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DEC_09_EB_p01 Front Cover:EB_Layout 3 11/11/2009 19:04 Page 1

December 2009 English Bridge Issue No. 226

The EBU members’ magazine

Zia Mahmood, 2009 World Champion and author of our Christmas Quiz (see page 5), photographed at the prestigious Lederer Trophy (see page 50)

Inside: News, Views, Instruction, Reports & Fun! Dec09 _adverts-paginated-02:EB_Layout 3 13/11/2009 18:04 Page 2

Overseas and UK Bridge Breaks All overseas prices include flights unless otherwise stated. All prices guaranteed against currency fluctuations.

Sun 7th - Wed 10th, 3 nights £219 Fri 7th - Mon 10th 3 nights £199 XMAS & NEW YEAR 4*Mollington Hotel Chester. Beverley Arms, Beverley. 9th & 23rd March 14 nights 13 May 14 nights £899 all inclusive 24th Dec, 3 nts £299 Full from ONLY £529 ALL INCLUSIVE 4*Creta Panorama, Crete. The Whitehall, Broxted, Essex . 5* Atlantis Hotel, Belek, Turkey. Fri 14th - Mon 17th 3 nights £199 The Whitehall Sun 14th - Fri 19th, 5 nights £249 Holiday Inn, Ironbridge. The Whitehall, Bournemouth. 17 May 14 nights £599 all inclusive Mon 15th - Fri 19th, 4 nights £299 Ersan Resort, Bodrum, Turkey. The Belsfiel d, Bowness -on -Windermer e. 21/22nd May 14 nights £499 5* Hotel Marina Grand, Golden Bowness on Windermere Sands, Bulgaria. No single supplement. Sun 23rd - Wed 27th 4 nights £199 4* Dunkenhalgh and Spa, Lancs. 24th & 29th Dec, 4 or 9 nts £349/£699 Holiday Inn, Ironbridg e/Telford. Thur 27th - Mon 31st 4 nights £199 4*Brandon Hall & Spa, Warwickshire. 24th & 29th Dec, 4 or 9 nts £399/£749 Three Counties, Hereford . Mon 31st - Thur 3rd May 3 nts £199 New Bath Hotel, Matlock Bath. 20th Dec, 14 nts £938 5* Fame Residence, near Antalya. 21st March 14 nights ONLY £599 JUNE 2010 4* Avanti Hotel, Paphos. Sat 5th - Fri 11th 6 nights £299 21st Dec, 14 nts £1179 All inclusive Croyde Bay Holiday Village . 5* Taba Hilton, Red Sea, Egypt. Sun 28th-31st, 3 nights £215 The Chadwick, Lytham St Annes. Sun 13th - Fri 18th 5 nights £279 Whitehall, Bournemouth. APRIL 2010 JANUARY 2010 Fri 25th - Mon 28th 3 nights £215 Fri 2nd - Mon 5th (Easter) 3 nts £199 3rd Jan -14th Feb, 7, 14, 35 & 42 nts Chadwick, Lytham St Annes. Kingston Lodg e, Kingston on Thame s. 5* El Mouradi Palace, Port El Kantaoui. Sun 27th - Wed 30th 3 nights £199 35 nts only £699, 42 nts only £849 Fri 2nd - Mon 5th (Easter) 3 nts £239 Whitehall Dunmow, Essex. 13th Jan 14 nights £799 Three Counties, Hereford. 5* Sonesta St George, Luxor, Egypt. Sun 11th - Thur 15th 4 nights £329 Sun 27th - Wed 30th 3 nights £199 Bank House Golf & Country, Worcs. Sun 24th - Fri 29th, 5 nights £199 Harrington Hall, Dublin. Prince of Wales, Southport . Sun 18th - Wed 21st 3 nights £199 JULY 2010 26th Jan, 7- 42 nights from £484 The Whipper-In Hotel, Oakham. Andalusian river cruise 5* Fame Residence nr Antalya. Mon 19th - Sat 24th 5 nights £279 29th Jan 14 nights £729 Westhill Country Hotel, Jersey. 4* Paradise Park, Los Cristianos. Sun 25th - Fri 30th 5 nights £249 FEBRUARY 2010 The Whitehall, Bournemouth. 9th & 23rd Feb, 7 - 28 nights El Mouradi Palace 5* Fame Residence nr Antalya. Sun 14th - Fri 19th, 5 nights £199 Esplanade, Llandudno. 4th July 7 nights £599 plus flight MARCH 2010 4 * Ramada Park Hotel, Geneva. 1st & 2nd March 14 nights 17th July 5 nights £299 B&B plus flight 5* Taba Hilton, Red Sea, Egypt 4* Marques del Nervion, Seville. ONLY £849 ALL INCLUSIVE Combine with river cruise 12 nts £1298. Visit Jerusalem, Petra and Eilat. 22nd July 7 nights £999 Full board plus flight Taba Heights 25 April 14 nights only £385 4* River Cruise, Andalusia. 5* El Mourad i Palace , Port el Kantaou i. Mon 26th - Fri 30th 4 nights £299 SEPTEMBER 2010 4* Royal Terrace, Edinburgh. Almeria, Slovenia, Elba, Kos, Bulgaria, Marmaris, Dublin, Jersey. MAY 2010 Sun 2nd - Wed 5th 3 nights £219 OCTOBER 2010 4* Mollington, Chester. Bodrum, Dubrovnik and Corfu.

T7028 Bridge Overseas Ltd 16 – 18 Mary Street, Porthcawl CF36 3YA GIVEN Prices quoted on overseas holidays are for half board, flights & transfers unless otherwise stated. The only addition is the bridge fee. Bridge is FREEPHONE: 0800 0346 246 licensed by the EBU - masterpoints, trophies, vouchers and/or prizes. Retail agents for Balkan atol 252, or tel: 01656 773178 www.bridgeoverseas.co.uk Thomas Cook Holidays atol 1368 & Thomsons atol 2524. DEC_09_EB_p03 Editorial:EB_Layout 3 11/11/2009 19:05 Page 3

English Bridge Chairman’s Report © All rights reserved Presented at the Union’s AGM on 7th October 2009 ENGLISH BRIDGE is published every two months by the Sally Bugden, Chairman Broadfields, Bicester Road, Aylesbury HP19 8AZ ( 01296 317200 Fax: 01296 317220 [email protected] I HAVE reported on our business activities part nership and teams, and through helping Web site: www.ebu.co.uk and updated our strategy plan at the last older people retain good brain health ______meeting of the Shareholders in June and, as through the rigour of a mental workout Editor: Elena Jeronimidis promised, to the membership in the August while socialising – some thing that has a huge 23 Erleigh Road, Reading RG1 5LR issue of English Bridge. bearing on fighting dementia and maintaining ( 0118 926 2602 Those activities aside, I would like to a healthy outlook. This has introduced [email protected] con centrate on three areas that have defined us to some notable champions of duplicate Editorial Board my first year as Chairman – international bridge, including Baroness Ruth Henig, who Sally Bugden (Chairman), Jeremy Dhondy and Elena Jeronimidis success on the world stage, national parlia - was the driving force in setting up our mentary activity and the continuing chal - All Party Parliamentary Group for the ______lenge of change. development of , and Ron Advertising Manager Millet, an EBU member from Leeds, who has Harpreet Gill at Loud Group International Success done some sterling work to identify funding Unit 90, Milton Park, Abingdon OX14 4RY ( 01235 834277 fax: 01235 820338 for some robust research on bridge and its [email protected] For the first time in many years, we have had effects on dementia. ______supreme success in world international events, with our Women winning Gold at the The continuing challenge Printing: St Ives (Andover) plc in Beijing in of change October 2008, our Under 21s and Open teams winning Silver at the same event, and Our work to deliver universal membership INSIDE GUIDE our Seniors win ning the 39th World Bridge for the Union has continued unabated. Champion ships D’Orsi Seniors Bowl for We have moved forward to ensure that Christmas Quiz 5 n the first time in England’s history. Congra - our organisation can shake off the shackles Duplicate pairs tips 7 n tu lation to all the players, coaches, captains of the past and make itself fit for purpose Bridge fiction 9 n and squad managers who helped us achieve within its new philosophy of being acces - World Seniors Championship 11 n this global greatness. And congratulations to sible to, and representative of, all duplicate Director, please! 13 n our Selection Com mittee and our Youth bridge players. We have had to work incre - Bidding quiz answers 14-15 n Committee who iden tified those who should dibly hard to ensure that our message of and 17 n take part. support and development for clubs is Heather’s hints 19 n However, what this also demonstrated was heard at every possible oppor tunity. We do Women’s Teams 20 n that there is no interest in international not have vast amounts of money to spend Ask Jeremy 21 n bridge success at national media level. on a national advertising campaign; we are Useful conventions 23 n We are indebted to James Mates who, de pend ent on our publications, our web - Book reviews 24-25 n single-handed, promoted us on News at Ten, site and our individual communi cations Letters to the editor 27-28 n ITV 1. But we have an enormous task ahead with clubs. It is imperative, there fore, that Bidding quiz test hands 29 n of us: we have to identify ways, means and all our share holders help us by ensuring EBU news and diary 31-33 n personalities that will appeal to all levels of that the correct information is given to The Benji 2 t Opening 34-35 n media. their affil iated clubs and members, and work with us to make sure that this Club bidding quiz test hands 35 n National Parliamentary Activity democratically decid ed policy is delivered Bridge in Andalucia 36 n for the benefit of all. r Really Easy Bridge 37 n Something that may help us achieve part The debate 38-39 n of this aim is that, for the first time ever, Sally concluded by thanking, both on behalf Competitive Bidding 40-41 n duplicate bridge has a presence at national of the EBU as well as personally, several Caption Competition 41 n parliamen tary level. We chose to highlight com panies and individuals for their help and Prize play quiz (problem & answer) 42 n the benefits that learning duplicate bridge support. Their names can be seen in the Standard English 43 n can bring to society through helping young minutes of the AGM on the EBU website, Around and about 44 n people learn maths, logic, working in www.ebu.co.uk . Obituary 45 Club bidding quiz answers 45 n County news 46-53 n ARTICLES IN ENGLISH BRIDGE ARE COLOUR CODED A day in the life and Top Tip 54 n Instruction EBU News Features On-line Bridge Reports Front cover photo: Gordon Rainsford n n n n n

www.ebu.co.uk December 2009 English Bridge 3 Dec09 _adverts-paginated-02:EB_Layout 3 13/11/2009 15:23 Page 4

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Bridge Cruise to the Canaries with Paul Hackett Departs 3rd May 2010 from Dover Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has teamed up with SGD $MFKHRG !QHCFD 4MHNM SN NƤDQ @M $!4 R@MBSHNMDC AQHCFD SNTQM@LDMS NM AN@QC Balmoral. Daily Express bridge correspondent, Paul Hackett will host, giving talks and comments on each day’s play. There’ll be opportunities for both experienced and novice players to join tournaments, over six days (of this 12 night cruise). It all takes place on a glorious venture to the Canaries with visits to the islands of Madeira (the garden of the Atlantic), La Palma, Tenerife and Gran Canaria stopping at historic Lisbon on the way home. Prices start from just £1,149pp, including to the tournament, leisure facilities, entertainment and all meals.

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Prices based on two sharing an inside twin cabin, subject to availability, inclusive of £100 per person for entry to the bridge tournament. Terms and Conditions apply. E&OE.

4 English Bridge December 2009 www.ebu.co.uk DEC_09_EB_p05 Zia_quiz:EB_Layout 3 11/11/2009 19:07 Page 5

2009 Christmas Z I

Competition U Q

S

We are delighted that this year’s Quizmaster is Zia Mahmood, crowned World Champion at A the September 2009 Bermuda Bowl in Brazil (and just promoted to County Master since he joined the EBU a few months ago!). Entries must reach the Editor (23 Erleigh Road, Reading M

RG1 5LR or e-mail [email protected]) not later than 5th January 2010. The first correct entry X out of a hat will win a luxury Pellissier card table; bridge books will be sent to second and Zia Mahmood third. Solutions and winners’ names will be published in the February 2010 issue .

All problems are at IMP scoring with 4. ´ K109 ™ 64 t 10732 ® KQ83 8. ´ A76432 ™ A t 843 ® A63 both sides vulnerable. You and your partner play Standard English, and West North East South West North East South unless otherwise stated, so do your 1™ 2t Pass 1´ opponents. Pass Dble Pass ? Pass 2™ Pass 2´ What would you call as South on each Pass 3t Pass ? of the hands below in the given auction? What call do you make? (a) 3 ®; (b) 2 ™; (c) Pass. What call do you make? (a) 3NT; (b) 3 ´; (c) 3 ™. 1. ´ KQ9864 ™ AJ10 t Q986 ® ______West North East South 1NT 2´ 5. ´ AKJ5 ™ 10842 t KQ ® K63 3´*4´ 5t ? 9. ´ KQ6 ™ 742 t A97 ® 10643 * Length in both minors, shortage in West North East South spades 2™*? West North East South * Weak 3™ Dble Pass ? What call do you make? (a) 5 ´; (b) Double; (c) Pass. What call do you make? (a) 2NT; (b) 2 ´; What call do you make? (a) 4 ® (b) 3 ´; (c) Pass. (c) Pass. ______

2. ´ J65 ™ AKQJ7 t Q10 ® Q74 6. ´ K5 ™ AJ10632 t 4 ® Q932 10. ´ KJ965 ™ Q108742 t A ® 3 West North East South 1™ West North East South West North East South Pass 1´ Pass ? 1t Pass 1™ ? 1´ 2® 2´ ? What call do you make? (a) 2 ´; (b) 2 ™; What call do you make? (a) 1 ´; (b) 1 ™; (c) 1NT. What call do you make? (a) 4 ®; (b) 3 ™; (c) Pass. r (c) 3 ®. ______

3. ´ AJ654 ™ K3 t 5 ® KQJ74 7. ´ AQ1073 ™ Q10865 t J3 ® 4 West North East South 1® West North East South Pass 1™ Pass 1´ 1t Pass 1´ Pass 2™ Pass ? Pass 2® Pass ?

What call do you make? (a) 3 ™; (b) 2 ´; What call do you make? (a) 2NT; (b) 2 ™; from all at the EBU (c) Pass. (c) 2 t.

www.ebu.co.uk December 2009 English Bridge 5 Dec09 _adverts-paginated-02:EB_Layout 3 13/11/2009 15:24 Page 6

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6 English Bridge October 2009 www.ebu.co.uk DEC_09_EB_p07 Robson +Dinah:EB_Layout 3 11/11/2009 19:08 Page 7

The Two-minute Interview Assume you can

score match- S C

Dinah Stocken points on the I board, then draw T C

the necessary A T conclusions from S

that assumption . R I

SAY you are playing and A you have made a frisky bid, but been caught P speeding. You are headed for a big penalty Dinah Stocken was called to the Bar in – really big. You must really concentrate 1967 and, after a short time as a solicitor, on losing, say, 1100 rather than 1400; was appointed a District Judge in 1989 2 and a Recorder in 1994. At that time those 300 points can make the difference Hardly obvious, although not unreason - there were only seven other women at between a taxi home or a night bus. At able with such poor defence and a pre - her level of judge out of a total of about pairs you do not have to worry. You have a sumed nine-card fit. two hundred and fifty. Dinah is married bottom – a round zero – whether you lose to former EBU Chairman Peter Stocken 1100 or 1400. Play quickly and move on to It is a fair bet that few Norths will look and they have three sons, who are all suc - the next board (where you can recover all beyond their 2-point hand and counte - cessful bridge teachers, and a daughter the points by grinding out an overtrick in nance bidding 4 ´ over 4 ™. Most North- who now only plays very occasionally. everybody’s 1NT). Souths will be defend ing 4 ™. At pairs things only matter when you can Why am I mentioning this when you have How did you start playing bridge? do better than other pairs holding your to play 4 ´ – what possible significance My aunt, Alice Bridgewater, was a very cards – it’s all relative. Unless it is clear that could the play in 4 ™ have to your declarer- good county player, but did not want to you cannot do better (as above), then you play of 4 ´? The answer is: a lot! teach me from the start and so I learnt at must assume that you can. If that will only West leads a heart to East’s ace and East Trinity College, Dublin, where I met Peter: be possible if such and such a layout exists, switches to a . Over to you. The point some would say that we played too much then you must play for that layout. is this: if 4 ™ is going down, you have a near- to the detriment of our studies! My aunt On our featured deal South had to bottom whatever you do, whether you go then continued the teaching process. assume he could still score match-points – down two or down three. You must as su me How often do you play? then draw the necessary conclusions from 4™ is making. In that case other North- Sadly I play competitively no more than that assumption. South pairs will be -620 holding your cards. four or five times a year with occasional You can still salvage a decent score if you forays on-line and I do some bridge teach - can lose fewer points – i.e. go down two. You ing for my eldest son, Jack. I am looking Game All. Dealer South. will need to avoid a trump loser and the forward to retirement in 18 months’ time, ´ 9 7 3 crux is: should you or drop? when I hope to play more often. ™ 6 Finesse! If spades split 2-2, you can see What does bridge mean to you? t J 8 6 2 that 4 ™ will fail – losing two spades and I love the intellectual challenge and of ® J 9 8 6 5 two trumps (you know your ™K-Q are course it is immensely satisfying when ´ 6 ´ Q 5 4 both going to score, as they are sitting over you get it right – rather like golf, which is ™ J 7 5 3 N ™ A 10 9 4 2 the ace of hearts). You need to hope spades W E another hobby and which I also look for - t A Q 9 5 4 S t K 10 are 3-1. Win East’s trump return with the ward to playing more of later. Apart ® Q 10 7 ® A K 4 ace of spades (West’s singleton could be from that, I am an avid reader and a ´ A K J 10 8 2 the queen). When West follows low, a garden-potterer with my Ipod. ™ K Q 8 good heart, then finesse the spade jack. If you could change one thing about t 7 3 Bingo – West discards. You cash the spade bridge, what would it be? ® 3 2 king felling the spade queen and get out I am glad to see that the EBU is clamping for -500, better than -620. down on bad behaviour at the table and I Note that if you had lost a second-round hope it will continue to do so. West North East South trump finesse to West’s doubleton queen Name up to four people you would 1´ and gone for -800 instead of -500, you invite to your Dream Dinner Party. Pass Pass 2™1 2´ would have little cause for regret as -800 2 Jane Austen, F. E. Smith, Elizabeth David 4™ 4´ Dble All Pass and -500 would give you the same near- and Terry Wogan. 1 East is a tad strong for a protective 1NT, bottom (with most other North-Souths although some would double. going plus defending 4 ™). r

www.ebu.co.uk December 2009 English Bridge 7 Dec09 _adverts-paginated-02:EB_Layout 3 13/11/2009 15:25 Page 8

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8 English Bridge October 2009 www.ebu.co.uk DEC_09_EB_p09 Matron:EB_Layout 3 11/11/2009 19:10 Page 9

Bridge at Cholmeley School N O I T C I F

Stefan Götel’s E G D I R unusual contract B

THE Headmaster eased himself into the able 3 ´ and the Matron doubled for take- West seat, finding it none too comfortable, out. Expecting his partner to hold at least ´ — and turned to survey the young German four cards in the other major, Stefan Götel ™ — master, Stefan Götel. Did he ever allow the opted for the ten-trick game in hearts. t 5 Matron to play a hand? It may be how they There was no further bidding and the ® K 6 2 conducted themselves in Germany, with the Head master led the king of spades. ´ Q 10 9 8 ´ —

stronger player grabbing all the contracts. It ‘I had an awkward bid,’ explained the ™ — N ™ Q was not the British way and never had been. Matron, arranging the dummy as attrac - t — W E t — S The Matron leaned forward. ‘You’ll be tively as possible. ‘I should hold four ® — ® Q 10 9 interested to hear, Headmaster, that Stefan hearts for my double, I realise, but I didn’t ´ — is going back home for Christmas.’ like to bid 3NT without a full spade stopper. ™ — Stefan Götel’s eyes lit up. ‘Yes, yes,’ he Anyway, I expect you’re very good at play - t J 9 said. ‘I stay with my sister Waltraud and ing in a 4-3 fit.’ ® J 8 her family, in a small town near Augsburg. ‘Excellent double, partner,’ Götel replied. You know this place, Headmaster?’ ‘If we are in wrong contract, it is my fault.’ The Headmaster, who had little time for The Headmaster cashed a second spade The Reverend Benson gave a rueful shake small talk, pointed a finger at the board to trick and switched to his singleton club. of the head when Götel persisted with the be played. No, he had not heard of Augs - ‘Ace, please,’ said Götel. ‘And play the jack of diamonds. He ruffed with the burg. Nor did he approve of the rather trump king.’ queen and exited with the ten of clubs. silly names that the people had in such The young German master continued Declarer won with the jack of clubs and places. with a successful finesse of the jack of cashed his last diamond, discarding dum - The players drew their cards for this trumps. When he played the ace of trumps, my’s low club. The game was his. deal: both defenders followed suit. ‘You were right about the 4-3 fit, Matron,’ ‘Ah, well played, Stefan!’ exclaimed the Stefan Götel exclaimed, ‘but it was the Matron. ‘Just what we needed, playing in a defenders who had this fit, not us!’ Game All. Dealer: West. 4-3 fit.’ The Matron looked blankly at her ´ J 4 When declarer turned his attention to partner. Whoever heard of playing in a 3-3 ™ K 8 3 the diamond suit, the Reverend Benson did fit? ‘Did you not have a four-card suit to t A Q 5 4 not like the look of what was hap pening. bid?’ she demanded. ® A K 6 2 He declined to ruff the third round of ‘I held five diamonds, yes, but the dia - ´ A K Q 10 9 8 2 ´ 6 5 diamonds, fearing that he might have no mond game goes down,’ Götel replied. ‘Four

™ 7 4 2 N ™ Q 10 9 6 safe return. These cards were still out: hearts is the only game we can make!’ r t 8 3 W E t 10 6 S ® 4 ® Q 10 9 7 5 ´ 7 3 ™ A J 5 t K J 9 7 2 ® J 8 3

West North East South Free trial ´ widely played Head- The Rev. Stefan master Matron Benson Götel Special subscription rates for EBU members 3´ Dble Pass 4™ All Pass Friendly & fun online club for all players The Headmaster opened with a vulner -

www.ebu.co.uk December 2009 English Bridge 9 Dec09 _adverts-paginated-02:EB_Layout 3 13/11/2009 15:25 Page 10

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10 English Bridge December 2009 www.ebu.co.uk DEC_09_EB_p11 Simpson:EB_Layout 3 11/11/2009 19:11 Page 11

How Gold was won S

by the England Seniors T R O

in Brazil P E

THE only team repre sent ing England at the from civilisa tion. R 39th World Team Champ ion ships in São Our quarter-final match against Egypt Paulo were the Seniors. Ross Harper and was played at a furious pace and with great Paul Hackett, John Holland and Gunnar intensity. Nearly 500 IMPs changed hands Colin Simpson Hallberg, David Price and Colin Simpson, but we managed to squeak through by 1 with Peter Baxter npc, knew that they IMP! Thank goodness for the carry- faced some tough opposition and a forward. It must be said that the Egyptians punishing schedule if they wanted to were both wonderfully sportsmanlike and Love All. Dealer West. achieve a good result. tremen dously courteous in defeat. Slightly ´ A Q 10 9 5 3 We had to play three matches per day unex pectedly, our semi-final opponents ™ A 4 3 for seven days to complete a round robin were Indonesia, who hadn’t done so well t 6 against each of the other twenty-one teams earlier but were vastly experienced with ® A J 6 in competition. Our first match against several former World Championship final - ´ K J 6 4 ´ 7 2 N Japan would provide the opportu n i ty for ists. The match started poorly for us but ™ Q 9 7 W E ™ K J 2 revenge over the team that beat us in the slowly we turned it round in our favour. t 10 8 3 S t A Q J 9 7 5 2 quarter finals in Beijing. The very first I’m pleased to say that a psyche by your ® Q 10 4 ® 3 hand was a defining moment: it was only correspondent produced a game swing. ´ 8 a part-score, but we were the only team in Eventually the tide turned and we took a ™ 10 8 6 5 the field to be doubled. David Price played grip on the match and won by 22.5 IMPs. t K 4 it with his customary attention to detail Poland beat USA 11 in the other semi- ® K 9 8 7 5 2 and we gained a game swing. After Board final, meaning that for the first time ever 1 England led the whole field! Would it the D’Orsi Seniors Bowl would be won by continue for another 629 hands? a team other that USA. West North East South At the end of the round-robin stage Only another two days of total concen - Markowicz Hackett Klukowski Harper things were going very well. We had won tration. Could the dream come true and Pass 1´ 3t Dble 17 of the 21 matches and led by almost a could we become World Champions? I Pass 4t Pass 5® clear match. Each of the knock-out must say that after the first set it looked Pass 6® All Pass matches would be over 96 boards in 6 highly unlikely as we trailed by over 60 stanzas of 16 boards spread over two days. IMPs – undoubtedly the worst set the Ross Harper’s was des - By now some of us hadn’t left the hotel team had had from the beginning. We cribed in the Daily Bulletin as ‘dubious’; and we were beginning to feel as if we were needed something good to happen quickly. I prefer to call it ‘enthusiastic’. `The double on the set of The Prisoner, totally isolated In the second set this deal occurred: followed by a new suit showed a stronger hand and not unreasonably Paul Hack ett pushed on to slam. The play was the thing. After two rounds of diamonds, declarer played a spade to the queen and ruffed a spade. A club to the jack was followed by another spade ruff, trumps were drawn, and declarer claimed the remaining tricks – a slam swing against only game in the other room. A few deals later we had gained another slam swing when John Holland and Gunnar t

s Hallberg bid a decent 6 missed at the o t o

F other table. We were back in the match and

s a u

D the mo men tum had shifted in our direc -

: o t

o tion. The second day went mainly our way. h P å Although we narrowly lost the final set, we Left to right: John Holland, David Price (unfortunately mostly hidden), Peter Baxter (npc), had a substantial lead and eventually won Ross Harper, Gunnar Hallberg, Paul Hackett and Colin Simpson on the podium. by 23 IMPs. Worl d Champions! r

www.ebu.co.uk December 2009 English Bridge 11 Dec09 _adverts-paginated-02:EB_Layout 3 13/11/2009 15:26 Page 12

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12 English Bridge December 2009 www.ebu.co.uk DEC_09_EB_p13 Swanson:EB_Layout 3 11/11/2009 19:12 Page 13 ! E

John’s opponent S A E L P

mis-describes a bid , R O T C

‘THERE he goes again reserving his I should inform you that my partner was E R

rights,’ observed John as the club’s least incorrect in telling you that my 2 ´ bid was I favourite player waved his arm in the air intermediate. At this vulnerability we play Mike Swanson D and bellowed for the Director. it as weak.’ ‘At least that’s something we manage to ‘Perhaps we should reserve our rights,’ avoid doing,’ replied Julie in a relieved said John with a twinkle in his eye. tone. ‘I’ll bet it’s all because he got a bad ‘I don’t think so,’ replied Julie. ‘Let’s just than pass?’ score and now wants to blame it on call the Director instead.’ ‘I did ask about the strength of 2 ´ and I someone else’s alleged misdemeanour.’ After the situation had been explained, am sure I would have doubled if I had John turned to the Director. ‘I think we known it was weak,’ replied Julie. might have been damaged by the mis- ‘And, if Julie had doubled, I would have N/S Game. Dealer South. explanation.’ had little choice but to bid 3NT as I am ´ Q 2 ‘Well John, I can help you on that score. much too strong just to bid 2NT,’ added ™ 10 2 As we are still in the auction period you John. t Q 7 6 2 may withdraw your final pass if you wish, The Director left the table to contem - ® K Q 9 4 3 and then the auction can continue.’ plate all that had been said and to scruti - ´ K J 10 7 5 3 ´ 9 This news caused John to get flustered nise the hand. A little later he returned to ™ 4 3 N ™ A Q 8 5 and, when he had regained his composure, give his ruling: ‘I am convinced by North- W E t A S t 10 9 8 5 4 he decided that he couldn’t actually think South’s argument, therefore I am adjusting ® 8 6 5 2 ® J 10 7 of anything sensible to do other than pass. the score to 3NT by South making ten ´ A 8 6 4 ‘Play the hand and I shall then return to tricks.’ ™ K J 9 7 6 check whether North-South might have Both John and Julie looked astonished t K J 3 obtained a better score if East had des - as they just weren’t used to being on the ® A cribed his partner’s hand correctly,’ said right side of a Director’s ruling. the Director. ‘Partner, we must celebrate being the After West had gone two down in 2 ´, innocent party for once. Perhaps we could West North East South they opened the traveller to discover that stop for a take-away after this evening’s Julie John several North-Souths had done well in no- game has finished,’ suggested John 1™ trumps, so John and Julie looked up at the romantically. 2´ Pass Pass Pass Director for help. ‘That’s not quite what I would call a The Director looked to Julie and celebration. I think I’ll just go home on After West’s 2 ´, Julie asked East how asked:‘Had you known that 2 ´ was weak, my own instead,’ replied Julie, in an exas - strong it was and was told ‘Intermediate.’ would you have done something other perated tone. r She wanted to double for take-out but decided not to on two counts: she worried that her hand was a little too weak for a double that would probably commit John ENGLISH PLAYERS & JOURNALISTS SCOOP to bidding at the three level, and she PRESTIGIOUS PRIZES wasn’t sure that John would remember that they played Sputnik doubles over an ENGLISH players and journalists have taken centre stage at the 2009 prestigious opponent’s jump . International Bridge Press Association’s Awards Ceremony. Poor John wanted to bid when 2 ´ was won the Gidwani Family Trust Defence of the Year Award, for a passed round to him, but what could he defence reported in the IBPA Bulletin by Maureen Hiron, The Independent Bridge bid? Also, was he allowed to bid when Julie Columnist. had asked a question and then passed? All Stuart and Gerald Tredinnick won the Precision Best Bid Hand of the Year Award, in all, he decided that passing was the for an auction reported by Heather Dhondy in her 2008 article, published in English Bridge . safest course of action. Well done to all players and journalists concerned! After Julie had placed her ten of hearts face down on the table, West said: ‘I think

www.ebu.co.uk December 2009 English Bridge 13 DEC_09_EB_p14-15 Bird-quiz:EB_Layout 3 11/11/2009 19:13 Page 14 Z I

U Beat today’s Q

G N I

D experts D I

B David Bird Bidding problems are on page 29

1. Game All. Dealer East. tract of 6 ™ was reached, duly going one ter. This would be a ‘’, because down. West’s 3 ´ had indicated that East-West owned ´ 8 7 ´ A Do you blame or Dan Morse? the hand. ™ A K 10 7 6 3 N ™ Q J 8 5 2 A stronger action, showing particular suit - W E I certainly don’t blame Wolff, with his t A 6 S t Q 10 4 splendid trumps and the tA. His partner had ability for playing in hearts, is to bid 5 ™. ® ® Q 5 2 A 9 6 3 gone to the five-level, vulnerable, on a queen- Finally, with a very powerful hand, East could high trump suit. Wolff was entitled to expect bid a RKCB 4NT or make a cue-bid. West North East South After the play Morse said: ‘Sorry, partner. I Wolff Sontag Morse Bates some extras, not a 13-count with 5-4-3-1 1™ 2´ shape. might have passed instead of bidding 5 ™.’ 3´ 4´ 5™ Pass East had several options over 4 ´. The That is surely right. By bidding 5 ™, Morse 6™ weakest of these was to double 4 ´, warning announced that he was two levels better than partner that his hand was unsuitable for an unhelpful minimum. We start at the 2009 USA Senior Trials. North- high-level play. On a slightly better hand he South intervened in spades and the poor con - might pass, allowing West to decide the mat - n Awards: 5™ (10), 4 ´ doubled (8), 6 ™ (4).

