%5,'*(Number Ninety-nine February 2010

Sail into and out of Venice on the way to Dubrovnik

See overleaf for further details. Discovery Club members save an extra Venice & the Adriatic 5% with Mr and Mrs Bridge From limestone fortress walls that ring Maltese Valletta, Discovery makes for A picturesque voyage of 11 days the rough-hewn town houses of enchanting Korcula, said to be Marco Polo’s Departing September 23, 2010 birthplace. On the Croatian mainland, Zadar surprises with its Roman forum. Date Port Sep 23 Depart Gatwick or Manchester by air A night in Venice invites you to linger on St Mark’s square after a day on the Rialto to VALLETTA, Malta Transfer to mv DISCOVERY or out at Murano. Stud farms outside Koper breed Vienna’s famous Lipizzaner VALLETTA, Malta horses, Split’s Peristyle, with its colonnades and open spaces, invites you to Sep 24 Cruising the Mediterranean, Ionian and Adriatic Seas people-watch around Diocletian’s ancient palace. Honeycomb patterns on Hvar’s Sep 25 KORCULA, Croatia promenade bake under the Adriatic sun as you make for the cool marble slabs of Sep 26 ZADAR, Croatia Dubrovnik’s Placa Stradun precinct and Sponza Palace. Sep 27 VENICE, Italy Sep 28 VENICE, Italy Sep 29 KOPER, Slovenia MR BRIDGE Sep 30 SPLIT, Croatia All Mr Bridge passengers, who have paid the £30 per person bridge supplement, will be Oct 1 HVAR, Croatia part of the exclusive bridge party. This will make them eligible for the seminars, drinks Oct 2 DUBROVNIK, Croatia Oct 3 DUBROVNIK, Croatia parties, quiz competitions, occasional afternoon and daily evening duplicates after fi rst Disembark and transfer to airport sitting dinner. The bridge programme is fully optional and you may participate as much for fl ight home to Gatwick or Manchester or as little as you wish. Mr Bridge actively encourages singles to join the party and they Inside fares from £1,199pp will always be found a partner for a game. Exclusive Outside fare from £1,399pp

Your Voyage includes: • Flights from/to the UK (Manchester • Inspiring destinations and £15pp supplement) enlightening excursions • All meals, entertainment and gratuities • Comprehensive lecture and on- included with no hidden extras Guest Speaker programme • Friendly and relaxed atmosphere on board • Travel with around 650 • All prices on board in British pounds like-minded passengers in • Captain’s cocktail parties and gala dinners 4-star comfort • All port and pre-paid airport taxes  01483 489961 for brochures and bookings

Fares shown are per person based on two people sharing lowest twin-bedded cabin category currently available, are subject to availability and include all applicable discounts for new bookings. All offers are subject to availability, are capacity controlled and may be withdrawn at any time. Specifi c cabin number may not be allocated at time of booking. Flights from Manchester £15pp supplement (£7.50pp each way). Only bookings made directly with Mr Bridge are eligible to be part of the Mr Bridge Group. Those wishing to play bridge, please note that there is a bridge supplement of £30 per bridge player to be confi rmed at the time of booking. See brochure for full terms and conditions. Voyages of Discovery is a trading name of All Leisure Holidays Ltd. FEATURES

3 Bidding Quiz 52 Double Dummy Answer BIDDING QUIZ BRIDGE by Bernard Magee by Richard Wheen by Bernard Magee 4 53 Don’t be Too Clever Too Publisher and ou are West in the auc - 11 Double Dummy Quiz Soon by Dick Atkinson Managing Editor Ytions below, playing by Richard Wheen Mr Bridge 55 Last Words by Ned Paul 'Standard ' with a weak 13 The Generation Game no- (12-14 points) and Ryden Grange by Michael Scarrott ADVERTISEMENTS four-card majors. Knaphill, Surrey 17 Take-out of Partner’s 2 Venice & the Adriatic (Answers on page 43 ) GU21 2TH 3NT by Freddie North on Board Discovery ( 01483 489961 20 David Stevenson 5 Cut-out Form 1. Dealer West. N/S Vul. Answers Your Questions Mail Order Form ♠ A 7 4 e-mail : 6 Voyages to Antiquity ™ K 2 [email protected] 24 Defence Quiz by on Aegean Odyssey © 10 4 3 ® A Q 8 5 2 website : 25 A Walk in Winter 8 Bridge Weekends www.mrbridge.co.uk by Countryman with Bernard Magee West North East South 27 Bernard Magee says 9 Tunisia 2010 ? Associate Editor Double if They 10 Highlands & Islands Julian Pottage Outbid You When with Swan Hellenic 2. Dealer East. Love All. You Own the Deal Discovery Cruising ♠ ™ K 7 6 5 Technical Consultant 28 Freddie North says 11 Ned Paul at © J 8 7 6 One Two, That Will Do the Beach Hotel Tony Gordon ® K 10 8 7 4 29 Julian Pottage 12 Crusaders & Pharoahs Answers Your Questions Bridge Consultant with Swan Hellenic West North East South Bernard Magee 33 Declarer Play Quiz Discovery Cruising 1NT Pass by Dave Huggett 18 Voyages of Discovery ? 34 Mike Wenble says 2010 Summer Cruises Proof Readers 3. Dealer West. N/S Vul. Count Your Winners 26 Charity Bridge Events Danny Roth ♠ A K 10 35 Declarer Play Hugh Williams Voyages of ™ 7 6 Answers Discovery Cruises Richard Wheen by David Huggett © K Q 9 37 Bernard Magee ® A K 7 6 5 36 Justin Corfield says Tips for Better Bridge Software Support Play the Card West North East South 40 Global Travel 01483 485345 You are Known to Hold 1® Pass 2® Pass ( Insurance 37 Children in Need 2009 ? Events & Cruises Simultaneous Pairs 42 Bernard Magee’s Interactive Tutorials ( 01483 489961 38 Defence Quiz Answers 4. Dealer North. Love All. Jessica Galt by Julian Pottage 44 Eric Hill ♠ K 7 6 5 4 ™ 2 Rachel Everett 39 Julian Pottage says 46 Stamps © 10 7 6 Preference is 47 The Case for all ® Q 8 5 4 Club Directory Different to Support Combinations and Charity Support 43 Bidding Quiz Answers 48 Rubber/Chicago West North East South Bridge Events 3™ 3NT Pass [email protected] by Bernard Magee 45 Readers’ Letters 49 Why it is so important ? 49 Catching Up for club committees Address Changes 5. Dealer West. Love All. by to insure their club ( 01483 485342 ♠ A K J 6 5 3 50 Seven Days 52 Rules Simplified ™ 10 All correspondence should by Sally Brock © A 3 55 be addressed to Mr Bridge. 52 Celebrating Ten Years ® 9 8 7 2 Please make sure that all of Teaching Bridge For 56 Cruise to the Riviera letters, e-mails and faxes All by John Taylor on Board Discovery West North East South carry full postal addresses 1♠ Pass 1NT Pass and telephone numbers. The views expressed in this publication are not 2♠ Pass 3™ Pass necessarily those of the publisher or its Managing Editor. ?

Page 3 FORWARD IN DEED SECURITY RECAP OTHER STEPS Your details will always be What was I to do? I told you Everything else is on hold. treated as confidential that I was being coached to However, I am a young old information and will not be be a businessman. So out of man in a hurry and I am so sold or traded with third the window goes a working pleased with what has been parties. Indeed, I have been life-time of trying to change achieved in this first year. I registered under the Data things and into a new world. fully understand that Protection Act for nearly 20 One of planning and budgets consolidation comes first, years. Time seems to fly by and everything else that goes however boring. and as the mists lift from my with managing what I now memory, I remember I am confidently expect will turn COVER STORY also registered with the into a real business. My Financial Services Agency. coach has explained that I Some of you who read my That must have been when could very likely have last column will have taken my credit card was first achieved all my objectives part in the prize bidding launched back in 1995. within ten years of setting up quiz. Those with the correct in 1986. answer to Question 1, 1NT, MORE Anyway, you will be pleased should by now have been CORRECTIONS to learn that the first three notified. The answers to all quarters’ targets have been three questions are to be I must have given the wrong met and as these may have found on page 7 together impression of the current been “soft”, those for the with the winners’ details. state of my bridge career but many thanks to those who future have been upped. This time I thought we wrote in with suggestions. It APOLOGY Now I am being coerced to would have a prize caption is not a new career but a new use my working time more competition so please think approach that I required as to efficiently and to prepare of a bridge related caption, date my campaign for 2 ♠ A K Q 10 9 6 budgets so that I am not of not more than seven organisational change has ™ A K spending precious limited words, that can be applied to proved to be singularly © K J 10 resources before the plans the front cover making it unsuccessful. ® A 5 have been properly and into a cartoon . Discovery clearly thought through. sailing through the ASIDE Grand Canal in Venice Question 2 was an error. Now I must explain that PLANS may serve as a clue. Please accept my apologies. before my metamorphosis I I am having to set aside all I will be on board with a As so few have drawn it to would offer some helpful other hopes, day-dreams and party of bridge-players my attention I have counted suggestion or idea for the ambitions in order to stick to sailing in to and out of 2® as the correct answer. powers that be to consider. the plan. Videos, films, Venice towards the end of However, there is a lesson So, for the very last time, DVD’s and an expanded September when the weather here to be learned. Always here goes. is not too hot. See page 2. count your cards, in mail order division will just newspapers and magazines I see Universal Membership have to wait, however viable Please use the adjacent form as well as at the card table. via the PAY2PLAY scheme such projects seem. for your which will as the last straw. It appears THE FIRST also serve to update your THANKS there is not a single member registration. of the EBU, in any position (BIG) STEP of influence, to grasp that Without doubt, the game PRIZES universal is everyone and to needs new players so the I almost forgot to tell you ensure this in the world of first lump of my budget has about the prizes. Same as duplicate bridge in been invested in developing before. By way of recap, the is impossible.... unless all a teaching product to star prize is a cabin on board players are given free broaden the customer base. I Discovery on the seven night membership and charges are A great big thank you to look forward to telling you cruise from Harwich to Nice then made for services at the Voyages of Discovery and all about this in the next issue. with bridge hosted by going rate. participating hotels for their Bernard Magee. It is not rocket science. generous support. NEXT There are ten prizes for Apologies here, to all my (TENTATIVE) STEP All details submitted have runners up. As before, a non English readers bored by been entered, but not every - The New Year will see the place at a Mr Bridge such a stubborn one’s writing is legible. If opening of a small office in weekend of your choice. In unwillingness to ‘get it’. you have not been notified, the US to deal with mail addition there will be prizes resend your email to Letters from elsewhere in the order software sales. More and concessions for other [email protected] UK attest to this. of this in the next issue too. entrants that amuse.

Page 4 ✄

If you have not contacted us in the last two years, please enter your details in the box MAIL ORDER below to re-register: PLAY SOFTWARE QPlus 9.1 £84.00 ...... QPlus 8.8 (second hand) £54.00 ...... Name (Dr Mr, Mrs, Miss) ...... Trade-in any previous QPlus Address ...... Book & Disk and just send ONLY £32.00 ......

...... TUTORIAL SOFTWARE Acol Bidding £64.00 ...... Postcode ...... More Acol Bidding £94.00 ...... Telephone ...... Declarer Play £74.00 ...... Advanced Declarer Play £79.00 ...... E-mail ...... Defence £74.00 ...... BOOKS Duplicate Bridge Rules Simplified £5.95 ...... My Suggested Caption is: Club Offer 10 for only £35.00 ...... Simple Directing at the Club – Dr Gurr £4.75 ...... (not more than 7 words, please) Better Hand Evaluation – Bernard Magee £14.00 ...... Bernard Magee’s Bridge Quiz Book £14.00 ...... Bernard Magee’s Quiz and Puzzle Book £14.00 ...... Bernard Magee’s Tips for Better Bridge £14.00 ...... If you have any comments, queries or points of interest, please use this panel and post them in: SINGLE-SUITED BALL-POINT PENS ...... Boxed Set ...... of Four (Spade, ...... Heart, Diamond, Club) Please send BRIDGE to the following enthusiasts: £19.95 ...... All prices are fully inclusive. I enclose a cheque for £......

Mr/Mrs/Miss ...... Mr/Mrs/Miss ...... Address ...... Address ...... Postcode ...... Postcode ...... ( ......

Mr/Mrs/Miss ......

Address ......

...... Expiry: ...... CVV ...... Issue No...... Postcode ...... (CVV is the last 3 numbers on the signature strip)

, Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH.

Please complete all or part this form and return to www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop , Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey, GU21 2TH. ( 01483 489961

Page 5 ✄ VOYAGES TOANTIQUITY

5,000 YEARS OF HISTORY...

...two weeks you will never forget TWO-WEEK VOYAGES HOSTED BY MR BRIDGE The aim of Voyages to Antiquity is to combine the The Aegean Odyssey has generously-sized suites, junior suites excitement of exploring the remarkable classical civilisations and staterooms, with and without balconies, and accommodates of the Mediterranean with the excellent comfort and service fewer than 380 guests, offering the sophisticated traveller every of boutique-style cruising. comfort at sea and, for Mr Bridge passengers, a bridge area in the Sail aboard the Aegean Odyssey, a premium class ship panoramic Observation Lounge. especially designed for cruising the coastal waters of the From the splendour of Norman Sicily to the elegant ruins Mediterranean. Enjoy personal service, greater passenger space of Palmyra in Syria, our itineraries have been meticulously and a choice of restaurants with open-seating. Visit ports that planned to reveal as much as possible of the extraordinary are too small for larger vessels, and navigate around the scenic wealth of natural beauty and history that the Mediterranean islands of the Adriatic, Aegean and Mediterranean. has to offer. VOYAGES INCLUDE: TWO-WEEK BRIDGE PROGRAMME • SHORE EXCURSIONS • GRATUITIES • WINE WITH DINNER PLUS SPECIAL INAUGURAL SEASON OFFERS • FREE FLIGHT UPGRADE TO CLUB EUROPE, when booking in Concierge Class • FREE CABIN UPGRADE • NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS Inaugural Season Offers apply to selected cabin categories, are subject to availability and cannot be combined. CHOOSE FROM FIVE EXCITING MR BRIDGE SAILINGS JUNE 1, 2010 POMPEII IS SOMETHING SO WONDERFUL... “ ROME to VENICE featuring Pompeii, Amalfi, Aeolian Islands, Segesta,” the art of Magna Graecia, the great volcanoes of Vesuvius, Etna and Stromboli, Split JUNE 29, 2010 ...THE HOLY CITY OF BYZANTIUM “ ISTANBUL to VENICE featuring the treasures of the Byzantine” Empire, Pátmos – the “Jerusalem of the Aegean”, Metéora, Butrint and the mosaics of Ravenna

AUGUST 24, 2010 GOD CREATED THE KORNATI ISLANDS “ VENICE to ATHENS featuring Split, the beauty of the Kornati Islands,” Homeric Greece including Delphi, Mycenae and Epidaurus, Corinth Canal, Athens SEPTEMBER 21, 2010 SICILY IS THE KEY TO EVERYTHING “ ATHENS to ROME featuring the temples of Sicily, Byzantine” Palermo, the wines of Italy, Pompeii, Herculaneum and Capri NOVEMBER 21, 2010 PALMYRA STOOD FORTH TO RIVAL ROME CAIRO“ to ATHENS featuring Luxor, Safaga, Sharm el-Sheikh, Suez Canal,” Beirut, Baalbek, Krak des Chevaliers, Palmyra, Aleppo, Limassol, Antalya, Athens

TO REQUEST A BROCHURE OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION, PLEASE CALL ON 01483 489961 10093 Cruises operated by Voyages to Antiquity GERRY HERROD’S NEW PROJECT CHRISTMAS PRIZE QUIZ RESULT

I am delighted to introduce an innovative new cruise First prize cruise cabin on board Discovery goes to programme created by Gerry Herrod, a travel industry Dr Derek Brown, Paignton, . The ten runners veteran with whom I have worked very successfully up are awarded a single place at any of the many for a considerable number of years. Indeed, many of 2010 Mr Bridge events. you will have travelled with Mr Bridge on Orient Lines’ Marco Polo or had a glorious holiday at his Mr E Casey, Stockton-on-Tees. wonderful Royal Plaza Hotel in Montreux. Mrs A Clark, Lancaster. Mrs N Fardon, Stourbridge, West Midlands. Gerry Herrod’s new venture is Voyages to Antiquity. Mrs Doreen Worbey, Letchworth Garden City. The idea is to combine the excitement of exploring the Mrs E Stables, Stapleford Abbotts, . remarkable classical civilisations of the Mediterranean Mrs T Daly, Pinner, Middlesex. with the comfort and service of boutique style Mr A Brown, Beaconsfield, Bucks. cruising. The Aegean Odyssey is a premium-class ship Mr D Blackwell, Ruislip, Middlesex. that he is having especially refitted for cruising in the Mr D Haydock, Macclesfield. eastern Mediterranean. Carrying around 350 Mr N Nuttall, Plymouth, Devon. passengers, the atmosphere on board is relaxed (black tie is not required) and there is no piped music or Congratulations to all of them and thank you every- casino, plenty of passenger space and a choice of one else for taking part and making it such a success. excellent restaurants with open seating dining. GOSSIP VALUE Expert guest speakers accompany all cruises and prices include scheduled airline flights to and from The new design of my credit card is intended to your cruise, a full shore excursion programme, on promote both me as well as the game of bridge. board gratuities and wine with dinner. Please ring me Indeed, both are now so inextricably linked that the for a copy of the inaugural season’s brochure as it promotion of either promotes the other. Just explains the philosophy that makes these cruises very special and describes why a Voyages to Antiquity producing the card to make a payment provides a holiday will be one to remember. real talking point. It is a real Mastercard and can be used in just the same way as any other plastic. There will be hosted bridge groups on the five sailings To encourage you to help me with this promotion, I as clearly shown in the lower part of the advertisement on the facing page. Naturally, if other will give you vouchers to the value of 2% of all you cruises or departure dates appeal to you, we can take spend on the card. These will be issued every six your reservation although there may not be a bridge months based on the information provided by the group on board unless demand driven. card issuer. The vouchers may be used in payment towards any of my bridge holidays. There are also some very interesting Inaugural Season Offers which I am pleased to be able to pass on to For further details and information: you. They are capacity controlled and subject to availability so please book early to avoid ( 0800 028 2440 disappointment. They are not combinable.

l NO SINGLE CABIN SUPPLEMENTS in selected cabin categories

l COMPLIMENTARY UPGRADE to club Europe Flights when booking in Concierge Class

l COMPLIMENTARY CABIN UPGRADE when booking standard and premium categories

Please call my office for more information or to make reservations on. ( 01483 489961.

Page 7 2010 WEEKENDS BRIDGE WEEKENDS with Bernard Magee with Bernard Magee Full Board £235 per person © Full-board © Sea View Option (Beach Hotel only) No single Supplement © All rooms with en-suite facilities © Tuition with Supervised Play, bidding quiz 20 - 22 August © No single supplement and two seminars. Blunsdon House Hotel Better Defence

Please book me for ..... places at £235 per person, 1 - 3 October Single .... Double .... Twin .... Sea View 1 .... Executive 2 .... The Beach Hotel Declarer Play Venue ...... 8 - 10 October Dates ...... The Beach Hotel, Worthing The Olde Barn Hotel Game Tries Mr/Mrs/Miss ...... 5 - 7 February Address ...... Blunsdon House Hotel 22 - 24 October Splinters and Cue-bids Denham Grove ...... Doubles 19 - 21 March Postcode ...... The Beach Hotel 29 - 31 October Signals and Discards Denham Grove ( ...... Splinters and Cue-bids Special requirements (these cannot be guaranteed, 26 - 28 March but we will do our best to oblige) The Beach Hotel 12 - 14 November Thinking Defence The Beach Hotel ...... Better Defence Please give the name(s) of all those covered by this booking 16 - 18 April Blunsdon House Hotel 26 - 28 November ...... Leads and Defence The Beach Hotel Please send a non-returnable deposit of £50 per person per place Further into the Auction by cheque, payable to Mr Bridge. An invoice for the balance 23 - 25 April will be sent with your booking confirmation. On receipt of your The Olde Barn Hotel final payment, 28 days before the event, a programme and full 3 - 5 December details will be sent together with a map. Cancellations are not Signals and Discards The Beach Hotel refundable. Should you require insurance, you should contact Sacrificing your own insurance broker. 1£30 supplement per room (Beach 4 - 6 June Hotel only). 2£50 supplement per room (Blunsdon House only). The Beach Hotel Suit Establishment The Beach Hotel Worthing, BN11 3QJ 18 - 20 June Blunsdon House Hotel Blunsdon House Hotel Signals and Discards Swindon, SN26 7AS Expiry: ...... CVV ...... Issue No...... 25 - 27 June Denham Grove (CVV is the last 3 numbers on the signature strip) The Beach Hotel Uxbridge, UB9 5DU , Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH Game Tries 01483 489961 Fax 01483 797302 The Olde Barn ( 6 - 8 August e-mail: [email protected] Blunsdon House Hotel Grantham, NG32 2HT website: www.holidaybridge.com Hand Evaluation

Page 8 BERNARD MAGEE USED STAMPS We have just received a further cheque in support of Little Voice from the sale of the used postage stamps that AT THE ROYAL KENZ you and your friends are carefully putting by for me. Do please make this your TUNISIA 2010 New Year’s Resolution. The work that Little Voice does in Addis Abba, is amazing and is well worth Over the years I have accumulating these enthused about Bernard otherwise worthless pieces Magee’s software CD’s, of waste paper. in the course of which, I should point out that he teaches you in an stamps collectors think much interactive fashion. Indeed, the same about those who his first, Acol Bidding, is play cards. Each to his own. now ten years old. POSTAGE SAVINGS I’ve also extolled the merits of his two brilliant quiz books and more recently his Tips for Better Bridge and Better Hand Evaluation. Two-week half-board All of these I am proud to duplicate holidays say are now published by Another price increase is me. However, nothing can coming in. When will it end? 21 February – 7 March £749* compare with seeing him Bernard Magee perform ‘live’, and perform Support Clive Goff’s unusual is what he does. Still not service supplying unused 7 March – 21 March £699* forty year old, Bernard has stamps at a useful discount. been teaching bridge since ( 0208 4224906 Crombie & Helen McNeil his early twenties at local [email protected] venues, on board ship and 21 March – 4 April £699* during land based holidays. TUNISIA Chris Barrable This year, I have increased the number of events which 11 April – 25 April £719* he will attend and respectfully suggest that 25 April – 9 May £719* readers should book early to avoid disappointment. 9 May – 23 May £719* Bernard Magee will also be 30 May – 13 June £759* hosting the bridge on Discovery from Harwich to 13 June – 27 June £759* Malta. Mrs Bridge and I will The Royal Kenz Hotel has at say hello to him as he leaves last completed its refit and *per person half-board sharing a twin-bedded room and is inclusive the ship to fly home and has an amazingly improved of bridge fees. Single supplement £6 per night. These prices are then sail on all the way to bridge room (pictured above) based on air travel from Gatwick to Monastir. Flights from other UK airports are available at a supplement. All prices are firm until Dubrovnik via Venice. with lovely new tables, the end of March 2010. Prices for seven-night stays are available chairs, decor and lighting. on application. Fares for the first seven It also has a new indoor nights all the way from Pay £70 per fortnight per person extra and have a pool-facing swimming pool. Harwich to Nice are from room, tea & coffee making facilities, bath robe and a bowl of seasonal fruit. only £549 per person Having spent a lot of time These holidays have been organised for by Tunisia First Limited, ATOL 5933, sharing. Singles who would and energy trying to find a working in association with Thomas Cook Tour Operations Limited, ATOL 1179. like to share a cabin on this new Tunisian venue, I really cruise should ring a.s.a.p. do not think I will find Lots of time for playing and anywhere better and have DETAILS & BOOKINGS learning as the ship sails increased the number of south, see back page advert. holidays on offer. ( 01483 489961

Page 9 Swan Hellenic Discovery Cruising Highlands & Islands

For people with a mind to travel 15 days departing August 12, 2010 At Swan Hellenic, we will always go further and delve that bit deeper. Our on-board Guest from £1,595pp Speakers and inclusive excursions ashore take you behind civilisations, both ancient and Date Port modern, with fascinating results. You will travel in country house style with around 320 other Aug 12 DOVER, England Embark mv MINERVA like-minded passengers. Choose to dine in the restaurant of your choice and in the company Aug 13 SARK, Channel Islands of your friends and you will still be assured of exceptional value for money, including all tips Aug 14 Cruise the Celtic Sea on board and ashore. Travel with a truly great British company, established in 1954, and Aug 15 GLENGARRIFF, Ireland Aug 16 Cruise the Atlantic Ocean enjoy an experience that will live with you forever. Aug 17 KILLYBEGS, Ireland Aug 18 ROTHESAY, Isle of Bute, Scotland Breathtaking natural scenery await on this celebratory cruise of the and Aug 19 OBAN, Scotland Ireland. Discover misty mountains, brightly coloured seaside towns, and castles and gardens Aug 20 TOBERMORY, Isle of Mull, Scotland in Scotland. Kirkwall offers Neolithic sites and a 12th century cathedral while your visit to Aug 21 Cruise the Inner Hebrides Aug 22 KIRKWALL, Orkeny Islands, Scotland Edinburgh makes a fi tting fi nale. Aug 23 INVERGORDON, Scotland Aug 24 LEITH, Scotland Mr Bridge Aug 25 Cruising All passengers who have booked and registered through Mr Bridge will be eligible to partake Aug 26 DOVER, England Disembark in the exclusive late afternoon duplicate session. There is no Bridge supplement, as like most of the excursions, it is included in the price. Mr Bridge actively encourages singles to join the party and they will always be found a partner for a game. 01483 489961 for brochures and bookings

Fare shown is per person based on two people sharing a cabin. Offer applies to new bookings only, is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Booking terms and conditions apply. Travel insurance not included. Swan Hellenic is a trading name of All Leisure Holidays Ltd ABTA W0302 ATOL 3897. YOU DEMAND YELLOW BOOK RE-DEVELOPMENT Among the most frequent The Beach Hotel, Worthing, requests of our cruisers, are is now in its last year before the following, particularly being re-developed as AT THE the more discerning. apartments. Consequently, I BEACH HOTEL am making the most of this l small ships Worthing BN11 3QJ no flying much loved venue. Over the l last few years our weekend l balconies insightful port lectures events at this hotel have got l better and better. Book early l inclusive tours no single supplements to avoid being disappointed. l No single supplement. l open sitting dining l daily duplicate Duplicate bridge players are DOUBLE DUMMY Discovery can meet some of said to be notoriously careful by Richard Wheen these requirements but with their money – nothing certainly not all. wrong with that you say but steady on old chap, aren’t ♠ A you generalising a bit. Well, ™ 2 Duplicate yes, I suppose I am, but it © K 2 really is about time to use ® Q 9 Events 2010 the new rule book. Copies ♠ Void ♠ Void with Ned Paul

going back to 1990 are still ™ J N ™ K Q W E in use at some clubs. © 10 9 8 S © Q J 29-31 Jan £199 Minerva, pictured above, ® J 10 ® K 8 Doubles carries only 325 passengers, To this end I repeat my offer – made at the time of ♠ Void has 12 cabins with balconies ™ A 11-13 June £215 (they sell very quickly), publication of Duplicate © A 7 6 Slam Bidding Oxbridge quality port Bridge Rules Simplified. ® A 2 & Cue Bids lectures, inclusive tours and Send in your old book – half open sitting dining the cover will do and seven © Full-board arrangements. Bridge groups first class stamps. I will send North (dummy) is on lead in Friday to Sunday of nine or ten tables at most. you the current issue by a no-trump contract. How return. Meanwhile, my club can North/South make all © All rooms with en-suite facilities I have bridge hosts on the offer still stands – 10 copies six tricks against any following cruises: for £35 delivered. defence? © No single supplement Mediterranean Spring (Answer on page 52.) © Tuition with Cadiz to Piraeus (Athens) BRIDGE DIRECTION supervised play, NOT FOR 7 April – 19 April Long overdue, but really bidding quiz and two seminars 13 days from £1295 pp. welcome none the less, PUBLICATION Bridge Direction Simplified Lure of the Levant My ‘Ask Julian’ and ‘Ask is to be published later this Piraeus (Athens) to Aqaba David’ services can only year. I have commissioned 19 April – 1 May work if the problems they Bernard Magee and David 13 days from £1295 pp. are asked to examine and Stevenson to produce a clear, The bridge party is already advise about can be concise and accurate guide full, but it still promises to published. Please bear this to bridge club direction. be a lovely cruise. in mind. For the moment, Simple Highlands and Islands NED PAUL Dover to Dover Direction at the Club by Dr C E Gurr is on sale at £4.75. 12 August – 26 August Adjacent are details of two No Single 15 days from £1595 pp. However, pay £6.75 and I extra events I have fitted in Supplement Crusaders and Pharaohs will send you Gurr now and to the programme at the Guaranteed Limassol (Cyprus) to Aqaba the Magee/Stevenson when soon to be closed Beach it is ready. Every club Hotel. Ned Paul will be sea-facing views 21 November – 4 December £30 extra per room 15 days from £1655 pp. should have at least one of hosting parties of not more these books to kick-start an than 13 tables at this very , Ryden Grange, Do look at the advertisement interest of a few of your popular venue. Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH on the facing page or the younger willing horses page overleaf which should to take on this interesting Happy New Year. ( 01483 489961 encourage you to telephone and, most of the time, email: [email protected] website: www.holidaybridge.com my office for a brochure. rewarding work.

