BRIDGE

ACBL.ORG BulletinJULY 2020

Cheating at Cards ACBL cracks down as an old vice finds a new outlet online

BRIDGE

BulletinVolume 86, Number 7 • July 2020 • acbl.org Cover: “The Cheat with the Ace of Clubs” by Georges de La Tour (c. 1630–34)

Features 10 Good as Gold First online regional is a hit 14 Zoom to Learn Teachers draw crowds with online lessons 16 Zoom to Play Innovation brings social element to online bridge 20 Houston Solution Charity Foundation president honored 22 Cue Confusion Colchamiro untangles the many meanings of cuebids 25 ‘A Hand’ Revealed Reconstructing short opera’s bridge deal

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4 Bridge Bulletin July 2020 COLUMNS INTERACTIVE FEATURES CONTRIBUTORS  IN FIRST SEAT  THE BIDDING BOX  PHILLIP ALDER Card Play 101  A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT  IT’S YOUR CALL ADAM PARRISH  RULING THE GAME  ,  WEST, EAST HANDS FOR Parrish the Thought THE BIDDING BOX FOR THE RECORD ROBERT TODD  CHALLENGE OF THE MONTH Reasoning with Robert

DEPARTMENTS  CROSSWORD PUZZLE  LYNN BERG LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Startup Bridge

ED FOUNDATION NEWS MASTERPOINTS JERRY HELMS  NEW LIFE MASTERS Ask Jerry

DEFENSIVE MANUEVERS  LIFE MASTER MILESTONES ,  LARRY COHEN Bidding Basics, The Real Deal CALENDARS  PERSONAL MP PROFILE MICHAEL BERKOWITZ ,  TEACHER, DIRECTOR COURSES Lessons Learned PASSINGS  TOURNAMENT DIRECTORY ,  MIKE LAWRENCE , ,  OBITS Mike’s Bridge Lesson, Mike’s Advice  SCHEDULE OF EVENTS  IN MEMORIAM ,  EDDIE KANTAR Chalk Talk, Test Your Play

NOTICES  AUGUST BOEHM ,  ,  NOMINATIONS Boehm on Bridge

 MARTY BERGEN Better Bridge with Bergen

 KAREN WALKER 20 Bidding Matters

 FRANK STEWART My Bridge and Yours

 BILLY MILLER 25 Dear Billy  DAVID BIRD Bridge with the Abbot

 GEORGE JACOBS George’s World

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July 2020 Bridge Bulletin 5 IN FIRST SEAT

Member Services: 800–264–2743 (U.S. ) 662–253–3191 (Others) Dirty rotten cheaters Call and speak to a member The pandemic has altered the course of bridge services representative to: history and changed the way that tens of thou- • Join the ACBL sands of bridge enthusiasts enjoy their favorite • Renew your membership pastime. Cut off from traditional face-to-face • Change your mailing address bridge, players have now taken to their computers, tablets and smart- • Get questions about MPs answered phones to get their fix online. • Report Bridge Bulletin not received The fact that the ACBL and BBO were able to offer a wide variety of contests – from club-level games to tournaments – in a very short space Available Monday–Friday of time as the pandemic unfolded was greatly appreciated by players. 8 a.m.– 4:30 p.m. CST The letters and emails have been positively glowing; ACBL members were deeply impressed by the quick response. Email Customer Service: Those same emails, however, typically express a note of concern [email protected] about the threat of collusive cheating. For the ethically impaired, it’s easy to do online. Although players universally recognize that online More contact information on pg. 74. play is the only option to enjoy bridge for the short term, they still want to know what the ACBL and BBO are doing about cheating. A few years before his death in 2014, I met Allan Cokin at an NABC. For those unfamiliar with the name, Cokin had been convicted of col- BRIDGE lusive cheating with partner Steve Sion in 1977, and the expert pair was suspended for five years, forbidden from playing with each other Bulletin ever again. Although Sion was later expelled for yet another cheating Editor: Paul Linxwiler violation, Cokin worked actively to make amends for his sin, coach- Managing Editor: Sue Munday ing Junior teams pro bono for many years. He became a citizen in good Associate Editor: Chip Dombrowski standing and rehabilitated his reputation, though it took decades to Graphic Designž/¡Layout: Cindy Hill do so. He approached me because he wanted to write a book about his career, a memoir with the cheating incident as the fulcrum for the story. BRIDGE BULLETIN (ISSN –—˜™–š›œš) is published monthly by the Amer i can Contract Bridge League, Inc., Although he never got around to beginning the book in earnest, he had šžœž Windchase Blvd., Horn Lake MS ›˜š›œ––ž¤›, already selected a title for the piece: “It’s Not Worth It.” šš¤–¤ž›–›–——. ¥ž per copy, ¥¦™ annually. Yearly sub- scrip tion paid with annual dues. Periodicals postage paid The ACBL and BBO have a message for players who cheat online: It’s at Horn Lake MS and at additional mail ing offices (USPS not worth it. The bid and play records make it extraordinarily easy to ¦˜˜–¦›—). Printed in the USA. corroborate cheating allegations, and BBO investigators work with the Canadian Publication rate paid at Windsor ON, Permit «¦——¦—™žž. CANADIAN return address: c/o ACBL National Recorder to catch and prosecute offenders. If we catch Amer i can Contract Bridge League, P.®O. Box ˜œž, Stn A, you, you will be disciplined. BBO is a private company and will sum- Windsor ON, Canada N™A šP¤. marily ban you from their site. The ACBL will then have its turn, and its POSTMASTER: Send address changes to BRIDGE BULLETIN, P.°O. Box ¤˜™, Horn Lake MS ›˜š›œ-—¤˜™ punishments include lengthy suspensions, barring partners from play- ing together, loss of most or all of your masterpoints, and, for extreme cases, expulsion. American Contract Bridge League For more on this, see “A Message from the President on pg. 9, “Ruling 6575 Windchase Blvd. the Game” on pg. 26 and “For the Record” on pg. 27. Horn Lake MS 38637–1523 Paul Linxwiler, [email protected] acbl.org

6 Bridge Bulletin July 2020 »InBox Letters to the Editor

Prophetic advice I’m spending my COVID-19 down- Not Alerting 2♦ seems to be in di- to a bridge community with all of the time rereading back issues of the rect contradiction to the ACBL’s Alert support (and foibles) that entails. One Bridge Bulletin. Procedures, which use the term “highly of the most insidious effects of this I thank Marisa Silverman, Aspen CO, unusual and unexpected.” To me, us- pandemic is the disruption of our com- for penning her Letter to the Editor ing a 2♦ response to a strong 2♣ as munity. Kudos to the ACBL for doing that appeared in the March 2013 edi- a transfer to hearts is highly unusual. its best to keep us in touch with each tion. The fact that an Alert of 2♦ might other as we deal with the impact that She tells the sad tale of her and her wake up responder can be adjudicated this virus has had on our lives. partner getting a bad cold while play- by the existing laws. The Alerting side KEN LEOPOLD ing at a sectional tournament because is not allowed to use unauthorized Avon CT an uncouth player coughed without information. covering her mouth. When confronted, If the goal is full disclosure, then not Role model the offender had the audacity to reply, Alerting “highly unusual and unex- I was pleased to see that Larry Cohen “If you want to protect yourself from pected” bids is contrary to the spirit of was chosen for induction into the me, you should play at the other table.” the laws. And the argument of awaken- ACBL Hall of Fame. I have not met Marisa asks us to consider, “What ing partner with an Alert is specious Larry. His books, articles and online could be worse than a contagious considering that all Alerts run the risk sites are always my go-to places for person playing cards with hundreds of waking up partner. answers to my bridge questions (which of other people in an enclosed space Yes, I know that Alert Procedures are many). ♦ and expecting opponents to deal with specifically exempt 2 from being I knew of his fine reputation as a it? There are also many elderly players Alerted. I am saying that this is wrong. teacher. There was indication of his and folks with compromised health. RICHARD COMSTOCK kindness and sense of humor in his It’s the nature of our demographics.” Centerburg OH style of answering questions and Seven years later, in the midst of the explaining some of the gray areas of coronavirus pandemic, follow Marisa’s Community bridge. advice: “Let’s spread the news, not the When my son was stationed at Fort When I lived in the Boston area, my flu.” It’s so simple, yet life-saving. “Stay Carson, he lived in Colorado Springs. partner and I played in many tourna- home!” He checked out the Colorado Springs ments. I love bridge and decided to BRIAN R. GRAY Bridge Center shortly after he got attempt to teach the game to friends Mississauga ON there. They were extremely nice to who were beginners. Many of them him and he started going on a fairly joined duplicate clubs. I relied heav- Woke regularly basis when he could. One of ily on Cohen’s teaching methods. I did I find the “Ruling the Game” column the players who was particularly kind not charge anything for the classes, in the November 2019 issue (regard- to him was Joe Luk. Joe is an excel- just enough to cover snacks and some ing the non-Alert of 2♦ bid to a strong lent bridge player with a fascinating teaching tools. I really just wanted to 2♣) to be contrary to the spirit of the background, which includes years in share the game of bridge with as many Alert process. The excuse given is that the restaurant business. Joe took my people as I could. the Alert could awaken partner. Yet the son under his wings, taught him a lot of Congratulations, Larry, on a well- advice given is to ask what 2♦ means, bridge, and treated him to many gour- deserved honor. which will awaken the partnership met meals. It certainly was a shock to MARY BETH BOYD anyway, but shifts any onus to the non- see how the coronavirus devastated the Chardon OH offending side. Not to mention that club. (Editor’s note: Many members of asking for the meaning of the bid could the Colorado Springs club became seri- Letters to the editor are welcome by regular mail and email. produce unauthorized information ously ill from the virus in March, and Brevity is considered a virtue, as is subject matter with relevance and/or hard feelings, unless it is done several died.) Thankfully, Joe survived to a majority of ACBL members. Unsigned letters are not considered for publication, so please include your name and after every 2♣ opening, in which case the ordeal. hometown. Letters may be edited. All letters will receive a it becomes a time-waster. This story is a reminder to me that response. Send emails to [email protected]. we don’t just play bridge; we belong July 2020 Bridge Bulletin 7 Letters to the Editor

Arkansas adventures I play bridge out of Little Rock, and this piece for the Bridge Bulletin. His fails to mention a critical problem I thought it would be a fun goal to play words were, “Either you write it or I when playing in ACBL-sanctioned in every bridge club in Arkansas. My will.” Thanks, Josh. games on BBO: widespread cheating. regular partner is Dr. Kathy Gates, DAN GRAHAM When I first began using BBO several and she thought it would be fun to do Redfield AR years ago, it seemed obvious to me also. We researched the ACBL club that two people who know each other information and found that there were Dexterity exercise could sign up as a pair and then com- municate with each other as they play. 23 clubs in Arkansas that have regular I have been playing in some of the The temptation to do this is especially ACBL-sanctioned games each week. new ACBL Virtual Club games on BBO, great for persons living in the same There are clubs in Dumas, Monticello, and I like being able to still compete household. I accepted this as a small Jonesboro, Little Rock, Hot Springs, with my friends. I do seem to have one downside of the system, but this defect Hot Springs Village, Conway, new problem, though, that I don’t have is totally unacceptable when the stakes Jacksonville, Pine Bluff (three clubs), with “regular” bridge, namely, I have a include the ability to earn master- Heber Springs, Fort Smith, Mountain keying error on average of about once points in an ACBL-sanctioned game. Home (two clubs), Harrison, Eureka per session. I should use my computer It seems to me that it is the obliga- Springs (two clubs), Rogers (two with a mouse to be more precise, but tion of ACBL to police the games that clubs), Springdale, Bella Vista, and my little tablet (and my fat fingers) are it sanctions on BBO just as it does Bentonville. We added one more club my devices of choice most of the time. national, regional, sectional and local from Texarkana. That is technically a Recently, I was in a contract where I competitions. Points earned are sup- Texas club because the city is partially led low towards the A–9–4 in dummy, posed to be a reflection of skill, not in Texas and partially in Arkansas. intending to finesse the 9. So I played chicanery. Because they play in Arkansas, we the 3 from my hand, and left-hand DONALD ZACHARY added it to our list. opponent played the 2. I tried to strike Glendale CA We tried to play at one club each the 9, but I hit the 4 instead. I gasped, week, schedule permitting. We fin- but just then my right-hand opponent The lawless culture of online bridge ished playing after about seven months showed out in the suit! My 4 won the supports the cheating shysters. The and played in every club. trick! I couldn’t see the ugly looks from value of ACBL points is worthless in We met so many wonderful people the other three people at the “table,” such an environment. on our adventure. We were well re- but I assumed that they were there! This is an opportunity, however. ceived, and people were excited about BILL LANDRUM The ACBL and BBO can data-mine to our goal. It was well worth the time and Detroit MI expense. Bridge players in Arkansas expose individuals routinely achiev- are, with very few exceptions, gracious ing high scores or arriving in extreme and supportive. I gained a renewed ap- Surveillance needed contracts. Corrections and monitoring preciation for this wonderful game and We have received many emails about would clean up the culture and im- the people who play it. I also gained a the threat that online cheating presents. prove the sportsmanship, goodwill and special appreciation for the directors Two are presented here. Readers should fairness of all bridge events. at each club who make their games check out this month’s editorial, as well CLIFF BRYANTON possible. Without them, few of these as “A Message from the President” on Vernon BC clubs would survive. pg. 9, “Ruling the Game” on pg. 26 and I owe a special thanks to a guy we “For the Record” on pg. 27. met at a game in Eureka Springs. Josh Young is a writer and published author, I am a regular user of BBO, and I and he shared our excitement about enjoy the service very much, but your this goal. He encouraged me to write article about online play (May, pg. 24)

8 Bridge Bulletin July 2020 A Message from the President The American Contract BY GEORGIA HETH Bridge League We are soldiering on through the “unprecedented” President times. Things are not business as usual, and we don’t Georgia Heth know when we will return to those times. Various issues Chair, Board of Directors have arisen for which we are seeking answers. Suzi Subeck Concerns about cheating are at the forefront of many people’s minds. The first cases of cheating in the new Executive Director online games were resolved in May, and resulted in the Joe Jones suspension of six members for various terms. Many more Chair, Board of Governors cases are being processed. Richard Popper Cheating is cheating, whether it is in an online game or in a face-to-face game. It is wrong. We need your coop- eration in reporting suspicious hands. You are able to do so from the BBO interface. We need reports from players to investigate to do the best job possible in catching cheaters. This is important to the integrity of the Board of Directors game. District 1 • Leo Weniger A new Online Ethical Oversight Committee was formed to hear cases from District 2 • Paul Janicki online cheating. It does not replace the existing Ethical Oversight Committee and District 3 • Carlos Muñoz is neither lesser nor greater than the existing committee. It was formed to handle District 4 • Joann Glasson the expected large number of new cases arising from online bridge. District 5 • Brian Ellis I have heard from people who refuse to play online because they believe cheat- District 6 • Margot Hennings ing is so rampant that the games are not valid. We may be playing online for some District 7 • Mike Kovacich time. Let’s clean up the game. If you live with your bridge partner, please sit in a District 8 • Georgia Heth different room with at least one closed door between you. District 9 • Jeff Overby The ACBL has used increased masterpoint awards to lure people online. Those District 10 • Ned Irving enhancements will have been reviewed by the Board of Directors at the request District 11 • A.J. Stephani of the Masterpoints Committee. Games held in the future may not award master- District 12 • Dennis Carman points at the same levels as the games already held. District 13 • Suzi Subeck One important aspect of any planning we do is that things will not go back to District 14 • Sharon Anderson exactly what we had before the virus at the flip of a switch. The danger is very dif- District 15 • Warren Smith ferent in various parts of the country. Most of our members fall into the high-risk District 16 • Paul Cuneo group, and social distancing is impossible in our game. And even when clubs and District 17 • Cindy Shoemaker tournaments resume holding live games, there are going to be people who are not District 18 • David Johnson comfortable returning. We were already dealing with reduced tournament atten- District 19 • Julie Smith dance. I think this issue is going to be greatly increased by the coronavirus. District 20 • Laurie Rowe Another issue is, do we continue online bridge for pigmented masterpoints District 21 • Jacqueline Zayac once face-to-face bridge resumes? Prior to this crisis, the only pigmented points District 22 • David Lodge awarded online were from the NABC Robot Individuals. District 23 • Kevin Lane This crisis is going to affect us for years to come. We are forming a task force District 24 • David Moss including many types of stakeholders to work on this issue. District 25 • Bob Bertoni I would like to end with a positive effect of the times. On May 27, Andrew Chen became the youngest ACBL Life Master at the age of 8 years and 3 days. Inter- To contact a district director, estingly, the coronavirus aided him in this. During normal times, he was busy at visit acbl.org/boardofdirectors. school and did not have a lot of time to play. With the online games, he was able to earn his final black and silver points online. Congratulations Andrew! You’ll get a chance to meet the young record-breaker in next month’s magazine.

July 2020 Bridge Bulletin 9 Unprecedented Success The ACBL’s first online regional BY CHIP DOMBROWSKI

The ACBL held its first-ever online regional in April and would have believed my goal of becoming a Life Master May. Called Stay at Home, Play at Home, the virtual tour- would be realized in one of my favorite spots on the Little nament site overflowed with 5237 tables. There were 7217 Red River. It was harder to concentrate when fly fishing, people who played at least one session. gardening and birdwatching beckoned me.” Those are big numbers for a regional. In 2019, the second- Morse-Lebow and John Ramos were first in Flight B and largest regional drew 3437 tables. And the online tourna- second overall in the Saturday Afternoon Side Game, scor- ment was only four days, compared to the usual seven for ing 77.79%. She credited her partner and teachers Samantha most regionals. MacDouglas and Brian Reynolds (of “The Kids Table” fame). “Thank you for making the ACBL’s first-ever online “I am finding playing online to be extremely instructive in regional a resounding success,” said Executive Director Joe that I am able to play along with my partner when he or she Jones. “Given the enthusiasm we saw over the weekend, we is declaring and jot down questions as we go,” Morse-Lebow hope to build on this event as we plan future tournaments.” said. “Sometime after each game, we unpack the unusual Fourteen stratified pairs events were held over April 30– hands, or areas where I need to sharpen my skills. It’s a May 3. With the regular tournament calendar wiped out by different way of learning in that I can see both hands, and I the coronavirus, this was the first opportunity for players to have enjoyed the experience.” earn gold points anywhere since mid-March. The tournament was also the first time in months many Five players achieved Life Master status while playing players interacted with a tournament director, noted in the tournament: John Kunnen of Wyoming MI, Valy Lev Jennifer Lin, who won the Saturday Open Pairs with of Evanston IL, Vickey Metrailer of Little Rock AR, Susan Aaron Jones. “We appreciate the ACBL keeping their great Morse-Lebow of Los Angeles CA and Dodi Walsh of Dart- directors working in this tough time,” she said. mouth NS. Almost immediately after the tournament ended, districts “This will be a memory for the ages – the COVID-19 Life began inquiring if they could hold online regionals. While Master graduation event,” said Kunnen, who has been play- that question was deferred to the Board of Directors, plans ing online to fill the gap left by the canceled baseball season. were to hold a second online regional in late June. For Metrailer, being at home was a distraction. “I never

Winners of the Thursday Open Pairs:

Thursday, April 30 Thursday Open Pairs – 634 Pairs 1. C. Lee Hastings, St. Louis MO; Clay Cuthbertson, Quincy IL 8112.83 2. Amy Casanova, Portland OR; Laurie Rowe, Eugene OR 7812.22 3. 1. 1. James Van Etten, State College PA; Keith Glover, Alpharetta GA 7657.84 4. Della Schnell – John Schnell, Paradise Valley AZ 7602.93 5. Robert Kent – Ellen Kent, Chicago IL 7447.62 Lee Hastings Clay Cuthbertson 6. 2. Michael Reeslund – Chris Sloan, Nashville TN 7396.16 7. Craig Allen, Glen Ellyn IL; Stephen Donahue, Riverwoods IL 7368.93 8. 3. Wendy Bazelow, Wayne NJ; Frederick Linnemeyer, Franklin Lakes NJ 7349.55 First in B and C in the Thursday Open Pairs: 9. 4. Weizhong Bao, Herndon VA; Frank Feng, Radnor PA 7281.42 10. 5. 2. Joseph Kotler, Toronto ON; Joe Yassi, Etobicoke ON 7275.96 11. James Fox – Judy Fox, Virginia Beach VA 7270.03 12. 6. 3. Carol Vogt, Boca Raton FL; Lee Weinberger, Aventura FL 7227.37 13. Cecilla Borras, Waltham MA; Natalie Bassil, Jamaica Plain MA 7210.47 14. Jere Raymond, Hixson TN; Rhoda Kratenstein, Albany NY 7208.01 15. 7. Guohui Zhang, Madison AL; William Boynton, Asheville NC 7189.53 21. 9. 4. John Peer – Kenneth Appel, Indianapolis IN 7086.81 34. 13. 5. Sandy Davis – Laurie Davis, Delray Beach FL 6868.41

Keith Glover Jim Van Etten 10 Bridge Bulletin July 2020 Friday, May 1 Friday Gold Rush Pairs – 780 Pairs 1. 1. 1. Jon Paul Temple – Kim Temple, Dallas TX 9566.36 2. 2. B. Haznedar, Houston TX; Anil Altindag, Turkey 9264.41 3. 3. Judith Gingery – Roy Gingery, The Villages FL 9190.54 4. 4. Charles Johnson, St. Louis MO; Rick Londeree, Maryland Heights MO 9176.19 5. 5. Matthew Krause, O’Fallon MO; Elizabeth Mayer, Webster Groves MO 9042.61 6. 6. Robert Beal – Kenneth Luekens, Murrieta CA 8970.67 7. Maggie Miller – Ann Gronewald, Marietta GA 8929.46 8. James Clark, Toronto ON; Helene Lavertu, Scarborough ON 8874.04 Friday Gold Rush Pairs winners: 9. 7. 2. Dailey Pattee – Gordon Pattee, New York NY 8847.58 Kim Temple and Jon Paul Temple 10. Carol Fraser – Lynn Dondero, Sonoma CA 8844.19 17. 10. 3. Louise Desautels – Mary Allen, St.-Jean-sur-Richelieu QC 8695.92 58. 30. 4. Juan Cuervo, Colombia; Carolyn Bitetti, Belmont MA 8164.06 66. 34. 5. David Clayton, Berkeley CA; John McManis, Oakland CA 8117.58

Friday Afternoon Side Game – 398 Pairs 1. Terry McHenry – Gen Geiger, Sarasota FL 2824.29 2. 1. John Ramos – Susan Morse-Lebow, Los Angeles CA 2772.29 3. Chris Compton, Dallas TX; Andy Goodman, Carmel CA 2552.90 4. Robert Kent – Ellen Kent, Chicago IL 2535.49 5. Kendra Bridges – Tom Fogarty, Chicago IL 2487.14 7. 2. James Breihan, Houston TX; Joe Yassi, Etobicoke ON 2406.64 9. 3. Mike Roney, Ajijic, Mexico; Tom Henson, Towanda PA 2391.19 Friday Afternoon Side Game winners: 11. 4. 1. Georgia McGuire, Winchester MA; Stephen Spielman, Palm Beach Gardens FL 2369.61 Gen Geiger and Terry McHenry 19. 6. 2. Richard Tisch, Sanibel FL; Bruce Adler, Wilton CT 2291.51 22. 9. 3. Jerry Frankel, Plano TX; Mary Lynn Genovesi, Fairview TX 2265.73

Friday Afternoon 299er Pairs – 528 Pairs Winners of the 1. 1. 1. Glenn Heath – Tiffany Destefano, Las Vegas NV 3484.73 Friday Afternoon 2. 2. 2. Wolf Bolz, Raleigh NC; Dan Lazar, Woodbury NY 3268.75 299er Pairs: 3. 3. Joan Larocque – Cam Nelson, Niagara On Lake ON 3252.89 Tiffany Destefano 4. 4. Stephanie Jones, Terrace Park OH; Debra Chavez, Cincinnati OH 3215.00 and Glenn Heath 5. 5. 3. Mary Bradley – Kathy Mason, Oakville ON 3201.37

Friday Evening Side Game – 390 Pairs 1. John Hurd – Gillian Miniter, New York NY 2462.89 2. Terry McHenry – Gen Geiger, Sarasota FL 2426.46 3. Robert Kent – Ellen Kent, Chicago IL 2389.55 4. 1. 1. Linda Williams – Beverly Sheets, Indianapolis IN 2293.94 5. Vic Quiros, Phoenix AZ; Kenneth Chatzinoff, Cinnaminson NJ 2290.09 6. 2. 2. Mark Harrington, Mequon WI; John Pereles, Bayside WI 2280.59 8. 3. 3. Richard Peffer – Martin Friedman, Greensboro NC 2260.77

Friday Evening 299er Pairs – 260 Pairs 1. 1. Pat Johnson, Guelph ON; John Markvart, Elora ON 1570.07 2. 2. Annette McCaffery – Mary Jane Gelpi, Baton Rouge LA 1544.19 3. Richard Verhelle, Troy MI; Patricia Buller, Venice FL 1540.67 Friday Evening Side Game winners: 4. 3. 1. Eric Bonsignori, Savannah GA; Mary Castle, Yellow Springs OH 1531.63 Gillian Miniter and John Hurd 5. 4. 2. Rula Tamer – Ford Tamer, Hillsborough CA 1526.79 7. 6. 3. Kathy Aube, Brooklyn MI; John Comeau, Titusville FL 1499.19

New Life Masters

John Kunnen Valy Lev Vickey Metrailer Susan Morse-Lebow Dodi Walsh Saturday Evening Side Game winners: Wyoming MI Evanston IL Little Rock AR Los Angeles CA Dartmouth NS Janet Treisman and Mitch Dunitz July 2020 Bridge Bulletin 11 Saturday, May 2 Saturday Open Pairs – 562 Pairs 1. Jennifer Lin – Aaron Jones, North Bethesda MD 6822.09 2. Nancy Kornegay – Stephen Kornegay, North Richland Hills TX 6745.86 3. Ann Nutting – Bill Nutting, Stockton CA 6697.94 4. Terry McHenry – Gen Geiger, Sarasota FL 6528.60 5. David Rodney, Fairfax VA; Rusty Krauss, Vienna VA 6481.28 6. David Wheeler, Palo Alto CA; Marolyn Imaoka, San Jose CA 6469.54 7. Judy Elbogen, Mission Viejo CA; Steven Love, Laguna Niguel CA 6461.61 8. Mark Shaw, Columbia MD; Martin Graf, Chevy Chase MD 6421.88 9. 1. Alfred Fortier III, Katy TX; Susan Kaplan, Houston TX 6397.24 Winners of the Saturday Open Pairs: 10. Erin Gove, Los Gatos CA; Malcolm McLaughlin, San Jose CA 6363.86 Aaron Jones and Jennifer Lin 11. 2. Susan Ninyo – Avram Ninyo, Rancho Santa Fe CA 6360.15 12. Finn Kolesnik, Ventura CA; Geoff Hampson, Las Vegas NV 6335.66 13. Walter Bell, Allentown PA; David Meyer, Scranton PA 6333.57 14. William Pettis, Silver Spring MD; Kent Goulding, Germantown MD 6332.51 15. 3. 1. Charles Wiggins Jr., Indian Head Park IL; James Collart, Lincoln CA 6301.68 19. 4. Paul Perkowski, Highlands Ranch CO; Edward Yosses, Denver CO 6253.70 20. 5. 2. Pamela Page, Palm Bay FL; Casey Holscher, Melbourne FL 6251.56 21. 6. Ethan Wood, Dover MA; Daniel Jablonski, Stoneham MA 6241.11 33. 7. Joseph Ur, St. Augustine FL; James West, St. Johns FL 6113.39 35. 8. 3. Bala Srinivasan, Pierrefonds QC; Kohur Gowrisankaran, Montreal-Ouest QC 6076.03 36. 9. 4. Philip Kuhn – Jennifer Kuhn, San Mateo CA 6064.76 37. 10. 5. Sandra Williams – Alan Williams, Pleasanton CA 6057.44 First in B in the Saturday Open Pairs: Susan Kaplan and Alfred Fortier Saturday Gold Rush Pairs – 786 Pairs 1. 1. 1. John Yin, Southborough MA; Hongtao Ma, Rockville MD 9483.36 2. 2. Jayson Rhuda, Middleton MA; Stan Nissen, Wakefield MA 9242.86 3. Harvey Skolnick – Enith Friedman Berg, Boynton Beach FL 9226.63 4. 3. Paul Schnarr – Diane Schnarr, Salt Lake City UT 9204.77 5. Richard Durk – Stephen Weiss, Toronto ON 9166.24 6. Elizabeth Donovan – Patricia Eby, Toronto ON 9053.50 7. Jill Ashworth, Lancaster VA; Judy Chvala, Midlothian VA 8987.73 8. 4. Sharon Evans, Boerne TX; Nancy Tom, San Antonio TX 8978.09 9. 5. Kim Temple – Jon Paul Temple, Dallas TX 8967.90 10. Fran Henry-Jansa – Mark Jansa, Portland OR 8967.18 First in C in the Saturday Open Pairs: 11. Joan Blinn – Clyde Bruce Baldwin, Hollidaysburg PA 8963.02 Jim Collart and Charles Wiggins 12. Harvey Lowe, Tempe AZ; Cheryl Verlander, Sun Lakes AZ 8947.80 13. 6. 2. Gorm Heilskov, McFarland WI; David Hill, Madison WI 8887.80 14. 7. Robert Lempert – Joyce Lempert, Naples FL 8877.20 15. 8. David Ellis, Toronto ON; Craig Ellis, North York ON 8802.89 28. 18. 3. Michelle Ezray – Jay Ezray, Aventura FL 8602.04 58. 30. 4. Christopher Hogan – Jill Hogan, Little Canada MN 8244.73 63. 34. 5. Stephen Glazer – Monte Jaffe, Sharon MA 8235.77

Saturday Afternoon Side Game – 314 Pairs 1. Robert Kent – Ellen Kent, Chicago IL 2514.83 2. 1. 1. Betty Oxley – Charles Oxley, Evansville IN 2456.07 3. 2. Mitchell Heide – Bobbie Ruff, Boca Raton FL 2408.94 Winners of the Sat. Afternoon Side Game: 4. 3. 2. Laurel Valenti, Upperco MD – nonmember 2383.60 Robert Kent and Ellen Kent 5. William Woodfine, Penticton BC; Edwin Glickman, Chicago IL 2363.28 6. 4. 3. Dan Lazar, Woodbury NY; Wolf Bolz, Raleigh NC 2336.35

Saturday Evening Side Game – 234 Pairs 1. Janet Treisman, Beverly Hills CA; Mitch Dunitz, Sherman Oaks CA 1492.00 2. 1. 1. Andrew Rowberg, Goleta CA; Michael Swift, Lansing MI 1469.50 3. Michael Dalton, Palm Coast FL; Lynn Leisy, Amelia Island FL 1384.00 4. 2. 2. Karen Kreutzberg – Sally Kizer, Blacksburg VA 1367.00 5. 3. 3. Heather Barnes – William Barnes, Uxbridge ON 1360.00

Winners of the Sunday Afternoon Side Game: Rich Rio and Bob Schulman 12 Bridge Bulletin July 2020 Sunday, May 3 Sunday Open Pairs – 410 Pairs 1. Joe Grue – Gillian Miniter, New York NY 5170.29 2. Maximo Crusizio, Fort Lauderdale FL; Judy Fox, Virginia Beach VA 4905.44 3. Jean Ludwig, New City NY; Glenn Eisenstein, New York NY 4820.18 4. Judy Eaton, Edwardsville IL; Hong Liu, Frontenac MO 4795.04 5. Jacqueline Chang – Iulian Rotaru, New York NY 4763.48 6. Frederic Pollack, Laval QC; Carolyn Lewis, Louisville KY 4699.63 7. Marjorie Michelin – Ellis Feigenbaum, Laguna Woods CA 4670.07 8. Andy Kaufman, Upper Gwynedd PA; Arthur Korth, Galloway NJ 4664.54 9. Ann Nutting – Bill Nutting, Stockton CA 4654.82 Winners of the Sunday Open Pairs: 10. Curtis Cheek, Las Vegas NV; Stanley Landers, Old Westbury NY 4645.24 Joe Grue and Gillian Miniter 11. 1. Vikram Srimurthy, Brookline MA; Daniel Jablonski, Stoneham MA 4632.70 12. Ming Sheng, Los Altos CA; Richard Chan, Markham ON 4617.42 13. 2. 1. Ashwini Datar, Cupertino CA; Vilas Namjoshi, San Jose CA 4611.54 14. Clay Hall, Vestavia AL; Nalini Sundaram, Pelham AL 4606.58 15. Billy Miller, Las Vegas NV; Edward Zuckerberg, Los Altos Hills CA 4585.38 16. 3. 2. Sam Hankins, Tijeras NM; Joshua Mullins, Albuquerque NM 4549.45 17. 4. 3. David Rosnick, Jamaica Plain MA; William Scott, Medford MA 4506.37 18. 5. Stephen Cooper, Toronto ON; Hank Sigal, Piedmont CA 4504.74 19. 6. 4. Paul Johnson – Susan Johnson, Veazie ME 4500.24 23. 7. Colin Lafferty, Kitchener ON; Casey Vandeputte, Dundas ON 4417.48 24. 8. 5. Frances Corney – Paul Fournier, Vancouver BC 4405.68 First in B in the Sunday Open Pairs: Daniel Jablonski and Vikram Srimurthy Sunday Gold Rush Pairs – 782 Pairs 1. Lynn Dondero, Sonoma CA; Karen Rocco, Petaluma CA 9750.96 2. David Ow – Glenn Chee, Salinas CA 9414.90 3. Gerald Hewitt Jr., San Jose CA; Anne Wilson, Campbell CA 9187.02 4. 1. Kim Temple – Jon Paul Temple, Dallas TX 9175.78 5. 2. Fred Wardwell Jr. – Karen Smith, Wellesley MA 9046.14 6. 3. 1. Eric Weinstein – Julia Weinstein, Scarsdale NY 9028.59 7. 4. Anil Altindag, Turkey; B. Haznedar, Houston TX 8982.05 8. Gregory Andrews – James Sells, Houston TX 8929.53 9. 5. 2. Dan Lazar, Woodbury NY; Wolf Bolz, Raleigh NC 8925.87 10. Anik Trahan, Sherbrooke QC; Jonathan Ruel, Quebec QC 8907.87 First in C in the Sunday Open Pairs: 11. Zeljko Sokolovic, Oakville ON; nonmember 8871.90 Ashwini Datar and Vilas Namjoshi 12. Kathy Pennington, Saint Simons Island GA; Bill Snellings, Sea Island GA 8869.02 13. 6. Brad Sharp, Xenia OH; Mary Castle, Yellow Springs OH 8856.33 16. 7. James Lanzo, Lockport NY; Rajarshi Roy, Provo UT 8841.69 49. 19. 3. Julianne Ricksecker, San Diego CA; Jeffrey Love, La Mesa CA 8343.18 52. 22. 4. Pam Tinkler – Melinda Kenan, Atlanta GA 8323.30 78. 30. 5. Fanjun Kong, Sterling VA; Li Chen, Fairfax VA 8104.09

