Mr Bridge 2016 CHARITY CHALLENGE CUP

in support of

Commentary by Bernard Magee BERNARD MAGEE’S CDs Really user-friendly interactive bridge tutorial software

BEGIN BRIDGE VERSION ACOL BIDDING £66 £66 ♦ Card Play Technique ♦ Planning Card Play MAC ♦ Bidding Balanced Hands ♦ Bidding Suits Compatible ♦ Responding to a Suit ♦ Supporting Partner ♦ Opening Bids and Responses ♦ Doubles ♦ Responding to 1NT ♦ Stayman ♦ Slams and Strong Openings ♦ Support for Partner ♦ Strong Two Opening and Response ♦ ♦ Overcalls ♦ No- Openings and Responses ♦ Doubles ♦ Pre-empting ♦ Defence against No- ♦ Opener’s and Responder’s Rebids ♦ Pre-empting trump Contracts ♦ Defence against Suit Contracts ♦ Minors and Misfits ♦ Competitive Auctions

ADVANCED DECLARER PLAY DEFENCE £81 £76 ♦ Making Overtricks in No-trumps ♦ Lead vs No-trump Contracts ♦ Making Overtricks in Suit Contracts ♦ Lead vs Suit Contracts ♦ Endplays ♦ Avoidance ♦ Partner of Leader vs No-trump Contracts ♦ Wrong Contract ♦ Simple Squeezes ♦ Partner of Leader vs Suit Contracts ♦ Counting the Hand ♦ Count Signals ♦ Attitude Signals ♦ Discarding ♦ Trump Reductions & Coups ♦ Defensive Plan ♦ Stopping Declarer ♦ Playing Doubled Contracts ♦ Safety Plays ♦ Counting the Hand

DECLARER PLAY £76 FIVE-CARD MAJORS & £89 ♦ Suit Establishment in No-trumps Strong No-Trump ♦ Suit Establishment in Suits ♦ Hold-ups ♦ Opening Bids & Responses ♦ Ruffing for Extra Tricks ♦ Entries in No-trumps ♦ No-Trump Openings ♦ Support for Partner ♦ Delaying Drawing Trumps ♦ Slams & Strong Openings ♦ Rebids ♦ Using the Lead ♦ Trump Control ♦ Minors & Misfits ♦ Pre-empting ♦ Endplays & Avoidance ♦ Doubles ♦ Overcalls ♦ Competitive Auctions ♦ Using the Bidding

ADVANCED BETTER BRIDGE £96 £69 ACOL BIDDING ♦ Ruffing for Extra Tricks ♦ Basics ♦ Advanced Basics ♦ Weak Twos ♦ Doubling and Defence Against Doubled Contracts ♦ Strong Hands ♦ Defence to Weak Twos ♦ Play and Defence of 1NT Contracts ♦ Defence to 1NT ♦ Doubles ♦ Finding and Bidding Slams ♦ Two-suited Overcalls ♦ Making the Most of High Cards ♦ Defences to Other Systems ♦ Competitive Auctions ♦ Misfits and Distributional Hands

( 01483 489961 Any 6 www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop for £299 System Requirements: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 or 10, 8mb RAM, CD-ROM Dear Bridge Player

Thank you for playing in this year’s Charity Challenge Cup. The proceeds will go to Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research, SMSR.

Founded in 2006, SMSR is a national charity that conducts pioneering medical, technical and sociological research in order to improve the quality of life after paralysis. As well as being a very worthwhile cause, it is a charity embracing the game of bridge for the numerous social and cognitive benefits it can bring to people living with spinal cord injury. We are certain you will agree that it is a charity well worth supporting and you should visit their website to find out more: www.lifeafterparalysis.com

You will, as usual, find the results from the event on the ECatsBridge website: www.ecatsbridge.com Just click the Sims tab and you will see the link.

We would like to express our sincere thanks to Mr Bridge for his very generous sponsorship of the event, which enables us to raise more funds for the charity. We also want to thank Bernard Magee for providing the commentary once again – I wonder if you got it right? Well, you will know by now.

Many people work very hard to ensure the success of this event – and that includes all the local organisers who spend so much time behind the scenes setting up the heats. On your behalf, we would like to thank them very much.

With best wishes to you all ... and please continue to enjoy your bridge.

Anna & Mark The ECatsBridge Team History of the Charity Challenge Cup

It is hard to believe that a competition as well-established and as widespread as the Charity Challenge Cup exists entirely because of the enterprise of just one individual, its initiator, Jill Gatti, who was a very special person. For thirty years she devoted a good six months of every year to the organisation of the CCC, and through her endeavours has created the biggest and best British competition of its kind.

