Number: 196 April 2019 Bernard Magee’s Bidding Quiz This month we are dealing with conventions. You are West in the auctions below, playing ‘Standard Acol’ with a weak no- (12-14 points) and BRIDGEfour-card majors. It is your turn to call.

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South 2♦* 1NT 2♣* 1♣ 2♠* 1♠ 2NT* ? ? ? ? * Multi 2♦ = a weak two in either * = both majors * weak jump * Unusual 2NT: 5+ cards in each major or various very strong hands minor

2. Dealer South. Love All. 5. Dealer East. Love All. 8. Dealer East. Love All. 11. Dealer East. Love All. ♠ K Q 4 3 ♠ 8 3 2 ♠ 9 6 3 ♠ A J 10 5 ♥ 2 N ♥ 4 3 N ♥ K Q J 2 N ♥ Q J 7 6 5 N W E ♦ A 8 7 6 W E ♦ K 7 ♦ A K J 3 W E ♦ A 3 2 W E S S S S ♣ K Q 9 2 ♣ A J 8 5 4 3 ♣ 3 2 ♣ 7

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South 2♦* 1NT 2♣* 1♥ 2♠* 1♠ 2NT* ? ? ? ? * Multi 2♦ = a weak two in either * Landy = both majors * weak jump overcall * Unusual 2NT: 5+ cards in each major or various very strong hands minor

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South 2♦* 1NT 2♣* 1♣ 2♠* 1♠ 2NT* Dbl 3♣ ? ? ? ? * Multi 2♦ = a weak two in either * Landy = both majors * weak jump overcall * Unusual 2NT: 5+ cards in each major or various very strong hands minor

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

Features this month include: ADVERTISERS’ INDEX BRIDGE 1 Bidding Quiz by Bernard Magee 2 2019 Cruises with Ryden Grange, Knaphill, 5 Leanora Adds' Holiday Ideas Voyages to Antiquity Surrey GU21 2TH 7 Bidding Quiz by Bernard Magee 3 Clive Goff’s Stamps ( 01483 489961 4 2020 Magellan cruises 9 Declarer Play Quiz by David Huggett with Cruise & Maritime [email protected] Voyages www.mrbridge.co.uk 10 Answers your Questions shop: mrbridge.co.uk/shop 6 2020 Columbus cruises with Cruise & Maritime 11 Defence Quiz by Julian Pottage Publisher and Managing Voyages Editor 16 International Favourites by Paul Bostock 8 Mr Bridge UK Events Mr Bridge 2019-20 19 Two Suited : Part 3 by Andrew Kambites 9 Mr Bridge UK Events at Associate Editor The Chatsworth Hotel 21 Two Suited Overcalls: Part 3 Quiz Julian Pottage 11 Mr Bridge UK Events at [email protected] by Andrew Kambites The Olde Barn Hotel Bridge Consultant 22 What Is The Principle Of Restricted Choice? 15 Mr Bridge UK Events at Denham Grove Bernard Magee by Julian Pottage Mr Bridge bernardmagee @mrbridge. 18 UK Events at 24 The Diaries of Wendy Wensum Blunsdon House co.uk 21 Declarer Play with Cartoons & Illustrations 25 Catching Up with Bernard Magee Marguerite Lihou 26 More Tips by Bernard Magee 23 Bridge with Angela www.margueritelihou.co.uk 23 Bernard Magee DVDs 27 Entries: Part 3 by Sets 1-8 Technical Consultant Tony Gordon 28 Lady Flowynn’s Restraint by 24 Tricks of the Trade 26 Rules Typesetting 30 Seven Days by Sally Brock Simplified Jessica Galt 30 Q Plus 12 [email protected] 33 Declarer Play Quiz Answers by David Huggett 32 Tunisia 2019 34 Suit Preference Signals: Part 4 by Michael Byrne Proof Reading Team 35 Clive Goff’s Stamps Mike Orriel 36 David Stevenson Answers your Questions 40 Croatia 2019 Julian Pottage 40 Charity Events Catrina Shackleton 39 Defence Quiz Answers by Julian Pottage Richard Wheen 42 Designs for Bridge 41 Two-Suited Overcalls: Part 3 Quiz Answers Table Cover Customer Services by Andrew Kambites 42 Travel Insurance Catrina Shackleton 42 Letter from Overseas by John Barr 43 Acol Bidding with [email protected] Bernard Magee Events, Holidays & Cruises 43 Bidding Quiz Answers (1-3) by Bernard Magee 45 Mr Bridge UK Events at Two Bridges Hotel ( 01483 489961 44 Readers' Letters 46 European Connoisseur Jessica Galt with Voyages to [email protected] 45 Bidding Quiz Answers (4-6) by Bernard Magee Antiquity Megan Riccio 47 Bidding Quiz Answers (7-9) by Bernard Magee 47 Re-Boot your Play with [email protected] Bernard Magee 49 Bidding Quiz Answers (10-12) by Bernard Magee Emily Hawkins 47 Books on bridge [email protected] 50 Sally's Slam Clinic 48 Mr Bridge UK Festive Events 2019-20 Sandra Timbury [email protected] REDUCE THE COST OF YOUR POSTAGE 48 Mr Bridge UK Events at The Elstead Hotel British postage stamps for sale at 90% of Clubs & Charities 50 Defence with Bernard Maggie Axtell face-value, all mint and with full gum. Magee Quotations for commercial quantities [email protected] 50 Little Voice are available on request. 51 Italy 2019 Printed in the UK by Values supplied in 100s, higher values available, as well as 1st and 2nd class. 52 Classical Civilisations The Magazine of the Southern Printing Company ( 020 8422 4906 Mediterranean with www.magprint.co.uk e-mail: [email protected] Voyages to Antiquity

BRIDGE April 2019 Page 3

For details Leanora Adds' Holiday Ideas call my team Below are some suggestions for those looking for holiday inspiration. We have ( 01483 489961 many different options available, so I have outlined a few for you. www.mrbridge.co.uk

Top In 2020 we have two Pick Tunisia 2020 Good Value Magellan cruises from Bristol. With easy access by The weather has perked up now Our weekend events offer great car, train or coach, it may but the first part of the year always value for money. Once you start suit you better than you seems cold, dark and draining. So breaking down the event, what think. Especially ideal for next year, 3-10 March, why not join you get is quite impressive when those from Cornwall or Wales. Bernard Magee for a week of winter you see all that is included. If you River Seine warmth and have something to look feel that three bridge sessions is 15-21 September 2020 forward to. Prices start from £799 more than you need during the A perfect cruise taster with some per person all-inclusive, which is day, then make the most of the beautiful destinations. In both exceptional value. His similar event surrounding area and visit a local Honfleur and Rouen you find in 2019 sold out early, so do not attraction or do some shopping. yourself docked near the heart of delay or you could be disappointed. the town, which makes them The events include tea or coffee perfect for visiting. on arrival, a welcome drink and dinner on Friday as well as Iceland & the Northern Lights Balmoral 2020 21 October - 2 November 2020 breakfast, lunch and dinner on Combining two bucket-list & 2021 Launch Saturday, breakfast and a roast favourites in one go, what more See the centre lunch on Sunday plus tea and could you want. of BRIDGE for coffee during the breaks. Not to the brochure. mention all the bridge. We aim to See pages 4 and 6 for details. The launch offer is always have a minimum of four Your Tips team at our events to avoid having Aegean Odyssey Covered a playing director or a sit-out. or For a last chance to sail on Aegean Three Cruises for Odyssey why not join the Norwegian the Price of Two. Introducing the Team Fjords cruise departing 17 July Offer ends 31 May 2019. 2019. 14 days from £2450, sailing Sandy Bell Terms and conditions apply. Lead Host from Copenhagen to Tilbury. The Please call for details. price includes your tours, house wine with dinner and your gratuities. Sandy Bell has been part Isle of Wight of the Mr Bridge family since 2004. Her kind Christmas in Malta Bernard Magee will be returning nature, endless patience to the Trouville Hotel in 2020 and attention to detail are just some from 20-24 February. For many of the reasons she is loved by so this has become an annual mini- many of our guests. Since retiring, break not to be missed. So much Sandy has been a magistrate but so that commonly we do not need her main passion alongside bridge to advertise. However, this led to is sailing; not ocean liners but on complaints from those not able her 38ft catamaran, Kittiwakes III. Sandy Bell will be hosting a festive to join the group. Here is your Favourite event: Sandy loves all the event at the DB San Antonio Hotel notice so you don't miss out. The events as they give the opportunity & Spa (4*+ all-inclusive) in Malta Trouville is a family run sea-front to meet up with both familiar and this Christmas. There will be the hotel in Sandown. All the twins and new faces. In particular, Sandy option of seven nights covering doubles are sea-views, singles can enjoys presenting seminars and Christmas, or for those of you secure a sea-view for just £40. encouraging our guests to put into wanting a longer break, why not The event is £425 per person practice what they have learnt. also stay for the New Year. for four nights, full . The Favourite place: A special place in For bookings and an information topic will be Declarer Play, with Sandy’s heart is cruising the pack call ( 01483 489961. three seminars followed by their spectacular and picturesque Ha corresponding set hand sessions. Long Bay in Vietnam.

Bernard Magee’s Acol Bidding Quiz

This month we are dealing with conventions. You are West in the auctions below, playing ‘Standard Acol’ with a weak no-trump (12-14 points) and four-card majors. It is your turn to call.

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South 2♦* 1NT 2♣* 1♣ 2♠* 1♠ 2NT* ? ? ? ? * Multi 2♦ = a weak two in either * Landy = both majors * weak jump overcall * Unusual 2NT: 5+ cards in each major or various very strong hands minor

2. Dealer South. Love All. 5. Dealer East. Love All. 8. Dealer East. Love All. 11. Dealer East. Love All. ♠ K Q 4 3 ♠ 8 3 2 ♠ 9 6 3 ♠ A J 10 5 ♥ 2 N ♥ 4 3 N ♥ K Q J 2 N ♥ Q J 7 6 5 N ♦ A 8 7 6 W E ♦ K 7 W E ♦ A K J 3 W E ♦ A 3 2 W E S S S S ♣ K Q 9 2 ♣ A J 8 5 4 3 ♣ 3 2 ♣ 7

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South 2♦* 1NT 2♣* 1♥ 2♠* 1♠ 2NT* ? ? ? ? * Multi 2♦ = a weak two in either * Landy = both majors * weak jump overcall * Unusual 2NT: 5+ cards in each major or various very strong hands minor

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South 2♦* 1NT 2♣* 1♣ 2♠* 1♠ 2NT* Dbl 3♣ ? ? ? ? * Multi 2♦ = a weak two in either * Landy = both majors * weak jump overcall * Unusual 2NT: 5+ cards in each major or various very strong hands minor

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

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

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

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

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

BRIDGE April 2019 Page 7 Mr Bridge UK Events 2019-20 Full Board – No Single Supplement*

Just Duplicate Tutorial Events Tutorial Events Blunsdon House Blunsdon House with Bernard Magee 6-8 September from £228* 5-7 April from £238* Blunsdon House Defence to Weak Twos 1-3 November from £228* Hosted by John Ronan 28-30 June from £264* 4-4-4-1 Hands 22-24 November from £228* Elstead Hotel Chatsworth Hotel Bournemouth BH1 3QP 8-10 November from £264* 27-29 December from £228* 10-12 May £238 Game Tries Doubling Chatsworth Hotel Hosted by Sandy Bell Chatsworth Hotel 26-28 April £218 16-18 August £238 29-31 March £258 Leads and Fundamental Drawing Trumps 7-9 June £218 Defence 5-7 July £218 Hosted by Martin Holcombe 4-6 October £264 27-29 September £218 Denham Grove Elstead Hotel Denham Grove 1-3 November £218 9-11 August £238 Near Uxbridge, UB9 5DG 15-17 November £264 Responding to 1NT Key Card Blackwood and Slams 15-17 November £218 Hosted by Elaine Duff 23-27 December £519 Inn on the Prom Denham Grove Competitive Bidding 28-30 May £264 28-30 June £229 Hosted by Will Parsons Pre-Emptive Bidding Masterpointed Duplicate Elstead Hotel 19-21 July £218 26-28 April £238 Olde Barn Hotel 13-15 September £218 Suit Establishment 5-7 July £264 Olde Barn Hotel, Grantham Hosted by Sandy Bell Supporting Minors Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT 25-27 October £218 21-23 June £238 1-3 November £264 Elstead Hotel Hosted by Will Parsons Defence as Partner of the Leader 31 May – 2 June £218 Olde Barn Hotel Two Bridges Hotel 4-6 October £218 17-19 May £238 3-5 April from £349* 8-10 November £218 Drawing Trumps Better Finessing Hosted by John Ronan Olde Barn Hotel 20-22 September £238 Denham Grove Chatsworth Hotel Further into the Auction Worthing BN11 3DU 14-16 June £218 Hosted by Ray Hutchinson 27-29 December from £262 Better Leads & Switches 26-28 July £229 25-27 October £238 Masterpointed Duplicate Play and Defence of 1NT 29 Dec - 2 Jan from £525 Hosted by Michael Haytack Doubles 11-13 October £218 27-29 December £225 9-13 Jan 2020 from £479 15-17 November £218 Leads & Defence Re-Boot your Play Hosted by Elaine Duff 23-27 December £445 29 Dec - 1Jan £359 Trouville Hotel

Please note there are no seminars, set Game Tries ** Blunsdon House Hotel hands or prizes at these events. Hosted by Elaine Duff 20-24 Feb 2020 from £425 Swindon SN26 7AS Details & Bookings ( 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk *Subject to availability. Single supplement applies to all rooms at Two Bridges & Blunsdon House. **Price includes ferry fare for two adults in one car

DECLARER PLAY QUIZ by David Huggett (Answers on page 33)

ou are South as declarer playing or teams. YIn each case what is your play strategy? 2019 1. ♠ 7 6 3. ♠ K J 4 29-31 March £258 27-29 September £218 ♥ 8 2 ♥ A 4 Drawing Trumps Just Duplicate ♦ J 7 5 ♦ K J 6 Hosted by Bernard Magee 4-6 October £264 ♣ A K Q 10 5 3 ♣ A Q 6 4 3 26-28 April £218 Hosted by Bernard Magee Just Duplicate N N 18-20 October £238 W E W E 10-12 May £238 Declarer Play S S Doubling Hosted by Lesley Lewis Hosted by Sandy Bell ♠ A K 4 2 ♠ A 10 9 5 7-9 June £218 1-3 November £218 ♥ A 7 5 4 ♥ 9 3 Just Duplicate Just Duplicate ♦ A 9 2 ♦ A Q 10 8 4 3 ♣ 4 2 ♣ 7 5-7 July £218 15-17 November £218 Just Duplicate Just Duplicate 16-18 August £238 Leads and Fundamental You are declarer in 3NT after You are declarer in 6♦. West Defence East opened 2♠ showing five leads the ♥6. How do you Hosted by Martin Holcombe spades and four or five in a plan the play? minor with 5-9 points. West leads the ♠8. How do you plan the play?

2. ♠ 7 6 3 4. ♠ K 10 8 5 ♥ 8 5 ♥ J 2 ♦ A Q 6 5 3 ♦ A 9 3 ♣ 9 7 4 ♣ A 9 8 2 Prices shown are per person, full board including tea & coffee N N during breaks and a welcome drinks party. Single players will W E W E always be found a partner. The Mr Bridge team will offer support S S during the set hands sessions, on the seminar events, and make up the numbers in the duplicates, so there should never be a ♠ A K 9 ♠ A Q J 9 6 3 half table. ♥ A 6 4 ♥ K 10 3 All rooms are ensuite, have tea & coffee making facilities and ♦ K 10 7 2 ♦ K 2 free Wi-Fi. The venue has a lift and is located in lovely Steyne ♣ A Q 5 ♣ Q 5 Gardens, close to the sea front. Garden view or sea view rooms may be available (sea view at a supplement).

You are declarer in 3NT and You are declarer in 4♠. West For details and bookings call West leads the ♥3. East plays leads the ♣7. How do you the ♥Q. How do you plan plan the play? Mr Bridge Holidays  01483 489961 the play?

BRIDGE April 2019 Page 9 Julian Pottage Answers your Bridge Questions

How Strong Is A Direct Raise To Game?

With the following some slam interest. (p. 9), the declarer in the This is the sequence: hands, playing If you do not play any fourth puzzle plays in 3NT Opener Responder Qmatchpoint sort of forcing raise, you when South has a balanced 1NT 2♣ duplicate, we reached ought to consider changing 18 points and North a 2♥ 2♠ a disappointing 4♥ your system to include one balanced 7 points, with making 13 tricks. because you will be missing clubs the only biddable I have played this 2♠ as out on a lot of slams. If suit (A-x of spades, K-x- meaning five spades to play responder does not have x-x-x of clubs and three at 2♠ (weak take out). Could ♠ K 7 3 ♠ A 10 6 an immediate strong way low in each red suit). this 2♠ show four spades to ♥ A K 8 7 3 ♥ Q J 9 5 2 to support hearts, you Call me pedantic, but by play at 2♠ (weak take out)? ♦ Q J 9 6 3 ♦ A K should respond 2♦. what bidding sequence Alun Williams, ♣ ♣ 8 5 4 The reason for can it be South who Llanfairpwll. bidding diamonds is: first calls no-trumps? (i) if you are going to Keith Rylands by email. I am not sure there is Our is lie about your length, it is a standard meaning. Acol. How could/should better to do so in a minor You raise a good A It cannot be a simple we have bid the slam? – you can always correct question. weak take out because With West the dealer, our diamonds to hearts without A Playing Acol you would have made bidding was 1♥ – 4♥. raising the level and style, 1♥-2♥-3NT would that (or a 2♥ transfer) on Charles Leveson, (ii) since you are always be possible. North, with a the previous round. Poynton, Cheshire. going to play in hearts, it is possible ruffing value in If you play non-promissory better to bid the suit where spades and no tenaces in Stayman, it shows about 11 A raise from 1♥ to you have the strength – the pointed suits to protect, points (or 8 facing a strong 4♥ should be a pre- partner does not want to might prefer a 2♥ raise to no-trump) and four spades Aemptive effort with know about three low clubs. a 1NT response. South, (responder bids 2NT on a maximum of 10 points in As it happens, a 2♦ response with only four hearts, would hands that wish to invite high cards (and sometimes will attract either a jump certainly bid no-trumps next game without four spades). rather fewer than that). raise to 4♦ or a 4♣ splinter if North did raise 1♥ to 2♥. If a 2NT rebid would If you play 2NT as a from opener. Again you If North-South play promise four spades, you do Jacoby game-forcing should reach a slam then. a , not need 2♠ for the same raise of opener’s major Incidentally, Acol is not an South could easily open meaning. You could play (recommended), East should acronym – it is the name of 1♣ and rebid 1NT after 2♠ as a weak hand with do that – opener then shows a road and a bridge club in a 1♦ response. four spades and a longer the club shortage (3♣ for North London and so does minor. It cannot be ‘to play’ some, a jump to 4♣ for not require capitalisation. ♣♦♥♠ in what might be 4-2 fit. others) and you are away. For some, particularly if If you play the more old ♣♦♥♠ I was asked to you do not play transfers, fashioned ‘3NT pudding play Stayman 2♠ would be inviting raise’, that would give you In David Huggett’s Qwith a beginner game with five spades a chance because opener Declarer Play Quiz who asked a question (although you could). could 4♣ to show Qin BRIDGE 194 I was unsure about. Continued on page 12 u

Page 10 BRIDGE April 2019 DEFENCE QUIZ

by Julian Pottage (Answers on page 39)

ou are East in the defensive positions below playing Ymatchpoints with only North-South vulnerable.

