BRIDGE

Number One Hundred and Thirty-Six

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.
April 2014

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South
? 1NT Pass 3♣ 3♥ Dbl* Pass 3♥ Dbl Pass
2♣ Pass 2♥ Pass ? *Penalty ?
?

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

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

3. Dealer East. N/S Game. 6. Dealer West. Love All. 9. Dealer West. E/W Game. 12. Dealer South. Love All.

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

West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South
1♠ Pass 1♣ 1♠ Dbl* Pass 1♣ 1♠ Pass Pass 1♠
? ? ? Pass 2♠ Pass Pass
*Negative double: for take-out ?

Answers on page 6 Answers on page 9 Answers on page 11 Answers on page 13

 Venice
Ravenna Croatia
Dubrovnik
Italy
Adriatic
Sea Mount Istanbul
Thessalonika Athos turkey
New
Corfu Greece
voyage with
bernard Preveza Volos Aegean
Athens Sea
magee Patmos
Gythion
Mediterranean Sea

13-day cruise-tour departs July 30, 2014

DATE PORT ARRIVE DEPART

JUL 30 Fly to ISTANBUL Turkey

Transfer to Aegean Odyssey 10.00pm
JUL 31 Cruising the Dardanelles
and past Mount Athos
AUG 1 THESSALONIKA Greece 6.00am 7.00pm
AUG 2 VOLOS (Meteora) Greece 7.00am 7.00pm
AUG 3 PATMOS Greek Islands 1.00pm 7.00pm
AUG 4 PIRAEUS (Athens) Greece 8.00am 7.00pm
AUG 5 GYTHION (Sparta & Mystra)
Greece 7.00am 1.30pm
AUG 6 PREVEZA (Arta) Greece 8.30am 6.00pm

CRUISE TO CLASSICAL
AUG 7 CORFU Greek Islands midnight 2.00pm
AUG 8 DUBROVNIK Croatia 8.00am 2.00pm
Cruise the islands of Hvar and Korcula

GREECE & AUG 9

AUG 10
AUG 11
RAVENNA Italy
VENICE Italy
VENICE Italy
1.00pm
8.00am
midnight
overnight

BYZANTIUM
Disembark Aegean Odyssey and
transfer to Venice Airport for flight home

Join Bernard Magee on this unforgettable fares from just £1,995pp include:
summer bridge voyage from Istanbul to Venice •SCHEDULED FLIGHTS
•EXPERTLY PLANNED ITINERARIES
Departs July 30, 2014 •SHORE EXCURSIONS IN MOST PORTS OF CALL
Enjoy daily duplicate as you cruise to the classical •EXPERT ANTIQUITY GUEST SPEAKERS
sites of the Aegean, Dalmatia and the treasures of •WINE WITH DINNER ON BOARD
Byzantium and Venice. •OPEN-SEATING DINING
•GRATUITIES ON BOARD
• EXCLUSIVE MR BRIDGE COCKTAIL PARTY
•DAILY BRIDGE
MR BRIDGE GREAT VALUE FARES
CAT M Standard Inside £1,995pp
CAT J Standard Outside £2,450pp
CAT D Deluxe Balcony £3,450pp

CALL NOW NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

ON 01483 489961 Why not begin your voyage
TO RESERVE YOUR with a 2-night hotel stay
in Istanbul?
CABIN, OR VISIT CALL FOR MORE DETAILS
www.mrbridge.co.uk All prices shown are per person, based on double occupancy, available only on certain
cabin grades, are subject to availability at the time of booking and may be withdrawn
at any time without notice. Single accommodation is available only in certain
categories and is subject to availability.

V OYAGES TO A NTIQUITY
10093

ABTA No.Y2206
 FEATURES 43 A Colourful Character

BRIDGE
by Richard Wheen
1 Bidding Quiz
by Bernard Magee 44 Catching Up CHARITY
by Sally Brock
Ryden Grange, Knaphill,
4 Mr Bridge
6 Bidding Quiz Answers
45 Seven Days EVENTS
Surrey GU21 2TH by Sally Brock
(1-3) by Bernard Magee MAY
( 01483 489961 9 Bidding Quiz Answers 2 Friends of Girlguiding
ADVERTISEMENTS
bridge@mrbridge.co.uk (4-6) by Bernard Magee Oxfordshire
2 Cruise to Classical Greece Eynsham Village Hall.
www.mrbridge.co.uk 11 Bidding Quiz Answers and Byzantium with 10 for 10.30am. £15.
shop: www.mrbridge.co.uk/ (7-9) by Bernard Magee Voyages to Antiquity Bridget Walton
( 01993 702934
mrbridge-shop 13 Bidding Quiz Answers 3 Charity Events bridgetmwalton@aol.com
Managing Editor (10-12) by Bernard Magee
4 Croatia 8 BURGHLEY ROTARY CHARITIES
Mr Bridge 14 The Sheriff ’s Invitation with Bernard Magee Stamford Bridge Club.
by David Bird 1.45 for 2.00pm. £8.00.
Bridge Consultant 5 Subscriptions Alan Kinch
Bernard Magee 16 Deals and Dealing to BRIDGE ( 01780 444276
bernard@mrbridge.co.uk by David Stevenson
6 2014 Festive Season 15 HUDDERSFIELD PENNINE
Cartoons & Illustrations 17 Julian Pottage with Mr Bridge ROTARY CLUB
Marguerite Lihou Answers Your Questions Outlane Golf Club.
7 Mail Order Form 12 for 12.30. £48.00 per table.
www.margueritelihou.co.uk 23 The Diaries of Rtn Sam Smith
Wendy Wensum 7 Denham Grove
Commissioning Editor ( 01924 492540
Filming Weekend 2015 samuelsmith396
David Huggett 24 Readers’ Letters @btinternet.com
davidhuggett 8 Bridge Event
@mrbridge.co.uk 26 April 2014 Booking Form 16 MS THERAPY CENTRE
by Jeremy Dhondy Huntingdon, Cambs. £14.00.
Customer Services 8 Bridge Events with Hemingford Abbots Village
27 Things You May Not Bernard Magee
Catrina Shackleton Hall. 10.00 for 10.30am.
Know About Bridge Jenny Lea
catrina@mrbridge.co.uk 9 Better Hand Evaluation
by Frank Williams ( 01480 455810
Technical Consultant 10 Bernard Magee DVDs
28 Declarer Play Quiz
Tony Gordon by David Huggett JUNE
11 QPlus 11
Typesetting & Design 29 Defence Quiz 13 ST MARY’S CHURCH
12 Bernard Magee’s
Ruth Edmondson by Julian Pottage
Eaton Socon, St Neots.
Tutorial Software 10.00 for 10.30am. £13.50.
ruth@mrbridge.co.uk
29 Bridge and Travel Tips 13 Bridge Events at Malcolm Howarth
Proof Readers Elstead Hotel ( 01480 212910
Tony & Jan Richards 30 Solution to Mini-Quiz
Richard Wheen by Frank Williams 20 Genesis Choice JULY
Hugh Williams 30 Mary’s Fourth Lesson Travel Insurance
3 HUDDERSFIELD PENNINE
by Liz Dale 22 Mr Bridge ROTARY CLUB
Office Manager
Rachel Everett 31 David Stevenson Just Duplicate Bridge Outlane Golf Club.
12 for 12.30. £48.00 per table.
rachel@mrbridge.co.uk Answers Your Questions 22 Tips for Better Bridge Rtn Sam Smith
Events & Cruises 35 Defence Quiz Answers ( 01924 492540
24 Bridge Events at
samuelsmith396
( 01483 489961 by Julian Pottage Blunsdon House Hotel @btinternet.com
Rosie Baker 36 Giving Preference 24 Clive Goff ’s Stamps 11 GREAT BARFORD CHURCH
rosie@mrbridge.co.uk by Andrew Kambites
25 Bridge Events at Village Hall, Great Barford.
Jessica Galt 10.00 for 10.30am. £13.50.
37 Giving Preference Quiz The Olde Barn Hotel
jessica@mrbridge.co.uk Derek Fordham
by Andrew Kambites
Megan Riccio 32 Duplicate Bridge ( 01234 870324
megan@mrbridge.co.uk 40 Declarer Play Answers Rules Simplified
Sophie Pierrepont by David Huggett AUGUST
38 Global Travel Insurance
sophie@mrbridge.co.uk 41 Giving Preference 15 ST IVES DAY CARE CENTRE
Answers 40 Mr Bridge Playing Cards Hemingford Abbots Village
Clubs & Charities
by Andrew Kambites 47 S R Designs Bridge Tables Hall. 10 for 10.30am. £13.50.
Maggie Axtell Don Moorman
maggie@mrbridge.co.uk 42 Denham Grove Filmimg 48 Cruise into Summer ( 01480 463444
Address Changes Letter on board Voyager
( 01483 485342
All correspondence should be addressed to Mr Bridge. E-mail your charity events:
Elizabeth Bryan maggie@mrbridge.co.uk
Please make sure that all letters and e-mails carry full
elizabeth@mrbridge.co.uk postal addresses and telephone numbers.

BRIDGE April 2014 Page 3

 CROATIA greatly reduced price

CROATIA
due to water damage to
their over-wrappings.
£30 for the set of six.
It is Bernard at his absolute
best and the hands used for
7-21 May 2014 illustration are some of the
most suitable from his
considerable portfolio.
Bernard Magee This CD has twenty hands
and his supporting team for each of the six subjects.
These provide supervised
From
HOTEL EDEN £1399 Bernard Magee is going to
play for those who have
watched and studied the
lecture on their television
ROVINJ sharing this lovely country,
7-21 May, £1399 half board,
or computer screen.
£10 per night single It also works as a
supplement. See the stand-alone product,
adjacent advertisement. especially for those who
have enjoyed his tutorial
Yes, I know it is short
CDs and want more of his
notice and there will be a
hands to play and
smaller group than usual
explanations to listen to.
but to some that is a bonus.
I am offering this unique
TRY ONE AND SEE product at £35, reduced
Rovinj is situated on the western coast of Istria in Croatia, the largest
peninsula on the Adriatic coastline, a one hour drive from Trieste, 2.5 from £69 as a spring special.
hours from Zagreb. Boasting a rich, natural and cultural heritage with I have not managed, thus
beautiful landmarks such as the old town, the Golden Cape Park Forest, far, to properly describe
protected islands and coastal area, Rovinj has many loyal visitors from all Bernard’s Better Bridge
GOFFIES STAMPS
parts of the globe and has developed into a popular tourist destination.
interactive CD. Bernard has
The climate is warm and semi-dry, with more than four months a year used some of his very best
without wind. Such a mild microclimate is characteristic only to Mali
Lošinj and the Brijuni archipelago. There are 134 sunny days in a year, hands for these worked
which makes Rovinj the third sunniest spot in the Adriatic. At the same illustrations. He and
time, it is the least cloudy place. Johannes Leber have spent
Hotel Eden is wedged right between a peninsula covered by a one hundreds of hours making
hundred year old park forest and a quiet cove. The old city centre of it as good as it is. If you want to save on
Rovinj is just a 20 minute walk away.
postage, especially as postal
So let me try to explain just
Rooms: All rooms are equipped with a direct phone line, LCD SAT rates go up again this
TV, mini-bar, safe, bathtub or shower, toilet, hair dryer, balcony, air once more, the content of
month, try Clive Goff’s
conditioning/heating. Suites are available, details on application. this helpful CD. It covers
discounted stamp service.
Singles: There is a sole occupancy supplement of £10 per room per six separate subjects.
night. If you are a single bridge player, please do not worry about being
Value supplied in two
on your own. We will always be able to find you a partner and you can l Identifying and stamps, combined to make
always have a game. As well as there being other singles in the same Bidding Slams up the 53p 2nd class rate,
situation as yourself, there is the Mr Bridge team who will be happy to
partner you if required. l Ruffing for Extra Tricks 2nd class to you at 44p. 1st
class 62p, still only 50p to
Entertainment and excursions: In the hotel, an evening l Making the Most
programme of entertainment with live music and dance shows is available
you. Available in lots of
for those not wanting to play bridge. During the day and planned around of High Cards 100. ( 0208 422 4906.
the bridge programme there will be excursions to Venice, Pula, Postjona
Caves and Opatija to name just a few.
l Competitive Auctions
JUST DUPLICATE
Beaches & Pools: The playful curves of the pool offer refreshment l Doubled Contracts
in the summer with a salty breeze coming from the natural stone and I am still committed to the
pebble beach only a few steps away. The vast outdoor pool will cool you l Play and Defence promotion of my Just
down after a day of lounging in the freely available deck chairs. There is in 1NT Duplicate Bridge Events.
an indoor pool for invigorating laps or afternoon refreshments. Swirl the
aches away with massaging water currents in one of the hotel’s whirlpools. These six headings were The Clifton Park Hotel,
Terms and conditions apply. Bernard’s first filmed series Lytham St Annes, is a newly
Packaged with and bookings by Tunisia First ATOL 5933. of Better Bridge with added venue. They are all
Bernard Magee DVDs. full board and include a
Details of the bridge programme ( 01483 489961 The very ones that are traditional Sunday Roast.
being cleared out at a See page 22.

Page 4 BRIDGE April 2014

 Q PLUS HANDS CLUB INSURANCE

BRIDGE
This month’s numbers are Members need to be sure
listed below. I am preparing their club is covered by
a full list which I will try to insurance for small losses
incorporate into next of cash and their club
month’s issue. equipment as well as public
1711-04 4691-09 5795-12 liability. Just over £63 for a
twelve month period for a Make sure you don’t miss your
DENHAM EVENTS club of up to 100 members. favourite monthly
There are over five hundred
The fifth in the series of clubs in my scheme articles by taking out an
these six-part filmed events, enjoying peace of mind.
starring Bernard Magee, is There is a new contact at
annual subscription.
scheduled for Denham managing brokers, Moore
Grove next January. Three Stephens. Ring Tom Harvey l Acol Bidding Quiz & Answers
night’s full board, six ( 0207 515 5270. Bernard Magee
lectures, six sessions of It is the unexpected that
supervised play. £399 per you need to have covered. l Ask Julian Pottage
person, see the advert on
page 7. An experience that l Julian’s FAQs
EXTRA CRUISE
you will never forget and
something you should be Bernard Magee will be l Misleading Cases as reported
part of once in a lifetime. travelling on Aegean by our court correspondent
Odyssey, flying to Istanbul
on the 30 July. The ship l Ask David Stevenson
then sails across the Aegean
around Athens and into the l David’s FAQs
Adriatic, visiting
l SPECIAL
Mary’s First Lesson
Dubrovnik on its way to
OFFER
Venice. Do join the party. l Helpful Conventions
PRICE
and Related Quiz
VOYAGER
l Defence Quiz
Good news. We have a new
Bernard Magee, will host bridge room onboard m.v. l Tales from
both the Twixmas and Voyager, picture below. I
New Year’s Eve Events at Sherwood Forest
am able to recommend
Denham Grove this year. readers to book with real by David Bird
Be sure to book early. confidence. Have a look at
l Things You Should Know...
the advert on the back page.
PICK ‘N’ MIX If a cruise takes your fancy, l Catching up
give my office a ring and we
All three series of six DVDs
will send you the 2014/2015 l Seven Days
are listed on page 10 with
brochure. ( 01483 489961.
thumbnail descriptions of
l Jeremy Dhondy
their content. Playing time
is an average of 90 minutes. l Sally Brock Tip
The wonderful thing about
a tutorial DVD is that l Travel Tip
viewers have a permanent
record which they can l Readers Letters
re-visit over and over again. There are now no bridge
Individual DVDs, £25 each. supplements for those
Boxed sets of six, £100. Pick booking any of our cruises Special Introductory
and mix. Six for only £105 or overseas holidays, so no Subscription: £20 for
including postage. excuses for not booking
with Mr Bridge as we can twelve monthly issues.
match all prices.
BLUE BRIDGE
All good wishes, See mail order form on page 7.
See Readers Letters on
pages 24 and 25. Mr Bridge

BRIDGE April 2014 Page 5

 2014 FESTIVE Answers to 
SEASON EVENTS Bernard Magee’s 
Denham Grove
Near Uxbridge, UB9 5DU Bidding Quizzes 1-3
on the Cover
clubs, you will probably end up better
1. Dealer West. Love All. off. However, if you are going to respond
♠ 4 2 ♠ 7 6 5 you need to leave all options open, which
Christmas ♥ 6 5 4
N
W E
♥ A Q 9 2 means responding in your lowest four-
23-27 December £495 ♦ A K 8 7 6 S ♦ 4 2 card suit: 1♦. This allows your partner to
Just Duplicate Bridge ♣ K Q 7 ♣ J 8 3 2 rebid a four-card major if he has one,
but more importantly it allows him to
support diamonds if he can. Here, he will
Twixmas
West North East South bid 2♦ which will finish the auction. If you
27-29 December £245 ? choose a 1♥ or 1♠ response, then your
Seminar Event partner has little choice but to rebid 2♣,
1NT. which leaves you in a poor contract.
New Year If you are playing a weak no-trump, then
29 Dec – 2 Jan £445 you should open hands that fit in to the
Seminar Event shape and range with 1NT. Do not worry
about the weak suits, part of the power 3. Dealer East. N/S Game.
of the weak no-trump is its pre-emptive ♠ K Q 8 7 6 ♠ A 9 5 4 3
The Olde Barn nature. Looking at your hand, there is a ♥ 2
N
W E
♥ J 8 5
Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT good chance that your opponents might ♦ J 8 6 3 S ♦ 2
be able to make a contract in one of the ♣ 5 4 3 ♣ A Q J 6
majors, and so it turns out.
However, your 1NT opener will make
it difficult for them to find their contract. West North East South
You may well go off in 1NT, but -50 1♠ Pass
or -100 scores better than -110 for 2♠ ?
making.
4♠.
Christmas When you have support for your partner’s
major and a weak hand, then you must
23-27 December £495
2. Dealer East. Love All. raise his suit. I have a simple rule when
Just Duplicate Bridge ♠ K 8 6 5 ♠ Q 2 responding to one of a major: if I have
♥ Q 6 5 2 N ♥ 10 8 fewer than 11 points, five-card support
Twixmas ♦ 10 8 6 3 S
W E
♦ A J 4 2 and a singleton, then I raise to game: to
27-29 December £215 ♣ 2 ♣ A K 6 5 4 make or to save. The idea is that if you
Seminar Event cannot make game then your opponents
may well be able to. It is the weight of
West North East South trumps that tips in your favour. So often
New Year 1♣ Pass when you have a big fit, your opponents
29 Dec – 1 Jan £345 ? will too. By jumping to 4♠ directly, you
Seminar Event keep the opponents out. The losing trick
1♦. count would suggest just 3♠, but bidding
Back to Back bookings With 5 HCP, you do not have to respond, boldly when non-vulnerable in these
but with just a singleton in your partner’s situations tends to work best.
save £50 per booking. suit, the chances of improving the final On this hand, both sides might be able
Booking Form on page 8. contract by responding are quite high. to make game, but North-South will have
As long as your partner does not rebid little chance to try. ■

Page 6 BRIDGE April 2014

 ✄
BERNARD  Mr Bridge MAIL ORDER
TUTORIAL DVDs
MAGEE PLAY SOFTWARE NOVELTIES
QPlus 11 NEW £92.00 ......... 2011 Series – £25 each Mr Bridge
at Denham QPlus Trade-in £49.00 ......... Ruffing for Extra Tricks ......... Torch Pen (boxed) £5.00 .........

Grove QPlus 10 (S/Hand) £50.00 ......... Competitive Auctions ......... Mr Bridge Pound for Life
Keyring £5.00 .........
Near Uxbridge, Bridge Baron 24 NEW £69.00 ......... Making the
Bucks, UB9 5DG. Most of High Cards ......... BOOKS
Bridge Baron
Trade-in for 24 £35.00 ......... Identifying & Duplicate Bridge Rules
Bidding Slams ......... Simplified £5.95 .........
9-12 January TUTORIAL SOFTWARE
Play & Defence of Better Hand Evaluation
Begin Bridge - Acol £66.00 .........
2015 Acol Bidding £66.00 .........
1NT Contracts ......... Bernard Magee £14.00 ........
Doubling & Defence Tips for Better Bridge
£399 Advanced to Doubled Contracts ......... Bernard Magee £14.00 ........
Acol Bidding £96.00 ......... All 6 DVDs
Friday – Monday Robin Hood’s Bridge Memoirs
Declarer Play £76.00 as a boxed set £100.00 ......... David Bird £12.00 ........
£369 Advanced 2012 Series – £25 each Bridge Adventures of Robin
Friday – Sunday Declarer Play £81.00 Hood – David Bird £12.00 ........
Leads .........
Defence £76.00 .........
full board Five-Card Majors with
Losing Trick Count ......... MR BRIDGE DIARIES
Strong No-Trump £89.00 .........
Making a Plan as Declarer ......... for 2014
Limited places for
Responding to 1NT ......... Red £6.95 ........
Thursday night available. Better Bridge 2011 with
£45pp single, Bernard Magee. Special Signals & Discards ......... Navy £6.95 ........
£65 double/twin. Spring Offer £35.00 ......... Endplays ......... Club Prices 10 for £35 ........
Bundleware Offer All 6 DVDs Luxury Kidrell Covers
Any two CDs £140.00 ......... as a boxed set £100.00 ......... & ball-point pen:

Topics TEA TOWELS

Life’s a Game, but
2013 Series – £25 each
Ruby Red
Bottle Green
£14.95 ........
£14.95 ........
Hand Evaluation .........
Bridge is Serious £7.00 ......... Club Prices 10 for £90 ........
DAY 1 Pre-Empting .........
The Pot Boiler. A Double
l Take-Out Doubles Splinter & Cue-Bids ......... SUBS
Dummy Problem £7.00 .........
l Defending Avoidance .........
(Introductory Rates)
10 Commandments for
Against 1NT Bridge Players £7.00 ......... Pairs Play & Defence .........
12 Months £20.00 .........

10 Commandments for 24 Months £35.00 .........

Thinking Defence .........
DAY 2 Duplicate Players £7.00 ......... 36 Months £50.00 .........
All 6 DVDs
l Defence as Partner 25 Road Traffic Signs for as a boxed set £100.00 ......... 12 Months Overseas:
of the Leader Bridge Players £7.00 .........
Europe £50.00 .........
l Strong PICK ‘N’ MIX
We Are Survivors £7.00 ......... Any 6 DVDs £105.00 ......... Outside Europe £95.00 .........
Opening Bids

DAY 3 Prices are inclusive of VAT and postage to UK mainland.

l SuitEstablishment
I enclose a cheque for £..........
l Competitive
(Aggressive) Mr/Mrs/Miss .....................................................................................................................................................................
Bidding
Address..............................................................................................................................................................................

