VOL. 56 No. 1 MARCH 2015

Let’s embrace online bridge, not punish it The ACBL management about online play that the gen- and of directors have eral bridge public needs to something of a schizophrenic recognize. attitude toward online bridge. The going sentiment at On one hand, they love the ACBL seems to be that we growth of online bridge and are giving away too many particularly the extra fees the online, that it is league gets from sanctioned a hotbed of cheating and that online games – most promi- we shouldn’t be awarding so nently, the 12-board speedball many points for playing with mini tournaments on Bridge so-called “robot” partners and Base and other sites. opponents.

Nonetheless, the league Masterpoints seems to be looking for ways There is no reason to treat to discourage or demean masterpoints won online any online play. Longstanding differently from points won at masterpoint award structures club games. The online field is have been modified to limit not very strong, but neither the number of points awarded are most club games. online. Points won online If we are paying too many have been excluded from the masterpoints for a 12-board Barry Crane Top 500 and oth- online game, then we should er annual masterpoint races. reduce the number of points. And, most recently, the ACBL In fact, ACBL has already board of directors decided done that. that on all printed lifetime Really what is happening is masterpoint lists, online points that people are winning more will be included in a separate points online because they column next to the totals – as if there is something cheaper (Continued on page 2) can play more – every hour. remote locations, those Isn’t that a good thing? Isn’t whose schedules do not fit that how the masterpoint sys- with the usual club game start tem works – encouraging peo- times, and those who can’t or ple to play more? If neces- do not want to commit four sary, we can put a limit on the hours to an afternoon or even- number of minis you can play ing of bridge. in a day. In the last year, total tourna- ment attendance is down Cheating about three percent, as is the There probably isn’t any table count at “face-to-face” more cheating online than any- clubs. Meanwhile the online where else. Online cheating table count is up more than arguably is easier to spot and six percent. If these rates con- investigate because there is a tinue for another decade or complete record of every bid so, there will be more tables and play by every player. played online each year than Robot tournaments at “live” clubs. There is nothing inherently What ACBL ought to be do- wrong with paying master- ing is making improvements in points for “robot” tournaments the online experience. For ex- in which both your partner and ample, the league should be opponents are computer pro- requiring a higher standard of grams. One sore point is that play by the robots in sanc- you can finish a 12-board mini tioned events. (There are robot game in about 25 much better programs availa- minutes or less and then play ble than the one currently a second robot mini, all in the used for robot minis on Bridge space of an hour, possibly Base.) Some flighted games winning points in both. If this should be offered. And the is objectionable, it can be eas- league should start running ily remedied: Only allow peo- sectional and regional rated ple to win points in one mini tournaments online. per hour. Or cut the number of Rather than dreaming up points paid in robot events. new ways to punish online play, ACBL should be looking Going forward for ways to make it bigger and Online bridge makes it pos- better. sible for more people to play . This includes –Marty Hirschman, editor shut-ins, people who live in

PAGE 2 TABLE TALK Michigan Bridge Association’s Michigan State Sectional March 26-29, 2015 SITE: The Bridge Connection (248-356-6254) 26776 Twelve Mile Road, Southfield (just west of Northwestern Highway)

Thursday, March 26 Swiss Team Lesson for New Players ...... 12:30 p.m. Stratified Swiss Teams ...... 1 p.m. *Stratified Non-LM Swiss Teams ...... 1 p.m. Stratified Open Pairs ...... 7 p.m. *Stratified Non-LM Pairs ...... 7 p.m. Friday, March 27 Stratified Open Pairs...... 10 a.m. *Stratified Non-LM Pairs ...... 10 a.m. Stratified Open Pairs...... 2:30 p.m. *Stratified Non-LM Pairs ...... 2:30 p.m. Stratified Open Pairs ...... 7 p.m. *Stratified Non-LM Pairs ...... 7 p.m. Saturday, March 28 Stratified Open Swiss Teams ...... …10 a.m. Playthrough–7 matches Stratified Open Pairs (single session) ...... 10 a.m. *Stratified Non-LM Pairs (single session) ..... ………………..10 a.m. Stratified Open Pairs (single session) ...... 2 p.m. *Stratified Non-LM Pairs (single session) ...... 2 p.m. Sunday, March 29 Stratified Open Swiss Teams ...... 11 a.m. Playthrough–7 matches Stratified Open Pairs (single session) ...... 11 a.m. *Stratified Non-LM Pairs (single session) ...... ……….…..11 a.m. Stratified Open Pairs (single session) ...... 3 p.m. *Stratified Non-LM Pairs (single session) ...... 3 p.m.

*Starred events are open only to non-Life Masters with fewer than 500 masterpoints. Stratified Events: A = 3000+, B = 1000-3000, C = 0-1000 Non-LM Strats: (0-20) (20-50) (50-200) (200-500) (as attendance warrants) Average MP will be used to determine your strat.

Tournament Chair: Richard Temkin, 248-477-5642, [email protected] Partnerships: Marilyn Crane, 734-591-3431, [email protected] Sue McIlhiny, 313-563-4039, [email protected]

Food will be provided on Saturday and Sunday. NO SMOKING IN THE BUILDING

District 12 Website: www.district12bridge.org

TABLE TALK PAGE 3 TABLE TALK MBA Officers Official publication Kurt Dasher...... president of the Michigan Bridge Association Richard Temkin ..... president-elect 30660 Woodgate Dr., Martin Hirschman ...... chairman Southfield MI 48076 Stacey Tessler ... recording secretary 248-646-3967 Bob Webber ...... treasurer e-mail: [email protected] Board of Directors MARTIN HIRSCHMAN, Editor Julie Arbit, Shelley Boschan, Mar- Production editor: Marcia Abram- ilyn Crane, Kurt Dasher, Jonathan son Fleischmann, Martin Hirschman MBA Corresponding & Mem- (non-voting), Robert Katz, Grant bership Secretary: Paul Pome- Petersen, Paul Pomeroy, Patti roy, 34069 Hathaway St., Livonia Stoner, Richard Temkin, Stacey MI 48150, [email protected], Tessler, Rosanne Winokur, Willie 734-421-0193 Winokur MBA CLUB DIRECTORY Ann Arbor BC, Walden Hills Cheryl Perna, 248-887-9283. Clubhouse, 2114 Pauline, Ann Ar- Thursday 6 p.m. bor. Ray Gentz, 734-769-3994. Neighborhood Club, 375 Lo- Wednesday 7 p.m. throp, Grosse Pointe Farms. Burns Center Bridge, 1320 James Schmidt, 586-463-9835. Baldwin, Ann Arbor. Dick Fortune, Thursday 12 p.m., Sunday 1:30 5674. Wednesday 12 p.m. p.m. Plymouth Community BC, 525 Burns Park Bridge, 1320 Bald- Farmer, Plymouth. Jim & Cheryl win, Ann Arbor. Stacey Tessler, Perna, 248-887-9283. Tuesday 734-623-8050. Thursday 12 p.m. 11:30 a.m., Wednesday 11:30 a.m. Downriver BC, Southgate Civic Thursday Evening Bridge, 1830 Center, 14700 Reaume Pkwy., Washtenaw, Ann Arbor. Dorothy Southgate. , 519-969- Kuhn, 734-761-6691. Thursday 7 4441. Tuesday 10:30 a.m. p.m. Ford DBC, Ford Motor Compa- Trenton DBC, 2700 Westfield, ny World Headquarters, Michigan Trenton. Charles May, 734-301- Ave., Dearborn. Ellen Silverest, 3872. Thursday 7 p.m. 810-225-2278. Tuesday 7 p.m. War Memorial, 32 Lakeshore, Friendly Friday BC, St. Grosse Pointe. Judith Thomas, 313 Paul's Evangelical Lutheran -372-4218. Monday 12 p.m. Church, 375 Lothrop, Grosse Young Center BC, R.A. Young Pointe Farms. Ed Anthony, 248- Recreation Center, 5400 McKinley, 648-0989. Friday 12 p.m. Dearborn Heights. Joyce Kozma, Huron Valley Bridge Club, 9525 313-274-5587. Wednesday 11 a.m. E. Highland Rd., Howell. Jim &