1. ♠ Q 6 4 2 3. ♠ A K J 8 2 ♥ K 8 6 4 2 ♥ A Q 2 2019 ♦ 6 ♦ Q 10 6 ♣ A K Q ♣ 9 7 17-19 May £238 1-3 November £264 ♠ K J 9 5 ♠ 10 5 Drawing Trumps Defence as Partner of the N N ♥ Void ♥ K 8 6 4 Hosted by John Ronan Leader W E W E S ♦ A 10 7 3 S ♦ K J 7 2 14-16 June £218 Hosted by Bernard Magee ♣ 8 7 6 5 3 ♣ 8 6 5 Just Duplicate 15-17 November £218 5-7 July £264 Just Duplicate Supporting Minors West North East South West North East South Hosted by Bernard Magee 23-27 December £445 Just Duplicate 3♦ Dbl 5♦ 5♥ Pass 26-28 July £229 All Pass Pass 1♠ Pass 2♥ Masterpointed Duplicate 27-29 December £225 Pass 4♥ All Pass 20-22 September £238 Leads and Defence Hosted by Elaine Duff Further into the Auction Hosted by Ray Hutchinson ♦ ♦ ♦ ♣ 29 Dec-1 Jan 2020 £359 Partner leads the Q: 6, A Partner leads the Q, won ♦ ♣ 11-13 October £218 Game Tries and K. What do you return? by the A. At trick two, Just Duplicate Hosted by Elaine Duff declarer leads the ♥J, West and dummy playing low. 25-27 October £238 What is your plan? Play & Defence of 1NT Hosted by Michael Haytack

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

West North East South West North East South 1♥ Pass 1♠ 1♠ Prices shown are per person, full board including tea & coffee Pass 3♠ Pass 4♠ Pass 3♠ Pass 4♠ during breaks and a welcome drinks party. There is no single All Pass All Pass supplement and single players will always be found a partner. The Mr Bridge team will offer support during the set hands sessions, on the seminar events, and make up the numbers in the duplicates, so there should never be a half table. Partner leads the ♣J, on Partner leads the ♥J, won by All rooms are ensuite, have tea & coffee making facilities and free Wi-Fi. The venue has a lift. which go the ♣Q, ♣A and the ♥A. Then comes the ♠Q: ♣2. What is your plan? ♠4, ♠2 and ♠K. What is your For details and bookings call plan? Mr Bridge Holidays  01483 489961

BRIDGE April 2019 Page 11 t Continued from page 10 of the lack of a spade of clubs and saw 7 tricks we should have done? 3NT stopper and just bid 1NT. in clubs if I could get to made 10 tricks and 4♠ made Please can you Leaving vulnerable dummy, so I bid 3NT. The 11 tricks at other tables. advise what opponents in 1♠ works fine lead was the ♦6 and South We were not vulnerable. QSouth’s reopening on the actual layout (and gifted us an extra trick by Joan Johnson by email. action should be on the might also work well if they playing low. So I made 2 deal below? Both sides have a better fit in hearts diamond tricks, 2 club tricks Once you had bid 2♠ were vulnerable. 3NT was than they do in spades) but and 4 spade tricks – one with only 8 HCP you makeable if South declares. might not work so well if down and not a bad score. A had bid the full value they had a better spade fit. But the best contract is 3♣. of your hand (many people In fourth seat, 2NT ought Is it not best for West to would prefer a negative ♠ Q 10 3 2 to be natural and the hand open first? Then 1♦-2♣- double when holding only 8 ♥ A J 8 7 is too flat for an unusual 2♠-3♣ gets to the right HCP). It was reasonable to ♦ 10 3 2 2NT if you play it in fourth place. Comments please? pass if you thought partner ♣ 9 7 seat – partner expects 5-5 John Upson by email. made a non-forcing rebid. ♠ A K J 8 ♠ 5 4 in the minors, not 4-4. If Since you promised five ♥ Q 9 3 N ♥ 10 6 4 2 you overcall in one minor, With an ace and spades, partner would W E ♦ K J 7 S ♦ 8 6 5 you are taking a big gamble a void on the side, normally raise with 3-card ♣ K 10 8 ♣ 6 4 3 2 that you choose the right A the East hand is off support. Rebidding 2NT ♠ 9 7 6 one. Double is clearly beat for a second seat 3♣ when holding 4-card ♥ K 5 better than 2♣ or 2♦. opening. Having said that, support was most unwise. ♦ A Q 9 4 It is really close but I West should pass. Facing Since he might raise to 3♠ ♣ A Q J 5 think I would bid 1NT. the expected king-queen with 12 points and 3-card to seven clubs and a bust, support, a jump to 4♠ with ♣♦♥♠ how does West expect to his actual hand sounds The bidding starts: reach dummy? If East has like the right action. This deal came up a high card on the side, West North East South in a club game. I there is likely to be a hole ♣♦♥♠ 1♠ Pass Pass ? Qwould appreciate in the club suit and again a your opinion on the bidding. big problem in 3NT. My partner and I Suggestions received for N/S were vulnerable, The auction you cite play Acol Benjamin South’s bid have been: North was dealer. (Pass-1♦-2♣-2♠-3♣-Pass) Qweak twos in Pass, Dbl, 1NT, 2♣/2♦, should not work because the majors. Recently our 2NT (Unusual NT) West should not pass 3♣. A opponents opened 1♦. Steve Crampton, ♠ 6 4 facing a two-over- My partner called 2♠; I Orpington. ♥ A 10 9 one response creates a presumed it was a weak two ♦ Q 10 8 6 3 game force even opposite and, having only 7 points, This is a tricky ♣ Q J 10 a passed hand. If East passed. In fact she had a problem with no ♠ K Q J 8 ♠ A 5 passes, a possible auction very strong hand with about A perfect solution. It ♥ Q 3 2 ♥ 8 7 5 4 is Pass-1♦-1NT-2NT-3♣- 19 points and she made 11 is the sort of problem you ♦ A J 9 7 5 ♦ Void Pass. By bidding 1NT and tricks. Was I incorrect in my see set to an expert panel. ♣ A ♣ K 9 8 7 6 5 2 then showing the clubs, East presumption? I said I felt she In the protective position, ♠ 10 9 7 3 2 shows a hand too weak for should have doubled 1♦. it is customary to act with ♥ K J 6 an initial 2♣ response. Brenda Sinclair by email. 3 points fewer than you ♦ K 4 2 would require in second ♣ 4 3 ♣♦♥♠ Most people I know seat. Since 19 points is too who play weak two strong for a direct 1NT My partner A openings also play overcall, 16 points is a bit Our bidding was: opened 1♥; his left weak jump overcalls – but much for a reopening 1NT. Qhand opponent you should not assume this Technically the correct West North East South overcalled 2♦. I bid 2♠ without prior discussion. action with a Pass 3♣ Pass having five spades and 8 Even playing strong a bit too strong for reopening 3NT HCP, including the ♦K. My jump overcalls, a hand with 1NT is to double and then bid partner rebid 2NT showing 19 points is too strong. A no-trumps (over the expected I was West and took my 15 HCP. I passed because I strong jump overcall shows 2♥ reply). This will put you in partner’s bid in second seat thought my partner didn’t the same sort of strength 2NT – and without a spade to show good suit quality have spades. My partner as a hand that if you were stopper. Maybe you should and no four card . did have four of my spades. dealer and partner made a downgrade the hand because I counted on the K and Q Please could you tell us what simple response you would

Page 12 BRIDGE April 2019 jump to three of your suit. a suit and the opponents North to go down in 3NT. You should not as a With 19 points you would double, the position is I asked East to show me rule rescue partner’s be forcing to game in that radically different. The his hand, from which he had Apre-empt (unless situation. So yes, your opposing double is for take led the ♦8 to the queen, a the opponents double). partner should have doubled. out rather than for penalties club return, repeat and E/W I recommend treating a and you do not need to make the first five tricks. change of suit as forcing, as ♣♦♥♠ worry about rescuing partner. He then said that I had indeed you were playing, With two exceptions, you bid taught him that lead (every so rescuing to 3♣ would What is correct in roughly what you would have other East had led a club). not be an option anyway. the following similar done without the double. So perhaps it was my fault If your LHO had reopened Qcircumstances? The first exception is that after all but we are all with a double and RHO if you have primary support playing better bridge. had left in the double, I West North East South for partner, you might bid Name and address supplied would then attempt a rescue 1NT* Dbl ? at a level higher than you (probably an SOS redouble). *12-14 would have done without the When presented Even then, since you double (with 2NT available with a choice of are raising the level, you What should South do to show a sound raise). A suits to lead against could not be sure you are with a very weak hand? The other exception is a no-trump contract, my doing the right thing. Do you take out the that with a strong hand (at usual rule is to prefer the You have not given the double or wait to see least 10 points), no long suit in which you do not vulnerability but I assume what West does? suit or support for partner hold the ace. East therefore from the fact that you have Similar question if South and a wish to defend was following that rule, not challenged your partner’s has, say, 10 plus points? then you redouble. albeit with an unattractive reasoning that you were Similar query but diamond holding. It was non-vulnerable. Sometimes a North opening a suit? ♣♦♥♠ unlucky for you that all the vulnerable weak 2♠ opening This has caused interesting were wrong because includes a seven-card suit, and varied debate. The following deal you would have had an in which case the opponents Fred Sleight by email. came up when easy nine tricks if you could might not have more spades. Q I was playing have gained the lead. If the opponents with three improvers. East ♣♦♥♠ make a penalty was dealer and neither ♣♦♥♠ A double of partner’s side were vulnerable. Suppose you play 1NT opening, you need My partner 5-card majors, an to assess whether you are opened 2♠, which Q artificial club and a happy to be dummy in ♠ A Q 8 6 Q was followed strong no-trump. If you open 1NT doubled. If you have ♥ K by three passes. I held: 1♦ you are guaranteeing a weak hand with a long ♦ 10 9 5 4 5+ cards because if you suit (at least five cards), ♣ K J 7 3 had four diamonds you you take out the double. If ♠ 9 3 2 ♠ 10 5 4 ♠ Void would open 1♣ (could be you have at least 8 points, ♥ 9 8 7 5 N ♥ 10 3 2 ♥ Q 9 7 5 3 artificial, could be natural) W E you will normally leave in ♦ A Q 7 S ♦ J 8 6 ♦ J 8 6 or something else, but the double, knowing that ♣ 6 4 2 ♣ A Q 10 5 ♣ A K Q 7 5 not 1♦. Do you agree? your side has a combined ♠ K J 7 Bill Parker by email. minimum of 20 – although ♥ A Q J 6 4 you might still retreat if ♦ K 3 2 My partner said I should Most people I know you have a very weak suit ♣ 9 8 have bid 3♣ because I could who play the system (singleton) somewhere. tell that the other side had Ayou describe play Without agreement – the more spades than us, and I that a 1♦ opening is usually natural meaning of a The bidding went: had a long strong club suit. a 5+card suit but can be redouble is strong. If you I passed because I thought 4-4-4-1 with a singleton club. have a weak hand and West North East South I needed 16+ points to When I am playing 5-card no long suit, you might be Pass 1♥ bid a new suit opposite a majors and a strong no- able to do something if you Pass 1♠ Pass 2♥ weak two, and because 3♣ trump, I prefer to play better have some agreed rescue Pass 2NT Pass 3NT would have been forcing minor openings. The problem mechanism – you would for one round, taking us with the artificial club is that need to give up a business I was trying to convince too high. What would you partner not only does not redouble, which comes South that her bidding was have bid in this situation? know whether to compete in up infrequently anyway. correct and that it wasn’t Michael Dunne, clubs, but also does not know If partner opens one of my fault I was the only Moseley, Birmingham. whether to lead the suit. u

BRIDGE April 2019 Page 13 I would only play an artificial for 420 versus 400 (or 620 possesses more spades than vulnerable, 2♥ would have club if I was using transfer versus 600) is irrelevant, hearts. If you could not bear been unreasonable – you responses. so the suit contract would not to mention the spades would then have had to need to play two tricks better at all, you could have bid choose between 1♥ and ♣♦♥♠ to justify playing in it. 3♠, which is forcing, so just 3♥. Vulnerable you do raise to 4♥. Committing to sometimes need to open a Could you help me ♣♦♥♠ playing in spades by jumping with a modest out with a dilemma to 4♠ was most unwise. seven-card suit. If I was QI sometimes face? I was partnering Yes, the opening hand setting the hand in a quiz We play Acol with my husband at might have had more values and awarding marks out a weak 1NT. Qrubber bridge. No (the ♥K added to his hand, of 10, 1♥ would get the My partner opens score to us and 60 part score for example) but since you top score but 2♥ and 3♥ 1NT and I have a hand against us. I was North: went four off in 4♠ that would would get some marks too. something like: have made little difference. The basic message of the 3♥ ♣♦♥♠ ♠ K Q J 8 6 4 opening, a weak hand with ♠ K 9 7 3 ♥ Q 6 a lot of hearts, was correct. Playing duplicate ♥ A K 6 ♦ A J 5 at our local club, ♦ 8 7 4 3 ♣ A Q ♣♦♥♠ Qmy partner and I ♣ K 7 had the following hands: N W E Playing at the S Southsea Bridge I bid Stayman and find ♠ Void QClub, with both ♠ A Q 8 6 4 we have a spade fit so ♥ J 9 7 5 4 3 2 sides vulnerable I picked up ♥ 7 4 2 bid game in spades. The ♦ 9 4 3 2 the following hand as dealer: ♦ A K 3 question is this: I was ♣ 10 2 ♣ A 2 always taught if you have N a major fit, play in it. ♠ 9 W E I have found on occasions My husband dealt and ♥ K 7 6 5 4 3 2 S though that partner has four opened 3♥, a pre-emptive ♦ Q 2 ♠ 10 5 small spades and goes 1 bid. I had 19 points and ♣ A J 4 ♥ A K J off. I have also tried playing thought he had 7 hearts ♦ 7 such a hand in 3NT, only to and at least 5 points, so ♣ K J 10 9 6 4 3 find that partner has a club I bid 4♠. He passed and I was unsure whether to doubleton as well and the we went 4 off, which led open 1♥ (according to the opposition win the first 6 to a heated discussion. rule of 20), 2♥ (weak) or North South tricks. Should we always If he had passed I would 3♥ (pre-emptive). In the 1♠ 2♣ stick to the rule of play in have opened 2♠. He told me end I decided to open 2NT 3NT a major if you find a fit, he would have denied me 2♥ and North played or is there a better way of by bidding 2NT and I would in 2♠, which made. I actually made 7NT. finding the best contract? have bid 3NT. He says he Do you think the 2♥ We could not decide Tim Burrell by email. would then have bid 4♥, opening was reasonable? afterwards how we could which would have made. Brian Peter Berlanny, at least have bid a small If you have a 4-card What are your thoughts Portsmouth. slam. We play Key Card major and your shape on the auction? Blackwood, cue bids and Ais not 4-3-3-3 then I Susan Pojur by email. With the most of quantitative bidding in NTs. recommend using Stayman. the hand’s values One pair bid and made It will not work all the time A 3♥ pre-emptive A outside the long 7NT and another pair bid – but at least having a rule opening shows a suit, this hand feels more 6♣ and made +1. All other to follow saves you from A weak hand with a like an one-level opening pairs played it in 3NT. having to guess each time. long heart suit. It does not than a pre-empt. Can you please advise At teams or rubber bridge, suggest suitability as dummy As you have said yourself, how we should have bid? if you have strength in your in another denomination. the hand does meet the rule Jane Boszormenyi by email. doubleton and plenty of soft A doubleton queen is fine of 20 (10 HCP and 10 cards values (queens and jacks) support for a suit that partner between your two long- After the 2-level then you might decide not to can open at the three level. est suits), although if you response, opener’s bother with Stayman. This is With only four more spades downgrade the doubleton A 2NT rebid should because at teams or rubber than hearts in your hand, it is queen then it falls just short. create a game force. bridge the extra 20 points unlikely that the partnership If you had not been Responder should thus be

Page 14 BRIDGE April 2019 free to rebid 3♣, forcing (in missed a game when I held: fact I play 3♣ as a range enquiry but it should be forcing even if natural). 3♣ ♠ Q 10 8 4 3 ought to be some sort of ♥ K N W E slam try because opener has ♦ Q J 2 S already implied cover in the ♣ J 8 7 6 unbid suits, so the ability to play in 3NT is not normally in doubt. Opener with 17 West North East South points rather than a possible 1♣ 1♠ 15 and with three aces ought 2♣ 2♥ 3♣ All Pass to cooperate, perhaps by bidding 3♦ – in any case I did not like to bid 1NT on bidding 3NT with one red suit the first round because I 2019-20 wide open would be unwise. thought I would need 10 28-30 June £229 9-13 Jan 2020 from £479 Another possibility is for points for that. My partner, Masterpointed Duplicate Re-Boot your Play responder to jump to 4♣ over who had 16 points, thought 19-21 July £218 Hosted by Bernard Magee 2NT, knowing that opener I should have done. Just Duplicate can sign off in 4NT on a Joan Roberston, 23-27 December £519 Competitive Bidding hand unsuitable for a club Fife. 9-11 August £238 Hosted by Will Parsons slam. Going beyond 3NT in Responding to 1NT a minor has to be a slam try. Without the overcall, Hosted by Elaine Duff 27-29 December £262 When opener cue bids 4♦, the traditional range 13-15 September £218 Better Leads & Defence responder can cue bid 4♥ A for a 1NT response Just Duplicate Hosted by Bernard Magee and opener can cue bid 4♠. to 1♣ is 8-10 points. 25-27 October £218 29 Dec-2 Jan 2020 £525 It is easy to bid a slam after You do not need to Just Duplicate Doubles that, the only issue being wait for 10 points. With Hosted by Bernard Magee 22-24 November £238 whether to risk playing in this particular hand, you Dealing with 1NT no-trumps. If opener held would have responded Hosted by Sandy Bell Q-x-x and A-J-x in the red 1♠ of course rather than Nestled in the heart of Buckinghamshire, Denham Grove has suits, 6♣ would be rather 1NT – but that is because a peaceful countryside setting and 42 acres of pristine safer than 6NT because on finding a fit, especially in a diamond lead you would a major, takes priority over parkland which provides an air of traditional tranquillity. need to pick up the clubs to showing point count. Denham Grove has free Wi-Fi throughout plus many on-site make 6NT, while you would After the 1♠ overcall, leisure facilities, including indoor swimming pool, gym, spa have the chance to try the you should have bid bath and sauna, and tennis courts. spade as well in 6♣. 1NT. This describes the That gives us: strength of the hand and the spade stoppers. North South While partner would not 1♠ 2♣ know of the club support, 2NT 4♣ if the opponents compete 4♦ 4♥ over 1NT, you would have 4♠ 6♣ the option to bid 3♣ later End having already limited your Prices shown are per person, full board including tea & coffee hand. Although you have during breaks and a welcome drinks party. There is no single ♣♦♥♠ a singleton heart, which is supplement and single players will always be found a partner. less than ideal for no-trump The Mr Bridge team will offer support during the set hands Playing matchpoint purposes, the singleton is an sessions, on the seminar events, and make up the numbers duplicate pairs, honour – and you expect a in the duplicates, so there should never be a half table. Q my partner and I spade lead. n All rooms are ensuite, have tea & coffee making facilities and have free internet. The venue does not have a lift, but many Email your questions for Julian, rooms are on the ground floor. including your postal address, to: For details and bookings call [email protected] Mr Bridge Holidays  01483 489961

BRIDGE April 2019 Page 15 A History of Playing Cards: Part Twenty Eight by Paul Bostock International Favourites

his article shows a selection of the kinds of cards that collectors would love to own and hate to part with. They are all made outside the UK. The arrangement is a ‘Top Ten’, and for maximum suspense, we will be making the Tannouncements in reverse order…

10 u Traditional Japanese Hana Fuda. These are the two higher ranking cards from the plum blossom suit, the highest has a colourful song-bird and the next has a tanjaku – a banner with a short verse. The cards are in twelve suits and the complete set of 48 is delightfully illustrated. This is a modern set from the 1980s.

