Bernard Magee's Acol Bidding Quiz

Number One Hundred and Forty August 2014 Bernard Magee’s Acol Bidding Quiz BRIDGEYou are West in the auctions below, playing ‘Standard Acol’ with a weak no-trump (12-14 points) and 4-card majors.

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South ? 3♠ 1♠ Pass 2♦ Pass 2♣ 2♠ ? ? ?

2. Dealer South. Love All. 5. Dealer East. Love All. 8. Dealer East. Love All. 11. Dealer East. Love All. ♠ A K 8 2 ♠ A J 9 8 ♠ J 9 8 7 ♠ K Q 4

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South Pass 1♠ Pass 1♥ 1♠ 1♥ Pass 1NT Pass 2♦* Pass 3♠ Pass 4♣ Pass Pass 2♠ Dbl Pass 1NT Pass 2NT Pass 2♥* Pass 2NT Pass ? ? ? ? *Transfer to hearts

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South 1♥ Dbl Redbl Pass 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass 1♥ 1♠ Pass 3♣ 3♥ 4♣ 4♥ Pass 1♠ Dbl Pass 2♣ Pass 2♦* Pass ? ? ? ? *Fourth suit forcing

Answers on page 6 Answers on page 9 Answers on page 11 Answers on page 13 1790 MR Bridge Bang to Sing ad amended_Layout 1 27/05/2014 16:24 Page 1

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10093 TO VOYAGES ANTIQUITY ABTA No.Y2206 FEATURES 4 Discover Japan & China aboard Minerva 1 Bidding Quiz RUBBER / by Bernard Magee 6 Better Hand Evaluation BRIDGE CHICAGO 5 Mr Bridge 7 Mail Order Form Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Names and Addresses 6 Bidding Quiz Answers Surrey GU21 2TH 2014 (1-3) by Bernard Magee 8 Bridge Event ( Booking Form 01483 489961 9 Bidding Quiz Answers [email protected] (4-6) by Bernard Magee 8 Bridge Events with Bernard Magee www.mrbridge.co.uk 11 Bidding Quiz Answers shop: www.mrbridge.co.uk/ (7-9) by Bernard Magee 9 Bridge Events at Elstead Hotel mrbridge-shop 11 Declarer Play Quiz 10 QPlus 11 Publsher and by David Huggett Managing Editor 13 Bidding Quiz Answers 10 We Are Survivors Mr Bridge (10-12) by Bernard Magee Teatowel Associate Editor and 14 Nazir in the Spotlight 12 Bernard Magee’s The Olde Barn Bridge Consultant by David Bird Tutorial Software Marston, Bernard Magee 13 Tunisia with Mr Bridge 17 Julian Pottage Lincs NG32 2HT bernardmagee Answers Your Questions 16 Denham Grove @mrbridge.co.uk 21 Declarer Play Answers Filming Weekend 2015 Cartoons & Illustrations by David Huggett 18 Genesis Choice Marguerite Lihou 22 Questions and Answers Travel Insurance www.margueritelihou.co.uk by David Stevenson 20 S R Designs Customer Services 26 Bridge and Travel Tips Leather Gifts Catrina Shackleton 27 Mary’s Eighth Lesson 20 Charity Events [email protected] by Liz Dale 21 Mr Bridge Technical Consultant 29 Defence Quiz Playing Cards Tony Gordon by Julian Pottage 23 Mr Bridge 29-31 August Typesetting & Design 30 Graysky the Lepidopterist Just Duplicate Bridge Ruth Edmondson Hosted by by Shireen Mohandes 23 2014 Festive Season [email protected] 33 August 2014 with Mr Bridge Diana Holland Proof Readers by Jeremy Dhondy 24 Mediterranean Cruises Tony & Jan Richards 34 David Stevenson with Voyages to Antiquity Richard Wheen Answers Your Questions Hugh Williams 26 Bridge Events at 36 The Bridge Lesson The Olde Barn Hotel Office Manager by Richard Wheen 26 Bridge Events at Rachel Everett 39 Readers’ Letters Blunsdon House Hotel [email protected] 42 Catching Up 27 Subscriptions to BRIDGE Events & Cruises by Sally Brock ( 01483 489961 28 Bernard Magee DVDs 43 Seven Days Rosie Baker 29 Tips for Better Bridge [email protected] by Sally Brock £169 Full Board 35 S R Designs Bridge Tables Jessica Galt 46 The Diaries of No Single [email protected] Wendy Wensum 35 Duplicate Bridge Supplement Rules Simplified Megan Riccio 47 Defence Quiz Answers [email protected] by Julian Pottage 38 Cruises to Ancient Sophie Pierrepont Civilisations with Voyages [email protected] ADVERTISEMENTS to Antiquity Clubs & Charities 2 Bangkok to Singapore 39 Clive Goff’s Stamps Maggie Axtell with Voyages to Antiquity 41 Mr Bridge 2015 Diaries [email protected] 3 Rubber/Chicago 48 Voyage to Antiquity Address Changes Bridge Events Bridge Fly-Cruises 2015 ( 01483 485342 Elizabeth Bryan All correspondence should be addressed to Mr Bridge. [email protected] Please make sure that all letters and e-mails carry full Booking Form on page 8. postal addresses and telephone numbers.

BRIDGE August 2014 Page 3 Discover Japan & China aboard Minerva with Tony & Jan Richards

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Fares are calculated per person based on two people sharing. Fares apply to new booking only, are correct at the time of going to print and are subject to availability. Saver fares are for unnumbered cabins, which may be berthed on arrival. Payment in full at time of booking, 100% cancellations & amendment fees apply. Cannot be combined with any other offer or loyalty discount, are capacity controlled and may be withdrawn at any time. See brochure for full terms & conditions. Swan Hellenic is a trading name of All Leisure Holidays Ltd. *Subject to availability. 14_0686 CAKE COUNT new telephone system, that I have in mind for your GOFFIES STAMPS new database management amusement and software and new postage entertainment. Indeed, he machine. Well, it will all be will probably ask you to plugged in tomorrow and write a regular column

by the time you receive this yourself if you have a mind letter, we should have so to do. Alternatively, you sorted out all the inevitable may choose to use the teething troubles. However, Readers’ Letters pages as When a new family baby is until I have worked my way one or two others already in the course of production, through them, there won’t do. Oh and send me a I put stamps aside to use be a chance to talk to you photograph of yourself as following its delivery. While we were gathered about much else, other than my illustrator/cartoonist, I get these from Clive Goff around an extended to assure you I will carry on Marguerite Lihou, will and the selection he sends kitchen table the other day, much as before, working on need to get to work on you. to make up the first or we tried to count the my latest project. second class rate are really number of cakes that Mrs Bridge has her BERNARD 2015 most amusing. Mrs Bridge has made for enthusiasms: babies, celebrations of one kind or Following Twixmas and Remember, Clive Goff’s grandchildren, dogs, New Year at Denham discounted stamp service is another. The consensus ponies/horses, more or less reckoned it must have Grove, Bernard starts the really worth a try. in that order. She calls year with the filming of passed the 700 mark. Value supplied in two some of my projects his fifth series of six films stamps, combined to make The occasion for celebration unreasonable obsessions. with a live audience at up the 53p, 2nd class rate. this time was for the second Current state is that I am Denham Grove. birthday of Zoe, grandchild 2nd class to you at 44p. 1st just calming down about At the end of February he class 62p, still only 50p to number 15. The cake was lovely Aegean Odyssey adjudged the best ever or if hosts our annual fortnight you. Available in lots of about which I still cannot in Tunisia and March into 100. ( 0208 422 4906. not the best ever, then speak of too highly. Now I certainly in the top ten. It April sees him hosting a am focused upon the large cruise party from just melted in the mouth. I development of BRIDGE SO SORRY had a second helping, this India to Jordan. In May, he into a stand alone monthly flies to the lovely resort of time drowned in double subscription magazine, but cream. Yummie. Rovinj for our second visit I will tell you more about to Croatia. June, July and that next month. August see him on board

Aegean Odyssey (see the dates on the back cover) and all this interlaced with weekend events where possible. Then it is time to I needed one of these to pull all the threads of plans Meanwhile, on the horizon, remind me of the bits and for the monthly magazine another siren has just pieces in this column I have together. Understandably, appeared, the m.v. Minerva, been unable to include, but he will need to cut down on pictured above. I will have a with the briefest of his travels. So, if you enjoy bridge team on board 365 mentions. travelling with him or An extra cause for days a year while she is at attending his seminars, celebration was the arrival sea, replacing m.v. Voyager GENESIS make the most of it. of number 16, Rosalind once she returns to Travel Insurance page 18. Creasey, pictured above, Portsmouth next spring. who had just weighed in at 2015 DIARIES There will be exclusive CLEARANCES 8lb 15oz. Both mother and deals and prices for my Rose, as she will be known, readers, for the first of For second-hand software, are doing well. which see the facing page. etc. see the carrier sheet.

OBSESSIONS ET AL WHAT NEXT TUNISIA

When I wrote to you last Bernard Magee in his extra Please see page 13. month, I told you about all job as my Associate Editor, All good wishes, my news. New computers, will be investigating all the new operating software, schemes, plans and dreams These are now in stock. Mr Bridge

BRIDGE August 2014 Page 5 Answers to Better Hand Bernard Magee’s Evaluation Bidding Quizzes 1-3 Bernard Magee Introduction on the Cover Better Hand Evaluation is aimed at helping readers to add greater accura- cy to their bidding. It deals with auctions in which you and your partner, is likely to pass. against silent opponents, can describe 1. Dealer West. Game All. With 14 HCP, you should certainly go for your hands fully to each other and, by ♠ A 10 8 4 game and with 3-card heart support and evaluating them accurately, find the ♥ 7 6 N a small doubleton, you should choose a best final contract. The emphasis of W E ♦ A 7 6 heart contract, so your bid is 4♥. all good, accurate bidding is on hand S ♣ A 10 9 2 Remember the decision is yours: when evaluation. your partner describes his hand neatly, it There are two general types of auction: is up to you to finish the job. a) a fit is found and b) no fit is found. West North East South ? When you do not have a fit, you are aiming to describe the strength of your 1NT. 3. Dealer West. N/S Game. hand as soon as possible, most often This might seem an easy question, ♠ 7 6 ♠ A Q J 5 using no-trump bids. This book begins but there are some players who are ♥ A K 8 4 2 N ♥ 9 7 by discussing balanced hand bidding W E circumspect when dealt three bare ♦ A K 3 ♦ 7 6 5 in Acol, as it is very important that S aces. In fact, when vulnerable, it is ♣ 8 7 2 ♣ A 9 4 3 both members of a partnership have not unreasonable to consider a pass. an accurate knowledge of how to show However, this hand is not bare – it has hands of different strengths. two tens and a nine, which bolster both West North East South When a fit is found, there is much of your long suits. The potential in your 1♥ Dbl Redbl Pass re-evaluation of the hand to be done; two long suits should certainly persuade Pass 1♠ Dbl Pass point count, though still important, you to open 1NT. ? needs to be evaluated together with distribution. The best way of reaching Pass. an accurate assessment is to use the An interesting auction so far. You opened Losing Trick Count; this is an impor- 2. Dealer South. Love All. 1♥, which was doubled by North and tant method of hand evaluation and ♠ A K 8 2 ♠ Q J 10 then redoubled by your partner. This call takes up a number of chapters. ♥ 9 7 5 N ♥ K Q J 10 8 shows that your partner is strong and W E ♦ A K 4 2 ♦ 9 8 that your side has the majority of points. Finally, we move on to different forms S ♣ 6 5 ♣ J 4 2 It does not show heart support and it of evaluation including game tries and suggests that the opposition might be out splinter bids. You can never know of their depth and that doubling might be enough methods of hand evaluation; the more you learn, the better you get West North East South profitable. at judging your hand. Pass You pass the redouble, but then North 1NT Pass 2♦* Pass bids 1♠ which your partner doubles. Although the Losing Trick Count is 2♥* Pass 2NT Pass After a strong redouble, all doubles are used more easily in tandem with your ? for penalties. It might seem a very low partner, a large proportion of the *Transfer to hearts level to be doubling at, but if your partner ideas in this book can be used by an has good spades and your side has the individual. For example, evaluating 4♥. majority of the points, then it should be your hand to be worth an extra point When East makes a transfer bid, he is profitable. At the prevailing vulnerability, is going to help anyone you partner – showing five or more cards in the suit two off would be better than a game as long as you get it right. irrespective of what he bids next. His next score. bid completes the picture of his hand. North is not going to have much fun £14 including UK postage Here, he has shown five hearts and 11 in any contract. Five tricks will be his See Mail Order Form points and the choice of final contract is maximum, but he might not manage on page 7. left up to you. Whatever you choose, East that. ■

Page 6 BRIDGE August 2014 ✄ ✄ Mr Bridge MAIL ORDER If you have not contacted us recently, PLAY SOFTWARE TUTORIAL DVDs NOVELTIES please enter your QPlus 11 £92.00 ...... 2011 Series – £25 each Mr Bridge details in the box Torch Pen (boxed) £5.00 ...... QPlus Trade-in £50.00 ...... Ruffing for Extra Tricks ...... below to re-register: Mr Bridge Pound for Life QPlus 10 (S/Hand) £50.00 ...... Competitive Auctions ...... Keyring £5.00 ...... Bridge Baron 24 £69.00 ...... Making the Most of High Cards ...... Mr Bridge Tie £15.00 ...... Name (Mr, Mrs, Miss) Bridge Baron Trade-in for 24 £35.00 ...... Identifying & BOOKS ...... Bidding Slams ...... Duplicate Bridge Rules TUTORIAL SOFTWARE Play & Defence of Simplified £5.95 ...... Address ...... Begin Bridge/Acol £66.00 ...... 1NT Contracts ...... Better Hand Evaluation ...... Acol Bidding £66.00 ...... Doubling & Defence Bernard Magee £14.00 ...... to Doubled Contracts ...... Advanced Tips for Better Bridge ...... Acol Bidding £96.00 ...... All 6 DVDs Bernard Magee £14.00 ...... as a boxed set £100.00 ...... Postcode ...... Declarer Play £76.00 Robin Hood’s Bridge Memoirs David Bird £12.00 ...... Advanced 2012 Series – £25 each Telephone ...... Declarer Play £81.00 Leads ...... Bridge Adventures of Robin Hood – David Bird £12.00 ...... E-mail ...... Defence £76.00 ...... Losing Trick Count ...... Five-Card Majors with Making a Plan as Declarer ...... MR BRIDGE DIARIES Strong No-Trump £89.00 ...... Please send a sample Responding to 1NT ...... for 2015 (now in stock) Better Bridge 2011 copy of BRIDGE to the Signals & Discards ...... Red .... Green .... £6.95 ...... with following enthusiasts: Bernard Magee £69.00 ...... Endplays ...... Navy .... Maroon .... £6.95 ...... Bundleware Offer All 6 DVDs Club Prices 10 for £35 ...... Any two CDs £140.00 ...... as a boxed set £100.00 ...... Luxury Kidrell Covers & pen: Name (Mr, Mrs, Miss) Ruby Red £14.95 ...... TEA TOWELS 2013 Series – £25 each ...... Navy Blue £14.95 ...... Life’s a Game, but Hand Evaluation ...... Club Prices 10 for £90 ...... Address ...... Bridge is Serious £7.00 ...... Pre-Empting ...... The Pot Boiler. A Double Splinter & Cue-Bids ...... SUBS ...... Dummy Problem £7.00 ...... Introductory Rates) Avoidance ...... ( ...... 10 Commandments for 12 Months £20.00 ...... Bridge Players £7.00 ...... Pairs Play & Defence ...... 24 Months £35.00 ...... Postcode ...... 10 Commandments for Thinking Defence ...... 36 Months £50.00 ...... Duplicate Players £7.00 ...... All 6 DVDs Telephone ...... £100.00 25 Road Traffic Signs for as a boxed set ...... 12 Months Overseas: E-mail ...... Bridge Players £7.00 ...... PICK ‘N’ MIX Europe £50.00 ...... We Are Survivors £7.00 ...... Any 6 DVDs £105.00 ...... Outside Europe £95.00 ......