6 seminar sessions ...........................................................................................................................................................................................

with Bernard1
Postcode............................................................................. ( ..........................................................................................
6 sessions of
supervised play2
Contact Mr Bridge to
book your place or Expiry: ............. CVV ........ Issue No. ...........
for further details: (CVV is the last 3 numbers on the signature strip)

( 01483 489961 Make your cheque payable to Mr Bridge and send to: Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH
Filmed 2Not with Bernard Magee
1
( 01483 489961 www.mrbridge.co.uk/mrbridge-shop
✄

BRIDGE April 2014 Page 7

 ✄
BRIDGE  BRIDGE EVENTS
with Bernard Magee
BREAKS
10-12 Olde Barn Hotel
♦ Full-board ♦ Two seminars* £245 Endplay &
♦ All rooms with ♦ Two supervised Avoidance
en-suite facilities play sessions*
NOVEMber
♦ No single supplement ♦ Four bridge sessions**
7-9 Chatsworth Hotel
Please book ..... places for me at £....... per person, £245 Hand
Evaluation
Single .... Double .... Twin .... 14-16 Blunsdon
Chatsworth Hotel £245 House
Name of Hotel/Centre............................................................. Worthing BN11 3DU
Further into
the Auction
Date(s) .................................................................................... April
Mr/Mrs/Miss ......................................................................... 4-6 Chatsworth
£245 Hotel
Address................................................................................... Finding Slams
11-13 Blunsdon House
................................................................................................
£245 Leads & Defence
Postcode .................................................................................

( ...........................................................................................
Elstead Hotel
Special requirements (these cannot be guaranteed, Bournemouth BH1 3QP
but we will do our best to oblige).
21-23 Elstead
................................................................................................ £245 Hotel
Doubles
Please give the name(s) of all those covered by this booking.
28-30 Blunsdon
................................................................................................ The Olde Barn Hotel
£245 House NEW
Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT
Bidding
Please send a non-returnable deposit of £50 per person per place by
Distributional
cheque, payable to Mr Bridge. An invoice for the balance will be sent
with your booking confirmation. On receipt of your final payment, June Hands
28 days before the event, a programme and full details will be sent
together with a map. Cancellations are not refundable. Should you
6-8 Olde Barn Hotel
require insurance, you should contact your own insurance broker. £245 Bidding NEW
Distributional
Hands
20-22 Olde Barn Hotel
£245 Finding Slams

OCTOBER
Expiry: ................................. CVV......................... Issue No....................
(CVV is the last 3 numbers on the signature strip) 3-5 Chatsworth
£245 Hotel Blunsdon House Hotel
Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH. Game Tries Blunsdon, Swindon SN26 7AS
( 01483 489961
e-mail: jessica@mrbridge.co.uk
website: www.holidaybridge.com Full Board. No Single Supplement.
*on tutorial weekends only. **6 sessions on rubber/Chicago events. See Adjacent Booking Form.
Please note: Just Bridge events contain no seminars and do not award prizes.
✄

Page 8 BRIDGE April 2014

 Answers to  Better Hand
Bernard Magee’s  Evaluation
Bernard Magee
Bidding Quizzes 4-6 Introduction
Better Hand Evaluation is aimed

on the Cover 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
you need 16 points to raise to game.
each other and, by evaluating them
4. Dealer East. Love All. However, not all of your points will be
accurately, find the best final contract.
♠ A 7 3 ♠ K 4 2 valuable. Your partner will have three The emphasis of all good, accurate
N
♥ K Q 8 7
W E
♥ A J 6 5 relatively short suits, so it is aces and bidding is on hand evaluation.
♦ Q J 4 3 S ♦ A 8 7 kings that are going to be useful. By
♣ 7 6 ♣ J 8 4 the time your clubs and diamonds are There are two general types of
established, your partner will be left with auction: a) a fit is found and b) no fit
only trumps. When responding to a pre- is found.
West North East South empt, you are looking for about four high
When you do not have a fit, you are
1NT Pass card tricks to raise to game, hoping that
aiming to describe the strength of
2♣ Pass 2♥ Pass your partner has six from his suit. Your your hand as soon as possible, most
? partner has his six, but you have only often using no-trump bids. This book
two, so even 3♠ might have gone off, begins by discussing balanced hand
3♥. There is a phrase that suggests that had your partner had two clubs and two bidding in Acol, as it is very important
two opening hands should make a game diamonds. 3NT works OK on this hand, that both members of a partnership
together, but there is one exception. Two just one off, but if your partner had held have an accurate knowledge of how to
weak no-trump hands do not necessarily the same spades headed by the queen, show hands of different strengths.
add up to game: if they are minimum you would have really struggled: unlikely
When a fit is found, there is much
and flat, the potential can be less than to be able to reach his lovely spades.
re-evaluation of the hand to be done;
the total point count. In terms of the
point count, though still important,
losing trick count, the weak no-trump
needs to be evaluated together with
holds all of the weak hands, usually with
distribution. The best way of reaching
7-8 losers, but, as shown here they can 6. Dealer West. Love All. an accurate assess­ ment is to use
be even weaker. With a 7-loser hand, you ♠ K Q 4 2 ♠ 5 3 the Losing Trick Count; this is an
should invite game by bidding 3♥. Your ♥ 4 2 N ♥ K Q 7 6 important method of hand evaluation
W E
partner would pass this invitation. With ♦ 7 2 S ♦ A 9 8 4 and takes up a number of chapters.
13 HCP and a 4333 shape, there is little ♣ A K 8 7 6 ♣ 4 3 2
chance of game making. Finally, we move on to different forms
of evaluation including game tries and
West North East South splinter bids. You can never know
enough methods of hand evaluation;
1♣ 1♠ Dbl* Pass
the more you learn, the better you get
5. Dealer East. Love All. ?
at judging your hand.
♠ A 2 ♠ K Q J 10 9 4 3 *Negative double: for take-out
N
♥ K Q J ♥ 6 5 4 Although the Losing Trick Count is
W E
♦ Q J 8 4 S ♦ 5 2♣. The negative double in this auction used more easily in tandem with your
♣ Q J 10 5 ♣ 9 7 shows a hand that would have respond- partner, a large proportion of the
ed 1♥ (promising at least four cards in ideas in this book can be used by an
the unbid major). You should respond to individual. For example, evaluating
West North East South it in precisely the same way in which you your hand to be worth an extra point
3♠ Pass would respond to 1♥. This means that a is going to help anyone you partner –
? 1NT rebid still shows a strong hand (15- as long as you get it right.
17 points). Your spades are not good
Pass. Your partner has opened with enough to pass for penalties, so your
£14 including UK postage
a pre-empt: showing a seven-card suit only choice left is to rebid 2♣, which fin- See Mail Order Form on page 7.
and 5-9 points. You are usually told that ishes the auction. ■

BRIDGE April 2014 Page 9

 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 Bernard takes you through all the Going beyond just the point-count
use of ruffing to make extra tricks basic leads and the importance of is important if you want to improve.
and then looks at how the defenders your choice of lead. If you start to Reaching & making 3NT on 24 HCP;
might counteract this. (74 mins.) think not just about your hand, but and avoiding 3NT on 26 HCP when
about your partner’s too, then you there are only 7 or 8 tricks. (110 mins.)
2 Competitive Auctions will get much better results. (95 mins.)
This seminar focuses on competitive 14 Pre-Emptive Bidding
auctions from the perspective of the 8 Losing Trick Count The art of pre-empting is so important
overcalling side and then from the A way of hand evaluation for when in the modern game. Understanding
perspective of the opening side in you find a fit. Bernard deals with the the right types of hand to bid up
the second part. (86 mins.) basics of the losing trick count then on and realising the importance of
looks at advanced methods to hone position and vulnerability. (96 mins.)
3 Making the Most your bidding. (92 mins.)
of High Cards 15 Splinter & Cue-Bids
This seminar helps declarer to use 9 Making a Plan Take your slam bidding to another
his high cards more carefully and as Declarer level. Splinter bids are a vital tool to
then looks at how defenders should Bernard explains how to make a plan add to your armoury & try your hand
care for their high cards. (83 mins.) then expands on how to make the at Italian style cue-bidding. (116 mins.)
most of your long suits. The first half
4 Identifying deals with no-trumps, the second with 16 Avoidance Play
& Bidding Slams suit contracts. (87 mins.) As declarer, an important tactic is
The first half of this seminar is about to be in control of the defenders:
identifying when a slam might be on 10 Responding to 1NT avoiding a particular defender getting
– one of the hardest topics to teach. This seminar deals with Transfers the lead. As a defender, you can try to
The second half covers some slam- and Stayman in detail. The 1NT make sure the right player gets the
bidding techniques. (96 mins.) opening comes up frequently, so lead at the right time. (88 mins.)
having a good, accurate system of
5 Play & Defence responses is paramount. (93 mins.) 17 Play & Defence at Pairs
of 1NT Contracts Duplicate Pairs is the game most of
This seminar looks at the most 11 Signals & Discards us play and getting used to the tactics
common and yet most feared This seminar deals with Count, will make a lot of difference to your
of contracts: 1NT. The first half Attitude and Suit-preference signals: performance. Making more overtricks
looks at declaring the contract and aiming to get you working as a and making sure you do not give
the second part puts us in the partnership in defence. (92 mins.) away tricks as a defender. (90 mins.)
defenders’ seats. (88 mins.)
12 Endplay 18 Thinking Defence
6 Doubling & Defence Bernard takes you through the basics By far the hardest aspect of bridge,
against Doubled Contracts of the technique before showing some but if you can improve your defence
The first half of this seminar magical hands where you take extra your results will quickly improve.
explores penalty doubles and the tricks from defenders. In the second Learn how to think through the
second half discusses the defence half, Bernard looks at how to avoid defence and get your mind in gear for
against doubled contracts. (88 mins.) being endplayed. (80 mins.) the decisions that await you. (87 mins.)

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

PICK AND MIX. A BOX OF ANY 6. £105

Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961 email: mrbridge@mrbridge.co.uk
 Answers to 
Bernard Magee’s 
Q PLUS 11
Really user-friendly
Bidding Quizzes 7-9 bridge-playing software

on the Cover FEATURES INCLUDE

l Comprehensive manual

decision as a partnership rather than an l Displays on HD

7. Dealer West. Game All. individual. One of the main reasons for and large screens
♠ J 2 ♠ A 9 4 bidding to the five-level is when you have
♥ 7 N ♥ A Q J 3 a double fit, so if you have the chance
W E l Minibridge option
♦ 9 8 3 S ♦ Q J 5 4 2 to show a second suit, then take it. After
♣ A K 10 9 8 7 3 ♣ 2 you bid 4♣, you can leave the final deci-
l 5,000 preplayed hands
sion up to your partner. If he has a fit
for teams
with both of your suits, then he will bid on
West North East South to 5♥, which is the case here. 5♥ will go
l 4,000 preplayed hands
3♣ 3♥ Dbl* Pass one off, but with your opponents having
? *Penalty a double fit too, they will probably make for match-point pairs
4♠, so 5♥ is an excellent sacrifice.
Pass. You opened with a pre-empt, l Save match function
showing a weak hand with a seven card
club suit: a beautiful description of your l Closed room – button
hand. Whenever one hand is perfectly 9. Dealer West. E/W Game. to view other table
described, the partner takes control of ♠ K Q 5 4 ♠ 9 8 7

£92
the auction: doubles are for penalties. It ♥ K 2 N ♥ A 8 7 4
W E
is very rare that the pre-emptor should ♦ K 7 S ♦ 10 8 4 3
make another bid. ♣ A J 10 8 4 ♣ 5 3
Here, East can tell that 3♥ doubled
is the best contract, so he doubles and including post and packing
will be pleased to find the ♣A-K in your West North East South
hand. 3♥ will be two or three off: 500 or 1♣ 1♠ Pass Pass
800 when there is no game on. ?
QPLUS
Pass. Your partner has not mustered a
response and you have length in your
TRADE-IN

8. Dealer West. Love All.
♠ 4 3 ♠ 7 5
opponents’ suit. Generally, if your partner
is short in their suit, he would have been
OFFER
♥ A K 8 7 6 N ♥ Q J 5 3 able to make some kind of response if he
♦ 6
W E
♦ 8 3 2 had the strength too, so he is likely to be Return any QPLUS CD
S
♣ A Q J 5 4 ♣ K 9 6 3 relatively weak. Your two bidding options and booklet with a
are 1NT and 2♣, but are they particularly cheque for £50 and
desirable? With few entries to your
receive wonderful
West North East South partner’s hand, it will not be easy to play.
1♥ 1♠ 2♥ 3♠ Also, bear in mind that your spades are QPLUS 11.
? not well placed. Note the vulnerability:
one off will be 100 and might be too Order with confidence.
4♣. Bidding 4♥ would be correct, if much. 1♠ might scrape home, but -80
that was going to be the last bid of the will not be too bad a score.
auction, but be realistic, do you expect It is important to compete aggressively
System: 8mb RAM, CD-ROM,
4♥ to be passed out? when you think your opponents have a
Windows XP, Vista, 7 or 8
Predicting the auction is important: fit, but when you suspect that they do not,
you need to decide whether to bid to 5♥ then leaving them where they are can be See Mail Order Form on page 7.
or not and it is much better to make a the best policy. ■

BRIDGE April 2014 Page 11

 BERNARD MAGEE’S
INTERACTIVE TUTORIALS
BEGIN BRIDGE ACOL MORE DECLARER
ACOL VERSION BIDDING (ADVANCED) PLAY
l Card Play Technique ACOL BIDDING
l Opening Bids and l Suit Establishment
l Planning Card Play Responses l Basics in No-trumps
l Bidding Balanced l Slams and Strong l Advanced Basics l Suit Establishment
Hands Openings in Suits
l Bidding Suits l Weak Twos
l Support for Partner l Hold-ups
l Responding to a Suit l Strong Hands
l Pre-empting l Ruffing for
l Supporting Partner l Defence
Extra Tricks
l Responding to 1NT l Overcalls to Weak Twos
£66 l Entries in
l Stayman l No-trump l Defence to 1NT No-trumps £76
l Strong Two Opening Openings
l Doubles
and Response and Responses l Delaying

l Overcalls l Opener’s and l Two-suited £96 Drawing Trumps

l Doubles £66 Responder’s Rebids Overcalls l Using the Lead

l Pre-empting l Defences to
l Minors and Misfits l Trump Control
Other Systems
l Defence against No l Doubles l Endplays &
Trump Contracts l Misfits and Avoidance
l Competitive Distributional
l Defence against Suit
Auctions Hands l Using the Bidding
Contracts

ADVANCED DEFENCE FIVE-CARD BETTER

DECLARER PLAY MAJORS & BRIDGE
l Lead vs Strong No-Trump
l Making Overtricks No-trump Contracts l Ruffing for
in No-trumps l Opening Bids Extra Tricks
l Lead vs & Responses
l Making Overtricks Suit Contracts
in Suit Contracts l No-Trump l Doubling and
l Partner of Leader Defence
Openings
l Endplays vs No-trump Against
Contracts l Support £89 Doubled
£69
l Avoidance
for Partner Contracts
l Partner of Leader
l Wrong £81 vs Suit Contracts l Slams
Contract
& Strong Openings l Play and Defence
l Count
l Simple of 1NT Contracts
Signals l Rebids
Squeezes
l Counting
l Attitude £76 l Minors l Finding and
Signals & Misfits Bidding Slams
the Hand
l Discarding l Pre-empting
l Trump Reductions
& Coups l Doubles l Making the
l Defensive Plan
Most of High Cards
l Playing Doubled l Stopping Declarer l Overcalls
Contracts
l Counting l Competitive l Competitive
l Safety Plays the Hand Auctions Auctions

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
System Requirements: Windows XP, Vista, 7 or 8, 8mb RAM, CD-ROM
 Answers to Bernard Magee’s 
Bidding Quizzes 10-12 on the Cover
there is an opportunity to punish them every hand. When your opponents have
10. Dealer North. N/S Game. for their interference. shown a fit and passed at the 2-level, it
♠ A 8 7 6 5 ♠ K Q 3 2 The vulnerability is in your favour: is almost always correct to try to compete
N
♥ 3 2
W E
♥ 7 against North-South. If you can double for the hand by bidding over them. The
♦ 7 6 S ♦ A 9 8 2 South in 2♥, you are sure of a very reason this is true is because, if you make
♣ A Q 4 2 ♣ K J 7 5 healthy score. However, it is not as easy your contract, clearly you will have done
as just doubling straightaway: most well, but perhaps more crucially, if you
players play this double for take-out. go off, you still get a better score. -50 or
West North East South Your partner would probably rebid 3♣ -100 will be better than allowing 2♠ to
3♥ Dbl Pass and, once again, you will finish in 3NT. make (-110).
? The only way to reach the best contract Sometimes it is very difficult to
is to pass. To make game, your partner compete because of the way the points
4♠. North opens with a pre-emptive 3♥: has to have a better than minimum are divided. The problem you have is that
showing 5-9 points and a seven-card hand, along with this he will be short although you are short in spades, you
heart suit. Your partner doubles: this is in hearts, so, when the auction comes are also short in hearts: if you double for
a take-out double asking you to bid your around to him, he will surely make a take-out, your partner is sure to respond
best suit. take-out double. All that remains is for 3♥, which will be no good at all.
3♠ looks like the obvious bid, but you to pass and wait for your top score Many of you will not have come across
remember that you are forced to to roll in. 2♥ doubled might well go three the idea of overcalling 2NT for take-out.
respond, so a 3♠ bid can show zero off, for +800, but two off is enough to However, with neither of your partnership
points. You have 10 HCP and a five-card beat the score for game. having bid and you having passed on the
spade suit. Your partner should have a first round, surely it cannot be a natural
good opening hand with at least three bid?
spades, or if he is borderline he should With 20 points you would have bid first
have four spades. With such a good fit, 12. Dealer South. Love All. time round, so the bid can be used as a
you should go for game. ♠ 4 2 ♠ A K 8 take-out bid, but suggesting the minors
N
If you bid 3♠, your partner will pass: he ♥ A 2 W E
♥ KQ87 rather than including hearts. This allows
has a minimum hand and has suggested ♦ A 9 8 3 S ♦ 10 6 5 4 your side to find 3♦, which you should
his spade holding already. Remember, ♣ J 8 6 5 3 ♣ 4 2 be able to make for +110 rather than
when responding to a take-out double, -110.
that a response at the lowest level can This is not quite the Unusual 2NT,
show no strength at all. West North East South which would be a direct 2NT overcall
1♠ showing 5-5 in the minors.
Pass 2♠ Pass Pass Second best to 2NT would be 3♣, but
? on this occasion that would not work
11. Dealer East. N/S Game. so well. However, it is so important to
♠ K 2 ♠ A 9 8 7 6 2NT. Playing duplicate pairs (your usual compete for this hand and your job is to
N
♥ A J 10 9
W E
♥ 7 game) it is so important to compete for find the best way to do it. ■
♦ 9 8 7 S ♦ A K 3
♣ K 8 3 2 ♣ A 6 5 4

West North East South

Elstead Hotel Bournemouth BH1 3QP
1♠ 2♥
?
21-23 November £245
Pass. It looks like an obvious 2NT bid: Doubles
11 HCP and a good heart stopper, then Bernard Magee
your partner raises to 3NT and you
make 400 points. However, bear in mind
the number of times your opponents’ Full Board No Single Supplement. Booking Form on page 8.
overcalls have upset your bidding: here,

BRIDGE April 2014 Page 13

 Robin Hood’s Bridge Adventures by David Bird

The
Sheriff’s
Invitation
T
he Sheriff of Nottingham was grimacing at the 2-2 break.
entertaining Lord and Lady Dealer South. Love All. ‘Just what we needed, Alphonsine,’
Biscotte to dinner in the castle. ♠ A 8 6 5 said Lord Biscotte.
As a social gathering, it was a tiresome ♥ A 8 4 The elderly declarer played the king
affair. The sole purpose was the high- ♦ 7 5 2 and ace of hearts and ruffed dummy’s
stake rubber game that would follow. ♣ 10 8 3 last heart. He then cashed the ♣A to
Henri Biscotte had more money than ♠ Q 10 ♠ J 4 leave this position:
N
he could possibly spend. It made good ♥ Q 7
W E
♥ J 10 9 6 3 2
sense to divert some of it to better use. ♦ K Q 9 8 6 3 S ♦ J
‘Some more of this excellent Spanish ♣ K 7 2 ♣ Q J 9 4 ♠ 8 6
wine?’ said the Sheriff, refilling Lord ♠ K 9 7 3 2 ♥ —
Biscotte’s glass. ♥ K 5 ♦ 7 5
Sir Guy of Gisburne, who was ♦ A 10 4 ♣ 10 8
captain of the guard and the Sheriff’s ♣ A 6 5 ♠ — ♠ —
bridge partner, moved his own empty ♥ — N ♥ J 10 9
glass forward. The Sheriff glared at ♦ Q 9 8 6 W E
♦ —
S
him. Gisburne played an up-and- West North East South ♣ K 7 ♣ Q J 9
down game at the best of times. This Guy of Lady The Lord ♠ 9 7
red wine was the most intoxicating Gisburne Biscotte Sheriff Biscotte ♥ —
blend produced by the Treviana 1♠ ♦ 10 4
monks. If Gisburne thought he’d get a 2♦ 3♠ Pass 4♠ ♣ 6 5
single drop more before the big game, All Pass
he was mistaken.
Not long afterwards, the four players Gisburne led the ♦K and the richly- With a flourish, Lord Biscotte tossed
took their seats in a small chamber garbed Lady Biscotte laid out her a low club onto the table. The Sheriff
illuminated by wall-mounted braziers. cards. ‘I nearly gave you 4♠, Henri,’ she won the trick and could not return
The Sheriff noted with approval that said. ‘With Sir Guy bidding so strongly, a heart, since this would give a ruff-
Lord Biscotte seemed half asleep I count 5 points for each ace. They are and-discard. When he returned a club
already. more likely to stand over the king.’ instead, Gisburne won the trick and
A heavy win in this game would The Sheriff winced at this absurd had to play a diamond. His ♦Q was
be a fair recompense for enduring utterance. They might well have bid the defenders’ third trick but Lord
the Biscottes’ boring conversation. too high. If Gisburne had chosen this Biscotte then faced his ♦10, claiming
So what if Lady Biscotte’s niece, moment to give declarer a life-line the contract.
Donatienne, had recently given birth with his ill-timed opening lead, he ‘Beautiful bidding and beautiful
to twins? Who could possibly be would hear about it later. play,’ declared Lady Biscotte. ‘Without
interested in tittle-tattle of that sort? Lord Biscotte won with the ♦A, the diamond overcall, I would have
The first rubber opened with this noting the fall of East’s ♦J. He drew bid just two spades. We would miss a
deal: trumps in two rounds, the Sheriff cold game!’