9 t These American cards from around 1875 were made by Goodall in London and show a traditional English pattern. They were branded with their own Ace of Spades and sold by Victor E Mauger. The partnership was a success but ended in 1876 after a large increase in the US import duty.

8 u The cards come from a Bézique set by Samuel Hart of New York, made in 1866. The set is well made with two packs, two markers and a rule book. The most special feature here is the colourful Ace of Spades with portraits of Martha and George Washington, regarded as one of the finest ever produced.

7 t This is an early American pack by J Y Humphreys from 1816-1820. This is very much an era of small pioneering card-makers in the US, and these cards have a simplicity and charm in their appearance.

Page 16 BRIDGE April 2019 6 u Illuminated cards by L I Cohen 1863. Cohen’s company was the first of the larger American manufacturers and this set was made to show off their printing capabilities. The term ‘illuminated’ refers to the extensive use of gold colouring. The Ace of Spades with the dark blue background and highly coloured decoration is another fine example.

5a t These are cards from Neuchâtel Switzerland, in a variant of the French style. The decorative aces are quite characteristic. The first set has been attributed to Jacques Rochias 1800-1825 and the second set Joseph Henri Rochias c1840. The likelihood is that they are father and son.

5b t The similarity of the two designs is unmistakeable. The older cards retain more of a hand-made look and it is interesting to see how the newer cards have gained in clarity and subtlety of the colouring.

4 u This is a pack by Jose Martinez de Castro of Madrid, made around 1810. It is a ‘portrait’ style with much more realistic figures, close to the traditional pattern in other respects, and beautifully designed and printed.

3 t Many experts rank Bernhard Dondorf’s firm in Frankfurt as the card-makers who achieved the highest standards of printing in terms of imagery, clarity and colour. This period of lithography fits between earlier artisan production and later factory production and is a high-point in the quality of the cards made. One of the most admired sets is Dondorf’s ‘Four Continents’ (Vier Erdteile) from around 1870. u

BRIDGE April 2019 Page 17 2 q Is a single Ganjifa card from India – the high ranking Mir of the gold coins suit. The attraction of Ganjifa is that the sets are hand made and completely hand painted, usually by a single artist (some modern sets are now printed, and inevitably they lose some of this great character). As the production techniques have changed so little, these cards are difficult to date but this one is probably from 1850-1875.

2019

5-7 April £238 1-3 November £228 Defence to Weak Twos Just Duplicate Hosted by John Ronan 8-10 November £264 28-30 June £264 Game Tries 4-4-4-1 Hands Hosted by Bernard Magee Hosted by Bernard Magee 22-24 November £228 6-8 September £228 Just Duplicate Just Duplicate 27-29 December £228 18-20 October £238 Just Duplicate Signals & Discards Hosted by Will Parsons 1 q Finally … a beautiful Spanish-patterned set by Jonas Fouquet of Amsterdam, dating from around 1720. While the cards (made for export) are clearly in the Spanish style, Blunsdon House Hotel is a unique four star family owned the colouring is reminiscent also of the French (and then hotel in Wiltshire situated on the edge of the Cotswolds, set English) cards. The court figures – and horses – are down to in 30 acres of grounds. Facilities include a beauty salon, earth, simply drawn and full of character. gym and heated indoor pool.

Prices shown are per person sharing a twin or double bedroom, full board including tea & coffee during breaks and a welcome drinks party. There is a single supplement at Blunsdon House from £40, subject to availability. Single players will always be found a partner. The Mr Bridge Team will offer support during the set hand sessions, on the seminar events, and make up the numbers in the duplicates, so there should never be a half Thanks to Barney Townshend for the Dondorf images. n table. All rooms are ensuite, have tea & coffee making facilities and have free Wi-Fi. The venue has a lift. The author is a Court Assistant in the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards – see www. For details and bookings call makersofplayingcards.co.uk. Many more sets of cards are Mr Bridge Holidays  01483 489961 illustrated on the author’s website www.plainbacks.com

Page 18 BRIDGE April 2019 About the Contested Auction by Andrew Kambites Everything You Need To Know About Two Suited Overcalls Part 3

will start by repeating the main In Layout C West has the strong type. 5♣ will surely be a cheap . conclusions of the last two articles. Auction D is sensible. In that case South must be very strong Indeed, you may benefit from and is likely to double, but it may be Istudying these articles again. hard for North/South to find their Layout C. spade fit. All two suited overcalls of a suit bid Game All. guarantee at least 5-5 shape. ♠ 6 ♠ Q 9 7 3 2 ♥ A K 10 9 7 N ♥ J 6 4 Layout G. ♦ 7 3 W E ♦ A Q 6 N/S Game. Two suited overcalls of a one level S suit bid are made only on hands that ♣ A K Q 6 2 ♣ 7 5 ♠ 6 ♠ 9 7 3 are either weak or strong. ♥ K 10 9 8 7 N ♥ 4 W E ♦ 7 3 ♦ 9 8 6 4 S Weak: 6-10 high card points. Auction D ♣ A 10 9 6 2 ♣ K Q 8 7 3 Intermediate: 11-15 West North East South high card points. 1♦ Strong: 16+ high card points. 2NT Pass 3♥ Pass Auction H 4♥1 End West North East South The Unusual No-Trump 1 Showing a strong UNT. 1♦ 2NT1 Pass 5♣2 Dbl A bid of 2NT over an opponent’s bid In Layout E, East wants to play in game End of one of a suit shows the lowest two opposite the weak type, as shown in 1 A weak UNT. unbid suits. The principles are the Auction F. 2 Pre-emptive. same as Michaels except that the two suits are always immediately known, Suppose the vulnerabilities were making it easier to handle. Layout E. reversed, with only East/West Here are some examples. Layout A N/S Game. vulnerable. results in Auction B. ♠ 6 ♠ Q 9 7 3 It is a matter of style and ♥ K 10 9 8 7 N ♥ A 6 4 W E temperament whether West would use ♦ 7 3 S ♦ A Q 6 the UNT. With good intermediates I Layout A. ♣ A 10 9 6 2 ♣ K J 8 would do so, accepting the risk that N/S Game. partner has a misfit and we might ♠ 6 ♠ Q 9 7 3 2 suffer an unpleasant penalty. N ♥ 7 3 ♥ A Q 6 Auction F W E In that case East should jump to ♦ K 10 9 8 7 S ♦ J 6 4 West North East South 4♣, bidding to the level of the fit. This ♣ A 10 9 6 2 ♣ 7 5 1♦ is pre-emptive, although West will 2NT Pass 4♥ End certainly bid 5♣ if strong. In Layout J, West cannot use the UNT Auction B In Layout G East looks at his own hand over 1♥ because he has intermediate West North East South and wonders whether West might be strength. He overcalls 2♦, the higher 1♥ strong, but it hardly matters. of the two touching suits. When 2♥ is 2NT1 Pass 3♦2 End If West is strong East will probably passed back to him as in Auction K he 1 2NT shows the lowest two unbid suits, make 5♣. bids his second suit. clubs and diamond. If West is weak the opponents can East prefers clubs to diamonds if 2 East has some values but bids on the surely make 4♠, a suit that they haven’t West is 5-5 so he gives preference by assumption that West is weak. yet mentioned. passing 3♣. u

BRIDGE April 2019 Page 19 opposite Landy. The reason is Layout N results in Auction P. Layout J. that if an opponent has opened with a suit N/S Game. bid he might be very strong and it may be ♠ 8 ♠ K 6 4 3 2 necessary to put him under pressure with Layout N. ♥ 7 5 N ♥ 9 8 4 a pre-empt, whereas if he has opened 1NT N/S Game. ♦ A Q 10 8 7 W E ♦ K 6 he has already defined his hand closely and ♠ A 7 ♠ 9 6 4 3 S ♣ A K J 6 5 ♣ 10 9 7 you have nothing much to fear from him if ♥ K J 9 2 N ♥ Q 5 W E ♦ ♦ you keep the bidding low. K J 10 7 6 S Q 3 ♣ 6 2 ♣ K 8 7 4 3 Auction K It is commonly played that if partner West North East South bids 2♣ you can ask for his best suit 1♥ (longest if he is 5-4 shape) by bidding Auction P 2♦ 2♥ Pass Pass 2♦. West North East South 3♣ End 1NT(12-14) Astro 2♣1 Pass 2♦2 End 1 Hearts and a , at least 5-4 Defending against 1NT Having briefly revisited Landy, I will shape. now look at an alternative defence to 2 Eager to get out as cheaply as possible. The weak or strong argument is not 1NT. Landy is excellent if you hold West must pass if he has five diamonds; valid for two suited overcalls over the majors, but doesn’t really help you otherwise he bids his cheapest 5-card suit. an opponent’s 1NT because with any if you have another combination, for strong hand you start with a double. example one major and one minor A slight change in West’s hand gives Unlike two suited bids over an suit. Yet it can be very necessary to us Layout Q and Auction R. opponent’s suit bid, most two suited get into the auction on these hands. overcalls of 1NT can be made on 5-4 shape. Over an opponent’s 1NT: Layout Q. The simplest defence to 1NT involves 2♣ shows hearts and a minor, with at N/S Game. using the 2♣ bid to show the majors. least 5-4 shape. ♠ A 7 ♠ 9 6 4 3 This is called Landy. In my last series I 2♦ shows spades and another suit, ♥ K J 9 8 2 N ♥ Q 5 W E ♦ K J 10 7 ♦ Q 3 looked at how it was necessary to push with at least 5-4 shape. S opponents out of 1NT at duplicate 2♥/2♠ show single suited hands with ♣ 6 2 ♣ K 8 7 4 3 pairs, particularly at love all. Hence the suit bid. a Landy 2♣ could be made on fairly In response to a 2♣ overcall of 1NT: weak hands. Playing teams of four you 2♦ is a non-forcing enquiry, looking Auction R need a reasonable hand, for example for the cheapest 5-card suit. West North East South Layout L might result in Auction M. 2♥ is a sign off. 1NT(12-14) 2♠, 3♣ and 3♦ are natural and forcing. 2♣ Pass 2♦ Pass 3♥ is invitational. Remember, 2♣ 2♥1 End Layout L. guarantees hearts. The second suit is 1 This time West doesn’t have five diamonds. Love All. unknown. Hearts is called the Anchor ♠ A J 9 6 ♠ Q 10 3 2 suit. Another bit of tinkering gives us N ♥ K Q 9 8 7 W E ♥ J 4 In response to a 2♦ overcall of 1NT: Layout S and Auction T. ♦ 7 3 S ♦ K 9 6 2♥ is a non-forcing enquiry, looking ♣ 6 3 ♣ A 8 7 2 for the cheapest 5-card suit. 2♠ is a sign off. Layout S. 3♣, 3♦ and 3♥ are natural and forcing. N/S Game. Auction M 3♠ is invitational. Spades is the ♠ A 7 ♠ K 6 4 3 West North East South Anchor suit. ♥ K J 9 2 N ♥ Q 5 3 W E 1NT(12-14) ♦ 5 4 ♦ Q 8 3 2 S 2♣1 Pass 3♠2 End You can see that while Landy is only ♣ K J 10 7 6 ♣ 4 3 1 A minimum Landy 2♣ overcall of a weak useful for showing the majors, Astro no-trump. gives up two natural bids, 2♣ and 2♦, 2 Invites game. East/West have a fit and and covers all combination of suits Auction T West could be as strong as 15 points. (16 except the minors. If you want to, West North East South points would double 1NT). You will notice a you can use a 2NT overcall of 1NT to 1NT(12-14) difference between responding to a Landy show the minors. Such a 2NT overcall 2♣ Pass 2♥1 End overcall of 1NT and a Michaels overcall of cannot be natural because with a a suit bid. A jump raise of a known suit strong, balanced hand you would 1 This time East doesn’t particularly want to is pre-emptive opposite Michaels, but a double 1NT rather than bid 2NT. encourage a rebid of 3♣ if West has four

Page 20 BRIDGE April 2019 hearts and five clubs so he settles for ♥2 , Auction V which must be at least a 4-3 fit. Layout U. West North East South E/W Game. 1NT(12-14) Sometimes East has higher ambitions. ♠ K J 8 6 ♠ Q 7 2♦ Pass 2NT1 End In Layout U East knows he is going ♥ 10 2 N ♥ A Q J 8 3♦2 Pass 3NT End W E ♦ ♦ 1 to play in game the moment he sees K Q 8 7 6 S A 4 2 2NT asks for West’s second suit. the 2♦ overcall. If West’s second suit ♣ A 7 ♣ K J 8 4 2 West has spades and diamonds. is hearts he will bid to 4♥. Otherwise n he will play in 3NT as is the case in Auction V. Two Suited Overcalls Part 3 Quiz by Andrew Kambites (Answers on page 41)

1) At love all your right hand opponent opens 1♥. What do you bid with hands Hand D Hand E Hand F Hand A Hand B Hand C A, B and C? You are playing the unusual ♠ A K J 10 6 5 ♠ K Q 6 5 4 ♠ 7 4 ♠ A Q 7 5 4 ♠ A Q 7 5 4 ♠ 2 2NT, weak or strong. ♥ K Q 10 9 ♥ 7 ♥ K Q 6 5 ♥ K 4 3 2 ♥ K 4 3 2 ♥ 7 5 ♦ 4 ♦ K 9 7 4 ♦ 8 4 3 ♦ 8 ♦ 8 ♦ A J 10 7 6 5 4 ♣ A 5 ♣ 5 3 2 ♣ A 9 3 2 ♣ A 7 6 ♣ A K 6 ♣ A Q 5 Hand A Hand B Hand C ♠ 2 ♠ 2 ♠ 2 ♥ 6 3 ♥ A 3 ♥ A 3) With East/West vulnerable what 5) At game all the bidding starts as in the ♦ K Q 10 5 4 ♦ K Q 10 5 4 ♦ K Q J 7 5 4 should North bid with hands A, B and C auction shown. What should South bid ♣ A 10 9 7 5 ♣ A 10 9 7 5 ♣ A J 10 9 4 after the auction shown? with hands A to F? You are playing Astro.

West North East South West North East South 2) At game all what should South bid with 1♦ 2NT Pass 3♥ 1NT 2♦ Pass ? hands A to F after the auction shown? 3♠ ?

West North East South Hand A Hand B Hand C 1♦ 2NT Pass ? Hand A Hand B Hand C ♠ A Q 6 5 ♠ 4 2 ♠ 4 ♠ 7 5 4 ♠ 7 ♠ 8 ♥ A 7 ♥ J 7 6 5 ♥ A Q J 8 ♥ A J 7 6 4 ♥ A J 10 5 4 ♥ A K 6 5 4 ♦ K 8 2 ♦ K 7 3 ♦ K J 3 2 Hand A Hand B Hand C ♦ Void ♦ K 2 ♦ 7 ♣ 7 5 4 3 ♣ Q 10 3 2 ♣ Q 10 3 2 ♠ A 8 4 3 ♠ 6 3 2 ♠ A 6 3 ♣ K J 10 3 2 ♣ A K Q 4 3 ♣ A K Q 8 4 3 ♥ 6 5 2 ♥ A Q 7 6 5 ♥ A Q 7 6 5 ♦ K 8 7 3 ♦ 6 ♦ 6 2 Hand D Hand E Hand F ♣ 5 2 ♣ 7 5 3 2 ♣ K 5 3 4) At love all your right hand opponent ♠ Q 10 6 5 ♠ 6 ♠ 6 5 opens 1NT. What do you bid with hands ♥ A 7 ♥ A K Q 6 4 3 ♥ 7 6 5 3 2 A, B and C? You are playing Astro. ♦ A 6 3 2 ♦ A 10 9 7 ♦ K 7 5 3 ♣ 7 3 2 ♣ 5 3 ♣ 7 6

BERNARD MAGEE’S INTERACTIVE TUTORIAL CD Bernard develops DECLARER PLAY your declarer play £76 technique in the Suit Establishment in No-trumps | Suit Establishment in Suits | Hold-ups | course of ten Ruffing for Extra Tricks | Entries in No-trumps | Delaying Drawing Trumps | introductory Using the Lead | Trump Control | Endplays & Avoidance | Using the Bidding exercises and 120 Mr Bridge Mail Order Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH MAC or complete deals. ( 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop Windows

BRIDGE April 2019 Page 21 Julian Pottage answers your Frequently Asked Questions What Is The Principle Of Restricted Choice?

he principle of restricted choice plays, say the jack, it is tempting to This time you will lead up to the is that the play of a card by a think: ‘West does not have a singleton king rather than lead the king if you defender that might have been a queen. Either the jack is singleton or possibly can – this will flush out a Tchosen card from equals increases the from queen-jack doubleton. Since singleton ace in the West hand. chance that the player actually started “eight ever nine never” says play for If in fact West plays the ten or jack with a holding from which no choice the drop, I shall play for the drop.’ and East captures the king with the or a restricted choice was possible. What is the fallacy in that? ace, restricted choice applies. It is As declarer, you apply the principle When you cash the ace, the roughly twice as likely that the honour in situations where you need to decide four relevant situations that could appearing from West is a forced play between whether to finesse or play materialise are these: from a singleton honour than a chosen for the drop. You might also use it for play from jack-ten doubleton. deciding which finesse to take if you (i) West has the singleton jack and I mentioned previously that have a choice of finesses to take. has to play it; restricted choice considerations may This is a classic layout: help not only in ‘finesse or drop’ (ii) West has queen-jack doubleton decisions but also decisions of which and chooses to play the jack; finesse to take. On this next example, ♠ A 4 3 2 East will be the one producing an N (iii) West has the singleton queen honour card and you will be leading W E S and has to play it; twice from hand. ♠ K 10 7 6 5 (iv) West has queen-jack doubleton and chooses to play the queen. ♠ Q J 9 You start by leading (or leading up to) N W E the ace. If both opponents follow low Once West plays the jack, you can S or if East drops an honour, you will exclude (iii) and (iv). This means that ♠ 4 3 2 not have a guess on the second round. the chance of a singleton queen has You will only have a decision to make shrunk to zero. Furthermore, because if West plays an honour on the first (iv) is no longer possible, the chance Rather than rely only on finding West round and East plays low twice. In this that West started with queen-jack with the ten, you will start by leading case you must decide whether to go up doubleton has halved. This means that to the queen or jack. If East wins the with the king (playing West for queen- the chance that finessing the ten on the first round with the ace (or king), jack doubleton) or whether to finesse second round will succeed remains at what should you do on the second the ten (playing West for a singleton roughly two in three. round? Should you play to dummy’s honour). A minor variation on the above remaining high honour or should you To start with there are two singleton layout is this: finesse the nine? honour holdings (the jack and As earlier, you need to bear in mind the queen) for West and only one that if holding the ace-king East might doubleton double honour holding ♠ K 4 3 2 have chosen to win with either the ace (queen-jack doubleton). This suggests N or the king. Whenever West holds one W E that finessing will work roughly two S of the top honours, East will have no times in three. Where do players go ♠ Q 9 7 6 5 choice in the matter: winning the first wrong? round necessitates playing the other After you cash the ace and West top honour. On the second round,