2. Love All. Dealer East The Birmans (David is Alon’s father) play a Secondly, just look at the four tens in the 15-17 point 1NT. With all his values concen - East hand. Every one of them is valuable! The trated in two suits, Alon decided to open 1 t. East hand is worth nearer 11 points than 9 ´ A K J 2 ´ 10 8 ™ 9 5 N ™ A J 10 8 The bidding then ground to a halt in 1NT, and East might have considered bidding 2NT W E rather than 1NT. t A Q J 7 S t 10 6 2 where ten tricks were made. Who was to ® 9 5 3 ® A 10 4 2 blame, would you say, for missing this excel - At the other table the Herbst brothers bid a lent game? simple 1NT – 2 ® – 2 ´ – 3NT and collected a West East First of all, I do not much like the idea of game swing. A. Birman D. Birman bidding one of a suit when you have 4-4-3-2 If you play a weak 1NT and open 1 ´ on the Pass West cards, East must be wary of responding 1t 1™ shape and are in range for a 1NT opening. As 1´ 1NT I see it, you should either open in no-trumps 1NT in case this ends the auction opposite 15 or rebid in no-trumps when you have a bal - or 16 points. He should respond 2 ® instead. anced hand. Distorting the bidding in the Next we pay a visit to the final of the Israeli hope of right-siding the contract is rarely a n Awards: 3NT (10), 2NT/1NT (4), 2 t (3). Trials for the European Championships. good idea.

3. N /S Game. Dealer South. spade grand slam. East’s diamonds did not West North East South provide quite enough discards for West’s Balicki Kwiecien Zmudz’ski Ramer ™ clubs and that was one down. Who do you 4 ´ J 10 5 4 3 ´ A K Q 2 Pass Pass Dble Pass ™ 10 N ™ A 4 blame? W E 4´ t A 4 S t K Q J 7 6 As I see it, East was fully entitled to bid the ® A 9 8 6 5 ® J 2 grand when he heard of two aces opposite. It is much harder to find fault with this auc - The fault lay with West’s skimpy overcall. West North East South tion, which also failed to reach the target. Nine high-card points and five spades to the Klukowski Lynch Markowicz Passell South’s pre-empt did its work and neither J-10 are simply not enough for a three-level 3™ East nor West could safely have bid any 3´ Pass 4NT Pass overcall. West should pass and then respond more. 5™ Pass 7´ 4´ to his partner’s take-out double. East can then carry the auction to 6 ´. n Awards: 6´ (10), 6NT (9), games (5), We turn now to the round-of-32 in the 2009 Bidding the grand slam proved spectacu - grands (2). , contested in Washington. South larly expensive when this was the auction at opened 3 ™ and East-West then sailed into a the other table:

14 English Bridge December 2009 www.ebu.co.uk DEC_09_EB_p14-15 Bird-quiz:EB_Layout 3 11/11/2009 19:14 Page 15

4. E/W Game. Dealer West. score deals are heavily contested, in prac - mates: Meckstroth and Rodwell tice. It is all very well to stop brilliantly low realized that three aces do not ´ Q 4 2 ´ A 9 8 5 in 2 t, but at the table the opponents would necessarily produce game opposite a ™ A K 7 6 5 N ™ 8 3 then bid something themselves. modern-day opening bid. He made a game- t W E t 10 7 S A 8 4 2 Anyway, your wish is my command! Here try of 2NT, which suggested that he held ® ® K 9 2 A 5 3 is a deal from the round-of-16 Spingold only four spades. Nickell’s 3 ®, showed a match which saw the Dutch Jansma team fragment and confirmed that the spade fit West East defeat the top-ranked Nickell squad. was only 4-3. Katz marked time with 3 ™ and Nickell Katz Nick Nickell chose to raise to 2 ´ on they stopped commendably low. In fact, 1™ 1´ South held ™Q-J-9-4-2 and even 3 ™ went 2´ 2NT three-card support. This is easily the best 3® 3™ rebid, as I see it, and most players in the UK one down. At the other table 3NT went two are happy to raise on such a hand. In France down. they wheel out the guillotine if any player One or two readers have said that they dares to commit such an atrocité . Many n Awards: 2´/2 ™/1NT (10), 3 ™/2NT (8), would like to see an occasional part-score in players in the USA insist on four-card sup - 3´/games (5). this article. The problem is that most part- port too, including the present pair's team-

5. Game All. Dealer West. This deal comes from the 2009 Spingold than 5 ™, despite holding only 14 points. An semi-final between the Dutch Jansma team excellent auction. ´ A 8 ´ J 5 (the eventual winners) and Diamond . The situation is different when the opener ™ Q J 8 N ™ A K 10 9 2 W E Fred Gitelman was playing a 15-17 point breaks the transfer. Suppose the auction t t 10 4 3 S A 8 5 1NT but he decided to upgrade the West starts: 1NT – 2 t – 3 ® – 4NT. Because hearts ® A Q J 7 6 ® K 10 5 cards. Why not, indeed, with that splendid have been agreed, 4NT should now be RKCB club suit? Brad Moss responded with a rather than a limit bid. West East transfer bid, Gitelman duly rebidding 2 ™. Gitelman Moss 1NT 2t What should East’s 4NT mean now? n Awards: 6NT/6 ™ (10), games (5). 2™ 4NT The best agreement is that it should be a 6™ non-forcing limit bid. Gitelman liked his hand for playing in hearts and bid 6 ™ rather

natural, not a cue-bid, and 5 ® could hardly 6. Game All. Dealer East. throw any light on the matter. Tips to remember ´ A K ´ Q J 7 The score at this moment was 103-101 to ™ 9 5 2 N ™ 3 the opponents, so the pressure was on • When you use Stayman or a t W E t K Q 2 S A J 10 9 8 7 5 3 Hamman. He decided to gamble on the heart transfer bid, opposite 1NT or ® A Q 7 4 2 ® J position. If the ™A-K were cashable, maybe 2NT, a continuation of 4NT is a the suit would not be led. He bid RKCB and non-forcing limit bid. The West East potted the slam when he heard the (one-ace) exception is when the opener Hamman Zia 5® response. breaks the transfer. 4NT is then 4t RKCB. 4NT 5® What lesson can we draw from this? When 6t you have no way to discover what you need to When there is no space to check know, do not always shrug your shoulders • whether partner has enough and keep low. Bid according to the probabili - Moving swiftly on, we visit the final of the con trols, or a particular suit ties, as you see them. trials to select the second USA team for the controlled, do not be pes - At the other table Ron Rubin opened only Bermuda Bowl. The mighty Nickell team was simistic. If the odds favour 3t, raised to 5 t by Matthew Granovetter. knocked out of the main trial, but fought back partner holding what you need, to win a place as USA2. Indeed, they went on or the wrong lead may help to win the Bermuda Bowl in September. n Awards: 6t (10), 5 t (6), 3NT (2). you, go ahead and bid a slam. What do you open on the East cards a t Game All? It seems rather feeble to open 3 t ´ ™ t ® • Open or rebid in no-trumps and Zia described his hand well with a natural when you have a balanced 4t opening. could now see a Our experts score a moderate 38 on some hand. Do not shy away from slam if partner held a heart control. How tricky hands. Let’s look for some bidding 1NT because you have one or could he investigate this, though? 4 ´ would be tips. two suits unprotected. r

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NEW Bridge Baron 20 (CD) £59.99 PC: Win 95/98/2000/ME/NT/XP/VISTA with 32 MB RAM MAC/iMAC: OS X 10.3 or later - Improved bidding and play on previous versions. PC or - Acol, Standard American, 5-card majors, 2/1 GF, Precision and Forum D (German). - Get hints on bidding and play at any time, take back bids and plays. MAC - Wide choice of over 130 optional bidding conventions. - Game types include rubber, duplicate and chicago with 40 difficulty levels. - 288 card-play problems designed by Easley Blackwood. - New options for defining NT range, leads, signals and discards. - Compete in 40 tournaments and receive scores based on the actual tournament results. - Play IMP's, Board-a-Match or Total Points scoring methods. - States a line of play for all claims * Improved bidding agreement flexibility. Bridge Baron Companion £19.99 + £2 p&p (Large-format, 190 - Deal generator, get the computer to deal hands that meet your specifications! pages). This book demonstrates how Bridge Baron can be used - NEW Double-dummy and par-contract solvers. to improve your results at the table and to get the most out of - Practice bidding conventions on millions of different deals. your software. Every feature and option is covered in detail. - Network play, including LAN, Serial Cable, Modem and Internet (PC users only) Bridge Baron 20 (Upgrade version) from any previous POSTAGE RATES: SOFTWARE = £2.50 PRO BRIDGE 3000 = £6 version £29.95. Please return your old Bridge Baron CD. COUNTRYWIDE COMPUTERS Victoria House, 1 High Street, Wilburton, CB6 3RB TO ORDER CALL 01353 740323 OR GO ONLINE www.countrywidecomputers.co.uk DEC_09_EB_p17 Gordon:EB_Layout 3 11/11/2009 19:15 Page 17

39th World Team S T

Championships R O P

AT the 39th World Team Championships Hongli, the Chinese West, eschewed a E

in São Paulo, one of the world’s most heart lead in favour of the ace of clubs. R populous cities, there were twenty-two The sight of dummy made it clear for her teams participating in both the Venice to continue with a second club, which was Cup for Women’s teams and the Bermuda ruffed by her partner, and her king of Tony Gordon Bowl for Open teams. In each case, after a spades was the setting trick. complete round-robin the leading eight As China had previously been runners- teams qualified for the knockout stage. up four times in world championships, , North, bid 1 ® (strong club) – losing three times to the USA and last 2t (balanced 8-10) – 3NT. That auction VENICE CUP year’s nail-biter against England, this well- didn’t leave the Italian West much to go on, deserved first win was long overdue. but the contract was cold on any lead and In the Venice Cup the top four teams from Congratulations to Dong Yongling, Liu Yi Meckstroth just lost three aces and scored the round-robin, China, France, USA 1 Qian, Sun Ming, Wang Hongli, Wang +630. and USA 2, duly reached the semi-finals Wenfei (who has become the world’s top At the other table, and where USA 1 easily disposed of their ranked woman player) and Yan Ru. had a lengthy, mainly compatriots and China won a close match artificial auction to reach 4 ´ by South. against France. However, China found BERMUDA BOWL The bidding had reveal ed that North- USA 1 a much easier proposition in the South had a 4-3 heart fit, so Nick Nickell, final as they won five of the six sessions In the Bermuda Bowl four close quarter- sitting West, led ace and another heart. and posted a convincing victory by 72 finals produced wins for Bulgaria, China, He then rose with the ace of spades on IMPs (220-148). Italy and USA 2; however, the semi-finals the next trick and gave his partner, Ralph A thoughtful earned China were totally one-sided as both Bulgaria Katz, a heart ruff. Katz, who replaced a game swing on the following deal from and China conceded with one session to Richard Freeman who passed away the fourth session: go as they trailed Italy and USA 2, shortly after the American trials, then respectively, by over 100 IMPs. cashed the ace of clubs to defeat the Italy led by 20 IMPs after two sessions of contract. Love All. Dealer East. the final, but USA 2 seized the initiative in Although Italy ´ J 8 6 4 the middle part of the match and opened gradually reduced ™ A 10 up a lead of 76 IMPs with 48 boards left to their deficit to the t A J 8 4 play. One of the American gains came on extent that they ® Q J 2 the deal below which is a good example of trailed by only 25

´ ´ d

K 9 3 the danger of giving away too much infor- IMPs with six d

N o o

™ 9 2 W E ™ K Q J 8 6 5 4 3 mation during the auction: boards to play, W

n

S e t K 7 t 6 5 3 USA 2 ultimately h p e t S

® A 10 9 8 5 4 3 ® 7 emerged victo- : o t o

´ A Q 10 7 5 2 Game All. Dealer East. rious by 36.33 h P ™ 7 ´ Q J 5 2 IMPs (285.33- Zia Mahmood t Q 10 9 2 ™ J 9 3 2 249). This was a ® K 6 t K J 6 popular win as it meant the charismatic ® 10 6 Zia Mahmood had finally won a major ´ A 6 ´ 9 7 4 world championship. It was also a first win At one table the auction began 4 ™ –4´ – ™ A 8 5 4 N ™ 10 6 for Ralph Katz, whereas Bob Hamman, W E 5™ –5´, and after two passes the Ame - t 8 3 2 S t Q 9 7 5 , Nick Nickell and Eric rican West’s double terminated proceed - ® J 9 5 4 ® A 8 7 3 Rodwell all have multiple wins under their ings. She then led the ™9, but the Chinese ´ K 10 8 3 belts. declarer won the ace, cashed the ´A and ™ K Q 7 Italy had played their part in an just lost tricks to the trump king and the t A 10 4 interesting final, but were left to rue ace of clubs. At the other table, South ® K Q 2 some uncharacteristic mistakes, in parti- passed over 4 ™, but North pro tected with cular a mis-seen bid that resulted in a a take-out double and eventually South no-play slam and a that cost a became declarer in 5 ´. However, Wang At one table Jeff Meckstroth, South, and game swing. r

www.ebu.co.uk December 2009 English Bridge 17 Dec09 _adverts-paginated-02:EB_Layout 3 13/11/2009 15:28 Page 18

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18 English Bridge December 2009 www.ebu.co.uk DEC_09_EB_p19 Heather_EB_Layout 3 06/05/2013 16:25 Page 19

When playing s

t

n

i H

a squeeze, watch the

s

’

r e

discards very carefully h

t

a e

Heather Dhondy H entry, and West will no longer be under Game All. Dealer North. pressure in clubs since you will never be ´ 10 7 2 able to get to the long club. Therefore, if ™ A 6 4 3 you do attempt to rectify the count, the of 2-4-3-4. This is consistent with the the t A 2 defence can always stay one step ahead of lead, and also with West’s discards. He will ® A J 5 3 you, and foil your plan. In fact, you can have come down to three cards in clubs count yourself lucky that the defence did and hearts. N W E not lead a heart at tricks one or two. On the penultimate trump, West will be S Let’s see what happens if you do not at - squeezed. Whichever suit West discards tempt to rectify the count. Start cashing from, you can now establish an extra ´ A trumps and noting West’s discards. Don’t winner in that suit. ™ 10 7 5 discard any clubs from dummy as you want This was the full deal: t K Q J 9 8 7 4 to keep up the pressure in that suit. ® 7 4 Let’s consider the position with two further trumps to come. West has followed ´ 10 7 2 to three rounds and discarded the queen ™ A 6 4 3 PLAYING teams, you become declarer in of spades and a heart; East has discarded t A 2 5t after East has pre-empted in spades. four spades. This is the position you have ® A J 5 3 At the table, a club was led, even though reached: ´ Q 6 ´ K J 9 8 5 4 3 ™ N ™ a spade would be more normal. You see J 9 8 2 W E K Q dummy and of course you want to be in t 10 6 3 S t 5 3NT. You this in the hope that East ´ 10 ® K 9 8 2 ® Q 10 6 will put up a high honour, but his ten ™ A 6 ´ A holds the trick and he returns a spade. t — ™ 10 7 5 Let’s have a think about your chances in ® A J 5 t K Q J 9 8 7 4 this contract. With three clear losers and no ® 7 4 suit to establish, the only chance comes N W E from a squeeze. The lead looks like fourth S highest, and if this is the case your best This squeeze appears to break all the rules. chance is that West will have to guard clubs ´ — Firstly not all the trumps are cashed, and and hearts, and will be squeezed on the run ™ 10 7 5 secondly you have not rectified the count. of trumps. If you want to play a squeeze, it t 8 7 Bridge is an endlessly fascinating game! is normally right to ‘rectify the count’ – ® 7 meaning that you should duck a trick in order to leave yourself needing all the Heather’s Hints remaining tricks. Is there a danger here? You can assume that East began with If you duck a heart, the defenders can seven spades for his vulnerable three-level • When playing a squeeze you will continue hearts, knocking out dummy’s bid, which you believe gives West a shape need to watch the discards very carefully. It is helpful to try to work out the defenders’ shape before you start cashing your long suit if you BRIDGE AND GOLF GIFTS DIRECT LIMITED can. Large selection of bridge and golf gifts and accessories • When making a plan, part of your For the catalogue and price list contact Cynthia at Bridge and Golf Gifts Direct Limited thought process should always be ( 020 8954 8006 Fax: 020 8420 7006 E-mail: [email protected] to consider what the defence can do to foil your plan. r

www.ebu.co.uk December 2009 English Bridge 19 DEC_09_EB_p20 Nicole:EB_Layout 3 13/11/2009 15:21 Page 20

     Reports

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE MORE than eighty bridge-playing women, ranging from newcomers to World Mind Sports Champions, from across the UK came together to play bridge in a spirit of competitive fun. The National Women’s  ((+$(- %" ,-'.- / '. (+*.1 Teams this year was a little different to the usual bridge fare. Players enjoyed lunch on arrival, goody bags as they sat down to play, a prize draw after dinner and a wine reception at the end of the qualifying.            

"$$$ % '$ !" !" "   $ "   $ s

&##"# &### o m A

h a r a S

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+#1- )&-.+1.'1-& t o h P

.%% $ '2 ) +)%1 +#+,('%12 )) &,('%12)) å  (+'#!"-,2 #'%.,#/ ( +#! 3 (($-"+(.!" From the left: Catherine Draper, Nevena Senior, Catherine Seale 000 /('+#! (.$    and Anne Rosen, with Nevena’s daughter, Katerina, at the front      The bridge itself was a revelation. On Day 1, the qualifiers contested exciting hands over ten five-board matches. Teams Duckworth, Davies, Sheehy and Seale led their respective groups and sat down head-to-head on Day 2 in the semi-finals. These were completed around lunchtime on Crantock Bay Hotel 2010 Sunday and at the end of a tightly con tested final Seale emerged the winners over Davies ; congratulations to Catherine Seale, Catherine Draper, Nevena Senior and Anne Rosen . Losing semi-finalists Mary- Ann Sheehy, Cathy Rowland, Kathy Talbot and Beryl Kerr from Oxfordshire took home the prize as leading County team.

March 17t h-22nd 2010 September 13t h-18th 2010 All hosted by Chris Burkitt. s o m A

h a r a S

: o t

• Prizes in the absence of Master Points! o h P • Champagne Reception on arrival å • Exclusive use of non-smoking Bridge Room From the left: Beryl Kerr, Kathy Talbot, overlooking the sea Mary-Ann Sheehy and Cathy Rowland • No single room supplement • Non-bridge playing partners welcome After missing out on the semi-finals by a tie-splitter, Sarah Teshome, • New beauty treatment room Alice Kaye, Fiona Brown and Susan Stockdale won the Sunday’s Swiss Teams event in style. This year’s event was made possible thanks to the generous support a very special place all year round... in time and finance from the organisers and their sponsors. To support Crantock Bay Hotel, West Pentire, Crantock, Cornwall TR8 5SE the sponsors, visit photographer Caroline Mockett at www.cazphoto. Tel: (01637) 830229 Fax: (01637 831111) co.uk and bridge development at www.fresh-direction.com . And to find e-mail: [email protected] out more about forthcoming activities just for bridge playing women, www.crantockbayhotel.co.uk Bridge licensed by the EBU Hotel bookmark www.womensbridge.co.uk . (Nicole Cook)

20 English Bridge December 2009 www.ebu.co.uk DEC_09_EB_p21 Jeremy:EB_Layout 3 11/11/2009 19:27 Page 21

Bad practices

Y M

and other problems E R

E-mail your questions to Jeremy Dhondy at [email protected] E J

or write to the editor, Elena Jeronimidis, at 23 Erleigh Road, Reading RG1 5LR.

Please include your name and address. K

S A

there are no trumps out, then running the Jeremy Dhondy MRS J.M Webster, Isleworth, Middx, ten is not irrational, so as director I would writes: ‘ In a two-card ending West, award one trick to your side. The key is declarer, who was in 4 ´ and on lead, that the director adjudicates as equitably I suspect this depends on what their laid down her hand and claimed the as possible while resolving any doubtful agreement actually is. It is certainly legal to rest. point against the claimer. (Law 70A). As agree to open this hand 3NT. The descrip -

N you can see, an element of judgement is tion ‘gambling’ is inadequate; a proper ´ 10 W E ´ K 9 required by the director but the rest of Law answer is: ‘Solid minor denying an outside S ™ J 70 gives him some help with exercising this. ace,’ or ‘Solid minor with at most one side ´ J ace.’ or whatever the agreement is. Because ™ 10 the answer was man ifestly deficient and you MIKE Newman, Jersey, says: ‘I was are experienced enough to know that, there ‘She then folded her cards and put West on the following deal at pairs: is an onus on you to enquire further. But if them away. I asked to see the hand the opponents were a reasonably experi - face up and suggested that she played ´ 6 enced pair, they should know to do better it out. She could not see any reason ™ K Q 9 6 4 and as a TD I would wag a finger at them. why she should play it out, indicating t Q 7 4 3 Isn’t 3NT unbeatable after the lead of the that she had forgotten a trump was ® 5 3 2 ™A or, indeed, on any lead except a dia - out. Since by suggesting she played the ´ K J 10 7 4 ´ 9 8 5 3 2 mond? I think you can only take the ™A hand out I had alerted her, I gave in ™ A 3 2 N ™ J 10 8 and three diamond tricks after trick one, so W E and conceded rather than make a fuss t K 10 8 5 S t A J 6 it is not the switching to a spade that caused and call the director. Could I have ® 7 ® J 10 the problem but the lead which, if you had insisted that she played out the hand?’ ´ A Q known how strong South might be, you ™ 7 5 might have avoided. Incidentally when you t 9 2 cashed the ™A and dummy had strength in When a player claims, that ends play for ® A K Q 9 8 6 4 hearts so it was clear that a continuation the hand. It is not permitted to continue was not wanted, it is best to play partner’s and saying ‘play-on’ is a breach of the law. ‘South opened 3NT, alerted and ex - card as suit preference, which might have (Law 68D covers this point). You should plain ed as ‘gambling’. Everyone passed. led you to switch to a diamond anyway. always call the director if the claim is con - I made the normal lead of the ace of tested. The director will ask the claimer to hearts and was surprised when I saw repeat her statement. After this, the direc - dummy. Why had North passed instead BARRY Tobutt, Southampton, asks: tor will hear any objections and then must of bidding 4 ®? Thinking that South Can you please advise me whether judge whether a trick or tricks could be could not have the spade ace, I switched Exclusion Key-card Blackwood and lost by any normal line of play including to that suit, expecting the contract to splinters have to be alerted, announced, that which is careless but not irrational fall apart. As you can see, this was not a or neither. (Law 70 covers this). For example, if de - success. South’s bid is way out of the clar er had ®A-K-Q-J-2, she would not be loop for a ‘normal’ gambling 3NT. I compelled to play the club two first merely know he’s entitled to bid what he likes The answer is, broadly, neither. Announcing because she said ‘cashing the clubs’ without but North's pass seems bizarre. Should only applies to natural opening 1NT bids, specifying which one first. I have asked, before leading, whether Stayman, red-suit transfers and natural In this particular case, it is likely that the term ‘gambling’ meant a normal opening two bids. Alerting, other than for West had forgotten that there was a trump gambling 3NT or should North have opening bids, does not apply above the out. The director would have to decide warned us that it might conceal this level of 3NT so the only time an alert whether to play the spade ten and run it kind of strength? Maybe I've been a would be necessary would be a would be either a careless play or an irra - mug, but I'd like to know!’ below the level of 3NT. An example of this tional one. In my view, if declarer thinks would be 1 ® –1´ –3t. r

www.ebu.co.uk December 2009 English Bridge 21 Dec09 _adverts-paginated-02:EB_Layout 3 13/11/2009 15:28 Page 22

