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TRUMPS

PLUS 9 2 8 4 4 1 4 4 7 O D E R N C R E S C E N T Spring 2015 VOLUME 8 Issue 3 Published Quarterly SWANBOURNE

CONTENTS Editorial BRIDGE ARTICLES I think most of us Changes to club Championships 6 read David Schok- The tournament committee man’s weekly column in The West Did You Hear Your Partner Speak 8 each Friday and Matt McManus enjoy his take on The Four Ages of Bridge 10 interesting hands Sheenagh Young and the local bridge scene. If Thoughts on the ANC 11 you haven’t been Richard Fox reading it, then I commend it to you. There are, of Vale Eddy Mandavy 14 course, many other bridge columns as Peter Smith well that are worth reading. I find Paul Bridge as a Sport 18 Marston’s bridge column which appears every Saturday in The Weekend Coping with Interference 22 Australian very interesting and even Larry Cohen more so when he discusses interesting EVENTS goings on in the international bridge world. To quote a recent column, he Patrons Cup 6 begins by saying: The bridge world in is in turmoil right Masters in Teams of Three 16 now with the World Bridge Federa- tion’s top two players, Fulvio Fantoni and Claudio Nunes of Italy, outed for Charles Pearce Cup 19 cheating along with two other highly successful pairs, Lotan Fisher and Ron Individual Championship 20 Schwartz, ... of Israel and Josef Pie- karek and Alex Smirnov, ... of Germa- ny. Friday Open Pairs Championship 24 He goes on to discuss the details, how the offenders were caught etc. It’s Mixed Pairs Championship 26 amazing what people get up to. Paul’s article in The Australian is paralleled

by the publication’s chess column and

in that week’s column the author, Paul Broekhuyse, remarks that for a moment he was worried that Chess’s arch -rival, bridge, might be out-doing it in the scoundrel stakes, but then he catches his breath and goes on to ex- press confidence that “Chess’s dubi- Editor: Publisher Printing ous reputation as the first and last ref- Chris Lynne and Records uge of the cheat is intact.” Fascinating Bagley Errington Sheenagh stuff from the world of the great. Other columns? Well, Ron Klinger Young writes a daily column in the Sydney

Morning Herald which is always informa- particularly with the ANC in July which tive and instructive. And there’s a useful once again gave us a peep into the world monthly electronic publication, the New of very serious bridge. Heavy stuff, but I South Wales Bridge Association’s eCon- enjoyed it immensely, and I hope you did gress News which you can get emailed too. There are two Championships left in to your in-box if you register with the As- the year, the Evening Pairs and the Club sociation. This newsletter provides up- Teams, and I hope you will be entrants dates on NSW congresses in the month, there. And, to finish up the competitive interesting hands and analysis and tips year we can look forward to our Christ- regarding the bridge laws. The URL for mas Congress. Get your team together the September issue is at https:// now www.swiftpage8.com/ Once again, if you would like me include speasapage.aspx? anything please give me a call either at X=3012HGXTIII11P2C00YVWW home, 9447 5224, or on my mobile 0422 and if you go there you will see a high- 381 253, or you can email me at lighted line where you can subscribe. [email protected]. On our own homefront we are now com- Chris Bagley ing up to the tail end of our bridge year. We have had a very busy winter season, President’s Report

“Spring has sprung ------“ and if you this year it seemed but the club was busy are wondering where ” the birdies is” as usual with club championships and the they are certainly to be seen in our ongoing Interclub Teams series. beautiful native garden. Congratulations to Patty McNamara and Thank you Pip Thomson for your Barbara Cotton who were winners of the work in maintaining and adding to our Charles Pearce Cup (Open division) and pocket of pleasure. There is always Andy Fairweather and Chris Ruffle who something of interest to attract us. took out the below Regional division. Greg McKie has also helped out by The Daytime Pairs were won by: Geoff trimming the overhanging tree on the Yeo and Ann Youngs N/Eastern corner of the playing area. The 2015 Individual Champion is John Thanks Greg for always being availa- Hogan: a long standing and very popular ble when there is a job to be done. club member. The Mixed Pairs Championship was won There was not much winter to endure by Deana Wilson and Jonathan Free.

We would love to entice more of you to not all we are about. The Management play in these events and to enjoy the and Tournament Committees recognise congratulatory celebrations. Traditionally that our club encompasses a wide range participants have brought along a small of players with different expectations and plate of nibbles to share after the last range of experience in playing this great session and the club will now provide a game. It is our aim to cater for all and we free drink to all who have taken part in are always looking for ways we can facil- the contest. itate this. Chris Bagley has outlined The Jackpot Finals will commence in No- some of our plans in an informative arti- vember. Don’t forget to check the notice- cle in this edition. Further to this I would board to see which finals you have quali- like to thank our super-seamstress Su- fied for. Good luck and play well! san James who has very kindly (and with impressive speed) made a set of Our Interclub teams have again done cloths which we will use to delineate the well this restricted year and sections. we will have fi- Our Direc- nalists in tors are at least still bat- two divi- tling with sions. instances Our visit- of slow ing play. teams There are always many enjoy the ways we hospitali- can all ty our help to club pro- The last meeting of the 2014-15 committee. move the vides after game along these and to avoid matches and our thanks go to the cap- creating or being the recipient of the dis- tains who have organised the three divi- advantage that slow play inevitably sions so capably: Margaret Martin causes. Over the next few weeks we will (Novice), John Aquino (Intermediate) provide some reminders of the simple and David Burn (Open div). things we can all do to assist and these On behalf of all the players who have will be displayed on the table notices in participated in the series over many the social area. years I would also like to thank the event Don’t forget however that if you feel that convenor John Beddow. There is a con- you may be disadvantaged by the late siderable amount of work involved in set- arrival of players to your table you ting up the series each year and collect- should promptly notify the Director. This ing and collating the results. Thanks will assist him to fairly judge the award- John. We do appreciate what you do to ing of result percentage should you be foster the game of bridge both at WABC unable to play a board or be otherwise and state-wide. disadvantaged. This is not carping but rather assisting the director to run a fair As we are a sporting club we always and equitable contest for every player in strive to represent and perform well at your movement. the highest level s of the game but that is 4