Sunday Afternoon Side Game – 368 Pairs 1. 1. 1. Robert Schulman – Richard Rio, Blacksburg VA 2460.12 2. 2. 2. Pangjie Xu, San Jose CA; Winston Huang, Los Altos CA 2358.53 3. 3. 3. Lezlie Cullen – Paul Pointet, Toronto ON 2334.97 Winners of the Sunday Gold Rush 4. 4. 4. Basil Kalymon, Etobicoke ON; Chris Robinson, Toronto ON 2266.97 Pairs: Lynn Dondero and Karen Rocco 5. 5. Murali Nair – Dattatraya Kale, Phoenix AZ 2261.03

Sunday Evening Side Game – 188 Pairs 1. Robert Kent – Ellen Kent, Chicago IL 1255.23 2. 1. 1. Raluca Dobrescu, Woodside NY; Brooke Cohen, New York NY 1159.04 3. 2. Laila Levitas, New York NY; Usama Faris, Jericho NY 1153.47 4. 3. Kurt Oelze, Phoenix AZ; Daniel Kraft, Brandon SD 1151.36 5. 4. Dee Moses – Eleanor Onstott, New Orleans LA 1145.63 7. 5. 2. Jessica Babbitt – Theodore Babbitt, Palm Beach FL 1089.40 8. 6. 3. Marilyn Chaplin – Mel Chaplin, Brentwood CA 1074.80

First in Under-100 in the Sunday Gold Rush Pairs: Eric Weinstein and Julie Weinstein July 2020 Bridge Bulletin 13 Zoom Boom Bridge classes go viral BY SUE MUNDAY

hen the coronavirus came, On April 30, Cohen and crew aired Mondays” and Berkowitz’s 2/1 classes bridge clubs shut down, the their first “Bridge Made Simple” we- are $10 each. You’ll find them – as well Wbridge-cruise industry sank, binar. Cohen uses Zoom; students can as announcements of upcoming events and in-person classes and seminars attend the live event – which allows the – at larryco.com. were canceled. interactive chat and Q&A features. A The hunger for bridge learning didn’t follow-up email to session attendees Donna wane, however. On the contrary, it bur- includes a link to the class for review- Compton geoned as people trapped indoors with ing and class handouts. Donna time to kill looked for a new challenge Targeted to intermediate players, Compton has or outlets for improving their game. Cohen’s sell-out Zoom classes devote enjoyed tremen- Bridge teachers quickly adapted. If an hour to a topic, followed by discus- dous success in her their students couldn’t come to them, sion of four deals. “The interactive teaching career. they would take their classes to the features of Zoom are eye-opening,” he As a world and na- masses. Teachers and their invaluable says. “I can see what the players ‘vote’ tional champion, technical assistants discovered the in- when I ask. The downside is that I can’t American Bridge Teachers’ Associa- teractive videoconferencing magic that see their faces or hear them laugh.” tion Master Teacher and owner of the is Zoom or GoToWebinar, and armed Cohen runs a smooth ship. He has Bridge Academy of North Dallas, she with PowerPoint handouts and BBO bridge assistants to help field ques- relates to her students on every level. teaching tables, they rushed headlong tions and technical handlers to handle “For the past six years, I have taught into the world of online learning. technical stuff, leaving him free to do in-person at my club and in workshops Many online teaching resources are what only he can do. around the country,” says Compton. “I listed on the ACBL website – more and On June 1, Larry added a new have been teaching online since 2014, more every day – ranging from private series: “Celebrity Mondays.” His beginning with live webinars and then BBO coaching to small-group play to guest list includes editing the webinars and turning them webinars. Go to acbl.org and click on David Bird, “Jeopardy into videos for resale.” the Learn tab, then Online Learning James” Holzhauer, Compton says that the coronavirus Opportunities on the left-hand menu. Zia Mahmood and pandemic brought her two worlds to- Here’s how four popular teachers Jeff Meckstroth – gether, joining her in-person students ramped up their response to the quar- 90 minutes with an and her online students. antine call for more bridge. extended Q&A. In addition to be- “I am enjoying online teaching more and more every day. I find myself try- Larry Cohen ing a popular Bridge Bulletin columnist, ing out new ways of making the online If you think experience more ‘real-life,’ and I am Michael Berkowitz is a member of that Larry having fun experimenting with new Cohen can’t Larry’s teaching team. On Friday after- noons, May 1 through June 5, Michael ways to present the materials. I have possibly be as expanded my student base to Europe good a teacher invited advanced beginners and inter- mediate players into the 21st century and Asia. It’s been fun learning their as he is/was a methods and discussing the pros and player (that is to with a comprehensive series on 2/1. Topics highlighted the use of a semi- cons of the differences.” say first-round She uses GoToWebinar to host the Hall-of-Fame forcing notrump, responding with invitational hands, the 2♣ response lessons and a combination of Power- quality), think Point and BBO tables. again. Because, wow! He funnels all and game-forcing auctions, opener’s rebid and slam bidding. “I have a five-year curriculum,” the expertise and poise and humor that Compton says. “My topics start with made him a champion into what he Episodes of “Bridge Made Simple” are available for $15 each. “Celebrity an introduction, then four courses of loves best: teaching. fundamental topics, five intermediate

14 Bridge Bulletin July 2020 topics and four advanced.” recently where you could hear the teach,” he says, “though I can’t say the Each class is $40. BAND Patron toilet flushing online, so we are in good same about lesson prep! It’s insanely Members ($120 a year) enjoy a 50% company.” stressful building the lesson, but once discount. Seagram says that she held up sheets class starts, I’m in my element.” Compton says she will always have of white cardboard for the presenta- Wolpert teamed up with New York her online teaching program. “I have tion at the first lesson. “Then I learned pro/teacher Rob Barrington, who too many students who have been with how to share the screen and upload the founded bridgeles- me for the last six years. I am also find- documents. That was a thrill! Now I son.com (formerly ing that a lot of my in-person students can incorporate BBO into the presenta- learnbridge.nyc) – a who have underlying health issues are tions so I am over the moon!” dazzling intersection not planning on returning to in-person Looking for a newcomer boot camp? of bridge-learning op- anything-bridge until there is a vac- A bridge grammar teacher who strips portunities. cine. So they are grateful to have the the game down to “do this” or “don’t “Rob and I have been online option going forward.” do that” (except much more charming building a really big Go to PlayBetterBridge.com for a and gracious)? You found her. Where following,” Wolpert complete course listing. Seagram excels is fostering a love of says. “We both very quickly realized the game and nurturing a knowledge- that the quarantine was going to leave Barbara able, confident player well-rounded in people with a lot of free time, and we Seagram all three phases of the game: bidding, started doing Zoom lessons in March. play and defense. We now offer live classes almost every Barbara She suggests a $5 donation for each day. We are trying new stuff in our Seagram shines class. The proceeds, minus Zoom ex- broadcasts, really working to provide as one of the stars penses, fund a cause dear to her heart: an awesome learning experience.” of the bridge- “2020 marks our 10th year of working Wolpert is humbled by the number teaching galaxy. to support our five schools that we of students who have reached out to But unless you have built and sustain in Cambodia. say thank you. “Some people have told attend an ACBL We focus on education, sanitation and us they live in remote places and never North American the villagers.” The Zoom classes raised had access to these kinds of lessons. Bridge Championship or live within over $30,000 through mid-June. Others are just grateful for something easy access of her bridge school/club “I plan to continue throughout to do while they are stuck isolated.” in Toronto, or catch her on tour, you June, and we will see after that,” says Looking back on the May calendar, haven’t had access to her lessons. Now Seagram. “The prep is tremendous Wolpert says, “Rob did conventions you do – you and hundreds of bridge because of the handouts and preparing on Mondays, quizzes on Wednesdays lovers around the world, from as far the slides. It is all new material that I and declarer play on Thursdays. My away as Switzerland, Cyprus, Turkey, do not usually teach in class, so it is all mom and I taught defense together on Australia and India. from scratch.” Visit Seagram’s website Fridays. Josh Donn and I developed a Starting in April, Seagram began for up-to-date schedule information: special opening lead series on Satur- offering live weekly bridge instruction barbaraseagram.com or email her at days. That was May, though, and topics online. “The first Zoom session was [email protected]. change.” wild,” she says. “I was expecting 200 The courses/handouts are still people, so I upped my license to accom- available for purchase at $10 per class. modate 500 people, as that is the same Gavin Wolpert With barely con- YouTube lessons on Wednesdays at price. I could never have imagined that 10 a.m. are free, as is a treasure trove of 500 would actually attend. And it turns tained excitement, Gavin Wolpert lessons in the site’s bridge library. out that a further 200 tried to get in but “There’s no question we will contin- could not.” She has since doubled that welcomed an audi- ence to his “Open- ue to teach online,” Wolpert says of his capacity. post-virus future. “Our students won’t “I had not figured out how to mute ing Leads” series: “We are live, we let us stop! We have heard from so everyone and make it so that they could many people who are asking for us to not unmute themselves,” Seagram says. are recording and we are ready to keep doing it after normal life resumes. “We heard a toilet flushing, phones I see, as we poll our students about ringing, people slurping coffee and go!” Wolpert plays professional bridge at problems during classes, that they are doing dishes. But, hey, I just heard that absolutely getting better. We can’t walk there was a Supreme Court hearing the highest level. As it turns out, he’s a world-class teacher too. “I love to away from that.” ◾

July 2020 Bridge Bulletin 15 Reinventing the Game Zoom brings the social element back to online bridge BY CHIP DOMBROWSKI

Bridge players have been forced to The U.S. Bridge Federation also requires using a feature called break- migrate online. While they’re generally planned to use Zoom in its invitational out rooms. Before the beginning of the pleased to have the opportunity to play tournament in late May/early June. game, everyone joins a Zoom meeting. at all, the truth is, it’s just not the same The first cases of coronavirus in the After a few minutes of socializing and as playing in person. Virtual clubs typi- United States emerged in the Seattle announcements from the director, the cally limit the length of their games to area, where things began shutting host assigns players to breakout rooms about 18 boards – because a two-hour down earliest. Mercercrest director corresponding to the table number online game feels like four hours. Aaron Mohrman, who had experi- where they start. At the end of each A few groups on the West Coast are ence using Zoom for work, had the round, the East–West players need to pioneering a solution to the tedious- idea to use the free videoconferencing be moved to the next room. Then, at the ness of online bridge: using Zoom. For software to bring his club together. A end of the game, everyone returns to many of those who’ve tried it, it’s the couple of weeks before ACBL’s Virtual the main meeting for more social time. only way to play online. Club program came to fruition, he ar- All players need to do is keep two The Mercercrest Bridge Club in ranged with Bridge Base Online to run windows open on their computer – Seattle has been running games with free, private tournaments. one for BBO and one for Zoom. The Zoom since mid-March. The Portland “Everyone was feeling isolated in Zoom window works best sized so that Gay Men’s Bridge Group began using their homes, especially those of us who the four pictures stack vertically and the same format in early April. Tom live alone,” Mohrman said. “It is so placed off to the side – big enough to Reynolds of Los Angeles hosts online comforting to hear familiar voices and see the four players at your table. “They knockouts, an easier way to make use see people’s faces.” can talk freely about what is happening of Zoom, as no movement is required. Running a pairs game on Zoom at their table, and no other table can

You may place the Zoom window on the left, on the right, or on another device. Shown here on the right side. 16 Bridge Bulletin July 2020 see or hear them,” Mohrman explains. together over drinks, except bridge is not as hard to teach players to use The format has been so popular deadly serious and everyone is quiet Zoom as club managers and directors that Mercercrest expanded from one during the play and bidding,” he says. fear. He requires first-time players to night a week to three. The club regu- Eric Sieg is a Seattle-area player who attend a 20-minute orientation before larly draws 10 to 12 tables on Tuesday participates in both Reynolds’s match- the game, but that’s enough. “Like most nights and six to eight on Thursdays es and the Mercercrest game. He was clubs, we have players with a wide and Sundays. working from home before quarantine, range of technological prowess,” he In Portland, Zack Woodbury has and bridge was his main social outlet. says. “Most players get comfortable been hosting a social duplicate game Playing with Zoom helps, Sieg says. with it quickly. We’ve had well over 100 on Friday nights since 2012. He, too, “It’s a lot better than no bridge or no people play.” had the idea to use Zoom when he social connection, but I definitely miss Sue Crist is a Mercercrest player brought his game online. Even with in-person bridge and activities.” who had not previously used BBO, and his younger, more tech-savvy group, Reynolds has been exploring ways describes her initial comfort level with there was a bit of chaos figuring out to use video technology to protect the the game technology as low to moder- how to make it work the first week, but integrity of high-level bridge events ate. “It’s just been excellent. It took a lit- since then, it has worked smoothly. online. He’s tried using Zoom with tle bit of getting used to. But both Aaron Whereas Mohrman (or fellow director two rooms for each table, so that each and Jeff, the two directors, have been Jeff Ford) handles moving people from player is on a call with only their very clear in their instructions and very one breakout room to the next himself, screenmate from the opposing team, patient,” she says. “It works very well. Woodbury makes all of his players but found it ineffective without a third- It makes it feel fun. Once you get some co-hosts so that they can move them- party monitor. “I am totally consumed help and get going, it’s really not that selves. Only those who are using Zoom with the hand and never glance at my complicated. Now it’s very easy.” on mobile devices need help getting screenmate,” he says. Shawn Abernethy had played online moved. While the USBF would like to run before but didn’t enjoy it much without For those who play quickly, there events like Reynolds envisions with re- the social aspect. But add in Zoom, and are usually several minutes left on the mote monitoring, the plan was to start now she has a reason to keep coming round clock when they finish their with the invitational using Zoom for back. “It’s been really great,” she says. boards. Sitting at home alone with no screenmates, according to Jan Martel, “When we sit down at our table, it’s social connection, those minutes feel the COO. “Our reasons are primarily just like the four of us. I find it a lot like an eternity. With Zoom, they’re social, to allow players to interact with more pleasing.” enjoyable. each other in a better way than they Mohrman expects more clubs will Because Zoom makes the time go can on BBO,” she says. want to try his format after they’ve by so much quicker, Woodbury is able Other clubs have expressed interest had a few months of online play under to run regular-length games. But his in the idea of using Zoom, but – having their belt. “My experience, once people Zoom meetings last much longer than encountered the depths of technologi- see the format, a lightbulb goes off and the three hours of game time. He starts cal ineptitude that exist among their they see how much sense it makes,” he an hour ahead with social time. After players in getting them onto BBO – fear says. He plans to create a tutorial for the game, players continue to socialize it’s just too much for them to handle. interested clubs. on Zoom for hours. Some stay as late The Portland Bridge Club has been “It’s something units should be as 3 a.m. “It’s the closest we can come using Zoom for teaching and slowly in- looking at to help save our game,” says to actually being together,” Woodbury troduced a social hour before one eve- Abernethy. says. ning game, but co-owner Dave Brower For Woodbury, Zoom is the only way Reynolds likes serious bridge. When says he’ll be very cautious about trying to go. “Just playing on BBO without the Columbus NABC was canceled, to integrate it into games, waiting until being able to see and talk to everyone he began planning his games as an players are much more comfortable at my table on Zoom would not be the alternative to the Vanderbilt. But even with the technology they’re already same experience,” he says. “Given the for many serious players, using Zoom using. “It was five weeks after the club choice between playing on BBO with is an improvement. With the knockout shut down before we finally got open- friends without Zoom, or robots, I format, breakout rooms aren’t neces- game players back to the point where would rather play with robots since sary. The four players participating in they want to play,” Brower says. “To I wouldn’t have to wait for everyone a match simply join a meeting. Reyn- add Zoom on top of that for people who to bid. I have tried a few virtual club olds tried using Skype initially, but are already unsure of BBO seems like a games on BBO, but without Zoom, it’s switched to Zoom. “In both cases it is nonstarter.” just not the same.” ◾ more like a bunch of friends getting But in Mohrman’s experience, it’s

July 2020 Bridge Bulletin 17 Lynn Deas 1952–2020

ynn Deas died May 10 in 1991 Yokohama World Championship. Schenectady NY. Hailed by the Lynn and her partner bid to 7♣. Trus- LWorld Bridge Federation as “one cott: ‘As the same deals were played in of the greatest bridge players in the both series [Open and Women’s], there world,” Deas ranked second in the were numerous opportunities. A bunch WBF’s all-time listing of women of top experts failed and, after pro- players. Her bridge credits include tracted postmortems, were convinced 13 WBF medals and 27 ACBL North that 7♣ could not be made barring a American championships. In 2004, she defensive error. They were astonished won the Lazard Sportsmanship award. to learn that Deas had made 7♣ with- She was overjoyed at being elected to out any help from the defense.’” the ACBL Hall of Fame in February. Also in the New York Times, mid- Deas grew up in Newport News VA. ’90s, Westheimer smiles, “from the Sidelined by a severe car accident when Sunday crossword puzzle: ‘Lynn _ _ _ _, WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS she was in medical school, she used professional bridge player.’ Cool!” Gold medal the forced leave of absence to make a Westheimer says that many may Venice Cup 1987, 1989, 1991 career change. She decided to pursue not be aware of Lynn’s other talents. World Olympiad Women’s Teams 1996 playing bridge professionally. “She was a persistent and, eventually, Bridge expert, journalist and com- accomplished gardener. Also, she could McConnell Cup 2002 mentator Barry Rigal has followed U.S. whip up a delectable four-course meal World Series Championship Women’s Pairs Women’s bridge over the last 30 years. on the spur of the moment for a bunch 2010 “I always felt that despite Lynn’s of friends. She was amazing!” World National Women’s Teams 2016 Rich Kasprowicz, Deas’s husband of splendid achievements, she was SportAccord World Mind Games Women’s never close to getting the kudos she nearly 30 years, appreciated Lynn’s de- Team and Pairs 2011 deserved,” Rigal says. “Bear in mind termination to play the game she loved Lynn nearly died post the 1996 Rhodes despite the many obstacles. “Also her Silver medal world championship and was never love for her dogs,” Kasprowicz adds. Venice Cup 2009, 2015 able to play bridge out of a wheelchair “They meant the world to her.” When World Series Championship Women’s Pairs again! That is 25 years of dealing with Deas died, she and Kasprowicz had 13 1982 life-threatening diseases; yet she and dogs and three puppies. Beth Palmer – also gone way too soon One of Lynn’s longtime friends, Bronze medal – were still surely the dominant U.S. Barbara Doran of Silver Spring MD, Venice Cup 1997 women’s pair.” says, “Lynn used to name her dogs Rigal doubts that anyone else could using bridge terminology. There was McConnell Cup 2014 have coped with the formidable prob- Wish Trick, Finesse, Trump It, IMP World Series Championship Women’s Pairs lems Deas dealt with every day. “I’m so and so many more.” 1994 happy that Lynn finally got the recog- Bridge professional Curtis Cheek, nition she deserved and really sad that asked by Deas to present her for induc- NABC TITLES she won’t be able to accept the honor in tion at the now-canceled Hall of Fame Marsha May Sternberg Women’s BAM Teams person.” ceremony in Montreal, says, “Lynn 1992, 1995, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2014, 2016 During a February interview, Lynn took me under her wing 27 years ago. Wagar Women’s KO was asked if she had an all-time favorite She became a huge part of my life – in 1999, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2008, 2010, 2013 deal. Her response, in signature style, business, as a partner and as a friend. Machlin Women’s Swiss Teams came immediately. “Y’all are gonna I’ll miss her texts with pictures of each 1987, 1995, 1996, 2007, 2012 enjoy this.” new litter of puppies, the phone calls to Freeman Mixed BAM Teams Valerie Westheimer, a New York City ask how I would bid a hand, and the 1982, 2004, 2006 expert, sets the scene. “Before I ever 4 a.m. visits from hotel security be- played against Lynn, I read an article in cause we were laughing too loud. The Smith LM Women’s Pairs the New York Times by Alan Truscott world has lost one of its all-time great 1983, 1985, 1994, 2008 about the most brilliant play in the players, and I’ve lost a dear friend.”

18 Bridge Bulletin July 2020

Cards for a Cause Your Charity Foundation at work BY SUE MUNDAY

ACBL Charity Foundation By playing in President Nancy Strohmer charity games at and the American Contract clubs, members have Bridge League and are being supported causes as honored by the Greater varied as autism centers, food pantries, senior health care, Houston Women’s Chamber ALS, equine-assisted therapy and laptop computers for of Commerce at its annual schools in Kampala, Uganda and Tanzania. convention in August. “Our rules do not allow us to donate to any bridge-related “We are excited to rec- entity,” Strohmer explains. “Those entities are under the ognize the ACBL Charity umbrella of the ACBL Educational Foundation.” Nancy Strohmer Foundation for generously To respond to the needs of local and regional charities, supporting the advancement and empowerment of women the Charity Foundation distributes grant money to districts and girls,” says Suzan Deison, GHWCC chief executive of- on a rotating basis. In 2020, Districts 5, 6, 9, 13 and 23 each ficer, president and founder. “We are especially honored to receive $30,000 to distribute. Trustees have set aside a recognize Nancy for her support and leadership.” separate fund for disaster relief. In the past, substantial The ACBL Charity Foundation recently approved a contributions were made in the wake of hurricanes Irma, $10,000 grant to support three of the chamber’s develop- Harvey and Maria in 2017, the California wildfires in 2017 ment programs for underserved girls and professional and 2019 and the earthquake in Mexico in 2017. women. “I want us to be able to reach more areas,” Strohmer says. “We will be awarding our scholarships at the conference, “We have finalized criteria on which to base our funding and our STEAM Town USA students will be there as well,” decisions, and we don’t give money just to give it. But I feel says Deison. “This grant money helps fund these initiatives, we get so few requests, and only from a handful of districts so we want Nancy and the ACBL to be a part of the scholar- in the know about the Foundation’s work. We want every- ship presentation. Together, we are changing the trajectory one to be in the know.” of these students’ lives.” Foundation trustees meet twice a year – in the spring and With a mile-long resume of volunteerism and community in the fall – to decide funding allocations. The deadline for accomplishments in Houston that stretches back almost 40 submissions to be considered at the trustees’ November years, Strohmer brings a strong service and organizational 2020 meeting is Oct. 1. For more information, including a ethic to the bridge community. “For me,” Strohmer says, grant application form, go to acbl.org/charityfoundation. “the ACBL offers the perfect marriage: I get to play bridge and work toward charitable causes.” The ACBL Charity Foundation – the giving arm of the Bridge Bulletin Online ACBL – seeks to improve the quality of life in members’ One of the most commonly asked questions from mem- communities by supporting non-bridge related, 501(c)(3) bers is how to read the online version of the Bridge Bulletin. charitable organizations. Strohmer calls the Charity Foun- Active members have access to the MyACBL portal, dation “the ACBL’s best-kept secret,” and that is something located at the top of the ACBL’s homepage at acbl.org. After she’s determined to change by more aggressively marketing registering and setting up a password, members can view all the Foundation and grant application information. types of special content, including the Bridge Bulletin. Simply Strohmer says that any ACBL member may submit a click on the large orange link to see the current issue of the request for grant funding on behalf of an organization. “Any magazine. member,” she emphasizes. “We extend grants to animal, Looking for back issues? After loading the current issue, arts, cultural, humanity, education, environmental, health you may navigate to older issues using the Archive option. and human services organizations. The trustees are volun- All issues are available through January 2005. teers committed to providing funds to those organizations Looking for a particular article? The Search function allows that are important to the ACBL membership.” you to explore the entire online library.

20 Bridge Bulletin July 2020 ACBL Educational Foundation Names Board of Trustees BY KRISTEN FREDERICK, Executive Director, ACBL Educational Foundation We are pleased to welcome the following individuals who were recently elected to join the Board of Trustees of the ACBL Educational Foundation.

Sharon Anderson, Eagan MN. Sharon is no stranger to the ACBL bridge world. As District 14 Director, she has served on the Executive Director Review, Governance, Strategic and Credentials committees. An author and specialist in the areas of strategic change, organizational development and leadership, she was director of professional development at the Univer- sity of Minnesota’s Humphrey School for 25 years. Founder of Aurora Consulting, she has 35 years of experience developing programs for people at all levels in education, politics and business.

Michael Berkowitz, Brooklyn NY. Michael hated bridge right up until he loved it. With two world champion bridge players as parents, he and his sister would charge their parents a quarter every time dinner conversation devolved into bridge. Both a teacher and director for Honors Bridge Club in New York City, he became head director for the Aces and Cavendish Bridge clubs. His reputation for friendliness, quick wit and compassion resulted in becoming known as “New York’s most loved direc- tor.” Larry Cohen recognized Michael’s natural teaching abilities and added him to the “Bridge with Larry Cohen” travel and teaching team. He also writes the “Lessons Learned” column in the Bridge Bulletin.

Barbara Clark, West Orange NJ. Barbara’s dedication has been to enhance life experiences and opportunities for kids in Orange public schools. She also found that this mission could be achieved by teaching them bridge; it not only involved the kids, but their parents, teachers and school administrators. Her suc- cess in running youth bridge programs resulted in strong donor support, thereby sending large numbers of kids to every Youth NABC since 2013. When not playing bridge in these host cities, they visited as many of the historical and cultural sites as possible. Barbara’s ca- reer path took her from special education teacher to director of special services for the New Jersey Department of Education. She spent many successful years as youth bridge coordinator for District 3 and almost 20 years as education liaison for Unit 140.

S. Reese Koppel, Metairie LA. Reese is a rising junior at Yale University and will graduate in May 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in cognitive science (concentration: analytical decision- making) and a certificate in statistics and data science. He’s also an economic development intern for Greater New Orleans Inc. If his name sounds familiar, you’ll recall he was elected King of Bridge in 2018 and the recipient of a scholarship recognizing a high school senior for outstanding tournament performances and promoting the game of bridge. In that same year, he won the Baron Barclay Open Pairs at the Youth NABC. The founder, president, coach and tournament team captain of the Yale Bridge Club, he has coached his team mem- bers into one of the top collegiate teams in the country.

July 2020 Bridge Bulletin 21 Confusing Cuebids BY MEL COLCHAMIRO These are certainly confusing times. This article, however, is designed to try to “un-confuse” you as to the meanings of cuebids in different situations. Some of what follows may surprise (and enlighten) you, and some may be a form of a review. In each question, you are the player whose bid is highlighted. Do you know the common meaning of these cuebids? Have you and your regular partners discussed them? See how many you can get right.

Opener Opponent Responder Opponent ANSWERS 1. 1♥/1♠ 2♣ •♣ 1. 3♣ is a normal limit raise or better, showing 11-plus points and three-card or longer support. No surprise here. 2. 1♣/1♦ 1♥ 2♥ 2. 2♥ is similar to No. 1. It shows 11 or more points and at 3. 1♥ 2♠ 3♠ least four-card trump support, but there is additional info imbedded in it. Responder denies four cards in spades (or 4. 1♣/1♦ 2♠ 3♠ responder would have made a negative double) and is not likely to have a balanced hand with a heart stopper (or 5. 1♦ 2♦ responder would have chosen 2NT or 3NT). ♠ 6. 1♥ 2♥ 3. 3 shows three-card or longer support, but here shows at least 13 points because 3♠ forces us to at least 4♥. We 7. 1♠ 3♠ can no longer stop in 3♥. 4. Similar to No. 3, but it denies as many as four cards in 1♦ 1♥ 1♠ ♦ 8. 3 hearts (no negative double). 9. 1♥ 3♣ 4♣ 5. A normal Michaels cuebid showing at least 5–5 in the ma- jors. The range depends somewhat on partnership agree- 10. 1♦ 1♥ 1♠ 2♥ ments. A common approach, depending on vulnerability, 3♥ is for a Michaels cuebid to normally show about 6–11 HCP — or 17-plus HCP if you intend to bid again. With 12–16 ♥ ♠ ♦ ♠ 11. 1 1 2 2 HCP, therefore, the plan is to simply overcall 1♠ and then ♠ Pass Pass 3 bid hearts later if possible. Some experts, however, believe you can have any number of points to use Michaels. Make 12. 1♣ Dbl Pass 1♠ sure you and your partner agree. Pass 2♣ 6. A Michaels cuebid showing spades and a minor. (Over 1♠, 13. 1♦ Dbl Pass 2♦ 2♠ shows hearts and a minor.) Responder can bid 2NT with forward-going hands to ask, “What’s your minor?” or, 14. 1♥ 2♣ 3♣ Pass with a weakish hand, bids 3♣, asking partner to pass or 4♣ correct to 3♦ if that’s the minor. 15. 1♦ 2♦(1) 3♦ Pass 7. A jump cuebid asks responder for a stopper in spades, 3♥ almost always based on a long running suit, in an attempt (1) Majors to get to 3NT. 8. This form of jump cuebid shows four-card support for 16. 1♦ 1♠ Pass 2♠ partner’s overcalled suit and about 7–10 points. It’s known Pass 3♦ as a “mixed raise.” Why “mixed”? Because it’s too strong for a preemptive raise and not strong enough for a limit 17a. 1♥ 2♥(1) 2♠ raise. It’s “Law” abiding. It also suggests that a raise to 2♥ (1) Spades + minor in this position would contain only three-card support. 9. Heart support and 13-plus points. 17b. 1♠ 2♠(1) 3♥ 10. Perhaps surprising, this cuebid denies spade support. (1) Hearts + minor With support, opener would simply bid 2♠, 3♠ or 4♠ depending on the strength of the hand. 3♥ is looking for ♠ (1) ♣ ♦ 17c. 1 2NT 3 /3 a heart stopper. This is one that seems to befuddle all too (1) Minors many players. But maybe no more. 22 Bridge Bulletin July 2020 11. Looking for a spade stopper. With heart support and game interest, responder would bid 3♥ or 4♥. On rare occasions, responder could have slam aspirations in Stratton takes hearts, but opener presumes not so for now. marketing helm 12. Most people get this one wrong, too. 95% of the time this at ACBL cuebid denies spade support. Typically, it shows at most three-card support, a very strong hand and probably no When Mary Stratton was hired club stopper. With four-card spade support, the doubler earlier this year to become the would have bid 2♠, 3♠ or 4♠. ACBL’s new marketing director, little did anyone imagine that 13. 2♦ shows either a game-going hand with no clear direc- her proposed start date of April 1 tion (no diamond stopper, no five-card major), or a hand would find the organization in the greatest upheaval with at least one four-card major and at least invitation- in its history. Yet Stratton, a career marketing special- al values. The 2♦ bidder promises at least one more bid. ist, believes the challenges posed by the pandemic It is not playable to have the advancer cuebid and then present the ACBL with a generational opportunity pass. to modernize its appeal through online play, a virtue 14. This return cuebid is a “control bid” showing (usu- grounded in a necessity. ally) first- or second-round control, looking for slam. “How do we get more people to play bridge? Young We’ve already agreed hearts, and 4♣ forces us to 4♥, so adults and empty-nesters already get a significant what’s the point unless we’re probing for slam? part of their entertainment from online sources. If 15. 3♥ shows a heart stopper and is looking for a spade we’re going to attract more people, then online play stopper; the majors are the two suits they have “bid.” is the way to do that,” said Stratton, 43, who lives in Memphis with her husband Jarren and children 16. Though 3♦ is technically a cuebid, it is really a side-suit Mara, 9, and Brenna, 7. game try. It is wildly unlikely we are looking for slam “Regarding the pandemic, I believe we’re making after 1♠–2♠, or that we are trying to play in notrump lemonade out of lemons. COVID-19 has provided us because we have already found an eight-card or longer with an eye-opening opportunity instead of simply major-suit fit. It’s no different than if we had bid 3♣ being a hindrance,” she said, pointing to the incred- instead of 3♦. ible success of the Support Your Club and virtual club 17a/b. These are called “invisible” cuebids. Over 1♥–2♥, games on BBO, as well as the tremendously popular showing spades and a minor, 2♠ by us can’t be a de- Stay At Home Regional and Silver Linings Sectional. sire to play in spades with five of them to our right. The two online tournaments generated almost a half The same thinking applies when RHO has shown million dollars in revenue for the League. hearts and a minor or when righty has shown both Stratton began her career as director of market- minors. Instead, these invisible cuebids show a limit ing for Toronto-based TCG, a fast-growing puzzle, raise or better in partner’s suit. game and toy company. She was next a senior account 17c. More invisible cuebids, but because the unusual 2NT director at Oden, a business-to-business market- shows two suits (clubs and diamonds), opener’s part- ing firm in Memphis. In this role, she served as a key ner can take advantage of this by using 3♣ to show liaison with the global brand management team at limit values and five or more hearts, while 3♦ is used FedEx. Most recently, Stratton served for five years to show a limit raise in spades. These are “correspond- as director of marketing for Power & Tel, a leading ing suits”: the lower minor (clubs) shows the lower distributor in the telecommunication industry. major (hearts), while the higher minor shows the Stratton is from the Midwest and holds an MBA higher major. This method allows opener’s partner to from Purdue University. She currently is on the board bid a simple 3♥ or 3♠ with weaker hands. of the Memphis chapter of the American Market- ing Association and was one of the founding chapter board members.

