122

BRIDGE Number One Hundred and Twenty-Two

February 2013

2013 BRIDGE EVENTS with Bernard Magee

Chatsworth Hotel Worthing BN11 3DU

APRIL continued

October 2013

12-14 Chatsworth Hotel £245 Declarer Play

25-27 Queensferry Hotel £245 Finding Slams

19-21 Inn on the Prom £245 Thinking Defence

NOVEMber 2013 Cheltenham Regency Hotel Cheltenham GL51 0ST

MARCH 2013

October 2013

22-24 Queensferry Hotel £245 Leads and Defence

11-13 Blunsdon House Hotel £245 Splinters and Cue Bids

APRIL 2013

18-20 Chatsworth Hotel £245 Playing & Defending 1NT

5-7 Blunsdon House Hotel £245 Losing Trick Count

Inn on the Prom St Annes-on-Sea FY8 1LU

The Olde Barn Hotel Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT

JULY 2013

18-20 Olde Barn Hotel £245 Better Leads & Switches

Blunsdon House Hotel Swindon SN26 7AS

5-7 Blunsdon House Hotel £245 Signals and Discards

Full Board. No Single Supplement.

12-14 Cheltenham Regency £245 Thinking Defence

See booking form on page 9.

Queensferry Hotel North Queensferry KY11 1HP

QPLUS 10 Really user-friendly bridge-playing software

BERNARD MAGEE’S INTERACTIVE TUTORIALS ACOL BIDDING

l QPLUS

l Opening

l QPLUS

l

Slams and Strong Openings

l Updated

l

Support for Partner

11 sent when ready can be passed on to a friend

comprehensive manual l Displays on £92 HD screen l Supports large screens l Minibridge option l Extra 500 preplayed hands for teams making 5,000 in all l Extra 500 preplayed hands for matchpoint pairs making 4,000 in all l Improvement over two years from version 9 l New save match function l Save deals with automatic file labelling l Closed room – new button to view other table

QPLUS TRADE-IN OFFER Return any QPLUS CD and booklet with a cheque for £43 and receive QPLUS 10 with the promise of QPLUS 11 when ready later this year for no extra charge. Order with absolute confidence.

Bids and Responses

l Pre-empting l Overcalls

Openings and Responses l l

Opener’s and Responder’s Rebids Minors and Misfits

l Doubles l Competitive

l

l Making

Overtricks in No-trumps

l

Making Overtricks in Suit Contracts

l Endplays

l

Contract

£81

l Simple

l

l Counting

l

Playing Doubled Contracts

l

Safety Plays

Defence to 1NT

£96

l Two-suited

Overcalls

Establishment in No-trumps

l

Suit Establishment in Suits

l

Ruffing for Extra Tricks

l

Entries in No-trumps

Defences to Other Systems

l

Misfits and Distributional Hands

Drawing Trumps

Lead vs No-trump Contracts

l

Lead vs Suit Contracts

l

Partner of Leader vs No-trump Contracts

Using the Lead

l Trump

Control

l

Endplays & Avoidance

l

Using the Bidding

DEFENCE l

£76

l Delaying l

l

FIVE-CARD MAJORS & Strong No-Trump l

Opening Bids & Responses

l

No-Trump Openings

l

Support for Partner

l

Slams & Strong Openings

l

Rebids

l

Minors & Misfits

l Discarding

l

Pre-empting

l

Defensive Plan

l

Doubles

l

Stopping Declarer

l

Overcalls

l

Competitive Auctions

l

Partner of Leader vs Suit Contracts

l Count

Signals l Attitude

Signals

the Hand Trump Reductions & Coups

l Suit

l Hold-ups

Strong Hands

l Doubles

Squeezes

l

Twos

to Weak Twos

l Avoidance l Wrong

Advanced Basics

l Weak

Auctions

ADVANCED DECLARER PLAY

DECLARER PLAY

l Basics

l Defence

£66

l No-trump

MORE (ADVANCED) ACOL BIDDING

£76

l Counting

the Hand

£89

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

( 01483 489961

www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop

Fax 01483 797302

System Requirements: Windows XP, Vista or 7, 8mb RAM, CD-ROM

BRIDGE

Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH

( 01483 489961 e-mail: [email protected]

4 Denham Grove May Event 2013

FEATURES 5

Mr Bridge

5 Bridge Events at: The Inn on the Prom

11 Dave Huggett Says If the Contract Looks Safe, Look for a Snag 13 Andrew Kambites Says Raise to Two with Three Trumps

6 Cruise from India to Luxor with Voyages to Antiquity 7 Charity Events

website: www.mrbridge.co.uk

15 Bernard Magee Says Throw a Loser on a Loser

8 Bernard Magee at Haslemere 2011/2012

Publisher and Managing Editor Mr Bridge

18 Freddie North Says KISS

9 Mail Order Form

19 Mike Wenble Says Lead Towards Strength

9 Bridge Event Booking Form

22 David Gold Says Seven-Card Suits Should be Trumps

10 Bridge Events at: Blunsdon House Hotel The Olde Barn Hotel Queensferry Hotel Chatsworth House

Bridge Consultant Bernard Magee Technical Consultant Tony Gordon Typesetting & Design Ruth Edmondson Proof Readers Tony & Jan Richards Catrina Shackleton Richard Wheen Hugh Williams Office Manager Rachel Everett Events & Cruises ( 01483 489961 Rosie Baker Jessica Galt Megan Riccio Sophie Pierrepont Clubs & Charities Maggie Axtell

[email protected]

Address Changes Elizabeth Bryan

23 Readers’ Letters 25 Prize Quiz Winners 25 Our Party Night by Colin Payne 26 Riviera Regicide by Dick Atkinson

14 Mr Bridge Just Duplicate Events

30 Julian Pottage Says If in Doubt, Get Them Out – Draw Trumps

14 Rubber / Chicago Bridge Events

31 Heather Dhondy Says Third Hand Plays High

ADVERTISEMENTS

16 Voyages of Discovery Voyager 2013 Cruises 20 Voyages to Antiquity Spring 2013 Cruises 24 Stamps

1 Bridge Events with Bernard Magee 2 Tutorial Software and QPlus

27 Bridge Events at: Cheltenham Regency Hotel

3 Tunisia 2013

28 Global Travel Insurance

3 Bernard Magee’s Hand Evaluation

32 Asia to Egypt with Voyages to Antiquity

( 01483 485342

Mr Bridge AT THE ROYAL KENZ TUNISIA

[email protected] All correspondence should be addressed to Mr Bridge. Please make sure that all letters, e-mails and faxes carry full postal addresses and telephone numbers.

12 Bridge Events at: Ardington Hotel Elstead Hotel Staverton Park Denham Grove

Two-week half-board duplicate bridge holidays



3-17 November 2013 Golf available Tony and Jan Richards

from £769

For Information Pack ( 01483 489961 Page 3

Better Hand Evaluation Bernard Magee Introduction Better Hand Evaluation is aimed at helping readers to add greater accuracy to their 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. When you do not have a fit, you are aiming to describe the strength of your hand as soon as possible, most often using no-trump bids. This book begins by discussing balanced hand bidding in Acol, as it is very important that both members of a partnership have an accurate knowledge of how to show hands of different strengths. When a fit is found, there is much re-evaluation of the hand to be done; point count, though still important, needs to be evaluated together with distribution. The best way of reaching an accurate assess­ ment is to use the Losing Trick Count; this is an important method of hand evaluation and takes up a number of chapters. Finally, we move on to different forms of evaluation including game tries and splinter bids. You can never know enough methods of hand evaluation; the more you learn, the better you get at judging your hand. Although the Losing Trick Count is used more easily in tandem with your partner, a large proportion of the ideas in this book can be used by an individual. For example, evaluating your hand to be worth an extra point is going to help anyone you partner – as long as you get it right.

£14 including postage See Mail Order Form on page 9.

BERNARD  MAGEE at Denham Grove

near Uxbridge, Bucks, UB9 5DG.



Tuesday 14 May

Wednesday 15 May

Thursday 16 May

From 9.30 am Check in Tea, Coffee & Biscuits

From 9.30 am Check in Tea, Coffee & Biscuits

From 9.30 am Check in Tea, Coffee & Biscuits

10.30 am – 12 noon Thinking Defence

10.30 am – 12 noon Splinters & Cue Bids

10.30 am – 12 noon Hand Evaluation (without a fit)

12 noon – 2.30 pm Supervised Play1 3-Course Buffet Lunch



12 noon – 2.30 pm Supervised Play1 3-Course Buffet Lunch



12 noon – 2.30 pm Supervised Play1 3-Course Buffet Lunch

3 pm – 4.30 pm Pre-emptive Bidding

3 pm – 4.30 pm Play & Defence at Duplicate Pairs

4.30 pm – 7 pm Supervised Play1 Tea, Coffee & Biscuits

4.30 pm – 7 pm Supervised Play1 Tea, Coffee & Biscuits

4.30 pm – 7 pm Supervised Play1 Tea, Coffee & Biscuits

Day guests may stay until 7pm.

Day guests may stay until 7pm.

Day guests may stay until 7pm.

3 pm – 4.30 pm Avoidance Play

£100 per day2. £270 for all three days3. A limited number of bedrooms are available: Dinner, bed and breakfast: £90 per person, per night. Contact Mr Bridge to book your place or for further details: ( 01483 489961 These seminars are to be filmed. When ready, a full boxed set of DVDs will be sent. 3 Not with Bernard Magee. 2Includes Page 4buffet lunch. Day guests only.

1

DREAMS

Three years ago I decided that the way forward was to commission a series tutorial films covering every aspect of the game. These were to be scripted by Bernard Magee and delivered by a suitable presenter. I found the only way I could make this happen was to re-invent myself, this time as an executive producer. This is film industry jargon for the man who finds the money. Several personalities were considered but this would cost and as readers must know, Bernard Magee lives and breathes his scripts, so when by chance the organisers of Haslemere Festival suggested to me that they would like to have some bridge content as part of their happenings, we thought we would try some scripts out in 2011. I contacted TV director, Hugh Dehn, who had recently completed a bridge series for Sky Arts Two, Celebrity Bridge, so I knew his work would be up to my required standard. It was just a matter of Bernard’s

suitability as a presenter. The rest is history. For this year, I have relocated to Denham Grove, an altogether more audience convenient location but kept to the dates that were advertised for Haslemere. I profusely apologise for any inconvenience that these changes may have caused. I have also taken on board several of the suggestions as you will see from the adjacent advertisement. Come along and meet Bernard and be filmed. Everyone booking will be sent a boxed set of this year’s six DVDs when ready later in the year.

FADED DREAMS In addition to my DVD project, I also hoped to develop North America as an extra market. After all, they soughta speak the same language. However, after three years, I have closed it down, cancelled the adverts and given up.

advertising and promotion these last three years has stimulated changes in the quality of adverts over there but bridge is dying out faster than in the UK. And yes, it is dying and the market shrinking. Down from 1,850,000 players in 1987 when I started to below 300,000 last year.

filming or developing the North American market or the bridge on board service, there is a limit to the amount that I can reasonably afford as a skier, (someone who spends the kids inheritance). I am past that, so if this doesn’t work, I shall have to assume that it is just not wanted.

MORE DREAMS

QPLUS NEWS

Hopefully, Voyager with some modifications will be a ship with a bridge party on board on every cruise, but this can only happen if bridge players tell the ship that is what they would like. I think this dream, which more or less worked on mv Discovery for eight years, is fading as the number of players in the ‘pool’ dwindles.

QPlus 11 is in the course of preparation and will incorporate all the improvements of the past three years. It should be ready in the early Autumn. Buy version 10 now for £92 and I will send you version 11 when it is ready (you may keep version 10 to give to a friend). For regular followers of this column, here are a few hands, for you to look at:

ANOTHER DREAM A national chain of bridge centres is an obvious constituent of any promoters’ wish list. It’s a matter of getting the prototype right and then rolling it out. This is more difficult in a shrinking market place.

Part of the problem is that they kept things to themselves and are not at all outward looking. Over there, if repeat buyers are quizzed about Bernard Magee software, they wax poetic about it, but don’t want to tell their friends. It is their secret weapon and fountain of knowledge. At least my back cover

AND ANOTHER It is obvious that my enthusiasm for promoting Just Duplicate Bridge Events is yet another of my dreams. I am giving it one more try at making these work but like the cost of

2941/02 – 1978/13 4616/06 – 6529/11 6656/01 – 302/09

BETTER BRIDGE The first CD with six chapters, each with twenty hands and matching the six subjects covered by the DVDs at the 2011 Haslemere Festival is now on sale. Bernard Magee at his very best. An ideal gift at any time.

RECORDED Please note that all calls to my office are recorded.

The Inn on the Prom Bridge Events 2013 19-21 April

Bernard Magee

Thinking Defence

£245

12-14 July

Gwen Beattie

Just Duplicate Bridge

£169

16-18 August

Gwen Beattie

Just Duplicate Bridge

£169

Full Board – No Single Supplement. Booking Form on page 9.

Page 5

St Annes-on-Sea FY8 1LU

CRUISE ACROSS CONTINENTS

INDIA, OMAN & THE TREASURES OF EGYPT

Combine the mysteries of India and the ancient lands of the Pharaohs in one spectacular voyage!

SPECIAL MR BRIDGE FARES

Mumbai was made the headquarters of the British East India Company in 1687 but it was the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 that transformed the city – then known as Bombay – into one of the world’s great trading centres. Your journey begins here with an overnight hotel stay and a tour of all the main sights including Mani Bhavan, a museum that was once the residence of Mahatma Gandhi, the Victorian architectural monuments of the British Empire, the Prince of Wales Museum and the Gateway of India. Cruise in comfort, relax in style Board the elegant Aegean Odyssey and sail for Porbandar, birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, and the port of Muscat in Oman to visit the Sultan's Palace and the famous twin forts. Continue to Salalah, famous for the production of frankincense before relaxing at sea as the ship makes its way to Egypt. After arriving at Safaga you travel to Luxor and visit two truly breathtaking sites: the vast temple complex of Karnak and the subterranean marvels of the necropolis in the Valley of the Kings, a spectacular finale to this memorable journey.

