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Bernard Magee's Acol Bidding Quiz

Bernard Magee's Acol Bidding Quiz

Number One Hundred and Forty-Eight April 2015 Bernard Magee’s Bidding Quiz BRIDGEYou are West in the auctions below, playing ‘Standard Acol’ with a weak no- (12-14 points) and 4-card majors.

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

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

2. Dealer East. Love All. 5. Dealer West. Game All. 8. Dealer North. E/W Game. 11. Dealer West. Love All. ♠ A K 7 6 4 3 ♠ K 6 2 ♠ J 8 7 6 ♠ A Q 3

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

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

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South 2NT Pass 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass 1♣ Dbl Pass 3♥ 3♠ ? ? ? ?

Answers on page 6 Answers on page 9 Answers on page 11 Answers on page 13 BERNARD MAGEE TUTORIAL DVDs

1 Ruffing for Extra Tricks 13 This seminar deals with declarer’s use of ruffing to make extra tricks Going beyond just the point-count is important if you want to im- and then looks at how the defenders might counteract this. (74 mins.) prove. Reaching & making 3NT on 24 HCP; and avoiding 3NT on 26 HCP when there are only 7 or 8 tricks. (110 mins.) 2 Competitive Auctions This seminar focuses on competitive auctions from the perspective 14 Pre-Emptive Bidding of the overcalling side and then from the perspective of the opening The art of pre-empting is so important in the modern game. Un- side in the second part. (86 mins.) derstanding the right types of hand to bid up on and realising the importance of position and vulnerability. (96 mins.) 3 Making the Most of High Cards This seminar helps declarer to use his high cards more carefully 15 Splinter & Cue Bids and then looks at how defenders should care for their high cards. Splinter bids are a vital tool to add to your slam bidding armoury & (83 mins.) try your hand at Italian style cue bidding. (116 mins.)

4 Identifying & Bidding Slams 16 The first half of this seminar is about identifying when a slam might As declarer, an important tactic is to be in control of the defenders: be on – one of the hardest topics to teach. The second half covers avoiding a particular defender getting the lead. As a defender, you some slam-bidding techniques. (96 mins.) can try to make sure the right player gets the lead. (88 mins.)

5 Play & Defence of 1NT Contracts 17 Play & Defence at Pairs This seminar looks at the most common and yet most feared of Duplicate Pairs is the game most of us play and getting used to the contracts: 1NT. The first half looks at declaring the contract and the tactics will make a lot of difference to your performance. (90 mins.) second part puts us in the defenders’ seats. (88 mins.) 18 Thinking Defence 6 Doubling & Defence against Doubled Contracts By far the hardest aspect of bridge, but if you can improve your The first half of this seminar explores penalty doubles and the defence your results will quickly improve. Learn how to think through second half discusses the defence against doubled contracts. the defence and get your mind in gear for the decisions that await (88 mins.) you. (87 mins.)

7 Leads 19 Defensive Plan Bernard takes you through all the basic leads and the importance of Looking at your own hand, then at dummy and envisaging how part- your choice of lead. If you start to think not just about your hand, but ner’s hand will allow you to make a plan for the defence. (112 mins.) about your partner’s too, then you will get better results. (95 mins.) 20 Further Into the Auction 8 Losing Trick Count The first two bids of an auction are usually easy, but beyond that the A way of hand evaluation for when you find a fit. Bernard deals with complications increase. Learn about your various options and how to the basics of the losing trick count then looks at advanced methods to ‘talk’ to your partner during the bidding. (95 mins.) hone your bidding. (92 mins.) 21 Weak Twos 9 Making a Plan as Declarer It is important to bid more in the modern game and weak twos are Bernard explains how to make a plan then expands on how to make an important choice for the competitive player. They allow for pre- the most of your long suits. The first half deals with no-trumps, the emptive and accurate bidding. (104 mins.) second with suit contracts. (87 mins.) 22 Trump Control 10 Responding to 1NT Handling the play of the hand when trumps break badly is an impor- This seminar deals with Transfers and Stayman in detail. The 1NT tant attribute: playing calmly and using a variety of tactics to pave opening comes up frequently, so having a good, accurate system of the way to success. (76 mins.) responses is paramount. (93 mins.) 23 Sacrificing 11 Signals & Discards An exciting aspect of the auction is outbidding your opponents and This seminar deals with Count, Attitude and Suit-preference signals: going down, but gaining by doing so. Learn to bid more aggressively aiming to get you working as a partnership in defence. (92 mins.) and make the best of your cards. (105 mins.)

12 24 Improving Bridge Memory Bernard takes you through the basics of endplays before showing Remembering every card is a dream for most of us. However, learn some hands where you take extra tricks from defenders. In the ways in which to remember the important things. What was the first second half, Bernard looks at how to avoid being endplayed. (80 mins.) discard or how many trumps are left out? (90 mins.)

£25 EACH. PICK AND MIX. A BOX OF ANY 6. £105

Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961 On-line shop: www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop FEATURES 42 Finding and Bidding Slams Mr Bridge ALL 1 Bidding Quiz by Bernard Magee INCLUSIVE by Bernard Magee BRIDGE 44 Seven Days AT THE 5 Mr Bridge with Ryden Grange, Knaphill, ROYAL KENZ Surrey GU21 2TH 6 Bidding Quiz Answers 46 Readers’ Letters (1-3) by Bernard Magee TUNISIA ( 01483 489961 47 Declarer Play Answers 9 Bidding Quiz Answers by David Huggett Two-week [email protected] (4-6) by Bernard Magee All-Inclusive ADVERTISEMENTS www.mrbridge.co.uk 11 Bidding Quiz Answers shop: www.mrbridge.co.uk/ (7-9) by Bernard Magee 2 Bernard Magee DVDs Holidays mrbridge-shop 12 Declarer Play Quiz 3 Tunisia with Mr Bridge by David Huggett Publisher and 4 Odyssey to the Cape of Managing Editor 13 Bidding Quiz Answers Good Hope with Mr Bridge (10-12) by Bernard Magee Voyages to Antiquity 14 Associate Editor and 6 Classical Greece Answers Your Questions Bridge Consultant & Adriatic with Voyages to Antiquity Bernard Magee 18 David Stevenson bernardmagee Answers Your Questions 7 QPlus 11 @mrbridge.co.uk 20 Defence Quiz 7 Mail Order Form by Julian Pottage Cartoons & Illustrations 8 Bridge Event Marguerite Lihou 21 Hold Your Fire Power Booking Form www.margueritelihou.co.uk by Ned Paul 8 Bridge Events with 22 More Tips Technical Consultant Bernard Magee by Bernard Magee Tony Gordon 9 Fjords, Mountains and 23 Defence Quiz Answers Glaciers with Fred.Olsen Typesetting & Design by Julian Pottage Ruth Edmondson 10 Genesis Choice

[email protected] 24 Local Customs Travel Insurance by Shireen Mohandes 11 Scandinavian Experience Proof Readers 26 Robin Hood’s Awful with Fred.Olsen Tony & Jan Richards by 8-22 November 2015 Richard Wheen 12 Charity Events Golf available Hugh Williams 28 The Marx Brothers, The Groucho ‘Clubs’ and 13 Acol Bidding Tony and Jan Richards Customer Services The Queen of Hearts 13 Club Insurance £999* by David Holden Catrina Shackleton and Roy Rowe 19 Duplicate Bridge [email protected] *The prices shown are per person Rules Simplified on an all inclusive basis, sharing a 30 Unauthorised Panic twin-bedded standard room and are inclusive of bridge fees. Standard Events & Cruises by David Stevenson 22 Tips for Better Bridge rooms all come with private bath, ( 01483 489961 toilet and balcony. Single rooms are 31 Wendy Wensum’s Diaries 38 Clive Goff’s Stamps double rooms for sole occupancy at Jessica Galt a supplement of £6 per night. You can add a pool view supplement for [email protected] 32 Take-Out Doubles 39 Denham Grove £3 per person per night or a superior Megan Riccio garden view room with bath robe, by Heather Dhondy Filming Weekend 2016 tea/coffee making facility for £5 per [email protected] person per night. These prices are Sophie Pierrepont 34 A Modern System 40 Better Hand Evaluation based on air travel from Heathrow of Leads to Tunis. Flights from other airports [email protected] are available at a supplement. For by Andrew Kambites 42 Dalmatia, Sicily and Italy details of what is included as part of with Voyages to Antiquity the all inclusive package please call for an information pack or view the Clubs & Charities 36 Sally’s Slam Clinic website. Prices for seven-night stays Maggie Axtell 43 Greek Islands and Turkey are available on application. 37 Defence to Pre-Empts with Voyages to Antiquity [email protected] Terms and conditions apply. by Jeremy Dhondy Packaged with and bookings 47 Mr Bridge Playing Cards by Tunisia First LLP. ATOL 5933. Address Changes 40 Mary’s Sixteenth Lesson ( 01483 485342 48 Christmas Cruise by Liz Dale FOR DETAILS CALL Elizabeth Bryan Cape Town and the [email protected] 41 Catching Up Highlights of South Africa ( 01483 489961 with Sally Brock with Voyages to Antiquity www.mrbridge.co.uk/abroad

BRIDGE April 2015 Page 3 1910 MR Bridge Voy to SA ad_Layout 1 01/12/2014 17:02 Page 1

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S PA I N Tangier Malaga Casablanca Las Palmas Marrakesh Agadir canary MOROCCO islands Dakhla Western Sahara desert Praia Cape Verde Bom Bom Islands Sao Tome Sao Tome & Principe Luanda Angola Atlantic Walvis Bay Ocean Luderitz Namibia South Africa Cape Town CRUISE FROM MALAGA TO CAPE TOWN NOV 19 Fly to MALAGA Spain Embark Aegean Odyssey NOV 20 TANGIER Morocco NOV 21 CASABLANCA/RABAT/ MARRAKESH Morocco Morning sightseeing in Casablanca and Rabat. Afternoon drive to Marrakesh hotel NOV 22 MARRAKESH/AGADIR Morocco Sightseeing. Drive to Agadir to rejoin ship NOV 23 At Sea NOV 24 LAS PALMAS Canary Islands NOV 25 At Sea NOV 26 AD DAKHLA Western Sahara Desert LOW NOV 27/28 At Sea SINGLE NOV 29 PRAIA Cape Verde Islands NOV 30-DEC 5 At Sea JOIN THIS 4-WEEK † SUPPLEMENTS DEC 6 SAO TOME DEC 7 BOM BOM ISLAND Principe ODYSSEY TO DEC 8/9 At Sea – Crossing the Equator DEC 10 LUANDA Angola DEC 11/12 At Sea THE CAPE OF DEC 13 WALVIS BAY Namibia DEC 14 LUDERITZ Namibia DEC 15 At Sea GOOD HOPE DEC 16-18 CAPE TOWN South Africa overnight DEC 19 CAPE TOWN South Africa 31 days departing November 19, 2015 Transfer to Airport for flight home AEG151119BR

If you have a passion for travel as well as your passion for fares* from £3,995pp include: bridge, then join Bernard Magee on this remarkable month- • Scheduled economy class flights with free regional connections from selected UK airports long Mr Bridge cruise. From the souks of Morocco and the • Expert guest speaker programme Western Sahara Desert to the Skeleton Coast of Namibia and • Daily duplicate bridge the summer sunshine in Cape Town, this will be an experience • Bridge seminars when at sea like no other. Excursions and sightseeing are included in your • Sightseeing excursions at most ports of call • Open-seating dining fare, as well as the comprehensive bridge programme. • Mr Bridge drinks party • Complimentary wine with dinner on board • Gratuities for on-board cabin and restaurant staff • Overseas transfers and baggage handling

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Cabins can be held at no obligation for 7 days *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. #Please note that bridge will not be possible during our overnight land tour from Casablanca to Agadir.

10093 TO VOYAGES ANTIQUITY ABTA No.Y2206 LOVELY ODYSSEY If you would like a second one for your partner, TRAVEL INSURANCE it costs no more. Just Last month I told you medication, medical request two. Red and navy that I have been planning consultation, investigation covers are available. my personal travel or follow-up/check-up arrangements for the has been required or GOFFIE’S STAMPS received during the 24 coming year and my travel insurance cover. I am sure months prior to the you are aware that when commencement of cover we reach a certain age, as I under this policy and/ have, insurance premiums or prior to any trip.’ This is the first time I have start to rise, especially Therefore, if you have been away from the office with pre-existing medical not experienced any for a complete production conditions. I have had of the above within cycle of BRIDGE. However, to seek out a new policy the 24 months prior I have such a good office provider as my insurer to the commencement team around me that my for many years no longer of cover, you will be absence is barely noticed. wants my business. I accepted. However, great So I soak up the 30°+ heat, Clive Goff’s discounted have embarked upon care should be taken in that’s 90° in old money, stamp service is worthy of researching this with my checking your medical and enjoy fine dining. support as he supplies usual energy. As Acumen history to ensure that you British postage stamps at a Insurance Services fit the criteria exactly. To me, fine dining is eating discount off face value. Limited advertise their I am now a Cover Cloud whatever suits, so I choose These are supplied as two Genesis brand (see page Policy holder, but this is in scallops tonight as my stamps, combined to make 10) there are some points no way a recommendation starter, followed by a bowl up the 53p 2nd class rate, on their Cover Cloud as you would have to a of thick vegetable soup. 2nd class to you at 44p. 1st travel insurance product check the policy to ensure For my main course, again class at 62p, still only 50p, that I am sure will be it suits your particular I have asked for scallops. available to you in 100s. of particular interest. requirements in every way. I know how good they ( 0208 422 4906 or email Under their trading Putting travel to one are. Three different scoops [email protected] names, Genesis and Cover side for a moment, when of flavoured ice-cream See his advert on page 38. Cloud, they are able to you click onto the Genesis are my almost invariable cover any age of traveller logo from my website and choice of pudding. Then TOP TO BOTTOM and most pre-existing select ‘Get Quote’, you will a cup of strong black medical conditions. see that there are now a coffee to wash it all down. Cruise Cover is standard wide range of insurance Fine dining indeed. to all Cover Cloud policies products available to and Ski cover can be taken members including Home Then up to the Observatory right up to 69 years of age, Emergency, Mobile Phone/ Lounge (our bridge which is quite unique. Gadget, Home Appliance room) for 14/18 boards They have also negotiated plus Pet Insurance. I am of duplicate. Then down with their underwriters sure you will find some to the Charleston Lounge on the medical side of of interest. If you are for late night snacks and a the policy and if you fit interested in any of the natter over a drink before into the following criteria above do email me at As you can see from the taking myself off to bed. you may be able to take [email protected] adjacent advertisement, Lovely Odyssey indeed. advantage of this low giving me your name, Bernard Magee will have cost policy on Annual address and telephone lots of days at sea, sixteen SYSTEM SUMMARY and Single Trips up to a number and I will ask to be precise. This means maximum age of 79 years. the very helpful people I still have some 2015 there will be lots of lectures Basically the definitions at Genesis Choice Travel diaries with a 40 page and supervised play. of pre-existing medical Insurance Specialists to summary of Bernard Indeed, there is all sorts conditions is as follows: ring you and answer any Magee’s Acol in them of other bridge related ‘Any past or current questions you might have. which I am loathed fun in store. Further medical condition that has This is as enthusiastic to put in the bin. details from my office. given rise to symptoms an endorsement as I If readers would like one, All good wishes, or for which any form of dare make without they should send two treatment or prescribed getting into trouble. second class stamps. Mr Bridge

BRIDGE April 2015 Page 5 VOYAGES TO ANTIQUITY Answers to Classical Bernard Magee’s Greece & Bidding Quizzes 1-3 Adriatic on the Cover BRIDGE HOSTS CROMBIE & HELEN 3♠. McNEIL 1. Dealer West. Love All. It is very rare to respond in a new suit to ♠ K Q J 6 4 3 2 ♠ 7 a pre-emptive opening. However, if you ♥ 10 9 7 6 N ♥ A K J 3 2 are very strong, or you can cope with any W E ♦ 6 S ♦ 9 8 7 response, then it is reasonable. Bear in ♣ 2 ♣ A 8 6 4 mind that a new suit in response to a pre- emptive opening is forcing, so you must not do it on weak hands. West North East South Here, you are happy to play in 4♣ if ? partner does not like your spades, but if he can support your spades, you would Enjoy daily duplicates as you Pass. love to play in 4♠. sail along the beautiful Croatian You have a good seven-card spade suit You bid 3♠ and your partner does coast and explore the classical and 5-9 points, so the hand seems to fit indeed support your suit and leaves you sites of Greece the bill for a pre-emptive opening. in the great contract of 4♠. August 17, 2015 Generally, however, you should avoid 10 days from Venice to Athens opening pre-emptively when you have a Fly to Venice to join Aegean Odyssey, four-card major alongside. The reason Cruise to Split • Korcula • Dubrovnik Kotor Bay • Corfu • Preveza • Ithaca for this is that your hand will have a 3. Dealer East. N/S Game. Katakolon • Pylos • Monemvasia lot of potential for playing in the other ♠ 4 2 ♠ A K Hydra • Athens • Fly home major (two singletons amongst its other ♥ 8 7 6 5 N ♥ A Q 10 2 W E MR BRIDGE FARES INCLUDE: attributes). ♦ 6 2 S ♦ Q 7 5 • Return air with free regional ♠ ♣ A 8 7 6 5 ♣ K Q 4 3 connections from selected UK airports If you open 3 on this hand, your • Sightseeing excursions in most ports partner will pass. Instead, you start with a • Mr Bridge programme pass, then, after your partner bids hearts • Complimentary wine at dinner ♥ ♠ West North East South • Gratuities for on-board cabin and you should finish in 4 or 4 on the hand restaurant staff making sure of your game bonus. 2NT Pass Standard Inside from £1,795pp It is the good heart fit that lends the ? Standard Outside from £2,175pp hands extra power and allows for the Premium Outside from £2,295pp chance of a game making with just 18 3♣. Single supplement just £100 HCP between the two hands. This is a close call: your choice is between on selected grades only passing and using Stayman. With only Past Passengers on Aegean Odyessy enjoy additional discounts four points, game might be beyond Extend your holiday with hotel stays in Venice the partnership, but holding an ace in and/or Athens – please ask for details 2. Dealer East. Love All. your long suit is a major plus – it gives For reservations call ♠ A K 7 6 4 3 ♠ 9 8 2 potential, even if your partner does not

♥ 7 N ♥ 8 5 have much support for clubs. W E on 01483 489961 ♦ A K 4 3 S ♦ 5 Add to your club suit the potential of ♣ 8 2 ♣ A J 10 7 5 4 3 a heart fit and it makes it just worth a response of 3♣. If you find a heart fit, the game will surely have a good chance: West North East South certainly as good as 2NT making. www.mrbridge.co.uk 3♣ Pass Over 3♣, your partner responds 3♥ Terms and conditions apply – see brochure for details ? and you can raise to 4♥. ■

Page 6 BRIDGE April 2015 ✄ QPLUS 11 Mr Bridge MAIL ORDER PLAY SOFTWARE TUTORIAL DVDs – £25 each QPlus 11 £92.00 ...... 1. Ruffing for Extra Tricks...... 13. Hand Evaluation ...... Really user-friendly bridge-playing QPlus 11 2. Competitive Auctions ...... 14. Pre-Empting ...... Trade-in £50.00 ...... software 3. Making the 15. Splinter QPlus 10 Most of High Cards ...... & Cue Bids ...... (Second Hand) £50.00 ...... 4. Identifying & 16. Avoidance ...... Bidding Slams ...... FEATURES INCLUDE TUTORIAL SOFTWARE 17. Pairs Play 5. Play & Defence of 1NT...... & Defence ...... Begin Bridge/Acol £66.00 ...... l Help button – explains 6. Doubling & Defence 18. Thinking Defence ...... the features for bidding Acol Bidding £66.00 ...... to Doubled Contracts ...... and card play advice 19. Defensive Plan ...... Advanced 7. Leads ...... Acol Bidding £96.00 ...... 20. Further Into l Displays on HD and large 8. Losing Trick Count ...... the Auction ...... screens Declarer Play £76.00 ...... 9. Making a 21. Weak Twos ...... Advanced Plan as Declarer ...... l Comprehensive manual Declarer Play £81.00 ...... 22. Trump Control ...... 10. Responding to 1NT ...... Defence £76.00 ...... 23. Sacrificing ...... l Feed in your own deals 11. Signals & Discards ...... Five-Card Majors with 24. Improving Strong No-Trump £89.00 ...... 12. Endplays ...... Bridge Memory ...... l option TEA TOWELS PICK ‘N’ MIX FROM THE ENTIRE RANGE l 5,000 preplayed hands Any 6 DVDs in a display box £105.00 ...... for teams Life’s a Game £5.00 ...... Ode to a Pill £5.00 ...... BOOKS 2016 DIARIES - £6.95 l 4,000 preplayed hands The Present £5.00 ...... (When ready) for matchpoint pairs Duplicate Bridge Rules Be Reasonable £5.00 ...... Simplified £5.95 ...... Red ...... Green ......

l Save match function The Pot Boiler £5.00 ...... Better Hand Evaluation Navy ...... Maroon ...... Bernard Magee £14.00 ...... The Horse £5.00 ...... Club Prices 10 for £35 ...... l Closed room – button Tips for Better Bridge to view other table 10 Commandments Bernard Magee £14.00 ...... Luxury Kidrell Cover for Bridge Players £5.00 ...... with pen: £14.95 Road Traffic Signs £5.00 ...... SUBSCRIPTIONS Ruby Red...... Navy Blue ...... New subscribers European Club Prices 10 for £90 ...... Language Directive £5.00 ...... 1 year (12 issues) £45.00 ...... 2 years (24 issues) £75.00 ...... NOVELTIES £92 We Are Survivors £5.00 ...... 3 years (36 issues) £100.00 ...... Mr Bridge Tie £15.00 ...... including post and packing Recipe for a Happy Marriage £5.00 ...... Founder Renewals £20.00 ...... Torch Pen (boxed) £5.00 ......