22 English Bridge December 2009 www.ebu.co.uk DEC_09_EB_p23 Bakhshi:EB_Layout 3 11/11/2009 19:28 Page 23 S N O

The Stayman I T N E V N

response O C

L U F E

THIS month we turn our attention to with long clubs). S methods which are commonly employed 2. With an invitational hand he bids U when responding to an opening bid of 2NT. 1NT. We will begin by exploring one of the 3. With a game-going hand, he bids best known conventions played around three of his longer major (5/4 in the Can Stayman be used after the world: Stayman. For the purpose of majors), or 3NT. intervention? this article I shall assume that other Opener bids 2 ™/2 ´: responses to 1NT are natural. 1. Responder either passes or bids 3 ® Once an opponent partner’s 1NT with a weak hand. opening, Stayman no longer applies. How - Why is Stayman useful? 2. With a fit for opener’s major, he ever, it can still be important to locate a 4-4 raises to 3M (invitational), or 4M fit in an unbid major. The most common When seeking to bid towards game, it is (game values). way to achieve this is to play that a cue-bid important to explore fully the possibility 3. With no fit for opener’s major, he of the opponents’ suit acts as Stayman (this of playing in 3NT or 4 ™/4 ´. When partner rebids 2NT (invitational) or 3NT is especially true if the partnership play that opens 1NT, it is therefore useful to max - (game values). responder’s double is for penalties). imise our chances of finding eight-card major-suit fits. When the res ponder has at Once the opener bids 2M, it is worth noting Is Stayman only useful least five cards in his major, he can freely that the responder’s no-trump rebid denies after an opening bid of 1NT? introduce his own suit. However, finding a a fit for opener’s major, and thus implies a fit when both players have four cards in the four-card holding in the unbid major. So if Stayman can also be used after an opening same suit is less straightforward. opener had bid 2 ™, he will bid 3 ´/4 ´ over bid of 2NT, or a rebid of 2NT after a 2 ® 2NT/3NT if he has four spades. opening. Two further sequences when How does it work? Stayman is helpful are after we make an What happens next? overcall of 1NT over an opponent’s one- The solution is to a natural bid, level opening bid, or 2NT over an and replace it with a conventional asking Once a fit has been found, the opener will opponent’s . bid. Following an opening of 1NT, the only bid again if accepting an invita tional most efficient call to replace is 2 ®. Thus a raise to 3M. With no explicit fit, the opener 2® response becomes an enquiry, asking can accept an invitational raise (either in In summary: the opener if he holds a four-card major. no-trump or spades), or he can convert a The opener then has three possible replies: raise to 3NT to four of the other major. • Following an opening bid or 2t = no four card major. Here is an example of Stayman in action: overcall of 1NT (or 2NT), a 2 ® (or 2™ = four hearts (and maybe four 3®) response asks opener whether spades). he holds a four-card major. 2´ = four spades (and not four hearts). ´ K Q 6 3 ´ A J 9 5 • The opener has three possible rebids: ™ A J 7 4 N ™ 6 3 2t with no four-card major, 2 ™ W E How does the responder t A 7 6 S t K Q J 2 with four hearts, or 2 ´ with four continue? ® 5 2 ® 8 7 3 spades (and not four hearts). • After a 2 t rebid, the responder bids With weak hands (no interest in game), 2M/3 ®/Pass with weak hands, 2NT the responder takes the bidding no higher West East with an invitational hand or than 2 ´ (unless he has long clubs, see 1NT 2®1 3M/3NT with the values for game. below). When holding a hand that is 2™2 2NT 3 • After a 2M rebid, the responder invitational or better, he bids at least 2NT. 4´4 Pass passes or bids 3 ® with a weak hand. Opener bids 2 t: 1 Stayman With in vi tational/game values, he 1. With no interest in game, responder 2 Four hearts and maybe four spades raises with a fit, or returns to no- passes (4-4-5-0 type hand), bids two 3 Invitational (not four hearts, so has trump (with four cards in the unbid of his longer major (5/4+ in the spades) major). r majors), or rebids 3 ® (weak hand 3 Maximum with four spades

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♦

♠ ♣ B ♥ S ridge Book reviews dge W Bri E

I by Dave Huggett B V ridge e E g rid B Available from the EBU Shop at 20% off for members R (except for title marked *)

Celestial Cardplay by David Bird, them is staggering. There are so many to Improve Your Opening Leads (Weidenfeld and Nicolson, £10.99) choose from, but I particularly liked this by Ron Klinger effort from Brother Cameron because it is (Weidenfeld and Nicolson, £9.99) I HAVE been a huge instructive and perhaps not impossible to fan of this author’s find at the table: I LIKE books on open - writing for more ing leads, mainly, I sup - years than I care to pose, because a lot of divulge, and this ´ 5 3 2 the time there is no latest collection of ™ 9 7 5 definitive answer as to stories set in th e t 8 7 6 what is right and what monastery of St. ® A K J 3 is wrong. So you can Titus has done ´ J ´ A 10 4 always pretend that you nothing to lessen my ™ A 4 3 2 N ™ J 10 8 6 were just ‘unlucky’ if W E appetite. What sets t K 10 4 2 S t Q J 9 5 things don’t turn out quite as planned. In this writer apart from the many others ® 10 9 8 2 ® 7 4 a recent addition to the Master Bridge Series who have tried to copy his style is the ´ K Q 9 8 7 6 Klinger demon strates how you should ability to make you believe in his ™ K Q think when select ing your opening attack: characters. Everyone knows someone like t A 3 the puffed-up Abbot, or the supremely ® Q 6 5 Review the bidding annoying but gifted Brother Cameron, Examine your cards and because of this you come to think of Analyse the situation them as real people. While some of this Brother Cameron as South plays in 4 ´ and Lead after considering the above factors book may not be exactly PC, to my mind receives the lead of the ten of clubs. He Or: REAL (geddit!) it is much better because of that, but if you wins in dummy and plays a spade to the have delicate sensibilities then you had king and jack, but what now? It looks as I’m not a great fan of acronyms but if they better beware. Caveat emptor! though you need to lead another trump do the job, then I suppose it’s OK. There There are so many amusing tales told in from dummy but you can only get there are loads of deals taken from tournament this collection. I particularly liked the idea by leading a club. Then when you play play, so see how you would do on this one: of the Abbot mentally chalking up an another spade East will win, put his historic Gold Cup win against the second partner in, with the ace of hearts perhaps, seeds, merely because their team contained and get a club ruff. Brother Cameron tried ´ 7 5 4 2 WNES a sponsor and as a consequence had to be to snip communications by playing a ™ K 9 7 Pass 1NT* hopeless. (To make assurance doubly sure heart at trick three, but the Abbot, sitting t 9 8 3 Pass 3NT All Pass so to speak, the visiting team was to be West, won and returned a diamond to the ® Q 9 7 *15-17 treated to Brother Anthony’s margarine jack and ace. Now declarer had to lead sandwiches at half-time.) And the story of another diamond to cut communi ca tions the Abbot in the role of commentator at once again. A double Scissors in one As North has shown no interest in a major the annual Corn Cairdis event against deal! suit, perhaps the attack should come from Ireland is an absolute gem, pitched as he is So, was this book perfect? Not quite. I one of those suits. As you hope to hit in the commentary booth with an English didn’t like the way that 60% of the hands partner’s major a strong holding will be International who manages to upstage him were played at the six or seven level – more useful than a weak one so lead the at every turn. (No prizes for guessing who though I understand that it is easier to seven of hearts. Buy the book to see the that English Inter national is . . .) analyse when declarer’s options are full deal and verify that this advice works! So, you see, I am a fan, but not only of limited. And I would have liked to see This is a fine book. Some of the bidding the wit in the writing but of the quality of some brilliant defences as well as brilliant sequences that you have to analyse do seem the deals. I know that David Bird gets help declarer play. I am quite sure that the to go on for ever, so this is not something from in Australia for some of bridge-playing monks of St. Titus would you can skim through, but life can’t always the deals, but the sheer inventive ness of have no trouble in that area. be easy.

24 English Bridge December 2009 www.ebu.co.uk DEC_09_EB_p24-25 Reviews:EB_Layout 3 11/11/2009 19:29 Page 25

Improve Your Declarer Play although a little involved at times. Never - West North East South at No-Trumps by Ron Klinger theless, if you are prepared to put in some Pass Pass 1t (Weidenfeld and Nicolson, £9.99) extra effort and follow the guide lines, you 2t 4t Pass 5t will almost certainly find your dummy All Pass THIS latest volume in play improving. Ron Klinger’s Master The overcall of 2 t showed the majors and Bridge Series should West led the king of hearts. Declarer won, help to put matters Bridge Behind Bars* played a club to the ace, returned to hand right if your declarer by and Nick Smith, with a trump and ruffed a club. He then play at no-trumps is (, £12.95) came back to hand with another trump, wobbly. As usual, the ruffed a third club and re-entered his hand author starts with an WHEN a hitherto with yet another trump to lead a low acronym: law-abiding fellow spade. West had to play low, of course, or lands unexpectedly declarer would have two spade winners, Count your tricks, count the high card in prison, he might but now declarer simply exited with a points think that things heart. If East won the trick he would have Analyse the opening lead could hardly get to concede a ruff-and-discard, while if Third hand’s play much worse. In fact, West won he would either have to do the Consider the bidding they turn out to be same or concede a second spade trick. Hatch your plan not so bad at all Pottage and Smith have made sure that Or: CATCH because nearly all most of the deals are very good and quite of the inmates, it instructional but just a few are a bit silly. The advice given is very good and should seems, spend their (There is not much to learn, for example, be adhered to, preferably without trying to spare time playing – yes, you’ve guessed it when someone psyches and gets a good remember what CATCH stands for. – bridge, and our hero is a pretty dab hand result as a consequence.) But there are As is typical of Klinger’s books, there are at the game himself. some very nice cameos and some of the plenty of examples from actual play so you There is a cast of fairly stereotypical incidents made me smile. Perhaps some of can see for yourself if the plan you hatched inmates, it has to be said, ranging from the the leading characters could have been with ‘C ATCH ’ would have worked. Have a Bossman whom one dares not cross for fleshed out a little more but if you are look - go at playing the following deal but fear of reprisals, Big Ear who has just that ing for a book that is out of the ordinary cover up the East-West hands first: (but only one), to my favourite, the with the promise that it will entertain as somewhat dashing Harry Houdini who, as well as be instructional, then you could do you might expect, comes and goes more or far worse than buy this volume. ´ K 8 less as he pleases. He debuts early on in a ™ A 3 very amusing chapter that contains a t K J 10 8 5 number of deals where escape manoeu - Again ® K Q 8 3 vres after 1NT has been doubled are the by Ron Klinger ´ A J 4 3 ´ Q 9 6 5 order of the day. Very droll. I thought (Weidenfeld and Nicolson, £14.99) ™ J 7 5 N ™ K 10 9 8 4 prisoners had to work but in Great W E t 9 7 6 S t A 2 Yarborough prison the hours are spent IN 1948 one of the ® 10 9 5 ® J 6 almost continuously playing bridge of one finest bridge books ´ 10 7 2 kind or another. (No Open Room, of ever written was pub - ™ Q 6 2 course.) lished: Right Through t Q 4 3 A deal I particularly liked featured our The Pack, by Robert ® A 7 4 2 hero showing how it should be done when Darvas and Norman a lot of information has been given away de V. Hart, became in the bidding: an instant classic. West North East South The theme of the 1t 1™ 1NT book was simple: a Pass 3NT All Pass ´ Q 7 5 2 master bridge player ™ 8 3 dreams that the cards have come alive and West leads the five of hearts. t J 10 8 6 5 4 each one in turn tells a story featuring the It looks as if you have an easy path to ® A role they played in some interesting hand. nine tricks but you have to be careful. If ´ A J 10 6 3 ´ 9 It was a fantastic idea, so much so that you lazily play a low heart from dummy at ™ K Q J 10 4 N ™ 9 7 6 2 Ron Klinger has decided to update the W E trick one, East might win and nastily t Void S t 9 2 stories. Many of the deals are from real switch to a spade. So play the ace of hearts ® K J 5 ® 9 8 7 4 3 2 tournament play and most are good and immediately and knock out the ace of ´ K 8 4 not so difficult that you can’t imagine diamonds. (If the two missing aces were ™ A 5 yourself finding the solution. the other way round, then tant pis , but you t A K Q 7 3 This book was joint winner of the 2009 wouldn’t have made the contract anyway.) ® Q 10 6 Master Point Press Book of the Year The deals are good, as you might expect, Award. r

www.ebu.co.uk December 2009 English Bridge 25 E Dec09 _adverts-paginated-02:EB_Layout 3 13/11/2009 15:30 Page 26

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In short(s) Bad October LETTERS TO THE AS regards the statement pro - language? Debate EDITOR hibiting the wearing of shorts at EBU events with a few I AM forced to write to com - DAVID Bakhshi says in his exceptions, I feel the EBU is plain of the misuse of the Eng- article on Jacoby that when you making itself look twenty lish language in English Bridge . create a convention you have to years out of date. At my club, when discussing a give up a natural bid. I just Memory I’m the sort of person who played hand, we talk of ‘playing want 3® as a jump overcall. deals with cold well and heat the ace of diamonds’, or any may be technically Lane badly. At the Pachabo, where other card, but all the expert superior but it takes away a bid shorts were first raised as an contributors in your magazine you want to use, and is too easy IN the early 1960s three col - issue, I spent most of the eve - talk of ‘inser ting the ace’ or, to forget; the latter is the main leagues and I formed a team ning session in a very warm worst still, of ‘rising with the reason why I now won’t use it. which competed in the Great corner, and was un com fortably ace’. Have I missed a lesson Rodney Turner, East Horsley West Road League in Middle - hot in shorts; it would have some where? What is wrong sex. Firestone Tyres were also been unbearable in trousers. with ‘playing’ a card? I USED to play Michaels but in that league. The President Why in this age of equality, I would like to suggest that now play Modified Ghestem, of Firestone’s came to England is it deemed OK for a woman you find (if you can) two of which I find far more effective. and being a keen player him- to wear a low-cut top and very your expert contributors and As Ron Klinger said, knowing self, donated a cup for a multi - short skirt, when a man is not hold a ‘Debate’ on the pros and whether you have a minor-suit ple teams event to be played allowed to wear knee-length cons of the above. fit over (1 ™) – 2™ or (1 ´) annually. We enter ed the event tailored shorts? Track suits and Bill Broughton. Spixworth – 2´ is invaluable in judging and ended up the first winners. shell suits seem to be fine, whether to bid on or defend. Two of the team have since these don’t lower the tone in a In fairness to our writers, I must Modified Ghestem is easier died, but I would like to get in four -star hotel. I’m waiting to refer you to a rule of good writing, to remember for players who touch with the fourth mem ber, see what the directors do if a i.e. avoiding repetition. If they stuck are used to Michaels, because it Brian W. Watson, who went to man turns up in a skirt/kilt. to the word ‘play’ all the time , is more like Michaels: work for Marconi at Great What impression of bridge repetitions would abound! How ever, • A cue-bid shows the Baddow in Essex. He was the does this give to young players? Mr Broughton raises an inter esting highest unbid suits; for youngest and would be about That how you dress is more point. What do other readers think? example (1® ) – 2® shows 70 now. important than how you play? the majors; If anyone knows how I could Steve Dannell, Norwich • 2NT is unusual for the contact him, please let me know THE OCTOBER two lowest unbid suits on ( 0117 962 0117. Andrew Petrie, Chairman of the DEBATE • 3® shows the highest and Derek Fey, Bristol Ú Tournament Committee, replies: Thank you for your votes lowest suits. Mr Dannell is incorrect in his and comments. Paul de Weerd, Douglas assertion that ‘the EBU prohibits Ghestem beat Michaels Other e-mails pro Mod. Ghestem shorts at its events with a few ex - with 52% of the votes. came from David Ellis (Norwich) RYDER CUP cep tions.’ Our policy was stated and Chris Watson (Dunstable). quite clearly in Tournament Focus as follows: ‘Informal or casual dress is acceptable and appropriate at PS to the August Debate EBU events. While specific stan- IN my view, Four-card Majors use, they have almost always dards would be difficult to both is the better system. Every bid - adapted it to suit them selves. formulate and enforce, conformity ding mechanism has its disad- This is certainly legal if their to generally acceptable standards of vantages at some point but system is shown at the begin- decency and cleanliness is expect - this is less confusing, espe- ning of play but must be a ed. If the Tournament Director be - cially for new players. complete nightmare for new Six-day tickets for lieves that a competitor’s appea r - Having recently moved area players, who are struggling to The Ryder Cup in Wales ance at an event does not meet an and played with numerous dif- remember the bidding process next September are acceptable standard, then that ferent partners until I am able anyway. available in exchange com petitor will be required to to get a regular partner, it has No wonder so few want to for financial support for correct this situation if they wish to become clear to me that what - play at duplicate clubs. the 2110 continue in the event.’ ever system players say they Julia M. Cooper, Canterbury (the ‘Ryder Cup’ of bridge). Contact Paul Hackett at Send your letters to the Editor, Elena Jeronimidis, 23 Erleigh Road, Reading RG1 5LR, or e-mail [email protected] [email protected] Please include your postal address even if writing by email. The editor reserves the right to condense letters. or phone 0161 446 1138 Publication does not mean the EBU agrees with the views expressed or that the comments are factually correct. for further details.

www.ebu.co.uk December 2009 English Bridge 27 DEC_09_EB_p27-28 Letters:EB_Layout 3 11/11/2009 19:33 Page 28

LETTERS CONTINUED from page 27 Where does this leave us? IN the August issue you the U3A) and bridge clubs that announced that English Bridge are not affiliated to the EBU, would in future contain more and it seems to me that the EBU Stayman problems general interest articles and less would benefit by considering reporting of tournaments etc. their needs. A dedicated section THE response that Jeremy request for partner to indicate with interesting hands being in English Bridge, providing Dhondy gave to the laws query whether he has a major, not a discussed. relevant articles and informa - Mike Craggs posed in the Au - promise or undertaking that the I think this is a most unfor - tion for less experienced play - gust edition was very worrying. bidder has one. Many players, for tunate move, since I find the ers, could be one way of To make a Stayman bid hold - example, would use 2 ® as a way to magazine these days far less addressing this issue. ing only one spade and two get to 3 ® if they held a weak hand interesting, a point brought Neville Shorrick, Ledbury hearts is not, as Jeremy des - with six clubs (see David Bakhshi’s home to me when I re-read a cribes it, peculiar or lucky; it is article on page 23). One can argue mag about ten years old prior OVER the past years I have not a threat to the whole basis of as to whether this is the best me - to scuttling it. These esoteric found the magazine very cus - constructive bidding and thod, but it is certainly an attempt articles about Five-card Majors tomer friendly for a club player should be stamped upon. to get to the best contract and thus and this time Michaels Cue- like myself. My only interest Having rather pompousl y con structive. Most players have an bids are really not a patch on had been found on Sandra got that off my chest, can I agree ment that if the bidding goes, earlier reports. ’s page which I have meekly say as a humble club as in Mr Cragg’s example, 1NT – Walter Schonbeck, Gloucester extolled to my students. player that I hadn’t heard of 2® –2™ – 3NT, this shows four Your August issue, however, ‘non-promissory’ bids. Could cards in spades and it is usual to I HAVE been a member of the has impressed me greatly. you supply a list of them so I remove to 4 ´ if you have a fit. EBU for many years and belong , as ever, has can use them against hated op - There is little reason to follow this to several bridge clubs in Here - written a clear article on Benji po nents? (Only joking!) sequence without four spades. ford shire and Worcester shire. defence which my students will Alan Walters, Whitecroft As far as I know, the term ‘non- Although I think that English find useful. Additionally, David promissory’ is only usually applied Bridg e is a worthwhile and Bakhshi’s article on Ace- Jeremy Dhondy replies: There needs to Stayman, although I suppose well-produced publication, showing Cue-bids has given me to be a good reason to restrict the that when you bid 4NT asking many of the ‘ordinary’ players I the idea to repeat his points in a development of bidding. The L&E for aces you are not necessarily come across are more critical. lesson for the club students. I does not do this lightly and Mr pro mising any. They are not highly ranked, and also enjoyed the article on Five- Walters has provided no real reason Non-promissory Black wood, indeed may not be ranked at all. or Four-card Majors. why this should be so. Stayman is a anyone? They enjoy bridge, and claim I shall also be recommending that the magazine is mainly for Jeremy Dhondy’s discussion on the benefit of esta blished and doubling and alerting, to club Long odds After P2P experienced play ers, and that players and students, as this is there is little in it for them. Very always an area of confusion. PARTS of Simon Cochemé’s I PLAY at three different bridge occasionally, some articles are So thank you for encour ag ing article in the October English clubs. All suit me well in dif - of real inter est: those produ - the production of such an Bridge were laugh-out-loud ferent ways and all suit my diary ced by June Booty are good inter esting and useful maga- funny. and locality. None of them is or ex amples. zine. May it continue . . . This is as rare among ever has been EBU affil iated, Larger numbers of people Diana King, ‘humor ous’ bridge articles as although two of the clubs have play in organisations (such as trowBRIDGEclub one of your correspondents EBU trained directors. None having a letter published in suc - of the reasonably local EBU cessive issues of the magazine. affili a ted clubs fits my diary, Getting the facts right Bob Dowdeswell, and in any case I have no Reading interest in master points. ON page 35 of your October night and was corrected the A coordinating nation al body issue you have a piece ‘The man next day . When the engine is essential, I believe in the EBU, who locked himself in dummy’. stopped, I had more than 30 Erratum I value the work put in by EBU Nice headline, but not as minutes of flying time in the staff, and I love English Bridge. good as the Sun’s: ‘Will he land sight glass of my port tank – THANK you for publishing It seems as though I am on Runway One? Will he land no faulty gauges. my article on blogging in the about to be expelled! Is there a on Runway Two? No – he The AAIB is investigating October issue, although I see solution for players like me? landed on Runway Tree!’ why the engine stopped . The that the editorial and/or print- Michael Waterland, by e-mail However, whoever grassed aircraft sailed (flew?) through ing process has added a club to me up to you made an embar - its an nual inspection only a the problem hand to make it a You will be able to join the EBU as a ras sing error. I certainly did not few weeks before the accident, 1-4-7-2 distribution! Direct Member. Further details on run out of fuel – this came so no clues there. Paul Gipson, Todheug page 32 . from a syndicated report over- Vince Hagedorn, Essex r

28 English Bridge December 2009 www.ebu.co.uk DEC_09_EB_p29-30 Bird Qs:EB_Layout 3 11/11/2009 19:34 Page 29

– CUT OUT – CUT OUT – CUT OUT –

Beat today’s experts Beat today’s experts –

– C

These hands are all from modern events These hands are all from modern events T and David Bird points to some useful and David Bird points to some useful U U lessons to be learned from them. See lessons to be learned from them. See T

O how your efforts compare with the how your efforts compare with the O experts’ bidding. experts’ bidding. T U U T

C December 2009 December 2009 –

–

WEST HANDS EAST HANDS C T (IMP scoring on every deal) (IMP scoring on every deal) U U T

O ´ ´

1. Game All 8 7 1. Game All A

Dealer East ™ A K 10 7 6 3 Dealer East ™ Q J 8 5 2 O T t A 6 t Q 10 4 U

U (Wolff) ® Q 5 2 (Morse) ® A 9 6 3 T

C *South bids 2 ´, North 4 ´ *South bids 2 ´, North 4 ´

– –

2. Love All ´ A K J 2 2. Love All ´ 10 8 C T ™ ™ Dealer East 9 5 Dealer East A J 10 8 U

U t A Q J 7 t 10 6 2 (Alon Birman) ® 9 5 3 (David Birman) ® A 10 4 2 T O

O T

3. N/S Game ´ J 10 5 4 3 3. N/S Game ´ A K Q 2 U U

Dealer South ™ 10 Dealer South ™ A 4 T C

t A 4 t K Q J 7 6 –

– (Klukowski) ® A 9 8 6 5 (Markowicz) ® J 2

*South opens 3 ™ *South opens 3 ™ C T U U

4. E/W Game ´ Q 4 2 4. E/W Game ´ A 9 8 5 T O

Dealer West ™ A K 7 6 5 Dealer West ™ 8 3

t 10 7 t A 8 4 2 O T

(Nickell) ® K 9 2 (Katz) ® A 5 3 U U T C

5. Game All ´ A 8 5. Game All ´ J 5 –

™ ™

– Dealer West Q J 8 Dealer West A K 10 9 2 C t 10 4 3 t A 8 5 T (Gitelman) ® A Q J 7 6 (Moss) ® K 10 5 U U T

O

6. Game All ´ A K 6. Game All ´ Q J 7 O

Dealer East ™ 9 5 2 Dealer East ™ 3 T t K Q 2 t A J 10 9 8 7 5 3 U U (Hamman) ® A Q 7 4 2 (Zia Mahmood) ® J T

C

– – Did you beat the experts? – Pages 14-15 Did you beat the experts? – Pages14-15 $ www.ebu.co–.u k CUT OUT – CUT OUT – CUT DOecemUberT 200 9 –English Bridge 29 DEC_09_EB_p29-30 BirdQs:EB_Layout311/11/200919:35Page30 £ E d t 5 q E 3 y h - t e 0 u o m r N a ‘ £ c

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9 9 DEC_09_EB_p31-33 EBU.qxd:EB_Layout 3 11/11/2009 19:39 Page 31

CALENDAR TD OF EVENTS EBU News PROMOTIONS n DECEMBER 2009 11-13 Gold Cup Congress CONGRATULATIONS to Peebles LAWS & ETHICS NEWS the following on their 18-20 Junior Channel Trophy promotion to National Belgium THE L&E wish to remind and many rely mostly on Tournament Directors: 27-30 Year End Congress London players that: the front of scorecards but Neil Morley, Gordon 28-30 Year End Congress Blackpool the EBU recommendation Rainsford, and David n JANUARY 2010 1. Player s in all tournaments is that players do have Stevenson. 2-3 Manchester Congress are expected to have two some simple statement of Also congratulations 8-10 Midland Counties Congress identically completed their agreements available to Martin Lee, promoted Bransford convention cards. These for their opponents. to Senior Congress 8-10 Camrose First Weekend cards can either be any Scotland Tournament Director. 11-13 BGB Winter Sim Pairs version of the EBU cards Reporting of Psychic Bids Clubs available at tournaments, at EBU tournaments: 29-31 Really Easy Winter Break or their on-line equivalent Wroxton available from the EBU 1. Players may report a hand 30-31 Swiss Teams Congress AGM Daventry web site. The cards should to the director if they be exchanged at the wish. This might happen ELECTIONS n FEBRUARY 2010 beginning of each round. if, for example, an 9-14 Overseas Congress 2. The WBF convention card opponent has psyched. THE election of the new Board Madeira is not permitted in most 2. In almost all of Directors took place at the 13-14 Tollemache Final Shareholders’ Meeting on Hinckley EBU events (The Spring circumstances the director 19-21 Junior Camrose 4s and Premier League are will complete the October 7th 2009. The Wales exceptions to this). Players recording of hand form. following were elected: 26-28 Harrogate Spring Congress have an obligation to 3. If a player has asked for a No of votes Majestic Hotel produce the correct card. hand to be recorded, he Sally Bugden 71 n MARCH 2010 Players may call the should expect the director Andrew Petrie 69 5-7 Camrose Second Weekend tournament director if to show him the Michael Hill 65 Northern Ireland WBF cards are used by completed form. Graham Jepson 64 6-7 Ranked Masters Pairs their opponents. 4. These forms are reviewed Jeremy Dhondy 59 Daventry Martin Pool 58 13 One-Day Green Pointed 3. Overseas players at our by the Laws and Ethics Event congresses have the same Committee. Jeff Morris 55 Manchester requirements and the 5. Clubs or Counties may Malcolm Oliver 55 13-14 Wiltshire/Avon One-Day competitions department follow any procedure they Alan Nelson 54 Green Pointed Event will send them an think suitable in this John Carter 53 Bath University 13-14 One-Day Green Pointed electronic version of respect but are welcome Events EBU20B when they enter. to use the report of hand Peter Stocken and Suzanne Gill London, 4. Clubs are free to do as form available from the were nominated but just Leicestershire (Derby) they wish in this respect EBU website if they wish. missed out on being elected.. 14 One-Day Green Pointed There being no other Event Merseyside, Bedfordshire, candidates for the roles, the Channel Isles JOHN ARMSTRONG REMEMBERED following remained in their 19-21 Cumbria Congress A PROGRAMME of setting up 285 is in Bob Blackmore’s positions: Sally Bugden, Windermere Hydro Chairman; Andrew Petrie, 20 Young Bridge Challenge a group of trees in Heritage name. Bob, from Exeter, was Loughborough Wood as a lasting memorial to the winner of the first John Vice-Chairman; Michael Hill, Grammar School John Armstrong has now Armstrong Memorial Award. Treasurer. 21 National Pairs Regional Finals started. Twenty trees have been The search is already on for Bradford, Bristol, Leatherhead, Peterborough, planted – a mixture of oak, next year’s winner. This should Solihull horse chestnut, silver birch, be someone who has made the MASTER POINTS 26-28 Cornwall Congress bird cherry and ash – in the game more enjoyable for fellow YEARLY Falmouth new planting area of Heritage bridge players. Please send to 28 Portland Pairs COMPETITION Various Venues Wood. It is intended that an the EBU the name of anyone 28-29 Isle of Man Congress array of wild flowers will be you believe worthy of the The closing date added amongst the trees. In the award and the reasons. n APRIL 2010 for the yearly longer term, there is a project Heritage Wood is open to all Master Points 2 Arnott-Davidson Trophy Final to add a bench in the middle throughout the year and is an London competition where visitors can relax. excellent place to relax or enjoy 2-3 Under-25 Pairs Championship is the first post on The first two trees have a picnic. It is located between London Monday 2-4 Easter Festival Buxton already had plaques added. Ednaston and Hollington in 2-5 Easter Festival London No. 218, a horse chestnut, is in Derbyshire. More details on 18th January 2010 John’s name and the oak No. www.heritage-wood.co.uk

www.ebu.co.uk December 2009 English Bridge 31 DEC_09_EB_p31-33 EBU.qxd:EB_Layout 3 11/11/2009 19:39 Page 32

YEAR END CONGRESS EBU News

London JOIN UP, DIMMIE JOIN UP! FLEMING Royal National Hotel, WC1 DIRECT membership of the AWARD 27-30 December 2009 EBU is an option open to those members who are unable to join the EBU via an affiliated club. This means that you can enjoy all the benefits of membership including receiving the magazine, the diary and entering all the competitions you enjoy Blackpool taking part in, by registering and paying directly to Aylesbury. The fee for direct membership Hilton Hotel, FY1 2JQ from 1 April 2010 is just £23 a

year; however, this does not P

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28-30 December 2009 include your county o

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membership fee. y

BOB Bs lackmore, who last August

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For more information about won thz e first John Armstrong

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becoming a direct member, r

Memoc rial Award, is now also the

Entries / enquiries to EBU Competitions Department z a please e-mail Eileen Maunder at k ( 01296 317 203 / 219 recipient of the Dimmie Fleming [email protected] or telephone Award for services to bridge. or e-mail [email protected] her at the EBU on Bob is a player of the highest ( 01296 317200. standard who has won almost every competition in Devon and ON-LINE has represented that County in 30–31 January 2010 national events on numerous TEACHING occasions. He was a founder member of SWISS TEAMS CONGRESS PROGRAM the Exeter Bridge Club, and has Barceló Daventry Hotel, Daventry been its unpaid financial director WE are testing the new On-line since 1994. He has used that Teaching Program that we have position to promote the interests adapted from the American of bridge both for the club and League’s the Devon Bridge Association. program. This work was done by Bob largely gave up a member of staff at Aylesbury, competitive bridge to take on the John Pain, who has fitted it in as role of encouraging young an extra task, with assistance players and those new to the from Andrew Kambites. game. For as long as most people The program should be can remember, nobody has available from the EBU website worked harder for bridge in early in the new year. Devon than Bob Blackmore.