Page 14 BRIDGE April 2014

 Robin Hood continued Lord Biscotte opened with a Feeble Both sides had scored a game when
2♥, a method that was becoming quite this big deal arose:
popular. The Sheriff’s eyes blazed
when he was raised to 6♠. Did his
The Sheriff’s mouth fell open. ‘Cold foolish partner not realise that 4♠ was Dealer East. Game All.
game?’ he said. ‘Without my partner’s already an overbid? It was bid in the ♠ 10 8 6
foolish opening lead there were four hope of profiting from some foolish ♥ A 6
certain losers.’ defence. Lord Biscotte led the ♦Q and ♦ 9 7 3
♣ A K 7 5 4
♠ Void ♠ J 9 7 5
N
♥ 8 7 5 2 W E ♥ K Q J 10 9 4
♦ J 10 6 4 S ♦ 5
♣ 10 9 8 6 2 ♣ J 3
♠ A K Q 4 3 2
♥ 3
♦ A K Q 8 2
♣ Q

West North East South

Lord Guy of Lady The
Biscotte Gisburne Biscotte Sheriff
2♥ 4♠
5♥ 6♠ All Pass

The Sheriff won the heart lead and

‘But, my Lord, what would you have down went the dummy. The Sheriff ruffed a heart in his hand. He sat back
me lead?’ protested Gisburne. was forced to admit that Gisburne had in his chair when West showed out on
‘Bleating like a sheep makes you look his bid, for once. Now, what was the the first trump. By the Saints! What
even more ridiculous,’ admonished best way to play the slam? had he done to deserve that?
the Sheriff. ‘Next time, think before A 3-3 club break would allow five He continued with the ♣Q, followed
you make your lead.’ club tricks to be established. Adding by two top diamonds. Lady Biscotte,
During the next hour, the Sheriff was five trumps and the ♦A would bring who was struggling to keep her
able to display his mastery against the the total to eleven. It would not be eyes open, decided to ruff. A glint of
modest opponents. He had restocked possible to add a heart ruff to the pile. triumph came into the Sheriff’s eyes.
his coffers to the extent of some 150 He could not then draw trumps ending Hah! That was a mistake if ever he’d
guineas when this deal arose: in the dummy, to enjoy the good clubs. seen one. The old dear, bless her,
The Sheriff spotted a chance. He should have thrown her last club. The
leaned forward and played a low Sheriff won the ♣J return in dummy
Dealer West. N/S Game. diamond on the first trick. When and played dummy’s remaining club
♠ A K 6 Lord Biscotte continued with another winner, ruffed by East and overruffed.
♥ Void diamond, he won with the ace and He was then able to draw the last
♦ A 8 3 2 played a trump to his queen. He trump and ruff a diamond with
♣ A K 10 9 7 2 continued with the ace and king of dummy’s ♠10.
♠ 4 2 ♠ 9 8 3 clubs, throwing a diamond. The ♣J ‘A very successful evening, my Lord,’
N
♥ A J 10 9 3 2 W E ♥ K Q 7 fell from West and the Sheriff ruffed a said Gisburne, when the visitors had
♦ Q J 10 S ♦ K 9 6 diamond in his hand, the suit breaking left the room. ‘I make it 137 guineas
♣ J 4 ♣ Q 8 6 5 3-3. Excellent. When he returned to each.’
♠ Q J 10 7 5 dummy with the ♠K, all the players The Sheriff raised an eyebrow. ‘You
♥ 8 6 5 4 held six cards. Since no hearts had want half, after my masterful play and
♦ 7 5 4 been played, West’s Feeble Two meant your half-witted efforts throughout
♣ 3 that all his cards were hearts. The the session?’
Sheriff took a confident ruffing finesse ‘Er… well, if not half, what do you
with the ♣10-9, returning to dummy suggest, my Lord?’
West North East South with a trump to score the long clubs ‘You must owe me at least 50
Lord Guy of Lady The and the thirteenth diamond. guineas, after your second-rate
Biscotte Gisburne Biscotte Sheriff Lord and Lady Biscotte were ready contribution,’ thundered the Sheriff.
2♥ Dbl 3♥ 4♠ to retire to the guest bedroom, but the ‘You can count yourself lucky if I
Pass 6♠ All Pass Sheriff insisted on a further rubber. overlook the matter!’ ■

BRIDGE April 2014 Page 15

 David Stevenson answers your Frequently Asked Questions

Deals and Dealing

R
ubber bridge (or Chicago) is put the four piles in a line in front of fairer. In what way are they fairer? If
best played with two packs of you, especially when more than one you study the game at all, you will find
cards, traditionally with differ- board is being dealt at a time. Some there are many probabilities. For ex-
ent coloured backs and, while a play- players deal into the four piles (call ample, should you play for a suit break
er is dealing, his partner shuffles the them A B C D) from left to right then or a finesse? A finesse is a 50% chance,
other pack. The cards are dealt one at right to left so the cards go into piles so what is the chance of a suit break? A
a time, clockwise, into four piles, be- thus: A B C D D C B A A B C D D 3-3 break is about 36% but a 3-2 break
ginning with the player on dealer’s left C B etc. That is not permitted because is 68%. Is this what actually happens?
and ending with dealer. Partner shuf- consecutive cards go into the end piles. If you play with computer-dealt hands,
fles the pack and puts it on his right. Some players deal into five piles (call then these probabilities will definitely
When the hand is over, the next dealer them A B C D E) but from left to right occur in the long run, but with hands
finds the pack on his left and passes only (or in a circle) so the cards go into dealt at the table the hands are flatter
it to his right to be cut: his opponent piles thus: A B C D E A B C D E A B and 3-3 breaks are more likely than
takes the top half off towards the deal- C … When they run out of cards they the odds suggest.
er and dealer puts the other half on top pick up the fifth pile, and deal that into In the early days of computer-dealt
and deals. That is what should happen, the four piles starting next to where hands, there were some accidents with
though players are quite casual about they finished. That is perfectly legal. unfair deals, but nowadays that does
it, especially the rules for cutting. Another way is to go left to right then not happen. Some players are still sus-
For the deals to be fair, a riffle shuffle back into five piles, but only putting picious of computer-dealt hands and
should be employed and at least five one in the end pile, thus: A B C D E they point out that in a particular ses-
shuffles done: in practice no-one ever D C B A B C D E D C … They then sion there seemed to be too many freak
does this and players often use the put the two end piles together and hands, or too many singleton kings,
overhand shuffle, which is practically that (surprisingly) means there are or all the high cards seemed to be in
useless. As a result, the hands tend to four piles of 13 cards each. Personally, one direction. What they forget is the
be quite flat at rubber bridge. I favour this approach which seems same applies with hand-dealt cards,
At duplicate, the boards are dealt quickest, easiest and is perfectly legal. just that people do not remember.
at the start. Some players think you Once the four piles are obtained, Also, the strange sessions are usually
should deal each board when you they are put in the board by the player not as strange as people think: most
come to it and some players think it dealing them. It does not matter into players in clubs seem to think they get
matters who deals which board, but which pocket or which board they go. less than their fair share of high cards
they are wrong. All boards are dealt While there will always be traditional- every time they play.
at the start of a session by whoever ists who deal them as at rubber bridge Bridge is a game of many disci-
picks the board up. There are no rules these new ways tend to be easier and plines, but they include technique
about who shuffles and cuts, though a quicker and should be encouraged. and judgement, which are based on
member of each side should be present Many clubs and nearly all events assessing odds and risks and those
when the dealing occurs. The same now use computer-dealt cards. These are based on expected probabilities.
problems about shuffling occur as at have three big advantages over dealing With computer dealt hands, the prob-
rubber bridge: players do not shuffle by hand. First, there is less hassle and abilities are correct, but not with hand
enough and do not use proper shuf- players can get down to playing with- dealt ones. Why not? It comes down to
fling procedures. Remember, there out having to deal. Second, the hands the shuffling. Computers pick cards at
should be at least five riffle shuffles. are fairer. Third, there are copies of the random, or very, very nearly, which is
An interesting question is how the hands at the end – and, in many clubs, equivalent to perfect or near-perfect
dealing should be done. Of course, copies of the hands appear on the in- shuffling. But players do not shuffle
many players deal as in rubber, but that ternet as well. perfectly, as explained above. If every-
is not necessary. As long as the cards The first and third advantages are one did at least five riffle shuffles, then
finish in four piles and consecutive obvious enough and I doubt that hands dealt at the table would have
cards do not go into the same pile, then many people disagree, but there are near-perfect probabilities, but it will
the deal is legal. It is usually easiest to some people who do not think they are never happen. ■

Page 16 BRIDGE April 2014

 Julian Pottage answers your bridge questions

What is the
Difference between a
2♣ and an Acol Two
Opening Hand?

Q A
Please could hand, you intend to play inability to open the bid- South’s actions
you explain in game whatever partner ding fractionally increases at the two tables
the differ- holds. You should open the chance that the ♣K lies seem similar. With
ence in requirements a strong, artificial 2♣. in an opposing hand. half the values outside the
between an Acol two diamond suit, I, personally,
and a 2♣ opening? ♣♦♥♠ ♣♦♥♠ would not open 5♦. However,
Doreen Parrington, 5♦ certainly will put pres-

Q Q
Lytham St Annes. South passed as Playing teams, sure on the opponents. In a
dealer and East with South dealer tournament, you would not

A
In broad terms, a overcalled in and East-West be alone in opening 5♦.
2♣ opening shows diamonds. vulnerable, we had North was really the one
a hand worth game the following hands: who took a different view.
on its own, whereas a strong With four sure winners, all in
two opening shows a near ♠ Void aces and kings, North should
game hand where you ♥ A K Q J 9 8 5 4 ♠ A K J have raised the 5♦ open-
will need some help from ♦ Void ♥ 10 7 2 ing to 6♦. The 5♦ opener
partner to make game. ♣ A Q J 6 3 ♦ A 9 6 should have 8 or maybe
♣ A 8 5 3 9 tricks depending upon
N
W E N vulnerability. Adding 4 to 8
S W E
Hand 1 S
gives 12. If the opponents
♠ A K Q J 8 6 4 ♠ A J 9 8 7 have two fast heart win-
♥ K 7 3 ♥ 10 6 2 ♠ Q 3 ners, that is unlucky – and
♦ A 2 ♦ J 4 ♥ K 6 the slam may well make on
♣ 3 ♣ K 4 2 ♦ K Q J 10 8 5 4 3 a non-heart lead even if
♣ J partner has no heart control.

Hand 2 Can you see a way ♣♦♥♠

♠ A K J 9 6 3 North can find out I opened 5♦ and played

Q
♥ K Q J 3 whether South has the there making 12 tricks. What sort of
♦ A K thirteenth trick or not? The bidding at the hand would
♣ 4 Michael Franklin, other table was: be suitable for
Harrogate. bidding 2♥ over an
West North East South opponent’s opening

A
With the first hand, you I feel inclined to 1♦ 1NT? How might
will need a little some- agree with you. The 1♥ Dbl 2♥ 4♦ it differ from a 2♥
thing from partner to odds are 2 in 3 that Pass 6♦ All Pass overcall over 1♠?
make game. A strong 2♠ one of the opponents has the Mike Fairclough, Caldy,
would be appropriate. ♣K, so it is sensible just to Where did we go wrong? Wirral (similar from Geoffrey
With the stronger second bid 6♥. In addition, South’s Huw Jones, Swansea. Down, Padbury, Bucks).

BRIDGE April 2014 Page 17

 Q Q
Ask Julian continued Recently, my HCP, five hearts and a I understand
partner and singleton, West should never that the modern
I held the have passed over 2♥. way is to open
following hands: 1NT with 5332 shape,

A
For a 2-level ♣♦♥♠ even with a 5-card
overcall, whether major. I also understand

Q
over 1NT or 1♠, ♠ 5 ♠ K J 8 Playing that the rebid of a major
ideally you want a 6-card ♥ Q J 8 5 4 ♥ K 9 2 duplicate pairs, shows a 6-card suit. In
N
suit. Sometimes you do need ♦ Q 7 3 W E ♦ A K 10 5 4 we held the this case, how should
S
to bid a 5-card heart suit ♣ A J 7 5 ♣ Q 10 following hands: I rebid with 13 points,
to get into the auction. 5 hearts and 4 clubs,
To overcall 1NT with a after I open 1♥ and
5-card suit, you need a good West North East South ♠ K Q 7 4 partner responds 2♦?
suit and some shape (not 1♦ Pass ♥ K J 9 2 Graham Lavender by email.
5332). You should have fewer 1♥ 2♣ ? ♦ Void

A
than 15 points (or you would ♣ A J 10 7 4 Please note that
double). The lower limit de- Unable to make my N not everyone plays
W E
pends upon vulnerability and planned 1NT rebid, I S
that you open 1NT
scoring method. In broad called 2♥ instead. My with a 5332 shape.
terms, when you have only a partner passed this ♠ A 10 6 2 With the hand you
5-card suit, you are looking and it became the final ♥ 8 describe, you rebid 2♥.
for an opening hand, so 11- contract, although both ♦ J 6 4 With 13 HCP, you are too
14 points. However, suit qual- 4♥ and 3NT made. ♣ K Q 9 8 3 weak to rebid 3♣, a ‘high
ity is important too, especially How should you deal reverse’, which would
when you are vulnerable. with an opponent’s show extra values and
overcall that takes North was dealer create a game force.
away opener’s natural and our bidding Rebidding your major does
Hand 1 rebid in no-trumps? started 1♣-1♠. Can you not always show a 6-card
♠ 3 John Bunch, Huddersfield. suggest a sequence suit. It depends upon the
♥ K J 8 5 3 2 whereby we end up response. 1♠-1NT-2♠ is the

A
♦ Q 9 5 In tournament play in 6♣ and not 4/5♠? one sequence where a
♣ A 4 3 (and using 4-card We do not use 6-card suit should be
majors and a weak splinter bids. certain. If, as is the case
no-trump), the usual way Paul Jesper by email. in your example, the
Hand 2 to handle a sandwich seat response prevents you

A
♠ 3 overcall that prevents you You have half from showing your second
♥ K Q J 8 5 from rebidding 1NT is to answered your own suit at a convenient level,
♦ Q 9 5 2 double. The double shows a question. If you took you will quite often have
♣ A 4 3 strong no-trump hand unless up playing splinter bids, the to rebid a 5-card suit.
proven otherwise. This sort hands would be easier to bid.
of hand crops up more often Not playing splinters, I ♣♦♥♠
Hand 3 than a penalty double type guess North raises 1♠ to

Q
♠ Q 2 of hand. Even if you do have 3♠. South then cue bids 4♣ On Bernard
♥ K J 8 5 3 a penalty double hand, you (the king in partner’s suit is Magee’s quiz,
♦ Q 9 5 can pass (smoothly) and always worth a cue bid) and this hand opened
♣ A 4 3 hope partner reopens with North cue bids 4♦. South 1♥ even though the
a double, which would be might guess to bid 6♣ over spades are better.
for take-out under the bid. that. Even though clubs is not
Hand 1, which has a six- In a social game, players the agreed suit, a jump to a
card suit, is certainly worth a often would not have a slam in partner’s suit should ♠ A K 4 2
2♥ overcall. Hand 2, which method to handle the be a suggestion to play ♥ K 9 4 2
has only a five-card suit but overcall. Some would overbid there. North knows that ♦ A 8 5 3
more values and a better with 2NT or do as you did matchpoint pairs scoring ♣ 3
quality suit, is also fine for an and settle for a simple rewards playing in a
immediate 2♥ overcall. raise. Overcalls make life major but also knows
Hand 3, which has difficult for the opening side, that South is aware of Why would you
poor shape and only a which is one reason why this and so must have a not open 1♠?
moderate 5-card suit, is opponents make them. good reason to suggest June Heard,
not worth an overcall. Incidentally, with 10 clubs as the trump suit. Broadstairs, Kent.

Page 18 BRIDGE April 2014

 A
Ask Julian continued I opt for 2♣ or As far as suit goes, do. However, if you play
pass, not 1NT. a sensible approach 2♥ as showing spades
Keith Boothby, Buxton. is as follows: and a minor or as some
other conventional two-

A A
On hands with 4-4 With the right point (a) singleton spade, open 1♦ suited hand, you do not
in the majors, suit count and four good (preparing to rebid 2♣) want to do that. Instead,
quality is immaterial. hearts, 1NT seems (b) singleton heart, open 1♣ you should double.
If you open 1♥, you leave the best choice despite the (preparing to rebid 1♠)
partner room to respond 1♠, singleton. The opponents are (c) singleton diamond, ♣♦♥♠
thus allowing you to find a likely to lead hearts rather open 1♣ (preparing

Q
4-4 fit in either major easily. than diamonds. In any to rebid 1♥) Could you
If you open 1♠, you may case, your singleton (d) singleton club, open 1♥ suggest the best
have no satisfactory rebid. is an honour. (preparing to rebid 2♦). bidding sequence
Any suit rebid will indicate a If the spades were good for these hands?
5-card spade suit, while you (swap the black suits If you have the right values
are not quite good enough for example), you could (15+ if you play a weak
to rebid 2NT over 2♣. consider a 1♠ overcall. Just no-trump opening) and a ♠ J 10 8 5 2
occasionally, you should singleton in a black suit, ♥ 10
♣♦♥♠ overcall at the one level on you can rebid in no-trumps ♦ A K J 10 7 4
a four-card suit. You should instead of another suit. ♣ 6

Q
I opened 1♦, never overcall at the two With a 4441 hand, you do N
W E
partner replied level on a four-card suit. not want to open light. You S
1♥ and I rebid If only the opponents should have at least 12 HCP.
1NT (15-16). Surely, are vulnerable, you could ♠ A K Q 9 7
partner with a balanced consider passing in the ♣♦♥♠ ♥ 6 2
17 should bid 4NT hope that the opponents get ♦ Q 2

Q
(quantitative). She bid themselves into trouble. My RHO opened ♣ A Q J 8
3NT. We missed a slam 1♥. I held:
as I had 16 points. ♣♦♥♠
What is your view? North South

Q
Name and address supplied. After the 1♠
auction started ♠ A K Q J 6 4♣ 4♠

A
To make 6NT with as follows, my ♥ 6 All Pass
two balanced hands partner bid 2NT. ♦ A J 7
you need in the ♣ A K J 10 4♣ was a splinter.
region of 33-34 points. With West North East South South, with too much
17 facing 15-16, it is indeed 1♥ Pass 2♥ ? in clubs, signed off.
correct to invite a slam with I know that if RHO Should North show a
4NT. That said, I do Is this unusual or a has 12 points, partner good diamond suit in
recommend that you change balanced strong hand? will have 5 or fewer. preference to a splinter?
to playing the 1NT rebid as Simon Gottschalk, Which of double, 2♥ Name and address supplied.
15-17. This avoids the Pendoylan, Glamorgan. or 4♠ would you bid?

A
horrible 3NT rebid with 19 We ended up in With two singletons,

A
because when 1NT shows In tournament or 4♠, making 12 tricks. North might have
15-17 you rebid 2NT with serious club play, the Partner held: looked for an
18-19. usual way to play alternative bid, though this
2NT is to show the minors. type of hand is hard to
♣♦♥♠ With a strong balanced ♠ 10 4 describe. A game-forcing
hand, you double or pass. ♥ 10 8 7 5 2 raise will not convey the

Q
If RHO opens 1♥, ♦ K extreme shape. Responding
what do you call ♣♦♥♠ ♣ Q 9 5 3 2 2♦ and later raising spades
with this hand? will not convey the strength

Q
With a 4441 of the spade support.
hand, which John Dunbar by email. I have to disagree with the
♠ J 10 7 4 suit should you suggestion that South should

A
♥ K 10 5 3 open and how many If you play 2♥ sign off over the 4♣ splinter.
♦ A points do you need? as a very strong A-x-x-x would be an excellent
♣ A Q J 10 Norman Mitchell, hand, that would holding, with no losers and
Orpington, Kent. be a reasonable thing to three potential ruffs facing

BRIDGE April 2014 Page 19

 Clarence Court Tel: 01702 343496
10 Clarence Street Email: sales@genesischoice.co.uk
Southend on Sea, Essex SS1 1BD www.bridgetravelinsurance.co.uk
Genesis Choice is a trading name of Acumen Insurance Services Limited

Genesis Choice have partnered with goodtogoinsurance. Online or Offline? We are, of

com to provide travel insurance cover to travellers of any course, mindful that you may wish
age, with or without pre-existing medical conditions. We can to speak to us directly and if this
also cover your travelling companions on the same policy. is the case, please call us on the
MRB line 01702 343496 and we
With no age limits and cover for pre-existing medical
will be happy to assist.
conditions up to high levels of severity, being over 65 is no
barrier to getting the right travel insurance cover for your Or, let us pay for the telephone call by emailing us at
holiday or cruise. sales@genesischoice.co.uk with your telephone number
and we will call you back by return.
Medical Screening
If you have any pre-existing medical conditions they must We would stress that all information on these policies may
be declared. However, as your medical screening will be be found on the website. However we would be pleased to
completed when obtaining your quotation, there is no need post the policy wording to you or email you with details – the
to make additional calls to a separate medical screening choice is yours.
provider.
A sample* of cover levels on the
Area Definitions goodtogoinsurance.com product
UNITED KINGDOM: England, Scotland, Wales & Northern
Ireland.
EUROPE 1 (RESTRICTED EUROPE): Means the continent Silver Gold Platinum
of Europe west of the Ural Mountains including the Republic
of Ireland, the Isle of Man, Channel Islands and all countries Maximum trip duration 31 days 31 days 31 days
bordering the Mediterranean Sea, as well as Madeira and Standard Excess £100 £75 NIL
The Azores, but excluding Spain, The Canaries, Turkey,
Cyprus, Malta, Egypt, Israel, Libya, Algeria, Jordan, Syria Medical Excess £500 £150 NIL
and Switzerland. For residents of the Isle of Man and
Medical & Repatriation £10 million £10 million £10 million
Channel Islands travelling to the United Kingdom, United
Expenses
Kingdom shall be considered Europe 1.
EUROPE 2: Same as Europe 1 but including Spain, The Cancellation X £2000 £5000
Canaries, Turkey, Cyprus, Malta and Switzerland.
Curtailment X £2000 £5000
WORLDWIDE 1 (RESTRICTED WORLDWIDE): Means
anywhere in the world except USA, Canada and the Personal Property X £2000 £3000
Caribbean.
WORLDWIDE 2: Means anywhere in the world. If you are Death X £15000 £15000
going to more than one country, take care to select the
region that will cover all of the countries you are visiting. l Please see the website for full terms, conditions and
For example, if you are travelling to France and Spain, you exclusions or alternatively, we’re happy to post them
should select Europe 2. to you if required.