Prices are inclusive of VAT and postage to UK mainland. QPLUS TRADE-IN I enclose a cheque for £...... OFFER Mr/Mrs/Miss ......

Return any QPLUS Address...... CD and booklet with ...... a cheque for £50 and receive wonderful Postcode...... ( ...... QPLUS 11.

See adjacent Expiry: ...... CVV ...... Issue No...... Mail Order Form. (CVV is the last 3 numbers on the signature strip)

System: 8mb RAM, CD-ROM, Make your cheque payable to Mr Bridge and send to: Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH Windows XP, Vista, 7 or 8 ( 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop ✄

BRIDGE April 2015 Page 7 ✄ BRIDGE EVENTS BRIDGE with Bernard Magee BREAKS PROGRAMME ♦ Full-board ♦ Two seminars* ♦ All rooms with ♦ Two supervised FRIDAY en-suite facilities play sessions* 1500 Mr Bridge Wyndham Garden Grantham ♦ No single supplement ♦ Four bridge sessions** Welcome Desk open Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT Tea or coffee on arrival

Please book ..... places for me at £...... per person, APRIL 17-19 Better Finessing 1745 to 1830 (formerly the Olde Barn) Welcome drinks Single .... Double .... Twin .... reception

1830 to 2000 Name of Hotel/Centre...... Dinner Date(s) ...... 2015 BRIDGE 1 DUPLICATE PAIRS Mr/Mrs/Miss ...... Chatsworth Hotel Worthing BN11 3DU SATURDAY Address...... APRIL 24-26 Distributional Hands 0800 to 0930 ...... OctOBER 30 – NovEMBER 1 Breakfast Sacrificing 1000 to 1230 Postcode ...... ( ...... SEMINAR & SUPERVISED PLAY Email ...... of SET HANDS (tea & coffee at 1100)

Special requirements (these cannot be guaranteed, 1230 to 1330 but we will do our best to oblige). Cold Buffet Lunch Denham Grove ...... Denham, Bucks, UB9 5DG 1400 to 1645 BRIDGE 2 July 24-26 Thinking Defence TEAMS of FOUR Please give the name(s) of all those covered by this booking. 1815 to 2000 ...... Dinner

Please send a non-returnable deposit of £50 per person per place by 2015 BRIDGE 3 cheque, payable to Mr Bridge. An invoice for the balance will be sent DUPLICATE PAIRS with your booking confirmation. On receipt of your final payment, 28 days before the event, a programme and full details will be sent Inn on the Prom SUNDAY together with a map. Cancellations are not refundable. Should you St Annes On Sea, FY8 1LU require insurance, you should contact your own insurance broker. 0800 to 0930 SEPTEMber 18-20 Breakfast Finding Slams 1000 to 1230 SEMINAR & SUPERVISED PLAY of SET HANDS (tea & coffee at 1100)

Expiry: ...... CVV...... Issue No...... 1230 to 1400 (CVV is the last 3 numbers on the signature strip) Sunday Lunch Elstead Hotel Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH. Bournemouth, BH1 3QP 1400 to 1645 BRIDGE 4 ( DUPLICATE PAIRS 01483 489961 November 6-8 e-mail: [email protected] Suit Establishment website: www.holidaybridge.com £245pp. 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 www.mrbridge.co.uk for new dates ✄

Page 8 BRIDGE April 2015 Answers to Bernard Magee’s

Bidding Quizzes 4-6 Fjords, Mountains on the Cover & Glaciers

West North East South 4. Dealer West. Game All. 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass ♠ 6 2 ♠ A 9 5 4 3 ? ♥ A 9 8 6 3 N ♥ 2 ♦ A 5 W E ♦ Q 9 8 6 2♠. With 14 HCP your hand fits into S ♣ A K Q 6 ♣ 5 3 2 the weak category of opening bids: the obvious rebid might appear to be 2♥ – showing 12-14 points and long hearts. Departs Southampton 3rd July 2015 • 8 nights West North East South However, 2♥ will usually end the auction Balmoral • L1509 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass if your partner is weak and are you likely ? to have found the best fit? Southampton With three-card support for spades, • Stavanger • Bergen • Flam 2♣. When you are learning bridge, you do best to support your partner’s you get taught to divide your opening suit: you cannot be sure to find the best • cruising Naeroyfjord hands into two types: weak and strong. fit this way, but bearing in mind that your • Olden • cruising Nordfjord Unfortunately, there are certain situations partner might have supported your hearts • cruising Maurangerfjord when this simple division does not work with three cards on some weak hands, & Furebergfossen so well. spades are likely to be best. Even if you • cruising Hardangerfjord You certainly have a strong opening find partner with just four spades, 2♠ may • Southampton hand, but a jump to the three-level in a play quite well. Another option would be new suit is forcing to game. To bid 3♣, to upgrade the hand to 15 points, adding Daily bridge on board, bridge you need the equivalent of about 19 total one for your strong five-card suit and fees included. Mr Bridge welcome & points – you are underwriting a game rebidding 1NT. However, your hand looks farewell drinks parties. Partners for contract because your bid forces your rather bare, with just four high cards, so I single players. Special solos offers. partner to carry on bidding until game think 2♠ is a better descriptive bid. is reached. Great value Mr Bridge fares: If you jumped to 3♣ here, your partner Inside twin cabins from £899pp would probably bid 3NT, which leaves 6. Dealer West. Game All. Outside twin cabins from £1,039pp you much too high. ♠ 6 2 ♠ A 9 5 4 3 Superior outside cabins from £1,349pp Instead, you should rebid a simple ♥ A K Q 6 3 N ♥ 2 Solos offer – W E 2♣: this is not a , but when ♦ A 7 5 ♦ Q 9 8 6 Outside twin cabin for S your partner has 8+, he will usually try to ♣ Q J 4 ♣ 5 3 2 sole occupancy from £1,333pp make a bid. However, here, with an absolute Balmoral minimum and much better clubs than West North East South hearts, he would choose to pass. You 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass might be momentarily worried that you ? have missed a higher contract, but when you see dummy, you will be relieved to 1NT. You have a strong have stayed at the 2-level. with 16 HCP: it is not unreasonable to add on a point for your five-card suit, so you might value the hand at 17 points. For reservations call Mr Bridge 5. Dealer West. Game All. With a balanced hand, you should be ♠ K 6 2 ♠ A 9 5 4 3 rebidding in no-trumps. A jump rebid in on 01483 489961 ♥ A K 8 6 3 N ♥ 2 hearts promises a six-card or longer suit. www.mrbridge.co.uk ♦ 7 5 W E ♦ Q 9 8 6 You rebid 1NT: showing 15-17 points, S Terms and conditions apply – ♣ A 8 6 ♣ 5 3 2 allowing your partner to decide on the see Fred.Olsen 2015 brochure or www.fredolsencruises.com for details. final contract. ■

BRIDGE April 2015 Page 9 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

Genesis Choice have partnered with goodtogoinsurance. Online or Offline? We are, of com to provide travel insurance cover to travellers of any course, mindful that you may wish age, with or without pre-existing medical conditions. We can to speak to us directly and if this also cover your travelling companions on the same policy. is the case, please call us on the MRB line 01702 343496 and we With no age limits and cover for pre-existing medical will be happy to assist. conditions up to high levels of severity, being over 65 is no barrier to getting the right travel insurance cover for your Or, let us pay for the telephone call by emailing us at holiday or cruise. [email protected] with your telephone number and we will call you back by return. Medical Screening If you have any pre-existing medical conditions they must We would stress that all information on these policies may be declared. However, as your medical screening will be be found on the website. However we would be pleased to completed when obtaining your quotation, there is no need post the policy wording to you or email you with details – the to make additional calls to a separate medical screening choice is yours. provider. A sample* of cover levels on the Area Definitions goodtogoinsurance.com product UNITED KINGDOM: England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland. EUROPE 1 (RESTRICTED EUROPE): Means the continent Silver Gold Platinum of Europe west of the Ural Mountains including the Republic of Ireland, the Isle of Man, Channel Islands and all countries Maximum trip duration 31 days 31 days 31 days bordering the Mediterranean Sea, as well as Madeira and Standard Excess £100 £75 NIL The Azores, but excluding Spain, The Canaries, Turkey, Cyprus, Malta, Egypt, Israel, Libya, Algeria, Jordan, Syria Medical Excess £500 £150 NIL and Switzerland. For residents of the Isle of Man and Medical & Repatriation £10 million £10 million £10 million Channel Islands travelling to the United Kingdom, United Expenses Kingdom shall be considered Europe 1. EUROPE 2: Same as Europe 1 but including Spain, The Cancellation X £2000 £5000 Canaries, Turkey, Cyprus, Malta and Switzerland. Curtailment X £2000 £5000 WORLDWIDE 1 (RESTRICTED WORLDWIDE): Means anywhere in the world except USA, Canada and the Personal Property X £2000 £3000 Caribbean. WORLDWIDE 2: Means anywhere in the world. If you are Death X £15000 £15000 going to more than one country, take care to select the region that will cover all of the countries you are visiting. l Please see the website for full terms, conditions and For example, if you are travelling to France and Spain, you exclusions or alternatively, we’re happy to post them should select Europe 2. to you if required. Website: www.bridgetravelinsurance.co.uk Genesis Choice When commencing the online quotation please ensure you Clarence Court, Clarence Street, enter MRB in the “Unique agent reference” box at the head Southend on Sea, Essex SS1 1BD of the quote page. Be assured the site is very user friendly Tel: 01702 34 34 96 and the medical screening process is all online. Email: [email protected] You can save the quote by entering your email address, you can retrieve the quote or purchase the policy at a later Genesis Choice is a trading name of Acumen Insurance date. The site is very easy to use and the medical screening Services Limited who are an appointed representative comes in the form of multiple options. of ITC Compliance Limited, Financial Conduct Authority Reference No.313486 Payment Payment can be made by either Visa, Goodtogoinsurance.com is an appointed representative of Maestro or Mastercard without any Ancile Insurance Group Limited which is authorised and extra charges. regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority – No 471641. Answers to Bernard Magee’s Bidding Quizzes 7-9 on the Cover

out to double again, aiming to hunt your Scandinavian 7. Dealer West. N/S Game. opponents down and get a good penalty. ♠ A K 3 ♠ 8 7 4 However, with shortage in diamonds, it Experience ♥ A 10 8 7 N ♥ 9 2 looks as if they might have found their fit: ♦ K 7 6 4 W E ♦ A 5 3 2 you can double at low levels only if you S ♣ A 4 ♣ 7 6 5 3 have trumps as well as points. You place your partner with about 16 points for his double so, adding your West North East South nine, you have the values for game. 1♥ 1♠ Pass Pass Which game is likely to be best? ? Whenever you think your side has the values for game, but are not sure which Departs Southampton 1NT. This is an interesting situation: game, you need to make a forcing bid. A th you have opened the bidding and double is no good here because after one 9 June 2015 • 11 nights Balmoral • L1506 then the bidding returns to you after penalty double, all subsequent doubles North . This is very different are also for penalties. The call you are Southampton to the situation when your partner has looking for is a bid in the opponents’ suit. • cruising Oslofjord • Oslo responded. A bid of 3♦ says to your partner, ‘We (overnight in port on board) You had planned to rebid 2NT, but that have the strength for game, but I am not • cruising Oslofjord • Gothenburg was based on the fact your partner had sure which game, so let’s bid suits until (Sweden) • Helsingborg (Sweden) shown 6+ points. Here, your partner has we find a fit, then go for game.’ • Copenhagen (Denmark – done nothing so he may well have no Your partner will bid 3♥ and you will overnight in port on board) points. raise to 4♥. • Skajen (Denmark) • Kristiansand Bearing in mind your partner’s (Norway) • Southampton potential weakness, your no-trump rebids over an need to be different. You 9. Dealer North. Love All. Daily bridge on board, bridge should almost never make a jump rebid ♠ A K 7 6 ♠ Q 3 2 fees included. Mr Bridge welcome & in no-trumps because, if partner is very ♥ K Q 8 4 N ♥ A J 9 7 farewell drinks parties. Partners for weak, you will be much too high. Instead, ♦ 9 3 W E ♦ A K 8 7 single players. Special solos offers. S the 1NT rebid should show about 17- ♣ 8 7 6 ♣ 4 2 19 points: a strong balanced hand, with Great value Mr Bridge fares: potential for game if partner has enough Inside twin cabins from £1,079pp to respond, but keeping the bidding low West North East South Outside twin cabins from £1,259pp if he is very weak. With 15-16 points 1♣ Dbl Pass Superior outside cabins from £1,529pp balanced, you will usually do best to pass. ? Solos offer – Here, you rebid 1NT and your partner Outside twin cabin for would pass, happy that you have not 2♣. Your partner has doubled 1♣ for sole occupancy from £1,439pp gone overboard. take-out: showing an opening hand with club shortage. Balmoral You have an opening hand yourself, 8. Dealer North. E/W Game. so you should be thinking of a game ♠ J 8 7 6 ♠ A K 4 3 contract. When you have a strong hand ♥ K Q 6 3 N ♥ A 9 5 2 and want to bid to game, but are unsure of ♦ 6 W E ♦ A 8 4 which game, you need to make a forcing S ♣ K 8 3 2 ♣ Q 6 bid. In a competitive auction the call to make is usually a bid of the opponents’ suit. Here, by bidding 2♣, you tell your For reservations call Mr Bridge West North East South partner that you are strong and asks him 1NT Dbl 2♦ to bid again. As a partnership, you bid on 01483 489961 ? on until you find a fit and then raise to www.mrbridge.co.uk

game. Terms and conditions apply – 3♦. Your partner has made a penalty dou- By forcing the auction, you will find see Fred.Olsen 2015 brochure or www.fredolsencruises.com for details. ble of 1NT, so you should be on the look- your heart fit and end in 4♥. ■

BRIDGE April 2015 Page 11 CHARITY EVENTS DECLARER APRIL 25 HUDDERSFIELD PENNINE ROTARY CLUB 17 MS Therapy Centre Outlane Golf Club. PLAY Village Hall, 12 for 12.30pm. £50 per Hemingford Abbots. table including lunch, 10 for 10.30am. £14. afternoon tea & biscuits. Jenny Lea Raffle prizes. QUIZ ( 01480 455810 Limited to 22 tables. Rtn Sam Smith 30 HUDDERSFIELD PENNINE ( 01924 492540 by David Huggett ROTARY CLUB samuelsmith396 (Answers on page 47) Outlane Golf Club. @btinternet.com 12 for 12.30pm. £50 per table including lunch, ou are South as declarer playing teams or . afternoon tea & biscuits. AUGUST YIn each case, what is your play strategy? Raffle prizes. Limited to 22 tables. 21 St Ives Day Care Centre Rtn Sam Smith Village Hall Hemingford Abbots, ( 01924 492540 10 for 10.30am. £14. 1. ♠ 5 2 3. ♠ K Q 7 6 samuelsmith396 Don Moorman @btinternet.com ( 01480 463444 ♥ A 6 4 ♥ J 9 3 ♦ A K 10 9 8 2 ♦ A J 2 MAY SEPTEMBER ♣ 3 2 ♣ A 8 5

3 HUDDERSFIELD PENNINE N 7 Stamford Burghley N ROTARY CLUB W E Rotary Club W E Outlane Golf Club. S Stamford Bridge Club, PE9 2RN. S 12 for 12.30pm. 1.45 for 2.00pm. £50 per table including lunch, Bridge tea. £8. ♠ A 9 7 4 ♠ A J 10 5 3 afternoon tea & biscuits. Alan Kinch Raffle prizes. ♥ 9 7 3 2 ♥ K Q 8 ( 01780 444276 Limited to 22 tables. ♦ J ♦ Q 7 15 Children’s Charities Rtn Sam Smith ♣ A K 6 5 ♣ Q J 10 Doddington Village Hall, March. ( 01924 492540 10 for 10.30am. £14. samuelsmith396 Val Topless @btinternet.com ( 01354 653696 You are declarer in 3NT You are declarer in 4♠ and 11 St Mary’s Church and West leads the ♣Q. West leads the ♣2. How Eaton Socon 27 MacMillan CANCER CARE How do you plan the play? do you plan the play? Festival Bridge with Church Hall Eaton Socon afternoon tea in 10 for 10.30am. £14. Downham Market Town Hall. Malcolm Howarth 1.15 for 1.30pm. ( 01480 212910 Tickets £6. Ann Taylor NOVEMBER 2. ♠ K Q 7 6 4. ♠ Q 9 6 ( 01366 388408 ♥ 9 7 2 ♥ K 7 2 2 St Andrew’s Church Funds ♦ A K 5 ♦ 7 6 JUNE Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton, 10 for 10.30am. £14. ♣ A 9 2 ♣ A K 10 9 6 12 St Mary’s Church Mavis Campion ( 01480 860477 N Eaton Socon N W E Church Hall Eaton Socon. W E 19 HUDDERSFIELD PENNINE S 10 for 10.30am. £14. S ROTARY CLUB Malcolm Howarth Outlane Golf Club. ( 01480 212910 ♠ A J 5 ♠ A J 10 5 12 for 12.30pm. £50 per table including lunch, ♥ A K 6 ♥ A 6 5 4 JULY afternoon tea & biscuits. ♦ 9 7 ♦ K 2 Raffle prizes. ♣ K J 6 5 4 ♣ J 8 2 10 Great Barford Church Limited to 22 tables. Village Hall Great Barford, Rtn Sam Smith 9.30 for 10am. £14. ( 01924 492540 Derek Fordham samuelsmith396 You are declarer in 6NT You are declarer in 3NT ( 01234 870324 @btinternet.com and West leads the ♦Q. and West leads the ♦8. How do you plan the play? East plays the ♦Q. How do you plan the play? E-mail your charity events: [email protected]

Page 12 BRIDGE April 2015 Answers to Bernard Magee’s ACOL BIDDING Bidding Quizzes 10-12 on the Cover

strength, both players should be 10. Dealer East. Love All. considering no-trumps. Supporting a ♠ K Q 4 3 ♠ A 8 7 minor denies length in the majors (East ♥ K 7 6 N ♥ A Q 9 4 2 would have responded 1♥ or 1♠ had he ♦ 9 2 W E ♦ Q 6 5 had four or more). With no interest in S ♣ Q 7 6 5 ♣ K 2 playing in another trump suit, all new suit bids are trial bids for a no-trump contract – they show a stop in the suit bid and ask West North East South partner to view his assets and either bid 1♥ Pass no-trumps, or show a stopper in a suit, or Coming later this year is a new, 1♠ Pass 1NT Pass return to the original suit (clubs) if there is revised version of this bestselling ? an unstopped suit. CD. It was first published nearly With 18 points, you certainly have 16 years ago and there will be 3♥. Your partner has rebid 1NT, showing aspirations towards 3NT, but are worried extra hands, extra comments and a strong balanced hand: 15-17 points. about the heart suit, so you bid the lowest an additional feature, an app for You have ten points so game should be ranking suit in which you hold a stopper; Android. Next year, an app for ♦ ♥ within reach. It is tempting to jump to 3NT, 2 . Your partner would return with 2 the iPad and iPhone is in hand. but you should make sure you investigate and that is enough to let you bid 3NT. all the game options. With three-card heart support and a weak doubleton in diamonds, you would like to play in 4♥ if 12. Dealer East. Game All. your partner has five hearts. By jumping ♠ A 10 9 2 ♠ 7 6 CLUB to 3♥, you are showing the strength for ♥ 2 N ♥ A K 10 9 8 7 6 game and giving your partner the choice ♦ A K 7 W E ♦ 9 4 3 S INSURANCE of games. If he has four hearts, he would ♣ 9 8 7 6 4 ♣ 5 revert to 3NT, but with five hearts, as Fidentia, formerly Moore here, he would raise to 4♥. Stephens Insurance brokers, offer It is generally best to play in an eight- West North East South insurance cover for bridge for card major fit when you have one, either 3♥ 3♠ clubs. The premiums have had to because you might have a weak suit ? be increased very slightly to take between you in no-trumps, or because account of the increase in value you can score a in the play to gain Double. You have only three tricks in of club equipment. With the a trick. a heart contract, so game should be growing use of Duplimates and beyond you, considering your partner similar card dealing equipment opened with a pre-emptive opening. and wireless Bridgemates for 11. Dealer West. Love All. Better is surely to consider defending scoring, there is quite a jump in ♠ A Q 3 ♠ 9 8 6 against 3♠: you have two diamond tricks the value. These could be stolen, ♥ 7 6 N ♥ A 9 5 and at least two trump tricks, with the damaged by fire, flood or act of ♦ A K 4 W E ♦ 8 7 2 prospect of at least one trick from your S God. If all this is new to your ♣ K Q 8 7 2 ♣ A 6 4 3 partner. Your partner’s pre-empt was club, point your club secretary vulnerable so should be good quality. and or treasurer towards Thomas Once your side has pre-empted, all Harvey ( 0203 150 0080. West North East South doubles are for penalties: this is because Policies run from November 1♣ Pass 2♣ Pass the pre-emptor has described his hand every year, but it is possible to ? neatly: weak with a seven-card suit. join in immediately on a pro rata A penalty double fits the bill nicely charge basis to take advantage of 2♦. Your partner has made a weak here and, with partner’s heart holding, the peace of mind that comes raise in clubs. Once your partnership should result in at least two off, for 500 from being properly covered. has agreed a minor, if you have extra points. ■

BRIDGE April 2015 Page 13 Julian Pottage answers your bridge questions Should I Have Bid Game?

