Number: 178 UK £3.95 Europe €5.00 October 2017 Bernard Magee’s Acol Bidding Quiz This month we are dealing with hands when, if you choose to pass, the auction will end. You are West in BRIDGEthe auctions below, playing ‘Standard Acol’ with a weak no-trump (12-14 points) and four-card majors.

1. Dealer North. Love All. 4. Dealer West. Love All. 7. Dealer North. Love All. 10. Dealer East. E/W Game. ♠ 2 ♠ A K 3 ♠ A J 10 6 5 ♠ 4 2 ♥ A K 8 7 N ♥ A 8 7 6 N ♥ 10 9 8 4 3 N ♥ K Q 3 N ♦ J 9 8 6 5 W E ♦ A J 2 W E ♦ Void W E ♦ 7 6 5 W E S S S S ♣ Q J 3 ♣ Q J 6 ♣ A 7 4 ♣ K Q J 6 5

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South Pass Pass Pass 1♥ 1♠ Pass Pass 1♣ 2♦1 Pass 1♥ 1♠ ? ? Pass Dbl Pass Pass 2♣ 2♠ 3♥ 3♠ ? 4♥ 4♠ Pass Pass 1Weak jump overcall ?

2. Dealer North. Love All. 5. Dealer West. Love All. 8. Dealer East. Love All. 11. Dealer North. N/S Game. ♠ 2 ♠ A K 7 6 5 ♠ A 7 6 5 4 3 ♠ 4 3 2 ♥ A J N ♥ 4 N ♥ A K 3 N ♥ A 7 6 N ♦ 8 7 2 W E ♦ A K 3 W E ♦ 2 W E ♦ A 8 7 6 4 W E S S S S ♣ K Q J 10 5 4 3 ♣ J 10 8 2 ♣ A 5 2 ♣ 7 6

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South Pass Pass Pass 1♠ 2♥ Pass Pass 3♦ Pass 1♣ 3♥ Dbl ? ? Pass 3♥ Pass Pass 4♥ 4♠ Pass Pass ? ?

3. Dealer North. Love All. 6. Dealer West. Love All. 9. Dealer North. Love All. 12. Dealer South. N/S Game. ♠ 9 6 ♠ A K 3 ♠ 8 4 ♠ K 10 8 7 6 5 ♥ K Q J N ♥ K Q 4 2 N ♥ 7 6 5 N ♥ 4 3 2 N ♦ A 7 6 5 W E ♦ A 6 5 W E ♦ K Q J 10 6 W E ♦ Void W E S S S S ♣ Q J 4 3 ♣ J 9 8 ♣ A K 2 ♣ A 6 5 4

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South 1♥ Pass Pass 1♥ 1NT Pass Pass 1NT Pass Pass 1♦ ? ? ? 1♠ 2♥ 2♠ 3♥ 3♠ 6♥ Pass Pass ?

Answers on page 41 Answers on page 43 Answers on page 45 Answers on page 47

Features this month include: ADVERTISERS’ BRIDGE 1 Bidding Quiz by Bernard Magee INDEX 5 Mr Bridge 2 The Aegean Experience Ryden Grange, Knaphill, with Voyages to Surrey GU21 2TH 7 Bidding Quiz by Bernard Magee Antiquity ( 01483 489961 9 More Tips by Bernard Magee 3 Clive Goff’s Stamps [email protected] 9 Defence Quiz by Julian Pottage 4 Classical Italy and www.mrbridge.co.uk 10 David Stevenson Answers Your Questions the Adriatic with shop: www.mrbridge.co.uk/ Voyages to Antiquity mrbridge-shop 12 Some Thoughts about Playing Cards and Boards 6 Renaissance Italy & by Ian Dalziel Publisher and Historic Islands with Managing Editor 15 Defence Quiz Answers by Julian Pottage Voyages to Antiquity Mr Bridge Mr Bridge 16 About The Safe Hand by Andrew Kambites 8 UK Events Bridge Consultant 14 Bernard Magee’s 18 About The Safe Hand Quiz by Andrew Kambites Bernard Magee Tutorial Software bernardmagee 19 Declarer Play Quiz by David Huggett 19 Club Insurance @mrbridge.co.uk 20 Readers’ Letters 19 Travel Insurance Cartoons & Illustrations Marguerite Lihou 21 About The Safe Hand Answers by Andrew Kambites 19 Christmas in Cuba www.margueritelihou.co.uk 22 Julian Pottage Answers Your Questions & the Caribbean with Voyages to Antiquity Technical Consultant 25 Declarer Play Answers by David Huggett Tony Gordon 25 QPlus 12 26 Decorated Card Backs by Paul Bostock 29 Festive Season 2017 Typesetting & Design Ruth Edmondson 28 How do you Continue after a Benjamin Two Clubs? 33 Denham Filming 2018 [email protected] by Julian Pottage 35 Bernard Magee DVDs Proof Readers 30 The Sheriff’s Concern by David Bird Set 7 Julian Pottage 32 Combinations of Missing Honours by Michael Byrne 40 Bernard Magee DVDs Mike Orriel Sets 1-3 Catrina Shackleton 34 The Attraction of Online Bridge by Jeremy Dhondy Richard Wheen 41 Bernard Magee DVDs 36 Lives and Times - Part Two by Shireen Mohandes Sets 4-6 Customer Services 40 Part-Score or Slam? by John Barr Catrina Shackleton 43 Declarer Play with Bernard Magee [email protected] 41 Bidding Quiz Answers (1-3) by Bernard Magee 45 Defence Events & Cruises 42 The Diaries of Wendy Wensum with Bernard Magee ( 01483 489961 Jessica Galt 43 Bidding Quiz Answers (4-6) by Bernard Magee 46 Acol Bidding with Bernard Magee [email protected] 44 Finessing by Bernard Magee Megan Riccio 51 Mediterranean [email protected] 45 Bidding Quiz Answers (7-9) by Bernard Magee Odyssey with Sophie Pierrepont 46 Sally’s Slam Clinic Voyages to Antiquity [email protected] 47 Bidding Quiz Answers (10-12) by Bernard Magee 52 Cuba, Jamaica & The Clubs & Charities Leeward Islands with Maggie Axtell 48 Seven Days by Sally Brock Voyages to Antiquity [email protected] Address Changes ( 01483 485342 REDUCE THE COST OF YOUR POSTAGE Elizabeth Bryan [email protected] Postage stamps for sale at 90% of face-value, all mint with full gum. Quotations for commercial quantities available on request.

Printed in the UK by Values supplied in 100s, higher values available as well as The Magazine 1st and 2nd class (eg 2nd class: 100x38p+100x18p). Printing Company www.magprint.co.uk ( 020 8422 4906 e-mail: [email protected]

BRIDGE October 2017 Page 3

group on board. Due to the but should you require a David Stevenson (pictured short notice, Voyages to brochure or any further above) has produced a Antiquity are able to offer information or to book, final draft which is now no single supplement on all please call my office on being proof read. cabin grades, which is a real ( 01483 489961. As The current status of bonus for single travellers. always, you are able to hold DBRS was omitted from a cabin at no obligation This cruise is an this column last month for up to seven days. opportunity to combine to make room for my both a detailed exploration 2018 DIARIES medical news. For this of Cuba with a visit to omission please accept DEAR READER the West Indies. Sailing my profuse apologies.

As many of you know, from one to the other GOFFIE’S STAMPS I recently received a gives two relaxing sea diagnosis of bladder cancer. days and the chance to In September I started improve your bridge during a course of chemo and the morning seminars radiotherapy which should when the ship is at sea. be completed at the end I try hard to convey to of October. My doctors people how good value for and family have told me money cruises on board These are now in stock. time and time again how Aegean Odyssey actually They have lovely soft essential rest is to my cure are. I am not sure that luxury kidrell covers so I’m sure you understand people always take this in with a ball point pen in that I won’t be in the office as it is not until they return the spine. Chose from during my treatment Ruby Red, Bottle Green home and are chatting Clive Goff continues to and recuperation. or Navy Blue. £14.95 each. to me on the phone that advertise in these pages, Club price 10 assorted I do want to assure they say, ‘do you know I helping us to pay our bills. for only £50 including you that I am full of hardly spent any money Be assured his service is postage (and pro rata). enthusiasm for life and while I was away, except all legal and above board. abuzz with fresh ideas and for little souvenirs and DBRS ( 020 8422 4906 innovation. Meanwhile, bits.’ So please do realise [email protected] my excellent staff are that commonly a large See advert on page 3. doing everything in that additional cost on a holiday well-oiled way, that is the can be the tours, but as BRIDGE TABLES true meaning of service. they are included with Aegean Odyssey, you do God willing I will have a not need to worry about 17 good rest and start getting them. Also included are back to a normal work your flights, transfer, load in the New Year. gratuities and house wine EXTRA CRUISE with your evening meal.

Please be assured that my For hand-cafted English- publication, Duplicate made bridge tables, look no Bridge Rules Simplified further than SR Designs. (DBRS) is in the course Their popular club table is Voyages to Antiquity of publication. pictured. ( 01483 270100. have just come to me CLUB INSURANCE with a problem and I feel compelled to assist, An annual subscription especially as I feel it is such for BRIDGE is now an exciting opportunity. A part of the package for group has cancelled on the participating clubs. Cuba, Jamaica and Leeward Islands cruise so I have The advert on the back All good wishes, been asked to put a bridge cover provides a taste Mr Bridge

BRIDGE October 2017 Page 5

Bernard Magee’s Acol Bidding Quiz

This month we are dealing with hands when, if you choose to pass, the auction will end. You are West in the auctions below, playing ‘Standard Acol’ with a weak no-trump (12-14 points) and four-card majors.

1. Dealer North. Love All. 4. Dealer West. Love All. 7. Dealer North. Love All. 10. Dealer East. E/W Game. ♠ 2 ♠ A K 3 ♠ A J 10 6 5 ♠ 4 2 ♥ A K 8 7 N ♥ A 8 7 6 N ♥ 10 9 8 4 3 N ♥ K Q 3 N W E W E W E W E ♦ J 9 8 6 5 ♦ S ♦ A J 2 S Void S ♦ 7 6 5 S ♣ Q J 3 ♣ Q J 6 ♣ A 7 4 ♣ K Q J 6 5

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South Pass Pass Pass 1♥ 1♠ Pass Pass 1♣ 2♦1 Pass 1♥ 1♠ ? ? Pass Dbl Pass Pass 2♣ 2♠ 3♥ 3♠ ? 1Weak jump overcall 4♥ 4♠ Pass Pass ?

2. Dealer North. Love All. 5. Dealer West. Love All. 8. Dealer East. Love All. 11. Dealer North. N/S Game. ♠ 2 ♠ A K 7 6 5 ♠ A 7 6 5 4 3 ♠ 4 3 2 N N N N ♥ A J ♥ 4 ♥ A K 3 ♥ A 7 6 W E W E W E W E ♦ 8 7 2 S ♦ A K 3 S ♦ 2 S ♦ A 8 7 6 4 S ♣ K Q J 10 5 4 3 ♣ J 10 8 2 ♣ A 5 2 ♣ 7 6

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South Pass Pass Pass 1♠ 2♥ Pass Pass 3♦ Pass 1♣ 3♥ Dbl ? ? Pass 3♥ Pass Pass 4♥ 4♠ Pass Pass ? ?

3. Dealer North. Love All. 6. Dealer West. Love All. 9. Dealer North. Love All. 12. Dealer South. N/S Game. ♠ 9 6 ♠ A K 3 ♠ 8 4 ♠ K 10 8 7 6 5 ♥ K Q J N ♥ K Q 4 2 N ♥ 7 6 5 N ♥ 4 3 2 N W E W E W E W E ♦ A 7 6 5 ♦ ♦ K Q J 10 6 ♦ S A 6 5 S S Void S ♣ Q J 4 3 ♣ J 9 8 ♣ A K 2 ♣ A 6 5 4

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South 1♥ Pass Pass 1♥ 1NT Pass Pass 1NT Pass Pass 1♦ ? ? ? 1♠ 2♥ 2♠ 3♥ 3♠ 6♥ Pass Pass ?

My Answers: My Answers: My Answers: My Answers:

1...... 4...... 7...... 10......

2...... 5...... 8...... 11......

3...... 6...... 9...... 12......

Answers on page 41 Answers on page 43 Answers on page 45 Answers on page 47

BRIDGE October 2017 Page 7 Mr Bridge UK Events

Tutorial Events with Bernard Magee PROGRAMME DAY 1 Ramada Resort Elstead Hotel Elstead Hotel 1500 Mr Bridge Bournemouth BH1 3QP Grantham 23-25 Feb 2018 £252 Welcome Desk open Wed-Fri 4-4-4-1 Hands Tea or coffee on arrival 8-10 November £252 1745 to 1830 Ruffing for Extra Tricks Inn Welcome drinks on the Prom 1830 to 2000 Chatsworth Hotel Dinner Mon-Wed 2-4 Feb 2018 £252 5-7 March 2018 £252 2015 BRIDGE 1 DUPLICATE PAIRS Supporting Majors Supporting Majors DAY 2 Gourmet Food Four-Night Break at 0800 to 0930 Denham Grove Breakfast Near Uxbridge, UB9 5DG at Two Bridges the Trouville Hotel, 1000 to 1230 Hotel, Dartmoor Sandown, From SEMINAR & PLAY Mondays to Wednesdays Isle of Wight £399* of SET HANDS or 30 Oct-1 Nov DUPLICATE BRIDGE (Just Duplicate Events) From Declarer Play Thursday to Monday £349 1230 to 1330 13-15 November 15-19 February 2018 Cold Buffet Lunch Overcalling Distributional Hands and Sacrificing 1400 to 1645 12-14 March 2018 BRIDGE 2 Doubles www.mrbridge.co.uk TEAMS of FOUR 9-11 April 2018 (Bernard Magee Events) Ramada Resort, Grantham *Price includes ferry fare Finding Slams for two adults in one car. DUPLICATE PAIRS Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT (otherwise) 1815 to 2000 Dinner 2015 BRIDGE 3 Just Duplicate Tutorial Events DUPLICATE PAIRS DAY 3 Events Blunsdon House 0800 to 0930 Chatsworth Hotel 13-15 October £222 Breakfast Doubles 1000 to 1230 6-8 October £212 Hosted by Lesley Lewis SEMINAR & PLAY Chatsworth Hotel Hosted by Shelia Rogers of SET HANDS or Worthing BN11 3DU 10-12 November £222 3-5 November £212 Splinters and Cue Bids DUPLICATE PAIRS Hosted by Elaine Duff Hosted by Will Parsons (Just Duplicate Events) 1230 to 1400 Elstead Hotel Elstead Hotel Sunday Lunch 3-5 November £222 (weekend events only) Mon-Wed Better Leads and Switches 1400 to 1645 9-11 October £212 Hosted by Will Parsons BRIDGE 4 Hosted by Val Heath DUPLICATE PAIRS 24-26 November £212 Denham Grove Hosted by Kate Henderson 17-19 November £222 Inn on the Prom Better Hand Evaluation Full Board St Annes On Sea FY8 1LU Denham Grove Hosted by Elaine Duff 24-26 November £212 Chatsworth Hotel No Single Hosted by Celia Jeal 24-26 November £222 Supplement* Ramada Resort Game Tries Hosted by John Cobbett Grantham ( 01483 Inn on the Prom 24-26 November £199 Hosted by Will Parsons Mon-Wed 489961 11-13 Dec £212 www.mrbridge.co.uk Please note there are no seminars, Finding Slams Blunsdon House Hotel set hands or prizes at these events. Hosted by Will Parsons *subject to availability. Single Swindon SN26 7AS supplement applies at Two Bridges. More Tips from Bernard Magee DEFENCE Raise a QUIZ by Julian Pottage Pre-empt (Answers on page 15) ou are East in the defensive positions below playing Ymatchpoint pairs with neither side vulnerable. Both sides Aggressively are using Acol with a 12-14 1NT and 2♣ Stayman.

1. ♠ 6 5 3 3. ♠ 10 8 6 ♥ K 6 3 ♥ A ou use pre-emptive that even if you get doubled ♦ Q J 10 9 2 ♦ K Q J 10 9 2 bids to get in the way you might well end up with a ♣ 6 4 ♣ J 6 4 of the opponents and profit. Y ♠ 9 2 ♠ A 7 2 make it more difficult for them Here is the full deal: N ♥ J 8 2 N ♥ Q 10 4 3 to bid to the right contract. W E W E ♦ A K 8 ♦ A 8 However, the pre-emptor’s S S ♣ J 9 5 3 2 ♣ 10 8 3 2 partner has a job to do too. If ♠ A 2 he has support for his partner ♥ A Q J 4 he can raise the pre-empt to ♦ 4 3 West North East South West North East South make life even more difficult. ♣ 10 9 7 6 5 2NT1 1♦ Pass 1♥ You are sitting East and ♠ K Q J 10 8 7 5 ♠ 6 4 3 Pass 3NT All Pass Pass 2♦ Pass 3NT your partner starts with 3♠, ♥ 9 7 2 ♥ 6 3 120-22 All Pass N after which North passes: ♦ 9 7 W E ♦ A K 8 6 5 ♣ 2 S ♣ 8 4 3 Partner leads the ♠Q, won Partner leads the ♠3. What ♠ 9 by the ♠K. Declarer leads is your plan? Dealer West. Love All. ♥ K 10 8 5 the ♦6, on which go the ♠ 6 4 3 ♦ Q J 10 2 ♦3 and ♦Q. What is your N ♥ 6 3 ♣ A K Q J plan? W E S ♦ A K 8 6 5 ♣ 8 4 3 Over your raise to 4♠ what does South do? ♠ ♠ West North East South If he doubles, what does it 2. A 8 4. K 6 ♥ 10 6 ♥ K 8 6 3♠ Pass ? mean – is it for take-out or ♦ A Q 10 9 2 ♦ K Q 10 2 for penalties – many players ♣ Q 9 6 4 ♣ Q 7 6 4 Your partner has shown a would not be sure? ♠ K 2 ♠ A 10 2 weak hand and you also have North-South can make 5♥ N ♥ J 8 3 2 N ♥ J 9 5 4 3 a weak hand, so your op- or 5♣ and they might still bid W E W E ♦ K 8 5 3 ♦ A 9 4 ponents are likely to have a it, but you have made it as dif- S S ♣ K J 8 ♣ J 2 game on, but that should not ficult as possible. 4♠ will go dissuade you from bidding. only one off. Three-card support for a pre- Remember that South does West North East South West North East South empt is fantastic: you have not know whether you are 1NT 1NT a ten-card fit. This fit should weak or strong – with a good Pass 3NT All Pass Pass 3NT All Pass persuade you to raise the pre- hand you would also make a empt to make South’s life very raise to 4♠. Partner leads the ♠J and Partner leads the ♠3 and difficult indeed. This raising of Whenever you have sup- dummy plays low. What is dummy plays low. What is the pre-empt will often fit with port for your partner’s pre- your plan? your plan? the idea of bidding to the level empt make sure you push of your trump fit: the idea be- the bidding up and make it ing that the bigger your fit, the more difficult for your oppo- more tricks you can make, so nents. ■

BRIDGE October 2017 Page 9 David Stevenson Answers Your Questions on Laws and Ethics Hesitating with the Suit Bid

I was North when query about the alert and spades, so you could argue of North’s comment, which is the following then passing, as it signalled it was routine. I am not sure more likely based on curiosity Qhand came that he had spades. whether a director would than the contents of his hand. up at a club night. Was declarer correct? adjust. Why did your partner David Cree, Strathaven. ask and pass? All he had to ♣♦♥♠ do was double 1♠ and there ♠ 10 9 8 2 I believe that declarer would have been no further After a competitive ♥ K 10 7 4 2 had a case. Of problem. The solution to this auction I arrived ♦ A A course one can problem seems to be that Qin six hearts, ♣ K 6 5 never be certain why players your partner must decide in which was doubled by my ♠ A Q 5 ♠ 4 ask questions and there is this sort of position either right hand opponent. ♥ A 9 5 ♥ Q 8 6 3 always less danger when to double, or not to ask N On playing my tenth trick ♦ J 8 6 4 W E ♦ K 10 9 7 a call is alerted because until the end of the auction, from dummy, my right hand S ♣ Q 10 8 ♣ A 7 4 3 some players tend to ask specifically to avoid these opponent aggressively ♠ K J 7 6 3 for many alerted calls. sorts of problems recurring. threw in his hand berating ♥ J Nevertheless in the British his partner on her original ♦ Q 5 3 2 Isles players do not tend ♣♦♥♠ lead. Before I could say or ♣ J 9 2 to ask without a reason, do anything my left hand so a question about an North opened with opponent politely requested alerted bid followed by 1♦, East overcalled that I play out the hand. West North East South a pass always gives an Q2♥ (without using This I did winning all the 1♣ 1♥ 1♠ Pass impression that the player the stop card). North asked tricks despite the break 1NT All Pass might be holding the suit East (before South bid), in concentration. Should I actually bid. The hesitation ‘Was that a stop bid?’ have played on or does a 1♣ was alerted and when also suggests he might be Has any law been broken, concession by either op- I asked what it meant I thinking of doubling. if so, what and why? ponent end the hand? was told that it was either When you have Name and address supplied. David Bowen, Llandudno. 11-13 balanced or 16+ unauthorised information unbalanced. 1♠ was alerted from partner you are Players should not Especially if there and when partner asked required to make every effort make any extraneous was rudeness what it meant he was told not to take advantage, and a A comments, if A involved I would that it was a shortage in spade lead does not do that. they do they may provide always call the director, but spades. Partner hesitated If the spade lead was routine unauthorised information in fact when a defender and then passed. there would be no problem to partner. The correct thing concedes and his partner I was on lead and but it might be argued that to do when a jump bid is immediately objects it is as decided to lead the ♠10 you had alternative leads. made without the stop card, though there has been no (top of a sequence) instead It might depend on exactly as with any other infraction, claim or concession so play of from my broken heart what the 1♠ bid shows: if is to call the director and continues. In other words the suit. Declarer made seven by a shortage he actually let him sort it out. effect on the play would be tricks, then pointed out means a singleton or void I doubt that there is much the same if the director had that I should not have led then it is clear that partner harm here: it is difficult to see been called, but he would a spade after my partner’s must have at least four what use South could make have dealt with the rudeness.