REMINDERS

A four star luxury hotel in the Northamptonshire ENGLISH BRIDGE: Members who share an address and receive two copies of English Bridge, but only require one, should e-mail countryside, overlooking Drayton Water [email protected] (or ring ( 01296 317200 and ask for Michael Clark). Please notify both EBU numbers when making your request. Entries / enquiries to EBU Competitions Department CLUB FOCUS: The next issue of Club Focus will be available in the ( 01296 317 203 / 219 second week of January . Contributions to [email protected] . or e-mail [email protected] TOURNAMENT FOCUS: The next issue of Tournament Focus will be Closing date for entries: 18th January 2010 out in mid-February . Contributions to [email protected] .

32 English Bridge December 2009 www.ebu.co.uk DEC_09_EB_p31-33 EBU.qxd:EB_Layout 3 11/11/2009 19:41 Page 33

CLUB DIRECTOR & COUNTY EBU News DIRECTOR TRAINING COURSES – 2009 -10 BRIDGE CRUISE TO THE CANARIES ESSENTIALS £34 Bramhall Sunday 21 February 2010 Brierfield, Lancs Saturday April 17 2010 s

e Brighton Monday 9 August 2010 n i L

e s i More courses will be arranged for 2010. Look out for details in u r C English Bridge and on the website – Hounslow, Isle of Wight, n e s l Hereford, Morpeth and Wiltshire are all hoping to organise courses. O . d e r F

: BOOK RULINGS £39 o t o

h Oxford Saturday 6 March 2010 P Bramhall Sunday 14 March 2010 LEADING cruise company, bridge players. This partnership Brierfield, Lancs Saturday 1 May 2010 Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines has with the EBU takes bridge on Brighton Tuesday 10 August 2010 teamed up with the English board to a new level and offers a JUDGMENT RULINGS £39 Bridge Union to offer EBU- way to enjoy a great holiday Leeds Saturday 5 December sanctioned bridge tournaments while playing some excellent EBU HQ Aylesbury Wednesday 9 December on board its ship Balmoral. bridge.’ Bramhall Sunday 28 March 2010 Hosted by Daily Express Bridge In addition to the bridge, the Correspondent and World cruise has a very attractive Oxford Saturday 10 April 2010 Seniors Teams Champion, Paul itinerary. Departing from Dover, Brierfield, Lancs Saturday 19 June 2010 Hackett, the event takes place the elegant Balmoral visits Brighton Wednesday 11 August 2010 during a cruise to the Canaries Madeira, La Palma, Tenerife, Altrincham t.b.a. departing on May 3, 2010. Gran Canaria and Lisbon, before ASSESSMENT £44 Players of all standards will be returning to Dover (see page 4). EBU HQ Aylesbury Wednesday 13 January 2010 able to join in the bridge Prices are from £1,049 per Bramhall Sunday 25 April 2010 programme, taking place over six person, based on two sharing an Oxford Saturday 1 May 2010 days of the twelve-night cruise, inside twin cabin, and include all Brierfield, Lancs Saturday 10 July 2010 and Paul Hackett will be giving meals and entertainment on Brighton Thursday 12 August 2010 talks and commenting on each board and port taxes. Those Leeds t.b.c. day’s play. Marketing Manager taking part in the bridge sessions for Fred.Olsen, Mike Bird, said: must pre-book and there is a Altrincham t.b.c. ‘This is a wonderful opportunity charge of £100 per player. For for us, as we always had many more information visit For further information, guests on board who are keen www.fredolsencruise.co.uk . or to register for a course SENIORS CELEBRATION ( 01296 317203 or email [email protected]

TEACHER TRAINING COURSES – 2010 Focus on Value Teacher Training Courses – 3 new courses for prospective teachers

é Aylesbury EBU HQ February 19th to 21st

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h West Midlands Bridge Club Solihull July 16th to 18th

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n Aylesbury EBU HQ October 22nd to 24th

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o Courses – £195 for the Full Course –

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P includes how to teach bridge, what to teach, short teaching practice, how to recruit, how to retain JUST before the Shareholders’ introduced them to the and how to turn your students into a partner club. Meeting held on 7th October, shareholders who greeted our four members of the England heroes with warm applause. Seniors team that won the In the picture (from the left): For further details Ernesto D’Orsi Bowl in Brazil Colin Simpson, Paul Hackett, ( 01296 317217 (see page 11) came to London to David Price and Ross Harper, celebrate their success. Sally wearing their World Gold or email [email protected] Bugden, EBU Chairman, Medals, with Sally Bugden.

www.ebu.co.uk December 2009 English Bridge 33 DEC_09_EB_p34-35 Klinger:EB_Layout 3 11/11/2009 19:42 Page 34

G Benji Two Bids: N I D D I t

B the 2 opening

R E T T E matter how weak responder’s hand, the 11/2 tricks or better has definite slam B Ron Klinger partnership should bid on to game (or prospects. double the opponents). • Positive reply: any reply other than 2™. • Any positive reply (8+ HCP or 1 1/2 DEVISED by of Scotland, ´ A K Q 7 6 ´ 3 tricks or more) means slam is likely Benjamin Twos are effective in combining ™ A K Q 6 N ™ 5 4 3 2 and if a trump fit is found, you W E Weak Twos with strong opening hands. t A 3 S t 8 7 6 2 should definitely look for slam. The structure: ® J 8 ® 6 5 4 2 Choice of positive responses 2NT = 20-22 points balanced 2´ = weak two, 6 spades, 6-10 HCP West East • A suit bid shows a suit at least five- 2™ = weak two, 6 hearts, 6-10 HCP 2t 2™ (negative) cards long. With hearts, you will have 2t = artificial, 23+ HCP or 10+ tricks 2´ 2NT to bid 3 ™, since 2 ™ is the negative 2® = artificial, 8 1/2-9 1/2 tricks, about 3™ 4™ reply. one trick short of game, and a Pass • 2NT = a , no suit of at hand of power and quality least five cards. It would be a very serious error to pass 2 ´. • If 4-4-4-1 with positive values, bid Benjamin 2 t East’s 2NT rebid denies support for spades 2™ and catch up later. It will be and denies a five-card suit. responder’s duty then to push on to Recommended approach for the Benja - slam. min 2 t opening (forcing to game) = 25+ • With a two-suiter, bid your longer HCP balanced, or any non-balanced hand ´ A Q J 9 8 6 ´ 5 4 suit first, or the higher-ranking if 5-5 with 23+ HCP. or any hand below 23 HCP ™ A K Q 8 7 2 N ™ 9 6 4 3 or 6-6. W E if it has 10+ playing tricks and is in the 16- t A S t 8 7 2 22 HCP range. 10 playing tricks = 3 losers ® Void ® 5 4 3 2 Opener’s rebid and means you have game in your own after the 2 ™ negative hand. With good playing strength but below 16 HCP, start with a one-level opening. West East • 2NT shows a balanced 25+ HCP, Each of these hands is suitable for a 2 t 2t 2™ (negative) forcing to game. Further bidding is opening: 2´ 2NT the same as after a 2NT opening. 6™ Pass • With a hand that is not balanced, rebid in a suit to show a suit of at ´ A Q J 10 8 7 ´ A K J 2 West has only one loser but cannot tell least five cards. With a 4-4-4-1 (rare ™ K Q J ™ A K 9 8 3 which suit is best. Again, it would be awful problem), bid your cheapest four- t A K Q 9 t A K Q if East passed 2 ´. card suit and make natural bids after ® Void ® 2 that. With a two-suiter, bid the longer Only 2 losers 24 HCP unbalanced Responses suit first, or the higher-ranking with a 5-5 or 6-6 pattern. ´ K Q ´ K Q J 2 • 2™ is an artificial, negative reply, • Opener’s jump-rebid in a suit below ™ A K Q ™ 3 usually 0-7 HCP. game shows a solid suit (e.g. 2 t –2™ t A K 4 3 t A K • Any hand of 0-5 HCP = negative and –3´ / 4 ® / 4 t) and sets this suit as ® A J 5 4 ® A K J 10 5 4 so are most hands of 6-7 HCP, but A trumps. It asks responder to bid any 26 HCP balanced Only 3 losers + K (1 1/2 tricks) or a suit headed by ace. With no ace, but one or two A-Q (1 1/2 tricks) is worth a positive. kings, bid no-trumps. With no ace A negative says slam is unlikely. As and no king, responder must raise The 2 ™ response is a negative but no opener has 10+ tricks, a hand with the suit.

34 English Bridge December 2009 www.ebu.co.uk DEC_09_EB_p34-35 Klinger:EB_Layout 3 11/11/2009 19:43 Page 35

´ A K Q J 9 8 6 5 ´ 4 ´ K Q J 9 8 7 ´ 6 5 3 2 ™ Void N ™ 9 6 4 3 ™ K 2 N ™ Q 8 7 W E W E CLUB PLAYER’S t K Q J S t A 8 7 2 t A K S t Q 8 7 2 ® A K ® 5 4 3 2 ® A Q J ® 3 2 BIDDING QUIZ

ON each of the following problems, West East West East you are West. What should you bid 2t 2™ (negative) 2t 2™ (negative) with each hand on the given auction? 3´ 4t (tA) 2´ 4´ Julian Pottage gives the correct 7´ Pass Pass answers on page 45. If East’s second bid had been 4 ™ (show ing The jump to 4 ´ shows spade support, but the ™A) or 4 ´ (no ace, no king) or 3NT no ace, no king, no singleton, no void. (no ace, at least one king), West would have rebid 6 ´. Hand 1 WNES ´ K Q J 9 8 7 ´ 6 5 3 2 ´ Q 9 6 2 Pass Pass Pass 1® Opener’s rebid ™ K 2 N ™ A 8 7 ™ A Q 10 5 ? W E after a positive response t A K S t 9 8 7 2 t Q 9 6 4 ® A Q J ® 3 2 ® 4 • After a 2NT response, 3 ® is Stayman and any other suit is a suit of at least five cards. 3NT = 25-26 points only. West East • After a suit response, opener may 2t 2™ (negative) Hand 2 WNES raise with at least three trumps. 2´ 3´ ´ K J 9 7 4 1™ Pass Raising below game (2 t –2´ –3´) 4´ Pass ™ A 7 ? sets responder’s suit as trumps and t A Q 8 4 3 asks responder to bid any ace. The raise to 3 ´ shows spade support and ® 2 Opener’s change of suit will be a suit an ace or a king or a shortage. West signs of at least five cards, but a second suit off since the negative 2 ™ will not be as by either partner might be just a much as an ace and a king. four-card suit. Hand 3 WNES ´ A 10 8 7 2 1´ Responder’s rebid ´ A K Q J 9 8 7 ´ 6 5 3 2 ™ K J 3 2 ? after the 2 ™ negative ™ A K N ™ J 8 7 4 t K Q 7 W E t A 6 5 S t 7 ® 6 • Support opener’s major as first ® A ® 9 8 3 2 priority. • Raising below game (2 t –2™ –2´ – 3´) shows an ace or a king or a West East Hand 4 WNES singleton or a void, and is stronger 2t 2™ (negative) ´ 7 3 1™ Pass than the raise to game (which shows 2´ 4t ™ K 10 2 ? support, but no controls). 7´ Pass t 9 2 • A jump in a new suit (2 t –2™ –2´ ® K J 8 6 4 2 –4t) shows at least four-card The jump to 4 t shows spade support and support and a singleton or void in a singleton or void in diamonds. Able to the suit bid. ruff the diamond losers, West can bid the • A new suit by responder shows a suit grand slam. Hand 5 WNES of at least five cards, otherwise bid ´ Q 9 5 1´ Pass no-trumps. Responder’s rebid ™ K Q 7 2 ? after a positive reply t 9 7 ® A J 8 6 YOUNG CHELSEA After a positive reply by responder, bid - ding is natural and most auctions lead to ONE OF THE WORLD’S slam. WNES GREAT BRIDGE CLUBS • Try to agree on a trump suit before Hand 6 1t Pass Duplicate every weekday evening asking for aces. ´ 7 4 2 1™ Pass 2® Pass • Try to allow opener, the strong hand, ™ A K 9 6 ? ( 020 7373 1665 to do the asking. t A J 2 • You should play that a positive ® Q J 6 www.ycbc.co.uk response followed by a suit raise is forcing. r

www.ebu.co.uk December 2009 English Bridge 35 DEC_09_EB_p36 Roy:EB_Layout 3 11/11/2009 19:44 Page 36

THE EBU & Reports BRIDGE OVERSEAS BRIDGE IN ANDALUCIA THIS autumn’s EBU overseas congress took place in Islantilla, a new resort, bordering the Atlantic in the Spanish province of MADEIRA Huelva, the most westerly part of Andalucia. Islantilla has a magnificent sandy beach, a golf course and a small commercial centre with a few shops and tapas restaurants but little else. CONGRESS The Iberostar Hotel was palatial on the ground floor. This was not a description which could be applied to the upper floors, but 9 – 14 February 2010 the bedrooms, or more accurately junior suites, were well equipped and roomy enough for a family of four. Breakfast and dinner were 5* Pestana Casino Park, Funchal, Madeira both buffet style. Dinner included a choice of freshly cooked fish and meat but, although there was an excellent choice, by the end of the week some were ready for a change. The sun worshippers were in their element by the swimming pools with sunshine all day and temperatures approaching the century Fahrenheit. However, for those who wished to explore the area it was necessary to hire a car. Isla Cristina, the nearest town, is a fishing port home to so many active trawlers that it made one wonder whether the Spanish suffered from fishing quotas, and if they did whether they were enforced. In the quayside restaurants fresh fish was priced by weight before being filleted. The price, a minimum of four euros per 100 gram, meant that a large sole cost upwards of £20.

STOP The bridge program will be adjusted to PRESS give a free day for the world famous Carnival.

H Pre-congress Pairs H Open Pairs H Pivot Teams H Men’s, Ladies’ and Mixed Pairs H Swiss Pairs and Swiss Teams (both Green-pointed)

Bridge Fees: £115 Of the excursions offered, that to Seville (see picture), although Entries to EBU Competitions Dept a hundred miles away, was notably the best. The Cathedral, ranked Broadfields, Bicester Road, Aylesbury, the third largest in the world, has a tower originally a minaret, Bucks HP19 8AZ known as the Giralda, from the top of which it is possible to view ( 01296 317 203/219 E-mail: [email protected] this beautiful city. The journey to the top is not too strenuous because the access to the summit is via a ramp designed for horses and donkeys. Another excursion was to the Doñana National Park For travel and accommodation please contact which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site extending to over 500 sq. miles. The hot weather had dried up many of the lakes and there - BRIDGE OVERSEAS fore there were few birds to be seen. We saw some frogs but the only mammal on view was a very squashed, very dead rabbit. The excellent playing conditions and the competent organisation of the bridge by David Jones, Peter Jordan, and Neil Morley together with their wives, Marilyn, Barbara and Winnie contributed to a most enjoyable congress. (Roy Garthwaite)

The next EBU Overseas Congress will take place in Madeira, from 9th FREEPHONE 0800 034 6246 to 14th February 2010; details on the left. Note the Stop Press info!

36 English Bridge December 2009 www.ebu.co.uk DEC_09_EB_p37 Booty:EB_Layout 3 11/11/2009 19:44 Page 37

Really Easy E G D I

declarer play R B

Y in no-trumps S A E

Y

OVER the past year we have looked solely one heart, five diamonds and two clubs, L

at bidding, so this month it is time for making a total of nine tricks. Is there any- L

some Really Easy card-play. thing declarer should worry about though? A When you are declarer, the opening lead Yes, declarer should be careful when E has been made, and dummy’s hand has play ing the diamonds, otherwise he may June Booty R been spread on the table, it is time to stop end up in the wrong hand. If he simply and think and form a plan. When you are plays them from the top starting with the playing in a no-trump contract you should ace, then the king, then the queen, he will West leads the t6 (the fourth-highest card count the number of tricks you can defi - find himself in the dummy hand with no from an honour in his longest suit). nitely make between the two hands as well entry back to cash the two small winners. Again, South should stop and count the as those you hope to develop. The timing When playing this suit, declarer must tricks before playing the first card from of which suits to play when can often be remember the following rule: dummy. There are three definite spade extremely important. tricks (with a fourth if the opponents have exactly three each, but this will only Play high cards from the shorter happen about one third of the time), three ´ A 9 2 holding first when cashing. heart tricks (but the opponents must be ™ A J 5 4 allowed to win their ace first), two dia- t Q J 10 monds and one club (a second trick will ® A K 3 So, on this deal, when it comes to playing probably become available if the clubs are ´ J 10 5 3 ´ K Q 8 7 the dia monds, declarer must play a small played often enough). This means there is ™ Q 10 N ™ K 9 8 2 card to the queen and next lead the jack, a total of nine definite tricks, but in order W E t 7 3 S t 9 8 5 and if both opponents followed to the to achieve them a heart trick must be lost ® Q J 10 8 4 ® 5 2 first dia mond trick (this will happen to the opponents. ´ 6 4 about 96% of the time), he can safely It is very important that you ‘do your ™ 7 6 3 play the ten and overtake it with the ace work before you put your feet up!’ By this t A K 6 4 2 and cash his two remaining winning I mean that you must let the opponents ® 9 7 6 diamonds. win their ace of hearts early, before you lose With the following deal, the order of control in the other suits. You have to win which suits to play is extremely important: the first diamond trick but do not be South is in 3NT after this auction: tempted to play diamonds again at trick two. Instead, lead a small heart towards the West North East South ´ A K Q 7 jack, hoping the opponents will win with 1™ Pass 1NT ™ J 5 their ace. If they do, then, upon regaining Pass 3NT All Pass t 9 8 2 the lead, you can simply cash the rest of ® 9 6 3 2 your nine tricks. If the opponents do not The opening lead is the queen of clubs. ´ 10 3 ´ J 8 5 4 win the ace of hearts at their first oppor - (West will usually lead his longest suit ™ A 6 2 N ™ 9 7 4 3 tunity (it is often correct to wait before W E against a no-trump contract, and the top t Q 10 7 6 5 4 S t J 3 playing aces, but more about that in an - of an honour sequence is far more con - ® K 10 ® Q J 7 other article) then play another heart, and structive than the fourth highest). ´ 9 6 2 a third heart if necessary until you have South should now stop and count the ™ K Q 10 8 established the three required heart tricks. tricks available. This looks like a straight - t A K forward contract with one top spade trick, ® A 8 5 4 Summary

THE CUMBRIA CONGRESS South is in 3NT after this auction: As declarer, do not play a card from will take place on dummy until you have made a plan 19th - 21st March 2010 West North East South for the whole play, counting winners in Windermere 1™ in no-trumps, and taking into account Pass 1´ Pass 1NT your strengths and weaknesses. r NOTE the location published in the Diary is incorrect Pass 3NT All Pass

www.ebu.co.uk December 2009 English Bridge 37 DEC_09_EB_p38-39 Debate:EB_Layout 3 11/11/2009 19:45 Page 38

A Strong Club system E T A

B is much better than Acol E D

E Two top players debate a hot bridge topic. Tell us whose argument has won you over by e-mailing the Editor at [email protected] H

T Jeremy Dhondy Overall you have much more control in puts down a fine dummy of: auctions at low levels because partner has ´ x ™ Q 8 x x x t J x ® J x x x x. IN the late 1960s Taiwan started to do very limited his hand more precisely. Would you rather be in 1 ´ or 4 ™? Of well in international bridge events, beating You open 1 ´ with: course, the opponents might come to the teams regarded as far superior. In football ´ A K J x x ™ K Q J x x t x x ® x rescue but if your opening shows at least terms it was the equivalent of Darlington and partner responds 1NT. You can now bid 16 points you are in with a better chance FC challenging to win the Premier League. 3™ to show a maximum 5-5 hand which of getting to hearts. Suppose that you have Taiwan had some good players, of course, partner can pass or correct to 3 ´, non-forc - a balanced 18-count. With traditional but their system, ‘’, was ing if he is unsuitable. Playing traditional methods you open one of your longest suit. widely credited with much of the success. methods you won’t be able to do this, Partner dredges up a response and you This article outlines the advantages of a because you have to cater for opener to have rebid 2NT. Partner passes and you drift Strong Club system but it comes with a a hand of up to 19 or 20 points. down. Contrast this with a strong club health warning. You can’t pop down to the Of course sometimes partner won’t have auction where it goes 1 ®, partner club, pick up a new partner and say: ‘How a five-card major, or lots of clubs, or an responds with 1 t (0-7), and now you can about playing Strong Club?’ It won’t work, opening 1NT, so he will open the dustbin rebid 1NT with 17-18 (with 16 you would because you need to discuss things more bid of 1 t. This is not as strange as it might have opened 1NT). Partner can pass or at the start than with other systems, but if seem, as those familiar with five-card transfer at the two level. you play with someone regularly whether majors may open 1 ® on similar sorts of The second group is the really big hands at club or tournament level I hope to per - hands, but here too you have more control. that you might open 2 ® Acol or 2 t suade you that it is a winning proposition. Suppose the sequence starts 1 t –1´ –2´. Benjamin in a traditional system. Here When the opening bidder raises to 2 ´, he is you start a level lower, allowing more room Hands of fewer than 16 points known to have a max imum of 13 points for investigation. A word of warning here (because with 14 or 15 he would either have is that your opponents, especially at You might expect the principal advan tage opened 1NT or made a bid of 2NT or above favourable vulnerability, might like to to be with strong hands but, in my view, it to show shortage), so res ponder will know interfere, so a requirement of a successful is the limit set for opening 1 ® that helps much more precisely when to continue or Strong Club pair is to know what is with a lot of hands where you have, and not. With a traditional Weak No-trump happening when this occurs. You can use are showing fewer than, 16 points. The system the opener may have to raise to 2 ´ the interference of your opponents to your first area where you are going to be better with anything from a minimum opening advantage, as it allows you to distinguish off is those hands where you are weak bid up to a bad 16-count . between very bad (0-4) hands and semi- opposite an opening bid. Suppose you hold: positive (5-7) hands. Let’s suppose that ´ J x ™ J x x t K J x x ® x x x x. Strong hands you do open 1 ® with a very strong hand Partner opens 1 ´; playing a tradi tional and, joy of joys, partner has a positive so method you feel obliged to keep the bidding Let’s move on to strong hands. There are you are on your way to slam. Contrast the open, so you bid 1NT and part ner punishes two groups here. The first group is those auction that starts with an Acol 2 ® –2´ – you. You often drift miserably off even hands which are strong but not enough 3™ with one that starts 1 ® –1´ –2™. though you have more than half the points. for a strong two level opening, in the range Many Acol pairs won’t know whether 3NT With a Strong Club you know that partner 16-21. Once you are able to open these now is forcing or not (it should be!) and is limited to 15 points, so you just pass. with a strong club, you know early in the they are trying to find their fit at the four Suppose that you hold a weak hand with auction whether you are in the part-score, level. The Strong Club pair can bid 2NT a bit more dis tri bution, such as: game or slam zone. Of course you need waiting, or a new suit at the three level with ´ x ™ x x x t K J 10 9 8 x x ® x x. the bidding to continue to get your no danger they will suddenly play there’ When partner opens 1 ´ you can bid 1NT chance. Have you been the opener and It wasn’t called ‘Precision’ Club for which is forcing for one round, and when decided to open 1 ´ on something like: nothing! Taking it up will give you more partner bids at the two level you can bid ´ A K J 9 x ™ A J 10 9 4 t A x ® x. accurate and helpful auctions in return for 2t or 3 t and show just this sort of hand. Partner passes and you languish there. He a modicum of work on your system. r

38 English Bridge December 2009 www.ebu.co.uk DEC_09_EB_p38-39 Debate:EB_Layout 3 11/11/2009 19:46 Page 39

Acol is much better E T A

than a Strong Club system B E D

Or vote by post (Editor, English Bridge, 23 Erleigh Road, Reading RG1 5LR). E Comments for publication (not more than 200 words, please) are welcome. H

Chris Jagger T MOST people in the world play an Acol- this sort of sequence is very common. But or natural-based system, where you open even a simple auction such as 1 ® – (1 ™) – (essentially) naturally at the one level, Double – (2 ™) has similar problems. In passes; and: showing any strength of opening bid, ex - Precision, no suits are shown yet, making (b) Much complexity – typically many cept for very strong hands that are open ed it much harder to find the best fit, or asking bids and relays. usually with a 2 ® bid (higher than that it indeed to decide whether to bid on at all. Complexity means a lot of strain on the might be weak twos, or strong hands, Not only is a Strong Club more suscep- memory and concentration, as well as the according to preference). Why is this so tible to intervention, but it is also much enhanced likelihood that things will go much more popular than Strong Club more likely to attract intervention. When wrong. I have rarely seen a pair that has systems, where all or nearly all hands of an opponent has opened 1 ®, you know actually gained from a lot of complexity – around 16 points or more are opened with that he has a strong hand, so there is much the few times it helps them reach the right 1®, and can it really be that the vast less need to bid constructively – you can contract are more than offset by the majority of people are wrong? come in willy nilly (what – surely not?!) disasters when it goes wrong. One silly There are three main points in my simply to make life difficult for him and result usually takes years to earn back. argument: his partner. In fact the very last time someone 1. Acol is much better at handling inter - I recall that one of my first encounters played Precision against me, they wound vention; with a Strong Club was against a top up in a 4-2 fit 6 t contract. In this case we 2. Complexity – Acol is simple, Strong county pair. The auction started 1 ® – had pre-empted all the way up to the pass Club is not; (1 ´) – Double –(2 ´), at which point our level! Even with no opposition bidding, 3. Acol avoids the unsatisfactory ‘dust- 4-2 spade fit was about to be outgunned the Precision pair got things badly wrong. bin’ 1 t opening. by the opponents’ 6-1 fit. If you were of a The odd top pair do put in literally nervous disposition, this would have been thousands of hours to perfect their 1. ‘We are gentlemen – if you have a good time to pay a visit to the toilet and systems, but there are far more who prefer more points than us, we will pass hope things had blown over when you re - to bid essentially naturally, and spend and let you get on with it, so we can turned. I couldn’t possibly reconstruct the their time perfecting their agreements in admire your sophisticated system.’ auction that ensued, spiralling to 6 ® contested auctions, where the battle is lost minus one in the opponents’ 4-3 fit – such and won. Consider this Precision auction: 1 ® – precision! Each blamed the other, but the (2 ™) – Double – (4 ™). fact was that they were an experienced 3. ‘The imprecision of 1 t’ At this stage, most Precision players will pair and their system was simply making know that the 1 ® opener has 16+ points, life difficult for them. Most Precision pairs use 1 t as the dustbin that responder has 5-7, or perhaps more. that contains everything that doesn’t go They will know absolutely nothing about 2. ‘The precision of Precision’ somewhere else. It allows the opponents a the distributions of the hands, and cheap entry into the auction, and at the whether there is a fit or not. An Acol pair One of the main advantages of a Strong same time tells partner very little about may have bid the same hand 1 t – (2 ™) – Club can be its precision. At a low level your hand. Or rather, it tells him point 3t –(4 ™), and already know about the you can use all sorts of asking bids to count, but very little about your suits, and diamond fit, or 1 t – (2 ™) – Double – establish exactly what sort of hand partner for all the reasons above this is not to your (4 ™), and already know that responder has, which can be valuable for bidding benefit. I see Precision pairs opening 1 t has four spades. It is far more important slams. This can be true, but for it to be and rebidding 2 t with 5-4 in the minors, to know about the fit than the points, and true, you need two things: and playing in some horrible fit. Acol players will be in a much better (a) The ‘gentleman’ school discussed Well, every system has its drawbacks, position to judge whether they should be above where everyone else dutifully but some have more than others. r doubling 4 ™, or bidding on. At the higher levels of the game, the When you have finished reading this magazine, please recycle it. auction tends to be fiercely contested, and

www.ebu.co.uk December 2009 English Bridge 39 DEC_09_EB_p40-41 Kambo + CapComp:EB_Layout 3 13/11/2009 15:12 Page 40