July 2020 Bridge Bulletin 23 Yukon Gold One man’s quest to become a Life Master living in northern Canada

for work, there was no bridge club, so have the time or resources to travel he played bridge weekly with friends great distances to tournaments. But by for 1/10th of a penny a point. Partners studying the monthly Bridge Bulletin, were drawn randomly each week, but reading other bridge books and playing after a couple of years, everybody owed once a week, his knowledge increased. Chic money. On the night his first son For the next four years, the annual was born, Chic collected his winnings tournament in Haines was the only Is it possible to become a Life Master ($20!) from the other players and gave place to earn masterpoints. In 2014, living in a community with no ACBL- up bridge for the next 20 years. At that he played at a couple of black-point sanctioned clubs within 1000 miles point, he thought he knew a fair bit club games while visiting family in of your home? Chic Callas proved that about how to play the game. He would southern Canada, and in 2016, he and it is possible with some help from the discover how little he knew years later. his regular partner went to their first new online black-point games. After a new start when he moved to regional in Whistler BC. Chic was raised in Yellowknife, Whitehorse, Yukon, Chic once again Retiring in October 2016, Chic began Northwest Territories, a small city found bridge. It was also during that playing online, and between 2016 and (population 20,000) in northern time that he watched his mother slowly 2019, Chic was able to attend a couple Canada. He learned to play bridge in succumb to dementia, and he knew he of regionals a year and earned the gold 1974–75 while attending the Univer- had to find something to keep his brain and red points required to become a sity of Alberta in Edmonton. exercised. So in June 2009, he went to Life Master. In 2019, he passed the “I was enrolled in a pre-med pro- the local bridge club. It was (and still 500-masterpoint mark, but was still gram, but I ended up majoring in bridge is) a non-sanctioned club, so no black missing 44.70 black points as of March that year,” he said, sheepishly adding points were available, but it was the of this year. that it was a source of huge embarrass- start of a decade of playing and reading Chic’s plans for the Burnaby Region- ment to him for the next 40 years: He and learning. al in Vancouver and the Haines Sec- failed every course. He just quit going For those whose geography may be tional in April of this year were wisely to classes, but was still enrolled and, rusty, northern Canada has three ter- canceled due to COVID-19 concerns. instead, focused solely on bridge. His ritories: Yukon (west), Northwest Ter- Chic was resigned to thinking it would daily routine was to sleep until noon, ritory (center) and Nunavut (east) for be another three or four years before he have lunch in the cafeteria and head a total population of 116,000 in an area would be able to earn the black points back to the dorm. He would spend the half as big as the United States. he needed by attending sanctioned afternoon by starting with the Goren His first tournament was an “inter- clubs in other locations. But then, the bridge article in the daily paper and national” one, as he and his partner ACBL and BBO teamed up to provide then would read sections of “The Ency- drove four hours to attend the Haines black-point games online. Chic jumped clopedia of Bridge” that another stu- (AK) Sectional in April 2010, and it at the opportunity, and between March dent in the dorm had purchased. Once was there that he learned about join- 19 and May 11, he earned the points he the diligent students started returning ing the ACBL. In hindsight, he said he needed playing in Support Your Club from class, a table for four was set up should have joined when he started games on BBO. at the back of the recreation room, and playing in 2009, but he didn’t know Callas said, “This will make me the Chic would play with anyone that was the rules were changing on Jan. 1, first person to become a Life Master available from 4 p.m. until midnight. 2010, and that the requirements for from start to finish while living in Then, he’d relax by watching a movie becoming a Life Master would in- northern Canada. Now I can get to and go to bed around 2 or 3 a.m. This crease from 300 to 500 masterpoints. work on the house! And I’m grateful my routine was repeated daily. As he freely But not knowing can sometimes be wife didn’t kill me these past several admits, it was not a healthy lifestyle. a good thing, and he earned his first weeks, as she put up with me while I He would not recommend it for those masterpoints (2.44 silver) in Haines. worked hard to earn the black points looking for a proper education, but The quest had begun. Admittedly, it I needed to meet that goal. Ten years. bridge had grabbed his interest. was very slow those first few years, as Lots of hard work and financial costs, When Chic returned to Yellowknife Chic was working full time and didn’t but I feel great!” ◾

24 Bridge Bulletin July 2020 A Hand of Bridge BY AUGIE BOEHM

The shortest opera on record (about of me with whom he used to play foot- nine minutes) is “A Hand of Bridge,” sie under the table. She then laments music by Samuel Barber, libretto by on being unloved in her life. Gian Carlo Menotti, himself a com- When David later wins a trick with poser, which premiered at the Spo- the ♦K, it triggers his wish to be leto Festival in Italy on June 17, 1959. independently rich, as rich as the king Modern performances are accessible of diamonds. He shares lurid dreams on YouTube. of how he would spend the money. The Two mixed pair couples, unhappily four characters reprise their rumina- married, sit down for their nightly tions and the final measures of the social bridge game. Bill (South) opens opera end somewhat cryptically with 1♥, Geraldine on his left bids 2♣, “Hearts, Hearts, Trump!” Sally, North, chimes in with 2♥, David The outcome of the deal is ambigu- cut down ruffs, won with dummy’s 10. passes, and Bill leaps to 4♥. Geraldine ous, and is hardly essential to the op- Bill, off his game and fixated on ruffing perseveres to 5♣, and Sally’s 5♥ call era, but I have tried to supply a deal to clubs, plays a club out of his hand, the ends the auction. fit the opera’s events: wrong hand. When corrected by his After the opening lead, Sally sings, wife, he pulls the ♠Q from the table “Once again I’m dummy, forever North (Sally) ♠ and ruffs it, forgetting that he played dummy.” These monologues are meant Q 6 5 4 2 ♥ his singleton king at trick one. This to reflect inner thoughts, unheard by J 10 2 ♦ draws a sarcastic reprimand from the other players. Staging and lighting A 8 7 5 3 ♣ — Sally. can create the effect. Rattled, Bill now finesses in dia- Bill evidently gains the lead at trick West (Geraldine) East (David) ♠ ♠ monds, allowing David on lead. What two and is studying the hand while A J 10 9 8 7 3 ♥ ♥ happens from here isn’t hinted at in the Sally muses that she wants to buy a 8 7 3 ♦ ♦ opera, the authors not being sophis- certain hat. Bill starts to play out of the 9 4 K 10 2 ♣ A Q J 9 7 6 4 3 ♣ K 8 5 ticated bridge players, but the opera wrong hand; Sally corrects him, “On evidently concludes with Bill drawing the table, darling.” South (Bill) ♠ trumps towards the end of the deal. Bill begins to wonder why Sally K ♥ What may have taken place is that mentioned always being the dummy. A K Q 9 6 5 4 ♦ Bill, still worried about what his wife Could that mean she has finally found Q J 6 ♣ 10 2 may know of girlfriend Cymbeline, out about his girlfriend, Cymbeline? failed to see that he could simply draw He begins to rhapsodize about the fair The bidding is within reason. North the last trump and claim. Instead, he Cymbeline. The lyricism is interrupted might have chosen a different first call ruffed David’s spade return, ruffed a when the chamber orchestra lets and East might have raised clubs, but club, ruffed a spade back to his hand, forth a sudden sforzando as Bill ruffs remember, these are social players and ruffed his last club. At that point, he dummy’s queen. Crossly, Sally tells Bill (with excellent voices). can return with another spade ruff and he just ruffed her good trick. Geraldine’s opening lead is the ♠A. draw the missing trump. 5♥ made the Geraldine muses that Bill is very She’s apparently convinced that Sally’s hard way, so the game can go on instead distracted tonight. He can’t possibly be limited 2♥ bid, which is now somehow of ending like the murderous Bennett thinking of his emotionally long-dis- worth 5♥, must contain a club void. home game in the Roaring ’20s. Now carded queen, Sally. Nor is he thinking At trick two, she shifts to a heart to there’s material for a dramatic opera. ◾

July 2020 Bridge Bulletin 25 Ruling the Game [email protected] MODERATOR: MATT KOLTNOW NATIONAL TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR

I have been playing online bridge more enjoyable for your unauthorized information. Your online online bridge the past few partners and opponents if you consider opponents cannot report behavior they Q months. It’s been great these situations before sitting down cannot observe. Playing in different playing against familiar friends in to play. That way, you can be better rooms makes it easier for you to avoid our virtual ACBL club on BBO. I prepared if something should arise. allegations of impropriety. loved playing in the Stay at Home We hope you will never play against ACBL standards of behavior still Regional as well. Both events have a pair who is committing (per Law apply online. It is even more impor- helped me continue my progress 73B2) the “gravest possible offense” tant to “Play Nice” when some of the toward my next masterpoint rank. by “exchang[ing] information through pleasantries of face-to-face bridge, At our virtual club, I know all of my prearranged methods of communica- such as smiles, are impossible. Greet opponents. Players who normally do tion other than those sanctioned by the opponents. Introduce yourself and poorly aren’t suddenly having 75+% [the] Laws.” You and your opponents your partner. Post a complete conven- games, but at the regional, which would never be allowed to tell partner tion card with both partners’ names. attracts people from all over, how about cards in your hands, the mean- Compliment the opponents on good can I be sure people are not cheating, ing of a bid, or anything else about the bids and plays. Learn common online especially when such large master- current board in a live bridge game. abbreviations. Assume that what ap- point awards are available? You are prohibited from any sort of pears to be terse rudeness is merely communication outside of the online friendly brevity. If you find out you First, thank you for giv- bridge interface. There are prescribed were mistaken, call the director. There ing us the chance to remind procedures for Alerting and Announc- is no place for rudeness in live bridge; A everyone that the Laws of ing and for asking questions about or online is no different. Duplicate Bridge still apply online. In explaining your methods. Remember, If you have a problem with behavior an environment where it is impossible in online bridge, you Alert and explain or think you see something suspicious, to bid out of turn, make an insufficient your own bids. Part of duplicate bridge you may bring it to the attention of the bid, lead out of turn or revoke, it can is the concept that contestants should ACBL Recorder at [email protected]. be tempting to think the rules do not compete under conditions that are as BBO’s software is capable of track- matter. Law 72A reminds us all that similar as possible at all tables. Most ing anomalies related to contestants “duplicate bridge tournaments should of the time, the members of a part- who continually produce suspiciously be played in strict accordance with the nership will be in different locations. good results. Also, remember that in an Laws … whilst complying with the law- If you and your partner are playing 18-board session, it is mathematically ful procedures and ethical standards online bridge from the same location, more likely for a pair to have a really set out in these laws.” One of the at- the best practice would be for each to great (or really terrible) percentage tractions of organized duplicate bridge be in a separate room, unable to see or score than in a longer event. There are is taking comfort in knowing that your hear each other. Law 16B1 says that going to be more big games than you opponents play by the rules. When “extraneous information from part- are accustomed to seeing, and some of there is a problem at the table, you can ner that might suggest a call or play is them will be achieved by less-experi- call the director to sort things out. unauthorized.” In face-to-face play, enced pairs. Always remember to be There are several sorts of problem- your opponents could call the direc- polite. What seems suspicious to you atic behaviors that you might en- tor to describe conditions at the table may simply be the action of a player counter online. You can make playing where one partner might have received whose choice was lucky this time. ◾

26 Bridge Bulletin July 2020 For the Record BY ROBB GORDON | ACBL National Recorder

Cheating online and its consequences

The ACBL has a relationship with let for players. The ACBL even hosted a These consequences take two Bridge Base Online that includes gold point regional online. forms. As a private enterprise (and as popular games that issue ACBL mas- But wait! Didn’t we issue non-pig- an ACBL-sanctioned club), BBO can terpoints. Except for the three national mented points because of the ease of decide it doesn’t want your business if robot championships, the points for cheating? Yes, and we thought long and it believes you are cheating. So they can these games were unpigmented. They hard about the benefits and conse- summarily bar you. Allowing cheaters didn’t count for any of the annual quences of holding these games. on its platform is bad for their business. masterpoint races except for the On- We decided that with the robust BBO The ACBL does have due process. line contest. The reason, of course, is investigating protocol, and a National When we receive a Player Memo, we that there was no security and it was a Recorder and tournament direc- start an investigation. When BBO bans simple matter to cheat. Occasionally tors that were relieved of substantial a player, we start an investigation. an event of significance would be held portions of their responsibilities due With BBO hand records and “movies,” online, but players would be proctored to the lack of face-to-face bridge, we it is very easy to reconstruct activities by volunteer monitors sitting with could catch enough cheaters to dis- and see who is having unusual suc- them. courage those who don’t care to wager cess and why. Should there be prob- Many of us looked forward to a their ACBL membership privileges on able cause to believe you are cheating, development that would “cheat-proof” not getting caught. a recorder complaint will generally these games so that they could be more BBO is doing its investigative screen- lead to charges being submitted to the widely used. Despite offering only non- ing. The National Recorder’s office appropriate committee. Should that pigmented points, people did cheat. is investigating matters referred by committee find you guilty of cheating, Fortunately, BBO would investigate re- both BBO and by members through depending on the specific form they ports of unusual results, and they had a our Player Memo system (acbl.org/ determine, recommended penalties statistical screen as well. They caught conduct-and-ethics/player-memo/). can range from a two-year suspension several cheaters who they barred. Per At press time, there were a dozen to expulsion and the removal of all your ACBL regulations, they notified our cases and/or active investigations. Are masterpoints. Is gaining that advan- Club Department of the barring, and in we going to catch all the cheaters? No, tage worth risking your connection to the past couple of years, the ACBL has of course not. But with the tracking of bridge? followed up with investigations and every call and every card played, it is But you are part of the process. If you discipline of its own. much easier to catch an online cheater see something, say something! Do not None of us were planning for a than one who is playing face-to-face. say it in public or accuse somebody. Fill pandemic. The coronavirus might have At NABCs, we have expanded our out a Player Memo with the BBO user kept us at home, but it certainly didn’t video surveillance. We have an Anti- ID of the suspected cheater, along with eliminate our desire for competitive Cheating Commission of world-class a description of what concerns you and bridge and masterpoints. So the ACBL experts. But none of us are under the (ideally) full information about which started having games that issued illusion that we are going to catch game this occurred. I guarantee that (black) pigmented points, initially with everybody any more than the police we will investigate. If we find cheating, a “Support Your Club” game and then are going to catch every drunk driver. the offenders will be brought to justice. with individual clubs holding virtual But like a DUI, the consequences are Meanwhile, please stay safe. We games on BBO using their own sanc- great enough that most will think twice want to see you back at the table soon! tion. This gave some relief to the clubs before cheating online. ◾ who lost revenue and provided an out-

July 2020 Bridge Bulletin 27 Defensive Maneuvers – part 2 BY PAUL ROSS

Playing matchpoints with neither of touching honors. In this case, “last” the 10, and you know declarer has the side vulnerable, you are West holding: means if declarer is leading the jack ace left. Partner must have started with ♠K Q 6 2 ♥10 7 6 ♦10 9 8 ♣Q 9 6. from J–10, don’t cover now, wait for four spades and declarer two. the 10. If declarer is leading an unsup- That accounts for the major suits in South, on your right, opens 1NT ported jack (perhaps from K–J–x), declarer’s hand. The seven minor-suit (15–17 HCP). You pass, and LHO bids cover it. How do you know whether cards in the closed hand are probably 2♣ (Stayman). Partner passes, and declarer has the 10 (when you should divided 4–3, but you don’t have enough RHO bids 2♥. LHO raises to 4♥, end- duck) or doesn’t have the 10 (when you information yet to decide which way. ing the bidding. should cover)? What do you lead to trick eight? A What do think of the auction? It If declarer started with the ♣K–J–x, low spade is safe. Declarer has the bare seems unremarkable. The contract will leading the jack would be a poor play. ace. The ♦9 is safe also. In theory, de- likely be same the at every table. Playing the ace from dummy and then clarer could possibly win with the ♦J What do you lead? Leading the ♠K low toward the K–J would be much and put you back on lead with a third would be quite aggressive. If partner better. No rational declarer would lead diamond to endplay you somehow, but has the ace, you might get several the jack in this situation unless they that requires declarer giving you a trick spade tricks right off the top and then also held the 10. So duck this trick, they could ruff in the dummy. a side trick somewhere could set the but duck in tempo, of course. Declarer Don’t waste effort trying to figure contract. However, if declarer has could be leading the jack from K–J–10 out what is going on in clubs. Maybe it something like♠A J 10, a spade lead just to see if you hesitate. If you do, would be safe to exit with a club. But would give away a trick. A spade lead they will play you for the queen. If you maybe it wouldn’t. Make the play you might be reasonable in a team game play in tempo, they may play dummy’s know is safe; exit with a low spade. where setting the contract is relatively ace and finesse your partner for the If you exit with a spade (or a dia- more important but, at matchpoints, queen. mond) declarer will eventually lose a the winners are usually the defenders You duck smoothly. Dummy plays club trick to your Q–9 tenace. The de- who give away the fewest tricks. a low club and partner wins the king. fense will take two clubs and one spade The safest lead from your hand is the Partner returns the ♠4. Declarer plays for a score of minus 420 and nine out ♦10, top of a sequence: the 10 and you win with the queen. of 12 matchpoints. The full deal: What do you know about the deal Dummy ♠ J 8 5 at this point? High-card points: You ♠ J 8 5 ♥ had 7; dummy had 12; partner had at A J 4 2 ♥ A J 4 2 ♦ least 6 (♦K, ♣K). That leaves, at most, Q 3 ♦ Q 3 ♣ 15 HCP for declarer. Because their A 5 4 2 ♣ A 5 4 2 ♠ ♠ point range for opening 1NT is 15–17, K Q 6 2 9 7 4 3 You ♥ ♥ it is fair to assume that declarer has 10 7 6 9 3 ♠ K Q 6 2 ♦ ♦ exactly 15 HCP. You also know that 10 9 8 K 7 6 5 4 ♥ 10 7 6 ♣ ♣ partner has no more points. Q 9 6 K 8 ♦ 10 9 8 ♠ Distribution: Declarer has four A 10 ♣ Q 9 6 ♥ hearts. That’s easy. In spades, partner K Q 8 5 ♦ Dummy covers your 10 with the discarded the 3 (showing he had no A J 2 ♣ queen. Partner plays the king, and values in the suit), and when he led the J 10 7 3 declarer wins with the ace. spade to you at trick four, he led the 4. Postmortem. What was the prob- Declarer then draws three rounds of That’s a low card, not top of a double- lem in this deal? At several tables, West trumps with the ♥K from hand, the ton. Partner must have had three or played the ♣Q on declarer’s jack and ace in the dummy, and the queen back four spades left when he led the 4. If dummy won the ace. Then a low club to the closed hand. On these tricks, he had four spades left at trick four, he lead from dummy set up declarer’s 10, partner plays the ♥3, ♥9 and the ♠3. must have started with five spades. His and the defense got only one club trick. At trick five, declarer leads the ♣J. five plus your four plus dummy’s three East–West’s score of minus 450 was Do you cover with the queen? A helpful leaves only one for declarer. That can’t worth only two and a half matchpoints. rule in this situation is to cover the last be right: Declarer has already played

28 Bridge Bulletin July 2020

The Bidding Box

MODERATOR: JIM MUNDAY [email protected]

See the West and East hands that appear on pages 51 and 53 respectively, and try bidding them with a regular partner. Compare how you performed with the expert pairs whose auctions you can read about in this month’s column. The North–South players are silent unless otherwise noted. The competitors were not informed of any interference by the opponents before the bidding commenced. The form of scoring is matchpoints with a 12 top. The Bridge Bulletin auctions are meant to portray possible bidding sequences to one of the top-scoring contracts using common methods.

Noble Shore and Michael Gill both in the GNT (1979, 1991 and 1995) and took a reasonable gamble on a heart represented the USA as Junior play- he has a number of other high finishes control with East and invoked exclu- ers. In 2012, the District 6 players were in NABC+ events. Robbins won an sion key card Blackwood with his second in the Grand National Teams NCAA college trophy at the Univer- 5♣ call, asking for the number of key Flight A, and in 2017, they finished a sity of Michigan, and represented the cards outside of the club suit, to aid in close second in the North American USA in international competition. a potential grand slam inquiry. Unfor- Pairs, Flight A. They have been playing He is a practicing neurologist. Becker tunately, the partnership has special, together since 2004 and have devel- learned the game at a very young age but different, responses when key card oped a formidable partnership playing by playing at his grandparents’ house, responder has shown 20-plus HCP a strong club system with many relays/ but didn’t take to it seriously until his and when exclusion is used. There was asking bids. college days at Northwestern, where disagreement over which took prece- Shore began playing in 1999, though he joined a student bridge club. He has dence here. Thinking their side held all work and family have curtailed his play had a number of strong showings in the necessary side controls, responder somewhat over the past few years. He NABC+ events, most notably a second- asked for third-round diamond control lives in Maryland with his family and is place finish in the Roth Swiss Teams and bid the grand when opener con- a vice president at Emmes Company, a in 2007. He is an options trader in firmed with 6♠. biotechnology firm. He leads the devel- Chicago where he lives with his family. opment of a data management system They play a 2/1 structure with a 1NT Robbins Becker for clinical trials, something especially range of a good 14 to 16 HCP, and a 2NT beneficial these days. Gill also lives in short club. 3♥ 3 ♠ Maryland with his family. He is a pro- 5♣ 5 ♠ grammer and mathematician by trade, Problem 1 6♠ Pass though he calls himself a “recovering North deals. None vulnerable. An identical start with responder astrophysicist.” ♠ West East signing off in 6 after learning they Larry Robbins and Drew Becker are were missing an ace somewhere. familiar names, particularly to those ♠ K Q J 10 6 4 2 ♠ A 7 in the Chicago area, where they most ♥ 10 5 ♥ Q 6 3 Bridge Bulletin auction: 2NT–4♥; recently won the GNT Championship ♦ K 10 4 2 ♦ A Q 9 5 4♠–5♣; 5♦–5♠; Pass. Bridge Bulle- Flight for District 13 – which was also ♣ — ♣ A K J 7 tin Standard lacks a void-showing ace- their first event playing together. Shore Gill ask, so responder simply cuebids after Robbins began playing as a teenager, 2NT setting spades as trump with the Texas sneaking into rubber bridge clubs in 3♥ 3 ♠ transfer. The heart problem is detected Chicago for higher stakes than he could 5♣ 5 ♠ just in time. afford. Shades of Lee Trevino in golf; 6♦ 6 ♠ 5♠ 10; 5♦ 4; 3NT(E) 3; a good way to earn your spurs if you Scores: 7♠ Pass 6♠ 2; 6♦ 1 can pull it off. Robbins has three wins After a routine transfer start, Shore Shore–Gill 0, Robbins–Becker 2 30 Bridge Bulletin July 2020 Problem 2 show two suits though BB prefers a 4–4 fit, and found opener with a quite East deals. N–S vulnerable. 1♥ opening or rebidding clubs based suitable hand for that action. on the suit textures, as we have no West East interest in partner taking a prefer- Robbins Becker ♥ ♣ ♠ Q J 9 6 5 4 ♠ — ence to diamonds. With the club fit, 1 2 ♦ ♥ ♥ A J ♥ K Q 10 4 responder’s hand is worth a game force 2 2 ♥ ♦ ♦ 6 ♦ A 9 5 3 with the artificial 2♦ rebid, especially 4 6 ♥ ♣ Q 8 3 2 ♣ K J 10 9 5 because inviting in clubs can lose the 6 Pass Shore Gill spade suit and vice versa. Natural Over the same 2♣ response, 2♦ and 1♦ bidding follows and then a couple of 2♥ were natural. 4♥ showed a mini- 1♠ 2♥ cuebids. East–West run out of steam, mum, which responder felt empha- 2NT 3♣ though slam might be reached and sized red-suit values. With his excel- 3♠ 3NT even make on a good day. lent controls and trumps, he offered up 6♦. Opener mulled this over for some 4♣ 4♦ Scores: 5♣ 11; 4♣ 7; 2♠ 5; 6♣ 4; 4♥ 4NT 1NT 2 time. The sway of matchpoints, the 5♣ Pass ♠J, the chunky heart suit, and a tinge Shore–Gill 11, Robbins–Becker 7 of uncertainty ultimately resulted in a This auction showcased some of 6♥ contract. East–West’s methods. 1♦ showed Problem 3 10–15 HCP and as few as zero dia- South deals. E–W vulnerable. Bridge Bulletin auction: 1♥–2♦; monds. Over 1♠, Gill chose 2♥ as the 3♦–3♥; 3♠–4♣; 4♦–4♠; 5NT–6♦; best description with the meaty suits, West East Pass. showing four hearts and six clubs. ♠ K J 8 ♠ A 5 4 Responder forces to game with their (Their Precision 2♣ opener denies a ♥ Q J 10 7 6 ♥ K 5 4 best suit. Opener cannot afford to go four-card major.) 2NT was a lebensohl- ♦ A 7 4 3 ♦ K Q J 6 past 3NT with a splinter and simply ish relay to 3♣, over which 3♠ was ♣ 8 ♣ A 4 2 raises. Responder shows a heart fit, and opener pinpoints their likely shape natural and forcing. 3NT was an offer Shore Gill with 3♠. That’s magic for responder, to play, but responder didn’t think 1♥ 2♣ who cuebids the black aces. Opener notrump was the best strain and bid 2♦ 2♥ ♣ could insist on hearts at matchpoints 4 , natural. Opener chose to ask for 2♠ 2NT ♦ with the chunky suit, but gives re- key cards with 4 rather than sign off 3♠ 4♣ sponder a choice with 5NT. Responder in game or cuebid a potentially unhelp- 4♥ 6♦ chooses 6♦ with excellent trumps, also ful heart holding. Facing one key card Pass (likely in spades), he signed off in 4NT, visualizing the benefit of the 4–4 fit. which responder corrected to 5♣. It The game-forcing 2♣ response Scores: 6♦ 11; 5♥ 8; 6♥ 6; 5♦ 3; took a lot of bids, but they found the top (showing two or more clubs) is in- 3NT 1 spot. creasing in popularity, as is the rebid structure over it. 2♦ showed dia- Shore–Gill 22, Robbins–Becker 13 Robbins Becker monds and/or six-plus hearts, over ♣ 1 which 2♥ asked for clarification. 2♠ Problem 4 ♠ 2 Pass showed five hearts and a diamond West deals. Both vulnerable. The 1♣ opening showed two or more suit, and 2NT asked for shape. Opener admitted to a 3=5=4=1 pattern, and West East clubs, over which responder opted to ♠ ♠ responder asked then about controls K 6 3 A 9 7 4 make an immediate invite in spades. ♥ ♥ (A=2, K=1) with 4♣. 4♥ showed three. K 8 3 2 That didn’t suit opener very well, but ♦ ♦ Responder was not able to ask about K J 10 8 3 Q 9 4 there was no safety anywhere else. ♣ K Q 5 2 ♣ A 10 6 West acknowledged afterwards that heart quality. Even with scientific he should have had a better suit for the methods, judgment inevitably plays a Shore Gill invitation. major role. East–West will often treat 2♦ 2♥ singleton honors as being part of a bal- 3♦ Pass Bridge Bulletin auction: 1♣–1♠; anced hand, and at this vulnerability, 2♣–2♦(?); 2♥–2♠; 3♦–4♣; opener usually has 11-plus HCP, so The auction might look like a mis- 4♦–4♥; 5♣–Pass. Opening 1♦, good heart texture is likely. Gill pon- print, but it showcases both methods planning to rebid 2♣ over the likely dered and leapt to the diamond slam, and judgment again. 2♦ showed both 1♠ response, is a valid approach to as hearts would provide discards in the July 2020 Bridge Bulletin 31 minors (at least nine cards combined), Problem 5 Problem 6 10–15 HCP, and no four-card major. North deals. N–S vulnerable. East deals. E–W vulnerable. 1NT was an option systemically, but North opens 1♠, rebids 3♠ if pos- South overcalls 1♠. North bids (or it was not chosen with the singleton sible. doubles) 2♠ if possible. heart and lack of aces (though Shore admitted he would be tempted to do so West East West East at the table). 2♥ was artificial, show- ♠ 6 ♠ 9 5 3 ♠ 10 5 ♠ 8 4 3 ing invitational or better values. 3♦ ♥ A Q ♥ K J 5 2 ♥ A 10 5 ♥ K 9 7 6 showed a 2=2=4=5 maximum (treat- ♦ Q 9 4 2 ♦ A J 7 ♦ K J 9 5 ♦ A Q 4 ing the singleton king as a doubleton). ♣ J 8 7 5 4 3 ♣ A K Q ♣ K 9 6 4 ♣ A 5 2 Normally responder would bid over Shore North Gill South Shore North Gill South that response, but given the failure to (1♠) Dbl (Pass) 1♦ (1♠) open 1NT, Gill was worried about the 3♣ (3♠) Dbl (Pass) 2♠ (Dbl) Pass (Pass) majors and passed. 4♦ (Pass) 5♣ All Pass 2NT All Pass Robbins Becker 3♣ was natural and invitational. West faced a typical matchpoint ♦ ♠ 1 1 Shore introduced his second suit over decision after the nebulous 1♦ open- ♠ 2 2NT the strength-showing second double. ing and 1♠ overcall, having to select ♦ 3 Pass Gill was tempted to bid slam, but ulti- the best option from an unappetizing 1♦ showed five or more cards in the mately settled on game. lot, ultimately offering 2♠, which suit, and the partnership frequently showed either a balanced invitation or Robbins North Becker South invitational-plus with clubs – planning raises responder’s major on three (1♠) Dbl (Pass) cards, particularly after that start, as to show the latter. A funny thing hap- 3♣ (3♠) Dbl (Pass) pened along the way with North dou- they often have a ruffing value. Becker 4♦ (Pass) 4♥ All Pass planned the auction from there with bling to help partner on lead. Opener the 2NT “spiral” convention which The same start, though Robbins gave passed to find out what responder asked about opener’s strength and some thought to passing the second had in mind. East–West play 2NT as spade length, though he gave brief double at the prevailing vulnerability. choice of minors in many competitive thought to passing. Over a 3♣ or 3♦ East–West were not on the same page, situations, and responder took that response showing three-card support, as East thought 4♦ was a slam move route with likely shapes of 2=3=4=4 or he would sign off in 3♦ (as here). Over and 4♥ was cooperating, while West 3=2=4=4 with the balanced, invitation- a four-card minimum, he would stop thought 4♥ was an offer to play and al hand-type. While opener couldn’t in 3♠, and over a four-card maximum passed with excellent support given be sure of a spade stopper, playing a raise, he was bidding game in spades. the auction to this point. As it happens, seven-card minor-suit fit at the three that contract has chances because of level was not very appealing either, so ♦ ♠ Bridge Bulletin auction: 1 –1 ; the good trumps. he passed. 2♣–3♦; Pass(?). It is legal to open 1NT with a high singleton honor, but Bridge Bulletin auction: As Shore– Robbins North Becker South that doesn’t mean you have to. The Gill. Though any missing red honors 1♣ (1♠) hand presents no rebid problems, and rate to be onside, it’s too difficult to 2♦ (2♠) 3♦ All Pass ♣ 2 is well within the range of the learn of the singleton spade and the Robbins chose to introduce the hand. Responder has a tremendous sixth club to gamble slam in a crowded diamond suit, though this was not 10-count and invites in diamonds. auction. game forcing in competition. Opener’s Expecting not much in hearts opposite, raise was non-forcing, and, given that, ♣ Scores: 6♣ 12; (3♠) Dbl 8; 5♣ 7; given the failure to bid 2NT over 2 , responder judged game prospects ♥ 4♣ 5; 4♥ 3; 5♦ 1 opener discounts the K and goes were quite poor, so 3♦ concluded the quietly. Shore–Gill 40, Robbins–Becker 27 proceedings. 3♦ 11; 4♦ 8; 2♠ 7; 3♣ 6; Scores: Bridge Bulletin auction: 1♣–(1♠)– ♠ ♠ 2; ♦ 3 5; 4 2NT, 5 1 Dbl–(2♠); 3♥–All Pass. Bids show, Shore–Gill 33, Robbins–Becker 24 they don’t promise. Responder’s hand is decent in support of hearts, though

32 Bridge Bulletin July 2020 only has three cards. Yes, opener will Robbins Becker Shore admitted he’d have opened occasionally misjudge in competition, 1♠ 2♣ 1NT at the table, but he was in range but so might the opponents. Our next 2♠ 3♠ for 2♣ which showed 10–14 with six call will depend on opener’s rebid. 3♥ 4NT 5♦ clubs but no four-card major. Gill, is merely competitive here. Lacking a 6♠ Pass knowing the opponents had at least fourth heart, responder takes the low nine hearts, took the low road with a road at matchpoints, though would Responder chose to force game here competitive raise. This catered to an ♣ likely raise to game if the red suits were with 2 , though it didn’t necessarily exceptional hand but gave up on game ♠ reversed. show a real suit. Opener’s 2 rebid otherwise, as opener will often be on ♦ showed at least six. A 4 splinter the lower range here if balanced, given Scores: 3♥ 10; 2NT 9; 3♦ 6; 3♣ 4; would have confirmed real clubs, but the failure to open 1NT. Game was 4♥ 2; 3NT, 4♦ 1 would have shown much more playing not certain opposite some maximums strength than he held, so East simply Shore–Gill 49, Robbins–Becker 33 either, though in the postmortem, he raised to show the spade fit. Opener thought a quasi-natural 2NT (a clear contemplated cuebidding, but was choice at IMPs) was a better choice in Problem 7 unlikely to be able to judge whether to South deals. Both vulnerable. the long run. Opener had the perfect play in spades versus notrump, so he hand for game this time. West East simply checked on key cards, signing ♠ A J 9 5 4 3 ♠ K Q 7 off in 6♠ when one was missing. Robbins Becker ♥ A 9 2 ♥ Q 5 4 1NT 2♣ auction: 1♠–1NT; ♦ K 5 ♦ 8 Bridge Bulletin 2♦ 3♦ 2NT(?)–4♦; 4NT–5♦; 5♥–5NT; ♣ A K ♣ Q J 8 5 4 3 3NT Pass 6♠–Pass. 3NT over 1NT is usually Shore Gill based on a running spade suit, with 1NT was 14-plus to 16, though 1♣ 1♦ 2NT showing the 18–19 balanced type opener was lamenting that decision as 1♠ 2♥ hand, though this hand type is a chal- the auction progressed. 3♠ over 3♦ 2NT 4♦ lenge in standard methods. Responder to show heart concern in notrump was 4♥ 4♠ had planned to show a three-card limit not an option for this pair, as it would 4NT 5♣ raise, but can logically splinter over have been forward going in diamonds. 5♦ 6♣ the 2NT rebid to show that hand type 3NT was the only systemic call avail- 6♠ Pass with a singleton diamond. Though the able at that point, and it caught an ideal diamond holding is not ideal facing a East hand. Another specialized auction with 1♣ splinter, opener’s hand has increased showing 16-plus unbalanced or 17-plus in value with the fit. Opener checks on Bridge Bulletin auction: As Robbins– balanced. 1♦ was ostensibly negative, key cards, bidding slam facing one and Becker. 1NT protects the ♠K, and the but could be 8-plus with 0–1 controls the ♠Q. hand certainly has the playing strength (as here). 1♠ was natural and forcing, for a 1NT opener. There is a possible possibly four cards. 2♥ showed a good Scores: 6NT(W) 12; 6♠(W) 9; preemptive value to the bid as well, three-card spade raise in context of 6♠(E) 7; 5NT(W), 6♣ 6; 5♠ 3; 5♣ 1 making it more difficult to compete the 1♦ response. 2NT was ostensibly than over a 1♣ opening. a game try, and 4♦ was a splinter with Shore–Gill 58, Robbins–Becker 42 3NT 11; 5♣ 8; 2NT 6; 4♣ 4; the 8-plus hand type expected. 4♥ was Scores: 3♦ 3; 4♦ 1 a cuebid, planning to continue fur- Problem 8 West deals. None vulnerable. ther, but giving responder the chance Final score: to show a diamond void among other West East Shore–Gill 62, Robbins–Becker 53 possibilities. Key card Blackwood fol- ♠ K 6 ♠ A Q 10 3 lowed, with responder showing one ♥ J 10 3 ♥ Q ♦ key card, and over the queen-ask (5 ), ♦ A 4 ♦ 10 9 8 7 5 3 ♠ responder showed the Q and the ♣ A Q 10 9 6 5 ♣ K J ♣Q, because the king was not possible given the 1♦ response. Opener could Shore Gill infer that responder had at least five 2♣ 3♣ clubs, but opted for 6♠, not knowing Pass about the ♣J (or sixth club).