Website: www.bridgetravelinsurance.co.uk
Genesis Choice
When commencing the online quotation please ensure you Clarence Court, Clarence Street,
enter MRB in the “Unique agent reference” box at the head Southend on Sea, Essex SS1 1BD
of the quote page. Be assured the site is very user friendly
Tel: 01702 34 34 96
and the medical screening process is all online.
Email: sales@genesischoice.co.uk
You can save the quote by entering your email address,
you can retrieve the quote or purchase the policy at a later Genesis Choice is a trading name of Acumen Insurance
date. The site is very easy to use and the medical screening Services Limited who are an appointed representative
comes in the form of multiple options. of ITC Compliance Limited, Financial Conduct Authority
Reference No.313486
Payment
Payment can be made by either Visa, Goodtogoinsurance.com is an appointed representative of
Maestro or Mastercard without any Ancile Insurance Group Limited which is authorised and
extra charges. regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority – No 471641.
 Q
Ask Julian continued plays weak jump overcalls. Playing with winners, your hand is well
With an intermediate an experienced suited for a suit contract;
strength hand, you make player for therefore, I agree with your
a simple overcall and then the first time, the 1♦ opening.
a shortage. While A-Q-J-x repeat the suit later. following occurred:
may be no better, it is hardly The other thing I must say ♣♦♥♠
worse. South also holds very is that North cannot pass

Q
good trumps. South should 4♦. The usual rule is that a ♠ A 8 If you open 1♥
probably cue bid 5♣. This new suit at the three level is ♥ A 9 with 12-14 points
shows the ♣A and denies the forcing; by corollary, a new ♦ A K 7 5 3 and 4-4 in the
red-suit controls, by inference suit at the four level, when it ♣ A 9 4 2 majors and partner
showing good trumps. is not game, must be forcing responds 2♣ or 2♦,
North, with controls in both too. In any case, North has what would you rebid?
red suits then bids 6♠. good support for diamonds. Me Partner A reverse of 2♠ would
While reaching 7♦ 1♦ 3♣ show five hearts as
♣♦♥♠ with confidence is not 4NT All Pass well as a better hand.
easy, you should reach Rosa Spencer,

Q
North-South 6♦. The sequence below I made 13 tricks. Sutton, Surrey.
played a slam in is one possibility. Partner said I should

A
a part-score with have opened 2NT. You are quite right
these hands. What do West North East South What do you think? that you do not want
you think of the bidding? 1♣ 1♠ Pass 2♥ M W Taylor, to reverse with such
Pass 2♠ Pass 3♦ Lincoln. a hand. You avoid the
Pass 5♦ Pass 6♦ problem with the correct

A
♠ A Q 7 6 3 2 All Pass If you held this choice of opening, which
♥ Void massive hand and generally is not 1♥. The
♦ K J 6 5 ♣♦♥♠ partner made hands on which you open
♣ J 9 5 a strong jump shift, it is 1♥ with 4-4 in the

Q
Playing a weak hardly surprising that majors usually have
N
W E no-trump and you made 13 tricks. at least 15 points.
S
transfers, what Except perhaps over a If you are playing a weak
♠ 4 would 1NT-2♠ mean? fourth-suit bid, a jump to 1NT opening and have a
♥ A K 10 7 6 3 Trudie Daly by email. 4NT is usually ace asking. 4432 type, you open 1NT,
♦ A Q 9 4 3 2 However, even if 4NT not one of a suit. If you

A
♣ Void How you play the were natural, it would be are playing a strong 1NT
sequence is a matter showing something like and have a 4432 type,
of partnership 17-18, in which case you open a prepared bid
West North East South agreement. Round here, the partner could not in one of the minors, not
1♣ 2♠ Pass 3♥ common agreement is to sensibly pass. one of a major. If you are
Pass 3♠ Pass 4♦ play that 2♠ is a balanced While you were not 4414 (singleton diamond),
All Pass hand and either a game try expecting 4NT to end the you open 1♣ not 1♥.
or a slam try; opener then auction, since you held The awkward shape in
Ken Wheeler, rebids 2NT with a minimum all the aces yourself, you the 12-14 range is 4441
Whitstable, Kent. and something else (3♣ for might have done better to (singleton club). Playing a
some pairs, 4-card suits bid 5NT (grand slam force, weak 1NT opening, you

A
Although you have upwards for some) with a asking partner to bid 7♣ cannot open 1♦ and rebid
not said what jump maximum. Another possibility if holding two of the top 2NT over a 2♣ response,
overcalls you are is to play that 2♠ shows a three clubs). A simple raise because that would show
playing, I assume they club suit (four-suit transfers). to 4♣ might be better still. at least 15. The traditional
must be intermediate. A further possibility is to play You could use 5NT next Acol solution is to open 1♥
The North hand is too that 2♠ shows a weak take- time with no doubt and rebid 2♦, though partner
good for a weak jump out to either minor: opener about the fact that clubs will tend to place you with
overcall and too weak has to rebid 2NT and then is the agreed suit. at least five hearts if you do
for the strong variety. I responder bids the minor, 3♣ With so many quick that. ■
do not recommend using or 3♦, which opener passes.
intermediate jump overcalls. I am sure there are others.
If you play in a tournament There is no right answer E-mail your questions for Julian to:
or watch a match on BBO, really – just play the julianpottage@mrbridge.co.uk
you will find that everyone same as your partner.

BRIDGE April 2014 Page 21

 JUST DUPLICATE Bernard Magee’s Tips
for Better Bridge
BRIDGE 65 invaluable tips in 160 pages
11-13 July £199 Bidding Tips 33 A low lead usually promises
Clifton Park Hotel 1 Always consider bidding length and an honour
spades if you can 34 When declaring 1NT,
18-20 July £199 2 Bid more aggressively try to be patient
Blunsdon House Hotel when non-vulnerable 35 Duck an early round when
3 Always double when the you are short of entries
opponents steal your deal 36 Lead up to your
1-3 August £169 4 A takeout double shows two-honour holding
The Olde Barn shortage in the suit doubled 37 Do not always assume
5 ‘Borrow’ a king a suit will break well
8-10 August £199 to keep the auction open 38 Drop a high card
Clifton Park Hotel 6 After a penalty double, to put off the defence
Elstead Hotel don’t let the opponents escape 39 Play your highest card to tempt
Bournemouth BH1 3QP 7 Halve the value of a singleton a defender to cover
12-14 September £169 honour when opening 40 Draw trumps first unless you
The Olde Barn 8 Only add length-points for a have a good reason not to
25-27 April £199 suit that might be useful 41 Do not waste your trumps
Blunsdon House Hotel 9 Isolated honours are bad 42 Consider leaving a lone defen-
except in partner’s suit sive trump winner out
9-11 May £199 10 Use the jump shift sparingly
11 Consider passing and letting Defence Tips
Blunsdon House Hotel partner decide 43 Keep four-card suits intact
12 You need two top honours whenever possible
16-18 May £169 for a second-seat pre-empt 44 Give count on declarer’s leads
The Olde Barn 13 Put the brakes on if you have a 45 Keep the right cards
misfit rather than signal
14 Strong and long minors work 46 Take your time
30 May – 1 June £199 when dummy is put down
well in no-trumps
Chatsworth Hotel 15 One stop in the opponents’ suit 47 High cards are for killing
can be enough for no-trumps other high cards
13-15 June £169 Chatsworth Hotel 16 Keep your two-level 48 Do not waste
The Olde Barn Worthing BN11 3DU responses up to strength intermediate cards
17 Use your normal methods in 49 Pick two key suits to
response to a 1NT overcall concentrate on during the play
10-12 October £199 18 Don’t overcall just because 50 If in doubt, cover an honour
Blunsdon House Hotel you have opening points with an honour
19 Overcalls can be quite weak, 51 If a lead is from two honours, it
so be prudent when responding is best not to cover
10-12 October £199 52 Keep your honour to kill
20 Weak overcalls must be based
Elstead Hotel on strong suits dummy’s honour
21 6NT requires 33 points 53 Try to show partner your
17-19 October £169 not 4 aces and 4 kings solid honour sequences
The Olde Barn 22 Raise immediately, if weak 54 Lead the normal card when
with four-card support leading partner’s suit
23 In a competitive auction, 55 Never underlead an ace at trick
24-26 October £199 one in a suit contract
show support immediately
The Olde Barn Hotel Chatsworth Hotel 24 Bid to the level of your fit 56 Be wary of leading from
Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT quickly with weak hands four cards to only one honour
25 With strength and support, 57 Lead a higher card from
use the opponents’ bid suit a suit without an honour
27-29 June £169 58 Lead through ‘beatable’
strength and up to weakness
The Olde Barn Declarer Play Tips 59 Cash your winners before try-
26 When your contract depends ing for a trump promotion
27-29 June £199 on a finesse, think ‘endplay’ 60 Be patient when defending
Clifton Park Hotel 27 Consider what a defender 1NT
might be thinking about 61 Trump leads can be safe
28 Always take your time throughout the play
4-6 July £199 at trick one
Denham Grove 29 Establish extra tricks before General Tips
cashing your winners 62 Do not put important cards
11-13 July £169 Blunsdon House Hotel 30 Use your opponents’ at either end of your hand
Blunsdon, Swindon SN26 7AS bidding to your advantage 63 Avoid being declarer when
The Olde Barn
31 Avoid the ‘baddie’ you are dummy
gaining the lead 64 Before you lead, ask for a
Full Board – No Single Supplement 32 Use the Rule of Seven when review of the auction
holding up in no-trumps 65 Enjoy the Game!
Booking Form on page 8.
£14 including postage and packing from Mr Bridge,
Please note there are no seminars, set hands or prizes at these events. Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH. ( 01483 489961

Page 22 BRIDGE April 2014

 The Diaries of Wendy Wensum
Episode 24: Different Paths. Part 2: The Rough and the Smooth
Wendy and Spouse are taking a short holiday in Pembrokeshire where they have met walkers Dave and Sally.

W
e could not resist the had an entry back to hand to take
walking group’s invitation Dealer North. Game All. the master heart and the working
to join its members on ♠ J 4 diamond finesse.
a ramble around a National Trust ♥ J 4 The lucky slam came home for a
conservation area near Fishguard. As ♦ A Q J 8 7 score of 1,430 with four tricks in each
we waited to embark on the minibus, ♣ A K 9 4 of the black suits and two in each of
we were plied amiably enough with ♠ 6 ♠ 10 9 8 3 2 the reds. I am sure there were better
N
less than witty remarks from fellow ♥ 9 7 3 2
W E
♥ A Q 8 5 ways of playing the hand, but I was
bridge players such as, ‘It is bound to ♦ K 9 6 2 S ♦ 5 4 3 more than happy just to make it.
rain today,’ and ‘You’ll get soaked.’ ♣ Q 7 6 5 ♣ 8 Sally and Dave defended four
We took their comments in our stride. ♠ A K Q 7 5 spades at the other table. This hand
The minibus dropped us at the bottom ♥ K 10 6 proved crucial and our team was
of the Iron Age hill-top settlement ♦ 10 victorious by a narrow margin. Our
of Garn Faur and we trudged in a ♣ J 10 3 2 team mates were understandably
straggly line to the summit with excited by the success as it was their
wonderful views of St David’s Head, first ever tournament victory. As
the sea and the inland countryside. West North East South the walking group emerged glumly
Descending to the coastal path, we Spouse Wendy from the seminar, its members now
turned northward to Strumble Head 1♦ Pass 1♠ seemed less than enthusiastic about
where the lighthouse, even in the Pass 2♣ Pass 3NT the delights of rambling rights in the
bright sunlight, flashed its warning Pass 4NT1 Pass 5♦2 context of the legal system pertaining
of danger to unseen shipping. As the Pass 6NT All Pass to England and Wales, but their leader
path headed eastward, the views over 1
Blackwood 2One ace was pleased to learn of our team
Cardigan Bay were breathtaking and triumph in the bridge room. In his
the bird watchers in our group were West led the ♥7, which I thought was view, the achievement had raised the
pleased to spot choughs and red kites likely to be top of nothing or second profile of his band of ramblers. I think
on the wing. Paths and green lanes in a poor suit. In addition to the ♥A, his acceptance of our association with
heading south eventually led us up there were several other possible the group was in no small measure
and down the hill, Garn Fechan, to losers. Would the club finesse work or due to his surprise at our stamina on
complete our walk. would the queen drop in two rounds the walks. This belief was based on
As usual on our return to the hotel for anyway? Was it wise to take a diamond the fact that we hailed from Norfolk,
bridge, Spouse and I were subjected to finesse which might set up the suit if a county of which his total knowledge
friendly taunts regarding our absence the king fell in two rounds? The latter seemed to be its flatness. This latter
from afternoon bridge. Similarly, Dave scenario seemed particularly unlikely. assumption seemed to spring from
and Sally cheerfully brushed aside In the end, I took a simple route. one line of a play by a certain Noel
remarks from the walking group’s On the initial lead, I played low Coward. Dave and Spouse happily
leader echoing his sheer disbelief from dummy and the ace appeared continued their investigation into the
that anyone could possibly miss the on my right. I expected the queen to merits of real ale. Meanwhile, after a
excitement of a seminar that evening be returned by East to pin the jack glass of wine each, Sally and I chatted
on the legal ramifications of rambling in dummy, but a small heart was way into the night, sustained by the
and play bridge instead. returned. I was still sure that East held delights of a copious supply of herbal
The event was teams and, inevitably, the queen so I let it run to the jack in tea.
we had arranged to play with Dave dummy. Hoping for a friendly 3-3 or Spouse and I thoroughly enjoyed
and Sally. In my view, Spouse seriously 4-2 break in spades, I played the jack our stay in Pembrokeshire. We had
overbid his hand on this board (at top with the intention of running all five made new friends in Sally and Dave
of next column). cards of the suit. It wasn’t to be. Plan A and arranged to meet them again in
I wondered if Spouse’s rekindled love was abandoned and a plan B required. the near future. It seemed to me that in
of real ale had affected his judgement. Relying on clubs 3-2 with the queen one aspect at least, walking and bridge
Well of course it had, but in reality it with West, I led the ♣J. West covered are strikingly similar. In both, like in
was probably his macho optimism as with the queen and I won with the so many situations in life, one has to
well. king. Even with a 4-1 break, I now take the rough with the smooth. ■

BRIDGE April 2014 Page 23

 Blunsdon
House
READERS’ web at http://www.
britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/
en-487607-blue-bridge-
wolverton-and-greenleys-
Hotel
LETTERS
Stewart Pye by email.

Swindon SN26 7AS THOSE WERE THE DAYS

Bernard seems to be doing
well with his bridge career.
Some of our members go on
HOW COULD HE? could find, I don’t believe the cruises hosted by him. We
Mary is mortified at being officer in charge of naming send our good wishes but I
included in the ‘dumbed the streets in Blue Bridge was bet he doesn’t remember us.
down’ columns listed by a bridge player or had much Do remind him of that
Mr Geoffrey Fairhall, see knowledge of the game. evening at Ryden Grange,
Readers’ Letters, BRIDGE 134. In 1984, Val Sharp of when his friend Brian was
In fact she’s positively sulking. Milton Keynes Council was playing with a lady from the
Liz Jones by email. looking for names connected England ladies team. They
with the game of bridge. This had a disagreement over
POUND FOR LIFE would have been during the a double. I was playing the
BRIDGE EVENTS Once again the £1 coin in time of the Milton Keynes hand and had to ask her
my Mr Bridge key fob has Development Corporation to be quiet. She lost her
11-13 April £245 got me out of trouble. (MKDC) which has since temper and at the end of
Bernard Magee Mary Stebbing by email. closed. From the memos I the evening drove her car
Leads have found of her enquiries, at speed across your lawn. I
& Defence THANK YOU she was recommended by can still see the tyre marks.
Just a note to thank the a colleague, Julie Howard, Mrs Brenda Sloman,
many people who replied who played the game, to Swanage, Dorset.
25-27 April £199
to my enquiry regarding contact Bill Taylor who was
Just Duplicate Bridge
cards for my friend who has regarded by her as a ‘living ETIQUETTE GUIDE
macular degeneration. She expert’. I believe Bill Taylor As North, when you have
14-16 November £245 is still playing and welcomed at the time may have been entered the result on the
Bernard Magee all the encouragement. the Principal Marketing traveller at the end of the
Further into Mrs Hilary Chaplin, Director for MKDC. hand, do you have to show
the Auction Chelford, Macclesfield. A search for Bill Taylor it to one of your opponents
reveals that there is a Bill to check that you have
BLUE BRIDGE Taylor from Hampshire entered the result correctly
28-30 November £245 Further to your editorial & Isle of Wight who has or is this optional?
Bernard Magee comment, page 4 in BRIDGE a connection with three We have discussed this at
NEW
Bidding TOPIC 135, I can tell you that the players from Northants. It is our local bridge club and
Distributional Hands name of the locality (Blue conceivable he could have the general feeling from the
Bridge) was already set by lived in the area previously. director is, ‘you can always
the time suggestions for Blue Bridge is listed and ask.’ As I tend to sit East,
street names were being its details and location whenever possible, one does
canvassed. From what I can be found, on the get the odd look.

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+100x16p)
Full Board
No Single Supplement (/Fax 020 8422 4906
Booking Form on page 8.
e-mail: clive.goff@londonrugby.com

Page 24 BRIDGE April 2014

READERS’ LETTERS I know that it must seem a NEW PLUG
continued waste of time, but please be We are looking for new The Olde
assured that even common
everyday stamps help.
members. We play duplicate
on Tuesdays, starting at 7pm, Barn
Some guidance please.
Malcolm Finebaum,
8 Mountford House
at Hartbridge Club.
www.hartbridgeclubfleet.co.uk
Hotel
Marston,
Also, would it be at possible Crescent Road Email: fvab@hotmail.com Lincs NG32 2HT
to print your answer in Enfield A Baker, Charvil, Reading.
your much read BRIDGE EN2 7BL I have done as you request 25-27 April £179
magazine? It is read from Used stamps have been but you really should provide Will Parsons
cover to cover and is often sent from the following: a telephone number as the Further into the Auction
used in debates amongst Miss K Fewster, Pontypool. response rate is always, I
my bridge friends. Mrs P Entwistle, Milnthorpe. repeat, always so much better. 9-11 May £179
Mr Ron Hill, Mrs E Plewis, Southwold. Gwen Beattie – Overcalls
Orpington, Kent. Mrs D Lord, Swanmore. OVERLOAD
Years ago, I used to tell my Mrs C Walters, Skipton. I have had almost two 16-18 May £169
club members that North Mr M Murray, Orpington. years of intensive seminars, Just Duplicate Bridge
has charge of the board Mr G Warren, Falmouth. coupled with local lessons
and enters the score on Mrs B Welsby, Wigan. and am now at the stage 6-8 June £245
Bernard Magee NEW
the traveller, East checks Mr A Butcher, Crowthorne. where I have more
Bidding TOPIC
the entry, South passes the Mrs J Rogers, Saundersfoot. information than I can Distributional Hands
board to its new table when Mrs V Woolf, Pulborough. handle. I am going to
the movement is called Mrs B Parsons, Brentwood. retrench for a year and then
13-15 June £169
and West sits still and looks Mr B Turner, Beaconsfield. plan how to progress further. Just Duplicate Bridge
pretty. However, I will ask Mr Melville, Norfolk. There is no hope once you
David Stevenson to clarify Mrs M Goodwin, Richmond. have been bitten by the 20-22 June £245
the subject as it is becoming Mrs R Joyce, Preston. bridge bug, is there? Bernard Magee
something of an FAQ. Mr P Cobham, Weybridge. Thank you for all the Finding Slams
Mrs Pinson, Horley. information I have acquired
IN PRAISE OF BRIDGE Mrs D Thomas, Suffolk. and the kind, helpful and 27-29 June £169
I don’t know quite Mrs J Waters, Milltimber. knowledgeable ‘helpers’ Just Duplicate Bridge
how many bards Mr & Mrs Norman, Woking. I have met. To single out
Have celebrated Mrs K Cooper, Barrow B.C. any of your team would be 11-13 July £169
playing cards. Please keep saving stamps to invidious but I must mention Just Duplicate Bridge
But I would start with support Little Voice in Africa. the wonderful Eddie from
bridge and aim, Bournemouth who pointed 1-3 August £169
To celebrate a famous game SPEEDY me in the right direction Just Duplicate Bridge
Of chance, of skill, of Yesterday, nearer 5pm than at the outset and without
fun and fete – 4pm, we phoned to request whose advice I would have 29-31 August £169
Diana Holland
Rubber, Chicago, duplicate – some of Bernard’s videos been wallowing in ignorance
Rubber / Chicago
Symbolic entertainment which as we so enjoyed those we for considerably longer.
Is more than most in ordered for Christmas. Mr Bridge has been an
12-14 September £169
meaning rich. Imagine our surprise amazing experience.
Just Duplicate Bridge
With cards you’re dealt when, mirabile dictu, the Liz Goodchild,
life, too, is played. videos arrived at 10am Walton-on-Thames,
26-28 September £179
The better score with this morning. Rarely Surrey. ■ Gwen Beattie
skill is made. have I encountered such Declarer Play
Hugh Gaston Hall, splendid efficiency. I
Write to Mr Bridge at:
Kenilworth, Warwicks. am most impressed. Ryden Grange, Knaphill, 10-12 October £245
Mr Ralph Bazen, Surrey, GU21 2TH Bernard Magee
LITTLE VOICE Pulborough, West Sussex. or e-mail Endplay & Avoidance
Would you please convey my letters@mrbridge.co.uk
thanks and appreciation to MANY THANKS E-mail correspondents 14-16 November £179
all concerned with the saving The weekend at are asked to include their Will Parsons – Doubles
name, full postal address,
of stamps, which get sent to The Olde Barn Hotel
telephone number and to Full Board
me. I’ve just received a super cost £179 – that was just send no attachments. No Single Supplement
package which will be very within my budget.
Letters may be edited Booking Form on page 8.
useful and will certainly help Name and for length and clarity.
to raise some more funds. address supplied.

BRIDGE April 2014 Page 25

 2014 with Jeremy Dhondy, Chairman of the EBU

April 2014: Living in the Past?