It all started in 1958 when Jill helped her friend and partner, Tony Lederer, to turn out some cupboards. They found an old silver trophy with an unidentifiable history, dusty but definitely serviceable. Since they couldn’t find an owner, they decided to run a competition for it with the proceeds going to Mental Health where Jill then worked. They raised £100 (not bad in 1958) and decided to repeat the event the next year for a different charity. The competition grew each year and continued under Jill’s stewardship until 1988.

Jill roped in a number of dedicated helpers along the way including the editors of the hand booklets. In the early days there was a different editor each year, including such famous names as Norman Squire, Alan Truscott, Norman Smart and Albert Dormer. Then along came Alan Hiron, who agreed to do the job one year and found himself still doing it twenty-four years later.

Others have helped with the huge administrative load. Tony Lederer, in the beginning, was followed by Percy Charters as a mainstay for a long time. Roland Bolton was fre- quently co-opted to help check the scoring and for the last ten years or so Jill’s right- hand man was Jules Mannheim.

The success of the event was not just due to Jill’s organisational skills, though these were clearly vital, but also her kindness and her marvellous personal touch. She was always ready to help, explain, sort out problems, never forgot to thank all personal donors and never omitted that little bit of extra care and courtesy which really counts. Nothing was ever too much trouble.

In 1989 Jill decided that the time was right to retire and Better Bridge in Britain took over the organisation of the CCC. David Parry ran the event for some time, then Mr Bridge took it over, sponsoring it generously for some years. Following the 2006 event, it was again time to “pass on the baton”, this time to Anna Gudge of ECatsBridge, who is the current organiser. Mr Bridge remains a sponsor without whom these excellent booklets would not be provided. Previous Winners of the CCC

1959 Dr & Mrs M Ruston 1988 Mrs N Eccles & L A Williams 1960 R S Brock & T Higson 1989 Mr & Mrs J de Prochnow 1961 J Taylor & A Sampson 1990 R Shepherd & I Mears 1962 J Spielman & T Jones 1991 Mrs D W-Jones & Mrs P T-Jones 1963 A Noel Gregory & W H R Grundy 1992 Mrs B Walford & Mr R Kilby 1964 P Thothadri & Capt. Engineer 1993 Mr R Gaylor & Dr A Dunbar 1965 Mr & Mrs W R Upcott Gill 1994 Mr & Mrs D Minwalla 1966 M Allen & B Knowler 1995 Mr C F Belam & Mr I Charlesworth 1967 D Yorks & A Phillips 1996 Mr A Ratcliff & Mr M Downey 1968 S Yates & J Buck 1997 Mrs L Washtell & Mrs E Sumeray 1969 Mr & Mrs B Brown 1998 Mr R C Gray & Mr I Winterburn 1970 E Balloch & J Macdonald 1999 Mr N Dixon & Mr R Dixon 1971 Mr & Mrs P J Parr 2000 Mr R Green & Mrs G Gold 1972 V M Stevenson & E Longthorpe 2001 Mr R Walder & Mrs R Brown 1973 Mr Chapman & Mr Maclachlan 2002 Mr B Ballard & Mrs M Garman 1974 M W Hickman & C Stokes 2003 Waseem Naqvi & Phillip Levy 1975 Mr & Mrs L A Greensmith 2004 Mr P Smith & Mr J Tudor 1976 L G Wood & I Spoors 2005 Mr & Mrs P Langston 1977 D Nurenberg & M Macelloni 2006 Mr R Stark & Mrs S Reilly 1978 P E M Hill & D J Barrow 2007 Mr L Robb & Mr A Jamieson 1979 Dr A Benjenk & M Ozdil 2008 Mr & Mrs R Strudwick 1980 Mrs F Edwards & J Olson 2009 D Minwalla & N Minwalla 1981 M G White & M Huggins 2010 F Allen & R Salmon 1982 R Bruce & M Horsley 2011 E Fotheringham & R Hetherington 1983 Mr & Mrs M H Horton 2012 A Young & L Young 1984 D M Wenlock & A R Carter 2013 Graham Ledger & Manny Navarro 1985 Mr & Mrs T Kelly 2014 Gay Keaveney & Enda Glynn 1986 N Mullan & D Blacknall 2015 Brenda Osborne & Colin Hepworth 1987 N King & N Verrill BERNARD MAGEE TUTORIAL DVDs