July 2020 Bridge Bulletin 33 It’s Your Call DIRECTOR: SUE MUNDAY R SCORES: KAREN WALKER

Problem No. 1 from bridgechallenge.com; No. 5 from Bob Munson, Danville CA

Please welcome 19 of the players misdescription of my shape, will give and could have defensive values. 3♦ who competed at the Michael Seamon us the best opportunity to play in 3NT, could reach 3NT when it’s right, but Junior U.S. Bridge Championships in make a diamond contract, or double are we really sitting for it with a void December hosted by the U.S. Bridge 3♠ or 4♠.” and six-card support for partner in a Federation. Chen, 3♦. “I will not defend spades, holding that doesn’t expect to be run- Five open teams and one women’s and if I pass, 2♠ might get passed out. ning the suit off the top? 4♦ is highly team won the right to represent the 3♦ is probably making. I will bid 4♦ encouraging but nonforcing, in case United States at the 18th World Youth over 3♠.” partner has the wrong hand; but it also Team Championships in Salsomaggiore Grossack says 3♦ feels just right. could lead to a good save, or 5♦ could Terme, Italy. Subsequently, the USBF “Partner may have a stack of spades, just be the right added a seventh team, for a squadron of and if so, I have no need to bypass 3NT. game.” two under-26 (U26) teams competing With at least (maybe) half the deck or Cedrone puts the for the Patino Cup; two under-21 (U21) so, I don’t feel the need to start jump- kibosh on further teams competing for the Damiani Cup; ing around, not knowing whose hand it guesswork with two under-16 (U16) teams competing may be.” 5♦. “I choose 5♦ for Koc University Cup; and one young Rosenberg, 3♦: “I’m always plan- because we have a women’s team competing for the Rona ning to bid 5♦ over 4♠ unless perhaps nine- or 10-card fit Cup. partner doubles. Because I expect in diamonds. If it Although the world championships there to always be more bidding, 3♦ doesn’t make, it’s Marley Cedrone, –ž have been postponed till next year has several benefits. First, if it’s part- only minus 50 or 100 USA U because of the coronavirus, these ner with a good hand and good spades, because we are not young players are raring to go. So let’s we can still play 3NT when it’s right. vulnerable. It looks see how they do in the IYC panelists’ Second, I somewhat want to disguise like the opponents seats this month. the nature of my hand to opponents, may have a very so that it looks like I’m getting pushed large spade fit, so the 1. IMPs. East–West vulnerable. into 5♦ when I really want to bid it the opponents could be ♠— ♥K 6 2 ♦J 9 8 6 3 2 ♣Q 10 6 5 whole time.” on for a vulnerable Finn Kolesnik: “3♦. I don’t see a 4♠.” West North East South better option. 3♠ is an overbid with- Sonner, too – all Pass Daniel Sonner, ¤¦ out much merit, so I am left with the the way to 5♦. “I USA U Pass 1♦ 2♠ ? ‘normal’ 3♦ bid. My hand looks strong don’t really want offensively. I plan to bid more dia- to defend 4♠ with a spade void, so I’ll Call Votes Award monds later.” just bid 5♦ right away.” ♦ 3 9 100 Yue and Kristensen both bump it up Xiao jets to 5♦. “I am favorable, 4♦ 3 70 a notch to 4♦. and it is likely that East’s bid could be 5♦ 3 70 stronger than an average 2♠ in fourth 4♠ 2 50 Yue: “This hand should qualify as a seat. For this reason, I don’t expect 3♠ 2 50 mixed raise if there was no interfer- ence. It is too strong for 3♦, which partner to always have a monster is a normal competitive raise. The here. With East–West holding at least Diamonds are forever a nine-card spade fit, I can’t stand Haas explains his dilemma on No. 1. strongest possible hand I can have – a defending 4♠, regardless of what my “The problem is how many diamonds limit raise – is covered by 3♠.” partner has, so I am bidding 5♦ right to bid. I think that 3♦, although a Kristensen: “5♦ is just too much, especially when partner is in third seat away. We will even make this contract 34 Bridge Bulletin July 2020 a lot of the time. I might be missing out 2. IMPs. North–South vulnerable. Kayden Ge passes. on a slam, but with my 5♦ bid, partner ♠Q 10 9 4 ♥— ♦J 10 8 6 2 ♣K Q J 5 “We probably aren’t should expect some quality and can making game, so always bid on with a huge hand.” West North East South playing a partscore ♣ ♥ Both Brandon and Kayden Ge vote 1 1 Pass 1NT is not going to give ♣ for 4♠. Here’s Brandon: “I think 4♠ 2 Dbl Pass ? us IMPs, especially describes the hand better because it when I think I can shows the shortness. Slam is entirely Call Votes Award beat 2♣. Partner Pass 8 100 Kayden Ge, –– possible, and it seems pard has a very probably doesn’t 2♦ 4 80 USA U strong hand, something like: have four spades, 2♠ 3 70 otherwise he might ♠x x x x ♥A Q x ♦A K x x ♣A J. 3♦ 1 60 have doubled the 3♠ should show 10-ish points with a 3♣ 1 50 3♠ 1 50 first time. Partner’s balanced hand, and is open to playing shape is probably notrump. 4♠ also takes away oppo- 3NT 1 40 2NT 0 40 3=5=4=1. I’ll get lots nents’ bidding space, making it hard to of trump tricks, plus find their fit in spades.” Is that your final answer? we’ll get a couple di- Duffie second- (and third-) guesses amonds and spades. himself with 3♠. “I’m on a finesse for Despite evidence to the contrary, ju- If partner has a good Finn Kolesnik, –š seven opposite: nior players know exactly where to find the pass card in their bidding boxes. It heart suit, then I USA U ♠x x x x ♥A x ♦A K 10 x x ♣A J, is something they are especially fond of don’t need to ruff, so not forcing to game feels crazy. I doing when it means converting part- and declarer is likely going to lose con- could bid a direct 5♦, but that doesn’t ner’s takeout double to penalty. trol. ♥K Q J x x will suffice.” get us to slam when it’s right, and Kaplan explains. “I have a great hand Finn Kolesnik: “Pass. I have a million maybe more importantly, I won’t to defend and very little reason to think club honors and a void in partner’s suit. know what to do if the auction con- we can make game. Right-hand oppo- Seems perfect to defend 2♣ doubled. I tinues (5♠)–Pass–(Pass) to me, or nent will also be overruffing clubs, and have no alternatives.” (5♠)–Double–(Pass). 3♠ helps with LHO rates to be short in hearts, making 2♦ by Emma Kolesnik. “I was very this by setting up a force. I’m clearly declaring any contract unpleasant.” close between pass and 2♦. 2♠ is rea- not sitting for 4♠ doubled, but say the auction continues: (4♠)–Double/ Pass–(Pass); 5♦–(5♠). I want part- Panel’s answers ner’s input now I think.” – ¤ › ¦ ž Total Xu bids 3♠. “3♦ and 4♦ are both Louis Beauchet ›♦ ›NT š♣ ›♠ Dbl ›œ— way too much of an underbid. If Marley Cedrone ž♦ ¤♦ ž♥ ¦♦ ¦♥ ›˜— partner bids 4♦, I will bid 5♦, know- ♦ ♠ ♦ ♠ ing that partner is not going to have Charlie Chen › ¤ ž › Dbl ¦–— spade wastage, as he did not bid 3NT. Cornelius Duffie ›♠ ¤♦ žNT ›♠ ¦♥ ¦¤— If left-hand opponent bids 4♠ and it’s Brandon Ge ¦♠ Pass ¦NT ¦♦ ¦NT ››— passed to me, I will definitely bid 5♦. Kayden Ge ¦♠ Pass ¦NT ›♠ ¦NT ›œ— If partner bids 3NT, I think I have to Zach Grossack ›♦ Pass žNT ›♠ ¦♥ ¦™— pull it. Just ridiculous to play in 3NT Michael Haas ›♦ Pass ¦♠ ›♠ ¦NT ¦š— opposite: Adam Kaplan ›♦ Pass ž♥ ›♠ ¦♥ ¦œ— ♠A x x x ♥A x ♦K Q x x ♣A J x. Emma Kolesnik ›♦ ¤♦ ¦♠ ›♠ ¦♥ ¦˜— ♦ ♠ ♠ 3NT could go down while 6♦ has Finn Kolesnik › Pass ¦ › Dbl ¦˜— play. I will pull 3NT to 4♦, as partner Ben Kristensen ¦♦ ¤♦ Pass ›♠ ¦♥ ¦¦— could have spade wastage and it isn’t Samuel Pahk ›♦ ¤♠ ž♥ ›♠ Dbl ¦¤— clear game is making. Partner should Kevin Rosenberg ›♦ Pass žNT ›♠ Dbl ¦œ— know I have spade shortness or I would Daniel Sonner ž♦ ¤♠ ¦♠ ›♠ ¦♥ ¦¦— have passed, which lets him evaluate Brent Xiao ž♦ ›♣ ¦♠ ›♠ ¦♥ ¦¤— whether to bid on.” Michael Xu ›♠ Pass žNT ¦♦ ¦NT ›š— Jonathan Yue ¦♦ ›♠ ž♦ ›♠ Dbl ›š— Brian Zhang ¦♦ ›♦ Dbl ›♠ ž♥ ››—

July 2020 Bridge Bulletin 35 Charlie Chen, –— Brandon Ge, –› Michael Haas, –› Samuel Pahk, –¤ Brian Zhang, ™ Cornelius Duffie, ¤— USA U USA U USA U USA U USA U USA U

sonable as well. I ultimately went with that suit, so I can more easily set up 3. IMPs. North–South vulnerable. 2♦ as a safer call. We have at least an hearts with ruffs and we have a guaran- ♠A K 10 9 6 5 ♥6 ♦A K 5 4 3 ♣Q eight- (if not 9-) card diamond fit and teed fit.” West North East South probably aren’t missing a game.” Xiao cuebids 3♣. “I’m just going to Pass 1♠ “2♦. Tough problem,” Duffie agrees. commit to being in a game here. Pass- 3♥ 4♣ 4♥ ? “I don’t like passing when they prob- ing feels losing at unfavorable vulner- ably have an eight-card fit and we defi- ability. So my concern is determining if Call Votes Award nitely do. We could have a game, but we have a 4–4 spade fit, because part- 4♠ 5 100 the three level could be too high. Also, ner’s double is oftentimes on some- 5NT 4 90 if I jump to the three level, partner will thing like 3=5=4=1 shape. They should Pass 1 90 ♠ be stuck with a lot of hands. Hopefully bid 3 with four spades, because I 5♥ 3 70 partner will bid again if we have game.” can’t have five spades given my earlier 4NT 2 60 Pahk says he’s definitely bidding at 1NT bid. If partner can’t bid 3♠, I will 5♦ 2 60 this vulnerability, and that bid is 2♠, be happy to try 3NT.” 6♣ 1 50 “in case partner has a really good hand Yue tries 3♠. “Although 1NT already Dbl 1 50 and can invite game. With my probably promised a constructive hand, my 5♣ 0 50 useless clubs and lack of heart support, hand still has extras. I expect partner 5♠ 0 30 however, I do not want to overexcite to have around 15 points and 4=5=3=1 6♦ 0 30 partner with 3♦ or 3♠, and I don’t shape. Partner probably does not have want to risk bidding notrump. If we a four-card diamond suit because 2♦ Choice overload have game, it is likely to be 4♠ because is available. Vulnerable at IMPs favors 4♠ is Haas’s call. “On the auction, of the misfit.” going for game (instead of picking up the opponents probably have a nine- Chen’s choice is 2♠. “Partner’s 100 or 300 by passing), which is highly or 10-card heart fit, and my partner double is obviously takeout, showing probable with the likely double fit in likely has six or seven clubs with ♠ hearts, spades and diamonds. Even spades and diamonds. After 3 , part- game-forcing values. This means ner can pass or raise to 4♠, or bid 3NT though I have five diamonds, I am partner has eight to 10 cards in the on the occasional 3=5=3=2 hand that is bidding majors first.” round suits, leaving only three to five too strong to pass.” Sonner: “I’ll bid 2♠. I don’t want to cards in the pointed suits. Almost any pass because we might have a game Beauchet goes all in with 3NT. “It is pretty clear that we are beating 2♣, so call could be correct here; I’m bet- and we are red on white at IMPs. I ting on no call with more 50% of the ♠ the question is whether we can make don’t want to jump to 3 because I panel.” have values in clubs and no hearts, but game. Only if we do should we pull Sonner bids 4♠. “I know I have quite if partner raises 2♠, I will bid four.” the double. Partner’s simple overcall a good-looking hand, but in this sort of Zhang suggests 3♦. “For me, there followed by a double should show auction – where the opponents are pre- are five options: 3♦, 3♠, 4♠, 2♠ about 15–17 points with a good heart empting a lot – distributions are often and pass. If the vulnerability were suit and at least 3–3 in the other two skewed and partner often stretches to switched, I would be tempted to pass. suits, probably 4–3 in practice. With get into the auction. I usually lean on But here, the risk of missing a vulner- a bad heart suit (making 3NT unat- the side of playing it safe, and without able game is too great. As for 3♠ and tractive), we can hope partner would a sure fit with partner, I want to try to 4♠, they could work, but if partner has have doubled the first time. But here I play in the lowest game possible.” only three spades, we would probably trust partner’s vulnerable overcall and Emma Kolesnik says, “For me, it was be in trouble. I choose 3♦ as my final bid the most likely game, thanks to my between 4♠ and pass. I prefer 4♠ answer because I have more length in excellent spots.” because I don’t think partner rates to

36 Bridge Bulletin July 2020 have extreme spade shortness here, scribes something like this, but it kind me, so he probably has one or two. So and it feels like it has good chances of takes clubs out of the picture. When we can probably make slam in clubs. If to make. We could easily be missing partner went out of their way to bid partner has the 2=2=2=7 hand, he will a slam, but maybe with some of those 4♣ instead of a less committal double, probably have the ♣A K J and a queen hands, partner will take another call.” their suit is probably pretty good. The in either diamonds or spades, so I think Grossack uses 5NT to drive to slam. main reason for passing is to see what 6♣ will make.” “My ♣Q has polished itself into quite a partner does. If he rebids 5♣, I think 5♦ garnered a couple votes, Chen’s precious card, along with the rest of the we can be pretty sure that clubs will be for one. “We are obviously in a game- hand that already looks so pretty. The a fine trump suit and we can bid 5♦, forcing auction, and 5♦ shows I have question now is twofold: Which strain which should be a cuebid trying for diamonds and spades. Partner can and how high? I get to answer both 7♣. Even if partner thinks it’s natural pass or bid 5♠ and I will be happy with rather intelligently with 5NT, avoid- and forcing, we kind of have that cov- either. If I bid 4♠, partner might pass ing the ambiguity of first-round heart ered, too. If partner bids 4♠, we can with: control that comes with bidding 5♥. probably bid 5♦ as natural and forcing, ♠x ♥K x ♦Q J x ♣A K J 10 9 x x. (I think it should promise first-round but we wouldn’t have known partner ♠ ♦ control, but these auctions are quite has a playable spade holding without Then we might not make 4 , and 5 scary.) And I am able to find out if part- that info. If partner doubles, we won’t is probably cold.” ner has a fit for spades or diamonds or know anything new, but we can still bid Beauchet skips the formalities and ♣ just long clubs. I am prepared for any of a forcing 5♦ and have room to explore goes straight to 6 . “Partner is bidding them.” more for the right slam. It’s very likely vulnerable at the four level – he has to Duffie punts with 5NT. “If partner we have a slam here, and if we don’t, have at least six nice clubs. We have at has really good clubs, my hand is really there isn’t a good way to know really.” most eight spades between us, so I give good for 6♣. Picture: Kaplan, 5♥. “Tough problem. I dis- up on a spade contract. I also give up on a diamond contract, as partner didn’t ♠x x ♥x x ♦x x x ♣A K J 10 9 x. like all of my options, but it feels like we need to play a slam. 5NT is no good make a negative double over 3♥. Clubs Now 6♣ is basically on 3–2 spades because partner will be endplayed in looks like our best strain. If 4NT was if defense starts heart–heart, while 6♣. At least with 5♥, partner might clearly Roman key card Blackwood in slam in either of our eight-card fits has venture 6♠.” clubs, that would be my choice. But I virtually no play. Give partner the ♦Q 5♥ by Cedrone. “It looks like we would expect it to be ambiguous in this as well, and now 6♣ is virtually cold, have a slam. I’m just not sure in what sequence. So I’m making the practi- while 6♦ still needs 3–2 diamonds. yet. The auction makes it seem that the cal 6♣ bid, catering to partner’s likely Opposite worse clubs, though, I might opponents have a 10-card heart fit, so hands. Should partner really hold some want to play other strains. I guess I’ll it is likely that we also have a large fit. extras, he is allowed to raise to 7♣!” bid 5NT pick-a-slam and hope partner 5♥ here should force to slam and deny Zhang doubles, “showing extras, picks right.” great club support. There are likely hopefully. I expect partner to have no Kristensen’s thoughtful pass – al- better calls that I am not aware of, but more than three spades, so if partner though solo – earns 90 out of 100. “I 5♥ should get us to a good vulnerable has honor–doubleton or three spades, hope we can all agree this pass should slam.” they can bid 4♠ (probably). Secondly, be forcing. With many possible strains Brandon Ge, 4NT: “Unless the op- if partner has extra club length and open, bidding something is likely to ponents are insane, they should have a bids 5♣, I would bid 5♦ and hope for just preclude other options. For exam- 10-card fit. It seems from the bidding the best. If partner shows diamonds, ple, if you bid 4♠, it will likely end the that pard has a strong hand with seven well, that would be a dilemma. I’m auction when slam could be a cinch. or eight clubs. He can’t have three glad I don’t have to decide what to do 5♦ sounds forcing and probably de- spades or he would have supported if partner bids 5♦. Double is the most

Brent Xiao, –™ Louis Beauchet, –™ Zach Grossack, ¤› Adam Kaplan, ¤¦ Emma Kolesnik, ¤– Ben Kristensen, ¤¤ USA U USA U USA U USA U Women U USA U July 2020 Bridge Bulletin 37 flexible bid, and sometimes partner the other three hands have four or five support and working heart cards that will pass because we don’t have a fit diamonds apiece. But the opponents are a source of tricks. If partner has and we’re better off penalizing the op- are being weirdly quiet with their fit, diamond wastage, then so be it. 4♠ ponents.” so it is likely that they don’t have good makes the opening lead harder, and hands. Even with a 10-count, someone especially with that club holding, that 4. Matchpoints. None vulnerable. would have bid something because can be very important. But 4♦ helps ♠K J 5 2 ♥Q J 10 8 5 2 ♦— ♣A Q 8 both sides are nonvulnerable. So I partner evaluate slam a lot better than think partner has a good hand with a 4♠ would.” West North East South few diamonds. It also allows pard to re- 1♥ evaluate their hand for slam.” 5. IMPs. East–West vulnerable. Pass 1♠ Pass ? Xu’s 4♦: “This hand is too strong ♠A Q ♥K Q 10 8 7 4 ♦A K J 5 2 ♣— to bid below game. Thirteen points Call Votes Award with a diamond void (+5), good trump West North East South 3♠ 16 100 Pass 4♣ ? 4♦ 3 60 4♠ 0 60 Call Votes Award 2♠ 0 30 NEXT MONTH’S PROBLEMS 4♥ 8 100 Dbl 6 80 Nothing to see here 1. IMPs. None vulnerable. 4NT 4 60 Not much difference of opinion on ♠A K 10 8 5 2 ♥A 6 ♦K ♣A 10 5 2 5♥ 1 50 this one. 5♣ 0 30 West North East South 3♠ by Kayden Ge, speaking for the 1♣ Dbl majority. “I would like to be in game, On the high wire Pass 1♠ 2♣ ? but it’s not a necessity. My void is Grossack frowns. “4♥. Not very nice, worth much more when we found a fit. you guys. 4♥ is a massive underbid, 2. Matchpoints. None vulnerable. 4♦ would be a better description, but but I’ve been sufficiently scared off partner could take me too seriously ♠8 3 ♥K 8 ♦K Q J ♣A K Q 8 7 6 the slam zone. Partner has passed, and ♣ and we could end up too high. I would West North East South RHO has opened 4 red against white. be disappointed if partner passed, but Pass 1♣ If we need breaks, we aren’t getting that’s his decision.” Pass 1♦ 1♠ Dbl(1) them. Obviously, a full dinner has been Rosenberg agrees with 3♠. “Too Pass 1NT Pass 2♠ eaten before I would ever take such a strong for 2♠. With only 13 high-card Pass 3♠ Pass ? meager position. Without breakfast points, it is very unlikely this will end (translation: second choice), I would the bidding anyway, particularly with (1) Three-card diamond support bid 5♣, noncommital, but clearly a nonvulnerable opponents silent. Part- very good hand. Maybe that is what I ner probably has something over there. 3. IMPs. None vulnerable. should do anyway considering I make Bidding more than 3♠ (while better ♠A 10 2 ♥K J 8 7 6 3 ♦A 7 2 ♣6 slam opposite: judgment than bidding just 2♠) with West North East South ♠x x x x ♥J x ♦Q x x x ♣x x x.” so few high-card points and a pretty 1♥ Pass ♥ dubious hand for slam is unnecessarily Kaplan bids 4 . “If we miss a slam, 1♠ 2♣ 2♠(1) ? too bad. I bid where I live, and maybe risky.” I’ll have a chance to show my second Pahk, 3♠: “This hand is worth (1) Four-card spade support suit.” just about 16–17 points in support of 4♥, Xiao shrugs. “Don’t really know spades, so I think 3♠ describes the 4. IMPs. North–South vulnerable. what else I can do here. I won’t try to value of my hand well enough. If part- ♠A Q J ♥A ♦Q 8 7 4 3 2 ♣K Q 8 explore for slam because I can’t really ner has strong diamonds and nothing expect partner to cover enough losers, else, maybe 4♠ will still have play? I West North East South ♦ and even then, I don’t know if I have just want to get to game when it is a 1 ♥ a good trump suit. My opponents are good contract and try to stay out when 1 Dbl Pass ? vulnerable, so this 4♣ bid probably game is bad. Is that too much to ask?” isn’t messing around. I don’t really ex- Brandon Ge likes 4♦. “If it was 5. Matchpoints. Both vulnerable. pect a raise to 5♣, though if they do, I IMPs, no hesitation with 4♦. But my ♠9 5 ♥K 10 9 8 5 4 2 ♦A J 8 3 ♣— have a tough choice. But I think I would reasoning for bidding 4♦ rather than West North East South have to double.” 3♠ is that partner is likely to have a ? Emma Kolesnik carefully offers 4♥. strong hand. With a void in diamonds,

38 Bridge Bulletin July 2020 “I think 5♣ or double might also be against our game. Or maybe we don’t afterwards. All I need from partner is reasonable bids, however we’re too have a game. If partner bids four of a the ♥A and/or ♦Q.” likely to end up in spades when hearts red suit, I will bid 5♣ to invite slam. Zhang eliminates a lot of calls before is better. With the ♥10, 4♥ seems like 4♥ will be passed too often when slam plunking down 5♥. “I’m pretty sure a decent spot. Of course we could eas- is cold. Double allows the most flexibil- 4NT shows the three unbid suits, so ily be making 6♥ or 6♦ if partner has ity because there are many possibili- I can’t bid that. However, I think this the right hand. Many 9-counts would ties with this hand.” hand is a bit strong to bid just 4♥, produce slam. Ultimately actions like Beauchet doubles. “The hand is too although partner is a passed hand. this just show again that preempts are good for a direct 4♥ and I wouldn’t There’s a risk of missing slam here effective.” want 4NT to be interpreted as an offer with all of this playing strength. I could Finn Kolesnik decisively doubles. to play. So I double, planning to pull go very aggressive with 5NT – hope- “The decision here is wheth- partner’s 4♠ to 5♥ or raise fully partner doesn’t bid 6♠ – or just er I am closer to a slam to 6♥. On a bad day, 5♥ bid 5♥. At IMPs I know it’s not wise to invite or a 4♥ bid. To me, a could be too high, but in that just randomly guess, but I’ll just settle slam invite looks clear. I am case, they may make 5♣. for 5♥.” ◾ expecting a 4♠ response And doubling 4♣ also gives from partner, which I can partner the option to convert should he hold the unlikely correct to 5♥ to show a slam 3=3=3=4 hand with a couple invite.” of club tricks.” Yue chooses to double. “I Michael Xu, –š Xu puts 4NT out there. plan on correcting 4♠ to 5♥. USA U “Just the ♥A x from partner MAY TOP ONLINE SCORES 4NT would be the other op- (754 players) gives me pretty reasonable tion. But what do you do after play for slam. Also, when the Rick Prouser, Portland OR 490 partner makes a preference of opponents are unfavorable, Pierre Daigneault, Montreal QC 480 5♦ or 5♥? Partner can have they are more likely to have J.J. Gass, London, England 470 anywhere from a yarborough values in the suit, and con- Finn Kolesnik, Ventura CA 470 to a decent hand because 4NT sequently, it makes my club John Bryden, Surrey BC 460 is so wide-ranging.” void even better, as partner Valentin Enache, Bloomfield Hills MI 460 Rosenberg thinks that with Sherman Gao, Brea CA 460 is a lot less likely to have club slam potential and all three Martin E. Henneberger, Coquitlam BC 460 wastage. I think 4NT should strains possible, double feels Jonathan Yue, –œ James Hudson, Chicago IL 460 USA U be a two-suited hand, so I bid right. “Partner is very un- Sean McNally, Minneapolis MN 460 that. Any other bid cannot likely to pass this double (a Maria C. Pendergast, West Hollywood CA 460 convey both of my two suits, red/white preempt tends to Richard Rosenthal, Bedford Hills NY 460 and I want to get both my dia- David Shepler, Knoxville TN 460 be very sound here, so if they monds and hearts in, albeit Bob Simkins, Decatur GA 460 do pass, I think we should be my hearts are longer. While Peter Stein, Hillsborough NJ 460 OK), and I will get to show a I am close to a grand try with Brad Theurer, Gaithersburg MD 460 flexible hand with slam inter- 6♣, I will settle for a simple Adrian Barna, Etobicoke ON 450 est by correcting 4♠ to 5♥. six of whatever my partner Michael Dimich, Burnaby BC 450 Bidding 4♥ is also reason- bids over 4NT.” Christopher Donnelly, Belmont MA 450 able, but my hand is so good Kevin Rosenberg, ¤› Kayden Ge, Cupertino CA 450 Haas, too, likes 4NT, show- for slam opposite any red suit USA U Jason Liao, Madisonville KY 450 ing two places to play. “Part- fit (or a long, strong spade suit Yu-Keng Shih, Redwood City CA 450 ner will pick between red like ♠K J 10 x x x with the ♦Q), that Elliot Sternlicht, New York NY 450 suits at the five level. If I had spades I think it is worth the risk here. 4♥ Robert Winkler, Baden, Austria 450 and a red suit, I would bid 4NT and could go down while 6♦ is cold. With Dayou Zhou, San Diego CA 450 correct the wrong red suit to 5♠.” so many possible strains and some Brandon and Kayden Ge both voted slam interest, this feels correct. I don’t Please participate in It’s Your Call! Go for 4NT. Here’s Kayden: “This hand is even need to mention how big double to acbl.org and click on It’s Your Call un- very, very powerful. 4NT, two places to der the MyACBL login tab at the top. will win if partner bids four of a red play, is the perfect description. Either You may submit answers for a given suit.” LHO or partner has a bunch of spades. month until midnight on the 20th of that Pahk doubles. “Yes, partner will pass I will accept either red suit preference month, at which point the next month’s often, but when he does, perhaps the by partner, and will raise that to six problems will be available. opponents are going for 500 or 800

July 2020 Bridge Bulletin 39 Newer Players

Card Play 101 BY PHILLIP ALDER bridgeforeveryone.com

Dummy Continue with the ♠J to partner’s ♠K. If you play the ♠10 at trick one, Dlr: North ♠ Q 8 3 When this proves to be the full deal, South takes the trick, draws trumps Vul: Both ♥ K Q 10 5 he will cash the ♦A to defeat the con- and cashes his clubs to get home. (Yes, ♦ 7 6 2 tract: there will be times when playing the ♣ K Q J ♠10 at trick one to limit declarer to ♠ East (You) Q 8 3 one spade trick will be correct. This ♥ ♠ A J 10 K Q 10 5 just isn’t one of those deals!) ♦ ♥ 7 6 7 6 2 That seemed straightforward to me, ♣ ♦ Q J 10 9 K Q J but I received an email from Tony Mill- ♠ ♠ ♣ 9 8 5 2 K 9 7 4 A J 10 er of LaGrange Park IL. He wrote: “We ♥ 2 ♥ 7 6 have a question for you re your April West North East South ♦ A 8 5 4 3 ♦ Q J 10 9 article about leads. You say to lead the 1 ♣ Pass 1♥ ♣ 10 6 4 ♣ 9 8 5 2 7 from 9–7–6–4–2. But the ACBL Con- Pass 2♥ Pass 4♥ ♠ 6 5 2 vention Card says lead fourth highest All Pass ♥ A J 9 8 4 3 from x–x–x–x–x against suit contracts. ♦ K Do you and your partners Alert before How would you defend after partner ♣ A 7 3 leads the ♠4, and declarer plays low the round begins based on this non- from the board? Would it make a dif- But if partner leads the ♠7, you standard lead you play and are teach- ference if partner had led the ♠7? know that cannot be fourth-highest. ing? This is such a surprise, please In the April issue, I recommended Applying the Rule of Eleven gives 11 - 7 explain for us.” following the BoSToN rule – Bottom = 4, but you can see five spades higher I told Mr. Miller that I had never no- of Something, Top of Nothing – when than the 7: dummy’s ♠Q and ♠8, and ticed the recommended lead from five leading from an unbid suit against your ♠10, ♠J and ♠A. So partner low cards, and that I think it is unwise. any contract. In other words, lead- must have led from a weak suit. In the above deal, if West leads the ♠4, ing low from length guarantees at Now you should win with the ♠A how is East supposed to know which least one honor in that suit: bottom of and shift to the ♦Q. That works beau- way to turn? He doesn’t. Crazy! Bridge something. With no honor, lead top of tifully in this layout: is hard enough without introducing nothing if the top two cards are touch- unnecessary guesswork. ♠ ing (e.g., the 9 from 9–8–7–4–2) or the Q 8 3 But the good news is that you don’t ♥ second-highest if the top two are not K Q 10 5 have to pre-Alert if you lead second ♦ touching (e.g., the 7 from 9–7–6–5–3). 7 6 2 highest from this holding. On the con- ♣ So in the above problem, if West K Q J vention card, players are free to circle ♠ ♠ leads the ♠4, he will have the ♠K. So 9 7 6 4 2 A J 10 whichever card they choose from five ♥ ♥ you should win the first trick with the 2 7 6 low ones. ◾ ♦ ♦ ♠10 and cash the ♠A, looking closely A 4 3 Q J 10 9 ♣ ♣ at partner’s second card. If he plays the 10 7 6 3 9 8 5 2 ♠ ♠2, he must have led from a five-card K 5 ♥ suit. So shift to the ♦Q. But if partner’s A J 9 8 4 3 ♦ second spade is higher than the ♠4, he K 8 5 ♣ has led from a three- or four-card suit. A 4 40 Bridge Bulletin July 2020 Newer Players

Parrish the Thought BY ADAM PARRISH [email protected] adamparrishbridge.com 2♥ bust and the Parrish convention

Responder needs a way to show a a minimum 2♣ opening and wants to 2♣ 2 ♥ bust hand opposite a 2♣ opener. This stop short of game. 3♣ means a hand with no aces or kings, Enter the Parrish convention! and usually, at most one queen. Basi- Because sometimes opener wants to 2♣ 2 ♥ cally, it says, “If you need a trick from make a forcing bid and sometimes a bid 2♠ 2NT me, I don’t think I have it.” where he wants to play, we need two 3♣ The standard way to show a bust is ways to make those bids. The direct way (2♣–2♥–3♣) is by bidding an artificial 3♣ if opener The solution is to use 2♠ as a relay. shows a major suit. A relay is an artificial bid that forces forcing to game, the slower way (going through the relay) is weaker and can be ♠9 8 7 3 ♥4 3 ♦J 8 7 5 ♣8 4 2 partner to bid the next step (strain). In this case, responder will bid 2NT. passed. So if your hand is: 2♣ 2 ♦ It sounds a little like a transfer, but a ♠8 ♥A K Q ♦A Q 7 ♣A Q J 9 8 3, 2♥ 3 ♣ relay is different from a transfer in two you want to sign off in 3♣ opposite a Instead of this 3♣ second nega- ways. 1) After a transfer, partner is not bust partner, so you would bid 2♠ and tive, my preference is to let responder forced to bid the next suit – partner then 3♣. If, instead, you have: show a bust hand immediately with can super-accept. This is because 2) ♠A Q ♥A K ♦A K 7 ♣A K Q 8 7 3, a 2♥ response to 2♣, and use a 2NT a transfer shows a suit; a relay does not. response to show hearts. This has the What is the point of this relay? It you want to force to game and even advantage of setting up an immediate maximizes space in the auction and contemplate a slam opposite a near game force when responder bids 2♦. gives opener two ways to make all bids yarborough, so you bid 3♣ directly, That can avoid annoying auctions like at the three level by either bidding which is game forcing. a 3NT rebid showing 25-plus high-card them directly or first going through The Parrish convention is a little points; knowing we’re in a game force, the 2♠ relay. For example, say opener complicated, but if you want to use the opener can bid 2NT with the super- wants to bid 3♣. He now has two ways: 2♥ bust, it’s really a must-have. ◾ strong hand, taking advantage of our nice 2NT systems (Stayman, transfers, etc.), and then bid again once the right strain is found. For example, he might raise 3NT to 4NT. There are flaws to using the 2♥ bust bid, as there are flaws to everything. It can wrong-side heart contracts, it gives the opponents an artificial bid to dou- ble for a lead, and it can preempt the auction. But most importantly, it can confuse the rest of the auction unless you have good agreements. Is opener’s next suit bid forcing? Sometimes he wants it to be – he might have game in his own hand – but sometimes he has

July 2020 Bridge Bulletin 41 Newer Players

Reasoning with Robert BY ROBERT S. TODD [email protected] advinbridge.com Choosing a rebid after making a takeout double

When our right-hand opponent describe our hand by rebidding 1NT, above. We expect to have a fit, and with opens the bidding and we make a take- showing a balanced hand with 19–21 15 HCP and a singleton in the oppo- out double, we get useful information points and a heart stopper. nent’s suit, we raise to 2♠. This lets from partner about both their shape Therefore, with extremely strong partner know that if they are at the top and strength. Partner generally bids hands, we usually “double and bid” of their 1♠ bid (almost good enough to their longest suit, doing so cheaply to describe them. But there are other jump to 2♠), we are still interested in with about 0 to 8 points, jumping with ways of showing strong hands. With game. a good 8 to 11 points, and cuebidding very strong two-suited hands, we can With a fit and an even better hand, the opponent’s suit with enough values use a Michaels cuebid and then bid we may jump to 3♠: to insist on game. Let’s assume for the again. This shows a strong two-suiter, ♠A K J 2 ♥5 ♦A K J 5 2 ♣J 4 3. moment that partner has a bad hand a hand with enough playing strength to ♠ and bids cheaply. What should we bid double and bid. Here we jump to 3 , strongly suggest- next? ing that partner bid game. All they need ♠ Because we can make a takeout Traditional takeout double shapes is the right 4 or 5 points to bid 4 in double with many different types of The traditional shape for making a this auction. ♥ hands, it’s important for us to use our takeout double of the opponent’s 1 If we have an even stronger hand second bid accurately to describe our opening is shortness in their suit and with a four-card spade support, we can hand to partner. three- to five-card support for all the jump to game ourselves. With: unbid suits. Say you hold: ♠A Q J 2 ♥5 ♦A K J 5 2 ♣K 10 3, The big hands ♠A 9 8 2 ♥6 5 ♦K J 5 3 ♣A 7 4. With an extremely strong hand, we we can probably make a game opposite may be too powerful for a simple over- RHO You LHO Partner as little as the ♠K, so we give it a try. call. In that case, we double and then 1♥ Dbl Pass 1♠ And with a monster, we could even bid something. For example, if RHO Pass ? splinter, showing shortness, letting partner know that we have slam inter- opens 1♥, and we hold: ♥ If we make a takeout double of 1 and est opposite the right 6- or 7-point hand: ♠A J ♥9 3 ♦A K J 9 8 2 ♣A Q 8, partner bids 1♠ (showing a bad hand), ♠A Q 10 2 ♥— ♦A K Q 5 2 ♣A 4 3 2. we are too strong to overcall 2♦. We we can pass at our next turn. We have need to start with a takeout double, nothing else to say. If partner has the ♠K and the ♣K, and if partner bids 1♠ (not surprising, But if we happen to hold a better slam looks like a pretty good contract, because it’s our shortest suit), then we hand – one with enough values to be in- so we bid 4♥ over 1♠ to show heart bid 2♦, showing about 18–20 points terested in game opposite a hand with shortness, spade support and slam- and a long, strong diamond suit. 0–8 points – then we bid again. When mish values. Similarly, when we have a big, bal- we have a fit for partner (they were But what if partner is not so coopera- anced hand such as: nice enough to bid one of our four-card tive and bids one of the suits where we suits), we let them know we have a fit have only three cards? ♠A 5 ♥A J 3 ♦K J 8 2 ♣A Q J 8, by raising. ♠A 9 8 ♥6 5 ♦K J 5 3 ♣A 7 4 3 we are too strong to overcall 1NT You hold: RHO You LHO Partner (15–18 HCP) if our RHO opens 1♥. So ♠A Q 8 2 ♥5 ♦K J 5 2 ♣A J 4 3. we start with a double, for takeout, and 1♥ Dbl Pass 1♠ then – if partner responds 1♠ – further Say we have the same auction as Pass ?

