Number: 191 UK £3.95 Europe €5.00 November 2018 Bernard Magee’s Bidding Quiz This month we are going back to basics. Mr Bridge has an event from 10-14 January at Denham Grove, dedicated to Re-booting your Acol. BRIDGEYou are West in the auctions below, playing ‘Standard Acol’ with a weak no- (12-14 points) and four-card majors. It is your turn to call.

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South ? 1♠ Pass 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass 1♥ Pass ? ? 1♠ Pass 2♦ Pass ?

2. Dealer West. Love All. 5. Dealer East. Love All. 8. Dealer West. Love All. 11. Dealer East. Love All. ♠ 4 2 ♠ A 4 2 ♠ K 2 ♠ A K 8 7 6 ♥ A K 2 N ♥ 6 N ♥ A K 4 3 2 N ♥ 4 2 N W E W E W E W E ♦ 7 6 4 S ♦ J 8 4 3 S ♦ J 8 7 6 S ♦ K Q 3 S ♣ K Q J 6 5 ♣ Q 9 8 7 5 ♣ Q 2 ♣ J 6 5

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South ? 1♠ Pass 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass 1♥ Pass ? ? 1♠ Pass 2♦ Pass ?

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South ? 1♥ Pass 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass 1♥ Pass ? ? 1♠ Pass 1NT Pass ? Answers on page 43 Answers on page 45 Answers on page 47 Answers on page 49

Features this month include: ADVERTISERS’ INDEX 1 Bidding Quiz by Bernard Magee 2 South Africa & the BRIDGE Skeleton Coast with 5 Mr Bridge Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Voyages to Antiquity Surrey GU21 2TH 3 Clive Goff’s Stamps 6 Reviews by Shireen Mohandes 4 Portugal 2019 ( 01483 489961 9 BRIDGE Subscriptions 7 Bidding Quiz by Bernard Magee [email protected] 10 Acol Bidding with Bernard Magee www.mrbridge.co.uk 8 Take-Out Doubles Part 2 11 Declarer Play with shop: mrbridge.co.uk/shop by Andrew Kambites Bernard Magee 12 Re-boot your Acol with Publisher and 11 Take-Out Doubles Part 2 Quiz Bernard Magee Managing Editor by Andrew Kambites 13 Bernard Magee DVDs Mr Bridge Set 7 12 Readers’ Letters 15 Tunisia 2018-19 Associate Editor 16 Travel Insurance 13 Defence Quiz by Julian Pottage 19 Rules [email protected] Simplified 14 The Diaries of Wendy Wensum 20 Bridge Gifts Bridge Consultant 21 Mr Bridge UK Events at Bernard Magee 15 Declarer Play Quiz by David Huggett The Elstead Hotel 21 Mobility Scooter bernardmagee 16 Catching Up with Insurance @mrbridge.co.uk 25 Rushmere Beds & Chairs 20 The Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards Cartoons & Illustrations 27 Defence with by Paul Bostock Bernard Magee Marguerite Lihou 28 QPlus 12 www.margueritelihou.co.uk 22 Julian Pottage Answers your Questions 28 Bernard Magee DVDs Set 8 Technical Consultant 26 by Bernard Magee 29 Mr Bridge UK Events 2019 Tony Gordon 30 Bernard Magee DVDs Sets 1-3 Typesetting 28 More Tips by Bernard Magee 31 Bernard Magee DVDs Jessica Galt 30 Correct Names by David Stevenson Sets 4-6 [email protected] 32 European Connoisseur 33 Defence Quiz Answers by Julian Pottage with Voyages to Proof Reading Team Antiquity Mike Orriel 35 Declarer Play Quiz Answers by David Huggett 34 Cruising German Julian Pottage Waterways 36 Gunnar's Good Switch by Robert Sheehan with Fred. Olsen Catrina Shackleton 35 Home & Contents Richard Wheen 35 Sally’s Slam Clinic Insurance 37 Festive Events 2018 Customer Services 25 Take-Out Doubles Part 2 Quiz Answers 38 Club Insurance Catrina Shackleton 38 Bernard Magee’s [email protected] by Andrew Kambites Tutorial Software 43 Mr Bridge UK Events at Events & Cruises 40 Robin Hood’s Clever Tactic by Denham Grove ( 01483 489961 44 Mr Bridge UK Events at 22 David Stephenson Answers your Questions Jessica Galt Blunsdon House 45 Mr Bridge UK Events at [email protected] 43 Bidding Quiz Answers (1-3) by Bernard Magee The Olde Barn Hotel Megan Riccio 45 Little Voice [email protected] 45 Bidding Quiz Answers (4-6) by Bernard Magee 46 Croatia 2019 46 Mr Bridge UK Events at Emily Hawkins 47 Bidding Quiz Answers (7-9) by Bernard Magee The Two Bridges [email protected] 47 Books on Bridge Sandra Timbury 49 Bidding Quiz Answers (10-12) by Bernard Magee 47 Mr Bridge UK Events at [email protected] The Chatsworth Hotel 50 The Power of Spot Cards: Part 6 by Mike Lawrence 48 2019 Cruises with Clubs & Charities Fred. Olsen Maggie Axtell 49 2019 Diaries 49 Designs for Bridge [email protected] REDUCE THE COST OF YOUR POSTAGE Table Covers Postage stamps for sale at 90% of face-value, all mint with 50 Clive Goff’s Stamps Printed in the UK by full gum. Quotations for commercial quantities available on 51 2019 Cruises with The Magazine request. Voyages to Antiquity Printing Company Values supplied in 100s, higher values available, as well as 52 Islands of the www.magprint.co.uk 1st and 2nd class. Mediterranean ( 020 8422 4906 e-mail: [email protected] with Fred. Olsen

BRIDGE November 2018 Page 3

PRESENT IDEAS FUTURE IDEAS

I have written a great TRYING TO HELP FREE BRIDGE number of unpublished pages outlining my future Christmas is coming, so As a treat for one of your plans for the development of I have put together what friends, email or post their bridge. These are not really I hope will prove to be a full address details (UK very interesting except to helpful list of potential only) and I will send them a me. Much of these pages gifts, presents and prizes copy of the December issue. are like daydreams or for bridge players. All nightmares. The daydreams prices include delivery. MY KIND OF PRESENT are born of enlightened In the last issue, Shireen self-interest: the nightmares DIARY are the counterpart of Mohandes reviewed Larry With the festive season daydreams and suffered by The 2019 Bridge Player’s Cohen’s latest book, Tricks quietly creeping up on us those fearing change or diary with a ruby-red super of the Trade. This is not a all, I list some useful gift maybe just not wanting the soft Kidrell cover, contains book for beginners or even suggestions in the adjacent inconvenience or lacking the a resumé of Acol Bidding, improvers but some of his columns. One thing is for will to make the necessary written by Bernard Magee. casual observations are sure, Christmas is coming. effort needed to make the In addition, the diary truly original, as are some LAND-BASED improvements. contains a useful ballpoint of his tips. £20. The review HOLIDAYS 2019 pen in its spine. £14.95. is reprinted overleaf, just in I wrote the above in the case you missed it. My holiday company is two September issue. I then BEGINNER’S BOOK years behind with the provided a couple of DBRS 2017 Bridge with Angela is for development of its land- examples. One was of a beginners. Written by Send back a cover of an based overseas holiday scheme to help launch new bridge teacher Angela earlier version of DBRS (as programme. I know there bridge clubs. The second is Tompson, it comes with a proof of a previous are reasonable excuses for to replace the nation’s helpful ring-spine to enable purchase), together with this but customers don’t worn-out and sticky cards. the book to lay open flat. four 2nd class stamps for want excuses however £1 per pack for UK delivery. £7.95 each, two for £10. one copy of the latest reasonable. I have set aside Ideal for grandchildren. version, or six 2nd class my 2019 River Cruise NEW CLUBS stamps for two (one for programme in favour of a partner for Christmas). series of one week land- PICK AND MIX I believe there is a pent-up From stock. £5.95 each. based bridge holidays. demand for new clubs. Even if your loved one, Dates in Croatia (a choice Personality clashes in an partner or club responded MEMOIRS of separate weeks or back existing club and/or classes to my flash sale of the to back weeks making a out-growing their teachers Bernard Magee DVDs Robin Hood’s Bridge fortnight) and Tunisia have are but two sources of earlier this year, here is a Memoirs, as faithfully already been advertised. frustrations of people who chance to pick any six of recorded by David Bird, are There are already sixty would form the active the 48 titles in the series for a fun collection of bridge booked for the week in nucleus of an embryo club. only £65. See the tear-out play problems. Yes, I know Tunisia with Bernard Email your 'phone details. order form at the front. bridge was not played back Magee next March. [email protected] in the time of Richard the Our first new holiday QPLUS 11 Lionheart, King John and is in Portugal, hosted by PLAYING CARDS Magna Carta. It is a fun Sandy Bell. Please see At the recent bridge world publication, as are the the advert on the facing Best quality £1 per pack championships in Orlando, memoires to be found in page. Additional weeks including VAT and UK Florida, Johannes Leber BRIDGE every month. £11. will be announced in the delivery. 72 per outer. announced that QPlus 13 course of the year as the 36 red backs, 36 blue backs. would be on sale in October I REPEAT... programme is rolled out. In the pipeline for 2019. 2019. I have purchased his Email your 'phone details. remaining QPlus 11 stock All the prices for the above JUST A REMINDER [email protected] to clear for only £49. The books, discs and services current version of QPlus is are inclusive of any UK Club insurance policies are All good wishes QPlus 12, still available postage, packing and/or due for renewal as from from stock as usual at £92. delivery charges. November 2018. Mr Bridge

BRIDGE November 2018 Page 5 Reviews by Shireen Mohandes Tricks Of The Trade by Larry Cohen

ISBN: 978-1-891994-05-0. Published 2018 www.bridgeworld.com Available from Mr Bridge by mail order. £20.00.

hen Mr Bridge asked me also avoid bad habits, that don’t make language do you use when scoring up to review Tricks of the for a lasting and trusting partnership. with teammates? There are some novel Trade, Strategic Thinking and instructive words on how to run a Sleeping with Wfor Advanced Bridge, I had high long solid suit, something perhaps few expectations, based on the author and a Clear Conscience of us have thought about. the publisher, namely Larry Cohen, How often have you been party to a The methods used in the book are and (see Bridge 158). hesitation (or fast play) that has given American, but systems are not the focus I was not disappointed at all. The information to players that they aren’t of the book. The advice in the book is book is a very good read. In a very entitled to? Cohen says, ‘Sleeping with applicable to players everywhere. honest and direct way, Larry shares a clear conscience is more satisfying his wisdom – wisdom that would than trying to win at all costs’. Excerpt form Chapter 13 normally take years to attain. But don’t let that short list mislead It’s Dangerous to Bid; This is a book about how to be a better you – the book covers a great breadth It’s Dangerous to Pass. bridge player. Rather than discussing of wisdom. Do you like to play a lot of Sometimes a gun is held to your head new conventions and standard conventions? Do you psyche a lot? Do and you have no way to avoid danger. cardplay techniques, Cohen focusses you redouble (or is that bidding card in For example, after RHO deals and on how to form a good partnership, the pristine condition that it was when opens 3♥, you must 3NT how to think effectively, and how to it was removed from the cellophane with Hand 1, even if red versus green. recognise common situations so as to wrapper?) What tone and body Sure, you can go for a number – a big be prepared. number, but you can’t play scared His well-explained arguments, bridge and pass (or try to hedge with based on his considerable experience, an ill-judged take-out double). make for easy reading. Don’t confuse that situation with one like Hand 2. Journalist Miles Kingston (1941-2008) is credited with saying, ‘Knowledge is knowing Hand 1 Hand 2 that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom ♠ K Q 3 ♠ A 5 2 is not putting it in a fruit salad.’ ♥ K J 4 ♥ A 8 6 New Yorker Larry Cohen (b.1959) Source: Wikipedia ♦ A 7 6 4 ♦ K J 5 3 retired from a career in I.T and ♣ A J 8 ♣ K 7 4 options trading in the early 1980s to become a full time bridge The topics he covers are not often professional. In 2009 he switched seen in bridge literature – for example, RHO deals and opens 1♠. I consider from playing professionally to these chapters: it suicidal to overcall 1NT, especially pursue a career in bridge teaching vulnerable, on this collection. There How to Prepare a and writing, and is now based in Florida. His success as a player is no urgency to stick your neck out. Advice on anticipating when you need in the USA and in international Here, I can live with a compromise to duck smoothly. tournaments, and his best- double. The all-or-nothing macho 1NT is not only dangerous on this Dummy Means Dummy selling book, To Bid or Not to Bid, mean that he has achieved deal but also damaging on other deals, Dummy has a formal, and informal fame and praise from a wide where partner will not be able to judge role. The tips given will help you to audience around the world. accurately if your no-trump overcalls make the most of being dummy, and can be this shabby. ■

Page 6 BRIDGE November 2018 Bernard Magee’s Acol Bidding Quiz This month we are dealing with going back to basics. Mr Bridge has an event from 10-14 January at Denham Grove, dedicated to Re-booting your Acol. You are West in the auctions below, playing ‘Standard Acol’ with a weak no-trump (12-14 points) and four-card majors. It is your turn to call.

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South ? 1♠ Pass 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass 1♥ Pass ? ? 1♠ Pass 2♦ Pass ?

2. Dealer West. Love All. 5. Dealer East. Love All. 8. Dealer West. Love All. 11. Dealer East. Love All. ♠ 4 2 ♠ A 4 2 ♠ K 2 ♠ A K 8 7 6 ♥ A K 2 N ♥ 6 N ♥ A K 4 3 2 N ♥ 4 2 N W E W E W E ♦ 7 6 4 W E ♦ J 8 4 3 ♦ J 8 7 6 ♦ K Q 3 S S S S ♣ K Q J 6 5 ♣ Q 9 8 7 5 ♣ Q 2 ♣ J 6 5

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South ? 1♠ Pass 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass 1♥ Pass ? ? 1♠ Pass 2♦ Pass ?

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South ? 1♥ Pass 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass 1♥ Pass ? ? 1♠ Pass 1NT Pass ?

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

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

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

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

Answers on page 43 Answers on page 45 Answers on page 47 Answers on page 49

BRIDGE November 2018 Page 7 About the Contested Auction by Andrew Kambites Take-Out Doubles Part 2 our partner opens the bidding A holding in their suit of A-K-3-2 will that will suit you fine. with 1♥. As you consider your take two tricks, but it uses up seven of Hand D is interesting. Your hand is possible responses, your right your points. A holding in their suit of not particularly suitable for a penalty Yhand opponent doubles. How should Q-J-10-9-7 takes three tricks but uses double of any suit. Not only do you that affect your response? up only three of your points. Also, have no suit with length and good There are four obvious matters to such a holding is unlikely to help you intermediates but also your three-card consider: much if you play in a suit contract holding in partner’s suit is a negative 1) If you choose to pass then partner because it will almost certainly be factor when considering a penalty has another chance. opposite shortage. double. 2) The possibility of waiting for them to decide on their contract and redouble creates an auction he shorter your holding in then doubling them for penalties in which either you will partner’s suit, the better your might be worth considering. A play the contract or you will Thand is suited for a low level 3) Their double has taken away none double the opponents for penalty. penalty double of their suit contract, of your bidding space, indeed it has because it lessens the chances of made available to you an extra bid, There is a rare exception seen in his honours suffering a quick . redouble. Auction L. 4) If you have a fit then they will Without North's double, Hand D almost certainly have a similar Opener’s partner would have a pretty obvious 2NT bid fit. Bidding to the level of your fit redoubles but you will see that you have a better becomes relevant. use for 2NT. Start with a redouble. If Traditionally a redouble was made on partner can make a penalty double, 1) is interesting but not particularly all hands of nine plus points unless you will be delighted to pass but significant. There is not much merit you had a fit with partner. The idea otherwise bid 2NT next time. in passing when you would have bid was that you suggested to partner that So what happens after a redouble? without the double. you had the majority of points and it I will demonstrate some possible Before we can consider 2) we need might be helpful to wait for them to outcomes by looking at complete deals. to fully understand what we need for a bid a suit and make a penalty double. penalty double of a low level contract. This is also relevant in considering Auction A Layout E when it is appropriate to aim for a West North East South ♠ Q 8 6 penalty double of a suit overcall. 1♥ Dbl Redbl ♥ Q 3 ♦ K 7 6 2 laying for penalties against a ♣ A Q 9 3 low level suit contract by your Hand B Hand C Hand D ♠ A K J 9 ♠ 7 3 opponents is unlikely to be ♠ K 10 9 3 ♠ 7 3 ♠ A Q 7 ♥ A K 10 6 4 N ♥ 8 2 P W E your best option if they have a fit. ♥ 4 ♥ 8 2 ♥ 8 3 2 ♦ J 3 S ♦ A Q 10 9 It is when they have a misfit, with ♦ A Q 10 6 ♦ A Q 10 9 ♦ K 7 5 4 ♣ 8 2 ♣ K J 6 5 4 the likely consequence that you ♣ K Q 10 8 ♣ K J 6 5 4 ♣ Q 10 3 ♠ 10 5 4 2 also have a misfit, that penalties ♥ J 9 7 5 might prove profitable. ♦ 8 5 4 Points alone will not necessarily Hand B is perfect for the redouble ♣ 10 7 defeat a low level suit contract. To in auction A. You will be delighted play for penalties against a low to double whatever contract your level suit contract you need good opponents choose. Auction F trumps. Redouble makes sense with Hand C. West North East South Good trumps mean good You will be pleased to double a minor 1♥ Dbl Redbl 1♠ intermediates. suit and if partner can double spades Dbl All Pass