Page 22 BRIDGE April 2019 playing up to dummy’s second honour is going to work more often than if you finesse the nine. Yes other considerations could come BERNARD MAGEE into play in that example – East might win with the king from ace-king more than half the time as a to West TUTORIAL DVDs – or, in a suit contract, West might be reluctant to twice when holding £25 a top honour. Even so, you should SET 1 SET 5 per DVD remember that East will start with 1 Ruffing for Extra Tricks 25 Defence as Partner A-10 or K-10 roughly twice as often as 2 Competitive Auctions of the Leader A-K. 26 Aggressive Bidding The principle of restricted choice 3 Making the Most of High Cards at Duplicate Pairs can also apply when you are missing 27 Strong Opening Bids three equal cards rather than two – 4 Identifying but you may be relieved to hear that & Bidding Slams 28 Take-Out Doubles we are not going to have an example 5 Play & Defence 29 Suit Establishment of that. I should, however, give you of 1NT Contracts in Suit Contracts an example of when the principle of 6 Doubling & Defence 30 Landy / Defending restricted choice should not persuade against Doubled Against a 1NT Opening you to take a finesse: Contracts SET 6 SET 2 31 Counting Defence ♠ A 2 7 Leads N 32 Extra Tricks in No- W E 8 Losing Trick Count S Trumps ♠ K Q 9 5 4 3 9 Making a Plan 33 Supporting Partner as Declarer 34 Finessing 10 Responding to 1NT 35 Bidding If West plays an honour on the first 11 Signals & Discards Distributional Hands round, you should not finesse the nine 12 on the way back. Why is that? While 36 Coping with Pre-Empts it is true that West is more likely to SET 3 have started with a singleton honour SET 7 13 Hand Evaluation than jack-ten doubleton, these are not 37 More Signalling 14 Pre-Emptive Bidding the only possible holdings. West might 38 4-4-4-1 Hands have played an honour from J-10-x. 15 Splinter & Cue Bids 39 Drawing Trumps Finally, even if the subject seems 16 difficult to grasp in its entirety, it will 40 Five-Card Majors 17 Play & Defence at Pairs help if you remember to focus on what 41 Fundamentals possible holdings a player could hold 18 Thinking Defence of Defence originally. Thinking carefully before 42 Supporting Minors revising your original assessment SET 4 on the basis of an opposing play that 19 Defensive Plan SET 8 might have come from equals. ■ 20 Further into the Auction 43 Teams of Four 21 Weak Twos 44 Game Tries E-mail your questions for Julian to: 22 Trump Control [email protected] 45 Disrupting Declarer 23 Sacrificing 46 Defending Slams 24 Improving £105 47 Overcalling Bridge Memory set of 6 Bridge with Angela 48 Pressing the Defence Consolidate your basic skills with this easy to read guide to Standard Bidding, Play, Defence & Mr Bridge Mail Order, Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH Conventions ( 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop £7.95 ( 01483 489961

BRIDGE April 2019 Page 23 The Diaries of Wendy Wensum Episode 84: Mixed Emotions

t was early morning and I was I think Millie had a difficult choice two tricks in each minor for two off thinking about breakfast. As I as opener with this deal late in the (-300). To Monica’s fury, Tina now opened the curtains I noticed an session. In the end she decided on a called the director and suggested Iextra car in the drive. Simultaneously conservative 1♦. West passed and as James’ fumble with the bidding cards there was a loud knock at the front North I bid 1♥. East bid a pre-emptive may have influenced Monica choice door, and there was mother-in-law plus 4♠, which Millie doubled. I had a of double rather than pass. The club suitcase. ‘Hello dear,’ she announced, dilemma. Should I pass? That would be director agreed and adjusted the ‘father-in-law has already left for his safe, but as I held four of Millie’s suit I contract to 3♠ undoubled (-100). fishing trip so I thought I’d come early. bid 5♦. Millie’s raise to 6♦ concluded Monica immediately decided to I won’t be any trouble.’ She gave me a the bidding. contest the decision and demanded an big hug. ‘Now,’ she continued, ‘Where’s appeal panel be formed. my lovely boy?’ Spouse suddenly West North East South At the end of the session Millie, appeared, ashen with panic. Mother- Wendy Millie Spouse, Tina and I retired to our in-law paused before observing, ‘you 1♦ local pub for a few drinks. Mother- look pale. Are you eating enough?’ Pass 1♥ 4♠ Dbl in-law was a bit peckish and asked before engulfing him in a motherly Pass 5♦ Pass 6♦ the barman, ‘Do you serve nuts?’ ‘Yes, embrace. ‘I know you will be going to All Pass madam, we do; we serve everybody. bridge this evening so I’ve decided to How can I help you?’ was his witty join you.’ She continued. We are used West led a spade won by Millie. She but misplaced reply. Fortunately at to her untimely arrivals. She is always removed trumps in two rounds, that point a telephone call from the very pleasant to me but is prone to finessed the queen of clubs and director confirmed that the review giving Spouse a hard time, which on wrapped up twelve tricks losing only panel had accepted Monica’s appeal. reflection seems quite acceptable. to the jack of clubs. The result had been changed back to While Spouse looked bewildered, I Spouse and Tina happened to play 3♠ doubled minus two. The ruling came to his aid with, ‘No problem, the same board against Monica, the made little or no difference to the Tina, I’ll find you an excellent partner.’ local drama queen, partnered as usual match points as most North-South Thus it was that at the Riverside by her hen-pecked husband, James. pairs were in game or slam contracts. that evening while Millie and I were He opened 2NT showing a balanced Spouse and Tina were well placed in supping pre-bridge drinks in the bar, 20-21 count. Spouse, sitting West, the overall ranking. Mother-in-law a somewhat reluctant Spouse and his passed and Monica in the North seat was delighted and announced that she enthusiastic mother were discussing bid 3♣ Stayman. James started to and her son should play again soon. their bidding system in preparation remove a card from the main part of Spouse suddenly looked less pleased.n for the entertainment to come. the , but was stopped by Monica. Mother-in-law bid 3♠. James was clearly in panic mode and quickly Tricks of the Trade: Dealer South. Love All. played a pass card from the other Strategic Thinking for ♠ 10 7 section of the box. He was given a ♥ K 9 3 2 severe telling off from his wife. Spouse Advanced Bridge ♦ A J 7 6 passed and Monica’s double ended the by Larry Cohen ♣ 10 8 5 auction. This book investigates increasing the ♠ 9 2 ♠ K Q J 8 6 5 4 3 value of experience by knowing what ♥ J 8 7 6 5 N ♥ 4 West North East South W E things to watch for, learning how ♦ 9 2 ♦ 8 5 Spouse Monica Tina James S to recognize recurring situations, ♣ J 9 7 4 ♣ K 2 2NT(20-21) channelling one’s mental processes ♠ A Pass 3♣1 3♠ Pass along productive lines, being prepared ♥ A Q 10 Pass Dbl All Pass and understanding cause and effect at ♦ K Q 10 4 3 1 Stayman the bridge table. ♣ A Q 6 3 £20 ( 01483 489961 Tina lost one trick in each major and

Page 24 BRIDGE April 2019 Catching Up with Sally Brock

e had a quiet few days at the less flat, but on one we scored about I like the initial 2♦ response – it often very beginning of the year, +38, so although we never looked like works badly to bid poor suits on strong and then on the first Friday winning we were always in the frame. hands. Wwe caught a train up to Manchester The end was very exciting. With one Here the North hand is always going for their congress – an annual event board to go it looked as if it was all to bid at least 6♠ after the ♠1 opening, for us. We generally stay with Rodney over. My friend Debbie (who I’ve so there is no need to look for another and Lorraine – Barry’s friends from mentioned in these pages plenty of fit. university days. This year I had agreed times) and her partner Kath had been This avoided both traps that were to play in the pairs with John Holland. languishing near the bottom for a lot found at some tables: He is an excellent player and a joy to of the event, but had suddenly climbed play with, but somehow we have not up through the field. It looked as if (1) getting to clubs, and done so well together in the past so I they were certain to qualify in fifth am hopeful of better things. On the place. However, they were the last pair (2) getting partner to show the void Friday night we went to dinner with to finish and what we didn’t know was in response to Roman Key Card Irving and Joy Blakey, our team-mates that the most exciting board of the Blackwood, and not being able to this year. We were royally entertained weekend was their last one. know for certain about the ♠Q. with plenty of delicious food and drink. The first session of the pairs The pair lying seventh before this result was OK, about 56% – we felt well Dealer South. Game All. was scored had the latter accident and poised for a surge, but unfortunately ♠ K J 10 missed the grand slam. They had left, we are still waiting! In the evening a ♥ K 6 sure they had not qualified. However, whole group of us went to Zizzi’s – I ♦ A K Q 7 Debbie and Kath reached 7♣, and that think this is one of the better chain ♣ A 8 6 3 cannot be made. So those two pairs restaurants and the building in ♠ 6 ♠ 9 8 4 3 changed places and I spent a long time ♥ 9 7 2 N ♥ J 8 5 3 Manchester it is in is fabulous. On the W E in the Young Chelsea sympathising Sunday the teams qualifying round ♦ J 10 9 8 5 S ♦ 6 4 3 2 with Debbie and Kath over several went swimmingly but the final was a ♣ Q 9 5 2 ♣ 7 bottles of Prosecco. bit of a disappointment. In the evening ♠ A Q 7 5 2 The following weekend was the we took Rodney and Lorraine out for ♥ A Q 10 4 National Point-a-Board teams a curry. ♦ Void championship at the Young Chelsea, We seem to have had a lot of knock- ♣ K J 10 4 but the most important part of the out matches in this period. We won a weekend was Briony arriving home quarter-final against from her five weeks in New Zealand ’s team; then an early At our table, Hanna Tuus and India at 6am on Saturday morning. It was so Crockfords match against the Orams Leeming had a pretty good two-over- good to see her after such a long time, and Lindens (who have often proved a one auction, I thought. even if we did have to get up early to go stumbling block in the past). and pick her up. The second weekend of January West North East South The bridge nearly went very well … was the first stage of the Lady Milne 1♠ until the very last board which was the trials. Since Gilly Cardiff and I were Pass 2♦ Pass 2♥ only time on the Sunday when we were rejected as possible triallists last year, Pass 2NT Pass 3♣ not in the lead. we felt we had something to prove. We Pass 3♠ Pass 4♣ Very annoying to lose it on the last qualified in fourth position – basically Pass 4NT Pass 5♠ board and mostly my fault – I didn’t four of the five sessions were more or Pass 7♠ All Pass think I played well all weekend. n

BRIDGE April 2019 Page 25 More Tips from Bernard Magee Always Bid 3 Over 2 When Both Sides Have A Fit

his is a really important tip: try not consider that his partner might have compete for the hand by doubling, to let your opponents play in a fit just three and pass, so it will often be asking your partner to bid clubs or Tat the two-level. Generally if one correct for East to push on to 3♥ (with diamonds (the unbid suits). side has a fit, then so does the other four hearts) even though he may be Whichever he bids you will have sup- and it is always right for you to outbid very weak. port and you will have followed the rule the opponents at the two-level. Of course, West could be very strong of always competing three-over-two. The reason for this is straightforward: and go for game, but even if he is Here is the full deal: on a partscore deal with points weak, if he has five hearts, it is right relatively even, then both sides will get for him to bid 3♥. This is so important close to making a contract at the two- to grasp, because it comes up regularly ♠ A K 8 2 level. By bidding to the three-level you playing duplicate pairs – getting on the ♥ K Q 9 8 7 have two possible results: making the right side of these deals will increase ♦ 6 4 contract (that has to be good news) your scores. Notice that it is not always ♣ 6 5 or going down in the contract (sounds right to bid three over three. If North ♠ 6 5 3 ♠ 10 9 bad, but it is likely to give away fewer goes on to 3♠ in this auction, then he ♥ A 2 N ♥ 10 6 5 3 W E ♦ ♦ points than letting the opponents make might go down to give you 50 or 100 J 8 7 5 S A K 10 3 their contract). points, instead of taking 50 or 100 ♣ A 10 4 2 ♣ K 9 3 This logic tends to work a surprising points from 3♥. ♠ Q J 7 4 amount of the time, which makes it The partscore arena is a battleground ♥ J 4 really worth trying to compete on these – get used to fighting more! The hand ♦ Q 9 2 deals. below is the West hand in the second ♣ Q J 8 7 Here are some sample auctions: auction with both sides non-vulnerable:

West North East South Your partner bids 3♦ over your take- 1♥ 1♠ 2♥ 2♠ ♠ 6 5 3 out double and then North-South have ? ♥ A 2 N a decision. It is tempting for them to ♦ J 8 7 5 W E bid on to 3♠, which is actually what you S West North East South ♣ A 10 4 2 had hoped – you have pushed them 1♥ Pass 1♠ from the calmness of the two-level, to Pass 2♠ Pass Pass the turmoil of the three-level! ? It is not a particularly spectacular hand Here, both sides can make eight and most would pass the auction out, tricks, so North-South were just about In the top auction, both sides normally leaving North-South to comfortably to make 2♠ (110) before you reopened have a fit, so it is nearly always right for make 2♠. However, working on the the auction. 3♦ will go one off (-50), East-West to compete to 3♥. However, premise that when they have a fit we unfortunate since the diamond finesse if West has only four hearts, he might are likely to have a fit, you should might have made, but a good result since -50 is better than -110. If North- DUPLICATE BRIDGE RULES SIMPLIFIED South go on to 3♠, then you get +50 and that would be very nice indeed. by David Stevenson Following the rule of always bidding only (otherwise known as the Yellow Book) to the three-level over the two-level 95 £5 FULLY REVISED IN 2017 when both sides have a fit, will get you Available from Mr Bridge great scores, but it also increases the ( 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk fun on what are sometimes seen as boring boards. n

Page 26 BRIDGE April 2019 Fireside Chats with Mike Lawrence Entries Part Three

ntries. Where doooo they all three of them. It is bad practice to come from? open in third seat and then pass your ♠ A K 2 Entries are needed for many partner’s response with one or two ♥ J 7 6 3 Ereasons. You may need an entry to cards in his suit. South, expecting that ♦ Q J 6 3 2 dummy to cash a trick in another suit. North won’t bid this way, is entitled to ♣ 9 You may need an entry to dummy in bid as if North has a minimum opener ♠ 8 5 3 ♠ 7 4 order to take a finesse. You may need with three (or four) spades. A second ♥ A 9 8 2 N ♥ Q 10 5 W E ♦ A 4 ♦ K 10 7 5 an entry to draw trumps. The list is choice of bids is for South to redouble, S endless. showing a maximum passed hand. If ♣ J 10 7 5 ♣ K Q 4 3 Having seen the need for entries, South chooses 2♠, a reasonable bid, he ♠ Q J 10 9 6 you have to go a bit farther to see where buys the contract. ♥ K 4 entries come from. Ideally, an entry is The is the ♣J. You ♦ 9 8 right there in the form of a high card need eight tricks. Where will they ♣ A 8 6 2 that will win a trick. Some entries are come from? Consider your play before ephemeral, requiring a finesse to do reading on. the trick. Given a club lead, a normal choice, How would you rate the needed “It does not do to leave a live South is cold for eight tricks. He does entries in the following hand? dragon out of your calculations, it by making sure he has the entries if you live near him.” needed to clubs twice. Those - J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit entries may not be immediately visible Dealer South. E/W Game. now but the play will make it clear. ♠ A K 2 “Give me six hours to chop down Win the club ace at trick one and ♥ J 7 6 3 a tree and I will spend the first ruff a club. But be careful in your ♦ Q J 6 3 2 four sharpening the axe.” choice of what you ruff with. You saw ♣ 9 - Abraham Lincoln that ruffing with the♠ 2 did not work. Try ruffing with the♠ K. Now you can N A logical play is to win the club and try a heart to the king but when it fails, W E S ruff a club in dummy. That gives you you can win the trump switch in your seven tricks and another will come hand. Another club ruff gets you eight ♠ Q J 10 9 6 from a second club ruff or from the tricks. There is no defence to this line ♥ K 4 ♥K. East did double and he may have of play. ♦ 9 8 the ♥A. Who knows? If you can get As an aside, note East’s double. ♣ A 8 6 2 the ♥K and another club ruff, you This is a double. Balancing might make an overtrick. But for the is an ugly topic since balancing often moment, let’s try to get trick number requires you bid with hands that do West North East South eight in and then worry about trick not have much to offer. Pass number nine. On this deal South stopped in 1♠. Pass 1♦ Pass 1♠ Having ruffed a club with the♠ 2, East took the view that he was close Pass Pass Dbl 2♠ what do you do next? Most declarers, to take-out double shape and he was All Pass when faced with a hand like this one, sure that West had some points. Why lead a heart to the king. This time it else would North-South stop in 1♠ North opens 1♦ in third seat and passes was taken by West’s ♥A. West switched if they had real hands? The effect of South’s 1♠ bid. This is fair bridge to a trump and South now needed to East’s balancing bid was that North- since North does not want South to find a way to his hand in order to get South got to 2♠, a contract that might go looking for a game. East makes a another club ruff. There was no way or might not make. As shown, some balancing double. What should South back to his hand, though, and South South players would go down in 2♠, do? I suggest one of two bids. He can went down one. making East’s decision to balance a big bid 2♠, counting on North to have Here is the complete deal: winner. n