I held the either how useful the ♣K will (control showing). a decent suit. An opening following be facing a hand with six 3. It is good to establish bid makes life harder for Qhand and spades and four diamonds. the trump suit and whether the player in fourth seat, as was in a dilemma: Then again, you have 8 the partnership has controls well as helping partner with points when you might have in each suit before checking a possible . only 5 or 6. Moreover, your on key cards. Often, there If you wish to open light ♠ 10 7 ♥A is almost certain to be is insufficient room for this (with a one level bid) in third ♥ A J 10 6 5 useful and your doubleton below 4♣, whereas there seat, an important factor is ♦ 7 3 diamond could generate a usually is room below 4NT. your preparedness for any ♣ K 9 8 4 ruff. I think I would bid 3NT, If you watch a match on response. If you have at offering partner the choice BBO , you will find least three cards in any suit, between 3NT and 4♠. Your that nobody plays Gerber partner might bid at the one Me Partner hand could be quite a bit – that tells a story in itself. level and at least a doubleton 1♠1 worse than it actually is. in any suit partner might bid 1NT 2♦ Had your partner bid 3♥ ♣♦♥♠ at the two level, you do not 2♠ 3♠ over 2♠ – a reasonable action need to have a rebid. In that ? for sure with a 6-3-4-0 shape I believe that situation, you can open light 1promising 5 – again you should bid game, there is a in third seat with the intention though I think you should Qstrong case for of passing partner’s response. The winning action from choose 4♥ in that situation. opening the bidding in With one of my partners, me was 4♠, bid and third seat at duplicate the partnership style is to made by several pairs. ♣♦♥♠ and would appreciate open in third seat if we Partner was not pleased your guidance as to would have overcalled at when I passed. The 3♠ What is the the minimum strength the prevailing vulnerability. bid was asking me to technical reason required. I seem to recall This is, however, subject to bid game, unless I was Qfor not using that Bernard Magee the preparedness for any minimum. Partner’s Gerber, but rather using suggests ‘borrowing response mentioned above. hand may have been RKCB or Blackwood a king’; does that In third seat, a weak two 6-3-4-0 distribution. when asking for aces imply using Rule of 17 bid can be either weaker I consider myself fairly in a suit contract? instead of Rule of 20? (subject to vulnerability) or competitive, generally Daphne Hutchings, Salisbury. Geoffrey Cassen by email. stronger than it would be follow my first instinct in first or second seat. If and was not happy to There are several I have not come your hand is very weak and have missed game. What good reasons across a rule of 17 partner could not open, should I have done? A for using 4NT A in the situation you you can be confident the Margaret Bleakley, Belfast. rather than 4♣ as an ace describe. The borrowing opponents have game on, or key card enquiry. a king rule applies if an which allows you to take You have a tricky 1. In some auctions, you opponent opens the bidding more liberties. If your hand is decision after your need 4♣ as a natural bid. and the next two players only barely worth a one-level A partner’s invitational 2. Quite often in potential pass. Opening bids in third opening, you do not expect to 3♠. You have no picture slam auctions, 4♣ is seat are different, though make game facing a passed cards in either of partner’s more useful as a splinter they too can indicate an partner and so can afford to suits. You cannot be sure (shortage showing) or a aggressive action if you have pre-empt with it.

Page 14 BRIDGE April 2015 Ask Julian continued seen a similar hand For several issues attempt to beat the contract. in one of Bernard’s quite recently the At matchpoints, you have bidding quizzes and A defence quizzes a more delicate decision – the answer to, ‘What specified matchpoint pairs whether to aim for a normal What does it would you open?’ was scoring. If you missed those number of tricks, even though mean if my 4♠. Was my wife right? issues, you can find them in that gives your side a minus Qpartner overcalls Michael J Armstrong, the Mr Bridge library. You score, or whether to aim for 2♠ over an opponent’s Canterbury. will see also that the defence a plus score at the risk of opening bid of 1♠? quiz in the issue in which conceding a larger minus. Anne Scott, Limekilns, Fife. Traditionally, a 4♥ or we are printing this reply Playing and defending are 4♠ opening is pre- uses matchpoint scoring. simpler when your target is to Traditionally, a direct A emptive. However, Although the most make or break the contract. cue bid of opener’s these days some players common form of duplicate is A suit shows a very believe in opening at the matchpoint pairs, the terms ♣♦♥♠ strong hand, a bit like a game level on a variety of duplicate and matchpoint strong artificial 2♣ opening, hands, taking the risk of the pairs are certainly not In Jeremy possibly a bit weaker. These occasional missed slam, synonymous. Duplicate Dhondy’s days, many club players and but giving the opponents refers to when more than Qarticle about almost all tournament players a problem rather more one table plays the same a 1NT opening, I do treat the cue bid differently. A frequently. One of my regular boards. This can occur in a not understand the common modern treatment partners takes that view teams match or in a pairs first example. West’s is that a cue bid of one and one regular contributor event scored by IMPs, as opening is not 1NT. major shows the other to BRIDGE is famous for well as in matchpoint pairs. Richard Halsey by email. major plus an unspecified jumping to four of a major. The main tactical differ- minor, with at least five Third in hand, of course, ence between matchpoints There is no misprint. cards in each suit. This goes you do not need to worry and teams (usually Inter- Jeremy is explaining by the name Michaels. about missing a slam; then national Match Points) or A why so few people Some play that a cue bid it is normal to open hands rubber scoring is in the play a variable no-trump. shows a specified . with a long suit and a quest for overtricks or extra He is giving an example In , named after a high offensive to defensive undertricks. At matchpoints, of an auction that should French player, the cue bid ratio at a high level. what counts is how many logically have a different shows the highest and lowest First and second in hand, pairs you beat rather than meaning depending upon suit, ‘the extremes’, in your some people have two how much you beat them by. your no-trump range. example, hearts and clubs. different ways of opening Scoring 430 when everyone This hand should be at the four level with a long else scores 400 gives you the West North East South suitable for the bid using major; the most common same top as an 1,100 penalty 1♦ Pass 1♠ 2♥ either Michaels or Ghestem: method of doing so is to play on a partscore deal. At IMPs, ? that a 4♣ opening shows the size of the difference be- a good 4♥ opening and a tween your score and the oth- Playing a weak no-trump, ♠ 5 4♦ opening shows a good er score(s) is material – you you need to have a way to ♥ A J 10 5 3 4♠ opening. You lose the score between 1 and 24 IMPs show that you might have ♦ 8 4 ability to open a natural depending upon the size of rebid 1NT. You hardly want ♣ K Q 10 9 3 4♣/4♦ if you do that. the difference. A difference to pass with 16 points or so. of 30 for one overtrick, worth Nor do you want to rebid ♣♦♥♠ 1 IMP, is hardly material 2NT under strength or, as ♣♦♥♠ at IMP scoring. If you play Jeremy suggests, with an The Declarer rubber bridge, it is custom- inadequate heart holding. My wife opened Play and Defence ary to round the score to the Playing a strong no-trump, 4♠. She had 8 QQuizzes always nearest 100 at the end of the you do not need a way to Qspades from the seem to state, ‘You rubber, so the odd overtrick show a 1NT rebid (because ace, king, queen down are ... playing teams may count for nothing at all. you can pass with a minimum and 4 other points ie or rubber bridge.’ In a quiz specifying teams opening). This means you 13 total. When asked I am only familiar or rubber bridge, your can use the double either later whether it was a with duplicate. How target is to make or break to show three-card spade pre-empt, she said, ‘no should playing teams the contract: you can afford support or, as Jeremy sug- it wasn’t a pre-empt or rubber bridge to risk going an extra trick gests, as a general take-out. but just an opening affect my approach down in an effort to make Playing a variable no- bid.’ Furthermore to the problems? the contract, or risk giving trump opening also means she said that she had Mrs B Batchelor by email. away an overtrick in an that the shape of a 1♣

BRIDGE April 2015 Page 15 Ask Julian continued on key cards and reach facing a weak no-trump you might respond in the a slam. In summary, you opening, you have a third major if you judge that the were right to use a transfer way of inviting game. You hand is worth only one bid, and to show your hearts, can bid a new suit. This, it is usual to respond in opening changes according just wrong to jump. because a passed hand your longer suit when both to vulnerability. In a weak Incidentally, some play the cannot have enough to your suits are majors. no-trump position, 1♣ can jump to 4♥ as something force to game facing a weak I suppose you might be natural. In a strong no- different altogether, not even no-trump opening, will make an exception if you trump position, you may have showing hearts, so the desire not be forcing. Note well have a weak hand and a to open 1♣ without four so to avoid a misunderstanding that this is an exceptional 5-card spade suit so awful that you have a 1NT rebid could be a further reason case, not the normal rule. that you cannot bear the available over any simple not jumping to 4♥. Hands with five hearts and thought of the auction change of suit response. four spades and invitational 1m-1♠-1NT-2♥-2♠, possibly ♣♦♥♠ values you can handle via a playing in a 5-2 spade fit ♣♦♥♠ transfer auction, although with four trump losers. Thank you for most pairs will not have a Depending upon your My partner your quick reply, complete set of agreements opening style, one risk of missed a small Qhowever I learnt about the continuations. responding 1♥ with 5-4 in Qslam in hearts that a bid of 3♥ after a After 1NT-2♦-2♥-2♠, the majors is that the bidding or spades when we had transfer bid to 2♠ shows opener can bid 2NT, 3♥ might go 1m-1♥-1NT-End the following hands: 11-12 HCP, five spades or 3♠ with a minimum, with a 5-4 spade fit. and four hearts; it is something else if maximum. With a weak responding invitational and can be Hands with five spades, hand, you cannot continue ♠ 10 7 5 passed. Have things four hearts and invitational with a 2♠ . Even if ♥ K J 8 3 moved on since 2003? values are a special case. you are stronger, bidding ♦ A 7 5 4 Bernard Coffey by email. They do not work well with 1♥ and then 2♠ would show ♣ A 5 transfers. It is better to start five hearts and four spades, I do not know anyone with Stayman. In traditional not the other way round. N W E else who plays that Acol, if partner bids 2♦, S A a new suit following you rebid 3♠ to show such ♣♦♥♠ ♠ A K Q J 6 a transfer is normally non- a hand. If you are playing ♥ Q 9 7 5 2 forcing. Whoever taught that 1NT-2♣-2♦-2♥ invites I (East) had ♦ K J that it was passable was a correction to 2♠ if opener no points at ♣ 6 taking an unusual position or has three spades and Qall – my shape perhaps just not explaining two hearts, something I was 3-5-3-2. My the position accurately. recommend, you can use partner’s hand was: Me Partner Ignoring for the moment 1NT-2♣-2♦-2♠ to show an 1NT1 the special situation of having invitational hand with five 2♥2 2♠ both majors, there are always spades and four hearts. ♠ A J 9 4♥ End two ways of inviting game This keeps the bidding lower ♥ 112-14 after making a transfer. The if partner is minimum. ♦ 8 4 3 2Transfer to spades first is to rebid 2NT. With ♣ A K Q J 10 6 4 a minimum, partner can ♣♦♥♠ My partner said I should pass or convert to three of have used Stayman, so your suit. With a maximum, Playing standard West North East South he could show his heart partner can raise to 3NT or Acol, partner 3NT1 Dbl 4♣ Dbl suit. I said I did show my jump to four of your major. Qopens 1♣ or 1♦. 5♣ End heart suit, which he could The second way to invite With 6-15 points and 1I took this to be the gambling have supported. What game is to raise your own holding 4 hearts and 5/6 3NT do you recommend? suit to the three level – you spades, which suit should Bernard Coffey by email. would normally need six be bid first? Is it always I went two down cards in the suit to do that, the lower major even for a poor score. After your transfer, sometimes a strong five- though the spades may Was the bidding a rebid of 3♥ would card suit with a singleton be better and longer? correct? A be forcing. You on the side. Partner can Name and address supplied. If it was, should I as should not have jumped to then pass with a minimum East have made more 4♥. If you rebid 3♥, partner or choose which game to Although with a tricks somehow? can raise to 4♥ or perhaps play in with a maximum. 5-card minor and As partner had a cue bid. You can then check If you are a passed hand A a 4-card major, strong hand and an

Page 16 BRIDGE April 2015 Ask Julian continued Whether it is weak or (non During the 1970s, the Dealer West. Love All. vulnerable) maybe inter- book All About Acol ♠ Q 9 2 mediate, South’s 3♣ seems A was probably the ♥ Q 8 6 2 reasonable. Jump overcalls definitive standard. During outside ace, should ♦ K Q 8 make life difficult for the the 1980s, whatever Eric the bidding sequence ♣ J 10 7 opponents – and South does Crowhurst advocated was have been different? ♠ A 10 8 7 5 ♠ J 4 have a seven-card suit. probably the norm. About

Rose Smith by email. ♥ 10 9 5 N ♥ A K J 7 3 10 years ago, the English ♦ W E ♦ ♣♦♥♠ 7 5 S J 9 6 4 3 2 Bridge Union attempted If you play a 3NT ♣ A Q 9 ♣ Void to define modern Acol opening as showing ♠ K 6 3 I have been play- with its Standard English. A a solid minor, it is ♥ 4 ing for two years. However, as many people usual to have an agreement ♦ A 10 QMy first Acol ref- had learnt the game prior to about what outside strength ♣ K 8 6 5 4 3 2 erence was Bernard Ma- the introduction of Standard you are showing. Then, gee’s Cribsheet. Later, I English and few tournament responder, having regard to found the EBU 2006 Mod- players follow it, the name is outside stoppers, will know West North East South ern Acol System Guide, something of a misnomer. whether to retreat to 4♣. Pass Pass 1♦ 3♣ which was much more It is always going to be the With no values at all, unless 3♠ All Pass detailed. Then, I discov- case that there will be minor your agreement was for mul- ered , differences in style depending tiple stoppers outside, you Maybe none of these bids who writes for the EBU, upon when players learnt the were correct in retreating. should have been made. and referred to his arti- game and whom they learnt it You would expect partner I thought I’d better kick cles regularly. Over time, from. Yes, good teachers will to pass or correct to 4♦. off with my ‘come alive’ I realised that there were point out that their methods The fact that your partner shape, especially non-vul. some rather important are not what everyone plays raised 4♣ to 5♣ suggests she South’s 7-card suit is a bit differences in their sys- and should prepare students knew she was not supposed threadbare but perhaps tems, even though they for encountering variations. to have much outside her suit 3♣ is a justifiable inter- were all playing Modern In Acol, the three most and so thought she had extra ference. Would my part- Acol. For example, open- common variations include values. In view of the fact that ner have done better to ing a weak no-trump the two you mention (when to both opponents were show- make a ? with a 5-card major. The open 1NT with a 5-card ma- ing values with their doubles, Would 3♥ then have been EBU says open the major jor and the strength of a 1NT it was rash to assume that correct for me? Only two most of the time. Ber- rebid). The third common you would have enough to pairs out of seven found nard says open the major variation is what to open on fill in the gaps in her hand a heart contract. We got as long as it is strong a 4-4 major/minor hand too to make 11 tricks. So, no a joint bottom in spades enough to rebid. Andrew strong for a weak no-trump I do not think your part- because of N/S pairs go- says always open 1NT, opening. I think you will find ner’s bidding was correct. ing off in 4♣ or 5♣. No even with A-K-Q-10-9. that an overwhelming major- If you had no points at one passed out the hand, The EBU says a 1NT ity, if not all, of the regular all, I do not think you could despite the even points. rebid is 15-16 points, contributors to BRIDGE play make more than nine tricks. Paul Habershon, Bedford. but others say 15-17. For and recommend the 15-17 You did quite well just to someone like me who is range for the 1NT rebid find a ninth trick – perhaps Although I am keen to learn, these dif- when using a weak no-trump the opponents got too busy normally a fan of ferences are quite con- opening. You might find less in the spade suit or dis- A opening one’s long- fusing. Should there be unanimity on the other two carded too many spades. est suit, in third seat and a modern standard, and points, although if you attend with much stronger hearts should anyone advocat- a teaching session organised ♣♦♥♠ than diamonds, I am sure I ing something different by Mr Bridge then you will would open in hearts rather explain how the differ- get a consistent approach Please would than diamonds with this East ence impacts on subse- on those points as well. you comment hand. Some would open a quent bidding so that I As you mention, having an Qon this rather weak 2♥ with the option to can have an integrated agreement with your partner inexpert bidding se- compete in diamonds later. that I can is the most important thing. quence from a Bedford The majority would open agree with my partner? Just remember to ask your BC pairs session? 1♥. Assuming you are play- Terry Gregory by email. partner. ■ I was East. The mak- ing four-card majors, West ing contracts are 3♣ would then double 3♣ with E-mail your questions for Julian to: by N/S and, for E/W, the plan to give preference [email protected] 2NT, 2♠, 4♥ and 3♦. to 3♥ if East rebids 3♦.

BRIDGE April 2015 Page 17 David Stevenson answers your questions on Laws and Ethics Having None, Partner?

At bridge last 2. West opens 1♥, 2. Calls are made when Using the Yellow Book night, a card North passes, East bids the cards are removed for Law 27, the director Qwas trumped by 2NT. Before South has from the . So ruled that, since both my partner and I said, time to bid, West pulls West has made a call out the insufficient bid and a ‘having no spades?’ out a bid, but before it of turn. The director should correction to 3♥ are both My partner, who is is tabled, South says, be summoned and she will artificial, then East must having lessons, replied, ‘Excuse me, I haven’t apply the call out of turn replace the insufficient ‘You can no longer ask bid yet.’ She then penalties, which (somewhat bid with any sufficient that.’ Is this true? bids 3♠. What is the simplified) mean that if South natural bid or pass and Alice Frost by email. position now for West? passes, there is no penalty: that West must pass Must he bid, or is he if South does not pass, West throughout. Meanwhile, At one time, it was forbidden to bid? can do what he likes but East South had stated that true, but the rules Chris Dicker, Tavistock. is silenced. But when South he did not accept the A have changed back bid instead of calling the insufficient bid. East to what they used to be and 1. It is only a two trick director, she legalised the was very unhappy at now you can ask partner, if the revoke situation and no penalties this ruling and bid 3NT. as a defender or dummy. A card won the revoke now apply to West or East, West went two off. East trick, so it was probably a who can call what they like. believed they should ♣♦♥♠ one trick revoke situation. have been in 4♠ and had But the simple answer ♣♦♥♠ been unfairly penalised. 1. Can you score is no. Penalty tricks for a Was the ruling more than 13 revoke are merely tricks won At a recent incorrect and, if so, Qtricks? Last by the revoking side being club session, what should the night, I was playing in transferred. Actually, tricks Qa query arose director have done? 5♥ doubled, making an won before the revoke are regarding an insufficient Fred Dixon by email. overtrick. During the safe also: they are never bid. The sequence of play, there was a revoke, transferred. So, if there are events was as follows: When West opened which I realised but did no tricks to be transferred, Dealer, West, opened the bidding with 2NT not comment on until then no penalty is applied. the bidding with 2NT A and East neither after the last trick. As If your partner has a habit (which wasn’t announced alerts nor announces as you can see from the of revoking and you hold by East); North passed; required, either North or score, it didn’t make any the ace of trumps against East bid 2♥, which West South can ask East to do so, difference to the result. a grand slam, perhaps you announced as spades. since it is an infraction not to. However, as the revoke should lead it: so long as At this point, North The same applies, of course, had been established, he does not revoke now, the realised that East has after a 1NT or 2-of-a-suit could I be awarded two contract is off, however much made an insufficient bid opening, since all of them are tricks making 14 in all? he later in the hand! and called the director. alertable or announceable.

