VOL. 58 No. 4 WINTER 2017-2018 Steve Landen, Jeffrey Starr

Two former giants of Michi- versity of Maryland-Baltimore gan bridge passed away this County. A former computer fall. programmer, he continued to Steve Landen, 64, was a pursue his career as a bridge Grand Life Master with six na- professional until about a dec- tional championships. Locally, ade ago, when he began suf- he won the Ed- fering the early stages of de- ward F. Stein mentia. He died in late Octo- Memorial ber of hypothermia after fall- ing near his home in Ellicott MD. , 1982 Jeffrey Starr, 68, was a and 1988. He top Detroit-area player before Drawings by the late Stan Hench also won the moving to Las Vegas in the William S. Mous- late 1980s to pursue gambling er Memorial Trophy, for most and business points won by a District 12 interests. He member at the Motor City Re- won the Stein gional, in 1980, 1988, 1989, trophy in 1981 1991, 1992 and 2003. He was and the Mous- a former author of the It’s er in 1969. He Your Bid column in Table apparently only Talk. played occasionally at Steve and his family moved to Maryland in the early 2000s, where his wife Lynne Schaefer, also a national events, most recent- bridge champion, was a facili- ly the 2012 Truscott/USPC ties vice president at the Uni- Senior Swiss. Jeffrey spent some time in Michigan over sions). the past two years and was The 2016 regional racked planning to move back here. up a total of 60 tables in KO He died in December follow- events. There was only suffi- ing a long battle with lung cient attendance to run a sin- cancer. gle Flight B KO for 13 total I had the great pleasure of tables in 2017. playing with both Steve and Jeffrey while they were living Bryant wins seat in Michigan. Both were tre- on MBA mendous natural card players, exciting personalities and Brenda Bryant is a new good friends. —M.H. member of the MBA board of directors following the Octo-

ber board election. Re-elected IN MEMORIAM to two-year terms were Mari- lyn Crane, Marilyn Nathanson, Arlene Howe Stacey Tessler and Zachary Charles May Wasserman. Orion Nazzaro Kurt Dasher did not seek re- Ronald Spaeth election. Thanks to him for his Robert Kromm years of service.

Lien is president-elect

Attendance drops Owen Lien has been named at Motor City Regional MBA president-elect and sec-

Attendance at the 2017 Mo- tional tournament chair for the tor City Regional was just year beginning in November 739.5 tables, down 105 tables 2017. from 2016. The tournament In voting at the November 7 showed a profit of $2,878, board meeting, Bob Ondo compared to a budgeted profit moved up to president, while of $7,600. Bob Webber and Stacey The biggest drops in attend- Tessler were re-elected as ance were on Sunday, and in treasurer and recording secre- the KOs. tary, respectively. New board The combined Swiss events member Brenda Bryant will on Sunday were down 26 ta- chair the 2018 Motor City Re- bles (13 fewer teams x 2 ses- gional.

PAGE 2 TABLE TALK Michigan Bridge Association’s Michael Graham Ann Arbor Sectional January 27-28, 2018 Eastern Michigan University Student Center 900 Oakwood St., Ypsilanti MI 48197 734-487-1157

Saturday, January 27 Stratified Open Swiss Teams Playthrough-7 matches ... 11 a.m. Stratified 0-500 Pairs (single session) ...... 11 a.m. Stratified 0-500 Pairs (single session) ...... 3 p.m. Sunday, January 28 Stratified Open Swiss Teams Playthrough-7 matches ... 11 a.m. Stratified 0-500 Pairs (single session) ...... 11 a.m. Stratified 0-500 Pairs (single session) ...... 3 p.m.

Free coffee and snacks. Free parking. There will be a lunch break during which food will be available for purchase at the food court in the building.

Stratified Events: A = 3000+, B = 1000-3000, C = 0-1000 0-500 Strats: (0-50) (50-200) (200-500) (as attendance warrants) Average MP will be used to determine your strat.

Directions from Detroit suburbs: Take M-14 to U.S. 23 southbound to exit 37A Washtenaw Avenue toward Ypsilanti. Go east on Washtenaw Avenue for 2.9 miles. When you first come to the Eastern Michigan University campus, turn left (north) on Oakwood Street. Go .4 miles to the Student Center. The center and park- ing lot will be on your right. There is no charge for parking on weekends.

Tournament Chairman: Marty Hirschman, H: 248-646-3967, C: 248-252-7732; [email protected]

Partnerships: Marcy Toon, 734-478-4494, [email protected]

District 12 Website: www.district12bridge.org

TABLE TALK PAGE 3 TABLE TALK MBA Officers Official publication Bob Ondo ...... president of the Michigan Bridge Association Owen Lien ...... ….president-elect 30660 Woodgate Dr., Jonathan Fleischmann .... chairman Southfield MI 48076 Stacey Tessler .... recording secretary 248-646-3967 Bob Webber ...... treasurer e-mail: [email protected] Board of Directors MARTIN HIRSCHMAN, Editor Shelley Boschan, Brenda Bryant, Production editor: Marcia Abramson MBA Corresponding & Mem- bership Secretary: Paul Pomeroy, Owen Lien, Marilyn Nathanson, Bob 34069 Hathaway St., Livonia MI Ondo, Grant Petersen, Patti Stoner, 48150, [email protected], 734- Richard Temkin, Stacey Tessler, Al- 421-0193 lan Tushman, Zachary Wasserman.

