HE ulletin TPublished by the QueenslandQBA Bridge Association BNovember-December 2006 Volume 32 No www.qldbridge.com Email: [email protected] 6 Reg and Joan hang up ‘How good was Tim Seres?’ and lots From the more. That night I was a guest for dinner, their Law books with much more bridge talk. President It’s been my privilege to work with Reg, and Joan McPheat, often in the years since and to admire and respect what they have done for our game in so many areas. Now they have time to concentrate on playing - I wish them good luck and great enjoyment. Keith Their final event as directors was the QBA McDonald Graded Pairs. his is the last Bulletin for 2006 and  Tony Jackman Tmy chance to wish all players a merry Christmas and a happy New Year for 2007.It has been a busy year with a number of people to be thanked. The QBA Council has been most supportive, our host clubs for staging State titles, all officials and importantly our manager, Kim Ellaway. I must not forget our sponsors. December 17 ABN-AMRO Morgans deserve special attention but all our sponsors are entitled QCBC to a big ‘Thank You’ from their respective clubs and members. The Brisbane Bridge Centre hosted the Pill Peddling Postponed Open Pairs and QCBC hosted the Graded About forty years ago, I was a young Teams and the Mixed Teams. medical detailer with an area that included QBA Senior The Mixed Teams has not concluded. Toowoomba. On one visit I called on a Dr There are a number of State titles to be Reg Busch. Early in the discussion bridge resolved before the year is over! (somehow) got a mention. All talk of Swiss Teams I know 2007 is going to be an even better potions and pills was suspended; instead year, thanks to you all. ■ it was, ‘What did Reese and Shapiro do’; February 10-11 Sunshine Coast Contents Contact Beth Spork 5493 1647 From the President...... 1 Smoke and Mirrors by Lindy Vincent...... 2 Surfers Novice Teams by Eric Parsons...... 2 A Goodie but an Oldie by Eva Berger...... 3 Intending Triallists are Cuppaidge’s Column by George Cuppaidge...... 4 Invited to Attend 25 Years Ago by Reg Busch...... 7 QBA Teacher’s Corner...... 8 Book Review by Denise Dodd...... 10 Selection Trials Club News...... 10 Introduction Results...... 10 Night Director’s Corner by Jan Peach...... 12 7pm Monday Feb 5 QBA Contact Details QCBC Ph: 07 3351 8602 Mob: 0412 064 903 Fax: 07 3351 8603 Enquiries to Jan Peach Email: [email protected] Website: www.qldbridge.com 3352 6929 - [email protected]

The QBA Bulletin November - December 2006 

Here is a hand from the afternoon Smoke and Surfers Novice session.

Mirrors Teams Dlr S ♠ AJ1075 Vul None ♥ 107 hen desperate, declarer will ourteen tables assembled for ♦ AQ65 often try the smoke and mirrors this congress. Congratulations to ♣ A4 Wgame in an attempt to mislead F Sarah-Jane Reid on directing her first ♠ 9 ♠ KQ8 the defenders into making a fatal slip. congress; a most successful and enjoyable ♥ AQ9654 N ♥ J W E Impossible games are frequently made occasion. The 6 x 9 boards match format, ♦ 8432 ♦ KJ7 this way. But what about that tragic figure, playing 27 boards in both morning and S the declarer who plays mindgames with afternoon sessions gave adequate time ♣ 73 ♣ J109865 herself on behalf of the defence - yes, to get the best out of the hands. ♠ 6432 K832 that would be me. The clubrooms provided good playing ♥ At the Surfers Paradise Birthday Congress, conditions plus tastefully prepared ♦ 109 we played this hand against Ralph Parker catering: with plenty of nibbles throughout ♣ KQ2 and Andrew Pryde. After an auction in the day, a well presented lunch, with mini which Ralph (East) overcalled spades, pies and other hot bites at the end of the It’s tempting to be in 4S NS here, Richard Ward and I arrived in 4H on day. Bubbly was served with lunch and particularly when taking into account “The these cards. after play. Lots more “under 100 pointers” Law of total Tricks”, but with everything ♠ A109 Andrew led the ♠4 could have enjoyed this congress. Why wrong it’s a couple off. ♥ Q94 which I took in dummy not plan to be with us next year! The day was rounded off with a J2 so I could take the professional touch when results were ♦ Dlr N ♠ AK8 ♣ KQJ43 heart finesse. I led posted on the QBA web site immediately the H4 and Ralph Vul None ♥ AKQ73 after play, thanks to the kind offer of produced the king. ♦ A5 Webmaster Peter Busch, who was playing ♠ K82 For an instant, I ♣ K42 in one of the teams. In addition, the results ♥ AJ653 cheered up thinking I ♠ J752 ♠ Q4 were also going on to the SPBC website, ♦ 1083 could now pick up all ♥ 8 N ♥ J10954 automatically, on the hour throughout W E ♣ A9 the trumps, finessing ♦ K86 ♦ 1074 the day. Andrew for the ♥10. S ♣ AQJ76 ♣ 1085  Eric Parsons But then I had second thoughts. What if Ralph, an excellent defender especially ♠ 10983 in teams, held the ♥K10. Now, when I ♥ 62 finessed the ten into his hand, he would ♦ QJ932 Redlands Graded win, give Andrew a ruff and cash 2 ♣ 93 diamond winners – 1 off. Teams So I confidently played the ♥J expecting Surely most players would want to be in December 10 Ralph’s ♥10 would drop. It didn’t. I then game on this hand - 26 HCPs for NS, with played the rest of the hand hopelessly. If a 5-card suit in each hand and fairly well Enquiries to there was any possible way of going down, balanced - but no game contract available Marianne Ross 3822 2140 I would have. Ralph became very relaxed. from either direction. I didn’t blame him. Don’t you love it when declarer defends the hand for you?  Lindy Vincent ENJOY YOUR BRIDGE News from the Looking for a friendly game of bridge on a Thursday night? Manager’s Desk Then come to CORINDA The Corinda Bridge Club meets at 7.15 p.m. at the Corinda Selection Trials - for those players who Bowls Club, Hall Avenue, Corinda. Enquiries at 3278 3698 A I n d i v i d u live more than 800 kilometres away Q B a l from Brisbane - there is a travel subsidy available for the second weekend of Stage 2 - more details available from the manager. Queensland Bridge Association Inc The QBA Management Committee have The QBA can produce copies of “Bridge Directing agreed to subsidise 5 pairs to the Barrier Complete” by Ian McKinnon (in its 1979 format) Reef event in Mackay. To qualify for the Cost: $45.00 (including GST) subsidy, you have to be the best placed 5 pairs in the Restricted Pairs at the Gold This includes a postage and handling cost of $5.00 Coast Congress and have only 0- 149 Orders and payment details to MP’s. QBA Manager, 22 Mareeba Court, Arana Hills 4054 Club Directors Course - 9th December Ph: (07) 3351 8602 or Email: [email protected] - all welcome

