HE ULLETIN TPublished by the QueenslandQBA Bridge Association BOctober-December 2015 Volume 41 No www.qldbridge.com Email: [email protected] 4

A special thank you to all clubs and From the the volunteers who support their Northern President club. I thank clubs that hosted State Suburbs IMP Pairs events and congratulate title holders. Sponsors are important to our game and yet again I call on all players to utilise our sponsors when possible. A list of sponsors is on the website. Keith Richard McDonald I hope one of your New Year Wallis resolutions will be to introduce one HIS is the final Bulletin for 2015 friend to bridge in 2016. If we could HAVE not played in this event and my chance to wish all players all achieve this objective we would many times since it began, and this T double our playing strength. I a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year it seemed a good congress to Year for 2016. Lessons are available at all clubs. have my first game with established National Director, Peter Busch. We started with a big win in match 1, but it was much harder after that as we lined up against the top 3 seeds 2016 for the next 3 matches. Moderate wins in these matches somehow put us into first place at the lunch break. A 20 IMP loss in match 5 brought Gold Coast us back to reality, and while we continued to threaten after that, a couple of losses in between the Congress wins ruined our chances of a first- placed finish. Thus we started the last match only realistically looking February 19 - 27 for a minor place, but a draw even denied us that, leaving us in 6th place. The event was won by Tony Hutton Contents and Malcolm Carter, who came from From the President...... 1 the middle of the field on Sunday Northern Suburbs IMP Pairs by Richard Wallis...... 1 with a series of big wins. The only Manager's Travels by Kim Ellaway...... 4 time they were in first place was Teachers' Corner by Joan Butts...... 6 after the last match, which is the Cuppaidge's Column by George Cuppaidge...... 8 best time to be there! Second were 25 Years Ago by Frank White...... 8 Terry and Louise Collins, with John Playing the Hand from Dummy by Peter Evans...... 9 and Ivy Luck in third place. Novices by Mick Fawcett...... 10 Nonetheless it was a great day and Queensland Senior Pairs by Fred Whitaker...... 12 I was glad to persuade Peter to Territory Gold by Richard Wallis...... 12 come out as a player, rather than in Club News...... 14 his usual role as director. We may Directors' Corner by Jan Peach...... 16 have better luck at out next outing together.

The QBA Bulletin October - December 2015 2

the advantage of seeing all of the This should have been the end of M 1 ♠ 8 hands, and she finished 3 off for it, but when I ruffed the spade in Bd 7 ♥ Q10982 +300 to us, which amounted to +7. dummy and a heart back to my hand Dlr S ♦ 9853 to run my trumps, inexplicably EW Vul Both ♣ Q105 M 2 ♠ AKQ7 discarded their clubs, and my ♣8 ♠ A962 ♠ K53 1 Bd 1 ♥ ─ N took the 13th trick. ♥ 764 ♥ A63 Dlr S ♦ AQ10752 W E This was a chance for a ♦ J74 ♦ AQ1062 Vul None ♣ K87 S pick-up, and was not a loss, as we ♣ KJ7 ♣ 42 ♠ 943 ♠ J652 actually gained 0.2 IMPs averaged ♠ QJ1074 ♥ AQ62 N ♥ KJ87 W E against each other pair. ♥ KJ ♦ K4 S ♦ J9 ♦ K ♣ QJ64 ♣ 1092 M 3 ♠ K983 ♣ A9863 ♠ 108 Bd 21 ♥ 873 ♥ 109543 Dlr N ♦ A94 ♦ 863 Vul NS ♣ A82 W N E S ♣ A53 ♠ Q65 ♠ J104 1S ♥ AQ52 N ♥ J10 P P 2D 3C! W E All pass ♦ 62 S ♦ KJ7 W N E S ♣ K965 ♣ QJ743 P ♠ A72 South did not heed the warning of her 1C X 1H P partner's pass of her 1S opening bid, 2H 3D All pass ♥ K964 and unwisely showed her second ♦ Q10853 suit over my bid of 2D. This board was too hard for most ♣ 10 South's hand does have good pairs, including us, and we played a shape, but it is a minimum in HCPs, cold slam in a part-score. W N E S with short honours in the red suits, I doubled on the first round intending to bid diamonds next to show a good P P 2D! and therefore going to the 3-level P 2H! P 2NT does not seem wise. hand, or raise 1S by Peter to game P 3NT All pass if I got lucky. When 2H came back My 2D contract was not going to be to me I was loathe to double again hard to make, and if the early play This was a classic case of a revealing in case Peter had only hearts and showed the meagre values in the North auction being ignored by North to converted to penalties, so I showed reach a poor contract. hand, or if a spade was threatened, my longest suit, at the same time The 2D opening bid by South the ♦A is likely to be cashed, dropping inferring a good hand. the stiff ♦K, enabling 9 tricks. showed a likely unbalanced hand East led the ♥7, and after ruffing with diamonds and 11-15 HCPs, Peter led the ♦4, and South was in I entered dummy with the ♣A and 2H asked for clarification, and 2NT trouble when her ♦K fell under my ♦A. successfully finessed the ♦Q, showed at least a doubleton in Double-dummy, South can make 8 drawing trumps in 2 rounds, thus both majors, and therefore, a likely tricks in clubs, but she did not have guaranteeing 12 tricks. singleton club, and North has only A82! Peter listened to the explanation of the bidding, and led the ♣5, which was a nice surprise to me. Declarer ducked the club to my ♣J, and the club return clarified the position for Peter to unblock the ♣K and set up 21st Barrier Reef Congress my club tricks. Declarer had no chance in 3NT on May Day Long Weekend 2016 a club lead unless Peter had the April 29th, 30th, May 1st and 2nd singleton ♦K, and when this did not Venue – Mackay Senior Citizen’s Club happen, I won trick 5 with the ♦K and cashed my clubs, on the last of Macalister Street which Peter discarded the ♥2. Mackay QLD 4740 Declarer discarded hearts as well, Chief Director – Sean Mullamphy and covered the ♥J, so Peter was able to win three hearts for 4 off, and Tournament Organiser – Janet Hansen 07 4954 6844 +400 for 8 IMPs. President – Janelle Conroy 07 4955 5025 On this board I opened with a very Website : www.qldbridge.com/brc frisky, and many would say unwise, Multi-2D, but I got lucky.