I have really enjoyed this year as Presi- TIM SERES: dent of WABC. I have been assisted by Australia’s Master wonderful committees all of whom have of Deception contributed great ideas to improve our club and willing hands to implement same. Most pleasing of all has been the contributions of all club members in help- Problem 45: Trump Control Again ing to maintain the coffee stations, wash tea towels, serve at the bar, sort and price This problem occurred in the NSWBA books for the recycling table, keep track 1992 Mixed Pairs Teams. Tim Seres of books in our superb library and the teased out the answer almost immedi- many other little things that help to keep ately as did Dick Cummings, another top the club a beautiful place to be. player intrigued by the problem, though Special thanks to Dee Sinton, Annie Hay neither actually played the hand. They and Peg Browne who are taking a well also came up with a way to make 6 earned rest from chopping cheese each hearts. Saturday and thanks now to all who have volunteered to fill the gap. I hope you are all reserving a spot in your S. 7654 calendar for the Christmas Party on De- H. K5 cember 15th when we can celebrate D. 10 achievements and say thanks for your ef- C. QJ8643 forts. N

W E S

The S. 3 H.AQJ82 Publisher D. AQ86542 sincerely C. -- apologises

for TP be- Contract: 4H Lead: Ace C ing a little Bidding: late this South West North East quarter. 2D Pass 2NT Pass There were 4H Pass Pass Pass many and varied rea-  How do you play 4H after the lead of sons: some the club ace?  How do you play 6H on the same good; some lead? not-so-good. The best ‘good’ reason  How might you bid and make your was the 3 week visit from England contract with bidding system chang- of the beautiful Connor with es today? Solution P. 29 daughter and son-in-law. 5

Changes to Championships and Other Matters

The Tournament Committee are con- more, perhaps by providing nibbles and cerned, amongst other things, about the a glass of wine at the end of the day. Club’s difficulty in getting good responses These are, after all, important events for to its Championships. the Club. In recent years we have had increasing Turning from the championship issues, difficulties in getting sufficient competitors the Tournament Committee is also con- to generate a strong competition for many sidering ways of providing greater op- of our Championships. For example, we portunities for members with lower num- have had to reschedule the Individual bers of masterpoints to compete by Championship when we didn’t get enough providing more restricted competitions. competitors to run it, and to reschedule To put the position of members with low- the Club Teams Championship. er numbers of masterpoints in perspec- Why is this so? Your Tournament Com- tive, there are 947 members who nomi- mittee believes that there are several pos- nate WABC as their home club, and sible reasons: is it because there is too 475, or half of these, have less than much bridge available, for example? 25MP. While our traditional informal ar- There are certainly more Club Congress- rangement where lower MP players try es than there used to be. Or perhaps it is to sit in the aisle rows provides them because championships are too drawn with some protection against the preda- out, running for two or three weeks and tory players sitting near the north so requiring members to be available (geographical) side windows, it can be across this period. difficult to get such a seat unless players So we are going to explore a new ap- arrive early. Recognising this we are proach to see if we can get more mem- looking at providing restricted competi- bers interested in competing in becoming tion in at least one normal club session, Club champions. In this approach we will probably by providing a movement of 14 run championships as Swiss events, ra- tables in the training area on Saturday ther than as duplicate events with their Ar- afternoon restricted to players with less row Switches and other complications. than 15MP, 25MP, or 50MP. We mightn’t run all championships in this By providing one or two restricted move- way, but certainly some. We are also ments a week we hope that we can considering running championships over make the game more enjoyable for all. one day, with a morning and an afternoon We would very much welcome your session and four, five or six matches, de- comments on these proposals. If you do pending on the number of entries. Swiss have any comments you would like to competitions are arguably fairer than du- share with us please just email them to plicate competitions. They also provide the Club ([email protected]) masterpoint returns for each match, giv- putting For the Tournament Committee ing all participants the opportunity to get in the subject line. Or take it up with one masterpoints, something that is not avail- of us directly; there is almost always a able in a three week competition where committee member present at each ses- only the top half of the field win master- sion, usually more. points in each week. The Tournament Committee The Tournament Committee is also looking at celebrating championship events 6

THE PATRON’S CUP 2014-15 Congratulations to

Jocelyn Parry

Winner of this year’s Trophy

Jocelyn Parry 29.53 Geoff Yeo 23.41 Ravi Soin 23.22 Margaret Sacks 23.13 In winning the trophy this year Jocelyn has equalled the record for winners by Ann Youngs 21.57 scoring her fourth win. The other four time winner is Bobbie Mitchell. The in- Bobbie Mitchell 21.14 terest next year will be about which of them will win it for a record fifth time. Rhona Barton 19.15

Faye Cullen 17.37

Chris Bagley 16.01

Joan Carter 14.15

The Patron’s trophy, donated by Mabs McCulloch, and the Patron’s Prize, donat- Accepting the trophy for 2015, Jocelyn ed by our Patrons, Mrs Helen George said that “she loves this club” and she and Mr John Ashworth, was presented at certainly demonstrates that through her this year’s AGM. efforts to support the clubs’ activities. This yearly competition, for the most Green Masterpoints accrued by a member at WABC sessions, runs from 1 July to 30 June.