FARES INCLUDE: SIGHTSEEING EXCURSIONS AT ALL PORTS EXPERT LECTURE PROGRAMME

Luxor Safaga EGYPT

Red Sea

Muscat Oman Salalah

Porbandar INDIA Mumbai

Arabian Sea MARCH 20, 2013 – 16 days from £1,695 DATE

PORT

MAR 20

Depart UK

ARRIVE

MAR 21

Arrive MUMBAI India

MAR 22

MUMBAI India Embark Aegean Odyssey

5.00pm

MAR 23

PORBANDAR India

7.00pm

MAR 24

At Sea

MAR 25-26 MUSCAT Oman MAR 27

At Sea

MAR 28

SALALAH Oman

DEPART overnight hotel

2.00pm

2.00pm

2.00pm

8.00pm

MAR 29 - APR 2 Cruising the Gulf of Arabia & Red Sea overnight hotel

APR 3

SAFAGA/LUXOR Egypt Disembark and drive to Luxor

APR 4

LUXOR Egypt Transfer to Luxor Airport for flight home

WINE WITH DINNER & GRATUITIES ON BOARD

ACCOMPANIED BY MR BRIDGE HOST

EXCLUSIVE MR BRIDGE COCKTAIL PARTY SCHEDULED AIR & TRANSFERS

MR BRIDGE FARES*

PLUS MR BRIDGE SPECIAL FARES

Standard Inside £1,695pp Superior Outside from £2,150pp Superior Inside from £1,795pp Deluxe Outside from £2,450pp Standard Outside £1,995pp Deluxe Balcony from £2,795pp

CALL

ON 01483 489 961

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT ONLY £100

EXTEND YOUR HOLIDAY ADD INDIA’S GOLDEN TRIANGLE

* Prices shown are per person, double occupancy and include MR BRIDGE SPECIAL SAVINGS. This offer is subject to availability, is capacity controlled and may be withdrawn at any time.

Enhance your voyage with the classical sights of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur at the begining of your voyage. Known as India’s “Golden Triangle”, this 4-night land tour is an opportunity not to be missed! Please ask for details.

Singles are made especially welcome and a playing partner will always be found.

10093

BRIDGE PLAYERS: The bridge programme is completely optional and Mr Bridge passengers can participate as much, or as little as they wish. There is a supplement of £100 for those wishing to participate in the duplicate bridge programme.

V OYAGES TO A NTIQUITY www.voyagestoantiquity.com

ABTA No.Y2206

METAMORPHOSIS As you can gather this publication is in a state of flux. Lurching and searching, looking for advertisers and sponsors. Anything that will keep it free of charge. Support at the moment is thin on the ground. It is all the more disheartening that, on my travels celebrating my 25 years as Mr Bridge, so few had booked or registered to be part of the bridge party, just taking the on board Mr Bridge service for granted. If my advertisers or sponsors aren’t told, they won’t know and if they don’t know, they won’t want to know. Minerva has no organised bridge on board now, but thirty-five passengers presented themselves to play on this week’s cruise only to be given cards, bidding boxes and score pads and told to organise it for themselves.

Indeed, she included a photo of herself, playing bridge at her home in Dalkey, near Dublin and she scribbled on the back that the bottle of red wine had contributed to the bad bridge, but it was great fun.

CLUB INSURANCE Moore Stephens offer a club insurance package to cover clubs and more particularly their committee members for all the obvious risks. £60 for a club of 100 members... and most importantly, it covers the unforeseen. I receive at least one letter a month telling me that I am scare-mongering, trying to drum up business, but it is the risks that aren’t obvious that are the problem and need to be covered by insurance. Ring Moore Stephens on ( 0207 515 5270.

GOFFIES STAMPS

MAEVE BINCHY I was saddened to learn of the death of Maeve Binchy last year and did promise to tell readers about how she has helped to quietly promote the game. I wrote to her in 1989, when I launched my first magazine, Bridge Plus. She offered to contribute, ‘a diary of a bad bridge player,’ but bad bridge is even more technically difficult to write about than more usual headings and nothing came of it. She also promised to write kindly about bridge in all her forthcoming novels and this she faithfully did. She also boosted my spirits, sending me hand-written postcards with helpful suggestions whenever I sent her a copy of BRIDGE.

These days, I occasionally get to see the post before it is sorted and opened. When I do, I have noticed an increasing number of letters that have multiple stamps on their covers. This I put down to my promotion of Clive Goff and his discounted stamps. His support for this publication has been long, lasting and constant. Value supplied in two stamps combined to make up the 50p 2nd class rate, 2nd class to you, 41p. 1st class 60p, only 50p to you. Available in lots of 100. ( 0208 422 4906 [email protected]

LITTLE VOICE The offer of second hand copies of QPlus has raised £4,517 for Little Voice since it was announced. This is in addition to the £2,000 or so regularly coming in from the sale of used stamps. Thank you. Charity organisers who would like some of the remaining stock of secondhand software to sell at their event in support of their charity should write in. This is an excellent way of increasing the sum total raised, without too much extra work. Another job for a committee member. Amazing what can be raised from unwanted paper and software.

CHARITY

CHARITY BRIDGE EVENTS MARCH 2013 8 Garden House Hospice Letchworth Howard Rotary Club. The Settlement, Letchworth G. C. 1.30 for 2.00. £7.50pp inc afternoon tea and prizes. Alan Fraser ( 01462 685448 alanf @letchworthrotary.org.uk 12 ST NEOTS BOWLING CLUB (ARC). St Neots, Cambs. 10.00 for 10.30am. £14.00. John Shaw ( 01480 475454 13 ROTARY CLUB OF WIMBORNE, Allendale Community Centre, Wimborne. £28 per table, inc. high tea & prizes. Don Phillips ( 01202 891801

It always surprises me that charity promoters of bridge sessions, to raise funds for their good causes, do not use these pages more to advertise their events, along the lines of the adjacent column. After all, the space is given for no charge. All I ask is that the relevant dates and information is provided well in advance. It is also surprising that so few ask for prizes. When bothering to raise funds, perhaps the organisers should have one of the committee put in charge of collecting prizes. We never refuse to provide support for any good cause. So charity organisers and promoters, let’s be hearing from you.

14 HUDDERSFIELD PENNINE ROTARY CLUB Outlane Golf Club. 12 for 12.30. £44 per table. Brian Noble ( 01484 427356

CHALLENGE CUP

15 CHILDRENS CHARITIES Doddington Village Hall, March. £14. 10 for 10.30am. Val Topliss ( 01354 653696

This year’s heat is to be held on Thursday March 7 in support of The Prostate Cancer Charity. To hold a heat, ring Anna Gudge on ( 01787 881920 or email her on [email protected]

Page 7

APRIL 2013 10 RNLI Charity bridge match. The Institute, Leatherhead. Tickets £30 a table. Ann Chapman ( 01372 720020 peter.chapman @btinternet.com 19 MS THERAPY CENTRE Village Hall, Hemingford Abbots. 10.00 for 10.30am. Tickets £14.00. Jenny Lea ( 01480 455810

MAY 2013 9 HUDDERSFIELD PENNINE ROTARY CLUB Outlane Golf Club. 12 for 12.30. £44 per table. Brian Noble ( 01484 427356

E-mail your charity events: [email protected]

Bernard Magee Filmed Live at Haslemere Festival 1. Ruffing for extra tricks (2011) This seminar deals with declarer’s use of ruffing to generate extra tricks and then looks at how the defenders might counteract this.

2. COMPETITIVE AUCTIONS (2011) This seminar focuses on competitive auctions from the perspective of the overcalling side to start with and then from the perspective of the opening side in the second part.

SPRING CLEAN Once more I am restocking my bridge venues with new equipment. I will be selling the old boards and bidding boxes at knock-down prices. This is ideal for those wanting to start a new club. However, I am not packing it up. It will be sold to visitors who come by appointment. ( 01483 489961.

HELP WANTED

3. MAKING THE MOST OF HIGH CARDS (2011) This seminar helps declarer use his high cards more carefully and then looks at how defenders should care for their precious high cards.

4. Identifying & BIDDING SLAMS (2011) The first half of this seminar is about identifying when a slam might be on – one of the hardest topics to teach, because as soon as you announce the topic everybody is looking for slams. The second half covers some of the techniques used to bid slams.

5. PLAY & DEFENCE OF 1NT CONTRACTS (2011) This seminar looks at the most common and yet most feared of contracts: 1NT. The first half looks at declaring the contract and the second part puts us in the defenders’ seats..

6. DOUBLING & DEFENCE AGAINST DOUBLED CONTRACTS (2011) The first half of this seminar explores penalty doubles and the second half discusses the defence against doubled contracts.

7. Leads (2012) Bernard takes you through all the basic leads and the importance of your choice of lead. If you start to think not just about your hand, but about your partner’s too, then you will get much better results.

I am seeking to enlarge my team of hosts, helpers and lecturers. In the first instance please write in with your bridge CV plus a little detail of any earlier career. I warn applicants that they will initially be interviewed over the telephone and having a working knowledge of what I am trying to achieve will put you in a good light. I might suggest you look at recent issues of BRIDGE and read my pages at the front of every issue. Just being helpful.

8. Losing Trick Count (2012)

VALENTINE

A method of hand evaluation for when you find a fit. Bernard deals with the basics of the losing trick count then looks at advanced methods to hone your bidding.

9. Making a Plan as Declarer (2012) Bernard explains how to make a plan then expands on how to make the most of your long suits. The first half deals with no-trumps, the second with suit contracts.

10. Responding to 1NT (2012) This seminar deals with Transfers and Stayman in detail. The 1NT opening comes up frequently, so having a good, accurate system of responses is paramount.

11. Signals AND Discards (2012) This seminar deals with Count, Attitude and Suit-preference signals: aiming to get you working as a partnership in defence..

12. Endplays (2012) Bernard takes you through the basics of the technique before showing some magical hands where you take extra tricks from defenders. In the second half, Bernard looks at how to avoid being endplayed as a defender.

DVDs Each £25. Boxed Sets of 6 (2011 or 2012) £100. See Mail Order Form on page 9.

Just a quick tip I have been meaning to pass onto readers. If you are in need of a St Valentine’s Day card, take the Ace of Hearts from an old pack and adapt it. Useful for birthdays too.

FILM BENEFITS Watching and re-watching Bernard Magee’s films has got me interested in trying to learn to play bridge properly. It’s the over and over again bit that is such a Page 8

great help. Far better than any book, believe me.

MAC CONVERTER I am looking into putting together an offer for the Bernard Magee tutorial software to include a Windows converter as part of the deal. Those interested please call.

NEW WRITERS Just as I need new hosts, lecturers and helpers, I also need new ideas and columnists for BRIDGE. Let me have a sample in complete confidence and don’t be shy or backward in coming forward.

BERNARD’S CRUISES Bernard Magee is hosting three cruises on board mv Voyager in the coming year. Details on page 16.

DISAPPOINTMENT My widely advertised cruise of the year has to go without us as my wife’s knee has suddenly become more of a problem. Indeed, a hospital slot has been found for an operation in early March and we must put first things first. Now, shock horror, she has been admitted to hospital with severe pneumonia and pleurisy, where she has been for just over a week.

FINALLY If you hear from your friends that they aren’t receiving BRIDGE. Please tell them they have been presumed dead and deleted from the database. All good wishes.

Mr Bridge

PLAY SOFTWARE

TUTORIAL DVDs

QPlus 10 / QPlus 11 when ready £92.00 .........

Haslemere 2011 – £25 each

✄

✄

Mr Bridge MAIL ORDER

BRIDGE  BREAKS

Ruffing for Extra Tricks .........

QPlus 10 Trade-in

£43.00 .........

Competitive Auctions .........

QPlus 9, clean, second-hand

£49.00 .........

Making the Most of High Cards .........

♦ Full-board

♦ Two seminars*

♦ All rooms with en-suite facilities

♦ Two supervised play sessions*

♦ No single supplement

♦ Four bridge sessions**

TUTORIAL SOFTWARE

Identifying & Bidding Slams .........

Begin Bridge Acol Version

£66.00 .........

Play & Defence of 1NT Contracts .........

Acol Bidding

£66.00 .........

Doubling & Defence to Doubled Contracts .........

Please book ..... places for me at £....... per person,

Advanced Acol Bidding

£96.00 ......... £76.00

All 6 DVDs as a boxed set £100.00 .........

Single .... Double .... Twin ....

Declarer Play Advanced Declarer Play

Haslemere 2012 – £25 each

Name of Hotel/Centre.............................................................

£81.00

Leads .........

Defence

£76.00 .........

Losing Trick Count .........

Five-Card Majors with Strong No-Trump £89.00 .........

Making a Plan as Declarer .........

Mr/Mrs/Miss .........................................................................

Better Bridge with Bernard Magee Haslemere 2011 £69.00 .........

Responding to 1NT .........

Address...................................................................................

Better Bridge with Bernard Magee Haslemere 2012 in course of preparation

Endplays .........

BOOKS

MR BRIDGE TIE £15.00

Duplicate Bridge Rules Simplified £5.95 ......... Books – £14.00 each Better Hand Evaluation .........

Date(s) ....................................................................................

Signals & Discards ......... All 6 DVDs as a boxed set £100.00 .........

................................................................................................ Postcode ................................................................................. ( ...........................................................................................

.........

Special requirements (these cannot be guaranteed, but we will do our best to oblige).

BRIDGE PLAYERS’ DIARIES 2013

................................................................................................

Bernard Magee’s Bridge Quiz Book .........

Standard – £6.95 Red ..... Navy .....

Please give the name(s) of all those covered by this booking.

Bernard Magee’s Quiz and Puzzle Book .........

Luxury Kidrell Covers & ball-point pen – £14.95

................................................................................................

Tips for Better Bridge .........

Green ..... Navy Blue .....

Please send a non-returnable deposit of £50 per person per place 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 details will be sent together with a map. Cancellations are not refundable. Should you require insurance, you should contact your own insurance broker.

Prices are inclusive of VAT and postage to UK mainland. I enclose a cheque for £.......... Mr/Mrs/Miss .................................................................................................. Address........................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................ Postcode.........................................( ............................................................

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

Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH.

( 01483 489961

Expiry: ............. CVV ........ Issue No. ...........

e-mail: [email protected] website: www.holidaybridge.com

(CVV is the last 3 numbers on the signature strip)

( 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop

*on tutorial weekends only. **6 sessions on rubber/Chicago events.

✄

✄

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

Page 9

Please note: Just Bridge events contain no seminars and do not award prizes.