The QBA Bulletin November - December 2006  An Oldie but An Invitation to a Goodie THE FIFTH BRISBANE ow many meanings can an opening bid of 3NT have? Most FESTIVAL OF BRIDGE players play it as a minor pre-empt H to be held at The Brisbane Bridge Centre with not much else. One of my mentors, Danny Osmund has played on the international scene, and introduced me Wed Dec 27 – Sun Dec 31 2006 to KABEL - specific ace ask. Below is a • A QBA approved Red Masterpoint Event perfect example of how such a bid can • Paul Lavings, Guest Lecturer lead to a grand slam with possibly just two bids 3NT - 4D - 6(7)S. • 7 sessions of walk-in pairs • Sunday teams event for novice players Dlr S ♠ AKQ942 • Cash and other prizes Vul NS ♥ AKQ97 Convenor: Denise Dodd (07) 3359 1285 ♦ Q9 Enquiries: [email protected] ♣ — Director: Trevor Strickland 0439 743 823 ♠ 8 ♠ 1073 ♥ 53 N ♥ J104 [email protected] W E ♦ 10742 S ♦ K5 ♣ KQJ832 ♣ A10976 ♠ J65 ♥ 862 ♦ AJ863 Ipswich open ♣ 54

This hand turned up at the GCBC Swiss Teams. I was North and after 2 passes Swiss pairs opened 3NT. My partner Harry Baumanis forgot the bid, and after he responded 4C (no aces) I reluctantly signed off in 4S. Harry now went into the tank for almost Sunday January 21st 2007 5 minutes; finally the penny dropped and he now bid 5D cue. Now it was my turn but I mistook his bid thinking he still thought I Entries to Jim Evans - 3202 1949 or had a minor pre-empt so I bid my second suit and we ended up in 5S making 13. Oh [email protected] well, I guess the next time Kabel comes up will be in another 3 yrs.  Eva Berger STAMPS & QCBC NEW YEARS EVE TEAMS COINS 7.30 PM start - $60 PER TEAM – PRIOR ENTRY NECESSARY Do you have stamps or coins you wish to have valued, traded or sold? CHAMPAGNE SUPPER - CASH PRIZES I am happy to advise you, free of charge. SWISS BUTLER PAIRS For further information phone David - 0428 450 616 (day only) SUNDAY 14 JANUARY $22 PER PERSON - DIRECTOR, ALAN GIBSON

QBA Mailing List NOVICE PAIRS Less than 100 MP If you wish to be put on the Sunday 11 February mailing list for news which is sent $22 per person - Director: Trevor Strickland out about once a month, please Entry forms are on our website: www.qcbc.org.au email the manager at [email protected] Enquiries to Toni Bardon - 3391 3241 [email protected]

The QBA Bulletin November - December 2006 

Dummy is entered and only now is the must assume that West has six of them, Cuppaidge’s single outstanding trump drawn. The ♠A headed by the ace. Creatively, you is cashed, pitching a club from hand, and assume he will hold the ♣K as well. Your Column another spade is ruffed. Another heart plan will be to exit with a spade, forcing and another spade ruff establishes the West to lead away from his ♣K, giving ♠Q while there remain in dummy the ace you the vital two tricks you need for your and king of trump. One of these is used contract in that suit. as an entry to cash the established spade Your first shot should be to lay down the and pitch the remaining club, a diamond is ♦A to remove West’s exit card in that suit. conceded and the last diamond is ruffed. To succeed, you need West to hold, in George Note that if you pitched diamonds, and not diamonds, any singleton, KQ, KQx, or Cuppaidge clubs, on spades, you would still need the fail to unblock with Kx. You may even ♣A to be with West. succeed against a sleepy East if West A little too cautious Declarer won the diamond lead and made neglects to unblock with Qx. Now you the oh-so-cautious play, to draw the trump run your hearts, ending in dummy and There was just one trump outstanding immediately. He needed a fourth round of carefully watching what West does, in and declarer drew it. With that trump trumps to enter dummy to pitch his last particular, how many spades he keeps. went declarer’s only chance to make his club leaving him without a trump for the In fact he can do absolutely nothing, you vulnerable slam. third round of diamonds. simply exit with the ♠Q and await your two club tricks. Dlr N ♠ AQ1054 Creative thinking ♥ AKQJ Two important qualities in success at Dlr S ♠ Q74 ♦ A6 bridge are creative thinking and positive ♥ J654 ♣ K4 thinking. ♦ J65 ♠ K763 ♠ J982 There are many adjuncts to both of ♣ Q42 ♥ 4 N ♥ — these and one is, “Don’t assume that an W E ♠ A98632 ♠ 105 ♦ 10975 ♦ KQ43 opponent has done the right thing.” ♥ A10 N ♥ 873 S W E ♣ QJ73 ♣ A1096 You find yourself playing 2NT after this ♦ Q S ♦ K10983 ♠ — auction. ♣ KJ103 ♣ 875 ♥ 109876532 W N E S ♠ KJ ♦ J82 1NT ♥ KQ92 ♣ 82 2S P P X ♦ A742 P 2NT All pass ♣ A96