MBA CLUB DIRECTORY 3575. Friday 12 p.m. ■Neighborhood Club, St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church,

Thursday 12 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. ■Plymouth Community DBC, Cultural Center, 525 Farmer, Plymouth. Jim & Cheryl Perna, 248-887-9283. Tuesday 11:30 a.m., Wednesday 11:30 a.m. ■Trenton DBC, 2700 Westfield, Trenton. Bob Ondo, 313-320- 5173. Thursday 7 p.m. ■War Memorial, 32 Lakeshore, Grosse Pointe. Judith Thomas, 313-372-4218. Monday 12 p.m. ■Young Center BC, R.A. Young Recreation Center, 5400 McKin- ■Friendly Friday BC, St. Paul ley, Dearborn Heights. Joyce Evangelical Lutheran Church, Kozma, 313-274-5587. Wednes- 375 Lothrop, Grosse Pointe day 11 a.m. Farms. Tony Faint, 586-649-

PAGE 4 TABLE TALK IT’S YOUR BID By Marty Hirschman

Never have I had such a warm reception as when I returned to the bridge table recently after a six-day hospitalization with a freak case of congestive heart failure. They even let me sit North-South a few times until it became apparent that my heart and other body parts are just fine, thank you, and I wasn’t going to die anytime soon. So, being “only” 68 years old (as of late December), I’m back to East-West. At least it all gave me a pretty good excuse for being a little late getting out this issue of Table Talk. Congratulations to Jonathan Fleischmann for his perfect score on this issue’s problems. Also, congratulations to Valen- tine Enache for best score among readers. No matter your age or health you will always be South in It’s Your Bid. So send in your answers to next issue’s problems, found at the end of this article.

1. MTPTs. N-S vul. As should be on spades, since SOUTH, you hold: that is what the opponents are ♠1032 ♥107 ♦AQ1073 ♣AQ3 going to lead most of the time. WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH 3NT should show a spade -- 1♥ Pass 2♦* stopper, 3♠ deny a spade Pass 3♦ Pass ? stopper. *Game forcing Only one panelist seems to agree: Action Score Votes 3NT 100 13 Howard Perlman (3♠): First 4♣ 70 5 obligation is to find the right 3♠ 60 3 game. 3♠ is sort of “” 3♥ 50 1 to 3NT. Would have bid 1NT 5♦ 40 0 over 1♥, though that doesn’t Pass 20 0 necessarily solve all prob-

If there is room to bid both lems.

unbid suits below 3NT, you No one else seems very can just bid the one you have sure. the stopper in. That’s not the case here. It is a big head- Suzy Burger (3♠): I hope ache. In my view, the focus partner takes it as asking.

TABLE TALK PAGE 5 SCORES Experts: George Pope ...... 430 Jonathan Fleischmann .... 500 Irv Hershman...... 410 Don Rumelhart ...... 480 Neil Manley ...... 410 Gene Benedict ...... 470 J. Morris Swiger ...... 400 Linda Perlman ...... 470 Patty Becker ...... 370 John Koschik ...... 460 Sy Goodman ...... 360 Howard Perlman ...... 460 Doris Jefferies ...... 360 Joe Chiesa ...... 450 Mark Hugger ...... 340 Dennis Kasle ...... 450 Jerry Jefferies...... 340 Bob Katz ...... 450 Michael Betzold ...... 320

Readers: Seymour Mandell ...... 320 Valentine Enache ...... 440 Klaus Brondum...... 270 HOW THE PANEL VOTED

1 2 3 4 5 Gene Benedict 3NT 2NT 4♠ 5♥ 3NT Bob Brent 3NT 3NT 4♠ 5NT 3NT Brenda Bryant 3NT 2♦ 5♠ 6NT 3NT Chuck Burger 4♣ 3♦ 4♣ 5♥ Dbl Suzy Burger 3♠ 3♦ 4♣ 4NT Dbl Joe Chiesa 3NT 3♦ 4♣ 5♥ Dbl Kurt Dasher 3NT 2♦ 4♣ 4♣ Dbl Jonathan Fleischmann 3NT 3NT 4♣ 5♥ 3NT Dennis Kasle 4♣ 3NT 4♣ 4NT Dbl Bob Katz 3NT 2NT 4♠ 4♠ 3NT Sheldon Kirsch 4♣ 3NT 4♣ 4NT 4♥ Morrie Kleinplatz 3NT 3NT 4♠ Pass 4♥ John Koschik 3NT 2NT 4♣ 6NT Dbl Marilyn Maddox 4♣ 3NT 6♠ Pass 3NT Myles Maddox 4♣ 3♦ 4♣ 4♥ 4♥ Howard Perlman 3♠ 3NT 4♣ 4NT 3NT Linda Perlman 3NT 2NT 4♠ 4NT 3NT Irv Rosenstein 3♠ 2NT 4♣ 6NT 3NT Don Rumelhart 3NT 2NT 4♣ 4♠ 3NT Richard Temkin 3NT 2NT 6♠ 5♥ 4♥ Bob Webber 3NT 3NT 4♦ 4♣ 3NT Willie Winokur 3♥ 2NT 4♣ 4♠ 4♥

PAGE 6 TABLE TALK Irv Rosenstein (3♠): See if won’t lead a spade or they will partner can bid 3NT. be 4-4 or partner will bid 4♦.

Chuck Burger (4♣): Where I Jonathan Fleischmann (3NT): live. Can’t bid 3♥ (Honor-x or This feels like an application better), and 3♠ a telling bid or of Hamman’s Rule. Slam is otherwise ambiguous. remote on these cards, and

Sheldon Kirsch (4♣): I’ll pass sometimes partner has 4NT. Wish I could bid 3♣. enough of a stopper with three little spades. Marilyn Maddox (4♣): With- out a spade stopper, let part- Bob Katz (3NT): The fact that ner decide. neither NV opponent chose to bid spades is very favorable. Willie Winokur (3♥): Defer- Sometimes spades are 4-4, ring to pard how to proceed. and 3NT is the only makeable Hope I like his next bid. game.