Queensferry Hotel

Blunsdon House Hotel

North Queensferry KY11 1HP

Swindon SN26 7AS

BRIDGE EVENTS 2013 1-3 Mar

Just Bridge

5-7 Apr Bernard Magee Losing Trick Count

BRIDGE EVENTS 2013 with Bernard Magee

12-14 Apr Diana Holland 5-7 July

Rubber/Chicago £199

Bernard Magee Signals & Discards £245

22-24 March

Leads & Defence

£245

11-13 Oct Bernard Magee Splinters & Cue Bids

25-27 October

Finding Slams

£245

8-10 Nov Stan Powell

£245

Doubles £215

22-24 Nov Bernard Magee Better Defence

Full Board – No Single Supplement

£199 £245

£245

Full Board – No Single Supplement

Booking Form on page 9.

Booking Form on page 9.

Chatsworth Hotel

The Olde Barn Hotel

Worthing BN11 3DU

Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT

BRIDGE EVENTS 2013

BRIDGE EVENTS 2013

22-24 February

Just Bridge

£169

15-17 March

Just Bridge

£169

26-28 April

Splinters & Cue Bids

£179

17-19 May

Just Bridge

£169

31 May – 2 June

Just Bridge

£169

7-9 June

End Play & Avoidance

£179

21-23 June

Just Bridge

£169

19-21 July

Just Bridge

£169

16-18 August

Declarer Play

£179

Just Bridge

£169 £169

12-14 Apr Bernard Magee Declarer Play

£245

6-8 September

14-16 Jun

£199

18-20 October

Just Bridge

1-3 November

Just Bridge

Just Bridge

NEW 18-20 Oct Bernard Magee Play and TOPIC Defending 1NT

£245

15-17 Nov Bernard Magee Bidding NEW £245 TOPIC Distributional Hands

£169 NEW TOPIC

8-10 November

Bernard Magee Better Leads & Switches £245

22-24 November

Just Bridge

Full Board – No Single Supplement

Full Board – No Single Supplement

Booking Form on page 9.

Booking Form on page 9.

Page 10

£169

Dave Huggett Says

If the Contract Looks Safe, Look for a Snag

B

ridge is a hard game but, now and then, a hand comes along that looks simple. In these cases, it is easy to take your eye off the ball. Don’t! Danger is often just round the corner. Be vigilant at all times. Take this deal: ♠ 7 6 3 ♥ 8 5 ♦ A Q 6 5 3 ♣ 9 7 4 ♠ Q 4 ♥ J 10 7 3 2 N W E ♦ J 9 4 S ♣ K 8 3 ♠ A K 9 ♥ A 6 4 ♦ K 10 7 2 ♣ A Q 5

♠ J 10 8 5 2 ♥ K Q 9 ♦ 8 ♣ J 10 6 2

You arrive in 3NT and win the heart lead. The contract looks easy with two spades, one heart, five diamonds and a club. You also see that you can pick up four diamonds with East by playing to the ace and finessing the ten if need be. Quite right, but did you see the need to play the seven of diamonds towards dummy? If you mistakenly played the two, the suit becomes blocked and you will make only four tricks in the suit! ♠ 7 6 ♥ 8 4 3 ♦ A K Q 10 6 4 ♣ 7 4 ♠ Q J 5 ♠ 10 9 8 4 2 N ♥ K 7 W E ♥ Q J 10 6 ♦ J 9 8 7 5 S ♦ Void ♣ K 8 2 ♣ Q J 10 3 ♠ A K 3 ♥ A 9 5 2 ♦ 3 2 ♣ A 9 6 5

Again, you reach 3NT. This time you Just take the ace of clubs, draw trumps receive the lead of the queen of spades. and throw a club on a good heart. You A quick tally of your tricks shows lose just one club and two diamonds – that, with four tricks in the other your last diamond you ruff in dummy. suits, you need only five in diamonds A 6-1 club break was unfortunate but for the contract – your target at teams should not have mattered. or rubber. It looks so simple to play a Sometimes it is hard to think as low diamond to the ten, a safety play clearly as one should when an opponent in case the suit breaks 4-1. I am afraid has doubled the contract or you are in that’s wrong. If West plays the five, you a slam. The excitement of the moment should cover with the six in case the suit takes over and the adrenalin rush can splits 5-0, while if West follows with any get in the way…. other card you should duck altogether. How clever it would be for West to play the jack of diamonds and how much ♠ Q 8 4 3 cleverer it would be for you to duck! ♥ K 7 Sometimes built-in instinct takes over ♦ A Q 8 6 5 when a nice dummy appears, though ♣ K 3 this can at times lead you astray…. ♠ Void ♠ J 10 6 2 ♥ J 9 6 5 2 N ♥ 8 4 3 W E

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

You arrive in 4♠ and receive the lead of the two of clubs. If you are playing on autopilot, you might be tempted to play low from dummy. That would be a fatal mistake. East takes the king and returns a club. West ruffs, plays the ace of diamonds and then a low diamond to his partner’s king. Another club ruff puts the contract two down! If declarer stops to count his tricks, however, he will work out that he doesn’t need two club tricks. Six spades, two hearts, a diamond ruff and a club come to ten. Page 11

♦ J 10 9 3 S ♣ 9 7 5 2 ♠ A K 9 7 5 ♥ A Q 10 ♦ K 7 ♣ A Q 6

♦ 4 2 ♣ J 10 8 4

After a well-judged auction, you arrive in a contract of 7♠ and receive the lead of the jack of diamonds. It is easy to be complacent in this sort of situation and rather take things for granted. Here, for example, it would be all too easy to assume that you had more than enough tricks. Don’t! You have to be aware that trumps might break badly. If West has all four missing trumps, the contract is doomed. Luckily, you can cater for them all with East. What you must not do is play a top spade from your hand first! Instead, play low to the queen, whereupon you find out about the bad break. You now have nothing to worry about because, with plenty of entries to dummy, you can take repeated finesses against the jack and the ten to ensure a happy outcome. ■

Ardington Hotel

Staverton Park

Worthing BN11 3DZ

Staverton, Daventry NN11 6JT

BRIDGE EVENTS 2013 8-10 March 5-7 April 7-9 June 14-16 June 12-14 July 19-21 July 2-4 August 9-11 August 13-15 September 4-6 October 15-17 November

BRIDGE EVENTS 2013 22-24 February

Signals & Discards

£ 215

15-17 March

Doubles

£ 215

22-24 March

Just Bridge

£ 199

12-14 April

Just Bridge

£ 199

17-19 May

Stayman & Transfers

£ 215

7-9 June

Suit Establishment

£ 215

Just Bridge £169 Just Bridge £169 Just Bridge £169 Just Bridge £169 Just Bridge £169 Just Bridge £169 Just Bridge £169 Just Bridge £169 Rubber/Chicago £199 Just Bridge £169 Just Bridge £169

Full Board – No Single Supplement

Full Board – No Single Supplement

Booking Form on page 9.

Booking Form on page 9.

Elstead Hotel

Denham Grove

Bournemouth BH1 3QP

Denham, Buckinghamshire, UB9 5DG

BRIDGE EVENTS 2013 22-24 February

Just Bridge

£ 199

17-19 May

Rubber/Chicago

£ 199

14-16 June

Just Bridge

£ 199

22-24 November

Just Bridge

£ 199

BRIDGE EVENTS 2013

Full Board – No Single Supplement

15-17 March

Game Tries

£215

22-24 March

Leads & Defence

£215

4-6 October

Doubles

£215

25-27 October

Finding Slams

£215

8-10 November

Hand Evaluation

£215

Full Board – No Single Supplement

Booking Form on page 9.

Booking Form on page 9.

Page 12

Andrew Kambites Says

Raise to Two with Three Trumps

Y

ou are playing Acol with fourcard majors. Your partner opens 1♠. What should you respond with hand A? Hand A Hand B ♠ K 7 6 ♠ Void ♥ 3 2 ♥ 9 6 ♦ A 5 3 2 ♦ Q J 7 6 5 4 ♣ 9 6 4 3 ♣ K 8 4 3 2

With seven points and a four-card suit, hand A falls well short on the Rule of Fourteen. Seven plus four is eleven, and you want a score of fourteen for a two-over-one response. This leaves two choices: 1NT and 2♠. If you go for 1NT, because you like four spades to raise 1♠ to 2♠, think again. Several factors make 2♠ the most practical bid. 1 As you may know, I like to describe the 1NT response as a ‘dustbin bid’. It has to include hand B because B isn’t good enough for a two-level change of suit. If opener has five spades (and he very often will), he cannot rebid 2♠ in case you have hand B. A 1NT response on A means that you will regularly miss a 5-3 spade fit. 2 What can partner have for 1♠ if he has only four spades? You never open a 4-4-4-1 with 1♠, so that leaves 4-43-2 and 4-3-3-3 shapes. With these shapes, assuming you play a weak no-trump, he opens 1NT if he has 1214 points. Thus, he can only open 1♠ without five spades if he is balanced but too strong for 1NT. Even then, he will open 1♥ with 4-4 in the majors or he may well open a strong 4-card minor rather than a weak 4-card major. In practice, depending on your style, between 75% and 90% of Acol 1♠ openings will contain five

or more spades. If you respond 1NT to 1♠ with hand A, you are going to miss an awful lot of 5-3 spade fits! 3 Suppose opener has a balanced hand with four spades. What can he rebid if you raise 1♠ to 2♠? i With 15-16 points, opener passes. Game is unlikely opposite your 6-9. Note that he doesn’t say 16 points facing a possible 9 make game and bid on. You don’t look for perfect cards. You cannot allow yourself to keep getting too high just to avoid missing the odd game. How well will 2♠ play? It will be a 4-3 fit. While this is sub-optimal, you will have extra points to help and partner might well ruff a heart in your short trump hand. You can usually come to eight tricks playing in a 4-3 fit with fair values at the two level. ii With 17-18 points, he bids 2NT over your 2♠. There is sometimes confusion about what 2NT shows. In rubber-style Acol, 1♠-2♣-2NT shows 15-16 points. That is logical because 1♠-2♣ shows at least nine points. 1♠-2♠ shows at most nine points, so 2NT here shows 17-18. iii With 19 points, he rebids 3NT. My advice is this: If partner opens 1♠, you should prefer a raise to 2♠ to a response of 1NT if you have threecard spade support and some side suit shortage. A few players even raise on a flat 3-3-3-4 shape; that is not my advice. It is equally valid to raise 1♥ to 2♥ with three-card support, though if you have three hearts and four spades a response of 1♠ is best. Don’t raise 1♠ to 3♠ on three-card support even if you have the values for jumping. I finish with some examples. Page 13



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

♠ A Q 8 2 ♥ A 8 4 ♦ K 7 5 4 ♣ A 7

West North East South 1♠ Pass 2♠ Pass 2NT End

2NT shows 17-18 and four spades. West must decide between spades or notrumps and between game and partscore. With three spades, North prefers no-trumps. Being minimum, he passes 2NT rather than raise to 3NT.

♠ K J 6 4 ♥ 3 2 ♦ A 6 3 2 ♣ 9 5 4

N

W E S

♠ A Q 8 2 ♥ A 8 4 ♦ K 7 5 4 ♣ A 7

West North East South 1♠ Pass 2♠ Pass 2NT Pass 4♠ End

This time West has four spades and a maximum, so jumps to the spade game. You raise to two with three trumps at other times. If partner overcalls – surely showing a five-card suit – it is clear to raise. Opener may also raise:



♠ K J 6 ♥ K J 7 2 ♦ A 9 6 3 2 ♣ 9

If you open 1♦ and partner responds 1♠, a rebid of 2♠ is much better than 2♦. You can ruff in the short hand and be sure of at least a seven-card fit. ■

JUST DUPLICATE 2013 22-24 February Elstead Hotel £199

14-16 June Elstead Hotel £199

9-11 August Staverton Park £169

22-24 February The Olde Barn £169

14-16 June Staverton Park £169

16-18 August Inn on the Prom £169

RUBBER / CHICAGO 2013

1-3 March Blunsdon House £199

6-8 September Cheltenham Regency £199

8-10 March Staverton Park £169

6-8 September The Olde Barn £169

15-17 March The Olde Barn £169

13-15 September Cheltenham Regency £199

Blunsdon House Hotel

Cheltenham Regency Hotel Cheltenham GL51 0ST

4-6 October Staverton Park £169

Swindon SN26 7AS

21-23 June The Olde Barn £169

11-13 October Cheltenham Regency £199

12-14 July Inn on the Prom £169

18-20 October The Olde Barn £169

22-24 March Ardington Hotel £199

12-14 April

12-14 July Staverton Park £169 Chatsworth Hotel Worthing BN11 3DU

19-21 July The Olde Barn £169

5-7 April Cheltenham Regency £199

19-21 July Staverton Park £169

5-7 April Staverton Park £169

26-28 July Cheltenham Regency £199

Ardington Hotel Worthing BN11 3DZ

12-14 April Ardington Hotel £199

2-4 August Staverton Park £169

25-27 October Cheltenham Regency £199

17-19 May Cheltenham Regency £199

9-11 August Cheltenham Regency £199

1-3 November The Olde Barn £169

Elstead Hotel Bournemouth BH1 3QP

17-19 May

17-19 May The Olde Barn £169

15-17 November Staverton Park £169

Staverton Park Daventry NN11 6JT

31 May – 2 June The Olde Barn £169

22-24 November Elstead Hotel £199

13-15 September

7-9 June Staverton Park £169

22-24 November The Olde Barn £169

All hosted by Diana Holland

6-8 December Cheltenham Regency £199

£199 Full Board No Single Supplement

14-16 June Chatsworth Hotel £199

The Olde Barn Hotel Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT

Full Board – No Single Supplement Please note there are no seminars or set hands at these events. Booking Form on page 9.

Page 14

Booking Form on page 9.

Bernard Magee Says

Throw a Loser on a Loser

W

hen you have a sure loser, a neat way to keep trump control can be to throw that loser on another loser. Rather than ruffing and using up a valuable trump, you throw the certain loser and keep your trumps for later. ♠ K 4 ♥ 3 2 ♦ A 8 6 5 4 3 ♣ Q 7 6 ♠ 9 8 7 6 ♥ A K 10 8 N ♦ Q 9 W E ♣ A 4 3 S ♠ A Q J 10 5 ♥ 4 ♦ 7 2 ♣ K J 10 9 2

♠ 3 2 ♥ Q J 9 7 6 5 ♦ K J 10 ♣ 8 5

Contract: 4♠. Lead: ♥A. West leads out two top hearts. If you ruff the second, you will be down to four trumps. Then, with the club ace to knock out, you are in danger of losing trump control. With a sure diamond loser – there is no way to avoid it – you should throw a diamond on the second trick. Instead of ruffing the heart, you throw a loser away: a loser-on-loser play. West has no answer: you can ruff a third heart in dummy or win any switch and draw trumps. With a trump left, you can safely knock out the club ace. Ruffing at trick two puts you at the mercy of the trump break. You stop drawing after three rounds but, when you lose to the ace of clubs, they carry on leading hearts. You have to use up your last trump and, as West still has a trump but you do not, you go down. You can use a loser-on-loser play rather than ruffing even in the short trump hand if someone threatens to overruff.