Page 18 BRIDGE April 2015 Ask David continued any similar reason, then since it may affect his his cards and claimed the director will allow it. partner’s defence. If he was nine tricks in 3NT. My However, if one of you declarer or dummy, it would partner and I said, ‘Eight is the more aggressive do no harm to say something tricks.’ Dummy kept There is a bit of Law player in the partnership, before the opening lead quiet. The hands were which allows a correction and wishes to sit over the but it is not required. left on the table by both without penalty to a sufficient opponent you consider the Of course, the opponents defenders and dummy bid, if that bid means the stronger player, then the are likely to ask questions at (all showing the first same as the insufficient director will not allow it. the end of the auction and eight tricks to declarer bid, or if it shows a set of no doubt West will be asked and the last five to us). hands more precise than ♣♦♥♠ why he bid as he did. He A civilised the insufficient bid does. should say, ‘Sorry, I forgot disagreement ensued. This is included in the This hand was the system,’ or some such. The director came over Yellow book as item (B) played in a Once there appears to be and said he would under Insufficient bids. Qteams match. an infraction, then the director look at this at the end Since, presumably, East should be called immediately. of the night and see meant his 2♥ as a transfer If West did say he has how others scored. (the director should check ♠ K Q 6 misbid, the director should I felt that the director this away from the table), ♥ A Q J 4 be called, if for no better should have counted then this applies and the ♦ 3 2 reason than to warn East of the three hands that player could have corrected ♣ A 9 8 2 the effect of West passing were left on the table 2♥ to 3♥ without penalty. ♠ A J 9 5 3 ♠ 7 4 unauthorised information to – it would have taken

Note for our Scottish ♥ 5 N ♥ K 9 7 6 3 him. In general, there is no seconds to establish W E readers: the comments about ♦ Q 10 9 S ♦ K 6 5 reason to call the director that declarer made alerting and announcing ♣ K 10 6 4 ♣ J 7 5 before the end of the hand eight tricks only. Am apply in England, Wales, ♠ 10 8 2 because someone has misbid. I right to think this? Northern Ireland and ♥ 10 8 2 The director should Michael Coggins, the Republic of Ireland, ♦ A J 8 7 4 check as far as possible Pleasley, Mansfield, Notts. but not Scotland. ♣ Q 3 that they really are playing that 2NT shows the majors. Your director did ♣♦♥♠ If he is satisfied that they not do his job West North East South are, then a misbid is not A properly. Once Playing in 1♣ Pass 1♦ illegal. Clearly, East has there is a claim, he has to a Howell 2NT1 3NT 4♥ 5♣ not fielded it since he bid sort it out then and there: Qmovement, All Pass 4♥, and the score stands. he cannot afford to leave it I am West and my 1Two 5-card majors I am afraid that the bad to the end of the evening, partner East. Once we result by North-South is solely when valuable evidence move elsewhere, if we West realised his mistake down to South’s odd 5♣ bid. (in this case the position of are assigned West/ and, before the lead the played cards) is lost. East, do I have to play was faced, announced ♣♦♥♠ Furthermore, what West and my partner that he had misbid. The happened at the other tables East or can we change opponents ‘reserved Last night, at the is of no relevance whatever around if we wish to? their rights’ and went end of a hand, and should not be used in Elizabeth Bell, five off. The other table QWest scooped up determining a contested Tunbridge Wells, Kent. played in 1NT by South making nine tricks. Legally you may When should West change from West announce his misbid? DUPLICATE BRIDGE A to East or vice versa When should the only with the director’s director be called and permission. This is the same how should he rule? RULES SIMPLIFIED rule as for a moving pair Robert C Johnston by email. (otherwise known as the Yellow Book) in a Mitchell. In practice, it really depends why you want There is no by John Rumbelow and only to switch. If one of you finds requirement for revised by David Stevenson £595 slight difficulty seeing, or A anyone to tell anyone hates draughts and wishes he has misbid. Certainly, a to switch for better lighting defender must say nothing Available from Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961 or to avoid draughts or for before the end of the hand

BRIDGE April 2015 Page 19 Ask David continued certainly not impossible and Law 25 allows it to be changed if partner has not DEFENCE called. As the article says, claim: it is common (or even once partner has called it perhaps, normal) for the is too late to change it. QUIZ same contract to be played Law 25 has been clarified, in different ways at different not revised, so that it is now by Julian Pottage tables with different results. clear that you can change (Answers on page 23) A problem that playing an unintended call however directors face, sometimes, you find out you have made ou are West in the defensive positions below playing is that they are asked to it, so West could have Ymatchpoint pairs. It is your turn to play. Both sides are make decisions on hands changed it once her partner using Acol with a 12-14 1NT and 2♣ Stayman. that they expect to play later. had alerted it if the director Nevertheless, that is no judged 2♣ was unintended. reason not to do their job However, I do share Tom’s 1. ♠ Q 9 6 3. ♠ 9 6 properly and if, as a result, scepticism. While some bids ♥ A Q 4 3 ♥ K Q 6 4 they find themselves unable made at the wrong levels, ♦ K 10 2 ♦ A 10 2 to play a board later, that eg insufficient bids, may ♣ A K J ♣ A K 8 4 is just one of the be unintended, I consider it ♠ A K 8 5 3 ♠ A K 8 5 3 disadvantages of more likely that the mistake ♥ ♥ 8 6 N 8 N being a director. was in the original decision ♦ A Q 3 W E ♦ K Q 3 W E There is also a time as to which call to make ♣ 8 6 2 S ♣ Q 9 7 2 S problem: all directors, rather than in picking out playing or not, worry about the wrong card, ie, it is often holding a table up and a simple brain error not a West North East South West North East South possibly the whole room mechanical error. But only 2♥1 1♠ Dbl Pass 3♥ as a result while seeking the director can judge that. 2♠ 4♥ All Pass Pass 4♥ All Pass the facts in a particular 1Weak case. Nevertheless, ♣♦♥♠ You lead the ♠A: ♠6, ♠2 it must be done. You lead the ♠A. East (standard attitude) and ♠4. ♠ During the plays the 2 and South the How do you continue? ♠ ♣♦♥♠ play of a 4. How do you continue? Qhand, can the Would you care declarer (or anyone to express an other than dummy) Qopinion on the ask about the meaning poser on p38 of issue of a conventional bid 2. ♠ J 9 6 4. ♠ 9 6 146? I would be very made in the bidding? ♥ A 6 4 ♥ K Q 6 4 sceptical of a mechanical Name and address supplied. ♦ K 10 2 ♦ A 10 2 error confusing the ♣ A K Q 4 ♣ A K 8 4 slim stack of bidding Certainly, whenever ♠ A K 8 5 3 ♠ A K J 5 3 cards for 2♣ with the it is their turn to ♥ 8 N ♥ 8 N W E W E chunky 3♣ stack. play. For declarer, ♦ A J 3 ♦ K 9 5 3 A S S Tom Smith by email. that means he can ask ♣ 9 8 6 5 ♣ Q 9 2 whenever he is about to Mechanical errors play from either hand. do occur, often quite Note that after playing the West North East South West North East South A strange ones when first card, a player may not 3♥ 1♠ Dbl Pass 3♥ a player’s brain switches ask for a review, so he needs 3♠ 4♥ All Pass Pass 4♥ All Pass off. It is not unheard of for to remember the bidding, completely different calls but he may ask the You lead the ♠A. Partner You lead the ♠A: ♠6, ♠2 to be made. So bidding meaning of a call, whether plays the ♠2 and South the and ♠4. How do you con- 2♣ when intending 3♣ is conventional or not. ■ ♠Q. How do you continue? tinue?

E-mail your questions on bridge laws to: [email protected]

Page 20 BRIDGE April 2015 Maxims from Ned Paul

Hold Your Fire Power

attle lines have been drawn and South continued by bidding 2♠. a fourth diamond renewed the pres- the rival armies are marching This was a reverse promising at least sure on declarer. A despairing South towards each other. In such an five hearts, at least four spades, long- used his last trump, but this promoted Bencounter, a well-drilled infantry unit er hearts than spades and at least 16 West’s remaining ♥10 to give the de- will hold its fire power, saving every HCP. Extra strength is vital when fenders the setting trick. One down bullet until the enemy is in range. you reverse – with a weak hand, why was a very disappointing outcome. Not so an ill-trained militia. In the would you bother to introduce a suit At another table, a veteran of many excitement, they are likely to let off that in all likelihood partner does not more bridge campaigns showed how loose shots while the enemy is at a have? Remember that partner had the the hand should be played. Winning distance – and run out of bullets when chance to bid the diamond the enemy is close. 1♠ and did not lead, South ig- In this bridge battle, declarer do so. North nored the possi- wasted a shot early and then did not now re-evalu- bility of a useless have enough ammunition to win the ated his hand. ruff and drew campaign. With a maxi- four rounds of mum no-trump trumps. Cross- response and ing to the ♠A, Dealer South. E/W Game. 3-card support South then led ♠ A 4 2 for partner’s a low club for ♥ 7 6 3 first suit, hearts, a of the ♦ A 8 6 5 it seemed well ♣Q. Without ♣ J 8 5 worth a jump to the ♣9, South ♠ 9 6 ♠ K J 10 5 game. had to hope for ♥ 10 9 8 5 N ♥ 2 South was not a favourable W E ♦ Q J 10 9 2 ♦ K 4 3 S the well-trained king doubleton ♣ K 2 ♣ 10 9 7 4 3 bridge soldier in one of the de- ♠ Q 8 7 3 needed to bring fender’s hands. ♥ A K Q J 4 home this con- The club finesse ♦ 7 tract. He won lost and West ♣ A Q 6 the ♦Q lead in led a diamond, dummy and let but now South off a loose shot still had trump West North East South immediately by ruffing a diamond control. He ducked the second dia- 1♥ with the ♥4. This apparently harm- mond and ruffed the third with the Pass 1NT Pass 2♠ less manoeuvre had rendered the con- precious four of trumps. The was Pass 4♥ All Pass tract unmakeable. South started to necessary to exhaust East of diamonds. draw trumps and soon learnt of the Now, declarer crossed to the ♣J and 4-1 break. After two trumps, South led a spade towards the ♠Q. East rose South opened 1♥ and North’s 1NT crossed to dummy with the ♠A and with the ♠K, but had to surrender the response was correct in modern Acol. led a low club for a finesse. It lost and last two tricks to South. Ten tricks and When you have a balanced hand and West led a third diamond. game made. no 5-card suit, you need at least 10 Now, however South wriggled, An early ruff in the long hand is very HCP to respond in a new suit at the trump control had passed to West. often a mistake. Here, it led quickly to 2-level. North has only 9 HCP. A raise South ruffed the third diamond with loss of control and defeat. Keep your of opener’s suit is often right with ♥J, crossed to ♣J and led a spade to- small trumps in the long trump hand 3-card support, but, here, North has wards his ♠Q. East rose with the ♠K. until your opponents force you to use no ruffing value, not even a doubleton. A third club allowed West to ruff and them. ■

BRIDGE April 2015 Page 21 Bernard Magee’s Tips More Tips from Bernard Magee for Better Bridge When Dummy is on your Right 65 invaluable tips in 160 pages Lead the Weakest Suit in Sight…

Bidding Tips 33 A low lead usually promises Switching to the right suit Generally, when you choose 1 Always consider bidding length and an honour as a defender is a good to lead the weakest suit in spades if you can 34 When declaring 1NT, 2 Bid more aggressively try to be patient habit to get into. Your aim dummy, you end up leading when non-vulnerable 35 Duck an early round when should always be to lead through declarer’s strength, 3 Always double when the you are short of entries through strength and up which allows your partner opponents steal your deal 36 Lead up to your 4 A take-out double shows two-honour holding to weakness. Generally, it to use his high cards to kill shortage in the suit doubled 37 Do not always assume is dummy that will tell you declarer’s. Your heart switch 5 ‘Borrow’ a king a suit will break well what to lead, not your own is won by West and then, to keep the auction open 38 Drop a high card 6 After a penalty double, to put off the defence hand, nor your partner. when you win the ♦A later, don’t let the opponents escape 39 Play your highest card to tempt When dummy is on your you can lead a second heart 7 Halve the value of a singleton a defender to cover right, you are leading up to it, to defeat the contract. honour when opening 40 Draw trumps first unless you 8 Only add length-points for a have a good reason not to which means you are looking Because an ace is suit that might be useful 41 Do not waste your trumps to lead up to weakness, unbeatable, it pays to 9 Isolated honours are bad 42 Consider leaving a lone defen- hence you should look for overlook it when choosing a except in partner’s suit sive trump winner out 10 Use the jump shift sparingly the weakest suit in sight. switch. In the similar layout 11 Consider passing and letting Defence Tips below, the lead is once again 43 Keep four-card suits intact partner decide the ♠6 and you have to 12 You need two top honours whenever possible for a second-seat pre-empt 44 Give count on declarer’s leads ♠ Q 3 2 choose your switch at trick 2: 13 Put the brakes on if you have a 45 Keep the right cards ♥ 5 4 rather than misfit ♦ K Q 10 14 Strong and long minors work 46 Take your time well in no-trumps when dummy is put down ♣ K Q J 10 3 ♠ Q 5 3 2 15 One stop in the opponents’ suit 47 High cards are for killing ♠ A ♥ A 5 other high cards can be enough for no-trumps N ♥ 9 7 3 2 ♦ K Q 10 16 Keep your two-level 48 Do not waste W E responses up to strength intermediate cards S ♦ A 9 7 5 2 ♣ Q J 10 3 17 Use your normal methods in 49 Pick two key suits to ♣ 7 5 4 ♠ J 9 7 6 4 ♠ A response to a 1NT overcall concentrate on during the play 50 If in doubt, cover an honour ♥ K Q 8 2 N ♥ 10 9 3 18 Don’t overcall just because W E you have opening points with an honour ♦ 6 4 S ♦ A 9 7 5 2 19 Overcalls can be quite weak, 51 If a lead is from two honours, it West North East South ♣ 9 8 ♣ 7 6 5 4 so be prudent when responding is best not to cover 1NT ♠ K 10 8 20 Weak overcalls must be based 52 Keep your honour to kill on strong suits dummy’s honour Pass 3NT All Pass ♥ J 7 6 4 21 6NT requires 33 points 53 Try to show partner your ♦ J 8 3 not 4 aces and 4 kings solid honour sequences ♠ ♣ 22 Raise immediately, if weak 54 Lead the normal card when Your partner leads the 6, A K 2 with four-card support leading partner’s suit which you win and have 23 In a competitive auction, 55 Never underlead an ace at trick to choose your next move. show support immediately one in a suit contract 24 Bid to the level of your fit 56 Be wary of leading from Your hand would suggest a Hearts still make an excellent quickly with weak hands four cards to only one honour diamond, but you should be switch: the ace is unbeatable, 57 Lead a higher card from 25 With strength and support, looking at dummy: lead the so you can regard dummy’s use the opponents’ bid suit a suit without an honour 58 Lead through ‘beatable’ weakest suit in sight: hearts. heart holding as weak – you strength and up to weakness are hoping to lead through Declarer Play Tips 59 Cash your winners before try- 26 When your contract depends ing for a any other high card in on a finesse, think ‘endplay’ 60 Be patient when defending ♠ Q 3 2 declarer’s hand. You switch 27 Consider what a defender 1NT ♥ 5 4 to the ♥10 and then, when might be thinking about 61 Trump leads can be safe 28 Always take your time throughout the play ♦ K Q 10 you get in again with the ♦A, at trick one ♣ K Q J 10 3 you lead the ♥9 to pick up 29 Establish extra tricks before General Tips ♠ J 9 7 6 4 ♠ A cashing your winners 62 Do not put important cards the suit and defeat 3NT. 30 Use your opponents’ at either end of your hand ♥ A Q 10 N ♥ 9 7 3 2 When contemplating which bidding to your advantage W E 63 Avoid being declarer when ♦ 6 4 S ♦ A 9 7 5 2 suit to switch to, it is dummy 31 Avoid the ‘baddie’ you are dummy ♣ ♣ gaining the lead 64 Before you lead, ask for a 9 8 2 7 5 4 that holds all the clues: if it is 32 Use the Rule of Seven when review of the auction ♠ K 10 8 5 on your right, you are looking holding up in no-trumps 65 Enjoy the Game! ♥ K J 8 6 to lead up to weakness, so ♦ J 8 3 look for the weakest suit in £14 including postage and packing from Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH. ( 01483 489961 ♣ A 6 sight (regarding an isolated ace as weak). ■

Page 22 BRIDGE April 2015 Answers to Julian Pottage’s Defence Quiz on page 20

West North East South The most useful card partner can hold 1. ♠ Q 9 6 3♥ is the ♦J. Indeed, if declarer holds that ♥ A Q 4 3 3♠ 4♥ All Pass card, you will be struggling to make ♦ K 10 2 more than two spades and a diamond. ♣ A K J You lead the ♠A. Partner plays the ♠2 If partner has it, you may well need to ♠ A K 8 5 3 ♠ 10 7 2 and South the ♠Q. How do you continue? play a diamond at trick two to set up your ♥ 8 6 N ♥ 5 Again, partner’s discouraging ♠2 side’s diamond winners before declarer W E ♦ ♦ A Q 3 S J 7 6 4 denies a doubleton. This time, it is easier can set up a spade trick. ♣ 8 6 2 ♣ Q 10 9 4 3 to count your side’s tricks rather than You lead a high diamond, of course, ♠ J 4 those the other way. because you do not want to give an ♥ K J 10 9 7 2 Assuming a second spade stands up overtrick if South holds the ♦J. ♦ 9 8 5 (the ♠Q is a routine false card), you can ♣ 7 5 see two spades and a diamond. You cannot make a fourth trick via a slow diamond winner because the winners 4. ♠ 9 6 West North East South you can see in dummy will surely cover ♥ K Q 6 4 2♥1 any slow losers in the South hand. ♦ A 10 2 2♠ 4♥ All Pass 1Weak You do best to cash out and hope ♣ A K 8 4 that partner holds the ♥K to defeat the ♠ A K J 5 3 ♠ 10 7 2 N ♠ ♠ ♥ 8 ♥ 7 5 3 You lead the A. East plays the 2 and contract. W E South the ♠4. How do you continue? Unless you are certain that East would ♦ K 9 5 3 S ♦ Q 8 4 Partner’s lowly ♠2 suggests a three- not play the ♠2 from 10-7-4-2, you should ♣ Q 9 2 ♣ 10 7 6 5 card holding, not a doubleton for sure, take the ♦A before the ♠K because your ♠ Q 8 4 so no ruff is available. Given the bidding ♦A might run away if declarer ruffs the ♥ A J 10 9 2 and what you can see in dummy, it is second spade – that could result in an ♦ J 7 6 likely that declarer can come to ten tricks overtrick. ♣ J 3 given time: a spade (after your ♠K goes), a diamond (with the ♦K over your ♦A), six trumps and two clubs. To beat the con- West North East South tract, you need to switch to a diamond. 3. ♠ 9 6 1♠ Dbl Pass 3♥ While this involves a slight risk of giving ♥ K Q 6 4 Pass 4♥ All Pass an overtrick if South has the ♦J and a sin- ♦ A 10 2 gleton or doubleton ♣Q (a spade will go ♣ A K 8 4 You lead the ♠A: ♠6, ♠2 and ♠4. How do on the third club), it would be unlucky to ♠ A K 8 5 3 ♠ 10 7 2 you continue? find East with nothing in the minors. It is ♥ 8 N ♥ 7 5 3 One difference between this hand and better to go for setting the contract. ♦ K Q 3 W E ♦ J 7 5 4 the previous one is that you hold better S ♣ Q 9 7 2 ♣ 10 6 5 spades. You have the third round of ♠ Q J 4 spades covered, so long as you do not ♥ A J 10 9 2 cash the ♠K. 2. ♠ J 9 6 ♦ 9 8 6 This means there is no rush to set up ♥ A 6 4 ♣ J 3 diamond winners your way. Moreover, ♦ K 10 2 with your now broken diamond suit, ♣ A K Q 4 switching to the suit risks giving a trick ♠ A K 8 5 3 ♠ 10 7 2 West North East South unless partner holds both the ♦J and the ♥ 8 N ♥ K 5 1♠ Dbl Pass 3♥ ♦Q. W E ♦ A J 3 ♦ 9 7 5 4 Pass 4♥ All Pass You want to defend passively. How do S ♣ 9 8 6 5 ♣ J 10 3 2 you do that? ♠ Q 4 You lead the ♠A: ♠6, ♠2 (standard A club is out because declarer could ♥ Q J 10 9 7 3 2 attitude) and ♠4. How do you continue? hold the ♣J and let the lead run round. ♦ Q 8 6 The lowly ♠2 would seem to deny Your only safe exit is the ♥8. If your ♣ 7 the ♠Q. In any case, the bidding marks partner has ♥J-x-x-x, declarer could partner with very little. finesse anyway. ■

BRIDGE April 2015 Page 23 A Blast From the Past 10 by Shireen Mohandes Local Customs

laying bridge overseas at local old gentleman did his best but we into the next set of Laws, due in 2017. clubs or tournaments is great secured the coldest of bottoms on the The Italian Bridge Federation fun. Visitors are welcomed and board.’ organised the European Open Teams Pthere is the odd unexpected happen- This is an excellent local custom and of 1959 in Palermo, Italy. Apparently, ing. In the mid-1990s, I was quite surprised to find out that neat rum was available, free of charge, for the daily morning duplicate at the Barbados Bridge Festival. Leafing through the back copies of The British Bridge World, I smiled when I read this report of a tournament in Vichy, France, in 1959, which starts by saying that for all 217 pairs, there was a goodie bag, ‘… [we] received half a bottle of Cognac apiece. In addition … playing cards, sweets, and miniature

bottles of scent and liqueur. I saw The Grand Hotel Villa Igiea, Palermo, Italy. one lady dabbing the liqueur behind her ears and commenting on the should be trialled at clubs. I predict they had a rough start to the event, but unusual aroma; but this was nothing confidently that the number of fouled by day three things had settled. The compared to a famous English player boards will nose dive. Regrettably, open and closed rooms were separated not normally noted for his drinking such a rule is unlikely to be introduced by 150 yards; and the board carriers propensities who, two years ago, had consumed the liqueur and, finding it good, promptly swallowed down half the contents of the scent bottle as well.’ The author added later that he and his partner had an unusual ruling, they were sitting North/South. His partner had accidentally removed the West cards from the duplicate board. The report continued, ‘… a kibitzer somewhat resembling the ancient mariner was summoned from a distant table and instructed to bid and play the North hand on my partner’s Digital Art by Malcolm Brown behalf. I am sure the Press room key location, somewhere here?