W N E S ♠ Q74 You win the ♠J over Did West misdefend? Yes, ace and 2C P 2D ♥ J654 East’s ♠10 and play another spade when in with the ♥A would P 2S P 3H ♦ J65 the ♥K. West wins and have sealed your fate. And what if your P 4NT P 5C assumptions were completely off the P 6H All pass ♣ Q42 plays another, lower, spade which you win track? You go two down instead of one down, but compare that to the satisfaction Opening lead the D10. ♠ KJ in hand, with every one following. Both of making your contract! ■ North’s 6H bid was undoubtedly a gamble ♥ KQ92 opponents follow to George’s article ‘Two-card major raises’ is but in standard bidding it is very hard to ♦ A742 the ♥Q, West with the on page 13 of the web version. glean meaningful information in auctions A96 ♣ ♥10. What now? which begin with a strong 2C. North could George would welcome comments on any see that the slam might be vulnerable to With such a threadbare spade suit, you of his articles at [email protected] a club lead but perhaps the ♣A would

be in the West hand, partner might hold the queen or the jack or perhaps, as happened here, the opponents would not QCBC lead a club. 67 Ipswich Rd Woolloongabba There are so many old bromides in bridge, Ph: 3391 3241 Email: [email protected] never lead a singleton trump is one of them, but a trump lead would have worked Sessions: Mon 10.30 am 7.30 pm here, as would the lead of West’s better Tue 10.00 am 7.30 pm unbid suit, clubs, but for his own reasons Wed 10.30 am 7.30 pm West led the ♦10. Thur 10.30 am *7.30 pm (see below) If you can discard your two club losers Fri 10.00 am 7.30 pm on spade winners you will make your Sat 1.00 pm contract. You can do this if the suit breaks Closed Christmas Day only 4-4 or the ♠K is short. You will then give up one diamond and ruff the other one. Supervised: Mon 7.30 pm Entries are precious. The winning line, Fri 9.30 am having won the ♦A, is to play, immediately, *1st Thur of each month 7.30 pm - Novice/Expert Prs a low spade and ruff it. You are home Enquiries to Toni Bardon - 3391 3241 if East holds the ♠K and rises with it.

The QBA Bulletin November - December 2006 

2007 GOLD COAST BRIDGE CONGRESS

17th February To 24th February

www.qldbridge.com NEW VENUE GOLD COAST CONVENTION CENTRE BROADBEACH

Event Walk In Pairs Sat 17th Feb 7.30 pm Pairs Qualifying Sun 18th Feb 1.00 pm & 7.30 pm (Open, Restricted and Seniors) Pairs Final Mon 19th Feb 1.00 pm and 7.30 pm th (Open, Restricted and Seniors) Tues 20 Feb 1.00 pm Walk In Pairs Tues 20th Feb 1.00 pm and Wed 21st Feb 9.00 am Teams Championship Tues 20th Feb 7.30 pm, Wed 21st Feb nd (Open, Restricted and Seniors) 1.00 pm & 7.30 pm, Thursday 22 Feb 10.30 am and 3.00 pm (Quarter, Semi and Finals will be held over Friday and Saturday for the Open, and Friday for the Restricted and Seniors) New Event Ivy Dahler Swiss Butler Pairs rd (Open, Restricted) Fri 23 Feb 1.00 pm & 8.00 pm, Sat 24th Feb 10.00 am

Entries Co-ordinator Gerald Schaaf [email protected] (07) 5442 6682 or 0422 616 687 General Enquiries Kim Ellaway [email protected] (07) 3351 8602 or 0412064903 Partnership Arranger Open and Seniors Toni Bardon [email protected] (07) 3376 4183 Restricted Connie Schoutrop – [email protected] (07) 3378 2171 or 0402 851 103 Accommodation Enquiries Connie Schoutrop contact details above.

The Gold Coast Congress Bus will pick up and take home visiting players who are residing within a reasonable distance from the Gold Coast Convention Centre. General pick up and drop off spots will be announced prior to the Congress.

Event hosted by the Queensland Bridge Association and held under the auspices of the Australian Bridge Federation

The QBA Bulletin November - December 2006  Gold Coast Congress Entry Form 2007 Pairs - $120 per player Open Seniors Restricted

Players Surname Given Name ABF No Amount Player $ Player $ Player $ Player $ Player $ Player $

Teams - $500 per team Open Seniors Restricted

Players Surname Given Name ABF No Amount Captain $ Player $ Player $ Player $ Player $ Player $

Ivy Dahler Swiss Butler Pairs - $80 per player Open Restricted

Players Surname Given Name ABF No Amount Player $ Player $ Player $ Player $ Player $ Player $

Total $

Please make cheques payable to Queensland Bridge Association or Please charge to my credit the TOTAL amount shown: Bankcard Mastercard Visa Card No: Signature: Telephone No: Expiry Date: Card Holder Name (please print in BLOCK LETTERS):