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

Double, 4NT and the cuebid are particularly popular choices for those answering bidding contests such as this one. Strikingly often, the proponents of those bids seem to think – with varying degrees of reasonableness – that their bid shows almost exactly what they have. Take a careful look at some of the comments in problems 4 and 5 to see what I mean. Congratulations to Jonathan Fleischmann and Don Rumelhart for their perfect 500s on this tough set. Also congrats to Valentin Enache for high score among readers. You too can feel free to harbor intended meanings of varying reasonableness while submitting your answers to next issue’s problems, found at the end of this article.

1. MTPTs. N-S vul. As Lastly, slam is still possible SOUTH, you hold: and we’d like to get there if ♠A1065 ♥KQ1084 ♦Q432 ♣ partner has the right hand. WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH The panel choice of 4♣ – a 1♣ 1♠ Dbl ? splinter raise showing short clubs, 4+ spades and power Action Score Votes raise to game – seems like 4♣ 100 12 the best way to achieve all 4♠ 60 4 these objectives. It commits to 2♣ 60 3 game, takes up room, and Rdbl 50 2 properly describes the essen- 3♥ 40 1 tial features of the hand. Pass 30 0 2♥ 30 0 Julie Arbit (4♣): Splintering 3♣ 30 0 gets most of my hand off my 2NT 10 0 chest, and I want partner to 3♠ 10 0 be able to make an informed First and foremost, we must high-level decision. get to at least 4♠. Secondarily, Howard Perlman (4♣): we would like to make it hard- Leaves partner as well placed er for the opponents to find as possible should opponents their probably profitable 5♣ save. save and, if they do so, we want our partnership to make Joe Chiesa (4♣): Although I the winning 5-level decision. might prefer going more lei-

TABLE TALK PAGE 5 SCORES Experts: Patricia Becker ...... 340 Jonathan Fleischmann .... 500 James Swiger...... 340 Don Rumelhart ...... 500 Sarah Lampert ...... 330 Myles Maddox ...... 470 Sy Goodman ...... 300 Joe Chiesa ...... 460 Bob Ondo ...... 290 Bob Webber ...... 460 Michael Betzold ...... 280 Suzy Burger ...... 450 Margaret Carden ...... 280 Stuart Dombey ...... 280 Readers: Steven Jacob ...... 280 Valentin Enache ...... 460 Bob Solomon...... 280 David Graff ...... 380 Clarke Cunningham ...... 260 Gerald Wahl ...... 360 Jerry Jefferies...... 260 James Walter ...... 360

HOW THE PANEL VOTED 1 2 3 4 5 Julie Arbit 4♣ 4♠ 5♣ 4NT 5♠ Gene Benedict 4♠ 3♠ 5♠ 4♠ 6♥ Norm Bolton 2♣ 3♦ 5♣ 5♦ 5♠ Bob Brent 4♣ 4♠ 5♣ 4NT 6♥ Brenda Bryant 2♣ 3♠ 4NT Dbl 5♠ Chuck Burger 3♥ 3♣ 5♣ Dbl 5♠ Suzy Burger Rdbl 3♠ 5♣ Dbl 5♠ Bob Cappelli 4♣ 2♦ 4♠ Dbl 4NT Joe Chiesa 4♣ 3♠ 5♣ Dbl 4NT Jonathan Fleischmann 4♣ 3♠ 5♣ Dbl 5♠ Sam Hirschman 4♠ 3♠ 5♣ Dbl 6♥ Bob Katz 4♣ 4♣ 4♠ 4NT 5♠ Sheldon Kirsch 4♣ 4♠ 5♣ 4NT 5♠ Morrie Kleinplatz 4♠ 4♠ 5♠ Dbl 5♠ Marilyn Maddox 4♠ 3♠ 4NT Dbl 5♠ Myles Maddox 4♣ 3♠ 4NT Dbl 5♠ Howard Perlman 4♣ 4♠ 4NT Dbl 4NT Irv Rosenstein 2♣ 3♣ 4NT 4NT 5NT Don Rumelhart 4♣ 3♠ 5♣ Dbl 5♠ Dick Temkin 4♣ 4♠ 4NT Dbl 5♠ Bob Webber 4♣ 3♠ 5♣ 4NT 5♠ Willie Winokur Rdbl 2♦ 5♣ 5♦ 5♠

PAGE 6 TABLE TALK surely (to maximize room), but gives LHO a chance to bid this offers a fair approximation or double. If after 4♠ LHO bids of my hand type and strength 5♣ and it comes around to and anticipates a club bar- me, I will have a problem. But rage. in any other scenario I will be happy with my bid. Bob Katz (4♣): I prefer not splintering on voids since Sam Hirschman (4♠): I’m go- partner thinks we have a club ing to outbid them to 4♠ any- loser, but if I bid 2♣ I likely way. I might as well get there never get a chance to show first and then let the oppo- my hand. There could easily nents guess what to do. I’m be a slam opposite even a rel- not worried about missing a atively minimum . slam (I might not make 4♠), MUCH too good to jump to 4♠. and I don’t think I can get rich defending. On the other hand, bidding 4♣ gives West a chance to Other ideas: double clubs and encourage Norm Bolton (2♣): Rather his partner to take a save. than a spade jump. More Gene Benedict (4♠): This room to look for slam. may prevent the opponents Irv Rosenstein (2♣): To be from finding a 5♣ save. followed by another if Morrie Kleinplatz (4♠): Tac- partner responds with a mini- tics or precision? I choose mum 2♠. My values rate to be tactics. 2♣ is technically right working, and partner does not

Humor: Bridge Definitions Partner: Player to blame for Defensive : Play by your lack of success partner that is highly likely to Overtaking: Clever maneu- fool you into making the ver to get partner off lead so wrong shift you don’t have to watch him Postmortem: Discussion about make another bad play how partner screwed up Stealing the contract: Bid- Bad luck: Failure of life to pro- ding NT despite a big fit with vide you with a better partner. partner’s major so you don’t Optimist: One who believes have to watch his pitiful de- he will soon have a better clarer play partner

TABLE TALK PAGE 7 need much more than KQxxx Howard Perlman (4♠): Bid of spades and a high diamond what I think I can make. Part- for game. ner didn’t have to bid here, so

Chuck Burger (3♥): 2♥ non- he should have 8-9. Diamond forcing, but 3♥ is. 4♣ is rea- queen and ace or king of hearts are more than enough. sonable but doesn’t get source of tricks into play, and Bob Brent (4♠): Nine tricks at I hope to cue clubs later. NT may be easier, but we

Suzy Burger (Rdbl): This is may lose five tricks first. Part- our hand. At least game, slam ner only needs the diamond possible. queen and a high heart honor to score up 10 tricks. Willie Winokur (Rdbl): Ah, but the next round will be Morrie Kleinplatz (4♠): more interesting. Should make easily as 1NT shows values.