Page 11 Swan Hellenic Discovery Cruising Crusaders & Pharaohs

For people with a mind to travel 15 days departing November 20, 2010 At Swan Hellenic, we will always go further and delve that bit deeper. Our on-board from £1,655pp Date Port Guest Speakers and inclusive excursions ashore take you behind civilisations, both ancient Nov 21 Depart UK by air to Limassol, Cyprus and modern, with fascinating results. You will travel in country house style with around Embark mv MINERVA 320 other like-minded passengers. Choose to dine in the restaurant of your choice and Nov 22 LIMASSOL, Cyprus Nov 23 LATAKIA, Syria in the company of your friends and you will still be assured of exceptional value for Nov 24 TARTOUS, Syria money, including all tips on board and ashore. Travel with a truly great British company, Nov 25 Cruise the Mediterranean Sea established in 1954, and enjoy an experience that will live with you forever. Nov 26 ALEXANDRIA, Egypt Nov 27 Cruise the Mediterranean Sea Transit the Suez Canal, sail the Red Sea, discover Egyptian treasures including the Nov 28 Transit the Suez Canal ADABIYA, Egypt Pyramids of Giza, the Cairo Museum, Sakkara, remote St Anthony’s Monastery and Nov 29 Cruise the Red Sea the temples of Luxor. There’s also the unique opportunity to walk through the Siq to SHARM-EL-SHEIKH, Egypt discover the hidden city of Petra. Nov 30 Sharm-el-Sheikh, Egypt Dec 1-2 SAFAGA, Egypt Dec 3 AQABA, Jordan Mr Bridge Dec 4 Aqaba, Jordan All passengers who have booked and registered through Mr Bridge will be eligible to Disembark and transfer to airport for fl ight home to UK partake in the exclusive late afternoon duplicate session. There is no Bridge supplement, as like most of the excursions, it is included in the price. Mr Bridge actively encourages singles to join the party and they will always be found a partner for a game. 01483 489961 for brochures and bookings

Fare shown is per person based on two people sharing a cabin. Offer applies to new bookings only, is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Booking terms and conditions apply. Travel insurance not included. Swan Hellenic is a trading name of All Leisure Holidays Ltd ABTA W0302 ATOL 3897. The Generation Game by Michael Scarrott

e took my eight of spades Towered over us at the table and chewed home. Each team will consist of eight with the nine, claimed the gum throughout the round. Told us it players with the first round due to take ‘Hcontract, and said, ‘Better was not worth explaining their system, place in the college library next Friday luck next time granddad!’ Well, I called as we were too old to understand. Poor evening. We will play the final 24 him an impudent young scamp. One Basil completely lost his concentration boards next Saturday afternoon in our thing led to another and we agreed to and uncharacteristically played out-of- dining room.’ settle it with a 48-board competition turn on our second deal.’ ‘Can’t do that, ‘We can organise an afternoon tea between the local Sixth Form College Squire,’ said Jacko in a decidedly with sandwiches, home-made cakes and and the Sunset House Retirement intimidating tone. cream scones,’ said an enthusiastic Home. Alice Wit. ‘I might even ask Maud to Craig and Jacko Chastised make a batch of her famous chocolate The Charity Bridge Drive brownies and almond triangles. It is Luckily for us, Mavis Rudd was such a pity that most youngsters these Gerry Webster pinned the notice directing the play; she chastised both of days seem to live on nothing but junk announcing the match on the home’s them for upsetting an elderly player. ‘If food, eating as and when they please.’ lounge information board. Gerry’s it happens again, I shall ask you both to ‘Do you think we could persuade old friend and regular bridge partner, leave. No Fear means you have to be Charles Drake to take part,’ interrupted Morris Brook, joined in, ‘Yes, it was kind and polite to everyone.’ Lionel Snow. ‘Was he something to do quite uncalled for. It was supposed to be Eventually, it became clear that one of with the Magic Circle? I believe his a relaxed, no fear charity bridge drive the lecturers was preparing a team to speciality was sleight of hand using a with all proceeds going towards the take part in a national event and pack of cards!’ ‘Would that be rather church tower restoration fund. We suggested the players get involved with unfair?’ said Alice. ‘Not a bit of it,’ decided to support the event and Gerry the local bridge scene. The squad were came back a unanimous chorus. even organised a mini-bus so that we getting intensive training sessions could all travel together.’ designed to give them a superior edge at Session One Everything went smoothly up until the table. Gerry decided to find out who the mixed group from the local college was responsible for allowing them to Friday evening found the eight players came marching in. ‘Just to get some come out without any social graces or from the retirement home entering the playing experience’ was their excuse.’ etiquette. college library somewhat nervously. ‘It ‘They seemed OK to start with,’ ‘You remember that particularly is a few years since I was last in one of continued Ethel Wells. ‘We came up scruffy chap with the spiky hair and these places,’ chirped up Eddie Ball. ‘A against two of the girls on round four. thick stubble all over his chin? Well it few decades more like it,’ retorted Maud Astrid and Lara. Both dressed in black transpired he was the teacher involved. Adams. ‘Now, now, team,’ said Gerry. with bright red lips and rather fearsome He readily agreed to the competition ‘Let us keep our sharp tongues for that makeup. When I explained our system and even had the cheek to say they lot in there.’ as basic Acol they just laughed and said would make it as painless as possible! Their opponents – four girls and four we were not to worry as they would Now it is jolly well up to us to teach boys each sporting a bright red T-shirt probably be doing all the bidding them a lesson they will not forget in a emblazoned with the slogan ‘No to anyway!’ hurry.’ Acol, Yes to Alcohol’ greeted them. ‘All harmless fun I suppose,’ whispered No Social Graces The Challenge Doris to her partner Maud. With introductions over, play was soon ‘They were all pretty much the same,’ ‘We have agreed to divide the match underway. ‘Hope you don’t mind the added Wally Brown. ‘We played against into two 24-board sessions split equally kibitzers,’ announced the college Craig and Jacko. Two great big lads. between the college and the retirement captain, Hugo Spear. ‘They look

Page 13 , preferring instead to give as The Generation Game continued little away as possible to the opponents. This finished the bidding and Bex led the five of hearts. The complete deal was: upon us as modern-day leviathans and had a 6-card suit for his , which have wagers on what our victory margin meant that his partner probably had a will be.’ ‘What happens if you lose?’ singleton. The solution was really quite Maud retorted an incensed Gerry Webster. ‘Do simple. He won the first trick in hand ♠ Q J 5 3 2 you get thrown to the lions or with the king of hearts and led the ™ J 7 6 something?’ diamond king. He overtook with © 9 6 3 Not one to be intimidated, Gerry dummy’s ace and played the diamond ® 10 5 opened 1 ♠ on the first board. Hugo queen to take care of the outstanding Bex Jen overcalled 2 ™ and Morris responded heart in hand. Ten tricks were there and ♠ 7 6 ♠ 10 9 8 4 2NT. Gerry rebid his spade suit to show an excited Morris was soon writing up ™ Q 10 8 5 3 N ™ 4 W E length and Morris went promptly to the score. I nstantly Hugo and Vinnie © K J 4 S © Q 8 5 2 game in spades. Taking little notice of began a heated exchange over the ® J 7 2 ® K Q 9 3 his partner’s silence throughout the outcome. ‘How was I to know the old Doris proceedings, Hugo shook his mop of guy was a half-decent player? I ♠ A K unruly hair just like a dog that has come expected him to set about drawing ™ A K 9 2 out of a pond and flicked the double trumps as soon as he won the opening ™ A 10 7 card onto the table. ‘Audacious lead.’ Morris looked up and said, ‘You ® A 8 6 4 behaviour,’ thought Morris, ‘I just hope should never assume anything, young we haven’t overstretched ourselves.’ man. Has nobody told you there’s many Hugo led the queen of hearts and his a good tune played on an old fiddle?’ Doris scrutinized Maud’s dummy partner, Vinnie, gave an unpleasant carefully. Hasty play at trick one was grunt. Youthful Exuberance often the reason for failed contracts. This was the full deal: The spade suit looked promising for Meanwhile, Maud and Doris were five tricks but, without an obvious entry struggling to get to grips with the antics to dummy, the ace-king in hand blocked Morris of Jen and Bex. ‘Don’t worry, this will the suit. The heart jack looked like the ♠ 10 6 soon be over,’ said Bex after gaining an only possible way of reaching dummy ™ A 7 4 2 easy overtrick on the first board. Doris to play the spade winners. The only © A Q 8 5 managed a smile and hoped the obstacle was the heart queen – almost ® Q 9 3 situation would soon turn to their certainly with Bex. Hugo Vinnie advantage. The two college girls were a ♠ A K ♠ 7 5 3 popular pair, judging by the fellow Planning at Trick One ™ Q J 10 9 8 5 N ™ 6 student onlookers gathered around the W E © 7 3 2 S © J 10 9 6 4 table. ‘This is all Gerry’s fault,’ With her mind made up, she played the ® A 6 ® 8 7 4 2 reflected a nonplussed Maud. ‘Why on six of hearts from dummy and, when Gerry earth did he have to go and challenge Jen followed with the four, she took the ♠ Q J 9 8 4 2 this lot? I would much sooner be back at trick with the ace in hand. Doris cashed ™ K 3 Sunset House with my feet up and the ace-king of spades and led a low © K watching the telly.’ heart towards dummy’s jack. Bex won ® K J 10 5 ‘Hope you don’t mind the fan club,’ with the queen and played a low club. said Jen in a friendly tone. ‘Yes,’ joined Doris took this with the ace in hand and in Bex, ‘we have quite a following after led the nine of hearts to dummy’s jack. Morris presented dummy in his usual an amazing victory over a well-known Jen gave a sporting nod in recognition methodical manner and looked to Gerry public school. The grand slam in of Doris’s careful play with the outcome for approval. ‘Thank you very much, diamonds on the last board clinched the being five spade tricks, three hearts, one partner,’ said Gerry in a very confident match. The Master in charge of their club and one diamond. ‘Very well manner. Hugo glanced sideways at team even hinted that they might start played!’ said a jubilant Maud. ‘It just Gerry’s impartial expression and hoped offering scholarships for bridge. They goes to show you cannot turn back the he had not overstepped the mark with should be so lucky!’ ‘Such a pretty girl,’ clock but you sure can wind it up again!’ his double. thought Doris, ‘I suppose it’s only ‘Yes, well done,’ joined in Bex. ‘It is natural for them to show such youthful interesting to note that if you win the Careful Play from Gerry exuberance.’ first trick with the six or nine, the jack On the final board of the round, Doris will not provide an entry to dummy. The With only three top tricks to lose, Gerry opened 2NT with a balanced 22 points. spades will give you just two tricks and realised quickly that the contract was Bex passed and Maud went straight to the contract will be down two.’ secure unless the opponents managed a 3NT. She decided against her usual ‘How do you think our lads will heart . The bidding suggested Hugo transfer sequence to show a five-card cope?’ asked a concerned Jen. ‘It

Page 14 The Generation Game continued managed a trip into town before the start of the match to buy the shirts and to get them printed. It was not long before the first slam of the afternoon came along. Gordon and looks like Jacko will be in the driving Bidding started the same at every table: Eric from the retirement home were seat,’ replied Bex. ‘He has always been West opened 2 ® and rebid 2NT over playing against Polly and Lois from the a bit of a loose cannon. I cannot see that East’s response of 2 ©. In each case, 3NT college team. ‘We’ve no time for the he will take time to work out the became the final contract. North led the esoteric aspects of the game,’ said a very importance of the heart play.’ Doris queen of spades and declarer counted assured Polly. ‘Our team should be wiped the perspiration off her brow and eight top tricks. A crucial decision came miles ahead by now, so we’ve been Maud went to get them both a glass of after taking the ace of spades. The drafted in to neutralize the enemy.’ water. ‘I think you deserve something college team opted for the clubs to break ‘Such confidence,’ thought Eric as he stronger,’ said Jen. ‘It’s such a shame 3-3 in the hope of running ten tricks. The thumbed through his cards. ‘Telling a we can have only soft drinks in the retirement home took due note of the teenager the facts of life these days library.’ She winked at Bex who added, and decided on the would be the equivalent of giving a fish ‘Yes, we are really looking forward to diamond . The finesse has a 50% a bath!’ something stronger when we come up chance of success while a kind club to the retirement home tomorrow break is less than 40%. Which one 13 Winners, only 11 Tricks? afternoon.’ Doris grinned and replied in worked? Well, a happy smile on the face a good-natured tone, ‘We can definitely of Charles said it all. Polly opened a pre-emptive 3 ™ and offer you both a cup of good, strong Gordon blasted straight to 6 ♠ on one of tea!’ End of Session One the best hands he had ever had. Lois led the two of hearts and Gordon held his Toby and Rocco, Thanks to some fine play and good breath in trepidation as he watched Eric College Champions defence, the team from the retirement display dummy’s cards. This was the home was only a few points behind at full deal: On the far side of the room, Charles and the finish of the first session. ‘I suppose his partner Lionel were up against you lot will be off to celebrate with a college champions, Toby and Rocco. mug of cocoa,’ said a none-too-pleased Eric ‘Take no prisoners, lads – that is what Rocco as Gerry’s team made ready to ♠ 4 the coach said.’ Lionel looked up at a leave. ™ 8 3 smirking Rocco and reminded him that ‘We look forward to seeing you all © Q 10 8 7 2 this was just a friendly match between tomorrow afternoon,’ replied a ® K J 9 5 3 the wisdom of age and the spirit of delighted Gerry. ‘You are all welcome Lois Polly youth. ‘Well, if that’s the case, I can tell to stay for a victory tea afterwards. ♠ 7 6 5 ♠ 8 3 N you here and now that the four ages of Would you like to bring some of your ™ 2 W E ™ K Q J 10 7 5 4 man are laga, aga, saga and gaga.’ friends to watch the play? I think quite © J 9 6 5 3 S © 4 Charles winced slightly as he realised a few of them have taken to our Doris ® Q 8 7 4 ♠ 10 6 2 what was coming next. ‘Toby and I are and Maud!’ Gordon both enjoying life in the laga stage, ♠ A K Q J 10 9 2 while you two old codgers are just about Colourful Shirts ™ A 9 6 to graduate from saga to gaga!’ Hoots of © A K laughter echoed round the room and The Saturday afternoon match was soon ® A even Lionel managed a smile. ‘Thank underway with quite a few non-playing goodness youth is a malady of which residents gathered to watch the play and one becomes cured a little every day!’ to see the colourfully dressed college There were thirteen top tricks but, with team in action. Each sported a bright only eleven of them cashable, two Percentage Play yellow tee shirt with the words ‘veni, seemingly inescapable heart losers. vidi, vici’ in bold, black lettering ‘Everything would be fine if only I Ironically, the outcome of the first emblazoned on the front. ‘What’s that could gain an entry to dummy,’ thought session depended on percentage play. In supposed to mean?’ asked a puzzled Gordon. ‘Both losing hearts could then each case, the contract was 3NT. This Norman Bates. ‘It’s a bit premature if go away – one on the diamond queen was declarer and dummy: you ask me,’ replied Gerry. ‘It is Latin and the other on the king of clubs.’ The and translates into something like “I sudden sound of a siren broke his came, I saw, I conquered”.’ concentration as a fire engine raced up Declarer Dummy Expecting something like this, the the nearby main road. Gordon regained ♠ 4 3 ♠ A 8 Sunset House team had managed to kit his composure and realised there might ™ A K Q N ™ 10 7 6 2 themselves out with their very own light be a slim chance of success. W E © A Q 6 S © 8 7 5 4 3 blue polo shirts with the words ‘Blessed He won the first trick with the ace and ® A K Q 3 2 ® 6 4 are the young for they shall inherit the then cashed two high trumps. The ace of national debt.’ Gladys Cooper had clubs and the ace and king of

Page 15 The Generation Game continued the queen in hand. She then led a club to dummy and ruffed a spade in hand. She noted with satisfaction the fall of the jack and ten of spades, which now meant that the nine was now good to diamonds followed this. With only one singleton. Max passed. ‘Oh, well,’ discard the queen of diamonds. trump outstanding, he played the two of thought Coral, ‘I can’t remember Max and Amelia congratulated Coral spades from hand and was relieved to having a heart suit quite as solid as this on her performance. ‘Will our pair find see Lois take this trick with the seven. one, so I might as well try to make the that line of play?’ enquired Amelia. ‘I Lois pursed her lips as she realised the most of it.’ The auction ended with her rather suspect they will try the diamond inevitable. She nodded her head in jump to 6 ™. finesse and just put it down to bad luck appreciation of Gordon’s clever play when it fails.’ and led a club to the king in dummy. Only Chance a Finesse? ‘Twelve tricks bid and made,’ said a Sumptuous Feast delighted Eric. ‘Let me make a quick ‘Well, well, well,’ thought Amelia as note of the deal and I’ll make sure it she led the ten of clubs. ‘I don’t know The final boards of the competition gets a mention in our monthly about that high tea we’ve been promised were soon over, though it took a few newsletter. It confirms what I’ve after the match, but we may have to eat minutes to collate the results. The thought all along, bridge is no game for some ‘humble pie’ as well!’ This was players started to tuck into a sumptuous sissies!’ The girls joined in the good- the full deal: feast of homemade quiches, cakes, natured fun. ‘Yes,’ added Polly. ‘We can cream scones, sandwiches, apple pie, call him “Flash” after the comic book cheesecake, and lemon meringue. ‘This space hero, Flash Gordon!’ Vera has been a great afternoon out for us,’ ♠ 9 6 5 2 announced Hugo on behalf of the Never Say an Unkind Word ™ A 7 6 3 college team. You have shown us that an © 4 3 uncluttered game is the most effective; Vera and Coral from the Sunset House ® A K Q there is nothing quite to match a subtle team were having an interesting time Amelia Max table presence. It is clear to us that old against the mixed partnership of Max ♠ A 8 4 3 ♠ J 10 7 age is when actions creak louder than N and Amelia. ‘Don’t you ever fall out or ™ 5 4 W E ™ 2 words! We hope this event will become get angry at each other?’ asked an © K J 10 6 2 S © 9 8 7 5 a regular fixture on our college inquisitive Max. ‘Most of the college ® 10 9 ® J 7 6 4 3 timetable and we all look forward to pairs change partners with monotonous Coral meeting up with our newfound friends regularity.’ Coral smiled at this sad ♠ K Q on a regular basis – especially if reflection and answered in a helpful ™ K Q J 10 9 8 afternoon tea is on offer!’ tone, ‘We make a few mistakes and © A Q Gerry stood up and thanked Hugo for have a few misunderstandings at times, ® 8 5 2 his kind words. ‘We’ve had such a lot of but we make it a rule never to say an fun ourselves. It is good to think we can unkind word to each other. It always learn from one another. Your optimistic helps to give partner a big smile at the Coral frowned ever so slightly as she expectations have been like a breath of start of every session. Bridge generally assessed her chances. With the spade fresh air – a long session of bridge does has a bad name amongst non-players ace a certain loser, it looked as though not have to mean a sentence of tomblike who see nothing but backbiting, the outcome rested on a successful silence at the table! A bit of friendly acrimony and endless, acidulous post finesse of the diamond queen. Coral had bantering should add enjoyment to the mortems. It’s such a shame.’ a pet aversion to and used them game – rather than a reason to call the only as an absolute last resort. Might director.’ Final Board there be another less obvious chance worth trying first? With a bit of luck I The Result Coral opened 1 ™ on the final board of might just be able to establish the nine the round. Amelia passed and Vera of spades. With the full results of both sessions thought for a second before deciding on now in, Gerry was more than pleased to the Swiss conventional bid of 4 ® to Keeping Entries in Dummy announce an honourable draw. Both describe her hand to the full. A very sides felt this was a fitting result and excited Coral alerted this unthinkingly After winning the lead in dummy nobody wanted to play any additional and Max asked whether it was the rather perforce, she drew the missing trumps boards. Morris had the final word as the old-fashioned Gerber system asking for without using the ace from dummy. She last of the students went out through the aces. Coral gave an accurate description next led the spade king, won by Amelia, front door of Sunset House. ‘Youth is of Vera’s response, a value raise to 4 ™ who then returned her final club. Coral such a wonderful thing. What a shame with two aces and, in their methods, no took this in dummy and led a spade to to waste it on the young!’ n

Sadly, during the preparation of this issue, we learned of the sudden death of Michael Scarrott.