normal part of a bridge auction is Responsibilities first: A when you make a special sys- temic bid, your partner alerts it, the op- under the laws, EW are entitled to an ac- ponents ask and you partner tells them curate explanation of your agreements. what he thinks your bid means. That last Therefore, unless your partner does so part of the process is rather problematic first, you need to tell them. But…and it in terms of how the laws of bridge apply. is a very big BUT, you can only do so One part of the laws wants you to hear at the correct time. The correct time is: what your partner said; another part of the laws insists that you don’t hear it if you become declarer or dummy – at Although this is an area which I have the end of the auction; previously considered in these articles, it is quite complex and still not under- if you become a defender – at the end of stood by many players. Perhaps it will the play of the hand. be easiest to explain by example: Until the correct time, you must not do You, sitting North, hold: anything at all. You cannot say, “I think ♠ 5 my partner got it wrong”. You cannot  KQ942 call the director. You cannot excuse yourself and go and speak to the director away from the table. You must just

sit there, saying and doing nothing W N E about partner’s mistake, until the correct 1D 2NT time arrives. You may think you are trying to be helpful, but in most cases you will just be making things worse for your You and your partner have agreed to side. play that a jump to 2NT over the opponent’s opening bid shows at least 5-5 Those are your responsibilities under the in the lowest unbid suits. Partner laws. In order to satisfy this duty to cor- alerts 2NT. East asks and South says, rect partner’s mistake, you obviously “5-5 in the minors”. That’s interesting! need to have heard what partner said Partner seems to have forgotten that when the opponents asked 2NT shows the minors only after a major suit opening. What are your rights and responsibilities? Rather confusingly, when we come to 8

what your rights are in exactly the (no matter how misguided that action same situation, the laws require you to may be!). However, when you get the act as if you didn’t hear your partner “unauthorised information” that partner speak! This is a rather difficult concept has misunderstood your bid, you have to grasp. When considering what future no alternative other than to pass. action to take, if any, you need to be- Are there ever any occasions when have as though your partner said that you might bid again even when partner 2NT showed at least 5-5 in clubs and has responded incorrectly to East’s hearts (ie. what you have), even though question? Yes, but these are times you know that this isn’t the case. Let’s when the hand you hold definitely war- assume that the above auction contin- rants another call. For example, you ued as follows: might have a much stronger hand with six hearts and five clubs: W N E 1D 2NT 3C 3D ?

You may be tempted to bid 3♥ now to clarify things for your partner – after Just one useful card from partner would all, he doesn’t think that you have probably be enough for you to make hearts and you might have a big heart game in hearts, so now 3H would be fit. However, to do so would be very justified. Of course, partner, thinking you wrong. When you bid 2NT, you were have the minors, might now be very con- telling him you had 5 hearts (as well as fused. Your 3H might wake him up to his 5 clubs). If, in response to East’s ques- mistake. If so, well and good – that’s al- tion, he had said that 2NT shows 5-5 lowed. But if you have done anything in clubs and hearts (I know he didn’t) else apart from just bidding 3H – eg. and bid 3C, you would know that he saying “you got it wrong, partner”, glar- had heard about your hearts but didn’t ing and tutting at him, calling for the care about them. There should be no “sheriff ”, handing your system card to temptation to bid them now. the opponents, etc. – then you will find Although it is a normal part of the yourself in trouble with the director – game, the laws refer to what you and no one wants that heard when your partner answered East’s question as “unauthorised information”. This is something which you cannot use when making a decision about what to do next. In fact, you need to go out of your way to make sure that you do not take advantage of it. That means you virtually need to act as if you didn’t hear you partner speak. If your partner had given the right answer when asked, you would be free to make any bid over 3D in the above auction, even 3H if you felt like it

THE FOUR AGES OF BRIDGE Sheenagh Young The convenor’s address at the ANC Dinner ome time ago I was asked to be might be salutary for us all if I gave you the organiser for this event and a short description of each of these with gratitude and ages if you would honestly try, when I’ve S great pride, I accepted. I have, finished to place yourself in the age in since then, spent many, many hours of which you think you should be placed. my spare time trying to compose some The first age I call the age of innocence golden sentences, some shafts of wit, or youth. The age when you either ar- some brilliant epigrams rive at the table on time which would be worthy of or have a shower. Sleep this occasion. Some pearls deprived you slouch at of oratory, as it were, to the table, a can of red cast before….. I beg your bull clutched firmly in pardon Mr President, that your hand. The age when, might have been a little as dummy, you calmly more happily phrased. chew on a lint covered But I must confess that I slice of last night’s pizza completely failed. Then i de- which you have at that cided it was time those who moment produced from speak at dinners take a the pocket of your hoody. new line and stand up for Where following a bidding themselves. Instead of try- system is considered to ing to entertain or amuse be a suggestion rather the audience it was about than a necessity. The age time they started to try and when to pass on three amuse themselves and to points is considered a hell with the rest of you. sign of extreme effemina- Unfortunately I couldn’t cy. think of any amusing story which I hadn’t already heard. So, being The second age is the age of success unwilling to amuse you, and unable to or the young gun. This is the age amuse myself, we’re both of us in for a where to claim at trick three is just a pretty poor few minutes. little too slow. Where disputes with the Then I rushed to that source of great director are usually followed by an in- comfort, that it has been to me all my vitation to sort it out in the car park. life, William Shakespeare. I remembered The age where you walk, as of right, that he had once written a little poem toward the winners’ podium before the called the seven ages of man, the first results are announced. The age where disgusting line of which I shan’t bother to you leave the venue by jumping into repeat. It occurred to me that although a fast car being driven by a gorgeous there weren’t seven ages of bridge blonde secure in the knowledge that there were at least four and I thought it 10 they will be even easier to attain than the victory the scorer was, at that moment, inscribing against your name. THOUGHTS ON The third age is the age of discretion, the age of the senior. Where your cur- THE ANC 2015 rent partner is, quite possibly, the spouse of your ex. The age when you BY Richard Fox arrive at the venue 2 hours before start of play just to get a parking spot. he WA ANC Where the only people watching you was well sup- on BBO are stranded in the Denpasar T ported, de- airport waiting for the next flight. The spite the freezing age where to forget your packed lunch weather conditions is worse than forgetting your wife’s in the playing area, birthday. The age when after the game with a healthy con- you may be found either leaning on the tingent of top-flight bar harbouring improper, but alas im- players coming from practical, thoughts about the aged and the Eastern states, unattractive barmaid or slip off quickly along with a good home to avoid a row. crowd of WA locals. It’s not so often that The fourth age is the age of senility, the the WA-based players in particular get to age of the veteran. This is the age try their hand against the pros and inter- when to play all weekend is just a little nationals, and every so often we mortals too long. Where to be asked to be in get a good result against a gun player. control of the Bridgemate is a deliber- ate and calculated insult. The age “Fox Double” by the Opponents where, during the breaks, you peram- With Sue Gammon in the Undercroft Club bulate around the room and pour out Pairs, we faced Pauline Gumby and War- ren Lazer, current National Swiss Pairs to anyone foolish enough to listen an holders with about 20,000 masterpoints unending stream of apocryphal stories between them. of your youth. The age, alas, where My North hand had plenty of playing sex is no more than a Latin numeral . strength and I had an easy 1S opening. Ladies and gentlemen, I have been After 2 passes Pauline (West) doubled, told that one should not be serious in a and I rebid 2D, showing extras in the light speech for too long so if I may turn to more flippant matters I thank you all of partner’s pass. Warren responded 2H for making the 76th ANC a truly and Sue found a 2S bid; honour- memorable event and now invite doubleton in my suit and another queen Therese Tully to accept the baton on was almost as much as I could hope for behalf of Queensland. once she’s passed. There were a couple more passes and Warren competed The ANC was superbly run by Sheenagh and again with 3C. When this came back to her speech at the ANC dinner was very well re- me I took the push to 3S, doubled by ceived. She has kindly allowed us to share it with those who could not be there. Pauline. (The original version of this speech was given by Humphrey Tilling to the XL Club and was designed to describe the Four Ages of Cricket)