42 Bridge Bulletin July 2020 Newer Players

Startup Bridge BY LYNN BERG [email protected] Supporting partner’s minor suit

There’s a sad truth in bridge: minor- So-called inverted minors have major suit: suit tricks are worth only 20 points become popular because they allow ♠A 6 ♥9 6 2 ♦A K J 6 4 ♣7 3 2. each, while major-suit and notrump you to make a blocking bid when you ♦ tricks are worth 30, and the first trick don’t have a major but do have five of Your 2 bid leaves plenty of room in notrump 40. Is it any wonder that partner’s minor. to investigate whether your side has stoppers in the other suits to make a there is a common notion that “clubs ♠9 3 ♥Q 6 2 ♦K J 9 6 5 ♣J 9 3 are for the golf course and diamonds notrump contract viable – there’s that are for your finger”! But there are times Now when partner opens 1♦, and sad truth about scoring rearing its head when a raise of partner’s minor is the the next player passes, by agreement again. ♥ only bid that makes sense. your jump to 3♦ promises five-card Say partner now bids 2 , showing ♠ Partner opens 1♦ and you hold: support but no more than 9–10 points. a heart stopper. You can bid 2 . It’s If you bid only 2♦, the opponents will already been established that your side ♠9 6 4 2 ♥A 3 ♦K J 9 6 5 ♣7 3. have a much easier time trying to find a does not have a major-suit fit, so your This hand is not one of those times. major-suit fit. If there has been action spade bid shouldn’t mislead partner. If Before you give in and raise diamonds, taken by the opponent, you can make neither of you has a club stopper, you’ll bid 1♠. It would be a pity to miss a 4–4 a single raise (to 2♦) with four-card be able to avoid a disastrous notrump spade fit. What if partner held: support and a jump raise with five. contract. ♠A K J 8 ♥5 4 2 ♦A Q 7 4 ♣9 8? Take advantage of the opponent’s ac- If the opponent has overcalled, the tion whenever you can. stronger element of inverted minors is Spades are a much more profitable In its simplest form, inverted minor off for most partnerships. Instead, cue- strain to choose, and your diamond bidding uses the single raise to 2♦ bid the opponent’s suit to show support fit will be a source of tricks. If the ♠Q when you have a limit raise or better worth a limit raise or better. With the doesn’t take a trick because it drops or and five-card support for partner’s previous hand, for instance: can be finessed, you expect to take 10 minor but you don’t have a four-card tricks. Partner Opponent You 1♦ 1♠ 2♠ ® Reasoning with Robert That cuebid is a useful and often If we have a minimum hand such as With this hand, we start with a take- neglected tool. Not only does it tell this, we pass and try to end the auction out double of 1♥, and after partner’s partner you have good support, it also before it gets out of control, hoping 1♠, we cuebid 2♥. This says we have uses up bidding room the opponents that partner has a five-card spade suit good values, but we’d like partner to might have enjoyed. ◾ (but even a 4–3 fit wouldn’t necessarily have a five-card spade suit for a pos- be bad). sible spade game. After the cuebid, If we have more values, but hold only partner can rebid 2♠ with the weakest three cards in the suit partner bid, then of hands or try another suit (or jump in we need to let partner know that we are spades) if they have some values and still interested in exploring game, but are potentially interested in game. ◾ have not yet found a fit: ♠A 9 8 ♥6 5 ♦A K J 3 ♣A Q 7 3

July 2020 Bridge Bulletin 43 Newer Players

Ask Jerry BY JERRY HELMS [email protected] jerryhelms.com

Dear Jerry, The IMP scale rewards the magnitude in diamonds would be a zero. It might I am having a difficult time finding of difference more than the frequency not be that bad if you have some com- information on IMPs and match- of occurrence. pany in diamond contracts, but let’s say points. When they are used and what The scoring format impacts your it is. is the planning behind each one? Are tactics. Although still significantly ahead in they played at regular games or tour- For example, let’s say some good total points, one top board followed by naments and how would one know? things happen on the first two deals at one bottom makes you exactly average I am sure they are very different your table in a team event. On the first, at this point. At matchpoints, the fre- challenges for each. I would love it if the opponents have a bidding misun- quency of being right is more impor- you could give me and other readers derstanding and reach a vulnerable tant than the magnitude of the score. some easy and clear understanding grand slam in hearts missing a cashing In a team event, it’s important to bid of both. ace. You double and collect 200 points. and make your games and slams, and Barbara When your teammates play this board to defeat the opponents’ contracts. later, they stop in a small slam, collect- At matchpoints, you might risk going Dear Barbara, ing plus 1430. You are 1630 points to down in a game if faced with a reason- Let’s start with an explanation of the good. able chance for an overtrick. If you’re the differences between these scoring On the second deal, you reach a right two out of three times about the systems. contract of 3♦, scoring plus 110, while overtrick, you’re usually ahead of the Matchpoints is the scoring format your opponents at the other table score game! typically used in duplicate pairs events. plus 120 in a notrump partial. Your net Team games are more social because At the end of the session, your result score on this board is minus 10. you play more boards against a single on each deal is compared to those of all On the first result, you would gain pair. Flighted or bracketed events help the other pairs playing the same direc- 17 IMPs, and on the second there ensure that you can play against others tion. You get one matchpoint for every would be a zero-IMP differential. Your of similar experience. result that is better than the pairs you teammates would surely forgive you At matchpoints, every card matters are compared to, and half a matchpoint for playing an inferior partscore that because a top or bottom can swing on for every pair you tie. The matchpoints ultimately didn’t cost anything while a single overtrick or undertrick on the are totaled for all the deals to deter- gaining a significant slam swing. most mundane partscore deal. Al- mine your overall score and relative At IMP scoring, the magnitude of dif- though I have lost knockout matches position. ferential on a single hand can outweigh by a single IMP, the occasional missed IMPs (international match points) the frequency of being slightly better overtrick/undertrick can easily be is the primary form of scoring used in on a series of hands. covered by bidding and making a good team events. One partnership plays a If you had these two identical results game or slam not reached at the other deal sitting North–South while their at matchpoints, however, your position table. teammates ultimately play the same would likely be significantly different. To me, team games are more like real deal sitting East–West at the other ta- The plus 200 on the first board rather bridge. Someone once told me, “You ble. The IMP scale (found on the inside than minus 1430 is almost certainly a play matchpoints to win, and IMPs not of all ACBL convention cards) converts top board. On the second, if every other to lose.” ◾ the net difference in scores on each pair in your direction scored plus 120 deal to a score based on a sliding scale. in a notrump partscore, your plus 110

44 Bridge Bulletin July 2020 Newer Players

Bidding Basics BY LARRY COHEN larryco.com Responder’s rebid after responding to 1NT or 2NT

In this installment, the opening bid one four-card major. For example, 2♥, bid 3♣ with: was 1NT or 2NT. As responder, we 1NT–2♣; 2♦–3♦ should show a hand ♠A Q x x ♥x ♦x x x ♣A K J x x. took our first call (usually Stayman such as: If the response to 1NT (or 2NT) was or a transfer), and now we examine ♠A x x x ♥x x ♦A K J x x x ♣x. responder’s second call. As discussed 3NT, there won’t be a second call. If the previously, we will assume in this 1NT–2♣; 2♦–3♥/3♠ shows 5–4 response to 1NT was an invitational article that 1NT–2♠ shows clubs and in the majors and is game forcing. In 2NT, the only thing to consider is if 1NT–3♣ shows diamonds, though I “standard,” you jump into the five-card opener bids a suit on the three level. ♣ ♦ wouldn’t spend much mental energy on major. For example, 1NT–2♣; 2♦– 1NT–2NT; 3 /3 is a bailout, to play, those two infrequent bids. 3♥ would be something like this: with a hand such as: If the response to 1NT was 2♣ ♠A Q x x ♥K Q x x x ♦x ♣x x x. ♠J x ♥Q x ♦K Q x x ♣A Q J 9 x. (Stayman), opener has rebid 2♦, 2♥ 1NT–2♣; 2♦–3NT is, of course, a Meanwhile, opener’s 3♥ or 3♠ is or 2♠. Let’s examine each. signoff. Example: forcing, offering a choice of four of the After 1NT–2♣; 2♦, responder can ♠K Q 10 x ♥K J x x ♦x x ♣Q x x. major or 3NT. 3♠, for example, would pass with a lot of diamonds and a weak be something such as: hand, such as: After 1NT–2♣; 2♥/2♠, responder ♠A Q 10 x x ♥x x ♦K Q x ♣K Q x. ♠K x x x ♥x x x ♦J x x x x ♣x. can pass with a minimum and a fit. Example: If responder starts with a Jacoby The sequence 1NT–2♣; 2♦–2♥ ♠K x x x ♥J x x x ♦x x x x x ♣—. transfer, a 2NT follow-up is invitation- instructs opener to pass with three al, showing five cards in the major. If hearts or correct to 2♠. Responder’s A raise to 3♥/3♠ by responder is responder bids a new suit, however, it’s hand should be something like: invitational, and a jump to 4♥/4♠ is a natural, showing four or more cards in ♠A x x x ♥J x x x x ♦x ♣x x x. signoff. the second suit, and is game forcing. If To show slam interest in the major, responder “raises” 2♥ or 2♠ to three The sequence 1NT–2♣; 2♦–2♠ the technically correct bid is three of typically delivers five spades in an un- of the major, it shows six-plus cards the other major, for example, 1NT–2♣; and invitational values. 3NT, of course, balanced hand with invitational values. 2♠–3♥, but good luck remember- For example: is natural and offers opener a choice of ing that! A jump to four of a minor is a game in notrump or four of the major. ♠A J x x x ♥Q x x x ♦J x x ♣x. splinter raise with slam interest. For Some examples. After 1NT–2♥; 2♠, With a balanced, invitational hand example, 1NT–2♣; 2♥–4♣ is some- pass with: thing like: containing five spades, you would have ♠K J x x x ♥x ♦x x x x ♣x x x; started with a Jacoby transfer instead. ♠A x x x ♥A Q x x ♦K J x x ♣x. bid 2NT with: Don’t get me started on the misuse of 1NT–2♣; 2♦–2NT is invitational ♠A J x x x ♥10 x x ♦J x ♣K x x; with at least one four-card major; with- Gerber. out one, you would have just raised After opener’s 2♥ or 2♠, 2NT (or bid 3♣ with: 1NT to 2NT to invite. Example: 4NT) by responder is invitational, ♠A Q 10 x x ♥x ♦x x x ♣A Q J x; and 3NT is a signoff. 1NT–2♣; 2♥– ♠Q 10 x x ♥x x ♦K Q x ♣Q x x x. 3♣/3♦ is natural, game forcing and bid 3♥ with: 1NT–2♣; 2♦–3♣/3♦ should be likely shows four cards in the other ♠A Q x x x ♥K J 10 x x ♦x x ♣x. natural and game forcing with at least major. For example, after 1NT–2♣; July 2020 Bridge Bulletin 45 Note that this particular auction and you would just raise 1NT to 3NT. promises 5–5 in the majors because Transferring to a minor and then BIDDING BASICS QUIZ you would start with Stayman with 5–4 bidding a new suit requires partner- What is your call after 1NT–2♣; 2♦ in the majors. ship discussion. Many experts play it with: Bid 3♠ with: as showing shortness. Even though 1. ♠A J x x ♥A 10 x x ♦x x ♣x x x ♠K J 10 x x x ♥x ♦x x x ♣K x x; this is in the “Newer Players” section, this material is for the serious newer 2. ♠K J x x x ♥Q 10 x x ♦x ♣Q x x bid 3NT with: players. In fact, this entire installment ♠K Q 10 x x ♥K x x ♦Q x x ♣x x. requires a degree of studiousness and a What is your call after 1NT–2♣; 2♠ with: If you start with a transfer to a minor need for some practice and memoriza- (rare), you must have interest in mak- tion. 3. ♠K J x x x ♥Q 10 x x ♦x ♣Q x x ing that minor trump. Don’t transfer if After a 2NT opening, all of the same 4. ♠A Q x x ♥x x ♦A K x x ♣K x x you want to play in 1NT or 3NT! So if principles as above apply. 2NT–3♣; you do transfer to a minor and then you 3♦–3♥/3♠ shows 5–4 in the ma- What is your call after 1NT–2♥; 2♠ bid 3NT anyway, you must have slam jors. After 2NT–3♣; 3♥/3♠, opener with: in mind or you would have just raised should bid the other major to show 5. ♠K Q 10 x x x ♥x ♦x x x ♣Q 9 x 1NT to 3NT. For example, if partner slam interest. Stayman followed by opens 1NT and you have: 3NT guarantees a major(s). Stayman 6. ♠A Q x x x ♥K Q x x ♦x x ♣x x followed by 4NT is invitational, also ♠K Q x ♥Q x ♦x x ♣A K J 10 x x, What is your call after 2NT–3♣; 3♦ guaranteeing a major(s). Jacoby fol- with: you can transfer to clubs and then lowed by 3NT is a choice of games. bid 3NT. Change the spades to x–x–x 7. ♠K J x x x ♥Q 10 x x ♦x ♣Q x x 8. ♠A Q x x ♥A J 9 x ♦10 x x ♣x x

Answers 1. 2NT. Invitational. 2. 2♠. Five spades, invitational, un- balanced. 3. 4♠. Same hand as No. 2, but with the known nine-card fit, you have enough for game. 4. 3♥. Artificial (three of the other major). This sets spades as trump and shows slam interest. (4NT would be quantitative/invitational). 5. 3♠. Invitational. 6. This is a trick question. You should have started with Stayman (5–4 = Stayman). If you bid 3♥ now, you are promising 5–5 in the majors. 7. 3♠. This hand should look familiar by now! This shows five spades, four hearts and a forcing hand. If using a convention called Smolen, you would bid 3♥ instead to play spades from the strong side. 8 4NT. Invitational. ◾

46 Bridge Bulletin July 2020 Newer Players

Lessons Learned BY MICHAEL BERKOWITZ [email protected] A friend on lead

My family doesn’t often play bridge one, if you play last. Better, though, would be if LHO had led with just the four of us. When we do, There are thousands of scenarios clubs originally. Maybe, however, you it almost always ends in tears (mine). where I’d rather play last. The A–Q is can coerce LHO into playing clubs for One time we played on Christmas day. always two tricks if my left-hand oppo- you. Like all good Jewish families, we had nent leads the suit. The K–Q–10 is also Many (dare I say most?) would tickets for a 5 p.m. movie and dinner worth two tricks in that scenario. simply play diamonds and then, when reservations for the local Chinese res- Sometimes our friends don’t help that fails, hope the ♣A was onside. taurant. By mid-morning, however, my us out on the opening lead (we can’t Look what you can do though, if, before sister and I were already driving our always play against our favorite op- attacking diamonds, you play another parents nuts with our bickering. ponents) and need a little prodding. round of hearts first. If the diamonds They decided it would be a good idea Instead of doing all of the lifting are 3–3, you can get rid of one of the to get out of the house (and away from ourselves, it’s important to think about clubs in dummy. But even if they don’t each other) by going to the local bridge how to get our friend or friends to lead split, if your opponent ruffs in, what club. I would play with my mother, and a suit for us. can West do? They have no more my sister would play with my father. spades or diamonds. A heart gives you We started out against each other. On Dummy a ruff and a sluff, allowing you to get rid ♠ the very first board, my sister opened A K 5 4 3 of a club loser in dummy, while a club ♥ 1NT on my right. My father bid 4NT K 4 lead goes up to your king. ♦ (invitational to slam), and my sister 7 6 5 So say West is clever and doesn’t ♣ went into the tank. She stared at her 9 3 2 ruff the third or the fourth round of hand and shook her head. Then she diamonds. When you play your low dia- sighed. Finally, she bolted upright – a Declarer mond, you ruff in dummy, creating this ♠ stroke of inspiration. She turned to 9 8 7 6 possible layout: ♥ me and, staring right at me, cracked a A 9 ♦ ♠ predatory grin. 6NT found its way to A K Q 4 5 4 ♣ ♥ the table, her eyes never leaving mine. K 6 4 — ♦ Now came my turn to fret and worry. — You are declarer in 4♠, and West ♣ I finally closed my eyes and picked a 9 3 2 leads the ♥Q. After winning the lead, ♠ ♠ card. Dummy came down and my sister Q — you draw two rounds of trump, and ♥ ♥ showed her hand to claim – a bare 10 Q 8 your RHO discards a heart on the sec- ♦ ♦ minimum 15 points. “Why did you have — — ond round. What is your plan? ♣ ♣ to bid six?” I whined. She said, “I had a A J 7 Q 10 8 Let’s count the losers on this hand. ♠ friend on lead.” 9 8 You have a spade loser, no heart losers, ♥ Most bridge players are pretty good — no diamond losers and three potential ♦ when they get to play fourth to a trick. — club losers. You can hope that dia- ♣ K 6 4 For example, with K–4 in a suit; you monds are 3–3 – about 36% of the time, aren’t likely to take a trick when play- they will be – allowing you to discard Now, don’t play a club. Play a trump ing first or second, but you will almost one of dummy’s clubs. You could also – your LHO is your friend. West wins always win a trick with the king, either play for the♣A to be in front of the the trick but must give you a trick no on the current trick or a subsequent king; that will happen 50% of the time. matter what. ◾ July 2020 Bridge Bulletin 47 Intermediate Players

Mike’s Bridge Lesson BY MIKE LAWRENCE michaelslawrence.com Spots count, too

Dlr: North ♠ A K 3 South played in 3NT after a normal South should have taken the ♥A and Vul: None ♥ A 10 9 8 7 3 enough sequence. West led the ♠5, and continued with the ♥10 from dummy. ♦ 6 South won it in hand with the 9. South The defense would win and would con- ♣ J 8 2 led the ♥J and it won. What now? tinue spades, but declarer could win in South needed heart tricks to make dummy and continue hearts. This line ♠ Q 9 2 3NT, so he went to the ♠K and played sets up the heart suit while an entry ♥ J the ♥A and another heart. East started still remains in dummy to get there. ♦ A K 8 5 3 with two low ones and West the K–Q– Postmortem: If dummy’s hearts were ♣ Q 9 7 3 5–2. West won and played another A–10–9–4–3–2, this line would not spade, setting up a spade winner for work. The ♥8 was necessary. West North East South West, who started with four of them. Note that when declarer led the ♥J, 1 ♥ Pass 2♦ There was no way home from here. West didn’t cover. Many players would Pass 2♥ Pass 2NT South could have set up nine tricks and they would pay a price for it. Pass 3NT All Pass if he guessed clubs successfully, but One important digression. West there’s a glitch with that line. West gets stayed out of the auction. He had what five tricks first: a spade, two hearts and turned out to be the best hand at the ta- two clubs. ble, but he had been warned by South’s Here’s the complete layout. Do you 2/1 bid. West knew East was broke and see a better line? remained quiet. What would have happened if West ♠ A K 3 had bid something? It’s too cruel to ♥ A 10 9 8 7 3 think about it. Any contract by East– ♦ 6 West would have been doubled and ♣ J 8 2 down a lot. When an opponent makes ♠ J 10 7 5 ♠ 8 6 4 a 2/1 bid, your best action is almost ♥ K Q 5 2 ♥ 6 4 always to pass, barring some kind of ♦ Q 4 ♦ J 10 9 7 2 weak hand with a good suit such as ♣ A K 4 ♣ 10 6 5 K–Q–J–8–7–5. If the vulnerability is ♠ Q 9 2 favorable you can bid your suit, which ♥ J may cause the opponents some prob- ♦ A K 8 5 3 lems. ◾ ♣ Q 9 7 3

After winning trick one in his hand, South should lead the ♥J, as he did at the table. But he finessed it, and even though the finesse won, 3NT couldn’t be made. Instead of finessing the heart,

48 Bridge Bulletin July 2020 Intermediate Players

Chalk Talk BY EDDIE KANTAR kantarbridge.com

Dlr: North ♠ A 10 8 7 6 West leads the ♣3, and East plays Finesses in the trump suit can be op- Vul: Both ♥ A 10 4 the ace. Plan the play. tical illusions when a trump is needed Matchpoints ♦ K 6 in dummy to ruff a loser in dummy’s ♣ J 9 8 Answer long suit. This presupposes that you You have a spade loser and a possible can discard enough of dummy’s cards ♠ Q 4 heart loser, but your spade loser can in that long suit (spades) on your own ♥ K J 8 7 5 be ruffed in dummy! All you need is a long side suit (diamonds). ♦ A Q J 10 5 2 3–2 heart break (or someone having a ♣ — singleton trump queen), as your inten- Defensive note tion is to ruff the opening lead and play Let’s say the layout is this: West North East South (You) the ♥A K. If the queen is singleton, ♠ 1 ♠ 2♣ 2♦ you can draw all the trumps and take A 10 8 7 6 ♥ 3♣ Pass Pass 3♥ your 12 top tricks. Ditto if the ♥Q has A 10 4 ♦ Pass 4♦ Pass 4♥ dropped doubleton. K 6 ♣ Pass 5♥ Pass 6♥ Assuming hearts are 3–2 and the J 9 8 ♠ ♠ All Pass queen is still at large, start playing K 5 2 J 9 3 ♥ ♥ diamonds, discarding spades from Q 6 3 9 2 ♦ ♦ This looks like a well-bid hand. The dummy. Whether an opponent ruffs in 8 7 4 9 3 ♣ ♣ key bid is 4♦ by partner suppressing early or not at all, you can discard four 10 6 4 3 A K Q 7 5 2 ♠ the urge to bid 4♥ (your second suit) spades from dummy and eventually Q 4 ♥ with only three-card support. How- ruff your ♠Q in dummy. Making six as K J 8 7 5 ♦ ever, when partner discovers that you advertised. A Q J 10 5 2 have five hearts, his hand increases in ♣ — value given the double red-suit fit, not The bottom line to mention an outside ace. A nice slam With high honors in partner’s long Declarer will make his contract on is reached. Can you play it correctly? suits, bid aggressively. the suggested line of play, but that’s not my point in this section. When part- ner leads a suit in which you have the A–K–Q and dummy has length in the suit, take the first trick with the ace, not the queen! If declarer ruffs, partner will know you started with the A–K–Q. If the ace lives, continue with the queen. If declarer ruffs, partner will know you started with the A–K–Q. By playing the ace first, you do not give away the strength of your suit. An original play of the queen shows the A–K–Q – unless partner has underled the ace! It makes it easier for declarer to place other missing high honors. ◾

July 2020 Bridge Bulletin 49 Intermediate Players

Boehm on Bridge BY AUGUST BOEHM Along the spectrum – part 5

When you think along the spectrum nothing but pass. sample North hand, 3♥ doubled is a to compare the relative value of vari- With hand A, South should bid 4♦. favorite to go set, perhaps two tricks. ous hands, it promotes an appreciation Many would pass, saying, “How can I Compare hand A to hand B to measure of subtle but significant differences. bid with 2 points?” Would you prefer defensive prospects – the flatter the Nowhere is this clearer than in dealing defending 3♥ doubled, often minus hand, the worse the fit, the more it sug- with weak hands when many players 530, or go plus 130 in 4♦? Match the gests defense over offense. tend to tune out. You are South in the two North–South hands: On defense, Hand C amounts to an offensive following auction, neither vulnerable: North–South rate to take two spade bonanza! Compared to A, the fifth tricks, usually only one diamond, and spade is an extra trick; you expect heart West North East South an indeterminate number of clubs, shortness from partner because the Pass somewhere between zero and two. opponents advertise a nine-card heart 1♥ Dbl 2♥ Pass Even if enough defensive tricks ma- fit, your diamond control is a clear Pass Dbl 3♥ Pass terialize to nip the contract one trick, plus, and the secondary club fit boosts Pass Dbl Pass ? North–South may still emerge with a offense. All this represents a huge im- poor score because 4♦ often makes provement over hand A. Accordingly, What would you bid with each of the (find the ♣Q onside with the opening jump to 4♠; you sometimes make an hands below? bidder). Besides good hand evalua- overtrick facing North’s sample hand, A ♠7 6 5 ♥9 8 ♦Q 5 4 3 2 ♣8 7 6 tion, there is the issue of partnership typically losing one heart, one club, and harmony. Partner should expect you to perhaps one spade. 3♠ doesn’t begin B ♠J 6 ♥J 8 2 ♦5 4 3 2 ♣8 7 6 3 take out his takeout doubles unless you to do justice to this hand’s playing po- C ♠9 8 7 6 5 ♥9 8 2 ♦5 ♣Q 8 7 6 have a compelling reason. Hand A with tential and risks missing a game. Don’t its long diamond fit and zero defense count on North to bid 4♠ for you; he’s You have 2 HCP – can these be prob- does not qualify. already told his story. lems? Stay tuned. To begin, what does Hand B is a good time to overrule Distribution is often the key to North’s third double mean? Takeout, partner’s takeout intent. Compared trick-taking potential in suit contracts. the same as his first two, just addition- to A, there is no reason to presume Point count has its proper place for al strength with each double. The first a nine-card fit. This not only dimin- balanced hands and notrump. When it double starts at around 11 points and ishes offensive potential but helps the comes to deciding whether to declare is unlimited, the second double raises defense – there is a greater chance that or defend, a useful mantra is, “balanced the bar to perhaps 15 points, the third partner’s high cards will cash. Further- hands tend to defend.” And, like hand C, double should deliver a minimum of more, the doubleton spade represents a when partner has bid strongly, make a about 18, still unlimited. Let’s postulate potential spade ruff, and the third heart progressive bid if your hand could be a representative hand for North: is one trump fewer for the opponents much worse. ◾ ♠A K x x ♥x ♦A K x x ♣K J 10 x, to hold. Add the uncertainty of taking classic takeout pattern. North out the double to a decent contract, shouldn’t hold less because he is forc- plus the extra defense that South’s ing you to the four-level in a minor if distribution implies, and pass becomes you don’t fit spades, and you’ve done the percentage action. Matched to our

50 Bridge Bulletin July 2020 Intermediate Players

The Real Deal BY LARRY COHEN larryco.com A solid 1430

This deal comes from the 2019 U.S. Given that spades is the suit to work Bridge Championships. Take the cards on, what is the order of play? We have West hands for the of 2019 Hall of Fame inductee Peter to assume hearts are 3–2; if they’re 4–1, Boyd: we’ve bid too much. If hearts behave July Bidding Box ♠A Q 10 7 6 5 ♥A K Q 3 ♦6 ♣9 2. and spades aren’t horrendous – like Bid these hands with a partner. J–x–x–x–x in one hand – all should be The East hands are on pg. 53. The He opened 1♠ and his longtime part- OK. North–South players are silent unless ner Steve Robinson responded a game- Declarer crossed to the ♠K and otherwise noted. Scores on pgs. 30–33. forcing 2♣. It is almost always a good then drew two rounds of trump, happy idea to introduce a four-card suit here, to see everyone follow. Drawing the Problem 1. North deals. None vul. especially when it is a major – and a last trump would be relying on spades ♠K Q J 10 6 4 2 ♥10 5 ♦K 10 4 2 ♣— very good suit, to boot. Boyd bid 2♥ to run. Much better is to now ruff a and his partner raised to 3♥. Such a low spade in dummy. After that, play Problem 2. East deals. N–S vul. raise is stronger than a “closeout” jump dummy’s last trump to declarer’s last ♠Q J 9 6 5 4 ♥A J ♦6 ♣Q 8 3 2 to 4♥. Accordingly, Boyd looked for trump, drawing the defender’s last slam, and after some control bids and trump. That’s a lot of lasts. Here was Roman key card Blackwood, landed in the Real Deal: Problem 3. South deals. E–W vul. 6♥. The ♦Q was led. ♠K J 8 ♥Q J 10 7 6 ♦A 7 4 3 ♣8 Dlr: South ♠ K ♠ K Vul: Both ♥ 9 7 6 2 Problem 4. West deals. Both vul. ♥ 9 7 6 2 ♦ 8 7 2 ♠K 6 3 ♥K ♦K J 10 8 3 ♣K Q 5 2 ♦ 8 7 2 ♣ A K Q 4 3 ♣ A K Q 4 3 ♠ J 8 4 3 ♠ 9 2 Problem 5. North deals. N–S vul. ♥ 8 4 ♥ J 10 5 North opens 1♠ and rebids 3♠ if ♠ A Q 10 7 6 5 ♦ Q J 10 3 ♦ A K 9 5 4 possible. ♥ A K Q 3 ♣ J 10 7 ♣ 8 6 5 ♦ 6 ♠ A Q 10 7 6 5 ♠6 ♥A Q ♦Q 9 4 2 ♣J 8 7 5 4 3 ♣ 9 2 ♥ A K Q 3 ♦ 6 Problem 6. East deals. E–W vul. The defense played two rounds of ♣ 9 2 South overcalls 1♠. North bids (or diamonds, and Boyd ruffed with his doubles) 2♠ if possible. ♥3. What next? Should declarer work Nothing fancy, just good bidding ♠10 5 ♥A 10 5 ♦K J 9 5 ♣K 9 6 4 on spades or clubs? judgment, careful declarer play and a Clearly, spades. Each suit has seven solid plus 1430. ◾ cards with the ace, king and queen, but Problem 7. South deals. Both vul. the spade suit also has the 10. Much ♠A J 9 5 4 3 ♥A 9 2 ♦K 5 ♣A K more importantly, if clubs aren’t 3–3, a club would need to be ruffed with a Problem 8. West deals. None vul. high heart, almost surely setting up a ♠K 6 ♥J 10 3 ♦A 4 ♣A Q 10 9 6 5 defensive heart trick.