The majority just goes for the gusto... 2. MTPTs. None vul. As SOUTH, you hold: Joe Chiesa (3NT): Clearly ♠A10 ♥K ♦AK10754 ♣AQ63 our most likely game. 3♠ WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH shows spades, 3♥ as a wait- -- -- 1♣ Dbl ing bid fails on three counts: Pass 1♥ 2♣ ? 1) When I bid 3♥, the rules for- bid me from saying “waiting Action Score Votes bid.” 2) I lack one heart. 3) 3♥ 2NT 100 8 is a bigger bid than 4♥ – so 3NT 100 8 the strength measure is er- 3♦ 70 4 rant. 2♦ 60 2 Dbl 50 0 Gene Benedict (3NT): Jeff Pass 10 0 Meckstroth did the same thing in a similar auction. Dummy 2NT would show about 19 had Qxx of spades. I had KJx. HCPs with a , The jack of spades lead beats while 2♦ would show about the hand. I didn’t find it. 17-18 with long diamonds. You are too good for either of Bob Brent (3NT): Per Ham- those. We could cuebid 3♣ or man’s rule and Bert’s law... jump to 3♦ to show 19+ HCPs, Brenda Bryant (3NT): Some- but we aren’t likely to find out body has to bid it. Maybe they anything useful.

TABLE TALK PAGE 7 Jonathan Fleischmann (3NT): values and I have a source of The problem with 3♣ or 3♦ is tricks. Likelihood of a slam is that neither gives partner a minimal. If I bid anything else, way to find out about my club I will likely have to bid 3NT stoppers. 2♦ gives partner later. I would bid 3NT if I was space, but is too much of an assured a club lead, but underbid. It doesn’t take much sometimes the opponents from partner for this to come don’t cooperate, either be- home, and he may not know if cause they are or be- he has the right yarborough. cause they have something else to lead. To put it another way, if merely insubstantial-looking Bob Brent (3NT): Hope lefty values in partner’s hand will has a club to lead. give you enough to make a John Koschik (2NT): If part- contract, you have to bid it ner bids 3♥, I may wish I had yourself. bid diamonds, but 2NT is Howard Perlman (3NT): Too about right on clubs and over- much to do anything else. all strength.

Bob Webber (3NT): Partner Don Rumelhart (2NT): This rates to have a few diamonds. shows a good hand. I’ll see if

Dennis Kasle (3NT): Best partner can squeeze out a raise. chance for game. With no- body bidding spades, my part- Gene Benedict (2NT): Invites ner surely has a card. 3♦ is game and shows a big hand. I probably the better bid, but will probably take one spade, partner would not know what five diamonds and two club to do after that. tricks in 2NT.

Sheldon Kirsch (3NT): Don’t Chuck Burger (3♦): 2NT has need much, and should get a a matchpoint charm. 2♦=good club lead. hand. 3♦ begs for a bid. If I Morrie Kleinplatz (3NT): A 3- catch a bid, I will try NT.

4-3-3 yarborough from partner Joe Chiesa (3♦): Although might be enough. The red 3NT seems patently obvious queens would make it a high with a double stopper and a percentage game, and many 20-count including a good 6- other holdings work. card suit, 6♦ opposite ♠Kxx Bob Katz (2NT): It is right on ♥xxxxx ♦xxxx ♣x offers a

PAGE 8 TABLE TALK reasonable play for slam. Chuck Burger (4♣): Looking Moreover, I may yet offer 3NT for a diamond cuebid. I will over 3♥ or 3♠. still try again. Six probably likely but suits not breaking. 3. MTPTs. None vul. As Pard has a good hand with SOUTH, you hold: four .

♠KJ643 ♥void ♦AJ1054 ♣A65 Looking, but with trepida- tion... -- 1♥ Pass 1♠ 2NT 3♠ Pass ? Howard Perlman (4♣): Must make some sort of try. Will bid Action Score Votes 4♠ over either red suit cue by 4♣ 100 13 partner. Caution is paramount 4♠ 70 5 as bad splits may abound. 6♠ 60 2 4♦ 50 1 Irv Rosenstein (4♣): I will see 5♠ 50 1 if partner has slam interest. If 4NT 40 0 he has no diamond control, we will stop in 4♠. Partner was under pressure and may have stretched to Kurt Dasher (4♣): Trying for raise because he had four slam. Will cuebid diamond spades, but, with our good ace next if partner cooper- ates. controls and decent trump, we still are worth a slam try or Not looking... two. Bob Katz (4♠): There is noth- Don Rumelhart (4♣): Slam is ing about my hand that leads likely, so I will continue the me to believe we have a slam. conversation with my cheap- est cuebid. Morrie Kleinplatz (4♠): This hand is not as good as it looks Willie Winokur (4♣): And with a heart void and the mi- then 5♦. nors behind me. Moreover, I

Bob Webber (4♦): Then 5♣ to play that partner could have see if partner has a diamond bid 3♦ to show a strong spade control. raise, so she is just compet- ing. Brenda Bryant (5♠): I think this would imply I have minors Linda Perlman (4♠): Partner covered. We may or may not could have bid 3♦ with a good have a slam here. Assuming spade raise. I have a good opener has four spades. enough hand to try for slam,

TABLE TALK PAGE 9 but I’m going with things split- Maybe going beyond all the ting badly and taking the low way. road. Dennis Kasle (4♣): Looking Gene Benedict (4♠): I have for 4♦, then 4NT. Don’t care if many negative features on I am void. I need two with the this hand. I lack good spade queen for thoughts of 7. spots, my heart void means I Wow. can’t set up dummy’s hearts. West’s diamonds are over my 4. MTPTs. None vul. As diamonds. The spades are SOUTH, you hold: unlikely to break 2-2. There is ♠K9873 ♥AKQJ102 ♦85 ♣void too much work to do.

Bob Brent (4♠): Things are -- 1♣ 1♦ 1♥ going to break poorly, and it Pass 3NT Pass ? may be difficult to make 12 Action Score Votes tricks. My first inclination was 4NT 100 5 to bid a slam, but common 5♥ 100 5 sense prevailed. 4♠ 80 3 Going all the way! 6NT 80 3

Dick Temkin (6♠): Would ex- Pass 70 2 pect 16-18 points without the 4♣ 70 2 interference, but now partner 4♥ 60 1 may be stretching with 4-5 in 5NT 60 1 the majors and a good open- 6♥ 50 0 5♠ 20 0 er. 5NT () is tempting, but heart wastage 2NT by partner would have is likely and could easily have shown 18-19 balanced. 3NT a loser. usually shows a long strong

ABA Spring Nationals in Motor City

The American Bridge Association is holding its spring na- tionals in the Detroit area. The dates are April 12-18 at the Edward Hotel and Convention Center in Dearborn. The ABA is an historically African-American organization that was formed in the segregation era. The group and its tourna- ments are open to all. For more information about the tournament and about local ABA clubs, go to: http://ababridge.org.