Board 21 ♠ K J 10 8 7 5 come? The answer is that Dealer N ♥ A 8 Warren Lazer’s trump switch NS Vul ♦ A Q 9 5 3 came too late; he’d have needed to lead ♣ his singleton trump (often a bad lead ♠ A 9 6 2 ♠ 4 which can destroy partner’s trump hold- ♥ K 5 2 ♥ J 10 9 3 ing). West would need to duck unless ♦ K J 4 ♦ 10 7 6 South’s queen was played, denying ei- ♣ A Q 9 ♣ K J 8 6 2 ther a diamond ruff, or the dummy entry ♠ Q 3 to finesse the diamonds. ♥ Q 7 6 4 ♦ 8 2 “Gammon Double” by Us ♣ 10 7 5 4 3 I thought I’d rename this double in honour of a partner who wisely doubled a West North East South (Pauline) (Richard) (Warren) (Sue) contract that actually was going down. 1S Pass Pass In Round 5 of the Butler Stage 1, we Dbl 2D 2H 2S faced Gold Grandmasters Simon Hinge Pass Pass 3C Pass and Bruce Neill. After 2 passes Bruce Pass 3S Pass Pass opened the magnificent North hand with Dbl All Pass a weak 2H, explained as possibly a 5- card suit at this vul and position. I heard East started with the JH, covered with of someone passing in this situation and Q, K, A and I played a low diamond, his partner called: “Director! Partner won by West’s jack. She returned a doesn’t have 13 cards.” Anyway, clearly heart, and after some thought Warren it was this partnership’s style to bid on predictably played his trump. West took tram tickets in 3rd seat favourable. the ace and sent one back to the queen; now I was in dummy and could finesse the diamond, playing West for the king Round 5, ♠ 9 5 4 2 as she was marked with most of the val- Board 3 ♥ Q 9 8 4 2 ues. Then I drew the remaining trumps, Dealer S ♦ 10 2 cashed the AD discovering the friendly EW Vul ♣ 5 2 split, and claimed with an overtrick. The opponents made no comment on the -930 score, but moved on to the ♠ A Q 10 6 ♠ J 8 7 next board (looked like one of my ♥ 10 7 5 ♥ A ♦ Q 6 4 ♦ A K 9 8 7 3 scores, partners get used to me dou- ♣ K 10 4 ♣ A 6 3 bling contracts that make overtricks!). They both knew the reason for doubling: ♠ K 3 they had the balance of points and had ♥ K J 6 3 ♦ J 5 missed out on a making 3C contract, so ♣ Q J 9 8 7 they were due a bad result anyway once we had gone on to 3S. They need- I was afraid a 3D overcall might end the ed to double just in case we went down, auction, and hoping for better things I otherwise +100 wouldn’t have been tried a 3NT overcall. Wouldn’t need enough. much from partner to run 9 off the top on Strangely, Deep Finesse says 4S can a heart lead: some combination of 3 be made by South, not North – how small diamonds and a 2-2 split or the

QD, KC, some spade help, a second hearts, 3 diamonds and 3 spades when heart stopper e.g. Qxx etc. they split, but real life can throw curve- Anyway Simon believed me and ad- balls… vanced to 4H, clearly a sacrifice, perhaps expecting me to have AQ of ♥. Sue I was East and led the 10S. Against 6NT got me off the hook with a double, and I passive is the way to go; I didn’t consider had no reason at all to remove this. I leading a low heart although this time I’d wasn’t sure 3NT would have made, so have got away with it. This was headed knowing there were some values oppo- by the jack, which held. Declarer played site, taking the money was clearly the a couple of clubs, and a spade to the way to go. king which also held. At this point I was Declarer was able to take 6 tricks – we assuming partner had the AD and de- had the ace of trumps and six other top clarer had AKQ♠. North played off his winners, so despite a defensive glitch clubs and I let go a diamond and a heart. conceding a ruff and sluff, the trick came Then he played a diamond to the king, which at the time I thought would lose to back with partner making a trump. I was partner’s ace. Instead he cashed two quite happy with +800 for four off, beat- hearts and tried his luck in diamonds, ing any vulnerable game our way. It was hoping they would now split 3-3. This just too hard to reach slam after the in- didn’t work and he was one down. terference. One pair found 6D and an- The key to this was Sue ducking the A♠ other pair struggled in 6S making, and twice, which gave declarer a very awk- quite a few didn’t reach game. The da- ward problem. He was afraid the spades tum was +680 so we only picked up 3 were 4-2 with someone clutching the A- IMPs, but let’s not be too greedy. 9, so he tried running other winners and looking for a helpful discard. Just shows A Nice Defensive Ploy what can sometimes happen when you refuse to make declarer’s life easy. Moving on to the John Hughes Swiss Pairs, Sue and I found ourselves defend- ing 6NT. North opened a weak no-trump, South tried Stayman and found out about spades, then checked for keycards and bid 6NT as only one was missing. Dealer S ♠ K Q 6 3 EW Vul ♥ 9 7 CONTRIBUTIONS ARE ALWAYS ♦ A Q 7 3 WELCOME: PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ♣ J 10 7 FORWARD MATERIAL OR SUGGEST ♠ A 7 5 ♠ 10 9 2 TOPICS. ♥ J 3 ♥ Q 8 6 4 2 CLOSING DATE FOR ♦ J 10 8 4 ♦ 9 6 2 Christmas issue is ♣ 6 5 3 2 ♣ 9 4 1st December 2015 ♠ J 8 4 ♥ A K 10 5 ♦ K 5 ♣ A K Q 8 If you look at the hand record you might thing 12 tricks were cold, 4 clubs, 2