Page 8 BRIDGE November 2018 Layout E will result in Auction F. West’s For Auction M the East/West hands double is for penalties. Note that in Layout J could be as seen in Layout N. 1♠ may order to make the alerting procedure ♠ Q 8 6 2 not be perfect but it is far superior to work for club players, the EBU has ♥ Q 3 the 2♦ spot that would have resulted if aimed for very simple rules as to ♦ K 7 6 East had to choose. whether a double is alertable. A double ♣ A Q 9 2 of a naturally bid suit bid below 3NT ♠ A J 7 ♠ K 5 4 3 Auction M is taken as for take-out unless alerted. ♥ A K 10 6 4 N ♥ 8 2 West North East South W E Thus West’s double here is alertable. ♦ J 2 S ♦ A Q 1♥ ♣ 8 6 3 ♣ K J 10 5 4 Dbl Redbl Pass Pass ♠ 10 9 1♠ Layout G ♥ J 9 7 5 ♠ Q 8 6 2 ♦ 10 9 8 5 4 3 ♥ Q 3 ♣ 7 Layout N ♦ K 7 6 ♠ A J 6 2 ♠ Q 8 5 ♣ A Q 9 3 ♥ 8 2 N ♥ 9 5 3 W E ♠ A K J 9 ♠ 7 3 Layout J leads to Auction K. West ♦ Q J 4 S ♦ 9 7 6 5 ♥ A K 10 6 4 N ♥ 8 2 cannot double 2♦ so he passes the ♣ K J 10 7 ♣ 9 3 2 W E ♦ J S ♦ A Q 10 9 buck to East. East also cannot double ♣ 8 7 2 ♣ K J 6 5 4 2♦, but West’s pass was forcing so East ♠ 10 5 4 cannot pass. East has a choice between ♥ J 9 7 5 2NT and 3♣. Either should result in How about if East chooses to jump as ♦ 8 5 4 3 2 3NT. in Auction P? ♣ 10 Just occasionally North/South might find a very good fit, resulting Auction P in one of them bidding a suit and the West North East South Auction H other voluntarily raising it. 1♥ West North East South Dbl Redbl 2♠ 1♥ Dbl Redbl 2♦ Auction L Pass Pass Dbl All Pass West North East South 1♥ Dbl Redbl 2♦ Layout Q Layout G should result in Auction H. Pass 3♦ All Pass ♠ A J 6 ♠ Q 10 9 4 3 2 East’s redouble carries the message ♥ 8 2 N ♥ 9 5 3 ♦ W E ♦ that either North/South should be In Auction L it is clear that North/ A J 3 2 S 9 7 doubled or that East/West buy the South do not believe they are in ♣ K J 10 7 ♣ 9 3 contract. West cannot double 2♦ but trouble. A penalty double is unlikely he would be quite happy to hear East to be profitable. Knowing they have double 2♦. West’s pass is forcing, the balance of points East/West will There are not enough points in the therefore he can afford to pass even try to find a bid, but sometimes it is pack for East to have the 9-11 that though he knows his side has game not possible. This is the one time when 2♠ would have shown if North had values. East is delighted to double 2♦. redouble does not create a forcing passed. 2♠ is pre-emptive, bidding to auction. the level of the fit. Auction K (see deal in next column) It is the rare exception to the West North East South principle given just before Auction A. Opener’s partner 1♥ Dbl Redbl 2♦ supports opener’s suit Pass Pass 3♣ Pass Doubler’s partner acts after a double 3♥ Pass 3NT All Pass over a redouble I now come to what is arguably the Very little has been written about how most important part of this article. the doubler's partner should bid after Responder has a four-card or better Subscriptions to BRIDGE a redouble. Without the redouble he fit with partner. Penalty doubles are An ideal gift is virtually obliged to bid, but now not on the agenda. You will not be the redouble means the doubler has surprised that we are now back to the 1 year £49 another chance. East’s pass in Auction desirability of bidding to the level of 2 years £79 M does not say he is happy to defend the fit. 1♥ redoubled. It simply means he has Acol has long accepted that if you 3 years for £109 nothing constructive to say, and that have a fit with partner you should bid ( 01483 489961 he wants West to choose the escape one level higher than you would have from 1♥ redoubled. done without the double. u

BRIDGE November 2018 Page 9 Auction R Your only sensible option is to raise to West North East South 2♥, but now look at the hands where BERNARD 1♥ Dbl ? you have chosen to bid 2♥, particularly S and X. Hand S has two points and MAGEE’S four-card support. Hand X has eight INTERACTIVE Hand S Hand T Hand U points and three-card support. How ♠ 8 5 ♠ 8 5 ♠ K 8 5 is opener able to judge whether or not TUTORIAL CD ♥ Q 10 7 5 ♥ Q 10 7 5 ♥ 8 6 5 4 to make a when 2♥ could be ♦ 7 6 2 ♦ A 7 6 2 ♦ Q 7 6 bid on such a wide variety of points? I ♣ 10 8 7 6 ♣ 9 6 5 ♣ Q 9 5 don’t think anybody has found a really ACOL BIDDING satisfactory solution to this, though I can imagine that readers who don’t In Auction R, bid 2♥ with Hand S and like raising on three-card support and 3♥ with Hand T. You might wonder would respond 1NT on Hand X will be why you bid 3♥ with Hand T, after feeling smug. all West might have only four hearts so the fit might be just eight cards. In Opener’s partner practice, even if you are playing four- bids a new suit card major Acol, 75% of 1♠ opening MAC or Windows bids have five spades, and 70% of Auction Y opening 1♥ bids have five hearts, so West North East South you are playing the percentages. 1♦ Dbl ? With Hand U you would have bid 2♥ without the double but with poor hearts and isolated honours elsewhere. Hand Z1 Hand Z2 Hand Z3 This hand has poor offence and good ♠ A J 10 6 5 2 ♠ J 6 5 4 ♠ J 6 5 4 defence so 2♥ is quite enough. ♥ A 5 ♥ A J 2 ♥ 7 5 So how do you show a genuine, high ♦ 8 3 ♦ 6 5 4 ♦ K J 6 5 ♥ ♣ 7 6 2 ♣ Q 6 3 ♣ J 10 3 card raise to 3 ? Look back to Hand Throughout 200 deals split D. I recommended redouble rather into ten chapters, Bernard than 2NT. Redouble has made a 2NT evaluates your bids, praising response redundant, so we use it If you play that all hands with nine conventionally to show at least a good plus points without a fit with partner the correct ones and raise to 3♥. redouble, you can play a change of discussing the wrong ones. suit not forcing. However, it has been l Opening Bids fter a double, the jump found that if you redouble with Hand and Responses to 2NT is used to show a Z1 you have real problems if South l Slams and genuine raise of openers makes a high pre-emptive jump. If, for A Strong Openings suit to 3 or better. example, a non-vulnerable South leaps to 4♥ over your redouble, then you l Support for Partner will wish you showed your excellent l Pre-empting Hand V Hand W Hand X spades first time. Therefore modern ♠ 8 5 ♠ 8 5 ♠ 8 5 theory favours bidding your suit if you l Overcalls £66 ♥ Q 10 7 5 ♥ K Q 7 5 ♥ Q 10 6 have a single suited hand. Bid 1♠ with l No-trump ♦ A K 6 2 ♦ A K 6 2 ♦ K 7 4 3 Hand Z1, unlimited and forcing. Openings ♣ 9 6 5 ♣ 9 6 5 ♣ K 5 4 2 With Hand Z2 you would have and Responses ♦ ♠ responded to 1 with 1 without the l Opener’s and double. Of course, spades is probably Responder’s Rebids In Auction R bid 2NT with Hand V. If one of the doubler’s suits, and even if West shows a minimum with 3♥ you you find a 4-4 spade fit with partner l Minors and Misfits should pass. you might be defeated by a bad break. l Doubles With Hand W start with 2NT, but With four bad spades you should look l Competitive Auctions this time if West can do no better than for an alternative. In this case 1NT is ♥ ♥ 3 you will raise to 4 . best, showing your point count (in my Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, However, there is a slight flaw in opinion still 6-9 despite the double) Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH this general approach. Look at Hand and stoppers. ( 01483 489961 X. You would have bid 2♥ without Finally, raise to 3♦ with Hand Z3. www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop the double but you cannot jump to 3♥ Try to make it hard for your opponents with only three-card heart support. to find a heart fit if they have one. ■

Page 10 BRIDGE November 2018 BERNARD Take-Out Doubles Part 2 Quiz MAGEE’S by Andrew Kambites INTERACTIVE (Answers on page 39) TUTORIAL CD 1 At love all how should East continue Auction (ii) with these hands? West North East South DECLARER 1♥ Dbl Rdbl Pass West North East South ? PLAY 1♥ Dbl ?

Hand A Hand B Hand C Hand A Hand B Hand C ♠ Q 2 ♠ Q 3 2 ♠ 3 ♠ 4 2 ♠ 4 2 ♠ 4 2 ♥ A Q 6 4 3 ♥ A Q 6 4 3 ♥ A Q J 6 3 2 ♥ K 7 6 2 ♥ K 7 6 2 ♥ K 7 6 2 ♦ 9 5 ♦ A K 7 ♦ Q J 10 6 3 ♦ 9 8 3 2 ♦ A 8 7 2 ♦ A Q J 2 ♣ K J 10 3 ♣ 7 2 ♣ 7 MAC or ♣ 10 6 5 ♣ 10 6 5 ♣ 10 6 5 Windows 4 At game all how should East Hand D Hand E Hand F continue with these hands? ♠ 4 2 ♠ A J 8 ♠ 7 4 3 2 ♥ K 7 6 2 ♥ K 7 6 ♥ K 7 6 West North East South

♦ A K 7 2 ♦ 6 4 3 2 ♦ 6 4 3 1♥ Dbl Rdbl 2♣ ♣ Q J 7 ♣ 9 4 3 ♣ A J 6 Pass Pass ?

Bernard develops your Hand G Hand H Hand J Hand A Hand B Hand C ♠ 7 4 ♠ A Q 10 5 ♠ K Q J 6 5 4 ♠ J 5 3 ♠ A J 10 9 ♠ A J 9 declarer play technique in ♥ K 7 6 ♥ 6 ♥ 6 ♥ 5 ♥ 5 ♥ 5 3 2 the course of ten ♦ 6 4 3 2 ♦ 9 8 4 ♦ 8 6 3 ♦ K Q 5 3 2 ♦ K Q 5 3 2 ♦ K Q 10 9 introductory exercises and ♣ A 4 3 2 ♣ A J 7 5 4 ♣ A 5 3 ♣ A J 10 9 ♣ J 5 3 ♣ 8 5 3 120 complete deals.

l Suit Establishment in No-trumps 2 With E/W vulnerable how should 5 With N/S vulnerable how should South continue with these hands? West continue with these hands l Suit Establishment after Auctions (i) and (ii)? in Suits West North East South l Hold-ups 1♥ Dbl Redbl ? Auction (i) West North East South l Ruffing for Extra Tricks 1♠ Dbl 2NT Pass £76 Hand A Hand B Hand C ? l Entries in ♠ Q 5 4 ♠ Q 6 4 3 ♠ Q J 10 7 4 2 No-trumps ♥ 9 5 2 ♥ 9 5 2 ♥ 9 5 2 Auction (ii) l Delaying ♦ 9 6 4 3 ♦ 8 5 4 ♦ 8 5 West North East South Drawing Trumps ♣ Q 10 3 ♣ Q 10 3 ♣ 10 3 1♠ Dbl 3♠ Pass ? l Using the Lead

l Trump Control 3 With N/S vulnerable how should l Endplays & Avoidance West continue with these hands Hand A Hand B Hand C after Auctions (i) and (ii)? ♠ A Q 6 5 3 ♠ A Q 6 5 3 ♠ A Q 6 5 3 l Using the Bidding ♥ 7 3 2 ♥ 7 3 2 ♥ K 3 2 Auction (i) ♦ K Q 10 ♦ K Q 10 ♦ A Q 10 Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, West North East South ♣ 8 2 ♣ A 3 ♣ A 3 Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH 1♥ Dbl Rdbl 2♣ ( 01483 489961 ? www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop

BRIDGE November 2018 Page 11 Re-boot your Malaga to Cape Town. The Acol with ship’s crew went the extra Bernard Magee READERS’ mile to make it a cruise to remember. There were many Denham Grove, Uxbridge, highlights but I mention just Bucks UB9 5DG two. The first, a wonderful 10-14 January day on Bom Bom Island, 2019 LETTERS where the crew took BBQ equipment, food and drinks £454pp Thursday – ashore in tenders and we Monday all enjoyed a magical day on a beautiful island. The Four Nights RENEWAL PUSHING IT second, a jeep safari in Full – No Single Supplement1 I had actually made a I feel at my age renewing my Namibia where we had a conscious decision not to subscription to BRIDGE for champagne picnic in the continue my subscription another two years is probably middle of the Namib desert. to your magazine pushing it. I would love to go Excursions in shore ports BRIDGE because the back to the days of my youth, are included in the price game has become too when we enjoyed bridge of your cruise as are many cut-throat for me. without all this table tapping other extras. This cruise is I read about the infinite and ‘Director, director’. We being repeated, albeit in the variety of systems with a just played. The one new direction, next March. shudder and I am amazed rule I agree with is equity. I would urge any readers who at the queries voiced on your As for ‘fielding’ a psyche, I are thinking of taking a long letter pages. The same distri- cannot think what it means. cruise to seriously consider bution of cards will seldom, Mr Richard Wardell, signing up for this one. Topics if ever, crop up again and Salisbury, Wilts. Michael Haytack by email. once the hand is over, it is on OPENER to the next one with excited FEEDBACK FORMS OLD LINES RESPONDER anticipation, as far as I am No point in completing one We enjoyed your tea towel RESPONDING TO concerned. You may think as you only pay lip service. message. But Radar started 1NT from this that I treat bridge as No name & address before 1940; indeed, the OVERCALLS ‘just a game’ but that is not supplied. Chain Home was operational so – every hand is an intel- Oh no I don’t. when the 1939-45 war LAWS & ETHICS lectual challenge. Neverthe- started and I understand IMPROVING less there is something lost CAN QPLUS..? that Sir Robert Watson-Watt BRIDGE MEMORY when it is taken so seriously. I’m playing what is referred started work on Radar in You say that I was an to as “5-card major about 1933. Given the original subscriber to Acol”, where: 1-major thousands of people on Sessions of BRIDGE but actually it was opening shows 5 cards of both sides of the Atlantic supervised play my husband who subscribed, that suit. A 1NT opening who had worked on Radar, follow each mostly in the days when it shows the normal weak I was astonished to obtain lecture. was a freebie. (He died in NT (12-14 HCP). a patent in 1966 for a January 2004). I remember Can QPlus be set up to waveguide device, on behalf him reading bits out to me play such a system as I am of the Marconi Company. Optional in bed with amusement and looking for something to Mr Brooke Harvey, duplicate session amazement – sometimes practice my game with? North End, Dunmow. ■ every evening2. when I was drifting off to Tony Fayerman by email. sleep. Although we picked Yes it can. Write to Mr Bridge up tips from your mag at: Ryden Grange, Contact Mr Bridge to for playing a hand, we THINKING ABOUT Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH or e-mail book your place jogged along successfully A CRUISE? [email protected] with the original Acol. I I, together with my wife or for further Correspondents are details. am too ancient and my Sheena, have been bridge asked to include their brain is too fossilised to helpers on several Mr name, postal address, ( 01483 489961 change much now. Bridge cruises. We have telephone number and to send no attachments. Mrs Iris Clyde, enjoyed them all, but our 1Subject to availability. 2Not Letters may be edited Kirkwall, Orkney. favourite was a cruise on directed by Bernard Magee. for length and clarity. Thank you for your renewal. lovely Aegean Odyssey from

Page 12 BRIDGE November 2018 DEFENCE QUIZ BERNARD by Julian Pottage (Answers on page 33)

ou are West in the defensive positions below playing MAGEE Ymatchpoint pairs with only East-West vulnerable.

1. ♠ A K 6 5 3. ♠ Q J 10 7 5 TUTORIAL DVDS ♥ K 10 5 ♥ Q 9 ♦ A K 7 3 ♦ A K 7 3 ♣ Q 4 ♣ J 4 ♠ Q 7 2 ♠ A 9 6 ♥ 8 7 3 2 N ♥ J 10 8 6 3 N Set 7 W E W E ♦ Q J 6 S ♦ 10 8 S 37 MORE SIGNALLING ♣ A 8 7 ♣ A 8 7 I will be looking at different times when you and the messages you might want to give. Using signals in new ways can greatly improve your enjoyment of defence as West North East South West North East South well as pushing up your scores. 1♠ Pass 1NT 1NT1 ♥2 ♠ 38 4-4-4-1 HANDS Pass 3NT All Pass Pass 2 Pass 2 Pass 3♦ Pass 4♠ Everybody’s least favourite type of opening hand. I will You lead the ♥7. East plays All Pass be going through the methods for choosing the right suit 1 to open as well as coping with responses. As responder the ♥Q, ♥A and a third round, 12-14 you need to be aware of the options and work out your all following. Now the ♣Q 2 5+ spades partner’s type of hand. Strong 4-4-4-1 hands can be just as goes to the ♣2 and ♣3. What difficult and will be dealt with too. do you do? You lead the ♥J: ♥9, ♥7 and ♥K. Declarer crosses to the 39 DRAWING TRUMPS ♠Q and leads the ♣J, on This seminar sounds straightforward, but we will not be which go the ♣6 and ♣3. simply drawing trumps, we will be considering the reasons What is your plan? for delaying. Keeping control of trumps is an important part of declarer play. Knowing when to risk leaving trumps out and when not. 2. ♠ A K Q 4. ♠ A K Q 10 6 40 FIVE-CARD MAJORS ♥ Q J 10 ♥ K 9 5 3 Popular around the world, this method is becoming more ♦ K J 9 8 3 ♦ J 9 popular here. It is not a method I would advocate for club ♣ Q 4 ♣ 8 4 players, however it is important to understand the method ♠ 9 7 6 ♠ 8 5 4 as you will need to defend against it. N N ♥ ♥ A 9 3 W E A J 2 W E 41 FUNDAMENTALS OF DEFENCE ♦ A 10 7 5 S ♦ Q 10 8 6 S Defence is by far the hardest aspect of bridge: this seminar ♣ A 10 7 ♣ A J 7 seeks to show the building blocks that can start you off on a wonderful journey. If you can get the basics right then the more complicated aspects of defence can follow. West North East South West North East South 1♦ Pass 1NT 1NT1 42 SUPPORTING MINORS Pass 3NT All Pass Pass 2♥2 Pass 2♠ Minors are not as important as majors, but we have to bid Pass 3♥ Pass 4♠ them and it is important to know your system. Bidding ♠ ♠ ♠ more 3NT contracts will get you better scores, but being You lead the 7: Q, 8 and All Pass able to spot a slam will put you a cut above. ♠2. At trick two, dummy 1 12-14 leads the ♦K, on which go the 2 5+ spades ♦2 and ♦4. What is your plan? You lead the ♦6, which £25 per DVD or £105 for the set of six goes to the ♦9, ♦K and ♦A. Declarer leads the ♠3 to the Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961 ♠Q and then the ♣4 back to the ♣K, East playing a two www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop each time. What is your plan?

BRIDGE November 2018 Page 13 The Diaries of Wendy Wensum

Episode 79: Strange Happenings

t was duplicate pairs at the West North East South the pub later that evening with Jo and Riverside. A series of boards with Millie Jim Wendy Monica Kate, it turned out that the auction extreme distributions hadn’t gone 1♥ had been rather different at their table. Iwell for us. Millie blamed computer 1♠ 2♠ Pass 3♥ After a pass by South, Kate as West dealing, but my belief was that we were Pass 4♥ All Pass opened one spade. North doubled and simply playing badly. We moved to the Jo bid two spades. South now bid two next table to find Monica and her put- Millie led the king of spades, won in hearts, an insufficient bid. The TD upon husband Jim waiting for us. On dummy with the ace. A low trump was called and explained the options. our way Millie remarked pointedly, from dummy to the king in hand South changed his bid to a strange ‘Now, Wendy, try not to cause an produced the ace from Millie. She pass. Kate’s pass ended the auction. incident with Moaning Mona today.’ thought long and hard before playing I smiled inwardly, but refused to react the queen of spades, following this West North East South outwardly to the jibe. with another spade. Monica ruffed Kate Jo The auction for this board seemed in dummy with the ten, presumably Pass fairly routine so I was hopeful that in case I was now out of spades. She 1♠ Dbl 2♠ Pass(1) on this occasion there would be no then called for a low club on which I End incident to provoke Millie and Monica played the four, at which point she (1)Insufficient bid of ♥2 converted to a Pass into conflict. claimed that she had asked for a small diamond, adding in no uncertain Barred from leading a heart by Kate, terms that Jim needed a hearing test. North led the ace of spades and Dealer South. N/S Game. The director was summoned and followed it with the ace of diamonds ♠ A 3 quickly determined that both Jim crashing partner’s king. Now North ♥ 10 8 4 3 and I believed declarer had called for led another diamond ruffed by South. ♦ A Q 5 2 a club. However the TD gave Monica The contract of two spades slipped ♣ A 10 3 the benefit of the doubt and ruled one off for a good result. Lucky them. ♠ K Q 6 5 2 ♠ 10 9 7 that the intended card was the two of There was then some discussion about ♥ A 5 N ♥ 6 2 diamonds and deemed it played, with whether my two of clubs should have ♦ J 9 7 3 W E ♦ 10 8 6 4 S the three of clubs returning to dummy. been classified as a penalty card. ♣ K 9 ♣ Q 8 4 2 As a consequence the director decided, Millie’s solution was to email David ♠ J 8 4 rather harshly in my view, that my Stevenson at the magazine BRIDGE. It ♥ K Q J 9 7 two of clubs was now a penalty card. then took another half hour of debate ♦ K I played the four of diamonds with on who would compose and send the ♣ J 7 6 5 the two of clubs remaining face up on email. I suspect it never got written. It the table. Monica won in hand with was an evening of strange happenings the king and immediately led a small and a busy one for the director. ■ As dealer, in the South seat, Monica club towards dummy. Realising that opened an aggressive 1♥. Millie the intention was to the ten, David Stevenson writes: If Millie had overcalled 1♠. With his useful hand Millie popped up with the king in case written to me I would have assured her and good trump support Jim forced I held the queen or jack. The ace took that the two of clubs was not a penalty with a 2♠ . the trick, but my queen of clubs took card. If dummy puts a card out that I passed with the East cards. a subsequent trick. Monica’s contract declarer did not name (as the director ♥ Monica bid 3 showing her came home, but at least an overtrick decided) then a card by the next player minimum values and after Millie’s was prevented. may be withdrawn without penalty. pass, Jim fixed the contract at ♥4 . When we discussed the board in

Page 14 BRIDGE November 2018

Mr Bridge DECLARER Hotel Royal Kenz PLAY Tunisia 2018-19 Seven Day All-inclusive QUIZ Duplicate Bridge Holidays by David Huggett (Answers on page 35)

ou are South as declarer playing or teams. YIn each case what is your play strategy?

