BRIDGENumber Ninety-six August 2009

Christmas and New Year on board mv Discovery Cruising from India to the East See overleaf for further details B SAVE UP TO £900 PER PERSON* LU N C A E Y V ER A % V S 5 O S C ER A IS B R D EM T M EX

ITINERARY

NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT ON SELECTED CATEGORY I & G CABINS 19 December 2009 – 18 days INSIDE CABIN OUTSIDE CABIN Now from £1,795PP Now from £1,995PP Bridge Hosts:Alison and Norman Nicolson An exotic 18-day cruise Date Port Dec 19 2009 Depart UK by air Dec 20 MUMBAI,India to India & the East Arrive and transfer to mv Discovery Celebrate Christmas and New Year on board mv Discovery and enjoy the charms Dec 21 MUMBAI,India of this captivating region on an exceptional value cruise. Dec 22 MARMAGAO,India Dec 23 Cruise the Arabian Sea MV DISCOVERY MR BRIDGE Dec 24 COCHIN,India Starting with two days in vibrant Mumbai, Alison Nicolson and her team will look after you on this Dec 25 COLOMBO, Sri Lanka this itinerary takes in two further calls in 18-day voyage. The evening sessions will be split into Dec 26 COLOMBO, Sri Lanka India: Marmagao, where two with the first finishing in Dec 27 Cruise the Indian Ocean Hindu and Catholic time for those wishing to see Dec 28 CHENNAI,India heritage co-exist amid the evening show. In addition (formerly Madras) legacies of the Portuguese to bridge every evening, there Dec 29-30 Cruise the Indian Ocean colonials, and Cochin, the will be morning seminars and & Andaman Sea Queen of the Arabian Sea. afternoon bridge sessions, Dec 31 PHUKET,Thailand Aromatic herbs in the which are held while the ship Jan 1 2010 PENANG,Malaysia bazaars of Colombo will is at sea, so everyone can Jan 2 PORT KELANG awaken your senses whilst enjoy the ports of call. (Kuala Lumpur), Malaysia the idyllic beaches of Jan 3 SINGAPORE Chennai and Phuket are sure to appeal. We WHAT’S INCLUDED Jan 4 SINGAPORE • All meals, entertainment and gratuities on board will also visit Kuala Lumpur where the views Disembark and transfer from the twin Petronas towers reveal a city of • All port and pre-paid airport taxes • Flights from/to to airport for overnight parks and meandering avenues. In Singapore, UK • Overseas transfers between airport and ship flight home we’ll seek out brightly coloured temples, • Comprehensive guest speaker programme explore museums that explain the island’s • Christmas dinner and New Year’s Party on board multi-cultural heritage and stroll through the • All bridge activities • All prices on board in All Mr Bridge passengers, who have paid the Historic District. British pounds bridge deposit, will be eligible to participate in the after first-sitting dinner bridge programme.There will also be a quiz and exclusive bridge parties.The bridge programme is fully optional and you may participate as much or as little as you wish. Mr Bridge actively encourages singles to join the party and you will always be found a partner for a game. DUPLICATE BRIDGE GUARANTEED YOUR MONEY AND HOLIDAY ARE FULLY PROTECTED NO FUEL SURCHARGES – GUARANTEED Fare shown is per person based on two people sharing lowest twin-bedded cabin category and includes all applicable discounts for new bookings. *£900 per person saving refers to Category K off the early booking fare as featured in the April 2009 to May 2010 Voyages of Discovery brochure. All offers are capacity controlled, subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time. No single supplement on selected category I and G cabins and is capacity controlled. Terms and conditions apply, see brochure for details. Voyages of Discovery is a trading name of All Leisure Holidays Ltd.

¤ 01483 489961 Call now for brochures and bookings FEATURES BRIDGE 3 Bidding Quiz 46 Jeremy Dhondy says BIDDING QUIZ by Bernard Magee Push One Level by Bernard Magee but not Two Publisher and 5 ou are West in the auc - Managing Editor 47 Defence Quiz Answers Ytions below, playing 11 Making the One by Julian Pottage Mr Bridge Extra Trick in Pairs 'Standard Acol' with a weak no-trump (12-14 points) and Ryden Grange by Freddie North four-card majors. Knaphill, Surrey ADVERTISEMENTS 11 Freddie North –A (Answers on page 13 ) GU21 2TH Tribute to a Friend 2 Christmas & 01483 489961 by Elena Jeronimidis New Year Cruise 1. Dealer West. N/S Vul. ( on Board Discovery ♠ A Q 5 4 3 e-mail : 13 Bidding Quiz Answers ♥ 8 6 4 QPlus 9.1 [email protected] by Bernard Magee © 5 2 ® A K 8 7 15 A Walk at Holiday 7 Tutorial Software & website : Time by Countryman Mail Order Form West North East South www.mrbridge.co.uk 1♠ Dbl Redbl 2® 17 David Gold says 8 ? Associate Editor Make Life Easy Bridge Breaks Julian Pottage for Partner 2. Dealer West. Love All. 9 Bridge Breaks ♠ K Q 3 Order Form 18 Julian Pottage ♥ 4 2 Answers Your Questions Technical Consultant 10 Bridge Events © A Q 7 ® Tony Gordon 23 Declarer Play Quiz with Bernard Magee K Q 6 4 2 by Dave Huggett West North East South Bridge Consultant 12 Eric Hill 24 Bernard Magee says 1® Pass 1♥ Pass Bernard Magee 14 2010 Diaries Lose Your Sure 1NT Pass 2♥ Pass ? Tricks Early 14 Tunisia 2009/2010 Proof Readers 3. Dealer West. N/S Vul. 26 David Stevenson Danny Roth 14 Better ♠ A 7 3 Answers Your Questions Hugh Williams Hand Evaluation ♥ A K 4 3 © A 8 7 Richard Wheen 30 Readers’ Letters 16 Single-suited ® Q J 3 Design Pens 35 Defence Quiz Software Support West North East South by Julian Pottage 16 Charity 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass ( 01483 485345 Bridge Events 36 Double Dummy Answer 2NT Pass 3® Pass by Richard Wheen Events & Cruises 33 Bernard Magee ? Bridge Books ( 01483 489961 37 Declarer Play Answers 4. Dealer East. Love All. Jessica Galt by David Huggett 36 Rubber/Chicago ♠ K Q 4 3 2 Rachel Everett Bridge Events ♥ Q 10 6 38 Julian Pottage says © 4 2 Make the 36 Duplicate Bridge ® J 9 6 Club Directory Defenders Lead Rules Simplified and Charity Support West North East South 39 Mike Wenble says 40 Global Travel 1♥ Pass [email protected] Think Before Insurance 1♠ Pass 2NT Pass Playing to Trick One ? Address Changes 42 Christmas 2009 43 Dave Huggett says 5. Dealer West. Love All. ( 01483 485342 Keep Length 45 European Explorer ♠ A Q 4 3 2 with Dummy Cruise on Board ♥ 7 6 All correspondence should Discovery © 4 2 44 Liz McGowan says be addressed to Mr Bridge. ® A Q 5 4 Please make sure that all Cover the Last of 48 Black Sea Cruise letters, e-mails and faxes Touching Honours on Board Discovery West North East South carry full postal addresses 1♠ Pass 1NT Pass and telephone numbers. The views expressed in this publication are not 2® Pass 2© Pass necessarily those of the publisher or its Managing Editor. ?

Page 3 Q PLUS 9.1 Still the very best Acol-playing Software available

Happy QPlus reader, Gill Smith of Thames Ditton writes:

I love my QPlus Bridge. As a learner, I always have a faithful partner whenever I want one. She is always available (late at night too) and she bids and plays perfectly. She has never kicked me under the table, rolled her eyes or taken a sharp intake of breath. If I bid or play badly she is on hand with sound advice yet she doesn’t take offence if I ignore it. There is also a use which I FEATURES SYSTEM HANS LEBER didn’t realise when I l The Usual Friendly Interface l 8mb RAM bought the CD. It is the facility to feed in the real (see above) CD-ROM l hands that we deal, and see Hint and Help Buttons l l Pentium how it would have bid and – always at hand or equivalent played them. I have done Easy Windows Installation this on arriving home, l l Windows XP or Vista Comprehensive Manual usually cross with myself, l after a duplicate session. l Rubber, Duplicate My faithful friend gives me and Teams Scoring a sensible perspective on the matter. When playing l Instant results TRADE-IN OFFERS playing in teams mode Chicago or rubber at home, Trade-in any previous version of at the end of the bidding l 2,500 pre-played and playing a difficult hands for teams Q Plus. Just post in the booklet hand, I have opened up my laptop and switched on l 2,000 pre-played hands and disk and a cheque for £32. for match-pointed pairs QPlus. With fellow learn- including 1,000 new hands Trade-in any other bridge software ers, I have looked at hands and seen how our elec- Check your pairs before 31 August 2009 and send it tronic friend would have EW N percentage and ranking with a cheque for £49. bid and played. We still Systems include: several have lots to learn. W NE versions of Acol, including Order with absolute confidence. I bracket my QPlus disc Bernard Magee’s system, together with the dish- Standard American washer – an essential lux- or create your own. ury that I would find difficult to live without. l £82 including p&p

Make your cheque payable to and send to: Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH

( 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop Fax 01483 797302 INVITATION DENHAM GROVE DISCOVERY SHARING

per person. Holidaying as a single is, No single more often than not, much £129 supplement more costly. However, if you are willing to consider I have extended this special sharing a twin-berthed cabin, offer for the Denham Grove do ring Rachel on 01483 conference centre to include 489961. And if it really is a the November and early cabin for single occupancy December dates. SHORT CRUISE you want, ring her for the You can come for Discovery sails September 3 best deals. With your next issue of Gentle/Just Duplicate or for on a seven night cruise from BRIDGE will come an the lectures and supervised Harwich to The Riviera. DIRECT BOOKINGS invitation to join the play and/or both. There are still some cabins When booking direct with Mr Bridge Club. Do drop available from £549 per Voyages of Discovery do me a line or a quick email, Those booking must pay in person, sharing. Bernard make sure to tell them you providing your full address full by cheque or debit card. Magee hosts this cruise heard it from Mr Bridge. and telephone number. If I This hugely successful which now attracts a great don’t hear from you I won’t promotion has done a great following every year as there DOUBLE DUMMY know you are there. job to raise reader’s awareness of this very is always so much scope for by Richard Wheen QPLUS adaptable conference centre. lots and lots of bridge. Special prices for singles. In the adjacent advert, Gill SILVER & GOLD ♠ A 6 5 4 Smith of Thames Ditton, AUTUMN CRUISE ♥ Void expands enthusiastically on In the last issue, I promised This coming October, Mrs © A 2 the merits of the QPlus a better photograph and Bridge and I are joining bridge-playing software and here it is. ® Void Discovery and the bridge wins first prize. The letter ♠ K 8 7 ♠ J 10 9 party on board, hosted by on page 33, from Tony ♥ Void N ♥ Void Ray and Liz Hutchinson. W E Deyes of Torquay comes a © Q J S © K After cruising round the close second. Thank you, ® J ® A K Ï Black Sea, it sails through everybody, for taking part. ♠ Q 3 2 the Greek Islands to Athens. ♥ 4 3 2 TRADE-INS Prices from £995 per person sharing, see the back cover © Void Both trade-in promotions advertisement. I look ® Void (see facing page) are a real forward to discovering you opportunity. The deadline on Discovery. for the second offer will be South is to lead and North/South need to make strictly observed. Silver pendant £29.95 CHRISTMAS CRUISE all six tricks at no-trumps. FELICITY Gold (9ct) £69.95 How is this possible against UPDATED Silver earrings £34.50 Once again Alison Nicolson best defence? (Answer on Gold (9ct) £85.00 and her team, host Christmas page 36.) and New Year on board Postage and packing: Discovery. The ship cruises CHEAPER POST Silver £2.50 (1st class post) from Mumbai (Bombay in Gold £5 (Special delivery) old money) to Singapore. DANGLY See front cover and the advertisement on page 2 for I have added a lengthier further details. version of the earrings to the range for those of you who, SPRING 2010 Once again Clive Goff offers Here is a recent photo of like Mrs Bridge, prefer such unused British stamps at In May next year, Bernard Felicity on her first bucket things. Shetland Silver has a lower than face value, Magee and his team are on and spade holiday. really good web-site and you thereby enabling readers to board Discovery from should take a look at it reduce their postage costs. Leanora Adds will be back Istanbul all the way back to www.shetlandjewellery.com part-time in October and I Harwich. Bernard is a real ( 0208 4224906. Order include this snap to keep You can order online or by attraction and readers are with confidence and say you baby talk to a minimum. telephone ( 01595 830275. advised to book early. heard it from Mr Bridge.

Please provide your email address for my extra service

Page 5 BACK IN PRINT SATURDAYS Bernard Magee’s Tips Tips for Better Bridge by My office is now open on Bernard Magee is now back Saturday mornings for the for Better Bridge in print. A full list of the tips convenience of readers and is on this page. Gold dust. customers. 65 invaluable tips in 160 pages TRAVEL COVER ERIC HILL Bidding Tips 33 A low lead usually promises 1 Always consider bidding length and an honour If you are looking for this His advert is on page 12 this spades if you can 34 When declaring 1NT kind of insurance, you are time, his service offers free 2 Bid more aggressively try to be patient likely to find the advert on delivery, free returns and a when non-vulnerable 35 Duck an early round when you freephone number. Please 3 Always double when the are short of entries pages 40 and 41 to your opponents steal your deal 36 Lead up to your liking. Do say you heard it mention Mr Bridge. 4 A take-out double shows two-honour holding from Mr Bridge. shortage in the suit doubled 37 Do not always assume CHARITIES 5 “Borrow” a king a suit will break well to keep the auction open 38 Drop a high card FREDDIE NORTH The number of events being 6 After a penalty double, don’t to put off the defence organised in support of let the opponents escape 39 Play your highest card to charities seems to be 7 Halve the value of a singleton tempt a defender to cover honour when opening 40 Draw trumps first unless you shrinking or at least the 8 Only add length-points for a have a good reason not to number we hear about and suit that might be useful 41 Do not waste your trumps are asked to advertise is. See 9 Isolated honours are bad 42 Consider leaving a lone the listing on page 16. Don’t except in partner’s suit defensive trump winner out be backward in coming 10 Use the jump shift sparingly 11 Consider passing and letting Defence Tips forward. If it’s for a good partner decide 43 Keep four-card suits intact cause, we will both advertise 12 You need two top honours whenever possible it and send the organisers 44 Give count on declarer’s leads for a second-seat pre-empt some spot prizes. 13 Put the brakes on if you have a 45 Keep the right cards misfit rather than signal Readers will be saddened to 14 Strong and long minors work 46 Take your time WEEKENDS when dummy is put down learn of the recent death of well in no-trumps I have confined my weekend 15 One stop in the opponents’ suit 47 High cards are for killing other regular columnist Freddie can be enough for no-trumps high cards North. A tribute by Elena event adverts to pages 8, 9 16 Keep your two-level 48 Do not waste Jeronimidis is on page 11. & 10. This enables me to responses up to strength intermediate cards further increase the number 49 Pick two key suits to I will certainly miss him. 17 Use your normal methods in of pages devoted to bridge in response to a 1NT overcall concentrate on during the play 18 Don’t overcall just because 50 If in doubt, cover an honour CLUB INSURANCE this publication. If you live you have opening points with an honour anywhere near Denham you 19 Overcalls can be quite weak, so 51 If a lead is from two honours, For a competitive quote, should consider booking at it is best not to cover be prudent when responding ring Moore Stephens on £129 full board and inclusive 20 Weak overcalls must be based 52 Keep your honour to kill 020 7515 5270 and ask to dummy’s honour ( of bridge fees. It really is on strong suits speak to Sylvia Donovan. 21 6NT requires 33 points 53 Try to show partner completely unbeatable value. not 4 aces and 4 kings your solid honour sequences She will be only too pleased 22 Raise immediately, if weak 54 Lead the normal card when to help you. Do say you LITTLE VOICE with four-card support leading partner’s suit heard it from Mr Bridge. 23 In a competitive auction, show 55 Never underlead an ace at trick Do keep saving your used support immediately one in a suit contract stamps. Mºany a mickle 24 Bid to the level of your fit 56 Be wary of leading from DIARIES four cards to only one honour makes a muckle. See page 30 quickly with weak hands All pre-ordered 2010 diaries 25 With strength and support, 57 Lead a higher card from for the coordinator’s address. use the opponents’ bid suit a suit without an honour have now been dispatched Do ask your friends to start 58 Lead through “beatable” and I have added three new Declarer-play Tips saving their stamps too. strength and up to weakness cover colours to the standard 26 When your contract depends 59 Cash your winners before on a finesse, think “endplay” trying for a trump promotion range. Green, tan and black. AND FINALLY 27 Consider what a defender 60 Be patient when defending 1NT For the full range of diaries, might be thinking about 61 Trump leads can be safe do see the mail order form 28 Always take your time throughout the play at trick one on the facing page. 29 Establish extra tricks before General Tips cashing your winners 62 Do not put important cards TUNISIA 30 Use your opponents’ at either end of your hand bidding to your advantage 63 Avoid being declarer when Bernard Magee is going to Christmas is coming. We 31 Avoid the “baddie” you are dummy Tunisia in November. If you have a choice of venues over gaining the lead 64 Before you lead ask for a missed his party this year, 32 Use the Rule of Seven when review of the auction the festive season, see page holding up in no-trumps 65 Enjoy the Game! this is a chance to soak up 42 for details. Book early to some sunshine and learn avoid disappointment. £14 including postage and packing from Mr Bridge, from this very popular and Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH. ( 01483 498961 entertaining young man.

Page 6 TUTORIAL ( 01483 489961 SOFTWARE PLAY SOFTWARE QPlus 9.1 £82.00 ...... Trade-in any previous QPlus with Bernard Magee Book & Disk and just send ONLY £32.00 ......

ACOL BIDDING DECLARER PLAY TUTORIAL SOFTWARE Acol Bidding £62.00 ...... l Opening Bids and l Suit Establishment More Acol Bidding £92.00 ...... Responses in No-trumps Declarer Play £72.00 ...... Advanced Declarer Play £77.00 ...... l Slams and Strong l Suit Establishment in Openings Suits BOOKS Duplicate Bridge Rules Simplified £5.95 ...... l Support for Partner l Hold-ups £72 Club Offer 10 for only £35.00 ...... Hand Evaluation £14.00 ...... l Pre-empting l Ruffing for Extra Tricks Bernard Magee’s Bridge Quiz Book £14.00 ...... l Overcalls Bernard Magee’s Quiz and Puzzle Book £14.00 ...... £62 l Entries in No-trumps Bernard Magee’s Tips for Better Bridge £14.00 ...... l No-trump Openings l Delaying 2010 DIARIES and Responses Drawing Trumps Standard Ivory ..... Maroon ..... Light Blue ..... Red ..... l Opener’s and l Using the Lead Responder’s Rebids Navy ..... Green ..... Tan .... Black ...... £5.95 ...... l Trump Control Club Offer 10 for only £35.00 ...... l Minors and Misfits Luxury l Endplays & Bottle Green .... Ruby Red .... £12.95 ...... l Doubles Avoidance SINGLE-SUITED BALL-POINT PENS l Competitive Auctions l Using the Bidding Boxed Set MORE ACOL ADVANCED of Four (Spade, BIDDING DECLARER PLAY Heart, Diamond, l Basics l Making Overtricks Club) in No-trumps l Advanced Basics £19.95 ...... l Making Overtricks TEA TOWELS l Weak Twos in Suit Contracts Tea Towels – Any four for only £17.00 ...... l Strong hands l Endplays We are Survivors £5.95 ...... Ten Commandments for Bridge Players £5.95 ...... l Defence to Weak £77 l Avoidance Bridge Traffic Signs £5.95 ...... Twos l Wrong Contract Life’s a game, but bridge is serious £5.95 ...... l Defence to 1NT All prices are fully inclusive. I enclose a cheque for £...... l Simple Squeezes l Doubles l Counting the Hand Mr/Mrs/Miss ...... l Two-suited Overcalls £92 l Trump Reductions & Address ...... Coups l Defences to ...... Other Systems l Playing Doubled Contracts Postcode ...... ( ...... l Misfits and , Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH. Distributional Hands l Safety Plays www.mrbridge.co.uk/ mrbridge-shop System Requirements: Windows XP or Vista, 8mb RAM, CD-ROM 2009 Bridge Breaks

SEPTEMBER 2009 OCTOBER cont NOVEMBER cont NOVEMBER cont 11 – 13 The Beach Hotel 16 – 18 Staverton Park 13 – 15 Denham Grove 27 – 29 The Olde Barn £199 Rubber/Chicago £199 Take-out Doubles £199 Hand Evaluation £199 Signals & Discards Diana Holland Improvers £129 Ned Paul Ray Hutchinson Alex Davoud 27 – 29 Wychwood Park 16 – 18 The Beach Hotel £199 Doubles £235 Bernard Magee Gary Conrad (see page 10) DECEMBER 2009 16 – 18 The Olde Barn £199 Doubles 4 – 6 Denham Grove Alison Nicolson £199 Stayman etc £129 Alex Davoud 16 – 18 Wychwood Park £199 Hand Evaluation 4 – 6 The Beach Hotel Denham Grove, Uxbridge Wychwood Park, Crewe Alan Lamb £235 Bernard Magee (see page 10) 23 – 25 Wychwood Park 13 – 15 Staverton Park 23 – 25 Marsham Court £199 Signals and 11 – 13 The Beach Hotel £199 Game Tries £150 Gentle / Just Discards £199 Rubber/Chicago Crombie McNeil Duplicate John Wotton Diana Holland Crombie McNeil 13 – 15 The Olde Barn 25 – 27 Staverton Park £199 Hand Evaluation £199 Declarer Play Ray Hutchinson Christmas Ray Hutchinson 20 – 22 Wychwood Park & New Year 30 –2/10 Marsham Court £199 Stayman and Denham Grove £199 Rubber/Chicago Transfers Diana Holland Improvers Chris Barrable John Wotton 24-27 December – £395 OCTOBER 2009 27-29 December – £199 27 – 29 Denham Grove 2 – 4 The Beach Hotel 29 Dec – 1 Jan – £355 The Olde Barn, Marston £199 Endplay and £235 Bernard Magee £129 Avoidance (see page 10) Alex Davoud The Olde Barn 30 –1/11 Marsham Court 24-27 December 9 – 11 The Olde Barn £235 Bernard Magee 27 – 29 Staverton Park Sandy Bell – £395 £235 Bernard Magee £199 Overcalls (see page 10) 27-29 December (see page 10) Ned Paul Sandy Bell – £199 30–1/11 Staverton Park £150 Gentle / Just 29-31 December Duplicate Ray Hutchinson – £199

30 –1/11 The Olde Barn The Beach Hotel £199 Declarer Play 27-29 December Ray Hutchinson Rubber / Chicago NOVEMBER 2009 Diana Holland – £199 29 Dec – 1 Jan 6 – 8 Blunsdon House Bernard Magee – £395 Marsham Court, Bournemouth £235 Bernard Magee Staverton Park, Daventry (see page 10) (see page 10) PROGRAMME This is the new format HOTELS BRIDGE for all except Bernard Magee hosted events. Marsham Court Hotel has a central yet secluded BREAKS FRIDAY location overlooking the bay 1500 and is only a short stroll Welcome Desk open from Bournemouth town © Full-board © No single supplement Afternoon Tea centre. There is an outdoor heated swimming pool (in © All rooms with © Tuition with Supervised 1745 to 1830 use May to September). en-suite facilities Play and two seminars. Welcome drinks reception Blunsdon House Hotel, Please book me for ..... places at £.... per person, 1830 to 2000 near Swindon, is a four-star DINNER hotel. It boasts a heated Single ..... Double ..... Twin ..... Sea View* ..... indoor swimming pool and 2015 BRIDGE 1 DUPLICATE PAIRS a nine hole, par three golf Name of Hotel/Centre ...... course, as well as a one SATURDAY mile woodland walk. Dates ......