PAGE 10 TABLE TALK club suit, with stoppers and QJx of diamonds to bid 5NT too much to bid just 3♣. It over 5♥? doesn’t really promise a solid suit. Our club void is a big mi- Bob Brent (5NT): Protecting nus, to say the least, but we partner’s diamond K. He still have an awful lot to just should bid 6 with second- round diamond control. pass.

Morrie Kleinplatz (Pass): I Bob Webber (4♣): After 4♦, don’t expect to have much 6NT. After 4♠, maybe 5NT. company, but this seems like Sheldon Kirsch (4NT): Got a crapshoot to me. We may six tricks and spade help. make anything from 4 to 7. Should make a move. What would you bid with ♠A ♥x ♦QJx ♣AKQJxxxx? If Dennis Kasle (4NT): Can’t be there was a way to ask for quantitative because partner first- or second-round dia- is bidding on long clubs and a mond control I would go on. diamond stopper or two.

The 5♥ bidders think they Bob Katz (4♠): This has to have the answer to that. show solid hearts and serious slam interest without a dia- Dick Temkin (5♥): Partner mond control. Partner likely has to have more than a solid has long clubs he believes will club suit and a diamond stop- run, a diamond stopper and per. Just want to be sure he maybe the spade queen. has the ace or king. Would be pusillanimous to do less! Just shooting it out:

Gene Benedict (5♥): This bid John Koschik (6NT): It would focuses on the diamond prob- help to know partner’ style, lem for slam. 6♣ by my part- but if he has solid clubs, he ner would show solid clubs only needs the diamond ace and the Kx of diamonds. or spade ace and diamond king. Chuck Burger (5♥): Focus on second-round control of dia- Irv Rosenstein (6NT): Should monds. Over 5NT I will try have plenty of tricks if they 6NT and expect ace of cannot cash two winners be- spades. fore we get in. Something like I’m confused. Might not ♠Ax ♥x ♦Kxx ♣AKQJxxx or partner have something like ♠Qx ♥x ♦Axx ♣AKQJxxx.

TABLE TALK PAGE 11 If partner has that much, we may evoke useful info from don’t need to bid the slam the omnicompetent seated ourself. Partner will surely bid opposite me. the slam over any invitation. Dennis Kasle (Dbl): Then we’ll see. 5. IMPs. N-S vul. As SOUTH, you hold: Chuck Burger (Dbl): Fol- ♠AQ ♥AKQJ543 ♦104 ♣KJ lowed by 3NT over diamonds and 4♥ over 3♣. A direct 3NT 2♠ Pass Pass ? or 4♥ is unnecessary.

Action Score Votes But if we double and partner 3NT 100 11 bids 2NT (weak Dbl 80 6 relay) won’t we have wrong- sided 3NT (and 4♥)? 4♥ 70 5 Bob Katz (3NT): I cannot Strong hands start with dou- double without likely wrong- ble. Right??? siding a 3NT contract Suzy Burger (Dbl): Over 3♣, (Lebensohl response). 3NT is will continue with 3♥. Over 3♦ one trick fewer than 4♥. will bid 3NT. Howard Perlman (3NT): Joe Chiesa (Dbl): Keeps both Strong possibility only nine 4♥ and 3NT in play. Double tricks available. Need much less from partner than in 4♥.

Jonathan Fleischmann (3NT): Youth Bridge Camp I’m not sure what’s right here,

Kids age 10 to 16 who are but I know I’ve found a mak- interested in learning bridge ing contract if they lead their will have a great opportunity suit. 4♥ requires more than to do so in Michigan this that to make, and both con- summer. Local player Su- tracts may be fine if partner san Woodrow is running a actually has something. I’m Michigan Youth Bridge Camp, certainly not giving the oppo- nents any help on defense. July 15-21 in Holly. For further information, email Susan at: Don Rumelhart (3NT): I am Michiganyouthbridge hoping for a black suit lead or @yahoo.com or some of partner’s points in [email protected] diamonds.

Linda Perlman (3NT): I have

PAGE 12 TABLE TALK 8-plus tricks in NT and I am 2. IMPs. N-S vul. As SOUTH, balanced. These hands never you hold: make 4♥. ♠KQ104 ♥A3 ♦QJ5 ♣Q1093

Other ideas: ------1♣ Sheldon Kirsch (4♥): If I bid Pass 1♦ 2NT Pass 3NT, I may get the surprise 3♥ 4♣ Pass ? diamond lead. 3. MTPTs. N-S vul. As Morrie Kleinplatz (4♥): This SOUTH, you hold: is a strong bid in the passout ♠Q104 ♥K1084 ♦J73 ♣754 seat. Partner should go on with two aces and a little Pass 1♠ Pass 1NT* more. Double is good, too, but Pass 2NT Pass ? I’d hate to hear partner bid *Semi-forcing hearts and get the lead from 4. MTPTs. None vul. As the wrong side. SOUTH, you hold:

