Void card suit: there is no spade missing breaking 4-4, you might have taken ♦ A J 9 4 lower than the ♠3). East has woodenly the diamond finesse because even if ♣ 8 5 4 3 played third hand high and you have it failed you could not lose more than been gifted three spade tricks. If West three club tricks and the ♦K. N had led a more normal (and sensible) W E S heart or club it would have been dangerous to take the spade finesse, so Hand D ♠ A Q J 9 8 7 you are at least one trick ahead of the ♠ A K Q J 9 6 ♥ 9 7 field, probably two tricks. It is time to ♥ 5 2 ♦ Q 10 3 2 take an insurance policy against a 4-1 ♦ A Q J ♣ A diamond break, Win the ♠A and lead ♣ 8 4 a diamond to dummy’s ♦7.

N South North f the opening lead has gifted W E 1♠ 4♥1 S you tricks that are unlikely to be 5♣ 6♠ Irepeated at other tables, you can ♠ 10 7 2 1Splinter often afford a to insure ♥ A 8 7 3 Lead ♦5 your good fortune. ♦ 9 7 5 ♣ A 7 6 Of course the ♦5 lead might be a lead of a fourth highest diamond away Hand G from the ♦K and a successful finesse ♠ K 7 6 5 South North will give you an overtrick. However ♥ 8 1♠ the ♦5 lead is also quite likely to be a ♦ K 10 3 1NT 3NT singleton and you certainly don’t want ♣ K 7 6 5 2 Lead ♣3 to ♣J to lose to the ♦K at trick 1 and suffer N a diamond ruff at trick 2. You should W E Hand D is very different. Those in 4♠ take your ♦A, draw trumps and drive S will make ten tricks if the diamond out the ♦K, ensuring a safe 12 tricks. finesse fails and eleven tricks if West ♠ A J 4 3 2 has the ♦K. If you settle for +600 in f you have reached an excellent ♥ A K Q 5 3NT you will probably get a very poor contract with far fewer high card ♦ J 6 matchpoint score. You must take the Ipoints than usual you should con- ♣ A 8 diamond finesse. If it succeeds you will centrate on making your contract. score +660, beating the +650 for those in 4♠. What if it fails? The defenders South North might cash four club tricks to defeat Hand F 1♠ 3♠ you, but your ‘bottom’ is unlikely to be ♠ 8 4♠ much worse than the matchpoint score ♥ 7 4 2 Lead ♦2 to ♦Q. Diamond returned to ♦A. for +600. You can slightly minimise ♦ A K Q 9 8 7 the risk by allowing the defenders to ♣ 7 5 4 In Hand G your bidding was certainly win the first two rounds of clubs but normal and likely to be widely repro- astute defenders might then switch to N duced but the defence has started in a W E hearts, leaving you even worse off. S way that is most unfavourable to you. North’s 4♥ response in Hand E West has underled his ♦A at trick 1, (see next column) is a splinter bid, ♠ A Q J 7 2 a ploy that is far more likely to work promising a high card raise to 4♠ with ♥ A 6 3 against the defence than in favour of a singleton (or possibly void) heart. ♦ 3 2 the defenders. However this time he You have bid to an excellent slam with ♣ A 8 6 has been lucky as the defenders have only 21 points. It is highly likely that taken two diamond tricks. On a more

Page 20 BRIDGE May 2018 normal lead you might have South North tried setting up dummy’s 2NT 3NT Overtricks and clubs for diamond discards. Lead ♠2 Even if that didn’t work you Undertricks: might well have taken a suc- In Hand H you might note cessful view in diamonds, that some pairs could be in playing West for the ♦A. 6NT which has 12 top tricks Part 2 Quiz You are almost certainly unless a spade is led and by Andrew Kambites one trick behind other de- that if any pairs manage to clarers and unless you can play a slam with North as (Answers on page 29) find some way of reclaiming declarer it is laydown on Plan the play at duplicate pairs. that trick you are heading any lead. You might hope for a very poor matchpoint that the spade finesse loses Hand 1 Hand 2 Hand 3 ♠ score, even if you make 4 . which is reasonable enough, ♠ A 7 6 ♠ A 7 6 ♠ Q 10 9 That means you must do however perhaps surpris- ♥ J 10 7 6 5 4 ♥ K 10 7 6 5 4 ♥ Q 10 7 2 something different from ingly that does not mean ♦ A 3 ♦ A 3 ♦ 10 8 5 4 other declarers. The only that you should play on the ♣ K 8 ♣ K 8 ♣ A K suit that gives you a chance assumption that West has N N N is the trump suit. Most de- the ♠A. Your contract is in W E W E W E clarers will have no reason no danger. The ♠2 is clear- S S S not to follow the guideline: ly a fourth highest so you ♠ 10 9 ♠ 9 3 ♠ J 5 3 2 eight ever, nine never. They can lose at most four spade ♥ A K 8 3 2 ♥ A J 8 3 2 ♥ A K J 8 will play to drop the ♠Q. In tricks. You will either beat ♦ K Q 10 2 ♦ K Q 10 2 ♦ A K J 7 order to try to recoup the those in a slam or lose to ♣ 7 2 ♣ 7 2 ♣ 7 ground you lost in the first them. There is nothing you two tricks you should aim can do about that. Therefore to enter dummy with the ignore them. Concentrate South North South North South North ♠K and finesse your ♠J. If on what you can influence, 1♥ 4♥ 1♥ 4♥ 1♥ 3♥ East has ♠ Q-x-x and West which is your score when 4♥ has a singleton spade you compared to other pairs in Lead ♣Q covered Lead ♣Q covered Lead Singleton ♠4. will lose no trump trick, 3NT. So what will happen at by ♣K and ♣A. by ♣K and ♣A. East takes the ♠A-K clawing back the trick you other tables to those declar- West takes trick 2 West takes trick 2 and gives West a ♣ ♣ lost on trick 1. ers in 3NT? If a spade isn’t with 10 and with 10 and ruff. West exits switches to ♠Q. switches to ♠Q. with a club. led they will make 12 easy

f you are in a normal tricks. Is a spade lead obvi- contract but you believe ous? It is clearly from a four- Hand 4 Hand 5 Hand 6 the opening lead has card suit (the ♠2 was led). I ♠ Q 10 9 ♠ J 10 6 ♠ 10 9 6 5 put you at a disadvan- Some defenders might pre- ♥ Q 10 7 2 ♥ 4 3 ♥ Q J tage compared to other fer a passive lead, or have led ♦ 10 8 5 4 ♦ A 9 8 7 6 5 ♦ A K 7 declarers, try looking for from another four-card suit. ♣ A K ♣ 5 2 ♣ 9 8 7 3 ways to recoup the trick If you play dummy’s ♠9 at N N N by playing slightly ab- trick 1, you expect to lose to W E W E W E normally in another suit. East’s ♠Q or ♠J. You are vir- S S S tually safeguarding your 11 ♠ J 5 3 2 ♠ K Q 5 4 ♠ A K J 7 tricks, which will be of little ♥ A K J 8 ♥ 9 7 6 ♥ A K 8 Hand H use to you if others make 12 ♦ A K J 7 ♦ K 4 ♦ J 3 2 ♠ K 10 9 tricks. Your best tactic here ♣ 7 ♣ A K 6 3 ♣ 10 6 2 ♥ 8 is to aim for 13 tricks by ris- ♦ Q J 9 ing with dummy’s ♠K. At ♣ K J 10 8 4 3 least if it wins (West having South North South North South North underled the ♠A) you will 1♥ 3♥ 1♠ 2♠ 1♠ 2♠ N beat others in 3NT. 4♥ W E Lead ♠K followed Lead ♥K. West Lead ♣K-Q-J. S ust because you by ♠7. East wins switches to the ♠2 Clubs break 3-3. ♠ 7 5 3 might hope a finesse trick 2 with the and East cashes On the third round ♠ ♠ ♥ A K loses, it does not au- A and gives A and continues East overtakes J West a ruff. West with ♠3. ♣J with ♣A and ♦ A K 8 6 tomatically mean that exits with a club. switches to a trump. ♣ A Q 7 6 you should play on that assumption. ■

BRIDGE May 2018 Page 21 David Stevenson Answers Your Questions on Laws and Ethics

Should the Defenders be Made Aware of a Misbid?

Playing duplicate, mistakes all the time, it is just a transfer to hearts, or it score for N/S. If you score the bidding (no this one looks very extreme. could show a weak hand by hand you will be able Qmisprint) went: When a player makes a with diamonds (with a to do this by not switching mistake of this sort it usually rebid of 3♦). In the same them as you normally do. gets him a bad board, way, Stayman may show If you have a competent West North East South but occasionally not. The a weak hand with clubs scoring program it will allow 1♠ Pass result should have stood. (if 3♣ is rebid). Are these you to arrow-switch an 2♥ Pass 3♣ All Pass It is not the same as a conventional bids allowed individual board, either by wrong explanation. If you are to be used in this way? just entering ‘A’ or some such I was North and my partner given a wrong explanation Liz Taaffe, Mullingar, code for arrow-switch or by led the ♠A. Three spades there will often be an Co Westmeath, ROI. switching the pair numbers. went down in dummy and adjustment in your favour, I held the ♠K-x. My partner but other mistakes are just You can play any ♣♦♥♠ (who had seven spades what bridge is about. responses to 1NT to the ♠A-Q) led another A you please. You must What does it mean spade. To my surprise, ♣♦♥♠ remember that 2♦ used in when the person declarer ruffed my ♠K this way must be alerted and Qon lead says, and then made 3♣, for a Under the new explained as either hearts, ‘Any questions?‘ I always top. I said that it was my claims laws, all or weak with diamonds. thought it was asking belief that having made an Qfour players must It must not be announced the partner if the correct obvious misbid, declarer agree to continue playing. or called a transfer. person is leading, but I was (who was our director on Is a director allowed to Using Stayman 2♣ then 3♣ told by an experienced that evening) should have overrule this law? for a weak hand with clubs, player that the opposition announced this before the Peter Oates by email. is a perfectly normal way to can ask a question opening lead. He couldn’t play Stayman and has been regarding the bidding. find a ruling and allocated No, it is the law. In played that way for eighty Elizabeth Hocken by email. 50/50, which I think was fact, the director will years. There is no need for fair. Three N/S pairs made A not usually realise it any lengthy explanations: just Unless you need 3♠ and three made 10 has happened since once he announce it as Stayman. to know during the tricks (but they had all bid is called he will not offer it. A bidding, because to 5♠). I am pretty certain But if the players call him to ♣♦♥♠ it affects your bidding, it is that my partner would ask whether it is permitted best to keep all questions have bid to 4♠, but may not then the answer is yes. Playing a seven until the end of the bidding. have made it, of course. Note that it is only and a half table If your partner is on lead I would appreciate permitted if the side who QMitchell, one board you may not ask questions your opinion. do not claim suggest it. was not arrow switched. until she has led face Rodney Bennett, How should I score it? down, so it is normal and West Wickham, Kent. ♣♦♥♠ PJ Evans, Wolverhampton. polite for her to say, ‘Any questions?’ and then you When a player Can you use a It should be scored either ask questions, or makes a mistake in transfer bid of 2♦ as played. So the say, ‘No, please lead.’ Of A the bidding there is Qto subsequently A stationary pair (who course if it is not her lead, no reason for him to say so. show diamonds? It is alerted should have played E/W but you now get a chance to say After all, people are making as two-way, ie, it could be actually played N/S) get the so with no damage done.