SET 1 SET 2 SET 3 1 Ruffing for Extra Tricks 7 Leads 13 This seminar deals with declarer’s Bernard takes you through the basic Going beyond just the point-count is use of ruffing to make extra tricks leads and the importance of your important. Reaching & making 3NT and then looks at how the defenders lead choice. If you think about your on 24 HCP; and avoiding 3NT on 26 might counteract this. (74 mins.) partner’s hand, you will get better HCP when there are only 7 or 8 tricks. results. (95 mins.) (110 mins.) 2 Competitive Auctions This seminar focuses on competitive 8 Losing Trick Count 14 Pre-Emptive Bidding auctions from the perspective of the A way of hand evaluation for when The art of pre-empting is so important overcalling side and then from the you find a fit. Bernard deals with in the modern game. Understanding opening side. (86 mins.) the basics of the LTC then looks at the right hands to bid up on and advanced methods to hone your realising the importance of position 3 Making the bidding. (92 mins.) and vulnerability. (96 mins.) Most of High Cards This seminar helps declarer to use his 9 Making a 15 Splinter and Cue Bids high cards more carefully and then Plan as Declarer Splinter bids are a vital tool to add to looks at how defenders should care Bernard explains how to make a plan your slam bidding armoury & try your for their high cards. (83 mins.) then expands on making the most hand at Italian style cue bidding. of your long suits, both in no-trumps (116 mins.) 4 Identifying and suit contracts. (87 mins.) and Bidding Slams 16 The first half of this seminar identifies 10 Responding to 1NT As declarer, an important tactic is when a slam might be on. The second This seminar deals with Transfers and to be in control of the defenders: half covers some slam-bidding Stayman in detail. The 1NT opening avoiding a particular defender getting techniques. (96 mins.) comes up frequently, so having a the lead. As a defender, you can try to good, accurate system of responses is make sure the right player gets the 5 Play and Defence paramount. (93 mins.) lead. (88 mins.) of 1NT Contracts This seminar looks at the most 11 Signals and Discards 17 Play and Defence common and yet most feared of This seminar deals with Count, at Duplicate Pairs contracts: 1NT. The first half looks at Attitude and Suit-preference signals: Duplicate Pairs is the game most of declaring 1NT and the second part at aiming to get you working as a us play and getting used to the tactics defending. (88 mins.) partnership in defence. (92 mins.) will make a lot of difference to your performance. (90 mins.) 6 Doubling & Defence against 12 Doubled Contracts Bernard takes you through the basics 18 Thinking Defence The first half of this seminar explores of endplays before showing some By far the hardest aspect of bridge, penalty doubles and the second half hands where you can take extra tricks, but if you can improve your defence discusses the defence against doubled then looks at how to avoid being your results will quickly improve. contracts. (88 mins.) endplayed. (80 mins.) (87 mins.)

£25 £105 SET of 6 per DVD All prices include postage - UK only. Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961 On-line shop: www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop. BERNARD MAGEE TUTORIAL DVDs

SET 3 SET 4 SET 5 13 Hand Evaluation 19 Defensive Plan 25 Defence as Partner Going beyond just the point-count is Looking at your own hand, then at of the Leader important. Reaching & making 3NT dummy and envisaging how partner’s Defence is the hardest aspect of the on 24 HCP; and avoiding 3NT on 26 hand will allow you to make a plan game. You are often taught about HCP when there are only 7 or 8 tricks. for the defence. (112 mins.) leads, but what about as the leader’s (110 mins.) partner? How do you play to trick one 20 Further and what do you do later? (104 mins.) 14 Pre-Emptive Bidding Into the Auction The art of pre-empting is so important The first two bids of an auction are 26 Aggressive Bidding in the modern game. Understanding usually easy, but beyond that the at Duplicate Pairs the right hands to bid up on and complications increase. Learn how Years ago, you needed 13 HCP to open realising the importance of position to ‘talk’ to your partner during the and rarely competed for a partscore. and vulnerability. (96 mins.) bidding. (95 mins.) Now it’s usual to open lighter and compete for every hand. (114 mins.) 15 Splinter and Cue Bids 21 Weak Twos Splinter bids are a vital tool to add to It is important to bid more in the 27 Strong Opening Bids your slam bidding armoury & try your modern game and weak twos are an Managing your strong bids carefully hand at Italian style cue bidding. important choice for the competitive can give you great joy, particularly (116 mins.) player. (104 mins.) when you have a neat bidding sequence to a lovely slam. (122 mins.) 16 Avoidance Play 22 Trump Control As declarer, an important tactic is Handling the play of the hand when 28 Take-Out Doubles to be in control of the defenders: trumps break badly is an important Bernard deals with basic take-out avoiding a particular defender getting attribute: playing calmly and using a doubles and their responses, then the lead. As a defender, you can try to variety of tactics to pave the way to progresses to talk about competing make sure the right player gets the success. (76 mins.) for every partscore. (99 mins.) lead. (88 mins.) 23 Sacrificing 29 Suit Establishment 17 Play and Defence An exciting aspect of the auction is in Suit Contracts at Duplicate Pairs outbidding your opponents and going 5-card suits (and longer) are powerful Duplicate Pairs is the game most of down, but gaining by doing so. things: Bernard tries to get across his us play and getting used to the tactics Learn to bid more aggressively. passion for them by showing you how will make a lot of difference to your (105 mins.) to develop extra tricks. (81 mins.) performance. (90 mins.) 24 Improving 30 Landy / Defending 18 Thinking Defence Bridge Memory Against a 1NT Opening By far the hardest aspect of bridge, Remembering every card is a dream Competing against 1NT allows you to but if you can improve your defence for most of us. However, learn ways challenge for the partscore. Bernard your results will quickly improve. in which to remember the important talks about when to compete over 1NT (87 mins.) things. (90 mins.) then Landy. (85 mins.)