G The opponents N I D D I

B pre-empt

E V I T

I and give you T E P

M a tough problem O

C Andrew Kambites

OPPONENTS pre-empt to make life hard Auction 1 Game All more often than not; however, 3 ´ for you, so you shouldn’t be surprised if West North East South will not be defeated by more than you find yourself out of your comfort 3´ Pass 4´ All Pass one trick. Looked at like that, it is zone. clearcut for North to bid 4 ™. Playing teams-of-four you are at red Auction 2 Game All However, one word of caution: you vulnerability as North and hear West West North East South do need a good suit for a high level open with 3 ´. What should you call with 3´ 4™ 4´ 6™ overcall. Hand A? All Pass On the whole you don’t need complicated East’s 4 ´ bid in both rooms was simply mathematical calculations each time an Hand A Hand B bidding to the level of the fit, as described opponent pre-empts. The sort of hands ´ 8 6 ´ J 7 in the (LTT). The where you have problems tend to be hands ™ A J 10 6 5 3 ™ K 4 2 result was -620 in one room, -1430 in the of around 15 points. Just assume partner t A Q t J 9 7 2 other room (which might have been –500 has a reasonably balanced 8 points. Of ® K J 7 ® A 10 8 3 if East had bid 6 ´ as a ‘safety bid’ over 6 ™). course, your partner must understand this The point is that there is no ‘risk free’ assumption and discount his 8 points. option in such auctions. Timidity carries I saw a fairly experienced player pass. His its own risk. When opponents pre-empt fear was that East might have most of the you need two things: Diagram (ii) remaining points, including ™K-Q-9-x-x. ´ A J 7 2 ´ Q 6 5 3 He was fearful of bringing back –1100 to 1. Sympathetic team-mates who will not ™ 7 N ™ J 5 3 W E team-mates. He felt that passing was the offer a critical benefit of hindsight. t K J 4 2 S t A 8 6 ‘risk free’ option. However, far from avoid - ® A Q 7 6 ® J 5 2 ing risk, he brought back a dreadful result 2. A positive attitude. The right attitude when the lay-out turned out to be as in by North is to count his points, add on Diagram (i): the points suggested by West’s pre-empt Auction 3 Game All and assume that East and South each West North East South have half of the remainder. North 3™ Diagram (i) should do the same with shape. If Dble Pass 3´ All Pass ´ 8 6 West has seven spades and North has ™ A J 10 6 5 3 two, then assume East and South have The West hand in Diagram (ii) can only t A Q two each. If North has six hearts, make a take-out double because he assu - ® K J 7 assume the missing hearts are distrib - mes East has a few points. East bids a dis - ´ A J 9 7 4 3 2 ´ K Q 10 uted 3-2-2 around the table, or maybe ci plined 3 ´. At first sight 4 ´ looks play - ™ Void N ™ 8 4 the pre-emptor has a singleton, and able but the pre-empt has warned you of W E t J 8 6 5 S t K 10 9 3 East and South each have three. bad breaks, so on balance you should be ® 9 4 ® 10 6 5 2 Suppose North pursues this line of happy to make 3 ´. ´ 5 thought: he has 15 points; maybe Note that the same warning of bad ™ K Q 9 7 2 West has 7 for the 3 ´ opening; there breaks should make you more cautious t 7 4 2 are 18 missing points, maybe his than usual in the slam-bidding zone. A ® A Q 8 3 partner will have Hand B . With Hand slam requiring a 3-2 trump break is B opposite Hand A, 4™ will make normally an excellent contract. It becomes

40 English Bridge December 2009 www.ebu.co.uk DEC_09_EB_p40-41 Kambo + CapComp:EB_Layout 3 13/11/2009 15:12 Page 41

very borderline once one of your oppo - on competitive bidding. Traditional theory nents has opened 3™ . says you can double an opening 4 ™ for CAPTION take-out and an opening 4 ´ for penalties. There are two problems with this: COMPETITION Diagram (iii) ´ A Q 7 ´ K J 8 1. What do you do with a balanced 18- ™ K J 5 N ™ 6 2 point hand if an opponent opens 4 ™? W E t A 7 5 4 S t K 8 3 2 Or with a rather less-than-balanced ® K 6 5 ® A 4 3 2 18-point hand if he opens 4 ´? 2. The idea that partner doubles 4 ™ (guaranteeing four spades) and you Auction 4 E/W Game take it out with a fairly balanced hand West North East South with four spades contradicts the Law 3™ of Total Tricks. 3NT All Pass

The West hand in diagram (iii) bids 3NT, Diagram (iv) which shows a good 15 to 25 points. Do ´ A Q 3 2 ´ K 7 6 4 you find that unsatisfactory? Yes, so do I, ™ 9 N ™ 8 3 2 W E And this is your second but what choice do you have? 3NT is very t A 5 3 2 S t K 6 4 ! dangerous. If East has nothing, North will ® A K 4 3 ® J 8 2 double, there will be no entries to dummy THE winner of our October competition, to take (which would be wrong with the caption above, is Eddie Scott anyhow) and West will do well to escape Auction 5 Game All of Ipswich, Suffolk, who will receive a for –1100. However, if West can only see West North East South charming Victoriana bridge mug from the (not inconsiderable) dangers of bidding 4™ our sponsors, Bridge and Golf Gifts with this hand, it will be passed out in 3™ Dble Pass ? Direct (see page 19). Other good captions and a vulnerable game will be missed. were: A Call Out of Turn (Michael On this deal, West is lucky. East has With the East-West hands in Diagram (iv) Wilkes, Hatfield); I have just been Bath slightly more than his fair share of the after Auction 5, do you want to play in 4 ´? Couped! (Lydia Stanford, Hove); No! missing points so 3NT is a good contract. You need spades 3-2 to have any realistic This isn't a good time to discuss my However, note that East doesn’t reason chance and even then success is certainly defence on Board 17! (John Rookwood, that West might have 25 points so he not guaranteed. However, you are likely to Windsor edge); Yes, yes, I will support Universal Member ship! (Bomi Kavarana , should investigate slam. Balanced hands beat 4 ™ by two tricks. A total of 17 total Tad worth); and Why ask me? Doesn't with 15-18 points are quite common after trumps is not suitable for bidding 4 ´ over anyone at the EBU know what a Sputnik a pre-empt. Balanced hands with 25 4™. Double is? (Reg Tripp, Alton). points are very uncommon. Don’t chase But if you decide it is pointless trying to The cartoon for our new competition slams after a pre-empt. Despite East’s 11 alight on a pinhead at this level, why not is below. Please send your bridgey points, any contract above 3NT is very agree that East will only remove the double captions (multiple entries are accep ted) hazardous. You certainly cannot rely on a with considerable shape and into a con- to the Editor, English Bridge, 23 Erleigh 3-2 diamond break! tract he is confident will make, allow ing Road, Reading RG1 5LR or by e-mail to West to double on a far greater variety of elena@ ebu.co.uk not later than 18th I will end this series with one final point hand shapes? r December 2009. Don’t forget to include your full postal address! BARBARA COOKE CELEBRATES HER 90TH BIRTHDAY

BARBARA is a delightful lady who always has a smile and a twinkle in her eye. She celebrated her 90th birthday with her family and then with her friends at Stafford Bridge Club, where she has been a member for over thirty years. Barbara learnt her card-playing skills from being a regular whist player in her earlier years but when Basil, her husband, started teaching bridge at the club, she was invited to go along with him ‘to make the tea’. So Barbara began to acquire her interest in the game by ‘listening-in’ during these sessions and observing Basil preparing his lessons on the dining room table. She was a regular at the Tuesday evening bridge session (the only one in the week) and then later in 1999 when the Wednesday afternoon session was introduced, she started there as well and has been playing regularly ever since. All of us who know and love Barbara wish her much health and happiness in celebrating 90 golden years; long may she continue to be such a wonderful partner and Sponsored by Bridge opponent around the green baize. (David Drinkwater) & Golf Gifts Direct

www.ebu.co.uk December 2009 English Bridge 41 DEC_09_EB_p42 Hackett_quiz:EB_Layout 3 13/11/2009 15:16 Page 42

29 –31 January 2010 makers of playing cards since 1824 PRIZE LEADS www.piatnik.co.uk QQUUIIZZ ( 020 8661 8866 REALLY EASY OPENING leads are often subjective and vir tual - ly any opening lead can be successful some of the WINTER time. However, bridge is in many ways a game of percentages and there fore certain leads will gain BREAK more often than others. In each issue you will be given three hands and the bidding on each, and you are asked to choose your opening leads. Wroxton House Hotel Sugges tions and markings will be in the next Wroxton St Mary, Banbury, issue. In each example you are on lead as West. Oxfordshire OX15 6QB ( 01295 730777 WN E S This elegant twin-pack of Piatnik playing cards ´ Q 7 6 5 1t Pass 1NT (‘In Bloom – Poppy & Rose’) is the prize on ™ J 10 5 Pass 2NT Pass 3NT offer in our series of quizzes set by Paul Hackett. t 9 6 Pass Pass Dble End There are three categories in our competi - ♣ K 10 6 5 tion: up to and including Master; up to and including Regional Master; and those with higher ranking. Please indicate on the top left- ´ Q 6 WN E S hand corner of the envelope, or in the e-mail ™ J 10 1t Pass 1™ 1NT subject line, the category for which you are t K J 8 7 4 Pass 3NT Dble End entering. The first correct entry in each ♣ A J 6 2 Pass Pass category out of a hat will win the prize. The Editor’s decision is final. Entries to the Editor, 23 Erleigh Road, ´ 8 7 6 WN E S Reading RG1 5LR, or e-mail [email protected] ™ A 5 1NT The hotel package is £145 per person by December 20th. Please make sure you Dble End t A 6 (£121 per person sharing) include your full postal address even if ♣ A Q J 5 4 3 entering by e-mail. Bridge fees: £36 per person

Four sessions of bridge plus two ANSWERS TO OCTOBER OPENING LEADS QUIZ days half-board at this charming QUIZ master Paul Hackett gives his views on for a heart lead. A minor-suit lead may well be country house hotel. the best leads, and marks them in order of merit. right but when South did not bid 3 ™ over 2NT The event starts with dinner his shape is likely to be 3-3-3-4, or 3-2-4-4 or on Friday evening at 6.15pm WN E S 3-2-3-5. So, if you decide to lead a minor, it ´ J 4 3 followed by the first session of 1♣ should be the one where you have most values. ™ Q 10 8 5 4 bridge. A bridge lesson on Pass 1t 1´ 1NT t Q J 9 WN E S Saturday morning followed by Pass 3NT End ´ 6 5 ♣ 7 6 1´ Pass 2™ bridge in the afternoon and ´3 (10); ´J (4); ™5 (4); ™ J 10 8 7 5 Pass 3™ Pass 4™ evening with dinner. Finally, on tQ (1). t K 10 7 5 4 End ♣ 2 Sunday, a Swiss Pairs event with When partner bids a suit, you need a very strong t5 (10); ♣2 (5); ´6 (1). a break for a light lunch. The reason not to lead it. Although a heart lead might work, leading a spade has an excellent chance of When you have length in trumps you want to event finishes around 3.30pm. setting up length in partner’s suit. It is an old shorten the opponents in order to gain trump myth that you should lead the highest card in control. Although leading from a king is not ENTRIES LIMITED TO 32 PEOPLE partner’s suit if you have an honour. The correct considered classical, here the attraction is too Suitable for the more great to resist. Leading a singleton club could lead is the ´3. A diamond lead is a real gamble experienced novice with up to but occasionally it may work. be right but it is more likely to shorten your own trumps and let through the contract. A about 5 years experience . spade may be safe but it is likely to give the WN E S ´ J 10 9 opponents immediate control. 1™ Pass 1NT Entries & enquiries to ™ 10 2 Pass 2NT Pass 3NT t EBU Competitions K 8 7 6 End ♣ Q 10 8 6 CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS: Department ´J (10); ♣6 (6); t6 / ™10 (4). Master: Robin Squire, ( 01296 317 203 / 219 The bidding suggests that South does not have London four spades and while it is possible that North Regional: David Gill, or e-mail [email protected] may have four spades, it is also possible that it Ferndown, Dorset may be one of partner’s suits. Partner is likely to Open: Nigel Osmer, www.ebu.co.uk have at least four hearts on the bidding and Ringmer, East Sussex knowing it to be a tight contract has not doubled

42 English Bridge December 2009 www.ebu.co.uk DEC_09_EB_p43 Landy:EB_Layout 3 13/11/2009 15:17 Page 43 H

High-level S I L G N

pre-empts E

D R A D IN previous articles I have looked at decent suit with at least eight playing N

opening with weak bids at the two or three tricks, it also has to be a hand of power A

levels, but of course there is nothing to and quality with defensive values as well T stop you opening at the four, five, six or as tricks in a long suit. If opponents Sandra Landy S even seven levels. No, I have never actually choose to overcall, it is highly likely that opened with a bid of six or seven, but I one of them will have a void in diamonds may get the hand one day! and your hand won’t take even one trick. and decide how daring you want to be with your pre-emptive openings. Opening at the four or five level Test hands 1. Not vulnerable, 4 ™. Perhaps only 3 ™ Suppose you pick up a hand with nine When we open with a weak two bid, it is vulnerable. hearts, for example normally made on a six-card suit. A weak 2. 4™. You have eight certain tricks at This hand will three shows a seven-card suit. So it is not any vulnerability even if partner has ´ Void make at least unreasonable to consider a four-level no useful cards. ™ K Q J 10 7 5 4 3 2 eight heart opening with an eight-card suit and a five- 3. 5t at any vulnerability. You must t Void tricks and pro - level opening with a nine-card suit. That is, make nine tricks and probably ten. ® J 10 8 6 bably one club, each extra card in your long suit is worth Game could be making if partner so 4 ™ should one extra trick when you are playing in produces an ace. go at most one that suit. 4. 4´. Could be lay-down if partner has down even if partner produces absolutely What would you open first in hand on a useful card in diamonds. nothing useful. But your hand probably these hands? Would being vulnerable 5. This hand is too good to pre-empt. has no defensive tricks if the opponents affect your choice? In a future article, I will discuss an play in spades or diamonds, so it’s not alternative opening on this hand. For impossible for opponents to have a now choose between 1 ® or 5 ®! contract, perhaps even a grand slam, in Hand 1 Hand 2 6. It is 100% certain that 4 ´ will make spades or diamonds. You should open 4 ™. ´ 4 ´ 8 but you are too good to pre-empt. An You can’t guess whether this is a making ™ K Q J 9 8 7 5 2 ™ A K Q J 10 8 5 3 opening bid of a game-forcing 2 ® contract but it will certainly set your t 10 9 3 2 t 2 may perhaps allow you to discover opponents a problem! ® Void ® J 8 2 whether partner has any useful cards An opening bid at the four or five level in hearts. might be made on a very nearly solid suit, Hand 3 Hand 4 7. 1´. I wouldn’t consider trying 2 ´ say: ´ 5 ´ K Q J 10 9 8 6 2 with four cards in the other major. You can’t guess ™ 6 ™ 7 8. 3®. It’s only a seven-card suit, not ´ 2 what can be t A Q J 9 7 6 5 4 3 2 t J 10 9 7 good enough for a higher bid. r ™ 2 made either by ® 8 ® Void t A K J 10 6 5 4 3 2 your side or the ® 8 3 opponents’, but Hand 5 Hand 6 MIDLAND COUNTIES CONGRESS even vulnerable ´ J 7 ´ A K Q J 9 7 5 3 ** D IAMOND JUBILEE ** I would open ™ J 9 ™ Q 10 2 5t, hoping to give everybody a problem; t 6 t Void 8, 9 & 10 January 2010 5twould probably go two down. Even if ® A K Q J 9 7 6 4 ® A K The Bank House Hotel, Bransford, Worcestershire you are vulnerable, you will be losing at most 500, but only if the opponents double Hand 7 Hand 8 Saturday & Sunday and choose to defend. Doubling won’t be so ´ A K 8 7 6 3 ´ J 9 7 Green Pointed easy for either opponent, since neither is ™ Q 10 9 8 ™ Void Pairs & Teams likely to have a diamond trick. . t 7 t J 8 5 One of my students was arguing that ® 9 2 ® K Q J 10 9 7 5 Entry Forms from this hand has nine playing tricks and Darren Evetts ( 07977 481399 therefore was worth opening at the two Email: [email protected] level with a strong 2 t. But a two-level My answers may not be the same as yours, Web: www.MidlandCountiesCongress.org strong opening should not only contain a but discuss these hands with your partner

www.ebu.co.uk December 2009 English Bridge 43 DEC_09_EB_p44 Around:EB_Layout 3 13/11/2009 15:18 Page 44

Around and About

SCUNTHORPE CELEBRATIONS ‘DROITWICH’ CONGRESS

THE Mayor of North Lincolnshire, Councillor Susan Armitage, CELEBRATES ITS DIAMOND performed the official opening of Scunthorpe Bridge Club’s new premises on Saturday 5th September 2009. JUBILEE The catalyst for this relocation was that the local Council intends SIXTY years ago tournament bridge was very different: Albert hadn’t to demolish our old premises as part of a redevelopment scheme. Benjaminised Acol, there were no bidding boxes or screens, multi was The formal opening represented the culmination of over a year of a prefix, the law book was 29 A6 pages long – and there was virtually planning and work. This included the negotiation of a price for the no weekend bridge. old site, which enabled us to buy our new premises (part of a disused It was in this setting that the indomitable Ron Allen persuaded the clothing factory) from a friendly local business man (who now says, EBU to licence a county congress based on the Raven and Worcester - as an added bonus, that he intends to start to learn the game at this shire hotels in Droitwich, and very quickly this became a highlight in winter’s classes) and still have enough money to completely refurbish the bridge calendar. In those halcyon days, everyone dressed up to them to a very high standard. We believe that we now have one of the play, and a waiting list was always operating. Many of the game's best clubs in the country. EBU Vice-President Peter Stocken, who said characters have graced this popular friendly congress with their a few kind words at the ceremony, concurred with this sentiment. presence over the years: Foxy, Reese, Geoffrey Butler et al. Other congresses have come and gone but the Midland Counties has changed with the times – no DJs or long dresses any more, but it still remains one of the friendliest events you could wish to go to. It is now at Bransford (Worcester) on January 8th-10th 2010 and to celebrate the occasion both Saturday’s Championship Pairs and Sunday’s Team events will offer Green Points. For details on how to enter etc, please see the advert on page 43. n y l

l TORQUAY’S HISTORY e w e l L

c i

V TORQUAY Bridge club celebrated its 50th Anniversary not so long

: o t

o ago. The club was formed in the 1950s and was originally known as

h Peter Wilson (left) and Club President Glyn Elwick P Keyte’s Club, named after Mr Frank Keytes, a well known furniture The club, which is all on one level, can accommodate up to twenty- and upholsterer tradesman in the town, who together with Mrs Gwen three tables in the main playing room with a further ten in the small Ali Khan, Charles Haslam and Mike Young – all sadly no longer with playing room, which can be divided into two rooms for teaching. We us – were founder members and financial backers. At that time there are looking forward to hosting the Lincoln shire County Champ ion - were several other bridge clubs in the town but little duplicate bridge ships next spring. was played. The highlight of the opening ceremony was the unveiling by the Keyte’s Club was formally opened in 1957 as Torquay Bridge Club Mayor and our club President Glynn Elwick of a photograph of the and leased rooms in Torwood Street for many years. It flourished as four members who had worked tirelessly on the project. Vic Llewellyn virtually the only duplicate club in a large area of Devon and was served as project manager, liaising with our agent and solicitor, and supported by members as far away as Exeter. overseeing the work in progress . Pete Wilson was in charge of all the The lease at Torwood Street expired at the end of 1979 when the voluntary building work ably assisted by Pete Clegg and Dave Peachey, old Zion Church Hall at Torre came onto the market. These premises all of whom spent many hours toiling on behalf of the club. Without were purchased by the club with interest-free loans from several their efforts the club would either have been deeply in debt or members. The building, which had been neglected for years, was standards would have been very much lower. Such was the extent of made habitable by the hard work of the members and now has three the effort put in by these four members that all were given a substantial playing rooms, kitchen and bar. gift as a mark of the club’s appreciation. In addition, Peter Wilson was Within ten years all the loans had been repaid and the club found awarded Honorary Life Membership for his extra ordinary effort. itself on a secure financial footing and was able to look forward to a Many other members helped at various times: David Raddish on more promising future. The club now entered its glory years and the grass and hedge, Stuart Watson on vacating the old premises, hosted many prestigious events. The catering for these competitions Mike Llewellyn, the Treasurer, kept a watchful eye on his father (!), was all provided by the club members. and several ladies, Barbara Evans, Wendy Peachey, Wanda Kotowska, In the 1990s Exeter gained its own club at the Isca Sport Centre. Brenda Goodacre, Eileen Barker, Sue Keast and Margaret Walukiewic z Notwithstanding the effect this had, Torquay Bridge Club is still at the to name but a few, helped our cleaning lady to get everything spick forefront of duplicate bridge in Torbay, and is able to offer a good and span. standard of bridge. Everyone is made very welcome, including A buffet followed, organised by Drene and Alan Brown with help visitors to the area. from several other members; the wine that flowed all evening was So where are we today? Over 50 years old and still the premier club organised by Dave Peachey, ensuring that around a hundred guests in Torquay, self-sufficient and organising one of the most popular and members had an enjoyable evening. President Glynn Elwick bridge congresses in the country – and, like some of our older members, welcomed the guests as well as overseeing the presentations. looking forward to our centenary. r

44 English Bridge December 2009 www.ebu.co.uk DEC_09_EB_p45 Pottage As:EB_Layout 3 13/11/2009 15:19 Page 45

Club Player’s

ROY ABSALOM G 21 February 1918 – 3 September 2009 N I

Roy Absalom was born in Abercarn. Bidding D Shortly after, the family moved a few D

miles down the road to the mining vil - I

lage of Cwmcarn, in what was Mon - B

mouthshire. His parents did not want Quiz B him to become a miner like his father, so urged him to get a good education. U His father died at the age of 53 when L Roy was 16. A year later, his mother Answers to problems Julian Pottage C encouraged him to go to work in on page 35 London on a government scheme where his board and lodging were provided plus 5s a week. As soon as he was earning, he started sending money to his mother in South Wales. Hand 1 WNES Hand 4 WNES Roy started work before the war at ´ Q 9 6 2 Pass Pass Pass 1® ´ 7 3 1™ Pass Mosers in London, which eventually ™ A Q 10 5 ? ™ K 10 2 ? became GKN. He returned to the t Q 9 6 4 t 9 2 company after the war, and worked ® 4 Double. You can take ® K J 8 6 4 2 2™. Partners love it when there until taking early retirement at advantage of the fact that you support their suit. 55. He studied to become a Chartered you have limited your True, you lack four-card Secretary and by the time he retired he hand by your initial pass to enter the bid- support, but you do have two potential was the Company Secretary and a ding. This allows your side to compete and ruffing values (the doubletons). Besides, if Director. you hope find a fit. Let us hope part ner no-trumps is right, it is probably better During the war he travelled out to remembers your first-round pass. from partner’s side. 2 ® would be a Palestine on a troop ship via South horrible overbid. Africa. As a result of needing an oper - ation on his knee, he was not sent into Hand 2 WNES action in Italy, and so ended the war ´ K J 9 7 4 1™ Pass Hand 5 WNES having spent four years in Palestine ™ A 7 ? ´ Q 9 5 1´ Pass and without hearing a shot fired! t A Q 8 4 3 ™ K Q 7 2 ? While he was in Palestine, he learnt ® 2 1´. Majors are more im - t 9 7 to play bridge – a game he loved for portant than are minors. ® A J 8 6 2®. What can you do the rest of his life. He was a former You do not need to without breaking some Chairman of the British Bridge respond 2 t, planning a of 2 ´ to rule? You cannot make a League and an EBU Vice-President. show your strength. Responding 1 ´ and jump raise to 3 ´ with only three spades. Roy was a very keen sportsman, rebidding 3 t is just as good at showing Nor can you bid 2 ™ with only four hearts. and was devoted to his family. Up your strength and, as it shows at least five If you play 2NT as a limit bid, that is until the time he died, his wife, Beryl, spades and four diamonds, it is more unappealing anyway with no diamond used to test him to make sure he could honest about your length. stopper. 2 ® it is. remember the names of all his grand - children – ten of them. He had four great grandchildren, and knew that a Hand 3 WNES Hand 6 WNES fifth one was on the way. ´ A 10 8 7 2 1´ ´ 7 4 2 1t Pass Roy suffered from Parkinson's ™ K J 3 2 ? ™ A K 9 6 1™ Pass 2® Pass Disease for almost thirty years but in t K Q 7 t A J 2 ? all this time he was never heard to ® 6 Pass. You were all ready ® Q J 6 complain about it. He was always to open 1 ´ – tough. 2´. You seem to be stuck cheerful, he kept his interest in the Sometimes an opponent again: you cannot bid activities of others, and his sense of steals your bid and you can do nothing 3NT with nothing in spades; you cannot humour never left him. A few months about it. You cannot double as that would bid 3 t as that is non-forcing; you do not ago he gently joked that he was ‘a fine be for take-out and you cannot stand a want to bid 5 t as 3NT (or 6 t) may be the figure of a man’. Maybe more than he club bid from partner. Maybe the oppo - best spot. , showing knew, he really was. He will be nents will bid higher in spades, when the strength but not promising spades, comes greatly missed. bad breaks will beat them. to the rescue. r ´ ™ t ® ´ ™ t ® ´ ™ t ® ´ ™ t ® ´ ™ t ® ´ ™ t ® ´ ™ t ®