The QBA Bulletin October - December 2015 3

In my view, while 4S is obviously Note that if you are going to falsecard M 4 ♠ 95 safe, East has too much potential in spades, when South plays the ♠A Bd 30 ♥ K873 in the minor suits to ignore both the at trick 1 North knows you have the Dlr E ♦ K932 long suit and controls by ♠Q, so that is the best card to play. Vul None ♣ J107 showing the singleton heart. The ♠J may work, but the ♠10 is Q2 1087643 ♠ ♠ never likely to work, as if South has ♥ J952 N ♥ 106 I prefer a splinter bid in support of a W E A J he may the ♠J, expecting 8765 J4 to show a range of around ♦ S ♦ the ♠Q to be in the North hand after 943 K65 9-12 HCPs, and definitely not 3 ♣ ♣ the lead of the ♠5, often promising AKJ controls and the queen. ♠ an honour. ♥ 4AQ EW may not get to slam via a 2D response, but at least the game- ♦ AQ10 M 6 ♠ Q109873 force will be established early, or ♣ AQ82 Bd 18 ♥ J862 maybe even immediately if playing Dlr S ♦ Q3 2/1, and allow cue-bidding to start. Vul EW ♣ 4 W N E S Having such good controls it was ♠ J64 ♠ A5 2D! 3NT easy for West to ruff the second ♥ A N ♥ Q943 All pass W E heart in dummy, draw trumps in 3 ♦ 10982 S ♦ 7654 rounds, and set up the diamonds ♣ AKJ72 ♣ 1053 South did not appear to be prepared with 2 ruffs for 12 tricks. ♠ K2 for such a good hand after a weak- Not many pairs got to slam, judging ♥ K1075 2 opening, and bid a wide-ranging by the result of only a 1 IMP gain to ♦ AKJ and possibly ill-defined 3NT. us for ‒680, so the loss would have ♣ Q986 Also apparently North did not expect been high if EW had bid slam. a 25-27 HCP hand for the 3NT Here the defence slipped a little, and , as he made no attempt to W N E S Peter took full advantage. look for slam. P 1NT P 2C P 3D Peter led the ♦8 and declarer M 6 ♠ 87652 P 4D P 4H overtook the ♦10 in dummy at trick 3 Bd 15 ♥ 106 All pass to lead the ♣J, making 13 easy tricks Dlr S ♦ AJ108 when the club finesse worked and Vul NS ♣ 43 On this board I made the mistake in the suit broke 3-3. He did not even ♠ QJ10 ♠ K943 a part-score hand of trying for a 4-4 have to take the spade finesse. ♥ Q872 N ♥ A943 heart fit when I knew we already had W E A couple of other Easts also opened ♦ 4 S ♦ KQ9 at least a 6-2 spade fit. with either the Multi or a direct 2S, ♣ AK872 ♣ J6 I thought that I was safe in that I not always keeping NS out of slam, ♠ A could bid 2S over a 2D response, but enough NS pairs bid the slam to ♥ KJ5 or simply pass a 2H response, but gain us a modest 4 IMPs. ♦ 76532 I forgot that we had agreed to play This board showed the advantages of ♣ Q1095 extended Stayman, so Peter rebid having defined outside values when 3D to show a maximum (out of 14- showing support via a splinter bid. 16), and at least one 4-card major. W N E S Even now our agreed system P M 5 ♠ J86 2C P 2D! P prevented me from signing off in 3S, Bd 3 ♥ AK54 2H P 4H All pass as this denied spades and showed 4 Dlr S ♦ 6 hearts, so all I could do was rebid 4D Vul EW ♣ J9865 North got the defence off to a good and ask Peter to bid his major suit. ♠ AK532 ♠ Q974 start by leading the ♠5 won perforce The ♣A was cashed by West at trick ♥ Q10 N ♥ 9 by South, who led the ♣5 after some W E 1 and with the bad trump break, ♦ K9 S ♦ A108753 thought. Peter ran this around to the Peter finished 2 off for ‒200 and a ♣ Q1042 ♣ AK ♣J in dummy and played the ♥A and poor score. ♠ 10 ♥3, so South was in again. ♥ J87632 I knew that instead of my bidding 4D, South now exited with the ♦7 and Peter would pass a 4S rebid by me, ♦ QJ42 North was in the spotlight. A spade ♣ 73 and that is what I should have bid. lead now would lead to a ruff and As it happens, a club lead by East is 1 off, but Peter had played the ♠Q not certain, and on any other lead 4S at trick 1, hiding the ♠J and ♠10, and may even make! W N E S North was taken in and led back a P 1S P 4H! P club, allowing Peter to draw the final Be optimistic in your bidding. 4S All pass trump and claim 10 tricks for +420 Become a hope addict. and almost 6 IMPs to us.

The QBA Bulletin October - December 2015 4

M 7 ♠ AJ1052 M 8 ♠ 93 Manager's Bd 19 ♥ 7653 Bd 1 ♥ AQ1087 Dlr S ♦ 2 Dlr N ♦ 874 Travels Vul EW ♣ J106 Vul None ♣ 874 ♠ 4 ♠ K9863 ♠ 4K1085 ♠ AJ762 ♥ Q9 N ♥ 1082 ♥ 95 N ♥ J2 W E W E ♦ 7KQ108 S ♦ J654 ♦ 5 S ♦ AQ106 ♣ AK985 ♣ 7 ♣ AQ1093 ♣ KJ ♠ Q7 ♠ Q Kim ♥ AKJ4 ♥ K643 Ellaway ♦ A93 ♦ KJ932 ♣ Q432 ♣ 652 EPTEMBER saw me travelling to SAlice Springs and then October to New Zealand. As you all know I have W N E S W N E S a couple of drinks prior to embarking 1NT P 1NT P so I am fine for the flight. Can you 2C! 2S All pass 2H! X 3H! P imagine my nerves on the Alice trip 4S All pass where we all got on the plane only to I was playing 2S in the dark as be told there was a security breach The number of tricks to NS gener- West's 2C overcall of Peter's 1NT and we had to disembark and then ally depended on the contract! In a 4S opening was supposed to show a we were herded away as the airport contract, declarer was mostly held to single-suiter! was cleared of people and then after 11 tricks when NS cashed their heart a couple of hours we were allowed East did not make the mistake of tricks, but many EW pairs in slam made back on - well, I was truly sober by leading his ♣7, as he was not looking 13 tricks when NS did not lead hearts. for a ruff when he had 5 trumps, and this time so hubbie Ray copped it all instead he tried to find West's suit by At our table, since I was a passed the way home. hand, I though I was able to double leading the ♥2. We somehow made the top 16 at the transfer bid of 2H for the lead. When I won on the table and took Now East bid 3H showing good the New Zealand Nationals and that the losing spade finesse, East led spade support and denying a heart was all very exciting, and we even the ♥8, which did not look likely that stop, to right-side the contract in managed to win a stanza in our heat he had the ♥Q, so I flew ♥A and got case West had K x. of the quarters. It was nice to see the good news. Laura Ginnan and her young team On lead to 4S I was loathe to lead a of males winning the honours. The bad news came when I led a heart, especially since Peter did not spade off the table, so 9 or 10 tricks double 3H to show support, and thus Gold Coast Congress entries have had been reduced to just 8! EW scored up ‒510 in quick order. opened and entries are steadily coming in. As it will be December by Left to our own devices, we would Peter did not double 3H in case my the time you read this the organising not have found our 4-4 heart fit double was for take-out, which it of the event will be in full swing. as the extended Stayman would would have been if I was not already not allow it, but Peter would have a passed hand, but enough EW It also is a timely reminder that played in 2S after a transfer pairs bid and made the slam so that Christmas will be here shortly (my sequence. we gained almost 1 IMP averaged favourite time of the year) and A 2NT bid by West, to show the over the whole field in spite of ‒510. that Ray and I would like to thank minors, would be normal. The full article is on the website. all Queensland bridge players for their help over the year and wish all readers a Merry Christmas and QCBC happy New Year. ■ 67 Ipswich Rd Woolloongabba Ph: 3391 3241 Email: [email protected] www.qcbc.org.au QBA Sessions: Mon 10.30 am 7.30 pm Tue 10.00 am 7.30 pm Wed 10.30 am 7.30 pm Individual Thur 10.30 am Fri 10.00 am 7.30 pm Sunday December 20 Sat 1.00 pm at 9.30 am Supervised: Mon 7.30 pm QCBC Fri 9.30 am