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

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You are declarer in 3NT and You are declarer in 3NT. West leads the ♠Q. How do West leads the ♦7. How do you plan the play? you plan the play?

2. ♠ A 8 7 5 4 4. ♠ J 6 5 ♥ A 10 2 ♥ 7 6 4 ♦ 8 5 4 ♦ A 7 3 ♣ Q 5 ♣ A Q 5 3 *Prices shown are per person on an all-inclusive basis sharing

a twin or double-bedded room and are inclusive of bridge fees. N N Standard rooms all come with a private bath, toilet, balcony and W E W E tea and coffee making facilities. Sole occupancy supplement is £5 S S per night. The supplement for a pool view room is £3 per person, per night. To upgrade to a superior room with bath robe, bottle of ♠ 9 2 ♠ 9 2 wine and bowl of fruit on arrival is £3 per person per night. ♥ K Q J 9 7 5 ♥ A Q 10 8 3 2 For details of what is included in the all-inclusive package, please ♦ A K 6 ♦ K Q 6 call for an information pack and booking form. ♣ A K ♣ J 2 These prices are based on scheduled flights from Heathrow to Tunis. Flights from Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow can be arranged at a supplement. You are declarer in 6♥ and You are declarer in 4♥ *All prices are firm until 30th September 2018. West leads the ♣J. How do after West has overcalled you plan the play? in spades. West leads three Terms and conditions apply. Packaged with and rounds of spades with East bookings by Tunisia First ATOL 5933. following. How do you plan the play? For details or an information pack call Mr Bridge Holidays  01483 489961

BRIDGE November 2018 Page 15 Catching up with Sally Brock

For the past 18 months or so I have the girls’ shirts. We had thought the turns out to be a cold, milky tea (quite been in charge of the English U26 girls hotel would have one, but apparently pleasant) with bubbles of semolina in team. Last summer we played in the not. We decide that the simplest it (rather strange) – still, it’s good to European Championship and finished thing is to buy a new one from a local try everything once. Our team are not third, with the top six qualifying for supermarket. That accomplished we on , but it is good to see the the world championships, which took wander back to the hotel for lunch. boards. place in Wujiang, China, in August. Then there is a lot of ironing to do There are quite a few tricky boards The team, with a couple of changes as there are 45 logos to put in place. in the set, and we eventually win by from last summer’s, was Olivia Bailey Well done, Laura! In the middle of 8 IMPs (12.44 VPs). Then it’s back to & Ewa Wieczorek, Laura Covill & Siyu this David (Burn), our coach, arrives the hotel (only a five-minute walk, but Ren, Liz Gahan & Yvonne Wiseman, and gives the girls some good tips, and it must be at least 35 degrees outside) with coach David Burn. My articles then they sit on the floor of my room for a quick lunch before the afternoon this month have coalesced into a day- and practise a bit. sessions. Actually, our schedule is by-day account of our trip to China. Later on, David and I wander off fairly light. There are only 15 teams to the Captains’ meeting – nothing in the Girls event, so we have three very interesting – and afterwards the matches a day (compared with the four Day 1/2 (Aug 6/7) opening ceremony. We all sit at round that others have to play sometimes). After a morning packing and getting tables, laid for a dozen or so people. Our bridge day finishes before 6pm. myself ready Barry comes to help me There are some titbits on the table at the In the first match after lunch we to Hammersmith with my suitcase. start, most sweet rather than savoury. play Indonesia. We expect them to Then it’s a change to the Piccadilly We listen to several speeches, which be fairly tough as they have a good line and off to Terminal 2. I meet up are generally fairly short (including training programme for their open with Liz in plenty of time (it’s just the one guy whose speech – according to and women’s teams. Our inside two of us on this particular flight) and David Burn – is shorter than his job information tells us that they have one we start off our journey by flying to title!). Then there is a buffet dinner. good pair. However, in the first match Munich, stopping over for a couple of The food here is all rather strange, they lost narrowly to Chile (who are hours and then on to Shanghai. All much less anglicised than we usually not expected to be contenders), so our passes off peacefully and we are met get in China, but if you’re not too fussy hopes are high. at the airport by some other bridge there is no real room for complaint. While the match is played we go to players who have come from all sorts a special area laid out with tables and of different directions, and a shuttle chairs and watch BBO on our laptops. bus. We set off for the two-hour drive Day 4 (Aug 9) to Wujiang, then straight in to dinner We all meet for breakfast at 8.30, and For those with which is very … Chinese! And then to then walk over to the venue at about pre-existing bed. 9.15. David and I settle the pairs down, health conditions i.e. find their seats, make sure they (No Age Limit) have water, and know where the toilets l Travel Insurance with online Medical Day 3 (Aug 8) Screening are (and remind them that they have l Cover for medical conditions, up to a high I sleep quite well which is a surprise. to ask permission before they go). I level of severity, even a terminal prognosis After breakfast we walk to the venue then repair to the VuGraph room with l No age limits (about five minutes) and register, in Laura and Siyu who are not playing l Instant online cover the process getting our badges and this set. Siyu asks me if I would like a ( 0344 249 1701 goodie bags. And then it is the big drink and I say yes to bubble tea. There [email protected] quest … for an iron. My U26 girls team are no drink stations at the venue (only www.genesischoice.co.uk is sponsored by Touchlight, a British water) so she uses her phone to order Genesis Choice Ltd are an appointed representative of NDI Insurance and Reinsurance Brokers Ltd who company who do research into DNA, it and some time later it arrives (all are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct and we need to iron their logo on to a bit of a mystery to me). Bubble tea Authority No.446914

Page 16 BRIDGE November 2018 Our team is generally not on VuGraph After lunch we are back in good but we can watch a match that is and spirits against Thailand. Again we are Dealer East. Love All. so know the boards, and follow each well up at the halfway stage. Then we ♠ A 6 3 result scored by our pairs as they have two bad swings. On one we fail to ♥ K J 10 7 3 play each board. So we know how the bid a making 4♥ over opponents’ 3♠, ♦ J 9 4 match is going … and then to add insult to injury we let ♣ 4 3 We do well, winning by 10 IMPs 3♠ through. That is 13 IMPs out. Then ♠ Q 10 8 7 4 ♠ K J 9 5 2 (12.97 VPs), although it is more for a we have this bidding problem: ♥ A Q 9 5 4 N ♥ 8 6 W E ♦ 6 2 ♦ Q 8 5 while. The highlight is Board 6: S ♣ 8 ♣ Q J 9 Dealer West. N/S Game. ♠ Dealer North. N/S Game. ♠ 6 5 4 ♠ K Q J 10 ♥ 2 ♠ K Q 9 8 5 2 ♥ A 10 9 4 N ♥ Q J 7 ♦ A K 10 7 3 ♥ Void ♦ 10 6 4 W E ♦ A K Q J 9 ♣ A K 10 7 6 5 2 S ♦ 6 4 2 ♣ A 8 3 ♣ J ♣ 10 5 4 3 ♠ J 10 4 3 ♠ A 6 When Yvonne and Liz come back and ♥ 10 7 2 N ♥ A Q 3 The bidding goes (at many tables): say they lost 420 when their opponents W E ♦ 10 9 8 5 ♦ A K 7 3 ♦ S played in 5 , there is cause for concern. ♣ 9 7 ♣ A K J 2 West East Although it is possible that this will ♠ 7 Pass 1♦ be flat, it seems more likely that our ♥ K J 9 8 6 5 4 1♥ 2♠ pair will go minus than make a slam ♦ Q J 3♦ 3♥ (though slam is made at several tables). ♣ Q 8 6 3NT And right we are. Their bidding is:

This contract goes down when the West North East South West North East South heart finesse is wrong. How should the Pass 1♣ 2♠ Dbl 3♥ hand be bid? I think both players were 1♠ 2♥ 3♠ 4♦ Pass 3NT Dbl 4♥ wrong here. First, I think that when Pass 5♣ Pass 6♣ Pass Pass Dbl All Pass West bids 3♦ before bidding 3NT then All Pass she has only one club stopper and South might have been more prudent East should remove 3NT. East knows It’s hard to be too critical of South – to pass on the first round, given the that she is missing aces and there is on another day she would have been unfavourable vulnerability. virtually no chance of there being right. But this time 6♣ goes two down West would probably have bid – nine top tricks. However, I think West and we lose 11 IMPs. many pairs play here, should bid 2NT on the second round. In the U26 match between England whereby a 2NT response shows a Now when East bids 3♥ it is easy for and India, South opened 1♣ and West really bad hand. East would have her to bid 4♥ as she has already shown bid 2♣ which he meant as the majors, raised to 3NT, a contract which would her club stopper. Our opponents seem but East thought it was natural. North surely have made given the favourable to have no problem in arriving in the bid 2♥ which he thought was natural diamond position. As it was 4♥ heart game, and that is another 11 but South thought it was a club raise. doubled went for 1700! And 16 IMPs IMPs out. South then tried 4♠ intending it to us. The third match is against Norway, as Exclusion Blackwood for clubs, We go back to the hotel and have an and it is on BBO. This is a first outing but North thought it was Exclusion early dinner – much better than usual on BBO for some of our players, who Blackwood for hearts – consequently as the food is hot and the beer cold. are understandably nervous. Again, he showed the wrong number of aces. After dinner, Barry and I practise we start off well, being 10 up after six This led to South bidding ♣7 , which some bidding online for a while and boards, but then we miss a slam and was doubled and went two down. discuss some of the day’s deals (he has dribble a few bits and pieces out to lose England put in an appeal because of been watching on BBO). twice that much in the later boards. this wrong information and the result Still, spirits are high and we are still was changed, leaving them level on the above average, which is all we need to board instead of losing 14 IMPs. Day 5 (Aug 10) be to qualify for the quarter-finals. After lunch we play Brazil, in theory Not such a good day. The first match one of the weaker teams. We lose by 2 against the USA starts well – indeed IMPs without anyone doing anything we are 22 IMPs up at the halfway Day 6 (Aug 11) terrible. There is a slam which needs stage, but then a series of medium Laura’s birthday. The first match is flat declarer to bring in A-K-J-x-x opposite sized swings see us lose our lead and a down to the last board which is a bit 10-9-x-x for no losers – just with the few more besides. of a freak: odds, but no great shakes. u

BRIDGE November 2018 Page 17 They bid it and we don’t. There is Q-x Very tricky. Had she bid 5♣ it would name written in Chinese on it) and offside which they drop. Plenty of have led to at least –500. As it happens, have dinner in the hotel as usual. declarers lose a trump trick – maybe 4♥ is the least bad thing. Our girl we would have too if we had bid it. chooses to pass and hope 4♦ is going Otherwise their thin games make down, which I am sure it would most Day 10 (Aug 15) while ours don’t. of the time, but not this time. This also The girls go off to play in the BAM. Our third fixture of the day is a bye. wipes out the good result achieved BAM stands for Board A Match. This After having our team photograph by our pair in the other room who is teams with pairs scoring – except taken, we go back to our hotel where stopped in 4♦ just making when most even more vicious. You are simply Siyu has organised a cake for Laura. It others are going down in 5♦. trying to do better than the particular is a beautiful and delicious affair which After lunch things get even pair your team-mates are playing comes with a knife to cut it with, eight worse with our match against top- against. If you do you score 2 points, small paper plates and eight plastic of-the-table Netherlands. We are if you don’t you score 0 and there is forks, all packed together with a box comprehensively beaten with only one 1 point each for a tie. It is an exciting of dry ice. It is a very light sponge with medium-sized swing in our direction. form of the game and often there are plenty of fruit, all covered with a dark The final match is against Poland. The lots of doubled contracts. Whereas in a chocolate icing. And a 2 and a 3 candle first half is more or less level, but once normal pairs game you are trying not on top. In the evening David and I again it goes downhill in the second to get bad results, at BAM you can’t treat them to dinner at the Italian half, ending with a loss by some 20- afford to sit back and wait. Because restaurant in the Marriott Hotel in odd IMPs. We no longer have any there is not much advantage playing Suzhou. We all enjoy the break from realistic chances of qualifying. in a team of six, Yvonne and Liz join Chinese food, and the chance to have up with Daniel and Liam, one of the a glass of wine with our dinner. U21 pairs, while the other four play Day 8 (Aug 13) together with the addition of a fifth Altogether a better start. We score our (Singaporean) player. At the end of the Day 7 (Aug 12) best win of the tournament against day, halfway through the qualifying With an ‘easy match’ followed by two middle-of-the-field Turkey. For once round, England U20 Lions (Yvonne, tough ones, we hope for a good win in our decent start doesn’t slide away. Liz, Daniel and Liam) are leading. the first, against China Hong Kong. It Olivia had picked up a tummy bug Meanwhile, there is nothing for is not to be. Everything they do works from somewhere so the other four us oldies to play in, so I get some out well and what we do turns to dust. continue for the rest of the day. The work done until 4pm when Paul and An aggressive jump overcall on the French match does not go well and Graham (captain and coach of the U26 first board leads their declarer to play although we have great hopes against team), and David Burn and I decide to diamonds in winning fashion – she Chile, as seems usual, one of the wander over to the nearby 5-star hotel has K-6 facing A-J-10-9-8-4-2 so she poorer teams in the competition plays and see if there is a decent restaurant cashes the king and then . Our well against us. there so we can eat something western declarer gets it right with no clue. Later for a change. It turns out that there isn’t one of them opens a non-vulnerable – they have a good Chinese restaurant, 3♦ with: Day 9 (Aug 14) but we have had enough Chinese food. This was always going to be a rest day What they do have is proper WiFi whether we had qualified or not. I go and somehow Google works here (it ♠ J 6 5 to Suzhou with Liz and Yvonne. We generally doesn’t in China), so over a ♥ A 3 2 get a taxi that lets us out near a garden couple of beers we establish that there ♦ A J 9 6 5 3 2 that we had identified as somewhere is a restaurant called The Blue Marlin ♣ Void good to go – Suzhou is famous for its that serves western food not so very far gardens. However, there is a £9 away. So off we go in a taxi. It actually charge so we put that off for a while does seem to be quite a way, but we This is raised to ♦4 , giving our girl because we are enjoying browsing the eventually find it and sit outside with, a problem with a 5-5-0-3 10-count small shops lining the streets. In the first, a sharing plate of cold meat and with two decent suits. She doubles, as end we fail to visit a single garden, but cheese, followed by non-Chinese food would I, and then her partner has to have a great time wandering alongside – a burger, fajitas, ribs etc – all washed decide what to do with: all the canals and shopping. We do down with a couple of bottles of wine. visit the Twin Pagoda, however, which It makes a nice change. was built by some students to honour ♠ K 9 8 their teacher – it made us feel like ‘an ♥ Q 8 5 apple for the teacher’ was somehow Day 11 (Aug 16) ♦ 8 7 inadequate! We come back in a taxi We had a plan to go through the ♣ K J 9 4 3 (not without difficulty – it was a good knock-out hands with the girls in idea to take our hotel card with the the evening as the schedule had them

Page 18 BRIDGE November 2018 finishing play at 5pm. However, that the position and then play to ruff the up on to the stage, they play music. turns out not to be the case and as third round of diamonds with the When the juniors go up, for example, they don’t finish until after 8pm, they ten of hearts. We could see that in they play ‘Star Wars’. When the girls have had enough (not surprisingly). practice it would make. Eventually, the go up they play ‘Pretty Woman’! My The English U20 Lions qualify in Singaporean South asks for aces, and team are pretty shocked by this, as sixth place (with 18 to qualify for when they are all present, tries 5NT, are the Dutch (and no doubt several tomorrow’s final). The English U26 North showing the ♦K. Time stands others). Were we being particularly team also qualify, but the U26 girls still and then South bids the grand sensitive (as was said by the WBF team just miss the cut-off point. slam … and Singapore are through. official I complained to) or was that I meet up with Paul and Graham After dinner I have an online out of order in today’s egalitarian (David has not been well – rotten cold) teaching session with Mary. I skype society? and we take a taxi to Tongli, just 20 with both Briony and Barry and then Because of a very early start, I opt for minutes away. This is a historic town, it’s time for bed. an early night (though as luck would a favourite with Chinese tourists. We have it, it takes an age to get to sleep). have to pay nearly £10 to go in, but then there are lots of gardens, canals, Day 12 (Aug 17) bridges and, of course, shopping I spend most of the day watching the Day 14 (Aug 19) opportunities. We spend several hours Sweden v Singapore final. There is My alarm goes off at 3.15 and I am happily wandering about, including a plenty of exciting bridge. In between downstairs at 3.45. We are picked up in very authentic lunch experience. I do some work: writing this article, a minibus which is barely big enough At dinner we watch the final stages writing my captain’s report, writing for all of us and our luggage. Suitcases of the Singapore v Poland U26 semi- up some interesting hands for the are piled up on the seat beside me. It final on David’s phone (he seems to Sunday Times, etc. takes a couple of hours for the drive, be able to get internet access all over While I am doing this, the English as expected, so we are at the airport the place when none of the rest of us teams are continuing in the BAM. at 6.30 for our 10.10 flight (to Vienna). can). We are pro Singapore because (a) Both finish mid-field, but in the battle The Chinese take no chances! Time Siyu’s boyfriend is on the team, and that counts the English U20 Lions for a leisurely western breakfast (or (b) Jazlene is on the team – she was at finish one place ahead of the English Chinese approximation of a western Cambridge and came to some of our U26. breakfast). The 11-hour flight passes training meetings. In the evening I go over to the other by as tediously as usual – I watch four Singapore are leading by 1 IMP hotel for a drink with David, Paul and movies. We have a couple of hours when the penultimate board lands on Graham. While we are knocking back in Vienna – time for a cappuccino the table: the beer we watch the end of the day’s and talking about some of the hands play on our phones. Afterwards we go with Laura – and then a two-hour up to the Japanese restaurant in the flight home. Barry is there to meet Dealer North. Game All. hotel for dinner. me (so nice) and we take the tube to ♠ 6 3 Hammersmith, and then a bus to his ♥ A 9 4 2 flat. We (along with John Holland who ♦ A K Q 7 Day 13 (Aug 18) is staying in London for the night) ♣ A J 2 Our last day. I watch the penultimate go to Barry’s local Indian restaurant ♠ Q 9 8 7 5 2 ♠ K 10 set of the U26 final, rooting for (anything but Chinese for at least a ♥ J 5 N ♥ 8 7 6 Singapore. Then it is lunch, but week or two) for dinner. Then at last a ♦ J 4 W E ♦ 10 8 6 5 3 n S that is in the Dyna Sun Hotel today bit of sleep after a really long day. ♣ 9 7 4 ♣ 10 8 6 (something very exciting going on in ♠ A J 4 our hotel with lots of young Chinese ♥ K Q 10 3 in fancy dress). That is certainly an DUPLICATE BRIDGE ♦ 9 2 improvement on our hotel. Afterwards ♣ K Q 5 3 I walk back to get my laptop and then RULES SIMPLIFIED watch the final session in the Dyna Sun (otherwise known as the Yellow Book) with Paul and Graham. It is exciting by David Stevenson I would give you their sequences but stuff but the Swedes hang on to win by they are long, artificial and would 5 IMPs. Then it is back to shower and FULLY REVISED only not mean a lot. Poland plays the deal change for the closing ceremony. The IN 2017 £595 first, stopping in 6♥. The grand slam Chinese do these opening and closing is a good contract – it is virtually ceremonies rather better (and quicker) Available from Mr Bridge cold if trumps are 3-2 or if the jack is than most other countries, I think. All ( 01483 489961 singleton. It also has a good chance if the speeches and award presentations West has jack to four trumps because are done in an hour. When all the www.mrbridge.co.uk you can cash the king-queen to expose medallists from a particular group go