Post entries to: Gold Coast Entries, PO Box 513, Cooroy Qld 4563

The QBA Bulletin November - December 2006 

you should make no remarks about your partner, persuade him to bid smoother, or 25 Years Ago bid being justified. At the end of the hand, at least hesitate all the time. Better still, indicate to the opponents that you were find a new partner. aware of the hesitation and that you felt Still on hesitations, there has been some make no apologies for once again that your bid was justified, but you accept criticism of the QBA’s policy that the discussing the ethics of hesitations and their right to call the director. director need not be called at the time of misinformation. These are still areas in I If they do, and if he rules against you, don’t the hesitation. The argument is that, after which much misunderstanding occurs. feel that your ethics are being impugned. the hand is over, some players will deny We are all familiar with at least one of two The laws have been designed to protect that a hesitation occurred. ‘habitual hesitators’ - players who frequently us from unethical partnership actions. There are three relevant points here. hesitate after the auction has been opened As the director is not a mind reader, he a) A hesitation, or a bid after a hesitation, ahead of them. They may not always be cannot know whether your action has does not involve any infraction. So there is contemplating a bid; they may be musing been influenced by the hesitation. So the no need to call the director until it seems on today’s work or tomorrow’s shopping laws must provide some objective criteria. that an infraction has occurred, ie. When list, but they do make life difficult for their Unfortunately, the only satisfactory criteria you have seen the hand that bid after the partners. I repeat my earlier advice, if you that will cope with unethical actions hesitation. are not the dealer and you pick up a hand are rather tough on the ethical players with bidding possibilities, plan ahead what b) If a hesitation is going to be denied, this you will do if the bidding is opened ahead caught in the situation. In effect, it must can just as easily be done ten seconds of you. Giving special thought to the weak be obvious to the director (and to that later as ten minutes later. NT or the pre-emptive 2s or 3s. matter any knowledgable bridge player) c) Players who habitually call the director that you would have made the bid after One player recently was bemoaning to after a hesitation ‘to protect their right’ a smooth pass by partner. The hesitation may expose themselves to a charge of me his bad luck in feeling obliged to pass has restricted your options; you are no after partner’s hesitation over a weak attempting to intimidate their opponents longer able to make a ‘sporting’ double NT opening. ‘I had a hand on which I out of the bidding. or bid, even if that is your normal style. would always have made a balancing What do you do as director if you are The director’s ruling against you does not bid in fourth seat’, he said, ‘but I felt that called and the fact of the hesitation is impugn your ethics; it merely says that I couldn’t ethically do so after partner’s disputed? In my experience, an inspection your hand does not meet the criteria laid hesitation We had a bad result; most of of the hands will usually make matters down by the laws covering this situation. the room played to make 2H one way clear. You must make up you mind, stick to whilst 1NT was off only one trick.’ It’s unfortunate that the laws, to cope with your guns and make a decision, no doubt incurring the wrath of one or other pairs. This raises an interesting point of law. the unethical player, have to bear down Advise them of their right to appeal. He elected to pass because partner had rather harshly on the ethical player. hesitated. So in a sense his decision (to So, if you have a habitual hesitator for a  Reg Busch pass and not to bid) was influenced by his partner’s hesitation This is an infraction of Proprieties II just as much as would be a bid influenced by partner’s hesitation In Brisbane Bridge Centre bending over backwards to be ethical, he 104 Frederick St, Annerley. Ph: 3392 7933 has in fact infringed the laws. Not only has he given himself a poor score, but has dis- torted the results at all the other tables. Play Sessions Tuesday 9.30 am In this situation my advice is simple. If you 7.30 pm have what you see as a justified bid, make Wednesday 10.00 am it. There is no need to call the director, and Thursday 7.30 pm Friday 10.00 am Saturday 1.00 pm Coaching Sessions & Monday 10.00 am Beginners’ Classes Tuesday 7.30 pm Enquiries for coaching & beginners’ classes: 3371 2383

   Introducing a Major New Sponsor Stores at Bundaberg, Browns Plains, Caloundra, Carindale, Chermside, Earlville, Garden City, Gladstone, Logan Hyperdome, Mackay, Morayfield, North Lakes,  Noosa Junction, Sunshine Plaza,  Townsville & Toowoomba   Head office:41 Bulcock St, Caloundra 4551  Ph: 07 5437 0666 Fax: 07 5437 0966  Email:  [email protected]

The QBA Bulletin November - December 2006 

• A raise to 3 of partner’s suit shows Teacher’s a weak hand (6 or so pts) and four trumps (1♥ 1♠ 3♥) Going to the Corner • A raise to 4 of partner’s suit shows a weak hand ( 6 or so pts) and five Gold Coast trumps (1♥ 1♠ 4♥) • A bid of the opponents’ overcall next year? shows a good raise (10+hcp) and 3+ The Gold Coast Booking trumps (1♥ 1♠ 2♠*) Centre manages 15 properties. Joan • A Double is Negative, showing the The properties opposite Butts other suits, not a fit for partner’s bid, the Convention Centre are and no stopper of the opponent’s bid, Phoenician (no trumps would have been bid with Bel Air hen the opponents aren’t bidding, a stopper) (1♥ 1♠ X) your objective during the auction Website www.gcbc.com.au “W • A bid of responder’s own suit shows is straightforward: reach the best contract Phone 1300 553 800 and this 10+ points and is forcing (1♥ 1♠ by deciding ‘How High’ and ‘Where’ your is a local call cost. 2♣/♦/♥) ■ partnership belongs. In a competitive auction, the objective can change. To prevent the opponents from buying the contract, you may have to bid higher than you would like or you may QBA want to take pre-emptive action to prevent the opponents from reaching their best 2007 Trials to select the state teams for contract. Also, in a competitive auction, new calls become available to help you the Australian National Championships bid effectively. Everyone at the table is affected by to be held in Perth from July 6-21 competitive bids: opener, responder, The trials to be held at QCBC overcaller, doubler, and their partner”. “Competitive Bidding” by Audrey Grant Open March 10-11, 30-31 & April 1 If the opponents interfere when partner Women March 10-11, 30-31 & April 1 has opened 1 of a suit, the following Senior April 21-22 & 28-29 applies: ***** LOW ENTRY FEES ***** 1) The Opponents Make a Take-Out Teams Ratified by the QBA Council receive: Double • Redouble shows 10+ points with Airfares to Perth interest in doubling the opponents Generous Allowance for penalty. This usually denies a fit Free Entry to the National Pairs and Teams & Dinner Dance for partner (1♠ X XX) TEAM MEMBERS MUST ATTEND THE • A bid at the 1-level is forcing (6+pts) QBA SQUAD TRAINING WEEKEND JUNE 23-24 (1♦ X 1♥/♠) Enquires to Kim Ellaway Telephone: 07 33518602 • A bid of a new suit at the 2-level is Fax: 07 33518603 non forcing and shows a 5-card or Mobile: 0412 064 903 longer suit with fewer than 10 pts (1♠ X 2♣/♦) Email: [email protected] • A raise of partner’s suit to the 2 level shows a normal 6-9 hcp and 3+ trump support (1♠ X 2♠) Coming Events • A jump-raise to the 3-level in opener’s suit shows 4-card or longer support Dec 10 Redlands Graded Teams and is WEAK (pre-emptive) (1♠ X 17 QBA Individual 3♠) 27-31 Brisbane Festival of Bridge • A jump to the game level in partner’s 29-Jan 1 Tablelands Pairs & Teams suit shows 5-card support and a weak Jan 7 Gold Coast Swiss Teams hand (1♠ X 4♠) 14 QCBC Swiss Butler Pairs 21 Ipswich Swiss Pairs • A jump to 2NT shows 4-card or longer support for opener’s suit and 10+ 26-28 Townsville Aust Day Pairs & Teams points. (Called Truscott or Jordan.) 28 Northern Suburbs Teams (1♠ X 2NT) Feb 4 Toowong Swiss Pairs 2) The Opponents Overcall 10-11 QBA Senior Teams - Sunshine Coast 11 QCBC Novice Pairs • A raise to the next level of partner’s Warwick Swiss Pairs bid shows 6-9 and three card support (1♥ 1♠ 2♥) Cairns Novice Pairs

The QBA Bulletin November - December 2006  BRIDGE IN THE VINEYARDS Margaret River, Western Australia Monday 7th to Saturday 12th May 2007

Join Joan Butts on this wonderful bridge holiday to the Margaret River region of Western Australia .