www.ebu.co.uk December 2009 English Bridge 45 DEC_09_EB_p46-53 County News.qxd:D 36-48 13/11/2009 15:39 Page 46 COUNTY NEWS Diary Dates: Dec 10, Seniors’ Teams, Congratulations to the Avon Wilstead. Jan 28, 1-Star Pairs. This year Channel Islands newly promoted www.avoncba.org.uk the 1-Star Pairs event is to be played www.cwgsy.net/community/cicba/ simultaneously at two venues – Brickhill Premier Grand Masters: CONGRATULATIONS to Andrew Ur - THE Guernsey Congress and Wardown Bridge Clubs – and will ban ski, Huw Oliver, Brian Goalby, Mike continues to attract more start at 2 pm. Mr D Harris, Beds Letts and Tony Gammon, representing and more players from the the West of England Club, for reaching Mr A.I. Woo, London UK and elsewhere. It was the final of the Nicko Plate. Berks and Bucks directed as usual by Mal - At the Somerset Congress , Andy and colm and Barbara Carey in their very www.berks-and-bucks-cba.co.uk Congratulations to the Cathy Smith (newly promoted to Grand efficient and friendly way. On the first newly promoted Master) finished 3rd . In the Swiss Teams, PRIDE of place in this weekend in the Swiss Pairs the best C.I. Grand Masters: Sandra Cooper, Sheila Hodges, Suzy report goes to Colin pair were Robert Brouard – Jackie Rum- Lawson and Terry Butler were joint 3rd Simpson, whose exploits ball from Jersey. There were no major Mr J. Deacon, Northants together with Irene Robinson, Mike Hug - as part of the winnin g local successes in the mid-week events, Mr T. Hill, Glos gins, Myles Ellison and Robert Kane. team in the World Seniors but at the end of the Congress the Swiss Delia Stephens – Sarah Hurst came 3rd Championship kept many Teams was won outright (as has become Mr D. Ould, London in the Ladies’ Pairs. of us glued to our BBO screens as the a regular occurrence!) by the Guernsey Mrs C. Smith, Avon In the Welsh Foursomes, David Jones final reached its climax (see page 11). resident Rune Hauge and his Norwegian was a member of the team that finished The County Championship Teams are international team. The top all-Channel - 2nd, and he was also 2nd in the Guernsey now in a straight knock-out format with Islands team was Dick Langham, Rudi Swiss Pairs . no seeding and this resulted in a slightly Falla, Lynne Williamson and John Sey - At the EBU Overseas Congress held in increased entry. The first round had mour, and Dick and Rudi also took the Andalucia, Brian Dyde – Peter Sherry some exciting matches and put last year’s Island Bridge Club Trophy for being the Master Point were the winners of the Swiss Teams finalists up against each other. best C.I.pair in the two Swiss events. playing with team-mates from Devon, The first Sunday event attracted only In Channel Islands County Champ- promotions and Irene Robinson – Mike Huggins won 8 teams to the Mixed Multiple Teams for ionships the top three in the Individual the Pre-congress Pairs . the Jarrett Cup, won by Chrys Poole, were all from Jersey: 1. John Honey, 2. Avon 3 Star Premier Bristol Bridge Club’s Premier Pairs was Steve Lee, Chris and Sue Taylor. Numbers Brian Youd, 3. Howard Basden Smith. Master won in September by Brian Dyde – Peter doubled to 32 pairs for the Denys Jenkins In Guernsey, the District Ladies was Grand Master Mrs J E Malpass Sherry while the club’s Curtis Cup has Swiss Pairs , won by Richard Bridgen – won by Cath Bott – Susan Shaw, with Mrs C Smith Mr N F Perry been won by Steve Tomlinson. Bruce Leslie, 3 VPs ahead of last year’s Brenda Walker – Brenda Lihou runners- Life Master Advanced Master The West of England Bridge Club’s winners, David Owen – Charles Chisnall, up. The Men’s title went to Mike Allen – Mr S D Turner Mr A R Hitchcock Moorstone Trophy has been won by Greta with Bruce and Pat Cannon winning the Colin Tostevin, with James Fattorini – Premier Regional Local Master Dewey, Gordon Allen, Mary Mckenzie non-experts prize. John Seymour 2nd. Master and Gerry Gowling, and the Club Pairs Finally, we owe a double apology to Mrs I Sucher Congratulations to Ray Burnett – Mr A C Jones by Margaret Harris – Mike O’Brien. Mick Stroud from Lane End BC who Cath Bott – Susan Shaw for missing their 1 Star Regional Berks. & Bucks. In the Western League, Avon have now came 2nd out of 1915 pairs in the EBU achievements earlier in the year. In Feb - ruary they won the District Open Pairs, Master Premier National played two matches. The first, away to Autumn Simultaneous Pairs and to Mr T C Butler Master Dorset, resulted in a 17-3 win for the A Graham Cheetham – Salim Mian, also with Susie Farnon – Robert Plumley 2nd, and in August they were first in the Mr P Keightley Mr S P Cope team; the C team recorded an 18-2 win from Lane End, who were 8th. but the B team suffered a 6-14 loss. In Upper Restricted Pairs beating Ralph 3 Star Premier National Master Congratulations also to Richard Master the second match, at home against East Bowdery who was in the winning Hubert Laski – James Fattorini in second spot. Mr T Bowry Sorry ladies! Mr M J Clarkson Wales, the A team lost narrowly 9-11 but Phillips team; James Paul, a member of Mr J Howard the B team had a 19-1 win and the C Premier Master the Oxford University team that won the 5 Star Premier team also won by 15-5. Mr S Lawrence Regional Master Portland Bowl; Stuart Strachan, winner Cornwall The players who will re pre sent Avon of the Surrey Swiss Pairs from a field of Mr D T Lewis Mr A C Prior in the Tollemache this year are: Mike 186, and Mike Perkins, Ian Reissmann, www.cornwallbridge.co.uk 1 Star Master 4 Star Premier Elliott, Tim Brierley, Paul Keightley, Tim Rees, John Howard and Peter BILL Collings has died, Mrs J W Lowther Regional Master Peter Sampson, Steve Tomlinson, Steve Hawkes 4th in the final of Crockfords . aged 100. Bill was a Mr C S Bailey County Master Turner, Cathy and Andy Smith, David Diary Dates: Dec 20, Mixed Swiss founder member of St Mr B Wibberley 7 Star Regional Jones and Trevor Ward, with Mike Letts Teams, Windsor, 11am start – with a Austell and of Newquay Master Area Master as non-playing captain. glass of wine at the break! Jan 10, BC, which he ran for many Mr G Evans Dr G Somerville County Pairs Qualifier, Windsor. Jan 31, years. He was treasurer of Mrs L Irving 1 Star Regional Bedfordshire Friendly Swiss Pairs, SBBC. Somerset, and chairman Ms S Lawson Master and treasurer of Devon Mr C Wilkins Mr M K Green www.bedsbridge.co.uk and Cornwall BAs. He was very active, Cambs and Hunts Club Master Mrs R Kennedy WINNERS of the Open- swam and surfed until nearly 90 and Mr J Berrie 6 Star Premier ing Pairs at Wilstead on www.cambsbridge.org.uk played bridge at two clubs until just before Master September 10 with 65.7% Mr M G Close ROD and Sue Oakford won the Champ- his death. Bill was a splendid man and our were Paul and Fiona Mr O Espitalier- Mr P J Lee ionship Pairs at the Felixstowe Congress; sympathies go to his wife, Eileen. Littlewood. Noel 5 Star Premier Victor Milman – Nadia Stelmashenko The County Individual, held after the Master The Bedfordshire team Local Master came 2nd; Victor and Nadia also AGM, was won by Rod Bell (68.75%) Mrs R A Reid did well in their Eastern Counties league from Wally Heaton (66.67%). Ann Slee Dr S Montgomery finished 2nd in the Swiss Teams. match against Norfolk, winning all three (Edwards, Mardlin, Mardlin) won the 3 Star Premier Cath and Chris Jagger won the Herts Bedfordshire matches. The team travelled to Wymond - Green Pointed Teams from Hamilton Master One-Day Swiss Teams . Marion and Trevor ham for the match on October 11. (Hamilton, Wood, Lingham) and Warren Premier Grand Mr J R Crook The 39th Bedford Congress was played King were 5th in the Swiss Teams at the Master 2 Star Premier (Thomson, Glenday, Gregory) by 1 VP. this year at the new venue of Heron’s Isle of Man Congress. Allan Myles – Bill Adams were undefeated Mr D Harris Master Lodge in Milton Keynes over the Mike Seaver – Peter Morgan were the Mr R G Cheetham winners of the Falmouth Swiss Pairs Premier National weekend of September 12-13. Ron Davis national winners of the Worldwide Bridge from Bill Berks – Graham Buck. Jan and Master Mrs D Gill – Graeme Robertson were 2nd in the Contest Simultaneous Pairs, and finished Ken Keast won the Mixed Pairs from Jim Premier Master Mr R Chester Championship Pairs with 59.2%. In the 20th worldwide. and Frances Barker, and the County Swiss Mr S Pye Mr R Kozlowski Swiss Teams event on the Sunday, John Bill Stevenson, Mike Neverton, Roger Teams were won by Chris and Sandra 2 Star Regional 1 Star Tournament Neville and Monica Lucy’s team did well Millington and Guido Cusani won the Bickerdike, Lynda and Dave Chidell, Master Master coming second out of forty teams County Plate. from Rod Bell, Owen Prior, Sue Johns Mr L Calver Mr D Calcutt competing. Diary Dates: Jan 24, County Indi- and Ray Bliss. 4 Star Premier Tournament In the Bedfordshire League Division 1, vidual Final; Feb 7, County Pairs Final. Pam Dodge – Betty Hocking have Master Master favourites Tudor Rose have taken an Mar 7, Garden Cities Qualifier. Mar 13, been to Antwerp for the 14th Sinjoren - Mr P Malpass Ms L Dickson early lead while McTitans are currently Novice Pairs Tournament. Apr 25, Jubilee tocht, a sort of bridge crawl, with four leading Division 2. Swiss Pairs. hands and a drink in each of the seven

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COUNTY NEWS

bars visited. They left with a list of Pairs qualifying round. Jan 23-23, County web site www.bridgewebs.com/dorset Master Point ladies’ names – Magna, Simone, Vera, Pairs qualifying, final and consolation (note new address!). promotions Cookie etc. – sending love to Roger final. Graham, the first Cornishman to play in Essex this event. 5 Star Master Dr B M McCormick Diary Dates: Dec 6, Men’s and Ladies’ Devon www.essexbridge.co.uk Mrs A G Batten Dr C Winfrey Pairs, Ladock. Jan 9, Falmouth Salver. www.devonbridge.co.uk CONGRATULATIONS to Mr A Jenkins Club Master Jan 17, Star Masters Pairs and Tredova THE Devon Mixed Pairs Margaret Curtis – David Mrs J M Turpie Mrs P L Phelan Cup, Ladock. Jan 31, Teams of Four, held at Exeter on 19 Sherman on finishing in 4 Star Master Local Master Ladock. September was won by joint 21st place in the Mr I K Soffe Mr C Dickman Sandra Bennett – John Swiss Pairs at the Brighton 3 Star Master Mr T L Lasota Cumbria Vaughan. The Cornwall Congress , and also to Manny Marks who finished equal 26th. Mr K A Jones Channel Green Point event held at Wadebridge on Mr A H Solomons www.ccdba.co.uk September 27 was won by Ann Slee, John Quite a number of Essex players have Islands participated in various non-Essex events 2 Star Master WE look forward to welcoming old and Edwards, Robin and Margaret Mardlin. National Master recently. Good results were achieved by: Mrs P Hanson new friends to our annual Cumbria Devon was very successful at the EBU Michael Wren – Richard Perryman, who Mr M H Rogers Congress from 19 to 21 March 2010 (see Overseas Congress in Spain. Warner and 1 Star Master were 8th equal in the Surrey One Day Regional Master advert on page 37). Please note that it Louise Solomon won the Swiss Pairs; Mr C N Jackson Swiss Pairs ; Martin and Sandy Smith, Mrs F Honey will be held at Windermere, not as they also won the Pivot Teams with Alan Miss J M Pedley who were 5th equal in the Swiss Pairs in Mr J S Honey shown in your EBU diary. and Jette Bailey. Terence Treeby – Joy Mr G Watts the Overseas Congress in Andalucia; and 1 Star Premier Congratulations to Geoff Thomson – Pellow won the Swiss Teams playing with Mrs O M Watts Roger and Jill Tattersfield, who, with their Master Ian Stedman who won the IMP Butler- Peter Sherry – Brian Dyde from Bristol. Advanced Master team-mates, Rick Hanley – Eric New - Mr D C Babbe scored Pairs event. Joan Mossop – Tim In the West of England Congress, Alan Mr N Higham man, finished joint 3rd in the Swiss Baelz were runners-up, and William and Jette Bailey won the Swiss Pairs ; Mrs M Hill 1 Star Master Teams in the Felixtowe Congress; in the Thompson – Trevor Duddle 3rd. Warner and Louise Solomon came 2nd, Mrs J Wareham Mrs C A Skiming Isle of Man Congress in early September, Our Autumn Simultaneous Pairs was Carol Ritzen – Richard Carter were 4th. Master District Master Roger and Jill Tattersfield came joint 3rd won by Chris Wilkinson – Mike Howse Warner and Louise Solomon also won Mr D H Child in the Swiss Pairs. Mr L F Doyle from the Grange over Sands Club; 2nd the Swiss Teams, playing with Pat Davies Recent Essex events : George Curtis Mrs J Hockenhull Club Master were David and Janet Sheppard (Cocker - – Valerie Austwick. Swiss Teams: 1. Sue and Chris Taylor, Mr A Horton Mrs T Lehtinen mouth) and 3rd Sylvia Rogerson – Joyce Congratulations to Bob Blackmore Sandy Riach and Rob Elliott; 2. Bob and Mr J C Terry Ms C Rang Laidlow (Brampton). who has been awarded the prestigious Jill Hair, Allan Greenstein and Yvonne County Master Mr M Roberts There was an improved entry for our Dimmie Fleming Award for services to Dias; 3. Roger and Jill Tattersfield, Alaric Mr C E Dale ProAm Teams, held at Carlisle, and bridge by the EBU (see page 32). Cornwall Cundy and Chris Megahey. Autumn Mrs W Reid winners of an enjoyable day’s bridge Diary Dates: Jan 6, National Pairs Seniors: 1. Allan Greenstein – Yvonne District Master 1 Star Regional were Bob Kemp, Peter Ford, David Qualifier, Exeter Bridge Club (Jean Dias; 2. Alan Green – Frank Morrison; Master Pullin and Bill Richardson (Keswick). Whitlam ( 01404 815318); also on Jan Mr C Ainley 3. Peter Williamson – Derek Stewart. Mr M J Bader Mr W F P Thomson Ken Johnston, Ian Reeves, Christine 20, Torquay Bridge Club (Terence Diary Dates: Feb 14, Non-Expert Mr S Delooze 2 Star Premier Munoz and Roger Hawkins (Eden) were Treeby ( 01803 844342). Jan 9-10, Pairs. Feb 21 , Helliar Trophy. Mar 17, Mrs B Duffy Master runners-up, and Geoff and Kathleen John Woolcott Weekend: Pairs Saturday Essex Spring Seniors. Mar 26, Gwen Mr M Fisher Mr R G S Draycott Bell, Grace Oscroft and Peggy Millidge 9 January and Swiss Teams Sunday 10, Herga Trophies. Mr C P D Johns 1 Star Premier (Brampton) were equal 3rd with Tim Isca Centre, Exeter (Terry Cannon Mrs S M Long Master Baelz, Joan Mossop, Maureen Mitchell ( 01395 266448). Feb 20-21, Petit Area Master Mrs J Vaughan and Sylvia Rogerson (Eden). Congress, Torquay Bridge Club (Tim Gloucestershire Walton ( 01803 406963). Mr D Bascombe Premier Master www.gcba.org.uk Mr P Henry Mr A J Biggs Derbyshire GLOUCESTERSHIRE Mr I R Oldcorn Dorset 3 Star Tournament now boasts three Premier Mrs N Quimson Master www.dcba.org.uk www.bridgewebs.com/dorset Grand Masters: Keith Mrs C R Secoy Mr R P Hubback RICHARD Edwards, Bob Mr D Swainston Ross, Tony Sowter and DORSET events: the Stanley, Derek Rue and 1 Star Tournament Flemmich Cup took plac e Paul Denning. Over the Club Master Master Tony McNiff maintained in September and was years, they have represented the county Mr A Aggarwal their healthy lead to win Mr W J Adams won by Janet Smith, in many major events, including the Ms R Clarke the British Rail Trophy for Advanced Master Harold Wayne, Margot Wilson and John Mr A E Evans the Summer Swiss com - Tollemache. Congratulations to the three Mrs S E Johnson Gardner (13 teams). The Hardwick Cup Ms B Piercy pe ti tion. Sandra and Arnold Chand ler, on reaching the highest rank possible. Master Don Smedley and John Griffin came 2nd in October was won by Claire Hillyard, Six Midland counties recently com - Local Master Mr W Harris and Malcolm Caporn’s team were 3rd. Richard Vessey, Janet Smith and Harold peted against each other for the Foster Mrs B M Hancer County Master Mary and David Marshall narrowly Wayne. Cup, which Gloucestershire won thanks Mr J Lemon Mr N Trenaman defeated Don Smedley – John Griffin for National events: Chris Stevens, to Val and Ian Constable’s magnificent Hilary Brain, Martin Brook and Helen score of 67.69%. Well done! Cambs & District Master the Smedley Salver. Mary and David Hunts joined up with Don and John to win the Ackroyd reached a very respectable 7th This year’s GCBA summer competi - Mr D Gilford India Cup , just ahead of Peter and Sheila place in the Surrey One-day Green- tions ended with Mike Wignall as the Regional Master Local Master Kelly, Alex Hogg and Cedric Cockcroft. pointed Swiss Teams (83 teams). In the Pairs’ Individual winner, and Patrick Mrs R Z Mattick Mr A R Myles Don Smedley – John Griffin romped EBU Overseas Congress in Andalucia, Shields – Chris R. Smith as joint Teams’ Premier Master Mr D T Thorne ahead of the rest to win the well attend ed Ann Sharples – Helen Ackroyd came 4th winners. The first of the winter season’s Mr J G Haslegrave Cumbria Derbyshire GP Pairs . in the Pre-Congress Pairs (60 pairs), events, the Ladies’ Pairs, was won by Mr G Konopko Derbyshire teams won the Three Helen Ackroyd, Ann Sharples, Steve and Barbara Janes – Lindsay Stewart, for the 1 Star Tournament 5 Star Premier Counties competition followed by Not - Val Kennewell came 2nd in the Swiss second year running, and the Men’s Pairs Master Master tinghamshire and Leicestershire. Teams (43 teams), and in the Pivot Teams by Tony Letts – Brian Goalby. Congratu - Mr R M Harland Mrs E A Breakey In September, a beautiful gladitzia John and Shirley Durrant, Linda Leonard lations to them and to the winners of the 1 Star Master Premier Master tree was planted in the memorial gar - and Peter Gurman finished 11th. Finally, Steve Darke Salver: Peter Waggett, Keith Mrs T H O'Farrell Mr T Ward dens adjacent to EMBA in Spondon, to in the 2009 EBU Autumn Simultaneous Paterson, John Councer, Chris R. Smith, Pairs, David Berwitz – Ann Sharples made County Master County Master commemorate the life of John and the Everett Cup: Andrew Kambites, Armstrong. The teaching room in the top 10 out of 1915 pairs, well done! Richard Chamberlain, Mike James & Mr C F Hadley Dr K Longstaff EMBA has been named ‘The John Diary Dates: Dec 13, Chope Salver Toby Roberts. Mr A J MacFarlane Club Master Armstrong Room’ in recognition of the (Mixed Pairs Championship). Jan 10, Congratulations also to the winners Mrs M J MacFarlane Mr R V Bagot help and advice he gave to players of all Frost Rose Bowl (Swiss Teams), Allendale of Cheltenham Bridge Club’s recently held Area Master Local Master standards. Centre, Wimborne, 2pm. Feb 28, Swiss major events: Mixed Pairs: Veronica and Mr D P Bell Mrs W Mitton Diary Dates: Dec 6, Christmas Swiss Teams for the Weymouth College Trophy, Don Chidgey, with Paddy and Dudley Mr P F Franiewski Miss A Woodburne Pairs for the Atkins Cup. Dec 16, EMBA Weymouth Bridge Club, Preston. For George winning the Flitch. Cham p ionship Christmas Party. Jan 20, DCBA National more information, please see the Dorset Pairs: Mike Wignall – Chris R. Smith,

www.ebu.co.uk October 2009 English Bridge 47 DEC_09_EB_p46-53 County News.qxd:D 36-48 13/11/2009 15:40 Page 48

and the Individual: Phil Rattenbury. and Peter Watts with 74%. John Thacker, Master Point promotions A well known and respected member Cathy England, Ben Britton and Chris of Cheltenham B.C. recently passed away. Chowney were third with 59%. Derbyshire Direct 3 Star Master National Master Frank Shaw was also a member of the Diary Dates: Jan 15, National Pairs Mrs S M Danby Mrs C Mobbs Club Committee for the last nine years Qualifying Heat, Bartestree, 7pm. Jan 29, Life Master County Master Mrs E Leigh Mrs J Whitehouse and, in his professional capacity as an No Fear Teams for the Queenswood Mr J W Calladine Mr T Owen Mrs A Warner 8 Star Premier architect, was mainly responsible for the Trophy (only one member of the team Premier Regional Area Master 2 Star Master Regional Master upkeep of the club premises, a listed may be Advanced Master or above), Master Dr M A Tettenborn Mr C S Darling Mr A S Howell building. His hard work and patient Bartestree, 7pm. Jan 31, Swiss Pairs for Mrs E J Hall cheerfulness in the face of the many the Bulmer Rose Bowl, Tarrington, Local Master 1 Star Master 6 Star Regional difficulties which this work involved were 10.30am. Feb 12, Inter-Club Teams League Regional Master Mr J G Morgan Mrs P A Davis Master much appreciated. He is very much missed Round 3, Ledbury, 7pm. Feb19, Mixed Mrs K Stanyon Mrs T Blackmore Dorset Advanced Master by friends and colleagues. Pairs for the Ray Paul Salver, 7pm. Feb Mr K Stanyon Mr B Mann 2 Star Regional 27, Club Teams of Eight for the Chadd 1 Star Premier Premier National Master Master Master Shield, Tarrington, 2pm. Master Mr M A Kempster Hants and IoW Mr H Kevill-Davies Mr R Bush Mrs M Watson Mrs S Glover Mr S Speed www.bridgewebs.com/hiwcba/ 11 Star Premier 3 Star Master 7 Star Premier Hertfordshire Master County Master PLEASE note the alteration Mrs G Cunningham Master www.hertsbridge.co.uk Miss B Johnston Mrs M Pimm to our website’s address 1 Star Master Mr P E B Vaile IT is with great sadness that 4 Star Premier District Master (see above). We hope that it 3 Star Premier we report the death of two Mr J Parker Master Mr R Bingham will now be problem free. Master Paddys in the county. Paddy Master Mr D R Wooldridge Mr A Cartwright Congratulations to Chrissie Mobbs who Mrs S Ruffell had a very successful Guernsey Con gress. Atkin was a stalwart Mrs R M Bass 3 Star Premier Mr M Hardisty 2 Star Premier supporter of the clubs in Master Mrs Z Morris Together with a non-HIOW partner she County Master Master was winner of both the Multiple and Pivot North Hertfordshire, and ran the very Mrs S Cairns Area Master Ms J King Mrs A Baker Teams, and came 6th in the Ladies’ Pairs . successful Letchworth Congress for over 2 Star Premier Mrs C Bishop twelve years. Paddy Dymoke was a Mr D F Mann 1 Star Tournament County events: for the second year Master Mr G Chasmer member of a number of clubs in and District Master Mrs A Field Master running Steve Preston’s team, which Mr C J Denton around the Hatfield area. A doctor by Mrs J Pattison Mrs F E Grayer included Heather Maidment, Gareth Mrs C A Segal trade, he would greet you at the table 4 Star Master Birdsall and Sonia Zakrzewski, won the Local Master Club Master 4 Star Master with a smile and a joke, but was a fierce Mr M P Caruana Cahalan Cup. Another late result is that Mr R J Thomas Mr P Hariram Mrs D G Ginn competitor and would proceed to take 1 Star Master the Cahalan Plate was won by Dave Willis Mr R Olley Mr T F Ginn two tops off you and then say goodbye Devon and team. Ladies’ Pairs : 1. Clare Fearon – Mrs N Bellers Local Master 2 Star Master with a smile and a joke. Both will be Fay Grayer, 2. Lesley Lewis – Chrissie Life Master County Master sorely missed by family and friends. Mr E Longford Mrs M F Blewett Mobbs. Men’s Pairs: 1. Andrew Bennett – Mrs A Richardson Congratulations to Jackie Davies – Mrs S E Gregory Mr C Scott 1 Star Master Dave Willis, 2. Michael Hunt – Kevin Chris Smart who were 3rd in the recent Premier National District Master Mrs C Tancock Mr M Witham McArdle. Harrop Mixed Swiss Teams: Surrey Green Point Swiss Pairs . In the Master Mrs V E Andrews Mr B T Yeoman 1. Kathy Vaile, Pauline Serby, John Moore, Gloucestershire recent Hertfordshire Green Point Swiss Mr R Lingham Area Master Mrs P Yeoman Andrew Bennett; 2. Dave Huggett, Andy Grand Master Teams, Hertfordshire teams occupied 5 Star Premier Mrs R H Wade Advanced Master Hughes, Jill Shortman, Nick Craik. Lincoln Mr T Hill 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th positions with Dave Regional Master Club Master Mr C Doyle Mixed Pairs: 1. Karen Dewar – Malcolm 5 Star Premier Stimson, John Wareham, Roger Edmonds Mr D W Hugo Mrs C M Endicott Lowcock, 2. Rosemary and David Spencer. Mr R Wright Regional Master and George Summers leading the way. 2 Star Premier Master Diary Dates: Dec 6, Bloxham Trophy Essex Mr P Ford In the EBU Overseas Congress in Anda - Regional Master Mrs J Anderson Open Swiss Teams. Dec 7-12, Charity lucia, Rick Irwin – Malcolm Harris won Premier Life 2 Star Premier Duplicated pairs (in clubs). Dec 20, Mrs M K Kelsey Regional Master Mr A Collier the Men’s Pairs, and Paul and Fiona Master Mr R B Hutchings Yuletide Mini Swiss Teams. Jan 17, Littlewood were 3rd in the Swiss Pairs 2 Star Regional Mr G T Van der Mr L R Wernick Mr J Knight Midwinter Mini Swiss Seams. All the Master Gucht and 2nd in the Mixed Pairs. Life Master Mrs J Mogridge above will be held at Romsey starting at All three county teams won the recent Mr P J Lucas 1 Star Premier Mrs C Oliver 2pm. Entries five days in advance if pos - match against Suffolk. 6 Star Premier Mrs L Fleet Master sible to Lillian Craigen ( 02380 254276 Local Results: Club Winners Cup: 1. Master 1 Star Premier Mr M R Lythell District Master or [email protected] . Paul and Fiona Littlewood, 2. Jackie Mr R Arnheim Regional Master Mr T Elliott Tournament Davies – John Neville, 3. Shirley Posner – Mrs G A Watkins Mr L Lapszys Master Mrs R S Needell Herefordshire Gerard Brito. Mixed Pairs: 1. Margaret and 4 Star Premier 7 Star Regional Mrs M E Area Master Master Bernard Eddleston, 2. Mike Dill – Jackie Master Bridgewater Mr M Hayden www.herefordshirebridge.co.uk Watt, 3. Roy Button – Karima Basse; Mr LJ Peacock Mr M Gregory Ms P J Phillips Mrs D Lord THE Inter-Club Teams League has attrac - Flitch Winners : Bobbie and Martin 3 Star Premier 2 Star Regional 3 Star Master Dr R Reid ted 16 entries (one fewer than last year) Rodney. Master Master Mr J Muirhead Mrs J Woods requiring five rounds to be played. Eight Diary Dates: Dec 6, Rose Bowl, Mr M Krimgoltz Mr J Boxall 2 Star Master Club Master of the county’s ten affiliated clubs have Welwyn Garden City, 1pm. Jan 10, 9 Star Premier 2 Star Premier Mr N W Hayman Mr L A Angell entered teams. For the second year, the Humble Cup 1st Qualifinal, Welwyn Master Master Advanced Master Mr D Butler draw for the first round of the County In- Garden City, 1pm. Jan 22, Cadet Pairs, Mrs A M Rastin Welwyn Garden City, 7.30pm. Jan 24, Mr I J Dalrymple Mrs M Sutton Herefordshire house KO Teams Competition was held at 6 Star Premier Championship Pairs Semi-Final, Welwyn Mrs R Thomas Master a single venue on a specified date. How - Master Premier Life ever, again the entry of only ten teams is Garden City, 1pm. 2 Star Tournament Mr M McWilliam Mr M J Harbour Master disappointing. Master County Master 3 Star Premier Dr M C Ralph John Griffiths – Bob Underhill teamed Mrs S P Hughes Isle of Man Master Mrs R Kaye National Master up on the day of the Welsh Foursomes 2 Star Master Mrs J A Moorman Area Master Mr C G Chowney with Wener and Louise Solomon from ABOUT one hundred players took part in Mr R T Frost 1 Star Premier Mrs K G Bary- Premier Regional Devon and their team finished 6th out of the 2009 Isle of Man Congress and the County Master Master Brown Master 28 – the best result for Herefordshire visiting players saw the island at its best, Mrs C Lusher Mrs B Golding Ms W Logan Mr T Truluck players in this prestigious event. Cathy with some excellent weather. Club Master England, playing with friends from The Swiss Pairs, played over the three Mr J Jenkins Premier Master 5 Star Premier London, finished 4th out of 38 in the evening sessions, produced local winners, District Master Mr R Bary-Brown Master Mr T Todman Mid-Wales Congress Swiss Teams. with Tadhg O’Mahony – John Large Mrs R Young Mrs K Neale Mr A P N Cordrey Tournament The Avocet Cup with nine teams finishing on 164 VPs (out of 220), 15 VPs Mrs W S Cordrey Master Hants & I.O.W. 3 Star Master entered was played as a multiple teams ahead of second-placed David Waxman – Mr A Light Mrs L Butler Premier National Mrs A J Lane competition. Winners were Bob Underhill, Richard Pike, with two pairs tying for 3rd Local Master 4 Star Master Master 1 Star Master Peter Bellamy, Madeleine and Geoff on 148, Valerie Cooper – Bob Foster and Dr J Pitt Mr F W Taberner Mrs T Adams Mrs J Kingston Harrington with 76%, just ahead of John Jill and Roger Tattersfield. Griffiths, George Barrett, Sarah Mathews In the Teams, a dramatic finish pro -