Page 10 BRIDGE October 2017 In a late board at as to the meaning of the since it could have game would I have condoned the Eastbourne bid, and so if they were values. 2NT is probably not East’s final 2♠ bid? QSeniors damaged then an adjustment a subset since it shows 11 Margaret Bleakley by email. Swiss Pairs, I held: is reasonable. As to whether to 12: if people play it as the actual adjustment was specifically 11 (some people Your partner, North, correct I cannot say without do and play 2♠ to show 12 made an insufficient ♠ A knowing the whole hand and points) then it is a subset. So A bid. East accepted ♥ K 8 7 6 5 4 the details of the ruling given. a 2NT bid (unless it shows it, which is his right. That ♦ Q J 3 You might say that it is specifically 11 points) or a makes 2♥ a legal bid and ♣ J 6 3 normal bridge that 2♥ then transfer will force offender’s now East has a right to 3♥ shows hearts only, but partner to pass next time bid 2♠. You had no choice that is not the case. If I was under the 2017 Laws in the matter: once East RHO opened 1NT (12-14). If playing with my normal making these bids useless. accepted 2♥ it became part I had bid 2♥, I would have partner Liz Commins, or with of the legal auction, and shown hearts and spades. Julian Pottage, and she or he ♣♦♥♠ you can make any legal I didn’t want to do that but bid 2♥ showing both majors call, ie pass, double or any was reluctant to bid 3♥. and rebid 3♥, I would take it Do you alert or bid from 2NT upwards. I eventually did bid 2♥ – as a very distributional and announce the alerted by partner, with the strong hand with spades and Qfollowing? ♣♦♥♠ intention of repeating hearts longer hearts: since 2♥ had 1) Five-card Stayman over in the event of my partner shown hearts and spades, 2NT, 2) if you are playing On board 4, dealer bidding 2♠. LHO bid 3NT no further bid from partner Helmic and after 1NT and a West passes with and I led my fourth best can ever change that. As I double your partner bids the Qan 11 count, and heart. The contract sailed explained it is legal to play lower of his two four-card North becomes declarer, but three off but RHO called the it differently, but not without suits and 3) if you are playing after the lead it is discovered director. After consultation informing the opponents. non-promissory Stayman. that West has taken his with other directors, he Martin Epstein by email. hand from board 5, and the awarded my opponents 80% ♣♦♥♠ director awards an adjusted and us 20%. I wasn’t sure if 1) You alert it. score. New law 15A2a. I agreed with the decision In a recent auction Announce only On board 5, North passes, but we were not doing well West passed out of A standard Stayman. and East opens 1♠. After and, as I said, it was a late Qturn when 2) You alert it. As the shown a pass from South, West, board, so we accepted it. no-one had previously suit guarantees another with his 11 count and Of all the pairs who called. North (dealer) passed, higher-ranking suit that spade support, bids 3♠. played in 3NT, two made East bid 1NT (12-14) and makes it a convention. Does this call differ from nine tricks, one made 11 South passed. Under the 3) You announce, ‘Stayman.’ his original pass as per tricks, but four made only six. 2007 Laws, the director The announcement never new law 15A3, resulting May I ask you what you ruled that West must now tells opponents whether in a second adjusted-score make of this, please? pass at his next turn. it is promissory or not. board, or can it stand as John Hunt, Under 2017 law 30 is it being within the possible Staplecross, East Sussex. correct that a weak take- ♣♦♥♠ scope of a dealer pass? out by West would now be Pat Dunham, Coleorton. It is perfectly legal a comparable call as it is I was South on to play 2♥ as wholly consistent with his the following While it might be a A either both majors, opening pass? What about Qbidding sequence. Comparable Call or as hearts only, but a a transfer or 2NT by West A as in the new law requirement of bridge is that where the strength of the West North East South 23, law 15A does not use your opponents should be call is ambiguous in relation 1♣ 1♠ 2♦ the term Comparable Call. aware of your agreements. to an opening pass? 2♠ Pass Pass Dbl It says that if the call on the You expected partner to Name and address supplied. Pass 2♥ 2♠ 3NT new board is the same it can understand a rebid of 3♥ All Pass be played. 3♠ is not the same as just hearts, so you had Since a weak take- as pass so the board must be an agreement that you were out shows a hand E/W have bid 2♠ cancelled and an adjusted playing this way, even if you A which is a subset of twice. Had I passed, score awarded. ■ had not discussed it explicitly. the original pass it is true that It is an implicit agreement there is no further penalty based on your experiences under the 2017 laws. E-mail your questions on bridge laws to: as a partnership, so your A transfer clearly is not a [email protected] opponents were misinformed subset of the hands that pass,

BRIDGE October 2017 Page 11 Teacher’s Corner – Teaching Tips from Ian Dalziel Some Thoughts about Playing Cards and Boards

Sticky Playing Cards very effective. Modern playing cards these cards come to the end of their are plastic coated, which is perhaps life, you can estimate the number When I took up bridge in the late more environmentally friendly, but of times the cards were played and seventies, playing cards were replaced it does wear away quite quickly. The determine which playing cards are when they became grubby and cards absorb the moisture and, as a best value. dirty though they were still useable. result, become sticky. I think most clubs replace whole sets Nowadays, we regularly replace whole 100% plastic playing cards have been of cards at once when the majority are sets of cards which ostensibly look just around since Culberston’s day when getting sticky. I never did it that way – fine – the problem is they have got he brought over KEM playing cards in I’m too thrifty. sticky, which can lead to errors in play. about 1935. They are washable and are I asked players to note the board I still have cards, used occasionally, almost everlasting, but they are very numbers of the sticky cards and which are over 40 years old and are still expensive and not used by any bridge replaced only those cards before the fine, but nowadays some new cards clubs that I know of. next session. When I took the boards can get sticky after just ten sessions of How do you prove which home to do this, however, I discovered use at a large club. manufacturer’s playing cards last an amazing thing – many of the cards This seems to be because of a change longest? It’s easy – when you put brand designated as ‘sticky’ seemed perfectly in the way they are manufactured. new cards in a board/wallet, write the fine to me. It appeared they had ‘dried Cards get sticky by absorbing the date on the ♠A using a permanent out’ and were no longer sticky. I moisture from players’ hands. In the ink pen. If you replace a whole set at therefore didn’t replace them – but the ‘good old days’, I believe they used a time, date only the ♠A in board 1; next week at the club these same cards varnish to seal the cards, which was otherwise do it board by board. When were again highlighted as needing

Page 12 BRIDGE October 2017 changing! Four Coloured are turned upside down. See if you Newish cards don’t get sticky; Playing Cards? can work out which cards I mean. As ‘middle aged’ cards will be okay if Paul Bostock in his excellent column they get sufficient ‘drying out’ time How observant are you? What are the has pointed out – the kings, queens between usage; but ‘old’ playing cards colours used in bidding boxes? In fact and jacks have been symmetrical for are sticky all the time. The drying out they are green, orange, red and blue about 200 years despite having very time is the ratio between the number for clubs, diamonds, hearts and spades complicated designs. of tables and the number of boards in respectively. You would be amazed at Amazingly, most of the simpler spot play. For example, at a club with 20 how many bridge players are unaware cards are not. I’m sure 99% of bridge tables playing 26 boards, most cards of this. As a bridge teacher, I so wish players are unaware of this lack of are in use all the time – but at a club of playing cards used the same four symmetry – and those who have noticed 5 tables playing 25 boards, each board colours as it would drastically reduce would be top players above reproach. gets about 30 minutes to ‘dry out’ the errors made with players mixing up Recent world championships, however, between use. cards in their red suits and black suits. have proved otherwise. A cheat would Such cards (Spectrum) were produced find it much easier to convey messages Archiving Prepared Hands some years ago but didn’t catch on – I with the orientation of the face of the don’t know why not. Jannersten’s have cards than the back. For that reason, As a bridge teacher without a dealing moved a little way on this by using grey all the playing cards used at WBF and machine, I spend a lot of time making and orange for clubs and diamonds EBL competitions are symmetrical, but up prepared hands for classes. To save respectively; but let’s go the whole way some do look a bit weird. time, I have gradually built up a stock and copy the bidding box colours. The In the cards shown, ♠5 is the only of wallets which are permanently ‘court cards’ have used a plethora of one which is not symmetrical because made up and are used just once a year. colours for hundreds of years so having of the spade in the middle. The ♦K and The ‘middle aged’ cards which are no only two colours for four suits can’t be ♠10 are naturally symmetrical. The ♣7 longer suitable for the bridge club are blamed on early printing technology. If and ♥A are the WBF cards which have ideal for this purpose as my prepared cards were invented today, surely they been artificially made symmetrical hands are not used often enough for would be in four different colours. by the four leaf clover and the broken them to get sticky again. heart in the middle of each. I can’t justify the cost of buying Symmetrical Playing Cards wallets for use only once a year, so Board Placement make my own wallets out of 160gsm Playing cards for duplicate should be card. I print a template, cut and fold it, symmetrical on the back. This is to Law 7A states, ‘When a board is to be then staple it together as shown. You prevent players cheating by sending played it is placed in the centre of the would be surprised at how durable messages to their partners by the way table where it shall remain, correctly they are. If you prefer to use real they place their used tricks on the oriented, until play is completed.’ wallets or boards in class, you can just table. Hence cards used at bridge clubs (Words in italics added in the 2017 use the cardboard wallets for storage can’t have the lovely pictures you get laws). I insist on this at my classes and and transfer the cards to real wallets with presentation sets for home use. I, bridge clubs, but at some clubs, after only when required. The picture shows however, have never heard of anyone the bidding is over, the board goes a basic wallet but board number, using ‘picture cards’ for improper use ‘goodness knows where’ and dummy dealer and vulnerability (in colour) at home games. replaces it in the middle of the table. can be added as required. Did you know though, that the front Moving the board can lead to all If you would like the wallet templates of 22 of the 52 playing cards are not sorts of problems so I’d like to point for home use in PDF and/or Publisher, symmetrical, which means these 22 out the benefits of Law 7A and suggest then email [email protected] cards look slightly different if they all clubs adhere to it.

BRIDGE October 2017 Page 13 1 It reminds rubber bridge players and needs to know the dealer and that they are playing duplicate. If vulnerability. This information is BERNARD the board is removed, rubber bridge not easily visible if the board is on a MAGEE’S players can easily forget and throw corner of the table (perhaps covered the cards in the middle to make by something) or on a chair. TUTORIAL CDS tricks. Even if the cards are kept 6 The vulnerability is always visible separate, someone might collect to all players during play. Yes, all four hands at the end and mix even decisions about card play ADVANCED them before the board is replaced can occasionally depend on the DECLARER PLAY centrally. vulnerability of each side. l Overtricks in No-trumps 2 It totally eliminates 90 and 180 7 It encourages calling dummy’s l Overtricks in Suit Contracts degree switched boards. If the cards. Calling cards has been the l Endplays board is moved from the middle of required method since the 1987 l Avoidance the table during play, it is sometimes laws of bridge (Law 45b), except for l Wrong Contract £81 put back the wrong way round and special circumstances. However, l Simple Squeezes the board gets switched through 90 some players of long standing still l Counting the Hand or 180 degrees. This is especially reach for dummy’s cards and move l Trump Reductions & Coups likely to happen during an arrow the board to facilitate this. This is l Playing Doubled Contracts switch round. Also if a rectangular off-putting for new players who l Safety Plays board is given a quarter turn ‘to have been taught differently. make more room for dummy’, 8 It prevents dummy being put too players may forget to turn it back close to declarer. Newbies who ADVANCED and you get a 90 degree switch. have been taught bridge correctly ACOL BIDDING Sometimes a board is put down with the board in the middle, get l Basics the wrong way round initially very disorientated if the board is l Advanced Basics – North to South. As long as it removed and dummy is brought l Weak Twos £96 remains that way, it’s not too very close to declarer. l Strong Hands drastic. However, if the board has l Defence to Weak Twos been removed it will probably be One board at a time l Defence to 1NT put back ‘the right way round’ and l Doubles you have a 180 degree switched It is very common to stack the boards l Two-suited Overcalls board – and such switches are hard in the middle of the table, but I insist l Defences to Other Systems to spot. we have only one board in the middle l Misfits and 3 It almost eliminates 12/14 at a time. The remaining boards are Distributional Hands switched boards. (eg East has 12 put under the bidding boxes or on a cards North has 14 cards.) During nearby chair. My reasons are: FIVE-CARD MAJORS play the board in the middle acts as 1 Law 7a only mentions one board a barrier and keeps the four hands so it implies that this is correct & Strong No-Trump apart. Since 1987, the laws no procedure. l Opening Bids & Responses longer require players to re-count 2 If you stack three or more boards l No-Trump Openings their cards before returning them in the middle of the table, it can l Support for Partner to the board, the presumption obscure declarer’s view of dummy. l Slams & Strong Openings being that the board in the middle 3 If you stack boards, then l Rebids makes this unnecessary. If a 12/14 occasionally someone takes his l Minors & Misfits switched board is discovered at cards from the wrong board and l Pre-empting £89 the next table, the time taken to it’s not discovered till dummy goes l Doubles sort it out can hold up the whole down. This almost never happens l Overcalls tournament. It’s a real nightmare if you have only one board in the l Competitive Auctions for the director if there are no hand middle. records and the table who mixed 4 If a table is running late (after the ALSO it up can’t remember the original move has been called) and the hand properly. boards are stacked, someone from l Acol Bidding (see p46) 4 The current board number is the table awaiting the boards will l Defence (see p45) always visible to players and have to ‘dive in’ to the middle of l Declarer Play (see p43) director. the table to get some boards for the 5 It helps with reviewing the next round, thus disrupting play. bidding. A good player may wish 5 It prevents the traveller being taken ( 01483 489961 to review the bidding (mentally) from the wrong board (if travellers www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop during play in order to place cards are being used). ■

Page 14 BRIDGE October 2017 Answers to Julian Pottage’s Defence Quiz on page 9

Partner leads the ♠J and dummy plays dummy’s long suit. You start by taking 1. ♠ 6 5 3 low. What is your plan? the ♠A and switching to the ♥3. This is ♥ K 6 3 Your basic plan should be the same as certain to remove the side entry to the ♦ Q J 10 9 2 on the first deal – to stop declarer from diamonds. ♣ 6 4 setting up and running the diamonds. When declarer plays on diamonds, ♠ Q J 10 7 ♠ 9 2 You begin by taking the ♠K and returning probably at trick three, you hold up the N ♥ Q 9 5 4 ♥ J 8 2 the suit, thereby removing dummy’s ♠A ♦A. W E ♦ 7 4 3 S ♦ A K 8 entry. Declarer will then cross to hand, While you cannot be sure this ♣ 10 7 ♣ J 9 5 3 2 say with the ♣A, and lead the ♦J for a time that you will sever the opposing ♠ A K 8 4 finesse. communications (declarer might have ♥ A 10 7 You should hold up on the first three diamonds) it is worth a try. ♦ 6 5 diamond – your ♦K remains guarded. If ♣ A K Q 8 partner shows out on the second round, you would be ready to hold up again – but in fact you find out that the unseen 4. ♠ K 6 West North East South hands have two diamonds each and ♥ K 8 6 2NT1 so win the second round if you get the ♦ K Q 10 2 Pass 3NT All Pass chance. ♣ Q 7 6 4 120-22 If you can plan in advance to duck the ♠ Q 8 5 3 ♠ A 10 2 ♦K and thus do so smoothly, declarer ♥ Q 7 N ♥ J 9 5 4 3 Partner leads the ♠Q, won by the ♠K. is more likely to repeat the finesse; this ♦ J 7 3 W E ♦ A 9 4 S Declarer leads the ♦6, on which go the allows you to beat the contract by two ♣ 10 8 5 3 ♣ J 2 ♦3 and ♦Q. What is your plan? tricks. ♠ J 9 7 4 You should aim to shut out dummy’s ♥ A 10 2 diamond suit. You hope declarer has a ♦ 8 6 5 doubleton, quite plausible if you read ♣ A K 9 the ♦3 as a count signal showing an odd 3. ♠ 10 8 6 number of diamonds. You hold up on ♥ A the first round, allowing the ♦Q to win. ♦ K Q J 10 9 2 West North East South With only one side entry to dummy, this ♣ J 6 4 1NT restricts declarer to one trick in the suit. ♠ J 9 5 3 ♠ A 7 2 Pass 3NT All Pass As the cards lie, this defeats the contract. ♥ J 8 5 N ♥ Q 10 4 3 ♦ 7 4 3 W E ♦ A 8 Partner leads the ♠3 and dummy plays S ♣ Q 9 5 ♣ 10 8 3 2 low. What is your plan? ♠ K Q 4 Your first decision comes at trick one. 2. ♠ A 8 ♥ K 9 7 6 2 To retain the ♠A to capture the ♠K, you ♥ 10 6 ♦ 6 5 should finesse the ♠10. Your ♠A will not ♦ A Q 10 9 2 ♣ A K 7 run away. Finessing gains on several ♣ Q 9 6 4 layouts, if the lead is from J-9-x-x or ♠ J 10 9 5 3 ♠ K 2 Q-8-x-x for example. ♥ Q 9 5 4 N ♥ J 8 3 2 West North East South Now consider your plan for later. W E ♦ ♦ 7 4 S K 8 5 3 1♦ Pass 1♥ Given the diamonds in dummy, you ♣ 10 3 ♣ K J 8 Pass 2♦ Pass 3NT expect your opponent to attack the suit. ♠ Q 7 6 4 All Pass Can you see why letting the ♦K or ♦Q ♥ A K 7 win the first round might help? Declarer ♦ J 6 Partner leads the ♠3. What is your plan? returns to hand and leads up to the ♣ A 7 5 2 Since you hold the ♠2 yourself, you can other high honour, playing partner for read the ♠3 as from a four-card suit. This the ♦A. If instead you take the ♦A on the makes it relatively unlikely that taking the first round or hesitate before ducking, West North East South ♠A and returning the suit will bear great declarer finesses the ♦10 on the second 1NT fruit. round. Pass 3NT All Pass Once more, you focus on killing So be ready to duck smoothly. ■

BRIDGE October 2017 Page 15 All You Need to Know by Andrew Kambites

The Safe Hand

eginners fear losing the lead. suggests you should play for the ♦Q This is entirely understandable to drop by cashing the ♦A-K. The Hand C Hand D because few players have not ex- problem is that if the ♦Q doesn’t drop ♠ A J 9 4 ♠ A Q Bperienced the frustration of watching under the ♦A-K, you will have to force ♥ A Q 7 5 4 ♥ A 7 6 opponents run a long suit while poor it out, and you have no control over ♦ A K ♦ 9 6 3 declarer has to discard winners help- which defender might take the trick. ♣ 6 4 ♣ J 10 9 8 6 lessly. The objective of this article is You can also finesse diamonds either N N to explain how, if you have to lose the way, and the important point here is W E W E lead, you might find that one oppo- that while you might not be able to S S nent is more dangerous than the other. control whether or not you have to lose a diamond trick, you can control ♠ K Q 8 6 ♠ 8 2 which defender takes it. The foolproof ♥ J 10 9 6 ♥ K J 10 9 8 Hand A Hand B way to ensure your contract is to cash ♦ 8 6 5 ♦ A K 7 ♠ K 8 6 ♠ 8 4 2 the ♦K and then finesse dummy’s♦ J. ♣ A K ♣ A K Q ♥ 6 5 3 ♥ K 3 If West has the ♦Q you will not lose a ♦ A J 10 9 2 ♦ A J 10 9 2 diamond trick. If East has the ♦Q then Contract 6♥. Contract 6♥. ♣ 9 5 ♣ A K 2 he has no heart left to return. Lead ♠7. Lead ♦Q.