0800 to 0930 Staverton Park, near Mr/Mrs/Miss ...... BREAKFAST Daventry, offers excellent health and leisure facilities 1000 to 1230 Address ...... SEMINAR & including a challenging 18-hole golf course and a SUPERVISED PLAY ...... of SET HANDS heated indoor pool. (tea & coffee at 1100) The Beach Hotel is a family Postcode ...... 1230 to 1330 run hotel with the finest COLD BUFFET seafront location in Worthing. ( ...... LUNCH Behind the elegant façade Special requirements (these cannot be guaranteed, 1400 to 1645 are all the modern facilities but we will do our best to oblige) BRIDGE 2 you would expect, while FURTHER many of the original ...... SUPERVISED PLAY features have been retained. of SET HANDS or Please give the name(s) of all those covered by this booking DUPLICATE PAIRS Denham Grove is set in 42 ...... 1815 to 2000 acres of grounds just DINNER northwest of London. It Please send a non-returnable deposit of £50 per person per place combines a modern design by cheque, payable to Mr Bridge. An invoice for the balance 2015 BRIDGE 3 with a rural setting and is will be sent with your booking confirmation. On receipt of your DUPLICATE PAIRS final payment, 28 days before the event, a programme and full the ideal place to unwind. details will be sent together with a map. Cancellations are not Walk through the verdant SUNDAY refundable. Should you require insurance, you should contact grounds or simply relax in your own insurance broker. *£30 supplement per room (Beach 0800 to 0930 the indoor pool or spa. Hotel and Marsham Court Hotel only). BREAKFAST The Olde Barn Hotel, 1000 to 1230 Marston, Lincs, is an idyllic SEMINAR & SUPERVISED PLAY retreat set in beautiful of SET HANDS countryside in the heart of (tea & coffee at 1100) England. The emphasis is on quality and the state-of- 1230 to 1400 the-art Health Club and Spa Expiry: ...... CVV ...... Issue No...... CARVERY LUNCH has something for everyone. (CVV is the last 3 numbers on the signature strip) 1400 to 1645 , Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH BRIDGE 4 Wychwood Park, near Crewe, FURTHER Cheshire offers light, airy ( 01483 489961 Fax 01483 797302 SUPERVISED PLAY conference accommodation e-mail: [email protected] of SET HANDS or with a vibrant atmosphere, DUPLICATE PAIRS all smartly packaged in a website: www.holidaybridge.com contemporary style.

Page 9 Bridge Breaks BRIDGE BREAKS with Bernard Magee with Bernard Magee

© Full-board © Sea View Option (Beach Hotel only) Full Board £235 per person © All rooms with en-suite facilities © Tuition with Supervised No single Supplement Play, bidding quiz © No single supplement and two seminars. 1 - 3 January 2010 The Beach Hotel Please book me for ..... places at £235 per person, Doubles Single ..... Double ..... Twin ..... Sea View* ..... 19 - 21 March Venue ...... The Beach Hotel Signals and Discards Dates ...... 26-28 March Mr/Mrs/Miss ...... The Beach Hotel, Worthing The Beach Hotel Thinking Defence Address ...... 2- 4 October 16 - 18 April The Beach Hotel ...... Blunsdon House Hotel Improvers Leads and Defence Stayman and Transfers Postcode ...... 23-25 April 9 - 11 October ( ...... The Olde Barn Hotel The Olde Barn Hotel Signals and Discards Special requirements (these cannot be guaranteed, Leads and Defence but we will do our best to oblige) 4 - 6 June 16 - 18 October The Beach Hotel ...... The Beach Hotel Thinking Defence Please give the name(s) of all those covered by this booking FULL 18 - 20 June ...... 30 October - 1 November Blunsdon House Hotel Marsham Court Hotel Please send a non-returnable deposit of £50 per person per place Signals and Discards Thinking Defence by cheque, payable to Mr Bridge. An invoice for the balance will be sent with your booking confirmation. On receipt of your final payment, 28 days before the event, a programme and full 6 - 8 November details will be sent together with a map. Cancellations are not Blunsdon House Hotel refundable. Should you require insurance, you should contact Game Tries your own insurance broker. *£30 supplement per room (Beach Hotel and Marsham Court Hotel only). 4 - 6 December The Beach Hotel Signals and Discards

29 December - 1 January The Beach Hotel Blunsdon House, Swindon New Year’s Eve Party

Expiry: ...... CVV ...... Issue No...... (CVV is the last 3 numbers on the signature strip)

, Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH Bernard’s New Year’s Eve Party ( 01483 489961 Fax 01483 797302 e-mail: [email protected] 29 December to 1 January 2010 website: www.holidaybridge.com The Beach Hotel £395

Page 10 It Happened That Way by Freddie North FREDDIE NORTH 1921 – 2009 A tribute to a friend

Making the One Extra t has been my Iprivilege to work with Trick in Pairs Freddie North for the last thirteen years, ever since he agreed to write for Bridge Plus in 1996. he fascinating feature West led the six of spades, and still preferring the lead to Editing Freddie’s of pairs’ competitions won by dummy’s queen as be with West, declarer articles was a delight, as Tis the opportunity to East played the three. South decided to run the seven of they were always score the one extra trick that was pleased to see that his diamonds. He got his reward expertly written, can make such a vast side was at least in the right when West discarded a club. impeccably checked – difference. When playing contract. Still, a few So declarer could now see and a pleasure to read . rubber bridge or teams, problems needing solving if eleven tricks – six diamonds, fulfilling your contract is the declarer was to obtain the two spades and three hearts – He brought the same main aim and any extra tricks, maximum score – and the but he was not finished yet. high degree of though always welcome, are most pressing one was how to He cashed all his red suit professionalism to the not usually of great play the diamond suit. winners, except one, to arrive booklets he wrote for the significance. There seemed to be some at the following position; it is “Practise” series, the The good pairs player, mileage in trying to keep East South to play. articles he contributed to however, is constantly on the off lead, so declarer called for BRIDGE and later alert to notch up the dummy's nine of diamonds in English Bridge, and the maximum and sometimes the hope that East might help. ♠ — books he wrote for pinch a little more! East (incorrectly I feel) did ♥ — Batsfords. Freddie had a I watched South at work on help by covering with the © — knack for making the following hand as he gave jack. The ace of diamonds ® Q J 10 9 difficult concepts seem it the master-class touch. won, West contributing the ♠ K 9 ♠ 10 simple, and entertain the five – what now? reader into the bargain. ♥ — N ♥ J W E Continuing with the © — S © — His style of writing was Dealer West. Game All. diamond exploration, ® A 8 ® K 2 an extension of his ♠ Q declarer went to dummy with ♠ A J personality: he was a ♥ A 9 6 the ace of hearts and ♥ Q dashing gentleman with © 9 7 4 advanced the seven of © — many interests – rugby ® Q J 10 9 7 5 diamonds, East playing the ® 4 and horse-racing in his six. Time now stood still youth, reading, bridge N while declarer tried to weigh W E and bridge teaching S up the pros and cons of When declarer played the throughout his life. ♠ A J 2 letting the seven ride or of queen of hearts, West threw A great and very ♥ K Q 4 winning with the king. the eight of clubs and East, of successful rubber bridge Let us look at the full deal. course, had to follow with the © A K 10 8 3 2 player, Freddie North jack of hearts. Had East held ® 4 had also been a leading the ace of clubs, he would duplicate player. He was surely have retained another ♠ Q proud of having become heart, thus an endplay on West North East South ♥ A 9 6 a Grand Master “in the 1 2 3 West looked a good prospect. 2© Pass 2♥ 2NT © 9 7 4 days,” as he put it, Pass 3NT End ® Q J 10 9 7 5 Furthermore, even if West did “when it meant ♠ K 9 7 6 5 4 ♠ 10 8 3 not hold the ace of clubs, it

1 something”. Multi Two Diamonds – usually a ♥ 8 7 3 N ♥ J 10 5 2 looked as if eleven tricks W E The world of bridge weak two in one of the majors. © 5 S © Q J 6 would still be safe. has lost one of his giants 2Relay, asking for clarification, to ® A 8 6 ® K 3 2 Therefore, declarer exited and I have lost a friend. play in 2 ♥ if West has long ♠ A J 2 with the four of clubs and My thoughts are with his hearts. ♥ K Q 4 West, ruing his decision 3A difficult choice but no-trumps © A K 10 8 3 2 to retain the ace of clubs, wife, Margaret, and scores well at pairs and at least ® 4 had to concede the last two Freddie’s family. spade tricks. +490 looked it avoided any ambiguity – also, Elena Jeronimidis it might be important to have the very special on the score lead up to the South hand. With so much shape about sheet! n

Page 11 Eric Hill £50 OFF

You are cordially invited to wear and see how much you like this Gillian Suit... on approval There are no catches. Simply order your size & send the special coupon below but PLEASE DO NOT SEND MONEY. We’ll send your suit together with our invoice. Inspect & wear at home for a week. If you are happy with it, simply pay the invoice. If you are not satisfied, return in any condition, post free and you owe us nothing! Why are we making such an offer? We want you to see and feel the quality for yourself, at home and at your leisure.

There is nothing quite like the exquisite feel and expensive looks of the finest couture designer clothes. From the famous Italian design house of GRAZIA, we present this flattering 2-piece suit. Superbly tailored matching jacket and skirt, masterly knitted using only the best soft yarns...light but warm enough if the temperature drops. It hangs so nicely and will give you that feeling of being elegantly relaxed! There is one thing that is missing...and that is the high designer price tag.  Fully-lined, pull-on straight skirt with kick slit  Gorgeous jacket with removeable shoulder pads  Signature ‘revers’ collar with delicate woven edges  Two-tone easy handle chunky buttons  MADE IN ITALY  Sizes 10-28  Jacket Length 24”, skirt 28.5”  100% Acrylic  Hand wash at 30°  Was £195, NOW ONLY £145... for just 14 days more!!! £50 OFF FREE DELIVERY FREE RETURNS To order, clip coupon OR quote A149MB when you ring FREEPHONE 0800 652 0034 ANYTIME DAY OR NIGHT FREEPOST Eric Hill, 7 The Elms Centre, Glaziers Lane, Normandy, Guildford, GU3 2DF
www.erichill.co.uk Please send me the Gillian suit in size I understand that I do not need to pay for it now. I can inspect and wear it at home for 7 days. Once I am completely happy with the suit, I will pay your invoice. Should I be dissatisfied, in any way, I can send it back POST FREE (in any condition) and I will not owe you a penny.

Title______Full name______

Address______

______

______Postcode ______

Email______A 1 4

Telephone______9 M

 Tick here if you would just like our FREE 64 page catalogue B Cut out coupon and send (no stamp needed) to: FREEPOST ERIC HILL, 7 The Elms Centre, Glaziers Lane, Normandy, Guildford, GU3 2DF Eric Hill

Page 12 ANSWERS TO THE BIDDING QUIZ ON PAGE 3 by BERNARD MAGEE

him do. With six hearts and a weak hand, he 3♥. Your partner’s rebid shows 18-19 points in 1. Dealer West. N/S Vul. bids 2 ♥ knowing that you have at least two – Modern Acol, (though I know some of you will ♠ A Q 5 4 3 ♠ 7 6 as you can see, 2 ♥ is by far the best contract. expect 17-18), but on this occasion, the exact ♥ 8 6 N ♥ A K 7 3 With no entries to East’s hand, his long suit will W E range makes little difference. With eight high- © 5 2 S © Q J 10 9 4 be wasted unless it is the trump suit. card-points and a five-card suit, you want to ® A K 8 7 ® J 10 be in game.

The important question to ask yourself is 3. Dealer West. N/S Vul. which game do you want to be in: 4 ♥, 4 ♠ or West North East South ♠ A 7 3 ♠ K Q 9 8 5 3NT? You cannot be sure yet, but any 1♠ Dbl Redbl 2® ♥ A K 4 3 N ♥ 5 2 W E continuation after a 2NT rebid is forcing to ? © A 8 7 S © 4 3 game, which means you can discuss this ® Q J 3 ® K 8 7 6 question with your partner. Bid 3 ♥ to show Double. What does your partner’s redouble three-card support in hearts: if he has five, he mean? It shows a good hand of 9+ points – can bid 4 ♥; if not, he might be able to show meaning that you have the majority of the West North East South 3-card spade support, failing that he can points – it does not suggest support for 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass settle for 3NT. spades. One of the messages it is trying to get 2NT Pass 3® Pass across is that your opponents might be out of ? On this hand, he has five hearts so he bids 4 ♥ their depth and, if they cannot find a good fit, over your 3 ♥. You should make 4 ♥ in comfort, you could double them. All doubles after a 3♠. You have shown your strength and shape whereas, in 3NT, a diamond lead is likely to redouble are for penalties – so you should by rebidding 2NT, so what does your partner lead to defeat. make one now. Doubling 2 ® tells your want now? Your partner is suggesting that he partner that you have good clubs and that, is unbalanced; his 3 ® suggests that you might with the majority of points, you can be almost play in a suit contract. Unless he has hopes of 5. Dealer West. Love All. sure of defeating the opponents. They might a club slam, he is most probably interested in ♠ A Q 4 3 2 ♠ 5 try to run, but then East will take over and start finding a spade fit – if you have three spades ♥ 7 6 N ♥ K 9 4 2 doubling himself. W E facing his five – he might also want to know © 4 2 S © Q J 10 7 6 5 whether you have five hearts if he has three. ® A Q 5 4 ® 3 2 Whatever your opponents play in, they should go at least two off: +500 is a fantastic score Even though you have no obvious ruffing value, when game is worth only 400! Learning to you should show your support for his first suit, West North East South double your opponents at the right time in as you expect him to have five spades. On this 1♠ Pass 1NT Pass low-level contracts can be very lucrative. hand, he does indeed have five spades and 2® Pass 2© Pass can raise to 4 ♠ rather than play in 3NT. 4 ♠ ? should make in comfort while 3NT is likely to go 2. Dealer West. Love All. down on a diamond lead. It is important to Pass. The answer to this question is ♠ K Q 3 ♠ J 2 have an accurate conversation in your bidding: deceptively simple – you can work it out by ♥ 4 2 N ♥ A J 8 7 6 5 your partner did not bid 3 ® just for the sake of W E asking yourself: ‘Why did my partner not © A Q 7 S © 6 4 2 it; he wanted to show an interest in playing in respond 2 © on the first round?’ ® K Q 6 4 2 ® 8 7 a suit, as well as warning you of the partner - ship’s probable weakness in diamonds. The answer is because he was too weak – with just 6-8 points, he cannot afford to bid to West North East South the 2-level because he will push the bidding 1® Pass 1♥ Pass 4. Dealer East. Love All. too high. Then, on the second round, partner 1NT Pass 2♥ Pass ♠ K Q 4 3 2 ♠ J 5 would generally choose one of your suits to ? ♥ Q 10 6 N ♥ A K J 5 4 W E play in, so why is he bidding 2 ©? © 4 2 S © A 8 3 The answer is that his suit must be long and Pass. Although you do not much like partner’s ® J 9 6 ® K Q 4 strong and he has no desire to play in either suit, you have to trust him. You have of your suits. described your hand beautifully – you have a club suit in a balanced hand with (in the West North East South Bearing all this in mind you must pass. Trust modern style) 15-17 points: this means that 1♥ Pass your partner – he has heard what you have your partner is in the best position to choose 1♠ Pass 2NT Pass to say and he has now picked his final the contract and that is what you should let ? contract. n

Page 13 Better Hand 2010 AT THE ROYAL KENZ Evaluation Bridge Bernard Magee TUNISIA 2009-10 Introduction Better Hand Evaluation is Players’ aimed at helping readers to add greater accuracy to their Diaries bidding. It deals with auctions in which you and your partner, against silent opponents, can describe your hands fully to each other and, by evaluating them accurately, find the best final contract. The emphasis of all good, accurate bidding is on hand evaluation. There are two general types of auction: a) A fit is found and b) No fit is found. © Acol Summary When you do not have a fit, you by Bernard Magee are aiming to describe the strength of your hand as soon © Laws and Ethics by as possible, most often using Mike Swanson. Two-week half-board no-trump bids. This book begins by discussing balanced © Scoring Tables for duplicate holidays hand bidding in Acol, as it is Duplicate and Rubber. very important that both members of a partnership have © Red, navy, green, tan, 1 Nov – 15 Nov £699* an accurate knowledge of how ivory, pale blue, black Tony & Jan Richards to show hands of different or maroon covers. strengths. daily golf an option – ring for details © All covers printed in When a fit is found, there is gold-coloured ink. much re-evaluation of the hand 15 Nov – 29 Nov £749* to be done; point count, though © Individual diaries still important, needs to be £5.95 each inc p&p. Bernard Magee evaluated together with distribution. The best way of © Special concession to 21 Feb – 7 March £749* reaching an accurate bridge clubs. 10 or assessment is to use the Losing more copies £3.50 Bernard Magee Trick Count; this is an important method of hand each including p&p, evaluation and takes up a subject to availability. 7 March – 21 March £699* number of chapters. Crombie & Helen McNeil Finally, we move on to different forms of evaluation including game tries and splinter bids. 21 March – 4 April £699* You can never know enough methods of hand evaluation; Chris Barrable the more you learn, the better you get at judging your hand. *per person half-board sharing a twin-bedded room and is inclusive Although the Losing Trick of bridge fees. Single supplement £5 per night. These prices are Count is used more easily in Luxury version with super-soft based on air travel from Gatwick to Monastir. Flights from other tandem with your partner, a kidrell cover, gilded page UK airports are available at a supplement. All prices are firm until large proportion of the ideas in edges and a ball-point 30 June 2009. Prices for seven-night stays are available on this book can be used by an pen attached. application. individual. For example, Ruby red or bottle green. Pay £70 per fortnight per person extra and have a pool-facing evaluating your hand to be £12.95 each room, tea & coffee making facilities, bath robe and a bowl of worth an extra point is going to including postage seasonal fruit. help anyone you partner – as and packing. long as you get it right! These holidays have been organised for by Tunisia First Limited, ATOL 5933, working in association with Thomas Cook Tour Operations Limited, ATOL 1179. Exclusively available £14 including postage from from Ryden Grange, ( 01483 489961. DETAILS & BOOKINGS Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH www.mrbridge.co.uk ( 01483 489961 ( 01483 489961

Page 14 Seasonal Walks with Countryman A Walk at Holiday Time

his little piece of England where This was a popular bidding sequence: unusual noise. Just then, one of the the birds are singing, the sun ponies – a bay with a prominent white T shining and the air seriously West North East South blaze on its face – shies violently and I intoxicating – it is all too easy to fall 1© 2♥ thought the little girl would be sure to under its magic spell and dream on, 3© 4♥ End fall off. Thankfully, she defied the laws contentedly… of gravity and got herself back into the Although Cindy, my gorgeous Golden West led the three of diamonds and East saddle without looking too perturbed at Retriever, needs little encouragement, I won the first two tricks in that suit before the near catastrophe. ‘Bravo!’, I tell her that we should set off for our walk switching to the five of clubs. I shall exclaimed. ‘That was well ridden.’ She now while the showers have stopped and leave you to make a plan and we will said nothing but smiled shyly. I think she there is a little blue sky around. Cindy is, return to the problem later. was proud of being congratulated in of course, pretty well indifferent to the Cindy is waiting impatiently by the front of her companions. Cindy was weather – if it decides to be showery in front door with the sort of look on her quite unabashed and probably thinking the holiday month of August, so be it. face that seems to say something like, ‘I in her own doggy way, ‘What silly Walkies are walkies, no matter what! don’t know why you bother with that creatures; fancy being frightened of me!’ Just as we get to the front door, the stupid instrument just as we are going Let us get back to our hand. telephone rings, so I go back to discover out. Come on, let us get going or it may it is Angela, an enthusiastic member of ring again.’ Believe me, Cindy is very Back to the bridge hand our bridge club. Like several others she expressive in her own inimitable way. failed in a contract of 4 ♥ in last night’s multiple teams (board 22) but she tells Walking through the Woods ♠ A Q 2 me that she has a nasty feeling that she ♥ K J 2 should have made it. ‘Would you be an There has been quite a lot of rain and the © 8 2 angel and tell me how I should have meadows are somewhat soggy, so we ® 9 8 7 4 3 played it?’ implores Angela. I am not so head for the woods. The wood paths are ♠ 10 9 6 4 ♠ K J 7 3 sure about the first part but I can certainly in fair condition for walking but Cindy ♥ 4 N ♥ 7 5 W E cope with the second. This was the hand: still manages to get herself quite mucky © 10 6 4 3 S © A K Q J 9 as she scampers in and out of the ® K J 10 6 ® 5 2 undergrowth. ♠ 8 5 Dealer East. E/W Game. Just as I think we may have the woods ♥ A Q 10 9 8 6 3 ♠ A Q 2 to ourselves, except of course for the © 7 5 ♥ K J 2 wildlife – and that mostly relates to the ® A Q © 8 2 birds – I hear children’s voices, and then ® 9 8 7 4 3 four ponies and their riders come into view. Well, it is holiday time for the kids, Angela followed the familiar path of N W E so what could be better than a pony ride? trying the queen of clubs, which lost to S West and she then had to contend with a ♠ 8 5 Meeting the Ponies spade switch. Some declarers took the ♥ A Q 10 9 8 6 3 unsuccessful spade finesse and were © 7 5 Suddenly Cindy breaks cover from her quickly one down. Angela did a little ® A Q incursion into the undergrowth, perhaps better, given the bidding, by going up curious to know the source of the with the ace of spades and trying to