BRIDGE November 2018 Page 19 A world of bridge A History of Playing Cards: Part Twenty Three by Paul Bostock gift ideas The Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards Beautiful leather zipped cases in burgundy red or deep blue containing two packs of cards and a set of our bridge design ballpoint pens. Fantastic he City of London has some 110 livery companies value at just £29.00 whose role is to represent and in many cases to regulate A set of four scorepad various trades, both ancient (armourers and brasiers holders - two burgundy Tfor example) and modern (information technologists). The and two blue made from oldest company, the Mercers’, was founded in the fourteenth top quality leather. century. Liverymen – the men and women members of these (Scorepads not included) companies - are entitled to vote in the elections of the city’s Offered at this special two Sheriffs and the Lord Mayor of London. price of £29.00 The Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards (WCMPC) was granted its charter by King Charles I in 1628, largely to protect playing card makers against foreign imports (it pains me to say that these were better made). In return, the playing card makers agreed to collect a new taxation on their packs. Reverse of the first The WCMPC is very active today with a membership of 150 WCMPC Master’s liverymen (the maximum permitted), around 20 freemen and Installation pack, 1882. currently two apprentices (who are still in higher education). Membership of the livery is now open to people from all trades and backgrounds, there being very few people left in the industry itself, and the emphasis is on fellowship and charity. The company is keen to strengthen its links with similar modern industries, such as computer games. In 1882 the Master of the Company produced a double-pack of cards to celebrate his installation (election to office, annually on November 30th). It has become a tradition for the Master to issue a set which depicts an event in the year of the Master’s Installation, and packs have been made every year since 1882. From 1888 onwards, the cards have also shown the Master’s portrait on the Ace of Spades. This has become a very human record of the Company’s masters and the pictures Despatched by first class capture changes in dress and style too. All liverymen of the post or DPD courier for Company receive these special packs, as well as guests at the just £3.25 Master’s Installation banquet. Completing a full set from the CARDS, CLOTHS, 1880s onwards is a challenge for collectors – the sets from the JIGSAWS AND LOTS nineteenth century are particularly difficult to find. MORE GIFT IDEAS ON The Makers of Playing Cards Charity is a registered charity, OUR WEBSITE founded during World War II. In 1940, De La Rue’s main www.bridge-tables.co.uk factory in the City of London was destroyed in the Blitz, and PHONE printing was delegated to Waddington’s (in Leeds). Both 01483 270100 De La Rue and Waddington made financial contributions, or order online at with the immediate aim of supporting employees who lost www.bridge-tables.co.uk work during the war. The Charity’s aims are now generally educational and for young people, with support for children’s SR Designs for Bridge Unit A1, Send Business Park, WCMPC 1948 – Celebrating the charities and educational establishments in the City and London Olympics at White City beyond.

Page 20 BRIDGE November 2018 The company holds an annual Inter-Livery Bridge Competition, now in its 35th year. All livery companies are invited and up to 64 pairs compete over an evening, with dinner during the half-way break. Players often represent around forty of the City’s different livery companies. The event attracts a mixed level of players from irregular club players to players of national representative standard; it is normally staged in the historic Drapers’ Hall (featured in the film The King’s Speech). While the Actuaries’ Company has the best record, WCMPC players have fared well in recent years.

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Sir Christopher Walford 1935-2015. Sir Christopher was Master of 21-23 June £238 the WCMPC in 1987-8 (left) and went on to become Lord Mayor in 1994-5 (right). Hosted by Will Parsons Close to the heart of 4-6 October £218 The WCMPC has an extensive collection of playing cards, Bournemouth, the Elstead Just Duplicate including some of the earliest surviving examples of the Hotel is situated in a quiet, 8-10 November £218 English card-makers’ craft. In some cases these fragile tree-lined avenue. Just Duplicate artefacts are the only surviving examples. This collection The attractive and spacious 15-17 November £264 air-conditioned restaurant is believed to be unrivalled in the UK and brings together Key Card Blackwood & Slams not only the Company’s own collection but a number of has an excellent reputation Hosted by Bernard Magee significant bequests. The Waddington collection is also for traditional, home-cooked currently in the Company’s care. The WCMPC collection food. is strong on English cards, particularly the ‘illustrated cards’ The Nordic Leisure Club offers of around 1700, and it also includes fine examples from most the very best of leisure countries with a tradition of playing cards. n facilities for a hotel in Dorset - including a 46’ heated pool and fitness suite. The author is a Court Assistant in the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards – see Prices shown are per person, full board including tea & coffee www.makersofplayingcards.co.uk during breaks and a welcome drinks party. There is no single Many more sets of cards are illustrated on the author’s supplement, subject to availability, and single players will website always be found a partner. The Mr Bridge Team will offer www.plainbacks.com support during the set hand sessions, on the seminar events, and make up the numbers in the duplicates, so there should never be a half table. Mobility Scooter Insurance All rooms are ensuite, have tea & coffee making facilities. The venue has a lift, pool, gym and free wi-fi in the lounges. ( 0333 003 3186 For details and bookings call www.genesischoice.co.uk Mr Bridge Holidays  01483 489961

BRIDGE November 2018 Page 21 Julian Pottage Answers Your Bridge Questions What Should I Overcall In A Very Weak Suit?

1. Once again or 14 points, should I say 3♥ doubleton). Playing a strong might pass when you have I had a strange instead of 2♥? Or is it up to no-trump, you are less likely 15 HCP facing 10+ from Q hand to bid. I partner to bid on if she/he to have a small doubleton so partner. Nor do you want was playing South: has a good enough hand? a new suit shows strength in to be going past 3NT when Ann Yeldon, the suit – you could play this you have a long minor. Thus, Seaford, East Sussex. with a weak no-trump too. you cannot immediately ♠ A 5 If you prefer to keep things show the extra diamonds. ♥ 9 8 7 5 3 1. With five bad simple, you could play jump If your doubleton spade is ♦ A Q hearts, you might acceptance as any maximum quite strong, particularly ♣ A J 7 5 A reasonably decide with 4-card support. if it includes a tenace, you either to double or to might reasonably rebid overcall 1NT rather than ♣♦♥♠ 2NT. If not, this leaves a My RHO opened 1♠ and overcall 2♥. Since the spade bid of the opposing suit to I wasn’t sure what my holding is such that a no- I opened 1♦ with show general strength as call should be. Maybe trump contract might play 15 points and six the only viable option. If double as I had shortage better from partner’s hand, Q diamonds (A-K-10- partner continues with 2NT in the bid suit but I was I prefer double to 1NT. As x-x-x). I can’t remember the or 3♣, you will be able to holding the ace in that the cards lie, a 1NT overcall rest of my hand but I was show the extra diamonds suit. In the event I bid 2♥. could work better, although 2-2-6-3. LHO overcalled 1♠ on the next round. My partner, North, held double will be OK if partner and partner bid 2♥, which 5 points and passed: bids 1NT rather than 2♦. I took to show at least 5 ♣♦♥♠ After your actual 2♥ hearts and 10+ points. I bid overcall, your RHO might 3♦ which partner passed. Playing weak twos, ♠ Q 9 7 4 have reopened with a We made 11 tricks. One my partner bid ♥ Q J 6 double, although this is pair bid 5♦. Partner had 11 Q 2♠ over my 2♥. I ♦ 9 7 5 3 risky with a minimum and points and three diamonds passed with a weak hand ♣ 10 4 an aceless hand. Your as well as five hearts. and 2 spades, not knowing LHO could not have done My 3♦ could have been whether partner’s bid was anything differently – passing made with a 12 point hand, forcing. We discussed 2♥ was passed out and I smoothly and hoping to and no heart support. it afterwards and realised went two off only making get the chance to pass a Is there a bidding it was something we 6 tricks. What should I reopening double was fine. mechanism that I could need to agree on. have bid? Should the 2. Yes, holding 4-card have used to show a hand We realised that partner opponents have bid again? support (except perhaps with game potential af- should not attempt a They held: with a 4-3-3-3 shape) it is ter partner’s bid? What rescue with a weak hand, often a good idea to make would 2♠ have shown? and with 16+ points a super acceptance. Mike Johnson by email. partner can make a 2NT ♠ 10 3 ♠ K J 8 6 2 I usually play that a enquiry. But what about ♥ ♥ ♥ A K 10 2 N 4 jump (in this case to 3 ) The opposing overcall the ‘in-between’ hands? ♦ J 6 4 W E ♦ K 10 8 2 shows 4-card support and makes life difficult Articles by yourself and S ♣ 9 8 3 2 ♣ K Q 6 a minimum with other A because it denies Andrew Kambites in BRIDGE bids being descriptive and you an easy opportunity recommend that a new suit maximum. Playing a weak to make a natural response is forcing for one 2. We do transfers, so if no-trump, it is common to strength showing rebid. round. Others recommend after my 1NT bid my partner play that a new suit shows a As it seems you have that it should be played as bids 2♦, I am expected to bid small doubleton (and you bid worked out, you do not want constructive but not forc- 2♥. If I am holding 4 good 2NT if you are maximum with to be making a minimum ing, not strong enough for hearts, ie A and Q and 13 4-card support and no small sounding rebid that partner a 2NT response (say 11-15

Page 22 BRIDGE November 2018 HCP), but indicating no than partner would expect. South bid 1NT. no clue about the strong interest in partner’s suit but Vulnerability as well as Should South have bid five-card heart suit). A simple with a good alternative suit position at the table affects 2♣? raise of 2♦ to 3♦ would not, to improve the partscore if pre-emptive bidding. In any North bid 2♣ and made however, do the hand justice. opener has some support, position vulnerable against ten tricks. At other tables, You started with a double and perhaps an outside not, or in second seat at when South played the because you considered the chance of game if partner game all, it is a good idea to hand, 5♣ made. hand as too strong for a 1♥ has the right sort of hand. have a seven-card suit head- Was South wrong to bid overcall (and not suitable Before we flip a coin, ed by two of the top three 1NT? for an unusual 2NT overcall) could you advise on the pros honours. In second seat even I will be interested to know so your second bid needs to and cons of each option? non-vulnerable you should what is the correct action. show strength. If partner bid Mike Johnson by email. have a seven-card suit. Elizabeth Hocken by email. 2♦ (either as a jump or as a free bid over something like I recommend playing ♣♦♥♠ A reply of 1NT to 2♣), I would be making a 4♣ a change of suit as partner’s take-out splinter on the next round. Aforcing so that hands What would A double suggests a with their own suit do not you open with stopper in the suit opened, ♣♦♥♠ need to start with the 2NT Q this hand? no suit worth showing and enquiry. This way, if the a few values (say 6-9 HCP). Please can you bidding starts something With only 4 HCP, I would advise us about like 2♥-2NT-3♥-4♣ then the ♠ A Q J 8 6 3 not bid 1NT, preferring Q this deal on which last bid is clearly a cue bid. ♥ K Q J 10 4 2♣ as you suggest. we got a poor score? You could play a response ♦ 7 If you bid 1NT and the at the two level as an excep- ♣ 9 doubler changes the suit, tion if you are happy to play this ought to be forcing, ♠ K 7 2 that strong hands with long HCP = 13 although if you bid 1NT with ♥ 8 6 suit jump to the three level. Playing Tricks = 9 only 4 HCP I can understand ♦ A Q 8 Quick Tricks = 2.5 why you might pass. ♣ A K Q 7 2 ♣♦♥♠ David Cree, ♠ J 10 8 5 ♠ Q 6 4 Strathaven. ♣♦♥♠ ♥ A K 9 N ♥ Q J 10 5 4 W E Is it true that you ♦ K J 10 3 S ♦ 7 4 should not have With only 13 HCP, I came up against ♣ 9 4 ♣ 6 5 3 Q the ace or king of a this is an easy a decision and I ♠ A 9 3 side suit to pre-empt in the A decision. Open 1♠. Q knew what I bid ♥ 7 3 2 first and second position, A hand with a semi-solid was not the right choice. ♦ 9 6 5 2 and what sort of hand 9-card suit (K-Q-J-x-x-x-x-x-x) Right hand opponent ♣ J 10 8 should you have to pre-empt and nothing else contains opens 1♣. My hand was: in the second position? eight playing tricks – but Martin Epstein by email. you would not dream of I was sitting North, my opening a strong two with it. ♠ J 5 3 wife was South, and Whatever your Strong opening bids ♥ A K Q 4 2 the bidding went: position at the table, it require high cards, not ♦ A K 10 6 4 A is best for you to pre- just playing strength. ♣ Void West North East South empt when you have most of Pass your values in your long suit ♣♦♥♠ 1NT Dbl 2♥ All Pass and not too much outside. I doubled and my Saying that you cannot have Please could you partner bid diamonds. Although they went down an ace or king on the side is advise me about I bid 3♦, which ended one for +100 to us, this a bit too restrictive, however. Q the bidding: the auction. Should I have was a worse score than the If you are going to have bid the hearts first? 2♣+2, 3♣+1 or 2NT that four points outside your Doreen Parrington, other N/S pairs were in, suit, it is better to have ♠ J 9 4 Lytham St Annes. or the 1NT undoubled -2 an ace than a couple of ♥ Q 8 5 3 that gave +200 to N/S. doubleton queens. If you ♦ 7 2 You say that partner I know the double of do have an outside ace, ♣ J 8 5 3 bid diamonds but not 1NT was for penalties but you would not want to have A whether that was 1♦ with 18 points this seemed the ace in your own suit as or 2♦. If you jump raised 1♦ sound enough, although it well because then you have West North East South to 3♦, that showed a pretty scared them off into a heart better defensive prospects 1♥ Dbl Pass ? good hand (albeit giving contract. u

BRIDGE November 2018 Page 23 I couldn’t bid 2♣ as we’d meant my double to show As is so often the case, half of the 13 HCP in the agreed to play a shortage in hearts and having an agreement about short heart suit, North does and I couldn’t bid 3♣ as the other three suits (I had whether a double is penal- not have an ideal hand for we are playing weak jump 14 HCP and four good ties, takeout or simply values the 2♠ overcall – but passing overcalls. Should I just pass spades 4-2-3-4). Even is useful. Since 2♣ is artificial, is risky as well, especially on the principle that “my though we got a top with doubling that just shows val- if this is at love all, which is bid is taken away from 2♠ making, my partner was ues rather than anything spe- the bidder’s vulnerability. me”? Or bid 2NT as we’re annoyed with my call. cific about your club holding. not playing unusual? Is it normal bidding for my ♣♦♥♠ I felt I couldn’t double double in this sequence to ♣♦♥♠ again as my partner had be a “take-out“ of hearts? How do you make passed twice and could Alun Williams, My partner (North) 3♠ on this deal? have had nothing, and that Llanfairpwll, Angelsey. and I, playing Q could give them game. My Q Multi Landy, held: partner would probably take Yes, after an ♠ A J 8 7 6 that as take-out and bid 3♦ opposing opening ♥ J 10 3 or something and I couldn’t A and a 1NT response, ♠ K 9 7 6 5 ♦ 7 possibly bid 4♣ although it is standard to play double ♥ A Q ♣ A K 8 4 it would have made. as take-out of opener’s suit. ♦ A 10 5 2 ♠ 5 4 ♠ 10 9 2

John Collins, The action should not annoy ♣ 7 2 ♥ K 9 8 6 2 N ♥ A Q 7 5 W E Hertfordshire. your partner, especially if you ♦ A K 10 9 S ♦ J N got a good score. W E ♣ Q 7 ♣ J 9 6 3 2 To be honest your S ♠ K Q 3 auction is one quite ♣♦♥♠ ♠ Q ♥ 4 A easy to replicate. ♥ K 10 5 4 ♦ Q 8 6 5 4 3 2 East would retreat to hearts Can you advise on ♦ Q J 3 ♣ 10 5 even without the double, the best bid here? ♣ Q J 9 6 3 so collecting 200 from 1NT Q N/S Game, IMPs Eardley Berkeley, was not really an option. Warwickshire. The only thing you might West North East South do differently is double ♠ A K 7 5 2 1NT 2♠ Pass ? The simple answer is again on the North hand. ♥ 10 6 5 3 N ‘only with some help W E My usual agreement is only ♦ A 2 S Should South just pass 2♠ A from the defenders’. to pass out the opposing ♣ 7 4 or should he bid 2NT to On a trump lead initially and retreat with length in their find partner’s minor even a second trump lead after suit. If North does double if it is 1 level higher? they get in with a heart, the again, which I play as more West North East South Name and address supplied. position is hopeless as you take-out than penalty, South Pass 1NT 2♣ cannot take two ruffs in the has a tricky choice. I would ? With a singleton South hand – you make five bid 2NT to show two places 1NT = 15-17 spade and a decent trumps, two clubs and one to play. Then whether North 2♣ = Majors A hand, I would not ruff. Even if the defenders al- bids 3♣ or takes a view and Huw Jones, Swansea. want to pass 2♠. You will low South to score two ruffs, passes 2NT, you will be have a better fit in a minor, the 4-1 diamond break and OK. If you play a second It would seem that possibly much better if East’s ♠10-9-x mean that you double as penalties, like the opponents have partner has five diamonds should run into a trump pro- most club players, you do Achosen the wrong or a second suit of clubs. motion on the second round not want to bid 3♣ on such moment to enter the auction Bidding 2NT (rather than a of diamonds. Remember, a flat hand and are stuck. and a big penalty beckons. ‘pass or correct’ 3♣) does one of the ruffs in the South If you double and then seem reasonable when hand will be with an honour. ♣♦♥♠ double again (assuming you have 11 HCP, although If the background to your 2♣ doubled does not get some of your soft values question is that a computer This bidding passed out), partner is likely will be facing a shortage printout showed 3♠ as sequence came up to take that as for penalties. and not pulling full weight. makeable, I am afraid there Q the other day: The slight downside is that While the 2♠ overcall is a flaw in the program. If doubling 2♣ gives North a does not promise a five-card 3♠ made at one or two tables West North East South natural 2♦ bid, whereas if minor, one would not make at your club, I suspect that 1♥ Pass 1NT Dbl you pass then 2♦ from North the bid if the side suit is a the defenders had the chance would presumably ask South poor four-card minor or with for the but I was playing South and I to pick between the majors. a 6-4 shape. With almost did not take it. n