Page 22 BRIDGE May 2018 I didn’t know agreement, and it should information he would not how to explain have been disclosed. otherwise have had. Qmy partner’s At the least you could have John Ruddock, bid on this hand: said, when asked about Market Harborough BC. 3♣, ‘While we have no agreement I would presume Whether it is fair or Dealer East. Game All. she is just showing clubs.’ not that is what the ♠ Q If South said she had A law says. Unlike most ♥ A 10 6 5 forgotten 2♣ was both of the law on insufficient Hand-crafted Card Tables These English made tables ♦ J 8 6 2 majors, then I should adjust bids, this particular bit has offerThese superb English quality made and have ♣ K 10 6 4 the score to 2♥-1 since been unchanged for fifty the genuinetables offer Pelissier superb hinges. quality and have the ♠ A 10 8 4 2 ♠ 9 7 3 South has unauthorised years. When the insufficient ChooseThese Englishfrom the made great tables value genuine Pelissier hinges. ♥ 9 4 2 N ♥ K Q 8 7 information (your alert) bid was natural and the offerTheseClub, superb Englishthe Premierquality made and ortables the have W E theChoose genuineelegant from Pelissier Royal the great. hinges. ♦ 10 7 3 S ♦ A Q 9 4 which has reminded her. lowest legal bid in that offerThese superb English quality made and tables have ChoosevalueSpecial Club, from Prices thethe forPremiergreat Bridge value or ♣ 9 5 ♣ J 2 You should discuss this. denomination was natural, offerthe genuine superb qualityPelissier and hinges. have ChooseClubClub,the orders from theelegant Premier theof 5Royal.great or or more. valuethe ♠ the genuine Pelissier hinges. K J 6 5 If this is how you are going then it may be corrected to elegant Royal. SpecialChooseClub, fromthe Prices Premier the greatfor orBridge valuethe ♥ J 3 to play this sequence and that bid without penalty. If a Special Prices for Bridge ClubClub, orderselegant the Premier of Royal 5 or or. more. the ♦ K 5 bid on similar hands to this, contract is reached that the ClubSpecial orderselegant Prices of Royal for5 or Bridge. more. ♣ A Q 8 7 3 then you should change director feels could not have ClubSpecial orders Prices of 5for or Bridge more. your description of the been reached without the Club orders of 5 or more. 2♣ bid to, ‘It shows both insufficient bid, then he might West North East South majors, or just clubs.’ adjust but this is very rare. 1NT1 2♣2 I doubt that it mattered on Pass 2♥ Pass 3♣3 this hand, since if she bid ♣♦♥♠ Club Table with traditional green All Pass it knowing it showed both felt playing surface £159.00 112-15 majors, the opposition would We play a modern Club Table with traditional green 2Alerted as showing both not do anything differently Acol 2NT rebid Club Table with traditional Clubfelt playing Table surface with traditional £159.00 green majors. if they were told correctly. range – 1♣-1♥-2NT green felt playing surface felt playing surface £159.00 Q with traditional green 3When asked I had to say we shows 18-19 HCP (non- Club£159 Table felt playing surface £159.00 didn’t have an agreement. I felt ♣♦♥♠ forcing) and 1♥-2♣-2NT a bit guilty as I knew to within a shows 15-19 (game forcing). very few points what South held I agree with Susan It’s very little different and the shape of her hand. Hegi (BRIDGE to the standard Acol Q182 p14) that, in ranges. Should we let our Premier Table, bevelled edges 3♣ made. Psyches are the sequence 1♥-(2♦)-1NT opponents know we play and baize playing surface £199.00 great when they work. (corrected to 2NT) one would that range, and if so how? How should we have bid expect 10-12 points and a It doesn’t seem sensible to Premier Table, bevelled edges and baize playing surface £199.00 and alerted? and what diamond stop (or two). explain it every time we PremierPremier Table, Table, bevelled bevelled edges and baize playing surface £199.00 should I say if asked, ‘What If the insufficient bidder arrive at a table. Should Premieredges andTable, baize bevelled playing edges is your understanding corrects to 2NT rather than we announce ‘forcing’ andsurface baize playing £199 surface £199.00 of South’s 3♣ bid?‘ as passes, he is surely saying with the second sequence opposed to, ‘Does the 2♣ that he is top of the 6-9 and say nothing with the still show both majors?‘ point range and has a first, or should we alert? Royal Table, elegant surround and Alun Williams, diamond stop. These are Mike Johnson by email. baize playing surface £249.00 Llanfairpwll. two possibly vital pieces of Order online or by phone information which opener These are normal Royalwww.designsforbridge.co.uk Table, elegant surround and This is quite could not have deduced ranges in some Royalbaize playing Table, surface elegant £249.00 surround and baize playing surface £249.00 interesting but from the 1NT response. places but if you Royal01483Order Table, online elegant 270 or bysurround phone100 and A RoyalSR DesignsTable, forelegant Bridge I do not believe You say that the 2NT play in a club where they baizewww.designsforbridge.co.ukOrder playing online surface or £249.00 by phone A surroundUnit A1, Send and Businessbaize Park, there was a psyche. bid is allowable without are unexpected it is sensible www.designsforbridge.co.uk playing01483Send,Order Woking, online surface 270Surrey or £249 by GU23 phone100 7EF As director I would ask to alert them. You do not www.designsforbridge.co.uk penalty, but it seems to me 01483SR Designs 270 for Bridge 100 South why she bid 2♣. If the to be unfair as it changes need to tell the opponents Unit A1, Send Business Park, OrderSR Designs online foror by Bridge phone 01483Send, Woking, 270 Surrey GU23 100 7EF answer was that she thought a somewhat amorphous in advance and they www.designsforbridge.co.ukUnitSR A1, Designs Send Businessfor Bridge Park, you would understand if 1NT into a fairly specific are not bids that require Send,Unit A1, Woking, Send Surrey Business GU23 Park, 7EF she rebid 3♣, and with bid, providing opener with announcing. ■ Send,01483 Woking, 270Surrey GU23 100 7EF you saying that you knew SR Designs for Bridge what was in her hand, E-mail your questions on bridge laws to: Unit A1, Send Business Park, then I believe you have an Send, Woking, Surrey GU23 7EF [email protected] understanding, an implicit

BRIDGE May 2018 Page 23 More Tips from Bernard Magee BERNARD MAGEE Consider ruffing TUTORIAL high for safety DVDS s declarer, when you are ruffing three tricks: two hearts and the ♣A. with trumps still out, it is important SET 4 Ato consider carefully whether you need to ruff high or not. On the early ♠ J 9 6 19 Defensive Plan rounds your opponents are likely to give ♥ 10 6 20 Further into the Auction accurate signals, so you should take this ♦ 8 7 6 21 Weak Twos into account: if they play high-low place ♣ 9 8 6 5 4 them with a doubleton, but if not, then ♠ A K 5 3 2 ♠ Q 10 4 22 Trump Control expect them to have more length. ♥ J 3 N ♥ 9 8 7 W E ♦ ♦ 23 Sacrificing £25 Q 9 4 S A K J 5 2 per DVD ♣ K Q J ♣ 7 3 24 Improving ♠ A K 5 3 2 ♠ Q 10 4 ♠ 8 7 Bridge Memory ♥ J 3 N ♥ 9 8 7 ♥ A K Q 5 4 2 W E ♦ Q 9 4 S ♦ A K J 5 2 ♦ 10 3 SET 5 ♣ K Q J ♣ 7 3 ♣ A 10 2 25 Defence as Partner of the Leader West North East South In case 2, North has played a higher 26 Aggressive Bidding 1♠ Pass 2♦ 2♥ heart on the second round, so you would at Duplicate Pairs Dbl Pass 3♠ Pass expect him to have three hearts, which 4♠ All Pass means you do not need to ruff high and 27 Strong Opening Bids can keep your three top spades to draw 28 Take-Out Doubles You are declarer in 4♠ by West in two the trumps. scenarios: 29 Suit Establishment 1. South plays ♥A-K-Q. North led the in Suit Contracts ♥10 and followed with ♥6. ♠ 9 6 30 Landy / Defending 2. South plays ♥A-K-Q. North led the ♥ 6 5 4 Against a 1NT Opening ♥5 and followed with ♥6. ♦ 8 7 6 North is naturally trying to tell his partner ♣ 9 8 6 5 4 SET 6 what he holds in hearts to help his ♠ A K 5 3 2 ♠ Q 10 4 partner decide how to defend. You must ♥ J 3 N ♥ 9 8 7 31 Counting Defence W E take advantage of their play. ♦ Q 9 4 S ♦ A K J 5 2 32 Extra Tricks In case 1, North is showing his partner ♣ K Q J ♣ 7 3 in No-Trumps that he holds a doubleton in hearts (high- ♠ J 8 7 low). This means that you know that you ♥ A K Q 10 2 33 Supporting will be overruffed if you ruff low, so you ♦ 10 3 Partner £105 must ruff high with the ♠K. Now you turn ♣ A 10 2 34 Finessing set of 6 your attention to the trump suit and with only two top trumps left, you should cash 35 Bidding the ace then take a finesse against the This time with the hearts splitting more Distributional Hands jack by playing a spade towards the ♠10 evenly you were able to ruff small and 36 Coping with Pre-Empts in dummy. draw the trumps. Had you wasted a high The layout of the hand is in the next trump, you would have lost a trump trick column. You ruff high to stop North to go with the ♣A and two hearts. scoring his ♠J and then you finesse for Making ruffs as declarer is crucial to Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961 that card. Of course, South might have making your contracts, but if trumps are www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop had the ♠J, but you are giving yourself not drawn you need to be wary of being the best chance. You end up losing just overruffed. ■

Page 24 BRIDGE May 2018 Cruise the Danube to Vienna & Budapest aboard ms Serenity October 2018 Join Bernard Magee 10 DAYS and his team on this FROM exclusive £1149 river cruise

A bridge programme of seminars, set hands and duplicate sessions will be organised around the cruise itinerary, together with a welcome and a farewell drinks party.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

ms Serenity & Budapest Elbe IJsselmeer

NETHERLANDS

The Danube Rhine

Bernard Magee and team will be on board Main Main Danube CZECH REPUBLIC Canal Neckar Cruise the Danube Moselle Ilz Danube Passau Dürnstein SLOVAKIA start GERMANY Inn Bratislava Rhine to Vienna & Budapest Melk Vienna aboard 4 star ms Serenity AUSTRIA Budapest SWITZERLAND By coach: 14-23 October 2018; by air: 15-22 October 2018 HUNGARY ITALY SLOVENIA CROATIA Discover the delights of the Danube as you enjoy seminars and daily bridge* on one of the most scenic journeys through the heart of Europe. From the pretty city of Passau on the Austrian border to the Hungarian capital of Budapest, we cruise in comfort and styleBOSNIA aboard & the ms Serenity, passing through the beautiful scenery of the Wachau valley and dipping into the history and culture of amazing cities along the way. HERZEGOVINA Danube With full days in the musical city of Vienna and in Budapest as well as a visit to the Slovakian capital of Bratislava, this is a wonderful opportunitySERBIA to sail the waters that are beautifully immortalised by the composer Strauss, in the classical waltz The Blue Danube.

Day 1: UK – Germany (Coach) Travel by coach to Dover from your chosen departure point and take the ferry to Calais, where we continue to the overnight hotel. Day 2: Germany – Passau (Air) After breakfast we travel by coach and board our ship in Passau, known as ‘the three rivers city’ due to its unique location where the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers meet. Those travelling by air join today. Safety briefi ng and welcome meeting from the ship as we set sail and cruise towards Melk.

Vienna

Day 3: Melk – Vienna Day 4: Vienna This morning we arrive in the small town of Melk We spend a whole day in Vienna experiencing which lies in the beautiful Wachau valley. Here the delights of this beautiful city. In the morning you can join an optional excursion to visit the you can join an optional city tour to experience most famous monastic house in Austria, the its grand palaces, baroque castles, magnifi cent Benedictine Abbey, situated above Melk in the squares and striking monuments and after lunch on Wachau valley. Return to the ship late morning and board we have an optional afternoon excursion to enjoy afternoon bridge as we sail to Vienna for an Schönbrunn Palace, or alternatively you may wish overnight stop. to join an afternoon bridge session. Enjoy evening bridge on board as we cast oŒ and cruise towards This evening there will be a Mr Bridge pre-dinner Budapest. drinks reception in the lounge/bar followed by Bratislava Castle dinner as we arrive in Vienna.

To book or for more information contact 01483 489961 or visit www.mrbridge.co.uk YOUR CRUISE INCLUDES BY COACH  Coach travel to Dover from selected local pick-ups  Return ferry crossings from Dover  7 nights’ cruise on a full board basis  2 nights’ half board hotel accommodation BY AIR  Return fl ights from London Heathrow or fl y direct from Manchester or Birmingham at a £30pp supplement (subject to availability)  Coach transfers between airport and ship  7 nights’ cruise on a full board basis

2018 No. of Ferry crossing/ date days airport 14 October (coach) 10 Dover 15 October (air) 8 LHR BHX MAN

Cabin prices per person Tour code: DANUB Code Deck options Berth By coach By air LHR Main Deck 2 £1149 £1249 Middle Deck 2 £1299 £1399 Day 5: Budapest Day 7: Bratislava Panorama Deck 2 £1449 £1549 After breakfast there will be a bridge seminar Early morning arrival into Bratislava. in the Lounge Bar before we sail into Budapest All prices shown are per person; a limited number of cabins After breakfast, join our optional walking tour for sole occupancy are available with a reduced 25% with commentary on the city as we arrive. Then to take in the sights of the Slovakian capital, supplement (thereafter 35% supplement applies). spend time in one of the world’s most beautiful dominated by its castle and unique suspension ______cities and explore both sides of Hungary’s capital bridge, to experience its rich culture. Later in the Travel Insurance – from £35.95 per person – traditional ‘Buda’ and cosmopolitan ‘Pest’. Start ______day we set sail towards Dürnstein and there will ______with an optional tour to become acquainted be afternoon and evening bridge sessions. Deposit – £275 per person, payable to The River with the city known as the “pearl of the Danube” Cruise Line and in the evening you can choose to either play Day 8: Dürnstein ______more bridge or experience Budapest by night Dürnstein is crowned by the ruins of the castle PROVISIONAL FLIGHT TIMES on another optional excursion, enjoying a city that once imprisoned Richard the Lionheart. Outward journey Take time to walk in the town and explore its tour, glass of wine and a folklore show in a local Departs London Heathrow 09.00 tavern. pretty courtyards and buildings before we set Departs Manchester 10.40 sail for Passau with a bridge seminar to enjoy on Day 6: Budapest Departs Birmingham 10.40 the way and pre-dinner bridge in the Lounge Enjoy free time in Budapest or opt to take our Return journey bar. excursion taking you through the sweeping Departs Munich for London Heathrow 16.05 plains of Hungary to Lajosmizse. Here we visit Day 9: Passau – Germany (Coach) / UK (Air) Departs Munich for Manchester 15.35 a traditional stud farm and enjoy a tour of Those travelling by coach disembark after Departs Munich for Birmingham 15.40 the grounds in a horse-drawn carriage, before breakfast and travel by coach to the overnight watching a live Puszta horse show. We then sail hotel. Those travelling by air also disembark this to Bratislava with a seminar and set hands in the morning for their return fl ights to the UK. EXCURSIONS  Melk Abbey ...... £21 afternoon followed by after-dinner bridge in Day 10: Germany – UK (Coach)  the evening. After breakfast you will continue by coach to Vienna city tour ...... £25 Calais, taking the ferry to Dover for the return  Schönbrunn Palace ...... £35 journey to your chosen pick-up/drop-o£ points.  Budapest city tour ...... £21  Budapest by night ...... £35  Puszta horse show ...... £36  Bratislava city tour ...... £24 Mr Bridge recommends you pre- book at his special package price £169 Saving per person £28

EXCURSIONS Excursions are required to be booked and paid for no later than 10 weeks before departure. Please note any requests received within 10 weeks cannot be guaranteed and is subject to their availability.