N N e call East the safe hand W E W E S S because losing the lead At first sight Hand C looks easy Wto him cannot threaten enough. Your only potential loser ♠ A 9 ♠ K 6 your contract. West is the danger- seems to be the ♥K, indeed if the heart ♥ A 9 2 ♥ A 9 6 ous hand, to be kept off the lead. finesse succeeds you can see 13 tricks. ♦ K 8 6 3 ♦ K 8 6 3 However, you must consider what ♣ A K 6 2 ♣ Q 9 5 3 In Hand B, the suit led, hearts, does happens if you take the heart finesse not threaten you because you have and it fails. The ♠7 lead could easily be Contract 3NT. Contract 3NT. two heart stoppers. However, there is a singleton and, if so, East might take Lead ♥K. Lead ♥Q. another danger here. If East gains the the ♥K and give West a spade ruff. lead with the ♦Q he might switch to a East is the danger hand. spade, through your ♠K. If West has In Hand A, West leads the ♥K against the ♠A, you could easily lose four or f your natural line of play is to your no-trump game. You withhold five spade tricks. However, if West is take a finesse into the dangerous your ♥A and West continues with the on lead he cannot lead a spade without Ihand, you should consider ♥Q and ♥J, East discarding on the third your ♠K being a stopper. This time spurning the finesse. round. What next? You have seven top East is the dangerous hand and West tricks and can easily develop two extra is the safe hand, so you must ensure Your contract is safe if you win the from the diamonds, maybe three extra that if you have to lose a diamond trick ♠A, cash the ♥A and play a low heart. if you can diagnose who has the ♦Q. it will be lost to West. Your contract is One defender will take the ♥K, but So how do you tackle the diamonds? safe if you take dummy’s ♥K, cash the his partner cannot still have a heart, The answer lies outside the diamond ♦A and run the ♦J. so there is no danger of a spade ruff. suit. The danger to your contract lies Hand D is somewhat harder. Even if in the hearts. You know West has two emember that the danger you lose the lead to the ♥Q, you still more hearts to cash, whereas East has might come from a different seem to have 12 tricks so what can go no hearts left. ‘Eight ever, nine never’ Rsuit to the suit led. wrong? The answer is that you need to

Page 16 BRIDGE October 2017 use dummy’s two extra clubs to discard In Hand E you can take the ♠K but You will have to concede a club and a spade loser and a diamond loser. You now you must realise that East is the if East has three clubs, you should be will need to unblock the ♣A-K-Q after dangerous hand, because East can fine as long as you withhold your ♠A you have drawn trumps and still have lead another spade through your on the first round. an entry to dummy to get to the ♣J-10. remaining ♠J-4. No problem here. That is your main chance and you If you lose the lead to West, he might West is the safe hand and the club must do nothing that could jeopardise switch to a spade, attacking your entry finesse will ensure that West will win that. How about if West has three to dummy before you are ready to use the trick if you have a club loser. Your clubs? Most of the time you will fail it. Therefore, West is the dangerous contract is 100% safe. because West will be keen to take the hand and East is the safe hand. The Hand F looks more ominous. West lead with a club and cash his spades. correct way to draw trumps is to win is the safe hand for exactly the same However, you still have a chance if the ♦A and immediately run the ♥J. If reason as Hand E, but you seem to East has the ♣Q doubleton as shown that wins then you run the ♥10. have no choice but to take the club below. Note that your instinct may well be finesse into the dangerous hand and, to cash your ♥K first in case East has worse still, the bidding makes it highly the ♥Q singleton but that won’t be likely that East has the ♣K. It might ♣ 7 4 3 2 ♣ good enough if the distribution is like occur to you to try cashing the A N this. in case the ♣K is singleton. That is ♣ J 9 8 W E ♣ Q 10 S an improvement, but a very marginal one. ♣ A K 6 5 ♠ A Q You need a different plan here and ♥ A 7 6 it comes through the knowledge that ♦ 9 6 3 East is likely to have started with only Cross to dummy’s ♥A and lead a club, ♣ J 10 9 8 6 two spades. Try allowing East’s ♠Q to rising with the ♣A if East plays any ♠ 10 7 6 4 3 ♠ K J 9 5 win trick 1. East returns his last spade, club apart from the ♣Q. Now enter ♥ Q 5 4 3 N ♥ 2 but West has no answer. Whether he dummy again with the ♦K and lead W E ♦ Q J 10 S ♦ 8 5 4 2 allows your ♠J to win or takes his ♠A another club. When East has to play ♣ 7 ♣ 5 4 3 2 and continues with a third round of the ♣Q, allow it to hold. West would ♠ 8 2 spades, he will never regain the lead to dearly love to overtake the ♣Q to cash ♥ K J 10 9 8 cash his spade winners. his spades but he cannot. Of course, ♦ A K 7 Your clever play at trick 1 has made if East had not played the ♣Q on the ♣ A K Q East the safe hand, a necessary play as second round you would have taken you have little choice but to take the the ♣K and conceded a club, hoping club finesse into the East hand. that East would have to win the trick. Try it. Cash the ♥K, run the ♥J and This is called an ‘Avoidance Play’ take the next trick with the ♥A. West because you are trying to avoid West still has ♥Q, now a winner. If you try Hand G Hand H gaining the lead. to force out the ♥Q West switches to ♠ 5 3 2 ♠ 3 2 This hand is even harder than it a spade. ♥ A K 7 ♥ A 6 3 2 looks. Suppose you withhold your ♠A ♦ K J 8 ♦ 8 4 3 2 until the third round. An inspired ♣ 7 4 3 2 ♣ K J 4 East might use his discard to jettison Hand E Hand F his ♣Q, hoping to create an entry to ♠ 9 ♠ 9 N N W E W E the West hand. To counter this, you ♥ Q 6 4 3 ♥ Q 6 4 3 S S should only withhold your ♠A for one ♦ A K 5 4 ♦ A K 5 4 round. This is perfectly safe, after all ♣ J 10 9 6 ♣ A Q 7 5 ♠ A 7 6 ♠ A 7 6 it is a 5-2 spade break you fear, not a ♥ 6 4 2 ♥ K 8 4-3 break. N N ♦ A Q 6 ♦ A Q 7 6 5 You start Hand H by withholding W E W E S S ♣ A K 6 5 ♣ A Q 2 your ♠A until the second round. West continues with the ♠Q which you ♠ K J 7 ♠ K J 7 Contract 3NT. Contract 3NT. must win. Can you set your diamonds ♥ A K 7 ♥ A K 7 Lead ♠K. West opened 2♠. up without losing the lead to West, the ♦ 6 3 2 ♦ 6 3 2 West has Lead ♠K. dangerous hand? ♣ A Q 7 5 ♣ J 10 9 6 five spades. 2♠ is a weak two. If West has the guarded ♦K the answer is clearly, no. A possible Contract 3NT. Contract 3NT. approach is to cash the ♦A (in case West opened 3♠. West opened 3♠. In Hand G, you have eight top tricks West has the ♦K singleton), but you Lead ♠5 to ♠Q. Lead ♠5 to ♠Q. and for your ninth you will require can do even better than that. Look at clubs to break 3-2. this layout:

BRIDGE October 2017 Page 17 having the ♦K singleton without you have four diamond tricks without ♦ 8 4 3 2 jeopardising your main chance. West gaining the lead.

N Cross to dummy with a club Hands G and H demonstrate that ♦ J 10 9 W E ♦ K and lead a diamond. Most of the you should consider the following S time East will play low and you will possibility: ♦ A Q 7 6 5 rise with your ♦A, re-enter dummy and lead a second diamond up to your f the safe hand holds the highest ♦Q. missing card of a suit you must Your main idea is indeed to guard However, here your thoughtful play Iplay, then you must lead through against West having the ♦K singleton, pays dividends. East has to play the ♦K this hand to allow it to win the but you can also guard against East and you allow it to hold the trick. Now trick. ■

About The Safe Hand Quiz by Andrew Kambites (Answers on page 21)

Hand 1 Hand 2 Hand 3 Hand 4 ♠ 8 5 2 ♠ 8 5 2 ♠ A 4 ♠ 7 4 ♥ K 8 6 4 ♥ 8 7 6 4 ♥ A K 7 ♥ A K 7 ♦ 7 3 2 ♦ 7 3 2 ♦ A 7 5 4 ♦ A 7 5 4 ♣ A K 8 ♣ A K 8 ♣ Q J 10 8 ♣ Q J 10 8

N N N N W E W E W E W E S S S S

♠ A 7 ♠ A 7 ♠ K 5 ♠ A K ♥ A 3 2 ♥ A 3 2 ♥ 6 4 3 ♥ 8 4 2 ♦ A K J 10 9 ♦ A K J 10 9 ♦ Q J 10 8 ♦ Q J 10 8 ♣ 9 5 4 ♣ 9 5 4 ♣ A 7 5 4 ♣ K 7 5 4

Contract 3NT. Contract 3NT. Contract 3NT. Contract 3NT. Lead ♠K. Lead ♠K. Lead ♠Q. Lead ♠Q. West opened 3♠. West opened 2♠ (weak). West opened 3♠. West opened 3♠.

Hand 5 Hand 6 Hand 7 Hand 8 ♠ Q 6 2 ♠ K J 10 8 ♠ K J 10 ♠ 7 3 ♥ 5 4 ♥ Q 7 ♥ A 7 5 4 3 ♥ A 10 5 2 ♦ A 6 4 3 2 ♦ 6 4 2 ♦ A 5 ♦ A Q J ♣ A K 5 ♣ A 10 6 2 ♣ 9 5 2 ♣ K Q 3 2

N N N N W E W E W E W E S S S S

♠ K 10 5 ♠ A Q 7 6 4 3 ♠ A Q 9 7 6 5 2 ♠ K J ♥ A Q 2 ♥ A 6 ♥ 6 2 ♥ K Q J 8 7 6 4 ♦ K J 10 5 ♦ K 3 ♦ 7 ♦ 8 5 4 ♣ 9 8 2 ♣ K J 3 ♣ K 6 3 ♣ 4

Contract 3NT. Contract 4♠. Contract 4♠. Contract 4♥. Lead ♠3 to ♠A. Lead ♥J. Lead ♦K. Lead ♣J. East switches to ♥J.

Page 18 BRIDGE October 2017 CLUB INSURANCE DECLARER

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BRIDGE October 2017 Page 19 Play of bidding cards anything. At the moment I am can be just as disruptive half-way through the June READERS’ as playing to a trick. Some issue, with two more issues players may place one pass waiting to be read and it is card with the tab facing becoming a chore. I have no partner and another correctly time to read anything else. LETTERS facing RHO. I don’t believe If you were to publish your players use one orientation wonderful magazine every SLOW PLAY feature on Bridgewebs is one for 0-8 points and the other other month, or halve the I read Jeremy Dhondy’s such tool that springs to mind. for 9-11 but the irregularity content monthly I would love article What to do about This allows much more distracts my old brain from to renew my subscription, Slow Play with interest in meaningful analysis of more important thoughts. but I don’t know how that the July issue of BRIDGE. each deal, rather than the I also take exception to the would work out financially? In his Ten Commandments somewhat fatuous comments casual bidding card player At least four of my friends he quite rightly lists limiting we have all been guilty of who chucks one card on top feel the same and it will be post-mortems until the end making in the past after a of another in a haphazard interesting to find out if any of the round as one useful glance at the traveller, such way, often obscuring earlier other readers do too. Sadly, I step for clubs to take, though as, ‘I see 3NT makes,’ when bids. Why? A partner of will not see their reaction as it would have been right what we really should say mine with a brain that has the August issue is my last. at the top of my list, rather was, ‘I see 3NT happened been round the block even I cannot thank you than down at number six. to make once.’ This is a more times than mine once enough for all the years However, it seems to me different thing altogether, made an opening lead of a of entertainment, pleasure that no amount of comment as any experienced bridge club into declarer’s opening and learning (I became a in magazine articles will player will know. bid of 1♣, giving declarer fan long before we had prevent some players poring Dave Simmons by email. an impossible 4♥ contract. to pay for it) and will miss over the Bridgemate after Partner had forgotten the hearing from all your clever almost every board, often ALL SORTS 1♣ opening and the bidding and amusing contributors – holding long and vocal I agree with Chris Bagust in card had been obscured. almost like opting out of a post-mortems about how BRIDGE 176 page 36 that Whenever I get an family – and the holidays, the hand should have cards are often played in opportunity to talk to a group cruises and weekends. been bid or played. annoying ways. Worst are of beginners or improvers, But needs must and I do At one local club, I’ve seen the players who hold on I try to persuade them to look forward to reducing a much simpler approach to a played card in such a place cards sensibly. This the pile of other reading taken to discourage post way that it is shielded from works until they come matter that has built up.’ mortems, which is to suppress view for RHO. On occasions across the arrogant prima Anna Pinson by email. the display of the traveller I have had to ask several donnas who sit back and altogether on the Bridgemate times, ‘May I see the trick?’ chuck things at the table. THANK YOU BERNARD (and the match-point before getting a clear sight Tony Cundy by email. Eighteen years ago, my percentage, as it happens). of all the cards. Of course I sister and I went on one That way, there’s nothing am not allowed to indicate UNBELIEVABLE of Bernard’s cruises. We to discuss at the table. particular interest in one card I very much enjoyed our introduced ourselves as It is obviously much better for fear of giving unlawful chat the other day and loved Dorothy and Betty and to conduct post-mortems after information (UI). Another your note the following day, he replied, ‘I’ll remember the entire event, especially issue is a defender who thank you! So here is my that – Dotty and Batty!’ at clubs which have the sometimes throws a card comment which might be We laughed and the name benefit of dealing machines. at the table, presumably published in the next issue: stuck and was still in use on That way, any post-match expressing displeasure at ‘It is with much regret that our last wonderful holiday analysis can take place in partner’s lead. The same I will not be renewing the to Rovinj where Dorothy still conjunction with the printed player might place a different subscription to my favourite manged to play duplicate deals and any extra analytical card on the table with magazine, and the reason with the help of ‘the team’ information for those who excessive care to emphasise might surprise you: It is just – not bad for 94 just a few are interested. Even better, a signal, more UI. too good. As I like to read all weeks before she died. this can take place once the Dummy is not immune. the articles (I know I will miss So thank you Bernard for results have been uploaded Who likes a hovering some of them very much) and improving the quality of life to the club website, where hand over the table religiously do all the quizzes, of Dotty and so many others. additional tools such as when dummy thinks they I cannot do all that within one Betty (Batty) Hocking, double-dummy analysis are know what to play? month, but can’t bear to skip Redruth, Cornwall. ■ available along with the deals. The ‘play it again’ Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH. [email protected]

Page 20 BRIDGE October 2017 Answers to About The Safe Hand Quiz on page 18

Hand 1 Hand 2 Hand 3 Hand 4 Hand 5 Hand 6 Hand 7 Hand 8 ♠ 8 5 2 ♠ 8 5 2 ♠ A 4 ♠ 7 4 ♠ Q 6 2 ♠ K J 10 8 ♠ K J 10 ♠ 7 3 ♥ K 8 6 4 ♥ 8 7 6 4 ♥ A K 7 ♥ A K 7 ♥ 5 4 ♥ Q 7 ♥ A 7 5 4 3 ♥ A 10 5 2 ♦ 7 3 2 ♦ 7 3 2 ♦ A 7 5 4 ♦ A 7 5 4 ♦ A 6 4 3 2 ♦ 6 4 2 ♦ A 5 ♦ A Q J ♣ A K 8 ♣ A K 8 ♣ Q J 10 8 ♣ Q J 10 8 ♣ A K 5 ♣ A 10 6 2 ♣ 9 5 2 ♣ K Q 3 2

N N N N N N N N W E W E W E W E W E W E W E W E S S S S S S S S ♠ A 7 ♠ A 7 ♠ K 5 ♠ A K ♠ K 10 5 ♠ A Q 7 6 4 3 ♠ A Q 9 7 6 5 2 ♠ K J ♥ A 3 2 ♥ A 3 2 ♥ 6 4 3 ♥ 8 4 2 ♥ A Q 2 ♥ A 6 ♥ 6 2 ♥ K Q J 8 7 6 4 ♦ A K J 10 9 ♦ A K J 10 9 ♦ Q J 10 8 ♦ Q J 10 8 ♦ K J 10 5 ♦ K 3 ♦ 7 ♦ 8 5 4 ♣ 9 5 4 ♣ 9 5 4 ♣ A 7 5 4 ♣ K 7 5 4 ♣ 9 8 2 ♣ K J 3 ♣ K 6 3 ♣ 4

Contract 3NT. Contract 3NT. Contract 3NT. Contract 3NT. Contract 3NT. Contract 4♠. Contract 4♠. Contract 4♥. Lead ♠K. Lead ♠K. Lead ♠Q. Lead ♠Q. Lead ♠3 to ♠A. Lead ♥J. Lead ♦K. Lead ♣J. W opened 3♠. W opened 2♠ W opened 3♠. W opened 3♠. E switches (weak). to ♥J.

1 Start Hand 1 by withholding your ♠A, just in case West has pre-empted with a six-card suit. Take your ♠A at trick 2. Now West is the dangerous hand, so you must play diamonds in order to try to keep West off the lead. You need only four diamond tricks, so start by cashing your ♦A-K. You will make your contract if East has the ♦Q or if West has the singleton or doubleton ♦Q. 2 Does Hand 2 seem identical to Hand 1? The big difference is that you have one fewer trick. You need five diamond tricks to make your no-trump game so you cannot afford the luxury of trying to keep West off lead. Take your ♠A, cash the ♦A (in case West has the ♦Q singleton), cross to dummy with the ♣A and finesse the ♦J. If necessary you can re-enter dummy for another diamond fi- nesse. 3 You will clearly make your contract in Hand 3 unless both minor suit finesses fail. Therefore, assume they both do fail. Suppose you win the ♠K and run the ♦Q which loses to the ♦K. East returns his last spade. You now run the ♣Q into the dangerous hand. This loses to the ♣K and you are buried under an avalanche of spades. Now try reversing the order. Win the ♠A and run the ♣Q. West wins the ♣K, but West is not yet the dangerous hand because you still have a spade stopper. West drives out your last spade stopper and you take the diamond finesse. Now, and only now, West has become the dangerous hand and East is the safe hand. You are taking the diamond finesse into the safe hand. East wins the ♦K and has no spade left to play. Sometimes, while neither defender can be classified as safe or dangerous, it is evident that later in the play one hand will become dangerous. It might be necessary to time the play so as to lose the lead to this hand before it becomes dangerous. 4 Hand 4 is very similar to Hand 3. This time you have an unavoidable club loser. You have no control over which defender will win their club trick, but if you lose a diamond trick to the ♦K it will be to East. When your second spade stopper is forced out, West will become the dangerous hand, therefore if you have a trick to lose to West it must be now. Win the ♠A at trick 1 and start on clubs. Hopefully, if you have to lose the lead to East’s ♦K later he will be the safe hand, having no spade left to return. 5 In Hand 5 you have a foolproof play for your contract. Start by rising with the ♥A. This makes West the safe hand as West cannot lead a heart through your remaining ♥Q-2. Now take the diamond finesse into the safe hand: ♦A followed by finessing the ♦J. Note that if you try the ♥Q and it loses to the ♥K, you could easily end up with five losers: the ♠A, three (or more) hearts and the ♦Q. Equally, playing low on the ♥J simply postpones your problem and reduces your options. East perseveres with a second heart and this time you have no choice but to try the ♥Q, leaving you badly placed if it loses to the ♥K. 6 In Hand 6, you need to keep East (the dangerous hand) from leading a diamond through your ♦K-3. Start by letting the ♥J hold the trick. If West continues hearts win the ♥A, draw trumps and finesse the ♣J into the safe (West) hand. Even if this loses you have a club winner in dummy for a diamond discard. It might seem that you lose nothing by covering the ♥J with the ♥Q at trick 1, but subsequently a clever West might underlead his heart winners to create an entry to the East hand and then a diamond switch could be fatal. 7 You might be able to avoid the club finesse in Hand 7 by setting up heart winners in dummy, but you need to avoid East (the dan- gerous hand) gaining the lead in hearts and switching to the ♣Q. The solution is pretty. Allow the ♦K to win trick 1. Subsequently, discard a heart on the ♦A and try and ruff hearts good. Effectively you are exchanging a heart loser (which might give East an entry) for a diamond loser (which can only be won by West, the safe hand). 8 In Hand 8, you can be certain that East has the ♣A. Allow the ♣J to win trick 1. Then later you can take the marked ruffing finesse against East’s ♣A to discard a spade loser. You lose just one trick in each side suit. If you wrongly try dummy’s ♣K or ♣Q at trick 1, East wins the ♣A and switches to a spade. You could easily lose two spade tricks and still need the diamond finesse later. You might question whether East might overtake the ♣J with his ♣A and switch to a spade even if you don’t play a club honour from dummy at trick 1. The defenders can certainly take the first three tricks in this way, but now dummy’s ♣K-Q are winners, so you don’t need the diamond finesse. ■

BRIDGE October 2017 Page 21 Julian Pottage Answers your Bridge Questions Which Discard System is Best?