VALE EDDY MANDAVY

By Peter Smith With additional contributions from Lyn Hughes and Deana Wilson

My good old friend over many years, Ed- with Leiv Bornecrantz who bought it in dy Mandavy, passed away suddenly on 6 1974 and it became the unofficial club July 2015. for youth bridge. Most of the players were at university. All were very bright, Eddy and I first met through mutual young and mad about bridge. Eddy was friends when we all studying Engineering but started playing bridge in unfortunately gave it up the early 1970s. All just weeks before he members of our group graduated. Some of the of 10 or more were very names of that golden keen which meant it was age of youth bridge in possible to gather at WA would still be re- least a four almost any membered by most play- night of the week at a ers today: Peter Smith, house Eddy and some Peter Reynolds, Peter of the others shared in Rogers, Jill and Michael Wellington St, West Courtney, Ted Horawicz, Perth. Avon Wilsmore, Eddie Tomsic, Les Helfgott and With so many sharp, in- many more. quiring minds there was a constant supply of Eddy went on to repre- new information re- sent WA for five consec- ceived through bridge utive years in the ANC books and other play- Open Teams of 1981 and ers. 1982 playing with Peter Reynolds and then with After a short time a myself in 1983-1985. member of the now defunct New Acol Forcing Pass systems Club in the old RSL building in St were just getting some currency and as George’s Tce invited us to play there and Eddy always had an eye for innovation after that we were encouraged to play in we played the Polish system, Regres, the Youth (Under 30s) Selection event of which featured many revolutionary ideas. 1973 where there was an entry of 7 ta- Instead of passing with a bad hand and bles! This started many of us on our bidding with a good hand, as standard bridge careers and also soon led to the systems do, Regres players bid with bad formation of the famous (or infamous) 21 hands and passed with good ones (13+ Tate St club. points)! - hence the name Forcing Pass. It was always fun to open an artificial 1♦ From Lyn Hughes: with any 0-7 point hand (the ‘fert’).

Eddy shared the house at 21 Tate Street Soon after this Eddy returned for a sec-

14 ond stint working in the Public Service heard of!! in Canberra where he was an IT spe- cialist and had a hiatus from bridge. Away from the bridge table Eddy was However he picked it up again with very close to his family, sharing the old gusto when he returned to WA in 2008 family home with several siblings. This and went on to represent WA in the also accommodated his great love of Seniors in 2013. In recent years he al- food and cooking. The Mandavy family so mentored a group of some of our curries were legendary. keenest club members, including Helen Eddy always valued his freedom and Cook, Debbie Chappell, Deana Wilson, was at times almost anarchistic. But at Julie Short, Julie Norton and Yvonne the same time he was also very kind and Burns. The aims were to learn and im- avoided causing harm. There isn’t anoth- prove but also have fun and plenty of er person I’ve ever known for whom the laughs while doing it, which really outro music at his funeral would have summed up Eddy as a person. been so apt: Voodoo Child, the Jimi Hen- drix classic; it was also the ring tone on From Deana Wilson: his phone. I share these final sentiments expressed I will never forget Eddy and what he again by Lyn Hughes: taught me about bridge (not just systems, declarer play and defence) but Eddy was a good man what it is to be a good partner - and and I will miss him always. about life in general. He taught me never to discuss hands at the table and no matter what happened, we were a Peter Smith team. Even when I did something stu- pid, he would always say WE should have done this or WE bid this incorrectly. He never said anything to under- mine my confidence in front of the opponents.

Eddy was a very likeable guy with no airs and graces. We will all miss his presence and generosity of spirit at the bridge table.

Lyn Hughes was also favoured early on by Eddy’s bridge knowledge:

From my personal view I must say that Eddy was a much loved friend. He was a very private person but generous with his bridge knowledge which he always made fun. He played with me a lot in the early days (when I could hardly fol- low suit) and to keep me on my toes(!!) he would say on the way to the club – let’s play blah blah today. It would be some remote system that I had never

MASTERS IN TEAMS OF THREE 2015

This popular congress held this year in The event was won by Liz McNeill’s late August is designed to introduce team of Julie Short, Yvonne Burns and less experienced players with less than Debbie Chappell. Nick Cantatore’s team 100 masterpoints to Teams Bridge. The (Bruce and Britt Baird, Nicki McGrath) same game but with a different scoring were a close second followed by system and thus some new strategies to Heather Williams, Charlotte Keay, Chris learn. The event was organised by John Prosser and Addy Carroll. Beddow who gathered together a group Undoubtably however the highlight of of senior players (Life Master and be- the day was a tray of yummy stuffed yond) kind enough to give up their Sun- mushrooms produced as part of the day to instruct us in the finer points. As always it was a most enjoyable day and supper by guess who ------the multi- we are extremely grateful to the Masters talented John Beddow. I am told they for giving up their time. disappeared in the blink of an eye. Kitty George

FIRST PLACE: The McNeill Team Julie Short, Liz McNeill, Debbie Chappell and.Yvonne Burns

MASTERS IN TEAMS OF THREE 2015

SECOND PLACE: The Cantatore Team Nicki McGrath, Britt Baird, Nick Cantatore and Bruce Baird

THIRD PLACE: The Williams Team Addy Carroll, Heather Williams, Chris Prosser and Charlotte Keay 17

BRIDGE AS A SPORT !!