Page 24 BRIDGE April 2015 Local Customs continued

were only successful about 95% of the time in delivering the boards to the correct table. Doesn’t sound good, does it? Could it get any worse? Well, the route was via the press room, which was small. The report continues, ‘… one of the press representatives complained to the Secretary of the Italian Federation about the disturbance. This worthy was a man of action. He locked the door and disappeared, taking the key with him. This neatly severed communications with the Closed Hand – sorry, Closed Room. The hotel had no spare key to the Press Room and refused point blank Source: Dutch Bridge Museum. From the Collection of: Mr. Martijn Cats. When: 1955. Location is unknown. to provide an alternative route by opening a gate into the gardens: such a Secretary reappeared, oblivious of the , ). step would apparently have provoked excitement he had caused. The pack OK, I am sorry, but I can’t let that go an invasion of the grounds of the Villa swooped on him as one. An official, without comment. A ‘knot’ of officials? Igiea by the ladies of the town. Mr N Oudshoorn, seized the key, A quick dip into the information A knot of officials debated the unlocked the door and threw the key superhighway reveals that knot is point and their voices, numbers far into the blue Mediterranean.’ a collective noun for the following: and tempers rose steadily as the The eventual winners were Italy snake, toad. Reader, please draw your championship headed for a standstill. (Walter Avarelli, Giorgio Belladonna, own conclusions. Finally, after 45 minutes, the Italian Roberto Bianchi, Giancarlo Manca, I contacted the Dutch Bridge Museum (in Leerdam) to bring this lovely story to their attention and to Portrait of Rixi Markus at the National Portrait Gallery ask them for a photo of the super hero. They have a lovely collection of images There is a lovely portrait of Rixi on their website www.bridgemuseum. which may or may not be available nl – click on the USA flag, then click to view as the NPG tell me that they Collections. rotate the display of such images. You can see it online here: http:// The photo they kindly sent to me www.npg.org.uk/collections/ pre-dates the incident by four years. search/portrait/mw08210/Rika- But how nice to see so many kibitzers, Rixi-Markus-ne-Scharfstein almost 70. It was painted in 1958 by Judy This next incident can’t be an Kampfner, née Cassab (1920 – ), Austrian custom, because both players who like Rixi, was born in Austria. were Austrian. She painted a portrait of Lord Lever At a teams event, Rixi Markus in the same year (also at the NPG). and had this bidding Rixi Markus and Harold Lever had sequence: a 13-year relationship together. In Rixi’s autobiography, A Vulnerable West East Game, she describes those years Rixi Fritzi as the happiest and most fulfilled 1♦ 1♥ period of her life. She adds, ‘… 1NT 2♦ I can hardly remember a dull 3NT moment, and not many bad ones.’ I can recommend the Fritzi’s 2♦ bid was to play. The post autobiography (second hand mortem ended with Rixi saying, ‘I’m from Amazon for under £3). You can see the portrait just above the fireplace. sorry, but I never sign off twice on the same hand.’ ■

BRIDGE April 2015 Page 25 Robin Hood’s Bridge Adventures by David Bird Robin Hood’s Awful Board

o celebrate the onset of summer, West North East South could set up a side to dummy in it was the local tradition to hold Sister Maid Friar Robin the club suit. a ‘Magnificent Mixed Payres’ Eydlin Marian Tuck Hood When Robin Hood led the ♣Q from Tchampionship. Each pair provided 1♣ Dbl his hand, Friar Tuck saw the purpose a prize, according to their means. Pass 1♦ Pass 2NT of the play. He held up the king and The winners had first choice of prize; Pass 3NT All Pass ducked again when the ♣J was led, the runners-up had second choice. West throwing a diamond. Eventually, the pair coming last had Sister Eydlin moved her bushy Now, Hood would make only one to take whatever prize was left on the eyebrows up and down as she studied diamond trick but he could at least table. The last prize left the previous year had been an earthenware cup full of acorns. ‘I hope we do well, Robin!’ exclaimed Maid Marian. ‘The top prizes are wonderful this year. Did you see the length of golden cloth? That colour would suit me.’ Robin Hood nodded his agreement. In truth, Marian looked delectable in any colour. Who could wish for a more splendid partner in a mixed pairs? The event was held in a large barn at the edge of Woolcott Village. Play was soon underway and, in the first round, Robin and Marian faced Friar Tuck, who was partnered by a stern-looking nun.

Dealer East. N/S Game. ♠ 8 5 2 ♥ 5 her hand. Eventually she extracted the make some use of the diamond entry ♦ K Q 10 9 4 ♠J. to dummy. He led a diamond to the ♣ 10 9 3 2 ‘I wouldn’t normally raise on so nine, which was allowed to win, and ♠ J 10 9 7 ♠ Q 6 4 little,’ Maid Marian informed the dour then led the ♣10. Unwilling to set ♥ J 9 7 3 2 N ♥ A 10 6 nun, ‘but my partner plays the cards up the ♣9 as an entry to dummy’s W E ♦ 8 7 3 ♦ A 5 2 ♣ S beautifully.’ diamonds, Friar Tuck held up the K ♣ 7 ♣ K 8 6 5 ‘You bid it well,’ said Robin Hood. once more. ♠ A K 3 He ducked the first round of spades The lead remained in the dummy ♥ K Q 8 4 and won the spade continuation with and Robin Hood took the opportunity ♦ J 6 the king. What now? If he played to lead a heart to the king. He then ♣ A Q J 4 on diamonds, the defenders would cashed the two black aces to leave this obviously the ace. Perhaps he position:

Page 26 BRIDGE April 2015 Robin Hood continued West North East South Robin Ayleth Maid Nazir Dealer North. Love All. Hood Marian ♠ 8 4 3 1♦ 1♥ Pass 4♠ ♥ A K All Pass ♦ A 10 7 3 ♠ — ♣ A K 8 5 ♥ — Robin Hood led the ♣7 and down ♠ A Q 10 2 ♠ K 7 5 ♦ K Q 10 4 went the dummy. ‘A nice hand for ♥ Q J 10 3 N ♥ 9 8 6 W E ♣ — ♦ 8 5 ♦ J 9 6 4 you, as you see,’ observed the baker’s S ♠ 10 ♠ — wife. ‘I probably should have doubled ♣ 10 3 2 ♣ J 9 4 ♥ J 9 7 N ♥ A 10 instead.’ ♠ J 9 6 ♦ — W E ♦ A 5 ‘One heart is much better,’ said ♥ 7 5 4 2 S ♣ — ♣ — Nazir, happy to see some good cards ♦ K Q 2 ♠ — on display. ♣ Q 7 6 ♥ Q 8 4 He won the first trick with the ♣A ♦ J and played a trump to the ace. He then ♣ — led the ♦9 to set up a discard for his West North East South losing heart. When Robin Hood rose Imelda Maid Edwyn Robin with the ♦A and returned the ♦Q, Baze Marian Baze Hood Hood led the ♦J and overtook with Nazir won with the ♦K and discarded 1♣ Pass 1NT dummy’s ♦K. Friar Tuck won with the the ♥5. Pass 3NT All Pass ace and had to continue with ace and Nazir’s dark eyes flicked between his another heart. Robin Hood scored the own hand and the dummy. He could It took Imelda Baze only a second to ♥Q as his ninth trick. afford two further losers in the black identify the ‘fourth best of her longest An excited Maid Marian clapped suits. Which line of play would give and strongest’. Smiling lovingly at her her hands. ‘No-one else will raise on him the best chance? handsome husband, she led the ♠2. my cards!’ she declared. Eventually, he played the ♣Q and The defenders made four spade tricks Robin and Marian continued to led a third round of clubs towards his and Robin Hood had to find a discard score well on the next few rounds. hand. If East had been able to ruff, this from dummy. Keeping four diamonds Then, they faced Nazir the Saracen, would not have damaged the contract; would give him a better chance of a who was partnered by Ayleth, the East would be ruffing a loser. In fact, ninth trick, so he discarded a club. baker’s wife from a nearby village. Her East followed suit and Robin Hood Robin Hood won the heart switch somewhat wayward curly hair bore ruffed declarer’s ♣K. in dummy and played three rounds testament to the strong winds outside. The contract was secure despite the of clubs, noting the 3-3 break ruefully. ‘How goes it, my friend?’ Robin bad trump break. Robin Hood could When West showed out on the third asked. not remove dummy’s last trump diamond, he was one down. ‘Well enough,’ Nazir replied. ‘My without surrendering a trick in the Maid Marian’s visions of a stunning partner plays well.’ suit. dress fashioned from golden cloth were The baker’s wife laughed at this. When he chose to play the ♦J vanishing before her eyes. ‘You could ‘What a gentleman!’ she exclaimed. instead, Nazir ruffed and led a fourth have made it, Robin!’ she exclaimed. ‘Only just now I went down in a 3NT round of clubs. Whether or not Hood ‘Clubs were 3-3.’ that many pairs made.’ ruffed in front of the dummy, declarer ‘Yes, but the diamonds offered a ‘It was a difficult hand,’ said Nazir. would lose only one diamond and two better chance, my love,’ Hood replied. trumps. The contract was home. Maid Marian opened the somewhat Robin Hood looked toward Nazir. ‘If grubby piece of paper on which the Dealer West. Game All. I lead the ♥K I beat you,’ he said. ‘Not previous scores were written. ‘As I ♠ 5 3 a lead I’m likely to find.’ thought,’ she declared. ‘Everyone else ♥ A 8 7 6 3 ‘Did you forget that Ayleth bid made 3NT. They must have kept four ♦ K 6 4 hearts?’ queried Maid Marian. ‘With clubs in dummy, do you see?’ ♣ A Q 9 the good hearts sitting over you, ‘It’s just possible that a heart was led ♠ Q 10 9 2 ♠ 6 leading the ♥K couldn’t cost.’ at the other tables,’ said Hood. ‘Then ♥ K 2 N ♥ Q 10 9 4 Robin Hood had not encountered I can keep both four-card suits in W E ♦ A Q J 10 2 ♦ 8 7 5 3 S this novel theory before. ‘It’s a good dummy and test them in turn.’ ♣ 7 2 ♣ J 10 8 6 point, my love,’ he replied. Imelda Baze laughed at this ♠ A K J 8 7 4 On the next round, Robin and suggestion, showing the other players ♥ J 5 Marian faced a recently married young her hand. ‘Only a complete dunce ♦ 9 couple, Edwyn and Imelda Baze. would lead a heart,’ she exclaimed. ♣ K 5 4 3 This was the first board of the ‘Look, my spades are much stronger!’ round: Continued next month. ■

BRIDGE April 2015 Page 27 Bridge Adventures by David Holden and Roy Rowe

The Marx Brothers, The Groucho ‘Clubs’ and The Queen of Hearts

roucho looked round the door At 6.45, there was a knock on Sharp at 7pm the Robson-Smythes and then entered the cabin. the door and two stewards came in arrived with four friends, in evening It was empty apart from his carrying a card table and wheeling dress, who sat on the beds affecting Gbrother Harpo, who waved distract- a trolley on which there were three conversation on the topics of the day edly and resumed his whittling of the bottles of champagne, snow-white as champagne was served. Stakes were stick which was to become his pen- napkins and a selection of club fixed at five dollars a point with the ny whistle. ‘Don’t get up,’ said best of three rubbers. Groucho, ‘It will only tire your With ten people, the cabin brain and put your butt under was somewhat crowded, but strain and we need your brains Groucho, seeing the empty tonight.’ glasses, picked up the phone and Harpo tooted a query on the requested a further six bottles, whistle. The stick still required more glasses and an engineer to two more holes to be bored fix the air conditioning. and then it would be fully The room designed for operational, but there was no an occupancy of two was mistaking his question. getting uncomfortably warm. ‘It’s the Robson-Smythes, Sam Groucho’s cabin steward arrived and Ava, for bridge here, in this with the champagne plus cabin at 7pm sharp, ship’s time,’ the deck manager with three answered Groucho, ‘and you are engineers, who, standing on going to have to be on your best the beds started to unscrew the behaviour as I am looking for air conditioning units, but all finance for the next film, and I eleven visitors stopped to see mean big time, buddy. They are the first hand which was dealt great bridge buffs and will expect by Harpo. Mrs Ava Robson- some keen rubbers. Are you up Smythe was a buxom lady in her for it?’ forties, still glamorous and not Harpo made a scrubbing mo- unaware that Harpo was flirting tion with his arms and grinned with her again. This was the deal vacantly. ‘We will not rub them out,’ sandwiches. Groucho had arranged and the bidding (Groucho used the continued Groucho. ‘If I had a dollar for them to stay during the session phony club, the strong no-trump and for each of your brains, I would be a to serve refreshments and there was Blackwood): poor man. You will have to bid as just enough room for the tables to be usual, using sign language. Fingers for arranged with the twin beds moved numbers. Hearts tap your chest, dia- back against the walls of the cabin. ♠ Q 9 8 3 monds spread your hand, spades make Shortly after, Harpo emerged from the ♥ K 9 2 like a digger and clubs knock on the bathroom, wearing a smart grey suit. ♦ K J 5 3 table.’ Seeing Harpo raise his eyebrows He still carried his whistle, which he ♣ K Q he went on, ‘and, of course, no-trumps had now completed and was polishing ♠ K 10 7 6 5 4 ♠ A 2 make like this,’ and Groucho drew his on a sleeve, but he had not tidied his ♥ 8 7 6 N ♥ Q J 10 5 4 hand across his throat. ‘And change out hair which surrounded his head with ♦ 10 2 W E ♦ 4 S of those yellow pants, we don’t want blonde curls. ♣ 3 2 ♣ J 10 9 8 4 to look like a couple of dumbos. And ‘Sit down, shaddup and only do what ♠ J speak when you are spoken to. Ok, I tell you,’ said Groucho and Harpo ♥ A 3 use your facial muscles and keep your took a place at the card table breathing ♦ A Q 9 8 7 6 hands off the lady. Pass if you have to, soft sounds from his new flute while ♣ A 7 6 5 but not at the lady.’ Groucho lit a fresh cigar.

Page 28 BRIDGE April 2015 Adventures continued Ava was squeezed. She said, ‘I feel I arms of Ava, at which point Groucho am being squeezed.’ (Harpo put his told him to leave the room and Harpo left hand on her knee). If she discarded stumbled to a cupboard, opened a club, then South had two winning the double doors and, sitting inside, West North East South clubs and the ♥K. If she discarded a started to play a large harp. Sam Harpo Ava Groucho heart, then South had the ♣A and two Sam, having thought for a while, re- 1♦ 1♥ 3♣ hearts. If Ava discarded the ♠A, South plied, ‘No, but here’s a hundred dollar Pass 3♠ Pass 4NT could cash his ♣A and play his ♠J, bill. Check out the favourite and put Pass 6NT All Pass forcing a spade trick to go with the ♥K. it on the nose,’ at which Harpo burst 12 tricks made – missing the ♠A-K. from the cupboard and stuffed the South’s 3♣ was intended as a rolled up bill into his flute. cue bid agreeing diamonds. Groucho remarked, ‘Better Harpo misunderstood and, make that a Day at the Races. making like a digger, just Please don’t call that an in- bid his second suit, which sult. In the past, I have been South took as a return cue insulted by professionals.’ bid. South thought to check ‘Try this,’ he said. ‘No-one on aces, but North took took any notice of her in the 4NT as natural and raised thirties, then she had breast to an interesting slam, by enhancements. We were not drawing his hand across his bosom pals, but here’s look- throat. ing at yours, kid.’ West, having no entry, ‘You are drunk,’ scoffed saw little point in playing Sam. ‘Maybe I am,’ came the his spades (if he had, the reply, ‘but in the morning I contract would have gone will be sober and you will be down) and so chose the ♥8, just as ugly.’ his partner’s suit. At last, the smoke started Muttering, ‘Thanks very to clear as the engineers much.’ Groucho counted his restarted the air conditioning tricks – two hearts, six dia- unit, but before anyone could monds and three clubs, 11 leave, there was a knock at top tricks. No chance of an the door and the ship’s very extra trick in clubs and so fat Captain squeezed in, what was to be done? Well, making it fourteen in the play a few tricks and see room. ‘I trust everything what happens. He won the is now fixed?’ he gasped opening lead in hand, played dum- Harpo, oblivious of South’s brilliant through the gloom. He struggled over my’s top clubs and played out the dia- play, wrote on the score sheet, ‘I to the phone and addressed the officer monds. With the last diamond to be thought the no-trump slam would on the bridge, ‘The Robson-Smythes played the situation was: score better than the diamond slam.’ and their party are about to (cough) and passed it to Groucho who shook leave. When they disembark, we will his head, ‘this is rubber bridge, not (sneeze) get underway.’ Mishearing ♠ Q 9 8 duplicate,’ he whispered. ‘You are this, Harpo pushed his way to a chest ♥ K 9 wearing a suit, so bid one when I call of drawers and started pulling out ♦ — 4NT and when I finger my lapels.’ jockey shorts, vests and a collection of ♣ — Mr Robson-Smythe leaned back and coloured bras, big and small. ♠ K 10 7 ♠ A enquired, ‘Do you belong to a bridge The Robson-Smythes left with their ♥ 7 6 N ♥ Q J club, Mr Marx?’ Groucho replied ‘No, friends in some haste, the rubber ♦ — W E ♦ — S I wouldn’t want to belong to any club unfinished, all oblivious to the fact ♣ — ♣ J 10 that would accept me as a member. that on Ava’s satin clad bottom was ♠ J However, we asked you and your wife a large, sooty hand print and tucked ♥ 3 here for a bridge session to see if you in the rear of her waistband was the ♦ 8 will invest in my latest film project – Queen of Hearts. ■ ♣ A 7 it’s called A Week at the Races.’ The numerically astute of you may have Sam accepted Groucho’s offer of a spotted that there were 16 people pre- cigar and, as the smoke added to the sent in the room not 14 as stated above. Playing the last diamond, Groucho general smog, Harpo stood up and This is because the authors, being bridge discarded a spade from dummy and knocked the table over, falling into the players, cannot count above 13.