1. Which is better, can signal for the suit you Partner opens a 2♠ as a range enquiry Dodds or McKenney discard, something you weak 1NT and (which you can use on both Qdiscards, and why? cannot directly do with Qyou hold: game and slam invitational 2. If I have 15-17 points suit preference discards. hands) and 2NT as the way and two four-card suits, The problem comes when to escape to a minor. would it influence the order you want an even card and ♠ 9 6 3 in which I bid the suits if only have an odd one or ♥ 8 5 ♣♦♥♠ (a) I had enough points to vice versa. Partner will get ♦ K 9 8 5 4 3 2 reverse and b) I did not have the wrong message. If you ♣ 10 I was East on the enough points to reverse? get the chance to make two hand below. William Parker by email. discards, you could play that Q a peter reverses or cancels I used to bid 2♦ (transfer) 1. You ask a loaded the original message, but and then bid 3♦ on the next question. If you are that is getting complicated. round. I now understand Dealer North. N/S Game. A looking to do what is In other methods, where that this is not such a good ♠ Q 10 8 7 4 best, I would not recommend the size of the card conveys idea. What do you suggest? ♥ Q either. Both Bernard and I the message, not having Doreen Parrington, ♦ K Q 6 recommend playing attitude the ideal card may be less Lytham St Annes. ♣ Q 7 3 2 discards (at least for the of a problem. If you discard ♠ Void ♠ A K J 9 N first discard). You will find a six and partner can see If you have a weak W E 6 5 2 that most of the Mr Bridge the two, three, four and hand with a long ♥ K 8 6 4 3 S ♥ 9 2 team and many expert five, he knows the six is a A minor, it is a good ♦ J 8 7 5 4 2 ♦ A 9 players will say the same, low card. idea to take 1NT out, partly ♣ A 4 ♣ K 10 the only divergence being 2. Again, you are asking because you will go less down ♠ 3 whether to play standard me to choose from sub- in your long suit and partly ♥ A J 10 7 5 attitude (high to encourage, optimal options and this because you make life difficult ♦ 10 3 low to discourage) or time I feel strongly about for the opposition. Yes, ♣ J 9 8 6 5 reverse attitude (high it. With two four-card playing transfers, a response hates, low likes). suits, you should not be of 2♦ followed by a rebid Furthermore, revolving planning to bid both suits. shows a good hand with West North East South discards are demonstrably You should open one suit hearts and diamonds, not a 1♠ Dbl1 Pass2 superior to McKenney and rebid in no-trumps. hand with diamonds only. 2♥ 2♠ Pass3 Pass discards. In concept they are Only on the rare occasions If you attend a Mr Bridge 3♦ Pass 4♠4 similar, the difference being when all your values are in course, you will find the that with revolving discards two suits would you plan to recommendation is to use 1I doubled to show strength and you imagine the suits rank in bid both suits. Unless the two a 2♠ response to 1NT as a to find out partner’s strength, a circle with spades above suits are the black suits (when request for opener to bid intending to bid spades later hearts and below clubs, you can conveniently open 2NT. Responder can then depending on further bidding by so you can discard a low 1♣ and rebid 1♠), you would bid 3♣ (with a weak hand partner and opposition. club to ask for a spade. normally need reversing and long clubs) or 3♦ (with 2South might have bid 1NT. When you have cards of values to show both suits a weak hand and long 3Realising North had five the right polarity, Dodds because you must open the diamonds like this one). spades and North-South were works reasonably well – minor to avoid lying about My personal preference vulnerable, I passed expecting and I like the idea that you your major suit length. is slightly different, using a nice penalty.

Page 22 BRIDGE October 2017 4Believing partner to be stronger reply to partner’s double is Is 3♦ forcing for one round, and spade shortage, than previously indicated and eight points, it is not eight game forcing or not forcing game forcing not wishing to play in hearts or points with this brilliant at all? What are the 1♥ 4NT asking for aces/key diamonds, I tried 4♠ (a 3♠ bid shape. West is much closer bidder’s options now and cards (with diamonds would confuse everybody). to being worth 4♥ than a what would each one mean? implicitly agreed) simple 2♥. Perhaps better The second question: I made eight tricks getting than 4♥ is a 2♠ cue bid in A2. Traditionally, doubles 36% on the board. Four case East has a strong hand West North East South after partner makes a no- Easts were in 4♠, two in without heart support. 1NT 3♦ Dbl trump bid were for penalty. 3♠; one was in 5♦ doubled Nowadays, it is usual to and one North was in 3NT. ♣♦♥♠ What does the double mean? play the double for take-out. What do you recommend? Bill Parker by email. If opener has a balanced David Lawrence, Both sides are hand and the overcaller a Hook, Hampshire. vulnerable A1. Since a new suit long suit, the next player is Qand you are at the three level far more likely to be short The North-South using aggregate scoring A is usually forcing, in the suit than long in it. bidding should warn (Hubert Philips match). unless the player making A East that the spades the 3♦ bid had previously ♣♦♥♠ will break badly and that 4♠ passed, it is forcing. Whether is unlikely to make. The bad ♠ A 8 4 it should be forcing for Your opponents spade split might make a N ♥ 9 5 4 one round or to game is are playing a 2♥ W E ♦ no-trump contract tricky too. S K J interesting. Most people Qopening as weak Given the vulnerability, trying ♣ K Q 9 3 2 play it as forcing for one with hearts and a minor. to defend seems better, even round, in which case either You hold (as South): though East does have too 3♥ or 4♦ by opener could many spades to think that West North East South end the auction. Opener the opponents might play 3♠ Pass 4♠ Dbl might have to bid 3♠ to ♠ K Q 9 in the suit. East should pass Pass 4NT Pass 5♦ create a game force. In ♥ A 7 4 on the first round. If South Pass 5♥ ? tournament play, it would ♦ Q 10 5 4 responds 1NT and North Name and address supplied. be quite common to play 3♦ ♣ A Q 4 passes, East can double on as game forcing, in which the second round to show Since you can case responder would make a strong hand with spades. reasonably place a negative double on hands West North East South As it happens, North plans A your side with a not wishing to create a game 2♥ Pass 3♥ ? to rebid 2♣, although West ten-card spade fit and the force. Here are opener’s might overcall first. For sure opponents with a nine-card continuations in detail: You would have bid 2NT West should take some action heart fit, the law of total tricks 3♥ at least five hearts without the 3♥ raise. if North-South attempt to suggests a combined trick (and if 3♦ was not What do you bid now? subside in 2♣. The general count of around 19, clearly game forcing, a At the table, the winning rule in a competitive auction insufficient for bidding above minimum opener) actions were to defend 3♥ is for the player short in the their five-level contract. 3♠ asking for a spade doubled, to play in 3NT or, opposing suit(s) to be the 5♠ doubled could be going stopper but could be if you managed to drop one to enter the bidding. for 800 – losing two hearts, various strong hands the singleton ♦K offside, to Incidentally, some of the two diamonds and a club depending upon play in 6♦. Partner held: other bidding at your table while they have not made the later auction should have been different. I 5♥ yet – partner is likely 3NT 15+ points with a do not think much of North’s to be short in clubs, so the spade stopper ♠ A 6 vulnerable opening bid. You hands are not fitting well. 4♣ natural, probably ♥ Q 9 3 cannot count a singleton with five clubs, and ♦ A J 7 6 3 2 queen as worth two points ♣♦♥♠ game forcing ♣ 8 6 and the hand is very poor 4♦ support (and, if defensively. Bidding twice on I have two 3♦ was not game the hand with nothing from questions, the first: forcing, non-forcing) Name and address supplied. South is outrageous – are Q 4♥ to play, good hearts you sure South did not bid (probably six or This is a tough one. 1NT? West’s 2♥, if South did West North East South seven) and, if 3♦ was When your hand is not bid 1NT, is a massive 1♥ 2♠1 3♦ not game forcing, A balanced, it could underbid. While yes the 1Weak jump overcall with a good extra values be that you cannot make upper limit for a minimum spade suit 4♠ diamond support anything. Then again, the

BRIDGE October 2017 Page 23 opposing bidding suggests tricks if the jack is offside and top cards. You are never bid might be to play. 5♣, that partner is short in hearts doubleton or singleton. going to reach a slam with however, must show clubs and so is likely to have a long Freeware called Suitplay these values. Seeing only rather than be asking for suit somewhere. Given that is great for analysing your two hands, you would partner’s suit because 4NT love all is the ideal vulner- suit combinations. not want to be in a slam. is clearly available to show ability for competing on South has a tricky lead playability in either minor. a part-score deal, I dou- ♣♦♥♠ against 4♠. Since West has ble – but it will not surprise shown a strong hand with ♣♦♥♠ me if this goes wrong. East-West bid to some club length, it is likely With regard to the actual 4♠ on this hand. that the ♣K is in dummy, The No Fear layout, I must admit I would Q so the ♣A lead is not as Acol site not expect to find partner weird as it would be on Qrecommends that with three hearts on this a less revealing auction. 3♣ in the following auction. Dropping the Dealer West. Love All. A heart lead, if West has sequence is Stayman. singleton ♦K offside in 6♦ ♠ 9 5 shown a singleton, is safe might not be so far fetched. ♥ Q J 6 5 if undynamic. I am sure West East If you think you can eliminate ♦ 9 4 3 many would lead a diamond 2♣ 2NT the black suits, you might ♣ J 7 4 2 from the South hand. If, as 3♣ start trumps by cashing ♠ A K J 2 ♠ 10 7 6 4 3 is the case in my example

the ♦A. This combines the ♥ 8 N ♥ A 10 3 auction, South has doubled I have only come across it W E possibility of a singleton ♦ A J 6 5 S ♦ K 10 8 1♠ for take-out, declarer when bid by responder after ♦K with the chance of an ♣ K 9 5 3 ♣ 8 6 should guess the diamonds partner bids as follows: endplay if one defender ♠ Q 8 correctly whatever the lead. opening 1NT; has ♦K-x and the ♥K. ♥ K 9 7 4 2 opening 2NT; ♦ Q 7 2 ♣♦♥♠ 1NT overcall; ♣♦♥♠ ♣ A Q 10 2♣-2♦-2NT; Playing Michaels 2♦-2♥-2NT (Benji). You have A-10-x Cue bids, I Mike Johnson by email. opposite Q-9-8-x South had a difficult lead Qwonder if you Qand need to play choice, and chose the two could elaborate on how It is logical after a the suit for one loser. of diamonds, which saved to differentiate between no-trump bid when To me it looks more likely declarer a guess. With the a genuine suit, and an A the partnership has to succeed starting off other cards favourably attempt to find partner’s not previously shown a suit running the queen. Is it a placed, twelve tricks minor, when the auction to have a way to discover 75% chance whether you run resulted. Nobody bid a slam. proceeds as follows. a suit fit. After the start the queen, then if it loses run Can you see a sequence of 2♣-2NT, opener is the nine or play low to the to bid to a slam? West North East South much more likely to have queen, then if it loses finesse Is there a better lead? 1♥ 2♥ 3♥ a balanced hand than a the ten on the way back? Alex Mathers, 4♣ 4♥ Pass Pass long suit of clubs. Possibly There was no help Northallerton. 5♣ there is a better case for in the bidding to assist playing 2♣-2NT-3♣ as your decision. You have not given East had 5-5 in spades and Baron rather than Stayman Ian Blackburn by email. the precise bidding. diamonds and was unsure because the existence of A Playing mini splinters whether West had support for a 4-4 fit in any suit could With no clues a possible auction is this: both minors or was just trying make the difference between from the bidding to show clubs. West did in 11 tricks and 12, crucial A or other play, the West North East South fact have an eight-card club when the latter offers the percentage play is to start 1♣ Pass 1♠ Dbl suit and wanted to play in it. possibility of a slam bonus. by finessing the ten. If that 3♥ Pass 4♠ All Pass Geoff Simpson, Many partnerships use loses to the jack, run the Torphins, Aberdeenshire. a 2NT response to 2♣ queen or nine on the next Since a simple 2♥ is infrequently, preferring to use round. If the ten loses to the available as a natural, The 4♣ bid 2♦ as a waiting bid rather king, run the nine next. forcing way to show hearts, seems ambiguous than necessarily a negative The chance of making the jump shows a strong A because a 3NT response. ■ three tricks is lower than spade raise with short hearts. around 75% because you If West raises to 3♠ rather do not always succeed when than showing the singleton E-mail your questions (including your postal address) one of the king or jack lies heart, East might still bid for Julian to: [email protected] under the ace; you lose two game with the fifth spade

Page 24 BRIDGE October 2017 Answers to David Huggett’s Play Quiz on page 19

You are declarer in 3NT and West leads a big club you ruff, ruff your losing 1. ♠ K Q the ♠10. How do you plan the play? spade and throw your last diamond on ♥ 9 8 7 5 4 This hand is ridiculously easy but the remaining club winner. If East plays ♦ K 6 3 nevertheless it is amazing how many a high club on the first round, you ruff, ♣ Q J 2 people would go wrong. To some the enter dummy with the ♥K and throw ♠ J 9 7 5 ♠ 10 8 3 2 sight of a free finesse is too hard to resist a diamond on the second club, then ♥ A 2 N ♥ K 6 but see what happens here if you play low continue as before. ♦ Q J 10 4 W E ♦ 9 7 5 from dummy. Sure, you can win the trick S ♣ 10 8 3 ♣ A 9 7 6 with the jack but when you play on clubs ♠ A 6 4 East will win the second round. Doubtless ♥ Q J 10 3 he will play a spade back but now you 4. ♠ 7 4 ♦ A 8 2 have no entry to the closed hand. In ♥ J 7 5 2 ♣ K 5 4 fact this is more a test for the defenders ♦ A 10 9 7 because West knows that declarer has ♣ A 10 6 the king of spades but East does not. So ♠ A J 9 3 2 ♠ Q 10 6 5 You are declarer in 4♥ and West leads when East returns a spade West should ♥ 10 8 6 4 N ♥ Q 9 the ♦Q. How do you plan the play? play the queen – surely denying the ♦ 8 3 W E ♦ K 5 4 S This is one of those hands where you king. It goes without saying that declarer ♣ J 3 ♣ 9 8 5 4 have ten winners but four losers so your should have won the first trick in dummy. ♠ K 8 priority is to get rid of a loser. It is vital ♥ A K 3 to win the lead in dummy, so that after ♦ Q J 6 2 you unblock the top spades you can get ♣ K Q 7 2 back to your hand to discard a losing 3. ♠ 7 4 diamond on the ♠A. You start on trumps ♥ K 9 3 only after you have unblocked the ♠K-Q ♦ 7 6 4 You are declarer in 3NT and West leads and if the defence persist with diamonds ♣ Q J 10 7 2 the ♠3. East plays the ♠Q. How do you you win the ♦A and immediately take ♠ Q J 10 8 ♠ 9 6 5 3 plan the play? your ♠A, discarding the last diamond ♥ 4 N ♥ 8 6 You know from the lead that spades from dummy. ♦ K J 5 3 W E ♦ Q 10 9 break 5-4 one way or another and you S If you had played on trumps from ♣ A 9 5 4 ♣ K 8 6 3 also know that if you lose the lead early the start, the defenders would have ♠ A K 2 on you will be defeated. At first glance established a diamond winner before ♥ A Q J 10 7 5 2 the diamond finesse might seem the best you had the opportunity to throw it away. ♦ A 8 2 bet but in fact that can wait. Play out the And if you mistakenly won the first trick ♣ Void top clubs, hoping for an even break or in hand you would have no immediate for the jack to be doubleton and if that entry to play the ♠A. happy circumstance arises then it can do You are declarer in 6♥ and West leads no harm to play out the top two hearts, the ♠Q. How do you plan the play? in case the queen falls. If it does then You can ruff a spade in dummy to you do not need the diamond finesse 2. ♠ A 7 bring the count up to eleven but there still at all. You may go an extra trick down if ♥ A K 7 5 2 seem to be a couple of diamond losers. this plan doesn’t work but you will have ♦ A 6 5 2 However, that club suit in dummy offers maximised your chances. ■ ♣ 10 6 great hope and in fact you would be ♠ Q 10 9 6 2 ♠ 8 4 3 unlucky to fail in your contract. At trick ♥ Q 8 N ♥ 10 9 6 3 two play a trump to the nine, pleased ♦ Q 7 4 W E ♦ K 10 9 3 when both opponents follow, and lead PLUS 12 S ♣ 7 5 4 ♣ A 9 the queen of clubs discarding a diamond Q ♠ K J 5 if East plays low. Win the return in hand Really user-friendly £99 ♥ J 4 and play a trump to the king, drawing bridge-playing including p&p ♦ J 8 the last trump from the opponents. Now software Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961 ♣ K Q J 8 3 2 lead the jack of clubs and again discard www.mrbridge.co.uk a diamond if East plays low. If East plays

BRIDGE October 2017 Page 25 A History of Playing Cards: Part Ten by Paul Bostock Decorated Card Backs

Plain backs

Decorated card backs are essentially an English addition to the standard design. For more than 400 years from their origins and until about 1840, cards had nothing at all on the back – so it was simply ‘card-coloured’, which usually meant somewhere be- tween pale ivory and beige. Occasion- ally, cards were stamped with a regular pattern, or had a layer of coloured pa- per on the back. Card backs are so useful and so simple that we have to ask why it took so long. The main benefit is that a Early Card Backs: plain (Belgian with reverse printed as a calling-card – plain picture or pattern can mask small scuffs cards were often ‘recycled’), Plain colour (English), simple design (French) and blemishes – on a plain card these marks are obvious and they mean that cards can be identified, which of course renders the pack useless for gambling and serious play. Before 1840, the problem was that the manufacturers did not have a printing technology that could reproduce anything more interesting.

Thomas De La Rue, Card Manufacturer

The pioneer was Thomas De La Rue, who learned printing as a newspaper apprentice in the Channel Islands, and then moved to London. De La Rue was an entrepreneurial spirit, and realised that making playing cards was a huge opportunity as the tax on cards was falling and card games were gaining popularity beyond gambling games. His firm started making cards in 1832, and De La Rue obtained a patent to manufacture cards using lithographic printing. All the other card makers were reliant on wooden blocks to print the outlines and stencils to help colouring them in. In other words, beyond inventing the card back, De La Rue revolutionised playing card making, taking it out of the artisans’ workshops and into fully manufactured production.

Cards by Hunt c. 1830 (wood block and stencil) and De La Rue c. 1832 (lithography)

Page 26 BRIDGE October 2017 Printed Backs

In the early 1840s, when his printing techniques were fully established, De La Rue came to realise that his lithographic printing was quite capable of printing on the back of his cards. Not only that, but unlike the traditional faces, the backs could be printed with any designs he chose. With great foresight, he engaged Owen Jones, an architect and designer, to create high quality decorative backs. Between 1844 and 1873 or so, Owen Jones produced around 170 new designs. These were naturally an immediate success – they made the cards far more attractive, and they made the backs less open to picking up marks. The idea was rapidly adopted everywhere cards were made.

Cards by De La Rue, designed in 1850 by Owen Jones for the Great Exhibition of 1851. Dedicated to the young Queen Victoria.

Early English backs by other makers. [L-R] Goodall, Reynolds and Whitaker.