The QBA Bulletin October - December 2015 5

Now run the clubs, discarding A different story with a ♦J opening Bridge Travel dummy's three diamonds – and on lead: the defense scores the first 5 tricks. the last club …. The 7-card ending: ♠K43 The full hand: ♥AKQ8 Dlr: E Vul: Nil ♦ - ♠KT43 ♣ - ♥AKQ8 Sarah ♠QJ9 Strickland ♦K76 ♥J765 (irrelevant) ♣A3 ♦ - ♠QJ97 ♠86 One of the great joys of bridge ♣ - ♥J765 ♥T32 travel is that wherever you go you ♠A5 can usually find other bridge players ♦J93 ♦AQT42 ♥94 – and a friendly welcome. ♣65 ♣Q97 With a few days in Hong Kong prior ♦85 ♠A52 to embarking on a cruise back to ♣4 ♥94 Queensland, a game at a local ♦85 bridge was a great chance to meet West is squeezed in the majors. some locals. ♣KJT842 13 tricks! The Hong Kong Bridge Association website has links to half a dozen clubs with sessions most days of the week. So last port of call before the Cruise Terminal was the Ladies Recreation Club for their Friday bridge session. Not only were the locals very friendly, so were the cards. Partner sails full speed ahead to game with this auction: N E S W (partner) (you) Bridge Hosts: Trevor & Sarah Strickland P P P 1♦* P 1NT P Northern Sector Southern Sector 3NT All pass * , “better minor” 16 nights 31 Oct – 16 Nov 2016 17 nights 16 Nov – 3 Dec 2016 How would you play your 1st hand in Inside cabins: from $2137* Inside cabins: from $2309* Hong Kong on ♠7 ? Outside: from $2637* Outside: from $2809*, Balcony: from $3137* Balcony: from $3509* (dummy) ♠KT43 ♥AKQ8 ♦K76 ♣A3

(declarer) ♠A52 ♥94 ♦85 ♣KJT842 The club suit could be source of tricks. Better preserve ♠A as an in case of a misguess of ♣Q. For more information see So cross fingers and play ♠T (ducking if East plays ♠J or ♠Q). www.qbatravel.com Dummy's ♠T wins! Call for dummy's ♣A, followed by Email: [email protected] the ♣3, cross fingers and finesse, both defenders play small clubs! Phone: 0439 743823

The QBA Bulletin October - December 2015 6

3) The bidding goes: 1♥ P P to you. Not quite enough to double directly Teachers' ♠ Q9763 over 1♥, but enough in balancing. Corner ♥ 84 3) 2♥. Michaels , same as ♦ J direct seat, showing a two-suited ♣ AKJ102 hand, five or more spades, and five Your bid? Answer:……… or more cards in one minor. 4) The bidding goes: 1♥ P P to you. 4) 1NT. In balancing, shows around ♠ 103 11 – 14 points, and a stopper. Joan ♥ AJ10 5) 2♠. A jump overcall in balancing is Butts ♦ K1083 intermediate, stronger than a simple ♣ KQ75 overcall. Because you could balance Bridge In Townsville - Balancing with 1♠ on a relatively weak hand, Your bid? Answer:……… THANKS to organising maestro, you need to show partner you have Gloria Macdonald (who could prob- 5) The bidding goes: 1♥ P P to you. a good hand with interest in game. ably run a national event single-hand- AKJ1065 ♠ 6) 2NT. In the direct seat, a jump ed), and some other key figures in the 75 ♥ overcall of 2NT would be unusual, Townsville Bridge Club, I was there 9AQ ♦ showing a weak, distributional hand in early September for four days of Q7 ♣ with at least five cards in the two workshops, and teaching sessions. Your bid? Answer:……… lower-ranking suits. In balancing, a The first day covered Balancing, a 6) The bidding goes: 1♥ P P to you. jump to 2NT is natural, showing a rather large topic. In preparing for ♠ AJ balanced 20-21 points. it, I had got my hands on a Mike ♥ KQ9 7) Double. Although you are forcing Lawrence classic, “Balancing”, and ♦ AQ73 partner to bid at the three level, you was amused by the introduction. ♣ KJ92 have to take that chance in balancing. Mike and an old friend agreed to After a pre-empt, the onus is on play a tournament after many years Your bid? Answer:……….. the partner with the ‘shape’ to take of not talking bridge, or having any 7) The bidding goes: 2♠ P P to you. some action if possible, especially in system discussion. They met a few ♠ 94 balancing, to protect the partnership’s minutes before the session, and ran ♥ AJ75 interest in the deal. through a few essentials. ♦ KQ8 8) 3♠. Michaels, showing five+ hearts The first match was a big success, ♣ Q753 and five of a minor. where they bid and played in per- Your bid? Answer:………. fect harmony, seemingly in tune with 9) 4♥. Too strong to simply overcall 8) The bidding goes: 2♠ P P to you. each other at every turn. The second 3♥, which could be a little light in match, however, was a totally differ- ♠ 8 balancing. Partner might pass and ent story where three times, hands ♥ KQ1087 game might be missed. A jump to came up which required understand- ♦ AKJ74 4♥ in balancing is not preemptive. It ings of balancing bidding agreements, ♣ 53 shows a strong hand. and three times they failed to be in Your bid? Answer:……….. 10) 2NT. After a weak two-bid or a sync. Mike says that because there is 9) The bidding goes: 2♠ P P to you. , a no trump overcall covers almost no room on the system ♠ 5 a wide range. Here you have a card for balancing understandings, ♥ AKJ9763 with 14hcp + 1 length people ignore this part of bridge. ♦ 63 point for the five-card diamond suit. How much have you and your partner ♣ AK10 With stoppers in the spade suit, 2NT thought about balancing? Try these is the most descriptive call. Your bid? Answer:…………. exercises … (answers follow) If you and your partner scored 100% 1) The bidding goes: 1♥ P P to you. 10) The bidding goes: 2♠ P P to you. on the Balancing quiz, well done. ♠ 863 ♠ KJ8 The areas that players have not ♥ 92 ♥ Q5 sorted out is the meaning of jump ♦ A103 ♦ AJ1075 , and also what no trump ♣ KQ1075 ♣ K104 bids mean in the balancing seat. Your bid? Answer:……… Your bid? Answer:……….. Pre-emptive hands don’t come up much in the balancing position 2) The bidding goes: 1♥ P P to you. Answers so it’s better to play jump bids as ♠ QJ96 1) 2♣. Only 9 hcp + 1 LP for the five- intermediate to strong so that partner ♥ 82 card suit. Not enough to bid in the can differentiate between hands that ♦ Q963 direct seat, but enough in balancing. should be played in partscore, and ♣ AJ5 2) Double. Support for the unbid suits, times when game could be right. Your bid? Answer:……… 10 hcp +1 point for the doubleton heart. Similarly, 1♥ P P 2NT is 20 - 21pts,