July 2020 Bridge Bulletin 51 Intermediate Players OUT OF HAND BY BILL BUTTLE Challenge of the ˆMonth

♠ A 7 2 ♥ J 10 9 ♦ J 9 4 3 2 ♣ 4 2

♠ K 10 ♥ K 8 7 ♦ Q 6 ♣ A Q J 10 6 3

As South, you declare 3NT against silent opponents. You really need to do something about your bidding. West leads the ♥4 to East’s ace, and the ♥2 is returned. What now?

“So! – Does missing that slam seem so dreadful now that you’ve slept on it?¨”

Challenge Answer

To make nine tricks, you need two The full deal: spades, a heart and six clubs, hoping for ♠ the ♣K to be on your right. But if East A 7 2 ♥ holds ♣K x x, you need to finesse twice J 10 9 ♦ to pick up the entire suit. The ♠A pro- J 9 4 3 2 ♣ vides one entry to dummy, so how do 4 2 ♠ ♠ you plan to get to there a second time Q 9 8 3 J 6 5 4 ♥ ♥ for a follow-up finesse in clubs? Q 6 5 4 3 A 2 ♦ ♦ The heart suit can provide a second A 10 K 8 7 5 ♣ ♣ entry, but only if you play the ♥K 9 7 K 8 5 ♠ under East’s ace at trick one. Did you K 10 ♥ do it? K 8 7 ♦ Q 6 ♣ A Q J 10 6 3

The ACBL Board of Governors will meet virtually on Sunday, July 19, at noon Eastern time. The details of the meeting are being communicated to members of the Board of Governors.

52 Bridge Bulletin July 2020 Intermediate Players

Better Bridge with Bergen BY MARTY BERGEN martybergen.com Secrets of accurate hand evaluation – part 12

1NT: To open or not to open After all, “beauty is in the eyes of the Without question, everyone’s fa- beholder.” East hands for the vorite one-level opening bid should FYI: Although some players avoid be 1NT. 1NT is the most descrip- opening 1NT with a few of the distribu- July Bidding Box tive opening bid. As long as you have tions below, for all 20 examples, I guar- Bid these hands with a partner. the appropriate amount of strength antee that ACBL officials would agree The West hands are on pg. 51. The and an acceptable distribution, you that an opening 1NT bid is kosher. North–South players are silent unless should strive to make that bid. That is OK, let’s play “20 questions.” otherwise noted. Scores on pgs. 30–33. definitely what I teach and what I and 1 ♠5 3 ♥K Q 7 6 ♦K Q J ♣K Q 3 2 many other experts live by. Problem 1. North deals. None vul. Advantages of striving to open 1NT: 2 ♠7 6 ♥A Q 9 8 ♦A 4 3 ♣A Q 10 2 ♠A 7 ♥Q 6 3 ♦A Q 9 5 ♣A K J 7 ⦁ Because your partner knows so 3 ♠Q J 2 ♥A J 3 2 ♦Q J 3 2 ♣K J much about your hand, in general Problem 2. East deals. N–S vul. 4 ♠K 10 9 ♥A Q 10 9 ♦K 10 9 8 ♣A 10 he will bid more accurately. ♠— ♥K Q 10 4 ♦A 9 5 3 ♣K J 10 9 5 ⦁ By opening 1NT, you frequently 5 ♠K J ♥K 7 3 2 ♦K Q 4 ♣Q J 7 5 avoid the rebidding problems that ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ Problem 3. South deals. E–W vul. can easily arise if you open in a suit. 6 3 2 A K J 9 7 5 4 A K J 10 ♠A 5 4 ♥K 5 4 ♦K Q J 6 ♣A 4 2 ⦁ By failing to announce the suits you 7 ♠K ♥7 6 4 2 ♦A Q 9 5 2 ♣A Q 8 like or dislike, you reveal less to the ♠K 10 ♥7 6 4 ♦A Q 9 5 2 ♣A J 9 opponents and greatly increase the 8 Problem 4. West deals. Both vul. chance they will make the wrong 9 ♠K Q J ♥K J 2 ♦K Q 5 ♣7 6 4 2 ♠A 9 7 4 ♥8 3 2 ♦Q 9 4 ♣A 10 6 lead and/or misdefend. What is my 10 ♠A J ♥A K 9 4 ♦Q J 9 3 2 ♣8 2 favorite auction? 1NT–3NT. Problem 5. North deals. N–S vul. For each of the hands below, should 11 ♠K 10 7 4 ♥K 9 6 5 3 ♦A J ♣K Q North opens 1♠ and rebids 3♠ if you open 1NT? As you’d expect, the possible. 12 ♠K 6 ♥A K 7 3 2 ♦K 9 3 2 ♣A 2 key is hand evaluation, consistent with ♠9 5 3 ♥K J 5 2 ♦A J 7 ♣A K Q what I’ve written in the past 11 months 13 ♠K Q 9 6 5 ♥ K 10 8 ♦10 9 8 ♣A Q in this series. So although the range be- 14 ♠A Q 2 ♥K J ♦Q 9 ♣A 8 7 6 4 2 Problem 6. East deals. E–W vul. ing used here is the almost universally South overcalls 1♠. North bids (or played 15–17, the correct answers to 15 ♠A 7 ♥Q 7 6 5 ♦A K Q 8 2 ♣6 3 doubles) 2♠ if possible. my quiz are based on accurate evalua- tion. 16 ♠A 7 ♥K 10 9 8 ♦A Q 10 6 2 ♣K 6 ♠8 4 3 ♥K 9 7 6 ♦A Q 4 ♣A 5 2 Next month, I’ll provide my answers, 17 ♠A 6 5 ♥A Q 8 7 ♦7 2 ♣A 10 9 8 along with the reasons for them. As an Problem 7. South deals. Both vul. ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ ex-school teacher, I provided exactly 18 K J 4 3 K J 3 Q J A 5 4 2 ♠K Q 7 ♥Q 5 4 ♦8 ♣Q J 8 5 4 3 20 questions so that you could take 19 ♠10 5 3 ♥A Q 9 3 ♦A K 9 8 4 ♣Q 5 points for each correct answer and Problem 8. West deals. None vul. easily determine your grade. What is 2 0 ♠K Q J ♥A Q 7 ♦7 6 4 2 ♣K Q J ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ a passing grade? I’ll leave that to you. A Q 10 3 Q 10 9 8 7 5 3 K J

July 2020 Bridge Bulletin 53 Advanced Players

Bidding Matters BY KAREN WALKER kwbridge.com Relearning bridge – part 4

In a casual online game, both sides mittee that you evaluated your hand as It’s important to remember that you vulnerable, the dealer opened 5♣ hold- a legitimate strong two-bid, it would can’t determine a hand’s playing tricks ing: be allowed. If the director believes you by just subtracting its loser count from ♠4 3 ♥5 4 ♦— ♣A K Q 9 8 7 6 4 3. were trying to deceive your opponents, 13. it would be ruled an illegal psych. ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ Dummy had ♠A Q x x and ♥K x x x Avoiding this inquiry is one reason — A J 7 5 A Q 8 7 6 5 4 A K in the majors and with both finesses not to open 2♣ with a hand like the This hand has plenty of quick tricks onside, declarer made 12 tricks. This one above. Another is that it will be and only three losers, but the diamond came with a free lesson from dummy, difficult to have a constructive auc- suit can’t be counted as six winners. who listed himself as “expert” in his tion when you’re actually dealt a “real” If you’re still trying to decide be- profile. 2♣ opener. If you open 2♣ with “just tween 1♦ and 2♣ with this hand, ask “Nine tricks, partner. You have to tricks,” partner will have to be careful yourself these two questions: open 2♣. Everyone knows that!” about making slam tries – or even bid- ⦁ “Everyone” was certainly an overbid Do I want to be in game if partner ding game – when he has a scattering of has two queens and nothing else? (as was “expert”), but there are many kings and queens. ⦁ who play that a strong 2♣ opener can You may also have awkward prob- Will I have room to describe this ♣ be based just on tricks, not high-card lems when the opponents compete. distribution if I start with 2 ? points. Even with 9 points, if a hand Partner will be hesitant to take any If the answer to either question is has 9 winners, they were taught to call strong action until you clarify your no, your best course is to ignore the it strong and start with 2♣. hand type, and neither of you will be online expert and anyone else who Opening 2♣ with a hand that most able to make a forcing pass or a penalty advises that any nine-trick hand is a players would open with a one-bid (or double with any certainty. 2♣ opener. If you open a one-bid and even a preempt) runs several risks. The Your partnership will have more suc- partner can’t respond, you may be high most immediate is that ACBL laws for- cess with these hands if you agree that enough – or, more likely, the opponents bid psyching an opening of an artificial your 2♣ openers promise both trick- will give you another chance to bid. ◾ bid. The laws are ambiguous, though, taking power and defensive strength. about what constitutes a psychic 2♣. When you hold a distributional hand According to the convention charts, of 22 or fewer points, these popular a “very strong” 2♣ should be at least guidelines can help you decide on your 14 points and within one trick of game. opening bid. The ideal 2♣ opener will Other ACBL documents, though, have: specify that a weaker, trick-heavy hand is acceptable as long as the bidder ⦁ At least 8¡½ to 9 tricks if your long ½ thinks the hand offers a reasonable suit is a major; 9¡ to 10 tricks if it’s Correction a minor. shot at game. Corey Cole, a good-natured That means that enforcement of this ⦁ A minimum of three (preferably gentleman who lives in Central rule depends in part on your intent. If four) quick tricks. California, is a he, not a she, as mis- you can convince a director or com- ⦁ More quick tricks than losers. takenly identified in the June issue. Sorry, Corey!

54 Bridge Bulletin July 2020 Advanced Players Test Your Play BY EDDIE KANTAR kantarbridge.com Call for Dlr: North ♠ A Q 8 Dlr: South ♠ A 2 1. Vul: None ♥ A K 9 8 7 6 2. Vul: Both ♥ J 9 6 5 4 nominations IMPs ♦ Q 6 IMPs ♦ A K 6 4 Nominations are ♣ A Q ♣ 10 8 now being accepted for the 2020 Goodwill Member of ♠ K 9 7 4 3 2 ♠ K Q J 8 6 3 the Year. This honorary title is given to ♥ 5 ♥ A 8 the ACBL member who has exhibited ♦ A 8 7 5 3 ♦ 5 unselfish dedication to the causes of ♣ ♣ 8 A K 5 3 good conduct, worthy participation and ethical behavior. Any unit/district West North East South West North East South (1) official in good standing may nominate 2♣ Pass 2♦ 1♠ Pass 2♥ Pass 2♠ a candidate. Pass 2♥ Pass 3♣ Please include the name of the Pass 3♠ Pass 4♦ Pass 3♠ Pass 4NT(1) (2) (3) candidate, contact information and why Pass 4NT Pass 5♥ (2) Pass 5♥ Pass 6♠ you believe the candidate deserves Pass 5NT(4) Pass 6♠(5) Pass recognition as the Goodwill Member of All Pass (1) RKCB the Year. Also, include your own name, (1) Waiting (2) Two without the ♠Q contact information and unit/district (2) RKCB affiliation. (3) Two without the ♠Q Yes, you might have explored for a A nomination form is available at (4) Side kings? grand, but here you are in 6♠. West acbl.org/goodwillnominations, or email (5) No leads the ♦J. Plan the play. your nomination to [email protected]. Nominations are open until Opening lead: ♣6. Plan the play. Solutions are on pg. 57 ® Oct. 15, 2020.

July 2020 Bridge Bulletin 55 Advanced Players

Mike’s Advice BY MIKE LAWRENCE michaelslawrence.com A strange suit combination

Strange things can happen at the is the heart suit. If either defender has has to play the 10 from K–10–3. This table. Here’s one of them: ♥K Q x, South can set up a heart trick has the odd effect of killing South’s ♥9. for a diamond discard. Sometimes showing how something Dlr: West ♠ A 10 7 4 Hoping for this, South led the ♥4 happens is better than trying to explain Vul: None ♥ J 7 6 4 from dummy. East played low and it. ♦ 6 4 South played the 9. This lost to the Would you have played the ♥10 ♣ 7 6 2 queen. when the first heart was led from What are South’s chances now? In dummy? ◾ ♠ K J 9 8 3 2 fact, they aren’t bad. West switched to ♥ A 9 a low diamond, East’s queen losing to ♦ A 7 South’s ace. The ♥A fetched a low one ♣ K 8 3 from West and the 10 from East. It’s easy now. Over to dummy with West North East South a spade and ruff a heart in the South Club and Cruise Pass Pass 1♣ 1♠ hand. East’s king comes down, and Director Cours es Dbl 2♠ Pass 4♠ now there’s a heart winner for one of All Pass South’s losers. The Club and Cruise Directors Here’s the layout: Course prepares candidates for directing club and bridge cruise East opened 1♣, and South bid 1♠. games. Includes the ACBL Club West made a negative double, and ♠ A 10 7 4 Director test. North raised to 2♠. He well might ♥ J 7 6 4 have raised to 3♠ to show a preemp- ♦ 6 4 Tampa FL (NABC) tive hand. East passed, and South ♣ 7 6 2 Nov. 23–25 continued to game. ♠ 6 5 ♠ Q [email protected] West led the ♣9. East took the ace ♥ Q 8 5 2 ♥ K 10 3 and returned the queen. South won, ♦ K J 8 3 2 ♦ Q 10 9 5 West playing the 5. South counted ♣ 9 5 ♣ A Q J 10 4 his potential losers. In addition to the ♠ K J 9 8 3 2 club he lost at trick one, he had to lose ♥ A 9 Notice of binding arbitration another club, a heart and a diamond. ♦ A 7 By becoming an ACBL member ♣ There might even be a spade loser. K 8 3 or renewing your membership in the Something good would have to happen ACBL, you expressly agree to waive to make this. Postmortem: South got his miracle. your right to have disputes between you After winning the ♣K, South played He also got a little help from the and the ACBL resolved in a court of law the ♠K A, finding East with the single- defense. Do you see how 4♠ can go and agree to accept the use of binding ton queen. What now? down? arbitration before the American Arbitra- South really needs a miracle. The East has to do something different tion Association. The binding arbitration only suit that will provide that miracle on the first heart lead from dummy. He provisions are available for review at acbl. org/bindingarbitration.

56 Bridge Bulletin July 2020 Advanced Players Solutions to Test Your Play

Problems are on pg. 55. 2021 Honorary Member ♠ A Q 8 ♠ A 2 of the Year Selection Process 1. ♥ A K 9 8 7 6 2. ♥ J 9 6 5 4 The ACBL Honorary Member Commit- ♦ Q 6 ♦ A K 6 4 tee is charged with the annual selection of a ♣ A Q ♣ 10 8 member (or pair of members) who is widely known throughout the membership and who ♠ K 9 7 4 3 2 ♠ K Q J 8 6 3 has given freely of time and ability, without ♥ 5 ♥ A 8 thought of reward and in the interest of the ♦ A 8 7 5 3 ♦ 5 League as a whole. ♣ 8 ♣ A K 5 3 The committee invites members in good standing to nominate one person or pair In 6♠, the best line is simple if you The idea in 6♠ is to ruff two clubs in for the committee’s consideration. The see it. Win the ♣A, cash the ♠K to see dummy. Sounds easy enough, and it is, nominee(s) may come from any district, as long as they are not currently serving on the if both follow, and lead a heart, duck- if you do the following. ACBL Board of Directors. ing it. Say someone wins and plays Cash the ♦A K, discarding a heart To propose an Honorary Member of the the ♣K. You ruff it, cross to dummy from your hand, and then cash the Year candidate, email Kelley Trejo at kelley. with the ♠A, ruff a low heart, cross ♣ A K followed by a club ruff with [email protected] by Oct. 15, 2020. Nomina- ♠ ♠ to the Q and run the hearts. Assum- the A. tions should include a short explanation (up ing hearts are no worse than 4–2 and Assuming, clubs are not 6–1 (7%) and to 500 words) as to why you believe the trumps are no worse than 3–1, you will nobody has overruffed (ha ha!), cross candidate should be selected. Please include score four heart tricks, six spade tricks to the ♥A and ruff your remaining club your contact information. and two minor-suit aces. with the ♠2. Someone will overruff, Visit acbl.org/honorarymembers for a list What happens if someone shows out but unless the player who has over- of previous ACBL Honorary Members of on the first round of trumps? Better ruffed started with a singleton spade, the Year. hope hearts are 3–3. You can even sur- you are home free barring an unlikely vive if West started with the doubleton trump promotion. Q–J, J–10 or Q–10 and you successful- All your slams should be this good. ly read the position. I have faith in you!

July 2020 Bridge Bulletin 57 Advanced Players

My Bridge and Yours BY FRANK STEWART [email protected]

In a sectional flighted pairs, I have a ♠ A 5 2 two. Then I can run the clubs in peace, partner who shares some of my quaint ♥ 7 6 pitching my low diamonds. Making views on bidding. (As the saying goes, ♦ 8 5 2 four. The full deal: everybody is entitled to my opinion.) ♣ A K Q 10 4 Neither side is vulnerable, and as ♠ A 5 2 South I hold: ♠ K Q 4 3 ♥ 7 6 ♠K Q 4 3 ♥9 2 ♦A K 4 3 ♣J 9 2. ♥ 9 2 ♦ 8 5 2 ♦ A K 4 3 ♣ A K Q 10 4 My partner deals and opens 1♣, and ♣ J 9 2 ♠ 10 6 ♠ J 9 8 7 when I respond 1♠, he raises to 2♠. ♥ K Q 10 4 3 ♥ A J 8 5 My hand is worth game, and with a Some players would have rebid 2♣ ♦ J 10 7 6 ♦ Q 9 partner whose 2♠ absolutely prom- with that North hand; we might have ♣ 8 6 ♣ 7 5 3 ised four-card support, I would bid 4♠. reached 4♠ anyway after I then bid ♠ K Q 4 3 But our tendency is to raise a major- diamonds and North took a spade pref- ♥ 9 2 suit response with three-card support erence. Our actual auction was simpler ♦ A K 4 3 if the hand is suitable. If I held: and less revealing. ♣ J 9 2 ♠Q 7 4 3 ♥A 10 5 ♦K 4 3 ♣Q 9 2, East signals with the 8 on the first I would bid 2NT next and respect his heart, and West continued with the ♥4 East’s best defense was to lead signoff at 3♣ or 3♠. With: to East’s jack. Then East shifts to the another heart at the third trick, giving ♦9, won by my ace. me a useless ruff-sluff, but I could still ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ Q 7 4 3 A Q 5 K 4 3 K 9 2, I can see 10 winners: two diamonds, succeed as the cards lay. I could pitch I would bid 3NT, offering a choice of five clubs and at least three trumps. a diamond, ruff in dummy and take the games. With: All I must do is take them. If I cash top trumps. When they broke 4–2, I ♠K Q 4 3 ♥9 2 ♦A Q 4 3 ♣8 7 6, my three top trumps, I can claim an could start the clubs and get rid of my overtrick if trumps break 3–3, but if last low diamond as East ruffed. ♦ I might try 3 . With: they break 4–2, I will be in the soup. If I Our matchpoint result for plus 620 ♠K Q 4 3 ♥9 2 ♦8 7 6 2 ♣A Q 3, concede the fourth trump, the defend- was good. At many tables, North-South I could bid 3♣, though a case exists ers will cash some hearts; if instead I strayed into 5♣ or even 3NT and went for treating that bid as not forcing. start the clubs, a defender may ruff the minus. A few pairs obtained a plus at a (Many pairs employ artificial continu- third club, cutting me off from dummy partscore. Pairs who were plus 140 at ations after opener raises a major-suit and leaving me with at least one dia- spades scored above average. response.) mond loser. In my experience, raising a major- As it is, I think my spades are strong Because we seem to have reached a suit response with three-card support enough to play opposite a three-card winning contract, I play safe: I lead the is a consistent winning tactic. Occa- raise, and I don’t want to give the ♠3 and play dummy’s deuce. East wins sionally you will reach a scary contract, defenders any more information about and leads another diamond, but I win but in many of those cases, no better my hand, so I jump to 4♠. and take my three high trumps, draw- contract may be available anywhere. ◾ Everyone passes, and West leads the ing all the trumps. West started with ♥K.

58 Bridge Bulletin July 2020 Special Contributors

Dear Billy BY BILLY MILLER [email protected]

Dear Billy, cards. Examples: 2NT–3♦; 3♠ or This shows a super-acceptance of Playing in a local sectional Swiss 2NT–3♥; 3NT. partner’s major: a maximum with teams, I picked up the following: three-card support plus four key cards. ♦ ♥ ♦ ♠Q 10 9 4 3 ♥4 ♦K Q 6 5 3 ♣5 4. 1b. Opener Responder Examples: 2NT–3 ; 3 –3NT; 4 or 2NT Transfer to major 2NT–3♥; 3♠–3NT; 4♦. My partner opened 2NT. I trans- Two over major ferred to 3♠ and followed up with 2c. Opener Responder 3NT. Holding three spades, partner This sequence shows a super-accep- 2NT Transfer to major took it back to 4♠. With 7 HCP I saw tance of partner’s major: a maximum 3M 3NT no reasonable way to look for slam. with four-card support plus four key 4M It did not seem justified. As luck cards. Examples: 2NT–3♦; 3NT or This shows a super-acceptance of would have it, partner had an amaz- 2NT–3♥; 4♣. partner’s major: a maximum with ing fit, and slam was gin. Here was three-card support plus three or his hand: 1c. Opener Responder 2NT Transfer to major fewer key cards. Examples: 2NT–3♦; ♠A K 7 ♥A 10 3 2 ♦A J 4 ♣A 8 2. 4M 3♥–3NT; 4♦ or 2NT–3♥; 3♠–3NT; I was left wondering if there was 4♦. This shows a super-acceptance of anything we missed? Still trying to You give up nothing to show your key partner’s major: a maximum with improve my game. cards on the way to game. four-card support plus three or fewer Lost In Austin Imagine with your hand that partner key cards. Examples: 2NT–3♦; 4♥ or had showed five key cards and three ♥ ♠ Dear Lostin, 2NT–3 ; 4 . spades. Wouldn’t you jump to 6♦ giv- You bid this hand the way 97% of all 2a. Opener Responder ing partner a choice of slams? Must be partnerships would bid it, so don’t be 2NT Transfer to major cold. In fact, if partner happens to have too upset. It just so happens that I have 3M 3NT four or five diamonds in addition to been playing an ultra-cool gizmo for 4♣ three spades, you might be cold for 7♦! many years that is used in this exact It’s great that you are continuing situation. And the best thing about it This sequence shows a super-accep- your pursuit of improving your game. is that it is free! And by “free,” I mean tance of partner’s major: a maximum That’s the best way to play the game. I that you are giving up nothing to use it. with three-card support plus five key hope you will start to use this fabulous Follow me on these auctions: cards. This is exactly the hand your and fun gadget. Please send me a note partner held! Examples: 2NT–3♦; with your first home run. ◾ 1a. Opener Responder 3♥–3NT; 4♣ or 2NT–3♥; 3♠–3NT; 2NT Transfer to major 4♣. One over major 2b. Opener Responder This sequence shows a super-accep- 2NT Transfer to major tance of partner’s major: a maximum 3M 3NT with four-card support plus five key 4♦

July 2020 Bridge Bulletin 59 Special Contributors

Bridge with the Abbot BY DAVID BIRD Brother Aelred’s miracle

The Abbot was feeling somewhat suggest a diamond lead if they bid on West, knew how the cards lay at this under the weather. Not exactly ill, but to 3♠.” stage. If a diamond was played from in need of some sort of pick-me-up to The Abbot had rarely heard such dummy now, his defense was clear-cut. restore his spirits. As if by magic, his inane waffling. No wonder good scores He would ruff Brother Xavier’s dia- prayers were answered. Brother Aelred tended to evade this pair. Anyway, had mond winner and cross to his partner’s and Brother Michael arrived at the Brother Aelred been struck by some ♣Q. He would then be certain to score table. kind of paralysis? Was he ever going to two more trump tricks, for one down. The Abbot sorted his cards for the play the singleton spade from dummy? “What do you want next?” queried first board of the round: Brother Aelred won the first trick Brother Michael. with the ♠A and ruffed a spade in “Oh, I don’t know, play a club,” said Dlr: South ♠ 4 dummy. He returned to the ♣A and Brother Aelred. Vul: None ♥ 10 7 5 4 3 ruffed another spade. Perhaps he Brother Xavier won with the ♣Q ♦ A K 7 6 should cash the ♦A K next. Was that and returned the ♦J. The Abbot had to ♣ 8 7 2 a good idea? The Abbot had no spades ruff and, hoping for the best, returned ♠ 10 9 6 ♠ K Q J 8 5 left and might discard a diamond when the ♥K. Brother Aelred stared at this ♥ K Q 9 8 6 ♥ — a further spade ruff was taken. card for a few moments and eventually ♦ Q 2 ♦ J 10 5 3 The Abbot could barely believe his worked out that it might be a good idea ♣ J 4 3 ♣ Q 10 9 6 eyes when Brother Aelred’s next move to duck. Another round of trumps into ♠ A 7 3 2 was to cash dummy’s ♦A K. By what his ♥A J then gave him the doubled ♥ A J 2 quirk of fate was he playing like a nor- game. ♦ 9 8 4 mal human being, just at this particu- The Abbot gritted his teeth as he ♣ A K 5 lar moment? returned his cards to the board. The West North East South A club to the king left these cards Good Lord moves in mysterious ways, The Bro. Bro. Bro. still to be played: they say. Quite so. What could be Abbot Michael Xavier Aelred more mysterious than Brother Aelred ♠ — threading his way through the maze 1NT ♥ 10 7 5 Pass 2♦ 2♠ Pass to make 10 tricks against a 5–0 trump ♦ 7 6 break? Pass 3♦ Pass 4♥ ♣ 8 Dbl All Pass The Abbot had a nasty feeling that ♠ — ♠ K Q a club opening lead would have taken The Abbot led the ♠10 and down ♥ K Q 9 8 6 ♥ — away an entry to the South hand and went the dummy. ♦ — ♦ J 10 beaten the contract. If Xavier thought “Only 7 points?” exclaimed Brother ♣ J ♣ Q 10 it appropriate to point this out, he Aelred. “I thought we played that a new ♠ 7 could look for a new partner next week. suit after a transfer was game forcing.” ♥ A J 2 Brother Michael had a smile on his “Yes, but I didn’t want to let them ♦ 9 face as he entered the result on the play in 2♠ when I had a singleton ♣ 5 scoresheet. “I knew it was right to there,” Brother Michael replied. “I’m When the ♠7 was ruffed with the compete with 3♦,” he said. “That rule entitled to borrow a king in the passout ♥8, Brother Aelred overruffed with about borrowing a king is a very good seat, remember. Also, I wanted to dummy’s ♥10. The Abbot, sitting one.” ◾ 60 Bridge Bulletin July 2020 Special Contributors

George’s World BY GEORGE JACOBS [email protected]

Sometimes I can be a tad humor- and social media and BBO. She took of what might have been and column ous in my column, quick to point out the extraordinary position of calling material. The ACBL was wavering and the foibles (try rhyming that word, the mayor of Columbus, the governor I selfishly wanted them to proceed. would you? The closest I come is a big of Ohio, the Columbus health depart- But I have the greatest admiration guy from Brooklyn with a cigar in his ment, the hotels and more. She and I for the three entities that ultimately mouth saying the word gerbils [why, I started playing “Let’s Make a Deal.” I were responsible for pulling the plug have no idea]) of others, as well as my was willing to go for just the NAP and on the Columbus NABC. The ACBL own. But we are going to cover a seri- forgo the rest of the tournament. I said took tremendous flak, but they did ous topic this month. I would drive instead of fly, wash my exactly the right thing. The governor of Because I have mentioned it in 15 hands after every round, wear a mask, Ohio took even more flak, but he stood straight columns, you are probably run from coughers, etc. his ground. Stacy took the most flak, aware that Claude and I won our We kept wondering what the League because I really wanted to go and play. district’s North American Pairs and might do. I am sure I felt like many of Thank you from my heart to the trio Grand National Teams (with help us do: Let the games proceed, but be that did the right thing, even though it from Larry and Drew. OK, they car- careful. The problem was that this was was unpopular. ried us). My bucket list in bridge is so early in the pandemic – so much less Now, the rest of the story. At some short. I would like to improve on my was known about the issues and we point in April, despite being very cau- second-place finish in the Bermuda had many luminaries poopooing the tious, I got COVID-19. To quote Craig Bowl; I would love to get into even the dangers. But I really wanted to play in Gardner, who got it far worse than I ante room of the Hall of Fame, finish the NAP with Claude. did, “There were days I thought I would my ninth book and, most of all, win a The governor of Ohio was among the die, and there were days I would have national championship with Claude. first, if not the first, to limit gatherings welcomed it.” Five weeks later, I was We have led three events, including the to groups of 50 or 100. I had the answer still recovering at home. Craig was Life Master Pairs, with one set to go, to that. I told Stacy that there were hospitalized for three weeks. but we have never been able to close only 78 pairs, or 156 players plus direc- There is no way of telling how many the deal. So, getting an extra shot at a tors. They could simply play in two dif- lives the ACBL saved by canceling this title in Columbus and then another in ferent rooms and solve that problem. event, but it could be thousands, as Montreal had me salivating. He does Tables could be farther apart. I did not people keep infecting others. Thank not care, but I do. Winning with Claude have a great answer about sick people you to Stacy for your unflagging efforts would be the cherry on the pizza. playing, but I might have come up with to protect me and others. Claude and I desperately wanted the tournament something. I will have other chances to win a title to go on as scheduled in Columbus. For the ACBL, the North American together but not at the risk of our lives. My bride Stacy, on the other hand, was Bridge Championships are the show- Congratulations to the folks in fighting like a soldier to prevent it. place of bridge. We get lots of publicity, Columbus who worked years to put She was attacked by the coronavirus the treasury gets refilled, and thou- on this tournament. It would have in early February and knew firsthand sands of people get what they want been great and I hope you get another the unbelievable danger it posed. She and need in the form of competition, chance. lobbied the ACBL via Bridge Winners friendship, satisfaction, endless stories See you all in Tampa. ◾

July 2020 Bridge Bulletin 61 See You Next Year! Tournaments across ACBL Research team seeks bridge set sights on 2021 players’ experiences The coronavirus pandemic has forced the In these extraordinary times, the cancellation of hundreds of tournaments Bridge: A Mind Sport for All research across the ACBL in 2020. Organizers for team at the University of Stirling (led sectionals and regionals scheduled for later by Prof. Samantha Punch) is looking for this year are taking a wait-and-see approach volunteers to document their experi- to determine if their events will still be held ences of bridge during the pandemic. (including the Fall NABC in Tampa), but all If you are a player, teacher, tourna- face-to-face contests for the spring and early ment director, manager/owner of a summer of 2020 have been postponed or axed bridge club, bridge club committee completely with the hopes of hosting at similar member and/or part of a national or times on the calendar in 2021. regional bridge organization, the re- Among the larger regionals that have decided searchers are interested in your views. to wait until 2021 to host their tournaments Participants can choose to submit are Penticton BC, Seaside OR and Gatlinburg either a one-off account of the ways TN. COVID-19 has changed their partici- Penticton Tournament Chair Marv Norden pation and engagement with bridge; said, “We look forward to seeing everyone next weekly journal entries documenting the year, June 14–21. Penticton is held annually in changes; or a series of accounts during a gorgeous area, and is located in one of the top and after lockdown. wine regions in the world. Come visit us.” Your account can (but does not have District 20 Tournament Manager Jim to) cover the following: Wheeler said, “It was with much disappoint- ment that I had to cancel the 2020 Oregon ⦁ Challenges and problems that Coast Regional due to COVID-19. We hope, have arisen due to COVID-19 however, that everyone will plan to attend our and your engagement with bridge D20 regional in Seaside, Sept. 27 to Oct. 3, 2021. You can expect wonderful hospi- (and if applicable, how you have tality, great bridge and all while at the beach.” addressed these or might address Gatlinburg has been the top regional in the ACBL for many years. Tournament them). Chairs Julia and Pete Misslin said, “Now that the Gatlinburg time slot has come ⦁ Positive opportunities and changes and gone for 2020, it is worth reflecting on what we all missed. First off, we had that have occurred due to established a marketing agreement between the Columbus NABC in March COVID-19 and your engagement and Gatlinburg in April, thanks in large part to the cooperative spirit of District with bridge. 11 Director A.J. Stephani, Columbus NABC Chair Cheryl Schneider and ACBL ⦁ Changes over time, from early Meeting Planner Mark Hudson. With the cancellation of both tournaments, we social-distancing to peak lockdown can only speculate on the effectiveness of this initiative. through to post-lockdown and “Once the decision to cancel Gatlinburg was made in mid-March, it was ex- which lockdown changes might be tremely encouraging to receive many supportive emails from players across the incorporated longer-term. country expressing their disappointment. In some cases, these emails were from players who had attended the Gatlinburg Regional for more than 20 years, while ⦁ Anything else that you think is others came from players for whom it would have been their first time to visit us. important due to COVID-19 and All of the communications were most welcome. your bridge life. “As you can see from the photo, the city is ready to entertain all the bridge play- Anyone interested in participating ers we expect next April 19–25. We are hopeful that Gatlinburg will be in your should read the guidance notes avail- bridge plans in 2021 and want everyone to stay safe during and after the current able at keepbridgealive.bridgecloud.com. crisis.” Send your diary entries to Players are encouraged to keep of their favorite local tournaments on their [email protected]. calendars for 2021.