Further Development

The Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing-Cards is the Livery Company in the City of London that has represented card- makers since 1628. Every year since 1882 the Master of the Company has issued a pack with a back design chosen to represent a major anniversary or a major event in the preceding year, and these have become a very collectable series, although the first few years are now very hard to find. The current Master’s Pack celebrates the 800th year of the Lord Mayor’s show. Card backs were soon used for advertising and for souvenirs too, and almost all the big brands and big charities have made cards with their own logos and slogans. It is possible today to have a large collection of cards with backs from only brewers and distillers, or airlines, or sporting venues including most of the modern Olympics. For many collectors nowadays, the card backs are more interesting than the faces. ■

The author is a Court Assistant in the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards – see www.makersofplayingcards. co.uk. Many more sets of cards are illustrated on the author’s website www.plainbacks.com

BRIDGE October 2017 Page 27 Julian Pottage Answers your Frequently Asked Questions

How do you Continue after a Benjamin Two Clubs?

laying Benjamin, a 2♣ opening spades with at least two of the 2♥ Acol Two in hearts shows a near game hand, stronger top three spade honours. 2♠ Acol Two in spades than a one-level opening but 2NT Positive values, no aces and 2NT Strong balanced Pweaker than a game-forcing 2♦ values in each suit. 3♣ Acol Two in clubs opening. The usual agreement is that 3♣ Positive values and at least six 3♦ Acol Two in diamonds it shows either an Acol two in any suit clubs with at least two of the top or a strong balanced hand. The range three club honours. Responder’s continuation of the balanced hand varies from one 3♦ Positive values and at least six partnership to another, sometimes diamonds with at least two of the Opener rebids 2NT with two ranges (the stronger planning top three diamond honours. If opener rebids 2NT, then you play to rebid 3NT rather than 2NT). exactly the same as you do over a Originally, a 2♦ response was a Having specific meanings attached to 2NT opening. You mentally forget negative (say fewer than eight points) the responses other than 2♦ not only the preceding 2♣ and 2♦, save for the and other bids showed positive values. gives useful information when they fact that partner is showing a different People have since realised that it is turn up, but also provides negative point range. better for the responder to bid 2♦ on inferences when responder starts most hands. This is mainly because with 2♦ and later shows strength. Opener rebids two of a major opener has a particular hand type As responder, unless you see some If opener rebids 2♥ or 2♠, responder’s to describe and it is sensible to allow chance of a slam or your suit is so rebids are as follows: space for him to do so. In addition, if good that you might wish to play in it, opener has a balanced hand, it might even when opener has a different suit, Single raise be better to start with 2♦ and then generally you do not need to bother Some support, game forcing and some make a transfer, increasing the chance showing your suit on the first round. slam interest. that the strong hand becomes declarer. You might reasonably define positive 2NT Responses other than 2♦ thus need to values as ten points rather than eight, Negative, say fewer than five points convey specific information about the unless you have an ace and a king or – the partnership may stop short of responding hand to justify using up a really good suit – remember, opener game. the bidding space and the possibility has normally denied game-forcing New suit of wrong siding the declaration. This values by opening 2♣, so eight points Natural game forcing (and tending to is what I usually play: will rarely produce a slam. deny two of the top three honours). Since perhaps 90+% of responding Jump raise Responses to a hands are going to respond with 2♦, I Some support and values, to play, fast two club opening shall now focus on that. arrival, no slam interest. Jump in new suit 2♦ Most hands. Opener’s rebid Splinter: support for opener, shortage 2♥ Positive values and at least five in suit bid, some slam interest. hearts with at least two of the top Opener Responder three heart honours. 2♣ 2♦ Opener rebids three of a minor 2♠ Positive values and at least five ? If opener rebids 3♣ or 3♦, the approach

Page 28 BRIDGE October 2017 is different because you are more likely Opener Responder to want to aim for 3NT or to stop in 2♣ 2♦ 2017 FESTIVE a partscore with eleven tricks needed 2♥ 3♥1 for game. 3♠2 4♣2 SEASON 4NT 5♦3 Pass 6♥ End Denham Grove Very weak hand. 1Forcing Near Uxbridge, UB9 5DG Single raise 2Cue bids Some support, game forcing and some 3One ace/key card slam interest. New suit Stopper in the suit bid (but could have Example 4 length in the suit). ♠ A 10 4 ♠ J 9 3 2 N Christmas Jump raise ♥ A J ♥ 9 8 6 3 W E 23-27 Dec £495 Some support and values, to play, fast ♦ 8 S ♦ K Q 7 Duplicates and Seminars ♣ A K Q 9 6 3 2 ♣ 8 5 arrival, no slam interest. Signals, Discards and Basic Defence 3NT hosted by Will Parsons To play Jump in new suit Opener Responder Twixmas Splinter: support for opener, shortage 2♣ 2♦ 27-29 Dec £252 in suit bid, some slam interest. 3♣ 3♦1 Duplicates and Seminars 3NT End Competitive Bidding hosted by Bernard Magee Examples 1Stopper showing New Year 29 Dec-2 Jan £499 Example 1 Example 5 Duplicates and Seminars ♠ A Q J 9 8 6 4 ♠ 7 2 ♠ A K J 9 8 6 4 ♠ Q 7 2 Further into the Auction ♥ A Q 2 N ♥ 10 8 6 ♥ K Q 2 N ♥ 6 hosted by Bernard Magee W E W E ♦ A 3 S ♦ J 7 4 2 ♦ A 5 S ♦ J 7 4 3 2 ♣ 2 ♣ J 8 6 3 ♣ 2 ♣ A J 8 6 Ramada Resort Grantham Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT Opener Responder Opener Responder 2♣ 2♦ 2♣ 2♦ 2♠ 2NT1 2♠ 4♥1 3♠ End 4♠ End 1Negative 1Splinter, short in hearts

Christmas Example 2 Example 6 23-27 Dec £425 ♠ A Q J 10 6 4 ♠ K 9 ♠ A 10 4 ♠ K 9 6 2 Just Duplicate ♥ A Q 2 N ♥ J 8 6 ♥ A J N ♥ Q 8 6 3 hosted by Sheila Rogers W E W E ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A Q 8 S J 7 3 2 A K Q 8 6 3 2 S 10 5 Twixmas ♣ 2 ♣ J 8 6 3 ♣ 2 ♣ K 8 6 27-29 Dec £215 Duplicates and Seminars

Overcalling hosted by Sandy Bell Opener Responder Opener Responder 2♣ 2♦ 2♣ 2♦ New Year 2♠ 4♠1 3♦ 3NT 29 Dec-1 Jan £345 End End Duplicates and Seminars 1Fast arrival, shut out bid Better Hand Evaluation hosted by Sandy Bell You can see from the above examples how easily the auction develops when, Back to Back bookings Example 3 as responder, you keep the bidding low save £50 (per additional event) ♠ A K J ♠ 7 2 initially. ♥ A K Q 9 6 3 2 N ♥ 10 8 5 ( 01483 489961 W E After you find out opener’s suit, ♦ J S ♦ Q 7 4 2 you can go on to show whether your For details and itineraries ♣ 10 2 ♣ A K J 3 interest is in a game or a slam or www.mrbridge.co.uk/ukbreaks possibly stopping in a part-score. ■

BRIDGE October 2017 Page 29 Robin Hood’s Bridge Adventures by David Bird The Sheriff’s Concern

he half-time scores had just Gisborne led the ♥4 and the Bishop of been posted for the Grande Dealer South. Love All. Durham, who was unusually slender Michaelmas Payres, held in ♠ 10 6 2 for a senior member of the clergy, won TNottingham Castle. ♥ Q 7 with dummy’s queen. ‘Two of spades, ‘Go and see if anyone is within a ♦ 9 2 please,’ he said. mile of us,’ instructed the Sheriff. ♣ Q J 10 9 5 2 A finesse of the spade jack lost to ‘Of course, my Lord,’ Sir Guy of ♠ Q 8 3 ♠ 9 7 4 West’s queen and Gisborne continued Gisborne replied. ‘Make way, make ♥ K J 6 4 2 N ♥ 10 9 5 with the king of hearts. Happy with W E ♦ A Q 3 ♦ J 10 7 5 way! The Sheriff wants to know his S this turn of events, the Bishop won score in the event.’ ♣ 7 3 ♣ 8 6 4 with the ♥A and unblocked the two Mention of the much-feared Sheriff ♠ A K J 5 top clubs in his hand. A low spade to caused the crowd to part. Gisborne ♥ A 8 3 the 10 provided an entry to dummy strode forward and winced at what ♦ K 8 6 4 and he then reeled off four more club he saw. He and the Sheriff were only ♣ A K tricks, ending with two overtricks. in second place! Goodness me, he ‘What a very strange deal, my Lord,’ would complain all over again about Gisborne exclaimed. ‘If you’d held the 4♠ contract that had gone down so West North East South ♠Q-x-x instead of me, the contract unluckily. Had he never misguessed a Guy of Canon The Bishop of would have gone down. The spade queen himself, over all these years? Gisborne Bunce Sheriff Durham finesse would win but there would be ‘Well?’ demanded the Sheriff. 2NT no entry to dummy’s clubs.’ ‘It’s very close at the top, my Lord,’ Pass 3NT All Pass ‘You buffoon!’ cried the Sheriff, Gisborne replied. ‘Two priests are near to us in the listing.’ ‘Near to us? What can you mean?’ exclaimed the Sheriff. How much behind us are they?’ ‘At the moment, I’m er... not sure how, but they are about a top and a half ahead of us,’ continued Gisborne. ‘But of course there are still 24 boards to be played.’ The Sheriff’s eyes blazed. ‘Could you not have finessed East for that ♦Q?’ he demanded. ‘Most of the peasants here barely bother to hold their cards up, particularly when they play against us.’ ‘But, my Lord, that deal was against the Bishop,’ Gisborne replied. ‘I could hardly risk peeking against him.’ ‘I will hear no such feeble excuses in the second half,’ declared the Sheriff. ‘Particularly when we meet the pair who are currently in the lead.’ Play restarted and this was an early board at the Sheriff’s table:

Page 30 BRIDGE October 2017 causing heads to turn on the adjacent Gisborne led the ♠10 and Lord Besoth tables. won with the ace. When he played the Dealer South. N/S Game. ‘Surely I’m right,’ Gisborne persisted. ♣8 to the ace, the queen fell on his ♠ K 6 3 ‘He makes four spades, two hearts and right. ♥ A 4 two clubs. That’s one down.’ ‘The Sheriff played the queen,’ ♦ 6 4 2 ‘Exactly,’ replied the Sheriff. ‘The observed Lady Besoth. ♣ J 10 9 6 3 very same eight tricks that he would ‘Yes, yes, I saw it,’ her husband ♠ 8 5 ♠ Q 9 7 4 have made if you had allowed his ♠J replied. ♥ K Q J 10 2 N ♥ 9 8 6 5 3 W E ♦ 10 8 5 ♦ 3 to win!’ The Sheriff gritted his teeth. If S The Bishop of Durham chuckled anyone else had made such an out- ♣ A Q 7 ♣ K 4 2 to himself. ‘I see now why those two of-place comment, he would have ♠ A J 10 2 strange priests were ahead of you at objected in the strongest of terms. ♥ 7 half-time,’ he said. Lord Besoth paused to count his ♦ A K Q J 9 7 ‘You’ve played them already?’ tricks. Two spades, three hearts and ♣ 8 5 queried the Sheriff. ‘Who are they? five club tricks. That was a total of only Where are they from?’ ten tricks. It seemed that he would ‘Search me,’ the Bishop replied. ‘One need the diamond finesse. ‘Play a West North East South of them weighs around five stone more diamond,’ he said. Guy of Luke The Jamie than any other priest I’ve seen; the The Sheriff sighed audibly when a Gisborne Wynder Sheriff Trott other looks more like a street thief. A finesse of the♦ Q succeeded. Declarer 1♦ strange couple, indeed.’ continued with the ♣9 and Gisborne 1♥ 2♦ 4♥ 5♦ A round or two later, the Sheriff and followed with the ♣5, hoping for the All Pass Gisborne faced Lord and Lady Besoth, best. ‘Play low,’ said Lord Besoth. a childless couple in their eighties. When the Sheriff showed out, the The young declarer considered his When Lord Besoth eventually passed rest of the play was easy. Declarer prospects. Two club losers could not away, his property would fall into the crossed to a heart and played king be avoided, so he would need to pick Sheriff’s hands. and another club, setting up the suit. up the spade suit. How did the cards ‘I see you were only second at half- ‘Twelve tricks are there now,’ he said. lie? East had raised to game on a fairly time,’ observed Lord Besoth, taking Lord Besoth turned towards the weak hand, so he was likely to hold a the South seat. ‘That’s unlike you.’ Sheriff. ‘Your queen of clubs was the singleton diamond. Maybe in that case The Sheriff eyed his opponent clue,’ he said. he would hold four spades, making disapprovingly. Goodness me, the The Sheriff made no reply, scribbling him favourite to hold the missing ♠Q. man didn’t look a day over 65. If there an entry in the minus column of his ‘Low spade please, partner.’ was any justice, he should be on his scorecard. A finesse of the ♠J proved successful last legs by now. ‘I was fairly sure clubs would be 4-1 and Jamie Trott drew trumps in three They drew their cards for this board: after that,’ Lord Besoth continued. rounds. He then crossed to the ♠K The Sheriff managed a small and finessed the ♠10. ‘I’ll give you two nod. Would the old fool never stop clubs at the end,’ he said. Dealer East. N/S Game. wittering? If he had any sense of duty, The Sheriff slumped in his chair. ♠ K 6 he would keel over dead at some time How on earth had this white-faced ♥ A K 6 in the imminent future. A couple weakling found that early spade ♦ 3 2 of doddering octogenarians living finesse? It was the only way to make ♣ A K 7 6 4 2 in a 30-room mansion that could the contract. ♠ 10 9 8 3 ♠ Q J 5 4 accommodate a small army? What Gisborne leaned to his left, ♥ 9 4 3 N ♥ 10 8 7 2 sense did that make? examining the result sheet. ‘It’s not W E ♦ J 8 ♦ K 9 7 5 S A round or two later, the Sheriff so bad for us, my Lord,’ he said. ‘3NT ♣ J 10 5 3 ♣ Q faced two 14-year-old boys. Surely is there and some pairs have made ♠ A 7 2 such spindly-limbed youths would fall overtricks. It’s almost an average ♥ Q J 5 apart against the most powerful man board for us.’ ♦ A Q 10 6 4 in the shire? The Sheriff unleashed a withering ♣ 9 8 This was the board before them (see glance. Almost an average, did he say? next column). Protected by the vulner- In the name of Hades, what use was ability, the Sheriff raised hearts to the that against opponents who had barely West North East South four-level. With any luck, these timid played the game before? Guy of Lady The Lord boys would pass submissively and col- ‘Did you not realise that I would Gisborne Besoth Sheriff Besoth lect a couple of 50s for their pains. be short in diamonds?’ the Sheriff Pass 1♦ ‘Five Diamonds,’ said Jamie Trott. demanded. ‘Bid the obvious Five Pass 2♣ Pass 2NT The bid was passed out and Gisborne Hearts, only two down, and we’d have Pass 6NT All Pass led the ♥K, won in the dummy. scored a near-top!’ ■

BRIDGE October 2017 Page 31 Michael Byrne on Playing with the Odds Combinations of Missing Honours

he last few months we have ten. (This will cost a trick when South been looking at the way to play has Q-J doubleton, but guarantees you Layout C combinations of cards that are three tricks.) ♥ 6 5

Tmissing one honour or two honours Combination 4 is where these pip N ♥ A 10 W E ♥ K 9 4 3 2 that might need finessing. cards really come into their own. It S This month we are going to change feels right to take a finesse one way or our approach slightly and look at good another, but which way round should ♥ Q J 8 7 holdings where you need to maximise we do it? your tricks by making plays that are Actually, if we think about it there is right, but counter-intuitive. only one sensible way to play the suit. When you lead low towards the ten it The sort of holdings shown below If the suit is 3-3 then we have nothing will either win the trick (if South plays are ones that crop up all the time. to worry about (we have exactly one low) or, if South splits his honours, loser whatever the layout), so let us the ten forces the other honour out, West East concentrate on 4-2 breaks. making the K-9 winners. 1) A 3 K 6 5 4 2 Imagine these two layouts: 2) A 10 K 6 5 4 3 3) A 6 K 10 5 4 3 Layout D 4) A 10 K 9 4 3 2 Layout A ♥ Q J 8 7

5) A 9 K 10 8 6 3 ♠ Q 7 N ♥ A 10 W E ♥ K 9 4 3 2 N S ♠ A 10 W E ♠ K 9 4 3 2 Although I have put the ace in the S short holding, it obviously makes no ♥ 6 5 difference if you swap the ace and the ♠ J 8 6 5 king round. In all cases, we are trying to make If North has both honours, then you the maximum number of tricks. In Layout B have to lose two tricks come what may. the first example, we have nothing to ♠ Q 8 6 5 Combination 5 is worthy of consid- play for except a 3-3 break. Play ace, N eration as well: this time we are once ♠ A 10 W E ♠ K 9 4 3 2 king and duck a trick hoping the suit S again safe if the suit is 3-3 and are con- is 3-3. If you can afford it (and the sidering the 4-2 breaks. Let’s look at entry situation is fluid) then it is better ♠ J 7 the 4-2 heart breaks as we did before: technique to duck the first or second round, as if the suit is 5-1 then cashing the ace and king sets up winners for In Layout A, it might seem that cashing Layout E the opponents, but that happens rarely. the ace and leading the ten through ♥ Q 7

In the second example, the presence North helps you, but it doesn’t. You are N ♥ A 9 W E ♥ K 10 8 6 3 of the ten slightly strengthens your left with 9-4-3 whilst South has J-8 left. S holding, but in practice it is completely You have to lose two tricks whatever useless. If the suit is 3-3 you still have you do and however you play this suit. ♥ J 5 4 2 four tricks and if it is 4-2 you still have Does the same apply in Layout B? two losers. The answer is no, now we do have It is slightly better to have the ten in a plan to hold our losses to just one Layout F the long suit as in example 3, but still trick, lead a low card to the ten. This ♥ Q 5 4 2 not of much use. The only times it will will lose to an honour and then we N ♥ A 9 W E ♥ K 10 8 6 3 make any real difference are when cash the ace (and king) and hope that S North has the Q-J doubleton and when the other honour drops. South has a singleton honour. In the This will also work if the Q-J are ♥ J 7 latter case, cash the ace and finesse the both in the South hand as below:

Page 32 BRIDGE October 2017 This time the solution is remarkably ♣A. Your losing heart would then go on easier and doesn’t involve finessing partner’s ♣J. However, rather than day at all, simply cash the ace and king. If dream about what might have been on BERNARD an honour drops doubleton you now another lead, we need to concentrate have the necessary pips to drive out on getting this contract home. If we MAGEE the missing honour. Note that it might draw trumps and knock out the ♣A, seem that cashing the ace and running the opponents will cash their heart at the nine round is the better play, since winner leading to a quick one down. it works in this Layout G: What about hoping that spades are 3-3 and that the fourth spade will provide a Denham parking place for the losing heart from Layout G dummy? The trouble with that is that Grove ♥ Q J 7 2 there are five trumps missing, and to near Uxbridge, Bucks UB9 5DG.

N draw them all (even if they break well) ♥ A 9 W E ♥ K 10 8 6 3 S will exhaust dummy’s trumps as well. Our only hope is to cash four rounds of ♥ 5 4 spades whilst there is still a trump out, 12-15 Jan 2018 which will mean spades have to be 4-2. We put our plan into action by £399pp However, South having two small cashing two rounds of trumps ending cards is significantly less likely than in dummy, then comes decision time. Friday – Monday his having Q-x or J-x. Don’t believe Since we can do nothing if spades me? Let’s see. We will assume for are 3-3 or if West has four (barring Full Board argument’s sake that the small cards an unlikely J-10 doubleton with East) No Single Supplement1 ♥ ♥ ♥ you are missing are the 2, 3, 4 and we assume East has four together with Limited places for Thursday night ♥5 just to make it easier. the last trump. Do we play him for available. £67pp single, £45pp double/twin. ♠J-10-x-x or ♠J-x-x-x / ♠10-x-x-x? Honour Doubletons: Low doubletons: If it is the former layout, then we Q-5 J-5 5-4 4-3 need to lead low to the ♠9, if the latter Q-4 J-4 5-3 4-2 we need to cash the king and ace and Topics ♠ Q-3 J-3 5-2 3-2 then lead low to the 9. Which is the Teams of Four Q-2 J-2 better chance? As we saw above, there are eight combinations of honour Game Tries There are eight honour doubleton doubleton and six of two small cards combinations and only six low doubleton, so we should play for the Disrupting Declarer doubleton combinations, so playing latter layout. Lead a spade to the king, for H-x is with the odds. back to the ace (noting the ♠J fall from Defending Slams With all this in mind, how do you West) and finesse the ♠9. Now we cash play this hand? the ♠Q pitching a heart, ruff a heart, Overcalling lead a club, gain the lead and draw the Pressing the Defence last trump. This is the full deal: ♠ A 7 4 ♥ A 5 ♦ K J 7 ♠ A 7 4 6 seminar sessions ♣ J 7 6 4 3 ♥ A 5 2 ♦ K J 7 with Bernard N W E ♣ J 7 6 4 3 S ♠ J 5 ♠ 10 8 6 2 6 sessions 3 ♠ K Q 9 3 ♥ K Q J 9 3 N ♥ 10 8 7 4 of supervised play ♥ 6 2 ♦ 6 4 W E ♦ 9 5 3 S ♦ A Q 10 8 2 ♣ 10 8 5 2 ♣ A 9 Contact Mr Bridge ♣ K Q ♠ K Q 9 3 ♥ 6 2 to book your place ♦ A Q 10 8 2 or for further details: You bid to 6♦ and the opponents lead ♣ K Q ( 01483 489961 the ♥K – how do you play it? It’s an annoying lead because after 1Subject to availability 2Filmed any other start you could have drawn Glad you made a plan? It was certainly 3Not with Bernard Magee all the trumps and knocked out the worth it! ■

BRIDGE October 2017 Page 33 About the EBU by Jeremy Dhondy The Attraction of Online Bridge

My name is Jeremy Dhondy and I am the Chairman of the English Bridge Union. This column is to answer questions or comments about the EBU that you might have. If you have a comment or a question I would be happy to hear from you. [email protected]

What is the attraction of Online playing if you want masterpoints. So, if you online bridge and why do have a sleepless night or an afternoon Qplayers participate? People are busier than ever these days off you can play. I still like face to face and quite a few of those who play bridge, but if I am on the train and have Like many activities, bridge bridge find that family life and work a Wi-Fi connection then I’d prefer this is subject to change. In my get in the way. Rather than give up to solitaire or reading depressing news A experience, players are quite bridge because going to a tournament headlines. There is a review of it at often resistant to change. or club night is just not possible, one www.ebu.co.uk/node/2822#cost if you can take part in an online game. The would like more detail. Online watching EBU tried BBO three or four years ago but the games did not bring a Join the club Most bridge players have a computer high enough number of players to be in the house and growing numbers viable. One reason for this might have As well as the online game there is have smart phones or tablets. If this been the Americanisation of the game the online club. Bridge Club Live is is not your thing you can, of course, so we have recently started another a UK based operation and many of feel free to ignore bridge online. The game, this time with Funbridge (www. the players are British and not robots first area in which bridge has changed funbridge.com). You can get their free at all. This system charges an annual is for those who like to watch bridge. app at the Play Store (Android) or App fee (you can also join on a monthly World Championships contain the Store (Apple) on your mobile device or basis) but games thereafter are free. best players in the world but the events download their free software on a PC If you register as an EBU member were remote from England with no or Mac. If that sounds like gibberish, then master points are given and as realistic way of watching what was then a shorthand is that it works on a member you can get a 50 day free going on. There are now services such pretty much any device. You have the trial to see if you like it. BCL also has as BBO (Bridge Base Online) and opportunity to play four-card majors a forum where you can ask questions more recently Funbridge, who show with a weak no-trump, if that is your and make comments. major championships wherever they preference and there is no need to find The world of the forum has taken are in the world. a partner or teammates as the other off in recent years and one forum at I first noted how popular this might players are perfectly behaved robots. www.bridgewinners.com went into be when I was in Monaco in 2003 and You can play a casual game lasting meltdown at the point where a number in the audience for the very exciting only four boards if you wish or play of international players were accused of final stages of the Bermuda Bowl. The in a tournament. You get given some nefarious practices. Suddenly a dozen result depended on the very last board. free hands when you first register or 20 comments a day turned into so There were several hundred people in so you can practice before starting many that a new server was required to the audience but over 14,000 watching out on a tournament. Tournament stop the website from crashing. online and that was 14 years ago. games, which last 20 boards, cost €2 The EBU runs an annual online Several tournaments in England are and give master points for those who knock out competition (with a plate also covered. The software is free and are successful. You don’t have to be an competition for early losers). It starts participation is also free. EBU member to play, although you do in January.