2. MTPTs. None vul. As Sheldon Kirsch (4♠): Get SOUTH, you hold: there fast before they know ♠AKQJ62 ♥Q4 ♦KJ103 ♣10 what’s going on. WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH ------1♠ For the majority: Dbl 1NT 2♣ ? Marilyn Maddox (3♠): Would Action Score Votes bid 4, but partner could have 3♠ 100 10 wasted club cards.

4♠ 70 6 Myles Maddox (3♠): Right six 2♦ 50 2 points could make 4♠. Wrong 3♣ 50 2 10 could go down at 3♠. 3♦ 50 1 4♣ 40 1 Bob Webber (3♠): My guess 2♠ 20 0 is that 4♠ will have good play, but conditions (not vul., If partner has as little as ♠xx matchpoints) dictate non- ♥Kxxx ♦Qxxx ♣xxx we are a aggression. favorite to make a game, and he should have at least a little Gene Benedict (3♠): Partner more than that to justify bid- will realize that club values are probably wasted. ding over the double. I don’t want to give him a chance to Joe Chiesa (3♠): Albeit after pass below game. So I would 1♠-1NT uncontested I would bid 4♠. bid 2♦, I suspect 3♠ showing

PAGE 8 TABLE TALK an invitation to game with Bob Katz (4♣): 4♣ should good spades provides more show a very good spade suit useful information and is less of at least six cards and likely to elicit a pass from the game-going values with a sin- unlucky soul facing me. Those gleton club. are the only two bids in my repertoire as the 2♣ bid tem- 3. IMPs. Both vul. As SOUTH, pers my enthusiasm for 2NT you hold: or 3NT. ♠AQ854 ♥753 ♦532 ♣A6 WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH Sam Hirschman (3♠): I think -- 1♦ Pass 1♠ this accurately states the val- Pass 4♣* Pass ? ues and quality of my hand. *Shortness in clubs with a I’m happy if partner bids 3NT raise to 4♠ or 4♠, and I don’t really want to play anywhere else. Action Score Votes 5♣ 100 12 Other ideas: 4NT 70 6 Chuck Burger (3♣): I need 4♠ 50 2 info. AJ of hearts and ace of 5♠ 50 2 diamonds and I have a play 4♦ 50 0 for slam. ♠xx ♥Jxxx ♦Qxx Partner has at least four ♣KQJx and we have no game. spades, a stiff club and about Pard can help. 16+ to 19 HCPs. About the Irv Rosenstein (3♣): Partner worst he can be is ♠Kxxx has 8-10 points. His next call ♥KQx ♦AKJxx ♣x, in which should clarify his hand. I will case 6♠ would basically be on pass 3NT or bid 4♠ after 3♦ or a . So we need to 3♥. make a big move toward slam. Bob Cappelli (2♦): Plan to rebid spades if partner raises Chuck Burger (5♣): Cue the diamonds. card I have. If he has club void it’s probably no good for Willie Winokur (2♦): Maybe slam. Otherwise off we go. 3NT is the only biddable and makeable game. Suzy Burger (5♣): How good are your reds? Norm Bolton (3♦): 3NT a possibility. Jonathan Fleischmann (5♣): Denies any red-suit control, Thinking of bigger things: but promises enough useful

TABLE TALK PAGE 9 black cards that slam is still es for 6. Partner will usually likely. have more. Second choice: 6♠. Sheldon Kirsch (5♣): A bit pushy – would rather have Going under: any other ace – but I should Bob Katz (4♠): Partner make some sort of try. doesn’t have a running minor. Other approaches: Hand would be better if my ace of clubs was instead a red Irv Rosenstein (4NT): I will ace. bid slam as long as we are not missing two key cards. At This hand came up in a re- minimum, partner might have cent sectional Swiss team ♠Kxxx ♥AKxx ♦AKQx ♣x or event. Partner held ♠KJxx ♠Kxxx ♥AKx ♦AKJxx ♣x. ♥Axx ♦AKQJx ♣x. Both teams played this cold grand Dick Temkin (4NT): If part- slam in game. ner has all three keycards, I’ll bid 5NT so that he can bid a 4. IMPs. N-S vul. As SOUTH, grand with ♠KJxx ♥Ax you hold: ♦AKQxxx ♣x. ♠KQ1072 ♥void ♦AJ1054 ♣Q75

Brenda Bryant (4NT): Part- WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH ner could easily have a mini- -- 1♣ Pass 1♠ 4♥ Pass Pass ? mum, e.g. ♠Kxxx ♥Axx ♦AKQxx ♣x, where 6 is a Action Score Votes laydown. And we could easily Dbl 100 13 make a grand here. So we 4NT 60 6 might as well start with key 5♦ 50 2 card Blackwood. If we have all 4♠ 40 1 the key cards, I intend to in- vite 7. Is this problem just a guess? Marilyn Maddox (4NT): Part- The majority, mostly without ner’s high cards should cover much confidence, votes for the two red suits. the flexible but not very de-

Morrie Kleinplatz (5♠): At first scriptive double, hoping part- ner will know what do. glance I hate all those red suit losers, but it is hard to imag- Brenda Bryant (Dbl): Flexi- ine a 4♣ bid that doesn’t cov- ble and keeps options open. er. A minimum such as ♠KJxx Partner should know you are ♥KQx ♦AKJxx ♣x has chanc- under the gun here…

PAGE 10 TABLE TALK Joe Chiesa (Dbl): UGHli- partner bids, driving to slam ness. Partner will know 1) I (except over a 5♠ rebid) and have four or more spades and confirming the fit. If partner 2) it is our hand. I hope he is happens to pass with wasted able to divine an answer easi- heart cards, we may be high er than I can. While it is incon- enough. trovertible that any game bid The problem with double is may score more than 4♥ that partner most likely has whipped, we may have to find two or three hearts and will the one game in three or four not know about your heart that makes. Moreover, we void and willingness to play in may encounter some UGHly any of three strains. He will distro undermining our quest. pass and you will be lucky to Morrie Kleinplatz (Dbl): Hate beat 4♥ at all let alone collect it if partner passes, but all oth- adequate compensation for er bids seem worse. 4♠ is a your probable vulnerable complete gamble. 4NT is game. more reasonable but may Sheldon Kirsch (4NT): Have miss a 5-3 or even 5-4 spade enough to play at the five- fit if partner is minimum. Dbl level and can’t ignore clubs. under the bidder must show values and no clear direction. Bob Katz (4NT): Clearly not to play. Should show some Marilyn Maddox (Dbl): Part- clubs but longer diamonds ner could have heart cards. If and a very good playing hand. not, hope they will take out And at least five spades since the double. with a very good hand you

Chuck Burger (Dbl): Most would not bypass diamonds at your first bid. flexible action. Not penalty. No clear direction. 4NT would Bob Webber (4NT): Takeout be ambiguous. Can’t drive to (more diamonds than clubs). I club slam with three. 4♠ sec- won’t be bidding slam without ond choice. encouragement.