Page 16 It Happened That Way by Freddie North

Take-out of Partner’s 3NT

uring my many trips across the co-operate in getting to 6 ®. Two choice of 3NT, he meant to convey Seven Seas running bridge aces, a five-card club suit and eighteen or nineteen points. Perhaps Dcruises, mainly for P & O, I perhaps a vital card (the king) in East took this on board but simply did learnt a thing or two. One of these gems partner’s suit. It all looks very not know how to proceed. of wisdom was that inexperienced promising. True, East has only nine points but players – and some quite experienced – 2 This time, with only one ace and no there is plenty of compensation with never use a take-out bid after partner’s great fit in diamonds, West should that promising eight-card suit – so long 3NT in the same way as experts. Let me rebid 4NT, a sign off unless, of as partner has the right controls and fit. give you an example. course, partner has other ideas. With West’s actual hand, it would be As East, you hold: 3 You would now want to get to 7 ® reasonable to convert 4 ® to 6NT. although bidding grand slams is Perhaps North would lead a diamond to seldom easy. No doubt, finding the South’s ace, in which case declarer ´ 7 5 double fit and locating all the vital could claim the remainder of the tricks ™ 8 controls would get you there. without playing a single card from his © A Q J 9 4 hand. ® K 10 6 3 2 What started this discourse was a deal If North decides on a ‘safe’ black suit from the local club duplicate when the lead, South will find himself squeezed cards fell like this: out of his diamond trick when the play West, your partner, opens the bidding advances to the following position: with 1 ® and you respond 1 ©. West rebids 3NT – over to you. Dealer West. N/S Vul. Obviously, the no-trump game may be ´ 7 Immaterial best; on the other hand, a small slam in ™ K 7 5 3 clubs could be iron clad, so how should © Q 8 6 5 4 3 ´ A K 4 ´ 6 N you investigate? The clear-cut solution ® 8 3 ™ Void W E ™ Q 8 is to continue with 4 ® – a bid that many ´ A K 4 3 2 ´ Q 6 © K S © Void players would miss as they might be ™ A 9 4 N ™ Q 8 2 ® Void ® 4 W E unsure of its meaning. © K 9 7 S © Void ´ J 10 9 Taking partner out of game into four ® K Q ® A J 10 9 7 6 4 2 ™ Void of a minor is not a retrograde step or ´ J 10 9 8 5 © A sign of weakness. On the contrary, it is a ™ J 10 6 ® Void forward-going move suggesting the © A J 10 2 possibility of slam if partner’s hand is ® 5 suitable. On a good day, perhaps even a On the last of dummy’s clubs, South grand slam may be biddable. cannot afford to release any of his Built into this sort of sequence is a This was the bidding at one table and remaining cards. If he throws the ace of safety valve that allows the opener to repeated in similar vein at others: diamonds, West discards the four of sign off in 4NT when unsuitable, which spades; if instead South chooses to usually means a poor fit and shortage of West North East South jettison a spade, declarer will throw the aces. Let us look at three possible hands 1´ Pass 2® Pass king of diamonds. In either case, West that would be consistent with West’s 3NT End will make all thirteen tricks. bidding. The squeeze would also work if the East thought for a long time after 3NT defender with the spade length had the but decided eventually there was king of hearts rather than the ace of Hand 1 Hand 2 Hand 3 nothing she could do. Obviously, she did diamonds. ´ A 10 9 ´ K Q J ´ A 10 9 not have a meaningful bid of 4 ® in her It is interesting to note that 7 ® makes ™ K Q 6 ™ K Q J ™ A J 6 armoury. Pity, as West would have been on any lead because the same squeeze © K 6 © 6 3 © K 10 very happy to co-operate. cooks South’s goose. The difference in ® A Q J 7 4 ® A Q J 7 4 ® A Q J 7 4 A new factor arises here. Since East the club contract is that South can never has responded at the two level, West cash his ace of diamonds. However, could have made a forcing rebid of 2NT getting there – well, that is another 1 Here, West should be very happy to in most partnerships. With his actual story! n

Page 17

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FARES FROM £549 PER PERSON YOUR VOYAGE No-fl y cruises to Scandinavia & Northern Waters Bridge Host INCLUDES: Springtime in the Norwegian Fjords 24 May 2010 – 8 days from £799pp Gary Conrad Harwich ~ Bergen ~ Ålesund ~ Hellesylt ~ Geiranger ~ Flåm ~ Harwich • Inspiring destinations and St Petersburg & Baltic Treasures 31 May 2010 – 13 days from £1,099pp Ray & Liz enlightening excursions Harwich ~ Copenhagen ~ Stockholm ~ Tallinn ~ St Petersburg (overnight) ~ Gdynia Hutchinson Warnemünde ~ Kiel Canal ~ Harwich • Comprehensive lecture and Land of the Midnight Sun 12 June 2010 – 11 days from £1,099pp Alex Davoud Guest Speaker programme Harwich ~ Ålesund ~ Honningsvåg ~ Tromsø ~ Leknes ~ Flåm ~ Harwich • Travel with around 650 like-minded British Isles Heritage Trail 22 June 2010 – 12 days from £999pp Tony & Harwich ~ St Peter Port ~ Tresco ~ Cobh ~ Dublin ~ ~ Oban ~ Invergordon Jan Richards passengers in 4-star comfort Dundee ~ Harwich The North Cape & Spitsbergen 3 July 2010 – 15 days from £1,499pp • Flights from/to the UK for fl y-cruises Harwich ~ Ålesund ~ Honningsvåg ~ Ny-Ålesund ~ Longyearbyen ~ Barentsburg Alison Nicolson (Manchester £15pp supplement) Tromsø ~ Leknes ~ Flåm ~ Harwich Baltic Capitals 17 July 2010 13 days from £1,099pp • All meals, entertainment and Alan Lamb & Harwich ~ Copenhagen ~ Stockholm ~ Tallinn ~ St Petersburg (overnight) ~ Helsinki Don Phillips gratuities on-board included with Warnemünde ~ Kiel Canal ~ Harwich Fjords, Faroes, Fire & Ice with Mr & Mrs Bridge no hidden extras Tony & 29 July 2010 – 9 days from £999pp Jan Richards • Friendly and relaxed atmosphere Harwich ~ Flåm ~ Ålesund ~ Tórshavn ~ Akureyri ~ Reykjavik (overnight) on board In the Wake of the Vikings with Mr & Mrs Bridge Tony & 29 July 2010 – 23 days • Inside from £1,995pp • Outside from £2,655pp Jan Richards • All prices on board in British pounds Combine ‘Fjords, Faroes, Fire & Ice’ with ‘Iceland & Greenland’ for a mesmerizing 23-day cruise Iceland & Greenland 6 Aug 2010 – 15 days • Captain’s cocktail parties and Tony & Inside from £1,599pp SPECIAL OUTSIDE FARE FROM £1,849p gala dinners Jan Richards Reykjavik (overnight) ~ Illulisat ~ Nuuk ~ Qaqortoq ~ Kirkwall ~ Harwich • All port and pre-paid airport taxes A Taste of France 20 Aug 2010 – 11 days from £999pp Ray & Liz Harwich ~ St Helier ~ La Rochelle ~ Bordeaux ~ St Malo ~ Rouen ~ Harwich Hutchinson Magic of the Norwegian Fjords 30 Aug 2010 – 8 days from £749pp Gary Conrad ‘ Harwich ~ Bergen ~ Ålesund ~ Hellesylt ~ Geiranger ~ Flåm ~ Harwich

Unique historical and cultural cruises to Mediterranean & Black Sea Cruise to the Riviera with Bernard Magee 6 Sept 2010 – 8 days • Inside from £549pp • Outside from £649pp EXCLUSIVE OFFERS All Mr Bridge passengers, who have Harwich ~ Lisbon ~ Gibraltar ~ Almeria ~ Nice paid the £30 per person bridge supplement, Grand Iberia & Italy with Bernard Magee will be part of the exclusive bridge party. 6 Sept 2010 – 18 days • Inside from £1,399pp • Outside from £1,699pp EXCLUSIVE OFFERS This will make them eligible for the Combine ‘Cruise to the Riviera’ with ‘Italy & Sicily’ for a breathtaking 18-day journey seminars, drinks parties, quiz competitions, Italian Insights with Bernard Magee 13 Sept 2010 – 11 days from £1,099pp occasional afternoon and daily evening Nice (overnight) ~ Santa Margherita ~ Livorno (Florence/Pisa) ~ Civitavecchia (Rome) Sorrento ~ Palermo ~ Catania ~ Valletta duplicates after fi rst sitting dinner. The Venice & The Adriatic with Mr & Mrs Bridge 23 Sept 2010 – 11 days bridge programme is fully optional and you Sandy Bell & may participate as much or as little as you Inside from £1,199pp SPECIAL OUTSIDE FARE FROM £1,399p Graham Crane Valletta ~ Korcula ~ Zadar ~ Venice (overnight) ~ Koper ~ Split ~ Hvar~ Dubrovnik wish. Mr Bridge actively encourages singles Black Sea Voyager 15 Oct 2010 – 11 days from £1,299pp to join the party and they will always be Istanbul (overnight) ~ Trabzon ~ Sochi (overnight) ~ Yalta ~ Sevastopol ~ Odessa Alison Nicolson found a partner for a game. Nesebur ~ Istanbul (overnight) North African Treasures 25 Oct 2010 – 13 days from £1,299pp DUPLICATE BRIDGE GUARANTEED Istanbul (overnight) ~ Heraklion ~ Valletta ~ Tripoli ~ Al Khums ~ Benghazi Alan Lamb Alexandria (overnight) In Search of Ancient Civilisations 6 Nov 2010 – 13 days from £1,299pp Alexandria ~ Benghazi ~ Al Khums ~ Valletta ~ Trapani ~ La Goulette ~ Cagliari Sicily ~ Cartagena ~ Malaga

Fares shown are per person based on two people sharing lowest inside/outside twin-bedded cabin category as shown and include all applicable discounts for new bookings only. All offers are subject to availability, are capacity controlled and may be withdrawn at any time. Flights from Manchester £15pp supplement (£7.50pp each way). See brochure for full terms and conditions. Only bookings made directly with Mr Bridge are eligible to be part of the Mr Bridge Group. Those wishing to play bridge, please note that there is a bridge supplement of £30 per bridge player to be confi rmed at the time of booking. Voyages of Discovery is a trading name of All Leisure Holidays Ltd. Photo credit: Lofoten – Frithjof Fure/Innovation Norway. DAVID STEVENSON answers questions on Bridge Laws Does Misboarding at One Table Spoil All the Results?

At a recent Of course, the board declarer still picks up time you have made a duplicate event should stay in the middle of dummy’s cards himself. mistake that has helped you: Q with aggregate the table. Occasionally that it happens to everyone scoring in use, the first is impractical owing to ®©™ ´ sometimes. On this recorded result showed small tables or poor eyesight occasion, your opponent South played in 4 ™ going or similar; in that case, My West hand was lucky. one down. In the second everyone must make sure was as follows. round, following a rotation the board stays in the right Q ®©™ ´ of the cards, East played direction if it goes to a in 4 ™ making 10 tricks; corner of the table. If I were East was in 3 ´. At the board continued in sure that North moved it, I ´ A K J 8 6 the end of play, that fashion with East would also explain to him ™ 7 6 Q East, West and playing in hearts making that he must not turn the © A K 4 North returned their cards 9 or 10 tricks. board. ® 6 4 3 to the board. East then The director cancelled claimed that he had made the board for the whole ®©™ ´ the contract. My (South) night with no penalties North opened 1 ©. East cards were still on the applied to the offending At our small local passed. South bid 1 ´. table and indicated that pair(s). The cause of the club, I was Snookered, I passed. North E/W had made 8 tricks. problem was that North at Q informed that it is rebid 2 © followed by three I called the director and the first table turned the poor etiquette for declarer passes. suggested that, as we had board round 90 degrees to play a card from When South displayed not agreed the number of when putting it to the side dummy manually, i.e. dummy, to my surprise tricks and only my cards of the table and did not reaching across, lifting the there were only ´7-x-x. remained on the table, my correct this before the card and setting it down in On questioning South trick count should prevail. players replaced their front of my partner. about her 1 ´, she said, ‘I The director ruled that cards. Was the ruling Name and address supplied. thought I had four spades the other players retrieve correct? as one of my clubs was in their cards from the M A Cooper, Huddersfield. Assuming it is a the wrong place.’ This board; E/W then made out duplicate club, it is bidding denied E/W a a case for 9 tricks. No – there is no A more than poor makeable 4 ´. Was the ruling correct? reason to cancel the etiquette: it is against the Name and address supplied. A Glidle by email. A board, and anyone rules and has been so for who made ten tricks, or any twelve years or more. You Making mistakes is Yes, the director opponent who defeated 4 ™, are required to name the very much what makes decisions has a right to feel annoyed. card, which dummy will A this game is all A based on all the The director should score then put in the correct place. about; sometimes when evidence. the first table as average Only if dummy is unable to players make a mistake, Your cards in front of you minus for both sides. do this (usually because he they gain rather than lose. It is evidence; if he cannot The way to do this is to has left the table for some is legal to bid a three-card decide any other way, he calculate the average score reason) is it acceptable to suit, whether by accident or will quite likely decide on on the board, and give each reach across and touch the deliberately: that is a misbid that basis – but there is side that score less 100 cards. It is different in or a psyche. You have no nothing to stop him trying to points. rubber or Chicago, where redress. I am sure that some find out otherwise first.

Page 20 2. A switch to hearts at meaning of a bid, told me My club has Ask David continued trick two might have led to that I should have known decided to try an adverse ruling. It would what it meant and refused Q doing away with depend on the hand. to say. Another player, curtain cards. I was North At the start of the after committing an at table 1. The score for round at duplicate, ®©™ ´ infringement, threatened table 2 was 4 ® made by Q E/W informed N/S never to come again if E/W. This was impossible about their system (not I held this West anyone called the director. as they had three clubs Acol). The bidding on hand at love all: This situation means that between them. They could, board 16 was: Q players try to resolve however, have made 4 ©. matters themselves. The Director asked me to West North East South M B Evans, talk to North on table 2 Pass Pass 1´ * Pass ´ 8 7 Tarporley, Cheshire. and East, who was now on 2® Pass 2™ Pass ™ Q J 9 4 3 table 3. Neither East nor 3NT End © J 8 5 3 2 Such annoyance West had a scorecard but *alerted and explained ® K when someone calls they agreed the contract A the director is rare was 4 ©. North and South North’s choice of lead was in clubs in which I have had no scorecard either from either red suit. Before West North East South played: it is against the laws but they also told me that leading, North asked West 1® 1™ 1´ and downright rude. the contract was 4 ©. if 2 ™ was natural. West 3™ Pass 4™ 5® Not calling the director Should a penalty have replied that it was. North Pass Pass Double End when something goes wrong applied and should at least led a diamond and dummy has led to the bitterest one member of each pair (East) revealed four hearts We collected 500 and a top. arguments of all in my have to keep a scorecard? to the ten. My LHO said that my 3 ™ experience. I do not advise Shirley Huber, South won the first trick was a psyche; he thought I it. It is time players learnt Newton Abbot. and decided that a heart should have 11 points and the role of a director, which switch was ‘taking that the authorities is to sort out disputes, I am pleased at your advantage of Unauthorised frowned upon psyches. Did differences of opinion and club’s decision to Information’. He returned I do anything wrong? apply the laws. Best of all is A give up curtain a diamond at trick two and Mrs A E Gilbert by email. a player who calls the cards. They create problems the contract made. director himself when he has as well as wasting time and At every other table, Your opponent was made the mistake. money for very little gain. those in no-trumps made talking twaddle. It is If the problem is a lack of Mistakes on score sheets just 8 tricks because N/S A possible he was confidence in the director, are quite common. You played hearts early. indulging in gamesmanship, there is a solution. These sorted out this one without 1. How can you ask or perhaps he is such an days, there are several scorecards, showing that questions without the risk inexperienced player he courses available for club scorecards are unnecessary. of giving UI to partner? thought you had done directors and perhaps your Many people keep them, 2. If South switches to a something strange when you club should consider sending which is fine if they want to, heart at trick two and West had not. Your 3 ™ was a its directors on courses. but there is no good reason calls the director, what is reasonable bid, not a psyche to inflict another rule on the ruling? and got a well-deserved ®©™ ´ bridge players. It would be Chris Catchpole, Yeovil. good result. wrong to issue any penalty A psyche occurs when you What cards, if any, whatever, even a mild 1. The lawmakers deliberately mislead partner can you inspect rebuke. All that would said that you had to and opponents by bidding to Q after quitting a happen is that you would A ask about the whole show a hand different from trick? Is the answer lose members fast. auction under the 1997 laws the one you have. Psyches different at duplicate? I wonder why the director to avoid this sort of problem. are legal, so long as they are Anne Jenks by email. asked you to sort it out. It is However, since everyone a surprise to partner as well his job, not yours. ignored this, they have as the opponents; you did At rubber accepted that you can ask not psyche here anyway. bridge/Chicago, questions about a single call, both declarer and David Stevenson answers A all queries based on the but they do warn you about ®©™ ´ the defenders may look at a UI (Law 21F3). To avoid any quitted trick until their side facts supplied by the risk, you would ask about People have called plays to the next trick. letter writer. the whole auction, though as me a troublemaker The rules at duplicate are Neither Mr Bridge nor it seems you knew about the after asking the different. At duplicate, you David Stevenson has any Q way of knowing whether 1´ bid, you might reasonably director to resolve a may inspect only your own have asked whether all the dispute. An opponent, last card once you have those facts are correct or other bids were natural. when asked about the turned your card face down. complete.

Page 21 to alert) and if she does There are no about pre-empts. What is Ask David continued change it then your partner responsibilities in the right answer? may change her 2 ™ bid. Your A Law for North apart Mrs Ena Callway, partner’s original failure to from moving the boards to Mill Hill, . Dealer, East, alert is unauthorised to you the next table (unless the opened 1NT, I was and you must take no director says otherwise). An opening bid of Q South and bid 2 ® advantage from it. There is a requirement 4® should always ( showing both about maintaining proper A be natural. Gerber is majors). West passed and ®©™ ´ conditions of play at a table: much over-used. my partner (North) bid 2 ™, that is primarily the However, this is not an not having alerted my bid. I was declarer responsibility of a stationary absolute rule: you can agree West then asked North with two cards left pair. That means North or whatever you like, but you whether the 2 ® was Q in dummy: the ´Q South only if they are must be in agreement with natural. My partner and ©Q – both masters, stationary and does not apply your partner! apologised for not having neither suit trumps. I led a if N/S are moving. It also alerted and admitted her low spade to the queen and says ‘primarily’ so if a board ®©™ ´ fault. West thereupon we all turned our cards is placed wrongly on the announced she had the over. I then exposed the table then all four players What is the Rule right to change her bid. last card in my hand ( ®10) should point it out. Slow of 25 and how does 1. Should West have and we all turned our play is the individual Q it relate to the waited until it was her turn cards over. My RHO said, player’s responsibility, and rules? to bid? ‘2 down’. I said, ‘No, just 1 not North’s. Rodney Bennett, Enfield 2. I called the director down. The queen of There are further rules laid and Aidan Buccholz. but, before I could say a diamonds was good’. She down by the Tournament word, West started to said, ‘You led from your Organiser (in a club, that There is a simple address him. Who has the hand and my partner’s ®J means the club) or even by valuation method right to speak first when took the trick’. We called custom and practice. People A used mainly to the director arrives? the director, who said, ‘No generally accept that North decide opening bids. You add 3. What ruling should gain’ (I did not understand or South do the scoring; East your points to the lengths of the director have given? that) and we scored it as 1 or West check it. your two longest suits. Name and address supplied. down. Was I right to For some unfathomable assume that the lead was in reason, many players assume No, West did not dummy and that ©Q won the scorer has to be North, ´ A K have the right to ask the trick? but why? ™ K Q 8 6 5 4 A about the sequence Sheila Mitchell, Glasgow. While the vast majority of © J 9 5 4 when it was her partner’s clubs that have Bridgemates ® 9 turn to call. You should I have no idea what have got rid of travellers, really have called the your director meant sadly a few clubs still use director and said, ‘My LHO A by no gain either! travellers as well, which If you had this hand, you has asked the meaning of the Anyway, this all sounds very slows the scoring, wastes would get 23 – 13 points auction and it is my RHO’s petty. I would assume you natural resources and plus 6 hearts plus 4 turn to bid. Is that alright?’. had claimed and were just introduces more mistakes diamonds – so you would The director should speak showing your hand, if so, of into the scoring. say this hand satisfied the first to the person who called course you get the last trick. Unbelievably, some ‘Rule of X’ where X is no him, so West was, at the very I am surprised at an players insist that North has higher than 23. I much least, impolite. Still, this is opponent who challenged to both do the Bridgemate prefer the Australian name: minor so long as the director this. and the traveller! Of course, they call it ‘Opening Points’, makes sure that everyone this is nonsense: unless so the hand shown has 23 gets their say. ®©™ ´ North or South is unable to ‘Opening Points.’ He should ask West not to score, one should do one, The minimum permitted ask questions when it is not I have a few one the other. strength to agree to open at her turn to call. He should questions about the 1-level in holiday/novice ask West not to give rulings Q North’s ®©™ ´ bridge is Rule of 19, or 19 at the table. He might also responsibilities. Opening Points: in all other warn West as to her future 1. What are his general As dealer with duplicates it is Rule of 18, or conduct and say that duties? eight clubs and 18 Opening Points. The procedural penalties might 2. Who should make sure Q eleven points, I minimum permitted strength occur if there is a repetition. the table finishes on time? opened 4 ®. My partner to agree to open at the Nevertheless, her ruling 3. Who should score on thought it was Gerber and 2-level and call it strong is a was in fact correct: she may the travellers and who on bid 4 ©. I rescued to five variety of things, but one of change her call because of the Bridgemates? clubs doubled, two off. the possibilities is Rule of the misinformation (failure Nanette Gardner by email. We had a big discussion 25, or 25 Opening Points.

Page 22 all four agreed it was 9 Howell movement as it were any real issue about Ask David continued tricks +140; North duly seems less fair, especially if unfairness, then Mitchells entered this on the traveller. there are a great many would be less equitable than At the end of the next hand, tables. Am I right on the three-quarter Howells, since My RHO opened the previous declarer stated fairness issue? with those you do not play 1™ and I held: ‘I had only 3 losers it should Geoffrey Maskall, . against any of the pairs with Q be 10 tricks.’ At this point, whom you are competing. they summoned me – they From one point of Why do clubs use three- could not agree the facts. It view, no pairs quarter Howells? They are a ´ K 8 4 was now the end of the A movement is good, practical solution to ™ A 9 round and I was finding my entirely fair: probably the many clubs’ problems. They © J 9 7 3 way through new ground in 7-table Howell is the closest are better than Mitchells ® A Q J 10 the laws so I ruled that I to fair. All pairs’ movements where you consider against would further check the have some innate unfairness. whom you play but this is a laws, the hand and adjust In practice, what we do is completely trivial problem I bid 1NT and LHO the score, if indeed to run events with a so is ignored by competent doubled. RHO alerted and declarer’s claim of 10 tricks reasonably adequate level of directors. said ‘penalties’. When the appeared right. In fact, fairness. Mitchells without bidding came back to me, I there were three obvious arrow switches are ®©™ ´ retreated to 2 ®. This went losers; declarer would have reasonable but you play four down. LHO then said had to play unreasonably none of the people against E/W were that he meant his double badly to make only 9 tricks; whom you are competing. defending. South for takeout, showing a most others, including me, Mitchells with arrow Q (declarer) led a heart shortage. Should we made 10 without much switches are also quite fair, spade. West put down a have had any redress? trouble. playing half or fewer of the heart, which East saw. Stuart Barrett, Law 79 B1 appeared to people against whom you West then realised he could Denby Dale, Huddersfield. apply and then Law 69 B are competing. Many players follow suit and changed it seemed to apply if ‘would dislike them, probably to a spade before anyone While it is true that likely have won’ applies because they do not seem else had played to the trick. opponents must retrospectively to the claim instinctively fair. Without consulting any A disclose any as well as if ‘play A Howell is quite fair, books, the director ruled partnership understandings, continued’. In the end, I probably fairer, because you that the change was in it does not seem to me that rescored the board as 10 play everyone against whom order and that West could they had an understanding: tricks +170. Was I right? you compete. They do simply put back the heart one person thought one thing John Traill by email. involve a lot of moving, and as if nobody had ever seen and one the other. are unsuitable for many it. Was this correct? It also seems to me that Yes, that is fine. clubs because of this and Name and address supplied. their understanding was Law 79B1 does not because the number of irrelevant to the result. You A apply: there was no rounds is often unsuitable. Once a defender have made a limit bid of dispute over how many Three-quarter Howells are puts a card in a 1NT, which means further tricks each side had won. in effect a compromise A position where action for the partnership is Law 69B2 is the relevant between full Howells and partner could see it if he was up to your partner: his pass one: if you are confident arrow-switched Mitchells. looking (whether he did see of 1NT doubled indicates he declarer would have made 10 You play some of the pairs it is irrelevant) then it is a is happy to play there. Your tricks, you allow him to against whom you compete. played card and may not be 2® is a gamble. While, of cancel his concession of the They have the big advantage changed. It was thus a non- course, you may make such fourth trick. Any benefit of that you can use them for any established and needs a bid if you wish, I cannot doubt would go to the opp - number of rounds between treatment as such. This see how the opposition’s osition if you were not sure. the number in a Mitchell, and means that it becomes a agreements affect this bid. the number in a full Howell. major penalty card, but The failure of your gamble is ®©™ ´ Also, they have some there are no penalty tricks merely unfortunate. stationary pairs and are often awarded. Unless we have the best solution for many I do not understand why so ®©™ ´ exactly 7 tables, I numbers of tables. many club directors rule Q like to use a The idea of them being without opening the law As a director, I had Mitchell movement and innately unfair is just wrong. book, or Mr Bridge’s Yellow a problem that I usually arrow switch to They are a practical solution, Book. All directors at all Q had not met before. produce one winner. If with advantages. It makes no levels are advised to read The contract was 3 ™ and at need be, I add a hesitation real difference whether you rulings from the law book, about the ninth trick table to get a sensible play the better pairs or the and one can see the declarer claimed ‘the rest number of boards. I do not weaker pairs: certainly not importance of this in rulings are mine’. No dispute and like using a three quarter over several nights. If there of this sort.

Page 23 Some players think that Ask David continued they may change a call no matter how long it is afterwards. If I, as a I would like a director, state that there DEFENCE table movement so has been pause for thought, Q that I can play they challenge me to teams with 3 full tables, produce my reasons. and swap pairs at the end J M Taylor, Rugby. QUIZ of each round; is there a movement available? I am Pause for thought is used to playing as pairs from the moment of by Julian Pottage and scoring as teams (at realisation – and A (Answers on page 38) the end of each round) when in doubt you should with 2 tables. I am interpret this generously. If a ou are East in the defensive positions below. It is your turn organising a social evening player puts a 2 card down, ™ Yto play. and this means we can play looks around the room and duplicate teams and score then notices the card, he may at the end of each round. change it if he does so Brian Ford by email. immediately from that 1. ´ A Q 3. ´ J 9 6 4 moment of realisation, so ™ A K Q 10 3 ™ A Q 8 It is not entirely long as the wrong card was © 7 3 2 © K Q 9 3 clear what you inadvertent. ® Q 10 3 ® 6 3 A want. Do you want If players challenge your ´ 10 7 6 ´ K 10 8 a teams’ movement for 3 ruling that there was a pause N ™ 8 7 2 N ™ 10 7 2 teams, or a pairs’ movement for thought, tell them that it W E W E S © A 8 5 S © 8 6 5 for 6 pairs using teams’ was your judgement and ® K J 8 5 ® Q J 10 2 scoring? they may appeal it if they I am afraid neither is very wish. They will be very suitable for the sort of social unlikely to. West North East South West North East South evening you are proposing, Pass 3´ 1® Dbl 2® 2© because with three tables, ®©™ ´ Pass 4´ End 3® Pass Pass 3© scoring after each round End does not work. We play a 1 ® Partner leads the ©Q. You For pairs, you can play a opening as 12-19 overtake with the ace and Partner leads the ®A – 3-table Howell. The Q points, roughly South follows low. What ®3, ®Q, ®7. Next comes traditional one means people balanced or a club suit, do you return? the ®5 – ®6, ®10, ®8. play boards at different times with point-showing What do you return? until the last round, so you responses. If someone could score before the last 1 ™, a pass shows 2. ´ A Q 9 round, then at the end. There 0-5 points and double 6-9. ™ 10 3 4. ´ A 8 6 4 would be five rounds to play Should we alert the pass or © Q J 10 7 2 ™ Q J 8 3 the other five pairs. double? ® A J 3 © 3 For teams, you play AvB R C Orme, ´ 7 6 ® K Q 9 3 N at one table, BvC at the Bathampton, Avon. W E ™ A 8 7 2 ´ Q 10 7 S second, and CvA at the third. © 8 5 3 ™ 7 2 N After the first round, E/W In your system, the ® K 10 8 5 W E © A Q 8 5 take the boards to their passes over S ® A J 10 8 teammates then go to the A overcalls are third table. Then they can artificial, not natural, so West North East South score. You could then play require an alert. The doubles 1´ West North East South again, of course but, sadly, over overcalls are artificial, Pass 2© Pass 2´ 1NT 1 some pairs have to meet not takeout, so require an Pass 4´ End Pass 2® Pass 2™ again. Not very satisfactory alert. n Pass 4™ End for a social evening, I fear. West leads the ™Q; you 112-14 overtake and South fol - ®©™ ´ lows low. What do you Partner leads the ©10, E-mail your questions return? which you win with the I seek advice on on bridge laws to: ace. What do you return? Law 25 about davidstevenson@ Q what ‘without mrbridge.co.uk pause for thought’ means.

