131

BRIDGE Number One Hundred and Thirty-One

November 2013

Bernard Magee’s Acol Bidding Quiz You are West in the auctions below, playing ‘Standard Acol’ with a weak no-trump (12-14 points) and 4-card majors.



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

West North East South ?



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

West North East South 1NT Pass 2♣ Pass 2♦ Pass 2♠ Pass ?



3. Dealer East. Love All. ♠ 4 2 ♥ A K 7 6 N ♦ A K 7 6 W E ♣ A 4 3 S

West North East South 1♠ Pass ? Answers on page 11



4. Dealer East. Love All. ♠ K Q 6 5 N ♥ K Q 6 2 W E ♦ 7 6 5 S ♣ 4 3

West North East South 1♠ Pass ?



5. Dealer West. Love All. ♠ A K 7 5 4 ♥ A K 4 2 N W E ♦ Q 7 3 S ♣ 2

West North East South 1♠ 2♣ Pass Pass ?

6. Dealer West. Game All. ♠ 2 ♥ K Q 9 3 2 N ♦ A 2 W E S ♣ A 9 8 6 5



West North East South 3♥ 3♠ Dbl Pass ?



Answers on page 15

8. Dealer East. Game All. ♠ A 8 7 6 5 ♥ 7 2 N W E ♦ Q 8 3 S ♣ 9 7 6

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





West North East South 1♥ Pass 2♥ Pass ?

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



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

West North East South 1♠ Pass 1NT Pass 2♥ Pass 3♣ Pass ? Answers on page 19

10. Dealer North. E/W Game. ♠ 4 2 N ♥ K Q 8 6 5 W E ♦ K Q 3 S ♣ 9 7 6

West North East South 1♣ 1♠ Pass ?



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

West North East South 2♣ 2♥ Pass Pass ?

12. Dealer East. E/W Game. ♠ A K 8 4 2 ♥ 4 2 N ♦ 7 5 W E S ♣ A K 4 3

West North East South 1♦ Pass 1♠ Pass 2♣ Pass ? Answers on page 23

BERNARD MAGEE Boxed Sets of six DVDs Series 1

Series 2

Series 3

1 Ruffing for Extra Tricks

7 Leads

13 Hand Evaluation

This seminar deals with declarer’s use of ruffing to generate extra tricks and then looks at how the defenders might counteract this.

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.

Going beyond just the point-count is important if you want to improve. Reaching 3NT on 24 HCP and making it; and avoiding 3NT on 26 HCP when there are only seven or eight tricks.

8 Losing Trick Count

The art of pre-empting is so important in the modern game. Understanding the right types of hand to bid up on and realising the importance of position and vulnerability.

2 Competitive Tricks 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.

3 Making the Most of High Cards This seminar helps declarer to use his high cards more carefully and then looks at how defenders should care for their precious high cards.

4 Identifying & Bidding Slams The first half of this seminar is about identifying when a slam might be on – one of the hardest topics to teach. The second half covers some of the techniques used to bid slams.

5 Play & Defence of 1NT Contracts 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 The first half of this seminar explores penalty doubles and the second half discusses the defence against doubled contracts.

Individual DVDs. £25 each. Boxed Set of 6. £100.

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 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 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.

14 Pre-Empting

15 Splinter & Cue-Bids Take your slam bidding to another level. Splinter bids are a vital tool to have in your bidding armoury and try your hand at Italian style cue-bidding.

16 Avoidance As declarer, an important tactic is to be in control of the defenders: avoiding a particular defender getting the lead. As a defender, you can try to make sure the right player gets the lead at the right time.

17 Pairs Play & Defence

This seminar deals with Count, Attitude and Suit-preference signals: aiming to get you working as a partnership in defence.

Duplicate Pairs is the game most of us play and getting used to the tactics will make a lot of difference to your performance. Making more overtricks and making sure you do not give away tricks as a defender.

12 Endplays

18 Thinking Defence

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.

By far the hardest aspect of bridge, but if you can improve your defence your results will quickly improve. Learn how to think through the defence and get your mind in gear for the decisions that await you.

Individual DVDs. £25 each. Boxed Set of 6. £100.

Individual DVDs. £25 each. Boxed Set of 6. £100.

11 Signals & Discards

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

BRIDGE

Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH

( 01483 489961 e-mail: [email protected] website: www.mrbridge.co.uk

Publisher and Managing Editor Mr Bridge 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 ( 01483 485342 Elizabeth Bryan

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

BRIDGE November 2013

FEATURES 1 Bidding Quiz by Bernard Magee 5 Mr Bridge 9 Defence Quiz by Julian Pottage 11 Bidding Quiz Answers (1-3) by Bernard Magee 12 Why Does Counting Points Not Work Sometimes? by Julian Pottage 13 Declarer Play Quiz by David Huggett 15 Bidding Quiz Answers (4-6) by Bernard Magee 16 Defence Quiz Answers by Julian Pottage 17 The Diaries of Wendy Wensum 19 Bidding Quiz Answers (7-9) by Bernard Magee 20 Declarer Play Answers by David Huggett 23 Bidding Quiz Answers (10-12) by Bernard Magee 26 Things You Should Know About . . . by Andrew Kambites 27 Red-Suit Transfers by Andrew Kambites 29 Red-Suit Transfers Quiz by Andrew Kambites 30 Julian Pottage Answers Your Questions 33 Bridge and Travel Tips 34 David Stevenson Answers Your Questions 38 Don’t Believe Everything the Books Tell You by Ian C Kemp 40 Readers’ Letters 44 Catching Up by Sally Brock 45 Seven Days by Sally Brock 47 Red-Suit Transfers Answers by Andrew Kambites

ADVERTISEMENTS 2 Bernard Magee DVDs 3 Tunisia 2013/2014 4 Mr Bridge Just Duplicate Bridge 6 Denham Grove Filming Event

7 Mail Order Form Cut-out Form 8 Bridge Event Booking Form 8 Bridge Events with Bernard Magee 9 Bridge Events at: Elstead Hotel Blunsdon House Hotel 10 Digital Hearing Aid Information Service 11 Five-Card Majors with Bernard Magee 13 Bridge Events at: Chatsworth House Ardington Hotel 14 Fischer Future Heat 15 Mr Bridge Playing Cards 18 The Mobility Furniture Company 19 Bridge Events at The Inn on the Prom 20 Begin Bridge with Bernard Magee 21 Bernard Magee’s Tutorial Software 22 S R Designs Bridge Tables 22 Bathing Solutions 23 Bridge Events at Cheltenham Regency Hotel 24 2014 Med Cruises with Voyages to Antiquity 26 Better Hand Evaluation 29 Mr Bridge 2014 Diaries 32 Rubber / Chicago Bridge Events 32 Bridge Events at: Denham Grove The Olde Barn Hotel 35 Duplicate Bridge Rules Simplified 36 Tips for Better Bridge 37 Mr Bridge Christmas & New Year 2013/2014 39 Winter and Spring 2013/14 Fly Cruises onboard Voyager 40 Stamps 41 Embrace the Middle East Christmas Cards 41 Charity Events 42 Global Travel Insurance 47 Bridge Tie 48 East to Myanmar and the Orient onboard Voyager

Mr Bridge AT THE ROYAL KENZ TUNISIA Half-board Duplicate Bridge Holidays

3-17 November 2013 Tony and Jan Richards

£769* 23 Feb – 9 March 2014 Bernard Magee

£799* 30 March – 13 April 2014 Crombie & Helen McNeil

£899* *per person half-board sharing a twin-bedded room and is inclusive of bridge fees. Single supplement £6 per night. These prices are based on air travel from Heathrow to Tunis. Flights from other UK airports are available at a supplement. Prices for seven-night stays are available on application. Pay £70 per fortnight per person extra and have a garden-facing room, tea & coffee making facilities, bath robe and a bowl of seasonal fruit. These holidays have been organised for Mr Bridge by Tunisia First Limited, ATOL 5933.

DETAILS & BOOKINGS

( 01483 489961 Page 3

JUST DUPLICATE BRIDGE 1-3 November £169 The Olde Barn

14-16 March £199 Blundson House Hotel

8-10 November £199 Elstead Hotel

14-16 March £169 The Olde Barn

15-17 November £199 Elstead Hotel

21-23 March £199 Chatsworth Hotel

22-24 November £199 Ardington Hotel

Blunsdon House Hotel Swindon SN26 7AS

22-24 November £199 Elstead Hotel

31 Jan – 2 Feb £199 Elstead Hotel

22-24 November £169 The Olde Barn

31 Jan – 2 Feb £199 Chatsworth Hotel 7-9 February £199 Denham Grove 14-16 February £199 Chatsworth Hotel

28-30 March £199 Denham Grove

£50

OFF

Just Duplicate Events in 2014. See page 5 for terms and conditions.

The Olde Barn Hotel Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT

11-13 July £169 The Olde Barn 18-20 July £199 Blunsdon House Hotel 1-3 August £169 The Olde Barn 12-14 September £169 The Olde Barn

14-16 February £199 Elstead Hotel

28-30 March £199 Elstead Hotel

10-12 October £199 Blunsdon House Hotel

Ardington Hotel Worthing BN11 3DZ

21-23 February £199 Blundson House Hotel

25-27 April £199 Blundson House Hotel

10-12 October £199 Elstead Hotel

29 Nov – 1 Dec £199 Ardington Hotel

28 Feb – 2 March £199 Chatsworth Hotel

9-11 May £199 Blunsdon House Hotel

17-19 October £169 The Olde Barn

6-8 December £199 Cheltenham Regency

28 Feb – 2 March £199 Blundson House Hotel

16-18 May £169 The Olde Barn

24-26 October £199 Chatsworth Hotel

10-12 January £199 Blundson House Hotel

30 May – 1 June £199 Chatsworth Hotel

10-12 January £199 Elstead Hotel

13-15 June £169 The Olde Barn

17-19 January £169 The Olde Barn

27-29 June £169 The Olde Barn

24-26 January £199 Elstead Hotel

Elstead Hotel Bournemouth, BH1 3QP

4-6 July £199 Denham Grove

Chatsworth Hotel Worthing BN11 3DU

Full Board – No Single Supplement Booking Form on page 8. Please note there are no seminars, set hands or prizes at these events.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

I will continue to send printed copies of BRIDGE from time to time, as and when sponsorship permits. This may well be sufficient for you. However, to ensure continuity, you will need to take up a sub. Indeed, it is my hope that you will do so and possibly even buy one for a friend as a Christmas present at the special introductory rate of £20 per year which almost covers the cost the postage and distribution.

COMING SOON Last month’s new series, Things you should know about... has been well received. Andrew Kambites began by telling us all about Stayman and provided a quiz to test how well we had grasped the subject. This month’s topic is Red Suit Transfers and follows the same format as it will for Weak Twos next month. At the risk of repeating myself, in January new writers will join our regulars, David Stevenson, Julian Pottage, Bernard Magee, Sally Brock and Wendy Wensum. Marguerite Lihou rejoins the team as cartoonist alongside David Bird, who will tell us the bridgeplaying exploits of Robin Hood and his Merry Men. BRIDGE November 2013

PROMOTION OFFER In my enthusiasm for this particular new series, I have reprinted two of David Bird’s Robin Hood books, listed on page 4. If you would like either or both of these books, please send 4 2nd class stamps per book or add £2 per book if you are taking up a monthly subscription, as I hope you will. This offer may also be found in my on-line shop. www.mrbridge.co.uk

SEPTEMBER PRIZE The Chatsworth Hotel quiz prize has been won by Mr G Makeham of Lewes.

LETTER SHORTAGE There has been a drop off in the number of letters. I put this down to the wonderful summer. Now Autumn has overtaken us, let’s be hearing from you.

CHRISTMAS CRUISE

This year’s Christmas cruise is on m.v. Voyager hosted by Sandy Bell and Graham Crane. See the back page for an outline or telephone for a brochure. Our bridge room has been improved and can now hold up to 15 tables.

2014 ON VOYAGER Next year’s cruising on board Voyager will have bridge on every sailing with my experienced hosts providing on board tuition on days at sea and a duplicate after dinner every evening. For full details see page 39. ( 01483 489961 for brochures or bookings.

£50 OFF

£50 OFF

The £50 off, on all my Just Duplicate Events, is again repeated for 2014, subject to availability, for a limited number of places. The fun of duplicate lies in the numbers, so to be certain of these, most of the places are sold ahead of the event at special prices. Payment is taken in full at the time of booking, by cheque or debit card. This offer must close by 30 November. Clubs should consider block-booking and maybe hire a coach.

GALA DINNER I am looking forward to saying hello to everyone at the New Years Eve Gala Dinner at Denham Grove. I expect to stay on for an after dinner game as last year. See you there.

TIME FLIES The older I get, the faster time flies by or so it seems but my grandchildren just can’t wait. Indeed, some of them think I’m a reactionary old fool, but I’m still sure time passes faster for us older folk. I will think on this and try to explain why it seems to be so, in the next issue. Meanwhile, the young will have to be patient... it will be their turn soon enough.

REMINDER Club insurances are now due for renewal.

NEW DVD SERIES Bernard Magee’s 2013 DVDs are now on sale. Please go to the inside front cover where all 18 in the three-year series are listed and order on page 7. They are being very well received and are enjoying a growing reputation as the definitive tutorial of each of the given subjects. It’s the best.

ANTIQUITY Mrs Bridge and I join Aegean Odyssey in March on a lovely Voyage that includes the Holy Land. I am really looking forward to visiting these historic sites. I am also looking forward to going to the Black Sea in Autumn 2014. See the advert for both in the centrefold or better still, ring for a brochure. ( 01483 489961.

FESTIVE BERNARD We are filling up for the festive season earlier than usual this year. As a result, we have put on an extra weekend event between Christmas and New Year in north west England. Inn on the Prom, Lytham 27-29 December 2013 Signals and Discards Bernard Magee £245 No single supplement.

2014 DIARIES Next year’s bridge players’ diaries are still in stock. Both standard and luxury versions are available. See the order form on page 7.

BOXED CARDS I am clearing twin packs of my lovely premium quality playing cards, in a tasteful gold-coloured drop-lid box. £7 per box, 2 for £12. These are not on my list so please write in or ‘phone. Page 5

BERNARD MAGEE at Denham Grove near Uxbridge, Bucks, UB9 5DG.

10-13 January 2014 £299 full board (Special early booking price)

Topics SACRIFICING An exciting aspect of the auction is outbidding your opponents and going down, but gaining by doing so. Learning to bid more aggressively and make the best of your cards will enhance both your scores and your enjoyment levels.

TRUMP CONTROL Handling the play of the hand when trumps break badly is an important attribute: playing calmly and using a variety of tactics to pave the way to success.

WEAK TWOS It is important to bid more in the modern game and weak twos are an important choice for the competitive player. They allow for pre-emptive and accurate bidding.

DEFENSIVE PLAN Looking at your own hand, then at dummy and envisaging how partner’s hand will allow you to make a plan for the defence. By having a framework to make your way across you will hopefully learn to identify various defensive situations and solve the problems you face.

FURTHER IN TO THE AUCTION

HOT TICKET

Q PLUS 11

The next six films in the Better Bridge with Bernard Magee series, are to be shot during an extended weekend at The Devere Denham Grove Conference Centre this coming January. See the adjacent advertisements for a description of the six topics. These are each followed by a session of supervised play.