The QBA Bulletin October - December 2015 7 a strong balanced hand not the • When the opponents have NOT unusual 2NT it is in the direct seat. found a fit, eg 1♥ P 1♠ P 1NT P P to you. Also, there are differences of opinion QLD’S BIGGEST STOCKIST between experts on what constitutes • When you have wasted values in a balancing 1NT bid. Standard is 11 the opponent’s suit. OF GERMAN FASHION -14, but some like to keep the same • When your side is vulnerable. 15-17 as in the direct seat. Most Summary of Adjustments for don’t see the value of balancing with Bidding in the Balancing Position. 1NT on a poor 10 count, preferring to pass the hand in. • Overcalls and doubles may be made on less than normal values Here’s a whole hand. (about a king less, say 8+ (1♥ P P Dlr W ♠ Q4 1♠). Vul Both ♥ 97 • 1NT in balancing is usually 11 – ♦ A962 14 (some play 11 – 16) (1♥ P P ♣ K8643 1NT). ♠ 2AK105 ♠ 83 • To jump in your suit in balancing ♥ AKJ83 N ♥ Q1064 W E is not weak, it’s intermediate to ♦ Q4 S ♦ 3J85 strong (1♥ P P 2♠ ) = 13+ points. It ♣ J ♣ 1075 shows partner that you really have ♠ J976 a good hand. ♥ 52 • 2NT in the balancing seat is also ♦ K107 strong, not the unusual variety (1♥ ♣ AQ92 P P 2NT = 19 – 20). • Michaels applies in balancing, W N E S same as in the direct seat (1♥ P P S 1 P P ? 2♥ = spades and a minor). • Don’t balance without the correct Should you balance with the South shape. hand with 10 points? This hand • When your partner has balanced, is a good example of when not you should bid with more caution, to balance. South doesn’t have a assuming partner may be weaker good hand for an overcall or takeout than usual. The “king less” that double, and also doesn’t have quite partner has balanced on, should enough for 1NT. With reasonable be the “king more” that you have defense against spades, South “up your sleeve” so to speak. ■ should simply pass and defend. If South does balance, it gives West a chance to bid hearts. EW can make State News only eight tricks in spades but ten tricks in hearts. They might get to 4♥ if, after a balancing bid by South, Winners of the Qld Graded Pairs - West jumps to 3♥ and East chooses Section A - Tony Jackman and Tony to raise to 4♥. Hutton, Section B - Jim and Cora Taylor, Section C - Gabriel Boross Deciding whether to balance or not and Gary Ypinazar is the key issue. Here are some Winners of the Qld Open Pairs - standard suggestions: Nathan Van Jole and Jim Wallis. When You should Stretch to Best performed Zonal Pair was Balance Hugh O’Malley and Peter Gordon. • When the opponents have found Winners of the Qld Senior Pairs - a fit, and have stopped in a Therese Tully and Fred Whitaker partscore. (ineligible due to residency), Title • When you don’t have wasted awarded to Cecily Critchley and values in the opponents’ suit. Lynley Jenkins. • When you are prepared to handle General - Australian National the subsequent auction. Championships to be held in When You Should be Cautious of Brisbane in 2016 – venue – Kedron Balancing Wavell Services Club.

The QBA Bulletin October - December 2015 15668_JB_Salt_mag_ad_FA.indd 1 21/10/2015 3:25 pm 8

♠ AQJ643 ♠ ─ forcing, East can bid it with a stronger Cuppaidge’s ♥ AK7 ♥ J6 hand. He might use it with four cards ♦ KJ9 ♦ 1086432 in hearts and a stopper for example. Column ♣ 3 ♣ J10875 With extra values, West must make This is how the bidding went. It was sure game is reached. West’s cue on BBO of course. bid in reply to 2NT shows a three- suiter. If East bids 2NT and corrects W N E S 3C or 3D to 3NT he has four hearts 1S P P 2H and at least half a stopper. George 2S P 2NT P Cuppaidge S 4 P P X Over the years I have been working P P 5C X on a book demonstrating the 2NT is not a Good Spot All pass! enormous number of opportunities that the simple understanding, SOME spots in bridge are Would you, dear reader, have come 2NT always forcing, provides. It notoriously worse than others. 2NT to the same conclusion that this West runs to nearly 200 pages. It is in a is particularly bad one. If you go one did? That partner had found a couple constant state of edit so do not be down you have overbid, if you make of aces? This is not a common disappointed if a certain section is an overtrick you have missed game. situation. It is so often right to give under review. Here is a link to it. To score well you must make on the up if you are staring at a misfit, but knocker. Playing in five of a major is it is nice to be able to improve the https://www.dropbox.com/ similarly notorious. So? contract in safety when you have a s/9te2uhp36xyh5ft/two%20nt%20 always%20forcing%20george%20 You should agree never to play there. hand like this. This use of 2NT much may%202014.doc?dl=0 ■ Play 2NT as forcing, always, as Tim reduces the risk. Seres did. This will help you to solve It is always a good idea in bidding a myriad of bidding problems while to stop and think when partner has 25 Years Ago at the same time freeing up your made an unusual bid. Ask yourself suit bids as natural. 2NT works just just what it might mean, and weigh as effectively as “check-back” as do up before bidding on. This particular The Suncorp 2C or new minor forcing and those West appears to have missed two CTOBER 20-21 saw the annual bids become free again as natural. such opportunities. His actions are OBrisbane Bridge Centre con- So often two of that minor is as far of a common variety, thinking only in gress held at Doomben racecourse. as you want to go. As well, when terms of his own cards. The event incorporated the Queens- partner raises your new minor, you ♠ 64 ♠ 52 land Open, and this, combined with know he has extra values and is not ♥ KQ7 ♥ J853 the generous prize money on offer, simply obeying your command. After ♦ KJ75 ♦ AQ32 brought in a field of sixty tables, 1C-1S; 1NT, you can make the bid ♣ A843 ♣ 765 beating last year's record of fifty- you want to make, 2D, holding two. When I suggested to convenor W N E S ♠ Q9654 ♥ 32 ♦ AJ753 ♣ 6 Richard Wallis that he might look to 1S seven sections of nine, he imme- For completeness, it should be X! 2S 2NT P diately told me they could handle noted that the 2NT opening bid, 3C P 3D All pass seventy-two tables. Now there's when played as 20-22 balanced or confidence! For anyone who has not some similar range is not forcing Many players would see 3H as yet tried it, I advise you to book early but all other instances of 2NT are, automatic on the East cards at his for next year. The champers-and- including 2C-2D; 2NT. It is used to first turn, relying upon partner’s prawn lunch overlooking the sweep find the best game or slam, often double of 1S to promise four hearts. of the racecourse is enticing. not 3NT. Unless the context says To be fettered by such an agreement otherwise, 2NT creates a game- means that West has no bid on a The field was a strong one, with force. It is never a game invitation. good hand such as this one. This several interstate contestants, though not as many as in last year's These examples demonstrate this particular use of 2NT permits EW to inaugural mating of the Old Open use of 2NT in solving bidding prob- do the best they can in this typically and Doomben. Perhaps the fact that lems at both extremes of distribution. tense tactical situation. Over 2S, no southern marauders carried off Perhaps they are “obvious” without East is too good to pass and not any prizes at that time accounts for it. any agreement, but to have this strong enough to insist on game. You agreement makes life a whole lot have shifted the problem to NS. Do But a good deal of spice was added safer. they double you for one down? Or do to the tournament by the participation they take the push? They certainly (sponsored by Australian Airlines and Being stripped, and squeezed can make 2S. Not vulnerable, if 2S Ansett) of the Australian Youth Team. in the majors: it does not get is their limit you have out bid them One of the incidents generated by more painful than that. whatever they do. youthful exuberance was the talk Important to note is that since 2NT is of the room in the final. Boards 22,