Page 24 Seasonal Walks with Countryman A Walk in Winter

his little piece of England direction. Whether she caught sight of months searching for seed-heads. The where the birds are singing, the me or whether it was her acute sense of added bonus is its little song, which is T sun shining and the air smell, I do not know. Apparently, she quite enchanting. seriously intoxicating – it is all too easy satisfied herself – perhaps that I was Cindy seems thoroughly pleased with to fall under its magic spell and dream nothing to do with that ominous hunting herself as she startles a rabbit, which on, contentedly... horn – and away she lolloped, intent on scuttles off to the safety of the woods With Christmas now well behind us, I putting some distance between herself and, no doubt, its own burrow. While the notice that the sun seems warmer and is and potential danger. traditional feeding times are early doing its best to soften up the ground, morning and evening, it is not so which will be good news for the farmers. A hand from last night unusual to run into a hungry scavenger In so many ways it is a changing scene at this time of year when food is short. as frogs awaken from their winter Seeing the fox reminded me of a bridge Let us get back to our bridge hand. hibernation and screaming gulls move hand from last night’s duplicate teams. Here is the complete deal. inland to reap the benefit of the rich pickings unearthed in the wake of the plough. Many birds have nests, eggs and Dealer South. Game All. ´ K 5 2 families on their mind and so the ´ K 5 2 ™ 9 6 3 country pageantry moves along slowly, ™ 9 6 3 © A 8 6 4 3 but inexorably, preparing for the future. © A 8 6 4 3 ® 8 3 Cindy, my much-loved golden retriever, ® 8 3 ´ 7 4 ´ 9 6 3 and I are on our morning walk – or to be ™ Q J 10 8 N ™ 7 4 2 N W E more precise, a sedate stroll in my case W E © K J 10 S © Q 9 7 S and a helter-skelter rummage here, there ® K J 6 2 ® A 9 7 4 and everywhere in hers. Not that she ´ A Q J 10 8 ´ A Q J 10 8 ever leaves me for long but she covers a ™ A K 5 ™ A K 5 lot of ground exploring and running © 5 2 © 5 2 back to ensure that I am still on course. ® Q 10 5 ® Q 10 5 It was during one of these moments when Cindy had temporarily disappeared from view that I heard the Against silent opposition, you (South) With only eight tricks on top, it is sound of a hunting horn in the far reach a rather ambitious contract of 4 ´. obvious that declarer will require a little distance. The current law prohibits West leads the queen of hearts. What are luck with the diamond suit. Although the foxhunting as we used to know it and I your plans? We will come back to this odds favour a four-two break (about expect it is a drag hunt in progress. Just hand later. 48%), a kindly three-three division is no as I am thinking all will be well – for the As we wander on, I am not expecting forlorn hope (about 36%); as we can see, fox, I mean – as long as it does not cross to hear many birds singing; it is just the it is declarer’s lucky day. the path of the hounds, a fox breaks wrong time of year, and yet there is a Of course, declarer must be careful cover from the woods immediately melodious sound not far away and I see how he tackles the diamonds because ahead of us. I assume it is a vixen one of our smallest and most beautiful dummy is very short of entries. For judging by its size – in any case, she finches – the goldfinch. This colourful example, it would be no use playing off stops suddenly and looks across in my bird apparently spends the winter the ace followed by a small one.

Page 25 Winter continued CHARITY BRIDGE EVENTS The king of spades would JANUARY 2010 MARCH continued MAY 2010 enable you to establish the suit but then there would be 22 HOME-START DACORUM BRIDGE 16 ST. NEOTS’ BOWLING CLUB 28 RFET no entry to enjoy the winners. LUNCH 9.30am for 10am. 10 for 10.30am £14. Hunts & Fens Regional College, Ashley Green Memorial Hall, John Shaw ( 01480 475454 Huntingdon 10 for 10.30am. Bucks. £15 per person, includes £13.50. The story at one table 20 BURY HOSPICE BOWL BRIDGE coffee and biscuits, 2 course Malcolm Howarth DRIVE ( 01480 212910 lunch and wine. Let me tell you what Bury Athenaeum Bridge Club, Christine Prendergast happened at one table. Moss Street, Bury. ( 01442 250287 JUNE 2010 Against 4 ´, West made the 7.15-10.15pm. £5. natural lead of the queen of 28 KINTBURY BRIDGE CLUB RUBBER Kenneth Gold ( 0161 764 4218 2 FESTIVAL BRIDGE BRIDGE DRIVE IN AID OF Downham Market Town Hall. hearts. Declarer won in hand 26 CONSERVATIVE ASSOCIATION KINTBURY CORONATION HALL Afternoon tea. 1pm. £5. and played a low diamond Great Stukeley Village Hall. 2pm- 5pm £15 per pair, inc. tea. Pat Roberts ( 01366 382947 from both hands immediately; Mike English ( 01488 658413 10 for 10.30am £13. Kay Brownlow ( 01480 880663 West’s ten held the trick. West 4 ST ANDREW’S CHURCH 29 CHORAL SOCIETY, ST NEOTS’ The Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton. was about to continue with 27 BARBARA FORRYAN ANNUAL BOWLING CLUB, ST NEOTS 10 for 10.30am. £14.50. the jack of hearts which BRIDGE TOURNAMENT IN AID OF 10 for 10.30am £14. Mavis Campion would have enabled declarer ST. MICHAELS HOSPICE Bartestree Jane Lambert ( 01480 861581 ( 01480 860477 to win, cash the ace of Village Hall 1pm for 1.30pm. diamonds, ruff a diamond and FEBRUARY 2010 £10 including substantial tea. 18 ST MARY’S CHURCH EATON SOCON then draw trumps ending in Rex Shutler ( 01905 831314 St Neots. 10 for 10.30am. £13. dummy for ten tricks, when 12 ST. IVES’ ARTHRITIS RESEARCH Malcolm Howarth ( 01480 212910 he stopped to consider what CAMPAIGN. APRIL 2010 Village Hall, Hemingford Abbots. the result would be. Not 10 for 10.30am. £14. 7 CHRISTIANS IN IRAQ JULY 2010 liking his projected forecast, Lorna Baker ( 01480 462783 and LITTLE VOICE Joint Appeal he suddenly had an idea that Jubilee Hall, Little Shore Lane, 2 ST IVES INNER WHEEL, HELP FOR 19 ELLINGTON CHURCH seemed to offer a realistic Bishop Waltham. HEROES Village Hall, Hemingford Village Hall, Ellington. 10.30am–5pm £30 per person chance of success – and he Abbots 10 for 10.30am. £14. 10 for 10.30am. £13. includes lunch, coffee, tea, Pat Cole ( 01480 431574 switched to the two of clubs. Marian Horsford cakes & biscuits and two Well, people did not call him ( 01480 890561 seminars (take-out doubles the Old Fox for nothing and, and penalty doubles) delivered SEPTEMBER 2010 when East won the ace of 26 CHARITY BRIDGE EVENT by Bernard Magee. IN AID OF LEUKAEMIA RESEARCH 10 CHILDREN’S CHARITIES clubs and returned the suit, he Margaret Cochrane St Faith’s Parish Centre, ( 023 8069 4959 Doddington Village Hall. was confident his reputation Lee-on-Solent. 2pm. £32 per 10 for 10.30am. £13.50. would remain intact. The jack table to include tea and prizes. 15 HUDDERSFIELD PENNINE Val Topliss ( 01354 653696 of clubs won trick four and Pat Loader ( 01329 663054 ROTARY CLUB CHARITY BRIDGE AFTERNOON 17 ST MARY’S CHURCH EATON SOCON, the king of clubs forced St. Neots 10 for 10.30am. £13. MARCH 2010 Outlane Golf Club. declarer to ruff in dummy. 12 for 12.30pm £44 per table Malcolm Howarth The effect of this little gambit ( 01480 212910 3 WIMBORNE ROTARY CLUB including lunch. Brian Noble ( 01484 427356 was to kill that all-important Allendale Community Centre, entry declarer needed so Wimborne. 2.30pm £24 per OCTOBER 2010 16 ST IVES’ INNER WHEEL, badly. Declarer succeeded in table, including tea and cake. HELP FOR HEROES 22 CHESHIRE HOMES Don Philips ( 01202 891801 ruffing the diamonds good but Village Hall, Hemingford Abbots. Village Hall, Hartford then, after two rounds of 10 for 10.30am. £14. 10 for 10.30am £13.50 4 MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT trumps, East ruffed the fourth Pat Cole ( 01480 431574 Malcolm Howarth BRIDGE DRIVE diamond. Declarer had to ( 01480 212910 Heswall Hall, Heswall 7.00pm. 21 PRINCESS ALICE HOSPICE admit defeat, losing one £52 per table, includes supper. Burgh Hall, Putney. diamond, two clubs and one Viv Fairclough ( 07794 271609 10.30am for 11am. NOVEMBER 2010 heart. £64 per table, including lunch. 26 CHARITY TBA As I explained to Cindy 9 BRIDGE DRIVE & LUNCHEON IN Pam Turner ( 0208 995 2270 AID OF BICKLEY CHURCH Village Hall, Hemingford Abbots. later, ‘That cunning Old Fox 10 for 10.30am £14. 10.30 am for 11am. 23 PARKINSONS AWARENESS WEEK Sheila Poval ( 01480 395394 rendered the diamond Coronation Hall, Bickley £12.50. HUNTINGDON BRANCH winners useless by his play Muriel Latham ( 01829 720225 Village Hall, Hemingford Abbots. in the club suit.’ Cindy gave 10 for 10.30am. £14. me the sort of look that I 13 MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT John Davies ( 01480 497245 E-mail your charity Bristol Bridge Club. 10.30am think said something like, £18.50 per person, includes 30 CHESHIRE HOMES events to: maggie@ ‘Funny game this bridge; coffee, lunch & tea. Village Hall, Hartford. mrbridge.co.uk they even have foxes playing Judy Hall ( 01275 877181 10 for 10.30am. £13.50. it now.’ n Shelagh Bower ( 01275 846512 Malcolm Howarth 01480 212910

Page 26 Bernard Magee Says Double if They Outbid You When You Own the Deal

f you have 13 HCP and partner This time, nobody is vulnerable; opens, you can be confident that you again, you are sitting East: ´ Q J 9 8 I‘own’ the deal. If your opponents ™ 5 outbid you, you must take some action – © 10 5 3 2 doubling or bidding on higher – do not ´ Q 9 ® K 10 9 2 let them play undoubled. ™ J 5 ´ 7 ´ 6 3 2 © J 10 9 6 5 ™ Q J 10 8 6 N ™ A K 4 3 2 W E ® A 10 9 3 © 9 8 7 6 S © K Q J ´ A K 9 8 2 ´ 7 ´ 6 3 2 ® A 5 4 ® 8 7 N ™ 9 8 5 2 ™ K Q 8 6 W E ™ A 4 3 2 ´ A K 10 5 4 S © K J 9 © K Q 3 2 © A 7 ™ 9 7 ® 8 ® Q J 5 4 ® K 8 7 2 © A 4 ´ 7 ´ 6 3 ´ A K J 10 8 5 4 ® Q J 6 3 ™ A Q 6 4 3 N ™ K J ™ 10 9 7 W E © Q 6 3 2 S © A 7 5 4 © 8 4 ® A 5 4 ® K Q 7 3 2 ® 6 West North East South ´ Q J 10 5 4 1™ 1´ ™ 10 7 4™ 4´ ? © 10 8 West North East South ® J 10 9 6 3´ It is still Love All but this is a different Dbl 4´ ? situation: West’s 4 ™ does not show high cards – it usually means a shapely hand West North East South The question here is, ‘How strong will – hence you should not think you have 1™ 1´ 2® 4´ West be for his double?’ Of course, the game values; this in turn means that you Pass Pass ? answer depends on partnership style, but do not just double. With a fifth trump, to bid over 3 ´ he should have a decent you might do best to bid on. As East, at Game All, you find the opening hand with a shortage in spades. Both 4 ´ and 4 ™ make, so you do auction at a high level by your second If partner has 13+ points and you have indeed do best to bid on to 5 ™: you go turn. In truth, South has simplified eleven, the deal belongs to you – make one off, but that is much better than things: there is only one sensible call to sure your opponents do not steal it. 5 ™ allowing 4 ´ to make. The outcome here make: Double. You must not pass: it is seems a long way away when you can is not so important – what is vital is the your deal – once partner opened 1 ™, you expect bad breaks – double is by far the difference between this deal and the expected to bid game, but with no best call. previous deals. This time, East could not obvious fit, it would be crazy to bid a As long as the defenders switch to claim ownership of the deal and so could suit at the five-level. South was raising trumps early on, they can stop dummy not sit back and double. to the level of the fit – with ten spades from ruffing a heart and thereby defeat between North-South he has jumped to 4´ by two tricks: undoubled that is Conclusion 4´ (to make ten tricks). It is unlucky for worth just 100 points, but doubled it is him that you cannot make a game. +100 worth 300. East-West are likely to be Do not let the opponents bully you. Just (if North guesses diamonds right) would able to make 4 ™, which scores 420, but because a player jumps to 4 ´ have been too little compensation, but your job was simply to get as big a score confidently does not mean he expects to +200 for one off doubled is far better! as possible – your double achieved that make it. If you and your partner hold When you have 25+ points, you must aim. Double dummy, the defence can 25+ points, you hope for a game score or make your opponents pay if they outbid take four tricks against 4 ™ via two club better – if your opponents outbid you, you. Note that, occasionally, they will ruffs! More likely is one club ruff and look to punish them. You may not get make their doubled contract, but the ten tricks – although 4 ™ might make, 5 ™ many hands that belong to you in a number of undertricks you usually certainly will not. session, so do not let your opponents amass will far outweigh this. Here is one last deal: steal them away from you! n

Page 27 Freddie North Says One Two, That Will Do

he idea behind this advice is to Here is a typical example of the re-raise Despite partner's ominous warning that prevent the opener from getting in action: ‘two will do’, your own holding will Ttoo ambitious after a single raise, often decree otherwise. such as 1 ™-2 ™ or 1 ´-2 ´. Responder will Suppose you hold: do his best to support his partner when ´ A Q 9 3 holding length in his suit, especially if it ™ 6 is a major. However, because of the fit, © 9 8 4 3 2 (a) ´ K J 10 7 2 his high cards may be very limited. ® A 8 3 ™ K Q 4 Suppose you hold this nice 16 points: ´ J ´ 10 8 7 © A Q 10 ™ N ™ ® A 10 9 7 4 2 W E K J 8 3 A 6 © Q 10 5 S © J 7 ´ K J 10 9 6 ® K J 5 ® Q 10 6 2 ™ A K 4 ´ K 6 5 4 2 After a sequence of l ´-2 ´, only a © 9 7 3 ™ Q 5 confirmed pessimist would balk at the ® A J © A K 6 prospect of game. You have 20 points ® 9 7 4 (including one for the fifth spade) or five losers (two spades and one in each other You hear your partner raise your 1 ´ suit using the losing trick count). Bid 4 ´. opening to 2 ´. Do you feel tempted to West North East South I am sure partner will not be disappointed. try for more? Applying the maxim ‘One 1™ Pass 2™ Pass Facing hand 1 (in the first column), two, that will do,’ you’ll be pretty 3™ End you make ten tricks, losing just the chuffed that you didn’t get carried away major-suit aces and a club. Facing hand when you see the dummy, (1) or (2). East-West have no game aspirations but 2, you will lose a heart and probably one they do want to buy the contract for their trick in each minor. side in hearts. ‘One two, that will do’ (1) ´ Q 8 5 3 (2) ´ A Q 8 5 works for them but only so long as ™ J 7 6 3 ™ J 7 6 North-South don’t stick their oar in. (b) ´ K J 10 7 2 © K 6 4 © 8 6 4 2 Of course, North-South might have ™ A K Q 4 2 ® 8 2 ® Q 10 staked a claim on the first round of the © Q 3 bidding. When they do not, North would ® 6 almost certainly come to life if 2 ™ came For sure, 2 ´ is high enough opposite the back to him. first hand and, on a bad day, you could Yes, West’s pre-emptive advance to This time, after 1 ´-2 ´ again, you have even go down. Facing the second hand, 3™ tells his opponents what sort of hand fewer points but much better shape so it 2´ will surely make but you don’t really he has, but competing at the higher level would be unrealistic to settle short of want to be any higher. has its concomitant risks. game. You have 18 points (including one Of course, while you are ensconced in The alternative is to play one-two- for the fifth spade and one each for the your ‘one two, that will do’ cocoon, you three as constructive, looking for game fourth and fifth hearts) or five losers must remember that the opponents have but not specifying where you need help. (two spades, two diamonds and a club). not gone away. Furthermore, unless they This may gain on some hands but, all in Bid 4 ´. Facing hand 1, you will lose just are two of ’s Eustachian all, the pre-emptive approach has the three aces. Facing hand 2, you have just monks, they have not taken a vow of edge. three top cards in the minors to lose. silence. For this reason, many tournament You’ll notice that, on this deal, both In summary ‘one two’ will usually do playe rs use a re-raise (e.g. 1 ™-2 ™-3 ™) sides can make nine tricks with their when you have an average six- or seven- when they are weak and shapely. With chosen trumps (3 ™/3 ´). loser hand. You tend to bid game with an this method, you expect partner to pass Perhaps to ‘one, two, that will do,’ average five-loser hand. You invite game your rebid (to look for game you make a (some say ‘one up, shut up’) I should with a good six-loser or poor five-loser trial bid or bid 2NT). add ‘one, two, three, don’t raise me.’ hand. n

Page 28 Ask Julian Pottage Can Suit Quality be Important?

Playing Benji Acol make a losing lead should worldwide, so it seems very Opponents open with a 12-14 1NT, your left-hand opponent likely that someone will one of a suit, Q my regular become declarer. have held this same hand Q followed by two partner and I cannot before. passes. Player in fourth decide what to bid with a ®©™ ´ seat has opening values 12-14 point hand and a 5- ®©™ ´ and a 4-4-4-1 hand, the card major. I had a 12 My right hand singleton not being the bid pointer with ´J-10-x-x-x opponent shuffled My LHO opened suit. What are the options? and a low doubleton heart. Q the deck and my with a 3 ´ pre- With 12-14 points, a suit I decided on 1 ´ and rebid partner dealt herself this: Q empt. After two overcall would tell a small 2´ over partner’s response. passes, I doubled. My lie. With 15-17 points, a no- 1NT scored better but partner did not show her trump bid would tell another day we might lose ´ A K Q best suit. Is this correct? perhaps a bigger lie. the first five heart tricks! ™ A K Q Name and address supplied. David Donnison, My partner opens 1 NT © A K Q J Windermere. with a poor spade suit ® A K Q For sure, this is a (like mine) but 1 ´ on a take-out double. You are quite right better one, not my A Usually, though not that with a singleton approach. What do you Has this happened before? always, partner should show A in an unbid suit you suggest? What are the odds for it her best suit. do not usually want to make Colin Davies by email. ever to happen? There are a few important a take-out double. Hugh Arnold, Swansea. exceptions. If her best suit is With 12-14, points you Although both a minor and she has spades might reopen with 1NT – as members of a There are stopped, she might bid 3NT you seem to realise, you A partnership should 635,013,559,600 – nine tricks are usually mentally treat your hand as a play the same system, it is A possible 13-card easier than eleven. If she has king stronger than it is in the unlikely that they would bridge hands, so on any four hearts and a five-card reopening seat, so you would each bid every single hand given deal the chance that a minor, she might bid 4 ™ be right on values. the same way. Individual particular player picks up a rather than show her minor. If your singleton is in judgement is just that – specified one of these, such This is because one needs spades, you may do better to individual – even experts do as the hand you quote, is 1 fewer tricks for game, pass; the opponents might not agree in many marginal in 635,013,559,600. playing in a major; also, if find a better fit in spades if cases. If 10,000,000 bridge she can make the same you give them the chance. If However, I think your players played 24 hands a number of tricks, it scores the opponents are vulnerable, partner is on the right lines week, 52 weeks a year for better to play in the major. again you may do better to in allowing suit quality to 50 years, they would pick The final exception comes pass, trying to collect a influence the decision. up 624,000,000,000 hands if partner has good spades penalty at 100 for each Usually with a weak five- (i.e. the same order of (typically four or more with undertrick. If you have four card major (zero or one of magnitude as the number of some honours) and expects strong spades and a singleton the top three honours) and a possible hands). to defeat 3 ´ doubled heart, reopening with 1 ´ 5332 type I open 1NT. This I believe that, at the height comfortably. In this case, she may work well. There is no avoids having to rebid a of the game’s popularity, can pass, converting your hard and fast rule. As you weak suit. It also reduces the there were more like take-out double into a say, anything you do tells chance that partner will 50,000,000 bridge players penalty double. some sort of lie.

Page 29 heart suit, you make it easy suit overcalled, though not depending upon suit quality. Ask Julian continued to find a 5-3 heart fit. You on hands too weak to raise to The Mr Bridge house style is are not going to miss a 4-4 3NT, which hands in the 9- to open a major rather than a heart fit by having to 11 range are. minor, but the lower suit with If opener reverses respond something else. two majors or two minors. (opens 1 © and With 5-4 in the majors, ®©™ ´ 2. If you have two five- Q rebids 2 ™ after a opener can rebid 2 ™ over a card suits, you intend to response of 2 ® or 1 ´), response of 2 ® or 2 © (or With two 4-card show both suits. On the vast what shape and strength 1NT for that matter); with or 5-card suits and majority of hands, the best does this show? 4-4 in the majors, opener Q 12-15 points I was way to achieve this is to G Keate, Parr, Cornwall. would have opened 1 ™ taught that, with touching open the higher suit. While rather than 1 ´. suits, bid the lower of 4- on some hands with 5-5 in Whether the carders and the higher of the black suits it can work response was at the ®©™ ´ 5-carders, but not if you better to open 1 ®, the simple A one level or the two are strong enough to rule is always to open the level, opener promises at I open 1NT (12-14 ‘’. However, modern higher suit. Whether you are least five cards in the first points). The next thinking seems to be to strong enough to reverse is suit and four cards in the Q hand overcalls 2 ™. open the lower of 4-card irrelevant. If you open 1 © second, with the first suit My partner has 9-11 points suits and the higher of 5- and rebid 2 ™, partner will longer than the second. The but no heart stopper. card suits irrespective. Is think you have more strength shown varies Should she double to this right and how does the diamonds than hearts – you slightly, depending upon the compete or do something logic go for this? do not want to be response. After a one-level else? Martin Carr by email. understating your length in a response (1 ´ or 1NT in this Name and address supplied. major. instance), opener shows at 1. Unless you play a least a good 16 points, up to Without prior 16-18 1NT opening, ®©™ ´ a maximum for a one-level agreement, a double A which is very rare, opening, say 19 or 20 points. A of the 2 ™ overcall you will often be opening My partner and I After a two-level response would be for penalties, 1NT if you have two four- had recently (2 ®), the maximum strength suggesting 9+ points and card suits and 12-15 points. Q started playing is the same but 15 points is 4+ hearts or 11+ points and If you play a weak no-trump, negative doubles. The acceptable for the minimum 3+ hearts. you open 1NT with two bidding went: – responder usually has 10 Some people play four-card suits and 12-14 points or shape to , whereby 2NT is points, only opening one of a West North East South compensate. After the one- a convention, asking opener suit with 15 points. If you me level response, an opener’s to bid 3 ® so that responder play a strong (15-17) no- 1™ 2© reverse is forcing for one can show a suit at the three trump, only the 15-point 2™ Dbl round. After a two-level level (non-forcing). In hands will be good enough response, it is forcing to classic Lebensohl, double for 1NT. Holding a 12-14 He meant the double to game. shows a balanced 11-12 as point hand when playing a show 5-5 in the missing responder then has no easy strong no-trump, it is normal suits plus points. ®©™ ´ way to show that strength of to open a low suit to Unfortunately, as I was not hand. Some people play the maximise the chance that expecting a negative Why does a 2 ™ double as take-out (often you can rebid 1NT. Most double, I passed. Is it response to a 1 ´ with a shortage in the suit strong no-trump players use normal for the advancer to Q opening show a overcalled). On grounds of five-card majors, in which use a ? five-card (or longer) heart frequency, the take-out case opening a four-card Name and address supplied. suit? double appears to be the major is not an option. Mrs J Eede, Chepstow. most useful. If you play the If you are out of range for While this is not a double as take-out, you need 1NT, then you intend to bid negative double, One goal in the to be clear on the minimum only one suit and then rebid A using a double for bidding is to find values and the minimum in no-trumps. Opinions vary takeout on this auction is A out whether the length in the suit overcalled. as to whether it is better to quite common at club level partnership has an eight-card If you play that responder open the higher suit or the and almost universal in or better fit in one of the might have 7 points and a lower suit. Opening the tournament play. When the majors. This is because you void in hearts, opener never higher suit is slightly better opponents have bid and can usually make an extra wants to leave in the double at finding 4-4 fits, while raised a suit, it is unlikely trick playing in a suit for penalties even with a opening the lower suit is that your side would want to contract if you have a fit – maximum and four hearts. better at finding 5-3 fits. A penalise them at such a low and the major suits score Lebensohl does allow minority of players like to level. This sort of double better than the minors. responder to show whether have the option of either the would go by the name By promising a five-card the hand has a stopper in the higher or the lower, ‘competitive double’.