48 English Bridge December 2009 www.ebu.co.uk DEC_09_EB_p46-53 County News.qxd:D 36-48 13/11/2009 15:40 Page 49

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duced a tie between two teams scoring 87 and Tony Wilkinson, Philip Stephens and Master Point promotions VPs (out of 120). After a tie-break, Sandy Adam Skalski. Davies, Tom Gisborne, Richard Pike and LCBA Mixed Pairs: 1. Bill and Liz Wat - Advanced Master Mr A A F Peters Mrs V Guenancia 2 Star Master David Waxman were edged out by regular tle worth. Pendle Witch Pairs: 1. Ken Hassell Mr G R Baker Mrs C M Utteridge Mrs J F Parrott Mr D J Morris visitors Derek Williams, Croz Croswell, – Ian Kane. Foundation Cup: 1. Ed Levy, Dr B Taylor Advanced Master Mr M M Proto Advanced Master Phil Godfrey and Gav Mackay who retain John Parsons, Craig Fisher, Sue Richmond. Mrs M E Smith Master Mrs S Early Mr S Robinson the trophy (in spirit if not in the metal!). Diary Dates: Dec 6, Lytham Rose Advanced Master Third were Tadhg O’Mahony, John Large, Bowl, Lytham Bridge Club. Dec 11-13, Miss J Dowdle Mr A Ward Club Master Mr S R Milnes Master Mr P M A Codd John Gaumt and Debby Burton. SBU Gold Cup Congress, Peebles. Dec 20, Mrs P Dignan The Mixed Pairs was won by Sue and Santa Claus Pairs, Manchester Bridge County Master Mrs P J Davis Mr J D Merrett Mrs P A Thompson Lincolnshire Nick Woodcock (last year’s Swiss Pairs Club. Dec 28-30, EBU End of Year Mrs J Davies-Jones County Master winners) and the Open Pairs by Jon Congress, Blackpool Hilton. Jan 2-3, Mrs J E Hardy Master 3 Star Premier Mrs P Burnell Downing – Mike Meakin. MCBA Congress, Renaissance Hotel, Mrs D Martin Mr P Body Master Mrs S Ford Next year’s congress is on the equi - Manchester. Jan 9, LCBA Butler Pairs, Mrs E D S Marks Mrs H Gillatt District Master Mr D Landes valent weekend, 10-12 September 2010, Brierfield Bridge Club. Jan 16-17, Chester County Master Mr S Martin Ms Y V Palmer 1 Star Premier and we hope to see you then. Congress, Deva Bridge Club. Jan 30-31, Mr L M Seal Master Mrs E Riddle Mr B K Smale EBU Swiss Teams Congress, Daventry. District Master District Master Mrs J Aylett Area Master Kent Mr G M Green Mrs D Kleinman Mrs S Bray 4 Star Tournament Mrs C Kinmond Area Master Mr D B Riley Master www.kcba.org.uk Leicestershire Mrs J Riley Mrs V Foot Mrs DJ Woods- Mrs J C Brooks CONGRATULATIONS to www.leicsbridge.org.uk Mrs P Sainsbury Humphery Mr C H Dee 4 Star Master Martin Silverman – Janet CONGRATULATIONS Mrs M A Webster Mr G Young Club Master Mr R S G Handford Rumsey, winners of the to Charu and Sobhag Area Master Mrs S Young Mrs J Knappert Mr J M Sizer Dyer-Smith Cup for the Shah, who finished 5th Club Master Mrs B J Teesdale Mr R Horlock Master Kent Mixed Pairs Champ - out of over 2100 Mr M L Baker Mrs M Maybank Mr H R Watson ion ship with Christine en trants in the EBU Isle Of Man Mr M L Cornelius Mrs J E Robards District Master Kempton – Phil Jones in 2nd place. Au t umn Simultaneous Pairs with 69.28%. Mr P R Dewhurst 3 Star Premier Club Master Mr R Ridley Bernie and Pat Waters won the Hunter The Otto & Edith Bowl (Mixed Pairs) Mrs S M Dewhurst Regional Master Mrs M Baker Mr T Walker Cup for the highest-placed married was won by Irene Krantz – Gary Duddle, Mr P Edwards Mrs E Moore Mrs A Brewer partnership. with Julie and David Lashley 2nd, and Mrs A Mayson Club Master Mr S King London At the 2009 prestigious International Lucy and Dick Pathan 3rd. These last two Mr M Wilkins Mr B W C Pile Mr A Press Premier Grand Bridge Press Association’s Awards Cere mo - pairs are the Midland Flitch Qualifiers . The Local Master Mr P B Westwood Master ny, Stuart and Gerald Tredinnick won the non-expert prize went to Maureen Wil - Kent Miss M Olds Local Master Mr A I Woo Precision Best Bid Hand of the Year liams – Ian Walkerdine. Mr C A Prout 3 Star Premier Mrs J Warner Grand Master Award, for an auction reported by Heather Blaby A (R. Cook, P. Nuttall, C. Bancroft and D. Pollard) won the Summer Knock- Mr B Rom Regional Master Mrs H Wood Mr D Ould Dhondy in her 2008 Gold Cup article, Mrs T A Stirrup Mr S Pierce published in English Bridge . out final, beating Ashby (P. Dunham, Life Master Lancashire The preliminary heats of the Kent J. Benton, D. James and G. Haywood) by Hertfordshire 1 Star Premier Mr R Gronau Regional Master Life Master Pairs Championship for the Larsky Cup the narrowest margin of just 10 points. National Master Premier National Mrs J Lawrence Mr J M Morrell are now being played. Check the KCBA The Plate competition was won by Melton Master Miss S P Gross (Ben and Joan Gibson, James Spencer Premier Regional 4 Star Regional website calendar for the various venues. Mrs F Littlewood Master Master 2 Star Premier The final takes place in April. and Angela Abbott). Regional Master Ian Bruce – Mick Mahoney are the National Master Mr R George Mr A Whittam The County Committee is to buy 20 Mr D A Hull sets of the new Mark II Bridgemates. current leaders of the Stanley Trophy. Mr D W Adcock 4 Star Regional 5 Star Master Regional Master These are slimmer, with a screen three The Three Counties competition was 2 Star Premier Master Mrs J L Ashton Regional Master Mr T Chanter times the size of the original version. won by Derbyshire, with Nottingham - Mrs A S M Jeffery 4 Star Master shire 2nd and Leicestershire 3rd. The best Mr A T Hudson Mrs B C Schultz Mr M Ranis Three volunteers are now needed to train Miss E Camidge in the use of these and to help the county performance by a Leicestershire team was Mr E G Jones 10 Star Premier Premier Master Mr M C Lewtas by being responsible, on a rota basis, for Loughborough University, who were 3rd 1 Star Premier Master Mr M J P L 2 Star Master their smooth running at our events in in Division Two. Regional Master Mr M J Garside Brunswick Mr A Frost Tunbridge Wells. The volunteers can also County results: Sept 13 vs Not ting - Mr J W Marr Mrs J G Hogston Mr D Cardnell 1 Star Master participate in the event at the same time ham shire: 1st team lost 2-18, 2nd team 13 Star Premier 5 Star Tournament Dr M A Nygren Mrs A Kellett if they wish. Please contact Stephen won 12-8, 3rd team lost 9-11. Oct 11 vs Master Master 4 Star Master Oxfordshire, 1st team won 11-9, 2nd Advanced Master Pierce ( 07973 207218 or by email Mr R G Reed Mr M J Braithwaite Mr M Galgut [email protected] if interested. team lost 8-12, 3rd team won 17-3. Mr J T Mayes 7 Star Premier 1 Star Tournament Advanced Master Diary Dates: Jan 10, Hunter Homines Diary Dates: Dec 9, Stanley Trophy Mrs M E Oakes Master Master Mrs T Stevens (Men’s Pairs) and Fleming Femina round 3, Rothley Centre. Dec 13, Mid - Dr C Eveleigh Mr D C Ilott County Master Master (Ladies’ Pairs), Tunbridge Wells, 11am. land league vs Warwickshire, Rothley 4 Star Premier Tournament Mrs I M Thomasson Miss E J Fairclough Feb 6, Corbett Cup League (County Centre. Jan 11-12, BGB Simultaneous Master Master District Master District Master Teams of 8), Preliminary, Count 213 Pairs. Jan 17, Midland League 7 vs Staf - Mr D Spruce Mr D Powell Mrs S Hall Mr S Di Bello Bridge Club, Kingshill, 1pm. Feb 21, fordshire and Shropshire (away). Jan 27, Mr JM Wareham 5 Star Master Area Master Mr D S Leigh George Griffiths (Senior Pairs), Tunbridge Stanley Trophy round 4, Glenfield. Feb 1, 3 Star Premier Mr V R Hughes Mr J P Montague Mrs E Wright Wells, 11am. Mar 20, Corbett Cup League LCBA National Pairs Heat, Rothley Master Centre. Feb 7, Midland League vs Lincoln - 4 Star Master Miss H Thygesen Area Master Final, Count 213 Bridge Club, Kingshill, Mr D A Fensome 1pm. Apr 11, Larsky Cup (Pairs Champ - shire, Rothley Centre. Mr P J Bartlett Club Master Mr M Hopkins 1 Star Premier ionship), Tunbridge Wells, 11am. 3 Star Master Mrs P A Turner Mrs M Sikora Master Mrs E F Greaves Local Master Mrs M M Yolland Lincolnshire Mrs N Low Mr P Searby Mr D Tilley Club Master Lancashire www.lincsbridge.org.uk Premier Master Mrs P Westcott Leicester Mrs P Laumen www.lancsbridge.co.uk THERE has now been the Mrs S J Barnett 2 Star Master Mr R Sheth Mr J S White IN the Northern Bridge first event of the new Mrs A A Bell 14 Star Premier Local Master 3 Star Tournament Master League, Lancashire A ended season, held on Sept 27, Mrs V Boa Mr M Malysa the Mixed/Married Pairs Master Mr S Williams 2nd out of five teams , Mr K E Geerkens Ms K Stynes Lancashire B 3rd out of and it was encouraging Mr W G Oxenham 2 Star Premier Mrs J E Glendinning Ms A Thylin seven and Lancashire C 5th to have a slight increase in numbers from 2 Star Master Master Ms J A Jakes out of eight. last year. Winners were Dennis Mellor – Mr M Holden Mrs DM Potter Mrs A M Wright Manchester Bolton Congress: Men’s Pairs: 1. Andrew Carole Rushforth; runners-up Mike and Mrs A B Thompson 1 Star Master 3 Star Master Life Master and Nick Woodcock; Ladies’ Pairs: Christine Grant who won the Dean Mr K Guerrier 1 Star Master Mrs J P Cotson Mr D W C 1. Marianne Farr – Rhona Goldenfield; Trophy (Married Pairs Cup). The next Mrs J S Neal Mrs M Godden Ms J A Dixon Pennington Championship Pairs: 1. Bill Mercer – John event is the Random Seeded Pairs which is Warner; Championship Teams: 1. Alex too late for this report.

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On Saturday, Sept 5, Scunthorpe Club Champions Cup: 1. London League At the AGM of the EBU on Oct 7 Master Point officially opened its new premises. The (David Ould, Mike Hill, Rolf Alexander, 2009, Alan Nelson and Jeff Morris were promotions club has room for at least twenty tables Bill Hodgkiss); 2. LBH League (Roland re-elected to the Board of the English in the main room and ten in the smaller Gronau, Chris Watkinson, Bill Linton, Bridge Union. one which is used for teaching. It took Tim Pelling). Play with the Stars: N/S Diary Dates: Dec 6, Ben Franks Pairs, Premier National 5 Star Premier many months of hard work, mainly by a Juliet Scott – Aline Sandberg (Hurling - Manchester BC, 1pm; entries to Pat Master Master dedicated few, and it is a splendid building ham BC), E/W Patti Gamble – Denis Buxton, 12 Thornton Drive, Handforth, Mrs P Clarke Mr M Gentry containing a tea room come bar, a large Bennett (Andrew Robson BC). Cheshire SK9 3DA ( 01625 528779. Regional Master 1 Star Tournament office for computer, stationery etc, a Diary Dates: Jan 17, Ian Gardiner Dec 20, Santa Claus Pairs, Manchester Miss C M Benson Master disabled toilet and a car park. The Lincs Trophy, the London Teams-of-Four BC, 2pm. Jan 2-3, MCBA Annual Con- 1 Star Tournament Mrs C V Griffiths Annual Championships will be held there Champ ionship qualifier; Young Chelsea gress; entries to Jeff Smith ( 0161 702 Master 5 Star Master in April 2010. Peter Stocken and Alan BC, 11.30am; contact Sati McKenzie at 3773 or 07976 794390, e-mail jasmith Mr L G Barnes Mr K Sandom Andrews, the county chairman, were [email protected] . Jan 31, Palmer @nildram.co.uk . Jan 24, Gazette Trophy Teams of 8 (Qualifier for the Garden 3 Star Master 3 Star Master some of the invited guests to see the Bayer Trophy – Simple System Pairs; YCBC, 1.00 pm; contact Chris Duckworth Cities Regional Final), St Peters Assembly Dr E Noronha Mr T Wheatley Scunthorpe mayor officially open it (see page 44). Guests are very welcome and at [email protected] . Feb 21, Rooms. Jan 28, National Pairs Qualifier, 2 Star Master Advanced Master so far bridge nights are well supported. London Championship Pairs; YCBC, Manchester BC. Apr 16-18, Lady Milne Mrs C Bloch Mr V J Martin Diary Dates: Dec 6, Ghost Pairs. Jan 1.00 pm; contact Nigel Freake at gelohnake Trophy, Manchester. Mrs B Kidwell Master 17, Jan Bainton semi-final. Jan 31, @waitrose.com . Advanced Master Mr A Bhandari Vincents. Feb 14, Bainton final (green- Merseyside/Cheshire Mrs G Parry Mrs O Chase pointed). Manchester Mrs A Thornton Mr G Daulby www.mcba.org.uk Mr F Kirkbride Master www.lighton.btinternet.co.uk/ THE County C team Mrs R Panchamia London Miss H J Schofield narrowly held on to Mr R Perkins CONGRATULATIONS Mr E Thornton- www.metrobridge.co.uk to our two new World their lead through the Chan County Master MANY congratulations to Champions, Paul Hackett final round of this Ms S Triggs Mrs U S Mehta the three LMBA mem - and John Holland, who year’s Northern Coun- District Master District Master bers recently crowned as were part of the Gold ties League to secure the third division Mrs S Bailey Mr M P Kothary World Champions: Zia Medal winning team in the Seniors’ title. Congratulations to all of the Mrs J Lewis Mrs B Mehta Mahmood, who won the World Championships. On Sept 21 the players who took part. Sadly the A and B Dr N Mehta Area Master Bermuda Bowl for the USA, and Ross Manchester County Bridge Association teams never managed to mount a chal - Ms C Morison Miss A Birchall Harper and Gunnar Hallberg who won held a reception at Man chester BC to lenge in Divisions 1 and 2 respec ti vely, Mr S Parekh Mrs P J the D’Orsi Seniors Bowl with the English honour this re markable achievement. but congratulations to Manchester who Mr C Patel Dunningham team. London is very proud of you. Kevin Comrie, Chair man of the managed to win both of those titles. Mrs M Patel Association, paid tribute to Paul and The Chester Bowl Charity Pairs event Mr J Hassan Well done also to Alice Kaye who won Mrs T Shah John, who have done much for the inter - was held at the Deva BC on October 18. Mrs M Hernon the Swiss Teams at the National Women’s Dr S R Vora national reputation of Manchester. The winners were Joy and Irving Blakey Mr M J Hernon Teams, to Mike Fletcher who came 3rd in Mrs U Vora Congratulations to Bill and Joyce but thanks go to all who took part and Club Master both the Swiss Pairs and Swiss Teams at Area Master White who, in partnership with Babs and helped to raise around £600 for the Mr A Schofield the Guernsey Congress, and to Cliff and Mr N Doshi Tim Matthews from Cumbria, won the NSPCC. Mr S Ward Tom Tomlin who came 2nd nationally Mr E Hughes- Pivot Teams at Brighton. Northern League: The MBC Congress Pairs event on Mr L Webb in the BGB Autumn Sim Pairs. D'Aeth well done to all those who played for Sept 20 was won by David Stevenson – Mr C Worthington Mr K Kothary This year’s Lederer Memorial Trophy Liz Commins, with John Griffith – Joan Mr W Yeong Manchester, winners of the A Division, B Mr B Letts was one of the strongest ever, as evi den ced Division and Juniors. Commiserations to King in second place. Local Master Mr C Sheth by the fact that last year’s winners, aug - Manchester BC B (Michelle Brunner, The curtain-raiser to the new Mersey- Mrs A M Craven Mrs U Sheth mented by Zia, could only come in last John Holland, John Hassett and Bill side League season was a two-session Merseyside/ Mr K Wadhar place! The winners were the popular Hirst), who lost the semi-final of the 2009 Swiss Teams event, which was won by Cheshire Club Master Irish team of Nick Fitzgibbon, Adam NICKO. The same team, with the the Dusty Miller’s team with Sutton Mrs S Chapman Mesbur, John Carroll and Tommy Garvey addition of Michael Byrne and , runners-up. Life Master Mr M Connick (see tinted box below), with England reached the quarter-final of the 2009 Gold Diary Dates: Dec 5, Waterworth Cup Mr D Flacks Mrs R Doshi (, Tom Townsend, Espen Cup but lost to Paul Hackett’s team. Well (County open GP pairs), MBC. Dec 13, 1 Star Regional Mrs F Frais Erichsen, Nick Irens, Norman Selway done to John Parsons’ team (Sue Merseyside Cup (Open Swiss Teams). Master Mr A Karunanithy and Simon Cope) in 2nd place. Richmond, Edward Levy and Craig Jan 16-17, Chester Congress, Deva BC. Mr R Roberts Mr A Vora County results: Mixed Pairs Champ - Fisher), who won two Feb 7, County Trials, MBC. Feb 14, 10 Star Premier G Waissel ion ship: 1. Simon Cope – Marion matches beating two strong Manchester- Merseyside & Deeside Cup (County Master Local Master Robert son, 2. Brian Callaghan – Chris based teams in rounds 1 and 2 but lost to Pivot Teams), MBC. Feb 21, Jean Keen Mr C Nugent Ms S Mount Duckworth, 3. David Gold – Sarah Dunn. Michelle Brunner in Round 3. Trophy (County Women’s Teams), MBC. 5 Star Premier Master Norfolk Mr P Nuttall Premier National District Master Master IRISH SLAM ON THE WAY TO LEDERER WIN Mr A P Roberts Mr M A Thompson Mr G Roberts 3 Star Premier STUNG by the implication in Simon Cochemé’s article (in the October Area Master Regional Master issue of English Bridge) that the Irish no longer bid slams with two aces Mrs M A Barnes Mrs M S Kimbley missing, the Irish team retaliated by bidding just such a slam in their open - Mr G R Wilkes 2 Star Regional ing match at this year’s Lederer. The defence took one of their aces at trick Master Club Master one but when they failed to find the right switch, there were enough tricks Mr G Parnham Master F Cooke for 6NT to roll home. Ireland played the leaders, England, in the last match Mrs S Howard 13 Star Premier and overtook them to regain the trophy that they last held in 2005. Master Middlesex Mrs B Howlett Results: d

r

o

f

Mr P Howlett 1. Ireland (Tommy Garvey, Nick Fitzgibbon [in the picture], John Carroll, s

2 Star Premier n

i

a

Regional Master 1 Star Premier R Adam Mesbur)

n

Master o

Mr J Febland 2. England (Espen Erichsen, Nick Irens, Norman Selway. David Gold, d

r Mr D E Ellis o Mrs S Grant G Tom Townsend, Simon Cope)

:

o Mr AS Perelman 4 Star Master t 3. Young Chelsea Champions (Richard Hillman, Jon Green, Keith o

h 1 Star Regional Dr A P Dawson Bennett, Neil Rosen) P Master Dr C M Dawson Mrs M Robertson Mrs J Howitt PS Note that Ireland would have won the event even if the two-ace 6NT had been beaten!

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Mar 14, Eric Howarth Cup (Open Green- were Roger Amey, Dave Newstead, John performed extremely well to reach 6th Master Point pointed Swiss Teams) Deva BC. Apr 18, and Julie Aspinall. A play-off between place from a field of 1915 pairs. promotions Charity Teams, MBC. Apr 25, Preece these two teams will decide who repre- Cathy Rowland, Mary-Ann Sheehy, Rose bowl (County Women’s Pairs), sents Norfolk in the Pachabo Cup. Beryl Kerr and Kathy Talbot won their Blund ell sands BC. section of the National Women’s Teams 3 Star Master Mr I M Eckford Diary Dates: Jan 17, Beccles Swiss Teams, Loddon. Jan 24, Robertson Cup, (see page 20) by a considerable margin. Mrs J Cluer Mr I Gill Bawburgh. Feb 14, Committee Cup (Club Although they lost in the semi-finals, they Club Master Middlesex 2 Star Master teams), Roundwood. Feb 28, North Wal - won the special prize for the highest- Mrs H M Carney Ms C A Jones www.middlesexbridge.co.uk sham Trophy (Swiss Teams), Bawburgh. placed team whose members were all Mr J Griffin Local Master CONGRATULATIONS to And that’s it for 2009. A Merry from a single county. In addition, all four Advanced Master Dr A J Cornish Anne Rosen, Nevena Christmas to all my readers! players were members of Oxford BC! Mr B Drobny Mr F N Stephenson Senior and Catherine Seale Winners of the monthly Seniors Pairs Mr G Grist were Gordon Carroll – Elizabeth Year - Northants for winning the Women’s North East Master Teams (see page 20). Con - ling in September and Krishan Jalie – Mrs M B Gittins Grand Master gratulations also to Gary www.neba.co.uk Geoff Nicholas in October. Club Master Mr J Deacon and Dafydd Jones for THE NEBA Swiss Pairs If interested in filling the post of Editor, Oxfordshire Newsletter, please contact the J McCloskey Premier National winning the Welsh Invita- was won by Fred Robin - county secretary, Sandra Nichol son Miss S Pulley Master tional Pairs and to Nick Sandqvist – son – Alan Lester. The ( Mr K Snape Mr M J Auger Andrew McIntosh for finishing 2nd. pair then completed a ([email protected] ), 01865 842204. Well done to Catherine Seale – Ian Diary Dates: Dec 6, Swiss Pairs Local Master Premier Regional very successful Septem - Master Pagan for winning the Herfordshire Swiss ber by also winning the Champ ionship, Oxford BC. Dec 10, OBA Mr L Hardy Management Committee Meeting, Ox - Mr J Shoesmith Teams. Victor Silverstone was 2nd in the NEBA Senior Pairs competition. North East Surrey Swiss Pairs. Nevena and Brian ford BC. Jan 3, Haddenham Swiss Teams, 3 Star Regional The Newcastle Swiss Teams Congress Senior finished 3rd in the Derbyshire Haddenham. Jan 10, Dawes League v Life Master Master was won by the team of Janet and Frank Swiss Teams. Middlesex finished second Not tinghamshire, Oxford BC. Jan 17, Mr A Simpson Mrs C M Luck Springett, Brenda Osborne and Alex in the A Flight of the Metropolitan Cup. Simpson. Golfprint, Oxon heat, Oxford BC. Jan 24, 13 Star Premier Mr E Luck The team was: Victor Silverstone, Lynton Harwell Cup (also qualifier for Beck Cup Regional Master 1 Star Premier Stock, Gary Jones, Jerry Harouni, Francis Final), Oxford BC. Jan 26, Pro-Am, Mr D Benison Master Morton, Anthony Golding, Artur Mali - Northamptonshire Oxford BC (7.15 for 7.30pm start) . 4 Star Premier Mr R Griffiths nowski, Marilyn Malinowska, Uday www.northantsbridge.info/ Regional Master 5 Star Master Hegde, John Vos, Janet De Botton and IT is with deep regret that we have to Somerset Miss S Caygill Mr M Cameron Nick Sandqvist. announce the death of Mike Wiggins. www.somersetbridge.org.uk 3 Star Premier 2 Star Master County Events: Chandrakirti and Mike served as Treasurer since 1991 on Regional Master Mrs V Walker Prakash Shah won the Beginners’ Pairs. the NCBA Committee and only gave up OUR Congress at Weston Mrs A Emslie Shailini and Pankaj Shah won the New- his duties when ill health prevented him Super Mar e in October was 8 Star Regional Notts comers’ Pairs. from carrying on, earlier this year. He had a great success as ever and as Master National Master Best of luck to the Middlesex Tolle - also been treasurer of the Bedford Con - usual our thanks go to Mr R Pyke mache team: Heather Dhondy, Nevena David Porter and everyone Mr C Close gress since 1991. He was a long-stand ing Senior, Neil Rosen, Martin Jones, Keith else who helped in making 6 Star Regional Mrs D Close member of Northampton BC, where he Master Bennett, Richard Hillman, Jeremy served on the Committee for many years; it so. Special thanks must go to Ann 3 Star Premier Dhondy, Ian Pagan, Tony Waterlow and Bawdon for her tireless and tremendous Dr P J Prince Master he was also a member at Kingsley and Victor Silverstone. efforts all weekend and for many weeks 17 Star Premier Mrs J Marron Towcester Bridge Clubs. Mike repre sented Master Diary Dates: Dec 6, Ranked Masters the county in the Eastern Counties beforehand. Congratulations to the fol - 2 Star Premier Mrs A Welsh Teams, Oshwal Bridge Club, 2pm. Jan League, supported many county events lowing: Ladies’ Pairs: 1. Gina Howard – Master Caroline MacPherson, 4. Barbara Biggin – 15 Star Premier 17, Ranked Masters Pairs, Oshwal Bridge and represented Northampton BC, play- Mrs S Goodlud Master Club, 2pm. Feb 7, Ladies and Gentle - ing for their A team in the Inter Club Anne Skinner. Men’s Pairs: 1. Mike Whit - 4 Star Master taker – Roger Sweet. Swiss Pairs: 1. Alan Mr A M Welsh men’s Pairs, Eastman’s, 2pm. There are a League. He will be greatly missed by many Mrs M Mitchell multitude of qualifying heats scheduled Northants members. and Jette Bailey. Swiss Teams: 2. Caroline 4 Star Premier Macpherson, David Howard, Bill Rowe Master 2 Star Master for the National Pairs, the Middlesex The Alastair Brodie Memorial Trophy Mixed Pairs, and the Middlesex Champ - and Graham Heal. Board 8 in the Swiss Mrs B A Godfrey Mrs A Harrop will be on Sunday January 10 : pairs in the ionship Pairs. An extensive competitions Pairs pro vided some excitement with a Master afternoon with teams in the evening, your Tournament calendar can be found on the County score for one pair of +4000. Master team-mates being determined by your Prof. W L Irving website. Do report points of interest to Our first county event of the season Mr A M Pryor position in the afternoon pairs. A sub- County Master [email protected] . stantial two-course meal will be provided. was the Paul Jones: 1. Di Bishop, Dave 5 Star Master Mr N Rossiter Tickets: £12 per player. Latchem, Bob Warrender and Ron King; Mrs B Sowerby Mr C Wilkinson =2. Eric Cummings, Graham Heal, David Mr H Wood Norfolk District Master Oxfordshire and Gina Howard, and John and Shirley 3 Star Master Mr P D Hunt www.norfolkbridge.co.uk Durrant, Glenda Shave, Stewart Upton. Mr P Johnson Mr K Lloyd THE summer programme www.oxfordshirebridge.co.uk Somerset had a mixed start in the Western League. Against East Wales the B Mr A A Mawston Area Master ended with Mike Walsh – REGRETFULLY, Malcolm Mr B Morgan and C teams won 20-0 and 15-5 res - Mrs P Payne David Newstead winning Simpson, the Editor of 2 Star Master pectively, but the A team had a disap - Mrs P Signorini the YMCA Trophy and the Oxfordshire’s popular news - Mr D Rossiter last Summer Open Pairs letter, has resigned due to ill pointing 16-4 loss. Against Here ford the Local Master opposite occurred, with the A team 1 Star Master being won by Roger Cortis health. Maintaining issues Mr S A Berry winning a tight match 12-8 but the B and Mrs F P Witham – Adrian LaChapelle. Graham Grist and every April, August and Mrs C E Douglas December, he distinguished his work by C teams losing 4-16 and 0-20 respectively. Master David Taylor won an earlier Open Pairs, Mrs M Kaye a result missed in the last bulletin. writing up the interesting histories of Diary Dates: Dec 6, Men’s and Ladies’ Mrs I Burns Miss T Smith The Autumn Eastern Counties League most of Oxfordshire’s twenty-six clubs. Pairs, West Camel. Jan 10, County Swiss Mrs M Lockett matches started badly for Norfolk. His efforts have been much appreciated Pairs, Nailsea. Mrs H Richardson Oxford Against Hertfordshire, teams A and B and we would like to take this oppor- County Master National Master lost 5-15 and 0-20; team C saved the tunity of wishing him a speedy recovery. Staffs and Shrops Mr D Bryson Mrs L Jones whitewash with a 15-5 win. Against Congratulations to the England staffsandshrops.org.uk Mrs C E Keilty Mr P Owen-Smith Bedfordshire all three teams lost, 8-12, Seniors under the captaincy of Oxford - Mrs C Wharton 5 Star Premier 1-19 and 6-14. Don’t give up, chaps, shire’s Peter Baxter on winning the BARBARA Cooke celebrated Mrs J M Williams Regional Master there will be a brighter day tomorrow. World Championship in Brazil. Shortly her 90th birthday (see page District Master Mr J D Gunn The John Harrison / EDP Cup was won after this event, Peter succeeded in being 41) and Bryan Purslow his Mr D Gunn 3 Star Premier by Gabriel Ip – William Zang. The Norfolk elected to the EBU Selection Committee 80th at a party given by Area Master Regional Master County Championship Teams event was in a contested ballot. Stafford Bridge Club. Bar - Mr J Carpenter Mrs A Smith won by Nigel Block, Mervyn Scutter, Paul In the EBU Autumn Simultaneous bara’s late husband, Basil, was our county Darby and Steve Dannell. Runners-up Pairs , Lorna Swadling – Alastair Gidman secretary for many years and Peter

www.ebu.co.uk December 2009 English Bridge 51 DEC_09_EB_p46-53 County News.qxd:D 36-48 13/11/2009 15:42 Page 52