SPECIAL REQUESTS Any special requests such as airport assistance or dietary requirements must be advised at the time of booking. Booking information such as passport details, insurance details and next of kin information should be given at the time of booking and certainly no later than 10 weeks prior to departure. Please note any special requirements received within 10 weeks of departure cannot be guaranteed.

Gratuities – all gratuities are discretionary ms Serenity – restaurant *Please note the bridge programme may be subject to change

Please have your passport and insurance details to hand when calling to book Departure Points We know that for many of our customers a convenient pick-up is important, so we o† er a choice of pick-ups and routes across the country and we promise that after you have boarded your tour coach there will be no more than six additional pick-up stops on route to the UK port of departure (excluding motorway services and overnight hotel stops).

Bedfordshire Luton JOIN AT THE PORT OVERNIGHT HOTEL –

Berkshire AND PARK WITH CAR PARKING Newbury Join at the departure port. Leave your car For ferry crossings from Dover you can Reading in a secure car park close to the port of book overnight accommodation with Buckinghamshire departure and be collected/returned by breakfast close to the port of departure Milton Keynes our coach. and be collected/returned by our coach from just £59 per person – including car Car parking at Dover Eastern Docks is £9 Essex parking for the duration of your holiday. Brentwood per day. We can pre-book parking for you. Chelmsford Prices are subject to change. Enjoy the Ramada Hotel, Dover and the Romford Ashford International Hotel, an ideal Thurrock Services overnight stay with breakfast included prior to meeting up with your fellow Hampshire travellers when the coach collects you Havant from the hotel. Portsmouth MEET AT YOUR CRUISE SHIP Prices for an overnight start at £59 per Hertfordshire person per night for a twin/double South Mimms Services Make your own travel arrangements at Stevenage bedded room, single room supplement your convenience to join this cruise, £29 per person per night. simply board your cruise ship at the Kent Car parking is subject to availability and Ashford embarkation point. Details available on request. conditions, it may be necessary to park Canterbury nearby. Dartford Maidstone Services

Northamptonshire Northampton

Oxfordshire Oxford

Surrey Reigate Woking

Sussex (East) Brighton Eastbourne Hastings Hove

Sussex (West) Chichester Crawley

Profile

Passengers using our complimentaryPanorama coach Decktransfer service should be aware that regional departuresLounge are subject Bar to availability and are operated subject to minimum numbers of people. Due to ferry crossing times coach pick-ups will be early, call for Middlemore details. Deck Reception Restaurant Main Deck Sun Deck MS SERENITY – DECK PLAN

Deck Berth Cabin facilities Panorama Deck Panorama Deck 2 Shower/WC

311 Lounge Bar 331 313 317 321 315 319 301 333 323 335 327 325 303 329 307 305 309 Lido Bar Middle Deck 312 314 316 318 310 332 322 334 324 336 330 326 328 320 302 304 306 308 2 Shower/WC

Middle Deck Main Deck Reception 211 231 213 217 221 215 219 201 223 227 225 203 229 207 205 209 Restaurant 2 Shower/WC 212 214 216 218 210 232 222 224 230 226 228 220 202 204 206 208

Main Deck 111 113 117 121 115 119 101 123 127 125 103 107 105 109 112 114 116 118 110 122 124 126 128 120 102 104 106 108 PB0405

Main Deck Middle Deck Panorama Deck To book or for more information contact 01483 489961 or visit www.mrbridge.co.uk Please have your passport and insurance details to hand when calling to book. You will need to accept the terms & conditions when making your booking – for full terms & conditions visit the Mr Bridge website or call for a copy. Answers to Overtricks and Undertricks: Part 2 Quiz on page 21

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

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

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

South North South North South North South North South North South North 1♥ 4♥ 1♥ 4♥ 1♥ 3♥ 1♥ 3♥ 1♠ 2♠ 1♠ 2♠ Lead ♣Q covered Lead ♣Q covered 4♥ 4♥ Lead ♥K. West Lead ♣K-Q-J. by ♣K and ♣A. by ♣K and ♣A. Lead Singleton ♠4. Lead ♠K followed switches to the ♠2 Clubs break 3-3. West takes trick 2 West takes trick 2 East takes the ♠A-K by ♠7. East wins and East cashes On the third round with ♣10 and with ♣10 and and gives West a trick 2 with the ♠A and continues East overtakes ♣J switches to ♠Q. switches to ♠Q. ruff. West exits ♠A and gives with ♠3. with ♣A and with a club. West a ruff. West switches to exits with a club. a trump.

1. The bidding and opening lead look the ♦Q is singleton, enter dummy establishing diamonds is the safer normal. Win the ♠A, play off all your and take the diamond finesse. line, but you must ask yourself wheth- trumps, then cash the ♦A-K-Q. If the er +110 will be a satisfactory score. ♦J falls in three rounds (or a diamond 4. West’s unusual lead of the ♠K Some will play in 1NT, perhaps if was discarded from a four-card suit), from ♠K-7 has struck gold for the North responds to 1♠ with 1NT. They you will make a welcome overtrick. defenders, leading to a spade ruff. will probably be held to seven tricks: You are a trick behind the field and three spades: ♦A-K and ♣A-K, East/ 2. Can you see the difference between normal play will lead you to a very West taking at least four heart tricks, 1 and 2? Your contract is normal poor score. You should aim to recover the ♠A and a diamond. There will be enough but most South players would the trick by an anti- in 90s on the traveller so you should set- not have opened the bidding, lead- diamonds. Win the ♣A, draw trumps tle for +110. ing to North being declarer in 4♥. It and cash the ♦A-K, hoping West has would then have been impossible for the doubleton ♦Q. 6. With 16 points opposite 10 many the defenders to take the first two club pairs will play in game: 4♠. They will tricks. You would have been guar- 5. You have two lines of play. You can try need the trump finesse. You hope it anteed eleven tricks, discarding one to set the diamonds up, ruffing one loses, but you should not play on that of dummy’s clubs on your third dia- high in your hand. However you will assumption. You cannot influence mond. You are behind the field on this then need diamonds to break 3-2 and whether or not you beat those in 4♠, deal and are heading for a very poor trumps to break 3-3 to get to your so concentrate on those in a spade score if you just make ten tricks. You diamond winners. That line of play part-score. The lead and play to the must risk your contract in an attempt could lead to ten tricks: three spades, first four tricks is normal so they will be to recover. Win the ♠A, draw trumps, five diamonds and two clubs. Alterna- faced with the same trump decision cash the ♦A and finesse the ♦10. tively you could cash ♣A-K and ruff a as you. You must play trumps in the club in dummy, a line which will get way best to avoid a trump loser. Take 3. The bidding and play to the first three you eight tricks: three trumps in your the ♠A in case West has the singleton tricks are perfectly normal. Win the hand, ♣A-K, the club ruff and ♦A-K. ♠Q, enter dummy with the ♥Q and ♣A, draw trumps, cash the ♦A in case Taking the club ruff and giving up on run the ♠10. ■

BRIDGE May 2018 Page 29 Robin Hood’s Bridge Adventures by David Bird An Afternoon’s Entertainment

ave you any plans to young lady of the court. When she capture Robin Hood this entered the room no man could take Dealer East. Love All. afternoon?’ demanded the his eyes off her. ♠ K 10 7 ‘HSheriff. ‘We can amuse ourselves with some ♥ 8 ‘What can you mean, my Lord? social bridge,’ continued the Sheriff. ‘I ♦ 10 8 7 6 5 2 replied Sir Guy of Gisborne. ‘My men have arranged a game against her and ♣ J 3 2 and I have attempted such a capture her mother.’ ♠ J 9 8 6 2 ♠ Void tirelessly for months. Years, even. A few minutes before the appointed ♥ 9 2 N ♥ K Q J 4 3 W E ♦ ♦ Most of the forest is impenetrable and hour of two on the clock, Gisborne J 9 4 S A K Q the outlaws move camp frequently.’ entered the Sheriff’s chambers. ♣ 9 6 4 ♣ A 10 8 7 5 ‘Attempting yet failing is a futile Already seated at the card table was ♠ A Q 5 4 3 habit of yours,’ persisted the Sheriff. the 19-year-old Giselda, her yellow ♥ A 10 7 6 5 ‘The wolf’s head is a thorn in my side. dress of Arabian silk matched by her ♦ 3 You will instruct your men that Hood shining blonde hair. ♣ K Q will be in the castle dungeons by the Gisborne approached the table and end of the month or I’ll cut their pay, took the seat opposite her. ‘Good and yours, in half.’ day, my Lady,’ he said. It was hard West North East South ‘I will assemble two dozen men and to imagine a more enjoyable way Guy of Giselda Countess The head for the forest this very afternoon,’ to spend an afternoon than playing Gisborne Beauchamp Sheriff declared Gisborne. ‘If it is humanly bridge opposite such a lovely creature. 1♥ 1♠ possible, he will be captured.’ ‘You have the wrong chair!’ Pass 2♠ 3♣ 4♠ ‘Leave it until tomorrow,’ said exclaimed the Sheriff, entering the Pass Pass Dbl All Pass the Sheriff. ‘I have arranged some chamber with Clerysse, the Countess entertainment for this afternoon. You Beauchamp of Longwilton. ‘You will The Sheriff was aware that his leap to know Giselda Beauchamp?’ partner the Countess.’ 4♠ was somewhat of an overbid. Still, Gisborne’s mouth fell open. Miss The game began and this was an the prospect of Giselda’s eyes lighting Beauchamp was a blindingly attractive early board. up if he could land the contract was an enticing one. I’faith, he had rarely seen such clear and sparkling eyes. Gisborne led the ♥9 and down went the dummy. ‘Not much for you, my Lord,’ said Giselda, ‘but you play the cards so well.’ ‘Indeed,’ replied the Sheriff, winning East’s ♥J with the ace. When he played the ♣K, the Countess won with the ace and continued with the ace and king of diamonds. The Sheriff ruffed in his hand and played the ♣Q. He then ruffed a heart in dummy and discarded a heart on the ♣J. A diamond ruff in his hand left five tricks still to be played. Gisborne was now looking at his five trumps. Would the Sheriff fly into a rage if the 5-0 trump break put him one down?

Page 30 BRIDGE May 2018 The Sheriff had no intention of going trumps with the ace and jack and Gisborne led the ♦8, covered by the down. He ruffed a heart with dummy’s then reached for dummy’s ♣4. The king and the ace. The Sheriff ruffed ♠10 over Gisborne’s ♠8 and ruffed a Countess looked suspiciously at the with the ♥9 and the Countess directed diamond with the ♠A. He then scored Sheriff. He does not take the trouble to a fierce glance across the table. the ♠K and ♠Q separately with further lead towards the ♣K? Had he caught a ‘Another foolish lead!’ she exclaimed. ruffs, conceding the last trick. glimpse of her cards? She won the trick ‘Did you not hear my daughter’s 3NT ‘Very well played, my Lord!’ with the ♣Q and returned another bid?’ exclaimed Giselda, her eyes ablaze. heart, ruffed by declarer. The Sheriff did not like his prospects. ‘Three side-suit tricks and seven The Sheriff drew the last trump and Only 12 points were missing, so it was more in the trump suit,’ declared led the ♣J, setting up dummy’s ♣K. clear that both black-suit kings lay the Sheriff. ‘It was easy enough once When diamonds subsequently proved over dummy’s queens. If one of East’s Gisborne failed to find a trump lead.’ to be 4-1, this caused him no problem. kings was doubleton, he could endplay ‘With 19 points I had to double,’ He was able to discard his diamond her with ace and another in that suit. declared the Countess. ‘I could not loser on the ♣K. There was no future in running the know my partner would make such a ‘I had only one diamond,’ declared trump suit first, because he would foolish lead.’ the Countess. ‘What happens if that have to discard from the dummy ‘Of course, Mama,’ said Giselda. ‘It suit is led?’ before East. was a very good double, holding 19 Gisborne twitched in his chair. A The Sheriff played the ♥A, drawing points.’ diamond lead, would that have made the ♥5 and the ♥4. Ah, the ♥8 was still The Countess levelled the scores any difference? Not that any sane out! Perhaps the best chance was to with an easy 3NT and the Sheriff then player would choose such a lead with take advantage of his expert ruff with had a chance to land the first rubber: an A-K-Q combination in his hand. the ♥9 at trick 1. ‘You are right, as always, Clerysse,’ When the Sheriff laid the ♥7 on the Sheriff replied. ‘I cannot make the the table, Gisborne followed with the Dealer South. Game All. winning play in clubs then. When you ♥6 and the Countess won with the ♠ J 4 win with the ♣Q, you would cross to ♥8. Any momentary pleasure at this ♥ 10 8 6 partner’s hand with a heart and receive quirk of fate was dispelled when she ♦ Q 6 3 2 a diamond ruff.’ considered her next play. ♣ K 6 5 4 ‘What a pity I was not on lead,’ the She eventually shrugged her ♠ 10 2 ♠ 8 7 5 Countess exclaimed. ‘I would lead a shoulders and returned the ♠J. The ♥ A K Q 5 N ♥ J 9 7 4 2 diamond immediately!’ Sheriff ran this triumphantly to W E ♦ ♦ ♠ J 9 7 5 S 10 Play proceeded and, try as he might, the dummy’s Q and claimed the ♣ 9 8 7 ♣ A Q 10 3 Gisborne had not yet found a chance remainder, discarding three losers ♠ A K Q 9 6 3 to shine in the eyes of the entrancing from his hand. ♥ 3 Giselda. The third rubber stood at ‘What an awful partner you found ♦ A K 8 4 Game All when this deal arose: for me today!’ exclaimed the Countess. ♣ J 2 ‘Any other lead and the slam would be hopeless.’ Dealer East. Game All. Gisborne thought back over the play. West North East South ♠ Q 6 5 What had happened in trumps? The Guy of Giselda Countess The ♥ 3 2 Countess had been endplayed with the Gisborne Beauchamp Sheriff ♦ K Q J 10 6 ♥8? Could she not have ditched it on 1♠ ♣ Q 7 4 the first round, under declarer’s ♥A? Pass 1NT Pass 4♠ ♠ 9 7 4 ♠ K J 10 2 ‘It was a beautiful play, my Lord,’ All Pass ♥ 6 5 N ♥ 8 4 declared Giselda. ‘No-one else in the W E ♦ ♦ 8 7 4 3 S A 9 5 2 shire would find a way to reach the Gisborne was pleased to have an ♣ 10 8 3 2 ♣ K J 6 dummy.’ obvious opening lead. Even the ♠ A 8 3 The Sheriff imbibed her wonderful Sheriff, a notorious result merchant, ♥ A K Q J 10 9 7 smile as if it were some rare wine. would find it difficult to fault a lead ♦ Void ‘Such play is easily learnt, my dear,’ from the A-K-Q. The Sheriff ruffed the ♣ A 9 5 he replied. ‘If your mother permits, second round of hearts and paused to I would be happy to give you a few consider his prospects. All would be lessons.’ well if diamonds divided 3-2. If not, West North East South Giselda glanced down at the he would have to lead towards the ♣K Guy of Giselda Countess The afternoon’s scorecard. ‘Is that for a tenth trick. In fact, wait a minute, Gisborne Beauchamp Sheriff necessary, my Lord?’ she said. ‘We perhaps he could double his chances 1♦ 2♦ won all three rubbers. Perhaps it is in the club suit. Pass 3NT Pass 6♥ Sir Guy who would benefit most from The Sheriff drew two rounds of All Pass your instruction.’ ■