BRIDGE April 2019 Page 27 Robin Hood’s Bridge Adventures by David Bird Lady Flowynn’s Restraint

t had been the intention of the Gisborne made no reply. It was There wasn’t a chance in a million Sheriff and Sir Guy of Gisborne typical of these weak players to make that the old dear would spot the to spend an enjoyable afternoon penalty doubles, just because they counter of winning the ♠9 with the Ihunting with their falcons. High winds had a few scattered points opposite king and exiting with the ♠10, leaving and torrential rain had put paid to that partner’s bid. No-one had forced the declarer to lose two diamond tricks. idea and they were presently engaged opponents to bid a game contract. If Still, there was no percentage in in a social bridge game. The Sheriff they were short of high-card points, making the contract that way, just to was partnered by Lady Flowynn of they would doubtless have good display his expertise by pointing out Bracksborough. Gisborne was less distribution. the old dear’s error. fortunate, facing Lady Flowynn’s The Sheriff won East’s queen of The Sheriff placed the queen of elderly mother, Ethel Strappe. The diamonds with the ace and led a heart trumps on the table and Ethel Strappe Sheriff always had first pick in such to the king and ace. He won the trump had no riposte. She scored two tricks games. This was an early deal: switch with the ace, crossed to the club in trumps and then had to lead a ace and ruffed a club. A diamond ruff heart to dummy’s queen, allowing the to dummy allowed him to ruff another thirteenth club to be cashed for a tenth Dealer East. Love All. club in his hand, everyone following. trick. ♠ J 8 6 A diamond ruff with dummy’s bare ‘What on earth did you have for your ♥ K Q 6 4 jack, West discarding a heart, was first-in-hand opening bid?’ demanded ♦ 5 followed by a third club ruff. Ethel Strappe. ♣ A 10 5 4 2 These cards were still in play with ‘Well, I had eleven or twelve points ♠ K 10 7 ♠ 2 South on lead: and a good diamond suit,’ Gisborne ♥ J 8 5 2 N ♥ A 10 9 7 replied. ‘It was a freely bid game. Did W E ♦ ♦ 4 3 S K Q 10 8 7 you have to double?’ ♣ K J 8 7 ♣ Q 6 3 ♠ — ‘With nine points and a trump trick ♠ A Q 9 5 4 3 ♥ Q 6 4 opposite an opening bid, you think I ♥ 3 ♦ — should not trust my partner?’ Ethel ♦ A J 9 6 2 ♣ 10 Strappe persisted. ‘That is not how I ♣ 9 ♠ K 10 ♠ — play bridge, I must say.’ ♥ J 8 N ♥ 10 9 Soon afterwards the Sheriff reached W E ♦ — ♦ K 10 S this game contract: West North East South ♣ — ♣ — Ethel Lady Guy of The ♠ Q 9 Strappe Flowynn Gisborne Sheriff ♥ — Dealer East. N/S Game. 1♦ 1♠ ♦ J 9 ♠ K J 7 3 1NT 2♠ Pass 4♠ ♣ — ♥ 10 7 5 Dbl All Pass ♦ 8 6 ♣ A 8 6 5 Ethel Strappe, a somewhat hunched The Sheriff, who needed two more ♠ Q 4 ♠ A 10 9 8 5 2 figure dressed in black, doubled tricks, was aware of the lie of the cards. ♥ A Q 3 N ♥ 2 W E ♦ ♦ Q 9 3 2 ♦ J 10 5 the spade game and led the 4. Not His aim now was to endplay the West S overjoyed at the appearance of such a player, Ethel Strappe. ♣ Q 10 3 2 ♣ J 9 7 strong dummy, she glared across the No doubt it would be good enough ♠ 6 table. ‘Do you have your bid, partner?’ to lead the ♠9 at this point. She would ♥ K J 9 8 6 4 she demanded. ‘I placed you with win with the ♠10, cash the ♠K and ♦ A K 7 4 good values when you opened in the then have to give the last two tricks to ♣ K 4 first seat.’ the dummy.

Page 28 BRIDGE April 2019 West North East South The Sheriff, who was already dealing If trumps broke 4-1, he would be Ethel Lady Guy of The the next hand, considered the matter struggling to make even twelve tricks. Strappe Flowynn Gisborne Sheriff further. It was an impossible play to The Sheriff won with dummy’s ace 2♠ 3♥ find, but maybe West would do better of spades and counted six winners in Pass 4♥ Pass Pass to lead the ♠4! the side suits. Dbl All Pass If he played dummy’s jack, East If he could add the ♥A-K-Q and could win with the ace and play a three ruffs with low trumps in his The Sheriff arrived in Four Hearts trump; declarer would then have only hand, twelve tricks might be possible doubled and the queen of spades was one discard on the spades. even against a 4-1 trump break. He led. He turned to his left. ‘Are you Both sides had scored a game when drew two rounds of trumps with the playing Feeble Two openings or strong Lady Flowynn placed the Sheriff in ace and king, finding that West had London Twos?’ he enquired. another demanding contract: started with a singleton in the suit. The ‘With such a partner I have no ace and king of clubs were followed by idea,’ Ethel Strappe replied. ‘I have my a club ruff in his hand. double either way.’ Dealer South. Game All. A diamond to dummy’s ace When the Sheriff covered with the ♠ A 6 permitted a second club ruff. The spade king, Gisborne took the ace and ♥ Q 7 4 Sheriff then played dummy’s two switched to a trump. Ethel Strappe ♦ A K Q 4 remaining diamond winners to leave won with the queen and played ♣ K 7 3 2 this end position: two more rounds. The Sheriff could ♠ K Q J 9 8 2 ♠ 3 discard one diamond on the jack of ♥ 3 N ♥ J 10 9 8 spades but had no way to dispose of ♦ 9 3 2 W E ♦ J 10 7 5 ♠ 6 S his remaining diamond loser. He was ♣ Q 10 6 ♣ J 9 8 4 ♥ Q one down. ♠ 10 7 5 4 ♦ 4 ‘There was nothing the Lord Sheriff ♥ A K 6 5 2 ♣ — could do after my trump switch,’ ♦ 8 6 ♠ Q J 9 ♠ — Gisborne observed. ‘On any other ♣ A 5 ♥ — N ♥ J 10 W E ♦ — ♦ J return, he scores a diamond ruff and S loses just one spade and two trumps.’ ♣ — ♣ — The Sheriff had a nasty feeling that West North East South ♠ 10 7 he had misplayed the contract. What Ethel Lady Guy of The ♥ 6 if he had played a low spade from Strappe Flowynn Gisborne Sheriff ♦ — dummy at trick one, aiming to keep 1♥ ♣ — East off lead? Gisborne could not 2♠ 4NT Pass 5♥ afford to overtake with the ace or two Pass 5NT Pass 6♦ diamond losers would be thrown on Pass 6♥ All Pass A diamond ruff with his last trump the spades. Nor could West switch to gave him eleven tricks and dummy’s trumps effectively from her side of the Lady Flowynn was known throughout trump queen was good for a twelfth. table. None of the other players would the shire as a forward bidder. She The small slam had been made. notice his gaffe, it went without saying. thought long and hard before bidding Lady Flowynn beamed triumphantly. Ethel Strappe caught her partner’s only 6♥ at her third turn. The♠ K was ‘I chose the right moment to hold back eye. ‘Without my spade lead, you led and she laid out her dummy. ‘We in the bidding,’ she declared. ‘You had would not have the chance to switch to have probably missed a grand slam twelve easy tricks with the trumps 4-1. a trump,’ she informed him. ‘Opening here, partner,’ she said. On a 3-2 break the grand slam would leads are the most important part of ‘You may have no fears on that have been lay-down.’ the game.’ account,’ replied the Sheriff. If Gisborne had made such a senseless remark, the Sheriff would have lost no time in exposing his foolishness. He had no intention of upsetting Lady Flowynn, who was known for the quality of her monthly dinner parties. Indeed he had rarely tasted better roast grouse than on the last such occasion. ‘You judged the auction excellently, as always, my Lady,’ he replied. ‘Now for the enjoyable part. How much does the rubber come to?’ n

BRIDGE April 2019 Page 29 Seven Days by Sally Brock

then spend some time sorting through new client who lives in South Africa – MONDAY all the books in her room. Although I that doesn’t go too well as we couldn’t threw a lot of stuff out when I moved make the BBO and Skype both work This week is as close to a ‘normal’ here, there is still a lot of my junk in at the same time – and are going to week for me as it gets. My Apple her room and if she is going to live try again next week. Then a session Mac guy arrives to sort out my new here for a couple of years she needs a with Emer and Kathleen – but that tablet – making sure everything is bit of space. As Toby points out, the also doesn’t work for one reason or synchronised and working properly, age of the internet means I don’t really another. And finally a very useful and that everything on my laptop/ need dictionaries, thesauruses, etc, hour practising with Fiona. phone is updated. He has been any more. We then get sidetracked by working for me for 15 years and we looking at the family photo/holiday have become good friends, so it is a book we made together when we went WEDNESDAY pleasure to swap news and views. Then to South Africa on holiday in 2002. I am online with Gilly for a couple of Lots of memories. Out at 10.15 to the Acol for the hours. That finishes at more or less lunchtime duplicate with Margaret. the same time that Briony comes in TUESDAY This is an instructive slam deal: (having taken the car to the garage for me). We have some lunch and then I Up early to have an hour and a half walk with her halfway to where she online with Chris starting at 9 o’clock. Dealer East. Game All. meets the children she looks after, Then I spend a while on my exercise ♠ A J 4 picking up their dog on the way. Then bike before getting showered and ♥ A J 5 I go to Westfield shopping centre in dressed. I have mostly cleared the ♦ A 8 5 2 White City. We are having a family decks of work and want to get started ♣ K 5 3 lunch on Sunday and I think The Real on my new project. With Toby’s help I ♠ 9 6 5 2 ♠ 10 8 3 Greek would be a convenient place for have blown up a really nice photo and ♥ K 6 2 N ♥ 10 9 8 7 4 3 W E us to meet but I want to go and see for pixelated it so that each pixel is about ♦ 10 4 S ♦ K myself before committing. Everything 2cm square. Then I stick it all together ♣ 9 8 6 4 ♣ Q J 10 looks fine – plenty of space, and a and I’m going to make a patchwork of ♠ K Q 7 good, varied menu of bits and pieces 2cm squares. I have no real idea yet of ♥ Q that should suit all our vegetarians as whether it is going to be wonderful or ♦ Q J 9 7 6 3 well as the meat eaters. When Briony hopeless! In the early evening I first ♣ A 7 2 gets back we have supper together and have a taster session with a potential

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Page 30 BRIDGE April 2019 After East opens a weak Multi ♦2 , Meanwhile Barry has been in court SATURDAY South overcalls a natural 3♦ and North in Lewes in the morning and meets us raises directly to 6♦. On a heart lead, at home (to avoid the decorator). My declarer expects the ♥K to be wrong, car has been fixed (both bodywork I stay at Barry’s and after a fairly lazy so rises with the ace, and is soon one from when Briony bumped into the morning we go on the overground to down after losing a trick to the ♦K. car in front of her, and a service) and West Hampstead to play a However, that heart finesse is an extra is ready to be collected so I do that and match at the Acol. Our opponents are chance. By taking the finesse at trick then go with Barry to collect his floor Dudley Leigh’s team. one declarer has not lost anything tiles and drop him and the tiles home. We have already decided that Neil because the club loser disappears. Then it’s time for a quick cup of tea, and Martin can have a lie-in and not Indeed, had West led something else, before setting off to meet Thor Erik for play the first set, and all goes well, declarer would have taken the heart our game at the Young Chelsea. We leaving us 20 up after a fairly flat set finesse anyway, hoping to avoid a are thinking of playing together in an of boards. We continue with the same heart/club loser. event in June, so this seems like a good line-up for the second set, and again After the session we go to the pub start. everything goes swimmingly and up the road for a cup of tea and a look There are some instructive points we put on another 20. I have a nasty through the boards. Then it is home for from this early deal: cold and decide that I will play one a couple of hours before venturing out more set and then the rest of them can again, this time to TGR’s for a league manage without me. Too late! Barry match. This is terrible. The boards Dealer West. E/W Game. and I go for two 800 penalties for no are fairly flat and we are 5 up at half- ♠ A Q 8 7 good reason, and we lose half our lead. time. In the second half I manage to ♥ 3 Talking about leads, here is an misdefend three contracts, and we bid ♦ K Q 10 9 7 opening lead problem for you: a grand slam missing a cashing ace. So ♣ K Q J we end up losing by 30 IMPs or so. ♠ K J 6 3 ♠ 4 Dealer West. N/S Game. N ♥ A K 10 9 2 ♥ J 8 6 W E ♦ 8 S ♦ A J 6 4 3 West North East South THURSDAY ♣ 9 8 4 ♣ 7 6 3 2 4♥ Dbl Pass 6♠ ♠ 10 9 5 2 All Pass Up early for an hour online with ♥ Q 7 5 4 Mary. And as soon as that is finished ♦ 5 2 You, West, hold: I have a couple of hours with Gilly. ♣ A 10 5 Barry stayed over last night – his flat is being redecorated – so we have ♠ Void lunch together and generally hang out. This is the bidding at our table where ♥ Q J 10 8 7 6 3 2 Later we go to Marks & Spencers in I was West: ♦ J 2 Westfield to get him a blazer for when ♣ K 10 6 he is part of the English mixed team West North East South in the European Championships. I 1♥ Dbl 2♥ Pass then wander around Westfield for a Pass 3♦ Pass 3NT Your choice? while, have a bowl of pasta and a glass Pass Pass Dbl All Pass This is the full deal: of wine before meeting Briony to go and see The Favourite. I am not quite Partner’s double suggests a strong as impressed as I expected to be – but holding in dummy’s suit, so I lead a ♠ A 8 6 maybe it has been hyped up too much. diamond and the heart return quickly ♥ A K 5 4 leads to a three-trick defeat (declarer ♦ A K 9 3 loses five hearts and two diamonds). ♣ 5 4 FRIDAY But what of North-South’s bidding? ♠ Void ♠ 9 4 ♥ Q J 10 8 7 6 3 2 ♥ 9 North should have doubled again N An early morning online session and when 2♥ was passed around to him – ♦ J 2 W E ♦ Q 8 7 5 4 then Toby, Briony and I set off for the that would have been for take-out and ♣ K 10 6 S ♣ A 9 7 3 2 Design Museum, just up the road from suggested four spades. Then South ♠ K Q J 10 7 5 3 2 me on Kensington High Street. We might have ended in 4♠. On the actual ♥ Void have discussed going to see the Home lie this would not have made, but it is ♦ 10 6 Futures exhibition there for months. quite a decent contract – much better ♣ Q J 8 Although there is plenty of interest, than 3NT. overall it is a little disappointing. Then North’s actual bidding suggests a we go to lunch at a new Middle Eastern long strong diamond suit but not four Did you find the club lead? restaurant just over the road. spades. u

BRIDGE April 2019 Page 31 Mr Bridge Seven Days by Sally Brock Hotel Royal Kenz continued... Tunisia 2019 My experience, for what it’s worth, is Seven Day All-inclusive that a heart lead is never a good idea. Then it is a question of whether to Duplicate Bridge Holidays be active or passive. On this type of slap-bang-wallop auction there is no 5-19 November knowing what anyone has got and I from £999 per person sharing would generally go for an aggressive or one week from £699 per person sharing lead. Here both Wests, on the same 5-12 November or 12-19 November sequence, lead a heart so both slams make. (As declarer you would have Hosted by Gwen Beattie played low on the first heart and ruffed in hand, wouldn’t you? If hearts are Situated in a quiet area just 250 metres away from the sandy beach 9-0 and a top heart is ruffed, there is on Tunisia’s Mediterranean coast, the 4* Hotel Royal Kenz in Port El no way to recover.) Kantaoui is a popular destination for Mr Bridge holidaymakers. Over the next two sets, even without A taxi into Port El Kantaoui takes less than five minutes and if you my input, our team struggles and our want to explore a bit further, the city of Sousse and its ancient medina opponents play well. We are 8 IMPs is but a 15-minute drive away. down with one set to go. However, in the final set everything seems to go well for our lot and we eventually win by 25 IMPs. Phew! Then we all go to the rather good Italian restaurant down the road for dinner.

SUNDAY Bridge: Land based holidays allow time for plenty of bridge, but there is also Another lazy morning and then out time to both visit the local area and just sit back and relax. Over the for our family lunch at The Real Greek. fortnight the bridge programme includes four seminar & set hands There is a good turn-out – 19 of us in sessions, which gives you the opportunity to enhance your bridge skills, all, including children. It is rather a as well as duplicate bridge every evening. You can play as much or good venue really – easily accessible for as little as you wish and the excursions* are fitted around the bridge everyone and I have pre-ordered food programme to maximise your enjoyment. to share. We have a lot of vegetarians, and Greek food is good from that point Singles: There is a sole occupancy supplement of £5 per room per of view. Afterwards everyone comes night. If you are a single bridge player please do not worry about being back to my flat for a coffee (and to see on your own. At each session we will be able to find you a partner, so it, generally for the first time). you can always have a game. In the evening I have an online knock-out match. I haven’t played in this before and to be honest I don’t really enjoy it. It is one thing to practise online, or coach students, and be connected via Skype, but that is For details or an information pack not allowed (for obvious reasons) in a fairly serious match.  call Mr Bridge Holidays 01483 489961 It all feels very isolated and unsocial. Prices shown are per person sharing and include flights from Heathrow. Selected regional We also play very badly and are flights may be available at a supplement. Terms and conditions apply. These holidays have been comprehensively beaten (very sorry organised for Mr Bridge by Great Little Escapes LLP, ATOL 5933. *Excursions are not included in to our team-mates Ben and Ankoush). the price of the holiday. For details of what is included in the all-inclusive package, please call for an information pack and booking form. Maybe that has something to do with my not enjoying it. n

Page 32 BRIDGE April 2019 Answers to David Huggett’s Play Quiz on page 9

the ♥3. East plays the ♥Q. How do you the club finesse and when that too failed 1. ♠ 7 6 plan the play? he was down. Declarer was beguiled by ♥ 8 2 With the prospect of making nine easy the queen of clubs! A much better – and ♦ J 7 5 tricks via two spades, one heart, five successful – line is to play the ace of clubs ♣ A K Q 10 5 3 diamonds and one club, declarer won at trick two and ruff a club. Using trump ♠ 8 3 ♠ Q J 10 9 5 the first trick and saw that he could still entries to dummy declarer can ruff two ♥ K J 9 3 N ♥ Q 10 6 make five diamond tricks even if the suit more clubs, setting up a long club for a W E ♦ Q 3 ♦ K 10 8 6 4 broke 4-0, provided it was East who held heart discard while the spade king is an S ♣ J 9 8 7 6 ♣ Void the length. By playing the ace first, the entry to dummy. ♠ A K 4 2 putative bad break would come to light This plan works as long as clubs are ♥ A 7 5 4 in which case a finesse against the ten 4-3, while if they are not declarer can still ♦ A 9 2 would be marked. The plan was a good resort to a spade finesse. ♣ 4 2 one but declarer made one small error – he led the two of diamonds towards dummy and not the seven. When 4. ♠ K 10 8 5 You are declarer in 3NT after East diamonds broke 3-1 declarer found he ♥ J 2 opened 2♠ showing five spades and four had blocked the suit and could not reach ♦ A 9 3 or five in a minor with 5-9 points. West dummy to cash the fifth card. The club ♣ A 9 8 2 leads the ♠8. How do you plan the play? finesse was the only hope of success ♠ 7 2 ♠ 4 Declarer overcalled 2♠ with 2NT, albeit now but when that failed declarer had to ♥ A Q 9 5 4 N ♥ 8 7 6 W E with misgivings, and partner had an easy concede defeat. ♦ 10 8 7 6 5 S ♦ Q J 4 raise to game. In such circumstances ♣ 7 ♣ K J 10 6 4 3 when you have made a speculative bid, it ♠ A Q J 9 6 3 is easy to lose sight of the bigger picture 3. ♠ K J 4 ♥ K 10 3 when things appear to have worked out ♥ A 4 ♦ K 2 well. South knew all about safety plays, ♦ K J 6 ♣ Q 5 or thought he did, and lost no time in ♣ A Q 6 4 3 playing a low club to the ten at trick two. ♠ 6 3 ♠ Q 8 7 2 The ten held but East showed out and ♥ Q 10 8 6 5 N ♥ K J 7 2 You are declarer in 4♠. West leads the now declarer just had four club tricks and ♦ 7 5 W E ♦ 9 2 ♣7. How do you plan the play? S not the five he required. Of course he ♣ J 9 8 2 ♣ K 10 5 You should always try to analyse the should have ducked the club completely, ♠ A 10 9 5 possible holding that a defender might guarding against the 5-0 break, then ♥ 9 3 have in the suit that they have led lead to the ten on the second round. ♦ A Q 10 8 4 3 from. Since you can see all but three ♣ 7 of the clubs higher than the seven, if the lead is fourth best the defender’s 2. ♠ 7 6 3 holding would be K-J-10-7-(x). ♥ 8 5 You are declarer in 6♦. West leads the Surely no one would lead low from that. ♦ A Q 6 5 3 ♥6. How do you plan the play? It does look as though the lead is from ♣ 9 7 4 The slam is a good one and the play shortage and you must resist the impulse ♠ Q 4 ♠ J 10 8 5 2 would have been easier without the heart to play low from dummy in the hope of ♥ J 10 7 3 2 N ♥ K Q 9 lead. Since trumps are 2-2, even if you making a cheap extra trick. Declarer did W E ♦ J 9 4 S ♦ 8 lost a spade, you could pitch a heart just that and was mortified to see East ♣ K 8 3 ♣ J 10 6 2 from dummy on the fourth round and win with the king and give his partner a ♠ A K 9 ruff a heart, but now you are a ruff. Then when both hearts were badly ♥ A 6 4 behind. At the table declarer saw a better placed declarer found himself one down ♦ K 10 7 2 chance than the spade finesse. He won in a laydown. ♣ A Q 5 the heart lead, drew trumps and now Of course by winning the first trick and played the top two spades, hoping that drawing trumps, declarer can guarantee the queen was doubleton. ten tricks wherever the missing honours You are declarer in 3NT and West leads When that chance failed he resorted to might be placed. n