A
good thing to do from time of love. Books are not going to be ever wondered though why there
to time (at least for me) is to the repository of future records, the are four suits and no trumps? We
write down what it is the EBU internet is. Work has already started take it for granted, but there was
should be doing. Some things don’t on digitising our paper records. It’s a concerted effort to introduce a
change and are very much the same easy to start with, but going back to fifth suit which would have been
whatever the game or sport is. We the less than copper plate handwriting the same as no-trumps, except the
have a responsibility, for example, to of the record of the first meetings will ace would have been low. If that had
regulate our game. We select teams be more of a challenge. caught on it would have made hand
to compete at the highest level. We I want the history of our game pre- evaluation rather more interesting and
organise a teaching programme. We served and available. We have a small changeable. Others really tried to have
need to try to develop the game and library of books and magazines at HQ a fifth suit and there are packs of cards
we have a five year plan to assist us in in Aylesbury. Past players such as Ter- still in existence that were produced.
our development. ence Reese, GCH Fox and Rixi Markus One such was the De La Rue’s Five Suit
There are other things however that have left books to this collection. The Contract Bridge Playing Cards. The
are not as obvious as the above list. collection wasn’t in good condition fifth suit was called ‘Royals’.
One that is dear to my heart and has and I’m grateful for the work of sort- Bridge players have a bit of
been neglected is the recording and ing it out and cataloguing it under- a reputation for being rather
preserving of the history of our game. taken by a volunteer, Gordon Bickley. conservative and not liking change.
Some years ago, my team won an event A catalogue will appear soon on the It was new so perhaps that’s why
called the Pachabo Cup which is for website. The EBU website now has an five-suit bridge didn’t catch on. In
the winners of each county teams of archive section where you can see re- the late 1940s there was an article in
four. It’s always nice to win but when sults going back to the start of events Contract Bridge Journal, a predecessor
the cup was presented it was truly a and find out who the past officials of of English Bridge, lamenting the fact
treasure trove, partly because it was the EBU were. The oldest competition that some players had a secret and
old enough to be made of real silver, anywhere is the Gold Cup, the British reprehensible code whereby they
but mostly, because apart from when Teams of Four Championship which could exchange messages during the
World War II got in the way, it had was first competed for in 1931/32. Two bidding. Were they talking about a
been competed for and engraved every of the winners of that first trophy were cheating system? No. They were ruing
year since 1933 (three years before Edward Mayer who became the Bridge the day someone was allowed to ask
the EBU was even formally founded) correspondent of the Times and Colo- for aces using an agreement invented
although in its pre-war days it was nel Beasley who invented a bridge sys- by Easley Blackwood. Similar frothing
for another competition. Pachabo, an tem which was popular in England at the mouth was exhibited at all levels
odd name, was the nom de plume of until Acol swept it away. It isn’t just of the game when bidding boxes first
AE Whitelaw, who gave not only this trophies though, there are minutes made an appearance about 35 years
trophy but others to the game. If there which document the founding of the ago. New ideas take time to bed in.
is a trophy it may have much engraved EBU and its key moments. The police Our past magazines dating back to
on it but trophies do become lost, arriving at the Harrogate Congress 1946 have started to appear on the
old magazines and books get thrown many years ago because the partici- website. Take a look.
away or rot in attics and lofts, other pants were engaged, it was alleged, in Not all records are national or held
paraphernalia doesn’t always survive a something that contravened the gam- by the EBU. Some counties and clubs
move. A few years ago Peter Hasenson ing act of the time. As there were up- have also started to produce their
researched and wrote a book called wards of 600 players at the event, ar- own archives. If your club hasn’t
British Bridge Almanack which rests could potentially have filled a lot then there is a danger of its history
contained all sorts of information of Yorkshire police cells. quietly disappearing. If you are feeling
about our past events and players. When Contract Bridge was first particularly keen, you might volunteer
It is difficult, however, to make this invented, nearly 90 years ago, it swept to assist.
sort of thoroughly researched book, its predecessor, Auction Bridge, away If you have constructive comment
which needs updating from time to very quickly. It was more exciting as or feedback on these or other topics,
time, a profitable concern or even a a game and well promoted by people I will be pleased to hear from you at
break even one. It’s basically a labour such as Ely Culbertson. Have you jeremy@ebu.co.uk. ■

Page 26 BRIDGE April 2014

 Things You May Not
Know About Bridge
by Frank Williams

T W
he origins of bridge, and its hile on the subject of the past, is a scoundrel or rascal). The word
name, are lost in the mists of French, do you know why ‘jack’, according to the Chambers
time, but some say the game the French use different Dictionary, has various meanings
originated in Russia or Turkey under terminology from ours for their ranging from ‘an ill-mannered, vulgar
the name Biritch (or similar). My playing cards? Whereas we have aces, or boorish fellow’ to ‘sailor’, although
researches suggest otherwise. You kings, queens and jacks (abbreviated it can apparently mean an ‘attendant,
will recall reading about the football to A, K, Q and J), they have aces (As), servant or labourer’. Which gets us
match played between the British and kings (Rois), ladies (Dames) and valets little further. My own theory, after
German forces on the first Christmas (Valets) (abbreviated to A, R, D and months of research, is that Louis XIV
Day of WWI. Well, the idea for that V). The point is that, in French, kings (Le Roi Soleil), a keen player of whist,
encounter came from the match (Rois) and queens (Reines) both start decided that he did not want any
played between the British and French with the same letter, which would suggestion that bad characters might
troops during the battle of Agincourt have been too confusing, even to the inhabit the French Court at Versailles,
(1415) except that the Agincourt French. Hence changing Reines to so settled on valet, rather than any
match was a game of cards (we do not Dames. That did not, however, deal more disparaging term (such as the
know its name at the time). This was with the problem that hearts (Coeurs) equivalent of knave). The English have
played on the main bridge over the and diamonds (Carreaux) also start always been far less sensitive about
River Dordogne, the river being the with the same letter. One would such things than the French.
dividing line between the opposing have thought that the French would
forces at the time. Following this, the have changed the heart or diamond ♣♦♥♠

W
game became known in England as shape to, say, a star (étoile) to avoid
‘the bridge game’, later ‘bridge’. this problem, but no. What they did hile on the subject of suit
and still do, was simply pretend that designations, do you know
♣♦♥♠ carreaux (diamonds) begins with a how in this country the

T
K. So KR in French means the king four suits in a pack of cards came to be
he name Bridget is, perhaps not of diamonds, whereas CD means the clubs, diamonds, hearts and spades?
surprisingly, related to the game queen of hearts. Comprenez? It all followed from the Act of Union,
of bridge and also comes from 1706. Once the United Kingdom was
the French. In France a man who plays ♣♦♥♠ formed, it was decided to adopt a new

I
bridge is called ‘Le bridgeur’ (which format for playing cards to reflect the
is also the title of the leading French t is not known for sure why French four parts of the Kingdom:
bridge magazine) and his partner (if playing cards have a valet whereas
female) is ‘La bridgette’. A century ago English ones have a jack (sometimes l Clubs (originally green, but now
a very well known French lady bridge called a knave, though because king black) represent the Irish trefoil
player called Jeanne Unoudeux was so and knave start with the same letter, l Diamonds represent Scotland, the
good at the game (it was auction bridge the makers of English playing cards jewel in the crown
and at that time not many women decided against using knave: the l Hearts represent the hub of the
played it) that everybody called her La same reason as the French do not use Kingdom, namely England
Bridgette. She emigrated to Scotland queens). The Encyclopaedia of Bridge l Spades represent mining (both
at the start of the First World War and (8th edition) suggests that knave and silver and coal) in Wales
kept her nickname, hence Bridget. She valet mean the same thing, namely a
was often to be seen on the Scottish servant, but that is certainly not the It was also at that time that it was
Counties’ ladies’ bridge circuit and normal meaning of knave in England decided to have 13 cards in each suit,
played (initially auction, later contract (for our American readers, a knave in 13 being then the number of provinces
bridge) for Scotland. England these days, possibly not in the in the new United Kingdom.

BRIDGE April 2014 Page 27

 About Bridge
g What characteristic
continued
distinguishes ♠J, ♥J
and ♦K from all the DECLARER PLAY
B
other court cards?
urning one’s bridges
is in fact a corrup-
tion of burning one’s
♣♦♥♠ QUIZ
breeches. The story goes 2 So there we were, enjoy-
that a Welsh hill-farmer ing our vintage port after by David Huggett
named Taffy got tired of his an excellent meal with the (Answers on page 40)
job, sold his farm, gave half Colonel, while he dem-
the proceeds to his son and onstrated, with the aid of
with the other half went to
enjoy life in Aberystwyth.
salt, pepper and mustard,
a particular military
Y ou are South as declarer playing teams or rubber bridge.
In each case, what is your play strategy?

Having lost most of his re- tactic. ‘If we attack the

maining fortune playing salt with A Squadron,’
high stakes bridge, Taffy he said, ‘the enemy will
was befriended by a kind have to defend it with
Welsh vicar, who recounted their Presidential Guard.
1. ♠ K 6 4 3. ♠ 9 5 3
to him the parable of the If we then attack the pep-
♥ K 6 ♥ 4
prodigal son and suggested per with B Company, the
♦ 8 7 4 2 ♦ Q J 2
that he head home. Taffy enemy will need to de-
♣ 6 4 3 2 ♣ K J 10 9 7 4
shook his head and said, fend that with the rest of
‘But I can’t do that. When I their forces. So, when we N
N
W E
left home I wanted to make attack the mustard, there S
W E
S
sure that I could never go is nobody left to defend
back so I burned my breech- that. It is rather like the
♠ A Q J 10 8 7 ♠ A K 4 2
es,’ (without which, in those bridge hand I played the
♥ 8 5 2 ♥ A K Q 5
days, nobody could get a job other evening,’ he went
♦ A 6 ♦ A 6 3
in Wales by law). on. ‘I was South, declarer,
♣ A K ♣ Q 2
in 7NT and, after win-
♣♦♥♠ ning the first six tricks,
the remaining cards were
You are declarer in 4♠ and You are declarer in 3NT
as below, with dummy to
Mini-Quiz
West leads the ♦Q. How and West leads the ♦7.
lead.’ He scribbled this
do you plan the play? How do you plan the
diagram on the rather
play?
1 You, O reader, are a nice white linen table
bridge player, so you have cloth.
presumably spent many
hours, nay probably days,
2. ♠ 9 7 5 4 3 4. ♠ A 9
weeks or months in to- ♠ —
♥ A 10 ♥ 8 6 5 4
tal, looking at hands of ♥ A K 3 2
♦ 8 7 5 ♦ Q J 5 3
cards. This quiz should ♦ A
♣ 8 6 4 ♣ 10 7 5
therefore be a doddle. It ♣ 4 3
relates to a traditional ♠ — ♠ — N
N
W E
English pack of cards. ♥ Q J 5 4 N
W E
♥ 10 9 7 6 S
W E
S
♦ — S ♦ K Q
a What is each of the ♣ Q J 10 ♣ K
♠ A ♠ 10 6 3 2
kings holding? ♠ A K
♥ K Q J 9 6 5 ♥ A K
b What is each of the ♥ 8
♦ A K Q ♦ A K
queens holding? ♦ 3 2
♣ A J 10 ♣ K Q J 9 3
c Which way are the ♣ A 2
spade court cards
looking? Is it to their
You are declarer in 6♥ and You are declarer in 3NT
left (your right) or vice How did the Colonel
West leads the ♠2. How and West leads the ♠7.
versa? make his contract from
do you plan the play? How do you plan the
d Ditto the hearts? here?
play?
e Ditto the diamonds?
f Ditto the clubs? Answers on page 30.

Page 28 BRIDGE April 2014

 Bridge and Travel Tips

DEFENCE
ANTICIPATION
QUIZ Bridge tip from Sally Brock:
When planning your bidding strategy,
by Julian Pottage
think about partner’s possible problem
(Answers on page 35)
and what is likely to happen next.

Y ou are West, playing teams or rubber bridge. It is your turn

to play. Both sides are using Acol with a 12-14 1NT.
1 Suppose you hold: to leave partner room to bid
4♦. Then you can bid 4♥ and
you have exchanged more
♠ J 9 8 information.
♥ A K 6
1. ♠ Q 10 7 2 3. ♠ 10 7 5 3 2
♦ A 6 4 2 Suppose you hold:
♥ Q 10 9 ♥ 10 9 ♣ K 7 6 2
♦ KJ63 ♦ A K 9 5 3
♣ K7 ♣ 7 ♠ 7 5
♠ 4 ♠ 4 You open 1NT (15-17) and ♥ Q 10 8 6 4
♥ J 4 2 N
♥ A 4 2 partner bids 3♠, showing ♦ K 7 5
N
♦ 10 8 7 4 W E ♦ 10 8 7 4 W E a 6-card suit and some ♣ Q 10 3
♣ J 8 5 4 3 S ♣ J 8 5 4 3 S slam interest. You have a
reasonable hand for him:
although you are minimum, Both sides are vulnerable.
you have good controls and Your LHO opens 1♠ and
West North East South West North East South
3-card support; on the other your partner overcalls 2♥.
1♠ 2♥ 1♠ Dbl
hand, the 3-3-3-4 distribution Your RHO bids 3♠ and it is
Pass 2♠1 Pass 4♥ Pass 2♦ Pass 2♥ and lack of fillers is not so your turn. What do you bid?
All Pass Pass 3♥ Pass 4♥ good. You are worth a little Well, I’ll tell you what not to
1
Value raise All Pass show of encouragement, but bid and that is 4♥. You know
you don’t want to bid above for absolute certain that your
You lead the ♠4. Part- You lead the ♠4. Partner game unless partner does. LHO will bid 4♠ and then
ner wins with the ♠A and wins with the ♠A and So, what do you bid? The what are you going to do?
returns the ♠9. You ruff returns the ♠9. You ruff trouble with bidding your With both sides vulnerable,
South’s ♠K. How do you South’s ♠K. How do you lowest first-round control is it is unlikely that you want
continue? continue? that partner may have no to be bidding 5♥, there is
heart control and feel he has no reason to suppose 4♠ is
to sign off even with a good going down and you don’t
hand; alternatively, he will even particularly want a heart
2. ♠ Q 10 7 4. ♠ J 9 7 3 bid four hearts which you lead. Wouldn’t it have been
♥ A Q 10 ♥ K Q 6 know will be a singleton or better to pass 3♠? With any
♦ K J 7 6 3 2 ♦ K 10 7 2 void and you have no idea luck, your LHO, not knowing
♣ 7 ♣ A 7 how useful an asset this may of your great heart fit, will
♠ 4 N ♠ 4 be. This is not an easy hand, pass and they will miss their
♥ 7 4 2 W E ♥ 7 4 2 N
but surely it is better to bid 4♣ thin game. ■
S
♦ 10 8 4 ♦ J 8 6 4 W E
♣ A 10 8 5 4 3 ♣ 10 8 5 4 3 S

Travel tip from Emma Thomson:

T
West North East South West North East South ravel can be stressful. Everything from packing and
1♦ 1♠ 2♥ 1NT 2♠ 3♥ remembering tickets and passports, to fear of flying
Pass 3♥ Pass 4♥ Pass 4♥ All Pass and the unfamiliarity of a new destination can churn
a knot in the sturdiest of stomachs. The root of most of
All Pass
this anxiety comes from over-thinking the possible pitfalls
You lead the ♠4. Partner
you could encounter, but in the words of Wayne Bennett:
You lead the ♠4. Partner wins with the ♠K and re- ‘Worry is like a rocking-chair. It gives you something to
wins with the ♠A and turns the ♠2. You ruff as do, but it gets you nowhere.’ It steals your energy and
returns the ♠2. You ruff South follows low. How reduces your ability to make good decisions, so take a
South’s ♠K. How do you do you continue? deep breath and take comfort in the fact that a study by
continue? the National Science Foundation concluded that 40% of
the things we worry about never actually occur.

BRIDGE April 2014 Page 29

 Beginners’ Bridge Corner
Solution to
Mini-Quiz
on page 28
Question 1 Mary’s Fourth Lesson
a A weapon.
b A flower.
c Their left (your right).
by Liz Dale
d Their right (your left).

I
e Their right (your left). t was quite amazing. By card suit. That sounded easy responder, that is partner of
f ♣K and ♣Q are look- making an opening bid of enough. However, if you had opener, must have at least
ing to their right 1NT, opener was giving a five card suit with 0-10 11 HCP to bid Stayman
(your left), ♣J is look- partner seven pieces of HCP, you bid that suit at the and at least one four-card
ing the other way. information. 12-14 HCP, a two level. This was called major (hearts or spades),
g Only one eye is show- balanced hand, ie maybe a weak take-out. Opener’s but they could also have
ing. 5332, 4432 or 4333. No partner could have no four cards in each major.
void, no singleton, maybe points at all but was still There was quite a bit of
Question 2 one doubleton but certainly required to make a weak discussion with some of the
The Colonel continued, not two doubletons. Opener take-out into 2♥ if, for group being quite vocal, but
‘Naturally, I cashed ♦A could have five clubs or example, he had three still with good humour and
in case the suit broke, five diamonds, but was clubs, three diamonds, five then it was time for everyone
when it would be easy unlikely to have five hearts hearts and two spades. to bid the prepared Stayman
to make the remaining or five spades unless the Alastair had prepared hands with the varying
tricks, but West threw suit was very weak (maybe opening 1NT hands with responses at the table.
the ♣10. I realised we J-9-8-7-6) and, best of all, differing weak take-out That was the thing about
had all the makings of opener was handing over responses. After completing this group. Everyone
the military tactic we the responsibility of the at least eight weak take- was prepared to laugh
were discussing. With final contract to partner. out bids with the support of at themselves. They
East guarding the dia- Oh and opener didn’t a ‘mentor’ at each table, made it fun. No-one
monds and West the promise a rebid. All this Alastair said the class was was made to feel silly.
clubs, neither would be from one bid. Amazing! ready to move on to the Mary warmed to this lovely
able to defend the hearts. Mary liked the bidding Stayman bid of 2♣ by the group that she was coming to
The next step was to play boxes. It was easy to see and partner of the 1NT opener. know so well. It had been a
to ♣A and advance ♠A-K remember what everyone This was Mary’s first really good decision to start
(my spare troops). As ex- had bid. It didn’t require introduction to what, in learning bridge. Mary hadn’t
pected West had to de- too much thinking. Alastair bridge speak, is known as a expected to be accepted into
fend the clubs (the salt), (teacher) said that by bidding ‘conventional bid’. In other the group so quickly. She
and East the diamonds 1NT as opener you got into words, an artificial bid, and Peter had been a couple
(the pepper), so neither the auction quickly. If your ie it doesn’t mean what it for more than forty years
could guard the mus- opponents were waiting for says and therefore has to and hadn’t really needed
tard – I mean the hearts. their turn to bid and had be ‘announced’. The artificial other friends, apart from
When, eventually, I wanted to open the bidding bid of 2♣ has nothing to do the couples they had known
played the hearts from at a lower level, ie 1♣, 1♦, with clubs – in fact, the 2♣ from their time together. This
the top, dummy’s lowly 1♥ or 1♠, you had stopped bidder may have no clubs was a chance to make new
♥3 won the last trick.’ them in their tracks. at all. A few eyebrows were friends and to get to know
At which point, Alastair introduced the raised here. Why make it so people in the area. Mary was
the ladies rejoined us group to three of the various difficult for yourself? If you glad that she’d insisted that
and we reverted to our partner responses to a 1NT have the majors, ie hearts Liam and Anne make other
discussion of French opening bid. The bid was and spades, why not just arrangements for taking
opera in the 15th cen- ‘pass’ if 1NT opener’s partner bid them. The rumblings David to school on Tuesday
tury, though I thought had 0-10 HCP and no five- persisted. Alastair said mornings. ■
I noticed the Colonel’s
wife looking rather anx-
iously at her favourite Open the bidding with 1NT with a balanced 12-14 HCP.
table cloth from time to In reply, with 0-10 HCP and no 5-card suit, pass.
time. With 0-10 HCP and a 5-card suit, make a weak
take-out by bidding your suit.

Page 30 BRIDGE April 2014

 David Stevenson answers your questions on Laws and Ethics

Can You Change

Your Lead if it
is Still Face Down?

Q
I was declarer situation arise in the (Any distribution bridge clubs use EBU Level
in a contract of future, I should be includes voids, 7 card 2 for novice clubs, the old
4♥. LHO selected pleased if you would let suits, 6-6 etc.) Level 3 for low level clubs,
an opening lead from me know if the director’s This is the most and Level 4 for others. What
his hand and held it ruling was correct. extreme as other couples this pair is playing is legal
face down. He then Pat Tooze by email. play something closer at Level 3 but not Level 2.
had second thoughts, to kitchen bridge which If they allow the methods

A
returned the card to his Once the card is also not Acol. played by this pair, then they
hand and substituted has been led, This is causing ill- will have to tell other people
another card, again even though it feeling on both sides as that no unfair advantage is
holding it face down. is face-down, it may not some of the Acol players being taken: everyone can
At this point, I said that be changed unless the think that an unfair play any legal method if
I didn’t think he could director says so, and he advantage is somehow they wish. There will always
change an opening will agree to a change only being taken and the be some people who will
lead, once selected, if there is misinformation ‘non-conformists’ resent carry on complaining. It
without the consent of that has been corrected. being told that they are might help to show this
the director. The director not playing ‘correctly’. pair’s record: it is not likely
was called and he sought ♣♦♥♠ How do you think to be very good, thus not
confirmation that neither the club should act supporting the idea that they

Q
card had been faced As a result of to restore the happy have an unfair advantage.
and no questions asked. Acol teaching atmosphere? Clearly,
He allowed the second courses, a bridge the lack of rules at the ♣♦♥♠
selection to stand. club was created whose outset was a mistake.

Q
The auction had been stated objective was Crombie McNeil, My partner and
straight forward and sociable bridge with no Faversham, Kent. I open 2NT with
uncontested. All bids rules. Originally, only 20-22 points

A
had been natural. No those who had been One of the strangest and guarantee a 5-card
questions had been on the Acol courses commonly held major. Without a 5-card
asked at any stage attended. With time, opinions in bridge major, we get there via
and there had been no it has attracted other is that fewer rules leads a 2♣-2♦-2NT sequence.
irregularities. In the couples who were not to a social atmosphere: it So what do we announce
event, the substituted involved in the Acol doesn’t, it leads to insoluble and/or do we alert?
opening lead seemed to courses and who play arguments. The most social Colin Woods by email.
work to my advantage their own systems. For clubs have easy rules and

A
(of course only LHO example one couple has accept directors’ rulings I would announce
knew what the original their own ‘invented’ without complaint. it as 20 to 22,
selection had been) as system which includes: Whoever runs the club will including a five card
I made an overtrick for 1 of a suit bids = 13- just have to set rules now, major. I can see the argument
a top score. However, 15, 1NT = 16-19 any and there will doubtless be a for alerting it, but this
as a matter of principle distribution, 2NT = period of unpleasantness – announcement seems helpful
and should the same 20-22 any distribution. whatever they decide. Most enough to the opposition.