BRIDGE May 2018 Page 31 Michael Byrne on Managing Trumps

Establishing Long Suits – Part Two

ast month we were concentrating to fall under the ace, and make the entry to the dummy you no longer on setting up long suits in last two spades in the dummy into need to the first two rounds of dummy. This month we will winners. (In fact on this hand you spades: you can afford to put up the Lcarry on the theme and see some actually end up with 12 winners – ace and lead one back towards the ten. hands where setting up a long suit is sadly you have to lose two tricks first.) This might be the layout: the only way to make your contract. This is the full deal: After opening ♠ A 9 5 3 2 1♥ and partner re- ♠ A 9 5 4 3 ♥ 5 3 sponding 1♠ you ♠ A 9 5 3 2 ♥ 5 3 ♦ J 9 3 reach 4♥. Sadly ♥ 5 3 ♦ J 9 3 ♣ 8 7 3 the opponents ♦ J 9 3 ♣ A 7 3 in ♦5 ♣ 8 7 3 ♠ Q ♠ K J 8 2 N N W E ♠ Q J ♠ K 7 6 ♥ 10 8 7 ♥ 6 and partner (with W E S N ♥ 10 8 6 ♥ 7 ♦ K 8 4 2 S ♦ A Q 10 7 6 5 touching faith in W E ♠ 10 8 4 your declarer play) ♦ K 10 8 7 S ♦ A Q 6 5 4 2 ♣ Q 10 8 5 4 ♣ J 9 ♥ A K Q J 9 4 2 pushes on to 5♥. ♣ Q 10 6 5 ♣ J 9 4 ♠ 10 7 6 ♦ Void When dummy ♠ 10 8 4 ♥ A K Q J 9 4 2 ♣ A K 2 hits the table you ♥ A K Q J 9 4 2 ♦ Void realise that part- ♦ Void ♣ K 6 2 ner is dancing on eggshells, since 5♦ ♣ A K 2 would be an easy two or three down whilst 5♥, well what are your chances? When you lead the second round of After ruffing the diamond lead you Note that if we change the hand (see spades, East has to put in an honour draw trumps which are 3-1 and you next column) and give dummy an en- and once again the club switch comes need to make something of the spades try then we can afford to cater for a few too late. You can win with the king to make your contract. As dummy bad breaks. in hand (keep that ace for later) and lacks an outside entry you can’t afford Once again you (over)bid to 5♥ play the ♠10 to force out his other to release the ace so you lead the ♠4 against their 5♦ honour. Now the ♣A remains as an and the next hand plays the queen. ♠ A 9 5 4 3 contract and get entry to the good spades and you have Partner is reaching for the ace of ♥ 5 3 a diamond lead your 11 tricks. Note that partner’s wild course but you firmly call for a low ♦ J 9 3 which you ruff. overbidding has had a lucky escape – card. The opponents now find a club ♣ A 7 3 You draw trumps whilst a 3-2 spade break is very likely, switch but you win and lead a second and lead a low both 5♥ contracts would go down if N spade. The jack appears and partner W E spade and this the opponents had led a club. S is desperate to play the ace, but once time the queen ap- Sometimes this concept of ducking a again you duck. When everyone ♠ 10 7 6 pears on your left. trick can be extended to long suits that follows to this trick you can lay your ♥ A K Q J 9 4 2 Do you need to need a bit of finessing as well. hand down and claim 11 tricks. ♦ Void duck? You open 2♣ (see next column) and By ducking the first two rounds of ♣ K 6 2 Since you have partner gives you a rather thin positive spades you set up the last enemy spade a certain card of response of 2♠. Holding a solid suit

Page 32 BRIDGE May 2018 and great controls Our general plan ♠ A Q 8 7 3 2 you rather opti- ♠ A Q 9 6 5 3 2 will be to draw the ♥ 4 3 mistically drive ♥ J 4 trumps, finesse a BERNARD ♦ J 5 4 the bus to the six ♦ Q 4 spade and then try ♣ 9 4 level and play in ♣ A 3 and set the suit up. a small slam in Putting the plan MAGEE N N W E hearts. Your first W E into action you S S piece of luck is that draw the trumps TUTORIAL ♠ 6 4 West leads a trump ♠ 7 4 and lead a spade to ♥ A K Q J 9 2 against your small ♥ A K Q 10 8 3 the queen, losing ♦ A 8 2 slam, which is ♦ A 5 to the king. For- DVDS ♣ A K rarely a good idea ♣ Q J 5 tunately East has (and has indeed the ♣K so he can- £25 per DVD given us a lifeline on this hand). not safely play the suit, which means SET 7 Despite this bonus, a first glance at the ace will remain in dummy to act as 37 MORE SIGNALLING the dummy suggests we will need a your late entry. I look at different times when you spade finesse and to find one hand with There is one final wrinkle however – signal and the messages you might K-Q bare of diamonds (or perhaps an if you won the first trick then East can want to give. unlikely singleton honour with East). cross to West’s hand with a diamond The spade suit might prove to be our and West can switch to a club. You will 38 4-4-4-1 HANDS salvation given that dummy’s spade be forced to guess whether the spades Everybody’s least favourite type suit contains six cards. For starters are 2-2 (when you should rise with the of opening hand. I will be going we must assume the spade finesse is ace and cash the spades) or the club through the methods for choosing right, since if it is wrong we have no finesse is right (when you should play the right suit to open as well as coping with responses. hope. After that it is simply a matter of low from dummy). ♦ finding the suit breaking 3-2 as well. If you let East win the K, then the 39 DRAWING TRUMPS Winning the trump lead you draw best East can do is play a trump or a This seminar sounds straightfor- the rest of the trumps throwing a diamond. You will follow the plan and ward, but we will not be simply spade from the dummy (you don’t ensure the contract, even when the drawing trumps, we will be con- need them all). Then you lead a spade cards are distributed like this: sidering the reasons for delaying. and duck the first round. (Once again Keeping control of trumps is an partner will be reaching for the queen important part of declarer play. or ace when you call for a low one; he ♠ A Q 9 6 5 3 2 40 FIVE-CARD MAJORS should have learnt to trust us by now.) ♥ J 4 Popular around the world, this Whoever wins the spade will ♦ Q 4 method is becoming more popular probably switch to a minor but you win ♣ A 3 here. the ace and lead a spade to the queen. If ♠ 8 ♠ K J 10 41 FUNDAMENTALS the spade finesse is right and the suit is ♥ 9 7 5 N ♥ 6 2 W E OF DEFENCE 3-2 then you have four winning spades ♦ J 10 9 7 3 S ♦ K 8 6 2 (you threw one away remember) and ♣ 9 7 4 2 ♣ K 10 8 6 Defence is by far the hardest aspect of bridge: this seminar seeks ♠ 7 4 enough tricks for your slam. to show the building blocks that ♥ So far we have looked at contracts A K Q 10 8 3 can start you off on a wonderful that were either a bit dicey or could ♦ A 5 journey. If you can get the basics have been beaten on a better lead. ♣ Q J 5 right then the more complicated Is setting up a long suit really only an aspects of defence can follow. escape from bad bidding? Absolutely 42 SUPPORTING £105 not, long suits can help you get a lot Even on a spade lead you can win the MINORS set of 6 of tricks even when the opponents find ace and play another one and if West Minors are not as important as the best lead and defence. chooses to ruff his partner’s trick and majors, but we have to bid them This final hand (see next column) switch to a club then you can try the and it is important to know shows how careful play is needed to finesse before winning the ace, ruffing your system. Bidding more 3NT make sure everything is in place to set a spade high and drawing trumps contracts will get you better scores, up your long suit. Partner opens 1♠ ending in dummy (as they are now but being able to spot a and after investigating a slam you stop 2-2). slam will put you a cut above. in 5♥. Six has some decent play but An unlucky lie of the cards perhaps, this time the opponents are on the ball but playing carefully to make game Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961 and start with the ♦J. You try the queen when you stay out of a slam is just as from dummy but it is covered by the important as being lucky when you www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop king. bid a dicey slam. ■

BRIDGE May 2018 Page 33 Julian Pottage Answers your Bridge Questions

Should I Rescue Myself From 1NT Doubled?

Playing a 12-14 You would not want to West North East South Then when South has to 1NT, I had 13 points transfer in this situation 1♠ 4♣ 4♥ 5♦ follow West can ruff low, Qwith ♦K-Q-J-x-x. because your hand will be Dbl All Pass making the king later. The bidding went as follows: stronger than partner’s I shall not ask how one and because the doubler’s How might the bidding West player allowed North Me LHO Partner RHO hand will be stronger have gone in the hands of to play in 5♣ undoubled! 1NT Dbl Pass Pass than the other opponent’s four competent players? 2♦ hand. You want to have Richard Ackland, ♣♦♥♠ the strong opposing hand Kenley, Surrey. 1. Was this a reasonable on lead and your side’s This is a type of thing to do? stronger hand concealed. Apart from the final problem I am 2. What would it mean 5♦ bid, the bidding Qpicking up more if I redouble? Would that ♣♦♥♠ A at your table was often as interference be some sort of transfer? reasonable. If you have a bidding improves in Joan Robertson, These were the weak jump available, the club. Lundin Links, Fife. seven contracts at a you might choose to bid Playing Acol with a weak Qrecent club session: 3♣ rather than 4♣. If you no-trump, I (South) pick up. 1. If you have a five- play strong jump overcalls card suit, rescuing 1 x 4♠, doubled by W, 4 off. or some form of Ghestem A yourself from 1NT 2 x 4♥ by E making. (whereby 3♣ would show a Dealer North. doubled seems fair enough 1 x 5♥ by E, 1 off. two-suited hand), you have E/W Game. to me. The opponents are 1 x 5♦ doubled by S, 4 off. no real choice but to bid 4♣. ♠ Q 7 4 less likely to double your 1 x 5♦ doubled by S, 5 off. As you can infer from ♥ K 8 7 escape, especially when you 1 x 5♣ by N, 5 off. the fact that 5♦ doubled ♦ A 10 5 4 have a good suit. Going went four or five down, the ♣ Q J 6 down doubled in 1NT rarely 5♦ bid was ill judged. scores well, particularly Dealer West. Love All. When North pre-empts in if you are vulnerable. ♠ Q 6 3 clubs it shows a weak hand If partner opens in a suit, 2. Most pairs would have ♥ 10 5 with a long club suit and my plan is to respond no agreement about the ♦ 2 offers no promise of support in diamonds and follow meaning of a redouble. ♣ K J 8 6 5 4 3 for other suits. Furthermore, partner’s rebid with 2NT. Some pairs play that ♠ A J 8 7 2 ♠ 5 with two aces and a void, The bidding started pass by responder asks ♥ Void ♥ K Q J 9 South should see some as follows: N opener to redouble, in W E 8 4 3 2 chances of defeating 4♥. which case it is part of a ♦ K 9 7 3 S ♦ Q 5 We should perhaps West North East South convention. Assuming that ♣ A Q 10 7 ♣ 9 2 congratulate the East-West 1♣ 1♦ partner’s pass carries no ♠ K 10 9 4 pair who took seven tricks ? such special meaning, ♥ A 7 6 against 5♦ doubled. After logically opener cannot ♦ A J 10 8 6 4 the ace of spades lead I chose a double; what have the values for a ♣ Void and a spade ruff, a heart would you recommend? business redouble. If you return ruffing out the ace, Charles Leveson, wish to attach a meaning a second spade ruff and a Poynton, Cheshire. to it, ‘I have a five-card suit At our table (I was North) winning heart, East leads (Similar enquiry somewhere,’ is a possibility. the bidding was: a third round of hearts. from Alan Pojur).