BRIDGE April 2019 Page 33 Michael Byrne on Suit Preference Signals

Suit Preference Signals Part 4

n the previous few articles we have When setting up hands for lessons you would see it at the table: been looking at the suit preference on suit preference signals I always Partner cashes the ♠A, ♠7 from signal, the way that you can have to avoid the temptation to give dummy, ♠8 from you, ♠4 from Itransmit a message to partner about my pupils holdings like A-K-10-6-2. declarer. He next cashes the ♠K, ♠9 which suit you would like him to play. Although then the 10 is clearly a high from dummy, ♠6 from you, ♠5 from We looked at the three main areas card and the 2 is obviously low, in real declarer. He then plays the ♠3 which where suit preference signals apply: life it is much harder. you ruff, dummy following with the 1) When you are giving partner a You must look at all the small cards jack and declarer with the ten – what ruff you can tell him what to play next; and follow closely whether partner’s do you play now? this may be to indicate where your spot card is a high or a low one. It is clear that declarer must have the card of re-entry is so that you can give Let’s see a problem from the point of ♠Q (otherwise why didn’t partner cash him another ruff, or it might be you view of the player who must interpret it?) which means partner has the other want him to set up a king or queen the suit preference signal. spade left, and racking our brains we in your hand. The card you give him The auction is simple and eventually realise the ♠2 has not yet a ruff with is the one that carries the straightforward: been played. This means partner’s♠ 3 signal, high for a high suit, low for a is a high one and we should play the low suit. West North East South higher ranking suit – diamonds. 2) When you lead an ace at trick one 1NT(12-14) If the dummy’s diamonds were 10- and dummy has a singleton in that Pass 2♣ Pass 2♥ 8-3 then the right card to play might suit, partner will indicate which suit Pass 3♥ All pass be the queen (to fool declarer into you should switch to, a high pip for the ducking when he had K-x-x), but with higher ranking side suit, and a low pip only a doubleton in the dummy we for the lower ranking side suit. ♠ J 9 7 can just make the normal play of the 3) When you are “clearing” your long ♥ A J 8 3 ♦3 and reap our reward when the full suit in no-trumps. The term clearing is ♦ 10 8 deal is as follows: used to refer to the act of knocking out ♣ K Q 9 7 declarer’s stopper and turning your ♠ 8 6 long cards into winners. The card you N ♥ Q 7 4 ♠ J 9 7 W E ♦ Q 9 6 3 ♥ A J 8 3 play to force out declarer’s ace will S be the card that carries the message ♣ J 8 3 2 ♦ 10 8 about which suit you have an entry (or ♣ K Q 9 7 potential entry) in. Once more, lead a ♠ A K 3 2 ♠ 8 6 high card for a high suit and a low card Partner leads the ♠A and you signal ♥ 10 6 N ♥ Q 7 4 W E ♠ ♦ A J 5 4 ♦ Q 9 6 3 for a low suit. encouragement by playing the 8. S This month we are going to finish Partner now plays the ♠K and leads ♣ 6 5 4 ♣ J 8 3 2 our look at suit preference signals by the ♠3 for you to ruff. What now? ♠ Q 10 5 4 looking at some of the problems and Of course this is a trick question; ♥ K 9 5 2 more unusual situations that can arise you can’t decide whether the ♠3 asks ♦ K 7 2 when defending. for a club or a diamond until you ♣ A 10 The first point to note is that when know whether it is a high or low card. we talk about “low cards” and “high To do that you must see all of the pip cards” the terms are all relative, and cards (not just the ones partner plays) After beating the ♦K with the ace, must not be considered in a vacuum. so I shall present the information as partner will cash the jack and lead

Page 34 BRIDGE April 2019 the fourth round of spades. If dummy Your side is vulnerable and the That is certainly consistent with what ruffs this with the 3, 8 or jack we will opponents non vulnerable so you we have seen so far, so we win with the over-ruff; if declarer calls for the ace want to get this contract as many off ♣Q and duly switch to the ♥3. Partner then we will discard and come to a as possible: ruffs it, plays a diamond to our ace and trump trick later (covering the jack Your lead seems obvious and you we give him another heart ruff. if it is led from dummy to promote start with the ♠2; this dummy is The full deal: partner’s ten). revealed: This will lead to two down and a healthy score for us at any form of ♠ 10 9 7 4 the game. If partner makes a mistake ♠ 10 9 7 4 ♥ 10 9 8 7 6 4 and plays the fourth round of spades ♥ 10 9 8 7 6 4 ♦ K 10 before cashing the second diamond ♦ K 10 ♣ 7 trick, then dummy can throw a ♣ 7 ♠ 2 ♠ A K Q J 8 6 5 diamond on it squashing our trump ♠ 2 ♥ Q 5 3 N ♥ Void W E ♥ Q 5 3 N ♦ A Q J 5 3 ♦ 9 8 6 4 trick and second diamond trick into W E S one; the contract will only go one ♦ A Q J 5 3 S ♣ Q 6 5 4 ♣ 8 3 down. However, from our play of the ♣ Q 6 5 4 ♠ 3 3, (the fourth highest card promising ♥ A K J 2 an honour) partner can tell we have ♦ 7 2 the queen and should get it right. Partner wins with the ♠A (declarer ♣ A K J 10 9 2 Note how important it was for you following with the 3) and then plays to watch the spot cards in spades. If the king, which declarer ruffs with the you were enjoying your afternoon ♣J. What now? Declarer eventually lost 5 tricks for nap for the first two rounds and only You don’t know that much about the -500, not as good as +620 but South wake up when you have won the trick hand and whatever you do is a little bit was never that likely to let us play in then you might well think the ♠3 is a of a guess, but partner has given you 4♠. If we hadn’t read partner’s signal small card and think partner wanted a helping hand by signalling to you – and discarded on the ♣J (which is the lower ranking suit. I don’t think he did you miss the signal? normal technique) we would only would be amused if you played a low This is something that is hard for the have got it two off as we miss two ruffs club back allowing declarer to draw normal club player, because they are but get a heart trick in return. trumps and cash his clubs to discard often very sloppy about winning with Note also what a good play partner diamonds making 9 tricks. their high cards third in hand. has made – when he ruffed the first The morale of the story is this: a When partner is playing third hand heart he read the ♥3 as showing the card can never be described as high or high he is supposed to play the lower ♦A (we didn’t seem to have much low until it is compared to the other card of equals, so with A-K-Q-J he else!) and rather than play another top cards in the suit, and you should never should win with the jack and then play spade (allowing declarer to ruff, draw assume anything. the ace. trumps and run the hearts) he played The final sort of suit preference we On this hand partner (by playing a diamond for a second ruff. shall see comes up rarely but is very unnecessarily high both times) has You might ask what partner would useful when it does and that is suit signalled for the higher ranking suit, have done if he hadn’t held a convenient preference signals in a single suit. hearts – what holding does he have? void, and wanted us to do whatever we Let’s imagine a simple auction where Well if he held a singleton he would thought was sensible. In that case he your partner has opened with a big surely have switched to it, since when would have played his cards in normal pre-empt and you end up defending: we double 5♣ we are a very heavy fashion, winning the jack at trick one favourite to hold the ♥A or the ace of and playing the ace next. West North East South trumps, either of which would have Watch out for partner playing non- 4♠ 5♣ made that defence right. standard cards when his holding Dbl All Pass He could have the ♥A perhaps, in a suit is about to be known, he is although it is unusual to open with a normally trying to give us a message Your hand contains modest assets pre-empt with a solid 7 card suit and and we must make sure we receive that but they will certainly be useful in an outside ace; perhaps partner is void? message. n defence: REDUCE THE COST OF YOUR POSTAGE British postage stamps for sale at 90% of face-value, all mint and ♠ 2 with full gum. ♥ Q 5 3 Quotations for commercial quantities are available on request. ♦ A Q J 5 3 Values supplied in 100s, higher values available, as well as 1st ♣ Q 6 5 4 and 2nd class. ( 020 8422 4906 e-mail: [email protected]

BRIDGE April 2019 Page 35 David Stevenson Answers your Bridge Questions How Long Should Bidding Cards Stay Out For?

The EBU Laws Book every other one throughout pass, letting you play in ‘It is always permitted - L45A says “Each the world have regulations 2♦. Anyway, the important to vary certain parts of a Qplayer plays a card covering the use of bidding thing is that the director will system according to posi- by detaching it from his hand boxes as a different method let her change her 2♠ bid if tion and/or vulnerability. and facing it on the table of making calls. The she wants to because of the This includes, for example, immediately in front of him”. requirement for the bidding late alert. If she changes it variable NT openings and This does not appear to cards to remain on the table but calls something different playing four- or five-card be in the “Duplicate Bridge until the opening lead is your partner is allowed majors in different positions.’ Rules Simplified”. On the faced is an English and Welsh to change her 2NT bid. Surely this regulation al- other hand, the simplified regulation rather than a law. Of course your RHO lows a partnership to agree version says ‘at the end of Duplicate Bridge Rules might be damaged by your that when opening in North the auction, the bidding Simplified uses the term Rules failure to alert. While it is or East positions, they play cards should remain in place in its name because it contains unlikely on this sequence it four-card majors, and when until the opening lead has details of the more common is possible, and in similar opening in South or West, been made.’ I cannot find this laws and regulations. situations but with different they play five-card majors? law in the EBU laws book. bidding quite likely. The Gavin Wilson by email. Rodney Fraser, ♣♦♥♠ director will not allow her Rockbeare Hill, Exeter. to change her pass, but tell This is an interesting Playing at our club her that she should call her attempt to get around I think you are recently my partner back at the end of the hand A a regulation but it is confusing two Qpassed, I bid 1♦ and if she feels she might have certainly not what the Blue A different concepts. my LHO passed. My partner been damaged, and there book means by different When the laws refer to a bid 2♦ and I started trying might be an adjustment. positions. You may play card being played they are to work out what I should five-card majors in first referring to the play period do next. After I passed my ♣♦♥♠ and second and four-card after the auction is over. LHO bid 2♠ and my partner majors in third and fourth So if the bidding reaches bid 2NT. I then remembered Sorry to trawl back (or just third), for example, 3♥ then the laws refer to that I should have alerted in time, but the but both of you must do so. the play of the thirteen his 2♦ bid because we Q process helps me tricks in a 3♥ contract. play . become a better director. ♣♦♥♠ The auction is rather Please will you tell me In the August 2017 edition different. The laws were what I should have done of BRIDGE, you replied At one table, developed around spoken when I realised that I to Geoff Tremlett that: where the next bidding and even so their had forgotten to alert the ‘In Wales, as in most Q set was boards description in laws 17 and 18 2♦ bid? If the director other countries, you and 16-18, board 17 was on is not very detailed. However had been called, what your partner are required top and played, but North law 17D refers to Regulating should they have ruled? to play the same basic entered it as board 16. Authorities authorising Colleen Haffey by email. system and your current East did not spot this and different methods of making agreements are therefore accepted the score. When calls. This in effect refers to You should illegal. You must agree on looking at previous results country associations such as immediately call the four-card majors, or on the players realised the the English, Welsh, Scottish A director and let her five-card majors, but must mistake. The hand was and Northern Irish Bridge sort it out. In practice she not have one player playing re-entered as board 17 but Unions and the Contract will allow your LHO to take one and one the other.’ they had seen some results Bridge Association of Ireland. her 2♠ bid back which she But in the Blue book for board 16 and I, as TD, These associations and might do and she might 5A5, it says that: ruled it could not be played.

Page 36 BRIDGE April 2019 I was not sure what it could be considered to The result cannot have different ideas as to result to give, and awarded contradict, at least in part, stand since it was when these should apply. 50:50. Should I have Law 70D1 eg for a known A played with the An extreme case is where put Not Played into the finesse against a defender. wrong hands (or at least the someone has a medical Bridgemate; or a different Chris Catchpole, wrong dealer) so average problem and does something assigned score; or allowed Normandy BC, Somerset. plus to both pairs is correct. wrong: very few opponents them to play the hand? Fining the last table 10% would take any advantage. Tony Richards, While in other of a top seems reasonable It is important to realise Woking. circumstances though the EBU is now that your ideas on personal A your policy might recommending 25% of ethics may go further than You certainly must be correct, it is definitely a top as their standard an opponent’s ideas and not put Not Played wrong here. Claims are procedural penalty. you cannot insist on him A which is illegal and to be accompanied by a While fines are very following your ideas. unfair on other contestants as statement of how the claimer rare in clubs, I think they Many people think you mentioned many times in this proposes to take the tricks are reasonable when should point out your column and in my articles. and if the opposition stop an action stops another side’s and do so. I think average-average the claimer from making table from getting a Many people do not. (50-50) is acceptable since such a statement then the board played properly. So I cannot really answer both sides have contributed director should now give Note that the most the moral question. to this, though a case him the opportunity to common reason for this type might be made for average make such a statement. of misboarding is taking the ♣♦♥♠ minus – average minus I suggest you amend the board off the table during (40-40) since both sides rule in your club so that when the play, which should I am a novice were at fault. But in a an infraction occurs you tell be actively discouraged, director. Yesterday club I normally let them the players not to make any which is another reason Q I was called to play the second board. comments until you arrive, why the procedural a table where all four except in the case of a claim penalty is reasonable. players agreed a ♣♦♥♠ where the laws require had occurred and was claimer to state a line, so he ♣♦♥♠ established. The offender As a non-playing should not just be allowed did not win the revoke director (my choice) to do so but encouraged If you are defending trick so I awarded a 1 trick Q I am known to to do so at the time. and you notice penalty. This was queried insist on both being called Qthat you or your by two players so I read for any irregularity and ♣♦♥♠ partner have revoked, Law 64 out of your 2017 also for the table to avoid are you legally or morally Yellow Book. The two making comments until Whilst directing obliged to say anything? players continued to query I arrive. Do you agree last Friday I had Mike Fairclough, my decision, one of whom with this approach? Q an occasion to Wirral. was the offender himself. It has served the club well rule on a fouled board; the With only four trumps until last week when the board had been played, You are not unplayed, a defender had following scenario occurred. a score obtained and then required legally led her master trump which With 4 tricks remaining found to be fouled (hands A to say anything. should have taken one of the and on lead, South (declarer), put in to wrong pockets The legal ethics of 3 small remaining trumps announced that he was by previous table). the game are covered held by declarer but he did going to claim the remain- The problem was by the laws and they do not follow suit. This revoke ing tricks. West immediately solved by using the hand not require you to draw left the offender/declarer called “Director” and under records and no other attention to infractions. with 3 small trumps instead the above policy stopped table was troubled. Interestingly enough they of 2. He said it was a 1 trick South from stating his line of My question is: was I do not require you to draw penalty for the revoke and a play. I arrived and applied right to allow the score attention to infractions 2nd trick penalty to ‘restore Law 70D1 resulting in defeat to stand and fine the by opponents either. equity’. I disagreed, saying for declarer on an otherwise previous table 10% of a The moral question is I could find no mention of makeable 3NT contract. top, or, should I have given more interesting. There trumps affecting Law 64, Subsequent discussion the aggrieved table an are a set of ideas, often which restored equity by among those not involved artificial assigned score called active ethics, though awarding 1 trick; I agreed thought the ruling harsh. and fine the other table? I prefer the term personal to a 2 trick penalty mainly In retrospect Law 70E1 My rulings were ethics, which cover ethical because offender /declarer might have helped but I can based on Law 12. decisions that go beyond the was certain he deserved a 2 see circumstances where Name and Address supplied. laws and different people trick penalty. u