Page 30 to lead the 4th highest card Is there are a better way to Where did we go wrong Ask Julian continued from your longest suit bid the hands? and how should we have against a 3NT contract bid? (when there are no clues Name and address supplied. I am South with from the bidding). Here, a ´ Q 2 ´ 7 3 the following lead from ace and two ™ K 5 3 ™ A 10 9 7 South should have a Q hand: small cards would have © A Q 7 3 © K 8 5 4 better hand to open defeated the contract easily. ® J 5 3 2 ® A K 9 A an Acol 2 ´ than the John Friedberger, one he had. As I think I have ´ K J 7 5 Whitchurch, Hampshire. said before, one cannot just ™ Void Mrs B Green, Bristol. use the losing trick count to © K J 6 3 On the deal in say ‘the hand has five or ® A K Q 7 5 question, East had a Using the same fewer losers and thus it must A six-card heart suit system, I suspect I have eight playing tricks.’ and West, on lead, held: A would have bid the The hand has only 13 HCP North South same way. West does have and there is a big hole in the 1™ 1´ one of the worst 12-point spade suit. South’s rebid was 1NT ? ´ K 6 2 hands you will see also incorrect. The raise ™ A 7 5 (doubleton queen and from 3 ™ to 4 ™ should show I bid 4 ®, which I thought © 8 3 2 terrible spot cards), though it three-card or better support. was asking for aces. ® J 9 7 6 would be taking a big Having treated the hand as a My partner took this as a decision to pass East’s 1NT. big black two-suiter with the supporting hearts – Sometimes standard bidding opening bid, it is though my first bid denied We did not give the auction. does not get you to the best inconsistent not to show the support – and suggested Playing a weak no-trump contract – bidding is not a club suit. that I should have made a and Stayman, it would precise science at times. I 1´-2 ™-3 ® is the right quantitative bid of 4NT. probably have been ran a quick computer start to the auction. North is We ended up in 6NT 1NT-2 ®-2 ©-2NT-3NT. simulation, which suggested then a bit good to bid 3NT, making 13 tricks. When opener denies a that 3NT makes about 40% but with no assurance of a fit How should I bid? 4-card major, this slightly of the time facing 12-14 at this stage, caution seems John Dunbar by email. suggests leading a major. balanced, so trying for game advisable. If South then bids An invitational sequence cannot be so wrong. 4™ or 4 ´, this probably ends The way most slightly suggests a passive the auction. If instead South people play, the 1 ´ lead. If West had an ®©™ ´ bids 4 ®, North might well A response does not attractive or safer holding in raise to 6 ®. The club slam is deny heart support if you one of the majors, such as J- Partnering a vastly not a great contract but have a hand with game- 10-x or 10-9-x or even three experienced player, certainly has some play. forcing values (but not low, then he might well have Q I (North) held: enough for a jump shift). If led that in preference to his ®©™ ´ my partner bid 4 ® on the 4-card club suit. On his sequence shown, I would actual hand, neither major ´ A How strong is a take it as a : a was particularly attractive, ™ Q 10 7 4 3 1NT response to singleton or void in clubs with an unsupported honour © A J 7 6 Q a one-level opening and heart support. in each. The other problem ® Q 8 7 if the opponents intervene With your hand, you with leading from three to an with a double or an should respond 2 ® rather honour is that partner thinks overcall – is it 7-10? When than 1 ´. When you have you have a 4-card suit when Our uncontested auction: they overcall, is one sufficient strength to make a you do not. stopper enough? responder’s reverse (i.e. The best percentage North South Keith Rickson by email. bidding 2 ® and then 2 ´), will not work 2´ you should respond in your on every individual deal, as 3™ 4™ Yes, after a double longest suit even if it is a this example shows. 4NT 5© or one level overcall minor. 5™ End A there is no need to ®©™ ´ respond with 6 points. A ®©™ ´ Partner’s hand was: range of 7-10 sounds fine. With East dealer, Yes, one stopper is David Huggett’s East-West reached enough. As when there is no Deal No 3 in the Q 3NT on the cards ´ K 8 7 6 4 3 intervention, showing a Q declarer play quiz below; they bid 1NT-2NT- ™ K 5 4-card major (either by (BRIDGE 97) raises an 3NT. This went two © Void bidding it or via a negative interesting point. One of down when South led a ® A K 10 9 6 double) usually takes priority the earliest ‘tips’ I learnt is spade from K-J-10-x-x-x. over showing the stopper.

Page 31 to a small slam and so My partner, West, At matchpoint Ask Julian continued showing interest in a grand opened 1 ´ and I pairs, my partner slam. I think North can then Q responded 2 ®: Q opened 2 ® (game bid 7 ´. force unless followed by a With these hands, 2NT rebid). I replied 2 © I started with 2 ®, ®©™ ´ ´ K Q 8 7 5 4 ´ A 10 2 and partner rebid 3 ©. and my partner ™ 6 N ™ A K Q What should I bid next? Q W E called 2 ©. In BRIDGE 97, © 3 S © 10 6 South plays in ® A K 10 8 7 ® J 9 6 5 2 Q 3NT with these ´ 8 6 5 3 ´ A K Q J 9 cards: ™ K 8 5 ™ Void Partner jumped to 5 ®, © 9 6 2 © A K J 5 3 which I raised to 6 ®. How ® 9 6 2 ® A K 9 ´ A 3 should we have bid to 6 ´? ™ K 8 4 Dinger Bell by email. N W E © 9 8 6 5 3 I was unsure how partner S ® Q J 5 Bidding is not an would take 3 ™ or 3 ´ and ´ 10 5 3 exact science. did not want to go past N ™ A J 3 2 W E Sometimes there is 3NT with a raise to 4 ©. I S A © 10 2 no way that you can bid did not want to bid 3NT ® Q J 8 7 ´ K 6 confidently to the highest myself because partner was ™ A Q 7 3 scoring spot. Freak hands are likely to turn up with a © A J 10 7 tough, as are slam deals with singleton somewhere. In I then went to 4 ´, instead ® K 7 2 a club fit. In any case, at the end I passed. of asking for aces. I ended teams and , the I made 10 tricks, so 5 © up in 5 ´ but made a slam. extra 60 points for playing in was not on, but 3NT by What should I have Declarer wins the spade 6´ is small. Even at match - partner was a good done? lead in hand and plays point pairs, a slam bid and contract. Ruth Campion by email. three rounds of hearts made is rarely a bad score. M S Kingston, Newcastle. ending in dummy. When Your direct natural sequence The 2 ® opening hearts are 3-3, declarer has given the opponents only You make some creates a game force knocks out the ace of clubs limited clues to the lead. interesting points. A (unless you rebid for nine tricks. Without a diamond lead, you A Some play that 3 ™ 2NT). This means there is no Given that the chance can make 13 tricks and beat or 3 ´ from you would show need to rush the later East has one of the missing the pairs in 6 ® just making. a stopper rather than a suit; bidding. After South’s 2 © diamonds honours is far Once upon a time, it was however, this is not standard. (you seem to be playing this better than that of a 3-3 usual to open 1 ® with 5-5 in The choice is thus between as negative or waiting), you heart break, why does the black suits. You could 3NT and 4 ©. You really should just rebid 2 ´. South declarer play this way? then infer that someone who should not pass – partner has then raises to 3 ´, showing Name and address supplied. opened 1 ´ and supported shown game or close thereto some values (2NT would be clubs violently was 6-5. in his own hand – he may the weak bid) and agreeing It is a case of These days, it is usual to even be looking for a slam. spades. You are not stopping combining chances. open 1 ´ on most hands with In any case, your hand is by out of a slam now. However, A By testing hearts 5-5 in the black suits and no means worthless. Your since all you need for 7 ´ is first, declarer has the option such an inference is no king of hearts is likely to be the ©Q and four-card spade of trying the double diamond longer available. If East bid a trick and the three low support, it would be rash to finesse if hearts are not 3-3 – 6´, it would be a gamble. diamonds could be useful, bid 6 ´ yet. the ace of spades is still Even if you knew that either solidifying the suit or You are right that holding there to stop the spades and opener had six spades, it maybe providing an entry. a void yours is the wrong as an entry for finessing would still not be clear to My first thought was to hand on which to ask for again. play in 6 ´. If opener had the bid 3NT, keeping the aces. If declarer played on ©A and weak spades (e.g. bidding low and with the You should try a cue bid of diamonds first, it is quite J-x-x-x-x-x), you would have pairs scoring in mind. On 4®, showing the ace (or a likely that West will win and a much better chance of reflection, 4 © seems better – void) in clubs. South cue clear the spades. avoiding two spade losers in partner knew it was pairs bids 4 ™ and you cue bid 5 ®. Then all depends on 6® than in 6 ´. In 6 ®, you when he followed this Since you have shown first- finding East with the might be able to time the sequence. If the right and second-round control in remaining diamond honour – play on elimination lines, contract was 3NT by him, clubs, South can now bid 6 ® a 3-3 heart split is of little playing a spade to the ten it sounds as if he should to show the third-round use now because there is no only when you knew you have bid differently, control. Moreover, by going time to knock out the ace of would either get a spade back rebidding 2NT rather than past 5 ´ South is committing clubs. or a ruff and discard. 3© perhaps.

Page 32 however is clear. It is Ask Julian continued quantitative, because: (a) it is a direct raise of a no-trump bid and (b) the partnership DECLARER What is a has not agreed a suit but has ‘Truscott’ bid? previously bid no-trumps. PLAY Q John M Roe, The murkier situations Westerham, Kent. tend to occur when (a) applies but (b) does not or Truscott is a vice versa. QUIZ conventional Assuming the 1NT rebid A defence to strong shows 15-17, the 4NT raise by David Huggett artificial openings. The shows about 16-17 points. principle is that a suit bid (Answers on page 35) shows that suit and the next ®©™ ´ higher suit. You are South as declarer playing teams or rubber bridge. If an opponent opens a As North, I bid 4 ´ In each case, what is your play strategy? strong 1 ® (Precision, Blue with this hand: etc), bids are as follows: Q 1. ´ A K Q 7 4 3. ´ 8 7 4 3 dbl = clubs and hearts ™ 8 2 ™ 7 5 1© = diamonds and hearts ´ A K Q J 9 8 7 4 © 3 © K J 3 1™ = hearts and spades ™ 7 ® A 7 6 4 3 ® A Q J 4 1 = spades and clubs ´ © 8 N N 1NT = diamonds and spades ® 8 5 3 W E W E S S 2® = clubs and diamonds jumps are natural. ´ 6 2 ´ A K West North East South ™ Q 10 9 5 ™ A K 4 2 You can play the same 1© 1™ © A K 7 2 © Q 10 8 5 method one level higher over 2® ? ® K 8 2 ® 10 9 8 an artificial 2 ® opening (e.g. Acol or Benjamin) East ended up in 5 © You can also play Truscott making 12 tricks. (5 ® also You are declarer in 3NT You are declarer in 3NT after responder has given an makes 12 tricks). My after a transfer sequence and West leads the ´Q. artificial response (e.g. 1 ®*- partner queried whether and West leads the ©Q. How do you plan the pass-1 ©*). Again bids show my bid could be a pre- How do you plan the play? touching two-suiters, with empt saying she took it as a play? double showing a non- strong hand. What would touching two-suiter you have bid? including the suit doubled J Bardun by email. 4. ´ K 4 (i.e. diamonds and spades) 2. ´ J 8 6 ™ 7 5 and a NT bid the other If one opponent can ™ A Q J 5 © A 8 6 5 4 non-touching two-suiter. open the bidding, © K Q J 10 ® 9 7 5 3 the other can ® 6 5 A N ®©™ ´ respond at the two level and W E partner has enough to bid as N S W E The North-South well, it is rather unlikely that S ´ A Q 10 5 2 bidding went you have a strong hand. ´ A 3 ™ A 8 4 1™-1 ´-1NT-4NT. Assuming you play 4 ´ as Q ™ K 7 6 © K 7 3 Should this 4NT be natural, which most people © 8 6 3 2 ® A K quantitative or Blackwood? do, the bid seems fine. The ® Ron Turner, Alton. opponents are less likely to A Q J 10 judge what best to do if you You are declarer in 3NT after Some 4NT bids can go straight to your final You are declarer in 3NT and North raised your 2NT open - be ambiguous even contract. Indeed, from what West leads the ´4. You play ing bid to 3NT. West leads the A to experienced you say, it sounds as if they the ´J from dummy but East ™2. East plays the ™J, which partnerships. This one, missed a slam. n plays the ´K. If you , you allow to win, and contin - East continues with the ´10 ues with the ™3. How do you and West follows with the ´2. plan the play? E-mail your questions for Julian to: How do you plan the play? [email protected]

Page 33 Mike Wenble Says Count Your Winners

s said, bridge is This final deal is straightforward so long all about winning tricks, so it ´ A 6 5 as you approach it logically. Amakes sense to count winners ™ Q J 5 4 before making a plan. Our first deal © K 7 3 shows what happens if you fail to do so. ® Q J 8 Dealer South. Game All. ´ Q 10 2 ´ K 9 7 3 ´ K 10 9 2 ™ K 10 8 3 N ™ A 7 ™ A 10 6 3 2 W E Pairs. Love All. Dealer East. © J 8 6 S © Q 10 5 4 © Q ´ J 8 5 ® 9 5 2 ® 7 6 4 ® 7 3 2 ™ K 7 5 3 ´ J 8 4 ´ 4 ´ 8 7 5 3 © A 4 ™ 9 6 2 ™ K Q J 7 N ™ 9 8 5 W E ® J 9 8 3 © A 9 2 © 10 8 6 4 S © K J 5 ´ Q 9 2 ´ 10 4 3 ® A K 10 3 ® K J 9 6 ® A 10 4 ™ 6 N ™ Q J 10 9 ´ A Q J 6 W E © 8 6 5 3 2 S © Q 10 7 ™ 4 ® A K 4 2 ® 7 6 5 South reached the normal contract of © A 9 7 3 2 ´ A K 7 6 3NT. West led the three of hearts and ® Q 8 5 ™ A 8 4 2 declarer played the queen from dummy. © K J 9 East won and returned the suit. West ® Q 10 won with the king and continued with Both North and South bid aggressively the ten, squashing the nine and setting on this deal. With silent opponents, their up the eight. auction was 1 ©–1 ™–1 ´–3 ´–4 ´. West 4™ looks like the normal contract, but it Too late declarer stopped to count his decided that a lead of the unbid suit was has no play on the 4-1 trump split. winners. One heart trick in the bag, one too dangerous given his holding and Our opponents reached 3NT after the spade, two diamonds and four clubs chose the king of hearts. poor auction 1 ´-2 ®-3NT. West led a added up to eight. Prospects for a ninth Declarer could see only six top tricks diamond to the queen and king. The were bleak. He ran four rounds of clubs – four trumps and two aces. While there declarer’s play reflected his bidding. He and then played on spades in the hope of was some chance of making an extra played a heart to dummy’s king and a a miracle in the suit or some kind of trick in clubs or perhaps via a long card heart back, ducking my ten. He then had defensive error. When neither was in one of the red suits, it was clear he no chance and ended up two off, losing forthcoming, he was one down. would need some ruffing winners to get two tricks in each of three suits. Only when he picked up the traveller up to ten. Indeed, with five cards facing While it looks attractive in a way to go did declarer recognise that he had a singleton in each red suit, he might after hearts, the heart suit cannot provide misplayed the game. Declarer should make a ruff with all of his side’s eight enough tricks for the contract even if always think before playing to trick one; trumps to give him ten tricks. This they break 3-2. To make 3NT, it is his failure to do so cost him dear. meant that he could not afford to lead simply a matter of counting one’s tricks. Counting seven top tricks in spades and any trumps and that he would have to There are seven winners on top after the minors, he should have played for hope nobody could overruff on the the diamond lead: two in each major and two heart tricks, not one. second round of hearts or diamonds. three in diamonds. The sure source for Since West might well lead an honour Declarer won the opening lead on the the other two is in clubs. The correct play from A-K-x-x, the lead is far more likely table, ruffed a heart with the six of at trick two is the queen of clubs and, to be from K-10 or A-10. The correct spades, cashed the ace of diamonds, after winning the next diamond, the jack play from dummy at trick one is low, ruffed a diamond with the two of spades, of clubs to drop the ten – 3NT now made. hoping West has the ten. After the ace and proceeded to crossruff his way to ten My next deal arose in a club wins, declarer can play twice towards tricks. Again, counting winners, allied to duplicate. It gives another good the queen-jack to make two tricks. (Yes, good technique (and a bit of luck with example of the importance of counting declarer will need to the ace if the lead – an early trump lead beats it), your winners. East switches to a spade at trick two). brought home the bacon. n

Page 34 ANSWERS TO THE DECLARER PLAY QUIZ ON PAGE 33 by DAVID HUGGETT

plays the ♠K. If you duck, East continues with broke 4-3 or that East has the ©A. Now try the 1. ♠ A K Q 7 4 the ♠10 and West follows with the ♠2. How do effect of playing on diamonds first. Whoever ™ 8 2 you plan the play? wins with the ©A will knock out your © 3 remaining spade stop, but, this way when You correctly played the ♠J from dummy in ® A 7 6 4 3 you take the club finesse it can lose only to case West started with both the high honours, ♠ 8 3 ♠ J 10 9 5 East. If he has another spade then the suit will but you were unlucky. East played the ♠K, ™ K J 7 3 N ™ A 6 4 have broken favourably, while if he does not, W E which you allow to win and he continues with © Q J 10 9 S © 8 6 5 4 then you are in no danger. the ♠10. You win and West follows with the ® J 9 5 ® Q 10 ♠2. With only six tricks ‘on top’ it looks The point is that either hand might be able to ♠ 6 2 tempting to play on diamonds as once the win the diamond, but only East can win the ™ Q 10 9 5 ace has gone you will have three diamond club. © A K 7 2 tricks. But just think. You know from the lead ® K 8 2 and continuation that West started with a five- card spade suit: if you play on diamonds, you 4. ♠ K 4 are bound to lose four spades and a ™ 7 5 You are declarer in 3NT after a transfer diamond. No, you have to play on clubs © A 8 6 5 4 sequence and West leads the ©Q. How do instead and you will need a slice of luck if you ® 9 7 5 3 you plan the play? are going to succeed. You need East not only ♠ 3 ♠ J 9 8 7 6 to hold the ®K but also to hold no more than ™ K 10 6 2 N ™ Q J 9 3 You have seven tricks ‘on top’ and, even if you W E three cards in the suit. So play a heart to © Q 10 9 2 © J lose the lead early on, the defence would be S dummy at trick three and take the club ® J 8 6 2 ® Q 10 4 unable to make more than three heart tricks. finesse. Then cash the ™K, enter dummy with ♠ A Q 10 5 2 With only two more tricks required, it might your last heart and cash the remaining ™ A 8 4 look natural to cash the top spades and hope winner in that suit. Finally take the club finesse © K 7 3 for a 3-3 break; in fact, there is a danger in again and cash the ace. On a good day, you ® A K doing that. If the spades do not break evenly will make four club tricks. – and that is likely to happen – you will have set up a spade winner for the defence. If you then try to set up an extra winner in clubs, you You are declarer in 3NT after North raised 3. ♠ 8 7 4 3 will have to lose one in the process; in that your 2NT to 3NT. West leads the ™2. East plays ™ 7 5 case, the defenders might be in a position to the ™J, which you allow to win, and continues © K J 3 cash three hearts, one spade and one club. with the ™3. How do you plan the play? ® A Q J 4 The answer is simple, of course. Just lose a ♠ Q J 10 9 2 ♠ 6 5 The lead of the ™2 indicates that the suit is club early on before you tackle spades. If ™ 9 6 N ™ Q J 10 8 3 breaking evenly and East’s return of his clubs do break 3-2, you will always have at W E © A 9 2 S © 7 6 4 original fourth best heart has confirmed this. least three spades, two diamonds and four ® 7 5 2 ® K 6 3 With only one more trick to find, it is easy to be clubs – enough for the contract. If clubs break ♠ A K complacent and not give the hand enough badly, you can still hope for the even division ™ A K 4 2 thought. in spades. © Q 10 8 5 If you play two top spades for example, you ® 10 9 8 might be disappointed if the suit breaks 5-1. 2. ♠ J 8 6 Likewise, if you play on diamonds (whether by ™ A Q J 5 cashing the ace-king or ducking a round) you © K Q J 10 You are declarer in 3NT and West leads the will need that suit to break 3-2 or the spades ® 6 5 ♠Q. How do you plan the play? to be kind – if you lose three hearts and at ♠ Q 9 5 4 2 ♠ K 10 7 least one diamond, you cannot afford to lose With four tricks readily available in the majors, ™ 9 3 N ™ 10 8 4 2 any spades. Given your excellent holding in you will need five tricks from the minors to © A 4 W E © 9 7 5 spades, it must be better to go for that suit: S succeed in your contract. As you will need to ® 9 7 4 3 ® K 8 2 after taking the second heart, play a spade to develop both minors, it may not seem as ♠ A 3 the king and then a low spade to the ten. If though it is important which suit you try to ™ K 7 6 that loses then the suit has broken favourably, develop first; in fact, nothing could be further © 8 6 3 2 while if East started with five spades then the from the truth. Suppose you run the ®10 at ® A Q J 10 ♠10 will win. trick two and it loses to the ®K. East will undoubtedly play another spade if he has All the hands in this edition revolve around You are declarer in 3NT and West leads the one and then when you play on diamonds determining which of two side suits you ♠4. You play the ♠J from dummy but East you will either hope that the spades originally should develop first. ■

Page 35 Justin Corfield Says Play the Card You are Known to Hold

ften it is clear that you hold a now wonder whether the spade position You lead the four of this side suit. East particular card from the auction, is this: plays the king, ace and another, South Oplay or opening lead; if so, it is ruffing. Dump the queen on the third good to play it early, rather than going trick (East’s play at trick one marked through the play marked with that card. ♠ A J 3 you with it); now declarer does not How would you rate declarer’s know who has the last card in this suit. N chances below in 3NT on the ™Q lead? ♠ Q 2 W E ♠ 10 8 5 4 As declarer, you should also play a S card you are known to hold. Often, the ♠ K 9 7 6 opening lead marks you with a card, and ♠ A J 3 you need to play it as soon as you can, ™ 7 6 2 creating a problem for your RHO: © K 7 2 In this layout, a spade to the ♠J, the ♠A ® K 6 5 2 and then a finesse of the ♠9 is the way to ♠ Q 10 2 ♠ 8 5 4 collect four winners. © K 8 7 4 ™ Q J 10 9 8 N ™ A 4 3 Once a spade to the jack holds, West’s W E N © 10 5 S © Q J 9 3 ♠Q-10 become equals, and so playing © 10 W E © A Q 6 3 2 S ® Q 10 4 ® J 7 3 the higher card can cost nothing. ♠ K 9 7 6 If you keep the ♠Q in your hand, she © J 9 5 ™ K 5 is doomed anyway, because declarer © A 8 6 4 knows you have it, but not so the ® A 9 8 ♠10 . . . This is a side suit. When West leads the It rarely hurts to increase declarer’s ten, East knows South holds the jack. blood pressure in a side suit like this: (West would not lead the ten from J-10). West North East South To give East a problem, South dumps the 1NT jack under East’s queen at trick one. Now, Pass 2NT Pass 3NT ™ A Q 5 4 3 from East’s view, the layout might be: End N ™ K J 10 9 W E ™ 8 7 2 Declarer has nine tricks there for the S © K 8 7 4 taking: the ™K, four spade tricks with ™ 6 N the winning finesse and 3-3 break, and © 10 9 5 W E © A Q 6 3 2 four top winners. S However, there is more to this deal Declarer takes a finesse of the queen and © J than meets the eye. Let us look at the continues with the ace, pitching a loser. spade suit in isolation: Dump the king underneath and declarer will not be sure whether he can afford to Here, continuing the suit could be costly, ruff this suit low or not. letting dummy make two tricks. On a ♠ A J 3 Even the smallest deceptions can good day, East will switch and declarer make all the difference. will have the chance to pull trumps and N ♠ Q 10 2 W E ♠ 8 5 4 Take this layout: make two diamond tricks. S ♠ K 9 7 6 Summary ™ 6 5 3 2 Understanding these sorts of positions is N Declarer is going to play a low spade to ™ Q 9 8 4 W E ™ A K 7 what makes some players hard to play the ♠J, which will hold. When dummy S against. If you want to be one of them, then leads the ♠A, West can create a ™ J 10 play the card you are known to hold guess by dropping the ♠Q. Declarer will whenever it cannot cost to do so. ■

Page 36 Children in Need Bernard Magee’s Tips Simultaneous for Better Bridge 65 invaluable tips in 160 pages Pairs 2009 Bidding Tips 33 A low lead usually promises 1 Always consider bidding length and an honour spades if you can 34 When declaring 1NT The 8th ECatsBridge Simultaneous Pairs tournament for Children in 2 Bid more aggressively try to be patient Need was held over five nights from Friday 13 November until Thursday when non-vulnerable 35 Duck an early round when you 19 November 2009. 3 Always double when the are short of entries 490 heats were held over five evenings with a total of 8,870 pairs opponents steal your deal 36 Lead up to your (17,740 individual players) competing. Bridge clubs from Botswana, 4 A take-out double shows two-honour holding Croatia, Cyprus and Spain joined clubs across the United Kingdom to shortage in the suit doubled 37 Do not always assume a suit will break well raise £58,889.37, taking the total raised by bridge players for Children in 5 ‘Borrow’ a king to keep the auction open 38 Drop a high card Need to an amazing £398,868. 6 After a penalty double, don’t to put off the defence Organisers Anna Gudge and Mark Newton paid tribute to the let the opponents escape 39 Play your highest card to commentators, Sally Brock, , Liz McGowan, Julian Pottage 7 Halve the value of a singleton tempt a defender to cover and and heaped praise on all the heat organisers who honour when opening 40 Draw trumps first unless you made up the hands, put out the tables and chairs, directed for the 8 Only add length-points for a have a good reason not to evening, scored up and collected the money from the many kind and suit that might be useful 41 Do not waste your trumps generous bridge players in their clubs. ‘Without them all it just wouldn't 9 Isolated honours are bad 42 Consider leaving a lone except in partner’s suit defensive trump winner out happen and we both thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.’ A 10 Use the jump shift sparingly special mention to Summertown BC who raised an incredible £1,000. 11 Consider passing and letting Defence Tips 43 Keep four-card suits intact Friday 13 November 2009 partner decide 12 You need two top honours whenever possible 1 Mukesh Shah & Ravi Mulchand Shah 73.32% for a second-seat pre-empt 44 Give count on declarer’s leads (Oshwal BC, England) 13 Put the brakes on if you have a 45 Keep the right cards 2 Roger Blackburn & Gwen Cowell 72.88% misfit rather than (C.H.S. Bridge Section, England) 14 Strong and long minors work 46 Take your time 3 Marian Rudd & Hugh Gross 70.78% well in no-trumps when dummy is put down (Devizes BC, England) 15 One stop in the opponents’ suit 47 High cards are for killing other can be enough for no-trumps high cards Monday 16 November 2009 16 Keep your two-level 48 Do not waste 1 Frances Hinden & Graham Osborne 76.87% responses up to strength intermediate cards (Wimbledon BC, England) 17 Use your normal methods in 49 Pick two key suits to concentrate on during the play 2 David Hugo & Graham Penney 72.36% response to a 1NT overcall 50 If in doubt, cover an honour (Kingsbridge Regal BC, England) 18 Don’t overcall just because you have opening points with an honour 3 Wendy Simpson & David Latchem 71.08% 19 Overcalls can be quite weak, so 51 If a lead is from two honours, (trowBRIDGEclub BC, England) be prudent when responding it is best not to cover 52 Keep your honour to kill Tuesday 17 November 2009 20 Weak overcalls must be based on strong suits dummy’s honour 1 Mala Lever & Tom Gunn 73.34% 21 6NT requires 33 points 53 Try to show partner (Young Chelsea BC, England) not 4 aces and 4 kings your solid honour sequences 2 Ray Cornell & Peter Oake 71.70% 22 Raise immediately, if weak 54 Lead the normal card when (Billericay Mayflower BC, England) with four-card support leading partner’s suit 3 Peter Martin & Norman McGeagh 71.08% 23 In a competitive auction, show 55 Never underlead an ace at trick one in a suit contract (Cairngorm BC, Scotland) support immediately 24 Bid to the level of your fit 56 Be wary of leading from Wednesday 18 November 2009 quickly with weak hands four cards to only one honour 1 Peter Marriott & Neil Richardson 76.03% 25 With strength and support, 57 Lead a higher card from a suit without an honour (Southam BC, England) use the opponents’ bid suit 58 Lead through ‘beatable’ 2 Margaret Eddleston & Bernard Eddleston 74.15% Declarer-play Tips strength and up to weakness (Hitchin BC, England) 26 When your contract depends 59 Cash your winners before 3 Lesley Peers & Derek Peers 73.26% on a finesse, think ‘’ trying for a (Acacia BC, England) 27 Consider what a defender 60 Be patient when defending 1NT might be thinking about 61 Trump leads can be safe Thursday 19 November 2009 28 Always take your time throughout the play 1 Jill Skinner & Jeremy Willans 70.79% at trick one (Hawkhurst BC, England) 29 Establish extra tricks before General Tips 2 Alex Shields & Kenny Watson 69.43% cashing your winners 62 Do not put important cards 30 Use your opponents’ at either end of your hand (Peebles BC, Scotland) bidding to your advantage 63 Avoid being declarer when 3 John Copson & Peter Gaskin 69.04% 31 Avoid the ‘baddie’ you are dummy (Bawburgh BC, England) gaining the lead 64 Before you lead ask for a 32 Use the Rule of Seven when review of the auction The ECatsBridge for Children in Need Pairs is organised by Anna Gudge holding up in no-trumps 65 Enjoy the Game! and Mark Newton. For further information, including details of next year’s event and sponsorship opportunities, contact Anna Gudge 01787 £14 including postage and packing from Mr Bridge, 881920, [email protected]. www.ecatsbridge.com Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH. ( 01483 489961