Page 34 BRIDGE May 2018 With a good 10 likely diamond lead if either What should I even on a trump lead. up to 12 points opponent held ♣Q-x-x. have opened on You would have time to try A and cover in the I considered double (for Qthe North hand? your luck in diamonds and opposing suit, you can bid take-out) but worried that to get a bit of a count on 2NT. If you play Baron in my partner’s initial response the hand before trying to an uncontested auction, would be either pass or ♠ K 10 7 6 guess the spades – or you 2NT changes to being a a bid in hearts or spades, ♥ K J 9 6 5 4 2 could try for a squeeze. limit bid after the overcall. which would be of no help. ♦ Q 8 Of course, if South had the A take-out double of I considered 4♦ (opponent’s ♣ Void ♠Q rather than the ♥Q, 6♠ 1♦ ought to show 4-4 in suit) which has similar could be the better spot. You N the majors. Since you can problems. 4♣ could have W E might find that out if you play S convert a bid by been passed by partner. Roman Key Card Blackwood. partner to no-trumps, you What I really need to ♠ A J 5 4 will probably not come to find out is whether my ♥ A Q ♣♦♥♠ any great harm by doubling, partner had ♠Q and/or ♣Q ♦ K 10 6 unless perhaps you catch or failing either, whether ♣ A Q 10 2 You (West) are 4-4 in the majors opposite. she had three clubs which playing four- If you play the double as would ensure no losers Qcard majors for penalties, somewhat in the club suit. I suppose I bid a pre-emptive 3♥ but and you pick up: unusual these days, you I could have gambled as I had four spades and a will score either a top or on 6♣, but didn’t like the void, I felt the hand was too a bottom by doubling 1♦. idea of going one down. strong for that bid. We ended ♠ A 9 6 4

Because only the opponents I opted for 5♣ (hoping my up in 4♥, missing the slam ♥ J 8 3 N are vulnerable, you stand a ♦ J 9 2 W E partner would raise with any in either hearts or spades. S reasonable chance of getting values); this was passed out. I Had I passed then we ♣ 8 5 3 a top either by collecting made 13 tricks. The result was would have bid the slam in 200 on a part score deal a near bottom, others making spades. We made 12 tricks. or 500 on a game deal. 12/13 tricks in 6♣ or 6NT. Davina Arkell, West North East South Normally you would want to Granville Williamson, Godalming Surrey. 1♥ 2♣ have a much better trump Falmouth. ? holding than A-10-x-x to With good support choose to defend a doubled When you overcall for spades – four Your options are pass, a contract at the one level. 5♣, partner is not A to a top honour negative double or 2♥. A expecting you and a void on the side – I On the night I chose 2♥ ♣♦♥♠ to have 11 certain tricks would not recommend which worked out badly in your hand and the pre-empting. When your when partner bid 3♥ over How should I have possibility of 12 given side has the boss suit(s), you 3♣. Nothing was making bid this hand? reasonable breaks. have less need to cramp the at the three level. Partner Q You expect to make bidding – and you stand a has a decent 15 count 6♣ either if partner has greater chance of missing with two small clubs. the ♣Q or if the ♣Q is your own best contract. What do you suggest? ♠ A K 7 short or if partner has If you pass, partner opens Ian Blackburn by email. ♥ A the ♠Q or a singleton or 2NT and you transfer into ♦ A doubleton in spades. Even hearts. With a seven-card With an 11-loser ♣ A K J 10 9 8 7 4 if partner has none of heart suit, I am not sure hand in support of that, you might succeed I would bother showing hearts, it would not N A W E on a pseudo squeeze: a the spades as well. be unreasonable to pass. A S defender might hold on to These combined hands simple raise suggests nine ♠ 10 8 5 3 ♥K-x rather than ♠Q-x-x. play better in hearts or losers or sometimes ten, ♥ 9 8 4 3 At IMPs I would bid 6♣. no-trumps than in spades. but not as many as 11. ♦ 8 4 At matchpoints, I think I In 6♠, you need to find the If you make a negative ♣ 6 3 2 would risk 6NT. It has a ♠Q and may need a 3-2 double and 2♦ or 2♥ is bid bigger upside when it makes. spade split as well. If South opposite, you can stop in There is a slight chance that declares, 6NT is a certainty 2♥. The snag is that partner West North East South the opening leader has a on any lead except a heart. is going to rebid 2NT with 3♦ ? singleton diamond or that Barring a defensive ruff, 15 points; you do not really partner has the ♦K, in which the same applies to 6♥ by expect that to make. 6NT looked on, but would case you might make 6NT South. The heart slam is Since you have three clubs, go horribly wrong after a even with a club to lose. also a very good contract there is quite a good

BRIDGE May 2018 Page 35 chance that partner will card reply and an advance I made 11 tricks stopper opposite is slim. have a suitable shape for to 6♥ would be reasonable. in clubs facing: If the opponents have reopening, which is another Because South’s hearts are bid and raised diamonds, factor in favour of passing. weak, the hand is rather you would expect partner Playing five-card majors, less slam suitable if North ♠ A J 10 2 to be short, surely not three it would be a bit different. lacks support. Facing A-x ♥ A 8 7 3 losing diamonds facing your Then I think I would or K-x, you could easily ♦ J 4 three. A singleton diamond raise to 2♥ despite the have two heart losers. ♣ J 9 3 and an ace somewhere weakness of the hand. With the South hand, I gives you reasonable play would be tempted to rebid for 5♣ because you would ♣♦♥♠ 4♦ as a self-agreeing How could we have expect the opening bidder splinter – but that is not ideal bid differently to reach to have the major suit How should we with the singleton ace. a game contract? ace that partner lacks. have bid a slam Your opponents would Looking at my hand with If you were vulnerable, Qon this deal? have been justified in two doubletons – I didn’t when you have already inscribing a neat little ‘F’ expect to make more than shown a decent hand, (short for ‘fixed’) next to the one trick in each of spades passing 3♣ certainly seems Dealer North. result on their scorecard. and hearts – and maybe reasonable. Partner is the E/W Game. I assume from your none. I also expected to one who should definitely ♠ K 9 7 comments about the number lose three diamond tricks. have bid differently. ♥ A K 8 4 of tricks made that East had Name and address supplied. ♦ K 6 5 ♥Q-x-x. If hearts are 2-1, ♣♦♥♠ ♣ 9 6 2 you have 13 top tricks; if Firstly, there is a big West had three, you would difference between These hands came N W E have a marked finesse an overcall at the up at a U3A session S A on the second round one level and an overcall at Q(West dealer; East- ♠ A Q 8 after East shows out. At the two level. Vulnerable, West pass throughout): ♥ J 10 9 5 3 2 least nobody was in 7♥ a two-level overcall shows ♦ A bewailing their luck about opening values and a decent ♣ A K 10 the bad heart break. suit. Whether LHO passed ♠ A K Q J 9 6 2 or bid 2♦ is also significant. ♥ A K 9 7 5 ♣♦♥♠ If LHO passes, partner can ♦ Void North South make a 2♦ unassuming ♣ Q 1NT 2♦1 My partner and I . If LHO bids 2♦, N 2♥ 3NT have missed while that option has gone, W E S 4♥ 4NT2 Qseveral games partner gains the option to because we were unsure make a competitive double. ♠ Void 1Transfer to hearts whether an overcall With 11 HCP, not to ♥ 10 6 4 2Intended as Key Card Black- might have only have mention two aces, partner ♦ A K Q 8 5 2 wood, but my partner and our 8-10 points. I held: is too good for the simple ♣ A K 3 2 opponents thought this was a 3♣ raise. Your partner preference to play in no-trumps. should definitely bid 2♦ if ♠ K 3 responder passes. With four All of the pairs finished I thought that since hearts ♥ K 6 cards in each major, partner in 4♠ except one pair had been effectively bid by ♦ 9 6 5 should be happy to double that bid 7♠ making all both partners, 4NT would ♣ A K Q 8 5 2 2♦, so again 3♣ is not the 13 tricks (7NT would also be asking. One pair bid 6♥, right bid in that scenario. make). Would you kindly making 12 tricks. We made You might have tried suggest the bidding, 12 tricks and scored second, My RHO opened 1♦, so I 3♦ over 3♣ to ask for a playing strong twos and as other pairs stopped in 4♥. overcalled 2♣. LHO passed diamond stopper: if partner also playing weak twos? Mike Barrett, Worcestershire. or bid 2♦ (I can’t quite has a diamond stopper Reg Wholey, Woking. remember) and my partner (one trick) and one of the You are quite right. bid 3♣. I then passed as major-suit aces (two tricks While you could Once both players I wasn’t sure how many when combined with your take the auction A have shown hearts, points my partner had king), you can count nine A slowly, it would 4NT should be an enquiry – just that she had some tricks in 3NT. Of course, not be so unreasonable to rather than anything else. clubs – and, of course, she if the opponents have bid get to 7NT in two bids: 2♣ Your actual auction, but didn’t know that I actually and raised diamonds, from North and 7NT from continuing with a two key had an opening hand. the chance of a diamond South. With two ace-king

Page 36 BRIDGE May 2018 combinations facing a game single suited hand (normally 7♦ is not quite laydown. the known 5-3 heart fit. force, South does not need a major) while 2♥ and 2♠ are You would expect to make Playing four-card majors, to check on aces and kings. two-suited, the major shown it either if clubs are 4-3 it is clear cut to respond 1♠ While normally a 2♣ plus a minor (like Lucas or if the ♥K is onside. rather than raise to 2♥. opening requires five quick openings but stronger). The tricks, the playing strength advantage of the 2♦ Multi ♣♦♥♠ ♣♦♥♠ of the North hand justifies Landy overcall is that on the making an exception. South, next round you can bid (or Playing Acol, the LHO opens a three- looking at the ace-king in pass) two of a major with a bidding starts: level pre-empt both minors, knows that standard strength overcall Q Qand you hold: North cannot have five quick while bidding at the three tricks and therefore must level to show the sort of hand West East have enormous playing you are trying to show. 1♦ 2♦ ♠ A Q J 10 4 strength to compensate. 2NT ♥ Q If you play weak twos, you ♣♦♥♠ ♦ 8 4 might open 2♣ on a hand Does this show 15-16, ♣ A K Q 6 5 with fractionally less than Playing inverted 17-18 or some other range? North has – but it would be minors, five-card Name and address supplied. difficult to find out for sure. Qmajors and a 15-17 What would you do: 1. if I do not understand how 1NT opening, how would The usual point LHO opened 3♥ and the so many pairs could stop you bid these hands? range for the 2NT next two players pass, in 4♠ – it would take severe A rebid is 17-18. With or 2. if LHO opened 3♦, evaluation misjudgement by 19 or more, you jump to partner overcalled 3♥ and one of the players to do that. Dealer East. 3NT. With 15-16, you are the next player passes? I guess that North opened ♠ A 7 ♠ K 5 4 2 too weak to be suggesting Name and address supplied. N 4♠ and South passed. In first ♥ 10 W E ♥ A Q 8 7 3NT opposite what might or second seat especially, ♦ A K 10 5 4 S ♦ Q J 7 6 be five or six points. Just 1. The correct a 4♠ opening is a pre- ♣ A K 8 6 2 ♣ J occasionally you could miss answer depends emptive bid, not the way game with 16 facing nine, I A upon your system. to show a strong hand. suppose – nothing is perfect. If your general style is to Huw Jones, Swansea. play Michaels cue bids, ♣♦♥♠ ♣♦♥♠ you might reasonably A possible auction expect partner to read What do you is as follows: Partner opens 4♥ from you as showing think of a strong A 1♥. You hold: spades and a minor. Less Qjump overcall Q attractive, although still a on 14-17 points over West East possibility, is to double with a 1NT opening? 1♦ the plan to correct 4♦ to 4♠. Alun Williams, 2♦1 2♥2 ♠ 8 7 6 5 3 2 The one action I would not Llanfairpwll, Anglesey. 3♣ 3NT ♥ K 9 5 consider is 3♠. You are too 4♦3 4♥4 ♦ Q 10 9 good for that. Potentially The benefit of the 4NT5 5♦6 ♣ 2 you can make ten tricks arrangement you 5♥7 5♠8 with next to nothing from A suggest is that, since 7♦ partner (although of course a strong hand would jump, Would you respond 1♠, partner will need something you can compete mainly on 1Inverted; a 3♥ splinter may be raise to 2♥ or pass? to give you an entry for shape with weaker hands an alternative. Peter Calviou by email. finessing in spades). without confusing partner. 2Natural, although possibly just 2. Now game is certain The downsides are (a) that a stopper. With five points and and a slam possible, while you might not want to be at 3Slam try, setting the suit. a singleton, your doubt remains about the the three level facing a misfit 4With four diamonds and a A hand is definitely best denomination. Since and (b) you lose the ability to singleton, East has to worth a response. Playing a change of suit by you make a weak jump overcall. co-operate with a cue bid. five-card majors, you is forcing, 3♠ is the only Although for most players 5RKCB – partner is likely to hold could consider 1♠ despite sensible bid. ■ simple Landy is the right the ♥A and ♦Q but it costs approach, if you wish to nothing to check. 6 ♦ have more options, I suggest One key card, maybe the Q. E-mail your questions (including your postal address) playing Multi Landy. 2♣ is 7Do you have the ♦Q? for Julian to: [email protected] still both majors. 2♦ shows a 8Yes I have the ♦Q and the ♠K.