All the outstanding trade-in and new orders will be sent out in the last week of October. Here are three more interesting hands for your amusement. 8495-04 8901-04 2263-04

The course, which includes three nights full board, starts on Friday morning at 10.15am and ends with a lazy Monday breakfast. Those coming a distance may wish to book for the Thursday overnight stay. £60 per person, dinner, bed and breakfast. This is extra to the special early booking price of £299 per person. No single supplement. However, full payment must be made at the time of booking. At the risk of being boring, the offer must close 30 November. Book now to avoid disappointment. ‘... you will have the time of your life.’ Janis Forrest.

CHARITY CARDS

The first two bids of an auction are usually easy, but beyond that the complications increase. Learn about your various options and how to ‘talk’ to your partner during the bidding.

IMPROVING BRIDGE MEMORY Remembering every card is a dream for most of us. However, learn ways in which to remember the important things. What was the first discard or how many trumps are left out?

6 seminar sessions with Bernard1 6 sessions of supervised play2 Contact Mr Bridge to book your place or for further details: ( 01483 489961 Filmed

1

Page 6

Not with Bernard Magee

2

I have donated a half page to Embrace the Middle East, see page 41, a charity that endeavours to promote the true meaning of Christmas by selling cards with a Christmas theme. They also do some crackers which readers might also find amusing while at the same time making a contribution to the work of Embrace.

GOFFIES STAMPS

If you want to save on postage you should try Clive Goff’s discounted stamp service. Value supplied in two stamps, combined to make up the 50p 2nd class rate, 2nd class to you at 41p. 1st class 60p, only 50p to you. Available in lots of 100. ( 0208 422 4906.

GIFT SUGGESTIONS Either or both of the David Bird Robin Hood books. Send 4 postage stamps per book or use PayPal at our on-line shop. Ball point pens with a built-in torch at the other end. Boxed £5 inc. p & p. Quality silver-coloured keyring with a spring loaded reusable poundsized coin. Boxed £5 each including p & p. Bernard Magee’s Tutorial CDs, see page 21. A year’s subscription to BRIDGE from £20. See adjacent form.

WISHES For many of you this will be my last issue before Christmas, but you can read every issue online. All good wishes.

Mr Bridge BRIDGE November 2013

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Mr Bridge MAIL ORDER PLAY SOFTWARE

TUTORIAL DVDs

NOVELTIES

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

2011 Series – £25 each

Torch Pen (boxed) £5.00 .........

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

QPlus 10 Second Hand

Pound for Life Keyring

£49.00 .........

Competitive Auctions .........

Bridge Baron 23

£63.00 .........

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

Bridge Baron Trade-in for 23

£25.00 .........

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

TUTORIAL SOFTWARE Begin Bridge Acol Version

£66.00 .........

Acol Bidding

£66.00 .........

Advanced Acol Bidding

£96.00 .........

Declarer Play

£76.00

Advanced Declarer Play

£81.00

Defence

Play & Defence of 1NT Contracts ......... Doubling & Defence to Doubled Contracts ......... All 6 DVDs as a boxed set

£100.00 .........

£5.00 .........

BOOKS

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

Tips for Better Bridge Bernard Magee £14.00 ........

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Robin Hood’s Bridge Memoirs David Bird £12.00 ........

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Leads .........

MR BRIDGE DIARIES

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

Red

£6.95 ........

£76.00 .........

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

Navy

£6.95 ........

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

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

Tan

£6.95 ........

Better Bridge 2011 with Bernard Magee £69.00

Signals & Discards .........

Burgundy

£6.95 ........

Endplays .........

Club Prices 10 for £35 ........

Bundleware Offer Any two CDs £140.00 .........

All 6 DVDs as a boxed set

TEA TOWELS

2013 Series – £25 each

Luxury Kidrell Covers & ball-point pen: Ruby Red £14.95 ........

Life’s a Game, but Bridge is Serious

Hand Evaluation

Navy Blue

£14.95 ........

Bottle Green

£14.95 ........

£7.00 .........

Pre-Empting .........

The Pot Boiler. A Double Dummy Problem £7.00 .........

Splinter & Cue-Bids .........

10 Commandments for Bridge Players £7.00 .........

Pairs Play & Defence .........

12 Months

£20.00 .........

Thinking Defence .........

24 Months

£35.00 .........

All 6 DVDs as a boxed set

36 Months

£50.00 .........

10 Commandments for Duplicate Players £7.00 ......... 25 Road Traffic Signs for Bridge Players £7.00 ......... Back In Our Day

£7.00 .........

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Better Hand Evaluation Bernard Magee £14.00 ........

2012 Series – £25 each

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Name (Mr, Mrs, Miss)

Duplicate Bridge Rules Simplified £5.95 .........

Bridge Adventures of Robin Hood – David Bird £12.00 ........

£100.00 .........

If you have not contacted us recently, please enter your details in the box below to re-register:

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Please complete all or part of this form and return to: Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey, GU21 2TH.

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

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

www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop

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( 01483 489961 BRIDGE November 2013

Page 7

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BRIDGE  BREAKS

BRIDGE EVENTS with Bernard Magee

♦ Full-board

♦ Two seminars*

11-13 Blunsdon House £245 Leads & Defence

♦ All rooms with en-suite facilities

♦ Two supervised play sessions*

June 2014

♦ No single supplement

♦ Four bridge sessions**

6-8 Olde Barn Hotel £245 Bidding NEW Distributional Hands

Please book ..... places for me at £....... per person, Single .... Double .... Twin .... Chatsworth Hotel Worthing BN11 3DU

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

20-22 Olde Barn Hotel £245 Finding Slams

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

NOVEMber 2013

OCTOBER 2014

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

8-10 Olde Barn Hotel £245 Better Leads & Switches

3-5 Chatsworth Hotel £245 Game Tries

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

15-17 Chatsworth Hotel £245 Bidding NEW Distributional Hands

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

10-12 Olde Barn Hotel £245 Endplay & Avoidance

NOVEMber 2014

22-24 Blunsdon House £245 Better Defence

7-9 Chatsworth Hotel £245 Hand Evaluation

29-1 Chatsworth Hotel £245 Suit Establishment

14-16 Blunsdon House £245 Further into the Auction

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

JANUARY 2014

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

10-13 Denham Grove £299 Filming Weekend

21-23 Elstead House £245 Doubles

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

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.

17-19 Chatsworth Hotel £245 Better Leads & Switches

28-30 Blunsdon House £245 Bidding DistributionalNEW Hands

March 2014 21-23 Inn on the Prom £245 Doubles Expiry: ................................. CVV......................... Issue No....................

April 2014

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

4-6 Chatsworth Hotel £245 Finding Slams

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

( 01483 489961 e-mail: [email protected] website: www.holidaybridge.com

Full Board. No Single Supplement. See Adjacent Booking Form.

Page 8

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*on tutorial weekends only. **6 sessions on rubber/Chicago events. Please note: Just Bridge events contain no seminars and do not award prizes.

Blunsdon House Hotel Blunsdon, Swindon SN26 7AS

BRIDGE November 2013

Elstead Hotel

DEFENCE QUIZ

Bournemouth BH1 3QP

Blunsdon House Hotel Swindon SN26 7AS

by Julian Pottage



(Answers on page 16)

Y

ou are East in the defensive positions below. It is your turn to play. Both sides are using Acol with a 12-14 1NT.

BRIDGE EVENTS

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

8-10 November £199 Just Duplicate Bridge 15-17 November £199 Just Duplicate Bridge 22-24 November £199 Just Duplicate Bridge 10-12 Jan 2014 £199 Just Duplicate Bridge

West North East South 1NT Pass 2♥1 3♥ Pass 4♥ End 1 Transfer to spades

Partner leads the ♠Q. You win with the ♠A, dropping South’s ♠K. What do you return?

3. ♠ A Q ♥ 5 ♦ A J 9 4 3 ♣ A K 9 4 2 ♠ ♥ N ♦ W E ♣ S

K 10 5 A 10 4 K8 J 10 7 6 3

West North East South 3♥ Pass 4♥ End

Partner leads the ♠3. You capture the ♠Q with the ♠K. What do you return?

14-16 February £199 Just Duplicate Bridge 28-30 March £199 Just Duplicate Bridge 11-13 April £215 Stan Powell Signals & Discards 21-23 November £245 Bernard Magee Doubles Full Board No Single Supplement Booking Form on page 8.

BRIDGE November 2013

8-10 November £215 Stan Powell – Doubles 22-24 November £245 Bernard Magee Better Defence 10-12 January 2014 £199 Just Duplicate Bridge 21-23 February £199 Just Duplicate Bridge 28 Feb – 2 March £199 Just Duplicate Bridge

24-26 January £199 Just Duplicate Bridge 31 Jan – 2 Feb £199 Just Duplicate Bridge

BRIDGE EVENTS

14-16 March £199 Just Duplicate Bridge 2. ♠ 7 2 ♥ 10 9 5 ♦ K Q 7 3 ♣ K Q 10 2 ♠ ♥ N W E ♦ S ♣

J 10 8 5 A4 A84 J973

West North East South 1♥ Pass 2♣ Pass 2NT Pass 3♥ Pass 4♥ End

Partner leads the ♦J, covered by the ♦K and ♦A. What is your plan?

4. ♠ Q ♥ J 10 ♦ A Q 10 6 4 3 ♣ K 9 4 2 ♠ A J 9 5 2 ♥ K 4 N W E ♦ K J 8 2 S ♣ J 3 West North East South 1♠ 2♥ 2♠ 3♦ Pass 3♥ Pass 4♥ End

Partner leads the ♠3, won by your ♠A. What do you return?

11-13 April £245 Bernard Magee Leads & Defence 25-27 April £199 Just Duplicate Bridge 14-16 November £245 Bernard Magee Further into the Auction 28-30 November £245 Bernard Magee NEW Bidding TOPIC Distributional Hands Full Board No Single Supplement Booking Form on page 8.

Page 9

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Answers to Bernard Magee’s  Bidding Quizzes 1-3 on the Cover



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

West ?

North

East

spades. Your partner should hold a weak hand with five or more spades, with four hearts as well. He used Stayman in the hope of finding a heart or spade fit, but without that he settles for playing in 2♠, which you must pass.

South

1♠. Open your longest suit: you are not balanced and with both majors you should start with your five-card suit. ‘Length is strength’ is one of the oldest and truest sayings in bridge. By bidding spades first, you will allow your partner to identify that you have five spades and he will choose a 4♠ contract. You will have to lose the ♠A-K-Q, but that is all you will lose. At first glance, you might not want to play in 4♠ with such a ropey trump suit, but all you have to lose are the ♠A-K-Q and the game makes comfortably. In 3NT, there are only eight tricks as you will not have the time to establish your spades.



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

West North East South 1♠ Pass

?

2♦. 18 HCP and your partner has opened the bidding. There can be a temptation to jump around excitedly, but generally you do best to take your time unless you are sure of your denomination. Remember that

your partner has promised to make another bid if you change the suit. Bid 2♦ and then, over 2♠, bid a new suit at the three-level: once again this would be forcing. Then, when your partner bids 3♠, you can be pretty sure that spades is the best denomination and head towards a slam. 4NT is key-card Blackwood and your partner shows two key-cards. Although your side has all the key-cards, it seems unlikely that a Grand Slam will make since your partner has suggested little extra strength with his repeated spade bids. You might have one spade loser, but hopefully his cards outside spades will be helpful. 6♠ will make comfortably as long as the trumps break 3-2. West North East South 1♠ Pass 2♦ Pass 2♠ Pass 3♥ Pass 3♠ Pass 4NT1 Pass 5♥2 Pass 6♠ 1 Key-card Blackwood 2 Two key-cards ■

Five-Card Majors with a Strong No-Trump

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

West North East South 1NT Pass 2♣ Pass 2♦ Pass 2♠ Pass

?

The Interactive Way of Improving Your Five-Card Majors Bidding with Bernard Magee Contents (20 hands each) l

Opening Bids & Responses

l

Opener’s & Responder’s Rebids

l

No-Trump Openings

l

Pre-empting

l

Support for Partner

l

Doubles

l

Slams & Strong Openings

l

Overcalls

l

Minors & Misfits

l

Competitive Auctions

Pass. Your partner has used Stayman and then rebid 2♠ after you denied a four-card major. The question is a simple one: is your partner showing strength or weakness? Take out the artificial bids and you will get your answer: 1NT – 2♠; this would show a weak hand with five or more

BRIDGE November 2013

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Julian Pottage answers your Frequently Asked Questions

Why Does Counting Points Not Work Sometimes?

A

ssessing a hand by counting four points for an ace, three for a king, two for a queen and one for a jack should be the start of how you look at it rather than the end. If you were buying a car, you might start by looking at the purchase price. However, you would not expect that alone to tell you whether to buy it. Likewise, the Milton 4321 count is merely one way of looking at a hand. Let us start with an extreme example. Hand A Hand B ♠ A 10 6 2 ♠ A K Q J 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 ♥ K 9 5 ♥ Void ♦ Q 8 4 ♦ Void ♣ J 7 3 ♣ Void

Both hands have 10 points. Moreover, both hands have the same spot cards (we will come back to intermediate cards later). Hand A is a poor 10-point hand, with honours all over the place and an unproductive shape (4333). With Hand A, you might expect to make only a couple of tricks if partner has very little. Hand B is an incredible 10-point hand. What is more, no matter how many points you usually add for length or for shortages, no point count method is going to tell you that the hand will produce a grand slam. Now some more mundane cases:

Hand C Hand D ♠ A K 10 9 ♠ A K 3 2 ♥ 7 3 2 ♥ 10 9 7 ♦ A Q 6 3 ♦ A 7 6 3 ♣ 7 3 ♣ Q 3

Hand C and Hand D both have 13 points. Hand C is better than Hand D on two counts. First, the Page 12

10-9 combination is more useful in conjunction with other honours (as it is in the spade suit in Hand C) than it is on its own (in hearts in Hand D). Secondly, the doubleton queen is of unproven value. If partner has a collection of low clubs, Q-x may be worth no more than x-x. For offensive purposes, honours are better in long suits and together. Suppose that you have opened 1NT, replied 2♠ to Stayman and seen partner raise to 3♠. With Hand C, you would advance to 4♠. With Hand D, you would probably pass. Although other valuation methods would differentiate the hands, if you simply deduct a point for the unguarded queen, that would be a simple adjustment to make. So far, we have looked at just your hand. In reality, bridge is a partnership game. How two hands fit together makes a big difference.

Hand E Hand F ♠ K Q 9 5 4 ♠ A K J 9 4 ♥ A 7 4 ♥ Q 7 4 ♦ K 5 ♦ K J ♣ A 7 4 ♣ Q 7 4

Suppose partner opens 1♦, you respond 1♠ and partner raises to 2♠. If you simply count points, you will value the two hands as the same and make the same bid. In fact, you need to treat Hand F the same way you would if one or both of your queens were doubleton. Partner, with most likely five diamonds and four spades, may well have a doubleton heart or a doubleton club, perhaps both. A queen facing a doubleton is a duplicated or wasted value. In both hands, the king of diamonds is a great card, solidifying partner’s suit, so worth counting as an ace. Another form of duplication occurs when you and your partner are short

in the same suit. If you each have a doubleton club and each count a point for the doubleton, you will overvalue the combined trick-taking potential.