John Koschik (Dbl): This will ♠QJ10 ♥103 ♦KQJ ♣K7643 wrong-side notrump if partner has trash (Lebensohl) but will -- -- Pass 1♣ keep slam in the picture on Pass 1♥ Pass 1NT other hands. Pass 2♦* Pass 2NT Pass 3♣** Pass 3NT Answering that: Pass 5♠ Pass ? * Bob Webber (3NT): Every **Clubs, game forcing card we need for slam could be in East’s hand. 5. MTPTs. E-W vul. As SOUTH, you hold: Slam seems like a very long ♠AK ♥K92 ♦AJ943 ♣874 shot. Just making a game sounds good to me. ------1NT 2♥* Dbl** Pass ? NEXT ISSUE’S HANDS *Hearts and a minor **Negative 1. IMPs. None vul. As SOUTH, you hold: Mail your answers to: ♠8 ♥762 ♦A2 ♣AKQ7632 Table Talk Magazine 30660 Woodgate Dr. ------1♣ Southfield MI 48076 Pass 1♦ 2♠ ? Or email to: [email protected]

TABLE TALK PAGE 13 A note of appreciation tive experiences in bridge! With appreciation, To: Michigan Bridge Asso- ciation President Jonathan —Joyce Jonik, Fleischmann Sept. 12, 2017

I wanted to congratulate and Alarum thank you, the MBA board, and tournament chairman To the Editor: Bob Ondo for an outstanding I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED tournament experience. your Shakespeare. Lots of fun...and funny...and true. The recent Russell Roosen Sectional [August 2017] was —Irv Hershman a wonderful bridge event— especially for players like my- self who have fewer than 500 WELCOME, points. There were multiple NEW MEMBERS events available for us, and I Brenda Braceful found it refreshing to have so Anne Burke many opportunities to com- William Facey pete with my peers. Harold Felty I believe I speak for many 0- Barbara Gutenberg 500 players when I claim that Bebe Hartman here are some of the out- Patricia Quick comes of the tournament: Linda Schwartz —It led to an increased enthu- Roberta Tankanow siasm for the game and the Naoko Wada competition. Rhoda Wolshon

—It helped us understand that WELCOME, learning more about the game is necessary to improve our TRANSFERS game. Mary Anne Bateman —It brought us a great deal of Teri Collier enjoyment and camaraderie. Nancy Draughn If any of these outcomes are Carol Exley part of the mission statement Kathleen Kasiborski of the MBA, then please con- Walter Otto sider the Roosen sectional to Linda Perlman be a huge success! Kathleen Quilter I look forward to future posi- Ardyth Zeunen

PAGE 14 TABLE TALK Alioto, Kirsch tops 13, Dennis Carman, 36.05 at Motor City Regional 14, Hans Jacobs, 35.56 15, Jonathan Fleischmann, 35.53 Michael Alioto and Sheldon 16, Sondra Schubiner, 35.32 Kirsch each won 107.86 mas- 17, Richard Temkin, 35.28 terpoints to top all finishers at 18, Linda Perlman, 32.84 the 2017 Vince & Joan 19, Steven Winokur, 32.46 Remey Motor City Regional. 20, Jagjit Singh, 31.71 That made them co-winners of the 2017 William S. Mouser MONDAY CHARITY PAIRS Memorial Trophy, awarded FLIGHT A: 1, Michael Alioto, annually to the District 12 Sheldon Kirsch. 2, Morrie member who wins the most Kleinplatz, William Winokur. 3, points at the tournament. Sue Lan Ma, Peter Petruzzel- Alioto and Kirsch played as lis. FLIGHT B: 1, Harry Jag- partners throughout the tour- tiani, Frederic Fayle. 2, Clarke nament. They won two cham- Cunningham, Sandy Birn- pionship pair games and were holtz. on the winning team in two MONDAY GOLD RUSH Swisses. PAIRS UNDER 750: 1, David It was the first Mouser win Cleveland, John Vollmayer. 2, for Alioto. Kirsch previously James Peresta, Stephen won the trophy in 2013, 2014 Leist. 3, David Mitchell, Wil- and 2015. liam Ahlstrom. UNDER 300: Here are the results of the Perest, Leist. 2, Mitchell, Ahl- tournament, held Oct. 9-15 in strom. 3, Paul Tilly, Michael Farmington Hills. Fant.

MASTERPOINT LEADERS: MONDAY/TUESDAY UNDER 1/2, Sheldon Kirsch, 107.86 2000 KO TEAMS: 1, Larry 1/2, Michael Alioto, 107.86 Lewis, Naresh Kapila, Thom- 3/4, Robert Brent, 67.89 as Ciaramitaro, Lakshmi Vora. 3/4, Martin Hirschman, 67.89 2, Sook Wilkinson, Tai Chan, 5, Michael Crane, 42.96 Ching-Po Wang, Song Lin. 6, Debra Eaves, 42.64 7, Walter Goldsmith, 41.45 TUESDAY SWISS TEAMS 8/9, Sue Lan Ma, 38.72 FLIGHT A: 1, Martin Hirsch- 8/9, Peter Petruzzellis, 38.72 man, Robert Brent, Sheldon 10, William Winokur, 37.95 Kirsch, Michael Alioto. 2, Dan- 11, Morrie Kleinplatz, 37.34 iel Marcus, Sondra Schubiner, 12, Michael Giordano, 36.52 Mark Bendure, Sean Pryke. 3,