All duplicate games will be masterpointed and there will be more relaxed games offered for beginners as well as intermediate and advanced. Lessons will cover Declarer Play, Defence and New Conventions

Joan hails from Brisbane where she is a well-known teacher and has owned and operated a bridge club there for 17 years. She has a BA, Dip Ed & Dip Ed Psych and has written bridge books for beginners and intermediates.

Joan organises bridge holidays and has taught on cruise ships around the world. She has been a guest speaker at American Bridge Teachers Annual Conventions, as recently as July 2006 (Chicago).

As a player, she has represented Australia and Queensland many times. Joan’s passion is teaching bridge, from beginner to advanced, and she aims to create an atmosphere of fun for the students while using a hands-on, straightforward approach.

PRICES (Per Person ~ Land content only ~ airfares at additional cost)

$1,495 per person sharing a Studio Room $1,610 per person sharing a One Bedroom Unit

Other accommodation options also available, including: $1,870 per person for a Single person in a Studio Room $1,480 per person with 4 people occupying a 2 Bedroom Unit

For more information, telephone Joan on 0413 772 650 Email: [email protected] Website: www.joanbuttsbridge.com

The QBA Bulletin November - December 2006 10

The author’s view of bridge: “Bridge Gold Coast Book Review combines the cut and thrust of an auction Basil Lapthorn stands down as (as you have in poker) with the beauty President and thanks everyone for their and juxtaposition of moves (as in chess) assistance. with the element of luck you have in backgammon and blackjack”. A worthy Mackay addition to your library. Mary Barfield, Born 30th March 1921 Available from ABC Shops and centres, In World War II she volunteered and Denise on-line at www.abcshop.com.au or by joined the Australian Army Medical Dodd telephoning 1300 360 111. $35 plus Women’s Services. Sadly, a young airman postage and handling. Also available from whom Mary was engaged to, lost his life “The Bridge Player’s Bible: Illustrated Paul Lavings postfree (02) 9388 8861. ■ in an air crash in England. strategies for staying ahead of the Mary loved her church and extended game” by Julian Pottage family and she was an intrepid traveller his illustrated, spiral bound hardback, Club News and reader. Mary had great clarity of Tstarts right at the beginning, “Bridge mind for figures, and the accuracy and is a game for four players….” Scoring is presentation of them were her forte during If you want items about your club in introduced early, p6, and rightly so. My her working life and also her bridge life. this section, please send your news- experience is that students really don’t I remember she could get the result of letter or items to Kim Ellaway. “get it” until they have some understanding a 14-table Mitchell out in about 15 to 20 of how scoring works. The book is divided BAWA minutes all without a calculator. We never into two sections, “Bidding” and “Play” and went home without an accurate result. contains over 300 examples on a wide 16 young bridge players received their certificates for completing the youth To quote her sister, ‘Her involvement range of hands, covering opening bids with the Mackay Contract Bridge Club through to endgame strategy. bridge lessons - 10 of these bridge players are regularly playing in bridge sessions. became her Magnificent Obsession. The book has a two tiered bidding system Youngest age 9 - oldest 18. The club was her second family and she – Standard American and Acol. It is gave back by way of service to the club presented in such a way that this is not Surfers what the club had given her.’ She was confusing. Bridge players wishing to President Dawn Turner stands down granted life membership in 1989 after switch from one system to the other, or after 6 years on committee - 3 of them as serving 3 years as treasurer, 10 years as just to understand the difference, will find President and thanks everyone for their club secretary and 5 years as masterpoint it invaluable. Julian Pottage, who lives assistance. secretary. Each year after receiving life in the UK has written twenty books on membership she gave an encouragement bridge, has been teaching for more than QCBC award in the form of a bridge book to twenty years, and holds national and Chairman Marion Cooke stands down as the most promising player to come out international titles. President and thanks everyone for their of the classes. This will carry on in her The colour illustrations are excellent support. memory. She along with other members and instead of seeing a bridge hand as 60 plus teams were at the Graded guaranteed a loan so that we could build numbers and symbols, you get to see Teams. the beautiful club house that we now call our own. The first loan was paid in the cards as if you were holding them Cairns yourself. When I showed this book to my full in 1984, Stage 2 was completed in students they were impressed. For a lot Helen Thompson stands down as 1989 and once again Mary was one of of players seeing ♥AJ10xx written is one President - Helen did a wonderful job the guarantors. Mary always sat South thing but to see those cards illustrated in as Convenor at this years Barrier Reef at Table 3 or 4 with her long time partner colour with their recognisable honours event. Flo Douglas. The club will not be the same and symbols is much easier for them to Arana without her. Rest in peace Mary, you leave lots of memories of happier times. relate to. An Interclub Pairs Competition was held The book also briefly covers other bidding featuring 8 pairs each from Caboolture, Monica Darley systems, including Strong Club (Precision Bribie, Redcliffe and Arana clubs - a great and Blue Club) and Two-over-one game day was had by all. force. Benjamin Twos are discussed (2♣ Results opening 21-22 balanced or a strong two Noosa in any suit, 2♦ opening stronger). Multi In Sept, the Noosa bridge club hosted 2♦ also rate a mention. Nowhere, thank a teaching tour from Paul Marston and goodness, could I find the dreaded 2♣ Nigel Rosendorf. They came with 70 Caloundra Congress opening showing 19-21, which has spread players from all over Australia, and 26 September 16-17 like a summer bush fire and which so of our members enjoyed a great week of distorts the basic Standard system. bridge and lessons. Butler Pairs The chapter, “Defender’s Discards” shows The winners of our club championship 1 R Green M Jakes us how to “Throw losers”, “Keep winners”. pairs were Kevin Feeney and John Gill. 2 J Keim T Walford This brought a smile as I recalled those The Teams was won by Feeney and Gill, 3 L Bourke G Kruz exact words during a foray into rubber Phillipa Barnett and David Harris. Teams bridge after only four lessons. I knew what Kids’ bridge will continue with sessions on 1 A Mayers R Crowley the words meant; however, they bore no Thursday 21 and Friday 22 December from R Green M Jakes relationship to the cards in my hand. This 1.30 to 3.30 pm each day. Newcomers 2 G Mcauliffe P Mitchell chapter would have saved a lot of grief. are especially welcome, and it’s free! P Henry Y Hawthorne