ment and Lottery funding for sport initia- here has been talk tives, to exclude bridge from its official T for some time definition as a sport. about the need for Bridge to be recog- But Sport England signalled that it will nised as a sport. Earlier this year the fight the case, insisting that bridge is no English Bridge Union mounted a case in more a sporting activity than “sitting at the British High Court to challenge Sport home, reading a book”. England’s exclusion of Bridge from its Richard Clayton QC, representing the list of sports. Here is a heavily abridged Union, told the court that a handful of version of an April other EU countries, 27, 2015 report on including the Nether- the case from the lands, Ireland and British newspaper Poland, already rec- The Telegraph. ognise bridge as a sport and that the In- They might not al- ternational Olympic ways look like elite Committee recog- athletes, but a High nised bridge and Court judge has chess as sports in ruled that players of 1999, although they bridge could be are not currently part ranked alongside of the Olympic sportsmen of the Games programme. highest order. Kate Gallofent QC, Mr Justice Mostyn for Sport England, ruled that a claim for said: “The starting bridge to be recog- point of the definition nised as a sport is at of sport is physical least arguable be- activity, bridge cannot cause the brain is a ever satisfy this defi- “muscle”. nition.” In some cases The judge replied: “If the brain is a mus- games requiring intense mental activity cle, it does – you are doing more physi- could even involve more physical strain cal activity playing bridge, with all that than pursuits such as shooting which are dealing and playing, than in rifle shoot- recognised as sports, he added. ing.” The judge’s comments came as he gave We wait on the outcome with interest. If the English Bridge Union (EBU) the go- you would like read the original, una- ahead to bring a legal challenge against bridged, version of this report it is avail- rules excluding it from official recognition able at: as a sport. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ The ruling allows the EBU to seek judi- predictions/sport/11565521/Bridge- cial review of the decision by Sport Eng- being-recognised-as-a-sport-is-on-the- land, the body which handles govern- cards.html

THE CHARLES PEARCE CUP 2015

In the current era, the Charles Pearce cup is restricted to pairs who are WABC members. It is awarded to the pair with the highest total of the 3 best pairs score on the regular Wednesday evening games in July.

The cup was to commemorate a great club member in Charles Pearce and was meant to encourage everyday players, not necessarily champions.

WINNERS OF THE CUP FOR 2015 WERE: Barbara Cotton and Patty McNamara

Under Regional Winners: Chris Ruffle and Andy Fairweather

THE INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIP 2015

WINNER John Hogan

Second place Julie Short

Carol Pocock, Derek Pocock, John Rigg

20 Deb Greenway

THE INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Fifth place: Vinod Nasta; Third Place: Chris Bagley

TOP SCORERS

1. John Hogan 2. Julie Short 3. Chris Bagley 4. Wendy Birman 5. Vinod Nasta 6. John Rigg 7. Audrey Stokes Peter Sumner, 8. Derek Pocock Caroline Bartolo, Sam Craig 9. Margaret Shaw

Marion Bogue, Lorraine Vanyai, Marg Shaw 21

Coping with Interference over the Strong NoTrump A Simpler system for advanced players By Larry Cohen

shows both MAJORS stopped. Relaying In many classes, I get asked, "Larry, what to 2NT also lets you sign-off in 3-minor should we do when they use a Conven- tion (such as CAPPALLETTI, or DONT (either pass the relay with or sign-off against our Strong Notrump?) There is no in 3 with ) fast answer. To cope with interference, NOTE: Using this method, when they you need to do a little studying and mem- show MAJORS, you can show either mi- orizing. (Otherwise, be prepared for some nor (Weak, Invitational, or Forcing) and accidents). You and your partner have to can show which MAJOR(s) are stopped, come to some agreements. and also can show both minors and It is impractical (unless you are a world- shortness in a major. class bridge pro) to try to memorize differ- OK -- That alone should take some ent schemes versus different methods. brain-power to memorize, but I like For example, to play System-A against it because it is mostly natural/ DONT, but System-B against CAPPAL- logical (especially if you are al- LETTI, and System-C against Brozel ready familiar with the idea of us- would be too much memory drain. ing lebensohl--FADS -- more on Here is a medium-complicated scheme to this below). deal with any kind of interference--you Now, what if they interfere with a bid that can choose parts or all of it. does NOT specifically show BOTH MA- THEIR OVERCALL PROMISES BOTH JORS? MAJORS 1. THEY DOUBLE First, let's get a specific situation out of If they make an artificial DOUBLE, just the way : The opponents show MAJORS. ignore it--system 100% on (Stayman, Most conventions over 1NT have a way Transfers, etc.). If they make a penalty to show MAJORS. If the opponents do DOUBLE, then you should not play any show majors (with some contraption that conventions--not even Stayman. Use all is below 2 ), I suggest: bids as natural (even 2 and 2 \ ). 2 = GF in You can decide if you want to do something fancy with REDOUBLE (or use 2 = GF in PASS to force a REDOUBLE to show a 2NT = lebensohl -- Relay to 3 2-suited hand). 3 of a minor = Natural, Invitational 2. THEY OVERCALL 2 3 of a MAJOR = GF, Shortness (0 or 1) in I don't care what it shows (unless it is that MAJOR 3NT = To Play, Neither MAJOR stopped BOTH MAJORS). It can be , a trans- Use the 2NT mechanism to show stop- fer, a 2-suiter, a 3-suiter, an either-or, a reverse upside down poisoned dragon, pers -- after the Relay to 3 : 3 MAJOR whatever. Just IGNORE it. This is where shows only that major stopped; 3NT you might have heard the term "Mirror