Page 24 BRIDGE November 2018

Bernard Magee DVDs – Number Forty-Seven Overcalls

t is rather strange that this topic of opening strength and holding five After going over some of the reasons, came up so late in the series of spades, there is a reasonable chance the DVD deals with the disruptive DVDs. Competitive bidding has for competing for the hand and you element and advocates trying weak Ibeen dealt with variously, but here should go for it. However, as is made jump overcalls as a way of causing the topic revolves around overcalls clear on the DVD whenever you have more disruption – these are very and partner’s actions after them. a weak all-round hand, then your suit similar to weak two openings: a jump In particular, the DVD studies the quality should be good to make up for overcall shows 6-10 points and a six- reasons for overcalling, rather than it. card suit. As is emphasised during the giving specific guidelines: Both East and South make seminar – you do need to agree to play supporting bids – no matter how weak these with your partner. Competition, Lead, Disruption, you are it is important to try to show Then comes the question: ‘How , Spades and Vulnerability. support because with a trump fit you many points do you need to overcall can always make tricks. an opening of 1NT?’ These are a few of the reasons for Over 2♠ West passed because he The answers given range from overcalling including the spade suit. was balanced and had no aspirations 10 to 16 points, but of course if the The highest suit is very powerful in for game – he was aware that on some reasons for overcalling are present bridge because if the two sides are occasions East might have supported then you might stretch a little bit competing for a deal, then spades with just three cards in hearts. more. Remember that an overcall of win at any given level, which makes it Finally, the auction comes back to 1NT tends to disrupt your opponents’ imperative that you try to find fits in East: a rule that has come up in many conventions. that suit. of the DVDs on competitive bidding is This hand has a number of points important here. of interest, particularly about suit If both sides have an eight-card fit, ♠ 7 6 ♠ 8 4 2 quality: it is always correct to compete to the ♥ K 7 4 3 N ♥ A Q 8 6 three-level over the two level. East ♦ A K 4 W E ♦ 8 2 S bids on to 3♥ knowing that if it makes ♣ Q 10 9 6 ♣ A K 5 3 ♠ J 9 5 3 2 it is a good thing, but if it goes down, ♥ 7 4 2 then surely 2♠ might have made. Note ♦ A K that East is sure of his side’s eight-card West East ♣ K Q 4 fit, rather than West. 1NT 2♣ ♠ A 6 ♠ K 8 4 There are indeed eight tricks for 2♥ 4♥ ♥ A K Q 9 N ♥ J 10 8 5 both sides with best defence. In 3♥, the ♦ J 9 4 W E ♦ Q 10 5 3 defence can take ♦K, ♦A, ♣K, ♣A and S These two hands have a straightforward ♣ J 9 5 3 ♣ 7 2 then a diamond ruff – by reversing auction to 4♥, via Stayman. However, ♠ Q 10 7 the order of his top diamonds North what happens if North overcalls 2♠? ♥ 6 3 gets across the message that he holds Without sophisticated methods, ♦ 8 7 6 2 a doubleton. reaching 4♥ is a lot more difficult. ♣ A 10 8 6 In 2♠, after a heart lead, the defence There will be players who will have can switch to trumps – leading three conventions such as Lebensohl to deal rounds of the suit and clearing all of with this intervention, but even if they West North East South South’s trumps – that leaves declarer do play such things they will often go 1♥ 1♠ 2♥ 2♠ with five losers – two top trumps and wrong. Playing more naturally – East Pass Pass 3♥ All Pass three hearts. So 3♥ works out better is a little bit stuck. They may still get to (-50) than leaving 2♠ (-110). However, 4♥, but the overcall makes it so much West opens in his major with 1♥, note that 3♠ does not work for North- more difficult. planning to rebid 1NT. North has a South. This deal reminds us of the Bearing in mind the disruption, pretty poor spade suit, which would power of the spade suit – both sides when the vulnerability is right (you fail on most suit quality tests, but have a fit with the points relatively are non-vulnerable) then try getting more important is to think of the even and it is the side with spades that stuck in with weaker hands, with a reasons for overcalling. With a hand goes plus. good 6-card suit. North held:

Page 26 BRIDGE November 2018 is a bid of your opponents’ suit. West ♠ K Q 10 9 5 3 should bid 2♣ here, to tell his partner BERNARD ♥ 9 2 he is strong. West does not want to ♦ Q J 3 play in clubs, he simply wants to force MAGEE’S ♣ 7 4 his partner to bid again and try to find INTERACTIVE the best level and denomination. East should alert the call. TUTORIAL CD Just eight high-card points, but with When you overcall in majors, cue a quality suit, and spades to boot, the bids promise support, but in the disruption the bid causes makes it minors often the partnership will be DEFENCE worth going for it, non-vulnerable. looking for no-trumps. East might Later, the DVD deals with replying hold: to overcalls. As the overcalling side the focus is on disruption, getting in your opponents’ way. So once again East 1 the idea of bidding to the level of your ♠ 10 9 2 MAC or fit comes up. You can rely on five cards ♥ 8 7 5 Windows for your partner’s overcall so if you ♦ K Q J 10 7 have four-card support you can jump ♣ J 3 from the one level to the three-level (for nine tricks). So many of the hands shown display In reply to a bid of the opponents’ suit weak hands seeming to overbid! there is one weak bid: repeating your However, bidding more tends to suit. East would simply rebid 2♦ over work, particularly with big fits. Some your 2♣ to tell you that his overcall of the hands demonstrate the idea was in the weak range (6-9 points). of sacrificing where even when you And now West could pass. are doubled you can make a saving – On any overcall with reasonable Bernard develops your losing 500 points instead of perhaps strength the overcaller bids something defence in the course of ten giving up 620 for your opponents other than 2♦. introductory exercises and making a game. 120 complete deals. The DVD then turns its attention to the less common circumstance when East 2 l Lead vs your partner overcalls and you have a ♠ 10 9 2 No-trump Contracts strong hand. ♥ 8 7 l Lead vs ♦ K Q J 10 7 Suit Contracts ♣ A J 3 l Partner of Leader ♠ Q J 4 3 vs No-trump ♥ A K 4 2 N W E Contracts ♦ A 3 S With this hand, East might rebid 2NT ♣ 9 5 2 to show a sound overcall with a club l Partner of Leader stopper and West could raise to 3NT. vs Suit Contracts l Count West North East South Signals 1♣ 1♦ Pass East 3 l Attitude £76 ? ♠ K 10 9 2 Signals ♥ 8 You are sitting West after this auction. ♦ K Q 9 8 7 l Discarding With 14 points and your partner ♣ A 7 3 l Defensive Plan having bid, there is a temptation to l Stopping Declarer leap to game, but remember that your partner might be weak. Overcalls at Or this East could rebid 2♠, allowing l Counting the Hand the 1-level with a good suit can be on West to raise to 4♠. as few as 6 or 7 points. So much of the The DVD covers all sorts of aspects competitive auction is based around of overcalling – dealing with simple Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, showing distributional and weak elements and difficult elements to Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH hands, but there has to be one bid create a full picture. Repeated viewing ( 01483 489961 reserved for stronger hands and in the will enhance your understanding of www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop middle of a competitive auction that competitive bidding. n

BRIDGE November 2018 Page 27 More Tips from Bernard Magee BERNARD Try To Identify Your Memory Strength MAGEE & Always Ask Partner, ‘Having None?' TUTORIAL DVDS his month I am giving you two tips at the same time because they are not tips Tthat require demonstration. Set 8 43 TEAMS OF FOUR Identify Your Memory Strength Ask Partner, ‘Having None?' This form of the game is the most common at international level and is Everybody’s mind works differently, so The second tip is very simple, but very great fun to play at club level and even in the home. I will discuss the basic format getting to know your mind and making important. If you take this advice then and then look at the tactics you might use the most of it can help your bridge. Try your partnership should not have to suf- in the bidding and play. to test your memory in a variety of ways fer any established . Every time and see which aspect you are best at. your partner fails to follow suit for the 44 GAME TRIES You can use repetition to remember: first time in a hand ask him the question When your partner raises your suit to the two-level, you have a variety of options by repeating and iterating certain things. ‘Having none, partner?’ available to you, in order to find out You can use the photographic method This should get him to look at this hand whether game is a sensible option. I will – try to take a picture in your mind of again and check – if he does have a card talk about game tries to find what you need to remember. Or you can in the suit led, he can replace it and the better games and minor suit game tries, when you consider the option of a no- use an action to remember things – this is not established. He may well trump contract. can be all sorts of different things. Once have a penalty card to leave on the ta- again you can try different methods and ble, but less damage is done. Remember 45 DISRUPTING see which works best for you. Moving the you can do this as a defender as well as DECLARER cards in your hand, asking a question or the dummy. If everybody does this, then A defender needs to try and predict what simply taking a conscious action of your really, there should be no established declarer might want to do. Your job is then to disrupt declarer’s plan. Stop him own (smiling, laughing, adjusting your revokes. Revokes are relatively common ruffing, stop him establishing suits and clothing, moving your arms, etc.) at the bridge table – quite often we plan generally try to put him off, by using only Another way of remembering is using ahead and go one step too far too fast, your cards, of course. the story method – this works for some, or perhaps the cards are a little sticky, 46 DEFENDING SLAMS but tends to be more useful for longer or perhaps we lose concentration, see Making the right plays against slams can term memory – in this you attach pictures dummy discard in a suit and follow in the make a huge difference. Knowing when to to those things you want to remember same suit as dummy. attack and when to lie low: should you lead and make up a story containing the pic- Whatever the reason, if the revoke is an ace or not? We will not just consider tures – it tends to be used by memory ex- found right away, little embarrassment is slam contracts, but also other high level contracts in competitive auctions. perts who try to remember the orders of caused, and more importantly, there are multiple packs of cards. fewer penalties involved. ■ 47 OVERCALLING Knowing which memory form works Duplicate bridge is so much more best for you is very important. Test your- competitive now and it is important you self at the bridge table. On one evening, are part of this. Knowing the reasons for overcalling and understanding them will try to remember the first trick of each PLUS 12 allow you to compete more and at the hand, but use different methods – when Q right time. you get to the last trick see if you are right Really user-friendly 48 PRESSING THE – perhaps you can do it every time, but bridge-playing keeping the information for the full hand DEFENCE is not easy. Remember it needs to be pre- software. As declarer there are ways you can make £99 life more awkward for the defenders, cise otherwise you have failed – you are including particularly by disguising holdings in your p&p looking for the exact cards – that is what hand for a little longer. I will be exploring you tend to need if you are to know that a number of tactics that will help you to exploit the defenders, including the the ♣8 is a winner at trick 13. TRADE IN – Send dreaded squeeze. Note that doing this on one evening in ANY bridge software, will seriously disrupt the quality of the together with a cheque for £25 per DVD or £105 for the set of six rest of your game that evening, but by £50 and receive QPlus 12. discovering your best form of memory, in Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961 the long run you will gain a lot. www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop

Page 28 BRIDGE November 2018

Mr Bridge UK Events 2019 Full Board – No Single Supplement*

Just Duplicate Tutorial Events Tutorial Events Blunsdon House Blunsdon House with Bernard Magee 25-27 January from £228* 5-7 April from £238* Blunsdon House Defence to Weak Twos 15-17 March from £228* Hosted by John Ronan 8-10 February from £258* 6-8 September from £228* Ruffing for Extra Tricks Elstead Hotel Chatsworth Hotel 1-3 November from £228* 28-30 June from £264* Bournemouth BH1 3QP 1-3 February £228 4-4-4-1 Hands Chatsworth Hotel Hand Evaluation Hosted by Will Parsons 8-10 November from £264* 15-17 March £223 Game Tries Masterpointed Duplicate 10-12 May £238 Doubling Chatsworth Hotel 26-28 April £218 Hosted by Sandy Bell 7-9 June £218 16-18 August £238 29-31 March £258 5-7 July £218 Leads and Fundamental Drawing Trumps Defence 27-29 September £218 Denham Grove Hosted by Martin Holcombe Denham Grove Near Uxbridge, UB9 5DG 1-3 November £218 10-14 January £454 Denham Grove 15-17 November £218 Re-Boot Your Acol 1-3 March £228 Denham Grove and Avoidance Elstead Hotel Hosted by Sandy Bell 28-30 June £229 15-17 November £264 Masterpointed Duplicate 9-11 August £238 Key Card Blackwood and Responding to 1NT Slams 19-21 July £218 Hosted by Elaine Duff 13-15 September £218 Elstead Hotel Inn on the Prom Olde Barn Hotel, Grantham 25-27 October £218 1-3 February £258 8-10 March £228 Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT Counting Defence Elstead Hotel Overcalls Hosted by Hilary Levett 28-30 May £264 22-24 February £218 26-28 April £238 Pre-Emptive Bidding 31 May - 2 June £218 Suit Establishment Olde Barn Hotel 4-6 October £218 Hosted by Will Parsons 12-14 July £264 21-23 June £238 8-10 November £218 Hand Evaluation Supporting Minors Olde Barn Hotel Hosted by Will Parsons 1-3 November £264 Defence as Partner of the Chatsworth Hotel 18-20 January £208 Olde Barn Hotel Leader Worthing BN11 3DU 8-10 March £208 8-10 February £218 Two Bridges Hotel 14-16 June £218 Finding Slams 3-5 April from £349* Hosted by Gary Conrad 26-28 July £229 Better Finessing Masterpointed Duplicate 17-19 May £238 Trouville Hotel 11-13 October £218 Drawing Trumps Hosted by John Ronan 15-19 February from £399** 20-22 September £238 Competitive Bidding Please note there are no seminars, set Further into the Auction Blunsdon House Hotel hands or prizes at these events. Hosted by Ray Hutchinson **Price includes ferry fare for two adults in one car Swindon SN26 7AS

Details & Bookings ( 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk *Subject to availability. Single supplement applies to all rooms at Two Bridges & Blunsdon House David Stevenson answers your Frequently Asked Questions BERNARD MAGEE Correct Names TUTORIAL DVDs

n an earlier article it was pointed have four cards for a 1♣ or 1♦ opening. SET 1 out that one should not use names If you need to know, you ask or check 1 Ruffing for Extra Tricks in describing systems, conventions the system card. Ior agreements. The reason for this How about Stayman? That is a ♣2 2 Competitive Auctions is that different people play these response to 1NT or a 3♣ response 3 Making the Most things in different ways and tend to to 2NT that asks for a major. Does of High Cards assume their way is the only way so it show a major? No, not necessarily. £25 this misleads people. However, most Pairs may play it to show a major but 4 Identifying per DVD bridge players tend to make some many pairs do not. It is unfortunate & Bidding Slams assumptions and use names which that some players who play Stayman they think clear so perhaps it would be to guarantee a major get quite upset 5 Play & Defence helpful if we were to look at what those when opponents say they are playing of 1NT Contracts names mean. Stayman but do not have a major. This 6 Doubling & Defence Let us start with Acol, which these is a frequent example of what was said against Doubled days is the most common British earlier when players assume other Contracts and Irish system. Please note that players play conventions their way. it is spelt Acol and not ACOL: it is a What does a Transfer mean? It is a SET 2 proper name named after a bridge bid that shows another suit, often the club (which was named after a road, one above, and frequently asks partner 7 Leads which was named after a village in to bid that suit, though it may only ♥ 8 Losing Trick Count Kent) and it is not an acronym. It is a suggest it. So if 2 over 1NT shows system that includes four-card major spades it is a Transfer. How about 9 Making a Plan openings and light two-over-ones. 2♦ over 1NT that is either showing as Declarer What does that mean? It means that hearts or a sign-off in diamonds? ♦ ♦ 10 Responding to 1NT when an Acol player responds 2 to That is not a Transfer because 2 1♠ he is showing a minimum of nine does not guarantee hearts. So how do 11 Signals & Discards points (or possibly eight or ten) and you describe it if asked? “It is either 12 Endplay it is forcing for one round. Those are showing hearts or is a weak take-out the cornerstones of Acol. Players tack in diamonds” seems clear enough. SET 3 on many conventions to Acol, like You must not announce “Hearts” Benjamin, or three weak twos, or the (you should alert it) nor describe it as 13 Hand Evaluation Multi, or splinters. None of these are a Transfer. If the next player held six 14 Pre-Emptive Bidding basic and do not affect the approach hearts he might be seriously misled if which defines Acol. How about the told it is a Transfer and will probably 15 Splinter ‘Acol with five-card majors’? There is pass believing his partner to have a & Cue Bids no such animal: they are playing ‘five- void heart. Similarly players who play £105 card majors’, some even play ‘five-card a 2NT response to 1NT as sign-off in 16 Avoidance set of 6 spades’. either clubs or diamonds must not use Play For the minor suits, the majority of the word “Transfer”. 17 Play & Defence at Pairs Acol players play a weak 1NT and do What is “Benji”, or Benjamin to not need to open a prepared minor give it its correct name? It is a method 18 Thinking Defence with three cards. But not every Acol of being able to show an old-fashioned player does and three-card minors Acol 2♣ and an eight plus playing Mr Bridge Mail Order are still perfectly possible in Acol. trick hand and weak twos. You can ( 01483 489961 They are not alerted, being considered have Reverse Benjamin (2♣ and 2♦ www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop natural, so you cannot assume that are reversed) or even Upside Down an opponent playing Acol will always Benjamin (2♥ and 2♠ are Acol, 2♦ is