Page 15 would go up with the ace and Holiday Time continued establish the suit without breaking sweat. The ace of CHARITY BRIDGE EVENTS clubs wins trick three; West set up the club suit. She played wins the club continuation SEPTEMBER 2009 OCTOBER continued the ace of clubs, ace of hearts, and switches to a spade. The and jack of hearts before ace wins and declarer 2 GYDA. Corn Exchange, Faringdon, 17 ST ANNES’S CHURCH, KEW GREEN taking a club ruff; when clubs proceeds as already indicated Oxon. 10.30am for 11am-4pm. 1.30pm for 2–5pm. £12.50. failed to break three-three, she by ruffing the club suit good £15 includes lunch. Ian Lewty ( 0208 8763681 was also one down . for the vital spade discard. Steve Braithwaite Seven hearts, one spade and ( 01367 240929 The Solution two clubs make up declarer’s 21 CHARITY BRIDGE DRIVE ten tricks. IN AID OF THE NORFOLK HOSPICE 6 MYELOMA UK Norfolk Lavender Centre, The solution is, of course, Limpsfield Tennis Club, Heacham. 6.45pm £7.50 to quite simple once you think of Caught in the Rain Oxted. 12–5pm. Rubber & include buffet and the Lynn Cup. it. Go up with the ace of clubs Duplicate Pairs. £15 per person Fundraising office at trick three – rejecting the On the way home, we get including two course lunch. ( 01485 542891 finesse – cash the ace of hearts caught by a shower but that Tony Gifford ( 01883 712105 and play the queen of clubs. does not seem to bother Cindy 21 HELP FOR HEROES West wins and switches to a one iota. As I dry her off – 11 HORRINGER & ICKWORTH W.I. The Old Barn Hall, Church Road, spade but declarer again something she always seems BRIDGE AFTERNOON IN AID OF Bookham, Surrey. rejects the finesse and wins to enjoy – I explain to her that ST NICHOLAS HOSPICE 10.30 for 11am. £15 includes with dummy’s ace. After a although finesses are there for Horringer Community Centre lunch and a glass of wine. club ruff comes a heart to the the taking, it is not always 2pm £7.00 pp includes tea. Patricia Granger jack and a second club ruff to right to take them – and this Elizabeth Johnson ( 01372 453965 establish dummy’s nine. The was a typical example; not ( 01284 735680 Rosemary Pemberton king of hearts provides the once, but twice! She looks at 23 CHESHIRE HOMES ( 01284 735400 entry to enjoy the winning me with those big brown Village Hall, Hartford, Hunts. club for a spade discard. soulful eyes that always seem 10am for 10.30am. £13.50. to express complete 18 ST MARY’S CHURCH, EATON Malcolm Howarth Finesses have a understanding. So I continue, SOCON, ST NEOTS ( 01480 212910 Magnetic Effect ‘You know Cindy, a thought 10am for 10.30am. £13.00. Malcolm Howarth occurs to me. If East had 30 CAMBRIDGE INNER WHEEL ( 01480 212910 Funny thing about finesses; returned the nine of diamonds BRIDGE AFTERNOON IN AID OF they have a sort of magnetic at trick two and West had THE PAPWORTH DAY CARE WARD effect, suggesting that as they overtaken with the ten and 30 PRINCESS ALICE HOSPICE Great Shelford Memorial Hall. are there that you should take switched to a spade, the Dryburgh Hall, Putney. 2pm. £15 for a double ticket. them. The fallacy in this contract would never make.’ 10.30am for 11am. Pat Turner ( 01954 780068 pursuit becomes apparent if My hand gets a wet lick so I £62 per table, including lunch you substitute a small club for know she has followed my Pam Turner ( 020 8995 2270 NOVEMBER 2009 South’s queen. Then surely concluding observation. What most – if not all – declarers a dog! n OCTOBER 2009 27 EAST ANGLIA CHILDRENS HOSPICE (EACH) 3 RNLI. Cheltenham Bridge Club Village Hall, Hemingford Abbots. 11am-4pm. £14pp includes lunch. 10am for 10.30am. £14.50. Margaret Beverley Sheila Paval ( 01480 395394 Single-Suited Design Pens ( 01242 510193 APRIL 2010 9 RIDING FOR THE DISABLED WOODHURST GROUP 7 CHRISTIANS IN IRAQ Hemingford Abbots Village Hall. and LITTLE VOICE Joint Appeal 2-5pm includes afternoon tea. Jubilee Hall, Little Shore Lane, Sally Pinnock Bishop Waltham 10.30am–5pm ( 01223 874508 £30 per person includes lunch, coffee, tea, cakes & biscuits and 13 RICHMOND SUPPORT GROUP two seminars (take-out doubles ‘BRIDGE THE GAP’ AFTERNOON and penalty doubles) delivered Boxed Set of Four £19.95 IN AID OF ST TERESA’S HOSPICE by Bernard Magee. 1.30pm Richmond Town Hall Margaret Cochrane Available from Ryden Grange, Knaphill GU21 2TH Mary Lovell ( 01748 850208 ( 023 8069 4959 ( 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop

Page 16 David Gold Says

Make Life Easy for Partner

efence is a difficult art and The club switch was a disaster as Here is a simple example from a pairs’ teamwork is the key. On this declarer now took five club tricks and game: Ddeal you are East, playing teams: four diamond tricks to make 3NT. Perhaps West might have worked out that the four of spades was an ♠ Q J 10 ♠ K J 5 encouraging card but East missed the ♥ Q 10 9 3 2 ♥ 8 4 3 chance to ‘make life easy for partner’ by ♦ Q J 4 ♦ K Q J 4 cashing the ace of spades. ♣ A 3 ♣ Q J 10 Look at this deal from a pairs’ event: ♠ 9 8 7 4 ♠ A K 3 2 ♠ A 4 3 2 ♥ 7 N ♥ 6 5 N W E W E ♥ A K 7 ♦ K 10 8 6 S ♦ 9 7 3 2 S ♦ 7 5 3 2 ♠ K J 4 2 ♣ Q 10 8 7 ♣ J 9 5 ♣ 8 7 ♥ Q 10 3 2 ♠ 6 5 ♦ 5 2 ♥ A K J 8 4 ♣ K J 8 ♦ A 5 South opened 1NT (12-14) and North ♠ A 10 9 6 3 ♠ Q 8 7 ♣ K 6 4 2 raised to 3NT. Partner leads the heart ♥ 7 5 N ♥ 6 W E queen and you see the dummy. ♦ A Q 9 8 S ♦ K 7 6 4 You overtake with the king of hearts ♣ 5 4 ♣ 10 7 6 3 2 North South and cash the ace. Next, you continue ♠ 5 1♥ with the seven. Partner wins with the ♥ A K J 9 8 4 4♥ nine (South follows) and cashes the ♦ J 10 3 jack. What should you discard? ♣ A Q 9 West leads the eight of spades (second Well, you already missed the chance highest from a poor suit). to ‘make life easy for partner’! You Every one of us as East would win should have cashed the spade ace before West North East South trick one with the king. We do it without continuing with the third round of 1♥ thinking but, actually, we are doing it to hearts. At the table East did not cash the 1♠ 3♥ Pass 4♥ ‘make life easy for partner’, who now spade ace and instead discarded the four End knows that you also hold the ace (or of spades on the fourth round of hearts. declarer would play it). If you win with Unfortunately, this did not look very West led the five of clubs, which declarer the ace (and do not have any encouraging to partner, who switched to won in hand. Fearful of a club ruff, understanding about which card you a club. This was full deal: declarer drew trumps. East realised that play from touching cards), partner will the contract was laydown and saw the not know that you have the king. danger of a overtrick. If declarer played a ♠ K J 5 low spade towards dummy, his partner Precision Defending ♥ 8 4 3 might duck to give declarer a guess if he ♦ K Q J 4 held a doubleton spade. Since East knew After winning with the king, a precise ♣ Q J 10 the spade position from West’s overcall, sequence of play holds the contract to ♠ 10 8 6 ♠ A 4 3 2 he thought of a clever way to ‘make life ten tricks. East switches to the diamond ♥ Q J 9 5 N ♥ A K 7 easy for partner’. Can you spot it? nine (to show no interest in the suit) and W E ♦ 9 8 6 S ♦ 7 5 3 2 East discarded the queen of spades on declarer tries the finesse, West winning ♣ 9 3 2 ♣ 8 7 the second round of trumps. Now there with the king. Now, thanks to the play of ♠ Q 9 7 was no way that West would duck the the king of spades at trick one, West has ♥ 10 6 2 spade when declarer played the three no trouble in playing a spade back to ♦ A 10 towards dummy. hold the contract to ten tricks and a good ♣ A K 6 5 4 Even in the simplest scenarios, we all matchpoint score. So remember, ‘Make ‘make life easy for partner’ regularly. life easy for partner’! ■

Page 17 Ask Julian Pottage Is simple Blackwood the best slam tool?

Playing pairs, my be very useful. Since hearts A splinter bid is a partner opened is the only suit bid, it would great way of ♠ A Q 1♥. I held: count as the trump suit. I A finding good slams ♥ Q J 10 8 7 5 4 3 suggest you persuade your and avoiding bad ones. With ♦ K 2 partner to adopt Keycard one bid, you describe three ♣ 7 6 ♠ A K Q J 9 4 Blackwood. The replies to features of your hand: ♥ Q 7 5 4 4NT are these: support for partner’s suit, a ♦ 6 shortage (singleton or void) Jackie Shergold, Broadway, ♣ A 6 5♣ zero or four keycards in the suit you bid and the Worcester by email. 5♦ one or five keycards values to raise to game. 5♥ two keycards A splinter bid is usually a With an eight-card Our system is KISS (Keep 5♠ three keycards double jump, eg partner suit, I would open it simple, stupid), so I bid opens 1 ♠ and you respond A 4♥ despite the fact 4NT; partner showed both Even knowing partner has 4♣. The values you need that most of the values are missing aces, so I went three keycards, you cannot will depend upon the outside the heart suit. You 7NT. This was laydown quite count thirteen tricks, context of the bid. If are very likely to want to facing: though it seems right to bid partner has opened the play in hearts; also, a pre- the grand slam. In Acol, bidding, suggesting 12+ emptive bid is likely to you expect opener to HCP, you need about 12-14 obstruct the opponents. ♠ 7 have either five hearts or at HCP yourself. This hand While you could open 1 ♥, ♥ A K 8 6 3 least fifteen points. It would would be a suitable for a that would make life easy ♦ A 7 5 be very unlucky if a 4♣ splinter response to 1 ♠: for them. You have seven ♣ Q 7 5 3 thirteenth trick failed to and a half tricks ( ♦K-x is materialise. half a trick), so I think the As to the choice between ♠ K Q 7 4 hand is too good for 3 ♥ One other pair bid 7 ♥. 7NT and 7 ♥, if someone ♥ Q 9 6 4 whatever the vulnerability. Nobody else bid 7NT. Do has five spades to the ten, ♦ A J 5 3 Note that your losers you think my 7NT was 7♥ could be safer. Then ♣ 6 (using the losing trick sensible? again, if hearts are 4-0, you count) added to your Ron Gerard, might make 7NT but not playing tricks often comes Totteridge by email. 7♥. Bidding 7NT seems fine An article in the maxims to fewer than 13. You cannot so long as you know about series will go into more simply work out your You do not usually the ♥K as well as the two detail about splinters. playing tricks by taking want to guess when aces. your losers from thirteen – A it comes to grand ♣♦♥ ♠ you need to count real slams. If partner has neither ♣♦♥ ♠ winners. This time, it does the king nor the jack of What should I not really matter whether hearts, 7NT could be Please explain open on the you think you have seven hopeless. what a splinter is Q following hand? and a half tricks or eight. Playing Keycard Q and what sort of I would rather not tell However, if you had a much Blackwood or Roman hand you need for it. you my choice, but I did stronger hand, when an Acol Keycard Blackwood, Ann Mitchell, Farnham, think I had five losers and 2♥ could come into the whereby the king of trumps Surrey (similar from Charles therefore eight playing equation, the difference counts as a fifth ‘ace’ would Leveson Poynton, Cheshire). tricks. would be important.

Page 18 Ask Julian continued lucrative penalty double. contract, aiming to score Plenty of web sites give the The position is the same in 500 as against 400/420. basics of Standard American respect of a 1NT opening. Simon argued this in the bidding. One I found is On board 13 on the BGB classic Why You Lose at http://home.comcast.net/~k Playing Benji with simultaneous pairs on Bridge. wbridge/basics.htm a 6-10 range for a 14 April, the East hand was: Humphrey Miller, Solihull. As responder, you avoid Q 2♥/2 ♠ and 12-14 raising partner’s minor for 1NT, how wise is Yes, if you cannot unless you have 5-card it to open 2 ♠ with 11 points ♠ K Q J 3 make game, as is support (opener may have or 1NT with 15? How well ♥ Q 4 2 A likely with the type only three) but you can raise does a 2 ♠ opening describe ♦ Q J of hand you cite, two down partner’s major freely with this hand? ♣ K J 4 3 doubled is going to be a 3-card support (as opener good score. If the opponents has promised a five-card suit are vulnerable, even one or better). In Standard ♠ A K 10 9 8 7 This hand has 15 points in down doubled will be good. American, you need a ♥ 10 7 high cards but the Q-J However, hands on which fraction more for a change ♦ 10 5 doubleton is clearly bad you wish to penalize the of suit response at the two ♣ K J 6 news. With no bullish opponents are rather in the level than in Acol as it is features to make up for it, minority. For this reason, normal to play that a two- this hand is not worth 15 many pairs play over-one response promises Mike Bass, Dorking, points and is thus fine for a negative/Sputnik/take-out another bid. Surrey by email. weak 1NT opening. doubles after an opening and If you want more details, However, a hand worth 15 overcall. Much of the time, you could look at the While it is normal points (and most hands that when you want to defend a ACBL’s own web site to adjust the raw start with 15 points before doubled contract, you can www.acbl.org or A point count because adjustment are worth 15 still achieve this by passing http://www.rpbridge.net/bg of positive or negative points) would be too good (smoothly) on the first round tc.htm features, being out of range for a 12-14 1NT. and then leaving in partner’s If you want to combine for no reason simply hoped-for reopening double. 5-card majors with a weak confuses partner. The hand ♣♦♥ ♠ Playing pairs, with your no-trump, there are more you cite is in fact a very example hand, I would sequences the same as Acol. good eleven count. You have Do you agree that probably pass if the The only real problem is an a strong six-card suit, with low-level doubles opponents are vulnerable opening hand with 12-14 good spot cards plus two and Q can be rewarding but bid 2 ♥ if they are not. HCP and a 4-4-4-1 shape, a half defensive tricks. Using with the right kind of hand By the way, the great book which is too weak for the rule of 22 (see BRIDGE – medium strength (9-11 you mention has a sequel, 1♦-2 ♣-2NT. In this case, 93) you have an HLQT points), not much liking for due out soon: Why You Still you have to tell a lie of (High Cards, Length, Quick partner’s suit, and a useful Lose at Bridge. some sort. Tricks) count of 22.5 (and holding in your opponent’s that is not counting a point suit? Say partner opens 1 ♠ ♣♦♥ ♠ ♣♦♥ ♠ for the ♠10-9-8-7), so you and RHO bids 2 ♣. You have a clear-cut 1 ♠ opening. hold: About 15 years What is the A 2 ♠ open ing describes the ago, I learnt to difference between shape well and would be fine Q play bridge using Q an overbid and an in third or fourth seat, but is ♠ J 5-card majors. I have since overcall? too much of an untruth in ♥ Q J 7 4 3 forgotten how it goes, Name and address supplied. terms of strength for it to be ♦ 10 6 4 apart from opening your right in first or second seat. ♣ A K 10 6 better minor if you have There is a big The whole idea of a pre- only a 4-card major, difference between emptive opening is to get in and I cannot recall the A an overbid and an the way of the opponents There is no certainty of responses. overcall. An overbid is when when you have a weak hand. game; against a club Jane Smithson, Whitsome, you bid more than the When, as here, you have contract you could make, Duns, Scottish Borders values of your hand justify, opening values, you do not via a spade ruff or two, all (similar from Richard Jarvis eg, partner opens 1NT 12-14 want to get in partner’s way. four trumps plus partner’s and Viv Tremeer). and you raise to 3NT with If you understate your winners in the side suits: only 10 or 11 points instead strength, all sorts of things seven tricks in defence is a Most people who of the usual 13-18. An can go wrong: you might reasonable expectation. play 5-card majors overcall is when you come miss a game, you might miss Even with game-going A also play a strong in with a bid over an a slam, partner may make a values, at favourable no-trump. If you do that, you opposing opening – eg, the phantom sacrifice, or partner vulnerability it may pay are really playing Standard hand on your right opens 1 ♣ might fail to make a to defend a doubled American rather than Acol. and you bid 1 ♥.

Page 19 hear my partner cue-bid declarer might lead a low and hearts not 4-0. Ask Julian continued 4♣ so that I could use card and, if West plays low, On this line, if trumps are Blackwood. In view of the put in the queen. You can 4-0, you will need more luck 1♠ overcall, would my 3 ♠ either say this is a finesse of in the spade suit, Q-J-x some- Playing social cue-bid still have a clear the queen or a finesse where, or a defensive error. bridge, West meaning? against the king. Q opened 1 ♣ and 2. My partner (West) The defenders can take ♣♦♥ ♠ North overcalled 1 ♥. What had a balanced 16 points: finesses, though as they tend should East call? It might to hold fewer higher cards At rubber bridge, have been easier if West West North East South than the declaring side, it is my partner opened had opened 1 ♦. 1♦ 1♥ 2♣ Pass less common for them to do Q 1NT (12-14) and ? so. the next hand overcalled You can also use the word 2♣ (natural). ♠ K Q 6 ♠ A 10 7 5 Does opener now need a finesse as a verb. In the ♥ Q J N ♥ 9 8 5 heart stopper to rebid 2NT? above example, you finesse W E ♦ J 7 3 2 S ♦ A K 10 4 Hugh Knowles by email. the queen or you finesse ♠ A 9 3 2 ♣ A K 4 3 ♣ 6 5 against the king. ♥ A 10 3 2 1. Yes, when the ♦ J 6 5 4 partnership has ♣♦♥ ♠ ♣ K Alan Solomon, A agreed a major, it is Wimbledon, by email. usual to play that any bid In the example in higher than three of the Ned Paul’s article What should I now bid? In social bridge, agreed major is a cue-bid Q in BRIDGE 93 Alan Solomon, Wimbledon. when presumably a (showing control in that declarer arrives in 4 ♥ after A double by East suit). When an opponent has West opened 1NT. How At rubber bridge, would be for penalties, you bid the suit, it is even clearer should the play go? double would be for should just call 1 ♠ – the that 3 ♠ is a cue-bid rather R J Stephenson, A penalties, which same bid you would have than a second suit. Stoke on Trent. might work but would be made without the overcall. 2. Yes, it is good idea for risky. I would bid 3 ♣. The I agree with opening 1 ♣ – West to bid 2NT only when cue-bid is a slight overbid the suit is better and this holding a heart stopper. In ♠ A K 10 6 2 but this should ensure you keeps the bidding lower. this case, a bid of 2 ♥ would ♥ Q J 9 8 7 play in a sensible spot. However, had West opened ask for a heart stopper. There ♦ 9 Whether partner shows you a 1♦, East should still bid 1 ♠. are two key differences ♣ 8 5 4-card major or a club It would be premature to between this auction and the ♠ J 8 5 ♠ Q 9 7 4 stopper, you should be raise diamonds. Majors are first: (a) the bidding is lower ♥ 10 6 3 N ♥ 2 happy. You will raise 3 ♥ or W E much more important than (b) you have not agreed a ♦ A 7 6 S ♦ K J 10 4 2 3♠ to game or pass 3NT. minors. You need to check major (indeed, you have not ♣ A K Q 9 ♣ J 10 4 whether you have a 4-4 agreed any suit or even bid a ♠ 3 ♣♦♥ ♠ spade fit before raising the major). This is why 2 ♥ asks ♥ A K 5 4 minor. for a stopper in this auction ♦ Q 8 5 3 What does 3 ♣ At duplicate, when playing but 3 ♠ showed a control in ♣ 7 6 3 2 mean in the double of the 1 ♥ overcall for the first auction. Q sequence 1 ♠-2 ♣- take-out, showing at least six 2♠-2NT-3 ♣? points and usually exactly ♣♦♥ ♠ Let us assume the Mike Clements, four spades, you would defenders cash their Guildford, by email. double. Can you please A three top winners define ‘finesse’ for and then play a second Clearly, you must ♣♦♥ ♠ Q me please? diamond. You ruff low in have an unbalanced Cyril Jenkins, dummy and can afford to A hand or you would 1. I had a strong Weston-super-mare by email. draw one round of trumps either pass 2NT or raise to hand and wanted with the ace. Assuming all 3NT. You cannot have only Q to explore for a The official follow, you play a spade to five spades and four clubs, slam after this bidding: definition is: the the ace, ruff a spade low and since then you would have A attempt to gain return to dummy with a high raised 2 ♣ to 3 ♣. West North East South power for lower-ranking trump. Next, you ruff another I suggest playing the 1♥ 1♠ 3♥ Pass cards by taking advantage of spade (with the king) and sequence as six spades and ? the favourable position of ruff a diamond low. Finally, four clubs, non-forcing – higher-ranking cards held by you draw any outstanding you could bid 3 ♦ or 3 ♥ to As I had two small clubs, I the opposition. trump and cash dummy’s two force responder to bid again wanted to cue bid 3 ♠, If dummy (North) has A-Q good spades. For the line to – it is good to have a few showing my ♠A, hoping to of a suit and West K-x, work, you need spades 4-3 non-forcing bids available.