The QBA Bulletin November - December 2006 11

3=D Byrnes E Shaw J Power L Domiati M Lynch J Manton Tamborine Teams 1=J Steele J Steele 3=K Feeney P Feeney October 1 R Fraser D McAdam L Cheffers S McCulloch 3 J Hildebrand B Bijker 1 T Strong K Steffensen Plate D Rogers B Williams B Goss C Miller 1 E Paull D Bendt Below 100 P Cross M Daly 2 N Tuxworth A Tuxworth 1 L Kwok A Chan 2 M Carpenter R Erdelyi R Morawiecki A Grodomirski L Crookall P Pratt L Beasley E Zahnleiter 3 I Luck J Luck 2 T Treloar K Read G Malinas J Malinas P Bugler S Pandya Moranbah Pairs Plate 3 C Francis J Kollisch 1 P Schoen P Hale G Norton N Thomas September 17 P Wells E Meldrum 1 F Brown A Brown 2 D Osmund L Osmund Surfers Novice Teams 2 F Hadwen B Gibbs J Summerhayes L King 3 N Knapman E Leivesley 3 W Hanmer J Milne October 22 Qld Pairs Championship V Beresford D Southwort 1 K Donaldson J Palm Consolation F Atkinson A deMarr October 14-15 1 D Lee M Kendall 2 B Hunt R Rooney R Sayers I Sayers 1 M Moren N Francis P Han I Meman 3 J Swanson K Homik 2 M Kent R Slobom 2 R Cunliffe D Hatcher B Bolt G Yates 3 B Stacey A Anderson K Dean G Roberts Plate Mackay Barometer Pairs Mackay Novice Teams 1 R Palmer M Darley 2 B Barden J Pritchard September 24 October 28 3 S Johnson P Larsen 1 R Taylor T Wotherspoon 1 Julien Kliese Scott Consolation 1 2 J Morris S Birrer Myler Garner Hegerty 1 R Wallis T Tully 3 D Orr M Orr 2 Hansen Christensen 2 R Green M Jakes MorganKliese 3 L King H Standfast Qld Pairs Championship 3 Davis Wix Consolation 2 October 14-15 Band Meredith 1 D Cullen S O’Brien Northern Suburbs Butler 2 S Dean G Thomas Open 3 S Parker C Green 1 M Moren N Francis Pairs November 4-5 Novice 2 M Kent R Slobom 1 R Parker N Francis 1 S Kerley M Ruttiman 3 B Stacey A Anderson 2 P Hainsworth D Appleton 2 J Erlandson W Higgins Plate 3=S Birrer J Morris 3 R Khaled D Giles 1 R Palmer M Darley 3=I Afflick G Hart Plate 2 B Barden J Pritchard Plate 1 R Steinhardt T Lehane 3 S Johnson P Larsen 1 P Flower V Flower 2 A Cohn T Treloar Consolation 1 2 J Power L Domiati 3 T Newnham L Bresnehan 1 R Wallis T Tully 3=D McAdam Y Kilvert 2 R Green M Jakes 3=E Gibson N Gibson Noosa Swiss Teams 3 L King H Standfast Consolation September 24 Consolation 2 1 S Greenwood M Heck 1 D Cullen S O’Brien 2 V Roland J Cox 1 A Mayers R Crowley 2 S Dean G Thomas 3 P Busch A Sinclair R Green M Jakes 3 S Parker C Green 2 P Barnett J Gill Mackay Teams October 10 Novice D Harris K Feeney 1 N Knapman F Hadwen 1 S Kerley M Ruttiman 3 I Luck J Luck L Ruffle F Douglas 2 J Erlandson W Higgins P Rankin P Hooyhaas 2 V Carroll R Palmer 3 R Khaled D Giles B Section E Baker T Wotherspoon 1 P Tall l Smith Plate 3 B Parsons B Gibbs 1 R Steinhardt T Lehane S Smith S McCulloch N Bryce M McNee 2 K Early R Trollope 2 A Cohn T Treloar J Keim T Walford 3 T Newnham L Bresnehan C Section Barrier Reef 1 D Bendt E Paull Qld Graded Teams Congress Mackay E Beckett J Beckett October 29 8th - 11th June 2007 Arana Novice Teams Life & Grand Queen’s Birthday Weekend 1 R Clayton A Smith October 8 J Mills K McDonald Pairs and Teams 1 R Cowie G Hull 2 L Moses R Touton Good Cash Prizes A Norman B Quine R Lachman B Hunt Contact Monica Darley mmdarley@ 2 R Khaled D Giles 3 E Poulsen P Brown bigbond.com or Ph 4951 1523 B McDougal T McDougal F Landy C Schoutrop Mackay Bridge Club 3 P Van Eden P Whittaker Below Life [email protected] A Guminski G Macionis 1=G McCarthy B Carroll