62 Bridge Bulletin July 2020 New Life Masters

Bermuda Ellen Davidson, Hamilton Beth Schweitzer, Newtown CT Lawrence Abate, Williamsville NY Dennis Jacobs, Allison Park PA James Leitch, Smith’s Parish Stanley Barg, Washington DC Carolyn Carter, New York NY Debbie Jones, Bryn Mawr PA Robert Adrion, Boynton Beach FL Neal Christensen, Wappingers Falls NY Connie Schlak, Boiling Springs PA Canada Peter Blatteis, Wellington FL Madeline Cohn, New York NY Beverly Titzel, Greenville PA Bruce Petrie, Calgary AB Ritambhar Burman, South Miami FL Michael Cotter, Brooklyn NY Vicky Vallecillo, Guaynabo PR Yen Karro, Surrey BC Wayne Catledge, Maitland FL Robin Healy, Huntington NY Mary Joseph, Columbia SC King Lee, Victoria BC Cynthia Fisher, West Palm Beach FL Nicole Hudak, New York NY Sue Kline, Columbia SC Colleen Luco, Sicamous BC Donna Greenberg, Delray Beach FL Ruth Kestenbaum, New York NY Lucinda Levy, Okatie SC Tom Davidson, Beechwood NB Ann Johnson, Palm Beach FL Eric Lazere, White Plains NY Darlyn Dusek, League City TX Heidi Janes, St John’s NL Marcia McClurg, Boynton Beach FL Joan Libshutz, New York NY Adrienne Juno, Cypress TX Helen Prowse, Halifax NS Jane Racila, Tampa FL Jake Neuthaler, Brooklyn NY Edith Purgason, Houston TX Stephan Alexander, Stirling ON Linda Trifon, Lake Worth FL Carole Ross, New York NY Olga Gavrik, Falls Church VA Daniel Boon, Toronto ON Robert Shippy, Statham GA Carole Rosten, Great Neck NY Debbie Massey, Falls Church VA Linda Calzonetti, Burlington ON Sandra Shippy, Statham GA Gary Steinkohl, New York City NY Betsy Rock, Oakton VA Robert Innes, Hamilton ON Gailyn Thornton, Atlanta GA Jonathan Turell, Scarsdale NY Benjamin Sharp, Alexandria VA Yongjun Lu, Nepean ON Brad Albers, Windsor Heights IA Mee Warren, New York NY Thomas Stanley, Occoquan VA Maria Szyjkowski, Etobicoke ON Ken Newton, Clive IA Robert Williams, Fairview Park OH Louise Cooley, Kirkland WA Shawn Tuttle, London ON Mary Vogel, Churdan IA Brenda Biermann, Roseburg OR Kevin Epley, Kent WA Simon-Pierre Goulet, Montreal QC Ellen McGregor, Mundelein IL James Weider, Portland OR Beverly Walker, Vancouver WA Jacques Simard, Montreal QC Carlene Bottorff, Jeffersonville IN Mark Freedman, Jenkintown PA Bhadra Chheda, New Berlin WI Chic Callas, Whitehorse YT Mary Karch, Emporia KS Frederick Holdsworth, Philadelphia PA Victoria Hess, Jackson WY Norma Hampton, Lexington KY United States Fran Anderson, Baton Rouge LA Valerie Watson, Bella Vista AR Fizza Adamjee, Newton MA Don Caton 1941–2020 Aton Arbisser, Los Angeles CA Barbara Blauer, Needham MA Salim Bhimji, Laguna Woods CA Meiyan Duan, Andover MA Don Jay Caton, an Emerald Life Mas- Andrew Chen, San Jose CA Joseph Shulman, Canton MA ter who finished second in three NABC James Collart, Lincoln CA Ethan Wood, Dover MA events, died May 7 of complications from Ashwini Datar, Cupertino CA David Dong, Rockville MD a stroke he suffered in late 2014. He was 78. Lynn Dondero, Sonoma CA Patricia Hill, Brighton MI A native of Pensacola FL, Caton gradu- Debbie Faigen, Los Angeles CA James McNamara, Brownstown MI ated from Pensacola High School in 1959 Joe Albert Garcia, Fullerton CA Bernice Blaske, Brooklyn Park MN

and then attended Florida State Univer- Steinberg ©Jonathan Laurie Hailey, Walnut Creek CA Mark McGree, Bloomington MN sity, playing tennis all four years while earn- Michael Isserman, St. Louis MO Rajeev Jog, San Jose CA ing his bachelor’s degree. He went on to follow in his father’s Sadhna Joshi, Eastvale CA Dorothy Johnson, Kansas City MO Miriam Kaegi, Novato CA Jan Potts, Chestefield MO footsteps by receiving his law degree from Stetson University. Louise Lee, Newport Beach CA Kelly White, St. Louis MO After several years in private practice, he served as city attorney Merle Liebesman, Los Angeles CA Glenn Biggs, Matthews NC for Pensacola for 40 years. Herman Lin, Rancho Santa Fe CA Donna Davis, Hendersonville NC Caton was an accomplished bridge player, becoming a Life Douglas Preble, Huntington Beach CA Meggan Klippen, Ocean Isle Beach NC Master at the age of 19. He finished second in the 1980 von Mary Schelling, Orinda CA Helen Paszek, Rocky Mount NC Zedtwitz Life Master Pairs, the 1986 Mitchell Open Board-a- Bernard Seal, Northridge CA Mary Lynn Westervelt, Fairview NC Match Teams and the 2014 Leventritt Silver Ribbon Pairs. Marina Seppius, Palo Alto CA Fred Douglis, Basking Ridge NJ Caton was also a lifelong tennis player, who, among his many Kate Smith, Los Altos Hills CA Richard Eisenman Jr., Milford NJ tennis accomplishments, ranked No. 1 in Florida, in 1955, in Helen Spalding, San Francisco CA Alan Wasserstein, Voorhees NJ singles and doubles in the 15-and-under age-group, and was Sam Hankins, Tijeras NM Dmitri Stukalov, Palo Alto CA a top player for FSU from 1962–65. He was inducted into the Mitchell Hayne, Eagle CO Jan Heggem, Albuquerque NM Michael Hellman, Pueblo West CO Joshua Mullins, Albuquerque NM Pensacola Sports Hall of Fame. Samuel McInturff, Durango CO Barnaby Grist, Reno NV Caton is survived by his wife of 47 years, Marion, as well as Elizabeth McKay, Highlands Ranch CO Frank Shannon, Mesquite NV seven children, 18 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

July 2020 Bridge Bulletin 63 Life Master MILESTONES ©Jonathan Steinberg ©Jonathan Steinberg ©Jonathan

John Onstott John Gustafson William Pettis Frederic Pollack New Orleans LA Clive IA Silver Spring MD Laval QC Grand Life Master Grand Life Master Grand Life Master Grand Life Master ›—,——— masterpoints ¤—,——— masterpoints ¤—,——— masterpoints –ž,——— masterpoints

Emerald Life Master (7500 MPs) Sapphire Life Master (3500 MPs) Peggy Pearson, Waterloo ON Chris Panagopoulos, Franklin TN James Praught, Halifax NS Judy Chapman, Edmonton AB Christoph Eick, Houston TX Dora Lee, Nanaimo BC Nancy Hora, Mobile AL Carol Lombardino, Tomball TX Donald Housley, Mesa AZ David Morse, New Minas NS Barbara Stiff, Hot Springs Village AR Mark Meigs, Baytown TX Ellen Schiller, Greenbrae CA John Cook, Toronto ON Bob Borengasser, Tempe AZ Joe Nance, Bryan TX Roger Maurer Jr., Deerfield Beach FL Dave Lang, Lombardy ON Kathleen Byrne, San Diego CA Raleigh Williamson, Houston TX Florine Walters, Delray Beach FL Pascale Gaudreault, Quebec QC John McCaffrey, Oceanside CA Mary Mudd, Fairfax Station VA Larry Cohen, Elmhurst IL Peggy Tatro, San Rafael CA Rose Barcklay, Spokane WA Jerrold Grossman, Rochester Hills MI Stephen Parker, Owens Cross Roads AL Marilyn Ballon, Greenwood Village CO Matt Wiggum, Everett WA Adam Kaplan, New York NY John Euler, Sun Lakes AZ Marilyn Brightwell, Osprey FL Terry Byrne, Wausau WI Constance Hoechstetter, Diana Black, Newport Beach CA Newton Brightwell, Osprey FL Moon Township PA Bruce Gordon, La Canada CA Jeffrey Liu, Coconut Creek FL Ruby Life Master (1500 MPs) Woodrow McHarg, Laredo TX Clark Millikan, Santa Clara CA Jim Loffree, Naples FL Elizabeth Sprague, Calgary AB Mark Stern, Fresno CA Marilyn Williams, The Villages FL Betty Fagin, Bracebridge ON Diamond Life Master (5000 MPs) Joan Maddox, Palm City FL Daniel Blum, Mount Prospect IL Raymond Jones, Manotick ON Ron Groulx, Huntsville ON J.C. Meyers, Palm Beach FL Michael Devine, Homewood IL Steve McGrahan, Hamilton ON Helene Saindon, Palm City FL William Toutant, Louisville KY Julia Price, Toronto ON Daniel Raider, San Mateo CA Judy Brew, Hayden ID Mary Ellen Hatcher, Lake Charles LA Olly Smolak, Stouffville ON Francisco Bernal, Miami FL Marvin Ferguson, Indianapolis IN R.A. Muggia, Andover MA Marie Bernard, Montreal QC Marjorie Boldus, Tarpon Springs FL Carolyn Lewis, Louisville KY Barry Goulding, Bethesda MD Alain Henault, Longueuil QC Jeff Edelstein, Tampa FL Marlys Moholt, Silver Spring MD Bruce Pynnonen, Midland MI Maissa Marei, Laval QC Susan Jackowitz, Kirk Elyakin, Monroe Township NJ William Cummings, Monticello MN Margaret McTavish, Candiac QC Palm Beach Gardens FL Marie Barbeosch, Hauppauge NY Satish Bhalla, Charlotte NC Pierre Paradis, Brownsb-Chath QC Annette Johns, Naples FL Jason Ciano, New York NY Krzysztof Jarosz, Grantham NH Molly O’Neill, Fort Lauderdale FL Boris Tenchov, Columbus OH Jason Ji, Kendall Park NJ Ann Latta, Mesa AZ Allan Rosenblum, Deerfield Beach FL Claudette Hartman, Austin TX Jan Weber, Hamburg NJ Beth Wisinski, Scottsdale AZ Betty Hoopes, Augusta GA Robert Patton, Abilene TX Francesca Stedman, Santa Fe NM Brian Eisenberg, Martinez CA Charles Lipman, Atlanta GA Dominick Colasuonno, New York NY Sharon Gabriel, La Jolla CA Eugene Condon, Charlotte NC Gold Life Master (2500 MPs) Sherry Ann Kavaler, New York NY James Harris, Palo Alto CA Maxine Poulton, Charlotte NC Yvette Tapuska, Calgary AB Cathy Marsteller, Niles OH Chris Hastie, San Diego CA Jill Burtram, Albuquerque NM Roger Bennett, Qualicum Beach BC Mark Smith, Milwaukie OR Kathryn Le Gro, Carmichael CA John Glynn, Annandale VA Peter Ineson, Halifax NS Jack Hawthorne, Valencia PA Buster Mico, La Jolla CA Edward Frymoyer, Bainbridge Isle WA Dianne Aves, Waterloo ON Larry Umphlet, Norristown PA Tinker Mico, La Jolla CA Gabriel Tawil, Glendale WI Deanne Dennison, Kleinburg ON Christopher Wang, Pittsburgh PA Richard O’Brien, Los Altos CA

64 Bridge Bulletin July 2020 Warren Cederborg Bob Klein Jon Brissman Steven Gaynor Visalia CA Santa Rosa CA Indianapolis IN Minneapolis MN Grand Life Master Grand Life Master Platinum Life Master Platinum Life Master –—,——— masterpoints –—,——— masterpoints –—,——— masterpoints –—,——— masterpoints Truscott/USPC Senior Swiss Lebhar IMP Pairs (–™™›) Teams (¤—–¦)

Mischel Postas, Campbell CA Ahmed Soliman, Long Island City NY Virginia Dethomas, Steve Kimmel, Evanston IL Barbara Shortwell, Laguna Woods CA Celia Verrier, New York NY Hot Springs Village AR Ellen Walsdorf, Chicago IL Stephanie Singer, Belmont CA John Williams, Cincinnati OH Karen Nagy, Hot Springs Village AR Mary Murphy, Lexington KY Rick Wilson, Pleasanton CA Senna Lovette, Tulsa OK Vivienne Cummings, Scottsdale AZ Louis Seelbach, Lexington KY Shirley Heinsohn, Highlands Ranch CO Carole Schmitz, Eugene OR Robert Walton, Sierra Vista AZ Karen Jennings, Lafayette LA Ann Clark, Farmington CT Daniel McKinley, Pittsburgh PA Abbe Cohen, Santa Rosa CA Mary LeBlanc, Kenner LA Arthur Bergman, Panama City FL Lois DeBlois, Warwick RI Dianne Crunk, Mammoth Lakes CA Fizza Adamjee, Newton MA Michael Dworetsky, Larry Adler, Memphis TN Terence Degan, Monterey CA Marilyn McGill, North Falmouth MA Palm Beach Gardens FL Chuck Clark, Knoxville TN Foster Geng, Castro Valley CA Venky Venkataramani, Andover MA Robert Jacob, Davie FL Lawson Sonny Freeman Jr., Nashville TN Anita Hammersley, San Diego CA Paul Chassy, Silver Spring MD Bruce Lemle, Casselberry FL Beverly Fanarof, Houston TX Gregory Hanson, Dana Point CA Jesse Fussell, Edgewater MD Marvin Pomerantz, Boynton Beach FL Tom Hogle, Houston TX Dwaine Hawley, Huntington Beach CA Grayce Hartman, Woodbury MN Theresa Regan, Ponte Vedra FL Karen Hout, Plano TX Michael Hu, San Jose CA Sherry McColgin, Ridgeland MS James West, St. Johns FL Liz Jacobson, Laredo TX Savita Jain, Irvine CA Frances Jilcott, Kinston NC Anne Niethammer, Honolulu HI Alan Zane, Houston TX George Lewis Jr., Bakersfield CA Deas Linville, Wilson NC Jeff Taggart, Caldwell ID James Borowski, Williamsburg VA Robert Moest, Los Angeles CA Martha Meyer, Winston-Salem NC Toni Kimmel, Vincennes IN Nancy Golden, Glen Allen VA Catherine Molnar, Piedmont CA Patricia Whitehurst, Durham NC Beverly Nikolajewski, Evansville IN Ted Witt, Mukwonago WI Nagy Nosseir, La Jolla CA Nancy Hornbeck, Durham NH Gary Thomas, Noblesville IN Karen Turnbaugh, Novato CA Mary Beth Birchby, Ho-Ho-Kus NJ Donna Chapman, Hopkinsville KY Silver Life Master (1000 MPs) Bill Hendrick, Boulder CO Victor Breinberg, Monroe Township NJ Joe Pike, Edgewood KY Ronald Carswell, Calgary AB Gary Kellman, Stamford CT Joan Warren, Princeton NJ Jerrilyn Jones, Ponchatoula LA Camille Collver, Calgary AB Lulie Eide, Naples FL Julie Cardinalli, Reno NV Linda Ahrens, West Yarmouth MA Rolf Saetre, Calgary AB Sandra Gross, Vero Beach FL Andrew Dubay, Voorheesville NY Michael Feeney, Cambridge MA Linda Marinus, Courtenay BC Mitchell Heide, Boca Raton FL Diana Holtzman, White Plains NY Bruce Cheney, Fallston MD Robert Murray, Edgewood BC Valerie Hodson, Sarasota FL Roberta Lowell, White Plains NY Andrew Kaufman, Gaithersburg MD Jon Preston, Victoria BC Virginia Hoffman, Douglas Nelson, New York NY Jon Ranhand, Rockville MD Trish Hattie, Fall River NS Ponte Vedra Beach FL Pauline Raiff, New York NY Jon Olson, Marquette MI Zsoka Balla, Toronto ON Douglas Kahn, Tallahassee FL Jan Rechenberg, Bronx NY Clifford Lundberg, Elk River MN Joan Cherry, Toronto ON Susan Kett, Placida FL Matt Salvia, Stanfordville NY Thomas Racciatti, Minneapolis MN Graham Dixon, Etobicoke ON Rajasekhar Menon, Bradenton FL Mary Alice Bartish, Cincinnati OH Nora Oliver, Charlotte NC Dorothy Duchnicki, Niagara Falls ON Bogdan Nestorowski, St. Petersburg FL Stephen Vogel, Cincinnati OH Christina Schmidt, Lewisville NC John Jarman, Aurora ON Paula Robinson, Ponte Vedra FL Susan Wisner, Cincinnati OH Jill Kelley Petersen, Omaha NE Yvan Belley, St. Constant QC Ina Spector, Boynton Beach FL James Loveless, Oklahoma City OK Karen Verdirame, Omaha NE Danielle Coutu, Rouyn-Noranda QC Mark Sulczynski, Palm Coast FL Barbara Ball, Portland OR George Mann Jr., Kinnelon NJ Gyorgy Hegyi, Pointe-Claire QC Dennis Walsh, Osprey FL Louise Johns, Portland OR Louis Christen, Corrales NM Denis Ouellette, Laval QC Ray Stalvey, Macon GA Mark McKechnie, Medford OR Earl Peterson, Mesquite NV Carol Wingard, Columbus GA R.S. Peel, Milwaukee OR Lincoln Brown, Newfield NY Norma Scott, Judith Mason, Honolulu HI Ildiko Baxter, Allison Park PA Paul Fagan, Suffern NY San Miguel De Allende, Mexico Gail Yap, Honolulu HI Carole Bishop, Ambler PA Barbara Rubin, Bayside NY Tracey Ball, Urbandale IA Andrew Collins, Little Rock AR continued on pg. 70 ®

July 2020 Bridge Bulletin 65 * Lynn Deas, Schenectady NY * Michael W. Goldman, Fort Worth TX Bill Galarno, New York NY Adele P. Hart, Fort Worth TX In Memoriam Melicent Ganem, White Plains NY * Jolie Hess, Houston TX * Joan Pollenz, Jericho NY * William A. Kibikas, Friendswood TX Canada Armond Schiff, Rock Hill NY * Bernie R. Lange, Wichita Falls TX * Jan Bromley, Langley BC * Richard K. Fleischman, Bradenton FL Ernestine S. Pantel, Chagrin Falls OH * Mathilde E. Wiewiorowski, Plano TX * Rosalee L. Hardin, Vancouver BC * George A. Rupprecht, Palm Coast FL * Delores S. Poneman, Toledo OH * Dr. Tadeusz K. Wiewiorowski, Plano TX * John A. Maunder, Hope BC * James I. Spandau, Sun City Center FL * Ray Wulf, Batavia OH * Brian Boyce, Norfolk VA * Stephen W. Raffel, Salmon Arm BC * David J. Waltz, Riviera Beach FL * Barbara A. Jones, Tulsa OK Carolyn C. Choate, Bellevue WA Sharon Tettamanti, Nanaimo BC * Alice L. Zayac, Jacksonville FL * Ernestine Boyd, Memphis TN * Dr. Jack K. Erickson, Marysville WA Lyle Poole, Winnipeg MB * Ronald Henbest, Bolingbrook IL * Judy L. Fernald, Houston TX Pille Leonfellner, Bathurst NB Jules F. Knapp, Glencoe IL *Life Master Elinor R. Grill, St. Catharines ON Sue F. Balmer, New Orleans LA * David W. Steadman, Lindsay ON Shirley H. Buisson, Metairie LA John Verkaik, Chatham ON * Geoff Chichester, Jefferson LA * Ian Karper, Mont-Royal QC * Susan M. Cockerham, Shreveport LA Gerald Bare 1933–2020 * Lil Hemeon, Saskatoon SK Lilian R. Kirshbom, New Orleans LA By Grace Briscoe * Nonie B. Leavitt, St. Rose LA Gerald William Bare died due to heart United States Howard E. Nobles Jr., New Orleans LA Shelba H. Crawford, Bull Shoals AR * Martie W. Sisco, La Place LA failure on May 11 at his home in Altadena * Patricia Blasingame, Gilbert AZ Dr. Jack S. Zoller, New Orleans LA CA at age 87. * Gerald W. Bare, Altadena CA * Pamela W. Miller, Cambridge MA Gerald, known to everyone as Gerry, was Luella Becken, Cathedral City CA Jane S. Bahn, Ellicott City MD born June 12, 1933, in Spokane WA. Gerry * Lewis Gold, Silver Spring MD Yvonne Farris, Oxnard CA grew up on the family farm in Fairfield WA Howard B. Grossman, San Bernardino CA * Elizabeth Nock, Ocean City MD Mrs. M. Racz, Pasadena MD and was valedictorian of his class at Fairfield High School. After Alan E. Loebel, Healdsburg CA earning a degree in civil engineering from Washington State Erika N. Richards, Palo Alto CA * Lois Q. Taylor, Frederick MD Phyllis Robb, Clovis CA * Louis A. Poisson, Redford MI University, Gerry moved to Los Angeles to work for North Thurman A. Rock, Tustin CA Mary Anne Zinn, Grosse Pointe MI American Aviation in 1955. Perry Shapiro, Ventura CA * D. Kielty, Minneapolis MN In 1957, Gerry began his career with Caltrans as a junior civil Howard Taub, Los Angeles CA * Ronald A. Menzel, Brooklyn Park MN engineer, before being called to military service and serving two * Margaret S. Rimer, Lexington NC * Dr. Nick Olberding, Colorado Springs CO years in the U.S. Army. After returning to Caltrans, Gerry spent William Viott, Monument CO Morgan Wells, Axtell NE Robert H. Kanter, Clifton NJ the majority of his career working in traffic modeling, developing * Carol H. Minor, Madison CT computer models to predict traffic and air quality for the entire * Barbara Cleary, Bethany Beach DE Robert M. Kelly Jr., Shrewsbury NJ * Susan G. Aronson, Clermont FL Arnold Kronfeld, Hackensack NJ Southern California area. Among his many career achievements, * Don J. Caton, Pensacola FL Tom F. Thornhill III, Albuquerque NM he was the senior engineer in charge of designing carpool lanes Judith E. Conner, Palm Coast FL Howard L. Canaan, Cold Spring NY on the San Diego Freeway. The other passion of Gerry’s life was bridge. A Grand Life Master, Gerry earned more than 15,000 masterpoints. He was a John Verkaik 1930–2020 two-time NABC champion, winning the 1970 Freeman Mixed Board-a-Match Teams and the 2005 Truscott/U.S. Playing By John Boekhoud Card Seniors Swiss Teams. John Verkaik of Chatham ON died May Gerry met his first wife, Dorothy Olson Bare, at the Ardmore 16 at the Chatham-Kent Hospice at the age Bridge Club in 1962 and they were wed in 1965. She and Gerry of 90. owned Nelson’s Travel in Covina from 1967–1973 and co-found- John was my bridge partner for 35 years ed Tops in Travel in Santa Monica in 1976. Dorothy and Gerry and has promoted bridge in the community enjoyed playing bridge together and shared a love of travel and for all of that time. He has been involved exploration until her death in 1996. with fundraising locally and has organized In 1999, Gerry met his match, Patricia McKinney Bare, via bridge events that have collected more than $50,000 for the a matchmaking service (which he loved to joke about). They local hospital, as well as the Active Lifestyle Centre, Legion, and quickly became inseparable and were wed in 2000. Gerry took other agencies. John has been a cornerstone of bridge in our an active and loving role in the lives of Pat’s eight children. area, and he has had our tournament named after him in tribute. Gerry was able to merge his love of bridge and travel by teach- He is survived by his wife Alice, children, grandchildren and ing bridge on over a dozen cruises – allowing he and Pat to bridge players who will always remember his love of the game, travel the world together after his retirement. kindness and willingness to promote the activity. During his Gerry was loving and loyal, an amazing conversationalist with time in the local hospice, John, in typical fashion, informed the a quick wit, always up for a spirited board game, and a man who staff of the need to organize a bridge fundraiser in return for was fearless to life’s challenges and carried no regrets. the kindness he received and to promote the facility. He will be Gerry is survived by his wife Patricia, two siblings, 12 children missed by us all. and 12 grandchildren.

66 Bridge Bulletin July 2020 BY ALAN OLSCHWANG Puzzle Page [email protected]

DOWN 1. Traditional tale 2. Hawkeye State 3. Winged god of love 4. Bees’ collection 5. Dallas inst. 6. Low stool 7. Possessive pronoun 8. Poor devil 9. Donned effortlessly, as footwear 10. “Another Day on Earth” musician Brian 11. Martial arts teacher 12. “Valley of the Dolls” author Jacque- line 13. Light breakfast 18. Flock members 19. Green shampoo 24. War zone of the ’60s 27. Pocket watch attachment 28. Night hooter 29. Tres less dos 30. Condescend 31. ___ Plaines 36. Scrooge’s reply 38. Recliner features 40. Malcolm’s TV dad 41. Ratite from down under ACROSS 42. Tiny bit 1. Manner 37. Up to, briefly 44. Smokey Robinson’s music genre, for 5. “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” novelist 39. Backyard storage facility short 10. “Happy Motoring” sloganeer 43. Picasso piece 45. Catherine the Great, e.g. 14. Ancient times 46. Apparatus 47. Rathskeller serving 15. Tierney of TV 49. Doc bloc 48. Duplicate, briefly 16. Drei squared 50. ___ (See 65A) 50. Hot dog 17. Garbage Stayman is initiated with a 55. Jordan neighbor: Abbr. 51. A daughter of Oedipus and Jocasta ___ to a one-no opening (See 27A) 56. Apprehend the felon 52. Ed Norton’s wife 20. “___ la vista, baby!” 57. Result of a default, briefly 53. Footnote term 21. Blender brand 58. Beatles’ early record label 54. Confine 22. Abbr. on motor oil can 59. Golf shot 60. “La Dolce ___” (1960 Fellini film) 23. Aboriginal Japanese 61. Malevolent elephant 62. Honored one’s pledge 25. String after B 65. and regardless of how the opener 63. Ultimate buyer 26. Brit’s lang. responds, responder’s ___ 64. Rebekah’s eldest 27. And should guaranty at least a ___ in 68. “Idylls of the King” lady 66. Six pt. plays three suits (See 50A) 69. Like meshed fabric 67. Athletes Cobb and Detmer 32. “A League of Their ___” 70. Eye layer 33. “Peter Pan” henchman 71. Roger of “Nicholas Nickleby” 72. Build up 34. Nationals div. Solution on pg. 73 35. Shapeless mass 73. Andean nation

July 2020 Bridge Bulletin 67 Tournament Directory TOURNAMENT INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. Visit acbl.org for the most up-to-date information. Attention tournament contacts plus unit and district officials: Please check your tournament information. If a change is necessary, email [email protected]. REGIONALS ARE LISTED IN ALL CAPS. Legend: cr=Cruise • sr=Senior • nlm=non-Life Master • pf=progressive final ‡=note change • nc=non-championship sectional

July 8–12 CA/Mountain View (SF) Palo Alto Bridge Club Dan Thatte 650–561–4355 10–12 FL/Naples Bonita Bridge Club Jo Ellen Blandford 239–777–1515 10–12 HI/Honolulu Ala Wai Club House Naomi Nortman 808–927–7786 5–11 MI/Fenton (youth) (0-200) YMCA Camp Copneconic Susan Woodrow 248–795–1595 8–12 MN/Minneapolis Twin City Bridge Center Teri Blu 952–881–0427 9–12 NC/Durham Triangle Bridge Henry Meguid 919–724–6239 10–12 WI/FITCHBURG FITCHBURG (nlm/750) COMMUNITY CENTER Glenna Shannahan 608–347–5827 10–12 WI/Fitchburg Fitchburg Community Center Glenna Shannahan 608–347–5827

17–18 AL/Montgomery (nlm/500) Montgomery DBC Michael Lawson 334–322–6250

25–26 KY/Lexington (nlm/500) Lexington Bridge Club Andra Gyor 859–221–8209 24–26 WA/Silverdale Kitsap Mall Todd Flowerday 816–838–6579

July/August 31–2 IA/URBANDALE (nlm/750) DES MOINES BRIDGE HOUSE Rebecca Joseph 515–225–8660 31–2 NY/Latham Shelly Studio of Bridge Jim Reed 518–357–9849 31–2 OH/Kettering Miami Valley Bridge Joseph Camillus 937–272–7930 27–2 SC/COLUMBIA DOUBLETREE BY HILTON Lee Webb 803–691–1502

August 1–2 MI/Freeland (Saginaw) Freeland SportsZone Diane Bofferding 989–245–6002 1–2 MI/FREELAND (Saginaw) (nlm/750) FREELAND SPORTSZONE Diane Bofferding 989–245–6002 2 PA/York (nlm/500) Bridge Boardroom Edward Scanlon 717–434–3298 1 WA/Unit 454 (pf) TBD Trish Simmons 509–668–8333 1–2 WV/Wheeling Elm Grove Civics Brett Orban 740–633–6084

5–9 AK/Anchorage (nc) Anchorage Bridge Center Michael Schmahl 907–631–5253 8–9 CA/Fresno (nlm/500) Fresno Bridge Center Laura Da Costa 559–999–2825 5–6 FL/Deland (0-300) Deland Bridge Club Lynn Berg 386–736–6228 5–9 FL/Delray Beach (nlm/500) Jourdans Bridge Club Jakob Kristinsson 248–202–8241 7–9 FL/Fort Myers McGregor Point Bridge Club Val Covalciuc 239–415–8168 6–9 LA/Baton Rouge Baton Rouge Bridge Center Craig Cordes 225–766–7367 6–8 MA/Hyannis Barnstable Intermediate School Catherine Cooper 781–932–2566 8–9 ME/Portland Woodfords Club Karen Mooney 207–799–8090 6–8 MN/North St. Paul (0-500) Bridge Center of St. Paul Larry McIntyre 651–690–2829 6–9 NC/Durham (nlm/500) Triangle Bridge Club Chris Moll 504–495–7485 7–9 ND/Minot Moose Lodge Karen Leier 701–839–2343 8–9 NM/Albuquerque (nlm/500) Duke City Bridge Center Robert Zipp 505–506–2671 5–9 TN/Knoxville Knoxville Bridge Center Richard Shipp 865–483–7520 6–9 TX/Houston Marriott Westchase Lauri Laufman 713–802–2211

68 Bridge Bulletin July 2020 August (continued) 6–9 TX/HOUSTON HOUSTON (nlm/500) MARRIOTT WESTCHASE Lauri Laufman 713–802–2211

13–16 AK/Anchorage CANCELED (nlm/500) Anchorage Bridge Center Michael Schmahl 907–631–5253 15–16 CA/Redwood City Canada College - The Grove Bob Gleason 650–274–6747 15–16 KY/Louisville (nlm/500) Louisville Bridge Center Norman Smith 502–491–9460 11–14 NV/Reno Mathewson Bridge Center Jill Wallace 775–337–0455 14–16 OH/Columbus York Golf Club Janelle Courtright 614–595–9428 15–16 ON/St. Catharines (0-300) Bridge Centre of Niagara Lucy McEwen 905–468–0052 Heritage Inn Hotel & Convention Center 15–16 TX/Austin (0-200) Bridge Center of Austin Larry Davis 512–343–6942 1700 Fox Farm Road Great Falls, Montana 59404 21–22 AL/Birmingham 406–761–1900 • gfheritageinn.com (nlm/500) Birmingham Bridge Club Martha Chitwood 205–252–9035 21–23 AR/HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE (nlm/750) VILLAGE CARD CLUB Teri LaBove 501–915–9101 Great Hospitality • Free Parking 21–23 AR/Hot Springs Village Village Card Club Teri LaBove 501–915–9101 Free Coffee • Tea • Cookies 22–23 CA/Laguna Woods (OC) (nlm/750) Laguna Woods Bridge Club Marjorie Michelin 310–422–9330 Receptions • Door Prizes 22–23 CA/Sonoma Vintage House Senior Center Sigrid Price 707–486–7517 and Giveaways 21–23 CO/Grand Junction Courtyard by Marriott Randy Field 469–865–7705 21–23 CT/Stamford Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Cornelia Guest 203–244–5324 Tournament Chair: Diane N. Volk 22–23 NH/Nashua Rivier University Dion Center William Kennedy 603–321–0292 406–761–4943 • [email protected] 21–23 SC/Myrtle Beach Partnerships: Shari Kohoutek (nlm/500) Larry Paul Bridge Center Betsy Stanton 843–332–7587 20–23 TX/Spring (0-300) Bridge Club of Houston Bill Riley 832–289–3833 406–231–2522 • 406–453–3667 22–23 TX/Arlington (nlm/500) Arlington DBS Tom Moore 817–431–5129 Please … No perfume – cell phones 22–23 VA/Virginia Beach silenced – no smoking facility (nlm/500) Unit 146 Bridge Center Beth Rafferty 804–512–3225

24–30 FL/PALM BEACH GARDENS PGA NATIONAL RESORT & SPA Shannon Cappelletti 423–400–0269 26–27 ID/McCall (nc) Idaho First Bank Anita Hansen 208–697–9435 Nominations for the 2020 ACBL 28–30 KS/Overland Park (KC) Jewish Community Center Victoria Billard 816–444–0021 27–29 LA/Alexandria Ace Bridge Club Susan Menache 318–792–5456 Bridge Hall of Fame Blackwood 27–30 MB/Winnipeg Soul Sanctuary Robert Kuz 204–396–3199 and von Zedtwitz awards 27–30 MI/Southfield (Det) Bridge Connection Jonathan Fleischmann 248–855–0335 25–30 OH/FAIRBORN HOPE HOTEL Each year, the Bridge Hall of Fame (Dayton) AND CONFERENCE CENTER Georgia Banziger 937–439–4073 Committee considers candidates for the 27–30 TX/San Antonio Fiesta BC Ed Rawlinson 210–372–9629 Blackwood Award, given for outstand- 24–30 WI/LAKE HALLIE ing contributions to bridge outside (Eau Claire) (split) EAGLES CLUB Richard Brown 715–559–9433 of expertise at the game, and the von 25–30 WI/MILWAUKEE (split) SHERATON FOUR POINTS Yvette Neary 414–526–9035 Zedtwitz Award, which honors inactive September players who have achieved prominence 5–7 BC/Burnaby in the game of bridge. (Vancouver) Engineers Hall, IUOE Local 15 Larry Pocock 604–295–9195 ACBL members in good standing 1–7 CA/SANTA CLARA HYATT REGENCY SANTA CLARA Pamela Hughes 916–774–0990 may submit candidates’ names to the 5 CA/Camarillo (0-500) Camarillo Senior Center Josh Rosenbluth 805–351–9359 Hall of Fame Committee for induction 4–7 FL/St. Petersburg St. Petersburg Bridge Club Joanne Wharton 727–596–2139 into the ACBL Bridge Hall of Fame 1–7 GA/ATLANTA RENAISSANCE ATLANTA WAVERLY HOTEL Jack Feagin Jr. 404–252–9246 in 2020. To be eligible for induction, a 6 IN/Indianapolis (pf) Indianapolis Bridge Center Maribeth Ransel 317–542–0362 candidate must be at least 60 years old 4–7 MN/Minneapolis Twin City Bridge Center Teri Blu 952–881–0427 and live in North America. 4–6 ND/Fargo El Zagal Shrine Mary Shaw 701–238–8504 Please submit nominations for these 1–7 PA/GREEN TREE DOUBLETEE PITTSBURGH awards to the Bridge Hall of Fame (Pittsburgh) - GREEN TREE Mary Paulone Carns 724–897–7526 Committee at [email protected]. 1–6 RI/WARWICK CROWNE PLAZA Sally Kirtley 860–653–3325 4–7 WA/Spokane Valley Spokane Bridge Center Joseph Harwood 509–954–8110 Nominations will be forwarded to the chair of the committee. Nominations 10–12 AL/Huntsville St. Mary’s Catholic Church Donna Merchant 256–684–6918 must be received no later than Nov. 1. 12–13 BC/Delta (nlm/500) East Delta Hall Don Guichon 604–536–7410 7–13 CA/COSTA MESA COSTA MESA HILTON Ron Lien 626–695–5409