Page 20 by 4-card majors? If you try. Opener might then be the for a club you discard a low Ask Julian continued have four spades and five one to make a 4 ♦ splinter. diamond (or a high heart). In diamonds, in an opening On the actual sequence, I the same situation, playing hand, would you show the agree with opener’s 4 ♥ sign McKenney discards, you North opened 1 ♦, spades first? off. The trumps are poor and have no way of asking for a East bid 1 ♠ and Patricia Cravitz by email. having a singleton diamond heart with a low card. Q South passed. in each hand means there will Despite the technical What should West do? Playing 4-card be losers elsewhere. It is superiority of Revolving over majors means that debatable whether responder McKenney, far more people A you can open a is then worth another bid. play McKenney because they ♠ A 7 6 5 ♠ K Q 10 4 4-card major, not that you The ♠Q facing a likely are used to playing suit-

♥ A 8 5 3 N ♥ K J must. You might open a doubleton is a dubious value. preference signals in other W E ♦ 9 S ♦ 10 6 5 4-card major if you have a The singleton ♦K is also situations. That McKenney is ♣ 10 8 7 3 ♣ A Q 6 3 balanced hand too strong to dubious. One card or the simpler to remember and that open 1NT but not strong other is likely to be useless. it is easier to find a partner enough for 2NT. Opening a For sure, without first- or willing to play it may out- At the table I (West) called 4-card suit ahead of a 5-card second-round control in the weigh the theoretical advan- 2♠, ending the auction. suit is canapé, which is not unbid spade suit, 4NT is not a tage of Revolving. It depends East said my bid was too part of Acol. good idea. There could easily really upon whether you play cautious. He may be right be two fast spade losers. a lot with one partner. but I think he could have ♣♦♥ ♠ If responder does go on, it A comparison between been more adventurous. should be with 5 ♥, warning DODD and Revolving is Hugh Ball, Eastbourne. East-West bid of the lack of a spade harder, especially as there these hands as control. Opener does have seem to be different ways of A simple raise to Q indicated below: the ♠K but the rest of the playing DODD. Finally, 2♠ fails to do the hand (if you know the since you ask, most experts A hand justice. With singleton diamond is no like to play attitude type four-card support, a few ♠ K J 9 6 ♠ Q 7 5 4 asset) looks pretty awful and discards, indeed usually values and a singleton, you ♥ 9 8 5 3 N ♥ A K Q J 4 says to pass. Even 5 ♥ could reverse attitude ie, low to W E should bid 3 ♠. This does not ♦ A S ♦ K go down if spades are 4-1 or encourage. show many high cards (you ♣ A 7 5 4 ♣ Q 10 8 you lose two club tricks. would bid 2 ♦, opener’s suit, ♣♦♥ ♠ to show a good hand) but ♣♦♥ ♠ gets over the playing West East As opener, I hold a strength better. Indeed, for 1♣ 1♥ My bridge teacher long minor – say some the hand would be too 2♥ 4♦* says that Q six diamonds – good even for this jump to 4♥ 4NT Q Revolving discards and 16+ pts. If possible, I 3♠, especially if you are a 5♥ 6♥ are superior to McKenney want to play in this minor passed hand or you are not *splinter and DODD discards. How or no-trumps. I open 1 ♦ vulnerable. Usually the can this be so as there seem partner responds 2 ♣. How overcaller will have a five- Is a splinter wise holding to be just as many options do I steer the contract into card suit, making it safe (in singleton king? Is the sign with the other methods? no-trumps? line with the law of total off in 4 ♥ correct? What do experts do? John Morley, Camberley. tricks) to bid 3 ♠ on many After opener’s 4 ♥ sign P Gayler, hands with four spades – if it off is responder worth Hailsham, East Sussex. Depending upon the goes down, the other side can another try? quality of the suit probably make something. Huw Jones by email. You are right that A and your stoppers East has done quite well to there are no more outside, your rebid is likely find the overcall on the Splinters with a A cards to discard to be either 3 ♦ or 2NT. With strong four-card suit (this is singleton king can be with Revolving discards. a good 6-card suit, 3 ♦ is the a rare hand on which it is A a bit misleading. The method is superior to more descriptive bid. Partner right to do so) and has no Partner will tend to place you McKenney for another will be aware that you would clear way to continue over a with values elsewhere that reason – a greater chance of need to make 11 tricks for simple raise to 2 ♠. you do not have and being able to use a low card game in a minor (and that, at undervalue honours in the to give the right message. pairs, minors may score ♣♦♥ ♠ splinter suit. When you add in Suppose the lead is a spade poorly even when game is that, on this auction, opener and you are using Revolving on). Often partner will rebid The Bidding Quiz has no room between the discards. To ask for a heart, 3NT over 3 ♦, or, if holding a says Standard splinter bid (4 ♦) and the you discard a low club (or a stopper in one major only, Q Acol, weak agreed suit, East should make high diamond); to ask for a show the stopper by bidding no-trump and 4-card a different rebid over 2 ♥. I diamond, you discard a low the suit (ie, 1 ♦-2 ♣-3 ♦-3 ♥ majors. What do you mean suggest 2 ♠, ostensibly a game heart (or a high club); to ask shows a heart stopper).

Page 21 In both cases, the double major and the 5-4 is in a West East Ask Julian continued says ‘I have the values to bid minor. Pass 2♣ but I am unsure what suit we 2♦ 3♣ should play in.’ ♣♦♥ ♠ 3♦ 5♦ Can you tell me If responder (East) passes, End what to do when indeed you cannot double. Partner opened 1 ♦ Q my partner opens To send a similar message in and I was looking Rose Smith by email. 3♦ as North and East that case, you cue-bid Q at: doubles? I have four opener’s suit. If you change A very strong hand diamonds and a weak hand East’s 2 ♥ to a pass in facing a very weak so I increase the pre-empt auction 1, you would bid 2 ♥. ♠ K J 7 A hand is often hard to by raising to 4 ♦. Partner If you change East’s 4 ♦ to a ♥ 7 4 bid. The ideal spot looks like went on to 5 ♦ and East pass in auction 2, you would ♦ A K J 7 6♦ by East. This makes doubled again. We went bid 4 ♦. Bidding opener’s suit ♣ Q 8 5 3 whenever the ♠K is onside three down. Should I have does raise the level, so you and some of the time the ♣A bid differently? will need a good hand, with is onside. Alas, even Houdini Zena Duffy by email. values sufficient to force I thought a jump to 3NT would struggle to get there. partner to bid at that level. was precipitous, in view of With the poor suit and Your 4 ♦ raise my hearts, so I temporized relatively poor shape I agree sounds sensible with ♣♦♥ ♠ with 2 ♣. Partner rebid with West’s initial pass. 2 ♣- A four-card support – 2♦, leaving me with the 2♦ is fine too. After that, when you have a huge fit I know of the same problem. We ended with a balanced hand East you do not need values to benefit of playing in 5 ♦ – making, but a must rebid in no-trumps and bid. Assuming the opponents Q in a 4-4 rather ‘bottom’, as the rest made not clubs. With 25 points, know what they are doing, than a 5-3 trump fit. Does 3NT+1 or +2. Partner held 3NT is the value bid as 2NT they are not going to defend this still apply with a 4-4 ♥A-K. After her 2 ♦ shows 23-24. On the actual 3♦ doubled with a singleton and a 5-4 trump fit? rebid, how can I find out auction, East’s 5 ♦ is also a diamond each. The usual Huw Jones by email. about this and end in 3NT? poor bid. Since 2 ♣ followed rule is that the pre-emptor Paul Jesper by email. by a suit rebid created a does not bid again, so Usually the more game force, there is partner’s 5 ♦ is an unusual trumps you have the Using standard absolutely no need to jump. action. Down three doubled A better. The more methods yours is a 4♦, agreeing the suit, would should be a good score only you have, the more ruffs you A tough hand to bid. be much better. At pairs, 5 ♦ if the opponents alone are can take and the less the The initial 2 ♣ is fine. I is poor for another reason. vulnerable (game their way danger posed by the suggest you rebid 2 ♠ over When you know that 3NT is will be worth 620 against opposing trumps. That said, 2♦. A responder’s reverse is an easy make, you are likely your 500) but poor you can construct hands on forcing, so you will not find to get a bad score playing in otherwise. It would appear which a 4-4 fit plays better yourself left to play there. If five of a minor as 430/460 that the 5 ♦ bid is the cause than a 5-4 fit. partner raises spades or gives outscores 400/420. 6 ♦ is a of any poor score. preference to clubs, you can better bid than 5 ♦. Sorry to always go back to diamonds. be so hard on East but ♣♦♥ ♠ ♠ K Q J 7 5 ♠ A 10 6 4 You hope, of course, that West’s bidding is ♥ A Q 7 4 N ♥ K J 10 3 partner has the hearts stopped impeccable. W E What is a ♦ A 3 S ♦ 8 5 4 and bids 2NT or 3NT. responsive double ♣ A 2 ♣ 7 5 ♣♦♥ ♠ Q and when can I ♣♦♥ ♠ use it? Surely you cannot What, if anything, double partner’s double. Playing in spades, you have My partner and I does Acol stand Jan Stockdale, Chester a sure loser in each minor. bid to 5 ♦. We made Q for? by email. However, if you play in Q 12 tricks but it was Name and address supplied. hearts and trumps break 3-2, a bottom. Other scores were Responsive doubles you can make an extra trick 3NT with overtricks or 6 ♦ Acol is not an occur in auctions via a ruff. Without a club making. Should West abbreviation. It is A like these: lead, you might make 6 ♥ perhaps have opened 3 ♦? A the name of a road even if hearts are 4-1. in North London, where the Auction 1 If you manage to diagnose founders of the Acol system West North East South this type of layout in the West East met. There is still an Acol 1♥ Dbl 2♥ Dbl bidding, you are doing very ♠ 7 5 ♠ A Q 6 bridge club, though it does well. Most of the time when ♥ J 5 ♥ A K not meet in Acol Road. As Auction 2 you want to play in a 4-4 fit ♦ K 8 7 5 4 3 2 ♦ A Q J 10 Abbey Road is to Beatles West North East South rather than a 5-4 it is ♣ 7 5 ♣ K Q 8 3 fans, Acol Road is to British 3♦ Dbl 4♦ Dbl because the 4-4 fit is in a bridge aficionados.

Page 22 Ask Julian continued the bid you need a solid suit and enough strength to picture a slam facing as little as an ace or a king from DECLARER I am a convert to partner. You could have Benji Acol. If I something like this: PLAY Q open 2 ♣ (meaning 8/9 playing tricks) and my partner makes a 2 ♦ relay, I ♠ A K Q J 8 4 3 QUIZ have to rebid at the three ♥ K Q level if my long suit is a ♦ A 5 minor. If partner has little, ♣ A K by David Huggett does she have to show a negative over that of 3NT? (Answers on page 37) Derek Allum, Tring, Herts. If, after your 3 ♠, partner rebids 3NT (denying any You are South as declarer, playing teams or rubber bridge. Playing 2 ♦ as a ace), you can bid 4 ♣, In each case, what is your play strategy? negative rather than leaving room for partner to A a relay is better in bid 4 ♦ if holding the king of my view. Good bidding diamonds. usually involves an exchange 1. ♠ 8 6 4 3. ♠ K Q 6 ♥ A 4 ♥ J 8 6 of information between ♣♦♥ ♠ partners. Waiting bids say ♦ Q 9 5 ♦ J 5 3 2 nothing and rarely help you Can you explain ♣ A K 10 9 5 ♣ A K J in judging the right contract. why the scoring N N Opinions vary as to system includes a W E W E Q S S whether 3 ♣ or 3 ♦ from zero after every result? opener on the second round Why is not 1 ♣/1 ♦ worth 2, ♠ K 5 ♠ A 5 2 (after a 2 ♦ negative) should 1♥/1 ♠ 3, game 10 and so ♥ K 9 7 5 2 ♥ A K Q 2 be forcing. I think partner on? ♦ A J 10 6 ♦ A K 8 should be able to pass with a Graham Webber by email. ♣ J 6 ♣ 9 5 2 bust as you could have either jumped or opened 2 (Benji’s I am not sure that I ♦ You are declarer in 3NT You are declarer in 6NT big bid) if you were unwilling know, though I can and West leads the ♠3. and West leads the ♠10. to stop short of game. guess. Bridge as we A East wins with the ♠A and How do you plan the know it now is in reality returns the ♠J, West play? contract bridge. Very few ♣♦♥ ♠ playing the ♠2. How do people use the word you plan the play? If you open 2 ♣, ‘contract’ because hardly Acol, what does it anyone plays any other sort. Q mean if you rebid However, prior to the launch 4. ♠ K Q 7 6 3♠ over partner’s 2 ♦? of contract bridge in 1925, ♥ A Q 7 5 3 Mrs D Parrington, there was another version, 2. ♠ 10 7 5 ♦ 7 5 Alicante, Spain. called auction bridge. In ♥ A 10 9 ♣ K 2 auction bridge, scoring was ♦ 8 6 5 N A rebid of 2 ♠ would with very low numbers. One ♣ A K Q 4 W E be forcing, indeed reason for having a zero at S N game forcing (only the end of everything in W E ♠ A J 10 8 5 3 A S 2NT would be non-forcing). contract bridge could be to ♥ 4 Therefore, with most hands differentiate its scores from ♠ A 6 ♦ A Q 6 on which you want to show auction bridge scores. ♥ K 7 5 2 ♣ Q 8 7 spades, you rebid 2 ♠. The Another could be that Harold ♦ A K 4 3 jump to 3 ♠ is a special bid. Vanderbilt, who invented the ♣ 7 6 5 By tradition, it sets the suit scoring, was American. In You are declarer in 6 ♠ and and asks responder to cue America, bigger tends to West leads the ♠4, East bid any ace held. To make equate to better. ■ You are declarer in 3NT following with the ♠2. (you opened 1NT and How do you plan the partner raised to 3NT). play? West leads the ♠2, East E-mail your questions for Julian to: playing the ♠Q. How do [email protected] you plan the play?

Page 23 Bernard Magee Says Lose Your Sure Losers Early

ndplays, squeezes and coups are North South wonderful plays, but they are not ♠ J 9 8 4 1♠ Eeasy to manage: most of these ♥ 4 3 2 2♣ 3♠ elaborate plays are in the realms of the ♦ A Q 6 4♠ End expert. One useful tactic that can allow ♣ J 9 8 some plays to fall in to your lap, almost ♠ 7 3 ♠ 10 2 West leads the jack of diamonds against by accident, is to try to give away all ♥ A K 6 5 N ♥ 9 8 7 your adventurous 4 ♠ contract. W E your sure losers before making a key ♦ J 8 3 2 S ♦ K 9 7 5 The bidding was debatable – North play (like taking a finesse). ♣ 7 3 2 ♣ A K Q 4 might have tried 1NT and South might There are two main reasons for this. ♠ A K Q 6 5 have rebid 2NT over 2 ♣. However, your The first is that you might force a ♥ Q J 10 job is to make the contract. defender to make a good lead for you. ♦ 10 4 You have eight top tricks and, when The second reason is that the defenders ♣ 10 6 5 East takes the ace of diamonds at trick might make a mistake. Defence is by far one, you are up to nine. East decides to the most difficult aspect of bridge and, switch to a trump and you draw trumps in therefore, the more occasions that you You draw trumps but, rather than simply four rounds (West and North discard two give your opponents the chance to go taking the diamond finesse, you follow diamonds). A 3-3 heart split will take you wrong, the better chance you have of the maxim and let the opponents have to ten tricks, but there is no rush to try the succeeding. their club tricks. hearts: lose some of your losers first. Here is an example: Sometimes they will go wrong; even It looks like it will make no difference, better, sometimes there is nothing they but bridge is a funny game. That trump can do. switch was strange given what is in ♠ J 9 8 4 Here, East has to win the first club and dummy, so maybe something else ♥ 4 3 2 can take two more. Then he has only extraordinary will happen. ♦ A Q 6 losing options. Either he plays another ♣ J 9 8 club – allowing you to discard a

N diamond from hand and ruff in dummy – ♠ 3 2 W E or he has to lead away from his king and ♥ A K Q 7 S give you two diamond tricks. ♦ 6 4 3 ♠ A K Q 6 5 This layout is no doubt unlikely, but ♣ 9 8 7 4 ♥ Q J 10 you gave nothing up by losing your sure ♠ 5 4 ♠ 9 8 7 6 ♦ 10 4 losers before trying the diamond ♥ J 9 8 6 N ♥ 10 5 W E ♣ 10 6 5 finesse. ♦ J 10 7 S ♦ A Q 9 8 Have a go at this next hand: ♣ 10 6 5 2 ♣ A K J ♠ A K Q J 10 West North East South ♥ 4 3 2 1♠ ♠ 3 2 ♦ K 5 2 Pass 2♠ End ♥ A K Q 7 ♣ Q 3 ♦ 6 4 3 West leads the ace of hearts and then ♣ 9 8 7 4 plays the king of hearts and a third N Having lost the first trick to the ace of round, with everybody following to W E diamonds and drawn trumps in four three rounds. S rounds, you duck a club. East takes his You count your winners and see five ♠ A K Q J 10 jack and, slightly to your surprise, trumps and a heart. You have a simple ♥ 4 3 2 continues with the ace and king of the chance to make two diamond tricks by ♦ K 5 2 suit. You ruff the third club with your last finessing West for the king; how do you ♣ Q 3 trump and cash the king of diamonds. play? Your plan is simple; you hope

Page 24 Lose Your Sure Losers Early continued You play in 4 ♠ and West leads the jack of hearts. You win the first heart and draw three rounds of trumps. West follows all the way but East discards low clubs on the second and third rounds of trumps. hearts are 3-3, but you have also given Now try this more mundane deal: The maxim suggests losing your the opponents plenty of chances to make losers, but you should also have made a bad discards. In fact, most likely without plan. This plan should include noting knowing it, you have executed a ♠ 8 5 4 2 your entries to each hand. Your only squeeze. This is the position as you play ♥ 10 9 entries to dummy are in trumps and they the king of diamonds: ♦ Q 7 3 have now all gone. So, if you need to ♣ A 5 4 3 lead from dummy, you must do so at ♠ K ♠ Q J 10 9 3 once. ♠ — ♥ Q 4 3 N ♥ K J 6 5 2 W E ♥ A K Q 7 ♦ 10 8 5 2 S ♦ J 9 ♦ — ♣ J 10 9 8 7 ♣ 6 ♠ A K Q ♣ 9 ♠ A 7 6 ♥ Q 4 ♠ — ♠ — ♥ A 8 7 ♦ 7 6 4 3 2 ♥ J 9 8 6 N ♥ 10 5 ♦ A K 6 4 ♣ 8 6 5 W E ♦ — S ♦ Q 9 8 ♣ K Q 2 ♠ 5 4 3 ♠ 2 ♣ 10 ♣ — ♥ J 10 9 8 2 N ♥ 7 6 5 3 W E ♠ — ♦ J 5 S ♦ K 10 9 ♥ 4 3 2 You open 2NT and partner raises to ♣ A Q J ♣ K 10 9 3 2 ♦ K 5 3NT – a nice simple auction. West leads ♠ J 10 9 8 7 6 ♣ — the jack of clubs. ♥ A K 3NT should go one down since clubs, ♦ A Q 8 diamonds and spades all break badly, ♣ 7 4 When you lead the king of diamonds but bridge is never that simple. Try the what does West discard? If he throws a effect of losing some losers early and heart, dummy throws a club and its four keeping your diamonds disguised. Win In the other examples, when you gave hearts will take the last four tricks. If the club and duck a spade, win the away the lead, you could go back to your instead he throws the ten of clubs, you second club and duck another spade. original chance if nothing exciting have to remember back to the first three East wins and plays a third spade, happened. Here your clearest chance for club tricks – the ♣A-K-Q-J have all knocking out your ace. Look at West’s a tenth trick is the diamond finesse. gone. You will thus realise that the nine hand and remember he cannot see your However, if you give your losers away of clubs is a winner and throw the low diamonds: what two discards is he now and nothing pleasant happens, you heart, again leaving dummy high. likely to make? If he keeps all his will be unable to fall back on your You have squeezed West out of a diamonds, he has done very well, but I genuine chance of the finesse – you will winner – it was not something you had am not sure everyone would manage it. be in the wrong hand. Therefore, after planned, but it was something that When giving up your losers, you do you have drawn the last trump, you take occurred because you lost some of your need to make sure that this does not the ‘ordinary line’ and play a diamond to losers before playing the key suit. harm your genuine chances. your queen. This wins, allowing you to Squeezes are difficult plays, but giving make your contract. away your losers is not so difficult: you do not have to know what you are doing; ♠ A K Q Conclusion you just have to hope something good ♥ Q 4 will happen. ♦ 7 6 4 3 2 Giving up losers early is a clever tactic On this deal, the opponents could have ♣ 8 6 5 that can pay handsome dividends, in done a lot better, but that is another one particular enhancing your prospects for N of the reasons for losing your losers: to W E overtricks playing duplicate pairs. give them the chance to go wrong. S Giving the opponents the chance to go ♠ J 10 9 8 7 6 wrong should be reason enough to do Defensive Errors ♥ A K this. Sometimes you will also find ♦ A Q 8 genuine plays that will surprise you: More common than a genuine squeeze is ♣ 7 4 endplays and squeezes; not planned, but a simple defensive error: whenever I they might come up because by losing have a suit such as the hearts dummy your losers you have tightened the had on this hand, I like to hide the suit North South endgame. However, there is one vital from the opponents (if it is in my hand). Pass 1♠ caveat: make sure you can still make There is a chance that they might make 2♦ 2♠ your ‘normal play’ later in the play. a wrong discard and then the suit will 3♠ 4♠ Make sure you have the entries needed run at the end of the play. End to take a finesse, for example. ■

Page 25 DAVID STEVENSON answers questions on Bridge Laws Can I use Stayman as a Weak Take-out?

Am I right in for non-promissory to show to turn over quitted cards. have the suit. thinking that I whether you play Stayman As soon as there was a Unfortunately, it is not Q can make a weak to promise a four-card suggestion of a revoke, they the first time someone has takeout into clubs after major. should have called the spoken to me like this. partner opens 1NT by director and left it to him. Name and address supplied bidding 2 ♣ (Stayman) and ♣♦♥ ♠ The playing director (Northern Ireland). rebidding 3 ♣? should come when called. It John Bradley, Grimsby. South was playing is not generally good Not everyone plays in 4 ♠ with a 5-3 enough to finish playing the this double as Stayman, as devised Q fit. Having gained hand at his table, unless the A takeout; in fact by Jack Marx in the lead, he played three delay is very short. most probably do not. Still, A England and rounds of trumps. To his Furthermore, if he needs to it is sensible to do so. While George Rapee in the USA, surprise, both defenders look at a deal to establish this double would not be included a sign-off in clubs, showed out on the third whether he needs to adjust alertable in England, Wales and playing this as part of round. A few tricks later the score to restore equity, or Scotland, it is alertable in the Stayman convention has West ruffed a heart, he should look at the deal. If Northern Ireland, so your always been legal. For that cutting declarer off from he cannot play it as a result, partner was at fault for not matter, people have come to several winning hearts. that is unfortunate, but that alerting it. You did nothing many other agreements Dummy said that West is one of the disadvantages wrong. about further bidding after had revoked, whereupon in being a playing director. The attitude of your Stayman and it is legal to the players turned over opponent really worries me. play any set of rebids. quitted cards to prove the ♣♦♥ ♠ To describe your double as Sadly, many people point. West agreed she had ‘outrageous’ is rude and believe that Stayman has to revoked and called the I had about seven uncalled-for. I advise you in show a four-card major. director. points with a future to call the director While it is reasonable for it The director, a playing Q 3-5-0-5 shape immediately and tell him to do so, there is no reason director, came once he had and the bidding started: that an opponent has been why it should. finished his hand, but said rude to you. One problem is that many he could not look at the West North East South It does not matter which people think everyone board as he had yet to 1♦ 1NT 2♦ side is in the wrong or the should play the way that play it. ? right, opponents have no they do, but that is not the Frederick Alan Records, right to be rude to you and case. Bridge teachers should Binstead, Isle of Wight As my hearts were poor, I the director will issue them point out that not everyone by email. decided to double. To my with a sharp rebuke, or plays the same system, surprise, this ended the possibly a disciplinary but few do. If you want to Dummy should auction (partner did not penalty. He might adjust the play Stayman to show a keep quiet: he can alert). Declarer, upon score because of the lack of four-card major, that is fine: A point out revokes at finding about my diamond alert, but that is a different if you want to play it so the end of the play, but not void, described my double matter. If this is happening a that it does not, that is fine before. The director should as an ‘outrageous bid’, lot, I think you are going to as well. have warned dummy, even eventually going one down. have to take it up with the On a system card, it is penalising him if he has Surely, as the other three club. Players are required to common to write ‘prom’ for warned him before. players were claiming to be courteous at all times – promissory, or ‘non-prom’ The players have no right hold diamonds, I could not that is a matter of Law.