The QBA Bulletin October - December 2015 9

23, and 24 of Final 1 were played went on to win, comfortably enough as a set, the boards being shared Dlr E ♠ 1098 in the end. between two tables, so that they did Vul EW ♥ QJ3 ♦ 3 Here's an instructive board from not come in order. On board 22, NS the final, where, as far as I can ♣ AKJ942 bid and made 6H. Now board 24 determine, nobody found the simple was played, and EW bid and made ♠ AQ7652 ♠ J43 ♥ 875 N ♥ 64 defence to 3NT. 6H. A bit of badinage ensued, and W E ♦ 104 ♦ Q9876 someone suggested that whoever S ♠ 1063 ♣ 105 ♣ 763 Dlr W had a heart suit on the next board ♥ J109 ♠ K Vul Both should bid 6H. ♦ AK7 ♥ AK1092 ♣ 8763 "A boy's will is the wind's will," says ♦ AKJ52 ♠ J9 ♠ Q872 the poet. Peter Newman picked up ♣ Q8 ♥ Q87 N ♥ 6432 board 23, looked at his cards briefly W E and opened 6H! ♦ QJ10983 S ♦ 654 I suppose it's better than a small ♣ AJ ♣ Q5 spade lead, which gives the stars Dlr S ♠ AJ2 ♠ AK52 of that particular horror story the Vul Both ♥ 107 ♥ AK5 ♦ Q975 second overtrick. ♦ 2 ♣ A865 The behaviour of the Youth players ♣ K10942 ♠ ─ ♠ K1076 was impeccable throughout the ♥ AKQ954 N ♥ J86 event, there being none of the W E Practically every W bid diamonds ♦ AKJ S ♦ 10632 crowing usually associated with and every N finished in 3NT. ♣ K942 ♣ J7 those of tender years, although The first diamond was ducked, the ♠ Q98543 Robert Fruewirth and Ben Thompson second won in hand, and a club ♥ 32 (who fell into the Plate) had every led towards the table. If E drops the ♦ 84 opportunity to indulge themselves queen, the contract is two off. ♣ Q103 when NS against yours truly. After extensive enquiries, I found no E who managed the unblocking play, The Grandmaster sitting N was a Dlr S ♠ 10632 including, regretfully, the winners! cheerful sort of fellow and he entered Vul Both ♥ 4 into the spirit of things. Doubling ♦ AJ8 In the event, some EWs (including quickly, he led off his two aces - ♣ K10962 the winners) struck it lucky when unhappily in the wrong order! The ♠ 4KJ875 ♠ 9AQ declarer took the club finesse! ♥ A953 N ♥ KJ1076 ace of clubs followed by the ace of W E At our table, no such luck. Tony spades was the only defence to let ♦ 432 S ♦ 75 Jackman, taking some time off from the slam make! As Peter pointed out ♣ ─ ♣ 853 his journalistic efforts to play in a when aspersions were cast by his ♠ ─ congress, gave the matter a good Youth teammates later, no one else in ♥ Q82 five seconds thought before correctly the room scored 1660 on the board, ♦ KQ1096 rising the king for nine tricks. (If W so any criticism of his bid could be ♣ AQJ74 has the A Q, you are doomed; if E considered sour grapes. has the ace, or W a singleton ace, you always make your contract. The I'm happy to say that the victims en- W N E S only case where you can affect the joyed the joke as much as anyone else. 1D result is the case at issue, ie, Q5 Another of the Youth team took his 1S 2S 3S 4S with E and A J with W.) turn to be a victim on one of these X 6C All pass  Frank White same boards. Holding this hand No J. Wallis heart lead here! The AQ7652 875 104 ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ 105 ♠A hit the deck, and that was an Playing the Hand what do you lead after the bidding overtrick. It hardly mattered, since has gone: no one else in the Plate managed to From Dummy RHO LHO bid the slam. N beginner lessons, you are told to 2C 2D The championship was a one-horse count your losers in suit contracts. 2NT 6NT I race for most of the day with Lavings- But no one says which hand you The 2C bid is described as 19-21 Bagchi holding a comfortable lead should count losers from. There any shape, 2D is a relay, and 2NT until, in round fifteen, they scored two are times when the easiest way shows that the hand is not single- out of forty-eight in the three-board to play a contract is to imagine suited. set, allowing a Youth pair, Peter that dummy is the hand playing If you opted for the ♥8, you did the Newman and John Spooner, to slip the contract, and your own hand same as Jim Wallis. Brilliant, Jimmy, past. But experience prevailed over is dummy. Here are some good but not a success. the last two sets, and the favourites guidelines.