Page 30 BRIDGE November 2018 David Stevenson answers your Frequently Asked Questions BERNARD Correct Names MAGEE TUTORIAL DVDs

the Acol 2♣, and 2♣ shows a weak and so forth. Let us consider Asptro. two in a major). But they all are able 2♣ shows hearts and another suit. SET 4 ♣ to show the eight playing trick hand, Supposing a player bids 2 and over a 19 Defensive Plan which is the basis of Benjamin. Players fairly negative 2♦ or over 2♥ rebids 3♣. who play weak twos in other ways, for What has he got? An expert will have 20 Further into the Auction example with the Multi or they play hearts and clubs. But less experienced 21 Weak Twos three weak twos, sometimes referred players often have clubs only: they bid to their two bids as Benjamin. But this 2♣ because they do not know what else 22 Trump Control is confusing and wrong. Note that a to do and then rebid 3♣. It is perfectly 23 Sacrificing £25 Benjamin 2♣ is expected to show a legal to play 2♣ as either hearts and per DVD strong hand of 16 points or more. If another suit or just clubs, but it is not 24 Improving you play it as possibly weaker within Asptro and should not be described Bridge Memory the new EBU rules you should describe as Asptro: just say “Shows hearts and it as “Benjamin, may be weaker with another suit or just clubs”. An Asptro SET 5 ♣ distribution”. 2 guarantees hearts. 25 Defence as Partner Let us look at defensive carding. There are four different conventions of the Leader Under signals a pair puts natural, called Blackwood, Key Card or they say “Natural” in answer to a Blackwood, Roman Blackwood and 26 Aggressive Bidding question. What does this mean? Either Roman Key Card Blackwood. The at Duplicate Pairs they play high-low to encourage, or second and third are now rare in some 27 Strong Opening Bids they play high-low to show an even circles but some people still play and number. Annoyingly people who play teach them. Blackwood asks for aces, 28 Take-Out Doubles 0 or 4, 1, 2, 3. Key Card Blackwood it either way call it “Natural” as a result 29 Suit Establishment of which the EBU has very sensibly includes the king of trumps, 0 or 4, 1 in Suit Contracts banned the term. The correct terms or 5, 2, 3. Roman Blackwood specifies are “Standard Attitude” or “Standard which two aces if there are two, 0 or 30 Landy / Defending Count”. Why Standard? Some people 3, 1 or 4, 2 of the same colour or rank, Against a 1NT Opening reverse the meaning so that high-low 2 other. Roman Key Card Blackwood, discourages or shows an odd number, as the name suggests, is a mixture of SET 6 so then they call their method “Reverse Roman and Key Card Blackwood, Attitude” or “Reverse Count”. This including the king of trumps and 31 Counting Defence also applies to Discards. the queen as well, 0 or 3, 1 or 4, 2 or 32 Extra Tricks Suit preference signals are often 5 without the queen, 2 or 5 with the in No-Trumps played where a high card asks for queen. When you ask what a 4NT bid the higher suit, usually in ruffing means you are entitled to a correct 33 Supporting situations. They are also played as answer. Sadly, people playing Roman Partner £105 Discards. They are called Lavinthal Key Card Blackwood can be quite 34 Finessing set of 6 after the American inventor, or casual, saying “Blackwood”, “Key Card McKenney after another American Blackwood”, “Roman Blackwood” or 35 Bidding who popularised them, or even even just “asking for aces”. Distributional Hands McKinney by people who cannot I have only dealt with the more 36 Coping with Pre-Empts spell! At least there is no ambiguity in common cases but the moral is clear: the way they are played. if you use a name, make sure you Another area where names are use it correctly and make sure it is Mr Bridge Mail Order misleading is in defence to 1NT. not ambiguous. Opponents have an ( 01483 489961 There are various defences that use absolute right to know what you are www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop 2♣ and 2♦ bids such as Landy, Asptro playing. n

BRIDGE November 2018 Page 31

Answers to Julian Pottage’s Defence Quiz on page 13

West North East South you place the ♥A opposite and most 1. ♠ A K 6 5 1♦ Pass 1NT of the other high cards on your right, ♥ K 10 5 Pass 3NT All Pass something partner’s seeming inability to ♦ A K 7 3 cover the ♣J confirms. ♣ Q 4 You lead the ♠7: ♠Q, ♠8 and ♠2. At trick You wait until the second round to take ♠ Q 7 2 ♠ 10 8 4 3 two, dummy leads the ♦K, on which go the ♣A and next play a heart. Partner ♥ 8 7 3 2 N ♥ A Q 6 the ♦2 and ♦4. What is your plan? wins that and has a safe exit with a W E ♦ Q J 6 S ♦ 10 5 2 You cannot completely shut out the trump. You then play the ♠A on the same ♣ A 8 7 ♣ 9 6 2 diamonds because dummy has plenty trick as the ♠K appears, thereby keeping ♠ J 9 of entries. What you might manage is declarer out of hand. ♥ J 9 4 to stop declarer from getting to hand ♦ 9 8 4 to finesse against your ♦10 (you expect ♣ K J 10 5 3 partner to show out on the second 4. ♠ A K Q 10 6 round, exposing the position). You let ♥ K 9 5 3 the ♦K hold and capture the ♦Q with ♦ J 9 West North East South the ♦A on the second round, noting that ♣ 8 4 1♠ Pass 1NT partner discards the ♥2. Continuing the ♠ 8 5 4 ♠ 9 2 Pass 3NT All Pass good work you play a second spade and ♥ A J 2 N ♥ 10 7 6 later duck the ♥Q to stop the ♥K from ♦ Q 10 8 6 W E ♦ K 7 5 3 2 S You lead the ♥7. East plays the ♥Q, ♥A becoming an entry. (You would also duck ♣ A J 7 ♣ 10 6 2 and a third round, all following. Now the the ♣Q if you thought declarer had the ♠ J 7 3 ♣Q goes to the ♣2 and ♣3. What do you ♣K.) Patience can be a virtue! ♥ Q 8 4 do? ♦ A 4 In a no-trump contract you know that ♣ K Q 9 5 3 the ♣A is not going to run away. You 3. ♠ Q J 10 7 5 should also know from how few points ♥ Q 9 were missing that the ♣K is on your right. ♦ A K 7 3 West North East South Your opponent will make at least one ♣ J 4 1NT1 club trick whatever you do. If you ♠ A 9 6 ♠ 8 3 Pass 2♥2 Pass 2♠ the ♣A, maybe it will be just the one. You ♥ J 10 8 6 3 N ♥ A 7 5 2 Pass 3♥ Pass 4♠ W E ♦ 10 8 ♦ Q 6 5 All Pass take the second club, cash the long heart S and exit safely with the ♦Q. (If you are ♣ A 8 7 ♣ 9 6 5 2 1 12-14 very confident from partner’s signal who ♠ K 4 2 2 5+ spades has the ♦10, you will then unblock the ♦J ♥ K 4 to allow partner to win the third diamond, ♦ J 9 4 2 You lead the ♦6, which goes to the ♦9, possibly getting a second undertrick.) ♣ K Q 10 3 ♦K and ♦A. Declarer leads the ♠3 to the ♠Q and then the ♣4 back to the ♣K, East playing a two each time. What is your 2. ♠ A K Q West North East South plan? ♥ Q J 10 1NT1 Since you hold the ♣J, do you think ♦ K J 9 8 3 Pass 2♥2 Pass 2♠ there is no point in holding up? Spades ♣ Q 4 Pass 3♦ Pass 4♠ are trumps and, if South has ♣K-Q-x-x-x, ♠ 9 7 6 ♠ 10 8 5 3 All Pass a single ruff will set up the suit. This is ♥ A 9 3 N ♥ 8 6 5 2 1 12-14 a likely holding if you take partner’s ♣2 W E ♦ A 10 7 5 ♦ 2 2 5+ spades as showing on odd number of clubs. You S ♣ A 10 7 ♣ K 8 6 2 duck the first club. Later you capture the ♠ J 4 2 You lead the ♥J: ♥9, ♥7 and ♥K. Declarer ♣Q with the ♣A, cash the ♦Q and exit ♥ K 7 4 crosses to the ♠Q and leads the ♣J, on with a trump. Declarer will take the third ♦ Q 6 4 which go the ♣6 and ♣3. What is your trump in hand and ruff a club, hoping ♣ J 9 5 3 plan? that the ♥Q is an entry. You will time The encouraging ♥7 at trick one means when you play the ♥A to ensure it is not.n

BRIDGE November 2018 Page 33

Answers to David Huggett’s Play Quiz on page 15

You are declarer in 6♥ and West leads it loses you will need clubs to break 3-3. 1. ♠ K 7 6 the ♣J. How do you plan the play? If East covers the ♦J (the lead being ♥ A Q J 2 The reality is that the twelfth trick second highest from a poor suit), you will ♦ 10 9 5 can only come from the spade suit and need the heart finesse to work and clubs ♣ K 6 2 for that to happen you need spades to to break 3-3. ♠ Q J 10 8 4 ♠ 9 5 3 break no worse than 4-2. Win the lead ♥ 8 3 N ♥ K 7 6 4 and duck a spade. After winning the W E ♦ A 7 3 2 ♦ 8 4 4. ♠ J 6 5 S return play a spade to the ace and ruff ♣ J 9 ♣ Q 10 8 5 a spade high. If the spades broke 3-3 all ♥ 7 6 4 ♠ A 2 you need do is to draw trumps ending in ♦ A 7 3 ♥ 10 9 5 dummy and claim. If there is still a spade ♣ A Q 5 3 ♦ K Q J 6 extant however you will need to re-enter ♠ A K 7 4 3 ♠ Q 10 8 ♣ A 7 4 3 dummy and repeat the process. Note that ♥ J 5 N ♥ K 9 you mustn’t touch trumps prematurely ♦ J 8 W E ♦ 10 9 5 4 2 S yourself or a mean defender might play ♣ 10 8 7 4 ♣ K 9 6 You are declarer in 3NT and West leads a second one when in with the spade and ♠ 9 2 the ♠Q. How do you plan the play? you would find yourself short of entries ♥ A Q 10 8 3 2 It looks as though you have an to dummy. ♦ K Q 6 abundance of tricks one way or another ♣ J 2 but you have to be a little careful in how you tackle the red suits. Suppose you 3. ♠ 10 6 5 take a heart finesse after taking the ace ♥ 7 6 4 You are declarer in 4♥ after West has of spades but it loses and East returns ♦ J 6 overcalled in spades. West leads three a spade. Then if it is West who can win ♣ A K Q 7 4 rounds of spades with East following. the ace of diamonds it is possible that ♠ A 7 ♠ K Q 9 4 How do you plan the play? he will have enough winning spades to ♥ J 9 8 3 N ♥ K 10 5 This problem is very like the last in W E ♦ Q 10 8 7 2 ♦ 9 5 defeat you. So play on diamonds first. S many ways in that you need to make a Duck the anticipated spade return, win ♣ 10 2 ♣ J 9 8 5 play in one suit in order to determine the continuation and now take the heart ♠ J 8 3 2 how to play another. After ruffing the finesse. If it loses it is highly likely that ♥ A Q 2 third round of spades take an immediate East will be out of spades or the suit ♦ A K 4 3 club finesse, because you need to know originally broke 4-4. Either way you have ♣ 6 3 whether you can afford to lose a trump or made your contract. not. If the club finesse fails you will need to find trumps 2-2 with the king onside, You are declarer in 3NT. West leads the while if the club finesse works you can 2. ♠ A 8 7 5 4 ♦7. How do you plan the play? afford to lay down the ace of trumps first, ♥ A 10 2 If you believe that West has led his to cater for a singleton king in the West ♦ 8 5 4 fourth best diamond, it is odds on that hand. n ♣ Q 5 he will have the queen because the Rule ♠ K J ♠ Q 10 6 3 of Eleven tells you that East only has one Sagic Home & ♥ 8 4 3 N ♥ 6 card higher than the seven – and if it was ♦ J 9 7 2 W E ♦ Q 10 3 the queen, West would have a suit headed Contents Insurance S ♣ J 10 8 7 ♣ 9 6 4 3 2 by the 1098 and would surely have led ( 0333 003 3196 ♠ 9 2 the ten. When the jack in dummy wins, www.genesischoice.co.uk ♥ K Q J 9 7 5 you need to know how many club tricks ♦ A K 6 you need, so take the heart finesse at ♣ A K trick two. If it wins you can afford to duck a club to cater for a 4-2 club split, but if

BRIDGE November 2018 Page 35 Rubber Bridge

This article Gunnar’s Good Switch is part of an occasional series written by by Robert Sheehan guest authors

ut yourself in Gunnar Hallberg’s Sitting West, I led the ♦8. Declarer position, for this rubber bridge won that in hand with his ♦K. He then ♠ A J 10 deal, from the big game at TGR. ran the ♥J. ♥ A Q 8 4 3 P Gunnar recognised that this was ♦ Q J 2 not a moment to duck. Why? Because ♣ Q 6 Dealer South. Game All. declarer does not know yet that he has ♠ Q 9 8 4 2 ♠ 7 5 ♠ A J 10 only three heart tricks, because of the ♥ 5 N ♥ K 9 7 6 2 ♥ A Q 8 4 3 ♦ 9 8 3 W E ♦ 7 6 5 1-5 break. S ♦ Q J 2 In no time at all, Gunnar placed ♣ 9 5 4 2 ♣ K J 3 ♣ Q 6 South with the outstanding high ♠ K 6 3 ♠ 7 5 cards, and recognised that after six ♥ J 10 N ♥ K 9 7 6 2 tricks have been taken in diamonds ♦ A K 10 4 W E ♦ 7 6 5 ♣ A 10 8 7 S and spades, his hand would be: ♣ K J 3

♠ — Thor-Erik took the ♣A, because he West North East South N ♥ 9 7 6 2 expected to have twelve tricks if the W E Robert Artur Gunnar Thor-Erik ♦ — S hearts were no worse than 4-2. Sheehan Malinowski Hallberg Hoftaniska ♣ K J The effect of playing back the ♣J 1NT was: Pass 3♥ Pass 3NT (a) It made declarer make a decision Pass 4NT Pass 6NT It was quite likely that South had a earlier than he wanted to; All pass seventh trick to cash in those suits (b) It induced him to consume an (after all, all he needed to have was entry in his hand, perhaps when it was Thor-Erik opened a strong no-trump either 4 spades or 4 diamonds), in inconvenient; (15-17). Artur, manager of the club, which case he would be squeezed in (c) It now meant that East could not jumped to 3♥. In rubber bridge this hearts and clubs if declarer held the be squeezed. call is initially forcing with 5 or more ♣10. The ending, on the switch to the♣ J hearts. Thor-Erik signed off in 3NT. So at trick three, having won the ♥K, taken by the ace: Next came 4NT; this is a quantitative he played the suit that put declarer on bid, asking partner to bid 6NT holding the spot: a club. The card he chose was a maximum. Which the tall good- the ♣J. ♠ A looking unshaven Nordic duly did. Let’s look at the full deal now: ♥ A Q 8 ♦ — ♣ — ♠ Q ♠ — ♥ — N ♥ 9 7 6 W E ♦ — S ♦ — ♣ 9 5 4 ♣ K ♠ 3 ♥ — ♦ — ♣ 10 8 7

East can discard the ♣K on the ♠A as Thor-Erik Hoftaniska. Photo by Peter Hasenson there is no entry back to hand.

Page 36 BRIDGE November 2018 Now contrast with the ending if Gunnar had returned a “safe” Mr Bridge Festive Season 2018-19 diamond at trick 3: Full board. No single supplement*.

♠ A ♥ A Q 8 Denham Grove ♦ — ♣ Q Near Uxbridge UB9 5DG ♠ Q ♠ — ♥ — N ♥ 9 7 6 23-27 December £495 W E ♦ — ♦ — Hand Evaluation and Transfers S ♣ 9 5 4 2 ♣ K J hosted by Sandy Bell ♠ 3 ♥ — 27-29 December £258 ♦ — Defence as Partner of the Leader ♣ A 10 8 7 hosted by Bernard Magee 29 December - 2 January £499 This time the ♠A squeezes East: if he Limited availability throws a club, declarer can take two Drawing Trumps hearts and two clubs. Some further hosted by Bernard Magee instructive points to this deal: 1. Thor-Erik accepted the slam try because, even though he had just 15 The Olde Barn HCP, his holding of J-10 opposite partner’s known five-card suit was gold Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT dust, his other high cards were aces and kings and he had attractive tens 23-27 December £425 in his own long suits. His judgement Limited availability to treat his hand as a maximum was Just Duplicate impeccable. hosted by Sheila Rogers 2. Thor-Erik would be able to locate the ♠Q because the odds favoured his 27-29 December £215 LHO having the card, once he knows Losing Trick Count the layout of the heart suit. hosted by Elaine Duff 3. Why did Gunnar play the ♣J? He was trying to persuade declarer that he 29 December - 1 January £345 ♣ did not have K. Limited availability ♣ If your clubs were J-x-x, what Suit Establishment n would you switch to? hosted by Ray Hutchinson Blunsdon House Swindon SN26 7AS

27-29 December from £228* Just Duplicate hosted by Val Heath

Artur Malinowski was born in Poland, moved to Norway and then England where he is now a full-time bridge professional. He won silver medals at the 2007 European Please note there are slight differences between programmes at each venue. Pairs, and the 2008 World Mind Sport Games (representing * Subject to availability. Single supplement applies to all rooms at Blunsdon House. the England Open team). He says “I am fairly fluent in seven languages, and I sport a proud Polish accent in all of them. This is not a problem in England, where people are tolerant, and it is this tolerance that, to me, represents the major charm of this country.” Details & Bookings ( 01483 489961 Photo by Peter Hasenson

BRIDGE November 2018 Page 37 Sally Brock Looks At Your Slam Bidding BERNARD MAGEE’S TUTORIAL CDs

Sally’s Slam Clinic MAC ADVANCED compatible DECLARER PLAY l Overtricks in No-trumps Where did we go wrong? Slam of the month l Overtricks in Suit Contracts l Endplays l Avoidance This slam deal, sent in by Clive Nussey, Gad Chadha sent in this hand on £81 caused problems in a duplicate at which he thought his partner, Mary l Wrong Contract Stowmarket Bridge Club: Oury, did particularly well: l Simple Squeezes l Counting the Hand l Trump Reductions & Coups ♠ A 2 ♠ Q 10 ♠ A K 8 7 3 l Playing Doubled Contracts ♥ Q ♥ A K J 7 4 N ♥ 9 8 l Safety Plays ♦ J 9 8 3 ♦ A 4 W E ♦ 9 S ♣ A K Q 10 9 8 ♣ J 7 6 5 ♣ A K Q 4 3 ♠ 10 8 6 3 ♠ K Q J 9 7 5 ADVANCED ♥ 8 6 N ♥ 10 9 5 4 ACOL BIDDING ♦ K 7 6 4 2 W E ♦ Q S This was their auction: l Basics ♣ 5 3 ♣ 7 6 l Advanced Basics ♠ 4 West North East South l Weak Twos £96 ♥ A K J 7 3 2 1♥ 2♦ 2♠ Pass l Strong Hands ♦ A 10 5 3♣ Pass 3♦ Pass l Defence to Weak Twos ♣ J 4 2 3♠ Pass 4NT Pass l Defence to 1NT 5♠ Pass 5NT Pass l Doubles 6♦ Pass 7♣ All Pass l Two-suited Overcalls With North/South only vulnerable l Defences to Other Systems there was some barrage from East/ The key to this deal was West’s fine l Misfits and West. I was asked, firstly, how the 3♠ bid over East’s 3♦ cue-bid – many Distributional Hands bidding should go if East opened 2♠ would have preferred 3NT to show the and West bid 3♠ over South’s 3♥. I stopper. That enabled East to wheel out think this is relatively straightforward: Roman Key Card Blackwood agreeing FIVE-CARD MAJORS ♠ spades, so he found out about the Q & Strong No-Trump West North East South as well as the other two aces. It did not l Opening Bids & Responses 2♠ 3♥ matter which king his partner held l No-Trump Openings 3♠ 4♣ Pass 4♠ (though it surely was the ♥K), as he l Support for Partner Pass 4NT Pass 5♥ could be sure the grand slam in clubs l Slams & Strong Openings Pass 7♣ All Pass was an excellent contract. ■ l Rebids l Minors & Misfits Here North has an easy 4♣ bid and l Pre-empting South, with a good hand in support of CLUB INSURANCE £89 l Doubles clubs, can bid 4♠ to show his control. Every club should be covered l Overcalls This is enough for North to use Roman and my inclusive package, l Competitive Auctions Key Card Blackwood and bid the to suit clubs of up to 300 grand slam. members for less than £75 per ♠ It is harder if West bids 4 , either year, is the right package at the ALSO after a ♠2 opening, or after a more right price. l Defence (see p27) aggressive 3♠ opening. Here North l Declarer Play (see p11) might easily give up and just bid 6♣. Contact FIDENTIA for a quote l Acol Bidding (see p10) However, it wouldn’t be ridiculous for him to take a pot at the grand slam. He ( 020 3150 0080 has a very good hand facing a partner [email protected] ( 01483 489961 who has overcalled at unfavourable www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop vulnerability.