BRIDGE April 2014 Page 31

 Q
Ask David continued two meanings and not The defender called the director, who
just announced. Our on the opening ruled that the pass card,
opponents then advised lead spread all which had been seen
that the EBU Blue Book of her cards. Should by the other players,

Q
I read with specifically mentions that the director declare all was played. West had
interest your in this instance the bid of the cards as penalty wanted to change his
response to just has to be announced cards (Law 51) or award pass for 2♦. My query
an opening 2♣ bid as intermediate. This was an adjusted score of is, had any information
with more than one looked up and confirmed 60% to the declarer and been passed to East that
meaning as I had a to be correct. Surely this 40% to the defenders? he would not otherwise
similar experience. cannot be correct. Am James Tate, Westcott, Surrey. have got from the 2♦
Our opponents I missing something? bid? And if not, is there

A
announced at the start Later on, looking at 13 penalty cards is any other reason why
of the move that they our opponents’ system correct. When the the change should not
were playing precision. card 2♣ merely stated Law refers to mul- have been permitted?
My RHO opened 2♣ it was 5+ clubs. tiple penalty cards there is John Williams, Montrose.
which was announced John Pelley by email. no mention of a maximum

A
as intermediate. I ended number. Ave+/Ave- would What information

A
up in a 3♥ contract and, An opening 2♣ in be very unfair to the non-of- is passed has no
as the opening lead Precision is to be fending side, who will usually relevance whatever.
was made, requested announced, not be doing better than that. Calls may be changed
further clarification as alerted. It does not have under Law 25A only if the
to what they meant by two meanings: it is a natural ♣♦♥♠ requirements of that Law
intermediate. I was told bid showing at least five are fulfilled: if they are, the

Q
that this meant six clubs clubs and opening points. Please confirm call may be changed. Also,
or a hand with five clubs It is true that any Precision that the stop card whether the other players saw
and an unknown 4-card player will have his own must be played it is irrelevant: once it is out
major. Having done the agreements with partner as on an opening bid of 2♣ of the box, the call is made.
director’s course, I recall to when to use which opening and above. Somebody To change a call, it must
that we were informed bid and the description you argued an opening bid be unintended: it must be
that any partnership give is the most common was not a ‘jump’ bid, changed or an attempt to
understanding one. But it is no different asking what did it jump? change it without pause for
must be advised to from an Acol player who will Ben Lee, Telford. thought: partner must not
your opponents. open 1♣ with four diamonds have called subsequently.

A
At the end of the and four clubs and 1♥ with Of course an In the scenario you gave,
hand, I called the four hearts and four clubs. opening bid of more it is clear partner had not
director, who is an You would not consider a than 1NT requires a called subsequently and
experienced congress 1♣ opening having two stop card: it is a jump bid. that an attempt to change
director, for clarification. meanings if it showed either The stop card approach it was made without pause
He told our opponents just clubs or four diamonds was originally designed for for thought. But was it
that the bid should and four clubs, nor would opening pre-empts, and unintended? At the time West
be alerted as it had you consider it alertable. that is still its most important reached for the bidding box,
use. There are always some what call did he intend? If, at
people who re-define well that moment, he intended to
known names like ‘jump pass, possibly having a brain
DUPLICATE BRIDGE  bid’. They are unhelpful storm, then the call may not
and should follow the be changed: if he intended to
RULES SIMPLIFIED general usage of words. bid 2♦ but pulled a pass card
instead it may be changed.
(otherwise known as the Yellow Book) ♣♦♥♠ I cannot be certain, without
being present and talking

Q
East bid a strong to the player, but it seems
only Acol 2♣ and unlikely he intended to bid 2♦
by John Rumbelow and
revised by David Stevenson £595 South passed.
West removed a pass
but actually passed: it seems
more likely he looked at his
card from the box and weak hand, forgot he had to
it was halfway to the bid and intended to pass: if
Available from Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961
table, before he realised that is so, the pass may not
he was wrong. North be changed.

Page 32 BRIDGE April 2014

 Ask David continued and the 9 of spades. dummy and you decided everything was in my
My partner held the ♠7 he had pointed at a card system card and offered
and no clubs. The lead when he did not really do it to North for him to
was in dummy, and so. It is also quite possible check. He did not look

Q
All players have declarer just looked and that once declarer woke up at my system card but
played to a trick, appeared not to know she would have realised insisted I leave. I did not
won by North, which card she should she should play the trump. see why I should leave
declarer, and cards call for. Eventually, her What worries me is that the table, but as North
correctly placed. No partner, presumably you say that you protested. was also the director and
card has been played or to remind her where What you do not say is to his partner was the club
faced to the next trick. the lead was, tapped whom you protested. If you chairman, I had no one
Before North plays, he the table with his index protested to the opponents to appeal to, so I got up
asks what cards were finger which appeared you are completely out of and left the table. After
played to the last trick. to point to the ♠9. line: you have no right to a short interval, they
What should, or must, Declarer then woke up do so. Only the director called me back; I was
happen next? If East and called for the spade. has the right to enforce then the only one who
and/or West comply, This, of course, drew my the Laws. If opponents do did not know what East
can dummy take any partner’s last trump. something you do not like, had said. Was this right?
action? I have noticed Had a club been played, you have only two options: Trish Avery,
that many players are my partner would have either call the director Venn Ottery, Devon.
careless when looking ruffed with the ♠7 for and tell him, or ignore the

A
legitimately at their own one off. As it was, they happening completely and Playing directors
card played to the last made their contract. carry on without comment. are always a
trick and it is often seen We did protest at the Even in so-called friendly problem: there
by an alert opponent. Is way they had behaved clubs, more bad feeling is is no real solution. The
any action appropriate and they went to the next created by not calling the Laws assume that the
in that instance? table muttering that they director than ever is when director is not playing.
John Hamilton by email. had never been accused the director sorts it out. Suppose there had been
of cheating before. If you did protest to the a non-playing director. Then

A
Once a player puts We are a friendly director that is fine, so long North would have called
his card face down club and I don’t think as you merely told him the the director. He would have
to a trick he has that it was a deliberate facts without accusation explained that there was a
no right to see the last trick attempt at cheating, but and let him deal with it. problem and some doubt
though he may see his own I do think that, if it is If they are upset, so be it, about your agreements.
last card. If he does ask and necessary to ensure that but people often get upset The director would have
the opponents comply that the lead comes from the when they do something sent you away from the
is one of those things, and, correct hand, one should wrong and it is pointed table and asked East if the
in fact, is very common. Of say ‘table’ or ‘hand’ and out. That is acceptable agreement was as stated,
course dummy has no rights: not touch the table at so long as the director while warning East that it
dummies are far too prone all. What do you think? does the pointing out. was only agreements to
to getting involved. When a Dennis Law, Nailsworth, which she would speak. She
player looks at his own last Gloucestershire. ♣♦♥♠ would have explained.
card, if it can be seen by an Your director certainly was

A Q
opponent that is his fault First, it is true that In an event in my within his rights to ask you
and no action is required. dummy should not local village hall, to leave the table and you
point to a card. In I was West when should not have argued with
♣♦♥♠ fact, he should do nothing: the bidding started: him – you should not argue
he has no right to indicate with the director whether

Q
I would be which hand to play from West North East South he is right or wrong. Of
grateful if you unless he believes declarer is 1NT1 Dbl 2♣2 Pass course, we do not know
would give your about to play from the wrong 2♥ 2NT End whether he warned East it
opinion on the following hand. But lots of people do 1
Announced as 12-14 is only agreements about
situation which arose not follow the rules in minor 2
Announced as Stayman which she should speak.
recently at our club: our ways and dummies always Incidentally, are you sure
opponents were playing try to be more involved Before East led, North that it is on your system card?
in 6♠ and the hand than they should be. asked me to leave While some people have
was down to the last On the other hand, there the table so that he responses after a double on
four cards. In dummy is every chance that he could ask my partner their system card, it is not
were A-K-Q of clubs just vaguely indicated the some questions. I said common and many people

BRIDGE April 2014 Page 33

 Ask David continued aggravated by failure to Nevertheless, custom his best to take no advantage
call the director. In friendly and practice often decree and suggested the opponents
clubs, the director is called otherwise. In clubs, players call him back at the end if
immediately. So you ask how often move the board and they have any doubts as to
– probably a majority – you sort it out: easy, you they do so in Northern whether he has managed
change their responses once call the director and leave it Ireland in tournaments. It to avoid taking advantage.
there is a double. Thus, it to him. He will usually rule is very rude to stick it in an In some situations, he might
is only on your system card against anyone who has not opponent’s space and this give them an adjusted score.
if it says that Stayman still left his cards in order when should not be tolerated,
applies after a double. the number of tricks is not but otherwise if a player ♣♦♥♠
Your opponents have a agreed, and correctly so. wishes to move it so long

Q
right to play bridge while as it is not taken off the My partner
knowing your agreements ♣♦♥♠ table nor twisted, this is was in 4♠. As
fully. If an opponent has generally accepted. dummy, I had

Q
some doubt, you should I play at two If your clubs are getting good support in spades
do everything possible to moderately problems with players who and ♦K-J-10-9-6.
make sure he gets a full and sized clubs wish it moved and those After drawing trumps
correct explanation: if that which are not affiliated who do not, I think the club and knocking out the
means leaving the table, so to the EBU. A question should make a decision ♦A, the diamonds
be it. In games I play in, it has arisen regarding as to whether this practice left were: ♦K-J-10-6
is quite common for players the positioning of the is accepted, promulgate in dummy and ♦Q-7
to offer to leave the table. boards on the table. it and take the decision in hand. My partner
It has become custom away from the director. played the king from
♣♦♥♠ for many declarers dummy and, forgetfully,
to move the playing ♣♦♥♠ trumped his own trick.

Q
It is often the board to a convenient He then played back

Q
case that, due to position on the table. It The bidding to dummy and played
one (or more) of becomes increasingly started, West a low diamond from
the players pointing a inconvenient to keep dealer: 1NT- dummy, then realised
played card wrongly in the board in the centre Pass-2♥ (weak take- he had made an error.
front of him, a dispute of the table as, with an out). South passed He acknowledged the
can arise as to the ageing population, we after studying her revoke and we called
number of tricks taken have bidding boxes, hand and making the the director. The ruling
by each side. Efforts to score cards, glass cases comment, ‘I don’t know was two tricks to the
resolve the situation etc to contend with. what to do with this opponents even though
involve players facing We are in general a hand, partner.’ West we did not gain; in
cards from the nth trick, genial group of players and North both passed. fact, we had already
where they suppose the who look forward to a When West told me what lost a trick because
error has occurred, only pleasant evening. I direct had happened, I said declarer had trumped
to find that the error on occasions and try to that she should have his own winner.
has occurred elsewhere. keep all players happy. called the director. Peter Gartshore,
In no time at all other We have, however, one Please could you let Hedge End, Southampton.
cards are faced and the or two rather pedantic me know the ruling

A
order in which the cards individuals who insist on this comment. Your partner won
have been played can that the board remain in In this case, West was the revoke trick and
be completely lost. the centre of the table. not harmed as 2♥ made another trick and that
How should such What is your advice? for an 80% score, how- is two tricks to the opponents.
disputes be resolved Michael Woods by email. ever 3NT was on for N/S. It makes no difference that
given that all too Ron Turner by email. you did not gain: the revoke

A
many players disturb, The law is perfectly tricks are penalties to stop

A
inadvertently, the order clear: the board Certainly the people revoking as well as,
in which their cards remains in the centre opponents should sometimes, restoring equity.
have been played? of the table throughout. So it call the director If you do not want to pay
Herbert Potts, is fairly difficult to argue with immediately. He would have revoke penalties, make sure
Bramhall, Stockport. players who want it left there. warned the partner to do you follow suit! ■
Actually, my experience is

A
I am amazed the that, except with the very E-mail your questions on bridge laws to:
number of disputes smallest tables, it does davidstevenson@mrbridge.co.uk
in clubs that are not get in the way there.

Page 34 BRIDGE April 2014

 Answers to Julian Pottage’s 
Defence Quiz on page 29
West North East South How do you continue?
1. ♠ Q 10 7 2 1♦ 1♠ 2♥ Since declarer is presumably out of
♥ Q 10 9 Pass 3♥ Pass 4♥ spades, you should not be thinking about
♦ K J 6 3 All Pass a second ruff for yourself. You might
♣ K 7 wonder whether partner could be void
♠ 4 ♠ A 9 8 5 3 You lead the ♠4. Partner wins with the ♠A in diamonds or hold the ♣A. The clue
N
♥ J 4 2 ♥ 7 and returns the ♠2. You ruff South’s ♠K. here is that the ♠9 cannot be either the
W E
♦ 10 8 7 4 S ♦ A Q 9 5 How do you continue? highest or the lowest spade that partner
♣ J 8 5 4 3 ♣ Q 10 2 The situation is similar to the previous had remaining. Assuming that partner
♠ K J 6 deal. You have scored one ruff and can is on the same wavelength, playing one
♥ A K 8 6 5 3 score another if you can put partner on of the minors will achieve little. Instead,
♦ 2 lead in one of the minors. Indeed, if you should cut out possible club ruffs
♣ A 9 6 partner holds the ♦A, you will not actually in dummy by playing ace and another
need a second ruff. trump.
This time, your partner has returned
West North East South the lowly ♠2 when giving you a ruff. This
1♠ 2♥ very small card must be a signal for the
Pass 2♠1 Pass 4♥ lower-ranking minor, namely clubs. (You 4. ♠ J 9 7 3
All Pass 1
Value raise ignore the trump suit for suit-preference ♥ K Q 6
signals.) Since you hold the ♣A yourself, ♦ K 10 7 2
You lead the ♠4. Partner wins with the ♠A you should read partner for the ♣K. So ♣ A 7
and returns the ♠9. You ruff South’s ♠K. go on, be brave. Underlead your ♣A. ♠ 4 ♠ A K 10 8 2
N
How do you continue? Partner puts up the ♣K and, when it ♥ 7 4 2 W E ♥ 9
You would like to find partner with the holds, knows exactly what you have ♦ J 8 6 4 S ♦ Q 9 5
ace in one of the minors so that you can done. A second spade ruff duly defeats ♣ 10 8 5 4 3 ♣ K J 6 2
score a second ruff. How do you know the contract. ♠ Q 6 5
which to try? Your partner’s high spade ♥ A J 10 8 5 3
return should be a suit-preference signal ♦ A 3
for the higher-ranking minor, namely ♣ Q 9
diamonds. You thus continue with the ♦8. 3. ♠ 10 7 5 3 2
Partner wins the diamond and, ♥ 10 9
knowing that declarer has a third spade ♦ A K 9 5 3 West North East South
left, plays a third round of spades. If a ♣ 7 1NT 2♠ 3♥
second diamond trick is cashable, it will ♠ 4 ♠ A Q J 9 8 Pass 4♥ All Pass
be available later. ♥ A 4 2 N ♥ 7 5
W E
♦ 10 8 7 4 S ♦ Q J 6 You lead the ♠4. Partner wins with the
♣ J 8 5 4 3 ♣ Q 10 2 ♠K and returns the ♠2. You ruff as South
♠ K 6 follows low. How do you continue?
2. ♠ Q 10 7 ♥ K Q J 8 6 3 You read the ♠2 as a low spade,
♥ A Q 10 ♦ 2 asking for a club switch. You have
♦ K J 7 6 3 2 ♣ A K 9 6 hopefully developed the habit of trusting
♣ 7 your partner by now. Although you can
♠ 4 ♠ A 9 8 5 3 2 see the ♣A but not the ♦A in dummy, you
♥ 7 4 2 N ♥ J West North East South should do as partner has asked. Switch
W E
♦ 10 8 4 S ♦ Q 9 5 1♠ Dbl to a club.
♣ A 10 8 5 4 3 ♣ K J 2 Pass 2♦ Pass 2♥ Partner has done all the hard work,
♠ K J 6 Pass 3♥ Pass 4♥ keeping the boss spade and then
♥ K 9 8 6 5 3 All Pass signalling for clubs.
♦ A If you failed to switch to a club, declar-
♣ Q 9 6 You lead the ♠4. Partner wins with the ♠A er could set up a spade for a club dis-
and returns the ♠9. You ruff South’s ♠K. card. ■

BRIDGE April 2014 Page 35

 Things You Should Know by Andrew Kambites

About
Giving Preference
I
f opener bids two suits trumps in three rounds. If you started Look back to Layouts A and B.
and responder returns to with a 5-2 fit, you would still have two When West rebid 2♦, East had very
opener’s first suit (called trumps left, but if you started with a few options. He had little more than a
giving simple preference), that 4-3 fit, you would have only one trump minimum response and needed to end
does not suggest extra values left. the auction as quickly as possible. With
or any great enthusiasm for 6-9 points, he had only three options:
opener’s first suit. pass 2♦, which is clearly inferior as
Layout B explained above; give preference to
♠ 3 ♠ A 9 7 6 2 2♥; or rebid 2♠, a very risky option on
Layout A ♥ A Q 7 6 5 N
W E
♥ J 4 a poor 5-card suit.
♠ 3 ♠ A 9 7 6 2 ♦ A K 7 6 S ♦ Q 3 2 Whatever you think of the
♥ A Q 7 6 5 N
W E
♥ J 4 ♣ A 8 2 ♣ Q 10 9 preference to 2♥, when you think of
♦ A K 7 6 S ♦ 9 3 the alternatives it is clearly the least of
♣ 8 4 2 ♣ Q 10 9 3 evils.
West East Now take the same Layout as A and
1♥ 1♠ make the East hand stronger.
West East 2♦1 2♥2
1♥ 1♠ 2NT3 3NT4
2♦ 2♥ ♠ 3 ♠ A K J 6 2
West is not strong enough for a game-
1
♥ A Q 7 6 5 N ♥ J 4
W E
East could have passed 2♦ if he was forcing jump shift to 3♦, showing 19 ♦ A K 7 6 S ♦ 9 3
weak and felt that 2♦ would be a better points. West will usually get another ♣ 8 4 2 ♣ Q 10 9 3
contract than 2♥. As it is, 2♥ shows bid and intends to show his extra
just 6-9 points and the feeling that 2♥ strength on the next round of bidding.
will be better than 2♦. 2
East knows West has at least five hearts West East
Note that simple preference is NOT but maybe only four diamonds. He 1♥ 1♠
the same as support. Unless West is prefers the 5-2 fit. This is called False 2♦ 2NT
very strong, East just wants to find a Preference.
sensible contract at as low a level as pos- 3
West knows that East has just 6-9 Now that East has 10+ points, he has
sible. As explained in ‘About Opener points, but West is still interested in more positive options. His 2NT shows
Bidding No-Trumps’, East assumes game. Notice that he doesn’t assume a club stopper (the unbid suit) and 10-
West has five hearts and four dia- that East has great enthusiasm for 12 points. Note that 10-12 points are
monds. hearts. West has a club stopper (the un- also the values for jump preference
bid suit) and thoughtfully suggests an to 3♥, but East no longer has to do
♣♦♥♠ alternative denomination. 2NT shows this with just doubleton support.
17-18 points. Note that with a weaker Therefore, a jump to 3♥ almost

I
f you give preference to your hand, West would pass over 2♥. invariably shows genuine 3-card heart
partner’s suit, that does not 4
With only a doubleton heart, East support and since opener is known to
necessarily mean that your is happy with the alternative choice. hold five hearts, that should settle the
individual holding is better: Being maximum in the range 6-9 trump suit.
more that you believe the com- points, he accepts the game try.
bined holdings in the first suit
will make a better trump suit. ♣♦♥♠ ♠ 3 ♠ A K 7 6 2
♥ A Q 7 6 5 N ♥ J 4 2

J
W E
The point in Layout B is that generally ump preference should ♦ A K 7 6 S ♦ 9 3
a 5-2 trump fit plays better than a 4-3 show genuine support. ♣ Q 4 2 ♣ K 9 3
fit. Suppose you succeed in drawing

Page 36 BRIDGE April 2014

About Giving Preference continued

Hand E Hand F Things You Should Know

♠ A 7 6 5 ♠ A 7 6 5 About Giving Preference Quiz
♥ 7 ♥ 7
West East ♦ Q 8 7 ♦ Q 8 7 by Andrew Kambites
1♥ 1♠ ♣ 9 7 6 3 2 ♣ K 7 6 3 2
(Answers on page 41)
2♦ 3♥
4♥
1 You are East. What is your next bid with Hands A to F?
With Hand E, East will pass
♣♦♥♠ 2♦ gratefully. West East
With Hand F, East really 1♥ 1♠

I
f responder changes has no sensible alternative 2♣ ?
suit at the one level but to pass 2♦, but what if
and opener rebids a West has 18 points and they
Hand A Hand B Hand C
third suit, responder play in 2♦ with 27 points? ♠ K J 7 6 ♠ K J 7 6 ♠ K J 7 6 2
will rarely pass. ♥ J 6 2 ♥ J 6 2 ♥ 8 6
♦ Q 6 5 ♦ A 10 8 ♦ Q 8 7 6
If responder has ten or more ♠ K 8 ♠ A 7 6 5 ♣ 8 3 2 ♣ Q 3 2 ♣ 9 7
points, he will clearly want ♥ A Q 8 6 5 N ♥ 7
to bid on for positive rea- ♦ A K J 2 W E
S
♦ Q 8 7
sons, so I will consider some ♣ J 8 ♣ K 7 6 3 2 Hand D Hand E Hand F
weaker hands East might ♠ K J 7 6 2 ♠ K J 7 6 2 ♠ K J 7 6 2
♥ 8 6 ♥ 8 6 ♥ J 6
have in this auction.
♦ A 8 7 ♦ A K 7 ♦ 9 7 6
The hands are a misfit. OK, ♣ 9 7 2 ♣ 9 7 2 ♣ A Q 2
West East this is an extreme case:
1♥ 1♠ you have 27 points and no
2♦ ? weakness, but equally you 2 You are West. What is your next bid with Hands G to M?
have no obvious source of
If East has longer hearts tricks. There will be a lot of West East
1♥ 1♠
than diamonds, or equal gaining and losing the lead
2♣ 2♥
length, he will give simple in 3NT and it is very diffi-
?
preference to hearts, so how cult to estimate the chances
about if East has longer of success, but, in my opin-
diamonds than hearts? ion, 3NT will make approx- Hand G Hand H Hand J
If East has one more card imately half of the time. ♠ 8 7 6 ♠ K J 6 ♠ 8
in diamonds than in hearts, This is why it is fairly safe ♥ A J 8 7 6 ♥ A J 8 7 6 ♥ A J 8 7 6
he will give false preference for opener to rebid a new ♦ 6 ♦ 6 ♦ A Q 4
as we saw in Layout B. suit without a jump on as ♣ A K 7 2 ♣ A K 7 2 ♣ A Q 10 9
How about if East has two many as 18 points: respond-
extra diamonds? er will rarely pass and if he
Hand K Hand L Hand M
does pass with eight or nine ♠ 8 ♠ 8 ♠ 8
points, the hands are likely ♥ A J 7 6 2 ♥ A K J 6 2 ♥ A K 8 6 3 2
Hand C Hand D to fit badly, meaning that ♦ J 3 ♦ Q 3 ♦ 5 2
♠ A 7 6 5 ♠ A 7 6 5 you will need more than the ♣ A K 7 3 2 ♣ A K 7 3 2 ♣ A K J 6
♥ 7 5 ♥ 7 5 normal 25 points to make
♦ Q 8 7 6 ♦ K J 7 6 game.
♣ 9 7 6 ♣ 9 7 6 To summarise: unbal- 3 You are East. What is your next bid with Hands N to R?
anced hands with 16-18 West East
points are best dealt with 1♠ 1NT
With Hand C, East will pass by making a simple rebid, 2♥ 2♠
2♦ happily. intending to show your 2NT ?
With Hand D, East is a extra strength on the third
bit more reluctant to pass round.
in case West has 18 points. A jump shift (ie a jump in Hand N Hand P Hand Q Hand R
East has three choices: pass, a third suit) by opener (eg ♠ K 8 2 ♠ 8 3 2 ♠ K 8 ♠ 5 2
♥ J 10 3 ♥ 9 8 3 ♥ 9 7 2 ♥ 7 3
raise to 3♦ (he is a bit weak 1♥-1♠-3♦) should be played
♦ 8 6 4 ♦ Q 6 4 3 ♦ Q 9 8 7 ♦ Q J 7 6
for this), or give false prefer- as game forcing with 19
♣ A 5 3 2 ♣ K J 3 ♣ A 10 3 2 ♣ K 8 4 3 2
ence to 2♥. My choice is the points, or, just occasionally,
slight overbid of 3♦. a well-fitting 18. ■