Page 37 ANSWERS TO THE DEFENCE QUIZ ON PAGE 24 by JULIAN POTTAGE

West leads the queen of hearts; you overtake bidding confirms. How can South’s spades go 1. ♠ A Q and South follows low. What do you return? anywhere? Since West would open 1 ™, not ™ A K Q 10 3 1®, with five hearts, South must have at least The situation is similar to the first deal – here © 7 3 2 three hearts. You should switch to a trump. As you know of long diamonds in dummy and ® Q 10 3 the cards lie, the contract makes easily if you long spades on your left. You should switch to ♠ 5 ♠ 10 7 6 return a black card. On a heart switch, an the five of clubs; you hope partner has the ™ J 6 5 4 N ™ 8 7 2 inspired declarer might also make it. W E queen of clubs and an entry, no doubt a top © Q J 10 9 6 © A 8 5 S diamond. When this hope bears fruit, and Yes, the contract fails if West takes two clubs ® A 9 6 ® K J 8 5 South has three clubs, you beat the contract and then leads a trump. Take the underlead ♠ K J 9 8 4 3 2 with two club tricks, a diamond and a heart. to let you do it as a compliment! ™ 9 © K 4 Many players would be reluctant to lead a ® 7 4 2 club for fear of losing the king. The truth is that if partner does not have the queen of clubs 4. ♠ A 8 6 4 then it is not going to make anyway – ™ Q J 8 3 West North East South dummy’s diamonds will take care of any club © 3 Pass 3♠ losers declarer has by providing discards. ® K Q 9 3 Pass 4♠ End ♠ K 5 3 ♠ Q 10 7 ™ 6 5 4 ™ 7 2 Partner leads the queen of diamonds. You N © 10 9 7 4 W E © A Q 8 5 overtake with the ace and South follows low. 3. ♠ J 9 6 4 S ® 6 5 4 ® A J 10 8 What do you return? ™ A Q 8 ♠ J 9 2 © K Q 9 3 Often the key decision you need to make as a ™ A K 10 9 ® 6 3 defender is whether to be busy (active), trying © K J 6 2 ♠ A 5 3 ♠ K 10 8 to cash or set up winners, or passive, trying to ® 7 2 ™ K 6 5 4 N ™ 10 7 2 give nothing away. When there are long suits W E © 4 S © 8 6 5 around, it usually pays to be active. ® A K 9 5 4 ® Q J 10 2 West North East South You should switch to the five of clubs. You ♠ Q 7 2 1NT (12-14) expect partner to have the ace of clubs on the ™ J 9 3 Pass 2® Pass 2™ bidding. If you are really in luck, declarer will © A J 10 7 2 Pass 4™ End have three losing clubs and you can cash the ® 8 7 first four tricks. If partner does not have the Partner leads the ten of diamonds, which you ace of clubs, your switch has cost nothing. win with the ace. What do you return? Assuming that declarer has a seven-card West North East South spade suit and the king of diamonds, 1® Dbl 2® 2© The attacking defence is a spade switch, dummy’s hearts would surely take care of any 3® Pass Pass 3© trying to set up a couple of tricks in the suit. If club losers. End partner has K-9-x, the switch would work. When, as shown, South has the nine, it is Partner leads the ace of clubs – three, queen, rather less effective. How can you know not to seven. Next comes the five of clubs – six, ten, lead a spade? Obviously, you do not know 2. ♠ A Q 9 eight. What do you return? who has the nine. You can work it out by ™ 10 3 thinking whether declarer can throw spades You rule out a club. It looks as if a club would © Q J 10 7 2 away on anything. give a ruff and discard – a bad idea. A heart ® A J 3 hardly appeals either – West may hold the If you look at your club holding, you see you ♠ 8 5 ♠ 7 6 king and be in trouble if South has jack-nine. have the suit well held. A discard on a club ™ Q J 9 5 4 N ™ A 8 7 2 W E Breaking suits in which the honours are would only be possible if declarer held a © K 9 6 S © 8 5 3 spread around the table often costs a trick. singleton club. You can rule this out on the ® Q 9 6 ® K 10 8 5 bidding (1NT opening). Aiming to play safe, a ♠ K J 10 4 3 2 You might think of playing a spade – perhaps diamond continuation is not a good idea. You ™ K 6 West has A-Q-x and you can take three tricks do not want declarer to make both the king © A 4 in the suit. There are two clues that this is not and jack, thereby discarding two spades from ® 7 4 2 such a good thing to do. The first is the size of dummy. A club switch is clearly unattractive partner’s club at trick two. If wanting a spade (you could lead the jack without instant cost back, it would be normal to lead the nine of but would be storing up problems for later). West North East South clubs (a high card for a high suit) as a suit 1♠ preference signal. The second, you can work You should lead a trump. This is completely Pass 2© Pass 2♠ out off your own bat. Dummy’s flat shape safe. With the ace of clubs offside, declarer Pass 4♠ End suggests passive defence, something the then has to go down. ■

Page 38 Julian Pottage Says Preference is Different to Support

f partner bids a suit, especially if it is a major, you tend to raise straight Hand C Hand D Hand E Hand F Iaway if you have support (normally ♠ Q J 8 3 2 ♠ A 9 7 5 4 2 ♠ A J 8 3 2 ♠ K 9 8 6 2 four cards in the suit). If you bid ™ K ™ J ™ K Q 9 4 2 ™ A Q 9 4 something else first and only call that © A K Q 4 © K Q J 2 © K 9 © J 9 suit later, after partner has shown a ® Q 10 2 ® A 6 ® 2 ® 8 2 second suit, this is preference. If you pass a bid of the second suit, this too is preference, for the second suit rather Moving across to the East seat, what These are a couple of East hands for than the first. Take this auction: does opener do after receiving simple auction 2. With Hand E you next bid 3 ™. preference? Mostly, if the initial Partner might hold three hearts (raising 1 West North East South response was at the one level, you pass. 2™ to 3 ™ would require four hearts). You 1♠ Pass You need significant extra values (the do not leap to 4 ♠. 1NT Pass 2© Pass strength to have bid 2NT last time) to With Hand F, you should pass. West 2♠ bid on. You must also remember that has shown a minimum opening and no partner has given preference rather than great liking for spades. Your 2 ™ rebid As West, you cannot have four spades or shown real support. was forcing, but just for one round. you would you bid 2 ♠ rather than 1NT On Hand C, you are worth 2NT over at your first turn. Nor are you likely to 2♠. Responder might have eight or even 3 West North East South have three spades and a ruffing value nine points and been unable to bid more 1© Pass 1™ 1♠ (doubleton) – with such a holding, again strongly. You do not bid 3 ♠. As we have 2® Pass 2© 2♠ you would surely have bid 2 ♠ on the seen, partner can easily have only two ? previous round. spades (as with Hand B), so you do not want to commit to playing in spades on The situation changes slightly when the a possible seven-card fit. On Hand D, player who bids two suits bid a minor Hand A Hand B you are happy to play in spades. initially. In auction 3, East can bid 1 ™ ♠ K 9 6 ♠ K 6 However, what you cannot do is say ‘I even with primary (four-card) diamond ™ J 8 5 ™ Q 8 5 2 have a five-loser hand, a responding support. All the same, West should take © 10 7 5 © 10 5 hand typically has nine losers, so we care, bidding 3 © only if holding a sixth ® A 9 7 4 ® J 9 8 7 4 belong in game.’ The losing trick count diamond – East might well have three tends to work only when you have a real diamonds or even a doubleton. fit. Content yourself with 3 ♠, inviting Likewise, if East had passed 2 ®, giving Hand A, with three spades but a flat game and showing the sixth spade. preference to clubs, West really needs a 4333 shape is about as good as you are Facing hand B, 4 ♠ is hopeless with four fifth club to compete safely to 3 ®. East likely to have as spade support. Hand B, losers even with spades 3-2. might pass 2 ® with 1-3 or sometimes with two spades is more typical. You do 2-3 in the minors. A pass of 2 ® would not overly like spades or even want to 2 West North East South not promise four clubs. bid again but you have a duty to go back 1® Pass 1♠ Pass to bid 2 ♠ as partner will often be 5-4 in 2® Pass 2™ Pass Summary spades and diamonds. 2♠ Having responded 1NT, you are not If you bid two suits and partner merely going to have the values to give jump Opener can also give preference, as in puts you back to your first suit at the preference, bidding 3 ♠ rather than 2 ♠. auction 2. Again, various inferences lowest level, proceed with caution. This However, if you do jump in partner’s apply. You cannot have four spades or shows preference rather than actual first suit, this shows a more positive you would have bid 2 ♠ rather than 2 ®. support, often with only two or three liking for the suit – secondary support of Nor now can you have even three cards in your suit. Do not bid your suit three cards. You do not give jump spades. You would have either rebid 2 ♠ again unless you expect your side to preference with a doubleton. or given jump preference to 3 ♠. have an adequate fit in the suit. ■

Page 39 GLOBAL TRAVEL INSURANCE Amelia House, Crescent Road, Worthing West Sussex, BN11 1RL. GLOBAL TRAVEL GLOBAL TRAVEL INSURANCE ( 01903 203933 Fax 01903 211106 Email [email protected] INSURANCE Services Limited Services Limited

INSURANCE PRODUCT SUITABILITY

This insurance is suitable for persons whose Demands and Needs are those of a traveller whose: 1 Individual round trip starts and finishes in the UK and is of no more than 120 days duration, and 2 Age is 90 years or less and is a permanent resident of the United Kingdom. As this leaflet contains the Key Features of the cover provided, it constitutes provision of a statement of demands and needs. This insurance is only available to persons who are permanently resident and domiciled in the UK.

SUMMARY OF COVER

The following represent the Significant and Key Features of the policy including Exclusions and Limitations that apply per person. A full copy of the policy document is available on request.

CANCELLATION & CURTAILMENT up to £1,500 PERSONAL LUGGAGE, MONEY & VALUABLES up to £2,000 If you have to cancel or cut short your trip due to illness, injury, redundancy, jury service, the police Covers accidental loss, theft or damage to your personal luggage subject to a limit of £200 for any requiring you to remain at or return to your home due to serious damage to your home, you are one article, pair or set and an overall limit of £200 for valuables such as cameras, Jewellery, furs, covered against loss of travel and accommodation costs. etc. Luggage and valuables limited to £1500. Delayed luggage, up to £75. Policy Excess £50. Policy Excess Money, travel tickets and travellers cheques are covered up to £500 against accidental loss or theft Standard Policy Excess £50. (cash limit £250). Policy Excess £50. For persons aged 61 to 70 years the excess is increased to £100. No cover is provided for loss or theft of unattended property, valuables or money or for loss or theft For persons aged 71 to 90 years the excess is increased to £150. not reported to the Police within 24 hours of discovery. See section headed Increased Excess for Pre Existing Medical Conditions for increased excesses applicable to claims arising from pre-existing medical conditions. PASSPORT EXPENSES up to £200 PERSONAL ACCIDENT up to £15,000 If you lose your passport or it is stolen whilst abroad, you are covered for additional travel and accommodation costs incurred in obtaining a replacement. No Policy Excess. A cash sum for accidental injury resulting in death, loss of sight, loss of limb or permanent total disablement. No Policy Excess. DELAYED DEPARTURE up to £1,500 MEDICAL AND OTHER EXPENSES up to £5,000,000 If your outward or return trip is delayed for more than 12 hours at the final departure point to/from UK due to adverse weather conditions, mechanical breakdown or industrial action, you are entitled Including LIFELINE 24 HOUR WORLDWIDE MEDICAL EMERGENCY SERVICE to either (a) £20 for the first 12 hours and £10 for each further 12 hours delay up to a maximum of £60, or (b) the cost of the trip (up to £1,500) if you elect to cancel after 12 hours delay on the outward (a) The cost of hospital and other emergency medical expenses incurred abroad, including trip from the UK. Policy Excess £50 (b) only. additional accommodation and repatriation expenses. Limit £250 for emergency dental treatment and £5,000 burial/cremation/transfer of remains. Limit £1,000 for transfer of remains to your home if MISSED DEPARTURE up to £500 you die in the UK. Policy Excess £75 unless travelling within North or Central America or the Caribbean when Additional travel and accommodation expenses incurred to enable you to reach your overseas increased to £150. destination if you arrive too late at your final UK outward departure point due to failure of the vehicle For persons aged 61 to 70 years the excess is increased to £150 unless travelling within in which you are travelling to deliver you to the departure point caused by adverse weather, strike, North or Central America or the Caribbean when increased to £500. industrial action, mechanical breakdown or accident to the vehicle. No Policy Excess. For persons aged 71 to 90 years the excess is increased to £300 unless travelling within North or Central America or the Caribbean when increased to £1,000. PERSONAL LIABILITY up to £2,000,000 See section headed Increased Excess for Pre Existing Medical Conditions for increased excesses Covers your legal liability for injury or damage to other people or their property, including legal applicable to claims arising from pre-existing medical conditions. expenses (subject to the laws of England and Wales). Policy Excess £250. (b) HOSPITAL BENEFIT up to £300 An additional benefit of £15 per day for each day you spend in hospital abroad as an in-patient. LEGAL EXPENSES up to £25,000 No Policy Excess. To enable you to pursue your rights against a third party following injury. No Policy Excess.

MAIN EXCLUSIONS AND CONDITIONS Medical Screening The following represents only the main exclusions. The policy document sets out If you are travelling to North or Central America or the Caribbean or on a Cruise you must all of the conditions and exclusions. A copy of the full policy wording is available first contact the Medical Screening Line to establish whether we can provide cover for on request in writing prior to application. your trip. If you are accepted then the following levels of excess will apply. You will receive written confirmation that you are covered for the trip. The number to call is: MAIN HEALTH EXCLUSIONS: 0870 9063142 Insurers will not pay for claims arising Unless you are traveling to North or Central America or the Caribbean or on a Cruise, 1. Where You or any person upon whose health the Trip depends are undergoing tests for the there is no need to advise us of your pre existing medical conditions. presence of a medical condition receiving or on a waiting list for or have knowledge of the need for treatment at a hospital or nursing home. 2. From any terminal illness suffered by You or any person upon whose health the Trip depends. 3. From any medical condition for which You (or any person upon whose health the Trip depends) Increased Excess for Pre Existing Medical Conditions have within 12 months prior to the date of issue of this insurance been diagnosed with a medical Provision for the acceptance of pre existing medical conditions has been made by the condition or have been admitted or undergone a procedure/ intervention in a hospital. application of increased excesses in the event of claims arising. 4. If you are travelling against the advice of a medical practitioner. For claims arising from the any of your pre-existing medical conditions, other than those that are specifically excluded, the excess is further increased as follows: OTHER GENERAL EXCLUSIONS Under the Cancellation & Curtailment section – double the normal excess. Claims arising from 1. Winter sports, any hazardous pursuits, any work of a non sedentary nature. Under the Medical & Other Expenses section – 2. Self-inflicted injury or illness, suicide, alcoholism or drug abuse, sexual disease. For persons aged 60 years or less the excess is increased to £500 unless travelling within 3. War, invasion, acts of foreign enemies, hostilities or warlike operations, civil war, rebellion, North or Central America or the Caribbean or on a Cruise when increased to £1,000. Terrorism, revolution, insurrection, civil commotion, military or usurped power but this For persons aged 61 to 70 years the excess is increased to £1,000 unless travelling within exclusion shall not apply to losses under Section 3 – Medical Expenses unless such losses North or Central America or the Caribbean or on a Cruise when increased to £2,000. are caused by nuclear, chemical or biological attack, or the disturbances were already taking For persons aged 71 to 90 years the excess is increased to £1,500 unless travelling within place at the beginning of any Trip . North or Central America or the Caribbean or on a Cruise when increased to £3,000. 4. Failure or fear of failure or inability of any equipment or any computer program. 5. Consequential loss of any kind. 6. Bankruptcy / liquidation of any tour operator, travel agent, airline, transportation company or accommodation supplier. MEMBER OF THE 7. Travelling to countries or regions where the FCO or WHO has advised against travel. 8. Your failure to contact the Medical Screening Line where required.

POLICY EXCESSES: The amount of each claim for which insurers will not pay and for which you are responsible. The excess as noted in the policy summary applies to each and every claim per insured person under each section where an excess applies. ✄ Global Travel Insurance Services Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority and our status can be checked on the FSA Register by visiting www.fsa.gov.uk/register or by contacting the Single Trip FSA on 0845 606 1234. This insurance is underwritten by AXA Insurance UK plc. Registered in Travel Insurance England No. 78950. Registered address: 5 Old Broad Street, London Suitable for individual round trips up to 120 days duration EC2N 1AD. AXA Insurance UK plc is authorised and regulated by the that start and finish in the UK arranged by Financial Services Authority. Global Travel Insurance If you have a complaint about the sale of this insurance, you must first Amelia House, Crescent Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 1RL write to the Managing Director of Global Travel Insurance Services Ltd. ( 01903 203933 Fax 01903 211106 Subsequently, complaints may be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service. If we are unable to meet our liabilities you may be entitled to SINGLE TRIP APPLICATION FORM compensation under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. Please FULLY complete the following in BLOCK CAPITALS. If you would like more information or are unsure of any details contained Once complete, return the application panel direct to Global Travel Insurance herein, you should ask Global Travel Insurance Services Ltd for further with a cheque or with card details entered. advice. Insurance is not effective until a Policy has been issued. Please allow at least 5 days before you need to travel. Details of the Applicant PREMIUM RATING SCHEDULE Title (Mr/Mrs/Miss) Initials GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS 1. United Kingdom Surname England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, including all islands comprising the British Isles (except the Channel Islands and the Telephone No. Republic of Ireland). House Number/Name 2. Europe Area 1 and Continental Europe west of the Ural mountain range, all Street Name countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea (except Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya & Syria), the Channel Islands and the Republic Town Name of Ireland, Iceland, Madeira, The Canaries and The Azores. 3. Worldwide excluding North America Postcode Areas 1 & 2 and All countries outside of the above (except the continent of North America, countries comprising Central America and the Date of leaving Home Caribbean Islands). 4. Worldwide including North America Date of arrival Home Areas 1,2 & 3 and The United States of America, Mexico and other countries comprising Central America, Canada, Cuba and the Introducer Mr Bridge Caribbean Islands. Geographical Area - See Premium Panel (1,2,3 or 4)

SCHEDULE OF PREMIUMS Names of all persons to be insured Age Premium Valid for policies issued up to 31/3/2010 and for travel completed by 31/12/2010. 1 £ Areas 1 & 2 - Applicable per person up to age 90 years on the date of return to the UK. 2 £ Areas 3 & 4 - Applicable per person up to age 80 years on the date of return to the UK. 3 £ Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Area 4 1 - 3 days £13.70 £20.90 £43.90 £63.20 4 £ 4 & 5 days £16.40 £26.30 £55.10 £79.50 £ 6 -10 days £19.20 £35.50 £74.80 £107.00 5 11-17 days £21.90 £38.90 £83.10 £119.80 6 £ 18-24 days £24.60 £44.70 £93.60 £134.90 25-31 days £27.30 £50.80 £106.50 £153.40 Credit/Debit Card Details TOTAL PREMIUM £ Each + 7 days £ 4.90 £10.00 £25.10 £36.10 or part thereof (maximum period of 120 days) Card No

All premiums include the Government Insurance Premium Tax (IPT), Start Date End Date Issue No which is 17.5% and is subject to variation.

Security Code PREMIUM ADJUSTMENTS All age adjustments apply to the age on the date of return to the UK The following adjustments apply ONLY to trips in excess of 31 days DECLARATION for all persons aged 65 years and over On behalf of all persons listed in this application, I agree that this application shall Geographical Area Premium Increase be the basis of the Contract of Insurance. I agree that Insurers may exchange Area 2 Europe Plus 50% (1.5 times) information with other Insurers or their agents. I have read and understood the Area 3 Worldwide excl. North America etc Plus 100% (2 times) Area 4 Worldwide incl. North America etc Plus 200% (3 times) terms and conditions of the insurance, with which all persons above are in agreement and for whom I am authorized to sign. Infants up to 2 years inclusive are FREE subject to being included with an adult paying a full premium. Signed ...... Date ...... Children 3 to 16 years inclusive are HALF PRICE subject to being included The form MUST be signed by one of the persons to be insured on behalf of all persons to be insured. with an adult paying a full premium. Unaccompanied children pay the adult rate. is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Global Travel Insurance Group Discounts – Contact us for discounts available starting at 10 persons. Services Ltd, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. ✄ BERNARD MAGEE’S INTERACTIVE TUTORIALS

ACOL MORE DECLARER PLAY ADVANCED BIDDING (ADVANCED) DECLARER PLAY l Suit Establishment ACOL BIDDING l Opening Bids and in No-trumps l Making Overtricks Responses l Basics l Suit Establishment in No-trumps l Slams and Strong l Advanced in Suits l Making Overtricks Openings Basics l Hold-ups in Suit Contracts l Support for Partner l Weak Twos l Ruffing for Extra l Endplays l Pre-empting l Strong Hands Tricks l Avoidance l Overcalls £64 l Defence l Entries l Wrong £79 l No-trump to Weak Twos in No- £74 Contract Openings l Defence trumps l Simple Squeezes and Responses to 1NT £94 l Delaying l Counting the Hand l Opener’s and Drawing Trumps l Doubles l Trump Reductions Responder’s Rebids l Two-suited Overcalls l Using the Lead & Coups l Minors and Misfits l Defences to l Trump Control l Playing Doubled l Doubles Other Systems l Endplays & Contracts l Competitive l Misfits and Avoidance l Safety Plays Auctions Distributional Hands l Using the Bidding

NEW DEFENCE £74 l Lead vs Notrump Contracts l Attitude Signals l Lead vs Suit Contracts l Discarding l Partner of Leader vs Notrump Contracts l Defensive Plan l Partner of Leader vs Suit Contracts l Stopping Declarer l Count Signals l Counting the Hand

Sharpen your defence in the course of 20 introductory exercises and 120 complete deals

Make your cheque payable to and send to: Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH

( 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop Fax 01483 797302 System Requirements: Windows XP, Vista or 7, 8mb RAM, CD-ROM ANSWERS TO THE BIDDING QUIZ ON PAGE 3 by BERNARD MAGEE