Hand G Hand H ♠ A K J 5 4 2 ♠ A K J 5 4 2 ♥ A 5 ♥ A 5 ♦ A 8 ♦ A 8 2 ♣ 10 3 2 ♣ 10 3

Suppose you open 1♠, the next hand overcalls 2♣, partner raises to 2♠ and the next hand bids 3♣. With Hand G, you should count points for your length or shortages (but not both) in the way you usually do. You should jump to 4♠. With Hand H, you should anticipate that partner probably has a doubleton club as well and content yourself with a game try. Finally, possibly the easiest adjustment to make is for intermediate cards. The average hand contains one ten and one nine. If you have no tens or nines, deduct a point. If you have a couple of both tens and nines, add a point.

In Summary:

1 Point count may fail on freak hands. 2 Honours in long suits are worth more than those in short suits, especially if the honours in short suits are unguarded. Deduct a point for a doubleton queen or singleton king, but consider adding a point if your long suits are strong. 3 Beware of counting lower honours (queens and jacks) at full value in suits where you know partner is short, but give extra value to high cards that fill in partner’s long suits. 4 If your hand contains a couple fewer or a couple more than its share of tens and nines, subtract or add a point respectively. ■ BRIDGE November 2013

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DECLARER PLAY QUIZ

Worthing BN11 3DU 7-9 Feb £169 Sheila Rogers Rubber / Chicago 14-16 Feb £199 Just Duplicate

by David Huggett

28 Feb-2 Mar £199 Just Duplicate

(Answers on page 20)

Y

ou are South as declarer playing teams or rubber bridge. In each case, what is your play strategy?

1.

♠ K 7 6 4 ♥ K 8 4 ♦ Q 6 2 ♣ A K Q

3.

N

N

W E

W E

S



♠ A Q J 8 3 ♥ A 7 3 2 ♦ K 5 ♣ 7 3

You are declarer in 6♠ after West opens a weak 2♦ (5-9 points). West leads the ♣J. How do you plan the play?

2.

♠ 9 6 5 ♥ K 8 6 5 ♦ A 10 9 3 ♣ 7 5 N

♠ J 10 4 ♥ K 8 6 3 ♦ K 8 6 ♣ A J 5

S



♠ 9 2 ♥ A Q 10 7 5 ♦ A 5 3 ♣ K Q 10

You are in 4♥. East overcalled North’s 1NT opening with 2♠. West leads the ♠8, East wins the ♠Q and plays the ♠K, West playing the ♠5. East then plays the ♠A. How do you plan the play?

4.

W E

W E S



♠ K 7 ♥ A 4 2 ♦ Q J 6 ♣ A K J 10 2

You are declarer in 3NT and West leads the ♠4. East plays the ♠Q. How do you plan the play?

BRIDGE November 2013



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♠ A 9 ♥ A 6 5 ♦ 6 ♣ A Q 10 9 8 4 3

You are declarer in 7♣ and West leads the ♠K. How do you plan the play?

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♠ 7 4 ♥ K 9 7 ♦ A 9 7 5 4 3 ♣ K J N

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Answers to Bernard Magee’s  Bidding Quizzes 4-6 on the Cover



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

West North ?

East South 1♠ Pass

3♠. You have four-card spade support and less than an opening hand, so you should make a direct raise, but to what level? 10 HCP and no five-card suit, singleton or void so you should simply raise to 3♠. Using the losing trick count, your first count amounts to 7 losers, but you must take into account that you have an aceless hand. The LTC assumes that you have a fair spread of honours (aces, kings and queens) so if you find yourself aceless, you must be wary and downgrade your hand. After the downgrade, you should choose a 3♠ response.



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

West North East South 1♠ 2♣ Pass Pass ?

Double. You open 1♠ and find the auction has come back round to you after North’s 2♣ overcall. With both majors, the obvious call is 2♥ which would suggest 5-4 in the majors. However, you do have another option: when only suits have been bid,

BRIDGE November 2013

early in an auction, doubles at low levels tend to be for take-out. A double would suggest that you have shortage in clubs and can cope with any suit that your partner chooses to bid. This call suits quite well too because you have reasonable support for diamonds as well as both majors. But the best reason for choosing double over any other bid is that it opens up the option of your partner being able to pass for penalties. If East is sitting with long and strong clubs, he would love to hear a take-out double from you because he would be able to pass for penalties. This is exactly what happens here and you might be able to take 2♣ four off for 800 points.



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

West North East South 1♥ Pass 2♥ Pass ?

4♥. Your partner has made a weak response, but he has shown support. With a fit you can evaluate your hand fully. Two fivecard suits, a singleton and a doubleton, along with 13 HCP. Using the traditional method of point count evaluation, you have 13+2+2=17 points; 2 for a singleton and 1 for each of the five-card suits. This would suggest just bidding 3♥. The losing trick count makes things a little easier: 5 losers, which is two better than minimum so you bid two more: 4♥. 5-5 hands are my favourite type of hands: when you find a fit, you should bid boldly, so I prefer going for game. It is your distribution that gives you a chance of success: two ruffs in dummy and then hopefully an established club for your tenth trick. Notice that your partner is absolutely minimum, so he ■ would not accept a game try.

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Answers to Julian Pottage’s  Defence Quiz on page 9 1. ♠ 10 8 6 3 2 ♥ J 9 5 ♦ 5 ♣ A K Q 10 ♠ Q 4 ♠ A J 9 7 5 N ♥ A Q 6 ♥ 4 W E ♦ K J 9 8 4 S ♦ 10 7 3 ♣ 9 6 3 ♣ 8 7 5 2 ♠ K ♥ K 10 8 7 3 2 ♦ A Q 6 2 ♣ J 4

West 1NT Pass

North East South Pass 2♥1 3♥ 1 Transfer 4♥ End

Partner leads the ♦J, covered by the ♦K and ♦A. What is your plan? This time, dummy has a doubleton rather than a singleton. All the same, you can envisage a possible spade ruff in dummy. Since, ideally, you are looking to remove all of dummy’s trumps, you should switch to ace and another trump. You do not want to block yourself by holding on to the ace. While this leaves dummy with one trump, partner can remove it by playing a third round when in with ♠A. Why do I not suggest trying to set up a third-round club ruff for partner? If partner has the entries needed, the ♣A or the ♥K, declarer has precisely ♠A-K-Q, which is unlikely.

Partner leads the ♠Q. You win with the ♠A, dropping South’s ♠K. What do you return? With the singleton diamond on view, you can guess that declarer plans to ruff a diamond or two in dummy. To thwart this, you switch to your trump. This allows partner to win and play two more rounds. The switch would also work if partner had the ♦A-Q and the ♥K.

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

♠ J 10 8 5 ♥ A 4 ♦ A 8 4 ♣ J 9 7 3

West North East South 1♥ Pass 2♣ Pass 2NT Pass 3♥ Pass 4♥ End

Page 16

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

West North East South 3♥ Pass 4♥ End

Partner leads the ♠3. You capture the ♠Q with the ♠K. What do you return? Assuming the ♠3 is fourth highest, the lead is from a five-card suit (at most), which means that South started with three spades. With more spades in the closed hand than in dummy, a ruff is in the air. Since dummy has only a singleton trump, you can easily prevent a spade ruff. While it might seem tempting

to cash the ♥A, allowing you to hold the lead, this would be a mistake. The bidding warns you that partner will be short in trumps. If you cash the ace, the jack (or queen) in partner’s hand will fall under the king on the second round. You should bide your time and switch to the ♥4. After the trump switch, declarer may win and try to set up dummy’s clubs. The 5-2 break in the suit will scupper that plan.

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

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

Partner leads the ♠3, won by your ♠A. What do you return? Once again, you can see the threat of a ruff in dummy. As in the previous deals, dummy’s long suit poses less of a threat. Do you want to switch to your low trump? The snag is that declarer has no option but to hope the ♥K is onside (which, on the bidding, it is likely to be). After dummy wins this and later ruffs a spade, your ♥K will fall under the ♥A. Declarer makes a spade ruff, six trumps and three top tricks in the minors. You need to switch to the ♥K, forcing out the ♥A. Partner’s ♥9 will become good. ■

BRIDGE November 2013

The Diaries of Wendy Wensum Episode 19: A Sicilian Jaunt Part 3: Winners and Losers Wendy, Spouse, Millie and Justin are on the island of Sicily sightseeing and playing bridge. The story continues.

F

rom the hotel, a local service bus conveyed Millie, Justin, Spouse and me to the picturesque fishing town of Cefalu a short distance down the coast. There, we investigated the famous medieval laundry situated near the sea front and walked through the ancient arch leading to the harbour where small fishing boats bobbed gently in the clear water beside the restored white stone quay. After a sedate stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, we visited the splendid Norman Cathedral, admiring its ornate architecture. By this time, it was quite hot and Millie announced that she was, ‘absolutely exhausted.’ To revive her, we lunched in a nearby café where, naturally, a bottle of wine was an essential ingredient. Afterwards, Millie declined my invitation to explore the giant cliff towering over the town. Millie and Justin stayed at the café while Spouse and I set ourselves the challenge of conquering the great rock. As we departed, I thought I heard Millie mutter something about ‘silly burgers,’ to Justin, but I doubted whether she could possibly consume anything else. We followed the path past a ruined temple dedicated to Diana and eventually, after much huffing and puffing, reached the castle dominating the summit. It was well worth the effort; we had wonderful views of both the town beneath and the ultrablue Tyrrhenian Sea stretching northwards towards Sardinia, Corsica and the Italian mainland. Not surprisingly, the descent was considerably quicker and we soon joined Millie and Justin back at the café for a few beers before returning to the hotel for dinner and bridge. As we entered the bridge room, Millie observed, ‘It’s very dark in here.’ ‘Sunglasses!’ bellowed Justin, Spouse and I in chorus. It had been such a BRIDGE November 2013

busy day that we had forgotten the evening events were gender pairs. The tournament director had organised the field into two sections: one for ladies and the other for gentlemen. Naturally, I played with Millie, leaving Justin and Spouse, who had never played together, to enter the men’s event. Both fields played the same boards and Spouse and Justin were particularly interested in this deal afterwards. Dealer West. Love All. ♠ 10 9 4 3 ♥ A 10 8 2 ♦ Q 8 ♣ Q 9 3 ♠ Q 8 ♠ K 2 ♥ K Q 7 6 5 N ♥ J 4 3 W E ♦ A K 4 3 S ♦ J 10 9 5 2 ♣ K 6 ♣ J 10 4 ♠ A J 7 6 5 ♥ 9 ♦ 7 6 ♣ A 8 7 5 2

When Millie and I played the hand, the bidding went: West North East South Millie Wendy 1♥ Pass 2♥ 2♠ 3♦ 3♠ Pass 4♠ All Pass

The contract was doomed from the start. Millie led the ♥K and declarer won with the ♥A. Game was never on. We took two diamonds, a trump trick and the ♣K, defeating the contract by one trick for a top our way. Dummy was not amused and accused declarer crossly, ‘You overcalled at the two level on only nine points. Did you know that?’ ‘I did know that,’ was the simple riposte. ‘And you still bid game,’

continued North, ‘Can you explain that?’ ‘I can,’ asserted South. ‘Well, why haven’t you then?’ demanded dummy with increasing vigour. ‘I didn’t want to bore you,’ lamented South. ‘Your eyes have glazed over; have you lost interest?’ continued North. ‘I was only feigning interest in the first place,’ admitted declarer as they trooped off moodily for the next round. In the men’s event, the bidding was more circumspect; Justin and Spouse were given an easier time in the auction as there was no intervention from their opponents. West North East South Spouse Justin 1♥ Pass 2♥ Pass 3♦ Pass 3♥ All Pass

Rather carelessly, North led the ace of trumps and Spouse made his contract with an overtrick, losing only the three aces, for a complete top. In spite of, or perhaps because of, their hastily compiled system, Justin and Spouse did extremely well, coming first in their section. I thought that Millie and I had played competently enough overall and I was surprised and rather disappointed to discover we finished some way down the field. In the postmortem Millie blamed me for our poor results, citing my climb up the rock as the main cause of the lacklustre performance. I protested that exercise was good for both mind and body and consolidated my defence by noting that Spouse had also climbed to the summit and he and Justin had won their event. It was to no avail. ‘In their case, it was beginners’ luck,’ Millie decreed dismissively. Nevertheless, we had all enjoyed the day and a visit to the bar soon revived our flagging spirits. At least Spouse and Justin had something to celebrate. ■ Page 17

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Answers to Bernard Magee’s  Bidding Quizzes 7-9 on the Cover



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

Always remember that, when you open with a pre-empt, you make life difficult for your opponents and they will sometimes be forced to ‘guess’ what to bid. Here, North guessed to bid 3♠ and unfortunately found your partner with the wrong hand.

West North East South 3♥ 3♠ Dbl Pass ?

Pass. It is important to have a simple set of doubling rules: when your side has bid no-trumps or made a pre-emptive bid, then any doubles are for penalties. Your partner has made a penalty double and you should trust him. You have a relatively normal hand, which your partner will expect. Do not feel your partner will be disappointed: you have an ace, which will please him very much because he will expect to get 3♠ down without any help from you at all. As it is, you might take 3♠ four off, which would be worth 800 points.



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

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

2♥. You have a very weak hand, so your job is to slow the auction down as soon as possible. You should choose which of your partner’s suits is likely to be the

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BRIDGE November 2013

better denomination. A bid of 2♠ would suggest a strong six-card suit, so that is certainly out. False Preference is the name given to the solution of this question: although your diamonds are better than your hearts, you choose hearts because a 5-2 fit tends to play better than a 4-3 fit when you have two weak hands. Furthermore, hearts score more than diamonds if both contracts make.



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

West North East South 1♠ Pass 1NT Pass 2♥ Pass 3♣ Pass ?

Pass. As an auction goes in to a third round, understanding can get clouded. So often, the right final contract can be found by clear thinking. You have described your hand neatly: showing five spades and four hearts. Why has your partner ignored your two suits? Furthermore, why did he not bid 2♣ on the previous round? As long as you trust your partner, you should be able to predict his hand: he did not have enough strength to bid 2♣, so he must be pretty weak. Then, to overbid your two majors, he must have a very long suit: six or seven cards. He is showing a long suit and a weak hand: he wants you to pass. Trusting your partner, you do pass and you finish in the correct final contract of 3♣. By bidding 1NT first, your partner slows the auction down, then when he bids a suit he is showing a very long suit ■ in a very weak hand.

Page 19

Answers to David Huggett’s  Play Quiz on page 13 1. ♠ K 7 6 4 ♥ K 8 4 ♦ Q 6 2 ♣ A K Q ♠ 9 ♥ Q 10 N W E ♦ A J 10 9 4 3 S ♣ J 10 9 2 ♠ A Q J 8 3 ♥ A 7 3 2 ♦ K 5 ♣ 7 3

♠ 10 5 2 ♥ J 9 6 5 ♦ 8 7 ♣ 8 6 5 4

You are declarer in 6♠ after West opens a weak 2♦ (5-9 points). West leads the ♣J. How do you plan the play? It looks as though you have a heart and a diamond to lose but appearances can prove deceptive. Win the club lead, draw trumps noting they split 1-3 and then lead a low diamond from hand. What can West do? If he rises with the ace, you have twelve tricks via five spades, two hearts, two diamonds and three clubs; while if he ducks, you win with the queen in dummy and discard your king of diamonds on the third club. Ultimately, you will be able to ruff a heart in dummy and then you make twelve tricks via five spades, two hearts and a ruff, one diamond and three clubs.