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

♠ 10 9 4 ♥ 9 4 ♦ J 10 5 ♣ Q 10 8 6 3

Contract: 4♠. Lead: ♥A. West, who has bid hearts, leads the ace, king and jack of hearts. East plays highlow with the nine and the four. If you ruff the third round of hearts in dummy, East will surely overruff. With a club still to lose, you will be one down. A better idea is to throw a club from dummy. After you gain the lead on the next trick, you draw trumps and ruff a club in peace. By losing a heart instead of a club, you take a safe ruff instead of a risky one – a great swap. Another type of loser-on-loser play you can use is to endplay a defender. ♠ K 8 7 4 ♥ K 9 5 ♦ A 7 3 ♣ 5 4 2 ♠ 9 6 ♥ Q J 10 8 N W E ♦ 9 8 5 4 S ♣ K 7 6 ♠ A Q J 10 5 ♥ A 6 ♦ K Q 2 ♣ A Q 3

♠ 3 2 ♥ 7 4 3 2 ♦ J 10 6 ♣ J 10 9 8

Contract: 6♠. Lead: ♥Q.

Page 15

You have eleven top tricks and the club finesse appears to be your only chance for a twelfth. Rather than taking it, you should consider giving up the lead. The opponents might make the wrong lead, or you might be able to endplay them. To set up an endplay you first empty all the suits. You might take the heart ace, draw trumps, cash the heart king, ruff a heart and take three diamonds ending in dummy. Then you play a club, hoping that West wins. Alas, East plays the jack on the first round. If you let him win the trick, he plays another club; you have to finesse – and it loses. Instead of ruffing the third heart, go for a loser-on-loser play. Having taken out the trumps and the top diamonds, cash the king of hearts and lead the nine: ♠ K 8 ♥ 9 ♦ Void ♣ 5 4 2 ♠ Void N ♥ J 8 W E ♦ 9 S ♣ K 7 6 ♠ J 10 5 ♥ Void ♦ Void ♣ A Q 3

♠ Void ♥ 7 3 ♦ Void ♣ J 10 9 8

When East follows with a small heart, throw your low club. West has to win the trick and is endplayed. If he leads any red card, you ruff in dummy and discard the queen of clubs; if he leads a club, both your ace and queen make.

Conclusion Loser on loser plays can be tricky but the idea is simple. With a sure loser, consider throwing it on another loser if you think you might gain an advantage. ■

Travel on board

V OYAGER

a

ll Voyager cruises will have an exclusive group on board. All clients will be invited to the drinks parties. For passengers that opt to pay the £30 bridge supplement; there is duplicate bridge every evening, seminars every morning and afternoon bridge each day the ship is at sea and one of Bernard Magee’s bidding quizzes. The bridge is a fully optional programme and you may participate as much or as little as you wish. Singles are most welcome and will always be accommodated. If space allows any bridge playing passengers will be able to participate in the afternoon bridge session however, priority will always be given to passengers. is pleased to say he is receiving bookings from an increasing number of non-bridge playing passengers, they enjoy the opportunity to be part of a group and the social benefits this gives to those travelling alone. dinner on board Voyager is open sitting which allows for greater flexibility. However, we have arranged for clients to meet up with those in similar circumstances and sit at tables together. Being part of a group means passengers should never feel they are alone.

Follow in the footsteps of vikings, knights, crusaders and merchants around the fascinating Baltic Sea.

The RHS’s Chelsea Flower Show takes centre stage on this cruise around the British Isles in springtime.

Portsmouth • Foynes Killybegs •Portrush Dublin • Cobh St Peter Port • Portsmouth The emerald Isle promises a cluster of charming towns, historic cities and a wealth of breathtaking landscapes and spectacular coastlines.

MedITerranean MedleY 15 days; Saver Fares from £1,749pp

a

rn

e G ee Id T g r S a b HO M rd

12th – 26th sePTeMber 2013

be

A SUPeRB SHIP WITH FACILITIeS TO MATCH • Three restaurants providing a range of options including alfresco dining • 30 balcony cabins • Two lounges • Four bars • Lecture Theatre • Library • Pool with two hot tubs • Health and Fitness Centre • Beauty Salon • The Bridge Club • Medical Centre • Internet Centre

d

Portsmouth • St Peter Port Fowey • Waterford • Dublin Kirkwall • Invergordon greenwich • Dover Portsmouth

ar

ill W

ug

Portsmouth • Ostend Warnemünde • Helsinki St Petersburg • Tallinn Stockholm • Copenhagen Portsmouth

9 days; Saver Fares from £849pp

e G ee Id T g r S a b HO M

25th MaY – 2nd JUne 2013

12 days from £1,459pp

rn

14th – 25th MaY 2013

16 days from £1,799pp

be

29th aPrIl – 14th MaY 2013

e G s Id T n r S o b H O ars P

CelTIC TreasUres

H

BRITISH ISLeS and the CHeLSeA FLOWeR SHOW e G Id T o r S id b HO F h

balTIC voYaGer

Marseille • Nice • Livorno Civitavecchia • Castellammare di Stabia • Messina • Brindisi Ancona • Venice • Sibenik Hvar • Dubrovnik

Explorer Grill

This voyage opens up fascinating chapters of history, visits cities reborn after conflict and others frozen in time.

01483 489961 for brochures and bookings Discovery club members save an aDDitional 5%

P

RO MI

a

Castles, cathedrals, palaces and historic landscapes – all part of the rich heritage of an island nation.This cruise is in partnership with the National Trust.

15 days from £1,869pp

rn

ny

Portsmouth St Peter Port • Holyhead Liverpool • Belfast • Oban Port of Tyne • Portsmouth

be

11th – 25th JUne 2013

e G ee Id T g r S a b HO M rd

2nd – 11th JUne 2013

To

THe LAND of the MIDNIgHT SUN e G s I d T rd r S a b H O ich r

H e R I T A g e of the BRITISH ISLeS 10 days; Saver Fares from £949pp

SE

P

s U M M e r 2013

RICE

Portsmouth • Bergen Brønnøysund • Tromsø Honningsvåg • Hammerfest Leknes • Molde Stavanger • Portsmouth as summer solstice approaches explore the North Cape and Norway’s beautiful coastline.

c

This fascinating voyage takes in medieval walled cities, monuments of ancient Greece and transits the remarkable Corinth Canal.

be

an

St

Dubrovnik • Kotor Katakolon • Itea • Corinth Canal • Piraeus • Mykonos Volos • Dikili • Canakkale Istanbul

Istanbul • Nesebur Odessa • Sevastopol • Yalta Feodosiya • Novorossiysk Sochi • Batumi • Trabzon • Istanbul

as Voyager traces the black Sea’s legendary coastline the enthralling history of the region unfolds. explore legacies of the Russian Tsars.

y ar

21st oCT – 2nd nov 2013

14 days from £2,399pp

G

8th – 21st oCTober 2013

13 days; Saver Fares from £1,649pp

e G d I d T ra r S b H O on C

26th seP – 8th oCT 2013

To

IN THe FOOTSTePS of sT PaUl e G ed Id T m r S ir b H O nf o

THe LegeNDARY BLACK SeA e G l I d T el r S b H O ow P

adrIaTIC, aeGean and CORINTH CANAL

13 days; Saver Fares from £1,449pp Istanbul • Canakkale Dikili • Kusadasi Antalya • Patmos • Kavala Thessaloniki • Piraeus visit sacred destinations and the marvellous ruins of cities lined with the early history of Christianity. There is an option to visit the Holy Land after your cruise.

www.bridgecruises.co.uk All fares shown are per person, based on two people sharing the lowest twin bedded cabin category currently available, are for new bookings only, include all applicable discounts and cannot be combined with any other discount, excluding Discovery Club Discount for past passengers. Saver Fares do not include UK coach transfers, car parking at port or gratuities (gratuities will be added to your on board account), full payment is required at time of booking, 100% cancellation or amendment fees apply and cabin number is not allocated at time of booking. All fares are correct at time of going to print, are subject to availability and may be changed or withdrawn at any time. Terms and conditions apply. See brochure for full terms and conditions. To be part of the Mr Bridge group, a supplement of £30pp will be taken at time of booking. Only bookings made through the Mr Bridge office are eligible to be part of the Mr Bridge Group. Price Promise applies to Standard Fares only where the fare you have booked is reduced on the same cruise and cabin grade and does not apply to Saver Fares, group bookings, Grand Voyages or any Winter 2012-13 cruises. Full terms and conditions apply, see brochure for details. Voyages of Discovery is the trading name of All Leisure Holidays Ltd.

Freddie North Says

KISS S

ome years ago, while aboard P & O’s famous cruise liner Canberra, I was due to partner a passenger with whom I had never played before. On asking what conventions she would like to play, I received the surprise response, ‘KISS’. Not having come across this term before – in a bridge sense – I felt a bit apprehensive. Anyway, waiting for no longer than needed for dramatic effect, my partner explained ‘Keep it simple, stupid’. Now all was clear and, in fact, I was in total agreement, even if the flamboyant label seemed a shade out of place. I am sure you must have noticed how unfamiliar partnerships often trip up when one member or the other fails to react correctly to a conventional bid or signal. Perhaps one of them didn’t really want to play the convention in the first place but agreed to do so out of politeness – or they simply took the line of least resistance, hoping it wouldn’t crop up. Over fifty years ago, before the advent of transfers as we know them today, Texas transfers started to become popular. The idea was that over a 1NT opening, responder could bid 4♦ or 4♥ to ask opener to convert to the suit above. It was easy enough to remember to bid 4♥ over 4♦ but equally easy to forget to convert 4♥ to 4♠. After some lapses Terence Reese and Boris Schapiro, the number one British pair, agreed a fining system in the hope that this would jog the memory. Maybe it did – but, of course, it requires many advantageous hands to compensate for one calamity, fine or no fine. KISS applies just the same today. It is better to play something imperfect that you can remember than something theoretically superior that you – sorry, your partner – is prone to forget. I recall a very recent deal that illustrates only too clearly how KISS would have saved the day.

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

West North East South Pass 1NT Pass Pass 2♣ Pass 2♥ Dble End

The bidding was over quickly even though it might appear bizarre. South opened 4♦ and all passed! North had forgotten that the partnership were playing ‘Namyats’, whereby 4♣ and 4♦ show ‘good’ pre-empts in hearts and spades respectively (4♥ and 4♠ openings are weaker). The concept is sound – pity about the result! It never ceases to amaze me how players get themselves mixed up with their signals. What usually happens is that one member of the partnership foists their ideas (or a newly learnt toy) on a reluctant partner. What is wrong with a simple form of high encourages, low discourages and suit preference when – and only when – applicable?

As you can imagine, 2♥ doubled was a disaster for East-West. A relentless defence saw the contract go four down. So, what went wrong? East-West were playing that 2♣ normally showed both majors. There was a proviso in place; a passed hand could use double for the majors, leaving 2♣ free as a natural overcall. West simply forgot! You can guess what went wrong on the next deal, again a case of no KISS…

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

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

A simple sequence put South in 6♥. West led the ace of diamonds. East, desperate for a continuation to defeat the contract (dummy’s forced high ruff would promote the jack of hearts), played the nine. Alas, West took this as a suit-preference signal and shifted to a spade. KISS, where are you? Finally, I must tell you of the time a famous international pair bid to a grand slam missing the ace of trumps. Boris Schapiro, ever the jester, announced, ‘The ace of trumps was on the wrong side. It could happen to anyone!’ ■

Page 18

Mike Wenble Says

Lead Towards Strength

I

f you need one trick from Layout A below, what is your best line?

Layout A Layout B Q J 6 A J 10 N W E S

N W E S

5 3 2 5 3 2

Correct with Layout A is to lead low from South, and if West follows low, play the queen (or jack). If this loses to the ace or king, you later lead towards the remaining honour. You succeed if the ace and king are split or West has both. If you start (wrongly) with the lead of the queen, the defenders can thwart you any time the missing honours are split. Layout B is similar, except your target is two tricks. Correct is small to the ten, and if that loses, small to the jack. This also succeeds about 75% of the time, failing only when East holds the king and queen. If you start by cashing the ace, you are very likely to fail. Playing towards strength might mean you play a high-spot card from the other hand. Consider the following: Layout C A J 9 N W E S

5 3 2

This is the first suit Victor Mollo and Nico Gardener discuss in their classic Card Play Technique. Correct is small from hand, inserting the nine if West plays low. You succeed if West holds the K-10 or Q-10. If you play small to the jack, you succeed only when West holds the K-Q – half as likely.

The theme should be clear: to make the most tricks in a suit, you usually lead from small cards towards honours, rather than playing off top cards. With this in mind, here are a couple of layouts for you as a test. The answers are at the foot of the article. Layout D Layout E K J 7 5 A Q 6 4 N W E S

N W E S

Q 4 2 J 7 5 3

1 How do you play D for three tricks? 2 How do you play E for four tricks? Sometimes your high cards are split between the two hands, and it may not appear to matter how you play the suit. With K-5-4 facing Q-6-2, you expect to make only one trick unless someone happens to hold a doubleton ace. Still, appearances can be deceptive. Let us see this in the context of a full deal. ♠ 7 4 ♥ A K 9 3 ♦ A K 9 5 ♣ Q 6 2 ♠ K J 10 3 2 ♠ 9 8 5 ♥ Void N ♥ 8 7 W E ♦ Q J 10 6 2 S ♦ 8 7 4 3 ♣ A 9 7 ♣ J 10 8 3 ♠ A Q 6 ♥ Q J 10 6 5 4 2 ♦ Void ♣ K 5 4

West opened 1♠, North doubled, and South finished up in 6♥. West led the queen of diamonds. How do you think the play went? Page 19

Declarer played low from dummy and ruffed in hand! He drew two rounds of trumps and then led a club towards the queen. West ducked, so the queen won. Declarer then threw the two clubs he had left in his hand on the diamonds, losing just a spade trick. Had West gone in with the ace of clubs, the slam would still make. The K-Q of clubs would be high and declarer throws two spades on the A-K of diamonds. The point here is that declarer can place West with the ace of clubs from the bidding. Hence, the king of clubs is not real ‘strength’ – its main value is in promoting dummy’s queen. To lead towards the club king (or indeed, to lead towards the spade queen for a futile finesse) will lead to defeat. Now the answers to my questions:

Layout D Layout E K J 7 5 A Q 6 4 N W E S

N W E S

Q 4 2 J 7 5 3

1 Lead low towards the king-jack and, if West plays low, put up an honour (say the king). If this holds, playing back towards the queen will give you three tricks only if the suit breaks 3-3, and not otherwise. If the king wins, correct is to return to the South hand and play small towards the jack. This wins if the suit splits 3-3 or West holds the doubleton ace. 2 You can only win four tricks if West has king doubleton, so this is what you play for. Once again, correct is to play a small card towards the stronger hand – in this case, the ace-queen. Note that, if you start by leading the jack, West will cover and you must lose a trick. ■

cruises to classical

Save on four inspirational voyages aboard the award-winning Aegean Odyssey

Join a Voyage to Antiquity and explore the history of the ancient world while enjoying the benefits of small-ship cruising, personal service and intimate surroundings of Aegean Odyssey. Plus with Mr Bridge special fares and shore excursions, wine with dinner, on-board bridge programme, an antiquity lecture programme and gratuities ALL INCLUDED – you’ll also discover remarkable value for money.