Page 26 written in does not make it table cannot play a board. Declarer insists on having Ask David continued out of time to ask for a Three is bad behaviour. the three replaced. West ruling on a revoke, nor for Of course, the Director objects. penalty tricks to be will look to see if their Lesley Slater by email. Playing duplicate, adjudged. It is probably opponents have suffered the other three more difficult for the director because of the wrong Cards that declarer Q players at the end to judge than if he had been explanation. If he thinks they did not ask for but of the play immediately called earlier, so he would might have, he will adjust A dummy played shuffled their cards and probably rule no revoke if he the score, giving them the anyway do not stand, so returned them to the had any doubt. score they might have declarer will get to play the board, the opposition There is certainly some obtained otherwise, or ace from dummy as she claiming eight tricks whilst sort of feeling against calling possibly a percentage of wished. The director should my cards on the table the director. My view is that various scores he believes have a sharp word with showed seven. I objected as the worst arguments in clubs were possible. dummy about playing only I was certain that they had start with the ominous words cards that declarer has asked only made seven but my ‘I am not going to call the ♣♦♥ ♠ for. However, on this partner did not contest and director, but …’ and I always occasion, dummy’s the result stood. call the director if an The hand on my unfortunate act has caused On a similar note, a deal opponent says this. The right opened 1NT. no problem whatever to the had been played, cards director sorts out differences Q I had 15 points defence and so West is not returned to the board and and I often think not calling with ♥Q-J-x-x-x. I bid 2 ♥. going to get any redress. score written in when the the director is anti-social. My partner thought for a opposition claimed there In practice, there are some while and then raised to ♣♦♥ ♠ had been a revoke. I was rules ignored in some clubs 3♥. I went on to 4 ♥ and sure no revoke occurred and it is generally wise to made it in comfort. The After I opened 1 ♠, but the score was adjusted accept the common view. opponents queried my final we ended in 4 ♠. to allow for the revoke, For instance, few clubs insist bid. Q My RHO led and I surely too late. on two convention cards per Aubrey Pengilly, put my cards on the table An attitude seems to exist pair and this is not Kingston, Surrey by email. unthinkingly. My partner, that adherence to the rules something to worry about also not awake, called for or calling the director is except with pairs playing When partner me to play a card, which I anti-social. exotic methods. hesitates it shows did. My LHO then pointed Robert Houghton, Failure to call the director A doubt, and often out that I should have been Ruislip, Middlesex. when something is wrong you can work out the nature declarer. My RHO said I leads to bad feeling, mistrust of the doubt. For example, if had condoned the lead by Correct procedure, and creates a generally partner thinks for a long playing on it. as always when poorer game. While I time before making a What is the correct A something goes appreciate that players do penalty double, you can be procedure? wrong at duplicate, is to call not want to disturb the sure she does not have four AA Simpson, the director. He will make a director more than necessary, trump tricks. Chard, Somerset. determination of how many it really is best to follow the When partner hesitates, tricks were made; since your rules. you must take every care to Once you have cards were in order he is gain nothing from the faced one single very likely to decide in your ♣♦♥ ♠ hesitation, for example A card, the Law says favour. The other players passing when partner makes you must become dummy were at fault in shuffling If opponents make the slow, doubtful double I and partner declarer, so their cards before the an alert but described. while your opponent got the number of tricks was agreed. Q explain it Here it is not obvious at reason wrong, he got the If you objected to the claim incorrectly, what should all what her problem is and, solution right. of eight tricks before they you do? Do they suffer a since you seem to have a You ask for the correct shuffled their cards, then penalty? clear 4 ♥ bid, you were procedure. In duplicate, you their conduct is no longer a John Morley by email. correct to make it. call the director, who small misdemeanour but a explains the rules; in a club more serious matter. In general, we do ♣♦♥ ♠ rubber game, you call the The rules say that a revoke not issue penalties host who does likewise: and penalty may be adjudged if A at club level – or With a spade suit in a friendly rubber game, it attention is drawn to the even local competitions – of a singleton king does no harm to have a copy revoke before the non- except for three things. One Q in the South hand of the rubber Bridge Laws to offenders call on a is a repeated violation, for and A-Q-10-8-7-3 in look at. Mr Bridge’s Yellow subsequent deal, or before example if this pair get alerts dummy, declarer leads the book is a fair alternative: for the round has ended. So the wrong all the time. Two is a king, West follows suit and things like this, duplicate and fact that the score has been violation that means another dummy plays the three. rubber rules are similar.

Page 27 opponents said this answer is any of the four suits. Is that you do this regularly. Ask David continued misled them. In fact, I this legal and do we need Anthony Bateman-Jones could have held any number to announce this? by email. of clubs from 0 to 5. Ann Yeldon by email. In the ending John K Lewis by email. Nothing stops you below declarer It is legal to play deviating Q (South) claimed the It is never entirely that way and it is A occasionally from rest of the tricks. East, who clear how much A not misleading to do your announced methods. An was on lead, claimed a trick A more you should so. Often players complain occasional 11 or 15 is not as he still had a trump (a describe when asked a about being misled by minor wrong. Furthermore, hand club). Declarer said that specific question. While it is differences in style that really valuation is not an absolute: however the play went, difficult to disagree with make little difference to if an 11 is so good it looks whatever the lead, he would your partner’s truthful them. I doubt that anyone but like 12, or a 15 so bad it make the last six tricks. answer, I suggest in future an expert could tell you what looks like 14, there is The director was called that you give a complete difference it would make to nothing wrong with opening and awarded a trick to answer even if the question your opponents to know 1NT then either. East. does not ask for one. Your whether you play this way. If, however, a player opens system card should also state If you decide to continue 1NT with regularly 11 or 15, specifically that 1 ♣ could be opening all 5-3-3-2 hands it is time to adjust the ♠ Q on a void. with 1NT and if your club announcement, to ‘Good 11 ♥ — has no convention cards, you to a bad 15’ or similar. ♦ Q 4 ♣♦♥ ♠ should mention it in future at ♣ 10 6 4 the start of the round. It is ♣♦♥ ♠ ♠ J 10 ♠ 9 How should I unnecessary if you have N mark an average convention cards: just write When can I point ♥ J W E ♥ — ♦ 10 9 3 S ♦ 8 7 6 5 Q and a throw-in it on the card. out that tricks are ♣ — ♣ 7 at duplicate? Q facing the wrong ♠ 2 Sharon Kayes by email. ♣♦♥ ♠ way? Suppose we are on ♥ — trick 5 when I notice that ♦ A K J 2 I assume you are Opponents said trick 2 or trick 4 is wrong. ♣ K scoring by hand. they were playing Audrey Stewart by email. A Average you Q Acol with a 12-15 generally score by giving the 1NT. Is this right? As a defender or Dawn Gibson, Stowmarket. pair half a top on a board, Bernard Abbott, dummy you can and scoring everyone else Leamington Spa. A point out that trick 4 It is not the case from one up to a top less is the wrong way until that a defender with one. This is not very Basic Acol has someone leads to trick 5, but A an unmentioned accurate and you should not changed a lot over not after that until the end of trump gets a trick use it if you have a scoring A the years, and the hand. If trick 2 is wrong, automatically. Since East program, such as Jeff hardly any two pairs play it once there is a lead to trick 3 must follow suit throughout, Smith’s free one. Scoring the same. It is more a basic you must leave it until the there is no way he can take a programs have a complex approach and, if you need to end of the hand. Declarer, by trick, so declarer gets all the method called Neuberg, but know what an opponent is contrast, can point out tricks. Defenders should you do not need to know showing by a bid, it is best whenever he likes. never claim tricks if they how it works: ask it for to ask, not to make assump - I believe the lawmakers cannot make them. average and the software tions. Even pairs who say were worried that people does the rest. they are playing Acol can might wait until the critical ♣♦♥ ♠ Passed out is different. It is play any 1NT range that they moment when they want just another score, beating like, so you should not be partner to cash out and then We play a all the minus scores, and surprised if they play some - point out a wrong card to conventional 1 ♣ losing to all the plus scores. thing different from yourself. give him a nudge. Q opening with a 1 ♦ This means that it could even negative response. I opened be a top or bottom. Last time ♣♦♥ ♠ 1♣. My partner alerted I passed a board out, I had David Stevenson answers and, when asked, said that misjudged: I got a bottom. Please confirm if I all queries based on the it showed 15-19 points with am right that, even facts supplied by the no 5-card major, the same ♣♦♥ ♠ Q if you declare that letter writer. as it says on our card. your 1NT is 12-14, you are Neither Mr Bridge nor Later someone asked We play that it is not wrong if you open 1NT David Stevenson has any whether I could hold two OK to open 1NT with 11 points – or even 15 way of knowing whether clubs, to which my partner with a 5-3-3-2 – if you fancy that bid and those facts are correct or Q complete. replied ‘yes’. The shape where the 5-card suit your partner is not aware

Page 28 the very pleasant and should pass. Why did you deduced that North-South Ask David continued understanding members of not pass – you had no more had a misfit and doubled. the club dealt kindly with clubs and no more values The contract went one any procedural errors I than you had already shown down as East had some North alerted my had made, without with your overcall? useful trumps. Declarer 2♣ in the hand summoning the director. You bid 3 ♣ because assumed West had the Q below. Finally, what are partner said 2 ♣ was Asptro, trumps and said that in a declarer’s duties to inform and you used the information club she would have asked defenders about wrong to tell you that his 2 ♥ bid for a ruling. Dealer East. Love All. information? For example, was not a genuine bid but Sue Chowen, Lewes. ♠ K 7 5 3 2 what happens if partner merely support for your ♥ Q 8 7 2 describes a bid’s meaning supposed suit – and that is The ruling would be ♦ Q 10 8 correctly but declarer’s illegal. It is now normal for that the result ♣ 5 hand does not match it someone to call the director, A stands. If a player ♠ A 9 8 ♠ 10 4 because he has psyched? perfectly ethical by your doubles for penalties, he is ♥ 10 9 5 4 N ♥ A K 6 3 Graeme Knox, Glasgow. opponent and I would expect saying he thinks it will go W E ♦ A J 5 S ♦ 4 3 2 everyone to do so. The off and he wishes to increase ♣ 9 4 2 ♣ A J 10 8 Initially you did the director ruled it to 2 ♥-3 his score. If declarer ♠ Q J 6 right thing, by correctly, taking away the concludes wrongly what ♥ J A maintaining a poker advantage that your illegal hand this requires, that is ♦ K 9 7 6 face when your partner bid of 3 ♣ had gained. The just unfortunate. The laws do ♣ K Q 7 6 3 explained your bid fact that you did not realise not decide how a player incorrectly. I am afraid, your 3 ♣ bid was illegal judges a hand. however, that you went makes no difference under West North East South wrong thereafter. the rules. ♣♦♥ ♠ 1NT 2♣* Like any other game, As the director explained, Pass 2♥ Pass 3♣ bridge has a governing set of you made a second mistake West was dealer End rules. Of course, nobody at the start of the play. Now but East opened expects players to know all that you could draw the Q 1♣. What do the West duly asked its the rules, which is why we opponents’ attention to the rules say about this? meaning. My partner said have directors. The director incorrect explanation without Judi Marriott by email. we play Asptro so 2 ♣ has a duty to be fair, helping your partner, you should show hearts and courteous and impartial and should have done so. You When a player bids another suit. I remained to act in accordance with the should have stated that you at his partner’s turn expressionless throughout. rules. Players have a duty to had not agreed to play A to call, the next West led a club and early summon the director Asptro. This would prevent player (South) may accept or in the play East tried to whenever they believe there any damage to your condone that bid: in that cash two rounds of hearts. is an infraction. Your opponents during the play case, the bid out of turn When I ruffed, the roof fell opponent was within his and reduce the likelihood of becomes legal and the in. The TD was summoned rights to call the director – a need for an adjusted score. bidding continues from there. at the end of the hand (I indeed, it was his duty. I have As it happens, this would not If the next player does not went two down) and the no doubt your errors were have affected the result, accept it, then the bid is TD accepted immediately through ignorance, but failure because you should not have cancelled and West must that an honest to accept peaceably a ruling been in 3 ♣ anyway. pass throughout, but East misunderstanding had by a director is not ignorance. As for your final point, may make any legal call he occurred. He adjusted the Your main error was how psyches are indeed legal and likes at his turn. score from -100 to -150. In you dealt with the there is no requirement for Furthermore, if South does practice, Asptro is not on unauthorised information declarer to correct an not accept it and if East does our system’s card. you gained from your explanation if it is correct. If not bid clubs again and At the end of the partner’s explanation. Under you (rather than partner) North or South declare, lead evening, the TD returned the rules, you must strain not forget the system, again penalties apply: the first time to point out my duty to to take advantage of any there is no need to correct West is on lead declarer may explain that my partner comment, question, reply to the explanation. require a club lead, or forbid had given wrong a question, alert, failure to a club lead as long as West information, which, of alert, announcement, undue ♣♦♥ ♠ retains the lead. ■ course, I accept was my hesitation, overly quick call, error through ignorance. look or anything else from East opened 1 ♣ However, surely the fact your partner. Here, you bid and South E-mail your questions that I took out 2 ♥ to 3 ♣ 2♣, not imagining that Q overcalled 1 ♥. on bridge laws to: suggested I did not have a partner would take it as the North-South ended in 3 ♠. davidstevenson@ heart suit. Up to that point Asptro convention and West, with only two small mrbridge.co.uk in my new bridge career, partner bid 2 ♥, which you spades but a singleton club,

Page 29 over 40 years ago in USED STAMPS Edinburgh – a charming I have been collecting gentleman with the splendid stamps from the ladies at our READERS’ name – Waverley Cameron. golf club for quite some time It would be interesting to and my husband and I are in know how many of your the process of separating readers made the connection them and cutting off all the if indeed the connection is surplus paper, we still have LETTERS correct. half a carrier bag to go. Can Mr K Thorp, Poole, Dorset. you please let me know if I’m made in England and you you are still wanting them for stand alone. the ‘Little Voice’ charity. CLUB RATE sort of activity in the Nord Pas Sylvia Dennis, I ordered 20 yellow books at de Calais Region. UNIMPRESSED Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire. the club discounted price Ian and Christine Blackshaw, I watched all episodes of the having taken orders from ( 0033 321904203. recent bridge on Sky Arts 2. It MANY THANKS my students last week. email us on: is of course good to see Please find enclosed stamps I ordered them late Friday [email protected] bridge on TV again after for the ‘Save Stamps – afternoon. A very nice lady some years. Change Lives’ initiative on took the order and they BIDDING AID I have to say that I was not behalf of Little Voice arrived on Saturday morning. I am wondering if any of very impressed, but I Foundation in Ethiopia. If only everything in life your readers who play social suppose the emphasis was My daughter Selina met was as reliable as Mr Bridge. rubber bridge in a relatively on ‘entertainment’. The Jenna Hoyt, the founder of Ian Dalziel, small room with say, four words that come to mind are Little Voice, whilst living in Troon, Scotland. tables, have found a way Kitchen Bridge. Ethiopia and was very for a hard-of-hearing player Roy Cross, impressed with the work they IDYLLIC to cope with the quietly- Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire. are doing in Addis. We thought that you and spoken bids. I hope these stamps, which your readers would like to The use of bidding boxes ACOL RULES we have collected in Armagh, know that we do bridge is difficult because normal- I think you were rather will be of some value. parties at our attractive and sized card tables have dismissive and unnecessarily Can you please confirm well-appointed old inadequate space for the brusque to Mr K I Hubbard of receipt of stamps by emailing farmhouse and gite in the score pads, tricks etc., plus Leicester. Contrary to your my daughter. beautiful seven valleys area the boxes. The use of side assumption there are quite a Anna Donnelly, Armagh, of Northern France – situated tables is not really feasible few people who play non- Northern Ireland. in a quiet village near the in the available space. Acol bridge. In my area we Thank you both for your market town of Hesdin and Over many years I have play mostly social bridge, efforts. Could everbody only one hour from the tried a variety of hearing aids and the asking 1 ♣ and please send used stamps channel tunnel and ports. and consulted dispensers strong no-trump is a simple directly to: Mr C Bamberger without success in this method without too many 179 High Road specific situation. conventions. The asking club Trimley St Mary Mrs B Hallen, (12-14 points and no 5-card Suffolk, IP11 0TN Lytham St Annes, Lancs. suit) with a negative reply of ( 01394 283186 Try bidding boards. 1♦ means you are still at the one level – and you get a CELEBRATION Ï WELL PICKED UP good idea of your partner’s The Cathcart Castle Golf Club Is your letters editor Scottish? hand. We play in local bridge ladies section bridge club is I ask because I was intrigued drives and find people are having a 50th anniversary by the heading to one letter very tolerant of our simple celebration in October this ‘LIKE THE WAVERLEY’. It was game – and we sometimes year. The club has 46 only when I saw the word win. Tony Forrester is members and plays We are just a couple of miles ‘boon’ in the body of the sympathetic to the strong no- duplicate every Thursday from Azincourt (sic) and other letter that the penny trump. He wrote an article afternoon from November historic sites and places. You dropped. about it in The Daily until the end of March. can see what we have to They come as a boon and Telegraph not long ago. If any former members offer by logging onto our a blessing to men – The I enjoy your magazine very would like to get in touch website at Pickwick, the Owl and the much – and learn a lot they could join us in our www.7valleysbandb.com Waverley Pen. about leading, counting celebration. As far as we are aware, I met the proprietor of the points and tricks. Mrs Moira Moreland, nobody else is offering this Waverley Pen Company well Patricia Daman, Oxford. Glasgow.

Page 30 READERS’ LETTERS VIRTUAL appreciated. (I attended my uncritical since each side, I was delighted to read in local club as a visitor last North/South or East/West, continued Mike Day’s letter in BRIDGE week) and I am now looking play against others on an issue 95 that Bernard for a regular partner. even playing field. TRY HIM Magee’s Acol Bidding Mrs P Lambert, Wakefield. Whilst this may be so, Your correspondent Mrs package works on a Mac ( 01924 862128. it in no way lessens the Sarah Robinson, Readers’ without any trouble, though I point of my argument, Letters BRIDGE 95, asks wondered what he meant by REVOLUTION particularly at a time when about articles to help her ‘on windows under VM’. The scoring system devised more and more players of teach bridge. Would you be Please could we have an for contract rubber bridge is social bridge seem to be kind enough to direct her to: explanation? rational and allows for switching to the Chicago www.brisbridge.talktalk.net/ Sally Miles, Bengeo, Herts. tactical play between two scoring system. pb.htm Johannes Leber replies. opposing sides. To have Ian Glegg, Banchory, If readers have the time, I’d transferred this system to be Aberdeenshire. be interested in their opinion the notional scoring method of the main site which is for duplicate bridge and QUITE designed to help beginners social bridge (when based For some years we have and improvers. If suitable, Ï on Chicago scoring) seems subscribed to both Private perhaps you would pass it entirely irrational. Eye and BRIDGE. The letters’ on to Mrs S Wade of Chorley I am aware that there are page of the former has who enquired about web compensatory scoring been dominated recently by sites and anyone else you methods based upon point a very silly game amongst think might find it useful. All counts taken after the hand readers to get letters with the articles on bidding are The Acol Bidding program has been played, but these made up names published. finished and those on play (as well as the other systems do not appear to We hope your magazine will be completed fairly soon. programs with Bernard address the nonsense of never descends to this www.brisbridge.talktalk.net Magee) still needs the notional game scores and puerile level. Brian Somerville by email. Windows operating system. slam scores which gain We agree with Dr Corfan, On a Mac, it works only if a disproportionate bonuses. BRIDGE 95, that trivial letters NOT WORTH A LOOK Windows emulation is Game scores do not have should be banned. Have heart Mr Corbett, (see installed there. A ‘Windows any relevance to other than Mr J Hart, Juno Trumps, BRIDGE 95) the programme emulation’ is a program rubber bridge and the High Wycombe, Bucks. was a waste of time, with which creates an award of bonuses of 300 or very few hands being environment for other 500 points, for achieving the I CANNOT HELP YOU viewed. The bidding was, to programs (like the bridge arbitrary number of nine Magazine much appreciated, be kind, very amateurish. program) on a Mac so that (no-trump) or ten (suit) tricks, but to cruise on Discovery You missed nothing. they believe they are running seems quite absurd. One of from Harwich is difficult for Mr A Rogers, under a Windows PC. the acknowledged, most me. How about Fred. Olsen’s Leigh on Sea, Essex. ‘Windows under VM’ (VM difficult contracts to achieve ships out of Southampton? stands for ‘Virtual Machine’) is One No-Trump (weak) after Mr G Smith, LET’S BE POSITIVE is an example of such an partner’s pass. The reward Torquay, Devon. I’m fed up with hearing and emulation. You can get this for success is a mere 90 reading all the negative program (and perhaps other points. But there is a bonus DECLUTTERING comments about the P2P emulations) from an of 400 or 600 points for 3NT I am preparing to move proposals. I got my first taste AppleMac dealer. If you tell with, perhaps, a lay down house and have come across of bridge as a youngster – them that you want to run a holding of thirty points! some back numbers of making up a four with Dad Windows program on your Moreover, but to a lesser Bridge Plus and wonder and two Grannies. Mac they will realise what degree, vulnerability has no whether you know of any Children today have the you mean and sell you what sensible place outside rubber reader, or bridge enthusiast choice of so many activities – is needed. bridge. Every deal presents a who might be interested in they are unlikely to come challenge related to the luck making a decent offer for across bridge unless their WANTED of distribution and share of what I have. It is not parents play. I retired recently and I am picture cards. Fair enough, complete, but dates from the If the EBU can redirect taking up duplicate bridge but why compound this luck early days in 1989/1990/ 1991 resources to introducing for the first time having by awards which have little through to 2003, missing more young people to the played rubber bridge in the to do with the intellectual years 1992/1999/2000. game it surely has to be the late 1980’s. I am trying to side of the game? Anyone interested should way forward. teach myself from the book It may be suggested that, call me. Jane Spence, London ‘Basic Bridge’ by Ron Klinger in the case of duplicate Brian Lee, Ascot, Berkshire. by email. – any advice would be bridge, the scoring method is ( 01344 884759.