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

Page 20

♠ Q 10 3 ♥ 10 9 7 ♦ K 7 4 ♣ 9 8 6 4

You are declarer in 3NT and West leads the ♠4. East plays the ♠Q. How do you plan the play? You are in grave danger of losing four spade tricks once you have lost the lead and, with only six tricks immediately available after the lead, you have to determine whether to take the club finesse and hope for five tricks from that suit, or take the diamond finesse. If that is successful, you will make one spade, two hearts, four diamonds and two clubs. Rather than put all your eggs in one basket, combine your chances by playing off the two top clubs first. On a good day, the queen will be doubleton and then you will not need to take any finesses at all.

just discard one of that suit from hand on the third round of spades. Now dummy can take care of any further spade leads.

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

You are declarer in 7♣ and West leads the ♠K. How do you plan the play? You are in a good grand slam but there is work to be done. With only eleven top tricks, you have to establish two more and they can come only from the diamond suit. So play a diamond to the ace at trick two and ruff a diamond high. Now play a club to dummy and ruff another diamond high and repeat the process if there is still a diamond out. Finally, you will be able to draw any remaining trumps, enter dummy with the king of hearts and throw your losing heart and losing spade on the two winning diamonds. Note that, if you had played a trump to dummy earlier, before ruffing the diamonds, you would have ■ found yourself an entry short.

♠ A K Q 7 6 3 ♥ 4 ♦ Q 10 4 ♣ 9 7 3

You are declarer in 4♥ after East has overcalled your partner’s 1NT opening with 2♠. West leads the ♠8, East wins with the ♠Q and plays the ♠K with West following with the ♠5. East then plays the ♠A. How do you plan the play? Assuming hearts do not break 4-0, you have ten tricks on top but in the heat of battle it is easy to go wrong. It might look tempting to ruff the third round of spades with either the ten of hearts or even a top heart, but if you do, you will be defeated when West starts with a three card holding including the knave as that card will be promoted into a winner. Of course, the answer is simple. As you have a certain diamond loser anyway,

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

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BRIDGE November 2013

BERNARD MAGEE’S INTERACTIVE TUTORIALS ACOL BIDDING

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Partner

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Opener’s and Responder’s Rebids

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l Defence

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Making Overtricks in Suit Contracts

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Contract

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l l

Trump Reductions & Coups Playing Doubled Contracts Safety Plays

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Partner of Leader vs No-trump Contracts

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Advanced Basics

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Twos

Partner of Leader vs Suit Contracts

l Count

l

Defence to 1NT

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Defences to Other Systems

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Misfits and Distributional Hands

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Opening Bids & Responses

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No-Trump Openings

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Support for Partner

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Slams & Strong Openings

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Pre-empting

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Defensive Plan

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Doubles

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Entries in No-trumps

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Drawing Trumps Using the Lead

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Strong No-Trump

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Establishment in No-trumps

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l

Rebids

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Overcalls

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Signals

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Strong Hands to Weak Twos

DEFENCE

the Hand l

l

Auctions

Squeezes l Counting

Minors and Misfits

l Competitive

l Avoidance l Wrong

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DECLARER PLAY

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l Defence

l Overcalls

l Strong

MORE (ADVANCED) ACOL BIDDING

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for Extra Tricks

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Doubling and Defence Against £69 Doubled Contracts

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Play and Defence of 1NT Contracts

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Finding and Bidding Slams

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Making the Most of High Cards

£89

l Competitive

Auctions

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BRIDGE November 2013

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

10. Dealer North. E/W Game. ♠ 4 2 ♠ A K 8 7 5 N ♥ K Q 8 6 5 ♥ 3 2 W E ♦ K Q 3 S ♦ A 4 2 ♣ 9 7 6 ♣ 10 8 4

West ?

North East South 1♣ 1♠ Pass

Pass. Responding to overcalls is very different from responding to an opening bid. You have no obligation to keep the auction open because the overcaller is rarely extremely strong. With 16+ points, the overcaller will usually make a stronger call: doubling or making a jump bid. This means that with 10 or fewer points there is no need to make a call. Of course, if you have support you certainly should show it, but without support you should bid with care. There is a temptation to bid 2♥ with a hand like this, but often that will simply push the level of the auction up unnecessarily. Bearing in mind that your partner could be very weak, it is most sensible to pass. North might choose to bid again

which might give you the chance to introduce your own suit. However, on this hand, 1♠ might well win the contract and will probably scrape home.



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

West North East South 2♣ 2♥ Pass Pass ?

2♠. You open with the strongest bid available: 2♣. However, North bids 2♥ and your partner passes, so the bidding is back with you. First thing to note is that your partner will have a weak hand: his pass is equivalent to a negative response. Second thing to note is that you do not need to jump: you have already said you have a super-strong hand, so that your partner will not pass. Just show your fivecard suit by bidding 2♠. Your partner

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BRIDGE November 2013

would bid 3♣, you would bid 3NT and East might continue with 4♣. 5♣ is the only making game and the only chance of reaching it is if you take your time and allow your partner the room to bid clubs twice, thereby suggesting at least six clubs. Once you have opened 2♣, you rarely need to show your strength again, as long as your trust your partner: he will remember that you have 23+ points or game in your own hand.



12. Dealer East. E/W Game. ♠ A K 8 4 2 ♠ 6 N ♥ 4 2 ♥ QJ3 W E ♦ 7 5 S ♦ A K 9 6 4 ♣ A K 4 3 ♣ Q J 5 2

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

2♥. Your partner has bid two suits: showing five or more diamonds and at least four clubs, but he might have a minimum opening hand. You have the strength for game: 14 HCP is plenty opposite an opening hand to make game worthwhile. However, which game contract should you bid: spades, clubs or no-trumps? When you know game is on but have no natural bid available to keep the bidding flowing, consider using a bid in the fourth suit. A bid in the fourth suit is rarely required as a natural bid, so experts have made use of it as an artificial, forcing bid: fourth suit forcing. A bid of 2♥ in this auction forces your partner to bid again. On this occasion, he will bid 2NT showing his heart stop and you can raise to game. The problem with raising to 3♣ is that, with a minimum hand, your partner might pass. You would like to bid 4♣ but ■ at the same time stay below 3NT.

Page 23

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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.

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Page 26

Things You Should Know About . . . by Andrew Kambites

M

r Bridge has invited me to write a new series entitled, ‘Things you should know about . . .’ I have started with 12 articles on the most important aspects of the uncontested auction. Some of my articles will be on basic bridge knowledge. The emphasis will be on explaining why something is the recommended path, rather that just telling you what to do. Too many people decide on a system as though it is a series of unconnected decisions. Any good system is an integrated whole, put together as a result of many years of experience by strong players. One part affects the rest. For example, I will be recommending that you open all balanced hands in the 12-14 point range with 1NT, even if you have a weak doubleton. There are huge hidden gains by doing this, for example, if you open 1♠ and rebid 2♥, you guarantee five spades. Of course, you may decide not to accept my recommendation about opening 1NT with a small doubleton, but then you must accept that there are drawbacks that you might not have anticipated. I would strongly advise

you not to reinvent the wheel: the large number of homegrown systems that I see at club level have the disadvantage of bypassing the accumulated experience of experts over many years. Other articles will feature common conventional bids. I have criteria I apply to conventions.

First Criterion Any convention invariably replaces a natural bid. For example, the best of all conventions, Stayman, prevents you from signing off in 2♣. Is that a price worth paying? The answer is a very strong Yes. Finding a 4-4 major suit fit is far more important than signing off in 2♣.

Second Criterion How often does it occur? If the answer is every week, it is worth the effort in learning it and you won’t forget it at the table. If it occurs once a year, then inevitably one of you will get it wrong. Of course, the more you play with a partner, the more ambitious you can be in your system.

Third Criterion In real life, does it gain or lose? I am afraid that Gerber fails my test. In real life, people regularly have misunderstandings about when 4♣ is or isn’t Gerber. Bridge is a game played by fallible human beings and any convention which does not recognise this is flawed. Whatever the merits of a convention, do understand that all conventions need discussion and such discussion can only take place in a regular partnership. If you sit down for a casual session opposite somebody you hardly know, you might both agree to play red suit transfers, but that does not necessarily mean you mean the same thing. My articles try to anticipate problems, for example, if 1NT is doubled, is 2♣ still Stayman? If you and your partner both study my ideas and accept them, you should find them helpful. I will also try to advise you whether your partner’s bid needs announcing or alerting under current EBU rules. Good luck, and enjoy your bridge. ■ BRIDGE November 2013

Things You Should Know About by Andrew Kambites

Red-Suit Transfers O

pposite a 1NT opening bid, a response of 2♦ shows at least 5 hearts and requires opener to bid 2♥: a response of 2♥ shows at least 5 spades and requires opener to bid 2♠.

This message cannot be rescinded; for example, the sequence: 1NT-2♦-2♥-3♦ shows at least 5 hearts and at least 4 diamonds and is game forcing. It is legal, but not good practice, to play this sequence as a take-out into 3♦. If you do choose to play this, then you must not describe the original 2♦ bid as a transfer because the word ‘transfer’ guarantees at least 5 hearts and opponents will have every justification for complaining to the director if they are put off bidding hearts and find subsequently that your 2♦ transfer did not guarantee a heart suit 100% of the time. Using red-suit transfers, there are a number of ways of signing off in clubs and diamonds at the three level, for example using the now redundant 2♠ bid, but these are outside the remit of this article. ♣♦♥♠

T

he main advantage of transfers is not that they get the contract played by the right (ie strong) hand. If you play a 12-14 1NT opening, a lot of the time you transfer, the responder will be at least as strong as the 1NT opener. Transferring with BRIDGE November 2013

the objective of concealing the strong hand has more validity opposite a 2NT opener. The main advantage of transfers is the huge amount of extra sequences they create. If you don’t play transfers, then the sequence 1NT-2♦ has only one meaning: a sign off in 2♦. Playing transfers you can respond 2♦, opener rebids 2♥ and you can continue in a variety of ways. For example, common continuations are: pass, 2♠, 2NT, 3♣, 3♦, 3♥, 3NT and 4♥. Each of these continuations passes a different and precise message to partner. Most are considered later in this article. ♣♦♥♠

A

fter responder’s second bid, opener usually has a good picture of his hand and should use common sense to determine the final contract. For example, consider this sequence: West East 1NT 2♦ 2♥ 2NT

When East bids 2♦, West has little idea of his intentions. But when East continues with 2NT, the full picture emerges. East has 11-12 points and exactly 5 hearts. The 11-12 points comes from removing the 2♦-2♥ round of bidding, leaving 1NT-2NT. The 2♦ transfer promised 5 hearts: with 6 hearts, responder would have

raised 2♥ to 3♥. West could have any of these hands: Hand A Hand B ♠ K J 6 5 ♠ K J 6 5 ♥ J 6 ♥ J 6 ♦ A Q 7 6 ♦ A Q 7 6 ♣ J 9 2 ♣ K 9 2

Hand C Hand D ♠ K J 6 5 ♠ K J 6 5 ♥ J 10 2 ♥ J 10 2 ♦ A Q 7 ♦ A Q 7 ♣ J 9 2 ♣ K 9 2

West has to make two decisions: i) With a maximum 1NT, he chooses to play in game: with a minimum 1NT, he chooses a part score. ii) With 3-card heart support or better, he chooses a heart contract: with only a doubleton heart, he settles for no trumps. Therefore: With Hand A (12 points and a doubleton heart), West passes 2NT. With Hand B (14 points and a doubleton heart), West raises 2NT to 3NT. With Hand C (12 points and 3-card heart support), West signs off in 3♥. With Hand D (14 points and 3-card heart support), West jumps to 4♥. ♣♦♥♠

I

f responder transfers and then raises the suit, he guarantees 6 cards in the suit.

Page 27

About Transfers continued

Auction E Auction F West East West East 1NT 2♥ 2NT 3♥ 2♠ 3♠ 3♠ 4♠

Consider the above sequences. In each case, East guaranteed 5 spades with his first bid. East might pass West’s forced spade rebid, leaving the partnership in a 5-2 fit, but when East bids on, he should seek to convey new information, not repeat information already given. So suppose West starts with 2NT and East has this hand: Hand G ♠ K J 7 6 5 ♥ Q 3 2 ♦ 7 ♣ 9 6 5 4

East shows his 5-card spade suit by transferring with 3♥. West dutifully rebids 3♠. East’s correct continuation is 3NT, not 4♠. Note that East is not deciding that 3NT should be the final contract. West will decide the final contract in the knowledge that East has 5 spades: with 3-card spade support, West will certainly convert to 4♠: with only doubleton spade support, West will pass 3NT but then you are almost certainly better off in 3NT. Note that it would not be sensible for East to offer clubs as a possible contract (by continuing with 4♣ over 3♠). First, this leaves 3NT behind and second, the hand and the clubs are very weak so contracting for 11 tricks is likely to be too much. ♣♦♥♠

A

transfer followed by a change of suit is game forcing.

Most such sequences are covered by the general principle: in an uncontested auction, a new suit at the three level after a one level opening bid is game forcing. Page 28



Layout H ♠ Q 5 2 ♥ A J 8 N W E ♦ K 7 6 S ♣ A 7 5 3

♠ K J 7 6 4 ♥ K 9 6 5 ♦ A Q ♣ 6 2

West East 1NT 2♥1 2 2♠ 3♥3 3♠4 4♠5



2♥ promises 5 spades. As instructed. 3 3♥ is game forcing, showing 4 hearts as well as 5 spades. 4 Spades will be trumps. Note that because 3♥ is game forcing, West has no need to jump to 4♠ even though he is maximum for 1NT. Keeping the bidding lower might be helpful if East wants to start cue bidding for slam investigation. 5 No slam ambition. 1

leaving it to partner to choose the final resting place. You should not be ruled by fear. Yes, a weakness in hearts may be a problem but partner may be strong in hearts, or the defenders may not find a heart lead. A far more likely problem is having too many inescapable losers in 5♣. Generally, your priorities for game contracts are: i) An 8-card major suit fit. ii) 3NT, requiring only 9 tricks. iii) A distant third is five-of-a-minor.

2

There is just one sequence that needs thought: 1NT-2♦-2♥-2♠. This shows 5 hearts and 4 spades. The second suit is bid at the two level. You should discuss with partner whether it is forcing for one round or (as I would recommend) that you play it as game forcing. ♣♦♥♠

S

ometimes it is not possible or desirable to show a second suit after a transfer.

Hand J Hand K ♠ K J 7 6 5 ♠ A Q 7 6 5 ♥ 8 ♥ 8 ♦ A Q 7 ♦ A Q 7 ♣ J 6 5 2 ♣ J 6 5 2

Suppose your partner opens 1NT and you have Hand J. You transfer to spades, but what then? The hand is not strong enough for a game forcing 3♣. Your best continuation is an invitational 2NT. Even if you make the hand a little stronger so that game is correct, with Hand K, you are ill advised to suggest trying to make 11 tricks with a 5♣ contract. Best is to show your 5 spades by bidding 2♥ and then jump to 3NT,

♣♦♥♠

I

f you have invitational values with 5-4 in the majors, you can show this by bidding Stayman and if the response is 2♦, bidding your 5-card major at the three level.