The QBA Bulletin October - December 2015 10

1. If dummy has the longer trumps have played the hand like this if you in a 5-3 or 6-2 fit, it is usually best to had been declaring it from North. Novices think of dummy as playing the hand. 2. Where both hands have 4 or more This situation frequently comes up trumps (4-4, 4-5, 4-6, 5-5 fits etc), when you play transfers over your you can mentally play the contract 1NT opening - dummy is the one from your hand or dummy. Usually with the long trump suit. you’ll find it easiest to play the contract from the hand with the most Michael Dlr S ♠ A83 points. Fawcett ♥ KQ1085 ♦ 7 Helen Blair is the new Novice ♠ 43 ♣ 10742 ♥ AK43 Coordinator 765 1094 ♠ ♠ ♦ J98765 I AM very pleased to announce that ♥ J32 N ♥ 96 W E ♣ 4 Helen Blair has agreed to take over KQJ9 10543 ♦ S ♦ ♠ Q98 ♠ J1075 the role of Novice Coordinator. Earlier AJ9 K863 N ♣ ♣ ♥ J8 ♥ Q107 this year, Helen began representing ♠ KQJ2 W E ♦ AK2 S ♦ 103 me at novice congresses because ♥ A74 ♣ KJ976 ♣ Q1085 I am no longer eligible to enter ♦ A862 ♠ AK62 these competitions having >100 ♣ Q5 ♥ 9652 . Helen has already ♦ Q4 demonstrated a fresh approach in ♣ A32 her representative role while playing W N E S 1NT in most novice congresses this year P 2D P 2H The contract is 4H by South. West led from Yeppoon to Brisbane, as well P 3C P 4H the ♦A and then switched to the ♥J. as the Gold Coast Congress. Helen All pass Declarer at South was too fixed on is approachable for advice or to her own hand. Looking at the South receive feedback from any rookie Lead: ♦K hand, you must lose 2 diamonds or novice player, or alternatively What I frequently see in hands of this and 1 heart and cannot afford to she can be contacted through type is that after winning the ♦K in lose anything more. Alas, there are the usual novicecoordinator@ hand, the South declarer frets about 2 spade losers and 2 club losers qldbridge.com email address. The their diamond “losers” and starts to which declarer proceeded to try to Novice Coordinator role is a very ruff diamonds in dummy. This is not ruff in dummy. A moment’s thought important one in providing support a good way of going about things if will tell you that this will not work as and encouragement for new rookies you think about it. The trumps will be you will have to ruff with the trump and novices in our game, and Helen drawn in 3 rounds of hearts and your A K and will develop 2 more trump is the right person to take this role ♥8 and ♥5 will be winners. If you winners for the defence. forward. Importantly, we can all help trump diamonds with the ♥8 and ♥5 Helen by providing additional support Now mentally go across to dummy you are not gaining anything - these and encouragement to any rookie or and assess the losers - no spades cards were winners anyway. In fact novice player coming through the or clubs, 1 heart if they break and at what you are doing is dangerous - beginner lessons to playing in clubs least 2 diamond losers. But you now you are shortening your own trumps and congresses. realise how to play the hand - if you and you could end up losing trump can set up diamonds and only lose Playing in Leeds control. to the ♦A K then you will make your I recently arrived back from a holiday The best way of going about things contract. visiting friends and relatives in the is to assume you’re playing the Just lead a diamond to the ♦Q. West UK. I was there for three weeks and I contract from the North hand. You wins with the ♦K and the defence will knew that I would need a small bridge see you have no spade losers, no get the ♥Q (or a diamond ruff) at fix during that time. Before leaving heart losers (if they break 3-2), no some point but that’s it. When you Brisbane I contacted Garforth Bridge diamond losers, but 4 small clubs get in, just draw trumps and run the Club, which plays regularly in the you will have to do something about. winning diamonds. local cricket clubhouse in the small, Two clubs you must lose, one club  picturesque village of Berrick-in- can go on the 4th spade, but the Peter Evans Elmet on the outskirts of Leeds. I other club you must ruff in your hand. was in touch with the club’s partner Easy now isn’t it? You don’t touch I favour light opening bids. organiser to arrange a partner for an trumps, but lead and lose 2 rounds When you're my age, you can initial pairs session and once there of clubs straight away. Then you ruff never be sure that the bidding I was asked to make up a team for a club, draw trumps and throw a club will get back around to you again. my second session. I had to play the away on the spades, making 5 for a Oswald Jacoby at 77 system and use bidding boxes, shared top. Notice that you would both of which were unfamiliar to me

The QBA Bulletin October - December 2015 11 but I soon adapted. The players of The GCC always has a tremendous including novices, can be found on Garforth Bridge Club were friendly atmosphere to enjoy bridge, including the QBA website at www.qldbridge. and made me feel very welcome, the themed dress-up afternoon on com. making my experience a thoroughly Wednesday, and you are bound to Questions enjoyable one. see familiar faces there. Booklets If any novice players have Rookie And Mentor Program should now be available in your club questions or concerns, please (RAMP) update with information about all events, so feel free to contact Helen Blair at RAMP is progressing well in a couple come along and join in the fun! novicecoordinator@qldbridge. of Brisbane and regional clubs. This Coming Events com or via the Novice tab on the excellent program provides rookies At the time of publication, only a QBA website. with fewer than 10 MP the chance few bridge events of 2015 remain, Wishing you a Merry Christmas to play 4 times with an experienced however a full list of coming events and a Happy and Prosperous New player over a period of 3 months. for 2016, for players of all ranks Year. ■ Rookies gain confidence at every session, which will give them the encouragement and confidence to play in club sessions and congresses, including the forthcoming Gold Coast Congress. Gold Coast Congress (GCC) 2016 Christmas is just around the corner and the GCC seems so far away, Be the right kind of dummy however the New Year will soon be Play your cards right upon us. The seven weeks leading Sounds of Life offers FREE hearing screenings for bridge members! up to the GCC is an ideal time for rookies and novices to practise and Book your check-up today. Call us on 1300 744 432 or visit fine tune their systems in preparation www.soundsoflife.com.au for the biggest Australian bridge This is a great opportunity to check in with your lugholes and make event of the year. There are 2 sure they’re in ship shape (and bridge shape). sessions dedicated to rookies as And if you are in need of a hearing aid, we offer the best value well as 2 sessions for novices discreet hearing solutions available. So lend us your ears - we under 50 masterpoints. All novices promise to give them back! up to 100 masterpoints have a full day competition (two sessions) as well as the three day Novice Pairs Championship and three day Novice 'Did he say Teams competition. eight or ace?'

Sounds of Life has multiple locations across Brisbane and Jan Malinas found that the dreaded offers affordable, quality hearing transition to hearing aids was greatly care. Eligible pensioners can helped by Tracy of Sounds of Life, access free hearing aids. thanks to her understanding and experience.