Page 31 READERS’ LETTERS appear on one of the four Sky Sports channels instead continued THE DRY DRAYTON THREESOME of some of the more obscure games that are shown. hen the Dry Drayton returning to the table which is not WDuplicate Bridge School ideal but is convenient for the BRIDGE ON TV As your magazine reaches and Club was established in organiser and his procedural rules I was entertained hugely by all levels of players, so too November 1994, it aimed to pro - are what keeps things simple and Grand Slam Bridge, hosted by should any future televised vide bridge lessons, polite playing easy to follow. Clive Anderson on Sky Arts 2. bridge programmes. facilities, knowledge of the appli - The club purchased local cation of the Laws of Duplicate points and issued them. It was Bernard Magee previewed it Mrs M Blackwell, Bridge and to convert rubber decided that if a triple was in the in BRIDGE 94 magazine and Dinas, Powis. players to duplicate bridge. Dry top third, all three players it was so helpful to have the I regard bridge is a pastime, Drayton is a village about five received the appropriate points. hands to look at while play not a sport. miles west of Cambridge and had This was an extension of the a population of between 500 to practice for teams in which teams went on. 600 growing very slowly. of six players could be substituted It was also interesting to YES WE DO Membership prospects were low. after each session. The technical have the two experts I learned to play bridge Only three people played regular - problem is what is a session? It watching on CCTV in another recently. Do you organise ly at a bridge club. There were could be a round as defined by room. Their suggestions and any beginners’ weekends? only 15 members at the end of the organising body; the club. The the first quarter. It was essential only other condition for equal comments on the bidding and Ms M de Landmeter, to encourage a regular turn out. issue of points is that each player playing of the hands, apart Cochester, Essex. Therefore, it was key to ensure a must play 50% of the boards. from being illuminating, game for all and to find approach - Under our arrangement each showed how big swings LESS MEANS MORE es that helped to bind the people should play 60% minimum. The May we please have fewer together. We were very aware that per round session means that one could be made by aggressive the host player system had failed player sits-out for a whole round, and daring overcalls, which reader’s letters and more at the Cambridge Club because it which is no worse than a half is the true excitement of bridge articles? was abused by a few who made table movement but it is playing bridge. Mr A Bevan, Willingham, no effort to find a partner. The important for satisfaction of Wouldn’t it be fun if another Cambridgeshire. result was resentment which we, players that the triple avoids a sit- as a new club, could not permit to out session. This is relatively easy series was commissioned develop. with an experienced director who inviting Bernard Magee and GOOD FOR YOU In any case our helpers all remembers it could be a problem. Andrew Robson each to bring Always enjoy reading BRIDGE wished to play as a ‘reward’ for It may be argued that a triple is a team of their celebrity – having just become an attending and helping. not a pair, but it is a pair that We played individual plays each hand and under Law 4, friends to show us how it octogenarian, I have movements with an odd number, the director may substitute a should be done? I have discovered from your pages pairs with an even number and player. There is no limit on the emailed my congratulations that ‘Old dogs really can teams on some occasions (with an number of times. Clearly it is the to Sky. Perhaps a few of your learn new tricks’. even number of pairs). Pairs organising body’s authority i.e. readers might too. Mrs M Davies, became established as the the club. preferred method, with individuals It is interesting that the triple Mrs E Birbeck, Sutton, Surrey. and teams continuing as part of a has remained operational in the Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. varied programme. Pairs club as it grew. In the early days SINCERE THANKS presented the problem of how do the players volunteered to take MINORITY INTEREST I have been a reader of your you cope with an odd number? A turns to be a threesome. Now it person going or staying at home tends to be operated within Reading your April edition I magazine for some time and was very unlikely to be willing to groups of players who play was really excited that we whilst intending to write and keep the evening free for bridge if together regularly. As there can would be able once again to thank you have neglected some form of play cannot be only be one threesome per night, watch bridge on television. to do so. guaranteed. The establishment of it must be with the director’s the Dry Drayton Threesome agreement. Any other club player We have a Sky subscription I had reason to telephone accommodated ‘all play’. without a partner makes the triple package but, sadly, this does you with a query regarding Basically, a triple was formed a foursome and two pairs! The not include Sky Arts 2, which my forthcoming cruise and two played as a pair. After club success is a membership of was the host channel for the holiday. The helpful and the first hand the third player 43 with a high turnout above 60% charity event. reassuring information and replaced the first of the pair and on average and peaking so far after the second hand, the with 75%. It is largely due to the Did it prove a successful advice that I was given was displaced player returned for the threesome facilitating a regular ‘foray’ or are you inundated precisely what I needed to third hand and the second player game for all members. A short with letters from disgruntled put my mind at rest. was replaced by the third player. refreshment break and occasional bridge enthusiasts who, like My thoughts about the In practice, to save too much wine evenings keep the social getting-up and down, the interchanging at the club and my husband and me, were consistently high standards returning sitting-out player enhance the club objective of unwilling to pay an extra of the magazine have been displaced the one due to sit-out in pleasant evenings without subscription to be able to reinforced and I know now the triple cycle. The disadvantage unethical barbed behaviour. watch a one-off event? that the same high standards was that players changed Here’s to more threesomes as a I do hope you will be able direction of play, eg, N to S when wider club development tool. are extended to a personal to approach Sky to ask for service. Brian Copping, Dry Drayton, Cambridge. bridge to be recognised as a Mrs Sylvia Lichfield, sport and, therefore, it could Maidstone, Kent.

Page 32 READERS’ LETTERS compared the player who playing as partners using the relied on this feature at the networking facility. continued Bernard Magee’s bridge table to one who We play using two laptops relied on Mystic Meg (though connected by a LAN cable, Tips for IT GETS BETTER as I pointed out, neither and this is as near playing £14 Better QPlus nor Mystic Meg could an authentic game of bridge be consulted ‘at the table’). as it is possible to get. After Bridge Mystic Meg was, of course, each game we are able to Improve your game with 65 the TV pundit who purported discuss both the bidding and direct and simple tips for to predict the outcome of the the play, re-play the game if better play, defence and National Lottery, though I necessary and improve our bidding from the UK’s most doubt if Hans Leber would scores. popular teacher. know that. More recently I have Expert advice is based on On further reflection, I started to use the ‘entering judgement, not on a specific realise that my flippant deals manually’ feature bidding system and Bernard analogy was more valid than (manual pp.31 ff.). This is Magee’s Tips for Better Bridge I realised, for Mystic Meg particularly useful when will appeal to players was a psychic, and what we've been to a sim pairs or everywhere. QPlus’s simulation of bidding similar tournament where a feature amounts to is psychic description of the hands is A few months have elapsed Bernard since our return from the bidding. issued after the games. £14 South Atlantic. I have had What is psychic bidding Inputting those hands into Magee’s time to reflect on what a other than making a bid Q-Plus Bridge allows us to Quiz & Puzzle Book marvellous experience it contrary to the system replay the hands, particularly was, much enriched by all agreed to by bidder and his those where we did not get This book features a wide the bridge activities on board partner? Admittedly, the the same result as suggested assortment of brain teasers, m.v. Discovery. Brian and I motive in QPlus is totally in the hand commentaries. some never previously associ - enjoyed the company of all benign, namely the desire to Interestingly Q-Plus Bridge ated with bridge. Chapters on the bridge players achieve the optimum will sometimes provide a weak twos, sacrifices, Moysian thoroughly. The party to situation for one’s own different outcome of the fits and even one on goulash! Something to cater for every celebrate your 70th birthday partnership, rather than to hands from those taste. was a particular highlight. act maliciously towards one’s described – a different lead, Thank you for encouraging opponents as such. for example – and this, too, You would expect Bernard me to play duplicate and Nevertheless, given that prompts some interesting Magee to pack a lot into this being my partner for my first there is no counterpart in analysis and discussion. fun book and he does not let duplicate session. It seemed actual bridge to simulation of So, yes, an extremely you down. It is certain to daunting at the time, but with bidding as described, psychic versatile and 'realistic' instruct as well as entertain. your help I managed to get bidding is the nearest training programme which through it. By the time we left equivalent and I would like to has now become almost part Bernard the ship in Cape Town, I had suggest that consideration of our lives at home between £14 Magee’s played a number of sessions be given to renaming the duplicate sessions. and was far more relaxed. feature accordingly. Tony Deyes by email. Bridge Quiz Book Heide Head, Pinner, Middx. John Macleod by email. PLUG With 160 trivia questions and 80 full-page bridge problems, CLEARANCE LET’S BE HEARING Small social group require Bernard Magee’s Bridge Quiz As I have to make space, I Would it be possible to let players of reasonable Book is guaranteed to provide people know when we standard to play on would like to offer past issues hours of fun for every bridge should re-register? I would Wednesday nights in the of BRIDGE, 20-92 inclusive, to player. The book is laid out in hate to miss a copy. Amersham/Chalfont area. anyone willing to take them an easy-to-use format and is Miss M Martin, London SE6 Ring for more information. as I feel it would be a shame filled with an assortment of to just throw them away. Readers should re-register Mrs P Vincent, Denham, brain teasers, ranging from Mrs J Blackwell, Richmond. every two years. Buckinghamshire. trivia questions to bridge ( 020 8948 1351. ( 07868 264778. problems involving declarer ANOTHER play, defence, bidding and A ROSE BY... WINNING ENTRY NO CATCH leading. In the review of QPlus that I My wife and I have practised I really enjoy and look wrote some weeks ago, with Q-Plus Bridge for 18 forward to your magazine – from Ryden Grange, when commenting on the months or so now, but we it has to be the best ‘free gift’ Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH ‘Simulation of Bids’ feature in found our game really began available. ( 01483 489961 the manual, I jocularly to improve once we started Mr J Nash, Radley, Oxon.

Page 33 READER’S average age of those taking ask you to send it to our downwards.’ part? There doesn’t seem ‘improvers’ at Framlingham Nor will I bring up the Laws EBU LETTERS much interest in the future of Bridge Club, so please don’t & Ethics implications, where our game from either you or delete us from your mailing absence of knowledge will ABUSE OF TRUST Mr. Paul but the EBU does its list over this issue, about be no defence. Each and When I wrote to you utmost to encourage the which I feel very strongly. every player in each and originally, several months game among young people – Fleur Waters by email. every bridge club will be ago, it was in response to a no one else will. No doubt bound by some very strict letter in issue 93, asking Terry Collier would be willing AGAINST P2P laws and could be hauled up what the writer’s club to try (again) an alternative The principle behind P2P is before the L&E Committee subscription to the EBU was organisation to run bridge.... enshrined in the maxim, and be liable to the full force for. Your response was that I would be interested also to ‘universal membership’. I of its powers. readers might tell you. I know why there is so much would add, ‘but it comes at a And I won’t even go into wrote to you with my views interest in our international price’. The price is the the cost of this exercise in and was impressed by your teams at football, tennis etc additional cost each year of terms of human and financial prompt reply, although you but so little in our servicing 20,000-30,000 resources, or the fact that it is did not print my letter in the representational bridge more members, around very unlikely to put one more next issue, but did include an events; can it be that you £100,000 for each and every bum on one more seat of excellent letter from Paul never encourage people to year hereafter. any bridge club in this Habershon which made watch Bridgebase Online? Or Who pays? The people country! many of the same points as write about the national and who play in EBU clubs. Not I also believe most of the mine; you also included a international competitions? those who play in national perceived offerings and rather muddled letter from The EBU is not perfect, but and county events but your savings suggested by the Claude Stokes, which didn’t it does its best and will average club player. EBU could be achieved under seem to add much either hopefully get better if it is not Under the arrangements in the present system and lead way. You telephoned me undermined constantly. You place today, the EBU to real savings, without recently, to say that you had have immense influence members pay about 70% of increasing other costs. asked Ned Paul to write an among ‘ordinary’ club this money and the non- Be that as it may, will P2P ‘overview’, giving the pros members and I am sorry to members about 30%. Under be a success? Who knows? and cons. Since I know Mr say that I think you have P2P the opposite is almost Will it be a failure? We may Paul’s stance, I was not abused their trust by your true. So, in future, the current not know for quite a while hopeful but I did feel that one lengthy vendetta against the non-EBU members will be and the EBU could easily lose column ‘for’ and three EBU and your refusal to give subsidising the existing EBU hundreds of thousands of ‘against’ was hardly a truly balanced view of the members! pounds finding out. Is it good balanced. Surely you must be situation. It is not good I play very little club bridge, for EBU and bridge in aware that the cost to clubs enough to blame the EBU for only a few times a year, but England? I doubt it! is minimal – you send out an a decline in numbers - surely play in many county and Moreover, it doesn’t matter excellent free magazine you have noticed that the national events. So I will be what I think. It is in the lap of because it advertises your world has changed? Perhaps financed by others who the gods; or to be more cruises and bridge if a few more of your readers never play in county and precise the clubs. Either they weekends. Do you really took the trouble to play cards national events. I will pay want to sign up and pay the think your customers are with their grandchildren, we only a pound or two for my price, or they do not. We will unable to afford a few more might be able to encourage membership, while all know soon just how many pounds each year to enjoy some of them to play thousands of club players will clubs and their members are what must be one of the bridge – as it is, how many be paying much, much prepared to play ball. cheapest evening’s of them will be playing when more – this can’t be right! As a member of the EBU entertainment ever? Been to they are our age? I do not propose to go into for over 25 years and one the cinema or theatre lately? My husband and I have the EBU’s documentation in who is passionate about Your cruises and enjoyed your magazine for any depth, suffice to say it is both bridge and England’s weekends are obviously years (and keep all the back littered with misleading continued success as a popular – what is the numbers) and, as you know, statements. For example, National Bridge Organisation, ‘Fees payable to the WBF and I would ask each club to the EBL will be negotiated consider these proposals Write to Mr Bridge at: downwards’ should probably very carefully before making Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH or e-mail [email protected] have been phrased, ‘Of their final decision. If all the course the amount we will people playing in EBU clubs E-mail correspondents are asked to include their name, full postal address, telephone number and have to pay to the WBF and want to subsidise the county to send no attachments. the EBL will go up quite and national tournament Letters may be edited for length and clarity. substantially but the average players, who am I to argue? per person will be negotiated Peter Hasenson, London N3.

Page 34 EBU LETTERS or average minus. I came to the conclusion that they continued really deserved average plus. They had demystified bridge HALF AND HALF and put it into context. Bridge DEFENCE The die is cast. Personally I is for them a pastime. It disagree with the concept of serves a purpose in bringing Pay to Play. It behoves all EBU them together and the members to be supportive of format enables a change of QUIZ the decision which has been personnel with whom to taken via the EBU’s demo- exchange news and views cratic procedures. Con tin ual every twenty minutes or so. by Julian Pottage moaning will achieve nothing. Does this lady require (Answers on page 47) Richard Fleet, Berkhamsted. membership of a national body? She already gets an ou are West in the defensive positions below. It is your EASIEST TO WHOM excellent magazine, courtesy Yturn to play. I think you are being a bit of Mr Bridge, County and or unfair to the EBU over pay to National competitions are of play. Yes, they are bloated no interest, in fact she hardly 1. ♠ Q J 4 2 3. ♠ A 9 8 2 and could well operate more ever bothers to look at last ♥ 7 6 ♥ J 10 7 3 efficiently, but how they raise week’s results. ♦ A J 6 ♦ 6 3 their funds does not really Let us call the lady Mrs ♣ K Q 10 2 ♣ K Q 9 matter. Most players will Smith. I was a member of the ♠ A 10 8 7 ♠ 10 6 ♥ K Q J 5 N ♥ K 6 2 N contribute roughly the same EBU for a long time. I thought W E W E amount each time they play that a National body was a ♦ 10 5 S ♦ A Q 9 S under either system. To put it good thing, but now I am ♣ 8 7 4 ♣ J 8 5 4 2 in perspective, I like to play in inclined to Mrs Smith’s view. Ipswich. It is a 50 mile round This might be accepted West North East South West North East South trip, costing my partner me without much argument, 1NT 1♥ or about £10 each week. particularly as the cost would Pass 2♣ Pass 2♦* Pass 3♥ Pass 4♥ Table money is still £1.50, be minimal and could be Pass 3NT End End though likely to rise to £2.00 collected in the form of a levy *no 4-card major soon. Does it matter if we on the table fee. A few pence You lead the ♣4. Declarer pay the EBU 30p or 35p? Nor per player would be an You lead the ♥K and con - wins with the ♣A and does it matter if the club pays irritation for the club tinue with the ♥J and ♥5. leads a low heart. Do you by P2P or by buying treasurer, but that’s his job. Declarer wins this with the go in with the ♥K? masterpoints. The National body could then ♥A and leads a low spade. David Haig-Thomas, encourage membership of a What do you do? Thorpe-Le-Soken, Essex. competition section, which 4. ♠ K J 10 9 2 players who enjoyed ♥ J 10 7 3 CHANGE OF HEART competitions at County and 2. ♠ A 9 4 2 ♦ Q 3 I lead a University of the Third National level could join. They ♥ 10 7 ♣ A K Age group for bridge could also cover the costs ♦ K Q J 6 3 ♠ A Q 6 N experience/improvement themselves. This might ♣ Q 9 ♥ K Q 6 W E and, the other day, a lady please a few more people ♠ K 10 6 ♦ J 10 9 6 S ♥ N ♣ came to me at the end of than the present proposal, J 9 6 2 W E J 8 4 play and apologised, saying which involves Mrs Smith and ♦ 9 5 2 S that she and her table had I paying for a magazine we ♣ K 8 4 West North East South don’t need and to subsidise not played two of the boards 1♠ Pass 2♥ people with whom we have in the set on the previous West North East South Pass 4♥ End round. She said that after nothing in common whilst 1NT one board they found they play for the County and Pass 2♣ Pass 2♦* You lead the ♦J; all cover: themselves chatting and possibly their Country. Pass 3NT End ♦Q, ♦K, ♦A. Now declarer when the move was called, When my local clubs *no 4-card major leads the ♠4. What do you two boards remained debate the current proposals do? unopened. I said that I could I shall oppose. I have more in You lead the ♥2: ♥7, ♥K, award some sort of average. common with Mrs Smith than ♥A. Now declarer leads a I started to think about this many competition players I low club. Do you win? later and considered whether have met. the score should be average, John Davies, Malvern. ■

Page 35 DOUBLE DUMMY SOLUTION RUBBER / CHICAGO 2009 by Richard Wheen Hosted by Diana Holland (Problem on page 6) 11-13 September (Fri-Sun) dummy parted company The Beach Hotel £199 ♠ A 6 5 4 with two low spades. East ♥ Void threw two clubs. 30 September-2 October (Wed-Fri) ♦ A 2 Declarer now played his Marsham Court £199 ♣ Void last heart and West started squirming visibly. In fact, I 11-13 December (Fri-Sun) ♠ K 8 7 ♠ J 10 9 ♥ Void N ♥ Void was concerned lest a heart W E The Beach Hotel £199 ♦ Q J S ♦ K attack or stroke was loom - ♣ J ♣ A K ing. When I looked at his 27-29 December (Twixmas) ♠ Q 3 2 hand, I saw why he was The Beach Hotel £199 ♥ 4 3 2 agitated. If he discarded a further spade, dummy’s ace Please note there are no seminars or set hands at these events ♦ Void ♣ Void would fell West’s king, and Full-board – No Single Supplement South’s queen would make an unexpected trick. West, o there we were, in the in fact, chose to discard a SSouth-East Surrey diamond. This worked no Senior Novice Teams’ better, as declarer now Knockout Competition, threw a third spade from needing (so it seemed to us) dummy, winning the last some dramatic swings in three tricks with the ace of our favour to get through to spades and the ace and two the next round. On board 17 of diamonds. East’s hand, Marsham Court The Beach Hotel East Cliff, Bournemouth, BH1 3AB Worthing, BN11 3QJ my partner (South, to lead) despite all its points, was needed to make all six tricks irrelevant in all this. in the position shown above ______BOOKING FORM ______As I scored the deal, my in order to land our ambi - partner told me proudly Please book me for .... places, Single .... Double .... Twin .... tious no-trump contract. that he thought he had just As usual, I had made my engineered his first-ever for the Rubber/Chicago weekend(s) of ...... way in my ’08 registration squeeze. Since I still get electric buggy to behind excited by taking a finesse, Mr/Mrs/Miss ...... partner’s wheelchair to I was very impressed and watch him play. I could see congratulated him profuse - Address ...... five tricks on top (three ly. Partner added that the hearts and two aces), but squeeze would not have ...... where was the sixth trick to worked if the East and West come from? Partner had not hands had been the other Postcode ...... been reading all those way round, but that was far bridge books in vain, so it too much for me to take in...... ( seemed, because he confi - Largely because of my Special requirements (these cannot be guaranteed) dently led off two hearts in partner’s skill on this deal, quick succession (though we duly proceeded onward ...... speed is a relative term to the next round of the Please send a non-returnable deposit of £50 per person per place when applied to S-ESSNs). S-ESSN Teams’ Knockout by cheque, payable to Mr Bridge. An invoice for the balance West discarded a club and a Com petition – of which, will be sent with your booking confirmation. On receipt of your low spade happily, while perhaps, more anon. final payment, 28 days before the event, a programme and full details will be sent together with a map. Cancellations are not refundable. Should you require insurance, you should contact your own insurance broker. DUPLICATEBRIDGE only , Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH RULESSIMPLIFIED £595 ( 01483 489961 Fax 01483 797302 (otherwiseknownastheYellowBook) e-mail: [email protected] by John Rumbelow and revised by David Stevenson website: www.holidaybridge.com NewEdition.Includes2008LawRevisions. Availablefrom ( 01483 489961

Page 36 ANSWERS TO THE DECLARER PLAY QUIZ ON PAGE 23 by DAVID HUGGETT

The lead of the two of spades has struck your obligingly doubleton. If, instead, you tried 1. ♠ 8 6 4 weakness, but as you expect the suit to break playing the top two diamonds first and noth - ♥ A 4 4-4, you might as well win the opening lead. ing exciting happened, you would not know © Q 9 5 This time, you have eight easy tricks and, at what to do. If you played another round, hop - ® A K 10 9 5 first sight, it might look right just to play out the ing for a 3-3 break, you risk instant defeat if ♠ Q 10 7 3 2 ♠ A J 9 top clubs hoping that the suit breaks 3-3. That East has queen and another diamond left, ♥ 8 6 N ♥ Q J 10 3 is against the odds, however and it must be leaving you no chance to try the club finesse. W E © K 4 S © 8 7 3 2 better to take out extra insurance. What do A better idea is to play one top diamond – in ® 8 7 4 2 ® Q 3 you think of trying for a 3-3 break in either case the queen is singleton – and then lead ♠ K 5 hearts or diamonds? You will have to test low towards the jack. This line will give you ♥ K 9 7 5 2 them before the clubs since you cannot afford three diamond tricks whenever West has the © A J 10 6 to lose three spades, a club and another trick. queen or the suit breaks 3-3. You will be able ® J 6 If you guess which red suit to try and are right, to check out both these chances before test - you do not need the clubs to break. ing the clubs, so you will know whether to take the club finesse (after cashing one top Is it just a guess which red suit to try? No, it is club, of course). As it happens, playing three You are in 3NT and West leads the ♠3. East not, because if you play a heart to the nine, it rounds of diamonds would work, but that is wins with the ♠A and returns the ♠J, West might just win – and if it loses to an honour, not the correct play. playing the ♠2. How do you plan the play? you have an additional chance. Let us say the defenders cash their spades, on which you You know, from the opening lead and the play throw a card from each minor from hand and to trick two, that West started with five 4. ♠ K Q 7 6 a diamond from dummy. When you regain spades, leaving three with East, so there can ♥ A Q 7 5 3 the lead and play the ace of hearts, the other be no advantage in a positional play to keep © 7 5 high honour might fall, thus promoting the ten West off lead. If you decide to play West for ® K 2 of hearts as an extra trick. If it does not, the the queen of clubs by taking a finesse against ♠ 9 4 ♠ 2 suit might still break 3-3 after all. Failing that, that card and it succeeds, then you almost ♥ J 9 8 2 ♥ K 10 6 you can test for a 3-3 club break. N certainly have the three extra tricks required © K J 8 3 W E © 10 9 4 2 S for the contract. Likewise, a successful dia - Even if all of these chances fail, you might find ® 9 5 3 ® A J 10 6 4 mond finesse against East will also provide that the defenders discard enough diamonds ♠ A J 10 8 5 3 you with the extra tricks you require. So which for your four of diamonds to take the last trick. ♥ 4 finesse do you take? © A Q 6 ® Q 8 7 Well, actually, you can combine your chances 3. ♠ K Q 6 by playing off the top two clubs in dummy to ♥ J 8 6 see whether the queen drops doubleton, © J 5 3 2 which provides a reasonable chance. If you You are in 6 ♠ and West leads the ♠4, East fol - ® A K J play off the top two clubs and the queen does lowing with the ♠2. How do you plan the play? ♠ 10 9 8 7 ♠ J 4 3 not make an appearance, then you still have ♥ 10 7 5 N ♥ 9 4 3 With a certain club loser, it might look as if you the diamond finesse in reserve. W E © 9 7 6 S © Q 10 4 need East to hold the king of diamonds. In this ® 10 8 3 ® Q 7 6 4 case, a simple finesse would bring home the ♠ A 5 2 contract, as you could ruff the third diamond 2. ♠ 10 7 5 ♥ A K Q 2 and third club in dummy. You really want ♥ A 10 9 © A K 8 something better than that! © 8 6 5 ® 9 5 2 ® A K Q 4 So win the opening lead and play a heart to ♠ K J 8 2 ♠ Q 9 4 3 the ace in dummy. Ruff a heart high, re-enter ♥ J 6 4 N ♥ Q 8 3 dummy with a trump and ruff another heart. If W E © J 9 7 2 S © Q 10 You are declarer in 6NT and West leads the the king has fallen, you can dispose of your ® 9 3 ® J 10 8 2 ♠10. How do you plan the play? queen and low diamond on the two good ♠ A 6 hearts in dummy. If the hearts are not so kind, Having bid to a good slam, you would feel ♥ K 7 5 2 you will have to take the diamond finesse. In disappointed if you failed to make twelve © A K 4 3 each case, you can be sure of reaching tricks. Still, you do really want to try to com - ® 7 6 5 dummy by ruffing the third round of clubs bine the chances that lie before you. You have after you have driven out the ace. eleven tricks ‘on top’ and need just one more, which could come from diamonds or clubs. If All the deals in this issue are examples of how You are in 3NT and West leads the ♠2, East you simply took a club finesse and it lost, you to combine chances and not to put all one’s playing the ♠Q. How do you plan the play? would need the queen of diamonds to be eggs in one basket. ■