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Please complete all or Expiry: ...... CVV ...... Issue No...... (CVV is the last 3 numbers on the signature strip) part of this form and return to: Mr Bridge, Make your cheque payable to Mr Bridge and send to: Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH Ryden Grange, Knaphill, ( 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop Surrey, GU21 2TH. ✄ ✄

BRIDGE August 2014 Page 7 ✄ BRIDGE BRIDGE EVENTS with Bernard Magee BREAKS 28-30 Blunsdon House £245 Distributional Hands ♦ Full-board ♦ Two seminars* ♦ All rooms with ♦ Two supervised JANUARY 2015 en-suite facilities play sessions* ♦ No single supplement ♦ Four bridge sessions** 23-25 Blunsdon House £245 Competitive NEW Please book ..... places for me at £...... per person, Bidding

Single .... Double .... Twin .... Chatsworth Hotel Worthing BN11 3DU Name of Hotel/Centre...... SEPTEMBER Date(s) ...... 26-28 Holiday Inn Mr/Mrs/Miss ...... £245 Doubles

Address...... OCTOBER

...... Elstead Hotel 3-5 Chatsworth Hotel Bournemouth BH1 3QP £245 Game Tries Postcode ...... 30-1/2 Holiday Inn ( ...... £245 Finding Slams

Special requirements (these cannot be guaranteed, FEBRUARY 2015 but we will do our best to oblige). 20-22 Inn on the Prom ...... £245 Better Leads and Switches Please give the name(s) of all those covered by this booking. APRIL 2015 ...... Holiday Inn Newport, S Wales NP18 2YG 17-19 Olde Barn Hotel Please send a non-returnable deposit of £50 per person per place by £245 Better Finessing cheque, payable to Mr Bridge. An invoice for the balance will be sent with your booking confirmation. On receipt of your final payment, 10-12 Olde Barn Hotel 28 days before the event, a programme and full details will be sent £245 Endplay 24-26 Queensferry Hotel together with a map. Cancellations are not refundable. Should you & Avoidance £245 Declarer Play require insurance, you should contact your own insurance broker. NOVEMber

7-9 Chatsworth Hotel £245 Hand Evaluation

14-16 Blunsdon House Expiry: ...... CVV...... Issue No...... £245 Further into (CVV is the last 3 numbers on the signature strip) the Auction Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH. 21-23 Elstead Hotel The Olde Barn Hotel ( 01483 489961 £245 Doubles Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT e-mail: [email protected] website: www.holidaybridge.com Full Board. No Single Supplement. *on tutorial weekends only. **6 sessions on rubber/Chicago & Just Duplicate events. Please note: Just Duplicate events contain no seminars and do not award prizes. See Adjacent Booking Form. ✄

Page 8 BRIDGE August 2014 Answers to Bernard Magee’s Bidding Quizzes 4-6 on the Cover

4♠. Unless agreed, 4♣ is not Gerber. It 2NT. Fourth suit forcing is a convention 4. Dealer South. Love All. should be a slam try, with control in clubs which allows a player to keep the bidding ♠ A J 2 ♠ 6 – a cue bid. Your partner wants you to open and hopefully learn more from his ♥ K Q 6 5 N ♥ A 9 2 show anything you have in diamonds or partner to help make the right decision ♦ A K 5 W E ♦ J 9 6 4 hearts. With a big fat zero in both suits, as to the final contract. You have shown S ♣ J 10 4 ♣ Q 8 6 5 3 you should simply rebid 4♠ suggesting five hearts and four clubs in the auction that slam is beyond you. so far, so is there anything else you can East has a good hand which needs tell your partner? West North East South a little help from you: a singleton heart One of the most important things to 3♠ would have been delightful. By cue bear in mind when responding to fourth ? bidding 4♣, East has the opportunity suit forcing is that your partner will often to explore for slam whilst keeping the want to play in no-trumps, so if you have 3NT. With a very strong hand, you need bidding low. Knowing the number of aces a stop, you should show it. to take some action and, with no long will not help East here – he needs to know K-x is a stop, believe it or not. If you bid suit, you really have only two choices: whether your side has a heart control first. no-trumps, then the lead will be coming 3NT or double. With a good spade stop, up to you and the ♦K will be safe. You you should go for 3NT. The problem with should bid 2NT and your partner will doubling is that it will only really work if 6. Dealer West. Love All. raise to 3NT. partner has four hearts, otherwise he will ♠ 6 5 ♠ A K 9 8 2 East had a very strong hand, but did bid a minor at the four level and you may ♥ A J 8 3 2 N ♥ K 4 not want to bid no-trumps because of well end up in no-man’s-land. ♦ K 6 W E ♦ 8 4 2 his weak diamond holding. In fact, if he S Pre-empts are designed to make your ♣ A 6 4 2 ♣ K Q J does bid 3NT, it may well be defeated life difficult and they certainly achieve because the opponents may lead a their aim on this hand. Generally, when diamond through your king. planning a bid over a pre-empt, you are West North East South Instead, East used the fourth suit allowed to hope your partner has 7 or 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass forcing to ascertain whether you held a 8 sprinkled points in his hand. With 18 2♣ Pass 2♦* Pass diamond stop and whether 3NT was a in your own hand and a great spade ? *Fourth suit forcing possibility. ■ holding you should go for the nine trick game. 3NT might well outscore 4♥ even if you do have a heart fit because your spades might be worth an extra trick in no-trumps. Elstead Hotel Of course, sometimes you will bid Bournemouth BH1 3QP 3NT and North will have most of the remaining points and he will double you: 10-12 October £199 that is how it goes when there is a pre- Just Duplicate – Jo Walch emptive bid. 31 October – 2 November £199 Just Duplicate Val Passmore 5. Dealer East. Love All. ♠ A J 9 8 ♠ K Q 7 6 5 14-16 November £199 ♥ 8 5 3 N ♥ J 6 4 Just Duplicate – Mary Stebbing ♦ 7 6 W E ♦ A K Q S ♣ K Q J 4 ♣ A 7 21-23 November £245 Doubles – Bernard Magee

West North East South 1♠ Pass Full Board – No Single Supplement 3♠ Pass 4♣ Pass Booking Form on page 8. ?

BRIDGE August 2014 Page 9 We Are Survivors (For those born Before 1940 . . .) We were born before television, before penicillin, polio shots, frozen foods, PLUS 11 Xerox, contact lenses, videos and the pill. We were before radar, credit cards, split Q atoms, laser beams and ballpoint pens, before dish-washers, tumble driers, electric blankets, air conditioners, drip-dry clothes Really user-friendly . . . and before man walked on the moon. We got married first and then lived bridge-playing software together (how quaint can you be?). We thought ‘fast food’ was what you ate in Lent, a ‘Big Mac’ was an oversized FEATURES INCLUDE raincoat and ‘crumpet’ we had for tea. We existed before house husbands, computer dating and sheltered accommodation was l Help button - explains the features for bidding where you waited for a bus. and card play advice We were before day care centres, group homes and disposable nappies. We never l Displays on HD and large screens heard of FM radio, tape decks, artificial hearts, word processors, or young men l Comprehensive manual wearing earrings. For us ‘time sharing’ meant togetherness, a ‘chip’ was a piece l Minibridge option of wood or fried potato, ‘hardware’ meant £92 nuts and bolts and ‘software’ wasn’t a l Save match function including word. UK post and packing l Before 1940 ‘Made in Japan’ meant Feed in your own deals junk, the term ‘making out’ referred to how you did in your exams, ‘stud’ was l 5,000 preplayed hands for teams something that fastened a collar to a shirt and ‘going all the way’ meant staying on l 4,000 preplayed hands for match-point pairs a double-decker bus to the terminus. In our day, cigarette smoking was ‘fashionable’, l Pre-programmed systems include Acol, ‘grass’ was mown, ‘coke’ was kept in the Standard American and many more or coalhouse, a ‘joint’ was a piece of meat you create your own system. ate on Sundays and ‘pot’ was something you cooked in. ‘Rock Music’ was a fond l Closed room – button to view other table mother’s lullaby, ‘Eldorado’ was an ice- cream, a ‘gay person’ was the life and soul of the party, while ‘aids’ just meant beauty treatment or help for someone in trouble. We who were born before 1940 must be a QPLUS TRADE-IN OFFER hardy bunch when you think of the way in which the world has changed and the Return any QPLUS CD and booklet with a adjustments we have had to make. No cheque for £50 and receive wonderful QPLUS 11. wonder there is a generation gap today . . . BUT Order with confidence. By the grace of God . . . we have survived! System: 8mb RAM, CD-ROM, Windows XP, Vista, 7 or 8 Printed in the UK on a 100% cotton tea-towel £7 from Art Screen Prints See Mail Order Form on page 7. ( 01287 654481

Page 10 BRIDGE August 2014 Answers to DECLARER Bernard Magee’s PLAY Bidding Quizzes 7-9 QUIZ on the Cover by David Huggett

out in order to allow your side (Answers on page 21) 7. Dealer West. Game All. to compete for the deal. Al- ♠ J 9 8 7 4 ♠ Q 10 most always if they find a fit ou are South as declarer playing teams or rubber bridge. ♥ A K 3 N ♥ 8 7 6 4 at the two level, you should be YIn each case, what is your play strategy? W E ♦ 2 S ♦ A J 9 8 6 aiming to outbid them in your ♣ A J 4 3 ♣ K 2 own fit because -50 will be a great score, better than letting 1. ♠ A 3 3. ♠ K Q 9 2 them make their contract. ♥ K 7 5 ♥ Q 4 West North East South You must not pass 2♠ dou- ♦ 9 8 6 4 ♦ 7 6 4 1♠ Pass 2♦ Pass bled: your trumps are not ♣ K J 9 3 ♣ J 9 8 3 ? good enough; instead, you N bid 3♣, your best suit other N W E 2♠. Not a nice position to find than spades. 3♣ will probably W E S yourself in, but you do not re- drift one off for the golden S ally have any choice for your -50. North-South should be ♠ K 8 5 ♠ A 8 7 6 5 rebid. 2NT would show 15+, able to make 2♠ comfortably. ♥ A 6 4 ♥ A K 7 3♣ would show 16+ and 2♥ ♦ A 2 ♦ A 5 would be a lie in a major. Your ♣ Q 10 8 7 5 ♣ A K Q spades are poor, but you have to rebid them. East will pass 9. Dealer North. Love All. your 2♠ rebid and it turns out ♠ 7 6 N ♠ A K 9 5 4 You are declarer in 3NT You are declarer in 7♠ and to be an OK spot. Since your ♥ J 8 W E ♥ A 7 6 S and West leads the ♦Q. West leads the ♥J. How do partner has bid at the two ♦ A 8 7 6 5 4 ♦ 3 East follows with the ♦3. you plan the play? level, he will rarely pass 2♠. ♣ Q 3 2 ♣ 9 8 7 6 How do you plan the play? With less support he might well have bid 2NT to suggest a better final contract. West North East South 1♥ 1♠ Pass 2. ♠ 6 5 4 2 4. ♠ A 7 3 ? ♥ Q 9 ♥ Q J 7 5 ♦ A Q 10 9 6 ♦ K 6 3 8. Dealer East. Love All. Pass. Your partner has ♣ K 3 ♣ K J 2 ♠ J 9 8 7 ♠ 2 made a simple 1♠ overcall. ♥ N ♥ N 6 5 A K 8 7 4 The situation is not the same N W E W E ♦ 4 3 2 S ♦ Q 8 5 as responding to an open- W E S ♣ 10 8 7 6 ♣ A K 4 3 ing bid, when you should S try to keep the bidding open ♠ A K ♠ K 8 with 6+ points because your ♥ K J 10 7 ♥ A K 9 8 2 West North East South partner might be very strong. ♦ J 8 2 ♦ A 7 2 1♥ 1♠ Here, if East was extremely ♣ A 8 7 2 ♣ A 10 3 Pass 2♠ Dbl Pass strong, he would have started ? his auction by doubling, forcing us to respond. You are declarer in 3NT You are declarer in 6♥ and 3♣. What does partner’s With a weak hand, you and West leads the ♠Q. West leads the ♠5. How do double mean? should pass partner’s over- How do you plan the play? you plan the play? (Trumps When your opponents find call: no great support and are 2-2.) a fit early in an auction, you no reason to show your own should play doubles for take- suit. ■

BRIDGE August 2014 Page 11 BERNARD MAGEE’S INTERACTIVE TUTORIALS

BEGIN BRIDGE ACOL ADVANCED DECLARER ACOL VERSION BIDDING ACOL BIDDING PLAY l Card Play Technique l Opening Bids and l Basics l Suit Establishment l Planning Card Play Responses in No-trumps l Advanced l Bidding Balanced l Slams and Strong Basics l Suit Establishment Hands Openings in Suits l Weak Twos l Bidding Suits l Support for Partner l Hold-ups l Responding to a Suit l Strong Hands l Pre-empting l Ruffing for l Supporting Partner l Defence Extra Tricks l Responding to 1NT l Overcalls to Weak Twos l Entries in l Stayman l No-trump £66 l Defence to 1NT No-trumps £76 Openings l Strong Two Opening l Doubles and Response and Responses l Delaying l Two-suited Drawing Trumps l Overcalls l Opener’s and £96 Overcalls l Doubles £66 Responder’s Rebids l Using the Lead l Defences to l Pre-empting l Minors and Misfits l Trump Control Other Systems l Defence against No l Doubles l Endplays & l Misfits and Trump Contracts Avoidance l Competitive Distributional l Defence against Suit Auctions Hands l Using the Bidding Contracts

ADVANCED DEFENCE FIVE-CARD BETTER DECLARER PLAY MAJORS & BRIDGE l Lead vs Strong No-Trump l Making Overtricks No-trump Contracts l Ruffing for in No-trumps l Opening Bids Extra Tricks l Lead vs & Responses l Making Overtricks Suit Contracts in Suit Contracts l No-Trump l Doubling and l Partner of Leader Openings Defence l Endplays vs No-trump Against Contracts l Support £89 £69 l Avoidance Doubled for Partner l Partner of Leader Contracts l Wrong £81 vs Suit Contracts l Slams Contract & Strong Openings l Play and Defence l Count l Simple of 1NT Contracts Signals l Rebids Squeezes l Attitude l Minors l Counting £76 l Finding and Signals & Misfits the Hand Bidding Slams l Discarding l Pre-empting l Trump Reductions l Making the & Coups l Defensive Plan l Doubles Most of High Cards l Playing Doubled l Stopping Declarer l Overcalls Contracts l Counting l Competitive l Competitive l Safety Plays the Hand Auctions Auctions

Make your cheque payable to Mr Bridge and send to: Mr Bridge , Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH ( 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop

System Requirements: Windows XP, Vista, 7 or 8, 8mb RAM, CD-ROM Answers to Bernard Magee’s ALL Mr Bridge INCLUSIVE Bidding Quizzes 10-12 AT THE ROYAL KENZ on the Cover TUNISIA

if you are in the upper range: 8-9 points. 2014/2015 10. Dealer East. Love All. Therefore, with 9 points, you should bid ♠ 3 ♠ A 5 4 game, but you should make sure you ♥ J 8 7 6 5 4 N ♥ A K 2 give your partner all the options: with W E ♦ 8 7 6 ♦ A 9 3 three hearts in your hand, you should tell S ♣ 9 3 2 ♣ A K Q 6 him and leave the choice to him. East is very glad to hear 3♥ and raises to game. East cannot rebid his hearts over West North East South your 1NT because that would promise six 2♣ 2♠ hearts. Some players might even have ? responded 2♥ to 1♥, but with such a flat hand, I prefer the 1NT response, but I like Pass. Your partner opens 2♣, your the 3♥ bid on the way to game, giving strongest opening bid, and you are just partner the final say. As you can see, about to respond 2♦ (negative) when 3NT will likely go down on a club lead, you notice South’s 2♠ overcall. Although whilst 4♥ is a much better contract. it disrupts your thoughts, it should not disrupt your bidding: you must show how Two-week weak you are and to do that you pass. The only reason you normally respond 12. Dealer West. N/S Game. All-Inclusive 2♦ (negative) is to keep the bidding open ♠ 8 4 3 ♠ 9 7 5 2 Duplicate Bridge for your very strong partner, but now ♥ 7 6 N ♥ Q J 2 W E Holidays that South has bid, your partner can ♦ 7 S ♦ A K 8 4 bid again so you are off the hook. It is ♣ K Q J 6 5 4 3 ♣ A 7 2-16 November 2014 £899* important not to bid 3♥ because, if you do, your partner might get over-excited. Golf available Instead, you pass first and will show your West North East South Tony and Jan Richards hearts later, allowing you to finish in 4♥ 3♣ 3♥ 4♣ 4♥ rather than 6♥. ? 1-15 March 2015 £935* When an opponent overcalls a strong Golf available opening, then passing denies strength. Pass. With the vulnerability in your Bernard Magee and his team favour and your partner supporting you,

there is surely no doubt that you should *The prices shown are per person on an all inclusive ♣ basis, sharing a twin-bedded standard room and are push on to 5 for a great sacrifice? inclusive of bridge fees. Standard rooms all come 11. Dealer East. Love All. No! Even if your partner supports you it with private bath, toilet and balcony. Single rooms are double rooms for sole occupancy at a supplement of £6 ♠ K Q 4 ♠ J 6 5 does not give a pre-emptor permission to per night. You can add a pool view supplement for £3 N per person per night or a superior garden view room ♥ 8 7 6 ♥ A K 4 3 2 bid again: your partner is in charge and with bath robe, tea/coffee making facility for £5 per W E ♦ ♦ person per night. These prices are based on air travel A 9 8 7 S K Q 5 he makes the final decision. If he thinks from Heathrow to Tunis. Flights from other airports ♣ 5 4 3 ♣ A 2 4♥ is making, he will bid 5♣, but here are available at a supplement. For details of what is included as part of the all inclusive package please call he will either pass with hope, or double, for an information pack or view the website. Prices for seven-night stays are available on application. depending on his mood. ♥ ♦ ♣ These holidays have been organised for Mr West North East South 4 may well go two off: A-K, A, Bridge by Tunisia First Limited, ATOL 5933. 1♥ Pass a diamond ruff and a trump trick. 5♣, 1NT Pass 2NT Pass meanwhile would be three off: -500 in- ? stead of +500. Just because your partner DETAILS & BOOKINGS supports you, it does not give you permis- 3♥. Your partner’s 2NT bid is inviting you sion to speak again: perhaps East bid ( 01483 489961 to game. You have shown 6-9 points and 4♣ in the hope that the opposition would www.mrbridge.co.uk/abroad your partner thinks that game will be on push on to 4♥ and his plan worked. ■

BRIDGE August 2014 Page 13 Robin Hood’s Bridge Adventures by David Bird Nazir in the Spotlight

obin Hood and Nazir had just time,’ said Nazir, making up Hood’s trumps, it would not be possible to won the fifth rubber of their mind for him. draw the remaining trumps and then crown-a-100 game against The well-worn cards were shuffled score the two club tricks that were Rtwo wealthy merchants. It was fast and this was the first deal: necessary. approaching midnight and only Nazir leaned forward and detached the hardest-drinking of the Weary the ♣2 from dummy, East discarding Pilgrim’s clientele remained. Dealer South. Love All. a heart. When West led a low club to ‘We had the luck on that last one,’ ♠ A 8 7 the second trick, the ♣8 was played declared Robin Hood adding yet ♥ 7 6 5 from dummy and East ruffed. On this more coinage to his swollen, deer-skin ♦ 7 6 3 trick, Nazir was careful to unblock the purse. ‘Have you had enough?’ ♣ A 10 8 2 ♣J, clearing the way for a subsequent Rupert Locke peered deeply into ♠ 3 ♠ 9 6 5 2 finesse of dummy’s ♣10. Hood’s eyes. ‘You’ve been taking us ♥ J 3 N ♥ Q 10 9 4 2 When East switched to the ♦J, Nazir W E ♦ K Q 9 4 ♦ J 10 8 5 ♦ for fools, haven’t you?’ he exclaimed. S won with the A and drew trumps ‘If ever I’ve seen a pair of professional ♣ K Q 9 5 4 3 ♣ Void in three rounds, ending in his hand. card players, it’s you two. Scarcely a ♠ K Q J 10 4 He then led the ♣7 to dummy’s ♣10 single mistake.’ ♥ A K 8 and discarded a diamond on the ♣A. ‘You play a strong game, too,’ Hood ♦ A 2 The game was his, with the defenders replied. ‘Shall we call it a day?’ ♣ J 7 6 taking an eventual heart trick. Locke looked across at his partner. Jeb Silver recognised a well-played ‘What d’you reckon, Jeb? One more hand when he saw one. Goodness me, rubber?’ West North East South one more deal like that and it would be ‘To get back what we’ve lost, we Jeb Robin Rupert Nazir the most expensive day of his life. Why would need a big win,’ Jeb Silver Silver Hood Locke on earth had he agreed to play for such replied. ‘Can’t be done at crown 1♠ exalted stakes? stakes.’ 2♣ 2♠ Pass 4♠ The somewhat unkempt landlord Rupert Locke turned once more All Pass of the establishment approached the towards Robin Hood. ‘Let’s see what table. ‘Will you gen’lmen be playin’ you brave boys are made of,’ he Jeb Silver led the ♣K and Nazir much longer?’ he asked. ‘You ain’t declared. ‘How about one more rubber nodded as he studied the dummy. The exactly been orderin’ heavily.’ at… let’s see… one guinea-a-100 spade game was a good one. If the ♣A ‘Depends on how the cards fall,’ stakes?’ emerged unruffed at Trick 1, he could Rupert Locke replied. He reached into Hood paused. He and Nazir were draw trumps and establish at least one his pocket. ‘Here’s half a crown for the better players, as had already been further trick in clubs. your trouble.’ proved, but should they put at risk Nazir paused for further thought. The Landlord caught the silver coin the princely sum they had already What if West held six clubs for his spun towards him and returned to the claimed? It would be enough to feed overcall? If he covered the opening bar. a dozen villages handsomely until the lead with dummy’s ♣A, East would After a few failing part-scores, early harvest. ruff. If it subsequently transpired Nazir arrived in a potentially rubber- ‘We will take you on, one more that he had started with four winning game on the deal below:

Page 14 BRIDGE August 2014 ♥ ♠ Robin Hood continued picking up East’s bare 10. on the A-K-Q. To further this aim, Nazir looked apologetically across Nazir ducked the first round of clubs. the table. ‘Allah himself could not read He won the next club with the ace and such a lie of the cards,’ he declared. crossed to the ♥A, an ominous ♥J A few deals later, Nazir had a chance appearing from East. Three rounds Dealer South. N/S Game. to redeem himself. of spades stood up and he discarded ♠ J 9 2 dummy’s last club. A club ruff was ♥ 5 followed by the ♦A and a diamond ♦ A J 9 6 3 2 Dealer South. Game All. ruff. These cards remained: ♣ K 7 3 ♠ 7 3 ♠ A K 8 7 4 ♠ Q 10 6 ♥ A 6 2 ♥ A 6 3 N ♥ J 10 ♦ A 8 6 3 2 ♠ — W E ♦ 10 5 4 ♦ K Q 8 ♣ 8 5 4 ♥ 6 S ♣ 6 5 ♣ J 9 8 4 2 ♠ 10 9 6 2 ♠ J 8 5 ♦ 8 6 3 ♠ 5 3 ♥ K 10 9 7 N ♥ J ♣ — W E ♥ K Q 9 8 7 4 2 ♦ K 9 ♦ Q J 10 7 4 ♠ 10 ♠ — S ♦ 7 ♣ Q J 10 ♣ K 9 6 2 ♥ K 10 9 N ♥ — W E ♣ A Q 10 ♠ A K Q 4 ♦ — ♦ Q J 10 S ♥ Q 8 5 4 3 ♣ — ♣ K ♦ 5 ♠ 4 West North East South ♣ A 7 3 ♥ Q 8 5 Jeb Robin Rupert Nazir ♦ — Silver Hood Locke ♣ — 1♥ West North East South 1♠ 2♦ 2♠ 4♥ Jeb Robin Rupert Nazir All Pass Silver Hood Locke Nazir led his last spade, delighted to 1♥ see West follow suit. He ruffed with Jeb Silver scored his ♠A-K against the Pass 2♥ Pass 4♥ dummy’s ♥6 and continued with a heart game and continued with a third All Pass diamond, ruffed with the ♥5. Jeb round of spades, ruffed by declarer. Silver had to overruff in the West Nazir surveyed the dummy, Jeb Silver led the ♣Q and Robin Hood seat and then concede the final trick disappointed to see only one trump laid down his cards. Nazir was in no to declarer’s ♥Q. The game had been there. Well, there was nothing much hurry to play the contract. If he could made. to the play. He would have to lead one land ten tricks, he and Hood would ‘Bravo, Nazir!’ exclaimed Robin round of trumps towards his hand and return to the Forest with the biggest Hood. ‘A fine play, indeed.’ hope for a big slice of luck. pay-packet in memory. What joy they When the two merchants heard the Nazir crossed to dummy with the would bring to the poor villagers name Nazir, light dawned on them. ♣K and led the ♥5. The ♥J appeared who’d been short of food for many For four hours or more they had from East and he covered with the ♥K, weeks. been facing two of the shire’s finest winning the trick. Allah be praised! Even if the trumps broke reasonably, card-players: the outlaw cut-throats, Playing one of the most valuable he would like to score a club ruff in Robin Hood and Nazir. A draining contracts of his life, it seemed that the dummy. This might be possible experience financially, yes, but what a he had been granted a trump break after discarding one of dummy’s clubs story to tell their grandchildren. ■ from Paradise. Surely, East held ♥A-J doubleton and the gold-tinged rubber would be at an end. It would be too cruel if East had started with ♥A-J-10. Nazir led the ♥9 from his hand, wincing as East won with the ♥10. ‘You make the trump ace too,’ he said to Rupert Locke. ‘One down.’ ‘The trump ace is over there,’ Locke replied. Nazir’s mouth fell open as he realised what had happened. West had deceived him by holding up his ♥A smoothly. If he’d taken the ace on the first round, declarer would have no option but to lead the ♥Q next,

BRIDGE August 2014 Page 15 BERNARD MAGEE at Denham Grove near Uxbridge, Bucks, UB9 5DG. 9-12 January 2015 £399 Friday – Monday, £369 Friday – Sunday, full board Limited places for Thursday night available. £45pp single, £65 double/twin.

Defence as Partner of the Leader Aggressive Bidding AT PAIRS Defence is the hardest aspect of the game, but the one Forty years ago, duplicate pairs was in its infancy and you that I love to teach the most: it is where most players can needed 13 HCP to open the bidding and rarely competed make great progress. You are often taught about opening for a partscore. Now the norm is to open with 11 HCP and leads, but what about as the leader’s partner? How do you compete for every hand. The reason is largely because of play to trick one and then what do you do later? Should the scoring system. -50 and -100 can score very well, when you continue with your partner’s suit or switch? I will try your opponents can make a contract of their own. Since to give you the answers to all of these questions and more. going off can score well, you should bid more.

Strong Opening Bids Take-Out Doubles Much focus is placed on weak opening bids in the Take-out doubles are an increasingly important aspect of modern game which means many strong hands are hard duplicate bridge. I will deal with basic take-out doubles to bid. Managing your strong bids carefully can give and their responses and then progress to you great joy, particularly when you have a neat talk about competing for every partscore. bidding sequence to a lovely slam. I will talk about Aiming to push your opponents higher or your strong opening options and show you how to looking to get the magic -50, which scores so well when make the most of them. your opponents can make a contract of their own.

Suit Establishment Landy / Defending Against 1NT Five-card suits (and longer) are powerful things: I will Competing against a 1NT opening allows you to chal- try to get across my passion for them by showing you lenge for the partscore and also disrupts your opponents’ how to develop your extra tricks through establishment. conventions. I will talk about competing over 1NT in Every five-card suit merits your attention, however general and then talk about the Landy Convention, weak. Once you have seen the opportunities for extra which is a relatively simple method of competing over tricks, you will understand why it is important to add 1NT. The weak no-trump is a powerful pre-emptive strength on for long suits during the auction. opening, so you need to try hard to overcome it.

6 seminar sessions with Bernard1 6 sessions of supervised play2 Contact Mr Bridge to book your place or for further details: ( 01483 489961 1Filmed 2Not with Bernard Magee Julian Pottage answers your bridge questions

How do we Reach a Grand Slam?

On the At matchpoints you should singleton or void in it), you West, after East’s following deal score very well just bidding should normally respond 1NT second bid, still could Qit is apparent 6♥ and making an overtrick. (the exception being with 9 not be sure that East was that several slams Reaching 6♣ is easy because points and a 5-card suit). not 4-4 in the majors. make, including 7NT. a natural start to the auction The 1NT response does not Should East have bid I cannot see how to identifies that North is promise a balanced hand, 4♥ over 3NT, knowing bid it. Can you? 5-6 in the black suits: it simply says you have the that West must have values to keep the bidding 3 cards in at least North South open but the inability to do one of the majors? If Dealer North 1♣ 1♥ anything more helpful. A he had been 5-4 in ♠ A K 8 6 2 2♠ 3♥ fellow contributor uses the the minors, he would ♥ K 3♠ 4♣ term ‘dustbin’ bid for the 1NT have bid his clubs on ♦ A 4NT1 5♥2 response, which may help the second round. ♣ K Q 8 7 5 4 5NT3 6♣4 with your picture of the bid. Rupert Timpson by email. ♠ J 3 ♠ Q 10 9 5 4 1Asking 2 ♥ 9 6 4 2 N ♥ 7 3 2 key cards/aces ♣♦♥♠ The way East has ♦ Q 6 4 W E ♦ K 8 7 3 2 3We have all the key cards bid suggests 4-5 S ♣ J 10 9 2 ♣ 6 4No kings Please would A in the majors, not ♠ 7 you kindly 4-4 and not 5-5. With only ♥ A Q J 10 8 5 If you can do better Qcomment 4-4, East should simply raise ♦ J 10 9 5 than that, well done. on the bidding with 2NT to 3NT or (if available) ♣ A 3 these hands? make a 3♣ enquiry. With ♣♦♥♠ a flimsy club holding, West’s 3NT rebid was Steve Bailey, West Surrey. If my partner ♠ K J 3 ♠ A 8 7 5 2 unwise. West should have opens a suit ♥ K J 7 N ♥ A 9 6 4 3 given preference to 4♥. W E ♦ ♦ Reaching a making Qand I have 6–9 A Q 5 3 S 8 2 Yes, East was at fault too. grand slam with points, can I respond ♣ A 10 4 ♣ 3 An initial 1♠ response A confidence is not 1NT with an unbalanced would be better. East can at all easy. With clubs 4-1, hand without two of then rebid 3♥, over which you cannot make a grand my partner’s suit? West East West gives preference to slam in your longest suit. Ruth Savage by email. 1♦ 1♥ 3♠, making it easy to You say that 7NT makes; I 2NT 3♠ avoid 3NT. am not sure how you would If partner opens the 3NT Pass make it. If the defender bidding and you ♣♦♥♠ with four clubs held the A have 6 -9 points, East should surely ♦K-Q or (if West) five you should not pass. If you respond 1♠. He must How might the spades, a squeeze could cannot show a suit at the have chosen hearts in bidding best yield the thirteenth trick. one level and you cannot the hope that partner Qproceed after On the actual layout, only support partner (which, would support them West, dealer at game all, 7♥ would seem to make. clearly, you cannot with a or bid spades. opens a weak 2♠?

BRIDGE August 2014 Page 17 Clarence Court Tel: 01702 343496 10 Clarence Street Email: [email protected] Southend on Sea, Essex SS1 1BD www.bridgetravelinsurance.co.uk Genesis Choice is a trading name of Acumen Insurance Services Limited

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N works for me, opener bids 2♦, 2♥ or 2♠. spades and longer clubs. W E A S unless perhaps it is the king. Although it is unusual However, I would open 1♣ ♣♦♥♠ for opener to make a jump ♠ 7 rather than 1♦ because that shift rebid with only 15 ♥ A 4 makes it easier to find a club What are your HCP, here your exceptional ♦ K 9 7 6 5 4 2 fit. Although older textbooks thoughts on shape justifies it. If you start ♣ A J 9 recommend opening the suit Qhow we did adding points for shape (and below the singleton, the more and how we should intermediates) or valuing the modern practice is to open have bid this hand? hand using the losing trick I do not have the E/W 1♣ with a 4-1-4-4 shape. I, North, dealt. count, you will appreciate the hands, noting only that If your partner held 5 playing strength. I would rate both the red suits were spades and 4 or 5 diamonds, the hand as worth about 20 2-2, so, unexpectedly, 7♦, she should respond 1♠ ♠ A K 9 5 3 points. I would thus rebid 2♠ 7♥ and 7NT all make. whether you open 1♣ or ♥ K 10 with the intention of bidding Richard Bird, Sevenoaks. 1♦. Showing the major, ♦ Void 3♠ next time. As your 2♠ especially when it is a 5-card ♣ K Q 10 9 6 3 rebid is game forcing, there is This is not an easy suit, should take priority. no danger of missing game.

hand to bid. If North You would then do your best N overcalls 3♥, South to show a strong hand with W E ♣♦♥♠ A S bids 4♦ and North rebids spade support and short 4♥, I suspect the auction hearts. Playing splinters, ♠ 7 6 2 Playing a 20-22 will end there. On a quick you would rebid 4♥. ♥ 5 4 2NT opener, what computer simulation, 6♦ Not playing splinters, as ♦ K Q J 9 4 Qwould you open made 80% of the time and was probably the situation ♣ A 7 4 with this 19-count hand? 6♥ made 75% of the time, in a social game, you might so it seems you do want to reverse into 2♦ (forcing for be in a slam. Perhaps North one round) and then jump to North South ♠ A K overcalls 4♥ rather than 3♥ 4♠ later. Note that you would 1♣ 1♦ ♥ K 9 3 (risky with so few HCP) or not normally reverse with a 1♠ 2♦ ♦ A Q South bids on over 4♥. When 4-4 shape or fail to support 2♠ Pass ♣ Q J 10 9 8 7 the opponents pre-empt, you partner’s major immediately do not expect good breaks. with four; this hand is a I made 12 tricks, which bit of a special case. needed a defensive Doreen Parrington, ♣♦♥♠ error, but everybody else Lytham St Annes. ♣♦♥♠ at the table said I should In a social have opened 1♠ (we play With honours in the game, what Please could 15-17 no-trump and short suits making Qshould I open you explain why 5-card majors). I said I A the hand suitable having dealt myself Qsomeone with thought I had shown five for no-trumps and the good the following hand? 11 or 12 points, but no spades with my 2♠ bid 6-card suit warranting an 4-card major, might and longer clubs. The upgrade, a 2NT opening need to use Stayman other players disagreed. seems reasonable. The ♠ A K 6 2 in response to a Howard Brown, alternative is to open 1♣ with ♥ A weak 1NT? Ulverston, Cumbria. a view to rebidding 3NT. ■ ♦ A Q 8 4 Peter Calviou by email. ♣ K J 9 3 If you play four-suit E-mail your questions for Julian to: transfers (2♠ transfer [email protected] I opened 1♦. My partner A to clubs and 2NT

BRIDGE August 2014 Page 19 CHARITY EVENTS

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 3 FARINGDON QUAKER AID 3 RNLI. Salwarpe Village Hall, (Supporting Gulu Youth Droitwich, WR9 0AH. Development Association, 10.30 for 11am. Northern Uganda). £12 including buffet lunch. Corn Exchange, Faringdon. Pam Main £15 per person. ( 01905 381395 Steve Braithwaite 3 ST ANDREWS CHURCH ( 01367 240929 Mandeville Hall, [email protected] Kimbolton, Cambs. 4 HUDDERSFIELD PENNINE 10.00 for 10.30am. £14.00. ROTARY CLUB Mavis Campion Outlane Golf Club. Lunch with ( 01480 860477 afternoon tea. 12 for 12.30pm. 3 DEBRA £48 per table. Drift Golf Club, East Horsley, Rtn Sam Smith KT24 5HD. 2-4.30pm. ( 01924 492540 £15 includes delicious tea. samuelsmith396 Sue Hanrahan @btinternet.com ( 01932 400009 12 ST MARY’S CHURCH [email protected] Eaton Socon, St Neots. 4 MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT Real Leather Gifts 10.00 for 10.30am. £13.50. The perfect gift for your bridge-playing friends. Beautiful Bridge drive at Horton Malcolm Howarth & Chalbury Village Hall, leather zipped cases in burgundy red or deep blue containing ( 01480 212910 two packs of cards and a set of our bridge design ballpoint Wimborne, Dorset. 10.30am pens. £39.00 23 North Wilts Inner Wheel £15pp (table of 4 please) to Bridge Drive. 1pm. Liddington include cooked lunch & wine. Village Hall, nr Swindon. £9. Stella Brake ( 01202 624224 A set of four scorepad holders - two burgundy and two blue Afternoon tea and raffle. [email protected] made from top quality leather. (Scorepads not included) Margaret Bracher 18 Salters Hill Charity ( 01793 729970 Offered at this special price of £39.00 Cheltenham Bridge Club. margaret.bracher 10.30am to 4pm. £15 includes @btinternet.com lunch & glass of wine. 24 Friends of Sussex Hospices ( 01242 245392 Glyndebourne Opera House [email protected] Charity Bridge Event. 22 THE FRIENDS OF 12 noon. The Mildmay Hall. ST WULFRAM’S CHURCH Lunch and a glass of Sleaford Golf Club Willoughby champagne included. Road, Sleaford NG34 8PL. A choice of Chicago or £17.00 including lunch. 10am. rubber bridge. Jean Parker ( 01476 562204 Glyndebourne shop and gardens open an hour before the event. £25. Dianne Steele 31 WESSEX CANCER TRUST ( 01435 813630 (Southampton) GROUP [email protected] Rubber bridge. 7.15pm. Highfield Church Centre, 25 CHILDREN’S CHARITIES Highfield Lane, Guildford Café Bridge Event. Southampton SO17 1RL. £8. Play will take place at Gwyneth Pearce various venues in the ( 023 8023 6145 town centre. £25 per player plus donation. NOVEMBER £5, £10 or £15 for raffle. Includes coffee on arrival & 1 EYE CANCER. Reynolds Exclusive to S R Designs. 2-course lunch. Institute, Upwey, Weymouth. Despatched by first class post or DPD Courier service for 10.15-10.45am registration. 1.30 for 2pm. £30 per table douglaswright@ includes tea and cakes. just £4.99 per order. 3countiesbridge.com Val Pierce ( 01305 833686 [email protected] Gene Hill ( 01305 786509 PHONE 01483 750611 or order online at www.bridge-tables.co.uk E-mail your charity events: [email protected]