Last few

va cabins a

ilable

W! BOOK NO APRIL 25, 2013

APRIL 15, 2013

ISTANBUL TO ATHENS Istanbul Mount Athos

Lemnos Turkey Skiathos Izmir Greece Athens Mykonos Nauplia Delos Santorini

ATHENS TO VENICE

Hosted by

Venice Bernard Italy Magee Zadar Split Croatia Dubrovnik Montenegro Kotor Bay

Adriatic Sea

Sarande Albania Corfu Ithaca Greece Athens Katakolon Monemvasía Nauplia

Rethimnon crete

This journey reveals the history and legacy of the Greeks, from the emergence of the great Minoan and Mycenaean civilisations to the magnificent artistic and architectural achievements of the Byzantines.

Explore the classical sites of Greece and enjoy the dramatic beauty of the inspiring Adriatic coast, one of the natural wonders of the world, and discover Croatia’s historic cities. DATE

PORT

DATE

PORT

APR 25

APR 15

Fly to ISTANBUL Turkey Transfer to Aegean Odyssey

Fly to ATHENS Greece Transfer to Aegean Odyssey

APR 26

PIRAEUS (Athens) Greece

APR 16

Cruising the Dardanelles LEMNOS Greek Islands

APR 27

NAUPLIA (Mycenae) Greece

APR 28

APR 17

MONEMVASIA Greece

Cruise past Mount Athos SKIATHOS Greek Islands

APR 29

KATAKOLON (Olympia) Greece ITHACA Greek Islands

APR 18

IZMIR (Ephesus) Turkey

APR 30

APR 19

IZMIR (Pergamon) Turkey

CORFU Greek Islands SARANDE (Butrint) Albania

APR 20

DELOS Greek Islands MYKONOS Greek Islands

MAY 1

KOTOR BAY Montenegro DUBROVNIK Croatia

APR 21

SANTORINI Greek Islands

MAY 2

DUBROVNIK Croatia

APR 22

RETHIMNON (Knossos) Crete

MAY 3

SPLIT Croatia

APR 23

NAUPLIA (Mycenae) Greece

MAY 4

ZADAR Croatia

APR 24

PIRAEUS (Athens) Greece

MAY 5/6 VENICE Italy

APR 25

PIRAEUS Greece Disembark and transfer to Athens Airport for flight home

MAY 7

11 days from £1,550 pp Including visits to Ephesus and Pergamon; the islands of Lemnos, Skiathos, Delos, Mykonos and Santorini; Minoan Crete; classical Mycenae and Athens.

VENICE Italy Disembark and transfer to Venice Airport for flight home

13 days from £1,995 pp Including tours of Athens, Mycenae and Olympia; Corfu and Butrint; Roman Forum in Zadar and Palace of Diocletian in Split; Venice including a private evening visit to St Mark’s Cathedral.

civilisations – spring 2013

MAY 7, 2013

MAY 19, 2013

VENICE TO ROME

ROME TO CANNES

Venice

Croatia Split Dubrovnik Italy Korcula Civitavecchia Rome Sorrento

Palermo Sicily

Sete

FRANCE Italy Marseilles Livorno Florence Cannes Elba

Spain Barcelona

Corsica Civitavecchia Bonifacio

Rome

Palma Mallorca

Syracuse

Cruise to the gems of Italy: from the dazzling splendour of Venice and the remarkable architectural treasures of Sicily to the evocative ruins of Pompeii and the well-preserved monuments of Herculaneum.

Explore the magnificent scenery and fascinating history of the Mediterranean: from the picturesque island of Corsica to the beauty of the French Riviera and the magnificent treasures of Renaissance Florence.

DATE

PORT

DATE

PORT

MAY 7

Fly to VENICE Italy Transfer to Aegean Odyssey

MAY 19

Fly to ROME Italy Transfer to Aegean Odyssey in Civitavecchia

MAY 20

ELBA Italy

MAY 21

LIVORNO (Florence) Italy

MAY 22

Cruise the Maddalena Archipelago BONIFACIO Corsica

MAY 8/9 VENICE Italy MAY 10

SPLIT Croatia

MAY 11

KORCULA Croatia

MAY 12

DUBROVNIK Croatia

MAY 13

At Sea

MAY 14

SYRACUSE Sicily

MAY 15

PALERMO (Monreale) Sicily

MAY 16

PALERMO Sicily Cruising past Stromboli

MAY 17

Cruising the Amalfi Coast SORRENTO (Pompeii) Italy

MAY 18

SORRENTO Italy

MAY 19

CIVITAVECCHIA Italy Disembark and transfer to Rome Airport for flight home

13 days from £2,150 pp Including 2 days in Venice with a private visit to St Mark’s Cathedral; excursions in Split, Korcula and Dubrovnik; Monreale Cathedral in Sicily and the mysteries of Pompeii from Sorrento.

MAY 23

At Sea

MAY 24

PALMA Mallorca, Spain

MAY 25

BARCELONA Spain

MAY 26

SETE (Carcassonne) France

MAY 27

MARSEILLES (Avignon) France

MAY 28

CANNES France

MAY 29

CANNES France Disembark and transfer to Nice Airport for flight home

BRIDGE CRUISES FOR SPRING 2013

SPECIAL FARES & NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT Voyages to Antiquity feature: • SCHEDULED FLIGHTS & TRANSFERS • EXPERTLY PLANNED ITINERARIES • INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONS •EXPERT ANTIQUITY GUEST SPEAKERS • OPEN-SEATING DINING • WINE INCLUDED WITH DINNER ON BOARD • GRATUITIES INCLUDED ON BOARD • COCKTAIL PARTY ON BOARD D COMPANIE AGE IS AC Y O V H M C A A E E T BY A

BOOK NOW & ENJOY THE VOYAGE OF A LIFETIME WITH THESE REMARKABLE VALUE, SPRING CRUISES.

V OYAGES TO A NTIQUITY

11 days from £1,895 pp Including a tour of renaissance Florence; visits

to the islands of Elba and Corsica; highlights of Palma and Barcelona in Spain and France’s

medieval walled city of Carcassonne, the Palais du Papes in Avignon, and the beautiful Riviera.

CALL ON 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk

David Gold Says

Seven-Card Suits Should be Trumps

I

firmly believe in ‘seven-card suits should be trumps.’ You will almost never lose control when you have seven or more trumps in one hand. In addition, the ability to ruff gives you built-in entries to the long suit. In a teams match, you, North, pick up:

In the other room, North knew about the power of the seven-card suit and simply responded 4♥ to 1♦. As you can see, playing in hearts, ten tricks are trivial – and eleven tricks are possible if the defenders do not attack spades. Next time, you are South and pick up:





♠ J 5 4 3 ♥ K Q J 10 7 6 4 ♦ 3 ♣ 2

Your partner opens 1♦ and you decide not to respond 4♥ in case you miss a spade fit. You are very pleased with yourself when partner rebids 1♠ over your simple response of 1♥. Unsure of the value of your hand, you try a gentle 2♠. Partner now raises himself to 4♠. This is the full deal: ♠ J 5 4 3 ♥ K Q J 10 7 6 4 ♦ 3 ♣ 2 ♠ Q 9 8 N ♠ 7 6 ♥ 5 W E ♥ A 9 8 3 ♦ Q 9 8 4 S ♦ J 7 5 ♣ K J 9 8 4 ♣ A 10 7 5 ♠ A K 10 2 ♥ 2 ♦ A K 10 6 2 ♣ Q 6 3

West leads the eight of clubs and East wins with the ace. East returns a club, forcing dummy to ruff. Declarer tries the king of hearts from dummy but East wins with the ace and cleverly plays another club, forcing dummy to ruff again. Try as hard as you like but, on this defence, ten tricks in 4♠ are impossible.

♠ K 3 2 ♥ Q J 10 9 8 7 5 ♦ 6 ♣ K 2

Partner opens 1♠, promising a five-card suit in your methods. Just as you are wondering how many spades this hand is worth, you remember my maxim: ’seven-card suits should be trumps’. So you respond 4♥ – a bid that means exactly what it says at the rubber bridge table. This is the full deal: ♠ A 8 7 6 5 ♥ Void ♦ A K 9 7 3 ♣ Q 6 4 ♠ Q J 4 ♠ 10 9 ♥ A 4 3 2 N ♥ K 6 W E ♦ 5 4 S ♦ Q J 10 8 2 ♣ A J 9 7 ♣ 10 8 5 3 ♠ K 3 2 ♥ Q J 10 9 8 7 5 ♦ 6 ♣ K 2

Despite partner’s void, 4♥ makes easily for the loss of one club and two hearts – the third spade goes away on a top diamond. 4♠, despite the favourable trump break, is very awkward and should not make unless the defenders slip badly. Now that you are getting the idea: Page 22



♠ Q 3 ♥ Q 10 9 6 5 3 2 ♦ 7 6 5 ♣ 2

LHO opens 1♣, partner overcalls 2♠ (strong) and RHO puts the pressure on with 4♣. While you don’t have much, you know the power of the seven-card suit and venture a very aggressive 4♥. This is the full deal: ♠ A K 10 7 6 5 ♥ 7 4 ♦ K Q 10 ♣ A 3 ♠ J 9 8 4 ♠ 2 ♥ K J N ♥ A 8 W E ♦ A 9 2 S ♦ J 8 4 3 ♣ K Q J 4 ♣ 10 9 8 7 6 5 ♠ Q 3 ♥ Q 10 9 6 5 3 2 ♦ 7 6 5 ♣ 2

On the normal lead of the club king, you will easily make 4♥, just losing two hearts and one diamond. 4♠, by contrast, is hopeless on any lead. The maxim applies on other auctions, including after partner opens at the three level and when you are the opener.

You Partner 1♥ 1♠ 2♥ 3NT ?

If you have seven hearts, you do not need to know anything more about your hand: bid 4♥. So next time you have a long suit and do not know what to bid, remember: ‘seven-card suits should be trumps.’ ■

READERS’ LETTERS GONE MISSING

Kennedy’s – with every bid made, one card from dummy is faced up. There is a further twist to the game in that there is a fifth suit, called ‘nanoos’, which lies between hearts and spades. Moreover, this is a misere suit, so if a player contracts to make four nanoos, he intends to lose ten tricks. A nanoo grand slam, therefore, undertakes to make no tricks at all and this is even rarer than a conventional grand slam. It is a game of the greatest subtlety. Like Hi-Lo in Poker, the decision whether to go for nanoos or no-trumps or one of the suits dictates not only which four cards players originally discard but also how they subsequently bid. The bidding is further influenced by the cards that are turned up in dummy as the auction proceeds.

been under stamped. This detracts from the amount of benefit that the charity derives from your efforts.

Peter Stocken, Stubbs Walden, Doncaster.

Ursula Ings, Beckenham, Kent.

EXTRA EFFORT

ALL GOOD

This is not how I see it but I respect your right to say it.

I have pleasure in enclosing a cheque for £300 payable to L.U.C.I.A. ‘Little Voice’. This money was raised by my son, Robert Bamberger, who organised a raffle of a sewing machine in his Colchester shop.

MORE FOR THREE

Mrs Zena Bamberger, Trimley St Mary, Suffolk.

My husband and I recently went on a splendid bridge weekend at the Elstead Hotel in Bournemouth and we thoroughly enjoyed it. The hotel was very good, as was the bridge team led by Jo Walch. The meals and accommodation were also excellent – so was the bus service into Bournemouth. Jo suggested that we stop bridge at 10.50am on the Sunday, so that we could enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and watch the Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph. All 48 bridge players stood for the duration of the two minute silence – it was quite moving.

Please feel reassured. Also, see my editorial, page 5.

an ‘investment’ into the weekly email which should be steadily enhanced, not abandoned. Forgive my bluntness, but I am a retired sales and marketing professional; at the moment demographics are more important to the bridge marketplace than at any other time. There is now a generation of people retiring, and taking up bridge, who expect a sophisticated internet provision and use paper only as a follow up. In terms of change, I believe this would be the equivalent of reverting to a black and white magazine. Your faithful readers would stay with you, but you would lose them through natural attrition, with no new readers subscribing.

BRIDGE WEEKLY

Mrs B Brown, Longfield, Kent.

I enjoy your magazine, but was really disappointed that my two favourite sections, the letters pages and the quizzes, were missing from the December issue. I seem to remember that last Christmas, there was a bumper quiz which I saved for one of the quiet days early in the New Year. This year, the whole magazine just seemed to be one big advertisement for bridge holidays, cruises, events, products etc, which I’m sure are wonderful but are repeated every month.   Please reassure me that these sections will return in the New Year. Jane Troughton by email.

Very sorry to hear that you are discontinuing Bridge Weekly. Personally, I would prefer you to continue with the magazine bimonthly. Why not sell advertising with the weekly email. At the moment, the demographics of your readership probably means that any polls you conduct are skewed with a higher than usual proportion of non-computer users, as evidenced by the average age of (non EBU) duplicate clubs. However, over the next five years, there will be a significant change as your older readers fall prey to nature’s reality. You have already put

I was intrigued by Mr Kennedy’s description of his variation of three-handed bridge in BRIDGE 119. We have an interesting extension of this, which is very popular with my 12-year old grandson. It is called ‘Booby’. As with Mr Kennedy’s game, seventeen cards are dealt to each player, the fifty-second being placed face up as the start of dummy. Each player discards four cards face down into the dummy, then the bidding begins, but – and here the game departs from Mr

See following letter.