July 2020 Bridge Bulletin 69 September (continued) Life Master Milestones 11–13 CA/Bayside (Eureka) Humboldt Area Foundation Mark Phelps 707–443–9029 ® continued from pg. 65 11–13 CA/Orangevale (Sac) Orangevale Community Center David Willmott 916–709–8958 11–13 CO/Montrose Elks Club Michael Thorpe 970–596–5225 Mark Bolotin, Philadelphia PA 11–13 DE/Wilmington Bridge Studio of Delaware Jeff Ruben 302–475–0469 Bharat Shah, Pittsburgh PA 10–13 FL/Daytona Beach Daytona Metropolitan Bridge Club Martha Wirkutis 386–756–0044 11–13 FL/Venice Venice Bridge Club James Gordon 941–488–0799 Myrna Shervin, Philadelphia PA 11–13 HI/Honolulu Ala Wai Clubhouse Naomi Nortman 808–927–7786 Raquel Yiengst, Reading PA 10–13 IA/Urbandale (DM) Des Moines Area Bridge House Carolyn Sabroske 515–287–7512 Donna Holt, Gallatin TN 12–14 IL/Rockford Clock Tower Resort Marilyn Croft 312–203–0849 Linda Sherrell, Collierville TN 11–13 KS/Leavenworth Heritage Center Patricia Lombardi 913–306–4500 Karen Baer, Houston TX 11–13 KY/Lexington Bridge Club of Lexington Lamar Hamilton 606–280–7143 Charo Barnette, Houston TX 12–13 ME/Portland Woodfords Club Roger Guerin 207–468–0860 Sandra Jackson, Bellaire TX 11–13 MI/Traverse City YMCA Camp Arbutus Lynn Larson 231–932–5966 Lauri Laufman, Houston TX 10–12 MN/Carlton Black Bear Casino & Resort Dianne Carr 218–591–9942 Donald Pigg, Burleson TX 11–13 MS/Flowood Jackson Bridge Association Susan McNamara 601–941–5015 Gay Rod, Houston TX 7–13 MT/GREAT FALLS HERITAGE INN Diane Volk 406–761–4943 Michael Brown, Williamsburg VA 11–13 NB/Moncton Four Points Sheraton Wade Short 506–533–9729 David Goldfrank, Falls Church VA 11–13 NC/Asheville AB Tech Community College Rich Levy 630–631–7531 Louis Akerman, Silverdale WA 11–13 NC/Carthage Moore County Agricultural Center Edward Weiler 910–295–5344 Valerie Lycette, Issaquah WA 12 NE/Lincoln (nlm/500) Lincoln Duplicate Bridge Club Anne Beaurivage 402–416–8432 Robert Tyler, Olympia WA 11–13 NJ/Allendale Guardian Angel Auditorium David Bushman 201–482–4883 11–13 NM/Los Alamos Betty Ehart Senior Center Martin Cooper 505–672–9696 Ernie Beckley, Ten Sleep WY 11–13 NY/Williamsville (Buffalo) Main Transit Fire Hall Denise Slattery 716–602–8629 Bronze Life Master 10–12 OK/Tulsa (nlm/750) Route 66 Bridge Club Henry Robin 918–995–7123 Valerie Bowlen, Edmonton AB 11–13 ON/Brockville Brockville Convention Center Richard Darling 613–543–2108 Diane Coole, Lethbridge AB 12–13 ON/St. Thomas St. Thomas Seniors Centre Jim Wright 519–631–5531 Andrew Serafini, Calgary AB 11–13 OR/Oak Grove Nita Dalal, Vancouver BC (Portland) Milwaukie Elks Alan Johnson 971–998–4261 Yen Karro, Surrey BC 11–13 PA/Williamsport Williamsport Bridge Club Judy Stein 570–946–4749 Mavis Minuck, Winnipeg MB 11–13 QC/Rimouski Centre Communautaire Ste.-Odile Celine Roy 418–723–4006 B.M. Whelton, Fredericton NB 10–12 TX/Beaumont Valerie Pamela Dean, Truro NS (nlm/500) Beaumont Bridge Studio Townley-Smith 409–504–6374 Gerard Macmaster, Port Hawkesbury NS 10–13 TX/New Braunfels New Braunfels Civic Center Barbara Morgan 830–632–9264 Patricia Aitchison, Mississauga ON 11–14 TX/Dallas (0-300) Bridge Academy of North Dallas Donna Compton 214–394–5830 Stephan Alexander, Stirling ON 10–13 VA/Fairfax (DC) The Arlington/Fairfax Elks Margot Hennings 703–560–0245 Sharon Boyd, Cambridge ON 11–13 VA/Virginia Beach Unit 146 Bridge Center Jennifer Christman 757–574–7118 11–13 VT/Williston Burlington Bridge Club Philip Sharpsteen 802–899–2080 Patricia Brazeau, Gloucester ON Patti Bunston-Gunn, Toronto ON 18–20 BC/Lake Country Winfield Memorial Hall David Crest 250–861–4673 Linda Calzonetti, Burlington ON 18–20 BC/Sidney (Victoria) Mary Winspear Centre Shelley Burnham 250–516–5987 Anda Cosma, Ottawa ON 10–20 CA/Moraga Judy Desroches, Barrie ON (SF) (nc)(cr) Star Princess Cruise Ship Jerry Chamberlain 925–376–1125 Denise Lambert, Sudbury ON 18–20 CA/Bakersfield Bakersfield Community House Rebecca Pilshaw 661–448–4209 Silva Minassian, Severn ON 19–20 CA/Mountain View Heather O’Connor, Toronto ON (SF) (nlm/750) Palo Alto Bridge Club Carl Baeuerlen 650–965–2654 Pat Robinson, Toronto ON 17–20 FL/Pinellas Park Michel Boileau, Blainville QC (nlm/500) St. Petersburg Bridge Club Joanne Wharton 727–596–2139 Chic Callas, Whitehorse YT 18–20 IN/Terre Haute International Union of Operating Engineers Milt Van Reed 812–231–0069 Dorothy Norwood, Montgomery AL 11–22 MA/Boston (nc)(cr) Celebrity Summit Dean Panagopoulos 781–937–7768 Anna Smith, Auburn AL 17–19 MI/Holland Central Wesleyan Church David Jasperse 616–786–3779 18–20 MS/Gulfport Gulf Coast Bridge Richard Logan 228–254–5245 Rodney Barnette, El Dorado AR 18–20 NC/Wilmington American Legion Post 10 Nora Miller 603–667–6267 Kay Butterworth, Hot Springs AR 18–20 NM/Carlsbad Best Western Stevens Inn H. Ann Brannon 575–499–5335 Scott Melhorn, Heber Springs AR 17–20 NV/Carson City Plaza Conference Center Cornelia Gould 925–395–7385 Pauline Pettinato, Tucson AZ 19–20 NY/Plattsburgh (nc) Plattsburgh DBC Lorraine Streeter 518–578–4992 Monica Quinlan, Tucson AZ 18–20 OH/Cuyahoga Falls Quirk Center Susan Manne 234–678–7154 Brad Shefloe, Scottsdale AZ 19–20 PA/Erie Erie Bridge Center Rick Klapthor 814–566–1396 Susan Barkley, Atherton CA 19 SD/Sioux Falls Anne Bossange, Saratoga CA (nlm/500) Active Generations Senior Center Svein Sjovold 605–360–5499 Craig Caldwell, San Diego CA 17–19 TX/Amarillo O’Brien Bridge Club William Thomas 806–371–0552 Ron Chestnut, Petaluma CA 17–20 TX/Spring Sara Corey, Indio CA (Houston) (0-300) Bridge Club of Houston Bill Riley 832–289–3833 Cynthia Douglas, Fair Oaks CA 18–20 TX/Denton (nlm/500) TBA Kim Brinkman 214–208–0154 18–20 UT/Salt Lake City Sons of Utah Pioneers Melanie Peche 801–971–7548

70 Bridge Bulletin July 2020 September (continued) 17–19 WI/Schofield Covenant Presbyerian Church Emalyn Nikstad 715–845–2012 Life Master Milestones 18–20 WY/Cheyenne Laramie County Comm. College Daniel Zwonitzer 307–214–7826 ® continued from pg. 70

22–27 AK/ANCHORAGE ANCHORAGE BRIDGE CENTER Marion Kelly 907–278–5835 Ramey Farah, La Jolla CA 24–27 AL/Montgomery Montgomery DBC Michael Lawson 334–322–6250 Joe Albert Garcia, Fullerton CA 26–27 AZ/Tucson (nlm/750) Adobe Bridge Center Steve Reynolds 520–488–7730 Brenda Hatton, San Jose CA 25–27 CA/Lompoc DeWees Comm. and Sr. Center Donald Beck 805–736–3507 Joseph Held, Oakland CA 25–27 CA/Sacramento (0-500) Sacramento Bridge Center David Willmott 916–709–8958 26–27 CA/Gilroy Gilroy Senior Center Suzanne Proctor 831–636–1208 Richard Hottell, Rancho Murieta CA 26–27 FL/Melbourne Wickham Park Senior Center David Seares 321–259–0798 Joan Johnson, Palos Verdes Estates CA 25–27 IA/Dubuque Holy Trinity Mark Patton 563–588–1555 Misook Jung, Berkeley CA 25–27 IA/Spirit Lake Dickinson County Expo Center Jan Bolluyt 712–336–5996 Merle Liebesman, Los Angeles CA 22–27 IL/EFFINGHAM HOLIDAY INN Paul Hartke 217–821–2931 Herman Lin, Rancho Santa Fe CA 24–27 KS/WICHITA (nlm/750) RED ROOF INN Richard Bowman 316–733–2718 Scott Magged, Cathedral City CA 24–27 KS/Wichita Red Roof Inn Richard Beye 314–440–2909 Larisa Rappaport, Beverly Hills CA 26–27 KY/Louisville Louisville Bridge Center Norman Smith 502–491–9460 Mark Rappaport, Beverly Hills CA 25–27 MI/St. Joseph Lake Michigan Catholic Sharon Ray, Newport Beach CA Elementary School Lynne Bruehlman 269–983–6816 Marina Seppius, Palo Alto CA 26–27 MO/Olivette (0-300) St. Louis Bridge Center John Welte 314–413–8139 Helen Spalding, San Francisco CA 25–27 MT/Billings Shrine Auditorium Juanita Mouat 406–702–1987 Elizabeth Spence, Escondido CA 26–27 NH/Grantham Grantham Town Hall Jane Verdrager 603–865–5508 Elizabeth Strasen, Petaluma CA 24–26 NY/Latham Shelly Studio of Bridge Jim Reed 518–357–9849 Dmitri Stukalov, Palo Alto CA 26–27 OH/Canfield Andrews Hall Bill Yeast, Mill Valley CA (Youngstown) (Angels for Animals) Gary Singer 330–565–1942 26–27 ON/Caledon East Caledon East Community Center Denise Donovan 416–614–6754 Beth Schweitzer, Newtown CT 26 PA/Allentown Stanley Barg, Washington DC (nlm/500) Lehigh Valley Active Life Center Pat Saeger 610–393–4776 Peter Blatteis, Wellington FL 25–27 QC/Quebec Le Montmartre canadien Andre Deschenes 418–843–8622 Deborah Branch, Fort Lauderdale FL 26–27 RI/Johnston Johnson Senior Center Maureen Fahey 401–828–0045 Deborah Bricker, Palm Beach FL 25–27 SC/Aiken Odell Weeks Activity Center Greg Roberts 803–648–2255 David Cox Jr., Coral Gables FL 24–27 SK/Saskatoon Saskatoon Bridge Club Phyllis Minielly 306–249–3218 Beth Gursky, Delray Beach FL 24–26 TN/East Ridge (Chatt) East Ridge Community Center Anne Donnovin 423–605–2996 Pamela Harmeson, Satellite Beach FL 24–27 TX/Austin Bridge Center of Austin Larry Davis 512–343–6942 Christopher Heppe, Naples FL 24–27 TX/Houston (0-500) Westside Bridge Academy Jennifer Breihan 713–553–6814 Mayer Kersun, Sarasota FL 25–27 VA/Williamsburg DoubleTree By Hilton Jane Farthing 757–229–7275 Jonathan Lowe, Tampa FL Jerry McClurg, Boynton Beach FL September/October Rosemary Plane, Deland FL 28–4 NM/TAOS SAGEBRUSH INN AND SUITES G. Winifred Stebbins 575–613–7501 Jane Racila, Tampa FL 29–4 NY/CARLE PLACE CHATEAU BRIAND Lee Launer 516–628–2546 Maria Saez, Naples FL 30–3 WI/Milwaukee Cardinal Stritch University Yvette Neary 414–526–9035 Don Smith, Naples FL October Susan Taylor, Tampa FL 3–4 CA/Burlingame Kathy Argenbright, Atlanta GA (nlm/750) Fattoria e Mare Bob Gleason 650–274–6747 Ronald Boggs, Atlanta GA 3–4 CA/Santa Clarita (LA) Friendly Valley Auditorium Ruth Baker 805–217–9481 Stephanie Childs, Evans GA 3–4 CO/Sheridan Tina West, Big Canoe GA (Denver) (0-300) Denver House of Cards Robert Stansbury 303–794–5600 Sue White, Ketchum ID 2–4 FL/Clearwater Clearwater Bridge Club Nancy Davis 727–698–7594 Donald Ferris, Mundelein IL 2–4 FL/Orlando Orlando Metro. Bridge Center Gerard Rescek 860–334–1954 Polly (Mary) Larned, Glencoe IL 2–4 GA/St. Simons Island Golden Isles Duplicate BC Ralph Levitan 912–434–6430 Stewart Margolis, Mundelein IL 2–4 IL/Caseyville (St. L) Steamfitters Local 439 Charles Keltner 618–654–5106 Charles Wiggins Jr., Indian Head Park IL 1–3 LA/Monroe The Bridge Center Carolyn Gates 318–325–1433 Terry Bauer, Portage IN 2–4 MA/Watertown Cindy Faris, Indianapolis IN (Boston) Armenian Cultural Center Catherine Cooper 781–932–2566 Heather Harmeyer, Indianapolis IN 3 MI/Lansing (nlm/500) Lansing Bridge Center Kathy Stepanovich 517–881–8705 2–4 ND/Bismarck Masonic Center Mark Hanlon 701–319–9350 Kathy Aberizk, Webster MA 3–4 NY/Webster Elizabeth Gompels, Cambridge MA (Rochester) TBD Barbara McIver 585–469–7575 Alan Hudson, Mattapoisett MA 2–4 OH/Columbus Haimerl Center Robert Jiobu 614–486–5050 Joseph Shulman, Canton MA 2–4 TN/Crossville Cumberland Community Complex Jane Peabody 904–315–3352 Dave Hall, Westminster MD 2–4 TX/Fort Worth CERA Recreaation Complex Jean Helmers 254–968–7664 Michael Hermoyian, Brownstown MI 1–4 VA/Fairfax (DC) The Arlington/Fairfax Elks Margot Hennings 703–560–0245 Ruth Subers, Kalamazoo MI Bob Buck, Blaine MN 9–12 BM/Paget Connie Nelson, Avon MN (Southampton) Bermuda Bridge Club Peter Donnellan 441–332–4725 Dorothy Johnson, Kansas City MO

July 2020 Bridge Bulletin 71 October (continued) Life Master Milestones 5–12 CA/Los Angeles ® (nc)(cr) Seven Seas Mariner Guy Monroe 541–264–5708 continued from pg. 71 9–11 CA/Riverside Riverside Elks Club Steven Morford 951–682–2965 8–10 FL/Destin Destin Community Center Martha Bogart 816–550–6631 Jan Potts, Chestefield MO 9–11 FL/Fort Myers Louis Luby, Benton MS (nlm/500) McGregor Point Bridge Club Val Covalciuc 239–415–8168 Kamal Das, Morrisville NC 9–11 GA/Savannah B P O Elks Lodge Thomas Roush 912–660–2131 Brenda Garzia, Greensboro NC 9–11 IL/Springfield TBA Elizabeth Zalar 217–836–8066 Barbara Howarth, Greensboro NC 9–11 IN/Highland Lincoln Community Center Terry Bauer 219–762–3881 Susan Jackson, Duck NC 9–11 KY/Owensboro Owensboro Convention Center Doris Mills 270–929–6835 Miles Muhlada, Raleigh NC 8–10 LA/Metairie (NO) Nancy Sparks, Cary NC (0-500) Louisiana Bridge Association Sherrie Goodman 504–329–7411 Susan Williford, Clemmons NC 8–10 MI/Marquette Marquette Township Kathleen Larnard, Stratham NH Community Center Duane Fowler 906–225–1907 Robert Abramowitz, Montville NJ 8–11 MN/MOUNDS VIEW MOUNDS VIEW Cheryl Britton, Monmouth Beach NJ (nlm/750) COMMUNITY CENTER Tom Owens 651–714–0100 L.I. Kleinberg, Flanders NJ 8–11 MN/Mounds View (Minneapolis) Mounds View Community Center Kathy Beckman 763–229–2224 Jim Rothschild Jr., Roseland NJ 9–11 NM/Las Cruces Belton Bridge Center Evelyn Colson 575–524–9302 Steven Siegel, Mendham NJ 5–11 NV/SPARKS (RENO) NUGGET RESORT AND CASINO Pamela Hughes 916–774–0990 Julie Zinzi, Franklin Lakes NJ 11 NY/Scarsdale Joshua Mullins, Albuquerque NM (NYC) (0-300) The Bridge Deck Richard Rosenthal 917–577–5834 Donna Romm, Albuquerque NM 7–8 OH/Cincinnati Madeline Cohn, New York NY (nlm/500) Cincinnati Bridge Center Stephen Messinger 513–779–6770 Joan Libshutz, New York NY 6–12 ON/OTTAWA THE MARRIOTT HOTEL Mark Lacroix 613–316–5865 Aaron Miller, New York NY 9–11 ON/Stratford Quality Inn and Conf. Centre Kevin Smith 519–273–2278 Ellen Postrel, Westhampton Beach NY 9–11 PA/Wilkes-Barre Quality Inn Walter Mitchell Jr. 570–472–3290 Carole Ross, New York NY 8–10 TX/Beaumont Beaumont Bridge Studio Linda Briggs 409–223–1162 Sandie Sickle, Syosset NY 8–10 WA/Grandview Blessed Sacrament Catholic Dudley Brown 509–882–2728 Angela Strainic, Mentor OH Wendy Mednick, Portland OR 16–18 AB/Edmonton Edmonton Bridge Centre Michael Harvey 780–451–4033 Donald Pitt, Salem OR 16–18 AZ/Sun City (Phx) Mountain View Rec. Center JoAnne Lowe 480–577–9833 James Weider, Portland OR 16–17 CA/San Diego (nlm/750) TBD Lamya Agelidis 615–887–1012 Barbara Fox, Elkins Park PA 12–18 CT/DANBURY TBA William Maine 845–473–1492 Mark Freedman, Jenkintown PA 15–18 GA/Atlanta Doubletree Jack Feagin Jr. 404–252–9246 Edward Kennedy, Wayne PA 15–18 GA/ATLANTA (nlm/500) DOUBLETREE Jack Feagin Jr. 404–252–9246 Roger Milton, Blue Bell PA 16–18 IA/Davenport La Quinta Motel Michelle Feeney 563–349–4542 Rosanne Patterson, Pittsburgh PA 12–18 IL/SCHAUMBURG HYATT REGENCY Suzi Subeck 847–509–0311 Tim Sumner, Ephrata PA 17–18 MA/Auburn Auburn Senior Center Candace Matthew 508–435–3265 Jennifer Hiatt, Hilton Head SC 17–18 ME/South Hampden Reeds Brook Middle School William Halteman 207–866–3075 William McGhee Jr., Aiken SC 12–18 MI/FARMINGTON Linda Hartmann, Sioux Falls SD HILLS (Det) WILLIAM COSTICK CENTER Zachary Wasserman 248–892–0306 Joe Bologna, Kingsport TN 16–18 MO/St. Charles Blanchette Park Memorial Hall Michael Carmen 314–872–8439 David Badertscher, Galveston TX 16–18 NC/Morehead City Leon Mann Jr. Enrichment Ctr. Mial Woodard 252–230–3101 Karen Cohen, Dallas TX 16–18 NE/Omaha Jewish Community Center Rick Ackermann 402–932–6262 Diane Davis, Austin TX 16–18 NE/OMAHA (nlm/750) JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER Jill McDermott 402–398–1381 Sandy Lansing, Fairview TX 17–18 NY/Endwell Christian Liipfert, Cedar Park TX (Binghamton) Broome West Senior Center Sharon Steinberg 607–771–7320 17–18 NY/Malone (nc) Malone Golf Course A. David Thomas 518–483–5638 Valarie Remmers, Plano TX 16–18 PA/Allentown Lehigh Valley Active Life Pat Saeger 610–393–4776 Frank Schwakhofer, Canyon Lake TX 16–18 PA/Pittsburgh Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Ctr. Ronald Franck 412–364–8364 Eileen Williamson, Granbury TX 16–18 PE/Charlottetown Courtyard at Rodd Royalty Eunice Tanton 902–894–3380 Thomas Zimmerman, Pearland TX 15–18 TX/San Antonio TBA Laurie-Ann Levin 210–493–0829 Clysta Lundgreen, Leeds UT 15–17 UT/St. George (sr) Snow Canyon Middle School Sheila Berry 435–640–1778 Diane Strachan, Cedar City UT 16–18 VA/Abingdon The Higher Education Center Auggie De Weerd 619–886–5139 Jewel Baldwin, Glen Allen VA 16–18 VA/Richmond Guzman Community Center James Crowley, Williamsburg VA at Faison Center Barry Fratkin 804–741–6782 James Dahlberg, Arlington VA 16–18 WA/Bothell Bothell Union Hall Michael Christensen 425–679–1916 Douglas Wacek, Burlington VT 17–18 WA/Vancouver Paul Goldfinger, Langley WA (nlm/500) Vancouver Bridge Club Kathleen Mather 360–258–4240 Christopher Kent, Spokane WA Janet Landesberg, Vancouver WA 23–25 AL/Mobile Connie Hudson Senior Center Paulette Clark 251–342–6178 Jeffrey Stead, Shepherdstown WV 22–24 BC/Kamloops St. John Vianney Church Russel Specht 250–851–2700 23–25 BC/Courtenay Florence Filberg Centre Glen Parsons 250–339–4367 12–22 CA/LONG BEACH (cr) REGENT SEVEN SEAS MARINER Michael Berkowitz 201–230–8033

72 Bridge Bulletin July 2020 October (continued) 23–25 CA/Nevada City St. Canice Center Jamie Newman 530–446–6568 23–25 CA/Santa Clara (San Jose) Adrian Wilcox High School Mischel Postas 408–379–6780 24–25 CA/San Juan Capistrano (nlm/500) S. Orange County Bridge Center Joyce Potter 949–582–1401 23–25 CO/Longmont Boulder County Fairgrounds Gena Brooks 303–955–6634 19–25 FL/FORT MYERS MARRIOTT RESORT & SPA Karen Bartles 239–949–7764 19–25 IA/NORTH SIOUX CITY HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS DAKOTA DUNES EVENT CTR. GS Jade Barrett 360–798–9422 23–25 IL/East Peoria Fon du Lac Park Dist. Admin. Ctr Bill Bulfer 309–264–7629 24–25 IN/INDIANAPOLIS (nlm/500) INDIANAPOLIS BRIDGE CTR. Maribeth Ransel 317–542–0362 23–25 KS/Overland Park (KC) Jewish Community Center Victoria Billard 816–444–0021 22–24 LA/Lafayette (nlm/500) Acadiana DBC Jean Kiesel 337–237–2857 22–25 MD/Silver Spring (DC) Margaret Schweinhaut Sr. Ctr. Brad Theurer 301–527–8819 23–24 MI/Bloomfield Hills (0-300) Birmingham Unitarian Church Satish Shah 586–932–1817 18–25 NJ/CAPE LIBERTY (cr) RC OASIS OF THE SEAS Jesse Reisman 973–303–3232 16–27 NY/New York (nc)(cr) Silver Whisper Christopher Rivera 646–685–6367 25 NY/Scarsdale (pf) The Bridge Deck Richard Rosenthal 917–577–5834 23–25 OH/Toledo Toledo Bridge Center Lavisa Gehring 419–882–0896 22–25 OR/Newport Shilo Inn Michael Rickus 541–574–1938 22–25 SK/Regina TBD Barbara Miller 306–789–1920 19–25 TX/ABILENE ABILENE CONVENTION CTR. Robert Patton 325–677–3318

29–31 ID/Caldwell Elks Lodge Anita Hansen 208–697–9435 29 MN/Rochester (nlm/500) Hadley Creek Community Center Ann Van Ryn 507–282–4566 29–31 OH/Cincinnati Cincinnati Bridge Center John Williams 513–931–6127

October/November 20–2 Spain/Barcelona (nc)(cr) Regen Seven Seas Voyager Jim Ricker 865–805–0420 30–1 AB/Calgary Ross Glenn Hall Carrie Stockman 403–697–0629 30–1 AR/Hot Springs The Hotel Hot Springs and Spa Greg Frank 501–209–0908 26–1 CA/VENTURA VENTURA MARRIOTT Diane Gunther 805–480–3837 31–1 CA/Capitola (SF) Mid-County Senior Center Robert Johnson 831–439–8719 30–1 CT/Hartford St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral Cornelia Guest 203–244–5324 30–1 MO/West Branson Best Western Hotel and Conference Center Mary Murphy 417–986–8939 26–1 NC/CHARLOTTE HILTON CHARLOTTE UNIVERSITY PLACE Arnold Hoffmann 980–254–7476 30–1 NM/Albuquerque Duke City Bridge Center Susan Law 505–296–7719 26–1 PA/MANHEIM (Lancaster) SPOOKY NOOK Jeanne Gehret 717–475–8352 30–1 QC/STE.-THERESE CENTRE CULTUREL Solution to Crossword (Montreal) (nlm/750) DE STE.-THERESE Denis Ouellette 514–219–0293 30–1 QC/Ste.-Therese Puzzle on pg. 67 (Montreal) Centre Culturel de Ste.-Therese Denis Ouellette 514–219–0293 29–1 TN/Nashville Vanderbilt Bridge Center Coley McGinnis 615–356–5993 29–1 TX/Houston (0-300) Westside Bridge Academy Jennifer Breihan 713–553–6814 30–1 TX/Rockport Saltwater Pavilion Martha De Cou 361–853–9196 30–1 VT/Quechee Quechee Club Base Lodge Karen Hewitt Randle 408–386–5289

July 2020 Bridge Bulletin 73 ADVERTISING INDEX TELEPHONE AND EMAIL SERVICE DIRECTORY See page 6 for more contact information. PRODUCTS ³ SERVICES Abenity 68 Address Change [email protected] ACBL Online Membership Card 46 Bridge Bulletin Delivery [email protected] ACBL Regional at Sea 19 Member Services Masterpoints [email protected] Adam Parrish Bridge 41 [email protected] Membership Renewal [email protected] Baron Barclay 2 662-253-3191 MyACBL Support [email protected] BridgeBase Online 29 Obituary Notification [email protected] BridgeFeed 73 Patron Members [email protected] 662-253-3173 Bridge Holidays 3 College Bridge Online 57 ACBLscore Support [email protected] Dream Vacations 76 Club Services Director Education [email protected] Liz Nixon World of Cruises 21 [email protected] Discipline [email protected] Help Desk [email protected] 662-253-3181 Live for Clubs [email protected] TOURNAMENTS U.S. and elsewhere Marketing Support [email protected] Regionals 1-888-219-9901 Monthly Reports [email protected] Great Falls MT 69 Canada only Rulings [email protected] Special Games and Events [email protected] Other NABC Robot Individual 55 Editorial Bridge Bulletin Editor [email protected] Report Big Games [email protected] Department Bridge Bulletin Advertising [email protected] 662-253-3117

Discipline [email protected] District Elections [email protected] & Unit Services Marketing Support [email protected] 662-253-3141 Tournament Sanctions [email protected] 662-253-3164

Executive Director [email protected] 662-253-3103 Education/Teacher Accred. [email protected] 662-253-3161 ACBL Human Resources [email protected] 662-253-3108 Corporate Marketing [email protected] 662-253-3112 Office NABC & Tournament Ops. [email protected] 662-253-3116 National Recorder [email protected] Operator main line 662-253-3100 fax 662-253-3187

Your personal E/C – Event Code R/C – Rating Code masterpoint information Women’s/Men’s Pairs/Teams ...... A GNT/NAP ...... 1 Mixed/Unmixed Pairs/Teams ...... B Club Tournament ...... 2 The masterpoint update on the back cover is Open Pairs ...... C Charity Game ...... 3 for the member the magazine is addressed to and Master Pairs/Teams ...... D Club MPs...... 4 possibly for a household member if space is avail- Non-Master Pairs/Teams ...... E Local Tournament ...... 6 able. If you have more masterpoint activity than Consolation (All) ...... F Sectional ...... 7 can fit in the space provided, you can check your BAM/Swiss Teams ...... G Regional ...... 8 masterpoints at acbl.org. Log in to MyACBL and KO Teams...... H NABC ...... 9 click on Masterpoint History. Individual ...... J Correction ...... 0 Side Game ...... K Charity Pairs ...... L

© 2020 The American Contract Bridge League Inc. All rights reserved. ACBL, the ACBL logo, ACBLscore, and masterpoint are registered trademarks of The American Contract Bridge League Inc. Contents of this magazine may not be reproduced in any manner without written consent from the publisher. Mention of any product does not constitute endorsement by the Bridge Bulletin. Bridge Bulletin assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, photos, art, or cartoons, and reserves the right to reject any editorial or advertising materials. Unsolicited materials should be accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. It is Bridge Bulletin policy not to accept advertising from persons or organizations believed to be unreliable or financially irresponsible. We are not responsible, however, for the performance of advertisers, the delivery or quality of their merchandise or services, or the legality of any particular program. On cruise ads, we suggest you check to make sure duplicate bridge will be offered on the cruise you desire. Regarding investment ads, we recommend that you check with your financial adviser before acting. ACBL Management reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to refuse any advertisement.

74 Bridge Bulletin July 2020 GAMES ARE SUBJECT TO DATE CHANGE OR CANCELLATION Upcoming NABCs Intermediatež/žNewcomer Calendar

July 10–12 WI/FITCHBURG (nlm/750) FITCHBURG COMM. CENTER Glenna Shannahan 608–347–5827 17–18 AL/Montgomery (nlm/500) Montgomery DBC Michael Lawson 334–322–6250 25–26 KY/Lexington (nlm/500) Lexington Bridge Club Andra Gyor 859–221–8209

July/August 31–2 IA/URBANDALE (nlm/750) DES MOINES BRIDGE HOUSE Rebecca Joseph 515–225–8660

August 1–2 MI/FREELAND (nlm/750) FREELAND SPORTSZONE Diane Bofferding 989–245–6002 2 PA/York (nlm/500) Bridge Boardroom Edward Scanlon 717–434–3298 8–9 CA/Fresno (nlm/500) Fresno Bridge Center Laura Da Costa 559–999–2825 5–6 FL/Deland (0-300) Deland Bridge Club Lynn Berg 386–736–6228 5–9 FL/Delray Beach (nlm/500) Jourdans Bridge Club Jakob Kristinsson 248–202–8241 6–8 MN/North St. Paul (0-500) Bridge Center of St. Paul Larry McIntyre 651–690–2829 6–9 NC/Durham (nlm/500) Triangle Bridge Club Chris Moll 504–495–7485 8–9 NM/Albuquerque (nlm/500) Duke City Bridge Center Robert Zipp 505–506–2671 6–9 TX/HOUSTON (nlm/500) MARRIOTT WESTCHASE Lauri Laufman 713–802–2211

Special Events Calendar

Aug. 24 Monday (evening) ACBL-wide Junior Fund Game #2 * All of September Club International Fund Games Sept. 23 Wednesday (evening) ACBL-wide International Fund Game #2 * All of October Jane Johnson Club Appreciation Games October 2 Friday (afternoon) Canada-wide Olympiad Fund Game October 16 Friday (afternoon) ACBL-wide Senior Pairs #2 * October 20 Tuesday Canada-wide Erin Berry Rookie/Master Game October 28 Wednesday (afternoon) ACBL-wide Instant Matchpoint Games * * Games include hand records and analyses.

March 11–21, 2021

Upcoming Regionals STaCs

November July 2–8 FL/Daytona Beach 6–12 Districts 22 & 23 2–8 IN/Elizabeth Ruth Baker 805–217–9481 3–8 MA/Mansfield 6–12 Unit 123 (D13) 5–8 TX/Richardson (Dallas) (nlm/750) Thomas Dressing 847–215–0310 9–15 MD/Cambridge 9–15 NV/Las Vegas August 8–13 NY/New York 3–9 District 11 12–15 ON/Ottawa (nlm/750) Michael Lipp 513–467–8054 14–15 WA/Shoreline (Seattle) (nlm/750) 10–16 Unit 242 (D24) 19–22 AZ/Tucson (nlm/750) Bella Chiusano 516–536–0232 17–23 Districts 17, 21 & 22 Bonnie Bagley 719–593–0205 17–23 District 9 Shirley Seals 904–285–7767

July 15–25, 2021

July 2020 Bridge Bulletin 75 B=Black, R=Red, S=Silver, G=Gold, P=Platinum, O=Online. More information for the codes below on page 78.

E R E R E R Sanction/Tourn. /C /C Date Points Sanction/Tourn. /C /C Date Points Sanction/Tourn. /C /C Date Points