Page 20 BRIDGE August 2014 Answers to David Huggett’s Play Quiz on page 11

You are declarer in 3NT and West leads hand. Finally, re-enter hand with the ace 1. ♠ A 3 the ♠Q. How do you plan the play? of diamonds to cash the last heart and ♥ K 7 5 If the diamond finesse works you have the last trump. ♦ 9 8 6 4 nine easy tricks, but what if it doesn’t? If you had won the first heart in dummy ♣ K J 9 3 Suppose you take the diamond finesse at inadvertently, you would find that you ♠ 10 7 2 ♠ Q J 9 6 4 trick two, which loses to East who returns were an entry short for the fourth club. ♥ J 8 3 N ♥ Q 10 9 2 a spade. Now, you need a heart trick to W E ♦ ♦ Q J 10 7 5 S K 3 fulfil your contract, but if West holds the ♣ A 6 ♣ 4 2 ace of that suit and three more spades, ♠ K 8 5 you will be defeated. Instead, knock out 4. ♠ A 7 3 ♥ A 6 4 the ace of hearts first. Whoever wins will ♥ Q J 7 5 ♦ A 2 doubtless return a spade, but now you ♦ K 6 3 ♣ Q 10 8 7 5 take the diamond finesse into the hand ♣ K J 2 which is likely to be out of spades. If ♠ J 9 6 5 ♠ Q 10 4 2 he does have another spade, it doesn’t ♥ 4 3 N ♥ 10 6 W E You are declarer in 3NT and West leads matter because you are losing only two ♦ Q 10 4 S ♦ J 9 8 5 the ♦Q. East follows with the ♦3. How do spades, a diamond and a heart. ♣ 9 8 6 5 ♣ Q 7 4 you plan the play? ♠ K 8 I hope you didn’t duck that opening ♥ A K 9 8 2 lead. With four certain tricks in clubs, ♦ A 7 2 you will make the contract as long as you 3. ♠ K Q 9 2 ♣ A 10 3 don’t lose four diamonds and the ace of ♥ Q 4 clubs, but you will lose four diamonds ♦ 7 6 4 only if the suit breaks 5-2. If that is ♣ J 9 8 3 You are declarer in 6♥ and West leads the case, East – who is the hand likely ♠ J 10 4 3 ♠ Void the ♠5. How do you plan the play? to be short in the suit – must have K-x ♥ J 10 9 3 N ♥ 8 6 5 2 (Trumps are 2-2.) W E ♦ ♦ and could not afford to unblock the king J 3 2 S K Q 10 9 8 You will succeed if you can guess the for fear of setting up another diamond ♣ 7 5 ♣ 10 6 4 2 position of the queen of clubs, but it is winner in dummy. ♠ A 8 7 6 5 much better to let the opponents find it If you are on autopilot and duck trick ♥ A K 7 for you. Win the lead, draw trumps and one, West will lead a low diamond at ♦ A 5 eliminate spades by ruffing the third one trick two and will have enough winners ♣ A K Q in hand. Now play the ace and king of to defeat you when he comes in with the diamonds and exit with the remaining ace of clubs. low diamond. Whoever wins will either You are declarer in 7♠ and West leads have to give you a ruff and discard, when the ♥J. How do you plan the play? you ruff in dummy and discard a club If trumps are anything but 4-0, you from hand, or open up the club suit. ■ 2. ♠ 6 5 4 2 have thirteen tricks on top so you have ♥ Q 9 to direct your mind to the worst-case Mr Bridge ♦ A Q 10 9 6 scenario. If East has all four missing Premium Quality Cards ♣ K 3 trumps, you will fail, but you can cope if ♠ ♠ Q J 10 9 3 8 7 it is West. Win the opening lead in hand Standard Faces, ♥ A 6 4 N ♥ 8 5 3 2 and play the ace of spades. If East shows with or without W E bar codes. ♦ 5 3 S ♦ K 7 4 out, play a spade to the ten and king and Unboxed. ♣ Q 10 4 ♣ J 9 6 5 return to hand with a club in order to 6 red/6 blue £19.95 ♠ A K repeat the spade finesse. Draw the last 30 red/30 blue ♥ K J 10 7 trump and cash the two remaining clubs only £60 ♦ J 8 2 in hand, before entering dummy with the ♣ A 8 7 2 heart queen in order to cash the jack of Available from The London Bridge Centre. ( 020 7288 1305 www.bridgeshop.com clubs, throwing the losing diamond from

BRIDGE August 2014 Page 21 David Stevenson answers your Frequently Asked Questions Questions and Answers

ealer bids 1♣. The next player they have some obvious reason, for Suppose your partner bids 3♥ in looks surprised and says, ‘Is example, they have enough points to a complex auction and an opponent that natural?’ ‘Of course,’ says double but are not prepared to do so asks what it is. Obviously, if you know, Ddealer’s partner, ‘I didn’t alert.’ At the without some answers, while they do you tell him. But what happens if you end of the auction, dealer’s partner is not ask if they are weak. I am not sug- are not sure or do not know? A lot of declarer in 3NT and the opening lead gesting that you do not ask questions players say, ‘I am taking it as …,’ but is a club. When the lead is from a dou- at all, but be very careful when you do. you should not do so. If you have no bleton, declarer accuses his opponents If you are merely curious, or want to agreement, then say so: do not invent of cheating and World War III erupts. know because it will help your defence, one. If you have an agreement but can- There are other similar examples. A try getting into the habit of asking all not remember it, then say so. In that player who is just about to make the your questions before you lead if you case, the director might ask you to final pass asks about a spade bid and are on lead, or when your partner has leave the table so partner can explain his partner leads a spade. Or a player put his lead face down if he is on lead. your agreement to the opposition. The whose partner is on lead asks before a Do not ask before he leads: the same tricky cases are when you do not have card is led face down and this may af- problems as mentioned above apply: if a real agreement, but you know what it fect his partner’s lead. Is this cheating? you ask meaningfully about a club bid might be because of similar situations: The rules for asking questions are and he leads a club, the score may be then you should explain that. that you can ask whenever it is your adjusted. Incidentally, do remember Let me give you an example of the turn to call. You can also ask before the always to lead face down, giving your last case. You have agreed that 1♥- opening lead if you are on lead and af- partner the chance to ask questions Pass-3♠ is a splinter, showing shortage ter the opening lead is put face down (and avoid leading out of turn). Gener- and agreeing partner’s suit. Further- on the table, if your partner is on lead. ally, declarer also should ask his ques- more, you have agreed that 1♣-Pass- After that, a defender can ask when it tions after the auction is finished. 1♥-Pass-3♠ is also a splinter. Now the is his turn to play and declarer can ask How do you answer questions? bidding goes 1♣-Pass-1♥-Pass-1♠- when it is his or dummy’s turn to play. While you do not need to go into a Pass-4♦ and you have no agreement. Dummy should be quiet. wealth of detail, single word answers If asked, what should you say? I would So what is wrong with the questions are unhelpful. For example, suppose answer, ‘We have no agreement in this above? While, legally, you can ask you are asked what signals you play: sequence, however we do play that questions, there are dangers in doing do you ever answer ‘natural’ or ‘stand- double jumps are splinters in other so. Asking questions, especially sur- ard’? Half the world plays high-low to situations.’ That is as helpful and fair as prising or unusual questions, suggests say they like it and the other half to you can be. something about your hand and this is show an even number: either could be Another thing to avoid is names, unauthorised information to partner: considered natural or standard. How unless they are unambiguous and you your partner must make every effort about ‘attitude’ or ‘count’? That is fine, play them in a standard fashion. Even not to use the information. So if you since people know what they are – ex- ‘Stayman’ causes confusion. As invent- ask about an unalerted 1♣ opening, cept that some people play reverse and ed, it did not guarantee a major and your partner should not lead a club do not tell you. It is very annoying many players have always played that. unless it is the obvious lead. The way to when someone says, ‘attitude,’ and you However, many players think it does avoid unpleasantness and adjustments assume high-low is encouraging, but it show a major, probably because they by the director is not to ask unneces- isn’t. Of course, it is not just annoying, were taught that way. Suppose you play sary questions. If your opponents open it is misinformation. Safest is to say, Stayman asking for 5-card majors? 1♣ and it is not alerted, then you know ‘standard attitude,’ ‘reverse attitude,’ Then say, ‘5-card Stayman.’ Remem- it is natural so why ask? ‘standard count,’ or, ‘reverse count.’ ber that not everyone plays things the It is rather different with alerted The main point is that your answers same way and opponents need to know bids because, when you ask, it is more should be as accurate and helpful as your actual agreements. probable you are asking because of the possible. You want to win by out-play- To summarise: be careful before ask- alert rather than what is in your hand. ing your opponents, not by confusing ing questions and be helpful when an- Nevertheless, players often ask because them with inadequate answers. swering them. ■

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CABINS CAN BE HELD AT NO OBLIGATION FOR 7 DAYS 1797 MR BRIDGE dps ad FINAL_Layout 1 11/06/2014 17:37 Page 1 AEGEAN ODYSSEY BRIDGE CRUISES SUMMER 2015 Venice France Italy Croatia Marseilles Villefranche Ravenna Split Port-la-Nouvelle Korcula Dubrovnik Kotor Bay Istanbul Barcelona Adriatic Montenegro Sea Thessalonica Corfu S PA I N Greece Volos turkey Cartagena Preveza Athens Seville Mediterranean Sea Ithaca Hydra Katakolon Patmos Cadiz Monemvasia Pylos Gythion Tangier Malaga Join Bernard Magee Morocco as he sails on three fascinating bridge cruises next Summer BOOK NOW FOR

CABINS CAN BE HELD AT NO OBLIGATION FOR 7 DAYS The Olde Bridge and Travel Tips Blunsdon Barn Hotel House Hotel Marston, COVERING UP Swindon SN26 7AS Lincs NG32 2HT Bridge tip from Sally Brock: If they don’t cover an honour with an honour, then they don’t have one.

his was a very famous Maybe you take the dia- bridge tip given by mond finesse, a 50% shot TZia Mahmood many for your game. years ago, but a word But look at it from East’s of warning: it works best point of view. He doesn’t against good players. know that this is your dia- Here is the deal: mond suit. Maybe your hand was: BRIDGE EVENTS

1-3 August £169 ♠ K Q 3 2 10-12 Oct £199 Just Duplicate Bridge ♥ A 4 3 ♠ A 4 Just Duplicate Bridge Patrick Dunham ♦ J 2 ♥ 6 5 2 Sheila Rogers ♣ K J 6 5 ♦ A 10 8 5 4 29-31 August £169 ♣ A 10 3 N 14-16 Nov £245 Rubber / Chicago W E Diana Holland S Bernard Magee ♠ A 4 If he doesn’t cover the jack Further into 12-14 September £169 ♥ 6 5 2 of diamonds from Q-x-x Just Duplicate Bridge the Auction ♦ A K 10 9 8 6 and you hold this hand, Sheila Rogers ♣ 10 7 you will make your contract 28-30 Nov £245 26-28 September £179 without needing to guess Bernard Magee Declarer Play clubs. He doesn’t know Bidding NEW Gwen Beattie You, as South, decided to that your diamonds are so TOPIC open a slightly off-centre solid. So, when he doesn’t Distributional 10-12 October £245 weak no-trump and your cover the jack of diamonds, Hands Endplay & Avoidance partner uses Stayman be- he surely doesn’t hold the Bernard Magee fore raising you to 3NT. queen. So, you go up with 23-25 Jan 2015 £245 West leads a heart and you the ace, cash the king, Bernard Magee 17-19 October £169 duck twice before winning dropping West’s queen Competitive Just Duplicate Bridge the third (both opponents and make your game with Patrick Dunham following). What now? an overtrick or two. ■ Bidding 31 Oct – 2 Nov £169 Just Duplicate Bridge Travel tip from Emma Thomson: June Dixon and Carol Fisher omen travelling in Middle Eastern countries require wardrobe awareness. 14-16 November £179 WHeads need to be covered to gain entry Doubles to mosques and other sacred sites, so always pack a Will Parsons pashmina or headscarf. In more relaxed countries, such as Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, this 28-30 November £169 may be sufficient, but in strict states, such as Saudi Just Duplicate Bridge Arabia and Kuwait, full-body coverage is required. Michael Haytack Loose-fitting, dark-coloured, long-sleeved dresses, Full Board Full Board trousers, skirts and tops will ensure you don’t cause No Single Supplement No Single Supplement offence. Booking Form on page 8. Booking Form on page 8.

Page 26 BRIDGE August 2014 Beginners’ Bridge Corner BRIDGE Mary’s Eighth Lesson Make sure you don’t miss your by Liz Dale favourite monthly articles by taking out an annual ary had speeded easier than the bidding. Mary pull up a stool next to Joan subscription. up counting her was meticulous about doing and help her to get the nine Mhigh card points her homework, which she tricks contracted for in no- (HCP). Even the mentors had did in two stages, as Alasdair trumps.’ Joan was counting l Acol Bidding Quiz noticed it. She was definitely had suggested. Mary also set her top tricks. Seven. The & Answers Bernard Magee more confident on her first herself a target of dealing challenge was to work out count of the hand, although 13 cards for herself and where the other two tricks l Ask Julian Pottage still needing to double check 13 cards for her imaginary were coming from. ‘Yes,’ the total point count. Funnily partner three times each pointing quietly to dummy’s l Julian’s FAQs enough, it was her grandson, evening and tried to work five card suit, Joan and l Misleading Cases David, who had helped her out the bidding sequence, as Mary agreed the extra tricks as reported by our to speed up. David was Alasdair had also suggested would come from the long court correspondent always picking up the cards in earlier sessions. suit in dummy. They could from the TV table, shouting Tuesday mornings were commence play. Everything l Ask David Stevenson out the honours for Mary fun, as were her two evening was going swimmingly well, to count. David called it, practice sessions at Joan’s except now they had two l David’s SPECIAL ‘Nana’s homework.’ If house. Mary was doing winners in dummy’s hand FAQs OFFER Mary got it wrong, then everything to give herself the that they couldn’t reach. The PRICE l Mary’s 1p went into the jar. If she best chance of success and defenders took their six tricks First Lesson took longer than David to it was becoming noticeable and Joan and Mary wrote count the honours (without to the others. Last night, at down the score, vulnerable l Play Quiz David cheating), then Joan’s, Mary needed to look minus 200. ‘How did that another 1p went into the jar. at her notes only a few times. happen?’ thought Mary. l Defence Quiz Every day, David counted It had been commented on Only one of the tables l Tales from out the pennies in the jar and Mary went home feeling had made more than seven Sherwood Forest asking, ‘What are we going very happy. What had Liam tricks and Mary suspected the by David Bird to spend it on Nana?’ said? ‘It was only a game mentor on that table had told l Blast from Alasdair said, ‘Today is the of cards.’ Not so, Liam. You declarer how to play the hand the Past last playing technique lesson have got that very wrong. instead of letting her find before going back to learning It’s a lifeline, thought Mary. out from her own mistakes. l Catching up more bidding strategies.’ The fog and pain of the Going down minus two when l Seven Days Good humoured mutterings last two and a half years 3NT could be made was hard and quick repartee from the were beginning to lift. to take. Alasdair was now l Jeremy Dhondy group along the lines of, ‘But Today’s playing technique showing them on the smart we don’t need to learn more was about learning to set up board exactly how to make l Sally Brock Tip bidding strategies.’ Mary your long suits combined with the contract, by ensuring that l Travel Tip really enjoyed the play. It transport. Again, the mentors you left an entry in dummy’s actually fascinated her. How had guided the players at hand so that you could get l Readers Letters could 13 cards in your hand each of the four tables into back into dummy to play challenge you so much and the correct 3NT contract to out your two winners. Mary Special provide you with so much be played by West. Joan decided she was going to Introductory frustration, confusion and had to play the hand at their practise similar examples of Subscription: yes, happiness? Although table and Mary was dummy. this kind of play before she she had never been a card The mentor said, ‘I will be collected David from school £20 for twelve player, Mary found the play dummy if Mary would like to this afternoon. ■ monthly issues. See mail order In no-trumps, remember to leave an entry to the hand with a long suit. form on page 7.

BRIDGE August 2014 Page 27 BERNARD MAGEE Boxed Sets of six DVDs

Series 1 Series 2 Series 3 1 Ruffing for Extra Tricks 7 Leads 13 Hand Evaluation This seminar deals with declarer’s Bernard takes you through all the Going beyond just the point-count use of ruffing to make extra tricks basic leads and the importance of is important if you want to improve. and then looks at how the defenders your choice of lead. If you start to Reaching & making 3NT on 24 HCP; might counteract this. (74 mins.) think not just about your hand, but and avoiding 3NT on 26 HCP when about your partner’s too, then you there are only 7 or 8 tricks. (110 mins.) 2 Competitive Auctions will get much better results. (95 mins.) This seminar focuses on competitive 14 Pre-Emptive Bidding auctions from the perspective of the 8 Losing Trick Count The art of pre-empting is so important overcalling side and then from the A way of hand evaluation for when in the modern game. Understanding perspective of the opening side in you find a fit. Bernard deals with the the right types of hand to bid up the second part. (86 mins.) basics of the losing trick count then on and realising the importance of looks at advanced methods to hone position and vulnerability. (96 mins.) 3 Making the Most your bidding. (92 mins.) of High Cards 15 Splinter & Cue-Bids This seminar helps declarer to use 9 Making a Plan Take your slam bidding to another his high cards more carefully and as Declarer level. Splinter bids are a vital tool to then looks at how defenders should Bernard explains how to make a plan add to your armoury & try your hand care for their high cards. (83 mins.) then expands on how to make the at Italian style cue-bidding. (116 mins.) most of your long suits. The first half 4 Identifying deals with no-trumps, the second with 16 Avoidance Play & Bidding Slams suit contracts. (87 mins.) As declarer, an important tactic is The first half of this seminar is about to be in control of the defenders: identifying when a slam might be on 10 Responding to 1NT avoiding a particular defender getting – one of the hardest topics to teach. This seminar deals with Transfers the lead. As a defender, you can try to The second half covers some slam- and Stayman in detail. The 1NT make sure the right player gets the bidding techniques. (96 mins.) opening comes up frequently, so lead at the right time. (88 mins.) having a good, accurate system of 5 Play & Defence responses is paramount. (93 mins.) 17 Play & Defence at Pairs of 1NT Contracts Duplicate Pairs is the game most of This seminar looks at the most 11 Signals & Discards us play and getting used to the tactics common and yet most feared This seminar deals with Count, will make a lot of difference to your of contracts: 1NT. The first half Attitude and Suit-preference signals: performance. Making more overtricks looks at declaring the contract and aiming to get you working as a and making sure you do not give the second part puts us in the partnership in defence. (92 mins.) away tricks as a defender. (90 mins.) defenders’ seats. (88 mins.) 12 Endplay 18 Thinking Defence 6 Doubling & Defence Bernard takes you through the basics By far the hardest aspect of bridge, against Doubled Contracts of the technique before showing some but if you can improve your defence The first half of this seminar magical hands where you take extra your results will quickly improve. explores penalty doubles and the tricks from defenders. In the second Learn how to think through the second half discusses the defence half, Bernard looks at how to avoid defence and get your mind in gear for against doubled contracts. (88 mins.) being endplayed. (80 mins.) the decisions that await you. (87 mins.)