NEW COLLECTOR Thank you to all of you who are now sending your used postage stamps to Mr Malcolm Finebaum at 8 Mountford House, Crescent Road, Enfield, EN2 7BL, who has kindly taken on the role that the Colin Bamberger performed so well.  Could we respectfully ask supporters to ensure that the correct amount of postage has been paid as Royal Mail impose a large surcharge on any envelope that has

Page 23

Jill Russell, On Behalf of L.U.C.I.A.

OLD MEMORIES I was sorry to read of Mr Bamberger’s death. I always sent him my used stamps after Christmas. So I do hope someone will continue handling them in the support of such a good cause. I remember that at the end of the war in 1945, I was stationed on a gun site at Trimley so I must have visited the store at Felixstowe. However, the shop I remembered most was the chippie quite near the village. We celebrated VE day in Felixstowe but all the pubs were dry by the time we got there.

Mrs W Harper, Reading.

MISSING MARMITE What has happened to Sally Brock’s Seven Days column in your excellent BRIDGE magazine? I was so

READERS’ LETTERS continued

disappointed not to see it in the latest issues. I so look forward to reading Sally’s column as it offers a little something different from the purely bridge quizzes and articles. Please say it is only a temporary omission and that she will return in the near future. Noel Gubbins. Nuthall, Nottingham.

As requested, I can say it is only a temporary omission and she will return in the near future.

EMAIL FROM VOYAGER Cecil and I are now back from the Voyager cruise. The weather did eventually get better after Madeira.  The bridge was very well run, despite the location and hopefully something will be done about that. We did mention it in detail on our ‘comments’ form and also how much we enjoyed having the full bridge programme. Despite one or two teething troubles, we did like the ship and look forward to another trip. Marie Leighton by email.

 

CHARITY BRIDGE First, many thanks for the advanced copy of your magazine, BRIDGE. The higher quality paper certainly gives the document a better feel and appearance – less like the ‘free newspaper’ look it previously carried.

The fact that you may have to slim the publication to meet postal weight criteria could present you with an editorial ‘headache’ though. The Readers’ Letters section could, of course, become an occasional supplement, rather than a feature – hope you can still spare some space for the Charity Bridge stuff. I like the new layout and style – a magazine that has great content and positive collectors appeal. It looks good and I wish the new initiative well. Now a progress report regarding your generous provision of second hand software, to be sold in support of our various Charities. John Shaw and I are pleased to tell you we raised a further £565. Malcolm Howarth, St Neotts.

INFO WANTED In one of your recent articles it was mentioned that the Sputnik double was first introduced in 1957. This was the year when I migrated from solo whist to bridge using the Eli Culbertson system which I soon abandoned for Acol. This prompted me to think about other conventions. Could we have a series of these in BRIDGE. Charles Leveson, Poynton, Cheshire.

Sure can.

STRAW POLL In the past, many club players were taught that when opening the bidding

REDUCE THE COST OF YOUR POSTAGE Postage stamps for sale at 90% of face-value, all mint with full gum. Quotations for commercial quantities available on request. Values supplied in 100s, higher values available as well as 1st and 2nd class (eg 2nd class: 100x37p+100x13p)

(/Fax 020 8422 4906 e-mail: [email protected]

with 1NT, it denied holding a 5-card major suit. A modern view is that you should open 1NT (within range) even with a 5-card major and 5-3-3-2 shape. This is to apply to both a weak 12-14, four-card majors (Robson) or even a strong 15-17, five-card majors (Brock). Would a ‘straw poll’ of your experts show full consensus – or is it controversial? Mr M Gurney, Hempstead, Holt.

Never mind the experts. What do readers think?

However, this year, having read Colin Payne’s article, my husband decided to make it a fun bridge afternoon and chose option number 6. This caused a bit of confusion with the scoring at first but the members soon cottoned on and we all had a enjoyable afternoon. M G Poole, Chippenham.

I reprint the article for reader’s convenience. If readers have some further ideas for party time, do let me have them as soon as possible.

BIDDING QUIZ HISTORY WANTED I have played bridge for more years than I care to remember, and have been asked on numerous occasions, the following question: How did the name Bridge originate? From where did it get its name? I expect there is more than one answer. Can you answer this question? Mrs June Ross, Talke, Stoke-on-Trent.

I will ask Ned Paul to put something together for a forthcoming issue when space permits.

PARTY GAMES I refer to the article Our Party Night by Colin Payne BRIDGE 117. My husband and I play Chicago bridge one afternoon a week at the Calne Bridge Club. This has now been running for almost twenty years and we have never diverted from straight bridge until now.

Holding the hand below and playing Acol 12-14 NT, with neither side vulnerable, what would you bid?

♠ A K Q 5 ♥ Q J 6 5 4 ♦ Q 10 9 ♣ 5

The answer: 1♥.

ALTERNATIVE VIEW 1NT. It is a fallacy to say you can’t open 1NT with a singleton. On this hand you can almost see seven tricks even if partner has nothing and you are giving them count. They might even respond with Stayman and then you are laughing. The only possible alternative is to open 1♠ with a 2♥ rebid. If you open 1♥ you will have to reverse to show hearts and you are not strong enough. Andrew Mountain, Wrexham.

Caution. Adopting this may ■ damage your game.

Write to Mr Bridge at: Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH or e-mail [email protected] E-mail correspondents are asked to include their name, full postal address, telephone number and to send no attachments. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

Page 24

Party Bridge

Quiz Winners

Our Party Night by Colin Payne

F

rom the start, everyone is banned from playing with their regular partner. We have a series of half-hour sessions, playing a variety of games based on bridge. We choose from some of the games below. We have a break halfway through for drinks and a buffet. Prizes are slightly arbitrary; probably top lady and gentleman; others maybe ‘closest to zero’ or closest to a score determined at the end of the evening by drawing a card (card value x 100; black is plus; red minus). We try to avoid members playing for a predetermined prize.

1 Rubber Bridge Self explanatory. Set timer for 25 minutes, with no dealing after the bell. 2 Chicago Play 4 hands, normal vulnerability, each hand scored as duplicate. 3 Goulash Deal 2 sets of 5 cards and 1 set of 3 cards to each player. Bid. Play all contracts worth game or which would convert an existing partscore to game, also any doubled or redoubled contracts. Otherwise, score 1 trick less than bid (1 level bids = 0). Then stack and cut the cards without shuffling before redealing. Note: After a played hand, shuffling is at the dealer’s discretion. Set time to 25 minutes. No dealing after the bell. 4 Irish Roulette, Chicago Scoring Shuffle and deal as normal. Play 4 hands. Each player in turn is declarer. Contracts are predetermined by the organiser (game contracts work best). Suggested scoring system: successful contract, 500 + contract value + 100 per overtrick. Unsuccessful contract, 100 per undertrick. 5 Pass the Parcel, Rubber Bridge Scoring Shuffle and deal as normal. Each player passes 4 cards of the same suit to the player on their left. Bid and play the hand. Set time to 25 minutes. No dealing after the bell. 6 Bid as normal, but overtricks are penalised as well as undertricks

at 200 per trick. Reward for making the contract; 300. 7 A small prize for last person making a trick with a two when the bell goes. 8 All or Nothing Shuffle and deal as normal. Play 4 hands. Trump suit is predetermined; First hand clubs; then diamonds, hearts and spades. Dealer is declarer and may opt to make all 13 tricks or no tricks. Scoring is from the following table: ‘All’ Tricks ‘Zero’ attempted made attempted -1050 0 +1400 -750 1 +1050 -500 2 +750 -300 3 +500 -150 4 +300 -50 5 +150 0 6 +50 +50 7 0 +150 8 -50 +300 9 -150 +500 10 -300 +750 11 -500 +1050 12 -750 +1400 13 -1050 Note: Defenders score the reciprocal of declarer’s score (e.g. Declarer +300; defenders -300). 9 Gamblers’ Delight Deal as normal. Play 4 hands. Each hand dealer decides contract with no bidding (level and denomination). Scoring: For contracts bid and made.

1 level 100 2 level 300 3 level 600 4 level 1000 Overtricks 50 each Undertricks 100 each.

Page 25

The following people provided the right answer to the quiz (1♥) and have received their prizes. Mr Woodburn, Falkirk. Mr P and Mrs A Aelberry, Downham Market. Mrs J Kent, Reading. Mrs Whelan, SE11. Mr G McNeilly, Harpenden. Ms M Ahsman-Marr, Warleigh. MrsBarnard, Southsea. Mrs Jones, Horsham. Mr P Allison, Oldham. Mrs P A Turner, Altrincham. Mrs Macleod, Isle of Lewis. Mr Peeler, Aylesbury. Mr E St Clair Sepion, New Malden. Mrs R Lenney, Reading. Mrs Mullett, High Wycombe. Mrs E Suddards, Bindley. Mr & Mrs I Shaw, Flested. Mr Oliver, Wombleton. Mrs M Taylor, Heaton Mersey. Mrs C Levick, Nairn. Mr Quayle, Hertford. Mrs Wood, Lewes. Mrs Mardle, Bledington. Ms Drever, Alton. Mr D Williams, Llangollen. Mrs Cooper, SW7. Mrs Lovett, Poole. Mrs L Orchard, Beaconsfield. Mr Bennett, Richmond. Mrs V Parkes, Sheffield. Mr Roberts, Thornton Cleveleys. Mrs Le Couteur Rowell, St Clement. Mrs Morgan, Bognor Regis. Mrs J Britton, Sutton Coldfield. Miss Cleaver, Llowes. Mrs S Meakins, Burgess Hill. Dr Hunter, Belfast. Mrs Thompson, Bracknell.. Mr J Turnbull, Wimborne. Mrs P Hill, Wallington. Mrs S Wallbank, Sutton Coldfield. Mrs Fagan, Hertford. Mr G Foster, Cheltenham. Mr Howell, Winchester. Mrs Poole, Chippenham. Mrs B Grassick, Bramhall. Mr Owen, E11. Mr P Gann, Ipswich. Mrs M Bawden, Amersham. Mr D Cherry, Diseworth. Mr C Chambers, by Perth. Mrs Wren, Solihull. Mr T Mitchell, Shipston on Stour. Mrs M Ferguson, Henley on Thames. Mrs E McNeilly, Harpenden. Mr Wabe, Bookham. Mr Perry, High Wycombe. Mr A Clarke, Loughton. Dr Ehsanullah, Chalfont St Giles. Mrs J Clark, Sawbridgeworth. MrsBashford, Croydon. Mrs P Kinzella, Worthing. Mrs Hocking, Littlehampton. Mrs D Larwood, Great Yarmouth. Mrs Vale, Wells. Mrs J Ahmad, SE3. Mrs P Law, Shipston on Stour. Mr J Positive, Churchdown. Mrs Frisby, Oakham. Mrs J Forrest, Lancashire. Mrs C Osman, Ascot. Mrs Goodliffe, Boston. Mrs Lawson, Haslington. Mr Brown, Falkirk. Mr & Mrs Kirkman, Bovey Tracey. Mr K Cameron, Grimsby. Mr Harris, Todmorden. Mrs P Wilson, Grantown on Spey. Mrs P M Pickup, Chester. Mr Leonard, Northampton. Mrs P Browne, County Down. Mrs M Bennett, Innellan. Mrs M A Slayter, Bristol. Mr W B Coffey, Alrtincham. Dr Litton, Harrogate. Mrs P Davies, Cheshire. Mr A Mann, Nuneaton. Mrs E Hardaker, Market Harborough. Mrs Jones, Clevedon. Mrs Jones, Colwyn Bay. Mrs J Lesser, Westcliff on Sea. Mrs N McCrossan, County Derry. Mr Watson, SE12. Mrs Harper, Reading. Mrs Clinker, Brentwood. Mr Watkiss, Nr Saxmundham. Mr J Bax, Bristol. Mrs P Bayliffe, Blackpool. Mr A Peel, Horsforth. Mr S Davis, Yeadon. Mr C Brown, High Wycombe. Mr D Green, Cambridge. Mrs S Evers, Wellington. Mrs A Best, Northallerton. Mrs Kaye, Watford. Mrs P Clarke, Polegate. Mr McCurdy, Port Stewart. Mrs I Rees, Fife. Mrs C Merrett, Wimborne. Mrs H David, Piddington. Mr Riddleston, Witham. Mrs M Robinson, Sidmouth. Mrs D Gellatly, Edinburgh. Mr Lewis, Bath. Dr Navaratnam, Cambridge. Mr Barrett, Northampton. Mrs Hutchings, Tisbury. Mrs Raven, Nether Heyford. Mr Styles, Bristol. Mrs Templeman, Torquay. Mr Law, Shipston on Stour. Mrs E Kendall, Addington. Mrs Shah, Moseley. Mrs Chrisp, Fife. Mrs Binns, Norwich. Mrs Beech, Crewkerne. Mr Ferriss, Alford. Mrs Playle, Bristol. Mr Ellis, Christchurch. Mrs Nathanail, Sidcup. Mr Owen, Conwy. Mr Stoyle, Chalfont St Giles. Mrs Hanscombe, Madeley. Mrs L Spooner, Steyning. Mr & Mrs Childs Hopkins, Aldsworth. Mrs Paine, Barnstaple.