Layout L ♠ A 5 4 ♥ K 4 3 N W E ♦ A K 4 2 S ♣ 9 5 4



♠ K Q 6 3 2 ♥ A Q 9 5 ♦ 7 3 ♣ 7 2

West East 1NT 2♣ 2♦ 3♠ 4♠

3♠ is not forcing, showing 5 spades and 4 hearts. If West is minimum, he may have to pass and possibly play in a 5-2 fit. If East was stronger with the same shape, eg with the ♦Q instead of the ♦7, he would start with a transfer bid of 2♥ and then bid a game forcing and natural 3♥ over West’s 2♠ rebid. ♣♦♥♠

I

f 1NT is doubled, you should abandon transfers.

You need to be able to escape into any 5-card suit at the two-level. If you transfer with 2♦ and the next opponent enters the bidding with a double (ie 1NT-Pass-2♦-Dbl), it is normal for the opening 1NT bidder to complete the transfer with 2♥ if he has 3-card or better support, but to pass if he has just a doubleton heart. This is possible because responder has BRIDGE November 2013

About Transfers continued

another bid and it helps if the auction becomes competitive. The pass doesn’t mean opener likes diamonds, only that he has just 2 hearts. ♣♦♥♠

Y

ou should play transfers opposite partner’s 1NT overcall and also opposite his 2NT opening bid.



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

West North East South 1♥ 1NT1 Pass 2♥2 Pass 2♠3 Pass 2NT4 Pass 4♠5 All Pass

16-18 points. At least 5 spades. 3 Completing the transfer. 4 Exactly 5 spades: enough for a game try opposite a 16-18 1NT overcall. 5 Maximum with at least 3 spades. 1 2

♣♦♥♠

I

f you play that 2♦ opposite a 1NT opening bid guarantees at least 5 hearts, the 1NT opener announces, ‘hearts,’ rather than alerting 2♦. 2♦ must be alerted, if for any reason, it does not guarantee at least 5 hearts. A transfer opposite a 1NT overcaller or a 2NT opening bid should be alerted by the no-trump bidder. ■ BRIDGE November 2013

Things You Should Know About Red-Suit Transfers Quiz by Andrew Kambites (Answers on page 47) 1 (i) You are West playing red-suit transfers. You open 1NT and your partner bids 2♥. What do you rebid with Hands A and B? (ii) What would you rebid with Hands A and B if your left hand opponent doubled your 1NT opening and your partner bid 2♥?



Hand A ♠ 8 7 ♥ K Q 6 ♦ A 7 6 2 ♣ K J 5 2

Mr Bridge 2014 Bridge Players’ Diaries

Hand B ♠ K 8 7 ♥ A 7 ♦ A Q 6 5 ♣ J 10 7 5

2 You are East, playing red-suit transfers. The bidding starts as shown. West East 1NT 2♦ 2♥ ?

What is your next bid with Hands C, D, E, F, G and H?

Contents include ♦ Acol Summary by Bernard Magee. ♦ Guide to the Laws.





Hand C ♠ A 8 7 ♥ A J 8 6 5 ♦ Q 10 7 ♣ 7 6

Hand F ♠ A 8 ♥ A J 8 6 5 2 ♦ A 10 7 ♣ 7 6

Hand D Hand E ♠ A 8 7 ♠ A 8 ♥ A J 8 6 5 ♥ A J 8 6 5 2 ♦ A 10 7 ♦ Q 8 7 ♣ 7 6 ♣ 7 6

Hand G Hand H ♠ A 8 ♠ A K 7 ♥ A J 8 6 5 ♥ A K J 6 5 ♦ Q 10 7 2 ♦ A 10 7 2 ♣ 7 6 ♣ 7

♦ Scoring Tables for duplicate and rubber bridge. ♦ Distributional odds. ♦ Hand patterns and fascinating figures. ♦ Cover colours remaining: Red, Navy, Tan and Burgundy. ♦ All covers printed in gold-coloured ink.

3 You are West, playing red-suit transfers. The bidding starts as shown.

♦ Individual diaries £6.95 each including p&p.

West East 1NT 2♥ 2♠ 2NT ?

♦ Special concession to clubs and teachers. 10 for £35, thereafter £3.50 each including p&p.

What is your next bid with Hands I, J, K and L?



Hand I Hand J ♠ 8 5 ♠ 8 6 ♥ A Q 7 6 ♥ A Q 7 6 ♦ 9 8 6 ♦ Q 8 6 ♣ A Q 4 2 ♣ A Q 4 2

Hand K Hand L ♠ 8 5 2 ♠ Q 5 2 ♥ A Q 7 6 ♥ A Q 7 6 ♦ 8 6 ♦ 8 6 ♣ A Q 4 2 ♣ A Q 4 2

♦ Luxury version with supersoft kidrell cover, gilded page edges and a ball-point pen attached, in ruby red, navy blue or bottle green. £14.95 each including p&p.

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Page 29

Julian Pottage answers your bridge questions

Support Immediately With 4-Card Fit

Q

This hand came up at our club. The players were using fourth-suit forcing and Blackwood.



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



♠ J 10 7 3 ♥ K J 9 6 3 ♦ A Q 7 3 ♣ Void

West North East South 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass 2♦ Pass 3♣ Pass 4♠ Pass 4NT Pass 5♦ Pass 6♠ Dbl End

East held all the remaining points. The slam made with an overtrick when declarer guessed both majors well. Should South support spades at his second bid? As it was, his bidding showed his threesuited shape and allowed North to bid the

Page 30

slam with confidence. Nicholas Beswick Brynmawr, Blaenau, Gwent.

A

With four-card support for partner’s major, you should raise the suit immediately. If you wait until later, partner will assume you have only three-card support. To be fair, South faces a tricky rebid. The losing trick count (six losers) suggests giving a jump raise to 3♠, while point count might suggest a simple raise. If South jumps to 3♠, North will surely drive the auction to a slam. If South raises to 2♠, as most people would, you are unlikely to reach a slam. I suppose North might bid 3NT over 2♠ and South, rather than making a simple correction to 4♠, cue bids one of the minors. On your actual auction, East’s double of the slam should be lead directing, asking for an unusual lead. Holding the ace-queen of clubs, East does not want to deflect West from a club lead. Since hearts is dummy’s main suit, the double should ask for a heart lead. As a heart lead solves declarer’s two-way guess in the suit,

this is the worst possible lead for the defenders.

you have already passed) is forcing for one round. ♣♦♥♠

♣♦♥♠

Q

Playing Acol with a 12-14 no-trump, my partner opened 1♠.



♠ 9 6 ♥ A J 10 8 ♦ 8 7 6 3 ♣ K Q 9

I know you should have five hearts to bid 2♥ over 1♠. I also understand that 1NT (the dustbin bid) is 6-9 points, so should I bid 2♦ with a hand like this and 10 points? John A Ward by email.

A

While I agree that 2♦ does not describe the hand terribly well, nothing else fits the bill. You cannot bid 1NT because if partner has 15-16 balanced, you will play there and miss game. Nor, as you point out, can you bid 2♥ because partner will place you with five hearts. Remember, 2♦ is a new suit and so (unless

Q

The hand on my right opened 1♦. I held this shapely 6-point hand:



♠ J 10 9 8 7 ♥ K Q 10 9 8 7 ♦ 5 ♣ 8

I passed. The opponents said I should have bid 2NT, showing both majors. I did not know their system. Doreen Parrington by email.

A

Many people play that a 2NT overcall shows the minors. I have not come across playing 2NT as showing the majors. It is common to play that a cue bid of the minor opened shows the majors (Michaels cue bid). If you are playing Michaels, you bid 2♦. With such great shape and good intermediates in your suits, you do not need to worry about having only 6 points.

BRIDGE November 2013

Ask Julian continued

Q

I made a mistake during the bidding here; I forgot which way round we were playing RKCB.



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



♠ A Q 10 3 ♥ A 10 ♦ 8 5 ♣ A K Q 9 7

West North East South 2♦1 Dbl Pass 4♠ Pass 4NT2 Pass 5♦3 Pass 5♠ End 1 Multi, here a weak two in hearts. 2 RKCB. 3 Zero key cards (1430), so denying the ♠K.

If I had bid correctly, how would South know there were not two quick losers in diamonds? Howard Webb, Rotherham.

A

Assuming that partner’s double shows either a weak no-trump or a good hand, your 4♠ is a strong move, showing the wish to play there facing the weak no-trump hand. In this case, partner can reasonably assume that you have something apart from the ♠K, in which case it would be unlucky if there were two fast diamond losers. Even if there were two fast diamond losers, the opponents might have to lead the suit initially to

BRIDGE November 2013

beat 6♠, which I admit might happen as East has so little in the other suits.

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

♣♦♥♠

Q

How do intervening bids by the opponents affect ‘reverse’ bidding (by opener or responder)? Stephen Whitaker, Sherborne, Dorset.

A

In general, the opposing bidding does not make a lot of difference. West North East South 1♣ Pass 1♥ 1♠ 2♦

West’s 2♦ means the same as it would have done without the 1♠ overcall, about 17-20 points with at least 5 clubs and at least 4 diamonds (more clubs than diamonds). West North East South 1♣ Pass 1♠ 2♥ 3♦

West’s 3♦ means more or less the same as it would have done if North had passed and East had rebid 2♥, usually game-going values (because the bid is at the three level) with at least five clubs and at least four diamonds. Being under the spade bid, double from West should be for take-out, so there is less possibility that West has invented a diamond suit to create a force than there would be in an uncontested auction. ♣♦♥♠

Q

What should South bid on the hand below? Some have suggested 4♣ or 5♣.

Here the overcall does push the bidding higher. With a hand of reversing strength, clearly West cannot pass. However, on some hands with only 4-5 in the minors, West would look for some rebid other than 3♦, such as 2NT, double or 3♥.

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

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

West North East South 1♥ 1♠ Pass ?

South’s overcall does not suddenly make 2♠ a reverse. That said, 2♠ does show extra values (say 15+). This is because, with a minimum opening bid and no assurance of a fit, it would be usual for West to pass. You ask about the effect on responder too.

Ruth Letcher, Bath.

A

With the misfit for spades and reasonable defence against West’s hearts, a simple 2♣ to start with seems fine. I play that 3♣ would be a fit-showing jump

(spades and clubs), while 4♣ would be a splinter (spade support and short clubs), so those bids would not be an option for me. You could bid 5♣, I suppose. That seems rather wild. 5♣ makes but only because East unexpectedly has the ♣K.

Q

North thought he had shown 6+ hearts and probably 4 spades here, which is why he passed 3NT.



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



♠ A 4 2 ♥ J ♦ K 6 5 ♣ Q 8 7 5 4 2

West North East South 1♦ Pass Pass Dbl 2♣ Pass 2♦ 3♥ Pass 3NT End

3NT went down after a club lead and diamond return, when the opener, unexpectedly, did not hold the ♦A. South said North should have taken her 3NT out into hearts. What do you think? Catherine Howard, Lambeth.

A

With a sevencard suit and two singletons, North can judge that 3NT is unlikely to be the best spot. Double followed by 3♥ showed a hand with hearts too good for a re-opening 1♥ overcall. It did not promise a 7-4 shape. North should have taken 3NT out to 4♥.

Page 31

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21-23 February £179 Stayman & Transfers

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Booking Form on page 8.

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Page 32

Q

I think North might have opened 1♦ here, though a slam still seems reachable after opening 1♥.



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



♠ A 3 ♥ K 8 4 2 ♦ 10 7 ♣ A Q J 4 3

9-11 May £179 Gwen Beattie – Overcalls

with Sheila Rogers

Bucks UB9 5DG

Ask Julian continued

West North East South 1♥1 Pass 2NT2 Pass 4♦3 Pass 4♥ End 1 Playing 5-card majors and a strong NT, possibly a mistake. 2 Game forcing heart raise. 3 A good second suit.

With the ♦K onside, 13 tricks rolled in. How should the bidding have gone? Trevor Howard, Bushey, Herts.

A

With a full value 2NT Jacoby bid and aces facing both North’s short suits, South’s sign off in 4♥ was a little cautious. That said, North has a 4-loser hand so might have risked taking the auction to the five level. If North continued with a cue bid of 5♣, South would have to look favourably on the ♠A (first-round control in the unbid suit). If North opens 1♦, as you suggest, you get a completely different auction. From the description of the system, a 2♣ response shows quite a

good hand, so I think North is well worth a reverse of 2♥. If North rebids 2♥ and South raises to 3♥, North might reasonably jump to 5♥. When your side has bid three suits, a jump to five of a major says you want to be in a slam if partner can control the fourth suit. Holding the ♠A, South would cue bid 5♠. North would then cue bid 6♣, but give up on a grand slam when South is unable to bid 6♦ to show the ♦K. ♣♦♥♠

Q

Danny Roth, in his book, ‘The Expert Beginner’ says: 1. A 2♥ response to a 1♠ opening indicates five hearts. 2. A 1NT response to an opening of 1♦, 1♥ or 1♠ shows 6 to 8 or 9 points, but you would require 8 to 10 points to respond 1NT to 1♣. Why is this so? Peter Higgins by email.

A

1. A wide range of systems, including Acol, require a 5-card suit for a 2♥ response to 1♠. Playing the response as showing five hearts helps in finding 5-3 fits. Responder does not need to bid hearts to uncover a 4-4 fit because, with 5-4 in the majors, opener will be planning to show the hearts anyway. 2. When the opening bid is 1♣, responder has more room, with space to show any suit at the one level, than over other suit openings. To justify the space-consuming and possibly wrong-siding response of 1NT, you therefore need a slightly better hand than you do over the other suit openings. Again, what Danny Roth suggests is more or less standard.

BRIDGE November 2013

Ask Julian continued

Q

What bidding would you recommend on the following (West) hand?



♠ 10 ♥ A Q 10 8 ♦ A K 9 6 ♣ K Q J 10

West North East South 1♣ 3♠ Pass Pass Dbl End

My partner had ♥K-J-x-x-x. 4♥ was cold. She thought my double was for penalties because North’s overcall was pre-emptive. She also thought I should have opened 1♥. Lena Morgan, Swansea.

A

Q

If partner opens 1♦ and rebids 2♥ over a 1♠ response, is this a reverse? I am familiar with a reverse when you bid 1♥ then 2♠. John Shingler by email.

A

If partner opens 1♦ and rebids 2♥, that is a reverse, just like opening 1♥ and rebidding 2♠ as you suggest. In each case, opener is rebidding in a higher-ranking suit than the suit opened and in such a way as to take the bidding past two of his first suit.

Q

My partner opened 2♣. I held:



♠ 10 5 3 ♥ K 9 4 ♦ J 8 6 3 ♣ J 7 4

I responded 2♦. Some suggested I should bid 2NT or show a suit. Mary Collett, Kings Ripton. Cambridgeshire.

A

Giving a negative response with 5 points seems entirely normal to me. Usually, you need 8 points or so to give a ■ positive response.

E-mail your questions for Julian to: [email protected]

BRIDGE November 2013

LEAVE THEM OUT Bridge tip from Sally Brock: Keep your agreements about bidding and defensive carding simple

♣♦♥♠

♣♦♥♠

While 4441 hands are often awkward, your opening bid and re-opening double look fine to me. By opening your lowest suit, you maximise your chance of finding a fit. You also give yourself rebid options. If you opened 1♥, you would have to rebid in no-trumps if partner bids spades. With a hand of this strength, there is too much danger of missing a good contract in a minor if you open 1♥. When only two opposing players are bidding, doubles are for take-out. This applies whether you are over or under the bid and whether the opposing bid is pre-emptive or not. I suppose that if the overcall had been

Bridge and Travel Tips

at the game level (4♠ rather than 3♠), partner would be more likely to leave in the double. Even in that case, your double would show strength rather than spades.