£105 SET of 6 Buy 1 Set All prices include postage - UK only. Get 1 Free Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961 On-line shop: www.mrbridge.co.uk/shop. QPLUS 11 Really user-friendly bridge-playing software

FEATURES INCLUDE SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS l Help button – explains the features for bidding and card play advice l 8mb RAM l Displays on HD and large screens l CD-ROM l Comprehensive manual l Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 or 10 l Feed in your own deals l option TRADE-IN OFFER l 5,000 preplayed hands for teams Return any QPLUS CD and l 4,000 preplayed hands for matchpoint pairs booklet with a cheque for £50 l Save match function and receive QPLUS 11 now and l Closed room – button to view other table QPLUS 12 at the end of October. receive QPlus11 now Order with confidence. l £99 and QPlus12 in October

Mr Bridge Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH ( 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk 1 Board 2

Love All. Dealer North. N/S Vul. Dealer East.

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

West North East South West North East South 1♠ 2♠* Pass Pass 1♦ 2NT Pass 4♦ Pass Pass 1♥ Pass 4♣ 5♦ All Pass Pass 4♥ All Pass

I have shown East making a Michaels’ cue When you have a strong hand you can bid of 2♠, which shows five hearts and five choose to open a 4-4-4-1 shape with any cards in a minor. In response, West bids suit as you can afford to or rebid in 2NT (or 3♣ according to style) asking for no-trumps. So, you should prefer to open his partner’s minor and East might jump with the , to avoid suggesting a to 4♦ to show a strong hand type (just four five-card major, if planning to bid two suits. losers). The spotlight is then on West and North, with an intermediate 3-suiter, with two fitting high cards he can go for does best to keep the auction as low as game. With hearts breaking favourably, possible to find a fit, so he should bid♥ 1 declarer should make the game even with even though he has longer clubs. the bad trump break. South makes a splinter bid in response, Without a two-suited , East showing enough strength for game, four- could start by overcalling 2♥ and then card heart support and shortage in clubs. over North’s probable 2♠ rebid, he can North has much more than the show his diamonds. minimum, but it looks like the hands are If North bids too much, he could go a misfitting: his clubs are wasted opposite long way off. Against a spade contract, the his partner’s singleton and his void is in defenders should manage to take five top his partner’s suit. He should settle for 4♥. tricks and a in each hand. 3♠ doubled Although the trumps break badly, three off is 500: more than a game. careful play should bring eleven tricks. Board 3 Board 4

E/W Vul. Dealer South. Game All. Dealer West.

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

West North East South West North East South 1♥ 1♦ Pass 1♠ 2♣ Pass 3♠ Dbl Rdbl 2♦ 3♣ 4♦ Pass Pass 4♣ Pass 4NT 4♠ All Pass Pass 5♥ Pass 5NT Pass 6♣ Pass 6♥ Finding spades might be difficult on this All Pass hand with a nine-card fit in diamonds. The auction starts straightforwardly, but South opens 1♥ and if North makes a then West’s choice over South’s 2♣ is splinter bid the partnership should reach tricky. The quality of his diamond suit is slam easily. South’s hand fits perfectly with surely going to tempt him to bid 2♦, then a spade splinter. East may well double the over more competition from North, East splinter bid to show his spades, in which is going to support diamonds and with the case, South can show his ♠A by redoubling. quality of his hand he needs to jump to 4♦. After a club , South bids 4NT and 4♠ is a good bid from West, surely offering then 5NT, trying for a grand slam. North a choice of games and East is happy to shows the ♣K, but South is not prepared to choose spades. risk the grand slam. 5♣ is a good against the game Without the double, South needs to cue (two off), but might propel East-West bid to find out if North has a club control towards a slam which will make. and then South can press on to slam. Needing luck in spades to make twelve In the play there are 12 easy tricks and tricks, game is probably wisest, but once declarer aims for a thirteenth by playing again the bold bidders will be rewarded. diamonds off the top, planning to fall back on clubs. The ♦Q falls so there are 13 tricks. Board 5 Board 6

N/S Vul. Dealer North. E/W Vul. Dealer East.