From the Baron Archives by Dick Atkinson

Riviera Regicide

I

was leafing through my copy of the Official Encyclopedia of Bridge, looking for the Benjamin System, when I noticed the adjacent entry: Bennett Murder. This was the deal: ♠ A 10 6 3 ♥ 10 8 5 ♦ 4 ♣ A 9 8 4 2 ♠ Q 7 2 N ♥ A J 3 W E ♦ A Q 10 9 2 S ♣ J 6 ♠ K J 9 8 5 ♥ K 7 6 2 ♦ 8 5 ♣ K 10

♠ 4 ♥ Q 9 4 ♦ K J 7 6 3 ♣ Q 7 5 3

East-West were a couple by the name of Hoffman. South was a Mr John Bennett, who opened 1♠. After a 2♦ overcall, Mrs Myrtle Bennett raised to 4♠. The ace of diamonds was led, followed by the jack of clubs. Mr Bennett failed in his contract, was verbally abused by his wife, slapped her face, and was then shot dead! Mrs Bennett was acquitted of his murder, after expert evidence regarding the provocation . . . The printed analysis (paraphrased here, with my comments in italics) was by the bridge patriarch, Ely Culbertson: Mr Bennett had overbid his hand. Of that there can be no doubt. He still could have made his contract and saved his life. The proper play before drawing the trumps would have been to establish the club suit [via the ruffing finesse], after ruffing the last diamond. Eventually Hoffman – West – would

ruff or overruff a club, and he could still defeat the contract if he returned a trump, but at least Mr Bennett would have had the satisfaction [well – briefly, anyway] of knowing that he had played the cards dealt him by fate to the very best of his ability. I copied the deal down on a page from the telephone pad, intending to cross off the cards to check the play in full. Just then my Uncle Leopold, the ancient Baron, walked into the hall from the kitchen. A tangible halo of garlic hung about him, and I mentally wrote off the nice paté I had bought that morning for my supper. ‘To whom have you been talking?’ he probed, his eagle eye noting the recorded deal. Time for a little sport, thought I. ‘Just Vera from the club – wanting my opinion on a hand that cost them rather a lot in a match at the weekend.’ ‘Why?’ ‘She wanted to know how to play it properly.’ ‘Well of course she did. But I mean why did she want your opinion?’ Ignoring the wounding remark, I folded the sheet twice to conceal the East-West cards, and followed him into the sitting room where he lowered himself into my favourite armchair. I handed it to him. ‘Dealer South,’ I said. ‘Strong intermediates in the principal suit, both majors, easy rebid. . . 1♠.’ So far so good! ‘West overcalls with 2♦.’ ‘Hm. It’s only a 3♠ bid really, but maximum . . . You may well get away with 4♠ – unless there’s duplication in diamonds, of course. But unless you have a more informative indirect route, I’d bid it vulnerable. Better odds, of course.’ Page 26

‘Yes, they were vulnerable. Buffy bid 4♠ and all passed.’ ‘You see what I mean about duplication. If South’s lowest heart had been a diamond, making it a much weaker hand in isolation, 4♠ would be a far better contract. However, lead on.’ ‘West led the ace of diamonds—’ ‘Ace from ace-king?’ ‘Erm, no. . . and switched to the jack of clubs.’ He thought for a microsecond or two. ‘Was West by any chance the Village Idiot or some kindred spirit?’ ‘No. A National Master. Four Star.’ ‘He might well still be the Village Idiot! However, assuming West has some halfway intelligent reason for developing dummy’s long suit gratis, then we must assume your Four Star National Master had a lead problem. He therefore has the ace of hearts, which is bad news, but also the queen of trumps, which is ample compensation.’ ‘He could be void in trumps.’ ‘Rubbish! With the Chicane he would surely be doubling for take-out. Unless that was a sneaky club switch from queen-jack, the contract should be made. Run the knave to the king. Draw trumps finessing against West – I am assuming they are not 4-0, which would make East’s lack of interest in the auction hard to account for. Ace of clubs, ruffing finesse against the queen, with the diamond ruff for reentry. I make that four spade tricks, plus one diamond ruff, one club ruff and four club winners.’ ‘Culbertson doesn’t agree.’ ‘Meaning either that you have communicated with the late Ely via the Ouija Board or that this is in reality

Riviera Regicide continued

the famous Bennett Murder Hand, as I realised immediately . . . Not that it can compare for interest with the rather less well known Stuart Deal.’ ‘The Stuart Deal?’ He turned the sheet over and plucked his favourite gold propelling pencil from a pocket – my pocket, my pencil. ‘The descendants of your British Royal house, the Stuarts, lived on until recently in exile. By recently, I mean 1963. This was from the final of the Almanach de Gotha Multiple Teams of Four, played in Cannes that year. Two-board matches, thirteen teams, point-a-board. At the first table the Baron de Nexon was playing with the current Stuart Pretender, Prince Alexander, a vigorous forty-year-old widower and womaniser. The first hand was an unbeatable 7NT – an obvious tie – so the match rested on the other deal. Playing the Albarran Convention, de Nexon opened with 2♣ as West and his partner responded 3♥.’ ‘Albarran?’ ‘In the mid-twentieth century, de Nexon and Albarran were France’s top international pair. Albarran invented canapé bidding, and also the ace-showing responses to 2♣, which your CAB players adopted in England. Remember?’ ‘Of course – do you take me for a fool?’ I lied. ‘Indeed. Spade void, singleton four of hearts, diamond void, and twelve clubs missing the three, opposite two aces of mixed colour and rank still only adds up to 6♣, which you call directly over South’s inter-

vention of 4♥. North calls 6♥, and your partner calls 6♠. You pass this, North doubles, and your partner runs to 7♦; 7♥ from South, to you.’ ‘Hm. North’s double is Lightner, a club void—’ ‘Good, good. South has a club void also.’ ‘Ah. I should give preference to 7♠, then.’ ‘That is what happened in another match. One down – and lucky at that. Baron de Nexon doubled, knowing that his partner has solid tops in two suits, clubs are, shall we say, adequately protected, and a trump lead will limit North-South to eleven heart tricks at best. This was the full deal. De Nexon led the trump.’

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

I looked and thought, as usual, not quite enough. ‘Wow. Six top losers.’ ‘Not a bit of it, Declarer can play low from dummy, and when East shows out, he follows with the deuce, leaving West on lead. On the next three cards – clubs – declarer can ditch spades from dummy and diamonds from hand. That’s just four down.’ ‘And at the other table?’ ‘The same contract was reached by the Heir Apparent, Prince Malcolm, as North. I have a deeply held

belief in the value of interference bidding on weak hands over artificial forcing openings, and so I approve of his weak 2♥ overcall. In this case it prevented EastWest from showing their aces. East led the king of spades, using the old ambiguous method of king from ace-king or king-queen. His partner ruffed and returned the two of clubs, North’s second spade being discarded. That comes to five down, which should cost the board and the match. However, the players were not to know that. East, who would have taken the first six tricks, threw a heavy glass ashtray at his partner. The Prince, leaning gallantly between them to try to separate the two, was struck on the temple and died. Ironic, really, since he was a non-smoker. And that was the end of the Stuart line.’ ‘Did the Pretender not feel he had a duty to remarry?’ ‘Oh, did I not explain? At the first table, de Nexon would have exited with his club deuce, putting the contract six down after all. . . but Prince Alexander ‘helpfully’ discarded the three of clubs on the trump lead. It wasn’t just the missed undertricks, or even the match, so much as the stolen opportunity to make the most extreme underlead of all time. De Nexon challenged the Prince to a duel. It was all hushed up, the French being very understanding about crimes passionnels.’ ‘And the result in your own match?’ ‘You know my methods. 6♣ opened and made. Shame about the missed Grand . . .’ ■

Page 27

Previously published in BRIDGE 61.

Cheltenham Regency Hotel Cheltenham GL51 0ST

BRIDGE EVENTS 2013 15-17 February Chris Williams Hand Evaluation – £215 5-7 April Just Bridge – £199 17-19 May Just Bridge – £199 12-14 July Bernard Magee Thinking Defence – £245 26-28 July Just Bridge – £199 9-11 August Just Bridge – £199 6-8 September Just Bridge – £199 13-15 September Just Bridge – £199 11-13 October Just Bridge – £199 25-27 October Just Bridge – £199 1-3 November Further into the Auction – £215 29 Nov – 1 Dec Declarer Play – £215 6-8 December Just Bridge – £199 Full Board No Single Supplement Booking Form on page 9.

GLOBAL TRAVEL INSURANCE A1 Yeoman Gate, Yeoman Way, Worthing, BN13 3QZ

GLOBAL TRAVEL INSURANCE Services Limited

( 01903 267432 Fax 01903 268946 Email [email protected]

GLOBAL TRAVEL INSURANCE Services Limited

SINGLE TRIP 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 OR CURTAILMENT up to

£1,500

If you have to cancel or cut short your trip due to illness, injury, redundancy, jury service, the police requiring you to remain at or return to your home due to serious damage to your home, you are covered against loss of travel and accommodation costs. Policy Excess £75. For persons aged 61 to 70 years the excess is increased to £100. For persons aged 71 to 90 years the excess is increased to £150. See section headed Increased Excess for Pre Existing Medical Conditions for increased excesses applicable to claims arising from pre-existing medical conditions. PERSONAL ACCIDENT up to

£15,000

A cash sum for accidental injury resulting in death, loss of sight, loss of limb or permanent total disablement. No Policy Excess. MEDICAL AND OTHER EXPENSES up to £10,000,000 Including a 24 HOUR WORLDWIDE MEDICAL EMERGENCY SERVICE (a) The cost of hospital and other emergency medical expenses incurred abroad, including additional accommodation and repatriation expenses. Limit £250 for emergency dental treatment and £5,000 burial/cremation/transfer of remains. Limit £2,500 for transfer of remains to your home if you die in the UK. Policy Excess £75 Areas 1, 2 & 3, £150 Area 4 or on a Cruise. For persons aged 61 to 70 years the excess is increased to £150 Areas 1, 2 & 3, £500 Area 4 or on a Cruise. For persons aged 71 to 90 years the excess is increased to £300 Areas 1, 2 & 3, £1,000 Area 4 or on a Cruise. See section headed Increased Excess for Pre Existing Medical Conditions for increased excesses applicable to claims arising from pre-existing medical conditions. (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. No Policy Excess.

MAIN EXCLUSIONS AND CONDITIONS The following represents only the main exclusions. The policy document sets out all of the conditions and exclusions. A copy of the full policy wording is available on request in writing prior to application.

MAIN HEALTH EXCLUSIONS:

Insurers will not pay for claims arising 1. Where You (or any person upon whose health the Trip depends) have or have had symptoms which are awaiting or receiving investigation, tests, treatment, referral or the results of any of the foregoing, unless We have agreed in writing to cover You. 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) have within 12 months prior to the date of issue of this insurance been diagnosed with a medical condition or have been admitted or undergone a procedure/ intervention. 4. Medical conditions existing prior to the payment of the insurance premium or any consequence thereof in respect of which a Medical Practitioner would advise against travel or that treatment may be required during the duration of the Trip.

OTHER GENERAL EXCLUSIONS

Claims arising from 1. Winter sports, any hazardous pursuits, any work of a non sedentary nature. 2. Self inflicted injury or illness, suicide, alcoholism or drug abuse, sexual disease. 3. War, invasion, acts of foreign enemies, hostilities or warlike operations, civil war, rebellion, Terrorism, revolution, insurrection, civil commotion, military or usurped power but this exclusion shall not apply to losses under Section 3 – Medical Expenses unless such losses are caused by nuclear, chemical or biological attack, or the disturbances were already taking place at the beginning of any Trip. 4. Failure or fear of failure or inability of any equipment or any computer program. 5. Bankruptcy/liquidation of any tour operator, travel agent, airline, transportation company or accommodation supplier. 6. Travelling to countries or regions where the FCO or WHO has advised against travel. 7. Your failure to contact the Medical Screening Line where required.

PERSONAL LUGGAGE, MONEY & VALUABLES up to

£2,000

Covers accidental loss, theft or damage to your personal luggage subject to a limit of £200 for any one article, pair or set and an overall limit of £200 for valuables such as cameras, Jewellery, furs, etc. Luggage and valuables limited to £1500. Delayed luggage, up to £75. Policy Excess £50. Money, travel tickets and travellers cheques are covered up to £500 against accidental loss or theft (cash limit £250). Policy Excess £50. No cover is provided for loss or theft of unattended property, valuables or money or for loss or theft not reported to the Police within 24 hours of discovery. PASSPORT EXPENSES up to

£200

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. DELAYED DEPARTURE up to

£1,500

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 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 trip from the UK. Policy Excess £50 (b) only. MISSED DEPARTURE up to

£500

Additional travel and accommodation expenses incurred to enable you to reach your overseas destination if you arrive too late at your final UK outward departure point due to failure of the vehicle in which you are travelling to deliver you to the departure point caused by adverse weather, strike, industrial action, mechanical breakdown or accident to the vehicle. No Policy Excess. PERSONAL LIABILITY up to

£2,000,000

Covers your legal liability for injury or damage to other people or their property, including legal expenses (subject to the laws of England and Wales). Policy Excess £250. LEGAL EXPENSES up to

£25,000

To enable you to pursue your rights against a third party following injury. No Policy Excess.

Increased Excess for Pre Existing Medical Conditions

Acceptance of pre existing medical conditions is made by the application of increased excesses in the event of claims arising from the pre existing condition. If You have ever had a circulatory, heart or blood pressure related problem, a stroke, cancer, asthma or any breathing problems, diabetes or any psychological problem, the following excess will apply (other than in respect of claims that are specifically excluded) : Under the Cancellation or Curtailment section – double the normal excess. Under the Medical & Other Expenses section – For persons aged 60 years or less the excess is increased to £500 Areas 1&2, £750 Area 3, £1,000 Area 4 or on a Cruise. For persons aged 61 to 90 years the excess is increased to £1,000 Areas 1&2, £1,500 Area 3, £2,000 Area 4 or on a Cruise. Please note that we consider a Cruise to be a Trip by sea in a liner calling at a number of ports.

Medical Screening

Unless you are travelling to Area 4 or on a Cruise, there is no need to advise us of your pre existing medical conditions. If You have a history of any medical condition and are travelling within Area 4 or on a Cruise, you must first contact Towergate Medical Screening Line to establish whether we can provide cover for your trip. The number to call is:

0844 892 1698

If you are accepted, the level of excess stated above will apply. You will receive written confirmation that you are covered for the trip. In the event that you are not accepted for cover having been screened, we may be able to offer you cover under our Single Trip “PLUS” product. Please ask us for further details or go to our website.

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. If you have a complaint about the sale of this insurance you must first write to the Managing Director of Global Travel Insurance Services Ltd. Subsequently, complaints may be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service. If we are unable to meet our liabilities you may be entitled to compensation under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. If you would like more information or are unsure of any details contained herein, you should ask Global Travel Insurance Services Ltd for further advice.

✄

Single Trip

travel insurance is arranged by Global Travel Insurance Services Ltd who 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 FSA on 0845 606 1234.

Suitable for for a single round trip starting and finishing in the UK and Channel Islands, is of no more than 94 days duration, for persons whose age is 90 years or less.

This insurance is underwritten by ETI International Travel Protection (ETI) the UK branch of Europäische Reiseversicherung A.G. Munich, an ERGO group Company, incorporated and regulated under the laws of Germany, Companies House Registration FC 25660 and Branch Registration BR 007939. ETI is licensed by the Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht (BAFIN – www.bafin.de) and approved by the Financial Services Authority to undertake insurance business in the UK.