The QBA Bulletin October - December 2015 12

♠ J10654 ♥ Q102 ♦ A976 ♣ 2 big hand greatly. It was a surprise to Queensland opposite find this scored 92%. Senior Pairs ♠ AKQ2 ♥ KJ97 ♦ ─ ♣ AQJ107 At day’s end the title was shared It made on the ruffing finesse for an between the two pairs who tied on 86% board and we were under way. VPs namely Cecily Critchley/Lynley The big hands kept coming in either Jenkins and Maureen Jakes/Alison direction and I can’t recall the last Dawson with Cecily and Lynley time my partnership bid a grand declared the winners after a count- that actually made. But it turned up back. Fred and we found ourselves in the good Congratulations to them all. ■ Whitaker contract of 7C on these cards: ♠ 9865 ♥ KQ9862 ♦ 7 ♣ J4 Territory Gold HE day began inauspiciously. opposite THaving established that my ♠ AQ7 ♥ A7 ♦ A ♣ AKQ10973 partner, Therese Tully, and I were It seems that 7NT might be optimal not eligible for any Queensland title as both appear to depend on either we entered anyway for the sake of hearts breaking or the spade finesse enjoying a game. and 7NT scores better. Seven hearts I like to make a day of it when Richard is inferior of course and not one Wallis possible on my forays over the border declarer played there. north so was enjoying breakfast in Then this where we at last knew HAD the pleasure of playing in Broadbeach when one arm dropped what we were doing. Ithe Territory Gold in Alice Springs off my specs. Brilliant! with Margaret Bourke this year, and ♠ J842 Breakfast completed there was Dlr N she did me a big favour by learning ♥ K9642 a delivery of a box of work to my Vul None the 2/1 system I normally play with ♦ 6 graphic artist who coincidentally Therese Tully, albeit with a few resides near the Gold Coast Bridge ♣ 1042 minor changes. Club. Job done I arrived at the club ♠ ─ ♠ 1095 N about 20 minutes prior to the start of ♥ 5Q1087 ♥ AJ3 After mixed results in the Match- W E Point Pairs and the Swiss Teams play for a system chat with partner. ♦ QJ742 S ♦ K1083 Our only game together having been ♣ K95 ♣ 876 with Micha Solar and George Bilski, about 5 years previously there was ♠ AKQ762 we finished with a very satisfying win certainly plenty to cover. ♥ ─ in the Swiss Butler Pairs. I had brought along a system card ♦ A95 Tony Jackman, a partner and and a half page of notes or so I ♣ AQJ3 good friend for many years, and thought. Certain it had been with apparently a budding comedian, me when leaving home I searched After 2 passes, South opened 2C; emailed me the following message everywhere especially under and 2D (relay), 2S, 4D (splinter), and the on Sunday night, “I always thought behind the car seats - favourite rest was easy to 6S. The key was Margaret Bourke was a good player, places for missing bits of paper. It partner’s splinter which improved the and now I am sure of it!” was no good so we would have to start from scratch. M 1 ♠ 987 Later the graphic artist queried the Bd 1 ♥ 8762 bridge system and notes which had Dlr N ♦ A1052 been included in the box dropped off Vul None ♣ A5 for her! Thanks should be given that ♠ 2KJ104 ♠ 5AQ ♥ AKJ4 N ♥ 953 they didn’t finish up in the magazine W E of which 100,000 copies are printed! ♦ 43 S ♦ Q86 At least partner was there and we ♣ Q9 ♣ K1087 came together at our starting table. ♠ 63 ‘I’ve left my bridge specs at home’, ♥ Q10 was Therese Tully’s opening salvo. ♦ KJ97 It seemed entirely appropriate that ♣ J6432 all these disasters should precede a Seniors' event and there remained five minutes for partner to graciously W N E S P 1C P agree to play my Gorilla Acol and to 1S P 1NT P scribble out a couple of cards. 2D! P 2S P Talk about a senior start to the day! 4S All pass First board and we, that is to say Therese Tully and Fred Whitaker Therese, bid to 6S on: The first board was a straight-

The QBA Bulletin October - December 2015 13 forward check-back situation, and indicated Margaret had 2 hearts at suddenly, West thought they had when Margaret showed 3-card most, 4 diamonds, and at least 5 enough for game after all! spade support, I went for game in clubs. Margaret led the ♦4, and our system spades. Now 4NT was RKCB for diamonds, worked against us as I felt I had to 3NT is a lucky make if NS do not and by her 5H response I knew she unblock the ♦10 under the ♦A in lead diamonds, but goes 1 off on a had the vital ♠A and the ♦K, making dummy, but this gave Margaret the diamond lead, whereas 4S is cold on the grand slam a good chance. wrong message about my diamond any lead. I bid 7NT instead of 7D, which has strength, as she could hardly credit South alerted my suspicious mind more play possibilities, as I did not West with J 7 5 3 as his diamond by asking about the 2D bid (alerted want to rely on just one suit, when stopper for bidding 3NT over 3C. by Margaret) before passing 4S, and either clubs or hearts may give me It looked easy for West when he both Margaret and I were getting enough tricks. led the ♣Q, which held, until he saw ready for a diamond lead, but North When dummy tracked I lost no time Margaret show out by discarding the had a club ruff on his mind and led in claiming 13 tricks for +1520, which ♦2! the ♣A and another club. was a surprising 10 IMPs to us. Now he passed the ♥J, and Margaret After this good start, I was able to won and led a spade, declarer win in hand, draw trumps ending on M 2 ♠ 9652 playing low in dummy. Winning the the table, and discard a diamond Bd 16 ♥ Q876 ♠Q I now cashed the ♦K and then led on the ♣K before taking the heart Dlr W ♦ Q9642 the ♦8, allowing Margaret to cash her finesse for my contract, needing only Vul EW ♣ ─ 2 remaining diamonds, and the ♥A a reasonable layout. ♠ 108 ♠ AKJ4 made it 2 off for +200 and 5 IMPs. ■ ♥ K1092 N ♥ J3 When South had the short heart W E The full article is on the website ♦ J753 ♦ A honours, I had an easy 11 tricks for S ♣ A43 ♣ QJ8762 +450, and a modest 2 IMPs against ♠ Q73 the board average of ‒370. Queensland ♥ A54 M 1 ♠ 1096542 ♦ K108 Youth Bridge Bd 5 ♥ 85 ♣ K1095 Fun Day Dlr N ♦ 75 Vul NS ♣ J64 ♠ AQ ♠ J8 W N E S IT'S FREE - all players ♥ KQ764 N ♥ AJ P P 1C X 8 to 25 years welcome W E ♦ AQ109 ♦ K642 1H P 1S P S P 2D 3C P When and where: ♣ A2 ♣ KQ875 3NT All pass ♠ K73 Sunday December 27 ♥ 10932 I do not think anyone knew what was at QCBC Ph: 3391 3241 ♦ J83 going on in the bidding of this board, Sunday January 10 1093 ♣ as surely the 1S rebid by East was at Toowong Bridge Club intended as forcing, and showed Phone: 3871 0661 longer clubs! Time: W N E S My double over the 1C opening is P 1C P 10.15 am - 1.00 pm. For all unconventional, but I did not want 1H P 2C P youths (8 to 25 years) to pass with 14 HCPs and 3-card 2D! P 3D P 12.15 pm - 1.00 pm. Lunch. 4NT P 5H P support for every suit. When 1S For all youths (8 to 25 years) 7NT All pass was passed around to Margaret, she balanced with 2D, and now Margaret preferred rebidding 2C to rebidding 1NT, even though I might have expected a more unbalanced hand, or a 6-card suit. Brisbane Bridge Centre Obviously I was always going to 104 Frederick St, Annerley. Ph: 3392 7933 slam when Margaret opened 1C, but [email protected] - www.bbc.bridgeaustralia.org the grand slam was not out of the Play Sessions Monday 9.30 am Supervised question if we had a fit somewhere, Tuesday 9.30 am Duplicate so I rebid 2D, which was an artificial 7.15 pm Duplicate game-force now known as Bourke’s Wednesday 10.00 am Duplicate Relay. 10.00 am Supervised What I was hoping for was 3-card Friday 10.00 am Duplicate heart support, but instead I found Saturday 1.00 pm Duplicate 4-card support for diamonds, which