Page 37 Julian Pottage Says Make the Defenders Lead

ften the best way to play a suit is You are in 6 ♠ now. West leads a heart. not to play it yourself but to let ♠ J 9 8 5 You win and draw trumps. Again, you Othe other side lead it. With A-J-x want to strip the hearts and clubs. Play ♥ Void facing K-10-x you have a two-way guess © J 7 4 four rounds of clubs; throw a diamond – but not if the opponents lead it. If you ® Void on the third round and ruff the fourth play on a suit like Q-x-x facing J-x-x, ♠ Void ♠ K when East follows. Finally, you ruff a you will need to find a helpful layout, ♥ 10 5 2 N ♥ Q 6 heart in dummy to leave this position: W E such as the A-K in one hand for you to © A 10 5 3 S © K 8 6 set up a trick. However, you are sure of a ® Void ® J trick if the opponents lead it. Likewise, if ♠ 7 6 4 3 ♠ 8 5 you have an A-Q holding, you are sure of ♥ Void ♥ Void a second trick if LHO leads the suit. Of © Q 9 2 © 8 7 4 course, defenders are wise to this. They ® Void ® Void lead these suits only when you have ♠ Void ♠ Void taken away their other options. N ♥ 10 W E ♥ K Q 6 If whoever wins the trump (here East) © K 10 5 3 S © J 6 leads a heart or club, you ruff in one ® Void ® Void ♠ J 9 8 5 2 hand and discard a losing diamond from ♠ Q J ♥ K 3 the other (a ‘ruff and discard’). If ♥ Void © J 7 4 instead, a diamond comes back, you can © A Q 9 ® K 8 3 be sure of a trick in the suit. ® Void ♠ 10 ♠ K Q Sometimes you need to do more than ♥ J 10 8 5 2 N ♥ Q 9 6 4 cash winners to stop your opponents W E © A 10 5 3 S © K 8 6 from having a safe means of getting off You finesse the nine of diamonds (or ® 9 5 4 ® J 7 6 2 play. This you will see on the next deal. cover the jack with the queen). West ♠ A 7 6 4 3 Another feature is that you may be able wins but has no safe exit. A heart would ♥ A 7 to throw someone in with the suit that give a ruff and discard while a diamond © Q 9 2 you want back. If you have a double goes into the tenace. ® A Q 10 finesse suit, say A-J-10 facing low cards, Note the normal features of a throw-in you can make an extra trick even if the (or elimination play or endplay): missing honours are offside. To achieve 1 You need a suit or suits that you want You are South in 4 ♠. this you strip the other suits before you the opponents to lead. West leads the heart jack, which you take the finesse. 2 You need to play other suits either so win with the ace. You cash the ace of that the opponents have run out or so trumps and are pleased to see all follow. that you and dummy are both void – If you play on diamonds yourself, you ♠ 8 5 4 3 2 this way, if they can play some other will be out of luck because West has the ♥ 3 suit, it gives you a ruff and discard. ten and nothing else nice happens. How © 8 7 4 3 You give up your loser. do you make someone else lead the suit? ® A Q 8 3 The normal things to look for if you You do not give up your trump loser ♠ 10 ♠ 7 6 want to try for a throw-in are: yet. The opponents can still lead hearts ♥ J 10 8 5 2 N ♥ K Q 9 6 4 1 Enough trumps so that you will have W E or clubs safely. First, cash your other © K 10 5 3 S © J 6 at least one trump left in each hand heart winner and play three rounds of ® 9 5 4 ® J 10 7 2 after you draw trumps. clubs (you do not mind if someone ruffs ♠ A K Q J 9 2 A suit you want someone else to lead a club – it will be with the master ♥ A 7 – a guess suit such as K-10-x facing trump). Now that you have stripped the © A Q 9 2 Q-9-x, a frozen suit like A-10-x side suits, the stage is set. You give up a ® K 6 facing K-9-x or, if you can choose trump, not caring who wins: which defender leads, a tenace suit. ■

Page 38 Mike Wenble Says

Think Before Playing to Trick One

his is a truly vital maxim for play Here is another example of how declarer as declarer. When dummy hits can throw away his contract at trick one ♠ A 9 8 Tthe table, you should form a plan through lack of planning. ♥ 9 6 5 3 of attack, rather than playing on © A Q 5 2 autopilot. It will be worth thousands of ® K 8 points over the course of a season’s ♠ Q 10 7 4 ♠ 7 4 3 2 ♠ K J 6 bridge. ♥ 2 ♥ A 8 2 N ♥ Q J 10 7 Consider exhibit number one: W E © J 8 7 2 © 9 8 4 S © 10 3 ® A 10 5 4 ® 7 6 2 ® 10 9 5 4 ♠ K 8 5 2 ♠ A J 6 3 ♠ Q 10 5 ♠ K Q J 10 9 ♥ K J N ♥ 6 4 3 ♥ K 4 W E ♥ J 7 6 © Q 9 3 S © K 10 5 © K J 7 6 © Q J 3 ® J 9 7 2 ® K 8 3 ® A Q J 3 ® 8 4 ♠ 9 ♠ 6 3 ♠ A 7 4 2 ♥ A Q 10 9 8 7 5 ♥ Q 9 3 N ♥ K 4 2 © A 6 4 Declarer read the lead correctly as being W E from length. He also spotted that if he © K 9 5 4 2 S © 10 8 ® Q 6 ® Q J 5 ® 10 9 3 2 ducked the lead in dummy then he could ♠ 8 5 be sure of a second spade trick. He ♥ A 10 8 5 South opened 1 ♥, North responded 1 ♠, there fore played low from dummy. © A 7 6 South rebid a slightly frisky 3 ♥ and all Unfortunately, East won with his king of ® A K 7 6 passed. The opening lead was the two of spades and had little difficulty in finding clubs, dummy played the four, East the the heart switch. The defenders thus king and declarer the six. A low took the first five tricks. South plays in 3NT and West leads his diamond switch went to West’s queen. With nine tricks on top – enough for his fourth-highest diamond. If declarer wins West now led the nine of diamonds, contract – declarer has no need to risk this automatically and carelessly with an covered by the jack, king and ace. at rubber bridge, Chicago or teams. He honour from dummy, he will go down in Declarer led the queen of clubs and should go up with the ace of spades and a cold contract. Now suppose he stops to overtook with dummy’s ace in order to play on the minors. Note that the correct think before playing to trick one. He will finesse the queen of hearts. West play is different at matchpoint pairs. Now realise that the queen-jack of diamonds produced the king, and the defenders the prospect of overtricks if West has represents a certain entry to dummy for took another diamond trick and the ace underled the king of spades makes the the long spades. Therefore he should of spades to defeat the contract. play of a low card from dummy very preserve them by playing the three of Can you see declarer’s error? He tempting. It is only incorrect if East holds diamonds from dummy and winning the expects to lose a trump trick and so the king of spades, West holds the ace of first trick in hand. He should play on needs to dispose of a losing diamond (or hearts and East finds the heart switch. spades next. East can take his ace of his spade). He should recognise that he To recap, before you play from spades whenever he likes and can return has no side entry to the ace of clubs. He dummy, stop, look at the two hands and a diamond or switch. No matter what the should therefore have thrown the queen form a plan. This may tell you where layout, the defenders cannot make five of clubs under East’s king at trick one. you want to lead from at trick two – for tricks before declarer makes nine. Now he is able to finesse the ten of example to take a finesse. Maybe your Observe what happens if declarer clubs for an extra winner in dummy on plan will tell you where you need a later erroneously wins the first trick with the which to throw one of his losing entry (as in example one). Maybe your queen or jack of diamonds. He can diamonds. plan will tell you that you want to keep establish the spades, as before, but the In our final example, South played in someone off lead. Playing to the first defenders can keep him out of dummy a routine 3NT at rubber bridge and trick is a bit like walking across a busy and will defeat the contract. received the lead of the four of spades. road – stop and think before you do it! ■

Page 39 GLOBAL TRAVEL INSURANCE Amelia House, Crescent Road, Worthing West Sussex, BN11 1RL. GLOBAL TRAVEL GLOBAL TRAVEL INSURANCE ( 01903 203933 Fax 01903 211106 Email [email protected] INSURANCE Services Limited Services Limited

INSURANCE PRODUCT SUITABILITY

This insurance is suitable for persons whose Demands and Needs are those of a traveller whose: 1 Individual round trip starts and finishes in the UK and is of no more than 120 days duration, and 2 Age is 90 years or less and is a permanent resident of the United Kingdom. As this leaflet contains the Key Features of the cover provided, it constitutes provision of a statement of demands and needs. This insurance is only available to persons who are permanently resident and domiciled in the UK.

SUMMARY OF COVER

The following represent the Significant and Key Features of the policy including Exclusions and Limitations that apply per person. A full copy of the policy document is available on request.

CANCELLATION & CURTAILMENT up to £1,500 PERSONAL LUGGAGE, MONEY & VALUABLES up to £2,000 If you have to cancel or cut short your trip due to illness, injury, redundancy, jury service, the police Covers accidental loss, theft or damage to your personal luggage subject to a limit of £200 for any requiring you to remain at or return to your home due to serious damage to your home, you are one article, pair or set and an overall limit of £200 for valuables such as cameras, Jewellery, furs, covered against loss of travel and accommodation costs. etc. Luggage and valuables limited to £1500. Delayed luggage, up to £75. Policy Excess £50. Policy Excess Money, travel tickets and travellers cheques are covered up to £500 against accidental loss or theft Standard Policy Excess £50. (cash limit £250). Policy Excess £50. For persons aged 61 to 70 years the excess is increased to £100. No cover is provided for loss or theft of unattended property, valuables or money or for loss or theft For persons aged 71 to 90 years the excess is increased to £150. not reported to the Police within 24 hours of discovery. See section headed Increased Excess for Pre Existing Medical Conditions for increased excesses applicable to claims arising from pre-existing medical conditions. PASSPORT EXPENSES up to £200 PERSONAL ACCIDENT up to £15,000 If you lose your passport or it is stolen whilst abroad, you are covered for additional travel and accommodation costs incurred in obtaining a replacement. No Policy Excess. A cash sum for accidental injury resulting in death, loss of sight, loss of limb or permanent total disablement. No Policy Excess. DELAYED DEPARTURE up to £1,500 MEDICAL AND OTHER EXPENSES up to £5,000,000 If your outward or return trip is delayed for more than 12 hours at the final departure point to/from UK due to adverse weather conditions, mechanical breakdown or industrial action, you are entitled Including LIFELINE 24 HOUR WORLDWIDE MEDICAL EMERGENCY SERVICE to either (a) £20 for the first 12 hours and £10 for each further 12 hours delay up to a maximum of £60, or (b) the cost of the trip (up to £1,500) if you elect to cancel after 12 hours delay on the outward (a) The cost of hospital and other emergency medical expenses incurred abroad, including trip from the UK. Policy Excess £50 (b) only. additional accommodation and repatriation expenses. Limit £250 for emergency dental treatment and £5,000 burial/cremation/transfer of remains. Limit £1,000 for transfer of remains to your home if MISSED DEPARTURE up to £500 you die in the UK. Policy Excess £75 unless travelling within North or Central America or the Caribbean when Additional travel and accommodation expenses incurred to enable you to reach your overseas increased to £150. destination if you arrive too late at your final UK outward departure point due to failure of the vehicle For persons aged 61 to 70 years the excess is increased to £150 unless travelling within in which you are travelling to deliver you to the departure point caused by adverse weather, strike, North or Central America or the Caribbean when increased to £500. industrial action, mechanical breakdown or accident to the vehicle. No Policy Excess. For persons aged 71 to 90 years the excess is increased to £300 unless travelling within North or Central America or the Caribbean when increased to £1,000. PERSONAL LIABILITY up to £2,000,000 See section headed Increased Excess for Pre Existing Medical Conditions for increased excesses Covers your legal liability for injury or damage to other people or their property, including legal applicable to claims arising from pre-existing medical conditions. expenses (subject to the laws of England and Wales). Policy Excess £250. (b) HOSPITAL BENEFIT up to £300 An additional benefit of £15 per day for each day you spend in hospital abroad as an in-patient. LEGAL EXPENSES up to £25,000 No Policy Excess. To enable you to pursue your rights against a third party following injury. No Policy Excess.

MAIN EXCLUSIONS AND CONDITIONS Medical Screening The following represents only the main exclusions. The policy document sets out If you are travelling to North or Central America or the Caribbean or on a Cruise you must all of the conditions and exclusions. A copy of the full policy wording is available first contact the Medical Screening Line to establish whether we can provide cover for on request in writing prior to application. your trip. If you are accepted then the following levels of excess will apply. You will receive written confirmation that you are covered for the trip. The number to call is: MAIN HEALTH EXCLUSIONS: 0870 9063142 Insurers will not pay for claims arising Unless you are traveling to North or Central America or the Caribbean or on a Cruise, 1. Where You or any person upon whose health the Trip depends are undergoing tests for the there is no need to advise us of your pre existing medical conditions. presence of a medical condition receiving or on a waiting list for or have knowledge of the need for treatment at a hospital or nursing home. 2. From any terminal illness suffered by You or any person upon whose health the Trip depends. 3. From any medical condition for which You (or any person upon whose health the Trip depends) Increased Excess for Pre Existing Medical Conditions have within 12 months prior to the date of issue of this insurance been diagnosed with a medical Provision for the acceptance of pre existing medical conditions has been made by the condition or have been admitted or undergone a procedure/ intervention in a hospital. application of increased excesses in the event of claims arising. 4. If you are travelling against the advice of a medical practitioner. For claims arising from the any of your pre-existing medical conditions, other than those that are specifically excluded, the excess is further increased as follows: OTHER GENERAL EXCLUSIONS Under the Cancellation & Curtailment section – double the normal excess. Claims arising from 1. Winter sports, any hazardous pursuits, any work of a non sedentary nature. Under the Medical & Other Expenses section – 2. Self-inflicted injury or illness, suicide, alcoholism or drug abuse, sexual disease. For persons aged 60 years or less the excess is increased to £500 unless travelling within 3. War, invasion, acts of foreign enemies, hostilities or warlike operations, civil war, rebellion, North or Central America or the Caribbean or on a Cruise when increased to £1,000. Terrorism, revolution, insurrection, civil commotion, military or usurped power but this For persons aged 61 to 70 years the excess is increased to £1,000 unless travelling within exclusion shall not apply to losses under Section 3 – Medical Expenses unless such losses North or Central America or the Caribbean or on a Cruise when increased to £2,000. are caused by nuclear, chemical or biological attack, or the disturbances were already taking For persons aged 71 to 90 years the excess is increased to £1,500 unless travelling within place at the beginning of any Trip . North or Central America or the Caribbean or on a Cruise when increased to £3,000. 4. Failure or fear of failure or inability of any equipment or any computer program. 5. Consequential loss of any kind. 6. Bankruptcy / liquidation of any tour operator, travel agent, airline, transportation company or accommodation supplier. MEMBER OF THE 7. Travelling to countries or regions where the FCO or WHO has advised against travel. 8. Your failure to contact the Medical Screening Line where required.

POLICY EXCESSES: The amount of each claim for which insurers will not pay and for which you are responsible. The excess as noted in the policy summary applies to each and every claim per insured person under each section where an excess applies. ✄ Global Travel Insurance Services Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority and our status can be checked on the FSA Register by visiting www.fsa.gov.uk/register or by contacting the Single Trip FSA on 0845 606 1234. This insurance is underwritten by AXA Insurance UK plc. Registered in Travel Insurance England No. 78950. Registered address: 5 Old Broad Street, London Suitable for individual round trips up to 120 days duration EC2N 1AD. AXA Insurance UK plc is authorised and regulated by the that start and finish in the UK arranged by Financial Services Authority. Global Travel Insurance If you have a complaint about the sale of this insurance, you must first Amelia House, Crescent Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 1RL write to the Managing Director of Global Travel Insurance Services Ltd. ( 01903 203933 Fax 01903 211106 Subsequently, complaints may be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service. If we are unable to meet our liabilities you may be entitled to SINGLE TRIP APPLICATION FORM compensation under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. Please FULLY complete the following in BLOCK CAPITALS. If you would like more information or are unsure of any details contained Once complete, return the application panel direct to Global Travel Insurance herein, you should ask Global Travel Insurance Services Ltd for further with a cheque or with card details entered. advice. Insurance is not effective until a Policy has been issued. Please allow at least 5 days before you need to travel. Details of the Applicant PREMIUM RATING SCHEDULE Title (Mr/Mrs/Miss) Initials GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS 1. United Kingdom Surname England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, including all islands comprising the British Isles (except the Channel Islands and the Telephone No. Republic of Ireland). House Number/Name 2. Europe Area 1 and Continental Europe west of the Ural mountain range, all Street Name countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea (except Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya & Syria), the Channel Islands and the Republic Town Name of Ireland, Iceland, Madeira, The Canaries and The Azores. 3. Worldwide excluding North America Postcode Areas 1 & 2 and All countries outside of the above (except the continent of North America, countries comprising Central America and the Date of leaving Home Caribbean Islands). 4. Worldwide including North America Date of arrival Home Areas 1,2 & 3 and The United States of America, Mexico and other countries comprising Central America, Canada, Cuba and the Introducer Mr Bridge Caribbean Islands. Geographical Area - See Premium Panel (1,2,3 or 4)

SCHEDULE OF PREMIUMS Names of all persons to be insured Age Premium Valid for policies issued up to 31/3/2010 and for travel completed by 31/12/2010. 1 £ Areas 1 & 2 - Applicable per person up to age 90 years on the date of return to the UK. 2 £ Areas 3 & 4 - Applicable per person up to age 80 years on the date of return to the UK. 3 £ Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Area 4 1 - 3 days £13.70 £20.90 £43.90 £63.20 4 £ 4 & 5 days £16.40 £26.30 £55.10 £79.50 £ 6 -10 days £19.20 £35.50 £74.80 £107.00 5 11-17 days £21.90 £38.90 £83.10 £119.80 6 £ 18-24 days £24.60 £44.70 £93.60 £134.90 25-31 days £27.30 £50.80 £106.50 £153.40 Credit/Debit Card Details TOTAL PREMIUM £ Each + 7 days £ 4.90 £10.00 £25.10 £36.10 or part thereof (maximum period of 120 days) Card No

All premiums include the Government Insurance Premium Tax (IPT), Start Date End Date Issue No which is 17.5% and is subject to variation.