BRIDGE April 2015 Page 29 David Stevenson answers your Frequently Asked Questions ‘Unauthorised Panic’

ost players realise that ting they are using unauthorised in- must never do is to make a bid that is you are not allowed to use formation, and that is where the term different from the one that you would unauthorised information, ‘Unauthorised Panic’ comes from. So have made without the explanation Mbut they probably know only one nearly everyone in this case would re- or alert. If your partner moans, you situation: when partner hesitates, ie bid 4♣, illegally, to try to avoid losing must explain it is more important to thinks for some time before taking 1,100 and upsetting partner, often not be ethical and follow the Laws than some action, or, more especially, realising or forgetting that this is ille- to win every hand. Second, if your thinks then passes. They realise gal. Suppose the bidding is the same as opponent explains a player’s hand there may be problems with certain above, with the alert and explanation one way and he makes a further bid bids. However, there is another fairly the same, but the difference is that you that shows the explanation is wrong, common situation where players often do not play Ghestem, your partner has always call the director. It is his job, use unauthorised information, quite got it wrong. How does that affect it? not yours, to decide whether anything probably without realising they are The answer is, it does not affect it at illegal has occurred. doing anything wrong. all. It is still illegal to use the explana- Third, let us look at it from the point Consider a situation where you tion, it is still illegal to bid 4♣ and you of view of the director. If he is called have agreed to play Ghestem (two- should still not do so. when an explanation and a hand do suited overcalls) with a partner, but What happens if you bid 4♣? Many not agree, first he finds out whether the you forget. RHO opens 1♠ and you opponents do not realise what you explanation was correct, or whether have a nice hand with a club suit, so have done is illegal and don’t call the the call was. If the explanation was you bid 3♣. Partner alerts and tells the director. Even when they do, a lot of wrong, he should consider whether opponents you have diamonds and players get very upset if the director the opponents have been damaged hearts. Oh dear! Worse still, he bids rules it back to -1400 and seem to by misinformation, ie, whether they 3♥, which RHO doubles and you have think they had a right to bid 4♣. They might have done something different only two hearts. What do you do? say things like, ‘I had six clubs: why with a correct explanation. If the Suppose you could not see or hear should I not rebid them?’ Of course, explanation was correct, then this does partner. You bid 3♣ to show your they have already shown six clubs, or not apply. Fourth, he must consider clubs, he bids 3♥, would you not pass, intended to and have no legal reason the actions of the player with the hand assuming he had six hearts? So what to take 3♥ doubled out. that does not match the explanation: is different? Only his alert and his Let me give another example, which has he made any call that he might not explanation which reminds you what sadly my partner perpetrated, though have made without the explanation or you have actually shown. But his alert I have also known others to do so. He alert? ie, has he used the unauthorised and his explanation are unauthorised opened 2NT in fourth seat. Now, we information in any way? If so, the information, you may not use them, play 2NT as both minors and weak, director will give an adjusted score. in fact, you must do your absolute best so I assumed he was a bit stronger Finally, if you are the player whose to take no advantage. So you must grit in fourth, and I alerted, described it hand does not match and you made a your teeth and pass, because that is when asked and bid 3♣ which was call based on the explanation and you what you would do if you could not my better minor. Partner had meant it get an adjustment against you, do not see him – and that may mean losing as natural and strong, so now he bid get annoyed with the opponents or the 1,100 or 1,400. Partner is not going to an illegal 3NT. Of course, he should director. It is your side who made the be pleased with you! have treated 3♣ as Stayman and bid a mistake and your action was illegal, Does this happen often? Just about major, but he panicked when he heard be annoyed with yourself and your never. Why? Because, in practice, the my explanation and made the bid that partner. moment someone hears their partner was clearest so I would know what he So Unauthorised Panic is a friendly describe a hand very different from the had. term to tell you what you must not one they have, they forget all about the What do I ask you to do? First, if do. If partner describes your hand rules of unauthorised information and, your partner explains your bid as differently from what you intend, his instinctively and illegally, make the bid showing a hand different from the explanation is Unauthorised to you, that shows partner exactly what they one you have, you must make every and do not Panic and make a strange have. They do so out of panic, forget- effort to take no advantage. What you bid to try and put him right. ■

Page 30 BRIDGE April 2015 The Diaries of Wendy Wensum Episode 36: The Diamond Alternative

col, Five Card Majors and alerted by Neil. After my pass, Neil West North East South their variations are the most responded two no-trumps, which was Jo Kate common systems seen at the alerted by Len. With Millie and me 1♦ Pass 1♥ ARiverside, but recently there has been passing throughout, the final contract Pass 3♥ Pass 4NT1 just a hint that more adventurous ap- of seven hearts was confirmed in Pass 5♠2 Pass 6♥ proaches might be gaining ground. seconds rather than minutes. All Pass On this board in a teams event I was 1Five ace Blackwood impressed with the ease and speed West North East South 23 of the five ‘aces’ with which Neil and Len reached the Millie Len Wendy Neil final contract using their version of 1♦1 Pass 2NT2 As at our table, thirteen tricks rolled Strong Diamond. Mind you, their sys- Pass 3♦ Pass 3♥ in. On this deal, a strong diamond was tem card was so full of detail that it Pass 4NT Pass 5♥ not a girl’s best friend. was printed in the smallest typeface I Pass 5NT Pass 6NT In the hostelry later, there was much have ever witnessed. ‘Do you provide Pass 7♥ All Pass discussion regarding Jo and Kate’s a magnifying glass?’ Millie inquired 1Artificial, strong sequence. Millie’s view was that, on the with some justification. ‘Oh yes, we 2Balanced 14+ HCP second round, Jo should bid four hearts do. It’s in the briefcase with our sys- rather than three. Jo argued with some tem file,’ Neil assured us reaching for Millie was on lead and rightly asked justification that, with a flattish hand, a large portmanteau beside his chair. about the bidding. Len and Neil were her bid was OK, but admitted that if ‘Shall I retrieve it, for you? I also have more than happy to oblige. The initial she had held a black suit singleton, our system file booklet in here. It’s in one diamond was artificial and strong she would have splintered. Millie then Times New Roman with font size elev- (at least 25 OP) and showed either a countered that Kate should have bid en,’ he continued with complete sin- super-strong no-trump distribution the grand having found Jo with three cerity. ‘No, no, we can manage,’ Millie (19+ HCP) or a hand containing at ‘aces’. Kate pointed out that, as she assured him, clearly amused by Neil’s least one five card suit. Two no- was unaware of the location of the dedication and enthusiasm. trumps showed a balanced hand of vital queen of hearts, she was loathe 14 or more HCP. The three diamond to go further. Jo wondered if Kate bid showed at least five diamonds. The might have cue bid the ace of spades Dealer North. Game All. three heart bid showed precisely four instead of bidding 4NT. I was inclined ♠ 9 6 cards. Four no-trumps was Roman to the simple view that Len and Neil’s ♥ A K Q 2 Key Card Blackwood, implying hearts version of the Strong Diamond system ♦ A K 7 5 3 as trumps. The five heart bid showed had worked well on this occasion, ♣ 10 5 two aces without the queen of hearts. but that more traditional methods ♠ Q 10 7 5 ♠ J 4 3 Holding the queen and knowing the might prove superior on other deals. It N ♥ 8 7 4 ♥ J 3 W E location of the five key cards, Len seemed to me that the main advantage ♦ J 9 6 S ♦ Q 4 2 thought a grand slam could be on to Len and Neil was that they were ♣ 8 4 2 ♣ J 9 7 6 3 and bid five no-trumps, asking about using RKCB (despite North, not South ♠ A K 8 2 kings. Neil’s six no-trumps confirmed asking). ♥ 10 9 6 5 he held two and Len bid the grand. My purchase of another round of ♦ 10 8 Millie led a low spade. After testing drinks quelled any residual bickering, ♣ A K Q hearts, Neil set up the diamonds by but by then the 007 theme tune from ruffing the third round to make all the James Bond film Diamonds Are thirteen tricks. At the other table, the Forever was playing in my head and As opener, Len bid one diamond, auction was more restrained. just wouldn’t go away. ■

BRIDGE April 2015 Page 31 Heather’s Private Bridge Lessons

Take-Out Doubles

hat call do you make on the West North East South Wfollowing hand? 1♥ ♠ A K Q 10 9 3 ? ♥ 10 9 N ♦ K 10 9 W E S ♠ A K 5 2 You would prefer to have had a ♣ A 8 ♥ 5 N singleton, however, you have 14 ♦ K J 9 3 W E points to go with your doubleton in S ♣ Q 10 8 4 the opponent’s suit, so begin with a West North East South double. 1♥ However… ? West North East South 1♥ Start with a double and then, over ? ♠ A 5 2 partner’s expected two of a minor, you ♥ K 10 9 N can rebid 2♠. You have an ideal hand for a take-out ♦ K J 9 W E Double and then jump bid in a suit S double: shortage in the opposition’s ♣ K 10 8 4 = 19-21 points. opening suit, a good hand which For example: would have opened the bidding and good holdings in the other three suits. West North East South Double of right hand opponent’s 1♥ ♠ A K Q 10 9 6 opening bid of a suit is for take-out. ? ♥ K Q 5 N The requirement for a take-out double ♦ A Q 10 W E S is one of the following hand-types: Here, you have 14 points again, but ♣ 5 only three cards in the unbid major A hand that you would have opened and three cards in the opponent’s suit, the bidding, with shortage in the so it is better to pass. West North East South opponent’s suit and happy for Note that, if you have a five-card 1♥ partner to call any of the other three suit, you would usually bid this in ? suits, but especially any unbid major. preference to making a take-out double. This hand is far too powerful to The fewer cards you hold in the consider 1♠. You must double first and opponent’s suit, the more suitable you Double may also be the first move on then show your strength by jumping are for a take-out double. It follows a strong hand. to 3♠ over partner’s expected two of that your point requirement should a minor. Note that, although you are take this into account. As a guide: If you double and bid again, much showing a very powerful hand, 3♠ is With a singleton in RHO suit look of the above discussion is nullified. not 100% forcing. for 11+ points. With a doubleton 13+ You would no longer be promising Double and then double jump in points. With a tripleton 15+ points. any particular holding in the majors. a suit = 22+ points. This is forcing. Thus, holding: A suit overcall shows around 8-15 There may be the odd occasion when points, a jump overcall is weak and a game cannot be made. However, since 1NT overcall is 15-18 points. Doubling with these hands you would have ♠ A K 5 2 and then following partner’s response forced to game with an opening bid of ♥ 5 2 with another call would show a hand 2♣ if RHO had not opened in front of ♦ K J 9 N that was too strong for any of these you, it makes sense to play it as forcing ♣ K 10 8 4 W E actions: Double and then bid a suit = and allows more room to investigate S 16-18 points. For example: the right game or possibly a slam.

Page 32 BRIDGE April 2015 Take-Out Doubles continued West North East South forcing to suit agreement. This means 1♠ Dbl Pass that, if a fit is found (in other words if a ? suit is bid and raised), but the bidding is still below game, this may be passed. Bid 3♣. Now consider partner’s hand However, until a fit is found, all suit Double and bid no-trumps at the opposite: bids are forcing. For example: cheapest level = 19-21 points.

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

Knowing that you hold at least nine West North East South West North East South points for your jump, partner can see 1♥ Dbl Pass 1♥ that there are sufficient high cards for ? ? game, and will try 3NT. How do you plan the play on the ♠6 lead from There are values for game; but which Your hand is a no-trump shape and South? one? Without a stop in hearts you you have good stops in the opposition cannot call no-trumps and you are suit but you are too strong to overcall equal in the other suits. Let partner 1NT. You must double first and, over ♠ A 5 4 ♠ K 3 join in the decision-making by cue- partner’s response, you will rebid no- ♥ Q 6 N ♥ K 8 7 4 bidding the enemy suit. Bid 2♥. When trumps at the lowest available level. ♦ Q 5 W E ♦ 10 6 4 3 the opponents have opened one of a S Double and then jump bid in no- ♣ J 10 9 5 4 3 ♣ A K Q major, a cue-bid tends to deny four trumps = 22+ points. of the other major. However, if the opposition open a minor, you could Responding to partner’s West North East South choose to cue-bid the enemy suit if take-out double 1♠ Dbl Pass you were equal in the majors and ask 3♣ Pass 3NT partner to choose. You are obliged to call in response to the double unless your RHO bids, or First, you must win this trick with the Responding to partner’s double when you wish to convert your partner’s king, preserving your entry to the long there was a bid on your right. take-out double into a penalty double. clubs, then cash your three top clubs. For this, you should have at least five What now? West North East South cards in the opponent’s suit. Stop and count your tricks. Six clubs 1♥ Dbl 2♥ and two spades are only eight and if ? Responding to partner’s double when you cross to the ace of spades now to there has been pass on your right. cash your clubs, the defence will be left You no longer have to bid since partner with plenty of established winners to has another chance to bid again if very West North East South cash. Instead, you must develop your strong. However, if you hold a decent 1♦ Dbl Pass ninth trick in hearts first, while you suit and enough values to respond at ? still have spades guarded. There is a the level you have reached, you should small chance that the opponents will take the opportunity to bid. This ‘free’ Because South has passed, you must have four diamond tricks to cash, but bid shows around six points at the bid unless you have a strong holding in it is a risk you must take. one-level and eight at the two-level. diamonds. With 0-8 points, bid your With a balanced hand and a stop in best suit, giving priority to a major if the suit bid by the opposition, bid: Protective take-out doubles it is as good (or nearly as good) as a 1NT with 6-9 points. holding. With 9-11 points 2NT with 10-12 points. You should be prepared to enter the jump bid in your best suit. 3NT with 13+ points. bidding in fourth seat after two passes With 13+ points, you know you want to on lighter values than for overcalls in be in game but sometimes you do not the second seat. The general rule for ♠ A 5 4 know which game is most appropriate. protective bidding is that you may be a ♥ Q 6 N On these occasions, you can begin king lighter than in second seat. Thus ♦ Q 5 W E S by cue bidding the opponent’s suit. with a hand of nine points or so and ♣ J 10 9 5 4 3 This allows a dialogue to commence the right distribution, you will protect between you and your partner which is with a take-out double. ■

BRIDGE April 2015 Page 33 Improve Your Defence with Andrew Kambites

A Modern System of Leads

he main purpose of this article holding such as ♦A-6-5-3. ♠J or the ♠9, obviously the ♠J because is to examine how effective However, suppose West has led the East can see the ♠9 in dummy. West standard systems of leads are top card from an interior sequence, also has one higher, non touching Tand propose some new ideas that in this case ♠K-J-10-7-5. If that is the honour, clearly the ♠K as he would might be an improvement. case, West can defeat the contract have led the ♠Q from a holding such immediately by leading a spade back. as ♠Q-J-10-7-5. So East must take the Strong Ten Leads This highlights a serious problem ♠A and return the ♠3. in traditional methods, namely that In the example below, West leads the West will lead the ♠J from two such Second Highest Leads ♠J against declarer’s 3NT contract. different holdings and East may have How should East defend? no way of discovering which is held. from Bad Suits For this reason, many partnerships South North use a method called ‘strong ten leads’. You choose to lead from ♠8-7-2. 1NT 3NT The idea is that the lead of a jack Which card do you lead? denies a higher honour in the suit, The most common agreement is to hence the jack is not led from interior lead the middle card from three small. ♠ 9 6 sequences. A lead of the ten, unless it Your next card will be the highest, ♥ A 6 5 is a short suit (singleton or doubleton), followed by the lowest. Middle Up ♦ 8 7 is always from an interior sequence. Down: MUD. ♣ A K Q 7 5 2 It shows either the jack or the nine, This is quite effective. If you lead the ♠J led ♠ A 3 2 and one non-touching higher honour, ♠2, partner would probably expect N ♥ 10 8 4 2 hence the term: ‘Strong Ten Leads’. you to hold an honour. If you start W E ♦ Q J 10 9 ♠ S Thus you lead the ten from: A-J-10- with the 8 (top of nothing) and ♣ 6 4 3-2, K-J-10-3-2, A-10-9-3-2, K-10- follow it with a lower card, partner 9-3-2 or Q-10-9-3-2. This is easier might wonder whether you started than it sounds. Usually partner can with a doubleton, particularly if you East should certainly take his ♠A at see enough of the missing cards in led against a suit contract. MUD trick 1. Declarer follows with the ♠4. dummy or in his hand to work out gives your partner the best chance of What next? your holding. working out what is going on. But if it The problem is that there are two Let us apply this to our example is important to distinguish between a very different holdings that West above. If West leads the ♠J, East will lead from rubbish or from a stronger could have. know that declarer has the ♠K and holding with a 3-card suit, surely it is If West has led from top of a sequence, ♠Q, making it clearcut to switch to the just as important to do the same when ie ♠J-10-8-7-5, then declarer has two ♦Q at trick 2. leading from a 4-card or longer suit. spade stoppers and he will take at least Suppose West had led the ♠10 In the next example partner leads nine tricks as soon as he gets the lead. instead. Clearly, it isn’t from shortage. the ♠3, taken by your ♠A, declarer In that case, East must switch to the Therefore, West has led from an following with the ♠6. What do you ♦Q at trick 2, hoping partner has a interior sequence. West has either the do next?

Page 34 BRIDGE April 2015 A Modern System of Leads continued East could work out that if this was a West North East South fourth highest lead, West would have 1NT led from a suit headed by ♠K-J-10-8. 2♣1 3NT All Pass However, the correct card to lead from 1At least 5-4 shape in the major suits. this holding is the ♠10 if playing strong South North ten leads. Therefore, West has led his 1NT 3NT second best spade from a bad suit, ♠ A Q 2 a suit with no picture card. Placing ♥ A 8 declarer with two spade stoppers, it ♦ J 10 8 3 2 ♠ 9 4 would be clearcut for East to switch to ♣ K 3 2 ♥ A 5 3 the ♦Q. ♦ 8 6 Of course, I must stress again that N ♣ A K J 10 6 5 leading second highest from bad suits W E S ♠ 3 led ♠ A Q 7 won’t solve all your problems. East N ♥ 9 6 4 would have led the ♠3 from ♠J-8-5-3 ♠ 8 6 W E ♦ Q J 10 9 ♥ J 9 6 S (a diamond switch may be necessary) ♣ 7 4 2 or from ♠K-J-8-3-2 (when you must ♦ K Q 9 4 persevere with spades). However, it ♣ A Q J 8 does help when West has led from Partner could easily have led from a a particularly weak spade holding, holding such as ♠K-10-5-3-2, allowing so it can only be regarded as an Do you try dummy’s ♠Q? Of course, you to take the first five spade tricks, improvement on standard methods. this is a trick question. If you were so you have little choice but to return a playing at the table, you would have spade. However, you are disappointed An integrated Lead System the right to ask your opponents about when declarer turns out to hold: their leading methods. In this case, It needs to be stressed that you cannot if you ask, you would be told that the sit opposite an unfamiliar partner lead of the ♠J denies a higher honour. ♠ K J 6 2 and assume you are playing strong It is rare to find defenders false carding ♥ K Q 7 ten leads and second highest from at trick 1 because they would be far ♦ K 7 4 bad suits unless you have discussed more likely to mislead partner than ♣ Q 8 3 it. However, I do recommend that declarer, so you can be pretty certain you discuss these methods with your that East has the ♠K. Best play is to regular partner. If you like the ideas, rise with the ♠A at trick 1 (you cannot Your frustration increases when you play them, irrespective of whether you afford a heart switch) and drive out realise a diamond switch would have are leading against no-trumps or a suit the ♦A. If West perseveres with the beaten the contract. contract. Strong ten leads and second ♠10 or ♠9, don’t cover with the ♠Q. No system of leads will solve all your from bad suits go together well. If East takes your ♠Q with the ♠K on the dilemmas, but modern practice is to you play strong ten leads, partner has third round but now there is no entry lead the fourth highest in a suit only every right to assume that if you lead to West’s spades. when you have a picture card (jack the ♠10 against no-trumps, it is from or higher). From bad suits (defined as an interior sequence. Of course, that lacking a picture card), the correct lead means that you can no longer lead the ♠ J 10 9 7 4 ♠ K 5 3 ♠ ♠ ♥ K 10 7 3 2 N ♥ Q 5 4 is the second highest. 10 from 10-9-8-3-2. If you are also W E In the above example, West, with leading second highest from bad suits ♦ A 7 S ♦ 6 5 ♠10-8-5-3 would have led his second that is no problem: lead the ♠9. Unless ♣ 4 ♣ 10 9 7 6 5 highest spade, the ♠8. This is just an you have good cause to do otherwise, extension of the idea of leading the your next spade will be the ♠3, the second best card from three small. original fourth best. Partner will The only misgivings I have heard Only on the second round of the suit look very carefully for the ♠2 because from experts about playing strong can you distinguish between a lead knowledge of who has this card will ten leads and second from suits from a 3-card suit, when you follow tell him whether you started with four without a picture is that, while it with a higher card: MUD; or a 4-card spades or five. gives valuable information to partner, or longer suit, when usual practice is that information is also available to follow up by playing your original Any Disadvantages? to declarer, if he asks. At club level fourth highest. Usually, partner can declarer asks rarely. Don’t forget tell after the second card whether you I know this is an article on defence that, while opponents must alert or have led from a doubleton or from a but please humour me and try this announce conventional bids, no leads suit with four or more cards. In my declarer problem. Plan your play as are alerted, so if you want to know, example, West would have led the ♠8. declarer in 3NT. West leads the ♠J. you must ask. ■

BRIDGE April 2015 Page 35 Sally’s Slam of the Month One Success and One Disaster

Mr Bridge will provide a small prize each month for the winner of Slam of the Month. The slam should be bid using reasonably natural methods and display good judgement rather than good guessing. The reader should give me a running commentary of the thought processes used in arriving at the final contract (which need not be successful, but does need to be a good contract).

t last, I have a slam hand that, for this action North surely has successful one, using another modern sent in by a reader, Margaret the major-suit queens, because he but simple slam-bidding tool. This Bleakley from Belfast. And a can’t have anything else useful. South one was bid recently by Anita Sinclair Ajolly difficult slam it is. jumps to the grand slam in hearts, and in the prestigious expecting North to convert only with Icelandic tournament. significant preference for spades. ♠ Q 8 2 Unfortunately, when the hand ♥ Q 3 occurred, North-South were playing Dealer West. N/S Game. ♦ Q Benjaminised Acol. This is a system ♠ A K 10 8 5 2 ♠ 9 7 4 3 ♣ K J 10 7 6 5 2 used widely in UK bridge clubs, but ♥ 10 N ♥ Void W E ♦ ♦ hardly at all on the international scene Q 8 6 S A K 5 N and this deal demonstrates why. To ♣ 8 7 5 ♣ A K Q J 10 9 W E ♦ S have to open 2 on this deal rather than 2♣ makes it much more difficult. ♠ A K 10 6 3 West East ♥ A K J 10 6 2 West North East South 2♠ 5♥ ♦ A 2♦ 6♣ 7♠ ♣ A Pass 2♥ Pass 3♥ Pass 4♣ Pass 4♠ 5♥ was Exclusion Roman Key Card Pass 5NT Pass 7♥ Blackwood. Any jump beyond game Playing Acol, I would suggest: All Pass is ERKCB, asking for ‘aces’ outside the suit bid (ie, outside hearts here). The West North East South When South bids both majors in this 6♣ response showed two without the 2♣ auction, he need not be anything like queen, so East knew the grand slam Pass 2♦ Pass 2♥ so distributional. However, North has was well within the odds, needing just Pass 3♣ Pass 3♠ two queens that he knows must be a 2-1 trump break. Well bid. ■ Pass 4♣ Pass 4♠ worth the world to his partner, as well Pass 5♦ Pass 7♥ as a singleton diamond and the king of All Pass clubs which are of more dubious value, so he must insist on slam. 5NT is widely I am sure that all of you While it would not be wrong to make played as ‘pick a slam’ these days and out there have slam a positive response with a good seven- I would thoroughly recommend that card suit, the North hand is a bit short you take that up as a bit of system that auctions that you are of controls. When South shows 5-6 comes in enormously useful. proud of. So send them to in the majors and a virtually forcing Basically, in any auction where you [email protected] hand (though I guess North could pass have bid more than one suit, then 5NT and I’ll publish the with, say, two or three small spades bid directly (ie, not after 4NT) asks best few and choose and a singleton or void heart), North partner to pick a slam. is worth some sign of life and cue-bids Having taken up most of my space a winner each month. his singleton diamond. South can see with this deal, I will present a nice