BRIDGE April 2014 Page 37

 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 info@globaltravelinsurance.co.uk 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 £1,500 PERSONAL LUGGAGE, MONEY & VALUABLES up to £2,000

If you have to cancel or cut short your trip due to illness, injury, redundancy, jury Covers accidental loss, theft or damage to your personal luggage subject to a limit of £200 for any
service, the police requiring you to remain at or return to your home due to serious one article, pair or set and an overall limit of £200 for valuables such as cameras, Jewellery, furs,
damage to your home, you are covered against loss of travel and accommodation costs. etc. Luggage and valuables limited to £1500. Delayed luggage, up to £75. Policy Excess £50.
Policy Excess £75. Money, travel tickets and travellers cheques are covered up to £500 against accidental loss or theft
For persons aged 61 to 70 years the excess is increased to £100. (cash limit £250). Policy Excess £50.
For persons aged 71 to 90 years the excess is increased to £150. No cover is provided for loss or theft of unattended property, valuables or money or for loss or theft
See section headed Increased Excess for Pre Existing Medical Conditions for increased not reported to the Police within 24 hours of discovery.
excesses applicable to claims arising from pre-existing medical conditions. PASSPORT EXPENSES up to £200
PERSONAL ACCIDENT up to £15,000 If you lose your passport or it is stolen whilst abroad, you are covered for additional travel and
A cash sum for accidental injury resulting in death, loss of sight, loss of limb or permanent total accommodation costs incurred in obtaining a replacement. No Policy Excess.
disablement. No Policy Excess.
DELAYED DEPARTURE up to £1,500
MEDICAL AND OTHER EXPENSES up to £10,000,000 If your outward or return trip is delayed for more than 12 hours at the final departure point to/from
Including a 24 HOUR WORLDWIDE MEDICAL EMERGENCY SERVICE UK due to adverse weather conditions, mechanical breakdown or industrial action, you are entitled
The cost of hospital and other emergency medical expenses incurred abroad, including additional to either (a) £20 for the first 12 hours and £10 for each further 12 hours delay up to a maximum
accommodation and repatriation expenses. of £60, or (b) the cost of the trip (up to £1,500) if you elect to cancel after 12 hours delay on the
Limit £250 for emergency dental treatment and £5,000 burial/cremation/transfer of remains. outward trip from the UK. Policy Excess £50 (b) only.
Limit £2,500 for transfer of remains to your home if you die in the UK. MISSED DEPARTURE up to £500
Policy Excess £75 Areas 1, 2 & 3, £150 Area 4 or on a Cruise.
Additional travel and accommodation expenses incurred to enable you to reach your overseas
For persons aged 61 to 70 years the excess is increased to £150 Areas 1, 2 & 3, £500 Area destination if you arrive too late at your final UK outward departure point due to failure of the
4 or on a Cruise. vehicle in which you are travelling to deliver you to the departure point caused by adverse weather,
For persons aged 71 to 90 years the excess is increased to £300 Areas 1, 2 & 3, £1,000 Area strike, industrial action, mechanical breakdown or accident to the vehicle. No Policy Excess.
4 or on a Cruise.
See section headed Increased Excess for Pre Existing Medical Conditions for increased PERSONAL LIABILITY up to £2,000,000
excesses applicable to claims arising from pre-existing medical conditions. 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.
HOSPITAL BENEFIT up to £300
An additional benefit of £15 per day for each day you spend in hospital abroad as an in-patient. LEGAL EXPENSES up to £25,000
No Policy Excess. To enable you to pursue your rights against a third party following injury. No Policy Excess.

MAIN EXCLUSIONS AND CONDITIONS Pre Existing Medical Conditions

The following represents only the main exclusions. The policy document sets out all of the
You only need to undergo medical screening if You are travelling to Area 4, on a Cruise,
conditions and exclusions. A copy of the full policy wording is available on request in writing prior
or for a period in excess of 31 days. For all other Trips there is no need to advise us of
to application.
your pre existing medical conditions.
If you have a history of any medical condition and are travelling within Area 4 or on a Cruise,
MAIN HEALTH EXCLUSIONS you must first contact Towergate Medical Screening Line to establish whether we can provide
Insurers will not pay for claims arising cover for your trip.
1. Where You (or any person upon whose health the Trip depends) have or have had symptoms The number to call is: 0844 892 1698
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. If you are accepted, the level of excess stated below will apply. You will receive written
2. From any terminal illness suffered by You (or any person upon whose health the Trip depends). confirmation that you are covered for the trip. In the event that you are not accepted for cover
3. From any medical condition for which You (or any person upon whose health the Trip depends) having been screened, we may be able to offer you cover under our Single Trip “PLUS”
have within 12 months prior to the date of issue of this insurance been diagnosed with a medical product. Please ask us for further details or go to our website.
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
INCREASED EXCESS FOR Pre Existing
may be required during the duration of the Trip.
Medical Conditions
OTHER GENERAL EXCLUSIONS Acceptance of pre existing medical conditions is made by the application of increased
Claims arising from excesses in the event of claims arising from the pre existing condition.
1. Winter sports, any hazardous pursuits, any work of a non sedentary nature. If You already suffer from or have a history of any medical condition, the following excess will
2. Self inflicted injury or illness, suicide, alcoholism or drug abuse, sexual disease. apply (other than in respect of claims that are specifically excluded) :
3. War, invasion, acts of foreign enemies, hostilities or warlike operations, civil war, rebellion, Under the Cancellation or Curtailment section – double the normal excess.
Terrorism, revolution, insurrection, civil commotion, military or usurped power but this
Under the Medical & Other Expenses section –
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 For persons aged 60 years or less the excess is increased to £500 Areas 1&2, £750 Area 3,
taking place at the beginning of any Trip. £1,000 Area 4 or on a Cruise.
4. Failure or fear of failure or inability of any equipment or any computer program. For persons aged 61 to 90 years the excess is increased to £1,000 Areas 1&2, £1,500 Area
5. Bankruptcy/liquidation of any tour operator, travel agent, airline, transportation company or 3, £2,000 Area 4 or on a Cruise.
accommodation supplier. Please note that we consider a Cruise to be a Trip by sea in a liner calling at a number of ports.
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.
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
Single Trip Travel Insurance
Insurance is underwritten by ETI – International Travel Protection, the Suitable for a single round trip starting and finishing in the UK
United Kingdom branch of Europäische Reiseversicherung (ERV) A.G.. and Channel Islands, is of no more than 94 days duration,
ERV is authorised by the Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht for persons whose age is 90 years or less.
(BAFIN – www.bafin.de) and the Prudential Regulation Authority and
subject to limited regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and Global Travel Insurance
Prudential Regulation Authority. The Turret, 25 Farncombe Road, Worthing, BN11 2AY.
( 01903 235042 Fax 01903 229389

SINGLE TRIP INSURANCE PRODUCT SUITABILITY SINGLE TRIP APPLICATION FORM

Please FULLY complete the following in BLOCK CAPITALS. Once complete,

As this description contains the Key Features of the cover provided it return the application panel direct to Global Travel Insurance at the address
constitutes provision of a statement of demands and needs. above, with a cheque or with card details entered. Insurance is not effective
This insurance is suitable for a single round trip starting and finishing until a Policy has been issued.
in the UK and Channel Islands, is of no more than 94 days duration, for
persons whose age is 90 years or less. Title (Mr/Mrs/Miss) Initials
This insurance is only available to persons who are permanently
resident and domiciled in the UK and Channel Islands. Surname

Telephone No.
Single Trip PREMIUM RATING SCHEDULE
House Number/Name
GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS
1. United Kingdom – England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Street Name
Isle of Man, including all islands comprising the British Isles (except the
Channel Islands and the Republic of Ireland). Any British Isles or UK Town Name
Cruises are rated as Area 2.
2. Europe – Continental Europe west of the Ural mountain range, Postcode
all countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea (except, Egypt, Israel,
Jordan, Lebanon, Libya & Syria), the Channel Islands and the Republic Date of leaving Home
of Ireland, Iceland, Madeira, The Canaries and The Azores. (Persons
residing in the Channel Islands need to pay Area 2 rates for UK trips). Date of arrival Home
3. Worldwide – All countries outside of the above (except those within
Area 4). Screening Ref
4. North America, Central America & The Caribbean – Bahamas,
Belize, Bermuda, Canada, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Greenland, Introducer Mr Bridge
Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, The Caribbean
Islands, United States of America. Geographical Area – See Premium Panel
(1,2,3 or 4)
SCHEDULE OF PREMIUMS
Names of all persons to be insured Age Premium
The following Premiums are valid for policies issued up to 31/3/2014
and for travel completed by 31/12/2014. Maximum age is 90 1 £
years. For periods in excess of 31 days please call for a quotation.
Maximum period of insurance is 94 days. All premiums include the 2 £
Government Insurance Premium Tax (IPT).
3 £
Geographical Areas
Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Area 4
4 £

Persons Aged up to 80 Years 5 £

1 – 3 days £16.10 £24.70 £51.80 £74.50
4 & 5 days £19.40 £31.10 £65.10 £93.80
6 £

6 -10 days £22.60 £41.90 £88.20 £126.30 Credit/Debit Card Details TOTAL PREMIUM £
11-17 days £25.80 £45.90 £98.10 £141.30
18-24 days £29.00 £52.70 £110.40 £159.10 Card No
25-31 days £32.30 £60.00 £125.70 £181.00
Start Date End Date Issue No
Persons Aged 81 to 90 Years
1 – 3 days £24.15 £37.05 £103.60 £149.00 Security Code
4 & 5 days £29.10 £46.65 £130.20 £187.60
6 -10 days £33.90 £62.85 £176.40 £252.60 DECLARATION
11-17 days £38.70 £68.85 £196.20 £282.60 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
18-24 days £43.50 £79.05 £220.80 £318.20 information with other Insurers or their agents. I have read and understood
25-31 days £48.45 £90.00 £251.40 £362.00 the terms and conditions of the insurance, with which all persons above are in
agreement and for whom I am authorised to sign.
PREMIUM ADJUSTMENTS
All age adjustments apply to the age on the date of return to the UK Signed........................................................... Date...................................
Infants up to 2 years inclusive are FREE subject to being included with an The form MUST be signed by one of the persons to be insured on behalf of all persons to be insured.
adult paying a full premium.
Mr Bridge is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Global Travel Insurance
Children 3 to 16 years inclusive are HALF PRICE subject to being included Services Ltd, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
with an adult paying a full premium. Unaccompanied children pay the adult rate.
✄

429STI13
 Answers to David Huggett’s 
Play Quiz on page 28
The contract is a good one, but there diamond in hand with the ace and then
1. ♠ K 6 4 seems to be little hope of that twelfth play clubs until the ace is taken. Now you
♥ K 6 trick outside the club suit. But that is fair will be able to get back to dummy with a
♦ 8 7 4 2 enough because all you need is to find at diamond sooner or later.
♣ 6 4 3 2 least one of the king or queen situated
♠ 2 ♠ 9 5 3 in the East hand. To take two finesses,
N
♥ J 9 7 4 ♥ A Q 10 3 however, you need two entries to dummy,
W E
♦ Q J 10 3 S ♦ K 9 5 so you must use that wonderful trump 4. ♠ A 9
♣ Q 10 8 5 ♣ J 9 7 support in dummy in the most effective ♥ 8 6 5 4
♠ A Q J 10 8 7 way. Win the spade lead, play a trump ♦ Q J 5 3
♥ 8 5 2 to the ace and play a low club to the jack ♣ 10 7 5
♦ A 6 immediately. It will most likely lose but ♠ K J 8 7 4 ♠ Q 5
N
♣ A K you win the return and now play a trump ♥ 7 3 W E ♥ Q J 10 9 2
to the ten, in order to take another club ♦ 9 7 4 2 S ♦ 10 8 6
finesse. You would be unlucky to find ♣ A 2 ♣ 8 6 4
You are declarer in 4♠ and West leads both club honours offside and if they are ♠ 10 6 3 2
the ♦Q. How do you plan the play? not, you draw the last trump and claim. ♥ A K
The contract looks to be easy, but ♦ A K
there is a slight worry. If you draw trumps ♣ K Q J 9 3
and they prove to be 3-1, then you are
in danger of losing three heart tricks, 3. ♠ 9 5 3
if the ace is badly placed, as well as a ♥ 4 You are declarer in 3NT and West leads
diamond. However, you can always ♦ Q J 2 the ♠7. How do you plan the play?
engineer a heart ruff in dummy, so win ♣ K J 10 9 7 4 You do not have enough tricks
the first trick in hand and play a heart to ♠ 8 6 ♠ Q J 10 7 without setting up some clubs and there
N
the king immediately. Even if it loses, you ♥ 8 3 2 ♥ J 10 9 7 6 might seem to be a problem when the
W E
are a step ahead and will be able to ruff ♦ K 10 8 7 4 S ♦ 9 5 defenders win the ace of clubs as they
a heart eventually. Note, however, that ♣ 6 5 3 ♣ A 8 will have enough spade winners to
even one round of trumps could be fatal ♠ A K 4 2 defeat you. But can that really be true?
as the defenders might be in a position to ♥ A K Q 5 If West started with a holding headed by
play two more rounds upon winning their ♦ A 6 3 the K-Q-J, he would surely have led the
heart tricks. ♣ Q 2 king so East must hold a top honour and,
if it is doubleton, you can block the suit by
playing the ace from dummy at trick one.
You are declarer in 3NT and West leads If East unblocks his honour, then your ten
2. ♠ 9 7 5 4 3 the ♦7. How do you plan the play? and nine will give you another stopper.
♥ A 10 This hand looks so simple it might And, of course, if spades were originally
♦ 8 7 5 cause an unthinking declarer to go 4-3, then the defence can take only three
♣ 8 6 4 astray, although the reality is that there tricks in the suit anyway. ■
♠ 10 8 6 2 ♠ K Q J are more than enough tricks available.
N
♥ 8 7 2
W E
♥ 4 3 However, you must resist the temptation Mr Bridge Premium Quality Cards
♦ 10 6 4 S ♦ J 9 3 2 of playing one of the two diamond
Standard Faces
♣ Q 9 2 ♣ K 7 5 3 honours from dummy at trick 1, but win
with or without
♠ A with the ace in hand instead. If you lazily bar codes.
♥ K Q J 9 6 5 think you have a free finesse available, Unboxed.
♦ A K Q then you will be disappointed later when 6 red / 6 blue
♣ A J 10 you find that you have no entry back to £19.95

dummy to enjoy those fabulous clubs, 30 red / 30 blue

only £60
assuming of course that the defence are
You are declarer in 6♥ and West leads astute enough not to win the ace at the Available from The London Bridge Centre.
( 020 7288 1305 www.bridgeshop.com
the ♠2. How do you plan the play? first time the suit is played. So win the

Page 40 BRIDGE April 2014

 Answers to Giving Preference Quiz on page 37
1 You are East. What is your next bid Hand E: 2NT. You have the same shape Hand G: Pass. No chance of game.
with Hands A to F? as Hand D but this time you have 11 Some players would have preferred to
points. The extra strength gives you more raise 1♠ to 2♠ with your hand rather than
West East options. 2NT shows 10-12 points and rebid 2♣. They will be proved right if
1♥ 1♠ at least one stopper in the unbid suit, partner has 5 spades and just 2 hearts.
2♣ ? diamonds.
If you contrast Hands D and E, you will Hand H: 2♠, showing 16-18 points and
understand that while it is often neces- (usually) 3-card spade support.
Hand A Hand B Hand C sary to give false simple preference with
♠ K J 7 6 ♠ K J 7 6 ♠ K J 7 6 2 a weak hand, you have more options Hand J: 2NT, showing 17-18 points and
♥ J 6 2 ♥ J 6 2 ♥ 8 6 with stronger hands. If you jump to 3♥ at least one diamond guard. Don’t worry
♦ Q 6 5 ♦ A 10 8 ♦ Q 8 7 6 over 2♣ (as in Hand B), partner will ex- about the singleton spade, partner bid
♣ 8 3 2 ♣ Q 3 2 ♣ 9 7 pect you to have three hearts. them. Note that I talk about 17-18 points
here but 16-18 for hands H and L where
Hand F: Are you puzzled? You don’t extra shape compensates.
seem to have a good bid! All will be
Hand D Hand E Hand F revealed in a future article when I deal Hand K: Pass. No chance of game.
♠ K J 7 6 2 ♠ K J 7 6 2 ♠ K J 7 6 2 with fourth suit forcing. For the moment,
♥ 8 6 ♥ 8 6 ♥ J 6 I am going to leave you in suspense but Hand L: 3♣, showing 16-18 points and
♦ A 8 7 ♦ A K 7 ♦ 9 7 6 I suspect you can guess that the correct a fifth club.
♣ 9 7 2 ♣ 9 7 2 ♣ A Q 2 bid is 2♦.
Hand M: 3♥. This shows a sixth heart
and enough to try for game. The correct
Partner has shown at least five hearts and 2 You are West. What is your next bid denomination is hearts, even if partner
at least four clubs. He might have just with Hands G to M? has given preference on a small double-
12 points, or he might be a lot stronger. ton. Do note that in the hands which you
Remember, 3♣ would have been game West East bid on over 2♥ (H, J, L and M), partner
forcing, showing 19 points (or perhaps a 1♥ 1♠ ends up with an accurate description of
very strong 18). 2♣ 2♥ your assets so he should be in a good
? position to decide on the final contract.
Hand A: 2♥. Simple preference, show-
ing 6-9 points and preferring the com-
bined heart values to the combined club Hand G Hand H Hand J 3 You are East. What is your next bid
values. ♠ 8 7 6 ♠ K J 6 ♠ 8 with Hands N to R?
♥ A J 8 7 6 ♥ A J 8 7 6 ♥ A J 8 7 6
Hand B: 3♥. Jump preference, showing ♦ 6 ♦ 6 ♦ A Q 4 West East
10-12 points and 3-card heart support. ♣ A K 7 2 ♣ A K 7 2 ♣ A Q 10 9 1♠ 1NT
2♥ 2♠
Hand C: 2♥. Simple preference again. 2NT ?
This hand and Hand D demonstrate that
preference is not the same as support. Hand K Hand L Hand M
You have a weak hand and need to allow ♠ 8 ♠ 8 ♠ 8 Hand N Hand P
the auction to end quickly unless partner ♥ A J 7 6 2 ♥ A K J 6 2 ♥ A K 8 6 3 2 ♠ K 8 2 ♠ 8 3 2
is strong. You would rather play in 2♥ ♦ J 3 ♦ Q 3 ♦ 5 2 ♥ J 10 3 ♥ 9 8 3
(the 5-2 fit) than 2♣ (the likely 4-2 fit). ♣ A K 7 3 2 ♣ A K 7 3 2 ♣ A K J 6 ♦ 8 6 4 ♦ Q 6 4 3
♣ A 5 3 2 ♣ K J 3
Hand D: 2♥. This time false preference.
You don’t prefer your doubleton heart Partner has given preference to 2♥,
to your tripleton club, but you do prefer showing 6-9 points. It might be false
the 5-2 heart fit to the likely 4-3 club fit. preference. You should bid further only Hand Q Hand R
2♥ may not be the best contract, but you if you can see a chance of game (ie 16+ ♠ K 8 ♠ 5 2
have a weak hand and need to make ar- points), but if you do bid on, you should ♥ 9 7 2 ♥ 7 3
rangements for the bidding to end quickly realize that partner might have just ♦ Q 9 8 7 ♦ Q J 7 6
unless partner is strong. You simply don’t two small hearts, so try to offer him an ♣ A 10 3 2 ♣ K 8 4 3 2
have the space to investigate further. alternative.

BRIDGE April 2014 Page 41

About Giving Preference continued
Denham Grove Filming

We need to start by working

out what partner has shown
An Open Letter to Bernard
so far.
Your 1NT response showed Dear Bernard,
6-9 points. You could have
passed 2♥. If partner was I was at the de Vere Denham Grove Conference Centre as one of the participants in
strong enough to insist on your January filming weekend. I was so impressed that I thought I would like to write
game, he could have jumped to you to express my appreciation – and also make some further comments.
to 3♥ over 1NT. You are an excellent teacher and your material is really impressive. Your scripts and
On the other hand, if he hand-outs are so clear as well as being informative, sequential and unambiguous. They
was not interested in game give enough information, but avoid unnecessary ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’. You are able to answer
opposite a hand with at most questions and make jokes without losing the thread and these, of course, allow a little
nine points, he would have learning ‘space’ for assimilation. The balance of the worked examples to the teaching
passed 2♠. So he seems to was just right for me and for the several other people I spoke to. These did their job in
have enough to invite game, clarifying and reinforcing the information taught. As far as I can see, your teaching
maybe 16-18 points. sessions meet the psychological criteria for effective teaching and therefore, learning.
How about shape? He A rare thing.
opened 1♠ and rebid 2♥, During the session on Developing Your Bridge Memory, I remembered reading some
showing at least five spades recent research to do with kinaesthetic learning, which may interest you. If someone
and four hearts. You gave imagines doing a physical action, the brain is activated in exactly the same way as
preference to 2♠ and he con- would happen were the action actually done. For example, carefully imagining, in
tinued with 2NT, so his shape detail, training at a gym results in increased fitness, and weight loss – if done often
is presumably 5-4-2-2. So the enough and for long enough. So this would imply that if you want to remember a card,
question is this: ‘What con- act as follows: as you look at it, imagine tracing round the outline of a for example 4
tract do you want to play in and then of a heart and concentrate on how that would feel – in your fingertip and
opposite a 5-4-2-2 hand with arm and shoulder – that will activate your brain as if you were actually doing it and
17 points? learning will take place. I knew this, but had not seen its application to bridge, so
thank you.
Hand N: You have eight The idea of playing the set hands to reinforce what has been taught/learnt is first
points and good ones. Hon- class and, with a relatively small subject like Weak Twos, works very well. However,
our cards in partner’s long with a subject of immense breadth like defence, it was not at all easy to know what
suits are always welcome. You to try to apply from the many important things we had learnt. You presented that
also have a 5-3 spade fit so particular topic in three phases. I feel it would have been helpful if the set hands had
jump to 4♠. been organised into three corresponding sets so that we revisited one phase at a time,
making decisions from fewer possibilities and being more likely to make correct
Hand P: You have 3-card choices. In the event of needing to ask for help, it would have been easier to relate the
spade support but you have explanations to more limited information.
only six points, none of them Several of your helpers seemed overwhelmed by the number of boards and seemed
in partner’s suits. Not only are a bit bogged down in all the explanations. Did they have time for familiarisation with
you minimum for 1NT, but the the material?
points you have look pretty Talking to other participants, this was a general feeling about the set hands – the
useless. Sign off in 3♠. activity was extremely useful for ‘smaller’ subjects. Subjects with greater breadth
would benefit, we felt, from being subdivided so that the boards could be organised to
Hand Q: Your preference to relate to a lesser amount of information.
2♠ was false, just preferring This suggestion is genuinely meant to be constructive. I think your product is so
the 5-2 spade fit to the 4-3 good that any small ‘wrinkles’ deserve to be ironed out. I look forward to reading your
heart fit. If partner has only articles and using your other material with enthusiasm.
five spades, you don’t want to One last comment – before last weekend, although I had some defensive strategies, I
play in a spade contract at a lacked an overarching understanding of that aspect of bridge. Following your session
high level. However, with nine on defence, I now have increased knowledge and a framework for future learning –
points, you are maximum for and I feel that eventually I really will know what I am doing.
1NT and should play in game.
Raise 2NT to 3NT. Barbara Rogers, Chesterfield, Derbyshire.