Double" -- or "Stolen Bid." You just dou- takeout. For example: ble to say, "Partner, I would have bid 2 1NT (2 =MAJORS) X = penalty oriented , Stayman." Double means they "stole (says nothing about )Passing and then your bid." All other actions are as if they doubling their 2MAJ = takeout of that MA- passed. Just ignore them. 2 is what it JOR would have been without their interfer- If their interference is anything else (on ence. All bids (even 2NT) are treated as any level), use X as cards/negative. It if the opponent Passed. doesn't "promise" the other major(s), but THEY OVERCALL 2 or HIGHER you try your best. Think of double as just So far we can deal with any bid that saying, "partner, I have values to act, but promises BOTH MAJORS, doubles and no suit to bid and nothing else fits." For ex- any kind of 2 overcall. That leaves ample, let's say partner opens 1NT and overcalls of 2 or higher. Again, it is they bid2 to show and either MAJOR. best not to start asking questions and I would DOUBLE with each of these getting involved with which convention hands: they use. Treat them all the same A Q 5 2 10 9 7 6 2 J 6 5 3 (unless 2 is specifically BOTH MA- A 5 2 A 9 7 6 2 6 5 4 3 2 JORS). No matter what they bid, no mat- J 5 2 K 10 9 7 2 Q 6 5 3 2 ter what it means (other than MAJORS), Again, pass and then double is just a light- here is the schedule: ish takeout, competing. I'd use these BIDDING A SUIT (on the 2-level) = NAT- "negative doubles" over NATURAL over- URAL, NF calls as well as CONVENTIONAL over- BIDDING A SUIT (on the 3-level) = see calls. If you have a true penalty pass of below (lebensohl explained) their known suit, you can pass and hope BIDDING 2NT or 3NT (see below -- le- partner reopens with a double. bensohl explained) BIDDING A SUIT (on the 4-level) = all jumps to 4, are "Front of Card" -- Texas, Gerber -- whatever you use. Now you know why people like to use con- Exception: If you bid one of their ventions to interfere with your notrump. If KNOWN suits (a suit they have prom- you aren't prepared, expect some major ised) on the 2-level, you might choose accidents. not to treat it as natural -- your choice.

USING lebensohl and "transfer" le- Larry Cohen’s website has many graded bensohl free on line lessons with links to expand If you've read this far, you are probably points eg Lebensohl familiar with at least some form of le- It is well worth a look. bensohl. - See more at: https://www.larryco.com/ What about Doubling their Overcall? bridge-learning-center/ I was afraid you'd ask. Again, I like to detail/41#sthash.jMGxE6UG.dpuf separate it into 2 classes, and not get overly complicated. First, let's say they promise BOTH MAJORS. I like to use DOUBLE as penalty-oriented. It says you can double at least one of their suits, and give partner a chance to double as well. It sets up a force. If you pass and then DOUBLE, that should be a lightish

FRIDAY OPEN PAIRS CHAMPIONSHIP 2015

WINNERS OF THE DAYTIME OPEN PAIRS Geoff Yeo & Ann Youngs

1 Geoff Yeo & Ann Youngs 2 Corinne Monteath & Joan Davies 3 Beatrice Mccarthy & Lesley Wineberg 4 David Burn & Lynne Milne 5 Jane Henderson & Lisa Cusack 6 Susan Clements & Ursula Harper 7 Derek Pocock & Carol Pocock 8 Chris Bagley & Lynne Errington

SECOND PLACE: Corinne Monteath & Joan Davies

THIRD PLACE: Beatrice Mccarthy (Lesley Wineberg)

SEVENTH PLACE: Derek Pocock & Carol Pocock

MIXED PAIRS CHAMPIONSHIP 2015

Club Champions: Jonathan Free and Deana Wilson

Second Place: Ursula and Ross Harper

Third Place: Ann Youngs and Vinod Nasta

Fourth Place: Tim Munro and Jane Henderson

LESSONS AT WABC Peter Smith’s next classes will start from13th October . As usual, there will be a range of classes for players at various levels.

Look out for more information on flyers around the club or see our website for details or contact Peter on 9381 5270 or email

[email protected] 27

THOUGHTS FROM THE LIBRARY By Val Krantz

Why does each year seem to go faster Declarer Play is reviewed as perhaps the than the last? I’ve been on holidays for a best bridge books published in recent month and come home to almost sum- years. It is for advanced players so may mer, Christmas, Christmas holidays, - be beyond yours and my capacity but it and time for another Trumps Plus article should be in our library – I hope perma- about the library. nently! Mike Lawrence’s books are an as- set on any bridge player’s shelves. He This quarter not a lot has happened. Dur- writes easily and as a champion player ing my absence – all the over many years his credentials are im- time in fact – the Library maculate. This one may in- Committee kept every- troduce you to him if you thing running smoothly. don’t know his writing. Alison and Dorothy have been away too but Jan, Speaking of valued bridge Fran, Mal and June writers, we have a number of worked quietly to see that Australians who are up there all goes smoothly. with the best. Paul Marston’s titles in the two series ‘The Loans appear to have Play of the Hand’ and the dropped off a bit during ‘Language of Bidding’ are the winter months. I’d like clear and a great contribution to encourage you all to to bridge players new and think of an aspect of your old. He appears to be writing game you’d like to im- less these day but his books prove and use the library come out in revised editions, to help you do it. It’s a particularly necessary for great resource – one to those on bidding. I have or- enjoy and be proud of. With new funds dered another copy of his most recent since the end of July I am looking for LOB publication (2009) on Acol. The last books to purchase that will keep our li- revision of his LOB strong no trump/five brary up-to-date, instructive and inviting. card majors was 2007. Ron Klinger Do you have a suggestion to add to the needs no introduction. He’s a prolific red book on the library table? writer and I’ve ordered a new title written with Andrew Kambites, How good is your In the last couple of years purchasing on- bridge hand? and another copy of recent- line from places like The Book Depository ly published A good game of modern has saved a lot of money. This may bridge. I’ve also replaced Browne’s Be- change if the GST includes books. With ginner’s Bridge bought for the library in that in mind I’ve bought Lawrence’s Tips January this year but since disappeared. on Bidding and Bourke and Corfield’s (By the way, some books reported miss- The Art of Declarer Play, both recently ing in the June issue of Trumps Plus published, and added another copy of have turned up but not all. If you can help Ron Klinger’s Bridge Conventions, De- with any missing library books I would fences and Countermeasures. The Art of appreciate it.) 28