I

play against many average club players. When they alert a bid and I ask what it means, they might give me a name proudly: McKendrick or Smolen or Kickback or Birthright. And they are surprised – disbelieving even – that the name means nothing to me and that I don’t have a clue what they are talking about. Believe me that these conventions will not add to your performance at the table. Rather they will give you more scope for misunderstandings. If you have no understanding in the first place, then you can’t have a misunderstanding. None of these conventions are a substitute for judgement and good hand evaluation. When I am declarer and want to understand my opponents’ agreements about signals and discards, I am often told, ‘revolving discards’, ‘American leads’, ‘a foster echo’. I don’t really know what they all mean either. Give me simple attitude

signals on partner’s lead (i.e. high=encouraging), count on declarer’s lead (highlow=even) and straightforward suit preference. Learn to defend by using logic to work out the hand. Don’t forget that any information given to partner, when in the bidding or the defence, can also be used by declarer. There is a lot to be said for just raising 1NT to 3NT, or one of a suit to game. That way, the opponents know nothing and do not have the opportunity to double an artificial bid for the lead. In similar fashion, painting a picture of your hand to partner also gives declarer information too. Make sure it is your partner who benefits. It is tempting to take up complicated agreements in the hope that they will offer you an instant ‘fix’, but that just doesn’t happen. Keep it simple until you are an expert and only then add these little swirls and ■ flourishes.

Travel tip from Emma Thomson:

H

ands up. Who always sits on their suitcase to make it shut? Over-packing is a common problem for most travellers: we overestimate how many clothes, shoes and beauty products we need when abroad. Instead of straining backs and suitcase belts, try eliminating ‘what if’ items, chances are you’ll never use them; buy miniature versions of your toiletries from the supermarket, or use the shampoo, conditioner and shower gel provided by most hotels; and cut down on clothes. Most establishments have a laundry service – make use of it and for a two-week trip you need only bring five pairs of pants, three pairs of socks, two pairs of trousers (one casual, one smart), two pairs of shoes (walking and evening), and three T-shirts.

Page 33

David Stevenson answers your questions on Laws and Ethics

Can You Refuse to Penalise a Revoke?

Q

If declarer revokes and it becomes established, can the opponents refuse to accept that the declarer should be penalised if they believe: a) That the mistake was a mechanical error from which declarer did not gain in any way and b) they are certain that the revoke did not affect their defence at all? I, for one, would get no satisfaction from benefiting under the above circumstances. I accept fully that declarer cannot try to avoid a penalty if the opponents wish to enforce the rules. John Martin by email.

A

The director may waive a penalty for cause if the nonoffending side request it. That would be reasonable if declarer is elderly or infirm or the non-offending side felt it was their fault, for example if they had distracted declarer. But note the words ‘for cause’. Just to refuse to accept the penalty for no reason except that you disagree with the laws is not enough, being illegal and

Page 34

somewhat unreasonable. If you allow revokers to get no penalty, they will not try too hard to follow suit in future and may spoil a board for someone else. I find the idea of not getting satisfaction from opponents’ mistakes a strange one. If you were playing football and an opponent scored an own goal, would you not want to accept it? If your opponents miscount trumps and you can ruff as a result, do you refuse to ruff? ♣♦♥♠

Q

At our bridge club recently we had a revoke which caused a lot of disagreement about whether penalties should be imposed and tricks transferred. Declarer was in 4NT. About halfway through playing the hand (at which stage he had won all the tricks but one), he entered dummy and led the spade suit from the top (the spades were all winners at this stage). On the first spade from dummy, he discarded a diamond. On the second spade from dummy, he

realised and admitted that he had revoked. He played out the hand and transferred two tricks to the opposition after some discussion, so he ended up with 10 tricks, making his contract exactly. The director was called and he said he would look at the situation when he was scoring. I am asking your opinion, even though I was not the director on duty at the time, but because I act as director on other occasions and would really like to know what the ruling should be. In the yellow book (DBRS 2008) on page 39, it says that, ‘if Declarer revokes and Dummy wins the trick Declarer is deemed NOT to have won that trick for the purposes of assessing a penalty.’ 1. Does this mean that declarer’s revoke in the instance described does not incur a penalty? 2. In leading the next card from dummy, which is also a winner, does declarer incur a penalty by winning another trick?

3. I understood from a bridge rules seminar that in a no-trump contract the revoke trick could never incur a penalty as it could never win the trick. Is this correct, as the offending player could not win the trick, but it could be won by his/her partner? Janet Betteridge, Pannal BC.

A

Whenever there is an established revoke at least one trick is transferred to the other side, unless the revoking side wins neither the revoke trick nor any subsequent ones, ie tricks won before the revoke trick are safe and are never transferred. The revoke penalty is two tricks only if the revoker won the trick. Apart from some very obscure positions which basically never happen, this applies only when the revoke card is a trump. In the case you give, declarer revoked. Since the trick was won in dummy it is not a two trick revoke, but a one trick revoke. The director is required to restore equity, so if a revoke costs the other side two tricks or more, they will get them back as an adjustment, not as a penalty.

BRIDGE November 2013

Ask David continued

Q

North bid 1♠ and, after a noticeable hesitation, South bid 3♠. North had a marginal choice between 4♠ and pass. He chose to bid 4♠ which made. East complained that North had inferred that his partner held extra values from the hesitation and had bid 4♠ on the strength of this. South had hesitated while deciding between 2♠ and 3♠. The contract made due to an extremely favourable distribution. N/S got a top on the hand. How should the director rule? I am sure that North was not guided by the hesitation in this case but as a general rule, if a player takes advantage of a hesitation but has made a wrong inference and therefore acted on ‘unauthorised information’ which does not exist, how should the matter be dealt with? Leonard Macauley by email.

A

If a player chooses between logical alternatives, one suggested over another by the unauthorised information and the choice is more successful, then the director adjusts. That (paraphrased) is what the law says. Now, when South hesitated there was unauthorised information, since hesitations basically show doubt, ie the hesitater was considering alternatives. Pass was a logical alternative, because you say it was a marginal choice between 4♠ and pass. But did the unauthorised information suggest

BRIDGE November 2013

bidding 4♠ over pass? Not in my view. Despite East’s complaint, this is a position where it is not obvious whether South had a choice between 2♠ and 3♠, or a choice between 3♠ and 4♠, therefore the hesitation, that is the unauthorised information, does not suggest one choice rather than the other. So I would not adjust. Consider a different scenario. Suppose North had passed, he makes only nine tricks and gets a top because everyone went down in game. Now, I could imagine East complaining, ‘that North had inferred from the hesitation that his partner held minimal values and had passed on the strength of this.’ So be careful when there is a hesitation and a successful result – that is not enough to adjust. The director must be clear that the unauthorised information really did suggest the action chosen and he must be careful not to rule against the player automatically because of his success.

Q

I intended to open 1NT when my partner announced, ‘strong’. This alerted me to the fact that the 2♣ bid was showing: it had attached itself to the 1NT card. I asked to change my bid. The director was called and, after some time, ruled that as I was made aware of my error only by my partner announcing, it was not a mechanical error and awarded my opponents an average plus. John Dodds by email.

A

The law allows you to change an unintended call, so long as you do not pause for

thought and partner has not called, thus you should have been allowed to change this. It clearly was a mechanical error and the fact that you were made aware of this only by partner does not stop the law from applying. Note also that, even if you had not been allowed to change it, the bidding should have proceeded and it is not right to give an average of any sort. ♣♦♥♠

Q

Can you please clarify the stop card rules? The other evening, the bidding went: 1♥, Pass, Stop 2♦. I, as fourth player, queried the Stop as it was not a jump bid. I suggested that it ought to be corrected to 3♦ and, if not, then their partner could no longer bid. The 2♦ bidder said that the rules had changed and that an apology was acceptable. At this point, the director was called and agreed with the 2♦ bidder that his partner was still allowed to bid. They went on to make game in 3NT. Was the ruling correct? Ann Holderness by email.

A

There has been no change whatever to the Stop rules. However, both you and your opponents have misunderstood them. Before any jump bid, a player has to put the Stop card out, make the bid, leave it out for about ten seconds, then replace it. The next opponent may not call until the Stop card is replaced, nor should he call until ten seconds have elapsed even if the player does not leave the Stop card out. A call is not made until the bid itself is taken from the bidding box, so may be changed until that happens. So, if a player bids 2♦ after showing the Stop card, then 2♦ is the bid made; it is not a jump and there is no rule (nor has there ever been such a rule) that his partner is not allowed to bid nor that the bid must be changed. Is that all? Not quite. Sometimes, the Stop card was clearly a mistake, but sometimes it is obvious that the player nearly did make a jump bid. That is unauthorised information to his partner, who must take no advantage from that knowledge, though his opponents are free to use the knowledge.

DUPLICATE BRIDGE  RULES SIMPLIFIED (otherwise known as the Yellow Book) by John Rumbelow and revised by David Stevenson

only

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Available from Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961

Page 35

Bernard Magee’s Tips for Better Bridge 65 invaluable tips in 160 pages Bidding Tips 1 Always consider bidding spades if you can 2 Bid more aggressively when non-vulnerable 3 Always double when the opponents steal your deal 4 A takeout double shows shortage in the suit doubled 5 ‘Borrow’ a king to keep the auction open 6 After a penalty double, don’t let the opponents escape 7 Halve the value of a singleton honour when opening 8 Only add length-points for a suit that might be useful 9 Isolated honours are bad except in partner’s suit 10 Use the jump shift sparingly 11 Consider passing and letting partner decide 12 You need two top honours for a second-seat pre-empt 13 Put the brakes on if you have a misfit 14 Strong and long minors work well in no-trumps 15 One stop in the opponents’ suit can be enough for no-trumps 16 Keep your two-level responses up to strength 17 Use your normal methods in response to a 1NT overcall 18 Don’t overcall just because you have opening points 19 Overcalls can be quite weak, so be prudent when responding 20 Weak overcalls must be based on strong suits 21 6NT requires 33 points not 4 aces and 4 kings 22 Raise immediately, if weak with four-card support 23 In a competitive auction, show support immediately 24 Bid to the level of your fit quickly with weak hands 25 With strength and support, use the opponents’ bid suit Declarer-play Tips 26 When your contract depends on a finesse, think ‘endplay’ 27 Consider what a defender might be thinking about 28 Always take your time at trick one 29 Establish extra tricks before cashing your winners 30 Use your opponents’ bidding to your advantage 31 Avoid the ‘baddie’ gaining the lead 32 Use the Rule of Seven when holding up in no-trumps

33 A low lead usually promises length and an honour 34 When declaring 1NT, try to be patient 35 Duck an early round when you are short of entries 36 Lead up to your two-honour holding 37 Do not always assume a suit will break well 38 Drop a high card to put off the defence 39 Play your highest card to tempt a defender to cover 40 Draw trumps first unless you have a good reason not to 41 Do not waste your trumps 42 Consider leaving a lone defensive trump winner out Defence Tips 43 Keep four-card suits intact whenever possible 44 Give count on declarer’s leads 45 Keep the right cards rather than signal 46 Take your time when dummy is put down 47 High cards are for killing other high cards 48 Do not waste intermediate cards 49 Pick two key suits to concentrate on during the play 50 If in doubt, cover an honour with an honour 51 If a lead is from two honours, it is best not to cover 52 Keep your honour to kill dummy’s honour 53 Try to show partner your solid honour sequences 54 Lead the normal card when leading partner’s suit 55 Never underlead an ace at trick one in a suit contract 56 Be wary of leading from four cards to only one honour 57 Lead a higher card from a suit without an honour 58 Lead through ‘beatable’ strength and up to weakness 59 Cash your winners before trying for a trump promotion 60 Be patient when defending 1NT 61 Trump leads can be safe throughout the play General Tips 62 Do not put important cards at either end of your hand 63 Avoid being declarer when you are dummy 64 Before you lead, ask for a review of the auction 65 Enjoy the Game!

£14 including postage and packing from Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH. ( 01483 489961

Page 36

Ask David continued

Q

What is the correct procedure and relevant requirements after an offender opens 3♥, when his partner is dealer? The EBU White Book, effective from August 2013, refers only to when it was the offender’s RHO’s turn to bid and Law 31 ‘Bid out of Rotation’, to which Law 29 refers, has inexplicably been left blank. Geoffrey Cassen by email.

♣♦♥♠

A

Simple book rulings are best dealt with by being read direct from the law book and, if that is done, this is what you will find: The director will tell the next player he may accept the 3♥ bid, which then becomes legal and the bidding goes on from there; or, if the next player does not accept it (and he must be told all the options before being allowed to decide), the 3♥ bid is removed. His partner, the dealer, will have to pass throughout the hand and there will be lead penalties if the offender becomes a defender unless he has bid hearts in the ensuing auction. ♣♦♥♠

Q

In the October 2011 edition of BRIDGE, in answer to a question, you stated that touching dummy’s cards at duplicate was illegal. Which rule covers this? David Dunn by email.

A

by naming the card, after which dummy picks up the card and faces it on the table. In playing from dummy’s hand declarer may, if necessary, pick up the desired card himself.’ The words ‘if necessary’ do not mean that declarer may pick the card up if he feels like it, but only if there is a real need, the most common one being that dummy has gone off to the toilet or to have a smoke or get a cup of tea. A second possibility is if dummy has a disability, which would make the normal method too difficult.

Law 45B says, ‘Declarer plays a card from dummy

Q

A good friend of mine informed me that when asked what a discard means it is insufficient to reply, ‘McKenney,’ which I accept. He went on to state that current rules require you to say what suit the card asks for – and this I disagree with. If quizzed about partner’s discard, I say, ‘If you consider it is a high card, he wants the higher ranking of the other two suits; if you consider it is low card, he wants the lower ranking of the other suits.’ Am I right? Geoffrey Tremlett by email.

A

Essentially, you are correct. Names are inadequate for two reasons. First, the opponents may not know the convention. Second, some people play conventions differently. Therefore, you should describe your agreements – and your spiel above is perfect. Indeed, it is not up to you to tell him the suit the card asks for, nor whether a specific card is high or low.

BRIDGE November 2013

Ask David continued

Q

I opened a pre-empt of 3♦. LHO started considering his bid. After slightly more than a minute, I murmured, ‘You’ve got to bid.’ The response was, ‘I can take as long as I like.’ I was probably out of order in making my remark, but is there a time limit for a player to consider what to bid or are they allowed to take as long as they want? Perhaps I was just cross that eventually he bid 3NT – which made. Prof A G D Maran, Edinburgh.

A

Bridge is a timed game, though the timing is not as obvious in as, for example, in football and a player may not take as long as he wants. Nevertheless, slow play is one of the major problems in bridge clubs and is not easy to deal with. I think your comment was reasonable and his reply was not. However, if he takes much longer, you have to call the director. He is the one to sort it out; pressurising the player to bid, deciding how long is unreasonable and, if necessary, penalising the offender if a board is lost by slow play. ♣♦♥♠

Q

When playing duplicate club bridge, under what circumstances

may a player ask for an explanation of a bid? Susan Russell, Buckingham.