Individual DVDs. £25 each. Individual DVDs. £25 each. Individual DVDs. £25 each. Boxed Set of 6. £100. Boxed Set of 6. £100. Boxed Set of 6. £100.

PICK AND MIX. A BOX OF ANY 6. £105 Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961 email: [email protected] Bernard Magee’s Tips DEFENCE for Better Bridge QUIZ 65 invaluable tips in 160 pages Bidding Tips 33 A low lead usually promises 1 Always consider bidding length and an honour by Julian Pottage spades if you can 34 When declaring 1NT, (Answers on page 47) 2 Bid more aggressively try to be patient when non-vulnerable 35 Duck an early round when 3 Always double when the you are short of entries ou are West in the defensive positions below playing opponents steal your deal 36 Lead up to your Ymatchpoint pairs. It is your turn to play. Both sides are 4 A takeout double shows two-honour holding using Acol with a 12-14 1NT and 2♣ Stayman. shortage in the suit doubled 37 Do not always assume 5 ‘Borrow’ a king a suit will break well to keep the auction open 38 Drop a high card 6 After a penalty double, to put off the defence don’t let the opponents escape 39 Play your highest card to tempt 1. ♠ K 5 3. ♠ A 8 5 2 7 Halve the value of a singleton a defender to cover ♥ 10 7 4 ♥ K J 7 honour when opening 40 Draw trumps first unless you 8 Only add length-points for a have a good reason not to ♦ ♦ K J 9 7 4 Q 10 9 5 suit that might be useful 41 Do not waste your trumps ♣ A Q 10 ♣ K 10 9 Isolated honours are bad 42 Consider leaving a lone defen- ♠ J 9 6 4 ♠ 10 6 4 except in partner’s suit sive trump winner out N N 10 Use the jump shift sparingly ♥ A J 5 ♥ 10 8 4 Defence Tips W E W E 11 Consider passing and letting ♦ 10 8 6 ♦ 6 4 43 Keep four-card suits intact S S partner decide ♣ 8 6 4 ♣ A 8 6 5 4 12 You need two top honours whenever possible for a second-seat pre-empt 44 Give count on declarer’s leads 13 Put the brakes on if you have a 45 Keep the right cards misfit rather than signal West North East South West North East South 14 Strong and long minors work 46 Take your time 1NT 1NT well in no-trumps when dummy is put down 47 High cards are for killing Pass 3NT All Pass Pass 2♣ Pass 2♠ 15 One stop in the opponents’ suit can be enough for no-trumps other high cards Pass 4♠ All Pass 16 Keep your two-level 48 Do not waste You lead the ♠4. Partner responses up to strength intermediate cards 49 Pick two key suits to takes the ♠K with the ♠A, You lead the ♦6 to the ♦J 17 Use your normal methods in response to a 1NT overcall concentrate on during the play ♠ cashes the Q and contin- and ♦A. A spade goes to 18 Don’t overcall just because 50 If in doubt, cover an honour ues with the ♠10. What do the ♠A and another to part- you have opening points with an honour you do? ner’s ♠K. Back comes the 19 Overcalls can be quite weak, 51 If a lead is from two honours, it so be prudent when responding is best not to cover ♦K and then the ♦2, which 20 Weak overcalls must be based 52 Keep your honour to kill you ruff. What do you do? on strong suits dummy’s honour 21 6NT requires 33 points 53 Try to show partner your not 4 aces and 4 kings solid honour sequences 22 Raise immediately, if weak 54 Lead the normal card when 2. ♠ J 8 5 2 4. ♠ 9 8 7 2 with four-card support leading partner’s suit ♥ A K J 10 ♥ K J 10 23 In a competitive auction, 55 Never underlead an ace at trick one in a suit contract ♦ K ♦ 10 show support immediately 24 Bid to the level of your fit 56 Be wary of leading from ♣ ♣ K J 10 5 A K J 8 5 quickly with weak hands four cards to only one honour ♠ A 10 6 ♠ J 6 4 25 With strength and support, 57 Lead a higher card from N ♥ 8 7 5 4 N ♥ 8 4 use the opponents’ bid suit a suit without an honour W E W E 58 Lead through ‘beatable’ ♦ Q 8 6 4 2 S ♦ A 9 6 4 2 S strength and up to weakness ♣ 4 ♣ 10 6 4 Declarer Play Tips 59 Cash your winners before try- 26 When your contract depends ing for a trump promotion on a finesse, think ‘endplay’ 60 Be patient when defending 27 Consider what a defender 1NT West North East South West North East South might be thinking about 61 Trump leads can be safe 1♣ Pass 1♥ 1NT 28 Always take your time throughout the play at trick one Pass 3♥ Pass 4♥ Pass 2♣ Pass 2♠ 29 Establish extra tricks before General Tips All Pass Pass 4♠ All Pass cashing your winners 62 Do not put important cards 30 Use your opponents’ at either end of your hand bidding to your advantage ♣ ♥ 63 Avoid being declarer when You lead the 4. Partner You lead the 8. Partner 31 Avoid the ‘baddie’ you are dummy wins the first two tricks wins with the ♥Q, cashes gaining the lead 64 Before you lead, ask for a with the ♣Q and ♣A, the ♥A and continues with 32 Use the Rule of Seven when review of the auction continuing with ♣2. What the ♥9. After ruffing this holding up in no-trumps 65 Enjoy the Game! is your plan? what do you do? £14 including postage and packing from Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH. ( 01483 489961

BRIDGE August 2014 Page 29 A Blast From the Past by Shireen Mohandes Graysky the Lepidopterist

aurice Harrison-Gray (1900 he was surprised to see that Stella had and his partner’s ♠J and ♠K won the -1968) almost deserves an covered it with moths. Although Stella first and second tricks. Declarer won entire magazine devoted to had asked Tony to mention moths, the third round with the ace. After all, Mhim: as an expert player, theorist and Tony was a little lost for words; for he could not be certain that East held a bridge writer, but he was also a novel- despite having visited the couple at seven-card suit. ist (during the wars, his writing career their Hampstead flat many times, included writing novels about Ameri- he’d never seen the moths in display can Indians) and lepidoptery. The last cabinets nor on the walls and knew of these two interests was not widely nothing of them. known in the bridge world. His Rus- Gray was sitting West on the deal sian wife, Stella (nee Soltz, a Russian below. There’s nothing exceptional linguist by profession), nicknamed about the bidding or final contract – him Graysky, but to his bridge friends you would expect the same today. he was simpy known as ‘Gray’. Tony Priday, his last bridge partner (who now lives in Spain with his Dealer North. N/S Game. wife Vivian), told me about his ♠ 9 Atlas Moth Photo: Haig Tchamitch experience when asked by Stella to say ♥ A Q 10 a few words about Gray at his funeral. ♦ K J 9 8 5 2 When Tony walked up to the coffin, ♣ 9 8 2 Analysis ♠ 8 3 ♠ K Q J 7 6 4 2 ♥ 9 6 4 3 N ♥ 8 7 5 2 After seeing dummy, Gray placed W E ♦ A Q 3 ♦ 7 S South with the remaining high cards. ♣ K J 5 4 ♣ 6 Counting declarer’s top tricks, it looks ♠ A 10 5 like one spade, one club and probably ♥ K J three or four hearts. ♦ 10 6 4 More tricks are needed and either ♣ A Q 10 7 3 minor might offer good prospects. Declarer may go for the clubs, hoping to keep the danger hand off-lead, but West North East South after East’s pre-empt, he may well play Harrison-Gray on diamonds, hoping to find West 1♦ 3♠ 3NT with both honours. All Pass What would you, as West, discard on the third round of spades? Decide Lunar Moth Photo: Haig Tchamitch Gray dutifully led his doubleton spade now before reading on.

Page 30 BRIDGE August 2014 Graysky continued his king and played a diamond, the ♦3. Declarer ‘knowledgeably’ declined the What is a lepidopterist? finesse, won with the king and then A lepidopterist or aurelian is a took another losing club finesse. person who specialises in the At this point, Gray cashed his ♦Q to study of Lepidoptera, an order ‘Keep Icy Calm’ defeat the contract. encompassing moths and the three This was Gray’s motto. It is reported Nowadays people may lead MUD superfamilies of butterflies, skipper that when he conceded four (middle up down), low from three butterflies and moth-butterflies. redoubled overtricks, defending small, or TON (top of nothing). All The term also includes hobby- 3NT, against Iain Macleod, three have their pros and cons. ists who catch, collect, study, or he did not twitch a muscle. On this particular deal only a TON simply observe lepidopterans. leader would create a problem for There are approximately Iain Macleod declarer, who would not know whether 160,000 species of moths. Macleod (1913-1970) was shadow to win the second or third round. Chancellor of the Exchequer ♠♥♦♣ and then Chancellor for Heath’s government, for a short while, What was Maurice just before his untimely death. Harrison-Gray’s interest? ‘… Away from the bridge table, Harrison-Gray has one abiding passion – moths. He breeds moths. He nurtures them. From Borneo to ♠ Void Brazil, from Mali to Madagascar, ♥ A Q 10 he imports the eggs, fondles the ♦ K J 9 8 5 caterpillars and presides over ♣ 9 8 2 their transformation into cocoons. ♠ Void ♠ Q 7 6 4 2 Finally, he ushers in the magic ♥ 9 6 4 3 N ♥ 8 7 5 2 birth of the exotic moth with W E ♦ A Q 3 S ♦ 7 brilliantly coloured, diaphanous ♣ K J 5 4 ♣ 6 wings, spanning maybe as much ♠ A as twelve inches across…’ ♥ K J Victor Mollo. ♦ 10 6 4 Maurice Harrison-Gray The Bridge Immortals, 1967. ♣ A Q 10 7 3 Gray was the bridge columnist in Country Life magazine for fifteen years in the 50s and 60s. The next deal comes from a 1956 Gray conjured up a dastardly illusion. Now it has a circulation of nearly article. On declarer’s ♠A, he discarded his ♦A. 39,000 and readership of 206,000 (yes, Declarer fell for it hook, line and the typical copy is read by five people) sinker. He was convinced that East, and the bridge columnist is Andrew Dealer East. Game All. the danger hand, held the ♦Q and that Robson. ♠ J 6 5 2 Gray’s discard had created an entry to A selection of Gray’s articles was ♥ A Q 6 3 his partner’s hand. Trying to establish published posthumously in the ♦ Q 9 8 3 diamond tricks would thus lead to Country Life Book of Bridge, 1972. ♣ 4 doom. Instead, he turned his attention What’s special about the articles is that ♠ K Q 9 8 3 ♠ 10 4 to clubs, hoping that one of the club Gray had the luxury of an entire page ♥ J 10 8 2 N ♥ K 9 7 5 W E ♦ ♦ honours was onside. He was hoping to devote to news and insight. He was K S 5 for a layout like this: the envy of his friends, for they were ♣ 8 7 3 ♣ A K J 9 6 2 not as fortunate in their word limits. ♠ A 7 In reading his articles as a collection, ♥ 4 ♠ 8 3 ♠ K Q J 7 6 4 2 one can see that he had a lovely way ♦ A J 10 7 6 4 2 ♥ 9 7 6 5 4 3 N ♥ 8 2 with words – it is almost as though he ♣ Q 10 5 W E ♦ A 3 ♦ Q 7 S is sitting next to you on a long train ♣ K 5 4 ♣ J 6 journey and sharing his insight on the latest happenings, tales of joy and woe, West North East South on a large variety of topics, including 1♣1 2♦2 So, South entered dummy with a heart bidding theory and the ‘Losing Trick 2♠3 4♦4 Pass 5♦ and ran the ♣9. Gray won that with Count’, which he advocated. All Pass

BRIDGE August 2014 Page 31 Graysky continued clubs. The opponents have half of the club ruff and finesse East for the other points but where are the red kings? red king confidently. Surely, they must be divided because On the other hand, if East plays the otherwise the bidding doesn’t seem to ♥K, then declarer plays for the drop in 1Most players would make the same open- add up. trumps. ing bid now. 2Now we depart, as fashions change. Weak jump overcalls have become very popular ♠ J 6 5 amongst duplicate players, so today’s South ♥ Q 6 3 is likely to overcall 1♦. ♦ Q 9 8 3 3West is a bit light for his 2♠ response, but ♣ Void maybe he was used to an up to strength opening bid from his partner, who is vulner- N able and opened first in hand. Also, he W E probably did not have a ’negative double‘ S available to him, as this type of double was introduced to the world at large in 1957 by American experts Alvin Roth and Tobias ♠ 7 Stone. ♥ Void 4Opposite a strong jump overcall this was ♦ A J 10 7 6 4 2 an invitational call. ♣ Q 10

So what would happen in 2014? Some players would probably make their Notice that if West has the doubleton way to 3NT. But, actually, 5♦ is a better Tony Priday, Gray’s last bridge partner king of trumps and East the ♥K, then contract at teams for two reasons: declarer will always be defeated. Even first, if you are defeated, you will lose Deferring the trump decision, declarer if he was never making, he should still fewer points. Second, playing in the can play a heart to the ace and follow be relieved to be in 5♦ rather than diamond contract means that you have it with the ♥Q, intending to discard 3NT. the comfort of a safety play, or maybe it his losing spade – a type of ‘loser on should be called a discovery play. (might be) loser play’ that doubles up West led a club, West took his ♣K as a discovery play. Gray’s major and switched smartly to his ♠10, which bridge achievements declarer won in hand with the ♠A. European champion in 1948, ♠ J 6 5 1949, 1950 and 1963. Gold Cup Analysis ♥ Q 6 3 winner seven times. The first time, ♦ Q 9 8 3 in 1937, was with the original There are various ways to try to ♣ Void Acol team S J Simon, Jack Marx, make eleven tricks. Ruffing clubs in Iain Macleod and Colin Harding; the short hand is ideal (two major- the last time in 1968 was with suit aces, two club ruffs and seven N Tony Priday, Nico Gardener, W E diamonds representing an excellent S Albert Rose and the Sharples option), but declarer has two certain brothers James and Robert. – and immediate – black losers and has to ‘find’ the ♦K. Holding eleven ♠ 7 cards in a suit, it is almost even money ♥ Void to finesse or play for the drop (that is, ♦ A J 10 7 6 4 2 Postscript with no extra information about the ♣ Q 10 opponents’ cards). Of course, a less flashy line is to play But, reflecting on the bidding, it the ♦A and see what happens. Then looks as if West has five or six spades In the diagrammed position, if West you’ll know if the heart finesse is headed by the K-Q. And trick one wins with the ♥K, then declarer can needed. But don’t you think the first suggests that East has the A-K of win the return, reach dummy with a line is more fun? ■

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Page 32 BRIDGE August 2014 2014 with Jeremy Dhondy, Chairman of the EBU August 2014: Charity Begins at Home

o many of us, charity means It is for those who have never played of affiliation for some. It doesn’t, of giving money or time to before, those who are beginners and course, stop unaffiliated clubs going something we think is a also more experienced players up to down the same route if they wish to Tdeserving cause. It might be a cancer and including junior internationals. do so, although thus far membership research charity, Oxfam or one of Those who are doing the teaching have of a national body seems to have some many others. Generally, people like all volunteered their time. Attendees advantage in converting to charitable making their own decisions and people sometimes come with parents and status. This may be because of an who stand on high streets waving tins there are bridge activities which also assurance that there are rules and at us, or knocking on doors uninvited, involve them. If you or someone you regulations that govern the game or perhaps sending us mail we didn’t know is interested, then there is more properly and that the club contributes ask for, annoy us. information at http://www.ebu.co.uk/ to this. Many of us have a working defini- youth/Junior-Teach-In. You don’t I’ve heard it said by some that they tion of a charity in our heads and are need to be an EBU member to take have their own definition of what sometimes surprised when looking at part. The weekend is subsidised as a constitutes a charity and it doesn’t a list of charities. Charitable status is result of a charity donation. include bridge clubs. Fortunately, their determined by the Government and Around ten affiliated clubs and own personal definition and what the the rules governing this have broad- one county have become charities Charity Commissioners believe are ened in recent years. This affects in the last few years. The first club in not the same thing. Bridge has a role to bridge. On April 1st, the education the country to gain charitable status, play in our society. It is a useful activity arm of the English Bridge Union be- Hitchin, became a charity some time for the young to learn, it is a way for came a charity. That means a differ- ago. Their switch to their new status our clubs to become more involved ent tax treatment, possible access to has led to a wider involvement in the in the community and it is a way for donations from bodies that would not community and, good for the club, older members of society not only to consider a non-charity and a number an increasing membership with a become involved in a social activity of other advantages. It’s early days but stronger teaching arm. Other clubs but also to keep their brain active. It one of the requirements is that bridge who have followed the same route isn’t only the UK that is following is opened up to a wider audience. One have also noticed these effects. As these sorts of initiatives. In Poland, obvious idea is that the EBU courses the pioneers in this area, Hitchin has where bridge is fully recognised as a for trainee directors and those who been generous in helping other clubs sport and therefore has greater access want to be teachers will be thrown wishing to follow a similar route. In to funding, there is a large junior open to more people. The teaching of May, one of our counties, Hampshire section of players and a programme bridge not just to the young but also and the Isle of Wight, gained for involving older members of society to those coming up to retirement and permission to become a charity. The that has been developing for some also those who are retired and who, upshot of this is that it will allow them time now. In France, they have run perhaps, experience a sense of social to receive a sizeable donation which a series of (expensive) TV adverts on isolation will benefit from this conver- will lead to a purpose built bridge their equivalent of BBC2 to get more sion to a charity. The increasing num- centre for the county. At least one members from the section of the ber who will be in retirement, look- club has received permission to have community coming up to retirement. ing for new hobbies, is likely to give its membership dues for the year gift The adverts all show a small green many opportunities to clubs which aided. There are some hoops to jump stick man exercising in the brain area have been struggling to retain mem- through first, but this possibility is making a simple, but effective, point. bership and also to people who want a looking promising for other clubs. The The charitable link has the capacity challenging activity to help keep their Club Liaison Officer for the EBU, as to make a big difference to bridge so brain and social life active. part of his job, has to keep up to date let’s hope we can take advantage. Later this month, English Bridge on all these initiatives so that advice If you have constructive comment Education and Development (EBED), and help can be offered to affiliated or feedback on these or other topics, the charity, will be running a junior clubs who wish to go down this route. I will be pleased to hear from you at teach-in at Loughborough University. That is a new and additional benefit [email protected]. ■

BRIDGE August 2014 Page 33 David Stevenson answers your questions on Laws and Ethics Must I Pause After a Stop Bid?