Page 34 BRIDGE October 2017 An honest game? www.deepfinesse.com and you can Sometimes the online game is enter any hand of interest into it. When portrayed as being a bit for the loner you read a bridge article explaining BERNARD but there are online chat facilities. You how you might have made 4♥ if only can’t talk to a partner during the game you had done x, y or z you can be sure for obvious reasons, but you can chat it was checked first with Deep Finesse. MAGEE with an opponent. You might want to All this compares favourably with ask about a bid, for example. You can scoring by hand which takes much TUTORIAL even socialise at the end of a set. A longer and in tournaments a big gap concern people have relates to possible between sessions was needed for the cheating. scores to be produced manually. DVDS In the game at the club players tend Both the EBU and Mr Bridge keep not to worry about illegal signalling an archive of magazines on their sites £25 per DVD or other devious methods and if they and increasingly records are kept SET 7 believe someone will look at their online for those who have a sense of 37 MORE SIGNALLING cards they hold them up. For sure there history. Recently a history of bridge I look at different times when you are dishonest online players as there in England from its start to 1945 was signal and the messages you might are dishonest face to face players but it written by Richard Fleet and can be want to give. is sensible to keep this in proportion. found on the EBU website. The online game providers do keep 38 4-4-4-1 HANDS checks on obvious things so if, Finally Everybody’s least favourite type for example, one logged on at two of opening hand. I will be going computers in the same household There has been a sea change in the way through the methods for choosing to play online this is detectable and bridge is played and watched. the right suit to open as well as coping with responses. players who regularly get 75%+ might be given a closer look. Technology 39 DRAWING TRUMPS could assist further: for example, This seminar sounds straightfor- cameras linked to Skype could help ward, but we will not be simply keep the game honest but for the same drawing trumps, we will be con- reason the local game in the club is not sidering the reasons for delaying. held behind screens, this is not all that Keeping control of trumps is an likely as it just brings a further barrier important part of declarer play. into playing the game. 40 FIVE-CARD MAJORS Popular around the world, this Help and analysis method is becoming more popular here. Going online can be fun even if you 41 FUNDAMENTALS have no intention of playing in an OF DEFENCE online competition. After I play in my The picture above shows the 1933 local club it takes me about 25 minutes match between an English and Defence is by far the hardest aspect of bridge: this seminar seeks to drive home and by the time I arrive American team for the Schwab Cup. to show the building blocks that not only are the results online but also Even in the 1980s the Sunday Times/ can start you off on a wonderful analysis of the hands, all the scores Macallan contest held in London journey. If you can get the basics on each hand and a wealth of other attracted a significant audience. right then the more complicated information. I sometimes play an Nowadays it is easy to watch in the aspects of defence can follow. additional game of looking to see what comfort of the living room together 42 SUPPORTING £105 my score might have been if partner with some commentary. Each year MINORS set of 6 and I simply avoided completely there is a competition solely for Minors are not as important as trivial errors. That can be a sobering computers playing bridge. It takes place majors, but we have to bid them experience. Often the hand copies alongside the World Championship and it is important to know you get after the game or online show for real people. A program called Jack your system. Bidding more 3NT the contracts that could be made and has been the winner in recent years contracts will get you better scores, although the program that does this, but in 2016 the world title was won but being able to spot a minor suit Deep Finesse, is very good at dropping by Wbridge5. Thus far the programs slam will put you a cut above. singleton kings offside, nonetheless have not taken the world by storm it can be quite instructive as to why in the same way as Deep Blue did in 3♠ only makes from the North hand Chess but they are steadily improving Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961 and not the South hand. You can and now play a credible, if not world www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop get the program for free by going to beating, game. ■

BRIDGE October 2017 Page 35 A Blast From the Past by Shireen Mohandes

Lives and Times

This series of articles will cover the intertwined lives of three bridge personalities. The lifespans of Paul Stern, Louisa Chamberlain and George Lengyel take us from the late 1800s to the early twenty-first century. Part 1 covered the period up to just before the start of WW2, and included the golden years of contract bridge. Part 2: 1936-1939

Paul Stern

Picking up the story we started last month, Dr Paul Stern was enjoying fame and success in the bridge world in Vienna. He had successfully published a book, was the Vice President of the Vienna Bridge Club, was actively recruiting players and building teams, and was developing his successful new bidding system. Paul had a fiery attitude towards his bridge squads, savage words and merciless punishments for even small errors. But alongside that, he was an eccentric and endearing mentor too. An article in Contract Bridge Journal described him as ‘… tall, burly, irascible, with a voice so rough, a temperament so volatile that half the people who saw him called him a dictator; but with a charm so great, a sweetness so unexpected that even those he castigated seldom bore malice for long.’ In her memoirs his compatriot Rixi Markus described meeting Paul in Vienna in 1934 and being recruited to his bridge squad. She fondly added: ‘For some reason which I cannot remember we were called the ‘Goats’ and Paul had little carved wooden goat badges made for us. We were very proud of them.’ Paul Stern, taken in 1930

Views on this 1937 Championships: was it won, or was it lost? Alan Truscott reported in The New York Times, 21/6/1987: ‘The United States would probably have won if it had been represented, as it should have been, by the Four Aces foursome of David Burnstine, Howard Schenken, Merwyn Maier and B. Jay Becker. They had won the designated qualifying event, staged by Culbertson’s organization, but they allowed themselves to be outmanoeuvered by Culbertson. He announced that they would be going to Budapest as representatives of the Culbertson System, which they did not play, and they withdrew in a huff.

A Minneapolis team qualified second and made the trip. Culbertson persuaded the organizers to bend the rules by admitting two American teams, and nominated himself. He himself had virtually abandoned bridge, preferring world politics, and was out of practice. Vogelhofer was a player with little claim to fame, but Mrs. Sobel, just married to a tournament director, was a rising star.’

Guy Ramsey, Aces All: ‘Or was it the Austrian team which won? For behind the six pairs of hands which alternately played the cards with such dazzling brilliance; behind even the six brains which tactically schemed the victory there lay a single intelligence, dynamic, diabolically ingenious, ruthlessly dictatorial, which governed and controlled the strategy of the campaign.’

Daphne Kleuser (Nottingham), Contract Bridge Journal May 1948: ‘When I had the honour of captaining the British Ladies’ Team at Budapest in 1937, the only team which had undergone serious training for the World Championship was the winning team- the Austrian- trained by Dr. Paul Stern who had also trained the victorious men’s team.’

Page 36 BRIDGE October 2017 He was the non-playing captain when Austria recaptured reported that ‘...they played with remarkable skill quietly the European championships in 1936 (defeating Hungary). and modestly and there has been no posing or playing to the In June 1937, the International Bridge League (forerunner to gallery.’ That same article went on to describe an amusing the WBF) organised what is now considered the first world incident – Mr Konstam (playing for the host team) was in 7♣, championship. It took place in Budapest. In the open series which needed the ♥K to be onside, to his left, in Paul Stern’s 19 teams took part. Alongside that there was a women’s hand, and not to the right of dummy with Herr Herbert. series. ‘To Mr Konstam’s relief, Dr. Stern led the ♥K. Dummy’s In the Open final, Austria (Karl Schneider and Hans ♥A was played and Herr Herbert, producing a second ♥K, Jellinek, Karl von Blühdorn, Dr Edouard Frischauer, Walter inquired what do to with it. Dr. Stern, playing a joke on Mr Herbert, and Udo von Meissl) defeated Ely Culbertson’s Konstam, had picked out and led a card from another pack, team from the United States by 4,740 points over 96 boards. and happened to have selected the only card which mattered. It was a success for Paul’s Vienna System versus the natural Though Mr Konstam could not have possibly made the Culbertson system. In The Walk of the Oysters, Rex Mackay contract with the ♥K with Herr Herbert, Dr Stern insisted described the victorious system as ‘…the first of the really that the hand should be washed out and a new deal taken.’ artificial systems whose many misbegotten progeny bedevil Sometime around this period (the months leading up to and threaten the game today…’. the Anschluss, 12 March 1938, the annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany), Paul Stern was protesting about the politics of his country and the actions of the Nazis. His protests did Herbert Negatives not go unnoticed. This convention was invented by Walter Herbert. In simple terms, use the cheapest possible response to convey a negative response to a forcing bid. Many Acol players play Herbert Negatives after an opening strong two-bid.

This was a spectacular result for Austria, and it was widely publicised around the world. For the world’s most famous self-publicist and self-proclaimed emperor of bidding, Ely Culbertson, this was a humiliating defeat. Culbertson’s team was just four: Ely and Josephine, Helen Sobel and Charles Vogelhofer. America had sent two teams to the championship, but the strongest American team of the time was not one of them. Furthermore, Ely and Josephine’s marriage was turbulent in these years. In the women’s event Austria triumphed too. This was the start of many international successes for Rixi Markus (then called Rixi Scharfstein). On the back of this result, the team captained by Stern was invited to London to take part in a challenge match. They won the match comfortably, and The Times (29/10/1937)

The document that was presented with the ‘Goldene Verdienstkreuz mit der Krone am Bande der Tapferkeitsmedaille’ medal, 21 Decem- ber 1917. Translated it means: Golden merit cross with the crown.

So, what actually happened? He wrote a very strong letter to the Nazi authorities and he returned the medals that he was awarded in World War 1, whilst he was in the Austrian Army. The medals returned included one awarded for the highest level of bravery in the face of the enemy during his time serving in Serbia. The upshot of his actions was that he was placed on a wanted list (some sources informally indicated ‘no 11 on a deathlist’). Having been alerted to the danger, he was able to escape. Rixi Markus’s autobiography describes the incident, ‘At the time of the Anschluss he was in a Vienna clinic – he Paul Stern’s bridge medals was diabetic – but the doctors smuggled him out by train.

BRIDGE October 2017 Page 37 The nurse looking after him splashed a lot of chloroform Louisa Chamberlain or some such nasty-smelling drug around the compartment, and when they reached the Swiss frontier she told the German officials who boarded the train that her patient was suffering from a contagious disease. From Switzerland he escaped to England via the South of France, and, reaching London more or less penniless, he immediately advertised in the papers for people who would like to learn to play Bridge the Austrian way.’ Guy Ramsey adds to the chronology by stating in a tribute to Paul, ‘He came here, speaking barely a word of English; with little money; with no advantages; with a handful of insulin tablets, on which he lived; but also with a force of character which, by the time Britain was fighting for her very existence, enabled him to keep flying the flag of the game he loved so well and for which he did so much.’ The Stern family believe that the escape took place sometime in mid-1938. The family were told that he was helped by Louisa Chamberlain (Neville Chamberlain’s Left to right: Louisa Chamberlain, Rixi Markus, Charles Goren. cousin’s daughter). The details are not known. Perhaps she Photo date not known but probably around 1950. was able to help with the plan via her family connections with Neville Chamberlain (in office as Prime Minister 1937- Picking up Louisa’s story: as a wealthy and independent 1940), or maybe bridge connections with Iain MacLeod (at minded woman, she did not need to work. In April 1936, that time a bridge-playing playboy, studying to be a barrister). aged 27, with her younger sister Honor she travelled to Port Sometime shortly afterward, Paul’s wife Martha, and Said in Egypt, on the Viceroy of India, a luxurious ocean children Eve and Edward (then teenagers) were able to join liner, which unusually for the time had an indoor swimming him. They settled in 48 Gloucester Place, London, with pool. This was her second trip there, and one of several ocean seven other families living in the same dwelling. Their son, liner voyages. While they were there Honor married Lt Edward, attended William Ellis School which had been evacuated from London to Leighton Buzzard. Now in London, Paul did what he knew best. He published two books in English: Beating the Culbertsons, and The Stern Austrian System. He taught bridge, competed in events, and played rubber bridge at Lederer’s Club and later at the Hamilton Club.

The Deathlist story: corroborating information

With the help of Paul’s grandson, David, we tried to find out more. Wherever we looked, and whomever we contacted, it was hard to find this list. David tried to contact various people in Austria locally, in the same part of town where Paul lived, without success. Later I discussed the matter with a well-informed Austrian friend who did some further research for me. He suggested that such lists would have been communicated with a degree of confidentiality, from a higher ranking officer, to a chain, which then ended up in a local force, for implementation. Most likely a contact at the local level would have alerted Paul Stern that he was a ‘person of interest’. Because the incident was so well known and referenced in print amongst his bridge playing friends (Geoffrey Butler, Guy Ramsey, Rixi Markus to name a few), and his extended family, combined with some additional correspondence between authorities and Paul, we understand this episode to be true. However, there is some doubt as to precisely ©P&O Heritage Collection, www.poheritage.com which year it took place. Photograph of passengers by the First Class indoor swimming pool on board VICEROY OF INDIA c.1929.

Page 38 BRIDGE October 2017 Gerald A Vardon in Alexandria. But tragically the marriage recalled that he was politely asked if he would vacate his was short lived as Gerald died in an air crash at sea in the room for Herr Goering, which was the one with best views. Mediterranean just a few months later. There was no alternative but to agree!’ In the late 1930s the family tell us that Louisa lived George recognised the threat that faced his family as a in London, in 7 Abbey Road, a large house which was result of the inevitable annexation, and encouraged by his divided into several one-roomed apartments, very close to cousin he emigrated to Java, Indonesia, in 1938, Marta the famous zebra crossing and recording studio, and just followed shortly afterwards in 1939. He became the Far East around the corner from The Acol Bridge Club (which today agent of a Hungarian pharmaceutical company. is situated at 86 West End Lane, in West Hampstead). She Here is a deal with an interesting theme where George started working at The Hamilton Club as a bridge host in declared a small slam. The date is not known. 1939, but perhaps may have worked earlier at one of the other prestigious London clubs. Sometime around this time Louisa and Paul became close, ♠ 10 and Paul separated from his wife Martha. The members of ♥ A 7 5 3 2 the Hamilton Club were harsh on Louisa, and it would have ♦ K 3 been a difficult time for her. ♣ 10 9 8 7 2 ♠ K 5 ♠ J 7 2 George Lengyel ♥ 10 9 8 N ♥ K Q J 6 ♦ 7 6 5 W E ♦ Q J 2 S George Lengyel, living in Budapest, had continued success as ♣ J 6 5 4 3 ♣ A K Q a player. Although he won several events, he wasn’t in the top ♠ A Q 9 8 6 4 3 team who were considered to be some of the best players in the ♥ 4 world. Researchers in Hungary wrote to me saying, ‘He was ♦ A 10 9 8 4 considered as a talented young player, he was on the junior ♣ Void team selection in 1937 (as a 26 year old) alongside others who have become very successful: Góth Gábor, Kotzián Imre, Kovács László, Lukács Pál, Ottlik Géza, Szalay Lajos’ (note West North East South that the Hungarian style is to list the surname before the 1♥ 2♠ first name). He also taught bridge. The researchers provided Pass 2NT Pass 4NT a photograph from that era of a bridge lesson. We had hoped Pass 5♦ Pass 6♠ that the tutor was indeed George, but his daughters, Evi and All pass Marianne, confirm that it is not him. George married Hungarian Marta Halasz in April 1937. 2♠ was strong, and 2NT showed 1.5 honour tricks. 4NT was She was well-educated and had spent some time studying at Blackwood (which would not be everybody’s choice). the Sorbonne in Paris. His daughter, Evi, explained, ‘They West led the ♥10. Declarer established the diamonds by spent their honeymoon on Capri in a hotel in which Herman playing three rounds, ruffing with the ♠10 in dummy. Back Goering, the Nazi Leader, was also staying. Our father to hand with a club ruff, he now played ace and a small spade, limiting his spade losers to just one trick, eventually drawing East’s jack. This was a very thin slam on just 17 points between the two hands. There is just one lead that defeats the contract. Amazingly, only the ♠K. I think that even the most critical Paul Stern would have been forgiving of a defender who did not find that lead. Don’t you?