TABLE TALK PAGE 15 Steven Winokur, Willie Wino- Giordano, Walter Goldsmith. kur, Walter Goldsmith, Debra FLIGHT B: 1, Walter, Khra- Eaves. FLIGHT B: 1/2, Thom kovsky. 2, Deepak Dighe, Lar- Allen, William Niemczyk, Car- ry Lewis. 3, Sean Pryke, Mark olyn Simmer, Milton Siegel, Bendure. FLIGHT C: 1, Richard Menczer. 1/2, Su- Dighe, Lewis. 2, Lynn Root, zanne Baker, Jagjit Singh, Karen Mann. 3, Valerie Gary Theis, Robert Christen- Tabler, Catherine Feldmann. sen. 3, Anand Agarwal, WEDNESDAY GOLD RUSH James Smyth, Cheryl & Jim PAIRS UNDER 750: 1, Perna. FLIGHT C: 1, Allen James McNamara, Douglas team. 2, Gary Luoma, Jane Sweeder. 2, Mari Kaftan, Rita Gardner, Bob Ondo, Tyrone Levin. 3, George Lupone, Loving. 3, David & Debbie Peggy Gallagher. UNDER Deal, Lynn & Peter Root. 300: 1, McNamara, Sweeder. TUESDAY GOLD RUSH 2, Lupone, Gallagher. 3, Jm SWISS TEAMS UNDER 750: Shea, Cheryl Ross. UNDER 1, Bruce Ridley, Steven Miller, 100: 1, Michael Fant, Paul Til- Julian Prince, Tony Willem- ly. 2, Jerrie Sasson, Gary sen. 2, Laura Burke, Susan Boyers. 3, Mary Robinson, Michelotti, Marilee Neff, Jane Lehman. Melinda Muirhead. 3/4/5, THURSDAY SWISS TEAMS Chris Balyo, Valerie Tabler, FLIGHT A: 1, Dennis Car- Catherine Maureen man, John Koschik, Irving Knowler. 3/4/5, John Abbott, Rosenstein, Richard Temkin. Paul Joseph, Catherine Cur- 2, Jordan Kaye, Julie Arbit, ran, Ivana Dugal. 3/4/5, Joyce Kurt Dasher, Brad Dracka, Jonik, Bruce Burns, Renata Jonathan Fleischmann, Morrie Wasserman, Frances Kawal- Kleinplatz. 3, Martin Hirsch- ec. UNDER 300: 1, Ridley man, Robert Brent, Sylvia team. 2, Beth Kordt, Esther Moss, Linda Perlman, Michael Cotton, Barbara Dursum, Alioto, Sheldon Kirsch. Jean Hellekjaer. 3, Frank FLIGHT B: 1, Michael Kaleel, Johnson, James McNamara, Linda & Arthur Golumbia, Lisa Karam, Carrie Osborne. John Dreifus. 2, Suzanne WEDNESDAY PAIRS FLIGHT Baker, Jagjit Singh, Gary A: 1, Michael Crane, Hans Ja- Theis, Robert Christensen. 3, cobs. 2, James Walter, Alex Larry Cohen, Kerry Lafer, Kharkovsky. 3, Michael Thomas Hunt, Ross Wein-

PAGE 16 TABLE TALK stein. FLIGHT C: 1, Kenneth Nathanson, Geraldine Spil- & Arlene Geisler, Scott & Pa- man. 3, Frederic Fayle, tricia Miller. 2, William James Banaszek.

Niemczyk, William Landrum, FRIDAY GOLD RUSH PAIRS Allan Tushman, Barb Ferrera. UNDER 750: 1, James & 3, Jane Gardner, John Maureen Wynalek. 2, David Vollmayer, Tai Chan, Tom Jasperse, Stacy Honson. 3, Baer. Barb Ferrera, Bob Ondo. UN- THURSDAY GOLD RUSH DER 300: 1, Jasperse, Hon- SWISS TEAMS UNDER 750: son. 2, Jane Lehman, Jill Ras- 1, Mari Kaftan, Rita Levin, telli. 3, Joyce Close, Rosalyn Kathleen Young, Anita Green. Monticciolo.

2, Richard Cantley, Dennis SATURDAY SWISS TEAMS Waniolek, Arnold Gottlieb, FLIGHT A: 1, Jack Shartsis, Eva Rival. 3, David Winer, Zachary Wasserman, Owen David Dursum, Jean Grande, Lien, Chuck Burger. 2, Donald Ruthan Brodsky. UNDER Rumelhart, Stephen Mackay, 300: 1, Winer team. 2/3: David Colbert, Ned Irving. 3, Bruce Graham, Tony Willem- Martin Hirschman, Robert sen, Steven Miller, Julian Brent, Sheldon Kirsch, Mi- Prince. 2/3, Jim Shea, Cheryl chael Alioto. FLIGHT B: 1, Ross, Carmel Contradi, Bar- Kenneth & Arlene Geisler, bara Rozek. Barb Marti, Lakshmi Vora. 2, TUESDAY-THURSDAY SIDE Bob Ondo, Grant Petersen, SERIES: 1, Bert Newman. Mark Hugger, Alan Cohn, 2/3, Nancy Colbert. 2/3, Jo- Rhonda Monro. 3, Tai Chan, seph Hollis. Ching-Po Wang, Lynda Thal, Song Lin. FLIGHT C: 1, Geis- FRIDAY PAIRS FLIGHT A: 1, ler team. Michael Alioto, Sheldon Kirsch. 2, Martin Hirschman, SATURDAY OPEN PAIRS Robert Brent. 3, Peter FLIGHT A: 1, Bert Newman, Petruzzellis, Sue Lan Ma. Dennis Kasle. 2, Andrew Gar- FLIGHT B: 1, Jagjit Singh, nett, Douglas Kahn. 3, Peter Robert Christensen. 2, Cam- Bolgar, Samir Zeine. FLIGHT eron Shunta, Renee Shunta. B: 1, Garnett, Kahn. 2, Stuart 3, Robert Raf, Steven Jacob. Dombey, Chris Brewer. 3, Ju- FLIGHT C: 1, John Hartman dy Hocher, Clarke Cunning- III, Philip Cowen. 2, Marilyn ham. FLIGHT C: 1, Dombey,

TABLE TALK PAGE 17 Brewer. 2, Richard Cantley, FLIGHT C: 1, Inderpal & Mar- Dennis Waniolek. tha Bhatia, Corey Powel, Re- nata Wasserman. 2, Kenneth SATURDAY GOLD RUSH & Arlene Geisler, Louise PAIRS UNDER 750: 1, Hahn, Sook Wilkinson. 3, James Korte, Carrie Osborne. Kathy Twomey, Ellen Silver- 2, Robert Hammell, Genadiy est, William Gregg, Lakshmi Hirscht. 3, Lisa Karam, James Vora, Linda Muirhead. McNamara. UNDER 300: 1, FLIGHT D: 1, Bhatia team. 2, Karam, McNamara. 2, Beth Edward & Jean Becker, Mary Kordt, Esther Cotton. 3, Chris Stewart, Pearl Lim. 3, Mark Hill, Ann Margosian. UNDER Hugger, Bob Ondo, Jane 100: 1, Judy & Harold Osher. Gardner, Barb Ferrera. 2, Richard Shaw, Jamie Ling.