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

West North East South West North East South Pass 1♥ 1♠ Pass Pass 2♠ Pass 3♣ Pass 1♠ 2♠* 4♠ 5♥ 3NT Pass 4♥ All Pass All Pass

I think most pairs will finish in 4♥, but After two passes, West opens ♠1 and North 3NT will get the top score. South is prob- can show a two-suiter including hearts by ably going to overcall with six spades in his bidding 2♠. Even at the unfavourable vul- hand (not necessarily wise at this vulner- nerability, East might jump to 4♠: with six- ability) and West can use the unassuming card support and a singleton. cue bid: 2♠; showing support for hearts. Now South can bid on because he knows East could bid 2NT to show his spade his side has a double fit: in hearts and strength, but with the singleton diamond, whichever minor North holds. I think showing his club strength is better. I think a lot of Wests will be tempted to Now West can bid 3NT to offer the choice bid 5♠ here, with six spades of their own, of games, but from East’s point of view with but with unfavourable vulnerability this duplicated strength in spades the diamonds will get doubled and go two down for -500. are likely to be too weak. As it turns out, In 5♥ declarers will make 11 or 12 tricks West’s ♦10 is enough for a second stop and depending on the diamond suit. In 5♥ by so a no-trump contract is safe. North, East should lead his singleton and In the play, South needs to lead the ♠A to the defence will make the first two tricks. allow the defence to take a spade ruff and 5♥ by South will get the ♠A lead and now keep declarer to ten tricks which will be a if declarer plays trumps and clubs first he very good score. Otherwise, both 3NT and may well place West with longer diamonds 4♥ should make eleven tricks. and pick up the suit: ending with 12 tricks. Board 7 Board 8

Game All. Dealer South. Love All. Dealer West.

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

West North East South West North East South Pass 1NT 2♠ All Pass 1♠ Dbl Pass 2♦ 2♥ 2NT Pass 3NT Part of the power of the weak no-trump All Pass is its pre-emptive nature. If North passes, then 1NT will win the auction and West is weak, but with two reasonable probably drift one off for a great score. suits in the right order, he can open with When non-vulnerable it pays to overcall an aggressive 1♠. If North plays a natural aggressively against 1NT. The suit quality 2NT overcall then he can bid that now, but is dubious, but you do have six cards and a it comes up so rarely, it is more useful to bit of solidity. play some form of two-suited overcall. If South should pass without a good fit. so, then you have to start with a take-out In 2♠, as long as declarer gets the trump double. West will show his second suit, but suit right, he should make a comfortable North-South should reach 3NT and the eight tricks for +110. number of tricks will depend on North’s skills. After a spade lead to the ace and another spade, Declarer should play ♦K, ♦A and then he knows West can have at most two clubs. He starts with ♣A and had West followed he would play to drop a doubleton queen (he would need it to have an opening bid). When West dis- cards, he picks up the suit and two heart allow him to take twelve tricks. Board 9 Board 10

E/W Vul. Dealer North. Game All. Dealer East.

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

West North East South West North East South Pass 1♠ Dbl Pass Pass 4♣ Pass 4♠ All Pass 1♥ Pass 2♣ Pass 2♦ Pass 2♥ All Pass This is the third board that plays in to the hands of the overbidders. 4♠ is surely high Vulnerable first in hand, East does best to enough, but 6♠ will probably make when pass: 1♣ is not pre-emptive and you will the king falls on the first round. be misleading your partner as to your East is too strong for a weak no-trump strength if you open. After a pass and so opens in a four-card suit: I prefer to three simple bids, East’s next choice is not open the four-card major. so easy. Should he give preference to hearts South might double, and now West or rebid his own suit? with a very strong hand has to show his If in doubt, then choose to help your excitement. A splinter is a reasonable partner, rather than stick with your own option, showing the shortage in clubs. suit. Here, 3♣ will be a step too far, with This will put East off because his ♣K-Q are little hope of a positive score. wasted, so he signs off in 4♠. With a 5-loser In 2♥, the defence take the first three hand, West might try for slam again. If he spade tricks, but they are likely to make bids 5♣, suggesting a void, then East might just one more trick: the ♦K. cue bid 5♥, which will probably be enough +140 is likely to be a near top score for for West to bid 6♠. East-West. To be sure of stopping thirteen tricks, South has to lead the ♦A and, believe it or not, -680 may well get South a shared top. Board 11 Board 12

Love All. Dealer South. N/S Vul. Dealer West.