Page 38 BRIDGE November 2018 Answers to Take-Out Doubles Part 2 Quiz on page 11

1 At love all how should East West North East South continue with these hands? Hand A Hand B Hand C 1♥ Dbl Redbl 2♣ ♠ Q 5 4 ♠ Q 6 4 3 ♠ Q J 10 7 4 2 Pass Pass ? West North East South ♥ 9 5 2 ♥ 9 5 2 ♥ 9 5 2 1♥ Dbl ? ♦ 9 6 4 3 ♦ 8 5 4 ♦ 8 5 ♣ Q 10 3 ♣ Q 10 3 ♣ 10 3 Hand A Hand B Hand C ♠ J 5 3 ♠ A J 10 9 ♠ A J 9 Hand A Hand B Hand C ♥ 5 ♥ 5 ♥ 5 3 2 ♠ 4 2 ♠ 4 2 ♠ 4 2 Hand A Pass. Let partner choose the ♦ K Q 5 3 2 ♦ K Q 5 3 2 ♦ K Q 10 9 ♥ K 7 6 2 ♥ K 7 6 2 ♥ K 7 6 2 escape. ♣ A J 10 9 ♣ J 5 3 ♣ 8 5 3 ♦ 9 8 3 2 ♦ A 8 7 2 ♦ A Q J 2 Hand B 1♠. This time you can choose ♣ 10 6 5 ♣ 10 6 5 ♣ 10 6 5 a four-card suit at the one level. Hand A Dbl. For penalties. Hand C 2♠. Pre-emptive. Hand B 2♦. Forcing, just like 1♥ 2♦ Hand D Hand E Hand F would have been. You cannot ♠ 4 2 ♠ A J 8 ♠ 7 4 3 2 double 2♣, but you are not ♥ K 7 6 2 ♥ K 7 6 ♥ K 7 6 3 With N/S vulnerable how should allowed to pass. ♦ A K 7 2 ♦ 6 4 3 2 ♦ 6 4 3 West continue with these hands Hand C 2♥. Your redouble denied four ♣ Q J 7 ♣ 9 4 3 ♣ A J 6 after Auctions (i) and (ii)? hearts. This suggests three hearts and a minimum Auction (i) redouble. Hand G Hand H Hand J West North East South ♠ 7 4 ♠ A Q 10 5 ♠ K Q J 6 5 4 1♥ Dbl Redbl 2♣ ♥ K 7 6 ♥ 6 ♥ 6 ? 5 With N/S vulnerable how should ♦ 6 4 3 2 ♦ 9 8 4 ♦ 8 6 3 Auction (ii) West continue with these hands ♣ A 4 3 2 ♣ A J 7 5 4 ♣ A 5 3 West North East South after Auctions (i) and (ii)? 1♥ Dbl Redbl Pass ? Auction (i) Hand A 2♥. Bid one more West North East South after the double. 1♠ Dbl 2NT Pass Hand B 3♥. Bid one more Hand A Hand B Hand C ? after the double. ♠ Q 2 ♠ Q 3 2 ♠ 3 Auction (ii) Hand C 2NT. At least a good raise ♥ A Q 6 4 3 ♥ A Q 6 4 3 ♥ A Q J 6 3 2 West North East South to 3♥. If opener now bids ♦ 9 5 ♦ A K 7 ♦ Q J 10 6 3 1♠ Dbl 3♠ Pass 3♥ you should pass. ♣ K J 10 3 ♣ 7 2 ♣ 7 ? Hand D 2NT. At least a good raise to 3♥. This time intending to raise 3♥ to 4♥. Partner is hoping that the auction Hand A Hand B Hand C Hand E 1NT. Still 6-9 points will end with a penalty double. ♠ A Q 6 5 3 ♠ A Q 6 5 3 ♠ A Q 6 5 3 after the double. Hand A (i) Dbl. ♥ 7 3 2 ♥ 7 3 2 ♥ K 3 2 Hand F 1NT. The spades are too weak (ii) Pass. See which suit they try ♦ K Q 10 ♦ K Q 10 ♦ A Q 10 to introduce after the double. to escape into. ♣ 8 2 ♣ A 3 ♣ A 3 Hand G 2♥. This time three- Hand B (i) Pass. You cannot double card support and a clubs. Maybe partner can. side suit doubleton. (ii) Pass. Wait for their escape. In Auction (i) East is showing a good Hand H Redouble. You will double a Hand C (i) 2♦. You are not interested raise to 3♠ or better. In Auction (ii) black suit and will be happy if in a penalty double of a East has bid pre-emptively. He has partner can double diamonds. black suit even if partner a normal four-card raise to 2♠. Hand J 1♠. Natural and forcing. is scenting blood. Hand A (i) 3♠. Minimum opening. 2♦ suggests a weak, (ii) Pass. shapely hand. Hand B (i) 4♠. 2 With E/W vulnerable how should (ii) 2♦. (ii) Pass. South continue with these hands? Hand C (i) 4♣. A cue bid in case partner is interested in a West North East South 4 At game all how should East slam. 1♥ Dbl Redbl ? continue with these hands? (ii) 4♠. ■

BRIDGE November 2018 Page 39 Robin Hood’s Bridge Adventures by David Bird Robin Hood’s Clever Tactic

n the last round of the teams- Gisborne won with the king. He could was nothing I could do.’ of-four championship in the see six top tricks, so three more tricks Meg Tursop had not watched the Baron of Beef alehouse, Robin from the club suit would give him an play. ‘Couldn’t you set up dummy’s OHood could not believe his eyes when easy game. It would be an excellent long suit?’ she persisted. ‘That he saw who their opponents would start to the match. normally works.’ be. Feebly disguised as a commoner, At trick 2 Gisborne led the ♣K. Gisborne ignored her comment and in worn peasant’s costume, was none Placing him with the ♥Q after Nazir’s turned towards Robin Hood. ‘Are other than Sir Guy of Gisborne. He ♥2 on the first trick, Hood saw no you from these parts?’ he enquired. was partnered by some unknown future in winning the first club and ‘A nearby village, yes,’ Hood replied. middle-aged woman. trying to establish the hearts in one ‘Little Tundringham. You know it?’ ‘Pretend we haven’t recognised more round. He held off the ace. ‘I can’t say I do,’ Gisborne replied. him,’ Robin Hood instructed his team Gisborne next led the ♣J, tossing the ‘And you?’ asked Robin Hood. ‘I mates. ‘I’m looking forward to this card slightly to his left to encourage haven’t seen you before. What’s your match.’ his opponent to take the trick. name?’ For just a moment, Gisborne’s mouth It was clear to Robin Hood what Gisborne could not believe what fell open when Robin and Nazir took would happen if he did. Declarer he was witnessing. How could this their seats at his table. These were the would win the next heart with the thieving villain, with a huge price outlaws he had been trying to capture queen and lead a third round of clubs on his head, be so gullible as not to for many months. towards dummy’s 10. He would then recognise him? ‘Joseph Farre from This was an early board. score three tricks in the suit. Once Nottingham town,’ Gisborne replied. again, Robin Hood played a low club, ‘My wife and I live in the northern retaining his ace-queen. outskirts, quite a rough area.’ Dealer South. Love All. Looking none too pleased at this ‘So, I’ve heard,’ said Hood. ‘It’s a pity ♠ 10 5 2 development, Gisborne sat back in the castle’s soldiery can’t keep order a ♥ A 6 5 his chair. Hood had obviously been bit better.’ ♦ 5 3 hoodwinked by his clever disguise, At the other table, Little John and ♣ 10 8 7 5 2 but it seemed he knew a fair bit about Friar Tuck faced Gisborne’s team- ♠ K 8 7 ♠ Q 9 6 4 3 defending a bridge hand. mates, two local farmers. This was the ♥ J 10 9 8 4 N ♥ 7 2 Gisborne switched tack, ducking deal before them. W E ♦ J ♦ Q 10 9 8 6 ♦ S a diamond. Hood won with the J ♣ A Q 9 6 ♣ 3 and played another heart. When the ♠ A J diamonds broke 5-1, Gisborne had no Dealer North. Game All. ♥ K Q 3 way to turn. He was one down. ♠ J 8 6 2 ♦ A K 7 4 2 ‘I had an ace and two tens,’ ♥ Q 2 ♣ K J 4 reprimanded Meg Tursop, whose ♦ A K capacious rust-coloured dress had ♣ A Q 6 3 2 seen better days. ‘That should be ♠ 9 ♠ K Q 10 5 4 3 West North East South enough opposite a 2NT opener. Did ♥ 9 8 6 N ♥ 4 W E Robin Meg Nazir Guy of ♦ 9 8 7 6 2 ♦ Q J 10 5 you have your bid?’ S Hood Tursop Gisborne If anyone had spoken to him in such ♣ J 9 8 4 ♣ K 10 2NT tones back at Nottingham Castle, ♠ A 7 Pass 3NT All Pass Gisborne would have hit the roof. In ♥ A K J 10 7 5 3 the present circumstances, he would ♦ 4 3 Robin Hood led the ♥J against 3NT. have to restrain himself. ‘All the suits ♣ 7 5 Nazir played a discouraging ♥2 and broke badly, Meg,’ he replied. ‘There

Page 40 BRIDGE November 2018 West North East South difference was a club ,’ he followed to the first round but showed George Little Haryld Friar informed him. ‘Sets up my king before out when the ♣K was played. Hood Platt John Combes Tuck he can discard his club loser.’ paused to re-assess the situation. How 1♣ 1♠ 2♥ Friar Tuck could see that a club lead should he continue? Pass 3NT Pass 6♥ would make no difference. He could Few players would have found All Pass easily have established the ♣Q for a the answer, but at trick 3 the outlaw spade discard. ‘It was a lucky one for continued with the ♣10. Gisborne The red-faced George Platt led the us, partner,’ he said. ‘A club lead and threw a heart from dummy and won ♠9 against the slam. ‘Don’t believe in I’m sunk.’ with the jack. The local populace hangin’ around, do you?’ he said. ‘Do Back at the other table, the players seemed to look up to Robin Hood, you not play the Richmond 4NT ace had drawn these cards: almost as if he were some sort of god. enquiry? It only takes a few seconds. How absurd! Not only had he failed Better than bidding a slam with two to recognise one of the shire’s most aces missing.’ Dealer South. N/S Game. eminent soldiers, he had also offered ‘We bid the cards as we see them,’ ♠ J 7 5 an entirely weird defence against this Friar Tuck replied. ‘Jack please.’ He ♥ 8 5 3 3NT contract. won East’s ♠Q with the ace and drew ♦ A K 9 7 5 Gisborne now had eight top tricks. trumps in three rounds. His next ♣ 6 3 If the diamonds were 3-3, he could move was to play the ♠7 from hand. ♠ 10 6 2 ♠ 9 8 4 3 maybe duck a round into the safe East West discarded a diamond and East ♥ J 7 N ♥ Q 10 9 6 4 hand and end with an overtrick. W E ♠ ♦ ♦ ♦ won with the 10. Q 4 3 S J 10 2 Gisborne led the 6 and Robin Friar Tuck won the diamond return ♣ A K Q 10 9 ♣ 4 Hood played the ♦Q in second seat. and was then able to lead the ♠8 for ♠ A K Q His intention was to prevent declarer a ruffing finesse. Haryld Combes ♥ A K 2 from ducking the trick into Nazir’s blinked unhappily at this development ♦ 8 6 hand. and eventually covered with the king, ♣ J 8 7 5 2 The appearance of West’s diamond hoping that declarer had lost track of honour was entirely unwelcome, as the spade spot-cards. far as Gisborne was concerned. He It was not to be. Friar Tuck ruffed West North East South understood why Hood had set up a in his hand and returned to dummy Robin Meg Nazir Guy of fourth club trick for himself. Declarer to throw his potential club loser on Hood Tursop Gisborne could not now afford to let West’s ♦Q the established ♠6. ‘There you are,’ he 1NT win the first round. said. ‘The Richmond 4NT wouldn’t Pass 3NT All Pass The game could no longer be made. have made any difference. Gisborne took his top eight tricks and Combes looked across the table at With high hopes of scoring five conceded one down. his partner. ‘What would have made a club tricks, Hood led the ♣A. Nazir ‘Was I not entitled to bid 3NT?’ demanded Meg Tursop. ‘I added a point for my good diamonds.’ She turned towards Robin Hood. ‘I didn’t watch the play,’ she said. ‘Did the diamonds break badly?’ ‘They were 3-3,’ Hood replied. Meg Tursop raised her eyes to the ceiling. ‘I normally play with a much better partner,’ she declared. ‘Munwys Glasson. She would have made it easily.’ Hood shook his head. ‘There was no way Gisborne could make it,’ he said. ‘Not the way we defended.’ Gisborne sat upright in his chair. ‘By the Saints!’ he exclaimed. ‘You knew who I was all the time?’ Hood laughed. ‘At the very first glance in your direction,’ he replied. ‘I didn’t want you taking flight prematurely. We needed a good final match to make sure we won the event.’ n

BRIDGE November 2018 Page 41 David Stevenson Answers Your Bridge Questions When Does a Hand Start?

I note in an EBU went as follows, me sitting The partner of the 3♥ bidder going to call did he intend article on slow South, and dealing. can make any deductions to bid 2♥ but his hand Qplay that it states he likes from the sequence. went to the pass card? if a table is behind all the West North East South It might be different If so it may be changed. others, the TD can, of course, 1♠ if the 3♥ bidder said However if he was going remove a board and award Dbl Pass 3♥ Pass something unnecessary, to pass when he was going an average – adjusted if 3♥! as players are wont to do. to call because of a loss of appropriate – but a board He might say “I meant to concentration then it cannot should not be removed My partner says this is bid 4♥” and then that is be changed. I think the loss once it has been started. insufficient and accepts the unauthorised information of concentration more likely. There seems to be a correction to 4♥ without and the director will rule difference of opinion in the director being called. accordingly. But without ♣♦♥♠ our club as to when the 4♥ was an easy make. such a comment his partner hand starts. Can you Let us change the situation can make any deductions The play went clarify exactly when it slightly. Suppose my partner he likes. North 1 Club, starts and therefore cannot accepts the insufficient bid, Q East 3 Diamonds. be removed? If possible and also suppose there is no ♣♦♥♠ South commented “ ‘Stop please indicate where doubt that RHO definitely 3 Diamonds’ it’s the rule.” we can see this written had only minimum values for Please give Is the opponent allowed in an EBU publication. his jump to 3♥. Would RHO your definitive to comment in this way Peter McWhirter by email. be allowed to bid 4♥, or Q ruling on the or even remark asking if would that be seen as using following infraction: he meant to jump bid? Law 17A says that the unauthorised information? In 1NT – Pass – 2♦ (announced Ron, auction period starts other words, the fact that his hearts) – Pass – Pass Alton Bridge Club. A for a side when either partner obviously wanted Some directors at the partner takes his hand from to bid 4♥ but under the rules friendly clubs at which I You are allowed to the board. So the moment was only allowed to bid 3♥. play say that opener’s pass draw attention to any player takes his hand If RHO is not allowed to can be changed as it was A an irregularity and from the board in theory the correct to 4♥ this would be a an unintended call (and making a jump bid without a board has started. In practice strong reason to accept insuf- partner has yet to bid); Stop card is an irregularity. directors tend to bend this ficient bids, when not accept- others say that it cannot Of course you should also law a little, removing a ing the bid would mean the because it was ‘a loss of call the director but players board if necessary so long opponents bidding a game concentration regarding often point such things as no call has been made. which you think has a good the intent of the action’. out without the director. chance of making. Although we are Asking whether a player ♣♦♥♠ Law 27D does not seem to friendly, we do strive to meant a jump bid seems cover this situation. give the correct rulings. wrong, however. You do not Last week there Ian Van Maanen by email. Lesley Colligan by email. ask a player who made a bid was a minor if he meant a different bid. Qinfringment at our If your partner It is not possible to In some situations it could club. A thought occurred accepts 3♥ then answer this without even provide unauthorised to me which I would be A he has made the A being there and information to partner. interested to hear your bid legal and there is no speaking to the player comments on. The bidding unauthorised information. concerned. When he was Article continues on page 44

Page 42 BRIDGE November 2018 Answers to Bernard Magee’s Bidding Quizzes 1-3 on the Cover and page 7

their major suit fit and you 1. Dealer West. Love All. either make 1NT or even go ♠ A K 10 9 5 ♠ Q 8 4 2 down, when they are able to ♥ 4 2 N ♥ 6 5 make 2♠. W E ♦ K Q 2 S ♦ A 8 7 5 You do not need stoppers in 2019 ♣ J 6 5 ♣ 9 4 3 all the suits for a 1NT opening, For 2018 Festive just a balanced shape: you 10-14 January £454 might lose the first five spade events, see page 37 Re-Boot Your Acol West North East South tricks in 1NT, but should make Hosted by Bernard Magee ? the rest. 1-3 March £228 Endplay and Avoidance ♠ Nestled in the heart of 1 . Some might include a Hosted by Sandy Bell five-card major in their 1NT 3. Dealer West. Love All. Buckinghamshire, Denham openers, but when the suit ♠ A J ♠ K 7 6 5 Grove has a peaceful 28-30 June £229 Masterpointed Duplicate is spades and is this good, ♥ A J N ♥ K 10 4 2 countryside setting and 42 W E it makes little sense. 1♠ is ♦ Q 8 7 3 S ♦ J 10 6 19-21 July £218 acres of pristine parkland just as pre-emptive as 1NT, ♣ J 8 7 5 4 ♣ 3 2 Just Duplicate which provides an air of but more importantly you traditional tranquillity. 9-11 August £238 find any spade fit you might Denham Grove has free Responding to 1NT have. Spades should be your West North East South Hosted by Elaine Duff Wi-Fi throughout plus many favourite suit, so when you ? have five good spades, bid onbsite leisure facilities, 13-15 September £218 Just Duplicate them. 1NT. Part of basic bidding is including indoor swimming Some will ask what you to remember to plan for your 25-27 October £218 pool, gym, spa bath and choose to rebid if partner rebid. The normal opening bid Just Duplicate sauna, and tennis courts. responds in a new suit – you with this hand would appear 22-24 November £238 simply rebid 2♠ happy to have to be 1♣ – your longest suit. Dealing with 1NT a good five-card suit – after However, when your partner Hosted by Sandy Bell all, that is all the rebid of 2♠ responds 1♥, what would you promises. do next? A 2♦ rebid would be a strong bid – in a higher suit than you 2. Dealer West. Love All. opened, it would be a reverse ♠ 4 2 ♠ 7 6 5 bid promising 16+ points. ♥ A K 2 N ♥ 9 8 6 5 Your only choice would be to W E ♦ 7 6 4 S ♦ A 8 5 rebid 2♣, which does not look ♣ K Q J 6 5 ♣ A 4 2 attractive. Prices shown are per person, full board including tea & coffee There are two other options: during breaks and a welcome drinks party. There is no single open 1♦ and plan to rebid supplement and single players will always be found a partner. West North East South 2♣, but this is a downright lie The Mr Bridge Team will offer support during the set hand ? and will often result in playing sessions, on the seminar events, and make up the numbers in a 4-2 fit instead of a 5-3 in the duplicates, so there should never be a half table. 1NT. This hand is a stark fit. The best option is a small All rooms are ensuite, have tea & coffee making facilities and contrast to the first one – if fib about your shape: with all have free internet. The venue does not have a lift, but many you open 1♣ it is easy for the your strength in your short rooms are on the ground floor. opponents to come in to the majors, open 1NT. You are auction. This is why opening suggesting a balanced shape, For details and bookings call 1NT with these types of hands but with your strength in your Mr Bridge Holidays  01483 489961 works well. The hope is that doubletons it is likely that the your opponents do not find hand will play reasonably. n