Jonathan Fleischmann (Dbl): Julie Arbit (4NT): Should Extra values with no clear di- imply two places to play, rection. Partner will not often which is helpful in evaluating leave this in, especially given strain and level. We know the colors. I expect to go high partner has nothing too spe- and cuebid 5♥ over whatever cial, but a balanced minimum

TABLE TALK PAGE 11 from partner nearly guaran- doubled and North – presum- tees the 5-level is safe at the ably placing his partner with a least. more – passed. 4♥x went down two, Willie Winokur (5♦): My glass -300. N-S lost about 7 IMPs is half full!! against the average result of Norm Bolton (5♦): Hope part- about +600 for N-S. ner can do something smart. Gene Benedict’s lone stab in the dark would have been Going bigger: the winner:

Irv Rosenstein (5NT): Pick a Gene Benedict (4♠): I think slam. Partner did not double, my hand is better for offense, so hopefully not much wasted so I won’t double 4♥. value in hearts. As little as ♠xx ♥xxx ♦KQx ♣AKJxx (6♣) or 5. MTPTs. None vul. As ♠x ♥xxx ♦KQxx ♣AKxxx (6♣ SOUTH, you hold: or 6♦) or ♠Axxx ♥xxxx ♦Kx ♠void ♥AJ102 ♦KQ1043 ♣AQ62 ♣AKx (6♠) gives play for slam. WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH If partner had doubled, what -- -- Pass 1♦ would it really mean? Wouldn’t 3♠ Dbl 4♠ ? it show just about any hand Action Score Votes that is too good to pass but 5♠ 100 15 has fewer than four spades? 4NT 60 3 When this hand came up on 6♥ 60 3 Bridge Base, partner, North, 5NT 60 1 held ♠AJx ♥xxx ♦Kxx ♣Axxx. 5♥ 30 0 What should he do if you, Dbl 10 0 South, double? Partner’s of Howard Perlman (Dbl): 3♠ pretty much committed us Toughest hand of the set! to game, so he should have at Don’t want to lose a possible least close to opening values. 4♠, so don’t like 4NT. Dbl is And since we are missing only clearly values but not purely 14 HCPs outside of spades, takeout. Still partner should pretty much everyone is head- bid 4♠ with three-card support ed for slam. and no heart wastage. 4♥x That, plus the spade void, could be our best result if explains the heavy vote for partner is 2-3-3-5. 5♠. But among the 11 of 15 5♠ At the virtual table, South bidders who revealed their

PAGE 12 TABLE TALK plans, there was a wide differ- reflecting spade shortness. ence of opinion about where Bob Katz (5♠): If you play ex- we are headed and even what clusion Blackwood, this partner’s next bid will mean. should be it. If not, then you Brenda Bryant, Marilyn have shown a commitment to Maddox and Norm Bolton: 6♥ with a try for 7. (5♠): Pick a slam. Julie Arbit (5♠): Letting part- Chuck Burger (5♠): Drive to ner know I have first-round slam and hope for 30-point spade control and fixing deck. Pard has something ex- hearts are my first priorities. If tra for 3-level. Brings in clubs partner is looking at a mini- for slam, which could well be mum with good trumps and better than hearts. prime cards (e.g., ♠Jxx ♥KQ9x ♠Axx ♣Kxx) he Don Rumelhart (5♠): Pick a should cooperate with a cue slam, and by the way I have bid. first-round control of spades. So several panelists’ choice Morrie Kleinplatz (5♠): Part- of a place to play is another’s ner has forced to the 4-level. fit-showing cue bid. A grand may be cold, though Other ideas: tough to bid at this level. 6 is 90 percent. 5♠ is better than Irv Rosenstein (5NT): Pick a 5NT because partner can pick slam. Partner can bid 6♥ with a suit or punt with 5NT, over good hearts. With weak which I would bid 6♥. hearts and good clubs, 6♣ will be better as we get pitches for Bob Webber (5♠): 6♥ next hearts on the diamonds. Ex- unless partner bids it first. ample: ♠xx ♥xxxx ♦AJx ♣KJ10x. Dick Temkin (5♠): With part- ner willing to play at the 4- Bob Cappelli (4NT): Partner level, we must have a good pick a place to play. play for at least a small slam. If partner responds in a minor, Joe Chiesa (4NT): This I will bid 6♥. This auction should say pick a minor. Now should show interest in a when partner bids 5♣ or 5♦, I grandy since I could have just can bid 5♥ which now morphs bid 6♥ in the first place. into a slam try in hearts. Per- haps with KQxx(x) of hearts Jonathan Fleischmann (5♠): and ace of diamonds, partner Setting hearts as trumps and can visualize a slam.

TABLE TALK PAGE 13 Howard Perlman (4NT): The- see any way to have a scien- oretically minors, but subse- tific auction at this point. I quent correction to 5♥ shows know we have a heart fit, and a hand that was too good to the missing high cards rate to merely bid 5♥ immediately. be onside with East. This sequence is highly invita- tional to slam. Gene Benedict (6♥): 5♠ would sound like I was interested in I have a lot of problems with a grand slam. I will be satis- the last two comments. First fied to make this. of all, how is partner to know that we have control of Most of us would tend to as- spades? Isn’t that what he will sume partner has at least (or think we are asking for if we exactly) four hearts for his bid this way? Second, if part- negative double, but is that a ner already showed opening sure thing? Some players values, why do we need to might double with any bal- ask him again if we have anced 13-count with no spade enough for 6? Just a 12-count stopper, hoping we could bid with no wastage in spades will 3NT. If that is possible, it com- give us 13 probable tricks. plicates our decision as to Taking the direct route to strain and is further reason to the probable average-plus involve partner by cuebidding spot: 5♠, then passing partner’s 6- Sam Hirschman (6♥): I don’t level choice of slams.

We’re older

The average age of MBA members increased by just under a full year in 2014 – from 71.09 to 72.08. This is an apparent testament to the overall good health and longevity of our members, but also a sign that we have not added many younger people to our rolls. Of the 1,182 “junior” (under 26 years old) players in ACBL, only 13 are in District 12, which covers Lower Michigan and northwest Ohio. Of those, 6 are also in the 19-and-under “youth” category. MBA is one of five units in District 12. No breakdown was available for the number of juniors in MBA. The ACBL average age increased to 71.13 from 70.7 a year earlier.