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

West North East South West North East South Pass 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass 1NT All Pass 4♥ All Pass

This should be a pretty flat board. North- East’s 1♠ response is likely to keep South South have nothing to say and the East- quiet and, at the vulnerability, that is a West hands are both balanced, so 1NT is good thing. 5♦ doubled would be two off the right contract. (-500); worse than 4♥ making. On a spade lead, the defence should West’s rebid is tricky: it is a choice make three spade tricks and three other between 2♥ or 4♥. A 3♥ rebid shows a top tricks, so declarer is likely to finish strong hand in high card points and could with seven tricks. push partner higher than you want. It is hard for both declarer and the A 4♥ rebid shows a hand with opening defence to go far wrong, so I would expect strength but with a pre-emptive shape. a long string of 90s on the traveller. Although the heart honours lie nastily, other cards lie more nicely, so you can make 4♥, unless North makes the strange lead of a club. If West chooses to rebid 2♥, then South might well reopen with 3♦. West will probably bid 3♥, but that will finish the auction. Board 13 Board 14

Game All. Dealer North. Love All. Dealer East.

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

West North East South West North East South Pass 1NT Pass 1NT Pass 2♥ Pass 2♠ Pass Pass Dbl All Pass 3♦ Pass 3♠ Pass 4♠ All Pass Although North is in the final seat and sitting in front of the 1NT opener, he With five spades and 14 HCP, West should should still double with his reasonable 15 go for game opposite a weak no-trump. points. South is happy to pass and West He shows his five card spade suit and then cannot do much, although ‘wrigglers’ rebids 3♦ (natural and forcing to game). might escape to 2♦. East supports spades and they reach 4♠, The defence take the first five club tricks but the horrible trump break will result in against 1NT and with careful play can take a likely one trick defeat. Some Easts might declarer three off. finish in 3NT, but a red suit lead makes life Those playing a strong no-trump will difficult. Declarer cannot easily establish escape the penalty and North-South will either black suit, due to the unfavourable finish in a club contract. A dubious heart breaks in both suits. If declarer uses a heart lead allows East to take ♥A-K, give West to lead a club to the jack, South can a ruff then the ♦A and East leads another win his queen and clear the hearts before heart. Declarer can ruff this high, but still declarer has unblocked the club suit. The has to lose a spade: eight tricks. A diamond defence are likely to end up with six tricks: lead against 3♣ gives declarer a : taking 3NT two off. East switches to hearts, but later in the play So, although 4♠ goes one off, it should declarer can discard his spade loser on the still score well against 3NT-2. fourth heart. Board 15 Board 16

N/S Vul. Dealer South. E/W Vul. Dealer West.

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

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

What should West call at his first turn? I think a lot of North-Souths are going to Without a four-card major, surely 2♣ is a take a phantom sacrifice on this hand. better description than double? With the vulnerability in your favour Bidding clubs puts the pressure on and a nine-card major fit, it is hard not to South, but he should be able to make his push on to 4♠. 4♠ doubled is likely to go own take-out double and compete the deal three off, because declarer might misguess to the full. 3♠ will struggle against a trump trumps or the defence might get a trump lead, whilst 3♥ is a much better contract. promotion by playing on diamonds. -500 Declarer has to be careful to keep control. is still a save if 4♥ is making, but when the On a diamond lead, there is a temptation traveller is opened you will see a number to aim to ruff diamonds, but then you can of 4♥-1. be forced in clubs as well and find yourself I think a vulnerable West should pass as short of trumps. dealer, but if North opens a weak two in Drawing trumps will give declarer an spades, then East might double for take- easy nine tricks: two trumps, a ruff, four out and West will be bidding 4♥ anyway. spades and the ♦A-K. However if you can In 4♥, declarer is likely to lose a spade, manage two ruffs you will get the top score a diamond and two clubs, so as long as with +170. North does not lead a spade, 4♥ will go down. Board 17 Board 18

Love All. Dealer North. N/S Vul. Dealer East.

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

West North East South West North East South 1♣ Pass 1♥ Pass Pass Pass 1NT Pass 2♥ Pass 1NT All Pass All Pass The result on this hand will probably be It is difficult for East-West to get in to the dictated by North’s choice of opening bid. auction. East is too flat and West too weak. With the minors in the ‘wrong’ order If either of them do make a bid, then they and two honour doubletons, I prefer a 1NT will be rewarded in any diamond contract opening. One other choice is to open 1♣ below game. and rebid 1NT, valuing your hand as 15 Making +130 in a diamond contract points. For me, the weakness of the club scores better than defeating 2♥. suit and the honour doubletons put the Declarer has got a chance in 2♥ if he hand firmly in the 12-14 range. Of course, can keep his trump losers down to two. you could choose to open 1♣ and rebid 2♣, Noting the fall of the ♥J on the first round but that looks ugly. of trumps, South can play towards the ♥8 1NT should score well, but I suppose on the next round. some lucky Norths might scrape home Combine this trump play with the in 3NT. Keeping declarer to eight tricks dropping of a spade honour and declarer requires careful defence. You need to make will scrape home in 2♥. the most of your honours: covering at the right time and avoiding an endplay. Board 19 Board 20

E/W Vul. Dealer South. Game All. Dealer West.