BRIDGE April 2019 Page 37 This is not an EBU club, East held something three trump tricks instead of costing the offending side I needed to get back to like ♠K-J, ♥Q-J-x-x, two. With only the one trick one trick for carelessness. my hand. I do believe ♦A-x & ♣J-x-x-x-x. transfer, effectively there Case 2. Declarer plays Law 64 used to state a After the play I suggested was no penalty for revoking. A-K of a suit. Defender 2 trick penalty should that the 1♦ bid should have What was the with Q-x follows to the first be awarded in certain been alerted as diamonds correct ruling? round and discards on the circumstances. When was wasn’t East’s longest suit Phillip Stanhope, next – thus leaving himself this amended please? and so was very unusual. Carshalton Beeches, Surrey. with a winning queen. Joan Bronkhorst by email. East asked what law of The revoke is subsequently bridge he was breaking? When a revoke is established and the queen Without seeing Alun Williams, established there are wins a trick, which of course the whole hand I Llanfairpwll. A a certain number of is awarded to declarer at A cannot say what penalty tricks transferred, the end with effectively no the ruling is on this hand. There is no cheating most usually one. In this penalty to the defender at Having revoked but not involved, which is case where the trick on all. The most the declarer Julian won a trick with the revoke A doing things wrong which the revoke was made can hope for is an adjusted card, the director adjudges deliberately. The game (as was not won by revoker, but score if he has been the opposition receive one is true of most sports and his side won a later trick, disadvantaged by the revoke querying trick at the end of the hand mindsports) is governed by one trick is transferred. with an insufficient penalty. assuming declarer took either both laws and regulations, More tricks may be 1. Am I right with the with Da- the revoke trick (in dummy and alerting is a matter transferred to restore equity. above assumptions? presumably) or a subsequent of regulation. If when you In this case declarer was 2. I know if the revoke vid trick. That is a penalty trick. open 1♣ or 1♦ it shows an going to make two tricks if trick is won by the offender Now consider what would opening hand but may have there had been no revoke, he is liable to concede 2 have happened if there fewer than three cards, then and he made three tricks, tricks at the end (if his side had been no revoke. partner should say “May be one was taken away for the wins another trick), but it What would have two cards” or whatever is the revoke so he made two tricks. makes sense to give the happened? If the defence minimum number of cards. That is equity so no further same penalty if the revoker would have taken no Announcing is covered transfer of tricks applies. wins a trick with the card more tricks than they did, by the alerting regulations, You appear to be under he should have played or one more trick, then which are designed by the misunderstanding that instead of revoking. equity has been restored. the , the restoration of equity is in Is this something which But if the revoke cost and the Welsh Bridge addition to the penalty tricks. no longer applies? them two tricks then they Union have adopted That is not so. Mike Baker by email. get two tricks. In other them for use in Wales. The restoring equity law words revoker may not comes into operation only if It is correct that in gain from the revoke. ♣♦♥♠ the revoker has made more Case 1 declarer The penalty tricks part tricks after the revoke penalty A gets a trick he would of the revoke laws have I was declarer is applied, than he would not have got otherwise changed at least five times and had six cards have without the revoke. by the defender’s revoke. over the years. Originally Qleft, ♣10-6-4-3 Assuming that in case a revoke cost three tricks (trumps) and two losers ♣♦♥♠ 2 declarer lost one trick with no further rule, a very outside. I led the ♣3, which because of the revoke simple rule to apply and lost to the ♣9, a card I had Can you confirm that is returned to him. made players check rather forgotten was still out. The my understanding As has been the case for carefully that they or their defender who won then Q of the latest over fifty years the number of partner had not revoked. played the ♣Q, on which laws regarding revoking tricks that the revoker loses I discarded. When I ruffed by a defender? may be just what he gained ♣♦♥♠ the next trick, everyone Case 1. If a defender, with or may be more. He cannot realised I had revoked. 3 small in a suit played by gain because of the revoke. Playing in an The director said that since declarer, revokes on the 3rd The number of penalty improvers / I did not win the revoke trick round and follows suit with tricks for a revoke has Q practice club. but did win some subsequent his 3rd card on a subsequent changed several times over East/West were playing a tricks the penalty should round then he has to give up the years, starting with an strong 1♣ 16+. A strong NT be a one trick transfer. The a trick if his side wins a trick automatic three tricks in the 16-18 and 1♦ showing less defender who had the ♣Q-9 following the revoke – thus 1930s. n than 15. East bid 1♦ and queried whether this was West was confused as to right because I made an E-mail your questions for David to: whether to alert or what? extra trump trick at the end, [email protected]

Page 38 BRIDGE April 2019 Answers to Julian Pottage’s Defence Quiz on page 11

1. ♠ Q 6 4 2 Partner leads the ♣J, on which go the should already know who holds the ace ♥ K 8 6 4 2 ♣Q, ♣A and ♣2. What is your plan? of diamonds. The opening lead has ♦ 6 You have more options this time marked declarer with the ace and king of ♣ A K Q because you have some trumps and it clubs. Holding those cards and the jack ♠ 10 7 ♠ K J 9 5 is most unlikely that both opponents are of hearts and an ace on the side, nobody ♥ Q 5 N ♥ Void out of clubs. Indeed, with the singleton would pass as dealer. You thus take the W E ♦ Q J 9 8 5 4 2 S ♦ A 10 7 3 club in dummy and some chance of first heart and switch to a low diamond. ♣ J 4 ♣ 8 7 6 5 3 giving declarer a guess in the trump suit, If partner has two or three diamonds, ♠ A 8 3 a trump switch would not be ridiculous. you will make three tricks in the suit to ♥ A J 10 9 7 3 The snag is that dummy’s holdings in defeat the contract. If declarer has a ♦ K the red suits will probably cover any club doubleton, at least you will have stopped ♣ 10 9 2 losers that declarer cannot get to ruff. any overtricks. Since your side will never make any diamond tricks if declarer holds the ace, West North East South a better bet is to switch to the king of 4. ♠ A 10 8 2 3♦ Dbl 5♦ 5♥ diamonds. If partner has the ace and two ♥ Q 7 2 All Pass or three low cards with it, you will score ♦ Q 7 5 two diamond tricks and a ruff. ♣ Q J 7 Partner leads the ♦Q: ♦6, ♦A and ♦K. ♠ 7 4 ♠ K 5 What do you return? ♥ J 10 8 5 3 N ♥ 9 6 4 W E The bidding and play to trick one 3. ♠ A K J 8 2 ♦ A 10 4 ♦ K 9 6 2 S indicate that a diamond return would ♥ A Q 2 ♣ 10 5 4 ♣ K 8 6 3 give a ruff and discard – normally a bad ♦ Q 10 6 ♠ Q J 9 6 3 idea. Leading a spade is very dangerous ♣ 9 7 ♥ A K if declarer has the ace, as is likely on the ♠ 9 7 6 4 ♠ 10 5 ♦ J 8 3 bidding: you want to save your king to ♥ 5 N ♥ K 8 6 4 ♣ A 9 2 W E capture the queen, which you cannot do ♦ A 9 4 S ♦ K J 7 2 by leading round to it. A lead up to the ♣ Q J 10 4 3 ♣ 8 6 5 solid club holding is safe and maximises ♠ Q 3 West North East South your chances in the spade suit. ♥ J 10 9 7 3 1♠ ♦ 8 5 3 Pass 3♠ Pass 4♠ ♣ A K 2 All Pass 2. ♠ J 8 6 2 ♥ A K Q 2 Partner leads the ♥J, won by the ♥A. ♦ Q J 10 6 West North East South Then comes the ♠Q: ♠4, ♠2 and ♠K. ♣ Q Pass What is your plan? ♠ Q 7 ♠ 10 9 5 Pass 1♠ Pass 2♥ This time you have two kings that ♥ 8 6 N ♥ J 7 5 4 Pass 4♥ All Pass you may be tempted to lead from. The W E ♦ A 9 4 2 S ♦ K 7 presence of the jack of clubs with the ♣ J 10 9 5 4 ♣ A 8 6 3 Partner leads the ♣Q, won by the ♣A. At queen in dummy makes a club switch ♠ A K 4 3 trick two, declarer leads the ♥J, West and less risky than a diamond switch – but ♥ 10 9 3 dummy playing low. What is your plan? do you need to be taking any risks at all? ♦ 8 5 3 If you take the king of hearts on this The flat shape of the dummy suggests ♣ K 7 2 trick, you will need to decide whether to that declarer’s losers are not going lead away from the king of diamonds anywhere fast. You should exit passively without seeing a discard from partner. with a trump or heart. As the cards lie, West North East South Then again, if you duck, partner will show a switch to either minor would allow the 1♥ Pass 1♠ out on the second round and dummy will contract to make. Declarer would later Pass 3♠ Pass 4♠ go up with the ace. discard a loser in the other minor on the All Pass If you think back to the bidding, you third round of hearts. n

BRIDGE April 2019 Page 39 Mr Bridge Holidays CHARITY Croatia 2019 at Hotel Eden, Rovinj EVENTS

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Page 40 BRIDGE April 2019 Answers to Two Suited Overcalls Part 3 Quiz on page 21

1 At love all your right hand opponent You expect to make 4♥ Any Astro two suited bid shows fewer opens 1♥. What do you bid with even if partner is weak. than the 16 points you need to double. hands A, B and C? You are playing Hand D 4NT. Blackwood. If Hand A 2♦. Spades and another suit. the unusual 2NT, weak or strong. partner has an ace you Hand B Dbl with 16 points. want to be in 6♥. Hand C 3♦. 2♦ would be Astro: Hand E 3♣. You prefer clubs to hearts. spades and another suit. Hand A Hand B Hand C Hand F 4♥. With a fit in both of your ♠ 2 ♠ 2 ♠ 2 partner’s suits it is quite 5 At game all the bidding starts ♥ 6 3 ♥ A 3 ♥ A possible that you can make as in the auction shown. What ♦ K Q 10 5 4 ♦ K Q 10 5 4 ♦ K Q J 7 5 4 4♥ even if partner is weak should South bid with hands A ♣ A 10 9 7 5 ♣ A 10 9 7 5 ♣ A J 10 9 4 and they can make 4♠. to F? You are playing Astro.

3 With East/West vulnerable what West North East South Hand A 2NT. Weak unusual no trump. should North bid with hands A, B 1NT 2♦ Pass ? Hand B 2♦. Intermediate strength and C after the auction shown? and therefore not within your range for an unusual West North East South Hand A Hand B Hand C 2NT. Hope you can bid 1♦ 2NT Pass 3♥ ♠ A Q 6 5 ♠ 4 2 ♠ 4 clubs cheaply on the next 3♠ ? ♥ A 7 ♥ J 7 6 5 ♥ A Q J 8 round of bidding. ♦ K 8 2 ♦ K 7 3 ♦ K J 3 2 Hand C 2NT. Strong unusual no ♣ 7 5 4 3 ♣ Q 10 3 2 ♣ Q 10 3 2 trump. The sixth diamond Hand A Hand B Hand C makes up for the fact you ♠ 7 5 4 ♠ 7 ♠ 8 Hand D Hand E Hand F have only 15 points. ♥ A J 7 6 4 ♥ A J 10 5 4 ♥ A K 6 5 4 ♠ Q 10 6 5 ♠ 6 ♠ 6 5 ♦ Void ♦ K 2 ♦ 7 ♥ A 7 ♥ A K Q 6 4 3 ♥ 7 6 5 3 2 2 At game all what should ♣ K J 10 3 2 ♣ A K Q 4 3 ♣ A K Q 8 4 3 ♦ A 6 3 2 ♦ A 10 9 7 ♦ K 7 5 3 South bid with hands A to F ♣ 7 3 2 ♣ 5 3 ♣ 7 6 after the auction shown? North has shown hearts and clubs, West North East South weak or strong. If he is weak he North has shown spades and another 1♦ 2NT Pass ? must pass, otherwise South will think suit, at least 5-4 shape. he is strong. Remember, South has Hand A 4♠. A good fit and easily not supported your hearts. South enough for game. Hand A Hand B Hand C simply prefers hearts to clubs. Hand B 2♥. Asking partner to pass ♠ A 8 4 3 ♠ 6 3 2 ♠ A 6 3 Hand A Pass. Any other action if he has five hearts and ♥ 6 5 2 ♥ A Q 7 6 5 ♥ A Q 7 6 5 would leave partner otherwise bid his cheapest ♦ K 8 7 3 ♦ 6 ♦ 6 2 thinking you are strong. 5-card suit. If North rebids 2♠ ♣ 5 2 ♣ 7 5 3 2 ♣ K 5 3 Hand B Dbl. Double shows the you probably do best to pass. strong hand without extra This is somewhat unfortunate Hand D Hand E Hand F length in your long suits. if he has five spades and four ♠ A K J 10 6 5 ♠ K Q 6 5 4 ♠ 7 4 Hand C 4♣. This time you are hearts. ♥ K Q 10 9 ♥ 7 ♥ K Q 6 5 strong and must bid on Hand C 2NT, asking for partner’s ♦ 4 ♦ K 9 7 4 ♦ 8 4 3 but why not show partner second suit. You want to play ♣ A 5 ♣ 5 3 2 ♣ A 9 3 2 you have six clubs? in game. If partner’s second suit is hearts, 4♥ looks best. 4 At love all your right hand Otherwise 3NT. South assumes North has a weak hand opponent opens 1NT. What do Hand D 3♠. Inviting game if partner is with clubs and hearts (the lowest two you bid with hands A, B and maximum. unbid suits) with 6-10 points. If North C? You are playing Astro. Hand E 3♥. Natural and forcing. has the strong type he will bid on. Hand F 2♠ and hope you don’t get Hand A 3♥. You prefer hearts to clubs. doubled. Hand B 4♥. Bid to the level of the fit. Hand A Hand B Hand C If partner’s second suit is red It may well go off, but in that ♠ A Q 7 5 4 ♠ A Q 7 5 4 ♠ 2 you would love to play in it. case you can be pretty sure ♥ K 4 3 2 ♥ K 4 3 2 ♥ 7 5 However it is highly likely that your opponents can make ♦ 8 ♦ 8 ♦ A J 10 7 6 5 4 that if you bid 2♥ asking for 4♠. ♣ A 7 6 ♣ A K 6 ♣ A Q 5 partner’s second suit you will Hand C 4♥. Much stronger now. hear 3♣. n

BRIDGE April 2019 Page 41 luxury Letter from Overseas by John Barr bridge mat Just £24.99 plus £4.99 p & p Diamonds are Forever

f I have a long suit, I seldom allow saw my “support”. the opposition to play the hand, West led the ♥A and then paused for unless I’ve given them a nudge to thought. He knew from the bidding Ia level that may be too high. So when, that we were missing two aces, but as North, I picked up my first ever which ace did his partner hold? With 10-card suit, I was determined to play seemingly nothing to guide him he the hand. tried a club, and a few seconds later we had wrapped up 12 tricks, with 10 diamonds and the ace and king of Dealer South. Love All. clubs. ♠ 4 Even if a partnership does not ♥ K generally play McKenny (aka Thick woven surface makes ♦ A Q 10 9 8 6 5 4 3 2 Lavinthal) suit preference signals, this an ideal playing surface and ♣ 7 is a situation where it is clear that West protects your table. ♠ K 8 5 ♠ A J 10 9 6 3 2 needs to know where East’s ace is, so Very popular with Bridge ♥ A J 9 3 N ♥ 7 6 5 4 at trick one he should play the ♥7 if he Clubs. 78cms wide so it fits W E ♦ 7 S ♦ Void holds the spade ace, and the ♥4 with a standard 80cms card table ♣ Q J 10 8 2 ♣ 4 3 the club ace. ♠ Q 7 East played in 5♠ doubled at three Padded table bag. ♥ Q 10 8 2 tables, surprisingly making only once. £39.00 + £4.99 p&p ♦ K J Against five spades doubled, the ♣A is ♣ A K 9 6 5 the obvious lead, and it is then clear that a switch is required rather than setting up dummy’s club winners. I was wondering at what level to pre- While a heart switch would beat the empt when partner opened 1♣ (either contract, it is very tempting to try natural or a weak no-trump), the next cashing the ♦K first (as partner will hand passing. have bid diamonds strongly). But the I was concerned that if I bid the diamond is ruffed, trumps drawn and hand slowly the opponents would find the club suit set up for heart discards. Large enough to take a standard a major-suit fit. Hoping that there Congratulations to the defenders who 80cms bridge table. Made from was no diamond loser, I launched avoided the diamond switch at trick tough nylon with carrying straps into Blackwood and when partner two. and Velcro fixing. Ideal for admitted to only one ace, we subsided So many interesting points on a storing or carrying your table. in 5♦. Partner looked disgruntled at hand where I picked up my first ever the idea of playing a five level contract 10 card suit – and had to watch the Order online or by phone with only a doubleton trump, until he hand as dummy. ■ www.designsforbridge.co.uk For those with pre-existing health conditions 01483 270 100 (No Age Limit)

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Page 42 BRIDGE April 2019 BERNARD Answers to Bernard Magee’s MAGEE’S INTERACTIVE Bidding Quizzes 1-3 TUTORIAL CD on the Cover and page 7 ACOL BIDDING

1. Dealer South. Love All. West North East South partner might be tempted to ♠ K Q 3 ♠ A J 7 2 2♦* make a bid. He may think ♥ K 4 2 N ♥ 6 5 ? that the weak two is probably W E MAC or ♦ 7 6 S ♦ Q J 4 2 * Multi 2♦ = a weak two in either in spades so he might bid Windows ♣ A K Q 9 2 ♣ 6 5 4 major or various very strong 2♥ and things start to get hands confused.

West North East South Pass. This is where it pays to 2♦* understand that you have two 3. Dealer South. Love All. ? ♠ A 3 ♠ K 9 7 2 chances to bid: sometimes N * Multi 2♦ = a weak two in either your best policy is to wait for ♥ 4 2 W E ♥ 6 5 Throughout 200 S deals split into ten major or various very strong one round to find out what ♦ A K 9 8 7 6 ♦ Q J 4 2 chapters, Bernard hands the opening bidder holds. ♣ A 9 2 ♣ 6 5 4 evaluates your bids, If he holds long hearts you praising the correct 2NT. Try not to be confused would like to make a take- ones and discussing by the , out double, whilst if he has West North East South the wrong ones. although I know that is easier spades you would be happy 2♦* said than done. In many ways for him to play there. ? l Opening Bids life is made easier for you. Although most of the time * Multi 2♦ = a weak two in either and Responses Generally, you assume that the weak two will be in hearts, major or various very strong l Slams and the opponents have a weak you should not assume that. hands Strong Openings two in one of the majors and Pass on the first round and defend accordingly, with the North bids 2♥ (also alerted) – 3♦. An immediate double l Support for Partner advantage that you do have a this may well be explained as of a 2♦ bid is used to show l Pre-empting second chance to bid because ‘pass or correct’ – that is, the very strong hands and some l Overcalls the responder will not pass opener will pass with hearts intermediate balanced type of l No-trump £66 the 2♦ opening. or correct to 2♠ if his weak hands – it is not used to show Openings Here, you have stoppers two is in spades. diamonds. and Responses in both majors and a strong When this bid is followed If you have diamonds and a balanced hand, so 2NT fits the by two passes you know that good hand then bid 3♦. Note l Opener’s and Responder’s Rebids bill. It also has the advantage South must have started with that with weaker overcalling that the player on lead will not a weak two in hearts. Now hands, you can wait until the l Minors and Misfits necessarily know which major you are in the perfect position next round to call 3♦. This l Doubles his partner holds. to be able to make a take-out means that your immediate ♥ l Competitive You finish in 3NT and would double of 2 . 3-level overcalls should be Auctions be unlucky not to make with On this occasion your pretty good. an overtrick. partner would pass your The advantage of making double hoping that 2♥ was an immediate overcall is that Mr Bridge Mail Order going a long way off. the opponents do not know Ryden Grange, 2. Dealer South. Love All. Can you see the problems where their fit is and they Knaphill, Surrey ♠ K Q 4 3 ♠ J 5 that might ensue if you double might struggle to compete. GU21 2TH ♥ 2 N ♥ A J 10 9 on the first round? On this hand, both sides can ( 01483 489961 W E ♦ A 8 7 6 S ♦ K 3 2 North now does not have make nine tricks, but you www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop ♣ K Q 9 2 ♣ 8 6 5 4 to respond since his partner might steal the contract in 3♦.n has another bid and your