Hand R: Pass, quickly! ■

Page 42 BRIDGE April 2014

 Misleading Cases Number Four

A colourful
character
Codd v. Erehwon Duplicate Bridge Club before
Mr Justice Herz in the High Court of Justice in the Strand

After the evidence and counsels’ closing speeches, his Lordship gave judgment as follows:

“T
his case concerns a dis- Chairman, he maintained that he was
pute between Mr Eustace ♠ 2 complying with the dress code – as
Codd and the Erehwon ♥ 2 indeed he was. But by the next Club
Duplicate Bridge Club. About a year ♦ K 2 evening, the Committee had tightened
ago, Mr Codd came to the Club for the ♣ Q 9 up the dress code (Exhibit C) so as to
first time, with a view to playing in the ♠ — ♠ — require (for men) shirts with collars,
duplicate bridge session that evening. ♥ K N ♥ Q J long trousers and leather shoes (but
W E
He had got his information about the ♦ 10 9 8 S ♦ Q J not sandals). This was too much for
Club from what I am told is called the ♣ J 10 ♣ K 8 Mr Codd, who informed the Chair-
internet, where the Club’s website (I ♠ — man that he would not be comply-
hope I have got the term right) extols ♥ A ing with the new dress code, as it was
the virtues of the Club (its welcoming ♦ A 4 3 unfair to people such as himself who
director, comfortable environment, ♣ A 2 could not afford the expensive clothing
host system, well stocked bar, etc) and which seemed to be required. Indeed,
encourages new players to come and on one of his last visits to the Club (in
play on Monday or Thursday evenings To begin with all was well between Mr the height of summer), he simply wore
and indeed, in due course, to become Codd and the Club, although some swimming trunks and flippers.
members of the Club. (For those inter- of the more, shall we say, conserva- Thereafter, the Committee sought
ested in learning the game, the web- tive members raised their greying a way to suspend or expel the em-
site also offers bridge lessons in the eyebrows somewhat when Mr Codd, barrassing Mr Codd from the Club.
Church Hall on Tuesday and Friday by now a member of the Club, came a The Club Secretary, a retired lawyer,
evenings at 7pm). week later dressed in a bright blue T- looked through the Club constitution
So Mr Codd was expecting and in- shirt, bright pink trousers and green (Exhibit D) and found that there was
deed received a warm welcome. Dur- shoes. The next time he came, the col- nothing in it about sanctioning or ex-
ing the coffee break on his first even- ours were different, though equally pelling members, other than in Rule
ing at the Club, he was quizzed on his garish and on the following occasion 10, which read as follows:
bridge career (which included playing he wore a short-sleeved, polka-dot (a) Each member shall, in playing
for his county) and, on being asked T-shirt, black shorts (apparently his bridge at the Club, conform to the
to show an interesting hand which he grandmother had died a few days ear- highest standards of fair play, cour-
had played in the past, he produced lier) and white shoes (his niece had got tesy and personal hygiene.
the hand below (Exhibit A), showing married that afternoon). (b) The Committee may, after giving
the position after seven tricks in a no- Soon thereafter, an Erehwon Bridge the member the opportunity to be
trump contract. Club Committee meeting was con- heard, (a) issue a written repri-
He, South, as declarer, needed to vened, at which it was decided to intro- mand or warning to any member,
make the rest of the tricks, with North duce a dress code, namely smart cas- (b) suspend the member from play-
to lead. At the end of this judgment, I ual, ie no T-shirts, no shorts or jeans ing at the Club for a period not ex-
will tell you how Mr Codd played the and no trainers (Exhibit B). This was ceeding six months or (c) expel the
hand (which he did of course without announced the following week when, member from the Club.
seeing his opponents’ cards). He must as it happened, Mr Codd was away. There was considerable discussion in
be a very good player to have made the When he next played at the Club, he this Court about whether or not the
contract. (I speak as a bridge player wore a scarlet woollen jacket, a kilt use of Rule 10(b) was limited to cases
myself, albeit a very mediocre one). and sandals. When challenged by the where the individual had

BRIDGE April 2014 Page 43

Misleading Cases continued lid for three reasons. First,
Rule 10(b) of the constitu- Catching Up by Sally Brock

J
tion comes immediately
after (and, of course, in the anuary was a quiet
breached Rule 10(a). In same clause as) Rule 10(a), month bridge-wise. Dealer East. E/W Vul.
other words, was it open to so it must have been in- We’ve been feeling ♠ 10 7 3 2
the Committee to issue a tended that Rule 10(b) be we’d been playing too ♥ 8 6
reprimand or warning, or used only in relation to a much and did not fancy ♦ 4 2
suspend or expel a member, breach of Rule 10(a) and, of the events we usually play ♣ A Q J 10 4
for breach of some other course, Rule 10(a) does not in, eg, the Manchester ♠ 9 6 5 4 ♠ K
regulation, even though his mention compliance with Congress or the TGR’s ♥ A K 10 9 5 3 ♥ Q J 4
play was of the fairest, his dress rules. Second, there is auction pairs and we even ♦ Q J N ♦ K 10 8 6
W E
courtesy impeccable and his nothing in the constitution missed the EBU’s new 5 S 3
personal hygiene fragrant which gives the Committee Board-a-Match teams. ♣ 6 ♣ 9 5 3
in the extreme? power to make dress rules, The national knock-out ♠ A Q J 8
The Committee decided so the rules the Committee events moved ever on- ♥ 7 2
that it was and, having made were invalid ab initio. ward. We were supposed ♦ A 9 7
heard what Mr Codd had And thirdly, life would be so to have our Hubert Phil- ♣ K 8 7 2
to say, issued him with a boring if everyone dressed lips quarter-final against
written warning (Exhibit the same way, and a bit (or Sandra Claridge’s Ox-
E) when he next appeared in this case a lot) of colour fordshire team, but they I think many players
at the Club. This was ig- is a good thing (except in had to cancel at the last passed. Jane Moore, for
nored by Mr Codd, so the Court). Judgment for Mr minute due to illness and the winners, chose 2NT
Committee decided to expel Codd, with no doubt enor- we were awarded a walk- and that got her partner
him (Exhibit F). Mr Codd mous costs. over. We had a new-sea- to 4♠ quickly after the 4-4
again ignored this decision son Gold Cup match that fit was located. I preferred
and continued to appear at ♣♦♥♠ we won comfortably and a simple overcall in my
the Club dressed in his cus- a first-round Crockfords chunky four-card major
tomary manner. A week or And now I will tell you how that we won by just 1 IMP. and that got me into game
two later, the Club hired a Mr Codd made the last six There was also the odd even quicker. Note that 4♥
bouncer to keep him out, tricks on the hand shown team-of-eight match that is unbeatable for E/W.
but Mr Codd merely went above. As declarer, he first we won heavily and I had West started with the
round to the back of the led ♣Q from dummy, cov- several online sessions, ♥A-K and switched to the
Clubhouse, shinned up a ered by East’s ♣K, and won some with Richard and ♦Q. I won the ♦A, crossed
tree and climbed into the by South with ♣A, West fol- Gerry and some with an to a club and, worried that
building through an un- lowing with ♣10. Mr Codd Irish women’s pair I have East started with a sin-
locked window. Thereaf- then cashed his ♥A and started coaching. gleton club and ♠K-x-x,
ter, the police obtained an continued with ♦3 to dum- The only major bridge played the ♠10 from dum-
ASBO (Exhibit G) and kept my’s ♦K – all following in event there has been in my. When East played the
him away from the Club (the each case. this period was the Lady singleton ♠K, there was no
local Police Chief being the He now led ♠2 from Milne Trials, which I play recovery. What I should
Chairman’s brother-in-law) dummy, on which East and in with Susanna. This year, have done, as Gillian
and Mr Codd gave up try- South threw clubs. West we did not shine and fin- Fawcett, the North who
ing to play there – though took his time over his dis- ished fifth, with the top made the same error at
soon afterwards he issued card and it soon became three making the team. We the aforementioned table,
his claim against the Club. clear why. Any discard by had all manner of disasters pointed out, was to duck
I now have to decide him would allow North/ (including one where we the ♦Q. I win the continu-
whether Mr Codd was val- South to make the last two let 3NT doubled through ation, cross to a club and
idly expelled from the Club tricks. If West threw ♣J, in a way which would be play a low spade to the ♠J.
or whether, as claimed by dummy’s ♣9 would make a contender for the worst Now I ruff a diamond and
him, his expulsion did not trick 12. His actual diamond defended hand ever). take another spade finesse.
comply with its constitu- discard worked no better, I did well in the bidding On a more personal
tion. If the latter, then it fol- for Mr Codd now played ♦2 on this deal – well enough level, I have put the house
lows that he is still a mem- to ♦A and won the last trick that we gained nearly 3 back on the market and
ber of the Club, and that with the lowly ♦4. Quod erat IMPs for going down in there has been quite a
the ASBO should be dis- demonstrandum.” a cold game. What would flurry of interest but no
charged. you bid as South after East offers as yet. And it’s holi-
In my judgment, Mr Reporter: Richard Wheen, opens with a weak 2♦? day time … ■
Codd’s expulsion was inva- after A.P. Herbert ■

Page 44 BRIDGE April 2014

 Seven Days
by Sally Brock
Saturday I then captained them in the event
itself. I would say the whole thing was ♠ K 10 5
The alarm goes early to get us up for a success: they did indeed finish at the ♥ A 7 4
our 8.45am departure to Gatwick and bottom of the table, but they scored ♦ 10 9 8 7 2
then on to Malta. Apart from missing some good wins and I think they all ♣ A K
our first train, which was deliberately a enjoyed themselves. Needless to say,
N
bit earlier than we needed, the journey I made a lot of friends and have been W E
passes peacefully enough. However, back to see them most years since. S

Malta fails to deliver its promise when

we arrive in the pouring rain. We are ♠ A 6
met by Mario who directs us to our
hire car (a small, slightly battered Sunday

♥ K J 5
♦ A 5
specimen, but a steal at €90 for six We have a good lie-in and then need ♣ 10 8 7 6 5 4
days) and I follow him to his flat in to go to the car-hire shop to fill in
Sliema. I’ve been looking forward the paperwork and pay for our hire
to showing off the sea view to Barry, car. It’s a symptom of the laid back Against us, declarer next takes a heart
but you can barely see it through the atmosphere here that we were allowed finesse. I win the queen and switch to
gloom. to take the car without any of this. the ♠Q, won by declarer with the ace.
After settling in and (eventually) The weather is much better this He plays a third club which I win. Now
sorting out the WiFi password, Mario morning, so we sit outside having a is the moment of truth. I know that
goes to fetch Margaret and bring her cappuchino overlooking the pretty partner has a diamond honour but am
back to the flat for supper. harbour at St Julians. I even worry not sure whether it is the ace or the
I should perhaps explain my slightly that I don’t have sun cream. king. I can guarantee beating the con-
connection to Malta. In 1999, the Then it’s off to Margaret’s for her tract by switching to a diamond now,
European Championships were held birthday lunch, pausing first to have but I get greedy. I play a spade instead.
there. Although entitled to send a a quick drink with her next door Declarer has to finesse and now part-
team to any European Championship, neighbour Claire, whom I try to ner can beat the contract by two tricks
Malta had, until then, not done so, catch up with on most of my visits. by switching to a diamond. But it isn’t
but that year, with some government At Margaret’s we meet Bjarni and so obvious from her side of the table
funding, they decided they would Svetlana, Icelandic and Russian and when she continues spades de-
like to take part in the event. They respectively, who met playing bridge clarer succeeds by crossing to the ♥K
hired me to organise the selection and in Malta and married a couple of years and knocking out the last club stopper.
training of the team. So I went for two ago. We are given a delicious curry Do you see where declarer went
long weekends, plus a ten-day period and afterwards set off for the Malta wrong? That heart finesse is a mistake.
when they had their actual trials. They Bridge Club for the Sunday duplicate. He should simply cross to the ♥K and
were expecting to come last in the I play with Margaret and Barry plays knock out a top club. Then, he wins the
event but didn’t want to make fools of with Mario. return (a heart is probably best for the
themselves. My coaching was more to How would you play this hand in defence), crosses to hand with the ♠A
give them the experience of playing 3NT? West leads the ♣Q. You win the and knocks out the final club honour.
with screens, against unfamiliar king and cash the ♣A, but East shows He thus guarantees his contract on
bidding systems and to teach them out on the second round. How do you any layout unless West started with
the etiquette of international bridge. proceed? Q-x-x-x-x of hearts – pretty unlikely.

BRIDGE April 2014 Page 45

 Seven Days continued the Knights of Malta set up. Then, after thoroughly enjoy.
a bit more wandering, we have lunch,
sitting outside with a great view of the
Grand Harbour. In the afternoon, we
visit the cathedral, which is certainly Wednesday
♠ K 10 5 the most lavish I have ever seen. Then, In the morning, we are up and out early
♥ A 7 4 we walk back down the hill to catch for our boat tour. The harbour around
♦ 10 9 8 7 2 the ferry back but are told that due to Valetta is truly amazing. I remember
♣ A K choppiness in the harbour the ferry reading about it and wondering how
♠ Q 3 2 ♠ J 9 8 7 4 isn’t running. So we have to trek back a fleet could possibly hide in it – but
N
♥ Q 10 3 W E
♥ 9 8 6 2 up the hill and find the bus station, it is so huge that, when you’ve seen it,
♦ Q J 4 S ♦ K 6 3 but that passes off peacefully enough it is entirely believable. We have been
♣ Q J 9 3 ♣ 2 and we get back to Mario’s, via a short quite lucky with the weather after the
♠ A 6 supermarket shop, by five. Later, we disastrous start. Even on the water
♥ K J 5 walk up to the Malta Union Club it is mostly sunny and not too cold.
♦ A 5 where Mario and Margaret are playing Later, we meet Mario and Margaret
♣ 10 8 7 6 5 4 bridge. After saying hello to some old and a couple of other friends for lunch
friends, it’s out to dinner, and then to before proceeding to the bridge. For
bed. some reason, the bridge does not go
Although there are some problems well for us. The first two matches are
with the scoring, I am told that OK but then we start on a downhill
Margaret and I finished third, just a
smidgeon ahead of Barry and Mario Tuesday spiral. We lose the third match and
then there is a break but it seems too
(which, of course, is all that matters). Today, we start with the Hypogeum. early to eat so we don’t and maybe
We then go out for a light dinner: In order to visit this World Heritage that is the problem. Perhaps I let my
grilled seabass and chips, before Site you need to book and I have never blood-sugar get too low. Whatever, the
heading back to Mario’s flat. While remembered before, so I am looking bridge is miserable. Not only do we
there, I look at my laptop and see that I forward to this outing. The Hypogeum (particularly me) play badly, but we
have been emailed the results. I look at is in parts 5,000 years old, and is a are also out of luck and we don’t enjoy
my scores which bear no resemblance burial ground. It is fascinating to ourselves one little bit.
whatsoever to those I actually see all the chambers they have You would have thought I’d learnt
achieved. Actually, they look a lot like excavated since its discovery in 1902. my lesson on that hand from the Lady
Mario and Barry’s. Maybe they’ve We then walk to see the Tarxien Milne trials, but obviously not …
beaten us by a smidgeon instead. temples which are above ground and
also interesting.
Then, it’s off to Marsaxlokk, a Dealer South. Game All.

Monday pretty fishing village, for lunch on

the quayside, looking out at all the


♠ Q 10 7 2
♥ K 9 7 5
After a lazy early morning, we wander brightly coloured fishing boats. I ♦ Q J 8
up the road and catch the ferry across have sea bream caught by the chef’s ♣ 6 3
the water to Valletta. We start off by husband that morning, or so we are ♠ 9 8 5 3
N
♠ K
walking around outside the city walls. told. Then, we drive up to Dingli ♥ A 8 6 4 2 W E ♥ J 10 3
After all the rain on Saturday there is cliffs for some spectacular views of ♦ A 4 3 S ♦ K 9 7 6 5
a lot of groundwater. We leap across the Mediterranean and spend a lot of ♣ 2 ♣ J 9 8 4
several large puddles before arriving time looking for ‘Clapham Junction’. ♠ A J 6 4
at a flooded bit which goes on for This is supposed to be the site of some ♥ Q
several yards. With no desire to spend prehistoric cart ruts but we can’t see ♦ 10 2
all day with wet feet, we admit defeat them – mind you, we don’t really ♣ A K Q 10 7 5
and retrace our steps until we find a know what we are looking for. Then,
portal into the city. We continue our it is back to Mario’s – it takes quite a
circumnavigation for a while, inside while as I get hopelessly lost (not for West North East South
the walls this time. Having asked the first time). There is a Simultaneous 1♣
ourselves questions such as: ‘When Pairs tonight but we decide not to Pass 1♥ Pass 1♠
was this built?’, ‘What century does play. However, we wander up to the Pass 2♠ Pass 4♠
this date from?’ and having no clue hotel where the bridge is being played All Pass
as to the answer, we decide to go for anyway to meet friends and have a
The Malta Experience, an audio-visual quick drink before the session. Then The defence starts rather curiously
show that gives us all the answers. This we have an excellent dinner at Ta’ when West leads the ♥A and contin-
is followed by a tour of the hospital that Kris, a Maltese restaurant, which we ues with a small heart after her

Page 46 BRIDGE April 2014

 Seven Days continued the ramparts and then drive
back to the flat, again with-
out getting lost. Mario and
Margaret come around with
partner plays the three at some smoked salmon and
trick one and I play the salad for lunch before the
queen. I play the king from game.
dummy, gratefully discard- Today’s session is much
ing a diamond from my more cheerful. We play
hand and continue with, better, smile a lot more
yes, the ♠Q. This is covered and end up in the top ten.
by the king and ace. Like an Afterwards, we go out to
idiot, I play another trump dinner, to an interesting
to dummy and then my top all-Asian place. We start
clubs. West ruffs the second with sashimi, move on to
and continues with another crispy duck with pancakes
heart which I ruff. As I no and then have some Thai
longer have a high trump in curry. All delicious. Then
dummy all I can do is play back to the flat where I have
another club, allowing West an online coaching session
to make her nine of trumps. with my Irish women.
Again, I could have suc-
ceeded easily. After the first
round of trumps, I should
start on clubs immediately. Friday
If they break, I can contin- We need to leave the flat all
ue with the trump-drawing packed up by about 9.30am.
process, but West ruffs the This we manage and drive
second round. What can she first to the hire car office,
do? If she plays a trump, I where we pick up a driver,
can draw trumps ending in before heading off for the
hand, ruff a club and claim; airport (so he can drive the
if she plays a low diamond car back). The easyJet flight
to the king and another dia- home is straightforward
mond (probably best), I ruff enough. We get back to Bar-
low, ruff a club, draw trumps ry’s at about five. A quick
and claim. cup of tea while he unpacks
Even more miserably, by and sorts himself out and
the time the bridge is fin- then it’s a rush-hour drive
ished most cafés and restau- to High Wycombe (as is of-
rants are closed, so we have ten the case on a Friday it’s
to resort to McDonalds and a bit of a nightmare – takes
we aren’t very nice to each about two hours instead
other afterwards either. of the usual 40 minutes).
Briony has dinner waiting
for us: a delicious casse-
Thursday role with mashed potatoes.
Then, Barry disappears into
Thank goodness it’s an- our TV den where he can
other day. In the morning snooze and/or watch what-
we go to Mdina, a really old ever TV he likes without
walled city in the middle of any complaint from any-
the island (well, the word one, while Briony and I sit
‘city’ is perhaps an exag- and gossip about what we’ve
geration). I manage to find it both been doing.
without getting completely Tomorrow, we’re heading
lost. We wander around en- off to West Bromwich to
joying the sights for an hour defend our title in the Tol-
or two, stop for a coffee on lemache. ■

BRIDGE April 2014 Page 47

CRUISE INTO SUMMER
WITH MR BRIDGE
ABOARD VOYAGER

Join Mr Bridge, the crew and staff of Voyager, as we cruise into Summer 2014. Enjoy duplicate bridge every evening
after dinner. On days at sea there are morning seminars and afternoon bridge sessions. There are also exclusive drinks
parties hosted by your Mr Bridge team.
Aboard Voyager, a friendly, stylish and comfortable ship, you will experience an award-winning Guest Speaker
programme and plenty of opportunities to relax, as well as visits to both popular and off-the-beaten-track destinations.

YOUR CRUISE FARE INCLUDES: CABINS STILL AVAILABLE!

Si
All meals and entertainment on board  Supp ngle
17 May 2014 - Natural Wonders & Wildlife lemen
All onboard gratuities  14 days from £1,399 25% t

All onboard service charges  30 May 2014 - Classic Baltic

All port and pre-paid airport taxes  16 days from £1,479
Guest Speaker programme  14 June 2014 - Summer Solstice & The Northern Lights
15 days from £1,399
Cabin category 
Cabin location and number 
Complimentary return chauffeur
service* 
Car parking at port or coach transfers
on selected no-fly cruises 
Full Bridge programme 
*Complimentary chauffeur service applies within 75 miles of the port or airport
(category 00 or above).

Additional cruises & Grand Voyages available

Call 01483 489961 for brochures & bookings
Fares shown are per person based on the lowest cabin category currently available, are subject to availability and include all applicable discounts for new bookings only. 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.
14_0414