BRIDGE May 2018 Page 37 About the EBU by Jeremy Dhondy To Affiliate or Not?

My name is Jeremy Dhondy and I am the Chairman of the . 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, , 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 , 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 Bernard Magee DVDs – Number Forty-Two Supporting Minors

his DVD is very different to of no-trumps, which means new suits worth a double stopper with the lead the earlier topic of supporting are used to show stoppers in an effort coming up to him. 3NT is likely to majors. When you support to make sure the partnership has all make 10 or 11 tricks, comfortably Tmajors, the emphasis is on playing in the suits covered to allow for a 3NT outscoring 5♣. that suit and evaluating accordingly. contract. In Auction 2, East knows right away So often when you support a minor The only other nuance is to use that 3NT is not going to be a success you have the thought of a no-trump jumps over the as – diamonds are wide open – so he contract in your mind. One of the splinters: showing a shortage in the aims for 5♣ or perhaps even 6♣. East main topics dealt with on the DVD is suit bid – it sounds complicated, but it cue bids spades and West cue bids the idea of inverting your minor suit allows for some very accurate bidding: hearts. However, East wisely signs off responses: called Inverted Minors. in 5♣ now, because there is only one This helps immediately with certain diamond ruff to gain, which means problem hands such as this: ♠ 3 ♠ A J 10 there might be a loser elsewhere. ♥ A 7 4 3 N ♥ K 9 8 Judging between 5♣ and 6♣ is not W E ♦ K Q 8 S ♦ J 6 easy and is dealt with in more detail ♠ A J 10 ♣ K Q 9 6 2 ♣ A J 7 5 3 later in the DVD. N ♥ K 9 8 In fact, bidding minor suit slams can W E S ♦ J 6 be tricky because Blackwood does not ♣ A J 7 5 3 Auction 1 work so well, particularly in clubs. Too West East often the response will take you too 1♣ 2♣ high, with no retreat to 5♣ possible. What do you respond to 1♣? 3♠ 3NT With this in mind, the DVD mentions A really ugly problem for standard a fun alternative to the normal 4NT bid Acol with no sensible choice. A natural which is called Diamondwood: only 2♣ and 3♣ limit the hand and can be ♠ K Q 8 ♠ A J 10 when clubs have been agreed (4NT passed. The problem with 4♣ is that ♥ A 7 4 3 N ♥ K 9 8 still being used when diamonds have W E it would take you past 3NT which is a ♦ 3 S ♦ J 6 been agreed). The partnership can use very likely final contract. ♣ K Q 9 6 2 ♣ A J 7 5 3 a 4♦ bid as the ace-asking option. You You have to tell a lie, but you use Normal, Key Card or even Roman certainly cannot bid 1♥ or 1♠, so your Key Card Blackwood, whichever is only choice would be 1♦. Yuck! Auction 2 your normal version of the ace-asking Inverted minors solves the problem. West East bid. The preferred method in the With 10+ points and 4+ cards in 1♣ 2♣ DVD is Key Card Blackwood, and the the minor you bid 2♣ forcing. With 3♦ 3♠ responses simply go up the line: 6-9 points and 4+ cards in the minor 4♥ 5♣ you bid 3♣. Your usual responses have 4♥ = 0 or 4 been inverted. You can see the responding hand from 4♠ = 1 or 5 However, note that if you have a long above put against two opening bids. 4NT = 2 major you should show it, ahead of After the inverted minor response, 5♣ = 3 supporting a minor. West, with a better than minimum Over the strong inverted minor the hand, jumps in his singleton and then Then ♦5 can be used to ask for kings, opener bids relatively naturally, but he the partner is in a good position to if necessary. keeps in mind the idea of a no-trump assess the partnership’s prospects. The convention gives you space to contract. In Auction 1, 3NT looks reasonable sign off if partner shows just one ace; Both players of a partnership, when with East holding A-J-10 in his even better is the chance to sign off in a minor is agreed, should be thinking partner’s singleton – this holding is 4NT if you prefer, thereby trying for

Page 40 BRIDGE May 2018 slam in clubs but not giving more comfortably. Answers to Bernard Magee’s up on the no-trump game. The bulk of the DVD deals with showing stoppers Bidding Quizzes 1-3 in order to find a 3NT con- ♠ 3 2 ♠ K Q J tract, such an important as- on the Cover and page 7 ♥ A 7 4 3 2 ♥ 8 pect of minor suit bidding. ♦ N ♦ A 8 W E K Q 6 5 Here is a last hand that ♣ K J 9 6 S ♣ A Q 7 5 3 shows stoppers being bid this hand if you think there is a over an inverted minor: 1. Dealer East. Love All. chance of improving the con- ♠ Void ♠ A K 8 5 4 tract. Surely 1♣ is likely to be ♥ N ♥ Auction 3 K 7 6 5 W E A J 10 nasty for your partner to play, West East ♠ 3 2 ♠ A K 4 ♦ A 9 8 6 4 S ♦ 7 2 whereas if he has a second 1♥ 2♣ ♥ K 4 3 N ♥ 8 2 ♣ 10 8 7 6 ♣ J 9 3 suit or perhaps even rebids W E 3♣ 4♦ ♦ A K 8 S ♦ 6 5 3 1NT, he might have a better 5♣ 6♣ ♣ K Q 9 6 4 ♣ A J 7 5 3 chance. West North East South If you are trying to improve 1♠ Pass the contract then leave as ♠ 3 2 ♠ K Q J Auction 5 ? much space as possible – re- ♥ K Q 4 3 2 ♥ 8 West East spond 1♦ and if partner has ♦ A 8 N ♦ K Q 6 5 1♣ 2♣ 1NT. Not a nice type of hand a second suit he will bid it or W E ♣ K J 9 6 S ♣ A Q 7 5 3 2♦ 2♠ – your partner has opened support diamonds (as here). 3NT Pass in your void suit. With seven The only bad thing that could high card points you should happen is partner rebidding Auction 4 East bids 2♣ (inverted) respond. The answer is rela- 2♣, but it is worth the risk. West East showing 4+ clubs and 10+ tively straightforward, be- 1♥ 2♣ points (no long major). West cause it is a case of Hobson’s 3♣ 4♦ now hopes for a no-trump choice. With only seven points 3. Dealer East. Love All. 4NT Pass contract, but with no stop- you should not respond at ♠ K 8 2 ♠ A 9 3 per in spades he explores the two-level, therefore you ♥ Void N ♥ K Q 10 W E The two responding East further by showing his low- choose 1NT. ♦ A 10 9 6 5 S ♦ 7 4 3 hands are the same – with est stopper: 2♦. East returns 1NT is used as a rubbish ♣ K Q 4 3 2 ♣ A 8 7 6 17 HCP they start with a the favour, showing his low- bin for all the weak hands that simple 2♣ response but est stopper: 2♠. need to respond, but cannot then hear a raise to 3♣. Slam That is enough for West go any higher – this means West North East South surely has a good chance – to go for 3NT. With the lead that you do not promise a bal- 1NT Pass as long as partner has three coming up to West’s hand anced hand. ? of the five key cards (the his ♥K is plenty to stop the Your partner, East, passes – plus the king of hearts running and make a he is not tempted to rebid 2♠ 3NT. With 12 HCP and two trumps), then 6♣ should be comfortable 3NT. because this would promise reasonable five-card suits you comfortable. When the partnership is a six-card suit for exactly the should evaluate the hand as Normal Blackwood would lacking a stopper in a par- situation shown – his partner worth going for game. How- be no good at all because ticular suit, then they revert might be void. ever, with such distribution a one-ace response would to the minor suit contract. should you consider a minor take you too high. Instead This DVD covers all sorts suit game? you use Diamondwood. In of topics, many of which are 2. Dealer East. Game All. The problem with trying Auction 3 East hears the de- quite tricky and quite new, ♠ Q 5 4 2 ♠ 7 for a minor-suit game is that ♥ Q 8 7 6 N ♥ A 2 you will find it very difficult sired response and goes for but because they are in a W E 6♣ – a comfortable slam. In DVD format, you are able to ♦ J 7 6 4 2 S ♦ A 10 5 3 to know when it is right or Auction 4, East hears of only stop and start as you please ♣ Void ♣ A 9 8 7 6 4 wrong. Here, for example, two key cards, but the auc- and by going over the vari- your partner does not have tion is still at a comfortable ous ideas a number of times, four hearts, but 3NT is clearly level and he chooses to pass you will have a good chance West North East South the best contract. 4NT, going for the more val- to try to absorb them. 1♣ Pass On hands like these where uable game. You are likely Practice makes perfect – ? your length is in the minor to make at least ten tricks in as I always like to remind suits, if you have the strength no-trumps, outscoring the you – things will go wrong, 1♦. With a bare five points for game then follow Bob minor suit game. but persevere and hopefully you might reasonably choose Hamman’s rule: if you have a Diamondwood allows there will be more right to pass. However, it is worth number of choices and one of you to search for club slams than wrong. ■ contemplating a response on them is 3NT, then bid 3NT. ■

BRIDGE May 2018 Page 41

Answers to Bernard Magee’s Bidding BERNARD Quizzes 4-6 on the Cover and page 7 MAGEE’S INTERACTIVE hand. Counting points: you have 11 HCP 4. Dealer East. E/W Game. and a void (responder can add five for TUTORIAL CD ♠ K 8 7 6 5 ♠ A J 4 3 this). Your hand does not just have the ♥ Void N ♥ 7 6 5 potential for game, but also for a slam, ♦ 9 8 7 6 5 W E ♦ A 3 2 so you would like to make a bid that gets DEFENCE S ♣ K 4 3 ♣ A Q 2 across that potential. A splinter bid is perfect: 4♣ – showing shortage in clubs (singleton or void), West North East South primary support for spades and game 1♠ Pass going values. ? East’s hand fits perfectly with your MAC or shortage (you can ruff away his losing Windows 4♠. You are vulnerable against non- clubs). He will try for slam – quite possibly vulnerable opponents, so you might bidding Blackwood and now you will think it is the right time to be cautious. have to have some agreement of how However, when your side has a big fit, to respond with a void. The conventional then very often so will the opponents. If way of showing two key cards and a void you give them the chance to find their fit, is to respond 5NT. East might reasonably then there may well be a good sacrifice try the Grand Slam now – you have for them on this hand. only shown him seven HCP so far (♠K Can you make a game contract? and ♥A) so he can reasonably hope for You have no idea, but you have length in hearts, or the ♥J or the ♦K. A great potential in spades – seven losers more sophisticated set of responses to Bernard develops your (although it is an aceless hand) – your Blackwood might identify some of this, defence in the course of ten void is very powerful in spades, but but you would need a large memory introductory exercises and clearly not with hearts as trumps. bank to remember all of this for the one 120 complete deals. Whenever you have five-card support hand per year it might come up. for your partner’s major in a weak l Lead vs distributional hand, you should consider No-trump Contracts jumping to game. Either to make or to 6. Dealer East. Love All. l Lead vs save. Had your partner had a weak ♠ K 3 2 ♠ Q J 9 7 4 Suit Contracts opening hand, then 4♠ might have gone ♥ Void N ♥ K 8 7 6 l Partner of Leader off, but 4♥ by your opponents might ♦ A 7 6 5 4 3 2 W E ♦ 9 S vs No-trump ♠ ♣ ♣ well have made. Here, 4 makes, but 9 8 2 A K 3 Contracts 5♥ would likely be just two or three off: -300 or -500 would be a very good save l Partner of Leader against the +620 you would make in 4♠. West North East South vs Suit Contracts 1♠ Pass l Count ? Signals 5. Dealer East. N/S Game. l Attitude £76 ♠ ♠ ♠ K J 6 5 A Q 9 8 2 2 . You do not have the strength to Signals ♥ A 4 3 2 N ♥ K Q 6 respond 2♦. So you are left with a choice ♦ K 8 7 6 5 W E ♦ A 2 between 2♠ and 1NT and surely 2♠ is a l Discarding S ♣ Void ♣ 9 8 5 better choice? l Defensive Plan You might be tempted to respond 3♠ l Stopping Declarer because of your void, but your lack of West North East South trumps should put you off – jump raises l Counting the Hand 1♠ Pass should promise four cards or longer ? trump support. If you respond 3♠, your partner would Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, 4♣. Another distributional hand with push on to 4♠ on this hand and you Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH support for a major suit opening bid, would end up too high. A trump lead ( 01483 489961 but this time you have a few more high or switch from the defence will leave www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop card points – you actually have a six-loser dummy almost useless. ■