I have been partner thought for a time, ago, that dummy should not lowed suit, I still would criticised by an but pass if he passed quickly. play a card from dummy have won with my card Qopponent on Ethical players will tend to that constitutes a revoke. left in my hand later on. more than one occa- do the reverse. But if part- This seems to me to contra- His abrasive attitude sion for placing my pass ner takes a fair time to pass dict what I have just said! upset our game for the card on the table without whether he has a near bid or Perhaps, since he is not last two tables. I am waiting 10 seconds after a complete bust, there are no allowed to play it nor draw relatively new to the he made a ‘stop bid’ ie ethical problems whatever. attention to it, he should just game and very much 1♦- pass-stop 3♦-pass Note that your opponent sit there and do nothing. appreciate your ad- (from me). Ten seconds should control the time so I believe the practical vice on this matter. seems a long time to you do not have to worry answer is that since the world Dorothy Jackson by email. wait when it is appar- about it: he is required to body has spoken we should ent to me that I have no leave the stop card out treat this as an exception. Few clubs would bid to make. What are for about ten seconds and So if you are dummy and even have direc- the reasons for this wait you may not call until he partner calls for a card that A tors if they were not before passing and, if a has removed it. Sadly, too would constitute a revoke, allowed to play, so playing wait is required, do the many club players take you should point out it directors are normal. But rules specify 10 seconds? the stop card away im- cannot be played. Quote such directors need to be Name and address supplied. mediately, creating fur- this article if anyone chal- very careful indeed when ther ethical problems. lenges your right to do so. ruling at their own table and It is true that you Note that this reply would it does not sound as though are required by the ♣♦♥♠ be just the same at duplicate. your director exhibited such A regulations of the care, especially when ruling game to pause for a reason- During a rubber ♣♦♥♠ against less experienced able time whenever your bridge game, the players. It is recommended right hand opponent makes a Qdeclarer drew At my local club that rulings should be read jump bid. The recommenda- a card from the dummy last night, I from the law book: in prac- tion is that the pause should and placed it into play. Qrevoked. I had tice, directors often do not, be around ten seconds. Immediately dummy not realised until the but failure to go and get the You say it is apparent to pointed out that declarer end of play when the book and read from it when you that you have no bid had not followed suit and opposition pointed it asked is unacceptable. to make: by not waiting the indicated the card which out. The declarer, also Nevertheless, without see- required time, you have should have been played. the director, awarded ing the whole hand, I cannot made it clear to the oppo- Ron Nabarro, Poole. himself four extra tricks tell you whether the ruling is nents and, more importantly, at first, then realised he correct or not. Since you won to partner, which may create This is tricky: dummy needed only three for his the revoke trick and assuming ethical difficulties for him. is not allowed to contract and changed your side won a later trick, Suppose, to take the A draw attention to it to three. My partner, two tricks are automatically simplest case, you have a an irregularity, so should who has played for a transferred to the other side. shapely 10 points, LHO bids keep quiet. For example, long time, asked the But if the revoke actually cost 3♥-pass-pass to you. Do you too many dummies point director to have a look the other side four tricks, then double? If you are ethical, out to declarer that he has in his rule book which four tricks are transferred; if you will not want your deci- led from the wrong hand, he refused to do and three tricks, then three tricks sion to be affected by know- which is not allowed. stated he would look at are transferred. So the ruling ing whether your partner has However, the world body the end of the evening. is possibly correct. If he had a near bid or not: unethical that writes the laws also My revoke won the ruled this way he should also players will now double if pointed out, many years trick, but if I had fol- have explained it carefully.

Page 34 BRIDGE August 2014 Ask David continued latter as weak) and we don’t play Jacoby 2NT, so I temporised with an invented bid of 2♦, Would you please followed by a delayed help me with game raise to 4♥. Qa query I have Our opponents felt that concerning the new 2♦ should have been rules (out about 6 or 7 alerted, saying they years ago) regarding expected me to have five alerting after a 2NT bid? diamonds. My partner Is it required to alert 3♣, who, equally, did not stayman, at this level? expect me to have such June Arditti by email. a diamond holding said he couldn’t be expected There was no to alert every such change in alerting bid just in case I was A responses to 2NT inventing something. 6 years ago. Stayman, I certainly don’t think as all other conventional two of a minor over one responses, was alertable. of a major promises However, there has five cards and is not been a recent change therefore alertable. and now Stayman is an In the end, it made no announcement. So if you difference, since every play Stayman in standard pair bid and made 4♥. fashion, asking for four card David Barker by email. majors, you just announce, ‘Stayman,’ instead of alerting. Too many players assume everyone ♣♦♥♠ A else plays what they play. It is not normal My partner to play a 2♦ response to opened 1♥ 1♥ as showing five cards Qand I held: so a response showing four cards is not alertable. When you invent a bid ♠ A 5 2 which your partner has no ♥ A Q 8 3 reason to understand, as ♦ Q 10 8 people have been doing ♣ J 9 7 when raising their partner’s major indirectly for seventy years, it is not alertable I was too strong for since it is not one of your 3♥ or 4♥ (we play the agreements. ■

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BRIDGE August 2014 Page 35 Misleading Cases Number Eight

THE BRIDGE LESSON

Trout v. Halibut before his Honour Judge Kreuz, in the Small Claims Division of the Erehwon County Court

After the evidence and Counsels’ closing speeches, his Lordship gave judgment as follows:

his case involves (a) the there? Also, as I am retired now, I hope had of bridge (or even whist). He game of bridge (which I you will be able to give me a discount then introduced himself, saying that have not hitherto played on your usual teaching fee. Thanks J he had started to learn bridge with “Tbut have learned a bit about during the Thomas Trout.’ friends on the shores of the Caspian case), (b) a bridge teacher named Mr Sadly, Mr Halibut’s precise response Sea 50 years ago and, although bridge Horatio Halibut (the Defendant) and to this enquiry has not survived (he lessons did not exist in those days, he (c) his erstwhile pupil, Mr Thomas must have had fun composing it), but had been addicted to the game ever Trout (the Claimant). in any event Mr Trout received (and since. He went on to explain where the On retirement from the Civil apparently accepted) the message that emergency exits, the loos and the first Service, Mr Trout decided to take up bridge could not be learned (even by aid kits were located and the lesson bridge. In the witness box today, he him) in half an hour. In the end, he began. said that many people take up the signed up for a series of 12 weekly The lesson was certainly not what game at that time of life, though from lessons of two hours each with Mr Mr Trout was expecting. For sure, he what I have learned of it during this Halibut, postponing meanwhile his knew the suit symbols, but to begin case, I am doubtful if I will myself. Mr application to join the Bridge Club. with he objected to the fact that an ace Trout got Mr Halibut’s name from the And come September, when Mr (which he initially called a one) was website of the English Bridge Union Halibut’s next beginners’ class started, senior to a two and said he was going (the bridge teachers’ regulatory body) Mr Trout was there (along with a to launch a petition to change this. and sent him the following email number of others) with bus pass and When Mr Halibut started teaching (Exhibit A): cheque book. about the shape of hands, Mr Trout ‘Dear Horatio (if I may so address There was quite a variety of students said that in his view, a hand of 5224 you), I understand that you are a bridge in the class, including some who shape was just as balanced as one tutor and I would be pleased if you played kitchen bridge from time to of 5332 and, anyway, was there would teach me the game, preferably time, one or two who had studied the not a proper mathematical way of next Thursday – say 6pm? I imagine game in the past but not kept it up, one determining whether a person’s hand half an hour would be long enough (I woman who left after the first lesson was balanced or not? Quick as a flash, have a PhD in Applied Mathematics because she thought she was joining Mr Halibut said yes, of course there from Cambridge and I learned chess a course on advanced dentistry was: if p > 34 (where p = the product from scratch in ten minutes). My and a man who had been under the of the lengths of his four suits) then friends tell me that, having learned impression that the course was part of his hand is balanced: otherwise it is the game, I should join a bridge club, Continuing Professional Development not. That kept Mr Trout quiet while he so could we go on after the Thursday for civil engineers, but stayed on to worked out its ramifications. lesson to play at the Erehwon Duplicate learn bridge anyway. When Mr Halibut started teaching Bridge Club (their website says play Mr Halibut got the learners to how to value a hand of cards, Mr starts at 7pm) and perhaps you could introduce themselves to each other Trout said that he did not accept that propose me as a member while we are and say what experience, if any, they a jack was worth a whole point.

Page 36 BRIDGE August 2014 Misleading Cases continued As it happened, Mr Halibut made A few days later, a letter (Exhibit only eight tricks, but he laughed it off, B) arrived from Mr Trout’s solicitors, saying that even experts cannot always Messrs Tite, Lynes & Co. make their contracts. They alleged that Mr Halibut was a He had worked out on his way to the Mr Halibut then asked if anyone poor bridge player and a worse teacher lesson that there were about 13 tricks else would like to play the same deal and pointed out, having enquired in a hand of bridge (clearly, he was a again, but with the East and West of the English Bridge Union, that brilliant mathematician): obviously, hands shuffled and redealt. Mr Trout Mr Halibut had no bridge teaching he said (aware now that aces were the volunteered and, on being selected, sat qualifications and was not even a most valuable cards in the pack), four down in the South seat. grandmaster. They went on to demand of these tricks (presumably the first The hands, as redealt, were now: a refund of Mr Trout’s course fee four) would be won by aces and almost and travelling expenses, as well as all the rest by kings and queens. So compensation for wasted time. Mr a jack was pretty worthless and he ♠ A K 2 Halibut again declined to pay up. And personally would be ignoring his jacks ♥ J 9 4 3 now the matter has come to the Small in valuing his hand and would expect ♦ A J 3 Claims Court. his partners to do likewise. ♣ 7 5 4 Having heard the details of this As recommended by the English ♠ 8 7 6 5 ♠ Q 10 dispute and the evidence of both Bridge Union, the class played ♥ Q 10 N ♥ 8 7 6 2 parties, I have to decide whose minibridge (essentially bridge without ♦ 10 6 5 4 2 W E ♦ Q 9 evidence to prefer. S the bidding) during their first lesson, ♣ Q J ♣ 9 8 6 3 2 I am bound to say that I prefer the with an initial demonstration by ♠ J 9 4 3 evidence of a retired senior Civil Mr Halibut of how it was played. Mr ♥ A K 5 Servant (especially one who is an Halibut sat down in the South seat at a ♦ K 8 7 advanced mathematician and even table with three of his pupils and, after ♣ A K 10 more especially one who was at my shuffling the cards, the hands were own Alma Mater) to that of a mere dealt: Contract: 3NT. (unqualified and, indeed, untrained) Lead: ♣Q. bridge teacher. Also Mr Halibut did not present ♠ A K 2 the bridge-teaching profession (if ♥ J 9 4 3 Again the queen of clubs was led and indeed it can be called a profession) in ♦ A J 3 Mr Trout simply played each suit ‘from a good light. It was not clever of him ♣ 7 5 4 the top’ (as Mr Halibut derisively put to conduct the lesson in the way he ♠ Q 10 8 6 ♠ 7 5 it in his evidence), making 14 tricks did and surely a bridge teacher should ♥ 8 6 N ♥ Q 10 7 2 easily (four spades, four hearts, three have taken at least as many tricks with ♦ 9 5 2 W E ♦ Q 10 6 4 diamonds and three clubs). the North/South hands as his pupil, a S ♣ Q J 8 2 ♣ 9 6 3 He then turned to Mr Halibut total beginner. ♠ J 9 4 3 and said that he had not been at all I sympathise, too, with Mr Trout’s ♥ A K 5 impressed by the latter’s earlier card criticism of the point count system ♦ K 8 7 play, in particular because he had not and no doubt his views on the subject ♣ A K 10 always played a high honour when he will be considered very carefully when could – Mr Halibut had called this he next plays at the Erehwon Duplicate Contract: 3NT. approach a finesse, but Mr Trout called Bridge Club. As for the formula to Lead: ♣Q. it ‘carelessnesse’ or ‘forgetfulnesse’. ascertain whether a hand is balanced, I Mr Trout then announced to the am not sure whether it is valid, but if it class that, from what he had seen so is,* then some good will have come out The rest of the class crowded round far, he personally would not gain any of this case and no doubt the formula to watch. The four players picked up benefit from further lessons with Mr will be found very useful in beginners’ their cards, except that North’s cards Halibut so would not be coming to bridge lessons in future. were placed face up on the table for all bridge classes again, though he would Judgment for the Claimant, Mr to see. Mr Halibut explained that he be going to the bridge club to fine- Thomas Trout. Under the rules of was South (declarer) partnering North tune his technique. Meanwhile, he the Small Claims Court, each party (dummy) and his task was to make said, turning back to Mr Halibut, he bears his own costs, which no doubt at least nine tricks for North-South, would be grateful for the return of his explains why neither party is legally without a trump suit (trumps would cheque. represented here today.” be covered in lesson 2) and without Mr Halibut says he was embarrassed his seeing East’s and West’s cards. He and insulted, not to mention surprised, Reporter: Richard Wheen, asked West to lead a card – any card – by this request (which he rejected) but after A.P. Herbert and West led the queen of clubs. worse was to follow. *It is. R.F.W. ■

BRIDGE August 2014 Page 37 1807 Mr Bridge Ship ad_Layout 1 03/07/2014 18:19 Page 1

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ABTA No.Y2206 For reservations call on 01483 489961 or visit www.mrbridge.co.uk to tell another player what to THE BERNARD OPTION do at the table. Comments I am trying to improve my READERS’ like, ‘You cannot bid after bridge. I have been reading your partner’s hesitation,’ your magazine for quite a or, ‘You must make your few years now, have been insufficient bid good,’ or, on a couple of weekends ‘You didn’t specify which card and have bought a LETTERS to play so I insist you play copy of QPlus. I have the lowest,’ are wrong by law also started playing at and contradict every principle a local bridge club. IDEAL WAY he will not take part in any of justice. The player saying I have only recently started Christopher Dicker raises other activity. The committee this to an opponent has an to use QPlus, but I have some relevant points in his should realise that is in the obvious conflict of interest. found it quite difficult to letter to BRIDGE 138. best interest of the club. Andrew Kambites set up. What I think I was He is correct that, in 2. The director is in by email. hoping for was a program many small clubs, the charge of an evening but it that would take all of the unpaid and playing director is helpful if other directors OUR GOLDEN GIRL improvements in Acol, which is the general dogsbody, are willing to answer calls. Please award Jessica 10 you have taught me: weak responsible for doing 3. Even with this relatively Gold Stars for her patience no-trump, Stayman, red- everything from collecting limited role, everybody and skill in helping me install suit transfers, weak twos, money to putting up tables should recognise the director QPlus10 on Windows 7. It is RKCB, cue bids, splinters, and making the coffee. Total is making sacrifices to his tested and everything works. fourth suit forcing, gambling reliance on one person is the own game for the benefit There may be other people 3NT, double for take-out sign of an unhealthy club. of the club and has a with QPlus10, who upgrade vs penalties etc. and play If that one person leaves, difficult role. The laws are to Windows 7 and face the those conventions with the the club is likely to die. not straightforward for an same difficulty as I did. They additional option of adding, For many years, I ran amateur director. It is to be should give Jessica a call. say, Michaels cue bids, when director training courses expected that the director Philip Medcalf, I feel like experimenting. for the EBU. These issues will make mistakes and I Trowbridge, Of course, not all of your came up frequently. Those would suggest that if people Wiltshire. contributors play the attending were frequently want to grumble about the same system, but I get the rather apprehensive and director, they might consider NEW SUBSCRIBER impression of a general far from being convinced whether they are prepared I enclose a cheque for consensus on these things. of their own infallibility to do the job themselves. £20 being the introductory I am sure that all of the and conscious only of a 4. All clubs should aim annual subscription options I have listed above need to help their clubs. for the norm that as soon for your magazine. are possible within QPlus, My advice for clubs is: as anything goes wrong I have enjoyed reading but there are so many 1. The director has two the director is called. The free copies of BRIDGE for options I have no idea functions. Apply the laws and director may sometimes be quite some years and am what to set. I am sure I make sure the movement wrong but he is unbiased. pleased to subscribe to what have ended up with works. The director may The alternative is that the I consider to be a very good, a mish-mash. or may not score (after players decide themselves informative and educational The program certainly does the event) as well. That is and those with the most facility for the majority not behave as I would have quite enough for any non- dominant personalities get of bridge enthusiasts. expected a player schooled professional director. The their own way. There is a very Mrs J Macreadie, in the Mr Bridge system to director should explain to simple and obvious principle: Rotherham, behave. I would find it helpful the club committee that no player ever has the right South Yorkshire. to have a guide as to what to set within QPlus to have the program bid and understand my bids according to the REDUCE THE COST OF YOUR POSTAGE broad guidelines that your Postage stamps for sale at 90% of face-value, all mint magazine promotes. with full gum. Quotations for commercial Oliver Buckley, quantities available on request. London W6. Values supplied in 100s, higher values available QPlus versions 10 and 11 as well as 1st and 2nd class (eg 2nd class: 100x37p+100x16p). have the Bernard Magee options: Acol or Advanced (/Fax 020 8422 4906 e-mail: [email protected] Acol. Go to configuration and take your choice.