Charl ton, the son of Peter Charlton, Weekend at Guildford. The highest place Master Point promotions Basil’s partner, joined the celebrations. Surrey player in the Swiss Pairs at the same World Champion in the D’Orsi Seniors event was Chris Smart, who came 3rd 5 Star Regional 3 Star Premier 7 Star Premier Premier Master Bowl, Paul Hackett, became the latest playing with an out of county partner. Master Master Regional Master Mrs S A Chandler member of the Hackett family to add a The new season has got underway and Dr J H Freeman Dr A Barnes Mrs M K Blundell Mr D Hedley-Smith World Championship team gold to their your attention is drawn to the new Teams Mr P Thorpe 10 Star Premier 1 Star Master Mr J Hodges tally of medals. Finally the Hacketts can of Four event at Bletchingley on Dec 13. Master Mrs A K Muir 5 Star Premier 3 Star Tournament turn out a full family team of World This proved a popular new venue for the Regional Master Mr J Cullen Advanced Master Master Cham p ions. Congratulations. county last season, and your continuing Mr T R Cook 7 Star Premier Mr D Alderson Mrs V J Smith In opposite sides of the draw, Paul has support would be welcome. Master 4 Star Premier County Master 2 Star Tournament reached the semi-finals of the Gold Cup Diary Dates: Dec 6, Ladies’ / Men’s Mrs C J Harlow Regional Master Mrs G M Cripps Master and will go to Peebles for the final week - Pairs, Oxshott. Dec 13, Teams of Four, Mr M G Ullyett 5 Star Master Mrs R Jessop Mrs A C Duke end. Jason and Justin are playing their Bletchingley. Jan 10, County Pairs & Mr PR Webb Mr A W Ramsden District Master 1 Star Tournament quarter-finals at Peebles. Who knows, it Plate, Cobham. Jan 17, Newcomers 4 Star Master 7 Star Regional Master could easily be a final family feud! Teams, Oxshott. Entries to Frances Mr N D Thorne Master Mr R N Dixon Mr G Main Trebble via the website if possible, please, Area Master Mrs J P Cahm ( 3 Star Master Mrs H Mitchell or 01252 679883. Miss L Curtis 4 Star Regional Suffolk Tournament Master Mrs E M Martensen Master Suffolk Mrs J B Boud www.suffolkbridge.co.uk Sussex 2 Star Master Ms J W Chignall Mrs S F Smith Life Master Mrs P Coulter 5 Star Master CONGRATULATIONS to www.sccba.co.uk 1 Star Master Mrs J P Mayhew Mr R A Simpson Mrs P Burles the Suffolk quartet of WHAT a fantastic win for Mr G Coleborne National Master 3 Star Regional 4 Star Master Maria Allnut, Debby Sut - cliffe, Peter Gemmell and Sussex this year in the Master Mr P Carlisle Master Mrs J Argent Peter Sutcliffe for winning Metropolitan Cup! They won 3 Star Premier Mrs U Adilz 2 Star Master Mr A J Ashworth the Swiss Teams event at the Felixstowe in the ‘A’ section and the ‘C’ Mr M F Cochrane Regional Master Mr M M Steinberg Miss R Ayre Congress with 123 out of a possible 140 section. Many congratula - Miss L Pulford Mr J B Orton 2 Star Regional Mrs C F Hendron VPs. Victor Milman, Nadia Stelma sh - tions to the ‘A’ team of Julian 9 Star Regional Master County Master 1 Star Master enko, Sybil Bragadir and Michael Ranis Mitchell, Peter Clinch, Chris Jepson, Master Miss S Simm Dr A J Speyer Mrs J M Davies were 2nd (94 VPs), just ahead of Gabriel Dave Clifton, Andrew Southwell, Mat- Mrs N Shannahan 1 Star Regional District Master Mr P J Hosier and Giles Ip, Paul Darby and Steve thew Hoskins, Malcolm and Karen Pryor, 4 Star Regional Master Mr M Covill Advanced Master Dannell 3rd (93 VPs). In the main Pairs Ian Lancaster, John Frostega, Dave Master Mrs S Jackson Mr J L G May Mrs P Jardine event (the Committee Cup), the winners Franklin and Gerry Stanford, and the ‘C’ Mrs G L Newton Mr M Skelly Mr G M Sheasby Mrs E Milewczyk were Rod and Sue Oakford (61.1%), team, consisting of Malcolm Wright, Mr P Smitham 14 Star Premier Regional Master Andrea and David Galpin, Mike Davis, Master from Victor Milman – Nadia Stelma - Mr R J Van Noorden Master Mr R J Ingram shen ko 2nd (60.1%) and Norman Less – Joan Hootman, Dave Armstrong, Tom Mrs B Bailey Miss M Wheeller Mrs O Watson 23 Star Premier Andre Gray in third (58.9%). The Brogan and Sandy Blunt. Mr Z Niznik Area Master 9 Star Premier Master Consolation Pairs final was won by Congratulations to all the winners of Mrs E Taylor Ms J R Alexander Master Mr R W Guille Pauline and Con Hanson (65.7%), and the Autumn Congress held between Sept County Master Mr D P Morris Mr M J Del-Bo 16 Star Premier the Open Pairs final by Ian Smith and 18 and 20. Mixed Pairs: 1. Jill and Dave Master Mr J Blishen Club Master 3 Star Premier Dennis Ellis (58.3%). Armstrong, 2. Ian Lancaster – Chris Master Mrs M S Dunbar Mr M Blythe Jepson, 3. Karen Pryor – Phil Jones. Mr J G Fleming In other events, the Club Teams-of- Mr K W Bradbourn Venture Pairs: 1. Jon and Sonia Fitton, Dr R B Plummer Ms F K P Waters 13 Star Premier Eight Championship was won by Col - Master Ms RM Hayter 2. Eddie Williams – Christine Bond, Dr M E Rebick Capt. R I Waters chester (126 out of a possible 140 VPs), Mr B Mercer 3. Denise Ebsworth – Marissa Teale. Pairs Mr M Tilley 4 Star Master Mr M R Oddy from Ipswich Hospitals (108 VPs) and Miss L J Poole Final: 1. Magnus Berger – John Murrell, Mrs J Wulf Mrs J P Fleming 12 Star Premier Frinton (89 VPs). Master Mr J F Sheppard 2. Richard Fedrick – Andrew Southwell, Local Master 3 Star Master Diary Dates: Dec 6, Suffolk Knock- Mrs P E Penny District Master Out Teams. Jan 24, Mid-Anglia Pairs. 3. Alastair Dunbar – Chris Rebbitt. Pairs Mrs D Baldwin Mr F V Mansfield 11 Star Premier Mr A G Bacchus Feb 7, Bury Swiss Teams, Bury-St- Secondary Final: 1. Ian Lancaster – John Mr G Leaney 2 Star Master Master Mrs J Bonner Edmunds. Feb 28, Sudbury & Colchester Frostega, 2. Kathy and Eddie Williams, Mrs J Clarke Somerset Mrs J C Gibbs Mr A Gardner Swiss Teams, Leavenheath. All these 3. Jeanne Boydell – Roger Poulter. Mr C E Parker Mrs A Lynd In the Senior Pairs at the Guernsey Life Master 10 Star Premier events are at Stoke-by-Nayland Golf 1 Star Master Mr A N Margetts Club and start at 2pm. Congress, Barrie Cavell – Christine Dean Mrs J Farrington Master Mrs D J Ferrier Mr D G Butt Mrs H Matthew were runners-up. National Master Mr A Gray Mrs J A Munro Surrey Green Point Weekend: Jeremy Mrs L C Floyd 9 Star Premier Surrey Master Master Ms L Talamoni Williams – Jill Skinner were 3rd in the 2 Star Premier www.surreycountybridge.org.uk Swiss Pairs; an outstanding win in the Mr P A Flavell Mr P Peterson Area Master Regional Master THIS month’s report begins on a sad Swiss Teams on Sunday by Philip Hunt, County Master 8 Star Premier Mrs J A Bywater Mr C J Simcox Yves LeBrec, Dave Nastaszczuk, Philip Mr R Evans Master Mr M Goodwin note with the deaths of Roy Absalom 3 Star Premier (see page 45) and Richard Currie. Rox sburgh – they did not lose one match. Mrs I Robb Mr C Woolf Mr S Reid Master Roy was a past president of Surrey Diary Dates: Dec 6, Basic Bridge Pairs, District Master 7 Star Premier Mrs A Rogers Mrs R A Martin and organised the Croydon Congress for Bognor. Jan 8, Basic Bridge Pairs, East Mr A Bignell Master Club Master Premier Master many years. He is especially remembered Grinstead. Jan 17, New Year SwissTeams, Ms J Menzies Mr A N White Mr J Borwick for his quiet and methodical way of Henfield. Mr S M Fletcher Mrs C Buck Area Master 5 Star Premier organising events. On thanking his part - 5 Star Tournament Master Ms A M Burrows Mrs A M Bradshaw ner for an enjoyable session despite their Master Mrs M Hunt Warwickshire Mrs E Ward Mr R Lovelace 40% score, Roy said: ‘Well, we’ve made a Mr B J Corbett Mr D R Jilla Mr K Willetts 4 Star Premier lot of people very happy this evening!’ www.warwickshirebridge.co.uk 2 Star Master Mr M Kinloch Mrs S Willetts Master Richard Currie was a stalwart of WARWICKSHIRE came Mrs D Adams Mr N Matthew Club Master Mr D Morley Farnham Bridge Club where he directed, first in the local Six Mrs A Parker Advanced Master Mr D N Carter 3 Star Premier scored and made up the boards using the Counties Annual Pairs Miss E McKinnon Master Surrey Sussex Duplimate machine for most sessions. competition for the Edgar District Master Mrs L A Harding He enthusiastically supported county Foster Cup. The three qua - Premier Life Master Mrs M Archibald Premier National Mr A H Pengilly events, and was also a well-known tour - lifying scores were those Mrs J Armstrong Mr P Incledon Master 2 Star Premier nament player at national congresses. of Gary Watson – David Jones, Adrian Mr T J Sweeting Master Life Master Our condolences go to the families of Knight – Leslie Reece, John Collin – Staffs & National Master Mr P Phipps Mr M H Keeping Mike Leese. Shropshire both players. Mr J Fisher 1 Star Premier 15 Star Premier Congratulations to Tony Cummins, In the Midlands Inter-County League, National Master Mrs J K Retter Master Regional Master Trevor Sweeting, Elizabeth Taylor and our Dawes and Porter teams have started Mr G H Thomas Mr P Roxburgh Mr R Griffiths Mrs J F Hootman David Messer for coming 3rd in the Swiss strongly. They beat Worcestershire 14-6 Teams A Flight at the Surrey Green Point and 18-2, but our Markham team was

52 English Bridge December 2009 www.ebu.co.uk DEC_09_EB_p46-53 County News.qxd:D 36-48 13/11/2009 15:43 Page 53

COUNTY NEWS

pipped to 9-11. The corresponding results from Ian Lineker – Dick Rutter. The Master Point promotions against Staffordshire were 19-1, 20-0 and Ladies’ Pairs was won by Heather Westcott 7-13. – Jennifer Romer ahead of Jean and 5 Star Regional Warwickshire 6 Star Regional Mrs V Bottom Congratulations to David Franks, Jessie Newton. Master Master Mr D J Richardson Premier National Adam Wood, Adrian Knight and Leslie The Irene Allen Trophy for pairs up to Mr D T Burman Mr P A Bennett Master 3 Star Master Reece on winning the Frank Cup. premier master was won by Linda Wright Mr N D R Pattison 1 Star Regional Mr N K Crane Mr E S Lee Seven teams competed in our Garden – James Taylor, a mere 1 VP ahead of 2 Star Regional Master Mr C G Matthews 1 Star Regional Cities Heat. The winners were Coventry David Philpott – Mike Heard. Held at Master Mr S Hill Master 2 Star Master BC led by David Jones, and with a close the same time, the Richard Lewis Trophy Mr Y M Lebrec Premier Master Mr J D Rutter Mr N G Haddock battle for second place, the runners-up for pairs up to master was won by Ann 1 Star Regional Mr B Cross Mr A J Milne were the Birmingham Pairs League Marie Wallis – Jackie Williams. Congra - Master Regional Master 3 Star Master 1 Star Master Committee led by Liam Johnstone. tu lations to our new champions. Mr P Hunt Mrs P Knight Mr D Lucas Mr G Boardman Congratulations to Rugby BC on a The new Grand Prix Teams has now 9 Star Premier 11 Star Premier successful Charity Pairs event which started. Early leaders are Three Retirees 2 Star Master Mrs C Hartley Master Master raised £700 for Rugby Lions. and a Worker from Half a Team. There is Mr P G Jupe Capt. J G Ferrie Mr G Lund Mrs B E Allen Mrs N Mills Diary Dates: The Midland Counties still time for all to change in the remain - 8 Star Premier County Master 5 Star Premier Mrs S A Wagner Diamond Jubilee Congress (see pages ing rounds. Master Master Mr M Baker 43 and 44) kicks off on Jan 8 with Diary Dates: Nov 29, Healey Cup Advanced Master Mr R H Weir Mr D E Oddy District Master Mixed Pairs, Flitch, Men’s & Ladies’ (inter-club teams of 4), Cookhill. Nov Mr W A Field Premier Master Mr P Webb Pairs and Mixed Teams. On Jan 9, there 30, Grand Prix Teams, Droitwich. Dec 7, 4 Star Premier Mr M J Friedman Master Dr J A Thornby will be Championship Pairs and on Jan Mixed Pairs, Droitwich. Dec 21, Christ - Area Master Mr D Green Mrs S Best 5 Star Master Mrs H C Collier 10 Championship Teams with Green mas Charity Teams, Droitwich. Mrs C Turner Points available for both those days. 3 Star Premier Dr J Caisley Club Master Master Feb 16, National Pairs Heat, West Master Mr A Clifford Mrs A Hickman Yorkshire Mrs J E Graham Midlands BC, 7.15pm. Mr M J Dancy 2 Star Master Mrs A Over Mrs D C Roberts www.ycba.freeserve.co.uk/ 2 Star Premier Mr K Irons Mr K Seiles Master Worcester 1 Star Master Mr S P Sellers Wiltshire CONGRATULATIONS to Mrs V M Howell 2 Star Premier the following who have Mr R J Charlesworth Mr G M Stead www.wcba.co.uk 4 Star Master Regional Master achieved success in recent Mr N A Sutton County Master THE Wiltshire season Mr N C Fairbairn Mr D G Werry Mr D R Halford national and county events: Mr N A Adamski has started secure in the Sarah Teshome – Fiona Brown were 3 Star Master Mr M Whitfield 6 Star Premier Mr P S Y Anwar knowledge that a huge members of the team that won the Swiss Advanced Master Master Mrs P Roberts Mrs R Batchelor majority of the county’s clubs have Teams at the EBU’s National Women’s Mr B Teague Mrs S W Hudson Miss B M Lee Mr G W Bramall registered their affiliation for P2P. 4 Star Master Teams event. Sheffield players Roman 2 Star Master Master Mr P Davies The Premier League looks as though it Gembicki, Rod Hose and Dave Robin - Mrs A L Freeston Mrs F Campbell Mr A B Cundy Mrs J M Firth will have an exciting season, because after son were in the winning team in the Mr R Millar Mr P J Cattermole Mrs J M Fine Mr M A Ott three of the ten rounds only two teams, Derbyshire Green-pointed Swiss Teams Mrs A M Scherson Mr A Constable County Master 1 Star Master Samter and Davies, remain unbeaten. event. In the EBU’s Guernsey Congress, Mrs B Shurman Mrs M Darling Mr S Creasey Mr R B Hill The Allcomers League, intended for Liz Reese of York, and the Harrogate Miss E Platford Mr A J Tryndie Mr M Spinoza players whose bridge experience has been District Master con tingent of Bobbie Sissons, Dale Mrs N A Wheelwright Mrs J E Tinker largely limited to club duplicates, has Ms L J Anderson County Master Strawn, Agnes Blewitt, and Janet and Ted 1 Star Master District Master had its inaugural session, which was Mr D Cadney Mrs M Morris Latham all featured on the honours Mrs P Barraclough enjoyed by all the participants. This new Mrs S E Lawson Mr L F Smith Mrs A Sargent board. Phil Godfrey was in the winning Mr J Butt venture has attracted nine teams, and is Advanced Master Mr K Williams Area Master team in the Swiss Teams at the Isle of Mrs D Cole set to run on an all-play-all basis through Mrs P Bushill Area Master Ms A Cole Man Congress. Janet and Ted Latham Mr R Hall Mr W G Hensby the winter. Baum2, Lyneham, Gwyer and finished in second place in the Swiss Mrs P Gadd Club Master Mr P T Healey Ms A P Viola Portnall were victors in the first round. Pairs at the EBU’s Overseas Congress in Mr A R Humphrey Dr D J Carter Mrs M James The county policy, ahead of P2P, of Andalucia. Master Mrs I C Lawrence Mr G Rainer Mrs W Shaw welcoming non-members to its compe - County events: the winners of the Mrs S Cottrell Mr B Nash Local Master Mrs M Simpson titions, where possible, has seen some of Mrs J M Cretchley Mrs P Shakeshaft Huddersfield Examiner Rose Bowl were Miss C Sibbit Mr RI Smelt the silverware from early season events Mr A Harris Mr M Wann Gill Copeland, Steve Blackburn, Stuart Area Master won by ‘visitors’ – an indication that Davies and George Bak, while Carole Mrs E Pavey Club Master Yorkshire Mrs J Appleyard Wilts players must up their game. County Master Kelly, Sandy Davies, Judith Biles and Mark Dr E Corfan Premier National Mr A Barnett Winners of the Cliff Sibley Teams were Stead won the Garforth Swiss Teams. The Mr D C Japes Mrs J Gardner Master Mrs M Bell Mike Huggins, Irene Robinson, Paul leading places in the Kath Grim oldby Sim Mrs J M Leddy Mr B Gibson Mr I Grant Mrs B S Clegg Keightley, and Chris Jones; runners-up Pairs were: 1. Geraldine Nuttall – Ted Mrs J M S Millman Mr B Packwood Mrs J Grant Mr DL George were Diana and Ron King, Phil Green Latham, 2. Sue Boag – Richard Hilton, 3. Mrs A Williams District Master National Master Mr D Ghose and James Dunlop. The Corsham Pairs Rod Payne – Joan Pember. Local Master Mr J Alldridge Mrs P Oglesby Mrs S Hayward was won by Dave Latchem and Sheila Diary Dates: Dec 6, Yorkshire League Mr A Clingan Mr R J Bromley 7 Star Regional Mrs M Huddlestone Coda, with Roger Andrews and Gina (match 4). Dec 20, Mixed Pivot Teams Mr N Dent Mrs L Jones Master Mr R Porteus Coltman 2nd. (New Earswick). Jan 10, Yorkshire League Mr B Nutt O.B.E. Mr A A Khan By contrast, congratulations to Ed Mr M Marston Mr M White (match 5); Jan 17, Yorkshire Pairs (New Area Master Mrs A McVeigh Leatham and Bryan Cross, who brought 2 Star Regional Club Master Earswick). Jan 24, Yorkshire League a trophy back to the county when win - Mr N K Hook Westmorland Master Mr K I Andrew (divisions 9 & 10 only). Jan 31, Don ca- ning the Championship Pairs at Somer - Mrs L Sylge Mr C A Boyes Mr T D Chandran ster Swiss Pairs. r Premier Regional Mrs J Warne Mrs M Currie set’s West of England Congress. Master 1 Star Regional Club Master Mr J W Greenhow Mrs K Harris Master Mrs P Duffield Mr A Fell Mr M Poulter Worcestershire Mrs J Heather 1 Star Premier Mr B Weatherall Master 12 Star Premier www.worcestershirebridge.co.uk DECEMBER 21 Mr P Janes Master Local Master Mr S Sylge Mr W Thomson Mrs A R Scriven Mrs A Avery WORCESTER Bridge Club is the closing date for Mrs E Wilding 1 Star Master Mr J E Cresswell is now 20 years old, having Mr J Wilding Mrs J E A Frobisher 3 Star Premier the submission of county Master Mr D Fennimore been founded in 1989, Local Master Local Master Mr J Guest with the first session at the Mr A V Kent reports for the next Mrs M Annand Mr D Bissett Mrs M Hardman club on 1 November that 5 Star Master Mr J M Blume Mr R D M Munden year. Here’s to another 20 successful issue of English Bridge. Wiltshire Mrs L Corcoran Mr R Arak Mrs I E Rothnie years for the club. Mrs S Drury 2 Star Premier 4 Star Master Mrs H Stogdale With autumn in the air, the new year Please e-mail: Mrs J Snell Regional Master Mr F H S Bedi Mr D Storer of county competitions has started. First [email protected] Mrs P Vaughan Mr E A M Leatham Mr I F Bottom Mrs C Taylor up, the Worcestershire Men’s Pairs was won by Graham Weir – Mike Theelke

www.ebu.co.uk December 2009 English Bridge 53 DEC_09_EB_p54 Priday:EB_Layout 3 13/11/2009 15:44 Page 54

A day in the life of . . . ’s Top Tip

Visualise the cards at trick two (if you can’t manage that, Tony Priday then trick four will do)

YOUR declarer and defensive play will Tony Priday is one of the truly great English bridge players. Among his successes improve dramatically if you visualise as are being part of the Great Britain teams which finished third in the Bermuda early as possible the full layout on the Bowl in 1962, third in the in 1976 and which won the basis of the bidding and the play so far. European Championships in 1961. He was the bridge correspondent of the Sunday Take this deal, for exam ple: Telegraph from the newspaper’s launch in 1961 until 1997. ´ Q 9 5 4 ™ Q 9 7 6 I WAS born in 1922, so have at last earned meetings before returning to the office t Q 6 the right to lead a leisurely life. Vivian, my and putting in a full day’s work before ® Q 8 3 wife, and I live in Marbella, where the playing bridge most evenings. It was a ´ A J 2 ´ K 10 6 3 ™ K 5 3 N ™ 10 8 2 weather is balmy most of the year. I get up, disciplined, but gentle way of life: unlike W E rather lazily, by 10.30 or 11, have a coffee bankers, timber merchants deal with a live t 9 8 7 2 S t A 10 3 in the sun, then exert myself with a one- product and cherish its traditional virtues. ® 9 5 2 ® J 7 6 ´ 8 7 mile walk to do a bit of shopping and In fact, the relationship with wood, which ™ A J 4 work up an appetite. Lunch, beautifully is quite personal, engenders loyalty – from t K J 5 4 cooked by Vivian, is followed by reading the timber merchant to his workforce, and ® A K 10 4 the papers and eventually from the workforce to walking to the bridge the firm. Our employees South deals and opens the bidding with club for the 4.30pm ses - included lots of Polish a 15-17 1NT. North tries Stayman and when South denies a four-card major, sion. The club has been and Russian émigrés, bids 3NT. run for the last thirty and their children and You, West, lead the t9 to tQ and years by former Irish grandchildren all stayed East’s tA. The t10 comes back, which international Desmond with us. Although bridge South wins with the jack. Declarer next Deery as a favour to the and the EBU proved to leads a club to the ®Q, and a heart to his local ex-pat population be quite a distraction, I ™J and your ™K. (not just English players, was very happy in my It is now tempting to play a third diamond, but if you visualise the full deal they come from all over job and my life. you will realise that declarer must have the world) in order to I learned bridge at my the tK (or partner would have played it give them something to prep-school in Sussex. at trick one) as well as the ®A-K (or i

do, and the atmosphere h The father of one of the partner would have won trick three) and c c a

T ™ is pleasantly cosmopo li - boys made concave cards the A (because of the play in hearts), so n o

R he cannot have the ´K as well for his

tan and relaxed. We make : and he convinced the o t

o 1NT opening. A spade switch is clearly h

the most of it by carous - P headmaster to let us boys indicated and on the actual layout the ing at the bar when the try them out for one and lead of the ´J (followed by ´A and ´2) bridge has ended, and before we know it, a half hours a week. The cards were not a will ensure that the contract is defeated. it is time for dinner at some local, good, success, but the bridge was riveting. I was and cheap restaurant. enthralled from the start, and was able to Every now and then Vivian drags me learn more at my father’s golf club, where our bit against Apartheid by refusing to back to England – she is key in keeping me I reluctantly acted as his , and where play against all-white teams. It took an act young – where we play, together or part - I joined the bridge section. Before the war, of Parliament to legalise our stance, but nering old friends, in some national tour - I also read lots of books on the game, and after the final Test Match, the British nament. Brighton is a favourite with us, after the war I practised it enthusiastically presented South Africa with a trophy – the though sadly the barrack-room lawyers most days of the week. Pioneer Cup – for a cham pionship for are beginning to creep even into the Seniors I was lucky that in the post-war years the teams with no res tric tion to colour, creed events. London Jewish community was teeming or sex. The compe ti tion became, and still This peaceful rhythm of life is of course with top players. Although I partnered is, one of South Africa’s major events. a far cry from what I was used to. My many of them, I did not impress them all: Nowadays my representative days are father was Victorian in his belief that the assessing my partnership with , over, although a few years ago I played in day should start early – 6.30am for him, commented that ‘Flint has the Camrose with Nick Sandqvist. I read though I negotiated a more manageable a future, but Priday is a waste of time!’ somewhere that bridge adds ten years to 7.30am. I worked in the family timber In the ’sixties, Great Britain could provide your life – that’s bridge at any level, not business in the East End, and would spend at least three teams capable of winning the necessarily at the top – so I look forward my mornings at the docks, looking at and European Bridge Champion ships. After to many more years of happy playing in selling timber. In the afternoons I would my team won in 1961, we were invited to a Marbella and England, as my wonderful often attend EBU Selection Committee bridge tour of South Africa, where we did wife dictates. r

54 English Bridge December 2009 www.ebu.co.uk Dec09E _adverts-paginated-02:EB_Layout 3 13/11/2009 11/11/2009 15:33 Page 16:28 55 Page 1

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BERNARD MAGEE’S INTERACTIVE TUTORIALS

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

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