BRIDGE May 2018 Page 43 Catching Up with Sally Brock

ou will be pleased to know that South’s 1♣ was either natural or a deal, West led the ♣A, there was ♣J-x I found my keys – hiding under strong no-trump with at least two in the dummy, and East held the ♣Q a set of hand records. Panic clubs. 2♣ was forcing to game with and a void diamond. The suggestion Yover. (usually five) clubs. ♦2 denied clubs was that East should play the ♣Q at The most exciting happening in (ie promised a strong no-trump). The trick one to wake partner up and get a this period is that Briony has come next four bids were natural and 4♥ diamond ruff. home. First she booked a flight for the showed shortage – actually a void, for beginning of April. Then, in the second our agreement is that we jump earlier week of February, she started looking (ie 4♥ over 2NT) with a singleton. Dealer South. E/W Game. for jobs – as advised. However, instead South thought he had heard enough. ♠ A 10 8 7 4 of it taking her a couple of months to It is hard to know the best line but ♥ 6 get a job, she had an interview in less Barry won the spade lead in hand ♦ 7 4 than a week, so changed her flights and played a diamond to dummy’s ♣ K Q J 4 2 ♠ K Q ♠ 9 6 3 and before I knew it she was home. It’s jack. East won and returned a spade. N lovely to have her back – but the flat Declarer won in dummy, drew two ♥ A Q J 9 5 3 W E ♥ K 10 8 2 is a little crowded with both children rounds of trumps and then played ♦ J 8 3 S ♦ A 10 9 6 5 living here. winning diamonds discarding a spade ♣ 10 6 ♣ 8 Bridge-wise there was the from hand. When East had to follow ♠ J 5 2 Tollemache (inter-county team of to all the diamonds, he could ruff a ♥ 7 4 eight) final. Barry and I play for Berks spade in hand, cash the ♥A pitching ♦ K Q 2 & Bucks for historical reasons. We dummy’s last spade, ruff a heart to ♣ A 9 7 5 3 started to play for them when we were dummy and claim. first together when I lived there, so we We have qualified for the final all have been playing for them for six or but the first year we played for them. West North East South seven years now. We like the team and This year we seemed to be destined to Pass feel we make a difference so we are come third. Whatever we did we lay 1♥ 2♥ 4♥ 4♠ happy to play for them as long as they third, and that is where we ended up. All Pass want us. So, not bad, but not quite a victory. I enjoyed this slam: We had a good win in the London On this deal, no doubt looking for League, a fairly substantial loss in the a safe lead, West, Siyu Ren started London Super League, and another with the ♣10. Declarer won in hand Dealer South. Game All. substantial loss when I was drafted and led a trump to the queen and ace, ♠ A 8 7 6 in at the last minute to play on Bertie and another trump. West was on lead ♥ Void Black’s team in the TGR’s League. again and laid down the ♥A. I watched ♦ A J 10 9 My online sessions continue, and I’ve as Laura Covill played the ♥K, causing ♣ Q J 10 8 5 been practising online with Fiona. West to sit up and play a second club, ♠ Q 10 5 2 ♠ J 9 I’ve also been trying to sort out the N delivering the ruff and beating the ♥ K J 9 5 4 W E ♥ Q 8 7 3 Under-26 girls team for the world game. ♦ 7 5 S ♦ Q 8 3 2 championships in August. Some At the end of February was one of my ♣ 6 2 ♣ 9 4 3 partnerships have broken up, some are favourite events in the bridge calendar: ♠ K 4 3 working hard. Two pairs played in the the Lederer Memorial Trophy. This is ♥ A 10 6 2 Junior Camrose, one in the England an invitation event held by the London ♦ K 6 4 team and one for the EBU (as England County Bridge Association, and ♣ A K 7 were the host nation, they got to send a generously sponsored by Simon Gillis. second team to make up the numbers). Ten top-class teams assemble for the Both teams were vying for the lead weekend at the Royal Automobile West North East South throughout, with England winning in Club. There were three foreign teams: 1♣ the end. I watched some of it on BBO Ireland, Israel and Iceland – along with Pass 2♣ Pass 2♦ and was pleased with this deal (see seven English teams, many of which Pass 2♠ Pass 2NT next column). contained top Scandinavian players. Pass 3♦ Pass 3♥ When I did my training weekend I played with Barry with teammates Pass 4♥ Pass 6♣ in Cambridge, there was a hand Sarah and Mike Bell, and Alan Mould All Pass featuring the ‘wake up’ signal. On that and John Holland. We started well:

Page 44 BRIDGE May 2018 Answers to Bernard Magee’s Bidding Dealer West. Love All. ♠ A 10 Quizzes 7-9 on the Cover and page 7 ♥ Q 10 2 ♦ A 8 5 2 ♣ A K 10 9 your partner’s second suit and a void. ♠ 4 3 ♠ Q 8 5 7. Dealer East. Love All. In losing trick count terms you have just N ♥ 9 7 5 W E ♥ A K 8 6 3 ♠ A 7 6 5 ♠ 4 2 seven losers. All evaluation methods ♦ 10 S ♦ J 9 6 ♥ Void N ♥ A Q J 10 5 4 point you towards a game, but if your ♣ Q J 7 6 4 3 2 ♣ 8 5 ♦ J 9 8 4 3 W E ♦ 7 6 partner’s hearts have inner strength, S ♠ K J 9 7 6 2 ♣ Q 7 6 5 ♣ A 4 3 he might prefer a 3NT contract. Any ♥ J 4 diamond bid you make will struggle to ♦ K Q 7 4 3 get across your strength except perhaps ♣ Void West North East South 5♦, but that would be a bit precipitous. 1♥ Pass Here, East with five diamonds as well as 1♠ Pass 2♥ Pass hearts and control in all the suits could West North East South ? even consider a slam. As you can see you 3♣ 3NT Pass 6♠ might manage 12 tricks in 6♦. All Pass Pass. You correctly showed your major A bid of the impossible major shows at on the first round because you did not least five-card support for the second suit West, Tony Forrester, opened 3♣. I have the strength to show your longer and exceptional distribution. It should be considered passing this in the hope minor, but now what should you do? alerted by the partner. They might not that partner would re-open with a You might feel there is a fit to be found, know what it means, but they should double, but in the end, partly because but if you bid a minor now, your partner, know that you do not have real spades. it was the first board, I decided to if he decides to give up on his suit, will take the more standard option of tend to favour your first suit. bidding 3NT. Barry couldn’t think of When you think there might be a misfit, 9. Dealer West. Love All. a sensible way to proceed, so bid what then try to leave the auction at a low- ♠ Void ♠ Q 9 8 7 6 he hoped he could make … and after level. 2♥ might not be a great contract, ♥ A K 8 7 6 4 N ♥ 2 the diamond lead he discarded his but -50 might be a reasonable score on ♦ 9 8 7 W E ♦ A 5 3 S heart losers on dummy’s ♣A-K and this deal. ♣ A K 4 3 ♣ Q J 5 2 took a trump finesse for the overtrick. We continued to do well in this first match, but unfortunately didn’t do 8. Dealer East. Love All. West North East South so well thereafter. The good news, ♠ K 8 7 ♠ A 2 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass though, was that teammates played ♥ Void N ♥ A 8 7 6 5 ? pretty well. We were in touch with ♦ A J 7 6 5 W E ♦ K Q 9 4 2 S the lead throughout (which we were ♣ 9 8 7 3 2 ♣ 5 2♣. A lot of players tend to overvalue pleased with in such a strong field), these kinds of hands and make a jump eventually finishing third. rebid over the 1♠ response. Until you Other than the bridge, the bag- West North East South find a fit, you should not be excited. making is going full-steam ahead. 1♥ Pass Bearing in mind the value of finding a I have made four now, as well as the 1NT Pass 2♦ Pass fit, you should show your second suit – evening clutch bag for Briony (that ? clubs, rather than rebid your hearts. 2♣ worked well until the end when I is plenty, there is no need to force the managed to get glue on it – I will have 2♠. The answer to this question is very bidding by jumping. to sew on more beads to cover it up). likely a bid that you have not come On this hand East would support clubs, There is something quite therapeutic across. When you make a 1NT response and over 3♣ you could then rebid your about making things. ■ on the first round, showing a weak hand, hearts to give a clearer picture of your and then your partner makes a bid that hand, 6-4 – you feel able to force the completely transforms your hand, it can bidding on now, because with a club fit be important to show your excitement. your hand has leapt in value. With two PLUS 12 ♠ ♥ Q £99 The bid of 2 is an ‘impossible bid’ hearts East might settle for 4 , but with – had you held spades you would have a singleton he would settle for a club The very best Acol-playing responded 1♠ on the first round. You contract. software available use 2♠ in order to try to convey the A club contract is much better than a transformation of your hand. It does no-trump contract on this hand. If you Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961 not feel like 6-9 points anymore – you made the mistake of jump rebidding 3♥ www.mrbridge.co.uk have eight HCP, five-card support for your partner would bid 3NT. ■

BRIDGE May 2018 Page 45 to run. Should nothing my grateful thanks. happen after loading the CD I did have an early version READERS’ then start the program by of QPlus 30 years ago and double clicking on the icon. enjoyed it, but somewhere Then, click OK in the along the line it got mislaid. greeting window. If the CD As someone who played check fails (again), then in their pram with a county LETTERS after about 20 seconds a standard mum well over 70 new window ‘PC licence’ years ago and has loved opens. In this window, the and enjoyed the game for JUST IN TIME Just as the multi-two PC data (a string of 20 all those succeeding years, The April issue of BRIDGE diamond bid is prohibited characters) are displayed. it will be fun to use it again. has just arrived. Good – but at some levels, it would help Please send me the data I also vaguely remember I had intended to write to considerably if there were so that the PC key can be signing up to your mag you about the March edition two sets of rules, one at a computed from them. This in the 90s. Indeed I won and although I am late, I simple level and another in turn will activate the the Christmas draw for would still like you to have my at a more advanced one. program and eliminate the new subscribers and comments as the Readers’ David Iwi, London, NW11. need for the CD cops. I still have the tie that Letters pages were a treat. was in the prize box. Not only was the content SECURITY CODES TRUSTING It’s a great life and great, but the artistry and It was a pleasure speaking I have just signed your a super magazine. design were excellent too. with you this afternoon consent form, without seeing David Hill by email. about protecting the an explanation of what data copyright and integrity of of mine you hold, where it is YES PLEASE the Bernard Magee tutorial stored, how it is protected, Three cheers for Mr Hutton’s software programs. what it is used for and when helpful suggestion. For years Thank you for promising and how you will delete it I have wished for an index to forward my complaints after my membership ceases. to go with my collection to the tutorial programmer I think you need to take of BRIDGE magazines. and the technical designer advice on how the consent Mrs C Padbury, for his comments. form is worded. A bridge club Duxford, Cambridgeshire. The illustrations by I promise I will forward his to which I belong explained Marguerite Lihou, pictured reply which I am sure will be these things clearly when GOD WILLING above, together with the of interest to other readers. they asked my consent. Congratulations to Christine outstanding graphic design Frank Berman by email. Mr John Croxford, Haden still playing at 97. by Ruth Edmondson, Johannes Leber replies; Chewton Mendip, Lily Boddington is a combined to the make the Somerset. playing member of three magazine a visual delight. bridge clubs at High Kelling, Ann Stevenson by email. FAREWELL Norfolk and is now well Your magazine has given me in to her 99th year. COMPLICATIONS enormous pleasure over the Her bridge friends in Ross- In the March issue of years but the time has come on-Wye will be pleased to BRIDGE, number 183, not to renew my prescription know that she is a ‘racing Jeremy Dhondy writes about [sic]. Time moves on. certainty’ to be playing the problems of attracting Penny Goldring, Lavant, when she reaches her new members, while we are If this issue is not already Chichester, West Sussex. centenary early next year. treated to a complicated resolved, proceed as follows: Mr Mike Gurney, explanation of the new rules. First, load the CD into SO MANY LOVES Holt Bridge Club, Maybe complicated rules the drive. The program Just to advise that your Holt, Norfolk. are needed for interplanetary should start, once you have disc arrived very promptly [sic] matches. However, confirmed ‘start-bridge-CD’ this morning, for which JUST TO BE CLEAR ordinary players’ eyes glaze Congratulations on your over if they are told that they ‘No 20’. I assume that is your have five options if there has Write to Mr Bridge at: Ryden Grange, Knaphill, thirteenth grandchild (to add Surrey GU21 2TH or e-mail [email protected] been a lead out of turn. to your seven children) not E-mail correspondents are asked to include their Surely a simple rule that name, full postal address, telephone number and to your twentieth grandchild could require or prohibit a send no attachments. as some have surmised. suit would make the game Letters may be edited for length and clarity. Name & address supplied. far more enjoyable for them. Twentieth Grandchild. ■

Page 46 BRIDGE May 2018 Answers to Bernard Magee’s Bidding Quizzes 10-12 BERNARD on the Cover and page 7 MAGEE TUTORIAL Pass. 10. Dealer East. Love All. Voids are such wonderful things as long ♠ Void ♠ K J 10 7 6 5 4 as your partner does not bid the suit. DVDS ♥ A K J 2 N ♥ 9 6 Once again you are let down by your ♦ K Q 6 5 4 W E ♦ 8 7 partner and once again you have to trust S ♣ Q J 4 3 ♣ K 8 him. Your three suits are barren and you SET 8 only have ten points. 2NT is likely to be an 43 TEAMS OF FOUR awful contract with no communication in This form of the game is great fun West North East South your partner’s long suit and bidding one to play at club level and even in 3♠ Pass of your suits would be pure speculation. the home. I discuss the format and ? With 2♣ not being doubled you should then look at the tactics you might pass with confidence – hoping nothing use in the bidding and play. Pass. worse is to come. As you can see 2♣ It is always a nasty feeling when you pick is not a great contract, but it is likely to 44 GAME TRIES up a very nice looking hand and then do just as well as any other contract you When your partner raises your suit to the two-level, you have a your partner makes a pre-empt in your reach. variety of options available to you. short suit. You have 16 high card points I will talk about major suit game with which it is suggested you should tries and minor suit game tries, respond to a pre-empt. However, what is 12. Dealer North. Love All. when you consider the option of a more important is the number of quick ♠ A 8 7 ♠ 3 2 no-trump contract. tricks you might make in the suits outside ♥ K 10 9 8 7 N ♥ 4 3 45 DISRUPTING spades. You might make three and that ♦ A J 10 5 3 W E ♦ K Q 2 S DECLARER is all. Fourteen points with two ace-king ♣ Void ♣ A K 7 6 5 4 A defender needs to try and pre- holdings would be much more valuable. dict what declarer might want to With a complete misfit you should pass do. Your job is then to disrupt de- and hope your partner might scrape West North East South clarer’s plan. together nine tricks. More likely on this 1♠ 2♣ Pass deal is that he will go one off. However, ? 46 DEFENDING VS -50 may score well because others might HIGH CONTRACTS go on to game and perhaps even finish 2♥. Making the right plays against high level contracts can make a up doubled. With a 7-0 fit in spades it is You are probably thinking there is a huge difference. Knowing when to likely one opponent holds four spades so mistake and that this hand looks too attack and when to lie low. there might be three trump losers along similar to the previous one. However, this with the two minor suit aces. hand has two more high card points and 47 OVERCALLS If you were contemplating 3NT, then has much stronger suits as well as having Duplicate bridge is so much think again – you would be playing from two five-card suits. more competitive now and it is your hand only and if diamonds break A change of suit opposite a two-level important you are part of this. 4-2 as you would expect, you might be overcall is usually constructive and rarely 48 PRESSING as many as three off. will your partner pass; this means that THE DEFENCE with this hand you can plan to show both As declarer there are ways you your suits and hope to finish in a better can make life more awkward for 11. Dealer North. Love All. contract than 2♣ and perhaps even find the defenders, particularly by ♠ Q 8 7 6 ♠ 3 2 a game. disguising holdings in your hand ♥ A 8 7 6 5 N ♥ 4 3 You show your higher suit first, hearts, for a little longer. I explore a ♦ A 8 7 6 W E ♦ K Q 2 and then you can rebid the lower suit number of tactics that will help S you to exploit the defenders. ♣ Void ♣ A K 7 6 5 4 (diamonds), giving partner a choice of suits. So, over your partner’s rebid of 3♣ ♦ you can then bid 3 . Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961 West North East South You find your best fit and can then 1♠ 2♣ Pass decide between you how high you want www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop ? to go. ■