BRIDGE August 2014 Page 39 READERS’ LETTERS or 6 tables) and used to think BETTER DREAMS strong. It crosses all barriers. continued the same but most members Your new insurance company Take this book home greatly welcome having in the BRIDGE magazine, with you today. Start hand records and the only Genesis Choice with Mr Tom learning a game and a THE FUTURE practical way to get them Evans, was very impressive – sport to last a lifetime. In BRIDGE 138, Christopher is with computer dealing. It booking with multiple health Martina Navratilova. Dicker says that computer doesn’t have to be expensive. issues is always a nightmare. dealing is out of the question Next time your club Dr Gould, BEGGING LETTER for ‘once-a-week’ clubs replaces your cards, buy Denmead, Hampshire. Myself and lots of different who meet in church halls, them with bar codes for friends (and partners, due to the cost and storage the same cost as the plain SHE PLAYS BRIDGE sometimes) have attended of the equipment needed. equivalents. Then spend I thought this introduction by many of your bridge I disagree, for I run such a just a few hundred pounds Martina Navratilova to a new weekends and always found club using computer dealt – around a pound a table book by Audrey Grant might them to be most enjoyable. hands without a Duplimate for a year – for a low cost be of interest to your readers. I belong to a charity or any dealing machine. computer-assisted dealing Syd Zoltie, Edinburgh. committee called Breakaway. I purchased Dealmaster machine which will work We are a registered charity software and make up the with a cheap windows PC. Why Play Bridge raising money for special hands manually from the The 6-year old netbook we You may be confused as to needs children nationwide. computer print-out. The use is perfectly adequate. why Martina Navratilova We have been in existence members like them and The dealing machine we is writing the introduction now for almost forty years hence won’t be thrown when have (HandyDup) differs to a bridge book. and in that time we have they meet computer dealt from full-priced machines The answer is that I believe raised nearly four million hands in tournaments. As by replacing the automatic it takes a strong mind, pounds, but to keep doing well as getting a print-out of card sorter with a light as well as a strong body, this we need support. the hands, they get computer for each compass point: to live life to its fullest. On November 3rd, I am analysis showing the number swipe a face down card by Bridge is more than running a Bridge Luncheon of tricks that can be made hand across the bar code just a card game. It’s a at the Hartsbourne Country with best play on both sides. reader and drop it in the cerebral sport. Bridge Club in Bushey. I expect If the cards are pre-suited by indicated pile. Once the teaches you logic, about 120 supporters and we the members, it takes about knack is acquired, it takes reasoning, quick thinking, are charging £30 per head. 40 minutes to make up 24 about five minutes to deal patience, concentration Therefore we would like a boards. If a non-playing three boards, including and partnership skills. very special raffle prize and member of the club is not taking the cards out of the Last year at Wimbledon, wonder whether you could available to do this, board and putting them when we got rained out, I help by donating a weekend then you simply find a back – roughly the same as spent my time playing bridge away. Obviously this would bright teenager who thorough manual shuffling to keep me sharp and on my be very well liked and could wants to make some and dealing. The software toes. An evening of bridge at persuade people to spend extra pocket money. is the same as that which home with family and friends more money on the raffle. Give it a try at your club, powers full-priced machines. is so much more fulfilling I would be so grateful if you won’t regret it. Once It generates provably random than sitting watching TV. you could send me a voucher your members get used to hands and gives the same The American Contract so that the winner could more exciting hands with double-dummy analysis Bridge League has choose which weekend the print-outs, they will of makeable contracts. commissioned one of the would be suitable. never want to go back to Storage is trivial: the world’s most successful bridge Thank you in advance. the old ways. After all, has machine is a little smaller teachers, Audrey Grant, to Angela Goodman any club who introduced than a litre juice brick. write this book. Audrey has by email. bidding boxes ever gone We take ours to the game taken what many people The margins do not allow for back to silent bidders? and have twice used it to consider a complex game and such generosity. However I Ian Dalziel, correct misboards in a made it easy and fun to learn. will send you a DVD box set. Troon, Ayrshire. few seconds by re-dealing Bridge has meant a lot to only the hand with excess me in my travels. No matter SPECIAL NEEDS A USEFUL BRICK cards with no need even where I go, I can always Having just received your A correspondent in BRIDGE to look at a hand record. make new friends at the table. latest brochure on your 138 remarks that the cost ( 01689 819228 You know, tennis is a sport 2015 cruises, all of which and storage of computer- ( 07519 985547 for a lifetime and bridge is a look fascinating, I was very dealing equipment is out Tom Smith game for a lifetime. It can be disappointed to note that of the question. Orpington (or Mike) enjoyed by young and old, there is only one disabled Bridge Club is quite small (5 by email. male and female, weak and cabin on the Aegean

Page 40 BRIDGE August 2014 READERS’ LETTERS SCORING contribution. OK, you continued For my sins I have taken on make money at it but we the marking of the travellers too are the richer for it, Mr Bridge at our smallish (but very so a big thank you. Odyssey, and given that friendly) bridge club. I Yvonne Wavell by email. Voyages of Discovery wondered if Mr Bridge had 2015 refuse to allow any some software which I could NEW GAME NEEDED passengers to board put into the computer to On Wednesday 14th May, I Voyager unless they can do the scoring. We are not got an email from you saying Bridge walk up the gangplank, a large sophisticated club, that BRIDGE 138 was now I find myself excluded. many members haven’t available on-line and printed Players’ Having thoroughly computers, so really what I copies would be posted out enjoyed your tutorials need is something whereby the next day to subscribers. and bridge sessions in I could put in the scores and I much prefer the printed Diaries Worthing, Blunsdon and the computer could give me copy to reading it on-line so Tunisia, I have since the results. I can finish it looked forward to my copy embarked on a number of off on a sheet we have and arriving through the post. cruises without any problems. show it at the next meeting. However, I was so keen to I hope that you will give some They are not interested in read my favourite articles that thought to alternative ships percentages etc. just who I printed a few each day and with suitable accommodation has come first, second, third read them in advance. By the as I am sure I am not the etc. I do hope you can help. time the magazine arrived only person who enjoys Janet Whaley, West by post on Monday 19th bridge and cruising, is Bridgford, Nottingham. May, I had printed all the mentally and physically fit, Jeff Smith has a free 48 pages. What a waste Contents include but confined to a wheelchair. program for scoring of paper. Perhaps I lead a Cruising gives my wife duplicate pairs, PairsScorer. very sad life but it is such a ♦ Acol Summary and myself the opportunity Download it from: good magazine I just couldn’t by Bernard Magee. to meet people and for http://homepages. resist peeking. Might it be ♦ Guide to the Laws. my wife to go ashore and nildram.co.uk/~jasmith/ possible to delay putting the see the sights when it is download.htm magazine on-line till it arrives ♦ Scoring Tables for impractical for me to do so. through our letter boxes? duplicate and rubber bridge. James Ashton by email. MANY THANKS Ian Dalziel, I hope to be able to Thank you for sending the Troon, Ayrshire. ♦ Distributional odds. announce a couple of information. The years Perhaps you should take sailings, catering better have caught up with me up a new game. Patience is ♦ Hand patterns and for disabled people, in and I am no longer able to one that springs to mind. fascinating figures. the very near future. undertake journeys. I have ♦ Cover colours: Red, Navy, very much enjoyed every SO IT’S GOODBYE Green, Burgundy. MIND BOGGLING Mr Bridge event that I have I have enjoyed BRIDGE We are looking for a been able to attend and I very much over the years. ♦ All covers printed in gold-coloured ink. movement when our club thank you for what you do. I see you now want £20 plays against another Please know that you from me to continue. Sorry, I ♦ Individual diaries £6.95 club, as follows: enable people to meet don’t see the point of paying each including p&p. 16 players in each team and share and enjoy life for a cruise brochure. ♦ arranged in 4 sub-teams of 4 and bridge together which Mrs E Nice, Special concession to clubs and teachers. people with each sub-team to is a very considerable Long Marston, York. ■ 10 for £35, play against all the opposing thereafter £3.50 each 4 sub-teams. Is there a including p&p. movement which allows this, Write to Mr Bridge at: Ryden Grange, ♦ Luxury version with super- Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH without the need to reshuffle soft kidrell cover, gilded boards on the last round? or e-mail [email protected] page edges and a ball-point pen attached, Mr & Mrs R Odell, E-mail correspondents are asked in ruby red or navy blue. Tingewick, Buckingham. to include their name, full postal £14.95 each including p&p. I have sent this on to David address, telephone number and to Stevenson. If you have send no attachments. See Mail Order similar enquiries, please Letters may be edited for length Form on page 7. contact davidstevenson@ and clarity. mrbridge.co.uk directly.

BRIDGE August 2014 Page 41 Catching Up by Sally Brock

n the last issue, I left you just my trump trick, diamond strength went right with this event and we before we flew to Ireland to play and heart king should be enough to managed to win with two matches to in the Killarney Congress. Our combine with Barry’s values to take spare. Because we were flying home on Ijourney there was uneventful and three defensive tricks. At this stage, the Sunday night, we left the problem we picked up our hire car and drove North said to his partner, ‘We agreed of getting whatever prizes we had won the hour and a half or so from Cork that all four club bids were slam tries.’ back to England with John. Maybe we to Killarney. We found our rented (This is not the sort of congress where should open a crystal shop some time accommodation easily enough – you would ever call the tournament soon. and, if I say so myself, I could hardly director for this sort of thing.) And The thing about Killarney is the have done better. It was a spacious, there we were. scenery. To start with, the playing area nicely furnished and decorated, four- Some people find it difficult to play is not some internal room without bedroom house, just over the road hands where the longer trumps are in windows that you generally find in from the Lake Hotel where the bridge dummy rather than declarer’s hand a conference hotel. There is a huge was to be played. We met up with Roz (actually, I remember struggling with picture window running the whole who was sharing with us. Roz and I this myself). Declarer’s plan should length of the bridge room and all you went shopping for food while Barry have been to ruff spades in her hand, can see is the lake and the mountains and another couple of friends watched but, instead, she tried to ruff hearts behind. No houses or other sign of the FA Cup final. We were impressed in the dummy. As she had drawn human habitation. It really is glorious by the Lidl supermarket – I’d not one round of trumps at the start, and, during the week, the bridge is only been to one before. We succumbed to I overruffed the second heart ruff in the evenings, so you have the day the delicious-looking (and delicious- and drew another round of trumps, free to do whatever you like. We drove tasting) scones which we took back for leaving her a trick short. around the Dingle peninsula one day tea. On the Monday, John arrived and and the Ring of Kerry another. Perhaps The following day, we played in played with Roz with Barry and the high spot was the Three Lakes boat the two-session congress pairs and me in the mixed teams – played trip. There were about a dozen of us in finished third. This early board gave over two consecutive evenings. The a small motorboat and, at one place, Barry a fright: Manchester Nelson team were in the we had to get out so the boat would be lead throughout. We did quite well but light enough to get through a shallow were 12 VPs behind them going into gap. The only problem was that it was Dealer East. Love All. the last match. We did OK and were very cold on the water, so when we ♠ A K 7 4 the first pair to finish. The news was stopped at Lord Brandon’s Cottage for ♥ J that Nelson scored only 3 VPs. We lunch, we took up the offer to return ♦ 6 3 2 scored up anxiously but found that we by jaunty cart – a horse-drawn trap. ♣ A K 8 6 4 had just done enough to pip them. This went up and over a mountain pass ♠ Q J 9 8 5 2 ♠ 6 3 Almost as soon as we arrived, there and we had to get out and walk the ♥ Q 10 9 8 4 2 N ♥ K 5 was the bad news that Roz’s father steeper patches to give the poor horse W E ♦ ♦ 8 S Q J 10 9 5 was ill. She finally gave up trying a rest. All in all, a really nice break and ♣ Void ♣ J 10 9 3 to sort things out long distance and I would thoroughly recommend the ♠ 10 flew home on Wednesday evening, so congress for any of you who fancy a ♥ A 7 6 3 in the Women’s teams, I played with change of scenery for your bridge. ♦ A K 7 4 Kath Nelson, Jean Keen and Suzy Aside from this, there has been a ♣ Q 7 5 2 Lawson and we won that too. In the bit of a hullabaloo about the issue of Mixed Pairs, I played with John and whether Briony can accompany me to an indifferent performance by both of Croatia. For various reasons, I felt I did After I (East) passed, South opened us saw us finish an undistinguished not want to leave her at home for all one club and Barry bid two clubs, fourth. that time and asked if she could come showing the majors. North bid four Because my American friend Kate with me. But the Selection Committee clubs and this was passed around to cancelled, we needed a fourth for felt that she would be a distraction, so Barry. Not famous for being able to the teams and were lucky enough to for a while there was uncertainty as to keep his mouth shut when needed, procure Irish international Padraig if I would be playing at all and indeed he bid four hearts. North bid five O’Brian to make up the numbers and whether the rest of the team would go clubs and I doubled, thinking that play with John. Somehow, everything either, but … ■

Page 42 BRIDGE August 2014 Seven Days by Sally Brock

Friday traffic problems continue and I don’t further if needed. The reason for this arrive until 8.15pm. Nicola and I are is that, generally speaking, partner has … at long last, everything is sorted practising by playing in TGR’s Friday- some values to use Stayman, but often for Croatia. Briony has permission to night IMP pairs. I arrive after seven does not when making a transfer. come with me, provided she brings a boards to find we are lying bottom with However, on this deal neither North- friend with her. The time has come to –25 IMPs. Things improve slightly but South were a regular partnership. In forget all the brou-ha-ha and focus on we still don’t manage to finish average. both rooms, this is the start to the the European Championships. After the game, someone suggests we auction: Just after 11am, the three of us (Toby, play a further 12 boards as a friendly Briony and I) set off for Ilmington team match. Grateful for all the West North East South where we are meeting my parents and practice we can get, we’re up for that 2NT other, rather more distant, relatives and redeem ourselves slightly despite Pass 3♦ Dbl Rdbl (aunt, cousin, nephew etc) for lunch. losing 12 IMPs on the following board Pass 3♥ Pass ? Toby drives. When Toby first passed rather unexpectedly: his driving test, I couldn’t find a For some reason, both Souths think company who would insure him (the three hearts is forcing. At my table, best – and only – offer I got was to Dealer South. Game All. South bids three no-trumps and my add him as a named driver on my ten- ♠ 10 4 3 double closes the auction. I lead a club. year-old car for £6,600). The converse ♥ 10 9 6 5 4 Declarer wins and tries the ace and now seems to have happened. A mere ♦ 5 3 queen of hearts, which I duck. She 18 months later, a period in which he ♣ J 7 3 then plays the king of diamonds which has not driven at all, I could put him ♠ A Q 9 8 ♠ J 7 5 2 Nicola wins and switches to a spade. on the insurance of Briony’s car from ♥ K 7 3 2 N ♥ J 8 We take four spade tricks, the king of W E ♦ Void ♦ A 10 9 8 6 2 the beginning of May until the end S hearts and ace of clubs. +800. of October for a mere £176 (though it ♣ A 9 8 6 2 ♣ 4 In the other room, South raises three would have cost £180 per month to do ♠ K 6 hearts to four, again doubled. This is it a month at a time). Now he is a bit ♥ A Q much worse because the defenders rusty and we welcome the opportunity ♦ K Q J 7 4 manage a cross-ruff. When the smoke for him to practise motorway driving ♣ K Q 10 5 has cleared, the penalty is 1,400. South, with us in the car, prior to driving at this table, is berating his partner for on his own. We have an excellent not passing three diamonds redoubled. lunch and catch up on all the family If you open one no-trump (or two no- However, I think that contract should gossip and start to head back to High trumps) and partner bids Stayman or go for 2,200! Wycombe at about 4pm. The traffic is a transfer and the next hand doubles, dire and instead of the hour and 15 what does redouble mean for you and minutes it took us to get there, it takes your partner? For me, if partner has bid Saturday us three hours to get home. Stayman, then the redouble suggests After a nice lie-in we realise that we I leap in and out of the house again we play there; but if partner has have two cars in London, which is one quickly as I have a date in London transferred, then redouble says, ‘I am too many. Margaret and Martin are half an hour later. With clear roads, maximum with three-card support,’ coming to dinner in High Wycombe, the journey takes 45 minutes, but making it easy for partner to compete so we come up with the plan of my

BRIDGE August 2014 Page 43 Seven Days continued late lunch. At this stage we are 670 up, Barry for the last ten boards and they but then we lose a few, partly because are very flat. Seven flat games and of this slam deal which our opponents three partscores. It looks as if it’s all handle very well. going to be down to overtricks. When driving home in Barry’s car (a two- it is all over, we don’t do so well on the seater Mazda MX5) while he drives overtricks, but there is one partscore my car and Margaret and Martin Dealer West. N/S Game. swing in our favour. We win by 180 later on. A side benefit, to me, of this ♠ K 9 7 aggregate points. The match is played arrangement, is that I get to travel ♥ A 9 6 2 in a great spirit and, after having a with the roof off. The traffic doesn’t ♦ A drink with our opponents, we drop seem to have improved since yesterday ♣ A J 10 8 5 Robert and Gunnar off at the station and it takes me longer than usual, but ♠ J 4 ♠ 10 6 2 before heading home. We grab fish the sun is shining, so I don’t care. ♥ 10 8 7 N ♥ K Q 5 4 and chips on the way, then Barry W E ♦ Q J 5 4 ♦ 10 3 I get home and have a quick salad S heads back to London. lunch with Briony before setting off to ♣ 7 4 3 2 ♣ K Q 9 6 Waitrose to look for a coconut yogurt ♠ A Q 8 5 3 (one made with coconut milk, not just ♥ J 3 Monday coconut flavoured) that Briony has ♦ K 9 8 7 6 2 I’m up early to squeeze some work in. heard about. We are always looking for ♣ Void Nothing on the travel guide scene, new foods she can eat (i.e. ones without but bits and pieces to do: writing dairy or wheat/grain products). and working on ProBridge (if you Toby has been doing most of the The key decision is what to respond haven’t had a chance to look at the cooking in the household since he has initially with that South hand after new site, do go to www.pro-bridge. been home and we have been enjoying partner opens one club. Our South co.uk and take a look – or follow us a high standard of cuisine. He was decides to respond one spade and this on Facebook (ProBridge) and Twitter keen to cook for Margaret and Martin, is their auction: (@ProBridgeUK). I’m working on so has taken on the responsibility of putting up an international calendar the catering for this evening. What a West North East South of events – not everyone wants an treat for me. Pass 1♣ Pass 1♠ organised bridge holiday and just He does brilliantly. He has his friend Pass 3♠ Pass 4♦ taking a holiday around a tournament Tom as a sous-chef and Briony as a Pass 4♠ All Pass in a good location is the sort of thing sous-sous-chef (responsible for the I like to do. After that, I’m thinking vegetables). We start with artichokes North, knowing that if he reversed of a ‘Hand of the Day’ to attract web with home-made Hollandaise sauce. into two hearts he had no agreements viewers. Then, it’s venison steaks with red-wine about how to proceed, decides to make For lunch, we are joined by Jess, gravy, new potatoes and perfectly life simple by jumping to three spades Briony’s friend who is coming to cooked sugar-snap peas, baby corn (note that if there is a 4-4 heart fit, then Croatia with her. I enjoy being able to and French beans. For dessert, it is South will always hold five spades). spend a little time with the kids and chocolate lava cakes. I am so proud of Then, after the four diamond natural their friends. them all. The food is delicious and it slam try, he decides to sign off because In the evening, I have an hour’s is great to be all together enjoying the he is a trump short. online practice with Nicola against evening. This is the auction in the other room: Fee and Catherine and then a two- hour professional slot with my Irish West North East South women. If you are a woman and play Sunday Pass 1♣ Pass 1♦ online, I will give you a little tip: it’s a Today is the Hubert Phillips final. Our Pass 1♥ Pass 1♠ really good time to do your nails. You team is Barry, Robert Sheehan, Gun- Pass 2NT Pass 3♠ can varnish each one while waiting for nar Hallberg and me. Our opponents Pass 6♠ All Pass someone else to bid/play and there is are Sheffield-based: Tom Gisborne, no temptation to get up while they dry Sandy Davies, Mike Pomfrey and North realised that his hand could and do something too early. Dave Robinson. We meet halfway, in hardly be stronger if his partner had Coventry, to do battle over 60 boards. some slam interest and expected that I had not been to the Coventry Bridge if South was weak, then he would Tuesday Club before and am quite impressed. It have started with one spade. A well- Today is my birthday lunch. I share is part of a sports centre and, as well as deserved swing of 750 points. a birthday with Michele Barker, who the playing conditions being excellent, With ten boards to go we are behind used to play in the English women’s on a Sunday there is a carvery, avail- – by 10 aggregate points. Everyone team before she retired to have kids. able all day, in the restaurant. scours their memories to see if they We decided to have a combined birth- We play 30 boards and break for a have missed any honours. I play with day lunch on the Tattershall Castle,