Page 36 BRIDGE April 2015 Conventions Part 4 with Jeremy Dhondy Defence to Pre-Empts

pponents like pre-empting as possible right or as nearly right as proposition. because they get to bid on you can. Suppose the auction starts: More on what partner should re- relatively few points and, with open with later. Oluck, cause you considerable incon- West North East South venience. Forty years ago, the conven- 1♥ Dbl 4♥ 4♠ tion card was awash with exotic names ? ♠ K J 8 4 like Fishbein, Herbert, Halsall, Lower ♥ A Q 7 6 N Minor, FILMX and many more which You are forced to decide whether ♦ 4 W E S described how either side defended to defend and, if so, doubled or ♣ A K 6 5 against a three level pre-empt. They undoubled, whether to go to the all had one thing in common which five level or whether to try for slam. was that they didn’t work all that Deciding about the five level is tough You double for take-out. Here, you well, but they were beloved by their and many players, including top ones, not only have support for all the other proponents who believed firmly that get it wrong at least some of the time. suits, but will also be happy if part- you must punish a pre-empt and, un- The same applies to auctions which ner can bid 3NT or pass for penalties. less you played a penalty double, you start with a three level pre-empt. Double is a flexible call and will give couldn’t do so. Even then, you could Let’s start with some easy hands you your best chance of solving as defend pre-empts any way you chose, where the opponent’s pre-empt does many problems as possible. It won’t al- so one player invented his own system not inconvenience you very much, if ways work. Sometimes, your left hand in which a double asked how many at all. In all the following, your RHO opponent will hold a good hand and points partner held. In the sequence: opens 3♦. be prepared to double your final con- tract. If you never call for fear of this, West North East South then you will be destined to record 3♥ Dbl Pass ♠ A Q J 9 8 7 6 hands where you pick up +150 or +300 4♦ ♥ K Q 5 N by beating their pre-empt by three ♦ 4 W E tricks, but miss a number of making S 4♦ showed 10-12 points. Now you ♣ K 9 games or the ability to take a penal- could try to sort out where you had a ty. If they double your contract and fit. It was such a lamentable convention you go four down for -800 when they that it died a death and indeed most You have a good suit and sufficient can score +130, it is 12 IMPs out, but of the names above have disappeared values to make game a good prospect +150 from beating them three when into the history bin. If you look at so just bid 4♠. you can score +650 in your game is 11 a top player’s system card, his basic IMPs out. It’s just -800 feels worse. agreement will be double for take-out. Double is the most flexible call but Are there pitfalls to this method? Yes. ♠ A 4 sometimes your hand is not suitable Can the old methods work? Yes. It’s ♥ K Q 5 N for this. Suppose you hold: all just a matter of frequency. And, of ♦ K J 9 7 3 W E S course, there are some new toys as well. ♣ 8 3 2 Time for a principle: when the ♠ K J 9 7 5 4 opponents pre-empt, accept that you ♥ A Q 3 N won’t always emerge from an auction, You pass smoothly and hope ♦ K 7 6 W E S doing exactly the right thing. What you partner re-opens with a double. You ♣ 4 should seek to do is get as many hands haven’t enough to make 3NT a good

BRIDGE April 2015 Page 37 Defence to Pre-Empts Whilst you could double and remove diamond bids to a major, this would ♠ Q 9 5 have the twin problem that partner ♥ K J 5 N won’t know you have five of the other ♦ K 9 3 W E S Over any three level pre-empt, you are major and he also may not think you ♣ J 7 6 5 not good enough to bid 4♠ and not are as strong as you are. Therefore, suitable to make a take-out double, making a cue bid (4♣) to show a decent so you bid a simple 3♠. If your suit hand with at least 5-5 in the majors, You should pass. Partner may well was hearts, you could make a simple rather like a Michaels cue bid but have a 13 count with 5 or 6 spades. 3♥ call. Both of these allow partner stronger, is the traditional meaning Even if he has a little more, your ♦K to pass, raise or bid 3NT. It is slightly for this bid. Some players have taken is of dubious value and, of course, different if you hold clubs as you will this a step further and use four-level trumps are more likely to break badly go beyond 3NT and it is possible that suit bids to show all 5-5 hand types. if the opponents have pre-empted. there are better meanings for 4♣. They always show decent strength. Now it goes: Suppose your opponent opens 3♦ and A standard rule is never to pre-empt you hold: over a pre-empt. West North East South Suppose an opponent opens 3♥ and 3♦ Pass Pass you hold: ? ♠ A Q 5 ♥ J 3 N ♦ A Q 4 W E ♠ A K J 7 5 ♠ K 7 6 S ♣ K Q J 7 6 ♥ 3 N ♥ A 10 5 2 N ♦ A Q J 6 5 W E ♦ 3 W E S S ♣ K 8 ♣ A K 7 5 3 You are too strong to pass. It’s possible that 4♠ is the right contract, but doubling will likely result in partner If you bid 3♠, then there is a risk of It’s right to double. First of all, you have bidding hearts. If you bid 4♣, then partner passing when you have game a fairly suitable shape. It’s possible you you have missed 3NT (the most likely on. If you double, then which suit will will land in a 4-3 spade fit but that’s making contract). I would bid 3NT you show when partner bids 3NT or no reason to pass it out, because an and hope that, if they choose to lead 4♣? If you bid 4♠ then you may play appreciable proportion of the time a heart, partner has something in the the 5-1 fit with a 5-4 fit in diamonds partner will have a diamond holding. suit. It won’t always work, but it stands available. The solution is to make what This is more likely because South has more chance of success than 4♣ does. is known as a non- not raised diamonds. Suppose your opponent opens 3♣ bid. Over the 3♥ pre-empt, 4♣ shows If, given the same auction, your and you hold: clubs and spades and 4♦ shows hand was: diamonds and spades. Although not 100% forcing they do show good hands ♠ A K J 7 5 and always at least 5-5. The scheme is: Hand A ♥ A Q J 6 5 N ♠ K 7 6 ♦ 3 W E Opponent You bid ♥ K 10 5 2 N S ♣ K 8 ♦ 3 W E opens S 3♣ 4♣ = majors ♣ A J 7 5 3 4♦ = diamonds + a major 3♦ 4♣ = clubs + a major ♦ REDUCE THE COST OF 4 = majors I would still double. The chances ♥ ♣ YOUR POSTAGE 3 4 = clubs + spades of something going wrong are a bit 4♦ = diamonds + spades higher, for example, partner jumping Postage stamps for sale at 90% of face-value, ♠ ♣ all mint with full gum. Quotations for 3 4 = clubs + hearts to game in a major and we neither have commercial quantities available on request. 4♦ = diamonds + hearts quite the values nor a good fit, but if we Values supplied in 100s, higher values pass we may miss a penalty or a decent available as well as 1st and 2nd class Suppose you are in fourth position. If contract of our own. Partner, having (eg 2nd class: 100x37p+100x16p). partner has bid, you should probably seen you pass and miss a penalty, will show him a little latitude. Suppose the be more inclined to bid 3NT next time (/Fax 020 8422 4906 auction had started: on something not all that suitable. You e-mail: clive.goff@ can hear him saying, ‘I had to take londonrugby.com West North East South my chances as I am playing with a 3♦ 3♠ Pass Trappist monk.’ ? When you double in fourth seat,

Page 38 BRIDGE April 2015 Defence to Pre-Empts ♠ K J 9 5 BERNARD MAGEE ♥ K 4 3 N W E ♦ A 6 S part of you is hoping that ♣ Q 10 7 6 at Denham Grove partner has something like: near Uxbridge, Bucks, UB9 5DG.

If you pass, you may well ♠ A 5 miss game. If you bid 4♠, 8-11 January 2016 N ♥ J 9 4 you may find you have W E £399pp Friday – Monday S ♦ K J 9 7 missed your heart fit when ♣ K 10 4 2 partner has a 3-5-1-4 shape. £369pp Friday – Sunday If you double to show values and no clear bid, then full board With the West in Hand A, you give your side its best Limited places for Thursday night available. you have combined values chance of finding the right £65pp single, £40pp double/twin. short of game but there is a contract, which could be 4♦ very real chance of taking doubled. 3♦ several off when you can Sometimes, particularly only make a part score. if they are not vulnerable, Topics Thus far, the opponents they will raise to the five have been mostly co- level and, here, you should COUNTING DEFENCE operative except for their bid a suit if you have some Defence is the hardest aspect of bridge, but if you can learn to defend in conjunction with your partner, it becomes the most opening bid, but sometimes values and length. You will rewarding element at the same time. they will raise. If they raise almost never have a penalty a pre-empt by one level, double based on trumps, but Extra TRICKS in NO-TRUMPS then they are hoping you you can double to seek to Long suits are an integral part of the bidding and the play – developing extra tricks from them will often be the difference will misguess. Suppose the persuade partner to defend between making or going down in your contract. auction goes: if you don’t think a five level contract is likely for your SUPPORTING PARTNER West North East South side. Will you be right? Not When you hold support for your partner, the two hands can fully evaluate, often allowing the partnership to bid much higher than 3♦ Dbl 4♦ all of the time, which is why the high card points might suggest. We will look at a number ? people pre-empt. ■ of conventions that can help you bid to good games and bid to great slams. FINESSING come in all sorts of different varieties and come up on Summary almost every hand you play. Getting the most out of your honour combinations is a crucial part of declarer play. Should you lead l Accept you can’t always get to the right high or low, finesse to the right or to the left? contract when the opponents pre-empt and BIDDING DISTRIBUTIONAL HANDS concentrate on getting as many hands Distributional hands can be great fun to bid and to play, right as possible. particularly when you find a fit. And how do you find a fit… by bidding more! l Allow some leeway to partner who has been handed a tricky situation and doesn’t need COPING with PRE-EMPTS you to punish him (but don’t be too much of How do you defend against pre-empts and weak twos; how do you a mouse). cope with weak overcalls and jump support? When your bidding space is taken away you have to use a few extra techniques, but most of all you have to use your judgement. Improving your l Play double for take-out over pre-empts and understanding will allow you to collect the big penalties and give up the old conventions if you are in the better scores. minority still playing them.

l Consider how you will play 4♣ and 4♦ after a pre-empt. 6 seminar sessions with Bernard1 2 l If the opponents raise a pre-empt when 6 sessions of supervised play partner has doubled or bid, then use double Contact Mr Bridge to book your place as a flexible weapon saying, ‘I have values or for further details: ( 01483 489961 but nothing clear to bid.’ 1Filmed 2Not with Bernard Magee

BRIDGE April 2015 Page 39 Better Hand Beginners’ Bridge Corner Evaluation Bernard Magee Mary’s Sixteenth Lesson Introduction

Better Hand Evaluation is by Liz Dale aimed at helping readers to add greater accuracy to their lasdair said, ‘Picture – (only one of five opening Following several examples bidding. It deals with auc- the scene. It happens two bids) has taken a good on the Smartboard and tions in which you and your partner, against silent op- A over and over again four minutes or more.’ clearing up the 2♣ Stayman ponents, can describe your in bridge clubs and homes The Smartboard now confusions, Alasdair decided hands fully to each other all over the country. The hand highlighted the requirements the learners were ready to and, by evaluating them ac- has been dealt. Opener has for a strong two (see the box look at example hands of curately, find the best final contract. The emphasis of all counted his high card points below). the strong opening bids of good, accurate bidding is on already, but now he counts ‘As a courtesy to your 2♦, 2♥ and 2♠. Alasdair hand evaluation. them again. Opener is under partner, you really do have continued, ‘You might find There are two general types of stress. Then he probably shifts to learn by heart what each these three bids the easiest auction: a) a fit is found and b) uncomfortably in his seat. of the opening two bids because they describe the no fit is found. He knows he has a strong means and the point count hand very well, “Partner, I When you do not have a fit, two opening bid, but can for each bid.’ Obviously, am so strong I can’t bid at you are aiming to describe the he remember which bid to Alasdair felt very strongly the one level.” Opener may strength of your hand as soon as possible, most often using open so that partner knows about this. Umm! Better listen have one really good suit, ie, no-trump bids. This book be- exactly his shape and point and learn, thought Mary. 6331 which he bids, or it may gins by discussing balanced count? The other players are Everyone was very quiet. be he has two good suits, ie, hand bidding in Acol, as it waiting impatiently. Opener Probably thinking the same, 5521 and he is intending to is very important that both members of a partnership may count up his HCPs yet thought Mary. No-one was show the second suit on his have an accurate knowledge of again, or frowning put a smiling or even nodding rebid.’ Finally, Alasdair put how to show hands of different hand over his mouth, even in agreement. Stunned, on the board examples of the strengths. shaking his head. Opener she thought, like herself. straightforward 2NT opening When a fit is found, there is may say, “Sorry about this,” Joan, coming to the bid showing 20-22 HCPs. The much re-evaluation of the without taking his eyes from rescue as usual, looking 2NT bid was easy – you just hand to be done; point count, his hand. After what seems though still important, needs around the room and had to learn the point count. to be evaluated together with an age, the Stop card is drawing everyone in, said, Satisfied after a 20 minute distribution. The best way of put on the table. Finally, he ‘I don’t think any of us can question and answer session, reaching an accurate assess­ makes a decision. Everyone is leave this morning unless Alasdair, giving out the ment is to use the Losing Trick relieved. A strong opening 2♣ Count; this is an important we know the five strong homework sheets, said, ‘Next method of hand evaluation and bid has gone on the table. opening two bids.’ Laughter. week the learners could takes up a number of chapters. Everyone looks expectantly at Tension broken. Back to move on to the real hard Finally, we move on to different opener’s partner who is now normal. Thank you Joan, work, the real difficulty, that forms of evaluation including putting the blue Alert card on Mary said quietly to herself of identifying the correct game tries and splinter bids. the table. Thank goodness, and not for the first time responses by partner.’ You can never know enough bidding has now commenced. thought how lucky she was Everyone relaxed visibly. methods of hand evaluation; the more you learn, the better What should have been an to have Joan both as a Thank goodness. Play could you get at judging your hand. easy, strong two opening friend and bridge partner. commence. ■ Although the Losing Trick Count is used more easily in tandem with your partner, a large proportion of the ideas Strong Opening Two Bids (requiring the Stop card): in this book can be used by an 2♣ = 23+ HCPs. Unbalanced or balanced. Unidentified suit. individual. For example, eval- uating your hand to be worth Alertable as the bid may or may not show clubs. an extra point is going to help anyone you partner – as long 2♦/♥/♠ = 18-22 HCPs. Unbalanced. Could be one suited in ♦/♥/♠ as you get it right. or could be two suited ie 6-5 or 5-5. Partner announces, ‘Strong and Forcing.’ £14 including UK postage See Mail Order Form 2NT = 20-22 HCPs. Balanced. Partner announces, ‘20 to 22, balanced.’ on page 7.

Page 40 BRIDGE April 2015 Catching Up by Sally Brock

he weekend after the Camrose There were quite a few slam hands: cash the ace of diamonds pitching a weekend, we played with Neil we bid some good ones, missed some spade, queen of hearts to the ace (I Rosen and Michael Byrne in good ones and bid some not-so-good did briefly consider finessing), heart Tthe National Teams Congress. This ones. ruff, club to the king, heart ruff and used to be a really big Swiss teams This was a not-so-good one that another trump. weekend and I remember travelling came in, a bit luckily, towards the end: As the cards lay, I couldn’t go down up to Leeds to play in it on several (though I did hear of one declarer occasions. But numbers have dwindled who went down by ruffing her way and the EBU have tried to resuscitate Dealer South. Game All. back to hand to take her second heart it by introducing a Point-a-Board ♠ A J 4 2 ruff; then she had a club guess for her competition. ♥ Q contract, which she got wrong). In Point-a-Board, you play teams ♦ A Q 8 7 This year, because the Lady Milne with, effectively, matchpoint scoring. ♣ 8 5 4 2 is to be held in England (Holiday Inn, On any board, all that matters ♠ 10 8 6 3 ♠ K 9 5 Birmingham Airport, April 17–19), is whether or not you beat your ♥ K 10 9 N ♥ 6 5 2 England get two teams. Anita and I will W E ♦ J 6 5 4 2 ♦ K 10 9 3 opponents’ score. If you do, you score S join the preselected Gillian Fawcett/ 2 points, 1 for a tie and, obviously, 0 for ♣ 3 ♣ A J 7 Jane Moore and Sarah Teshome/Cath a loss. Then, you add up all your points ♠ Q 7 Jagger to be the number one team and come up with a winner. Actually, ♥ A J 8 7 4 3 (England), while the second, third and it’s jolly good fun and you need a quite ♦ Void fourth placed pairs from the trials will different approach. ♣ K Q 10 9 6 form the second team (EBU). For that weekend, you could choose Otherwise, life has been fairly quiet. either to play Point-a-Board or to play The house is now totally magnolia in a normal Swiss teams. This had the This was our sequence: with no pictures on the walls. We have effect of dividing the field and, as there thrown out some furniture and need were fewer than 50 teams in all, both West North East South just a bit more tidying before we are events were quite small. 1♥ ready to get the estate agents back to We had a very enjoyable time but Pass 1♠ Pass 2♣ take more photos and then put it back Barry and I didn’t play well. We Pass 2♦ Pass 2♥ on the market. finished fourth but could easily have Pass 3♣ Pass 4♦ Online work continues to progress. done a lot better. Pass 4♥ Pass 5♦ ProBridge (www.pro-bridge.co.uk – Then, it was the trials for the Lady Pass 6♣ All Pass do go and take a look if you haven’t Milne (women’s home international). already) continues to meander along This year, I played with Anita Sinclair I was South and felt that partner with a few enquiries most weeks. and it all went rather well for us. should have bid 2NT (forcing, as 2♦ There are plans afoot to start a In previous years, it seemed that was game-forcing) over 2♥. It is highly regular online drop-in bridge club. At whenever we had a ‘normal’ match, we unlikely we want to play in clubs unless every table there will be a ProBridge lost by a few, but this year every time I can bid the suit again (which I would pro there to oversee and offer we had a ‘normal’ match, we won by a have done on this hand). I might then constructive advice. few. And we were given a lot of gifts. have been a bit more restrained. I’ll give you more details next month We were always near the top of the On a spade lead, the play was fairly as it’s due to start at the beginning of field and finished first. straightforward: win the ace of spades, May. ■

BRIDGE April 2015 Page 41 Bernard Magee DVDs – Number Four VOYAGES TO ANTIQUITY Dalmatia, Finding Sicily & and

Italy BRIDGE HOSTS JOHN & REBECCA Bidding Slams RONAN idding slams is a great joy of so he bids it. Note that 4NT would not bridge, but more often than not, be Blackwood, it would be a quantita- we find ourselves at the game tive bid, asking partner to pass or bid Blevel making 12 or 13 tricks. It is dif- 6NT according to his strength: here he ficult to teach how to find slams, be- would pass. Although you are missing cause as soon as you mention the sub- one ace, there are an easy twelve tricks ject, you start thinking about slams. and you will notice how valuable your I tried to address this idea in the queens and jacks are. first part of the seminar: setting out the requirements for a slam, both in ♠ Enjoy daily duplicates as you no-trumps and in suit contracts. In A K 9 8 4 3 sail to the outstanding beauty no-trumps, you are aiming gener- ♥ 9 7 6 N ally for 33 HCP: queens and jacks are ♦ A 3 W E of the Adriatic and the historic S sites of Italy as important as your aces and kings, ♣ 6 2 very often supplying the extra tricks June 26, 2015 12 days from Rome to Venice required. Fly to Rome to join Aegean Odyssey, However, when it comes to suit EAST 1 EAST 2 Cruise to Sorrento • Amalfi • Taormina slams, outside the trump suit the ♠ 2 ♠ Q J 2 Corfu • Sarande • Lecce • Dubrovnik queens and jacks might be less im- ♥ A 8 4 ♥ 3 Split • Urbino • Venice • Fly home portant: your distribution becomes a ♦ K Q 8 7 2 ♦ K Q 8 7 2 MR BRIDGE FARES INCLUDE: ♣ A K Q 4 ♣ A K 4 3 • Return air with free regional major factor. Generally, 30 total points connections from selected UK airports will offer the potential for slam. This • Sightseeing excursions in most ports includes your evaluation for long suits • Mr Bridge programme West East 1 • Complimentary wine at dinner and shortages: the losing trick count • Gratuities for on-board cabin and will also help you assess your chances. 1♠ 2♦ restaurant staff 2♠ 3♣ Standard Inside from £1,995pp 3♠ 4♠ Standard Outside from £2,450pp ♠ A 10 3 ♠ K Q 4 Premium Outside from £2,595pp ♥ A Q 5 4 N ♥ K 7 6 These hands show the difference be- Single supplement just £100 ♦ K Q W E ♦ A 7 6 5 tween having a fit and not. See how the on selected grades only S ♣ K Q 8 4 ♣ J 10 3 Past Passengers on Aegean Odyessy same West hand combines with these enjoy additional discounts two Easts. East 1 has 18 HCP, but with Extend your holiday with hotel stays in Rome and/or Venice – please ask for details no fit, you are aiming for 33 points in For reservations call West North East South no-trumps. When West persists by 2NT Pass 6NT All Pass rebidding spades, he is showing 6+ spades with minimum strength. 18+ an on 01483 489961 Here is a very simple auction: East expected 11-13 points does not add up adds his points to his partner’s and if to 33, so East should give up and set- the total comes to 33, he goes for slam tle for game. With just one heart stop, – there is no need to ask for aces or 4♠ is probably the best game. 3NT will www.mrbridge.co.uk kings – he knows that the queens and make only 9 tricks (unless diamonds jacks are just as important. 13 + 20-22 break 3-3), but in 4♠, you might escape Terms and conditions apply – see brochure for details gives 33-35 which means slam is on, by losing just two trump tricks.