1NT is going off, then 3 ® probably will also. hard to believe your partner will be able to 1. Dealer West. N/S Vul. The thing to remember is that, when you are make 3NT, but consider the alternatives: is 4 ♠ ♠ A 7 4 ♠ J 9 8 2 non-vulnerable, going off in 1NT is not such a any more likely to make? Why take your ™ K 2 N ™ 7 6 bad thing. On a hand like this, you can be partner out of a contract he has selected into W E © 10 4 3 S © A 8 6 5 sure that your opponents have a good spade a suit in which you hold five flimsy cards? ® A Q 8 5 2 ® K 9 4 fit and can probably make 2 ♠, which means Generally, you should take partner out of a going two off in 1NT undoubled will be fine 3NT overcall only if you have a good long suit: (-100 instead of -110). Of course, if North this is because partner will often hold a strong West North East South doubles, you can retreat to 2 ® (which would and long minor suit of his own. Such is the ? be natural after the double) . case here, where partner is expecting to make at least five diamond tricks; these will 1NT . You have 13 high-card points with a good combine with the ♠A-K and a very likely two five-card suit; you also have a balanced 3. Dealer West. N/S Vul. tricks from hearts to make nine. In contrast, shape: ‘no more than one doubleton’. With a ♠ A K 10 ♠ 7 2 4♠ is a very poor contract, likely to go down five-card minor you should prefer to open 1NT ™ 7 6 N ™ 9 8 4 W E one or two. on hands like this for two reasons: (1) it gives © K Q 9 S © A 6 5 an accurate description of your hand: 12-14 ® A K 7 6 5 ® Q J 10 4 2 points and balanced; (2) it helps to keep the 5. Dealer West. Love All. opposition out of the bidding. A 1NT opening ♠ A K J 6 5 3 ♠ 2 is a pre-emptive bid and its greatest value is West North East South ™ 10 N ™ Q J 8 7 6 5 3 on hands like this. 1NT is likely to make if the 1® Pass 2® Pass W E © A 3 S © K 6 5 clubs break 3-2; in fact, on a heart lead, you ? ® 9 8 7 2 ® 10 4 might make eight tricks for +120. 2©. Partner has shown a weak hand with At the same time, had North-South managed club support, but that should not stop you to get in to the auction and bid their hearts, West North East South from trying for a game. Your hand is balanced they might have finished in 3 ™ making for 140 1♠ Pass 1NT Pass and no-trumps would seem the obvious aim, points the other way. That is no small 2♠ Pass 3™ Pass but, without a heart stopper you cannot be difference: 260 points – these points are ? sure that it is right, so use a trial bid of 2 © to valuable at any form of the game: rubber, show values there. When you have agreed a teams or duplicate pairs. Over 1 ®, it is much Pass. The key here is to try to work out what minor, bidding a new suit below 3NT shows a easier for North to enter the auction with 1 ™; your partner can hold for his bidding so far: stopper and asks partner to show you where over 1NT, a vulnerable 2 ™ overcall needs why did he not respond 2 ™ in the first place? his values lie. much courage! The answer is that your partner is very weak, The complete auction might be: 1 ®-2 ®-2 ©- but holds a fistful of hearts – he should have 3®-4 ®-5 ®. East would deny values in hearts seven of them to go up from 2 ♠ to 3 ™ since 2. Dealer East. Love All. or spades by rebidding 3 ®; over this, you your rebid showed a six-card spade suit. ♠ Void ♠ J 9 6 5 invite game with 4 ® and then, with his 5-card Many players would have been tempted to ™ K 7 6 5 N ™ A Q 3 support and outside ace, East can go for it. respond 2 ™ with the East hand, but that W E © J 8 7 6 S © A 5 3 would take the bidding too high too quickly: a ® K 10 8 7 4 ® Q 9 6 2-level response suggests at least 9 or 10 4. Dealer North. Love All. high-card points, so he might even find the ♠ K 7 6 5 4 ♠ A 2 bidding at 3NT when it comes back to him West North East South ™ 2 N ™ A Q (though not on this hand of course!). W E 1NT Pass © 10 7 6 S © A K 8 5 3 2 If you know partner is suggesting seven ? ® Q 8 5 4 ® J 7 6 hearts and 5-7 points, you should know what to do… Pass. Pass . You certainly hold an unbalanced hand, but that does not mean you have to bid. You West North East South It is often the hardest call to find but, if you should only respond to 1NT if you can expect 3™ 3NT Pass pass 3 ™, you get the best score; any other bid to improve the contract and nothing here ? will result in going down in some or other gives you that expectation. With just five clubs, contract; partner might even go down in 3 ™, it is not sensible to contract to play in 3 ®: if Pass. You do not hold a great hand and it is but that would be unlucky. ■

Page 43 EricHill_MrBridge_Jan:Layout 1 15/12/2009 16:32 Page 1

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A largest selection of products in Great Britain. RED, BLUE or GREEN have spoilt bridge for many, beneficial. He also suggested because the desire for points taking supplements and this and status encourages some is why I am sending the READERS’ to be too aggressive; not that email. having many points is a Hope you can help. reliable measure of ability, as Yours truly, a hopeless case.... those that play more Mr I Kirkman, Bovey Tracey. frequently have a greater LETTERS chance of acquiring them. MORE FOR have been a BEGINNERS good source of income for Thank you for the magazine. the EBU and a source of Would it be possible to see DATA PROTECTION excellent two-page summary conceit for the avid collector. more for the beginner and Please note that the name card of Announcing and Our club has no need of the perhaps recommendations and address for mailing Alerting Rules which I find EBU which has expanded the on publications that would BRIDGE, which is printed very clear and helpful. It’s on half page on conventional suit the first timers? directly on to its plastic the EBU website though it is bids, in the Laws of Duplicate Mrs Joanna Knight, envelope, cannot be properly a bit buried, under Laws and Bridge, into the Orange Book Burford, Oxon. shredded. Please help us to Ethics – Publications. Even which is as long as the whole protect our identities. Victor might like it! of the laws. NEW TABLETS Mrs I Turner, Ian C Kemp, Ware, Herts. You may say ‘I don’t Thank you for sending me Sleaford, Lincolnshire. believe it’, but a club with your excellent magazine. I Helpful suggestions on a INVITATION freedom of bidding, few am looking forward to postcard please. Come and join us, Victor, if rules, friendliness and no receiving your e-supplement, you want, as you said in acrimony does exist in although I have difficulty in PLAYING CARDS BRIDGE 97, ‘to play cards and Berkshire, and others accessing my computer as I have been pondering how, enjoy it without being probably exist elsewhere in my husband spends a lot of in the course of playing a weighed down by a lot of the UK. time on it with Bernard! hand, the simple act of rules that get ever more Ronald L G Keith, Mavis Frankel by email. choosing a card and getting complicated’. At Burghfield Burghfield Common, Reading. it to the table can result in so Bridge Club, just west of NHS many different ways of Reading, one can use any BEGIN BRIDGE I have applied for the free achieving this – some of bidding convention provided I wonder whether it would be trial for the daily hand but do them extremely irritating! the partner alerts and, on appropriate to include a not know how to find the First of all there is: request, elucidates when: section in your magazine for page. Can you help? l The Snapper 1 A suit call does not just beginners. Colin Broad, Exmouth. l The High-Thrower mean it is a candidate for We have done just one Still under development. l The Flutterer a contract. year of a five-year course Watch this space. l The Refined 2 Doubles are not for and are very keen to learn, (3 fingers up in air) penalties. but find a lot of the content MORE DEMAND l The Chin Stroker 3 A bid conveys information too ‘advanced’ for our current I’m registering by email in the l The Bender not apparent to the levels of knowledge. hope that I may receive an l The Sucker opposition. Mrs Maggie Hyde, exciting and illuminating l The Ditherer 4 There are no other rules Macclesfield, Cheshire. daily missive on bridge; l The SNAP!-er beyond those of the Laws Certainly worth thinking because I’m very keen to (as in card game SNAP) of Duplicate Bridge except about. learn. and then we come to that the strength of Thank you for BRIDGE and l The Face Puller no-trump calls is given A HOPELESS CASE may you enjoy morphing into l The Huffer and Puffer before play starts. My wife and I are both a businessman. l The Frowner Furthermore, convention bridge addicts since starting Susan Cobley by email. l The Ponderer cards are not required. It is lessons two years ago. We Have I missed any out? possible that a player could both enjoy reading your SPREADING THE FUN Terri Humphrey, gain an advantage by not magazine and have been on A special thank you for the Hatfield, Herts. alerting a conventional bid, a few of your holidays. Keep ‘Bit of Fun’ article in this but, as masterpoints are not up the good work. I have month’s issue. I have typed it BELIEVE IT given, why bother to do so. In spoken to my doctor about into my computer and sent it I liked Victor Meldrew’s 18 years as chairman of the my dependence on this to my children in Canada. suggestion in Bridge 97 of a club, I have never heard of habit. He prescribed an We all love a laugh and simplified Orange Book. In anyone accused of cheating improvers’ course at my local ‘A Bit of Fun’. fact there is already an by so doing. Masterpoints club. This has been most Kathleen James, Bedford.

Page 45 READERS’ LETTERS that I and all men could attributes can be recalled lovely idea to have better understand our wives. easily after play, therefore the – after all we don’t have continued I want to know how mine table is easy to use. these particular cards that feels inside, what she’s Compensation Table is often at the bridge table! MORE FUN thinking when she gives me based on tens of thousands I would like to recommend I just spotted the ‘Bit of Fun’ in the silent treatment, why she of deals from world class these earrings to anyone the October issue of BRIDGE. cries, what she means when events. The table with more who has pierced ears and is I am attaching a similar bit of she says nothing’s wrong information can be found at able to wear short drop fun that might amuse. when something obviously is www.compensationtable.com earrings; they are a lovely John Russell, . – and how I can make her This table is invaluable for addition to anyone’s truly happy.’ all duplicate bridge players, collection and I am sure they Bridge to NZ The Lord replied: ‘OK, OK – especially for those who are will be worn often. A man was riding his Harley this bridge – now, will you new to duplicate and would On top of that, the price is beside a Sydney beach when need two lanes or four?’ like some practice before very reasonable. Some might suddenly the sky clouded going to club tournaments. like to have two pairs – one above his head and in a MISLEADING? I would be pleased if you silver and one in gold. booming voice, the Lord said, Misleading the public – what would write an article about I so enjoy BRIDGE – may ‘Because you have TRIED to poppycock. Given your years the method and publish it you prosper – and continue be faithful to me in all ways, I of service to the game and with the Compensation Table. sending me a copy. will grant you one wish.’ its players, you can mislead Questions and feedback are Mrs M. G. Poole, The biker pulled over, us as much as you like. By all welcome. Chippenham, Wilts. thought for a few seconds means, learn to be a Tanel Teinemaa, Estonia and said, ‘OK Lord, build me businessman, but please, Anyone fancy a stab at it? TOO SERIOUS a bridge to New Zealand so I please, do not change your Let’s hear from you. Looking through the can ride over any time I want.’ personality. I’ve seen too correspondence columns I The Lord said: ‘Oh dear, much of that in my business POST LISBON wonder what happened to oh dear, your request is just career. Not worried about the EBU. ‘it’s only a game’. I’m not so materialistic. Think of the Ken Smith, Chiddingfold. Let’s leave the EU. surprised some people don’t enormous challenges Mr Peter Brackfield, want to belong to a club. involved in that kind of 1-TABLE DUPLICATE Haslemere. Mr J Metson, Reading, Berks. undertaking... imagine the Article idea for editors – supports required that will duplicate bridge for four HAUNTED CLUB FIRST OF MANY have to reach the bottom of players. The recent issue was so I’m a bit baffled by your quiz the Pacific and just think of all I am a computer science interesting and I wish you on page 4. The three the concrete and steel it student and bridge player well with your plans. I play at questions seem all very easy, would take! It will probably from Estonia. I would like to The South Bucks Bridge but hand 2 has 14 cards. Is exhaust several natural introduce a new version of Centre in Burnham, which this a typo or is that the resources. Compensation. With this must be the most beautiful catch? You say they are not Of course, I can do it, but method, it is possible to play venue in the UK. We play in a trick questions. If it’s a typo, it it’s hard for me to justify your duplicate bridge with four 550 year old barn, but are must be the first I’ve ever desire for such a frivolous players. The players are completely computerised. seen in your mag as your thing. Take a little more time playing in an open room. Mrs Emily Say, proof readers are fantastic. and think of something else Compensation Table takes Burnham, Slough. Anyway, please re-register that could possibly help ALL deal attributes such as high me to receive this great mankind.’ card points, vulnerability and FRED OLSEN magazine for the next two The biker thought hard major/minor fit length into I would take issue with your years. about it for quite a long time. account and returns the reply to Elizabeth Lonkhurst Ian Dalziel, Troon, Ayrshire. Finally, he said, ‘Lord, I wish closed room result. All these (Issue 97 – October 2009) – I’m afraid we fell short of our surely she is being a little high standards on this page. hard on Butlins. REDUCE THE COST OF YOUR POSTAGE Peter Wiseman, ABSOLUTELY North Walsham. BRILLIANT Postage stamps for sale at 90% of face-value, all mint with full gum. Quotations for We have recently purchased commercial quantities available on request. SHETLAND DELIGHT Bernard Magee’s ‘Defence’ – I have recently received a absolutely brilliant. It Values supplied in 100s, higher values available pair of Ken Rae’s silver maintains, and perhaps even as well as 1st and 2nd class (eg 1st class: earrings (as an early surpasses, the standard of 100x37p+100x2p) Christmas present) and I his other four tutorial discs. wanted to let you know how Rod Smith & Elaine McKinstry, (/Fax 020 8422 4906 e-mail: [email protected] successful they are. It was a Dobcross, Oldham.

Page 46 READERS’ LETTERS 1 point for a jack. All went well, but, on one of the 11 continued beginner tables, a gentleman The Case for was slow and looked very GOOD GOSSIP puzzled. I reassured him and All Combinations The article ‘Gossip Value’, reminded him of the values Bridge 99, page 5, interested of the cards as presented on I have been involved with setting up two new bridge me, but I was unable to find the flip chart. He continued to clubs and participating regularly in a third club. The one any reference as to how to frown and look very worried thing all were lacking was a ready reference to choosing apply for a card. and then suddenly, he said an appropriate movement in relation to the number of ‘92’! I had to avoid giggling I would like to obtain an pairs attending and being able to handle late comers. application form and secure at all costs – he had just a card. added up all the spot cards What is on offer is a master movement reference card Ken Nuttall, Fishguard. as well as the honours – no based on playing 24 boards with a maximum 3 board wonder it took him a long sit-out for a half table. The single master sheet details LAST TIME time! which movement is required from 3 tables up to 10 My bridge club has voted to We very much look forward tables and all ½ tables in between. It shows which tables to our next cruises (back-to- opt out of the P2P scheme. I share boards and where any relay table is placed. foresee that we will have back) when thankfully we will Arrow switches and sit-out tables are specified as is the quite a large number of once again be promoting the best table for the director. paper masterpoint advantages of QPlus to all certificates left over that we the bridge enthusiasts. Where movement cards are required they show all pair will not be able to use. Pauline Shaw, numbers, NS/EW moves to other tables and the board In your opinion, should the Tenterden, Kent. movement. All information is on stiff card, laminated for EBU refund the cost of these durability and is customised to the name of your Club. certificates? PRIORITIES The whole is provided in a concertina presentation case Mr P Wand, Hailsham. I purchased QPlus bridge Treat it as a donation to from you 2-3 years ago. The which has labelled partitions for: the EBU. version I have is 7.8. My husband and I have been Yellow Book Running a Duplicate Event QPLUS PROMOTER sailing on a yacht from the Orange Book Handbook of EBU Directives Thank you so much for the UK since 2007 and we are White Book Tournament Directors Guide QPlus software, which currently in Cartagena, Rule Book Rules Simplified 2008 (Mr Bridge) arrived today and is now Columbia. Just over a week Red Book EBU Manual of Duplicate Bridge Movements ago, our yacht hit something successfully installed. (Please note: the above books are not provided) You are correct – there on passage from Panama to certainly is a stunning Cartagena, we took on a lot Other partitions are labelled up as appropriate to cover difference between my old of water and had to abandon the movement cards for non-straightforward Mitchell version 6 and today’s joyful the yacht before it sank. progression. There is no Fortunately, another yacht movements. For standard Mitchell movements, there doubt that this is my best picked up our radio call, are no movement cards but a reminder is provided on ever bridge programme. It is came to our assistance and the master of appropriate share and relay. picked us up from the life raft. not only very interesting for All movements can be scored on Scorebridge, experienced players, but The problem I have is that I Winscore or other computer scoring systems and also invaluable for learners no longer have the booklet comply with the EBU Red Book. The package is ideal at every level. that came with the disk and As you are aware, we very shortly the programme for starter clubs or where less experienced directors lecture to all levels on cruise will prompt me to complete a might appreciate some readily available guide. I am ships and it is nearly always word/line from the booklet. Is retired and am not in this for any business opportunity a very rewarding occupation. it possible to get another so the cost is based on material plus small overhead Occasionally, we have a booklet or alternatively, I am recovery and postage and can vary between £25.00 surprising turn of events, prepared to purchase the and £30.00 depending on the number of table especially with the complete more up to date programme movement options. E.g. if you never have fewer than beginners. To tell you a story. if I could have the discount 5 tables, then the 3T to 4½ T movement cards are not Starting off with mini- you normally offer when an required. bridge, I told the players to old version is returned. deal out the cards, count up Can you help at all? For further information, please contact Kevin Dawson and then announce their Nesta Morris by email. ( 01270 522253 or email [email protected] points. 4 points for an ace, 3 Just send in your cheque for for a king, 2 for a queen and £32. I believe you.

Page 47 READERS’ LETTERS clubs that were affiliated to the EBU when P2P first raised continued its head have now left. EBU RUBBER / CHICAGO 09/10 officials, still defending P2P, at The Beach Hotel, GREAT RESULT are telling us not to worry because the clubs who have Worthing, BN11 3QJ At our club’s friendly pairs’ evening, an opponent bid opted out are mainly the Hosted by Diana Holland 4NT over our four diamonds small clubs. Are we to accept after a competitive auction in that the EBU no longer cares 12-14 February (Fri-Sun) the minors. Perplexed, about the small, ‘social’ 28-30 May (Fri-Sun) everyone passed. My clubs? Whatever happened diamond lead through to the promise to do more for 30 July-1 August (Fri-Sun) dummy’s unsupported queen the rank and file? set up partner’s six-card suit Attention now turns to the Please note there are no seminars or set hands at these events and his heart return through many clubs, including the declarer’s king set up my five one to which I belong, who £199 – Full-board – No Single Supplement heart tricks. Thoroughly have signed up for one year rattled, declarer unguarded but with reservations. We dummy’s spade king, recognise the importance of allowing my ace-queen to having a strong national win the last two tricks. She body, we realise that such never made any of her has to be paid for, we have clubs. no problems with universal This was the first time in membership and we forty years of bridge that I’ve commend the EBU for the seen the defence take all new initiatives being shown. thirteen tricks. But our But we deplore P2P as a way opponents gained a crumb to finance the package for its of comfort: ten down not inappropriateness and vulnerable cost them minus unfairness to the social clubs, ______BOOKING FORM ______500, but, elsewhere, four as proven by these hearts, vulnerable, had been disastrous figures. No doubt Please book me for .... places, Single .... Double .... Twin .... bid and made for minus the decision, which clubs like for the Rubber/Chicago weekend(s) of ...... 620! Bridge never ceases to ours are going to have to surprise and delight. face in a year or so, will be Mr/Mrs/Miss ...... Nicholas Beswick by email. taken for us when the P2P rate is hiked up from its Address ...... DEATH THROES present 29p, as surely it is I do not know whether P2P is going to have to be...... still an active debate or not. Is it still too late for the EBU If it is, you may be interested to finance its plans in a Postcode ...... in the attached letter. I was sensible and fair way so that pushed into writing this the proposed benefits can be ...... ( following a YCBA Meeting in enjoyed by all our clubs? Or Special requirements (these cannot be guaranteed) which our EBU officials kept is it the case that the EBU is telling us that it is only the hell-bent on creating a much ...... small clubs who have opted smaller union of elite bridge Please send a non-returnable deposit of £50 per person per place out .... clubs who will have to pay by cheque, payable to Mr Bridge. An invoice for the balance The figures before us yet more for the privilege? will be sent with your booking confirmation. On receipt of your confirm that some 40% of the Alan Best, Wetherby, Yorks. ■ final payment, 28 days before the event, a programme and full details will be sent together with a map. Cancellations are not refundable. Should you require insurance, you should contact your own insurance broker. (Sea view £30 supplement.) Write to Mr Bridge at: Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH , Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH or e-mail [email protected] ( 01483 489961 Fax 01483 797302 E-mail correspondents are asked to include their e-mail: [email protected] name, full postal address, telephone number and website: www.holidaybridge.com to send no attachments. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

Page 48 Catching Up Why it is so important for club committees by Sally Brock to insure their club

y parents are both 80 were keen to participate in The rise in TV adverts offering free legal assistance in the this year. If I am the event in their own event of an accident or personal injury has increased Manywhere near as fit country. They did not expect public awareness of the possibility of making a claim and lively as they are when I to do well but did not want to and, as a result, the need for club committee members to am 70, I will be pleased. A make fools of themselves, so seek public liability insurance is becoming more couple of years ago, they they hired me to select and important than ever. downsized housewise and train a team. To this end, in Over the last year we have seen two incidents that moved out of the beautiful, the run-up to the event, I highlight the need for clubs to take out insurance to large, 17th-century house in went to Malta several times protect their committee members against possible claims. which they had lived for 43 and eventually captained The first case concerned a club member hurriedly years. They moved across them in the event itself. In leaving his club’s meeting, unfortunately tripping over the road in the village to the the process of this, I made a another member’s briefcase and falling through a plate former school. Although lot of friends and I and my glass door. As a result of the injuries sustained, the they reduced the number of family have since been back gentleman sadly died a few weeks later in hospital. This bedrooms and the size of the to the island a number of could have resulted in a possible liability claim against garden, the main ground times as guests of my friends the club committee and member but, fortunately, the floor of the new house is Mario Dix and Margaret gentleman dictated a letter absolving his club of any probably bigger than the old Parnis-England. responsibility and making it clear that the accident was one. So they decided to have This year we had been his own fault. An act that is very rare these days. a large party in October to warned that the weather fore - The second incident occurred when a member attended celebrate my father’s cast was terrible, so we took his club’s regular meeting. After parking his car in the birthday. Over 100 people plenty of anoraks and warm meeting hall car park, the member apparently slipped were accommodated for clothes. However, it was a over on ice and injured his knee. Some months later the drinks and dancing in the false alarm and the weather member initiated a claim via solicitors for personal injury main house, while a marquee we actually experienced was as a result of the fall. The allegation of fault by the club provided space for a sitdown warm and sunny. I even surrounds their statutory duty under the Occupiers’ dinner. swam and went kayaking in Liability Act 1957 to provide safe premises for lawful Although they have had a the sea. Briony also went jet visitors and that the club failed to do so by not clearing lot of parties over they years, skiing and parasailing (if the ice or gritting the car park. The car park holds around this was the first large one in that’s the right word for 60 cars, so clearing ice or gritting the car park would not the new house. But of course being towed along by a have been easy for the club committee to arrange. it all went with a swing; speedboat while suspended In both cases the club committees were initially teenage and young adult from a para chute). She thor - extremely concerned but fortunately both were insured grandchildren mixed seam - oughly enjoyed both, just a through our bridge club protection policy scheme. In the lessly with octogenarians bit alarmed by all the second case, the ongoing claim and all associated and a good time was had by Portuguese man-of-war jel - correspondence has been passed to the club’s insurer to all. lyfish she saw from her ele - act upon. However, if the club had not been insured it The next decision was vated view. would have been left to the committee to respond to the what to do for my mother’s While in Malta, I played allegation or to seek legal advice, which would have birthday in December. two sessions of duplicate, proved very expensive. Likewise, in the event that Somewhat exhausted by the one with Mario at the Malta liability was proven, any damages would have to have above-mentioned do, friends Bridge Club (in the evening) been met by the club committee and members. and family settled for a and one with Margaret at the These two examples illustrate how important it is for Chinese takeaway party for Malta Union Club (where committees to protect themselves against these types of 40 or so. they regularly get up to 20 incidents by insuring their club. The premium cost is For half-term we went to tables) in the afternoon. I modest as the Bridge club insurance scheme has an Malta. In 1999 the European can’t say we acquitted annual premium of £57.75 and for clubs joining after Championships were held in ourselves with any great February 2010 the pro-rata cost through to the scheme Malta. The Malta Bridge distinction, but it is annual renewal date in November each year is just Federation is very small and interesting playing in other £45.50 . their players are not strong countries. I’m sure that any For more information please contact so, although entitled to play readers who go to Malta for a Moore Stephens Insurance Brokers Ltd in the European Champion - holiday would be welcome – email: [email protected] ships, they had previously let me know if you’d like ( 020 7515 5270 not done so. However, they some contact details. ■

Page 49 Seven Days by Sally Brock

much time to my journey was a splinter for clubs and 2200 (or £330 – not counting Monday because if I go straight to the later redoubled to show his the plus we would have made gym I have to crawl along the first-round control. had we bid and made 4 ®, Up early for a dental A40 for a couple of miles, I thought 3 © was natural converting our partscore)! appointment. Then an eye while if I go via the schools (this is a world where, In the evening, I have a test, except all the opticians the back route is pretty much although we do play splinters TGR’s League match, which had phoned in sick so they traffic free … if we go early after major-suit openings, we we lose by 4, having been 21 couldn’t do it! enough. However, we usually don’t even play the simplest IMPs up at half-time. So, all Yesterday Briony had a don’t so it takes forever. of Sputnik doubles). I would in all, bridge-wise, I’ve had friend to stay and together Then back for a bit of work have passed if North had not better days. they thought it would be a (USA by Rail, Rwanda) doubled. I thought my partner good idea to try to plug the before catching the 2.15 train was just trying to buy the play station into the back of into London. An afternoon of hand as quickly as possible Wednesday our wall-mounted 32 inch rubber bridge, and my first because of the partscore TV. Not surprisingly, they real disaster at the table. situation. When he redoubled I have recently been elected dropped it and broke the When these truly terrible I had a few misgivings, but to the EBU’s Selection . Just what I need! So, things happen, it is because thought that he was heavy for Committee and today is my in the hope of getting the TV both sides of a partnership his bid and wanted to make first meeting. I get to the sorted before my parents live in a completely different the vulnerable opponents station to see a train pulling arrive to stay next week, I go reality. really pay. Clearly South was out, no problem in itself until to John Lewis to buy a new I will start by present ing uncomfortable, and if he was the next train is 20 minutes one. the bare, gruesome, facts. passing with long weak late. Also the State opening When I get home, I phone It is the last hand of a diamonds, maybe, for of Parliament makes public the insurance company and Chicago, so both sides are example, 2-2-5-4 shape, then transport around St James’s find I’ve done the wrong vulner able. We have a 40 they could be in real trouble. Park a bit tricky, but I manage thing. They will come and part score and our opponents (Of course, in reality South to arrive only a few minutes inspect the broken one and 60. was thinking about bidding late. replace it rather than settle up 4©!) The meeting lasts about with me. So, back to John It’s easy to say I could have four hours and then we Lewis to return the TV. Some ♠ K984 ♠ Q76 taken the safe course and bid, adjourn to the pub – I can’t days I seem to spend all day N but to remove 3 redoubled believe how packed it is at ™ A953 W E ™ K74 © running around and getting © Void S © A7 and end up in 4 © going down 4.30 in the afternoon! absolutely nowhere! ® AJ843 ® K9752 would not have been a good Entertain ex-boyfriend for move. I also thought that my supper which was nice. partner wouldn’t put me in a Thursday West North East South position where I could Pass 1® Pass misunderstand in such a Gym first thing. Then some Tuesday 3© Dbl Pass Pass 1 costly way, when he could Bradt work (Peloponnese and Rdbl End make any other bid to make it Lake Baikal). Am persuaded to drive the 1after long thought clear that his 3 © had been Have an online teaching children to school. Then to made on a shortage. session late morning, in the the gym. In truth, taking them Ouch! My partner thought it Anyway, he plays it well middle of which a TV engin - to school doesn’t add that was quite clear that his 3 © and manages to get out for eer arrives to check that