Coming up in part 3

Paul and Louisa live in West Hampstead, sharing happy and sad times. George and Marta, in Java, face uncertain times when the Japanese invade Malaya. One of their daughters finds a way to deter Credit: Hungarian National Museum Photo Archives unwelcome guests. ■

BRIDGE October 2017 Page 39 BERNARD Letter from Overseas MAGEE TUTORIAL Part-Score or Slam? DVDS by John Barr SET 1 ou will often have passed with a weak hand, by their methods, and I 1 Ruffing for a difficult decision two clubs over the one bounced to five hearts in the Extra Tricks at the bridge table spade bid would have been South seat. West advanced 2 Competitive Yabout whether to bid a thin sufficient. The three club bid to six clubs, which East con- Auctions game or stay at the part excited South, who subsided verted to 6NT. 3 Making £25 score level, or perhaps con- in 6NT when he learnt that Now, I know that after per DVD the Most sider whether to convert an ace was missing. you’ve pre-empted and of High Cards your game bid to slam. Two West led the ten of dia- caused the opponents to 4 Identifying hands from a recent pairs monds, won by declarer guess it is usually right to & Bidding Slams game had a much more rad- with the king in hand, and leave them alone and hope ical choice, as the success or the fate of the hand depend- that they have guessed 5 Play & Defence failure of a finesse resulted ed on the club finesse. If it wrong, but I decided that of 1NT Contracts in each hand being suitable works, declarer almost cer- seven hearts was likely to 6 Doubling & for play in a part score, or a tainly has 13 tricks. But if it cost less than the oppo- Defence against slam. fails, even 3NT would be off. nents’ game, let alone a pos- Doubled Contracts Half an hour later another sible slam, so I took a gam- hand with a similar theme ble with seven hearts. SET 2 Dealer North. Love All. arrived at our table. East sat and thought for ♠ 7 Leads 8 4 a very long time before ♥ 9 doubling, and told me af- 8 Losing Trick Count ♦ A J 7 Dealer West. E/W Game. terwards that he had been 9 Making a Plan ♣ A Q 10 8 4 3 2 ♠ 10 8 7 6 4 considering bidding 7NT. as Declarer ♠ A Q 10 3 2 ♠ J 7 5 ♥ K Q 9 7 6 4 West led a diamond and I ♥ N ♥ ♦ 10 Responding to 1NT J 10 8 2 W E 7 5 4 Void escaped for three down, just ♦ 10 9 S ♦ 8 6 4 3 2 ♣ 9 5 11 Signals & Discards -500 against vulnerable op- ♣ K 9 ♣ 7 6 ♠ K J 5 3 2 ♠ A Q 9 ponents for a good score. 12 Endplay ♠ K 9 6 ♥ Void N ♥ A 8 W E Some Wests had opened one ♥ A K Q 6 3 ♦ 8 4 S ♦ A Q J 9 2 spade, which kept North SET 3 ♦ K Q 5 ♣ A Q J 7 6 4 ♣ 10 3 2 quiet, and the heart fit never ♣ J 5 ♠ Void came to light. 13 Hand Evaluation ♥ J 10 5 3 2 What if East had pressed 14 Pre-Emptive ♦ K 10 7 6 5 3 on with 7NT? He would Bidding West North East South ♣ K 8 need to play it carefully. £105 1♣ Pass 1♥ 15 Splinter set of 6 Win the heart ace and cash & Cue Bids 1♠ 3♣ Pass 4NT1 the ace of spades, discover- Pass 5♥2 Pass 6NT West North East South 16 Avoidance Play ing the 5-0 break while he All Pass 1♣ 2♣1 Dbl2 5♥ still has entries to manage 17 Play & Defence at 1Blackwood 2Two aces 6♣ Pass 6NT 7♥ both the spade and club Pairs Pass Pass Dbl All Pass suits. Then when the club 18 Thinking Defence North opened one club, 1Both majors 2Values finesse works, 7NT is home. and West bid a spade over But if the club finesse had South’s one heart response. West opened one club and failed, which was not un- Mr Bridge North now felt that two my partner bid two clubs, likely on the auction, then ( 01483 489961 clubs would understate the a Michaels overcall show- 7NT would have been six playing strength of his hand ing a weak hand with length down. www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop and leapt to three clubs. in both majors. East dou- Another example of part Given that he could have bled, showing good values score or slam. ■

Page 40 BRIDGE October 2017 Answers to Bernard Magee’s BERNARD Bidding Quizzes 1-3 MAGEE on the Cover and page 7 TUTORIAL DVDS

140 to you, worse than a pass 1. Dealer North. Love All. out score of 0. 3. Dealer North. Love All. SET 4 ♠ 2 ♠ J 8 7 ♠ 9 6 ♠ A K 5 4 N N 19 Defensive Plan ♥ A K 8 7 W E ♥ Q J 4 ♥ K Q J W E ♥ 9 6 ♦ J 9 8 6 5 S ♦ Q 2 ♦ A 7 6 5 S ♦ K 4 3 20 Further Into ♣ Q J 3 ♣ A 8 7 6 5 2. Dealer North. Love All. ♣ Q J 4 3 ♣ 10 8 7 5 the Auction ♠ 2 ♠ 10 8 7 N 21 Weak Twos ♥ A J W E ♥ Q 7 6 5 4 S 22 Trump West North East South ♦ 8 7 2 ♦ A K 4 3 West North East South £25 Control Pass Pass Pass ♣ K Q J 10 5 4 3 ♣ 9 1♥ Pass Pass per DVD ? ? 23 Sacrificing 24 Improving Pass. When there are three West North East South 1NT. There is a big difference Bridge Memory passes to start the auction, a Pass Pass Pass between this auction and the fourth pass from you would ? previous two. When your op- SET 5 score zero points. You need ponents open the bidding and 25 Defence as Partner ♣ ♣ to understand that this might 3 . What does a 3 opening the responder passes – you of the Leader be a good score: it depends bid mean in the fourth seat? know one player is very weak 26 Aggressive Bidding on who could possibly get a It is very similar to a nor- (five or fewer points). at Duplicate Pairs plus score. If you choose to mal pre-empt, except that The other important differ- bid and win the contract, then you should expect to make ence is that you cannot be 27 Strong Openings if you go down – you have lost the contract. It will therefore sure how strong your partner 28 Take-Out Doubles points, whilst if you make, you have the same length in clubs is: he could have as many as 29 Suit Establishment gain. but a little more strength. This 14 or 15 points. This is be- in Suit Contracts With 11 HCP, you can as- makes it very different to a cause if he holds a flat hand sume that the points are rela- normal pre-empt, where you he will be unable to make a 30 Landy / Defending Against a 1NT tively evenly divided, so quite might be happy giving 50 bid over North’s opening bid. Opening often it will be the team with points away or even 100 or Bearing all this in mind, the spade suit who might win 200. You have the choice to when an opening one-level the auction. Here, clearly you take a zero score by passing suit bid is passed around to SET 6 do not hold spades and it is so you do not want a minus you, you should try hard to 31 Counting Defence likely that your opponents score. However, you also want make a bid: add a king to 32 Extra Tricks have a good fit in that suit. to bid if you think you can your hand and then reassess in No-Trumps In fact the rule of 15 is of- make 3♣: +110. – bidding what you would ten used for opening light in With seven tricks in your usually bid with that king 33 Supporting Partner fourth suit: add your points to own hand, it is not unreason- (or any three extra points) in £105 the length of your spades: if able to hope for two from your hand. With 13 balanced 34 Finessing set of 6 the total comes to 15 or more, your partner – you will expect points and a good heart stop- 35 Bidding then choose to open. him to have nine points or per, if you add three points, Distributional Add to your lack of spades so. At the same time, you you have 16 and enough for a Hands the fact that your two long would not be surprised if your 1NT bid. The usual range for 36 Coping with suits are in the wrong order opponents have a spade fit, a ‘protective’ 1NT (1NT over- Pre-Empts and you should certainly pass. which you do not want them call in the final seat, as here) Although your side has 21 to find. is 11-14 HCP. HCP, if you choose to open Nine tricks in clubs should Borrowing a king in the last Mr Bridge your opponents are likely to be easy, but N/S might well seat is a very important tactic ( come in and find their spade make 3♠, so by opening 3♣ to compete for the contract 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop fit and they may well end up you will hopefully steal the (but there has to have been a with a score of 140. That is contract. bid made at the start). ■

BRIDGE October 2017 Page 41 The Diaries of Wendy Wensum

Episode 66: Mysticism and the Moon

illie and I were perched on universe; think ancient stone circles.’ that my top cards might not produce stools in the Riverside bar. ‘Is a clockwise orbit better than sufficient tricks in defence to defeat Millie as usual had a brandy anticlockwise?’ inquired Millie with our opponents’ game. The sequence Mclose at hand; I was sipping a glass of distinct scepticism. ‘The more effective ended with Angie’s expected double. claret and peering through the window transit in the northern hemisphere is The lead was the ace of spades. As at dark clouds above a sombre River clockwise although obviously it would Millie placed dummy on the table, Wensum. Suddenly Millie announced, be counter-clockwise in Australia,’ it was difficult to decide from the ‘There’s something special about fifty- was the precise deadpan response. reactions of the two defenders who two. It’s the number of cards in the Millie raised an eyebrow quizzically displayed the most surprise. ‘Does pack and the number of weeks in the observing, ‘I presume either works in your partner always bid like that?’ year. What do you think, Wendy?’ I the tropics.’ Maggie wisely refrained questioned Angie rhetorically. I ruffed was rather taken back by her esoteric from further comment as we settled the king continuation and removed statement. ‘Perhaps it’s to do with the down to play this board. the remaining trumps in two rounds. moon,’ I suggested tentatively. Millie On the unlikely chance of a singleton looked aghast, ‘The moon? Why?’ king, I played the diamond ace. It was In my brain a fragile theory was Dealer North. Game All. not to be. With the king of diamonds evolving. ‘There are thirteen cards in ♠ J 7 5 and two hearts still to lose, the contract a suit and thirteen lunar months in a ♥ 7 5 failed by two tricks for minus 500. year,’ I expounded, ‘and four suits in ♦ Q 9 7 5 4 When Kate and Jo played the hand, a pack and four weeks for the moon to ♣ 6 5 4 South made a simple overcall of two wax and wane.’ ‘But what’s so special ♠ A K 10 4 3 ♠ Q 9 8 2 clubs but our teammates reached about thirteen?’ Millie questioned ♥ 10 9 4 N ♥ A K Q J 2 game with no further interference. W E ♦ ♦ with obvious bewilderment. My K 3 2 S 8 6 exposition was already falling apart. ♣ 10 9 ♣ J 8 West North East South ‘Thirteen times four is fifty-two and ♠ 6 Kate Jo thirteen is a prime number,’ I stated ♥ 8 6 3 Pass 1♥ 2♣ without any idea where my argument ♦ A J 10 2♠ Pass 4♠ All Pass was going. ‘I’m not in my prime,’ ♣ A K Q 7 3 2 observed my companion. ‘I’m not sure North led a club and Kate lost two that’s relevant,’ was my hopelessly clubs and a diamond for plus 620. inadequate reply. ‘Well it is to me,’ West North East South Later in the local pub, I suggested was the adamant riposte ending a Angie Millie Maggie Wendy to Millie that her four club bid was conversation in which I regretted Pass 1♥ 3♣ perhaps rather weak, and that we had participating. 3♠ 4♣ 4♠ 5♣ been rather lucky to gain on the board. We made our way to the bridge Dbl All Pass ‘Luck has nothing to do with it,’ she room to join Kate and Jo for a teams announced indignantly, ‘Analysis and event. The TD called the move and Millie passed as dealer and Maggie skill are what count in bridge.’ new member, Maggie, approached opened one heart. With a fourteen Millie had spoken and made clear circling the table twice before sitting count and a pretty solid suit I overcalled her view that lunar effects and the in the East seat. Her partner, Angie, three clubs. Angie entered the auction forces of the universe, natural or took a more direct route to West. I by bidding three spades. Millie now supernatural, wouldn’t help Mystic asked Maggie about her manoeuvre. found four clubs. With four spades in Maggie or any other player at the card ‘I do it to ensure good vibes,’ she her hand Maggie bid game. I assumed table. replied, apparently in all seriousness Millie’s bid showed a good fit in clubs The no-nonsense, pragmatic Millie and as further explanation added, ‘A with some useful distributional values had returned. It was clearly time for circle liberates unnatural forces in the so I sacrificed in five clubs as I realised another round of drinks. ■

Page 42 BRIDGE October 2017 Answers to Bernard Magee’s BERNARD MAGEE’S INTERACTIVE Bidding Quizzes 4-6 TUTORIAL CD on the Cover and page 7 DECLARER PLAY

West North East South outside trumps and three 4. Dealer West. Love All. 1♠ 2♥ Pass Pass trump tricks: +500. ♠ A K 3 ♠ 7 6 ? MAC or ♥ A 8 7 6 N ♥ 9 3 2 Windows ♦ W E ♦ A J 2 S 8 7 5 3 Double. ♣ Q J 6 ♣ K 4 3 2 You open the auction with 6. Dealer West. Love All. 1♠ and then find the bid- ♠ A K 3 ♠ 7 6 5

ding returning to you after ♥ K Q 4 2 N ♥ 9 5 West North East South a 2♥ overcall. Once again ♦ A 6 5 W E ♦ K 8 4 2 S 1♥ 1♠ Pass Pass your partner has passed, so ♣ J 9 8 ♣ 10 5 4 3 ? might hold a very weak hand. However, whenever you are 1NT. short in the overcalled suit West North East South Bernard develops You have 19 HCP in a bal- you should try hard to make 1♥ 1NT Pass Pass your declarer play anced hand and will have another bid. This is because if ? technique in the planned to make a jump rebid you are short, you would ex- course of ten in no-trumps. However, your pect the opponents to have a Pass. introductory planned rebid presupposes good fit, or your partner to be With 17 HCP and a balanced exercises and 120 complete deals. that your partner has made ‘waiting’. hand, there might be a temp- a response and thus shown Borrow a king as the last tation to double for penalties l Suit Establishment 6+ points. This is not the case bidder and that should give here, but with your strength in No-trumps here – your partner might you the confidence to make underneath North’s strength l Suit Establishment have a Yarborough. a bid. Do not forget that if and your 4333 shape, you in Suits When the opponents over- North can make 2♥, then go- may find that you will struggle call and your partner passes – ing off in a contract of your in the defence. l Hold-ups £76 your no-trump bids are adjust- own may well score well. Your When no-trumps are the l Ruffing for ed. Since your partner might be side might have a fit in any of last bid in the auction, you Extra Tricks very weak, with 15-16 points the suits, so your call should cannot borrow a king in the l Entries in you do not rebid 1NT and with allow the partnership to find same way as when it is a suit No-trumps 17-19 you make a simple 1NT the best fit. bid, because your doubles rebid. This keeps the auction You make a take-out dou- carry a different meaning. l Delaying at a safe level, so when your ble and, usually, your partner The reason you need to bor- Drawing Trumps partner has very little, as here, will bid his best suit, but this row a king in the earlier auc- l Using the Lead you might still have a chance time, with a strong holding in tions is because your partner l Trump Control of making your contract. 1NT hearts, he prefers to defend might be sitting with a strong- is likely to go one off, but that against 2♥ – he makes a pen- ish hand and be unable to l Endplays & is a much better score than alty pass. show it. However, in an auc- Avoidance two off in 2NT. When it was East’s turn to tion like this when North has l Using the Bidding bid over 2♥ he might have shown a strong hand already, wanted to double, but that if your partner had 9+ points would have been a take-out he could have doubled for Mr Bridge, Ryden 5. Dealer West. Love All. double – expecting you to penalties himself, so you do Grange, Knaphill, ♠ A K 7 6 5 ♠ 8 bid your best suit. Instead he not have to help him out by Surrey GU21 2TH ♥ 4 N ♥ A J 10 2 ‘waited’ and when you made borrowing points. W E ( 01483 489961 ♦ A K 3 S ♦ 8 7 6 5 your double he was able to As you can see North’s www.mrbridge.co.uk/ ♣ J 10 8 2 ♣ A 6 5 4 pass with a smile. 1NT should make comfort- mrbridge-shop The defence take five tricks ably. ■

BRIDGE October 2017 Page 43 Bernard Magee DVDs – Number Thirty-Four Finessing

he focus of this DVD Lead: ♦K. You have three choice. This deals with when the jack with East. You cross is on declarer play: suits to manage, the first of an honour drops on the first to the ♥A and run the ♠10 starting from the ba- which is the trump suit. In round and suggests that if finessing for the jack. The Tsic finesse, you are taken on spades you apply the drop- you are missing two hon- ♠10 wins and then you cash a journey through various ping rule: with nine, there ours and one falls, then the the ♠K. aspects of the technique. are four out: an even break remaining one is more likely The last question is what The topic starts with wheth- would be 2-2, your ace-king to be in the other hand. to do in diamonds: should er you should lead high or would clear the suit, so you Sounds strange and often you finesse or play for the low when finessing. The should play them out. The feels strange, but follow the drop? general rule is that you need trumps do all fall and you rule and finesse and you will You are missing seven at least four high cards in turn to hearts. In hearts you gain in the long run. diamonds so the dropping the suit if you are going to have just three high cards, rule suggests you should lead a high card. so you play low towards the finesse – this will give you You are then moved on to ♥J, then cash the ace. The Dealer: South. Love All. the best chance of making the dropping rule: when you king falls so you make an ♠ 10 9 8 7 12 tricks. If the ♦10 loses to should play your high cards extra trick from your queen. ♥ A 5 the jack, you can still dis- off as opposed to taking a Finally in the club suit, you ♦ A K 10 4 card both your losing clubs finesse. do have four high cards so ♣ 4 3 2 on the other top diamonds. The dropping rule states: you can lead the jack and So you cash the ♦Q and fi- N imagine that the missing when West chooses to cov- W E nesse the ♦10. When it wins S cards divide perfectly even- er, your ten is established. you can take the rest of your ly, then if your high cards Eventually, you finish with ♠ A K 5 4 3 diamonds and finish with would clear the suit, you 12 tricks. ♥ K 4 3 all 13 tricks. should play for the drop. ♦ Q 2 Both the first two rules ♣ A 9 6 come up on this hand. ♠ A J 10 6 5 ♠ 10 9 8 7 ♥ Q 8 3 ♥ A 5 ♦ 8 6 West North East South ♦ A K 10 4 Dealer: South. Love All. ♣ A K 2 1♠ ♣ 4 3 2 ♠ A J 10 6 5 ♠ 3 2 ♠ Q 7 Pass 3♠ Pass 4♠ ♠ Q ♠ J 6 2

N ♥ Q 8 3 ♥ 10 9 5 2 N ♥ K 6 All Pass ♥ Q J 10 9 ♥ 8 7 6 2 W E W E ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ S ♦ 8 6 K Q J 7 S 10 9 5 3 2 J 9 8 7 6 5 3 ♣ A K 2 ♣ Q 9 8 ♣ 7 6 5 3 Lead: ♥Q. Your first ques- ♣ Q 10 7 5 ♣ K J 8 ♠ K 9 8 4 tion is which hand do you ♠ A K 5 4 3 N W E ♥ A J 7 4 want to win the lead in? ♥ K 4 3 S ♦ A 4 You do not mind which ♦ Q 2 ♠ K 9 8 4 ♣ J 10 4 hand leads a spade on the ♣ A 9 6 ♥ A J 7 4 first round, but if West ♦ A 4 drops an honour on the ♣ J 10 4 The DVD moves on to more first round you will want to The topics of this DVD will finesses including double be able to get to dummy, so come up over and over again finesses and deep finesses. keep the ♥A back. – on almost every hand you West North East South The second half talks about You win the ♥K and play play, so this makes for valu- 1NT planning and making sure the ♠A. West does indeed able viewing and hopefully Pass 2♥ Pass 2♠ you have the entries re- follow with the queen, so will allow you to make the Pass 3NT Pass 4♠ quired. It also includes you follow the principle of most of your finessing com- All Pass the principle of restricted restricted choice and place binations. ■

Page 44 BRIDGE October 2017 Answers to Bernard Magee’s BERNARD MAGEE’S INTERACTIVE Bidding Quizzes 7-9 TUTORIAL CD on the Cover and page 7 DEFENCE

2♥, and many trump layouts emptive bid from your side, all 7. Dealer North. Love All. will allow you to make at least doubles are for penalties be- ♠ A J 10 6 5 ♠ 3 seven tricks on a trump lead. cause the pre-emptor has de- ♥ 10 9 8 4 3 ♥ J 6 5 scribed his hand so accurately. ♦ Void N ♦ A K 8 7 6 5 MAC or W E ♣ A 7 4 S ♣ 8 3 2 8. Dealer East. Love All. Windows ♠ A 7 6 5 4 3 ♠ 8 9. Dealer North. Love All.