Page 42 BRIDGE April 2015 Finding and Bidding Slams continued West East ♠ ♣ 1 4 VOYAGES TO ANTIQUITY 4♦ 4♥ 4NT 5♦ West East 2 6♠ All Pass 1♠ 2♦ Greek 2♠ 4NT West opens 1♠ and East has the 5♠ 6♠ three things necessary for a : Support (4+ spades), Points East 2 gets on much better with his (11+ high card points) and Lack of Islands& partner: he has two fewer high card clubs (singleton or void). A double points, but when West rebids spades, he jump response to 1-of-a-major is a knows he has a fit and can re-evaluate. redundant bid, (traditionally a pre- Turkey A five-loser hand as the responder is emptive bid, but you should not really tremendously powerful – in point pre-empt your partner): experts like BRIDGE HOSTS count terms: 15 HCP, a singleton and to use these double jumps as splinter WILL & SYLVIA PARSONS a 5-card suit comes to 18-19 points. bids. You are aiming for 30 total points, so You may have noticed that Support, you are certainly within range. You Points and Lack, begin with the same are missing only four important cards: first three letters as SPLinter. The 4♣ ♠A-K, ♥A and ♦A and there is an easy response basically says, ‘Partner, I way of finding out about them; Key know we can make 4♠, but just in case Card Blackwood. we can make more, I have a singleton Key Card Blackwood uses the same (or void) club. If you fit well with me, responses as normal Blackwood, but then by all means try for slam.’ includes the king of trumps in the West fits beautifully with East’s calculation. Hence, West’s response shortage: his weak club holding can Enjoy daily duplicates as you sail shows three key cards (♠A-K and ♦A). be ruffed away, so he would like to try through the stunning Greek Islands Slam is straightforward, with only for slam. Blackwood is not ideal yet, to the historic treasures the ♥A to lose. because of his weakness in hearts (he of the classical world Identifying slams is very difficult, it might lose two tricks in that suit) so August 26, 2015 requires you to get excited at the right he shows excitement by making a cue 11 days from Athens to Istanbul time; very often this is when you find bid, showing first or second round Fly to Athens to join Aegean Odyssey, Cruise to Delos • Mykonos • Santorini a fit. control in diamonds. East is able to Crete • Kos • Rhodes • Fethiye • Izmir The hands above do not require too return with 4♥ showing his strength Canakkale • Istanbul • Fly home much science to bid them, it was just there and that is enough to allow West MR BRIDGE FARES INCLUDE: about identifying the potential. to use Blackwood. West finds one • Return air with free regional However, in the second part of ace missing, which means he settles connections from selected UK airports • Sightseeing excursions in most ports the DVD, I deal with some of the for 6♠. Just 25 HCP between the two • Mr Bridge programme conventions you might need to hands, but because the singleton fits • Complimentary wine at dinner • Gratuities for on-board cabin and bid slams accurately. Key Card perfectly, the two hands will make 12 restaurant staff Blackwood, Splinters and cue bids tricks comfortably: two club ruffs in Standard Inside from £1,895pp form the backbone of suit bidding the East hand will be enough. Standard Outside from £2,250pp and, of course, quantitative bidding This is the classic type of hand that Premium Outside from £2,395pp for no-trump slams. fills a traveller with 480s and has many Single supplement just £100 Here is an example of some of these players asking me how they might have on selected grades only conventions in action: reached a slam. So often, my response Past Passengers on Aegean Odyessy will be, ‘if you used splinters …’ enjoy additional discounts Extend your holiday with hotel stays in Athens You will come across plenty of and/or Istanbul – please ask for details ♠ A K 9 8 4 3 ♠ Q J 7 2 excitement in this DVD and if you can For reservations call ♥ 9 4 N ♥ A K J 2 take this excitement and put it in the ♦ A K W E ♦ 10 9 7 2 right places in your future auctions, S on 01483 489961 ♣ 7 6 2 ♣ 4 you are sure to be racking up many more slam bonuses. ■

See Mail Order form on page 7 www.mrbridge.co.uk or www.mrbridge.co.uk Terms and conditions apply – see brochure for details

BRIDGE April 2015 Page 43 Seven Days by Sally Brock

Monday of a certain age will know exactly who queen doesn’t drop, ruff another club he is, as he was the English number before crossing to a diamond and Monday is Briony’s day off and has one tennis player for a while. He is discarding all the hearts on the minor- traditionally become a day we spend teaching Heather to play tennis in suit winners. together – though she is usually busy exchange for her teaching him bridge. in the morning. Today we have lunch We have a chat and a cup of tea, play together and then we go out. Often some bridge, drink some wine, have Wednesday we target a local village or small some supper, play some more bridge – Barry isn’t working today so we town that we don’t know very well all in all an enjoyable few hours. have a lazy morning doing nothing. and have a wander around. Today Buster likes to play and Then I head off to meet Susanna we choose Chalfont St Giles. I guess that brought back a lot of happy in Kensington High Street. We go you would call it a large village, with memories for Barry and me. It was all Japanese. I like Japanese cuisine but 20 or so shops, though many of them the rage when we were at university haven’t had it much, so she orders all are closed as we are still in the lunch and the was in its heyday. this food and then nibbles on a couple hour. It is cold and after a long browse The system uses a lot of canapé – of lettuce leaves and commands me to in a dress shop where everything is where the second suit you bid is longer stuff myself. Still, it’s all good fun. too expensive for us even with its 50% than the first. Later on, I meet Nicola. More food, off sale we head off to Tesco for our Although we have most of the cards this time just a starter at Ask. We get weekly shop. over the session, they have a couple of the tube to St John’s Wood for the first Generally, we make soup on a slam hands that they deal with well. London Super League match of the Monday and decide we’d go with season. whatever vegetables are on offer. It starts off OK when we make four Today it is broccoli, one of Briony’s ♠ Q 10 ♠ A K 8 7 4 2 hearts doubled on the first board. favourites, but we’re not so keen on the ♥ 6 N ♥ Q 7 4 3 Then: soup. We also make a cake. ♦ A K Q 4 W E ♦ 10 6 S In the evening, we catch up on TV ♣ A J 10 6 5 2 ♣ K but also play Scrabble. She beats me … Dealer South. E/W Game. again. ♠ Q West North East South ♥ A Q J 6 2 1♠ Pass ♦ Q J 10 7 Tuesday 2♦1 Pass 2♠ Pass ♣ 10 5 2 We wake up to snow, quite a lot of it, 3♣1 Pass 3♥ Dbl ♠ 9 8 5 4 2 ♠ A K 10 6 3 but not enough seriously to hamper 3♠ Pass 4♣ Pass ♥ 10 9 7 N ♥ 8 5 3 W E 4NT Pass 5♥ Pass ♦ 9 5 ♦ K 8 6 3 travel. After a fasting blood test, I S drive to London in Barry’s car. First 6♠ All Pass 1Canapé ♣ Q 7 3 ♣ 6 to his flat to leave the car and my ♠ J 7 belongings and then further in on the Maybe I make their life a bit easier by ♥ K 4 tube to meet Debbie for lunch. We go doubling 3♥, but I am worried West ♦ A 4 2 to the Wigmore Hall where they do a might bid 3NT and partner won’t lead ♣ A K J 9 8 4 great-value, two course lunch for £10. one. I also make their life easier by After a broccoli and stilton tartlet and leading a top heart before switching a fishcake with spinach, and a lot of to a trump. An initial trump lead West North East South catch-up, mostly about our children, I is better, but it is not so difficult for 1♣ am ready for anything. declarer to win the lead, unblock the Pass 1♦1 1♠ 3♣ After lunch, I meet up with Barry king of clubs, cross to a trump, ruff a 3♠ 4♠ Pass 4NT and we head off to Wimbledon to see club, draw trumps, cross to a diamond, Pass 5♦ Pass 6♣ Heather and Buster Mottram. Anyone cash the ace of clubs and, when the All Pass 1Transfer to hearts

Page 44 BRIDGE April 2015 Seven Days continued Barry and I going for two 1,100 I would have been able to discard my penalties (and actually our overall spade loser on the king. card is significantly plus too, not just teammates). Nicola’s 1♦ is a transfer, showing What would you bid after partner Friday hearts. After she cue bids 4♠ I really opens 2NT, both sides vulnerable? My first date of the day is at the like my hand because of the K-x Andrew Robson Bridge Club. Paul’s in her suit. As it is, 6♣ is a decent wife bought him a duplicate session slam, pretty much depending just on ♠ 8 5 2 with me for Christmas. I haven’t bringing in the trump suit. It looks as ♥ Void played at Robson’s club before and if it is doomed to fail, but West thinks ♦ 9 7 2 am favourably impressed – when I we are prepared for a spade lead and ♣ Q J 10 8 6 5 4 arrive, just after 12, the place is full of leads a diamond instead. Now, I can beginners doing supervised practice. I cash the ace and king of clubs and am made to feel very welcome. After a then play hearts, discarding both my At the other table, they pass which is plate of smoked salmon and avocado spades before West can ruff in. surely wrong. Either the clubs will run with Paul, we settle down to the bridge. In the other room, South chooses or they won’t. The chances of making He is charming and plays very well to open a strong no-trump. North precisely eight tricks are virtually nil. and we are not without a bit of luck. transfers and then bids 3NT; because I choose to bid 5♣ and this is the full When the scores are first posted, we of the singleton queen he thinks that deal: are second by 0.03%, but by the time is more descriptive than showing his the last few results have been added in, diamonds. South passes and there we reach the top by a whisker. they are. This time, West does lead a ♠ A Q 6 3 Then, I have a couple of hours at spade and that is one down. ♥ K 10 4 Barry’s before setting off to the Acol Afterwards, I get a lift to Barry’s, ♦ A 8 3 for my second date. David used to play bore him with a few of our hands, then ♣ A K 9 duplicate at university but hasn’t played to bed. ♠ 9 4 ♠ K J 10 7 since, though he does play rubber ♥ J 7 6 5 3 2 N ♥ A Q 9 8 bridge half a dozen or so times a year. W E ♦ K J 4 ♦ Q 10 6 5 S There is a fantastic spread of food on Thursday ♣ 7 3 ♣ 2 display when I walk in and I am sorry I Barry is up and out early. I do a bit ♠ 8 5 2 had a sandwich. Again, we are made to of work in the morning and then set ♥ Void feel welcome but there are not as many off on the underground to meet my ♦ 9 7 2 tables as at Robson’s. It is an IMP game older son, Ben, for lunch. We meet at a ♣ Q J 10 8 6 5 4 on a Friday and was another enjoyable tapas restaurant opposite Belsize Park evening – if he decides to continue, I underground station. It’s really good will enjoy helping him. His bidding to see him alone. Not that I don’t love So I have done completely the wrong is rather basic after all those years of his wife and my grandson, but just thing. 3NT is cold and 5♣ seems to rubber bridge, but it is easy to put that that we rarely get the chance to talk have no play. However, these hands are right and that can lead to an immediate properly. We must do it more often. never easy to defend. improvement. Afterwards, I dash back to the flat West leads the nine of spades, This was a slam hand missed by us for an online session with Richard covered by the queen and king. East and the rest of the field: and Gerry. Barry is there too which is returns the jack of spades which I good – it’s more fun to play with him win with the ace and play off several than a robot. All of us really enjoy rounds of trumps. East discards a ♠ A K Q 4 2 ♠ J 9 5 3 these afternoons which we’ve been diamond and two hearts, but then ♥ A 9 6 4 N ♥ K Q doing, more or less once a week, for throws a spade. So I exit with the eight ♦ K 8 3 W E ♦ A 4 S five years now. Although it started as of spades to East’s ten. Now, he has to ♣ 4 ♣ K J 8 7 5 a professional arrangement, we have decide whether or not to cash the ace all become good friends. (If you are of hearts and he gets it wrong. That interested in playing with me online, sets up dummy’s king and that, along West North East South please feel free to email me at sally@ with the good six of spades, allows me 1♠ Pass 2♣ 2♦ sallybridge.com) to discard my two diamond losers. 2♥ 3♦ 4♠ All Pass Then, it’s a dash to Richmond Bridge If you were East, would you have Club for a NICKO (National Inter- got it right? And why? Declarer knows I had forgotten that we didn’t have a Club Knock-Out) match. It is an early that West started with two spades. forcing spade raise available and that round and our opponents are not If I had had a singleton heart, surely he would probably have four spades strong. I would have led a heart towards for this sequence. My hand is one that We are 53 up after 12 boards, despite dummy because if West had the ace, is hugely improved by knowing

BRIDGE April 2015 Page 45 Seven Days continued Hence, the big attraction of Sims is the undeserved enhanced – red, READERS’ green or blue, which make there are four spades oppo- site. With my regular part- a mockery of the otherwise ners, the auction would go excellent masterpoint system. something like: These events raise a LETTERS lot of money for national West North East South bridge organisations and 1♠ Pass 2NT Pass BETTER LATE THAN happen quite frequently. for charities. That is why 3♥ Pass 3♠ Pass I enclose a cheque for £20. Mrs Iris Teather, everyone turns a blind eye to 4♣ Pass 4♦ Pass Please forward BRIDGE Grassmoor, Chesterfield. the misuse of masterpoints, 4♥ Pass 5♥ Pass monthly for the coming which are being ‘sold’ for 6♠ All Pass year. I’ve missed it a lot. JUST BRIDGE inflated prices instead of My bridge has got worse. Delighted to learn that being awarded for skill. If we Over the 2NT response Mrs McKeegan, these weekends may be want bridge taken seriously (forcing to game with at Cushendall, Co Antrim. returning. I am looking and recognised as a sport we least four spades), the bid- Better late than never. forward to receiving your need to address this anomaly. ding continues naturally, promised emails, particularly Ian Dalziel, except that if one side or the WIGHT TRIUMPH for Wyndham Garden Troon, South Ayrshire. other voluntarily goes be- Just a note to say that I, (Olde Barn that was). David Stevenson replies: yond 3NT, then they show a my bridge partner and Patricia West by email. While Sim Pairs are not for singleton. So here, as I could non-playing husband have everyone, the overall scoring have bid 3NT over 3♠ to returned from a wonderful CONTROVERSIAL is not a farce. As in every show no singleton, 4♣ was four-day break on the Isle of David Stevenson’s article other sport or mindsport, a singleton. That puts East Wight. The bridge sessions on Simultaneous Pairs was the main aim of a team (in off a little, but that ♥K-Q is were fabulous – so well excellent, but he failed to bridge, a team of two) is to such a good holding, he is organised. The hotel was mention that the overall outscore everyone else. These worth more than a 4♠ sign- comfortable and spacious. scoring is a complete farce. events give a very fair method off over ♥4 . The food was superb and to Although the same hands are of playing in a worldwide cap it all, the weather was played, the strength of the event without having to travel. lovely and sunny. I would fields vary widely. A strong The statement that scores only Saturday like to suggest that for future or lucky pair in a weak club change slightly nationally, is, We drive back to High Wy- events you could recommend can easily score 70% or I am afraid incorrect: every combe in time for a late going by train as we did higher, but the best score in year I have to field questions lunch. In the afternoon, we – Waterloo/Portsmouth/ a strong club might only be as to why a pair’s score was leave Barry in front of the Catamaran to Ryde and 58%. How can these scores up to 8% different (or even TV while Briony and I go train/bus or taxi to Sandown. possibly be compared? The more) nationally. If you look out to explore Wendover. We were told parking could percentages change a little at the winners over the years, Lots of gift shops to browse. be a problem, and this nationally, but not much. A some are from large clubs, Pork chops for dinner. On would alleviate any possible ‘national top’ on any board some from small. Computer Sunday, we do a bit of tidy- difficulties coming by car. is more likely to come from analysis of hands, while ing: Toby’s room, in partic- Valerie Taylor, weak opponents than your accurate, is not comparable ular, and our utility room. Beckenham, Kent. partnership’s skill. It is like with commentaries, since Spend a lot of time trying to every football match from it shows the vast difference pair socks. We find 53 pairs, MORE WHIST pub game to The Premiership, between theory and practice. and more than that un- A few years ago, playing comparing their scores on There is no particular paired. Of course, as soon as Chicago at a local golf club, Saturday and the best goal anomaly in the issue of I finish, I find another huge, we played a complete hand difference wins the cup. masterpoints. The basis hidden pile of odd socks, so before we realised that Even the booklets don’t of masterpoint issuing in they have to go in the wash- dummy had played all the have the attraction they used all events is that the more ing machine and I will try to cards herself. More recently, to have, as hand printouts on pairs enter an event, the find them partners tomor- in a local club, dummy club nights are becoming the more masterpoints you get row. Barry goes home after started to play a card before norm. The computer analysis for winning. Sim Pairs is no supper (excellent steak and she realised she must lay out is every bit as good as the different. This is both normal kidney pie from Budgens in her cards. I suspect this must commentary if not better. and reasonable. ■

Wendover) and Briony and Write to Mr Bridge at: Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH or e-mail: [email protected] I catch up on some TV. ■

Page 46 BRIDGE April 2015 Answers to David Huggett’s Play Quiz on page 12

You are declarer in 6NT and West leads suits outside trumps and will win the first 1. ♠ 5 2 the ♦Q. How do you plan the play? trick and draw trumps immediately. ♥ A 6 4 You need only four club tricks to make ♦ A K 10 9 8 2 the contract so you must focus your at- ♣ 3 2 tention on the best way to play that suit. ♠ K J 3 ♠ Q 10 8 6 In fact, as long as the suit breaks no 4. ♠ Q 9 6 ♥ Q 8 N ♥ K J 10 5 worse than 4-1, you can guarantee mak- ♥ K 7 2 W E ♦ 5 4 ♦ Q 7 6 3 ♦ 7 6 S ing four tricks by using a . Sim- ♣ Q J 10 9 8 4 ♣ 7 ply play the king of clubs first and then ♣ A K 10 9 6 ♠ A 9 7 4 lead a low club towards the dummy. If ♠ K 8 2 ♠ 7 4 3 ♥ 9 7 3 2 West follows with a low card, you play the ♥ J 3 N ♥ Q 10 9 8 W E ♦ J nine knowing that, if it loses, the suit will ♦ A J 9 8 3 S ♦ Q 10 5 4 ♣ A K 6 5 have broken 3-2. If West plays the ten, ♣ 7 4 3 ♣ Q 5 then you win and play the nine to force ♠ A J 10 5 out the queen. And if West shows out on ♥ A 6 5 4 You are declarer in 3NT and West leads the second round, you simply win with ♦ K 2 the ♣Q. How do you plan the play? the ace and lead low towards the jack. ♣ J 8 2 You need only five diamond tricks to guarantee making the contract and, at first sight, it might seem a good idea just You are declarer in 3NT and West leads to run the jack of diamonds at trick two. 3. ♠ K Q 7 6 the ♦8. East plays the ♦Q. How do you That would be fine if it lost because dum- ♥ J 9 3 plan the play? my’s diamonds would all be winners, but ♦ A J 2 Obviously, you daren’t risk losing the just supposing the jack wins the trick. ♣ A 8 5 lead because the defenders will have at Yes, you can enter dummy with the ace ♠ 9 8 4 ♠ 2 least four diamond winners to cash but of hearts but, now, if the diamonds do ♥ 10 7 4 2 N ♥ A 6 5 a successful finesse in either spades or W E ♦ ♦ not run, you will be defeated. It must be 10 8 6 4 3 S K 9 5 clubs will see you home. So which is it better to overtake the jack with the ace ♣ 2 ♣ K 9 7 6 4 3 to be? Well, it must be better to combine and then play diamonds from the top. ♠ A J 10 5 3 your chances by playing off the ace and With the ace of hearts as an entry, you ♥ K Q 8 king of clubs first in case the queen falls. will have all the tricks that you need. ♦ Q 7 If it doesn’t, you will then have to rely on ♣ Q J 10 the spade finesse working. ■

2. ♠ K Q 7 6 You are declarer in 4♠ and West leads Mr Bridge ♥ 9 7 2 the ♣2. How do you plan the play? Premium Quality Cards ♦ A K 5 It is all too easy to play low from dum- Standard Faces ♣ A 9 2 my at trick one, but just look what hap- with or without ♠ 9 2 ♠ 10 8 4 3 pens if West has led a singleton and East bar codes. ♥ Q 5 4 N ♥ J 10 8 3 wins and returns one for his partner to Unboxed. W E 6 red / 6 blue ♦ Q J 10 8 S ♦ 6 4 3 2 ruff. Then, if East regains the lead with £19.95 ♣ Q 10 7 3 ♣ 8 the ace of hearts, another ruff will defeat 30 red / 30 blue ♠ A J 5 the contract and indeed the contract will only £60 ♥ A K 6 be defeated now by two tricks if the dia- ♦ 9 7 mond finesse is wrong. In fact, a careful Available from The London Bridge Centre. ♣ K J 6 5 4 declarer will see that there are only three ( 020 7288 1305 www.bridgeshop.com potential losers, one in each of the three

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