PAGE 14 TABLE TALK NEXT ISSUE’S HANDS Newman wins Marsee again 1. IMPs. N-S vul. As SOUTH, you hold: Bert Newman, MBA’s top ♠AQ10 ♥AK10 ♦K ♣KJ8543 masterpoint holder, was the WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH 2014 winner of the Grant Mar- Pass Pass Pass 1♣ see Memorial Trophy, award- Pass 1♦ Pass ? ed to the Michigan player who

2. MTPTs. Both vul. As wins the most masterpoints in SOUTH, you hold: the Barry Crane Top 500 ♠AJ102 ♥AQJ2 ♦9 ♣10953 race. WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH Newman won 898 total -- Pass 1♣ Pass points in the year, putting him 1♠ 1NT 2♣ ? at 89th on the national list. It was Newman’s fifth Marsee 3. MTPTs. N-S vul. As win. He previously won in SOUTH, you hold: 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2013. ♠KJ10852 ♥K ♦62 ♣A632 Second place in the Marsee WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH race went to Jonathan Pass 1♥ Pass 1♠ Fleischmann, who won 678 Pass 2♦ Pass ? points. Leonard Melander was

4. IMPs. None vul. As third with 591 points. SOUTH, you hold: ♠AQ ♥Q ♦A42 ♣KQ97652 IN MEMORIAM

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH Tony Braceful Pass 1♦ 2♠ 3♣ Carol Evatt 3♠ Pass Pass ? Peggy Ford 5. MTPTs. N-S vul. As SOUTH, you hold: KAPLAN ♠K7 ♥A972 ♦KQ32 ♣A53 “The modern fashion in WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH cuebids is not to show any- -- 1♠ 2♦ Dbl thing in particular, but to cast Pass 4♥ 5♣ ? a rosy glow over the whole

Mail your answers to: auction.”

Table Talk Magazine “Anybody can take a finesse. 30660 Woodgate Dr. But if you produce an end- Southfield MI 48076 play, you have made an edu- Or email to: cated play.” [email protected] –Edgar Kaplan

TABLE TALK PAGE 15 Letter: Thanks, MBA Letter: Good partner

Note: Last fall, the MBA board To the editor: designated $7,800 of ACBL I want to Charity moneys to the learn how a desirable partner Run4Papa effort to fund ad- behaves. At the Bridge Con- vanced research on dementia nection recently Jonathan at Northwestern University Fleischmann led the diamond Medical School’s Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s jack against the contract of Disease Center (CNADC). 6NT doubled. His partner (me), holding the Dear MBA board and mem- AQ5, ducked (just one of the bership: many egregious things I did Thank you very much for that session). Making 7. Mi- your generous donation to nus 1880, instead of +1700. Run4Papa (partnered with How many of my regular part- Northwestern CNADC). The ners would have said, “What the bridge community has been *#'!¥^**#% were you thinking invaluable with their non-profit of?” Not Jonathan...he couldn't donations throughout the stop laughing...naturally being years and particularly helpful joined by our opponents. with organizations involved Oh yes, declarer's diamond with dementia research. holding was the singleton king, This year, we are launching so we could have taken the first a cutting edge research pro- 7 tricks. ject which will enable our phy- –Willie Winokur sicians to trace dementia pro- tein markers through the use SHEINWOLD of a specialized contrast for- "It's not enough to win the mula used in PET scans of tricks that belong to you. Try living patients. Previously, the also for some that belong to definitive research could only the opponents." be conducted during autopsy. We are extremely grateful for “One advantage of bad bid- your support. ding is that you get practice at More information on our playing atrocious contracts.” past and ongoing projects is “A player who can’t defend available at: accurately should try to be de- http://www.run4papa.com/ clarer.”

Sincerely, –Alfred Sheinwold Jason F. Boschan

PAGE 16 TABLE TALK Susan P. tops field at Ann Arbor sectional

Susan Parnes of Flint had a III, Warren Block, Victoria Val- win and a third-place finish to lone, Thomas Ciaramitaro. top all masterpoint winners at SUNDAY OPEN SWISS the Michael Graham Ann Ar- FLIGHT A: 1, Julie Arbit, bor Sectional, held Jan. 24-25 Jordan Kaye, Frank Treiber at Eastern Michigan Universi- III, Robert Katz. 2, Bob Ras- ty in Ypsilanti. Here are the mussen, Arthur Wasserman, results of the tournament: Stephen Carpman, Richard TOP MASTERPOINT Baumann. 3. Martin Hirsch- WINNERS: man, Lynne Schaeffer, Susan 1, Susan Parnes, 19.61 & Gordon Parnes. FLIGHT B: 2/3, Wilbur Argersinger, 15.61 1, Rasmussen team. 2/3, Yi David Graff, 15.61 Ouyang, Zachary Wasser- 4/7, Julie Arbit, 13.16 man, Jonathan Fleischmann, Frank Treiber III, 13.16 Ed Herstein. 2/3, Diane Robert Katz, 13.16 Schafer, Joseph Stephenson, Jordan Kaye, 13.16 Dhruman Shah, Linda Hill. 8, Anastasia Tessler, 12.65 FLIGHT C: 1, John Phil- 9/10, Bob Rasmussen, 10.45 brook, John Allen, Mark Hug- Arthur Wasserman, 10.45 ger, Martha Toon. 2, Jeanne Hendry, Pauline Murray, K. SATURDAY OPEN SWISS Van Alstine Jr., Mark Gen- FLIGHT A: 1, Anastasia sterblum. 3, Renata Wasser- Tessler, David Graff, Wilbur man, Corey Powell, Klaus Argersinger, Susan Parnes. 2, Brondum, Genie Baker. William Niemczyk, Thom Al- len, James Smyth, Allan Non-LM winners Tushman. 3, Leonard Meland- er, Brenda Bryant, Mark Ben- SATURDAY AM PAIRS: Jan- dure, Joe Chiesa. FLIGHT B: is James-Rubin, John Vollmayer 1, Niemczyk team. 2, Brand & SATURDAY AFTERNOON PAIRS: Susan Marwil, Deepak Dighe, Linda Lutze, Mary Beebe George Christian. 3, Eric SUNDAY AM PAIRS: Evelyn Holder, Thomas Weeks, Su- Longsworth, Joan Wentz san Bowers, Dianne Sradeja. SUNDAY AFTERNOON PAIRS: FLIGHT C: 1, Marwil team. 2, Chris Hill, Ann Margosian Holder team. 3, Thomas King

TABLE TALK PAGE 17 MOVING UP… CONGRATULATIONS, Junior Masters NEW LIFE MASTERS

Steven Miller Stuart Dombey Brian Morton Beth Gursky Laurence Schiff Kenneth Hays Club Masters Edward Lough Edmund Baprawski James Korte Sheri Rotenberg Jamie Ling Giles Schnob Henry Zhang Charles A. Smith Yanping Zhang Advanced NABC Masters Sectional Masters John A. Nelson Rosalyn Monticciolo Yi Ouyang Anne Parker Bronze Life Masters Regional Masters Aileen Bement Joyce Bear Nancy Hohlfeldt Chris Brewer Steven Winokur

Brad Dracka Silver Life Masters Richard Durham P.L. Oates Patricia Hill Tom Hill Gold Life Masters Mark Hugger Joyce Bell