The QBA Bulletin November - December 2006 12

a) Any opening bid of two clubs through Director’s Corner three spades that: could be weak and does not promise at least four cards in a known suit. airs may need to reclassify their • 1NT is non-conventional and need not Exceptions: system under new QBA Systems be balanced Regulations expected to come into (i) Where all the weak meanings P • The 1- level opening in the other guarantee at least four cards in one force on 1st January, 2007. minor may be artificial with various known suit and only the strong options • A classification as Green, Blue or Red possibilities not covered by the other do not. will be based solely on the meaning of opening bids. (ii) A two level opening bid in a minor 1- level opening bids. Yellow will remain If you are currently playing a Red System may show a weak hand with 5+ cards for Highly Unusual Methods. then it is possible that it will revert to in either major only, or as an option • The concept of Opening Points (OPs) Green or Blue with those components among any number of strong hand will be abolished. previously causing it to be Red being types. reclassified as Brown Sticker. • 1- level opening bids must, by b) An overcall of a natural opening bid of RED – typically variants of Moscito, Polish agreement, show at least 8 HCP in one of a suit that does not promise at Club and Power as well as methods that Green, Blue and Red systems. least four cards in a known suit. employ 1- level transfer opening bids • 2- level and higher opening bids will not Exceptions: be restricted by HCPs. • All systems employing artificial one- level openings that do not fall under the (i) A natural overcall in no trumps. Brown Sticker Conventions and • definition of Yellow (HUM) systems (see (ii) Any cue bid that shows a strong Treatments will cover a number of below), other than Strong Club / Strong hand. artificial bids that may previously have Diamond (Blue) systems. made a system Red as well as some (iii) A cue bid in an opponent’s known other calls (see later). • Any system in which the basic structure suit that asks partner to bid 3NT with (other than the length of natural suit a stopper in that suit. If you are currently playing a Green bids or the point range of openings) c) Any weak two-suited bid (whether it System then most likely your system will varies according to position and/or remain Green. be an overcall, an opening bid or a vulnerability. response) at the two or three level that GREEN – typically Standard American, YELLOW - Predominately, but not be may by agreement be made with three Acol, Goren limited to, ‘Forcing Pass’ and ‘Intermediate cards or fewer in one of the suits. • A 1- level opening bid must be natural Pass’ methods d) After a side has opened the auction (non-artificial). • Highly Unusual Methods (HUM). Please at the 2 level or higher with a natural • 1NT should be balanced. (Note that see the Regulations for more detail. or conventional bid that may, by this does not preclude individual BROWN STICKER CONVENTIONS AND agreement, have a weak or partially assessment of some hands, e.g. a TREATMENTS – typically RCO Twos, weak component of fewer than 5 hand with a singleton honour or a weak Myxomatosis Twos and Twerb or Suction HCP then, should the agreed range longer suit. The subsequent bidding overcalls. be across more than 5 HCP, any methods however, should not be able This is a new category relating mainly to subsequent conventional calls used by to identify such hand types.) weak unanchored multi-meaning 2 and that side shall be classified as Brown • An opening bid of one of a suit must show 3-level opening bids. It includes some Sticker. Examples of “across 5 HCP” at least 3 cards in the denomination unanchored overcalls, all 2 or 3-level are 0-4, 4-8. named. (Exception: a 4-4-3-2 shaped bids showing two suits if one of the suits Note that 2.5 d) will not apply in ABF hand may be opened 1C with a club may be 3 cards or fewer and conventional events eg Gold Coast Congress, Barrier doubleton.) continuations after some 2-level and Reef Congress and Canberra Summer Note that this exception does not extend higher opening bids that may have fewer Festival. to opening 1C with 0 or 1 clubs nor than 5 HCP. An example of 2.5 d) is that yes, you opening 1D with a good doubleton instead An “unanchored bid” is one which shows certainly may open 2S with 0-10 HCP of 1C with 3 small clubs. Agreements to no known suit. (Natural NT bids are not and 5+ spades but continuations like do either of these things will change an classified as “unanchored bids”.) 2NT Feature Ask, 2NT Ogust and 4NT otherwise Green system to Red. There is no system classification called Blackwood will be classified as Brown If you are currently playing a Blue System Brown Sticker. A brown sticker is used in Sticker because 0-10 is across more then it will remain Blue if you play one addition to a green, blue, red or yellow than 5 HCP. of the Precision or Strong Club type sticker. Protected Pair status will be  Jan Peach systems. Note that “strong” will be defined signified by an orange spot (formerly as 13 or more HCP. brown). DEAD If your system is currently Blue simply Clause 2.5 is reproduced below. because you play a European Multi 2D, a Certain types of conventional calls or jan 15 (noon) Contributions to: 2NT to show both minors or transfer pre- treatments are considered to place 33 Royal Pde empts then it will revert to Green. demands upon the opponents’ defensive preparations. The conventions/ treatments Ashgrove 4060 BLUE – typically Precision, Shenken, in question are categorized as ‘Brown Ph: 07 3366 1292 Blue Club Sticker’ (BS). Email: 1C or 1D is artificial, forcing and always • Any one of the following characteristics [email protected] strong qualifies a convention/ treatment as BS if • 1H and 1S are natural it is a matter of partnership agreement: LINE