A

You may ask for an explanation of any call (or defensive carding agreement) whenever it is your turn to call, or whenever it is your turn to play (unless you are dummy). Furthermore, if you are the defender on lead, you may ask questions before you make the opening lead. If your partner is on lead, you may ask questions after your partner has led face down and before he turns his card face up. ♣♦♥♠

Q

My partner and I were playing a 15-17 no-trump, but when I opened 1NT my partner announced, ‘12-14.’ It was a friendly game at home and I corrected him. Is that allowed? Stephen Samuels, Pinner, Middlesex.

A

Definitely not. Bridge is a game of mistakes and you never have a right to correct partner’s mistakes. The only exception to that is that you may warn partner not to make a mechanical mistake if you are dummy. You have, albeit unintentionally, helped your side unfairly when they might be about to go wrong in the bidding. If you become declarer or dummy, then you correct the announcement for the opponents’ benefit at the end of the auction: if you become a defender, you correct it at the ■ end of play.

E-mail your questions on bridge laws to: [email protected]

BRIDGE November 2013

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Page 37

Don’t Believe Everything the Books Tell You by Ian C Kemp

Y

ou sit down with a new partner at the club night. Sensibly, you agree to play standard Acol – maybe with a couple of tweaks, but nothing too complicated. After a few boards, it’s going well, then you pick up the following lovely hand:



♠ K 8 ♥ A Q 7 3 ♦ A K J 9 6 2 ♣ 5

17 points and 4 losers. While you’re thinking about what to bid, partner surprises you by opening 1NT. Now you can see game and maybe a slam, but which one? No-trumps, diamonds, maybe even hearts? You start by forcing with 3♦. To your horror, partner passes. Down goes:

♠ A 9 4 ♥ K 10 5 2 ♦ 7 3 ♣ A J 8 6

You make an easy 12 tricks but get a resounding bottom, as everyone else has made 3NT, 5♦, 6♦, 4♥, 6♥ and even 7♥. Whose fault was it – yours or your partner’s? The answer is, neither. You both bid correctly, based on your understanding of Acol. But Acol is an unregulated system and has changed over the years. As the EBU put it, ‘my Acol isn’t the same as your Acol.’ Traditional Acol uses the 1NT-3♦ sequence as a slam try in diamonds. But a few books give it as an invitational hand with about 8-10 points and a 6-card minor, which you convert to 3NT with a good hand or diamond support and otherwise pass. A few players using transfers even use it as a weak take-out in diamonds, Page 38

which opener must pass. Hardly any bridge books or teachers warn you about this. They give the impression that there are two ways to bid – my way and the wrong way. This is fine, until you find that partner read a different book. Acol is an ‘approach-forcing’ system. This means that whether a bid is forcing to game, forcing for one round or non-forcing depends on the previous bidding sequence. This is a fruitful source of mix-ups, as practice has varied over the years. 1♥-1♠-2♦ is always non-forcing and 1♦-1♠-2♥ (a reverse) is forcing, but some players nowadays would consider 1♥-2♣-2♦ as forcing, others would not. Likewise, some players play an Acol Strong Two as forcing for one round, others as non-forcing. If confusion can occur in natural sequences like this, what about conventions and artificial bids? A sensible approach is to play only as many conventions as you and partner both feel comfortable with and are sure you can remember. Every new gadget brings the potential for misunderstandings and disaster – even apparently simple and common methods like negative doubles and transfers. Have you worked out what to do after the possible rebids and continuations? What happens if opponents interfere? Virtually everyone plays Stayman, take-out doubles and some form of Blackwood; anything else is optional. One sequence that many partnerships don’t discuss until after a nasty accident – when it’s too late. You are North: West Pass

North East South 1NT 2♠ Dbl ?

Is partner’s double for penalties or take-out? What do you do if you’re not sure? In this case – if in doubt,

take it out. Leaving it in can be very expensive. If you bid 3♦ and partner meant it for penalties, you may still make 3♦, or partner may convert to 3NT. If you pass and partner intended it as take-out, you’ve doubled them into game and there’s every chance that their 2♠ will make – maybe even with overtricks – for a huge score. Or you’ve missed game yourself. Or both. With a new partner, you need a survival kit. Here’s some typical things worth agreeing quickly before you start: l Four or five card majors? Weak,

strong or variable no trump?

l Stayman and transfers over 1NT?

Including after 2NT openings, sequences like 2♣-2♦-2NT and notrump overcalls? l Negative doubles? Including after a 1NT opening? l Do you play unassuming cue bids and pre-emptive raises when raising partner’s overcall? (If they haven’t heard of them, it’s a fair bet they don’t use them). l Strength of 2-over-1 change of suit responses (eg 1♠-2♣) and the 1NT response? l Fourth suit forcing? Forcing to game or just for one round? l Strong Twos, Benji or three weak twos? Are your strong twos forcing or non-forcing? With Benji, what ranges to use for 2NT openings and rebids? l What sort of leads and discards?

With a regular partner, try to get the same bidding book, or share your system notes. Standard convention cards aren’t enough, as they don’t show what may happen in later rounds of bidding. So before you tell partner off for that strange-looking bid, hold your fire – they may simply have been taught differently! ■ BRIDGE November 2013

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Fares shown are per person based on two people sharing lowest twin-bedded cabin category currently available, are subject to availability and include all applicable discounts for new bookings. Fares shown include current fuel supplements correct at time of printing, but subject to change. Onboard spend applies per cabin. All offers are subject to availability, cannot be combined with any other offer or loyalty offer, are capacity controlled and may be withdrawn at any time. See brochure for full terms and conditions. Voyages of Discovery is a trading name of All Leisure Holidays Ltd.

READERS’ LETTERS UNQUALIFIED Alex Brown raised an interesting and common problem in BRIDGE 129: unqualified directors. I am a member of two bridge clubs who have no qualified directors and we manage very well with the use of the EBU Rulebook, a lot of goodwill and the advice of experienced players. Your magazine, BRIDGE, is eagerly awaited. David Stevenson’s articles on Laws and Ethics are read first, then discussed at length. We find his advice invaluable, so the suggestion that a book of Decisions on the Laws of Bridge is a good one. I would go further. We find it impossible to get players to train and qualify as directors, even with a financial subsidy. EBU courses are too long, too expensive and too far. The two bridge clubs in Bridport to which I belong meet on Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 7pm.

New members and visitors are always welcome, with or without partners. Call me on ( 01308 425298. Roy Tarsnane, Bridport, Dorset.

ALWAYS CHECK Many TDs insist that at least one player in a partnership writes out a score card for each deal, even though fully functional Bridgemates are in use. They say that in the event of a dispute the card can be useful in resolving the situation. This argument depends entirely on the score card being correct which it frequently is not because it has only been checked by one pair of eyes. On the other hand, the Bridgemates should have been checked by four pairs of eyes. In my view, the keeping of score cards should be voluntary and not compulsory, because they are inherently unreliable and have been replaced

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]

Page 40

by modern technology, of which we should take full advantage if the investment is to be justified. East, who usually checks the score entered by North, should make it easily seen by South and West. Too often East presses the ‘OK’ button casually and moves the display to the next round, without showing the others the recorded result. It is vital that everyone checks the score entered into the Bridgemate. TDs should refuse to accept complaints about wrong scores unless, of course, all at the table are given the chance to agree at the time. However, TDs should accept complaints about South and West not being allowed to see the Bridgemate screen and then issue advice or warnings to East if this has happened. Mr Neville Layhe, Penycae, Wrexham.

NO BETTER Most people who receive your magazine belong to bridge clubs. I would have thought it would give you a larger readership if you sent say six copies to each bridge club in the UK and allowed them to loan them out to members to read and then return for other members to borrow. Mr Brian Nash, Sutton Coldfield.

It’s much more fun to receive your own copy.

DON’T BOTHER How likely is it that a 12-14 no-trump in third position will be doubled? Some of my friends, those who go to Derek Patterson’s lessons, play a strong no-trump in third position. Maybe it matters at international level, but I don’t see it at club level. Statistically, a weak no-trump opening is likely to

be about 12.5 HCP. A double, perhaps 15.5. If the remaining 12 HCP are evenly divided, 1NT may well make and if it doesn’t the opponents may have had a better part score of their own. If the no-trump bidder’s partner has most of the 12, the double is probably mistaken, especially if Helvic is played when 1NT will be redoubled to game. If the no-trump bidder’s partner is weak, he can wriggle, using Helvic. Looking back over 400 computer-shuffled hands from Orpington Bridge Club, I found just two where third in hand had a weak no-trump hand after two passes and the fourth hand had enough to double. Once, 1NT doubled made, for a poor result as 3NT was makeable. The other time, it went off for 100, but the opponents had a better part score. Would any readers care to generate more evidence? On this sample, varying the no-trump can’t be worth the bother. Mr Tom Smith, Orpington.

SUPER PLUG Following the printing of my first catalogue, which went better than I had expected, I am producing a second one in October. If any of your readers would like a copy they should contact me. Those to whom I sent a copy of the first catalogue will receive a copy automatically. The majority of the bridge books in the new catalogue were published after 1970, although there are some older interesting books and magazines. Also included are books on other card games as well as card-playing ephemera. Gordon Bickley, Card Game Books.

[email protected] ( 07530 553594.

BRIDGE November 2013

READERS’ LETTERS

CHARITY EVENTS

continued

AND ANOTHER Have just returned from the amazing Aegean Odyssey cruise around the Black Sea, booked early with a £50 deposit on your recommendation in March. Came up to all expectations and the ship was as good as before. You had informed me that you would not be sending any bridge hosts, but I took a friend and we were busy all the time with the inclusive excursions . . . and the wine flowed. I have now booked for January 2015 to sail from Singapore to Bali.

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MAY 2014

Still nothing in BRIDGE on the subject of Arrow Switching. I had a letter from David Stevenson. It is obvious he is in full support, despite there being no mathematical proof. When are you going to print an article against it?

16 MS THERAPY CENTRE Huntingdon, Cambs. £14.00. Hemingford Abbots Village Hall. 10.00 for 10.30am. Jenny Lea ( 01480  455810.

JUNE 2014 13 ST MARY’S CHURCH Eaton Socon, St Neots. 10.00 for 10.30am. £13.50. Malcolm Howarth ( 01480 212910

Mike Harter, Glasgow.

As this is an FAQ, I will ask David Stevenson to explain his views. The following month it will be your turn.

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NEW FEATURE Just a quick note to say how good the new Kambites series seems to be – and very nicely laid out.

AUGUST 2014 15 ST IVES DAY CARE CENTRE Hemingford Abbots Village Hall. 10 for 10.30am. £13.50. Don Moorman ( 01480 463444

■

SEPTEMBER 2014

Write to Mr Bridge at: Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey, GU21 2TH or e-mail [email protected]

BRIDGE November 2013

11 ST NEOTS’ BOWLING CLUB St Neots, Cambs. 10.00 for 10.30am. £14.00. John Shaw ( 01480 475454

25 CHILDREN’S CHARITIES Doddington Village Hall, March. 10.00 for 10.30am. Tickets £14.00. Val Topliss ( 01354 653696.

HOW SAY YOU?

Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

MARCH 2014

APRIL 2014

Deanne Pascoe by email.

Elena Jeronimidis by email.

DECEMBER 2013

1 EDP WE CARE APPEAL which benefits the Norfolk Millennium Trust for Carers. 1.30pm. The Costessey Centre, Longwater Lane, Old Costessey, Norwich, Norfolk NR8 5AH. Sue Hutchings ( 01508 494522

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Buy online: www.мbracechristmas.org or ordр a catalogue: 01227 811646

E-mail your charity events: [email protected]

Page 41

G L O B A L 

T R A V E L  I N S U R A N C E

T h e T u r r e t , 2 5 F a r n c o m b e R o a d , W o r t h i n g , BN 1 1 2 A Y . ( 01903 235042 Fax 01903 229389 Email [email protected] Website www.globaltravelinsurance.co.uk 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

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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

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Including a 24 HOUR WORLDWIDE MEDICAL EMERGENCY SERVICE 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. 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. 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.

PERSONAL LUGGAGE, MONEY & VALUABLES up to

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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

Pre Existing Medical Conditions You only need to undergo medical screening if You are travelling to Area 4, on a Cruise, or for a period in excess of 31 days. For all other Trips 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 below 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.

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 already suffer from or have a history of any medical condition, 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.

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This insurance is arranged by Global Travel Insurance Services Ltd who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and our status can be checked on the FCA Register by visiting www.fca.org.uk or by contacting the FCA on 0845 606 9966. This Insurance is underwritten by ETI – International Travel Protection, the United Kingdom branch of Europäische Reiseversicherung (ERV) A.G.. ERV is authorised by the Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht (BAFIN – www.bafin.de) and the Prudential Regulation Authority and subject to limited regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority.

Single Trip Travel Insurance 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.

Global Travel Insurance The Turret, 25 Farncombe Road, Worthing, BN11 2AY. ( 01903 235042 Fax 01903 229389 SINGLE TRIP APPLICATION FORM

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Persons Aged up to 80 Years 1 – 3 days £16.10 £24.70 £51.80 4 & 5 days £19.40 £31.10 £65.10 6 -10 days £22.60 £41.90 £88.20 11-17 days £25.80 £45.90 £98.10 18-24 days £29.00 £52.70 £110.40 25-31 days £32.30 £60.00 £125.70

£74.50 £93.80 £126.30 £141.30 £159.10 £181.00

Persons Aged 81 to 90 Years 1 – 3 days £24.15 £37.05 £103.60 4 & 5 days £29.10 £46.65 £130.20 6 -10 days £33.90 £62.85 £176.40 11-17 days £38.70 £68.85 £196.20 18-24 days £43.50 £79.05 £220.80 25-31 days £48.45 £90.00 £251.40

£149.00 £187.60 £252.60 £282.60 £318.20 £362.00



Names of all persons to be insured

1



£

2



£

3



£

4



£

5



£

6



£

Credit/Debit Card Details

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TOTAL PREMIUM

Premium

£

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End Date

Issue No

Security Code 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.

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

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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.