WELCOME, CADDIES WANTED

NEW MEMBERS MBA needs caddies for up- Mary Bergmann coming tournaments. The pay Beverly Poffenberger rate is $35 per session, plus Wendy Sanders $10 for lunch when the S. Wu works two consecutive ses- sions in one day and lunch is WELCOME, not otherwise provided. TRANSFERS If you or someone you know Thomas Allor Jr. wishes to caddy, contact cad- Sandy Altman dy co-chair Marilyn Crane at William Holmes [email protected] or 734- Graham Putnam 591-3431. Michael Sullivan

PAGE 18 TABLE TALK 2014 MBA Mini-Ace of Clubs 2014 MBA Mini-McKenney

Note: Categories denote points held at the beginning of 2014. 0 to 5: 1, Maria Conti, 29.81. 2, 0 to 5: 1, Carrie Osborne, 42.90. 2, Carrie Osborne, 29.62. 3, Bob On- Maria Conti, 42.62. 3, Bob Ondo, do, 17.21. 33.55. 5 to 20: 1/2, Marce Lee, 20.34. 1/2, 5 to 20: 1/2, Marce Lee, 23.39. 1/2, Beth Kordt, 20.34. 3, Marge Wolber, Beth Kordt, 23.39. 3, Yang Hai, 15.43. 20.15. 20 to 50: 1, Craig Ross, 60.34. 2, 20 to 50: 1, Mark Hugger, 67.55. 2, Barbara Ferrera, 35.40. 3, Bruce Craig Ross, 62.43. 3, Barbara Fer- Ridley, 18.31. rera, 57.15. 50 to 100: 1, Susan Smith, 45.41. 50 to 100: 1, Susan Smith, 76.81. 2, Charles Smith, 39.56. 3, Giles 2, Charles Smith, 64.92. 3, Reuven Schnob, 37.10. AnafShalom, 49.62. 100 to 200: 1, Dennis Ebendick, 100 to 200: 1, Dennis Ebendick, 49.30. 2, Jack Lessing, 35.35. 3, 101.18. 2, Martha Bhatia, 56.02. 3, Martha Bhatia, 31.31. Timothy Romlein, 49.03. 200 to 300: 1, Calvin Waisanen, 200 to 300: 1, Jordan Kaye, 70.89. 2, Susan Higbie, 47.07. 3, 306.90. 2, Yi Ouyang, 124.63. 3, Jordan Kaye, 46.45. Calvin Waisanen, 119.61. 300 to 500: 1, Martha Henkel, 300 to 500: 1, Julie Arbit, 260.53. 63.41. 2, Gail Terry, 60.18. 3, Su- 2, Steven Winokur, 129.42. 3, Ed- zanne McIlhiny, 53.52. ward Lough, 117.40. 500 to 1000: 1, Gail Geiger, 90.46. 500 to 1000: 1, Dan Sutherland, 2, Lynda Thal, 72.05. 3, Richard 200.49. 2, Wilbur Argersinger, Bauman, 65.63. 171.76. 3, Gail Geiger, 115.95. 1000 to 2500: 1, Grant Petersen, 1000 to 2500: 1, Jonathan Fleisch- 154.44. 2, Jonathan Fleischmann, mann, 678.38. 2, Grant Petersen, 150.15. 3, James Smyth, 119.44. 325.35. 3, Joe Monro, 246.37. 2500 to 5000: 1, Lynne Cook, 2500 to 5000: 1, Robert Katz, 139.51. 2, Ruth Metevier, 132.37. 3, 484.13. 2, Ed Herstein, 377.65. 3, Ed Herstein, 126.34. Kurt Dasher, 327.73. 5000 to 7500: 1, Brenda Jaffe, 5000 to 7500: 1, Robert Brent, 147.19. 2, Robert Brent, 144.13. 3, 285.66. 2, Sondra Schubiner, Richard Becher, 118.05. 274.95. 3, Suzy Burger, 257.75. 7500 to 10,000: 1, Norman Bolton, 7500 to 10,000: 1, Norman Bolton, 277.30. 2, William Winokur, 151.53. 493.57. 2, William Winokur, 264.99. 3, Kathy Newman, 46.75. 3, Kathy Newman, 197.91. Over 10,000: 1, Leonard Meland- Over 10,000: 1, Bert Newman, er, 212.27. 2, Bert Newman, 898.40. 2, Leonard Melander, 162.93. 3, Robert Crafton, 72.96. 591.74. 3, Martin Hirschman, 411.66.