BRIDGE November 2018 Page 43 Continued from page 42. The director has Could you to decide what the advise me on A correct explanation is. Q the following: It is possible South forgot that they play 2♣ as the majors and East would have Dealer North. N/S Game. had no redress if 3NT had ♠ Q 9 6 3 gone off since mistaken ♥ 9 8 7 bids are just bridge. ♦ 9 7 6 Alternatively North forgot ♣ 10 9 8 that 2♣ showed was natural in which case the director ♠ A K 7 5 2 ♠ J 10 8 might adjust to 4♥ or 4♠ ♥ 10 6 5 3 N ♥ A K Q 2 but neither is guaranteed W E ♦ A 2 S ♦ K J 10 8 to make: a weighted score ♣ 7 4 ♣ K 6 would be suitable. 2018 2019 ♠ 4 Unfortunately some ♥ J 4 players remember that 9-11 November £228 25-27 January £228 ♦ Q 5 4 3 2♣ shows the majors and Just Duplicate Just Duplicate ♣ A Q J 5 3 2 bid 2♣ anyway, assuming 30 Nov - 2 Dec £238 8-10 February £258 partner will understand if Doubles Ruffing for Extra Tricks they rebid 3♣. That is more Hosted by Will Parsons Hosted by Bernard Magee Our bidding: complicated and suggests 27-29 December £228 15-17 March £228 their actual agreement is that Just Duplicate Just Duplicate West North East South it shows the majors or clubs. 5-7 April £238 Pass 1NT 2♣ That is also a perfectly Blunsdon House Hotel is a Defence to Weak Twos 3NT Pass Pass Pass legal arrangement but the unique four star family Hosted by John Ronan opponents must be told 2♣ explained by North as so and again the director owned hotel in Wiltshire 28-30 June £264 4-4-4-1 Hands majors. would adjust as before. situated on the edge of the Hosted by Bernard Magee 3NT by East made. If South bids 2♣ and Cotswolds, set in 30 acres Declarer was surprised after it is doubled and 2♠ of grounds. It has a beauty 6-8 September £228 when South showed out is doubled he rebids 3♣, salon, gym, pool and 9 hole Just Duplicate on the second round of then he has unauthorised golf course. 18-20 October £238 spades. If East had gone information that his partner Signals & Discards off in 3NT, would he have has taken it as the majors, Hosted by Will Parsons any redress because of which suggests rebidding 1-3 November £228 misinformation? Am I 3♣. But is pass of 2♠ a Just Duplicate correct in saying South is not logical alternative? allowed to explain that his It could be argued that 8-10 November £264 bidding does not show the with a singleton spade Game Tries Hosted by Bernard Magee majors until the end of play? and six good clubs he will always bid 3♣. 22-24 November £228 If the bidding had gone: The director should poll Just Duplicate people, not telling them Prices shown are per person sharing a twin or double West North East South about the misinformation, Pass 1NT 2♣ just giving them the auction bedroom, full board including tea & coffee during breaks Dbl 2♠ Dbl 3♣ and assuming 2♣ was and a welcome drinks party. There is a single supplement natural and see whether at Blunsdon House of £40, subject to availability. Single Is South entitled to bid 3♣ or players pass 2♠ doubled: if players will always be found a partner. The Mr Bridge Team is he obliged to bid as if his some do then he adjusts to will offer support during the set hand sessions, on the 2♣ showing majors is 2♠ doubled, but if practically seminar events, and make up the numbers in the correct? no-one considers passing duplicates, so there should never be a half table. Huw Jones by email. then 3♣ is allowed. n All rooms are ensuite, have tea & coffee making facilities and have free Wi-Fi. The venue has a lift.

E-mail your questions (including your postal address) For details and bookings call for David to: [email protected] Mr Bridge Holidays  01483 489961

Page 44 BRIDGE November 2018 Answers to Bernard Magee’s Bidding Quizzes 4-6 on the Cover and page 7

4. Dealer East. Love All. However, when you have ♠ 3 ♠ K Q 8 7 6 6-9 points you should look at

♥ A 8 6 4 N ♥ K 9 3 your hand and consider which W E ♦ Q 6 S ♦ A K 2 bid suits your hand better – ♣ J 8 7 6 5 4 ♣ 3 2 surely 2♠ better describes 2018 2019 your hand? With a high trump honour and an outside single- 9-11 November £218 18-20 January £208 West North East South ton, 2♠ is a more appropriate Better Finessing Just Duplicate 1♠ Pass description. Hosted by Michael Haytack 8-10 February £218 ? Even if you play in a 4-3 fit, 16-18 November £208 Finding Slams a ruff in your hand would of- Just Duplicate Hosted by Gary Conrad 1NT. Two rules apply here: ten be worth an extra trick. (1) With 6+ points you should For Festive events, 8-10 March £208 see page 37 Just Duplicate respond. 17-19 May £238 (2) You need 10 points to bid 6. Dealer East. Love All. Drawing Trumps at the two-level. ♠ K 9 6 5 N ♠ Void W E This charming rustic Hosted by John Ronan Both these lead to the ♥ A 2 S ♥ K Q 8 6 3 hotel is set in the 14-16 June £218 answer of 1NT: not strong ♦ A Q 10 6 5 4 ♦ K 9 8 7 beautiful countryside of Just Duplicate enough to bid 2♣, but strong ♣ 4 ♣ A J 8 3 Grantham in the heart 12-14 July £264 enough to respond. ♣ of England. Comfortably Supporting Minors A 2 response would push furnished and tastefully Hosted by Bernard Magee your partner to game – he West North East South would expect 10 points. 1♥ Pass decorated rooms, with a 26-28 July £229 Instead he will pass your 1NT ? traditional bar, Masterpointed Duplicate response (6-9 points). contemporary lounge, 20-22 September £238 2♦. When you have a strong atmospheric restaurant, Further into the Auction hand you should bid your and health club Hosted by Ray Hutchinson 5. Dealer East. Love All. hand as naturally as possible: altogether make for an 11-13 October £218 ♠ A 4 2 ♠ K Q 8 7 6 showing your longest suit first. idyllic retreat. Just Duplicate ♥ 6 N ♥ K 9 3 With some weaker hands W E ♦ J 8 4 3 S ♦ A K 2 you bid a four-card major ♣ Q 9 8 7 5 ♣ 3 2 first, but here you bid your diamonds and can then follow up with spades later if West North East South necessary. 1♠ Pass If you had chosen a 1♠ ? response partner would rebid 2♣ and reaching a diamond 2♠. With 6-9 points you have slam would be very difficult. Prices shown are per person, full board including tea & coffee two choices: 1NT or 2♠. Instead over your 2♦ bid, during breaks and a welcome drinks party. There is no single 2♠ would usually show four your partner will support right supplement and single players will always be found a partner. card support because 1♠ only away. n The Mr Bridge team will offer support during the set hands sessions, on the seminar events, and make up the numbers in promises four cards. the duplicates, so there should never be a half table. All rooms are ensuite, have tea & coffee making facilities and To support Little Voice, send your used stamps to: free Wi-Fi. The venue has a lift. Malcolm Finebaum For details and bookings call Flat 8 Mountford House 8 Crescent Road Mr Bridge Holidays  01483 489961 Enfield EN2 7BL

BRIDGE November 2018 Page 45 Mr Bridge Holidays Croatia 2019 at Hotel Eden, Rovinj

4-18 May 2019 from £1499 per person sharing 4-11 May Gourmet food at The Two Bridges or one week from £1139 per person sharing The Saturday evening meal consists of a five course tasting menu. Executive Chef Mike Palmer’s creative flair comes into its own with Hosted by Will & Sylvia Parsons firm emphasis on the very best seasonal ingredients from local Rovinj is situated on the western coast of Istria in Croatia, farmers, fishermen and producers. Wine is supplied by a local boasting a rich natural and cultural heritage with beauti- specialist and ales from their own Dartmoor Brewery. ful landmarks such as the old town and the Golden Cape Park Forest. Rovinj has many loyal visitors and has de- 2019 veloped into a popular tourist destination. The climate is 3-5 April £349 warm and semi-dry, with 134 sunny days in a year, Rovinj Better Finessing with Bernard Magee is the third sunniest spot in the Adriatic.

The first seminar deals with situations that occur on every deal Hotel Eden is wedged right between a peninsula covered you play; learning to make the most of your high cards – by a one hundred year old park forest and a quiet cove. particularly leading low towards your high cards. The old city centre is just a 20 minute walk away. The second seminar is on a similar topic, but this time focussing on finesses of all different types. Leading up to two or more cards and playing a lower card to try to gain an advantage.

Bridge: Land based holidays allow time for plenty of bridge, but there is also time to both visit the local area and just sit back and relax. Over the fortnight the bridge programme includes four seminar & set hands sessions, which gives The Two Bridges Hotel is in the heart of Dartmoor National Park, you the opportunity to enhance your bridge skills, as perched on the banks of the beautiful West Dart River. Step inside well as duplicate bridge every evening. You can play as and discover a warm Devon welcome, comfortable hotel rooms, much or as little as you wish and the excursions* are fine restaurant dining, characterful lounges and a bustling bar in fitted around the bridge programme to maximise your beautiful historic surroundings. enjoyment. Singles: There is a sole occupancy supplement of £12 per Prices shown are per person sharing a twin or double bedroom, full room per night. If you are a single bridge player please do board including tea & coffee during breaks and a welcome drinks party. not worry about being on your own. We will always be able There is a single supplement at Two Bridges of £70, subject to availability. Single players will always be found a partner. The Mr Bridge to find you a partner so you can always have a game. Team will offer support during the set hand sessions and make up the For an information pack and booking form numbers in the duplicates, so there should never be a half table. Room upgrades may be available at a supplement. ( Mr Bridge on 01483 489961 All rooms are ensuite, have tea & coffee making facilities and have free Wi-Fi. The venue has a lift. or visit www.mrbridge.co.uk Half board only, including flights from Gatwick. Selected regional flights For details and bookings call may be available at a supplement. Terms and conditions apply. These holidays have been organised for Mr Bridge by Great Little Escapes LLP, Mr Bridge Holidays  01483 489961 ATOL 5933. *Excursions are not included in the price of the holiday.

Page 46 BRIDGE November 2018 Answers to Bernard Magee’s Bidding Quizzes 7-9 on the Cover and page 7

first suit – this means you do 7. Dealer West. Love All. not need to rebid 2♥ on this ♠ K 3 ♠ A 8 7 5 hand to show the 5-card suit.

♥ J 10 9 6 5 N ♥ Q 2 Clearly your hearts are much ♦ K Q 10 W E ♦ A 8 7 5 S better than your diamonds, ♣ A J 10 ♣ 8 3 2 but length is strength as the 2018 2019 saying goes. Rebid 2♦: showing 5 hearts 23-25 November £218 1-3 February £228 West North East South and 4+ diamonds and Just Duplicate Hand Evaluation 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass allow your partner to give Hosted by Will Parsons ? preference. Here, he would 15-17 March £223 probably pass 2♦ and the Masterpointed Duplicate 1NT. Some of you might best fit is found. A family run, grade II listed 29-31 March £258 have been thinking that you building, with beautiful Drawing Trumps would have opened 1NT with Georgian frontage. The Hosted by Bernard Magee this hand, but this West was Chatsworth Hotel retains 26-28 April £218 a little bit more thoughtful. 9. Dealer West. Love All. much of its 19th century Just Duplicate He evaluated his hand as ♠ 7 6 3 ♠ A J 9 5 charm and is renowned for 15 points so opened 1♥ and ♥ A K J 6 5 4 ♥ 2 10-12 May £238 N ♦ ♦ its friendly, efficient service. Doubling planned to rebid 1NT. You K Q J W E 8 7 6 S The hotel is backed by a Hosted by Sandy Bell have 14 high card points, but ♣ 7 ♣ K 9 8 3 2 Silver Tourism Award for 7-9 June £218 three tens nestled with higher Quality. Adjacent to the Just Duplicate honours as well as the inner strength and length of your West North East South seafront, it is the perfect 5-7 July £218 five-card suit should persuade 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass location for a stroll. Just Duplicate you to upgrade the hand to a ? 16-18 August £238 good 15 count. Leads and Fundamental ♥ Defence Carrying your plan through 2 . You have a strong Hosted by Martin Holcombe you rebid 1NT and your six-card suit, but you have partner raises to 3NT. minimum strength for an Hopefully your tens will allow opening bid, so you should you to establish your hearts not consider rebidding with and make your game. a jump. Remember you can only get excited about a singleton once you find a fit. Although you can get excited 8. Dealer West. Love All. about your heart length, the Prices shown are per person, full board including tea & coffee ♠ K 2 ♠ A Q J 5 requirements for a jump rebid ♥ ♥ during breaks and a welcome drinks party. There is no single A K 4 3 2 N 7 in your suit are: 16+ HCP ♦ J 8 7 6 W E ♦ 9 4 3 2 and a six-card suit, so you are supplement and single players will always be found a partner. S The Mr Bridge team will offer support during the set hands ♣ Q 2 ♣ J 8 4 3 some distance short. sessions, on the seminar events, and make up the numbers Your partner would leave in the duplicates, so there should never be a half table. you in 2♥ and you might All rooms are ensuite, have tea & coffee making facilities and West North East South scrape home. n free Wi-Fi. The venue has a lift and is located in lovely Steyne 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass Gardens, close to the sea front. Garden view or sea view ? rooms may be available (sea view at a supplement). Books on bridge. 2♦. A fundamental part of For details and bookings call Gordon Bickley the Acol system is that when ( 07530553594 Mr Bridge Holidays  01483 489961 you rebid in a new suit, you or email [email protected] suggest five cards in your

BRIDGE November 2018 Page 47

Answers to Bernard Magee’s Bidding Quizzes 10-12 on the Cover and page 7

your partner to bid and also asks these 10. Dealer East. Love All. questions. is the ♠ A 9 6 3 ♠ 2 answer – using a bid in the fourth suit ♥ 5 4 3 N ♥ A J 10 9 2 as an artificial – asking W E ♦ Q 9 4 3 ♦ A J 8 2 your partner to make one more bid to S ♣ A 5 ♣ K 8 2 describe his hand. 3♣ shows nothing in clubs, but simply says you are strong and are unsure of West North East South which contract your side should be in. 1♥ Pass East can show spade support if he has 1♠ Pass 2♦ Pass it, or bid no-trumps with something in ? clubs, as he will here.

3♥. You have good support for diamonds, but more importantly you have three- 12. Dealer East. Love All. card support for hearts as well. Your ♠ A 8 7 2 ♠ K 3 partner has promised five hearts so you ♥ K 4 3 N ♥ A Q 9 7 6 W E should support the major rather than the ♦ A 9 8 5 ♦ K Q 2 S minor. With 10 points and a double fit, ♣ 5 3 ♣ J 8 6 you should jump to 3♥. Your partner would push on to 4♥ and you reach an excellent game. West North East South 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass 1NT Pass ? 11. Dealer East. Love All. ♠ A K 8 7 6 ♠ 5 ♥ 4 2 N ♥ A J 10 7 6 3♥. Your partner has rebid 1NT which W E ♦ ♦ K Q 3 S A J 6 5 suggests 15-17 points. You have 11 ♣ J 6 5 ♣ A 4 2 points which means you want to play in a game contract. 3NT looks the obvious bid, but if your partner has five hearts, West North East South then 4♥ might be a better contract. 1♥ Pass Jump to 3♥ to show your strength and 1♠ Pass 2♦ Pass heart support. Your partner will know ? that you do not hold four hearts, as you did not support right away. Here, East will raise to 4♥ and the best 3♣. Once again, your partner has shown game is found. n 5 hearts and 4+ diamonds. You have 13 HCP so you want to play in game, but with not much support for partner’s two suits Mr Bridge 2019 diaries you would like to find out whether you do have a fit, if partner has three spades Only £14.95. for example, or whether the partnership Ruby red. can play in no-trumps – requiring some strength in clubs in your partner’s hand. ( 01483 489961 You need a strong bid that forces

BRIDGE November 2018 Page 49 Fireside Chats with Mike Lawrence The Power of Spot Cards Part Six

pot cards often play a role in the trump. East has it. Basically, the slam is cold if West play that was not obvious during Here are two questions for you. has the ♠K. With no clues from the the bidding. 1 If there had been no bidding, what bidding, West is about 50% to have it S are your chances of making 6♦? and with the actual bidding, he is even 2 Given that you learned something more likely to have it. Dealer South. N/S Game. from the bidding, what are your The complete deal: ♠ A 10 9 chances of making 6♦? ♥ 6 3 ♦ Q 8 7 6 4 The answers to these questions are: ♠ A 10 9 ♣ A 7 2 1 With no bidding, 6♦ is 50%. ♥ 6 3 Quibblers might say it is better ♦ Q 8 7 6 4 N than that, but it is fair to use 50% ♣ A 7 2 W E ♠ K J 8 7 5 ♠ 6 4 3 2 S as close enough. 2 With the actual bidding, 6♦ is ♥ K Q J 9 4 N ♥ 8 7 5 2 ♠ Q closer to 80%. ♦ Void W E ♦ 2 S ♥ A 10 ♣ 10 6 4 ♣ Q J 9 8 ♦ A K J 10 9 5 3 Last hint. The correct line is the ♠ Q ♣ K 5 3 same, regardless of whether you have ♥ A 10 opposition bidding or not. ♦ A K J 10 9 5 3 How do you continue after drawing ♣ K 5 3 West North East South the trump? 1♦ One possible line is to ruff out the 2♦ 2♠ Pass 4NT spades, cash the ♣A-K, and give West North probably looked more fondly at Pass 5♠ Pass 5NT a heart trick. If he has no more clubs, his ♦Q than he did at his ♠10 and ♠9. Pass 6♦ All pass he will have to give you a ruff and He was wrong. ■ discard. South reaches 6♦ after trying for The problem is that West may have a a grand. The ♦2 bid by West was club to cash or that East can win with REDUCE THE COST Michaels, showing 5-5 in the majors. the jack of hearts which will allow him North’s 2♠ bid showed a limit raise to cash the setting club trick. OF YOUR POSTAGE or better in diamonds. If North had a The key to this hand is to spot the Postage stamps for sale at 90% good club hand he would have bid 2♥. spade spots in dummy. of face-value, all mint with full South asked for aces and then asked Try this. gum. Quotations for commercial for kings. North denied a king and Draw trump and lead the ♠Q. If quantities available on request. South chose to sign off in ♦6 . Given West plays low, finesse it. Values supplied in the evidence, 7♦ was still possible if If West covers, lead the ♠10. 100s, higher values North had good clubs but South chose If East plays the jack, you ruff available, as well as to give up on it. As it was, even 6♦ was and discard a loser on the ♠9. If 1st and 2nd class. not cold. East does not cover, discard your ( 020 8422 4906 West leads the ♥K. You win with heart. West can win but the ♠9 e-mail: [email protected] the ace and draw the one outstanding is now good for a club discard.

Page 50 BRIDGE November 2018