SUNDAY A/X SWISS TEAMS 299er Winners FLIGHT A: 1, Gary Brinker, At Motor City Regional Sheldon Kirsch, Michael Ali- oto, Joseph Ernsthausen. 2, Tuesday AM Pairs: Sally Owen Lien, Linda Perlman, Saunders, Barbara Maertens Brenda Bryant, Sylvia Moss. Tuesday Afternoon Pairs: 3, Rose Burke, Sondra Michael Fant, Paul Tilly Schubiner, Lynne Cook, Wednesday AM Pairs: Linda Debra Eaves. FLIGHT X: 1, Temple, Karen Kearns Suzy Burger, Daniel Marcus, Pairs: Robert Mendelson, Mark Ben- B. Joorabchi, Farid Jano dure. 2, Kurt Dasher, Morrie Thursday AM Pairs: Shiv Kleinplatz, Frank Treiber III, Tangri, Xiaoxin Susa Xu Julie Arbit, Jonathan Fleisch- Thursday Afternoon Pairs: mann, Jordan Kaye. Ronald Zurilla, James Bayson Friday AM Pairs: Shiv Tan- SUNDAY B/C/D SWISS gri, Xiaoxin Susa Xu TEAMS FLIGHT B: 1, Mi- Saturday AM Pairs: Kikuko chael Kaleel, Neal Strand, Kobayashi, Yumiko Narita Richard Menczer, Carolyn Sunday AM Swiss Teams: Simmer, John Dreifus. 2/3, Chris Hill, Ann Margosian, Satish Shah, Jerome Hasen- Joyce Close, Rosalyn Mon- jager, Thomas Hunt, Ross ticciolo Weinstein. 2/3, Wilbur Arger- singer, David Graff, David Aderente, Arthur Wasserman.

PAGE 18 TABLE TALK Kirsch wins 2nd Stein TOURNAMENT CALENDAR Sheldon Kirsch is the 2017 winner of the Edward F. Stein Jan. 27-28: Ann Arbor sec- Memorial Trophy, MBA’s play- tional, Ypsilanti (MBA) er-of-the-year award. Feb. 8-11: Southfield sectional The Stein, first awarded in Feb. 24-25: Flint sectional 1961, is inscribed annually Mar. 2-4: Toledo sectional with the name of the MBA Mar. 22-25: Southfield sec- member who wins the most tional (MBA) total in overall Apr. 13-14: Bloomfield Hills placings in unlimited champi- I/N sectional onship events at the unit’s Apr. 26-28: Grand Rapids sectional and regional tour- sectional naments, including the May 4-6: Frankfort sectional joint MBA-SOMBA sectional. May 11-12: GNT district final, Points won at the Motor City Southfield Regional are counted at 70 May 14-20: FARMINGTON percent, compared to 100 per- HILLS REGIONAL cent for points won at the sec- June 1-3: Kalamzoo sectional tionals. June 4-10: TOLEDO REGIONAL Kirsch amassed 154.42 June 21-24: Joint MBA- Stein points during the year, SOMBA sectional, Southfield th the 4 highest winning total in June 25-July 1: District 12 the trophy race. He previously STAC won the Stein in 2015. July 13-15: Lansing sectional Here are the top finishers in July 20-22: Freeland sectional the 2017 Stein race (compiled Aug. 13-19: PETOSKEY RE- by William Arlingaus): GIONAL 1, Sheldon Kirsch, 154.42 Aug. 23-26: Southfield sec- 2, Marty Hirschman, 115.60 tional (MBA) 3, Jonathan Fleischmann, Sept. 7-9: Traverse City sec- 91.43 tional 4, Richard Temkin, 79.36 Sept. 16: NAP District final, 5, Robert Katz, 73.57 Lansing 6, Daniel Marcus, 63.45 Sept. 27-29: Grand Haven 7, Steven Winokur, 62.11 sectional 8, Willie Winokur, 58.35 Oct. 8-14: MOTOR CITY RE- 9, Kurt Dasher, 57.29 GIONAL, FARMINGTON 10, Owen Lien, 51.66 HILLS (MBA)

TABLE TALK PAGE 19 Top Bridge Pros' Tax Monaco. However, we are still not convinced about the tax Woes Continue rules and can certainly not un- From Bridge Winners.com, derstand them.” Even if the Sept. 25, 2017 sentence isn’t reduced on ap- Recently, the #1 and #2 peal, the expected amount of WBF-ranked players Geir prison time would be 6-11 Helgemo and Tor Helness months. were convicted of gross negli- gent tax fraud by the Oslo District Court. Born in Norway, they began to represent Mon- SOLUTION TO aco in international competi- AT THE WHEEL tion almost a decade ago. From back page They were accused of not IMPs paying Norwegian taxes on None vul. combined earnings of NORTH 18,000,000 NOK (around $2.3 ♠A54 million) over an 8-year period. ♥A42 The court deemed this to be ♦1032 in violation of Norwegian tax ♣KQ32 law and sentenced Helgemo WEST EAST to 14 months in prison plus a ♠QJ109 ♠K32 fine of 280,000 NOK (around ♥KJ109 ♥Q53 $38,000), while Helness was ♦9 ♦QJ7654 sentenced to 16 months in ♣9876 ♣10 prison and fined 340,000 NOK SOUTH (around $43,000). ♠876 We spoke with Helgemo, ♥876 and learned that he is going to ♦AK8 ♣AJ54 appeal this decision. He be- lieves he has a good chance There is only one hope for a of a much lighter sentence ninth trick. Lead the 10 of dia- because he feels that he was monds off dummy, hoping for under the tax laws of Monaco singleton 9 in West. If East (which has no individual in- covers with the Q or J, win in come tax), as the earnings in hand and look for that 9 to fall. question were “paid in Mona- If it does, go back to dummy co to play for Monaco, and and play a diamond to the 8. (we) are also residents of It’s a simple game.