TABLE TALK PAGE 19 MBA Top 100 35, Michael Giordano, 4,304 36, Kurt Dasher, 4,209 Here are the top 100 MBA 37, Daniel Marcus, 4,173 masterpoint holders as of 38, Barry Lippitt, 4,095 the end of 2014 (fractions 39, Rhonda Monro, 4,005 omitted): 40, Frank Sensoli, 3,869 41, Barbara Marcus, 3,831 1, Bert Newman, 21,258 42, Clerely Chaney, 3,794 2, Martin Hirschman, 16,693 43, Fred Will, 3,725 3, Chuck Burger, 15,970 44, David Thomson, 3,673 4, Myles Maddox, 15,285 45, Cono Emanuele, 3,669 5, Marilyn Maddox, 14,459 46, Arthur Golumbia, 3,608 6, Susan Parnes, 13,058 47, Joan McKean, 3,541 7, Bob Webber, 12,079 48, Gargi French, 3,461 8, William Arlinghaus, 11,716 49, Esther Scheppele, 3,352 9, Leonard Melander, 10,730 50, Mary Ann Will, 3,163 10, Lynne Schaeffer, 10,635 51, Edward Bloom, 3,161 11, Robert Crafton, 10,405 52, Walter Goldsmith, 3,123 12, Kathy Newman, 9,926 53, Marion Litt, 2,810 13, Norman Bolton, 9,618 54, Dorothy Kuhn, 2,808 14, Mary Smith, 8,804 55, Donald Curtis, 2,770 15, William Winokur, 7,860 56, Shirley Gluklick, 2,769 16, Allan Falk, 7,712 57, Cheryl Perna, 2,748 17, Brenda Jaffe, 7,391 58, Suzanne Stevenson, 18, Robert Brent, 7,239 2,741 19, Richard Becher, 5,894 59, Nathan Banker, 2,715 20, Sondra Schubiner, 5,889 60, Judi Amatangelo, 2,692 21, Suzy Burger, 5,727 61, James Anderson III, 2,623 22, Richard Temkin, 5,712 62, Richard Fortune, 2,615 23, Jeffrey Starr, 5,629 63, Martha Hooberman, 2,606 24, Donald Rumelhart, 5,628 64, John Dreifus, 2,604 25, Robert Katz, 5,477 65, Joyce Bell, 2,516 26, Joe Chiesa, 5,362 66, Joanna Brumfiel, 2,508 27, Beverly Riordan, 5,271 67, Neil Manley Jr., 2,458 28, Howard Perlman, 5,145 68, Rose Burke, 2,450 29, Ruth Metevier, 5,042 69, Elwood Ott, 2,441 30, Lynne Cook, 4,926 70, James Armstrong, 2,423 31, Ed Herstein, 4,908 71, Peter Bolgar, 2,421 32, Irving Rosenstein, 4,700 72, Jacqueline DeRouin, 33, Sheldon Kirsch, 4,654 2,369 34, Anastasia Tessler, 4,576 73, Joe Monro, 2,367 PAGE 20 TABLE TALK 74, David Graff, 2,352 Where do you rank? 75, Steven Jacob, 2,338 76, Myron Charfoos, 2,335 MBA had 849 members as 77, Mark Bendure, 2,302 of the beginning of February. 78, Allan Becker, 2,276 Here is a breakdown of their 79, Patricia Becker, 2,275 masterpoint categories: 80, James Smyth, 2,273 Rookie (0-5): 120 81, Ray Gentz, 2,268 Junior Master (5-20): 72 82, Jonathan Fleischmann, Club Master (20-50): 106 2,227 Sectional Master (50-100): 67 83, Shahan Kavafian, 2,220 Regional Master (100-200): 90 84, Clarke Cunningham, NABC Master (200+): 49 2,202 Advanced NABC Master (300): 4 85, Samuel Hirschman, 2,199 Life Master: 43 86, Carol Neef, 2,199 Bronze LM (500): 112 87, John Koschik, 2,162 Silver LM (1000): 120 88, Thelma Bilbrey, 2,144 Gold LM (2500): 37 89, William Rouse, 2,143 Diamond LM (5000): 13 90, Paul Pomeroy, 2,105 Emerald LM (7500): 5 91, Julie Kraus, 2,077 Platinum LM (10000): 9 92, James Bloom, 2,077 Grand Life Master: 2 93, Martin Gaerttner, 2,061 94, Jim Goodman, 2,044 ACBL ups sanctions for cheating FL club director 95, Benjamin Lev, 1,968 96, Edward Zujko, 1967 The ACBL Appeals and 97, Richard Menczer, 1,947 Charges Committee has in- 98, Charles Federman, 1,918 creased the discipline for a 99, Ed Williams, 1,906 part-time Naples FL club di- 100, Grant Petersen, 1,888 rector who copied hand rec- ords for sessions he was Just off the list: about to play. (Table Talk, De- 101, Daniel Feldman, 1,876 cember 2014, p. 28) 102, Elmer Johansen, 1,860 At its November meeting in 103, Richard Radtke, 1,856 Providence RI, the committee 104, J. Morris Swiger, 1,851 expelled Tom Urso and re- 105, Joan Bentz, 1,838 moved all of his masterpoints. 106, Marilyn Crane, 1,814 A unit committee had previ- 107, Harriet Brent, 1,803 ously suspended Urso for 2¼ 108, Judy Hocher, 1,768 years and taken away 2,000 109, Terry T. Brown, 1,764 of his 3,900 points. 110, Anand Agarwal, 1,733 TABLE TALK PAGE 21 TOURNAMENT June 14-19: FLINT REGIONAL CALENDAR June 25-28: Southfield sec- tional (MBA & SOMBA) Mar. 26-29: Southfield sec- June 27-28: Petoskey NLM tional (MBA) sectional Apr. 10-11: Bloomfield Hills July 10-12: Toledo sectional I/N sectional July 13-19: LANSING RE- April 11-12: Grand National GIONAL teams district finals July 24-26: Freeland sec- (Southfield) tional Apr. 13-19: Spring STAC Aug. 27-30: Southfield sec- Apr. 23-25: Grand Rapids tional (MBA) sectional Sept. 11-13: Traverse City May 1-3: Davison sectional sectional May 1-3: Frankfort sectional Sept. 20: NAP district finals May 9: Lansing NLM sec- (Lansing) tional Sept. 25-27: Petoskey sec- May 11-17: FARMINGTON tional HILLS REGIONAL Oct. 2-4: Midland sectional May 28-30: Kalamazoo sec- Oct. 12-18: FARMINGTON tional HILLS REGIONAL (MBA)

2014 MBA Treasurer’s Report

2014 2013 RECEIPTS Sectionals 1,677 (2,047) Motor City Regional 11,190 11,956 NAP (400) (1,500) Dues 3,027 3,123 Interest 157 169 15,651 11,701 EXPENDITURES Table Talk 6,721 4,727 Honoraria 4,800 4,800 Office and postage 646 886 Novice trophies 413 - Board meetings 403 1,285 Miscellaneous 1,120 1,888 14,103 13,586

Gain (loss) 1,548 (1,885)

Cash balance at beginning of year 37,022 38,907 Cash balance at end of year 38,570 37,022

—ROBERT WEBBER, treasurer

PAGE 22 TABLE TALK BULLETIN: Editor Who overbid? I guess we guesses queen both stretched. Tr. 1: 9♠-10-3-A (Oh, yeah, follows up with 2: 2♥-3-K-6 Vienna and squeeze 3: Q♥-6♠-5♥-7♥ to make Grand Slam) 4: 4♥-7♠-10♥-9♥ 5: Q♠-2♠-K♠-2♣ I was South (positions rotat- 6: J♠-4♦-3♦-4♠ ed) on this hand: Bd. 4 from 7: 3♣-4-10-9 the 6 p.m. Nov. 6, 2014, ACBL 8: K♣-2♦-6♣-7♣ pairs mini on Bridge Base. My 9: 7♦-9-A-6 partner was Lynne Schaeffer. 10: J♥-J♦-A♥-5♠ IMP PAIRS 11: 8♥-8♠-8♦-8♣ Both vul. 12: 5♣-5♦-A♣-Q♣ 13: J♣-K♦-Q♦-10♦ NORTH ♠KJ10 +2210 was worth 13.66 IMPs ♥KQJ4 Note that Tr. 11 includes the ♦A8 8♥ (squeeze card) and the ♣AJ63 other three 8s!!! It didn’t mat- WEST EAST ter here, but East should have ♠98542 ♠763 held his clubs and pitched the ♥973 ♥6 king of diamonds on that trick, ♦10952 ♦KJ64 hoping his partner had the ♣9 ♣Q8742 queen. Perhaps he just could SOUTH not resist matching the other ♠AQ three 8s already on the trick! ♥A10852 –M.H. ♦Q73 ♣K105 CANDIDATES WANTED WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH --- 1♣ Pass 1♥ The annual MBA board Pass 4♥ Pass 4♠ election will be held at the Pass 4NT Pass 5♥* Motor City Regional in Oc- Pass 5NT Pass 6♣** tober. If you are interested Pass 6♦*** Pass 7♥ in running for the board, All Pass contact election chair Martin *2/5 key cards, no Q of Hirschman, 248-646-3967, **K of ♣ [email protected] ***Further grand slam try