♥ A K 3 ♥ 6 2 ♠ 8 4 N ♠ J 7 6 5 3 N W E ♦ W E ♦ ♥ ♥ West North East South 2 A Q J 9 7 6 5 S A 8 3 2 1♣ 2♦1 Pass S 6 5 3 ♦ K Q J 10 6 ♦ 9 8 Pass Dbl Pass Pass ♣ A 5 2 ♣ 9 4 3 ♣ A K 2 ♣ 7 6 ? 1Weak jump overcall Bernard develops West North East South West North East South your defence in the Redouble. 3♦ Pass 1NT Pass Pass course of ten Your partner made a weak Pass 3♥ Pass Pass ? introductory jump overcall, showing 6-10 ? exercises and 120 points and a six-card diamond 2♦. complete deals. suit. Although you have a void Double. You have a powerful hand l Lead vs in his suit, you had nothing Your partner starts with a weak that has the potential of No-trump ♦ sensible to bid so passed, but 3 which does not fit with your making six easy tricks in a no- Contracts now the bidding has returned hand at all well, but you man- trump contract: add another to you with the contract dou- aged to resist the temptation from your partner and surely l Lead vs bled. to respond. 3NT might make you will get 1NT down. Suit Contracts 2♦ going a few off undou- only four tricks if the diamond This is sound reasoning if l Partner of Leader bled would have been OK, finesse fails. North reopens you are on lead, but unfortu- vs No-trump but now that it is doubled it the auction with 3♥ and that nately it is your partner who Contracts would be great if you could comes back round to you. will be choosing the lead and l Partner of Leader find a better contract. Your patience has been re- he is likely to lead a major vs Suit Contracts This situation is rare, but warded: North was probably suit, which would leave you when you have five-card sup- hoping that his partner had waiting to establish your suit. l Count port for both unbid suits and some strength to help him, but When you are the last play- Signals a void in partner’s suit, it is you have most of the outside er to bid after a 1NT opening l Attitude £76 probably worth asking your strength and should make a and you have a strong suit, Signals partner to rescue you, par- penalty double now. On a bad it will often be right to bid it, l Discarding ticularly as you can still play in day you might make only four as you cannot expect partner either major at the two level. tricks, but most of the time to lead your suit if you pass. l Defensive Plan In an auction like this, the use your partner will contribute at This means that overcalling l Stopping Declarer of the redouble is reserved for least one defensive trick. Re- on a five-card suit can work l Counting precisely that: called an SOS member that 3♥-2 undoubled out all right. Particularly when the Hand redouble, it suggests that ei- will be a victory for North: he you are non-vulnerable, when ther 2♥ or 2♠ are likely to be will lose only 100 compared going one off will result in -50 better than 2♦ doubled. to 3♦+1 = 130. However, by and a better score than 1NT Mr Bridge, Ryden The hope is that partner doubling you transform +100 making by the opposition. Grange, Knaphill, might have three cards in into +300 and a good score. You overcall 2♦ and can Surrey GU21 2TH one of your majors. Here, he On this layout, with a single- make an easy eight tricks. ( 01483 489961 would bid 2♥ and you reach a ton in each hand, you might Meanwhile 1NT will likely www.mrbridge.co.uk/ better contract than 2♦. On a defeat 3♥ by three tricks. make on a spade lead from mrbridge-shop non-trump lead you will make Remember that after a pre- East. ■

BRIDGE October 2017 Page 45 BERNARD Sally Brock Looks at Your Slam Bidding MAGEE’S INTERACTIVE TUTORIAL CD Sally’s ACOL BIDDING Slam Clinic

Where did we go wrong? partner would know whether or not to bid the grand slam. MAC or John Upson sent in this deal that ♣♦♥♠ Windows caused him and his partner problems at their local club. Slam of the month At last, a success story sent in by a ♠ A Q 4 3 ♠ 8 5 2 reader from Eastbourne (who wishes ♥ Q 6 N ♥ A K J 7 5 4 3 to remain anonymous): ♦ A K Q 5 W E ♦ 8 S ♣ A Q 5 ♣ K 6 ♠ A K Q J 10 6 5 ♠ Void ♥ K Q N ♥ A J 7 4 West North East South ♦ A J 9 W E ♦ 10 8 5 2 S Throughout 200 deals split into 2♣ Pass 2♦ Pass ♣ 7 ♣ A K Q 8 5 ten chapters, Bernard evaluates 2NT Pass 6♥ All Pass your bids, praising the correct ones and discussing the wrong I think the first problem came with West North East South ones. East’s initial response. Why not give 2♣ Pass 4NT Pass a 2♥ positive in the first place? This is 5♥ Pass 7NT All Pass l Opening Bids my recommended sequence: and Responses Their auction got the job done, but l Slams and West North East South they thought they could have been a Strong Openings 2♣ Pass 2♥ Pass bit more delicate and suggested: 2NT Pass 3♥ Pass l Support for Partner 4NT Pass 5♥ Pass West North East South l Pre-empting 5NT Pass 6♦ Pass 2♣ Pass 3♣ Pass 7♥ All Pass 3♠ Pass 4NT Pass l Overcalls £66 5♣ Pass 5NT Pass l No-trump By the time East bids 3♥ he has shown 7NT All Pass Openings a good six-card suit. West uses RKCB and Responses and after the two-‘ace’ response It is so unusual for East to have quite ♣ l Opener’s and can count six hearts (at least), three such a good hand facing a 2 opening Responder’s Rebids diamonds and two aces, with a choice that it is difficult to know how to of two finesses for the twelfth trick if handle it. Although I can’t say I like l Minors and Misfits partner has nothing else helpful at all. East’s 4NT bid, it’s hard to suggest l Doubles When East also shows a king, West anything better. East’s sequence of can count thirteen tricks. bids shows a very good hand and tells l Competitive Auctions What went wrong here was that East West that all the key cards are present was focused on trying to find out if (one of the best uses of 5NT), so West, partner had enough for a grand slam, with all his spade tricks, can bid the Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, when he should have been thinking grand slam in preference to showing Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH about describing his hand so that how many kings he has. ■ ( 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop Send your slam hands to [email protected]

Page 46 BRIDGE October 2017 Answers to Bernard Magee’s Bidding Quizzes 10-12 on the Cover and page 7

the money. Your opponents have done 10. Dealer East. E/W Game. well to sacrifice, but you have avoided 12. Dealer South. N/S Game. ♠ 4 2 ♠ 7 6 the mistake of bidding to 5♥ and going ♠ K 10 8 7 6 5 ♠ Q J 4 ♥ K Q 3 N ♥ A J 10 8 7 6 off. You settle for +100 or +300 from 4♠ ♥ 4 3 2 N ♥ 5 ♦ 7 6 5 W E ♦ A K 3 doubled. ♦ Void W E ♦ 9 8 7 6 5 4 S S ♣ K Q J 6 5 ♣ 8 4 ♣ A 6 5 4 ♣ 8 7 2

West North East South 11. Dealer North. N/S Game. West North East South 1♥ 1♠ ♠ 4 3 2 ♠ 6 1♦ 2♣ 2♠ 3♥ 3♠ ♥ A 7 6 N ♥ K Q J 9 8 5 2 1♠ 2♥ 2♠ 3♥ 4♥ 4♠ Pass Pass ♦ A 8 7 6 4 W E ♦ J 2 3♠ 6♥ Pass Pass S ? ♣ 7 6 ♣ 9 3 2 ?

Double. Double. Long auctions are difficult to follow and West North East South A sedate auction has been rather the five-level is so difficult to judge, 1♣ 3♥ Dbl accelerated by North’s leap to slam. He which makes your decision tricky. First of 4♥ 4♠ Pass Pass seems pretty confident and very often such all, note the vulnerability: your game is ? leaps are based on a void in your suit, worth 600+ because you are vulnerable. when a call of Blackwood might not help With a good heart fit, you would certainly 5♥. him. If they make 6♥ at this vulnerability have hoped to bring home 620 points Another five-level decision, but this time they score 1430 points, which means you for 4♥, so it looks as if your opponents you are on the other side of the equation could contemplate a sacrifice: six off in are trying to steal it from you. They have – you have to decide whether to make a 6♠ would be just -1400 and would be good reason to do this because going sacrifice bid or not? a good save. With a fit in spades you down non-vulnerable in their fit is likely Do you expect the opponents to be would expect to make at least six tricks, to give them a good profit. able to make 4♠ and can you make but probably a few more so you could As a partnership it is your job to decide enough tricks in 5♥ to make a profit if make a profit this way. whether to double 4♠ or to bid on to they can? However, the idea of a sacrifice is a red 5♥. Bearing this in mind, your partner’s The vulnerability is once again key: this herring on this hand because with your pass carries a meaning: he is happy for time it is N/S vulnerable, which means partner on lead you can see that 6♥ can you to go on to 5♥ if you have a little their game is worth 620 points and you be defeated if your partner makes the distribution, but he is also happy if you can afford three off doubled (-500). right lead. double. Your partner is likely to have seven A double of a freely bid slam is As a rule, there are two good reasons hearts and, at most, one high card something that comes up in newspaper to bid on to the five-level: you have a outside the suit for his pre-emptive articles quite frequently – it is called a double fit between you or you have extra overcall. You might make one heart trick Lightner Double and it asks your partner distribution. So often the result depends and the ace of diamonds and partner to find an unusual lead. Generally, the on your holding in the opponents’ suit might supply one more trick, but three double suggests that you have a void – if one of you has a singleton, then a tricks looks to be the limit, which would somewhere and if your partner can find five-level contract might be makeable, suggest 4♠ is making. In 5♥ to make a the right suit, then you will make the first but if neither of you have that extra bit profit you need eight tricks: seven hearts two tricks: here, a ruff and the ♣A. of distribution then you are likely to have and the ♦A is surely the bare minimum Holding six diamonds and with South two spade losers and another outside, you will make, so you should go for it. having opened 1♦, your partner should which means you should double. 5♥ will probably be doubled, but you manage to find the right lead of a You do not have a singleton spade have only four losers, so two off will be diamond and you do indeed take the and your partner’s pass over 4♠ would just a loss of 300 points compared to the slam down. Without your double, East suggest the same, so double and take 650 they could make in spades. would have led the ♠Q. ■

BRIDGE October 2017 Page 47 Seven Days by Sally Brock

Prologue (smaller than the Little Bald Lake). We at all, and at the end of the first set we are royally entertained. We kayak and are 30 or so down. The second set is Having just one full day at home after swim in the lake, and play a lot of fun much better and we lose only a few Slovakia before leaving for Canada, I bridge. On the Saturday Simon drives more. After the dinner break things had been careful with my packing so us back to Toronto where we check in go downhill again, so we are some that I did not need to do any washing to the Delta Hotel. Sunday is a free day 70 down with 15 boards to play. We and more or less packed in advance. and we meet with Danny Davies and couldn’t have hoped for a better set Our flight to Toronto is from Gatwick, his family for brunch. Danny was a of boards and we have a pretty good leaving at 13.15, or so I think. I catch world junior champion in 1995 when card. Unfortunately our pair in the a prearranged overground train from Raymond captained the team in Bali, other room are not so successful in Kensington Olympia to Clapham and has been a good friend for a long their chasing of rainbows so most of Junction, Barry having got on the time. He moved to Toronto with his our good boards are cancelled out. same train at Shepherds Bush so we family about five years ago and it is How many times have you jumped are now travelling together. On the good to see them all again. The bad to the six level to show a void and make shuttle from Gatwick station to the news today is that Gerry is ill – having a grand slam try? I haven’t done it often terminal itself, I get out the print-out caught some unpleasant virus – and either, but I did it twice in this set. of my reservation and read the small does not expect to be able to play with print. It says that our flight time has us for the next couple of days at least. changed from 13.15 to 10.55. Whoops! Dealer South. E/W Vul. It is now about 11am. After a minimal ♠ J 4 amount of fuss (we also discover we Monday ♥ Q 7 6 5 4 3 need to fill in a visa waiver which we This is the start of the bridge for us – ♦ J 4 hadn’t known about) we are rerouted round one of the Spingold. The first ♣ 9 8 6 via Calgary. Although this means we day is spent getting the teams down ♠ A 9 7 6 2 ♠ K Q 10 5 3 are several more hours in the air and to the right number to proceed to the ♥ A 2 N ♥ Void W E ♦ ♦ so go a long way beyond Toronto, it knock-out stages. We are drawn in a 10 S A K 9 8 6 is an impressive effort by the airline foursome. If we win our first 30-board ♣ K J 7 5 2 ♣ Q 10 4 who do not charge us anything for match then we are through to the ♠ 8 the rerouting (indeed I hadn’t paid following day immediately, while if we ♥ K J 10 9 8 for any hold baggage and they don’t lose we get to play the loser of the other ♦ Q 7 5 3 2 charge us), and get us on a plane at match in our foursome, with another ♣ A 3 13.15, so we are only about six hours chance to proceed to round two. In late in Toronto. We had had a dinner the event, we win our first match easily date but that is a movable feast so no enough, though we are a few down at West North East South real harm is done – indeed we have the the halfway stage. This gives us the 1♥ opportunity to consume an excellent rest of the day off, so we can have a 2♥ 4♥ 6♥ Dbl Calgary steak at the airport there. leisurely dinner with a drink or two. Rdbl Pass 6♠ 7♥ We have come to Toronto to play Dbl All Pass in the US Nationals, in particular the Spingold, one of the great US Tuesday What an amazing hand I (East) knock-out teams events. The team is This is a big day for us. We have have after partner makes a Michaels Barry and me, Richard (of Richard drawn the highly fancied Lavazza cue-bid, showing 5-5 in spades and and Gerry fame) and Simon, Gerry team, arguably the best team in a minor. Partner knows his ♥A is (of Richard and Gerry fame) and his the competition. We have no great wasted and so is not interested in a young partner Daniel. But first Simon expectations but are looking forward grand slam. Unfortunately, in the drives us to Gerry’s lakeside ‘cottage’ to the experience, and hope to acquit other room team-mates do not find near Peterborough where we are to ourselves satisfactorily. Barry and I do the sacrifice, so we lose points on the spend a few days. This is a fabulous not have a very good first set. There is board. spot – right on the Big Bald Lake nothing terrible but no plus positions Then, later, this deal crops up:

Page 48 BRIDGE October 2017 most of Toronto Island is now a nature other room. Today goes really well Dealer West. N/S Vul. reserve and people are not allowed. and we win the event quite comfort- ♠ J 7 A nice way to pass the time. In the ably without losing a match. Perhaps ♥ A 10 9 7 3 evening we meet up with Richard and the standard isn’t as good as yesterday ♦ J 7 Simon for dinner. but we seem like a different team. This ♣ 9 8 6 3 is an instructive 3NT contract: ♠ K 6 5 4 ♠ A Q 10 9 2 ♥ J 4 N ♥ Void Thursday W E ♦ A Q 5 3 ♦ K 10 6 4 2 Dealer South. Love All. S In the morning we hang about – the ♣ 10 4 2 ♣ A K J weather isn’t good so I get some work ♠ A 5 4 ♠ 8 3 done. In the afternoon we go out to ♥ K 10 9 4 ♥ K Q 8 6 5 2 Gerry’s house. He has recovered to ♦ 5 ♦ 9 8 some degree but is not well enough to ♣ A Q 9 8 4 ♣ Q 7 5 ♠ 10 8 6 ♠ 9 7 2 come to the city to play. All five of us N go to his place and play casual bridge ♥ 7 6 5 3 W E ♥ A J in his garden. Daniel also brings his ♦ K Q 9 4 S ♦ J 10 8 7 West North East South dog – a labradoodle called Happy – ♣ J 6 ♣ 10 7 3 2 Pass Pass 1♠ Pass and leaves him with Gerry while we ♠ K Q J 3 2NT Pass 3♦ Pass go out for dinner. ♥ Q 8 2 4♠ Pass 5♣ Pass ♦ A 6 3 2 5♦ Pass 6♥ Pass ♣ K 5 7♦ Pass 7♠ All Pass Friday Time to start playing bridge again. This time we have an uninterrupted Today is the qualifying round for the At our table, playing a weak no-trump auction. Partner’s 2NT response shows Open Swiss Teams. For some reason and five-card majors, I (South) open a maximum pass with four-card spade this goes extraordinarily badly at both 1♦, partner responds 2♣ and raises my support, and my 3♦ is natural – at that tables. Whatever anyone does, we 2NT rebid directly to 3NT. West leads stage perhaps just a game try. Partner’s don’t seem able to win a match. The a heart, giving me eleven tricks, and a jump to 4♠ guarantees third-round only match we do win is when Barry careless club discard results in twelve. diamond control (either the ♦Q or a and I sit out. In fact, at one stage we In the other room, South opens doubleton). When I go on with 5♣, think we must have finished bottom 1NT (15–17) and North uses Stayman partner cue-bids the ♦A so I know of the whole field because in the last before bidding 3NT. This sequence he either has the ace and queen or round we play in a triangle, and lose makes it much more attractive for West possibly ace-doubleton. When I show that too. However, it turns out that we to lead a diamond and that is what he a void heart partner knows that all his are not quite that bad – there are half a does. Declarer ducks two diamonds, cards are working and bids 7♦ in case dozen or so teams below us. wins the third and sets about clubs. I have only four diamonds. I know This has been a worrying day for When the suit fails to break, declarer that spades has to be at least as good as me because Briony has not been well. forlornly tries a heart but East can see diamonds and correct to the higher- For a few weeks now she has been five defensive tricks and the contract scoring slam – worth 2 IMPs when getting very tired, and finally she goes one down. We discuss the deal they bid 7♦ in the other room. felt so dreadful that she took herself later and try to work out whether or Still we thoroughly enjoy our match. to the A&E department of Charing not we think declarer was unlucky Barry and I spend most of it playing Cross Hospital. They think she has or misplayed it. We come to the con- against Agustin Madala and Alejandro meningitis, but it takes a while to clusion that she should have ducked Bianchedi who are both charming establish that she has the viral variety three rounds of diamonds, discarding opponents. I think we all feel that we (for which the treatment is lots of rest, hearts. When she finds out that dia- would like to have played the match as well as pain killers and antibiotics) monds are 4-4 it is easy to knock out again and given them a better contest. rather than the more dangerous the ♥A and make nine tricks. bacterial variety. While they are giving Briony is feeling a little better, and her the tests needed to establish this is now established at home (with Toby Wednesday they decide to keep her in overnight. visiting) in my flat. Unfortunately she We decide to spend the day sightseeing, is supposed to be going on holiday to starting by going up the CNN Tower – Greece first thing in the morning, and with the expected amazing views, once Saturday that is clearly not going to happen. we had got past the queues (or should I Another Swiss teams. After yesterday’s say lines?). That takes a while, and the débacle we decide to change partner- coffee at the top is probably the most ships. Daniel has gone off to play with Sunday disgusting I have ever had. Then we go some other guys, so today I play with Today we play in what is called the back down and take a harbour cruise – Richard, with Simon and Barry in the Daylight Swiss. Generally the

BRIDGE October 2017 Page 49 bridge starts at 1pm, with a dinner ter a late start, we go for a drive to the break from about 5.30 to 7.30. Not Dealer East. Love All. most southern point of Canada – more ideal for those of us who like to have ♠ A 6 southerly than certain parts of the a nice dinner with a glass or two of ♥ K 4 USA. After lunch in a winery, we go wine. Today that wouldn’t do in any ♦ 10 9 5 2 back to their place for a bit of chilling event because Simon and Richard are ♣ A K Q 8 2 before an excellent steak dinner. flying out in the evening. So we play ♠ 2 ♠ 9 7 5 4 3 The next day we drive slowly (again earlier, starting at 10am and the bridge ♥ A Q J 8 2 N ♥ 6 5 getting lost – we have found Canada W E is finished by 5.30pm. We finish above ♦ A Q J 7 4 S ♦ 8 6 the worst place we have ever been for average but without distinction. ♣ 7 6 ♣ 10 9 5 4 helpful road signs, but possibly the I have a Canadian friend, Diana, ♠ K Q J 10 8 most obliging people when we need to whom I haven’t seen for a long ♥ 10 9 7 3 ask directions). Later than intended, time, and she has been in the wars ♦ K 3 we reach our extremely upmarket – oesophageal cancer, and she can’t ♣ J 3 B&B in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Rather talk. She is coming to Toronto to curiously it is owned and run single- have dinner with friends so we get a handed by Evgeny, a 20-something chance to meet up with her for a drink West North East South Muscovite who is at university in beforehand. She is looking great and Pass Pass Ottawa. We have a fabulous room it is so good to see her. Apparently 1♥ 2♣ Pass 2♠ in this 100-year-old house, right by she should get her voice back if she 3♦ Dbl Pass 4♠ the lakeshore. The following day we does what she is told (which she hasn’t All Pass drive to Niagara Falls – every bit as been doing so far). Also in the group impressive as all the movies and photos is Sami Kehela, possibly the most This makes eleven tricks and the scope have led you believe. We take a trip on famous/best Canadian bridge player for Diamond to win more than the the Hornblower (the Canadian version of all time, and Bob Hamman, possibly odd IMP seems unlikely, but … of the Maid of the Mist), then have the most famous/best American lunch high up overlooking the Falls bridge player of all time, so we are in West North East South (and still get a bit wet despite being good company. Pass Pass 200 yards or so away). After lunch we After dinner – rather blissfully on 1♥ 1NT Pass 2♥ walk the boardwalk overlooking the our own, after all this sociability – we 3♦ Pass Pass Dbl rapids, and then back to the B&B for a go to Lynn’s suite to help her consume Pass Pass 3♥ Dbl quick snooze before dinner. some extremely good red wine and All Pass Briony has been hoping to be well watch the end of the Spingold. Lynn enough to go to Greece for the second is captain of the team Fiona and I Lindqvist’s 1NT overcall works rather week of her booked holiday. However, are going to play with both in the better as South knows that North is it is important that she gets well enough world championships next year, and balanced. South can double 3♦ to show to go to New Zealand on August 20th. also in the US Spring Nationals in the balance of points and now North/ We talk about it on the phone, as she Philadelphia in March. South are well placed to take a penalty. is feeling much better. I suggest she The final is between Diamond and 500 would not have been enough, but goes on a little excursion – a walk to Lavazza. As we had lost to Lavazza, we the defence is perfect and they get the Westfield from my flat (less than a are rather hoping that they win – then 800 to which they are entitled. That is mile) to buy some odds and ends. It we could argue that we are the second- 8 IMPs to Diamond, and a win by 5 completely exhausts her and we decide best team in the competition. It is very IMPs. that in the interests of making sure she exciting … This is the last day of the US Summer is well enough to go to New Zealand, The match has been close to the Nationals, and the end of my day by she shouldn’t go to Greece. Very sad for halfway stage with Diamond leading day narrative, however … her as she had been looking forward to by 12, but in the third set Lavazza the holiday so much. put their feet on the accelerators and The following morning we visit gained 53, so they were 41 up with 15 Epilogue Fort George and walk around town boards to go. In the final set Diamond This is not the end of our trip to Can- before lunch at a winery, and an hour retaliate and with one board to go ada. The following morning we hire a and a half’s drive to the airport where Lavazza are just 3 IMPs ahead. This is car and set off on the long drive across we surrender the hire car (a rather the final deal (hand in next column). the top of Lake Erie to Kingsville, and classy Cadillac). I managed to leave The tables are playing at much the the home of our friends JC and Katie. all my jewellery in our hotel room same rate so we are flicking from one We get a bit lost and arrive later than in Toronto, so after checking in and table to another. intended at about 6pm. Their home is leaving our luggage, we take the Up When Bilde/Duboin are North/ fabulous and they cook us an excel- Express back to the city to pick that South, they seem to get a decent lent Chinese meal, washed down with up before returning to catch our flight enough result: plenty of wine. The following day, af- back to Gatwick. ■

Page 50 BRIDGE October 2017