Page 50 Sally’s Blog continued we chose Taunton because of Saturday a Christmas market. ♠ AKQ However, I got my dates ™ AKQ Margaret is having a dinner wrong and the market was the © AJ52 party to celebrate the the TV really doesn’t work. It previous weekend, so we ® AK6 refurbishment of her flat. In doesn’t so he takes it away. went to Bath Christmas ♠ 73 ♠ J109642 the morning we go shopping This play hand crops up, market (an excellent affair) N for food and do various ™ 986432 W E ™ 10 illustrating a simple point of on the way. Anyway, as was © KQ7 S © Void preparatory chores. Then I go technique: entirely predictable, we had a ® 73 ® QJ10985 to TGR’s again for the jolly good weekend. ♠ 85 afternoon and leave her to do But I digress. This weekend ™ J75 the real work. ♠ 953 ♠ J10 I am also away. It is © 1098643 The dinner party is good, ™ KQ85 N ™ A62 unfortunate that the two ® 42 mostly non-bridge players. W E © AQ105 S © K73 weekends are consecutive but The food, wine and company ® A7 ® QJ932 life can be like that, especially are all excellent. as Christmas approaches. Declarer, Robin Squire, does Just before the main course Today is the annual match quite well in my opinion. He I get a phone call from the I open a strong no-trump as between the House of wins the heart lead and, kids. Briony has stepped on a West and partner raises me Commons and House of rather than just bashing out piece of glass and cut her straight to three no-trumps. Lords. I get an invitation the ace of diamonds, starts by foot. It’s bleeding a lot and North leads a diamond. I play because of my column in the playing the ace and king of should they ring 999? I am off four rounds of diamonds Sunday Times. The event clubs and ruffing a club high. lucky enough to get through (North started with five), starts at 10.30 at Crockfords West can defeat the slam by to a neighbour who goes hoping South will discard a Club in Mayfair. Fourteen overruffing and leading a round and has a look. heart, but he does not. Now, boards are played before an major to lock declarer in the Thankfully, she doesn’t think do I play for hearts 3-3 or excellent lunch. Then another dummy. Because West also it particularly serious so the take the club finesse? fourteen boards afterwards. has a doubleton spade, ambulance is averted. The answer is to play The format is teams of eight, declarer can’t get back to hearts in a slightly unusual with aggregate scoring. The hand with a spade ruff. way: first the king, queen and event is sponsored by both However, in the event, West Sunday then one to dummy’s ace, Crockfords and Stephen Perry discards a spade instead, and blocking the suit. If hearts are and his London Export now declarer can pick up the Today is TGR’s Christmas 3-3, I come back to hand with Company. This year the trumps for the loss of just one party. So, after waking up the ace of clubs and cash the match was won by the House trick. with a mild hangover and thirteenth heart; if my fourth of Commons, narrowing the Although it is completely getting myself ready, I am heart is not a winner, I take gap in the overall standings to double-dummy and would back there for the third time the club finesse. 17–18. never be found, there is a in three days. I thought we After lunch it’s my weekly The last board I watch is successful line of play for were having a casual buffet counselling session. Then exciting. You hold: declarer. Have you spotted it? meal but it turns out to be half an hour’s haven of peace, He must win the lead and proper set tables and a full before the kids come home. play off the ace-king of both Christmas lunch. And very ♠ AKQ black suits and all three heart good it is too. ™ AKQ winners before ruffing a Afterwards, we retire Friday © AJ52 black suit high. West can upstairs for a variety of ® AK6 overruff but now has to allow activities. There is a small A busy weekend ahead. I am declarer access to his hand so duplicate and some back- neglecting my parental he can take a trump finesse. gammon. duties. Last weekend I went Yes, thirty high-card points. I The match finishes at about I prefer my usual rubber away with a girlfriend. A watch Michael Mates open four and I scrounge a lift to bridge and play for a couple while back we decided that two clubs. He has a tricky TGR’s and play for a couple of hours before heading back we would rather spend time choice of rebid over the of hours before dashing to High Wycombe on the together than exchange predictable two diamonds. across London to play in the train. presents so we take it in turns He chooses three diamonds Friday night Butler pairs at Then there’s my regular to choose weekend activities. and his partner raises to four the Young Chelsea with Sunday night date: both We have a habit of picking diamonds. This partnership Barry Myers. There are lots children and I settle down our destination because of enjoys the sophistication of of exciting hands, but we get comfortably on my bed to some event that turns out to Roman Key-Card Blackwood, too many wrong to score watch House! ■ be disappointing. Two years so he discovers that his well. Fun though. A quick ago it was an Arts Festival in partner does not hold the king Chinese meal afterwards Tenby. Tenby was fabulous of diamonds and settles while we go through the card Contact Sally at but the Arts Festival was not unselfishly for six diamonds. and then I go to Margaret’s [email protected] what we had hoped. This year This is the complete deal: for the night.

Page 51 Celebrating DOUBLE DUMMY SOLUTION Ten Years by Richard Wheen of Teaching (Problem on page 11) North/South to make the last Bridge For All ♠ A two tricks. If West threw the ™ 2 jack of clubs, dummy’s nine In October 1999, The Bridge For All Teaching Group © K 2 would become good for the was formed in the Bolton area by John Taylor and Frank ® Q 9 sixth trick. His actual Cox. They had both attended EBU teaching courses and ♠ Void ♠ Void diamond discard worked no ™ J N ™ K Q better: declarer now played were reasonable experienced bridge players but had no W E © 10 9 8 S © Q J experience of teaching the game, so they co-opted a a diamond to the ace and, as ® J 10 ® K 8 third person, John Whone, who had been teaching West pointed out, won the ♠ Void bridge for many years in the evening at a local school. last trick with the diamond ™ A seven. They advertised locally and took a stand in a marquee © A 7 6 I must have looked exhibition for the over 50’s in the town hall square, ® A 2 bemused, as West continued, enrolling 8 people who expressed an interest in learning ‘Didn’t you know that if the game of bridge. This small group started lessons in o there we were, in a declarer wins the last trick a church hall on a Monday afternoon and, within a few SSouth-East Surrey with the seven of diamonds, weeks, 4 others joined us. Three months later the group Senior Novice Competition, his partner has to buy him a had expanded to 21 and a Thursday evening session in a no-trump contract. pint of beer? It is called the was also started for those who could not attend in the Partner (South, declarer) “drinking card”.’ On my afternoon. needed to make all the rest, return from the bar, partner As the group progressed and became better known, with North on lead. I was confided in me that he had many more who had played social bridge at home and watching partner from set the diamond seven up to at golf clubs and wished to improve their game, also behind his wheelchair (as is win the last trick by means joined us. permissible in such events). of a squeeze. I congratulated I could see five easy tricks – him but quizzed him on his It was always our aim to develop a friendly social from where was the sixth to initial ‘finesse’ of leading the atmosphere, so that the less experienced players would come? Partner first led club queen. He told me it not feel intimidated by the more advanced members. dummy’s queen of clubs, was not a finesse (well, I As the standard improved, competition ladders were and I cringed – did he think knew that!) but a vital move introduced for spring, summer and autumn, trophies that was a finesse? In any to transfer control of the club being awarded for the highest average percentages. A event, East covered with the suit from East to West, who cup is also awarded to the Player of the Year. king and declarer won with alone could be squeezed the ace, West following with because he controlled the The group has prospered over the 10 year period, and the ten. Declarer then third round of diamonds. last year 109 players enjoyed playing at one or both of cashed his ace of hearts and Partner then suggested (as our two venues. We have also organised bridge continued with the diamond tactfully as he could) that I weekends in a hotel in the Skipton area for the last six to dummy’s king – all should restart the bridge seven years. These are always fully booked within days following in each case. lessons I had given up 50 of their being advertised. We find that these weekends Partner now led the spade years ago. I was delighted to help enormously in improving the social atmosphere from dummy, East and discover that our success on within the group, resulting in the development of many South throwing clubs. West this board had helped us to a new friends. took his time over his good result in the event, Unfortunately, John Whone left the area a few years discard and, having peeked despite the fact that partner ago. However, John Taylor and Frank Cox have at his hand, I saw why. Any had been noticeably tipsy for the rest of the evening. continued with the development of the group and new discard by him would allow players are joining us on a regular basis. When we started we charged £3 per session which included tea/coffee and biscuits and, even though the quality of the biscuits has improved, we still charge £3. DUPLICATEBRIDGE only The advice we would give to anyone starting a new RULESSIMPLIFIED £595 bridge group or developing an existing one, would be (otherwiseknownastheYellowBook) to ensure that it has a pleasant and friendly atmosphere by John Rumbelow and revised by David Stevenson and that any new players, regardless of ability, are made welcome. John Taylor NewEdition.Includes2008LawRevisions. Availablefrom ( 01483 489961

Page 52 Don’t be Too Clever Too Soon by Dick Atkinson

y uncle Leopold, the seventh West North East South threw the jack of clubs and East parted Baron von Münchausen, is a Pass 3© with a small club. Flint cashed the ace Mnotable analyst of the game. 3™ 6© End and king of clubs and the ace of spades, He is also something of a collector of ruffing a spade back to hand to score Bridge Literature, though the books on Flint remarked, ‘I am sorry if you don’t the seven of clubs. If East had his own shelves are in a bewildering like the bidding, but that was the way unguarded the spades, the ace of spades variety of languages. we used to conduct our auctions.’ and ruff would come first, the clubs One bright April Sunday morning I sat I am hopeless at following the providing a re-entry to score the jack of in my favourite armchair, where the pale analysis, so I wrote the hand out again in spades. Annoyingly, Flint’s opponent in sunlight fell nicely across my lap and the broad margin of the newspaper, and the other room finessed the clubs like my newspaper. I underlined a clue idly: added underneath the auction as it any beginner, for an undeserved tie. Poet’s short span – six letters. Nothing should have been: 3 © – (3 ™) – 4NT – 5 © It was a beautifully played hand. I sprang to mind . . . As usual, I had – 6 ©. Yes, much better. Then I ticked off was just about to pick the book up ground to a halt part way through the the cards as I followed Flint’s play: the again when my uncle strolled into the crossword. I laid it aside on the coffee ace of hearts was led, East playing the room, with a book in his own hand. table and fetched down Tiger Bridge eight; the queen of hearts was ruffed ‘Good morning, my boy. I just wished from the shelf, one of several favourite high, East following low. Trumps were to return this.’ It was The titles I keep there. It fell open at an drawn in two rounds, East having the Book of Bridge – one of mine. interesting hand. singleton. With eight spades East would I hid my mild annoyance – Uncle Leo The author, the late Jeremy Flint, have opened 3 ♠: therefore he had to has an infuriating habit of writing wrote about one of his very favourite have three clubs at least, making the abusive footnotes in books where the deals, which ‘I played when I was finesse a poor proposition; so Flint went authors’ views do not coincide with his virtually unknown in the world of for a squeeze. But since ‘dummy has to own. I had once tried to discuss the bridge. It gave me a lot of pleasure at the discard in front of the hand you intend to topic with him, remarking gently that time, although I have no doubt that it squeeze – I had to rely on what is known he did not suffer fools gladly. ‘I don’t would be duck soup to the experts of as a ,’ he wrote. The six- suffer them at all if I can help it!’ he had today.’ card ending was: snapped, looking me straight in the eye. I had retreated in some disorder. ‘What’s that?’ he inquired, his eagle Dealer: East. Game All. ♠ A J 7 eye having discerned the familiar ♠ A J 7 ™ — bridge layout scribbled on the © — ™ 5 ® A K J newspaper. © K 9 8 3 ♠ x x ♠ K Q 10 Here was a chance to catch him out. ® A K J 6 2 ™ J 10 N ™ — ‘Oh, it’s something I played at the club © — W E © — S the other night,’ I answered innocently. N ® Q x ® x x x W E ‘I’m still trying to decide whether I S ♠ 6 ™ — should have gone for the club drop ♠ 6 © J 10 rather than the finesse after that ™ K 7 3 ® 7 5 4 bidding. How would you set about it © A Q J 10 6 4 after a heart lead and continuation?’ ® 7 5 4 He picked up the folded paper, seated On the jack of diamonds dummy his monocle a little more firmly

Page 53 Don’t be Too Clever Too Soon forced with 3 ™, and Zia showed a long the king doesn’t appear, you overtake, continued and completely solid suit by jumping to and cash the hearts . . .’ I could tell 4♠ over the force – one of your something was wrong from his excellent Acol understandings, I believe. demeanour, rather like a roadside crow and twitched his moustache, like a hound After that the auction degenerated a little: preparing to dine on a freshly crushed on the scent of an old fox. ‘Stupid 4NT Blackwood – 5 © – 5NT – 6 © . . . hedgehog. auction. I’d have raised straight to six Ridiculous really.’ ‘Nein, nein. You must preserve your rather than give East a chance to raise to diamond queen. This is such a lovely 5™... Hah! You hope to take me off guard, hand. If you had been a reasonably but I am quite familiar with this theme.’ ♠ A K Q J 8 2 strong player, you would have gone I tried to look mystified. ‘Theme?’ ™ 9 8 3 straight for the rare Double Vienna ‘Oh yes, yes indeed. I have thought of © Q 7 : cash both minor-suit aces, then submitting it as a ‘Bols Bridge Tip’: ® Q 10 run the spades, keeping the hearts on

‘Don’t rush into the obvious expert line N table. If the hearts break anyway, that’s when a simple beginners’ strategy W E fine; while if anyone has five hearts S should be tried first. I go for the drop.’ together with either of the minor kings, Gotcha! Somehow he had missed the ♠ 10 3 he will be squeezed, of course.’ whole point of the deal. ‘So your line ™ A K Q J 2 A lovely hand indeed. ‘Okay, I is…’ I invited him smugly. © A J 3 missed it; but I’d have played that way He frowned in exasperation. ‘Well, ® A 9 6 at the table,’ I lied. it’s obvious. You hope to make on a ‘Perhaps. But a good player will cash trump squeeze; but many declarers, I just one of the hearts first, to see if they feel sure, would be so thrilled with this I couldn’t let him get away with that. ‘I are going to drop.’ line that they would neglect to cash just have to disagree. If her partner shows up ‘What diff—’ one high club first, in case West held with an extra king, 7NT will be solid.’ ‘If the opening leader shows out, your something like: ‘But when he doesn’t – what do you strong intermediates will enable you to bid?’ finesse against the ten of hearts after ‘Well . . .’ cashing your spades! You need not run ♠ Q x x ‘Mrs Markus bid 7NT, demonstrating the risk of finding East with neither ™ A Q J x x x x that the Blackwood was entirely minor king, and therefore being © x x redundant. She gave away the chance immune to the squeeze.’ ® Q for opponents to make a free lead- He had me yet again. Still, my directing double of a diamond call, vestigial dignity demanded some show which could have been crucial with a of resistance. ‘It probably wouldn’t ‘Otherwise you will be discarding your different lie of the cards in the three matter at the table, of course.’ twelfth trick – the club knave – before unseen hands. As it was, the leader had He chuckled wickedly. ‘That’s you realise it is the essential winner.’ He sufficient information now to lead a exactly how Mrs Markus made the nodded again. ‘Yes, indeed, quite passive spade. How do you play the contract. I’m a little surprised, though, interesting. That’s how you played it, I hand?’ he pounced. that she didn’t even mention that presume?’ I thought frantically. It must wonderful back-up line of the Double ‘Oh . . . Well . . . Of course.’ somehow relate to that other hand. ‘Er, in case the other hand had He gestured towards my Rixi Markus. take the ten of spades in case they break showed out. And, by the way, since you ‘You can see much the same principle in five-nil. Then cash four heart tricks – would then be hoping for one at least of the first hand in there.’ I reached towards they must be five-nil or there’d be no those minor kings to be with the hearts, the book where he had laid it down, next story. Then your carefully preserved you can never want that diamond to the fallen favourite, Tiger Bridge . small spade gives you an entry for the finesse to be right.’ He whistled ‘Don’t touch it! I have taken the trouble squeeze.’ cheerily – a snatch of Wagner’s of writing the analys is underneath ‘Correct – in one particular only: the Insomnia , I think – as he walked to the for you,’ said the shameless old vandal, hearts are indeed five-nil. But your door, remarking as he left, ‘Oh, and that ‘so I’ll jot it down in this margin . . . just completely unnecessary squeeze only was quite a coincidence.’ slightly modified, to bring out the point, works against East.’ He paused to take ‘The two hands?’ though it doesn’t affect the key calls or out his Fabergé pill-box, popping open ‘No, no. Eleven across in your plays.’ He wrote the hand in the next the jewel encrusted lid before selecting puzzle. ‘Bridge.’ Don’t look so blank. column on my newspaper. ‘This is from an aromatic cachou to suck. ‘Now, Herr Doktor Bridges was your poet the 1983 Guardian Easter Tournament. suppose you play a high spade and third Laureate, was he not?’ And the twinkle The late Frau Markus was, of course, the hand shows out?’ in his watery, blue eye seemed to say: columnist for that paper for very many ‘Ah! yes, I see. You could unblock the Gotcha! ■ years, though I remem ber her as a girl in ten, and finesse against the nine on the her early twenties when I played against way back to dummy later . . . So . . . you her in Salzburg, or maybe it was can win in dummy without risk of Previously published in BRIDGE 50. Innsbruck, in ‘34 or ‘35. As North, Zia blocking the suit and then lead the Reprinted to satisfy popular demand. Mahmood opened 1 ♠, Mrs Markus queen of diamonds to tempt a cover. If

Page 54 Last Words Better Hand by Ned Paul Evaluation Bernard Magee f the debate about the English the EBU claims its objective is to EBU members. So will some Bridge Union’s ‘Pay-to Play’ be broadly revenue neutral yet the occasional players who appear Introduction scheme has gone quiet, it is EBU’s most visible activity will just a few times a year, but is I Better Hand Evaluation is continue to be its tournament pro - hard to see club numbers because we have now reached aimed at helping readers to add the ‘phoney war’ stage. P2P is gramme for higher level players. expanding thereafter. I do a lot greater accuracy to their based on a compulsory levy The new tax however will be of teaching and I hear endless bidding. It deals with auctions payable by affiliated clubs, spread across all sections of the accounts of would-be bridge in which you and your partner, worked out as a per capita charge bridge community, social as well players approaching their local against silent opponents, can each time any player – new or as tournament. It is not really sur - club, the kind that has willingly describe your hands fully to established – plays at the club. prising how many clubs and signed up to P2P, being told, ‘We each other and, by evaluating them accurately, find the best Those clubs that do agree to the counties have accepted this with - don’t accept beginners.’ final contract. The emphasis of out demur: mutual clubs and Many of these enquirers, if scheme have to disclose personal all good, accurate bidding is on membership data to the EBU and counties tend to be run by keen they persist, end up learning hand evaluation. allow the EBU to audit their activists who participate in this bridge outside the EBU system – activity to ensure that the correct higher level activity. and it is the hardest challenge in There are two general types of auction: a) A fit is found and b) levy is paid. Clubs that do not The ‘divided club’ model is bridge to take the step from No fit is found. feel comfortable paying the levy apparently going to be rigorously learning the game to becoming have no choice other than to dis - policed and, if there is so much good enough to hold your own in When you do not have a fit, you affiliate. as a common stationery cup - a typical club duplicate. Instead, are aiming to describe the strength of your hand as soon By now, most clubs have board, the EBU intends to claim learners tend to stick to social as possible, most often using ‘tax avoidance’ and hit the club bridge, playing in each other’s decided one way or the other but no-trump bids. This book homes with a little charity bridge the scheme does not start until with a bill as if it were still a sin - begins by discussing balanced April 2010. Clubs that have paid gle entity. It is this mindset of here and there, and only very hand bidding in Acol, as it is a normal subscription under the centralised control that defines gradually and in limited numbers very important that both old scheme can continue without P2P for many clubs who are opt - moving towards club bridge. members of a partnership have change until that date. Currently, ing out, not the comparative What momentum there is an accurate knowledge of how EBU officers and staff are con - small sums of money initially depends largely on active bridge to show hands of different strengths. tinuing to put great effort into being demanded. teachers running classes and recruiting the last few waiverers P2P policies will also affect playing sessions professionally, When a fit is found, there is into line. Nobody will know the , the body in parallel with the higher-level much re-evaluation of the hand final outcome until well into that organises home internation - clubs rather than in tandem. If to be done; point count, though 2010 but, with a figure of 40% als: BGB raises its money there is no entrepreneurial bridge still important, needs to be evaluated together with for the drop-out rate being through a programme of simulta - teacher in your area, it is likely distribution. The best way of that demand for bridge is not bandied about, there ought to be neous pairs, issuing generous reaching an accurate assess - some worried brows. If anything master points in return for entry being met. ment is to use the Losing Trick like this figure comes to pass, fees. The EBU is ceasing to A number of people, including Count; this is an important then in reality we will have the recognise BGB master point cer - me, are sufficiently worried method of hand evaluation and English Bridge Dis-Union, with tificates, demanding that any about the future that we are takes up a number of chapters. having talks about forming an the governing body losing the non-affiliated clubs running Finally, we move on to different right to speak for all of bridge. these events pay a significant Independent Bridge Information forms of evaluation including There is considerable disinfor - financial penalty to register Exchange. Initially at least, IBIX game tries and splinter bids. mation about, with the EBU points and go through the P2P is intended to be just a website You can never know enough claiming that only small clubs are membership data sharing process where non-affiliated clubs that methods of hand evaluation; not signing up to the scheme. as well. I for one will simply stop welcome new players can be list - the more you learn, the better you get at judging your hand. This is untrue: in several counties running these events. No-one ed. Also to be listed will be those there are significant clubs that are consulted BGB before this deci - playing sessions that are below Although the Losing Trick choosing not to pay the levy. In sion was made, but then the BGB the level of club bridge and are Count is used more easily in tandem with your partner, a London and Middlesex, for has no vote. Nor of course do really just ongoing ‘supervised large proportion of the ideas in play’games. This is incredibly example, nearly all the major ordinary bridge players: votes in this book can be used by an proprietary clubs will be operat - the EBU are held by an inner important for the future of individual. For example, evalu - ing independently and some of cabal of eighty ‘shareholders’. bridge, but, of course, will not ating your hand to be worth an the mutual clubs as well. In other Bridge recruitment is one of produce any short-term revenue extra point is going to help any - counties, some key clubs are the things that will be affected by for the centre. These are dotted one you partner – as long as splitting into two, with an unaffil - P2P. Initially, the membership about but we need more of them you get it right! iated ‘Academy’ for the teaching numbers will look good. Many – lots more. There will be some and supervised play arms, and an club players who have been work involved in making IBIX £14 including postage affiliated club for the tournament happy outside the EBU and function and keeping the infor - from Ryden Grange, players. It is the tournament thrown any club master points mation up to date. If you would Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH players of course who are really they win in the bin, will now find like to participate then please ( 01483 489961 the beneficiaries of the scheme: themselves head-counted as email me: [email protected]

Page 55 Discovery Club members save an extra 5% Cruise to the Riviera with Bernard Magee Follow Discovery to the sun on this two-part cruise that opens with two full days at sea, the An exceptional voyage of 8 days chance to savour a host of shipboard delights. Lisbon is the fi rst of our calls around the Iberian Departing September 6, 2010 peninsula. Explore the city famous for its navigators and home to haunting Fado melodies. Date Port Climb the cobbled streets of the Bairro Alto or head out along the River Tagus to the Belem Sep 6 HARWICH , England Tower with its delicate Manueline architecture. Slipping through the Strait of Gibraltar, you’ll Embark on mv DISCOVERY relish the views of Africa from the top of the Rock. En route to the Côte d’Azur and Nice’s Sep 7 Cruising the Atlantic Ocean elegant seafront, our visit to Almeria leads inland to Andalusian Granada and the Moorish Sep 8 Cruising the Atlantic Ocean Alhambra, built against the spectacular backdrop of the Sierra Nevada. Sep 9 LISBON, Portugal MR BRIDGE Sep 10 GIBRALTAR All Mr Bridge passengers, who have paid the £30 per person bridge supplement, will be part Sep 11 ALMERIA, Spain of the exclusive bridge party. This will make them eligible for the seminars, drinks parties, quiz Sep 12 Cruising the Mediterranean Sea Sep 13 N I C E , France competitions, occasional afternoon and daily evening duplicates after fi rst sitting dinner. The bridge Disembark and transfer to airport programme is fully optional and you may participate as much or as little as you wish. Mr Bridge for fl ight home to Gatwick or Manchester actively encourages singles to join the party and they will always be found a partner for a game. Exclusive Mr Bridge fares Inside fares from £549pp Your Voyage includes: • Flights from/to the UK (Manchester Outside fares from £649pp • Inspiring destinations and £15pp supplement) enlightening excursions • All meals, entertainment and gratuities THE ULTIMATE BRIDGE EXPERIENCE • Comprehensive lecture and on-board included with no hidden extras Combine Cruise to the Riviera, Italian Insights and Guest Speaker programme • Friendly and relaxed atmosphere on board Venice & the Adriatic on a 28-day Grand Voyage • Travel with around 650 • All prices on board in British pounds and take advantage of huge savings! like-minded passengers in • Captain’s cocktail parties and gala dinners 4-star comfort Grand Andalucia, Italy • All port and pre-paid airport taxes & Adriatic 28 days, departing September 6, 2010 With Bernard Magee from Sept 6-23 And with Mr & Mrs Bridge from Sept 23 Inside Cat N from £2,699pp Outside Cat K from £3,039pp FREE CABIN UPGRADE*  01483 489961 for brochures and bookings

Fares shown are per person based on two people sharing lowest twin-bedded cabin category currently available, are subject to availability and include all applicable discounts for new bookings. *Free one cabin category upgrade applies from grades N to M and K to J only, on the Grand Andalucia, Italy & Adriatic cruise. All offers are subject to availability, are capacity controlled and may be withdrawn at any time. Specifi c cabin number may not be allocated at time of booking. Flights from Manchester £15pp supplement (£7.50pp each way). See brochure for full terms and conditions. Please note: Bernard Magee sails from Harwich Sept 6 to Valletta Sept 23, Mr & Mrs Bridge sail from Valletta Sept 23 to Dubrovnik Oct 3. Only bookings made directly with Mr Bridge are eligible to be part of the Mr Bridge Group. Those wishing to play bridge, please note that there is a bridge supplement of £30 per bridge player to be confi rmed at the time of booking. Voyages of Discovery is a trading name of All Leisure Holidays Ltd.