TABLE TALK PAGE 23 SOLUTION TO dummy’s 3 and pitch your AT THE WHEEL queen of hearts on the ace of From back page diamonds. If you play along these lines NORTH but do not save the spade 2 ♠1083 for the to dummy’s 3, ♥10643 West can beat you by return- ♦A42 ing a diamond. ♣J92 If you knew West’s hand, WEST EAST you also could make by run- ♠54 ♠6 ning spades to ♥K92 ♥J875 West, then endplaying him. ♦Q965 ♦1087 However, the recommended ♣KQ105 ♣87643 play works whenever spades SOUTH are 2-1 and West started with ♠AKQJ972 KQ of clubs, regardless of the ♥AQ location of the king of hearts ♦KJ3 and queen of diamonds. ♣A If East started with the queen of clubs and covers the After winning the ace of jack, you will high and still clubs, lead the 7 of spades to have time and entries to take dummy’s 8 and ruff a club two red-suit for your high. contract. Next play the 9 of spades to dummy’s 10, then play the LIKE US ON jack of clubs from dummy FACEBOOK!!! and, assuming East plays low, discard the 3 of diamonds. MBA has a new page on On winning the queen of Facebook, with lots of inter- clubs, West is endplayed. esting features, results and If West returns a club, you links. To view the page, go to can ruff in dummy and pitch Facebook.com, then type the queen of hearts. “Michigan Bridge Association” If West returns a heart, you into the field at the top and hit can claim. enter. Be sure to “Like” the If West returns a diamond, page. play low from dummy and The administrator of the take two diamonds in your page is Marilyn Nathanson. hand. Then play your carefully You can contact her at: preserved 2 of spades to [email protected]

PAGE 24 TABLE TALK MBA board pushes for more affordable NABCs Worried about the high ACBL CEO Robert Hartman cost of attending ACBL’s sent the following reply: three annual North Ameri- The costs of attending can Bridge Championships, NABCs was a topic that was the MBA board has sent the discussed in committee and following letter to the with the full Board in Provi- league’s CEO and national dence. board of directors: Hotel prices in large cities We are very concerned are becoming more and more about the spiraling cost of at- expensive. We do not want tending a North American pricing to create a barrier to Bridge Championship. attend for our members. At the 2015 Spring NABC, It is also becoming increas- players will pay the host hotel ingly difficult to secure con- $185 per night, including tax vention space at reasonable and occupancy charge. prices. Entry fees in NABC+ As such, we have focused events, already $20 per player our attention on “second-tier per session, will now be $30 cities” (I use that term affec- when screens are in use. tionately) where we are bigger Add a small budget for fish swimming in a smaller meals, and we are talking a pond. We have some price total cost approaching $300 leverage and these cities typi- per day. And that doesn’t ac- cally roll out the red carpet for count for the price of a plane our members. ticket to the host city. For example, the Board ap- Do we really want to run proved returning to Memphis tournaments that only million- and we are looking at Colum- aires can afford to attend? bus, OH and Austin, TX as We urge the ACBL to make possible future sites. every effort to keep costs at While we are not leaving the NABCs within reasonable any stone unturned, it be- bounds. comes discouraging when Thanks for your continued large cities like Toronto are efforts. asking $234 in 2023! –Board of Directors, Michigan Bridge Association –Robert Hartman, (ACBL Unit 137) Chief Executive Officer

TABLE TALK PAGE 25 ASK MARTY would consider passing 3♠. There are many minimum By Marty Hirschman West hands that would pro- Bob Rasmussen inquires vide an excellent play for 10 about a controversial commit- tricks, and it is routine to bid tee ruling involving an expert close games vul. at IMPs. pair in a Swiss team event at Therefore I probably would the 2014 Motor City Regional. have allowed the 4♠ bid. Both vul., East held ♠KJ965 Still, the case leaves a bad ♥A9 ♦10872 ♣43. West taste in my mouth. opened 1NT, East transferred I think the problem is with to spades and then bid 2NT. the all-or-nothing approach of West broke , then Law 16. Even accepting that signed off in 3♠. East none- passing was not a logical al- theless went on to 4♠, which ternative, it could have been a made. At the other table, successful choice. The break where there was no break in in tempo made bidding 4♠ tempo. East passed the 3♠ less of a risk than it was at the bid, losing 10 IMPs. other table. How would you rule? I would rewrite Law 16 to The directors polled seven provide a procedural penalty players. Four of them said when there was a colorable they would have passed 3♠. alternative choice that was not The directors then ruled that deemed a “logical alternative.” the break in tempo suggested One approach would be to that bidding on would be more award an IMP penalty based successful, and that passing on how much more likely it 3♠ was a logical alternative for was as a result of the hesita- East. Under Law 16, the con- tion that the chosen action tract was rolled back to 3♠, would be successful. making 4. However, I am not the Inter- On appeal, a committee re- national Laws Commission. versed the decision, opining For now, at least, we are that the director “must have stuck with the law as written. polled players of lesser skill,” P.S. The West hand was and that the 4♠ bid would be ♠A82 ♥QJ6 ♦A963 ♣A92. 4♠ allowed to stand. made because both My opinion is that the East finesses worked and spades hand upgrades after West broke 3-2. Was West actually shows three-card support, thinking about bidding 4♠ with and that few top players that minimum hand? PAGE 26 TABLE TALK Magic a losing diamond, having pitched the other diamond loser on the By Marty Hirschman king of hearts) without first pull- This hand is a modification ing trump, in which case you will of a partscore hand I played in be out of trump in hand to ruff a matchpoint mini on Bridge dummy’s diamond loser. Base. 3. And you can’t set up the ♠KJ8 heart and then cash both the ♥AK542 heart and the club because ♦A10 first you will have to pull ♣943 trump, and the third round of ♠74 ♠653 trump will freeze you into one ♥Q96 ♥J1083 hand or the other and you ♦QJ842 ♦K96 won’t be able to cash the win- ♣AKQ ♣862 ner in the other hand. ♠AQ1092 Nonetheless: ♥7 Tr. 5: A♥ ♦753 6: K♥ (diamond pitch) ♣J1075 7: 2♥ ruffed with 9 8: 2♠ to dummy’s 8. WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH 9: 4♥-J♥-A♠-2♦, establishing 1♦ 1♥ Pass 1♠ dummy’s 5th heart. Pass 4♠ All pass 10: 10♠ to dummy’s K♠, : Ace of clubs leaving:

West cashes three clubs ♠J and gets out the queen of dia- ♥5 monds, which you win with ♦10 the ace. ♣- On the surface it appears ♠- ♠6 that you have an unavoidable ♥- ♥- diamond loser: ♦J84 ♦K9 1. You can’t throw dummy’s ♣- ♣- diamond on the J of clubs un- ♠Q less you first pull trump, in ♥- which case dummy won’t ♦7 have a trump left to ruff the ♣J diamond. 2. You can establish dummy’s When you now play the 5 of fifth heart by taking two ruffs hearts from dummy, East has in hand, but you can’t cash no reply. the established heart (to pitch TABLE TALK PAGE 27

AT THE WHEEL By Marty Hirschman

NORTH ♠1083 ♥10643 ♦A42 ♣J92 WEST EAST SOUTH ♠AKQJ972 ♥AQ ♦KJ3 ♣A

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH -- Pass Pass 2♣ Pass 2♦ Pass 2♠ Pass 3♠ Pass 4NT Pass 5♦ Pass 5NT Pass 6♣ Pass 6♠ All Pass

Opening lead: K of clubs

Spades break 2-1. Plan the play. Solution, page 24.