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

West North East South West North East South Pass Pass 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass 2NT Pass 3♦ Pass 2NT Pass 3♠ Pass 3♠ Pass 4♠ Pass 4♠ All Pass All Pass

If North rebids 3NT, he will end up there Another 2NT rebid, but this time with 18 and may lose the first four tricks for a very points. What should South rebid? lowly score. Modern Acol uses a 2NT rebid I like 3♦, which shows the club weakness to show 18-19 points which allows room and offers spades as a denomination. for discussion. South rebids spades to offer North could choose 3NT here, but he a choice of final contracts and North raises should really show three cards in spades to 4♠. West should take the first two dia- and South may well finish in 4♠. mond tricks and that will probably be it for I think 3NT is going to win on this deal, the defence. because declarer should be able to scrape I do not like opening 2NT with a an eleventh trick by developing a heart balanced 19 points, but if you include the trick. In fact, in 4♠, if West leads the ♥10, two tens and two nines in your evaluation then the defence make three tricks leaving and make it worth 20, you might open 2NT declarer with a poor score. The heart lead and after South transfers, North will finish is more likely when the opening bid is 1♣ up as declarer in 4♠. With East to lead, he (5-card major system), because East will might choose a heart or club, which will probably overcall 1♥. gift declarer a twelfth trick. Then add a bad discard and I can imagine one declarer finishing with all thirteen tricks. Board 21 Board 22

N/S Vul. Dealer North. E/W Vul. Dealer East.

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

West North East South West North East South Pass 1NT Pass 1NT All Pass 3NT All Pass Most tables will finish in 1NT, so this A simple auction should lead to 3NT. board will be a test of defenders and de- South should lead a small spade, which clarers. declarer does best to in both hands. South might lead a diamond, but North Declarer then wins the second spade and on winning the ♦K should switch. The leads a club. ♣J is my favourite – setting up a tenace South should play the ♣10 on this around dummy’s ten if required. Declarer trick, hoping his ♣K will be an entry. It probably ducks the club switch, but then is unlikely that declarer will play this way wins the ♣A and plays the ♦J. South wins holding the ace and jack in his hand. this and the defence cash two more clubs North wins the ♣A and clears the spades then switch to hearts. However, declarer leaving declarer one down. can win the ♥A, in diamonds and If South puts up his ♣K then declarer then play on spades. If North has discarded makes his contract, and will finish with a spade and East goes for the maximum, he ten tricks if South plays a third spade. might finish with eight tricks. A club lead will give a very different result, with the defence able to switch to hearts earlier. They will make two more tricks, resulting in a one trick defeat instead. However, from South’s hand a diamond looks better than a club. Board 23 Board 24

Game All. Dealer South. Love All. Dealer West.

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

West North East South West North East South 1♦ 1♠ Pass 4♠ All Pass Pass 1♥ 2♠ Pass 3♠ Dbl All Pass North-South can make ten tricks in hearts on this deal but they are unlikely to get What should North bid at his second turn? into the auction. 4♥ seems a little too much, but he does East’s 4♠ response is reasonable with the want to compete and that should be what 4-card support and void. double means in this kind of auction. This leaves North with a difficult lead Then the spotlight moves to South. With and the ♦7 is the least of evils: not wanting the heart misfit and his three top tricks, to lead a suit with an ace in, nor lead away he might consider passing, expecting that from his trump holding. +200 might be the best available score. Declarer is unlikely to get home, even if After the dust settles the defence should he picks up trumps. He cannot afford to take the first seven tricks and collect +800. draw all the trumps, so will probably lose If North-South bid on, then the best a ruff, a diamond and either two clubs or a contract is 5♦ which requires the diamond club and a heart. finesse to make (after the obvious spade However, as suggested above, since 4♥ lead). would likely make, 4♠ is a good sacrifice. 4♥ will probably go one off, although without a spade lead, declarer can get home if he guesses well. After cashing two trumps, if he plays on diamonds he can throw both his spades and end up with an overtrick. Board 25 Board 26

E/W Vul. Dealer North. Game All. Dealer East.