The QBA Bulletin October - December 2015 14

QBA Graded Pairs QBA Open Pairs Club News

Noosa Local charities assisted by Noosa Bridge Club this year are Sunshine Hospice (Katie Rose Cottage) - $2,050, Sunshine Butterflies - $1,700 and RSPCA (Noosa) - $1,750. Kenmore Kenmore won the Brisbane Zone 'A' Grade winners interclub title. Tony Jackman and Tony Hutton Tamborine Eighty people, including many past members, attended the very suc- cessful opening day of our new Winners: Jim Wallis and bridge centre. Nathan van Jole Hari Baumanis represented the QBA and ABF and is one of our founding members. Already we have generated interest in our club, attracting a few new members. Of course we are limited with the number of people 'B' Grade winners living on the mountain. Cora Taylor and Jim Taylor We start lessons this week for beginners. The Australian National Champion- ships are to be held in Brisbane in 2016 - the venue being the Kedron Wavell Services Club. Stanthorpe Stanthorpe hosted the inaugural Plate winners: Meta Goodman and Robert Channon Wines Border Tony Jackman Pairs (sponsored by Robert Dalby Channon Wines) which is intended to strengthen regional interclub 'C' Grade winners Gabriel Boross and Gary Ypinazar relationships. Pairs from Tenterfield, Goondiwindi, Clean Cruising Pairs Warwick and Stanthorpe and it is planned to make this an annual event.

Toowoomba Swiss Pairs

The young (Alex Longford, 12) and the old (Gloria Collins, 94) played in our September congress. Alex was playing in his second congress Winners: Murray Perrin and Winners: Pam Schoen and under the expert guidance of his Neville Francis Phil Hale father, Byron.

The QBA Bulletin October - December 2015 15

Sanctuary Cove Toowong's 50th ANOTHER great day was had by over 120 participants in our second congress, held on Sunday, September 20 at the Country Club. We had invaluable help from many of our members who assisted on the day and supplied their card tables. The day was efficiently led by our director Chris Snook and a big thankyou to our convenor Sheryl Gardner. In addition, all our table fees from July's bridge sessions ($920) were used to purchase toiletry items for women living at the Women’s Refuge in Surfers Paradise who are victims of domestic violence.

The past presidents who attended the event Toowoomba Teams winners of the Hiley-McCutcheon Shield

NEW YEARS EVE TEAMS Thursday Dec 31 at 7.30 pm $60 per team Come in your favourite team colours Cash prizes and champagne supper Sue O'Brien, Margaret Millar, Ivy Luck and Paul Collins - John Luck absent QCBC OPEN QBA Teaching Seminar conducted by Joan Butts & NOVICE CROSS-IMP PAIRS Sunday Jan 10 Novices <100 MPs as at 30/9/2015 $60 per pair All enquires and entries to QCBC: 3391 3241 - qcbc1@optusnet. com.au Details on the website: www.qcbc.org.au

The QBA Bulletin October - December 2015 16

• Ask questions and look at an at [email protected] and I Directors' Corner opponent’s system card before will send you an invitation to join. we call not afterwards. Merry Christmas and a Happy New • Alert immediately, not after RHO Year. There will be a director get has called. together at the Gold Coast Congress • Stop alerting natural two level so keep an eye out for details. ■ openings regardless of their being Jan weak or strong. Peach QBA Mailing List Lurkers and contributors are welcome If you wish to be put on the on the QBA Director Discussion mailing list for news which is sent OLLOWING rectification for an Group hosted by Google Groups. out about once a month, please Festablished , Law 64C Easiest way to join is to go to the email the manager at restores equity should the number Director page at qldbridge.com and [email protected] of tricks transferred be insufficient click the link. Alternatively email me to undo the damage caused by the revoke. I find it easiest to simply ask. “I’ve transferred one trick. Is there Coming Events any suggestion that further damage Dec 6 Redlands Graded Teams Dec 13 QBA Teams of 3 - Kenmore was caused?” The non-offending Dec 20 QBA Individual side’s expectations are measured Jan 3 Gold Coast Graded Teams from the instant before the revoke Jan 10 QCBC Imp Pairs (Open and Novice) and not at Trick 1. Jan 12-24 ABF Summer Festival of Bridge - Canberra Consider A K 10 9 8 with Q J 6 to the Jan 17 Northern Suburbs Teams left in trumps. Four trump tricks look Jan 22-26 Townsville Australia Day Congress reasonable at Trick 1. However, the Jan 23 Kenmore Open and Novice Pairs 6 is concealed so that the Q J fall Jan 24 Kenmore Open and Novice Teams under the A K and LHO discards on Jan 31 Toowong Imp Pairs the 10 with the revoke later becoming Jan 31 Toowoomba Novice Pairs established. The expectation from Feb 6-11 ABF Open Play Off this suit in isolation the instant before Feb 6-7 QBA Senior Teams - Sunshine Coast the revoke is for 5 tricks to be made. Feb 7 Warwick Swiss Pairs Feb 14 Arana Teams Feb 19-27 2016 Gold Coast Congress I am still being asked about natural Mar 6 Toowong Novice Imp Pairs non-jump 2 level responses that are Mar 12-17 ABF Seniors / Womens Playoff Game Force rather than 10+ as in 2 Mar 12-13 QBA Mixed Teams - Noosa over 1. These do not require an alert. Mar 13 Dalby Swiss Pairs It is considered that opponents are Mar 19-20 QBA Open Selection Trials unlikely to have or need to discuss a Mar 19-20 Rockhampton Imp Pairs (19) and Teams (20) different action over a bid that shows Mar 25-28 Cairns Easter Congress 11+ or 12+ rather than just 10+. Mar 27-28 BBC Easter Pairs and Graded Teams Mar 31 QBA Council Meeting - AGM Apr 2-3 QBA Open Selection Trials It’s time for New Year resolutions. Apr 2 Surfers Paradise Novice Pairs Declarers sitting silent and expecting Apr 3 Toowoomba Butler Pairs dummy to select a card has reached Apr 9-10 QBA Open Selection Trials epidemic status. Their saying, “Yes, Apr 9 Townsville Pairs that one,” shows that dummy has Apr 9-10 Caloundra Teams improperly suggested a card to be Apr 10 Redland Novice Teams played. Declarer plays a card from dummy by naming the card. DEAD Only then does dummy move a hand towards it and pick it up. QBA MAR 14 (noon) • Let’s make our opening leads Email: manager@ Contributions to: 33 Royal Pde and display the dummy before qldbridge.com Ashgrove 4060 writing in personal record sheets Phone: 07 3351 8602 Ph: 07 3366 1292 or recording contracts in the table Mobile: 0412 064 903 Email: psquire@ unit. Fax: 07 3103 4799 lindabackceramics.com • Stop indulging in endless post Website: www. qldbridge.com mortems when time is short. LINE

The QBA Bulletin October - December 2015