Page 44 BRIDGE August 2014 Seven Days continued we have done a lot of walking. Briony Dramatis Personae drops me off at Barry’s and the first thing I do is sleep. Then Barry cooks Sally Brock lives in High Wycombe me sausages and mash and we watch with her two teenage children, her a floating restaurant moored near the athletics on TV. husband Raymond having died in early Embankment tube station. I discov- 2008. She works partly as a bridge ered this place last year and it is ex- professional, occasionally playing for cellent and very good value (unlike Thursday pay but more often writing (she is the most of the actual restaurants on the 61 today. I get up slowly. The weather bridge columnist for The Sunday Times) and teaching online; the rest of the time river). You can’t book a table, so we is glorious and I drive home in Barry’s she works on the production of travel need to get there early to make sure car with the roof down, getting home guides – hence the occasional reference of our place. Briony and I drive in her just after 11.30am. The kids have gone to rather obscure countries. She has car which we park at Westfield (that’s to an enormous amount of trouble been a member of the British/English good value too, for London, at only £6 to make the day special for me. They women’s team on and off since 1979. for 24 hours). We do a quick shop and take me into the garden with a cold Briony & Toby are Sally’s 18-year- then head off on the underground. drink and give me their presents and old daughter and 19-year-old son. We get there first as intended and bag cards, as well as a few cards that have three tables on deck as the weather is arrived in the post. Have you seen Barry Myers is Sally’s new partner, both at and away from the bridge glorious. There are nearly twenty of a TV quiz show called The Chase? table. He is a criminal defence barrister us in total and we drink lots of white Well, a few weeks ago, I was on there and lives in Shepherd’s Bush. wine and eat their sharing platters un- as a question, ‘What card game does til about four o’clock (though I am not Sally Brock, multiple world champion Nicola Smith is Sally’s current international bridge partner. They formed the last to leave). I get back to Barry’s and Sunday Times columnist, play?’ a last-minute partnership in 2008 to join about 5.30pm – just time to soak my (The contestant didn’t get it right). the England women’s team for the World aching feet (the problem with heels) Several people have told me about it, Mind Sports Games in Beijing and they for half an hour before setting off but Briony had managed to get a DVD won the gold medal. Nicola has been again. of that particular show by writing to playing international bridge since she We are out to dinner with my old the relevant person and asking nicely. was 17, which is an awfully long time ago. friend and bridge partner Steve Lodge From Toby, I get a wine glass marked Roz Bavin is a friend who lives and his girlfriend Sophie. He has been ‘small glass’, ‘large glass’ and ‘Sally’s on Jersey and Sally does not living in the US full time but has sold glass’! see nearly enough of her. his apartment in New York and bought They have also prepared a picnic, so John Holland, long-time friend of both a riverside one in Battersea. We have a we drive to Marlow and walk along Sally and Barry. Plays for the England drink while enjoying the glorious river the river for a while before sitting Senior team with Gunnar Hallberg. view. Then, we walk along the river to down on the bank and eating it – all Margaret & Martin (Nygren). London House, a new Gordon Ramsey my favourite food. Then Briony and Margaret is Sally’s best friend, who restaurant. I saunter along Marlow High Street lives in London. Sally and Margaret while Toby sits in the car waiting for played for England back in the early us. When I get home, I potter about for noughties, winning a European Wednesday a bit and then they give me a ‘bath set’. Championship together in 2001. I had a date to spend today with my very They have put together in a box some Fiona (Fee) Brown is a small redhead good friend Carol from Nottingham. candles and matches, my favourite who is always smiling, comes from Amongst other things, we intended to section of the newspaper, a canned Australia, but now lives in Harrogate go to the Matisse Cut-Out Exhibition gin and tonic plus crystal glass and with her boyfriend, Irish international at the Tate Modern. Unfortunately, she some luxury bubble bath. I’m usually a Hugh McGann. Last year she finished had to cancel because of family illness, shower person as I’m always in a rush, her IT degree and at the moment so Briony and I are going to spend the so it is a real treat to spend an hour works part-time in a pharmacy day together instead. We meet for a soaking. Then, we have a barbecue (all – which leaves her plenty of time to concentrate on her bridge. coffee at Carluccio’s in Westfield and prepared and cooked by them) using go directly to Oxford Street for a bit the new equipment we had bought at Catherine Draper is Fee’s new partner. of shopping before getting a tube to the Ideal Home Exhibition a couple of (We needed to replace Susan Stockdale Waterloo and walking along the river months ago. Again, all my favourites. after the last world championships to the Tate Modern. We have a spot That all takes a long time and it is as she has decided to retire for a while to concentrate on running her of lunch in the café there and then really nice to relax and chat (using family business.) Catherine was on go to the exhibition. I love the simple the wine glass, of course) in the even- the women’s team that won the World lines and bold colours. Then it’s back ing sunshine. Afterwards, we move Mindsports Championship in Beijing to Westfield for a bit more shopping. inside and watch the aforementioned in 2008. She lives somewhere in the I have to say I’m a bit exhausted by the quiz programme. A really lovely birth- northwest with Andrew and five dogs. end of it all. I didn’t sleep very well and day. ■

BRIDGE August 2014 Page 45 The Diaries of Wendy Wensum Episode 28: The County Calls

n e-mail from the county cap- time. After an opening one no trump, on the table. After a slight, unintended tain was the surprise of the our new arrangement is to break red pause, I removed the seven spades week. It invited Millie and me suit transfers holding a maximum card from the bidding box and laid it Ato play for the Norfolk third team in with a good fit by cue bidding a tremblingly on the green baize gently. the next inter-county league match. control. Subsequent non-trump suit West led the singleton heart. I Millie and I accepted the offer happily. bids are also control showing cues, or won the trick and tested trumps. My Apparently, we were late replacements so I thought. worries were over and I claimed the for a male pair who had dropped out at contract. It was very pleasing as it was the last moment. I’m sure the fact that the first time Millie and I had used the Norwich City were playing at home in Dealer North. Love All. sequence and in our first county match a rearranged football match had no Millie too. I haven’t bid and made many grand bearing on their decision. The switch ♠ J 7 4 2 slams, but, from my point of view, the of the bridge fixture from a home to ♥ K Q 10 9 real significance of the hand was that an away venue was presumably not a ♦ A 8 6 the first time spades were mentioned contributory factor either. ♣ K J was at the seven level. I congratulated Spouse very kindly agreed to drive ♠ Q 6 ♠ 10 Millie on her three diamond cue bid ♥ 4 N ♥ 8 7 6 5 3 2 and treat us to lunch en route at a W E and explained how the four heart newly reopened restaurant that a ♦ Q J 10 7 3 S ♦ K 9 4 2 bid showing the king was critical. friend had recommended. We hadn’t ♣ Q 10 9 6 2 ♣ 5 4 ‘I wasn’t showing the king!’ she booked, so, on our arrival, we stayed Wendy exclaimed, ‘I was supporting your in the car while Spouse investigated ♠ A K 9 8 5 3 second suit. I wondered why you played the menu and table availability. He ♥ A J the hand in spades and not hearts.’ returned soon, looking puzzled. He ♦ 5 It was then I realised that Millie had explained that there was a notice ♣ A 8 7 3 interpreted this latest addition to our on the door saying, ‘Sorry, Closed system in a rather different way from for Lunch, Opening for Dinner this me. Evening’. We accepted the situation West North East South Spouse enjoyed his afternoon and, and found a friendly pub further down Millie Wendy on his return, was delighted to find the road. The roast meal was perfectly 1NT Pass 2♥1 that Millie and I were also in a cheerful acceptable as was the bottle of wine Pass 3♦2 Pass 3♥2 mood. He suggested that to celebrate that Millie and I consumed without Pass 4♥2 Pass 7♠ our inaugural appearance for the difficulty. It was probably not the best End county and to mark the grand slam, preparation for the afternoon session 1Spades 2Control we should return to the restaurant of bridge, particularly as Millie drank that was closed at lunchtime. On the lion’s share. A short time later, Our opponents passed throughout. our arrival this time, a notice read, Spouse deposited us in good spirits As dealer, Millie opened one no ‘Closed for Dinner. Open for Lunch at the venue before disappearing into trump (12-14). I bid two hearts as a Tomorrow’. I think the establishment town to visit an art gallery. transfer to spades. With 14 points is now off Spouse’s must-visit list. We Team members from both counties and four spades, Millie agreed spades found a Chinese restaurant on the way drifted into the hall, but, by the by cue bidding diamonds. At this home and had an excellent supper. official start time, several male players point, I started to panic. Had Millie Millie and I shared another bottle from both sides had not made an remembered the system? Would I get of wine and, of course, Millie also appearance. As pairs congregated into the sequence right? It was too late to needed a brandy to calm her after all their teams, the latecomers stormed in worry now. I made a cue bid in hearts the excitement of the day. having consumed a few pints of beer showing the ace and Millie bid four We had learnt several things from in the local pub while watching the hearts showing the king. I thought our experiences: don’t believe notices Norwich football match on TV. Of the that with no top losers and the good in restaurant windows; men like beer 32 boards, one deal was particularly spade fit the grand slam could well and football; but most of all, make sure memorable as it allowed Millie and make. With much trepidation and a your partnership agrees all responses me to use our latest gadget for the first shaking hand I placed the stop card to a new convention. ■

Page 46 BRIDGE August 2014 Answers to Julian Pottage’s Defence Quiz on page 29

West North East South you see a way of beating the contract by 1. ♠ K 5 1♣ Pass 1♥ two? ♥ 10 7 4 Pass 3♥ Pass 4♥ If you lead a low club and declarer ♦ K J 9 7 4 All Pass guesses incorrectly, your side makes a ♣ A Q 10 second club trick. Underleading the ♣A ♠ J 9 6 4 ♠ A Q 10 You lead the ♣4. Partner wins the first two carries no risk if you count the shape. ♥ A J 5 N ♥ Q 8 6 2 tricks with the ♣Q and ♣A, continuing The bidding and play to date tell you W E ♦ ♦ ♣ 10 8 6 S 3 2 with 2. What is your plan? that declarer cannot have five spades, ♣ 8 6 4 ♣ 7 5 3 2 For sure, you will ruff the club to give five diamonds or four hearts (it is usual ♠ 8 7 3 2 your side a third trick. The ♠A, if you to bid 2♥ rather than 2♠ with 4-4 in the ♥ K 9 3 decide to cash it, will be the setting trick. majors). ♦ A Q 5 At matchpoints and assuming you read Partner’s lowly ♦2, if declarer reads ♣ K J 9 the lowly ♣2 as denying the ♠K, cashing it as a suit-preference signal, may well the ♠A is wrong. There is a much better induce a losing guess. chance that your side will make two spade West North East South tricks if you wait for declarer to play the 1NT suit. For the ♠A to run away, declarer Pass 3NT All Pass would need all the missing hearts, jolly 4. ♠ 9 8 7 2 good diamonds and a singleton spade. ♥ K J 10 You lead the ♠4. Partner takes the ♠K If that were the layout, partner would be ♦ 10 with the ♠A, cashes the ♠Q and continues 5-0-3-5 and might well have overcalled ♣ A K J 8 5 with the ♠10. What do you do? 1♠. ♠ J 6 4 ♠ Q 5 N ♥ 8 4 ♥ A Q 9 5 2 You can see an easy way to beat the W E contract: overtake with the ♠J, then cash ♦ A 9 6 4 2 S ♦ K 7 5 3 the ♠9 and ♥A. Since the cards in dummy ♣ 10 6 4 ♣ 7 2 make it obvious that you want a heart 3. ♠ A 8 5 2 ♠ A K 10 3 switch, you can afford to set your sights ♥ K J 7 ♥ 7 6 3 higher. Let the ♠10 hold. On a good ♦ Q 10 9 5 ♦ Q J 8 day, partner will hold the ♥Q (or even ♣ K 10 ♣ Q 9 3 the ♥K) and you will beat the contract by ♠ 10 6 4 ♠ K J at least two tricks. A large set is possible ♥ 10 8 4 N ♥ 9 5 3 2 if a desperate declarer rises with the ♥K ♦ 6 4 W E ♦ K J 7 2 West North East South S trying to make the contract. (It should ♣ A 8 6 5 4 ♣ Q 7 2 1NT be obvious that you hold the ♥A or you ♠ Q 9 7 3 Pass 2♣ Pass 2♠ would not leave the spades blocked.) ♥ A Q 6 Pass 4♠ All Pass ♦ A 8 3 ♣ J 9 3 You lead the ♥8. Partner wins with the ♥Q, cashes the ♥A and continues with 2. ♠ J 8 5 2 the ♥9. After ruffing the third round, ♥ A K J 10 West North East South what do you do? ♦ K 1NT As on the previous deal, you can beat ♣ K J 10 5 Pass 2♣ Pass 2♠ the contract by cashing your ace. As ♠ A 10 6 ♠ Q 9 7 4 Pass 4♠ All Pass before, you should look for a second ♥ 8 7 5 4 N ♥ 3 undertrick assuming that you can trust W E ♦ Q 8 6 4 2 ♦ 10 7 5 3 You lead the ♦6 to the ♦J and ♦A. A spade your partner. The ♥9, being the highest S ♣ 4 ♣ A Q 7 2 goes to the ♠A and another to partner’s heart partner could lead, should be a ♠ K 3 ♠K. Back comes the ♦K and then the ♦2, suit-preference signal for a diamond, ♥ Q 9 6 2 which you ruff. How do you continue? showing the ace (which you have ♦ A J 9 Your side has made three tricks yourself) or the king. So underlead the ♣ 9 8 6 3 already: a spade, a diamond and a ruff. ♦A. Then you get to score the ♠J on an The ♣A looks like the setting trick. Can overruff. ■

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JOIN * BERNARD AUGUST 6 ISTANBUL TO VENICE MR BRIDGE SPECIAL FARES MAGEE “THE HOLY CITY OF BYZANTIUM” Standard Inside from £2,095pp 12-day bridge cruise: Fly to Istanbul. Cruise the Dardanelles and Standard Outside from £2,550pp past Mount Athos to Thessalonica, Volos, Patmos, Athens, Gythion, Premium Outside from £2,695pp Preveza, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Ravenna, Venice. Fly home August 17. ODYSSEY CLUB DISCOUNT 10%

AUGUST 17 VENICE TO ATHENS MR BRIDGE SPECIAL FARES* “... GOD THUS CREATED THE KORNATI ISLANDS” Standard Inside from £1,795pp 10-day bridge cruise: Fly to Venice. Cruise to Split, Korcula, Dubrovnik, Standard Outside from £2,175pp Kotor Bay, Corfu, Preveza, Ithaca, Katakolon, Pylos, Monemvasia, Hydra, Premium Outside from £2,295pp Athens. Fly home August 26. ODYSSEY CLUB DISCOUNT 10%

AUGUST 26 ATHENS TO ISTANBUL MR BRIDGE SPECIAL FARES* “CONSTANTINOPLE... THE EMPIRE OF THE WORLD” Standard Inside from £1,895pp 11-day bridge cruise: Fly to Athens. Cruise to Delos, Mykonos, Standard Outside from £2,250pp Santorini, Rethimnon, Kos, Rhodes, Fethiye, Izmir, Canakkale, Premium Outside from £2,395pp Istanbul. Fly home September 5. ODYSSEY CLUB DISCOUNT 5%

OCTOBER 5 VENICE TO ROME MR BRIDGE SPECIAL FARES* “... ITALY FROM DESIGNS BY MICHELANGELO” Standard Inside from £1,995pp 12-day bridge cruise: Fly to Venice. Cruise to Urbino, Split, Dubrovnik, Standard Outside from £2,450pp Lecce, Sarande, Corfu, Taormina, Amalﬁ, Sorrento (2 nights on board), Premium Outside from £2,595pp Rome. Fly home October 16. ODYSSEY CLUB DISCOUNT 5%

*Mr Bridge fares are per person and subject to availability at time of booking. They may be withdrawn at any time without notice. †Single accommodation is available only in certain categories and is subject to availability. EXCELLENT VALUE – ALL FARES INCLUDE: • SCHEDULED ECONOMY CLASS FLIGHTS • COMPLETE MR BRIDGE PROGRAMME • EXPERT ANTIQUITIES SPEAKERS ON BOARD • SIGHTSEEING EXCURSIONS • MR BRIDGE WELCOME AND FAREWELL DRINKS PARTIES • COMPLIMENTARY WINE WITH DINNER ON BOARD • GRATUITIES FOR ON-BOARD STAFF • OVERSEAS TRANSFERS AND BAGGAGE HANDLING

ADD A CITY FOR MORE INFORMATION STAYS, BEFORE OR AFTER YOUR CRUISE – please ask for CALL ON 01483 489 961 details www.mrbridge.co.uk