PAGE 20 TABLE TALK A Second Overtrick twice. So after winning the By Marty Hirschman spade lead (ducking cannot help) I decided to go to dum- Matchpoints my with a diamond and lead E-W vul. the 9 of hearts through East, NORTH who was likely to have the ♠732 ace for his . ♥K9 East could hardly take the ♦A1072 heart ace at that point be- ♣AK42 cause that would give me an extra trick if I had Qxx of SOUTH hearts. So, the queen of ♠AK4 hearts won the trick. ♥Q8 Next I cashed the rest of the ♦KQJ83 diamonds. East, who started ♣876 with just a singleton diamond, pitched two clubs and two hearts. Since his failure to -- 1♦ 1♠ 2♠ make a pre- Pass 3♣ Pass 3NT cluded him from having start- All Pass ed with five hearts, I knew he was down to blank ace, so I : 9 of spades could safely a club. Clubs were 3-3 originally, so I At a recent club game I wound up with 11 tricks and a played 3NT on this seemingly tie for top on the board. dull layout. I have an easy 10 East actually started with tricks by knocking out the ♠QJ1065 ♥A764 ♦4 ♣953. To heart ace. Meanwhile, the de- hold me to 10 tricks, he had to fense will set up their spades. hold onto a small heart along After that it will be risky at with his ace. Then the oppo- best to duck a club trying to nents could run hearts when set up a long card in that suit in with the club. since there will be the chance If East had started with four of losing the lead to East, who clubs, he really would have would have one or more been in trouble on the run of spades to cash. the diamonds since he would The problem, if it can even have had to hold onto guards be called that, seemed to re- in spades, hearts and clubs. volve around losing the lead

TABLE TALK PAGE 21 Zhangs, Winokur and 2,000 points would to eli- trade trophies gible to win the Bluth. That was Steven Winokur, who by By Martin Hirschman the beginning of the 2017 had 875 masterpoints. Meanwhile In 2016, Henry Zhang and the Zhangs each had just 292 Yanping Zhang tied for first for points at the beginning of the Beverly Bluth Trophy, 2017, so they were still eligi- MBA’s Flight B player-of-the- ble to win the Winokur, which year award, while Steven they did. Winokur won the Flight C Wil- Here are the top finishers in lie Winokur Trophy. But for each of these two 2017 trophy 2017, Winokur won the Bluth, races (compiled by Bob On- while the Zhangs (who are not do): related but played as partners throughout both years) tied for Beverly Bluth first in the Winokur race. Flight B Trophy How could this be? 1, Steve Winokur, 70.12 Prior to 2017, the Bluth went 2, Sandy Birnholtz, 58.75 to the MBA member who 3, James Walter, 53.92 started the year with fewer 4, Wilbur Argersinger, 48.26 than 2,000 points and won the 5, Michael Kaleel, 41.47 most points in MBA tourna- 6, Zachary Wasserman, 34.69 ments. If that player started 7, David Aderente, 24.38 the year with fewer than 750 8, Steve O’Guin, 24.00 points, the cutoff for Flight C, 9, Jordan Kaye, 22.86 the next-highest ranking C 10, Alan Cohn, 21.04 player was awarded the Wino- Willie Winokur kur. Under that rule, the Flight C Trophy Zhangs won the Bluth even 1/2, Henry Zhang, 32.45 though they started 2016 with 1/2, Yanping Zhang, 32.45 just a little over 100 points 3, Barb Ferrera, 31.13 each, and Winokur was 4, Bob Ondo, 27.50 awarded the Winokur trophy 5, Pearl Lim, 21.27 (named for his father) as the 6, James McNamara, 20.53 next highest scoring Flight C 7, James Egan, 19.76 player. 8, Michael Fant, 18.33 Starting in 2017, however, 9, Steven Miller, 17.09 the MBA board decided that 10, Thom Allen, 15.43 only players with between 750

PAGE 22 TABLE TALK MOVING UP... CONGRATULATIONS, JUNIOR MASTERS NEW LIFE MASTERS Curtis Estes Robert Hatto Clara Marks Tyrone Loving Robert Murray Bob Ondo Larry Trager Alicia Treder Naoko Wada

Robin Wagner SILVER LIFE MASTERS Eileen Walsh Genie Baker CLUB MASTERS Carolyn Deyett Jeanne Learman Ronna Galin Suzanne Shepard Fran Wigod Steven Winokur SECTIONAL MASTERS Mary Bedsworth RUBY LIFE MASTERS Patricia Colett Stephen Carpman Kikuko Kobayashi Barbara Kalnick Larry Macdonald Marilyn Nathanson Sue Moll Mrs. J.J. Weiss Cynthia Robinson Melvin Robinson SAPPHIRE LIFE MASTER Walter Goldsmith NABC MASTERS Carol Gove DIAMOND LIFE MASTER Jonathan Fleischmann Douglas Kahn Beth Kordt PLATINUM LIFE MASTERS James McNamara Owen Lien

ADVANCED Mary Smith NABC MASTERS Inderpal Bhatia Pearl Lim

BRONZE LIFE MASTERS Barb Ferrera Frances Kawalec Renata Wasserman

TABLE TALK PAGE 23 AT THE WHEEL By Marty Hirschman IMPs. None vul. NORTH ♠A54 ♥A42 ♦1032 ♣KQ32 WEST EAST SOUTH ♠876 ♥876 ♦AK8 ♣AJ54

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH Pass 1♣ 2♦ 3NT All Pass

Opening lead: Queen of spades You duck two spades and win the third, East following. Next, you cash the ace and king of clubs. East pitches a diamond. Now what? Solution, page 20.