BRIDGE May 2018 Page 47 David Stevenson answers your Frequently Asked Questions

Opening Lead Out Of Turn

or many years, opening leads played at the first legal opportunity. As said earlier it is often correct have had to be made face down ‘Which option would you like?’ to let the lead run up to the stronger and not turned over until A director should also mention the hand as it is more difficult to defend Fpartner says, ‘No questions.’ or the unauthorised information, but only when the weak hand is exposed as equivalent. This has two advantages, after declarer has made his choice. dummy. So if you have a much weaker first that partner can ask questions If he chooses to accept the lead or to hand than partner you should often about the bidding at a suitable time have a major penalty card you need accept the spade lead and let partner when it cannot affect the opening say nothing, but if he requires or play the hand. The exception is when lead, and second that opening leads forbids a spade lead, you should now there is something in your hand that out of turn should become very rare. tell the opening leader that the fact will be a surprise to the opponents. Unfortunately a lot of people do not that his partner wanted to lead the Another question to ask yourself, ‘Is follow this procedure and lead face card picked up, or what it means about a major penalty card any use?’ If the up, or if they lead face down their his hand, or even that he has that card lead is a small card, then refusing it partner says nothing so they turn it up, is unauthorised information to his but having it as a major penalty card and so opening leads out of turn still partner, though authorised to declarer. has the advantage that LHO will be happen with reasonable frequency. As You should make sure that the players unable to lead the suit sensibly, unless a director you should persuade people do what they are told, and if there is a he can cash an honour, and even that to follow both these rules: leading face- major penalty card you should stay at is fraught with problems. down, and when your partner has led the table until it is played. If it is a no-trump contract and the face down asking all the questions that That tells the declarer what to do, lead out of turn was in a suit bid by the you need then telling partner you have but how should he make his choice? defence, it is often best to forbid LHO no (more) questions. Many players seem to get quite upset from leading that suit to prevent them If you are the director and you are if given five options and find it an establishing it. called for an opening lead out of turn, unnecessary burden. In practice it So there are a few possibilities: accept you work out who declarer is and what does not make too much difference the lead and let partner play it if he has suit the lead out of turn is. Suppose and declarer should not worry. These the strong hand; accept an ace lead if it is a spade: you say to declarer, ‘You are some possibilities. you have K-x; require that suit to be led have five options: Suppose you hold K-x in the suit that by LHO if you have K-x (without an ‘You can accept the lead and play was led out of turn. If the lead was the ace lead) or other strong combinations the hand yourself: dummy goes down ace it is sensible to accept it, playing in that suit; forbid a trump lead if you now and you play the first trick in the the hand unless you prefer partner to are likely to need to ruff a lot. normal direction. play it, which could be correct if he has Suppose none of these occur, what ‘You must not consult partner, but if shown the stronger hand during the do you do? First, do not worry: all this you wish you may put your own hand bidding. However, if a small card is led does is give you an extra option and down as dummy and let partner play it you do not want this led through your you will often decide wrongly. Second, with that lead. K-x and in fact if you refuse the opening if you have no idea then remember ‘The other three options mean the lead, but require a spade lead from the opponents wanted to lead the suit they lead returns to the correct hand: first correct leader it may give you a trick. led from the wrong hand, so forbid it: you can require a spade lead, which he Similarly with holdings in the suit led that is the best default position. will lead if he has one, and the spade such as A-J-10 or K-Q-x or A-Q-9-x, it So the main thing is not to worry, led out of turn is picked up and he may be a good idea to require that suit but to realise you have been given an plays any card. is led from the correct leader. extra possibility to do well in your ‘You can forbid a spade lead for as Another possibility is where you contract. If you do find opening leads long as the leader retains the lead: the have bid a suit contract with limited out of turn too confusing for you, spade led out of turn gets picked up. strength but shortages and you hope to perhaps best is to decide that you will ‘Finally you can allow the correct make a lot of tricks by ruffing, possibly always just forbid the lead of that suit: leader to lead any card he likes, but the cross-ruffing. If they lead a trump out it is probably the option that works spade led out of turn stays on the table of turn, again try forbidding the lead most often since it stops them leading as a major penalty card, and must be of that suit. the suit they wanted to. ■

Page 48 BRIDGE May 2018 Seven Days by Sally Brock

Tuesday tempts me irresistibly. Then I come scheduled for two down, while best back for another online session, before defence against 3NT can probably It snows today – settles, even, which getting some bits and pieces of writing hold me to three tricks). Luckily for is unusual for London. I am glad work done in front of the TV. me, South assumes I have a diamond not to have to go out during the day, fit and tries ♥4 , and I go for the icing most of which I spend finishing off on the cake by doubling. We start a bag. Briony hears that she got the Friday with a club to the ace and a club ruff, job she interviewed for yesterday – Briony has decided she has been in then two spades and a spade ruff for working for a bowel cancer charity. England long enough. What is she 500 to us. Very exciting! In the evening I pick going to do with herself before starting up Barry in the car and we go out to her job in just over two weeks? She dinner with Heather and friends to spends the morning booking herself Dealer North. Game All. celebrate her birthday. I had made her a ten-day trip to Europe. I don’t know ♠ K J 9 4 a bag as a birthday present which she how she finds things so cheaply. She ♥ 9 8 seems to like. flies to Prague, stays three days, then ♦ A Q 2 goes to Vienna for another three days ♣ Q 8 5 3 before going on the train to Venice for ♠ 8 5 ♠ A Q 7 6 Wednesday four days and flying home from there. ♥ 10 5 3 N ♥ K 2 W E ♦ ♦ The first task is to take my car in for The accommodation bill is £150, as is K J 10 9 8 7 6 S 5 a service – made more urgent by the travel bill (including the Stansted ♣ 9 ♣ A J 10 7 6 2 someone destroying my wing mirror. Express). I’m sure she’ll have a ball. ♠ 10 3 2 So I drive it to the garage and then There are bits of work and some ♥ A Q J 7 6 4 walk to Goldhawk Road tube to meet tidying up to do in the morning before ♦ 4 3 Briony at Costa. With my new sewing Briony drops me off at Barry’s flat at ♣ K 4 initiative, she wants me to make her about 11.30am (I don’t like walking a replica of a wrap-around skirt that when the pavements are icy). I also she already has. We buy some fabric need to have a final read through the West North East South and then wander to Westfield for some system. I meet up with Fee and walk to 1♣ Pass 1♥ shopping and lunch at Carluccio’s. the Young Chelsea for the first day of 3♦ Pass 3NT Dbl With all our purchases we have an the Women’s European Trials. One of Pass Pass 4♦ 4♥ excuse to get a bus home, and then we our team, Yvonne, lives in Stockholm, Pass Pass Dbl All Pass potter about a bit before I set off on and has not been able to get there for foot to get the car. £650! Two-thirds of the start because of the bad weather. In the other room, East/West have an that was for the new wing mirror. The We have been lucky enough to accident too. This is the bidding: trials of London living. The evening is acquire the services of Kay Preddy as spent in front of the TV – I have lots a substitute, and she is playing with West North East South of bits of sewing to finish off and bags Nicola for the first time. The first set 1♣ 2♣ 2♥ to sort through – so it is not just idle is not so good – we are 31 down. The Pass Pass 2♠ All Pass time. second half is better – we regain 31 IMPs to tie the match. I think West should have removed 2♠ I come out smelling of roses after a to either 3♣ or 3♦. As it is 2♠ goes four Thursday terrible bid on this deal (hand in next down and that is another 400 and 14 After my regular exercise, the day column). IMPs. starts with an hour and a half session What a terrible 3NT bid. Partner The second match goes better for with my new student, Andrew. Then might have had more, but, still, to us with a maximum win, so after this Briony and I go out to Olympia to the bid 3NT with no fit is not very bright. first day we are leading. Thankfully Stitching and Knitting Exhibition. When South doubles I know I am in Yvonne eventually arrives but the Lots of fabulous stuff, some of which trouble and remove myself to 4♦ (only selectors have decided it would be

BRIDGE May 2018 Page 49 fairer if Kay was to play a third match the wrong one. I was probably being so the team has been the same against unnecessarily complicated and should BERNARD the other three teams. Afterwards, just have bashed 6♠. Barry joins Fiona, Kay and me for MAGEE’S dinner at his local Indian. INTERACTIVE Dealer West. E/W Game. ♠ A J 5 4 2 TUTORIAL CD Saturday ♥ Void We win the first match by a near- ♦ A 10 9 8 6 maximum, and then Yvonne comes ♣ Q 9 2 ACOL BIDDING in but unfortunately we all have a ♠ 7 ♠ 9 8 3 ♥ K Q J 10 8 6 4 3 2 N ♥ 7 5 bad match against our nearest rivals, W E Heather Dhondy, Nevena Senior, ♦ 5 3 S ♦ K J 4 Catherine Draper and Gillian Fawcett, ♣ 4 ♣ J 8 6 5 3 losing quite heavily. Then it is half of ♠ K Q 10 6 another match before dinner. ♥ A 9 MAC or We go to a rather strange Ethiopian ♦ Q 7 2 Windows place on Goldhawk Road. There’s no- ♣ A K 10 7 one else there (which is a bit worrying), and they serve Ethiopian and Italian food. But they are friendly and the West North East South food is decent (and very cheap). Then 3NT Pass 4♣ Dbl some of us have a nightcap in a local 4♦ 4♥ Pass 4♠ pub before settling down for the night. Pass 5NT Pass 6♣ All Pass

Sunday 6♣ goes two down, but is not without Another two and a half matches. At play and is in fact cold after a non- Throughout 200 deals split into the end of the second round robin we diamond lead. Declarer needs to win ten chapters, Bernard evaluates have not done nearly as well as our the spade lead, cash the ♥A and ruff your bids, praising the correct main rival and are 17 or so behind. a heart, then draw four rounds of ones and discussing the wrong We gain five or so on them in the first trumps, finessing East for the jack and ones. match of the final round robin, but leaving her with a winning trump. still have a lot to do tomorrow. We take Then declarer just plays spades. If East l Opening Bids fish and chips back to Susanna’s after a ruffs she is endplayed, and if she doesn’t and Responses glass of wine at the club. Barry joins us then her ♦K falls under dummy’s ♦A at l Slams and but leaves early, leaving Susanna, Fee trick 12. Not so easy to find at the table, Strong Openings and me to have a few more glasses and though. Although this loss is obviously l Support for Partner exchange gossip. bad for us, the other match goes in our favour as Seale beats Senior heavily, l Pre-empting Monday leaving us five or so VPs behind with l Overcalls the head-to-head to go. £66 The first match doesn’t go so well for The first half is virtually drawn, our l No-trump us as we lose narrowly to the trailing team having a 2 IMP lead, but we gain Openings Bakhshi team. This is one of our disas- 24 in the second half, leaving us with and Responses ters – a rare bidding misunderstand- a 4.89 VPs lead at the top of the table. l Opener’s and ing (hand in next column). Before the event, the agreement was Responder’s Rebids West’s 3NT opening shows a that the winning team would definitely strong four of a major opening. 4♣ go to the European Championships. l Minors and Misfits asks partner to transfer to her major. However, because we had a substitute l Doubles Fiona’s double is undiscussed. I don’t for a third of the boards, we were told l Competitive Auctions know whether it shows clubs or just before it started that that commitment a strong . Maybe I had been withdrawn, and we would should pass here but I don’t think not automatically be selected if we the fog is going to get any clearer. At won. So we have to wait and see … Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, least 4♥ shows a good hand. When I get the bus home and have Chinese Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH Fiona bids 4♠ I don’t know whether takeaway with the children – Briony’s ( 01483 489961 that is a cue-bid for clubs, or natural. last night as she starts her European www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop My 5NT is ‘pick a slam’, and she picks adventure tomorrow. ■

Page 50 BRIDGE May 2018