Global Travel Insurance A1 Yeoman Gate, Yeoman Way, Worthing, BN13 3QZ ( 01903 267432 Fax 01903 268946 SINGLE TRIP APPLICATION FORM Please FULLY complete the following in BLOCK CAPITALS. Once complete, return the application panel direct to Global Travel Insurance at the address above, with a cheque or with card details entered. Insurance is not effective until a Policy has been issued.

SINGLE TRIP INSURANCE PRODUCT SUITABILITY As this description contains the Key Features of the cover provided it constitutes provision of a statement of demands and needs.

Title (Mr/Mrs/Miss)

This insurance is suitable for a single round trip starting and finishing in the UK and Channel Islands, is of no more than 94 days duration, for persons whose age is 90 years or less.

Telephone No. House Number/Name

Single Trip PREMIUM RATING SCHEDULE

Street Name

GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS

Town Name

1. United Kingdom England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, including all islands comprising the British Isles (except the Channel Islands and the Republic of Ireland). (Any British Isles or UK Cruises are rated as Area 2). 2. Europe Continental Europe west of the Ural mountain range, all countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea (except, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya & Syria), the Channel Islands and the Republic of Ireland, Iceland, Madeira, The Canaries and The Azores. (Persons residing in the Channel Islands need to pay Area 2 rates for UK trips). 3. Worldwide All countries outside of the above (except those within Area 4). 4. North America, Central America & The Caribbean Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, Canada, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Greenland, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, The Caribbean Islands, United States of America.

Postcode Date of leaving Home Date of arrival Home Screening Ref Introducer

Mr Bridge

Geographical Area – See Premium Panel (1,2,3 or 4)

SCHEDULE OF PREMIUMS The following Premiums are valid for policies issued up to 31/3/2013 and for travel completed by 31/12/2013. Maximum age is 90 years. Maximum period of insurance is 94 days. Geographical Areas



Names of all persons to be insured

1



£

2



£

3



£

4



£

5



£



£



Area 1

Area 2

Area 3

Area 4

1 – 3 days

£15.60

£23.80

£49.90

£71.90

6

Credit/Debit Card Details

4 & 5 days

£18.70

£30.00

£62.70

£90.40

6 -10 days

£21.80

£40.40

£85.10

£121.80

11-17 days

£24.90

£44.20

£94.60

£136.30

18-24 days

£28.00

£50.80

£106.50

£153.40

Start Date

25-31 days

£31.10

£57.80

£121.20

£174.50

Security Code

Each + 7 days

Age

TOTAL PREMIUM

Premium

£

Card No

call for a quotation

End Date

Issue No

DECLARATION On behalf of all persons listed in this application, I agree that this application shall be the basis of the Contract of Insurance. I agree that Insurers may exchange information with other Insurers or their agents. I have read and understood the terms and conditions of the insurance, with which all persons above are in agreement and for whom I am authorised to sign.

All premiums include the Government Insurance Premium Tax (IPT)

PREMIUM ADJUSTMENTS

All age adjustments apply to the age on the date of return to the UK Persons aged 81 to 90 inclusive are subject to a premium increase of 50% in Areas 1&2 and of 100% in Areas 3&4.

Signed........................................................... Date...................................

Infants up to 2 years inclusive are FREE subject to being included with an adult paying a full premium.

The form MUST be signed by one of the persons to be insured on behalf of all persons to be insured.

✄

Children 3 to 16 years inclusive are HALF PRICE subject to being included with an adult paying a full premium. Unaccompanied children pay the adult rate.

Initials

Surname

This insurance is only available to persons who are permanently resident and domiciled in the UK and Channel Islands.



Single Trip Travel Insurance

Mr Bridge is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Global Travel Insurance Services Ltd, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. 328STI12

Julian Pottage Says

If in Doubt, Get Them Out – Draw Trumps

P

opular folklore has it that those who forget to draw trumps end up sleeping on the Embankment (or, in America, under the Brooklyn Bridge). Why is it vital to draw trumps? Well, why do you choose a trump suit in the first place? You think you can make extra tricks by ruffing opposing winners. At the start of the play, the defenders have trumps as well – so they might ruff your winners. However, if you have chosen the trump suit wisely, you will have more trumps than they do. After a few rounds have gone, your side will have the only trumps left. Ruffing then becomes the exclusive privilege of yours, the declaring side. ‘If in doubt, get them out.’



♠ K Q 7 6 ♥ 7 6 2 ♦ 6 5 4 ♣ Q 7 5 N W E S



♠ A J 4 3 2 ♥ A K Q 4 ♦ 8 3 2 ♣ A

You, South, play in 4♠. West leads the jack of clubs to your ace. You have three diamond losers and, unless hearts split 3-3, a heart loser as well. This is no problem as you intend to ruff the fourth round of hearts in dummy. What must you do before that? You must draw trumps. If you fail to do so, someone short in hearts will ruff one of your top hearts. So long as trumps break 2-2 or 3-1 (a 90% chance), you will be able to draw the opposing trumps without drawing all of dummy’s in the process. Drawing trumps appeals even more if dummy cannot ruff anything.

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

♠ K Q 4 2 ♥ 8 3 2 ♦ 5 4 ♣ Q 10 6 2

You play in 4♥. West leads the eight of spades and East plays the queen. To make this contract you must win at once and play three rounds of hearts. After that, you can knock out the king of spades and West’s diamond winners. This way the trump suit works for you – your two long trumps will help to stop the defenders from making any club tricks once they switch to that suit. If you delay drawing trumps, you will find that West ruffs a spade or East a diamond – or both. ♠ Q 7 ♥ 8 3 ♦ J 9 8 3 ♣ K Q J 10 9 ♠ A 9 8 3 N ♥ J 6 W E ♦ K 6 5 S ♣ 8 5 4 3 ♠ J 6 5 ♥ A K 9 7 5 2 ♦ A Q ♣ A 7

♠ K 10 4 2 ♥ Q 10 4 ♦ 10 7 4 2 ♣ 6 2

You are in 4♥ and West leads the five of clubs. This deal, too, calls for drawing trumps with gusto. Do you see why? Page 30

You have only one entry to dummy – in clubs – and so must pull the missing trumps before you try to run the suit. If not, you will have no way back to the clubs if someone ruffs the third round. You win the club in hand and, after cashing the A-K of trumps to confirm the 3-2 split, give up a trump. You lose at most two spades and a trump. Is it ever right not to draw trumps? Yes, here are common reasons not to: 1 If you want to ruff in dummy but dummy is quite short in trumps. 2 If you need some trumps as entries. 3 You need short trumps as stoppers. ♠ K 6 3 ♥ Void ♦ K Q 9 8 ♣ K Q 9 7 3 2 ♠ 8 7 2 N ♥ A 10 6 4 W E ♦ J 4 3 2 S ♣ J 5 ♠ A Q J 10 5 ♥ K J 9 7 5 ♦ A 7 ♣ 4

♠ 9 4 ♥ Q 8 3 2 ♦ 10 6 5 ♣ A 10 8 6

You are in 6♠ and get a trump lead. All the above three exceptions apply. If you draw trumps, you will lose a heart or two as well as the club ace (trump needed as a stopper). You will also be short of entries to set up the clubs (trump needed as an entry) and a trick short (ruff in short trump hand needed). Get out a pack of cards and try it. Correct play is to win in hand and play a club to the king. Win the trump return in dummy, ruff a club, ruff a heart and ruff another club. Now you draw the last trump and enjoy dummy’s winners. The rule about whether to draw trumps is that you draw them unless you find a reason not to. If in doubt, get them out. ■

Heather Dhondy Says

Third Hand Plays High

P

artner leads the two of spades and dummy plays low. Which card do you play as East below?

1 ♠ 6 5 ♥ Q J 8 7 ♦ J 9 7 ♣ A K 4 2 ♠ Q 8 7 2 N ♥ 10 6 2 W E ♦ 10 8 6 S ♣ Q 6 5 ♠ A J 4 ♥ A K 9 4 ♦ Q 5 2 ♣ J 7 3

♠ K 10 9 3 ♥ 5 3 ♦ A K 4 3 ♣ 10 9 8

West North East South 1♥ Pass 3♥ Pass 4♥ End

You know that partner will not have underled an ace in a trump contract, so is there any point in putting up the king, just to have it topped by declarer’s ace? Let us think about partner’s lead. Hold­ ing only small cards in the suit, partner would have led a middle or high card. Therefore, we know that the two must be from an honour. If it is the jack, it does not matter whether we play the nine or the king, since the nine would lose to the queen giving declarer two tricks in the suit. However, if partner has led from the queen, it is imperative to put up the king in order to establish partner’s queen. What does the rule of ‘third hand high’ tell you? It tells you that, if partner leads a low card and the next hand also plays low, the player in third seat should play their highest card in the suit (but lowest from equal cards). The objective is to win the trick or drive out a top card from declarer and, you hope, establish a winner for partner.

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

West North East Pass 3NT End

♠ K 10 6 3 ♥ 5 3 ♦ A K 4 3 ♣ 10 9 8

South plays in 4♥ on the same auction as 1. This time partner leads the seven of spades and declarer plays low from dummy. What card do you play now? Again, you must think what the lead may be from. It looks most likely to be second highest from 9-7-x-x or be from J-9-7. In either case, you should play the ten. If partner has led from low cards, you will hold declarer to two tricks by doing so. If instead he has led from the jack, playing the ten will prevent declarer from having a second trick in the suit. So what happened to third hand high? Actually, you did play high – but you took a finesse with the ten – saving your king to cover the queen later. 3 ♠ Q 5 ♥ K Q 3 ♦ A Q J 2 ♣ Q 8 5 4 ♠ A 9 8 7 2 ♥ 10 6 N W E ♦ 10 9 7 6 S ♣ J 7 ♠ J 4 ♥ A 7 2 ♦ 5 4 3 ♣ A K 6 3 2

Page 31

♠ K 10 6 3 ♥ J 9 8 5 4 ♦ K 8 ♣ 10 9

South 1NT (12-14)

Your partner leads the seven of spades against three no-trumps. Which card do you play as East? You see the same spade suit as last time, but there are two important differences. Can you see what they are? Firstly, when you are defending against a no-trump contract, partner may well have led from an ace whereas this is unlikely in a trump contract. Secondly, the lead is slightly different. The seven will tell you that if partner has led fourth highest, declarer will have one higher card in the suit. If it is anything but the ace, there is no cost to playing the king. Indeed, when declarer holds the jack doubleton, as here, it is essential to play the king. Just consider the position where declarer has the ace – is he really going to play low from dummy to trick one? No, of course he is going to try putting up the queen. Therefore it appears correct to put up the king… but is it? Suppose partner has led second highest from four small cards? This would give declarer the ace-jack and, if declarer has only A-J-8 rather than A-J-9, it may be important to play the ten, to hold declarer to two tricks in the suit. Now on the expected play of the diamond finesse, you can win and continue with the king of spades. So how do we know what to do? If 3NT is to go down on this second highest lead, partner will need to have four diamonds to the ten at least. Do not play for partner to have led from his second best suit. When partner has led a card that could be fourth highest, you should normally play him for it and play high to the first trick. We all want to lead our longest and strongest suit if we possibly can, even partner! ■

CRUISE FROM ASIA TO EGYPT

GRAND VOYAGE – GREAT VALUE WITH Spanning two continents and exploring some of the world's greatest treasures, this epic 29-day voyage takes you from the dynamic city-state of Singapore to the monuments of Pharaonic Egypt via the wonders of the Indian subcontinent. You’ll visit the birthplace of Gandhi, the magical island of Sri Lanka, the desert beauty of Oman, and finally Luxor in Egypt before returning home.

BRIDGE

Red Sea

Cairo Giza Luxor Safaga EGYPT

Depart UK Arrive SINGAPORE SINGAPORE Embark MALACCA Malaysia PENANG Malaysia At Sea COLOMBO Sri Lanka At Sea COCHIN India MANGALORE India MARMAGAO India

MAR 21/22 MUMBAI India MAR 23 PORBANDAR India MAR 24 At Sea MAR 25/26 MUSCAT Oman MAR 27 At Sea MAR 28 SALALAH Oman MAR 29 - Cruising Arabian Sea APR 2 & Red Sea APR 3 SAFAGA/LUXOR Egypt Visit Temple of Luxor LUXOR Egypt Fly home via Cairo

APR 4

ABTA No.Y2206

Muscat Porbandar Oman INDIA Mumbai Salalah Marmagao Bay of Arabian Mangalore Bengal Sea Cochin Malaysia Colombo Penang Sri Lanka Malacca Singapore

SINGAPORE TO LUXOR - MARCH 7, 2013

If undelivered or unwanted kindly return to Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey, GU21 2TH

10093

V OYAGES TO A NTIQUITY

NIGHTS IN EGYPT Enjoy an extra night in Luxor and then fly to Cairo to stay at the the 5-star Mena House Oberoi hotel in Giza, for 2 nights to explore the ancient wonders of the pyramids and the treasures of the Pharaohs in Cairo. Flying home on April 7. Double £369 per person, single £459.

EXTEND YOUR HOLIDAY WITH 3 EXTRA

MAR 7 MAR 8 MAR 9 MAR 10 MAR 11 MAR 12-14 MAR 15/16 MAR 17 MAR 18 MAR 19 MAR 20

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT ONLY £100*

Cruise in comfort, relax in style Aegean Odyssey is a premium-class ship, carrying around 350 passengers. The atmosphere on board is relaxed with plenty of passenger space, a choice of restaurants (with openseating dining) and generously-sized accommodation, plus the comfort and attentive service of boutique-style cruising.

Mr Bridge fares from just £2,950† include: • FULL BRIDGE PROGRAMME • SCHEDULED FLIGHTS & TRANSFERS • EXPERTLY PLANNED ITINERARIES • SHORE EXCURSIONS • EXPERT ANTIQUITY GUEST SPEAKERS • OPEN-SEATING DINING • WINE WITH DINNER ON BOARD • GRATUITIES ON BOARD COCKTAIL PARTY • EXCLUSIVE BRIDGE PLAYERS: The bridge programme is exclusive to Mr Bridge bookings but completely optional and Mr Bridge passengers can participate as much, or as little as they wish. There will be a duplicate session every evening and bridge every afternoon the ship is at sea. Singles are made especially welcome and a playing partner will always be found.

on 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk

This offer is subject to availability, is capacity controlled and may be withdrawn at any time.

† Price is per person, for double occupancy in double cabins and includes Mr Bridge special savings. *The number of cabins is strictly limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Call