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

West North East South West North East South 1NT Pass 2♦ Pass 1♣ Pass 2♥ Dbl 3♥ Pass 1♠ Pass 1NT 3♠ All Pass Pass 3♣ Pass 3NT All Pass The auction starts slowly but once North completes the transfer, East is able to enter North has the strength for game over the auction with a take-out double. South South’s 1NT rebid (15-17), but he cannot might try to be awkward by bidding 3♥, be sure which is the best game. A jump to which is not a bad bet non-vulnerable and the three-level is game-forcing: North’s with a reasonable six-card suit. clubs are not wonderful, but it allows his However, West has a comfortable 3♠ bid partner to consider his options, particu- which should finish the auction. larly allowing him to bid 3♠ with 3-card On a heart lead, declarer probably wins support. Most pairs should finish in 3NT. in hand, leads a low trump to the king and A possible diamond lead gives declarer then ducks one on the way back. Expecting a crucial extra entry to dummy as long as North to hold the ♠A, this is declarer’s best he is on the ball. He can win the ♦8 at trick chance to avoid two trump losers. Now one and lead a spade towards the jack. This declarer wins the diamond switch, draws allows declarer to make four diamonds, trumps and plays on clubs. He is likely to four spades and a heart. A heart lead is finish with nine tricks. The odd declarer better for the defence even though it gives might get a little help and make ten tricks, declarer a quick second trick in the suit. but some will go astray in trumps and Declarer will probably duck a spade, but might make just eight. when the spades don’t break he will have too many losers and may finish two off. Board 27 Board 28

Love All. Dealer South. N/S Vul. Dealer West.

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

West North East South West North East South Pass 1♣ 1♠ 2♦ 4♠ Pass 1NT Pass 2♦ 6♦ Dbl All Pass Pass 2♥ Pass 2NT All Pass This is a wild deal: both sides have the po- tential for eleven tricks, but the result will Everything sits right for North-South on depend on boldness in the bidding and ac- this deal, so anybody reaching 3NT will curacy in defence. West’s clubs are so much make. I am willing to stretch to invite more powerful than his diamonds, as well game with the South hand, because with a as being longer, so I prefer a 1♣ opening. heart fit a game could make, but the North North has a powerful hand but 1♠ seems hand is a mediocre 13 count and without a as good a place to start as any. East bids 2♦ heart fit it seems more usual to pass 2NT. and South might as well jump to 4♠ even at A diamond lead is likely, which declarer adverse vulnerability. West is so powerful, I wins and plays three rounds of hearts. would not be able to resist the jump to 6♦. With clubs and hearts coming in for four Surely East is more likely to hold ♥A than tricks each, declarer has ten tricks. ♠A on this auction. North doubles and the Against a heart contract, East will lead outcome depends on South’s lead. the ♠K and declarer will have four losers: In such a competitive auction is the dou- two spades, one trump and the ♦A. ble asking for an unusual lead? If South leads a heart, 6♦ is one down, whilst any other lead allows 6♦ to make, since declarer can discard a heart on the ♠A and set up his club suit. Meanwhile 5♠ can go one off as long as East gets a club ruff. Board 29 Board 30

Game All. Dealer North. Love All. Dealer East.

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

West North East South West North East South Pass 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass 4♥ All Pass 2♦ Pass 2♠ Pass 4♠ All Pass A direct raise to game shows a distribu- tional hand with no aspirations to slam. This board should be pretty flat. 4♠ is the Opener should only bid again if he has an obvious contract and there appears to be exceptional hand. East is a little too flat to three obvious losers. bid on: he needs at least two key cards from South might enter the auction with a West as well as another high card (or ex- weak jump overcall, but 5♣ will be too treme shape) to make slam a good chance high, giving up 500 against 420 for 4♠. and with that many high cards West The only chance of an overtrick in 4♠ should have bid something else. (excluding an inspired view in trumps) is if In the play, South might lead a club to declarer can establish two extra diamond the ace and another club, which exposes a tricks beyond the ♦K-Q. He would need second club loser, so declarer plays three to have reason to take a ruffing finesse rounds of spades throwing a club and, only against North. Perhaps if South chooses to then, crosses to dummy to take the trump lead the ♦4, North might win and return finesse. South wins and plays a third club, the suit. Declarer plays ♠A, ♠K and then but dummy ruffs high and declarer claims after a club finesse he leads the ♦10. North the rest. ducks but declarer throws a heart. South Any declarer who drops the king will ruffs and leads a heart. Declarer wins the make twelve tricks – the play is against ♥A, ruffs a fourth diamond, crosses to the the odds, but if you picked up some body ♣A and cashes the fifth diamond for an language then well played! eleventh trick and a great score. 2089 Mr B A5 ad Sept 16 New fares_Layout 1 11/12/2015 13:27 Page 1

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