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Mr Bridge is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Global Travel Insurance Services Ltd, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. 429STI13

Catching Up by Sally Brock

A

fter a lovely break in Ireland, we returned home to the celebration of my grandson Hayden’s fourth birthday. On the Saturday, there was a small family birthday party at their home in Waltham Abbey. Then, on the following Monday, the family plus maternal grandparents went camping in Oxfordshire. Briony and I went to join them for the day on the Tuesday (after I had attended an AA Driving Awareness course in order to avoid three points for a minor speeding offence – not the first time I have had to do this). But I guess the really exciting news in this period has been to do with Briony. To start with, she got herself a fulltime, 40 hours a week, job in Marks & Spencer Simply Food. She started that while I was in Ireland. The plan was to work until roughly Christmas and earn lots of money to go on her gap year travels. However, when she got her A level results, she changed her mind and within a couple of hours had got herself a place at Queen Mary’s College, London, to do Maths, Business Management and Finance. She is really excited about the course which seems to suit her down to the ground. So the time between then and now has been spent sorting out the details. I played in the Brighton teams with Nicola and team-mates Frank To and Barry. We started off OK, despite playing against a succession of internationals in the first few matches (starting with Zia), but narrowly failed to make the B final, followed by further deterioration on the Sunday. This was one of our better boards, Page 44

which was really only a result of a good player getting careless in the other room. I will give it to you as a single-dummy problem: Dealer South. East-West Game. ♠ 9 6 5 ♥ A K 7 6 ♦ K 10 6 5 2 ♣ Q N

W E

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

S



♠ K Q 10 2 ♥ 8 ♦ A J 4 3 ♣ A K J 6

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

North’s hand was too good for a nonforcing three diamonds on the second round, so she used fourth-suit forcing to create a game-force. Then, when she jumped to five diamonds, she showed a real minimum and South, reluctantly, called it a day. West led the ♥Q and declarer won with the ace. Declarer then played the ♦K from the dummy and East showed out. What now? Not really pausing to think things through, declarer played carelessly and was punished. He played a low diamond to his jack. West won the queen, played a spade to East’s ace and now a second heart promoted another trump trick for West because this was the full deal:

Do you see where declarer went wrong? After cashing the ♦K, he should have played a diamond to his ace and a low diamond from hand. West can win the queen, but when East plays a heart, declarer can ruff with the jack, then cross to the ♣Q to draw West’s last trump. On the Tuesday, Briony and I set out on our own little holiday – to Slovenia. We flew to Ljubljana, picked up our bright red, soft-top, VW Beetle and drove into the city to stay for a couple of nights. I loved it. The old town is really pretty with a great atmosphere. Then we drove to Bled where we stayed for two nights in a hotel built by Tito for his own residence. I can thoroughly recommend this area for a holiday. We had a night in Lipica on a stud farm where they train Lippizaner horses, before moving on to Trieste for a couple of nights. It was really good fun to spend the week together. When we got back, Briony was working most of the time and I had to catch up with some Bradt work. Unfortunately, there is very little interest in the house so I’ve instructed another agent. At least their optimism is infectious for a little while. ■ BRIDGE November 2013

Seven Days by Sally Brock Saturday

Monday

After a pretty indifferent Friday evening duplicate at the new YC, I set off from Barry’s at about 11am. First stop is a lunch date with my brotherin-law, Martin. After a lot of catching up, I move on to Swanage for a reunion with old schoolfriends. One of them, Bella, is renting a fantastic house set back on the hill overlooking the beach area. There are five of us who get stuck into some wine and champagne before walking down the hill to get an excellent pizza. We then stroll on the beach and listen to a band celebrating the last night of the season. It seems that the band would probably sound better at a distance so we return to our roof terrace for more champagne before retiring for the night. I don’t know what it is about old friends. Two of them I only knew for two years; the other two I was with at primary school. Somehow, it is just so easy to wind back the clock and get on really well.

Today we have our Round of 16 Gold Cup match at Chris’s house in Bath. First we meet for a pub lunch (note how much food has been featuring over the last few days) and then go back to his splendid house with its fantastic views for the match, against Warner Solomon’s team from Devon. We struggle a bit early on and are only 9 IMPs up with eight boards to play, but then we put our feet on the accelerator and eventually win by 43. This deal is instructive:

Sunday After breakfast, I set off for my parents’ house in north Wiltshire, first picking Barry up from Chippenham station. My father takes us out for lunch to Jack’s, a pretty upmarket local restaurant where we have a traditional Sunday lunch. My mother seems to be improving steadily every time I see her. She has managed to get upstairs a couple of times and the next target is to start sleeping upstairs again. We hardly have time to get back to my parents’ and fall asleep in a chair before we’re off again, out with my siblings and their spouses. We first go to pick up my brother John and his wife Sally and then drive into Bath where we join my sister Kate and her husband John (names get quite confusing in our family). We try to do justice to our Indian meal but it’s hard going. We linger, catching up on news about nieces and nephews. They are pretty much grown up now and all doing interesting things. BRIDGE November 2013

Dealer East. North-South Vul. ♠ K J 8 7 5 3 ♥ Q 10 9 4 ♦ 10 5 ♣ 4 ♠ A Q 10 ♠ 9 6 4 2 N ♥ 6 ♥ K 8 3 W E ♦ 8 7 4 2 S ♦ K Q 9 3 ♣ 9 7 6 3 2 ♣ A 8 ♠ Void ♥ A J 7 5 2 ♦ A J 6 ♣ K Q J 10 5

West North East South 1NT Dbl 2♣ 3♠ Pass 3NT All Pass

This is the auction at our table. It is generally not a good idea to double a 1NT opening with a distributional hand unless you are sure you can control the auction. And here, South pays the price. What would you lead from the West hand? Barry tries a diamond. Declarer wins the ace over my queen and plays a low heart. I win the king and clear the diamonds. There is no way for declarer to avoid the further loss of two black-suit aces. In the other room, the contract is the same after a similar auction but this time South is not punished as West leads a club. Declarer now has time to establish both his suits.

Note how much better it would work out if South started by showing his hearts. Luckily, Barry is not working tomorrow as it’s a long slog back to High Wycombe.

Tuesday Briony and I go out early to Waitrose. Then she takes Barry to the station on her way to work. I make a chicken casserole in the slow cooker to have when she comes home at nine o’clock. I have plenty to do just dealing with the various emails that have come in over the past few days. In the early evening, Barry and I bid some hands on BBO which is something we both enjoy.

Wednesday A new Bradt book arrives so I spend most of the day working on Iran. In the afternoon, I have a teaching session with Richard and Gerry. Barry isn’t working so he plays with me against them and we get murdered. They do have the majority of the cards, but handle them very well. I then drive to Barry’s for a cup of tea and leave the car while I go to meet Nicola and her husband Jonathan for a Thai meal. We then go to the new YC at Queen’s Tennis Club for the first Super League match of the season. Not a distinguished start for the season as we lose 16-4. Nicola plays this hand nicely: Dealer South. East-West Vul. ♠ A 10 8 5 ♥ A 6 4 2 ♦ Q 10 ♣ A K 7 ♠ J 9 7 6 ♠ K 4 3 N ♥ K 5 ♥ J 10 8 3 W E ♦ K 9 7 6 S ♦ J 5 ♣ J 3 2 ♣ 10 9 6 4 ♠ Q 2 ♥ Q 9 7 ♦ A 8 4 3 2 ♣ Q 8 5



Page 45

Seven Days continued

West North East South Pass Pass 1♣ Pass 1NT* Pass 2NT Pass 3NT All Pass *Best bid as the lead will come round to the queens.

I am currently trying out a tip given to me by Colin Simpson. His idea is that at teams scoring, you should not open 1NT when you are maximum and 4-4 in the majors. The theory is that if you open 1NT, you will miss a major-suit game in a 4-4 fit too often. It worked well for me in the Lady Milne earlier in the year so I intend to persevere with it for a while. Here, it causes a bit of a problem. Usually, I would raise the 1NT response to 3NT with 18-19 balanced, so Nicola expects a bit less with only a semi-balanced hand for my raise to 2NT. Still, she is likely to bid on when it is right to do so. She ducks the spade lead round to East’s king and when he switches to the ♥3, puts in the nine. She wins the ♥K with the ace and runs the ♦Q. West wins and continues with a second heart. Nicola wins with the queen, crosses to a club and plays the ♦10, covered by the jack and ace. Now she cashes her black suits, hoping that the ♠J will fall. However, when it doesn’t she has a second string to her bow and exits with a spade, forcing West to give her the ♦8 at trick thirteen. Barry is playing in the duplicate with Bernard Teltscher. They are practising because they are playing in a tournament in Pula, Croatia, which starts on Sunday. We go back to his flat and go through our sets of hands.

Thursday When I stay over at Barry’s, the first decision to be made is whether to leave by nine o’clock or go and feed the meter. This time, I leave early and get home in time to spend a couple of hours with Briony before she goes to work. Then it’s pretty solid work as I break the back of Iran. When she gets home, we have a beef stir fry and watch TV. Page 46

Friday This is Briony’s last day at Marks & Spencer and therefore the last day she gets her 20% staff discount. So we go to our nearest branch and stock up on various essentials, even buying our Christmas chocolates. Then she drops me at the station and goes off to work. Barry is working in Manchester today (he went up last night for a university reunion) but first I go to the flat to drop off my laptop which is a bit heavy to lug around. Then I go to the Mole Clinic for a check-up. A good friend has just had a melanoma scare which has prompted me to get checked over. They are pretty sure I am OK, but there is one they think needs a further check, so it proves worth the trip. By the time I get back, Barry is home and we have a cup of tea before setting off for Finchley to play in the NICKO (National InterClub Knock-Out) semi-final against Neil Rosen’s team. For some reason, we (both pairs) have something of an off day and lose heavily. This was me, South, being a complete idiot: Dealer South. Game All. ♠ 10 ♥ A Q J 6 3 ♦ K Q 10 2 ♣ 5 3 2 ♠ Q J 7 ♠ 9 8 4 2 N ♥ 10 8 7 5 2 ♥ K 9 W E ♦ 9 8 7 5 S ♦ A J 6 3 ♣ 4 ♣ A 10 6 ♠ A K 6 5 3 ♥ 4 ♦ 4 ♣ K Q J 9 8 7

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

I like our sequence. When partner shows some doubt about 3NT (by not bidding it immediately – 2♦ is gameforcing so an immediate 3NT would

be more confident of that being the right contract), it looks to me as if 5♣ is likely to be just as good. After the two major-suit cue-bids, Barry’s 5♣ is less encouraging than 4NT would be (we don’t play any sort of Blackwood in minor-suit auctions). West, Anne Rosen, does well to lead a trump. East wins the ace and returns a trump. I win, cash the ♠A, ruff a spade and play the ♦K. East wins the ace and plays another spade. I win the king and run my trumps. If squeeze play is ever easy this should have been it. Don’t ask me how I lost my way. I know that East must have all the missing high cards (particularly as West has shown up with ♠Q-J-x). If I run off all my trumps but one, this is the position: ♠ Void ♥ A Q ♦ Q 10 ♣ Void ♠ Void ♥ 10 8 N W E ♦ 9 8 S ♣ Void ♠ 6 5 ♥ 4 ♦ Void ♣ 8

♠ 9 ♥ K 9 ♦ J 6 ♣ Void

Note that East has one more card than everyone else. That is because he can’t afford to discard one. In the event, he discards a heart and it should be an easy matter to now drop his singleton king. A perfect triple squeeze. I am so annoyed with myself for missing this, I just feel like giving up the game and never touching a card again. Oh well, I’ve got some time to recover before the world championships. ♣♦♥♠

The next few days are going to be a bit strange: Barry will be in Pula, I will be rushing around getting ready to go to Bali for the world championships and Briony will be getting herself ready to go to university. Her 18th birthday is on September 18th while I am away, so we are having a pretend birthday for her on Wednesday. ■ BRIDGE November 2013

Answers to Transfers Quiz on page 29 1 (i) You are West playing red-suit transfers. You open 1NT and your partner bids 2♥. What do you rebid with Hands A and B? (ii) What would you rebid with Hands A and B if your left hand opponent doubled your 1NT opening and your partner bid 2♥?



Hand A ♠ 8 7 ♥ K Q 6 ♦ A 7 6 2 ♣ K J 5 2

Hand B ♠ K 8 7 ♥ A 7 ♦ A Q 6 5 ♣ J 10 7 5

(i) Partner’s 2♥ shows at least 5 spades. He expects you to bid 2♠. Hand A: 2♠. As instructed. Please note that you cannot pass because you like hearts but don’t like spades. You have no idea what partner intends to do next. He might be weak with long spades and a void in hearts. He might be very strong, intending to bid game next time. Hand B: 2♠. Your hand is very promising: maximum for 1NT, good 3-card spade support and a doubleton which might allow you to ruff a heart in hand. However, partner may be very weak, using 2♥ to sign off in spades. (ii) With Hands A and B you should pass. After the double, 2♥ is natural, a weakness take-out.

Bridge Tie £15 including postage & packing

From Mr Bridge

2 You are East, playing red-suit transfers. The bidding starts as shown.

3 You are West, playing red-suit transfers. The bidding starts as shown.

West East 1NT 2♦ 2♥ ?

West East 1NT 2♥ 2♠ 2NT ?

What is your next bid with Hands C, D, E, F, G, and H?



Hand C Hand D ♠ A 8 7 ♠ A 8 7 ♥ A J 8 6 5 ♥ A J 8 6 5 ♦ Q 10 7 ♦ A 10 7 ♣ 7 6 ♣ 7 6

Hand C: 2NT. You have already shown 5 hearts with your 2♦ transfer. Now you are completing the picture: 11-12 points. Hand D: 3NT. At least 13 points. Partner will choose between 3NT and 4♥.



Hand E Hand F ♠ A 8 ♠ A 8 ♥ A J 8 6 5 2 ♥ A J 8 6 5 2 ♦ Q 8 7 ♦ A 10 7 ♣ 7 6 ♣ 7 6

What is your next bid with Hands I, J, K and L? The first step is to understand the auction. Partner has 5 spades, otherwise he would not have transferred with 2♥. If he had 6 spades, he would have continued by bidding spades again over your 2♠. How strong is he? Take away the 2♥ transfer bid and the 2♠ response and you have: 1NT-2NT. 11-12 points. So what does he want you to do? He wants you to decide to play in game if you are maximum for the 1NT opening or a part-score if you are minimum. He wants to play in spades if you have 3 or more spades. Otherwise, he wants to play in no-trumps. Whatever you do will end the auction. Therefore:



Hand I Hand J ♠ 8 5 ♠ 8 6 ♥ A Q 7 6 ♥ A Q 7 6 ♦ 9 8 6 ♦ Q 8 6 ♣ A Q 4 2 ♣ A Q 4 2

Hand E: 3♥. You have already shown 5 hearts with your 2♦ transfer. Now you are completing the picture: a sixth heart and enough points to invite game.

Hand I: Pass. Minimum 1NT opening bid and only two spades.

Hand F: 4♥. 6 hearts and enough for game even if partner is minimum.

Hand J: 3NT. Maximum 1NT opening bid but only two spades.



Hand G Hand H ♠ A 8 ♠ A K 7 ♥ A J 8 6 5 ♥ A K J 6 5 ♦ Q 10 7 2 ♦ A 10 7 2 ♣ 7 6 ♣ 7

Hand K Hand L ♠ 8 5 2 ♠ Q 5 2 ♥ A Q 7 6 ♥ A Q 7 6 ♦ 8 6 ♦ 8 6 ♣ A Q 4 2 ♣ A Q 4 2

( 01483 489961 See Mail Order Form on page 7 www.mrbridge.co.uk

BRIDGE November 2013

Hand G: 2NT. As with Hand C, you are not strong enough for a game-forcing 3♦.

Hand K: 3♠. Minimum 1NT opening bid but 3-card spade support.

Hand H: 3♦. Game forcing. You have high hopes of a slam.

Hand L: 4♠. Maximum 1NT opening bid ■ and 3-card spade support.

Page 47

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A

patchwork of markets, gardens and buildings both humble and grand, Colombo is a wonderful introduction to the colours and cultures of this island nation with a rich colonial heritage. Discover Sri Lanka’s wildlife sanctuaries before witnessing the splendour of the Tamil culture in the city once known as Madras. Truly extraordinary, Yangon is a step back in time, years of isolation having kept Myanmar a mysterious and unspoiled gem. Explore idyllic Phuket and spice-filled Penang before the vibrant mix of ancient temples, majestic mosques and soaring skyscrapers of the rising star of South-East Asia.

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