Finally a note on the The Bridge World NEW & magazine. We subscribed in 2013 but the use made of it didn’t justify the cost REJOINING CLUB so it’s cancelled from October. Howev- er, someone has generously donated a MEMBERS number of old copies. They have articles from top bridge writers around the WE WARMLY WELCOME THE world and are stored on the magazine FOLLOWING PLAYERS TO THE shelves. If you would like to borrow one for up to a week, put your name, date MEMBERSHIP OF OUR CLUB and issue taken on the card at the back of the Loans Box and return the maga- JULY zine to the returns box within the week. Frances Barron Kathleen Pownall TIM SERES: Deirdre Doepel Marilyn Burton Australia’s Master of Deception AUGUST Stephenie Zhuang Fran Murray Solution from page 5 Martha Stengel To make 4H ruff the club lead, play the Valerie Broome diamond ace, ruff a diamond, then Martin Broome overtake the heart king to draw trumps. How is your hand visualisation? Cum- SEPTEMBER mings notes that this works whenever Chris Ingham the DK is doubleton, hearts 4-2 and Rita Dunn when diamonds are 3-2 and hearts 3-3. Fiona Han Ron Dalton To make 6H the best line is similar. Margaret Tierney Courtney writes that since it is more likely that East holds D KXX than that west holds D Kx you should cross to the K H, finesse the D Q and ruff a diamond. In slam you need the D K on- side, 3-2 diamonds and 3-3 hearts. Not just wishful thinking but calculated - if you happened to bid the slam!

Did you look at the bidding of this hand Those we will remember.. with your favourite partner? And then did you work out a way to make your Jacqueline Stone contract? Shirley Hingley Eddy Mandavy

Diary dates 2015 OCTOBER AGM – Red Point Duplicate – 1:00pm Annual General Meeting Tuesday 6 start 4:30pm ABF HANS ROSENDORFF NO CLUB BRIDGE at Saturday 10 TOURNAMENT WABC ABF HANS ROSENDORFF NO CLUB BRIDGE at Sunday 11 TOURNAMENT WABC Club Evening Pairs Championship – Wednesday 14 7:30pm start 1 of 2 Members only Club Evening Pairs Championship – Wednesday 21 7:30pm start 2 of 2 Members only Club Teams 1st session - 10am start de- Saturday 31 pending on entries Members only

NOVEMBER Melbourne Cup Lunch Duplicate – Tuesday 3 1:00pm start Club Teams 2nd session - 10am start de- Saturday 7 pending on entries Members only Sunday 8 BAWA Super Vets Congress ABF Golden West Mandu- Saturday 14 rah ABF Golden West Mandu- Sunday 15 rah Monday Morning Jackpot Final Qualifiers Only Monday 16 Monday Jackpot Final Qualifiers Only Tuesday 17 Tuesday Jackpot Final Qualifiers Only Wednesday Jackpot Final Qualifiers Only Wednesday 18 Wednesday Evening Jackpot Final Qualifiers Only Thursday 19 Thursday Jackpot Final Qualifiers Only Friday 20 Friday Jackpot Final Qualifiers Only Saturday 21 Saturday Jackpot Final Qualifiers Only DECEMBER

Christmas Congress Friday Pairs - Regular Morning ses- Friday 4 1:15pm sions only Christmas Congress Saturday Pairs - Saturday 5 1:30pm start No Regular session Sunday 6 Christmas Congress Teams – 10am start Christmas Congress President's Pairs - Sunday 6 1:30 pm start Tuesday 15 Christmas Party Duplicate – 1:00pm start Friday 25 Christmas Day NO BRIDGE at WABC Boxing Day Public Holi- Saturday 26 day Monday 28 Afternoon Duplicate only – 1:00 pm start Public Holiday Thursday 31 New Years Eve 30

DUPLICATE SESSIONS

PO Box 591 Cottesloe 6911

7 Odern Cres, Swanbourne. Phone 9284 4144

SUPERVISED – FOR BEGINNERS

Monday (P) 12.30 – 3.15 Peter Smith Except Public Holidays. Wednesday (P) 7.30 – 10.15 Annabel Booth Ideal for the novice player. Friday (P) 9.30 – 12.15 Annabel Booth Ideal for the novice player. Saturday (P) 1.30 – 5.15 Guest Director Ideal for the novice player.  These sessions are supervised – you may ask for help during play.  (P) You don’t need to bring a partner, no need to book, just turn up in the teaching area.

OTHER SESSIONS - UNSUPERVISED Monday am 9.15 – 12.30 Peter Holloway Small & friendly. Not held on Public Holidays. Monday pm 1.00 – 4.45 Dave Parham Graduate to this from Supervised. Tuesday 1.00 – 4.45 Bill Kemp The premier session. Wednesday 11.30 – 3.00 Peter Smith Advice given by Peter – after the session. Wednesday Eve 7.30 – 11.00 David Burn Very popular, good atmosphere. Thursday 1.00 – 4.45 John Beddow Popular with newer players. Friday am 9.15 – 12.15 David Burn Intermediate players Friday pm 1.15 – 5.00 Peter Holloway Our most popular session. Saturday (P) 1.30 – 5.15 David Burn Relaxed and social.  All sessions marked (P) indicate you may attend without a partner.  If you need a partner for any other session phone Dymphna Elsey 9336 4802 8.30am – 8.30pm.

All results posted at www.wabridgeclub.com.au. Licensed bar open after most sessions.

TABLE MONEY PER SESSION: $7.00 Members, $9.00 Visi-

tors, $3.00 Youth players

(SUPERVISED: $8.00 Members, $10.00 Visitors, $4.00

Youth players)

All results posted at www.wabridgeclub.com.au.

Licensed bar open after most sessions.

THE WEST AUSTRALIAN BRIDGE CLUB

CHRISTMAS CONGRESS 2015

At the WABC CLUB ROOMS 7 ODERN CRESCENT SWANBOURNE

Friday 4th, Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th December

Tournament Organiser HILARY YOVICH 0409 082 920

Tournament Director BILL KEMP 0478 595 275

Entries Via

BAWA Website www.bawa.asn.au

Ph: 9284 4144

FRIDAY PAIRS 1.15pm $15 per person SATURDAY PAIRS 1.30pm $15 per person SUNDAY TEAMS 10.00am $30 per person SUNDAY PRESIDENT’S PAIRS 1.30pm $15 per person

CASH PRIZES and RED POINTS all events