Security Code PREMIUM ADJUSTMENTS All age adjustments apply to the age on the date of return to the UK The following adjustments apply ONLY to trips in excess of 31 days DECLARATION for all persons aged 65 years and over On behalf of all persons listed in this application, I agree that this application shall Geographical Area Premium Increase be the basis of the Contract of Insurance. I agree that Insurers may exchange Area 2 Europe Plus 50% (1.5 times) information with other Insurers or their agents. I have read and understood the Area 3 Worldwide excl. North America etc Plus 100% (2 times) Area 4 Worldwide incl. North America etc Plus 200% (3 times) terms and conditions of the insurance, with which all persons above are in agreement and for whom I am authorized to sign. Infants up to 2 years inclusive are FREE subject to being included with an adult paying a full premium. Signed ...... Date ...... Children 3 to 16 years inclusive are HALF PRICE subject to being included The form MUST be signed by one of the persons to be insured on behalf of all persons to be insured. with an adult paying a full premium. Unaccompanied children pay the adult rate. is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Global Travel Insurance Group Discounts – Contact us for discounts available starting at 10 persons. Services Ltd, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. ✄ CHRISTMAS and NEW YEAR 2009

DENHAM GROVE THE BEACH CHRISTMAS 2009 Tilehouse Lane, Denham, Worthing, Example Programme Buckinghamshire, UB9 5DU West Sussex, BN11 3QJ ChRiStMAS EVE 1500 Welcome Desk open. Mulled wine and mince pies 1745 Welcome Reception (Black Tie optional) followed by DINNER then BRIDgE (duplicate pairs) ChRiStMAS DAY 1030 SEMINAR or other games (Trivial Pursuit, Scrabble etc) 1230 CHRISTMAS LUNCH 29 Dec-1 Jan 1500 BRIDgE (duplicate pairs) 24-27 December or Queen’s speech from £395 with Bernard Magee 1830 Festive Buffet DINNER followed by from £395 BRIDgE (duplicate pairs) 27-29 December from £199 Sea View £30 BOXiNG DAY supplement per room. 1000 SEMINAR followed by 29 Dec-1 Jan Supervised Play from £355 1230 LUNCH then further Supervised Play or (“novelty” bridge, duplicate pairs) Eight executive rooms*. NEW YEAR 2009 1830 DINNER then BRIDgE (duplicate pairs) Half the bedrooms are on the ground floor. Please advise if you require Example Programme 27 DECEMBER a ground-floor room. 1000 Informal Prize-giving 29 DECEMBER for Duplicate Section 1500 Welcome Desk open. SEMINAR followed by Supervised Play THE OLDE BARN Mulled wine and mince pies 1230 Buffet LUNCH followed by Toll Bar Road, Marston, 1745 Welcome Reception followed by BRIDgE (duplicate pairs) Lincolnshire, NG32 2HT DINNER then BRIDgE (duplicate pairs) TWIXMAS 2009 30 DECEMBER Example Programme 1000 SEMINAR followed by Supervised Play 1230 LUNCH then further Supervised Play 27 DECEMBER or duplicate pairs 1500 Welcome Desk open. 1830 DINNER then BRIDgE (duplicate pairs) Mulled wine and mince pies NEW YEAR’S EVE 1745 Welcome Reception followed by DINNER then BRIDgE (duplicate pairs) 1000 SEMINAR followed by Supervised Play 1230 LUNCH then further Supervised Play 28 DECEMBER or “novelty” bridge or duplicate pairs 1000 SEMINAR followed by Supervised Play 1745 gALA RECEPTION (Black Tie optional) 1230 LUNCH then further Supervised Play 24-27 December followed by a gALA DINNER then or duplicate pairs from £395 BRIDgE (duplicate pairs) 1830 DINNER then BRIDgE (duplicate pairs) 2345 See in the New Year 27-29 December 29 DECEMBER NEW YEAR’S DAY from £199 1000 SEMINAR followed by Supervised Play 1000 SEMINAR followed by Supervised Play 1230 LUNCH then further Supervised Play 29-31 December 1230 LUNCH then further Supervised Play or duplicate pairs from £199 or duplicate pairs

DETAILS & BOOKINGS ( 01483 489961 Dave Huggett Says Keep Length with Dummy

nowing what to throw away can Sometimes the reason for keeping equal principle applies to the closed hand. The be tricky at the best of times but length is more complicated: difference then, of course, is that it Kthere are some useful guide- might not always be so obvious whether lines. Take the following deal: or not declarer has a four-card suit. ♠ 5 3 2 Equally, sometimes it is! ♥ 8 3 2 ♠ A K 6 3 © A 7 5 3 ♥ J 6 ® A 7 6 ♠ K Q 6 3 © K Q 6 2 ♠ 4 ♠ 10 7 6 ♥ A K 7

® J 8 3 ♥ K Q J 7 4 N ♥ 10 5 © Q 8 5 3 ♠ 8 2 ♠ J 10 7 4 © Q J 9 2 W E © 8 6 4 ® 7 6 S ♥ K Q 10 9 2 N ♥ 7 5 3 ® 8 5 2 ® Q J 10 9 3 ♠ 10 7 ♠ J 9 5 2 © 5 4 W E © 10 8 7 ♠ A K Q J 9 8 ♥ 10 6 4 2 ♥ Q 8 S N ® K 9 7 2 ® A 6 5 ♥ A 9 6 © K 7 4 W E © A J 10 S ♠ Q 9 5 © K 10 ® Q J 10 8 ® 9 5 3 2 ♥ A 8 4 ® K 4 ♠ A 8 4 © A J 9 3 ♥ J 9 5 3 ® Q 10 4 © 9 6 2 North South ® A K 4 2♠ North South 3♠ 4NT 1NT 5♥ 6♠ North South 2® 2© End 1NT 3NT End 2® 2♥ After a rather over-enthusiastic auction 3NT End You are East and partner leads the king North/South reach a slam and, as West, of hearts to a 3NT contract, bid after you have an easy lead: the heart king. Once again, the opponents conduct a South opened 1NT and North invoked Declarer wins at once, though it would straightforward auction to 3NT after Stayman. Declarer ducks this trick and have been better technique to duck, and looking for an eight-card major-suit fit. the next when partner continues with the plays five rounds of spades. To these As West, you have an easy lead in the queen, but he wins the third round partner follows three times and then club queen. Declarer wins the first club perforce and plays four rounds of discards the queen and a low club. You with the ace and plays three rounds of diamonds. On the third and fourth round, have to find four discards and, although spades, ending in dummy, looking upset your partner signals heavily in clubs by it may not seem obvious at first glance, when it becomes clear that your partner playing high-low; however, as East, you it is vital never to discard a diamond – still holds the winning jack of spades. have to find a discard. Can you see what you must keep length with dummy. If Sitting West, you have to find a it is – or rather more importantly – can you do discard a diamond, declarer can discard on the third spade and it might you see what it isn’t? Partner has two play the king followed by the ace and be tempting to throw a heart because more hearts to cash should he gain the then ruff the third round with his last they do not look as though they pose lead and it looks from his signal as trump. At this point, the long diamond in much of a threat. Now just remember the though he has a club entry. If so, declarer dummy will have become a winner for bidding! Declarer bid 2 ♥ in response to must have the queen of spades, making it declarer to discard a losing heart. the Stayman enquiry, so he must have a vital that you do not throw a spade, Even if you had started with four four-card suit. If that is the case, it is because if you do, declarer will make diamonds to the eight say, the principle vital that you hang on to all your hearts: four tricks in the suit and his contract. would remain, for declarer might still set pitch a diamond instead. As you can see This is what we mean by keeping length up the suit with a single ruff. from the full deal, a heart discard would with dummy. It has four spades and so do Although we have called this maxim have enabled declarer to make four you – so try to keep equal length. ‘keep length with dummy’, the same tricks in that suit – and his contract. ■

Page 43 Liz McGowan Says

Cover the Last of Touching Honours

hen you have one honour and If East covers the jack, declarer takes the South reaches 4 ♥. West leads the ♠10 to declarer a sequence, you must ace and leads towards the ten for a the ace. When dummy leads the ®Q, Wtime your cover carefully. second trick. If East lets the jack run to East must not cover. The Q holds, but ® West’s king, his queen will kill the ten, the ace must win the next club. Declarer holding declarer to one trick. makes only two club tricks. If East ♠ A 9 4 The situation is harder to spot when covers the first club, declarer wins with ♥ 6 5 2 the lead comes from declarer’s hand. the ace, cashes the ♥K-Q, returns to © A J 10 9 dummy with the club jack, cashes the ® Q J 9 ten and ruffs a club. He makes four club ♠ J 8 2 ♠ Q 10 5 3 ® A 6 4 tricks and an overtrick. ♥ Q J 10 8 3 N ♥ 9 7 As usual, the rule is not absolute: W E N © 6 3 S © 7 5 4 2 ® K 6 3 W E S ® 10 5 2 ® K 6 4 ♠ K 7 6 ® Q led ♠ A K 9 2 ♥ A K 4 ♥ 4 3 © K Q 8 © A K J 10 ® A 8 7 3 When declarer leads high towards a ® Q J 8 single honour in dummy, it should be ♠ J 7 5 ♠ Q 10 8 3 from a sequence: with A-x-x opposite N ♥ Q J 10 9 7 W E ♥ 8 6 2 South played in a bold 6NT. When Q-x-x, he would lead up to the queen. © 9 3 2 S © 8 6 4 dummy came to lead the club queen, Sometimes you have two honours: ® A 6 ® K 5 4 East covered with the king. Declarer ♠ 6 4 took the ace, closed his eyes and ♥ A K 5 finessed the nine. When that scored and ® J 10 7 © Q 7 5 the suit broke nicely, he made his slam. N ® 10 9 7 3 2 Note the difference if East refuses to W E ® 9 5 4 2 S ® A Q 8 cover the queen – the suit is ‘frozen’: ® K 6 3 West North East South 1© Pass 1NT ® J 9 Pass 2NT Pass 3NT

N Declarer deserves only one trick from End ® 10 5 W E ® K 6 the combination – so, when he leads the S jack from dummy, East must cover. West leads the queen of hearts, and ® A 8 7 continues with the jack when it holds. Declarer wins the second round with the ♠ A J 5 king, goes to dummy with a diamond and If dummy leads the jack, the second of ♥ A 4 2 leads the queen of clubs. East must grab two touching honours, East covers. © J 9 his king to clear the hearts while West South loses a club trick, and the slam. ® Q J 10 6 5 still has an entry. How can he tell that this Another common layout is this: ♠ Q 10 9 8 ♠ K 7 4 is the right thing to do? He counts. ♥ 9 7 N ♥ 8 3 Declarer cannot have both missing W E aces for his 1NT response. He has made © A 7 6 4 3 S © K 10 8 2 ® J 10 5 ® 8 2 ® K 9 7 4 a heart, and East can see four diamonds

N ♠ 6 3 2 and two spades in dummy. If declarer W E has the club ace, he has the nine tricks he ® K 9 3 S ® Q 8 4 2 ♥ K Q J 10 6 5 © Q 5 needs. If he has the heart ace, he is ® A 7 6 ® A 3 hoping either for a helpful club layout or for you mistakenly to duck. ■

Page 44 B LU N 16 DAYS OF AMAZING VALUE FROM £995PP C A E Y V ER A % V S 5 O S C ER A IS B R D EM T M EX

EUROPEAN EXPLORER with Bernard Magee 9 May 2010 – 16 days

INSIDE CABIN OUTSIDE CABIN NOW NOW Discover ancient treasures FROM £995PP FROM £1,195PP Date Port May 9 Depart UK by air to and minotaur legends ISTANBUL,Turkey Embark on mv Discovery MV DISCOVERY MR BRIDGE May 10 Cruise the Mediterranean Sea Minotaur legends hide inland from Crete’s Bernard Magee and his team will host this 16-day voyage. May 11 HERAKLION,Crete, bleached seafront. Creamy-coloured The evening sessions will be split into two with the first Greek Islands ramparts mark out Malta’s capital, Valletta. finishing in time for those wishing to see the evening May 12 Cruise the Mediterranean Sea Sicilian Messina show. In addition to bridge every May 13 VALLETTA,Malta overlooks the strait evening, there will be morning where Odysseus faced seminars and afternoon bridge May 14 MESSINA,Sicily,Italy Scylla and Charybdis. sessions, which are held while May 15 SORRENTO,Italy There are Vatican the ship is at sea, so everyone May 16 CIVITAVECCHIA (Rome), Italy treasures crafted by can enjoy the ports of call. May 17 AJACCIO,Corsica Michelangelo and May 18 Cruise the Mediterranean Sea Raphael, plus WHAT’S INCLUDED Napoleonic echoes • All meals, entertainment and May 19 ALMERIA,Spain that resonate around gratuities on board • All port May 20 GIBRALTAR and pre-paid airport taxes Ajaccio. Enlightened May 21 LISBON,Portugal • Flights from/to UK • Overseas by the on-board May 22-23 Cruise the Atlantic Ocean lecturers, you’ll go on, transfers between airport and unravelling the mysteries of Pompeii, ship • Comprehensive guest speaker programme May 24 HARWICH,England the Alhambra and Lisbon’s lovely • Captain’s cocktail parties and gala dinners • All bridge Alfama quarter. activities • All prices on board in British pounds

All Mr Bridge passengers, who have paid the bridge supplement, will be eligible to participate in the after first-sitting dinner bridge programme.There will also be a quiz and exclusive bridge parties.The bridge programme is fully optional and you may participate as much or as little as you wish. Mr Bridge actively encourages singles to join the party and you will always be found a partner for a game. DUPLICATE BRIDGE GUARANTEED YOUR MONEY AND HOLIDAY ARE FULLY PROTECTED NO FUEL SURCHARGES – GUARANTEED

Fare shown is per person based on two people sharing lowest twin-bedded cabin category and includes all applicable discounts for new bookings.All offers are capacity controlled, subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Please note that there is a bridge supplement of £30 per bridge player to be paid with cruise deposit.Terms and conditions apply, see brochure for details.Voyages of Discovery is a trading name of All Leisure Holidays Ltd.

¤ 01483 489961 for brochures and bookings Jeremy Dhondy Says

Push One Level but Not Two

f only the opponents would be quiet, strong or intermediate. West North East South it would be a simpler game but they So far, your opponents have made life 1♠ 3© Ido like bidding, so what can you do? a little uncomfortable by forcing you to ? bid at the three level – but suppose the West North East South auction starts like this: With Hand C, you have 9 high-card 1♠ 3© points and a five-card major but this is a ? West North East South bad time to accept the push. Why is this? 1♥ Pass 1♠ 4® You have no fit for partner so if you bid ? 3♥ and he continues with 3 ♠ you will be ♠ K J 7 4 in bad shape. You might end up playing ♥ 9 3 in 3NT with a combined 22 count and no © 4 3 2 Hand A Hand B source of tricks. So a lack of fit should ® K 9 5 4 ♠ A Q 7 6 ♠ A J 7 6 guide you in marginal situations. Pass. ♥ K J 9 5 3 ♥ Q 9 5 4 3 With the stronger hand D, you have to © A J 2 © A J 2 bid. The lack of fit is bad, but there is If South had passed or called 2 ©, you, ® 7 ® 7 likely to be a play for game somewhere, West, would have had an easy bid – 2 ♠ – so you should bid a forcing 3 ♥. but now you are under pressure. On this So far, when you have been stretching, hand, you should be willing to accept the With Hand A, left to your own devices you have done so with a fit but not many push and bid 3 ♠. There are some good you would have raised to 3 ♠ – but what points. Of course, you will pick up the reasons for this. The first is that you have do you do now? If you pass and partner real thing from time to time and you a fit. Second, assuming you play Acol has a minimum hand, he may pass even need to be able to tell partner that you with a 12-14 NT, partner will have either when you can make 4 ♠ easily. You do are serious. How do you do this? Often five spades or 15+ because with 12-14 not know whether he has dredged up 1 ♠ the cue-bid is the way – for example, the and four spades he would have either on six points or he has a bit to spare – auction might start like this: opened 1NT or (if 4441) one of a lower but there will be many minimum hands suit. So you know that you have either a on which game makes. Bid 4 ♠. West North East South nine-card fit or the balance of points. On the same auction, with Hand B, 1♠ 3© After you bid 3 ♠, partner should be aware you should pass. You were ready to bid ? that you might have had to push a bit and only 2 ♠ and should not push two levels. take account of this. If game is on, partner will surely take Another similar example might be: some further action. What you do not Hand E Hand F want is for partner to play in 4 ♠ doubled ♠ K J 8 7 5 ♠ K J 8 7 5 with the points evenly split and ♥ 3 2 ♥ A 3 ♠ K Q 8 2 everything breaking badly. This could © 2 © 2 ♥ 5 4 easily happen if you bid 4 ♠ and catch ® K 10 7 3 2 ® A Q 7 4 3 © 7 6 partner with a minimum response ® Q 9 7 3 2 including a four-card spade suit. Now consider the following hands: With Hand E, you bid 4 ♠. Your good fit and shape make up for the lack of values. West North East South Would you do the same with Hand F? 1♠ 3♥ Hand C Hand D If you bid 4 ♠, it may be the right spot ? ♠ 6 ♠ 6 but partner will pass when you have a ♥ Q J 8 7 6 ♥ A Q J 7 6 good play for slam. To show him you are On this auction, again you should bid © Q J 7 4 © Q J 7 4 serious you bid 4 ©. You happen to have 3♠. It does not that much matter whether ® K 6 5 ® K J 5 a singleton diamond but 4 © is merely a your opponent’s jump overcall is weak, way of showing a sound raise to 4 ♠. ■

Page 46 ANSWERS TO THE DEFENCE QUIZ ON PAGE 35 by JULIAN POTTAGE

You lead the two of hearts: seven, king, ace. game. Would it matter if, unexpectedly, partner 1. ♠ Q J 4 2 Now declarer leads a low club. Do you win? were unable to beat the jack? Since your king ♥ 7 6 still has a guard, it will not cost you a trump ‘Second hand plays low’ worked well on the © A J 6 trick. Yes, on certain layouts, it might be first deal. It will serve you well again here. If ® K Q 10 2 possible to strip the black suits and put you in you fly in with the king, you will find that ♠ A 10 8 7 ♠ 9 5 with the third round of hearts, forcing you to declarer can drive out partner’s ace of clubs ♥ K Q J 5 N ♥ 9 8 4 3 break the diamonds or give a ruff and discard. W E and make the contract. Although you get to © 10 5 S © K Q 8 4 In real life, this is most unlikely. How many run the hearts, your side makes just two ® 8 7 4 ® 9 6 3 players do you know who cannot take a simple hearts and two clubs. By contrast, if you duck ♠ K 6 3 finesse but who can pull off an elimination? the club, declarer will try the nine from ♥ A 10 2 dummy. Your partner will win with the ten and © 9 7 3 2 declarer will be unable to set up any club ® A J 5 tricks without first losing five tricks. 4. ♠ K J 10 9 2 Ducking the club (if you can do so smoothly) ♥ J 10 7 3 West North East South might have a different benefit. Declarer, if © Q 3 1NT holding A-10-x-x-(x) of clubs, will have a ® A K Pass 2® Pass 2©* guess as to whether to play you for the king ♠ A Q 6 ♠ 8 7 5 3 Pass 3NT End (put up the queen) or to play you for the jack ♥ K Q 6 N ♥ 2 W E *no 4-card major (finesse the nine). Play the king and you rule © J 10 9 6 S © K 5 out any hope of a guess in your favour. ® J 8 4 ® 10 7 6 5 3 2 You lead the heart king and continue with the ♠ 4 jack and five. Declarer wins the third round ♥ A 9 8 5 4 and leads a low spade. What do you do? © A 8 7 4 2 3. ♠ A 9 8 2 ® Q 9 If partner has the king of spades, the contract ♥ J 10 7 3 is down with two spades and three hearts. © 6 3 More likely South has the card. This being so, ® K Q 9 West North East South your opponent can always make two spade ♠ 10 6 ♠ J 7 5 3 1♠ Pass 2♥ tricks. You must make sure it is not three. To ♥ K 6 2 N ♥ A Pass 4♥ End do this, you must save your ace to capture the W E © A Q 9 S © 10 8 5 4 king. Play low on the current trick. If declarer ® J 8 5 4 2 ® 10 7 6 3 You lead the jack of diamonds: queen, king, comes to hand in some other suit and leads ♠ K Q 4 ace. Now declarer leads the four of spades. another low spade, again you play low. With ♥ Q 9 8 5 4 What do you do? a sure entry in hearts, you need have no fear © K J 7 2 of losing your ace by ducking twice. Often, when dummy has a K-J combination of ® A some sort, it pays to duck your ace in second seat. You want to leave declarer to guess whether to play you for the ace (play the king) West North East South 2. ♠ A 9 4 2 or for the queen (insert the jack). Here, since 1♥ ♥ 10 7 you can see the ace and queen in your hand, Pass 3♥ Pass 4♥ © K Q J 6 3 you know there is no guess. Even when you End ® Q 9 know there is no guess, it might still be right to ♠ K 10 6 ♠ Q 7 5 hold up if dummy is short of entries and you You lead the four of clubs. Declarer wins with ♥ J 9 6 2 N ♥ K 8 4 3 think declarer has a doubleton. Here, with the W E the ace and leads a low heart. Do you go in © 9 5 2 © 8 7 4 ace-king of clubs in dummy (and other S with the king? ® K 8 4 ® A 10 3 goodies besides), you can see declarer has ♠ J 8 3 Before you say, ‘I can make an easy trick by no problem with entries. In fact, you have a ♥ A Q 5 going in with the king,’ you need to ask yourself very good reason to go up with the ace. I © A 10 why declarer is playing the hearts this way. Why hope you have seen what it is. Unless the ace ® J 7 6 5 2 not go to dummy in one of the black suits and of diamonds was singleton, you can see four lead the jack of hearts for a finesse? Against tricks: a spade, two hearts (you can see the most opponents, the answer is surely that there ace is not on your left) and a diamond. West North East South is no finesse position. In other words, partner Therefore you have no reason at all to risk the 1NT has the ace of hearts. Since you certainly do not four of spades being singleton. Go in with the Pass 2® Pass 2©* want to play the ace and king of hearts on the ace of spades, cash a diamond and exit Pass 3NT End same trick, you play low. This way, your side safely with a club. Your two trump tricks will *no 4-card major scores two tricks in each red suit to beat the come to you in due course. ■

Page 47 B SAVE UP TO £1,250 PER PERSON* LU N C A E Y V ER A % V S 5 O S C ER A IS B R D EM T M EX

ITINERARY

EXCLUSIVE TO MR BRIDGE LOWEST FARES AVAILABLE 12 October 2009 – 15 days

NOW INSIDE CABIN FROM £995PP NOW OUTSIDE CABIN FROM £1,095PP NOW Discover the Black Sea INSIDE SINGLE CABIN FROM £1,848 Join Mr & Mrs Bridge on a fascinating 15-day cruise bringing centuries of history to life. Date Port 12 Oct Depart UK by air to ISTANBUL,Turkey MV DISCOVERY MR BRIDGE Embark on Discovery Our voyage starts with two days in bustling Ray Hutchinson and his team will look after us on this 13 Oct ISTANBUL,Turkey Istanbul, with the opportunity to explore its 15-day voyage. The evening sessions will be split into 14 Oct Cruising the Black Sea many mosques, museums two with the first finishing 15 Oct SINOP,Turkey and markets. We will sail in time for those wishing to UKRAINE 16 Oct SOCHI,Russia around the Black Sea, Odessa see the evening show. In 17 Oct SOCHI,Russia visiting a variety of places Sevastopol addition to bridge every Yalta RUSSIA of historic and cultural BULGARIA evening, there will be 18 Oct YALTA,Ukraine Nesebur Black Sea Sochi interest. We will have the morning seminars and 19 Oct SEVASTOPOL,Ukraine Mount Sinop opportunity to explore GREECE Athos Istanbul afternoon bridge sessions, 20 Oct ODESSA,Ukraine Sinop’s 7th-century castle Volos Canakkale which are held while the 21 Oct NESEBUR,Bulgaria and walk the passages of Piraeus TURKEY ship is at sea, so everyone 22 Oct Cruising the Dardanelles Lividia Palace, once the can enjoy the ports of call. 23 Oct CANAKKALE,Turkey summer retreat of Tsar Nicholas II, in Yalta. 24 Oct Cruise past Mount Athos, Greece WHAT’S INCLUDED We will then head through the Aegean to 25 Oct VOLOS,Greece • All meals, entertainment and gratuities on board Volos and its 8,000-year old Acropolis, before 26 Oct PIRAEUS,Greece • All port and pre-paid airport taxes • Flights our final stop in Piraeus with a chance to Disembark and transfer to Athens discover Athens. On board Discovery, you from/to UK • Overseas transfers between airport Airport for flight home to UK will be accompanied by a highly-acclaimed and ship • Comprehensive guest speaker team of guest speakers who will bring each programme • All bridge activities • All prices on destination to life. board in British pounds All Mr Bridge passengers, who have paid the bridge supplement, will be eligible to participate in the after first-sitting dinner bridge programme.There will also be a quiz and exclusive bridge parties.The bridge programme is fully optional and you may participate as much or as little as you wish. Mr Bridge actively encourages singles to join the party and you will always be found a partner for a game. DUPLICATE BRIDGE GUARANTEED YOUR MONEY AND HOLIDAY ARE FULLY PROTECTED NO FUEL SURCHARGES – GUARANTEED Fares shown are per person based on two people sharing lowest inside/outside twin-bedded cabin category and include all applicable discounts for new bookings. All offers are capacity controlled, subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time. *£1,250 saving applies to category K cabin. % saving varies according to cabin category. Cabin numbers will be allocated prior to departure. Please note that there is a bridge supplement of £30 per bridge player to be paid with cruise deposit. Terms and conditions apply, see brochure for details. Voyages of Discovery is a trading name of All Leisure Holidays Ltd.

¤ 01483 489961 for brochures and bookings