The QBA Bulletin November - December 2006 13

Four-card or better support. The rationale. Hands with four-card or better support With the weaker range, we will often be PResent no problem. There is no better off if the opponents declare, we need of the two-level. Whether we give them every chance. By making George are weak or strong at least a nine- an immediate raise with the stronger Cuppaidge trick contract can be undertaken range we give the opponents an ugly immediately as almost invariably it will choice. If they want to “balance” or Two-card major raises either make or be a good save. We heaven forbid “advance balance” hope some readers will try this do need methods to show whether it they must do so at a high level. The Iapproach, and let me know of is a weak or a strong raise. sequence of a 1NT response followed their successes and failures. I am A simple and effective approach is to by false preference actually warns the confident that it represents a major use the direct raise to three-of-the- opponents to be careful. When we are step forward towards more accurate major for all balanced bad hands, in the upper range we welcome them, (standard) bidding. It gels completely 2NT to show the 10-12 balanced but for a different reason. Doubles with the suggested methods after raise. The direct raise to four shows from both sides are, following at least one-of-a-major and a 1NT response, a bad hand, maximum of two controls, nominal suit agreement, for penalty. as detailed in the March and May with a singleton or void somewhere. Rarely will a double holding any four Bulletins. Other three- and four-level bids show trumps be unsuccessful. Even holding This article deals with a bidding four-card mini-splinter and splinter just three of the opposing trump suit situation very common to five-card raises with a singleton and a void but extra high-card values, double will major players. Partner opens one- respectively and a specific number usually be a worthwhile venture. Pass of-a-major and you have two or of controls, three or four. No Bergen will imply a doubleton, while to bid on three-card support without the values Raises for me thanks, there is much is likely to show a singleton. to undertake, unilaterally, a game more to good bidding than point The main point about avoiding a contract. count. further invitational bid by opener is Despite the trend towards lighter The focus of this article is on all the that it squanders a valuable tactical openings these days, we must keep hands in the 5-12 point range with position, the obsession many of the bidding alive with five points yet two-card or three-card support for today’s players have about the need we must be cautious in venturing partner’s major. to balance. In addition we expose beyond two-of-the-major even with Hands in the 5-9 point range. ourselves to a penalty double or lead directing double when thinking as many as twelve points. 2NT is We begin with 1NT, whether it is opponents realise that both partners rarely a good proposition with only 21 played as forcing or not. If partner are stretching. or 22 points, combined, nor is three- rebids in a new suit, we will generally of-a-major with just an eight-card fit. give simple preference to his major We have effectively broken an eight- The point range we consider is five holding two or three cards in it. The point range in two, 5-9 and 10-12, to eleven or twelve. This treatment is exception occurs when we hold three- and established which, below the designed to avoid venturing beyond card support for his major and good level of 2NT. two-of-the-major with as many as cards both his suits. In this case we Continuations after the raise. twelve points and thus protecting the give jump preference. We do not bid All actions are game forcing. opener who may have opened with a 1NT on hands with three-card support The simple, and workable approach promising ten or eleven. and 10-12 points even when playing is to play that a bid in a lower-ranking Many players will bid all the hands 1NT forcing. When partner rebids his suit promises 5-5, while 2NT denies in this point range in much the same suit, we may pass holding three but a second five-card suit and enquires way, respond 1NT, whether forcing or will do so only rarely. We are free, as whether the raise in based on two not, and give false preference to the always, to raise partner’s second suit cards or three cards. In either case, major unless an eight-card or better or to introduce a six-card suit of our responder shows the three-card raise fit has been established. A seven- or own whenever partner rebids. as his first priority. A bid of 2S after eight-point range is far too wide for Hands in the 10-12 point range. 1H-2H shows precisely four and may what is essentially a sign-off bid. Here we bid immediately what be a slam try. Sensitive players avoid 2NT on the previously we would have bid through Here is a set of replies for those players second round with an ill-fitting 10 or 1NT, two-of-the-major. It shows a 11. Three-of-the-major with just three who want a more comprehensive two- or three-card raise. This is a treatment. cards is similarly gross. game invitation, and it is the only When opener knows that the one which will be issued. Opener responding hand is in the 5-9 range makes up his mind on the information or the 10-12 range, he can make a available whether to pass or to bid much better informed contribution to game. Should he opt for the latter the auction. Using standard methods course, he does need methods, but to he often does not know, or not until investigate, only, which game or slam it is too late. contract should be undertaken.

The QBA Bulletin November - December 2006 14

After 1S-2S; 2NT Slam tries. AK654 72 3C Four cards in hearts and/ Whenever responder gives immediate K65 QJ732 or diamonds, any number of preference to the major, after 2NT, or A4 K32 clubs. raises the second suit, a new suit 654 KQ2 3D/H A five-card suit bid by opener will show a singleton (or void), Appreciating that opener 3S Three-card support, first is unequivocally making a slam try 1s 2S priority. and probably has three or four losers 2NT(1) 3H 3NT Five or more clubs without to cover, responder will co-operate 4H another four-card suit. accordingly. Opener can bid a four-card red suit Intervention. over 3C or bid 3S showing four clubs, (1) Knowing he is facing 10-12, Over any intervention, the cheapest but only if he wants a raise. Otherwise opener can create a game raise shows the minimum range, 5- he bids 3NT which usually shows a force with his very sound 14. 9, with three-card support. We show strong 5332. the higher range by doubling first. After 1H-2H (After one-of-a-major,) double or AK654 72 Responder can hold any number of re-double has no shape implications K652 QJ73 spades. whatsoever, it simply announces a A4 K532 2S is a four-card suit. good hand and asks partner to make his most descriptive rebid. Responder 65 KQ2 3C/D shows a five-card suit. may still choose to make a tactical 2NT is similar to above. raise on honour doubleton but he 1s 2S Here are responders bids after 2NT will not be showing 10-12, rather, 2NT 3C(1) 3C Four cards in a minor. Maximum 5-9. A response of 2NT, whatever 3h 4H of four diamonds, any number the intervention, shows the sound of clubs. Could be as flat as four-card raise. Good hands don’t 4-2-3-4. run away and starting them all with (1) some four-card suit. 3D Five-card or longer suit. double not only keeps the bidding low but enables responder to distinguish K65 QJ732 3H Three-card support, again the between strong and weak hands. All first priority to show. the splinters still apply. AQJ43 K52 3S Five spades, the hand will Examples 7 A65 contain three hearts. With only AK72 43 two hearts and five or more AQ543 K6 spades, we respond 1S. K62 A54 3NT Five or more clubs without four K 52 1h 2H diamonds or three hearts, 0-4 K874 QJ9652 2NT 3S (1) four spades. 4D (2) 6H (3) Over 3C, if he wants a raise, opener 1s 2S bids 3D showing four, 3H showing 2NT 3NT(1) (1) Five-card suit with three three clubs or 3S showing four clubs, hearts. otherwise he bids 3NT 5C(2) (2 splinter, the double fit is Over 3D, opener can raise, bid 3H encouraging. showing three clubs, bid 3S showing (1) Two spades only, clubs only. (3) With everything partner could four clubs or bid 3NT or 4H, to play. (2) Reverse West’s minors and we hope for, East can let West Auctions which begin with one-of- play 3NT choose the slam. a-major 1NT. A virtually identical treatment is KQ765 32 adopted. 2NT is a game-forcing [email protected] A97 Q32 rebid with no five-card suit on the side. Three-of-a-minor promises five. K75 Q9642 Responder bids exactly as above, 76 AK8 showing three-card support as first priority. Two-of-a-minor by opener is 1s 2S not forcing, but may be quite strong while 2S by a 1H opener shows four Pass (1) and is forcing. (1) plenty

The QBA Bulletin November - December 2006