BRIDGE April 2019 Page 43 his nose at me, having told Colombo. I decided not to me to get on with it, after go ashore and soon called READERS’ I was slightly slower than the ship’s doctor, who him sorting out my hand, sprang into action. He was leading me to think that these concerned that I was having types are narcissists or well heart failure and so while up the autistic spectrum. keeping me calm and giving LETTERS Name and address me oxygen, he organised supplied. an ambulance and got me admitted to hospital. EARNING APPLES as the use of doubles. CINDERELLA BRIDGE In the meantime the Fortunately about 60 years Thus, by the time we Last night we were playing a hotel management team ago our mathematics master, reached the lower sixth we social game with 8 players packed my entire belongings GAD, (Mr G A Dickinson) were quite comfortable in as two teams of four. just in case I didn’t make at Slough Grammar playing duplicate bridge At one stage a player it back to the ship. School taught us to play once a week at school from the other room came The ship’s land agents duplicate bridge over a and within a few months through complaining slightly travelled with me, looked 6 week period (4 hours per at the local bridge club. indignantly that they were after me and my luggage, week) after we had taken Over the past few years, missing a card. I counted out translated where necessary our ‘O’ level examinations. since I retired, I have all the cards carefully and and didn’t leave until I This was instead of doing dedicated more of my time had a good look around. But was safely installed in a more sixth form work to teaching bridge. Rather no joy. So I produced another hospital bed. I was there on Pure Mathematics. unfortunately it has taken me pack and play continued. for 2 days while all sorts For the first week he a few years to realise that Around midnight, I had a of tests were carried out. discussed similar card games although my students can phone call from one of the I was relieved to find it was – Solo, Whist and ‘Contract’ bid the par contract, they other players to say she had dehydration, not heart failure. Whist. With regards to the really do not have a clue on found the missing card. It The land agents came latter the dealer, given the how to make it in either a was the king of diamonds. back every day and came up trump suit was previously no trump or trump contact. She had found it in her shoe. with a plan to get me back determined, had at his (last) Consequently, I have Is this a first? to the ship. They got me a turn to bid to ensure that the re-tailored my lessons for Mike Fairclough by email. medical visa so that I could total contracted by the four the next few months to stay after the ship sailed players taking part did not concentrate on declarer’s TOO MANY ADS and they found me a hotel equal 13. Furthermore, we and defender’s card I am irritated by the mass in Colombo and arranged knew how to play ‘Prop & play techniques. With of advertising for cruises a taxi to drive me 6 hours Cop’ at Solo – taking 8 tricks respect to this there is and other holidays. Much across Sri Lanka to catch up with partner opposite, as well some excellent software as I would love to go on with the ship in Trincomalee. as signalling with high and available from Mr Bridge. one, I find that, as I’m sure Amazingly the land agent low cards at Whist. In fact, Philip J Watson by email. is the case with many of travelled in the night to the I went once a month with your readers, they are well port so he could get me my step-father on a Friday THEY’RE JUST RUDE out of my price range. through immigration safely evening to play Whist and No wonder it is hard to keep In the February issue and put me back on board. we regularly brought home inexperienced players from I calculate that about I was greeted on the the Sunday Roast. Thus, remaining in our bridge 51% of the content was dockside by the doctor and our card play techniques clubs. They are repelled by on bridge matters and all the crew were so kind and were well developed. the bullying behaviour of 41% on advertisements happy to see me, from the Then for the next few very experienced players. I for cruises/holidays. reception staff to the waiters. weeks he taught us ‘Steam was recently severely told off Bob Axbey by email. I just wanted to say that Acol’ – weak no trump and for daring to say “well done” I still had a wonderful strong two opening bids. He to a rather nervous partner. ADDED ADVENTURE holiday, despite a bumpy also taught us an alternative That same person frequently I know sometimes people week in the middle of the system of bidding – Vienna directed, the other one does worry about what may trip. Being taken off the with weak two opening a huge amount of work for happen if they are taken ill on ship on a wooden plank bids. He inter-mingled the club. They frequently crow board. I hope my experience carried by two men is not these bidding systems with over their results, telling you on my recent trip on Aegean an experience for the faint- giving us guidance on what you should have bid, or Odyssey, from Mumbai to hearted. Now I just have to opening leads, methods how few points they had to Singapore earlier this year, finalise my insurance claim. of signalling in following buy the contract. Recently the may allay people’s concerns. Pat Cooper, suit and discarding, as well other one actually thumbed I was taken ill on arrival in Ware, Herts. n

Page 44 BRIDGE April 2019 Answers to Bernard Magee’s Bidding Quizzes 4-6 on the Cover and page 7

4. Dealer East. N/S Game. Pass. When your opponents make a bid Gourmet food at The Two Bridges ♠ A Q 9 6 ♠ 8 7 3 that shows two suits (neither of which are N The second evening meal consists of a five ♥ Q 10 9 8 ♥ 7 6 the bid suit) then you have two chances W E course tasting menu. Executive Chef Mike ♦ 4 3 ♦ A K 2 ♦ S to bid (similar to over the Multi 2 Q1-3). Palmer’s creative flair comes into its own ♣ Q 10 3 ♣ A J 8 6 2 This means you can show two strengths with firm emphasis on the very best seasonal of overcall in a natural way. ingredients from local farmers, fishermen and producers. The stronger hands usually call directly, Wine is supplied by a local specialist and West North East South whilst the weaker ones tend to wait. You ales from their own Dartmoor Brewery. 1NT 2♣* can play these either way, but it seems 2019 ? more natural for the stronger ones to act * Landy = both majors first. 3-5 April £349 This means that a direct 3♣ bid would Better Finessing Dbl. When your opponents interfere show reasonable strength and the with Bernard Magee over your 1NT opening to show a two- potential for game, whilst a delayed 3♣ Seminar one deals with leading up to your suited hand, it is important to have a way bid would be weaker and competitive. high cards to give them power. Seminar to show that your side is the strong side. Here you have the latter option, so two deals with all types of finesse - once again leading low to high, to gain power. Often this utilises the double as a strength should pass first and then come in later showing bid, particularly with a thought with 3♣. 21-23 October £349 to penalising the opponents. Therefore, Note, that as mentioned in the previous Better Leads and Switches you should also have strength in at least answer, a double does not show clubs in with Will Parsons one of their suits. Here you hold both of this auction. Seminar one goes beyond basic leading, their suits, which is even better. You can aiming for safer leads and thinking about guess that your opponents are in a little partner. Seminar two thinks about bit of trouble and will be glad to penalise 6. Dealer East. Love All. partner’s lead and using dummy to make them. ♠ 2 ♠ A K 3 better switches. If you do not start with a double in ♥ 10 9 7 N ♥ 5 3 these auctions, then a later double ♦ K 9 8 7 6 5 W E ♦ A 10 4 2 S would often be taken as for take-out. ♣ A 6 5 ♣ J 4 3 2 Instead, by starting with a strength- showing double you can put yourself in the position of being able to make a later West North East South penalty double. 1NT 2♣* Here, you may well finish in 2♥ ? doubled by your opponents and expect * Landy = both majors Prices shown are per person sharing a twin to get a healthy penalty – particularly or double bedroom, full board including tea & as two off would beat the score for any 2♦. On question five you saw two ways coffee during breaks and a welcome drinks game your way. to show clubs, well here there are three party. There is a single supplement at Two Bridges of £70, subject to availability. Single ways to show diamonds: players will always be found a partner. The A direct 2♦, a direct jump to 3♦ and a Mr Bridge Team will offer support during the 5. Dealer East. Love All. slow 3♦. set hand sessions and make up the numbers in the duplicates, so there should never be a ♠ 8 3 2 ♠ A K 7 Since only one bid allows you to call at half table. Room upgrades may be available ♥ 4 3 N ♥ 8 7 2 the two-level, that should be the weakest at a supplement. ♦ K 7 W E ♦ J 6 5 4 call – showing little strength, but the All rooms are ensuite, have tea & coffee S ♣ ♣ making facilities and have free Wi-Fi. Please A J 8 5 4 3 K Q 2 length to make it worth telling partner, note there is no lift at this hotel. so that if he wishes he can compete for the deal. For details and bookings call West North East South 2♦ is a sensible call with this hand and Mr Bridge Holidays 1NT 2♣* your partner is able to compete to 4♦  01483 489961 ? over 3♠ if need be. n * Landy = both majors

BRIDGE April 2019 Page 45

Re-boot Answers to Bernard Magee’s your Bidding Quizzes 7-9 Play with on the Cover and page 7 Bernard Magee

7. Dealer East. Love All. 8. Dealer East. Love All. 9. Dealer East. Love All. ♠ 4 3 ♠ 10 9 7 ♠ 9 6 3 ♠ 4 ♠ A Q J 4 ♠ 9

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South 1♣ 2♠* 1♥ 2♠* 1♣ 2♠* Denham Grove, Uxbridge, ? ? ? Bucks UB9 5DG * weak jump overcall * weak jump overcall * weak jump overcall 9-13 January 2020 Dbl. The game of duplicate 3♠. Weak jump overcalls are Pass. The third important (Thursday – Monday) bridge has changed a nuisance, but as they come aspect of dealing with from £479pp considerably over the past ten up more and more regularly, weak jump overcalls is to years and one of the many you do need to find better understand how to punish Four Nights - Full changes is how many players ways of dealing with them. them! Board - No Single like to bid more with weaker Take-out doubles are one When you have a good Supplement hands. This is because the method, another important holding in their suit, then you reward for going down can bid available is a bid of their pass and wait for partner to be almost as great as that for suit. make a take-out double. Topics to follow making – you can win in two When they force you This is likely to happen ways! upwards quickly, slams can here since he will be short You do need to get used to move to the back of your in spades (South has six and Sessions of this kind of bidding and find mind, but by using a bid of you have four). Furthermore, supervised play methods to cope – the first the opponents’ suit to show it is important for East to be follow each method is to keep using take- great strength and a good aware of this possibility, trying lecture. out doubles when only suits fit, it allows the partnership to hard to reopen the auction have been bid. keep investigating. with a double. So in this auction, double West could just bid 4♥, Of course, East is making Optional should be for take-out and I but instead he bids 3♠ – the his double to compete for the duplicate session would suggest that it should opponents’ suit – this should contract – it is for take-out every evening1. promise at least four cards be alerted by his partner – it – but you decide to pass for in the unbid major. Without shows a strong hand with penalties, expecting to get the a take-out double available, heart support. best result by doing this. Contact Mr Bridge to weak jump overcalls can East has a pretty good hand Here your side should make book your place cause havoc. Instead you can himself including the all- at least four tricks outside of or for further peacefully make a double and important singleton spade. trumps and another four tricks details. leave your partner in charge. A bit of cue-bidding might from trumps – one ruff and With four hearts, a strong lead to Blackwood and then the three high trumps sitting ( 01483 489961 club suit and a singleton, he on to 6♥. over South’s likely king. n might gamble on game in 4♥. 1 Not directed by Bernard If you pass 2♠, then that will Books on bridge Magee. Gordon Bickley ( 07530553594 or email [email protected] finish as the final contract.

BRIDGE April 2019 Page 47 Festive Season 2019-20 Full board No single supplement* Denham Grove Near Uxbridge UB9 5DG

^ 23-27 December from £519 Competitive Bidding 2019 hosted by Will & Sylvia Parsons ^ 8-10 March £228 4-6 October £218 27-29 December from £262 Overcalls Just Duplicate Hosted by Hilary Levett Better Leads & Switches 8-10 November £218 hosted by Bernard Magee 26-28 April £238 Just Duplicate ^ Suit Establishment from 15-17 November £264 29 Dec - 2 January £525 Hosted by Sandy Bell Doubles Key Card Blackwood & Slams 31 May-2 June £218 Hosted by Bernard Magee hosted by Bernard Magee Just Duplicate 21-23 June £238 The Olde Barn Hand Evaluation Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT Hosted by Will Parsons

Close to the heart of Bournemouth, the Elstead Hotel is situated in a quiet, tree-lined avenue. The attractive and spacious air-conditioned restaurant has an excellent reputation for traditional, home-cooked food. The Nordic Leisure Club offers the very best of leisure facilities for a Hotel in Dorset - including a 46’ heated pool and fitness 23-27 December £445 suite. Just Duplicate 27-29 December £225 Leads & Defence hosted by Elaine Duff 29 December - 1 January £359 Game Tries hosted by Elaine Duff Prices shown are per person, full board including tea & coffee Blunsdon House during breaks and a welcome drinks party. There is no single Swindon SN26 7AS supplement and single players will always be found a partner. 27-29 December from £228* The Mr Bridge Team will offer support during the set hand Just Duplicate sessions, on the seminar events, and make up the numbers in the duplicates, so there should never be a half table. Please note there are slight differences between programmes at each venue. All rooms are ensuite, have tea & coffee making facilities. * Subject to availability. Single supplement applies to all rooms at Blunsdon The venue has a lift, pool, gym and free wi-fi in the lounges. House. ^ Room upgrades available at a supplement. For details and bookings call Details & Bookings ( 01483 489961 Mr Bridge Holidays  01483 489961

Page 48 BRIDGE April 2019 Answers to Bernard Magee’s Bidding Quizzes 10-12 on the Cover and page 7

disruptive convention, but – suit is used to show shortage in the minors. Your partner 10. Dealer East. Love All. every so often it will go wrong and primary support for doubled 2NT and then South ♠ 6 2 ♠ A K 9 8 7 and even then the opponents partner’s suit. bid 3♣. ♥ N ♥ A 5 4 2 W E K 8 6 have to know how to make It is a perfect descriptive bid Firstly you have to analyse ♦ A Q J 4 3 S ♦ 2 a penalty double – easier showing 11+ HCP, a singleton the double – a free double ♣ 5 4 ♣ Q J 10 8 written than done at the table. or void in clubs and 4+ cards of an artificial bid showing in spades. two suits (excluding the Your partner’s hand fits denomination bid) is generally West North East South well – he has the lovely 6-4 used to show strength. 1♠ 2NT* 11. Dealer East. Love All. shape and knows you can Subsequent doubles are ? ♠ A J 10 5 ♠ K Q 9 8 7 2 ruff his club losers. He bids available as penalty doubles. ♥ ♥ *Unusual 2NT: 5+ cards in each Q J 7 6 5 N A K Blackwood and when you Particularly at the 3-level and minor ♦ A 3 2 W E ♦ 4 show two aces, he can bid 6♠. above, you can get some very S ♣ 7 ♣ J 8 5 3 There is no sense in bidding healthy penalties, so being 3♥ in this auction because it aware of how to collect them Dbl. You are in a similar confuses things. North may is important. position as to when defending West North East South well bid 4♦ (with four cards Once your partner has against a Landy overcall – 1♠ 2NT* in diamonds) and now two doubled he is asking you your opponents have shown ? passes would come back to to give him a chance to two suits by bidding a different * Unusual 2NT: 5+ cards in each you and 4♠ would probably comment on the opponents’ denomination. minor end the auction. Your partner fit before your side decides to This allows you to double really needs to know about bid on. Of course, if you had their bid to show general your singleton club in order to a very distributional hand of strength, with an eye to 4♣. Two-suited overcalls try for slam. your own you might choose to collecting a penalty. Note are powerful defensive show it, but you are relatively that your opponents will be conventions – causing us a balanced so you should pass. playing at the three-level, so lot of problems – but there Your partner then makes a can go quite a few off. are ways to keep bidding on 12. Dealer West. Love All. second double, after which A double shows that your regardless. A simple cue bid ♠ A Q 6 5 4 ♠ 7 2 you should pass and lead a side has the balance of is forcing and you can retain ♥ A Q J 2 N ♥ 9 3 trump. ♦ W E ♦ strength and allows either conventions that allow us to 8 6 S A 10 9 5 4 With your partner sitting player then to double the explore beyond game. ♣ 4 2 ♣ K Q 9 6 over the 2NT bidder, he is opponents for penalties. Your hand is perfect for a confident of a good penalty. Here, North might show agreeing spades. It turns out that both the preference to clubs and your In fact, without the overcall, West North East South opponents have 5-5 hands, partner would double, or who 4♣ would have been a 1♠ 2NT* Dbl 3♣ but unfortunately for them, knows they might finish in 3♦ reasonable response. With ? one has the majors and the (they have a seven-card fit in the 2NT bid, 4♣ makes * Unusual 2NT: 5+ cards in each other the minors. both). Either contract will go perfect sense. The bid cannot minor By starting off with trumps, a long way off and give you be natural because South’s you are able to take South’s ample reward for the pain 2NT overcall was alerted and two clubs away before he can inflicted by these kinds of said to show at least five clubs Pass. You opened 1♠ and use them to ruff diamonds. convention. (as well as five diamonds). then North bid 2NT which was Declarer might finish with just The unusual 2NT is a good The jump in the opponents’ alerted, showing at least 5-5 four tricks. n

BRIDGE April 2019 Page 49 BERNARD Sally Brock Looks At Your Slam Bidding MAGEE’S INTERACTIVE TUTORIAL CD Sally’s Slam Clinic

DEFENCE Where did we go wrong? anything East bids is natural and invitational but not forcing. Shirley Durrant of Yeovil asks where she and her partner went wrong on Slam of the month this hand from a knock-out match (they got knocked out!). This month’s winning slam deal was MAC or well bid by Kate and Nigel Flynn at the Windows Mr Bridge Twixmas ‘Just Duplicate’ ♠ Q 7 6 ♠ A K 10 9 4 3 2 break at Blunsdon House. ♥ A Q 2 N ♥ 9 7 ♦ A 10 3 W E ♦ K Q 2 S ♣ A 9 7 3 ♣ 10 ♠ A Q 9 8 2 ♠ K 3 ♥ K J 10 7 N ♥ A Q 8 6 ♦ A 10 8 W E ♦ 5 S They bid: ♣ A ♣ K J 10 9 6 3

West East 1♣ 1♠ This was their bidding: Bernard develops your 1NT 4♠ defence in the course of ten West East introductory exercises and I would blame East! His sequence 1♠ 2♣ 120 complete deals. might have been on a much weaker 3♥ 4NT hand so there was no reason for West 5♣ 7♥ l Lead vs to bid on. I think one of the reasons No-trump Contracts inexperienced players jump to game It is slightly old-fashioned to play a l Lead vs prematurely is that they are not jump in a new suit over a two-level Suit Contracts confident of what is forcing and what is response as natural and strong (it is not. Anyone who would like to take up more normal nowadays to play a new l Partner of Leader vs No-trump a useful gadget might consider playing suit as forcing and a jump to show Contracts ‘two-way checkback’ over a 1NT rebid. shortage with a fit for partner), but it Using this method, a bid of 2♦ by East worked very well here. Knowing of a l Partner of Leader over 1NT is forcing to game and West strong hand opposite, East could go vs Suit Contracts would bid his lowest suit (here 2♠ to straight to 4NT and on hearing of four l Count show 3-card spade support). Then East (one was not possible) key-cards could Signals could bid a 4♣ splinter bid and now take a reasonable shot at the grand nothing should stop West bidding a slam, expecting to be able to bring in l Attitude £76 Signals slam. With a weaker hand East would one of the black suits. start with 2♣. This forces West to On the actual layout both black suits l Discarding bid 2♦ (which East might pass with a broke 3-3, and Kate made her first ever l Defensive Plan weak hand with diamonds), and then grand slam. ■ l Stopping Declarer

l Counting the Hand Little Voice work directly with an impoverished urban community to support the economic development of women, to provide primary education to children and vocational opportunities to youth. Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, www.littlevoicefoundation.org Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH To support Little Voice, send your used stamps to: ( 01483 489961 Malcolm Finebaum, Flat 8 Mountford House, www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop 8 Crescent Road, Enfield EN2 7BL.

Page 50 BRIDGE April 2019